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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
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Culture
Our readers’ Lakeland horror dating stories
We get it — dating is scary. Share your horror dating stories from around Lakeland that still haunt you to this day.
October 23, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Annie Pfeiffer Chapel
Culture
Haunted landmarks in Polk County
If you’ve ever felt a chill in your spine when frequenting these locales around Lakeland, there’s likely a good reason.
October 21, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Experience
18+ activities for retirees in Lakeland
If you’re recently retired and looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Lakeland.
October 21, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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Culture
Meet the three ghosts that haunt the Polk Theatre
If you’ve ever stepped foot inside the Polk Theatre, chances are you were simultaneously taking a ghost tour — and didn’t even know it.
October 17, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
The exterior of the RP Funding Center, viewed from in front of rose bushes.
Culture
Celebrating 50 years of the RP Funding Center
With this local event venue reaching the 50-year mark, we’re looking back on the biggest acts to visit the RP Funding Center.
October 16, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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City
Voting in Lakeland on Election Day
Learn all about casting your vote in the upcoming elections, including voting locations and candidates.
October 15, 2024
 · 
Staff
A woman stands on the shore of Lake Morton in Lakeland, FL feeding the swans.
Sponsored
‘Greater Lakeland’ episode 2 is swan of a kind
Sponsored by
A hand holding a smartphone showing a sculpture Lakeland's downtown public art trail. The real sculpture is seen in the background.
Culture
Virtual fun you can have at home
When stormy weather rolls in, the fun at home rolls out. Throw on your coziest digs and explore Lakeland from the comfort of your couch.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL
City
Last minute tips to make sure you’re hurricane ready
Don’t forget these steps on your hurricane prep checklist.
October 7, 2024
 · 
Staff
Lakeland entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses pitch their big ideas at Catapult's Launch Pitch Night for the chance to win up to $10,000 in funding.
Business
Meet the finalists for Launch Pitch Night at Catapult
These five entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses for the chance to secure up to $10,000 in micro-grant funding.
October 3, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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Cobb Theater in Lakeland, FL, glowing with neon lights at dusk, featuring an IMAX sign and a vibrant, colorful entrance.
Culture
These Lakeland spots are ‘where our lore began’
Hop on the trend and share your local lore — the pivotal moments that made you feel like a true Lakelander.
March 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
Culture
Where we would take local celebrities around Lakeland
Before they made it big, many local celebrities called Lakeland home. If we were their hometown tour guides, this is where we’d bring them.
March 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Twin modern homes on West 14th Street, Lakeland, FL, featuring angular roofs, black-and-white exteriors, and sleek design.
Real Estate
Tour Lakeland’s newest modern homes inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright
These unique, modern homes are hitting the market — just look for the butterfly roofs.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior entrance of Reececliff Diner outlined with red neon lighting at night
Food
Celebrate Pi Day with Reececliff Diner, Lakeland’s longest-running restaurant
When visiting Reececliff Diner, you simply can’t forget the pie.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A matcha cake with ruffled green frosting, held above purple flowers. Baked by Vegetation Cafe and Kitchen in Lakeland, FL.
Food
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Lakeland with these green food and drink items
From cakes to teas and everything in between, these bevs + bites will make your tummy green with envy.
March 12, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL-downtown-winter-haven-ritz-theater
Travel and Outdoors
Take a quick trip to these cities near Lakeland
In need of a one-day getaway? We’re sharing our readers’ favorite things to do, see, and eat in towns within a quick drive of Swan City.
March 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering of the exterior of the new Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital. The building has several stories and a large glass wall facing the front entrance.
City
Orlando Health and Watson Clinic team up for Lakeland hospital
The healthcare organizations are collaborating to design the new south Lakeland hospital and plan its health services before it opens in 2026.
March 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A mini golf sign is lit up in the darkening sky.
Experience
Kid-friendly activities in Lakeland
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Lakeland, FL has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
March 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
The exterior of Sora Eatery in Lakeland International Airport.
Food
Sora Eatery is now boarding at Lakeland International Airport
The new restaurant at LAL is nearly ready to open its doors, and we got a sneak peek of what Lakelanders (and visitors) can expect.
March 10, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A hand holding up two boxes of Thin Mints and Samoas with a palm tree in the background.
Food
Where to find Girl Scout cookies in Lakeland
We’ve got you covered when it comes to Girl Scout cookie season — scout’s honor.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms