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Chef Marcos Fernandez of Nineteen61 carefully crafts a plate in the restaurant's kitchen. Next to him on the counter are prep containers and ingredients.
Food
Take a foodie road trip to these James Beard-nominated spots around Lakeland
Lakeland might not have made the list for 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists — but that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun.
January 23, 2025 03:28 PM
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A bowl of chicken tortellini soup sits in a white bowl on a white plate
Food
Soup for the soul: Try these top-rated soups in Lakeland
Take a slurp of some of the best soups in Swan City.
January 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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Culture
Hobby Town, USA: Where to try these 5 creative hobbies in Lakeland
Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or simply want to try something new, here’s where you can engage in creative hobbies in and around Swan City.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A girl sits outside of a bookstore at a patio table while reading a book.
Culture
Best places to read a book around Lakeland
If reading is your activity of choice, try one of these Swan City spots the next time you crack open your favorite novel.
January 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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Real Estate
5 developments we’re anticipating in 2025
From retail to entertainment, there’s always something new popping up around Lakeland. Get ready for these new developments we have our eye on this year.
January 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Hands toasting two cocktails from a rooftop bar with a sunset view
Food
Top 10 food + drinks we tried in Lakeland this year
These are the bites and bevs we’re still thinking about from 2024.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Shoppers at vendor tents set up on downtown street
Business
Become a vendor at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Want to set up shop at the farmers curb market? Read these tips before submitting your application.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the Catapult building in Lakeland.
Business
10 things you might not know about Catapult, Lakeland’s business incubator
In honor of Catapult’s 10-year anniversary, we’re spilling the tea on what goes on behind the scenes. How many of these facts did you know?
December 6, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Photos of jewelry and jewelers at The Jewelry Box.
Sponsored
Discover perfect-for-you jewelry at this hidden gem
Sponsored by
A vacant car lot with three buildings and a billboard is shown.
Business
New eats on Main Street: Food truck court potentially coming to downtown Lakeland area
Learn what Lakelanders could expect in terms of the cuisine, experience, and opening timeline should the plan get approved.
November 20, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Food
Build a Thanksgiving Day meal from your favorite Lakeland eateries
Add some Lakeland flair to your Thanksgiving spread with classic dishes from these Swan City restaurants.
November 19, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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More from LALtoday
Maurkice Pouncey (No. 53), right, blocks another player during a game against the Cleveland Browns.
Sports
Lakeland’s impact on the NFL
Get to know the all-star NFL athletes who once called Lakeland home.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A rendering of the exterior of Orlando Health's future Lakeland Highlands Hospital
Wellness
New developments coming to Lakeland’s healthcare scene
These local healthcare developments and programs will have you getting well soon. Read on to see what’s planned for a spot near you.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three performers in colorful junkanoo costumes at Bonnet Springs Park
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 24, 2025
 · 
Staff
A mint julep served in a metal glass topped with a lime and mint
Food
Sip on these 6 drink trends around Lakeland
How trendy are your tastebuds? Put them to the test with these drinks that are sure to take off in 2025.
January 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A sandwich, salad, and iced drink from Black and Brew
Experience
Dinner and a view: Where to dine outdoors in Lakeland
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Lakeland’s many beautiful patios.
January 24, 2025
 · 
London Gibson
Copy of LAL-General Hero
City
How to run for office in Lakeland
Are you eligible to run for office in Lakeland? Learn how you can get started, as well as what positions are available this year, here.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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Real Estate
Hot homes: 5 Lakeland properties ahead of the 2025 trends
This year, Zillow reports that homebuyers are getting cozy, feeling nostalgic, and looking for resilient homes.
January 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Runners take off at a starting line in a road race.
Wellness
Pound the pavement with Lakeland’s running and walking clubs
Lace up your most comfortable sneakers to go running or walking — plus, meet new friends.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-lakeland-downtown-skyline
Welcome to our flock: A snowbird’s guide to Lakeland, FL
Between October and April, roughly one million adults move from northern states to temporary residences in Florida — are you one of them?
January 17, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A large mural with two swans, their reflections, plants, and the name "Lakeland"
Culture
Our readers’ 2025 predictions for Lakeland
Look into your crystal ball — what do you think will happen in Lakeland this year?
January 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson