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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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
Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Devin Stephenson poses with the school's Phoenix mascot.
City
Meet Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Polytechnic University President
Get to know the school + its new president, his goals for the institution, and the most surprising thing about being a new Lakelander.
October 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A map showing which streets are open and closed during Lake Bonny flood mitigation
City
Relief coming for flooded Lake Bonny residents
The City of Lakeland is enacting a plan to pump out water, mitigating flooding for those living around Lake Bonny in east Lakeland.
October 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds a starfruit pastry in front of a paper bag with "Bandidas" written on it.
Food
Eat down the street: Edgewood Drive restaurants
Discover one of Lakeland’s hidden gems or try a local favorite restaurant for the first time on the next street in this series.
October 22, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the RP Funding Center, viewed from in front of rose bushes.
Culture
Celebrating 50 years of the RP Funding Center
With this local event venue reaching the 50-year mark, we’re looking back on the biggest acts to visit the RP Funding Center.
October 16, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL_hurricanemilton_OCT2024
City
Help others (or get help) after Hurricane Milton
Whether you’re able to volunteer or need assistance, check out these resources available around Lakeland for those who need help recovering from the storm.
October 14, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An Amazon Prime Air cargo plane taxis on a runway
Business
Lakeland International Airport’s cargo shipping reaches new heights
Lakeland Linder International Airport recently ranked above several airports in major cities when it came to cargo shipping volume.
October 14, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The Frances Langford Promenade flooded by waters from Lake Mirror.
City
Hurricane Milton’s impact on Lakeland
By the numbers, here’s how Hurricane Milton left its mark across Central Florida.
October 10, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hurricane model showing the projected path of Hurricane Milton.
City
Polk County prepares for Hurricane Milton
The storm is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Palm trees blowing in hard wind in the foreground, with a dark cloudy sky and the Summit Building in downtown Lakeland in the background.
City
Stay connected during Hurricane Milton
Don’t miss a local update when a major storm hits. Bookmark these resources to stay informed during Hurricane Milton.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a smartphone showing a sculpture Lakeland's downtown public art trail. The real sculpture is seen in the background.
Culture
Virtual fun you can have at home
When stormy weather rolls in, the fun at home rolls out. Throw on your coziest digs and explore Lakeland from the comfort of your couch.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Portland Old Town's waterfront has a dim golden glow of an early winter sunset.
Culture
Pick two of these options for your Portland dream life
We posed this question to our Instagram followers, now it’s your turn.
October 4, 2024
 · 
Ben McBee
The entrance to the Silver Moon Drive-In with two neon signs and movie time signage.
Events
Silver screen scares: Catch the Silver Moon Drive-In’s Halloween movie marathon
This fall tradition returns with a fresh slate of movies both new and old.
September 30, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The cast of Disney on Ice's "Encanto" pose in costume on the ice in front of a colorful house backdrop.
Events
Meet a performer before Disney on Ice comes to Lakeland
We sat down with one of the show’s ice skaters to learn what it’s like to be part of the magic as the cast rehearses in Lakeland at the RP Funding Center.
September 30, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A Polk County Waste & Recycling truck drives on a one-lane road surrounded by grass and trees
City
Polk County will end curbside recycling pickup service in October
Get your recycling questions answered, from what will change to how you can still get your recyclables picked up.
September 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three rattan and leather bags from the small business boutique Monkee's of Lakeland
Business
Small business, big style: Boutiques and gift shops in Lakeland
Find a new outfit or the perfect gift for a friend at these locally owned small businesses.
September 23, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large tree covered in jack-o-lanterns and lit with red lighting.
Experience
Fall fun in and around Lakeland
Check out fall and Halloween-themed events happening in and around Lakeland in this seasonal guide.
September 20, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior view of the Polk County Administration Building. A sign sits outside the front walkway, along with flagpoles and small trees.
City
Polk’s $2.985 billion budget by the numbers
Here’s what Lakelanders should know about Polk County’s newly approved budget.
September 18, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a smartphone showing a sculpture Lakeland's downtown public art trail. The real sculpture is seen in the background.
Culture
Discover downtown Lakeland’s public art (from your phone)
Use this new digital resource from the City of Lakeland to find murals, sculptures, and more public art downtown.
September 12, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A rendering of an indoor/outdoor venue with large windowed walls, green space, and walkways
City
Lakeland CRA proposes new developments for the Mass Market area
See what could come to the nine blocks that make up Mass Market within Lakeland’s Midtown redevelopment district.
September 10, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-lakeland-downtown-skyline
City
Answering the most common questions about Lakeland life
Learn who’s in charge of city decisions, how to grow your business, and how to get involved.
September 4, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior entrance of S&L Restaurant in Lakeland. Signs painted on the building read, "Warning! Our burgers are habit forming!"
Food
Eat down the street: Combee Road restaurants
Discover a hidden gem or try a local favorite restaurant for the first time in this series.
August 29, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the former Sears store entrance. The Sears logo is faded into the building, and a "For Lease" sign is up.
Real Estate
What do you want to see in the former Sears building?
After plans for apartments fell to the back burner, owners are on the hunt for businesses interested in leasing the space.
August 23, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial shot of Southeastern University's football field and stands. SEU is painted in the center of the field, and the Fire logo is in the endzones.
Sports
Go, fight, win: A rookie’s guide to supporting Lakeland sports teams
Supporting a student athlete in your family or just taking yourself out to the ballgame? We’ll tell you what to wear and who to cheer for.
August 21, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The exterior of one of Prospect Lake Wire's four-story apartment buildings
Real Estate
Look inside Prospect Lake Wire, Lakeland’s newest mixed-use development opening this fall
Learn how the luxury apartments and retail space at Prospect Lake Wire will factor into the city’s Downtown West Action Plan.
August 21, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
WStoday: Winston-Salem skyline
City
Answered: WStoday readers pick two options to create their Winston-Salem dream life
Although we don’t have a magic wand, we love to use our imagination so let yours run wild.
August 20, 2024
 · 
Kellina Wanteu
Seattle Skyline
Culture
Pick two: Create your dream life in Seattle
Life in Seattle is already great, but a few tweaks could really make it a paradise. What does your dream life look like in the Emerald City?
August 19, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
SunRail train
City
SunRail may be expanding to Polk County
Are your days of sitting in I-4 traffic almost behind you?
August 15, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
An aerial 3D map view of downtown Lakeland and Lake Mirror
City
6 maps of Lakeland you didn’t know existed
Find your way around town and learn something new with the City of Lakeland’s handy GeoHub.
August 15, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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