Culture

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
Vinyl records categorized by genre at Jesse Carl Vinyl in Lakeland, FL
Business
Celebrate Record Store Day with Jesse Carl Vinyl
Owner Jessi Zilka shared how you can support this local shop during the international Record Store Day event.
April 9, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Colorful butterfly sculpture with activity icons outside a brick building on a grassy area with trees.
City
What’s the deal with Lakeland’s butterfly sculptures?
Flutter through the history of these iconic art pieces displayed around Lakeland.
April 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Muralist Samara Ash spray paints a large mural featuring the profile of a Florida panther on a wall using a lift.
Culture
Wild new mural to be unveiled at the RP Funding Center
The mural is a collaboration between the Lakeland CRA and the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation.
April 4, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
1. A person topping a blueberry shortcake with whipped cream, 2. Hands holding a bunch of blueberries, 3. A woman in a sun hat picking blueberries, 4. A young boy riding a camel in a grass field at a festival, 5. A tent with blueberry festival merchandise for sale.
Sponsored
Four weekends of fresh fun at the Blueberry Festival
Treats, fresh berries, and seasonal wine + cider releases have us feeling anything but blue.
Sponsored by
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Culture
Easter festivities happening around Lakeland in April
Make your month egg-cellent by taking in one of these Easter-themed events.
April 3, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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Experience
Where to plan your next brunch date in Lakeland
Don’t just pick a spot with pancakes and eggs — pick the spot that’s perfect for your gathering with this guide that includes menu recommendations, brunch categories, and beyond.
April 1, 2025
 · 
Staff
A hand holds a phone with a "Lucky Lakeland Treasure Hunt" app loaded in front of the Munn Park entryway and sign
Culture
Are those Lakeland scavenger hunts real? We found out
If you’ve seen a digital scavenger hunt listed online and wondered if it was worth the money, we took one for you to see if you should try one for yourself.
March 31, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
rotation of 5 images: 1. Giant oak tree enveloped by a colorful floral art installation, wrapped around the trunk. 2. A smiling child with her face painted like a butterfly. 3. A flowing floral arrangement of pink flowers and greenery. 4. A man singing on a mic. 5. A concrete statue in the gardens of Bonnet Springs Park.
Sponsored
🌷 Lakeland’s first annual flower festival blooms this April
Sponsored by
Fireworks explode in the night sky over several parked fighter jets at the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace expo.
Events
SUN ‘n FUN is flying back in to Lakeland
This annual festival celebrates all things aviation. Save this guide to admission, activities, and aviation fun.
March 28, 2025
 · 
Staff
LAL_mayfaire_by_the_lake_featured_artist_poster_MAR2025
Culture
Meet Mayfaire by-the-Lake’s swan-sational featured artist
The annual fine arts festival will take place around Lake Morton Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11, and this year’s featured artist is bringing Lakeland’s beloved bird to the forefront.
March 20, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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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
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City
Here’s what you need to have in your hurricane kit
It’s important to be prepared — here’s our list of hurricane season essentials.
August 11, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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City
Want to reach Lakeland locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
A sleek white motor yacht sails on calm green water under a partly cloudy blue sky. The boat features a wooden deck and modern design.
Travel and Outdoors
Rent a private boat in Lakeland
No boat? No problem. Rent one Airbnb-style and start enjoying our local waterways.
August 5, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A new lit sign for Southwest Middle School sits in front of its newly built, two-story administrative building. A US flag pole sits a few feet away from the sign.
City
Dates to know for PCPS’ 2025/2026 school year
Whether you have students at Polk County Public Schools or you’re just planning around school breaks, keep these dates in mind.
July 31, 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
Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog cover reading "Honor Bilt Modern Homes"
Real Estate
Do you own a Sears Modern Home in Lakeland?
Your home could have been built by a Lakelander of the past — and ordered from a catalog.
July 28, 2025
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Snow falls around a lit Christmas tree at Lakeside Village
Events
Celebrate the holidays early with these Christmas in July events
Pro tip: Leave the ugly sweater at home and opt for flip flops instead.
July 24, 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
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