Mold Remediation in Lakeland, FL

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Winter flavor lovers, your time has come — Lakeland’s food scene is fully embracing the holiday spirit with these festive food + drink items. How many of these local treats will you try this season?

Andrew’s Coffee | Go for a classic peppermint mocha or get your Christmas cookie flavor fix with the sugar cookie latte.

Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro | Try Jeannie’s Espresso Dolce — an espresso steamed with sweet milk — in honor of restaurateur Jeannie Weaver-Lopez.

Pressed Books & Coffee | The “Charlie Brown"-themed winter menu includes everything from Peanut’s Nog — a vanilla eggnog latte with nutmeg — to Charlie Brown’s Christmas Punch, which combines pomegranate, apple, and cinnamon.

Haven Coffee Roasters | Sleigh on over to this shop in Winter Haven to try festive flavors like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree latte made with rosemary syrup or the Buddy’s Breakfast Latte that combines white chocolate and maple.

Rogue Coffee | This western downtown spot is bringing the holiday cheer with seasonal specials like Santa’s Milk & Cookies, Candy Cane Mocha, and its famous hot cocoa.

Thirsty for more? Find more holiday flavors on menus at many of Lakeland’s coffee shops.

Dissent Brewing | This brewery is serving up warm winter spices in a new way with the Abuelita’s Coquito Cream Ale and Can’t Catch Me Gingerbread Berliner.

Swan Brewing | Enjoy winter on the patio with a glass of La Noche, a Mexican dark lager, and keep your eyes peeled for more seasonal brews coming soon.

Smith’s American Tavern | This eatery’s White Christmas Margarita brings a tropical flair to the classic cocktail with flavors of coconut, orange, and lime.

The Juice Box Cafe | Cran you believe this spot’s cranberry chickpea salad has already sold out twice since coming out? Pair it with an iced peppermint mocha or frozen hot chocolate.

Parkesdale Market | Head to this farm stand to grab a gingerbread or peppermint milkshake made with fresh ingredients.

Tea Largo | Even folks on the naughty list can get some love with The Grinch matcha latte or a blended “coal-puccino.”

Did we miss your favorite seasonal snack or sip? Let us know so we can keep our eyes (and appetites) out.

Cafe Zuppina, the popular Mediterranean eatery, moved to downtown Lakeland with much fanfare in April, but quietly closed “until further notice” in late October.

“We hope to see you all again soon,” said a Nov. 3 message on their Facebook page that is no longer visible. “Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for being a part of our community.”

Lakeland Downtown Development Agency Director Julie Townsend said the restaurant is permanently closed.

A few weeks before Cafe Zuppina closed, co-owner Berna Nar confided to a fellow downtown restaurateur that the new location wasn’t attracting many former regulars from their previous south Lakeland location and that they had yet to develop a downtown following to support their new, much-larger space.

Early days: The eatery had started small more than 15 years ago at Courtyard Lakeland on South Florida Avenue in a space seating around 25 with limited hours and a small staff.

The Turkish-inspired restaurant grew in popularity, known for its Brussels sprouts, home-cooked meals and vegetable platter.

Owners Berna and Erkan Nar expanded their business in 2018, opening a market of Mediterranean foods and a Turkish coffee house with gelato across a small courtyard from the restaurant.

The next year, Cafe Zuppina’s owners were named the People’s Choice winner at Catapult Lakeland‘s first Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.

But like many restaurants, Cafe Zuppina struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, switching to a carry-out style. Even after other restaurants opened back up for sit-down service, Cafe Zuppina kept their original small space closed; customers could order carry-out and eat it in the marketplace cafe, if they wished.

Lawsuit: Legal troubles arose last year. Courtyard Lakeland, the owner of the South Florida Avenue property where they had been located for 15 years, successfully sued owners Erkan and Berna Nar in October 2023 for $278,850, including back rent that they had not paid in at least seven months, attorney’s fees and court costs.

The Nars, who are both in their 60s, owned the eatery under the name Turquoise Trading. They leased four adjacent properties from Courtyard Lakeland, which sued on Oct. 26, 2023, for non-payment and to evict Cafe Zuppina.

According to court documents, the Nars began defaulting in June 2023.

Judge Reinaldo Ojeda’s final order of payment to Courtyard Lakeland came on Feb. 1 – more than a week after Cafe Zuppina announced on Facebook that they were moving locations.

Two phone numbers listed for Erkan Nar were disconnected. He did not answer questions emailed to him and to his attorney, Nicholas Merriweather.

A hand-lettered paper sign in the window of the Tennessee Avenue location simply reads “Closed until further notice.” Several bills were seen lying on the floor just inside the door.

SEATTLE, Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) announced plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in Lakeland, Florida in fall 2025.

"We look forward to being a part of the Lakeland community and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices," said Gemma Lionello, President of Nordstrom Rack. "We're excited to grow our footprint in the Tampa market and introduce new customers to Nordstrom Rack."

Lionello added that in this location "customers will be able to take advantage of our convenient services such as online order pick up from both Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com, and they can make returns easily."

The 30,000-square-foot store will be located in Lakeside Village, a popular shopping center that includes prominent retailers like Kohl's, Books-A-Million, and Belk, along with entertainment options such as CMX Cinemas. Lakeside Village is owned and managed by Continental Realty Corporation and is ideally located off Harden Boulevard and Polk Parkway.

"We are thrilled that Nordstrom Rack is joining Lakeside Village," said Kristina K. O'Keefe, Vice President of the Commercial Division for Continental Realty Corporation. "As a premier open-air lifestyle center in Lakeland, Florida, Lakeside Village is dedicated to offering quality experiences, and the addition of Nordstrom Rack will provide our community with even more exceptional shopping options. Their iconic brand perfectly complements our curated mix of retailers, restaurants, and entertainment, further solidifying Lakeside Village as a favorite destination for both locals and visitors."

Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc. and plays a critical role in the company's Closer to You strategy, which focuses on delivering customers a more convenient and interconnected experience across its stores and digital platforms. Nordstrom Rack offers customers up to 70 percent off on-trend apparel, accessories, beauty products, home decor and shoes from many of the top brands sold at Nordstrom stores as well as core services like online order pickup for Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com, easy returns and alterations at select stores. Nordstrom Rack is the largest source of new customers to Nordstrom.

This new location expands the company's physical footprint and economic impact in Florida. It currently operates six Nordstrom stores and 19 Nordstrom Rack stores in Florida, generating more than 2,800 jobs statewide.

Nordstrom is committed to investing in the diverse communities where it operates. Over the past four years, Nordstrom, with its customers, has donated more than $2 million in support of its long-term partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the United States. These proceeds support the recruitment, training and engagement of adult mentors and mentorship moments between Bigs and Littles, including preparing for an interview, learning to tie a tie and helping with homework.

About Nordstrom At Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN), we exist to help our customers feel good and look their best. Since starting as a shoe store in 1901, how to best serve customers has been at the center of every decision we make. This heritage of service is the foundation we're building on as we provide convenience and true connection for our customers. Our interconnected model enables us to serve customers when, where and how they want to shop – whether that's in-store at more than 350 Nordstrom, Nordstrom Local and Nordstrom Rack locations or digitally through our Nordstrom and Rack apps and websites. Through it all, we remain committed to leaving the world better than we found it.

About Lakeside VillageLakeside Village, located in Lakeland, Florida, is an open-air lifestyle center offering a curated mix of retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options. Serving as a community hub for both locals and visitors, Lakeside Village provides an inviting atmosphere for shopping, dining, and events. Owned and managed by Continental Realty Corporation, the center is part of a diversified portfolio comprising over eight million square feet of commercial space and more than 9,500 apartment homes across 12 states, with a portfolio value exceeding $4 billion.

MEDIA CONTACT: Manuela UscherNordstrom, Inc. NordstromPR@Nordstrom.com

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.

If there’s one thing our readers + followers tell us they’d change about Lakeland life, it’s that there are minimal options for late night activities.

While it’s true that a good portion of Lakeland shuts its doors by 10 p.m., we’ve rounded up some ideas for how night owls can thrive in our city. Spoiler alert — there might be more than you think.

Silver Moon Drive-In’s second screening of the night starts between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. Looking for even later? CMX Cinemas in Lakeside Village and Cinemark at the Lakeland Square Mall show flicks well into the night.

If you’re looking for a spot for a nightcap, Bar Vasco at Nineteen61 serves up late-night concoctions + bites every day of the week. Down the street, enjoy Rec Room’s happy hour deals while playing classic arcade games. And don’t skip out on these other open-late food spots.

Cut loose, footloose at a line dancing lesson at Union Hall — the party usually keeps rocking until 11:45 p.m. on Wednesdays. Or show off your vocal chops at La La Land’s weekly open mic, Sundays until 11 p.m.

Practice on your own or grab your friends for a round of bowling at Bowlero on South Florida Avenue, with deals available for late rounds on most nights. Keep the party rolling at Maple Lanes on US Highway 98 North — it’s open until the wee hours of the morning.

Did we miss any other open-late spots? Hoot us a message and let us know.

We’ve all been there. You’re leaving a late-night show or wrapping up a night on the town, and the midnight munchies hit. But it seems like the lights are off and the grills are cold at all your favorite restaurants.

Well, that’s not quite true — because there are definitely joints that cater to nighttime eaters with late-night meals ranging from pizza to burgers to sushi. Save this list for the next time you’ve got an after-hours craving.

The Brass Tap | Open until 12 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, 2 a.m. Friday-SaturdaySwing by this Lakeside Village spot for a late-night draft beer + live music.

Food & Beer | Open until 1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, 2 a.m. Friday-SaturdayThe name says it all — pop in after a long night for freshly made dishes and ice cold drinks.

Gator’s Dockside | Open until 12 a.m. Sunday-Saturday Choose your spice level and indulge in a plate of award-winning chicken wings.

Vasco Sixty-One | Open until 1 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 12 a.m. SundayEnjoy tapas + cocktails under the stars at Lakeland’s latest rooftop bar.

Ax-Caliber | Open until 11 p.m. Friday-SaturdayOrder a dipping board from the late night menu and cocktails for your ax throwing team.

The Back Nine | Open until 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday Grab a round of cocktails during a round of virtual golf — and don’t forget the Cuban egg rolls.

Hong BBQ & Hot Pot Lakeland | Open until 11:30 p.m. Friday-SaturdayCrush cravings with all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue, or hot pot with everything from seafood to vegetables to thinly sliced meats.

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot | Open until 11:30 p.m. Friday-SaturdayYou’re the chef here. Be sure to arrive an hour before closing to be seated at a table where you’ll cook your own food.

Bedrock Wings | Open until 1 a.m. Friday-SaturdayGet saucy at this wing spot offering 30 different flavors + rubs. You can even try them all at once with the Trash Can blend.

Jet’s Pizza | Open until 11 p.m. Friday-SaturdayIt’s hip to be square. Fuel your weekend hangs with a square-cut, Detroit-style pizza.

Riverside Seafood | Open until 2 a.m. Monday-SaturdayPick up a platter of fish, shrimp, crab, and more at this low-key spot. Don’t forget the hush puppies.

Salem’s Fresh Eats | Open until 4 a.m. Sunday-Saturday Out really late? Drive through this fast food go-to for a gyro or Philly cheesesteak.

Cob & Pen | Open until 11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 12 a.m. Friday-Saturday Satisfy your cravings with crispy Ultimate Fries and your choice of dipping sauces.

Fancy Q Sushi & Thai | Open until 11 p.m. Friday-SaturdaySkipping the cocktail bar? Opt for a trip to the sushi bar instead, where you’ll find hibachi and dinner bento boxes.

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille | Open until 11 p.m. Friday-SaturdayDreaming of a night out in NOLA? Get a taste of the Big Easy with this seafood spot’s New Orleans-inspired menu.

The Joinery | Open until 11 p.m. Friday-SaturdayWhen it’s too late for decision making, opt for this food hall with delicious options for everyone in your group.

Mojo Federal Swine & Spirits | Open until 11 p.m. Friday-SaturdayIt’s all about the barbecue here — but the whiskey bar doesn’t hurt either. You can also bring your furry companions and eat on the patio.

Mr. & Mrs. Crab | Open until 11 p.m. Friday-SaturdayTreat your better half to a late-night date night here where you can create your own seafood boils.