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Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.

Sports

Bowl, dance, run, and volunteer at the Polk Senior Games

The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.

January 29, 2026

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Connor Jacobson

City

Look back on winter in Lakeland’s photo archives

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

January 29, 2026

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Connor Jacobson

A large crowd sits at round tables in an industrial-style event space for the Catapult Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.

Local businesses honored at the 2026 Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards

Several familiar names were nominated for Catapult’s biggest night of the year. See who won big at the Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.

January 28, 2026

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Connor Jacobson

Sponsored by Lakeland Regional Health

The Wish Farms stage at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds

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 27, 2026

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Staff

A hand holds a "Strawberry Season Passport" listing various local farms in front of the Parkesdale Farm Market storefront.

Business

Explore Central Florida’s best berries with Strawberry Season Passports

Did you get your hands on the popular Strawberry Season Passports before they sold out? If not, no worries — just follow along with our editor’s tasty travels.

January 27, 2026

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Connor Jacobson

A map from the National Weather Service showing winter weather advisories in counties across the southeast US.

City

Lakeland’s winter weather headline roundup

The rest of the country is feeling the effects of Winter Storm Fern, but Central Florida won’t get off that easily. Stay up to date — and warm — with Lakeland’s top winter weather stories.

January 26, 2026

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Connor Jacobson

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

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Connor Jacobson

Business

Lakeland-based Screen Skinz lands a “Shark Tank” deal

This Catapult member business has gone nationwide. Find out what happened when its owners appeared on “Shark Tank.”

January 22, 2026

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Connor Jacobson

A concert taking place on an outdoor stage at Bonnet Springs Park

Culture

Readers share their Lakeland concert memories

Do you remember your first Lakeland concert? Did your favorite musician make a major impact? Share your concert memories with us for a chance to be featured.

January 21, 2026

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Connor Jacobson