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.

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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
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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
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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 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
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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.
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
Carol Jenkins Barnett poses with kindergartners for United Way of Central Florida's ReadingPals program.
Culture
12 Lakeland women who made and are making history
From aviatrixes to commissioners to non-profit leaders, read how these women are leading the way in Swan City.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Nashville's skyline with Bridgestone Arena, Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, and the AT&T building (known locally as the Batman Building) all in view.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Nashville, TN
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the next destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
March 4, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A photo of the Lakeside Village courtyard, showing palm trees, umbrellas, and people playing on the green.
Business
More new bizzes on the way for Lakeside Village
Learn about the upcoming retailers that will soon call this Lakeland shopping center home.
March 4, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An exterior shot of Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, right outside of the BayCare Box Office.
City
How Joker Marchant Stadium became a staple in Lakeland’s sports scene
We’re climbing out of the dugout and onto the diamond as we uncover the history of this iconic sports complex.
February 28, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A hand holds out an iced coffee cup filled with coffee. In the background is a coffee shop.
Business
The RISE Institute: Where young entrepreneurs rule the school
Learn how this experiential learning program inside Lakeland Christian School is empowering middle and high school students to discover their passions in a safe + supportive environment.
February 26, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Travel and Outdoors
Unique kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding destinations near Lakeland
Get your feet wet with these seven water recreation destinations — all within two hours of Swan City.
February 25, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
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