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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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More from LALtoday
A photo of the sun setting over Lake Hollingsworth, with the sky and water glowing in shades of orange and yellow.
City
Top Clicks: Here’s what you loved in LALtoday last month
We keep an eye on your clicks to make sure LALtoday is always filled with content you love.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
A downtown Lakeland street lined with tents selling farmers market goods. Trees hang over the street.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lakeland
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Staff
A large and small dog walk around the Frances Langford Promenade on Lake Mirror in Lakeland
Real Estate
Which dog breed are you based on your Lakeland neighborhood?
Just like each dog breed has its own personality, each community in Lakeland shines with unique characteristics. Which breed sounds most like you?
August 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2019-10-03 at 3.03.27 PM
New to Lakeland
Your guide to Lakeland’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
August 22, 2025
 · 
Staff
Two baskets of tacos with green salsa and lime on the side
Experience
Where to find lunch for $12 or less around Lakeland
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 30+ lunches from hearty salads to diner-style bites.
August 22, 2025
 · 
Staff
A black-and-white photo of the Francis Beach Pavilion, a large two-story wooden building on stilts in a lake.
Culture
Look back on summer in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive the dog days of summer from years gone by.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo illustration of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, smiling in a red and blue plaid jacket, next to a photo of Taylor Swift.
Culture
Who said it: Mayor Bill Mutz or Taylor Swift?
Both are known for a good turn of phrase, but can you decipher which quotes came from Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz or Grammy winner Taylor Swift? Put your skills to the test.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Work
The who’s who and what’s what of Lakeland’s economy: Meet the top employers and industries
Explore the leading economic drivers in Lakeland — from exciting, new technology to top leaders in growing and distributing delicious eats.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Staff
A person holds up an iced coffee drink with a Dutch Bros logo, next to a blue drive-thru menu board.
Food
So close, but so far: Chains readers wish were in Lakeland
Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?
August 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Women work out in an outdoors yoga class.
New to Lakeland
Get your sweat on at these gyms around Lakeland
From lifting weights and personal training to dance fitness and spin classes — we’ve rounded up 25+ gyms and fitness offerings around Swan City.
August 19, 2025
 · 
Staff