Business

A red mocktail topped with fruit and a paper umbrella
Food
Where you can find buzz-free beverages, or mocktails, in Lakeland
Shaken or stirred? Either one works, as long as it’s zero-proof. Check out this list of alcohol-free cocktails — mocktails — in Swan City.
January 14, 2026 11:39 AM
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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 Grooms
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
Posters showing illustrations of Avelo's new destinations sit on easels.
Travel and Outdoors
See Avelo Airlines’ 7 new destinations from Lakeland coming this fall
You can soon hop a flight from LAL to major cities in the south, New England, and even abroad.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A black and white image of the inside of a mall featuring a store with the words "Jean Nicole" in cursive above the store's entrance. Four people walk in different directions on the right side of the hallway. A set of plants is in the center of the hallway outside of the store.
Culture
Dead malls: You could shop... until they dropped
Once booming, now barren. Let’s take a peek at malls of Lakeland’s past — plus hope for the future.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
An exterior view of Mitchell's Coffee Shop in Lakeland, FL
Business
The 25-year history of Lakeland’s oldest coffee shop
Mitchell’s Coffee Shop has been serving up coffee and gourmet food since 1998. See what inspired the coffee shop’s founder to open the first shop of its kind in Lakeland 25 years ago.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The interior of Black Swan tattoo shop is shown, featuring a reception desk, couches, and a gallery of art on the walls.
Culture
Get inked at these Lakeland tattoo shops
No matter what style of tattoo you prefer, check out one of these Swan City artists next time you’re looking to add some new ink.
July 15, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
An outdoor gazebo over lounge furniture, an outdoor dining set, and two outdoor lounge chairs.
Sponsored
It’s time — save up to 80% on all things home
Enjoy the lowest prices of the season on thousands of items like patio furniture, grills, and more during this limited-time summer sale.
Sponsored by
A rough drawing of a cat teaching a child to work on a small robot.
Sponsored
⚙️ Dive into robotics with this new all-ages STEM boot camp
The recently launched Robotic Academy wants to help Lakelanders understand the core principles of programming + kinematics.
Sponsored by
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More from LALtoday
Four-panel collage with two basketball players, a black-and-white portrait of a man, and a singer performing with a microphone.
Culture
Meet Polk County’s four most notable celebrities
A new online tool shows the most notable celebrity from each birthplace on earth — these are the four highest-ranking stars from Polk County.
July 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Burger Week special with arugula, crispy onions, and melted cheese on a glossy bun, served in a copper basket under moody lighting.
Food
Chow down during Polk County Burger Week
Check out the list of participating eateries to find a Burger Week deal near you July 18-27.
July 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Tall trees sprout out of the dry Florida landscape.
Experience
Hiking guide for Lakeland
Check out these 13 hiking trails catered to all skill levels in and around Lakeland, Florida for outdoor adventures.
July 16, 2025
 · 
Staff
A laptop showing the Visit Central Florida tourism ambassador site sits open on a wooden table next to a coffee cup and phone
Travel and Outdoors
Keep tourism thriving through Visit Central Florida’s CATS program
Tourism is one of Polk County’s top three industries, and you can help Visit Central Florida keep it growing through the Certified Ambassadors of Tourism and Sports program.
July 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An artist's drawing showing a revitalized street corner with a Memorial Square sign, mixed-use buildings, and a lively courtyard
City
Lakeland officials approve major plans for Midtown
Before a planned redevelopment of Memorial Boulevard, Lakeland officials have approved a strategic plan and a nearby affordable housing development.
July 10, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Cobb Theater in Lakeland, FL, glowing with neon lights at dusk, featuring an IMAX sign and a vibrant, colorful entrance.
Events
Summer meets the big screen with these Lakeland movie series
Skip the sunscreen and slide into a movie screening instead.
July 8, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Hand holds iced coffee at Foxtail Coffee Co., showing a swan mural, wood seating, coffee counter, and outdoor metal tables.
Food
Peek inside Foxtail Coffee Co.'s first Lakeland location
Pull up a seat and pour up a cup when Foxtail Coffee opens at the Shops at Lake Wire soon.
July 7, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds a bowl with six scoops of ice cream and three waffle cone cookies.
Food
Grab an Instagram-worthy ice cream from these shops near Lakeland
I scream, you scream, we all scream for — you get the point. Check out this list to find your perfect scoop, sandwich, sundae, or snowball.
July 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Red, white, and green fireworks explode over the reflective Lake Mirror as a crowd watches under a streetlight
Events
Red, White & Kaboom returns: What you need to know
Fireworks, food trucks, live music, and more — here’s everything you need to know about this annual fireworks display on Lake Mirror.
June 30, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Florida Polytechnic University Phoenix Racing's solar-powered car drives down a palm-lined road under a blue sky with clouds.
City
Phoenix Racing gears up for the Formula Sun Grand Prix
Florida Polytechnic University’s team built a solar-powered car from scratch — now, they’re competing for a national championship for their second year.
June 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson