Startups

• Ready Chapter 1 — Aspiring authors can learn to pitch their stories and get their work recognized by publishers with help from this Lakeland-based resource created by a local published author.
• Hook Security — This cybersecurity business known for taking a psychological approach to security training recently secured $5.5 million in funding.
• NEXYAN Technologies — Systems engineering and asset management is the name of the game for this Lakeland-based startup with 30+ years of mechanical and factory floor engineering experience.
• Hem Healer — This vitamin + supplement store uses anti-inflammatory herbs to alleviate symptoms of hemorrhoids.
• Mike & Mike’s Desserts — This Lakeland baker’s allergy-free cupcakes are sold in all 1,300 Publix locations.

Small businesses

• Kitty Cat Lounge — City Editor Connor’s favorite spot has picked up new fans faster than the universal cat distribution system.
• Sow Exotic — Edible plants, medicinal herbs, and rare tropical fruit trees are even more accessible to Lakelanders thanks to this small biz — Red Trunk Popo’Ulu banana, anyone?
• Moore Juice — If you feel that getting your daily dose of fruits + veggies is a struggle, this Lakeland juice company is for you.
• Bandidas Bake Shop — It’s a good year to be Bandidas; this pop-up bakery is getting a brick-and-mortar store in early 2024 and was just awarded this year’s Catapulter of the Year award.
• Vegetation Café & Kitchen — This 100% vegan cafe makes minimally-processed food available to the community, and its collection of community awards and rave reviews speaks for itself.
• DOU Bakehouse — Check out our Q+A with pastry chef Diana Cortes Blanquicet to learn what sets this midtown-based bakery apart from the rest.

• Discovering Bok Tower Gardens Guided Tour | Friday, Jan. 26 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | $5-$27 | Take a walking tour of the gardens to learn about their history and design.
• Evening Explorers | Friday, Jan. 26 | 6-8 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Take an evening hike through the park, then stay for campfire songs + stories.

• GRiT — Girls Riding Together | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 Carter Rd., Mulberry | Free | Middle and high school students can attend this interest meeting to learn about this cross-country cycling team — bikes will be available.
• Women’s Self-Defense Classes | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | $15-$40 | Enhance personal safety, elevate confidence, and learn self-defense techniques in this class for women ages 15 and up.
• LKLD Indie Bash | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 12-11:59 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $12-$18 | Hear all of your favorite local independent musicians playing live all day long.
• 32 Trees the Band w/ Top Dog Concessions | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a bite, a beer, and a seat on the patio to unwind this weekend.

• Sunset Over Snowy Pines | Sunday, Jan. 28 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39-$59 | Paint a wintry scene with an artist’s guidance, and add a DIY candle for $20.

• Discounts: Shop food and products for up to 30% less than traditional grocers
• Perks: Snag 30% off your order when you become a member
• Gifts: Receive a complimentary gift, valued up to $60, upon joining
• Free shipping: Spend $49+ and get groceries delivered for free

• Big things are in store for Cafe Zuppina, a Lakeland staple + Mediterranean restaurant moving to 116 S. Tennessee Ave. after serving Lakeland’s south side since 2009. Owner Berna Nar plans to quadruple the eatery’s capacity, bring back table service, and introduce new menu items when it opens this spring. (LkldNow)

• 40. That’s how many original Norman Rockwell and N.C. Wyeth paintings are coming to the Polk Museum of Art tomorrow. “Icons of Americana” will also feature Rockwell’s illustrated covers of The Saturday Evening Post. Visit the museum’s largest collection ever this Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (LkldNow)

• New level unlocked. Florida Polytechnic University students nabbed the first and second-place prizes at this month’s Collegiate Game Jam, hosted by the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy. The students had to complete a playable video game with original assets + artwork in 48 hours.

• SoFresh is celebrating its third birthday on Friday, Feb. 9. Join the party when you stop by and get 50% off in-store orders all day.

• If you wanted to develop your green thumb this year, here’s an opportunity. Austin’s Backyard Garden is hosting a workshop on Saturday, Feb. 17. Attendees will learn to make a macrame plant hanger and terrarium. Sign up online — registration is $60.

• Lakelanders, you are natural photographers — we’ve chosen the finalists for our LALtoday Picture of the Year contest, and now we need you to vote for your favorite. See the finalists + help us crown a winner.

• Got an exercise goal, but not sure which gym is worth it? Get a free month of ClassPass + sample multiple gyms and studios with just one membership.*