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A hand holding a flower arrangement with pink, purple, and orange flowers and greenery stems in a skull-shaped container
Business
Find your inner florist at Bloom Shakalaka’s flower arranging workshops
Learn to arrange beautiful bouquets with the help of the expert florists at Bloom Shakalaka.
October 29, 2025 12:20 PM
 · 
Connor Jacobson
City Editor Rilee holding up a delicious looking iced coffee.
City
City Editor Rilee’s 3 favorite Lakeland news stories from 2023
Take a look at some of our favorite stories we brought you in 2023 — and learn about how you can keep them coming by supporting LALtoday with the gift of your membership.
October 31, 2023
The exterior of the Lakeland Antique Mall with a sign reading "Antique Mall" and a life-size horse statue
Business
Go treasure hunting at the Lakeland Antique Mall
Search through over 40,000 sqft of vintage collectibles and antiques at one of Lakeland’s largest antique malls.
September 28, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lakeland entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses pitch their big ideas at Catapult’s Launch Pitch Night.
Sponsored
Tickets now available for Catapult’s Launch Pitch Night 2023
The semi-annual program gives startups and small businesses the chance to apply to pitch their biz ideas for up to $10,000 in funding.
Sponsored by
Man stands next to door of bakery.
Sponsored
From hobby to passion: How a local bakery got its start
Sponsored by
A group of people sit on yoga mats doing a yoga practice in Hollis Garden in Lakeland, FL
Experience
Flow at these Lakeland yoga studios
Check out these eight yoga studios around Swan City, which offer classes for beginners, hot yoga, and more fitness classes.
August 23, 2023
 · 
Robin Schwartzkopf
Lakeland entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses pitch their big ideas at Catapult’s Launch Pitch Night.
Sponsored
Ready for Shark Tank? Apply for Catapult’s Launch Pitch Night 2023.
The semi-annual program gives startups and small businesses the chance to apply to pitch their biz ideas for up to $10,000 in funding.
Sponsored by
Bank of Central Florida’s VP Commercial Relationship Manager, Dawn Lyons smiles with Business Owner, Matt Wade.
Sponsored
Business Beat: How this local family business got the tire rolling
Sponsored by
A golden retriever sits on a path.
Sponsored
How to protect your pet from heartworm
Sponsored by
Interior of bizjet design center with mock ups of jet interiors.
Sponsored
How to ELEVATE your business potential
Collaboration + teamwork are at the core of ELEVATE — a local think-space designed to foster creativity and innovation in the transportation industry.
Sponsored by
A woman smiling and walking into a downtown shop with a tote bag that reads "Lakeland Farmers Market"
Business
Beyond the market: Supporting local small businesses online and in-person
Don’t wait until fall to show your favorite small business some love. Here’s how you can support them in person and online.
July 26, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Pastel storefront of "Bloom Shakalaka" and "East of These" with pink awning, green doors, and vibrant pink floral decor.
Sponsored
Pass the mic: 3 questions with Lakeland’s small business owners
We’re rounding out a week of small business features by asking owners what it’s like to live + work in Lakeland.
Sponsored by
Pole dance studio with wood floors, mirrored wall, neon signs, and chrome poles evenly spaced throughout.
Sponsored
Try this: 12 unique Lakeland small businesses worth experiencing
While we love our Lakeland small biz staples, think outside the box and check out these 12 small bizzes that are carving their own path.
Sponsored by
Shoppers browse fine art at an outdoor art festival. Each artist is set up in a small white tent with a domed top set up in the grass by a road.
Events
Headed to Mayfaire by-the-Lake? Save these pro tips.
From where to park to must-do activities, here are the top things you need to know if you’re planning to attend the Mayfaire by-the-Lake art festival.
May 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A service business worker wearing a Help(her) shirt and a yellow purse holds three white paper boxes wrapped with string.
Sponsored
Lakeland small service businesses to cover every part of life
These 25+ businesses are at your service with everything from beauty to events to professional development.
Sponsored by
A photographer takes a photo of a mother and child in front of a Mother's Day photo backdrop at Lakeside Village
Events
A Mother’s Day event for every type of mom in Lakeland
No matter what type of moms we have, they deserve to be celebrated this Mother’s Day. Check out these nine events and deals around Lakeland just for mother figures.
May 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Experience
14 of the top free things to do in Lakeland
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Lakeland, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
May 5, 2025
 · 
Staff
Laptop on a blue table with iced tea beside it, displaying small business Whimsy & Stars Paperie's website.
Sponsored
5 Lakeland small bizzes you can support from your couch
Who says you have to leave home to support Lakeland’s small businesses?
Sponsored by
RV campsite with tropical trees, tiki hut, and outdoor living area
Experience
Plan a vacation you’ll never forget at one of these unique stays in Polk County
Polk is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels — check out our favorites in and around Lakeland, Florida.
May 2, 2025
 · 
Cambrie Juarez
A spread of Southern dishes, including fried fish and shrimp, collard greens, mashed potatoes, onion rings, and mac and cheese.
Sponsored
Small business, big flavor: Try 12 local restaurant owners’ recommendations
Here’s how owners say you can support local restaurants, cafes, and food trucks during Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Sponsored by
A neon sign says "Pizza by the slice"
Live
Dig in to the best pizza in Lakeland
Grab a slice or a pie at one of these 18 must-try pizza shops around Swan City.
May 1, 2025
 · 
Staff