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 coffee 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 one stretch of highway 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 at 137-year-old Charlie Smith, thought to be the oldest man in America. Pay your respects at his grave today at Woodland Cemetery (S. Woodlawn Ave., 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
Whether you’re able to volunteer or need assistance, check out these resources available around Lakeland for those who need help recovering from the storm.
Lakeland Linder International Airport recently ranked above several airports in major cities when it came to cargo shipping volume.
In the aftermath of Milton, the power is out for tens of thousands, trees are down, and lakes + canals are overflowing. Take a closer look at the storm’s impact on Lakeland and Polk County.
By the numbers, here’s how Hurricane Milton left its mark across Central Florida.
From how to get on the debris pick-up list to where you can get clean water, keep these resources in mind for after the storm passes.
The storm is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Don’t miss a local update when a major storm hits. Bookmark these resources to stay informed during Hurricane Milton.
When stormy weather rolls in, the fun at home rolls out. Throw on your coziest digs and explore Lakeland from the comfort of your couch.
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, Oct. 9 — here’s what you should know.
It’s important to be prepared — here’s our list of hurricane season essentials.