History

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Sports
Lakeland’s 90-year love story with the Tigers
Keep reading for our favorite local love story.
February 12, 2026 09:53 AM
 · 
Kaylee Holland
Exterior view of a Lakeland Fire Department station sign and building
History
History of the Lakeland Fire Department
Learn how the department got its start over 100 years ago when Lakeland first began.
September 21, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of the South Lake Morton neighborhood, featuring a large lake surrounded by a street, homes, and a church
Real Estate
Neighborhood Guide: South Lake Morton
From a swan-filled lake to mid-century modern architecture, see why South Lake Morton was named one of Lakeland’s top neighborhoods.
September 2, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Cypress Gardens 2
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3 ways to join the centennial celebration of waterskiing
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History
Who were the Buffalo Soldiers?
August 3, 2022
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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History
100 years of Florida Southern College’s Lakeland campus
You’ve seen it in history books and on your walks around Lake Hollingsworth — but did you know it’s seen four names, two fires, and a working relationship with Frank Lloyd Wright?
May 25, 2022
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Master Site File Collection
History
What’s behind the metal gate at Lake Mirror, Florida?
April 12, 2022
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Department of Commerce Collection
History
The hotel before the apartments: The New Florida
March 17, 2022
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
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History
A brief history of the Florida Strawberry Festival
Learn how the popular annual festival got its start back in the 1930s.
February 17, 2022
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
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History
The history of the Cob & Pen Tudor house
February 3, 2022
 · 
Intern
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City
The story behind some of Lakeland’s unique roadside attractions
January 28, 2022
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
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More from LALtoday
A decorative wooden frame covered with a variety of orange, white, and gray pumpkins, with a sign reading "FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE."
Culture
Fall fun around Lakeland: Corn mazes, pumpkin patches + haunted houses
Ring in the season with a trip to one of these fall-exclusive spots for the whole family.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A statue of the headless horseman on a black horse in front of the entrance to a "Legends of Halloween" haunted hayride.
Events
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail returns to Plant City
Halloween lovers and scaredy-cats alike will find something to enjoy at this popular Plant City attraction.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The one-story warehouse-style building with a white exterior, multiple large garage doors, and a parking lot that will be Baseline pickleball
Business
Baseline pickleball + dining concept coming to Lakeland’s East Main District
Hit the courts and grab a bite at this development, helmed by local entrepreneurs and pickleball fanatics.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland viewed from across Lake Mirror. Clouds in the sky cast shadows over the lake and the mix of high and medium-rise buildings, including the Lakeland Electric building.
City
By the numbers: Lakeland’s 2026 fiscal year budget
The City of Lakeland has finalized its 2026 budget before the next fiscal year begins — let’s take a look at the $815 million bottom line.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
What we “unfortunately do love” in Lakeland
From guilty pleasures to unexpected favorites, the “unfortunately do love” social media trend is taking over the internet — and we want your input.
September 18, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
Two pumpkin spice lattes in mugs on table with a pumpkin muffin
Food
Where to find all things pumpkin spice in Lakeland
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, there’s a pumpkin spice or fall-flavored treat for everyone in Lakeland to enjoy this fall.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial satellite image above Lakeland. Green land and lakes surround the city, which is labeled with a blue arrow. There are blue lines heading in each direction — north, east, south, and west_ stretching out beyond the edges of the map.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Lakeland’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of LAL, cities across the world await.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
An aerial view of the Eaglebrooke Golf Course in Lakeland, FL. There is a green in the foreground and sand traps, water hazards, and trees in the background.
Experience
Tee it up at these Lakeland golf courses
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 13 golf courses in Lakeland are sure to make for a good round.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Cat George
Four runners sprint quickly on a track as a spectator watches from behind a fence. The runners are wearing athletic gear and competitor number bibs.
City
3 interesting facts from the Polk County Community Health Assessment
Polk Vision published the assessment in June 2025 after 18 months of data collection.
September 15, 2025
 · 
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 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson