Lakeland Economic Development Council

05/15/2026

05/08/2026

Congratulations to Saddle Creek Logistics Services on 60 years of excellence! So grateful to the entire team and that you are headquartered in Lakeland and what you mean to our community!

05/06/2026

Exciting day for Lakeland as Mitutoyo America Corporation officially celebrated the grand opening of their new facility!

This investment further strengthens Lakeland’s position as a growing hub for advanced manufacturing, precision technology, and innovation in the Southeast. The new Metrology Service Center will support industries ranging from aerospace and medical manufacturing to defense and advanced machining with cutting-edge measurement, inspection, and training services.

We are grateful to the Mitutoyo team for choosing Lakeland and investing in our community’s future. Thank you to our partners at FloridaCommerce and Central Florida Development Council for helping make this project possible.

We also want to extend sincere thanks to The Ruthvens for their leadership and commitment in providing an excellent location and building for this project.

We look forward to Mitutoyo’s continued success in Lakeland!

04/29/2026

Congratulations to the Watson Clinic on this amazing project in our community.

The signage is being placed for our newest location – Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center – and construction is nearing completion! Stay tuned to our social media platforms for an invitation to our Open House & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in celebration of its opening! For more information on this exciting facility located at 4060 Lakeland Highlands Rd. in south Lakeland, visit https://ow.ly/iZ4Q50YRfbt.

Lakeland

04/22/2026

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been named one of Florida's 50 most influential leaders over the age of 50 by the News Service of Florida.

04/05/2026

Polk County Public Schools just broke ground on Junior Achievement’s innovative new Discovery Center where students will get hands-on business experience.

03/26/2026

Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands will hold a job fair March 28 for hundreds of non-medical support positions. See link below ⬇️

📸 Ernst Peters, Ernst Peters/The Ledger

02/26/2026

02/10/2026

In 2018, the LEDC turned heads by publicly sharing research that showed that the perception of the quality of our educational offerings in Lakeland was a hinderance to company recruitment and employee retention.

Community business leaders answered the rallying cry and formed a new 501(c)3, Lakeland Leads, to focus on improving our schools.

In 2024, Lakeland Leads rebranded as ConnectED Polk to better reflect their mission and reach. ConnectED walks alongside Polk County Public Schools and other educational organizations to support their efforts and fill the gaps to prepare our future workforce by connecting the students and faculty to industry.

ConnectED has celebrated the success of several initiatives:
* Adoption of School Links career connection software by Polk County Public Schools
* Opening of IDEA Lakeland public charter school with 100% enrollment
* Successful lobbying and award of $2.5M by the State Legislature for Junior Achievement's BizTown/Finance Park at Tenoroc High School

02/05/2026

Great news 🗞️ Congratulations The Ruthvens!

3900 County Line Rd in Lakeland is now fully leased, reaching 100% occupancy within one year of completion. The 156,000 SF facility is now home to three companies and reflects continued demand for well-located, modern industrial space in Lakeland’s airport submarket.

We appreciate the tenants, partners, and team members who helped bring this project from development to full occupancy. Supporting business growth through thoughtfully designed industrial properties remains our focus.

For companies considering expansion, relocation, or future development opportunities, give us a call!

Need Warehouse Space? Call The Ruthvens! 863-686-3173