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
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
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
Load More