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The front of a newly opened Publix, decorated with green and white balloon columns and silver "WELCOME" balloons for its grand opening.
Business
Lake Miriam Square Publix is now open
The rebuilt store includes 55,701 sqft of space for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Scroll through photos from opening day.
November 13, 2025 02:39 PM
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Hands clinking glasses over a table
Food
Everyone’s invited: Restaurants for large groups in Lakeland, FL
For those days when everyone needs to be at the table
March 15, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
BankofCentralFlorida_3.14.23_TBAY/LAL
Sponsored
What is an SBA loan?
Sponsored by
Kristina + Jeremy Mockabee, LoveLakeland’s recently-named May 2023 CityMakers.
Sponsored
Meet this month’s LoveLakeland CityMaker 👋
LoveLakeland’s CityMakers are Lakelanders who “go the extra mile for their city and their fellow person.”
Sponsored by
The Southside Cleaners sign reading "Stay Tuned"
Culture
Here’s your sign: The Southside Cleaners sign returns
Our readers share their ideas for the iconic sign’s next message.
February 28, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Business
No filter: See inside the new Unfiltered Lakeland
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the coffee shop and artisan marketplace before it opens.
February 22, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering of the Prospect Lake Wire mixed-use development
City
New development to break ground near Lake Wire
Atlanta-based real estate company Carter has acquired 22 acres of land on Lake Wire in West Downtown Lakeland for a new mixed-use development near the RP Funding Center.
February 9, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Catapult-3.0-Lakeland-interior-2
Development
Wait, what’s a special use permit? Understanding development terms in Lakeland, Florida
Become a development terminology expert faster than you can say “Special use permit for a mixed-use zone.”
January 30, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A blurry image of the Catapult Logo displayed on the wall with award ceremony guests in the foreground
City
The 4th Annual Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards
See who came out on top at this year’s award ceremony honoring Swan City entrepreneurs.
January 24, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Dr. Ed Garcia sits in an empty hangar and shares his experience banking with Bank of Central Florida.
Sponsored
How well does your bank know you?
Sponsored by
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City
Coworking space COhatch is coming to downtown Lakeland
Get an inside glimpse at downtown Lakeland’s newest coworking space.
January 6, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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More from LALtoday
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
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Sports
Bowl, dance, run, and volunteer at the Polk Senior Games
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
February 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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City
Local media matters — so does your support
When you choose to support LALtoday, you’re investing in more than just a daily newsletter — you’re investing in a stronger, more informed community.
February 19, 2025
 · 
Staff
An LALtoday city editor steps into a passenger plane wearing an LAL hat.
Culture
City Editor Amelia’s 12 favorite things in Lakeland
To celebrate her one-year anniversary at LALtoday, City Editor Amelia is sharing her 12 favorite things in Lakeland — from food to hidden gems.
February 18, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A large pink trumpet tree blooms across a yard and street in Lakeland.
Travel and Outdoors
Trumpet trees are blooming again in Lakeland
Learn where these brightly colored trumpet trees come from, when they blossom, and how to take care of one in your own backyard.
February 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of a luxurious Lakeland home. The outside is painted cream and brown with a brick-paved driveway. Palm trees and other native Florida plants surround the home.
Real Estate
Mansion Monday: Look inside Lakeland’s highest-priced homes
From a west Lakeland retreat to a south Lakeland entertainer’s paradise, take a step inside some of Swan City’s most luxurious listings.
February 14, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a paper cup that reads "Ethos Roasters" on the sleeve
Food
Answered: What coffee blend would Lakeland be?
Brew a cup and read up on your caffeine concepts for a coffee blend that represents Swan City.
February 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A line of cars in traffic where an I-4 widening project will soon begin. A grassy median sits between the east and westbound lanes.
Lakeland ranks No. 83 in traffic congestion for 2024
The Inrix Global Traffic Scorecard for 2024 analyzed and compared travel behavior across 900+ cities worldwide to determine the rankings.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL-lakeland-downtown-skyline
Culture
We asked ChatGPT to cook up a roast of Lakeland
Wait until you see what this AI chatbot whipped up for a good-natured roast of Swan City — covering everything from traffic to the culture and weather.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms