Lakeland CED - Community & Economic Development

06/23/2026

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06/23/2026

Did you know that cemeteries contain historic structures designed in architectural styles also used on historic buildings?

The Scott Morris Mausoleum, built on October 31, 1924, turns 102 years old this year! This structure is located at the Roselawn Cemetery and is a private final resting place that only families can access by key.

Thank you to the City of Lakeland Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department for preserving Lakeland’s history and creating a beautiful space for the community to honor and remember their loved ones.

06/22/2026

06/16/2026

The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is pleased to announce the successful closing of the property located at 820 N. Massachusetts Avenue, home to the popular Haus 820 event venue. Haus Management officially acquired the property after years of successfully operating and investing in the venue.

For many years, Haus 820 has served as a destination for weddings, corporate events, community gatherings, and special celebrations, contributing to the continued revitalization and success of the surrounding area. Through a strong partnership between the CRA and Haus Management, the property has evolved into a vibrant and well-recognized community asset.

The sale aligns with the CRA's broader redevelopment goals by transitioning a successful CRA-owned asset into private ownership, encouraging continued investment while allowing the CRA to focus resources on future redevelopment opportunities throughout the community.

06/09/2026

As a part of the Vision Zero Action Plan, the Polk TPO needs your input to help identify where traffic safety improvements are needed in our community.

Visit polkvisionzero.mysocialpinpoint.com to take a quick survey. Use the interactive map to add a marker at a location that needs attention and share your feedback or suggestions. Your feedback helps guide real improvements that protect everyone who walks, bikes or drives in Polk County.

06/09/2026

Our Lakeland Business Resource Office (LBRO) tabled at the 3rd Annual Minority Business Expo last week!

We had a great time connecting with entrepreneurs and small business owners and participating in a panel discussion about available resources and initiatives.

Thank you to The Well for hosting and inviting us to participate!

06/09/2026

You’re invited to attend the Polk TPO Board Meeting and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Public Hearing at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, where you can learn more about transportation planning and mobility projects shaping Polk County.

You can review the agenda and meeting packets, and find links to watch the meeting live or on‑demand on the TPO Board page at https://polktpo.com/board-and-committees/tpo-board/

The meeting will take place in the Polk County Commission Boardroom on the first floor of the County Administration Building at 330 W. Church St. in Bartow.

06/05/2026

Community and Economic Development enjoyed tabling at the Hurricane Expo!

We passed out Home Maintenance Guides and swag, and we used a city limits map to engage attendees about where they were visiting from!📍

We also informed attendees about the department's role in assessing private property damage immediately after a hurricane (not citing code violations) which gets reported to Polk Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the State of Florida as a critical step informing the major disaster declaration that triggers homeowner eligibility for FEMA benefits in our community.

Thanks to all who attended!

06/05/2026

LAKELAND, FL (June 3, 2026)| As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, the City of Lakeland invites residents and visitors to gather for the annual T. Mims Corp. Red, White, and Kaboom Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Lake Mirror along the Frances Langford Promenade from 6:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

This free patriotic celebration will feature live music, local food vendors, patriotic entertainment, and family-friendly fun as our community joins others across the nation in commemorating 250 years of American history. The celebration will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Mirror at 9:00 p.m.

Read the full press release at LakelandGov.Net/RWK2026

06/02/2026

Are you looking for a sign? Look no further!

The Lakeland Business Resource Office (LBRO) is a great initiative for business owners to prepare for the unexpected.

From zoning to utility concerns, LBRO can make you aware of city requirements and local organizations who may be able to help you.

The Lakeland Business Resource Office (LBRO) is open from 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and is in City Hall at 228 S Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801.

Contact us at: [email protected]
Learn more by visiting: lakelandgov.net/LBRO