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 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
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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More from LALtoday
A medical professional operates an ION robotic-assisted technology system at Lakeland Regional Health, using a console for precision control.
Business
The latest and greatest technology being used in Lakeland
As Lakeland’s high-tech sector continues to grow, check out a few advancements in technology that are being used and developed in the local health, agriculture, and transportation fields.
March 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A cut-out graphic of four characters from the TV show "Severance" overlaid with a photo of Lake Mirror in Lakeland, FL at dusk.
Culture
What ‘Severance’ characters would get up to in Lakeland
We’re coming up with fan theories of our own for the characters of the show “Severance” — are you innie or outie?
March 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Add a heading - 2022-05-11T105629.985
Culture
Where to make spring cleaning donations in Lakeland
If you’re feeling eager to clean out those closets, garages, and storage sheds, consider donating to these community organizations.
March 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Cobb Theater in Lakeland, FL, glowing with neon lights at dusk, featuring an IMAX sign and a vibrant, colorful entrance.
Culture
These Lakeland spots are ‘where our lore began’
Hop on the trend and share your local lore — the pivotal moments that made you feel like a true Lakelander.
March 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
Culture
Where we would take local celebrities around Lakeland
Before they made it big, many local celebrities called Lakeland home. If we were their hometown tour guides, this is where we’d bring them.
March 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Twin modern homes on West 14th Street, Lakeland, FL, featuring angular roofs, black-and-white exteriors, and sleek design.
Real Estate
Tour Lakeland’s newest modern homes inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright
These unique, modern homes are hitting the market — just look for the butterfly roofs.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior entrance of Reececliff Diner outlined with red neon lighting at night
Food
Celebrate Pi Day with Reececliff Diner, Lakeland’s longest-running restaurant
When visiting Reececliff Diner, you simply can’t forget the pie.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A matcha cake with ruffled green frosting, held above purple flowers. Baked by Vegetation Cafe and Kitchen in Lakeland, FL.
Food
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Lakeland with these green food and drink items
From cakes to teas and everything in between, these bevs + bites will make your tummy green with envy.
March 12, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A rendering of the exterior of the new Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital. The building has several stories and a large glass wall facing the front entrance.
City
Orlando Health and Watson Clinic team up for Lakeland hospital
The healthcare organizations are collaborating to design the new south Lakeland hospital and plan its health services before it opens in 2026.
March 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A mini golf sign is lit up in the darkening sky.
Experience
Kid-friendly activities in Lakeland
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Lakeland, FL has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
March 10, 2025
 · 
Staff