Health & Wellness - Best Of LKLD 2025

Best Family Doctor

JEREMY KATZMANN, MD | WATSON CLINIC

2300 E County Rd 540A, Lakeland Highlands

Dr. Jeremy Katzmann, MD, FAAFP, has long been recognized for his compassionate family medicine care. As Chief Medical Officer at Bartow Regional Medical Center, boardcertified in family practice, and fluent in Spanish, he brings both leadership and empathy to his patients. Consistently rated around 4.5 stars by patients who highlight his attentive, personable demeanor, Dr. Katzmann truly exemplifies excellence, earning him well-deserved recognition as Best Family Doctor.

2nd: Jason Saylor, DO | Watson Clinic

3rd: Joseph Ghaly, MD | St. Luke’s Reginal Health Care

Best Pediatrician

CYNTHIA HUTTO, MD | WATSON CLINIC

1033 N. Parkway Frontage Rd, Lakeland

With over two decades of experience, parents trust her to diagnose their concerns and treat their children with kindness. Whether it’s routine check-ups or complex health issues, Dr. Hutto’s expertise and compassionate care ensure every child feels well-covered. Her award proves she’s truly the prescription for peace of mind in pediatric care.

2nd: Nicole Hinds, MD | Lakeland Regional Health

3rd: Happy Kidz Pediatrics

Best Eye Specialist/Optometrist

CENTER FOR RETINA AND MACULAR DISEASE

2815 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

Serving the Lakeland community and beyond, CRMD provides comprehensive optometry services, including advanced diagnostics, low-vision support, and patient-centered treatment plans. Their eye-conic team combines cutting-edge technology with a compassionate approach, ensuring every patient receives personalized attention.

2nd: Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, PA

3rd: Eyes on Lakeland

Best Orthopedic Doctor

JULIA FINK, DO | LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH

Nemours Children’s Health - 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

A former national champion collegiate softball player, she specializes in pediatric sports medicine and musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Fink has been honored with the STOP Sports Injuries Award by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, recognizing her outstanding research in youth sports injury prevention and rehabilitation. She actively engages in community outreach, providing sports physicals and preventive care to young athletes.

2nd: Marc Volpe, MD

Best OB/GYN

TAREK GARAS, MD | WATSON CLINIC

1755 N Florida Ave, Lakeland

Winning for the second year in a row, Dr. Garas holds board certifications in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. He specializes in advanced gynecologic surgery, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and robotic surgery. His commitment to personalized, compassionate care has earned him high praise from patients and peers alike.

2nd: J. Brian Hopper, MD | Watson Clinic

3rd: Pamela D. Schwartz, MD | IGO Lakeland

Best Dentist

ROBERT PRISBE, DDS

3835 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Patients can’t help but smile wide thanks to Dr. Prisbe’s tooth-tally amazing care. From filling cavities to polishing pearly whites, he leaves no molar unturned. His chairside manner is flosssome, blending professionalism with a friendly touch that keeps families coming back. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Prisbe truly drills down on quality care, making every visit a crown-worthy experience. Congrats on making Lakeland grin brighter!

2nd: Walding & Associates

3rd: Highland City Dental Care

Best Orthodontist

SCOTT ORTHODONTICS

5030 S Lakeland Dr, Lakeland

Scott Orthodontics is bracing for another year as Lakeland’s Best Orthodontist. With over 37 years of experience, Dr. Gregory Scott, Dr. Jonathan Scott, and Dr. Karan Patel have straightened out the competition, earning this top honor. Patients rave about their friendly, attentive care and the team’s ability to make every visit a smile-worthy experience. From traditional braces to clear aligners, Scott Orthodontics offers personalized treatments for all ages.

2nd: Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics

3rd: Highland City Dental Care

Best Chiropractor

LOVE CHIROPRACTOR CENTER

5227 US Hwy 98 S, Lakeland

Love Chiropractic Center is back at the top, winning again this year! They are straightening out spines and worries alike, making sure every patient leaves aligned and smiling. From the neck down, their care hits the spot, whether it’s spinal adjustments, dry needling, or specialized therapy. Patients rave about feeling rejuvenated and upright after every visit. With a friendly, expert team, they truly crack the code to wellness.

2nd: Munday Chiropractic Clinic

3rd: New Hope Chiropractic

Best Hospital

LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH

1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

From compassionate maternity care to advanced heart and pediatric services, the staff goes above and beyond to keep patients healthy and comfortable. The Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children is especially praised for its high-quality care and familycentered approach. With cutting-edge technology and skilled medical teams, every patient receives thorough, personalized attention. Lakeland Regional Health isn’t just treating patients, they’re setting the standard for exceptional healthcare in the community.

Best Urgent Care

WATSON CLINIC URGENT CARE

Multiple locations

Known for providing fast, reliable care for minor injuries, sudden illnesses, and unexpected health concerns. From sprains and cuts to fevers and flu, their skilled team is ready to treat patients with efficiency and compassion. Convenient hours, short wait times, and a welcoming environment make every visit stress-free. Patients trust Watson Clinic Urgent Care to get them back on their feet quickly, making it the go-to spot for quality, accessible urgent care in Lakeland.

2nd: Lakeland Regional Health Urgent Care

3rd: BayCare Urgent Care (South Lakeland)

Best Rehab Services

CORA PHYSICAL THERAPY

3127 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland

The team of licensed clinicians specializes in various treatments, including orthopedic rehabilitation, sports injury recovery, and neurological therapy, ensuring a holistic approach to patient recovery. The clinic’s commitment to personalized care has earned them a reputation for delivering superior outcomes. Patients appreciate the attentive and professional staff, contributing to a positive and effective rehabilitation experience.

2nd: Bannasch Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine

3rd: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland

Best Mental Health Services

WALK WITH HOPE

215 E Bay St, Lakeland

Walk With Hope has been recognized as Lakeland’s best mental health services provider again this year. Their compassionate team offers a wide range of therapy options, including anxiety and depression support, couples counseling, trauma-informed care, and cognitive behavioral therapy. With both in-person and virtual sessions, they make mental health care accessible and convenient for the community. Clients praise the safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment, helping them feel understood and empowered.

2nd: Ascend Mind and Body

3rd: Black Swan Counseling Services

Best Yoga Studio

YOGA POINTE

2539 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Known for its welcoming and supportive environment, Yoga Pointe offers a variety of classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Heated sessions help detoxify and energize, while cooler classes provide calm, restorative experiences. Instructors focus on personalized guidance, ensuring each student feels confident and encouraged. Beyond physical practice, Yoga Pointe fosters a community centered on wellness, mindfulness, and growth.

2nd: Satya Life Yoga

3rd: HOTWORX

Best Gym

RESTORATION FITNESS & NUTRITION

2984 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland

Restoration Fitness & Nutrition is pumping up Lakeland! From weightlifting to functional fitness, they flex their expertise to help every member reach their goals. Their trainers spot your weaknesses and lift your strengths, making workouts both effective and fun. With nutrition coaching that’s food for thought and a supportive community that keeps motivation up, Restoration Fitness makes getting in shape fun.

2nd: Lakeland Family YMCA

3rd: Club Pilates Lakeland

Best Martial Arts Studio

SIFU OCH WING CHUN KUNG FU

116 E Pine St, Lakeland

The only school in Florida certified to teach all four lineages of Wing Chun. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fighter, their expert instructors help you punch past limits and block any obstacles. Classes focus on self-defense, fitness, and confidence, making every student feel confident for life. The supportive community strikes the perfect balance between discipline and fun. With authentic Wing Chun training and a welcoming atmosphere, Sifu Och Wing Chun truly hits above the rest.

2nd: Karate Beyond

3rd: Carlson Gracie Lakeland

Best Wellness Store

CHAMBERLIN’S NATURAL FOOD

4001 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland

Since 1935, they’ve been planting the seeds of healthy living with organic produce, vitamins, supplements, and eco-friendly products. Their knowledgeable team is always ready to root out the best options for your wellness journey. With a mission that’s fresh and sustainable, Chamberlin’s is helping the community leaf stress behind and blossom into their healthiest selves.

2nd: Your CBD Store | SUNMED

Best Medical Cannabis Dispensary

SURTERRA WELLNESS

1222 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Surterra Wellness has blazed its way to the top! From high-quality flower to favorites like edibles, tinctures, and vapes, they’ve got everything to keep your wellness journey lit. Their expert team is always ready to weed out confusion and hash out the best options for your needs. With a welcoming vibe and top-shelf products, Surterra makes it easy to leaf stress behind and roll into better days. This win is truly dope, and totally well-earned!

2nd: MÜV

Best Veterinary

ALL CREATURES ANIMAL CLINIC

1019 W Pipkin Rd, Lakeland

All Creatures Animal Clinic has fetched the win for Lakeland’s Best Vet! From playful pups to curious kittens, they treat every patient with purr-sonalized care and plenty of tail wags. Their skilled team helps pets feel paws-itively better with services that keep them healthy, happy, and ready to fetch another day. Whether it’s a routine check-up or extra TLC, All Creatures always goes the extra mile. This clinic is the purr-fect place where compassion meets the best veterinary care!

2nd: SPCA Florida

3rd: Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital

Best Doggy Daycare

FOUR PAWS ONLY

2215 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland

Lakeland’s tail-wagging champion has won over the community with spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, complete with AstroTurf, splash pads, and cool pools for those paw-tytime water breaks. Family-owned and operated since the ’90s, they offer cozy boarding, fun daycare, and grooming that’s fur-real fantastic. Pup parents love seeing their fur babies ruffing it, with friendly, caring staff, picture updates, and personalized attention.

2nd: Hollywoof Pet Resort

Best Dog Groomer

HOLLYWOOF PET RESORT

5845 Brannen Rd S, Lakeland

Their groomers turn pups into pup-arazzi-ready stars, with gentle brushes, paw-dorable trims, and spa treatments that make tails wag nonstop. From paw-dicures to perfect fluff-ups, every visit leaves pups looking fetching and feeling paws-itively pampered. At Hollywoof, they add in some sweet talk and a whole lot of love, and every dog is treated like the goodest boy or girl in the whole wide woof!

2nd: Big Dogs Bath House

3rd: Lucky Puppy Nails Specialists

Best Place of Worship

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

72 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland

With multiple services ranging from traditional hymns in the sanctuary, contemporary music in the Fellowship Center, or virtual at firstumc.org, they offer a worship style for everyone. The church prides itself on being a “Worship + 3” community, worship, invite, grow, and serve, creating a warm, inclusive environment for all. Attendees describe it as welcoming, authentic, and family-like, praising the music, ministry, and genuine care they experienced.

2nd: All Saints’ Episcopal Church

3rd: Lakes Church

Best Nonprofit

ROSE DYNASTY FOUNDATION

rosedynastyfoundationinc.org

Founded in 2017, this 501(c)(3) organization provides a safe and family-friendly atmosphere for all individuals, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or religion. Through mentorship, fundraising, and fostering community, the foundation promotes awareness of resources and embodies the message that everyone is “Loved, Accepted, and Wanted.” Their efforts have raised thousands of dollars for charities and community outreaches across the nation.

2nd: SPCA Florida

3rd: Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida