In the middle of the busy Tampa-Orlando Interstate 4 corridor, the city of Lakeland is usually bypassed by Florida residents and visitors. U.S. Highways 92 and 98 also cross Lakeland, making the city a busy transportation and warehousing center.
A prominent feature of this large metropolitan area is the 38 lakes within Lakeland, many populated by swans. The humid subtropical climate means hot summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The mild winter and spring is a delight.
The Lakeland area was originally settled in the 1870s, then incorporated in 1885. The Spanish-American war brought more than 9,000 troops to the area. The city went from boom to bust during the wild 1920s Florida land rush, and today several historic districts containing structures from that era are preserved. These districts include Beacon Hill-Alta Vista, Dixieland, South Lake Morton, East Lake Morton, Lake Hunter, Munn Park and Biltmore-Cumberland.
A boost to the local economy came during the 1930s when the Detroit Tigers established their training camp here, and are still training here at Joker Marchant Stadium. The Publix supermarket chain is based in Lakeland, a major area employer. Although citrus farming and phosphate mining are not as important as they once were, they are still a prominent part of the local economy.
The largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the nation is in Lakeland, within the Florida Southern College campus. The Polk Museum of Art and the Polk Theatre are visitor favorites.
The Southgate Shopping Center was featured in the movie Edward Scissorhands.
The charming Lakeland Terrace Hotel is a European-style hotel right downtown, where guests can walk to Lake Mirror and several restaurants. Hollis Garden is a beautiful botanical park on the shore of Lake Mirror, with several nature trails and wildlife. Nearby is Barnett Park, a great family picnic place.
Local transport is provided by Citrus Connection within Lakeland and to surrounding cities in Polk County. Greyhound Bus Lines and The Amtrak New York-Miami train stop at Lakeland.
During World War II, many British and American pilots trained in what is now the Lakeland Linder Airport, where airline service is provided by Direct Air. The popular Florida Air Museum is on one side of the airport.