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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
A City of Lakeland worker holds a net out of a boat to catch a white swan that's flapping away as part of the Swan Roundup. The worker lays on their stomach and leans off the front of the small fishing boat, holding the large net with both hands.
Culture
See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest
The votes are in for the LALtoday 2023 Picture of the Year contest. Check out the finalists below, including the winner that you, our readers, voted for.
January 29, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A graphic with cartoon candy hearts that have different gift categories written inside, like "Home Goods" and "Books."
Retail
The best Valentine’s Day gifts for 2024
Shop Valentine’s Day chocolates, couple’s games, cookware, candles, and fuzzy socks to spread the love.
January 24, 2024
 · 
Vagney Hampshire
The exterior of the Lakeland Country Club, viewed from the front entrance. The building is designed in the Mediterranean style, with red terracotta roof tiles. The entrance includes a valet parking spot and lanterns on the exterior walls.
City
The Lakeland Country Club celebrates a century of community
Dive into the history behind the Lakeland Country Club and learn how you can become a future member.
January 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A woman in a dress points to a large cake made by Publix for the fourth anniversary of Lakeland's Dixieland neighborhood.
Culture
A slice of Lakeland history: The Dixieland anniversary cake of 1952
Do you remember the time Publix made a huge birthday cake for an entire Lakeland neighborhood? Read on for the story.
January 16, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior shot of the Columbia restaurant features tiles and traditional Spanish design.
Travel and Outdoors
Hit the Road: A 30-mile getaway to Ybor City
Whether you’re looking to learn more about this micro-city’s extensive history or hoping to try the perfect Cuban sandwich, here’s what you need to know about taking a day trip to Ybor City.
January 12, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A red mocktail topped with fruit and a paper umbrella
Food
Where you can find buzz-free beverages, or mocktails, in Lakeland
Shaken or stirred? Either one works, as long as it’s zero-proof. Check out this list of alcohol-free cocktails — mocktails — in Swan City.
January 10, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
sun-n-fun-fly-in-2017_33152913923_o-XL
Culture
Check these activities off your Lakeland bucket list
Tell us what you’re hoping to do, see, and experience for the first time this year. We’ll share the best responses in our Lakeland bucket list.
January 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A glass of wine, a burger and fries, a board of various southern foods, and a glass of beer
Food
Restaurants to try within 30 minutes of Lakeland, FL
Looking for a night out, your new favorite eatery, or just something fresh? Check out these restaurants within a short drive of Swan City, recommended by our followers.
January 5, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Annie Pfeiffer Chapel
History
A brief history of Frank Lloyd Wright’s relationship with Florida Southern College
You probably recognize some of these silhouettes from Lakeland tea towels and keychains, but do you know the history of how they came to be?
January 4, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A sunset over Lake Bonny in Lakeland, FL with a palm tree silhouette in the foreground
Culture
Try this: LALtoday’s Picture of the Year contest
We’re commemorating 2023 the best way we know how — highlighting local photos through our LALtoday Picture of the Year contest.
January 2, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
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Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Food
Build a Thanksgiving Day meal from your favorite Lakeland eateries
Add some Lakeland flair to your Thanksgiving spread with classic dishes from these Swan City restaurants.
November 19, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
A lake at dusk in Lakeland with night lights illuminating and city buildings in the background.
City
See Lakeland’s top rankings on nationwide lists
It’s not such a small town anymore — check out how Lakeland’s growth is reflected in rankings from the past year.
November 19, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Shoppers walk through vendor tents at the downtown Lakeland Holiday Night Market
Business
Start seasonal shopping at these Lakeland holiday markets
Find a unique gift by local vendors, artists, and makers at these holiday-themed markets in and around Lakeland.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Restaurant patrons speak with a waiter at their table in side The Peach House.
Business
Lakeland restaurateurs show support for ‘The Pepper Project’
Here’s how you can help the family of restaurant owner Jeannie Weaver-Lopez.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior view of Lakeland Regional Medical Center with a glass building, brick building, and a grassy median with a fountain.
Wellness
How germ-prone is Lakeland?
According to Soliant Health, Lakeland ranks low on its list of cities most likely to get sick, and there are precautions you can take this flu season.
November 14, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Lakeland Economic Development Council members sit and listen to a panel of members at Catapult
Business
Lakeland Economic Development Council celebrates 40 years
The LEDC has been a major driver in Lakeland’s economy since 1984 — but what is it, and how does it affect daily life?
November 13, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the historic Old Polk County Courthouse entrance with a dome and high columns.
City
What do you want Polk County to look like in 2050?
You can help direct Polk County’s future for the next 25 years by leaving your thoughts on the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Overhead shot of five pumpkin pies with whipped cream dollops
Food
Preorder your prized pies ahead of Thanksgiving
Whether you’re an annual customer or looking for the first time, check out these pies you can bring to Thanksgiving made fresh by Lakeland bakers.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "LALtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
LALtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
Exterior shot of Crispers in downtown Lakeland
Food
Come on, dish: Which Lakeland restaurant do you miss the most?
We want to know — which Lakeland restaurant or meal sparks nostalgia in your heart and belly, and why?
November 8, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms