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NINE Ways To
by James Coulter
Forget frying an egg on the sidewalk. The summer heat has proven to be hot enough to cook lasagna in your mailbox!
With temperatures rising as high as 105 degrees, this summer is trending to be one of the hottest in recent years, if not centuries.
So, what can you do to beat the heat in Polk County when not even your air conditioner set to the lowest setting isn’t enough to cool you off? Here are six ways you can beat the heat this summer:
#1: Take a Dip in the Pool
No doubt the traditional go-to method for cooling off on a hot summer day is taking a trip to the local pool. Fortunately, most cities in Polk County have community pools with monthly passes for families.
Rowdy Gaines Olympic Pool in Winter Haven (210 Cypress Gardens Boulevard) is open all summer long with $2 day passes for residents ($3 for non-residents) and multi-day passes starting at $18 for residents ($27 for non-residents).
In Lakeland, both Gandy Pool (404 Imperial Blvd) and Simpson Park Pool (1725 MLK Jr. Ave) offer day passes for residents at $4 per person or 20 visits for $40. Semiannual and annual passes are also available.
For more information about local pool locations and fees, visit
the Lakeland Mom blog post on the topic: https://lakelandmom. com/pools-splash-pads-lakelandpolk-county/
#2: Play at a Splash Pad
Forget running through the sprinklers. Many cities have splash
pads where little ones can get wet with fountain sprays, squirt guns, and dunk buckets. Best of all, they’re all free to play at.
The Splash Pad at Winter Haven Chain of Lakes Trailhead Park (301 Avenue G Northwest) is open all week long from 10 AM to 7 PM. Little ones can run through the water jets and sprinklers and get soaked with spray guns and shower heads. Even better, it’s located right next to the picnic tables and playground for even more family fun.
Meanwhile, at Barnett Family Park in Lakeland (730 East Orange St.), kids can splash around the water fountain sprays and even get soaked with a dunk bucket at the splash pad daily from 10 AM - 5 PM (closed Wednesday for maintenance). As with the Winter Haven splash pad, this one’s also located near picnic tables and a playground.
Rowdy Gaines Olympic Pool in Winter Haven.
#3: Get Soaked at Lake Eva Aquatics Center
Why burn a hole in your pocket visiting a water park in Orlando or Tampa? Not only is the Lake Eva Aquatics Center closer, but it’s also much more affordable to visit.
The Lake Eva Aquatics Center in Haines City has it all. An Olympic-sized pool with six 25-yard lanes. A splash pad area with water guns, squirting frogs, and several dump buckets. A little children’s water play area with slides and giant water dump buckets. And a totally tubular water slide.
Best of all? Admission is only $5 per person ages 3 and up (ages 2 and under are free). You can even purchase a season pass for $40 per person or $100 for the whole family.
The aquatic center is open daily from now until Aug. 9 (and on the weekends after Aug. 10) from noon to 6 PM. For more information, visit the City of Haines City at: https://hainescity.com/467/ Lake-Eva-Aquatics-Center
#4: Take a Trip to the Mall
Hey! Remember malls? Indoor shopping centers where you could shop and eat in air-conditioned comfort? Well, they’re not just a long-forgotten memory from the 80s and 90s. In fact, Polk County has two malls still in operation.
Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales
dining, and fun with 95 stores, a food court with diverse options including a Chik-Fil-A, a movie theater, and an indoor play area. For extreme indoor fun, visit Urban Air for trampolines, climbing walls, ropes courses, and even the Sky Rider zip line coaster.
#5: Go to the Movies
All summer long, from now until Aug. 7, you and the family can visit Regal Theaters on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 AM for their Summer Movie Express, where you can watch a popular family movie for only $1 person! Available at participating Regal Theaters, including Regal Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales (955 Eagle Ridge Dr) and Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas in Davenport (5500 Grandview Pkwy). Please contact theaters for listings and availability.
Want to watch a classic movie like in the olden days? Then catch a classic film at the Historic Polk Theatre in Lakeland (121 Florida Ave S). Check their websites for upcoming movies and showtimes: https://www.polktheatre.org/ Or how about taking a drivein movie like the good old days? Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland (4100 New Tampa Hwy) has been operating as one of the oldest American drive ins that still shows drive-in movies. Check its website for showtimes: https://www.silvermoondrivein.com/
#6: Visit Your Local Library
(451 Eagle Ridge Dr) has been booming in recent years under new management with new and unique stores and eateries opening. Most impressive is the Lake Wales Bowling entertainment center with a 32-lane bowling alley, an arcade area with 80 games, and a sports bar and restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Meanwhile, Lakeland Square Mall (3800 US Hwy 98 N) has 890,000 square feet of shopping,
As the classic song on PBS’s Arthur goes, “Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.” Those words couldn’t be truer for the Polk County Library Cooperative.
With more than 15 public libraries, Polk County Libraries offers children and their families to immerse themselves into a world of reading and air-conditioning. All libraries are free to the public, and library cards are available for local taxpayers.
Aside from offering patrons access to millions of free books,
Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales.
Balmoral Water Park in Haines City.
movies, and music CDs, many Polk County libraries also offer unique services from 3D printing to seed libraries to help you plant your own garden.
Many libraries also offer storytelling hours, game clubs, and other fun activities throughout the week. Check your local library’s website for times and programs.
#7: Explore the Outdoors Early
Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy summer fun outdoors. It just means you’ll have to get up bright and early to enjoy outdoor fun before it gets too hot. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to rise and shine early to play outdoors.
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales (1151 Tower Blvd) has 250 acres of cultivated Florida nature to explore, including its Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, which offers three acres of nature play including a music tree, sand pit, and spider web crawl. Best of all, Wawa Summer Fun days offer free admission on the last Thursday
and Friday of each summer month.
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland (400 Bonnet Springs Blvd) offers 168 acres of fun activities including multiple play areas, several nature trails, and even a treehouse accessible to all sizes and ages. The park is free and opens early at 6 AM.
Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland (4399 Winter Lake Rd) offers ample opportunity to get close to nature with plenty of shady trails for hiking, bird watching, and cycling. Families can even enjoy free guided tram tours. And the Polk Nature Discovery Center lets young minds have fun and learn about the natural world. The area is free and opens at 5:30 AM.
#8: Shop at an Indoor Market
Want to buy something a little more niche than what you can find at a big box store? Then why not visit a local indoor market. Many local businesses host indoor markets monthly, allowing guests to shop for unique merchandise
sold by local craftsman, artisans, and vendors.
In Winter Haven, Grove Roots in Winter Haven (302 3rd St SW) hosts its Moonlight Market on the fourth Wednesday of every month, while Union Taproom (245 West Central Ave) offers its Night Market on the first Thursday of the month, along with 40 self-pour taps of craft beer.
The Balmoral Event Center in Haines City (116 Kenny Blvd) hosts its Sunset Market with craft vendors, corn hole, and beer garden on the second Wednesday of the month. In Lakeland, the Fancy Flea will be hosting its Vintage Market at the RP Funding Center (701 W Lime St) on July 26 and 27.
#9: Other Fun Things to Do
For those who want to do their shopping outdoors, many local flea markets open early in the morning. Both International Market World in Auburndale (1052 US-92) and Sunshine Flea Market (24200 US Hwy 27) opens bright and early at 8 AM so you
can beat the heat for great deals. Another fun family activity is bowling. The Orange Bowl in Lakeland (4318 US Hwy 98 N) offers 40 lanes of fun with an arcade and a tiki oyster bar. Meanwhile, Incredibowl (formerly Cypress Lanes) in Winter Haven (2010 Dundee Rd) offers 40 lanes along with an arcade, laser tag, and indoor restaurant.
If you’re looking for a good time with high art and culture, then visit the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland (800 E Palmetto St). Not only is their gallery free, but they also offer special events including talks by local artists. Visit their website for times and events: https://polkmuseumofart. org/
Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. Orange Bowl Lanes in Lakeland.
Circle B Bar Reserve.
Lakeland’s First Commercial Airline in Over a Decade
Special To T&T Magazine
Avelo Airlines now takes off with an exclusive nonstop service between Florida’s Lakeland International Airport (LAL) and Southern Connecticut’s most convenient airport –Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN). Avelo is the first and only airline offering nonstop service between Lakeland and Connecticut.
Conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando, LAL offers travelers a refreshingly small, easy, and fast alternative hometown airport experience to the much larger and busier airports in the region. LAL’s location along the I-4 corridormakes it the most travel-friendly gateway to and from Central Florida.
Avelo operates this route twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Low one-way fares between LAL and HVN start at $81*. Travelers can make reservations at AveloAir. com.
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “Lakeland – it’s finally time to say hello to Avelo! We’re excited to officially take off in Lakeland and showcase Avelo’s low fares, travel-friendly convenience and industry-leading reliability. Getting to Southern Connecticut and everything the greater New England and New York regions have to offer will now be easier than ever. I am grateful to all the community leaders who made this partnership possible. This is just the start of Avelo’s partnership with LAL and Central Florida.”
City of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz expressed his excitement, saying, “Avelo Airline flights to and from Lakeland Linder International Airport mark the dawn of a new era in passenger air service for visitors and our residents. We eagerly anticipate travelers discovering the incredible amenities that our community has to offer. Moreover, we are filled with optimism about our airport and the travel possibilities that Avelo Airlines will bring to our residents. This is only the beginning of a promising partnership journey!”
Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse said, “We are very excited to welcome the inaugural Avelo Airlines flight into Lakeland. It is a great day when our community plays host to travelers, and we extend our warmest embrace to this momentous occasion. We usher in a new era of connectivity and accessibility, offering not just flights, but a promise of enhanced opportunities and connections for our vibrant community. We look forward to a future filled with endless horizons and boundless possibilities."
Avelo Customers traveling between LAL and HVN were greeted with celebration and fanfare on its anaugural flight, including a wa-
ter cannon salute, Detroit Tigers and Legoland mascots, sweet treats and Avelo Airlines representatives on both nearly full inbound and outbound inaugural flights.
Tweed-New Haven Airport – The New Haven Way to New England and New York
HVN is located on Connecticut's coast and is a convenient gateway to all 15 towns that make up Greater New Haven. HVN’s adjacency to multiple major highways and commuter railways makes visiting the New England and New York regions easier than ever. The airport is a refreshingly smooth and simple alternative hometown airport experience that will make visiting Southern Connecticut faster, easier and more relaxing than ever.
Best known as the home of Yale University, New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and is part of the New York metropolitan area. The coastal city has experienced—and continues to enjoy—a renaissance. Within an easy stroll from the New Haven Green are more than 100 distinctive restaurants, offering something for every palate, and the city abounds with theaters, museums, and shopping destinations to satisfy all interests and tastes. Last year, New Haven joined iconic cities like Auckland, London and Istanbul to make the prestigious New York Times 2023 “52 Places to Go” list. Whether visiting family and friends or just looking for a vacation, there is a wealth of things to explore in The Cultural Capital of Connecticut.
America’s Most Convenient Airline
Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown more than 4.7 million Customers on over 37,000 flights. Today Avelo serves 53 destinations spanning 24 states and Puerto Rico. In 2024, Avelo has initiated 16 new routes and 11 new destinations.
Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice, and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. Every route has at least one small, easy to use airport. This makes every Avelo journey a smooth, easy, and more enjoyable experience than contending with the crowds, congestion and long walks at larger airports.
Avelo is distinguished by its industry-leading reliability. In May, the airline ranked #1 in on-time performance and delivered the lowest flight cancellation rate in the industry – the second straight month Avelo led the industry in both metrics. Additionally, for the first five months of 2024, Avelo climbed to #1 in on-time performance and maintained the second-lowest flight cancellation rate among all U.S. carriers. These results are reported by Anuvu, a leading aviation data services company also utilized by The Wall Street Journal for the publication’s annual airline ranking.
Avelo Customers can always change or cancel their itineraries with no extra fees. Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 13 and under will be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost.
Avelo offers advanced seat assignments for sale. One third of its seats are extra leg room seats, ranging from 32 inches to more than 36 inches, offering a more comfortable experience for Customers who value more space. In addition to advance seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give Customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin.
For more information visit AveloAir.com or the Avelo Newsroom at AveloAir.com/Newsroom.
BOK TOWER GARDENS
7th Annual Sock Hop Fundraiser
July 21, 2024, 3:00 – 7:00
Venue 650 650 6th Street SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Tickets: $15.00 per person or $96.00 for table of 8
Purchase: sillysocksaturdays.com
Dinner * Games * Photo Booth *
Raffle Prizes * Treats * & more!
Sponsored by:
Raffles:
• In October 1969, in a forest in the Palloneva region of Finland, farmer Heino Seppi split an aspen log and discovered its middle was rotten, forming a hollow that contained a dry fish around 1.3 feet long. No one knows how the fish got there.
• Christopher Columbus’ first transatlantic voyage traveled at a rate of around 2.8 miles per hour.
• Several of Aristotle’s writings have survived thanks to the men of a Roman army who invaded Asia Minor around 80 B.C., found a number of his manuscripts in a pit, and took the papers to their general, Sulla. It turned out that no other copies of many of them existed, and Sulla had them taken to Rome and recopied.
• Queen Berengaria of England, the wife of Richard the Lionheart, was the only English queen who never actually set foot on English soil.
• The Eiffel Tower in Paris, the City of Light’s best-known monument, was saved from demolition in 1909 only because there was an antenna of great importance to French radio telegraphy mounted at the top of it.
• Allergy sufferers will not be surprised (nor like) to hear that pollen is one of the few natural substances that does not deteriorate.
• British Rail’s engineering division applied for and received a patent for a flying saucer capable of carrying 22 passengers in 1972, but apparently lost faith in the feasibility of the project just four years later, and allowed the patent to lapse.
• Although “Shoeless Joe” Jackson was barred from baseball’s Hall of Fame for his alleged role in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal (he pleaded innocent), his spiked, black leather shoes can still be found there.
You Reap What You SowPart Deux
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” - Gal. 6:7 (KJV)
This month is July 4th. The day we celebrate America becoming a nation. When our country set forth to establish a democratic government founded on the lofty ideals that all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights.
While I, like many other red-blooded Americans, enjoy a good grilled hotdog and fireworks display, admittedly, the holiday has rung rather hollow for me, especially in recent years when our country has failed too many times to live up to its lofty founding ideals.
It’s hard to be proud of a country where, supposedly, “all men are created equal” with “liberty and justice for all” when so many people—too many people!—are treated unequally, have lost their personal liberties, and have experienced no justice at all.
One of those conspiracies was that a certain school shooting was a “hoax.” That the 26 victims, including 20 children, were allegedly never killed. That these people were allegedly “crisis actors” planted by the government to make the shooting look real. Let’s say this conspiracy theory becomes so prevalent that the shooting victims’ family members face harassment and death threats by this radio show host’s rabid tin foil hat-wearing fans.
Now, let’s say this conspiracy theory-peddling radio host is dragged to court and sued for spreading all this misinformation. He’s ordered to pay the families of the victims he lied about $1.5 billion. And let’s say these fines force the company that owns his radio company to go bankrupt, to the point where he’s forced to liquidate its assets and shut down his program.
Is there a better example of Schadenfreude? Yes. Yes, there is!
1. MUSIC: What is a didgeridoo?
2. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a baby swan called?
3. HISTORY: What is the name of the treaty that ended the Revolutionary War?
4. GEOGRAPHY: In which country is the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia located?
5. SCIENCE: What does a hertz measure?
6. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What color is most of the toilet paper in France?
7. PSYCHOLOGY: What irrational fear is represented by coulrophobia?
8. LANGUAGE: What is the first character to be added to Morse Code since WWII?
9. LITERATURE: What is the term for a section at the end of a book that concludes what has happened?
10. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president turned down offers to play professional football after college graduation?
And yet, even then, there have been moments where our country, flawed and imperfect though it may be, has succeeded in ensuring that justice will be served, that the innocent will be protected and the guilty will face consequences for their actions.
In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” In other words, while it may take a long time, good will inevitably triumph over evil—and in the past few months, evil certainly has been triumphed over.
(As with last year’s column, I won’t be naming names; however, if you’ve been paying attention to the news lately, you’ll know whom I’m talking about.)
For example, let’s say there’s a certain radio show host. This political pundit has become infamous for peddling the wackiest (and even most dangerous) conspiracy theories on his radio program for the past two decades.
Let’s say, for the sake of argument, there’s a former president. He’s been indicted with a total of 88 felony charges. One of those charges was for instigating an insurrection to overturn the election he had lost.
Now let’s say this former president turned indicted felon is put on trial for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. He had been charged with using his campaign funds as “hush money” to bribe a porn star with which he had an affair.
And now let’s say this man was found guilty on all 34 counts. Not only would this make him the first presidential candidate to become a convicted felon (and also be allowed to continue running for president somehow), but he could face four years in prison for each felony count –a whopping 135 years!
To repeat MLK: The moral arc of the universe is long, but it eventually bends toward justice.
The views and opinions expressed in columns are not necessarily the views and opinions of Today & Tonight Magazine or Today & Tonight, Inc.
Gerald Ford.
C A L E N D A R
Get Your Listing in the Calendar
Email Listings to: tracey@todayandtonight.com
Info must be received by the 23rd of the Month Prior to Publication. Events will be included as space allows.
Arts, Crafts, Festivals & Expos
JUL 5
July First Friday. Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday; new theme each month. This month is Stay Cool in Munn Park. Enjoy shopping with vendors serving up tasty, cool treats. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Shop in the Makers Market, which features local artists and creators, and check out the Classy Car Show on Main St. First Friday is a family-friendly event held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky Ave. and Main St. Downtown Lakeland, Fri 6-9 pm. DowntownLKLD.com (next events: Aug 2 Back to School, Sept 6 Around the World…in 3 Hours)
JUL 11
Lakeland Food Truck Rally. Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally brings food trucks to Munn Park on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Come on out to Downtown Lakeland and enjoy a variety of Florida food trucks and their delicious cuisine. 20 plus food trucks come together each month and park on the streets surrounding beautiful Munn Park. Thurs, 6-9 pm. (next events: Aug 8, Sept 12)
JUL 16
Tasty Tuesday + Tunes. Third Tuesday of every month in Munn Park. 10 tastes from downtown bars, restaurants, and sweet shops. New offerings every month. Tasty Tuesdays are a super fun way to experience multiple Downtown restaurants all in one night! You get hearty sample sizes with each ticket and move from place to place at your own pace! Tastings begin at 4:30pm and end at 9pm. Purchase your ticket package from LDDA. Tues, 4:30-9 pm. Cost - $25 for 10 tastes. (next events: Aug 20, Sept 17)
https://ldda.square.site/ product/tasty-tuesday-tickets/31?cs=true&cst=custom
JUL 26&
27
Fancy Flea Vintage Home and Garden Market. This year’s theme is “For the Love
of Vintage”. Voted one of the top vintage markets in the country. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri & Sat, 9-4 pm. $7 admission (12 & under free), free parking. www.FancyFlea.net
JUL 27
World Passport Wine & Food Festival. Experience a culinary adventure like no other. Discover a world of flavors with 100 wines paired with delicious food catered by Agape Agora at our International Wine and Food Fest! Enjoy the laidback vibes with live music by Hunter Smith. Don’t miss out. Get your tickets today! 21+ event. Located at Historic Ritz Theatre, West Central Ave, Winter Haven. Sat, 2-5 pm. Tickets - $75. www.centralfloridatix.com
AUG 2
Aug First Friday. Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday; new theme each month. This month is Back to School. Enjoy perusing exhibitor booths with backto-school activities and information, as well as enjoying inflatables and games from Lakeland Moonwalk in Munn Park. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Shop in the Makers Market, which features local artists
and creators, and check out the Classy Car Show on Main St. First Friday is a family-friendly event held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky Ave. and Main St. Downtown Lakeland, Fri 6-9 pm. DowntownLKLD.com (next events: Sept 6 Around the World…in 3 Hours, Oct 4 Cookie Carnival)
AUG 10&
11
6th Annual Central Florida Collectorfest. Vintage & Modern Toys, Hot Wheels, Retro Gaming, Comics, Artwork & More Pop Culture Goodness! Giveaways, raffles, and more. 100+ Tables of Lots of Cool Stuff! Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat $15, Sun $10. 9-4 pm, Kids under 12 FREE also receive a FREE Hot Wheels. Free parking. https://floridatoyshows.com
AUG 17
Brew Hounds Sports Lounge Celebration! Help us celebrate 15 years of hospitality in Auburndale! Enjoy Live Music, Food Trucks, Games, Sampling, Giveaways and Raffles to raise money for the Humane Society of Polk County (donations accepted). Live Music: Josh Blevins Bands 4-7 pm and B. Haven Band 8-11 pm. Located at Brew Hounds Sports Lounge, 318 Havendale Blvd, Auburndale. Sat, 12 pm to 12 am. https:// www.facebook.com/brewhounds863
AUG 17
WWE SuperShow Summer Tour. See all your favorite superstars from Monday
night RAW & Friday night Smackdown under one roof for only night only! Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 7pm. www. wwe.com and www.rpfundingcenter.com
AUG 17&18
Fine Art at the Magnolia. The 8th Annual Fine Art at the Magnolia is honored to be returning to the beautiful garden and theater district of Downtown Lakeland at the lovely Magnolia Building. This is a 2-day indoor Fine Art Show features works from 19 accomplished artists and craftsmen of Florida. The show will feature a variety of fine art mediums, including painting, sculpture, clay, fiber, jewelry, and drawings. Located Magnolia Building, 702 E Orange St, Lakeland. Free and open to the public. Sat, 10-5 pm and Sun, 10-4 pm. https://www.facebook. com/FineArtMagnolia
Markets, Antique Fairs & Car Shows
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market –Saturdays. An exceptional variety of local vendors who offer fresh produce, seafood, pastries, breads, desserts, local honey, artisans, and crafts, to name a few. Stop by the Market Information Booth for more details on the F.A.B. program! Located N. Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 8 am-2 pm; Sept to May and 8 am-1 pm; Jun & Jul. (closed in August)
Winter Haven Farmers Market – Saturdays. Shop locally grown food, artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. Located across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven. Sat 9 am-1 pm.
JUL 14
Second Sunday Artisan Market. Every second Sunday of the month, enjoy a variety of Florida based businesses selling a variety of hand-made items. Located Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center, Lakeland, Sun, 12-5 pm. www.shoplakesidevillage. net
JUL 18
Lake Wales 3rd Thursday Market. The boutique market will feature a variety of produce, artisan food vendors, plants, crafts and a food truck. This market is within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Located Stuart Ave in the parking lot near the new Gillian Fazio mural in downtown Lk Wales. Thurs, 4-7 pm.
JUL 19
Bartow Friday Fest. The Bartow Friday Fest is a fun open-air event in Downtown Bartow featuring live music, classic cars and plenty of family fun. This month it’s Magic on Main a holiday themed event. Friday Fest is held the third Friday of every month (except December). Fri, 6-9 pm. For more info, visit www.mainstreetbartowfl.com
Concerts & Theatre
JUL 11to
AUG 4
The Wedding Singer. Presented by Theatre Winter Haven. The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, The Wedding Singer’s sparkling new score does for the ‘80s what Hairspray did for the ‘60s. Just say yes to the most romantic musical in twenty years. Located Theatre Winter Haven, 210 Cypress gardens Blvd, Winter Haven. Thurs-Sat, 7:30 pm and Sat & Sun, 2:30 pm. Adults $36, Students $33. https://theatrewinterhaven.com/
JUL 12
Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd “Wish You Were Here”. Step into the musical time machine with our sensational 2024 concert series, where we celebrate the unparalleled impact of four legendary albums that have collectively sold over 90 million copies worldwide. Performed Note for Note and Cut for Cut. Located at the RP Funding Center, Youkey Theatre, Lakeland. Fri, 7:30 pm. Tickets $34, $44 plus parking. www. RPFundingCenter.com
AUG 16
Classic Albums Live: AC/ DC “Highway To Hell”. Step into the musical time machine with our sensational
2024 concert series, where we celebrate the unparalleled impact of four legendary albums that have collectively sold over 90 million copies worldwide. Performed Note for Note and Cut for Cut. Located at the RP Funding Center, Youkey Theatre, Lakeland. Fri, 7:30 pm. Tickets $34, $44 plus parking. www.RPFundingCenter. com
Charity Events & Golf Tournaments
JUL 21
Silly Sock Saturdays Sock Hop. 7th annual fundraiser. Enjoy dinner, games, photo booth, raffle prizes, treats and more. Wear your 50s attire and silly socks. Located at Venue 650, 650 6th St SW, Winter Haven. Sun, 3-7 pm. Tickets $15 or $96 for table of 8. www.sillysocksaturdays. com
AUG 4
Humane Society’s Bowl
A Rama. Annual bowling event to benefit the Humane Society of Polk County. Bowling, Food Buffet, Raffles, 8-Pin No-Tap. Teams are sold out. Call to be added to the wait list! Located at Incredibowl (formerly Cypress Lanes), Dundee Rd, Winter Haven. Sun, 12:30-3:30 pm. $25 for event admission (join the fun, no bowling, includes lunch buffet). Lane Sponsorship info and more details: https://www.humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org/ events/bowlarama-2/
BARS&PUBS
*Please check Facebook pages to confirm business schedules, events, and promos.
AUBURNDALE
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
102 W Polk Street
(863) 968-0010
Full Liquor Sports Bar
TVs for the Games
Brew Hounds Sports Lounge
318 Havendale Blvd (863) 967-2739
Wed, Trivia 6p
Fri, Poker 7p
Pool, Darts, Full Liquor
Sunday Ticket/SEC/ACC
Smoke-Free/Outside Patio
Aug 17, 15yr Ann. Party
Crave & Copper
117 East Lake Ave (863) 968-2971
Local Microbrewery
Patio Bar/Restaurant
Wed-Sat, Open at 11a
BABSON PARK
Crooked Bass Grill/Tavern
1010 N Scenic Hwy (863) 589-5887
Full Liquor
Seafood, Steaks & Burgers
Live Music Fri & Sat
Pool Table & Darts
BARTOW
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
120 E Van Fleet Dr (863) 534-3111
Full Liquor Sports Bar
Front Page Brewing Co
190 S FL Ave (863) 537-7249
Hrs: Open Wed-Fri 4p, Sat & Sun 12p
Taproom, Full Bar
Self-pour Wines
Wed, Trivia Thu, Bingo
Weekends, Live Music
Fun Bar
3379 US Hwy 17N (863) 800-3400
Karaoke
Pool Table & Darts
Mulligan’s Sports Bar
Bartow Golf Club
150 N Idlewood (863) 533-1668 Fri, Karaoke 7-10p
The Wine Stable
150 S Broadway (863) 533-9463
Full Bar
Live Music
Karaoke
DAVENPORT
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 45653 US Hwy 27 (863) 420-3350
Full Liquor
Great Wings, Sandwiches, Burgers, Wraps
Fireside Lounge & Billiards
43356 US Hwy 27 (863) 420-0100
Pool Hall; 7 Pro Tables
Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 2-7p
Live Music
The Wheelhouse Bar 42637 US Hwy 27 (863) 353-6880 TVs, Pool Table Darts, Jukebox Wed & Sat, Karaoke 9p
The Wheelhouse/19th Hole 102 Polo Park East (863) 424-4560
Tue & Fri, Karaoke 9p Thu, Trivia 8-10p
DUNDEE
Out-n-About Bar (1/4 m north of Dundee Rd) 28390 US Hwy 27 (863) 439-1537
Tue, Fri, Sat & Sun, Live Music
Sun, Karaoke Thu, Ladies Night Mon & Wed, Closed
FROSTPROOF
P & J Recreation 33 S Scenic Hwy (863) 635-9825
Home of Famous Slaw Burger!
Full Liquor
FT. MEADE
Pit Stop Package & Lounge
800 N Charleston Ave (863) 285-8732 Food Avail.
HAINES CITY
Amos Tavern
200 US Hwy 17 92 N (863) 422-1459
Balmoral Bar & Grill
124 Kenny Blvd (863) 588-3097
Patio Dining & Full Bar Mon, Jukebox Bingo 6-8p
Tue, Trivia 6-8p
Wed, Karaoke 6-9p
Thu & Sat, Live Music 6-9p Fri, DJ/Latin Nights 7-10p
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 902 Polk City Rd (863) 419-4848
Full Liquor Sports Bar Big Screen TVs
Ducky’s Dockside Bar & Grill
1090 Shady Cove Rd E (863) 353-5295
Thu, Acoustic Jam 6p Fri, Karaoke 6p Sat & Sun, Live Music
Rudy’s Liquorup Lounge 600 Ingraham Ave (863) 422-8585
Karaoke, Darts, Billiards Live Bands
Happy Hour 12-7p
Shady Cove Bar & Grill
7140 State Road 544 E (863) 421-6800
Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 4-7p
Open Daily 12p Daily Food/Drink Specials
LAKE ALFRED
LA’s Midway Saloon (Across from WH Airport) 3900 Lynchburg Rd (863) 875-7966 Hpy Hr 11-3p; Specials M-F
LAKELAND
1916 Irish Pub Cleveland Heights Golf Course
2900 Buckingham Ave (863) 834-2384 Daily, 11a-10p Thu, Ladies Night 5-9p Sat/Sun, Brunch 10-3p Food, Full Bar
Ax-Caliber 204 E Orange St, Ste 102 (863) 592-3500 Tue-Wed 11a-10p/Thu-Fri 11a-11p Sat 10a-11p, Sun 10a-7p Axe Throwing/Virtual Gun Range Coffee House/Restaurant Beer & Wine
The Back Nine
124 S Tennessee Ave (863) 510-5723
Open Daily Golf Simulators Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Full Bar Thu, Trivia 7:30p
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s North 1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464
Full Liquor Sports Bar
2-4-1 All Day, Everyday 40+ HD TVs w/sports pkgs
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s South 4810 S Florida Ave (863) 646-7757
Full Liquor Sports Bar
2-4-1 All Day, Everyday 40+ HD TVs w/sports pkgs
The Brass Tap 1515 Town Center Dr Lakeside Village (863) 680-9994
Daily, Open at 12p
Martini Wed, $5 Craft Beers, Full Bar Food, Live Music
Brewlands Bar & Billiards N. 5161 US Hwy 98 N (863) 940-2038
Smoke-Free Billiards/Sports Bar 20 Pool Tables, Dart Boards Game Room, Full Kitchen Open Daily, Full Liquor
Brewlands Bar & Billiards S. 5733 S Florida Ave (863) 646-2600
Pool & Billiard Sports Hall Full Liquor Bar Open Daily Sun & Wed, S.I.N. Night Thu, Ladies Night
Champs Sports Bar & Grill 6645 S Florida Ave (863) 647-5900
Open Daily, 11a-10p Daily Specials 2-10p Tue, Ladies Night 4p-cl Tue/Thu, BOGO Beer Thu, Free Trivia 8p
Cob & Pen
1221 S Florida Ave (863) 937-8126
Craft Beer & Wine
Full Liquor Bar Food/Light Food
Decisions Grill & Bar 1621 E Edgewood Dr Suite G (863) 686-6441
Dissent Craft Brewing Co
125 S Kentucky Ave (863) 450-4351 Mon-Thu, 3-10p Fri & Sat, 12-10p Sun, 12-8p
Duke’s Brewhouse
4960 S Florida Ave (863) 647-9464
Wings, Sports, Spirits Live Music
Frescos Bistro
132 S Kentucky Ave (863) 683-5267
Happy Hr 5-7
Monthly Pairings
Great Bistro Fare
Full Bar/Crafted Cocktails
Gator’s Dockside
Highland City
5135 S.R. 98 (863) 619-7627
Food, Full Bar
Open late night
Hookah Palace
122 S Kentucky Ave (863) 688-1818
Hrs: Wed & Thu, 5p-12a
Fri & Sat, 5p-2a
Thu, Latin Nite w/DJ Fri & Sat, DJ
Isle of Capri
541 S Combee Rd (863) 665-6246
Food, Beer/Wine
Hpy Hr 3-6p; $1.50 Drft
Wed, Ladies Night 7p
Pool Tourn, Karaoke
Lakeland Loft
108 S Tennessee Ave (863) 210-5327
Full Liquor
Jazz & Cigar Lounge
Business Casual Sun –Thu
Dress to Impress Fri & Sat
Leo’s Live Music & Billiards (A.K.A. Ybor Cigars)
5263 S Florida Ave (863) 619-6799
Happy Hr 4-7p
Darts/Pool Table/TVs Tue-Sat, Live Music
Linksters Tap Room (Dntn)
209 E Main St (863) 683-7195
Daily, 12p
Full Liquor
Smoke Free Sports Bar
Lucky’s Sports, Oyster & Tiki Bar (Orange Bowl) 4318 US Hwy 98 N (863) 858-3878
Daily Specials
Thu, Dart Leagues Fri, Live Music
Lugo’s Craft Distillery
2500 Drane Field Rd, Suite 208 (863) 816-3330
Lounge Hrs:
Thu & Fri, 5p-12a Sat, 3p-12a & Sun, 12-6p Craft Rum/Distillery
Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub 111 S Kentucky Ave (863) 686-6231
Darts, Pool Tables
Live Music, Fri
Paddy Wagon Irish Pub
4204 S Florida Ave (863) 937-8925
Daily, 12p
Full Bar, TVs Darts, Golden Tee, Pool
The Pink Piano 1015 S Florida Ave (863) 937-8885
Tue-Sat, Live Music
Wine, Beer, Tapas
Rec Room
202 N Massachusetts Ave (863) 213-4073
Open 4p Mon-Fri, 11a Sat & Sun
Open Late Night
Daily Specials, 50+ Games
Wed, Ladies Night
Food Trucks Fri & Sat 8p
Family During Day/21+ after 9p
Revival Bar 119 S Kentucky Ave (863) 606-6090
Open 12p Daily/Smoke-Free Craft Cocktail Bar
Vintage Cocktails, Beers Relaxed Seating Areas
Southside Package & Lounge
1122 S Florida Ave (863) 683-4703
Happy Hr 10-7p & 12-2a Full Liquor
T A Slammers
1011 S Florida Ave (863) 682-4178
Full Liquor Nightly Specials
T-Bows 33 Lounge
4106 Lakeland Hills Blvd (863) 683-1201
Happy Hr 4-6p; $2.75 Wells, $2.25 20oz Drafts
Wed-Sat, Karaoke 9p
Wally’s Pool Hall 1136 E Main St (863) 688-4460
Hpy Hr, Mon-Sat 11-7p
Mon, 9-Ball Tourn
Tue & Thu, APA 8 & 9-Ball Thu, Ladies Nite w/free pool
Wild Greg’s Saloon 4951 US Hwy 98 N (863) 940-9133 Thu-Sat, 7p-2a
Nightclub/Concert Venue
Winner’s Circle 4215 S Florida Ave (863) 644-9464
Sun, Corn Hole
Tues, Poker
Wed, Ladies Night 1st Thu, Open Mic, 7-10p
LAKE WALES
Al’s Place 1530 N Scenic Hwy (863) 241-3070
Sat, $2 Day: Draft Beer, Chili Dog, Fries, Beef Slider, Soda Kitchen Daily 11-4p/11-7p Fri (Closed Monday)
All Star Grill
2019 Hwy 60 E (863) 679-9689
Sports Bar
Open Daily 11a-11p
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 19598 US Hwy 27 (863) 679-1975 Full Liquor Sports Bar Big Screen TVs
Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak 3100 Canal Rd (863) 439-2031
Seafood, Full Liquor
Mon-Fri, Hpy Hr 11-4p Thu-Sat, Live Music
Gator Mack’s Sports Bar
Camp Mack River Resort 14143 Camp Mack Rd (863) 696-3863
Open 7 Days
Tue-Sat, 4-10p Food Avail. Full Bar, Music Darts, Pool Tables Outdoor Patio
Y’all Come Back Saloon 3230 State Rd 60 E (863) 676-5759
Taco Tues, $1 Live Music/Pool
RIVER RANCH
Westgate River Ranch Saloon
3200 River Ranch Blvd
Restaurant/Saloon General/Western Store (863) 692-1321 ext 40013 Fri, DJ 6p-12a Sat, Live Band 6p-1a
WINTER HAVEN
AJ Slammers
508 Cypress Gardens Blvd (863) 875 5623
Pub, Pool Hall, Karaoke Darts, Full Liquor
Apple Lounge
2803 Recker Hwy (863) 291-0340
Happy Hr, Mon-Fri 11-7p Food/Daily Specials Mon, Pool Tourn Poker, Karaoke, Bands
Ave. Bar by Arabellas
328 W Central Ave (863) 229-8142
Open Mon-Sat, 4p Mon-Fri, Hpy Hr 4:30-5:30p Full Menu/Full Bar
Smoke-Free
Barrel239
239 3rd St SW (863) 229-7740
Whiskey Bar
Open Daily
Drink Specials 1-4p Smoke-Free
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
300 Cypress Gardens Blvd (863) 293-9464
Full Liquor Sports Pub
30 Big HD TVs Mon Burger Special
BARS&PUBS
Central Tavern
273 W Central Ave (863) 229-5027
Open Daily 12p
Full Bar/Smoke-Free Outside Patio
Duke’s Brewhouse 1708 6th Street SE (863) 576-9464
Wings, Sports, Spirits Live Music
Fire Restaurant
325 W Central Ave (863) 875-5544 Sun, Brunch
Gary’s Grove
2995 Cypress Gardens Rd (863) 325-0001 Mon, Live Music Fri, Karaoke Pizza/Hot Dogs Avail
Grape Expectations 535 Cypress Gardens Blvd (863) 318-8800
Wine Bar Smoke-Free
Grove Roots Brewing Co.
302 3rd Street SW (863) 291-0700
Food Truck & Live Music
Wed-Fri 4p, Sat-Sun 12p 3rd Wed, Night Mrkt 6-9p Craft Beer & Wine Smoke-Free
Harborside Restaurant 2435 7th Street SW (863) 293-7070 Daily, Hpy Hr 3-6p Mon-Thu, Early Bird 3-5:30p Waterfront Dining
High Seas Lounge
7000 State Rd 544 (863) 299-2233
Great Food/Drink Specials Live Music
Jensen’s Corner Bar 100 3rd Street SW (863) 298-6755 Outdoor Patio Thu, Live Music Smoke-Free
Jessie’s Lounge 118 3rd Street SW (863) 298-9815 Hpy Hr Mon-Fri, 4-7p Mon, Free Pool Wed, No Name Jam Night Live Music Weekly Smoke-Free
Laugh Out Lounge 19 3rd Street NW Wed, Thu, Sun 5-10p Fri & Sat 5-11p Comedy Club/Bar Beer/Wine FB@LaughOutLoungeWH
Obscure Wine Company 276 W Central Ave (863) 268-6555 Mon-Thu 11a-10p Fri-Sat 11a-12a, Sun 11a-8p Mon, Oyster Mon 4-7p Tue, Tasting Tuesday Wed, Wine Down Wed 5-8p
Office Pub & Lounge
1243 1st Street S (863) 293-4767
Happy Hr 12-7 Mon & Thu, Karaoke Tue, Fri, Sat - Poker Pool Tables, Darts & Food Avail.
Old Man Frank’s 1005 S Lake Howard Dr (863) 294-9179
Happy Hour M-F, 11-7p Daily Specials, Oyster Bar Fiesta Wed w/$1.50 Tacos Wed, Karaoke 7-11p Fri-Sun, Live Music
Paddy Wagon Irish Pub 5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd (863) 875-5708
Daily, 12pm Irish Style Sports Bar Pool, Darts, Golden Tee TVs, Full Bar Past Time Lounge 1605 1st Street S (863) 293-0027
Tue, Ladies Night Darts/Pool Table
Slate 8 Family Billiards 20 4th Street NW (863) 247-8899
Smoke-Free Pool Hall
Open Daily, Outdoor Patio Full Bar, Food Available Wed, Dart Tourn 7p FB@Slate8Pool
The Social Lounge
356 3rd Street NW Sun-Thu, 12p-12a Fri, 12p-2a/Sat, 2p-2a Mon, Martinis $6 Wed-Sat, Live Music Speakeasy-style Lounge Classic/Craft Cocktails
Somewhere Sports Bar 5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd (863) 324-7524 Mon-Sat, Hpy Hr 3-6p Beer Specials/Sports Packages Mon-Fri, Lunch Specials
Tanner’s Lakeside 1006 S Lake Howard Dr (863) 662-5948
Happy Hr Wed-Sun, 4-6p Wed, 1/2 Price Wines
Thu-Sun, Live Music
Jul 12, Live Wrestling Jul 26, Bike Night
Union Taproom
245 W Central Ave, ST 102 (863) 268-4921
Open Daily 11:30a 40 Self Pour Taps Wed, Trivia 7p Fri & Sat, Live Music 7-10p 1st Thu, Night Market 6-9p Food Available
JULY/AUGUST LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR
WEDNESDAY, JUL 3
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME
(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
BAY KINGS BAND
(Rockin Freedom Fest, WH)
GARY LOVE AND THE MOONLIGHTERS
(Red, White & Kaboom, LKD)
WALKER MATHISON & THE RANAHAN BAND (Swan Brewing, LKD)
THURSDAY, JUL 4
SOUTHBOUND
(Tanners Lakeside, WH) BACK PORCH BAND
(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)
JOSH BLEVINS BAND
(Lewis Mathews Complex, DVPT)
STEVE HOGIE DUO
(Swan Brewing, LKD)
HUNTER MCNEER
(Cypresswood Pub, WH)
THE PICKIP ARTIST (Twisted Prop, WH)
DON BURNS 11a/ GERI BLOUNT 4p (Cherry Pocket, LW)
FRIDAY, JUL 5
NO IDEA
(Lucky’s Sports Bar, LKD) CODE 787
(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC) ANDY SHREEVE/ SOMEBODY’S GHOST (Swan Brewing, LKD)
LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH)
B. HAVEN
(Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) SOUTHBOUND
(Apple Lounge, WH)
MARIO EVANS PIANO (Lakeland Loft, LKD)
MITCH STEWART (Twisted Prop, WH)
JOEY KIRKLAND 1p/ RICH MISTRETTA 6p (Cherry Pocket, LW)
SATURDAY, JUL 6
DUKE BURR
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
STELLA BEAT
(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)
PATRICK RENNEY
(Old Man Frank’s, WH)
T. MIKE
(Twisted Prop, WH)
BLACK SATIN/ BILLY DICKERSON (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
ALL FIRED UP; PAT BENATAR TRIB (Union Hall, LKD)
KOREY KETCHUM (Apple Lounge, WH)
RAY GURKA 2p/ BLAKE FREE BAND 6p (Swan Brewing, LKD) THE MOONDOGS; TRIB JOHN LENNON/BEATLES (Cypresswood Pub, WH)
SCHAFF WALL TRIO (Lakeland Loft, LKD)
JIM N JUDY DUO (Union Taproom, WH)
LUCK OF THE DRAW 1p/
RYAN JOYCE 6p (Cherry Pocket, LW)
JHENÉ AIKO wsg
COI LERAY, TINK, UMI & KIANA LEDE (Kia Center, ORL)
SUNDAY, JUL 7
LUBECK
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
ALMOST THERE DUO
(Old Man Frank’s, WH)
DARRELL SIKES BAND (Ducky’s Dockside, HC)
JIM N JUDY DUO (Swan Brewing, LKD)
JOEY KIRKLAND MUSIC (Twisted Prop, WH) BLAKE FREE 12p/ GREG REDDING 5p (Cherry Pocket, LW)
MONDAY, JUL 8
RAY NICHOLS (Cherry Pocket, LW)
TUESDAY, JUL 9
MICKENZIE PEISHER
(Jessie’s Lounge, WH) DON BURNS (Cherry Pocket, LW)
WEDNESDAY, JUL 10
JADE & DUKE
(Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME
(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
KATIE & JOE (Cherry Pocket, LW)
DEF LEPPARD AND JOURNEY wsg
CHEAP TRICK
(Camping World Stadium, ORL)
THURSDAY, JUL 11
ACOUSTIC DOSE
(Swan Brewing, LKD)
BILLY D (Cherry Pocket, LW)
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS wsg ROBERT CRAY (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)
FRIDAY, JUL 12
CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE; PINK FLOYD
“WISH YOU WERE HERE” (RP Funding Center, LKD)
DIVAS DE LA BALADA/ TANIA VIDAL
(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)
APRIL RED
(Lucky’s Sports Bar, LKD)
SOULSHINE PREACHERS
(Old Man Frank’s, WH)
B. HAVEN
(Cypresswood Pub, WH)
LAURA THE SINGER
(The Social Lounge, WH)
ALT NIGHT/
CREATE: CONTROL (Union Hall, LKD)
CONSPIRACY THEORY (Apple Lounge, WH)
MUNN PARK SAINTS
(Swan Brewing, LKD)
SKINNY MCGEE AND THE HANDSHAKES wsg GUNPOWDER CANDY (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
KALEIGH BAKER
(Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)
MARIO EVANS DUO (Lakeland Loft, LKD)
MIKE MONTS DE OCA
(Dade Cty Brew House, D CTY)
JIM N JUDY DUO
(Wheelhouse 19th Hole, DVPT)
BUDDY JEWELL
(Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
RODGER BRUTUS 1p/
RANDY SULLENS 6p
(Cherry Pocket, LW)
SATURDAY, JUL 13
HIGHWAY 41
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
PHOENIX 5
(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)
WEDNESDAY, JUL 17
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
ADRIENNE RICHARDS (Cherry Pocket, LW)
THURSDAY, JUL 18
KATIE & JOE (Cherry Pocket, LW)
JORGE CELEDÓN (Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)
JOEY FOLEY 2p/
MOMS NIGHT OUT 7p
(Old Man Frank’s, WH)
BLACK SATIN (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
ULTIMATE FLOYD; PINK FLOYD TRIB (Union Hall, LKD)
JIM N JUDY DUO (Apple Lounge, WH)
SG WOOD 2p/ BILLY D TRIO 7p (Swan Brewing, LKD)
CHARLIE REDD QUARTET (Lakeland Loft, LKD)
WILL WILLIAMS 1p/ GREG REDDING 6p (Cherry Pocket, LW)
CHRIS BROWN wsg
MUNI LONG, MAETA (Kia Center, ORL)
XSCAPE & SWV wsg
MYA, TOTAL, 702 (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)
MICAH MADORE DUO (Council Oak Lounge, TMP)
SUNDAY, JUL 14
KAI7EN (Tanners Lakeside, WH)
JIM N JUDY DUO 2p/ TWIZTED 6p (Old Man Franks, WH) B. HAVEN (Twisted Prop, WH)
JIM THOMAS (Swan Brewing, LKD)
LUCK OF THE DRAW 12p/ GERI BLOUNT 5p (Cherry Pocket, LW)
SAMMY HAGAR wsg LOVERBOY (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)
STEVE AOKI (Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)
MONDAY, JUL 15
MITCH STEWART (Cherry Pocket, LW)
MICKENZIE PEISHER DUO (Council Oak Lounge, TMP)
TUESDAY, JUL 16
ADRIENNE RICHARDS (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
JOEY KIRKLAND (Cherry Pocket, LW)
JANET JACKSON wsg NELLY (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)
RUSTY & LAURIE WRIGHT (Council Oak Lounge, TMP)
FRIDAY, JUL 19
FERAL SONS
(Lucky’s Sports Bar, LKD) RUSTED (Tanners Lakeside, WH) TMIKE & DUKE (Twisted Prop, WH)
LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH) BLANKETS; ERAS TRIBUTE (Union Hall, LKD)
SPANKIN’ SADIE (Apple Lounge, WH)
SCHAFF WALL TRIO (Lakeland Loft, LKD) CURT BEASLEY 1p/ DAVID BRIMER 6p (Cherry Pocket, LW)
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK wsg PAULA ABDUL & DJ JAZZY JEFF (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)
SATURDAY, JUL 20
HIGHWAY 41
(Tanners Lakeside, WH) ON THAT NOTE (Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)
RAYNE MARIE 2p/ NVR2L8 7p
(Old Man Frank’s, WH) B. HAVEN (Grove House Grill, BAB PK) ANDY SHREEVE/ BLACK SATIN (Camp Margaritaville, ADL) THE REASONS (Apple Lounge, WH) THE ZA-BOO-ZAYS wsg TRUCKSTOP FLOWERS (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
ALEX BELLIVEAU JAZZ QUARTET (Lakeland Loft, LKD) THE SOFA KINGS (Union Hall, LKD)
JANET JACKSON wsg NELLY (Kia Center, ORL)
STYX & FOREIGNER wsg JOHN WAITE (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)
SUNDAY, JUL 21
JOEY FOLEY
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
RYAN JOYCE 1p/ CONSPIRACY THEORY 6p
(Old Man Frank’s, WH)
DANIEL PEPIN
(Swan Brewing, LKD)
DAVID BRIMER 12p/ BILLY D 5p
(Cherry Pocket, LW)
ZACH BRYAN wsg THE WAR AND TREATY, LEVI TURNER (Kia Center, ORL)
MONDAY, JUL 22
RANDY SULLENS
(Cherry Pocket, LW)
ASIA (Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)
TUESDAY, JUL 23
MICKENZIE PEISHER
(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
KATIE & JOE (Cherry Pocket, LW)
WEDNESDAY, JUL 24
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME
(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
BLAKE FREE
(Cherry Pocket, LW)
MISSY ELLIOTT feat CIARA & BUSTA RHYMES wsg TIMBALAND (Amalie Arena, TMP)
THURSDAY, JUL 25
RAY NICHOLS
(Cherry Pocket, LW)
DONNY OSMOND
(Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)
ALMOST THERE (Hard Rock Cafe, TMP)
THIRD EYE BLIND wsg YELLOWCARD, ARIZONA (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)
FRIDAY, JUL 26
NVR2L8
(Lucky’s Sports Bar, LKD) PHOENIX 5 (Tanners Lakeside, WH)
LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH)
RUNNING RECKLESS (Apple Lounge, WH)
MARC URSIN DUO (Lakeland Loft, LKD)
DAVID DRIMER 1p/
GREG REDDING 6p (Cherry Pocket, LW)
SATURDAY, JUL 27
99 IN THE SHADE
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
ATOMIC CHERRY
(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)
JOEY FOLEY (Apple Lounge, WH)
FREETIME JAZZ (Lakeland Loft, LKD) FIRELIGHT (Union Hall, LKD)
JIM N JUDY DUO 2p/ BLACK SATIN (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
CURT BEASLEY 1p/
BILLY D 6p (Cherry Pocket, LW)
FUERZA REGIDA (Amalie Arena, TMP)
SUNDAY, JUL 28
CONSPIRACY THEORY (Tanners Lakeside, WH) ALMOST THERE DUO 1p/
PHOENIX 5 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) ANDY SHREEVE (Swan Brewing, LKD)
RICH MISTRETTA 12p/ MITCH STEWART 5p (Cherry Pocket, LW)
MONDAY, JUL 29
ADRIENNE RICHARDS (Cherry Pocket, LW)
TUESDAY, JUL 30
ADRIENNE RICHARDS (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
DON BURNS (Cherry Pocket, LW)
MISSY ELLIOTT feat CIARA & BUSTA RHYMES wsg TIMBALAND (Kia Center, ORL)
WEDNESDAY, JUL 31
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) GERI BLOUNT (Cherry Pocket, LW)
JONAS BROTHERS (Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)
THURSDAY, AUG 1
HALESTORM & I PREVAIL wsg HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, FIT FOR A KING (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)
FRIDAY, AUG 2
LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH) B. HAVEN (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)
SATURDAY, AUG 3
CLASSICALLY SUMMER; OPO HARP, STRING & FLUTE (Bok Tower Gardens, LW) B. HAVEN (Tanners Lakeside, WH)
PATRICK RENNEY 2p/ AGGIE ROAD 7p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) ANDY SHREEVE/ BLACK SATIN (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
SUNDAY, AUG 4
KAI7EN (Old Man Frank’s, WH)
TUESDAY, AUG 6
MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
WEDNESDAY, AUG 7
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) JADE & DUKE
(Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) LIMP BIZKIT/BONES/ N8NOFACE/ COREY FELDMAN/RIFF RAFF (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)
FRIDAY, AUG 9
TMIKE & DUKE (Twisted Prop, WH) LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH) DANIEL BURNS BAND (Front Page Brewing Co, BTW) FLAGMAN (Union Hall, LKD)
MS. LAURYN HILL & THE FUGEES wsg YG MARLEY (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)
SATURDAY, AUG 10
JIM N JUDY DUO 2p/ SOULSHINE PREACHERS 7p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) B. HAVEN (Grove House Grill, BAB PK) FRANK FOSTER (Wild Greg’s Saloon, LKD) BLACK SATIN (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
SUNDAY, AUG 11
JOEY FOLEY 1p/ CONSPIRACY THEORY 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) B. HAVEN (Twisted Prop, WH) $UICIDEBOY$ wsg POUYA/HAARPER/ SHAKEWELL/ EKKSTACY (Amalie Arena, TMP)
TUESDAY, AUG 13
ADRIENNE RICHARDS (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
WEDNESDAY, AUG 14
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
THURSDAY, AUG 15
DEEP PURPLE (Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)
FRIDAY, AUG 16
CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE; AC/DC “HIGHWAY TO HELL” (RP Funding Center, LKD) LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH) CHICAGO AND EARTH, WIND & FIRE (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)
SATURDAY, AUG 17
JOSH BLEVINS BAND 4p/ B. HAVEN 8p (Brew Hounds Sports Lounge, ADL)
RYAN JOYCE 1p/ NVR2L8 7p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) BLACK SATIN (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
SUNDAY, AUG 18
MICAH & MIKE (Old Man Frank’s, WH) 311 wsg AWOLNATION & NEON TREES (Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)
TUESDAY, AUG 20
MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) TRAIN & REO SPEEDWAGON wsg YACHT ROCK REVUE (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)
ATTENTION BANDS & VENUES
POLK COUNTY’S
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
BEEF
‘O’ BRADY’S SOUTH LAKELAND
Great Food! Great Sports! Great Family Fun! 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Game Plan Saturdays. 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday. Coldest Beer In Town.
HAINES CITY
BALMORAL BAR & GRILL
AT BALMORAL RESORT
Offering a casual dining environment complete with poolside outdoor seating, the Balmoral Bar & Grill serves up poolside lunches, afternoon drinks and evening meals. Popular among resort guests and locals alike, our poolside bar in Haines City offers a full bar with TVs and features a menu of shareable appetizers, fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, and more. Live music also offered on the patio most Saturday nights. Check our Facebook for schedule. Bar & Grill is open to the public and is located within Balmoral Resort Florida in Haines City, minutes from Winter Haven and Davenport.
Must Try: Flatbreads and Club Sandwich.
124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City (off Hwy 27) (863) 588-3097 • BalmoralBarandGrill. com
LAKELAND
BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S NORTH LAKELAND
Lakeland’s Best Family Sports Pub. 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Gameplan Saturdays. Happy Hour 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday. Bingo Mondays from 5-6 pm. Kids Eat Free Wednesday from 4-8 pm. Trivia Night on Thursdays from 8-10 pm.
Must Try: Hot & Fresh Fajitas - Everyday! Chicken wings!
1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464
www.beefobradys.com
Kids Eat Free Tuesdays & Sundays 4-8 pm. Now Featuring A Full Liquor Bar. Must Try: Our Delicious Fajitas and Awesome Burgers 4810 South Florida Ave (863) 646-7757 www.beefobradys.com
CHAMPS SPORTS BAR
Serving Polk County for over 20 years!
Cold Beer • Great Food • Family Fun
• Best Wings in Town Independently delicious! Daily specials from 2-10 pm: Monday 60¢Tacos, Tuesday $5 Buffalo
Shrimp, Wednesday 45¢ Boneless Wings, Tuesday & Thursday BOGO Bud & Bud Light Bottles, Friday, $9 Grouper Sandwich (All Day), Saturday 75¢ Wings (All Day).Hours: Mon.-Thurs, Sat. & Sun. 11 am to 10 pm. Fri. 11 am to midnight. Follow us on Facebook. FB@ChampsGrill 6645 S. Florida Ave. 863-647-5900 www.champstogo.com
MISTER FISH
Family owned and operated since 1968 offering the best fish sandwich around! Seafood, chicken and much more using only the best quality food and excellent service! Easily the best homemade food you’ll try! Hours Monday through Saturday 11am to 7pm and closed Sundays. Must Try: Famous Fish Sandwich 715 E Palmetto St, Lakeland (863) 688-4280
LAKE WALES
CRAZY FISH
Land mark eatery in Lake Wales. Fresh fish never frozen. Fun and casual atmosphere. Lunch and dinner menu with daily specials. Mon. 4pm to 9pm. Tues.Saturday 11:30am to 9pm. Closed Sun.
Must Try: Shrimp or Fresh Grouper
802 Henry St., Lake Wales (863) 6766361
JAY BEES RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
We take pride in our welcoming environment, friendly service and famous burgers. Come in and check our daily lunch and dinner specials. Weekend specials. Prime rib, frog legs, fried shrimp and catfish.
Must Try: Homemade Pies 8675 Hwy 60 East, Lake Wales 863-696-1901, Find us on Facebook
WINTER HAVEN
326 BISTRO PIZZERIA
Bistro Pizzeria shares the art of perfectly rendered simplicity. Wood burning oven, pizza by the slice, made to order specialty pizzas. Lunch & dinner menu. Warm & casual dining atmosphere.
Must Try: Classic Pizza Napoli
326 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven 863-875-4894 www.arabellas.us/bistro
APPLE LOUNGE & GRILL
#1 Happy Hour Monday-Friday 11am-7pm.
$1 Taco Tuesdays! Wings, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads, Fried Pickles, Chicken Fingers, Nachos and much more!
Open Mic Night every Tuesday. Winner of the people’s choice Wing Fling 2011 Wing Champs! Come try em’ yourself.
Must Try: Famous Wings 2803 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven 863-291-0340
ARABELLA’S
We offer the best Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, created from the freshest ingredients.
Enjoy a cocktail before or after dinner in our chic Ave Bar. At Arabellas, our dedicated service and inviting ambiance makes us the premier choice for your lunch or dinner destination.
Must Try: Bananas Foster prepared table side
346 W. Central Ave. Winter Haven 863-293-1797 • www.arabellas.us
BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S
Locally owned sports pub with 30 TVs and full bar. Lunch value combos MondaysFridays until 3pm. Award winning jumbo wings with famous sauces and dry rubs. Fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, tacos and dinner entrees available. Weekday Values: Mon. Burgers, Tues. Tacos, Wed. Wings, Thurs. Fajitas, Fri. Surf & Turf. See ya at Beefs!
Must Try: Award Winning Wings and Burgers 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 293-9464 • www.beefobradys.com
HARRY’S OLD PLACE
Serving up a large selection of fresh fish for over 27 years! Where the fish is always de-lish! Open for lunch and dinner. Great seafood menu also includes shrimp, scallops, mussels, oysters, crab legs, "fish of the day" board, steaks, chicken, pasta dishes, sandwiches, soups/chowders. Restaurant is located on the shores of Lake Ned in beautiful Winter Haven with a quaint pet friendly outdoor patio. Full bar available. Less than a mile from LEGOLAND. Kid's menu also available.
Must Try: Grouper in a Bag, the Broiled Seafood Combo and award winning Key Lime Pie!
3751 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven 863-324-0301 www.harrysoldplace.com
SOMEWHERE SPORTS BAR
Enjoy great food, great games and great times in a family-friendly atmosphere. As your sports headquarters, ESPN, NFL & MLB ticket available on 14 flat screen TV’s. Daily lunch specials Mon-Fri from 11-2 pm only $5.99. Open 7 days a week. Appetizers, Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads, Burgers, Pizza & Wings. Full liquor with Happy Hour Mon-Sat from 3-6 pm
Must Try: Jumbo Wings & Pizza
5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 324-7524
1. Who released “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher”?
2. Name the group that released “This Old Heart of Mine.”
3. Which artist released “Rock With You”?
4. Name the first No. 1 song released by Dire Straits.
5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Once I thought my innocence was gone, Now I know that happiness goes on.”
ANSWERS
1. Jackie Wilson, in 1967. The songwriter objected to how it was being sung, but Jackie Wilson stepped up and recorded the vocals in one take. It went to No. 1 on the R&B chart.
• Fireworks can be a lot of fun for the kids, especially sparklers. To keep it safe, use a water bucket for spent sparklers. Another idea is to have an adult stationed at the bucket. The children must “turn in” a used sparkler to get a new one. The kids love to hear the sizzle, their feet won’t get burned on hot sparklers underfoot, and there will be no stray sparklers in the grass hidden for later. (Thanks, J.C.!)
• Keep in your living room or family room a globe or world map and a dictionary. This way, you can look up the meaning or spelling of a word if you hear it on television, and you’ll be able to reference the map for places mentioned. I consult mine often.
• “I use the large pails of kitty
2. The Isley Brothers, in 1966. The song was used in the television show “Moonlighting” in the 1980s, starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd, and was included on the soundtrack album.
3. Michael Jackson, in 1979. The song was released on his “Off the Wall” album.
4. “Private Investigations,” in 1982, in the Netherlands. There was no No. 1 in the U.S. until 1985 with “Money for Nothing.”
5. “The Longest Time,” by Billy Joel in 1984. Originally written for a vocal group, Joel ended up doing all the parts himself. The song went to No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart but only No. 14 on the Hot 100.
litter. They have a lid that can be removed completely but also has a pour spout. I save my empties to collect rainwater. I remove the lid and set them out to catch water when it rains, then put the lid on so that the water does not attract mosquitoes. I use it to water my flowers between storms.” -- via email
• “Purchase a variety of wood frames from secondhand stores or tag sales, and paint them all one color. It makes a statement when you hang them all close together on a wall. We created a nice large display this way, and it was very inexpensive to do.”
-- E.M. in Arizona
• Create your own charging station: Find a wooden box large enough to hold a multistrip power connection and pretty enough to sit on the counter. Drill one hole in the side to fit the plug. In the top of the box, create holes through which you can fit your electronics connectors (cellphones, iPad, camera, etc.). All the cords will be stored in the box, out of sight.
GRACIE
Gracie is a grey female Domestic Shorthair mix. She is approximately 2 years old. She has been spayed. Gracie is a beautiful girl that is really laid back. Don't let her quiet time fool you, she loves playtime where she enjoys an assortment of toys to have some fun as well as perching on the cat tree or window ledge to watch everything around her. Gracie is an explorer of the home.
MADDIE
Maddie is a black and white female Domestic Shorthair mix. Maddie is up to date on all vaccines and approx 2 years old. Maddie is a super loving girl that is ready to make biscuits with her biscuit making factory. Maddie has had good experiences around men, women, as well as other cats and does well, but she doesn't like dogs.
BUZZ
Buzz is a male Hound mix. He is approximately 3 months old. Buzz is a very sweet and energetic baby. He is always ready for a new adventure and is down to explore whenever. Buzz loves people of all ages and does good with other dogs. As you can tell he is going to be a very big boy once fully grown. For this reason we require him to go to a home with a fenced in backyard.
JESSIE
Jessie is a white, brown, and black female Hound mix. She was born on Monday, February 05, 2024 and is 3 months old. Jessie is a very sweet girl who loves to run around and play. This pup is good with people and dogs of all ages. She is quite curious and will follow her nose to go on adventures and explore. She is going to be a big girl once full grown.
The Humane Society of Polk County 3195 Dundee Road • Winter Haven, FL 33884 www.PolkNoKill.org • (863) 324-5227 Tues-Sat 10:30-6pm. Closed 1-2 pm for lunch.
Veterinarian of the Month
DR. TERESA YODER
Dr. Yoder has been volunteering her services to the Humane Society of Polk County since 1989. Back in the “old days” when she did farm calls we would often have her out all over the county assisting with our animal cruelty investigations. Doc has been a vital part of our S.N.I.P. program as well, helping us get this program organized and running smoothly. Dr. Yoder and her staff continue their commitment to the Humane Society by making a difference in the lives of Polk’s pets. Dr. Yoder’s office is located at Ridge Veterinary Hospital, 23992 HWY 27, Lake Wales, FL 863-676-8240
