Amelia Herring.jpg

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.

Two headshot-style photos of a Black female are displayed side by side.
Culture
6 questions with Miss Lakeland USA, Karolyne Roberts
April 26, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
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New to Lakeland
Lakeland makes list for best cities for remote workers
With many companies transitioning to hybrid or remote work models in recent years, Lakeland’s options for remote workers have continued to expand.
April 24, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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Culture
We’re tossing our caps for these college graduations around Lakeland
How to prepare + plan for your weekends as Lakeland celebrates graduates from four of its five colleges around town.
April 22, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
lakeland swans
Culture
Let’s refresh: What is LALtoday and what do we cover?
It’s never a bad idea to reintroduce yourself — we’re LALtoday, a hyper-local newsletter curated, narrated, and delivered to your inbox every day at 6 a.m.
April 18, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Two girls smile for the camera in front of a Lakeland mural.
Culture
Meet the editors behind LALtoday
Say hello to Connor Jacobson + Amelia Herring, the faces behind your favorite 5-min morning newsletter.
April 18, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A map showing the outlined area of the Downtown West development area.
City
Lakeland City Commission adopts Downtown West Action Plan
Here’s what Lakelanders need to know about the upcoming developments for the Downtown West area.
April 16, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
LAL-lake-hunter-kayak
Travel and Outdoors
What’s in a name: The story behind Swan City’s most infamous lakes
If you’ve ever wondered how some of Lakeland’s most notable bodies of water got their names — this is for you.
April 12, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Exterior shot of the Terrace Hotel
Real Estate
The Terrace: Lakeland’s oldest, most luxurious hotel
This historic building has been a staple of Swan City’s skyline for nearly a century.
April 10, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
A group of teenagers stands outside of the Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine building.
Business
Camp Fire Sunshine: Igniting the spark within Lakeland’s youth
This United Way partner agency has been shaping Lakeland’s youth through engaging programming + community service for more than a century.
April 8, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
publix
Culture
Lakeland’s oldest businesses
From apparel to food, Swan City has multiple family-owned businesses that have been around for half a century — or more.
April 4, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
Two city and state officials discuss behind a desk.
City
More funding required to take South Florida Avenue road diet to the finish line
We’re breaking down the key updates on one of Lakeland’s most notable roadway projects.
April 2, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Lakeland entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses pitch their big ideas at Catapult's Launch Pitch Night for the chance to win up to $10,000 in funding.
Business
Meet the finalists for Launch Pitch Night at Catapult
These five entrepreneurs pitched their businesses for the chance to secure up to $10,000 in micro-grant funding.
April 1, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Culture
Laugh along with Swan City Improv, Lakeland’s very own comedy troupe
Their job? It’s just laughs.
March 29, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
An airplane flies in the sky. It is white and purple with Avelo printed across it.
City
Avelo announces first route from Lakeland Linder International Airport
The announcement Lakelanders have been waiting for has finally come.
March 27, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
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Culture
Easter festivities happening around Lakeland this weekend
Make your weekend egg-cellent by taking in one of these Easter-themed events.
March 27, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A giant pretzel on a plate with white queso and honey mustard dipping sauces.
Food
Get your snack on with these Lakeland bites
Whether you’re feeling salty or sweet, check out these snacks to satisfy your next craving.
March 21, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
The Lakeland City Commission Chamber as seen from the audience seats. It features a large semicircular desk with name placards for commission members, and a podium with a microphone for speakers. Behind the desk are a US flag, State of Florida flag, and the City of Lakeland logo on the wall.
City
Mayor Bill Mutz will not run for reelection in 2025
Come December 2025, Lakeland will enter a new mayoral era.
March 21, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
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New to Lakeland
A guide to Lakeland’s streets + the history behind them
Learn about the historic places and faces that influenced the streets you drive every day here in Lakeland, FL.
March 19, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
A graphic showing four different locations around Lakeland is shown: the City Hall sign, the Polk Theatre marquee, a building at Southeastern University, and the sign at Munn Park.
Real Estate
How well do you know these Lakeland locations?
Wanna play a game? Test your knowledge of how well you know Lakeland locations by the address alone.
March 15, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Four white plates sit on a brown wooden table. Two contain two slices of French toast while the other two contain scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage links.
Culture
Answered: Your picks for Lakeland’s hidden gems
From food and drink to retail and attractions — we asked you for what hidden gems make Lakeland the best and you delivered.
March 15, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
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New to Lakeland
Where to park in downtown Lakeland
We’re breaking down all you need to know about parking — from parallel spots, garages, lots, and accessible options.
March 13, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
Reececliff diner at night
Food
Celebrating Pi Day with Lakeland’s longest-running restaurant
When visiting Reececliff Diner, you simply can’t forget the pie.
March 13, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Mediterranean Revival style historic home in the Biltmore/Cumberland district of Lakeland, FL
Real Estate
What you need to know about Lakeland’s historic homes + buildings
From what classifies a building as historic to where you can find them around Swan City, we’ve got the answer to your most pressing real estate questions.
March 11, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A mini golf sign is lit up in the darkening sky.
Culture
Kid-friendly activities in Lakeland
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Lakeland, FL has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
March 7, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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Culture
Celebrate National Retro Video Game Day with these Lakeland gaming hubs
It’s time to get your game on, Lakelanders – your video game that is.
March 7, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A girl sits outside of a bookstore at a patio table while reading a book.
Culture
Best places to read a book around Lakeland
If reading is your activity of choice, try one of these Swan City spots the next time you crack open your favorite novel.
March 5, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
LAL_Miss_Florida_1946_Feb_2024
Culture
Glamour and growth: How Lakeland became Miss Florida’s crown jewel
Miss Florida has changed a lot over 90 years, including finding a new home in Swan City.
March 5, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
LAL_Peach_Cobbler_Factory_March_2024
Food
Peach Cobbler Factory in Lakeland is now open
Here’s what you need to know about Lakeland’s newest spot for sweets.
March 1, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A hand holding up two boxes of Thin Mints and Samoas with a palm tree in the background.
Food
Where to find Girl Scout cookies in Lakeland
We’ve got you covered when it comes to Girl Scout cookie season — scout’s honor.
February 26, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
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Culture
Where to make spring cleaning donations in Lakeland
If you’re feeling eager to clean out those closets, garages, and storage sheds, consider donating to these community organizations.
May 10, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson