LEDC members meet throughout the year to learn what’s new and hear from other members. | Photo by the Lakeland Economic Development Council
Today, Lakeland’s economy is bustling, ranking nationally for growth + performance. Now imagine if the city’s top industries were nearly wiped out and unemployment spiked to 16% in Polk County. That was the climate when the Lakeland Economic Development Council (LEDC) began 40 years ago after phosphate mining, citrus farming, aviation, and tourism all took major hits.
“When the leadership of private industry formed the LEDC in 1984, they knew that we needed to diversify our economy or our unemployment, already at record levels, would continue to rise,” said LEDC President Steve Scruggs, who joined the council in 1988. Since its beginning, the LEDC has worked to attract new businesses and help existing ones expand.
George Jenkins (right) was integral to the beginning of the LEDC — Publix is still a member today. | Photo via Publix
The privately funded organization bridges gaps between companies, developers, the government, and more entities. It works along with 140+ member companies, targeting industries like corporate headquarters, logistics, and aviation (think: companies such as Publix, Amazon, and Draken International). From 2020 to 2024, those members generated $783 million in capital investment.
Lakeland Food Truck Rally | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free+ | Try food from 15 different food trucks while enjoying live music from a DJ.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings | 9-10:15 p.m. | Lake Mirror Auditorium | $35+ | Candles will glow “Yellow” at this immersive string concert of Coldplay’s greatest hits.
Friday, Nov. 15
Harvest Holler Corn Maze | Friday, Nov. 15-Sunday, Nov. 17 | 4-8 p.m. | Harvest Holler Corn Maze, Polk City | $14+ | It’s the final weekend to enjoy the corn maze, pumpkin patch, and hayrides at this fall farm.
Girls’ Night Out | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | Sip, shop, and stroll through downtown with a night of music and cocktails.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Stories and Stones Historic Cemetery Tour | 9-10:15 a.m. | Tiger Flowers Cemetery | Get a guided tour to learn about Lakeland’s past through the stories of its bygone residents.
Flightoberfest | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus | $5+ | Sample craft beers + bites while browsing aircraft displays and listening to local bands.
Sunday, Nov. 17
Jingle Mingle Vendor Market | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Free+ | Babes Doing Business will bring together 80+ vendors selling holiday goodies — parking is free.
Bricks & Brews | 2-4 p.m. | Swan Brewing | $10+ | There’s some assembly required for this family-friendly brick building competition.
There’s nothing finer than a diner, and Metro Diner is opening in Lakeland on Monday, Nov. 18. Visit the restaurant in the former Sumo Sushi spot on South Florida Avenue — we hear the biscuits + gravy are not to be missed. (The Daily Ridge)
Weather
It ain’t over ‘til it’s over — hurricane season, that is.A tropical rainstorm brewing in the Caribbean could form into Tropical Storm Sara and head toward Florida in the coming days, but forecasters say it’s too early to predict its direction or strength. (The Ledger)
Trending
Lakeland Regional Health held its Annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon on Tuesday, and the special guest speaker was former “Saturday Night Live” star Molly Shannon. The actress shared some of her own story with luncheon guests, and she was even spotted at Black & Brew.
Edu
High school seniors can now apply for the 2025 Silver Garland Awards. Nominees must show examples of community service in categories like arts, citizenship, athletics, or science. Winners will be announced in the spring, with awardees taking home $1,000 scholarships.
Family
‘Twas the Flight Before Christmas, and all through the Florida Air Museum, you’ll find holiday magic. Visit this event on Saturday, Dec. 7, 4-8 p.m. and buy tickets at the door to walk among the aircraft displays and make your way through the twinkling light maze to find Santa.
Holiday
If you prefer your holiday fun a little more haunted, plan to attend “Have Yourself a Scary Little Christmas” at Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail. This seasonal event will take place on select nights in December, featuring two trails and a “slay ride.” Tickets will go on sale soon.
Travel
In case you missed it, Orlando International Airport (MCO) debuted its “Memories Created in Orlando” program, which invites travelers to capture unforgettable moments during their journey through the airport. Learn more.*
Lakeland’s dining scene is a close-knit one that supports each other when times get tough. Now, the community is banding together to help Jeannie Weaver-Lopez, owner of Revival cocktail bar + The Peach House restaurant, as she’s in critical care at Tampa General Hospital.
A GoFundMe named “The Pepper Project” was created this month to raise $80,000 for Pepper, the 2-year-old daughter of Weaver-Lopez and her husband Ryan. The campaign states, “any help you can provide will go to support Pepper as she’s cared for by the people who love Jeannie and her family.” It’s already raised over $68,000.
Looking for more ways to help? As Nineteen61’s Chef Marcos Fernandez posted on Facebook, “patronize the heck” out of Revival and The Peach House. Other local eateries are also donating proceeds from certain menu items to The Pepper Project, including Cob & Pen, Good Thyme, and Rec Room.
The Buy
The Buy
Thanksgiving Day is two weeks away. Shop essentials to liven up gatherings + make dinner a success:
When I stopped by Pressed on Tuesday for a cup of Sweater Weather tea, I found winter-themed art already on the windows of Bay Street Bistro next door. You may recognize it as the work of Italian artist Jesse Demolli, who’s been painting windows + murals around Central Florida for several years.
