Welcome to Local Moms + More - hosted by Lakeland Mom
A private online space for women in Polk County to connect, share, and thrive together
You’re not just looking to scroll - you’re looking to connect.
A community for local tips, meaningful conversations, and support from women who get it. Where mom life feels a little lighter - and you don’t have to do it alone.
This is a space that fits your real life.
Whether you're juggling a busy schedule, settling into a new town, or just craving a better way to stay connected, Local Moms + More is here to help you feel included, informed, and inspired.
Built for women across Polk County, this space makes it easy to meet other moms, share experiences, and discover local things to do - without the noise of social media.
Conversations are organized by topic, stage, or interest - so whether you want to chat about parenting, personal growth, things you love outside of motherhood, or what’s bringing you joy this week, it’s easy to find and jump into.
This is more than a group.
It’s a place to belong.
✨ Why Join Local Moms + More?
Because real community deserves its own space.
Local Moms + More was created for connection that goes deeper than likes and comment threads. It is a place where women in Polk County can find real support, share local tips, and build friendships.
You’ll find everything from playdates and parenting advice to local events and everyday encouragement - all shared by women who understand what you're juggling.
Whether you're in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Lake Wales, or beyond - this space was built for all Polk County moms.
Inside the community, you’ll get:
✨ Conversations organized by topic—not just one never-ending feed
✨ Special interest groups for parenting stages, hobbies, and neighborhoods
✨ Local events and meetups
✨ A private space away from social media noise and judgment
✨ Weekly inspiration, ideas, and local recs
✨ A Business Hub for entrepreneurs and side hustlers
✨ Exclusive discounts, guides, and perks from Lakeland Mom
It’s easy to pop in for a quick question - or spend time getting to know others who are walking a similar path.
Whether you're new to the area, craving deeper connection, or just want to be more intentional with your time online… this space was built for you.
What Makes Local Moms + More Different
✅ Built by Lakeland Mom - a trusted resource for Polk County families for 10 years
✅ No social media required - but still full of fun and connection
✅ No irrelevant ads, no algorithms, no approval queues - just real conversations
✅ You’re in control - customize what you see and how you engage
✅ More than a feed - dive into groups, events, and conversations organized by city, life stage, and interests
Ready to jump in? Scroll down to sign up and come on inside - we're saving your spot!
Meet Your Host - April @ Lakeland Mom
Hi - I'm April Mucci, owner of Lakeland Mom and host of Local Moms + More.
Ten years ago this spring, I started dreaming up the concept of Lakeland Mom. My goal was simple: to build a go-to guide and community that would make life easier and more fun for local families. LakelandMom.com launched in fall 2015 and our Facebook group soon after.
For years, I've dreamed of a different kind of online community space where moms looking for friendship and local support could easily find it. I wanted more than a random social media feed and quick Q&As.
In February 2025, I discovered this platform (Mighty Networks) and instantly knew: this is the one.
It can support subgroups, real-life meetups, and the kind of intentional conversations moms are really craving.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple truth: people make a community. And now, we finally have a way to make those connections happen.
Ready to connect, share, and thrive in a new space?
Join us and be part of something special.
I can’t wait to welcome you in.
See you inside,
-April 🩷
We’ve made it easy to join - just scroll down, sign up, and get instant access to a community full of connection, encouragement, and fun.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ's below.
FAQs
Is this replacing LakelandMom.com?
No, LakelandMom.com isn’t going anywhere! Local Moms + More is an exciting addition - not a replacement. The website will still have all the helpful resources, event calendars, and guides you’ve come to rely on. This community adds deeper connection, exclusive perks, and a space to truly belong.
Who can join the Local Moms+ More community?
We welcome all moms, caregivers, and women from the Polk County area and nearby Central Florida communities - including Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Plant City, and beyond. We welcome women at every stage and from all walks of life - grandmas, bonus moms, foster moms, future moms, and women who aren’t called “mom” but still want connection and community.
Planning a move to Polk County? Join now and feel connected before you even unpack.
Why a Membership?
For nearly 10 years, all content from LakelandMom.com has been free, supported by advertising and website traffic. But we’ve always dreamed of offering something more than a website or Facebook page.
We created this space to feel different: no random ads, no chaotic feed, no algorithm. Just community.
Right now, access is completely free. In the future, we may introduce a small membership fee for new sign-ups to help sustain the technology required for this platform - but anyone who joins now will be part of our Founding Member group and will maintain free access as we grow.
Didn’t this used to cost money? You’re not imagining it! When we first launched, we planned for a small monthly membership fee to help cover our costs for the new platform. But after some changes behind the scenes, we’re now able to offer free access to a select number of early members so we can focus on building the community first.
Why this community just for women?
This space is designed to reflect the needs, voices, and experiences of women. We share resources for all parents on LakelandMom.com, through our weekly email newsletter, and on the Lakeland Mom Facebook and Instagram pages. We love the idea of creating a dedicated space for dads and may explore that in the future.
How do I access and utilize the Local Moms + More online community space?
It’s easy! You can join from your phone, tablet, or computer - whatever works best for you. Once you sign up, we’ll guide you through all the onboarding steps so you feel right at home. You can always access the Local Moms + More online hub at community.lakelandmom.com, or find the link anytime on our homepage at LakelandMom.com.
For the best experience on-the-go, download the Mighty Networks app. Just a heads up: we don’t currently support initial membership sign ups through the iOS app, so be sure to sign up on a web browser first - then you can log in on the app anytime.
Now Open for Founding Members 🎉
You’re about to be one of the very first inside.
This community is fresh out of the gate, and we’re inviting a small group of Founding Members to explore it, shape it, and help bring it to life. We’re in soft launch mode, and your presence and feedback are a big part of what comes next.
For a limited time, it’s completely free to join. No payment info required—just a chance to connect and be part of something new.
As a Founding Member, you’ll receive:
🟣 A special Founding Member badge on your profile
🟣 Early access to new features, groups, and meetups as they roll out
🟣 The opportunity to help shape the future of the community
Ready to jump in? Sign up below and come on inside - we can’t wait to welcome you!
