The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is hoping to help minority and other potential start-up companies open shop in the city and are asking city commissioners to approve up to $800,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to lure already established minority business associations to town. More
Lakeland Linder International Airport’s latest plan to reduce aircraft noise over Lakeland neighborhoods is getting a final review this week before being submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration, the airport’s interim director told city commissioners on Monday. More
I am pleased to announce that LkldNow has been awarded a $20,000 Sustainable Publishing Solutions grant from the Knight Foundation. We were one of 25 independent newsrooms chosen for the grant in a nationwide competitive process. More
Aladdin Market on Cleveland Heights Boulevard aims to provide the lowest gas prices in town in order to drive more business inside the convenience store, Fox 13 News reports. On Wednesday, regular gas was $3.89 a gallon, about 35 cents less than nearby stores. The heavier volume of customers drawn to the gas pumps translates to more sales of drinks, snacks and other items, owner Sam Rabi says. More
Carter USA of Atlanta is preparing to pay nearly $10 million for the former Florida Tile site to build apartments, restaurants and shops, The Ledger reported. Proceeds will feed an endowment fund for future maintenance of the adjacent Bonnet Springs Park. The developer is asking the city of Lakeland for a level of tax increment financing that is higher than the amount typically offered. Members of the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board offered a compromise Thursday, and city commissioners are scheduled to decide the amount on July 18. | Check LkldNow’s previous article for background on the development.
A KFC with drive-through and indoor seating will join an existing Wendy’s along U.S. 98 South at Innovation Drive across from Oak Hill Cemetery. The Polk County Planning Commission approved a land-use change to allow the 2,192-square-foot fast-food restaurant in an area marked by nearby medical offices, The Ledger reports.
Lakeland data infrastructure firm DSM Technology Consultants has been acquired by Massachusetts-based Thrive Networks Inc. for an undisclosed sum, The Ledger reports. The acquisition will help strengthen Thrive’s offerings to state, local and educational government (SLED) agencies, the company said in a news release. David Robinson, who founded DSM 36 years ago, and COO Greg Madden will become senior leaders in Thrive’s new SLED division.
The long-anticipated Biscuits and Benedicts has opened on South Florida Avenue in Dixieland following nearly three years of challenges. With brunch entrees ranging from $8.95 to $15.95, the eatery emphasizes local products from businesses like Concord Coffee, Tea Largo and Bee-Haven Honey Farm, as well as works from local artists, The Lakelander reports. Owners Troy Hambrick and James Kerr are in the process of getting an alcohol license and are already considering opening a second location at Merchants Walk. | Menu
The Poor Porker, a vintage outdoor venue known for its beignets and live music, announced it is closing its doors after a farewell party on July 3 to make way for Unfiltered Lakeland, a “coffeehouse, marketplace, eventspace” scheduled to open later this year. More
