Raise a celebratory cruffin. Born & Bread Bakehouse was named a 2026 James Beard Awards semifinalist — and as far as we know, it’s the first Lakeland-area eatery to ever receive a nod.
The James Beard Awards began in 1990 to recognize the top culinary professionals in the US, with awards for everything from pastry chefs to cocktail pros. Born & Bread is one of just 20 nationwide bakeries recognized on the Outstanding Bakery category.
How does it feel to make the shortlist? “I feel pride that many people around the country will look at nominations, see Lakeland, FL next to our bakery name, and ask themselves, ‘Where’s Lakeland?’” Born & Bread owner Jennifer Smurr told us. “Our small and unassuming town, that I once wanted to escape from, is the heart and soul of Born & Bread.”
The semifinalist lists will be whittled down to the top nominees, to be announced on Tuesday, March 31. Then, the winners will be awarded on Monday, June 15.
Midi Health makes expert-guided longevity care accessible and affordable. | Photo provided by Midi Health
Did you know genetics account for only ~25% of how long you live? The rest is up to you.
That’s where Midi Health’s AgeWell care comes in. Made for women, by women, the longevity care service checks key health markers, like hormone and blood sugar levels, then matches you with evidence-based solutions tailored to those results.
Better yet? Visits are virtual + covered by most insurance, so you don’t even have to leave the house.
Born & Bread isn’t the only baking biz making big moves. Mike & Mike’s Desserts are available at all Publix locations in the bakery freezers, but they’ll be moving to the bakery tables starting today. That means more exposure for this Catapult-based biz, and more tasty cupcakes for shoppers.
Traffic
Rockridge Road travelers, plan ahead this weekend. Starting tonight at 7 p.m., the road will close east of US Highway 98 North as part of the highway’s reconstruction. A detour will be in place through 6 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, but be advised that it’s a lengthy one. (Tampa Free Press)
Biz
Entrepreneurs are invited to the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s Blueprint for Business event on Thursday, Feb. 12. This one-day workshop will focus on business planning strategies + resources for early-stage companies. Registration is $65.
Job
Career seekers, mark your calendars for Saturday, Jan. 31. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Schools of McKeel Academy will host a job fair at South McKeel Academy. Then, Polk County will hold the Government Career-Fest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Polk County Utilities facility.
Real Estate
Do smaller homes house happier people? Studies show that moving into a bigger home doesn’t always boost life satisfaction — sometimes it does the opposite. Case in point: This two-bedroom, two-bath 1920s bungalow near Lake Morton proves that less can be more. (Washington Post)
Plan Ahead
It’s time to make those Valentine’s Day reservations, and Nineteen61 is reminding couples that tables will go fast. This year’s holiday specials will include New York strip, crab cakes Benedict, and more — save your spot so you don’t miss out.
Attention Amazon Prime members — don’t miss the chance to earn extra cash on every purchase you make. Check out these 16 hacks to save money + earn more cash, all from the comfort of your couch.*
Category
Quoted
📲 “Let’s kick some glass together.”
Canning (center) pitched along with Screen Skinz co-founder RaShaun Brown (right) and advisor Wayne Pfeffer (left). | Photo by Disney/John Fleenor
That was the call to action from Screen Skinz as its founders sought funding on the latest episode of “Shark Tank.”
Co-founded by Polk State College alum Clay Canning, Screen Skinz sells glass screen protectors with designs that disappear when your phone turns on. It’s also a Catapult member biz, with manufacturing operations based in Lakeland.
Canning and his business partners pitched the sharks an initial ask of $300,000 for 7.5% of the company. After a few counters, they accepted a joint deal with Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’Leary and Alex Ohanian. The terms include a $300,000 investment for a 15% stake in the company, plus a $1 royalty per unit sold until $900,000 is paid.
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If you’re a new subscriber, you may have received an email asking for your favorite local restaurant. Our team reads every response — I have to get my dinner ideassomewhere — and this week, three favorites caught my eye. See if you notice the pattern:
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