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Travel away or stay and play
Bonnet Springs Park will end a week full of family activities with a silent disco and a free showing of “Inside Out 2" on the lawn on Friday, March 20. | Photo by LALtoday
It’s nearly spring break, with PCPS students out of school Monday, March 16-Friday, March 20. Use these ideas to make the most of the season.
Stay close to home
The biggest event of the week will be Bonnet Springs Park’s Full STEAM Ahead. Visit Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for hands-on fun learning science, arts, and math concepts.
Get out of town
All Avelo routes are running from Lakeland International Airport during spring break week. Pro tip: Prices are higher if you fly out on Sunday, March 15. Save by leaving later in the week.
Our readers love Nokomis Beach, located south of Sarasota.
The ocean is calling. We have recommendations for 11 beaches within a three-hour drive, plus quieter beaches that grown-ups will appreciate.
Hit the theme parks
Speaking of crowds, prepare yourself if you’re going to a theme park this month. According to Undercover Tourist’s crowd calendar, March 15-29 is one of the busiest times in Orlando.
Something new is coming to the former location of The Patio restaurant on South Tennessee Avenue. According to Google Maps, a Mexican restaurant named La Piñata is in the works. See what else is cooking up around Lakeland.
Environment
Polk County will conserve another tract of land through its Environmental Lands Program after commissioners approved the $415,000 purchase of 26 acres near Lake Wales. Know of the perfect site to be conserved? Nominate it. (Daily Ridge)
Biz
Something new is around the bend for Bent’s Cycling, with owner Steve Bent retiring after 65 years at the end of March. Manager Zachary Kulp will reopen the store under the name Lakeland Bicycle Co. with a new location at 923 S. Florida Ave. on Saturday, April 4.
Drink
Raise a mug to Ethos Coffee Roasters, which is celebrating 10 years in business. Join an anniversary event at its roastery tomorrow from 3 to 5 p.m. to sample complimentary brews and learn plans for its future coffee shop.
Sports
The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games have begun in Milan + Cortina, Italy, and the opening ceremony takes place today at 2 p.m. EST. Watch the broadcast on USA Network or stream it on Peacock, and look for Declan Farmer, a sled hockey player from Tampa. (NBC)
The Lakeland Police Department will host a Women in Law Enforcement career event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11 at the Lakeland Police Training Center. Meet women who work at LPD and learn about open officer and civilian roles in celebration of Women’s History Month.
Here’s some news worth shell-ebrating: Polk County Taco Week starts today. From now until Sunday, March 15, taste 40+ restaurants offering unique flavors like smoked pork, Korean BBQ, and ice cream tacos. Plus, keep an eye out for paired drink specials. See participating restaurants.*
If you’re a Costco shopper, you’re probably familiar with the ever-popular $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Don’t miss the details on vacation deals, members-only movie tickets, and more.*
Read
AI won’t take over the world — people who know how to use AI will. That’s why 1M+ pros working at Google, Meta, and OpenAI read Superhuman AI. Join now and learn AI skills, tools, and news in just three minutes a day. Subscribe for free.*
Event Spotlight
Once you fill up, browse the booths to shop + meet local organizations.
Photo by LALtoday
It’s time for one of our favorite First Friday themes of the year: Foodie Fest. From 6 to 9 p.m. tonight, head downtown to sample food + drink from top restaurants and Catapult Kitchen members.
Here are just a few bites and bevs on the menu tonight:
Nineteen61’s hibiscus tea with fresh mint
Terrace Grille’s strawberry + caprese skewers
From My Kitchen’s brisket pierogies
You’ll find booths along Kentucky Avenue, and it’s free to attend. Pro tip: Save our downtown parking guide for easy access.
The Buy
A really good retinol serum without the premium price tag. For under $25, it’s clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten skin, and boost elasticity.
If you’re flying out of TPA this spring, you’re sure to see Phoebe the Flamingo, the 21-ft work of art that quickly became a Central Florida icon. TBAYtoday’s editor, Bailey LeFever, has the full story on this diva — and since birds of a feather flock together, I think it’s high time LAL gets a swan statue.
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