300+. That's how many newsletters LALtoday delivered to inboxes this year, each one packed with Lakeland's top stories of the day. Which topics reigned supreme in 2025? These are the stories that readers loved most.

Lakeland International Airport

It's been a whirlwind year for LAL, which now offers nonstop flights to seven destinations (plus two more to Atlanta + Detroit coming in 2026). Readers were preparing for takeoff and planning their orders from Sora Eatery, the new airport restaurant.

Meet the Hutson family — Robert, Lyndsi and their four daughters: Emmalyn (12), Aubrey (10), Olivia (6), and Faith (9 mo.) | Photo by Paige Elizabeth Photography

Inspiring Lakelanders

Hearts were warmed by the story of Aubrey Hutson, a 10-year-old with an aggressive cancer whose family was selected for a dream home on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

Readers were also seeing stars — just scroll through the big names of Lakeland's homegrown celebrities and NFL players.

Get a first look at these high-end homes coming soon across from one of Lakeland's most notable waterfronts. | Rendering courtesy of The Row on Lake Hollingsworth, LLC

Unique real estate

Cookie-cutter? Never heard of it. Our readers were into stand-out homes this year, whether it was two newly built, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired houses or a historic home that Wright himself actually visited.

Lakefront condos also dominated the scene. See inside an office-turned-residence on Lake Morton, or look ahead to four new builds coming soon across from Lake Hollingsworth.

The best part? They serve it in a real mug, just like you're at a friend's house. | Photo by LALtoday

New to Lakeland guides

Whether you just moved in this year or have lived in Lakeland your whole life, our city guides are sure to teach you a thing or two.

LALtoday readers turned to these guides to discover Swan City's picturesque parks, open volunteer opportunities, top employers, and hidden gem vintage shops. And of course, where to find the best cup of coffee in town.

Did you catch these stories this year? Subscribe to LALtoday to get the best of Lakeland's news + events in your inbox every morning.