City Budget Hearing Coming September 24

The City of Lakeland is preparing to finalize its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The final public budget hearing will take place Thursday, September 24, at 6 PM in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall.

The City’s General Fund supports many of the services residents interact with every day, including public safety, parks and recreation, libraries, community development and other essential City operations.

Want to see where your tax dollars go?

Residents can review the City’s proposed FY2027 budget, including detailed spending and planned capital improvement projects, before the hearing.

Residents can also tune in live on LakelandGov TV to follow the hearing and learn more about how City services are funded and resources are prioritized throughout the community.

Duck Hunting Season Returns to Lakeland

Florida’s duck hunting season is approaching, and Lakeland residents may notice increased hunting activity around permitted areas and waterways.

The 2026–27 season dates include Sept. 19–23 for teal and wood duck only, Nov. 21–29, and Dec. 12–Jan. 31.

Hunters are responsible for following all state regulations, including licensing requirements, bag limits, and other waterfowl hunting rules.

For complete information on Florida’s waterfowl hunting regulations, visit the link below.

Central Florida Business Expo Headed Back to Lakeland's RP Funding Center

The Central Florida Business Expo returns to the RP Funding Center on September 29–30 from 9 AM to 5 PM for its third year, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, corporate teams, and community partners from across Central Florida.

This year’s theme, “Breakthrough: Leading Change, Unlocking Growth,” will explore how businesses can respond to changing markets, advancing technology, workforce shifts, and evolving customer expectations. Attendees can connect with exhibitors and sponsors, participate in educational sessions, and discover resources designed to help organizations build relationships and identify new opportunities.

Businesses and organizations can participate as attendees, exhibitors, or sponsors.

Mayor’s Council on the Arts 2026-2027 Program Grant

Applications are now open for the Lakeland Mayor’s Council on the Arts 2026-2027 Program Grant!

The Lakeland Mayor’s Council on the Arts is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 Program Grant.

Who can apply?

Lakeland-based 501(c)(3) arts nonprofit organizations with at least three years of operating history.

What can the grant support?

Funding can support arts programming, performances, exhibits, educational initiatives, public art and other arts-focused projects that enrich our community.

Application Deadline

September 15

Make a Difference in Your Community

The City of Lakeland is looking for residents interested in serving on municipal boards and committees. This is an opportunity to share your perspective, provide valuable input, and help shape Lakeland’s future.

Current openings:

• Code Enforcement Board — 1 seat
• Zoning Board of Adjustments & Appeals — 1 seat

Get involved and make your voice part of the decisions that help guide our community.

It Can Wait: City of Lakeland Launches 
Safe Driving Campaign

The 100 Deadliest Days may be coming to an end, but the dangers of distracted driving don’t end with summer.

Distracted driving isn’t just texting. Talking with passengers, choosing a playlist, checking a notification, or reaching for something can take your attention away from the road. It only takes a few seconds of distraction for everything to change.

Through Vision Zero, the City of Lakeland is working toward one goal: zero traffic deaths and serious injuries on Lakeland’s roads.

Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your attention on driving.

The text can wait. The playlist can wait. The conversation can wait.