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💚 Spread the local love
Find a new plant at Austin’s Backyard Garden, just one of many vendor booths at Dixieland Relics. | Photo by @deswarren
Did you know? The Lakeland area is home to 76,000+ small businesses. We want to celebrate all the businesses that make Swan City so special.
In honor of our many movers and shakers, we’re asking readers to nominate small businesses they love so we can share them with the whole audience.
We’ll be here to share a new batch of small businesses every month, so bookmark this page to come back for more, especially if you’ve enjoyed our Small Business Week coverage.
Editor’s note: Some quotes may have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Editor Connor’s picks
Dixieland Relics | 949 S. Florida Ave. "[Guests] should experience creating their own terrarium, visit the unique vendors we have in our back building, and check out our new clothing section.” — Owner Austin Hayes
This shop is a picker’s paradise, packed with vintage goods and blooming plants. Shop indoors for home pieces and clothing you won’t find anywhere else, then venture outside for garden goodies.
This month marks 165 years since Polk County was incorporated in 1861. Find historical displays at the Polk County Government Administration Building and the History Center in Bartow to learn more about the moments that led to this big milestone.
Stat
60%. That’s how much of Lakeland’s power the McIntosh Unit 5 generator produces each year. To keep it up and running as long as possible, the city will spend $3.2 million to modernize its control system. The city aims to share a strategic plan for future power generation by August. (LkldNow)
Real Estate
December stats are in, and Polk County’s median home price decreased slightly to $335,500. Here’s what that price will get you near Lake Bentley in central Lakeland. (The Ledger)
Holiday
Perk up your partner with a coffee bouquet from Black & Brew and Bloom Shakalaka this Valentine’s Day. Orders include a beverage of choice and a small floral arrangement. Time slots are open for pickups on Feb. 13 + 14 at the downtown and Lakeland Hills cafes.
Today Is
Opening day of the Florida State Fair, running through Feb. 16 in Tampa. This year’s theme is in honor of America’s 250th birthday — what better way to celebrate than with birthday cake-flavored sweet tea and Dubai chocolate funnel cake?
Biz
Jesse Carl Vinyl plans to close Feb. 9-17 for refurbishments, but its online shop will be up and running during the closure. Music lovers can shop the Valentine’s Day sale tomorrow and Saturday. Plan ahead: The Lakeland Record Fair is on Sunday, March 1.
Outdoors
Planning a spring break camping trip? Starting March 1, Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division campgrounds, including Saddle Creek Park in Lakeland, will go cashless. Bring a credit card or check to pay for reservations in person, or pay in advance online.
Read
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Even the Lakeland Community & Economic Development department can’t resist the 2016 trend. It shared these photos from the Mass Market area when Haus 820 was still in the works — talk about a glow-up.
A decade later, the city is still working to breathe new life into Mass Market. Plans for these nine blocks in Midtown include residential, commercial, and dining developments that will invite more foot traffic. Check out the initial renderings.
It’s almost time for the perfect holiday to tell your friends how you feel: Galentine’s Day. Treat the bestie in your life to a February 13 gift that says, I’m grateful for you.
Are you sending one of Black & Brew’s coffee bouquets to your significant other? For those who really want to profess their love, you can send The Lucky One bouquet from Bloom Shakalaka. Forward this email to drop a hint.
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