Connor Jacobson

Connor Jacobson

Senior Newsletter Editor

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.

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An architectural rendering of a modern library interior with vaulted ceilings, globe lights, and computer workstations.
City
Larry R. Jackson Branch Library to undergo major renovations
The library will fully close for the construction of new bathrooms, an updated layout, and new fixtures.
February 19, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A pilot's view from the cockpit of a small aircraft flying over the Florida landscape under a clear blue sky.
Business
Learn to soar with Dobbs Flight Service in Lakeland
Lakeland’s aviation industry is reaching new heights. Become part of it by earning your pilot’s license with this flight school, located at Lakeland International Airport.
February 19, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A small orange camper filled with plants, with succulents outside
Business
Local love: LALtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
February 18, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A rendering with labels showing a three-lane road diet on S. Florida Ave. with two 11-foot travel lanes and a center turn lane.
City
South Florida Avenue road diet project timeline gets an update
The City of Lakeland laid out a new timeline for this ongoing project’s design and construction, plus updated renderings of how it could look when complete.
February 16, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds a "Strawberry Season Passport" listing various local farms in front of the Parkesdale Farm Market storefront.
Business
Explore Central Florida’s best berries with Strawberry Season Passports
Did you get your hands on the popular Strawberry Season Passports before they sold out? If not, no worries — just follow along with our editor’s tasty travels.
February 16, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A wide-angle shot of the white marble Duomo di Milano cathedral under a cloudy blue sky in the bustling Piazza del Duomo.
Sports
Celebrate the 2026 Winter Olympics, Lakeland style
We may not have snow, but there are plenty of gold medal-worthy ways to pretend you’re at the Milan-Cortina Games.
February 11, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A couple leans in for a kiss outside Mitchell's Coffee House
Experience
Where to meet someone new in Lakeland
Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind romance or a fresh friendship, our readers share where they would go to meet someone new in Swan City.
February 10, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A map showing points around Florida on the America250FL road trip guide, including three points in Polk County and historic facts.
Take a historic road trip around Florida with America250FL’s map
This state organization invites you to visit 100+ historic Florida places in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
February 9, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A concert taking place on an outdoor stage at Bonnet Springs Park
Culture
Readers share their Lakeland concert memories
Do you remember your first Lakeland concert? Did your favorite musician make a major impact? Share your concert memories with us for a chance to be featured.
February 9, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An ultra-luxury white marble bathroom with a large freestanding soaking tub centered under a crystal chandelier.
Real Estate
Mansion Monday: Is this Lakeland’s best bathroom?
This listing on New Jersey Road shows that your bathroom truly can be an oasis at home.
February 5, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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.
February 5, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
260 Clay Ave. Lexington
Real Estate
Hot homes: 5 Lexington properties ahead of the 2026 trends
Discover local homes that showcase the latest design and lifestyle trends for 2026. From colorful finishes to energy-smart features, these properties have it all.
February 4, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Two women smile and hold up a Michelob Ultra bottle and a Wilson football.
Sports
How to throw the best Super Bowl watch party in Lakeland
Whether you’re hosting at home or bringing your team to a sports bar, we’ve got a game plan that will have your guests naming you the MVP.
February 3, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A smiling young man and woman stand together at an outdoor "Cupid's Flower Bar," holding a fresh bouquet of roses.
Events
Top Valentine’s Day events in Lakeland
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these Valentine’s Day events around Swan City.
February 2, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Sports
Bowl, dance, run, and volunteer at the Polk Senior Games
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
January 29, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
snow
City
Look back on winter in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive winter memories from years gone by.
January 29, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large crowd sits at round tables in an industrial-style event space for the Catapult Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.
Local businesses honored at the 2026 Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards
Several familiar names were nominated for Catapult’s biggest night of the year. See who won big at the Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.
January 28, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A map from the National Weather Service showing winter weather advisories in counties across the southeast US.
City
Lakeland’s winter weather headline roundup
The rest of the country is feeling the effects of Winter Storm Fern, but Central Florida won’t get off that easily. Stay up to date — and warm — with Lakeland’s top winter weather stories.
January 26, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A metal baking tray is filled with rows of assorted gourmet pastries, including cinnamon rolls and strawberry-topped buns.
Food
Born & Bread Bakehouse named James Beard Awards semifinalist
Born & Bread made the shortlist for the Outstanding Bakery category, becoming the first in the Lakeland area to be recognized by the prestigious James Beard Awards.
January 22, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three men in black polos stand on a stage in front of a "Screen Skinz" logo, pitching their product on the show "Shark Tank."
Business
Lakeland-based Screen Skinz lands a “Shark Tank” deal
This Catapult member business has gone nationwide. Find out what happened when its owners appeared on “Shark Tank.”
January 22, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A black-and-white photo of the multistory New Florida Hotel at a street corner, with vintage cars and a church visible in the background.
City
Lakeland in 1926: Look back on a century of history
What did Lakeland look like in 1926? We’re firing up the time machine for a 100-year trip to the past.
January 21, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A crowd sits in camping chairs watching fireworks over Lake Mirror during Red, White & Kaboom Lakeland event. Trees and street lights block part of the view.
Events
Don’t miss these top Lakeland events happening all year long
We’ve got the ultimate list of Lakeland events you don’t want to miss out on each year. Mark your calendar for these community celebrations.
January 16, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A red mocktail topped with fruit and a paper umbrella
Food
Where you can find buzz-free beverages, or mocktails, in Lakeland
Shaken or stirred? Either one works, as long as it’s zero-proof. Check out this list of alcohol-free cocktails — mocktails — in Swan City.
January 14, 2026
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Gillian Fazio beside her mural "Oranges"
Culture
Lakeland artists to host Color Wave Walls mural festival
Learn how artists Gillian Fazio and Katerina Santos plan to drench Lakeland in color through its first-ever mural festival, and how small businesses + muralists can get in on the artistic action.
January 13, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A group in Star Wars costumes posing with R2-D2
Events
Get nerdy with it at Central Florida Comic Con
Prep for the convention with events, guests, and exhibitions we wouldn’t miss.
January 13, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds a square plate of green tea-flavored shaved snow dessert topped with strawberries, almonds, and condensed milk
Food
Sweets meet stories at Vampire Penguin, Lakeland’s newest dessert cafe
With a Victorian vibe and shaved snow desserts, Vampire Penguin could become your newest downtown haunt.
January 12, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The counter inside a Raising Cane's restaurant, with a large plush dog wearing sunglasses sitting on top.
Food
Lakeland’s ultimate restaurant wishlist
We hear readers’ hopes for future Lakeland eateries all the time. Now, we’re compiling them all into a restaurant wishlist to see which foodie dreams come true.
January 8, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lake Mirror at dusk with the Lakeland skyline in the background.
City
See Lakeland’s top rankings on nationwide lists from 2025
From improving quality of life to wins for local businesses, find out how Lakeland measured up in last year’s rankings.
January 8, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An Avelo Aircraft sits on the tarmac with the word "Avelo" painted on its side
Travel and Outdoors
More Avelo flights, planes coming to LAL
Avelo Airlines announced plans for two additional aircraft at its Lakeland International Airport base, as well as more flights on its schedule.
January 7, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
FTW_hot_homes
Real Estate
Hot homes: 6 Fort Worth properties ahead of 2026 trends
This year, Zillow reports that homebuyers are playing with splashes of color, getting cozy, and looking for ultra-resilient homes.
January 7, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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