Culture

A red mocktail topped with fruit and a paper umbrella
Food
Where you can find buzz-free beverages, or mocktails, in Lakeland
Shaken or stirred? Either one works, as long as it’s zero-proof. Check out this list of alcohol-free cocktails — mocktails — in Swan City.
January 14, 2026 11:39 AM
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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 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
Children running towards a flagpole; an American flag waves in the wind
Culture
Observe Veterans Day at these Lakeland events
Keep reading for events that honor Lakeland’s veteran community.
November 4, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
marble arcade
City
What’s that Lakeland landmark named after?
We’ve all wondered about the names behind some of our local parks and places of interest. Pull back the curtain on the history behind their monikers.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A white swan stands by a lake with the city skyline in the background
City
Swan saga: How Lakeland takes care of its swans
Learn what the City of Lakeland does to keep our royal flock healthy and safe, plus what you can do to help the swans thrive.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Staff
A photo of the exterior of Foster's Hollywood in Spain.
Food
Remembering Foster’s Hollywood, Lakeland’s taste of Tinseltown
While the restaurant only had a location in Lakeland for a little over a year, it made its mark on our readers + followers.
October 31, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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A neon sign says "Pizza by the slice"
Live
Dig in to the best pizza in Lakeland
Grab a slice or a pie at one of these 18 must-try pizza shops around Swan City.
May 1, 2025
 · 
Staff
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
Catch Phrase: Our readers’ Lakeland-isms
We’re calling on our readers to tell us the phrases they say as a Lakelander that others simply don’t get.
May 1, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Hand holding a rose-patterned Dubai chocolate bar from Rogue Coffee, partially unwrapped with a green filling inside.
Food
Trending treats: Where to try Dubai chocolate in Lakeland
These filled chocolate bars have taken over our social media feeds — now they’re taking on Swan City. Here’s where you can find Dubai chocolate bars + inspired treats around Lakeland.
April 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A painted rendering of a plaza at night with a fountain in the center of a large walkway surrounded by four-story buildings
City
5 Lakeland projects we’ve got our eyes on
As Lakeland continues to grow, these five major revitalization + improvement projects are staying top of mind.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL-FSC-college-calgolden-AUG2022.jpeg
Culture
We’re tossing our caps for these college graduations around Lakeland
How to prepare + plan for your weekends as Lakeland celebrates graduates from four of its five colleges around town.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Family posing with colorful car wheels at an outdoor Infinite Matterz powder coating booth, with trees and buildings in the background.
Sponsored
Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union has arrived in Lakeland
Join us at LALtoday in celebrating small businesses from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10, presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Sponsored by
Assorted cookies and baked goods on display at Bandidas Bake Shop, including PB miso cookies, vegan ranger cookies, and galettes.
Food
Follow the breadcrumbs on this Lakeland bakery crawl
Lakeland has a book crawl, but isn’t it time bakeries have their time to shine? Let’s roll to each bakery for croissants, cake, and cookies galore.
April 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Modern single-story house with palm trees, stone driveway, and sunset sky in the background.
Real Estate
Meet the Lakeland estates featured in the Spring Parade of Homes
Take a self-guided tour of these new construction homes Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27 + Saturday, May 3-Sunday, May 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
April 25, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A colorful mural with "We love Lakeland" and cartoon pictures of fast food
Experience
30+ murals around Lakeland
Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
April 24, 2025
 · 
Staff
A path through Hollis Garden with trees on either side
Culture
Explore the City of Lakeland’s Urban Forest
Branch out to learn about Lakeland’s flowering and fruit trees with a GPS-enabled tour of the 56,000 trees in the city’s Urban Forest.
April 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson