The Lakelander

07/03/2025

It's easy to pay little attention to your windows and shutters, but living in Florida we are all under the watch of the Atlantic Hurricane Season for half of our lives (seriously, look it up!)

Thankfully, Jack Hall Jr. and his team at Jack Hall Jr's Construction and Aluminum are known for doing projects that stand the test of time throughout the Sunshine State.

Find out what sets he and his team apart ⬇️

Jack Hall Jr. won’t pretend his products are the cheapest or that his team’s installs are the quickest in the industry, but he’s quite comfortable telling you that projects completed by his expert team will stand the test of time—and increasingly volatile weather patterns in the Sunshine Sta...

07/01/2025

When you hire Patrick and Annie Furlow of Step by Stage Home Staging & Design you will discover that the soul of home staging is all about connecting with people on a personal level and helping them envision a future lifestyle.

Through the thick and thin, this couple has stuck together and built something that is as visually appealing as it is impactful to our community.

Find out how they are transforming the industry ⬇️

Meet a couple who is helping redefine the home staging industry locally, regionally and nationally through collaboration, innovations and building a joyful culture.

06/30/2025

If Chris McBride, the owner of Polk County Pools, doesn’t pick up when a current customer texts or calls him, it’s more than likely it’s because he is in a pool—one that he is currently building.

See how this family-owned business keeps turning Pinterest board inspirations into real-life oases.

If Chris McBride, the owner of Polk County Pools, doesn’t pick up when a current customer texts or calls him, it’s more than likely it’s because he is in a pool—one that he is currently building.

06/28/2025

Go inside the makeover of well-known 1963 bungalow with Nicole Roe of R. Nickson Interiors to see how she and her team helped bring it alive for a family who was looking for functional luxury—something Nicole has been creating for years.

STORY ➡️ https://www.thelakelander.com/the-lakelander-issue-113/functional-luxury

COMMENT: Which room do you like the best?

06/27/2025

The home buying process is TRICKY, but thankfully for Lakelanders we have amazing realtors like Emerson Garriott at Paige Wagner Homes and Brian Stephens, Realtor to guide new home buyers through the process.

Find out their tricks and tips to get inspired and informed!

Tips from local professionals on how to navigate a crowded, complicated market in Lakeland with wisdom and flexibility.

06/23/2025

Julie Johnson is our cover star on our annual Homes issue, and her shop The Green House Garden Store is a gem we uncovered just for you!

See how this local expert and her team are beautifying homes across the region through a selection of plants you won't find anywhere else.

Go inside the shop where the owner loves finding just the right mix of plants and pots or planters to match the aesthetic a home or business owner or party panner is going for.

06/13/2025

One reason Bank of Central Florida offers so much value to small business owners is because their own story is one of developing from humble beginnings to a community cornerstone.

Read about how CEO Paul Noris has built an organization that powers and empowers local businesses in the city he loves.

From its humble beginnings as a small local bank to now having more than $1 billion in assets, Bank of Central Florida has built its reputation by growing with the businesses it serves, just like CEO and Founder Paul Noris envisioned.

06/02/2025

When you think of RP Funding Center, what comes to mind? Do you realize it's a significant cultural landmark in Central Florida?

It once was home to concerts of global stars including Elton John and Willie Nelson, but it's now a place that is looking to rediscover its entertainment roots while also making locals the "star of the show."

Find out what this means and how you can be part of celebrating 50 years of events, conferences and shows by checking out our feature in the comments below ⬇️

📷 Retro concert photos courtesy of Christopher Lee Helton

05/29/2025

Polk County Public Schools is officially out for summer after today, meaning it's summer vacay and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a . Do you know how the fan favorite sandwiches came to be? It's quite the story...one we delved deep into in our Icons Issue.

In the comments below, share your favorite spot to enjoy a Publix Sub. Is it:

At the beach? 🏖️
For a picnic? 🧺
At your desk? 🖥️

So many options, so many memories to be made. The lore behind the custom sandwiches made by the local grocer is worth biting into.

05/22/2025

Did you know this week includes National Legacy Day?

To celebrate, we took a walk in Bonnet Springs Park with Ashley Bell Barnett to have a conversation about Inheritance of Hope 🌸🌞