Support Us Button Widget

History

A green historical marker from the State of Florida detailing the history of the Acton Community on a grass lawn
City
Here’s your sign: Learn about Lakeland’s historical markers
Dive into how nearly a century and a half of history is kept alive with historical markers around town.
September 11, 2025 02:20 PM
 · 
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 9, 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
Interior of the Lakeland Public Library main branch with bookshelves
City
Lakeland library features you didn’t know existed
Check out a book, then check out these unique library features that cardholders can enjoy.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A black-and-white photo of the Francis Beach Pavilion, a large two-story wooden building on stilts in a lake.
Culture
Look back on summer in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive the dog days of summer from years gone by.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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.
July 28, 2025
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Four-panel collage with two basketball players, a black-and-white portrait of a man, and a singer performing with a microphone.
Culture
Meet Polk County’s four most notable celebrities
A new online tool shows the most notable celebrity from each birthplace on earth — these are the four highest-ranking stars from Polk County.
July 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A laptop showing the Visit Central Florida tourism ambassador site sits open on a wooden table next to a coffee cup and phone
Travel and Outdoors
Keep tourism thriving through Visit Central Florida’s CATS program
Tourism is one of Polk County’s top three industries, and you can help Visit Central Florida keep it growing through the Certified Ambassadors of Tourism and Sports program.
July 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A loggia with gated arches and columns on the Frances Langford Promenade under a clear blue sky.
New to Lakeland
Lakeland’s most iconic landmarks
We’re giving you the 411 on the 863’s landmarks — from the Southgate Sign to “Sputnik.”
June 4, 2025
 · 
Staff
Screen Shot 2020-05-05 at 4.28.47 PM
Experience
Museums in Lakeland
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or aviation fan, these nine museums around Lakeland have it all.
May 30, 2025
 · 
Staff
Curved black benches surround a memorial with a rose inlaid on stone, honoring law enforcement at Veteran's Memorial Park.
City
Explore Veterans Memorial Park in Lakeland
Find a quiet place for reflection at Veterans Memorial Park, a serene green space near downtown Lakeland on the shores of Lake Beulah.
May 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Load More
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from LALtoday
An exterior photo of Lakeland Linder International Airport with three flags and palm trees blowing in the wind.
Work
What you need to know about flying out of Lakeland Linder International Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
September 3, 2025
 · 
Staff
The outside of a Spirit Halloween store, with a large banner of a grim reaper and cardboard cutouts of costumes in the windows.
4 Spirit Halloween stores come to the Lakeland area
The store finds vacant retail spaces and signs temporary leases to set up shop leading up to Halloween — but locations can change each year.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Events
Stack your calendar with monthly events around Lakeland
These events bring together your favorite vendors on the same day each month in nearby downtown areas and historic districts.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo of the sun setting over Lake Hollingsworth, with the sky and water glowing in shades of orange and yellow.
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.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
A downtown Lakeland street lined with tents selling farmers market goods. Trees hang over the street.
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.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Staff
A large and small dog walk around the Frances Langford Promenade on Lake Mirror in Lakeland
Real Estate
Which dog breed are you based on your Lakeland neighborhood?
Just like each dog breed has its own personality, each community in Lakeland shines with unique characteristics. Which breed sounds most like you?
August 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2019-10-03 at 3.03.27 PM
New to Lakeland
Your guide to Lakeland’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
August 22, 2025
 · 
Staff
Two baskets of tacos with green salsa and lime on the side
Experience
Where to find lunch for $12 or less around Lakeland
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 30+ lunches from hearty salads to diner-style bites.
August 22, 2025
 · 
Staff
A photo illustration of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, smiling in a red and blue plaid jacket, next to a photo of Taylor Swift.
Culture
Who said it: Mayor Bill Mutz or Taylor Swift?
Both are known for a good turn of phrase, but can you decipher which quotes came from Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz or Grammy winner Taylor Swift? Put your skills to the test.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Work
The who’s who and what’s what of Lakeland’s economy: Meet the top employers and industries
Explore the leading economic drivers in Lakeland — from exciting, new technology to top leaders in growing and distributing delicious eats.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Staff