Small Business

The exterior of Sora Eatery in Lakeland International Airport.
Food
Sora Eatery is now boarding at Lakeland International Airport
The new restaurant at LAL is nearly ready to open its doors, and we got a sneak peek of what Lakelanders (and visitors) can expect.
March 02, 2026 12:54 PM
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The open door entrance of a small business, with a "SHOP SMALL" welcome mat and shelves of merchandise visible inside.
Business
Our Lakeland-based Small Business Saturday shopping picks
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
November 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a flower arrangement with pink, purple, and orange flowers and greenery stems in a skull-shaped container
Business
Find your inner florist at Bloom Shakalaka’s flower arranging workshops
Learn to arrange beautiful bouquets with the help of the expert florists at Bloom Shakalaka.
October 29, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A graphic that says "Their perfect gift is on this list. Our holiday gift guide just dropped." surrounded by images of gift tags.
Small Business
LALtoday’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
October 24, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A downtown Lakeland street lined with tents selling farmers market goods. Trees hang over the street.
Business
Farmers markets around Polk County
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up seven farmers markets around Lakeland, FL.
October 21, 2025
 · 
Staff
The Shoppes at Lake Miriam, showing storefronts for Gosh! Asian Bistro & Sushi, Coast Dental, Glam Bar, and Hand & Stone.
Food
Eat down the street: Lake Miriam Crossing restaurants
Find a parking spot and walk to each of your favorite restaurants in the Shoppes at Lake Miriam Crossing plaza on South Florida Avenue.
October 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Front entrance of a house decorated for Halloween, featuring a large wooden door framed by two stone columns with giant black spiders hanging from them. A skeleton stands to the left of the doorway, and piles of colorful pumpkins — orange, white, and green — are arranged on both sides of the brick walkway. A festive wreath and smaller Halloween decorations complete the spooky, autumn-themed display under a cloudy sky.
Business
Trending this fall: Porch pumpkins
Skip the pumpkin patch and hire these Central Florida businesses to spruce up your landscaping with a seasonal touch.
October 10, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A man in a polo with a "Skimlite" logo and a trucker hat shakes hands with a woman in a blue business suit. They stand in a warehouse with planks of wood nearby.
Sponsored
A legacy grows stronger with the right banking partner
Here’s how a California-based business planted new roots in our “small, big city” with the help of personalized business banking.
Sponsored by
Cars line a street in downtown Lakeland, leaves are on the ground.
Culture
How to spend a fall day like the “Gilmore Girls” in Lakeland
Who says you have to go to New England to have an autumn worthy of the “Gilmore Girls”?
October 6, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
What we “unfortunately do love” in Lakeland
From guilty pleasures to unexpected favorites, the “unfortunately do love” social media trend is taking over the internet — and we want your input.
September 18, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
A bright, sunny photo of the Subs 'n Such restaurant sign, a local business with an old-fashioned feel.
Food
Dine on history at Lakeland’s oldest restaurants
Take a bite of Lakeland’s past at these restaurants that have stood the test of time.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Sports
Lakeland’s 90-year love story with the Tigers
Keep reading for our favorite local love story.
February 12, 2026
 · 
Kaylee Holland
A wide-angle shot of the white marble Duomo di Milano cathedral under a cloudy blue sky in the bustling Piazza del Duomo.
Sports
Celebrate the 2026 Winter Olympics, Lakeland style
We may not have snow, but there are plenty of gold medal-worthy ways to pretend you’re at the Milan-Cortina Games.
February 11, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A couple leans in for a kiss outside Mitchell's Coffee House
Experience
Where to meet someone new in Lakeland
Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind romance or a fresh friendship, our readers share where they would go to meet someone new in Swan City.
February 10, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A map showing points around Florida on the America250FL road trip guide, including three points in Polk County and historic facts.
Take a historic road trip around Florida with America250FL’s map
This state organization invites you to visit 100+ historic Florida places in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
February 9, 2026
 · 
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.
February 9, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An ultra-luxury white marble bathroom with a large freestanding soaking tub centered under a crystal chandelier.
Real Estate
Mansion Monday: Is this Lakeland’s best bathroom?
This listing on New Jersey Road shows that your bathroom truly can be an oasis at home.
February 5, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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.
February 5, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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 smiling young man and woman stand together at an outdoor "Cupid's Flower Bar," holding a fresh bouquet of roses.
Events
Top Valentine’s Day events in Lakeland
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these Valentine’s Day events around Swan City.
February 2, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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
 · 
Connor Jacobson