It's a Good Morning to be in Lakeland

Complete Coverage: GBTB Local Spotlight

Fast Facts

• The Florida Southern College Historic District is the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world
  • It was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service of the U.S. Department in 2012
• A one-eyed, three-legged alligator named Blinky served as the city's unofficial mascot in the 70s
  • People would pet the gator and some even tried to kiss his snout
  • Blinky was killed by a crocodile twice his size in 1979 after he was moved from Lakeland for safety reasons
• The city's iconic swans are technically royal
  • The city's swans disappeared in 1953 so a former resident living in the UK asked the Queen to donate a pair of royal swans to the city
• The Detroit Tigers and the City of Lakeland have the longest continuous relationship than any other major league team
  • The Tigers came to Lakeland in 1934, only stopping for three years due to WWII
• The Dixieland historic district originated in 1907
  • It was promoted as Lakeland's "Fashionable suburb," and the "Surest, safest, investment in Florida"
• The Terrace Hotel was the city's first high rise building and opened in 1924
  • It's located at the site of the city's first hotel, the Tremont House which moved to a new location in 1911
  • After falling in disrepair, the Terrace hotel was finally restored and reopened in 1999
• In 1945 the SS Lakeland Victory launched in Richmond, California
  • The ship was produced by the united states during WWII and named in tribute to the city of Lakeland
  • However, it's not known why it was named after Lakeland

We're highlighting local programs and businesses, road safety projects and more.

Lakeland's 'historic but modern' spring training home of the Detroit Tigers

Spring training, minor league baseball, and the Detroit Tigers have been part of the Lakeland community since the 1960s.

So much so, you see signs everywhere welcoming you to “Tiger Town, USA.”

“Everyone in Michigan knows Lakeland,” Ron Myers, stadium operations manager, said. “They know where it is on the map.”

Lakeland has been the winter home of the Tigers for 85 years, and a must-go vacation spot for all tigers fans, especially visiting from the north.

Disney props for sale at the magical Lakeland Antique Mall — including a $50K Snow White ride car

There are only a few vendors around the world to whom Disney sells authentic park props. Two of those vendors operate out of the Lakeland Antique Mall, which sits just off I-4 at 3530 US Hwy 98 N.

NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady's new restaurant & sports bar brings jobs to Lakeland

Homecourt officially opened its doors in February and many are already calling it a slam dunk.

“The vibe is great. I’ve been super excited watching this restaurant getting ready to open for quite some time. It’s great to see Tracy back in the area and definitely, this is what Lakeland needs,” said Jamie Tokes.

Seven-time NBA All-Star and Auburndale native, Tracy McGrady invested $1 million in the restaurant and sports bar, located at Merchants Walk plaza in south Lakeland.

NOAA expands in Lakeland; missions critical to environment

Every hurricane season we talk about the men and women who we call Hurricane Hunters.

The teams that fly high into the eye of a hurricane so we can better predict what the storm is going to do.

"We are on call around the clock, the two P-3's and the one high altitude jet, the G-IV and all of its crews, all their crews are on call for that entire six-month window to support the hurricane forecasts," says Commander Chris Sloane.

But what you may not have known, is that NOAA's team based in Lakeland does more than chase hurricanes.

Walking Club: Exploring Lakeland’s Lake Parker Park

Lake Parker Park has been around for decades, but some say this jewel is still being discovered by those who live in Lakeland. The park is a great spot for visitors from out of town too! It's conveniently located less than ten minutes from I-4.

Explore the beauty at Hollis Garden in Lakeland

Nestled along historic Lake Mirror, you can find one of Lakeland's top attractions.

Hollis Garden is the perfect place to relax and unwind as you explore more than 10,000 flowers, ornamental shrubs, and native trees.

The 1.2-acre botanical garden features a neo-classical architectural environment with patterned flower beds, public art, and fountains.