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Business

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City
Entrepreneurial program gives middle and high students a taste of business
Sponsored by
Ducks and birds on grass in foreground with Lake Mirror and Lakeland skyline
New to Lakeland
What’s new and coming soon to Lakeland
As Lakeland continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.
May 30, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A white sign that says "Jessie's Gourmet Sandwich Cafe" and a black and white building.
Food
It’s time to get hungry: Check out these food and drink developments coming soon to Lakeland, FL
From popular chains to local businesses making moves, check out some of Swan City’s upcoming eateries.
May 28, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
News
Here’s what you can shop for during Florida’s tax holiday
From household supplies to park passes, grills, and more.
May 23, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Lakeland Storefront (1) copy
News
All Publix GreenWise Market locations to become traditional Publix Super Markets
A timeline for closing the eight Publix GreenWise Market stores — including one in Lakeland — is yet to be announced.
May 19, 2023
 · 
Connor Keith
An exterior aerial view of the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, FL
Business
What’s next for the RP Funding Center?
With news of the Lakeland Magic, Florida Tropics, and the RP Funding Center’s executive director leaving, we’re putting you in the director’s seat.
May 17, 2023
 · 
Connor Keith
Kristina + Jeremy Mockabee, LoveLakeland’s recently-named May 2023 CityMakers.
Sponsored
👋 Meet May’s LoveLakeland CityMaker
Sponsored by
Publix GreenWise Market Tap Takeover
Sponsored
Try This: Monthly Tap Takeovers at Publix GreenWise Market
Craft beer lovers can taste, shop, and chat suds at Publix GreenWise Market’s monthly Tap Takeover events.
Sponsored by
Two men standing next to each other in a warehouse.
Sponsored
How Bank of Central Florida helped this local business owner build a quality business
Sponsored by
An aerial rendering of the Applied Research Center at Florida Polytechnic University in what could be the new Central Florida Innovation District
Business
Could Lakeland get an innovation district?
With a new renewable energy field under negotiation, plans for the Central Florida Innovation District could be coming to life in Lakeland. Check out these new and proposed technology developments.
May 5, 2023
 · 
Connor Keith
Three rattan and leather bags from the small business boutique Monkee's of Lakeland
Business
Small business, big style: Boutiques and gift shops in Lakeland
Find a new outfit or the perfect gift for a friend at these locally owned small businesses.
May 3, 2023
 · 
Connor Keith
downtown-lakeland
Small Business
Shop from these Lakeland businesses during National Small Business Week
Support your neighbors by shopping at these locally-owned businesses — from retail to services, dining, and more.
April 27, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Screen Shot 2020-05-26 at 3.05.03 PM
Food
20+ great brunch restaurants to try in Lakeland
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Lakeland, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
April 18, 2023
 · 
Staff
Hands holding bowls of food in front of a line of customers and pink menu signs behind the counter.
Food
What we tried at Fresh Kitchen’s new Lakeland location
The fast casual restaurant opens Tuesday, April 18 at 4520 S. Florida Ave.
April 18, 2023
 · 
Connor Keith
Vinyl records categorized by genre at Jesse Carl Vinyl in Lakeland, FL
Business
Celebrate Record Store Day with Jesse Carl Vinyl
Owner Jessi Zilka shared how you can support this local shop during the international Record Store Day event.
April 17, 2023
 · 
Connor Keith
A woman holds a typewriter before a wall of shelved books.
Small Business
9 questions with Dr. Diana Álvarez-Hughes of Orange Blossom Poems
Keep reading for Diana’s tips for new writers, favorite poets, and more.
April 10, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A downtown Lakeland street lined with tents selling farmers market goods. Trees hang over the street.
Retail
Farmers markets around Polk County, FL
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up seven farmers markets around Lakeland, FL.
April 7, 2023
 · 
Intern
Bank of Central Florida’s Commercial Relationship Manager, James Garner, with Business Owner, Drew Barthle.
Sponsored
LAL business owners 🤝 Bank of Central Florida
Sponsored by
Lake Mirror at sunset in Lakeland, FL
Business
How to start a business in Lakeland, Florida
You have a good idea — now the fun begins.
March 29, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A person adding air to the tire of a sedan.
Finance
How to keep your car costs down in Lakeland
Average yearly car costs hit a new high in 2022 — here’s how to invest smartly.
March 27, 2023
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
Exterior view of the Polk County Government Center offices
City
Meet the Polk County Clerk of Courts
It’s more than jury duty — find out everything the Clerk’s office does to keep public records and funds safe.
March 20, 2023
 · 
Connor Keith
Hands clinking glasses over a table
Food
Everyone’s invited: Restaurants for large groups in Lakeland, FL
For those days when everyone needs to be at the table
March 15, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
BankofCentralFlorida_3.14.23_TBAY/LAL
Sponsored
What is an SBA loan?
Sponsored by
Kristina + Jeremy Mockabee, LoveLakeland’s recently-named May 2023 CityMakers.
Sponsored
Meet this month’s LoveLakeland CityMaker 👋
LoveLakeland’s CityMakers are Lakelanders who “go the extra mile for their city and their fellow person.”
Sponsored by
The Southside Cleaners sign reading "Stay Tuned"
Culture
Here’s your sign: The Southside Cleaners sign returns
Our readers share their ideas for the iconic sign’s next message.
February 28, 2023
 · 
Connor Keith
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Culture
TGIF: Spend a perfect weekend in Swan City
Night life, live performances, happy hours, and more — You can’t go wrong with a Lakeland weekend.
February 23, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
LAL-unfiltered-exterior-FEB2023.JPG
Business
No filter: See inside the new Unfiltered Lakeland
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the coffee shop and artisan marketplace before it opens.
February 22, 2023
 · 
Connor Keith
Screen Shot 2019-02-04 at 1.06.37 PM
City
Here’s how to join Lakeland boards and committees
Create the city you want to live in by applying to serve in these volunteer roles.
February 22, 2023
 · 
Kaylee Holland
LAL-lakeland-downtown-skyline
City
Answering the most common questions about Lakeland life
Learn who’s in charge of city decisions, how to grow your business, and how to get involved.
February 16, 2023
 · 
Connor Keith
A rendering of the Prospect Lake Wire mixed-use development
News
New development to break ground near Lake Wire
Atlanta-based real estate company Carter has acquired 22 acres of land on Lake Wire in West Downtown Lakeland for a new mixed-use development near the RP Funding Center.
February 9, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Catapult-3.0-Lakeland-interior-2
Development
Wait, what’s a special use permit? Understanding development terms in Lakeland, Florida
Become a development terminology expert faster than you can say “Special use permit for a mixed-use zone.”
January 30, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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