Dan Thumberg has become a well-known smiling face, serving up locally crafted and deservingly awarded brews at his premier taproom in Lakeland. His story, shaped by twists, turns, hops and ambition, includes a later-in-life stint at Polk State College, where he received his Associate in Arts degree while developing the preliminary ideas for Swan Brewing – now a staple in the Polk County community.

Thumberg and his business partner Christian Hood opened the doors to their brewery off Lake Wire in 2018. Since then, their team has racked up multiple accolades on Untappd, winning the Brewery Madness 2025 competition and high ratings for varieties like The Bean Blonde Golden Ale and Straight Outta Lakeland IPA. In recognition of its impact, Swan Brewing was also honored as the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Month in April 2022.

“I have to give Polk State and the environment at Polk State credit for making Swan Brewing what it is, because it did spark that creativity that I needed,” Thumberg said. “The real planning came right around the time that I was at Polk State…, and it reminded me that there is more to this world than what I was used to.”

He started his college journey after high school at the University of South Florida, but “life got in the way” and led him to the workforce, where opportunities continued to present themselves but often required a degree for career advancement. He worked for Anheuser-Busch, American Express and Apple. It was in his 30s that Thumberg decided it was time to go back to school.

“I was nervous…, I thought I’d be surrounded by 18-year-olds fresh out of high school,” he recalled. “Seeing people my age, balancing work and school, made the transition so much easier.”

With the diversity of people from all walks of life and “an environment with thoughts bouncing around everywhere,” Thumberg was inspired to follow his passions – not only for beer, but also for community.

“It challenged me to understand different people, beliefs and backgrounds, which helped how I approach my business,” said Thumberg, who went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.

With a growing craft beer scene, he developed the ideas for what would become a community-focused brewery. With nearly 40 years of combined brewing experience among its team, Swan Brewing emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and innovative flavors, resulting in standout beer like the Freedom American Lager, which clinched a Gold Medal at the 2022 Best Florida Beer Competition in the American Style Light Lager category.

Today, Swan Brewing stands as a testament to Thumberg’s vision and drive. Located in the heart of Lakeland, the brewery is more than a place to enjoy craft beer. He is most proud when speaking about the community atmosphere that has developed around the business.

“When I look out at our patio overlooking Lake Wire,… [I] see cellphones on the table and people having conversation. That’s the coolest thing,” he exclaimed.

Thumberg’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in Polk County is to embody the We are Polk motto.

“It starts with community, and it should be about the community,” he said. “That’s why I would recommend Polk State College wholeheartedly to anyone – not only to someone who is looking to find a state college to go to, but looking for any college to go to.”

“Polk State is one of the most affordable educations you can get anywhere in the state of Florida, but [it’s also] a world-class education…, right in your backyard.”

Editor's Note: Dan also currently serves on the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

On Wednesday, August 27, Watson Clinic hosted a special Topping Off Ceremony on the construction site of their sprawling new medical campus in south Lakeland. The ceremony marks a tradition in the world of construction as it celebrates the placement of the final beam at the highest point of a structure. In this instance, the Clinic proudly celebrated two new structures, which are both scheduled to open in the Summer of 2026.

Located at 4060 Lakeland Highlands Road, Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center is a four-story, 80,000-square-foot facility housing some of the Clinic’s most popular specialties, including Urology, Orthopaedic Surgery, General Surgery, OB/GYN and many others. Patients will also benefit from on-site imaging and laboratory capabilities, and other features designed for operational efficiency and patient comfort. The second new facility, located at 4050 Lakeland Highlands Road, will be named Watson Clinic Surgery Center South. This 30,000-square-foot facility will offer convenient outpatient surgical procedures for patients who don’t require an overnight stay. Both facilities will be steps away from the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, completing a medical campus designed to serve a patient’s every medical need.

Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center and Watson Clinic Surgery Center South will be operated exclusively by Watson Clinic, much like their additional 20 locations across Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties, while the hospital is a joint collaboration between Watson Clinic and Orlando Health.

“This campus delivers flexibility to both our patients and our medical teams,” Chief Executive Officer Jason Hirsbrunner explained from the podium to the attending crowd. “You can schedule your regular doctor’s appointments at the Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center, outpatient surgical procedures can be performed at our Watson Clinic Surgery Center South facility, and longer inpatient stays can take place at the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital.”

Conveniently situated directly off the Polk Parkway, the campus will be easily accessible to patients across every corner of Polk County and beyond.  To keep up-to-date on the campus, stay connected to Watson Clinic’s social media platforms or visit WatsonClinic.com/NewCampus.

​The Watson Clinic Foundation is pleased to welcome new members to their Board of Directors who collectively possess many decades of experience in healthcare and community advocacy.

“These additional talents bring fresh and invigorating new perspectives to our mission,” said Watson Clinic Foundation Chairman of the Board William J. Roth, MD, PhD. “Together, they will help us embark on an exciting series of education, research, service and collaboration initiatives that will continue to enhance the health of our community for generations to come.”

Pamela Carter, RN, BSN is a registered nurse who’s enjoyed working in the healthcare field for 40 years. Her career includes over 30 years of employment at Lakeland Regional Health where she served as the Assistant Director of the Emergency Department and in a number of other roles. She is currently working as a registered nurse at Central Florida SurgiCenter in Lakeland.

Ted Copeland has served as the Director of Legal Affairs, Privacy and Compliance at Watson Clinic since 2023. Prior to joining Watson Clinic, he spent more than 30 years in private practice representing physicians and other healthcare providers statewide.

Marsha Corum Vass is a Lakeland community advocate who began consulting the Watson Clinic Foundation in 2024 prior to joining their Board of Directors. She has decades of experience in the consulting field and possesses expertise in strategic planning, team building and implementation.

Other members of the Watson Clinic Foundation Board of Directors include Chairman of the Board William J. Roth, MD, PhD, Secretary & Treasurer Jason Hirsbrunner, BA, MBA, Executive Director Kim Brunson, Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon Pranay Patel, MD, mortgage banker and business leader M. Shane Glor, Watson Clinic Urgent Care specialist Jarett A. Gregory, DO, and Watson Clinic Family Medicine specialist Jason C. Saylor, DO.

​Founded in 1960, the Watson Clinic Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of Watson Clinic. Throughout the years, the Foundation has impacted countless lives through educational outreach, research projects, community screenings, nursing scholarships, and other special programs. More information on the Foundation may be found at WatsonClinic.com/WCF. 

Watson Clinic is pleased to announce an affiliation with Orlando Health on the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, a seven-story facility currently under construction at 4000 Lakeland Highlands Blvd. in Lakeland. In addition, Watson Clinic has announced two new locations – a state-of-the-art Medical Office Building and a cutting-edge Ambulatory Surgery Center - which are currently being constructed on the hospital campus.

The hospital will open with more than 300 inpatient beds, 69 emergency and observation beds, 11 working operating rooms, four cardiac and interventional suites and 18 beds in an intensive care unit (ICU) that will serve 36 patients at full build-out. Obstetric services and accommodations will also be prominent on opening day with eight labor and delivery rooms, two special c-section operating rooms and more than 25 post-partum rooms. A 12-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) will debut shortly after the hospital opens.
 
The Watson Clinic Medical Office Building (name yet to be determined) will be an 80,000 square foot, four-story facility offering convenient appointment availability with specialists from Watson Clinic’s departments of Urology, Orthopaedic Surgery, General Surgery, OB-GYN, Gynecologic Oncology, and much more. On-site radiology imaging and laboratory testing will further enhance the level of care provided in this exciting new facility. The building will also offer self-check in kiosks, expansive waiting areas, and additional features that support operational efficiency and patient comfort.
 
The new Watson Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Center will expand the roster of outpatient procedures and services offered at the Watson Clinic Surgery Center at 1315 N. Florida Ave. in Lakeland. The center will be outfitted with six state-of-the-art operating rooms, 20 pre- and post-holding bays, and six post-anesthesia care units.  

Stepping into a new chapter of growth, Saunders Real Estate has transitioned away from the SVN franchise to operate as an independent brokerage focused on large-acreage land and commercial real estate across Florida and the Southeastern United States. Led by industry veterans Dean Saunders, Gary Ralston, and Todd Dantzler, and their team of over 100 advisors, the firm is now positioned to further expand its services and targeted regions to support clients in their efforts to maximize their land investments and make strategic real estate decisions.

This strategic shift allows Saunders Real Estate to provide comprehensive brokerage solutions uniquely tailored to landowners and commercial investors throughout major Florida markets such as Central Florida and Tampa along with major U.S. markets including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and, soon, North Carolina. Recognized for its focus on agricultural,  conservation, recreation, and development land, the firm is set to leverage its local insights and national connections to guide clients in optimizing property value and strategically navigating land and commercial real estate markets.

“We appreciate our time with SVN and the relationships that were made," said Saunders, Founder and Managing Director of the brokerage firm. "We're excited about this next chapter and the opportunity to further refine our approach to serving clients with more specialized focus and regional agility.”

Saunders Real Estate provides comprehensive real estate solutions across the Southeast, seamlessly integrating land and commercial services to meet the diverse needs of landowners and developers. The firm's expertise encompasses large land transactions, conservation strategies, property valuation, and consulting, while simultaneously offering robust commercial real estate services across retail, office, and industrial asset classes. With a deep understanding of legislative insights and market dynamics, the team helps clients make strategic decisions through specialized property management, land auctions, leasing, and investment sales. This approach enables Saunders Real Estate to deliver tailored solutions that address the complex real estate challenges faced by clients throughout the region.

Saunders Real Estate extends its brokerage services through strategic knowledge-sharing initiatives, including three key conferences and quarterly and annual reports. The Florida Lay of the Land Conference, the largest land-focused event in Florida, brings together industry professionals to analyze regional real estate trends and investment opportunities. The I-4 Corridor Conference explores commercial real estate potential in Central Florida, while the Georgia Lay of the Land Conference provides insights into the state's agricultural and economic landscape. The firm's annual Lay of the Land Report offers comprehensive research on market conditions and trends across the Southeast. These events and publications position Saunders Real Estate as a vital resource for market intelligence and industry expertise.

“With a team of seasoned experts who know our key markets inside and out, this new independent approach gives us the momentum to accelerate the expansion of services and growth into new Southeast U.S. markets,” said Tyler Davis, ALC, President of Saunders Real Estate. “Our expanded presence and specialized focus position Saunders Real Estate to deliver unmatched expertise and value, enabling our clients to achieve their goals in land and commercial real estate faster and more effectively than ever.”

About Saunders Real Estate
Saunders Real Estate is a leading land and commercial real estate brokerage serving buyers, sellers, investors, and landowners across the Southeastern United States for nearly 30 years. With over 100 advisors and offices in major U.S. markets including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Georgia, we specialize in large-acreage land transactions, commercial property sales and leasing, and property management.

​To reflect our legacy and continued growth, Saunders Real Estate operates through two divisions—Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial. Our expertise spans agriculture, conservation, recreation, residential development, and commercial real estate, supported by specialized services such as forestry, land management, and investment acquisitions.
Today, Saunders Real Estate is recognized as a trusted authority in the region, delivering exceptional results through experienced leadership, innovative strategies, and a client-focused approach.

For more information on Saunders Real Estate, please visit https://www.saundersrealestate.com/

At Bank of Central Florida, we believe banking transcends numbers and transactions—it’s an art form. With this vision in mind, we proudly introduce The A.R.T. of Banking, a philosophy centered on Authenticity, Reliability, and Trust. These pillars reflect our commitment to personalized service, innovative solutions, and strong community ties.

Authenticity lies at the heart of our approach. We understand that every client has a unique story, and we aim to build meaningful relationships by valuing each individual as an integral part of our community. You’re never just a number to us; you’re a vital thread in the fabric of Central Florida’s vibrant community.

Reliability is more than a promise—it’s a practice. Our Relationship Managers dedicate themselves to providing personalized support tailored to your needs. Whether it’s guiding you through important financial decisions or ensuring smooth day-to-day banking, we’re here every step of the way. You can count on us to prioritize your goals and deliver solutions that align with your vision.

Trust is the foundation of everything we do. We combine cutting-edge technology with an unwavering commitment to safety and security. This ensures a seamless, reliable banking experience that allows you to focus on what matters most—your dreams and aspirations. With Bank of Central Florida, you can bank confidently, knowing your future is in trusted hands.

Evolving Traditional Banking

Banking has evolved significantly over the years, and so have we. At Bank of Central Florida, we merge timeless values with modern innovation. The A.R.T. of Banking is more than a philosophy; it’s a mindset. We approach every financial solution with creativity, care, and an unwavering focus on our clients’ unique needs. Each interaction and solution is as thoughtfully crafted as a masterpiece.

Our personalized approach ensures that no two experiences are alike. Whether it’s helping a business expand, guiding a family toward financial stability, or navigating complex financial landscapes, we approach each situation as an opportunity to create something extraordinary. This blend of artistry and expertise is what sets us apart.

What Does Your Financial Masterpiece Look Like?

​Your financial journey is as unique as you are. At Bank of Central Florida, we’re here to help you turn your financial vision into a masterpiece. By understanding your goals, challenges, and aspirations, we create tailored banking experiences that align with your needs.

Let us help you bring your vision to life. Connect with us today and discover how The A.R.T. of Banking can support your goals, empower your dreams, and make your financial future a masterpiece.

Among the many routine healthcare screenings that patients are encouraged to prioritize, there’s one that is too often overlooked: the annual eye exam.

“Eye exams are essential for the screening of potential vision-threatening diseases” says Dr. Elizabeth George, a board-certified Optometry specialist at Watson Clinic Main in Lakeland. “During a routine exam, we assess the structures of the eye, screen for eye diseases, check eye muscle function, and even evaluate peripheral vision. If we notice a change in your vision, we can also provide prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses.”
Here are three common conditions that can be recognized and diagnosed during a routine eye exam:
Cataracts – Although considered a normal change with aging, cataracts often cause significant visual difficulties as they progress. Cataracts are characterized by the natural lens in the eye becoming cloudy. The progression of cataracts is slow & gradual, and a dilated eye exam can detect the presence of the condition early. Minimally invasive surgery can be performed to replace the clouded lens of the eye. This is one of the most commonly performed medical procedures in the United States and boasts a remarkable 95% rate of effectiveness.

Dry Eye Syndrome – The surface of the eye is a complex and sensitive system. When that system becomes imbalanced, dry eye syndrome can occur. There’s a lot of different factors that can contribute to dry eye, but one of the major culprits is prolonged screen time on computers and mobile devices. “We don’t blink as often when we’re focusing on a screen, which can cause the surface of the eye to get irritated and dry over time,” Dr. George explains. “It is essential to take frequent breaks from screen time, which allows the focusing system of the eye to reset.”

Glaucoma – Millions of Americans have glaucoma, but nearly half of them may not realize it.  That’s because glaucoma usually does not result in noticeable symptoms until substantial vision loss occurs. Glaucoma occurs when high eye pressure impacts the optic nerve and causes damage over time. When detected early, the progression of glaucoma may be slowed or prevented with prescription eye drops. 

Watson Clinic’s skilled Optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams, vision tests, and much more for patients 5 years and older. The department can also offer swift referrals to Watson Clinic’s Ophthalmology department when surgical intervention is needed. To schedule an appointment with any member of Watson Clinic’s Optometry department, call 863-680-7486.
To learn more from Dr. George on the importance of eye exams and the common conditions they can detect, tune in to episode 2 of the Watson Clinic Health Talk podcast by visiting WatsonClinic.com/Podcast.

At Lakeland Electric, we understand the valuable role that local organizations play in our community. That's why we are dedicated to supporting non-profits through our Community Giving program. We know that the work you do is incredibly important, which is why we invite you to apply for our grant program. We want to maximize our support and help as many organizations as we can. We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about how we can assist your important work in our community.

Volunteerism is not just a part of our Community Giving at Lakeland Electric; it's a cornerstone. Our employees often lead by example, donating their time and skills to various causes and projects. These volunteer efforts make a significant difference in the community and foster a culture of service and empathy within our organization. We are proud of our employees' dedication and their commitment to making a positive impact in the community we all call home.

Lakeland Electric’s role in  is both vital and multifaceted. Through our various initiatives and programs, we provide essential services and contribute to the community's social, educational, and economic well-being. At Lakeland Electric, we're inspired by the incredible power of community and support.

If you are a State of Florida-registered non-profit organization serving the public within the Lakeland Electric territory, please consider applying for our Community Giving Grant Program. The selection process is competitive because we at Lakeland Electric want to honor and help those doing the very best for our community.
​
Each year, we receive far more requests for sponsorship than our dollars allow. We will limit the amount of funding each organization grants to $1,000.00. To assist us with our decision-making and ensure we maximize our outreach to the community, we ask that each organization interested in being considered for Community Giving Grant funds prepare and submit an application for review.

Community Giving Grant Application
The application timeline for the Fiscal Year 2025 Community Giving Grant is as follows:

• Lakeland Electric begins accepting applications on June 15, 2024
• The deadline for application submissions has been extended until August 18, 2024 
• Selected organizations are notified via mail during the last week of September 2024
• Funding is disbursed during October 2024

Review our Community Giving Grant Procedure

If you received a grant last fiscal year (October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024), please complete and return the Update Form when applying for a new grant. 

Please feel free to email your questions to [email protected]