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
A view of a lake and mountains in the Lake District in England
Travel and Outdoors
Other places named Lakeland around the world
Venture beyond Swan City to visit one of these other places named Lakeland all over the globe.
October 17, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Outdoor SunTrax automated car testing site in the Lakeland, FL innovation district
City
The autonomous vehicle test track in Polk County, FL
Phase Two of the SunTrax vehicle testing site completed in June 2023.
October 11, 2022
 · 
Staff
Northern lights in Iceland
Sponsored
10 dreamy winter destinations out of Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Sponsored by
A gif of a digital puzzle of Lake Morton in Lakeland, FL being completed
Culture
Solve this Lake Morton puzzle
How fast can you complete this picture of Lake Morton in Lakeland, FL?
September 7, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of the South Lake Morton neighborhood, featuring a large lake surrounded by a street, homes, and a church
Real Estate
Neighborhood Guide: South Lake Morton
From a swan-filled lake to mid-century modern architecture, see why South Lake Morton was named one of Lakeland’s top neighborhoods.
September 2, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A flaky pastry filled with bright red guava filling and a layer of cream cheese
Travel and Outdoors
Hit the Road: a foodie foray to Tampa Bay
The final installation of our Hit the Road series is a foodie foray to Tampa, FL.
August 29, 2022
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A guest looks out at the Safari Wilderness Ranch surrounded by zebras
Culture
Safari Wilderness Ranch in Lakeland, FL
You don’t have to travel to Africa to see exotic wildlife on safari. Just visit Safari Wilderness Ranch in Lakeland, FL.
August 22, 2022
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Add a heading - 2022-08-03T121112.629
History
Who were the Buffalo Soldiers?
August 3, 2022
 · 
Rilee Delgado
New to Lakeland
Lakeland Linder International Airport drives $1 billion economic impact
Dive into the airport’s contributions to the economy by the numbers — and could passenger service be on the horizon?
July 11, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Clear waters in the Weeki Wachee River surrounded by trees on the banks
Culture
Hit the Road: An outdoor adventure to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
June 13, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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More from LALtoday
Four-panel collage with two basketball players, a black-and-white portrait of a man, and a singer performing with a microphone.
Culture
Meet Polk County’s four most notable celebrities
A new online tool shows the most notable celebrity from each birthplace on earth — these are the four highest-ranking stars from Polk County.
July 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Burger Week special with arugula, crispy onions, and melted cheese on a glossy bun, served in a copper basket under moody lighting.
Food
Chow down during Polk County Burger Week
Check out the list of participating eateries to find a Burger Week deal near you July 18-27.
July 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Tall trees sprout out of the dry Florida landscape.
Experience
Hiking guide for Lakeland
Check out these 13 hiking trails catered to all skill levels in and around Lakeland, Florida for outdoor adventures.
July 16, 2025
 · 
Staff
A laptop showing the Visit Central Florida tourism ambassador site sits open on a wooden table next to a coffee cup and phone
Travel and Outdoors
Keep tourism thriving through Visit Central Florida’s CATS program
Tourism is one of Polk County’s top three industries, and you can help Visit Central Florida keep it growing through the Certified Ambassadors of Tourism and Sports program.
July 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An artist's drawing showing a revitalized street corner with a Memorial Square sign, mixed-use buildings, and a lively courtyard
City
Lakeland officials approve major plans for Midtown
Before a planned redevelopment of Memorial Boulevard, Lakeland officials have approved a strategic plan and a nearby affordable housing development.
July 10, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Cobb Theater in Lakeland, FL, glowing with neon lights at dusk, featuring an IMAX sign and a vibrant, colorful entrance.
Events
Summer meets the big screen with these Lakeland movie series
Skip the sunscreen and slide into a movie screening instead.
July 8, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Hand holds iced coffee at Foxtail Coffee Co., showing a swan mural, wood seating, coffee counter, and outdoor metal tables.
Food
Peek inside Foxtail Coffee Co.'s first Lakeland location
Pull up a seat and pour up a cup when Foxtail Coffee opens at the Shops at Lake Wire soon.
July 7, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds a bowl with six scoops of ice cream and three waffle cone cookies.
Food
Grab an Instagram-worthy ice cream from these shops near Lakeland
I scream, you scream, we all scream for — you get the point. Check out this list to find your perfect scoop, sandwich, sundae, or snowball.
July 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Red, white, and green fireworks explode over the reflective Lake Mirror as a crowd watches under a streetlight
Events
Red, White & Kaboom returns: What you need to know
Fireworks, food trucks, live music, and more — here’s everything you need to know about this annual fireworks display on Lake Mirror.
June 30, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Florida Polytechnic University Phoenix Racing's solar-powered car drives down a palm-lined road under a blue sky with clouds.
City
Phoenix Racing gears up for the Formula Sun Grand Prix
Florida Polytechnic University’s team built a solar-powered car from scratch — now, they’re competing for a national championship for their second year.
June 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson