Support Us Button Widget

Food

Three performers in colorful junkanoo costumes at Bonnet Springs Park
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.
January 24, 2025 03:23 PM
 · 
Staff
A mint julep served in a metal glass topped with a lime and mint
Food
Sip on these 6 drink trends around Lakeland
How trendy are your tastebuds? Put them to the test with these drinks that are sure to take off in 2025.
January 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Chef Marcos Fernandez of Nineteen61 carefully crafts a plate in the restaurant's kitchen. Next to him on the counter are prep containers and ingredients.
Food
Take a foodie road trip to these James Beard-nominated spots around Lakeland
Lakeland might not have made the list for 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists — but that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A bowl of chicken tortellini soup sits in a white bowl on a white plate
Food
Soup for the soul: Try these top-rated soups in Lakeland
Take a slurp of some of the best soups in Swan City.
January 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A large mural with two swans, their reflections, plants, and the name "Lakeland"
Culture
Our readers’ 2025 predictions for Lakeland
Look into your crystal ball — what do you think will happen in Lakeland this year?
January 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A paper plate with a stack of BBQ ribs.
Sponsored
Explore Central Florida’s best BBQ
Sponsored by
Cleveland Heights Boulevard
Live
Neighborhood Guide: Cleveland Heights
From a flurry of new shops to Lakeland’s public golf course, there are plenty of spots to explore in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood.
January 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
A hand holding a paper cup that reads "Ethos Roasters" on the sleeve
Food
Asked: What coffee blend would Lakeland be?
We want your caffeine concepts for a coffee blend that represents Swan City.
January 10, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LALTBAY_Pigfest_Lead_.gif
Sponsored
Meat your weekend plans: Pigfest 2025
Enjoy two ham-packed days of world-class BBQ, family-friendly activities, and community giving.
Sponsored by
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Culture
TGIF: Spend a perfect weekend in Swan City
Night life, live performances, happy hours, and more — You can’t go wrong with a Lakeland weekend.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Three photos each showing a plate of different tacos. The first photo is of shrimp tacos with a side of soup, the second is a plate of chicken tacos and the third is a plate of tacos topped with avocado and a crema sauce.
Sponsored
Explore the flavors of Polk County through Taco Week
Sponsored by
Load More
Good news for Lakeland.
Get the best local news & events sent to your inbox each morning, for free.
Latest News
More from LALtoday
LAL-202-lenox-st-outside-home-JAN2025.png
Real Estate
Hot homes: 5 Lakeland properties ahead of the 2025 trends
This year, Zillow reports that homebuyers are getting cozy, feeling nostalgic, and looking for resilient homes.
January 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Runners take off at a starting line in a road race.
Wellness
Pound the pavement with Lakeland’s running and walking clubs
Lace up your most comfortable sneakers to go running or walking — plus, meet new friends.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-lakeland-downtown-skyline
Welcome to our flock: A snowbird’s guide to Lakeland, FL
Between October and April, roughly one million adults move from northern states to temporary residences in Florida — are you one of them?
January 17, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A screenshot of the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and North Florida Avenue.
City
Potential improvements on the way for Memorial Boulevard
From strategic economic developments to street enhancements, here’s what we could see on Memorial Boulevard in the future.
January 15, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The exterior of the AGB Museum of Art's new expansion wing, which features high glass walls and a stone facade
Business
8 additions you can’t miss at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
The AGB will reveal its new expansion to the public on Jan. 18. Here’s what Museum Director Dr. Alexander Rich says you can’t miss — plus a few editors’ picks.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A group in Star Wars costumes posing with R2-D2
Events
Get nerdy with it at Central Florida Comic Con
Prep for the convention with events, guests, and exhibitions we wouldn’t miss.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Member at Sewing Station copy
Culture
Hobby Town, USA: Where to try these 5 creative hobbies in Lakeland
Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or simply want to try something new, here’s where you can engage in creative hobbies in and around Swan City.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A family consisting of a father, mother, and four daughters clothed in fall-themed and muted colors stands in front of a rustic backdrop.
Culture
Meet the Lakeland family featured on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
The Hutson family will be featured on the show’s Thursday, Jan. 9 episode.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Governor Farris Bryant and Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture Doyle E. Conner examine frozen bean vines.
Travel and Outdoors
Remembering Lakeland’s coldest days on record
Lakeland’s coldest day on record was on Dec. 13, 1962 when Swan City hit 20º — it would go on to reach it twice more in 1985.
January 8, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
A girl sits outside of a bookstore at a patio table while reading a book.
Culture
Best places to read a book around Lakeland
If reading is your activity of choice, try one of these Swan City spots the next time you crack open your favorite novel.
January 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms