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Parks and Recreation

Cleveland Heights Boulevard
Live
Neighborhood Guide: Cleveland Heights
From a flurry of new shops to Lakeland’s public golf course, there are plenty of spots to explore in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood.
January 10, 2025 03:33 PM
 · 
Staff
A girl sits outside of a bookstore at a patio table while reading a book.
Culture
Best places to read a book around Lakeland
If reading is your activity of choice, try one of these Swan City spots the next time you crack open your favorite novel.
January 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A light-up Santa and his reindeer overlook downtown Lakeland
City
What to know in Lakeland during the 2024 holiday season
From city office closures to the final days for enjoying holiday attractions, here’s what you can expect during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
December 19, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
marble arcade
City
What’s that Lakeland landmark named after?
We’ve all wondered about the names behind some of our local parks and places of interest. Pull back the curtain on the history behind their monikers.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Tall trees sprout out of the dry Florida landscape.
Culture
Hiking guide for Lakeland
Check out these 13 hiking trails catered to all skill levels in and around Lakeland, Florida for outdoor adventures.
October 31, 2024
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Staff
Glow in the dark axes and targets at Ax Caliber
Culture
Six ways to spend an hour in Lakeland
Get active, learn something, or treat yourself — here’s how you can make the most of just one hour around Lakeland.
October 29, 2024
 · 
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.
Culture
18+ activities for retirees in Lakeland
If you’re recently retired and looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Lakeland.
October 21, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A large tree covered in jack-o-lanterns and lit with red lighting.
Experience
Fall fun in and around Lakeland
Check out fall and Halloween-themed events happening in and around Lakeland in this seasonal guide.
September 20, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial shot of Southeastern University's football field and stands. SEU is painted in the center of the field, and the Fire logo is in the endzones.
Sports
Go, fight, win: A rookie’s guide to supporting Lakeland sports teams
Supporting a student athlete in your family or just taking yourself out to the ballgame? We’ll tell you what to wear and who to cheer for.
August 21, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial 3D map view of downtown Lakeland and Lake Mirror
City
6 maps of Lakeland you didn’t know existed
Find your way around town and learn something new with the City of Lakeland’s handy GeoHub.
August 15, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
The best way to spend a rainy day in Lakeland
Florida Thunderstorm Season runs from May 25 to Oct. 10 in West Central Florida. You don’t have to stay inside when rainy days come — keep exploring Lakeland with these indoor activities.
August 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Food
20+ great brunch restaurants to try in Lakeland
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Lakeland, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
January 29, 2025
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Staff
Road signs marking closures and detours on Lake Hollingsworth Boulevard
City
Full speed ahead: Prepare for Lakeland road projects
Never get caught in an unexpected detour again with these city, county, and state resources detailing local road projects + closures.
January 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Shops in downtown Mount Dora with plants and painted walls
Travel and Outdoors
The ultimate road trip to Mount Dora, FL
Hit the road and head to Mount Dora — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
January 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Maurkice Pouncey (No. 53), right, blocks another player during a game against the Cleveland Browns.
Sports
Lakeland’s impact on the NFL
Get to know the all-star NFL athletes who once called Lakeland home.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A rendering of the exterior of Orlando Health's future Lakeland Highlands Hospital
Wellness
New developments coming to Lakeland’s healthcare scene
These local healthcare developments and programs will have you getting well soon. Read on to see what’s planned for a spot near you.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three performers in colorful junkanoo costumes at Bonnet Springs Park
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lakeland
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
January 24, 2025
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Staff
A mint julep served in a metal glass topped with a lime and mint
Food
Sip on these 6 drink trends around Lakeland
How trendy are your tastebuds? Put them to the test with these drinks that are sure to take off in 2025.
January 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A sandwich, salad, and iced drink from Black and Brew
Experience
Dinner and a view: Where to dine outdoors in Lakeland
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Lakeland’s many beautiful patios.
January 24, 2025
 · 
London Gibson
Chef Marcos Fernandez of Nineteen61 carefully crafts a plate in the restaurant's kitchen. Next to him on the counter are prep containers and ingredients.
Food
Take a foodie road trip to these James Beard-nominated spots around Lakeland
Lakeland might not have made the list for 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists — but that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Copy of LAL-General Hero
City
How to run for office in Lakeland
Are you eligible to run for office in Lakeland? Learn how you can get started, as well as what positions are available this year, here.
January 23, 2025
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Rilee Delgado