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Parks and Recreation

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 03:02 PM
 · 
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
The sun setting over a baseball field.
Events
Summer bucket list: Check these off before the end of the season
As summer draws to a close, here are the events we wouldn’t miss around Lakeland.
August 1, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lake Mirror at dusk with the Lakeland skyline in the background.
Travel and Outdoors
Readers’ picks for the best spots to take in a Swan City sunrise or sunset
Florida is home to some spectacular skies, especially where day and night meet — and our readers are sharing the spots where you can get the best view.
July 25, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A rendering of an aerial view of crowds at the Paris 2024 Olympics skateboarding site, Parc Urbain La Concorde
Sports
New sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris 2024 Olympics will spotlight several new sports: breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing. Let’s dive into what you need to know about each event.
July 18, 2024
 · 
Staff
A group of roller derby skaters compete during a game. Two of the players are from Swan City Roller Derby, while the others are wearing white jerseys to represent other teams. There's also two referees in the background.
Sports
Lace up your skates with Swan City Roller Derby
What you need to know about Lakeland’s club roller derby league + how it’s working to change the face of contact sports.
July 11, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
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Travel and Outdoors
Plan the perfect picnic at these Lakeland locales
Whether you’re looking for a spot that’s surrounded by nature or bathed in the shade, consider one of these spots next time you’re looking to dine al fresco.
July 3, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A girl sitting beside Lake Mirror looking at the lake and moon at night
City
The zodiac signs as Lakeland neighborhoods
It’s written in the stars... and the skyline.
July 2, 2024
 · 
Bella Rainey
Travel and Outdoors
Cool down at these natural springs within 2.5 hours of Lakeland
Take a break from the pool + dive in to one of these springs that are less than 2.5 hours away from Swan City.
June 25, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
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A stormy sky with palm trees blowing in the wind and buildings in the background.
City
Save these numbers + resources for help after Hurricane Milton
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.
October 9, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A hurricane model showing the projected path of Hurricane Milton.
City
Polk County prepares for Hurricane Milton
The storm is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Palm trees blowing in hard wind in the foreground, with a dark cloudy sky and the Summit Building in downtown Lakeland in the background.
City
Stay connected during Hurricane Milton
Don’t miss a local update when a major storm hits. Bookmark these resources to stay informed during Hurricane Milton.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a smartphone showing a sculpture Lakeland's downtown public art trail. The real sculpture is seen in the background.
Culture
Virtual fun you can have at home
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.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A map showing a spaghetti model of Hurricane Milton's projected path over Florida.
City
A closer look at Hurricane Milton’s category and spaghetti model
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, Oct. 9 — here’s what you should know.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Staff
aerial-view-atmosphere-clouds-cold-front-76969
Culture
Here’s what you need to have in your hurricane kit
It’s important to be prepared — here’s our list of hurricane season essentials.
October 7, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL
City
Last minute tips to make sure you’re hurricane ready
Don’t forget these steps on your hurricane prep checklist.
October 7, 2024
 · 
Staff
Lakeland entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses pitch their big ideas at Catapult's Launch Pitch Night for the chance to win up to $10,000 in funding.
Business
Meet the finalists for Launch Pitch Night at Catapult
These five entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses for the chance to secure up to $10,000 in micro-grant funding.
October 3, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
The interior of a Foxtail Coffee shop.
Food
It’s time to get hungry: Check out your new favorite Lakeland restaurants
Dining in Lakeland is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
October 3, 2024
 · 
Staff
A view of Back Bay and the Boston Public Library at sunset.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Boston, MA
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the top new destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
October 1, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring