Restaurants

A metal baking tray is filled with rows of assorted gourmet pastries, including cinnamon rolls and strawberry-topped buns.

Food

Born & Bread Bakehouse named James Beard Awards semifinalist

Born & Bread made the shortlist for the Outstanding Bakery category, becoming the first in the Lakeland area to be recognized by the prestigious James Beard Awards.

January 22, 2026 02:35 PM

Connor Jacobson

Lindsey and her puppy, Winston on the Fresco's patio

Food

A bark and a bite: Check out these dog-friendly patios in Lakeland

No need to leave your pup out of the fun — just bring them to enjoy the sunshine with you at these dog-friendly restaurants.

March 20, 2025

Staff

A matcha cake with ruffled green frosting, held above purple flowers. Baked by Vegetation Cafe and Kitchen in Lakeland, FL.

Food

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Lakeland with these green food and drink items

From cakes to teas and everything in between, these bevs + bites will make your tummy green with envy.

March 12, 2025

Amelia Grooms

The exterior of Sora Eatery in Lakeland International Airport.

Food

Sora Eatery is now boarding at Lakeland International Airport

The new restaurant at LAL is nearly ready to open its doors, and we got a sneak peek of what Lakelanders (and visitors) can expect.

March 10, 2025

Amelia Grooms

A collage of four photos showing a mural with painted oranges and blue flowers, two boxes with pizza slices and garlic knots, a plate of sushi, and an iced latte topped with sprinkles

Culture

These bracket winners are the best of Lakeland

Readers have chosen their top mural, pizza, sushi, and coffee over the years — did your favorite win?

March 7, 2025

Connor Jacobson

Nashville's skyline with Bridgestone Arena, Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, and the AT&T building (known locally as the Batman Building) all in view.

Travel and Outdoors

A Lakelander’s travel guide to Nashville, TN

Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the next destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.

March 4, 2025

Amelia Grooms

Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.

Events

Celebrate Mardi Gras with these Lakeland events

If you’ve got the need for beads, here’s where to find them around Swan City.

March 3, 2025

Connor Jacobson

Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront

Business

We’re celebrating Small Business Week — here’s how to join us

Join us at LALtoday in celebrating the heart of our community: small businesses.

February 24, 2025

Kristen Templeton

A couple leans in for a kiss outside Mitchell's Coffee House

Experience

Where to meet someone new in Lakeland

Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind romance or a fresh friendship, our readers share where they would go to meet someone new in Swan City.

February 13, 2025

Connor Jacobson

Earrings that are shades of pink, red, and purple that are shaped in hearts with Valentine messaging on them.

Events

Top Valentine’s + Galentine’s events in Lakeland

Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these events around Swan City.

February 4, 2025

Amelia Grooms

meat cooking on a grill with flames coming up and a person's hand in the top left corner

More from LALtoday

An aerial photo of a crowded fall street festival with white tents, vendors, and people walking in downtown Lakeland.

City

Look back on fall in Lakeland’s photo archives

We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive autumn memories from years gone by.

November 24, 2025

Connor Jacobson

Swan City Improv's future building, a white and turquoise painted church with a gray roof and a spire against a clear blue sky.

Culture

Swan City Improv opening a comedy club in downtown Lakeland

The Comedy Cathedral is set to open by spring 2026 with entertainment, classes, and community events designed to keep Lakeland laughing.

November 20, 2025

Connor Jacobson

A silhouetted runner on Lake Hollingsworth at sunset

Travel and Outdoors

Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving runs around Lakeland

You won’t find an official Turkey Trot in Lakeland, but there are plenty of fun runs and nearby races to break a seasonal sweat.

November 20, 2025

Connor Jacobson

The Terrace Grille's dining room has plush orange chairs, large windows, and two glasses of white wine on the table.

Food

Dine in or carry-out Thanksgiving dinner in Lakeland

Here’s a list of local restaurants open on Thanksgiving.

November 17, 2025

Connor Jacobson

The front of a newly opened Publix, decorated with green and white balloon columns and silver "WELCOME" balloons for its grand opening.

Business

Lake Miriam Square Publix is now open

The rebuilt store includes 55,701 sqft of space for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Scroll through photos from opening day.

November 13, 2025

Connor Jacobson

The front exterior of the Spanish Colonial-style Ludd Spivey House with a stucco facade, arched windows, and a terracotta tile roof.

Real Estate

Influential Lakelander’s home hits the market

Take a look inside the Ludd M. Spivey House, formerly home to Florida Southern College’s president who made a historic impact on the campus.

November 11, 2025

Connor Jacobson

City

Local news, powered by readers like you

Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.

November 10, 2025

Staff

A night photo of the Lakeland Margarita Ball on the lawn near Lake Mirror, with a band playing on a lit stage in the background.

Events

Raise funds (and a glass) at the Lakeland Margarita Ball

The Lakeland Margarita Society hosts the Margarita Ball every November to raise money to provide Christmas gifts for local children.

November 6, 2025

Connor Jacobson

Overhead shot of five pumpkin pies with whipped cream dollops

Food

Preorder your prized pies ahead of Thanksgiving

Whether you’re an annual customer or looking for the first time, check out these pies you can bring to Thanksgiving made fresh by local bakers.

November 6, 2025

Rilee Delgado