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Meet the who’s who of Lakeland’s economy

The who’s who and what’s what of Lakeland’s economy: Meet the top employers and industries
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Lakeland continues to grow, in large part due to these industries. | Photo submitted by Reader Bob K.
More than 339,000 people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Lakeland metro area’s economy. But have you ever wondered about Swan City’s heaviest hitters?

Consider this Lakeland Business 101 — your guide to five of our region’s 10 key industries and 15 major employers.

Note: When we say the Lakeland metro area, that refers to Polk County.

The key industries

Here are three of the targeted industries that drive the Lakeland metro area’s economy, based on data from the Lakeland Economic Development Council.

Renderings of what the Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Polytechnic University will look like

International Flavors & Fragrances will open the Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Polytechnic University.

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Rendering provided by Ryan Companies US, Inc.

Flavor and essences
Polk’s citrus industry past has attracted companies like Treatt and International Flavors & Fragrances. These companies use citrus by-products for everything from cosmetics and perfume to rubber and textiles.

Aviation
Thanks to Lakeland Linder International Airport, 60+ enterprises utilize Lakeland as their flight zone, from the NOAA Hurricane Hunters to Avelo Airlines.

Value-added manufacturing
Lakeland has become a manufacturing boomtown, adding more than 1 million sqft of manufacturing and warehouse space yearly. More than 14,000 Lakelanders work in this industry for companies like Pepperidge Farm, Brew Hub, and more.

The major players

Now that we’ve established the major industries, we bet you’re curious about specific names. Whether you’re job hunting (or just “casually prospecting”), here are a few of Lakeland’s major employers.

Exterior view of the Summit Consulting building in downtown Lakeland, FL

Summit Consulting brought 500+ more employees downtown.

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Photo by LALtoday

Amazon and Amazon Air Hub
2,000+ employees | Distribution | Search jobs
If you’ve ever wondered where your orders are fulfilled, take a look at the company’s Amazon Air Hub and 1 million-sqft warehouse on County Line Road.

Summit Consulting
500+ employees | Consulting | Search jobs
Summit provides worker’s compensation services across the southeast. In 2022, all employees consolidated into a large new building in downtown Lakeland.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
500+ employees | Distribution | Search jobs
The drinks at your local bar could have been supplied by Southern Glazer’s, which provides wine and spirits to 45 US markets, plus Canada.
See the No. 1 employer
Asked

Test your business knowledge: Which company employs the most people globally?
A. Amazon
B. McDonalds
C. Walmart
D. Starbucks
Take our biz quiz
 
Events
Friday, March 29
  • Adventure Day | Friday, March 29 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate a school-free day with performances from the USF iPad Band in the Nature Center.
  • Bark in the Park | Friday, March 29 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Central Park, 400 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven | Free entry | Bring your pup to shop from pet-friendly vendors and catch the annual Weiner Dog Race.
  • Turn Up (Hip Hop) Dance Fitness | Friday, March 29 | 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, March 30
  • Spring Fling | Saturday, March 30 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Take selfies with the Easter Bunny, decorate eggs, and play yard games during the farmers market.
  • Goat Yoga on the Farm! | Saturday, March 30 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robins Rd., Lakeland | $20-$29 | We’re not kidding around — try this beginner-friendly, 45-minute goat yoga class.
  • Bigtime Jukebox Band | Saturday, March 30 | 7-11 p.m. | Duke’s Brewhouse, 4960 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | This band promises to “get you in the mood for the dance floor.”
  • A Tribute To Women In Rock | Saturday, March 30 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Brenda James & The Smokin 45s will pay homage to women who have shaped the rock music scene.
Sunday, March 31
  • Easter Brunch at Eala’s Speakeasy | Sunday, March 31 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Fresco’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, 132 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | $25-$65 | Join seatings at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., or 12 p.m. for a festive brunch — ticket sales end today.
  • A Very Hoppy Easter | Sunday, March 31 | 12-7 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Don’t miss an adult egg hunt, pinata smash for kids, live music, and food trucks.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Home

The bright side of going solar
LAL-RAL-Freedom Solar Power-3.29.24.png
You can rest knowing that Freedom Solar Power has 15 years of industry-leading experience and high customer satisfaction ratings. | Photo provided by Freedom Solar Power
Feeling the pain of TECO’s 10% electricity bill increase? Make the power move to solar.

In Florida, solar can be surprisingly budget-friendly, sparing you from ever-increasing energy bills with locked-in rates as low as $99 per month (that’s a $35,000 savings in the long run). Making it even more affordable, Florida offers several solar rebates + incentives.

☀️ Solar made easy

If protecting your investment is top of mind (as it should be), Freedom Solar Power offers a 25-year warranty covering product, performance, and service. The start-to-finish solar team uses only high-quality solar technology + makes the process worry-free by handling design, permitting, and installation.

🏡 Is solar right for you?

Become a solar whiz by downloading Freedom Solar Power’s free e-book to see:
  • What solar will cost you (including an incentives breakdown)
  • The financial upside of going solar
  • How solar effects your home
  • What not to do when switching to solar
  • A “switch-to-solar” checklist
  • Guidance on the next steps
Download the free e-book
News Notes
Civic
  • The Lakeland City Commission will hold a public hearing in its next meeting to discuss adding Juneteenth as a paid city holiday. Join the meeting this Monday, April 1 at 9 a.m. in person at City Hall or watch online.
Sports
  • Meet the mysterious Malmö Oat Milkers, an alternate team name many Minor League Baseball teams will use this season as a promotion for Oatly. The Lakeland Flying Tigers will play as the Oat Milkers on Saturday, July 20, and the MLB Network featured Tigertown in its announcement.
Real Estate
  • The downtown building that housed Thom Downs Antiques since the 1980s is still for sale for nearly $2.2 million. Our readers told us they’d most like to see new restaurant, retail, and residential development in the space. (The Ledger)
Try This
  • Grown-ups will take over the Florida Children’s Museum during Game Night at the Museum on Saturday, April 6, 7-10 p.m. Wear date night attire to play casino games, laser tag, and Supermarket Sweep. Tickets are $75 per person.
Health
  • Panelists from local health care organizations discussed Lakeland health updates in a public forum on Tuesday. Catch up on the discussion to learn about access to care, mental health, insurance, and more. (LkldNow)
Outdoors
  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering a license-free fishing weekend April 6-7. To learn more about freshwater fishing, register for FWC’s free event at the Tenoroc Fish Management Area on Saturday, April 6. (WFLA)
Cause
  • Dust off your derby hat. Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine’s Swan Derby is coming up on Friday, April 26 on Lake Mirror. Local organizations will race swan boats and raise money for their causes. It’s free to watch the races + firework finale.
Kids
  • Get hands-on STEM experience at STEMapalooza, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s annual event on Saturday, April 6. This event at Florida Polytechnic University is open to community members, and tickets are $5.
Biz
  • Are you a small business owner looking for a place to set up shop this summer? Bandit Market is accepting vendors for its Summer Party market indoors at Winter Haven’s Ritz Theatre. Did we mention it’s air conditioned?
Travel
  • It happened. On March 16, Orlando International Airport (MCO) had its busiest day ever. The record-breaking day saw 102,064 departing passengers — plus another ~100,000 arriving. See what MCO is doing to meet the area’s growing needs.*
Edu
Finance
 
Travel

🧜‍♀️ These springs were made for mermaids

Hit the Road: An outdoor adventure to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
A woman dressed as a mermaid sits underwater on a rock. She holds a small mirror to look at her reflection.
Mermaids have performed at Weeki Wachee since 1947. | Photo via Florida Memory
Today is Mermaid Day — and where better to celebrate than at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, less than two hours from Lakeland?

Step into the underwater amphitheater to watch a live mermaid show. These aquatic performers will have you on your feet with with their fin-tastic skills.

After paddling down the Weeki Wachee River, refuel with a burger, sandwich, or salad from the park’s on-site restaurant, Mermaid Galley. Then, treat yourself to a well-deserved ice cream cone.

Want to meet the performers? Tickets are on sale now for Breakfast with the Mermaids, coming up on Saturday, April 20.
More to see in Weeki Wachee
The Buy

The Buy 3.29.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The handy dandy jar opener you never knew you needed. Mount it under a kitchen cabinet and easily twist open jars and bottles with one hand. Bonus: The jar opener was designed to be easy to use for older adults and those with carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis.
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The Wrap
 
Connor Jacobson

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
Are you excited to travel to New Haven, CT on Avelo’s first flights? Several of our Instagram followers said they’re ready to fly there just to try the pizza. If you’ve been, tell us your New Haven tips and we may share them in a future story.
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