Get to know more about the business magic that happens behind the doors of this building on Lake Mirror. | Screenshot via Google Maps
You’ve likely seen its building as you take a walk (or drive) around Lake Mirror — but how much do you really know about Catapult?
The incubator recently celebrated 10 years of growing Lakeland’s entrepreneurs + their businesses. To celebrate the occasion, we’re taking a stroll down memory lane to share 10 things Lakelanders ought to know about this local gem. Spoiler alert: It’s a lot more than a pretty building overlooking a lake.
After seeing how the downtown area of the city had been revitalized through opportunities for entrepreneurs + small businesses, the LEDC began thinking of ways it could do something similar for Lakeland.
One year later, the LEDC opened Catapult in an unlikely location: the basement of the Bank of America building.
The Wonderland of Lights | Monday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 29 | Times vary | International Market World, Auburndale | $25+ | Pack up to eight people in your car to drive through hundreds of holiday light displays.
Swing Workshop with LKLD Lindy Hop | 6:15 p.m. | Union Hall | $15 | Boogie-woogie on over to this workshop to learn the basics or improve on your swing dancing skills — no partner required.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Books Sandwiched In | 12:15-1:30 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Squeeze in a discussion of “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” during your lunch break.
Santa’s Calling | 5:30-8 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Sign up to receive a call from Santa to your kids — time slots are limited.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Santa Claus Is Coming | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Join the Brew crew for holiday trivia, seasonal sips, bites from Smokin’ Chanchos, and a visit from Santa.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Music of the Season Concerts | Thursday, Dec. 12-Friday, Dec. 13 | 7-9 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts | $16+ | Choral and orchestra students will perform a program of holiday classics.
Friday, Dec. 13
Swiftie Dance Party | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Celebrate all things Taylor Swift with live music, dancing, drink flights, and a friendship bracelet bar.
Get treatments with us at My Doctors Live MediSpa ✨
Presented by My Doctors Live MediSpa
This is a sign to treat yourself. | Photos by Danielle Nicole Photography and LALtoday
Looking for an excuse to take a personal day? Consider this your sign.
We recently visited My Doctors Live MediSpa for some much-needed services + recharging before the busy holiday season ahead:
MDL Glow Facial: Esthetician Pauline Simmonds decongested + revitalized our skin with a deep cleanse, steam, exfoliation, extractions, facial massage, hot towels, and a hydrating masque.
Immunity IV therapy: APRN Mara Gomez administered this drip packed with antioxidants like glutathione and vitamins B-12, C, and B-Complex to supercharge our immune system before the hectic holidays.
Want to try it out first? Attend the Holiday Glow event on Thursday, Dec. 12, 5-7 p.m. (4 p.m. early access for members), featuring product demos, limited-time pricing, and giveaways.
Kris Hallstrand of Lakeland International Airport has been recognized as one of “25 People to Watch in Business in 2025” by Tampa Bay Business Journal. Since becoming Airport Director in 2022, Hallstrand has flown LAL to new heights — most notably by restoring passenger airline service this year.
Coming Soon
Mega Mercado is making mega moves. Co-owner Deivy Peralta shared that the restaurant + market will incorporate a paleteria offering Mexican-inspired popsicles and ice cream into its recently opened south Lakeland location, aiming to open by the end of the year. (LkldNow)
Community
And with that, the 43rd Lakeland Christmas Parade has come to an end. Winners have been announced for the parade’s best floats, as well as the Most Outstanding Band and Judge’s Choice Awards. Watch our recap + see who took home the top honors. (LkldNow)
Try This
Looking for a way to live out your holiday movie dreams? These guided tours of holiday light displays around Bartow could make that happen. Tractor + horse-drawn carriage tours begin this Thursday, Dec. 12 through Dec. 24, then pick up again Dec. 26-30. Tickets start at $12 for adults.
Award
We’re just a bunch of tree huggers here in Polk County. Lake Wales has earned the Tree City USA designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation, joining Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, and Dundee. City officials credited its new tree management program as a key factor in receiving the award. (The Ledger)
Imagine scheduling your next doctor’s appointment, requesting prescription refills, viewing test results, and more right from your device. With a free Watson Clinic MyChart Patient Portal account, all of this is possible. Learn more and sign up in minutes.*
Home
Did you know new windows could lead to lower energy bills? Read: Modern windows have better insulation. Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 per door, so you can start the new year by saving on style upgrades for your home. Get your free quote.*
If you’re anything like us, then no holiday season is complete until you watch a deliciously cheesy seasonal film à la The Hallmark Channel (or Netflix... or Great American Family... or Lifetime... you get the idea).
While it’s unlikely one of these holiday films will ever get filmed here in Lakeland, we can still dream. With a little help from ChatGPT, we’ve created a fill-in-the-blank, “Mad Libs"-style activity for our readers + followers to write up their own Lakeland-inspired holiday films.
Tap the button below to fill in the blanks, then send your completed story to us by Dec. 16 — we’ll select our favorite story to share in a future newsletter.
Slippers that are warm, cozy, and able to be worn indoors and outdoors (so you can run errands in your slippers — score). Try these faux fur-lined houseshoes on Amazon or go for the UGG Tasman slipper that started the trend.
Last week, I received this photo from my mom up in New Hampshire. Considering today’s temperature, I suppose dreaming of a white Christmas is as close as we’ll get to one here in Lakeland — though we can expect temps to come back down eventually.
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