Support Us Button Widget

Lakeland’s most haunting Halloween stories

Get into the Halloween spirit with these terrifying tales from around Central Florida.

Exterior view of The Joinery decorated with fake skeletons climbing the walls

No bones about it — these stories will get you in the spirit of Halloween.

Photo by LALtoday

It’s sure to be a frightful day in Lakeland. Get a headstone head start on the festivities with this collection of our best Halloween-themed stories from over the years. Read them by flickering candlelight with a cup of hot cider to keep your blood from running cold.

Meet the three ghosts that haunt the Polk Theatre
This theater built in 1928 has its fair share of hauntings, from an organ that plays itself to voices whispering in the ears of employees. Our team took a tour to experience the ghosts firsthand.

Polk County’s creepiest antique dolls
We won’t lie to you, this story is not for those with a fear of dolls. But if you’re into that kind of thing, we’ve got a map for easy access to these antique toys.

I-4: America’s most haunted highway
Nearly 2,000 accidents — and a whole lot of paranormal activity — have happened in this one stretch of highway that’s built on top of yellow fever victim grave sites, aptly named the “I-4 Dead Zone.”

Sign at Spook Hill in Lake Wales

Visit Spook Hill to try rolling uphill for yourself.

Photo by @redjupiter

Experience Spook Hill in Lake Wales
Visit this site to see the impossible — cars roll uphill rather than downhill. Is it just an optical illusion, or could it be a paranormal force?

Bartow’s oldest man
Spend Halloween unraveling the mystery of 137-year-old Charlie Smith, thought to be the oldest man in America. Pay your respects at his grave at Woodland Cemetery in Bartow.

Haunted landmarks in Polk County
Have you seen a ghost appear at Florida Southern College or the Old Polk County Courthouse? Learn more about locations around our county inhabited by apparitions.

Have a creepy story of your own? Send it in and we may share it in a future newsletter... if we live to tell the tale.

More from LALtoday
This city boasts top-ranked medical providers and specialty services. Our comprehensive guide will help you find the care you need — whether you’re new to town or just looking around.
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
The store finds vacant retail spaces and signs temporary leases to set up shop leading up to Halloween — but locations can change each year.
Check out a book, then check out these unique library features that cardholders can enjoy.
These events bring together your favorite vendors on the same day each month in nearby downtown areas and historic districts.
We keep an eye on your clicks to make sure LALtoday is always filled with content you love.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Just like each dog breed has its own personality, each community in Lakeland shines with unique characteristics. Which breed sounds most like you?
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 30+ lunches from hearty salads to diner-style bites.