With Lakeland’s population on the rise, the need for quality medical care is rising, too. We’re watching these new healthcare developments and programs coming across Lakeland that aim to bridge the gap between residents and the doctors they need.
Orlando Health
Orlando Health is breaking into the Lakeland market with two new developments. First up, a freestanding emergency room is slated to open in August 2025 at Lakeland Park Center in north Lakeland.
In spring of 2026, Orlando Health will also open its Lakeland Highlands Hospital. The facility south of the Polk Parkway near Sanlan Golf Course will include around 300 inpatient beds, plus emergency department beds, ICU rooms, and labor + delivery rooms. It will also include space to open a neonatal intensive care unit in the future.
AdventHealth
AdventHealth is also branching out into Lakeland, with plans to construct a large-scale medical complex in south Lakeland that aims to be fully operational by 2027.
While the development is in its early stages, proposed plans for the site include a 400-bed hospital, medical offices, retail commercial space, and 250-unit apartment complex + a free-standing ER, rehab center, parking structures, and helipad for medical transport.
Lakeland Regional Health
Lakeland Regional Health’s freestanding emergency department at 6150 S. Florida Ave. is under construction and set to open in early 2025. The health system also recently opened a new urgent care location in north Lakeland’s Lake Gibson area.
BayCare
Speaking of emergency departments, BayCare also has plans to construct one just down the road from Lakeland Regional Health’s at 5501 S. Florida Ave.
The 12,000-sqft facility will be focused on pediatrics and offer 12 emergency care beds, diagnostic imaging, and lab services. Construction is expected to begin this year + be complete in late 2026.
Polk County
Polk County is expanding access to indigent healthcare for those in need. In May of 2024, County Commissioners approved $4 million for a new community health center just south of Lakeland in Mulberry. It’s also investing $3 million into Central Florida Health Care’s new location on North Missouri Avenue, which will replace its current facility.
Interested in county health programs? Check out an upcoming community event near you to learn more about the Polk HealthCare Plan.
