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
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Business
We’re celebrating Small Business Week — here’s how to join us
Join us at LALtoday in celebrating the heart of our community: small businesses.
February 24, 2025
 · 
Kristen Templeton
tigers
Sports
Our guide to Detroit Tigers’ Spring Training in Lakeland
The 89th season of this beloved Lakeland tradition kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Joker Marchant Stadium — here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to attend.
February 20, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An LALtoday city editor steps into a passenger plane wearing an LAL hat.
Culture
City Editor Amelia’s 12 favorite things in Lakeland
To celebrate her one-year anniversary at LALtoday, City Editor Amelia is sharing her 12 favorite things in Lakeland — from food to hidden gems.
February 18, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The exterior of a luxurious Lakeland home. The outside is painted cream and brown with a brick-paved driveway. Palm trees and other native Florida plants surround the home.
Real Estate
Mansion Monday: Look inside Lakeland’s highest-priced homes
From a west Lakeland retreat to a south Lakeland entertainer’s paradise, take a step inside some of Swan City’s most luxurious listings.
February 14, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Gervais Street Columbia-8497.jpg
City
Columbia ranks No. 121 in traffic congestion for 2024
The Inrix Global Traffic Scorecard for 2024 analyzed and compared travel behavior across 900+ cities worldwide to determine the rankings.
February 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A line of cars in traffic where an I-4 widening project will soon begin. A grassy median sits between the east and westbound lanes.
Lakeland ranks No. 83 in traffic congestion for 2024
The Inrix Global Traffic Scorecard for 2024 analyzed and compared travel behavior across 900+ cities worldwide to determine the rankings.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL-lakeland-downtown-skyline
Culture
We asked ChatGPT to cook up a roast of Lakeland
Wait until you see what this AI chatbot whipped up for a good-natured roast of Swan City — covering everything from traffic to the culture and weather.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL-lake-mirror-picnic-date-FEB2020
Experience
Date night ideas for every type of Lakelander
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in Swan City.
February 6, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
The exterior of a home is shown in the background, with a sign reading "Beacon Hill Historic District" in the foreground.
Real Estate
Hot homes: Own a piece of Lakeland history
This home in the Beacon Hill Historic District has a story that spans over a century — in fact, it’s almost as old as the City of Lakeland itself.
February 4, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Earrings that are shades of pink, red, and purple that are shaped in hearts with Valentine messaging on them.
Events
Top Valentine’s + Galentine’s events in Lakeland
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these events around Swan City.
February 4, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The President of Catapult, Christin Strawbridge, and President of Florida Polytechnic University, Dr. Devin Stephenson, sit at a table covered in a black tablecloth with a purple Florida Polytechnic University banner. On either side of them are two banners boasting Florida Poly's achievements. Behind them are a group of people looking on.
Business
Catapult signs high-level strategic partnership with Florida Polytechnic University
The partnership will not only advance Catapult and the university’s missions, but also create innovative opportunities to advance Lakeland’s economic landscape.
January 31, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A long-exposure shot of fair rides lit up at night
Events
Park, ride, and eat at the Florida State Fair
Our guide to the 2025 Florida State Fair wouldn’t be complete without your suggestions.
January 31, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A group of performers dressed in colorful outfits pose at the City of Lakeland's Black History Festival.
Events
Celebrate Black History Month with these events around Lakeland
From cultural festivals to comedy shows, honor Black History Month at one of these Lakeland events.
January 29, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Maurkice Pouncey (No. 53), right, blocks another player during a game against the Cleveland Browns.
Sports
Lakeland’s impact on the NFL
Get to know the all-star NFL athletes who once called Lakeland home.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A rendering of the exterior of Orlando Health's future Lakeland Highlands Hospital
Wellness
New developments coming to Lakeland’s healthcare scene
These local healthcare developments and programs will have you getting well soon. Read on to see what’s planned for a spot near you.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Chef Marcos Fernandez of Nineteen61 carefully crafts a plate in the restaurant's kitchen. Next to him on the counter are prep containers and ingredients.
Food
Take a foodie road trip to these James Beard-nominated spots around Lakeland
Lakeland might not have made the list for 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists — but that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A bowl of chicken tortellini soup sits in a white bowl on a white plate
Food
Soup for the soul: Try these top-rated soups in Lakeland
Take a slurp of some of the best soups in Swan City.
January 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A screenshot of the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and North Florida Avenue.
City
Potential improvements on the way for Memorial Boulevard
From strategic economic developments to street enhancements, here’s what we could see on Memorial Boulevard in the future.
January 15, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Member at Sewing Station copy
Culture
Hobby Town, USA: Where to try these 5 creative hobbies in Lakeland
Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or simply want to try something new, here’s where you can engage in creative hobbies in and around Swan City.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A family consisting of a father, mother, and four daughters clothed in fall-themed and muted colors stands in front of a rustic backdrop.
Culture
Meet the Lakeland family featured on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
The Hutson family will be featured on the show’s Thursday, Jan. 9 episode.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Culture
TGIF: Spend a perfect weekend in Swan City
Night life, live performances, happy hours, and more — You can’t go wrong with a Lakeland weekend.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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.
January 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An exterior photo of Lakeland Linder International Airport with three flags and palm trees blowing in the wind.
City
New dining concept coming to Lakeland International Airport
Learn more about the biz that will be taking over the spot formerly held by WACO Kitchen.
December 16, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A young woman stands on the wing of a small plane, smiling.
Sponsored
Fly back into aviation (her)story with “Greater Lakeland”
Learn the impact that women past and present have made on Lakeland’s aviation scene in the next episode of WEDU PBS’ “Greater Lakeland” series.
Sponsored by
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Culture
Lakelanders’ goals for 2025
Looking to make the most of Lakeland life in 2025? Check out the goals our readers + followers have set, plus some recommendations of our own.
December 10, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The exterior of the Catapult building in Lakeland.
Business
10 things you might not know about Catapult, Lakeland’s business incubator
In honor of Catapult’s 10-year anniversary, we’re spilling the tea on what goes on behind the scenes. How many of these facts did you know?
December 6, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A Christmas mug with a lit Christmas tree in the background
Culture
Fill in the blanks to create a Lakeland-inspired holiday film
If your holiday season isn’t complete without a cheesy Hallmark movie, then this activity is for you.
December 6, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
inside shots of the bright white interior of My Doctors Live MediSpa, feat. gold and white marble furniture, pink pillows, and more.
Sponsored
Get treatments with us at My Doctors Live MediSpa ✨
Sponsored by
Black and Brew's winter menu is on two chalkboards. Next to it is a decorated Christmas tree and a mural that says "your anytime place."
Food
Grab a cup of cheer with these holiday treats around Lakeland
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, try these festive bevs + bites for the holiday season.
December 2, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An exterior view of small businesses on North Kentucky Avenue, including Scout & Tag, with seating and plants outside.
Celebrating Small Business Saturday in Lakeland
Lakeland is made up of so many wonderful small businesses. Here are a few our readers love in honor of Small Business Saturday.
November 26, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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