BEST FLORIST
BLOOM SHAKALAKA
(863) 417-3007
FB: @bloom.shakalaka1
IG @bloom.shakalaka
Bloom Shakalaka is a flower shop that’s here to help you with all of your ‘blossoming’ needs! They offer flower wraps and arrangements, wearables, full-service event florals, subscriptions, and next-day delivery in the Lakeland area. Watch their socials for their grand opening in their new space they will be sharing with East of These. “At Bloom Shakalaka, we want to be known as the funky, fresh flower shop whose mission is to spread joy. We believe that every single bloom is a miracle of both strength and hope - and we love getting to offer that to others.”
2nd: The Petal Co.
3rd: Flowers by Edith
BEST WEDDING VENUE
ULIANA ESTATE
1349 Cherry Ln, Lakeland
(863) 313-0124
IG @uli.and.co
Lakelanders Julie and Tim Czernek own and operate Uli & Co, Uliana Events, and The Buckingham House in the heart of Lakeland. In 2024, The Uliana expanded to a seven-acre wedding and event venue. One client writes, “Best event space in Lakeland. Gorgeous and unique areas including inside intimate gathering and spacious outside gathering. Perfect setting for beautiful photos. Julie and her mom are passionate about every detail and put their special touch on your vision. My daughter had her dream bday celebration thanks to Uliana Estate!”
2nd: Haus 820
3rd: Bonnet Springs Park
BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
JONACIA RODRIGUES PHOTOGRAPHY
FB @jonaciarodriguesphotography
Capture something special with Jonacia Rodrigues! Originally from Kenya, Rodrigues relocated to the States in 2013 and studied photography at The New York Institution of Photography. “I pursued this line of work because I wanted to be able to provide affordable, high-quality images to every family,” says the passionate photographer. One client writes, “Jonacia is great at taking something small and making it seem grand! She turned my small garden wedding into something out of a fairytale. She gave us images that we will cherish forever, we couldn’t have asked for anything more. She is very creative and easy to work with.”
2nd: David Dicky Jr.
3rd: London Wilson Media
BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT
DREAMS COME TRUE ENTERTAINMENT
5421 US Hwy 98, Lakeland
(863) 944-1264
FB @DreamsComeTrueEntertainment
IG @dctemagicalmemories
It’s all in the name! Dreams Come True Entertainment ‘casts a spell’ on partygoers of all ages with their magical character entertainment. After all, “all it takes is faith, trust, and a little pixie dust!” With awardwinning, custom-made costumes and talented actors, each fairytale and superhero character is brought to life with an enchanting level of authenticity.
2nd: Graingertainment
BEST FUNERAL SERVICES
HEATH FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORY
328 S Ingraham Ave, Lakeland
(863) 682-0111
FB @HeathFuneralChapel
Heath Funeral Chapel and Crematory opened their doors on November 23, 1959, and has been a beacon of compassion and support to the Lakeland community ever since. “Whether it’s through traditional funerals or personalized cremation services, our commitment is unwavering: to create a respectful space where memories are cherished and peace can be found. Learn how we uphold these values and support you in your time of need.” Heath offers pre-plan, burial, cremation, and celebration of life services.
2nd: Coney Funeral Home
3rd: Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services
BEST DRY CLEANER
GARMENT CARE PROS AT SOUTHSIDE CLEANERS
901 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (Second location in Plant City)
(863) 688-4747
FB @SouthsideCleaners
The clever signs might wash you in, but the top-notch dry cleaning services will keep you coming back! Garment Care Pros at Southside Cleaners have been a spotless favorite among voters. Since 1954, Southside Cleaners has provided Lakeland with laundry love through high-quality garment care. They are one of only eight companies worldwide with multiple employees who’ve pressed through the rigorous training to become certified garment care professionals (CGCP). This skilled team offers traditional dry cleaning and laundry services, weekly home/office plans, and expert historic garment and wedding gown restoration.
2nd: Regal Cleaners
3rd: Touch of Class Dry Cleaners
BEST DAYCARE
BRIGHT IMAGINATIONS LEARNING
(Multiple Locations)
FB: Bright Imaginations Learning Center
IG @brightimaginationslearning
Bright Imaginations Learning Centers of Lakeland was established in 2007 and has two Lakeland locations to meet the demand for quality childcare. Since opening, Bright Imaginations has graduated over 600 preschoolers into Polk County public, private, and magnet school systems, with school readiness rates consistently ranking in the top 5th percentile since the program’s inception. Bright Imaginations has participated in Florida’s Early Childhood Rating Scales Pilot Programs, MMCI (Making the Most of Classroom Interactions) (QRIS) Quality Rating and Improvement Systems, realizing significant gains and recognition while maintaining status as a Florida Gold Seal Quality Program. “Daily, our goal is to provide top quality care for children 6 weeks to school age in an environment where children develop and grow to their fullest potential.”
2nd: The Nest Schools
3rd: La Petite Academy of Lakeland
BEST AUTO REPAIR
LEVY’S IMPERIAL TIRE & AUTO SERVICE
833 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 688-7131
They take the worry out of car repairs! Whether your A/C is blowing hot air or your check engine light is giving you the blues, Levy’s Imperial Tire & Auto is the place to rev up for reliable service. Customers give high marks to Levy’s for their tireless commitment to honest service! One patron writes, “Friendly, honest, and helpful. And affordable for basic repairs and used tires. When they didn’t have what I needed, they sent me to someone who did. They feel like a family shop, not a corporation. It’s very refreshing.”
2nd: Gerald’s Automotive
3rd: Webb’s BP Services Center
BEST AUTO DEALER
LAKELAND AUTOMALL
1430 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland
(863) 577-5030
IG @lakelandautomall
Lakeland Automall stands above them all! They can give you the inside scoop on all of the latest selections from Ford to put you on track for the right pre-owned automobile (be it a Certified Pre-Owned Ford, Genesis, and Hyundai or an offering from another automaker) that caters to your specific situation and budget considerations. One happy driver raves, “Angelo was absolutely excellent. I was purchasing my vehicle from out of state, and he was absolutely amazing to work with. He always kept me up to date on everything and was always quick to respond. Props to him and the team at Lakeland Automall.”
2nd: Fields BMW
3rd: Regal Lakeland
BEST CAR WASH
MISTER CAR WASH
Multiple Locations
Mister Car Wash – “Inspiring people to shine!” Mister Car Wash has bubbled up as a top car wash company, dedicated to delivering a sparkling clean ride every time. Whether you’re after a solo wash or ready to join the Ultimate Wash Club, Mister Car Wash’s team is committed to giving you a dazzling experience! One Mister Car Wash South Florida location customer wrote, “I love the membership with Mister Car Wash, it’s a great value and I can get my car washed anytime I want with unlimited washes. Employees are always friendly and welcoming.”
2nd: Waters Car Wash
3rd: Express Wash on Florida
BEST OIL CHANGE
LEVY’S IMPERIAL TIRE & AUTO SERVICE
833 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 688-7131
Voters are revving up about Levy’s Imperial Tire & Auto Service! Known for its reliable and honest service, Levy’s is the pit stop you need for that overdue oil change. One customer writes, “These guys are the best. Quick service, very thorough, and great people who bent over backward to help!” Another raves, “One of the most honest shops you will ever encounter. They won’t sell you junk or anything you don’t need (or want). I guess the 40+ years or so that they’ve been a staple in the Lakeland community says a whole lot about Levy’s Imperial Tire!”
2nd: Take 5 Oil Change
3rd: Regal Lakeland
BEST PRINT/ SIGN SHOP
WHATEVER TEES
4020 Kidron Rd #6, Lakeland
(863) 370-0740
FB @whatevertees
IG @whatevertees
“Very nice people, reasonably priced, and the products look really good. Been using this company for a couple of years now, couldn’t be more pleased,” raves one Whatever Tees customer. This family-operated embroidery and screen printing shop focuses on quick turnaround, quality work, and customer service. “We can handle any size order, as many as you need, or just one shirt. Whatever!” Whatever Tees can help with custom t-shirts, artwork, and embroidery, and offer no screen or set up charges.
2nd: Stationary Loft & Gift Boutique
3rd: Dixie Signs, Inc.
BEST CPA
PARRISH & PARRISH CPAS, P.A.
6700 Florida Ave S STE 19, Lakeland
(863) 709-8337
FB: Parrish & Parrish CPAs, P.A.
Parrish & Parrish, P.A., is a Certified Public Accounting firm with locations in Lakeland and Plant City, offering a broad range of accounting, tax, and financial management services tailored to business and individual clients. Their CPA services are crafted to simplify your workload and give you more time to focus on growing your business. They stay up-to-date with tax law changes year-round to ensure you benefit from every available tax incentive.
2nd: Allison Brown, CPA
3rd: Hamic Previte & Sturwold, P.A
BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR
CORE WEALTH ADVISORS
124 Florida Ave S, 4th floor, Lakeland
(863) 904-4745
FB @corewealthadvisors
IG @corewealthadvisors
“The evolution of Core Wealth Advisors originated from the phrase “at the core of every decision I make” and the realization that wealth management and planning is an evolving process with discussions beyond just investments. Simply stated, Core’s boutique approach to wealth management and planning adapts to clients of a broad range of ages and earnings levels,” says CORE Wealth Advisors. Their philosophy is that money is not the first priority. CORE’s priority is helping clients curate an abundant, fulfilling life. Offering financial planning and wealth management, CORE will “implement comprehensive services and processes to grow, protect, utilize, and distribute wealth with respect to your unique needs.”
2nd: Allen & Company
3rd: Greg West | Edward Jones
BEST ATTORNEY
KEVIN R. ALBAUM | CLARK, CAMPBELL, LANCASTER, WORKMAN, & AIRTH, P.A.
500 Florida Ave S # 800, Lakeland
(863) 647-5337
FB @ClarkCampbellLaw
In 2015, Albaum moved to Lakeland to join Clark, Campbell, Lancaster, Workman, & Airth, P.A., where he practices in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Guardianship, Probate Administration, Trust Administration, and Medicaid Planning. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2022 and again in 2023. In September 2022, Albaum was selected as a Polk Emerging Leaders Award recipient by multiple Polk County Chambers of Commerce. Albaum is currently serving as President of the Lakeland Bar Association.
2nd: Megan Lazenby | Lazenby Law
3rd: Edward P. Brandt
BEST BANK
MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION
Multiple Locations
FB @MIDFLORIDA
IG @midflorida_creditunion
MIDFLORIDA, a repeat winner for Best Bank, is a not-for-profit, member-owned institution providing a range of banking services from personal and business accounts to loans, mortgages, and investments. Established in 1954 as Polk County Teachers Credit Union, it now boasts over 60 branches as Central Florida’s community credit union. MIDFLORIDA focuses on personalized service and competitive rates: “Because your money isn’t just a string of numbers on an account statement. It’s personal—and we think the way you bank should reflect that.”
2nd: Bank of Central Florida
3rd: Crews Bank & Trust
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
GARLAND INSURANCE
5620 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland
(863) 683-9334
1804 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
FB @insurancelakelandfl
Garland Insurance is a property and casualty independent family-owned agency servicing clients for over 35 years. Being an independent agent allows them to search over 50 different carriers to help you find coverage that matches your described needs. Garland offers a customized approach with experienced agents to get you fast and easy quotes and, ultimately, affordable insurance. One client writes, “The best insurance agency in the business! We have worked with Garland Insurance for years now and have sent a number of friends and family to them. If you are looking for insurance, calling Garland is a must!”
2nd: Bryce Barter
3rd: Barfield Insurance of Lakeland
BEST SPA
DAYDREAMS DAY & MED SPA
1463 Town Center Dr. E, Lakeland
(863) 686-5859
FB @DayDreamsDaySpaLakeland
IG @daydreams.dayspa
Relax and let your worries melt away. DayDreams Day & Med Spa offers spa packages, massages, facials, chemical peels, HydraFacial/Oxygeneo, permanent makeup, nails, waxing, lashes and brows, and even a kid’s spa. One pampered patron writes, “I have been a client of DayDreams spa for close to 20 years. Most recently, I have been receiving regular massages. The message team at DayDreams is phenomenal. The services offered, the length of time, and the therapist are exceptional. I leave each massage fully relaxed, feeling like a ball of putty. I would highly recommend their massage services and all of their traditional spa services.”
2nd: Healing Hands
3rd: Bella Viságe Medical & Aesthetic Rejuvenation
BEST MED SPA
BELLA VISÁGE MEDICAL & AESTHETIC REJUVENATION
119 Traders Alley, Lakeland
(863) 333-0553
FB @BellaVisageLakeland
IG @bellavisagelkld
Mark and Jeanna Parker created Bella Viságe to be a beautiful place where people could receive high-end medical rejuvenation services and a world-class aesthetic in a unique, historic spa in Downtown Lakeland. They offer a full menu of medical rejuvenation, laser, aesthetician, and health and wellness services. From dermal fillers and cellulite treatment to laser hair removal and facials, Bella devotees rave about their atmosphere, staff, and the results they provide. One patron writes, “Bella Visage is hands down the best spa around. Every time I go, I have a first-class experience. The spa itself is cozy and comfortable. The staff are highly trained and skilled at their jobs. They always take time to explain things and make personalized recommendations for each client about what treatments would be best for that person. I can’t imagine going anywhere other than Bella Visage!!!”
2nd: TrueMedSpa
3rd: Spa by MD
BEST PERMANENT MAKEUP
GREAT BROWS
My Salon, 4000 US Hwy 98 N Suite 106, Lakeland
(863) 888-2443
FB @greatbrows
IG @greatbrows
From nano brows to ombre brows, permanent eyeliner and lip blushing, and everything in between – this Lakeland studio is the place for GREAT BROWS! Their studio specializes in creating beautiful, natural-looking brows through cutting-edge techniques. One beautified customer writes, “I had a very positive experience with Kate. It was my first time getting my brows done, and she made me feel comfortable. Her precision, meticulousness, and attention to detail are commendable. I was very impressed with the results. I would definitely recommend her to my friends and family!”
2nd: TrueMedSpa
BEST HAIR SALON
DO OR DYE
1117 Florida Ave S Suite 101, Lakeland
(863) 267-5317
FB @do.or.dye.lkld
IG @do.or.dye.lkld
Described as a “Trendy, modern, and upscale salon located in the Dixieland neighborhood in Lakeland,” Do or Dye offers a full menu of services to level up your locks. One client writes, “Alex masterfully highlighted and color corrected my hair! I am new to the area and am thankful that I found a great local talent.” According to their Instagram, Do or Dye is “Lakeland’s first custom-designed hair salon, fostering the art of personal style and selfexpression.”
2nd: Studio 323
3rd: Local Remedy
BEST HAIR STYLIST
SARA RAY | STUDIO
323 323 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
(813) 340-8948
FB @SaraRayStylist
IG @azurerays
Sara Ray is a hair and makeup artist at Lakeland’s Studio 323 salon. Ray specializes in hair and makeup for weddings, special events, theater, and costuming. She’s a color specialist offering extensions, cuts, textures, and wigs. One client raves, “ LOVE Sara Ray! She ALWAYS makes my hair BEAUTIFUL!” Showing what a creative badass she truly is, Ray’s ‘about me’ reads, “As a young mom of two kids, I never thought I would look back on 30 and say, ‘I rode my motorcycle 6,000 miles to get my cosmetology education,’ but here we are.”
2nd: Kevin Abad | Do or Dye
3rd: Aimee Dearing | Swan City Hair
BEST NAIL SALON
PAINT NAIL BAR
1486 Town Center Drive, Lakeland
(863) 777-2947
FB @paintnailbarlakeland
IG @paintlakeland
PAINT nailed it again this year. They’re committed to their clients’ health and the planet with their thoughtful choice of product lines. They also choose ceramic pedicure basins over whirlpool jets (which can be breeding grounds for bacteria). From cleanliness and color selection to client service and nail art, every detail has been carefully crafted and polished based on staff and client feedback.
2nd: BritBae Beauty
3rd: Noire Spa Nails
BEST TATTOO STUDIO
BLACK SWAN TATTOO
1119 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 937-9777
FB @blackswantattoo
IG @blackswantattoo
Once again, Black Swan is inked at the top of the tattoo game! With a laid-back vibe, a spotless environment, and tattoos that are worth their weight in ink, they’re your go-to for body art. Since 2007, they’ve grown to a team of six artists boasting over 70 years of combined experience, skilled in every style of tattooing. One Black Swan patron writes, “Wow, 10/10 would recommend to anyone wanting a tattoo from professionals who are extremely clean, sanitary and know what they are doing.” Clients consistently rave about the level of service and quality of work they receive.
2nd: Gaslight Tattoo Company
3rd: Patterson Tattoos
BEST BARBER
SKULLY’S BARBER SALON
434 W Pipkin Rd, Lakeland
(863) 224-3507
FB @skullysbarbersalon
IG @skullysbarbersalon
Year after year, this Best Barber went from “a tank of gas and a dream” to an awardwinning mobile and brick-and-mortar salon. A master barber, Skully started his hair biz with house calls in 2015 and rolled out his mobile barbershop from a 32-foot RV in 2017. Now, Skully’s Barber Salon boasts a physical location on W. Pipkin Road in Lakeland. Skully can cut, trim, and shave you with style—and yes, he does women’s hair too! One customer review reads, “Visited Skully’s for the first time. Skully was very personable, and we talked about what would work best for me. I got an excellent haircut and will definitely be back.”
2nd: My Touch Barber Shop
3rd: Fire Styles Barbershop
