In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Mark and Saundra Biddinger, the dedicated owners of Mitchell’s Coffee House in downtown Lakeland. Together, they dive into their journeys to Central Florida, the unexpected twists and "divine appointments" that crossed their paths, and what originally inspired them to take over one of Lakeland’s most cherished local staples.

Mark and Saundra open up about life behind the counter and beyond—from balancing day jobs and restaurant operations to overcoming severe health challenges and navigating surprising family discoveries. Through every trial, their focus has remained firmly rooted in faith, gratitude, and living fully in the present moment.

More than just a place to grab your morning caffeine fix, Mitchell’s Coffee House serves as a true community hub. The couple shares their passion for fostering meaningful connections, from spotlighting local artists with the Lakeland Art Association and hosting live music curated by Soundhouse Studios, to offering event spaces, catering, pet-friendly patio seating, and delicious seasonal comfort food made fresh to order. Sandra also highlights their commitment to ethically sourced, fair-trade coffee beans—including direct support for international women entrepreneurs.

Whether you are a longtime regular at Mitchell’s or looking to discover more about the heart and soul behind downtown Lakeland’s thriving small-business scene, this warm, honest, and inspiring conversation has something for everyone. Tune in to hear the story of community, resilience, and great coffee! 166

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Victoria, an experienced massage therapist of over 20 years, spiritual practitioner, and the creator behind the Age of Aquarius Sanctuary in Mulberry, Florida.

Victoria shares her personal journey—from growing up in Wauchula and working long hours in a corporate call center to discovering her true life's calling in healing, bodywork, and spiritual alignment. She opens up about the pivotal moments during the pandemic that deepened her connection with God, manifestation, and energy work, sparking her passion to create a welcoming physical sanctuary for the community.

Together, Don and Victoria explore the upcoming grand opening of the Age of Aquarius Sanctuary (located at 109 Badcock Blvd W, Mulberry, FL). Rather than focusing solely on traditional massage, the sanctuary is designed as a peaceful haven to help individuals de-stress, raise their frequency, and tap into their inner creativity. Victoria highlights the space's community-driven offerings, including:

Sound Healing & Energy Work: Crystal and sound bowl performances alongside expert collaborators like Heather Fam and Melinda. Accessible Workshops: Affordable sessions for both adults and youth, covering art, drawing, goddess awakening, and automatic journaling. Sanctuary Retail & Garden: Propagated plants grown with care in her home garden, healing crystals, oracle cards, artisanal jewelry, and local artwork. Spiritual Reflection: Thoughtful discussions on the balance of prayer, meditation, and finding serenity amidst modern-day chaos. 165

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with prominent local Realtor and community leader Todd Dantzler for an insightful conversation about the Lakeland area’s real estate landscape, regional growth, and community development.

Drawing on decades of experience in commercial and residential real estate, Todd shares his unique perspective on what makes Polk County such an attractive destination for families and businesses alike. The discussion dives into the strategic factors driving local development, from Lakeland's central position between Tampa and Orlando to key infrastructure projects shaping the future of the community. Don and Todd explore how the market has evolved over the years, balancing rapid expansion with the preservation of Lakeland's rich history, vibrant downtown, and close-knit charm.

Beyond the business and economic aspects of real estate, the conversation highlights the vital role of local leadership, civic involvement, and smart planning. Todd reflects on his public service, key community initiatives, and what it takes to guide sustainable growth that benefits both long-time residents and newcomers. Whether you are a local homeowner, prospective buyer, business owner, or simply passionate about the trajectory of our community, this episode offers a valuable, behind-the-scenes look at where Lakeland has been and where it’s headed next. 164