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Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lakeland
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
November 06, 2025 01:28 PM
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Staff
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
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
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Amelia Grooms
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
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Connor Jacobson
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
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Amelia Grooms
A historic home with striped awnings and a gable roof
Real Estate
What makes a Lakeland home historic?
There are both benefits and strict guidelines for homes in Lakeland’s seven historic districts. Does your home make the cut?
February 7, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
Four white pelicans sit on a low brick wall on a lake
City
What’s the deal with the white pelicans?
Lakeland’s iconic bird mascot gets an annual visitor in the form of Canadian pelicans.
February 7, 2025
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Katelyn Lewis
Two women smile and hold up a Michelob Ultra bottle and a Wilson football.
Sports
Where to watch sports in Lakeland
This is where you’ll find our readers grabbing a bite and catching a game.
February 6, 2025
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Staff
The exterior of a home is shown in the background, with a sign reading "Beacon Hill Historic District" in the foreground.
Real Estate
Hot homes: Own a piece of Lakeland history
This home in the Beacon Hill Historic District has a story that spans over a century — in fact, it’s almost as old as the City of Lakeland itself.
February 4, 2025
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Amelia Grooms
A long-exposure shot of fair rides lit up at night
Events
Park, ride, and eat at the Florida State Fair
Our guide to the 2025 Florida State Fair wouldn’t be complete without your suggestions.
January 31, 2025
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Rilee Delgado
The introduction to the exhibit "From the Groves: Lakeland's Citrus Story"
City
From the Groves: Lakeland History & Culture Center’s new citrus exhibit
Take a peek inside this newly refreshed, citrus-themed exhibit that’s now open daily inside the Lakeland Public Library.
January 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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More from LALtoday
The sun setting over a baseball field.
Sports
“Strike Out Hunger” at a Lakeland Flying Tigers game
The Mosaic Company has partnered with the Flying Tigers to help end hunger this season. Here’s how you can watch the initiative in action.
May 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large dog on a leash sits on a bench near Lake Mirror in Lakeland, FL
Experience
Pamper your pet at these Lakeland spots
We’re paws-itive you’ll find a new park, pet supply store, or groomer to take care of your four-legged friends.
May 23, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A decorative sign over the Munn Park entrance with treetops and the sunshine in the background
Travel and Outdoors
Summer 2025 weather forecast for Lakeland
Prepare for summer weather in Swan City with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
May 22, 2025
 · 
Staff
Curved black benches surround a memorial with a rose inlaid on stone, honoring law enforcement at Veteran's Memorial Park.
City
Explore Veterans Memorial Park in Lakeland
Find a quiet place for reflection at Veterans Memorial Park, a serene green space near downtown Lakeland on the shores of Lake Beulah.
May 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A stack of books is shown on a table in Lakeland Public Library with windows looking out at Lake Morton.
Culture
Ready, set, read — kick off summer with these reading programs
Who says summer reading is only for the kids? Check out these opportunities for every age around Lakeland.
May 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A vintage postcard with an illustration of Downtown Lakeland and Lake Mirror from an aerial view
City
Test your Swan City history smarts with this quiz
Take the interactive quiz to see how much you remember about Lakeland’s geography, and learn about three of our favorite transformations from over the years.
May 20, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Signage marking the Lake-to-Lake Bikeway and bike lane
Travel and Outdoors
Ride the Lake-to-Lake Bikeway across Lakeland
See Lakeland from a new perspective — on two wheels.
May 20, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Small kitchen with white cabinets, electric stove, microwave, and beige tile floor and countertops.
Real Estate
Put your own spin on these Lakeland fixer-upper homes
Grab your tool belt — these five homes are primed and ready for you to unleash your creativity and put your vision into action.
May 19, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A timelapse photo of the exterior of the Polk Theater at night. The marquee sign is lit with blinking lights, and car lights streak by the front door.
Food
Enjoy dinner and a show around Lakeland this week
Let us plan your nightly entertainment with movies, live music, and stage shows, plus the perfect places to grab a bite.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The brick and iron entrance to Munn Park frames a group of people walking beneath a tree with a bright pink trunk.
New to Lakeland
Head outside with a guide to Lakeland’s parks
We’re highlighting the top parks that Lakeland has to offer — complete with splash pads, playgrounds, WiFi, walking trails, and even a few dog-friendly spots.
May 16, 2025
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Staff