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.

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
 · 
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
 · 
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
Add a heading (95)
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
Cloudy sky over downtown Lakeland, FL streets and businesses
Culture
Winter 2024 weather forecast for Lakeland
Prepare for winter weather in Lakeland, FL with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
November 29, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
 · 
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
 · 
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
Lakeland Economic Development Council members sit and listen to a panel of members at Catapult
Business
Lakeland Economic Development Council celebrates 40 years
The LEDC has been a major driver in Lakeland’s economy since 1984 — but what is it, and how does it affect daily life?
November 13, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the historic Old Polk County Courthouse entrance with a dome and high columns.
City
What do you want Polk County to look like in 2050?
You can help direct Polk County’s future for the next 25 years by leaving your thoughts on the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "LALtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
LALtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
The Wish Farms stage at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds
Culture
The stage is set: Florida Strawberry Festival’s 2025 entertainers
See who will take the stage in Plant City when the festival returns in February 2025.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Business
How to start a business in Lakeland
You have a good idea — now the fun begins.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Business
What’s open + closed on Thanksgiving in Lakeland
Find out where you can go on Thanksgiving Day, what’s closed this year, and where to find Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Books
Culture
Literature with Lakelanders: Join these local book clubs and storytimes
Find a love of literature at these reading programs for all ages.
November 6, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
New to Lakeland
Get your head in the game: Lakeland’s sports team guide
Swan City is home to minor league + semi-pro sports teams that bring major excitement.
November 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
City Editor Amelia and a friend pose with their paintings at Painting with a Twist
Business
Get crafty at these Lakeland creative spots
Flex your artistic muscles or let the experts lead you step by step through crafting classes.
November 5, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
marble arcade
City
What’s that Lakeland landmark named after?
We’ve all wondered about the names behind some of our local parks and places of interest. Pull back the curtain on the history behind their monikers.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Exterior view of The Joinery decorated with fake skeletons climbing the walls
Culture
Lakeland’s most haunting Halloween stories
Get into the Halloween spirit with these terrifying tales from around Central Florida.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Food
Where to grab a late-night bite in Lakeland
Sometimes you get the munchies late at night, so we’re helping out with a list of spots that stay open late around Lakeland.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Glow in the dark axes and targets at Ax Caliber
Culture
Six ways to spend an hour in Lakeland
Get active, learn something, or treat yourself — here’s how you can make the most of just one hour around Lakeland.
October 29, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A letter sign outside Andrew's Coffee at night reading "Creepy doll fall, coming soon."
Food
Fall + Halloween seasonal menus have arrived in Lakeland
Cozy new food + drink options are warming up at eateries around Swan City. Try these seasonal menus before they’re gone.
October 28, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Load More