#MUSTDO

Talk

• SwanCitySec Meetup | Wed., June 9 | 5-9 p.m. | Cob & Pen | Free | A casual gathering for those working in the information technology industry who want to grab a drink while talking network security.

Network

• Instant Interview Hours | Wed., June 9 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 1925 E Edgewood Dr. #102 | Free | Hosted by Spherion Staffing Lakeland, this event is for you to meet recruiters and find a job suitable for you.

Show

• Sunset Sounds: A Summer Music Series | Wed., June 9 | 6-8 p.m. | Keel and Curley Winery | Free | #ProTip: order a flight to enjoy multiple drink selections while listening to the acoustic music of local artists on the patio. 

WaterCooler

• Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Dunedin Blue Jays | Wed., June 9 | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $37+ | The Lakeland Flying Tigers take on the Dunedin Blue Jays Wednesday night starting at 6:30. ⚾️

ForKids

• Summer Fun Kids Yoga Classes | Wed., June 9 | Yoga Pointe, 2539 S. Florida Ave. | $10 | Yoga classes for the kids that foster self-expression + mindfulness in an inviting and fun atmosphere. 

PlanAhead

• VIP Food and Wine Experience: Monterey Wine Country | Sat., June 12 | 6 p.m. |  Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4730 Florida Ave. S. | $25 | A V.I.P food + wine tasting event with chef-inspired bites paired with Monterey wines. stay until 7 p.m. for a 2-course dinner for an additional $35.
• VIP Food and Wine Experience: Monterey Wine Country 2-Course Dinner | Sat., June 12 | 7 p.m. |  Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4730 Florida Ave. S. | $30 | Following the V.I.P food + wine tasting event, this 2-course dinner features Hoisin-Glazed Fish and Dry-Rubbed Skirt Steak.

#LALTODAY

NEWS NOTES

Weather

• 93º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Edu

• Southeastern University dean + clinical social worker Dr. Erica Sirrine was recently named the director of Social Work at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Erica joins a team of social workers that aim to help provide families at St. Jude with counseling, support, and education.
• At 7 p.m., 4 Harrison School for the Arts students are being nationally recognized in the 98th Annual Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for the Polk County, Florida Region, hosted by the Polk Museum of Art. Appearances from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and others will take place. You can watch the ceremony here.

Coronavirus

• The Pfizer vaccine is now available at select Central Florida Advent Health Centra Care locations for anyone 12+. Lakeland residents can head to AdventHealth Centra Care Lakeland (3637 U.S. Hwy.y 98 N.) to get their free dose. (Click Orlando)

ComingSoon

• Book lovers rejoice. Pressed, the recently announced + highly anticipated coffee shop and bookstore that is making Twenty Seven’s old location (213 E Bay St.) home, shared a sneak peek of their kids area earlier this week. 📚

FeelGood

• Central Florida Aerospace Academy student Aron Yichye recently graduated from the academy with honors, obtained his private pilot license, and was accepted into the Florida Institute of Technology. Aron moved from his longtime home in New Jersey to Lakeland to pursue his dream. (LkldNow)

Civic

• The Lakeland Police Department has announced a series of promotions. Captain Steven Pacheco will be promoted to Assistant Chief of Police and Lieutenant Tye Thompson will be promoted to Captain. You can see the rest of the department’s promotions here. 

Cause

• Best Friends, a nationwide organization dedicated to matching pets with foster families, is partnering with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department to match 500 homeless kittens with their perfect families this year. So far, the've matched 300 kittens. Learn about volunteer opportunities here. 🐱

Deal

• Take the kids to Crispers (1568 Town Center Dr.) this week to get in on the deal. Kids can get an entree, side, beverage, and dessert with the purchase of one adult entree. 🥪

Gallery

• Très magnifique. 2 Lakeland structures were awarded the city of Lakeland’s beautification award. Check out before + after shots of the South Lake Morton bungalow and Bartow Road commercial building, belonging to SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler, to see just how much they improved their area’s aesthetic. 🦢 (LkldNow)

Arts 

• There’s still time for artists + designers to submit their Lakeland-focused works in our Rep Your City Design Contest. The winning design (chosen by our readers) will be featured on products sold in The LALtoday Shop, and the designer will take home up to $1,500. See details + submit your design. 🎨 

THE WRAP

Hey Siri, play the Home Depot theme song. Father’s Day is approaching, and we’re putting together a gift guide for your guy. Whether he’s a sporty dad, a grill master, or a renaissance man, you’ll be able to find the perfect gift for him on June 20. Do you have a can’t-miss gift idea? Share it with us to help out a fellow reader delight their dad. 🏈

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