City News

LAKELAND, FL (September 8, 2026) – Today, the City Commission unanimously approved an amendment to Ordinance 4844 establishing drought enforcement measures to ensure compliance with Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) Phase 3 Water Shortage Restrictions.  The amendment establishes enforcement and appeal procedures for watering violations, including fines of $50 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation, and $500 for third and subsequent violations. 

Lakeland, FL (August 31, 2026) -  For the third consecutive year, the Central Florida Business Expo (CFLBE) will return to the RP Funding Center (701 West Lime Street, Lakeland, FL 33815) in Lakeland in partnership with the City of Lakeland on September 29-30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Public Notice: Emergency Closure of Southbound Harden Boulevard at Beacon Road  Lakeland, FL (August 20, 2026) - The City of Lakeland is notifying motorists of an emergency road closure associated with the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Project. Beginning Thursday, August 20, at approximately 2 PM, southbound Harden Boulevard at Beacon Road will be temporarily closed for up to 24 ...

Lakeland, FL (August 4, 2026) | The City of Lakeland Water Utilities Department will begin overnight sewer rehabilitation work near the intersection of Wabash Avenue and George Jenkins Boulevard on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

LAKELAND, FL (July 31, 2026) - City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is pleased to appoint Mr. Scott Bishop as Interim General Manager of Lakeland Electric, citing his extensive leadership experience and commitment to public service. 

LAKELAND, FL (July 24, 2026) - On July 14, 2026, 48-year-old Fozi Nagi Al-Zokari initiated a text conversation with a Lakeland Police Department undercover detective in response to a post of who he believed to be a parent that was trying to prostitute their 14-year-old daughter. Al-Zokari and the undercover detective continued communication for multiple days. During the message ...

LAKELAND, FL (July 20, 2026) |Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph “Joe” Costine as Water Utilities Director, effective Monday, July 20, 2026.

LAKELAND, FL (July 17, 2026) | On Monday, July 20, 2026, the City of Lakeland will begin construction of three Phosphorus Elimination Systems with Denitrification (PES+N) modules at Lake Morton to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from the lake’s surface water The modules will be installed on the western side of Lake Morton and operated for a two-year demonstration period. 

LAKELAND, FL (July 13, 2026) | The City of Lakeland Water Utilities Department is providing an update on upcoming construction activities associated with the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line Project.

As part of this work, a jack and bore operation will take place on both the east and west sides of Harden Boulevard, south of Beacon Road near the entrance to Fred's Market Restaurant, from July 13 through August 28, 2026.