I always recommend this shortcake, which is sweet but not overly sugary. | Photo by LALtoday
Editor Connor here, the proud owner of a Strawberry Season Passport. These booklets sold out faster than you could say “shortcake,” so if you didn’t snag one, follow along as I taste my way around local farms offering special deals.
I picked up my passport at Parkesdale Market in Plant City, so naturally, that was my first stop for a stamp. I opted for a free strawberry shortcake, piled high with whipped topping and vanilla soft-serve ice cream. When you go, be sure to explore the rest of the market for plants + fresh produce, too.
Check back here throughout the season to see where I go next. As the passport says inside, “By visiting each farm, you’ve made a direct impact on our local agricultural community,” so each one is worth a visit, even if you didn’t get a passport.
Tune into “Shark Tank” tonight at 10 p.m. on ABC to see if Catapult member Screen Skinz catches a deal. The biz makes phone screen protectors with designs that disappear when your screen turns on. Check out the licensed designs, from NFL team logos to Hello Kitty characters.
Ranked
No. 1. That’s where Florida ranked on WalletHub’s list of best states for starting a business, thanks to both its small business + working-age population growth. Think you can be the next Screen Skinz? Take advantage of Lakeland’s business resources.
Travel
If this week’s frosty temperatures have you dreaming of summer vacations, you’re in luck — Avelo has extended its flight schedules for Central Florida airports, including LAL. You can now book flights to places like San Juan, Atlanta, and Nashville through mid-August.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the City of Lakeland’s municipal nursery is the only city-owned nursery in Florida? Thanks to volunteers and Southwest Middle School FFA students, the nursery grows most of the plants the city uses for parks and landscaping around town. Reach out to volunteer. (Central Florida Ag News)
Eat
Starting this week, Born & Bread Bakehouse is testing out a new ordering system. Now, preorders for the day will only open each morning. Owner Jenn Smurr shared that the bakery aims to have your treats ready at your selected pickup time without a wait.
Award
The Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association gave its 2025 Jere Annis Leadership Award to school board member + Girls Inc. of Lakeland CEO Kay Fields. This honor goes to a Leadership Lakeland grad making a positive community impact, and winning is a family affair — Fields’ husband, Gow, won in 2023.
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Editor’s Pick
The hospital is currently under construction off of Lakeland Highlands Road.
Rendering provided by Watson Clinic
As we look ahead to this year’s developments, the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital may be the biggest one on the docket. The campus is slated to open this summer and add 1,500 local jobs, so the search for staff starts now.
Don’t miss a hiring event on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Polk State College Lakeland Campus. Hiring managers will speak with allied health + support services candidates from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by nursing interviews from 1 to 4 p.m.
Pro tip: Walk-ins are welcome, but you can apply for 200+ open positions now.
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My New Year’s resolution is to see at least one movie at the Polk Theatre per month, and I crossed off January’s visit this weekend. I forgot how much of a claw nail-biter “Jurassic Park” is, but seeing it on the big screen sure beats watching at home. I give it 4.5 out of 5 hatching velociraptors.
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