Culture

L.J. Cason (#2) fights off another player for the ball during a basketball game.
Sports
Two players from Polk County compete in March Madness 2026
This year’s March Madness NCAA Tournament will feature experienced players from Lakeland and Winter Haven. Here’s when to catch their games.
March 17, 2026 09:54 AM
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Member at Sewing Station copy
Culture
Hobby Town, USA: Where to try these 5 creative hobbies in Lakeland
Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or simply want to try something new, here’s where you can engage in creative hobbies in and around Swan City.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A family consisting of a father, mother, and four daughters clothed in fall-themed and muted colors stands in front of a rustic backdrop.
Culture
Meet the Lakeland family featured on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
The Hutson family will be featured on the show’s Thursday, Jan. 9 episode.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Culture
TGIF: Spend a perfect weekend in Swan City
Night life, live performances, happy hours, and more — You can’t go wrong with a Lakeland weekend.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A girl sits outside of a bookstore at a patio table while reading a book.
Culture
Best places to read a book around Lakeland
If reading is your activity of choice, try one of these Swan City spots the next time you crack open your favorite novel.
January 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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Real Estate
5 developments we’re anticipating in 2025
From retail to entertainment, there’s always something new popping up around Lakeland. Get ready for these new developments we have our eye on this year.
January 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A sign featuring Martin Luther King Jr. hangs on a fire truck during a parade
Events
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy in Lakeland
Remember the civil rights activist’s life and legacy with these free, family-friendly events.
January 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A Christmas mug with a lit Christmas tree in the background
Culture
Recycling your Christmas tree in Lakeland
As much as we wish they were a year-round decoration, they have to come down sometime.
January 3, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Cloudy sky over downtown Lakeland, FL streets and businesses
Culture
Winter 2025 weather forecast for Lakeland
Prepare for winter weather in Lakeland, FL with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
January 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A portrait of singer Renée Fleming in front of a velvet gold background wearing a gold fur coat.
Sponsored
🧠 This is your brain on music
Explore the brain’s connection to music and the impact of the arts on humanity through two unique events with world-renowned singer Renée Fleming.
Sponsored by
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Culture
Upcoming winter holidays and how to celebrate them in Lakeland
Have a joyous, merry, and happy holiday season y’all.
December 18, 2024
 · 
Staff
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Hand holds iced coffee at Foxtail Coffee Co., showing a swan mural, wood seating, coffee counter, and outdoor metal tables.
Food
Peek inside Foxtail Coffee Co.'s first Lakeland location
Pull up a seat and pour up a cup when Foxtail Coffee opens at the Shops at Lake Wire soon.
July 7, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds a bowl with six scoops of ice cream and three waffle cone cookies.
Food
Grab an Instagram-worthy ice cream from these shops near Lakeland
I scream, you scream, we all scream for — you get the point. Check out this list to find your perfect scoop, sandwich, sundae, or snowball.
July 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Red, white, and green fireworks explode over the reflective Lake Mirror as a crowd watches under a streetlight
Events
Red, White & Kaboom returns: What you need to know
Fireworks, food trucks, live music, and more — here’s everything you need to know about this annual fireworks display on Lake Mirror.
June 30, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Florida Polytechnic University Phoenix Racing's solar-powered car drives down a palm-lined road under a blue sky with clouds.
City
Phoenix Racing gears up for the Formula Sun Grand Prix
Florida Polytechnic University’s team built a solar-powered car from scratch — now, they’re competing for a national championship for their second year.
June 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Group photo at Summer Leadership Program graduation with participants holding certificates and a sign reading "1,000."
Business
LEDC celebrates 1,000 Summer Leadership Program graduates
Since 2008, young professionals have gotten to know the city through the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s program.
June 26, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The MCO glass exterior with a plane overhead
Work
What to know about Orlando International Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
June 23, 2025
 · 
Staff
A plate of BBQ meat, baked beans, coleslaw, and mac 'n cheese.
Food
Our favorite barbecue spots around Lakeland, Florida
Bring on the baked beans and cornbread, it’s time for BBQ.
June 20, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Two-story brick and siding house with green shutters, a front porch, and manicured landscaping under large shade trees.
Real Estate
3 Lakeland homes that have us thinking green
We’re ready to go green with these colorful homes on the market in Lakeland.
June 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Sunrise over palm trees and swimming lanes lined with blue and yellow pennant flags Gandy Pool in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
Beat the heat with these places to swim around Lakeland
Go for a swim in these public pools, water parks, and rental pools around Lakeland.
June 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the AGB Museum of Art's new expansion wing, which features high glass walls and a stone facade
Culture
Meet the AGB Museum of Art’s interim executive director
Those in the Lakeland arts scene will recognize Dr. Daryl Ward, a local arts leader who’s set to become interim executive director at the AGB Museum of Art this summer.
June 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson