English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Lakeland, FL

"What the data suggests is that movers are drawn to places that feel connected but not overwhelmed."

Lakeland, Florida, has just been named the fastest-growing “boomtown” in America. East of Tampa and Southwest of Orlando, moveBuddha has found that this I-94 waypoint has the fastest-growing population in the United States at 34.4%.

To find this out, moveBuddha recently compiled Census data from 2014 to 2024, along with mover interest over 2025, to determine which U.S. cities are transforming their rapid growth into long-term prosperity.

Along with Lakeland’s 10-year population growth, the popular Florida city has a move-in-to-out ratio of 1.33, meaning that 1.33 new residents move in for every exit. This suggests that Lakeland’s industrial boom is going to last.

The Polk County city is beloved for its proximity to antique shops, Art Deco architecture, lakes, and colleges. According to Ryan Carrigan, founder of moveBuddha, the finding that Lakeland was the top boomtown was interesting for several reasons.

"We found it really interesting that Lakeland wasn’t just growing fast, but it was still attracting people even after moving slowed down nationally. When you see a city grow by more than 34% over a decade and still bring in more people than it loses, it tells you this isn’t a temporary spike. People are choosing to stay," Carrigan told Southern Living via email.

The reason Lakeland might be so popular could be due to its close connection to urban areas, while also not being congested.

"What the data suggests is that movers are drawn to places that feel connected but not overwhelmed," Carrigan explained. "Lakeland sits between Tampa and Orlando, so people can stay tied into those job markets without having to live in the middle of them. They’re choosing places where growth still feels possible, where they can find a home, settle in, and feel like they arrived at the right moment."These top 10 metros maintain an above-average move-in ratio at 1.12; Raleigh, North Carolina, is the highest at 1.59.

The entire list can be found below:

Hey, batter batter. It’s that time of year: Spring Training is back in Lakeland.

The Detroit Tigers’ 90th Spring Training season — and 61st consecutive season in Lakeland — is now underway at Joker Marchant Stadium. Before you grab your ball caps, here’s everything you need to know to get in on this time-honored tradition.

The Detroit Tigers first came to train in Lakeland in 1934, and ended up signing an initial 37-year contract with the city — so needless to say, that first meeting went well. In 1966, the team moved their training operations to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium where they continue to train today, albeit with a few upgrades over the years.

In 2017, the stadium underwent a $47 million upgrade to include new features like a 360-degree walkable concourse, an interactive children’s play area, all-inclusive indoor/outdoor seating, and food + drink options. In 2023, the City of Lakeland also approved a $33 million dormitory upgrade for the team after they extended their contract with the city through December 2044, further solidifying their relationship as the longest-standing between a team and its spring host city in the MLB.

This year, the Detroit Tigers will play 15 games at Publix Field. All games start at 1:05 p.m., except the March 13 game, which begins at 6:05 p.m.

We recommend buying tickets online for individual games so you can select your seats. The cheapest options will be the Berm grass seating or the standing-room-only Runway seating in the left and right outfields, respectively. For the luxury experience, upgrade to the 34 Club, where tickets include food and beverages.

Bringing a big group of fans? Purchase a group plan for discounts on 20+ tickets.

If you plan to attend as many games as possible this season, consider spring season tickets. With a $105 deposit per seat, you can choose which section you prefer to sit in so the ballpark can truly be your second home.

If you’re planning to drive to the games, the team recommends allotting extra time to arrive due to ongoing construction on Lakeland Hills Boulevard. Use the parking map to find a route that avoids the construction areas as much as possible.

Parking at the stadium is now cashless, so you can travel with a light wallet. Parking costs $15 for cars, $25 for RVs, and $30 for buses. Pro tip: Buy parking in advance to save a few dollars or upgrade to a premium spot.

Citrus Connection will also offer its complimentary Tigertown Express service to games once again this year. Hop on a bus from these destinations:

Show off your Tigers pride by grabbing official hats, jerseys, and more before game day from Fanatics. We’re fans of this custom jersey — think we could get them to put LALtoday on the back?

Have any other Spring Training tips we need to know? Pitch them this way.

Love is in the air, Lakeland. Valentine’s Day is coming up on Saturday, Feb. 14, but the holiday isn’t just for lovers anymore. Galentine’s Day — a celebration of friendship typically celebrated on Feb. 13 each year — has been on the rise since the notorious “Parks & Recreation” episode aired in 2010.

No matter how you’re looking to celebrate, check out our top 13 picks for a lovely night out.

Galentine’s in the VinesShop from Keel Farms’ curated selection of friendship-themed goodies at the Girls’ Night Out Market on Friday, Feb. 13, 5-9 p.m. Crafty friends can also complete a wine glass painting class or heart wreath workshop together.

Cupid’s Night OutRomantic music will play as you shop from local vendors at Lakeside Village on Valentine’s Day. Visit the flower bar and photo op stations from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Lawn, and follow it up with dinner at one of the many on-site restaurants.

Valentine’s Night Market“Come and get your love” at this festive downtown market with 150+ food vendors, makers, and more on Valentine’s Day from 5 to 9 p.m.

Galentine’s BrunchGather your pals to enjoy a special menu + shop from local vendors on the Smith’s American Tavern patio on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Galentine’s High TeaLove at First Cookie invites friends to join a cozy tea experience at Kitty Cat Lounge on Friday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets include savory bites, desserts, unlimited brews, relaxing conversation, and time in the cat room.

A Four-Course Love StoryBe wined and dined at The Terrace Grille on Valentine’s Day, 4-10 p.m., with a romantic prix fixe experience curated by the chef. Think: caviar, steak, and cheesecake.

Valentine’s in the VinesBring a date to Keel Farms for a four-course dinner paired with Keel & Curley wines on Valentine’s Day, 5-9 p.m. Finish the meal at the dessert bar in the Overlook Pavilion, where you’ll be greeted by live music.

Galentine’s Floral WorkshopThe pros at Bloom Shakalaka will teach you and your besties to create beautiful bouquets with a holiday-themed vibe. The class starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Galentine’s Cocktail MasterclassShake things up with a cocktail class at The Peach House on Monday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. Friends will learn to craft an espresso martini, old fashioned, and the restaurant’s Lakeland Fog cocktail.

Valentine’s Line Dancing NightBring your boots and your boo-thing to Camp Margaritaville in Auburndale on Saturday, Feb. 7, 6-10 p.m. An expert dancer will teach you the most popular line dancing routines so you can dance together under the lights.

Love at First Slice: Glow GolfTake a swing at romance at the YMCA Par 3 couples’ event on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Play glow golf together under the stars with laidback vibes.

Love’s RevengeThis will get your hearts racing in more ways than one. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail gets a romantic twist for three nights only. Book tickets for Friday, Feb. 13-Sunday, Feb. 15 to brave three themed haunted trails.

13th Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding CeremonyIf you really want to go big this year, register to tie the knot with up to 30 couples on the steps of the Polk County History Center on Valentine’s Day at 12 p.m. Even if you’re not saying “I do,” being a guest and cheering on the newlyweds is just as fun.

As the forecast calls for temperatures to drop below freezing in Polk County this weekend, Lakelanders are wondering if there's any chance of spotting a snowflake.

Nicole Carlisle, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, said there's a 0% chance of a flurry in Polk.

"No, zero chance," she said.

While parts of Florida's Panhandle saw a light dusting of snow a week ago, Polk County is generally too far inland for what meteorologist are calling the "Gulf Snow Effect." Carlisle explained it's similar to a lake effect snow, except occurring over the Gulf of America, formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico.

There's expected to be a large, cold air mass moving over the warm waters of the Gulf this weekend, according to Carlisle.

"We see it quite often and we can get drizzle along the coast," she said. "Some of that could be in the form of flurries, but that will be right along the coast."

There's about a 10% to 15% chance of the Tampa Bay coastal area seeing some flurries as of Jan. 29, Carlisle said.

Lakeland and the greater Polk County area is forecast to have a chance of rain late Friday night into the first half of Saturday, Carslisle said. The total might be a few hundredths of an inch, not anything measurable or significant.

People who are outside late Friday night, if it does rain, might be led to believe it's snow or snow flurries because of the darkness and cold temperatures. In January 2025, several videos went viral on social media showing what many thought were flurries in Lakeland, only be debunked by meteorologists.

"I would expect the same exact thing to happen this time," Carlisle said. "If there's light behind it, people are going to be saying it's snow, but it's not really snow."

It's been a long time since Polk County has gotten any measurable frozen precipitation. The National Weather Service's Tampa Bay office did not have have any records in recent history. The last snowfall in Lakeland was 1977.

Carlisle warned the cold front will be more impactful to the county, as this weekend's low temperatures are expected to be around 20 degrees lower than normal. There will be significant wind chill, plunging the real-feel temperature into the teens.

There are not any official advisories issued for a freeze yet, Carlisle said, but farmers and those in agricultural industries should pay close attention as warnings will be issued closer to the weekend.

When and how much snow might the Tampa area get?

The best chance of flurries is overnight Friday, Jan. 30 into Saturday, Stephen Shively, another meteorologist with the NWS in Tampa, told Kimberly Miller of the USA Today Network-Florida.

But it is a tricky prediction that relies on a clockmaker’s precision of elements coming together. Forecasters are trying to assuage enthusiasm with what they say are low chances for a minimum of white stuff and no accumulation.

“I want to emphasize this is only along the coast,” said Stephen Shively, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tampa. “Think of it as sprinkles in snowflake form. It isn’t going to be big fluffy snowflakes.”

The last time it snowed in Tampa was Jan. 9, 2010.

“It’s exciting but temper expectations because there is a small window for this to occur,” Shively said.

Lake Effect Snow forms when very cold air blows over relatively warm water. The wind encourages extra evaporation, the air becomes more humid, and it rises to forms clouds. If the temperatures are cold enough, any precipitation that falls can be snow, but if the surface is too warm, it will turn to rain before it reaches the ground.

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Kimberly Miller of the USA Today Network-Florida contributed to this report.

We’re in the depths of Florida winter, and our hot coffee just isn’t cutting it anymore. Instead, we’re looking to the Lakeland Public Library’s photo archives for pictures from past winters to warm our hearts.

Let it snow. It may sound like wishful thinking, but Lakeland’s Snowfest has been thrilling kids with man-made snow for 45 years. Here, families played on Kentucky Avenue in the 1990s.

Lakelanders were treated to luxury entertainment when the Polk Theatre opened in December 1928. Its claim to fame was its atmospheric theater design, as well as its rare air-conditioning system. It’s still a film buff hotspot today.

Is there an event as iconic as the Lakeland Christmas Parade? It started more than 40 years ago, and it’s only grown since then. We’d just like to know what year everyone started putting their chairs out days in advance.

This photo was taken in 1935, just a few years after Bok Tower Gardens opened in Lake Wales. The tower was dedicated in February 1929 with President Calvin Coolidge in attendance.

The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is now known as “spring break for pilots,” but did you know it was originally held in January back when it began in 1974? You can expect much warmer weather when this year’s event takes place April 14-19.

Plant City may be the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, but Lakeland growers were also in the berry game back in the day. The Kathleen area was a hub for strawberry farming in the first half of the 20th century, and nearby schools would plan around peak harvesting season.

The Terrace Hotel hosted a Valentine’s Day dinner in 1925 as winter melted into spring. For $1.75 a pop, you could feast on mock turtle soup, bleached celery, and sliced white bread. Nothing says romance like celery.