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.

The introduction to the exhibit "From the Groves: Lakeland's Citrus Story"
City
From the Groves: Lakeland History & Culture Center’s new citrus exhibit
Take a peek inside this newly refreshed, citrus-themed exhibit that’s now open daily inside the Lakeland Public Library.
January 30, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
Road signs marking closures and detours on Lake Hollingsworth Boulevard
City
Full speed ahead: Prepare for Lakeland road projects
Never get caught in an unexpected detour again with these city, county, and state resources detailing local road projects + closures.
January 28, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
Shops in downtown Mount Dora with plants and painted walls
Travel and Outdoors
The ultimate road trip to Mount Dora, FL
Hit the road and head to Mount Dora — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
January 28, 2025
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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.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A mint julep served in a metal glass topped with a lime and mint
Food
Sip on these 6 drink trends around Lakeland
How trendy are your tastebuds? Put them to the test with these drinks that are sure to take off in 2025.
January 24, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
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Real Estate
Hot homes: 5 Lakeland properties ahead of the 2025 trends
This year, Zillow reports that homebuyers are getting cozy, feeling nostalgic, and looking for resilient homes.
January 22, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
Runners take off at a starting line in a road race.
Wellness
Pound the pavement with Lakeland’s running and walking clubs
Lace up your most comfortable sneakers to go running or walking — plus, meet new friends.
January 17, 2025
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Connor Jacobson
A large mural with two swans, their reflections, plants, and the name "Lakeland"
Culture
Our readers’ 2025 predictions for Lakeland
Look into your crystal ball — what do you think will happen in Lakeland this year?
January 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the AGB Museum of Art's new expansion wing, which features high glass walls and a stone facade
Business
8 additions you can’t miss at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
The AGB will reveal its new expansion to the public on Jan. 18. Here’s what Museum Director Dr. Alexander Rich says you can’t miss — plus a few editors’ picks.
January 14, 2025
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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 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-Greater-Lakeland-Bonnet-Springs-BTS-JAN2025.png
Sponsored
Go off the rails in the next episode of “Greater Lakeland”
Don’t miss the next episode of “Greater Lakeland” on WEDU PBS to find out how Bonnet Springs Park transformed from a rail yard into one of Florida’s top outdoor destinations.
Sponsored by
A hand holding a paper cup that reads "Ethos Roasters" on the sleeve
Food
Asked: What coffee blend would Lakeland be?
We want your caffeine concepts for a coffee blend that represents Swan City.
January 10, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Real Estate
5 developments we’re anticipating in 2025
From retail to entertainment, there’s always something new popping up around Lakeland. Get ready for these new developments we have our eye on this year.
January 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A sign featuring Martin Luther King Jr. hangs on a fire truck during a parade
Events
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy in Lakeland
Remember the civil rights activist’s life and legacy with these free, family-friendly events.
January 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Cloudy sky over downtown Lakeland, FL streets and businesses
Culture
Winter 2025 weather forecast for Lakeland
Prepare for winter weather in Lakeland, FL with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
January 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A light-up Santa and his reindeer overlook downtown Lakeland
City
What to know in Lakeland during the 2024 holiday season
From city office closures to the final days for enjoying holiday attractions, here’s what you can expect during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
December 19, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Hands toasting two cocktails from a rooftop bar with a sunset view
Food
Top 10 food + drinks we tried in Lakeland this year
These are the bites and bevs we’re still thinking about from 2024.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Four holiday-themed cocktails sitting on a bar at The Brass Tap
Food
Find holiday drinks at these Lakeland pop-up bars
Have a cup of cheer at these limited-time bar experiences with themed drinks + decor.
December 12, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
A postcard of the former "New Community Tourist Center Building in Lakeland, Fla." held in front of the current Magnolia Building
City
Read what this Lakeland visitor had to say in 1953
We found a postcard from more than 70 years ago — it turns out, not much has changed.
December 9, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
Shoppers at vendor tents set up on downtown street
Business
Become a vendor at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Want to set up shop at the farmers curb market? Read these tips before submitting your application.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A side-by-side image showing an old lakeshore view of Lake Morton next to a current one.
City
How Lakeland has changed: Then and now in photos
We dug through Florida’s archived photos and postcards to see how much Lakeland has changed since it was first founded in 1885 — you might be surprised.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Real Estate
Remember when these buildings were Publix supermarkets?
Publix has made its mark on Lakeland, from its economy to its architecture. Find out what these former buildings are today.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A Christmas ornament with two swans forming a pink heart shape
Culture
Trim the tree with these Lakeland-themed ornaments
Decking the halls has never been easier — or more swan-filled.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Black and Brew's winter menu is on two chalkboards. Next to it is a decorated Christmas tree and a mural that says "your anytime place."
Food
Grab a cup of cheer with these holiday treats around Lakeland
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, try these festive bevs + bites for the holiday season.
December 2, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A line of cars in traffic where an I-4 widening project will soon begin. A grassy median sits between the east and westbound lanes.
City
What Lakelanders should know about the I-4 widening project
Learn the details of Polk County’s I-4 widening and interchange projects starting in 2024.
November 25, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
Light-up swans on the shore of Lake Morton at night.
Real Estate
Lakeland’s best neighborhoods for holiday decorations
Where can we find the best lights this season?
November 21, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
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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
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