► Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland announced a $2 million gift from trustee Gary C. Wendt (Pictured above) to support the creation of new leadership initiatives for students. ► Chiropractor Jalen Banks began seeing patients at the Watson Clinic Center for Specialized Rehabilitation on East County Road 540A and Lakeland Highlands Road, in Lakeland. ► … Read more
► Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro plans to open a third location, in south Lakeland, at 4209 S. Florida Ave. (Rendering above) ► Bonnet Springs Park launched the Carol Jenkins Barnett Endowment with a generous gift from Harrell Family Charities Fund, in a ceremony held at the GiveWell Community Foundation on behalf of … Read more
► The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College announced a $6 million, 10,000-square-foot expansion that will triple the gallery space and add classrooms and art labs. ► Denise Bohde was named president of the Bartow Economic Development Council. ► The Aerospace Center for Excellence and Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo board of directors … Read more
► Bruce Jacob, a researcher and chairman of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, was named to the editorial board of the international publication IEEE Access. ► Fresh Kitchen, a Tampa-based build-your-own-bowl restaurant chain, has plans to open its first Lakeland site at 4520 S. Florida Ave. ► The Lakeland … Read more
► Cushman & Wakefield arranged the sale of McLane Distribution Center, a fully leased 211,113-square-foot distribution center located in Lakeland, for $27.33 million. (Pictured above) ► Researchers at Florida Polytechnic University’s Advanced Mobility Institute began a new phase in their work on autonomous vehicle testing and verification, shifting gears from software to hardware testing at … Read more
► An urban-style community of 630 apartments with, restaurants and shops, will be built on the abandoned Florida Tile site, located between Lake Wire and the upcoming Bonnet Springs Park. (Rendering above) ► Phillip Walker, a Lakeland city commissioner for 12 years, will serve as president of the Florida League of Cities. ► Noah’s Ark … Read more
► Southwest Middle School is slated for a $50 million makeover, with most of the campus being demolished and rebuilt. (Rendering above) ► The Florida Board of Governors has given the green light to a public-private partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and Fortune 500 company International Flavors and Fragrances, a project that could potentially bring … Read more
► Allen & Co. announced a corporate gift of $1 million to fund the Allen & Co. Family Lawn, at Bonnet Springs Park, set to open in 2022. (rendering above) ► A Krispy Kreme doughnut shop opened at 3790 U.S. Highway 98 N., near Lakeland Square Mall, replacing the south Lakeland store that closed in … Read more
► Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux opened adjacent to Lakeland Square, in the space formerly occupied by Toys R Us. (Rendering above) ► Lakeland Regional Health announced plans to open an ambulatory care center on 20 acres, at Interstate 4 and Kathleen Road, in 2023 to serve northern Polk County. ► Reliance Medical Centers, a primary care … Read more
► The Explorations V Children’s Museum, at 109 N. Kentucky Ave. in Lakeland, will change its name to the Florida Children’s Museum, effective when it opens its new 47,800 square feet at Bonnet Springs Park in mid-2022. (Rendering above) ► Steven Pacheco, a 34-year veteran of the Lakeland Police Department, was promoted from captain to … Read more
