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Photo 1: A bowl of ramen topped with avocado, onion, cucumbers, lime, and spices. Photo 2: A dish with shrimp + grits artfully plated.
Culture
Introducing Central Florida Food Fest
Sponsored by
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
Overhead shot of five pumpkin pies with whipped cream dollops
Food
Preorder your prized pies ahead of Thanksgiving
Whether you’re an annual customer or looking for the first time, check out these pies you can bring to Thanksgiving made fresh by Lakeland bakers.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "LALtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
LALtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
Exterior shot of Crispers in downtown Lakeland
Food
Come on, dish: Which Lakeland restaurant do you miss the most?
We want to know — which Lakeland restaurant or meal sparks nostalgia in your heart and belly, and why?
November 8, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The Wish Farms stage at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds
Culture
The stage is set: Florida Strawberry Festival’s 2025 entertainers
See who will take the stage in Plant City when the festival returns in February 2025.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Business
How to start a business in Lakeland
You have a good idea — now the fun begins.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Business
What’s open + closed on Thanksgiving in Lakeland
Find out where you can go on Thanksgiving Day, what’s closed this year, and where to find Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
Culture
Embrace your inner night owl: Late night Lakeland activities
Who says there has to be sun to have fun in Swan City?
November 6, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Books
Culture
Literature with Lakelanders: Join these local book clubs and storytimes
Find a love of literature at these reading programs for all ages.
November 6, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
City Editor Amelia and a friend pose with their paintings at Painting with a Twist
Business
Get crafty at these Lakeland creative spots
Flex your artistic muscles or let the experts lead you step by step through crafting classes.
November 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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More from LALtoday
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
Screen Shot 2022-04-04 at 12.56.20 PM
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
An LALtoday city editor steps into a passenger plane wearing an LAL hat.
Events
What not to miss at SUN ‘n FUN
Take our word for it — these are the activities, exhibits, and stops we wouldn’t miss at Florida’s largest aerospace expo.
April 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A group of baby alligators sit on an adult alligator's back in the water at Circle B Bar Reserve. The photo is framed by green leaves and branches.
Travel and Outdoors
Alligator mating season must-knows
Alligator mating season in Florida runs from April through June — here’s how you to keep yourself + our scaly friends safe.
April 1, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Screen Shot 2020-05-26 at 3.05.03 PM
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
Pink and purple skies are reflected on the surface of this lake, and a fountain, lily pads, and ducklings are also present.
Travel and Outdoors
Dip your toes into the Polk County Water Atlas
Use this online resource to check water health, water levels, upcoming events, and more.
March 31, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
Bright Ice Cream shop in Lakeland with a red "Opening Soon!" banner, outdoor seating, and a sunny sky along a busy street.
Food
Bright Ice opening its next scoop shop in Lakeland
Get the inside scoop on Bright Ice’s fifth location before it opens its doors in Dixieland on Friday, March 28.
March 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A father and his two kids stand outside the entrance of Legoland Florida.
Travel and Outdoors
3 developments coming soon to Legoland Florida
From places to stay to things to do, here are three developments we’re watching at Legoland Florida in Winter Haven.
March 26, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms