Lakeland FL

Lakeland – A charming gem in Central Florida, Lakeland blends small-town warmth with vibrant city life. With its beautiful lakes, historic architecture, and a growing arts scene, this city invites you to slow down and enjoy the beauty around you. Whether you're paddleboarding on Lake Hollingsworth, exploring the Polk Museum of Art, or catching a show at the historic Polk Theatre, Lakeland offers experiences that are both relaxing and enriching.

• Population: ~115,000
• Weather: Warm and sunny most of the year (50–92°F); humid summers with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
• Places To Visit: Hollis Garden, Circle B Bar Reserve, Florida Southern College (Frank Lloyd Wright architecture), Downtown Lakeland, Polk Museum of Art.
• Top Activities: Biking around Lake Mirror, birdwatching at Circle B, shopping local at the farmers market, stepping back in time at the antique shops, exploring public art downtown.
• Famous Food: Local BBQ at Peebles Bar-B-Q, gourmet donuts from Hole in One, southern comfort food at Fred’s Market, and classic Cuban sandwiches from Tropico Mofongo.

Lakeland, Florida, is a growing city with key industries including logistics, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Thanks to its central location between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is a strategic hub for warehousing and distribution, which supports a wide range of employment opportunities. Below are the top five in-demand jobs in Lakeland.

Top 5 Jobs in Lakeland, FL

Lakeland, FL is a fantastic city for students to unwind and enjoy their time outside of classes. Whether you're into nature, arts, or food, Lakeland offers a variety of spots perfect for chilling and having fun.

Lakeside Village – This outdoor shopping center is not just about retail therapy. It offers a movie theater, great dining options, and regular events. It's an ideal spot for students looking to have a good time.

Hollis Garden – Located in the heart of Lakeland, this beautiful botanical garden shows off stunning plant collections. It's a peaceful retreat where students can relax and enjoy nature's beauty.

Common Ground Park – Perfect for the young or the young at heart, this park has interactive play structures. It's a fun place to unwind, especially if you bring a few friends along!

Circle B Bar Reserve – For those who love the outdoors, this wildlife reserve is a must-visit. It offers trails where you can spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Downtown Lakeland – The downtown area is full of eclectic shops, cafes, and eateries. It's a lively place to walk around, enjoy a coffee, or check out local art installations and frequent events.

Explorations V Children's Museum – While it’s geared towards younger audiences, this museum hosts engaging exhibits and occasional events that are enjoyable for everyone.

Lake Hollingsworth – This 3-mile path around the lake is a beautiful setting for a walk, jog, or even a bike ride. It's a great way to enjoy the sunshine and maybe meet new people too.

In Lakeland, there's never a dull moment for students looking to take a break from academics. Whether you're soaking up culture, shopping, or enjoying the great outdoors, this city has plenty of options to keep you entertained.

Lakeland, Florida, offers a diverse selection of higher education institutions that support academic achievement and career development in fields like healthcare, education, business, and the arts. Whether students are looking for public universities with broad course offerings or private colleges with specialized programs, Lakeland provides access to top-level institutions right in Central Florida.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Lakeland

Polk State College – A respected state college that offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing, education, business, and criminal justice. With multiple campuses in the area, Polk State plays a vital role in providing affordable, accessible education to Lakeland residents.

Southeastern University (Public programs through partnerships) – While primarily private, SEU partners with local public institutions and offers dual-enrollment and continuing education programs to serve the public sector and broaden access to education.

University of South Florida Lakeland Campus (Former Presence) – USF once had a Lakeland branch offering public education in engineering, business, and science programs. Although it merged into Florida Polytechnic University, its impact still shapes public higher education in the area.

Lake-Sumter State College (nearby in Leesburg, accessible to Lakeland) – A regionally accessible state college offering associate degrees and pathways to four-year degrees, serving many Lakeland-area residents looking for affordable higher education options.

Florida Polytechnic University (technically in Lakeland) – A state university specializing in engineering, computer science, and innovation-based programs. Though highly selective, it represents the cutting edge of public STEM education and supports technological growth in the region.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Lakeland

Southeastern University (SEU) – A leading private Christian university offering over 100 degree programs. Known for its strong theology, education, arts, and business programs, SEU blends academic excellence with spiritual growth, serving a diverse student population across the U.S.

Florida Southern College – A well-respected private liberal arts college with standout programs in business, biology, and education. It is known for its historic Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and small class sizes that encourage personalized learning.

Keiser University – Lakeland Campus – A career-focused private university offering associate through graduate degrees in health science, business, criminal justice, and more. Keiser’s emphasis on hands-on learning prepares students for in-demand careers.

Everest University – Lakeland (Formerly Active) – Though Everest’s Lakeland campus closed, it was once a key private institution offering programs in medical assisting, business, and technical fields, helping thousands of students gain career-ready skills.

Trinity College of Florida (nearby in Trinity, FL) – While not located directly in Lakeland, Trinity is a private Bible college with students from the Lakeland area. It offers programs in ministry, counseling, and theology, drawing students across Central Florida with its mission-based education.

Lakeland, Florida, offers a range of quality high schools dedicated to academic achievement, college preparation, and personal development. Whether you're looking for an exceptional public education or a private institution with smaller class sizes and tailored programs, Lakeland has excellent options.

Top Public High Schools In Lakeland, FL

• Harrison School for the Arts – A standout magnet school known for its performing and visual arts programs, paired with strong academics that prepare students for competitive colleges.
• George W. Jenkins Senior High School – Offers a wide selection of AP courses along with strong athletic and extracurricular options, fostering a well-rounded education.
• Lake Gibson Senior High School – Known for its solid academic offerings and career-focused programs, including engineering and health science tracks.
• Lake Region High School – Offers a broad curriculum with opportunities for dual enrollment and career certifications, helping students build their futures while still in high school.
• Tenoroc High School – Provides specialized academies in fields such as technology, business, and health, giving students real-world skills and experience.

Top Private High Schools In Lakeland, FL

• Santa Fe Catholic High School – A respected college-preparatory school offering strong academics, faith-based learning, and a wide range of sports and clubs.
• Lakeland Christian School – One of the area’s top private schools, known for its rigorous academic programs, Christian values, and commitment to excellence in athletics and the arts.
• Victory Christian Academy – Combines a strong moral foundation with academic programs that include honors and dual enrollment courses for advanced learners.
• Excel Christian Academy – Focused on individualized attention and academic growth, this school also emphasizes character development and leadership skills.
• The King's Academy of Lakeland – Offers small class sizes, a nurturing environment, and curriculum designed to challenge gifted learners while encouraging spiritual development.

While Lakeland, Florida does not have any major league professional sports teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, or MLS, it is a hub for minor league and spring training sports, making it an exciting location for sports fans both locally and seasonally.

⚾ Baseball – Detroit Tigers Spring Training & Lakeland Flying Tigers (MiLB)

• Detroit Tigers (Spring Training) – Lakeland has been the spring training home of the MLB's Detroit Tigers since 1934, making it the longest-standing relationship between a major league team and a host city. The team trains at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium and draws crowds from across the country each spring.
• Lakeland Flying Tigers – The Flying Tigers are a Low-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They also play at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium and provide fans with affordable, family-friendly baseball from April through September.

🏀 Basketball – No Major or Minor League Teams

• While Lakeland does not currently host an NBA or minor league basketball team, the nearby city of Orlando is home to the Orlando Magic of the NBA, located about an hour's drive from Lakeland. This makes it easy for local fans to enjoy professional basketball action nearby.

🏈 Football – No Major Teams, But College and Nearby NFL Action

• There are no professional football teams based in Lakeland, but nearby Tampa and Orlando offer access to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) and the Orlando Guardians (UFL). College football fans can also follow local programs such as Southeastern University’s Fire football team, located in Lakeland itself.

⚽ Soccer – Nearby Options in Central Florida

• Though Lakeland does not have its own professional soccer team, fans often travel to nearby Orlando to watch Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride, teams that play in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), respectively.

🏒 Hockey – Florida Pro Hockey Accessible Nearby

• Lakeland does not currently host a professional hockey team, but fans can travel less than an hour to Amalie Arena in Tampa to support the Tampa Bay Lightning, a top NHL team with three Stanley Cup championships to their name (2004, 2020, 2021).

Lakeland, Florida is a hidden gem in the heart of Central Florida. With its rich history, charming downtown, and a surprising love for swans, this city has plenty of delightful quirks. Whether you're a local or just stopping by, here are 10 fun facts about Lakeland that might just surprise you:

1. Swan City – Lakeland is lovingly known as Swan City because of its population of beautiful swans, many of which are descendants of a pair gifted by Queen Elizabeth II in the 1950s.
2. Lakes for Days – True to its name, Lakeland has 38 named lakes, and many more unnamed ones scattered throughout the city.
3. Famous Architecture – The Florida Southern College campus in Lakeland has the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in one place in the world.
4. Film Friendly – Lakeland’s historic downtown and vintage vibe have made it a filming location for movies like The Punisher and Edward Scissorhands.
5. Born to Fly – The city is home to Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo, one of the world’s largest aviation events, drawing crowds of aviation fans annually.
6. The Joker Grew Up Here – Actor Joaquin Phoenix, known for his Oscar-winning role as the Joker, spent part of his childhood in Lakeland.
7. Historic Hotels – The Terrace Hotel, built in 1924, still serves guests today and offers a beautiful peek into Lakeland’s past.
8. Home of Publix – Lakeland is the headquarters of Publix Super Markets, one of the largest and most loved grocery chains in the U.S.
9. Botanical Beauty – Hollis Garden, a beautifully manicured botanical garden, features over 10,000 flowers and plants and is free to the public.
10. Dinosaurs Once Roamed – The Polk Museum of Art, located in Lakeland, not only showcases local and global art but also hosts traveling exhibits, including ones about dinosaurs and ancient civilizations.