Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 78,452. According to the 2004 U.S. Census Bureau's Estimates, the city had a population of 88,357. As of 2005, the population is approaching 90,000.

Located approximately midway between Tampa and Orlando along Interstate 4, Lakeland was first settled in the 1870s, and developed as the railroad reached the area in 1884. Lakeland is home to Florida Southern College, the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world, and one of the first Hindu temples in the United States. Publix Super Markets is also headquartered here. The first Red Lobster restaurant was opened here.

With a 15,000-student, four-year University of South Florida campus in the planning stages, Lakeland is expected to flourish with new educational and cultural opportunities. The city is the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers.

Lakeland is the "twin city" of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Go to Lakeland Florida .net for more information about Lakeland.