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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 Grooms
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 Grooms
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
i-rMncH9K-X2
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 Grooms
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.
City
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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The downtown Lakeland viewed from across Lake Mirror. Clouds in the sky cast shadows over the lake and the mix of high and medium-rise buildings, including the Lakeland Electric building.
City
By the numbers: Lakeland’s 2026 fiscal year budget
The City of Lakeland has finalized its 2026 budget before the next fiscal year begins — let’s take a look at the $815 million bottom line.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
What we “unfortunately do love” in Lakeland
From guilty pleasures to unexpected favorites, the “unfortunately do love” social media trend is taking over the internet — and we want your input.
September 18, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
Two pumpkin spice lattes in mugs on table with a pumpkin muffin
Food
Where to find all things pumpkin spice in Lakeland
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, there’s a pumpkin spice or fall-flavored treat for everyone in Lakeland to enjoy this fall.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial satellite image above Lakeland. Green land and lakes surround the city, which is labeled with a blue arrow. There are blue lines heading in each direction — north, east, south, and west_ stretching out beyond the edges of the map.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Lakeland’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of LAL, cities across the world await.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
An aerial view of the Eaglebrooke Golf Course in Lakeland, FL. There is a green in the foreground and sand traps, water hazards, and trees in the background.
Experience
Tee it up at these Lakeland golf courses
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 13 golf courses in Lakeland are sure to make for a good round.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Cat George
Four runners sprint quickly on a track as a spectator watches from behind a fence. The runners are wearing athletic gear and competitor number bibs.
City
3 interesting facts from the Polk County Community Health Assessment
Polk Vision published the assessment in June 2025 after 18 months of data collection.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright, sunny photo of the Subs 'n Such restaurant sign, a local business with an old-fashioned feel.
Food
Dine on history at Lakeland’s oldest restaurants
Take a bite of Lakeland’s past at these restaurants that have stood the test of time.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a container of ice cream in front of a Publix Super Markets sign
Tourism and Hospitality
Celebrate your birthday with Lakeland deals and freebies
It’s your party and you’ll enjoy these deals if you want to.
September 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A green historical marker from the State of Florida detailing the history of the Acton Community on a grass lawn
City
Here’s your sign: Learn about Lakeland’s historical markers
Dive into how nearly a century and a half of history is kept alive with historical markers around town.
September 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo of an Enhydritherium terraenovae fossil on display, a tall skeleton that looks like an otter.
Travel and Outdoors
Meet 5 prehistoric creatures who once roamed Polk County
Millions of years ago, marine animals, mammals, and reptiles called Florida home. Learn about five whose fossils have been found in the Bone Valley area of Polk County.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson