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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
A hand holds a non-alcoholic Paloma topped with a slice of grapefruit
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Lakeland, FL from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 22, 2024
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Monica Garske
a man barbecues ribs on an open grill outside with people in the background
Sponsored
We’re fired up about Ribs on the Ridge happening this weekend
Get the juicy details on the third + final leg of the Florida Triple Crown of BBQ’s three-event competition.
Sponsored by
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Sports
The Detroit Tigers will train in Lakeland through 2044
The Detroit Tigers will continue spring training for the next 20+ years, and the City of Lakeland will help fund a new team facility. We break it down by the numbers.
November 21, 2023
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Connor Jacobson
Santa and Mrs. Claus wave from atop a parade float.
City
Your questions about the 2023 Lakeland Christmas Parade, answered
Wondering how the city plans to protect its swans, where you can sit, or when you can place your chairs? Keep reading to learn how this year’s parade will work and ask us your additional questions.
October 19, 2023
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Rilee Delgado
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Food
Order from one of Lakeland’s ghost kitchens
The only thing scary about these kitchens is how good they are.
October 17, 2023
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Rilee Delgado
Bowls of pho noodle soup from Pho Tan in Lakeland, FL
Food
Lakeland soups for every day
No matter your mood, there’s a soup for you.
October 16, 2023
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Connor Jacobson
hut on a beach in Dominican Republic
Sponsored
17 best places to visit this fall and winter
Pack your bags, because we’re giving recs on where to go + what to do this fall and winter.
Sponsored by
A digital map of Lakeland, FL with colorful points on different happy hour locations
City
Find your next favorite spot in Lakeland with our community maps
We’re on a mission to map out Lakeland’s top destinations for foodies, art lovers, and pet parents. Learn how you can help.
August 24, 2023
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Connor Jacobson
A view from the summit of Black Elk Peak in South Dakota
Travel and Outdoors
Tell us your fall travel plans
Where are you hoping to visit this fall? Let us know what you’re planning to see and do as we prepare our fall travel guides.
August 23, 2023
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Connor Jacobson
A Google Street View photo of the retro Southgate sign and stores at the Southgate Shopping Center
Travel and Outdoors
Quiz: How well do you know Lakeland’s streets?
Take our 5-minute quiz to test your local street smarts.
August 11, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
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City
Decide what’s next for Polk transportation
Join the Polk Transportation Planning Organization’s Envision 2050 meeting to help plan the future of local transportation.
June 3, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
People attend a Polk Pride event with a rainbow Polk Pride FL banner in the background
Culture
Polk Pride is back: Here’s the 2025 event roundup
Check out the event lineup, from family-friendly events in the park to interfaith celebrations and dance parties.
June 2, 2025
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Staff
Palm trees blowing in hard wind in the foreground, with a dark cloudy sky and the Summit Building in downtown Lakeland in the background.
City
Preparing for hurricane season in Lakeland
Hurricane season officially begins on Sunday, June 1 and will run through Sunday, Nov. 30. We’ve rounded up everything you can do to be hurricane-ready in Lakeland.
May 30, 2025
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Rilee Delgado
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.
May 30, 2025
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Staff
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Experience
Museums in Lakeland
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or aviation fan, these nine museums around Lakeland have it all.
May 30, 2025
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Staff
Two hands toast with a glass of margarita and a glass of sangria on an outdoor patio.
Food
Celebration-worthy Lakeland restaurants
From graduations to rehearsal dinners to corporate parties, we’re sharing the top reader recommended spots for celebration-worthy eateries.
May 29, 2025
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Amelia Grooms
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Culture
Polk County’s historic theatres: Smelling bananas, Wayne Brady, and 35 cents
Look back on the first places to catch a movie on the big screen or see a live performance at these historic theatres around Polk County.
May 29, 2025
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Kaylee Holland
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
How well do you remember this month’s top Lakeland news?
Take our interactive quiz to test your local news knowledge, and keep reading LALtoday to up your score.
May 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The sun setting over a baseball field.
Sports
“Strike Out Hunger” at a Lakeland Flying Tigers game
The Mosaic Company has partnered with the Flying Tigers to help end hunger this season. Here’s how you can watch the initiative in action.
May 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large dog on a leash sits on a bench near Lake Mirror in Lakeland, FL
Experience
Pamper your pet at these Lakeland spots
We’re paws-itive you’ll find a new park, pet supply store, or groomer to take care of your four-legged friends.
May 23, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson