Support Us Button Widget

Business

A render of the new Bank of Central Florida location.
Business
New location marks 6 (and counting) for Bank of Central Florida
The doors are officially open at Bank of Central Florida’s state-of-the-art South TBAY location.
Sponsored by
LAL-lakeland-downtown-skyline
City
Answering the most common questions about Lakeland life
Learn who’s in charge of city decisions, how to grow your business, and how to get involved.
September 4, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of a white and black building on North Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland. A sign reads "The Yard on Mass."
Real Estate
What should come next to the former Yard on Mass space?
The City of Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency is on the hunt for the next tenant to take over the space on North Massachusetts Avenue.
August 30, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
The exterior of a coffee shop is shown. In the foreground, a cup is holding an iced latte.
Business
Drink coffee + support foster care at ECHO Coffee House in Winter Haven
Learn how this coffee shop is helping a Lakeland-based nonprofit in its mission to support children in foster care.
August 28, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
The exterior of the former Sears store entrance. The Sears logo is faded into the building, and a "For Lease" sign is up.
Real Estate
What do you want to see in the former Sears building?
After plans for apartments fell to the back burner, owners are on the hunt for businesses interested in leasing the space.
August 23, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The interior of a Foxtail Coffee shop.
Food
It’s time to get hungry: Check out your new favorite Lakeland restaurants
Dining in Lakeland is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
August 22, 2024
 · 
Staff
i-rMncH9K-X2
City
Breaking down Lakeland’s 2024 Demographic Guide, by the numbers
Learn about the city’s demographic guide + why it’s a valuable resource for Lakelanders.
August 22, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
An exterior render of the new Bank of Central Florida TBAY location.
Sponsored
💸 Doors officially open at Bank of Central Florida’s new location
Sponsored by
A Buc-ee's store facade with cars in front and a blue sky behind it.
Development
Should Buc-ees build in Polk County?
Based on research out of Polk State College, Polk County could be the perfect spot for the fan-favorite gas station franchise — but do our readers agree?
August 16, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A winding road in Lakeland on a sunny day.
Sponsored
Ask an expert: Should young drivers get separate insurance policies?
We’re tackling the age-old question of whether the youngest roadsters in the family should start on their own policy.
Sponsored by
Three people stand in front of a boat on dry land, two are shaking hands.
Sponsored
Riding waves of growth with Bank of Central Florida
Sponsored by
Load More
Good news for Lakeland.
Get the best local news & events sent to your inbox each morning, for free.
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from LALtoday
Sunrise at Gandy Pool in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
Remembering Lakeland’s hottest day on record
Lakeland’s hottest day on record was June 4, 1985 when Swan City hit 105°.
September 3, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
The exterior entrance of S&L Restaurant in Lakeland. Signs painted on the building read, "Warning! Our burgers are habit forming!"
Food
Eat down the street: Combee Road restaurants
Discover a hidden gem or try a local favorite restaurant for the first time in this series.
August 29, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A sandwich, salad, and iced drink from Black and Brew
Experience
Dinner and a view: Where to dine outdoors in Lakeland
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Lakeland’s many beautiful patios.
August 28, 2024
 · 
London Gibson
A concert taking place at Bonnet Springs Park, seen from the rooftop bar
Culture
Lakelanders share their “random acts of kindness” stories
We already knew that Lakeland was one of the best places to live, but these stories just prove it even more.
August 28, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
LAL-downtown-winter-haven-ritz-theater
Travel and Outdoors
Take a quick trip to these cities near Lakeland
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.
August 28, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Culture
6 random acts of kindness to brighten up Lakeland’s community
Put a smile on your neighbor’s face with these random acts of kindness.
August 26, 2024
 · 
Kristen Templeton
An interior shot of a wedding in Haus820
Culture
Rentable venues in Lakeland
Check out this list of local spots to host your next party, reunion, or reception.
August 26, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
An aerial shot of Southeastern University's football field and stands. SEU is painted in the center of the field, and the Fire logo is in the endzones.
Sports
Go, fight, win: A rookie’s guide to supporting Lakeland sports teams
Supporting a student athlete in your family or just taking yourself out to the ballgame? We’ll tell you what to wear and who to cheer for.
August 21, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of one of Prospect Lake Wire's four-story apartment buildings
Real Estate
Look inside Prospect Lake Wire, Lakeland’s newest mixed-use development opening this fall
Learn how the luxury apartments and retail space at Prospect Lake Wire will factor into the city’s Downtown West Action Plan.
August 21, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-plant-city-farm-and-flea-market-2019
Food
Where to get seasonal produce in Lakeland
Learn what produce is currently in season in Lakeland, along with recommendations for local farms to shop from.
August 20, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring