2013 Guide to Lakeland

2013

2013 Guide to Lakeland | Lakeland’s Growing Families

BUY LAKELAND.

LAKELAND LAKELAND’S GROWING FAMILIES

IT MAKES GOOD CENTS.

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

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The pleasure of dining out is experiencing different cuisines and exciting atmospheres. The satisfaction of dining in Lakeland is the many choices close to home.

Lakeland features more than 300 restaurants offering a variety of menu items for every taste and budget. So, you can enjoy a casual family meal, a romantic dinner for two or a celebration of friends… without an I-4 traffic jam for dessert.

When your appetite says “let’s go out”—Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents!

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Lakeland, FL 33815 CALL TOLL-FREE:

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Florida Ave.

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SERVICE AND PARTS OPEN ON SATURDAY FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE!

Numbers to Know (800) HELP-FLA (435-7352) (800) 275-6614 211

Florida Consumer Services Better Business Bureau United Way Referral Line Business Development Assistance

(863) 688-8551 (863) 619-5783 (407) 956-5600 (863) 687-8910 (863) 687-3788 (863) 534-5915

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Central Florida SCORE Enterprise Florida Lakeland Downtown Development Authority Lakeland Economic Development Council Small Business Development Center Emergency & Public Safety

911 (863) 834-8200 (863) 834-4248 (863) 519-3744 (863) 834-6900 (863) 834-6966 (863) 534-5600 (863) 533-0344 (863) 834-8277

Emergency Fire Department Business Office Lakeland Electric & Water Emergency Peace River Center Crisis Hotline Police Department Non-Emergency Police Department Crime Report Polk County Emergency Management Polk County Sheriff Non-Emergency Sewage Emergency Line

Polk County Offices

(863) 499-2600 (863) 534-6000 (863) 534-6080 (863) 534-4000 (863) 603-6412 (863) 534-7377 (863) 413-2620 (863) 534-0500 (863) 533-1111 (863) 534-5888 (863) 603-6497 (863) 534-4700 (863) 535-2200

Florida State Government Offices

(850) 245-7105 (863) 499-2323 (863) 499-2300 (863) 499-2260 (850) 488-1234

City Hall Offices Library Reference Parks & Recreation

Agency for WorkForce Innovation Driver License Division Florida Highway Patrol Department of Revenue State Information Operator United States Government Offices

City Offices

(863) 834-6000 (863) 834-4280 (863) 834-6035

Animal Services Board of County Commissioners Building Permits Clerk of Circuit & County Courts Courthouse Annex Environmental Services Health Department School Board of Polk County Social Services Supervisor of Elections Tag Agency Tax Collector Traffic Signs/Signals

(863) 682-6114 (800) 772-1213 (800) 829-1040 (800) 275-8777 (800) 827-1000

Federal Bureau of Investigation Social Security Administration I.R.S. (Tax Forms Only) Post Office Veterans Administration cial Services

Newcomers Information Garbage Removal/Recycling

Utilities

(863) 834-8773

Lakeland Solid Waste Management LakelandGov.net/PublicWorks

(863) 834-9535

Lakeland Electric LakelandElectric.com

(863) 665-1489

Republic Services RepublicServices.com

(877) 832-6747

TECO Peoples Gas PeoplesGas.com

(863) 293-2125

Central Florida Gas CFGas.com

(863) 298-4100

Polk County Utilities Polk-County.net

Television/Telephone/Internet

(866) 976-EASY (800) 483-4200

Bright House Networks MyBrightHouse.com Verizon Verizon.com

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LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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About Lakeland Numbers to Know..........................................1 Chairman’s Welcome....................................2 Welcome to Lakeland...................................4 Lakeland’s Growing Education....................9 Lakeland’s Growing Health Care.................13 Lakeland’s Growing Sports...........................19 Lakeland’s Growing Arts & Culture.............22 Lakeland’s Growing Business.......................27 Lakeland’s Growing Community.................31

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

Buyer’s Guide Preferred Business Directory

Design:

35 Lake Morton Drive | Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 688-8551 | F: (863) 683-7454 info@LakelandChamber.com LakelandChamber.com

Publisher & President: Kathleen L. Munson

Managing Editor: Amy S. Wiggins

tmr creative | tmrcreative.com

Contributing Photographers:

Alphabetical Member Listing.....................34 Categorical Member Listing.......................80

Pink Lily Photo | PinkLilyPhoto.com Corinna Durham

Chairman’s Welcome Welcome to the 2013 Guide to Lakeland. The theme of this year’s Guide, “Lakeland’s Growing Families,” focuses on our rich family culture – a culture that you contribute to with every local interaction. When you shop locally, you’re supporting the thousands of business owners, employees, and their families that sustain our community’s splendid quality of life and healthy economy.

The Chamber’s family of 1,700 businesses works tirelessly to succeed in today’s challenging economic market. From small business to the arts, from cutting edge health care to world-class education, our community is connected and committed to each other’s success.

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LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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I hope you will use this Guide when shopping for quality goods and services for your family and business.

By spending your dollars here in Lakeland, you’re playing an important role in keeping our community of families healthy and prosperous in 2013.

Best regards,

Mark E. Wilson, Chairman of the Board

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Welcome to Lakeland Built upon historic character, heritage, philanthropy and volunteerism, Lakeland offers its residents and visitors a true sense of place. From its pedestrian friendly downtown to quiet picnics on the shore of one of its lakes, Lakeland has something to offer each of its diverse residents and visitors.

Founded by Abraham Munn, Lakeland was incorporated January 1, 1885. Excellent railroad service in the mid-1890’s quickly made Lakeland one of the premier cities in all of Florida. From the

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LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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winter strawberry crops of the mid-1890’s to being the 3rd city in all of Florida to have electric lights, Lakeland has always been a hub of innovation and progressive thinkers.

We invite you to see how Lakeland’s commitment to downtown development, redevelopment, historic preservation, cultural amenities, and a business friendly environment make Lakeland the best place for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Miles to‌ Tampa, 35 Orlando, 55 Jacksonville, 195 Miami, 235 Tallahassee, 270

Population 1970 42,803 1980 47,406 1990 70,576 2000 78,452 2010 94,163 2012 98,100 2017 103,500 (projection) 2020 115,050 (projection)

Employment (Lakeland MSA) Education & Health Service 29,500 Total Government 29,100 Retail Trade 24,600 Professional & Business Services 24,300 Leisure & Hospitality 18,400 Financial Activities 14,200 Manufacturing 13,800 Transportation, Warehousing 12,200 Mining, Logging & Construction 10,300 Wholesale Trade 9,100 Other Services 7,600 Information 1,700

Top Employers Publix Super Markets, Inc. Lakeland Regional Medical Center City of Lakeland GEICO Watson Clinic GC Services Rooms to Go Summit Consulting Saddle Creek Corporation Stryker Sykes Source: Lakeland Economic Development Council (LakelandEDC.com)

8,063 4,540 2,600 2,005 1,600 1,000 900 654 625 600 500

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Link2Lakeland In late 2012, the City of Lakeland released a mobile app called Link2Lakeland on the Apple, Android and Windows platforms.

The app features a mobile version of the City’s Citizens Action Center that serves as a central communications point for citizens to report a concern, make a suggestion, or ask questions. If a user happens to see a broken sidewalk or pothole that needs to be repaired they can take a photo or use the set location feature to drop a pin that highlights exactly where the issue is located.

The Link2Lakeland mobile app also features a community calendar that allows users to view upcoming events. A user can click on an event for a brief description and the user can have the mapping feature display directions to the event.

There is also a list of frequently called numbers broken down by City Department.

Mobile users can stay connected to the City of Lakeland’s social media networks through the Link2Lakeland app. The City’s official Facebook page, Twitter feed and YouTube channel can be accessed very easily with the touch of the screen.

Citizen engagement makes Lakeland a better place and the community is encouraged to join the conversation through social media to learn what the City does each day and how they can play a part.

The Link2Lakend app also allows smart phone users to follow the latest in City of Lakeland news with the LakelandGov Mobile news blog. The most recent news posts are highlighted so citizens can stay informed on City initiatives and programs.

The iPhone app is available through the iTunes App Store and can be found by searching Link2Lakeland. Android phone users can find the City of Lakeland’s app on the Google Play app store and Windows phone users can visit their game and app store to download Link2Lakeland.

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Lakeland’s Growing Education

By Rachel Pleasant, Polk State College | Polk.edu

“Polk State is our common language. It brought us closer at a time in our lives when a lot of families grow apart.”

If their educational ambitions were the backing, their work ethic the batting, their earned degrees the patches, and the strength they’ve lent one another the thread, the Huron family of Lakeland could stitch a quilt of personal and collective triumphs.

The dominant colors of which would be Polk State College’s red and black.

Five members of this family— mom Treasure and children Cheryl, Eric, Angela and Desiree — have all studied at Polk State, accessing every rung of its open-access model, and in doing so embody the institution’s mission to transform lives through affordable, quality higher education.

The Hurons’ first contact with Polk State came at the insistence of Treasure.

A Lakeland native who dropped out of Kathleen High School when she was 16 to earn her GED, marry husband Benito, and begin a family, Treasure began home-schooling her children when her second-oldest, Cheryl, was in middle school; her oldest child, also named Benito, attended vocational school.

“I fell in love with the idea of providing that one-on-one interaction and personalized instruction to my kids in the home,” said Treasure, 50.

By the time Cheryl was a sophomore, Treasure sought to intensify her children’s education, and turned to Polk State College’s dual-enrollment program.

Polk State has long offered highschool students the opportunity to take college classes, completing courses that count both toward

their high-school diplomas and college degrees. Within the last decade, the College has expanded the dual-enrollment concept with its two public, charter high schools, Polk State Lakeland Collegiate and Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate in Winter Haven, where students attend full-time, earning college and high-school credits simultaneously.

Cheryl began dual enrolling, her siblings followed, and while their educational and professional pursuits would vary widely, at Polk State they each found a college home, where reaching their goals would be affordable and convenient.

Polk State is the county’s most affordable higher-education option and nearly 90 percent of students — like all the Hurons — graduate without student loans. It also has locations throughout Polk County, including the Lakeland and

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Winter Haven campuses, the Polk State Airside Center in South Lakeland, and in Lake Wales, the Polk State JD Alexander Center and Polk State Lake Wales Arts Center.

Swayed by its affordability and convenience, Cheryl chose to continue her education in Polk State’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program.

PTA is one of several programs under Polk State’s Health Sciences umbrella.

Others include Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Emergency Medical Services, Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Radiography and Respiratory Care. Polk State’s Health Sciences students regularly outperform their peers in the state and nation on required licensing exams.

For Cheryl, 30, whose married name is Tanner, her decision to study in Polk’s PTA

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Program was the beginning of a fulfilling career.

College will launch a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

“I’ve been working in this field for nine years now and I think my experience at Polk State set me up to be a wellrounded physical therapist assistant. I’m very thankful for that,” said Cheryl, who earned her Associate in Science degree in PTA and an Associate in Arts degree.

Through his BAS courses, Eric, 26, became interested in business law, and he is currently studying for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).

Next in line, Eric earned his associate’s degree from Polk before heading to the Navy. Upon returning to civilian life, he re-enrolled at the College, earning his Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management in 2012.

After earning her associate’s from Polk, Huron completed her bachelor’s in education at the University of South Florida, and is now working toward a master’s. She is a teacher at Davenport’s Horizon’s Elementary and won the 2011-12 Teacher of the Year award while working at Jesse Keen Elementary School.

Polk State launched its BAS in 2010 in response to employers clamoring for a more highly trained workforce. The BAS immediately surpassed enrollment projections, and the College followed up on its success in 2011 with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This fall the

The next Huron, Angela, 25, discovered at Polk State her passion for teaching.

Like so many Polk State transfers, Angela excelled at USF and felt prepared for university-level work. That’s to be expected, considering Polk leads the

state in terms of the first-year grade-point averages its students earn at the State University System.

“At Polk State, there were so many people who encouraged me to push myself,” she said. “That made an impact on how I viewed the institution of education and it made me value higher education more. I saw the need to continue my education.”

The youngest Huron, Desiree, recently earned two associate’s degrees and has plans to one day start a business.

Attending Polk State was a cultural experience in addition to academic, she said. Like her family members, she engaged in student life, volunteering for Lakeland SALO — Student Activities and Leadership Office — and joining Phi Beta Lambda, International Circle, and the Philosophy Club.

The College’s burgeoning student life

includes approximately 30 clubs and intercollegiate athletics.

“My experience at Polk State helped to open my eyes to the world around me,” Desiree said.

As the Huron children earned their degrees, they encouraged Treasure to do the same. She relented, and at age 49 earned her associate’s in Medical Office Administration.

“It was really exciting to graduate and walk across the stage,” she said, crediting her husband for his support.

The Hurons, like generations of Polk County residents, each found what they needed at Polk State, but their connections to this institution are far from over — that family quilt, if you will, is a work in progress.

the top choice for Desiree’s bachelor’s degree. And each time a member of this family sees an Eagle-clad Polk State T-shirt, they think fondly of an institution that changed their lives.

As Angela said: “Polk State is our common language. It brought us closer at a time in our lives when a lot of families grow apart.”

A recurring tagline at Polk State would be an apt motto for the Huron family: “We are Polk.”

Find more education resources by scanning below

Angela aspires to teach at Polk. Polk is

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Lakeland’s Growing Health Care

By Katy Martin, Lakeland Regional Medical Center | LRMC.com

“It’s hard to talk about all I have learned because each experience has impacted me personally” For Jackie Yon, ARNP, MS, CCRN, CENP, Lakeland Regional Medical Center is more than a place she built a career as a fierce and compassionate nurse and executive leader. It is the place that puts her mind to the test every day. It is where she and her family received exceptional care when they needed it. It is also where she met Tommy, the man who became her husband. And now, it’s where she is overtaken with pride when she sees her youngest daughter, Lauren Yon, MSN, CCRN, clinical nurse specialist, boldly follow in her footsteps as a critical care nurse.

term she read about once in a text book. With her insatiable drive, she surpassed that dream by the time she was 30 years old. It was time to dream bigger.

Jackie, who is known for her vivacious personality and spikey brown hair, began her nursing career at Lakeland Regional 38 years ago with a dream of becoming a “head nurse”—a

Now an associate vice president and the director of Cardiac Services, Jackie not only wears her credentials with pride, she also does so with deep appreciation.

Jackie was committed to continued growth – something she said Lakeland Regional makes a priority for its employees. She went back to school to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Florida Southern College.

Then, she earned her master’s degree and a list of credentials so long, it requires three lines on her white lab coat.

“It’s hard to talk about all I have learned because each experience has impacted me personally,” said Jackie.

Some of these learning experiences are not necessarily reflected on her coat. For example, she values the time she spent participating in Leadership Lakeland, class XXII, learning about the opportunities and economic challenges our city faces. She has traveled to Germany to present on Lakeland Regional’s advanced cardiac surgery program. Then, of course, her most valuable education was found serving as an advocate for patients at the LRMC bedside.

“My dedication to Lakeland Regional stems from wanting to do what is best for our patients. I love every part of what I do, and it pays back

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Jackie is thankful every team member throughout the hospital feels the same way she does about best practices, patient advocacy, and quality care. All three of Jackie’s children were born at Lakeland Regional. In the 1990s, Jackie’s dad had open heart surgery and was treated in the exact unit in which she was a manager. In 2001, Jackie had gallbladder surgery. The next day, her mother had a cancerous tumor removed at the hospital by a Watson Clinic oncologist.

family bond for Jackie. She met her husband, Tommy, when he was working as a registered nurse at the hospital. They motivated each other and he, too, grew into a management role and earned his ARNP. In recent years, he became a nurse anesthetist who now practices at Watson Clinic.

Perhaps in a spirit of blazing her own trail, Jackie’s daughter, Lauren, grew up adamant she would not become a nurse. She was studying forensics at the University of Central Florida when she came home one summer to work at Lakeland Regional as a transporter.

Like her mom, it didn’t take long for Lauren to develop a heart for critical care nursing.

“I still remember how good the nurses were to my mom and how kind they were. I knew they would treat her as though she were their own mom. That was a good feeling,” said Jackie.

“I saw how the nurses and physicians in this unit made decisions quickly for their patients,” said Lauren. “It excited me and I knew this was something I had to pursue.”

Somewhere along the way, working at Lakeland Regional became a

Lauren says sometimes critical care nurses are thought to be arrogant,,

with complete satisfaction when our patients and their families are taken care of—no matter what the circumstance,” she said.

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When Lauren graduated with her bachelor’s in nursing, she considered hospitals in bigger cities like Boston and Orlando. With some nudging from her dad, she decided to start her career at Lakeland Regional. She soon realized this was the place she wanted to be – a big city hospital in a community that still feels intimate.

“You can’t work at any other hospital in this country and get better care, state-of-art equipment, and world-class physicians,” said Lauren. “When I go to conferences and see what other hospitals are doing, I honestly think, ‘We did that five years ago and we did it better.’”

As Lakeland Regional becomes a teaching hospital in partnership with USF Health, Lauren and Jackie say they want their future to be right here. They are excited about this transformation that will further enhance the hospital’s clinical expertise and technical skill, while helping provide critically-needed physicians to the Polk County region.

“I have been to teaching facilities and I can already say this is a phenomenal opportunity for us and those we serve,” said Lauren. “This will make us among the ranks of the best hospitals in the country.”

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but she would argue that it is simply compassion put into action for her patients. “These patients don’t have a voice, and it’s my responsibility to speak loudly on their behalf. I am charged with doing what my nursing intuition tells me to do and working every second to make my patients better.”

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“We already know what our team members are capable of, as they bring exceptional care to this community every day and night. Now, with leading-edge medical education and research at our fingertips, we will have that much more to offer patients throughout our region. This is a revolutionary step for healthcare in our community, and beyond, and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” said Jackie.

making life BETTER. Your health. It’s the foundation to living your life to the fullest.

That’s why Lakeland Regional Medical Center is dedicated to enhancing health by developing better treatments, new cures and faster recoveries. But we’re committed to do even more. Our doctors and staff are creating changes today that will advance the quality and capabilities of medicine tomorrow.

Together, we are creating healthier lives and making life better.

1324 LAKELAND HILLS BOULEVARD | LAKELAND, FL 33805 | LRMC.COM

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Robotics Playing Key Role in Surgery

By Nancy Martinez, Watson Clinic LLP | WatsonClinic.com

Few medical advancements of recent years have represented as important a leap as robotic surgery. But you don’t have to travel to Tampa, Orlando and any other large metropolitan city to benefit from this revolutionary new technology. Robotic surgery is available right here in Lakeland.

“This community has remained on the forefront of medical technology for many decades,” says Richard J. Cardosi, MD, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist with Watson Clinic in Lakeland. “In many instances, our community sets the standard for all other surrounding areas when it comes to medical innovation and service.”

During a robotic procedure, a system with mechanical arms is placed by the patient’s bedside. Surgical tools are attached to the ends of the robot’s

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arms. Those arms are controlled every step of the way by the surgeon, who sits at a special control console from which he views the operating field in 3-D with high definition optics.

“The precision of the robotic controls is unequaled, and guided at all times by the surgeon,” says Dr. Cardosi, who is nationally ranked for his experience with robotic gynecologic surgery. “The results of these procedures have been exceptional across the board, and the patient response has been very enthusiastic.”

In addition to the unparalleled precision, robotics allow for less invasive surgical procedures than ever before. Instead of a large incision running from across the abdomen, robotic surgery only requires small, dime-sized incisions through which the instruments can work. This results

in less scarring, less blood loss and a faster recovery time.

In addition to hysterectomies, robotics can also be used to perform partial or complete removals of the bladder, prostate gland and kidney, certain cardiovascular surgeries, and various gynecologic procedures such as those involving reproductive issues, pelvic floor dysfunction, and uterine fibroids (benign, non-cancerous growths).

Those requiring surgery for the procedures mentioned should consult their physician to see if they’re a candidate for robotic surgery.

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electing a primary care doctor could be the single most important healthcare decision you’ll ever make. You need a physician with superior qualifications to set your mind at ease.

Watson Clinic is proud to offer dozens of experienced, board-certified primary care doctors, the convenience of multiple locations and immediate walk-in care for minor emergencies. There’s also on-site lab and radiology services, plus expedited access to over 200 Watson Clinic specialists if follow-up care is required — including an accredited cancer center and many additional services not offered anywhere else in the area. Whether it’s relief from the common cold, life-saving screenings, or treatment for chronic conditions, Watson Clinic stands ready to be your trusted partner in a lifetime of good health.

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Lakeland’s Growing Sports & Recreation

By Sarah Breed, Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

“It’s such a neat camaraderie.

They have welcomed me as part of their extended family.”

Linda Brown recalls she didn’t look much like a business owner as she pressure washed the sidewalk outside of her independent North Lakeland Dairy Queen store one day about 11 years ago. But it didn’t matter.

A Detroit Tigers representative, who was busy looking for team sponsors, approached her anyway.

“The rest is history,” said Brown, who is known by many as the “shortcake lady” for selling her delicious treats at Tiger Town. “It’s become an icon at the stadium,” she said.

After meeting with the Detroit Tigers back in 2003, Brown said the team didn’t have an ice cream vendor at their games. It was the perfect opportunity to get involved.

Using local, in-season ingredients, Brown created the popular

strawberry shortcake recipe herself.

For more than a decade, Brown, her family, and employees have been serving fans right at their seats during Spring Training for the Tigers and during the regular season for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the Tigers’ Class A Advanced affiliate.

“I never looked at it as a job. To be there – I thought it always a privilege,” she said.

Brown opened her Dairy Queen business 18 years ago after moving to Lakeland from Miami with her late husband, Edward, and their two children, David and Jennifer.

years], including my parents,” she said. Now her grandchildren, Dylan and Alexander, are following suit.

They enjoy spending time at their grandmother’s business sampling the ice cream.

As family is so important to Brown, she said it has meant so much to her to be treated so well by the Tigers and their fans. “It’s such a neat camaraderie,” she said. “They have welcomed me as part of their extended family.”

Brown calls herself very communityoriented. She spends much of her time mentoring students and encouraging entrepreneurs who are starting businesses for the first time.

It’s always been a family affair.

She remembers how her kids would often fall asleep on the booths inside their store, waiting to go home for the night. “The whole family has worked here [over the

Of course, she’s also involved in so many Tiger events. She has attended the Chamber’s North With the Tigers delegation trips for years. “They roll out the red carpet for us.” Brown also helps with the

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Chamber’s annual welcome back Tiger BBQ and said she loves to see players when they return each year. She enjoys serving the players and coaches strawberry shortcakes after the game in their clubhouse.

In addition, she serves on the committee for the Tigers’ annual pro-am Major League Golf Scramble at Cleveland Heights, and she also served on the committee for The Tigers Diamond Gala, celebrating

their 75th year in Lakeland. In 2012, she joined the team on her first trip to the World Series.

glued to the television – watching the Tigers.

While Brown grew up playing sports, she was not particularly interested in baseball. However, it was her husband who helped create the fan she is today. “Now, I’ve become the most devoted fan out there.” When she’s not at the stadium, you’ll often find her jumping, screaming, and

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Lakeland is Bike Friendly In October 2012, the City of Lakeland was designated as a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. The Bicycle Friendly America program provides incentives, hands-on assistance and award recognition for communities, universities, and businesses that actively support bicycling.

Over the past 10 years, the League has worked with hundreds of engineers, government officials and bicycle advocates to identify the DNA of bicycle friendliness. Using that expert knowledge, the League evaluates communities on the following criteria:

1. Engineering: Physical infrastructure and hardware to support cycling 2. Education: Programs that ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of cyclists 3. Encouragement: Incentives, promotions and opportunities that inspire cycling 4. Enforcement: Programs that ensure motorists and cyclists are held accountable 5. Evaluation: Process that demonstrates a commitment to planning for the future

Lakeland, FL

The Bike Friendly designation demonstrates that the City of Lakeland is committed to improving the safety, convenience, and enjoyment for all cyclists in the community whether they are recreational, commuter or sport riders. The end result is a higher quality of life that furthers the City’s vision as a world class community and it helps attract those that enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle.

Please visit www.bikeleague.org for more information on Bike Friendly Communities.

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Lakeland’s Growing Arts & Culture

By Sandra Dimsdale Horan, Polk Museum of Art | Polkmuseumofart.org

Elizabeth Hoppe always loved museums.

She recalls a childhood full of happy visits to the Detroit Museum of Art, the Henry B. Plant Museum and others with her parents and grandparents. While in college, she worked at a museum and considered a career in art history before deciding to attend law school.

So when she and her husband, Jonn, considered where they might put down roots after finishing school, it was important to her that it was a place where history was respected and the arts thrived.

“We moved here for work, but I always wanted to live in a historic neighborhood, in an older house, and it was a huge bonus that Polk Museum of Art and the library were just around the corner,” says Elizabeth.

The couple joined Polk Museum of Art just after moving to Lakeland in 1998 and have been active members ever since. They said they first joined to support the Museum but found that it offered much more than they expected in return. “We were pleasantly surprised by how sophisticated the Museum was, and by the caliber of its programs,” Jonn says.

When their families and friends visit them in Lakeland, showing off their adopted hometown always includes showing off the Museum. “This is one of 22

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our favorite stops,” Jonn says, “and they are always so impressed.”

Over the years, the Hoppes have deepened their commitment to and involvement in the Museum in several ways. For the last five years, Jonn has served on the Board of Trustees. The couple has gotten involved in some of the Museum’s largest fundraising events, serving as chairs for Red, White & The Blues in 2009 and 2010 and chairing The Gala in 2012. They even took an acrylic painting class together.

Jonn and Elizabeth, who have a small photography collection, also joined the Art Resource Trust (ART), a group of collectors that purchase art for the Museum’s permanent collection and travel together to learn more about art. Jonn said he really enjoyed an ART trip to Gainesville, where he had the opportunity to meet renowned digital artist Maggie Taylor. “That’s the best thing I’ve done through the Museum,” Jonn says.

Jonn and Elizabeth have since acquired two pieces of Taylor’s work, and they are loaning them to Polk Museum of Art in the spring to be included in No Ordinary Days, a retrospective exhibition of Taylor’s work.

Now the Hoppes are passing along their passion for art to their daughter, 10-yearold Kate. Kate’s first real introduction to the Museum came while she was 3, when Elizabeth bought a birthday party package for her little girl at The Gala. “She and her little preschool friends loved it, and so did their parents,” Elizabeth says.

For the past three years, Kate has been a regular at Summer Art Camp, and she has already made it clear she wants to come every year. They also are regulars at Family Day and the other children’s programs offered throughout the year. “She just loves it here,” Elizabeth says.

A highlight of their year is spending Mother’s Day as a family at MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake. “It’s been our tradition ever since the year I was pregnant with Kate to get a piece of art at Mayfaire every year for my Mother’s Day gift,” Elizabeth says.

Polk Museum of Art is one of about two dozen arts and cultural organizations in Lakeland, and the Hoppes’ involvement doesn’t stop at the doors to the Museum.

Jonn also serves on the Board for Arts on the Park, and they support the Polk Theatre, where they enjoy films throughout the year.

The best part of their involvement in the arts has been the people they have met, the Hoppes agree.

“We have met a lot of really good friends through the Museum,” Jonn says.

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“People we just wouldn’t know otherwise,” Elizabeth adds.

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24 HOUR DRIVE-UP ATM

DOWNTOWN LAKELAND: 724 S. FLORIDA AVENUE | 863.616.1234 SOUTH LAKELAND: 5404 S. FLORIDA AVENUE | 863.709.1234 OFFICES IN BRANDON, TAMPA, PLANT CITY AND WINTER HAVEN

Annual Festivals JANUARY Lakeland Pig Fest LakelandPigFest.net | (863) 519-3082 An annual Florida State Barbeque Championship.

MARCH Major League Baseball Spring Training- Detroit Tigers

OCTOBER Boktoberfest BokTowerGardens.org | (863) 676-1408 Octoberfest celebration and plant sale.

Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival LakeMirrorClassic.com Classic and collectible automobiles on display at Lake Mirror Park.

Brick-or-Treat Florida.LEGOLAND.com | (877) 350-LEGO (5346) Spooky, kooky event features themed treat stations with candy, snacks and a few surprises along the way. Every Saturday and Sunday in Oct.

DetroitTigers.com | (863) 686-8075

APRIL

NOVEMBER Red, White & Blue Veteran’s Salute

Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In

Sun-n-Fun.org | (863) 644-2431

Sun-n-Fun.org | (863) 644-2431

Concert presented by the Imperial Symphony Orchestra.

International aviation convention and fly-in and the nation’s 2nd largest air show.

Water, Wings & Wild Things VisitCentralFlorida.org | (863) 668-4673

Sun ‘n Fun’s Splash-In at Fantasy of Flight

A nature-based family event with music, food, fun educa-

FantasyofFlight.com/splash-in | (863) 984-3500

tional activities for children and more.

A variety of seaplanes and amphibious aircraft splash in for this competition on Fantasy of Flight’s Lake Agnes.

DECEMBER

MAY

Christmas Bricktacular

Child of the Sun Jazz Festival and Urban Triathlon

Weekends in December, ‘tis the season to celebrate with

COTSLakeland.com

Mayfaire-by-the-Lake PolkMuseumofArt.org | (863) 688-7743 ext. 237 One of Florida’s premier outdoor art festivals showcasing nearly 200 artists.

Pops By the Lake www.imperialsymphony.org | (863) 688-3743 Concert presented by the Imperial Symphony Orchestra.

Florida.LEGOLAND.com | (877) 350-LEGO (5346)

a 270,000-brick Christmas tree, festival decorations and Santa Claus.

Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens BokTowerGardens.org | (863) 676-1408 Featuring the Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate, a 20-room Mediterranean Revival Mansion.

Lakeland’s Holiday Lights (863) 834-2233 Light displays in historic Munn Park and around Lake Mirror and Lake Morton.

JULY Red, White & Kaboom Independence Celebration

Lakeland’s Christmas Parade JLGL.org

LakelandGov.net | (863) 834-6000

Holiday Walk-About Red, Brick & Boom Florida.LEGOLAND.com | (877) 350-LEGO (5346) Special 3-D glasses turn ordinary fireworks into millions

DowntownLakelandFL.com/holiday-walkabout Shopping, dining, music, horse-drawn wagon rides and more!

of exploding bricks on July 4.

2013

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LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Lakeland’s Growing Businesses

By Chris McArthur, Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro | BlackandBrew.com

“We understand that this community – our extended family – gave us the opportunity to be successful”

I’m often asked why, when my brother and I were selecting a site for our first entrepreneurial venture, we chose to stay in Lakeland. We could have easily rationalized that a larger market might make more sense for our business. The concept, we knew, would lend itself to urban markets and a more progressive demographic profile. But there was something compelling about what we could see taking place all around us. Having grown up here, we had an understanding of where the city had come from and a sense of where it was going. Lakeland was just getting better and better, and we knew we wanted to be a part of that evolution.

As a microcosm of the larger city, downtown seemed to be a shining example of that. So we settled on Main Street, in the heart of the city.

The truth is, the nature of the people in this community may have

been our saving grace. At 23 and 21, my brother Michael and I had plenty of energy and enthusiasm, but were seriously lacking in experience. We were ill prepared for what operating a restaurant would require in its totality and made some epic mistakes up front. But when we were neck deep in the mud, a community stepped up to cheer us on. Lakeland’s word of mouth machine kicked into overdrive and it wasn’t long before we had to toss out the oversized comfy couches to add more seating capacity. Local business leaders were generous with their time and provided invaluable advice. Customers were gracious and gave us room to work out our kinks and plenty of constructive feedback to improve the overall experience. We never once felt like we were alone in the fight to succeed. Someone was always there with a word of encouragement, a

brilliant idea, or $2 to buy a cup of Colombian.

We understand that this community – our extended family – gave us the opportunity to be successful. Sure, we had to work hard and endure and adapt and so on. But ultimately, we could not have done it without the wonderful people of Lakeland.

And so, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of that success and reinvest that effort and energy. Through partnerships with organizations like the United Way, Circle K International and others, in addition to hands on service opportunities with our employees at Habitat for Humanity, Shalom Center, Elder Point Ministries, and Parker Street Ministries, we’ve been able to accomplish just that.

Six and a half years down the road, despite all that has occurred in our

2013

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national economy, I’m more excited than ever about the direction in which our city is moving. We’ve got huge resources on the business side, with one of the best Chambers in Florida, the Lakeland Economic Development Council, and the Downtown Lakeland Partnership among other organizations, all doing their part to drive economic activity. I see a city government that ultimately has the best interest of the individual citizen in mind and that is determined to preserve and improve the quality of life here. I’ve seen firsthand, as a member of the Downtown CRA board, how our city staff, undeterred by a shrinking pot of funds, utilizes incredible ingenuity and creativity in spurring development. Highly active civic organizations and churches abound, working to improve the lives of the less fortunate. We have some of the most amazing public parks I have ever seen! I still marvel every time

I take my daughter and son out to Common Ground Park. Cultural and arts activities and venues continue to grow, and the list goes on and on.

Who would have thought that Lakeland would have a first class recording studio in The Vanguard Room? I know of one band that traveled all the way from Canada to Lakeland just to record here! And most recently my brother Michael completed recording his debut album, “The Year of You and Me” at The Vanguard Room. What’s incredible is that his project was completely funded by donations through Kickstarter, an online fundraising platform. Michael set his target fundraising goal at $5,000, but the community stepped up in a way that he had not anticipated.

At the end of the 30 day campaign he exceeded all expectations and beat his goal by 40%. Now, having just completed a successful album

release show at Preservation Hall, Michael moves forward with his plans to share his music with the world.

We have no doubt that the entire Lakeland community has his back.

That’s just who we are as a city.

Occasionally on a busy First Friday in downtown, I’ll pause and take a moment in the chaos to peer out the kitchen window into a full dining room. There’s always a buzz, a great energy in the air. I can’t help but to think of how utterly grateful I am to be a part of such a unique community. Lakeland truly is getting better and better, and we’re thrilled to be a part of that.

Find more dining resources by scanning below

Go Independent Tonight Tapatio’s

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• Authentic Mexican • Quality Dining • Affordable Prices

Country French Cuisine ~ Delectable Desserts

CARRY OUT • ONLINE ORDERING • CATERING

TWO LOCATIONS

734 E Memorial Blvd Lakeland, FL 33801

6645 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813

(863) 686-6958

(863) 646-2199

(863)

683-3777 Harold Lehman & daughter Traci

Breakfast & Lunch Daily Closed Sundays 1212 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33803

(863) 940-4730

Butterfly Bistro

gourmet coffee breakfast | lunch

1215 E Memorial Blvd Lakeland, FL 33805

(863) 680-2944

Serving Lakeland since 1964 28

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Downtown Lakeland 235 N Kentucky Ave Lakeland, FL 33801

Est. 1998 | MitchellsCoffee.com |

Flip In For Florida Fashion

By Amanda May, Mayzie’s | Mayzies.com

Lakeland may not be a fashion hot spot like New York, Paris, or even Miami, but we’ve got style!

We are uniquely Florida – white is an acceptable color all year round, and flip flops are staple of every wardrobe. With a high of 75 degrees in the winter months, there’s very little need for boots and coats!

Our small town charm and suburban location offers a variety of boutiques and shops as well as large retailers making our fashion options very diverse.

No matter what, every Florida fashionista must have flip flops or sandals for every occasion – from work to an elegant evening out. And, bright colors are the perfect complement to Florida’s outstanding natural settings.

At our store, we carry stylish patterns with bold colors and work to keep our suppliers as local as possible. Our shoes are from a Sarasota design house! We carry lines from Jude Connaly, Tracy Neghosian, and Lilly Pulitzer. And, we can work to help you find the perfect piece of jewelry for your new outfit.

Hattie’s Branches, another local fashion stop, carries brands such as Hazel and Judith March - a Florida designer.

And, no Florida wardrobe would be complete without game day gear. Whether you’re sporting a blue and orange sun dress or a garnet and gold pair of flip flops, folks in Lakeland take our football seriously!

You’ll find that Lakeland is unique in it fashion, but also in its attention to the customer. In each of our family-owned boutiques, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect new look for the season and create a friendship that will last.

Mayzie’s owner (and my mom) Lisa May puts is simply. “We enjoy getting to know our customers, not only do we want to provide a service and meet a need or desire, but we want to develop friendships; where we not only know your monogram we know you.”

We invited you to experience Florida’s unique fashion and remind you to “Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents.”

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Lakeland’s Growing Community

By Cindy Rodriguez A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. | A-C-T.com

“When you give, you have a real connection, and a public commitment, to the community”

The year was 1987. Environmental regulations were rapidly increasing both at the state and federal levels and Rob Kincart saw a need he could fill.

A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure Inc., (A-C-T) a company that recently celebrated its 25th year in business, started out helping other firms achieve environmental compliance across a wide range of field challenges – from environmental assessments to responding to hazardous materials incidents and scientific consulting.

What began as a one-man show, is now a company with six offices around Florida and nearly 100 employees – many who have been there for nearly 20 years.

And, ask any long-term A-C-T employee and they will tell you that the company was founded on this principle: “Leave it better than you found it.” When it came to field work, Kincart believed that to earn a reputation as a quality company, his team had to leave each work site better than it was even before an environmental concern surfaced. It was the classic approach to customer

service – going above and beyond what was expected.

Over the years, other family members earned professional degrees and certifications necessary to join and support the firm. Jeff Kincart, Rob’s eldest son, now serves as Vice President and Jeff’s wife, Julie Jenkins Kincart contributes to the firm’s success as a special project manager. Rob’s daughter, Jennifer Kincart Jonsson is the company’s human resource and risk management director and her husband, Eric Jonsson, a certified industrial hygienist, handles all work related to issues like indoor air quality and oversees the company’s emergency response division. Rob’s younger son, Michael Kincart, an attorney with the Lakeland firm Clark, Campbell and Lancaster, P.A., provides professional legal services to A-C-T. The family-owned and operated company is proud to apply their “leave it better than you found it” philosophy to the community as well. The Kincart family financially supports many

charitable organizations and community events, and, collectively, they serve on more than 25 boards – often in leadership roles. This total immersion in the community has proven that reward is directly related to involvement.

According to founder, Rob Kincart, “It’s more than just going to work in the morning and coming home at night. When you give, you have a real connection, and a public commitment, to the community.” Rob, who serves on the board for Lakeland-based VISTE, an organization dedicated to serving the elderly, sees the tremendous need that exists even in a stellar community like Lakeland. Rob, a charter member of his Rotary club, is also actively engaged in multiple economic development councils because he understands that economic health for the area is paramount to job creation and retention.

He is a huge proponent for education and is Co-Chair for the new Environmental Career Academy – part of the Polk Career Academy educational

2013

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initiative that focuses on providing highquality education and career training for students in various fields. Rob is also a Polk State College Foundation Board member and sits on the University of Florida Chemistry Leadership Board.

Further demonstrating their ties to enhancing educational opportunities, the family has endowed scholarships at both Polk State College and the University of Florida as well as for Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.

Rob and his wife, Laurel, also have a strong commitment to the arts. They supported the recent “Iron Man” exhibit at the Polk Museum of Art; were the sole sponsor for the Polk History Center’s exhibit entitled “Polk Portraits: Imagine the Color;” and supported Polk Arts Alliance’s “Race for the Arts,” just to name a few. Additionally, the family has established a trust with the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland whose tag line is “Looking forward. Giving back.” In doing all these things, the Kincarts are modeling the way for family giving across a variety of interests and community needs.

Rob’s daughter, Jennifer, a mother of three (ages 7, 5 and 2), has focused some of her attention on issues related to health and is an active participant in Lakeland Regional Medical Center’s Foundation – specifically their “Women in Philanthropy” initiative that seeks to improve the lives of women and children through access to excellent healthcare in the community. They do so through raising awareness of the issues and fundraising to support specific needs.

The entire family has demonstrated a huge commitment to the United Way of Central Florida (UWCF). Jennifer, both a UWCF Board member and chair of the organization’s Young Leader’s Society, also coordinates A-C-T’s annual United Way campaign.

As a result of her efforts since 2008, A-C-T has significantly increased both its company-wide contributions and employee participation. The company gives 100% of the monies collected directly to UWCF – absorbing any costs associated with the fund-raising 32

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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activities. Every member of the family is a UWCF Leadership Giver and Rob currently serves as the Leadership Giving Chair.

Michael Kincart gives back to the community through service on the board of directors for his Rotary club and participation as a steering committee member for EMERGE Lakeland. He is also the United Way Campaign Coordinator for his firm, and serves on the United Way’s Young Leader’s Society Committee. Michael, a pianist, also supports the arts and various charities through initiatives with both his firm and the Lakeland Bar Association.

Jeff Kincart, a professional engineer who is also a pilot, provides service through the ”Pilots and Paws” program, an initiative that rescues animals slated for euthanization and transports them to adoption facilities across the nation. The results are very rewarding. Jeff, who is also a cellist, gives back through service on the Imperial Symphony Orchestra (ISO) Board as well. Lakeland’s ISO, as part of the area’s vibrant arts and culture community, contributes greatly to the overall quality of life and is also an economic driver for the city. Jeff also serves on Polk State College’s Corporate College’s Board of Directors and has been integrally involved with many initiatives designed to enhance educational opportunities at all levels. He asks the poignant question, “If successful firms aren’t giving… who is? Who’s taking care of folks in need and improving community life?” He acknowledges that giving back is both a responsibility and a blessing.

Jeff’s wife Julie Jenkins Kincart, mother of 3 children (ages 14, 11 and 9), serves as the founder and president

of the Central Florida Chapter of the Celiac Disease Foundation – an organization that provides support to gluten-intolerant individuals and others who choose to adhere to a gluten-free diet. Julie founded the group in 2009 after all three of their children were diagnosed with Celiac disease. Today, she puts the majority of her energy into assisting chapter members with the transition from a gluten-filled to a gluten-free life.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, there’s more. Eric Jonsson (married to Jennifer) serves on the Leadership Council for the George W. Harris Youth Shelter for runaway and troubled youth, is a member of Rotary and a regular participant in LRMC Foundation’s “Cookin’ Men” fundraiser. Truly every member of the family is giving or serving in multiple ways and setting the example for their children/ grandchildren to establish a sustainable legacy of giving.

In a family-centric community like Lakeland, the Kincart family is a shining example of folks living by the philosophy that built their successful business – “leave it better than you found it!” Individually and collectively they embrace the tenet that “you may live by what you get but you build a life by what you give.”

Race to Place Polk County’s workforce development agency, Polk Works, has set an ambitious goal for 2013. The “RACE to PLACE” initiative aims to place 10,000 employees before June 30.

Even with unemployment in the county on the decline, there are still more than 6,000 online advertised vacancies and nearly 28,000 individuals actively seeking employment.

Through the Employ Florida Marketplace, employers can find local talent, and job seekers can search for opportunities. And, Polk Works has partnered with the county’s educational institutions to better prepare students for the workforce.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce was one of the first community partners to sign on to the “RACE to PLACE” initiative. “We are proud to partner with Polk Works on this

ambitious goal,” said Kathleen Munson, the Chamber’s President. “Talent Development has been one of the Chamber’s core strategies, and together with Polk Works, we plan to continue our efforts to provide our business community with skilled, qualified employees.”

More information on the “RACE to PLACE” initiative is available at PolkWorks.org or by calling (863) 508-2916.

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Fun...

it’s in our Nature.

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Florida, the perfect destination for a family

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2013 Guide to Lakeland | Lakeland’s Growing Families

BUY LAKELAND.

LAKELAND LAKELAND’S GROWING FAMILIES

IT MAKES GOOD CENTS.

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

Experience dining around the world... right around the corner.

The pleasure of dining out is experiencing different cuisines and exciting atmospheres. The satisfaction of dining in Lakeland is the many choices close to home.

Lakeland features more than 300 restaurants offering a variety of menu items for every taste and budget. So, you can enjoy a casual family meal, a romantic dinner for two or a celebration of friends… without an I-4 traffic jam for dessert.

When your appetite says “let’s go out”—Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents!

LakelandChamber.com