#MUSTDO

Today

• Winter Haven Happy Hour Tour | Fri., Sept. 10 | 4:30-7 p.m. | 220 Ave. A. NW | $69+ | Tour downtown Winter Haven to visit family-owned restaurants and bars that host Happy Hour on weekdays. 🥂
• One Night Only: Vegas McGraw at The Historic Ritz Theatre | Fri., Sept. 10 | 7-10 p.m. | Historic Ritz Theatre, 263 W Central Ave., Winter Haven | $25 | Adam D. Tucker, Tim McGraw Tribute artist, presents a powerful show that re-creates the music and mystique of the country music icon. Ⓟ

Saturday

• 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

• The Music of Motown | Sun., Sept. 12 | 7 p.m. | Chain O’ Lakes Stadium, 588 Cletus Allen Dr. | $18 | Head outside for a stadium concert event through the music of Motown. 
• Second Sunday Artisan Market | Sun., Sept. 12 | Noon-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr. | Free | Shop festive fall finds and unique hand-crafted goods created by local artists at Lakeside Village’s Second Sunday Artisan Market. 🍂 Ⓟ

Monday

• Give Back Monday | Mon., Sept. 13 | 12-9 p.m. | Keel Farms | Free | Enjoy beer, cider, and tons of food options, with a portion of all proceeds going to the Community Pet Project. 

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

• Happy Ending at Grove Roots Brewing Company | Wed., Sept. 15 | 5 p.m. | Grove Roots Brewing Co. | Free | Grab your crew + pick your perfect snacking spot. 

Thursday

• Just Between Friends Exclusive Pre-sale | Thurs., Sept. 16 | 12-7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Free | Be one of the first to peruse the goods at this large-scale consignment event in the RP Funding Center’s Sikes Hall. 🛍️

Friday

• 80s Ladies Drag Show | Fri., Sept. 17 | 9 p.m. | Galaxy Bar Lakeland | $10+ | Allegra Williams, Twila Holiday + Mya Valentine are hosting this “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” themed drag show until 10 p.m.

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.

NEWS NOTES

Weather

• 87º | Scattered thunderstorms | 60% chance of rain

Ranked

• 3. That’s what Lakeland High School football ranked in the class 7A division after beating Manatee last week, making their record now 2-0. For all our football fans, the dreadnaught’s next home game is Sept. 24 against Winter Haven. 🏈 (The Ledger)

Watch

• Tomorrow marks 20 years since 9/11 + a documentary is set to release all about the rescuers, including a feature of a Lakeland non-profit, 22Zero. The documentary, “Healing the Heroes of 9-11: The Way Forward” will air on YouTube and Vimeo for free. (The Ledger)

Cause

• GoFundMe pages have been launched for the victims of the tragedy that occurred in North Lakeland last weekend. The funds will be dedicated to cover funeral costs + medical assistance. To help the families reach their monetary goals needed, you can view the GoFundMe pages here + here.
• The Vital Fitness team donated school supplies this week to Lake Gibson High School. The supplies, such as glue, crayons, notebooks, and other necessities, will go to families in need. 📓 

Coronavirus

• The 5k Red Tent Initiative planned for Sept. 18, has been postponed due to Coronavirus concerns. A date for the rescheduled 5k has not yet been announced. Tickets already purchased will apply to the rescheduled event. 

Eat

• The Juice Box Cafe now offers contactless delivery. The biz can be found on third-party sites like DoorDash + Postmates, with full details online. 

Try This

• Teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, restaurant and grocery store employees can enjoy the weekend with a free round of mini-golf or laser tag at the Family Fun Center. Stop by Sat., 10 a.m.-12 a.m., or Sun., 12-9 p.m. for the deal. 🎉

Civic

• The Three Parks Trail Pedestrian Bridge, located in Peterson Park, will be temporarily closed starting Sept. 13 until Sept. 20 for maintenance. The bridge connects Three Parks Trail to New Jersey Road. 

Asked

• Reader Ann N. asked if we knew of any other neighborhoods in Lakeland with mission statements. Ann’s reads as follows: “Promote community through neighborly interaction.” Does your neighborhood have something similar? Share it with us.

Home

• From renovations and pricing to choosing the right offer in a bidding war, S&D Real Estate busts 4 common myths about selling a home in today’s real estate market. 🏠 Ⓟ

Finance

• Looking for a smart way to save? MIDFLORIDA Credit Union’s Smart Save feature rounds up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and deposits the difference into a savings account. Here's how to enroll. 💵 Ⓟ

#LALTODAY

THE WRAP

Yesterday, we asked you to share any other book recommendations with us. Here's what we got:

• "The Little Star" by Randy Richburg 
• "Strawberry Pickles Vs. Bee-bo the Robot" by Randy Richburg
• "Like a Hole in the Water" by Neil Sherouse

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