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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 graphic showing a photo of a boy waving at a train, a photo of a baseball field, and a photo of Publix GreenWise Market
Culture
Take LALtoday’s 2023 news quiz
How well did you keep up with the Lakeland news and stories we shared this year? Test your knowledge with our 12-question quiz.
December 21, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A sunset over Lake Mirror with the downtown Lakeland skyline in the background
Culture
That’s a wrap: LALtoday’s top stories of 2023
We’ve brought you Lakeland’s top stories all year long, but which articles were you most interested in? See what took the top spot in categories like development, food + drink, real estate, and more.
December 21, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The boathouse at Bonnet Springs Park
Culture
A day in the life of an LALtoday City Editor
I asked you to choose my fate, and you did. Here’s how it turned out.
December 20, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A sculpture of Frank Lloyd Wright wearing a wide-brimmed hat stands in front of the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center
New to Lakeland
Forests, swans, and architecture: 11 can’t-miss tours of Lakeland
Be a tourist in your own town. Get out and try these 11 fantastic tours of Lakeland and beyond to learn something new.
December 19, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior shot of the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, FL
Culture
A guide to Lakeland, FL’s best giftable experiences
Some gifts don’t fit under the tree.
December 19, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
The Crenshaw Canopy Walk at Bonnet Springs Park decorated with Christmas lights
Travel and Outdoors
Where to find the best holiday lights in Lakeland — according to our readers
Hop in your car and grab your hot cocoa. We’re driving around looking for the shiniest, brightest holiday lights in Lakeland and beyond.
December 19, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo of Lake Mirror and the loggia on a cloudy day
Culture
Choose your own LALtoday adventure
Choose my fate — if you dare.
December 8, 2023
 · 
Danielle Johnson
Two hands hold boba drinks from Hana Tea House
Food
You can’t beat these boba shops in Lakeland
Here’s a pearl of wisdom: You can find delicious boba tea at these locally owned shops around Lakeland.
December 7, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A wide shot of the Crenshaw Canopy Walk at Bonnet Springs Park.
Culture
Walking trends in Lakeland
Average daily walking trips dropped by 36% in the US between 2019 and 2022 — see how Lakeland compares.
December 6, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
An exterior shot of a historic cottage.
Real Estate
Edgewood Drive’s first residence is up for sale
This 1925 cottage has only had a few owners — will you be the next one to hold the keys?
December 4, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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More from LALtoday
The Wish Farms stage at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds
Culture
The stage is set: Florida Strawberry Festival’s 2025 entertainers
See who will take the stage in Plant City when the festival returns in February 2025.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Business
How to start a business in Lakeland
You have a good idea — now the fun begins.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Business
What’s open + closed on Thanksgiving in Lakeland
Find out where you can go on Thanksgiving Day, what’s closed this year, and where to find Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
Culture
Embrace your inner night owl: Late night Lakeland activities
Who says there has to be sun to have fun in Swan City?
November 6, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Books
Culture
Literature with Lakelanders: Join these local book clubs and storytimes
Find a love of literature at these reading programs for all ages.
November 6, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
City Editor Amelia and a friend pose with their paintings at Painting with a Twist
Business
Get crafty at these Lakeland creative spots
Flex your artistic muscles or let the experts lead you step by step through crafting classes.
November 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Children running towards a flagpole; an American flag waves in the wind
Culture
Observe Veterans Day at these Lakeland events
Keep reading for events that honor Lakeland’s veteran community.
November 4, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
marble arcade
City
What’s that Lakeland landmark named after?
We’ve all wondered about the names behind some of our local parks and places of interest. Pull back the curtain on the history behind their monikers.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A white swan stands by a lake with the city skyline in the background
City
Swan saga: How Lakeland takes care of its swans
Learn what the City of Lakeland does to keep our royal flock healthy and safe, plus what you can do to help the swans thrive.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Staff
A photo of the exterior of Foster's Hollywood in Spain.
Food
Remembering Foster’s Hollywood, Lakeland’s taste of Tinseltown
While the restaurant only had a location in Lakeland for a little over a year, it made its mark on our readers + followers.
October 31, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms