Did you know that Lakeland’s top industries are manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and tourism? According to the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, this variety of industries, combined with its quality of life, diverse culture, available skilled workforce, and low labor costs, sets Lakeland apart as a “business-friendly” city.

Big names like Pepperidge Farm, Inc. and Publix makes Lakeland a manufacturing boomtown. In fact, Lakeland is adding over 1 million-sqft of manufacturing + warehouse space yearly, equating to roughly 30 million-sqft overall.

Distribution

Swan City and Polk County have been referred to as the distribution heart of the state due to its accessibility via I-4, State Road 60, and US HWY 27. Distribution also does well here due to the local ports, railways, and airports. Big names that specialize in distribution include Amazon, Publix, and Ruthvens.

Healthcare

Lakeland is home to a blend of hospitals + brings new physicians to the area almost monthly. Big names like Lakeland Regional Health, Watson Clinic, and the new iteration of Orlando Health are just some of the residing organizations. Additionally, new healthcare innovations are on the horizon like Florida Polytechnic University students testing 3D printers to construct shields for healthcare workers in 2020.

Tourism

Polk County’s tourism industry employs 21,000 people and welcomes over 5 million visitors annually. In Lakeland, attractions like Florida Southern College, aka the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture, draw in 60,000 visitors every year. Additional attractions include events like the SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In and exhibits at Polk Museum of Art.

EVENTS

Today

RENT | Mon., Jan. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $52+ | Celebrate 25 years of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “RENT” in the “Farewell Season of Love” tour. 🎵

Tuesday

Music BINGO & Fun Run | Tues., Jan. 11 | 5:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Participate in the fun run at 5:30, followed by music BINGO at 6:30 and fresh food from Smokin’ Chanchos.

Thursday

Lakeland Square Mall Carnival | Through Jan. 16 | 5-11 p.m. | Lakeland Square Mall | Free | Scream, shout, and enjoy this month’s carnival featuring midway rides, games, deep-fried goodies, and other carnival happenings. 🎡

Friday

6th Annual MLK Jazz In The Park 2022 | Fri., Jan. 14 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Munn Park | Free | Bring a lawn chair and groove to the 6th Annual Jazz Music Festival.

Saturday

Cigar Life 5th Anniversary | Sat., Jan. 15 | 12-4 p.m. | Cigar Life, 5724 S. Florida Ave. | $125 | Celebrate Cigar Life’s birthday with cigar specials, live music, boneless rib-eye + free gifts. 🚬

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

PLAN YOUR WEEK HERE

NEWS NOTES

Weather

80º | Isolated thunderstorms | 30% chance of rain

Civic

Nicole Travis will start her new venture as the administrator for Tampa’s Development and Economic Opportunity (DEO) portfolio for the City of Tampa on Jan. 24. Nicole is the current Deputy Manager for Lakeland and was selected by Mayor Jane Castor for the new role. (Florida Politics)

Now Open

Oksumi Ramen & Bar, located in Lake Miriam Square (4790 Florida Ave. S.), is now open and serving up ramen, among other items like potstickers, edamame, and bao. The restaurant's hours are Sun.-Thurs., from 11a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Community

The City of Lakeland is calling on its residents to complete this year’s LKLDVIEW survey to gauge the quality of life among citizens. Participants will be asked to share feedback + rate what it's like to live in Lakeland. Take the survey now through Jan. 31.

Traffic

Construction to widen U.S. 98 could start this year — the project was approved in December. The plan, once complete, will transform U.S 98 from two lanes to four from West Socrum Loop Road to County Road 54. 🚸 (The Ledger)
Old Tampa Road, railroad crossings in Kathleen, and 21st Street NW will be facing closures over the next several weeks. All of the closings will commence today. (The Ledger)

Health

Polk County Public Schools is launching a new telehealth system as part of a partnership with Hazel Health. The tool will serve as an alternative to a hospital visit, due to the rise in Polk’s COVID-19 rates. Parents can access the telehealth portal for a virtual consultation. 📲 (WFTS)

Arts

Bartow High School junior, Hanna Mann, was commissioned by the school to paint a mural of the helmet of the popular Star Wars franchise character, The Mandalorian, on school resource officer Alex Guzman’s wall. The mural took 17 hours to complete and can be viewed here.

Try This

Oh hi, Lakeland. “The Room,” a cult classic starring Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero, is playing at Polk Theatre this Fri., Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. Before the screening, guests will have the opportunity to partake in a Q+A with Greg Sestero himself. Tickets start at $20. 🎥

Eat

The countdown is on until the biggest day of the year for football fans — and it’s time to get your chili game on point. We like this recipe, and if you feel like whipping up a test batch, Kiolbassa beef sausage is buy one, get one free at Publix GreenWise Market through Wed., Jan. 12. 🥘*

Health

What’s better for your heart, butter or margarine? Here’s the answer from the pros at Lakeland Regional Health. 💬*

*This paid content, brought to you by our advertising partners, helps make this newsletter free.

📸 @thelaltoday

Meet Scott Audette — a former photographer for the Tampa Bay Lightning and a Lakeland resident. Now venturing into the world of underwater photography, Scott is snapping maternity portraits as well as shots of athletes, adventurous friends, and anyone else interested (including Santa), in his pool.

And, the best part, Scott is snapping photos of real Lakelanders, no hired models here.

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THE WRAP

Editor’s pick: If you haven’t watched “The Room” yet, you have to. My husband and I get such a kick out of the notorious film and will definitely be at this Friday’s screening to meet Greg.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? We shared all of the ways you can get more involved in Swan City, here.