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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City
Create your voting plan with these Lakeland election dates
Lakeland’s municipal election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 4. These are the dates, positions, and resources you need to know before you vote.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A colorful mural by Gillian Fazio featuring two swans forming a heart shape, surrounded by Florida oranges and blossoms.
Culture
Choose the names for these Lakeland newcomers
Before you go to the polls in November, submit your ideas to help choose the names for three new creatures — both real and artistic.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A wrestling photo where AEW star Big Bill (right) delivers a high kick to Juice Robinson (left) as a referee watches.
Sports
6 boot-stomping questions with AEW star Big Bill
All Elite Wrestling will bring AEW Collision to Lakeland’s RP Funding Center for the first time on Thursday, Oct. 2. We sat down with AEW star Big Bill to learn what you can expect if you’re new to the sport or a lifelong fan.
September 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-Mister-Fish-laltoday
City
Top Clicks: Here’s what you loved in LALtoday last month
We keep an eye on your clicks to make sure LALtoday is always filled with content you love.
September 30, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
An aerial view of the Lakeland International Airport terminal and parking lots
Travel and Outdoors
Parking fees loom at Lakeland International Airport
Starting Oct. 13, daily parking will cost you if you’re flying out of LAL. Here’s what you need to know.
September 29, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A decorative wooden frame covered with a variety of orange, white, and gray pumpkins, with a sign reading "FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE."
Culture
Fall fun around Lakeland: Corn mazes, pumpkin patches + haunted houses
Ring in the season with a trip to one of these fall-exclusive spots for the whole family.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A statue of the headless horseman on a black horse in front of the entrance to a "Legends of Halloween" haunted hayride.
Events
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail returns to Plant City
Halloween lovers and scaredy-cats alike will find something to enjoy at this popular Plant City attraction.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The one-story warehouse-style building with a white exterior, multiple large garage doors, and a parking lot that will be Baseline pickleball
Business
Baseline pickleball + dining concept coming to Lakeland’s East Main District
Hit the courts and grab a bite at this development, helmed by local entrepreneurs and pickleball fanatics.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland viewed from across Lake Mirror. Clouds in the sky cast shadows over the lake and the mix of high and medium-rise buildings, including the Lakeland Electric building.
City
By the numbers: Lakeland’s 2026 fiscal year budget
The City of Lakeland has finalized its 2026 budget before the next fiscal year begins — let’s take a look at the $815 million bottom line.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
What we “unfortunately do love” in Lakeland
From guilty pleasures to unexpected favorites, the “unfortunately do love” social media trend is taking over the internet — and we want your input.
September 18, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
Two pumpkin spice lattes in mugs on table with a pumpkin muffin
Food
Where to find all things pumpkin spice in Lakeland
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, there’s a pumpkin spice or fall-flavored treat for everyone in Lakeland to enjoy this fall.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of the Eaglebrooke Golf Course in Lakeland, FL. There is a green in the foreground and sand traps, water hazards, and trees in the background.
Experience
Tee it up at these Lakeland golf courses
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 13 golf courses in Lakeland are sure to make for a good round.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Cat George
Four runners sprint quickly on a track as a spectator watches from behind a fence. The runners are wearing athletic gear and competitor number bibs.
City
3 interesting facts from the Polk County Community Health Assessment
Polk Vision published the assessment in June 2025 after 18 months of data collection.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright, sunny photo of the Subs 'n Such restaurant sign, a local business with an old-fashioned feel.
Food
Dine on history at Lakeland’s oldest restaurants
Take a bite of Lakeland’s past at these restaurants that have stood the test of time.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a container of ice cream in front of a Publix Super Markets sign
Tourism and Hospitality
Celebrate your birthday with Lakeland deals and freebies
It’s your party and you’ll enjoy these deals if you want to.
September 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A green historical marker from the State of Florida detailing the history of the Acton Community on a grass lawn
City
Here’s your sign: Learn about Lakeland’s historical markers
Dive into how nearly a century and a half of history is kept alive with historical markers around town.
September 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A tray of In-N-Out Burger menu items — including two burgers and a fry basket.
Food
So close, but so far: Chains readers’ wish were in Columbia
Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?
September 11, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A photo of an Enhydritherium terraenovae fossil on display, a tall skeleton that looks like an otter.
Travel and Outdoors
Meet 5 prehistoric creatures who once roamed Polk County
Millions of years ago, marine animals, mammals, and reptiles called Florida home. Learn about five whose fossils have been found in the Bone Valley area of Polk County.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A common area with high ceilings, wall-sized windows, and a floating art installation with airy shapes overhead.
New to Lakeland
How to find a new doctor in Lakeland
This city boasts top-ranked medical providers and specialty services. Our comprehensive guide will help you find the care you need — whether you’re new to town or just looking around.
September 4, 2025
 · 
Victoria Bardega
The outside of a Spirit Halloween store, with a large banner of a grim reaper and cardboard cutouts of costumes in the windows.
4 Spirit Halloween stores come to the Lakeland area
The store finds vacant retail spaces and signs temporary leases to set up shop leading up to Halloween — but locations can change each year.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Interior of the Lakeland Public Library main branch with bookshelves
City
Lakeland library features you didn’t know existed
Check out a book, then check out these unique library features that cardholders can enjoy.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Events
Stack your calendar with monthly events around Lakeland
These events bring together your favorite vendors on the same day each month in nearby downtown areas and historic districts.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo of two burgers and fry platters from In-N-Out Burger.
Food
So close, but so far: Chain restaurants readers wish were in Indy
Sure, you could road trip to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?
August 25, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A large and small dog walk around the Frances Langford Promenade on Lake Mirror in Lakeland
Real Estate
Which dog breed are you based on your Lakeland neighborhood?
Just like each dog breed has its own personality, each community in Lakeland shines with unique characteristics. Which breed sounds most like you?
August 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A black-and-white photo of the Francis Beach Pavilion, a large two-story wooden building on stilts in a lake.
Culture
Look back on summer in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive the dog days of summer from years gone by.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo illustration of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, smiling in a red and blue plaid jacket, next to a photo of Taylor Swift.
Culture
Who said it: Mayor Bill Mutz or Taylor Swift?
Both are known for a good turn of phrase, but can you decipher which quotes came from Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz or Grammy winner Taylor Swift? Put your skills to the test.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A person holds up an iced coffee drink with a Dutch Bros logo, next to a blue drive-thru menu board.
Food
So close, but so far: Chains readers wish were in Lakeland
Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?
August 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The front entrance and hallway of a Sola Salons studio, with a wood-slat feature wall and a modern light fixture.
Business
Get a new look at Lakeside Village this summer
Change things up with a new outfit, facial, or hairstyle from these new businesses that recently opened in the open-air shopping center.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of Market Plaza in Lake Wales, with people walking on the brick and concrete paths surrounded by greenery.
City
Lake Wales is adding a social district — should Lakeland?
The city will be the first in Polk County to allow for open containers of alcohol to be enjoyed between businesses in its Arts, Culture and Entertainment District. Now, we want to know if Lakeland be next to add a social district.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright living room with white couches, a large circular chandelier, and a view of a lanai through sliding glass doors.
Real Estate
This Lakeland home combines contemporary style with country club living
Spend every day on the greens — if you can get yourself to leave the comfort of home.
August 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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