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What's open? Lakeland small businesses create web app to reach customers

Posted at 3:05 PM, Apr 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-03 07:24:09-04

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Those living in and around Lakeland no longer have to play the guessing game of who is open and who is not.

ABC Action News discovered a brand new app helping local businesses band together during the pandemic.

“As you can imagine, this is impacting local businesses very sharply. From restaurant owners deciding if they can keep their hospitality staff to salons and barbershops seeing a decline in visits to retailers in general wondering when the foot traffic will return,” said a group of small business owners in an online clip advertising the app.

Support Lakeland is a free mobile app easily downloaded to any smart device in order to help guide residents to which restaurants and shops are still operating. Not only does it help residents stay in line with Florida’s new safer-at-home order. But it also keeps money coming in for the small businesses that make up downtown Lakeland.

“Support Lakeland will be a free information resource for the public to keep you up to date with the establishments you know and love while staying mindful of public health concerns.” the video went on.

ABC Action News reporter Andrea Lyon downloaded the app to see how it works. It’s simple, all you need is an email address to sign in.

Once inside the app, it has a list of available stores and restaurants which are open to the public.

The app, Support Lakeland, lists the hours, capacity and how you can get your food or merchandise whether it’s by delivery, curbside or take away.

To learn more visit supportlkld.com and register for the free web app.