Business

A map showing the outlined area of the Downtown West development area.
City
Lakeland City Commission adopts Downtown West Action Plan
Here’s what Lakelanders need to know about the upcoming developments for the Downtown West area.
April 16, 2024 03:26 PM
 · 
Amelia Herring
A large dog on a leash sits on a bench near Lake Mirror in Lakeland, FL
Culture
Pamper your pet at these Lakeland spots
We’re paws-itive you’ll find a new park, pet supply store, or groomer to take care of your four-legged friends.
April 15, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
SM-EarthDay-SecondaryStory-V1a.png
Retail
Celebrate Earth Day with local makers
April 15, 2024
Vinyl records categorized by genre at Jesse Carl Vinyl in Lakeland, FL
Business
Celebrate Record Store Day with Jesse Carl Vinyl
Owner Jessi Zilka shared how you can support this local shop during the international Record Store Day event.
April 15, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An imagine of a hand holding a phone that says "self service ad portal"
Business
We’re already writing about Lakeland — why not you, too?
April 12, 2024
 · 
Staff
A group of teenagers stands outside of the Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine building.
Business
Camp Fire Sunshine: Igniting the spark within Lakeland’s youth
This United Way partner agency has been shaping Lakeland’s youth through engaging programming + community service for more than a century.
April 8, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A student employee of Morning Grind hands a coffee cup to a customer across the coffee cart.
Business
Grab a cup from Morning Grind, Florida Southern College’s student-run coffee cart
See how students are learning about entrepreneurship with this experiential learning lab.
April 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three small funnel cakes topped with chocolate, caramel, and powdered sugar sit on a paper plate on top of a wood picnic table.
Food
It’s all in the family at Funnel Feasts
Dominik Rahmani is following in his parents’ footsteps to bring delicious food truck bites to Lakeland. Learn more about what inspired him to open Funnel Feasts.
April 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
publix
Culture
Lakeland’s oldest businesses
From apparel to food, Swan City has multiple family-owned businesses that have been around for half a century — or more.
April 4, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
Lakeland entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses pitch their big ideas at Catapult's Launch Pitch Night for the chance to win up to $10,000 in funding.
Business
Meet the finalists for Launch Pitch Night at Catapult
These five entrepreneurs pitched their businesses for the chance to secure up to $10,000 in micro-grant funding.
April 1, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
a group of volunteers wearing Publix Serves shirts working outside
Sponsored
6 (huge) ways Publix impacts our community
See the organizations, programs, and causes Publix supports to create big change in Lakeland and beyond.
Sponsored by
An airplane flies in the sky. It is white and purple with Avelo printed across it.
City
Avelo announces first route from Lakeland Linder International Airport
The announcement Lakelanders have been waiting for has finally come.
March 27, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
LAL_coffee_shop_bracket_stock_photo_Feb_2024
Food
Vote in LALtoday’s coffee shop bracket
We want to know: Where is the best coffee shop in Lakeland? Vote for your favorite to help determine a champion.
March 26, 2024
 · 
Staff
A gloved veterinarian holds a radar-shaped device up to a dog's face.
Sponsored
Inside Lakeland’s newest veterinary hospital
New Life Veterinary Hospital is expanding its loving pet care to a second location.
Sponsored by
Ducks and birds on grass in foreground with Lake Mirror and Lakeland skyline
New to Lakeland
What’s new and coming soon to Lakeland
As Lakeland continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.
March 20, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Two people in suit jackets stand in a hallway, smiling as they flip through a children's book.
Sponsored
A lifetime of making an impact in education
Sponsored by
Shoppers at vendor tents set up on downtown street
Business
Become a vendor at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Want to set up shop at the farmers curb market? Read these tips before submitting your application.
March 18, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A graphic showing four different locations around Lakeland is shown: the City Hall sign, the Polk Theatre marquee, a building at Southeastern University, and the sign at Munn Park.
Real Estate
How well do you know these Lakeland locations?
Wanna play a game? Test your knowledge of how well you know Lakeland locations by the address alone.
March 15, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Four white plates sit on a brown wooden table. Two contain two slices of French toast while the other two contain scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage links.
Culture
Answered: Your picks for Lakeland’s hidden gems
From food and drink to retail and attractions — we asked you for what hidden gems make Lakeland the best and you delivered.
March 15, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Reececliff diner at night
Food
Celebrating Pi Day with Lakeland’s longest-running restaurant
When visiting Reececliff Diner, you simply can’t forget the pie.
March 13, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Screen Shot 2020-05-26 at 3.05.03 PM
Food
20+ great brunch restaurants to try in Lakeland
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Lakeland, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
March 8, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
LAL_Peach_Cobbler_Factory_March_2024
Food
Peach Cobbler Factory in Lakeland is now open
Here’s what you need to know about Lakeland’s newest spot for sweets.
March 1, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
The exterior of the Publix Super Market location at Lake Miriam Square, including the facade, sign, and a green awning over the entrance.
Business
Lake Miriam Publix will be razed this summer ahead of a remodel
Here’s what to expect — from the demolition and rebuild to where to shop in the meantime.
February 29, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
rotating images of scenes from the lakeside second sunday market including a view of the market, a vendor holding a plate, and plants on a table
Sponsored
Try This: Stroll-shopping + supporting local at Lakeside Second Sunday Market
We visited Lakeside Village’s monthly Lakeside Second Sunday Market — and experienced a world of discoveries while strolling the 80+ local vendors.
Sponsored by
A gloved veterinarian holds a radar-shaped device up to a dog's face.
Sponsored
Inside Lakeland’s newest veterinary hospital
New Life Veterinary Hospital is expanding its loving pet care to a second location.
Sponsored by
maas brothers
Business
Which closed Lakeland business would you bring back?
From retailers to restaurants, you told us which businesses you think deserve a second chance.
February 26, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
marble arcade
City
What’s that Lakeland landmark named after?
We’ve all wondered about the names behind some of our local parks and places of interest. Pull back the curtain on the history behind their monikers.
February 23, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The front of The Lakeland Country Club building: a white stucco building with red Spanish-style roofing and two palm trees in front.
Sponsored
A century of legacy: Lakeland Country Club celebrates 100 years
The longest-standing private club in Lakeland celebrates its centennial year in 2024.
Sponsored by
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City
Here’s how to join Lakeland boards and committees
Create the city you want to live in by applying to serve in these volunteer roles.
February 16, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
a close up shot of a basket of strawberries
Sponsored
Farm to Shelf: It’s a berry good time to get locally grown strawberries
Head to your local Publix to pick up some local strawbs — and see how to score discount tickets to the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Sponsored by
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
Lakeland rises in the Milken Institute’s Best-Performing Cities index
The list of best-performing cities considers the economy, resiliency, and growth of 400+ cities. See where Lakeland ranked.
February 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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