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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
Blinky the alligator statue formerly on Lake Mirror
History
Blinky — Lakeland’s unofficial mascot
Warning: This story has a bit of a sad ending.
May 28, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A hand holding an iPhone showing a Spotify playlist called "Lake Morton swan stroll Sunday evening"
Culture
Listen to these Lakeland-inspired playlists
See what playlists Lakelanders are listening to when they’re driving, strolling, and shopping around town.
May 23, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A historic brick church has people lined up outside.
New to Lakeland
Get to know Lakeland’s diverse religious communities
From churches to mosques to synagogues to temples, Lakeland is home to a wide array of religious organizations.
May 23, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A hand holds a non-alcoholic Paloma topped with a slice of grapefruit
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Lakeland, FL from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 22, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Children running towards a flagpole; an American flag waves in the wind
Business
Check out these veteran-owned businesses in Lakeland
We asked our readers for their favorite veteran-owned businesses around Swan City — here’s what they came up with.
May 22, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Screen Shot 2019-08-19 at 4.43.28 PM
Culture
Join the club: Check out these Lakeland memberships
From museums to wellness hubs, here’s 9 Lakeland spots where you can become a member.
May 14, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A group of smiling individuals wearing "Out of the Box" t-shirts smile at the camera.
Culture
Out of the Box: Creating a home away from home for Lakeland’s disabled community
Learn more about how this program through Lakeland Community Theatre is empowering members of the disabled community to step out of the box and into the spotlight.
May 8, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Table featuring afternoon tea at Lavender 'n Lace Tearoom
Food
Where to find tea around Lakeland
When you’re in the mood for a cup of tea, visit one of these spots in and around Swan City to get your fix.
May 6, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Two people stand in front of an outdoor art stand featuring realistic landscape paintings.
Sponsored
Mayfaire by-the-Lake unveils this year’s stork-tacular Feature Poster
Lakeland’s largest outdoor fine art fest chose a bird-focused Feature Poster for its 52nd celebration — and no, it’s not a swan.
Sponsored by
Screen Shot 2019-07-22 at 2.33.19 PM
Culture
Give these Lakeland live music venues a listen
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
April 30, 2024
 · 
Ben McBee
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Welcome to our flock: A snowbird’s guide to Lakeland, FL
Between October and April, roughly one million adults move from northern states to temporary residences in Florida — are you one of them?
January 17, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A large mural with two swans, their reflections, plants, and the name "Lakeland"
Culture
Our readers’ 2025 predictions for Lakeland
Look into your crystal ball — what do you think will happen in Lakeland this year?
January 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A screenshot of the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and North Florida Avenue.
City
Potential improvements on the way for Memorial Boulevard
From strategic economic developments to street enhancements, here’s what we could see on Memorial Boulevard in the future.
January 15, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The exterior of the AGB Museum of Art's new expansion wing, which features high glass walls and a stone facade
Business
8 additions you can’t miss at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
The AGB will reveal its new expansion to the public on Jan. 18. Here’s what Museum Director Dr. Alexander Rich says you can’t miss — plus a few editors’ picks.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A group in Star Wars costumes posing with R2-D2
Events
Get nerdy with it at Central Florida Comic Con
Prep for the convention with events, guests, and exhibitions we wouldn’t miss.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Member at Sewing Station copy
Culture
Hobby Town, USA: Where to try these 5 creative hobbies in Lakeland
Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or simply want to try something new, here’s where you can engage in creative hobbies in and around Swan City.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Cleveland Heights Boulevard
Real Estate
Neighborhood Guide: Cleveland Heights
From a flurry of new shops to Lakeland’s public golf course, there are plenty of spots to explore in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood.
January 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
A family consisting of a father, mother, and four daughters clothed in fall-themed and muted colors stands in front of a rustic backdrop.
Culture
Meet the Lakeland family featured on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
The Hutson family will be featured on the show’s Thursday, Jan. 9 episode.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Culture
TGIF: Spend a perfect weekend in Swan City
Night life, live performances, happy hours, and more — You can’t go wrong with a Lakeland weekend.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Governor Farris Bryant and Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture Doyle E. Conner examine frozen bean vines.
Travel and Outdoors
Remembering Lakeland’s coldest days on record
Lakeland’s coldest day on record was on Dec. 13, 1962 when Swan City hit 20º — it would go on to reach it twice more in 1985.
January 8, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams