Just like at Sow Exotic, something is always growing in Lakeland’s business scene. | Photo by Blair Media Company
Swan City’s stars of industry were out in full force at the 2026 Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards on Tuesday. This event honors local businesses + the entrepreneurs behind them, and you probably recognize these names.
Lakelanders chose Brittany Bandi of Sow Exotic for the People’s Choice Award. Bandi started at Catapult before launching an edible plant nursery and food forest in Winter Haven.
The team behind Sora Eatery at Lakeland International Airport was nominated for the award as well — and with food this innovative, we see why.
Infinite Matterz recently signed a lease for its first facility, so expect more big moves from this powder coating biz soon.
Catapulter of the Year went to Mike Adkins of Infinite Matterz. During Small Business Week 2024, one reader shouted Adkins out, saying, “The owner is a super nice guy. He takes his time and truly cares to see his customers happy.”
Shwetha Mangalvedkar and Mina Cai of JJ’s Fusion Khaana were nominated for Catapulter of the Year after just a year in business. Their masala fries made our list of best things we ate in 2025.
After months of public feedback, Polk County School Board members approved new high school zoning boundaries that will go into effect in the 2026-2027 school year. Only incoming students will be affected, and existing high schoolers can stay at their current school. Check the map to find your family’s zone.
Opening
Tractor Supply Co. will hold a grand opening at 4233 S. Florida Ave. on Saturday, March 7. According to a store manager, this location will feature a pet wash station and propane refills. Until then, ride your big green tractor to the north Lakeland store near Marcum Road.
Weather
Tomorrow night’s Friday Night Live concert in Munn Park and Polk County’s Career Fest on Saturday have both been canceled due to inclement weather. Evan Taylor Jones will take the stage on March 27 instead, and you can browse the county’s open positions online from the warmth of home.
Environment
Due to severely dry conditions, the Southwest Florida Water Management District bumped Polk County up from a Phase I water shortage to a Modified Phase II shortage. Starting Sunday, Feb. 8, lawn watering will be limited to one day per week — here’s the schedule.
Plan Ahead
Our anticipation is in-tent-sifying. Premium campsites are now available for the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in April, featuring a limited selection of RV sites with full electric and water hookups. Pro tip: Camping in RVs, tents, or their aircraft gets you access to exclusive entertainment.
Ranked
No. 2. That’s where Florida ranked on WalletHub’s list of “Best States to Retire in 2026,” second only to Wyoming. With so many activities for older adults in Lakeland, we won’t blame you for retiring here and just streaming “Yellowstone” instead.
Outdoors
While Lakelanders are bundling up in scarves and jackets, our cold-blooded neighbors are also trying to keep warm. Alligators heat up by basking in a sunny spot or building a burrow to curl up in — keep both in mind if you join tomorrow’s sunset hike at Circle B Bar Reserve. (The Ledger)
Edu
Heading to college this year? The next SEU preview day is tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 30, with more to follow in February, March, and April. Sign up for a Preview Day to explore campus, meet faculty + students, and experience SEU’s vibrant community.*
Psst — don’t get caught unprepared in winter weather. We’re stocking up on the essentials, including this winter weather tape to seal up drafty gaps around windows and doors.*
Eat
Some nights you have the energy to cook. Other nights, you have the energy to… stare at the fridge and negotiate with it.Forkful meals arrive fully prepared, use grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, and are 100% seed oil-free. Get 50% off your first box with code CMD50.*
Editor’s Pick
Enjoy yours while warming up inside or take it on the patio for lunch al fresco.
Photos by LALtoday
Sweet tooths, you might want to sit this one out. Parlor Doughnuts is changing the game with a savory donut menu that combines croissant-like layered pastries with salty toppings — so of course I had to try all six new flavors.
I started with the pepperoni, which I heard is the most popular so far. I could see why. It’s cheesy, saucy, and freshly made to order.
I shared the other five with friends, and we were big fans of the bacon-topped Pig & Fig, as well as the buffalo chicken donut. All flavors are available for lunch hours daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the downtown Lakeland shop.
The Buy
Super Bowl LX kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 8. Whether you’re catching the game at your favorite sports bar or hosting a watch party at home, we’ve rounded up a few must-haves for every kind of big-game watcher:
I always leave the Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards feeling so proud of our local businesses. This time, I was seated next to Mina of JJ’s Fusion Khaana, and I was fangirling over their food the entire night. If you haven’t tried it yet, tomorrow is their next Flavorful Friday pop-up at Catapult.
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