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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
A group of baby alligators sit on an adult alligator's back in the water at Circle B Bar Reserve. The photo is framed by green leaves and branches.
Travel and Outdoors
Alligator mating season must-knows
Alligator mating season in Florida runs from April through June — here’s how you to keep yourself + our scaly friends safe.
April 1, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Pink and purple skies are reflected on the surface of this lake, and a fountain, lily pads, and ducklings are also present.
Travel and Outdoors
Dip your toes into the Polk County Water Atlas
Use this online resource to check water health, water levels, upcoming events, and more.
March 31, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
rotation of 5 images: 1. Giant oak tree enveloped by a colorful floral art installation, wrapped around the trunk. 2. A smiling child with her face painted like a butterfly. 3. A flowing floral arrangement of pink flowers and greenery. 4. A man singing on a mic. 5. A concrete statue in the gardens of Bonnet Springs Park.
Sponsored
🌷 Lakeland’s first annual flower festival blooms this April
Sponsored by
A father and his two kids stand outside the entrance of Legoland Florida.
Travel and Outdoors
3 developments coming soon to Legoland Florida
From places to stay to things to do, here are three developments we’re watching at Legoland Florida in Winter Haven.
March 26, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Add a heading - 2022-05-06T152413.137
New to Lakeland
Best places to work outside in Lakeland
Here are a few of our recommendations for some of the best spots in Lakeland to bring your work laptop. Pretty sure they’ll beat that corner office view.
March 24, 2025
 · 
Staff
LAL-downtown-winter-haven-ritz-theater
Travel and Outdoors
Take a quick trip to these cities near Lakeland
In need of a one-day getaway? We’re sharing our readers’ favorite things to do, see, and eat in towns within a quick drive of Swan City.
March 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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 10, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Nashville's skyline with Bridgestone Arena, Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, and the AT&T building (known locally as the Batman Building) all in view.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Nashville, TN
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the next destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
March 4, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An exterior photo of Lakeland Linder International Airport with three flags and palm trees blowing in the wind.
City
Parking upgrades approved for Lakeland International Airport
City officials gave the greenlight to several new parking lot changes. The biggest? Parking will soon no longer be free.
March 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Travel and Outdoors
Unique kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding destinations near Lakeland
Get your feet wet with these seven water recreation destinations — all within two hours of Swan City.
February 25, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
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City
Here’s how to join Lakeland boards and committees
Create the city you want to live in by applying to serve in these volunteer roles.
July 10, 2025
 · 
Kaylee Holland
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
Group photo at Summer Leadership Program graduation with participants holding certificates and a sign reading "1,000."
Business
LEDC celebrates 1,000 Summer Leadership Program graduates
Since 2008, young professionals have gotten to know the city through the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s program.
June 26, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The MCO glass exterior with a plane overhead
Work
What to know about Orlando International Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
June 23, 2025
 · 
Staff
A plate of BBQ meat, baked beans, coleslaw, and mac 'n cheese.
Food
Our favorite barbecue spots around Lakeland, Florida
Bring on the baked beans and cornbread, it’s time for BBQ.
June 20, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Two-story brick and siding house with green shutters, a front porch, and manicured landscaping under large shade trees.
Real Estate
3 Lakeland homes that have us thinking green
We’re ready to go green with these colorful homes on the market in Lakeland.
June 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson