Hey Lakelanders, Connor + Amelia here. Between the two of us, we get the privilege of sharing local news, events, and conversations with 39,000+ readers in Lakeland daily — here, and on our socials.

After nearly six years of bringing you LALtoday, we wanted to formally reintroduce ourselves for those who are newly subscribed or want to get to know us more. Consider this us going in for a fist bump, then switching to a handshake, then settling on a hug.

Meet Amelia

Q: How did you end up in Lakeland?
A: I'm originally from New Hampshire and fell in love with Lakeland as a student at SEU. Three years after graduating, I had the chance to move back and it was easily the best decision I've made.

Q: What's your go-to order from a Lakeland coffee shop?
A: Lately, I've been loving the 8AM Kick Latte from Andrew's Coffee. I get it without whipped cream and it is *chef's kiss*.

Q: What’s something every new Lakelander oughta know about?
A: LALtoday — duh. In all seriousness though, knowing the downtown parking situation is incredibly helpful + will save you a ton of time.

Meet Connor

Q: If you could only write about one Lakeland topic for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: I'm so interested in the history behind Lakeland's swans, including their arrival in 1957 + how the City cares for them today.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about living in Lakeland?
A: I love how Lakeland supports small businesses. From pizza parlors to tech startups, everyone roots for entrepreneurs and loves to shop small here.

Q: Hit us with your favorite piece of local trivia.
A: Bonnet Springs Park covers 168 acres of land — that's 61 more acres than Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Learn more about who we are + what we cover.