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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Travel and Outdoors
Plan the perfect picnic at these Lakeland locales
Whether you’re looking for a spot that’s surrounded by nature or bathed in the shade, consider one of these spots next time you’re looking to dine al fresco.
July 3, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
fireworks show at publix field
Experience
Fourth of July events in and around Lakeland
Central Florida has some breathtaking firework displays — here are a few taking place in our neck of the woods.
July 3, 2024
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Rilee Delgado
City
Here’s what you can shop for during Florida’s tax holidays
From household supplies to park passes, grills, and more.
July 1, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Images of two businesses are shown side by side. On the left, an exterior shot of Lakeland Public Library, and on the right, a shot of the sign for BookaReaderville. They are separated by a green divider line.
Business
Old + new in Lakeland: 10 options for 5 types of businesses
Explore some of Swan City’s oldest establishments alongside new additions to the business + restaurant scene.
July 1, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
Adults hold children on coffee shop couches as one plays a sound bowl.
Business
Get the tykes taken care of at these Lakeland preschools
Finding childcare is no easy feat — let this guide serve as a place to start.
June 27, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
Guy Fieri raises a glass at his restaurant in Harrahs Cherokee Casino
Food
Answered: Where you’d film a Lakeland episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”
Swan City isn’t yet a part of the Triple D Nation — so we cast our own episode using your recommendations. If you’re reading this Food Network, you’re welcome.
June 27, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
Clear waters in the Weeki Wachee River surrounded by trees on the banks
Travel and Outdoors
Cool down at these natural springs within 2.5 hours of Lakeland
Take a break from the pool + dive in to one of these springs that are less than 2.5 hours away from Swan City.
June 25, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
A path through Hollis Garden with trees on either side
Culture
Spend a day like a Bridgerton in Lakeland
If the newest season of “Bridgerton” has you wishing for a bygone era, allow us to impart wisdom on how to recreate a Regency-inspired day in Swan City.
June 25, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
A sunset over Lake Mirror with the downtown Lakeland skyline in the background
City
Here’s what AI has to say about Lakeland
With AI on the rise, we decided to put it to the test + pick its brain about all things Swan City — read on for the full conversation.
June 21, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
A painting on a wall is shown. It says "You're a pearl!" with an oyster and pearl painted underneath.
Food
Get a taste of the ocean at Maritime, the next restaurant in Bowen Yard
As Winter Haven’s first food hall gets ready to open its doors, we stopped by one of its restaurants to get a taste of what’s to come.
June 19, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
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City
Changes coming to downtown parking in Lakeland
City commissioners unanimously approved new parking rates for off-street metered spaces in downtown Lakeland — here’s what you need to know.
June 17, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
A selection of books are shown on tables and bookshelves in a local bookstore.
Culture
Summer reads with ties to Lakeland
Make your summer reading list Lakeland-themed with these newly released reads by local authors.
June 17, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A flag commemorating Juneteenth flies in the wind.
Events
Commemorating Juneteenth around Lakeland
Commemorate the end of slavery in the US with these five events happening around Lakeland.
June 13, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Photos of a sprawling estate
Real Estate
What do Lakelanders look for in a home?
Whether you’re a frequent dream-scroller of Zillow or have already found your forever place, we wanna know — what home features make you want to pack up + call the movers?
June 13, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
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History
Defunct theme parks around Central Florida
We’re reminiscing on some literal blasts from the past — from live shows to roller coasters and other attractions.
June 11, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
Answered: Your Lakeland life hacks
We recently took to Instagram to ask our followers their best “hacks” for life in Lakeland — here’s what they came up with.
June 7, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
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Business
Silver Moon Drive-In’s silver screen history
Founded in 1948, Silver Moon Drive-In has provided first-run films to Polk County residents for 75+ years — here’s a look at its storyboard.
June 5, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
A hand holding a very large hamburger
Food
Big, juicy, and sometimes Impossible: Polk County’s best burgers
Sink your teeth into this list to find your next triple meat, plant-based, or classic diner burger.
May 29, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A group of individuals poses with painted portraits in front of their faces.
Wellness
Arts in Medicine: A different kind of prescription
Learn more about how this program at Watson Clinic is bringing healing to patients through the arts.
May 28, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
Children running towards a flagpole; an American flag waves in the wind
Business
Check out these veteran-owned businesses in Lakeland
We asked our readers for their favorite veteran-owned businesses around Swan City — here’s what they came up with.
May 22, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
The exterior of the Sabrina's Delicacies building. It has white walls, dark green columns, and a dark roof topped with a business sign. There are trees in the background behind the building and cars parked in front.
Food
What we tried at Sabrina’s Delicacies, Lakeland’s newest spot for charcuterie
After two years of waiting, Lakeland’s newest charcuterie spot has opened its storefront for business — here’s our review.
May 22, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
United Way of Central Florida volunteers pose in lime green t-shirts in a gymnasium.
Business
United Way of Central Florida: Celebrating 80 years of strengthening communities
Learn more about how this organization is making an impact on the lives of Lakelanders through its community service + improvement efforts.
May 20, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
A conceptual rendering of Munn Park's revitalization is shown, including a large lawn, pavilion, and interactive play structures.
City
City commissioners approve new concept for Munn Park
Here’s what Lakelanders can expect going forward at this downtown landmark.
May 14, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
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Culture
Join the club: Check out these Lakeland memberships
From museums to wellness hubs, here’s 9 Lakeland spots where you can become a member.
May 14, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A hand holding an "I Voted" sticker with a palm tree in the background
City
Breaking down Lakeland’s elected officials
We’re taking a look at some of the most prominent elected officials across Lakeland + Polk County — from how often they’re elected to the function of their offices.
May 10, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
rotating gif of a pet store, Korean barbecue restaurant, and shoe store
Sponsored
Try This: Check out Lakeside Village’s three newest businesses
We visited Lakeside Village’s newest tenants — and are sharing what we loved most.
Sponsored by
A group of smiling individuals wearing "Out of the Box" t-shirts smile at the camera.
Culture
Out of the Box: Creating a home away from home for Lakeland’s disabled community
Learn more about how this program through Lakeland Community Theatre is empowering members of the disabled community to step out of the box and into the spotlight.
May 8, 2024
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Amelia Grooms
Table featuring afternoon tea at Lavender 'n Lace Tearoom
Food
Where to find tea around Lakeland
When you’re in the mood for a cup of tea, visit one of these spots in and around Swan City to get your fix.
May 6, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Aerial overview of a housing development
Real Estate
A look at Lakeland’s spring real estate market
Get the scoop on what’s happening in Lakeland’s real estate scene — from average home prices to overall market conditions.
May 2, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Two headshot-style photos of a Black female are displayed side by side.
Culture
6 questions with Miss Lakeland USA, Karolyne Roberts
Learn more about this local entrepreneur, author, and mom’s platform and why she loves representing Lakeland.
April 26, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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