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Culture

A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
What we “unfortunately do love” in Lakeland
From guilty pleasures to unexpected favorites, the “unfortunately do love” social media trend is taking over the internet — and we want your input.
September 18, 2025 02:29 PM
 · 
Maria Adnado
A Christmas mug with a lit Christmas tree in the background
Culture
Fill in the blanks to create a Lakeland-inspired holiday film
If your holiday season isn’t complete without a cheesy Hallmark movie, then this activity is for you.
December 6, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A Christmas ornament with two swans forming a pink heart shape
Culture
Trim the tree with these Lakeland-themed ornaments
Decking the halls has never been easier — or more swan-filled.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A string of Christmas lights with a large lit display in the background
New to Lakeland
Winter events happening in and around Lakeland
Check out winter and holiday events happening in and around Lakeland in this seasonal guide.
December 4, 2024
 · 
Staff
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 annual parade taking place Thursday, Dec. 5.
December 3, 2024
 · 
Staff
Renders of the newly renovated AGB Museum entrance.
Sponsored
🖼️ Exploring AGB’s 2025 Expansion
Sponsored by
Photos of a vibrant, floral-themed mural on a large navy blue wall, with the word "BLOOM" on it.
Sponsored
🌸 New mural alert
Sponsored by
A photo of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, except a swan from Lakeland is the centerpiece of the Tom Turkey float.
Culture
Our Lakeland take on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
We’re re-imagining this annual parade to be entirely themed after the Swan City.
November 22, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Two impressionist paintings of winter landscapes.
Sponsored
🖼️ 5 free art exhibits to explore this winter
Sponsored by
Screen Shot 2019-09-24 at 3.01.57 PM
City
How walkable are Lakeland’s neighborhoods?
This interactive map can help you determine how walkable certain blocks are to destinations like supermarkets, parks, restaurants, and schools.
November 21, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
A man in a cowboy costume stands on the set of a Western film
Sponsored
See the Silver Moon on the small screen in “Greater Lakeland”
Learn what makes movies here so special on the next episode of WEDU PBS’ “Greater Lakeland” series.
Sponsored by
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A photo of West Pipkin Road closed with barricades and cones due to construction.
City
What Lakelanders should know about the West Pipkin widening project
We’re breaking down the who, what, when, and why behind this major road construction project in southwest Lakeland.
April 11, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
flower fridge at Bloom Shakalaka flower shop in Lakeland, FL
Culture
Lakeland plant shops and florists to brighten up your day
Find floral arrangements, Florida natives, and houseplants at these local shops.
April 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Entrance to IFF Citrus Innovation Center with colorful signage, citrus displays, and ribbon for grand opening under a sunny sky.
Business
IFF’s Citrus Innovation Center now open at Florida Polytechnic University
Find out what’s inside this high-tech facility that’s bringing Lakeland’s years of experience with citrus to the forefront of the flavor + fragrance industry.
April 10, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large pink trumpet tree blooms across a yard and street in Lakeland.
Culture
How to spend a spring day like “The Golden Girls” in Lakeland
Forget hot girl summer — it’s time for a “Golden Girls” spring.
April 9, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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
A new ALDI store in Lakeland with a "Coming Soon" banner displayed at the entrance under a cloudy sky.
Business
ALDI opening two Lakeland locations in former Winn-Dixie stores
The new ALDI stores are part of the grocery chain’s goal to open 800 locations across the US in the next three years. See what’s planned for opening day.
April 8, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lake Hollingsworth under gray skies and choppy waters during Hurricane Milton, with palm trees swaying and a dock partially submerged.
City
What Lakelanders should know about the 2025 hurricane season
With forecasters predicting more activity than normal in the Atlantic this year, here’s how you can start preparing for hurricane season in Lakeland.
April 8, 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
Exterior of Depot 303 food hall in Mulberry, featuring a modern white building with black metal framework and patio seating.
Food
Depot 303, Mulberry’s first food hall, to open this month
We took a look around Depot 303 before its soft opening to see what foodies can expect soon.
April 4, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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