Connor Jacobson

Connor Jacobson

Senior City Editor, LALtoday

Connor is a lifelong Floridian based in Lakeland who joined LALtoday in 2022. A Southeastern University alum, her background is in marketing and writing. When she’s not bringing you Lakeland’s top stories, you can find her shopping at the downtown farmers market, searching local coffee shops for the best hazelnut latte, or performing comedy shows with Swan City Improv.

A lake at dusk in Lakeland with night lights illuminating and city buildings in the background.
City
See Lakeland’s top rankings on nationwide lists
It’s not such a small town anymore — check out how Lakeland’s growth is reflected in rankings from the past year.
November 19, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Shoppers walk through vendor tents at the downtown Lakeland Holiday Night Market
Business
Start seasonal shopping at these Lakeland holiday markets
Find a unique gift by local vendors, artists, and makers at these holiday-themed markets in and around Lakeland.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Restaurant patrons speak with a waiter at their table in side The Peach House.
Business
Lakeland restaurateurs show support for ‘The Pepper Project’
Here’s how you can help the family of restaurant owner Jeannie Weaver-Lopez.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A man in a cowboy costume stands on the set of a Western film
Sponsored
See the Silver Moon on the small screen in “Greater Lakeland”
Learn what makes movies here so special on the next episode of WEDU PBS’ “Greater Lakeland” series.
Sponsored by
Lakeland Economic Development Council members sit and listen to a panel of members at Catapult
Business
Lakeland Economic Development Council celebrates 40 years
The LEDC has been a major driver in Lakeland’s economy since 1984 — but what is it, and how does it affect daily life?
November 13, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the historic Old Polk County Courthouse entrance with a dome and high columns.
City
What do you want Polk County to look like in 2050?
You can help direct Polk County’s future for the next 25 years by leaving your thoughts on the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "LALtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
LALtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
The Wish Farms stage at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds
Culture
The stage is set: Florida Strawberry Festival’s 2025 entertainers
See who will take the stage in Plant City when the festival returns in February 2025.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Business
How to start a business in Lakeland
You have a good idea — now the fun begins.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Business
What’s open + closed on Thanksgiving in Lakeland
Find out where you can go on Thanksgiving Day, what’s closed this year, and where to find Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Books
Culture
Literature with Lakelanders: Join these local book clubs and storytimes
Find a love of literature at these reading programs for all ages.
November 6, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
New to Lakeland
Get your head in the game: Lakeland’s sports team guide
Swan City is home to minor league + semi-pro sports teams that bring major excitement.
November 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
City Editor Amelia and a friend pose with their paintings at Painting with a Twist
Business
Get crafty at these Lakeland creative spots
Flex your artistic muscles or let the experts lead you step by step through crafting classes.
November 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
marble arcade
City
What’s that Lakeland landmark named after?
We’ve all wondered about the names behind some of our local parks and places of interest. Pull back the curtain on the history behind their monikers.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Exterior view of The Joinery decorated with fake skeletons climbing the walls
Culture
Lakeland’s most haunting Halloween stories
Get into the Halloween spirit with these terrifying tales from around Central Florida.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Food
Where to grab a late-night bite in Lakeland
Sometimes you get the munchies late at night, so we’re helping out with a list of spots that stay open late around Lakeland.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Glow in the dark axes and targets at Ax Caliber
Culture
Six ways to spend an hour in Lakeland
Get active, learn something, or treat yourself — here’s how you can make the most of just one hour around Lakeland.
October 29, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A letter sign outside Andrew's Coffee at night reading "Creepy doll fall, coming soon."
Food
Fall + Halloween seasonal menus have arrived in Lakeland
Cozy new food + drink options are warming up at eateries around Swan City. Try these seasonal menus before they’re gone.
October 28, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Devin Stephenson poses with the school's Phoenix mascot.
City
Meet Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Polytechnic University President
Get to know the school + its new president, his goals for the institution, and the most surprising thing about being a new Lakelander.
October 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A map showing which streets are open and closed during Lake Bonny flood mitigation
City
Relief coming for flooded Lake Bonny residents
The City of Lakeland is enacting a plan to pump out water, mitigating flooding for those living around Lake Bonny in east Lakeland.
October 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds a starfruit pastry in front of a paper bag with "Bandidas" written on it.
Food
Eat down the street: Edgewood Drive restaurants
Discover one of Lakeland’s hidden gems or try a local favorite restaurant for the first time on the next street in this series.
October 22, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog cover reading "Honor Bilt Modern Homes"
Real Estate
Do you own a Sears Modern Home in Lakeland?
Your home could have been built by a Lakelander of the past — and ordered from a catalog.
October 18, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
A colorful sign reading "I love Mi Pueblo" in the foreground with flea market buildings in the background
Experience
Shop, swap, sell, and save in Lakeland
Here’s the deal — the thrift and vintage shopping scene is stellar in Swan City.
October 18, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
The exterior of the RP Funding Center, viewed from in front of rose bushes.
Culture
Celebrating 50 years of the RP Funding Center
With this local event venue reaching the 50-year mark, we’re looking back on the biggest acts to visit the RP Funding Center.
October 16, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL_hurricanemilton_OCT2024
City
Help others (or get help) after Hurricane Milton
Whether you’re able to volunteer or need assistance, check out these resources available around Lakeland for those who need help recovering from the storm.
October 14, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An Amazon Prime Air cargo plane taxis on a runway
Business
Lakeland International Airport’s cargo shipping reaches new heights
Lakeland Linder International Airport recently ranked above several airports in major cities when it came to cargo shipping volume.
October 14, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The Frances Langford Promenade flooded by waters from Lake Mirror.
City
Hurricane Milton’s impact on Lakeland
By the numbers, here’s how Hurricane Milton left its mark across Central Florida.
October 10, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hurricane model showing the projected path of Hurricane Milton.
City
Polk County prepares for Hurricane Milton
The storm is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Palm trees blowing in hard wind in the foreground, with a dark cloudy sky and the Summit Building in downtown Lakeland in the background.
City
Stay connected during Hurricane Milton
Don’t miss a local update when a major storm hits. Bookmark these resources to stay informed during Hurricane Milton.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a smartphone showing a sculpture Lakeland's downtown public art trail. The real sculpture is seen in the background.
Culture
Virtual fun you can have at home
When stormy weather rolls in, the fun at home rolls out. Throw on your coziest digs and explore Lakeland from the comfort of your couch.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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