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
City
Space happenings in Lakeland, Florida
October 5, 2021
 · 
Intern
Reference Collection
History
The 50-year history of Lakeland’s Hotel Thelma
September 30, 2021
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Screen-Shot-2021-08-20-at-1.48.40-PM-768x391
City
Five architectural styles of historic Lakeland, FL
We love all of Lakeland’s home styles — which is your favorite?
August 20, 2021
 · 
Intern
Screen Shot 2019-10-15 at 3.03.16 PM
Culture
Real or fake? Discover the Skunk Ape, Florida’s version of Bigfoot.
Uncover the mystery of the Skunk Ape, a cryptid creature known as the “Bigfoot” of Florida.
July 8, 2021
 · 
Kaylee Holland
Lakeland rail yard circa 1890
History
The rich history of Lakeland’s railroad industry
Ever wondered why Lakeland is so full of railroads? It actually played a large role in the incorporation of the town.
May 14, 2021
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Untitled design (56)
History
Dick Pope Sr., Winter Haven man turned Florida tourism guru
April 8, 2021
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Untitled design (49)
History
National Women in Aviation Week: Six aviatrixes and their impact on Florida
March 9, 2021
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Screen Shot 2021-02-25 at 3.24.35 PM
History
This history (and photos) of Lakeland’s Moorehead community
February 26, 2021
 · 
Contributor
Untitled design (45)
History
Acton, Florida: Lakeland’s nemesis of the early days
February 19, 2021
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Screen Shot 2020-02-14 at 7.10.33 PM
History
Air Force One has landed: Presidential visits to Polk County, FL
Take a walk down Pennsylvania Avenue memory lane.
February 17, 2020
 · 
Intern
Load More
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from LALtoday
Modern single-story house with palm trees, stone driveway, and sunset sky in the background.
Real Estate
Meet the Lakeland estates featured in the Spring Parade of Homes
Take a self-guided tour of these new construction homes Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27 + Saturday, May 3-Sunday, May 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
April 25, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A colorful mural with "We love Lakeland" and cartoon pictures of fast food
Experience
30+ murals around Lakeland
Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
April 24, 2025
 · 
Staff
A path through Hollis Garden with trees on either side
Culture
Explore the City of Lakeland’s Urban Forest
Branch out to learn about Lakeland’s flowering and fruit trees with a GPS-enabled tour of the 56,000 trees in the city’s Urban Forest.
April 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lakeland, Florida, USA
Travel and Outdoors
Celebrating Earth Day in Lakeland
From volunteer opportunities to special events, here’s how you can celebrate the planet around Swan City.
April 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Little Bus Books mobile bookshop
Culture
Local bookstore owners present the Lakeland Book Crawl
Finding our next read and supporting local independent book sellers? We’re in.
April 18, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A few gifts overlaid on a patchwork background, including a Carharrt lunch box and a jewelry dish.
Sponsored
What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.
Sponsored by
A rendering of modern multi-story townhomes with balconies and a car parked on the street.
Real Estate
Live in lakefront luxury with these upcoming Lake Hollingsworth condos
The Row on Lake Hollingsworth will consist of four units with premier views of Lake Hollingsworth + a private boat slip.
April 17, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The boathouse at Bonnet Springs Park
Travel and Outdoors
A beginner’s guide to Bonnet Springs Park
If it’s your first time visiting this award-winning Lakeland attraction, allow us to create your perfect park day.
April 17, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Two slices of pizza and garlic knots from Palace Pizza
Food
Eat down the street: Kentucky Avenue restaurants
Discover one of Lakeland’s hidden gems or try a local favorite restaurant for the first time on the next street in this series.
April 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Interior of Pressed Books with books on shelves and tables
An introvert’s guide to Lakeland
Want to be more social, but hate the idea of chatting up a stranger? Try these activities for introverts in Lakeland.
April 15, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms