Development

An ornate, carved stone exterior entrance to Lakeland City Hall seen from underneath a tree branch
City
Here’s how to join Lakeland boards and committees
Create the city you want to live in by applying to serve in these volunteer roles.
January 07, 2026 10:07 AM
 · 
Kaylee Holland
A rendering of colorful pod swings in Munn Park
City
The future of downtown Lakeland’s Munn Park
Would you rather see a fully-enclosed dog park, pod swings, or giant chess in our town square? The city is still taking input — keep reading for renderings.
January 12, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
COhatch-Lakeland_View-00-Exterior_web-1200x649
City
Coworking space COhatch is coming to downtown Lakeland
Get an inside glimpse at downtown Lakeland’s newest coworking space.
January 6, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Lakeland City Hall sign in grass and flowers in front of building
City
Get involved with Lakeland’s upcoming changes
With so many updates on the horizon, how can you be active in your community?
January 3, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering of a new residential and retail development in Lakeland, FL
City
Oak Street’s new development
Plans have been released for a multi-use residential and retail space on the former Oak Street lot.
December 14, 2022
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
An exterior view of the Florida Children's Museum
Culture
Florida Children’s Museum Grand Opening Weekend
Get ready for the new museum to open by reading up on its features, resources, and membership details.
October 31, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Gates closed outside Unfiltered Lakeland coffeeshop
Business
New storefronts coming to Unfiltered Lakeland
Check out these local small businesses opening storefronts at the new coffee shop and artisan marketplace.
October 27, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Ducks and birds on grass in foreground with Lake Mirror and Lakeland skyline
Real Estate
Fall predictions for Lakeland real estate
Real estate experts explain what Lakeland home buyers should know and predict whether we’ll see prices continue to rise in 2022.
October 13, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Outdoor SunTrax automated car testing site in the Lakeland, FL innovation district
City
The autonomous vehicle test track in Polk County, FL
Phase Two of the SunTrax vehicle testing site completed in June 2023.
October 11, 2022
 · 
Staff
Exterior of Terminal C at Orlando International Airport
Sponsored
Orlando International Airport (MCO)’s new Terminal C opens on Mon., Sept. 19
One of the largest terminal projects to debut in the US in recent years opens on Mon., Sept. 19. Here’s what Orlando International Airport’s exciting new expansion means for Floridians.
Sponsored by
Screen Shot 2019-02-01 at 3.28.49 PM
Culture
September is Library Card Sign-up Month
Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month at Lakeland, FL’s local libraries.
September 2, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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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
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
 · 
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
 · 
Staff
A laptop showing the Visit Central Florida tourism ambassador site sits open on a wooden table next to a coffee cup and phone
Travel and Outdoors
Keep tourism thriving through Visit Central Florida’s CATS program
Tourism is one of Polk County’s top three industries, and you can help Visit Central Florida keep it growing through the Certified Ambassadors of Tourism and Sports program.
July 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson