The Lakelander

01/07/2026

No, this is NOT A REAL ESTATE LISTING—or is it?

In fact it's the story behind and an inside look at a signature new build by Mark Hulbert and his award-winning team at Hulbert Homes, Inc.

What's your favorite feature?

The lazy river with swim up bar? The suspended staircase? Maybe the eye-catching roof pitch?

Yes, this home in Delphi Hills in South Lakeland is indeed for sale and the long-time Lakeland builder is excited for buyers and admirers alike to "see what's possible" in what he hopes is a timeless home design people will appreciate for generations.

READ ABOUT THE EQUINOX --> https://www.thelakelander.com/the-lakelander-issue-119/sincerely-mark

01/05/2026

We all have heard "New year, new you!" more times than we can count, but did you also hear in 2026 it's "New year, new Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro"?

That's right, at the very end of last year the beloved brand opened a new location in the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children at Lakeland Regional Health!

A few weeks ago we grabbed some shots of the space pre-opening (LINK BELOW), but you'll have to go in person to determine where the new cafe ranks among the four B&B spots.

What's your FAVORITE Black & Brew drink or food item? COMMENT below.

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.

12/23/2025

Best realtor? Top new restaurant? Your favorite place for a fresh cut?

While you're headed out to pick up last second gifts or taking five minutes for yourself to indulge in a holiday latte, go 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬' 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 to see who locals chose as their favorite businesses, people and organizations in more than 55 categories.

Pick up a copy at local shops, salons, gyms, coffee spots and restaurants.

12/22/2025

If you're in search of a story that captures the spirit of the Christmas season—filled with redemption and hope—you're in for a treat if you've never read Dee Valderrama's miraculous testimony.

The 66-year-old Lakelander is a 6th-degree black belt in Taekwondo, a former national champion and a woman who speaks with a combination of grace and authority.

Find out how a miracle nearly four decades ago for the Family Martial Arts Center instructor was a catalyst for a lifetime of striving to help others.

https://www.thelakelander.com/the-lakelander-issue-118/an-undefeated-spirit

12/08/2025

As you build your menu for the next holiday meal, allow yourself to explore some fun Florida fall flavors to incorporate. These dishes come to life using ingredients from local favorites Born & Bread Bakehouse, The Old South Country Market and Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market.

Read about the fun inspiration behind the details: https://www.thelakelander.com/the-lakelander-issue-118/an-unconventional-but-oh-so-good-ode-to-florida-fall-flavors

Read CAPTIONS for RECIPES 📝

12/03/2025

Finding the right OB-GYN is essential for females, from the time of hitting puberty through menopause and beyond.

See how the team at Lakeland Regional Health is helping redefine women's healthcare ➡️ https://www.thelakelander.com/the-lakelander-issue-118/be-well-lakeland

12/02/2025

You probably already have the Christmas parade on your calendar for Thursday, but are you making a list and checking it twice for the rest of the month?

We have you covered through our EXPERIENCE CHRISTMAS CALENDAR

🗓️ 🎄 https://www.thelakelander.com/the-lakelander-issue-118/experience-christmas-in-lakeland

12/01/2025

If you're looking for a thoughtful 🎁 with the perfect wrapping, look no further than Gaines Jewelers, where "Miss Rosie" has been going above and beyond for more than half a century.

Or if you just want to DIY a Pom-Pom 🎀 to put under your tree check out this fun feature that shares Rosie's story and gives you the know-how to become a bow pro.

https://www.thelakelander.com/the-lakelander-issue-118/a-gift-wrapped-in-history

11/18/2025

Our TASTE brackets are busting out full of flavor right now in our annual Lakelanders' Choice voting that is going on live through Friday.

For BEST NEW RESTAURANT, are you obsessed with Hakuchō or is Chicken Salad Chick more of your speed?

Can anyone dethrone Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro in the BREAKFAST/BRUNCH or COFFEE SHOP categories?

Will Nineteen61 continue to rule the FINE DINING category?

And who makes the BEST COCKTAILS? Maybe Revival or Vasco Sixty-One or Cob & Pen?

𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐔𝐒, 𝐁𝐘 𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘:
https://www.thelakelander.com/2025-lakelanders-choice-awards

11/17/2025

TigerTown. Spring Training. America's Pastime.

You're probably aware that the stands are packed and dollars are flowing when the Detroit Tigers are in town each year, but how much do you know about what goes on in Lakeland's hub of baseball the rest of the year?

Truth be told, the Lakeland Flying Tigers Baseball just celebrated a league championship, there is a new VP of Baseball Operations in Lakeland named Andy Dunn—who has extensive experience connecting fans with the minor league experience—and major construction to enhance the facilities in underway.

See Dunn's plans to revitalize baseball year-round at one of the most historic landmarks in our city -->
https://www.thelakelander.com/the-lakelander-issue-117/the-business-of-baseball

11/07/2025

The contest that gives you the chance to tell us who your favorites are throughout Lakeland is back for a 3rd consecutive year. Last year, 67,000+ votes helped us crown our winners.

This year, help us celebrate even more people and businesses by voting today through Friday, November 14.

VOTE NOW IN THE 2025 LAKELANDERS' CHOICE CONTEST: