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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
A gray and reddish egret lifts its wings as it steps through shallow water.
Culture
See “Wings, Wonders & Wonderscapes” at this Lakeland photographer’s exhibit
Photographer Andy Glogower will showcase his works in his first gallery exhibit at the Mulberry Cultural Center.
June 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A sunset over Lake Mirror with the downtown Lakeland skyline in the background
City
Here’s what AI has to say about Lakeland
With AI on the rise, we decided to put it to the test + pick its brain about all things Swan City — read on for the full conversation.
June 21, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A selection of books are shown on tables and bookshelves in a local bookstore.
Culture
Summer reads with ties to Lakeland
Make your summer reading list Lakeland-themed with these newly released reads by local authors.
June 17, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A flag commemorating Juneteenth flies in the wind.
Events
Commemorating Juneteenth around Lakeland
Commemorate the end of slavery in the US with these five events happening around Lakeland.
June 13, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
FB6A4CE3-8973-4700-AB00-93EF62BF073F
History
Defunct theme parks around Central Florida
We’re reminiscing on some literal blasts from the past — from live shows to roller coasters and other attractions.
June 11, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
LAL-Polk-museum-of-art-classes-SEPT2022.jpeg
Culture
Be a lifelong learner with these classes for adults
Relive the camp days of your youth by learning something new at one of these local classes or workshops just for grownups.
June 10, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
Answered: Your Lakeland life hacks
We recently took to Instagram to ask our followers their best “hacks” for life in Lakeland — here’s what they came up with.
June 7, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A pianist playing a grand piano onstage at a church at the Swan City Piano Festival
Events
Your guide to the Swan City Piano Festival
We’ve got the keys to everything you need to know about this annual piano festival with free events.
June 6, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Business
Silver Moon Drive-In’s silver screen history
Founded in 1948, Silver Moon Drive-In has provided first-run films to Polk County residents for 75+ years — here’s a look at its storyboard.
June 5, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A hand holding a very large hamburger
Food
Big, juicy, and sometimes Impossible: Polk County’s best burgers
Sink your teeth into this list to find your next triple meat, plant-based, or classic diner burger.
May 29, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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More from LALtoday
Road signs marking closures and detours on Lake Hollingsworth Boulevard
City
Full speed ahead: Prepare for Lakeland road projects
Never get caught in an unexpected detour again with these city, county, and state resources detailing local road projects + closures.
January 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Shops in downtown Mount Dora with plants and painted walls
Travel and Outdoors
The ultimate road trip to Mount Dora, FL
Hit the road and head to Mount Dora — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
January 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Maurkice Pouncey (No. 53), right, blocks another player during a game against the Cleveland Browns.
Sports
Lakeland’s impact on the NFL
Get to know the all-star NFL athletes who once called Lakeland home.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A rendering of the exterior of Orlando Health's future Lakeland Highlands Hospital
Wellness
New developments coming to Lakeland’s healthcare scene
These local healthcare developments and programs will have you getting well soon. Read on to see what’s planned for a spot near you.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A mint julep served in a metal glass topped with a lime and mint
Food
Sip on these 6 drink trends around Lakeland
How trendy are your tastebuds? Put them to the test with these drinks that are sure to take off in 2025.
January 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Chef Marcos Fernandez of Nineteen61 carefully crafts a plate in the restaurant's kitchen. Next to him on the counter are prep containers and ingredients.
Food
Take a foodie road trip to these James Beard-nominated spots around Lakeland
Lakeland might not have made the list for 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists — but that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Copy of LAL-General Hero
City
How to run for office in Lakeland
Are you eligible to run for office in Lakeland? Learn how you can get started, as well as what positions are available this year, here.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
LAL-202-lenox-st-outside-home-JAN2025.png
Real Estate
Hot homes: 5 Lakeland properties ahead of the 2025 trends
This year, Zillow reports that homebuyers are getting cozy, feeling nostalgic, and looking for resilient homes.
January 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bowl of chicken tortellini soup sits in a white bowl on a white plate
Food
Soup for the soul: Try these top-rated soups in Lakeland
Take a slurp of some of the best soups in Swan City.
January 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Runners take off at a starting line in a road race.
Wellness
Pound the pavement with Lakeland’s running and walking clubs
Lace up your most comfortable sneakers to go running or walking — plus, meet new friends.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson