►Carvana, a virtual seller of used automobiles based in Tempe, Arizona , plans to construct a nearly $47 million facility in Haines City.
► Galaxy Bar Lakeland, a nostalgic dive-bar, opened at 5153 U.S. 98 N., Lakeland.
► Four Florida Polytechnic University bachelor’s degrees, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering, have been accredited by the Computing and Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
►Legoland Florida announced April 17 as the opening date for its new pirate-themed hotel.
► Sun ‘n Fun, in Lakeland, underwent a corporate transformation and is now within the overarching governance of the Aerospace Center for Excellence, a nonprofit organization.
► Publix Super Markets Charities made a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross and United Way to help fund relief efforts for areas impacted by Hurricane Dorian.
► Auburndale and Lakeland unanimously approved memorandums of understanding with the Central Florida Development Council to endorse the creation of the Central Florida Innovation District to promote technology-oriented growth around Florida Polytechnic University and the SunTrax facility.
►Florida Polytechnic University broke ground on the Applied Research Center, an 85,000-square-foot building on campus that will serve as a research hub for students, faculty and high-tech industry in the region.
► The Polk County History Center has achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums.
► Polk County Fire Rescue received notification of its three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services.
► The Balance Culture, an all-women’s fitness studio in Lakeland, is moving from Dixieland Village to the first floor of the new Heritage Plaza and will offer the studio 2,000 square feet of additional space.
► Three pay-to-park machines in downtown Lakeland that many drivers found confusing have been replaced by new machines that take credit cards, bills, coins or payment via the ParkMobile app.
► Phillip Walker was re-elected to the Lakeland City Commission since he did not receive opposition for his northwest Lakeland seat.
