Connor Jacobson

Connor Jacobson

Senior City Editor, LALtoday

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.

A large dog on a leash sits on a bench near Lake Mirror in Lakeland, FL
Culture
Pamper your pet at these Lakeland spots
We’re paws-itive you’ll find a new park, pet supply store, or groomer to take care of your four-legged friends.
April 15, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
Vinyl records categorized by genre at Jesse Carl Vinyl in Lakeland, FL
Business
Celebrate Record Store Day with Jesse Carl Vinyl
Owner Jessi Zilka shared how you can support this local shop during the international Record Store Day event.
April 15, 2024
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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 11, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
An outdoor view of the Grasslands Golf Course in Lakeland from the balcony of the clubhouse
Food
What would you choose for your Masters Champions Dinner?
Fill your menu with local food and drink.
April 9, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
The New Haven, CT downtown skyline viewed from afar. Behind highrise buildings are wooded hills.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to New Haven, CT
Find out what to do and where to stay in the first destination city Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
April 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A student employee of Morning Grind hands a coffee cup to a customer across the coffee cart.
Business
Grab a cup from Morning Grind, Florida Southern College’s student-run coffee cart
See how students are learning about entrepreneurship with this experiential learning lab.
April 5, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
Three small funnel cakes topped with chocolate, caramel, and powdered sugar sit on a paper plate on top of a wood picnic table.
Food
It’s all in the family at Funnel Feasts
Dominik Rahmani is following in his parents’ footsteps to bring delicious food truck bites to Lakeland. Learn more about what inspired him to open Funnel Feasts.
April 5, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
A sign on a streetlight post reads "The Squeeze, board here" with a scannable QR code to see the schedule. A tree-covered downtown Lakeland street is in the background.
City
Hitch a ride on The Squeeze, Citrus Connection’s free downtown service
Hop on a golf cart for a ride that’s “Fast, Frequent, and Fun.”
March 26, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
History
The history of Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL
Get to know the lore behind Bok Tower, one of Central Florida’s most iconic structures.
March 21, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
Lexington, Kentucky's skyline with a sunset of blues, reds, and oranges
What affordable housing means in Lexington
Get answers to these frequently asked questions about affordable housing options and qualifications in Lexington.
March 19, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
Shoppers at vendor tents set up on downtown street
Business
Become a vendor at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Want to set up shop at the farmers curb market? Read these tips before submitting your application.
March 18, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
A man wears a black t-shirt that reads "Lakeland vs. Everybody, Welcome Back Tigers" in white lettering. He also wears a Detroit Tigers baseball cap and stands in front of a Tigers baseball banner on a wall.
Sports
Lakeland vs. Everybody: How a Detroit slogan came to Swan City
Have you seen this phrase on t-shirts lately? Learn how it started in Detroit, MI and how you can get your own tee to rep your city.
March 14, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
A crowd dressed in green celebrates at a St. Patrick's Day street party. The street is lined with lit palm trees and festive banners are hung between them over the partiers.
Food
Try your luck at these St. Patrick’s Day events
It’s the perfect day for live music, traditional foods, and green beer.
March 12, 2024
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Intern
The Lakeland City Commission Chamber as seen from the audience seats. It features a large semicircular desk with name placards for commission members, and a podium with a microphone for speakers. Behind the desk are a US flag, State of Florida flag, and the City of Lakeland logo on the wall.
City
Who’s my Lakeland City Commissioner?
If you live in Lakeland, find out who your city commissioners are and how you can engage with local civics.
March 12, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2020-05-26 at 3.05.03 PM
Food
20+ great brunch restaurants to try in Lakeland
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Lakeland, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
March 8, 2024
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Rilee Delgado
An Avelo Aircraft sits on the tarmac with the word "Avelo" painted on its side
City
Planes, trains, and automobiles: The state of transportation in Lakeland
Catch up on the progress of Lakeland’s transportation projects, from airport updates to possible future railways and road improvements.
March 6, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
A new lit sign for Southwest Middle School sits in front of its newly built, two-story administrative building. A US flag pole sits a few feet away from the sign.
Development
Southwest Middle School is getting a new campus
Construction on a modern new campus completed in March 2024 for the Lakeland school founded in 1956.
March 5, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
The exterior of the Publix Super Market location at Lake Miriam Square, including the facade, sign, and a green awning over the entrance.
Business
Lake Miriam Publix will be razed this summer ahead of a remodel
Here’s what to expect — from the demolition and rebuild to where to shop in the meantime.
February 29, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
rotating images of scenes from the lakeside second sunday market including a view of the market, a vendor holding a plate, and plants on a table
Sponsored
Try This: Stroll-shopping + supporting local at Lakeside Second Sunday Market
We visited Lakeside Village’s monthly Lakeside Second Sunday Market — and experienced a world of discoveries while strolling the 80+ local vendors.
Sponsored by
maas brothers
Business
Which closed Lakeland business would you bring back?
From retailers to restaurants, you told us which businesses you think deserve a second chance.
February 26, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
marble arcade
City
What’s that Lakeland landmark named after?
We’ve all wondered about the names behind some of our local parks and places of interest. Pull back the curtain on the history behind their monikers.
February 23, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
A rendering shows three buildings surrounding a pedestrian courtyard.
City
Downtown Winter Haven’s new Bowen Yard development nears completion
Get ready to “Gather, Eat, Chill” at Bowen Yard in downtown Winter Haven.
February 22, 2024
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Rilee Delgado
A rendering of a four-story apartment building painted gray and dark blue. Palm trees and small trees line the building facing the street where pedestrians walk and a car drives by.
City
What affordable housing means in Lakeland
Get answers to these frequently asked questions about affordable housing options and qualifications in Lakeland.
February 21, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
A hand holds a bagel sandwich in front of Uncle Nick's Deli in Lakeland. The cheese bagel is wrapped in aluminum foil. The deli is in a small shopping center and has a few tables and chairs by the front entrance.
Food
Where to find fresh bagels around Lakeland
Plain, with cream cheese, or topped with an egg, bagels are sure to be a hole in one. Order one from these local bakeries, delis, and cafes.
February 19, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
Performers bow on stage at Lakeland Community Theater
Culture
Enjoy a night at the theater with these local performances
Could your neighbor be the next big star?
February 19, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
Screen Shot 2019-02-04 at 1.06.37 PM
City
Here’s how to join Lakeland boards and committees
Create the city you want to live in by applying to serve in these volunteer roles.
February 16, 2024
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Kaylee Holland
LAL-downtown-winter-haven-ritz-theater
Travel and Outdoors
Take a quick trip to these cities near Lakeland
In need of a one-day getaway? We’re sharing our readers’ favorite things to do, see, and eat in towns within a quick drive of Swan City.
February 15, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a slice of cheesecake in front of Almora Sweets dessert shop. The cheesecake is filled with chocolate chips and topped with chocolate drizzle, placed inside a plastic box. The storefront in the background has an "Almora" sign and small seating area.
Food
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these local desserts
When cravings hit, level up your dessert game at one of these local sweet shops and makers in Lakeland, Florida.
February 13, 2024
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Rilee Delgado
The downtown Lakeland viewed from across Lake Mirror. Clouds in the sky cast shadows over the lake and the mix of high and medium-rise buildings, including the Lakeland Electric building.
City
Lakeland rises in the Milken Institute’s Best-Performing Cities index
The list of best-performing cities considers the economy, resiliency, and growth of 400+ cities. See where Lakeland ranked.
February 9, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
A rendering of the Valencia at the Park apartment complex exterior, seen from above. The complex includes three bungalow-style buildings with three stories. The complex faces a street, where a few cars are parked, and a parking lot is situated behind the buildings.
Real Estate
See inside Valencia at the Park, Orange Street’s new apartment complex
Check out the floor plans, renderings, and price range of this complex within walking distance of downtown Lakeland’s hot spots.
February 7, 2024
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Connor Jacobson
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