Meet the editors behind LALtoday

Say hello to Connor Jacobson + Amelia Herring, the faces behind your favorite 5-min morning newsletter.

Two girls smile for the camera in front of a Lakeland mural.

Our job? It’s just Lakeland.

Photo by LALtoday

Table of Contents

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.

More from LALtoday
Take a self-guided tour of these new construction homes Saturday, April 25-Sunday, April 26 + Saturday, May 2-Sunday, May 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
City commissioners and staff will meet to discuss long-term plans and departmental updates. Here’s how to join in person or online.
Wellness
These local healthcare developments and programs will have you getting well soon. Read on to see what’s planned for a spot near you.
Let your curiosity bloom at one of these nearby gardens with walking paths, historic trees, and family activities.
Will we achieve this lofty goal? Lace up your sneakers and go for a walk with us.
Finding our next read and supporting local independent book sellers? We’re in.
See this expert team of pilots at their airshow performances in Lakeland.
Take our word for it — these are the activities, exhibits, and stops we wouldn’t miss at Florida’s largest aerospace expo.
It’s more than just big planes and huge crowds. This aviation extravaganza raises funds for local aviation education — here’s how much.
As Lakeland continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.