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.

3x3 basketball player Dylan Travis smiles in front of a USA flag wearing a Team USA basketball jersey.
Sports
7 questions with Dylan Travis, Team USA 3x3 basketball player
Meet an athlete who honed his craft as a student in Lakeland and is now representing the USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
July 26, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Posters showing illustrations of Avelo's new destinations sit on easels.
Travel and Outdoors
See Avelo Airlines’ 7 new destinations from Lakeland coming this fall
You can soon hop a flight from LAL to major cities in the south, New England, and even abroad.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior view of Mitchell's Coffee Shop in Lakeland, FL
Business
The 25-year history of Lakeland’s oldest coffee shop
Mitchell’s Coffee Shop has been serving up coffee and gourmet food since 1998. See what inspired the coffee shop’s founder to open the first shop of its kind in Lakeland 25 years ago.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A glass of beer on a wooden bar at Swan Brewing. In the background are beer taps and customers.
Culture
Local libations: A round-up of Lakeland-centric craft beers
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Lakeland nod there — these craft beers found around Swan City take local pride seriously.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Events
Get back to school ready at these events for students and teachers
It’s officially back to school season. Stock up on free supplies and educational resources for the 2024-2025 school year.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Dancers perform on a stage in front of a crowd at Art Crawl
New to Lakeland
Arts and culture guide for Lakeland
From comedy shows and Broadway tours to local organizations supporting Lakeland’s arts community, we’ve rounded up 19 places to get your arts and culture fix around Swan City.
July 19, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Snow falls around a lit Christmas tree at Lakeside Village
Events
Celebrate the holidays early with these Christmas in July events
Pro tip: Leave the ugly sweater at home and opt for flip flops instead.
July 18, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Performers pose on a stage at Lakeland Community Theatre
Culture
Support the arts with these local performances
Could your neighbor be the next big star?
July 17, 2024
 · 
Amelia Herring
An exterior of a historic home in Lakeland, viewed from the street. The house is painted dark blue with a pink front door, white porch railing, and white trim. Large green trees stand in front of the home.
Real Estate
Lakeland ranks No. 7 best city for first-time home buyers
Find out what put Lakeland at the top of a list of US cities when it came to buying your first home.
July 16, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds a bowl with six scoops of ice cream and three waffle cone cookies.
Food
Grab an Instagram-worthy ice cream from these shops near Lakeland
I scream, you scream, we all scream for — you get the point. Check out this list to find your perfect scoop, sandwich, sundae, or snowball.
July 10, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lakeland City Commissioners and city staff sit at desks arranged in a semi-circle in a budget workshop. Each has a name placard and a microphone at their seat.
City
Lakeland City Commission begins 2025 budget talks
Here’s what you need to know as the mayor, commissioners, and city staff determine the FY 2025 budget.
July 10, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2019-09-24 at 3.01.57 PM
Culture
Pick two options to create your Lakeland dream life
Choose wisely.
July 8, 2024
 · 
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.
Culture
Enter LALtoday’s 2024 Picture of the Year contest
Hit us with your best shot.
July 3, 2024
 · 
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.
City
Celebrate holidays safely in Swan City
Bringing out the fireworks? Here’s how the Lakeland Fire Department recommends staying safe during holiday seasons.
July 2, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A burst of Red, White & Kaboom fireworks shoot off from the lake; downtown Lakeland's skyline reflects on the lake
Events
Red, White & Kaboom returns: What you need to know
Fireworks, food trucks, live music, and more — here’s everything you need to know about this annual fireworks display on Lake Mirror.
June 28, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato, and pickles sits on a white plate with french fries on a wooden restaurant table. In the background is an American flag artwork hung on the wall.
Food
Chow down during the first Polk County Burger Week
Check out the list of participating eateries to find a burger deal near you July 19-28.
June 26, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
City
Lakeland Linder Airport seeks feedback on two proposed developments
We break down the plans and their impacts by the numbers.
June 26, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A gray and reddish egret lifts its wings as it steps through shallow water.
Culture
See “Wings, Wonders & Wonderscapes” at this Lakeland photographer’s exhibit
Photographer Andy Glogower will showcase his works in his first gallery exhibit at the Mulberry Cultural Center.
June 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners stand in front of a county seal inside the County Commission Boardroom.
City
What is the Polk County Board of County Commissioners?
Meet Polk’s five county commissioners — the officials who keep the county running.
June 20, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A collage of photos of three sculptures: A stick figure walking a dog, a large red horse, and a floating head surrounded by tangles of metal hair.
Culture
Take a walk of art at the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition
Browse 11 sculptures by artists from around the US and stay tuned to see which one will win the People’s Choice Award in this year’s sculpture competition.
June 18, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
A green Publix shopping basket filled with Florida's Natural orange juice, a loaf of Pepperidge Farm Swirl bread, and Goldfish crackers.
New to Lakeland
Made in Lakeland: Products manufactured in Swan City
From theme park ride parts to lottery tickets, there are some amazing things manufactured in Lakeland.
June 17, 2024
 · 
Victoria Bardega
Food
Where to grab a late-night bite in Lakeland
We know just where to go when those late-night cravings hit.
June 14, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Exterior of Florida's Capitol buildings in Tallahassee, FL
City
Polk County projects funded in Florida’s $116.5 billion state budget
The budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 includes funding for projects across Polk County — see which ones made the cut.
June 12, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A pint glass of beer with a Swan Brewing logo sits on a round tree cutting surrounded by potted plants.
Events
Celebrate dad with these Father’s Day events and deals
Don’t get your father figure another tie this year. Instead, treat dad to an experience at one of these local spots offering Father’s Day deals.
June 12, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Two shoppers purchasing goods from a market vendor's tent. The table is covered with stationery and tote bags.
Business
5 top markets to shop in Lakeland
Find handmade goods, tasty food and drink, or a unique piece of art at these community markets.
June 10, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-Polk-museum-of-art-classes-SEPT2022.jpeg
Culture
Be a lifelong learner with these classes for adults
Relive the camp days of your youth by learning something new at one of these local classes or workshops just for grownups.
June 10, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A pianist playing a grand piano onstage at a church at the Swan City Piano Festival
Events
Your guide to the Swan City Piano Festival
We’ve got the keys to everything you need to know about this annual piano festival with free events.
June 6, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Tall plants in pots sit inside a greenhouse at Sow Exotic nursery.
Business
Discover your green thumb at Sow Exotic
Learn how the team behind Sow Exotic grew it from a budding operation to a thriving plant nursery near Lakeland, and see how you can stock your own garden with its edible plants.
June 4, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A gated pool and palm tree within the Welcome Canary apartment complex courtyard.
Real Estate
Four new Lakeland apartments that will have you calling the movers
No matter what area of Lakeland you’re interested in moving to, there’s an apartment complex for you. Check out the amenities available at these new + coming soon properties.
May 29, 2024
 · 
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.
May 23, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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