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Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lakeland
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
November 06, 2025 01:28 PM
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Staff
LAL-lakeland-downtown-skyline
City
Answering the most common questions about Lakeland life
Learn who’s in charge of city decisions, how to grow your business, and how to get involved.
September 4, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
A concert taking place at Bonnet Springs Park, seen from the rooftop bar
Culture
Lakelanders share their “random acts of kindness” stories
We already knew that Lakeland was one of the best places to live, but these stories just prove it even more.
August 28, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Culture
6 random acts of kindness to brighten up Lakeland’s community
Put a smile on your neighbor’s face with these random acts of kindness.
August 26, 2024
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Kristen Templeton
An exterior shot of Black and Brew's patio
Culture
Reader recommendations for “third places” around Lakeland
We asked our followers where their “third place” was in Lakeland — here are the spots they called out.
August 14, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
The reflection of the Uptown Charlotte skyline is seen in the water of a pond surrounded by trees.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Charlotte, NC
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the next destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
August 14, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
Street art on a small dumpster painted mustard yellow with folk-inspired plant and animal paintings.
Culture
Where does Lakeland need street art?
Think outside the canvas and tell us if Lakeland should add more street art, similar to Plant City’s Trash Can-vas Project.
August 13, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
Bok Tower is reflected in a pond on a sunny day
Culture
Share your thoughts on the restoration + preservation of Bok Tower Gardens
With the help of the Save America’s Treasures grant, Bok Tower Gardens is planning to undergo a multimillion-dollar restoration project — here’s how you can help.
August 12, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
Two individuals duel in a cage match at The Florida Man Games
Sports
Embrace your inner “Florida Man” at the second annual Florida Man Games
Learn how you + your team can represent Lakeland at the “wildest live athletic competition on Earth.”
August 12, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
Long jumper Monae' Nichols poses on a boat on the Seine River in front of the Eiffel Tower during the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Sports
Dreaming of gold: Olympians with ties to Lakeland competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics
Swan City is well represented on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics — these are some local Olympians to watch.
August 7, 2024
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Staff
A graphic reading "lakeland" in black text on a bright green background
Culture
What’s a “brat summer” and how do I have one in Lakeland?
Thanks to Charli xcx’s hit pop album, we’re here to decode why “brat” is all over the airwaves, internet, and right outside your front door.
August 7, 2024
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Madison McMillen
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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
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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
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Amelia Grooms
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
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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
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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
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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
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Amelia Grooms
A collage of four photos showing a mural with painted oranges and blue flowers, two boxes with pizza slices and garlic knots, a plate of sushi, and an iced latte topped with sprinkles
Culture
These bracket winners are the best of Lakeland
Readers have chosen their top mural, pizza, sushi, and coffee over the years — did your favorite win?
March 7, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a coffee cup in front of the Black & Brew Coffee House sign. The cup has "have a good day" written on the side.
Culture
Should Lakeland be the pioneer of “hanging coffee” in Polk County?
The tradition began as far back as 100 years ago in Naples, Italy — now we want to know where you’d like to see it incorporated in Lakeland.
March 6, 2025
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Amelia Grooms
Carol Jenkins Barnett poses with kindergartners for United Way of Central Florida's ReadingPals program.
Culture
12 Lakeland women who made and are making history
From aviatrixes to commissioners to non-profit leaders, read how these women are leading the way in Swan City.
March 6, 2025
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Amelia Grooms
Fabric Warehouse's sign next to a painted swan statue holding a swath of fabric
Business
Create something amazing with these Lakeland-area craft stores
Go on, get crafty — these locally owned shops are here to help with supplies + materials.
March 6, 2025
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Connor Jacobson