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Tourism and Hospitality

Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Culture
18+ activities for retirees in Lakeland
If you’re recently retired and looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Lakeland.
October 21, 2024 04:26 PM
 · 
Amelia Herring
A colorful sign reading "I love Mi Pueblo" in the foreground with flea market buildings in the background
Experience
Shop, swap, sell, and save in Lakeland
Here’s the deal — the thrift and vintage shopping scene is stellar in Swan City.
October 18, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL
City
Last minute tips to make sure you’re hurricane ready
Don’t forget these steps on your hurricane prep checklist.
October 7, 2024
 · 
Staff
Young child laying in tub full of corn kernels at Harvest Holler in Polk City, FL
Culture
Fall corn mazes and pumpkin patches around Lakeland, FL
Ring in the season with a trip to one of these fall-exclusive spots for the whole family.
September 23, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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New to Lakeland
Unwritten rules of Lakeland
Tell us you’re from Lakeland without telling us you’re from Lakeland.
September 17, 2024
 · 
Staff
two rotating photos depicting an old black and white photo of the terrace hotel and their 100 year anniversary emblem
Sponsored
Party like it’s 1924 with this once-in-a-century celebration
Sponsored by
LAL-downtown-winter-haven-ritz-theater
Travel and Outdoors
Take a quick trip to these cities near Lakeland
In need of a one-day getaway? We’re sharing our readers’ favorite things to do, see, and eat in towns within a quick drive of Swan City.
August 28, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An interior shot of a wedding in Haus820
Culture
Rentable venues in Lakeland
Check out this list of local spots to host your next party, reunion, or reception.
August 26, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
SunRail train
City
SunRail may be expanding to Polk County
Are your days of sitting in I-4 traffic almost behind you?
August 15, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A construction site at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.
City
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s $8 million expansion + renovation
What you need to know about the monumental project that’s set to be completed in the fall of 2024.
August 6, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
The best way to spend a rainy day in Lakeland
Florida Thunderstorm Season runs from May 25 to Oct. 10 in West Central Florida. You don’t have to stay inside when rainy days come — keep exploring Lakeland with these indoor activities.
August 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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A hand holds a starfruit pastry in front of a paper bag with "Bandidas" written on it.
Food
Eat down the street: Edgewood Drive restaurants
Discover one of Lakeland’s hidden gems or try a local favorite restaurant for the first time on the next street in this series.
October 22, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Annie Pfeiffer Chapel
Culture
Haunted landmarks in Polk County
If you’ve ever felt a chill in your spine when frequenting these locales around Lakeland, there’s likely a good reason.
October 21, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
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.
October 18, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
A screenshot of the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and North Florida Avenue.
City
Potential improvements on the way for Memorial Boulevard
From strategic economic developments to street enhancements, here’s what we could see on Memorial Boulevard in the future.
October 17, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Screen Shot 2019-10-17 at 12.33.37 PM
Culture
Meet the three ghosts that haunt the Polk Theatre
If you’ve ever stepped foot inside the Polk Theatre, chances are you were simultaneously taking a ghost tour — and didn’t even know it.
October 17, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
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.
October 16, 2024
 · 
Staff
The exterior of the RP Funding Center, viewed from in front of rose bushes.
Culture
Celebrating 50 years of the RP Funding Center
With this local event venue reaching the 50-year mark, we’re looking back on the biggest acts to visit the RP Funding Center.
October 16, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL_hurricanemilton_OCT2024
City
“Insurance village” now open to help Lakelanders after Hurricane Milton
Insurance representatives will be available to assist with filing claims daily at the RP Funding Center until further notice.
October 15, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Copy of LAL-Lead Story Image Crop.png
City
Voting in Lakeland on Election Day
Learn all about casting your vote in the upcoming elections, including voting locations and candidates.
October 15, 2024
 · 
Staff
LAL_hurricanemilton_OCT2024
City
Help others (or get help) after Hurricane Milton
Whether you’re able to volunteer or need assistance, check out these resources available around Lakeland for those who need help recovering from the storm.
October 14, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson