Deepwater Start

Deepwater Start

Even when the waters are a tad choppy, skiers are ready to jump in. At first light, if conditions are favorable, Florida Southern College Water Ski athletes are ready to make some waves. For a Division II school to have made their way to competing in Division I,...
Built To Move

Built To Move

You may have noticed some improvements at your local gym. A few of them have become a little less golden and a little more — well, we’ll let owner Dave Gurnsey tell you all about it. At the risk of a sedentary lifestyle, we sat down with Dave to learn more about Just...
A City’s Santa

A City’s Santa

When we set out for an exclusive interview with the city’s Santa, we were concerned it may dampen the belief of children but found it hard to deny the magic in this jolly Saint Nick ourselves. Photography by Tina Sargeant The Lakelander: How did you come up with this...
To Walk Among

To Walk Among

Though the number of homeless appears to be rising in our city and in our nation, there are several individuals and organizations who are making a lasting change. It’s not a change that comes overnight but by tending to needs day by day, meal by meal. It comes from...
A RENAISSANCE IN THE CITY

A RENAISSANCE IN THE CITY

The city’s three redevelopment plans focus on increasing the quality of life in the Dixieland, Downtown, and Midtown districts. Meet the woman spearheading this initiative. Photography by John Kazaklis A few areas of Lakeland have lagged behind the city’s...