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
Exterior shot of the Terrace Hotel's gray building with white windows, circular accents, and decorative "Terrace Hotel" sign.
Real Estate
The Terrace: Lakeland’s oldest, most luxurious hotel
This historic building has been a staple of Swan City’s skyline for nearly a century.
April 10, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
A group of teenagers stands outside of the Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine building.
Business
Camp Fire Sunshine: Igniting the spark within Lakeland’s youth
This United Way partner agency has been shaping Lakeland’s youth through engaging programming + community service for more than a century.
April 8, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
publix
Culture
Lakeland’s oldest businesses
From apparel to food, Swan City has multiple family-owned businesses that have been around for half a century — or more.
April 4, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
History
The history of Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL
Get to know the lore behind Bok Tower, one of Central Florida’s most iconic structures.
March 21, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
dm2852
New to Lakeland
A guide to Lakeland’s streets + the history behind them
Learn about the historic places and faces that influenced the streets you drive every day here in Lakeland, FL.
March 19, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
LAL_Miss_Florida_1946_Feb_2024
Culture
Glamour and growth: How Lakeland became Miss Florida’s crown jewel
Miss Florida has changed a lot over 90 years, including finding a new home in Swan City.
March 5, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL-PlanAhead-2020_Feb
Culture
It’s Leap Day: Here’s what Lakeland was doing four years ago
It’s been four years since the last time we had a 29th day in February. Take a peek into what was going on in Lakeland last Leap Day.
February 28, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
Screen Shot 2021-02-03 at 2.24.55 PM
Sports
Lakeland’s 89-year love story with the Tigers
Keep reading for our favorite local love story.
February 16, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
The exterior of the Lakeland Country Club, viewed from the front entrance. The building is designed in the Mediterranean style, with red terracotta roof tiles. The entrance includes a valet parking spot and lanterns on the exterior walls.
City
The Lakeland Country Club celebrates a century of community
Dive into the history behind the Lakeland Country Club and learn how you can become a future member.
January 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A woman in a dress points to a large cake made by Publix for the fourth anniversary of Lakeland's Dixieland neighborhood.
Culture
A slice of Lakeland history: The Dixieland anniversary cake of 1952
Do you remember the time Publix made a huge birthday cake for an entire Lakeland neighborhood? Read on for the story.
January 16, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Load More
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from LALtoday
A concrete pier juts out into the ocean at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
Beachy road trip destinations within three hours of Lakeland
We’re exploring a few of our reader recommendations for beachy road trips around Lakeland, Florida.
June 9, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A sculpture of Frank Lloyd Wright wearing a wide-brimmed hat stands in front of the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center
Culture
Explore the world’s largest Frank Lloyd Wright museum in Lakeland
Did you know that a Central Florida college is home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs? See some of its most notable designs created by the world-famous architect.
June 5, 2025
 · 
Staff
A hand holds a cruffin topped with cream and chocolate chips in front of a lake
Food
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these local desserts
When cravings hit, level up your dessert game at one of these local sweet shops and makers in Lakeland.
June 5, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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
Several RVs parked in the trees surrounding a pond at Flamingo Camping Site in the Everglades National Park
Travel and Outdoors
Take an ad-van-ture to these RV camping spots around Lakeland
Get a taste of the camping life with these seven RV parks + campgrounds around Swan City.
June 4, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL_west_pipkin_road_widening_APR2025
City
Decide what’s next for Polk transportation
Join the Polk Transportation Planning Organization’s Envision 2050 meeting to help plan the future of local transportation.
June 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
People attend a Polk Pride event with a rainbow Polk Pride FL banner in the background
Culture
Polk Pride is back: Here’s the 2025 event roundup
Check out the event lineup, from family-friendly events in the park to interfaith celebrations and dance parties.
June 2, 2025
 · 
Staff
Palm trees blowing in hard wind in the foreground, with a dark cloudy sky and the Summit Building in downtown Lakeland in the background.
City
Preparing for hurricane season in Lakeland
Hurricane season officially begins on Sunday, June 1 and will run through Sunday, Nov. 30. We’ve rounded up everything you can do to be hurricane-ready in Lakeland.
May 30, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Ducks and birds on grass in foreground with Lake Mirror and Lakeland skyline
New to Lakeland
What’s new and coming soon to Lakeland
As Lakeland continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.
May 30, 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