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Rilee Delgado

Editorial Development Manager

Rilee moved to Lakeland, Florida from her hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 2016. In 2021, she joined 6AM City as a City Editor for LALtoday. Now, she supports 6AM’s growing markets as a Managing Editor. Rilee’s interests include reading, teaching yoga + pilates, and taking her dog for walks around Lake Hollingsworth.

Start your summer reading with a trip to The Book Loft of German Village. | Photo by @cassidys.bookmark
Culture
Meet your New Year’s resolutions in Columbus
Whether your resolutions include trying new fitness classes or finding fun activities for the whole family — we’ve got you covered.
December 18, 2024
 · 
Hanna Williford
Fireworks explode above Downtown San Jose.
Culture
Meet your New Year’s resolutions in San Jose
The biggest step in completing your New Year’s resolution? Show up.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A side-by-side image showing an old lakeshore view of Lake Morton next to a current one.
City
How Lakeland has changed: Then and now in photos
We dug through Florida’s archived photos and postcards to see how much Lakeland has changed since it was first founded in 1885 — you might be surprised.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
WeddingSetup-20.jpg
Live
Wedding venues in San Antonio
Check out this list of local spots to host your special event.
December 6, 2024
 · 
Nicholas Caballero
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Food
Build a Thanksgiving Day meal from your favorite Lakeland eateries
Add some Lakeland flair to your Thanksgiving spread with classic dishes from these Swan City restaurants.
November 19, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Overhead shot of five pumpkin pies with whipped cream dollops
Food
Preorder your prized pies ahead of Thanksgiving
Whether you’re an annual customer or looking for the first time, check out these pies you can bring to Thanksgiving made fresh by Lakeland bakers.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Business
How to start a business in Lakeland
You have a good idea — now the fun begins.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Children running towards a flagpole; an American flag waves in the wind
Culture
Observe Veterans Day at these Lakeland events
Keep reading for events that honor Lakeland’s veteran community.
November 4, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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Real Estate
Meet the original owners of these historic homes
Did a noteworthy Lakelander once walk your halls? Learn more about the original owners of some of Lakeland’s historic homes, and send us your own home’s history if you know it.
October 29, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Culture
18+ activities for retirees in Lakeland
If you’re recently retired and looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Lakeland.
October 21, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
The Columbia skyline | Photo by COLAtoday team
Live
Soda Citizen 101: our guide to becoming a Columbia resident
Becoming a new resident is easy with these tips.
October 21, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
A colorful sign reading "I love Mi Pueblo" in the foreground with flea market buildings in the background
Experience
Shop, swap, sell, and save in Lakeland
Here’s the deal — the thrift and vintage shopping scene is stellar in Swan City.
October 18, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
aerial-view-atmosphere-clouds-cold-front-76969
Culture
Here’s what you need to have in your hurricane kit
It’s important to be prepared — here’s our list of hurricane season essentials.
October 7, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
LAL-Mister-Fish-laltoday
Food
Where to find seafood in Lakeland
Whether you’re making dinner plans and craving some rolls or looking for your local fish market, check out this list of seafood eateries and distributors in Lakeland.
October 1, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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
Preparing for hurricane season in Lakeland
Hurricane season officially begins on Saturday, June 1 and will run through Saturday, Nov. 30. We’ve rounded up everything you can do to be hurricane-ready in Lakeland.
September 25, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
LAL-lake-mirror-picnic-date-FEB2020
Experience
Date night ideas for every type of Lakelander
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in Swan City.
September 11, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
An aerial view of St. James Court shows the lush trees beginning to turn orange and red. Several buildings are illuminated by street lights. In the distance, the Louisville skyline glows softly.
Live
The zodiac signs as Louisville neighborhoods
Your home, your favorite coffee shop, your daily commute aren’t just written in the skyline — they may be written in the stars.
September 10, 2024
 · 
Bella Rainey
A sandwich, salad, and iced drink from Black and Brew
Experience
Dinner and a view: Where to dine outdoors in Lakeland
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Lakeland’s many beautiful patios.
August 28, 2024
 · 
London Gibson
An interior shot of a wedding in Haus820
Culture
Rentable venues in Lakeland
Check out this list of local spots to host your next party, reunion, or reception.
August 26, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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
A photo of downtown Greenville at dusk featuring the Bank of America building and the Reedy River.
Entertainment
Solve these Greenville spots written as emojis
Are you fluent in emojis? Test your local knowledge by deciphering these Greenville landmarks + businesses written in emoji form.
July 16, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
WStoday: Couple standing in front of gazebo at The Graylyn Estate
Live
Wedding venues around Winston-Salem
Check out this list 10 local spots to host your special event.
July 9, 2024
 · 
Kellina Wanteu
A couple dancing on the rooftop of the Kentucky Castle in Lexington, KY.
Play
Wedding venues in Lexington
If wedding bells are in your future, check out these quintessentially Lexington venues.
July 8, 2024
 · 
Molly Thompson
fireworks show at publix field
Experience
Fourth of July events in and around Lakeland
Central Florida has some breathtaking firework displays — here are a few taking place in our neck of the woods.
July 3, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A girl sitting beside Lake Mirror looking at the lake and moon at night
City
The zodiac signs as Lakeland neighborhoods
It’s written in the stars... and the skyline.
July 2, 2024
 · 
Bella Rainey
City
Here’s what you can shop for during Florida’s tax holidays
From household supplies to park passes, grills, and more.
July 1, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A burst of Red, White & Kaboom fireworks shoot off from the lake; downtown Lakeland's skyline reflects on the lake
Events
Red, White & Kaboom returns: What you need to know
Fireworks, food trucks, live music, and more — here’s everything you need to know about this annual fireworks display on Lake Mirror.
June 28, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A hand holding a very large hamburger
Food
Big, juicy, and sometimes Impossible: Polk County’s best burgers
Sink your teeth into this list to find your next triple meat, plant-based, or classic diner burger.
May 29, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Blinky the alligator statue formerly on Lake Mirror
History
Blinky — Lakeland’s unofficial mascot
Warning: This story has a bit of a sad ending.
May 28, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A concrete pier juts out into the ocean at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
Beachy road trip destinations within three hours of Lakeland
We’re exploring a few of our reader recommendations for beachy road trips around Lakeland, Florida.
May 21, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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