Hello Saturday.
April 27 2024
...because the ink is barely dry on some of these new local reads by Lakeland-area authors. We’re highlighting 5 books written by locals for you to sit down with over the weekend. The best part? All of these books are available right here in Lakeland at Pressed (213 E. Bay St.) between the hours of 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Goodnight Lakeland by Ida Mundell and Josh “Bump” Galletta | Photo via @bumpgalletta
"Goodnight Lakeland" by Ida Mundell and Josh “Bump” Galletta | Release date: Nov. 2020 | This local take on “Goodnight Moon” is a 42-page homage to Swan City featuring illustrations of Lakeland’s most iconic landmarks and small businesses.
"One Search For All" by Derrick McBride | Release date: May 2021 | Inspired by true events, this story follows Jack McBride on his search to find a missing woman, Willie Swanson Edwards. The suspenseful novel deals with themes of racial inequity, homelessness, and determination, and even received attention from John Travolta.
Serena Williams: Tennis Champion, Sports Legend, and Cultural Icon by Merlisa Lawrence Corbett | Photo via Merlisa Lawrence Corbett
"Serena Williams: Tennis Champion, Sports Legend, and Cultural Heroine" by Merlisa Lawrence Corbett | Release date: Feb. 2020 | Dubbed as “more than a biography,” Merlisa Lawrence Corbett shares the stories behind the legendary tennis player and female icon.
"Ease Into Aging" by Dick Hartman | Release date: Jan. 2021 | This book by Winter Haven native Dick Hartman shares tips for mitigating the effects of aging. From retirement readiness to continued self-improvement, Dick explores relevant topics for older adults of all ages.
"Will You Be My Friend?" By Hunter Blaise | Release date: March 2021 | Written by 21-year old, legally blind Hunter Blaise, “Will You Be My Friend?” follows the story of a mermaid attempting to befriend a giant bunny who prefers to be alone. Hunter writes literature about children with different abilities and has over 23,000 followers on TikTok.
Use the buttons below to share this story with your book club buddies + fellow bibliophiles.
What's your favorite new local read?
We are always in search of great local literary recs (say that 3 times fast).
Today
- Lakeland Foodtruck Rally | Thurs., Sept. 9 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free | Head downtown + sample a variety of delicious dishes from over 20+ vendors across Central Florida.
- Pups & Pints | Thurs., Sept. 9 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Union Taproom | Free | Choose from a large selection of beers and hang out with furry friends. 🐾
Friday
- Uncle John’s Band | Fri., Sept. 10 | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $10+ | For $10 online or $15 at the door, you can hear this Grateful Dead tribute band tomorrow night at Union Hall. 🎸
Saturday
- Rod Wave: SoulFly Tour | Sat., Sept. 11 | 8 p.m. | MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa | $28+ | Singer + wrapper Rod Wave comes to Tampa for his latest album tour.
- Lakeland Police Foundation Fallen Heroes Memorial 5k | Sat., Sept. 11 | 7-11 a.m. | Lakeland YMCA | $35+ | Participate in this 5k either in person or virtually to honor the fallen on Sept. 11 — the race kicks off at the Lakeland YMCA. 🚓
Sunday
- Second Sunday Artisan Event | Sun., Sept. 12 | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr. | Free | Florida makers are selling their hand-made goods, come out for Sunday afternoon shopping and grab a bite to eat while you’re at it. 🛍
Monday
- High on the Hog - let's celebrate pork | Mon., Sept. 13 | 6 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4730 Florida Ave. S. | $50 | Take part in a hands-on cooking class focusing on meals all about pork.
Tuesday
- Superintendent’s Community Conversation | Tues., Sept. 14 | 6-7 p.m. | Bartow Civic Center | Free | Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid is here to talk with stakeholders about ways to improve our public school system.
Wednesday
- Long-term Caregiver Class | Wed., Sept. 15 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Shepherd's Community United Methodist Church, 6885 Chelsea Oaks Dr. | Free | Senior and long-term care experts are here to offer support and connection for individuals taking long-term care of loved ones.
Thursday
- First Time Parents Pre-Sale | Thurs., Sept. 16 | 5-7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Free | First time parents get free admission to this 24,000-sqft sale event, featuring items that are 50-90% off that all new parents need. 🍼
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
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Weather
- 86º | Scattered thunderstorms | 50% chance of rain
Coming Soon
- Merchants Walk shoppers can expect to see 2 new businesses setting up shop in the spring of 2022. Burlington and Five Below will be joining Hobby Lobby, Marshalls, and other retailers in 25,191-sqft and 9,575-sqft retail spaces, respectively. 🛍️ (The Ledger)
Edu
- No vote was taken at Polk County School Board’s Tuesday meeting regarding a return to e-learning for quarantined students or a mask mandate for schools. The next school board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 28. (The Ledger)
- The Polk County Public School District is conducting its first monthly teacher hiring event today. Elementary positions will hold interviews from 8:30-11:30 a.m., and middle and high school positions will hold interviews from 12:30-3:00 p.m. You can register for the job fair here. 🍎
Shop
- The next Haus Mrkt is scheduled for Sept. 17 from 5:30-9 p.m. Swing by to see vendors like local illustrator MockingbirdArtist, a Lakeland-based illustrator whose work is featured in Pressed, and enjoy a night of music, food, and shopping.
Cause
- Ribs, anyone? The Kathleen Lions Club will be serving up St. Louis Ribs for $25 on Sat., Oct. 23. All proceeds from the sale will go to kidsPACK, a charitable organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger in our community. Pre-order here.
Arts
- Pressed is teaming up with Vakti gallery to host a pop-up show on Sept. 18 — giving local artists a chance to showcase their work. Come by the event anytime from 5-8 p.m. for art, coffee + culture.
Eat
- Lakeland Food Truck Rally is adding a new addition to their line up tonight — Asian Bros. Stop by anytime from 6-9 p.m. to try their asian cuisine featuring teriyaki, sweet and sour, and kung pao dishes. 🍜
Pets
- The Joinery is inviting you and your furry friends to “We Let The Dogs Out,” an event for dogs and dog-lovers alike. The event will include vendors, games, treats, and adoptable pets hosted by the SPCA for those who don’t have their own furry family member, yet.
FeelGood
- “The Spirit of Lakeland” has taken flight. The Zenith Aircraft CH 750 has been worked on for 2 years by Central Florida Aerospace Academy volunteers. Following its first flight, “The Spirit of Lakeland” will now enter a phase of flight testing before flying to Clinton, Mississippi for painting. ✈️
Outdoors
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported a Timber rattlesnake in Polk County, approximately 101 miles south of the typical range for the species. The snake was spotted and reported by 2 separate individuals in the Tenoroc Public Use Area in northern Polk County. 🐍 (WWSB)
Health
- As COVID hospitalizations continue to rise, Lakeland Regional Health recommends speaking with your healthcare provider if you haven’t already gotten the vaccine. Learn more. 🏥 Ⓟ
DYK the stone crab industry is valued at $30,000,000 per year? Dr. Phil Gravinese of Florida Southern College is partnering with Louisiana State University to study the effects of climate change on Florida’s stone crabs. The study is sponsored by a nearly $1,000,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.
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