Your business could be among the greats founded here in Lakeland. | Photo submitted by Reader Bob K.
Could your business be the next Publix? With the help of these local resources, your idea might just take off and become a success.
In September, the City of Lakeland opened a Business Resource Office at City Hall offering support for new + existing businesses. This office within the Community & Economic Development (CED) Department is available to help your biz with everything from finding a site to paying taxes.
Ready to begin? Follow the instructions in the city’s Business Resource Guide, and a team member from the Business Resource Office will walk you through each step of the process. The CED department also outlines seven steps to success — spoiler alert: It all starts with a strong business plan.
That’s not the only resource available to local business owners. Keep reading for local organizations to join, where to find funding, and tips from other small business owners who have been there, done that.
Gallery Perspectives | 12-1 p.m. | Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Get an inside look at Dutch Impressionism with Executive Director Dr. Alex Rich.
Wine, Chocolate, and Cheese | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | $35+ | Grab a tasting ticket to try curated sips + bites at more than 40 downtown shops.
Dixieland Night Market | Friday, Nov. 8 | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | Local makers, artists, performers, and vendors will take over this historic district.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Veterans Day Parade and Celebration | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Munn Park | Free+ | Honor our military veterans with a parade through downtown followed by a market featuring veteran-focused vendors + nonprofits.
Goat Yoga on the Farm | 10-11 a.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm | $20+ | This guided yoga practice with cuddly goats is the “Greatest of All Time.”
A Night on Broadway: Movie Night | 7-8:30 p.m. | Bush Chapel at Southeastern University | $8+ | Get a dose of Hollywood and the Great White Way in this performance by SEU School of Music students.
Sunday, Nov. 10
Lakeside Village Second Sunday Market | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free+ | Discover 100+ local vendors, games on the lawn, and delicious fall flavors at this monthly market.*
Charcuterie Workshop | 2-4 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $40 | You won’t be board when The Creative Kitchen teaches you the delicious art of charcuterie design.
Monday, Nov. 11
Veteran’s Day Camp | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | What’s Cooking Lakeland | $89 | Yes, chef — kids can hop in the kitchen with an expert to make homemade pizza + a patriotic dessert.
Spring break, here we come. Yesterday, Avelo Airlines announced it will add a new route from Lakeland International Airport to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Flights will begin on Thursday, March 6, starting at $49. Get the inside scoop on BNA from our friends at NASHtoday.
Award
Who will win PCPS’ Teacher + School-Related Employee of the Year? Find out on tonight’s livestream of the awards ceremony, starting at 6:30 p.m. Lakeland nominees include staff from Oscar J. Pope, Crystal Lake, and North Lakeland Elementary schools, plus Lake Gibson Senior High. (The Ledger)
Coming Soon
Grievous Angel, the new burger joint coming to the former Unfiltered Coffee shop, is not expected to open this year as previously planned. Owners plan to spend $400,000 renovating the site, overhauling the current outdoor space to include covered seating. (LkldNow)
Stat
76.4%. That was Polk County’s voter turnout in Tuesday’s general election, higher than the expected turnout of 72%. Get to know the candidates who won local races for supervisor of elections, sheriff, county commission, and more. (LkldNow)
Biz
Bye bye The Back Nine, hello Smith’s American Tavern. This downtown eatery will rebrand soon with new food + drink menus and a refreshed look — but the simulated sports are here to stay.
Traffic
This may come as no surprise to commuters, but Lakeland’s traffic is on the rise. Drivers’ daily mileage is up 37% from pre-pandemic levels, and city leaders are seeking ways to relieve congestion, like adding mixed-use developments + commuter rail service. (Bay News 9)
Real Estate
When it comes to hot housing markets, one ZIP code outranks the rest of Lakeland: 33813. This area, which covers part of the Lakeland Highlands + Medulla neighborhoods, is the only Swan City ZIP code ranked on Tampa Bay Business Journals’ list of local markets with the highest activity.
Number
0. That’s how many lead service lines the City of Lakeland has identified so far in its Pipe Inventory Program. The Water Department says the chance of finding any is low, and getting a letter that your pipes will be inspected does not mean they contain lead.
Open
Polk County reopened the Lake Hancock boat ramp yesterday now that water levels have subsided enough following Hurricane Milton. Several other parks + rec spots remain closed.
Edu
The first rule of Flight Club: you do talk about Flight Club. This new student group at Florida Poly has already reached 30 members interested in model + radio-controlled aircraft, and it aims to enter the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ competition next year.
Finance
How much could you borrow from your home? Get HELOC quotes now — calculate your payment.*
Drink
Stocking your holiday bar cart can add up fast. Get 18 bottles of wine for $79 plus shipping from Swirl Wine Shop, including award-winning brands.*
Category
Plan Ahead
🦃 It’s giving... thanks
It’s nearly time for turkey. | Photo by @nicolefeller_
Thanksgiving is coming up on Thursday, Nov. 28, so plan your Turkey Day itinerary around these local openings + closures (plus, find out where to pick up professional-level dishes to wow your guests).
City of Lakeland Offices, recreation centers, libraries + Lakeland Electric will be closed Thursday-Friday, but non-gated parks will remain open.
Grocery stores Publix, Walmart, and Aldi will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and reopen the following day.
Terrace Grille Reserve a spot at the Thanksgiving buffet to enjoy chef-carved turkey, a raw bar, traditional dinner sides, and pie.
Our Noire Kitchen Pre-orders are open until Monday, Nov. 18 for dishes like jerk spatchcock turkey, sweet potato souffle, and pecan pie brownies.
Nineteen61 Order an entire dinner to-go with enough fare to feed up to 10 people by Thursday, Nov. 21.
We’ll keep updating this list as more announcements are made. In the meantime, let us know if your business is open this year.
This organic plant-based protein powder. It features 18g of protein per serving as well as a functional mushroom and adaptogen blend that boosts immunity + brain balance.
This weekend is packed with events, and I’m planning on hitting as many as I can, from Bark & Brunch at Bonnet Springs Park to the Veterans Day Parade to tomorrow’s grand opening of Kichi Taiyaki — it’s even giving away free treats.
