Lakeland is a city in Lanier County, Georgia, United States. The city is the county seat of Lanier County. It is part of the Valdosta, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,730 at the 2000 census. Originally called Milltown, Lakeland received its current name in 1925 in honor of its proximity to several lakes including Grand Bay Lake, Lake Erma, and Banks Lake. For many years, Lakeland owned and operated its own railroad. Numerous festivals are held in the county throughout each year. One, is the Flatlanders Frolic Arts and Crafts Show. This event features bluegrass music, a road race and various other Labor Day weekend events. Also held in Lanier County is the Living Murals Celebration held in the Spring and most recently the Georgia Deep Woods Deerfest. Deerfest is a festival featuring wild game suppers, firearms giveaways, and much more.