Support Us Button Widget
Sponsored Content
History

Go off the rails in the next episode of “Greater Lakeland”

Don’t miss the next episode of “Greater Lakeland” on WEDU PBS to find out how Bonnet Springs Park transformed from a rail yard into one of Florida’s top outdoor destinations.

January 13, 2025 • 
Connor Jacobson
Sponsored by
LAL-Greater-Lakeland-Bonnet-Springs-BTS-JAN2025.png

The next episode of “Greater Lakeland” will feature Bonnet Springs Park CEO Josh Henderson and volunteers who share about the park’s restoration efforts.

Photo by Triforce Pictures

Decades ago, an agriculture + phosphate rail yard near Lake Bonnet put Lakeland on the map.

Today, that same land is now Bonnet Springs Park — but how did it transform from rail to recreation?

Find out in the next episode of “Greater Lakeland” on WEDU PBS. Tune in on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 8:30 p.m. to dive into the restoration efforts that turned Bonnet Springs Park into one of Central Florida’s top outdoor destinations.

More from LALtoday
LAL-kidspack-10.27.2023.JPG
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 3, 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
A house covered in Halloween decorations, including a huge spider and fake webs.
Events
Add your neighborhood to our Lakeland trick-or-treat map
Does your neighborhood go all out with decorations? Is it known as the street for full-size candy bars? Add it to our map of trick-or-treat destinations.
October 31, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
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.
October 30, 2025
 · 
Staff
A plaza outside a modern commercial building, featuring two decorative white-flowered artificial trees and large support columns.
Culture
Celebrate the Depot Arts District’s opening in style
This new arts hub will open on Saturday, Nov. 1 with an art-themed kickoff celebration.
October 29, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a flower arrangement with pink, purple, and orange flowers and greenery stems in a skull-shaped container
Business
Find your inner florist at Bloom Shakalaka’s flower arranging workshops
Learn to arrange beautiful bouquets with the help of the expert florists at Bloom Shakalaka.
October 29, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-downtown-winter-haven-ritz-theater
Travel and Outdoors
Take a quick trip to these cities near Lakeland
In need of a one-day getaway? We’re sharing our readers’ favorite things to do, see, and eat in towns within a quick drive of Swan City.
October 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A graphic that says "Their perfect gift is on this list. Our holiday gift guide just dropped." surrounded by images of gift tags.
Small Business
LALtoday’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
October 24, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
Screen Shot 2019-10-15 at 3.03.16 PM
Culture
Look out for these creepy Florida cryptids in Lakeland
Keep an eye out and perhaps you’ll see one of these cryptid creatures in Lakeland — or maybe it will see you.
October 23, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A vintage photo of a JCPenney store with a covered walkway connecting it to another building, surrounded by palm and oak trees.
City
What Lakelanders could buy for the same price as Publix’s $10 real estate deal
Could this be the real estate deal of the century? Learn how Publix is buying two downtown buildings for $10 each — and what you could get for that same price.
October 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson