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
A rendering showing a black and white home with a modern butterfly roof design
Real Estate
Look inside three new modern homes in Lakeland
We visited the construction site of three uniques homes in Lakeland’s Paul A. Diggs neighborhood to learn about the inspiration behind their design.
July 12, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A painted rendering of a plaza at night with a fountain in the center of a large walkway surrounded by four-story buildings
City
Shape the future of the Downtown West redevelopment
Share your thoughts on the CRA’s newest project to be a part of the Downtown West redevelopment.
July 10, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three colorful cocktails sitting on a bar
Food
We tried July’s Cocktails for Charity at The Back Nine
A dollar from the sale of these cocktails will be donated to a different charity each month.
July 6, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An unfinished digital jigsaw puzzle of the Red, Whit & Kaboom event in Lakeland, FL
Events
How fast can you solve this Red, White & Kaboom puzzle?
We’ve given you all the pieces you need for a challenge.
June 30, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Many people sitting on towels on a beach facing the sea at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
What’s in our beach bag this summer
Heading out on a beach trip? Fill your bag with our favorite items from Six & Main to bring Lakeland with you wherever you go.
June 22, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A group of young professionals laugh, talk, and drink beer at a long table outside. A sign reading "emerge" is visible in the background.
New to Lakeland
Excellent places to network in Lakeland
Need a new job or new connections for professional development? Try one of these networking opportunities in Lakeland to take the next step in your career.
June 21, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A latte from Hillcrest Coffee
Food
LALtoday is hosting Drink Up Month in July to celebrate local beverages and beverage makers
Throughout the month of July, LALtoday will be sharing content celebrating the beverage industry in the Lakeland community.
June 14, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lake Mirror at sunset in Lakeland, FL
City
How do Polk County residents rate their quality of life?
The results are in from the United Community Needs Assessment — see how Polk residents rate their quality of life in different categories.
June 12, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright blue ocean on a sunny day spreads before a mountain range in the distance.
New to Lakeland
Lakeland’s 5 sister cities will surprise and inspire you
Our guide may even make you want to grab your passport and head for our sister cities in Japan or Jamaica.
June 7, 2023
 · 
Kaylee Holland
A hand holding an open book with the Blanton Family Lagoon at Bonnet Springs Park in the background
Culture
All Together Now: Join the Lakeland Public Library’s summer reading programs
This year’s summer reading program theme is “All Together Now,” highlighting community and kindness for all ages.
May 31, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Exterior of a historic home in the Lake Morton neighborhood with green trim, landscaping, and purple and pink flowers lining the yard.
City
How to do good in your neighborhood
Did you know that our city has around 100 vibrant and diverse neighborhoods? Try these ways to do some good in your ‘hood.
May 25, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lakeland Storefront (1) copy
City
All Publix GreenWise Market locations to become traditional Publix Super Markets
A timeline for closing the eight Publix GreenWise Market stores — including one in Lakeland — is yet to be announced.
May 19, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior aerial view of the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, FL
Business
What’s next for the RP Funding Center?
With news of the Lakeland Magic, Florida Tropics, and the RP Funding Center’s executive director leaving, we’re putting you in the director’s seat.
May 17, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
James_Henry_House,_St_Petersburg_01.jpeg
History
Celebrate Historic Preservation Month in Tampa Bay, FL
Learn how to research and preserve your family and home’s history.
May 16, 2023
 · 
Bailey LeFever
"Red Bear" metal sculpture on Lemon Street in Downtown Lakeland
Tourism and Hospitality
Stroll through Lakeland’s newest sculptures
These 11 sculptures will be on display through the end of 2023.
May 10, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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
Load More