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Affordable housing 101

What affordable housing means in Lakeland
A rendering of a four-story apartment building painted gray and dark blue. Palm trees and small trees line the building facing the street where pedestrians walk and a car drives by.
Parker Pointe will open on Friday, March 1 on Bella Vista Street. | Photo via Green Mills Group
Affordable housing is a hot topic our readers often ask us about, especially as the cost of living in Florida is higher than the national average. But what is affordable housing, actually? Let’s break down what this phrase means in Swan City.

Affordable housing defined

According to the city, affordable housing costs 30% or less of one’s income. For example, if someone makes $40,000 a year, housing would cost $1,000 or less per month.

This lines up with the definition of affordable housing from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. In Lakeland, the terms “low-income housing” or “subsidized housing” could also be used interchangeably.

Qualifications

Affordable housing is open to those whose annual gross income is below a certain percentage of the area median income. Polk County’s median family income is $74,300.

There are income restrictions on many of these communities based on the percentage of the median income an applicant makes. These vary between developments, but most range from 30% to 80% of the median income.

The city does not directly provide rental assistance to residents — the Lakeland Housing Authority (LHA) is the go-to resource for affordable housing. LHA offers several types of properties, including single-family homes and apartments. Lakeland’s Housing Office provides homebuyer assistance + emergency repairs for residents, as well as incentives for developers.

Affordable housing in Lakeland

Lakeland has 17 affordable housing developments with 1,000+ total units either completed or forthcoming, but the local need for affordable housing continues to grow. Ben Stevenson, director of the LHA, says there are only three units available for every 10 families who apply for low-income housing.

The next affordable housing communities include Griffin Lofts, Twin Lakes Estate, and Parker Pointe, which will hold a grand opening on Saturday, March 1.
 
Events
Thursday, Feb. 22
Friday, Feb. 23
  • Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | Friday, Feb. 23 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show.
  • Turn Up Dance Fitness | Friday, Feb. 23-Friday, Aug. 30 | 7-8 p.m. | Just Dance Academy, 124 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | $15-$20 | This high-energy class combines dance, HIIT, toning, and active recovery.
Saturday, Feb. 24
  • 2024 Polk Senior Games Opening Ceremony | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 8:45 a.m | All Saints Academy, 5001 SR 540 W., Winter Haven | $0-$35 | Following the opening ceremony, adults aged 50+ can compete in sports and activities around Polk County.
  • Classroom to the Sky | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Aerospace Center for Excellence SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, 4075 James C. Ray Dr., Lakeland | $50 | Elementary teachers can learn how to engage students in the world of aerospace.
  • STEM in the Park | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Head to the Nature Center Classroom to learn about chemical reactions at this event for ages 6+.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Civic
  • While no official decisions have been made regarding the future of free parking in downtown Lakeland, it’s expected to remain free until 2025 or 2026, according to the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority. City officials are still evaluating proposals and alternatives. (The Ledger)
Development
  • City commissioners unanimously approved the first phase of Publix’s 137-acre warehouse complex expansion on County Line Road. The majority of traffic will run through the nearby Allen K. Breed Parkway, so city traffic experts predict the expansion will not add to congestion on County Line Road. (The Ledger)
Community
  • The FAA continues to review new flight paths to reduce jet noise around Lakeland Linder International Airport. Despite airport leadership’s plans for an earlier approval, the process may now extend into the summer. (The Ledger)
Coming Soon
  • Progress is coming along at Bowen Yard, Winter Haven’s forthcoming food + event space. Wondering what the food options will be? Meet Maritime, a seafood restaurant with an oyster bar that’s sharing sneak peeks of the space’s interior.
Read
  • After a transformative international trip, local author Stephanie Claytor authored the book “Kyler Treks to Ghana” to teach kids about African culture + heritage. Check out more books authored by Lakelanders. (Fox 13 News)
Concert
  • Kick off your weekend with a night of acoustic music from Southeastern University’s School of Music Contemporary Band. “The Outdoor Show” will take place this Friday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. in Kelly Gardens on SEU’s campus. Admission is free.
Plan Ahead
  • National Record Store Day is coming up on Saturday, April 20, and Jesse Carl Vinyl on North Kentucky Avenue is participating once again. Learn more about what the festivities looked like last year.
Cause
  • Did you know pit bulls and other “bully breeds” are more likely to end up on shelter euthanasia lists? Enter: Polk County Bully Project. Find out what our second Publix Giveback Giveaway winner is doing to save high-risk dogs — and see how you can help by adopting, fostering, donating, or volunteering.*
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Eat

Your picks for the James Beard Awards

Lakeland’s local restaurant picks for the James Beard Awards
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Order your LoveBird chicken at the perfect heat level. | Photo via @lovebird.eats
We recently asked you to dish on the restaurants and chefs in Lakeland that deserve James Beard-level recognition — and the nominations are in. Here are the local foodie picks we’re pinning medals on.

🏆 Outstanding Chef

Jeremy Brumley, LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken | Nominated by Reader Varrick N. | Brumley was the 2023 Catapult People’s Choice Award winner, and Varrick thinks he deserves a James Beard Award too. This hot chicken joint will open a Winter Haven location soon.

🏆 Best New Restaurant

Street Cafe | Nominated by Reader Neva M. | Indulge in food from this Egyptian restaurant, where dining feels like sitting around the family table. As owner Marianne Garas says, “Come a little early, stay a little late.”

🏆 Outstanding Bar

Revival | Nominated by multiple readers | With an extensive menu of craft cocktails, this upscale downtown bar swept the nominations. Jeannie Weaver Lopez and Ryan Lopez of Revival will soon open the Peach House near Lake Morton.
More award-worthy restaurants
The Buy

The Buy 2.22.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A memory foam knee pillow for side sleepers, which can help protect spine alignment and support knee joints while you sleep. Bonus: Choose standard or large for a pillow that’s sized right for your body.
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