Several businesses have launched from this patio, located to the right of Catapult’s entrance.
Photo by LALtoday
Here’s your window of eating opportunity. Catapult hosts patio pop-ups at its commercial kitchen window nearly every day, and I always find something new and bite-worthy when I visit. Save the schedule below to try something new this week:
Dr. Zully Calvo’s approach to bunion management offers an alternative to the woes of traditional surgery’s long incisions + lengthy recovery. | Photos provided by Watson Clinic
If you’re struggling with bunions, you’re not alone. As many as one in three US adults has some degree of bunion deformity leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Picture this: You invite dozens of friends to your new home on Lake Gibson’s shores. There’s plenty of valet space on the grand driveway, dancing on the porcelain floors of your living room, and a game going on your personal pickleball court. You in?
Outdoors
David Price will retire as CEO and president of Bok Tower Gardens this summer after 20 years as director of horticulture and 19 years at the helm. He is the fifth to direct the Gardens since they opened in 1929, and the search is on for his successor. (The Ledger)
Trending
Reading is on the rise, with online searches for “good books” recently hitting an all-time high. If you’re trying to turn more pages in 2026, read some classic literature, or find out what this fictional hockey romance thing is all about, Lakeland’s cozy bookstores are the perfect places to start.
Coming Soon
Do you smell shortbread? Girl Scout Cookie season is almost here. Use this zip code finder to get a countdown to cookies — and support our local Girl Scout troops.
Eat
Pizzerias aren’t ruling the restaurant world like they used to. After hitting a record high in 2019, the number of pizza restaurants in the US has steadily declined, with coffee shops and Mexican restaurants now outnumbering them. Consider this your cue to support local pizza purveyors. (Wall Street Journal)
Fun Fact
How long can a Twinkie last? Back in 1976, a Maine high school science teacher set out to answer that question, and the sweet treat remains unblemished in its glass case 50 years later. We’ve got that beat — some of Swan City’s oldest businesses have been around for much longer. (Bangor Daily News)
Sports
Winter is in full swing, but SEU Fire sports are just heating up. Check out home game schedules for men’s + women’s basketball, wrestling, and more to catch the action here in Lakeland this season.*
Jobs
Kick off 2026 by growing your team the smart way. Whether you’re a small business ready to expand or a large company filling a critical role, our Job Board connects you with engaged, qualified local talent ready to work. Post your open roles for free and start the new year with strong applications rolling in.
Category
Eat
🪄 When you wish upon a restaurant
Our readers are hungry for Raising Cane’s classic fried chicken tenders. | Photo by Raising Cane’s
Even with new restaurants announced all the time, Lakelanders are always hungry for what’s next. That’s why we’re gathering the suggestions we hear from our readers + followers into the ultimate Lakeland restaurant wishlist.
Let’s see which foodie wishes are granted — and which ones will take a little more dreaming. Send your wishes here.
💭 Reader wishes
“Lakeland absolutely needs Raising Cane’s! My wife and I used to go weekly when they built one in Hawaii when I was stationed there!” — Jake M.
“We need a Cheesecake Factory! Maybe a Melting Pot too, and Kobe’s.” — Shawna V.
“We need and so want a true Jewish deli-style restaurant, much like that in NY, like the famous Katz restaurant and deli.” — Joan R.
🪄 Dreams come true
“I can’t wait, no more driving to Brandon for CAVA” — @lovelydria1
“Years ago, I had only hoped for Dutch Bros to come to Florida. Seeing how it was a western coffee chain, I am beyond happy Lakeland is getting one!” — @mysensesfailedme
Our favorite car accessory: a portable air pump and power bank. Never worry about low tire pressure again with this lightweight device that inflates tires while providing a real-time pressure display. Plus, it features a flashlight + flashing SOS mode for added peace of mind during a breakdown or emergency.
Raise your hand if you’re also a Zillow scroller. 👋 I love finding Lakeland’s biggest listings for our Mansion Monday highlights, but if you know of an interesting property that needs to be on our radar (maybe even one of yours), drop us a line anytime.
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