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Culture

A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
What we “unfortunately do love” in Lakeland
From guilty pleasures to unexpected favorites, the “unfortunately do love” social media trend is taking over the internet — and we want your input.
September 18, 2025 02:29 PM
 · 
Maria Adnado
Four-panel collage with two basketball players, a black-and-white portrait of a man, and a singer performing with a microphone.
Culture
Meet Polk County’s four most notable celebrities
A new online tool shows the most notable celebrity from each birthplace on earth — these are the four highest-ranking stars from Polk County.
July 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2019-02-04 at 1.06.37 PM
City
Here’s how to join Lakeland boards and committees
Create the city you want to live in by applying to serve in these volunteer roles.
July 10, 2025
 · 
Kaylee Holland
Cobb Theater in Lakeland, FL, glowing with neon lights at dusk, featuring an IMAX sign and a vibrant, colorful entrance.
Events
Summer meets the big screen with these Lakeland movie series
Skip the sunscreen and slide into a movie screening instead.
July 8, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Red, white, and green fireworks explode over the reflective Lake Mirror as a crowd watches under a streetlight
Events
Red, White & Kaboom returns: What you need to know
Fireworks, food trucks, live music, and more — here’s everything you need to know about this annual fireworks display on Lake Mirror.
June 30, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
The MCO glass exterior with a plane overhead
Work
What to know about Orlando International Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
June 23, 2025
 · 
Staff
A plate of BBQ meat, baked beans, coleslaw, and mac 'n cheese.
Food
Our favorite barbecue spots around Lakeland, Florida
Bring on the baked beans and cornbread, it’s time for BBQ.
June 20, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
The exterior of the AGB Museum of Art's new expansion wing, which features high glass walls and a stone facade
Culture
Meet the AGB Museum of Art’s interim executive director
Those in the Lakeland arts scene will recognize Dr. Daryl Ward, a local arts leader who’s set to become interim executive director at the AGB Museum of Art this summer.
June 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Four outdoor sculptures include a bike, a woman in a red dress, a flower-like form, and abstract pipes and shapes.
Culture
Take a walk of art at the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition
Browse 11 sculptures by artists from around the US and stay tuned to see which one will win the People’s Choice Award in this year’s sculpture competition.
June 11, 2025
 · 
Staff
A colorful sign reading "I love Mi Pueblo" in the foreground with flea market buildings in the background
Experience
Shop, swap, sell, and save in Lakeland
Here’s the deal — the thrift and vintage shopping scene is stellar in Swan City.
June 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
1970s photo of Food World in Lakeland, FL, with a parking lot full of classic cars and an Eckerd Drugs store in view.
Business
Do you remember your first job in Lakeland?
Share your memories of your first job for a chance to be featured.
June 9, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Work
The who’s who and what’s what of Lakeland’s economy: Meet the top employers and industries
Explore the leading economic drivers in Lakeland — from exciting, new technology to top leaders in growing and distributing delicious eats.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Staff
A person holds up an iced coffee drink with a Dutch Bros logo, next to a blue drive-thru menu board.
Food
So close, but so far: Chains readers wish were in Lakeland
Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?
August 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Women work out in an outdoors yoga class.
New to Lakeland
Get your sweat on at these gyms around Lakeland
From lifting weights and personal training to dance fitness and spin classes — we’ve rounded up 25+ gyms and fitness offerings around Swan City.
August 19, 2025
 · 
Staff
The front entrance and hallway of a Sola Salons studio, with a wood-slat feature wall and a modern light fixture.
Business
Get a new look at Lakeside Village this summer
Change things up with a new outfit, facial, or hairstyle from these new businesses that recently opened in the open-air shopping center.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of Market Plaza in Lake Wales, with people walking on the brick and concrete paths surrounded by greenery.
City
Lake Wales is adding a social district — should Lakeland?
The city will be the first in Polk County to allow for open containers of alcohol to be enjoyed between businesses in its Arts, Culture and Entertainment District. Now, we want to know if Lakeland be next to add a social district.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright living room with white couches, a large circular chandelier, and a view of a lanai through sliding glass doors.
Real Estate
This Lakeland home combines contemporary style with country club living
Spend every day on the greens — if you can get yourself to leave the comfort of home.
August 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An interior shot of a wedding in Haus820
Experience
Rentable venues in Lakeland
Check out this list of local spots to host your next party, reunion, or reception.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A group of five cartoon animals — an alligator, an otter, a butterfly, a turtle, and a swan — and the "Learning Lakeland" logo.
City
Learning Lakeland is here to make civic education fun
The new program by the City of Lakeland offers activities for kids ages 4-11 that will teach them all about how life in Lakeland works.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A black-and-white photo of two people moving into Florida Southern College by a car with the trunk and passenger door open.
City
Lakeland college move-in dates to know
Whether you’re a student, a family member, or just a driver looking to avoid traffic, keep these college move-in dates in mind.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
aerial-view-atmosphere-clouds-cold-front-76969
City
Here’s what you need to have in your hurricane kit
It’s important to be prepared — here’s our list of hurricane season essentials.
August 11, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado