Merlin Entertainment announced a $90 million investment to launch a new, first-of-its-kind, indoor roller coaster at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, in Winter Haven, and LEGOLAND California Resort, set to open in 2026. (Photo above)
Ready Chapter 1, a Lakeland-based publishing platform startup, named Kenneth Burke, former vice president of marketing at Text Request, as an equity advisor to help drive its growth strategy.

J. Crew Factory will open a 6,368-square-foot store, this summer, at Lakeside Village, in Lakeland, joining the open-air mall’s retail lineup ahead of Nordstrom Rack’s expected fall opening.
The Rec Room, a bar and arcade venue, in downtown Lakeland, received unanimous approval from the City Commission to expand its space, at 202 N. Massachusetts Ave.
Orlando Health and Watson Clinic announced a new partnership to open the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, marking an affiliation rather than a merger or acquisition.
Aldi opened, at 6902 S. Florida Ave., replacing the former Winn-Dixie location in Imperial Christina Plaza.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners appointed Shawn Smith as the new Polk County Fire Rescue chief
Creative Contractors completed Lakeland Regional Health’s new 24,000-square-foot freestanding emergency department, in South Lakeland.
Parlor Doughnuts, a craft donut and coffee shop, opened, at 351 E. Bay St., in downtown Lakeland.