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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
A concrete pier juts out into the ocean at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
Beachy road trip destinations within three hours of Lakeland
We’re exploring a few of our reader recommendations for beachy road trips around Lakeland, Florida.
June 9, 2025
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Rilee Delgado
A sculpture of Frank Lloyd Wright wearing a wide-brimmed hat stands in front of the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center
Culture
Explore the world’s largest Frank Lloyd Wright museum in Lakeland
Did you know that a Central Florida college is home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs? See some of its most notable designs created by the world-famous architect.
June 5, 2025
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Staff
A hand holds a cruffin topped with cream and chocolate chips in front of a lake
Food
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these local desserts
When cravings hit, level up your dessert game at one of these local sweet shops and makers in Lakeland.
June 5, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A loggia with gated arches and columns on the Frances Langford Promenade under a clear blue sky.
New to Lakeland
Lakeland’s most iconic landmarks
We’re giving you the 411 on the 863’s landmarks — from the Southgate Sign to “Sputnik.”
June 4, 2025
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Staff
People attend a Polk Pride event with a rainbow Polk Pride FL banner in the background
Culture
Polk Pride is back: Here’s the 2025 event roundup
Check out the event lineup, from family-friendly events in the park to interfaith celebrations and dance parties.
June 2, 2025
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Staff
Screen Shot 2020-05-05 at 4.28.47 PM
Experience
Museums in Lakeland
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or aviation fan, these nine museums around Lakeland have it all.
May 30, 2025
 · 
Staff
Screen Shot 2020-01-28 at 9.02.23 PM
Culture
Polk County’s historic theatres: Smelling bananas, Wayne Brady, and 35 cents
Look back on the first places to catch a movie on the big screen or see a live performance at these historic theatres around Polk County.
May 29, 2025
 · 
Kaylee Holland
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
How well do you remember this month’s top Lakeland news?
Take our interactive quiz to test your local news knowledge, and keep reading LALtoday to up your score.
May 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A stack of books is shown on a table in Lakeland Public Library with windows looking out at Lake Morton.
Culture
Ready, set, read — kick off summer with these reading programs
Who says summer reading is only for the kids? Check out these opportunities for every age around Lakeland.
May 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Signage marking the Lake-to-Lake Bikeway and bike lane
Travel and Outdoors
Ride the Lake-to-Lake Bikeway across Lakeland
See Lakeland from a new perspective — on two wheels.
May 20, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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More from LALtoday
A sleek white motor yacht sails on calm green water under a partly cloudy blue sky. The boat features a wooden deck and modern design.
Travel and Outdoors
Rent a private boat in Lakeland
No boat? No problem. Rent one Airbnb-style and start enjoying our local waterways.
August 5, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
An aerial view of the Lakeland International Airport terminal and parking lots
Travel and Outdoors
Parking fees loom at Lakeland International Airport
Starting soon, daily parking will cost you if you’re flying out of LAL. Here’s what you need to know.
July 31, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A new lit sign for Southwest Middle School sits in front of its newly built, two-story administrative building. A US flag pole sits a few feet away from the sign.
City
Dates to know for PCPS’ 2025/2026 school year
Whether you have students at Polk County Public Schools or you’re just planning around school breaks, keep these dates in mind.
July 31, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A colorful waterslide twists into a large resort pool at River Ranch’s water park, with umbrellas, palm trees, and blue skies.
Travel and Outdoors
Giddy up: Polk County’s newest water park is open
Head east to the newly opened River Country Water Park for fun in the sun at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo.
July 29, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog cover reading "Honor Bilt Modern Homes"
Real Estate
Do you own a Sears Modern Home in Lakeland?
Your home could have been built by a Lakelander of the past — and ordered from a catalog.
July 28, 2025
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Snow falls around a lit Christmas tree at Lakeside Village
Events
Celebrate the holidays early with these Christmas in July events
Pro tip: Leave the ugly sweater at home and opt for flip flops instead.
July 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Mural by Gillian Fazio featuring blooming water lilies and lily pads in a modern conference room with city views and chandeliers.
Culture
See inside Summit’s mural project featuring Lakeland artists
Get an exclusive look inside this downtown high-rise to see a collection of murals by seven Lakeland artists.
July 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
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Connor Jacobson
Burger Week special with arugula, crispy onions, and melted cheese on a glossy bun, served in a copper basket under moody lighting.
Food
Chow down during Polk County Burger Week
Check out the list of participating eateries to find a Burger Week deal near you July 18-27.
July 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Tall trees sprout out of the dry Florida landscape.
Experience
Hiking guide for Lakeland
Check out these 13 hiking trails catered to all skill levels in and around Lakeland, Florida for outdoor adventures.
July 16, 2025
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Staff