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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
Nashville's skyline with Bridgestone Arena, Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, and the AT&T building (known locally as the Batman Building) all in view.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Nashville, TN
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the next destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
March 4, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Events
Celebrate Mardi Gras with these Lakeland events
If you’ve got the need for beads, here’s where to find them around Swan City.
March 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior shot of Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, right outside of the BayCare Box Office.
City
How Joker Marchant Stadium became a staple in Lakeland’s sports scene
We’re climbing out of the dugout and onto the diamond as we uncover the history of this iconic sports complex.
February 28, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An aerial view of the Florida Strawberry Festival's rides, booths, and entertainment pavilions
Events
Your guide to the 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival
It’s the sweetest time of year — Florida Strawberry Festival time. Read our guide so you don’t get in a (strawberry) jam.
February 21, 2025
 · 
Staff
A swan statue with a blue and yellow swirl design
Culture
Swansation: The story of Lakeland’s swan statues
Learn the history behind the iconic swan statues found around Lakeland.
February 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An LALtoday city editor steps into a passenger plane wearing an LAL hat.
Culture
City Editor Amelia’s 12 favorite things in Lakeland
To celebrate her one-year anniversary at LALtoday, City Editor Amelia is sharing her 12 favorite things in Lakeland — from food to hidden gems.
February 18, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A hand holding a paper cup that reads "Ethos Roasters" on the sleeve
Food
Answered: What coffee blend would Lakeland be?
Brew a cup and read up on your caffeine concepts for a coffee blend that represents Swan City.
February 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-lakeland-downtown-skyline
Culture
We asked ChatGPT to cook up a roast of Lakeland
Wait until you see what this AI chatbot whipped up for a good-natured roast of Swan City — covering everything from traffic to the culture and weather.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A historic home with striped awnings and a gable roof
Real Estate
What makes a Lakeland home historic?
There are both benefits and strict guidelines for homes in Lakeland’s seven historic districts. Does your home make the cut?
February 7, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Four white pelicans sit on a low brick wall on a lake
City
What’s the deal with the white pelicans?
Lakeland’s iconic bird mascot gets an annual visitor in the form of Canadian pelicans.
February 7, 2025
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
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More from LALtoday
A hand holds a bagel sandwich in front of Uncle Nick's Deli in Lakeland. The cheese bagel is wrapped in aluminum foil. The deli is in a small shopping center and has a few tables and chairs by the front entrance.
Food
Where to find fresh bagels around Lakeland
Plain, with cream cheese, or topped with an egg, bagels are sure to be a hole in one. Order one from these local bakeries, delis, and cafes.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2021-10-20 at 1.57.47 PM
Culture
What is the Junior League of Greater Lakeland?
Learn how this organization is impacting Lakeland through its educational and charity work.
May 15, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A commercial building under construction with yellow sheathing and a Rodda banner on the sidewalk.
City
The latest on Lakeland Family YMCA’s $21 million renovation project
The project is roughly halfway complete, with all phases expected to conclude by 2027.
May 15, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Brick condo building with large windows, gabled roof, surrounded by palm and oak trees, located near Lake Morton.
Real Estate
See inside 3 condos coming soon by Lake Morton
The couple behind this new condominium building are looking for the perfect buyer + neighbor to fill the final floor in Lake Morton Place.
May 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of a Publix supermarket features a green, lit sign, outdoor seating area, and a sunset sky in the background
Business
How would Lakelanders make Publix shopping better?
We’re giving Lakelanders the reins to dream up their own store features and items that would make shopping at Publix more of a pleasure.
May 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior view of the Lakeland Amtrak train station
Travel and Outdoors
Pro tips for riding an Amtrak train from Lakeland
Get our best tips to navigating the Amtrak station, finding routes, and buying tickets.
May 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the Lakeland Fishing Outfitters Tackle Shop which was the original location of Red Lobster, viewed from the parking lot.
Business
How Red Lobster got its start in Lakeland
As the seafood chain announces plans to close restaurants nationwide, take a look back at how Red Lobster first started in Lakeland, FL.
May 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
New Publix store under construction at Lake Miriam Square, with wood framing, concrete walls, parked vehicles, and equipment.
Business
Lakeland’s ‘prototype’ Publix: What’s coming to Lake Miriam Square
See what’s planned for Publix’s newly rebuilt store that could give us a glimpse into the future of grocery shopping.
May 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the RP Funding Center, viewed from in front of rose bushes.
Experience
15+ upcoming concerts headed to Lakeland
AC/DC tribute? Check. Marshall Tucker Band? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
May 12, 2025