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 HVAC maintenance worker works on an outdoor A/C unit.
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A person holds up an iced coffee drink with a Dutch Bros logo, next to a blue drive-thru menu board.
Food
So close, but so far: Chains readers wish were in Lakeland
Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?
August 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The front entrance and hallway of a Sola Salons studio, with a wood-slat feature wall and a modern light fixture.
Business
Get a new look at Lakeside Village this summer
Change things up with a new outfit, facial, or hairstyle from these new businesses that recently opened in the open-air shopping center.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of Market Plaza in Lake Wales, with people walking on the brick and concrete paths surrounded by greenery.
City
Lake Wales is adding a social district — should Lakeland?
The city will be the first in Polk County to allow for open containers of alcohol to be enjoyed between businesses in its Arts, Culture and Entertainment District. Now, we want to know if Lakeland be next to add a social district.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
1. two hands hold up coffee cups in the air. 2. A close-up of a coffee cup that reads "lucky goat coffee"
Sponsored
Locally owned, locally roasted, and opening this fall
Sponsored by
A black-and-white photo of two people moving into Florida Southern College by a car with the trunk and passenger door open.
City
Lakeland college move-in dates to know
Whether you’re a student, a family member, or just a driver looking to avoid traffic, keep these college move-in dates in mind.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A colorful waterslide twists into a large resort pool at River Ranch’s water park, with umbrellas, palm trees, and blue skies.
Travel and Outdoors
Giddy up: Polk County’s newest water park is open
Head east to the newly opened River Country Water Park for fun in the sun at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo.
July 29, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Mural by Gillian Fazio featuring blooming water lilies and lily pads in a modern conference room with city views and chandeliers.
Culture
See inside Summit’s mural project featuring Lakeland artists
Get an exclusive look inside this downtown high-rise to see a collection of murals by seven Lakeland artists.
July 22, 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
Group photo at Summer Leadership Program graduation with participants holding certificates and a sign reading "1,000."
Business
LEDC celebrates 1,000 Summer Leadership Program graduates
Since 2008, young professionals have gotten to know the city through the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s program.
June 26, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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A three-panel graphic demonstrating how to navigate a multi-lane roundabout to go straight, turn left, or turn right.
City
How to navigate Lakeland’s first multi-lane roundabout
Buckle up — it’s time for a driving lesson before you try this new traffic pattern on Drane Field Road.
December 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A Christmas parade float is decorated with red and white glitter, realistic looking reindeer, and a sleigh. Santa and Mrs. Claus sit in the sleigh, waving to guests above and below the float.
Events
Our Lakeland Christmas Parade pro tips
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Check out what you can expect for the 44th annual parade, taking place Thursday, Dec. 4.
December 1, 2025
 · 
Staff
The Wish Farms stage at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds
Culture
The stage is set: Florida Strawberry Festival’s 2026 entertainers
See who will take the stage in Plant City when the festival returns in February 2026.
November 26, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The open door entrance of a small business, with a "SHOP SMALL" welcome mat and shelves of merchandise visible inside.
Business
Our Lakeland-based Small Business Saturday shopping picks
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
November 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial photo of a crowded fall street festival with white tents, vendors, and people walking in downtown Lakeland.
City
Look back on fall in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive autumn memories from years gone by.
November 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Swan City Improv's future building, a white and turquoise painted church with a gray roof and a spire against a clear blue sky.
Culture
Swan City Improv opening a comedy club in downtown Lakeland
The Comedy Cathedral is set to open by spring 2026 with entertainment, classes, and community events designed to keep Lakeland laughing.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A silhouetted runner on Lake Hollingsworth at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving runs around Lakeland
You won’t find an official Turkey Trot in Lakeland, but there are plenty of fun runs and nearby races to break a seasonal sweat.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The Terrace Grille's dining room has plush orange chairs, large windows, and two glasses of white wine on the table.
Food
Dine in or carry-out Thanksgiving dinner in Lakeland
Here’s a list of local restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
November 17, 2025
 · 
Victoria Bardega
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
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The front exterior of the Spanish Colonial-style Ludd Spivey House with a stucco facade, arched windows, and a terracotta tile roof.
Real Estate
Influential Lakelander’s home hits the market
Take a look inside the Ludd M. Spivey House, formerly home to Florida Southern College’s president who made a historic impact on the campus.
November 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson