Support Us Button Widget

Travel and Outdoors

A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
What we “unfortunately do love” in Lakeland
From guilty pleasures to unexpected favorites, the “unfortunately do love” social media trend is taking over the internet — and we want your input.
September 18, 2025 02:29 PM
 · 
Maria Adnado
An aerial view of the Lakeland International Airport terminal and parking lots
Travel and Outdoors
Parking fees loom at Lakeland International Airport
Starting soon, daily parking will cost you if you’re flying out of LAL. Here’s what you need to know.
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
Photo 1: The Tampa International Airport sign (black letters on a white background) on the side of a highway with palm trees surrounding it. Photo 2: A man and woman walk down a hallway with small roller suitcases. Photo 3: From left to right, a man, young girl, and woman stand in the entrance to an airport with their hands on suitcase handles.
Sponsored
Pro tip for traveling from Tampa International Airport
Pre-booking parking online at Tampa International Airport is our top tip for turning travel into a breeze.
Sponsored by
Photo 1: A selfie of a woman with red hair and a giant statue of a flamingo, Photo 2: A red car at the entrance to a parking garage, Photo 3: A kiosk that reads Tampa International Airport with a QR scanner for parking codes. Photo 4: Inside the SkyConnect Train at Tampa Airport with people with suitcases holding on to handles. A Photo 5: Inside the SkyConnect Train at Tampa Airport with a parking garage visible outside the window.
Sponsored
An insider’s guide to parking at Tampa International Airport
We got the scoop on the best way to save time + money at the airport.
Sponsored by
Palm trees blowing in a strong wind.
Sponsored
Your 2025 Hurricane Guide from Lakeland Electric
Filled with checklists, FAQs, outage info, pet tips + more, the Lakeland Electric Hurricane Guide is here to help keep you safe and dry.
Sponsored by
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
LAL-Avelo-June 10 2025.jpg
Sponsored
Now boarding: direct flights to Long Island from LAL
Sponsored by
Photo 1: The Tampa International Airport sign (black letters on a white background) on the side of a highway with palm trees surrounding it. Photo 2: A man and woman walk down a hallway with small roller suitcases. Photo 3: From left to right, a man, young girl, and woman stand in the entrance to an airport with their hands on suitcase handles.
Sponsored
Your Tampa International Airport summer travel guide
Save time, money, and stress by booking parking parking in advance for flights out of TPA, and other helpful travel tips.
Sponsored by
LAL-TPA-July 7 2025.gif
Sponsored
Fly through airport parking with this at-home hack
Booking parking online before you fly at Tampa International Airport can save you time, money, and stress.
Sponsored by
Load More
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from LALtoday
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Events
Stack your calendar with monthly events around Lakeland
These events bring together your favorite vendors on the same day each month in nearby downtown areas and historic districts.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo of the sun setting over Lake Hollingsworth, with the sky and water glowing in shades of orange and yellow.
City
Top Clicks: Here’s what you loved in LALtoday last month
We keep an eye on your clicks to make sure LALtoday is always filled with content you love.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
A downtown Lakeland street lined with tents selling farmers market goods. Trees hang over the street.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lakeland
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Staff
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