Food

A paper plate with a stack of BBQ ribs.
Food
Explore Central Florida’s best BBQ
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A pink cocktail sits surrounded by strawberries.
Food
Don’t worry, be happy: Our favorite Lakeland happy hour deals
Hit the town and enjoy a discounted drink at one of these cheers-worthy Lakeland happy hours.
July 2, 2025
 · 
Staff
A plate of BBQ meat, baked beans, coleslaw, and mac 'n cheese.
Food
Our favorite barbecue spots around Lakeland, Florida
Bring on the baked beans and cornbread, it’s time for BBQ.
June 20, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A hand holds a cruffin topped with cream and chocolate chips in front of a lake
Food
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these local desserts
When cravings hit, level up your dessert game at one of these local sweet shops and makers in Lakeland.
June 5, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Two hands toast with a glass of margarita and a glass of sangria on an outdoor patio.
Food
Celebration-worthy Lakeland restaurants
From graduations to rehearsal dinners to corporate parties, we’re sharing the top reader recommended spots for celebration-worthy eateries.
May 29, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A timelapse photo of the exterior of the Polk Theater at night. The marquee sign is lit with blinking lights, and car lights streak by the front door.
Food
Enjoy dinner and a show around Lakeland this week
Let us plan your nightly entertainment with movies, live music, and stage shows, plus the perfect places to grab a bite.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
A GIF of people posing under a euphoria sign at euphoria in Greenville, SC.
Sponsored
Win an all-inclusive weekend at euphoria
We’ve partnered with euphoria to give away one euphoric experience valued at $1,900.
Sponsored by
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
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
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More from LALtoday
The front of a newly opened Publix, decorated with green and white balloon columns and silver "WELCOME" balloons for its grand opening.
Business
Lake Miriam Square Publix is now open
The rebuilt store includes 55,701 sqft of space for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Scroll through photos from opening day.
November 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The front exterior of the Spanish Colonial-style Ludd Spivey House with a stucco facade, arched windows, and a terracotta tile roof.
Real Estate
Influential Lakelander’s home hits the market
Take a look inside the Ludd M. Spivey House, formerly home to Florida Southern College’s president who made a historic impact on the campus.
November 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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City
Local news, powered by readers like you
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.
November 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
A night photo of the Lakeland Margarita Ball on the lawn near Lake Mirror, with a band playing on a lit stage in the background.
Events
Raise funds (and a glass) at the Lakeland Margarita Ball
The Lakeland Margarita Society hosts the Margarita Ball every November to raise money to provide Christmas gifts for local children.
November 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Overhead shot of five pumpkin pies with whipped cream dollops
Food
Preorder your prized pies ahead of Thanksgiving
Whether you’re an annual customer or looking for the first time, check out these pies you can bring to Thanksgiving made fresh by local bakers.
November 6, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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Last chance: Hack Your Health 2025 arrives this weekend
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City
How to help Lakeland food banks
When times are tough, Lakelanders join together to help neighbors in need. Here’s how you can help local food banks and food distribution programs through donations and volunteer work.
November 5, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of downtown Lakeland's streets at night
City
Lakeland CRA begins Restore the Core initiative
Help the Community Redevelopment Agency update the plans for its three core areas by sharing your feedback.
November 5, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A sculpture of Frank Lloyd Wright wearing a wide-brimmed hat stands in front of the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center
New to Lakeland
Forests, swans, and architecture: 11 can’t-miss tours of Lakeland
Be a tourist in your own town. Get out and try these 11 fantastic tours of Lakeland and beyond to learn something new.
November 4, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large Nordstrom Rack shopping bag is held up in the foreground, with the storefront and a blue inflatable arch in the background.
City
Top Clicks: Here’s what you loved in LALtoday last month
We keep an eye on your clicks to make sure LALtoday is always filled with content you love.
November 3, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson