863 Photo Booth + Palace Pizza: A Perfect Slice of Lakeland Life
At 863 Photo Booth, we're not just in the business of pictures — we’re in the business of people. We live, work, and play right here in Lakeland, Florida, and one of our favorite ways to stay connected is by stepping out and enjoying the community events that make this city special.
This past Saturday, my wife Margie and I took a trip to the Downtown Lakeland Farmers Curb Market — a vibrant, weekly tradition full of flavor, fun, and friendly faces. Our afternoon stroll through the market wasn’t just relaxing — it was inspiring. From the smell of fresh roasted coffee to the colorful displays of handmade goods, Lakeland shows off its charm in full force every weekend.
And after soaking it all in, we made our way over to Palace Pizza — a true Lakeland favorite. What happened next reminded us why we love this city, and why 863 Photo Booth is proud to be part of its energy.
Downtown Lakeland Farmers Market: The Pulse of Polk County
If you haven’t been to the market on a Saturday morning, add it to your calendar now. It’s not just a place to buy produce — it’s a local tradition. Fresh flowers, homemade bread, artisan soap, handcrafted jewelry, gourmet snacks, and more all line the streets near Kentucky Avenue in the heart of downtown Lakeland.
For small businesses like ours, it’s more than just a fun outing. It’s a chance to meet event planners, local vendors, and everyday Lakelanders who might be looking for a photo booth for their next celebration. These casual, friendly connections are what truly power the event vendor scene in Central Florida.
Whether you're planning a Lakeland wedding, birthday party, or a community block party, this is where ideas spark and relationships grow.
Lunch Break? Time for Palace Pizza in Downtown Lakeland
Once our arms were full of goodies and our legs were ready for a break, we followed our noses straight to Palace Pizza, located just across from Munn Park at 114 South Kentucky Avenue. This place is a must if you’re visiting or living in Lakeland.
We’ve been fans of Palace Pizza for years — not just for the food (which is fantastic), but for the vibe. It’s relaxed, inviting, and always buzzing with happy customers. This time, we had the chance to meet Gina Saum, the General Manager and Event Coordinator.
Let me tell you — Gina is a gem. She took the time to chat with us about all things community, events, and even possible collaborations. It wasn’t just small talk — it was the kind of conversation that leaves you feeling energized and excited about what’s possible in Lakeland’s growing event scene.
Why We Love Palace Pizza
Palace Pizza isn’t just a great place to eat — it’s a downtown Lakeland institution. Since opening its doors in the early 2000s, Palace Pizza has become a beloved fixture in the community, serving up authentic New York-style pizza in a family-friendly setting that’s just steps away from Munn Park. What started as a small neighborhood pizzeria has grown into one of the most recognizable local eateries in Polk County, thanks to its commitment to quality, consistency, and hospitality.
When you walk into Palace Pizza, you’re hit with the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked dough, melted mozzarella, and simmering marinara — a sensory experience that immediately lets you know you’re in the right place. Their menu offers everything from massive foldable slices of classic cheese pizza to more adventurous specialty pies, hearty baked pastas, crisp salads, and desserts like cannoli and tiramisu. Every dish is made with care, using recipes rooted in Italian tradition and ingredients that speak to their high standards. But what really sets Palace apart is the way they’ve maintained their identity as a family-run business while growing into a staple of downtown life. It’s the kind of place where the staff knows your name, where kids grow up grabbing slices after soccer practice, and where locals bring out-of-town guests to show them a taste of the “real Lakeland.”
Event Planning in Lakeland? Meet Your New Dream Team
What started as a casual meal turned into an exciting brainstorm. With Gina’s event coordination experience and our photo booth rentals available for weddings, school events, holiday parties, and business openings, we saw so much potential for future collaboration.
Imagine a First Friday celebration in Downtown Lakeland with Palace Pizza serving up slices and 863 Photo Booth snapping memories all night long. Or how about a pizza-themed birthday party complete with fun props, customizable backdrops, and printed photos your guests can take home?
This is exactly what 863 Photo Booth was built for — bringing events to life in a fun, memorable way.
Catering, Delivery & Community Spirit — All in One Place
If you’re planning an event or party, Gina and the Palace Pizza team offer catering and delivery throughout Lakeland. So whether it’s a graduation celebration or a company lunch, they’ve got your menu covered with something everyone will enjoy.
Palace Pizza Downtown
Phone: (863) 686-0045
114 South Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801
Website:
palacepizzadowntown.com
Email:
gina.saum@gmail.com
Follow them on social media for updates on specials and community events.
Let’s Make Your Event the Talk of Lakeland
At 863 Photo Booth, we love being part of celebrations that matter. From weddings to school dances, from family reunions to corporate mixers — we’re here to bring joy, laughs, and unforgettable photos.
- We serve Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Bartow, Plant City, and the entire Polk County area.
- We offer a variety of customizable photo booth options.
- We’re available for weekend and weekday events.
- We come to you — set up, tear down, and support included.
Visit our website to check availability and learn more:
Or go straight to our photo booth packages:
https://863photobooth.com/services
Let’s bring your event to life, one smile at a time.
Final Thoughts
Our Saturday trip to the Downtown Lakeland Farmers Market and Palace Pizza reminded us why we started 863 Photo Booth in the first place — to build connections, celebrate life, and support the community we love.
Special thanks to Gina for her warm hospitality and excitement about working together. And to the people of Lakeland — thanks for always showing up with heart, hunger, and hometown pride.
We’ll see you at the next slice — or the next photo booth.
