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.

A drone shot of the Rochester, NY skyline.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Rochester, NY
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the top new destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
September 19, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A rendering of the Adams Family Athletic Performance Center at Florida Southern College
City
The Adams Athletic Performance Center is open for training at Florida Southern College
The 15,000-sqft building has been under construction since August 2022.
September 19, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A photo of AdventHealth's Heart of Florida hospital in Davenport. Palm trees are in the foreground of the photo. In the background is a hospital building with the words "AdventHealth" on the side.
City
A new AdventHealth hospital is coming to south Lakeland by 2027
The health provider plans to build a 400-bed hospital and medical complex in the area over the next several years.
September 17, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A home in the historic Dixieland area is shown. It is light green, has a bright red door, and red stars on the outside.
Real Estate
How much house can you get at Lakeland’s median listing price?
According to Realtor.com, the median listing price for a home in Lakeland in 2024 is $349,900 — but how much house can you get for that price?
September 11, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
An exterior view of the Polk County Administration Building. A sign sits outside the front walkway, along with flagpoles and small trees.
City
Lower property tax rates are on the horizon for Polk County residents
As county commissioners work toward adopting the budget for the 2025 fiscal year, one thing Polk homeowners can expect is lower millage rates for property taxes.
September 9, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Sunrise at Gandy Pool in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
Remembering Lakeland’s hottest day on record
Lakeland’s hottest day on record was June 4, 1985 when Swan City hit 105°.
September 3, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
The exterior of a white and black building on North Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland. A sign reads "The Yard on Mass."
Real Estate
What should come next to the former Yard on Mass space?
The City of Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency is on the hunt for the next tenant to take over the space on North Massachusetts Avenue.
August 30, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
The exterior of a coffee shop is shown. In the foreground, a cup is holding an iced latte.
Business
Drink coffee + support foster care at ECHO Coffee House in Winter Haven
Learn how this coffee shop is helping a Lakeland-based nonprofit in its mission to support children in foster care.
August 28, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A concert taking place at Bonnet Springs Park, seen from the rooftop bar
Culture
Lakelanders share their “random acts of kindness” stories
We already knew that Lakeland was one of the best places to live, but these stories just prove it even more.
August 28, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Culture
6 random acts of kindness to brighten up Lakeland’s community
Put a smile on your neighbor’s face with these random acts of kindness.
August 26, 2024
 · 
Kristen Templeton
An interior shot of a wedding in Haus820
Culture
Rentable venues in Lakeland
Check out this list of local spots to host your next party, reunion, or reception.
August 26, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
The Kansas City skyline under storm clouds
Travel and Outdoors
The best way to spend a rainy day in Kansas City
You don’t have to stay at home when rainy days come — keep exploring KC with these indoor activities.
August 22, 2024
 · 
Charmaine Merriweather
i-rMncH9K-X2
City
Breaking down Lakeland’s 2024 Demographic Guide, by the numbers
Learn about the city’s demographic guide + why it’s a valuable resource for Lakelanders.
August 22, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
LAL-plant-city-farm-and-flea-market-2019
Food
Where to get seasonal produce in Lakeland
Learn what produce is currently in season in Lakeland, along with recommendations for local farms to shop from.
August 20, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A Buc-ee's store facade with cars in front and a blue sky behind it.
Development
Should Buc-ees build in Polk County?
Based on research out of Polk State College, Polk County could be the perfect spot for the fan-favorite gas station franchise — but do our readers agree?
August 16, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
An exterior shot of Black and Brew's patio
Culture
Reader recommendations for “third places” around Lakeland
We asked our followers where their “third place” was in Lakeland — here are the spots they called out.
August 14, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
The reflection of the Uptown Charlotte skyline is seen in the water of a pond surrounded by trees.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Charlotte, NC
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the next destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
August 14, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Lakeland City Commissioners and city staff sit at desks arranged in a semi-circle in a budget workshop. Each has a name placard and a microphone at their seat.
City
Lakeland City Commission begins 2025 budget talks
Here’s what you need to know as the mayor, commissioners, and city staff determine the FY 2025 budget.
August 13, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Bok Tower is reflected in a pond on a sunny day
Culture
Share your thoughts on the restoration + preservation of Bok Tower Gardens
With the help of the Save America’s Treasures grant, Bok Tower Gardens is planning to undergo a multimillion-dollar restoration project — here’s how you can help.
August 12, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Two individuals duel in a cage match at The Florida Man Games
Sports
Embrace your inner “Florida Man” at the second annual Florida Man Games
Learn how you + your team can represent Lakeland at the “wildest live athletic competition on Earth.”
August 12, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
A construction site at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.
City
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s $8 million expansion + renovation
What you need to know about the monumental project that’s set to be completed in the fall of 2024.
August 6, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
A tour buis colored in red and blue ombre wrapping with the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" logo on the side, as seen through a rainy car windshield.
Culture
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” bus spotted in Lakeland
The home renovation show is making a comeback this year — and it looks like the team could be kicking things off in Swan City.
August 6, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
The best way to spend a rainy day in Lakeland
Florida Thunderstorm Season runs from May 25 to Oct. 10 in West Central Florida. You don’t have to stay inside when rainy days come — keep exploring Lakeland with these indoor activities.
August 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
Lake Mirror at dusk with the Lakeland skyline in the background.
Travel and Outdoors
Readers’ picks for 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 our readers are sharing the spots where you can get 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
i-xCqRcTZ-X4.jpeg
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
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