The Lakelander - Issue 78

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

Hello NORTH LAKELAND

SOUTH LAKELAND

1805 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL 33805 (863) 682-1500

2410 S. Florida Ave S Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 682-1500

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C O N T E N T S ISSUE 78

ON THE COVER Photo by Dan Austin

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CONTENTS

44 • PEOPLE

36

Baker Undercover Meet Debbie, a cake artist whose passion for the perfect dessert is matched by her love of people.

Next Lakeland Food Stars

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Only in Lakeland Restaurant Guide FEATURES

89 • GREATER LAKELAND

TACO TRUCK TOUR We made the sacrifice to brave the sweltering heat for the sake of sharing with you the most dynamic flavors, freshest ingredients and gooiest creations.

Beware — you’ll need to clear your lunch or dinner calendar after seeing what we found.

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CONTENTS

METRO

24 • METRO

A Century of Faithful Fellowship One Lakeland Church started 100 years ago following a revival. See how it continues to revive the community as a multi-generational, service-focused congregation.

28 • METRO

Seven after 7 When it’s getting late and the craving for something scrumptious arises your internal auto pilot might go directly to the same old spot. We show you seven local alternatives to cure your postsunset cases of the “hungries.”

31 • METRO

Where There’s Smoke There Should Be Tasty Meat Also There are a plethora of options to upgrade your outdoor space with a smoker that will provide rich, flavorful food for years to come. Check out five smokers at a variety of price points that can immediately upgrade your barbecue experience.

DEPARTMENTS

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16 • MASTHEAD

22 • LETTERS

54 • COVER STORY

18 • EDITOR’S NOTE

24 • METRO

70 • RESTAURANT GUIDE

20 • CONTRIBUTORS

34 • CATAPULT KITCHEN

82 • BAKER UNDERCOVER

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90 • GREATER LAKELAND

When her choice matters most Curt Patterson

Jason Jacobs

PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

RJ Walters

Jon Sierra

EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Advertising ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ADVERTISING SALES

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449 Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785

Editorial STAFF WRITER CONTRIBUTORS

Jordan Randall Julianne Waller, Adam Spafford, London Jacobs

Creative GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS

we are here to help

Jon Sierra Dan Austin, Jordan Randall, Paul Bostrom, Mark Batson

Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR VP, FINANCE GENERAL COUNSEL

Jason Jacobs Deb Patterson Ted W. Weeks IV

Empowering Women with Medical Services, Options and Compassionate Support Issue 78 The Lakelander is published twelve times annually by Patterson Jacobs Media Group, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

Contact: Patterson Jacobs Media Group, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 863.701.2707 • thelakelander.com Customer Service: 863.701.2707

YourChoiceLakeland.com

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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I have joined Allen & Company of Florida, LLC. New Contact Information:

1401 South Florida Avenue | Lakeland, FL 33803 863.616.6355 Office | 863.559.2830 Educational communication as required by FINRA can be found by scanning this QR code: Nathan W. Adams CWS® Financial Advisor Allen & Company of Florida, LLC | 1401 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803 Securities and advisory services offered though LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

E D ITO R ’ S N OTE

No Stars Needed: Some Real Food For Thought I

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Imagine asking a guy from the local tire shop for his take on the shrimp etouffee and classic pavlova with berries at that restaurant that has the internet abuzz.

The reference to a tire store refers to Michelin - the brand most recognizable for its lovable marshmallow-esque mascot - and the company that more than 100 years ago also instituted a global standard for fine dining called the MICHELIN Guide.

Clearly the hyperbole is on par with saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse,” (it’s true, horse meat is a delicacy in some European countries) but in our comparisoncrazed culture that is always looking for something better, I encourage you to let your taste buds do the talking before your grand appetite gets your fingers swiping and typing beyond our city.

The Michelin brothers were struggling with their tire business in a small French town, so they had the ingenious idea of creating a travel guide, encouraging people to travel for food that was worth getting in the car to track down. It was a PR gamble, but clearly one that paid off, and one that makes me laugh because of how a century later it feeds into how we feel about chefs and dining experiences.

I’m sure you’ve heard of 1, 2 and 3 star Michelin restaurants, but did you know, that until this year, not a single Florida restaurant had garnered Michelin star status?

Seriously — none of the top chefs from around the world who call Miami home, and none of the fine dining establishments of one of the world’s pre-eminent tourist

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destinations, Orlando, could make the list?

Having indulged in and explored the growing and diverse food and restaurant landscape of Lakeland the past month, my point is simple — make your own list, and give the places closest to you a first try, or maybe another try. Save your tires!

In Lakeland we have everything from Cuban to French to Thai cuisine done well, and we have chefs and owners who have had success around the globe, but who truly love serving the locals.

As you will read in this issue, there are more than 30 motivated and talented entrepreneurs working hard in Catapult Kitchen to earn your business and give you something to add to your list of favorites.

We have spots presidents have dined, we have an old house turned into a great late night spot where Elvis reportedly once hung out — and most importantly, we have passionate talented individuals who are worthy of your own personal rating system and bitmoji celebrations.

Spend some time in our “Only in Lakeland” restaurant guide for a curated taste of what you should taste. And the next time you get your tires changed, suggest one of your local favorites to the person helping you stay safe on the road.

RJ Walters EDITOR

CONFIDENCE IS ON THE

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C O N T R I B U T O R S THE CREATIVES AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO MAKE THE LAKELANDER

Next Lakeland Food Stars photographed by Paul Bostrom, pg. 34

JULIANNE WALLER

Julianne graduated from The University of Tampa with a degree in writing. She currently works as a freelance writer for the Lakelander and other publications.

Outside of journalism and creative writing, Julianne is passionate about reading, travel, art, spending time with friends and family. She adores her two beautiful cats!

MARK BATSON

Mark Batson has been a photographer for Publix Super Markets for more than 40 years.

He enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, three dogs, three cats and many chickens.

PAUL BOSTROM

Paul is a commercial and editorial photographer based in Lakeland.

His happy place is in the studio, snacks on deck, doing meticulous stuff no one else wants to do.

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If you're still reading this, send him a picture of your dog on Instagram (@paulbostrom). That would be hilarious and truly make his day. paulbostrom.com

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See the masthead on pg. 16 for a list of all contributing writers and photographers.

October 19-23, 2022 Lake Silver, Winter Haven

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M E T R O NEW AND NOTABLE IN LAKELAND

THE STORY OF A FAMILY

E ST

IN

1922 24

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Written by RJ Walters

n the early 1920s, Leila Sumner was determined to bring an authentic Pentecostal revival to Lakelanders, but she faced several challenges.

There were no Pentecostal churches in the area and W.R Hadsock, the reverend who was going to host the revival, did not have an organ to accompany him.

Not to be deterred, Sumner and two of her friends rolled a pump organ down bumpy, dusty roads to put under the tent.

The revival took place, people accepted Christ as their savior and it was the catalyst for the beginning of Lakeland Church of God on the corner of Ohio St. and Quincy St., where Hadsock served as the fi rst pastor.

Today, that church is a vibrant multi-generational church in North Lakeland known as Together Church, a congregation that is celebrating its 100th anniversary in September.

“I can’t imagine pushing an organ down even a good road, let alone an old dirt road, and to think about how many times they probably had to pick it up,” says lead pastor Justin Stewart, who has been at the helm for more than five years. “It just shows the perfect picture of over the years, even through the hard times, of when we have had to persevere and push something to a different place that typically couldn’t be pushed to, but because of God we got there.”

Stewart said an estimated 75 percent of Together’s regular attendees serve in

the church in some capacity, a reality that mirrors a slogan embossed on the church exterior, This is Home.

“The name is not just a slogan — it makes sense because the church as a whole has built a culture that brings different families and demographics together,” Stewart said.

The church does that within its walls, but also through Lead Florida, a program and experience focused on developing Christian leaders and entrepreneurs that is led by Jaime Stewart, the lead pastor’s wife and Together’s administrative pastor.

The church moved into its current facility on N. Socrum Loop Rd. in 2015. Prior to that, the church was on the corner of Socrum Loop Rd. and Odom Rd. after being located at a property near Lake Wire for nearly half a century.

The story of how the congregation obtained the Lake Wire property is just one example of how the people of Together Church have been diligent and faith fi lled over the years.

“THE NAME IS NOT JUST A SLOGAN — IT MAKES SENSE BECAUSE THE CHURCH AS A W H O L E H A S B U I LT A C U LT U R E T H AT B R I N G S D I F F E R E N T FA M I L I E S AND DEMOGRAPHICS TOGETHER

The impact of the church, which is part of the Church of God denomination, goes far beyond its own congregation. Several local churches that have been planted out of the 100-year-old church are: Trinity Life Renovation Church Highland City Church of God Living Water Church of God I SS U E 78

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METRO

In the early 1950s Rev. J.T. Roberts decided he would ask people for donations of dollar bills and have them fi ll a wash tub with money to show the progress.

In short order people stepped up and fi lled the tub with $30,000 that was transported to Peoples Bank of Lakeland and put in a safe until the contract could be finalized on the property.

Long-serving church members like Bob and Joyce Short have experiences with Together Church that date back almost as far.

Joyce, now 75, is the daughter of W.C. Byrd, who pastored the church for more than a decade. Joyce started attending the church at 1 year old and has been involved with it the majority of her life. Bob serves as a board member, and the couple has served in various roles over the decades, including Sunday School teachers.

Some of the Short’s children and grandchildren currently attend Together Church, and Joyce said the culture of the church includes involving children and teens from a young age, helping them to find God’s purposes for their lives.

Dewayne Watford, financial administrator at Together Church, started attending the church 46 years ago, and almost immediately he was personally touched by the kindness of the Shorts.

“When we fi rst went into a Sunday School class, Bob and Joyce were the teachers, and there were chairs in a circle fi lled with people,” Watford recalls. “Bob 26

made everyone move closer to each other to make space for us, and that made a memorable impression.”

As Dewayne awakened to a deeper relationship with God, especially at a local revival in the mid 1970s, God used him to make an exponential impact through a bus ministry he led for the church.

In a period of five years, a fleet of seven buses transported a total of more than 28,000 children (total, not unique) to the church — not bad for a ministry that Dewayne said he had reservations about “being the right guy for” when someone at the revival told him he was the man to lead it.

As with any organization that has survived 100 years, the impacts last generations.

“I was at Watson Clinic earlier this year for some testing, and across the room there was a lady who kept looking my way, and I’m trying to figure out if I should know who she is,” Dewayne shares. “She eventually walks over to me and says, ‘Do you remember picking me up on Swindoll Road when you drove that bus?’”

In the 70s it was a bus ministry that connected people. In 2022 it’s online streaming of worship services, it’s a commitment of churchgoers to serve community organizations alongside each other, and as Pastor Stewart puts it, it’s about “sticking to the Word because it’s the living Word and it will never return void.”

“. . . E V E N T H R O U G H T H E HARD TIMES, OF WHEN WE HAD TO PERSEVERE OR PUSH SOMETHING TO A DIFFERENT PLACE T H AT T Y P I C A L LY COULDN’T BE PUSHED TO, BUT BECAUSE OF GOD WE GOT THERE. ”

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METRO

Seven After 7 When it’s getting late and you’re stomach is growling, there are better options than just hitting the same old drive-through line.

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Black and Brew

LoveBird

The Joinery

Open Monday through Thursday until 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. and Sunday until 5 p.m.

Open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 9p.m

Open Monday through Thursday until 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m., and Sunday until 8 p.m

(Main Street) | 205 E Main St

The Black and Brew on Main street across from Munn Park is a staple to downtown Lakeland. And while a lot of small businesses/coffee shops typically close their doors by 4 or 5 p.m., Black and Brew is the bistro that keeps on bumpin’. They’re open until 8 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. So the next time you’re craving one of their signature salads or a refreshing turkey & brie sandwich for dinner, stop on by this Lakeland favorite.

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2 2101 Florida Ave

In no time at all it seems, LoveBird has made an extensive impact on the food scene in Lakeland. Serving up an incredible abundance of Nashville Hot Chicken every day and garnering an audience of more than 4,000 followers on Instagram, people come through for the chicken, but stay for the good vibes.

Here’s the thing about LoveBird— it’s impossible to just go once. Once you get your hands on their Bird & the Bee sandwich, or their So Gouda Mac & Cheese, you’ll be back with all your favorite people.

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640 E. Main St

Quickly establishing itself as one of Lakeland’s must-stops in the last few years, The Joinery has a little bit of everything to keep you satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a great bowl of ramen from Sabu, a sushi burrito from �to, or just want to sit down and have a few drinks at the bar, there are plenty of options within the Joinery to keep you coming back for more. You have until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday to get there, but on Friday and Saturday you can sit back and enjoy until 11 p.m.

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Cob & Pen

The Brass Tap

Salem’s Fresh Eats

Open Sunday through Thursday until 11 p.m. and Friday through Saturday until midnight

Open Sun.-Thurs. until midnight and Fri.Sat. until 2 a.m.

Open Sunday through Saturday until 4 a.m

It’s hard to think of a better vibe than a late night hang at Cob & Pen. If you’re out with friends and find yourself looking for a place to have good food, drinks, and conversation, then you’ve found your spot. If it’s a Monday, jump into a game of trivia and order the ultimate fries for a good time. Or go ahead and try their legendary fish & chips — you won’t regret it. Cob & Pen is open Sunday through Thursday until 11 p.m. and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, so your late night cravings can be met.

Picture this: it’s Friday night around 10 p.m. and you just got out of a movie at Lakeside Village. You ate your weight in popcorn, but of course, you’re hungry for real food. Where can you go? The Brass Tap is here for you when no one else is. Perfect for a late night draft and a good old burger and fries, this stop is open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 2 a.m. Friday through Saturday. And it’s right on Town Center Drive, so it’s just a short walk away if you’re leaving the movies or closing out a night of shopping.

1221 S. Florida Ave.

1515 Town Center Dr.

101 E. Memorial Blvd.

Say it’s late. Let’s go with 2 a.m. Maybe even 3? You’re driving back home from out of town and you’re just too hungry to make anything in your kitchen. You need someplace to stop real quick— Salem’s Fresh Eats off Memorial has got your back. Open from 10 a.m. until a whopping 4 a.m. every single day of the week, Salem’s is able to provide you with quick dine in or drive through options like a good gyro, philly cheesesteak, or fish & shrimp. When everything else is closed, Salem’s isn’t.

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Gator’s Dockside 5147 US Hwy. 98 S.

Open Sunday through Saturday until midnight Gator’s Dockside is a family-friendly sports bar that is perfect for your late night family outing. Craving wings? Their signature wings are a fan favorite. And if you’re feeling adventurous, just know they don’t call it Gator’s Dockside for nothing. Their menu is stacked with gator-based dishes like gator taters, gator nachos, gator tail and more.

They’re open until midnight every night, so you’ve got plenty of time to stop by.

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A BETTER BACKYARD BARBECUE or many households, the grill is the focal point of their outdoor space. If you’re looking for the ultimate boost in taste and flavor, you should consider adding a smoker to your arsenal. Smokers are designed to cook food at lower temperatures over longer periods of time, which allows more time for the smoke flavor to penetrate the food and truly upgrade your backyard barbecue.

But where do you start?

Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of quality smokers with a variety of features that you can pick up today (as long as they are in stock!) right here in Lakeland.

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1 Traeger Ironwood

Pit Boss Pro

885 WOOD PELLET WIFI GRILL AND SMOKER

1077 SQ SAND PELLET SMOKER

$1,599.99 Crowder Brothers Ace Hardware The Traeger Ironwood 885 is the priciest option on the list, but for good reason. It’s both a grill and a smoker, and is packed with some pretty epic features, including WiFi technology that will let you control your grill and monitor your cooks through the Traeger app. The Ironwood also has a Super Smoke mode, allowing you to reach new and advanced levels of rich flavor.

4 Weber Smokey Mountain CHARCOAL/WOOD BULLET SMOKER

$419 | Crowder Brothers Ace Hardware

3 Oklahoma Joe’s Highland 900SQ HORIZONTAL CHARCOAL SMOKER

$449 | Lowe’s Oklahoma Joe’s Highland smoker is the perfect smoker to introduce to your household, providing you with a more classic smoker experience. It comes equipped with high-temperature, heavy-gauge steel construction that offers durability along with a convenient fire access door and multiple dampers to give you more control over your smoking experience.

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This is the priciest option on the list, but for good reason. It’s a grill and a smoker, and is packed with some pretty epic features, including WiFi technology that will let you control your grill and monitor your cooks through an app. It also has a Super Smoke mode, allowing you to reach new and advanced levels of rich flavor.

$499 | Lowe’s It may be small and portable in size, but the Pit Boss Pro packs a serious punch. Coming equipped with 1077 square inches of adjustable Porcelain Coated Steel grids on its vertical shelves, you’ll have plenty of space to do your cooking. And with WiFi capabilities similar to the Ironwood, this smoker will give you meals that are bigger, better, and tastier.

5 Masterbuilt Analog 530SQ ELECTRIC SMOKER

$199 | Lowe’s A more cost effective smoker, this smoker comes with three chromecoated smoking racks, thermostat temperature control for even, consistent smoking, and a built-in temperature gauge. Everything you need to begin your smoking journey is right here with the Masterbuilt Analog.

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F o r m o re in f or ma ti on, v i s it l c s on li n e. o r g / a d m i s s i o n s

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om

W rit te nB

yA dam

l au P y Spafford Photos b

r st o B

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH FIVE UP-AND-COMING FOOD CONCEPTS BEING REFINED IN CATAPULT KITCHEN AND A LOOK AT THE SUCCESS OF AN ALUM

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KOREAN SMOKED BEEF BRISKET ONIGIRI

FRIED RICE KIMCHI ONIGIRI

SALMON ONIGIRI

OMUSUBEE ANA IMAI

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CATAP ULT K I TC H E N HAS DEVE LO P E D V E G E TAT I O N PLANT FOODS

F ROM A DIM IN UT I V E

MUFFHENS

BAS EM ENT A R E A TO EX PA N SI V E P ROF ES SIO NA L BAKING BREWER

F

rom a diminutive basement area to an expansive professional workspace, the evolution of Catapult’s Kitchen Incubator is nothing short of remarkable. It mirrors the Incubator entrepreneurs’ transformations of raw-ingredient culinary ideas and passion into delicious meals shared with friends. Kitchen Director Maggie Leach tells us how the Incubator works as its members share their most distinctive creations with us.

You’re much more likely to sit across from your favorite people and eat this scrumptious food because the Catapult Kitchen Incubator exists. Even with incredible cuisine, the difficulty of the traditional restaurant business path is proverbial; getting one’s painstakingly prepared and crafted product in front of hungry patrons after start-up, maintenance, staff, marketing, and inevitable mistake-and-adjustment costs is daunting.

But the 5,000 square-foot Incubator, which currently houses 30 members with capacity for 50, bridges that treacherous gap from concept to consumption for its culinary entrepreneurs. In addition to offering commercial equipment and 24/7 access for late/early food preparation, this side of Catapult, like its Workspace side, offers all those great benefits conducive

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WORKS PAC E

to success: networking, collaboration and education - especially the demystification of food regulations. As Maggie explains, “There’s guidance on permitting, inspections, and accounting with the goal of each business having its own brick-and-mortar location - or being part of a manufacturing process - in six months to three years. This grows Lakeland’s culinary economy and provides Lakelanders with locally-sourced options.”

Maggie came to the first version of Catapult more than five years ago as she was writing a thesis on restaurant entrepreneurship at Southeastern University. The kitchen was barely 250 square feet - and the equipment was the entire offering. “At that time, members had to acquire their own permits,” Maggie says.

But even those limitations didn’t hinder the Kitchen Incubator as the launchpad for Crumbles and Cream, Krazy Kombucha, Honeycomb Bread Bakers, The Salty Cow, No Guilt Baking Company, and Born & Bread Bakehouse. In its new form, the Incubator boasts Wafu, Asian Food Mart, and Whisk the Sweet Bakeshop.

There will surely be many more to join Lakeland’s culinary pantheon from Catapult’s Kitchen Incubator. Here’s a visual foretaste of the incredible food being crafted there right now. And there’s even better news: you don’t have to wait to try it. Visit catapultlakeland. com/events for a calendar of Kitchen PopUps – a rotating line-up of Incubator members serve up their best creations from a window on the east side of the Catapult building near the Lakeland Station – there’s even covered outdoor seating. Now, feast your eyes!

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PINOY CRAVINGS

BLUE DOG BARBECUE

BAKING BREWER Meghin Magliano What’s your culinary background?

I started out baking really young; I’d bake for weddings and parties but it was always just a hobby. But ultimately I wanted to experiment with baking which paired naturally with my other favorite hobby: beer.

Tell us about your culinary dream: It’s the face…the face people make when they bite into something that is so insanely delicious that they lose control of all facial features. The face gets me every time. Baking and beer, separately, have always brought people together, to experience new flavors or to relive a memory. Combining the two initially, I think I just wanted to have fun, but really, both are luxuries that make people happy.

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

What’s important for eaters (and readers!) to know about your food?

Yes, my foods have beer in them. No, they will not make you drunk.

YOU’RE A NUT

LE A R N MOR E & OR DER

V EG E TAT IO N I S MY FIRST FOOD VENTURE.

BANG BANG BOWL

VEGETATION PLANT FOODS

RICE CHIA PUDDING

Rima Schillinger

What’s your culinary background?

I started cooking with my grandmom when I was quite small. I love bringing together friends and family around food. Food is love!

How long have you been pursuing this particular food business?

Vegetation is my first food venture.

We started out of the Incubator about three years ago and are so grateful for the support we’ve received since that first day. Maggie is like my kitchen mom. She’s tireless in her efforts to educate us and nurture the growth of our culinary businesses.

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Tell us about your culinary dream: Eating well is a priority for many of us but often life gets in the way. We want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to incorporate healthful, vibrant meals into their everyday lives.

What’s important for eaters (and readers!) to know about your food?

We are a scratch kitchen making all of our sauces, dressings & marinades in house. By doing this we are able to limit the use of processed foods which are so often laden with preservatives, oils, sugar and salt. We are so happy to bring our customers fully plant based meals which are also mostly gluten free and free of processed oils.

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LE ARN MOR E & OR DER

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THE SEXY SKEWED

THE SEXY THIGH

PINOY CRAVINGS

Josephine Colorina and Jun Dobrea What’s your culinary background?

I (Josephine) have always been a foodie, binge-watching cooking shows and experimenting in my kitchen although I have no professional background working in a restaurant. The dishes we created are inspired by the foods we grew up with.

We add fusion to modernize it and make it relatable to others. On the other hand, Jun has worked in the food industry in several capacities. His food was inspired by his grandmother and her delicacies that he enjoyed growing up.

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What’s important for eaters (and readers!) to know about your food?

Filipino cuisine has so much more to offer than lumpia, adobo, and pancit. We hope that through our food creations we can bring the community together: for Lakelanders who’ve visited the Philippines and loved the cuisine and for Filipinos craving the tastes of home.

What’s your ultimate goal for this business, and what are the milestones you want to hit along the way?

Our ultimate goal is to have a brick and mortar where people could gather together around our food in the way we did back in the Philippines. We are excited to have our food trailer soon – it was made possible with a grant we won this year from the support of the Lakeland community.

LE ARN MOR E & OR DER

TH E L A K E L A N DE R

“WE HOPE...

WE CAN BRING THE COMMUNITY T O G E T H E R .”

THE K A M AYA N

MUFFHENS BAKERY Shana Henry

What’s your culinary background?

I taught myself to cook in college in order to prepare for the possibility of having a family and/or children. My creations are inspired by finding safe and delicious recipes for my family to consume and enjoy.

Tell us about your culinary dream: More than 85 million Americans shop with allergies in mind and have to be conscious of what they eat either due to allergies and/or sensitivities; the number is up 11 percent year over year. There are more than 32 million Americans who have a very restricted diet due to life-threatening allergies and who struggle to find safe food options at schools, hospitals, hotels, sporting events, and so on. My dream is that there will be more products that are safe for consumption.

What’s important for eaters (and readers!) to know about your food?

There is a misconception that vegan and allergen-friendly foods are not palatable but Muffhens’ customers and reviews show clearly that this is not the case. Even those that are not into healthy eating and “alternatives” have enjoyed our products and given rave reviews.

“MUFFHENS EXISTS TO PROVIDE OPTIONS FOR THOSE IN NEED OF SWEET CINNAMON MUFFIN

SAFE BAKED G O O D S T O E A T .”

LE ARN MOR E & OR DER

HOMEBUYING STARTS WITH PEFCU.

1.800.226.6673 | PEFCU.com | @PublixCU 46 E L A K E L A N DE R Federally Insured by NCUA. NMLSTH#403109

“I LOVE TO SHOW P EO P L E W H AT REAL BBQ IS SUPPOSED T O B E .”

C U C U M B E R WAT E R M E LO N SA L A D, B R I S K E T, M AC N C H E E S E A N D B R I S K E T BAKED BEANS

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BLUE DOG BARBECUE Max Miller We featured Blue Dog in our Made Issue in January 2021. The locals have certainly “made it,” evidenced by the fact they recently opened a storefront at The Joinery, which is currently open on weekends.

What’s your food background?

Cooking has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I have zero restaurant experience and I don’t use any hand-me-down recipes.

Why do you have this culinary dream?

I love to show people what real BBQ is supposed to be.

What’s important for eaters (and readers!) to know about your food?

If we don’t make it, we don’t sell it.

What’s your ultimate goal for this business?

We just opened up inside The Joinery! Come check us out! Thank you to everyone that has helped make this dream of mine come true!

LE A R N MOR E & OR DER

Your home deserves a great paint We now carry Benjamin Moore® premium paints, giving you the very best color and quality for your paint project.

Shop your favorite Benjamin Moore® colors and get $7 OFF select paints.

Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware 2 Lakeland Locations Lakeland , FL 33803 (863) 683-6702 | acehardware.com 50

Offer valid for $7 off gallons, up to five (5) gallons, of ben from participating Ace retailer. Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other deals or applied to previous purchases. Retailer reserves the right to cancel or modify without notice. Offer notice. expires XX/XX/XXX expiresOffer 04/30/2020. ©2019 Benjamin Moore & Co. ben, Benjamin Moore, Gennex, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. All other marks are the property of their respective owner. 10/19

TH E L A K E L A N DE R

DISCOVER THE

LANDS OF YOUR FAITH After touring the Lands of the Bible by motorcoach or cruise ship, you and your group will return home with a refreshed faith and memories to share. Our expert guides will provide meaningful insights for you and your group as you explore your favorite Biblical sites, and award winning accommodations will give you a great night’s rest with breakfast and dinner included.

Learn more and book your group’s tour today! www.NoseworthyTravel.com/TheLakelander • 800-929-4684 ext. 208 nt@travelwithus.com • 5725 Imperial Lakes Blvd. • Mulberry, FL 33860

Sea of Galilee

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TH E L A K E L A N DE R

OMUSUBEE Ana Imai

What’s your culinary background?

BRISKET ONIGIRI

I co-owned a Chinese restaurant in Brazil. I was born and raised in Brazil, which has the largest Japanese community outside Japan. In Japanese culture, onigiri is not a type of sushi.

It is a triangle-shaped ball of pillowy japonica rice, seasoned with salt and various kinds of savory fillings.

What’s important for eaters (and readers!) to know about your food?

There are many ways to present onigiri and ours is conbini style onigiri. We package our onigiri using a wrapper that keeps the seaweed separated from the onigiri. The seaweed stays fresh and crispy. We bring the seaweed from Chiba Prefecture in Japan. And there is a very interesting way to unwrap it. It is a cultural experience.

What’s your ultimate goal for this business?

We hope to make onigiri accessible to all with our own production facility.

LE A R N MOR E & OR DER

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LOVEBIRD

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

The Nashville Hot sandwich is big, bold and (can be) fiery.

Written By RJ Walters Photos by Dan Austin

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LOVEBIRD

Perfectly Fried Tenders, Tangy Slaw and Jalapeno Bacon Corn

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

LoveBird owners Leah and Jeremy Brumley

H Fried Chicken, Tomato Cucumber Salad and Bourbon Baked Beans

oney, are we going to be busy?”

The restaurant serves north of 10,000 pounds of chicken each month, it is customary to see a line of patrons wrapped around the corner of the building, and recently a customer traveled all the way from Tallahassee to see how the food stacked up to the emerging brand’s recognizable neon lights and lively vibe.

The question Jeremy Brumley and his wife Leah would pose to each other before bed each night before opening LoveBird in April 2021seems almost tongue and cheek now because of the restaurant’s early success. But the truth is, one of Lakeland’s hottest new eateries to launch in recent years wasn’t just a flash in the pan that happened to work – it is a carefully built and curated dining entertainment experience that is less focused on trends and more focused on quality products and connecting on an emotional level with its customers.

Still, the proof truly is in the banana pudding. (just check out their menu) “[At first], I was trying to be realistic with everything going on, the size of the place and our menu,” Jeremy says.

“I thought we might have some of our friends and family, some friends of friends come, and we’d sit out here (on the patio) and have some tenders and have a draft beer with them.”

Jeremy, a lifelong Lakelander, left the security of an executive level position with PDQ, the effects of COVID culture were still playing out for local businesses, and the restaurant was opening in a one-time gas station with little square footage and cramped parking quarters.

The Brumley’s – parents to four children ages 14 to 28 – hoped the I SS U E 78

“I THOUG H T W E MIG H T HAVE S OM E O F O U R FRIENDS AN D FAMI LY, S OME FRI E N D S O F FRIENDS C O ME , AN D WE’D S IT O UT H E RE (ON THE PAT IO) AN D HAVE S OME T E N D E RS AND HAVE A D RAF T BEER WIT H T H E M.” calculated risk would pay off, and the fact that the fried Southern Chicken spot has on occasion run out of chicken because of demand is proof that it has.

“I think what we learned is that we are so grateful that Lakeland allowed us to get open and stay busy. It’s been crazy,” Jeremy said.

Although LoveBird heavily promotes its Nashville Hot Chicken, Leah said the number one seller on the menu is the G.O.A.T. It is LoveBird’s take on the traditional fried chicken sandwich (think window wars of national chains like Popeyes and Chick Fil A) and features generous hunks of their homemade chicken that is hand breaded following a 24-hour brining process.

The second most ordered entree is the Nashville Hot sandwich, and the favorite side dish of customers are the ooey gooey Dirty Fries.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Spring into a Brighter Smile!

We are proud to offer comprehensive dental care for Lakeland Area families including: • • • • •

Dental Implants Extractions Bone Grafting Facial Esthetics Crowns & Bridges

• • • • •

TMJ Botox (Cosmetic & TMJ) Full and Partial Dentures Emergency Dental Care Family Dentistry

We’re here to provide you with the level of care you need, no matter what stage of life you are in.

Call (863) 614-1794 Or visit DrWalding.com 444 W. Pipkin Road | Lakeland, FL 33813 2/22

Fresh Artisan Bread · Craft Coffee · Breakfast · Lunch honeycombbread.com | 863.662.5513 | 140 6th Street SW, Downtown Winter Haven

QE

@honeycombbread

“NOW, I THINK WE MIGHT R EC E I V E D E AT H T H R E AT S I F W E TA K E T H AT BA M A CHICK SANDWICH OFF THE MENU, SO IT’S H E R E T O S T A Y .”

The go-to dishes keep the cooks busy, but the Brumley’s are not afraid to admit they have made some minor menu tweaks to their original concept.

When LoveBird opened you could order a barbecue sandwich and cheesy potatoes. But not for long.

Jeremy said he and Leah strongly considered process efficiencies such as oven time required for potatoes and how to serve quality hot food to as many people as possible each day.

They also started with three core sandwiches, with the idea to rotate another seasonally, but the way repeat customers have responded to the chicken sandwich with white sauce, thick cut bacon and pimento cheese forced the couple to re-evaluate that stance.

“Now, I think we might receive death threats if we take That Bama Chick sandwich off the menu, so it’s here to stay,” Leah jokes.

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LOVEBIRD

“WE WOULD PREFER TO GROW WITH INTERNAL If their food is an attraction, it’s their brand that might create longterm staying power.

Its bright colors, its classic monochrome floors and its consistently flavorful food with a little room left for creativity. Leah curates all of the playlists customers enjoy whether dinging inside or outside.

They rotate in and out craft or regional sodas like Cheerwine, and Jeremy and the team have a large, always evolving selection of craft beers to pair with your food.

“Not to get too cerebral in terms of how it’s set up…but the beer is almost like the old ‘new releases’ of music, and that’s what you’ll see with our ‘staff pick’ or ‘new release,’” Jeremy says.

Before Jeremy turned 20 he opened Woodpecker Records in Lakeland, a business and brand he ran and cultivated for a decade.

He says aside from his personal experiences, he also learned about the staying power of good branding by watching Ron Jon, who he says “wasn’t even a good surf shop” but evolved into becoming a globally transcendent logo and name.

“My dad has a Ron Jon sticker at his house, and he hates the beach!”

The lighting, logos, apparel and social media all play a role, but Jeremy almost always steers back to the quality and consistency of their food.

The couple has aspirations to expand to more locations, starting throughout Florida, but when is not a matter of time, but of timing.

“We would prefer to grow with internal candidates, our management team here, and I think there are plenty of opportunities in other areas to put a LoveBird,” Jeremy says. “We are working through our processes and procedures and ultimately for someone to be at that stage where

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CANDIDATES, OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM HERE, AND I

THINK THERE

ARE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES IN OTHER AREAS TO PUT A L O V E B I R D ." they are ready to open up their own LoveBird.”

The couple is still adjusting to being “food celebrities” in Lakeland, which includes Leah being nicknamed “Mama Bird” by employees at the Southgate Publix.

They may eventually get used to their status, but they’ll never forget the journey it has taken to get here.

“Sometimes I like to tease him,” Leah says. “So, do you think we’ll be busy today?”

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

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BONNET SPRINGS O W N E R S N AT H A N PAT T E R S O N & M AT T C O Y L E

(863)225-8482 | StrongholdRoofing.com FOR M E R LY R E S I D E N TI A L R OOFI N G D E P OT

Born & Bread Bakehouse founder and owner Jennifer Smurr stopped a few blocks down to enjoy lunch with "The Lakelander."

Do you have a favorite dish at LoveBird?

"OOOOO...

PIQUANT P L E A S A N T LY

Born & Bread Bakehouse is just a few blocks from LoveBird. Founder and head baker Jenn Smurr was named one of America’s Top 1,000 rising entrepreneurs in 2021. Jen loves all things related to good food and supporting local businesses. She recently met up with “The Lakelander '' for lunch to share her thoughts on LoveBird’s food and atmosphere, and how she sees the restaurant through her unique perspective.

What's your first impression when you walk into LoveBird?

PUNGENT AND ZINGY. FIERY!!!

F L AV O R F U L . . .”

With a slogan “Almost Famous Chicken” and bright pink accents, I instantly felt the playful and humble qualities that embody this southern eatery.

How would you describe LoveBird's food to family and friends?

A fast casual restaurant serving Nashville style hot chicken at various spice levels with southern sides and a large variety of canned craft beers out of a small previously occupied gas station.

What adjectives come to mind when you think of the flavor(s) of their food?

Oooo. Piquant: pleasantly pungent and zingy. Fiery!!! Flavorful.

I SS U E 78

I am a spicy food lover to the core, and choosing “favorites" can be personally difficult, but the Nashville Hot Sammie (ordered HOT) was fire! Quite literally.

Tears of joy were shed.

What does it mean for a city like Lakeland to have businesses like LoveBird to support and enjoy?

Living in a city that values art, recreation and culture is important. A large part of our city's culture can be witnessed in the ever-growing independently owned food businesses. Supporting small businesses like LoveBird adds character to our town, encourages local entrepreneurship and fosters real connections in our community.

As a successful entrepreneur, what advice would you give to restaurants like LoveBird about taking initial success and growing it into a healthy long-term business?

It seems Leah and Jeremy have found their secret sauce (pun intended)!

Since opening, they’ve continued to be consistent and mindful of growth. While not one area can be more important than another, I value food quality and have witnessed others in our industry begin to fail by simply choosing to be cheap. All in all, keep doing what you’re doing, because you’re doing great!

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

Helping a loved one move into senior living can be overwhelming. Thatʼs why Lakeland area families have trusted the Grace Manors and The Manor at Lake Morton for over a decade and now Ansley Parke & Bridgewalk on Harden!

4620 N. Socrum Loop Rd. Lakeland, FL 33809 • 534 & 610 E Lime St. Lakeland, FL 33801 • 3110 Oakbridge Blvd. E Lakeland, FL 33803

LoveBird pays homage to Woodpecker Record Store, a business Jeremy ran locally for nearly a decade.

Jeremy and Leah are involved owners, always working to improve processes and procedures to set employees up for success.

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CONCOURS & CAR SHOW

SAVE THE DATES

October 14, 15 & 16th 2022 a FREE Community Event in Downtown LAKELAND, FL

Friday, Oct. 14th 6p-9p Hot Rod Rendezvous + RADwood Saturday, Oct. 15th 10a-3p Open Car Show + Concoure d’Elegance Sunday, Oct. 16th 9a-2p Road Rally 66

www.LakeMir o w.com TH E L Ar oKrECar L ASh N DE R

p r e se n te d b y

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FREE PET SWAN WITH PURCHASE

- Swan must be kept at Lake Morton - You may not touch the swans -They may only eat city approved foods - You may name your swan and talk to it

THE LAKELAND AC CO

James Boley 863-400-7460 3615 S Florida Ave, Lakeland geico.com/lakeland-boley ¡Hablamos Español!

Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076 © 2021 GEICO

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

ONLY IN LAKELAND

Restaurants Only in Lakeland

LOVEBIRD ELECT RIC AT M O S PH E R E , LOTS O F F R E SH CH ICKE N , FU N S I D E S A N D C R A F T B E E R

(863) 937-8055 2101 FLORIDA AVE S , L AKEL AND, FL 33803 LOVEBIRDEATS .COM

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S NORTH

FAT JAC K S

AMERICAN REECECLIFF

2940 S FLORIDA AVE, 1070 WEDGEWOOD ESTATES BLVD

LAKELAND, FL 33803

LAKELAND, FL 33809

(863) 687-0262

(863) 853-9464

FATJACKSDELIPUBINC.COM

940 S FLORIDA AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 686-6661 REECECLIFF.COM

BEEFOBRADY.COM

F R E D ’ S M A R K E T R E S TAU R A N T BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S SOUTH 4810 FLORIDA AVE S.

2120 HARDEN BLVD, (863) 603-7080

(863) 646-7757

FREDSMARKET.COM

BEEFOBRADY.COM

FRESCOS DECISIONS GRILL & BAR

735 E. MAIN ST.,

LAKELAND, FL 33803

LAKELAND, 33813

132 S KENTUCKY AVE,

T E X AS CAT T L E C O M PA N Y LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 686-1434 TEXASCATTLECOMPANY.NET

ASIAN

1621 E EDGEWOOD DR.

LAKELAND, FL 33801

LAKELAND, FL 33803

(863) 683-5267

(863)-686-6441

FRESCOSLAKELAND.COM

CURRY MANGO

PEKING HOUSE

SAIGON

6625 S FLORIDA AVE

2411 S FLORIDA AVE

1554 TOWN CENTER DR W

LAKELAND, FL 33813

LAKELAND, FL 33803

LAKELAND, FL 33803

(863) 940-2275

(863) 688-9022

(863) 686-6560

MYCURRYMANGO.COM

THEPEKINGHOUSE.COM

SAIGONBISTROFL.COM

MAGIC WOK OF LIN

P H O TA N

SPICE

2129 CO RD 540A

2920 S COMBEE RD

3895 S FLORIDA AVE,

LAKELAND, FL 33813

LAKELAND, FL 33803

LAKELAND, FL 33813

(863) 709-1688

(863) 665-1312

(863) 709-8321

PHOTON-LAKELAND.BUSINESS.SITE

SPICETHAISUSHIRESTAURANT.COM

2810 LAKELAND HIGHLANDS RD.

SĀ B U R A M E N AT T H E J O I N E RY

THAI OISHI

LAKELAND, FL 33813

640 EAST MAIN ST

1535 TOWN CENTER DR W,

(863)-225-8057

LAKELAND,FL 33801

LAKELAND, FL 33803

MYINDIKITCHEN.COM

(863) 940-2050

(863) 333-0657

SABURAMEN.COM

THAIOISHIRESTAURANT.COM

MY INDI KITCHEN

L A K E L A N D ' S P R O M I N E N T U P S C A L E D I N I N G L O C AT I O N F O R A L L G E N E R AT I O N S TO G AT H E R A N D C E L E B R AT E .

located in the Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection By Hilton

BORN & BREAD BAKEHOUSE

BAKERIES

1113 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 450-4513 BORNANDBREADBAKEHOUSE.COM

CAFE ZUPPINA BAKERY 4417 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 644-5144 CAFEZUPPINA.COM

FLEUR BISTRO LAKELAND 4525 FLORIDA AVE. S LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 937-5949 FLEURBISTRO.COM

LA IMPERIAL BAKERY 830 E. MAIN ST. LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 500-4422 IMPERIALLAKELAND.COM

FRESCOS AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN COOKING AND HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS

(863) 683-5267 1 32 S . K E N TU C KY AVE . , LAKELAND, FL 33801

B L U E D O G AT T H E J O I N E RY

JIMBOS PIT BAR BQ

640 E MAIN ST

1215 E MEMORIAL BLVD

LAKELAND, FL 33801

LAKELAND, FL 33801

(863) 337-4583

(863) 683-3777

BLUEDOGCRAFTBARBECUE.COM

JIMBOSPITBARBEQUE.COM

GASKINS BARBECUE

RED TOP PIT STOP

1614 TOWN CENTER DR

12160 US HWY 98 N

LAKELAND, FL 33803

LAKELAND, FL 33809

863-816-5644

(863) 853-9222

FRESCOSLAKELAND.COM

GASKINSBARBECUE.COM

GRANGER & SONS BARBECUE

RIB HOUSE 2918 S FLORIDA AVE

8121 US-98 N

LAKELAND, FL 33803

LAKELAND, FL 33809

(863) 687-8260

(863) 858-7572

RIBHOUSELAKELAND.COM

OVAT I O N B I S T R O & BA R 4715 FLORIDA AVE S LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863)417-2996

BARBECUE

A N I N V I T I N G S PAC E F O R Y O U R M O S T

MEMORABLE MOMENTS Centrally located in historic downtown Lakeland, Banquet61 is a one-of-a-kind meeting space and event venue. Honored to be chosen for the most intimate celebrations and important meetings, our venue is equipped with state of the art sound systems, visual monitors and lighting.

Professional banquet staff and award-winning executive chefs make for an extraordinary culinary experience fit for the most special occasions.

BANQUET61.COM 863-404-6161 215 Main St. Lakeland, FL 33801 74

TH E L A K E L A N DE R

THE BACK NINE

COB & PEN

7331 US HWY 98 N, LAKELAND, FL 33810

1221 FLORIDA AVE S, LAKELAND, FL 33803

(863) 603-3700

(863) 937-8126

THEBACKNINELAKELAND.COM

COBANDPENLAKELAND.COM

BARS REC ROOM 202 N MASSACHUSETTS AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 213-4073

BREWLANDS

CRAFT + KITCHEN

5733 S FLORIDA AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33813

3234 S FLORIDA AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33803

(863) 646-2600

(863) 455-9555

BREWLANDSBILLIARDS.COM

CKLAKELAND.COM

RECROOMLKLD.COM

REVIVAL 1 1 9 S K E N TU C KY AVE , L A K E L A N D, F L 33 8 01

1916 IRISH PUB TRADITIONAL IRISH FLAVORS WITH A MODERN TWIST (863) 834-2384 2900 BUCKINGHAM AVE., LAKELAND, FL 33803 1916IRISHPUB.COM

BREAKFAST BISCUITS AND BENEDICTS

CHARLIE’S MINI DONUTS AND COFFEE

1212 S FLORIDA AVE

1023 E COUNTY RD 540A

LAKELAND, FL 33803

LAKELAND, FL 33813

(863) 937-8293

(863) 500-1414

BRITTS NORTH

HOLE IN ONE DONUTS

6617 N SOCRUM LOOP RD

2076 E EDGEWOOD DR

LAKELAND, FL 33803

LAKELAND, FL 33803

(863) 417-2716

(863) 665-8385

BRITTS CLASSIC AMERICAN FARE SERVED IN A WARM, INVITING ENVIRONMENT (863) 940-4300

LOVEBRITTS.COM

3 6 6 2 H A R D E N B LVD, LAKELAND, FL 33803

THE BRUNCH BOX

LOVEBRITTS.COM

735 EAST MEMORIAL BLVD, LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863)686-9786

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COFFEE B L AC K A N D B R E W AT LAKELAND LIBRARY

CONCORD COFFEE

FIRE STYLES COFFEE BAR

1037 FLORIDA AVE S #135

2084 E EDGEWOOD DR

100 LAKE MORTON DR

LAKELAND, FL 33803

LAKELAND, FLORIDA 33803

LAKELAND, FL 33801

(863) 225-2283

(863) 940-3515

(863) 500-9500

CONCORDCOFFEE.COM

BLACKANDBREW.COM

BLACK AND BREW DOWNTOWN

DIVICIOUS DELI AND COFFEE SHOP

HILLCREST COFFEE 119 HILLCREST ST LAKELAND, FL 33815

128 E MAIN ST

(863) 398-9155

205 E MAIN ST

LAKELAND, FL 33801

HILLCRESTCOFFEEFL.COM

LAKELAND, FL 33801

(863) 940-9779

(863) 682-1210

DIVICIOUSDELI.COM

BLACKANDBREW.COM

M I T C H E L L’ S C O F F E E H O U S E 235 KENTUCKY AVE. LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863)680-2944 MITCHELLSCOFFEE.COM

PRESSED COFFEE 213 E BAY ST LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 603-3166 PRESSEDLKLD.COM

AX-CALIBER AXE THROWING , VIRTUAL RANGE PAIRED WITH CRAF T COFFEE AND ELEVATED FARE (863) 592-3500 204 E. ORANGE ST. #102, LAKELAND AXCALIBER.COM

COUNTRY CLUB T H E C L U B AT E AG L E B R O O K E 1300 EAGLEBROOKE BLVD, LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 701-0101 EAGLEBROOKE.COM

GRASSLANDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 1600 GRASSLANDS BLVD, LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 680-1600 GRASSLANDSGCC.COM

LAKELAND COUNTRY CLUB 929 LAKE HOLLINGSWORTH DR, LAKELAND, 33803 (863) 680-2582 THELAKELANDCC.COM

LO N E PA L M G O L F C LU B 800 LONE PALM DR, LAKELAND, FL 33815 (863) 499-5480 LONEPALMGC.COM

B AY S T R E E T B I S T R O 211 E BAY ST, LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 683-4229 BAYSTREETBISTRO.NET

PAT I O 8 5 0 850 S TENNESSEE AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 940-2030 PATIO850.COM

FINE DINING

RED DOOR 733 E PALMETTO ST, LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 937-9314 REDDOORLAKELAND.COM

S CA R PAS 1831 E EDGEWOOD DR, LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 937-8940 SCARPASITALIAN.COM

WACO KITCHEN 3900 DON EMERSON DR, LAKELAND, FL 33811 (863) 583-4004 WACOKITCHEN.COM

NINETEEN61

BURGERS

MODERN SPANISH STYLE WITH A LATINO TWIST (863) 455-7316 215 E MAIN ST., L AKEL AND NINETEEN61.COM

TERRACE GRILLE

CHOP SHOP

SUPER DUPER SPOT

118 S KENTUCKY AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33801

640 E MAIN ST #7, LAKELAND, FL 33801

(863) 603-4040

(863) 608-9455

CHOPSHOPBURGERS.COM

WWW.SUPERDUPERSPOT.COM

S&L

SCRATCH KITCHEN IN ELEGANT HISTORIC HOTEL

2915 S COMBEE RD, LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 665-0731 S-AND-I-RESTAURANT.FOOD96.COM

ITALIAN

(863) 6035-5420 329 E MAIN ST, LAKELAND, FL 33801 TERRACEGRILLELAKELAND.COM

IL FORNO

PA L AC E S O U T H S I D E

3615 S FLORIDA AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33803

4780 FLORIDA AVE S, LAKELAND, FL 33813

(863) 607-6030

(863) 619-5919

ILFORNOLAKELAND.COM

PALACESOUTHSIDE.COM

PA L AC E P I Z Z A D OW N TOW N

PA L AC E I TA L I A N R E S TAU R A N T

114 S KENTUCKY AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33801

6120 US HWY 98 N, LAKELAND, FL 33809

(863) 688-0045 PALACEPIZZADOWNTOWN.COM

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(863) 853-1316

PALACERESTAURANTLAKELAND.COM

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HEALTHY

A N T H O N Y ’ S H E A LT H H U T 5329 FLORIDA AVE S, LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 644-5330 ANTHONYSHEALTHHUT.COM

CAFE ZUPPINA 4417 S FLORIDA AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 644-5144 CAFEZUPPINA.COM

GARDEN BISTRO 702 E ORANGE ST, LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 686-3332

GOOD THYME 1037 DIXIELAND MALL LN, LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 603-8296 GOODTHYMELKLD.COM

JUICE BOX 4295 S FLORIDA AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 225-5961 JUICEBOXCAFE.COM

KRAZY KOMBUCHA 1030 FLORIDA AVE S, LAKELAND FLORIDA 33803 (863) 661-8015 KRAZYKOMUCHA.LIFE

LATIN CUBAN DELIGHT CAFE 1039 E COUNTRY ROAD 540A, LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 701-0190

ROOTED A HEALTHY TWIST ON DESSERTS, COFFEES & SHAKES

TEA LARGO

BUBBLE TEA , ACAI BOWLS, COFFEE AND MORE (863) 688-6816 4634 CLEVELAND HEIGHTS BLVD, LAKELAND

TEALARGO.COM

ELENA'S CUBAN CAFE 2246 E EDGEWOOD DR, LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 665-3333 ELENASCUBANCAFE.GETSAUCE.COM

JULIO'S SANDWICH SHOP 1825 E. EDGEWOOD DR., LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 686-1713

WEST CARIBBEAN CUBAN R E S TAU R A N T 2215 S COMBEE RD, LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 606-5954

Z A R Z A L AT I N F O O D A N D G R I L L 4648 CLEVELAND HEIGHTS BLVD., LAKELAND, FL, 33813 (863) 607-3702

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(863) 254-1860 5327 S FLORIDA AVE, LAKELAND

TH E L A K E L A N DE DER

LUNCH

MEXICAN DONA JULIA’S M E X I CA N R E S TAU R A N T

TA PAT I O S N O R T H

715 E PALMETTO ST, LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 688-4280

5375 S FLORIDA AVE,

LAKELAND, FL 33801

MISTERFISH.ORG

LAKELAND, FL 33813

(863) 686-6958

(863) 648-0858

TAPATIOSMEMORIAL.COM

MISTER FISH

734 E MEMORIAL BLVD

DONAJULIAS.COM

PURPLE ONION

TA PAT I O S S O U T H

316 N KENTUCKY AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 688-5590

MEGA MERCADO

RESTAURANTWEBX.COM/PURPLEONION

2009 GEORGE JENKINS BLVD,

6645 FLORIDA AVE S LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 646-2199

LAKELAND, FL 33815

TAPATIOSTOGO.COM

(863) 688-3202

SUBS N SUCH 1008 SOUTH FLORIDA AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33803

PLAZA MEXICAN R E S TAU R A N T

(863) 686-9035 SUBSNSUCH.COM

3635 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33803

JBURNS

(863) 940-4428 PLAZAMEXICOLAKELAND.COM

THIN, CRISPY, SQUARE- CUT PIZZA MADE WITH FRESH INGREDIENTS .

(863) 450-2986 2 3 0 6 E E D G E WO O D D R , L A K E L A N D JBURNSPIZZA.COM

PIZZA EVANOS PIZZA 6617 N SOCRUM LOOP RD

ATO P O K E A N D S U S H I BURRITO

LAKELAND, FL 33803

640 E MAIN ST

(863) 417-2716

LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 225-9752

PRIMO’S PIZZERIA

NEW MOON SUSHI 4231 S FLORIDA AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 647-1212

ATOPOKE.COM

NEWMOONSUSHI.COM

1031 S COMBEE RD LAKELAND, FL 33801

FANCY Q NORTH

(863) 669-1020

4306 US HWY 98 N

PRIMOSPIZZERIAMENU.COM

LAKELAND, FL 33809 (863) 608-7622

ROMEO’S PIZZERIA

SUSHI

FANCYQLAKELAND.COM

2346 GRIFFIN RD LAKELAND, FL 33810

FANCY Q SOUTH

(863) 816-8100

5615 FLORIDA AVE S

ROMEOSPIZZAPASTA.COM

LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 646-6666 FANCYQSLAKELAND.COM

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SCREAM’N TUNA SUSHI 270 E BAY ST #2150 LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 413-0264 SCREAMNTUNASUSHI.COM

TSUNAMI 114 N TENNESSEE AVE LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 940-2112 TSUNAMISUSHI.NET

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SEPth LING SW

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The Leading Edge Take Heart 5K Walk/Run

RUN L O C A L .

IMPAC T G L OBA L .

MA K E A DI F F E R E NC E The Leading Edge Take Heart (LETH) 5K is an annual event held in Lakeland, FL that makes a global impact in the lives of orphans and widows in rural Kenya. This year, the majority of funds raised will go directly to the Primary School Campus project that will impact hundreds of children in the Oyuma Village community in rural Kenya. Runners and walkers alike can make a difference together by participating in this family community event.

TakeHeartAfrica.org S IG N UP TO D AY

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

U S E CODE “L AKE L ANDE R” F OR $ 5 OF F RE GIS TRATION

Proud to be joining the Valley Team as

Market Manager in support of my wonderful Lakeland Business Community.

Expansion • Working Capital • SBA Lending • Equipment Financing • Cash Management

STEPHANIE COLÓN

Every small business has their plans.

Let’s talk about yours.

Market Manager, Lakeland 427 S. Florida Avenue 863.698.0569 scolon@valley.com

© 2022 Valley National Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. All Rights Reserved. VLY4633

U N D E R

C OV ER

written by Julianne Waller photography by Mark Batson

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The Lakeland community is full of creatives, but not all of them are in the spotlight. Debbie Boyce, who has decorated cakes at Publix for 18 years, is a hidden gem of the community.

F

rom weddings to baby showers to birthdays, the 55-year-old has helped countless Lakeland families celebrate the most important moments of their lives.

Debbie usually works behind the scenes, so having all eyes on her for an article and photo shoot was a little nerve wracking — but the excitement from her family made it all worth it. Debbie’s four children and 10 grandchildren were thrilled to see her work get much-deserved attention.

“They’re the ones who were talking me into this,” she jokes.

Debbie raised her children in Lakeland, but she didn’t grow up here.

“My dad was in the military so we moved around a lot,” she remembers.

“But my grandparents lived in Lakeland.”

Debbie lived in six or seven places growing up, and even lived in a van for two years when she was in elementary school. When her dad got out of the military, he and his wife moved to Lakeland. Debbie, then 19, moved to Lakeland with her daughter a year later.

As Debbie’s family grew, she stayed home with her children – but she stayed busy by baking. The hobby quickly grew into a passion as she practiced more and more.

“I made all of my children’s birthday cakes, made cakes for my parent’s family and learned from I SS U E 78

[decorating] books, and that’s how I started at home.”

Debbie’s baking stayed a passion project until her youngest daughter started high school. Since she wasn’t as busy at home, she decided to apply for a job at Publix.

“I figured I did it at home, so I’d give it a shot at the grocery store,” she says. “I like Publix and I enjoy my co-workers immensely. I’ve been working with them since I started.

We have a lot of support and the benefits are good. I like [my job.]”

Debbie’s years of experience paid off, and she fell in love with her job as customers fell in love with her work. At the start, some of her biggest fans were the kids she visited at elementary schools.

“When I first started decorating, we did the job fairs at the elementary schools every year and the kids would love it,” Debbie remembers with a smile. “They would see us coming down the hallway and yell ‘Publix!’ because they knew they were getting cake. We’d do a little demonstration.

I’d show them how to decorate a cake and talk while I decorated and they loved it.”

Debbie has also made cakes to celebrate some of Lakeland’s big changes.

“I made a cake when they opened the green Tax Collector’s office, and for the Detroit Tigers when they changed the name to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium,” she recalls.

“We’re in so many people’s photo 83

Located at:

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

m Q

863.604.7776 @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!

albums and on their phones — there’s a little piece of us everywhere.”

Barney Barnett, former vice chairman for Publix who worked for the beloved grocer for 50 years, shared with “The Lakelander” that Debbie has decorated numerous cakes for his family over the years.

She acknowledges it is heartwarming to decorate cakes for the kids, and exciting to be a part of Lakeland’s history, but Debbie’s favorite cakes to make are wedding cakes.

“I enjoy the creativity of making wedding cakes, and the sentimental aspect. [Although] I worry every single time I make one if it’s good.”

Often, wedding cakes are simply a precursor to Debbie’s long-term relationships with customers.

“I’ve had customers that I start off by making their wedding cakes, and then I make their first anniversary cakes, their baby shower cakes, and their kids’ first birthday cakes,” Debbie says. “A lot of them I see every year when they have an occasion.”

“WE’RE IN SO MANY PEOPLE’S PHOTO ALBUMS AND ON THEIR PHONES. THERE’S A LITTLE PIECE OF US E V E R Y W H E R E .”

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“I BAKE WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER. SHE’LL BE 10 IN OCTOBER, AND TWO YEARS AGO SHE DECIDED SHE WANTED TO MAKE HER CAKES BY HERSELF” Debbie has worked at the Lake Miriam Publix her entire career, but she has also been called upon numerous times to help open new locations.

Debbie has touched the lives of her customers as well as her own family through baking.

“I bake with my granddaughter.

She’ll be 10 in October, and two years ago she decided she wanted to make her cakes by herself,” she remembers fondly. “We bake at home and I show her how to do it. She loves cats, so we made a cat cake and she piped the fur on it. She even made mine and my husband’s birthday cakes this year and made me a little mermaid out of fondant.”

“I ENJOY THE CREATIVITY OF MAKING WEDDING CAKES, AND THE SENTIMENTAL A S P E C T.”

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“[I LOVE] MAKING MEMORIES WITH M Y OW N FA M I LY, AND BEING IN OTHER PEOPLE’S M E M O R I E S .”

Since moving to Lakeland, Debbie has had a positive impact on so many people — not only with her impressive decorating, but with her quiet kindness and warmth.

“I’m big on memories,” she says. “[I love] making memories with my own family, and being in other people’s memories.”

For more than 18 years, people have included Debbie in their special occasions because of her hard work and skill — and there are many more happy memories to be made.

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Greater Lakeland LAKELAND

AND BEYOND

TACO TRUCK TOUR through Lakeland

Story and Photography

by Jordan Randall 90

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LAKELAND

REGIONAL NEWS & STORIES – CURATED FOR LAKELANDERS

W

hen it comes to tacos, there is no shortage of authentic spots in Lakeland to satisfy your cravings. But sometimes with so many options, choosing where to go can be overwhelming. That’s why we stopped by all our favorite taco trucks in Lakeland (and Winter Haven) and compiled them for you in a fashion that’s sure to whet your appetite.

La Calentana 1 7 2 5 W. M E M O R I A L B LV D .

If you’re looking for an authentic dose of Mexican food right here in Lakeland that is overflowing with flavor, don’t miss out on La Calentana. A permanent food truck parked right beside a Mexican store, La Calentana has been a must-stop for tacos in Lakeland for years. Just place your order at the truck outside and then grab a drink/pay inside. Whether you’re just on the hunt for a few classic tacos with a meat of your choice, or craving some of their legendary nachos full of deep fried tortillas, white cheese, cilantro, jalapenos and more, you’re sure to leave La Calentana satisfied.

THE NACHOS ARE A FAN-FAVORITE AT LA CALENTANA, TOPPED WITH QUESO FRESCO AND LOADED WITH JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING YOU COULD EVER WANT.

Dynamic, unique wedding stationery elevates the experience of your guests.

Visit Stationery Loft 230 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL.

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TACOS ARE ONLY $1 AT TACOS MY FRIEND. YES, YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY.

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3899 RECKER HWY

Tacos My Friend off Recker Highway in Winter Haven is a must stop for you and your friends’ next Taco Tuesday festivities. Not only do they have a sleek and stylish taco truck waiting for you as you walk up, but along with it comes a stacked menu that is loaded with mouth watering options for you to satisfy your cravings. The best part? Tacos are only $1 here. Yes, you read that right. Here, tacos really are your friends. Run, don’t walk to Tacos My Friend.

W I N T E R H AV E N

Tacos My Friend

Take one bite into a chimichanga from Tacos My Friend and you’ll be making plans to return for lunch the next day @tacos_my_friend // ig

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We see things through your eyes.

Neck pain • Back pain • Motor Vehicle accident • Headaches • Sports injury

Accountability is the Schwab way.

At Schwab, we hold ourselves accountable for your satisfaction.

It’s why we offer a Satisfaction Guarantee, which ensures that if you’re ever dissatisfied with us, we’ll refund your fee and work with you to make things right. You won’t find that kind of promise everywhere, but you will find it here.

Lydia Boyd Branch Leader

Get started at schwab.com/lakeland

6419 S. Florida Ave., #103 Lakeland, FL 33813 863-450-3272

DRUG FREE, NON-SURGICAL, EVIDENCE-BASED CHIROPRACTOR

If you are not completely satisfied for any reason, at your request Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), Charles Schwab Bank (“Schwab Bank”), or another Schwab affiliate, as applicable, will refund any eligible fee related to your concern within the required time frames. Schwab reserves the right to change or terminate the guarantee at any time. Go to schwab.com/satisfaction to learn what’s included and how it works.

Call us today !

© 2022 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) Member SIPC. All rights reserved.

(1120-0JP6) SCH4953-13 (1/22)

5100 US HWY 98 North Unit #16 Lakeland, FL 33809

Local help with your Medicare questions.

Asra Khan, D.C.

P: (863) 859-5441

Marshall Jewelers New Location!

2058 E Edgewood Dr | Lakeland, Fl 33803

863.682.4725

Cassie Hill

Licensed Sales Agent

863-934-2152, TTY 711

Y0066_SPRJ55188_C

marshalljewelerslakeland.com

125 N COMBEE

LAKELAND

Taqueria El Burrito It’s not often you get great food, great service, and great prices, but Taqueria El Burrito checks every box. With some of the best authentic Mexican food in the area, Taqueria El Burrito is always filling orders and feeding the local community. I mean, where else can you get a steak burrito with beans and rice for $4? You just can’t beat it. Their sopes are both soft and crunchy (and delicious), and their tacos are 6 for $5. Truly, Taqueria El Burrito is the type of place you bookmark and return to again and again.

AT TAQUERIA EL BURRITO TACOS ARE 6 FOR $5, ALONG WITH MOUTHWATERING SOPES FOR ONLY $1.

CAN’T BEAT THAT.

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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

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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Taqueria El Dorado 1155 W PIPKIN

LAKELAND

THE DELICIOUS BISTEC ENCEBOLLADO FROM TAQUERIA EL DORADO OFFERS A COMBINATION OF TENDER STEAK AND FLAVORFUL ONIONS THAT’LL EAVE YOUR CRAVINGS FULLY SATISFIED.

You can’t talk about the best tacos in the Lakeland area without mentioning Taqueria El Dorado. Equipped with outdoor seating and located directly across from a gas station (perfect for grabbing a beer or another refreshing beverage to accompany your meal), Taqueria El Dorado brings tacos to the food truck game that stand out. Their tacos al pastor even include fresh pineapple on top which really brings them to the next level. .

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HISTORY

Interior view of the DonQuixote Spanish Restaurant that was located at 118 E Main Street in downtown Lakeland. By the 1940s the larger area of the restaurant was called the Rainbow Room which featured an orchestra nightly.

1940s Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library

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years of

EXPERIENCED MINDS handling

COMPLEX MATTERS Since 1948, Peterson & Myers has provided experienced legal advice to help our client’s 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 I SS U E 7 7

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Enjoy a Lifetime of Good Health.

In healthcare, as with most things in life, it’s all about the fundamentals. That’s why Watson Clinic is always there to offer expert guidance on nutrition and weight management, and to provide the preventative screenings that can keep you healthy and vital through every phase of your life. By emphasizing the basics, we’re working to ensure a brighter future for every generation.

For all your healthcare needs, call 863-680-7000 or visit WatsonClinic.com.