BEST FLORIST
BLOOM SHAKALAKA
640 E Main St, Lakeland (Inside The Joinery)
(863) 417-3007
FB: @bloom.shakalaka1
IG @bloom.shakalaka
“Funky Fresh Blooms” brought to you by Bloom Shakalaka! Ashton Event’s Laura Helm started this cute little flower shop and gift boutique. They offer flower wraps and arrangements, wearables, full-service event florals, subscriptions, and a pickyour-stems flower bar. “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: Flower Cart Florist
3rd: Flowers By Edith
BEST WEDDING VENUE
HAUS 820
820 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland
(888) 428-7820
FB: Haus 820
IG @haus820
Renovated historic warehouse turned oh-socool event venue, Haus 820, is an industrial chic wedding haven. The 1924 building was first an A&P grocery store, then a furniture warehouse before it was brought back to its roots and restored, including original wall-to-wall white brick, 17-foot exposed rafters, and charcoalstained and sealed cement floors. In addition to the main open area (a blank canvas to make the event all your own), Haus 820 features a permanent 16-foot bar, catering finishing kitchen, restrooms, and a bridal suite in the building next door with private bathrooms. The private courtyard was created from the original loading docks and is perfect for a sunny afternoon ceremony or vows under the stars.
2nd: Hollis Garden
3rd: The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
PARIS SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY
(863) 307-1868
FB: Paris Scott Photography
IG @parisscottphotography
There’s a bit of magic in Paris Scott’s pictures. Her style is romantic and cool, bringing out the love and personalities of the couples she photographs. “My approach to taking photos is an exchange in energy. Creating a calm space where you can genuinely feel like yourself is what it’s all about,” says Scott. Paris Scott specializes in Elopements, Lifestyle, and Adventure photoshoots that her clients adore. One bride wrote, “Paris is amazing! Her photos are so dreamy, and it just made me feel like a princess in a fairytale. She’s super sweet and made the entire experience wonderful. I can’t wait to work with Paris in the future!”
2nd: Emily Plank Photography
3rd: Garry & Stacy Photography Co.
BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT
DREAMS COME TRUE ENTERTAINMENT
214 Traders Alley, Lakeland
(863) 944-1264
FB @DreamsComeTrueEntertainment
IG @dctemagicalmemories
Your next party needs a princess! Dreams Come True Entertainment provides character entertainment for all ages. They can make an appearance at your private party, host your private event at their Enchanted Fairytale Hollow in Lakeland, or you can join them for weekly and monthly events! Award-winning custommade costumes and experienced actors bring an unmatched level of authenticity (and magic) to each fairytale and superhero character. Owner Amy Sharpe says, “Dreams Come True Entertainment is all about creating magic for all ages. It has always been my dream to make children happy and make a difference in their lives, and with my new company, now I can do that while doing something I love and bring magic and hope into hearts young and old. I strive my hardest to be the most memorable, authentic and fun entertainer you ever meet!”
2nd: Graingertainment
3rd: Triviosity Live Events
BEST DRY CLEANER
GARMENT CARE PROS AT SOUTHSIDE CLEANERS
901 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (Second location in Plant City)
(863) 688-4747
FB @SouthsideCleaners
Perhaps best known for their snappy signs, Garment Care Pros at Southside Cleaners continues to be a Best Of LKLD voter favorite choice for dry cleaning. Since 1954, Southside Cleaners has provided Lakeland with the highest quality of care for its garments. They are one of the only eight companies worldwide to have multiple employees pass the rigorous training to become a Certified Garment Care Professional (CGCP). This team of literal garment care pros offers traditional dry cleaning and laundry services, weekly home/ office service plans, and historic garment and wedding gown restoration. One long-time customer wrote, “Southside has been a staple in the Lakeland community for decades. Excellent work and service with weekly delivery and pick up. Thank you for always going above and beyond!”
2nd: Regal $2.95 Cleaners
3rd: Touch of Class Dry Cleaners
BEST AUTO REPAIR
WEBB’S BP SERVICES CENTER
2820 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 686-5498
Is your car making that weird noise again? Check engine light ominously glowing at you from the dash? Webb’s is where you should go! This familyowned and operated auto repair shop has served Lakeland since 1957, with all work guaranteed. Their Master ASE certified mechanics offer AC service, tires, batteries, check engine light, power locks and windows, tire repairs, CV axles, oil changes, transmission flush, brake service, tuneups, and more. One review reads in part, “Since my first dealings with them over a year ago, they have been exceptional, considerate, and gone out of their way, even when busy, to make sure my vehicle was running properly, and I knew it was in good hands and safe on the road.”
2nd: Levy’s Imperial Tire
3rd: Joyce Automotive
BEST AUTO DEALER
REGAL HONDA
2615 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland
863-400-5298
FB @RegalHonda
Has searching for a new car been more difficult than it should be? Regal to the rescue! Regal Honda is a family-owned and operated Honda dealership and home of the Lifetime Warranty. Regal Honda makes it easy with a tailored car buying experience with professional associates available to assist you in choosing the right new or pre-owned model from their expansive selection. From credit assistance with your car loan to service performed by factory-trained technicians, Regal keeps your car experience stress-free. One Regal customer wrote in part, “My wife and I are new to the area and were welcomed by a very friendly staff. Our salesperson Douglas Maynard guided us through the process of trading in our old vehicle and coming to terms on a new vehicle way easier and in less time than we thought was possible. His low pressure approach along with his experience and knowledge was a breath of fresh air!”
2nd: Fields Motorcars
3rd: Cannon Automotive Group
BEST BOAT DEALER
OUTCAST WATERSPORTS
4020 Bartow Rd, Lakeland
(863) 816-6081
FB @outcastboats
IG @outcastws
“From boat sales to service, Outcast has set the standard for consistent quality and familyoriented customer service. Partnering only with brands in the top of their fields, we strive to give our customers the best products and service available.” This bay area boat dealer has been serving Tampa Bay’s boat sales and service needs since 1996. They expanded to Polk County in 2016 and brought with them decades of experience and technical knowledge with mechanics on staff required to attend Yamaha school yearly for their continued education. Expect top brands, quality customer service, and a family feel at Outcast.
2nd: Old Salt Marine
3rd: Action Water Sports of Central Florida
BEST OIL CHANGE
TAKE 5 OIL CHANGE
(Multiple locations)
FB @Take5OilChange
IG @take5oilchange
Take 5 Oil Change, home of “the quickest oil change in Lakeland,” offers a drive-thru 10-minute oil change service with no appointment necessary. Just pick your oil from the technicians’ options, sit back, and relax while expert technicians change your oil and filter, replenish under-hood fluids, and check your air filter and wiper blades. One customer’s five-star review from the Take 5 Oil Change at 5250 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, reads in part, “This is my favorite place to get my oil changed. They are so friendly and communicative. They are always fast and efficient.”
2nd: Levy’s Imperial Tire & Auto Service
3rd: TIE – Jiffy Lube Pep Boys
BEST CPA
DIANE HERRINGTON, CPA, P.A.
202 Lake Miriam Dr # E8, Lakeland
(863) 644-7125
FB: Diane R. Herrington, CPA, P. A.
Polk County native Diane R. Herrington has worked in the accounting field since 1970 and became a licensed CPA in Florida in 1980. She founded her accounting firm in 1983, providing personalized tax preparation, tax planning, and business consulting services for individuals, businesses, estates, and trusts. According to Herrington, “Every client is important to us, and we want to help take the burden of bookkeeping, tax, and financial problems off your shoulders.” Backed by decades of experience and detailed customer service, Diane Herrington’s customers often rave about her professionalism, quality, responsiveness, and the value of her services.
2nd: David R. Ramos, CPA
3rd: Virginia “Ginny” Harris, CPA, MBA Harris & Hahn, P.A.
BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR
CONLEY THORNHILL
THORNHILL WEALTH MANAGEMENT - UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
295 1st St S, Winter Haven
(863) 298-3600
Senior Vice President of Wealth Management and Financial Advisor Conley Thornhill has provided clients comprehensive and customized wealth management solutions for over 40 years. Thornhill has received the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor Florida distinction in 2020, 2021, and 2022 and is one of the few advisors to earn and maintain both the Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Management Analyst® designations. “Conley has taken on every type of market environment, giving him the clarity to navigate whatever financial questions you may have. He is passionate about helping clients organize and simplify their financial lives, no matter how complex.”
2nd: Chuck Foss | CORE Wealth Advisors
3rd: Matt Bishop | Edward Jones
BEST ATTORNEY
LAURIANE CICCARELLI | MILLER TROIANO, P.A.
2323 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 688-7038
FB: Miller Troiano, P.A.
Since graduating from Stetson University College of Law in 1996, attorney Lauriane Ciccarelli has been involved in thousands of eminent domain cases. Now with Miller Troiano, P.A., she also practices in the areas of real estate, estate planning, and general civil litigation. Ciccarelli is a former member of Business Network International, Business in Motion Chapter, where she served as President in 2014. She currently sits on the Board of Campfire USA, is a member of the American Business Women’s Association, Lakeland Downtown Chapter, and served as Vice President in 2014.
2nd: Daniel F. Pilka Pilka, Adams, & Reed, P.A.
3rd: Timothy F. Campbell Clark, Campbell, Lancaster, Workman & Airth, P.A.
BEST BANK
MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION
Multiple Locations
FB @MIDFLORIDA
IG @midflorida_creditunion
MIDFLORIDA, a repeat Best Of Haven winner for Best Bank, is not-for-profit and member-owned, offering banking products and services including personal and business banking, loans, mortgages, and investing. It began in 1954 as Polk County Teachers Credit Union and now has more than 60 branches as Central Florida’s community credit union. MIDFLORIDA emphasizes personal attention 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: Citizens Bank & Trust
3rd: Truist
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
JOY MORSE | STATE FARM
5727 US Hwy 98 S, Lakeland
(863) 647-2915
FB @JoyMorseInsurance
Serving Lakeland and the surrounding areas, Joy Morse and her team have over 80 years of combined State Farm experience. Their agency has qualified for multiple State Farm Awards over the years, including Ambassador Travel, State Farm Crystal Honor, and State Farm Chairman’s Circle. Morse can help you with Auto, Homeowners, Life, and Health Insurance and assist small business owners with their Commercial Insurance. “My team of licensed insurance professionals and I are here to help make insurance & financial services easy to understand. We are here to protect you from everyday risks and make sure that your insurance program doesn’t have gaps or caps that you are unaware of.”
2nd: Karen Bryan | State Farm
3rd: Mark Spann | Mulling Insurance
BEST SPA
DAYDREAMS DAY & MED SPA
1463 Town Center Dr. E, Lakeland
(863) 686-5859
FB @DayDreamsDaySpaLakeland
IG @daydreams.dayspa
Treat yourself to a full body massage or facial (or both) at DayDreams Day & Med Spa. Each massage begins with an opening scent and an optional head and scalp massage. DayDreams offers massages to relax and rejuvenate you, from Swedish and Bamboo Fusion to Deep Therapy. They even have spa packages for the complete royal treatment like the Renewal Suite, which includes an 80-minute Swedish massage, targeted corrective facial, classic manicure, and signature pedicure. Book an appointment at their med spa with APRN Alicia “Tonja” Arkell, who specializes in BOTOX and fillers.
2nd: TIE – TrueMedSpa Bella Viságe Medical & Aesthetic Rejuvenation
3rd: Pura Vie Holistic Studio
BEST HAIR SALON
BELLE LA VIE SALON & SPA
4525 Florida Ave S Suite #16, Lakeland
(863) 617-5408
FB @bellelaviesalonlakeland
IG @bellelaviesalonandspalakeland
Time to touch up that Balayage, babe – and other salons just don’t cut it. Clients rave about the atmosphere, stylists, and overall doting experience at Belle La Vie Salon & Spa. Owner Charline Fulbright and her team have more than 27 combined years of experience in the beauty, health, and wellness industries. This premier salon offers cuts and styles, formal styles for special occasions, premier color design, hair extensions, textures, and straighteners. “With services ranging from the newest hairstyles to customized facials. There is surely something to tickle everyone’s fancy. Experience the difference at Belle La Vie Salon and Spa, where nurturing inner and outer beauty is what matters most!”
2nd: Studio 323
3rd: Glam Color Bar
BEST BARBER
SKULLY’S BARBER SALON
434 W Pipkin Rd, Lakeland
(863) 224-3507
FB: Skullys Barber Salon
IG @skullysbarbersalon
From “a tank of gas and a dream” to an awardwinning mobile and brick-and-mortar salon. Congratulations on another Best Barber win, Skully! This master barber and Best Of LKLD voter favorite founded his hair biz doing house calls in 2015 and opened his mobile barbershop out of a 32-foot RV in 2017. Skully’s Barber Salon now has a physical location on W. Pipkin Road in Lakeland. Skully can hook you with a haircut, skin fade, beard trim, or shave (he does women’s hair too)! One client testimonial reads, “Always a pleasure. Good conversation, good prices, and very very comfortable. Not to mention, great cuts every time. Definitely the guy to go to for all your barbershop needs!”
2nd: Kirkland’s Barber Shop
3rd: TIE – Lakeland Barber Company Gents Classic Cuts
BEST NAIL SALON
PAINT NAIL BAR
1486 Town Center Drive, Lakeland
(863) 777-2947
FB @paintnailbarlakeland
IG @paintlakeland
PAINT Nail Bar – not your average nail experience. “Whether it is cleanliness, color selection, client service, nail art, environment, attention to detail, or the wonderful energy at PAINT…you name it, we’ve thought of it, developed it, and fine-tuned it based on staff and client feedback.” PAINT Nail Bar features only vegan and formaldehyde-free lacquers and exclusively uses LED lamps for curing their water-based gel polishes. They also opt for ceramic pedicure basins over whirlpool jets (which often harbor bacteria). With nail artists trained in technique, sanitation, and modern trends – what’s not to love?
2nd: Lee Spa Nails
3rd: Noire the Nail Bar
BEST TATTOO
STUDIO BLACK SWAN TATTOO
2947 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 937-9777
FB @blackswantattoo
IG @blackswantattoo
Established in 2007, Black Swan Tattoo provides a relaxed atmosphere, clean environment, and tattoos worth talking about. Their six artists have over 70 years of combined experience and are versed in all styles of tattooing. One Black Swan client wrote in part, “Hands down the best tattooing experience that you can have in Lakeland. I’ve had the pleasure of being tattooed by both Cory Craft and Phil Snyder several times, and there’s no one else that I trust more to bring alive the tattoos I [envision].”
2nd: Gaslight Tattoo Company
3rd: Holy Grail Tattoo
BEST PIERCING
BLACK SWAN TATTOO
2947 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 937-9777
FB @blackswantattoo
IG @blackswantattoo
Best Of LKLD voters applaud Black Swan Tattoo for a prime piercing experience. Black Swan pierced patrons note the shop’s commitment to detail and cleanliness with the tools, chair, and room sanitized between clients. Although it appears they no longer offer piercing as a service, over the last year, they did it best!
2nd: Holy Grail Tattoo
3rd: Atomic Tattoos Lakeland
