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
An Avelo Aircraft sits on the tarmac with the word "Avelo" painted on its side
City
Planes, trains, and automobiles: The state of transportation in Lakeland
Catch up on the progress of Lakeland’s transportation projects, from airport updates to possible future railways and road improvements.
March 6, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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.
Development
Southwest Middle School is getting a new campus
Construction on a modern new campus completed in March 2024 for the Lakeland school founded in 1956.
March 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the Publix Super Market location at Lake Miriam Square, including the facade, sign, and a green awning over the entrance.
Business
Lake Miriam Publix will be razed this summer ahead of a remodel
Here’s what to expect — from the demolition and rebuild to where to shop in the meantime.
February 29, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering of a four-story apartment building painted gray and dark blue. Palm trees and small trees line the building facing the street where pedestrians walk and a car drives by.
City
What affordable housing means in Lakeland
Get answers to these frequently asked questions about affordable housing options and qualifications in Lakeland.
February 21, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering of the Valencia at the Park apartment complex exterior, seen from above. The complex includes three bungalow-style buildings with three stories. The complex faces a street, where a few cars are parked, and a parking lot is situated behind the buildings.
Real Estate
See inside Valencia at the Park, Orange Street’s new apartment complex
Check out the floor plans, renderings, and price range of this complex within walking distance of downtown Lakeland’s hot spots.
February 7, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering of The Depot 303 food hall, showing a white one-story building with black trim and design accents. The top of the building has a small sign that reads "The Depot 303."
Real Estate
Get a sneak peek at The Depot 303, Mulberry’s first food hall
As this food hall gets closer to opening, see the latest renderings of the 14,000-sqft indoor and outdoor space coming to The Depot 303 in downtown Mulberry.
February 1, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior shot of the Kress Building in downtown Lakeland. A sign on the stone facade reads "S.H. Kress & Co." and a sign on the business below reads "Explorations V Children's Museum."
Development
Answered: Where locals want affordable housing, according to our readers
You told us which empty buildings could be converted into affordable housing.
January 12, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
A sunset over Lake Mirror with the downtown Lakeland skyline in the background
Culture
That’s a wrap: LALtoday’s top stories of 2023
We’ve brought you Lakeland’s top stories all year long, but which articles were you most interested in? See what took the top spot in categories like development, food + drink, real estate, and more.
December 21, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An Avelo Aircraft sits on the tarmac with the word "Avelo" painted on its side
City
Lakeland Linder International Airport will offer commercial passenger flights
The airport will ink a deal with Avelo Airlines to offer passenger service from Lakeland Linder as early as summer of 2024.
December 18, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering of the living space at Welcome Canary, including a living room and kitchen
Real Estate
Welcome Canary: Lakeland’s new wellness-focused apartment complex
The apartment is slated to open in January 2024, offering health and wellness amenities for residents in west Lakeland.
December 15, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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More from LALtoday
The downtown Lakeland viewed from across Lake Mirror. Clouds in the sky cast shadows over the lake and the mix of high and medium-rise buildings, including the Lakeland Electric building.
City
By the numbers: Lakeland’s 2026 fiscal year budget
The City of Lakeland has finalized its 2026 budget before the next fiscal year begins — let’s take a look at the $815 million bottom line.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
 · 
Maria Adnado
Two pumpkin spice lattes in mugs on table with a pumpkin muffin
Food
Where to find all things pumpkin spice in Lakeland
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, there’s a pumpkin spice or fall-flavored treat for everyone in Lakeland to enjoy this fall.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial satellite image above Lakeland. Green land and lakes surround the city, which is labeled with a blue arrow. There are blue lines heading in each direction — north, east, south, and west_ stretching out beyond the edges of the map.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Lakeland’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of LAL, cities across the world await.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
An aerial view of the Eaglebrooke Golf Course in Lakeland, FL. There is a green in the foreground and sand traps, water hazards, and trees in the background.
Experience
Tee it up at these Lakeland golf courses
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 13 golf courses in Lakeland are sure to make for a good round.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Cat George
Four runners sprint quickly on a track as a spectator watches from behind a fence. The runners are wearing athletic gear and competitor number bibs.
City
3 interesting facts from the Polk County Community Health Assessment
Polk Vision published the assessment in June 2025 after 18 months of data collection.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright, sunny photo of the Subs 'n Such restaurant sign, a local business with an old-fashioned feel.
Food
Dine on history at Lakeland’s oldest restaurants
Take a bite of Lakeland’s past at these restaurants that have stood the test of time.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a container of ice cream in front of a Publix Super Markets sign
Tourism and Hospitality
Celebrate your birthday with Lakeland deals and freebies
It’s your party and you’ll enjoy these deals if you want to.
September 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo of an Enhydritherium terraenovae fossil on display, a tall skeleton that looks like an otter.
Travel and Outdoors
Meet 5 prehistoric creatures who once roamed Polk County
Millions of years ago, marine animals, mammals, and reptiles called Florida home. Learn about five whose fossils have been found in the Bone Valley area of Polk County.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-downtown-kentucky-ave-lakeland-walfaro30-SEPT2022.jpeg
Weather
Fall weather forecast for Lakeland
Prepare for fall weather in Lakeland, Florida with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Staff