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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
 · 
Staff
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
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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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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
LAL-lakeland-downtown-skyline
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
The TSA screening area at Lakeland Linder International Airport.
City
How to get your REAL ID in Lakeland
The deadline to obtain your REAL ID is coming up on May 7, 2025 — here’s how and why to get one in Florida.
February 10, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
A historic home with striped awnings and a gable roof
Real Estate
What makes a Lakeland home historic?
There are both benefits and strict guidelines for homes in Lakeland’s seven historic districts. Does your home make the cut?
February 7, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Four white pelicans sit on a low brick wall on a lake
City
What’s the deal with the white pelicans?
Lakeland’s iconic bird mascot gets an annual visitor in the form of Canadian pelicans.
February 7, 2025
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Two women smile and hold up a Michelob Ultra bottle and a Wilson football.
Sports
Where to watch sports in Lakeland
This is where you’ll find our readers grabbing a bite and catching a game.
February 6, 2025
 · 
Staff
LAL-lake-mirror-picnic-date-FEB2020
Experience
Date night ideas for every type of Lakelander
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in Swan City.
February 6, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams