As Lakeland continues to grow, we’re breaking down the economic drivers that keep us moving forward. | Photo by reader Bob K.
Hundreds of thousands of 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 your introductory course to our region’s 10 key industries and 15 major employers.
The key industries
Medical device packaging
Lakeland continues to be one of the leading innovators in device packaging and sterilization. Lakeland-based companies like Avantor (formerly MESM) and SteriPack are driving job generation and growth opportunities for the city.
Data centers Ever wondered where all of our digital information is stored? Data centers (buildings that house computer systems and telecommunications) play an important role in multiple industries by storing information and consulting on disaster preparedness + recovery for large corporations. Some Lakeland-area companies include Cologix and Inland Fiber & Data.
Your package could come from an Amazon Fulfillment Center near you.
Photo by @thedanallenn
Supply chain and logistics
In 2020, Amazon signed a lease for a 700,000-sqft space in Lakeland, and the tech company created around 500 new jobs at its even larger facility in Auburndale. Along with Amazon, companies like Pepsi, Rooms To Go, and Walmart have also opened up area warehouses in recent years, bringing industry jobs to more than 12,500.
Lakeland and Polk County have been referred to as the distribution heart of the state due to their accessibility via I-4, State Road 60, and US Highway 27. Distribution also does well here due to the local ports, railways, and airports. Big names that specialize in distribution include Amazon, Publix, and Ruthvens.
Keep reading for more insights on our area’s top industries + major employers — you’ll be a Lakeland biz expert in no time.
Take & Make: Adult Craft Kits To Go | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Pick up a kit to create a felt four-leaf clover pin on your own time this week — registration is required.
How to Start a Food Business Class | 12-1 p.m. | Catapult | Free | You don’t have to be a Catapult member to join this session on vetting concepts, finding a commercial kitchen, and permitting.
St. Patty’s Day at Swan | 3-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Head to this brewery for green beer, live music by Shawn Rahn, and Irish-inspired bites from Feasts of Nutley.
Guardians of Democracy: Morals, Skills & Service | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Florida Polytechnic University | Free | Panelists from the US Air Force, Northrop Grumman, and Florida Poly will share “A Discussion on Working in Defense and the Military.”
Tuesday, March 18
Sunrise Release Party | 6:30-7:30 a.m. | Pressed Books & Coffee | $20 | Inklings + Pressed will celebrate the next installment of “The Hunger Games” series, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” with coffee and giveaways.
LEGO Club | 5-6:30 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Those young (and young at heart) can create their own LEGO creation or take on a themed challenge.
Wednesday, March 19
2024 Best Places to Work: Lunch & Learn | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Winter Haven | Free | Get need-to-know information before applying for CareerSource Polk’s Best Places to Work awards.
“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” | Wednesday, March 19-Thursday, March 20 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre | $15 | Local actors will perform a reading of this classic play by Edward Albee.
Thursday, March 20
Jewelry Making Workshop | 6-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $50 | Create your own earrings + matching bracelet, perfectly paired with a complimentary beverage.
Friday, March 21
Movie on the Lawn | 7-10 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Cheeehooooo — round up your family + bring your lawn chairs or blankets to catch a showing of “Moana 2" on the Allen & Company Family Lawn.
Speaking of logistics — Altman Logistics Properties and FRP Development Corp. have secured $16 million in funding to develop Apex Logistics, a 202,000-sqft distribution center on State Road 33. Sitework for the development will begin soon, with construction expected to complete in early 2026. (Commercial Property Executive)
Sports
Lakeland United FC and the Florida Tropics have joined forces to create an end-to-end pathway for local soccer talent. Kicking off in August, the new partnership will allow athletes as young as seven to develop their skills year-over-year from professional coaches. As they say, “teamwork makes the dream work.” (The Ledger)
Outdoors
Florida’s orange production has decreased 90% over the last two decades — but scientists are looking to change that. A new bug-resistant citrus tree has been in the works by scientists at the University of Florida, and could be available to Polk County growers in as little as three years. (WFLA)
History
It’s the end of an era. Publix’s time and temperature phone line for Lakeland will be disconnected this month after 60 years of service. In its heyday, customers could call the line + receive up-to-the-minute information on Lakeland’s time and temperature. Did you ever call this line? Tell us about it. (LkldNow)
Drink
Sip back and relax. Keel Farms is launching a new line of sangrias on Friday, March 28. Head to the farm on launch day from 5 to 10 p.m. to celebrate with music, dancing, food, and flights of the new flavors.
Pets
SPCA Florida’s veterinary clinic will host its next low-cost spay and neuter event on Friday, April 4. Each pet will also receive a rabies vaccine and e-collar. Call the clinic to make an appointment — income qualifications apply.
Asked
Picture this:A party bus, but it stops at local bookstores + serves snacks. When Crash Bookshop messaged us on Instagram to share this novel idea, we immediately became interested — but are we the only ones? Let us know if you back this idea, too. Who knows? It may just become reality.
Finance
Car insurance premiums are projected to hit $2,101 annually by 2025 — a record high. Switching providers might save you over $1,300 each year. Why leave money on the table? Get matched with a more affordable plan.*
Biz
Calling all business owners. For a limited time, we’re offering 15% off your first advertising purchase on our self-service ad portal. No long-term contract required — simply use the code NEW15 at checkout to redeem the discount.
The Buy
The Buy
Really cute palazzo pants on sale at Nordstrom Rack. The lightweight, flowy pants can be dressed up or down for spring events and come in fun prints.
Yesterday, I had the honor of serving as a judge for the Miss Lakeland competition. Fun fact: I competed in the Miss America Organization for more than a decade, so this was an incredibly sweet way to combine my love of Lakeland and love of the program. Many thanks to the Miss Lakeland team for having me, and congratulations to the 12 young women who will go on to represent the greater Lakeland area at Miss Florida in June.
