History

Keep reading for our favorite local love story.
From historic homes to a flourishing small business scene, there’s something for residents and visitors alike to explore in Dixieland.
Did you know that Lakeland once hosted the largest music festival in the state? Learn the history of 1977’s Florida Sunfest, plus a reader’s own story of how it all went down.
Did you know that not only is I-4 known for accidents and bumper-to-bumper hold-ups, but it’s also home to a myriad of graves? Keep reading to learn about America’s most haunted highway.
Created in 1875, Cassadaga, FL finds its roots in spiritualism. Learn more about this haunting community just 90 minutes from Lakeland.
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.
Learn from local and statewide experts in historic home preservation at this free event at Florida Southern College.
Get the recipe for Chalet Suzanne’s Soup Romaine, which was requested by astronauts for the Apollo 15 mission.
How one woman transformed a community, put Lake Wales on the map, and sent her soup to the moon.
Take a bite out of the local citrus industry’s history with a self-guided tour of labels found around Polk County.
This mystical Mann Road mammoth has an interesting history — learn more about its lore and how you can see it for yourself below.
More from LALtoday
This new arts hub will open on Saturday, Nov. 1 with an art-themed kickoff celebration.
Learn to arrange beautiful bouquets with the help of the expert florists at Bloom Shakalaka.
In need of a one-day getaway? We’re sharing our readers’ favorite things to do, see, and eat in towns within a quick drive of Swan City.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
Keep an eye out and perhaps you’ll see one of these cryptid creatures in Lakeland — or maybe it will see you.
Could this be the real estate deal of the century? Learn how Publix is buying two downtown buildings for $10 each — and what you could get for that same price.
Find discounted clothing, accessories, shoes, and home goods at this national retailer’s first Lakeland location.
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up seven farmers markets around Lakeland, FL.
Due to the Moving Florida Forward Initiative, new I-4 express lanes are coming nine years in advance between I-75 and County Line Road.
Do you prefer to live in the past, or are you looking ahead to the future? Compare a 1925 home with a newly built house that just hit Lakeland’s real estate market.