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.

Support Good Local News
An iced latte, blueberry muffin, and laptop sit on a table at the Unfiltered coffee shop in Lakeland, FL
Food
We tried a vanilla latte at 5 Lakeland coffee shops
Here are our superlatives for the six cups of joe we tried at a few of our favorite coffee shops and cafes.
May 9, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Interior of the Lakeland Public Library main branch with bookshelves
Culture
Lakeland Public Library’s Author Talk series
Learn from bestselling writers in these virtual Author Talk discussions.
May 9, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Bonnet_Springs_Park_Crenshaw_Canopy_Walk
Wellness
How to focus on your mental health in Lakeland
This year’s Mental Health Awareness theme is “Look Around, Look Within.”
May 3, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A group in Star Wars costumes posing with R2-D2
Events
May the Fourth be with you at these local events
Here’s where to celebrate your love of “Star Wars” this week.
May 1, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
downtown-lakeland
Small Business
Shop from these Lakeland businesses during National Small Business Week
Support your neighbors by shopping at these locally-owned businesses — from retail to services, dining, and more.
April 27, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Hands holding bowls of food in front of a line of customers and pink menu signs behind the counter.
Food
What we tried at Fresh Kitchen’s new Lakeland location
The fast casual restaurant opens Tuesday, April 18 at 4520 S. Florida Ave.
April 18, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A white fountain moves water from pool to pool, framed by palm trees.
Culture
Lakeland is in its Eras era
We’ve matched some of Taylor Swift’s lyrics to our favorite local sites and stories.
April 11, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A table spread at Fire Hotpot & Korean BBQ with pots of broth
Food
Become Lakeland’s next hotpot expert
Save these pro tips from local food influencers.
April 5, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-mural-in-progress-quick-print-express-APR2023.png
Arts
Asked: Where would you put Lakeland’s next mural?
Where do you think an artist should pull out a paintbrush next?
April 3, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2022-04-04 at 12.56.20 PM
Events
Hop to these Easter Bunny photo ops in Lakeland
Bring your camera (and maybe a carrot) to these meet and greets.
April 3, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A search bar saying "Meet Lakeland movers and shakers" over a scenic lake background
Culture
LALtoday Q+A series
We’ve loved sitting down with Lakeland’s movers and shakers — from noted artists and muralists to members of the LEDC and small business community. Find their full interviews linked below.
March 28, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A graphic that says "Lakeland Pizza Bracket"
Food
LALtoday pizza bracket
We’re looking for Lakeland’s favorite pizza place.
March 28, 2023
 · 
Katie Smith
Electric vehicle charging station in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
Charge up at these electric vehicle charging stations
Never run out of juice again with these nine charging stations around Lakeland.
March 22, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Interior of Lakeland City Hall Commission Chamber
Government
City approves affordable housing zoning code changes
Qualifying developers will now be able to build in industrial and commercial zones with a faster approval process.
March 22, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Exterior view of the Polk County Government Center offices
City
Meet the Polk County Clerk of Courts
It’s more than jury duty — find out everything the Clerk’s office does to keep public records and funds safe.
March 20, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
295662101_599621021554297_6611084415830356912_n (1).jpg
City
Here’s how to join St. Pete’s boards and committees
Create the city you want to live in by applying to serve in these volunteer roles.
March 17, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Two kids on a walking path at Bonnet Springs Park
Culture
Plan ahead for spring break with these day camps
Find out where to take the kids for spring break from March 13-17.
March 10, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A vintage postcard with an illustration of Downtown Lakeland and Lake Mirror from an aerial view
Culture
Answered: Which day in Lakeland’s history would you relive?
Which day would you go back to again and again?
March 2, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The Southside Cleaners sign reading "Stay Tuned"
Culture
Here’s your sign: The Southside Cleaners sign returns
Our readers share their ideas for the iconic sign’s next message.
February 28, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The Mexico City Capitanes play against the Lakeland Magic.
Sports
See the Lakeland Magic at these upcoming games
Cheer on the G League basketball team and enjoy free promotions this month.
February 28, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-unfiltered-exterior-FEB2023.JPG
Business
No filter: See inside the new Unfiltered Lakeland
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the coffee shop and artisan marketplace before it opens.
February 22, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering of the Prospect Lake Wire mixed-use development
City
New development to break ground near Lake Wire
Atlanta-based real estate company Carter has acquired 22 acres of land on Lake Wire in West Downtown Lakeland for a new mixed-use development near the RP Funding Center.
February 9, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
LAL-lake-mirror-picnic-date-FEB2020
Culture
Let’s make a date: Plan a unique date in Polk County
Celebrate love with these ideas around Polk County during Valentine’s Day, your next anniversary, birthday, or just any special day.
February 6, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Members of the Lakeland Opera rehearse a performance onstage with props
Culture
The Lakeland Opera presents “Cavalleria Rusticana”
Get a taste of culture with the debut of the Lakeland Opera Professional Chorus.
January 17, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
NOOGAtoday: black cat
Culture
Celebrate Friday the 13th in Chattanooga
Whether you like to spend it getting inked or getting scared, there are several ways to celebrate Friday the 13th locally.
January 12, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An in-ground water meter painted with a water conservation message
Culture
Street art brings awareness to water conservation
Look out — or should we say, down — for these new art pieces downtown.
January 5, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
DOU Bakehouse's pastry chef poses with an entremet pastry
Food
Behind the scenes of DOU Bakehouse
Meet the pastry chef behind Lakeland’s European-style bakery.
January 5, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lakeland City Hall sign in grass and flowers in front of building
City
Get involved with Lakeland’s upcoming changes
With so many updates on the horizon, how can you be active in your community?
January 3, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Light-up swans on the shore of Lake Morton at night.
Culture
Taking a break
We’ll be back Tuesday, Jan. 3.
December 22, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2019-02-07 at 12.31.04 PM
City
15 fun facts about Lakeland
What makes Lakeland the Swan City, and who built all of that Frank Lloyd Wright architecture? If you want to sound like a local or just brush up on your knowledge of Lakeland’s iconic and quirky history, this is for you.
December 22, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Load More