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
tsa-precheck-custom-section.jpg
Travel and Outdoors
Enroll in TSA PreCheck ahead of spring travel
Apply online and visit a local enrollment center ahead of spring and summer travel.
February 23, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A heap of tomatoes and vegetation in a dark brown wooden bin outside.
Travel and Outdoors
The beginner’s guide to composting in Lakeland
We’re answering questions like “What is composting?” and “How do I compost in an apartment?”
February 17, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
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City
$635 million for I-4 lanes in Polk
From possible new interstate lanes to local road repavings, check out this quick breakdown of recent traffic news in Lakeland, FL.
February 1, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A girl sitting beside Lake Mirror looking at the lake and moon at night
Travel and Outdoors
The 2023 celestial calendar for Lakeland, FL
Don’t miss any of this year’s meteor showers, supermoons, or solar eclipses.
January 10, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
Interior of Green House Garden Store with plants on shelves and couch
Real Estate
Winter gardening tips for Lakeland, FL
How to prepare your garden and what to plant in the winter months.
January 4, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
St. Augustine - Great Escapes 2
Travel and Outdoors
Great Escapes: Our Guide to St. Augustine, FL
Get away to explore America’s oldest city and fall in love with its Spanish roots.
December 13, 2022
A side-by-side image featuring a daytime skyline photo of downtown Lakeland and a nighttime skyline photo of downtown Tampa
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s guide to Tampa Bay
Here’s how we would plan a weekend getaway to TBAY.
December 8, 2022
 · 
Brad Haft
An island off of Key West, FL with a clear sea and blue sky
Travel and Outdoors
Great Escapes: Our guide to Key West, FL
Planning a getaway? Check out Key West, Florida, an island paradise full of creativity, history, and sunshine.
December 6, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
RV campsite with tropical trees, tiki hut, and outdoor living area
Travel and Outdoors
Unique camping destinations around Lakeland, FL
Celebrate National Camping Day with a stay at one of these camping sites off the beaten path.
November 14, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A view from the summit of Black Elk Peak in South Dakota
Travel and Outdoors
Great Escapes: Our guide to Rapid City, SD
Planning a getaway? Check out Rapid City, South Dakota, a destination for hikers, historians, and everything in between.
October 26, 2022
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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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
A group of five cartoon animals — an alligator, an otter, a butterfly, a turtle, and a swan — and the "Learning Lakeland" logo.
City
Learning Lakeland is here to make civic education fun
The new program by the City of Lakeland offers activities for kids ages 4-11 that will teach them all about how life in Lakeland works.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A black-and-white photo of two people moving into Florida Southern College by a car with the trunk and passenger door open.
City
Lakeland college move-in dates to know
Whether you’re a student, a family member, or just a driver looking to avoid traffic, keep these college move-in dates in mind.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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City
Here’s what you need to have in your hurricane kit
It’s important to be prepared — here’s our list of hurricane season essentials.
August 11, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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City
Want to reach Lakeland locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
A sleek white motor yacht sails on calm green water under a partly cloudy blue sky. The boat features a wooden deck and modern design.
Travel and Outdoors
Rent a private boat in Lakeland
No boat? No problem. Rent one Airbnb-style and start enjoying our local waterways.
August 5, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A new lit sign for Southwest Middle School sits in front of its newly built, two-story administrative building. A US flag pole sits a few feet away from the sign.
City
Dates to know for PCPS’ 2025/2026 school year
Whether you have students at Polk County Public Schools or you’re just planning around school breaks, keep these dates in mind.
July 31, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A colorful waterslide twists into a large resort pool at River Ranch’s water park, with umbrellas, palm trees, and blue skies.
Travel and Outdoors
Giddy up: Polk County’s newest water park is open
Head east to the newly opened River Country Water Park for fun in the sun at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo.
July 29, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog cover reading "Honor Bilt Modern Homes"
Real Estate
Do you own a Sears Modern Home in Lakeland?
Your home could have been built by a Lakelander of the past — and ordered from a catalog.
July 28, 2025
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Snow falls around a lit Christmas tree at Lakeside Village
Events
Celebrate the holidays early with these Christmas in July events
Pro tip: Leave the ugly sweater at home and opt for flip flops instead.
July 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson