News Summary
Lakeland is set for economic growth with numerous new developments including Publix’s new IT campus, significant expansions from various companies, and multiple infrastructure projects. The city will overhaul its retail landscape with new stores like Aldi and Nordstrom Rack, while healthcare facilities are being established to enhance community services. With a focus on job creation and improved recreational areas, these projects showcase Lakeland’s commitment to community advancement and future prosperity.
Lakeland Sees Wave of New Developments with Multiple Businesses and Infrastructure Projects on the Horizon
Lakeland is poised for significant economic growth with various new developments and projects underway that promise to boost job creation and enhance community services. Prominent among these is Publix Super Markets, which is establishing an Information Technology Campus in downtown Lakeland, projected to create over 200 high-wage jobs with a local investment of $121 million.
The city welcomes several notable business relocations and expansions, such as Kimley-Horn, an engineering and design firm, which is set to relocate to the historic Kress Building at 109 N. Kentucky Ave. with an expected opening in early 2026. Additionally, R. Riveter, a handbag company based in North Carolina and run by military spouses, will open a new production hub in southwest Lakeland.
Infrastructure developments are also making headlines, with Arcade Aviation constructing a 137,000-square-foot aircraft maintenance hangar at Lakeland International Airport, estimated to create an additional 300 local jobs.
Retail Expansion
The retail landscape in Lakeland is expanding as well. A remodeled Publix Super Market at Lake Miriam Square is set to open in November 2025, offering a larger space and a variety of new services. Meanwhile, Aldi is preparing to launch its fourth location in the city at the former Winn-Dixie site on 2900 Lakeland Highlands Rd, with an opening date to be announced. Nordstrom Rack is also making an entry, opening on October 23 at 1500 Town Center Dr., featuring off-price high-fashion items.
Moreover, the Lakeland Market will feature over 125 retail spaces and its opening date is pending. The well-known bookstore, Barnes & Noble, is set to expand its offerings with a new store opening on November 19 at 3615 S. Florida Ave., focusing on expanding toy and vinyl sections.
Health and Community Services
In healthcare infrastructure, Orlando Health is working on the Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, projected to open in June 2026 and offering multiple health services. Additionally, the AdventHealth medical complex is planned for completion in 2027, featuring a 400-bed hospital along with medical offices and retail spaces. A BayCare freestanding emergency department, focused on pediatrics, is scheduled to open in late 2026.
The community will also benefit from the upcoming Well Society wellness hub offering various health services, though an opening date has yet to be set. Catering to those facing housing insecurity is the Community Dream Center of Lakeland’s shower facility, scheduled to open in late September 2025. Furthermore, the Mass Market redevelopment project aims to introduce new residential, commercial, and dining spaces in the area.
Emergency Services and Recreation
The city is enhancing emergency services with the construction of the Christina Fire Rescue station in southeast Lakeland, with an opening date yet to be announced. For recreation, the development of English Creek Park, spanning 101 acres, is projected to open in 2030, promoting various outdoor activities.
In educational improvements, the School of Architecture at Florida Southern College renovations are expected to be completed in Fall 2025. New residential projects, including the townhouse community “The Enclave at Kathleen,” have been approved for development with plans for additional public area features such as playgrounds and guest parking.
The Detroit Tigers Player Development Academy is also under construction at TigerTown, expected to be completed by early 2027. With various investments, city officials have recognized opportunities for infrastructure enhancement, including planned traffic safety improvements along Sleepy Hill Road to accommodate the surge in developmental activity.
These developments signify Lakeland’s commitment to creating jobs, enhancing health services, and providing improved recreational spaces, reflecting the city’s growth and forward momentum in the coming years.
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Additional Resources
- LAL Today: New Businesses in Lakeland
- Ilitch News Hub: Tigers and Lakeland Break Ground
- The Ledger: New Townhomes in Kathleen Area
- MILB: Detroit Tigers Player Development Academy
- The Ledger: Lakeland’s Impact Fees
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
