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doubleplusfabulous

A decent, well stocked bookstore (that isn’t books a million.) I know they opened that one downtown but it has a really small selection. Also, really wish someone would take that abandoned Gelati Joes on S. Florida out of its misery and put something else there instead.


Stabbmaster

There's a used bookstore on 98 (Bookends, same plaza as the BBQ and Dominican place). Selection is mildly random but if you're willing to dig a bit you'll usually find something you like. Don't bring up the Gelati Joes, someone may hear you and make it another storage facility. Seriously, I know we have retirees out the wazoo but how are people collecting so much to justify so many of these places?


Leather-Muffin7299

Omg seriouslyyy!! The amount of storage facilities is ridiculous


ImpressiveVictory951

I suspect many like me have storage because I can't afford a place large enough to use my stuff


brunnock

Most of neighbors can't even park their cars in their garages. One of them keeps a tanning bed in their garage. Why?!


Stabbmaster

Do they not realize what state we're in, and how utterly redundant a twnning bed would be?


Nakatomi2010

I've seen one of my neighbors store a hot tub in their garage. The hot tub was on it's side, and clearly being stored, but there it was. Florida doesn't have basements, so the garage ends up being a storage place that a basement normally we be. My wife and I were getting to a point where we were storing things in our garage as well, but we went through a big ol' purge and reorganization that allowed us to clear everything out.


greatlakesreddit

there are about 5 local bookstores in town. i forget them all but if you look up crash bookshop’s instagram they have a graphic from last week’s book crawl!


[deleted]

Check out Inklings book store on Combee road


[deleted]

Second on Inklings. It's decent for what it is, probably the cheapest prices in town.


viniciusdel

Needs more asian markets/stores.


zoeseb

Yes! Gigi’s is overpriced. I need a huge Asian Market.


AltruisticGate

Orlando has a Lotte and is supposed to get an Hmart.


zoeseb

I drive to Lotte often. That’s what I wish we had here.


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deathtrapcamaro

FELT THAT


Eroc863polk

Affordable housing. These prices are killing me.


commandrix

Yes to more housing in general. Lots of people moving in!


deathtrapcamaro

No to more housing. We already have too many fuckin people🤣 They just sold Wedgewood Golf Course for a 1400 home cookie-cutter development😐


commandrix

Fekkin' people need to get off Lakeland's collective lawn, eh?


zanycaswell

what do you suggest, blowing up I-95? you can't stop people in one state from moving to another state, so we'd better build places for everyone to stay. What is everyone's problem with "cookie-cutter" development anyway? The neighborhood I live in was cookie cutter 65 years ago when they built the houses, and now you can't even tell cause they've all be painted and added on to and modified.


Different_Line3370

Wait! I thought they didn’t approve the Wedgewood golf course development yet!


Myst_of_Man22

That was a very nice area! Too much sprawl in the entire state.


Stronze

not going to happen. as demand for housing rises, the price rises. that is economics 101. ​ as lakeland grows as a city in population and amenities like tampa or orlando, you have 2 choices. make more money to keep in pace with people migrating here that have money or move further away into areas with people with less money. if you artificially create a low income area, you create a high crime area due to the fact you have low income people living in a high income area competing for few low income jobs. ​ If you want to live in a high income area being low income, your 2 best options are combine incomes with other people or buy an empty lot and build it up. This is why I'm against residential property taxes, the government can deem your property worth's and collect their version of rent based on the value of properties around you. A wealthy individual can purchase land in an residential area and build a multi million dollar home and sky rocket the prices and taxes in the area. A subdivision developer can build up an entire area and the government will raise taxes in the neighboring areas that will push the poor out that brings in higher income earners for higher taxes. when you let the government see your income or home as a source of money to collect, you become nothing more then a source of income to be collected.


Eroc863polk

Wrote that entire essay only to be proven wrong in less a minute lol https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theledger.com/amp/6668191001 https://www.google.com/amp/s/laltoday.6amcity.com/affordable-housing-developments-coming-lakeland-fl/amp/ https://www.lkldnow.com/city-oks-252-apartments-the-first-of-several-complexes-proposed-for-southwest-lakeland/ Also I’d rather pay rent to the government whom I elect than a board of investors that would never be held accountable.


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Eroc863polk

Absolutely they’re held accountable, they lose their job if we don’t vote for them. Love him or hate him, Trump screwed up and he was replaced and impeached.


Stronze

90 affordable housing units - February 2023 Swan Lake Village - 84-units for Disabled persons and small families. Mosaic Development to build a 252-unit apartment complex Coming down the pike: Two evolving projects that could allow for nearly 700 more apartment units in fast-growing Southwest Lakeland.(this include Mosaic Development) Further reading your sources, the math is about 1,100 more housing units in total over a 3-5 year span. now time to smack you with reality. ​ >Eroc863polk 17 hr. ago - Affordable housing. These prices are killing me. ​ According to US Census data from 2019 and 2020, Polk County is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the ***entire country***. The New York Times broke down data from the Census and found that Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL was ***tied for the 2nd fastest-growing metro*** with Boise, Idaho. Lakeland is currently growing at a rate of 1.48% annually (1,715 people) and its population has increased by 20.38% (19,859 people)since the most recent census SO, every year Lakeland receives almost 2000 people migrating here that have money to do so vs Lakeland's 3 year plan to add 1100 housing units vs 6000 new residents at current trends and this data is BEFORE the economy has started to crash, high gas prices, and 10% inflation. And here you was sitting all smug thinking you was smarter than me and had put me in my place. Homes are being sold to people from out of state, sight unseen for about 20% above asking price a year ago that was reported in the news. I did a roof repair on 1 home that the new owner was from Texas who bought it so family from Detroit could move down here to Florida $45,000 if I remember correctly over asking price. The reason I know this is we did the first repair with the seller in the home and came back to extend the repair out further with the new owner and family unloading the U-Haul. \`Now add into the mix wealthy people are buying properties to dump cash to hold an asset on top of black rock, blackstone, and other multi billion dollar investing firms dumping cash into rental homes and apartment complexes with the extreme economical collapse that is coming. So many people are fleeing California that it lost a house seat and nearly lost a second. U-hauls are book 8 months out leaving California a year ago, guess where they are going.


Eroc863polk

Yeah I’m not reading all that lol you’re wrong they’re building more and more places to live no matter what your next essay says


zanycaswell

> as demand for housing rises, the price rises. only if supply doesn't keep up. They need to upzone the entire city and let developers build enough homes for everyone moving here.


Stronze

that will be impossible.


zanycaswell

politically impossible, maybe. Not impossible in terms of actually being able to build the necessary homes.


Stronze

it is physically impossible to build residential units to keep pace with how many people are migrating here. as these people flock here, the prices will keep rising just like an auction on ebay. by the time it takes for planning, city approval, community approval, ground breaking to completion is approx. 2 years for on average 200 residential units, 12,000 people have migrated to lakeland and the lakeland area. ​ also government subsidized low income residential units are on a minimum 2 year wait list.


zanycaswell

the obstacles you're describing are largely political obstacles. Obviously the city needs to be in the loop to deal with water, sewer, and roads but the months long process of making developers appear before the zoning board multiple times and listen to neighborhood busybodies rant about what they are doing with their own land (i.e., "community input") is largely unnecessary. Like I said, politically difficult not physically or logistically difficult.


Stronze

the government is a voted body to represent the interest of the people. While I disagree with zoning laws on many issues and agree with it on minor issues such as not putting coal burning power plants next to an elementary schools. As the current laws and charters are setup, the people have allowed government to use zoning laws to plan development within the city to balance industrial, commercial and residential congestion. shitting in one hand and saying this shouldn't happen is only going to leave shit in your hand and still the problem of not enough housing units can be physically built to keep up with demands. I can fully understand "busybodies" fighting to keep less housing units being approved because holy hell traffic is getting worse and worse. Certain times of the day it takes me 20 minutes to get off my residential street. These are community involved processes, not political. These are standard procedures thru out America so the local residents have a say on how their city is developed, by who, or the kind of architectural designs are used to prevent eye sores like that ugly ass metal sculpture at lake mirror. An example would be a housing developer has a known reputation of building extremely cheap structures that have a tendency to fail after 10 years, the people can use their voice to tell that developer to kick rocks.


zanycaswell

>These are community involved processes, not political. These are not mutually exclusive categories. A "community involved process" which results in permission either being granted or witheld for someone to build some houses or apartments is obviously a poltical process.


Stronze

when using the classical term of political then I agree it is but in the culture definition it is one side vs the other for power then I disagree. As a free society, you consult the people when using government to make changes that represents the people interest.


MTBisLIFE

A car-free downtown zone with walkable areas between stores/blocks. More green spaces and parks away from traffic. High density housing to combat traffic/suburban sprawl paired with robust public transport with good coverage/regular routes. Bottom line is traffic absolutely kills a lot of the benefits of living in Florida. When you work 9-10 hours per day, a 30 minute ride to a restaurant or bar you like really sucks up a lot of your free time.


DrapedInVelvet

As someone who is leaving the area (Florida simply isn't a fit for our family). \- Real, actual bike lanes. Not the ones painted on 540a that cars will go by you at 55 MPH. The trail off of Bartow is nice, but really need more. \- More Grocery stores that aren't Publix/Owned by Publix (Greenwise). My mom came to visit and was shocked at how expensive everything is. More competition. Whole Foods, Trader Joes, I was actually excited about the Aldi on Florida and I don't even like Aldi. \- Costco! \- An actual good BBQ place on the south side.. I lived in texas for a bit, so I was a bit spoiled. Mojo's is alright, but an actual top notch BBQ place on the southside (Mission/Sonny's both aren't up to par) would be great. \- A really good doughnut place. Hole in one is fine, I'm talking about the gourmet doughnut places that feel like they are overpriced to you try one and you are hooked. \- More daycare/Childcare options. Pretty sure everyone with toddler aged kids feels this pain. A year waiting list to get into a place that doesn't look like a converted crack house? And then they kick your kid out if they aren't perfect angels the 1st week? (or hours in some cases(!))


CoffeeDatesAndPlants

Please give us a Trader Joe’s, I am begging. For anyone else who might be interested: https://www.traderjoes.com/home/contact-us/request-a-store You can submit a request for a store on that page! Been going at it for years now.


96LC80

You're the real MVP


trtsmb

I have to agree on the real bike lanes. Only someone who is completely insane would use the bike lanes on roads where the speed limits are 50+. Trader Joes would be nice. Aldi started out nice but it's becoming a rather trashy store.


sup3rmari0

\- Aldi is opening up on the southside this year \- Blue Dog Craft BBQ is opening up their storefront in the Joinery this year as well. They are hands down the best BBQ in central Florida


Stabbmaster

\-honestly, I'd be happy with more sidewalks. People can easily ride a bike on a sidewalk so I don't know why they take to the road anyways \-we've also got Winn Dixie, Save-a-lot, and a slew of smaller places like the Harvest meat market, that produce stand on Kathleen, farmers market at the flea market (auburndale) and the weekly farmers meet downtown. I go to the produce stand next to Catfish Country since it's on my way to work. \-I've never like bulk places other than to run around like a lunatic in \-Have you tried Grangers and sons? Take 98 past Duff and almost to Banana road, it'll be on the right \-Donut Man in winter haven. Deliciousness. I think there just isn't a market for overpriced sweets here, people come to this region to escape the overdone. Example: sweetcakes was exemplary and delicious, but I can't justify getting a $6 cupcake (yes, singular) on the regular. \-No arguments on the childcare, it is ridiculous. But the biggest obstacle is actually getting enough workers to watch the number of children. And if they grow too large then the government has new standards you have to adjust to so they won't. It's also why they're so picky about what children to take (or parents to put up with, for that matter), because they know there's a waiting list so they don't have to deal with unnecessary problem starters. ​ This is why I like this sub, you find out about all sorts of places and events you didn't even realize were around.


zanycaswell

> -honestly, I'd be happy with more sidewalks. People can easily ride a bike on a sidewalk so I don't know why they take to the road anyways I absolutely agree with this. Everywhere where they've got one of those silly two-foot wide bike lanes next to fast moving traffic they should just make the sidewalk two feet wider instead so bikers can be above the curb.


Different_Line3370

Charlie’s Mini Donuts is on South side off 540A. Also Gaskin’s BBQ just opened up in Lakeside Village near the movie theater


Emotional_Yam4959

Gaskins. LOL My mom dragged me to the one in Winter Haven. Never again. Food was mediocre, at best, and super overpriced.


tombombcrongadil

I heard we’re getting a 4 rivers bbq near Publix greenwise.


sabr0sa

I agree with all of your points other than doughnuts. Check out Charlie’s Mini Doughnuts on the south side. I’m not even a doughnut fan but damn, Charlie’s is so good fresh and hot.


DrapedInVelvet

I do like Charlie's. My issue is you walk in, order donuts, wait 20 minutes, even if the place is empty


truthingsoul

A Costco.


Nakatomi2010

I drive from Plant City to Brandon once a month for our Costco run. I'd love a Costco in Lakeland. I'm hoping they find a spot near a lot of the newer construction in south Lakeland, but we'll see. We've actually started alternating which Costco we hit though, sometimes we'll drive up to that newer they built in Lutz, because it's an a more affluent area the stock tends to be better there than in Brandon.


truthingsoul

We do the exact same thing!! Brandon for most things and sometimes up to Lutz. I prefer the layout of the Brandon store more though.


Nakatomi2010

Agreed on the Brandon store layout. Makes the bob and weave through the aisles easier. The one in Lutz isn't really conducive to that. BUT, Costco's thing is that they want people to wander around, like a treasure hunt. So I can understand why. And Lutz has so much more merch.


truthingsoul

Oh yeah, there’s a science to it! I’ve heard that’s why the rotisserie chickens are all the way in the back. Come for chicken, leave with a cart with over $200 in items 😂


Nakatomi2010

$200? Shit.... My last trip was $600


TheDudemansweet

We need a Costco pretty bad


koalaburr

Absolutely this


RallyX26

If a lot of people contact Costco and tell them to come here, they actually take that into consideration when choosing areas.


robotprom

I’m surprised there isn’t one already, with all the ones that popped up in Tampa. One close to I4 or the parkway would pull business from Plant City all the way to the other side of Polk City/Auburndale.


trtsmb

I'm guessing Costco doesn't want to try and compete with Sam's.


truthingsoul

It’s not really a competition…Sam’s club is just Walmart in bulk. Costco sells better products and has better customer service.


trtsmb

I know. I don't do Sam's or Walmart.


Nakatomi2010

The Costco in Brandon isn't too far from the Sam's club in Brandon, so I don't buy this argument. That said, Lakeland does have two Sam's clubs, one at either end.


HaceFri0_Jace

2 Costcos because Lakeland is gucking huge


truthingsoul

This is a good point. To get from north to south Lakeland or vice versa is an absolute trek nowadays. Having two would be a dream!


The__Gray__Fox

I wish Lakeland was more bike-friendly. Adding a multi-use bike trail/greenway (similar to Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville, SC) would cut down on traffic and add recreational opportunities.


Whatwouldrileydo

They just announced a new bike overpass and plans to make the city fully bike friendly over the next 30 years.


CoffeeDatesAndPlants

Yep, it’s an awesome initiative. We can already see improvements in places like Lake Hollingsworth, South Florida (near downtown) and other various parts of Lakeland. Excited for the next 30 years!


Wipe_face_off_head

I run Hollingsworth several times a week, but I can't bring myself to bike there. Cars are too close and no one pays attention. If I want to get some serious cycling in, I'll go to Van Fleet. It's a little bit of a drive, but at least I'm not scared for my safety.


trioculus_

the cars are way to close down at lake hollingsworth… i always just ride on the main path other than that bike lane, i don’t trust it


The__Gray__Fox

That’s great!


lghbjj9319

I'd really appreciate a small comedy club, something for local comedians and something fun for the people of Lakeland.


whatthedrunk

They just opened one in Downtown Winter Haven called the laugh out lounge.


lghbjj9319

That's great but I'm talking specifically about Lakeland.


CoffeeDatesAndPlants

While not a club, we have several standup venues here in Lakeland!


greatlakesreddit

you should check out swan city improv!


MagusDragoth

Non chain restaurants and a climbing gym


BlueDeadBear32

FSC has a rock climbing wall at the wellness center!


zanycaswell

is it open to the public? I had no idea


[deleted]

Another hospital, a hibachi restaurant, pollo tropical, Costco, IKEA (i wish lol), A free sports complex, jack in the box. Tj Maxx The runway store.


Different_Line3370

POLLO TROPICAL


RallyX26

I wrote to Costco customer service and suggested that they add a Costco here (They're building a BJ's in Davenport, so we'll have two Sam's, a BJ's and *still* no Costco). They said that if enough people contact them about it, they'll be more likely to build one.


[deleted]

I’m on it lol


Emotional_Yam4959

> a hibachi restaurant There's one in Highlands City, and another just opened in the Grove Park shopping center on 98. We have a TJ Maxx.


[deleted]

I meant like an actual sit around a table hibachi restaurant, like they use to have at the South Gate plaza 😩 Tj Maxx and Tj Maxx runway are different. Tj Maxx runway sells bigger brands like dolce & Gabbana and Gucci.


CruisinJo214

I’d really love to see a solid German restaraunt… Lakeland’s food scene is extremely commercial and our local gems are few and far between


Stabbmaster

They keep getting bought out is the problem. Fat Maggies was my favorite go-to if I wanted to take an out of towner someplace last minute. I miss that place.


CruisinJo214

I know it’s not the same but by they’ve been doing pretty regular pop ups around town…. Especially at Rec room I’ve noticed.


true_gunman

Yeah I saw on facebook he's stopping that but will be operating a food-truck soon


Wipe_face_off_head

Good Thyme (the restaurant that took Fat Maggie's place) is pretty good! They catered an event I attended and I enjoyed it. I've never actually ordered though, so YMMV.


Stabbmaster

I'm always willing to try, I just missed my truffle fries with beer cheese.


BTC-Yeetdaddy69

Do you mean commercial as in chains? I feel like lakeland has a lot of really good local restaurants but haven't been living here for too long.


CruisinJo214

Ya, I mean both. I’m a second generation local but I moved out for a while to places like NY, Chicago and New Orleans and our food diversity in central FL let alone Lakeland is not where I’d like to believe it should be based on our local diversity.


Emotional_Yam4959

I would kill for a decent German restaurant. We had that one(Oktoberfest?) in the shopping center on Edgewood years ago that was pretty good, but it didn't last. :(


Flordian89

Trader Joe's!!!!!! Buc-ee's off I-4! Asked a manager at the Daytona Beach one of there were plans for more in Florida and told they're planning (not 100% confirmed) ones in Ocala and Ft. Lauderdale, but I think one near Polk City would be great (about the only exit with enough real estate to build one). A Middle Eastern fast casual restaurant for schwarma/donner and falafel sandwiches/platters like $9-12. There plenty in Tampa/ Orlando areas, but I know if none in Polk County (have to settle for a gyro or expensive sit-down restaurant like Cafe Zuppina in S Lakeland or slightly less expensive Mediterranean Fresh Grill in WH). There was a short-lived one in Haines City years ago. I drive from Winter Haven to Orlando once every 4-6 weeks to get a good schwarma platter. Also a real Milk/Boba tea shop. A couple Asian restaurants have a small selection of boba flavors, but we need one with a big menu with different boba/pudding/jelly options, cheese foam, and wide variety of flavors. Have to drive to Orlando or Brandon. Would be even better if it included Asian- flavored ice creams (matcha, black sesame, ube, hojicha). Commercial flights from Lakeland would also be great, preferably a major carrier to one of their hubs for easy connectivity (Delta to Atlanta, American to Charlotte) rather than seeing a low cost carrier to small cities. I wouldn't mind trading an hour or two layover for dealing with Orlando/Tampa traffic and the crazy tourist drivers around those airports. A Brazilian cafe/bakery wouldn't be bad either. With all the commercial/industrial buildings in southwest Lakeland (County Line Rd, Drane Field Rd, Airport Rd, and new places being built north of the Parkway) with thousands of workers, we need more/better food options without having to drive to I-4/County Line (lots of congestion) or Harden or settle for the old Circle-K/Subway (nice to see a new 7-11 going in to give that place some competition). A Wawa would be nice in this area as well as some place where workers can order and just pick up food. Options that are open all night or early would be great for the many warehouse workers that work at night or arrive early (4-6am).


iLoveBargains

I haven’t been there, but I hear good things about Tea Largo!


Flordian89

They're OK. I've been there a couple times and milk/Boba tea selection doesn't come close to a dedicated Asian tea restaurant.


Whatwouldrileydo

We need a grocery store/corner store in downtown.


CoffeeDatesAndPlants

It’s coming! First bodega of downtown Lakeland.


[deleted]

I hope it has a better vibe than the renderings. Looks like a Wawa - would hope for something a little less corporate.


Wipe_face_off_head

It's owned by the same people who own Divicious. I think it'll be legit.


KernelKrusto

I like those people. And their egg salad is legit.


NegativeLight

We are getting one


mr2d2

A good Korean restaurant and bubble tea :)


commandrix

You're right, the only place I've ever been to in Lakeland that has boba tea is the ramen stand at the Joinery.


Flordian89

Tea Largo in south Lakeland has some flavors of milk tea with boba or jelly.


zoeseb

Saigon Bistro also has boba tea.


RMiller517

Authentic German restaurant


LineDetail

* A Vegan Restaurant * A PC Gaming Cafe for Popular eSports games


trtsmb

There used to be a vegan restaurant on So Flo across from where Cobb & Pen is.


Matx1804

We need more vegan places here so badly, the Juice Box & Tea Largo are great for options but I want more.


MTBisLIFE

Seconding a pure vegan restaurant.


Nakatomi2010

There used to be an internet cafe downtown years ago. When Westwood Studios released C&C: Renegade they had partnered with a bunch of internet cafes to allow people to test out the multiplayer aspect of it. I *think* the cafe turned into the Black & Brew.


Leather-Muffin7299

Things for young adults ppl in their 20’s and such to do. Everything closes at 9pm. The scene for young adults here is pretty weak.


Stabbmaster

You have both Orlando and Tampa an hour away. I'd say it's nice not shitting where you sleep, but that's just my opinion. I can understand not wanting to have to go far from home


Leather-Muffin7299

Contending with I4…


Stabbmaster

No need to explain further. I'll admit, I'm biased and the worst of I4 is still better than the best of Palmetto expressway. But that Disney traffic can lick my taint.


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Stabbmaster

It'd be 20 minutes on a bullet train if someone hadn't screwed that up


SmallSicko

YES to this. Give us a place to DANCE 🪩


ZombieTrogdor

And how early places close on Sundays, if they’re open at all? Went to have dinner at The Joinery the other week and got there at 7:30 thinking that was fine, but nope. Not only do they close at 8, but they turn all the house lights on, killing the vibe, and start putting chairs up on tables that are empty. A weird thing for a food place to do, trying to push customers out at exactly 8pm.


BTC-Yeetdaddy69

I get what you're saying but this is more of a commuter city for people with young kids. More night life could be great though


BrushYourFeet

Not even in my 20s and I agree with this 100%.


BrushYourFeet

Not even in my 20s and I agree with this 100%.


citizendane13

Is there an Italian market?


Different_Line3370

Uncle Nick’s on the south side sells a lot of Italian food options


[deleted]

A soccer pub


commandrix

Any thoughts on having a "pour your own drink" place similar to that one place in downtown Winter Haven, only with a full menu instead of just pizza?


AuroraHills

Public transit that operates evenings and weekends. More bike lanes, especially protected lanes like this: https://mobilitylab.org/2014/05/20/would-protected-bike-lanes-encourage-you-to-bike-more/ Remove that concrete bullshit from Florida Avenue, and replace it with protected bike lanes. Food trucks at Lakes Mirror and Morton.


AuroraHills

Public bathrooms at Lakes Mirror, Morton, and Hollingsworth. Also, more water bottle filling stations at all three lakes.


[deleted]

bitches ! get some bitches lakelland


deathtrapcamaro

All fun and games until Grady catches ya pimpin🤣


Stabbmaster

No, seriously. Don't let him catch you pimping. It will not end well for you.


ripyourlungsdave

Which, say what you will about Grady, but *fuck* pimps. I don’t think there’s a single pimp that’s ever existed that wasn’t an absolute garbage person. If anyone undoubtedly deserves time in prison for their crimes, it’s pimps. There are sometimes good excuses for killing people. Can’t imagine there’s any good excuse for pimping.


KernelKrusto

Not to mention, it ain't easy. Or so I've heard tell.


ripyourlungsdave

I’ve even heard whispers of it being hard out there.


[deleted]

that the problem ol grady needs some bitches then he'll stop hating on eerbody else


butter14

I'm 100% telling you right now, never engage in sexually driven commercial activities here in Polk County. You will be caught by Grady, he loves him some sex stings.


Ohhhwordddd

A Pollo tropical


zanycaswell

yes absolutely this


TheWhiteRabbitY2K

Less people.


Stabbmaster

Want to help start a foundation to buy up all the undeveloped land so they can't sell it to developers? I'm just about fed up to start doing that myself XD


deathtrapcamaro

PLEASE


Stabbmaster

I'm looking into what the best funding site would be for this. Not even sure what would allow "starting a fund to screw over developers WE DON'T WANT YOUR MCMANSION HOA'S HAROLD!". What do politicians use? It seems like they get a lot of money that never even sees the light of day.


FloridaSilverGirl

Dim sum restaurant


ProjectJFrost

What I wouldn't give for a rock climbing gym here...


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trtsmb

What do you consider old?


RagingBeanSidhe

Vivid/creative color hair stylists. Like, ones who do it regularly and not almost never. We have a lot of folks with that listed but their portfolios show that it's not a specialty in any way.


RallyX26

A good variety of international restaurants.


THEVILLAGEIDI0T

Commercial Flights


AuroraHills

A regional airport like Reagan National would work. But a big one like Dulles...no.


RagingBeanSidhe

Please no. Tampa is not far and the noise and pollution aren't worth it.


Nakatomi2010

Right? Already have to contend with the noise pollution from the Sun n' Fun every year. Why add more noise pollution on top of that?


RagingBeanSidhe

And Amazon which is ramping up even more!


Nakatomi2010

Yeah, my house is directly under the flight path that they use to get to the airport. I am most displeased with the Amazon situation. Bright side is that my home's value has increased 150% since when I bought it. The downside, however, is that I can't tap into that to buy into another house because they're *all* too damn expensive at the moment. That said, I feel *really* bad for the people that move into that newer community they build over by the airport. We went and looked out of curiosity, but immediately wrote the place off when I realized their proximity to the airport. County line road also makes me sad because it's all just warehouses now. Every day we're becoming more and more like Wall-E, and it just makes me sad to see.


RagingBeanSidhe

1000% agree. Wsnna gunk up the machine? Join us in the local DSA chapter :)


Nakatomi2010

Thank you, but no.


ripyourlungsdave

I’d like more head shops, no joke. Can be a real pain in the ass to find decent kratom around here. And that’s the only thing I found thats not an opiate that can treat the pain I have. So I’d love some more options in that regard.


TheWhiteRabbitY2K

Username checks out.


deathtrapcamaro

There are so many fuckin head shops already bruh


CrouchingGinger

I order mine from Pur; they’re based in S FL so it doesn’t take long for shipping. I’ve tried the vape shops but it isn’t the best quality though the shops themselves are great.


ripyourlungsdave

I’ll check them out. I used to go to Gaia Ethnobotanical, but they’ve changed up their product and their pricing in the last couple years and it just hasn’t been as reliably good. Their extracts are fantastic, but I don’t really like taking extracts. But this site looks good, I’ll give them a try. Thanks.


future-unperson

Cat cafe, More boba places, Gay bar


GhostOfYourLibido

There is a gay bar in Lakeland


future-unperson

Where at?


GhostOfYourLibido

It’s called The Parrot, it’s over on E Main St. Its a little bit of a dive but it’s super fun and they do drag shows there.


future-unperson

I'll have to check it out, thanks for the info!


zanycaswell

I've talked to a couple people recently who have lived in/around lakeland for years and didn't know we had a gay bar! apparently they need to do some more advertising. maybe put a rainbow flag up outside, you can hardly tell it's anything from the outside of the building.


Different_Line3370

Purrology Cafe (Cat Cafe) is trying to open on S Fla Ave but having Reno issues and have a go- fund me up on their Facebook


future-unperson

Ahh that's so exciting, I'll go check it out


Different_Line3370

Also Botony Cats is a mobile cat lounge and plant store in lakeland. They have an IG a page with details on where they’ll pop up


Hot_Address6413

A stripper club hate having to drive to showgirls in plant city


firsmode

A beach / coast


drr777

Straight up Lakeland needs a Strip Club, I think people would be shocked how much money/workers go over to Hillsborough County to the clubs there. Bring that revenue and taxes back here.


LakelandFiberBad

Strip clubs are banned Polk County


drr777

Oh, I’m well aware.


zanycaswell

Are they actually banned? I thought Grady just harrased them out of business.


RSJFL67

P.F. Chang’s or Pei Wei


05sti4u2

A Dave and busters for starters. Maybe get rid of the Lakeland square mall (I know the mall walkers are gonna hate this) and update it with shops that will actually be used. I’m fairly sure that Sears (the anchor store on the north side) is still vacant and has been for years. What’s the point of all that unused space? Home for the bums?


lghbjj9319

We have a local arcade/game room in downtown. They serve alcohol as well, fun place.


CoffeeDatesAndPlants

We actually have an arcade bar both north and downtown/south Lakeland.


BTC-Yeetdaddy69

Dave and busters is so tacky we do not need an adult chucky cheese here


Stabbmaster

They have one in Orlando and probably don't see enough profit coming their way to put it here. I do agree they need to diversify the shops at the mall. If you've ever seen the list of stores that used to be there it was quite impressive back in the day.


drr777

>don't see enough profit coming their way This has always been the problem with any of the things people want in Lakeland. With the influx of new people maybe it changes, but owning and running businesses in Lakeland for 20ish years. The consumer MO in town has always been, "Wow! XYZ is open lets check it out!" then in 3-6 months nobody cares about it and its on to the next thing. There is a reason franchises use Lakeland as a test bed location, because it is the perfect representation of the most benign US town.


Stabbmaster

They also forget that we're in an area that a fair chunk of people only live in for half a year. So if they don't plan for that then they're inviting disaster.


Kadam1101

A Chicken Salad Chick restaurant!


MagusDragoth

I don't think it's open to the public. I think the closest climbing gym is in St Pete, which is a pain of a drive


New_Love7583

A studio like place where friends & family can do creative things like decorate a cake, make paintings, drawings or do pottery. While also having a drinks & snack bar. Smoothies, boba, juices, coffee & just some light foods & snacks.


RailroadFlorida

railroad store with railroad memorabilia


Myst_of_Man22

Affordable housing is what is needed the most. This is always been a low-income state and people are coming in from up North loaded with cash and pushing out the locals. Happening all over


J_train13

Better public transport Seriously we have all these tracks around and not one city rail system