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Tourism and Hospitality

The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Work
The who’s who and what’s what of Lakeland’s economy: Meet the top employers and industries
Explore the leading economic drivers in Lakeland — from exciting, new technology to top leaders in growing and distributing delicious eats.
August 20, 2025 10:59 AM
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Staff
Exterior view of The Joinery decorated with fake skeletons climbing the walls
Culture
Lakeland’s most haunting Halloween stories
Get into the Halloween spirit with these terrifying tales from around Central Florida.
October 30, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
An exterior shot of a white house with a pink door.
New to Lakeland
Staycation in style at these Lakeland Airbnb and Vrbo rentals
Whether you’re looking for a charming bungalow or a stylish mid-century modern stay, Lakeland’s short-term rentals offer something for everyone looking for a staycation.
October 28, 2024
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Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Experience
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
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Amelia Grooms
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
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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
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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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Connor Jacobson
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City
Here’s how to join Lakeland boards and committees
Create the city you want to live in by applying to serve in these volunteer roles.
July 10, 2025
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Kaylee Holland
Cobb Theater in Lakeland, FL, glowing with neon lights at dusk, featuring an IMAX sign and a vibrant, colorful entrance.
Events
Summer meets the big screen with these Lakeland movie series
Skip the sunscreen and slide into a movie screening instead.
July 8, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
Hand holds iced coffee at Foxtail Coffee Co., showing a swan mural, wood seating, coffee counter, and outdoor metal tables.
Food
Peek inside Foxtail Coffee Co.'s first Lakeland location
Pull up a seat and pour up a cup when Foxtail Coffee opens at the Shops at Lake Wire soon.
July 7, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
A hand holds a bowl with six scoops of ice cream and three waffle cone cookies.
Food
Grab an Instagram-worthy ice cream from these shops near Lakeland
I scream, you scream, we all scream for — you get the point. Check out this list to find your perfect scoop, sandwich, sundae, or snowball.
July 3, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
Red, white, and green fireworks explode over the reflective Lake Mirror as a crowd watches under a streetlight
Events
Red, White & Kaboom returns: What you need to know
Fireworks, food trucks, live music, and more — here’s everything you need to know about this annual fireworks display on Lake Mirror.
June 30, 2025
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Rilee Delgado
Florida Polytechnic University Phoenix Racing's solar-powered car drives down a palm-lined road under a blue sky with clouds.
City
Phoenix Racing gears up for the Formula Sun Grand Prix
Florida Polytechnic University’s team built a solar-powered car from scratch — now, they’re competing for a national championship for their second year.
June 30, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
Group photo at Summer Leadership Program graduation with participants holding certificates and a sign reading "1,000."
Business
LEDC celebrates 1,000 Summer Leadership Program graduates
Since 2008, young professionals have gotten to know the city through the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s program.
June 26, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
The MCO glass exterior with a plane overhead
Work
What to know about Orlando International Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
June 23, 2025
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Staff
A plate of BBQ meat, baked beans, coleslaw, and mac 'n cheese.
Food
Our favorite barbecue spots around Lakeland, Florida
Bring on the baked beans and cornbread, it’s time for BBQ.
June 20, 2025
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Rilee Delgado
Two-story brick and siding house with green shutters, a front porch, and manicured landscaping under large shade trees.
Real Estate
3 Lakeland homes that have us thinking green
We’re ready to go green with these colorful homes on the market in Lakeland.
June 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson