History

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History
The history of snow in the Sunshine State
Has anyone seen Frosty? He was around here somewhere...
January 05, 2026 12:26 PM
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Staff
Print Collection
Travel and Outdoors
“An energy vortex": Visit Cassadaga, the psychic capital of the world
Created in 1875, Cassadaga, FL finds its roots in spiritualism. Learn more about this haunting community just 90 minutes from Lakeland.
October 4, 2023
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Katelyn Lewis
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History
Who are the Florida Highwaymen?
You may have seen their work and not even realized — keep reading to learn about this group of 25 men and one woman who left a lasting impact on contemporary art history.
October 4, 2023
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Rilee Delgado
A front view of a three-story home surrounded by trees. A brick pathway leads to the front door across the lawn.
Real Estate
What’s in store at Lakeland’s 15th Historic Home Workshop
Learn from local and statewide experts in historic home preservation at this free event at Florida Southern College.
September 19, 2023
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Connor Jacobson
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Food
We recreated the Polk County soup that went to space
Get the recipe for Chalet Suzanne’s Soup Romaine, which was requested by astronauts for the Apollo 15 mission.
July 10, 2023
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Kaylee Holland
Photo of Chalet Suzanne in 2009
History
The history of the now-extinct Chalet Suzanne in Lake Wales
How one woman transformed a community, put Lake Wales on the map, and sent her soup to the moon.
July 5, 2023
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Rilee Delgado
A sign showing a vintage label for Moccasin Brand citrus with a drawing of a boot. Decorative oranges line the sign.
Food
Your roadmap to the Polk County Citrus Label Tour
Take a bite out of the local citrus industry’s history with a self-guided tour of labels found around Polk County.
July 3, 2023
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Kaylee Holland
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Culture
The Wonder House — Polk County’s historic castle
This mystical Mann Road mammoth has an interesting history — learn more about its lore and how you can see it for yourself below.
June 7, 2023
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Rilee Delgado
The Florida flag
History
History of the Florida flag
Most of us probably don’t have our state flags memorized, but it’s worth studying up: Our flag’s design reflects centuries of history.
May 31, 2023
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Dayten Rose
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History
The rise and fall of the Tremont House Hotel in Lakeland, FL
We’re looking into some of Lakeland’s historic hotels.
March 24, 2023
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Katelyn Lewis
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History
Meet Ruth Elder: Lakeland’s first aviatrix
This Lakeland pilot nearly made aviation history with a transatlantic flight.
March 15, 2023
 · 
Jessica Reyna
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More from LALtoday
An exterior photo of Lakeland Linder International Airport with three flags and palm trees blowing in the wind.
Work
What you need to know about flying out of Lakeland Linder International Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
September 3, 2025
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Staff
The outside of a Spirit Halloween store, with a large banner of a grim reaper and cardboard cutouts of costumes in the windows.
4 Spirit Halloween stores come to the Lakeland area
The store finds vacant retail spaces and signs temporary leases to set up shop leading up to Halloween — but locations can change each year.
September 2, 2025
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Michael Beausoleil
Interior of the Lakeland Public Library main branch with bookshelves
City
Lakeland library features you didn’t know existed
Check out a book, then check out these unique library features that cardholders can enjoy.
September 2, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Events
Stack your calendar with monthly events around Lakeland
These events bring together your favorite vendors on the same day each month in nearby downtown areas and historic districts.
August 28, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
A large and small dog walk around the Frances Langford Promenade on Lake Mirror in Lakeland
Real Estate
Which dog breed are you based on your Lakeland neighborhood?
Just like each dog breed has its own personality, each community in Lakeland shines with unique characteristics. Which breed sounds most like you?
August 25, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
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New to Lakeland
Your guide to Lakeland’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
August 22, 2025
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Staff
Two baskets of tacos with green salsa and lime on the side
Experience
Where to find lunch for $12 or less around Lakeland
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 30+ lunches from hearty salads to diner-style bites.
August 22, 2025
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Staff
A black-and-white photo of the Francis Beach Pavilion, a large two-story wooden building on stilts in a lake.
Culture
Look back on summer in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive the dog days of summer from years gone by.
August 21, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
A photo illustration of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, smiling in a red and blue plaid jacket, next to a photo of Taylor Swift.
Culture
Who said it: Mayor Bill Mutz or Taylor Swift?
Both are known for a good turn of phrase, but can you decipher which quotes came from Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz or Grammy winner Taylor Swift? Put your skills to the test.
August 21, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Work
The who’s who and what’s what of Lakeland’s economy: Meet the top employers and industries
Explore the leading economic drivers in Lakeland — from exciting, new technology to top leaders in growing and distributing delicious eats.
August 20, 2025
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Staff