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Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lakeland
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
October 30, 2025 02:37 PM
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Staff
Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
Culture
Where we would take local celebrities around Lakeland
Before they made it big, many local celebrities called Lakeland home. If we were their hometown tour guides, this is where we’d bring them.
March 17, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
A collage of four photos showing a mural with painted oranges and blue flowers, two boxes with pizza slices and garlic knots, a plate of sushi, and an iced latte topped with sprinkles
Culture
These bracket winners are the best of Lakeland
Readers have chosen their top mural, pizza, sushi, and coffee over the years — did your favorite win?
March 7, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
A swan statue with a blue and yellow swirl design
Culture
Swansation: The story of Lakeland’s swan statues
Learn the history behind the iconic swan statues found around Lakeland.
February 19, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
A couple leans in for a kiss outside Mitchell's Coffee House
Experience
Where to meet someone new in Lakeland
Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind romance or a fresh friendship, our readers share where they would go to meet someone new in Swan City.
February 13, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
LAL-lake-mirror-picnic-date-FEB2020
Experience
Date night ideas for every type of Lakelander
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in Swan City.
February 6, 2025
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Brianna Williams
A large mural with two swans, their reflections, plants, and the name "Lakeland"
Culture
Our readers’ 2025 predictions for Lakeland
Look into your crystal ball — what do you think will happen in Lakeland this year?
January 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the AGB Museum of Art's new expansion wing, which features high glass walls and a stone facade
Business
8 additions you can’t miss at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
The AGB will reveal its new expansion to the public on Jan. 18. Here’s what Museum Director Dr. Alexander Rich says you can’t miss — plus a few editors’ picks.
January 14, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
Member at Sewing Station copy
Culture
Hobby Town, USA: Where to try these 5 creative hobbies in Lakeland
Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or simply want to try something new, here’s where you can engage in creative hobbies in and around Swan City.
January 13, 2025
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Amelia Grooms
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Real Estate
5 developments we’re anticipating in 2025
From retail to entertainment, there’s always something new popping up around Lakeland. Get ready for these new developments we have our eye on this year.
January 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A portrait of singer Renée Fleming in front of a velvet gold background wearing a gold fur coat.
Sponsored
🧠 This is your brain on music
Explore the brain’s connection to music and the impact of the arts on humanity through two unique events with world-renowned singer Renée Fleming.
Sponsored by
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More from LALtoday
A decorative wooden frame covered with a variety of orange, white, and gray pumpkins, with a sign reading "FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE."
Culture
Fall fun around Lakeland: Corn mazes, pumpkin patches + haunted houses
Ring in the season with a trip to one of these fall-exclusive spots for the whole family.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A statue of the headless horseman on a black horse in front of the entrance to a "Legends of Halloween" haunted hayride.
Events
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail returns to Plant City
Halloween lovers and scaredy-cats alike will find something to enjoy at this popular Plant City attraction.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The one-story warehouse-style building with a white exterior, multiple large garage doors, and a parking lot that will be Baseline pickleball
Business
Baseline pickleball + dining concept coming to Lakeland’s East Main District
Hit the courts and grab a bite at this development, helmed by local entrepreneurs and pickleball fanatics.
September 22, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland viewed from across Lake Mirror. Clouds in the sky cast shadows over the lake and the mix of high and medium-rise buildings, including the Lakeland Electric building.
City
By the numbers: Lakeland’s 2026 fiscal year budget
The City of Lakeland has finalized its 2026 budget before the next fiscal year begins — let’s take a look at the $815 million bottom line.
September 22, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
What we “unfortunately do love” in Lakeland
From guilty pleasures to unexpected favorites, the “unfortunately do love” social media trend is taking over the internet — and we want your input.
September 18, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
Two pumpkin spice lattes in mugs on table with a pumpkin muffin
Food
Where to find all things pumpkin spice in Lakeland
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, there’s a pumpkin spice or fall-flavored treat for everyone in Lakeland to enjoy this fall.
September 16, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
An aerial satellite image above Lakeland. Green land and lakes surround the city, which is labeled with a blue arrow. There are blue lines heading in each direction — north, east, south, and west_ stretching out beyond the edges of the map.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Lakeland’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of LAL, cities across the world await.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
An aerial view of the Eaglebrooke Golf Course in Lakeland, FL. There is a green in the foreground and sand traps, water hazards, and trees in the background.
Experience
Tee it up at these Lakeland golf courses
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 13 golf courses in Lakeland are sure to make for a good round.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Cat George
Four runners sprint quickly on a track as a spectator watches from behind a fence. The runners are wearing athletic gear and competitor number bibs.
City
3 interesting facts from the Polk County Community Health Assessment
Polk Vision published the assessment in June 2025 after 18 months of data collection.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright, sunny photo of the Subs 'n Such restaurant sign, a local business with an old-fashioned feel.
Food
Dine on history at Lakeland’s oldest restaurants
Take a bite of Lakeland’s past at these restaurants that have stood the test of time.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson