The $55.6 million project began in August of 2021. | Photo via Google Maps
If the sight of orange barricades on West Pipkin Road gives you heart palpitations, you’re not alone. When it comes to construction zones, this roadway widening project in southwest Lakeland is one of the most frequently mentioned in our inbox.
As the project inches toward completion, look back at how it came to be and what Lakelanders can expect in the coming months.
The backstory
The project kicked off in 2021, sparked by rising traffic congestion from the county’s exponential growth. It focused on widening West Pipkin Road from two lanes to up to four lanes between Medulla Road + South Florida Avenue, as well as improving drainage, signage, and safety.
The West Pipkin Road widening project is part of Polk County’s $450 million, 5-year capital improvement wish list.
Photo via Google Maps
The timeline
Initially, the project was expected to take two years and cost ~$42 million. Due to delays from utility relocations, found asbestos, and additional required repairs, it’s still going more than four years later. Furthermore, its new price tag sits around $55.6 million as a result of rising material costs.
Polk County’s Roads and Drainage Director Jay Jarvis shared with The Ledger that the project’s contract goes until May of 2025, but construction is wrapping up on the final portion from Harden Boulevard to Medulla Road. The Harden Boulevard to South Florida Avenue portion was completed + reopened in March of 2024.
What Lakelanders are saying
Since the project’s inception, readers have reached out to us to share their sentiments:
“Are we ever going to see road construction completed? It creates a hardship for many residents of the broader area.” — Duke H.
“Not only has this project taken an incredibly long time, it seems like they still have a long way to go! Our family frequents these roads daily, so we continue to pray that this craziness ends soon!” — Jo U.
What are your thoughts on the West Pipkin Road widening project?
Clay Class: Coil Planter | 5:30-8 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $34 | Create your own mini succulent planter from raw clay — no green thumb required.
Monday Trivia | 7:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen | Free+ | Order a round of drinks and Ultimate Fries to fuel your trivia team for a win.
Tuesday, April 15
Easter Cake Decorating Class | 6 p.m. | Union Hall | $65 | Hop on over + customize your own Easter-themed confection with the pros from Kakes by Kiersten.
Tasty Tuesday | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | $25 | Grab your tickets to eat your way through downtown while listening to live music in Munn Park.
Wednesday, April 16
Knit One, Crochet Too | 5-6:55 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Sit and stitch a while as you socialize with other crocheters over your current projects.
Turn Up and Tone | 6-7 p.m. | Uno Dos Tres Studio | $15 | Blend dance with HIIT, strength training, toning, and active recovery techniques to take your fitness to the next level.
Thursday, April 17
InnerAct Alliance Own the Upside Prevention Summit | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | W.H. Stuart Center, Bartow | $25+ | State experts will provide up-to-date information on topics like current youth culture and emerging trends to be aware of.
Friday, April 18
Sunrise Guided Hike | 6:30-8:30 a.m. | Se7en Wetlands, Mulberry | Free | Be one of the first to hike the new Mulberry Trailhead while observing the other early birds.
Saturday, April 19
Sherlock Holmes Mystery Cocktail Experience | 8 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $45 | Don your deerstalker cap and grab a magnifying glass for this interactive show that will let you play detective while sipping four mysteriously tasty bevs.
With heavy hearts, they concede. Dissent Lakeland has poured its last brew, citing increased rents and rising operational costs as the reason for its closure. While we’ll miss ending our days with a tall glass of Frank Lloyd Light, find more Lakeland-centric craft beers at these local breweries.
Edu
Top Buttons and Polk State College are teaming up to help students dress for success with the new Eagles Clothing Closet. Through the closet, students can receive free professional clothing for job interviews, internships, and more. Feeling inspired to clean out your own closet this spring? Here’s where to donate.
Kids
Ready, set, launch. The City of Lakeland will host its first STEM camp this summer, June 2-27. Students in 3rd through 7th grades will learn the different components of STEM, along with collaboration and problem-solving through interactive coding + robotics activities. Tuition is $50 per week.
Mansion Monday
If you crave the fresh and new, then this home might just speak to you. Coming in at 3,153 sqft, this new construction residence in south Lakeland combines modern farmhouse style with luxury finishes — oh, and did we mention it has direct views of Little Banana Lake?
Cause
Drink up in support of United Way of Central Florida from Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25 at Cob & Pen. Proceeds from the gastropub’s Shirley United Cocktail and the Outlaw draft beer will go directly toward UWCF’s programming. We’ll cheers to that.
Drink
While we’ve got sips on the brain, expectant mothers can join the Bellies-2-Babies Doula team at Tienda Studio on Monday, April 28 for an evening of mocktails + socializing. A $17 ticket includes light bites, refreshing bevs, and the chance to win prizes — save a spot.
State
Wondering where the most beautiful place in Florida is? According to Travel and Leisure, it’s Everglades National Park. Don’t get us wrong, we love the park — but have they ever seen Circle B Bar Reserve?
Edu
Big changes are happening at Lakes Church Academy, and there are still spots available for the 2025-26 school year. Take a virtual tour of what’s coming + enroll.*
Seasonal
It’s social event season — outsmart the noise of rumbling crowds and hear conversations more clearly. Most hearing aids have one processor, but these bad boys have two. They process speech and noise separately, so speech gets clearer and crisper. That’s why 540,000+ customers swear by them.*
Biz
Our Parents’ Gift Guide is almost complete, but we have a few spots left to feature your business’s product or service. Secure your spot just in time for Mother’s Day + Father’s Day.
Category
Today Is
🌻 Calling all garden connoiseurs
Pick flowers by the stem to try your hand at floral arranging. | Photo by @bloom.shakalaka
It’s your time to shine. Today is National Gardening Day, and Lakeland has the loveliest bouquet of local plant shops, nurseries, and florists where you can put your green thumb to the test.
Bloom Shakalaka
Stop by this florist’s joint storefront with East of These and visit the flower fridge to pick your own “funky fresh blooms” by the stem.
The Nectary
This nursery has carried everything from native wildflowers to vines + trees. Visit to see what’s in stock and make your lawn biodiverse and beautiful.
Flower Cart Green thumb not working out for you? Place an order from the florists at this family-owned spot, which has been in Lakeland since 1980.
Parkesdale Farm Market
Parkesdale isn’t just serving up strawberry shortcake. Take a trip to the market to see the succulents, ferns, and more available — they even ship.
LED under cabinet lights, so you can finally have light in dark closets, above kitchen counters, or beneath shelves. The wireless lights turn on with a motion sensor and can be adjusted between five different brightness levels.
I unfortunately have not been blessed with a green thumb, but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating a gorgeous garden when I see one. Have a garden that’s worth stopping and smelling the roses in? Don’t be shy, show it off.
Answered
Answered
When do monarch butterflies begin to migrate through Florida?
The margin between these answers was thinner than a butterfly wing, but the 34% of respondents who correctly guessed August still managed to flutter out on top.
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