Retail

A shiny vintage silver camper trailer decorated with banners, lights, and a table setup is parked at Bonnet Springs Park at sunset.

Culture

Local bookstore owners present the Lakeland Book Crawl

Finding our next read and supporting local independent book sellers? We’re in.

April 16, 2026 10:30 AM

Rilee Delgado

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Culture

Happy Cinco de Mayo, Lakeland: Events where you can celebrate in Swan City

Grab your favorite local tacos or head to one of these special events.

May 2, 2023

Rilee Delgado

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Culture

Where to see May flowers in Lakeland

May 1, 2023

Katelyn Lewis

Sponsored by a LALtoday Partner

Small Business

Shop from these Lakeland businesses during National Small Business Week

Support your neighbors by shopping at these locally-owned businesses — from retail to services, dining, and more.

April 27, 2023

Rilee Delgado

A woman holds a typewriter before a wall of shelved books.

Small Business

9 questions with Dr. Diana Álvarez-Hughes of Orange Blossom Poems

Keep reading for Diana’s tips for new writers, favorite poets, and more.

April 10, 2023

Rilee Delgado

Arts

Asked: Where would you put Lakeland’s next mural?

Where do you think an artist should pull out a paintbrush next?

April 3, 2023

Connor Jacobson

A person adding air to the tire of a sedan.

Finance

How to keep your car costs down in Lakeland

Average yearly car costs hit a new high in 2022 — here’s how to invest smartly.

March 27, 2023

Sarah Leonhardt

Retail

Shipping deadlines for Christmas

Here’s how to ensure your presents will make it on time... without Santa’s help.

December 12, 2022

Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto

Culture

Win the holidays with gifts from these local Etsy sellers

Whether your budget is $10, $20, or $200, find a completely unique gift for everyone on your list. 🎁

November 28, 2022

Emily Shea-Owen

More from LALtoday

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

Sponsored by Q1 Productions

City

How to help Lakeland food banks

When times are tough, Lakelanders join together to help neighbors in need. Here’s how you can help local food banks and food distribution programs through donations and volunteer work.

November 5, 2025

Connor Jacobson

An aerial view of downtown Lakeland's streets at night

City

Lakeland CRA begins Restore the Core initiative

Help the Community Redevelopment Agency update the plans for its three core areas by sharing your feedback.

November 5, 2025

Connor Jacobson

A sculpture of Frank Lloyd Wright wearing a wide-brimmed hat stands in front of the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center

New to Lakeland

Forests, swans, and architecture: 11 can’t-miss tours of Lakeland

Be a tourist in your own town. Get out and try these 11 fantastic tours of Lakeland and beyond to learn something new.

November 4, 2025

Connor Jacobson

A large Nordstrom Rack shopping bag is held up in the foreground, with the storefront and a blue inflatable arch in the background.

City

Top Clicks: Here’s what you loved in LALtoday last month

We keep an eye on your clicks to make sure LALtoday is always filled with content you love.

November 3, 2025

Danielle Johnson