The Lakelander - Issue 87

When it matters most, we’re here just for you.

Feeling under the weather? Our Urgent Care locations offer you and your family comprehensive services, like flu shots and diagnostic testing, to make sure you get back to feeling your best! No appointment needed and open 7 days a week, you can find relief for the flu, cold, sinus infections, and more. Visit us today and let us care just for you!

HOURS: Monday - Friday 8am to 8pm I Saturday - Sunday 8am to 5pm

COMMON CONDITIONS WE TREAT: OUR URGENT CARE LOCATIONS:

• Asthma

• Bronchitis

• Cough & cold symptoms

• Earaches

Urgent Care

130 Pablo Street (Near Southgate)

Pablo Campus Lake Miriam

Urgent Care

4710 Florida Avenue South

• Flu symptoms

• Minor back & shoulder pain

• Minor medical concerns

• Minor trauma, burns or lacerations

• Seasonal allergies

• Sinus infections

• Skin rashes

• Sprains

• Urinary tract infections

• Yeast infections

TURNING HOUSES INTO HOMES

Home is cozy. Home is a pair of shoes in the corner, family photos, and late night bottles. Home is where you rest, laugh, and spend time with family and friends.

there’s no place like

home...

when you are at The Estates

OUR FAMILY TAKING CARE OF YOUR FAMILY

“At Agnini Dental we take great pride in putting our patients’ needs first. One of the things I love most is how we treat each patient with care and compassion. Every member of our team works tirelessly to ensure our patients receive the highest quality of dental care in a relaxing and family oriented environment. I enjoy being part of a community focused office and developing relationships with our patients. We would be honored to work with you and your family to help you achieve your dental dreams.”

- Dr. Sarah

Proud to be in Downtown Lakeland

Summit has called Lakeland home since 1977. For more than 40 years, Summit has maintained a culture of teamwork. We are excited to continue that tradition in our new downtown office.

As a workers’ compensation company with an expanding footprint across the country, we are looking for new team members to fill a variety of roles. For more information, visit our website at summitholdings.com and click on Career Seekers.

WHY JOIN TEAM SUMMIT?

Tour of Homes

Meet local realtors whose passion for the city is evident in their love for helping make people’s real estate dreams come true.

Local Art on Local Walls

The art we display in our homes reflects who we are and what we hold dear. Let the possibilities simmer as you take in original art offerings from five talented Lakelanders.

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.

AUTO ACCIDENT?

For exceptional Chiropractic Care after a vehicle accident, contact Dr. Abraham and the professional team at New Hope Chiropractic in the Lake Miriam Publix Plaza.

DON’T IGNORE YOUR INJURIES.

We would love to evaluate and treat you! New

PUBLISHER

Curt Patterson

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jason Jacobs

EDITOR

RJ Walters

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jon Sierra

VP, FINANCE

Deb Patterson

GENERAL COUNSEL

Ted W. Weeks IV

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449

ADVERTISING SALES

Isaac Vargas | 407.619.3508

Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785

EDITORIAL

DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER

Jordan Randall

CONTRIBUTORS

Diego De Jesus

Jenna MacFarlane

Victoria Bardega

Adam Spafford

CREATIVE

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jon Sierra

Briana Chenot

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dan Austin

Jordan Randall

CIRCULATION

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Jason Jacobs

DISTRIBUTION

Dave Heideman

The Lakelander is published 12 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.

“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

CONTACT

Lakelander Media, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802

Customer Service: 863.701.2707 • thelakelander.com

Bring home the LOOK you’ve always

Home should be a place where you can find comfort within yourself. It's important to take time for yourself, and achieve your goals by looking and feeling your best. Watson Clinic Women's Center board-certified Plastic Surgeon,

DR. FAEZA KAZMIER

will help you look as youthful as you feel with a range of natural looking enhancement options including surgical and nonsurgical treatments.

• Facial Rejuvenation (Facelifts, Eyelifts and Minimally Invasive Browlifts)

• Breast enlargement, breast implant revision, lifts and reductions

• Drain free tummy tucks and liposuction

• DaxxifyTM, BOTOX®, Dysport®, Kybella® for unwanted fat, and fillers such as Restylane®, Juvéderm ® , Voluma® and RHA for the face and hands

Physician assistant Chalsey Lockhart, PA works alongside Dr. Kazmier to provide Clear + Brilliant® Touch Laser treatments, as well as Sciton® and Candela® Gentlemax Pro lasers for hair removal, and treatment of brown spots & spider veins. She also offers injectables including DaxxifyTM, BOTOX®, Dysport® and fillers.

HOME IS MORE THAN JUST A PLACE

So it makes sense that we like talking about renovations or upgrades to homes, we spend days trying to determine if we want to live in a certain home, we commiserate about people and moments that made us feel at home and ultimately, as we search for life’s grand meaning, we seek to relate to the One who created us and is the original builder of an infinite home.

We are all homeward bound if you think about it. And yes, that was a 90s movie reference that is going to make some of you go find your VHS collection.

But really, we are.

We all want to find a job that feels like home.

We all want to find and keep friends who make us feel at home.

We all want a place to rest our heads—and maybe a place to hang a stylish chandelier in the bathroom. (shout out to my friend Danita!)

We all want to have a sense of belonging, and at its best, home is a place where peace, security and rest is found.

Through this issue we want you to be inspired to decorate your home, learn about a local nonprofit that helps redefine home, consider booking a stay at a stunning space not far from home and be inspired by professionals who make it their priority to help you buy and sell homes.

Grab a cup of coffee or a snack, find a comfy spot and make yourself at home for a while.

RJ Walters EDITOR

THE BUZZ

COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

The one where my poems are in the @lakelandermag “Weddings” issue listed as one of the best gifts for your wedding party. Yes please! So excited to be included. And absolutely love the opportunity to create poems for the brides (and their bridal parties) of Lakeland.

@OrangeBlossomPoems | IG

Thank you to the awesome folks at The Lakelander Magazine for highlighting Porter's Sound Counseling in their latest issue! If you haven't had a chance to pick one up yet, you can read it here:

@Porter's Sound Counseling | FB

CONTRIBUTORS

JENNA MACFARLANE

Hailing from Sarasota, Jenna MacFarlane is a Southeastern University graduate who fell in love with Lakeland when she arrived. Jenna earned a degree in communications and is passionate about her craft; she believes the highest form of art is hope and seeks to communicate it in every piece she writes.

She also loves to do other things, too: she really likes to go to the beach early in the morning, listen to music on long drives and go to local shows.

@jenna_macfarlane

ADAM SPAFFORD

Adam came to Lakeland in 1999 to attend Florida Southern College and, except for a 20-month graduate school stint in Massachusetts, has been here since.

When he’s not writing page-turners for The Lakelander, he trades stock and index options.

VICTORIA BARDEGA

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

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

It’s no secret to Lakelanders that our Swan City has become a mecca for those who have a dream and make it reality through hard work and collaboration.

Lakeland Realtors has paved the long road for the way Lakeland currently stands in ways many people wouldn’t expect—or simply don’t know—starting back in 1923 when our city was a humble town with a lot of unrealized potential.

In celebration of its trailblazing

barnes

accomplishments, Lakeland Realtors is hosting a centennial celebration throughout 2023 involving all 1,500 of its members.

“We’re including them in this celebration, reminding the community about all that they do, all the reasons they play a role when you’re getting involved in a housing transaction, whether it be purchasing a home or selling a home,” said Barbara Barnes, CEO of Lakeland Realtors.

The celebration’s motto is “honoring the past, celebrating the present and envisioning the future” as the organization prepares its members for the next 100 years of

continuing its invaluable work.

Lakeland Realtors was organized in 1923, its first president was John F. Cox, and it is a professional trade organization chartered by the National Association of Realtors.

Being a licensed realtor carries more responsibility than just selling properties and negotiating deals. It also involves advocating for community members by attending conferences and lobbying for things like affordable housing—something Lakeland Realtors will soon be doing in Tallahassee.

“The state is very interested in, as are our members, providing affordable housing for the citizens who live here,” Barnes said. “We have meetings around the country…. and I just got back from Seattle. We have meetings in other places where it’s very difficult, and the cost of living is so high.”

Jana Lutz, president of Lakeland Realtors board and a local broker with Coldwell Banker, said it has been fun to dig into the history of

“THE STATE IS VERY INTERESTED IN, AS ARE OUR MEMBERS, PROVIDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR THE CITIZENS WHO LIVE HERE”

ceo of lakeland realtors barbara

real estate in Lakeland.

“It’s crazy to think how far the association has come not only legislatively with different housing laws and trying to keep things affordable but also giving back to the community,” she said. “I think our members really appreciate that.”

As part of its yearlong celebration, Lakeland Realtors is giving back to the community through an initiative called 100 Acts of Service. Throughout the year, Lakeland Realtors members are giving back to the community through 100 acts of service ranging from providing food to elderly through VISTE to packing backpacks of food with KidsPack to volunteering at Gospel Inc.

This initiative varies in scale, with some individualized projects and others involving many members of the organization. One member buys umbrellas and hands them out to those who may need them for rainy weather— just one example among many individual acts of kindness.

Every action will be photographed and showcased to celebrate Lakeland Realtors giving back to the community as part of a bevy of celebrations, including a recent Centennial Gala at Bonnet Springs Park. They will also sponsor the monthly food truck rally in downtown Lakeland in October.

Lakeland Realtors wouldn’t be where it is today without trailblazers bringing Lakeland to new heights. One visionary is David Bunch, the longest-tenured member of Lakeland Realtors, and arguably one of our city’s forefathers,

whose vision of growing Lakeland is alive and well through his colleagues today.

Bunch was president of Lakeland Realtors in 1974 when Lakeland was mostly swaths of rolling citrus groves or, in his words, “a small version of what it is now.” He arrived in Lakeland through happenstance in 1959 when he got a speeding ticket on his way to Stuart and literally didn’t have enough money to go any further than Lakeland.

At first, he worked in the citrus groves and as a night clerk at The Washburn Hotel. But his father-inlaw was in the real estate business and started selling houses in 1965, and Bunch soon after determined that he wanted to invest his energies into commercial and industrial real estate.

Bunch saw the potential for Lakeland to become a key commercial center thanks to its location along I-4 between Orlando and Tampa. He helped bring 1,200 businesses to the Lakeland area by selling them industrial property, and he also developed five industrial parks.

“I knew once I established an industrial market in Lakeland 40 years ago, the big guys would come in and take advantage of that new market, and I knew I didn’t want to compete with them,” Bunch said.

He worked in what he calls “niche” work, taking the time to purchase and zone land to then strike a deal for larger

“IT’S CRAZY TO THINK HOW FAR THE ASSOCIATION HAS COME NOT ONLY LEGISLATIVELY WITH DIFFERENT HOUSING LAWS AND TRYING TO KEEP THINGS AFFORDABLE BUT ALSO GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY"

president of lakeland realtors board

businesses.

At his office on S. Kentucky Ave. there is a map covering an entire wall—the only one of its kind—with an aerial map stretching from the shores of Tampa Bay to Orlando with a yellow thumbtack on Bonnet Springs Park, which was formerly a railyard that divided Lakeland. He long ago memorized the entire map and he can quickly point out everything from the strawberry fields in Plant City to the phosphate mines south of Lakeland.

“I love Lakeland. I’m glad I landed here,” Bunch said. “Good wife, good children, good friends, good life, good business, which is why we do so much volunteer stuff. We have an obligation to pay it back.”

Thanks to people like Bunch and other realtors who shared his vision for Lakeland to reach new horizons, Lakeland has become a hub of opportunity for businesses and homeowners alike, and the organization looks forward to making an impact for its neighbors for generations to come.

“GOOD WIFE, GOOD CHILDREN, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD LIFE, GOOD BUSINESS, WHICH IS WHY WE DO SO MUCH VOLUNTEER STUFF. WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO PAY IT BACK.”

photo

WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS DESIGNED BY BRIANA CHENOT

More than 13 years ago when Lakeland Automall owner Greg Balasco purchased the business from current Lakeland mayor Bill Mutz and Marcy Mutz-Wickenhamp he made a strategic decision to stay put and help catalyze the expansion of an integral corridor near the downtown.

“We anchored Memorial Boulevard by putting 35 million dollars into this campus…and this is one of two major arteries to get into our beautiful downtown,” Balasco says. “This is right off of I-4 and we need to continue to focus on gentrifying Memorial Blvd.”

Balasco reels off a number of nearby developments that have followed suit during the time he has helped grow Lakeland Automall from a business of roughly 100 employees in 2010 to more than 360 employees today.

TOWARD A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL

Forty Acre Truck Stop sold to a developer who built a logistics center, several brand new gas stations were constructed, Lakeland Ice Arena has become a haven for family fun, and a number of other once dilapidated properties on W. Memorial Blvd. have been renovated and turned into successful local ventures.

“Our vision was to clean up this property and make it attractive for their families to come here,” Balasco said.

“Cleaning up” the property is one way to describe a radical transformation that included building out a Fresco’s restaurant inside the Automall’s Ford dealership, and celebrating the grand opening of a completely remodeled Hyundai dealership in March.

Lakeland Automall is still in full-on expansion mode. The company recently built a new body shop, they are building

a 30,000 square foot warehouse, and they plan to open a state-of-the-art Genesis dealership on the property by early 2024.

Balasco said he has been impressed by Hyundai’s ability to swiftly gain significant market share in automotive sales, and he is counting on its leadership to be able to do the same with Genesis, its luxury brand.

“Right now if you get in an Audi or drive a BMW or a Mercedes, and then you drive a Genesis, you’re going to be hard pressed to find big differences,” he says. “Other than Genesis vehicles are $30,000 to $50,000 cheaper. But technology, fit, finish, drive—they are extraordinarily close, if not identical.”

This is just Balasco’s latest bet that he believes Lakelanders will respond positively to. When he arrived at Lakeland Automall in 2009 he built a familial relationship with the Mutz family before he took the reins of

OUR VISION

Lakeland Automall Owner Greg Balasco

the business, and it is still meaningful to him to be able to make an impact that carries on the legacy of one of the community’s most revered families.

“Every day we do things to honor everything Bill, and his father, Oz, did and it’s just humbling because they are wonderful people and left big shoes to fill,” Balasco says. “Bill and I are like brothers from another mother, and not a day goes by where if I have a big decision to make I don’t sit back and say, ‘What would Bill do?’”

Balasco decision making methods seem to be working pretty well so far— especially for a guy who entered the automobile industry as a salesman when he was student at American College in Washington D.C. who had no intentions

of making a career out of selling cars.

Lakeland Automall has earned Ford Motor Company’s President’s Award for top sales and service the last six years running, and is at the forefront of the electrical vehicle trend.

Balasco admits he is more of a purist who likes to hear a big engine rumble, but he understands new technology is setting new trends.

By 2024 the dealership will have seven level 3 electric charging stations available 24/7. That plays well with the fact their dealerships feature EV models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F150 Lightning along with the Hyundai IONIQ5 & IONIQ6. Genesis is also joining the electric revolution by adding the fully-electric G80 and new GV60 in

the fall of 2023.

Lakeland Automall boasts Lifetime Warranties on all new vehicles, just one way the business is competing with the plethora of car buying options in Central Florida. Balasco said his commitment to customers is to provide “honesty, ethics and speed.”

“Customers don’t want to come and live in the dealership. They do a lot of research online, which they should… and some of them put in requests for further information,” he says. “When they come in, 80% of their journey has been accomplished and the 20% of the journey is to touch it, drive it and then get documentation done.”

He said his team is ready to spend as much time in-person with a customer

“BILL AND I ARE LIKE BROTHERS FROM ANOTHER MOTHER, AND NOT A DAY GOES BY WHERE IF I HAVE A BIG DECISION TO MAKE I DON’T SIT BACK AND SAY, ‘WHAT WOULD BILL DO?"

Greg and former Automall owner, and current Lakeland Mayor, Bill Mutz, at the grand opening of the new Hyundai dealership

as they desire, but they are also equipped to sell and deliver vehicles to customers who never step foot in the dealership.

With ground expected to be broken on the new Genesis dealership in the next few months, Lakeland Automall plans on continuing to increase its footprint in the community through giving back. The dealership supports non-profits including United Way of Central Florida, SPCA and Humane Society.

HONESTY, ETHICS AND SPEED

IN DIVERSITY AND REPUTATION

WRITTEN BY DIEGO DE JESUS DESIGNED BY BRIANA CHENOT

FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE

Florida Southern College’s MBA program has grown rapidly, with enrollment doubling in the last five years. FSC's business department is the only program in Lakeland to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only the top 5% of business schools are accredited— with a slew of notable publications

marking its merit as a program, including U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review. There's a lot of flexibility for students enrolled in the program with online or hybrid Saturday courses available every semester. Many courses can be completed in seven weeks, enabling students to take more classes and graduate from the program in less than a year—a promise of FSC's

Local colleges and universities continue to answer the call for Lakelanders looking for an MBA program to expand their education and distinguish themselves in the workforce.

The demand for professionals who have MBAs continues to rise. In 2021, the Corporate Recruiters Survey found that 91% of job recruiters were looking for employees with an MBA, including 96% of recruiters from the technology sector.

Multiple MBA programs within the Lakeland area continue to create opportunities for students to improve their resume and learn the skills they need to take the next steps in their career. These programs pride themselves on the many concentrations they provide for students. Here are introductions to each program and what they practice for their pedagogy.

4+1 program. Undergraduate students at FSC can enroll in the 4+1 program, where students can earn their MBA in one year by taking graduate-level courses during their junior year.

Students at Florida Polytechnic University can also pursue the 4+1 program thanks to a mutually beneficial partnership the schools agreed upon in 2021.

Dr. J. Michael Weber, the Dean of the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise, says the program continues to grow due to its unique approach.

"You can always start with a little bit of business theory, but we gotta get to the nuts and bolts of what it means in the day-to-day practice of business and various disciplines of business to make a real impact," Weber says.

Students are paired for one-on-one sessions with successful executives in the mentorship program. These mentors are role models for students to get expert advice from. Faculty members are also available to be paired with depending on which concentration the student is pursuing. According to Weber, mentors and faculty notice how students change their way of thinking while in the program. They start to receive more high-end projects and pay raises due to changes in their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3941 White Ibis Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811

$474,900

5 bed 3.5 bath

3,200 ht sq ft Beautiful Waterfront Home!!

2510 Delphi Woods Circle, Lakeland, FL 33812

$1,195,000

3,740

Taylor and Shelby South

My husband and I just sold and bought a new home with Brian as our realtor. Brian was there every step of the way to guide us through both transactions. He was extremely helpful throughout the whole process! Whether sellin’ or buyin’, you gotta call Brian!

Will and Britini Ridge

I thoroughly enjoyed working with Brian. Not only was he courteous and accommodating but he was patient, attentive to our needs and was able to use his insight to pick the perfect house that accommodated all our needs. It was a great experience and I would recommend his expertise and professionalism to anyone looking to buy or sell a house. If you are sellin’ or buyin’ just call Brian!

SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Southeastern University prides itself in being a Christian institution with a unique concentration in its MBA program. The business department at SEU is very intentional about putting a practical application into its MBA program versus relying just on theory. Students have the unique opportunity to take courses through partners such as Disney Business Institute, with the credits going toward earning their MBA. Their one-of-a-kind MBA concentration is their Missional Leadership Concentration—designed for students interested in working as

administrators in churches or faithbased organizations. It is not strictly a religious concentration. The program teaches business administration with practical ministry and leadership skills. SEU has an extension site in Uganda with online courses that aid Ugandan students enrolled in the program with accommodations to their culture and background.

Dr. Leroy VanWhy, Director of Masters in Business Administration and Masters of Arts and Administration, has plans to expand SEU's MBA program. For the fall 2023 semester, the MBA

has been revamped to be more costeffective, where students can get an essential MBA—the core curriculum of an MBA—through a 30-credit hour program. If students want to pursue a concentration, they will take six more hours of credit courses with online and traditional in-class options.

"We're always trying to update and revamp our program to keep it relevant with what's going on in the world today…coming into the fall semester, we've revised and rewritten about a half dozen of our courses to keep them updated and relevant," VanWhy says.

Lakelanders looking to earn an MBA from the comforts of home or while studying abroad should consider Keiser University. KU is a global institution with campuses around the world, including in Shanghai, China, and San Marcos, Nicaragua.

With this global reach, KU is able to provide students with an inperson or online course load. Keiser is well-versed in providing students with a virtual education—the school has been doing so since the 1990s— and online students in Lakeland

receive the same support services from the Lakeland campus as in-person students.

Courses are taught in Mandarin, Spanish, and English. Recently, there has been an increase in online enrollments from students in Latin America and China that have strong backgrounds in leadership and organizational operations.

KU relies on experienced practitioners and scholars to contribute to KU's career-oriented curriculum.

Dr. Robert Keiser, the Vice-Chancellor of the Graduate School, says KU has carved out a solid niche in the market for getting an MBA due to the amount of reach the institution has globally.

"As a private institution, we're more nimble. We can readily react to workforce demand and change," Keiser says. "Additionally, because of our nimbleness, we're able to create programs that are catered to specific demographics."

KEISER UNIVERSITY

DESIGNED BY BRIANA CHENOT

HOMES

HOMES

inding the right realtor is like making a new best friend. He or she will listen, encourage your dreams, and tell you when you need to adjust your thinking.

In Lakeland, we are

blessed to have incredible individuals and teams to guide you through some of the most significant decisions in your life.

Here are a trio of Keller Williams realtors/teams to consider the next time you are buying or selling.

Darren and Tina Moreno are a husband and wife real estate team who strive to provide the highest level of service and communication while helping their clients achieve their real estate goals.

With a combined 28 years of real estate experience, the Morenos have been through it all, from the hot market of 2020 through 2022 to not so hot market and trying times of 2007 that started the housing crisis. With all that experience they know what it takes to help you accomplish your real estate goals.

Darren and Tina's goal is to build clients for life and ensure referrals by providing the best real estate experience possible and no matter how difficult the deal, they strive each and every time for a win-win situation.

When Tina and Darren are not doing real estate, they are chasing around their highly energetic 5-year-old son, TJ, as well as spending quality time with their obedient labradoodle, Bo, and their not-soobedient mini goldendoodle, Rusty. The Moreno's are ready to help you purchase a home or by creating a new story as you sell your home, and move on with new goals, opportunities and dreams.

This is a breathtaking Home just steps from Lake Hollingsworth. Take a look at this four bedroom- three bath home with more than 2,200 square feet in exceptional condition.

This one is a must see. As you walk into the home you are welcomed into a large foyer area, opening up to high ceilings, gorgeous trim work and a spacious layout. The master suite has an incredible walk-in closet, double vanity bathroom, large dual walk-in shower and private claw foot bath tub. The kitchen overlooks the dining area and has a large island with beautiful cabinets, quartz countertops and an elegant backsplash with stainless appliances. It has two additional bedrooms downstairs with luxury carpeting, large closets and a split plan layout.

Head upstairs to see a separate bedroom and bathroom suite—perfect for guests, or a game room, or mother-in-law suite. The home boasts a large fully fenced in backyard with an engaging screened-in lanai that's ready for family gatherings.

Theriskiest financialmove isdoingnothing.

Yourwealthplanshouldkeepupwiththechanging circumstancesofyourlife,aswellaswiththecyclesinthe financialmarkets.Anewcareer,anewgrandchild,anew business,asignificantshiftinyourportfolio—anyofthese eventscouldnecessitateafreshlookatyourstrategy.

AsaMorganStanleyFinancialAdvisor,Icanworkwithyouto developastrategyandthenhelpyoumanageyourinvestments andassetsthroughlife'schanges.Calltodaytoarrangean appointment.We'llworktogethertoplanforwhatmaycome.

SeniorVicePresident

FinancialAdvisor

225E.LemonSt. Lakeland,FL33801

+1863499-1521

Jeffrey.Clements@morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com/ the-griffith-clements-group

Theappropriatenessofaparticularinvestmentorstrategywilldependonaninvestor"sindividualcircumstancesandobjectives. CFPBoardownsthemarksCFP®,CERTIFIEDFINANCIALPLANNER™,andCFP®(withplaquedesign)intheUS. ©2021MorganStanleySmithBarneyLLC.MemberSIPC.MAR014CRC323461801/21CS995921602/21

KRYSTAL SAYERS

My name is Krystal Sayers and I've been servicing the Central Florida real estate market for more than seven years. I've centered my career around excellent customer service and a firm commitment to working hard, listening, and following through. I provide high quality, dedicated service to build meaningful relationships with my clients and, more importantly, I maintain those relationships through honesty and effective communication.

No transaction is ever more important than the person making it, so protecting my clients, their interests and our relationship is my top priority. These values have driven me to become a top producer at the #1 brokerage in Lakeland—Keller Williams.

I love Lakeland and enjoy all our beautiful city has to offer. After almost 10 years here, I couldn't imagine raising my girls anywhere else. You can often find us walking around Lake Mirror, having coffee downtown, hiking at Circle B Bar, or wandering our newest favorite Lakeland destination, Bonnet Springs Park.

As a Lakeland local and a seasoned real estate professional I truly understand and appreciate the market here. We have a little bit of everything: the comfort and security of suburban life, the fun and convenience of downtown living, the peace and freedom of the country; there really is something for every lifestyle. My love of Lakeland provides me the enthusiasm and desire to help make my home your home.

Give me a call, send me a text, or email me any time. I would love to help you achieve your real estate goals!

This is a beautiful 3,760 square foot country home nestled on 9.1 acres of farm and woods. There are three huge bedrooms and two roomy, updated bathrooms. The peaceful wooded driveway leads you to this massive, unique home. The sprawling front porch overlooks a serene pond stocked with tilapia, catfish, bass and bream. This home was built in 2000 by a retired lineman out of pine, cypress and retired light poles! The exterior is covered in beautiful cypress siding. The kitchen cabinets are all handmade and solid wood. There are

three AC units, including a brand new one upstairs. The home include two 40 gallon water heaters—one solar and one electric. Double paned windows help keep the electric bill low! It has built-in sliding storm shutters and metal roof, high ceilings, a huge bonus room and a basement! There is covered RV parking plus a workshop with AC. Farm amenities include fencing, a very large chicken coop,and shelters. It is very private and peaceful with wildlife abounding, including wild turkeys, spoonbills, hooded mergansers, and resident hawks.

JP, a Florida native who moved to Lakeland in 2013, is owner of the Hive Homes Group with Keller Williams.

He works closely with clients who are interested in purchasing or selling homes, but he is also ready to help clients expand their investments in real estate.

He owns and manages short-term rentals in Central Florida and advises others who are interested in being part of the rental market.

JP is no stranger to moving or fixing up houses either.

JP and his wife, Meg, have purchased and lived in eight different homes—and each time they have renovated the space to leave it better than when they moved in.

Because of his professional and personal experience, JP understands what it takes to buy and sell a home and he prides himself on advising and supporting his clients every step of the way.

JP has a friendly and collaborative working style. He brings with him the expertise and support of local lenders, specialists, contractors and inspectors.

If you are looking for a loyal, experienced agent, who will go above and beyond for you and then likely invite you to join him at a Gator football game, then JP Phillips is your guy.

5425 Kings Mont Court of Lakeland, Florida is a truly oneof-a-kind Tudor style home. Often referred to by neighbors and friends as “The Castle House,” this house was the first built in its South Lakeland community. As such, the two streets in this neighborhood were named with a nod to the royal estate: Kings Mont Court and Kings Mont Drive. If you love the architecture and design of Lakeland’s Cob and Pen, then you will love the Castle House.

It was built in 1980, but has had just two owners in its 43 years. The grand turret is a focal point of the home’s exterior and the first thing you will see upon walking in the front door. An oversized rounded staircase winds up to the second story which looks over into the foyer leaving the inside of the window-lined turret open.

The 4,200 square foot home has four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. The oversized second-story master suite includes a large bedroom with front balcony, a hallway with windows that look down into the TV room below, an updated spacious master bathroom and a bonus room that’s currently used as an office. Downstairs, there's an open concept space with plenty of extra room. Whether you prefer to have a formal dining and living space or playroom or craft rooms, there’s room for it all.

The grand wood-burning fireplace is an open concept that connects the TV room to the spacious formal living room. The open concept kitchen overlooks the TV room and a large bonus space that is currently set up as a game room complete with a card table, bumper pool, full-sized pool table and a bar area. This area was added on in 2003, but includes detailed molding that fits the style of the home. Also added in 2003 is a large wrap-around pool complete with water features, a sun ledge, hot tub, and waterfall with grotto. Despite the large home and screened-in pool, the property which is situated on nearly half an acre, still has room for a fenced in backyard, playground area, basketball court and sitting area. This home is sure to attract interest when it becomes available for purchase this Summer. Keep an eye out for it to hit the market or reach out to the listing agent, JP Phillips, for more details.

hought-provoking, perennial, maybe even trendy––the artwork inside your home tells a story. Whether you’ve found yourself collecting eclectic abstract pieces, or you’ve adorned your house with contemporary portraits, your creative eye craves visual elements that best reflect your style and introduce who you are. Textures, fine lines, strokes, patterns––whatever speaks to you and reflects your disposition, Lakeland’s diverse community of artists help create heartfelt tangibles that bring color or add visual dimension to the corners of your space.

From soulful local artists who have built successful careers spanning decades to the rise of up-and-coming new artists, there are so many available options for you to find one-of-a-kind pieces for your residence. Here are several to consider the next time you are shopping for something new on your wall.

written by Victoria Bardega

photos by Dan Austin

On floor, left to right: Kylo & Co., Mary May Witte, Kylo & Co., Kylo & Co., Danielle Douglin

On table, left to right: Rachelle Valenzuela, Mary May Witte, Danielle Douglin, Rachelle Valenzuela, Kylo & Co., Mary May Witte

Jackie Morales Houghton Oil Painter

Born and raised locally, Jackie Morales Houghton has passionately built her career as an abstract artist through organic relationships cultivated in the Lakeland community. As a proud alum of Rochelle School of the Arts, Jackie’s journey began as a middle school student where she quickly developed a strong desire to pursue painting.

After spending a semester at London’s prestigious arts and design college, Central Saint Martins, Jackie was exposed to Europe’s elaborate community of artists––both unknown and known. This became a turning point in her career. She graduated with her bachelor in fine arts from Auburn University and later moved back to Lakeland with her husband, ready to embark on a new chapter that felt full circle for her.

Today she creates eye-catching oil paintings on large canvases for a variety of clients, providing detailed insight on design for home owners. Her work is exclusively available for commissions, which in turn gives an opportunity for clients to collaborate with her on custom pieces for their space. From looking at a home’s fabrics and colors to its intricate patterns, she approaches each new project with eyes to visually problem-solve and a desire to serve her clients with excellence.

With her background from previous design centric roles, such as art director for Publix Corporate Offices and creative director for The Lakelander, she has honed her craft and continues to bring her clients’ interior visions to life. To work with her on a piece for your home, reach out to her @jackiehoughtonstudio on Instagram. The collaboration process is organic, and it’s something Jackie caters according to the visual needs of her clients. She works out of her personal home studio in Lakeland.

Mary May Witte

Acrylic Contemporary Impressionism Artist

Dreaming up art pieces that give a big view, local award-winning artist Mary May Witte brings inspiring contemporary impressionism to the homes of Lakelanders. Having earned her bachelor of arts at LaGrange College in Georgia, she uses her sophisticated expertise in the graphic arts to create serene acrylic paintings.

For three decades, she established her career as a graphic designer until she made the decision to focus on her artwork when her children moved out of the house. With support from her husband, she started painting in her home. Since moving back to Florida in the mid-70s, she gained inspiration for her artwork from the historic charm of Swan City’s nature life.

Placing visual focus on animals, such as birds, cows and dogs, and other outdoor scenes, she portrays everyday landscapes to commemorate the familiarity found in the places she loves most. She has also worked on still life and figure pieces that capture the essence of magnified fruits and flowers. Providing a unique visual experience, her work centers around the composition giving a simple, clean design. Clients say her work is quite calming. She has participated actively in local events for the artistic community, such as the MidFlorida Mayfaire-by-the-Lake.

One of her most popular works, “Morton,” depicts the natural beauty of our city’s beloved swans. Witte has received the honor of “Best Two Dimensional Artist” at the Old Florida Festival of the Arts in Cedar Key, Fla.

Notably, her paintings have been featured at a variety of festivals and art shows. Currently, people can find her work for sale locally at Bungalow Boutique and Gifts, 1026 Florida Ave S. You can also connect with her on her website marymaywitte.com or via email at marymaywitte@me.com.

“If a painting speaks to you, you’ll find a place for it,” she remarks.

KyLo & Co. by Stephanie Mason Plaster and Water Color Artist

What stemmed from celebrating a special occasion quickly turned into a business from the heart for Stephanie Mason.

Crafting pieces of art has been a lifelong interest, but in 2022 Stephanie officially launched her plaster focused artwork locally––known as KyLo & Co.––as a way to serve the community she has loved for many years. After deciding to create a DIY piece with her husband, she gained inspiration to create her first capsule collection of large canvas plaster paintings, crafted with simplistic elegance that enhances any room.

She proudly combines a visually minimalist approach with a trendy design nod to the mid-century modern style. Between her classic arches to her moving strokes, she tailors each piece of artwork to subtly give dimension. Whether you’re looking for a centerpiece for your home or a distinct painting to light up your nook, KyLo & Co. offers a variety of handcrafted plaster art online at thekyloandco.com.

In addition to her staple plaster pieces, KyLo & Co. at times releases a variety of abstract watercolor pieces on large canvas.

“Lighting is everything when it comes to displaying art in your home,” she notes.

The recent loss of her mother to cancer inspired her “Art for the Heart” initiative, where she collects water from a place of significance to you to be added to any plaster or water color painting you request as a client.

If you’ve ever wandered through the rustic hallways of Lakeland’s very own Scout & Tag, you may have come across Stephanie’s iconic swan pieces, available for purchase on site. You can also shop her latest pieces at Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market every Saturday. Written on the back of each canvas is Jeremiah 29:11, as a representation of the thoughtful prayer she places over her work.

Danielle Douglin

Oil Painter

As a youngster growing up in St. Thomas, Danielle Douglin could often be found drawing on a notepad while situated in a pew of the church her father pastored. More than a dozen years later, Danielle could be found drawing on a notepad—except in this case, it was in the courtroom, where her mind often wandered while interning at a public defender’s office.

The 2020 Florida Southern College graduate began her collegiate career as a political science major, but her lifelong passion for art eventually won out, and she graduated with a double major in graphic design and studio art. Today, she makes a living as a Digital Studio Designer at Publix, and on the side she continues to hone her skills crafting oil paintings on large canvases—a hobby that took root from an art class her sophomore year.

She loves to create bright and vibrant paintings that tell stories by fashioning vivid memories of iconic local spots she holds dear. Some of her oil paintings showcase local favorites like the Southgate Shopping Center, but others are distinctly personal, such as artwork of Twistee Treat or the Checker’s located in North Lakeland.

“With Checkers…I used to remember going with my family—like my sister in her (Volkswagen) Beetle—and we’d grab fries on the way home,” she recalls. “In my paintings I want it to kind of feel like what it was like in that space…so I like to have smooth things be a little bit rough or have directional paint strokes to add dimension to my paintings.”

The Volkswagen Beetle is a recurring subject in Douglin’s work. She inherited her dad’s affinity for Beetles, and she eventually purchased one herself.

“In college people would be like, ‘I knew you were at Starbucks or Mitchell’s because I saw your car there,’” she says. “So I thought about how I could put a physical representation of myself into my paintings without putting myself in them—kind of like a ‘Where’s Waldo?’ thing to represent my experience growing up in Lakeland.”

Douglin’s work has been featured at Mitchell’s Coffee House in the past, and those interested in purchasing her work can check out danielledouglin.com or contact her on Instagram at @danielledouglin.

- By RJ Walters

Rachelle Valenzuela

Oil Painter

Inspired by traditional styles and limited color palettes, local oil painter Rachelle Valenzuela fashions heartfelt, classical imagery through her lens of soft, muted tones for the home. With a sincere love for art and for people, this up-andcoming artist has dabbled in artwork most of her life. She began pursuing art full time in September 2021, and most recently took up oil painting in July 2022. She handcrafts timeless pieces that capture people, places and still life portraits in detail.

She currently studies under professional oil painter Greg Mannheimer at the Polk Museum of Art. In early summer 2020, she moved to Lakeland from Utah with her husband and two daughters. They quickly fell in love with Lakeland’s charm and the community.

She works from her home studio here in our Swan City, and she continues to collaborate with her clients to create custom artwork that is meaningful for families and cohesive to the space they will display it in.

She also describes herself as an “old soul” who is drawn artistically to “vintage elements.” She draws inspiration for her artwork from old architecture, classical music and her trips abroad, including a recent trip to Paris, France. With every piece, or “happy canvas” she handpaints, she creates artwork that include personal touches that tell part of their story.

Her works feature a unique compositional variety from the intricacies of loved ones’ faces to the vibrant form of fruits and blossoms. For commission work, you can reach out to her directly on Instagram @artbychellevalenz.

“Place art in places where people can start meaningful conversations,” she encourages.

n East Lemon Street in Lakeland, a small but diverse garden grows outside Gospel Village.

Green onions, eggplant, kale, blueberries—more than 20 varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs are grown and harvested by resident Anthony Razor.

“I come out here every day,” he says, gesturing toward the garden.

He tends to the plants and talks to them, and talks to God. He meditates for an hour each morning. “If I don’t pray, I know the devil is outside doing push-ups,” he laughs.

Razor was born in the 1970s amid family turmoil. He was thrust alongside his two brothers into what he calls a shoddy foster care system. Frequently moving from home to home, he was mistreated and neglected. “The system taught me I couldn’t trust anyone,” he says, noting he never knew where his parents were.

After years in the system, he fled, spending decades unhoused and living on the streets. He has always been driven and considerate. He’s

Where stories of brokenness abound, there are now lives of redemption being lived out—in Gospel Village.

written by Jenna MacFarlane photos by Jordan Randall

"I should’ve been dead a long time ago,” he says, “but every morning I wake up and figure I still have work to do.”

Razor spends hours planting, cultivating and talking to God in the garden at Gospel Village.

"I come out here every day..."

Ibelieve God writes our lives, but I think he wrote mine inside out,” Razor says. He didn’t have the luxury of getting his footing in a stable home. He was born into chaos. It took him nearly 50 years to find peace—and it’s something he’s still working toward.

He's been a cook for nearly 40 years. Cooking, painting and landscaping, Razor always had a job, but never a place to call his own. When he was on the streets, a mysterious good Samaritan frequently left him $50 and some cigarettes. It happened over and over again. He didn’t know who it was, or why, but he saw it as a sign someone believed in him. So he split the money with others. A firm believer that good things come back around, he spread his blessings when he was lucky to receive them.

Living on the streets, Razor survived shootings, near-fatal car crashes and illnesses. “I should’ve been dead a long time ago,” he says, “but every morning I wake up and figure I still have work to do.”

When he turned 50, he “finally started listening to God,” and turned his life around. He offered to help paint the trailers at Gospel Village. The nonprofit’s founder, Brian Seeley, found out Razor was sleeping on benches around Lake Mirror at the time, and took him in.

In the Gospel Village community, colorfullypainted trailers are tucked away between trees and lush varieties of floral. It’s cozy and welcoming. It has a sense of purpose and place, so vital to those who have spent so much time without it.

Gospel, Inc. has built a community founded on hope and friendship

Once relegated to life on the streets, Razor now helps beautify a community that keeps people off the streets.

"I think of the garden like all of us. With proper care and attention, miracles can happen."

Being here has given me opportunities I never knew were possible for me,” Razor said. He gives speeches all over Lakeland to kids and adults about his story and what he’s learned. He’s a work in progress—and he is the first to admit it—but he’s proud of the radical change he’s made the past few years. He speaks often of “Ms. Annie,” Gospel Village’s psychotherapist, and how she helps residents quell disputes and understand their lived experiences. He talks about his trailer and how he’s been able to make it his own. Gospel Village is home: he directs my attention again and again back to the garden. It is his place of solace, purpose and prayer.

“I think of the garden like all of us. With proper care and attention, miracles can happen.”

Home is a place we can retreat from a sometimes harsh world. At home, we find comfort and privacy; we feel a sense of dignity that something is our own.

Gospel, Inc. fills that basic need for many. It doesn’t exist to churn people in and out. It doesn’t threaten expulsion or impose strict behavioral rules on residents. It aims to provide permanent housing and dignified work for all who live there, and provide them the resources they need to heal and thrive.

The Gospel Village garden is ripe and ready for harvest. If you’re interested in picking up locally grown fruits, veggies and herbs to support Razor and his neighbors, reach out to Gospel, Inc. at

Everyone deserves a home. (863) 940-4069 or info@gospelinc.org.

Just a few miles from I-4 and less than five miles from Downtown is a piece of farm livin’ that might make guests think they took a wrong turn and ended up in Waco, Texas.

Waco is the home to the farm chic revolutionaries of the Magnolia Market—the brainchild of reality TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines—and Lakelanders Laura and Richard Kiddey have created a retreat on their 12 acres in North Lakeland that rivals those aesthetics and comforts.

The couple transported a silo frame from Arkansas along I-75, with the original grain storage container measuring more than 18 feet tall.

With the 650-square foot silo that sleeps five—thanks to a loft that includes two beds and two small sitting areas—the couple has transformed a piece of the property they call home into a place that locals and out-of-towners alike come to get away from the daily grind, and yes, to feed cattle.

“We try to leave them cattle cubes so they can interact with the cows, and it’s a big hit with them,” Richard says. “Especially those coming from the city, not having cows, if they can feed a cow, man, that’s made their day!”

Richard jokes that his wife and Hobby Lobby became best friends last summer when the couple hauled the silo home. Kidding aside, the home also boasts an impressive variety of

custom woodwork decor that makes it stand out.

The home includes Blue Stain Pine from Montana, reclaimed barnwood from Missouri and eye-catching cabinets built by Richard’s brother, Clayton, a Lakeland Fire Department employee with a gift for woodwork.

Depending on the time of year, guests might see pigs and other animals alongside the staples, cattle and chicken.

The couple, who has two sons —RL, 9, and Boone, 6— has thoroughly enjoyed helping visitors find respite, giving them a first-hand look at farm life without the long to-do-list.

Just down the road are a variety of unique Airbnbs for all price points

written by RJ Walters photos by Jordan Randall

Tucked into the Kiddey's 12 acre farm in North Lakeland is a silo made for sleeping

Richard and Laura Kiddey and their sons, RL and Boone, stand outside their one-of-a-kind Airbnb in North Lakeland.

Guests

might think they took a wrong turn and ended up in Waco, Texas

HOUSE DETAILS

4 BEDROOMS / 6 BEDS

3.5 BATHS

UP TO 10 GUESTS

WATERFRONT WITH LAKE ACCESS

PRIVATE POOL

written by Adam Spafford

Owners Matt and Courtney Wade

As though standing sentry over the calm of Lake Hollingsworth, manifesting the august history of Lakeland’s centerpiece, the Duff home at 154 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. harkens to a time when the views from the magnificent wrap-around porch included more horses than cyclists and more citrus trees than neighbors. Built in 1907, the home is ostensibly the first near the shores of the lake. Its early inhabitants could never have fathomed that it would become among the city’s oldest and most coveted addresses.

With only a handful of owners over the years, the home retained its character, eluding the enthusiastic modernization— including demolition—that’s befallen so many of its ilk. By the 1920s, Fred and Sarah Duff owned it, followed by the McClellans, then the Waters family who purchased it in 1955 and spent 30 years there. A fiveyear ownership by a doctor in the mid-to-late 1980s ended when the Shannon family acquired the home. When John Shannon died tragically in a plane accident in 2017 a surviving family member put the home up for sale.

Having raised their children just around the corner on Euclid Ave., Matt and Courtney Wade were quite familiar with the

The house is filled with modern updates that stay true to its original 1907 aesthetic

graceful beauty of 154. When they toured the home they quickly moved from semiinterested to fully invested.

“We’re convinced that our offer was accepted, at least in part, because we were committed to restoring rather than tearing it down when there were other potential buyers who planned to,” Matt says. Since the property spans three lots, it could have been a lucrative opportunity for a developer. “We felt a deep sense of responsibility to preserve the house,” says Courtney. “It’s such an intriguing place.”

Of course, as anyone who’s ever purchased an old home knows, the work had only just begun. The Wades gutted the house to the studs. Although determined to recover its original form, The Wades saw there were critical updates that had to be made. “It still had knob-andtube wiring as well as very old plumbing,” Matt recalls. “The structure off the pool had been a pump house from which the citrus was irrigated with Lake Hollingsworth’s water. But when we bought it, the roof was caving in—it was in rough shape. We were afraid if we tore it down we might not be able to replace it, so we refurbished the building into a guest cottage.” Now the main house and guest cottage open up to the resurfaced pool.

The enchanting charm of Lake Hollingsworth’s oldest home, now fully restored, can be enjoyed by Lakelanders and visitors alike.

tell us about its storied past, the restoration process, and their decision to now rent it as both an Airbnb and event space.

The Wades were able to salvage most of the original windows as well as the doors, floors in the main house including the porch, and both fireplaces. “The downstairs bathroom is in its original form, as is the upstairs bath with the addition of a shower done by a previous owner,” Courtney says.

In keeping with the spirit of the 1907 construction, the structural changes they chose to make were scant. “We took down two partition walls that bounded the formal dining room to make an open floor plan with the kitchen,” Courtney says.

So it begs the question: how do you do a tasteful job restoring a home like this without losing the integrity of the original, and giving a nod to its rich history?

The Wades enlisted Kristina Jesse of Kristina Kreations to bring the house up-to-date with features that are new but appear as though they could have been there all along. The new vanities, cabinets, tile, and trim match the aesthetic of the outside of the house, allowing you to envision what it looked like more than a century ago.

It took a year but the result is stunning; dignified, strong, and anachronistic in the best sense of the word. The Wades, who moved into the house in 2019, credit Wayne Bunch

Construction for the flawless execution of their vision. If the restoration was the end of the story, the photos might be satisfying enough. But the Wades felt so honored to own and refurbish 154 that they’ve decided to share it with Lakelanders and visitors alike.

“We love Lakeland. It’s such an amazing place to live with so many wonderful things—Bonnet Springs, Mayfaire, Sun ‘n Fun— we thought that offering the home as a combination Airbnb and event space would be a great way for us to contribute to what the city offers,” Courtney says.

Matt adds, “Not only can you enjoy Lakeland but now you can stay in some of its history.”

The property is well-suited to such a purpose. There is a large amount of parking space for events as well as an ample yard for a tent facing Lake Hollingsworth. The home has only been listed as an Airbnb rental since March, but it has had several bookings, including a baby shower. “The great thing about the combination space is that you can enjoy a stay at the home and also host an event,” Courtney says.

The Wades hired Amanda Bass of Leaf and Light Design to embellish the already stunning property for Airbnb guests, repainting a few things for an older, cozier feel, adding wallpaper, and even some more furniture.

They’ve entrusted Brittany Burkett of Lakeland Hometown Properties (www.wearelakeland. com) to manage the bookings for both stays and events.

“It’s remarkable how many prospective guests have indicated they wanted to visit to sit on the porch—the sunsets are absolutely amazing,” Matt says.

Courtney agrees and adds, “People want to stay because of the history, too. It’s like a boutique bed and breakfast— chic, fun, and unexpected.”

Depending on your dates, the two-night minimum starts around $500 a night to stay in 154.

The Lakelander would like to thank the Kathleen Area Historical Society for providing information for this article.

Respite comes naturally in this master bath

It’s close to Downtown, Lake Hollingsworth, Cleveland Heights Golf Course and Common Ground Playground, but as newlyweds in 2018 Tim and Julie Czernek were already thinking how it might be the perfect home for someone else down the road.

“Every now and then we just mentioned to each other kind of nonchalantly, ‘Like, we can’t really have a lot of kids here, but it seems like it would be a super cool Airbnb.’”

Their foresight was right, as their still perfect customer rating on their impeccably acquainted mid-century modern home suggests.

As many as six guests at a time, of all ages—from old friends in town for their 50th college reunion at Florida Southern College to parents of newborns—

appreciate modern amenities like a 65-inch smart TV and in-home washer and dryer to go along with carefully curated furniture and artwork from local favorites like The Curated Collective and Bump Galletta. What might surprise some, including Julie’s girlfriends, is that Tim is mostly responsible for the cohesive elevated style, calling it a creative outlet away from his wealth management career.

Tim says he has enjoyed engaging with guests who vary from parents of local college students to a food videographer who calls the home his “go to place” in Lakeland to a recent group of four adult males from New Jersey who were in town for a soccer tournament in Auburndale.

3 BEDROOM/4 BEDS

2.5 BATHS

UP TO 6 GUESTS

HOUSE DETAILS BOOK NOW

DEDICATED WORKSPACE

Guests at Stephen and Madalyn Batman’s Airbnb home on Lincoln Ave. step into a space that merges Lakeland’s past and present so well that they might just want to consider being part of the city’s future.

The custom home was built by Hulbert Homes last year and it features high ceilings, an open-concept floor plan, granite countertops and “wood” tile on a fenced in lot that is less than two miles to Downtown and blanketed with mature trees.

It’s homes like this in the Batmans’ rental portfolio that have eventually turned some shortterm renters into local buyers.

“It has more of a suburban family feel than downtown Tampa or downtown Orlando does,” Stephen says. “We try to maintain a little more elevated luxury feel for our property so that people have a nice option in our town where they don’t have to spend $400 or $500 per night.”

Stephen, a Florida Southern College graduate, and Madalyn, a Lakeland native who graduated from George Jenkins High School, entered the real estate profession in 2014 with Keller Williams. They own six rental properties and manage roughly 10 others. It wasn’t until 2021 that the couple ventured into the short-term rental market, and they have found it to be more rewarding than they expected—even with some of the stigmas surrounding short-term rentals in some neighborhoods.

“Everybody has this connotation that Airbnbs are going to ruin their neighborhood and ruin their home values and such,” Stephen says. “But we’ve had so much positive feedback from people that stay on our properties…and [they tell us] not only are the properties great, but they walk the neighborhoods, they get to meet some of the neighbors and they truly fall in love with the city.”

Local builder Hulbert Homes ensured custom touches abound throughout the home

This rental is located less than two miles from Downtown Lakeland

BOOK NOW

DECEMBER 7, 1925

A local magazine from the early 1900s that allowed Lakelanders to subscribe and find out activities happening around town along with local real estate.

Courtesy of Lakeland Public Library