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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Add a heading - 2022-05-06T152413.137
New to Lakeland
Lakeland makes list for best cities for remote workers
With many companies transitioning to hybrid or remote work models in recent years, Lakeland’s options for remote workers have continued to expand.
April 24, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
lakeland swans
Culture
Let’s refresh: What is LALtoday and what do we cover?
It’s never a bad idea to reintroduce yourself — we’re LALtoday, a hyper-local newsletter curated, narrated, and delivered to your inbox every day at 6 a.m.
April 18, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Two girls smile for the camera in front of a Lakeland mural.
Culture
Meet the editors behind LALtoday
Say hello to Connor Jacobson + Amelia Herring, the faces behind your favorite 5-min morning newsletter.
April 18, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A map showing the outlined area of the Downtown West development area.
City
Lakeland City Commission adopts Downtown West Action Plan
Here’s what Lakelanders need to know about the upcoming developments for the Downtown West area.
April 16, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL-lake-hunter-kayak
Travel and Outdoors
What’s in a name: The story behind Swan City’s most infamous lakes
If you’ve ever wondered how some of Lakeland’s most notable bodies of water got their names — this is for you.
April 12, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Exterior shot of the Terrace Hotel's gray building with white windows, circular accents, and decorative "Terrace Hotel" sign.
Real Estate
The Terrace: Lakeland’s oldest, most luxurious hotel
This historic building has been a staple of Swan City’s skyline for nearly a century.
April 10, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
A group of teenagers stands outside of the Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine building.
Business
Camp Fire Sunshine: Igniting the spark within Lakeland’s youth
This United Way partner agency has been shaping Lakeland’s youth through engaging programming + community service for more than a century.
April 8, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
publix
Culture
Lakeland’s oldest businesses
From apparel to food, Swan City has multiple family-owned businesses that have been around for half a century — or more.
April 4, 2024
 · 
Kaylee Holland
Two city and state officials discuss behind a desk.
City
More funding required to take South Florida Avenue road diet to the finish line
We’re breaking down the key updates on one of Lakeland’s most notable roadway projects.
April 2, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Culture
Laugh along with Swan City Improv, Lakeland’s very own comedy troupe
Their job? It’s just laughs.
March 29, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An airplane flies in the sky. It is white and purple with Avelo printed across it.
City
Avelo announces first route from Lakeland Linder International Airport
The announcement Lakelanders have been waiting for has finally come.
March 27, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A giant pretzel on a plate with white queso and honey mustard dipping sauces.
Food
Get your snack on with these Lakeland bites
Whether you’re feeling salty or sweet, check out these snacks to satisfy your next craving.
March 21, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The Lakeland City Commission Chamber as seen from the audience seats. It features a large semicircular desk with name placards for commission members, and a podium with a microphone for speakers. Behind the desk are a US flag, State of Florida flag, and the City of Lakeland logo on the wall.
City
Mayor Bill Mutz will not run for reelection in 2025
Come December 2025, Lakeland will enter a new mayoral era.
March 21, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
dm2852
New to Lakeland
A guide to Lakeland’s streets + the history behind them
Learn about the historic places and faces that influenced the streets you drive every day here in Lakeland, FL.
March 19, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
A graphic showing four different locations around Lakeland is shown: the City Hall sign, the Polk Theatre marquee, a building at Southeastern University, and the sign at Munn Park.
Real Estate
How well do you know these Lakeland locations?
Wanna play a game? Test your knowledge of how well you know Lakeland locations by the address alone.
March 15, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Four white plates sit on a brown wooden table. Two contain two slices of French toast while the other two contain scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage links.
Culture
Answered: Your picks for Lakeland’s hidden gems
From food and drink to retail and attractions — we asked you for what hidden gems make Lakeland the best and you delivered.
March 15, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Mediterranean Revival style historic home in the Biltmore/Cumberland district of Lakeland, FL
Real Estate
What you need to know about Lakeland’s historic homes + buildings
From what classifies a building as historic to where you can find them around Swan City, we’ve got the answer to your most pressing real estate questions.
March 11, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Screen Shot 2020-09-14 at 6.43.34 PM
Culture
Celebrate National Retro Video Game Day with these Lakeland gaming hubs
It’s time to get your game on, Lakelanders – your video game that is.
March 7, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL_Miss_Florida_1946_Feb_2024
Culture
Glamour and growth: How Lakeland became Miss Florida’s crown jewel
Miss Florida has changed a lot over 90 years, including finding a new home in Swan City.
March 5, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
LAL_Peach_Cobbler_Factory_March_2024
Food
Peach Cobbler Factory in Lakeland is now open
Here’s what you need to know about Lakeland’s newest spot for sweets.
March 1, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Lakeland rail yard circa 1890
History
The rich history of Lakeland’s railroad industry
Ever wondered why Lakeland is so full of railroads? It actually played a large role in the incorporation of the town.
May 14, 2021
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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