City officials are hoping for Downtown West to serve as a gateway to the central city. | Conceptual renderings provided by The Lunz Group and The Apiary
It’s no secret that Lakeland is growing faster than ever before. As such, the City of Lakeland has launched numerous initiatives to help support growing infrastructure needs, plus a few focused on beautification + revitalization. Here are five ongoing projects we’re keeping an eye on throughout this year and beyond.
Downtown West Action Plan
The Lakeland City Commission unanimously voted in April 2024 to adopt the Downtown West Action Plan. The plan focuses on improving pedestrian and bike connectivity, nurturing neighborhood infrastructure, and increasing residential density across the Downtown West area, which covers landmarks like Bonnet Springs Park, the RP Funding Center, and Lakes Bonnet, Beulah, and Wire.
The concept for Munn Park that commissioners informally voted to move forward with was designed by engineering consulting firm Pennoni Associates.
Image provided by City of Lakeland
Munn Park revitalization
During the City of Lakeland’s 2024 strategic planning retreat, city commissioners approved a new design concept for Munn Park based on public feedback + discussion. The unfinalized concept includes a water feature, dog park, community lawn, and a shade pavilion that can be used for special events.
National Boba Day | 7 a.m.-8 p.m. | Tea Largo | Price of purchase | There’s no need to get jelly — get a free scoop of boba with any cold drink purchase from open to close.
Preschool Storytime | 10-10:30 a.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Kids are taking over the library for activities, stories, songs, and rhymes.
Women’s Self-Defense Classes | 6-6:45 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | $12 | Enhance personal safety and learn self-defense techniques in this class for women ages 13 and up.
Thursday, May 1
National Day Of Prayer: Praise in the Park | 2-6 p.m. | Munn Park | Free | Local churches will host a 12 p.m. time of prayer at City Hall, followed by music + dancing in the park.
Spring Short Film Festival | Thursday, May 1-Friday, May 2 | 7-9 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts | $9+ | Head to the film theatre to watch 17 movies written and directed entirely by students.
Friday, May 2
Sangria Night | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Energy, flavor, and fun await at this event featuring Latin music, sangria flights, and dancing.
Blankets: An Evening of Eras | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | $10+ | Get ready to do the time warp — this local band will play the hits from the 1970s to the 2000s.
Saturday, May 3
Goat Yoga on the Farm | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm | $20+ | We’re not kidding around — connect with nature and meet friendly goats as you work your way through a guided yoga practice.
Mom’s Brunch | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Smith’s American Tavern | Price of purchase | Celebrate the mother figures in your life with mimosas, brunch, and shopping on the patio.
A day at SEU’s College of Natural & Health Sciences
Presented by Southeastern University
Did you know SEU biology students can earn early medical school acceptance with partner colleges + universities? | Photos by LALtoday
Hey, future doctors, nurses + scientists. If you’re pursuing a career in the sciences, you want an education that goes beyond textbooks.
We recently went back to school for a day to explore a program that does just that through interactive lessons and collaborations with local healthcare systems: Southeastern University’s College of Natural & Health Sciences.
Clinical and research opportunities withLakeland Regional Health.
Opportunities for undergraduates to present research at state + national conferences. Past topics include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and HIV.
Preparation for graduate programs that set future doctors and physician assistants up for success, like SEU’s MS in Medical Sciences, which mirrors the first year of medical school.
Plus, funding assistance is available for graduate school applications and test prep.
With great growth comes great responsibility. From 2023 to 2024, $840 million in capital investments came into Polk County, creating 1,000+ new jobs. As Polk’s growth continues, County Manager Bill Beasley shared that county leadership is focused on infrastructure improvements through state + federal partnerships. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Lakelander
The John Rodda Sports Complex at Lake Crago Park is officially complete, and city leaders are celebrating with a dedication ceremony on Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m. Named after the founder of Rodda Construction, who died in 2018, the complex includes three sports fields + picnic buildings.
Feel Good
Two Florida Southern students are being hailed as heroes with a Sheriff’s Commendation after saving a Lakeland man’s life. When Terry Dennis became unresponsive in a local McDonald’s last year, FSC students Brian von Suskil and Alex McManus jumped in to perform CPR until first responders could arrive. (The Southern)
Tech
Speaking of star students, Florida Poly grad student Carson Eelman is hoping to help individuals with asthma breathe easier with AirCue, a new high-tech monitoring device. Eelman recently took home second place at the 2025 Florida Blue Healthcare Pitch competition, securing $2,000 for AirCue’s continued development.
Traffic
ICYMI, I-4’s newest congestion relief lanes between US 27 and World Drive are now open. As commuters share their thoughts on how the relief lanes have impacted their drives, we want to hear from you: Have you driven through the new relief lanes yet? Park your thoughts here. (The Ledger)
Eat
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to try Parlor Doughnuts, look no further. The shop will sling delights into the night at First Friday on May 2 + LoveBird’s 4th Birthday Bash on Saturday, May 3. We hear the LoveBird doughnuts may be topped with a hot chicken nugget.
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Biz
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Finance
Mapping out your summer travel plans? Perfect timing: Snag this travel credit card’s rare, limited-time welcome bonus to fuel your adventures — whether it’s luxuriating at a resort that could be seen in “The White Lotus,” or city-hopping to visit friends + fam.*
Pro Tip
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Swan City’s about to get hotter by several degrees — college degrees, that is. As we get ready to celebrate grads from three of Lakeland’s colleges at the RP Funding Center + welcome their loved ones to our city, here’s what you need to know so you can plan accordingly.
Graduation schedule
Polk State College | Thursday, May 1 | 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Florida Southern College | Saturday, May 3 | 1:30 p.m.
Florida Polytechnic University | Sunday, May 4 | 2 p.m.
Things to know
On graduation days, plan for traffic delays and leave earlier than usual if traveling near the RP Funding Center. Pro tip: Avoid West Lemon Street, Lime Street, and Sikes Boulevard if possible. Instead, consider accessing downtown via South Florida Avenue or Bartow Road.
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Shout out to reader Ed M. who, after reading our article on the Tigers’ history of spring training in Lakeland, reached out to share this MLB documentary that shares more on the team’s history. Consider this our Wednesday night dinner entertainment.
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