Then & Now

The late Queen Elizabeth II gifted the city of Lakeland two of her royal swans in 1958. Their descendants now number roughly 80, nestled around Lake Morton. Their image has become the city’s icon, with the insignia of a swan on what feels like every other Lakeland street and business. Simply put, traditions remain intact throughout our city, but it continues to grow and evolve. 

Lakelanders take what’s given to them and make it their own, adding to the collage that morphed into Lakeland’s emerging culture.

The Lakelander has chronicled this growth for the past decade and has been a part of it. 

Our Lakeland-based business owned by Lakelanders has made it our job and passion to tell stories of the people, businesses and culture of Lakeland. 

Lakeland has become a mecca of innovation where its residents can succeed on their own merit. As a hub of creativity and innovation, there is much to discover about Lakeland’s streets, named after famous states and those from many places who made their homes here. We are not quite a metropolitan area, but we’re happy to be a growing and thriving city.

Enjoy this journey with us, from the time of the magazine’s inception to present day.