Search - LALtoday

An old fashioned airplane in bright blue sits outside the airport.

City

Look back on LALtoday’s top stories of 2025

From airport news to real estate, these are the top stories our readers loved most this year.

December 15, 2025

·

Connor Jacobson

A hand holds a square plate of green tea-flavored shaved snow dessert topped with strawberries, almonds, and condensed milk

Food

Sweets meet stories at Vampire Penguin, Lakeland’s newest dessert cafe

With a Victorian vibe and shaved snow desserts, Vampire Penguin could become your newest downtown haunt.

January 12, 2026

·

Connor Jacobson

A red mocktail topped with fruit and a paper umbrella

Food

Where you can find buzz-free beverages, or mocktails, in Lakeland

Shaken or stirred? Either one works, as long as it’s zero-proof. Check out this list of alcohol-free cocktails — mocktails — in Swan City.

January 14, 2026

·

Rilee Delgado

A crowd sits in camping chairs watching fireworks over Lake Mirror during Red, White & Kaboom Lakeland event. Trees and street lights block part of the view.

Events

Don’t miss these top Lakeland events happening all year long

We’ve got the ultimate list of Lakeland events you don’t want to miss out on each year. Mark your calendar for these community celebrations.

January 16, 2026

·

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

·

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

·

Connor Jacobson

A loggia with gated arches and columns on the Frances Langford Promenade under a clear blue sky.

New to Lakeland

Lakeland’s most iconic landmarks

We’re giving you the 411 on the 863’s landmarks — from the Southgate Sign to “Sputnik.”

June 4, 2025

·

Staff

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

·

Connor Jacobson

Two women smile and hold up a Michelob Ultra bottle and a Wilson football.

Sports

How to throw the best Super Bowl watch party in Lakeland

Whether you’re hosting at home or bringing your team to a sports bar, we’ve got a game plan that will have your guests naming you the MVP.

February 3, 2026

·

Connor Jacobson

A small orange camper filled with plants, with succulents outside

Business

Local love: LALtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses

Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.

March 10, 2026

·

Laura Figi