Craft beer lovers in Polk County who are asking, “What’s on tap?” suddenly have a lot more offerings to choose from…over 300 more, in fact. The Brass Tap, an upscale chain of bars serving an extensive variety of craft beer, wine and even cigars is now open in the Lakeside Village in Lakeland. Founders Jeff Martin and Steve Slowey, who also operate locations in Brandon, Wesley Chapel and New Port Richey, have been eyeing the prime location for the past three years. More...

PicassoZ Art Café, located in Lakeland’s Lakeside Village, has featured a coffee bar since it opened a little over 10 years ago. But when owner Kristin Miller discovered loose leaf tea in Naples while on vacation, she immediately knew it was something she wanted to introduce to the Lakeland community. As a result, Miller transformed PicassoZ’s large party room into a tea shop and, in 2007, Tea Largo Beverage Co. was born. More...

Every child has a hero, whether an exceptional professional athlete or an invincible comic book character. Yet when Kelly Phillips was a young boy, his hero was his grandfather. In fact, Kelly and his grandfather formed an unbreakable bond by continually joining together in a special passion—fishing. More...

Real estate is usually a lopsided industry where it’s either a prime time to buy or a suitable time to sell. Yet current and future Polk County homeowners have an opportunity to engage in unique real estate market conditions. Because interest rates are so low, there’s never been a better time to buy a home. On the other hand, low inventory in Lakeland and surrounding Polk County communities like Auburndale, Winter Haven, and Mulberry makes right now a perfect time to sell for top dollar profits. When you’re ready to buy or sell property, contact Bob Miller of Lakeland’s RE/MAX Paramount Properties. More...

The most successful leaders are consistently searching for new challenges, always willing to take a risk rather than staying stagnant. It was apparent Larry Ploof felt comfortable working as Citibank’s Central Florida District Manager. For instance, while at Citibank, Ploof was a five time Chairman’s Forum Award Winner, an honor based on sales and profit bestowed upon the top 10 percent of company management. In addition, Citibank presented Ploof with the “Manager of the Year” title 10 out of his 15 years with the financial institution. More...

With his body pinned against the wall and no help in sight, Justin Och was in significant danger. The then 14-year-old boy could hardly believe that just seconds before he was enjoying the company of his friends. Yet now he was standing face-to-face with a much larger and stronger gentleman, so close in fact he could clearly smell the alcohol on his attacker’s breath. More...

For almost 32 years, Jess and Sue Anderson have worked to help clients earn extra income through their Jess Anderson Talent and Model Agency.

The Andersons are convinced every person has something special to offer. In their lifetime of promoting thousands of real people who would like to act or model, the couple recognizes that “true beauty comes from within.” More...

For more than 44 years, People’s Furniture owner Nick Spagnola has looked out the windows of his store, located on the corner of Central Avenue and 4th Street, at passersby strolling through Central Park and downtown Winter Haven. He has seen the views and people change many times over during his tenure at this same location, and soon it will be his building changing hands as he will close his doors for good to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. More...

“Bigger, Better, Fresher,” is the motto at the specialty cake shop in downtown Auburndale run by husband and wife Maggi and Jr. Guzman. Specializing in wedding and special occasion cakes, cupcakes and cookies, It’s a Piece of Cake by Maggi opened in 1999 and provides quality treats at reasonable prices. “We believe every special occasion deserves a special cake. We want the average person to know that you can get a unique birthday cake here for only $30 or $40,” says Maggi. More...

The story of Tom Edwards is one of American entrepreneurship, a rags-to-riches story of a man who started life in a Mississippi cotton mill before joining the Air Force and going through several jobs until realizing his calling in car sales.

His career began as a salesman in Tampa during the 1950s. He eventually worked his way up the career ladder through several car dealers until opening his own in Bartow in 1973, later opening the current facility in 1990. More...