Culture

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Culture
Where to make spring cleaning donations in Lakeland
If you’re feeling eager to clean out those closets, garages, and storage sheds, consider donating your gently used items to these community organizations making a difference in our city.
March 19, 2026 01:35 PM
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A heap of tomatoes and vegetation in a dark brown wooden bin outside.
Travel and Outdoors
The beginner’s guide to composting in Lakeland
We’re answering questions like “What is composting?” and “How do I compost in an apartment?”
February 17, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A rendering of the Prospect Lake Wire mixed-use development
City
New development to break ground near Lake Wire
Atlanta-based real estate company Carter has acquired 22 acres of land on Lake Wire in West Downtown Lakeland for a new mixed-use development near the RP Funding Center.
February 9, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
lakeland swans
Culture
Asked: Should Lakeland have a Poet Laureate?
Poet Laureates serve countries, states, and sometimes even cities — should Lakeland have one?
February 7, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Wine bottles before plates of food
Food
Let’s get cooking: Upcoming classes for Lakeland’s aspiring home chefs
Whether you’re looking to refine your existing skills or you’re starting from scratch, sign up for one of these cooking classes.
February 7, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
LAL-lake-mirror-picnic-date-FEB2020
Culture
Let’s make a date: Plan a unique date in Polk County
Celebrate love with these ideas around Polk County during Valentine’s Day, your next anniversary, birthday, or just any special day.
February 6, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering of a dog park in Munn Park.
Government
Asked: Which major local project would you want finished immediately?
If we had the power to instantly finish a local infrastructure or development project, which project would we choose?
February 1, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A man and woman stand in front of the Sorosis building on their wedding day
Sponsored
A peek into the history of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland building
Sponsored by
Catapult-3.0-Lakeland-interior-2
Development
Wait, what’s a special use permit? Understanding development terms in Lakeland, Florida
Become a development terminology expert faster than you can say “Special use permit for a mixed-use zone.”
January 30, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Heart-shaped desserts from Mitchell's Coffee House
Culture
Last-minute local ideas for Valentine’s Day
From flowers to happy hours to meteor showers, we’ve got ideas to make your Valentine’s Day special.
January 26, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A blurry image of the Catapult Logo displayed on the wall with award ceremony guests in the foreground
City
The 4th Annual Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards
See who came out on top at this year’s award ceremony honoring Swan City entrepreneurs.
January 24, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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The exterior entrance of S&L Restaurant in Lakeland. Signs painted on the building read, "Warning! Our burgers are habit forming!"
Food
Eat down the street: Combee Road restaurants
Discover a hidden gem or try a local favorite restaurant for the first time in this series.
August 29, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of a coffee shop is shown. In the foreground, a cup is holding an iced latte.
Business
Drink coffee + support foster care at ECHO Coffee House in Winter Haven
Learn how this coffee shop is helping a Lakeland-based nonprofit in its mission to support children in foster care.
August 28, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A concert taking place at Bonnet Springs Park, seen from the rooftop bar
Culture
Lakelanders share their “random acts of kindness” stories
We already knew that Lakeland was one of the best places to live, but these stories just prove it even more.
August 28, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Culture
6 random acts of kindness to brighten up Lakeland’s community
Put a smile on your neighbor’s face with these random acts of kindness.
August 26, 2024
 · 
Kristen Templeton
The exterior of the former Sears store entrance. The Sears logo is faded into the building, and a "For Lease" sign is up.
Real Estate
What do you want to see in the former Sears building?
After plans for apartments fell to the back burner, owners are on the hunt for businesses interested in leasing the space.
August 23, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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City
Breaking down Lakeland’s 2024 Demographic Guide, by the numbers
Learn about the city’s demographic guide + why it’s a valuable resource for Lakelanders.
August 22, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An aerial shot of Southeastern University's football field and stands. SEU is painted in the center of the field, and the Fire logo is in the endzones.
Sports
Go, fight, win: A rookie’s guide to supporting Lakeland sports teams
Supporting a student athlete in your family or just taking yourself out to the ballgame? We’ll tell you what to wear and who to cheer for.
August 21, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of one of Prospect Lake Wire's four-story apartment buildings
Real Estate
Look inside Prospect Lake Wire, Lakeland’s newest mixed-use development opening this fall
Learn how the luxury apartments and retail space at Prospect Lake Wire will factor into the city’s Downtown West Action Plan.
August 21, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-plant-city-farm-and-flea-market-2019
Food
Where to get seasonal produce in Lakeland
Learn what produce is currently in season in Lakeland, along with recommendations for local farms to shop from.
August 20, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Historic home in Lakeland, FL
Real Estate
How difficult is it to buy a home in Lakeland?
This NBC tool utilizes home prices, interest rates, and availability (among other factors) to determine just how difficult it is to buy a home in Polk County.
August 16, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams