Lakeland in Full Fall Swing

October 2025

2025 Municipal Election: What You Need to Know

Election Day in Lakeland is Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for all qualified electors residing within city limits. If necessary, a runoff election will be held on December 2, 2025.

What’s on the Ballot:

Mayor
Commissioner – District C (Southwest)
Commissioner – District D (Southeast)
Three proposed Charter Amendments

The successful candidates will assume office in January 2026.

Voting Resources Toolkit:

Vote By Mail:

To request a mail ballot, contact the Polk County Supervisor of Elections at (863) 534‑5888 or visit polkelections.com.

Learn more

Dear Lakeland Residents,

October brings with it more than fall colors and community events — it marks the final stretch before our municipal election. Local government is where your voice can have the greatest impact, and I encourage every eligible resident to be informed and to vote on November 4.

This month’s issue includes resources to help you prepare for the ballot, updates on key city initiatives, and events that highlight the vibrancy of our community. Thank you for staying engaged and invested in Lakeland’s future.

Warm regards,

Shawn Sherrouse

City Manager

Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is updating plans for Dixieland, Downtown, and Midtown through the new “Restore the Core” initiative. Focus areas include business support, housing, walkability, and historic preservation. A public open house will kick off engagement on Nov. 6 at the RP Funding Center.

Professional Pickleball Comes to Lakeland 

Amateur player registration is now open for the Carvana PPA Tour event happening Nov. 18‑23 at the Beerman Family Tennis Center in Lakeland.

Players of all levels can compete on the same courts as top pros like Anna Leigh Waters, Ben Johns and Tyson McGuffin.

Registration closes Nov. 15.

Additional Flights from Lakeland to Grand Rapids & Rochester

Avelo Airlines is adding a third weekly nonstop flight from Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) to:

Grand Rapids (GRR) — Saturdays beginning December 6.
Rochester (ROC) — Wednesdays beginning December 3.

These extra flights reflect growing travel demand from the region. One‑way fares start at $57.

Storm Season Readiness

Hurricane checklist, outage info, and 2025 Hurricane Guide

Learn More

Solid Waste Collection Schedule

There are no service changes for trash and recycling in October. The next holiday impacting collection will be Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Project Updates

Events

🎭 Heathers: The Musical

November 7–9 & 14–16, 2025

At Lakeland Community Theatre

This darkly funny cult classic set in the '80s follows Veronica Sawyer as she navigates high school popularity, power, and the price of fitting in.

🎨 Frank Lloyd Wright & The College of Tomorrow

Through November 16, 2025
At the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art

Discover Wright’s bold vision for Florida Southern College through original drawings, models, and photos. A must-see for architecture and history fans.

🎪 Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Thursday, November 21, 2025 • 7:30 p.m.

At the RP Funding Center – Youkey Theatre

This dazzling holiday spectacular blends Broadway-style storytelling with jaw-dropping circus acts. Follow Clara’s magical journey through a world of wonder, color, and courage in a show the whole family will love.