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
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Connor Jacobson
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
LAL-PlanAhead-2020_Feb
Culture
It’s Leap Day: Here’s what Lakeland was doing four years ago
It’s been four years since the last time we had a 29th day in February. Take a peek into what was going on in Lakeland last Leap Day.
February 28, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
maas brothers
Business
Which closed Lakeland business would you bring back?
From retailers to restaurants, you told us which businesses you think deserve a second chance.
February 26, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering shows three buildings surrounding a pedestrian courtyard.
City
Downtown Winter Haven’s new Bowen Yard development nears completion
Get ready to “Gather, Eat, Chill” at Bowen Yard in downtown Winter Haven.
February 22, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
The front of The Lakeland Country Club building: a white stucco building with red Spanish-style roofing and two palm trees in front.
Sponsored
A century of legacy: Lakeland Country Club celebrates 100 years
The longest-standing private club in Lakeland celebrates its centennial year in 2024.
Sponsored by
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Sports
Lakeland’s 89-year love story with the Tigers
Keep reading for our favorite local love story.
February 16, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
A lake with buildings in the background and location points — featuring hearts inside — pointing to different spots around the lake.
Culture
Our readers’ local love stories
You helped us put our city on the map by submitting your love stories.
February 12, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Actor and wrestler John Cena is seen on set of a commercial being filmed in Lakeland. He wears a blue bathrobe, white shirt, dark pants, and holds a coffee mug. Production workers stand around him behind a short hedge, and they're surrounded by lighting rigging.
Culture
John Cena visits Lakeland for a commercial shoot
The actor and wrestler stopped by a Swan City staple to fuel up before heading to work.
February 7, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Five people dance with a small child in a white dress and cowboy boots at Lakeland's Buena market
Culture
If Lakeland had a personality, what would it be like?
We’re using geopsychology to give Swan City the ultimate personality test.
February 6, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A girl with red hair wearing a jean jacket stands before a small propeller plane on the tarmac.
Culture
Rilee’s favorite LALtoday moments
Rilee here — after nearly three years of covering Lakeland’s developments, restaurants, local businesses, and events, it’s time for something new. Let’s walk down memory lane together.
January 31, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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More from LALtoday
Maurkice Pouncey (No. 53), right, blocks another player during a game against the Cleveland Browns.
Sports
Lakeland’s impact on the NFL
Get to know the all-star NFL athletes who once called Lakeland home.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A rendering of the exterior of Orlando Health's future Lakeland Highlands Hospital
Wellness
New developments coming to Lakeland’s healthcare scene
These local healthcare developments and programs will have you getting well soon. Read on to see what’s planned for a spot near you.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A mint julep served in a metal glass topped with a lime and mint
Food
Sip on these 6 drink trends around Lakeland
How trendy are your tastebuds? Put them to the test with these drinks that are sure to take off in 2025.
January 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Chef Marcos Fernandez of Nineteen61 carefully crafts a plate in the restaurant's kitchen. Next to him on the counter are prep containers and ingredients.
Food
Take a foodie road trip to these James Beard-nominated spots around Lakeland
Lakeland might not have made the list for 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists — but that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Copy of LAL-General Hero
City
How to run for office in Lakeland
Are you eligible to run for office in Lakeland? Learn how you can get started, as well as what positions are available this year, here.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
LAL-202-lenox-st-outside-home-JAN2025.png
Real Estate
Hot homes: 5 Lakeland properties ahead of the 2025 trends
This year, Zillow reports that homebuyers are getting cozy, feeling nostalgic, and looking for resilient homes.
January 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bowl of chicken tortellini soup sits in a white bowl on a white plate
Food
Soup for the soul: Try these top-rated soups in Lakeland
Take a slurp of some of the best soups in Swan City.
January 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Runners take off at a starting line in a road race.
Wellness
Pound the pavement with Lakeland’s running and walking clubs
Lace up your most comfortable sneakers to go running or walking — plus, meet new friends.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-lakeland-downtown-skyline
Welcome to our flock: A snowbird’s guide to Lakeland, FL
Between October and April, roughly one million adults move from northern states to temporary residences in Florida — are you one of them?
January 17, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A large mural with two swans, their reflections, plants, and the name "Lakeland"
Culture
Our readers’ 2025 predictions for Lakeland
Look into your crystal ball — what do you think will happen in Lakeland this year?
January 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson