Small Business

The exterior of Sora Eatery in Lakeland International Airport.
Food
Sora Eatery is now boarding at Lakeland International Airport
The new restaurant at LAL is nearly ready to open its doors, and we got a sneak peek of what Lakelanders (and visitors) can expect.
March 02, 2026 12:54 PM
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Fabric Warehouse's sign next to a painted swan statue holding a swath of fabric
Business
Create something amazing with these Lakeland-area craft stores
Go on, get crafty — these locally owned shops are here to help with supplies + materials.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A small indoor booth at a festival with a flower bar and a neon sign reading "The Petal Co."
Events
Find Lakeland’s local vendors at the Florida Strawberry Festival
Support local or try something new from out of town at this festival running Feb. 27-March 9 in Plant City.
February 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds out an iced coffee cup filled with coffee. In the background is a coffee shop.
Business
The RISE Institute: Where young entrepreneurs rule the school
Learn how this experiential learning program inside Lakeland Christian School is empowering middle and high school students to discover their passions in a safe + supportive environment.
February 26, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Business
We’re celebrating Small Business Week — here’s how to join us
Join us at LALtoday in celebrating the heart of our community: small businesses.
February 24, 2025
 · 
Kristen Templeton
An LALtoday city editor steps into a passenger plane wearing an LAL hat.
Culture
City Editor Amelia’s 12 favorite things in Lakeland
To celebrate her one-year anniversary at LALtoday, City Editor Amelia is sharing her 12 favorite things in Lakeland — from food to hidden gems.
February 18, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A person unloading supplies in a classroom. A person facing away with the words "CPS Cares" on their back. A person sliding a box across a classroom desk. A stack of boxes of school supplies.
Sponsored
Celebrating CPS Investment Advisors’ 50 years of community care
The local biz continues to spread love around Lakeland by providing support to nonprofits and community causes.
Sponsored by
Boxes of strawberries
Business
Take your pick at these U-pick farms near Lakeland
Strawberries, citrus, and sunflowers await at these U-pick spots where you’ll harvest your own bounty.
February 5, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Chef Marcos Fernandez of Nineteen61 carefully crafts a plate in the restaurant's kitchen. Next to him on the counter are prep containers and ingredients.
Food
Take a foodie road trip to these James Beard-nominated spots around Lakeland
Lakeland might not have made the list for 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists — but that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A bowl of chicken tortellini soup sits in a white bowl on a white plate
Food
Soup for the soul: Try these top-rated soups in Lakeland
Take a slurp of some of the best soups in Swan City.
January 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Member at Sewing Station copy
Culture
Hobby Town, USA: Where to try these 5 creative hobbies in Lakeland
Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or simply want to try something new, here’s where you can engage in creative hobbies in and around Swan City.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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More from LALtoday
A three-panel graphic demonstrating how to navigate a multi-lane roundabout to go straight, turn left, or turn right.
City
How to navigate Lakeland’s first multi-lane roundabout
Buckle up — it’s time for a driving lesson before you try this new traffic pattern on Drane Field Road.
December 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A Christmas parade float is decorated with red and white glitter, realistic looking reindeer, and a sleigh. Santa and Mrs. Claus sit in the sleigh, waving to guests above and below the float.
Events
Our Lakeland Christmas Parade pro tips
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Check out what you can expect for the 44th annual parade, taking place Thursday, Dec. 4.
December 1, 2025
 · 
Staff
The Wish Farms stage at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds
Culture
The stage is set: Florida Strawberry Festival’s 2026 entertainers
See who will take the stage in Plant City when the festival returns in February 2026.
November 26, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The open door entrance of a small business, with a "SHOP SMALL" welcome mat and shelves of merchandise visible inside.
Business
Our Lakeland-based Small Business Saturday shopping picks
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
November 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial photo of a crowded fall street festival with white tents, vendors, and people walking in downtown Lakeland.
City
Look back on fall in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive autumn memories from years gone by.
November 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Swan City Improv's future building, a white and turquoise painted church with a gray roof and a spire against a clear blue sky.
Culture
Swan City Improv opening a comedy club in downtown Lakeland
The Comedy Cathedral is set to open by spring 2026 with entertainment, classes, and community events designed to keep Lakeland laughing.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A silhouetted runner on Lake Hollingsworth at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving runs around Lakeland
You won’t find an official Turkey Trot in Lakeland, but there are plenty of fun runs and nearby races to break a seasonal sweat.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The Terrace Grille's dining room has plush orange chairs, large windows, and two glasses of white wine on the table.
Food
Dine in or carry-out Thanksgiving dinner in Lakeland
Here’s a list of local restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
November 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The front of a newly opened Publix, decorated with green and white balloon columns and silver "WELCOME" balloons for its grand opening.
Business
Lake Miriam Square Publix is now open
The rebuilt store includes 55,701 sqft of space for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Scroll through photos from opening day.
November 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The front exterior of the Spanish Colonial-style Ludd Spivey House with a stucco facade, arched windows, and a terracotta tile roof.
Real Estate
Influential Lakelander’s home hits the market
Take a look inside the Ludd M. Spivey House, formerly home to Florida Southern College’s president who made a historic impact on the campus.
November 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson