BEST GYM OR FITNESS STUDIO
JUST MOVE NORTH LAKELAND
3195 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland
(863) 683-1900
FB: Just Move Athletic Club (North Lakeland)
IG @justmovenl
JUST MOVE SOUTH LAKELAND
3625 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 232-5411
FB: Just Move Athletic Club (South Lakeland)
IG @justmovesl
Love handles have a little too much love lately? Don’t sweat it – Just Move! With their premier facilities and programming, Just Move can help you achieve your individual health and wellness goals. According to the gym, “The beauty of Just Move is that it embraces the idea that every person can get one step closer to feeling fit by just moving forward.” Just Move has curated a space that offers custom fitness experiences to its members, from weight machines, cross training, a women’s only area, group classes, and circuit training to boxing, racquetball, basketball, and cable training.
2nd: Planet Fitness
3rd: The Balance Culture
BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO
KARATE BEYOND BY MASTER CHOE
4124 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 354-5467
FB: Karate Beyond
IG @karatebeyond
“Martial arts classes benefit growing children far beyond the dojo and in many real-world scenarios,” according to Karate Beyond by Master Choe. The structured classes at Karate Beyond are infused with the latest understandings in child psychology and development. They are meant to help develop coordination, physical fitness, and mental strength and gain valuable social skills. They offer a pre-k ninja class, kid, teen, adult martial arts, summer camp, and after-school pick-up. “Through positive reinforcement, we can bring out the best in your children to help them succeed in life.” One parent writes, “Karate Beyond has taught my boys discipline and given them confidence. We have tried many different kinds of martial arts and self-defense classes. Karate Beyond stands out above the rest by providing skills and guidance for real life situations. It’s a great place for all ages and skill levels! Give them a try…you won’t be disappointed!”
2nd: Sifu Och Wing Chun Kung Fu
3rd: Twisting Tiger Academy
BEST MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY
SURTERRA WELLNESS
1222 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(850) 391-5455
FB: Surterra
Surterra comes “highly” recommended by Best Of LKLD voters! “Feeling truly well is a gift—and everyone should be able to achieve it. We’re here to empower you and your family to unlock all the benefits of cannabis with the safest, highest quality products and a welcoming experience that’s designed to help you feel your best.” Surterra’s products are cared for in their state-of-the-art facility, the largest greenhouse on the East Coast, and they don’t use harmful chemicals or ingredients in the growing process. They offer a full menu of medical cannabis products, from pre-rolls and edibles to vaporizers, concentrates, oral and sublingual, flower, topicals, and more.
2nd: MÜV Dispensary
3rd: Liberty Health Sciences
BEST MEDICAL SUPPLY
GARRETT’S MEDICAL SUPPLY
485 1st St N, Winter Haven
(863) 293-9747
FB @garrettsmedical
Garrett’s Medical Supply has been family-owned and operated since 1986, and owner Jeannine Russell brings with her over 30 years of experience in the medical supply industry. The store carries medical supplies, uniforms, and miscellaneous items for medical care at home or in the field, and if they don’t currently have what you’re looking for, they can order it or inform you on where to find it. One satisfied customer wrote of Garrett’s Medical Supply, “I have been a customer of Garrett’s Medical Supply for 30 years. The excellent hometown family professionalism has not changed.”
2nd: Southeastern Medical Supply
BEST WELLNESS STORE
CHAMBERLIN’S NATURAL FOODS
1521 Bartow Rd, Lakeland
(863) 687-8413
FB: Chamberlin’s Natural Foods
IG @chamberlinsfl
4001 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland (863) 815-0001 “Natural, wholesome, and trustworthy has always been our creed.” Chamberlain’s Natural Foods has provided thoughtfully selected, responsibly sourced food and products to their local Florida friends and neighbors since 1935. Their stores are a resource for all-natural vitamins and groceries, organic and local produce, cruelty-free cosmetics, organic pet food, and baby care. You’d be hardpressed to find a product with artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives on Chamberlin’s shelves. Plus, they believe in community involvement through partnering with local farms, helping local food outreach initiatives, and hosting community events.
2nd: Anthony’s Health Hut & Restaurant
3rd: Your CBD Store | SUNMED
BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP
TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
301 N Florida Ave, Lakeland
(863) 603-7777
FB: Trinity Presbyterian Church
IG @trinitylakeland
“As Trinity Presbyterian, we want to always clarify our vision – helping people grasp why we do what we do. We want to see our city reached with the love of Christ and to do that efficiently, we want to go where the people and culture are most concentrated.” The church, led by Pastor & Director of Church Planting Tim Rice, was planted in January 1997. One congregant wrote, “Absolutely adore this church and these people. I’ve sat on the pew all my life, but coming here was like hearing the gospel for the first time. Family, community, support, truth, Jesus -- this is what you’ll find at Trinity.”
2nd: Grace City Church
3rd: Access Church
BEST FAMILY DOCTOR
DR. CELESTINO VEGA
LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH
Lakeland Regional Health Auburndale Clinic
208 Main Street, Auburndale
(863) 284-5000
FB: Lakeland Regional Health
IG @lakelandregionalhealth
Dr. Celestino Vega, a provider with Lakeland Regional Health, has been practicing Family Medicine since 1995. He attended medical school at Univercidad Central del Este, completed his residency at the University of Louisville, and is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Medicine. Working as a Family Medicine Physician in LRH’s Auburndale primary care location, Dr. Vega sees patients ages two years and older. He often works with families, treating multiple generations, which he says is special to him. Dr. Vega loves science and medicine and has a passion for helping others. His patient care philosophy is, “I believe prevention is the key to good health. We want to be proactive and not wait till there’s a problem. I aim to be compassionate and very caring with my patients.” Helping people apparently runs in the family as both of Dr. Vega’s children, who grew up in Polk County, are also pursuing medical careers.
2nd: Dr. Dannie Earl | Watson Clinic
3rd: Dr. Youssef Ghaly
BEST PEDIATRICIAN
DR. CYNTHIA H. HUTTO
WATSON CLINIC SOUTH
1033 N. Parkway Frontage Rd., Lakeland
863-647-8012
FB @watsonclinicfl
IG @watson_clinic
Dr. Cynthia Hutto joined Watson Clinic in 1995, specializing in Pediatrics. She attended the University of South Florida College of Medicine for her MD and All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg for her residency. Dr. Hutto is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Board of Pediatrics Certification. “Dr. Hutto has provided great care for all of our children for many, many years. She is great! Highly recommend!” wrote the parent of one of Dr. Hutto’s patients.
2nd: Dr. Sheena H. Tonkin | Watson Clinic
3rd: Dr. Raul Alvarez | Lakeland Regional Health
BEST EYE SPECIALIST OR OPTOMETRIST
EYE SPECIALISTS OF MID-FLORIDA, P.A.
3350 Harden Blvd, Lakeland
(863) 662-3010
FB: Eye Specialists of Mid Florida PA
IG @eyespecialistsmidfl
2004 CR 540 A, Lakeland (863) 937-4515 I would tell an ophthalmology joke, but they’re as cornea as it gets! What started as a modest ophthalmology/optometry practice in downtown Winter Haven in the early 1960s, Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, P.A. has grown into multiple locations offering specialized treatment throughout Central Florida. You don’t need glasses to see what makes Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida the Best Of LKLD. They focus on personalized, high-quality eye care, including ophthalmology, optometry, glaucoma, LASIK, laser surgery, treatment of cataracts, and eyelid lifts. Additionally, they carry a full range of eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, sunglasses, frame repair, and optical accessories. According to Eye Specialists of Mid Florida, “Our commitment has always been to put our patients first and to provide the level of care our patients deserve.”
2nd: MyEyeDr.
3rd: Eyes on Lakeland
BEST ORTHOPEDIC DOCTOR
DR. PHUC VO WATSON CLINIC
Watson Clinic Main
1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland
863-680-7214
FB @watsonclinicfl
IG @watson_clinic
Dr. Phuc Vo specializes in Orthopaedic Surgery / Sports Medicine and joined Watson Clinic in 1994. Dr. Vo graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine and did an internship, residency, and fellowship at the University of Florida and a fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania Sports Medicine Center. Dr. Vo has multiple professional activities and membership affiliations, including an American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Certification; Subspecialty Certification in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Associate Professor of Orthopaedics, University of South Florida, Arthroscopy Association of North America, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and Alpha Omega Alpha.
2nd: Dr. Renee Genova | Lakeland Regional Health
3rd: Center for Spinal Stenosis
BEST OB-GYN
DR. TAREK G. GARAS
WATSON CLINIC
Watson Clinic Bella Vista Building 1755 N Florida Ave, Lakeland
(863) 680-7312
FB @watsonclinicfl
IG @watson_clinic
Dr. Tarek Garas is board-certified in OB-GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology). He offers his services at Watson Clinic Bella Vista Building, and the Watson Clinic Bartow Building B. Dr. Garas specializes in general gynecology, advanced gynecologic surgery, bladder incontinence, bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, robotic surgery, and diVa® laser vaginal therapy. He received his medical degree from Creighton University of Medicine and then completed his internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Garas is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of several prestigious medical organizations, including the American Urogynecologic Society, Physicians for Women’s Health, American College of Surgeons, Florida Obstetric and Gynecology Society, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons and American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.
2nd: Dr. Samantha J. Curtis | Watson Clinic
3rd: Dr. John R. Ellington, Jr. | Watson Clinic
BEST PLASTIC SURGEON
DR. FAEZA R. KAZMIER
WATSON CLINIC
Watson Clinic Women’s Center 1400 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland
(863) 680-7676
FB @watsonclinicfl
IG @watson_clinic
Dr. Faeza R. Kazmier provides a variety of plastic surgery services ranging from cosmetic procedures to reconstructive care, from her office in Suite B at the Watson Clinic Women’s Center. Having completed dedicated training focused in plastic surgery, along with 18 years of experience, Dr. Kazmier seeks to help her patients achieve real, natural-looking results from head to toe. By seeking to understand her patient’s desired goals and utilizing advanced plastic surgery techniques, she designs personalized plans to achieve their plastic surgery goals. She received her medical degree from Albany Medical College and completed a general surgery internship and plastic surgery residency at the University of Missouri. She has authored or contributed to various medical publications and has received honors from the American College of Surgeons. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Medical Society while at Albany Medical College. Dr. Kazmier, who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
2nd: Dr. Jacob Gerzenshtein
3rd: Dr. J. Scott Ferguson | Watson Clinic
BEST DENTIST OR ORTHODONTIST
SCOTT ORTHODONTICS
5030 S Lakeland Dr, Lakeland
(863) 709-1941
211 6th St SE, Winter Haven
(863) 299-1261
FB @DrScottSmiles
IG @scottortho
Now here’s a win to smile about! Best Of LKLD voters trust their pearly whites to the Smile Specialists at Scott Orthodontics year after year. The board-certified orthodontists at Scott Orthodontics provide comprehensive orthodontic options for children, teens, and adults. They offer traditional metal or clear ceramic braces or more advanced appliances and braces like Invisalign, Damon Smile, Incognito hidden lingual braces, and In-Ovation C. One patient wrote, “Everyone in the offices are wonderful! Dr. Scott has the best bedside manner than any doctor I’ve ever come across. He is so gentle with my daughter and speaks to her and asks her questions (it is her orthodontic care after all). We have had a great experience so far.”
2nd: Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics
3rd: Agnini Family Dental
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
CHEATWOOD CHIROPRACTIC
737 S Missouri Ave, Lakeland
(863) 680-1064
FB: Cheatwood Chiropractic Offices PA
“Our services aim to restore the body to its natural state of optimal health. We offer a wide range of specialized services, therapies, and techniques to make your journey to lasting wellness as efficient and effective as possible,” says Cheatwood Chiropractic. Extending compassionate, comprehensive care, the team at Cheatwood Chiropractic offers chiropractic care, therapeutic laser, acupuncture, massage therapy, corrective exercises, lifestyle counseling, and nutritional counseling. Patients rave about the friendly staff and excellent chiropractic care they receive from Dr. Cheatwood.
2nd: Love Chiropractic Center
3rd: The Lakeland Chiropractic Center
BEST HOSPITAL
LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH
Multiple Locations
FB: Lakeland Regional Health
IG @lakelandregionalhealth
Congratulations to Lakeland Regional Health on yet another year as the Best Hospital, according to our voters. The hospital has a history spanning back over 100 years and continues to strive to “deliver the best outcomes and safest care by placing people at the heart of all we do. We improve lives every day by promoting wellness, education, and discovery.” The LRH Physician Group has over 270 providers practicing in more than 40 specialties across 14+ locations.
2nd: AdventHealth
BEST URGENT CARE
WATSON CLINIC URGENT CARE MAIN
1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland
(863) 680-7271
WATSON CLINIC URGENT CARE SOUTH
1033 North Parkway Frontage Road, Lakeland
863-647-4047
FB @watsonclinicfl
IG @watson_clinic
At Watson Clinic Urgent Care, “We Make You Feel Better Quicker.” When you need on-demand care for minor emergencies, illnesses, and accidents, you don’t have to go to the emergency room. Watson Clinic Urgent Care is fully staffed by board-certified specialists and highly trained care team members to treat earaches, minor cuts and fractures, upper respiratory infections, and more. No appointment is necessary, and new patients are welcome. Watson Clinic Urgent Care offers on-site x-ray, laboratory, CT, other diagnostic testing, and medical support from trained professionals. “It’s an appealing, lower-cost alternative to an emergency room.”
2nd: Lakeland Regional Medical Center Urgent Care
3rd: Baycare
BEST REHABILITATION SERVICES
BANNASCH INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED REHABILITATION MEDICINE LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH
FB: Lakeland Regional Health
IG @lakelandregionalhealth
The Bannasch Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine is Polk County’s only CARF Accredited inpatient rehabilitation facility. Located at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, the Bannasch Institute was designed with input from industry experts, care providers, and community members to ensure accessible, coordinated, and cutting-edge services for patients and their families. Some special features of their inpatient facility include a 32-bed unit with all private patient rooms, a 2,300+ square foot physical therapy gym, a family area, and more. Lakeland Regional Health also offers outpatient rehabilitation services at their award-winning Grasslands Campus and North Lakeland YMCA. Their outpatient services are also home to one of Polk County’s only Pelvic Rehabilitation programs for men and women experiencing pelvic pain or urinary conditions.
2nd: Watson Clinic
3rd: CORA Physical Therapy
BEST MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
3030 Harden Blvd, Lakeland
(863) 687-1222
FB: Lakeland Regional Health
IG @lakelandregionalhealth
Lakeland Regional Health says, “If you or someone you know is dealing with a mental health or behavioral health issue, you are not alone. Over 20% of adults and 20% of children experience a mental illness in a given year.” Lakeland Regional Health offers comprehensive behavioral health care through both inpatient and outpatient services for adults, children, and adolescents. Their experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, advanced practitioners, nurses, and mental health professionals can provide care in person or via Telehealth.
2nd: Walk with Hope
3rd: Atala Counseling
BEST DOGGY DAYCARE
HOLLYWOOF PET RESORT
5845 Brannen Rd S, Lakeland
(863) 644-8152
FB: Hollywoof Pet Resort
IG @hollywoofpetresort
Your dog is the celebrity of your house. Treat them like it! Hollywoof Pet Resort, formerly Sunny Days Pet Resort, was founded in 2001. “We are located in a quiet area away from traffic and residential areas, but still remain close to locations like the SPCA Adoption Center and S. Florida Avenue located in South Lakeland.” Under new ownership since 2019, Hollywoof continues to improve and expand their services, including boarding, grooming, and doggy daycare. “Every dog is different, and we do our best to adapt to each dog’s needs and behaviors to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Our resort is a safe environment where we do not overcrowd our playgroups, and we keep large dogs separated from small ones to ensure safety.”
2nd: Atta Boy! Animal Care
3rd: Parkway Pet Resort
BEST DOG GROOMER
HAPPY PAWS PET SPA
5131 Florida Ave S # 6, Lakeland
(863) 644-4223
FB: Happy Paws Pet Spa
IG @happy_paws_pet_spa
When your pet starts looking ruff, it’s time for a puppy spa day at Happy Paws Pet Spa! They offer a full range of cat and dog grooming services, including bath, brush, gland expression, hair cutting, styling, nail trimming, and more. Happy Paws Pet Spa can also do specific breed haircuts and non-anesthetic dental cleaning for your pets. One dog mom says, “We have a husky, and she turned out beautiful when I picked her up from Happy Paws!! She is super fluffy & so soft and clean! It was a lot of hair that had to come off, and they did a fabulous job. Thank you!”
2nd: Lucky Puppy Nail Specialists
3rd: Doggie Divas Grooming Salon
BEST VETERINARIAN
SPCA FLORIDA MEDICAL CENTER
5850 Brannen Rd S, Lakeland
(863) 646-7722
FB @SPCAFlorida
IG @spca_florida
Here’s to the best dog-tors around! Founded in 1979, SPCA Florida is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of pets and people in the community. They provide care, compassion, and hope to several thousand homeless pets every year. SPCA Florida’s Medical Center is an open-tothe-public, state-of-the-art veterinary facility that helps 20,000 patients annually, with thousands more served through community outreach and education programs. One review for the Medical Center reads, “We just rescued a Golden Retriever and took her in to get checked out. The staff was amazing. Made us and Berkley feel so comfortable. We will not go to any other vet but here.”
2nd: All Creatures Animal Hospital
3rd: Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital
