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
The New Haven, CT downtown skyline viewed from afar. Behind highrise buildings are wooded hills.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to New Haven, CT
Find out what to do and where to stay in the first destination city Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
April 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
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A small indoor booth at a festival with a flower bar and a neon sign reading "The Petal Co."
Events
Find Lakeland’s local vendors at the Florida Strawberry Festival
Support local or try something new from out of town at this festival running Feb. 27-March 9 in Plant City.
February 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Florida Polytechnic University's Innovation, Science, and Technological Building in Lakeland, FL.
New to Lakeland
See why Lakeland is a hub for smart, talented people
With five local colleges calling Lakeland home, it’s no surprise this city is a smart place to live.
February 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds out an iced coffee cup filled with coffee. In the background is a coffee shop.
Business
The RISE Institute: Where young entrepreneurs rule the school
Learn how this experiential learning program inside Lakeland Christian School is empowering middle and high school students to discover their passions in a safe + supportive environment.
February 26, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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 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
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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