Introduction
As Orlando continues its migration to the west and Tampa continues its migration to the east. Polk County is the central focus of both metropolitan areas.
But imaging this. I we were to combine the Metropolitan Areas that are today, Tampa/St.Peterburg, Orlando and Lakeland/Winter Haven you would have an 12 county Metroplex of 10,732 Square Miles and a population of 8,198,729 (2018 Census Bureau Estimate).
How would this compare nationally?
Background – Lakeland
Founded in 1882 by land developer Abraham Munn and incorporated in 1885, Lakeland has built upon its historic character, heritage, philanthropy, and volunteerism, offering its residents and visitors a true sense of place. From its pedestrian-friendly downtown to quiet picnics on the shore of one of its lakes, Lakeland has something to offer each of its diverse residents and visitors.
Located in Polk County, approximately 35 miles east of Tampa and 55 miles southwest of Orlando along Interstate 4 (I-4), Lakeland is home to just over 100,000 residents who experience a quality of life supported by a variety of arts and cultural opportunities. With many museums, theatres and several structures that appear on the National Register of Historic Places, Lakeland is also proud to boast the nation’s largest single-campus collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.
Today, Lakeland continues to grow, develop and become one of the most sought after places to live in the state. Employment opportunities are constantly emerging as many corporate offices, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, institutes of higher learning and major national retailers are an active part of our thriving business community.
The Royal Swans
Swans are one of the most visible features on the lakes of Lakeland. They have a long history with the first swans appearing around 1923. Once the swans started coming they were here to stay. However, nature got the best of them. Alligators, Dogs, and People would kill the swans and capture the swans’ eggs. By 1954, all of the swans that made up the beauty, the culture, and the mystic of the city were gone.
A Lakeland resident who mourned the passing of the swans wrote to Queen Elizabeth. The message was so moving that, in 1957, the royal family allowed the capture of two of the royal swans to start the colony of swans all over again in Lakeland.
Today, the swans that reside here are descendants of the royal swans and with these swans carefully monitored, the population continues to flourish. However, the royal family still maintains pride in the lakeland swans. The queen sends a team to Lakeland every year to see how the swans are being treated and that they are. allowed to lead a beautiful. existence..
Visitors Profile
Lakeland takes pride in our community, and has its own identity. Retaining the charm of a small town, Lakeland is made up of great people from all walks of life and all age groups. Simply put, our residents are proud to call Lakeland home, and you will be too!
Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Southern College, which hosts the largest on-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. History buffs and art lovers will enjoy the Polk Museum of Art, and flight enthusiasts can’t miss the annual SUN ‘n FUN Fly-in. In the heart of downtown, Lake Mirror Park offers a historic promenade, amphitheater and pedestrian walkways. Hollis Garden, found around the walkway, is a breathtaking formal garden that showcases more than 10,000 flowers and Florida indigenous plants. History comes alive in Lakeland’s legendary downtown Historic and Antiques district. Come visit the antiques dealers, specialty shops, art galleries, museums, restaurants and pubs, right in the heart of downtown.
Business Profile
Lakeland distinguishes itself as a business friendly city with outstanding quality of life, diverse culture, available skilled workforce and low labor costs. In addition, our location along the Interstate 4 (I-4) corridor between Tampa and Orlando, access to a variety of colleges and universities within our city, close proximity to ports and two international airports, and the cost of doing business, make Lakeland a great place to live and work.
Lakeland’s location between Tampa and Orlando makes it an ideal location for manufacturing and distribution. The Lakeland market absorbs more than one million square feet of manufacturing/warehouse space annually, with more than 30 million square feet in the entire market.
SOURCE: Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
Things To Do
Professional Sports
| Club | Sport | Founded | Current League | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Tigers | Baseball | 1934 | MLB Grapefruit League | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium |
| Lakeland Flying Tigers | Baseball | 1966 | Florida State League | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium |
| Gulf Coast League Tigers | Baseball | 1995 | Gulf Coast League | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium |
| Lakeland Tarpons | Indoor football | 2012 | American Arena League | RP Funding Center |
| Florida Tropics SC | Indoor soccer | 2016 | Major Arena Soccer League | RP Funding Center |
| Florida Tropics SC | Outdoor soccer | 2016 | United Premier Soccer League | Lake Myrtle Sports Complex |
| Lakeland Magic | Basketball | 2017 | NBA G League | RP Funding Center |
| Lakeland Tropics | Soccer | 2017 | USL League 2 | SYKES Field at Bryant Stadium |
Performance Theaters
| Theater | Location |
|---|---|
| Youkee Theater | RP Funding Center |
| Jenkins Arena | RP Funding Center |
| Mainstage Productions | Theater Winter Haven |
| Lakeland Community Theater | 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland |
| TheatreWorks Florida | 8 E. Cypress St., Davenport |
| Polk Theater | 121 S Florida Ave, Lakeland |
| Ritz Theater | 263 W Central Ave, WH |
| Haines City Community Theatre | 555 Ledwith Ave, HC |
| Loca Lee Buckner Theatre | Florida Southern College |
| Performing Arts Academy | Theater Winter Haven |
| Black Box Theatre | Theater Winter Haven |
| Florida Southern College |
Movie Theaters
| Theater | Location |
|---|---|
| Cinemark Lakeland Square Mall & XD | Lakeland Square Mall |
| Cobb Lakeside 18 & IMAX | Lakeside Village |
| Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas IMAX | Posner Park |
| Cobb Grand 10 Cinemas | 828 Spring Lake Plaza |
| Regal Eagle Ridge Mall | Eagle Ridge Mall |
| Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre | 4100 New Tampa Hwy |
| Polk Theater | 121 South Florida Ave |
Major Shopping Centers in Lakeland
| Theater | Anchor | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeside Village | Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohls, Belks, Cobb Theaters, Books a Million | 1479 Town Center Drive |
| Lakeland Square Mall | Dillards, Cinemark Theaters, JC Pennys, Burlington, H&M | 3800 US 98 N |
| Shoppes of Lakeland | Panera Bread, Dollar Tree, Ashley Furniture, Staples, Target, TJ Maxx, Petco | 4019 US 98 N |
| Lakeland Park Center | Dicks Sporting Goods, Ross, Old Navy, Floors and Decor, Petsmart, LA Fitness Center | 3715 Hopewell Ave |
| Merchants Walk | Hobby Lobby, SteinMart, Ross, Marshalls, Party City | 3615 Florida Ave S. |
| Hobby Lobby North | Hobby Lobby, Big Lots, Party City | 3615 Florida Ave S. |
| Best Buy Center | Best Buy, Bealls, JoAnns Fabrics | 4215 US 98 N |
| Southgate Shopping Center | Office Max, Tuesday Morning, Publix | 2625 Florida Ave S |
| Target Center South | Target, Publix | 3570 Harden Blvd |
| Sams Club (2) | Sams Club | 4600 US Hwy 98 N 3530 Lakeland Highlands Rd |
| Walmart (3) | Walmart | 5800 US Hwy 98 N 3501 Florida Ave S 6745 N Church Ave, Mulberry |
Colleges and Universities
There are approximately 10,000 full time college students and another 20,000 part-time students in Lakeland. Most of these students attend either Florida Polytechnic University, Southeastern University, Florida Southern College and Polk State College.
The institution originated as a branch campus of the University of South Florida, Lakeland, which opened in 1988. The State of Florida authorized a new campus in 2008, and renamed the school University of South Florida Polytechnic. In 2012, the Florida Legislature initiated plans to dissolve the USF branch campus and reform the Lakeland institution into an independent school. Florida Poly opened for classes on August 25, 2014 with an inaugural class of 554 students. In 2009 Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava was selected to design the campus’ first building. The University is focused on STEM degree programs, such as engineering and computer science.
Southeastern University is the largest university in the area, with an enrollment around 2800. Southeastern is affiliated with the Assemblies of God, it’s NAIA sports programs has brought it to National Championships in both Football and Basketball.
Florida Southern College, established in 1883 and with a current enrollment of just over 2000, is on Lake Hollingsworth. Florida Southern is the home of the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. The College is classified as NCAA Division II and has won 30 Team National Championships in Baseball, Basketball, and Golf, it has also won 31 Individual National Championships is a series of individual sports.
Both Everest University and Keiser University, two multisite, accredited universities, have locations in Lakeland. Traviss Career Center is a vocational school. Webster University offers on-site, regionally accredited graduate degree programs in business and counseling at their Lakeland Metropolitan Campus.
Whitefield Theological Seminary is a Reformed theological seminary in Lakeland, Florida, United States. A conservative confessional institution, it teaches from the Reformed perspective of Protestant Christianity. The seminary holds to the Westminster Standards which includes the Confession of 1647, Larger and Shorter Catechism. Courses of study are offered on-site at the seminary’s Lakeland offices but primarily through distance learning. The school is affiliated with Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly.
Current Weather Conditions
Lakeland, Florida
Current Weather Conditions
LAKELAND, FLORIDA
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
Area |
|
|---|---|
| City | 74.93 sq mi |
| Water | 65.91 sq mi |
| Downtown | 9.02 sq mi |
| Elevation | 197 ft. |
| Distances | |
| TPA Tampa | 50 Miles |
| Disney. World | 41 Miles |
| TPA Cruise Term | 42 Miles |
Population (2010) |
|
| City | 97,422 (281st) |
| Estimate | 120,000 (2019) |
| Density | 1,614.68/sq mi |
| Metro | 650,000 (2019) |
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