We're Communications,

it's nice to meet you.

The City of Lakeland’s Communications Department was formed in 2002 with the goal to have an informed and engaged citizenry. It is very hard to believe the City didn’t have a website or any social media pages at that time. Those early years also included taping City Commission meetings on VHS that were later aired on the City’s government access cable station, repeatedly. Things have certainly changed over the past 20 years. The Department is always evolving to meet citizen expectations. The City's Communications Department includes a dedicated team that does graphic design, copywriting, along with video and digital media creation. This includes all internal and external communications for the City of Lakeland through social media, website, monthly newsletter, intranet, and government access television. The Department acts as the clearing house for public records and this past year over 850 record requests were processed.

Transparency in government is very important and that is one reason why the Communications Department streams and broadcasts live meetings that take place at City Hall. This past year 141 live meetings were streamed and published as video on demand, allowing the public to better understand their government at work. Live meetings are also aired on two cable networks, Frontier FiOS Channel 43, and Spectrum/Charter 643.

Lakeland has a unique story to tell with each project and program the City oversees. The Communications Department helps tell these stories through positive connections that keep citizens informed and engaged in the process.

The Communications Department also hosts the Lakeland Citizens Academy where community members have an opportunity to learn about City operations. The 25^th class just graduated with 30 new ambassadors earning a degree in Governmentology. This hands-on opportunity allows citizens to learn about their local government through interactive sessions, visiting seven different departments. 

The City of Lakeland has a user-friendly, very informative, website LakelandGov.net where citizens can access a wide range of services and conduct business online.

Watch the LakelandGov Network live online or on Spectrum Channel 643 / FiOS Channel 43.

Happy Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving is a time to join with those that we care about and give thanks for the blessings and freedoms that we enjoy every day. I’m personally thankful for family and friends, and for the opportunity to serve the Lakeland community.

The strength of our city comes from you, our residents, and our City of Lakeland public servants. I am thankful that we have active and caring citizens who are involved in our community.  I am very thankful for the volunteers who serve, unselfishly, on the 20 boards and committees that help our municipal government operate with inclusion. These volunteer members assist with everything from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals. We, as a community, are better because of the passionate residents who care about the future of our great city.

I am equally thankful for our city employees, our public servants who work hard every day to provide you with world-class services and amenities. We have almost 2,700 dedicated city employees, across 17 departments, who provide excellent services to our growing Lakeland population. While some of us will enjoy time off for Thanksgiving, many of our employees will be working during the holiday to keep our city running. The dedication of our tremendous city employees is another reason to be thankful during this holiday.  

As you celebrate Thanksgiving, please remember to reach out to those in our community who are less fortunate. Our giving spirit helps make the Lakeland community a special place to live, work and play. As we celebrate this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I hope each of you will take a moment to reflect on the many blessings in your life, here in Swan City.

Happy Thanksgiving!

M. Shawn Sherrouse

City Manager

Upcoming Election

The Polk County Supervisor of Elections and the City of Lakeland will oversee a runoff election on December 5, 2023, for the City Commissioner representing the NW District. Incumbent Sam Simmons and candidate Guy LaLonde are running for the seat. Commissioners are elected citywide, meaning all registered voters within the Lakeland municipal jurisdiction can vote for the NW District representative. There are four City Commissioners who represent and must live within their specific district, two at-large seats and a mayor who make up the Lakeland City Commission. The Lakeland City Commission’s role is to set policy and approve the budget. The City Commission appoints both the City Attorney and City Manager. 

For more information on the Lakeland City Commission and to view district maps, please visit LakelandGov.net/CityCommission. 

Important dates for the December 5, 2023, runoff election:

• November 23, 2023 - Last day to request a vote by mail ballot. It is a holiday but you can request the ballot through the polkelections.gov website.

• November 27 through December 1, 2023 - Walk-in Voting at the Polk County Government Center (930 E Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33801) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• December 5, 2023: Runoff Election Day. Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Christmas Parade Modified

Due To Construction

The Lakeland Christmas Parade is a time-honored tradition, enjoyed by the community for generations. The parade will take place on Thursday, December 7, 2023, following a modified route due to construction impacting Orange Street. 

LLIA Public Meeting

New Aircraft Arrival and

Departure Procedures November 16, 2023

Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) is currently working on the development of two new aircraft departure procedures for Runway 10 and two new aircraft arrival procedures for Runway 28.  

Fire Marshal Cheryl Edwards Honored as FFMIA Fire Marshal of the Year 2023

The Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA) has announced the recipient of this year's Fire Marshal of the Year award, Lakeland Fire Department's (LFD) own Fire Marshal Cheryl Edwards. 

Five Points Roundabout Construction Has Begun

The Five Points Roundabout construction project started on October 23, 2023. The intersection at West Main Street, West Lemon Street and Sloan Avenue are temporarily closed while the signalized intersection is converted to a single lane roundabout. The $2.2M project, funded by the City of Lakeland will take approximately nine months to complete. The work is being done by Gibbs & Register, a company that specializes in complex construction projects.