History

Screen Shot 2020-12-23 at 11.21.13 AM
History
The history of snow in the Sunshine State
Has anyone seen Frosty? He was around here somewhere...
January 05, 2026 12:26 PM
 · 
Staff
unnamed
Business
Silver Moon Drive-In’s silver screen history
Founded in 1948, Silver Moon Drive-In has provided first-run films to Polk County residents for 75+ years — here’s a look at its storyboard.
June 5, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Blinky the alligator statue formerly on Lake Mirror
History
Blinky — Lakeland’s unofficial mascot
Warning: This story has a bit of a sad ending.
May 28, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
map of lakeland's historic districts
New to Lakeland
Lakeland’s charm: Historic districts in the Swan City
Canopy roads, bungalows, brick streets, and royal swans — you’ll find all this and more throughout Lakeland’s seven historic districts.
May 13, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
The exterior of a tan, one-story building with dark trim and large front windows. A small sign for a church is fixed on one of the walls.
Food
Serving up a slice of history with Strollo’s, Lakeland’s first pizzeria
Learn the back story of Strollo’s, a restaurant that first introduced Italian cuisine to Lakeland in the 1940s.
April 23, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-lake-hunter-kayak
Travel and Outdoors
What’s in a name: The story behind Swan City’s most infamous lakes
If you’ve ever wondered how some of Lakeland’s most notable bodies of water got their names — this is for you.
April 12, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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
Load More
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from LALtoday
A colorful mural by Gillian Fazio featuring two swans forming a heart shape, surrounded by Florida oranges and blossoms.
Culture
Choose the names for these Lakeland newcomers
Before you go to the polls in November, submit your ideas to help choose the names for three new creatures — both real and artistic.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Experience
20+ activities for retired locals to stay active in Lakeland
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of your newfound time in Lakeland.
October 1, 2025
 · 
Staff
A wrestling photo where AEW star Big Bill (right) delivers a high kick to Juice Robinson (left) as a referee watches.
Sports
6 boot-stomping questions with AEW star Big Bill
All Elite Wrestling will bring AEW Collision to Lakeland’s RP Funding Center for the first time on Thursday, Oct. 2. We sat down with AEW star Big Bill to learn what you can expect if you’re new to the sport or a lifelong fan.
September 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of the Lakeland International Airport terminal and parking lots
Travel and Outdoors
Parking fees loom at Lakeland International Airport
Starting Oct. 13, daily parking will cost you if you’re flying out of LAL. Here’s what you need to know.
September 29, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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