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Amelia Herring

City Editor, LALtoday

Amelia is based in Lakeland, FL. Prior to joining LALtoday, she worked in the career
services and marketing sectors. When she’s not writing about what makes Lakeland the
best city ever, she can be found reading or drinking an iced caramel macchiato from
Black and Brew.

A grid collage of rainbow colored drinks from various Lakeland establishments.
Food
Drink through the rainbow at these Lakeland establishments
You’ve never learned Roy G. Biv like this before.
July 25, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
Asked: Where are the best spots to take in a Swan City sunrise or sunset?
Florida is home to some spectacular skies, especially where day and night meet — and we’re calling on you to help us find the best view.
July 25, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Four pictures of beverages have been spliced together into a collage image. The first is a frozen coffee, the second is a cocktail in a mule mug, the third is an orange energy drink with whipped cream, and the fourth is a frothy cocktail in a swan glass.
Food
Show off your Swan City pride by sipping on these Lakeland-inspired drinks
We asked four different businesses around Lakeland to make us a beverage that they felt encapsulated the Swan City vibe — here’s what they came up with.
July 23, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
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Culture
LALtoday’s summer “ins” and “outs” list
You live in Central Florida and don’t check the UV index?
July 19, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Performers pose on a stage at Lakeland Community Theatre
Culture
Support the arts with these local performances
Could your neighbor be the next big star?
July 17, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
The interior of Black Swan tattoo shop is shown, featuring a reception desk, couches, and a gallery of art on the walls.
Culture
Get inked at these Lakeland tattoo shops
No matter what style of tattoo you prefer, check out one of these Swan City artists next time you’re looking to add some new ink.
July 15, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A group of roller derby skaters compete during a game. Two of the players are from Swan City Roller Derby, while the others are wearing white jerseys to represent other teams. There's also two referees in the background.
Sports
Lace up your skates with Swan City Roller Derby
What you need to know about Lakeland’s club roller derby league + how it’s working to change the face of contact sports.
July 11, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Screen Shot 2019-10-30 at 5.20.02 PM
City
Celebrate Lakeland’s first ever Arts and Health Week
Celebrate the role that the arts play in overall health + wellness with Lakeland’s inaugural Arts and Health Week, happening July 22 to July 27, 2024.
July 11, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A black bear peers through a glass window looking inside a home.
Travel and Outdoors
What to do when you see injured or unexpected wildlife in Lakeland
It’s no secret that Lakeland is home to vast amounts of wildlife, but what do you do if you see a species that’s hurt or out of the norm? Consider this your go-to resource.
July 9, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Screen Shot 2019-07-22 at 3.15.29 PM
Business
The Polk Theatre’s star-studded history
We’re traveling back to the Golden Age to learn about Lakeland’s oldest indoor movie theater, and how it continues to be a place “where historic is cutting edge.”
July 9, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
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Travel and Outdoors
Plan the perfect picnic at these Lakeland locales
Whether you’re looking for a spot that’s surrounded by nature or bathed in the shade, consider one of these spots next time you’re looking to dine al fresco.
July 3, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
fireworks show at publix field
Experience
Fourth of July events in and around Lakeland
Central Florida has some breathtaking firework displays — here are a few taking place in our neck of the woods.
July 3, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
City
Here’s what you can shop for during Florida’s tax holidays
From household supplies to park passes, grills, and more.
July 1, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Images of two businesses are shown side by side. On the left, an exterior shot of Lakeland Public Library, and on the right, a shot of the sign for BookaReaderville. They are separated by a green divider line.
Business
Old + new in Lakeland: 10 options for 5 types of businesses
Explore some of Swan City’s oldest establishments alongside new additions to the business + restaurant scene.
July 1, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Adults hold children on coffee shop couches as one plays a sound bowl.
Business
Get the tykes taken care of at these Lakeland preschools
Finding childcare is no easy feat — let this guide serve as a place to start.
June 27, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Guy Fieri raises a glass at his restaurant in Harrahs Cherokee Casino
Food
Answered: Where you’d film a Lakeland episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”
Swan City isn’t yet a part of the Triple D Nation — so we cast our own episode using your recommendations. If you’re reading this Food Network, you’re welcome.
June 27, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Travel and Outdoors
Cool down at these natural springs within 2.5 hours of Lakeland
Take a break from the pool + dive in to one of these springs that are less than 2.5 hours away from Swan City.
June 25, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A path through Hollis Garden with trees on either side
Culture
Spend a day like a Bridgerton in Lakeland
If the newest season of “Bridgerton” has you wishing for a bygone era, allow us to impart wisdom on how to recreate a Regency-inspired day in Swan City.
June 25, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A sunset over Lake Mirror with the downtown Lakeland skyline in the background
City
Here’s what AI has to say about Lakeland
With AI on the rise, we decided to put it to the test + pick its brain about all things Swan City — read on for the full conversation.
June 21, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A painting on a wall is shown. It says "You're a pearl!" with an oyster and pearl painted underneath.
Food
Get a taste of the ocean at Maritime, the next restaurant in Bowen Yard
As Winter Haven’s first food hall gets ready to open its doors, we stopped by one of its restaurants to get a taste of what’s to come.
June 19, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Culture
An older adult’s guide to Lakeland
Whether you’ve made Lakeland your home base for years or you’re just learning the ropes, our city offers adventures + opportunities for adults of all ages.
June 19, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
LAL-downtown-kentucky-ave-lakeland-walfaro30-SEPT2022.jpeg
City
Changes coming to downtown parking in Lakeland
City commissioners unanimously approved new parking rates for off-street metered spaces in downtown Lakeland — here’s what you need to know.
June 17, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A selection of books are shown on tables and bookshelves in a local bookstore.
Culture
Summer reads with ties to Lakeland
Make your summer reading list Lakeland-themed with these newly released reads by local authors.
June 17, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A flag commemorating Juneteenth flies in the wind.
Events
Commemorating Juneteenth around Lakeland
Commemorate the end of slavery in the US with these five events happening around Lakeland.
June 13, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Photos of a sprawling estate
Real Estate
What do Lakelanders look for in a home?
Whether you’re a frequent dream-scroller of Zillow or have already found your forever place, we wanna know — what home features make you want to pack up + call the movers?
June 13, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
An exterior photo of Lakeland Linder International Airport with three flags and palm trees blowing in the wind.
Travel and Outdoors
What you need to know about flying out of Lakeland Linder International Airport
With LAL now offering commercial flights through Avelo, here’s what you need to know before you take off.
June 11, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
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History
Defunct theme parks around Central Florida
We’re reminiscing on some literal blasts from the past — from live shows to roller coasters and other attractions.
June 11, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Lakeland
Culture
Answered: Your Lakeland life hacks
We recently took to Instagram to ask our followers their best “hacks” for life in Lakeland — here’s what they came up with.
June 7, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
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Business
Silver Moon Drive-In’s silver screen history
Founded in 1948, Silver Moon Drive-In has provided first-run films to Polk County residents for 75+ years — here’s a look at its storyboard.
June 5, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A hand holding a very large hamburger
Food
Big, juicy, and sometimes Impossible: Polk County’s best burgers
Sink your teeth into this list to find your next triple meat, plant-based, or classic diner burger.
May 29, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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