George Washington Carver. Madam C. J. Walker. Marie Van Brittan Brown. Those are just three of many Black entrepreneurs that changed the world we live in through innovation — from the scientific uses for peanuts to hair products, and the home security system.
Unsurprisingly, Lakeland is bursting at the seams with world changers of its own. With this in mind, and in honor of Black History Month, we asked our friends at Catapult Lakeland, Polkway863 + Buena Market to help us curate a list of local Black entrepreneurs we should be watching.
Let’s remember all the great minds who came before us while looking to the present to witness history in the making. ⬇️
Chequita Blake | Blue Velvet Cupcakes
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While Sean first got a degree in mathematics, his love of music drew him to create his company Sean Wilson Piano, where he teaches online courses specializing in gospel music. After a dare from a friend, Sean realized that learning music was akin to learning an entirely new language.
Dena Goldfine | Higher Heights Group
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Dena Goldfine worked in the vitamins health, and beauty industry for 25 years and created the Higher Heights Group — a unique boutique brokerage to sell natural organic health + body care products to health food stores. You can find her favorite products like Malama Mushrooms + Golden Moss smoothies on Instagram.
Click the button below for a list of 20+ more Black entrepreneurs who are slaying the local innovation game. ⬇️ |
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Weather
○ 74º | Scattered Storms | 40% chance of rain
ComingSoon
○ Roots Cellars, a new branch of Roots Tap Room & Wine Bar, will officially open the doors of their new Plant City location (303 S Collins St.) tomorrow. The new Roots will retain all the charm, craft beers + vinos of the original Roots with the added element of cigars to choose from as well. The new store will also showcase work from local artists for sale + offer the entire cellar to rent for private parties. 🍷
Biz
○ Polk County non-profit boutique Top Buttons is preparing to open a new location across from the old Polk County Courthouse (100 E Main St.) on Feb. 10. In the meantime, their old location (160 E Summerlin St.) has closed permanently. The organization operates its thrift stores as part of a larger message of self-worth for young women in need. Top Buttons’ other locations in Lakeland (236 N. Kentucky Ave.) + Winter Haven (226 W. Central Ave.) will remain open during the transition.
WaterCooler
○ The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reigned supreme at the Super Bowl this year with a score of 31 to 9. See the highlights of the game here. 🏈 (CBS Sports)
Ranked
○ 48. Publix’s ranking in Fortune’s recent list of the World’s Most Admired Companies — and the highest-ranked Florida company listed. This ranking for the Lakeland-based supermarket was determined by survey responses, measured against a list of 670+ other businesses, and ranked no. 1 in the food and drugstores category. (Fox 13 News)
Listen
○ Spot any recognizable local landmarks in this music video? Local musician Eric N. Collins (@MrENC) is releasing a new EP on Feb. 11 — featuring four musical love letters to Lakeland. The album is based around the artist’s memories, feelings, and emotions of growing up in Lakeland and will be available to buy at Jesse Carl Vinyl (304 N. Kentucky Ave. #1150), alongside other streaming services worldwide. You can watch the music video of his song “We Do Our Own Thing” on Youtube here.
○ On a recent episode of Catapult’s podcast Headway, JD Arbuckle, lead marketing consultant at Smart Inbound Marketing, discusses how to create meaningful digital content to target your audience properly. Listen here. 🎧 Ⓟ
List
○ Smack dab between the Coral Castle + Stiltsville, Only In Your State listed Polk County’s Bok Tower Gardens (1511 Tower Blvd.) as one of the “14 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Florida.” The spot was chosen because of its iconic beauty, 205 ft. singing tower + massive botanical gardens. 🌺 (Only In Your State)
DYK
○ Florida residents come in contact with an alligator once a day on average? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported 380 calls from residents who were spooked by a gator in 2020. In Polk County, Lake Hancock + Teneroc Fish Management Area both house over 500 alligators. Check out this map for a detailed look at each alligator sighting last year. #FunFact: Lake Okeechobee has over 9,000 gators, the most in the state, of course. 🐊 (Click Orlando)
FactOrFiction
○ A rapid antigen COVID-19 test allows you to get results in just 15 minutes. Fact or fiction? Answer here. Ⓟ
Outdoors
○ A new wild turkey map has been rolled out by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. While Lakeland is deemed as a “non habitat” area for wild turkeys (RIP Gary), our neighbors in Hillsborough County have a 95% chance of encountering the feathered-Phasianidae. If you’re looking to gobble up more turkey tips, check out these must-have resources. 🦃
Number
○ $150,000. That’s how much it will cost Lakeland Electric to close and demolish McIntosh Unit 3, the coal plant. The planned decommission will begin March 31, three years ahead of schedule. The early shutdown is expected to save the city $13.1 million and is the first step in a remediation plan of the connected landfill – which is estimated to cost the city $30 million. (The Ledger)
Home
○ From landscaping to taxes, there are certain aspects of owning a home that some new buyers might not know about. The local pros at S&D Real Estate break down 6 things you should know before buying a home. 🏡 Ⓟ
Coronavirus
○ On Sunday, the Florida Department of Health announced 6,624 new cases of COVID-19 and 103 additional deaths in Florida. That brings the total number of cases in FL of COVID-19 to 1,777,983 + the total deaths to 28,161. You can find more updates concerning COVID-19 case numbers on the Florida Department of Health dashboard. See Lakeland + Polk numbers here.
○ Monitor the Florida Department of Health in Polk’s website for the latest information regarding vaccines. Seniors can register for the vaccination here.
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Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has once again gone viral — this time on TikTok. One of the most well-known sheriffs in the nation, Grady racked in 100,000+ likes and nearly 5,000 shares by posting a short #trending introduction video, where he shares his age, where he lives + what he likes. |
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Active
○ Let's Yoga - Shine Flow | Mon., Feb. 8 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Ultimate Dance Center, 2980 Lakeland Highlands Rd. | $10 | Featuring: Hatha, Kundalini, Restorative Poses, and Nidra. 🧘
Watch
○ PJ Harvey - A Dog Called Money | Mon., Feb. 8 | Times vary | Virtual | $12 | Watched a regionally-based film from the comfort of your home.
Cause
○ MEGA Pantry Distribution | Mon., Feb. 8 | 3:30-6 p.m. | Lakes Church, 1010 E. Memorial Blvd. | Free | If you’re in need, pick up a box or bag of prepackaged food. 🥫
TryThis
○ Trivia Mondays | Mon., Feb. 8 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave. | Free | Best team will win a party provided by the restaurant. 🎉
FeaturedEvent
○ Love Going to the Movies? Claim 2 Free Tickets | Mon., Feb. 8-Fri., Feb. 12 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | 1479 Town Center Dr. | Free | Receive two free movie passes when you spend $150 at any shops or restaurants at Lakeside Village. Simply present your receipts to DayDreams Day & Med Spa or Anna's of Lakeland to claim your free movie passes.Ⓟ
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Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
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💖 A last-minute love note: If you’re still searching for that Valentine’s Day inspo, Lakeland Mom rounded up 15+ date night ideas you're sure to love.
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Greenville, SC 29602
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