Food

A paper plate with a stack of BBQ ribs.
Food
Explore Central Florida’s best BBQ
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Culture
Check these activities off your Lakeland bucket list
Tell us what you’re hoping to do, see, and experience for the first time this year. We’ll share the best responses in our Lakeland bucket list.
January 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A glass of wine, a burger and fries, a board of various southern foods, and a glass of beer
Food
Restaurants to try within 30 minutes of Lakeland, FL
Looking for a night out, your new favorite eatery, or just something fresh? Check out these restaurants within a short drive of Swan City, recommended by our followers.
January 5, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
oranges in a tree
Sponsored
Farm to Shelf: Publix is ripe with locally-grown citrus this month
Pick up some oranges, tangerines, or pomelos during peak citrus season this January and February.
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Two chefs cook barbecue in an industrial kitchen at Catapult
Business
Get hungry for Catapult’s restaurant residency program
The program will allow food entrepreneurs to get the experience of running their own restaurants, while Lakelanders will get to try even more local food.
January 4, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
A photo of Lake Mirror and the loggia on a cloudy day
Culture
Choose your own LALtoday adventure
Choose my fate — if you dare.
December 8, 2023
 · 
Danielle Johnson
Two hands hold boba drinks from Hana Tea House
Food
You can’t beat these boba shops in Lakeland
Here’s a pearl of wisdom: You can find delicious boba tea at these locally owned shops around Lakeland.
December 7, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Dixieland
Real Estate
Neighborhood guide: Dixieland in Lakeland, FL
From historic homes to a flourishing small business scene, there’s something for residents and visitors alike to explore in Dixieland.
November 15, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Sponsored
Get drive-thru coffee with 2 pumps of fun at happyfastdelicious
Sponsored by
A lemon mocktail.
Food
The latest data on non-alcoholic beverages and where to drink them in Lakeland
Learn what it means to be sober curious, the current popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, and where you can enjoy a mocktail in Lakeland.
November 14, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
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More from LALtoday
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
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
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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