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Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lakeland
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
November 06, 2025 01:28 PM
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Staff
LAL_BOB_ADAMS_FAMILY_COMMUNITY_YMCA_march_2023
City
Lakeland Family YMCA to undergo $21 million renovation
Meet the Bob Adams Family Community YMCA.
May 15, 2025
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Rilee Delgado
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Experience
14 of the top free things to do in Lakeland
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Lakeland, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
May 5, 2025
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Staff
RV campsite with tropical trees, tiki hut, and outdoor living area
Experience
Plan a vacation you’ll never forget at one of these unique stays in Polk County
Polk is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels — check out our favorites in and around Lakeland, Florida.
May 2, 2025
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Cambrie Juarez
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
Catch Phrase: Our readers’ Lakeland-isms
We’re calling on our readers to tell us the phrases they say as a Lakelander that others simply don’t get.
May 1, 2025
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Amelia Grooms
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Culture
We’re tossing our caps for these college graduations around Lakeland
How to prepare + plan for your weekends as Lakeland celebrates graduates from four of its five colleges around town.
April 29, 2025
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Amelia Grooms
A colorful mural with "We love Lakeland" and cartoon pictures of fast food
Experience
30+ murals around Lakeland
Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
April 24, 2025
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Staff
A path through Hollis Garden with trees on either side
Culture
Explore the City of Lakeland’s Urban Forest
Branch out to learn about Lakeland’s flowering and fruit trees with a GPS-enabled tour of the 56,000 trees in the city’s Urban Forest.
April 24, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
1: A row of pop up tents with people walking by on a lake shore, 2-5: People looking at art displays and art for sale in pop up tents, including pottery, paintings, and woodworking.
Sponsored
53 years of fine art at Mayfaire by-the-Lake
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s annual festival returns to Lake Morton this month.
Sponsored by
Lakeland, Florida, USA
Travel and Outdoors
Celebrating Earth Day in Lakeland
From volunteer opportunities to special events, here’s how you can celebrate the planet around Swan City.
April 21, 2025
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Amelia Grooms
Little Bus Books mobile bookshop
Culture
Local bookstore owners present the Lakeland Book Crawl
Finding our next read and supporting local independent book sellers? We’re in.
April 18, 2025
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Rilee Delgado
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More from LALtoday
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City
Want to reach Lakeland locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
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
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Haley Bartlett
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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