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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
publix
Culture
Lakeland’s oldest businesses
From apparel to food, Swan City has multiple family-owned businesses that have been around for half a century — or more.
April 4, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
Two people stand with their backs to the camera looking at a painting.
Sponsored
The lesser-known side of the Polk Museum of Art
Sponsored by
Culture
Laugh along with Swan City Improv, Lakeland’s very own comedy troupe
Their job? It’s just laughs.
March 29, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A graphic showing four different locations around Lakeland is shown: the City Hall sign, the Polk Theatre marquee, a building at Southeastern University, and the sign at Munn Park.
Real Estate
How well do you know these Lakeland locations?
Wanna play a game? Test your knowledge of how well you know Lakeland locations by the address alone.
March 15, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Four white plates sit on a brown wooden table. Two contain two slices of French toast while the other two contain scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage links.
Culture
Answered: Your picks for Lakeland’s hidden gems
From food and drink to retail and attractions — we asked you for what hidden gems make Lakeland the best and you delivered.
March 15, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A man wears a black t-shirt that reads "Lakeland vs. Everybody, Welcome Back Tigers" in white lettering. He also wears a Detroit Tigers baseball cap and stands in front of a Tigers baseball banner on a wall.
Sports
Lakeland vs. Everybody: How a Detroit slogan came to Swan City
Have you seen this phrase on t-shirts lately? Learn how it started in Detroit, MI and how you can get your own tee to rep your city.
March 14, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A crowd dressed in green celebrates at a St. Patrick's Day street party. The street is lined with lit palm trees and festive banners are hung between them over the partiers.
Food
Try your luck at these St. Patrick’s Day events
It’s the perfect day for live music, traditional foods, and green beer.
March 12, 2024
 · 
Intern
Screen Shot 2020-09-14 at 6.43.34 PM
Culture
Celebrate National Retro Video Game Day with these Lakeland gaming hubs
It’s time to get your game on, Lakelanders – your video game that is.
March 7, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL_Miss_Florida_1946_Feb_2024
Culture
Glamour and growth: How Lakeland became Miss Florida’s crown jewel
Miss Florida has changed a lot over 90 years, including finding a new home in Swan City.
March 5, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL-PlanAhead-2020_Feb
Culture
It’s Leap Day: Here’s what Lakeland was doing four years ago
It’s been four years since the last time we had a 29th day in February. Take a peek into what was going on in Lakeland last Leap Day.
February 28, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
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Four holiday-themed cocktails sitting on a bar at The Brass Tap
Food
Find holiday drinks at these Lakeland pop-up bars
Have a cup of cheer at these limited-time bar experiences with themed drinks + decor.
December 12, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Entrance to Munn Park with trees, benches, and signage
Culture
Which locations around Lakeland deserve a historical marker?
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Lakeland?
December 12, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
St. Augustine - Great Escapes 2
Experience
The ultimate road trip to St. Augustine
Hit the road and head to St. Augustine — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Staff
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Culture
Lakelanders’ goals for 2025
Looking to make the most of Lakeland life in 2025? Check out the goals our readers + followers have set, plus some recommendations of our own.
December 10, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A postcard of the former "New Community Tourist Center Building in Lakeland, Fla." held in front of the current Magnolia Building
City
Read what this Lakeland visitor had to say in 1953
We found a postcard from more than 70 years ago — it turns out, not much has changed.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Shoppers at vendor tents set up on downtown street
Business
Become a vendor at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Want to set up shop at the farmers curb market? Read these tips before submitting your application.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A side-by-side image showing an old lakeshore view of Lake Morton next to a current one.
City
How Lakeland has changed: Then and now in photos
We dug through Florida’s archived photos and postcards to see how much Lakeland has changed since it was first founded in 1885 — you might be surprised.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the Catapult building in Lakeland.
Business
10 things you might not know about Catapult, Lakeland’s business incubator
In honor of Catapult’s 10-year anniversary, we’re spilling the tea on what goes on behind the scenes. How many of these facts did you know?
December 6, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A Christmas mug with a lit Christmas tree in the background
Culture
Fill in the blanks to create a Lakeland-inspired holiday film
If your holiday season isn’t complete without a cheesy Hallmark movie, then this activity is for you.
December 6, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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Real Estate
Remember when these buildings were Publix supermarkets?
Publix has made its mark on Lakeland, from its economy to its architecture. Find out what these former buildings are today.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson