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
scene of Cask & Larder restaurant at Orlando International Airport
Sponsored
Flying out of MCO? Here’s your food + drink cheat sheet.
You’re going to want to bookmark this list.
Sponsored by
Atamasco lily
Travel and Outdoors
Become an expert on native flowers
Keep local love growing this spring with local plants.
April 18, 2023
 · 
Dayten Rose
Three volunteers with long nets stand on a lake shore, cleaning litter.
Travel and Outdoors
How you can keep Lakeland beautiful
Meet two organizations working to keep Lakeland and Polk County’s streets and waterways clean.
April 11, 2023
Brown entrance sign surrounded by trees reading "Mammoth Cave National Park" in white letters.
Travel and Outdoors
How to plan an event in a national park
From getting a permit to catering, we’ve got the details on how to plan a wedding, family reunion, or special occasion in a national park.
March 31, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Electric vehicle charging station in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
Charge up at these electric vehicle charging stations
Never run out of juice again with these nine charging stations around Lakeland.
March 22, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The night sky with visible bands of the Milky Way.
Travel and Outdoors
Celebrate International Dark Sky Week
Protect the night by taking some simple actions Saturday, April 15-Saturday, April 22
March 22, 2023
 · 
Dayten Rose
Two black bugs with red heads connected by the ends cling to a white flower.
Travel and Outdoors
Lakeland, city of love… bugs
Get ready for lovebug season in the spring and fall.
March 10, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A cardinal perched on a seed feeder.
Travel and Outdoors
Feed Lakeland birds
Putting out a tube feeder is just the beginning — we’ll get you started in the wide world of birdfeeding.
March 9, 2023
 · 
Dayten Rose
A worn white ball with curved stitching like a baseball lies on a pitch of sunny grass.
Sports
Catch the Gaelic game of hurling in Lakeland, FL
We’re breaking down the Irish sport of hurling including its rules and where you can catch a game.
March 7, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
spring-equinox-custom-section.jpg
Culture
Spring equinox in Lakeland, FL
Visit a local park, participate in a community event, or clean up your humble abode in honor of the astronomical transition from winter to spring.
March 6, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
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A large and small dog walk around the Frances Langford Promenade on Lake Mirror in Lakeland
Real Estate
Which dog breed are you based on your Lakeland neighborhood?
Just like each dog breed has its own personality, each community in Lakeland shines with unique characteristics. Which breed sounds most like you?
August 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2019-10-03 at 3.03.27 PM
New to Lakeland
Your guide to Lakeland’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
August 22, 2025
 · 
Staff
Two baskets of tacos with green salsa and lime on the side
Experience
Where to find lunch for $12 or less around Lakeland
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 30+ lunches from hearty salads to diner-style bites.
August 22, 2025
 · 
Staff
A black-and-white photo of the Francis Beach Pavilion, a large two-story wooden building on stilts in a lake.
Culture
Look back on summer in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive the dog days of summer from years gone by.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo illustration of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, smiling in a red and blue plaid jacket, next to a photo of Taylor Swift.
Culture
Who said it: Mayor Bill Mutz or Taylor Swift?
Both are known for a good turn of phrase, but can you decipher which quotes came from Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz or Grammy winner Taylor Swift? Put your skills to the test.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
 · 
Staff
A person holds up an iced coffee drink with a Dutch Bros logo, next to a blue drive-thru menu board.
Food
So close, but so far: Chains readers wish were in Lakeland
Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?
August 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The front entrance and hallway of a Sola Salons studio, with a wood-slat feature wall and a modern light fixture.
Business
Get a new look at Lakeside Village this summer
Change things up with a new outfit, facial, or hairstyle from these new businesses that recently opened in the open-air shopping center.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of Market Plaza in Lake Wales, with people walking on the brick and concrete paths surrounded by greenery.
City
Lake Wales is adding a social district — should Lakeland?
The city will be the first in Polk County to allow for open containers of alcohol to be enjoyed between businesses in its Arts, Culture and Entertainment District. Now, we want to know if Lakeland be next to add a social district.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright living room with white couches, a large circular chandelier, and a view of a lanai through sliding glass doors.
Real Estate
This Lakeland home combines contemporary style with country club living
Spend every day on the greens — if you can get yourself to leave the comfort of home.
August 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson