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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Rendering of the Arabella Two by Hulbert Homes, featuring a modern design with high-contrast black and white siding.
Real Estate
Find your dream house on the Spring Parade of Homes
Take a self-guided tour of these new construction homes Saturday, April 25-Sunday, April 26 + Saturday, May 2-Sunday, May 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
April 23, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A screenshot of the video feed from the City of Lakeland's Strategic Planning Retreat, showing city staff in a conference hall
City
Sit in on the City of Lakeland’s Strategic Planning Retreat
City commissioners and staff will meet to discuss long-term plans and departmental updates. Here’s how to join in person or online.
April 22, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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.
April 21, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Travel and Outdoors
Find flower power at gardens around Lakeland
Let your curiosity bloom at one of these nearby gardens with walking paths, historic trees, and family activities.
April 21, 2026
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
A smiling woman in an LAL cap and sunglasses takes a selfie by a bright, abstract sculpture at Lake Mirror.
Travel and Outdoors
Can we walk 100,000 steps around Lakeland?
Will we achieve this lofty goal? Lace up your sneakers and go for a walk with us.
April 20, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A shiny vintage silver camper trailer decorated with banners, lights, and a table setup is parked at Bonnet Springs Park at sunset.
Culture
Local bookstore owners present the Lakeland Book Crawl
Finding our next read and supporting local independent book sellers? We’re in.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Major Joshua Burress of the US Air Force Thunderbirds smiles next to his red, white, and blue aircraft wearing a blue flight suit
Events
US Air Force Thunderbirds have landed at SUN ‘n FUN
See this expert team of pilots at their airshow performances in Lakeland.
April 15, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The massive NASA Super Guppy transport plane stands open on a runway as visitors climb wooden stairs to tour the interior.
Events
What not to miss at SUN ‘n FUN
Take our word for it — these are the activities, exhibits, and stops we wouldn’t miss at Florida’s largest aerospace expo.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A crowd of people gathers in the shade of a large military aircraft's tail at an outdoor air show on a sunny day.
City
By the numbers: SUN ‘n FUN’s local impact
It’s more than just big planes and huge crowds. This aviation extravaganza raises funds for local aviation education — here’s how much.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lake Hollingsworth under gray skies and choppy waters during Hurricane Milton, with palm trees swaying and a dock partially submerged.
City
What Lakelanders should know about the 2026 hurricane season
Even with forecasters predicting less activity than normal in the Atlantic this year, here’s how you can start preparing for hurricane season in Lakeland.
April 9, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The Lakeland Flying Tigers mascot, Southpaw, leans against a railing looking out at a baseball field during a game.
Sports
Lakeland Flying Tigers share 2026 promotion schedule
The only thing better than a baseball game is when it comes with extra perks.
April 8, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A vibrant stage performance of "& Juliet" features a diverse cast in colorful costumes under bright purple spotlights.
Culture
Where to catch a Broadway show in Central Florida
See top performers on stage when they stop in Tampa + Orlando on Broadway national tours.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rotating gif featuring SEU's college of natural and health sciences and students in the Kinesiology program working with people on strength and physical therapy.
Sponsored
A day in the life as an SEU Kinesiology student
Sponsored by
An aerial view and three ground-level photos show the Crystal Lake boardwalk in a state of severe disrepair and damage.
City
Updates coming to the Crystal Lake neighborhood
Polk County plans to reconstruct the boardwalk over the lake and add a stoplight at a busy intersection near Southeastern University.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A white Starship delivery robot with six wheels sits on a campus sidewalk in front of a modern, ribbed white building.
City
Robots now delivering meals on Florida Polytechnic University’s campus
Students can now order food online, and an AI-powered food delivery robot will bring it directly to their location. Would you like to see this tech in another part of Lakeland?
April 6, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A timelapse photo of the exterior of the Polk Theater at night. The marquee sign is lit with blinking lights, and car lights streak by the front door.
Food
Enjoy dinner and a show around Lakeland this week
Let us plan your nightly entertainment with movies, live music, and stage shows, plus the perfect places to grab a bite.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An in-ground water meter painted with a water conservation message
City
What’s new under Polk County’s latest “extreme” water restrictions
In response to a statewide water shortage, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is enacting water restrictions for Polk County and surrounding areas.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An architectural rendering of the Barnett Family JA Discovery Center, featuring a modern exterior and an American flag.
City
Barnett Family Discovery Center bringing real-world learning to Lakeland
Polk County Public Schools just broke ground on Junior Achievement’s innovative new Discovery Center where students will get hands-on business experience.
April 1, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A person in black gloves sprays whipped cream onto a blueberry shortcake in a clear plastic container at a festival.
Events
Feast at these food festivals happening near Lakeland
When it comes to hyperspecific food festival themes, Central Florida has the recipe down pat.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A group of women, a dog, and a baby in a stroller pose together on a grassy bank overlooking a lake at sunset.
Wellness
How LKLD Girls Who Walk combines fitness and friendship
Get your steps in and find a sense of sisterhood with this group that meets weekly for walks along Lakeland’s most picturesque trails.
March 25, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2021-08-20 at 1.48.40 PM
City
Explore Lake Morton on the 21st Annual Historic Home & Garden Tour
Get a rare look inside some of Lakeland’s most historic homes on this walking tour of the Lake Morton neighborhood.
March 24, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A gated pool and palm tree within the Welcome Canary apartment complex courtyard.
Real Estate
How does renting in Lakeland compare to Polk County?
We’re diving into the average cost to rent in Lakeland compared to nearby cities.
March 23, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A swan statue covered in a mirrored mosaic sits among lush tropical foliage and bushes
Culture
Spot the Swan: Do you know where to find these in Lakeland?
Show off your Swan City smarts in a new game where you’ll guess the location of different swans in Lakeland. Be the quickest to guess correctly for a newsletter feature.
March 23, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Add a heading - 2022-05-11T105629.985
Culture
Where to make spring cleaning donations in Lakeland
If you’re feeling eager to clean out those closets, garages, and storage sheds, consider donating your gently used items to these community organizations making a difference in our city.
March 19, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Green bookshelves filled with popular contemporary novels and classic literature in a cozy bookstore display.
Business
Shop for books and antiques at The Bookish Flower
This new shop offers popular book releases, antique home goods, and the cutest shop dog who’s ready to cuddle up and read with you.
March 18, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A sign showing a vintage label for Moccasin Brand citrus with a drawing of a boot. Decorative oranges line the sign.
City
Your roadmap to the Polk County Citrus Label Tour
Take a bite out of the local citrus industry’s history with a self-guided tour of labels found around Polk County.
March 18, 2026
 · 
Kaylee Holland
L.J. Cason (#2) fights off another player for the ball during a basketball game.
Sports
Two players from Polk County compete in March Madness 2026
This year’s March Madness NCAA Tournament will feature experienced players from Lakeland and Winter Haven. Here’s when to catch their games.
March 17, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A brightly lit storefront for East of These, featuring large windows, a neon sign, and minimalist interior decor.
Business
East of These opens a new boutique in downtown Lakeland
There are now two places downtown to shop for East of These’s clothing, accessories, shoes, and gifts.
March 16, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of a modern, white and dark grey home on Lake Hancock with a private dock stretching into the water.
Real Estate
Mansion Monday: This Polk County listing is moving quickly
Is this your dream home? If so, make your offers before the upcoming deadline.
March 12, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A concrete pier juts out into the ocean at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
Beachy road trip destinations within three hours of Lakeland
We’re exploring a few of our reader recommendations for beachy road trips around Lakeland, Florida.
March 11, 2026
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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