1 cup gin 1 cup cucumber, chopped ¼ cup lime juice ½ jalapeno, sliced (or to taste) 4 tablespoons simple syrup Tonic water cucumbers & jalapeno for garnish In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucum - ber, lime juice, and jalapeno. Add gin, simple syrup, and ice. Shake. Strain into 2 glasses, top with tonic water. Garnish with cucumbers and jalape - nos. Ages 21+ only, please drink responsibly.

THE LEMON ORCHARD By: Luanne Rice The story follows the journey of Julia, a woman who is grappling with the recent loss of her daughter and the dissolution of her marriage. Seeking solace and a fresh start, Julia travels to the lemon orchard owned by Roberto, a Mexican immigrant. As Julia and Roberto form an unexpected connection, they confront their own past traumas and secrets. The novel explores themes of cultural differences, forgiveness, and the healing power of human connection. LEMON: A GLOBAL HISTORY By: Toby Sonneman A comprehensive exploration of the lemon’s cultural and historical significance around the world. Sonneman delves into the origins of the lemon in Asia and traces its journey through various civilizations, examining how it became a staple in cuisine, medicine, and folklore. The book highlights the lemon’s versatility, from its use in cooking and preservation to its role in religious rituals and traditional medicine. Through anecdotes, recipes, and historical anecdotes, Sonneman paints a vivid picture of how lemons have shaped human history and continue to be an integral part of global culture. THE NATURAL APOTHECARY: LEMONS By: Dr. Penny Stanway This books serves as a comprehensive guide to harnessing the natural properties of lemons for home remedies, health, and beauty purposes. Throughout the book, readers will find practical tips and recipes for incorporating lemons into their daily routines. This includes recipes for homemade cleaning products, skincare treatments, hair care solutions, and natural remedies for common ailments. Additionally, the book explores the nutritional benefits of lemons and how they can contribute to overall health and wellness. THE LEMON TREE By: Sandy Tolan A powerful non-fiction narrative that intertwines the lives of two individuals, Bashir Khairi, a Palestinian Arab, and Dalia Eshkenazi Landau, an Israeli Jew, through the symbol of a lemon tree. The book delves into the complex history and ongoing conflict in the Middle East, focusing on the shared history and intertwined fates of Palestinians and Israelis. It offers readers a nuanced understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, humanizing the individuals affected by it and emphasizing the shared humanity that transcends religious and national divides. THE LEMON GROVE By: Helen Walsh This is a contemporary novel that follows the vacation of Jenn and her family in Mallorca. During their annual holiday, Jenn finds herself drawn to her stepdaughter’s boyfriend, Nathan. Their attraction quickly escalates into a passionate affair, setting off a chain of events that threatens to unravel the fragile dynamics of their relationships. With evocative prose and vivid imagery, Helen Walsh captures the intensity and turmoil of forbidden desire, offering readers a compelling glimpse into the darker corners of the human heart. LEMONS By: Melissa Savage “Lemons” is a heartwarming children’s novel centered around the story of Lemonade Liberty Witt, a young girl who faces the challenges of grief and loneliness after the loss of her mother. Lemonade, as she prefers to be called, is sent to live with her grandfather in a small town in California’s Redwood Forest after her mother’s death. Filled with humor, warmth, and a touch of whimsy, “Lemons” is a tale of resilience, friendship, and the power of embracing life’s unexpected twists and turns. GENNARO’S LIMONI By: Gennaro Contaldo Authored by Gennaro Contaldo, a renowned Italian chef and restaurateur, “Gennaro’s Limoni” celebrates the versatility and vibrancy of lemons in Italian cuisine. Contaldo shares a collection of recipes that showcase the various ways lemons can be used to enhance dishes, from appetizers to desserts. Readers are introduced to traditional Italian recipes as well as innovative creations that incorporate the bright and zesty flavors of lemons. From classic dishes like lemon risotto and lemon chicken to refreshing lemon sorbet and indulgent lemon tart, the cookbook offers a diverse range of culinary delights. LEMON MERINGUE PIE MURDER By: Joanne Fluke Part of Joanne Fluke’s long-running cozy mystery series featuring the amateur sleuth and bakery owner Hannah Swensen. In “Lemon Meringue Pie Murder,” Hannah finds herself in the midst of another murder investigation when the sheriff’s wife, Delores Swensen, is found dead with Hannah’s famous lemon meringue pie nearby. As Hannah delves into the case, she uncovers secrets and motives within her small town of Lake Eden, Minnesota. Fluke combines elements of mystery, humor, and recipes, as Hannah juggles her investigative pursuits with running her bakery and navigat

WELCOME TO THE HYUNAM-DONG BOOKSHOP By Hwang Bo-reum Quitting her job and divorcing her husband, Yeong-Ju, in a leap of faith, opens the Hyunam-dong Bookshop and welcomes new friends and visitors to her circle, builds an inviting space for hurt and lost souls to rest, heal, and learn how to write their own stories. THE LITTLE WARTIME LIBRARY By Kate Thompson In 1944 London, librarian Clara Button creates an underground library and shelter, but, as the war drags on, finds her determination to remain strong in the face of adversity tested to the limit when it may come at the price of keeping those closest to her alive. THE WISHING GAME By Meg Shaffer Years ago, a reclusive megabestselling children’s author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner’s life in this absorbing and whimsical novel. THE NEIGHBOR FAVOR By Kristina Forest Enlisting the help of her new neighbor to find a date for her sister’s wedding, not realizing he is her favorite fantasy author—the very same one who ghosted her months ago—aspiring children’s book author Lily Greene finds this simple favor between them becoming anything but. WHY WE READ By Shannon Reed In this uproarious exploration of the joys of reading, a long-time teacher, lifelong reader and The New Yorker contributor shares surprising stories from her life and the poignant ways in which books have impacted her students and shows us how literature can transform us for the better. THE BOOKSHOP MICE By Robert Starling Astrid is a bookshop mouse, but when she tells her new classmates about her astromouse mom and the incredible adventures she has with her dad, they don’t believe her. Only a visit to The Book Nook will show them what they’re missing. WHERE IS OUR LIBRARY? By Josh Funk Patience and Fortitude, the illustrious lion statues that guard the New York Public Library’s Schwarzman Building, venture into the children’s room one night only to find that all the books are gone, and they proceed to search all over the city before finding their favorite books in a surprising new home. NO BUDDY LIKE A BOOK By Allan Wolf There are a billion ways a book can make a great buddy. No matter how they may be consumed, they give readers of every background an opportunity to expand their world and spark their imagination. HELP WANTED, MUST LOVE BOOKS By Janet Summer Johnson Shailey loves bedtime, especially reading with her dad. But her dad starts a new job, and it gets in the way of their bedtime routine. So Shailey takes action! She fires her dad, posts a Help Wanted sign, and starts interviews immediately. She is thrilled when her favorite characters from fairytales line up to apply, but it’s not the same. Is bedtime ruined forever? HOW THIS BOOK WAS MADE By Mac Barnett You may think you know how this book was made, but you don’t. Sure, the author wrote many drafts, and the illustrator took a long time creating the art, but then what? How’d it get into your hands? Well, open the cover and read through these pages to find out. Just beware of the pirates and angry tiger.

LAND OF MILK AND HONEY By C Pam Zhang A Chinese American chef who, lured to a decadent, enigmatic colony of the superrich in a near future in which food is disappearing, discovers the meaning of pleasure and the ethics of who gets to enjoy it, altering her life and, indirectly, the world. THE FERVOR By Alma Katsu In 1944, Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko, held in an internment camp in the Midwest, discover a mysterious disease spreading among the interned is linked to a demon from the stories of Meiko’s childhood, hellbent on infiltrating their already strange world. GREEK LESSONS By Han Kang A young Korean woman losing her ability to speak befriends a Greek language teacher who is losing his sight, and soon they discover they have even more in common, in the new novel from the International Booker Prizewinning author of “The Vegetarian.” HULA By Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes A young daughter of the legendary Hawaiian Naupaka dynasty dreams of healing the rift in her family by competing in and winning the next Miss Aloha Hula contest and proving herself worthy of carrying on her family’s name. CRYING IN H MART By Michelle Zauner The Japanese Breakfast indie pop star presents a full-length account of her viral New Yorker essay to share poignant reflections on her experiences of growing up Korean-American, becoming a professional musician and caring for her terminally ill mother. THE TRYOUT By Christina Soontornvat When cheerleading tryouts are announced, Christina and her best friend, jump at the chance to join the squad. As two of the only kids of color in school, they have always yearned to fit in. But will the girls survive the terrifying tryouts with their whole grade watching? PUNKY ALOHA By Shar Tuiasoa Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. When her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother’s magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time. MY BINDI By Gita Varadarajan Divya is scared to put on the bindi for the first time. What if she gets made fun of? What will it feel like? But Amma assures her that her bindi will bring protection. After Divya looks inside Amma’s special box to find the perfect bindi to put on, she gazes in the mirror and discovers a new side of herself, and it gives her strength. WHEN YOU TRAP A TIGER By Tae Keller When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni’s Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, her grandmother stole something from the tigers and now the tigers want it back. ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME By Roshani Chokshi Aru Shah lives in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture and has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. When three schoolmates show up at Aru’s doorstep to catch her in a lie, she panics and shows them the cursed Lamp of Bharata. On their urging, she lights the lamp and unwittingly frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon whose duty it is to awaken the God of Destruction.

ANITA DE MONTE LAUGHS LAST By Xochitl Gonzalez New York Times bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez delivers a mesmerizing novel about a firstgeneration Ivy League student who uncovers the genius work of a female artist decades after her suspicious death. DIVA By Daisy Goodwin Describes the scandalous love affair between the legendary opera singer, Maria Callas, and the fabulously rich Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, whose relationship ended suddenly with the shocking news that he was to marry Jacqueline Kennedy. SOMEONE ALWAYS NEARBY By Susan Wittig Albert Based on research into a massive collection of over 700 letters, documents, media reports and historical accounts, this novel, set in 1940, centers around Georgia O’Keeffe and Maria Chabot—a young and naïve would-be writer, exploring the dimensions of friendship and the debts we incur to those who make our lives easier. THE FLAMETHROWERS By Rachel Kushner Arriving in New York to pursue a creative career in the raucous 1970s art scene, Reno joins a group of dreamers and raconteurs before falling in love with the estranged son of an Italian motorcycle scion and succumbing to a radical social movement in 1977 Italy. THE AGE OF LIGHT By Whitney Scharer A novel inspired by the life of the Vogue model-turned-renowned photographer finds Lee Miller relocating to 1929 Paris, where she becomes the muse, then colleague of the mercurial surrealist, Man Ray before transforming into an artist in her own right. WOMEN IN ART By Rachel Ignotofsky Covering a wide array of artistic mediums, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about artistic movements throughout history, statistics about women’s representation in museums, and notable works by women. FRIDA KAHLO AND HER ANIMALITOS By Monica Brown Journey through Frida Kahlo’s life, from her childhood to her rise as one of the world’s most influential painters. Brown’s story recounts Frida’s beloved pets-- two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn--and playfully considers how Frida embodied many characteristics of each animal. MARY BLAIR’S UNIQUE FLAIR By Amy Novesky Even as a child, Mary Blair loved color, and all she wanted to do was to make art. But becoming an artist wasn’t easy. Her parents worked hard to provide her paper and paints, and Mary worked hard to enter contests and earn a spot at a school for the arts. She even had to work hard to find her place at the Walt Disney Studios. TRAILBLAZER: THE STORY OF BALLERINA RAVEN WILKINSON By Leda Schubert When she was five years old, her parents took her to see the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and her passion for dance only grew stronger. No Black ballerina had ever danced with a major touring troupe before. Raven would be the first. Learn the little-known story of Raven Wilkinson, the first African American woman to dance for a major classical ballet company and an inspiration to Misty Copeland. DOLLY! THE STORY OF DOLLY PARTON AND HER BIG DREAM By Robyn McGrath You’ve likely heard of the performer Dolly Parton. But do you know where this dazzling songwriter and musician draws her roots? While balancing farm chores with schoolwork, Dolly never lost sight of her dreams, composing her first song at age five and performing at the Grand Ole Opry at age thirteen.

THE STORM WE MADE By Vanessa Chan “The Storm We Made” immerses readers in the harrowing landscape of World War II-era Malaya (now Malaysia). Against a backdrop of betrayal and courage, the novel resonates with the enduring power of familial bonds. Prepare to be swept away by a tale that echoes with history, both on a grand and personal scale, prompting reflection on the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity. This book addresses all of the complexities of war - nothing is easy or neat. Such a powerful debut novel. THE TURTLE HOUSE By Amanda Churchill “The Turtle House” unfolds as a poignant tapestry of interconnected lives woven across generations and continents. Lia’s journey in 1990’s Texas intertwines with her grand- mother Mineko’s in pre-war Japan. The rich narrative explores themes of hidden histories and the enduring legacy of trauma. This debut novel is perfect for fans of historical fiction and dual timelines. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID By K.T. Nguyen “You Know What You Did” intricately weaves a tale of suspense, ensnaring readers in its enigmatic web until the very last page. This debut thriller follows the journey of a first-generation Vietnamese American artist as she confronts the shadows of her past. By delving into the intricate layers of the refugee experience, the narrative unfolds with a nuanced exploration of legacy and the complicated tapestry of family ties. It is a rollercoaster ride of dizzying twists that chal- lenge perceptions of loyalty and love, leaving you to weigh the depths of human secrets. VICTIM By Andrew Boryga “Victim” is a thought-provoking and fiercely intelligent debut novel. This blistering satire follows Javi, a cunning hustler who sees through the superficial diversity initiatives of the modern world and exploits them for his own gain. With its sharp critique of per- formative allyship and its exploration of the complexities of identity and victimhood, this novel will leave you reevaluating your own attitudes toward identity, privilege, and the meaning of social justice. This book is rare because it is both fun to read and will spark more profound conversations. WELCOME TO THE HYUNAM-DONG BOOKSHOP By Hwang Bo-reum May is the perfect time to try out new things - and debut novels offer new voices to experience. And what a debut it is! Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop! This novel is a tender ode to the transformative magic of literature and community. The story follows Yeongju’s journey from corporate confines to the sanctuary of a bookshop. It resonates with themes of self-discovery and belonging. Amidst the shelves of stories, friendships blossom, and she finds solace in the embrace of kindred spirits. With its focus on finding acceptance and the simple pleasures in life, it felt like the perfect read to jumpstart the summer months. THE OTHER VALLEY By Scott Alexander Howard “The Other Valley” is a debut novel that beckons you into a realm where time bends and boundaries blur. The book invites you to ponder the connections that shape our lives. The story follows the story of Ollie, a shy and intelligent sixteen-year-old who aspires to join the Conseil, the governing body of her isolated town. This surreal place borders its own past and future. This book is like nothing I have read before. Using the lens of speculative fiction, it explores themes of power and destiny and how our choices turn into consequences.

YOU ONLY CALL WHEN YOU’RE IN TROUBLE By: Stephen McCauley An architect Tom, trying to keep his needy family at bay, finds himself answering their demands when his sister and niece need his help, setting him on a journey that changes everyone’s life and shows the beauty or dysfunction of family ties. OUR WIVES UNDER THE SEA By: Julia Armfield When her wife, a marine biologist, returns home after a disastrous deep-sea mission, Miri, knowing that something is wrong, searches for answers, desperate to understand what happened below water and why the woman she loves is drifting away. THE MARS HOUSE By: Natasha Pulley A compulsively readable sci-fi novel about a marriage of convenience between a Mars politician and an Earth refugee. Un-put-downably immersive and utterly timely, Pulley’s new novel is a gripping story about privilege, strength, and life across class divisions. LAVASH AT FIRST SIGHT By: Taleen Voskuni While at PakCon to promote her parents’ food-packaging business and win an ad slot in the Superbowl, 27-year-old Nazeli meets Vanya, with whom she forms an instant connection, but when her parents recognize Vanya as the daughter of their greatest rival, the heat is on. THE GREAT BELIEVERS By: Rebecca Makkai In 1985, Yale Tishman, the development director for an art gallery in Chicago, is about to pull off an amazing coup, bringing in an extraordinary collection of 1920s paintings as a gift to the gallery. Yet as his career begins to flourish, the carnage of the AIDS epidemic grows around him. MRS. EVERYTHING By: Jennifer Weiner Jo and Bethie Kaufman were born into a world full of promise. Growing up in 1950s Detroit, they live in a perfect “Dick and Jane” house, where their roles in the family are clearly defined. But the truth ends up looking different from what the girls imagined. THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA By: TJ Klune Given a curious classified assignment to evaluate the potential risks posed by six supernatural orphans, a caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth bonds with an enigmatic caregiver who hides dangerous secrets. RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE By: Rita Mae Brown Molly Bolt is poor, from the South and she’s adopted, but Molly’s proud of who she is. From a young age, she knew she was smart, didn’t want to get married, and liked girls. She escapes her meager life in Florida with her adoptive parents and heads to New York to find a community that will accept her. THE GUNCLE By: Steven Rowley When tragedy strikes, Patrick takes on the role of primary guardian for his niece and nephew. Despite having a set of “Guncle Rules” ready to go, he has no idea what to expect especially after the loss of his great love, a somewhatstalled career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to a six- and a nine-year-old. THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO By: Taylor Jenkins Reid Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo requests an unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to conduct her first interview in decades. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the star, but as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it’s clear that their lives intersect in tragic and irreversible ways.

THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE By: Amy E. Reichert You’ve Got Mail meets How to Eat a Cupcake in this delightful novel about a talented chef and the food critic who brings down her restaurant—whose chance meeting turns into a delectable romance of mistaken identities. SWEETBITTER By: Stephanie Danler A year in the life of a beguiling young woman in the wild world of a famous downtown New York restaurant follows her burning effort to become someone of importance through a backwaiter job that enables her indulgences in culinary and intellectual interests. SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LAKESIDE SUPPER CLUB By: J. Ryan Stradal In the aftermath of a devastating tragedy, a couple from two very different restaurant families in rustic Minnesota, Mariel Prager and her husband Ned, who’s having an identity crisis, lose almost everything they hold dear and unexpectedly find salvation in their failing business—the Lakeside Supper Club. ARSENIC AND ADOBO By: Mia P. Manansala Returning home to help save her Tita Rosie’s failing restaurant, Lila Macapagal is shocked when her exboyfriend, a notoriously nasty food critic, dies suddenly, moments after they had a confrontation, leaving her the only suspect. THE KITCHEN FRONT By: Jennifer Ryan An indebted young widow, a freedom-seeking kitchen maid, the wife of a wealthy but unkind man and a trained chef navigating sexism compete for a once-in-alifetime spot hosting a BBC cooking program during World War II. THE NASTY BITS By: Anthony Bourdain The best-selling chef and author shares a candid and outrageous collection of his worldwide culinary misadventures, from scrounging for eel in backstreet Hanoi, to quarreling with raw-food activist Woody Harrelson, to revealing the less than glamorous aspects of making television. YOUR TABLE IS READY By: Michael Cecchi-Azzolina In this entertaining, enlightening and edgy memoir, a career maître d’hotel, who has manned the front room at the hottest restaurants in NYC from the 1970s to 2020, breaks down how restaurants really run (and don’t) and how the economics work for owners and staff alike. RADHA & JAI’S RECIPE FOR ROMANCE By: Nisha Sharma To All the Boys I Loved Before meets World of Dance in this delectable love story that combines food, dance, and a hint of drama to cook up the perfect romance. LIGHTS, CAMERA, COOK! By: Charise Mericle Harper It’s “lights, camera, cook!” for four tween contestants who are all about to enter a televised cooking competition. What will the kids cook up? How will they all get along on- and offcamera? Which junior chef will have the grit—and maybe the grits—to make it through each challenge? FOOD TRUCK FEST! By: Alexandra Penfold Join the members of one family as they head to the Food Truck Fest! They gather their things, cross the bridge, and prepare for a fun-filled day. And as they get ready, the workers on the food trucks get ready, too--preparing, tasting, and traveling across the bridge to join all the other kitchens-on-wheels.

BOOM BY THE BAY July 4, 4 – 10 pm at the Julian B Lane Riverfront Park. This free, family-friendly event will have live entertainment, an Apple Pie Throwdown, a fireworks display, and more. Festivities will begin at 4 pm, and end after the fireworks show (at dusk). Pickleball tournament will begin at 2 pm. tampa.gov/BOOM EVENING OF FRUITS & FLORALS MIXOLOGY July 15, 6 – 8 pm at The Dali Museum. You’ll learn about infusing liquors with the flavors and notes of fruits and flowers before creating your own infusion to take home. Plus, enjoy some amazing craft cocktails while you enjoy a grazing board. thedali.org STAR SPANGLED SPARKMAN July 4, 4 – 9 pm at Sparkman Wharf. This free, family-friendly event features live entertainment, game zones, face painting, roaming performers, and prime waterfront views of the fireworks. Guests can enjoy the Blessing of the Fleet, a boat parade, a water ski show, and fireworks at 9 pm. sparkmanwharf.com FLOWER POWER GARDEN FEST July 13, 9 am – 2 pm at Parkesdale Farms Market in Plant City. Families are encouraged to dress up in their best 70s or hippie attire. Shop a curated selection of vendors offering an array of plants, and gardenrelated items, admission is free. More info on FB @Parkesdale. CAPYBARA MEET & GREET July 1 – 7 at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Includes insights into capybaras’ natural history, a chance to feed and interact with them, and a close-up experience where guests may fully appreciate the family of capybaras. This is a separate ticketed event. cmaquarium.org SCIENCE AFTER DARK July 12, 6 – 9 pm at MOSI. Enjoy science with included beer and wine selections, appetizers, and liquid nitrogen ice cream. Each event centers around hands-on science activities, planetarium shows, and demos specific to the theme of “Diggin’ Dinos.” Purchase tickets online. 18+. mosi.org SUMMER CLASSICS Every Sunday at the Tampa Theatre. Watch Apollo 13 on July 7; Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid on July 14; The Wizard of Oz on July 21; Do The Right Thing on July 28. Movies begin at 3 pm, purchase tickets online. tampatheatre.org SHREK THE MUSICAL, JR. July 18 – 21 at the Straz Center. This funny story of love and acceptance will lead you to a big, bright, beautiful world! The Patel Conservatory Theater’s middle school-aged actors in this professionally produced student production will bring Shrek to life. strazcenter.org ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW July 10 – Aug. 4 at the Straz Center. Watch Jobsite’s spin on the kitschy rock ‘n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical. Fans are encouraged to dress up. A kit with approved props for audience participation will be sold in the lobby, so please leave your newspapers, rice, and hot dogs at home. strazcenter.org TAYLOR SHINES: THE LASER SPECTACULAR July 20, 7:30 pm at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete. It’s two hours of non-stop Taylor Swift hits seamlessly blended with the world-famous touring Laser Spectacular & Light Show. The show also features large-screen video projection and 3-D glasses. The Swifties will love it! themahaffey.com

RED, WHITE & BLUES ON THE PLAZA July 5, 7 – 9 pm in Centennial Plaza in downtown Winter Garden. Extend your holiday celebration with the Grimes Alley Blues Band. Grab a nearby swing, dine at a nearby patio, or bring a chair for a front-row seat. Presented by the City of Winter Garden, this is a free community event. cwgdn.com FAIRY NIGHTS July 19, 6:30 – 9:30 pm at Leu Gardens. Explore and find all the Fairy Doors, meet real fairies, make your own creations at the fairy landings, and dress up in your best fairy-inspired attire. Foxtail Coffee with Cholo Dogs and Peak Season Pops will have food and treats available to purchase. Purchase tickets online. leugardens.org JAWS (1975) July 4, 7:30 pm at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. When a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape Cod, it’s up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down. Purchase tickets in advance. gardentheatre.org LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS July 12 – 28 at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. A meek and downon-his-luck floral assistant, Seymour Krelborn, stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” after his co-worker crush. Seymour discovers Audrey II’s extraterrestrial origins and the true drive for world domination. gardentheatre.org FIREWORKS AT THE FOUNTAIN July 4, 4 – 10 pm at Lake Eola Park. Enjoy live entertainment, familyfriendly fun, plus food and beverages available for purchase from a variety of vendors. At 9:10 pm, the sky will light up with a fireworks finale, set to a live patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band. orlando.gov TASTING WITH MASTER SOMMELIER July 7, 1:30 pm with George Miliotes at Judson’s Live. This is an intimate wine-tasting workshop with access to diverse and coveted varietals while learning the art of blind tasting. Guests will get six, 3oz. glasses of wine and a shareable charcuterie board. drphillipscenter.org RED, WHITE & BLUE 5K July 6, 7:30 am at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando. This is a walk or fun run family event you can enjoy while taking in the amazing landscape of the beautiful Grande Lakes Resort. The race takes place on the back 9 of the 18-hole championship course. All ages are welcome. Register online. runsignup.com TACOS & TEQUILA July 27, Sample & vote on your favorite among competing food trucks, taco shops & restaurants. Tacos, 30+ tequilas, beer, live entertainment + more are included in your ticket price. VIP is available for additional purchase. tacosandtequilaorlando.com CREATIVE CONNECTIONS July 7, at the Orlando Museum of Art. This program connects visitors of all ages with developmental and learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum to art. Free, pre-registration is required. Please call 407-896-4231 ext. 262 or email education@omart.org to register. This program is sensory-friendly. BARCELONA VS MANCHESTER CITY July 30 at Camping World Stadium. Three-time reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will face Spanish powerhouse Barcelona. This FC Series friendly match will be one of four Manchester City exhibitions in the United States. campingworldstadium.com

RED, WHITE & BOOM! July 4, 10 am – 9 pm at LEGOLAND. Get in the patriotic spirit with special activities, a DJ Dance Party, and an unforgettable firework display with LEGO® bricks illuminating the sky through special 3D viewing glasses. legoland.com/florida POLK COUNTY BURGER WEEK A burger lover’s dream from July 19 - 28! Enjoy unique and high-value burger experiences at dozens of restaurants throughout Polk County July 19th through the 28th. More info and list of participating restaurants at polkcountyburgerweek.com . RED, WHITE & BREW 5K July 4, 7 am beginning at Swan Brewing in Downtown Lakeland. They will be serving up pancakes, brew specials, and age group awards after the race! This is the ninth year of the race. Register in advance. More info on FB @RedWhiteandBrew5k. SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K July 13, 7 am at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. A race during the hot summer months when it’s hard to stay motivated. It’s popular with both experienced and casual runners alike. Register in advance. runsignup.com/SSWS RED, WHITE & KABOOM July 3, 6 – 9 pm at the Frances Langford Promenade. Watch live entertainment before the fireworks display at 9 pm. All proceeds go to fight hunger in the greater Lakeland area. VISTE (Volunteers in Service of the Elderly) is once again the sole recipient. Please bring a canned good. redwhiteandkaboom.com STEVE HYTNER July 12 – 13 at Laugh Out Lounge in Winter Haven. Hytner received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Kenny Bania on the hit show, Seinfeld. He’s been in 25 films, and more than 50 TV shows. More info on FB @LaughOutLoungeWH. FLYING TIGERS FIREWORKS The Flying Tigers play eight times at home in Lakeland in July. On July 4, they will play the Tampa Tarpons at 5 pm. Stay after the game for a fireworks celebration you can watch from your seat. Popcorn, hot dogs, baseball, & fireworks for a perfect Fourth. milb.com/lakeland DISNEY’S NEWSIES July 19 – 28 at the Gem Theatre in Mulberry. Presented by The Missing Piece Theatre Co. Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story. Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies is the tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy, and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” centralfloridatix.com THE SCHOOL OF ROCK July 12 – 28 at the Lakeland Community Theatre. A wannabe rock star decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bassslapping, mind-blowing rock band. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com BREAKING IN! July 26, 6 – 10 pm at ART/ifact Studios. This is the return of last summer’s infamous emerging artists showcase, featuring over 40 visual artists, food, refreshments, and live performances from TV EXTRA, Movie Props, and Spirit And The Cosmic Heart! Purchase tickets at centralfloridatix.com .

ON OUR STREET By: Dr. Jillian Roberts and Jaime Casap If you have curious kiddos who ask questions about hard topics, this book series is for you. This first book explores topics surrounding poverty, but focuses on the unhoused population, explaining “who,” “why,” and “how” in a person-first, age-appropriate way. Great for kids aged 6 and up. I SEE YOU By: Michael Genhart Told through illustrations, this story follows a year in the life of a young boy who seems to be the only one who notices the older, unhoused woman living by the bus stop. Reading this story with children opens up the floor to ask what they notice about the woman and the child, and how other people are reacting to her. This book is great for ages 4 and up. SOMETHING LIKE HOME By: Andrea Beatriz Arango A Pura Belpré Honor Book from 2023, this middle grade novel explores the foster care system, and how a family can come with two legs or four paws. “Laura Rodríguez Colón has a plan: no matter what the grown-ups say, she will live with her parents again. And while staying at her aunt’s house is okay, it just isn’t the same as being in her own space.” SHELTER By: Christie Matheson A heart-wrenching middle grade debut that considers homelessness from one girl’s perspective and explores deep truths about the resounding impact of empathy. Perfect for fans of “One for the Murphys” and “Paper Things.” A Junior Library Guild selection from 2021. ON THE COME UP By: Angie Thomas Sixteen-year-old Bri begins to go viral after releasing her first song online but for all the wrong reasons. With her family facing homelessness, how far will one teen go to make it to the top of the charts? Bri’s story will make you want to fight for your dreams, even as the odds are stacked against you. GATHER By: Kenneth M. Cadow Ian Gray isn’t supposed to have a dog, but a lot of things that shouldn’t happen end up happening anyway. And Gather, Ian’s adopted pup, is good company now that Ian has to quit the basketball team, find a job, and take care of his mom as she tries to overcome her opioid addiction. EVICTED By: Matthew Desmond “Evicted” transforms our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving one of twentyfirst-century America’s most devastating problems. Its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible. IF YOU SEE THEM By: Vicki Sokolik When Vicki Sokolik’s son brought home a classmate who was living on her own and was dropping out of school to support herself, Vicki stepped in to help. As she learned more about the invisible population of young people navigating life alone, she discovered the ways they are overlooked and impeded by the system. She founded a nonprofit and worked to change legislation in her home state of Florida to give these kids agency over their lives. LITTLE FAMILY By: Ishmael Beah We meet Beah’s protagonists as an unnamed narrator glimpses a boy in a Zimbabwean forest before the boy slips away. The child has heard an elaborate whistle and answered it, the all-clear of four adolescents and one small girl surviving by their wits. The four have come together to shelter in the remains of a crashed airplane covered with foliage. PARABLE OF THE SOWER By: Octavia E. Butler This graphic novel adaptation of the 1993 dystopian science fiction saga brings the story of Olamina to life like never before. Winner of the 2021 Hugo award and 2021 Ignyte award, this novel follows the life of Olamina, a young woman ousted from her home, but convinced of bringing radical empathy to her deteriorating society as a means for deliverance.