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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Muralist Samara Ash spray paints a large mural featuring the profile of a Florida panther on a wall using a lift.
Culture
Wild new mural to be unveiled at the RP Funding Center
The mural is a collaboration between the Lakeland CRA and the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation.
April 4, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An LALtoday city editor steps into a passenger plane wearing an LAL hat.
Events
What not to miss at SUN ‘n FUN
Take our word for it — these are the activities, exhibits, and stops we wouldn’t miss at Florida’s largest aerospace expo.
April 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds a phone with a "Lucky Lakeland Treasure Hunt" app loaded in front of the Munn Park entryway and sign
Culture
Are those Lakeland scavenger hunts real? We found out
If you’ve seen a digital scavenger hunt listed online and wondered if it was worth the money, we took one for you to see if you should try one for yourself.
March 31, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Pink and purple skies are reflected on the surface of this lake, and a fountain, lily pads, and ducklings are also present.
Travel and Outdoors
Dip your toes into the Polk County Water Atlas
Use this online resource to check water health, water levels, upcoming events, and more.
March 31, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Bright Ice Cream shop in Lakeland with a red "Opening Soon!" banner, outdoor seating, and a sunny sky along a busy street.
Food
Bright Ice opening its next scoop shop in Lakeland
Get the inside scoop on Bright Ice’s fifth location before it opens its doors in Dixieland on Friday, March 28.
March 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The entrance of the Project Prom store, with racks of formalwear inside and volunteers assisting shoppers in a bright, welcoming space.
Business
Project Prom: Helping Polk students celebrate safely
Find out how students can get free formal wear by signing the Project Prom pledge to stay sober.
March 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A medical professional operates an ION robotic-assisted technology system at Lakeland Regional Health, using a console for precision control.
Business
The latest and greatest technology being used in Lakeland
As Lakeland’s high-tech sector continues to grow, check out a few advancements in technology that are being used and developed in the local health, agriculture, and transportation fields.
March 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A cut-out graphic of four characters from the TV show "Severance" overlaid with a photo of Lake Mirror in Lakeland, FL at dusk.
Culture
What ‘Severance’ characters would get up to in Lakeland
We’re coming up with fan theories of our own for the characters of the show “Severance” — are you innie or outie?
March 19, 2025
 · 
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 to these community organizations.
March 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Cobb Theater in Lakeland, FL, glowing with neon lights at dusk, featuring an IMAX sign and a vibrant, colorful entrance.
Culture
These Lakeland spots are ‘where our lore began’
Hop on the trend and share your local lore — the pivotal moments that made you feel like a true Lakelander.
March 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Lights surrounding Lake Mirror at night time in Lakeland, FL
Culture
Where we would take local celebrities around Lakeland
Before they made it big, many local celebrities called Lakeland home. If we were their hometown tour guides, this is where we’d bring them.
March 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of a red brick home with gray shingles, two chimneys, four dormers, and an arched entryway with two small columns.
Real Estate
Hot Homes: 5 Nashville area properties leaning into 2025 trends
This year, Zillow reports that homebuyers are getting cozy, feeling nostalgic, and looking for resilient homes.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Skylar Webb
Twin modern homes on West 14th Street, Lakeland, FL, featuring angular roofs, black-and-white exteriors, and sleek design.
Real Estate
Tour Lakeland’s newest modern homes inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright
These unique, modern homes are hitting the market — just look for the butterfly roofs.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering of the exterior of the new Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital. The building has several stories and a large glass wall facing the front entrance.
City
Orlando Health and Watson Clinic team up for Lakeland hospital
The healthcare organizations are collaborating to design the new south Lakeland hospital and plan its health services before it opens in 2026.
March 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A collage of four photos showing a mural with painted oranges and blue flowers, two boxes with pizza slices and garlic knots, a plate of sushi, and an iced latte topped with sprinkles
Culture
These bracket winners are the best of Lakeland
Readers have chosen their top mural, pizza, sushi, and coffee over the years — did your favorite win?
March 7, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Fabric Warehouse's sign next to a painted swan statue holding a swath of fabric
Business
Create something amazing with these Lakeland-area craft stores
Go on, get crafty — these locally owned shops are here to help with supplies + materials.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A gif showing five screen captures from episodes of "Greater Lakeland"
Culture
See Lakeland on screen at WEDU PBS’ “Greater Lakeland” premiere
Swan City will join the walk of fame for a night as all five “Greater Lakeland” episodes are screened at the Silver Moon Drive-In.
March 5, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior photo of Lakeland Linder International Airport with three flags and palm trees blowing in the wind.
City
Parking upgrades approved for Lakeland International Airport
City officials gave the greenlight to several new parking lot changes. The biggest? Parking will soon no longer be free.
March 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Events
Celebrate Mardi Gras with these Lakeland events
If you’ve got the need for beads, here’s where to find them around Swan City.
March 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A small indoor booth at a festival with a flower bar and a neon sign reading "The Petal Co."
Events
Find Lakeland’s local vendors at the Florida Strawberry Festival
Support local or try something new from out of town at this festival running Feb. 27-March 9 in Plant City.
February 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Florida Polytechnic University's Innovation, Science, and Technological Building in Lakeland, FL.
New to Lakeland
See why Lakeland is a hub for smart, talented people
With five local colleges calling Lakeland home, it’s no surprise this city is a smart place to live.
February 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy and student Aaron Taher hold a $25,000 check
Business
Southeastern University student wins $25,000 scholarship from Chick-fil-A
Commercial music major Aaron Taher was surprised with the award by Chick-fil-A’s CEO, Andrew T. Cathy.
February 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An indoor pickleball facility with high ceilings and several small courts in fences
Sports
New indoor pickleball facilities planned for Lakeland
If you can’t stand the heat, get into the kitchen at these forthcoming spots just for playing pickleball.
February 20, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A swan statue with a blue and yellow swirl design
Culture
Swansation: The story of Lakeland’s swan statues
Learn the history behind the iconic swan statues found around Lakeland.
February 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Sports
Bowl, dance, run, and volunteer at the Polk Senior Games
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
February 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large pink trumpet tree blooms across a yard and street in Lakeland.
Travel and Outdoors
Trumpet trees are blooming again in Lakeland
Learn where these brightly colored trumpet trees come from, when they blossom, and how to take care of one in your own backyard.
February 17, 2025
 · 
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 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a paper cup that reads "Ethos Roasters" on the sleeve
Food
Answered: What coffee blend would Lakeland be?
Brew a cup and read up on your caffeine concepts for a coffee blend that represents Swan City.
February 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A historic home with striped awnings and a gable roof
Real Estate
What makes a Lakeland home historic?
There are both benefits and strict guidelines for homes in Lakeland’s seven historic districts. Does your home make the cut?
February 7, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Boxes of strawberries
Business
Take your pick at these U-pick farms near Lakeland
Strawberries, citrus, and sunflowers await at these U-pick spots where you’ll harvest your own bounty.
February 5, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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