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History

Entrance to Munn Park with trees, benches, and signage
Culture
Which locations around Lakeland deserve a historical marker?
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Lakeland?
November 14, 2024 01:15 PM
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
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Experience
Museums in Lakeland
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or aviation fan, these nine museums around Lakeland have it all.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Staff
Exterior shot of Crispers in downtown Lakeland
Food
Come on, dish: Which Lakeland restaurant do you miss the most?
We want to know — which Lakeland restaurant or meal sparks nostalgia in your heart and belly, and why?
November 8, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
marble arcade
City
What’s that Lakeland landmark named after?
We’ve all wondered about the names behind some of our local parks and places of interest. Pull back the curtain on the history behind their monikers.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo of the exterior of Foster's Hollywood in Spain.
Food
Remembering Foster’s Hollywood, Lakeland’s taste of Tinseltown
While the restaurant only had a location in Lakeland for a little over a year, it made its mark on our readers + followers.
October 31, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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Real Estate
Meet the original owners of these historic homes
Did a noteworthy Lakelander once walk your halls? Learn more about the original owners of some of Lakeland’s historic homes, and send us your own home’s history if you know it.
October 29, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Annie Pfeiffer Chapel
Culture
Haunted landmarks in Polk County
If you’ve ever felt a chill in your spine when frequenting these locales around Lakeland, there’s likely a good reason.
October 21, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
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.
October 18, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Screen Shot 2019-10-17 at 12.33.37 PM
Culture
Meet the three ghosts that haunt the Polk Theatre
If you’ve ever stepped foot inside the Polk Theatre, chances are you were simultaneously taking a ghost tour — and didn’t even know it.
October 17, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
A historic black and white photo of a group of men standing in front of a grocery store and post office in the historic Kathleen area.
City
5 things you might not know about Lakeland’s Kathleen area
Get to know the history behind the unincorporated communities that make up a significant portion of the north Lakeland area.
September 26, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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New to Lakeland
Unwritten rules of Lakeland
Tell us you’re from Lakeland without telling us you’re from Lakeland.
September 17, 2024
 · 
Staff
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A vacant car lot with three buildings and a billboard is shown.
Business
New eats on Main Street: Food truck court potentially coming to downtown Lakeland area
Learn what Lakelanders could expect in terms of the cuisine, experience, and opening timeline should the plan get approved.
November 20, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Food
Build a Thanksgiving Day meal from your favorite Lakeland eateries
Add some Lakeland flair to your Thanksgiving spread with classic dishes from these Swan City restaurants.
November 19, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
A lake at dusk in Lakeland with night lights illuminating and city buildings in the background.
City
See Lakeland’s top rankings on nationwide lists
It’s not such a small town anymore — check out how Lakeland’s growth is reflected in rankings from the past year.
November 19, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Shoppers walk through vendor tents at the downtown Lakeland Holiday Night Market
Business
Start seasonal shopping at these Lakeland holiday markets
Find a unique gift by local vendors, artists, and makers at these holiday-themed markets in and around Lakeland.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Restaurant patrons speak with a waiter at their table in side The Peach House.
Business
Lakeland restaurateurs show support for ‘The Pepper Project’
Here’s how you can help the family of restaurant owner Jeannie Weaver-Lopez.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior view of Lakeland Regional Medical Center with a glass building, brick building, and a grassy median with a fountain.
Wellness
How germ-prone is Lakeland?
According to Soliant Health, Lakeland ranks low on its list of cities most likely to get sick, and there are precautions you can take this flu season.
November 14, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Lakeland Economic Development Council members sit and listen to a panel of members at Catapult
Business
Lakeland Economic Development Council celebrates 40 years
The LEDC has been a major driver in Lakeland’s economy since 1984 — but what is it, and how does it affect daily life?
November 13, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the historic Old Polk County Courthouse entrance with a dome and high columns.
City
What do you want Polk County to look like in 2050?
You can help direct Polk County’s future for the next 25 years by leaving your thoughts on the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
November 11, 2024
 · 
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 Lakeland bakers.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
The interior of a Foxtail Coffee shop.
Food
It’s time to get hungry: Check out your new favorite Lakeland restaurants
Dining in Lakeland is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Staff