City News Blog: City of Lakeland Opens Business Resource Office
LAKELAND, FL (September 3, 2024) | The City is pleased to announce the launch of a Business Resource Office that will help support new and expanding businesses. The Business Resource Office was formed with staff members from the Community & Economic Development Department experienced in economic development, real estate, development review and business tax administration.
The Business Resource Office located at Lakeland City Hall (228 S. Massachusetts Avenue) will be open for business on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Dedicated team members will act as a point of contact for businesses through the entire development process, from site evaluation and selection to development and site plan review. The team will also assist with building permitting, certificate of occupancy and business tax receipt issuance. The committed resource, knowledgeable staff and one-stop streamlined process is focused to make it easier for those wanting to do business in Lakeland.
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse said, “I am very proud of our Community & Economic Development Department for their collective leadership in taking yet another step forward with the services we provide to our business community. We are continuing to strategically adjust how we interact with our customers, and this new Business Resource Office furthers the City’s efforts in serving the community.”
Brian Rewis, Community & Economic Development Director said, “Lakeland’s businesses invest in the community, so it is critical that their local government invest in and support them. The services the Business Resource Office will deliver aren’t necessarily new, but the way services will be delivered out of one office with dedicated staff and resources is new for the City of Lakeland. Using our extensive experience, we will be able to provide a business with technical assistance and help navigate municipal processes like zoning rules and permit requirements.”
The Business Resource Team will continue to work closely with key community partners supporting Lakeland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland Economic Development Council, Catapult, The Well, Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corp., and Prospera, as well as the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency and more than a dozen City Departments responsible for infrastructure and quality of life services crucial to community and economic prosperity.
To learn more or to get started, please visit the Business Resource Office at www.lakelandgov.net/lbro. Customers can also contact the team at 863-834-LBRO (5276) or LBRO@lakelandgov.net.
Contact
Kevin Cook
Director of Communications
City of Lakeland
863.834.6264
Kevin.Cook@LakelandGov.net
About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population fast approaching 130,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.