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Finance

Lakeland entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses pitch their big ideas at Catapult's Launch Pitch Night for the chance to win up to $10,000 in funding.
Business
Meet the finalists for Launch Pitch Night at Catapult
These five entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses for the chance to secure up to $10,000 in micro-grant funding.
October 03, 2024 04:12 PM
 · 
Amelia Herring
Lakeland City Hall sign in grass and flowers in front of building
City
What’s in Lakeland’s 2025 fiscal year budget?
The City of Lakeland has finalized its budget for the upcoming fiscal year — let’s take a look at the $731.3 million bottom line.
September 20, 2024
 · 
Staff
An exterior view of the Polk County Administration Building. A sign sits outside the front walkway, along with flagpoles and small trees.
City
Lower property tax rates are on the horizon for Polk County residents
As county commissioners work toward adopting the budget for the 2025 fiscal year, one thing Polk homeowners can expect is lower millage rates for property taxes.
September 9, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A render of the new Bank of Central Florida location.
Sponsored
New location marks 6 (and counting) for Bank of Central Florida
The doors are officially open at Bank of Central Florida’s state-of-the-art South TBAY location.
Sponsored by
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City
Breaking down Lakeland’s 2024 Demographic Guide, by the numbers
Learn about the city’s demographic guide + why it’s a valuable resource for Lakelanders.
August 22, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
An exterior render of the new Bank of Central Florida TBAY location.
Sponsored
💸 Doors officially open at Bank of Central Florida’s new location
Sponsored by
Lakeland City Commissioners and city staff sit at desks arranged in a semi-circle in a budget workshop. Each has a name placard and a microphone at their seat.
City
Lakeland City Commission begins 2025 budget talks
Here’s what you need to know as the mayor, commissioners, and city staff determine the FY 2025 budget.
August 13, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three people stand in front of a boat on dry land, two are shaking hands.
Sponsored
Riding waves of growth with Bank of Central Florida
Sponsored by
A photo of downtown Lakeland overlooking Lakeland Electric and Lake Mirror.
Live
Breaking down the cost of living in Lakeland
Compare the cost of living for Lakeland, FL with national averages + understand how expenses in Lakeland stack up against other cities.
July 8, 2024
 · 
Staff
Exterior of Florida's Capitol buildings in Tallahassee, FL
City
Polk County projects funded in Florida’s $116.5 billion state budget
The budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 includes funding for projects across Polk County — see which ones made the cut.
June 12, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Trey Barnett and Dawn Ward stand side-by-side in front of a red door. The same two sit next to one another at a table in front of bookshelves.
Sponsored
🤝 A collaborative approach to business banking
Sponsored by
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An exterior view of Lakeland Regional Medical Center with a glass building, brick building, and a grassy median with a fountain.
Wellness
How germ-prone is Lakeland?
According to Soliant Health, Lakeland ranks low on its list of cities most likely to get sick, and there are precautions you can take this flu season.
November 14, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Lakeland Economic Development Council members sit and listen to a panel of members at Catapult
Business
Lakeland Economic Development Council celebrates 40 years
The LEDC has been a major driver in Lakeland’s economy since 1984 — but what is it, and how does it affect daily life?
November 13, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the historic Old Polk County Courthouse entrance with a dome and high columns.
City
What do you want Polk County to look like in 2050?
You can help direct Polk County’s future for the next 25 years by leaving your thoughts on the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2020-05-05 at 4.28.47 PM
Experience
Museums in Lakeland
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or aviation fan, these nine museums around Lakeland have it all.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Staff
Overhead shot of five pumpkin pies with whipped cream dollops
Food
Preorder your prized pies ahead of Thanksgiving
Whether you’re an annual customer or looking for the first time, check out these pies you can bring to Thanksgiving made fresh by Lakeland bakers.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
The interior of a Foxtail Coffee shop.
Food
It’s time to get hungry: Check out your new favorite Lakeland restaurants
Dining in Lakeland is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Staff
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.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Staff
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "LALtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
LALtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
Exterior shot of Crispers in downtown Lakeland
Food
Come on, dish: Which Lakeland restaurant do you miss the most?
We want to know — which Lakeland restaurant or meal sparks nostalgia in your heart and belly, and why?
November 8, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
The Wish Farms stage at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds
Culture
The stage is set: Florida Strawberry Festival’s 2025 entertainers
See who will take the stage in Plant City when the festival returns in February 2025.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson