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 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
A rendering of a design concept for the South Florida Avenue road reconstruction project
City
Lakeland, FDOT moving forward with Dixieland road project funding
Here’s what the City of Lakeland will be responsible for and when Lakelanders can expect the next steps in the process to reconstruct part of South Florida Avenue.
February 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The introduction to the exhibit "From the Groves: Lakeland's Citrus Story"
City
From the Groves: Lakeland History & Culture Center’s new citrus exhibit
Take a peek inside this newly refreshed, citrus-themed exhibit that’s now open daily inside the Lakeland Public Library.
January 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Road signs marking closures and detours on Lake Hollingsworth Boulevard
City
Full speed ahead: Prepare for Lakeland road projects
Never get caught in an unexpected detour again with these city, county, and state resources detailing local road projects + closures.
January 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Shops in downtown Mount Dora with plants and painted walls
Travel and Outdoors
The ultimate road trip to Mount Dora, FL
Hit the road and head to Mount Dora — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
January 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering of the exterior of Orlando Health's future Lakeland Highlands Hospital
Wellness
New developments coming to Lakeland’s healthcare scene
These local healthcare developments and programs will have you getting well soon. Read on to see what’s planned for a spot near you.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A mint julep served in a metal glass topped with a lime and mint
Food
Sip on these 6 drink trends around Lakeland
How trendy are your tastebuds? Put them to the test with these drinks that are sure to take off in 2025.
January 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-202-lenox-st-outside-home-JAN2025.png
Real Estate
Hot homes: 5 Lakeland properties ahead of the 2025 trends
This year, Zillow reports that homebuyers are getting cozy, feeling nostalgic, and looking for resilient homes.
January 22, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Runners take off at a starting line in a road race.
Wellness
Pound the pavement with Lakeland’s running and walking clubs
Lace up your most comfortable sneakers to go running or walking — plus, meet new friends.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large mural with two swans, their reflections, plants, and the name "Lakeland"
Culture
Our readers’ 2025 predictions for Lakeland
Look into your crystal ball — what do you think will happen in Lakeland this year?
January 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the AGB Museum of Art's new expansion wing, which features high glass walls and a stone facade
Business
8 additions you can’t miss at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
The AGB will reveal its new expansion to the public on Jan. 18. Here’s what Museum Director Dr. Alexander Rich says you can’t miss — plus a few editors’ picks.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A group in Star Wars costumes posing with R2-D2
Events
Get nerdy with it at Central Florida Comic Con
Prep for the convention with events, guests, and exhibitions we wouldn’t miss.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-Greater-Lakeland-Bonnet-Springs-BTS-JAN2025.png
Sponsored
Go off the rails in the next episode of “Greater Lakeland”
Don’t miss the next episode of “Greater Lakeland” on WEDU PBS to find out how Bonnet Springs Park transformed from a rail yard into one of Florida’s top outdoor destinations.
Sponsored by
274511277_323134923174770_1365235153800087981_n
Real Estate
5 developments we’re anticipating in 2025
From retail to entertainment, there’s always something new popping up around Lakeland. Get ready for these new developments we have our eye on this year.
January 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A sign featuring Martin Luther King Jr. hangs on a fire truck during a parade
Events
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy in Lakeland
Remember the civil rights activist’s life and legacy with these free, family-friendly events.
January 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Load More