Hey LAL, Katelyn + Rilee here. Between the two of us, we get the privilege of sharing the news with 32,800 readers in LAL, daily — both through our newsletter + social feeds.
We’ve got some new faces at LALtoday, so you can consider this our official meet-cute (no cinematic, albeit awkward, coffee spill bump-ins required). 😘
Meet Katelyn 👋
Q: Hit us with your favorite piece of local trivia.
A: DYK that before Lakeland was “Lakeland” it shared its town border with the now-extinct town of “Acton”? The town was later absorbed by the City of Lakeland between Lake Parker and Lake Bonny + was referred to as Lakeland’s nemesis in the 19th century. Read more about Acton here
.
Q: If you could only write about one Lakeland-specific topic for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: The foodie scene. Hands down. Lakeland has elevated the restaurant market over the years with well-known local staples to mom and pop shops — It’s a never-ending conveyer belt of deliciousness.
Q: If you wrote a book about Lakeland, what would you label it?
A: “How the Queen’s generosity sparked a small town’s love for giant avians”
Meet Rilee 👋
Q: If you could only write about one LAL-specific topic for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Our beautiful homes. Have you ever taken a drive down Beacon Hill
or Camphor Drive
? Lakeland is home to some of the most beautiful historic houses + buildings. I recommend the Paige Wagner Historic Home Tour
, which features some of Lakeland’s best historic home flips along with local vendors.
Q: Describe LAL’s personality in three words.
A: I love Lakeland’s charm + character. Lakeland is a creative launching pad + very supportive — I always say, Lakeland loves Lakeland. If you have a new business idea, no one will rally behind you the way LAL will. Finally, Lakeland is quirky. You probably know about our royal swans
, but did you know Lakeland was almost named Rome City
?
Q: Describe your perfect day in MKT in the length of a Tweet (240 characters).
A: Every good day starts with a good coffee. My perfect day starts with a Hillcrest Coffee
(119 Hillcrest St.
) cold brew + a walk around Lake Hollingsworth and ends with empanadas + filet mignon at Nineteen61
(215 E. Main St.
).
Question