Lakeland CED - Community & Economic Development

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Lakeland CED - Community & Economic Development Growing businesses and rebuilding neighborhoods in Lakeland. Social Media Policy: LakelandGov.net/SocialMediaPolicy

Located in the middle of Central FL

10/23/2026

October is Community Planning Month!

This month celebrates how community planning leads to safer, more resilient, and more prosperous communities. From economic development to transportation to housing, planners are there to regulate what goes into the community and affects Lakeland’s quality of life.

Historic Preservation is an important part of planning! The protection of historic buildings and districts is a key part of the Lakeland Comprehensive Plan, and a huge priority for the Lakeland community.

Let’s celebrate spooky style! Did you know that the Polk Theatre is rumored to be haunted? Learn about the theatre’s design style in this video and tune in next week to hear about these ghostly encounters.👻

Check out what's coming soon to 339 Bartow Rd in our downtown district. 👀 The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency's ...
10/22/2026

Check out what's coming soon to 339 Bartow Rd in our downtown district. 👀

The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency's commercial redevelopment incentive program is helping breathe new life into a vacant downtown property by transforming what was once a Domino’s Pizza into a beautiful new insurance agency office.

While construction is still underway, this project represents an exciting milestone for the business, as it moves from leasing in Midtown to proudly owning a property in downtown. Projects like this embody the growth potential of local businesses and the benefits of reinvesting in Lakeland’s commercial districts.

Through its impactful grant programs, the LCRA encourages private investment, fuels business development, and revitalizes underutilized properties, all of which help our core mission: building a better tomorrow, together.

Dink. Drop. Ace. If you're a pickleball fan, this one’s for you. Meet the Baseline Players Club, a design-forward pickle...
10/20/2026

Dink. Drop. Ace. If you're a pickleball fan, this one’s for you. Meet the Baseline Players Club, a design-forward pickleball social club that's centered on community, connection, and, yes, even some friendly competition.

Located at 905 E. Rose Street in the Midtown Community Redevelopment Area, just east of The Joinery and the Bartow Road/US 98 overpass, this project aims to support the goals of the CRA Midtown Redevelopment Plan, which focuses on adaptive reuse, reinvestment in underutilized properties, and increasing economic activity within the Midtown district. The upcoming facility will feature a total of 11 courts, with 7 outdoors and 4 indoors.

Get ready to take your pickleball game to the next level, Lakeland. 🏓

We're glad you asked. 🏠 Infill Housing is the building of new homes on vacant or underutilized city property. This urban...
10/09/2026

We're glad you asked. 🏠

Infill Housing is the building of new homes on vacant or underutilized city property. This urban planning strategy brings new homes to established neighborhoods, creating more opportunities for people to live, connect, and be part of the community. From single-family homes to townhomes and apartments, the Lakeland CRA supports housing that adds to the energy and continued growth of our neighborhoods.

Learn more about what's happening in our CRA districts at www.lakelandcra.net.

We had a fantastic time explaining what Community and Economic Development (CED) does to this year's Leadership Lakeland...
10/09/2026

We had a fantastic time explaining what Community and Economic Development (CED) does to this year's Leadership Lakeland class and the Lakeland Youth Council yesterday!

We covered all our divisions, answered questions, and gave out our Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Mural Passport bags.

It was a great afternoon!

Did you know we have a Dog Park in Downtown Lakeland? Don't miss out on the perfect spot to take your furry friends to r...
10/08/2026

Did you know we have a Dog Park in Downtown Lakeland? Don't miss out on the perfect spot to take your furry friends to run off some energy. 🐾 On Dog Time Dog Park was a fun project for our Community Redevelopment Agency team to work on alongside the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts team. This space perfectly highlights our community’s dedication to continuing improvements in urban spaces throughout the beautiful place we call home.

Recently Neighborhood Outreach, Webster Park South Neighborhood Association, and Zion Hill Primitive Baptist Church orga...
10/07/2026

Recently Neighborhood Outreach, Webster Park South Neighborhood Association, and Zion Hill Primitive Baptist Church organized a free Seniors Movie Day! Participants got free bags, food and drinks, and could participate in a raffle.

Thank you to our sponsors/vendors Dedicated Senior Medical Center, CarePlus, and Bounce Boy Party Rentals for the food and raffle prizes!

Here's to more community events in the future!

Fun fact: The space that houses MOJO Federal Swine & Spirits, along with its neighbors Smith’s American Tavern and Feder...
09/28/2026

Fun fact: The space that houses MOJO Federal Swine & Spirits, along with its neighbors Smith’s American Tavern and Federal, is a Georgian Revival-style building dating back to 1917. Located in the heart of downtown just steps from Munn Park, this historic property spans more than 15,000 square feet across its ground and basement levels.

The Lakeland CRA invested in improvements to this historic property to help enhance the building, increase its value, and create spaces ready for private investment and new activity. That’s what redevelopment is all about: investing in places that strengthen downtown and set the stage for businesses to thrive.

09/23/2026

The Central Florida Business Expo is right around the corner, and there's a lot to be excited about!

While you’re networking, attending breakout sessions, and gaining insights from industry leaders, make sure to stop by the City of Lakeland Business Resource Office (LBRO) booth! LBRO helps businesses navigate complex City processes while connecting them with the right City departments, resources, and community partners.

Join us on September 29-30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m!

Learn more about the Central Florida Business Expo by going here: LakelandGov.net/CFLBE26

Learn more about LBRO by going here: lakelandgov.net/LBRO

Meet the team behind the Lakeland CRA. Have questions about our projects, programs, incentives or what the CRA does? Ask...
09/22/2026

Meet the team behind the Lakeland CRA. Have questions about our projects, programs, incentives or what the CRA does? Ask us! We’re here to help: https://www.lakelandcra.net/lcra-team.

Building a better Lakeland, together. 💙

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228 S Massachusetts Avenue
Lakeland, FL
33801

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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