Welcome to Local Moms + More - hosted by Lakeland Mom

You're not just looking for another online mom group.

You’re looking for a space that actually feels good to be in—where conversations are local, connection is real, and life feels just a little bit lighter.

Picture this: a group of local moms who feel like instant friends. Playdates, moms night out, or just sharing a laugh online during nap time—on your schedule, your way.

Even if you’ve already got your circle, this is your space to swap tips, get fresh ideas, and stay connected to a larger community—without the noise of social media.

We created Local Moms + More so women in Polk County can show up for each other—through every season, every schedule, every version of “mom life,” and all the other parts of life, too.

This is a space where conversations are organized by topic, stage, or interest—so whether you want to talk about parenting, personal growth, or just what’s bringing you joy this week, it all fits in here.

This is more than a group.

It’s a place to belong.

This community is for you if...

🩷 You’re new(ish) to the area and looking for your people
🩷 You want to be more connected in our community—or you’re always up for more friends
🩷 You crave convo that isn’t all diapers or dinner plans
🩷 You’re short on time but still want real connection
🩷 You love your friends but also want access to a larger community to swap tips, share recs, and feel inspired

In the Local Moms + More community you’ll:

⭐ Find Your People – Connect with moms nearby who get it—whether you’re up for a meetup or just chatting online during nap time
⭐ Feel Like You Again – Explore hobbies, chat about life beyond motherhood, and rediscover what lights you up
⭐ Swap Tips + Local Recs – Stay in the know on events, hidden gems, and mom-approved fun
⭐ Get Encouraged – From everyday questions to big life shifts, you’ll always find someone who’s been there
⭐ Enjoy Members-Only Perks – Insider guides, discounts, events, and more—just for our community

What Makes This Different

✅ Built for local moms in Polk County – Connect by neighborhood, life stage, and interests
✅ No social media required – Join from any device, anytime
✅ No algorithms. No random ads. – Just real conversations that matter
✅ No post approval needed – This trusted space runs on kindness, not moderation queues
✅ You’re in control – Customize your feed, join what fits, skip what doesn’t
✅ More than a feed – Dive into groups, events, and private chats that feel personal

What You Get

✔ Pick-Your-Own Groups – Join spaces for parenting stages, neighborhoods, hobbies, and more
✔ Local Events + Playdates – From park days to moms night out
✔ Exclusive LakelandMom.com Content – Be the first to know about what’s happening
✔ Optional Business Owner Hub – For local women entrepreneurs to connect and grow
✔ Always Growing – We’re building this together—with features shaped by what members want most

Ready to jump in? Scroll down to sign up and come on inside—we can’t wait to welcome you!

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.

Not living here yet but planning a move to Polk County? Come on in! We’ll help you feel connected even before move-in day.

Why is Local Moms + More a membership?

For nearly 10 years, Lakeland Mom has been a free resource for local families—funded by display ads and supported by website traffic. But advertising alone is no longer a sustainable path forward—and frankly, it’s not the kind of future we want to build.

Now, we’re excited to offer something more: a membership space with no pop-up ads and no algorithms getting in the way.

Your investment in an affordable monthly membership (less than 20 cents a day for Founding Members!) helps support the technology, time, and small-but-mighty team behind the scenes—so we can build something sustainable, intentional, and truly community-focused. More importantly, it lets us focus on what matters most: helping you find community and make the most of life in Lakeland and Polk County.

Together, we’re building something built to last.

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 be the first to explore it, shape it, and help bring it to life.

Everything’s been thoughtfully designed—but we’re still in soft launch mode. That means we’d love your help testing things out, spotting any glitches, and sharing feedback as we make sure everything’s running smoothly.

Prefer to wait for our full launch? Sign Up Here and we’ll let you know when the full experience goes live.

But if you’re curious about joining, now is the best time. As a Founding Member, you’ll receive:
🟣 A special Founding Member badge on your profile
🟣 Access to limited-time early pricing—our lowest rate ever, available only during launch

This pricing won’t last forever, but it’s our way of saying thanks for showing up early and believing in the vision.

Ready to jump in? Sign up below and come on inside—we can’t wait to welcome you!