Culture

A crowd sits in camping chairs watching fireworks over Lake Mirror during Red, White & Kaboom Lakeland event. Trees and street lights block part of the view.
Events
Don’t miss these top Lakeland events happening all year long
We’ve got the ultimate list of Lakeland events you don’t want to miss out on each year. Mark your calendar for these community celebrations.
January 16, 2026 01:47 PM
 · 
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
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
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More from LALtoday
Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy and student Aaron Taher hold a $25,000 check
Business
Southeastern University student wins $25,000 scholarship from Chick-fil-A
Commercial music major Aaron Taher was surprised with the award by Chick-fil-A’s CEO, Andrew T. Cathy.
February 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Business
We’re celebrating Small Business Week — here’s how to join us
Join us at LALtoday in celebrating the heart of our community: small businesses.
February 24, 2025
 · 
Kristen Templeton
An aerial view of the Florida Strawberry Festival's rides, booths, and entertainment pavilions
Events
Your guide to the 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival
It’s the sweetest time of year — Florida Strawberry Festival time. Read our guide so you don’t get in a (strawberry) jam.
February 21, 2025
 · 
Staff
tigers
Sports
Our guide to Detroit Tigers’ Spring Training in Lakeland
The 89th season of this beloved Lakeland tradition kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Joker Marchant Stadium — here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to attend.
February 20, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An indoor pickleball facility with high ceilings and several small courts in fences
Sports
New indoor pickleball facilities planned for Lakeland
If you can’t stand the heat, get into the kitchen at these forthcoming spots just for playing pickleball.
February 20, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A swan statue with a blue and yellow swirl design
Culture
Swansation: The story of Lakeland’s swan statues
Learn the history behind the iconic swan statues found around Lakeland.
February 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Sports
Bowl, dance, run, and volunteer at the Polk Senior Games
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
February 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Giving-2025-Lead-Editors-V2_LAL.png
City
Local media matters — so does your support
When you choose to support LALtoday, you’re investing in more than just a daily newsletter — you’re investing in a stronger, more informed community.
February 19, 2025
 · 
Staff
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