The Lakelander Issue 119

Community Grown. Nationally Known.

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 119

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE

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SEE INSIDE: Scout and Tag Find out the inspiration behind the store that truly does have something for everyone.

THE LAKELANDER

Photo by Jordan Randall

DEPARTMENTS

10 MASTHEAD

12 EDITOR’S NOTE

16 CONTRIBUTORS 6

14 AS SCENE HERE

98 HISTORY

A Greater Good.

Orlando Health and Watson Clinic Join Forces

choose well.

Combining the collective strengths of two powerhouse organizations. Orlando Health and the high-quality physicians at Watson Clinic are expanding access to award-winning specialty care for patients in Polk County and beyond. This exciting collaboration is highlighted by a state-of-the-art hospital opening in 2026. A new day in healthcare is on the horizon. OrlandoHealth.com/Watson

CONTENTS

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

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Call To Schedule Your Free Skin Cancer Screening!

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66 FEATURES

THE LAKELANDER

North Lakeland

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South Lakeland

18 METRO A signature build from Hulbert Homes that you need to see to believe and a great addition to an experienced surgical team.

36 YOUR ANYTIME PLACE A story about how the perfect cup of coffee is just a small part of building a business that cares for the community and people in every season.

52 WHERE NEIGHBORS SHOP From a Farmers Market favorite to a place that out-of-towners flock to, Scout & Tag has curated its vibe and its products in a way that is so very Lakeland.

66 FRAMING SUCCESS DIFFERENTLY Growing up, Michael Walker II may have dreamed of being a director on a Star Wars set, but find the RAW Compositions founder shooting real estate videos, wedding photography or small business content today and you might say he has become a local Jedi.

76 WINNERS GUIDE See who came out on top in our third annual Lakelanders’ Choice awards.

MASTHEAD

ISSUE 119

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE

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CONTRIBUTORS

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THE LAKELANDER

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C O N TAC T

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Kids do better when we work together.

As one of the nation’s leading children’s health systems, Nemours Children’s Health is on a journey to create the healthiest generations of children. That’s why Lakeland Regional Health and the experts from Nemours Children’s have teamed up to provide pediatric services right here in your community.

With expertise in multiple specialties, our providers partner with parents to help their children thrive. Ready to learn more about our expert care with Nemours Children’s?

Visit myLRH.org/Nemours or call 407.650.7715!

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EDITORS NOTE

“DO WHAT IS RIGHT, NOT WHAT IS EASY”

THE LAKELANDER

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

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small piece of wooden art sitting on a bookshelf in my wife and I’s bedroom serves as a reminder of what it looks like to live a purposeful life—on purpose.

There’s always tension when navigating difficult conflicts where someone will inevitably walk away frustrated, and there’s going to be persistent pain when you push yourself into uncomfortable spaces where growth is required, but if I’m being honest, it’s what God built each and every one of us for.

In Scripture, Romans 5:3-5, says this better than I can.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

I’m sure most of you didn’t open up this issue looking for (or desiring) a theology lesson, but I am certain that you agree it’s exciting to celebrate people and businesses who make our city the special place it is, and the truth is, many of them have overcome incredible obstacles and endured failures and hardship en route to success.

As you came together to vote on your favorite restaurants, shops, advisors, professionals, etc. for our third annual Lakelanders’ Choice awards you actually proved that people love overcomers and redemption stories.

Among this year’s winners are people who have: suffered immense personal loss, undergone fiery public trials, been forced to close a business or two, experienced divorce, or estrangement from a child, and overcome crippling diagnoses.

We might think of them as a really innovative entrepreneur or an extremely wise professional or someone who curates exactly what our taste buds or wide eyes dream of, but they are just humans like you and I. They make mistakes, they don’t have it all together and sometimes their best success comes by accident.

One of the greatest joys of this job, and living in this town, is that a lot of the greatest success stories are of people who willingly acknowledge they can’t do anything lasting on their own.

When challenges arise, they press in, they press on, they seek wisdom and they try something different. Sometimes we might disagree with decisions they make, but the truth is rarely can we see the entire picture.

The Lakelanders’ Choice awards should serve as a reminder of how seasons of building character and making hard choices you never imagined having to make can often propel you to a level you didn’t know was possible.

This isn’t a business lesson, but a life lesson that is worth remembering if you want to build something far greater than yourself.

RJ Walters EDITOR

AS SCENE HERE LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119 THE LAKELANDER

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AS SCENE HERE

vampirepenguinlkld Nov 20 Hi I’m Natalie, one of the owners of the Vampire Penguin opening up in Lakeland, FL...Thank you for the support and joining us in our excitement for what the future holds, whether it be two years or twenty. #vampirepenguin #shavedsno #lakelander #smallbusinessowner #bookishcafe #indiebookstore

herformfl Nov 27

cowhidewhiskeyboutique Nov 04

Successfull Grand Opening!

Lakeland is open and ready for YOU!

Thank you to everyone who showed up.

Your support is def initely noted. We will be operational soon!! We will post on our story when the app is launched.

#lakelandboutique #western #westernboutique #boutiquegrandopening

CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS VICTORIA BARDEGA

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

Victoria Bardega is a content creator based out of Central Florida who is passionate about building community. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations at Southeastern University, and has worked in marketing at a large non-profit and was a leader at a regional digital media company. She is gifted in photography, writing, social media and marketing.

When she’s not photographing a love story or writing lifestyle pieces, she’s making memories with her husband, Alan, and their sweet daughters, Valley and Lucia. She loves team work, the Oxford comma, laughter, and endless cups of tea lattes!

LAUREN LAWSON Lauren is a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida with a passion for storytelling and community.

When she’s not editing or exploring Lakeland’s local gems, she’s curled up with a good book, baking something sweet, or savoring a perfectly whisked matcha.

THE LAKELANDER

HOLLY CAIN

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Holly is a proud Lakeland High School alum and graduate of University of South Florida who has established herself as a premiere sports journalist, and one of the finest NASCAR writers in the history of the sport. She was the first woman to receive the Bob Russo Founders Award, an honor given for “dedication to motorsports” while showing “courage and providing inspiration in the face of personal adversity.”

She has worked at large daily news outlets including The Tampa Tribune, Dallas Morning News and Seattle PostIntelligencer. She is a published author of several books including “NASCAR Mavericks: The Rebels and Racers who Revolutionized Stock Car Racing.” She loves the beach, being a mom and David Bowie.

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THE LAKELANDER

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119 METRO

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A Signature Home from one of Lakeland’s Most Beloved Builders M

THE LAKELANDER

ore than 30 years ago, Mark Hulbert bought a piece of land off of Ewell Road for $10,000 and in his spare time on nights and weekends he constructed a modest $55,000 home with his brother Billy’s help.

Today, the President/Visionary of Hulbert Homes can drive his truck through the entrance of Delphi Hills in South Lakeland and be greeted by a showcase piece of architecture painted light olive green with an eyecatching unique roof pitch and symmetry set against a backdrop of rolling hills and panoramic horizon line.

There’s nothing modest about the latest Hulbert build, and it stands as a testament that after constructing more than 1,800 homes since 1997, Hulbert and his seasoned team can design and build just about anything someone could ever imagine.

“It needed to be a signature home, it needed to be something iconic and something that said, ‘Welcome to Delphi Hills,’” the 59-year-old said. “We’ve all seen in that community nice moderns, traditionals and Mediterraneans…but this stands out in a way that is unique and special and it has a design that pretty much stands out on its own.”

Hulbert isn’t one to follow trends simply because they sell, and he jokes that even he’s surprised at the staying power of the farm chic movement popularized by the likes of Chip and Joanna Gaines. In his mind, especially when he’s constructing homes that are selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and often more than $1 million, his goal is to craft something that will stand the test of time, both structurally and stylistically.

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS | PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HULBERT HOMES

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The suspended staircase makes for a striking transition from the great room to level two. This distinctive master bath is a mix of elegant and functional with the shower and tub sharing a grand space. The loft space is fully equipped to enjoy the company of friends and family.

Pictured to the right: The resort style pool, constructed by Caribbean Pools, includes four jets to create a lazy-river like experience, swim up bar stool and an island, complete with hammock and palm trees.

“I’m always thinking timeless. I want [people] to know it’s a brand new house, but 10 years from now I want them to say it looks like a brand new house, and 20 years from now I want them to say. ‘Wow, that looks like a house that somebody really thought about and it didn’t go out of style.’”

The five bedroom, four bedroom pool home spans more than 4,400 square feet. Step foot inside the residence that is currently listed for $2.15 million and you are immediately welcomed by a feeling of grandeur in a living room that has included a dramatic suspended staircase and an exquisite custom fireplace mantle and shelves that were built from salvaged cypress beams from an old home that used to be located on the lot.

Venture into the master bath and you will find a lot of Hulbert’s functional artistry present, including a glass partition that sets an elegant bath tub inside an oversized shower area that includes luxury shower heads in the ceiling and the wall.

“It’s pretty unique in that it works for ‘clean freaks’ because it’s easy to clean up…and it’s brilliant for people who are always telling their kids to quit splashing water out of the tub (because it goes directly onto the floor tile that has the shower drain embedded in it),” Hulbert said about the design which he says he has utilized in about a half dozen home builds.

The home is memorable in part because almost every corner has an intentional purpose to go with its stellar design. The pantry includes a window and countertop with electrical outlets above it, making it easy to keep kitchen counters clear while heating up food for a family gathering. Upstairs includes an opulent lounging space complete with comfortable chairs, a big-screen TV and a wetbar—and just down the hallway is a cozy window nook to curl up and read or take a moment to escape.

One of the most striking spots inside the home may be hidden in plain sight at first.

Tucked beneath the stairs is a bonus space that is closed off by a private door, but is also partially open to the living room via the floating stairway. It is a tranquil space for praying, a restful nap or even to work.

The sprawling enclosed porch includes another inviting communal space and an outdoor kitchen, but the centerpiece is the resort-style pool that includes a unique “island” of sorts in the center, complete with

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METRO

Check Out More Hulbert Home Builds and Communities or Connect With a Team Member

THE LAKELANDER

hulberthomes.com 863.647.5815

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

sand, a hammock and even real coconuts. The pool, built by Caribbean Pools, satisfied Mark’s dream of putting palm trees and a hammock in the middle of a pool—although he had to rely on the expert guidance of a trusted local vendor to recommend fake palm trees instead of real ones for the showstopping piece. Who wants tree debris in their hammock?

It’s just one example of the trust Hulbert has in his team of professionals and longtime partners to ultimately bring his company’s mission to life. For decades that mission, to make a positive impact on people, has been simple, yet required diligent commitment to live up to.

“We’re just cleverly disguised as home builders,” he says with a chuckle. “Sure, we’re a business and we make money…but when people are thrilled with their product that we give them, it’s amazing.

Hulbert used to be hands-on with almost every aspect of every home build, but now he’s happy to relinquish duties to his project managers who he calls a ‘team of scheduling geniuses,’ a gifted interior decorator, and staff who fit the culture well not just because of what they do, but because of who they are.

When asked to reflect on where he started compared to where he has come— including building this home that won numerous awards at the 2025 Fall Parade of Homes hosted by the Polk County Builders Association—he is humbled and honored.

“If you would’ve asked me 20 years ago or even 10 years ago, ‘Do you think you’ll ever build a $2 million home that you don’t have a buyer for?’ I’d say you’re nuts,” Hulbert joked. “No, ‘Where are you going to get the money? How’s that going to work?’ So I’m blown away…for our team and for Lakeland it’s just amazing and it’s been a great journey.”

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For a full list of Lakeland Regional Health locations, please visit myLRH.org/Locations. *This emergency department is part of Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. This is not an urgent care center. Its services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates.

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We’ve been advancing, innovating, and growing across Polk County and beyond to deliver world-class care to you and your loved ones.

With 400+ expert providers, 40+ specialties, and personalized care available at 35+ locations — we are here just for you!

Learn more at myLRH.org/LRHPG or call 863.284.5000 to make an appointment today!

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THE LAKELANDER

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119 METRO

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Guided by Purpose: Dr. Suresh Joins Vein and Vascular Experts Team With Whole-Person Approach to Care WRITTEN BY LAUREN LAWSON | PHOTOS BY LANDON DAVIS DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VEIN AND VASCULAR

FINDING A NEW HOME IN LAKELAND Although he enjoyed his work in Tampa Bay, the decision to relocate came from both professional and personal reasons.

Dr. Suresh’s wife is a neurologist at Lakeland Regional Health, and the couple had long considered living and working in the same community.

THE LAKELANDER

A JOURNEY SHAPED BY MENTORSHIP AND EXPERIENCE Before relocating to Lakeland, Dr. Suresh spent 11 years in Tampa Bay. As a former partner and co-owner of his previous practice, he says those responsibilities deeply shaped his clinical expertise and leadership style. “I was able to set roots in a community and feel invested in it,” he says. “Caring for people over many years teaches you how to become a better surgeon and a better person.”

His path to vascular surgery began with seven years of intensive training in general surgery and specialized vascular education. During that time, he found a mentor who solidified his calling: Dr. James (Jim) Dennis, professor of surgery and chief of vascular surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine—Jacksonville. “He was a

technically amazing surgeon and also an incredible human being,” Dr. Suresh says. “He encouraged me to pursue vascular surgery and eventually became a friend. He made a huge impact.”

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

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ven as a little boy, Dr. Adithya Suresh knew he wanted to become a doctor. His uncle, a physician, often visited the family wearing his white coat, and young Adithya was fascinated by the calm confidence and purpose that seemed to follow him. “I knew I wanted to be like him,” he says. “Working with my hands, helping people, doing something that mattered.”

That early sense of direction eventually led him to the highly specialized field of vascular surgery. He describes the specialty with a smile as “physiological plumbing.” Vascular surgeons often reroute blood flow, clear blockages or sew arteries and veins together. It is precise work that requires a steady hand and years of training, but for Dr. Suresh it also offers a sense of creativity. “You are trying to solve a problem in real time. I enjoy that challenge.”

This year, after more than a decade practicing in Tampa Bay, Dr. Suresh joined Vein and Vascular Experts in Lakeland as the third vascular surgeon on staff. The addition marks a significant milestone for the growing practice, which is expanding to meet the needs of Lakeland and the surrounding communities.

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He also knew Dr. Gus De Jesus, founder and CEO of Vein and Vascular Experts, for nearly a decade. The timing, Suresh explains, simply felt right. For Dr. De Jesus, the feeling was mutual. The practice had seen accelerated growth and needed another experienced vascular surgeon who shared the same philosophy of care. “The writing was on the wall,” Dr. De Jesus explains. “Lakeland is growing.

The county is growing. To keep serving people well, we needed to grow with it.”

De Jesus describes the decision to bring on another surgeon as a major commitment, both professionally and personally. “You do not just hire someone and hope it works,” he says. “You look for someone who aligns with your values. I have always regarded Dr. Suresh highly.

When the opportunity came, it felt like divine intervention.”

At Vein and Vascular Experts, Dr. Suresh treats the full range of vascular conditions, from arterial disease to complex surgical reconstructions. Two areas especially interest him; one is venous disease, which affects many patients but often goes underdiagnosed. “People live with leg pain or swelling for years,” he says. “Simple procedures can dramatically improve their quality of life.”

He also focuses on dialysis access care. “For many patients, the quality of their access directly affects the quality of their life,” he explains. “Being able to help in that way is very meaningful.”

A PHILOSOPHY ROOTED IN WHOLE-PERSON CARE For Dr. Suresh, practicing medicine begins with seeing the whole person, and he approaches his work with a holistic mindset. He believes vascular disease cannot be separated from the rest of a person’s life. “You cannot focus on just one thing,” he says. “Stress, support systems, lifestyle, mental health, fears and goals. All of that matters.”

He hopes to bring that perspective to Lakeland. “I genuinely care about people,” he says. “My job is not to tell patients what they want to hear. It is to guide them toward the right decision for their health.”

For Dr. De Jesus, the addition of a third surgeon also allows the practice to build more robust systems and take on more complex surgeries while maintaining a warm, patientcentered environment. He views the moment as the next step in an evolving story. “The unknown fuels me,” he says.

“We are growing, we are helping people and we have a strong team. When someone walks through our doors, the healing starts immediately. That is what matters.”

For Lakeland, the arrival of Dr. Suresh represents expanded access to specialized vascular care. For the practice, it marks the beginning of a promising new chapter. And for Dr. Suresh, it is a return to what inspired him as a child. “I feel lucky,” he says. “I get to do work I love and care for a community I believe in.”

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With Dr. Adethya Suresh on board, Dr. Gus De Jesus and his team can build more robust systems and take on more complex surgeries.

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119 THE LAKELANDER

“You cannot focus on just one thing,” he says. “Stress, support systems, lifestyle, mental health, fears and goals. All of that matters.”

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WRITTEN BY HOLLY CAIN PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL

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next edition, on South Florida Ave. opened in 2022 offering a large seating area but also featuring an “express lane” to quickly grab your espresso favorites and other classics.

Right before the New Year arrives, Black & Brew will be opening another location—perhaps their boldest coffee house contribution yet—a 2,600-square foot café inside the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children at Lakeland Regional Health. In so many ways it’s a perfect location that will not only provide familiar hospitality and flavors to patients and their families during hospital stays, but should be embraced by the medical professionals who turn in long days to help and cure.

Perhaps fitting for a company that also proudly sells its own line of skillfully roasted coffee —Patriot Coffee—the business of Black & Brew doesn’t sit still.

“We figured if we ingrain this idea of hospitality into our team then everything else would be a natural thing in terms of what we want to accomplish and give our customers,’’ Chris McArthur said. “Our mission is very simple: we want to help create a kinder community.”

THE LAKELANDER

ith delightfully tantalizing descriptions, the special holiday offerings fill chalkboards on walls enticing customers at Lakeland’s Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro–perfectly blended cups of warm or chilled cheer, with tasty sandwiches and pastries to complement the season’s shopping runs.

Black & Brew is Lakeland’s own cup of comfort—a successful local endeavor that will celebrate 20 years in 2026, powered by the heart of couple Chris and Charity McArthur. What began as an entrepreneurial outlet has become one of the area’s most charming and beloved muststop-ins.

“Your anytime place” isn’t just the company’s motto, but also the unmistakable vibe.

The support of the Lakeland community has been clear.

What was born in Chris McArthur’s always-percolating business mind is about to include a fourth location. The flagship café opened in downtown Lakeland overlooking Munn Park in 2006. The always bustling respite outside the Lakeland Library on Lake Morton followed in 2018 and the

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

Two Decades of Heart and Hospitality at Black & Brew

YOUR ANYTIME PLACE

BEST BREAKFASTI/ BRUNCH + BEST COFFEE

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Lakeland’s Best Salon & Best Esthetician

Thank you for trusting me with your skin, your stories, and your milestones. I will continue to pour love, care, and excellence into every service.

With love and gratitude, Jackie

Meet Your Aveda Artist

Owners Charity and Chris McArthur are shown in early December inside the space that by month’s end is expected to open as a Black & Brew location inside Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children at Lakeland Regional Health.

THE LAKELANDER

“I knew from the get-go they [Chris and Charity] were going to be people I could count on not only as employers but in life as well,’’ Rivera said. “They’ve always held themselves with such integrity. They are themselves a very strong powerhouse couple, and I’ve always been so admiring of them for everything they’ve been able to accomplish in their entrepreneurship and their stewardship of the community as well.”

She said from the get go she resonated with the fact that the McArthurs were keen on building spaces people could call their home away from home, partially because the downtown location became a second home to her.

For Rivera, her work helping bring the new location at the hospital to life may feel a bit like an unforeseen journey of fate. She is part of a team opening a café in the very place she received treatment for metastatic thyroid cancer only a few years ago.

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

The McArthurs still alternate between shaking their heads in grateful disbelief at the now decades-long success of their ideas and smiling about how far the Mulberry High School sweethearts have come in their own careers and contributions they have made to the area they love.

Understanding where they started—including convincing financial backers that their local-first idea could succeed against well known, yet sometimes impersonal national chains—helps you appreciate how far they have come as a couple and as a company.

The recurring theme through the chapters of their story is “people and community.”

A large part of the company’s success has been hiring not just the right people, but “good” people. And Black & Brew’s Chief Operating Officer Amanda Rivera, 38, may be the ultimate example. The Lakeland High graduate actually started at the company as college student who simply needed a job—first working as a barista in the downtown location before steadily earning promotions, in part because of her uncommon work ethic and business acumen.

It’s the kind of opportunity the McArthurs have always presented for their employees and for Rivera, the formal business degree she once pursued has essentially been enhanced with a real-world post-graduate tassel.

YOUR ANYTIME PLACE

“I’ve always had that confidence in him that he’s going to succeed and I’m going to be there supporting him every step of the way, whatever it takes.” - Charity McArthur on her husband, Chris

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YOUR ANYTIME PLACE LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119 THE LAKELANDER

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Black & Brew’s owners, Charity (far left) and Chris McArthur (far right) have long relied on the loving support of actual family, like Charity’s father, Bill Hartmann, (third from right) and work family, like COO Amanda Rivera, as they have solidified their place as a Lakeland favorite.

“When I found out about my illness, the last thing I had to worry about was my job,’’ Rivera said, the tenor of her voice conceding the emotion she still feels. “I consider it a blessing that while doctors were giving me guidance on how to approach my employers with paperwork, I didn’t need it because I knew Chris and Charity would look after me and make sure I had everything I needed. …and would give me the time I needed to heal and to recover.

“So, I do have a lot of personal connection having been in the hospital as a patient myself. Having to go into the space every day where you’re having to consider and reconcile a lot of things, is another reason why I’m excited for this hospital café. I really do feel like we can offer people the chance to feel like they have a bit of comfort in a time when they might need some extra comfort.”

That outlook and personal connection speaks to the significance of Black & Brew’s new endeavor. And it’s genuinely the way the company has always striven to operate.

“I feel like it’s going to make you feel you are enveloped in warmth, almost like drinking a cup of coffee with cinnamon—just warmth and gentleness,’’ Rivera said with a genuine smile.

“I knew from the get-go they [Chris and Charity] were going to be people I could count on not only as employers but in life as well,’’ Rivera said.

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YOUR ANYTIME PLACE LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119 THE LAKELANDER

Rivera commends Chris and Charity for being so intentional about attempting to create spaces where people can feel connected, to what the business offers, as well as to each other.

The appreciation goes both ways.

“She’s an incredible success story and has been a tremendous asset for us,’’ Chris says of Rivera. “I don’t know that Black & Brew would be here—in the way that it is today—without her.’’

That connection with one another and with community members has helped differentiate Black & Brew.

For example, Ms. Nancy, as she is known, began frequenting the library cafe multiple times a week to order her “small medium roast with cream and sugar,” and as many of the customers do, she became friends with the McArthurs.

Not only does she consider her nearly daily visits to Black & Brew “coffee and aromatherapy’’ she is grateful for the personal connection she has made. During a particularly tough time in her life, the McArthurs were the first to offer help—even inviting her to join their family for Thanksgiving dinner at their home.

“I appreciate the fact they not only have such great integrity, but also are such kind people,’’ said Ms. Nancy, who rides her bike to the cafe from her Dixieland-area apartment. “I know they do things for employees and for different charities in Lakeland to help others, and I think that’s amazing to incorporate that.”

It’s the kind of connection that shows the “success” of Black & Brew goes far beyond its profitability and expansion to new locations. In many ways the business is measured more by the effect it has had on people and the strong pillar it continues to be in the community.

“I’ve always had that confidence in him that he’s going to succeed and I’m going to be there supporting him every step of the way, whatever it takes,’’ Charity said, looking at her husband of 21 years with a smile.

Not only has their success been ample, but it has often come in unexpected ways with unanticipated timelines. And great challenges, including surviving a pandemic. The opportunity for the McArthurs’ newest café was first presented to them—as opposed to coming from them. And that is unquestionably a real-world result of the “can-do” spirit they have now shown for decades to the community they care so much about.

It’s said, a grateful heart attracts blessings. And so it has been for the McArthur family and the community they serve. One delicious cup at a time.

“I think what I’ve taken away from all this is having the ability to pivot and pursue things with everything you’ve got until the door gets pushed shut—and then saying, ‘Okay, I’m not going to let this crush me. What’s next?’’’ Chris said.

“It’s hard in the moment, but I think as I’ve gotten older and God has provided me with new direction, opportunity or purpose, the confidence has increased.

“I can say, honestly, I don’t approach anything with the idea we will fail because failure is so black and white. Just because something doesn’t align with my initial vision doesn’t mean it’s a failure.

“We have the ability to take those detours and create something beautiful out of it.”

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MERRY CHRISTMAS Thank you to our wonderful clients for making it a great 2025!

863.647.8600

BLACK & BREW

Coffee House and Bistro blackandbrew.com

@blackandbrew Four Lakeland locations

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THE LAKELANDER

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA BARDEGA PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL

On

But Scout & Tag didn’t begin as the bustling, layered, 4,000-square-foot treasure trove it is now. In the early days, it was a humble mix of painted furniture, found objects, and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, along with the workshops Nikki hosted to teach people how to use it. It was hands-on, community-forward, and deeply personal.

Then came the shift that would quietly set the tone for everything that followed.

“We began inviting local artists and makers to sell their work in our space,” she recalls. “That not only helped us fill the shop, but it created a sense of community and gave customers even more reasons to stop in.”

BECOMING PART OF THE FABRIC OF DOWNTOWN There’s a moment in every small business journey when the owner realizes the work has grown bigger than they imagined, when the doors don’t just open for customers, but for a community.

For Nikki, that moment came unexpectedly.

“Someone told me Scout & Tag had become a must-visit whenever friends came to town,” she says.

THE LAKELANDER

Saturday mornings more than a decade ago, long before Scout & Tag became one of Lakeland’s most beloved destinations, Nikki Whitlock stood behind a modest booth at the Downtown Lakeland Farmers Curb Market. Her hands were often speckled with paint. Her display shifted week to week, whatever she had time to refinish or re-imagine. She didn’t yet have a business plan or a roadmap. What she did have was an instinct for beauty and a knack for choosing pieces that made people stop, smile, and lean in closer.

“It all started at the Lakeland Farmers Market, where I was selling painted furniture one piece at a time,” Nikki says. “It grew faster than I expected, and within a year that little market booth turned into our brick-and-mortar home, the location we’re still in today.”

She opened the shop that is named after her daughter, Scout, and son, Tag, in 2014.

What she built inside those walls wasn’t just a shop. It was a feeling. A scent. A sense of place. The kind of store that makes people say, “You have to see this when you come to town.”

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

A Carefully Curated Place That Feels Like Home to Locals and Visitors

WHERE NEIGHBORS SHOP

BEST GIFT SHOP + BEST FURNITURE / HOME DECOR

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WHERE NEIGHBORS SHOP LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119 THE LAKELANDER

Scout & Tag owner Nikki Whitlock sits outside her storefront on Kentucky Ave.

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“Around the same time, I started seeing our Lakeland-themed products in people’s homes and photos. That’s when it hit me: we weren’t just a shop anymore. We’d become part of Lakeland’s identity.”

Those Lakeland-themed pieces—thoughtful, warm, and steeped in pride—did more than sell.

They connected. They reminded people where they came from and what they loved. And without intending to, Nikki began shaping the visual language of what “home” feels like here.

THE HEART BEHIND THE GROWTH If you ask Nikki what has fueled Scout & Tag’s evolution, she won’t point to luck or trends or timing, she’ll point to numerous things.

“I think our growth has come from consistency,

“I think our growth has come from consistency, genuine customer service and an ever-evolving mix of products.”

Struck by a Truck?

WHERE NEIGHBORS SHOP LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

At the core, very little has changed. Warm design.

Something for everyone of all ages and interests. Deep local pride. Customer service that feels like friendship.

Those values still guide every decision.

But Lakeland has shaped the store just as much as Nikki has.

“Lakeland is a place that supports small businesses,” she says. “Our customers have guided us with their feedback, their purchases, their requests.”

That feedback helped Scout & Tag expand its categories, refine its vendors, and grow into the multiunit space it occupies today that includes products sourced from more than 400 vendors, including 18 local artists. Nikki curates with intention: items with personality, beauty, longevity, and a style that won’t fade with next season’s colors.

THE LAKELANDER

genuine customer service and an ever-evolving mix of products,” she says. “People can feel when a business has an engaged team that is constantly working to craft a thoughtful experience.”

For example, for years Scout & Tag has been a go-to spot for dog lovers, but more recently the store added a cat corner, and the response has been amazing.

Her team is central to the store’s success. Nikki didn’t build Scout & Tag alone. She is especially grateful for Sarah Jacobs, her longest and most loyal team member, who has been by her side for nearly eight years.

In the early years, she did every task herself: painting, sweeping, displaying, ringing up customers. Now she leads with a wider lens, focusing on buying, designing, and ensuring the experience stays as fresh and layered as the day the doors first opened.

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LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

SMALL DECISIONS, BIG IMPACT Some of Scout & Tag’s biggest leaps weren’t splashy. They were steady choices, rooted in service: • Being open seven days a week.

• Sharing space with Rafa Natural.

• Expanding into adjoining units as they became available.

• Offering gift bags with every purchase.

• Staying open for every downtown event.

Individually, each choice seems small. Together, they built a brand people trust: reliable, welcoming, and always worth the stop.

Retail, Nikki admits, is equal parts consistency and courage. She has learned to experiment, to take smart risks, and to keep the shop fresh enough that customers know they’ll discover something new every visit.

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

BUILDING A COMMUNITY STAPLE Ask Nikki today what it means to be considered a Lakeland icon, and she won’t talk about sales or square footage or the social media love that comes her way. She’ll talk about gratitude.

“It’s very special and validating,” she says. “To know that the community sees us, appreciates what we bring, and chooses us among so many wonderful businesses—it’s incredibly humbling.”

That humility is, perhaps, the clearest marker of why Scout & Tag is what it is today.

At its heart, this wasn’t a business built from ambition. It was built from presence, from paying attention, and from treating people not as customers, but as neighbors.

And now, years later, Lakeland is simply reflecting back what Nikki has poured into it.

WHERE NEIGHBORS SHOP

Her guiding philosophy is simple: a shop should feel like an experience. The textures, the fragrances, the visual storytelling. They all matter.

THE LAKELANDER

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MERRY CHRISTMAS WISHING YOU JOY & PEACE, THIS SEASON.

TEAMHUBBERT.COM

POWERI NG REL I AB L E I NNOVATI ON David thought it would be a typical day when he started work a week after Hurricane Ian, when a fault at the substation threatened to put all of downtown out of power. That's when the new substation automation kicked into gear to keep the power flowing. "Many of the improvements our team makes aren't visible to customers. When we can fix problems before they affect customers, that's when we know we're on the right path."

lakelandelectric.com

SCOUT AND TAG

Gift and Home Decor Shop scoutandtag.com

@scoutandtag 244 N Kentucky Ave 863.225.2426

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THE LAKELANDER

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119 F R A M I N G S U C C E S S D I F F E R E N T LY

PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL AND PROVIDED BY RAW COMPOSITIONS WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS

IN

8-year-old with his mom’s old school camcorder.

He joyfully recalls vlogging with neighborhood friends near his childhood home in Bartow and being highly intrigued by online videos during the early years of YouTube.

An innate drive to create original content followed him through school, where he was heavily involved in news and video production programs, eventually becoming an anchor for the daily news show at Bartow High School.

In film school he got his first taste of doing content marketing through videography when a class project sent him to Ace Café to shoot and produce a testimonial video to show off a restaurant notorious to lovers of hot rods, motorcycles and rock ‘n’ roll.

“I think that broadened my horizons…because it helped me see if they are interested in doing something like this, you can go to any city anywhere and find businesses that are also looking to do that,” Walker recalls. “Why does [purposeful video work] have to be fully scripted with a director, producer and big budget Hollywood thing?”

THE LAKELANDER

the midst of attending film school at Full Sail University in hopes of launching a career in videography, Michael Walker II determined he’d be happy eating chicken every day.

“I’ll never forget when my instructor said, ‘Some months are steak dinners and some months are ramen noodles,’” Walker said, referring to the reality that many film professionals deal with feast or famine results as they pursue projects and try to find their footing. “And I’m like, ‘Can I find a happy medium and just have chicken?’”

Not only has he found his happy medium by establishing himself as a trusted storyteller through video and photography—especially in the real estate, wedding and small business marketing industries—he is starting to help other local creative professionals find consistent work through his five-year old business RAW Compositions.

The self-professed movie buff and technical nerd loves Star Wars, and for years he dreamed of being a director of photography for a major studio, but he’s discovered success doing work that looks a lot more like what he did as an

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

How RAW Compositions is Authentically Capturing the People and Places of Lakeland

F R A M I N G S U C C E S S D I F F E R E N T LY

BEST VIDEO PRODUCTION COMPANY

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LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119 THE LAKELANDER

“Some months are steak dinners and some months are ramen noodles,” Walker said, referring to the reality that many film professionals deal with feast or famine results as they pursue projects and try to find their footing. “And I’m like, ‘Can I find a happy medium and just have chicken?’”

F R A M I N G S U C C E S S D I F F E R E N T LY

The question is obviously rhetorical, and he and his team at RAW Compositions prove that on a daily basis with the engaging content they produce for many of Polk County’s most well-known real estate agents, including everything from headshots to listing photos to social media videos.

John Hubbert Jr. and his wife Christine Hubbert of Team Hubbert with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group have trusted Michael with a significant portion of their company’s digital marketing footprint for the past six years.

Christine Hubbert says RAW Compositions has helped her real estate group truly showcase homes to their fullest potential online, and it’s no coincidence that both businesses have grown, a testament to the success of their collaboration.

“We each believed in servicing our clients with the best marketing and production to show their homes while taking it outside of the box [from] what the average was,” Hubbert says. “And it worked.”

Christine says it’s been memorable to watch Michael grow “from a young creative kid out of Full Sail,” and that she and John have evolved into close friends with him and his wife, Josie.

Walker doubled down on working with realtors in 2020—in the midst of a pandemic where many were panicking and uncertain about the short—and longterm impact of the market—in part because he knew he could provide a solution to help businesses get back up to speed or pass their idle competition.

It also doesn’t hurt that Walker has long been in tune with the Florida real estate market because his father, Mike Walker, has been a real estate agent for more than two decades.

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Still images from some of the real estate videos RAW Compositions has produced for well-known local realtors.

His goal when working with real estate agents, or any business owners for that matter, is to help them be comfortable in their own skin, conveying messages in a way that is natural to them and is compelling to viewers.

“It’s better that you use your words…versus what I would pitch to you,” he advises. Whether an agent is polished or prefers to “cuss in their videos,” he says the key is they lead with genuine self-expression. In a town like Lakeland, he notes, people “feel it and they know” when something is not authentic.

At the core of RAW Compositions’ success is Williams’ “client-first” philosophy. He understands that every client has their own creative vision, even if they can’t articulate it.

His approach is simple: start by asking, “What are you guys looking to accomplish here?”

What started as a one-man operation has scaled into a business with three core employees—including Josie, who serves as operations manager, and videographer/ photographer Dillon Rampersad—as well as a team of talented editors who Walker contracts to keep turnaround times tight.

His business acumen is part experience, part education. With his mom’s nudge he enrolled in an MBA program, and in 2020 he graduated with his master’s degree that included a minor in marketing.

Life itself has also been a great teacher for Walker, who will gladly tell you 2025 has been “the year of everything.”

He and Josie got married, they welcomed their daughter, Cece, into the world this fall and the couple bought their first home. A quick check of his social channels shows a new dad who has leaned happily into posting #babydaddy content alongside some of his favorite work from the job he’s fully committed to when he’s not changing diapers.

Truthfully, Michael is most proud of projects like sharing the stories behind and purpose of the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida, capturing unforgettable moments at weddings or simply connecting other local creatives with local business owners to achieve top-notch results.

“The greatest fulfillment comes from seeing how well we can really transform the public’s viewpoint on businesses and propel them.”

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LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119 F R A M I N G S U C C E S S D I F F E R E N T LY

F R A M I N G S U C C E S S D I F F E R E N T LY

His long-term vision is to establish a consistent avenue for other creative professionals—editors, graphic designers, digital media specialists and photographers/videographers—to find joy doing what they love and to further the impact of RAW Compositions.

The name of the company points to its foundation, as well as what it is striving to become.

RAW is a double entendre, referring both to the high-quality, uncompressed photo file format and to the look and feel Walker wants to be known for: “it’s raw, it’s cool, it’s awesome, it’s authentic.”

Compositions is a nod to the technical framing of a shot, a foundational element of photography and videography that separates great from good.

“I want people to see us as a creative partner…who is hard working and creates excellent media through collaboration,” Walker says. “I want people to feel positivity working with us and I want them to get fulfillment, too.”

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

Video Production Company rawcompositions.com

@rawcompositions 201 Traders Alley 863.999.4594

THE LAKELANDER

RAW COMPOSITIONS

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Experience the picturesque beauty of Wright’s largest single-site collection of buildings, where every curve and detail reflects his visionary design philosophy.

From the majestic Annie Pfeiffer and Danforth Chapels to the serene Water Dome, witness how Wright’s genius seamlessly merges with nature.

RANKED MOST

BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS

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WINNERS GUIDE

BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH SPOT 1st Place Winner

Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro Your go to spot if: avocado toast is on your greatest hits

playlist, you know what the B.E.C. is without a Google search or you’re looking for tasty pastries or yogurt with all the fixings. blackandbrew.com

2nd Place Born & Bread Bakehouse 3rd Place Frescos Southern Kitchen and Bar

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

BEST FINE DINING 1st Place Winner Nineteen61

Your go to spot if: you want to see the who’s who of Lakeland,

check out the latest Latin American fare with flair put on the menu by award-winning Chef Marcos Fernandez or hope to impress your friends and family with a great time in an elevated setting. nineteen61.com

2nd Place Scarpa’s Italian 3rd Place Texas Cattle Company

BEST COCKTAILS 1st Place Winner Revival THE LAKELANDER

Your go to spot if: you want innovative cocktails and mocktails

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in a retro setting that is perfect for a memorable night of board games or to catch up with long lost friends. revivallakeland.com

2nd Place Vasco Sixty One 3rd Place The Joinery

BEST BAR & GRILL

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to spot if: you can taste the locally roasted Patriot

Your go to spot if: fanciful twists on traditional classics make

blackandbrew.com

www.cobandpenlakeland.com

2nd Place Concord Coffee 3rd Place Mitchell ’s Coffee House

2nd Place Food + Beer 3rd Place Harry’s

Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro Coffee when you close your eyes, you are a sucker for specialty seasonal drinks with fun names and flavors, or a smooth cold brew is your thing.

BEST ICE CREAM Andy’s Frozen Custard Your go to spot if: creamy is your happy place, you can’t ever

have too many toppings in your frozen dessert or you intrinsically understand what concrete and jackhammers have to do with building better custard. www.eatandys.com

2nd Place Mayday Ice Cream 3rd Place Lakeland Ice Cream Company

Cob & Pen

your mouth water, you’re looking for a memorable craft cocktail or beer to go with your trivia or you simply prefer eating in the confines of an almost 100-year-old home.

BEST BEER SELECTION 1st Place Winner Swan Brewing

Your go to spot if: you’re looking for a taproom and brewery in the heart of downtown that serves up more than 30 beers on tap and is consistently helping you mix and match local tunes and food trucks to pair with each pint. www.swanbrewing.com

2nd Place Brass Tap 3rd Place The Joinery

BEST PIZZA

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to spot if: you love a Downtown OG that has been

Your go to spot if: you want to experience what it looks and

www.palacepizzadowntown.com

www.hakuchofl.com

2nd Place J Burns 3rd Place Pizza Odyssey

2nd Place Chicken Salad Chick 3rd Place Parlor Doughnuts

Palace Pizza Downtown

Hakucho

tastes like when Ryan Neal—owner of Sabu Ramen—elevates dishes and drinks to the next level.

THE LAKELANDER

serving up handmade pies, homemade pasta and other Italian delicacies that are perfect for lunch or dinner for nearly 30 years.

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

1st Place Winner

WINNERS GUIDE

BEST COFFEE

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Located at:

The Strand Salon 2537 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803

m 863.604.7776 Q @carriejarahair

Carrie Jara Hair PROFESSIONAL STYLIST

OVER 17 YEARS OF HAIR STYLING TRAINED IN NEW YORK CITY TOP HAIR COLORIST IN LAKELAND, FL NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!

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BEST BARTENDER

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to spot if: you’re looking for massive burritos, fresh

Your go to gal if: you’re looking for a fun time with a true

Mega Mercado

chips you can’t put down, well-seasoned cuts of delicious meat and a fully-stocked grocery store. www.megamercado.f roogleorders.com

2nd Place Tapatios 3rd Place Dona Julia’s

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT Hakucho

Your go to spot if: the local night life is your scene and you’re

looking for flavorful dishes to share with friends that artfully meld a traditional Japanese experience with modern Western flair. www.hakuchofl.com

2nd Place Sushi Masa 3rd Place Hibachi Express

Mercedes Weakley, Food + Beer professional who emphasizes the “customer” in customer service in a spot that has earned its stripes as one of the most enjoyable in town. www.eatfooddrinkbeer.com

2nd Place Britny Gallagher, Food + Beer 3rd Place *tied* Alexander Donnelly, Lugos AND Taylor Heinz, Linksters

BEST HEAD CHEF 1st Place Winner

Marcos Fernandez, Nineteen61 Your go to guy if: you’re looking for a dining experience that

exudes passion and creativity in a unique way that pays homage to his Cuban roots and his propensity for pushing the envelope with new flavor combinations using the freshest ingredients. www.nineteen61.com

2nd Place Ryan Neal, Hakucho 3rd Place Chris Espino, Hakucho

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

1st Place Winner

WINNERS GUIDE

BEST TACO SPOT

BEST BURGER 1st Place Winner S&L Restaurant

Your go to spot if: you love local dives that have as much grease

2nd Place Food + Beer 3rd Place Chop Shop

THE LAKELANDER

as they do history, crave American classics like burgers, biscuits and BLTs, and are all in on fun, offbeat vibes.

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WINNERS GUIDE

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER 1st Place Winner

Hollingsworth Home Interiors Your go to choice if: you want to create spaces in your home

that are as beautiful as they are comfortable with the help of local expert Terri Green. www.hollingsworthhomeinteriors.com

2nd Place Christian Lee Designs 3rd Place Leaf and Light Design

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE 1st Place Winner Keller Williams

Your go to choice if: you’re a potential buyer or seller looking

for a global real estate leader who ranks No. 1 in the U.S. by number of agents and sales volume. www.kw.com

2nd Place Paige Wagner Homes 3rd Place Better Homes & Gardens

BEST REALTOR 1st Place Winner Yolanda Floyd THE LAKELANDER

Your go to gal if: you want a homegrown talent who will roll up

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her sleeves to understand your wants and needs and will faithfully provide solutions to every challenge you encounter on your journey. @yolandafloyd.realtor

2nd Place Adrianna Darr 3rd Place Paige Wagner

BEST POOL BUILDER

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to choice if: you’re looking for a longtime local builder

Your go to choice if: you have a dream of an outdoor oasis,

www.hulberthomes.com

www.griff inpools.com

2nd Place Southern Homes 3rd Place Ernie D White Construction

2nd Place Goldsmith Pools 3rd Place Polk County Pools

BEST HOME RENOVATIONS COMPANY

BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY

Hulbert Homes

who excels at bringing luxury to life with quality materials, timeless designs and exceptional service.

Strawbridge Renovations Your go to choice if: you’re ready to work with established

locals known for their impeccable craftsmanship with a personal touch. www.strawbridgerenovations.com

2nd Place Mason Design + Build 3rd Place Complete Kitchen and Bath

Griff in Pools

and you’re looking for Central Florida’s longest serving pool builder to help create it.

1st Place Winner

Creative Edge Outdoor Solutions Your go to choice if: you’re looking for customized solutions

for landscaping and irrigation projects to beautify and sustain your outdoor space. www.lawncarelakelandtampaflorida.com

2nd Place First Choice Lawn and Landscaping 3rd Place Prestige Lawns & Landscaping

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

1st Place Winner

WINNERS GUIDE

BEST HOME BUILDER

THE LAKELANDER

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Skilled Nursing License #13770961

Assisted Living Facility Licenses: #AL11995, #AL12732, #AL5217, #AL7902

serving 500+ seniors a day!

Lakeland families have trusted us with their loved ones since 2009.

"The staff has been very helpful as we move our parents into Ansley Parke at Oakbridge. We can rest easy knowing our parents are cared for around the clock."

- Resident Family Member “The Manor provided loving and compassionate care to my mother and our family. This allowed me to be a daughter, and not a nurse to my mother. I will forever be grateful.”

- Diane W., family member

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FOR VOTING US FOR

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE BEST EYE DOCTOR!

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WINNERS GUIDE

BEST GOLF COURSE 1st Place Winner

Cleveland Heights Golf Course Your go to spot if: you want an iconic course filled with long-

told local legends that has been a favorite for golfers of all skill levels for a century. www.clevelandheightsgolf.com

2nd Place Grasslands Golf & Country Club 3rd Place The Club at Eaglebrooke

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

BEST BOUTIQUE 1st Place Winner East of These

Your go to spot if: you love handmade accessories with a heart

and seasonal and one-of-a-kind gear that make for memorable gifts, for yourself or others. www.eastofthese.com

2nd Place Top Buttons 3rd Place Tennessee Jane Boutique

BEST ANNUAL FESTIVAL OR EVENT 1st Place Winner

Lakeland Christmas Parade THE LAKELANDER

Your go to event if: you like large crowds packed tightly

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together making funny gestures and waving incessantly at local legends and strangers alike on some of the most inventive floats you will ever see. www.lakelandgov.net

2nd Place Pig Fest 3rd Place Mayfaire-by-the-Lake

BEST JEWELER

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to spot if: you want to host a party, conference or

Your go to spot if: you’re in search of personalized customer

Bonnet Springs Event Center gathering in an indoor/outdoor space that screams vintage Florida with tons of modern amenities that make creating memorable moments simple. www.bonnetspringspark.com

2nd Place Haus 820 3rd Place Union Hall

Munchel’s Fine Jewelry service in a family-owned shop that offers everything from elegant antique jewelry to modern beauties. www.munchels.com

2nd Place Gaines Jewelers 3rd Place Foshee Jewelers

BEST GIFT SHOP

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to spot if: you want to step into a true community gem

Your go to spot if: you have $15, $50 or $500 to spend on

that celebrates local authors, loves a good craft night, stocks classics and new favorites, and serves up exceptional drinks to bring it all together. www.pressedbooksandcoffee.com

2nd Place Inklings Book Shoppe 3rd Place Gospel Inn Bookstore

Scout & Tag

everything from trendy bags to one-of-a-kind art to vibrant plants and so much more. www.scoutandtag.com

2nd Place Stationery Loft 3rd Place Take Heart

BEST VIDEO PRODUCTION COMPANY

BEST FURNITURE AND HOME DECOR

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to choice if: you’re looking for a company whose

Your go to spot if: you want Lakeland-centric decorations and

www.rawcompositions.com

www.scoutandtag.com

2nd Place Indie Atlantic 3rd Place Campbell Rice

2nd Place The Curated Collective 3rd Place Home Essentials

RAW Compositions

Scout & Tag

statements curated by Lakelanders who have created a space that even out-of-towners call a required stop on their visits.

THE LAKELANDER

primary goal is to make you look and sound great by simply being yourself (and allowing their pros to do their editing magic.)

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

BEST BOOK STORE Pressed Books & Coffee

WINNERS GUIDE

BEST VENUE

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WINNERS GUIDE

BEST GYM 1st Place Winner Just Move

Your go to spot if: you’re looking for top-notch equipment, a

strong slate of programs and experienced trainers ready to help you meet your fitness goals. www.justmovef itnessclub.com

2nd Place Earn Your Stripes 3rd Place Crunch Fitness

BEST SALON

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to choice if: you’re looking for compassionate, patient-

Your go to spot if: you want skilled professional artists whose

www.agninidental.com

www.venuesalon.com

2nd Place Family Dentistry of Lakeland 3rd Place Midtown Dental

2nd Place High Class Barber Salon 3rd Place Establish 37

BEST BROWS & LASHES

BEST BARBERSHOP

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to choice if: you want to experience the confidence

Your go to choice if: fresh cuts and timeless styles provided by

www.greatbrows.com

@highclass_barbersalon

2nd Place Bella Vie Salon & Spa 3rd Place Brow Bar

2nd Place Who’s Next? Barber Studio 3rd Place Gents Classic Cuts

Agnini Family Dental focused dental care at a family-owned business that has been making locals smile since 1979.

Great Brows

goal is to help you unlock the best version of yourself through hair, spa and waxing services.

High Class Barber Salon talented barbers and stylists who invite you into a warm familyfriendly setting where positive vibes and smiles is the norm.

THE LAKELANDER

that can come from permanent makeup work from one of the most renowned artists in Central Florida.

Venue Salon

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

BEST DENTIST

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WINNERS GUIDE

BEST EYE DOCTOR 1st Place Winner

Eye Specialists of Mid Florida Your go to choice if: you’re seeking local experts in the

diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases including cataract, glaucoma, LASIK and more.

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

www.eyesfl.com

THE LAKELANDER

1st Place Winner

Dr. J. Scott Ferguson, Watson Clinic Your go to guy for: an array of surgical and non-invasive

plastic surgery services in a comfortable setting where he and his team develop personalized gameplans for every patient.

2nd Place Eyes of Lakeland 3rd Place Central Florida Eye Associates

www.watsonclinic.com

BEST MED SPA

BEST AESTHETICIAN

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to spot for: encountering an experienced staff who

Your go to gal if: you’re looking for as detail-oriented

Clique Salon & Med Spa will guide you through everything from facial to injectables to hormone replacement therapy using state-of-the-art technologies. cliquemedspa.com

2nd Place Bella Viságe Medical & Aesthetic Rejuvenation 3rd Place DayDreams Day Spa

2nd Place Dr. Faeza Kazmier, Watson Clinic 3rd Place Dr. Gerzenshtein

Jackie Edwards, Venue makeup artist and esthetician known for making guests feel beautiful and refreshed with her Aveda skincare services like relaxing facials, dermaplaning and more. www.venuesalon.com

2nd Place Michelle Cooper, Clique Salon and Med Spa 3rd Place Melissa Kinsey, TrueMedSpa

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to spot if: you’re looking for a family-run practice

Your go to guy if: you’re looking for an all-in leader of a

Love Chiropractic

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BEST PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

known for its patient-focused approach that offers techniques like Graston and Activator Method, along with massage therapy, spinal decompression therapy and more. www.lovechiropracticcenter.com

2nd Place The Joint Chiropractic 3rd Place Lucido Chiropractor

Will Doyle, Will Power Fitness gym that offer personalized 1-on-1 training, group fitness and weight loss challenges. www.willpowerf itnesslkld.com

2nd Place Kyle Farmer, Earn Your Stripes 3rd Place *tied* Adam Hamid, Adrenaline Body Works AND Blake Scheidt - Comeback Athlete Coaching

MESSIEH ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC

MESSIEH ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC Leader in anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991 Less-invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work

Leader in anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991 Less-invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work.

Two Locations 1601 Sixth Street SE Winter Haven, FL 33880 863.419.9301 3200 Physicians Way Sebring, FL 33880 863.471.9700

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Jeffrey Clements CFP® Financial Advisor 225 E. Lemon St. Lakeland, FL 33801 +1 863 499-1521 Jeffrey.Clements@MorganStanley.com

As a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor, I can work with you to develop a goals based strategy, and adjust it to help you manage your investments and assets now and through the years to come. Call me to arrange a meeting, and let’s work toward a stronger future.

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WINNERS GUIDE

BEST BANK 1st Place Winner

Citizens Bank & Trust Your go to choice if: you’re looking for a trusted community

bank ready to serve your needs in personal and business banking, loans and wealth management. www.citizens-bank.com

2nd Place Bank of Central Florida 3rd Place SouthState Bank

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

BEST CREDIT UNION 1st Place Winner

MidFlorida Credit Union Your go to choice if: you like the personal attention and

community investment of a local credit union that continues to enhance its mobile and online banking features and offers competitive rates on products that match every state of life. www.midflorida.com

2nd Place Suncoast Credit Union 3rd Place Publix Employee Federal Credit Union

BEST LAW FIRM 1st Place Winner Burnetti Law THE LAKELANDER

Your go to choice if: you are an injury victim or looking to

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help an injury victim and are looking for an experienced full-service team of more than 100 staff to get you the legal aid and final verdict that is warranted. www.burnetti.com

2nd Place Brooks Law 3rd Place Peterson & Myers

BEST CAR DEALERSHIP

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to choice if: you’re looking for trusted certified

Your go to spot for: the largest inventory of cars, SUVs and

CPS Group CPAs

advisors for tax compliance and planning, small business services, advisory/consulting services and/or financial planning. www.cpsgroupcpas.com

2nd Place *tied* Jason Wiley Simpson AND Hurlburt Financial

Bartow Ford

trucks around sold and serviced by an award-winning team at a dealership that has been making Central Floridians happy for more than 75 years. www.bartowford.com

2nd Place Regal Automotive 3rd Place Lakeland Toyota

BEST AC COMPANY

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to choice for: making a difference for locals fighting

breast cancer, supporting their families and honoring survivors of the disease. www.bcfcf.org

2nd Place Dream Center of Lakeland 3rd Place One More Child

BEST WEALTH MANAGEMENT COMPANY 1st Place Winner Allen & Company

services by professionals who are deeply invested in the community and in the long-term success of their clients. www.alleninvestments.com

2nd Place CPS Investment Advisors 3rd Place Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors

Your go to choice for: all of your commercial and residential

heating and cooling needs, led by a team of certified industry leaders who are part of a company who has been gurus of HVAC since 1936. www.payneair.com

2nd Place Lakeland Air Conditioning Company 3rd Place Wards Air Conditioning

BEST VETERINARIAN 1st Place Winner

All Creatures Animal Clinic Your go to choice if: you’re looking for an AAHA accredited

animal hospital—which is a distinction of only 12-15 percent of hospitals nationwide—that offers cutting edge technologies and alternative medicine options to care for your beloved animals. www.allcreaturesfl.com

2nd Place Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital 3rd Place Lakeland Veterinary Hospital & Wellness Center

THE LAKELANDER

Your go to choice for: comprehensive financial management

Payne Air Conditioning and Heating

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

BEST NON-PROFIT Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida

WINNERS GUIDE

BEST ACCOUNTANT

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WINNERS GUIDE

BEST PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL 1st Place Winner

George Jenkins High School Your go to choice if: you want the opportunity to dive into

pathways to potential careers, enjoy being under the tutelage of experienced teachers and administrators and are prepared to SOAR. www.georgejenkinshigh.polkschoolsfl.com

2nd Place Lakeland High School 3rd Place Lake Gibson High School

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL Victory Christian Academy Your go to choice if: you’re looking for a place that is in

the business of developing young hearts and minds in a positive environment that motivates students to achieve spiritual, academic and social excellence. www.vcaonline.org

2nd Place Lakeland Christian School 3rd Place Geneva Classical School

BEST PRESCHOOL

BEST CHARTER/MAGNET SCHOOL

1st Place Winner

1st Place Winner

Your go to choice if: fun lessons, Christ-centered activities,

Your go to choice if: you’re looking for a highly competitive

Victory Christian Academy Preschool

www.mckeelcentral.com

2nd Place Covenant Child Development Center 3rd Place Alta Schoolhouse

McKeel Academy Central educational environment that utilizes modern technology, hands-on science and career exploration to provide students with the tools to be successful wherever they go. www.mckeelcentral.com

2nd Place South McKeel 3rd Place Central McKeel

THE LAKELANDER

nutritional snacks and compassionate expert staff are what you’re looking for in a place for your littlest loves to grow.

LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

1st Place Winner

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Since 1972 We’ve treated them like family.

• Comprehensive Medical Services • Professionsal Grooming & Stying • Comfortable & Spacious Lodging • AAHA Accredited 3710 Cleveland Heights Boulevard 863.646.2995 pethospital.com

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COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL/NATURAL GAS | LP/APPLIANCES-PIPING-REPAIRS

863.224.2354 INFO@ALTERNATIVEGASCONSTRUCTION.COM PO BOX 9461 WINTER HAVEN, FL 33883-9461

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LAKELANDERS’ CHOICE | ISSUE 119

HISTORY

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THE LAKELANDER

1950

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Al Lodwick with Orange Cup Regatta Trophy Boat owner Albert Lodwick and driver Charles Pierce accept the Orange Cup Regatta perpetual trophy from regatta official Bernard Dobbs. Lodwick owned and Pierce drove an outboard racing boat named “Copperhead.”

Courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library

77 years of

EXPERIENCED MINDS handling

COMPLEX MATTERS Since 1948, Peterson & Myers has provided experienced legal advice to help our clients’ innovative ideas become a reality.

We believe each client deserves attorneys who create learned, practical, individualized solutions in a constantly changing and complex environment. Please call us or visit our website today for more information about our time-tested legal experience.

PETERSONMYERS.COM • 863.683.6511 • LAKELAND | WINTER HAVEN | LAKE WALES

Get the Care You Need Even on Board-certified Nephrology specialists Dr. Michael Achinger and Dr. Steven Achinger now offer expert kidney care on select Saturdays at Watson Clinic Main.

In addition to Nephrology, Watson Clinic also offers Saturday appointment availability in our Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Optometry and ENT departments. Plus, our three walk-in care locations are always ready to serve you during expanded hours seven days a week.

It’s all part of a healthcare experience that works on your schedule.

Central Florida’s Premier Healthcare Provider WatsonClinic.com/Weekend |

Doctor’s Appointm ent