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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
Add a heading - 2022-05-11T105629.985
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 to these community organizations.
March 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Cobb Theater in Lakeland, FL, glowing with neon lights at dusk, featuring an IMAX sign and a vibrant, colorful entrance.
Culture
These Lakeland spots are ‘where our lore began’
Hop on the trend and share your local lore — the pivotal moments that made you feel like a true Lakelander.
March 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
Culture
Where we would take local celebrities around Lakeland
Before they made it big, many local celebrities called Lakeland home. If we were their hometown tour guides, this is where we’d bring them.
March 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior entrance of Reececliff Diner outlined with red neon lighting at night
Food
Celebrate Pi Day with Reececliff Diner, Lakeland’s longest-running restaurant
When visiting Reececliff Diner, you simply can’t forget the pie.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A mini golf sign is lit up in the darkening sky.
Experience
Kid-friendly activities in Lakeland
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Lakeland, FL has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
March 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
A collage of four photos showing a mural with painted oranges and blue flowers, two boxes with pizza slices and garlic knots, a plate of sushi, and an iced latte topped with sprinkles
Culture
These bracket winners are the best of Lakeland
Readers have chosen their top mural, pizza, sushi, and coffee over the years — did your favorite win?
March 7, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a coffee cup in front of the Black & Brew Coffee House sign. The cup has "have a good day" written on the side.
Culture
Should Lakeland be the pioneer of “hanging coffee” in Polk County?
The tradition began as far back as 100 years ago in Naples, Italy — now we want to know where you’d like to see it incorporated in Lakeland.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Carol Jenkins Barnett poses with kindergartners for United Way of Central Florida's ReadingPals program.
Culture
12 Lakeland women who made and are making history
From aviatrixes to commissioners to non-profit leaders, read how these women are leading the way in Swan City.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Exterior shot of Pressed Books & Coffee
New to Lakeland
40+ reads written by Lakeland authors
Whether you’re looking for your next leisure read, a book for the whole family, or a thrilling fictional novel, we’ve got a list of books written by local authors in Lakeland.
March 5, 2025
 · 
Staff
A gif showing five screen captures from episodes of "Greater Lakeland"
Culture
See Lakeland on screen at WEDU PBS’ “Greater Lakeland” premiere
Swan City will join the walk of fame for a night as all five “Greater Lakeland” episodes are screened at the Silver Moon Drive-In.
March 5, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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The sun setting over a baseball field.
Sports
“Strike Out Hunger” at a Lakeland Flying Tigers game
The Mosaic Company has partnered with the Flying Tigers to help end hunger this season. Here’s how you can watch the initiative in action.
May 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large dog on a leash sits on a bench near Lake Mirror in Lakeland, FL
Experience
Pamper your pet at these Lakeland spots
We’re paws-itive you’ll find a new park, pet supply store, or groomer to take care of your four-legged friends.
May 23, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A decorative sign over the Munn Park entrance with treetops and the sunshine in the background
Travel and Outdoors
Summer 2025 weather forecast for Lakeland
Prepare for summer weather in Swan City with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
May 22, 2025
 · 
Staff
Curved black benches surround a memorial with a rose inlaid on stone, honoring law enforcement at Veteran's Memorial Park.
City
Explore Veterans Memorial Park in Lakeland
Find a quiet place for reflection at Veterans Memorial Park, a serene green space near downtown Lakeland on the shores of Lake Beulah.
May 22, 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
A vintage postcard with an illustration of Downtown Lakeland and Lake Mirror from an aerial view
City
Test your Swan City history smarts with this quiz
Take the interactive quiz to see how much you remember about Lakeland’s geography, and learn about three of our favorite transformations from over the years.
May 20, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
Small kitchen with white cabinets, electric stove, microwave, and beige tile floor and countertops.
Real Estate
Put your own spin on these Lakeland fixer-upper homes
Grab your tool belt — these five homes are primed and ready for you to unleash your creativity and put your vision into action.
May 19, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A timelapse photo of the exterior of the Polk Theater at night. The marquee sign is lit with blinking lights, and car lights streak by the front door.
Food
Enjoy dinner and a show around Lakeland this week
Let us plan your nightly entertainment with movies, live music, and stage shows, plus the perfect places to grab a bite.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The brick and iron entrance to Munn Park frames a group of people walking beneath a tree with a bright pink trunk.
New to Lakeland
Head outside with a guide to Lakeland’s parks
We’re highlighting the top parks that Lakeland has to offer — complete with splash pads, playgrounds, WiFi, walking trails, and even a few dog-friendly spots.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Staff