Tourism and Hospitality

A hand holds a slice of pesto pizza with tomatoes and olives in front of a yellow "folds" sign at a modern eatery.
Food
Restaurant Roundup: Meet your new favorite Lakeland restaurants
Dining in Lakeland is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
April 23, 2026 02:53 PM
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Staff
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History
What’s the deal with Publix’s scales?
You’ve probably seen them from the checkout line.
December 15, 2021
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Katelyn Lewis
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Sports
The 84th Annual Orange Cup Regatta is this weekend
If you have the need for speed, this weekend is for you.
October 15, 2021
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Rilee Delgado
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Culture
No muss, no fuss: Three quiet(er) beaches near Lakeland, FL
Avoid the crowds at these quiet beaches.
May 31, 2021
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
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More from LALtoday
A multi-lane stretch of I-4 in Polk County, Florida, with several cars driving on a cloudy day, surrounded by lush greenery.
Development
More I-4 congestion relief lanes coming west of Lakeland
Due to the Moving Florida Forward Initiative, new I-4 express lanes are coming nine years in advance between I-75 and County Line Road.
October 20, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A side-by-side photo of two homes: a historic Spanish-style home (left) and a modern stone and stucco home (right).
Real Estate
You choose: Historic home vs. new construction in Lakeland
Do you prefer to live in the past, or are you looking ahead to the future? Compare a 1925 home with a newly built house that just hit Lakeland’s real estate market.
October 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
People dressed in retro attire dancing under neon lights
Culture
Dance the night away at these Lakeland spots and events
In the mood to bust a move? Shimmy down to these local spots and events for open dance floors, performances, and dancing lessons.
October 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
A photo collage showing Health Buddies volunteers and clients: a large group of people smiling, and volunteers with older women
Wellness
How Health Buddies are transforming life for lonely Lakelanders
Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay connects volunteers and clients with chronic health conditions for Health Buddies, a 12-week telephone call program. Learn how it works and how you can sign up.
October 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The Joinery food hall lit up at night, with a view of downtown Lakeland and a long-exposure shot of the street in the background
Food
Eat it all at these Polk County food halls
Deciding where to eat is hard — these local food halls are making it easier with plenty of options all in the same place.
October 10, 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
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
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City
Create your voting plan with these Lakeland election dates
Lakeland’s municipal election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 4. These are the dates, positions, and resources you need to know before you vote.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A colorful mural by Gillian Fazio featuring two swans forming a heart shape, surrounded by Florida oranges and blossoms.
Culture
Choose the names for these Lakeland newcomers
Before you go to the polls in November, submit your ideas to help choose the names for three new creatures — both real and artistic.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson