🏆 Entrepreneur Champion — Mayor Bill Mutz, City of Lakeland

Photo by LALtoday

🏆 People’s Choice — Jeremy Brumley, LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken

🏆 Catapulter of the Year — Nate Kendrick and Mike Mitchell, Mike & Mike’s Desserts

Photo by LALtoday

🏆 David Lyons’ Entrepreneur of the Year — Hunter Abramson, Relic Tickets

• Lecture Series: Communities of the Kathleen Area | Wednesday, Jan. 25 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library History Room, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Learn about local history from Lois Sherrouse-Murphy, author, historian, and past president of the Kathleen Area Historical Association.
• Alzheimer Association’s In-Person Caregiver Support Group | Wednesday, Jan. 25 | 10-11 a.m. | Florida Presbyterian Homes — McArthur Building, 810 Lakeside Ave., Lakeland | Free | Meet other caregivers and learn more about caring for loved ones at this monthly meeting.

• Chris D’Elia LIVE! | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 7-10 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $49-$175 | Laugh it up with comedian and podcaster Chris D’Elia, known for Netflix specials like “No Pain” (2020), “Man on Fire” (2017), and “Incorrigible” (2015).
• Free Yoga for Wellness - Weekly Classes | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, North Lakeland | Free | This donation-based yoga class focuses on the holistic well-being of the mind, body, and spirit.

• Lakeland Magic vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants | Friday, Jan. 27 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $12-$177 | The Magic go head-to-head against the Mad Ants at this Faith and Family Night game.
• “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” | Friday, Jan. 27 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | Laugh along at this comedic play featuring five bridesmaids hiding out from a wedding reception.

• Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Jan. 28 | Downtown Lakeland | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.

• 84º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

• In March, the Planning and Zoning Board will review plans for a potential 88-unit apartment complex and improvements to 7th Street Park that were proposed by Jewel Avenue neighborhood resident Orial Clarke. The workforce housing complex would accept residents earning 60-140% of the median income. 🏗 (The Ledger)
• Hungry for BBQ? The new 4 Rivers Smokehouse going up on South Florida Avenue is coming along. We can already smell the brisket.
• My, how you’ve grown — yes, we’re talking to you, Lakeland. With a projected population growth of 55.5% by 2060, it’s important for the healthcare industry to grow right alongside you. How is Lakeland Regional Health growing with our community? Get the deets on their six recently-opened or coming-soon locations. 🏥 *

• Polk County Public Schools is partnering with Varsity Tutors to bring on-demand support in homework, study skills, and writing feedback to students at 43 Polk schools. The program is launching in February — learn more online. 🍎 (WFTS)

• Head to Polk State College on Thursday, Feb. 2 for the first event of the school’s month-long Black History Month celebration: Promoting Unity in our Community. The free luncheon will feature a keynote address from Anthony Gordon — co-owner of Jarrett Gordon Ford — plus performances and a scholarship presentation.

• $1.45 million. That’s how much Polk State College received for its nursing program via PIPELINE, a nursing education incentive program. In 2021, Polk State’s nursing graduates scored above the state and national averages on the NCLEX-RN, with a 91% pass rate compared to 64% and 82%, respectively. 🩺
• 583,200. That’s how many new Florida residents made the Sunshine State their home in 2022, according to the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Check out our article to learn more about your new neighbors — including where they’re migrating from. (The Ledger)

• Fall in love with locally-made goods at the Dixieland Date Night Market on Saturday, Feb. 11. Hosted by The Emporium, Union Hall, and Pink Piano, this night market will feature everything from baked goods to local art from 6-11 p.m. at 1023 S. Florida Ave. 🛍

• Lakeside Village is looking for vendors to participate in its February Second Sunday Artisan Market on Sunday, Feb. 12 from 12-5 p.m. For more information on becoming a vendor, email the team.
• Whether you’ve always wanted to try your hand at clay creations, making mosaics, or a wine and paint night, head to Picassoz in February. Pro tip: Stop by Tea Largo after your class and reward your hard work with a much-deserved acai bowl, smoothie, or tea. 🎨

• Did you know your payment history typically has the most significant impact on your credit score? PEFCU offers an easy solution to avoiding missed (or forgotten) payments: Bill Pay. Set up the dollar amount + the date, and your payment will be automatically sent each month to the biller. Done and done.*

• Don’t just eat better — eat the best. Sunbasket’s meal kit service delivers delicious, healthy meals created by award-winning chefs straight to your front door. Bonus: LALtoday readers can get $100 off their first four deliveries and more when they sign up. 🍽️ *

• If one of your 2023 goals is to create more time for self care and relaxation, an acupressure mat is a must. The mats are designed to stimulate pressure points to relieve tension, decrease stress levels, and increase circulation. This ProsourceFit full body mat includes neck support.*