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
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
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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
Two headshot-style photos of a Black female are displayed side by side.
Culture
6 questions with Miss Lakeland USA, Karolyne Roberts
Learn more about this local entrepreneur, author, and mom’s platform and why she loves representing Lakeland.
April 26, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL_orangeblossompoems_APR2024
Culture
Read the winning poem from our 2024 poetry contest
We challenged our readers to turn one of our newsletters into a poem in honor of National Poetry Month — here’s the winning poem.
April 26, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
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Food
Feeling fresh: Smoothies, salads, and acai in the 863
Sometimes we just want something light and refreshing.
April 19, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
lakeland swans
Culture
Let’s refresh: What is LALtoday and what do we cover?
It’s never a bad idea to reintroduce yourself — we’re LALtoday, a hyper-local newsletter curated, narrated, and delivered to your inbox every day at 6 a.m.
April 18, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Two girls smile for the camera in front of a Lakeland mural.
Culture
Meet the editors behind LALtoday
Say hello to Connor Jacobson + Amelia Herring, the faces behind your favorite 5-min morning newsletter.
April 18, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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Culture
19 local gift ideas to celebrate motherhood
April 17, 2024
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Staff
A map showing the outlined area of the Downtown West development area.
City
Lakeland City Commission adopts Downtown West Action Plan
Here’s what Lakelanders need to know about the upcoming developments for the Downtown West area.
April 16, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Exterior shot of the Terrace Hotel's gray building with white windows, circular accents, and decorative "Terrace Hotel" sign.
Real Estate
The Terrace: Lakeland’s oldest, most luxurious hotel
This historic building has been a staple of Swan City’s skyline for nearly a century.
April 10, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
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More from LALtoday
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
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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