Retail

Ducks and birds on grass in foreground with Lake Mirror and Lakeland skyline
New to Lakeland
What’s new and coming soon to Lakeland
As Lakeland continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.
December 11, 2025 03:26 PM
 · 
Staff
Exterior shot of Crispers in downtown Lakeland
City
Answered: What you want to see in Lakeland’s vacant storefronts
While we always hate to say goodbye, we also want to know: What would you put in these now-vacant Lakeland buildings?
August 16, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
male volunteer carrying a box of food
Sponsored
Publix Giveback Giveaway: Nominate a local nonprofit to win free advertising in LALtoday
Publix wants to give back to an organization who gives back to Lakeland — and we’re calling on LAL readers to decide who wins.
Sponsored by
A woman smiling and walking into a downtown shop with a tote bag that reads "Lakeland Farmers Market"
Business
Beyond the market: Supporting local small businesses online and in-person
Don’t wait until fall to show your favorite small business some love. Here’s how you can support them in person and online.
July 26, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A painted rendering of a plaza at night with a fountain in the center of a large walkway surrounded by four-story buildings
City
Shape the future of the Downtown West redevelopment
Share your thoughts on the CRA’s newest project to be a part of the Downtown West redevelopment.
July 10, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A vacant storefront has a light stone and mauve tile facade.
Development
Former Lakeland Sears building to be demolished for multifamily housing
320 apartments are coming soon to the former Sears department store at the Lakeland Square Mall — here’s what you need to know.
June 29, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Many people sitting on towels on a beach facing the sea at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
What’s in our beach bag this summer
Heading out on a beach trip? Fill your bag with our favorite items from Six & Main to bring Lakeland with you wherever you go.
June 22, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A latte from Hillcrest Coffee
Food
LALtoday is hosting Drink Up Month in July to celebrate local beverages and beverage makers
Throughout the month of July, LALtoday will be sharing content celebrating the beverage industry in the Lakeland community.
June 14, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lakeland Storefront (1) copy
City
All Publix GreenWise Market locations to become traditional Publix Super Markets
A timeline for closing the eight Publix GreenWise Market stores — including one in Lakeland — is yet to be announced.
May 19, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
118510728_936475370169196_3858857493933142854_n
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
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City
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.
August 11, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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City
Want to reach Lakeland locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
A sleek white motor yacht sails on calm green water under a partly cloudy blue sky. The boat features a wooden deck and modern design.
Travel and Outdoors
Rent a private boat in Lakeland
No boat? No problem. Rent one Airbnb-style and start enjoying our local waterways.
August 5, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A new lit sign for Southwest Middle School sits in front of its newly built, two-story administrative building. A US flag pole sits a few feet away from the sign.
City
Dates to know for PCPS’ 2025/2026 school year
Whether you have students at Polk County Public Schools or you’re just planning around school breaks, keep these dates in mind.
July 31, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A colorful waterslide twists into a large resort pool at River Ranch’s water park, with umbrellas, palm trees, and blue skies.
Travel and Outdoors
Giddy up: Polk County’s newest water park is open
Head east to the newly opened River Country Water Park for fun in the sun at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo.
July 29, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog cover reading "Honor Bilt Modern Homes"
Real Estate
Do you own a Sears Modern Home in Lakeland?
Your home could have been built by a Lakelander of the past — and ordered from a catalog.
July 28, 2025
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Snow falls around a lit Christmas tree at Lakeside Village
Events
Celebrate the holidays early with these Christmas in July events
Pro tip: Leave the ugly sweater at home and opt for flip flops instead.
July 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Mural by Gillian Fazio featuring blooming water lilies and lily pads in a modern conference room with city views and chandeliers.
Culture
See inside Summit’s mural project featuring Lakeland artists
Get an exclusive look inside this downtown high-rise to see a collection of murals by seven Lakeland artists.
July 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Four-panel collage with two basketball players, a black-and-white portrait of a man, and a singer performing with a microphone.
Culture
Meet Polk County’s four most notable celebrities
A new online tool shows the most notable celebrity from each birthplace on earth — these are the four highest-ranking stars from Polk County.
July 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Burger Week special with arugula, crispy onions, and melted cheese on a glossy bun, served in a copper basket under moody lighting.
Food
Chow down during Polk County Burger Week
Check out the list of participating eateries to find a Burger Week deal near you July 18-27.
July 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson