Eating dessert is a stress reliever for some, but baking dessert is how Ron James clears his mind. In addition to his full-time job, James spends 20 hours a week baking for Sugarbuzz Dezert Company, his special order...

Given the chance, anyone can discover that downtown Lakeland is a very family-friendly place to hang out. One doesn’t have to be an insider to discover the opportunities for exploration and community engagement all...

Special to Lakeland Local by Karen Snir Play Me A Song is a place where creativity, hard-work and inspiration come together to create a meaningful learning environment for music students of all ages. The studio offers...

Special to Lakeland Local by Melissa Rodriguez In celebration of Polk County’s long and rich agricultural history and Earth Month, Platform Art, Inc. is hosting their 19th art party, Art in AgriCulture, April 28, in...

Issue two of Lakeland Local – Downtown Edition has been out for a couple of weeks and now it’s time to debut the online version. See if you can spot the changes. Yes, there are changes. If this page is difficult...

Saturday local physicians and area celebrities took knife to pumpkin at the Dr. Scissorhands Pumpkin Carving Exhibition. Sponsored by the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority, the carved pumpkins were auctioned to benefit...

We’ve all done it at some point in school, church or family reunions. Even during employee retreats, businesses have encouraged it as a team-building exercise. Yes, the scavenger hunt is an institution. Get a list, rush...

Downtown was abuzz yesterday morning as city trucks began hauling off 271 streetscape container gardens. On social media and on the streets Lakelanders lamented the removal of the gardens. Many were confused who maintained...

There’s no doubt about it. Lakeland is growing, and as it grows, so is its artistic presence. With that in mind, let me introduce you to three art galleries that you might not be aware of: Garden District Artists,...

The General Store, Evolution Records and Mollys have a new neighbor: “Bosphorous, a Turkish Kitchen”. I had a chance to step inside yesterday and those working on final preperations were super nice. They even let...

Downtown Lakeland has a new smartphone app, taking “a little mecca of cool” to a whole new level. The app, developed by Invictus Mobile Media, is the latest and greatest marketing tool from the Downtown Lakeland...

The west wall of The Studebaker Building is looking a bit refreshed these days, thanks to a new coat of paint and the refurbishment of its trademark sign. Working downtown and walking by the building to get to my office each...

If there is one universal comment about Lakeland uttered by residents and visitors alike it is this – Lakeland is a beautiful city. As the centerpiece of the city Downtown Lakeland gets particular attention. Container...