Today’s Forecast

77º | Light thunderstorms and rain | 90% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:49 p.m.

Affordable housing gets a boost

City approves affordable housing zoning code changes

Interior of Lakeland City Hall Commission Chamber

Commissioners unanimously voted for the change. | Photo by the City of Lakeland

In Monday’s city commission meeting, commissioners voted to amend Lakeland’s Land Use Development Code. The code will now allow qualifying affordable multifamily housing in non-residential zoning areas.

Developers won’t need zoning change approval from commissioners. They’ll just need to check how their plans fit with the architectural styles and use of adjacent land with a compatibility review from the Planning and Zoning Board. The outcome? A faster planning process before construction can begin.

The change will allow for more affordable housing in certain commercial and industrial areas, subject to location and development requirements. To qualify, developments must:

Be within .25 miles of a Transit Oriented Corridor or located along a fixed transit route
Be on a minimum of one acre of land
Have at least two stories and four units per building
Dedicate at least 25% of units affordable for those earning 120% or less of the Area Median Income

A map showing zoning for Lakeland, FL — Use this map to see industrial and commercial zones.
|
Map by the City of Lakeland

The city offers an interactive zoning map where you can see how areas are currently zoned. Wondering where a new development could pop up next? Here are a few non-residential areas zoned for commercial and industrial use that could now be home to more housing:

Between Bartow Road and South Combee Road
Rose Street
Highway 98 North
Kathleen Road
Lakeland Hills Boulevard
South of East Edgewood Drive

In our Q+A with Brian Rewis, we learned that the Community Redevelopment Agency has been working on a strategic plan for the East Main Street area. Most of this area is currently zoned for light industrial use, but new housing units could soon be built here thanks to this code amendment.

Where would you like to see new affordable multifamily housing in Lakeland? Take our survey to share your thoughts.

Events

Thursday, March 23

Celebrating 10 Years: Sunset at Lake Hollingsworth | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Celebrate a decade of classes by painting a local sunset scene with snacks, cake, and a gift for guests.
Launch Pitch Night | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Come experience Catapult’s version of Shark Tank as finalists pitch their business and answer judges’ questions in an effort to win a $10,000 Launch Micro Grant.*

Friday, March 24

Turn Your Passion Into Profit | Friday, Mar. 24 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Well, 114 E. Parker St., Lakeland | $25 | Learn how to turn your passion into a business from women business owners — tickets include admission to an evening networking event.
Just Between Friends Sale | Friday, March 24-Sunday, Mar. 26 | Times vary | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $0-$2 | Save on children’s clothing, gear, and toys by shopping this resale market.

Saturday, March 25

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Mar. 25 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
Tourist Bob w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Saturday, Mar. 25 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Pretend you’re on vacation with live music from Tourist Bob and tacos, barbecue, and more by Smokin’ Chanchos.

Sunday, March 26

Florida Tropics vs. Utica City FC | Sunday, Mar. 26 | 3:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $7-$23 | Cheer on the Tropics soccer team as they battle it out against Utica City.

Monday, March 27

Give Back Monday: Inspire Equine Assisted Living Center | Monday, Mar. 27 | 5-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free | A portion of all dinner proceeds will go to Inspire Equine Assisted Living Center — reservations are suggested.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

Click here to have your event featured.

100+ more events

News Notes

Weather

89º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain

Plan Ahead

The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo has added even more to do after the sun goes down. Visit for the new Sunset Aerial Show at 7:30 p.m. on select nights, and mingle with pilots at The Island. Pro tip: Tickets are available for $10 at the gate after 5 p.m. (The Ledger)

Edu

Southeastern University is adding another degree to its master’s programs for those interested in medical school: Master of Science in Medical Sciences. Courses will be taught in a small cohort format beginning in fall of 2023.

Concert

Bonnet Springs Park will host Gospel in the Park on Sunday, April 16 from 7-9 p.m. This free concert features Grammy nominee Tim Bowman, Jr. and vocal group Faith City Music.

Active

Practice your sun salutation for First Light Yoga at Hollis Garden. Yoga Pointe will teach a free morning class on Saturday, April 29 at 9 a.m. Register online or in-person on the day of the event.

Talk

Florida Southern College history professor James M. Denham will give a lecture as part of the Kathleen Historical Society’s community outreach speaker series. Visit Heritage Park (8950 N. Campbell Rd.) today at 6:30 p.m. to hear “Florida Sheriffs: A History, 1821-1945.” (The Ledger)

Seasonal

Spring has sprung at Lakeside Village. Stop by for a cold drink from the newly opened Planet Smoothie and snap a photo with your “peeps” at the selfie wall by Sunglass Hut.

Tech

Winter Haven has released its new Access Winter Haven app so residents can report local concerns (think: City damage, code compliance requests, and more). The Citizens Action Center website is a similar tool available for Lakeland requests.

Eat

If you work up an appetite from throwing axes, Ax-Caliber has you covered. Check out the new apple and candied bacon grilled cheese — a step up from the classic sandwich.
Got 20 minutes (and a love for pasta)? Get a home-cooked meal in 20 minutes or less with these Asiago Chicken Pasta, Creole-Style Shrimp Saute, and Market Basket Pasta recipes. Read: Save money on fast food by making food fast at home.*

Health

Did you know? Flu season in Florida spans from October to May — that’s why Lakeland Regional Health has two convenient Urgent Care locations. Whether it’s a cold, sore throat, minor burns, or the flu, the urgent care centers are there for you and your family, no appointment needed. 🩺 *

Shop

It’s that time of year to freshen up your home’s aroma, and our online shop (Six & Main) has the perfect candles. Drift away to scents such as woods + berries by The Rustic House or ripe juniper in a reusable vessel by Plant Based Candles. That smells just about right.

Seasonal

🦢 Nesting season is here

Swan saga: How Lakeland takes care of its swans

Birds of a feather help nature together. | Photo via @catapultlkld

Make way for more swans. Nesting season has begun around Lake Morton, and it will typically last a few months before eggs begin hatching in late spring/early summer. Here’s how you can help take care of our royal flock:

Drive slowly. Pay special attention to speed limit and “swan crossing” signs around Lake Morton, Lake Hollingsworth, and other bodies of water.
Leave the bread at home. Bread lacks vital nutrients, and while the swans will readily eat it, it can cause them to fill up and not seek the food they need. Additionally, excess bread in the water can lead to harmful algae blooms.
Watch out for nests. If they’re close to roadways, the city will often mark the area with tape or a sign. Swans are fiercely protective of their nest site and young, so keep your distance so they don’t feel threatened.

The Wrap

Today’s Edition By:
Connor

From the Editor

Looking for more swan content? Me too. I still watch this video of the Swan Roundup at least once a week for a laugh, and I can’t believe we got Pedro Pascal to help us spread the word about not feeding the swans bread.

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