Call Center Company in Lakeland, FL

Rainy days, sick days, and just-can’t-leave-the-couch days won’t stop our support of local small businesses. In honor of Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, check out these five bizzes that you can support without leaving home.

Amethyst Bliss GiftsThis biz takes the guesswork out of gift giving with customized, curated Bliss Boxes that are stacked with locally made items like soaking salts, hand-poured candles, and more.

Add to cart: Mother’s Day Bliss Box — get $5 off Bliss Boxes valued at $45+ with code LALTODAY5 through Saturday, May 10.

Cap & ColeFounder Ashlynn Hotchkiss began this brand to create affordable matching outfits for siblings that packed personality — but grown-ups can get in on the fun, too. Find those creations online or at Arrow + Bow in Dixieland.

Add to cart: Lakeland Girl tee — perfect for running downtown for coffee with a friend

The Jewelry Box of LakelandFounded in 2021, owner Denise Curls began this business to provide Lakelanders with a highly personalized shopping experience when it comes to trending + updated jewelry staples. Browse online, or shop in person by appointment.

Add to cart: Personalized jewelry — get free foaming jewelry cleaner with a $150+ purchase through Saturday, May 10.

Card My Yard Lakeland“Skip the card, stake the yard” is the motto of this mobile biz. From birthdays to homecomings to engagements, owner Amy Jones makes practically any celebration larger than life with customized signs.

Add to cart: Say anything sign — get $15 off a sign (excluding graduation) with promo code LALTODAY15.

Whimsy & Stars PaperieLocal artist and graphic designer Mabelle Ramirez-Ortiz brings cheer through hand-illustrated greeting cards, stickers, and prints. You might have even seen her work at local spots like Publix, Balance Culture, and SEU.

Add to cart: Cheery lemons art print — get 15% off with promo code LAL.

Our Small Business Week coverage is powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, where you’ll find better banking for your local business.

It’s no secret that Lakeland is growing faster than ever before. As such, the City of Lakeland has launched numerous initiatives to help support growing infrastructure needs, plus a few focused on beautification + revitalization. Here are five ongoing projects we’re keeping an eye on throughout this year and beyond.

The Lakeland City Commission unanimously voted in April 2024 to adopt the Downtown West Action Plan. The plan focuses on improving pedestrian and bike connectivity, nurturing neighborhood infrastructure, and increasing residential density across the Downtown West area, which covers landmarks like Bonnet Springs Park, the RP Funding Center, and Lakes Bonnet, Beulah, and Wire.

During the City of Lakeland’s 2024 strategic planning retreat, city commissioners approved a new design concept for Munn Park based on public feedback + discussion. The unfinalized concept includes a water feature, dog park, community lawn, and a shade pavilion that can be used for special events.

Straughn Trout Architects and Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency collaborated to envision a new design for the East Main District, which stretches from East Oleander Street south to East Main Street, and from Ingraham Avenue west to Lake Mirror. The concept presented in 2023 included enhancements like extended sidewalks, new lighting, and public art + attached maker spaces.

Also in September 2024, Florida Commerce granted $75,000 to the city to conduct an economic study of Memorial Boulevard, with commissioners approving the grant agreement in October. Now, the city is partnering with Ayres — a planning, design, and engineering firm — to develop a plan for creating a thriving economic environment in the six-mile stretch of road between I-4 and East Lake Parker Drive. Phase 2 is slated to wrap up around the end of May, when a Final Economic Development Strategy & Implementation Report will be created.

Construction is set to begin this spring for key replacements in the Western Trunk Line sewer pipeline, one of the city’s main wastewater collection systems. In September 2024, city commissioners approved a new route for the line that will cross Harden Boulevard south of West Beacon Street instead of the previously approved Forest Park Street, which will reduce the construction timeline by six months. Commissioners are also hoping to receive state funding for the project.

Kevin Cook, the Director of Communications for the City of Lakeland, also shared with us that several of these major city projects will be addressed in the State of the City presentation, which is set to take place in late May.

Maridav // Shutterstock

How gas prices have changed in Lakeland in the last week

Gas prices have gone up by about 4 cents per gallon since this time last month but are still down by nearly 50 cents compared to this time last year. The national average fuel price is about $3.17, with Tyler, Texas, seeing the cheapest metro-area prices at $2.60 and Salinas, California, with the most expensive at $5.11.

After issuing multiple pauses on tariffs against Canadian and Mexican imports since taking office, President Trump in early April announced a sweeping 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S., with many countries facing even steeper duties, though oil and gas imports are exempted from new tariffs. On April 9, the White House announced a three-month pause on all "reciprocal" tariffs (except against China), but the baseline 10% tariffs will remain in place.

Jolted by the impact of the tariff announcement, the stock market plummeted on April 3, with U.S. oil prices dropping 7%. The double-whammy of lower prices and higher costs for crucial materials like steel pipes may have a major impact on domestic oil and gas production. Meanwhile, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries announced this month that it would increase production to help stabilize the market.

Expecting market volatility, GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan thinks it is possible that gas prices have already reached their peak in 2025, which typically happens around mid-April each year.

"After oil's sharp drop over the last couple of weeks—driven by concerns over the impact of U.S. tariffs and OPEC+ restoring production faster than expected—gasoline prices have posted a notable weekly decline, with nearly every state seeing prices fall," De Haan said in a recent statement. "While I do expect gas prices to continue trending lower, any abrupt change in the current tariff situation could eventually bring the decline to a halt."

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of April 24.

Lakeland by the numbers- Gas current price: $3.15--- Florida average: $3.12- Week change: +$0.08 (+2.6%)- Year change: -$0.35 (-10.0%)- Historical expensive gas price: $4.90 (6/14/22)

- Diesel current price: $3.51- Week change: -$0.06 (-1.6%)- Year change: -$0.35 (-9.0%)- Historical expensive diesel price: $5.69 (6/12/22)

Metros with the most expensive gas#1. Salinas, CA: $5.11#2. Lihue (Kauai), HI: $5.10#3. Napa, CA: $5.08

Metros with the least expensive gas#1. Tyler, TX: $2.60#2. Lawton, OK: $2.61#3. Lubbock, TX: $2.61

This story features writing by Tim Bruns and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 371 metros.

You may also like: Most expensive homes for sale in Lakeland

Earth Day, an annual event that focuses on supporting environmental protection, is coming up on Tuesday, April 22. Here’s how you can embrace and celebrate the power of the planet in Lakeland this week + beyond.

Earth Day Concert | Tuesday, April 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Branscomb Memorial Auditorium | $5+ | Experience nature through music during this performance by the Florida Southern College Concert Choir and Chamber Singers.

City Nature Challenge | Friday, April 25 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Se7en Wetlands, Mulberry | Free | Survey areas for plants and animals with the iNaturalist app, then end the day by watching the sunset over the wetlands.

Great American Clean-Up | Saturday, April 26 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | City of Bartow | Free | Join forces with Keep Polk County Beautiful to clean up the Bartow community — pre-register to get a free lunch, t-shirt, and Bok Tower Gardens ticket.

When we want to get in touch with nature, nothing invigorates our senses more than taking a stroll through one of Lakeland’s parks, lacing up our boots for a hike, or stopping to smell the flowers in a gorgeous garden.

Editor’s pick: Can’t step away from that work to-do list? Work al fresco at one of these Lakeland locales.

April is also recognized as National Volunteer Month, meaning there’s no better time to put your passions to work for good. Find an environment- or outdoors-focused opportunity in our comprehensive guide.

Editor’s pick: Can’t make Keep Polk County Beautiful’s Bartow clean-up on Saturday, April 26? Save the date for Keep Lakeland Beautiful‘s May cleanup instead, happening Saturday, May 17.

Upcoming Event

East wall of the RP Funding Center | 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland

WHO: The Lakeland CRA and Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

WHAT: Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation mural “Echoes of Resilience” unveiling, artist meet & greet and film debut.

WHERE: East wall of the RP Funding Center, 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland

WHEN: Friday, April 18, 2025, at 3 p.m.

WHY: Celebrate art and promote conservation

LAKELAND, FL (April 4, 2025) - The Lakeland CRA invites the public to a mural unveiling event on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 3 p.m. The mural, sponsored by the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, highlights Florida's rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation. The Florida Wildlife Corridor spans nearly 18 million acres of interconnected wilderness and working lands, essential for the survival of 131 imperiled animal species. Beyond protecting wildlife, conserving these lands enhances recreational opportunities, strengthens resilience against extreme weather, and safeguards water quality.

Valerie Vaught, Lakeland CRA Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the mural, stating, "This new mural beautifully captures the essence of Florida’s rich wildlife, showcasing the breathtaking species that call our state home. It serves as a reminder that as we promote urban development and revitalization, we must also preserve the natural spaces that make our community unique. By balancing smart growth with environmental stewardship, Lakeland is creating a vibrant, sustainable future that honors both our urban progress and natural beauty."

The Lakeland CRA launched the Art Infusion Grant Program to revitalize building facades and promote artistic expression through murals. This initiative encourages commercial property owners to enhance their spaces with murals, fostering local creativity, generating jobs, and contributing to urban revitalization. The program underscores the transformative power of art in stimulating local economies and enriching public spaces.

Human development has fragmented many natural habitats, creating barriers such as residential areas, industrial parks, and roadways. Wildlife corridors serve as crucial connectors between these habitats, allowing animals to navigate their environments without encountering obstacles. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation is dedicated to permanently connecting, protecting, and restoring these vital landscapes. Murals like this one celebrate the unique nature of Corridor Gateway Communities, bringing people together, beautifying public spaces, and fostering a deeper appreciation for Florida’s wild landscapes.

"Lakeland was selected for this mural campaign because Polk County is an important area within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, facing significant growth and development," said Mallory Dimmitt, CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. "As the cultural hub of Polk County, Lakeland plays a pivotal role in creating a sense of place and elevating the importance of protecting their corner of the Corridor. This mural not only celebrates the Corridor’s wildlife but also symbolizes the connection between conservation and the people who call this area home."

Titled "Echoes of Resilience," the mural celebrates the enduring strength and interconnectedness of Florida’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. Central to the composition are a Florida panther, a great horned owl, an American alligator, a roseate spoonbill, a small group of pied-billed grebes, a river otter, a monarch butterfly, a Southern Live Oak, and a bald cypress, all set against vibrant patterns inspired by the state’s diverse flora and fauna. The artwork symbolizes survival, growth, and resilience, paying homage to the region’s cultural and natural heritage while inspiring conservation efforts for future generations.

The muralist, Samara Ash, is a contemporary artist and educator based in South Florida with over 25 years of experience in the fine arts. Her large-scale murals can be found in public spaces across Miami Shores, Fort Pierce, Wynwood, and now Lakeland. Describing her vision for the piece, she said, "In creating 'Echoes of Resilience,' I wanted to capture the living heartbeat of Florida—its strength, its beauty, and the powerful connections between its diverse ecosystems. Each element of the mural, from the stealth of the Florida panther to the graceful flight of the roseate spoonbill, reflects our shared commitment to preserving the natural heritage that sustains us. I see this work as both a tribute and a call to action—a reminder that through resilience and unity, we can honor our past, protect our present, and inspire a future where every creature and landscape thrives."

Following the mural unveiling ceremony, guests will be invited inside the RP Funding Center to meet the artist during a panel discussion sponsored by the Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation will also screen the short film "The Wild Divide," which follows three friends traversing Florida’s imperiled backbone by horseback, foot, and paddleboard. The Lake Wales Ridge, an ancient stretch of sand dunes, is a biodiversity hotspot found nowhere else in the world. It is also home to a long-standing agricultural tradition, both of which are threatened by rapid development. The short film explores the delicate balance between conservation and growth, underscoring the urgency of protecting Florida’s wild interior.