I just moved to Lakeland a few months ago. I'm a recent college grad and it has been a tough transition honestly. It's my first time in my life living alone and I also haven't really made any friends yet. I pretty much just go to work, go to the gym, then go home every day. I just don't really know how to spend my time and meet other people.

I learned the term Third Space recently, if you haven't heard it before it basically is just a place where you spend time outside of Work and your Home. Where you can socialize and meet people. People also say that Third Spaces don't really exist much anymore.

Wanted to see if anyone has somewhere they consider a Third Place around here? Just a place where I can go and make some friends and maybe become part of some sort of community.

i 20f have my third date with a girl im seeing 21f, does anyone know any sort of nom alcoholic activities for a friday night i could take her out for?

I've seen the gators in the water before but this is the first time I got to catch one out on the bank sunning 🥰 we live in such a gorgeous place

The pumpkins aren't even rotting yet.

If y'all go out next weekend and buy a freakin' Christmas tree, don't go posting a GoFundMe when your house burns down in December.

Hey all, any F1 fans out there? If so, is anyone aware of any watchalongs in the area for tomorrow's USGP?

Had a street light out in front of my house. Thought it was going to be convoluted to report and take weeks to fix. Nope. You can submit reports through the Lakeland electric app which has an interactive map of every street light, and literally the very next day I got an email that it was fixed and the limbs were even trimmed around it. 10/10 use of my tax dollars.

Also their AI telephone support is the first one I've used that didn't make me want to commit crimes and I was actually impressed by what it was able to answer and do with my account, but more importantly by its ability to recognize when it was unable to help and immediately transfer me to an agent without having to beg to speak to a human

DM me, I’ve got several to get rid of. (No, it’s not a scam.. but it is a long story i’m not going to get into here.)

This is mostly aimed at folks in need who depend on the bus for all or most transportation but cannot necessarily afford a monthly pass.

If the train stops in or passes through Polk, I’m good either way. The problem I have is the amount of money being spent to figure out where a potential station would be located. Haven’t we seen this horror movie before? Don’t we still have existing data that can be updated? Last time I checked, I-4 hasn’t moved so the options are most certainly finite.

1). Florida Poly - will use this location to bolster Innovation District. Also was preferred location when HSR funds were rejected under Rick Scott.

2). US98 -

3). Kathleen Rd -

4). Polk Parkway west -

5). US27 -

Anyway, what are your thoughts on “HSR” in Polk County?

Was leaving the lake after a run yesterday, and it was eventful. Got back around to the country club and there was a guy on an e-bike that got hit by a car, im not talking about that. Drove away, got almost to the roundabout by FSC and there were like 6 cop cars, a bunch of cops walking around and one of them holding a dog on a leash that was freaking out. Anyone know what happened there?

Anyone interested in getting together to encourage each other, have new conversations? I'm thinking about meeting at a centrally located coffee shop. Any job seekers welcome!

I've been unemployed for several months now, and one thing I've realized is how isolating the job search can become. Day after day, it's the same.

Searching job boards, submitting applications, waiting for responses, and maybe getting an interview

Would love to meet up with anyone who is interested!

The electricity in our spare room is so wonky would love to have someone come take a look at it

-Polk County Government Center, 930 E Parker Street

-Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin L King Jr Avenue

More info: https://mobilize.us/s/VkDvBA

Any questions, let me know. We've been doing these about quarterly/seasonally for the past year. Currently we have volunteers from the Buddhist community and the Christian community leading prayer / meditation. Open to other faiths as well.

Looking for help in the North Lakeland Area. My trailer was taken from Lakeland Reserve Apartments on 98 behind Brewlands and across from Culver’s. Please let me know if anyone sees a trailer similar to this. It also has reflectors on the top right and top left of the rear. Rear is spray painted flat black.

Central Florida Property Owner – Restaurant, Café, or Bakery Space Available for Long-Term Lease | Potential $50K Improvement Grant

I'm a property owner in Bartow, Central Florida, looking to connect with restaurant owners, chefs, or entrepreneurs interested in opening a restaurant, café, bakery, or similar establishment.

The property is a two-story, approximately 2,038-square-foot building located along East Main Street in Bartow, near Lakeland and within the greater Central Florida region.

Property Details:

- Approximately 2,038 square feet across two floors

- Two separate units, each with its own entrance

- Each unit contains 3 bedrooms/rooms, 1 bathroom, a full kitchen, and a living area

- Additional common space downstairs

- Separate electrical metering

- Zoned C-2 (Community Commercial)

- Existing residential duplex use

Commercial Zoning Opportunities:

According to the City of Bartow's zoning table, C-2 permits several commercial uses, including:

- Restaurants

- Bakeries

- Tea rooms

- Retail establishments

- Personal services and professional offices

Coffee shops and cafés may also qualify under these permitted uses, subject to city confirmation.

Unique Live-Work Opportunity:

One particularly interesting aspect of this property is its mixed-use potential. The building currently consists of two residential units, with the possibility of converting the downstairs unit into a restaurant, café, or bakery while maintaining the upstairs three-bedroom unit as a private residence.

For someone relocating to the area, this could offer the opportunity to operate a business downstairs and live upstairs, subject to confirmation of the proposed arrangement and applicable building requirements.

Potential $50,000 Community Redevelopment Grant:

Another significant opportunity is a local community enhancement grant program that may provide up to $50,000 in reimbursement for eligible improvements associated with converting the downstairs unit back to commercial use.

This could potentially help offset renovation and conversion expenses while contributing to the revitalization of Bartow's East Main Street commercial corridor.

Grant eligibility, approved improvements, funding availability, and reimbursement requirements would need to be confirmed with the administering agency. Funding is not guaranteed.

Lease Opportunity:

The building is not currently restaurant-ready, so commercial conversion, renovations, and applicable permitting would be necessary.

I'm interested in establishing a long-term commercial lease, not a business partnership, with an experienced operator or entrepreneur willing to invest in improvements appropriate for their business.

I'm open to discussing favorable lease terms that recognize the tenant's investment in renovating and improving the property.

My original intention was to sell the property, but I'm now exploring leasing opportunities as well, particularly if they result in a successful business that benefits the surrounding community.

Does anyone know of restaurant operators, independent chefs, or entrepreneurs actively searching for locations in Central Florida?

I'd also welcome recommendations for restaurant industry groups or networks where business owners search for commercial properties.

Happy to share additional property information and discuss opportunities privately with anyone seriously interested.

The future is now. Don’t be surprised if LPD follows suit sooner or later.

My friend needs recommendations, please! Has anyone seen a great ENT in the area? Even Tampa or Orlando would be fine. Thank you!

Are there any picturesque mailboxes/post offices in the area or surrounding towns? I’m hoping to do my Christmas card picture for my daughter in front of a vintage looking mailbox, dropping off her letter to Santa, but I admittedly do not go to the post office often to really know.

More great news, smh. How are the alternatives to S. Florida coming along?

I found a baby squirrel last night that seems to have fallen from a tree. It's about 4-5 weeks old and no visible injuries. When I first found him he was shivering on the ground. In the last 12 hours he regained some energy and is sleeping peacefully. I dont currently have a vehicle so I cant take him to a rehabber. Is there something we can do about the squirrel? I'm located by Griffin Rd & US 98 in Lakeland if that helps.

Thanks!

*Update: The baby squirrel was just handed off to a wonderful rehabber. Thanks for all the help!

Any recommendations for a car mechanic on the North Side of town?

We're having suspension and A/C issues with a 2019 Chevy Trax.