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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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
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.
March 11, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A modern bathroom with gold palm leaf wallpaper, a round yellow mirror, a white floating sink, and a soft pink door.
Culture
Which Lakeland business has the best restroom?
Tell us which Lakeland lavatory you love the most.
March 10, 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.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A palm tree stands on the white sand beach before a blue ocean.
Travel and Outdoors
Spring break: Travel away or stay and play around Lakeland
Are you taking a vacation this spring break or planning to make the most of the week at home? Whatever you’re up to, we have you covered with spring break ideas in and around Lakeland.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of Sora Eatery in Lakeland International Airport.
Food
Sora Eatery is now boarding at Lakeland International Airport
The new restaurant at LAL is nearly ready to open its doors, and we got a sneak peek of what Lakelanders (and visitors) can expect.
March 2, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
House 1
City
Nextdoor names Lakeland’s friendliest neighborhoods of 2026
Did your neighborhood make the list?
February 26, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A 70-ft mural with a colorful, technological design
Travel and Outdoors
Barbecue, beer, and brushstrokes: Explore Polk with Visit Central Florida’s passes
Be a tourist in your own hometown with three passes that give you prizes in return for check-ins.
February 24, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A line of people outside a green building with a pink neon "Grievous Angel" sign and outdoor picnic table seating.
Food
What we ordered at Grievous Angel, downtown Lakeland’s new burger joint
Burgers, beignets, and beverages — find out what’s on the menu at this new restaurant from the owners of LoveBird.
February 23, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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 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 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
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