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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.
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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A screenshot of the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and North Florida Avenue.
City
Potential improvements on the way for Memorial Boulevard
From strategic economic developments to street enhancements, here’s what we could see on Memorial Boulevard in the future.
January 15, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The exterior of the AGB Museum of Art's new expansion wing, which features high glass walls and a stone facade
Business
8 additions you can’t miss at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
The AGB will reveal its new expansion to the public on Jan. 18. Here’s what Museum Director Dr. Alexander Rich says you can’t miss — plus a few editors’ picks.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A group in Star Wars costumes posing with R2-D2
Events
Get nerdy with it at Central Florida Comic Con
Prep for the convention with events, guests, and exhibitions we wouldn’t miss.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Member at Sewing Station copy
Culture
Hobby Town, USA: Where to try these 5 creative hobbies in Lakeland
Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or simply want to try something new, here’s where you can engage in creative hobbies in and around Swan City.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Cleveland Heights Boulevard
Live
Neighborhood Guide: Cleveland Heights
From a flurry of new shops to Lakeland’s public golf course, there are plenty of spots to explore in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood.
January 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
A hand holding a paper cup that reads "Ethos Roasters" on the sleeve
Food
Asked: What coffee blend would Lakeland be?
We want your caffeine concepts for a coffee blend that represents Swan City.
January 10, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A family consisting of a father, mother, and four daughters clothed in fall-themed and muted colors stands in front of a rustic backdrop.
Culture
Meet the Lakeland family featured on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
The Hutson family will be featured on the show’s Thursday, Jan. 9 episode.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Governor Farris Bryant and Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture Doyle E. Conner examine frozen bean vines.
Travel and Outdoors
Remembering Lakeland’s coldest days on record
Lakeland’s coldest day on record was on Dec. 13, 1962 when Swan City hit 20º — it would go on to reach it twice more in 1985.
January 8, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
A girl sits outside of a bookstore at a patio table while reading a book.
Culture
Best places to read a book around Lakeland
If reading is your activity of choice, try one of these Swan City spots the next time you crack open your favorite novel.
January 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms