Travel and Outdoors

A map from the National Weather Service showing winter weather advisories in counties across the southeast US.
City
Lakeland’s winter weather headline roundup
The rest of the country is feeling the effects of Winter Storm Fern, but Central Florida won’t get off that easily. Stay up to date — and warm — with Lakeland’s top winter weather stories.
January 26, 2026 12:32 PM
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a smartphone showing a sculpture Lakeland's downtown public art trail. The real sculpture is seen in the background.
Culture
Virtual fun you can have at home
When stormy weather rolls in, the fun at home rolls out. Throw on your coziest digs and explore Lakeland from the comfort of your couch.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A view of Back Bay and the Boston Public Library at sunset.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Boston, MA
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the top new destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
October 1, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
rotating gif of ontario, canada; manchester, england; merida, mexico; coffee bean berries
Sponsored
✈️ 4 hidden gems to discover abroad this fall
Fall can be one of the best times to snag a deal on flights, and we’re sharing four places we’re eyeing.
Sponsored by
A drone shot of the Rochester, NY skyline.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Rochester, NY
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the top new destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
September 19, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
two rotating photos depicting an old black and white photo of the terrace hotel and their 100 year anniversary emblem
Sponsored
Party like it’s 1924 with this once-in-a-century celebration
Sponsored by
A plane flys over palm trees in a clear sky.
Airports and Transportation
✈️ 3 wildly cheap flights out of Tampa International in 2024
Check out some of the year’s cheapest flights leaving our nearby airports.
September 5, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
Sunrise over palm trees and swimming lanes lined with blue and yellow pennant flags Gandy Pool in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
Remembering Lakeland’s hottest day on record
Lakeland’s hottest day on record was June 4, 1985 when Swan City hit 105°.
September 3, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An airplane flying through the sky
Sponsored
🍁 Fall getaway: 7 (new) destinations to explore
Sponsored by
A Buc-ee's store facade with cars in front and a blue sky behind it.
Development
Should Buc-ees build in Polk County?
Based on research out of Polk State College, Polk County could be the perfect spot for the fan-favorite gas station franchise — but do our readers agree?
August 16, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The reflection of the Uptown Charlotte skyline is seen in the water of a pond surrounded by trees.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Charlotte, NC
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the next destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
August 14, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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More from LALtoday
A statue of the headless horseman on a black horse in front of the entrance to a "Legends of Halloween" haunted hayride.
Events
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail returns to Plant City
Halloween lovers and scaredy-cats alike will find something to enjoy at this popular Plant City attraction.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The one-story warehouse-style building with a white exterior, multiple large garage doors, and a parking lot that will be Baseline pickleball
Business
Baseline pickleball + dining concept coming to Lakeland’s East Main District
Hit the courts and grab a bite at this development, helmed by local entrepreneurs and pickleball fanatics.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland viewed from across Lake Mirror. Clouds in the sky cast shadows over the lake and the mix of high and medium-rise buildings, including the Lakeland Electric building.
City
By the numbers: Lakeland’s 2026 fiscal year budget
The City of Lakeland has finalized its 2026 budget before the next fiscal year begins — let’s take a look at the $815 million bottom line.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
 · 
Maria Adnado
Two pumpkin spice lattes in mugs on table with a pumpkin muffin
Food
Where to find all things pumpkin spice in Lakeland
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, there’s a pumpkin spice or fall-flavored treat for everyone in Lakeland to enjoy this fall.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial satellite image above Lakeland. Green land and lakes surround the city, which is labeled with a blue arrow. There are blue lines heading in each direction — north, east, south, and west_ stretching out beyond the edges of the map.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Lakeland’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of LAL, cities across the world await.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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
Four runners sprint quickly on a track as a spectator watches from behind a fence. The runners are wearing athletic gear and competitor number bibs.
City
3 interesting facts from the Polk County Community Health Assessment
Polk Vision published the assessment in June 2025 after 18 months of data collection.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright, sunny photo of the Subs 'n Such restaurant sign, a local business with an old-fashioned feel.
Food
Dine on history at Lakeland’s oldest restaurants
Take a bite of Lakeland’s past at these restaurants that have stood the test of time.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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