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 aerial view of the Eaglebrooke Golf Course in Lakeland, FL. There is a green in the foreground and sand traps, water hazards, and trees in the background.
Experience
Tee it up at these Lakeland golf courses
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 13 golf courses in Lakeland are sure to make for a good round.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Cat George
A hand holding a container of ice cream in front of a Publix Super Markets sign
Tourism and Hospitality
Celebrate your birthday with Lakeland deals and freebies
It’s your party and you’ll enjoy these deals if you want to.
September 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An HVAC maintenance worker works on an outdoor A/C unit.
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Protect your home (+ save money) with this HVAC program
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A photo of an Enhydritherium terraenovae fossil on display, a tall skeleton that looks like an otter.
Travel and Outdoors
Meet 5 prehistoric creatures who once roamed Polk County
Millions of years ago, marine animals, mammals, and reptiles called Florida home. Learn about five whose fossils have been found in the Bone Valley area of Polk County.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Rotating .gif of photos of different areas of Canada enveloped in vibrant autumnal foliage.
Sponsored
11 nonstop flights from Orlando’s MCO to Canada
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LAL-downtown-kentucky-ave-lakeland-walfaro30-SEPT2022.jpeg
Weather
Fall weather forecast for Lakeland
Prepare for fall weather in Lakeland, Florida with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
An exterior photo of Lakeland Linder International Airport with three flags and palm trees blowing in the wind.
Work
What you need to know about flying out of Lakeland Linder International Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
September 3, 2025
 · 
Staff
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
Beat the holiday travel rush by booking Tampa International Airport parking online
Pre-booked parking is available months in advance.
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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 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
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An interior shot of a wedding in Haus820
Experience
Rentable venues in Lakeland
Check out this list of local spots to host your next party, reunion, or reception.
March 4, 2026
 · 
Rilee Delgado
IMG_7423
Live
Spring 2026 weather forecast for Lakeland
Prepare for spring weather in Lakeland, FL with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
March 4, 2026
 · 
Staff
The exterior of Sora Eatery in Lakeland International Airport.
Food
Sora Eatery is now boarding at Lakeland International Airport
The new restaurant at LAL is nearly ready to open its doors, and we got a sneak peek of what Lakelanders (and visitors) can expect.
March 2, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
House 1
City
Nextdoor names Lakeland’s friendliest neighborhoods of 2026
Did your neighborhood make the list?
February 26, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of the Florida Strawberry Festival's rides, booths, and entertainment pavilions
Events
Your guide to the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival
It’s the sweetest time of year — the Florida Strawberry Festival is back. Save our guide so you don’t get in a (strawberry) jam.
February 26, 2026
 · 
Staff
A 70-ft mural with a colorful, technological design
Travel and Outdoors
Barbecue, beer, and brushstrokes: Explore Polk with Visit Central Florida’s passes
Be a tourist in your own hometown with three passes that give you prizes in return for check-ins.
February 24, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A line of people outside a green building with a pink neon "Grievous Angel" sign and outdoor picnic table seating.
Food
What we ordered at Grievous Angel, downtown Lakeland’s new burger joint
Burgers, beignets, and beverages — find out what’s on the menu at this new restaurant from the owners of LoveBird.
February 23, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An architectural rendering of a modern library interior with vaulted ceilings, globe lights, and computer workstations.
City
Larry R. Jackson Branch Library to undergo major renovations
The library will fully close for the construction of new bathrooms, an updated layout, and new fixtures.
February 19, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A pilot's view from the cockpit of a small aircraft flying over the Florida landscape under a clear blue sky.
Business
Learn to soar with Dobbs Flight Service in Lakeland
Lakeland’s aviation industry is reaching new heights. Become part of it by earning your pilot’s license with this flight school, located at Lakeland International Airport.
February 19, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
tigers
Sports
Our guide to Detroit Tigers’ Spring Training in Lakeland
The 90th season of this beloved Lakeland tradition is underway at Joker Marchant Stadium — here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to attend.
February 17, 2026
 · 
Staff