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Trips for every type of beach bum
Catch a picture-perfect sunset at Bradenton Beach. | Photo by @florida_culture
When planning a beach trip, you’re spoiled for choice in Florida. We’ll help narrow it down with ideas for each type of beachgoer.
For the bookworm: Bradenton Beach + Anna Maria Island
This peaceful spot is perfect for posting up under a shady tent with this season’s latest beach read. We love the area’s soft sand and Old Florida feel.
For the historic explorer: St. Augustine
Ride an Old Town Trolley to learn about this historic city while traveling between points of interest, such as the Fountain of Youth.
Nearby restaurants + businesses in Dunedin are also extra dog-friendly.
The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance named Beth Cummings as Interim Executive Director. Cummings has 35 years of arts education experience, including 20 years in PCPS’ Fine Arts department. The alliance’s former leader, Dr. Daryl Ward, was appointed Executive Director of the AGB Museum of Art.
Feel Good
A plane full of women veterans flew from LAL to Washington, DC, yesterday on the first Flight to Honor hosted by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. The 159 passengers on board visited the Military Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. (Fox 13 News)
Kids
It’s technically still winter for a few more days, but Lakeland Mom has already dropped its annual summer camp guide. It’s packed with options for every family, whether your child is all about animals, aviation, or anything in between.
Film
Catch a free screening of the documentary “The Florida Chitlin’ Circuit” at 7 p.m. tonight at Florida Southern College. The film highlights the venues where Black musicians would play in Florida during segregation. Following the doc, filmmakers Bob Kealing and Rev. Billy C. Wirtz will host a Q+A. (The Ledger)
Number
$13 (plus a $7 tip). That’s the price of ink + piercings at Atomic Tattoos tomorrow in honor of Friday the 13th. Starting at 12 p.m., walk in to pick from a selection of flash tattoos. Pro tip: Bring cash and come prepared for a longer wait.
Drink
Two words: flan latte. This new creation just hit the menu at Sweet Cup Cafe, and it’s topped with a tiny slice of creamy, custardy flan. Try it daily at the cafe on Lakeland Hills Boulevard.
Try This
It’s Taco Week in Polk County. Now through Sunday, March 15, restaurants are serving up deals + unique creations like hot chicken tender tacos, taco egg rolls, and cake tacos. Get a taste and support local biz.*
Shop
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Beauty
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Category
Seasonal
🍓 Strawberry Season Passport: Stop 4
There are plenty of spots for a photo op here. | Photo by LALtoday
It ain’t over ‘til it’s over — strawberry season, that is. Editor Connor here, and I’m still getting as many stamps as I can in my Strawberry Season Passport before the offers inside end this month. Next stop: Lumley’s Farm.
This Plant City market may look like just a kitschy roadside attraction, but there’s much more here than meets the eye. This was my first visit, and a flash of my passport earned me a mini shortcake loaded with huge berries + dusted with sprinkles.
Outside, you’ll find several shaded picnic tables and a playground for kids to run around, but there’s also a petting zoo tucked away inside. I was low on time, so I didn’t venture in, but a $5 ticket gets you access to bison, emus, alpacas, longhorns, and more. Plan to spend some extra time exploring after polishing off your shortcake.
The perfect spring date night outfit doesn’t exi … It does, and it’s even under $200. Shop the look:
👗 This floral maxi dress features a flattering A-line silhouette and ruffle sleeve design.
👡 Pair it with these cloud-like ballet flats that don’t sacrifice comfort for style.
👛 Priced at under $25, this vegan leather saddle bag adds a touch of understated elegance.
💎 Complete the look with this matching 18K gold bracelet stack and necklace set — both over 70% off.
Between Strawberry Passport stamps and Polk County Taco Week, I am very well-fed. Don’t forget to vote for your Taco Week favorites to see who wins categories like Most Creative and Best Vegetarian Taco. Arcie’s Tienda y Taqueria in Auburndale won Best Overall last year — sounds like a good place to start if you haven’t yet.
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