Amelia Herring.jpg

Amelia Grooms

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.

Support Good Local News
A scultpure of birds sits in front of an Orlando lake under a partly cloudy sky.
Culture
We asked ChatGPT to cook up a roast of Orlando
Wait until you see what this AI chatbot whipped up for a good-natured roast of the City Beautiful — covering everything from traffic to the culture and weather.
April 22, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Lakeland, Florida, USA
Travel and Outdoors
Celebrating Earth Day in Lakeland
From volunteer opportunities to special events, here’s how you can celebrate the planet around Swan City.
April 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A rendering of modern multi-story townhomes with balconies and a car parked on the street.
Real Estate
Live in lakefront luxury with these upcoming Lake Hollingsworth condos
The Row on Lake Hollingsworth will consist of four units with premier views of Lake Hollingsworth + a private boat slip.
April 17, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The boathouse at Bonnet Springs Park
Travel and Outdoors
A beginner’s guide to Bonnet Springs Park
If it’s your first time visiting this award-winning Lakeland attraction, allow us to create your perfect park day.
April 17, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Interior of Pressed Books with books on shelves and tables
An introvert’s guide to Lakeland
Want to be more social, but hate the idea of chatting up a stranger? Try these activities for introverts in Lakeland.
April 15, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Aerial view of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee at sunset with the Sunsphere and city buildings in view.
City
Get to know Knoxville’s government
Learn about the type of government Knoxville has + how to get involved.
April 15, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Orlando City Hall building with palm trees and modern architecture in the foreground.
City
Get to know Orlando’s government
Learn about the type of government Orlando has + how to get involved.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A photo of West Pipkin Road closed with barricades and cones due to construction.
City
What Lakelanders should know about the West Pipkin widening project
We’re breaking down the who, what, when, and why behind this major road construction project in southwest Lakeland.
April 11, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A large pink trumpet tree blooms across a yard and street in Lakeland.
Culture
How to spend a spring day like “The Golden Girls” in Lakeland
Forget hot girl summer — it’s time for a “Golden Girls” spring.
April 9, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Colorful butterfly sculpture with activity icons outside a brick building on a grassy area with trees.
City
What’s the deal with Lakeland’s butterfly sculptures?
Flutter through the history of these iconic art pieces displayed around Lakeland.
April 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Screen Shot 2022-04-04 at 12.56.20 PM
Culture
Easter festivities happening around Lakeland in April
Make your month egg-cellent by taking in one of these Easter-themed events.
April 3, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A group of baby alligators sit on an adult alligator's back in the water at Circle B Bar Reserve. The photo is framed by green leaves and branches.
Travel and Outdoors
Alligator mating season must-knows
Alligator mating season in Florida runs from April through June — here’s how you to keep yourself + our scaly friends safe.
April 1, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Five people stand on stage in front of a Third Coast Comedy Club sign. One person is in the middle framing their face with their hands, one stands behind them, and two others on each side.
Culture
Belly laugh with Nashville’s Third Coast Comedy Club
We’ll skip right to the punchline — if you haven’t made it to see Nashville’s very own comedy troupe, here’s what you’re missing.
March 31, 2025
 · 
Skylar Webb
Top-local-books-reads-Asheville-NC-avltoday
City
Best places to read a book around Asheville
If reading is your activity of choice, try one of these Asheville spots the next time you crack open your favorite novel.
March 31, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A plate of Vietnamese bún chả with rice noodles, grilled pork in broth, fresh herbs, and lettuce on a wooden table.
Live
Dig in: A guide to NOVA’s Vietnamese food scene
Dig into NOVA’s must-try Vietnamese food spots, from Alexandria to Georgetown.
March 28, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A father and his two kids stand outside the entrance of Legoland Florida.
Travel and Outdoors
3 developments coming soon to Legoland Florida
From places to stay to things to do, here are three developments we’re watching at Legoland Florida in Winter Haven.
March 26, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
unnamed (31)
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 21, 2025
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
LAL_mayfaire_by_the_lake_featured_artist_poster_MAR2025
Culture
Meet Mayfaire by-the-Lake’s swan-sational featured artist
The annual fine arts festival will take place around Lake Morton Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11, and this year’s featured artist is bringing Lakeland’s beloved bird to the forefront.
March 20, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Historic Beaux-Arts building of the DC Mayor's Office and City Council, with trees, an American flag, and a blue sky.
City
Get to know Washington, DC’s local government
Learn about the type of local government Washington, DC has + how to get involved.
March 19, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Fairfax, VA City Hall at dusk, featuring a brick facade, white columns, lit street lamps, and a landscaped walkway.
City
Get to know Fairfax’s government
Learn about the type of government Fairfax has + how to get involved.
March 19, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
L.J. Cason (#2) fights off another player for the ball during a basketball game.
Sports
Meet the Polk County natives playing in March Madness 2025
This year’s March Madness NCAA Tournament will feature four players from Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Lake Wales.
March 18, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Add a heading - 2022-05-11T105629.985
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.
March 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior entrance of Reececliff Diner outlined with red neon lighting at night
Food
Celebrate Pi Day with Reececliff Diner, Lakeland’s longest-running restaurant
When visiting Reececliff Diner, you simply can’t forget the pie.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Black and white photo of U Street in Washington, DC, showing a wide street, historic buildings, cars, and a church.
Culture
“Black Broadway": The history of DC’s U Street neighborhood
We’re putting this DC neighborhood center stage + sharing how it was and continues to be a cultural hub for the African American community.
March 12, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A matcha cake with ruffled green frosting, held above purple flowers. Baked by Vegetation Cafe and Kitchen in Lakeland, FL.
Food
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Lakeland with these green food and drink items
From cakes to teas and everything in between, these bevs + bites will make your tummy green with envy.
March 12, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The exterior of Sora Eatery in Lakeland International Airport.
Food
Sora Eatery is now boarding at Lakeland International Airport
The new restaurant at LAL is nearly ready to open its doors, and we got a sneak peek of what Lakelanders (and visitors) can expect.
March 10, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An exterior photograph of Alexandria, VA's city hall taken at nighttime, with its fountain actively spouting water.
City
Get to know Alexandria’s government
Learn about the type of government Alexandria has + how to get involved.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An exterior photo of the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center in Arlington, VA.
City
Get to know Arlington’s government
Learn about the type of government Arlington has + how to get involved.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A hand holding a coffee cup in front of the Black & Brew Coffee House sign. The cup has "have a good day" written on the side.
Culture
Should Lakeland be the pioneer of “hanging coffee” in Polk County?
The tradition began as far back as 100 years ago in Naples, Italy — now we want to know where you’d like to see it incorporated in Lakeland.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Load More