Travel and Outdoors

An aerial view and three ground-level photos show the Crystal Lake boardwalk in a state of severe disrepair and damage.
City
Updates coming to the Crystal Lake neighborhood
Polk County plans to reconstruct the boardwalk over the lake and add a stoplight at a busy intersection near Southeastern University.
April 07, 2026 11:12 AM
 · 
Connor Jacobson
an overhead shot of a beach with crystal blue waters and palm trees and umbrellas below
Sponsored
Southwest goes international out of MCO
Sponsored by
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Travel and Outdoors
What’s in a name: The story behind Swan City’s most infamous lakes
If you’ve ever wondered how some of Lakeland’s most notable bodies of water got their names — this is for you.
April 12, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The New Haven, CT downtown skyline viewed from afar. Behind highrise buildings are wooded hills.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to New Haven, CT
Find out what to do and where to stay in the first destination city Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
April 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A two way, narrow bike lane with bicycle symbols and arrows indicating directions.
Travel and Outdoors
How much of your day can you spend on a bike in Lakeland?
We take a look at our bicycling infrastructure and how we can make the area more bikeable.
April 4, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
An airplane flies in the sky. It is white and purple with Avelo printed across it.
City
Avelo announces first route from Lakeland Linder International Airport
The announcement Lakelanders have been waiting for has finally come.
March 27, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An Avelo Aircraft sits on the tarmac with the word "Avelo" painted on its side
City
Planes, trains, and automobiles: The state of transportation in Lakeland
Catch up on the progress of Lakeland’s transportation projects, from airport updates to possible future railways and road improvements.
March 6, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Sponsored
9 destinations to add to your 2024 travel bucket list
Spanish street markets? Icelandic geothermal baths? Pink sand beaches? That’s just a few of the vacation getaways that made our list of destinations to add to your 2024 travel bucket list.
Sponsored by
A silhouetted runner on Lake Hollingsworth at sunset
City
Lakeland earns a Runner Friendly Community designation
See how Lakeland’s running trails and local support earned made it a Runner Friendly Community for the next five years.
February 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Young trees stand in planters from The Nectary. They are tagged with information for the Florida Arbor Day sale.
Travel and Outdoors
Celebrate Florida Arbor Day with The Nectary’s native tree sale
This local plant nursery will offer deals on all native trees during Florida Arbor Day weekend, so you can beautify your space.
January 18, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior shot of the Columbia restaurant features tiles and traditional Spanish design.
Travel and Outdoors
Hit the Road: A 30-mile getaway to Ybor City
Whether you’re looking to learn more about this micro-city’s extensive history or hoping to try the perfect Cuban sandwich, here’s what you need to know about taking a day trip to Ybor City.
January 12, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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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
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Experience
20+ activities for retired locals to stay active in Lakeland
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of your newfound time in Lakeland.
October 1, 2025
 · 
Staff
A wrestling photo where AEW star Big Bill (right) delivers a high kick to Juice Robinson (left) as a referee watches.
Sports
6 boot-stomping questions with AEW star Big Bill
All Elite Wrestling will bring AEW Collision to Lakeland’s RP Funding Center for the first time on Thursday, Oct. 2. We sat down with AEW star Big Bill to learn what you can expect if you’re new to the sport or a lifelong fan.
September 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson