Mike & Mike’s Desserts, a Lakeland company, is debuting its vegan cupcakes in Publix GreenWise Markets next week, according to one of its co-founders, Nathaniel Kendrick, 31, of Lakeland.
Author Archives: Stephanie Claytor
Stephanie Claytor has been a broadcast and digital journalist in Lakeland since 2016, covering Polk County for Bay News 9 and currently free-lancing for LkldNow. She is an author of travel and children's books.
Posted inHousing, Neighborhoods
Lakeland Rents Rise Fastest in the Downtown ZIP Code
Residential rents in Lakeland rose an average 11.1% during the last year, but increases were far steeper — nearly 20% on average — near the center of town, according to information compiled by Rent Hub. Still, the central city has Lakeland’s lowest median rents; the highest were found in the southside ZIP codes of 33811 […]
Posted inDowntown, Transportation
Citrus Connection Drops Mask Requirement, Prepares New Downtown Circulator
The Citrus Connection is dropping its rule requiring passengers to wear masks while on its buses and other vehicles. It is also preparing to introduce a downtown Lakeland circulator bus route.
Posted inPeople, Social Services
Callie Neslund Tapped as GiveWell Community Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer
The GiveWell Community Foundation has selected Callie Neslund of Lakeland to be its chief operating officer. Neslund, 37, will assume the role in August, primarily focusing on “future initiatives stemming from the United Community Needs Assessment currently underway, strategic planning, and day-to-day operations,” according to a news release.
Posted inPeople
Watson Clinic Adds Chiropractic Care to Its List of Services
Watson Clinic is joining a growing number of medical practices that are adding chiropractic care to its list of services. Chiropractor Jalen Banks recently began seeing patients at the Watson Clinic Center for Specialized Rehabilitation on E. County Road 540A and Lakeland Highlands Road.
Posted inActivism, People
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine’s Valerie Poole Receives Champion of Service Award
Volunteer Florida recognized Valerie Poole of Lakeland by awarding her the “Champion of Service Award” for her “outstanding efforts in volunteerism and community service” with Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine.
Posted inPeople, Public Safety
Behrens, Suttle Named LPD Officers of the Year
A Lakeland police officer who had to make a split-second decision when facing a gunman who had just shot his ex-girlfriend has been named the Lakeland Police Department’s Officer of the Year along with another officer who assisted at the scene.
Posted inFood & Dining
Gourmet Cookie Shop Opening Soon on S. Florida Avenue
Lakelanders will soon have a new place to cure their dessert cravings. John and Whitnee Mitchell of Lakeland plan to open Twisted Sugar, a gourmet cookie franchise, at 3958 S. Florida Ave., in an area just south of the Polk Parkway near other food, beverage and dessert chains.
Posted inActivism, Social Services
Take a Survey to Tell Local Agencies About Pressing Community Needs
The United Way of Central Florida and the GiveWell Community Foundation are partnering to offer a comprehensive, “first-of-its-kind” community needs assessment survey. The non-profits are hoping people will take the time to fill it out, as the responses will help the organizations and others make decisions on how to prioritize funding.
Posted inBusiness, People
Study Ranks Lakeland 7th Best City in the U.S. for Black Professionals
A new report from Apartmentlist.com ranks Lakeland as the 7th best city for Black professionals in the nation, scoring higher than Orlando, Tampa, Cape Coral and Miami. In all, 82 cities were included in the study. The news came as a shock to a few of the Black transplants we spoke with.
