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An HVAC maintenance worker works on an outdoor A/C unit.
Weather
Protect your home (+ save money) with this HVAC program
Sponsored by
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 Grooms
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
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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 Grooms
An exterior render of the new Bank of Central Florida TBAY location.
Sponsored
💸 Doors officially open at Bank of Central Florida’s new location
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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
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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
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An exterior view of the Lakeland Amtrak train station
Travel and Outdoors
Pro tips for riding an Amtrak train from Lakeland
Get our best tips to navigating the Amtrak station, finding routes, and buying tickets.
May 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the Lakeland Fishing Outfitters Tackle Shop which was the original location of Red Lobster, viewed from the parking lot.
Business
How Red Lobster got its start in Lakeland
As the seafood chain announces plans to close restaurants nationwide, take a look back at how Red Lobster first started in Lakeland, FL.
May 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
New Publix store under construction at Lake Miriam Square, with wood framing, concrete walls, parked vehicles, and equipment.
Business
Lakeland’s ‘prototype’ Publix: What’s coming to Lake Miriam Square
See what’s planned for Publix’s newly rebuilt store that could give us a glimpse into the future of grocery shopping.
May 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the RP Funding Center, viewed from in front of rose bushes.
Experience
15+ upcoming concerts headed to Lakeland
AC/DC tribute? Check. Marshall Tucker Band? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
May 12, 2025
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Food
Get a taste of the sea at these Lakeland area restaurants
Whether you’re making dinner plans and craving lobster rolls or looking for your local fish market, check out this list of seafood eateries and distributors in and around Lakeland.
May 9, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Pastel storefront of "Bloom Shakalaka" and "East of These" with pink awning, green doors, and vibrant pink floral decor.
Sponsored
Pass the mic: 3 questions with Lakeland’s small business owners
We’re rounding out a week of small business features by asking owners what it’s like to live + work in Lakeland.
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Pole dance studio with wood floors, mirrored wall, neon signs, and chrome poles evenly spaced throughout.
Sponsored
Try this: 12 unique Lakeland small businesses worth experiencing
While we love our Lakeland small biz staples, think outside the box and check out these 12 small bizzes that are carving their own path.
Sponsored by
Shoppers browse fine art at an outdoor art festival. Each artist is set up in a small white tent with a domed top set up in the grass by a road.
Events
Headed to Mayfaire by-the-Lake? Save these pro tips.
From where to park to must-do activities, here are the top things you need to know if you’re planning to attend the Mayfaire by-the-Lake art festival.
May 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A service business worker wearing a Help(her) shirt and a yellow purse holds three white paper boxes wrapped with string.
Sponsored
Lakeland small service businesses to cover every part of life
These 25+ businesses are at your service with everything from beauty to events to professional development.
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A photographer takes a photo of a mother and child in front of a Mother's Day photo backdrop at Lakeside Village
Events
A Mother’s Day event for every type of mom in Lakeland
No matter what type of moms we have, they deserve to be celebrated this Mother’s Day. Check out these nine events and deals around Lakeland just for mother figures.
May 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson