Culture

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 Visit Central Florida

A construction site at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.

City

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s $8 million expansion + renovation

What you need to know about the monumental project that’s set to be completed in the fall of 2024.

August 6, 2024

Katelyn Lewis

Culture

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” bus spotted in Lakeland

The home renovation show is making a comeback this year — and it looks like the team could be kicking things off in Swan City.

August 6, 2024

Amelia Grooms

3x3 basketball player Dylan Travis smiles in front of a USA flag wearing a Team USA basketball jersey.

Sports

7 questions with Dylan Travis, Team USA 3x3 basketball player

Meet an athlete who honed his craft as a student in Lakeland and is now representing the USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

July 26, 2024

Connor Jacobson

A black and white image of the inside of a mall featuring a store with the words "Jean Nicole" in cursive above the store's entrance. Four people walk in different directions on the right side of the hallway. A set of plants is in the center of the hallway outside of the store.

Culture

Dead malls: You could shop... until they dropped

Once booming, now barren. Let’s take a peek at malls of Lakeland’s past — plus hope for the future.

July 24, 2024

Brianna Williams

A glass of beer on a wooden bar at Swan Brewing. In the background are beer taps and customers.

Culture

Local libations: A round-up of Lakeland-centric craft beers

A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Lakeland nod there — these craft beers found around Swan City take local pride seriously.

July 22, 2024

Monica Garske

Craft cocktails on a bar with different glasses

Food

Toast of the town: Drink Up Week has arrived

This week — Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26, 2024 — we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant drink scene in Lakeland.

July 19, 2024

Monica Garske

Culture

LALtoday’s summer “ins” and “outs” list

You live in Central Florida and don’t check the UV index?

July 19, 2024

Amelia Grooms

A rendering of an aerial view of crowds at the Paris 2024 Olympics skateboarding site, Parc Urbain La Concorde

Sports

New sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympics will spotlight several new sports: breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing. Let’s dive into what you need to know about each event.

July 18, 2024

Staff

Performers pose on a stage at Lakeland Community Theatre

Culture

Support the arts with these local performances

Could your neighbor be the next big star?

July 17, 2024

Amelia Grooms

The interior of Black Swan tattoo shop is shown, featuring a reception desk, couches, and a gallery of art on the walls.

Culture

Get inked at these Lakeland tattoo shops

No matter what style of tattoo you prefer, check out one of these Swan City artists next time you’re looking to add some new ink.

July 15, 2024

Emily Shea-Owen

The Buy

Travel

Track your stuff minus the bulk with this sleek tracker

May 29, 2025
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Staff
The Buy

With Headway, you do have time to learn something new

May 29, 2025
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Staff
The Buy

Top 2025 Memorial Day fitness sales: up to 60% off activewear

May 22, 2025
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Staff

More from LALtoday

An LALtoday city editor steps into a passenger plane wearing an LAL hat.

Culture

City Editor Amelia’s 12 favorite things in Lakeland

To celebrate her one-year anniversary at LALtoday, City Editor Amelia is sharing her 12 favorite things in Lakeland — from food to hidden gems.

February 18, 2025

Amelia Grooms

A large pink trumpet tree blooms across a yard and street in Lakeland.

Travel and Outdoors

Trumpet trees are blooming again in Lakeland

Learn where these brightly colored trumpet trees come from, when they blossom, and how to take care of one in your own backyard.

February 17, 2025

Connor Jacobson

The exterior of a luxurious Lakeland home. The outside is painted cream and brown with a brick-paved driveway. Palm trees and other native Florida plants surround the home.

Real Estate

Mansion Monday: Look inside Lakeland’s highest-priced homes

From a west Lakeland retreat to a south Lakeland entertainer’s paradise, take a step inside some of Swan City’s most luxurious listings.

February 14, 2025

Amelia Grooms

A couple leans in for a kiss outside Mitchell's Coffee House

Experience

Where to meet someone new in Lakeland

Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind romance or a fresh friendship, our readers share where they would go to meet someone new in Swan City.

February 13, 2025

Connor Jacobson

A hand holding a paper cup that reads "Ethos Roasters" on the sleeve

Food

Answered: What coffee blend would Lakeland be?

Brew a cup and read up on your caffeine concepts for a coffee blend that represents Swan City.

February 13, 2025

Connor Jacobson

A line of cars in traffic where an I-4 widening project will soon begin. A grassy median sits between the east and westbound lanes.

Lakeland ranks No. 83 in traffic congestion for 2024

The Inrix Global Traffic Scorecard for 2024 analyzed and compared travel behavior across 900+ cities worldwide to determine the rankings.

February 12, 2025

Amelia Grooms

Culture

We asked ChatGPT to cook up a roast of Lakeland

Wait until you see what this AI chatbot whipped up for a good-natured roast of Swan City — covering everything from traffic to the culture and weather.

February 12, 2025

Amelia Grooms