Lakeland CED - Community & Economic Development

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

06/01/2026

05/28/2026

Happy National Bike Month!

What was Fort Fraser Trail like in the 90's? Well, it didn't exist! The only regional trail project in existence at the time was the Van Fleet Trail between Polk City and Mabel in Sumter County.

The first phase of Fort Fraser Trail from Bartow to SR 540/Winter Lake Road opened in 2006 after extensive land use and transportation planning by the TPO (Transportation Planning Organization), FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation), and the City of Lakeland.

Bike transportation options only became a priority in the 1980s through the Lakeland Lake-to-Lake Bikeway Network, which centered on the Lake Hollingsworth Trail and primarily connected our premier lakes and parks through an on-street bike network.

The Fort Fraser Trail (south), Van Fleet Trail (north), and Lake Hollingsworth Trail were just the beginning of a pathway network that continues to evolve today.

Topped off with our significant expansion in bicycle parking inventory throughout the City, our pathways network has come a long way since the 1990s, when it was just a vision.

You can go to our Lakeland Bike and Pedestrian Pathways Map to learn more about our multi-modal transportation options: bit.ly/3QU8uMo

05/27/2026

We are wrapping up this year's Historic Preservation Month with an interview with Michael Porter!

Michael serves on the Historic Preservation Board and the Design Review Committee. The Design Review Committee, a part of the Historic Preservation Board, helps preserve Lakeland's historic charm. They review changes to historic buildings in the historic district before any construction begins.

We appreciate our Historic Preservation leaders and their hard work to protect Lakeland's history!

05/25/2026

Happy Historic Preservation Month!

Guess the architectural style of this 1914 era building in the Munn Park Historic District.

This structure at 117 S. Kentucky in Lakeland originally housed the Lakeland Morning Star printing and telegraph office.

Comment below your guess, and come back tomorrow for the answer!

05/18/2026

Happy Historic Preservation Month!

Guess the architectural style of this 1940's home in the East Lake Morton Historic District.

Comment below your guess, and come back tomorrow for the answer in the comments!

05/15/2026

You're invited to participate in the Lakeland Community Needs Survey surveymars.com/q/l1MirKOYF to assist the City of Lakeland in developing the 2026–2030 Consolidated Plan. Your feedback helps shape how federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds will be invested over the next five years.

Your community input is essential in identifying Lakeland’s most important housing, neighborhood, and community development needs.

Be sure to share the survey with Lakeland friends, family, and neighbors.

Take the survey here: surveymars.com/q/l1MirKOYF

Thank you for sharing your voice.