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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
Posters showing illustrations of Avelo's new destinations sit on easels.
Travel and Outdoors
See Avelo Airlines’ 7 new destinations from Lakeland coming this fall
You can soon hop a flight from LAL to major cities in the south, New England, and even abroad.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A glass of beer on a wooden bar at Swan Brewing. In the background are beer taps and customers.
Culture
Local libations: A round-up of Lakeland-centric craft beers
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Lakeland nod there — these craft beers found around Swan City take local pride seriously.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Craft cocktails on a bar with different glasses
Food
Toast of the town: Drink Up Week has arrived
This week — Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26, 2024 — we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant drink scene in Lakeland.
July 19, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Two iced matcha lattes — one with pink fruit and one with yellow fruit — sitting on a coral pink Adirondack chair
Food
Raise a glass — Drink Up Week is coming
We’ve got details and a map full of drink deals: We’ll be highlighting the vibrant beverage scene across Lakeland, FL from July 22 to July 26, 2024.
July 11, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
fireworks show at publix field
Experience
Fourth of July events in and around Lakeland
Central Florida has some breathtaking firework displays — here are a few taking place in our neck of the woods.
July 3, 2024
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Rilee Delgado
A girl sitting beside Lake Mirror looking at the lake and moon at night
City
The zodiac signs as Lakeland neighborhoods
It’s written in the stars... and the skyline.
July 2, 2024
 · 
Bella Rainey
City
Here’s what you can shop for during Florida’s tax holidays
From household supplies to park passes, grills, and more.
July 1, 2024
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Rilee Delgado
Clear waters in the Weeki Wachee River surrounded by trees on the banks
Travel and Outdoors
Cool down at these natural springs within 2.5 hours of Lakeland
Take a break from the pool + dive in to one of these springs that are less than 2.5 hours away from Swan City.
June 25, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A hand holding a very large hamburger
Food
Big, juicy, and sometimes Impossible: Polk County’s best burgers
Sink your teeth into this list to find your next triple meat, plant-based, or classic diner burger.
May 29, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Blinky the alligator statue formerly on Lake Mirror
History
Blinky — Lakeland’s unofficial mascot
Warning: This story has a bit of a sad ending.
May 28, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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Sunrise over palm trees and swimming lanes lined with blue and yellow pennant flags Gandy Pool in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
Beat the heat with these places to swim around Lakeland
Go for a swim in these public pools, water parks, and rental pools around Lakeland.
June 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the AGB Museum of Art's new expansion wing, which features high glass walls and a stone facade
Culture
Meet the AGB Museum of Art’s interim executive director
Those in the Lakeland arts scene will recognize Dr. Daryl Ward, a local arts leader who’s set to become interim executive director at the AGB Museum of Art this summer.
June 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three people in beekeeping suits inspect honeycomb frames at an outdoor apiary surrounded by trees and grass.
Travel and Outdoors
Your guide to beekeeping in Lakeland
What’s even sweeter than honey? Producing your own. Here’s everything you need to know about beekeeping in Swan City.
June 12, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Four outdoor sculptures include a bike, a woman in a red dress, a flower-like form, and abstract pipes and shapes.
Culture
Take a walk of art at the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition
Browse 11 sculptures by artists from around the US and stay tuned to see which one will win the People’s Choice Award in this year’s sculpture competition.
June 11, 2025
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Staff
1970s photo of Food World in Lakeland, FL, with a parking lot full of classic cars and an Eckerd Drugs store in view.
Business
Do you remember your first job in Lakeland?
Share your memories of your first job for a chance to be featured.
June 9, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A concrete pier juts out into the ocean at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
Beachy road trip destinations within three hours of Lakeland
We’re exploring a few of our reader recommendations for beachy road trips around Lakeland, Florida.
June 9, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A sculpture of Frank Lloyd Wright wearing a wide-brimmed hat stands in front of the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center
Culture
Explore the world’s largest Frank Lloyd Wright museum in Lakeland
Did you know that a Central Florida college is home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs? See some of its most notable designs created by the world-famous architect.
June 5, 2025
 · 
Staff
A hand holds a cruffin topped with cream and chocolate chips in front of a lake
Food
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these local desserts
When cravings hit, level up your dessert game at one of these local sweet shops and makers in Lakeland.
June 5, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A loggia with gated arches and columns on the Frances Langford Promenade under a clear blue sky.
New to Lakeland
Lakeland’s most iconic landmarks
We’re giving you the 411 on the 863’s landmarks — from the Southgate Sign to “Sputnik.”
June 4, 2025
 · 
Staff
Several RVs parked in the trees surrounding a pond at Flamingo Camping Site in the Everglades National Park
Travel and Outdoors
Take an ad-van-ture to these RV camping spots around Lakeland
Get a taste of the camping life with these seven RV parks + campgrounds around Swan City.
June 4, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms