LALtoday phone
Good news for Lakeland.
Get the best local news & events sent to your inbox each morning, for free.
Lakeland’s iconic bird mascot gets an annual visitor in the form of Canadian pelicans.
Check out winter and holiday events happening in and around Lakeland in this seasonal guide.
We dug through Florida’s archived photos and postcards to see how much Lakeland has changed since it was first founded in 1885 — you might be surprised.
Dining in Lakeland is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
This list of volunteer opportunities in Lakeland includes everything from packing food for children in need to fostering pets.
Eat and Drink
Eight local eateries where you can pick up Thanksgiving classics
From historic homes to a flourishing small business scene, there’s something for residents and visitors alike to explore in Dixieland.
Learn what it means to be sober curious, the current popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, and where you can enjoy a mocktail in Lakeland.
Grab a coffee and curl up with adoptable cats at Kitty Cat Lounge. It’s the second business of its kind to open in Lakeland.
Travel and Outdoors
Polk is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels — check out our favorites in and around Lakeland, Florida.
In need of a one-day getaway? We’re sharing our readers’ favorite things to do, see, and eat in towns within a quick drive of Swan City.
Get into the Halloween spirit with these terrifying tales from around Central Florida.
Bonnet Springs Park will host a Birthday Bash to celebrate its first year of operations. See what’s on the schedule and what milestones the park has achieved this year.
New to Lakeland
In this guide to schools in Lakeland, we’ll explain all the options, including charter schools, school choice, demographics, enrollment information, and more.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
Lakeland history is the gift that keeps on giving. Read on for key moments in Swan City history.
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
Real Estate
Did a noteworthy Lakelander once walk your halls? Learn more about the original owners of some of Lakeland’s historic homes, and send us your own home’s history if you know it.
You’ll never guess the history behind some of Lakeland’s most familiar façades.
Just like each dog breed has its own personality, each community in Lakeland shines with unique characteristics. Which breed sounds most like you?
City
The Detroit Tigers will continue spring training for the next 20+ years, and the City of Lakeland will help fund a new team facility. We break it down by the numbers.
We sat down with Ahmad to learn about his local roots, latest ventures, and what he would do to spark Lakeland’s arts scene.
See who voters chose for two Lakeland City Commission seats in this year’s election.
Take a look at some of our favorite stories we brought you in 2023 — and learn about how you can keep them coming by supporting LALtoday with the gift of your membership.

Our audience is vocal, social and looks to us as the authority on all things local. Let your brand be seen where it matters most.