Culture

A sign showing a vintage label for Moccasin Brand citrus with a drawing of a boot. Decorative oranges line the sign.
City
Your roadmap to the Polk County Citrus Label Tour
Take a bite out of the local citrus industry’s history with a self-guided tour of labels found around Polk County.
March 18, 2026 12:25 PM
 · 
Kaylee Holland
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
 · 
Madison McMillen
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
A tour buis colored in red and blue ombre wrapping with the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" logo on the side, as seen through a rainy car windshield.
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
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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
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The boathouse at Bonnet Springs Park
Travel and Outdoors
A beginner’s guide to Bonnet Springs Park
If it’s your first time visiting this award-winning Lakeland attraction, allow us to create your perfect park day.
April 17, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Two slices of pizza and garlic knots from Palace Pizza
Food
Eat down the street: Kentucky Avenue restaurants
Discover one of Lakeland’s hidden gems or try a local favorite restaurant for the first time on the next street in this series.
April 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Interior of Pressed Books with books on shelves and tables
An introvert’s guide to Lakeland
Want to be more social, but hate the idea of chatting up a stranger? Try these activities for introverts in Lakeland.
April 15, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A bright blue, frame vernacular-style house in the Lake Morton neighborhood shaded by a tall tree under a blue sky.
Real Estate
Create your own Lake Morton Historic Home + Garden Tour
This year’s tour may have been canceled, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore one of Lakeland’s oldest neighborhoods on your own.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Plates of barbecue meat with sides on trays
Food
Goodbye gluten: Lakeland restaurants with gluten-free options
No matter why you’re avoiding it, you can find new eats without gluten here.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Kaylee Holland
A photo of West Pipkin Road closed with barricades and cones due to construction.
City
What Lakelanders should know about the West Pipkin widening project
We’re breaking down the who, what, when, and why behind this major road construction project in southwest Lakeland.
April 11, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
flower fridge at Bloom Shakalaka flower shop in Lakeland, FL
Culture
Lakeland plant shops and florists to brighten up your day
Find floral arrangements, Florida natives, and houseplants at these local shops.
April 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Entrance to IFF Citrus Innovation Center with colorful signage, citrus displays, and ribbon for grand opening under a sunny sky.
Business
IFF’s Citrus Innovation Center now open at Florida Polytechnic University
Find out what’s inside this high-tech facility that’s bringing Lakeland’s years of experience with citrus to the forefront of the flavor + fragrance industry.
April 10, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large pink trumpet tree blooms across a yard and street in Lakeland.
Culture
How to spend a spring day like “The Golden Girls” in Lakeland
Forget hot girl summer — it’s time for a “Golden Girls” spring.
April 9, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Vinyl records categorized by genre at Jesse Carl Vinyl in Lakeland, FL
Business
Celebrate Record Store Day with Jesse Carl Vinyl
Owner Jessi Zilka shared how you can support this local shop during the international Record Store Day event.
April 9, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson