Shawn Sherrouse, City Manager, City of Lakeland

In an interview with Invest:, Shawn Sherrouse, city manager of Lakeland, discussed the city’s rapid growth, infrastructure investments, and commitment to workforce and business development. “Lakeland consistently ranks among the Top 10 fastest-growing cities nationwide,” he noted.

What are some recent accomplishments in Lakeland regarding economic growth?

One of the most significant areas of growth has been around our airport, which now has an annual economic impact of about $1.5 billion. We’ve diversified operations with Amazon Air’s cargo hub, a strong general aviation sector, and a thriving business community.

A key milestone is our partnership with Avelo Airlines, which introduced passenger air service in and out of Lakeland. This creates opportunities to bring in more visitors while giving residents additional travel options along the Eastern United States. We see potential for Avelo to expand its operations here.

To support this growth, we’re developing a terminal master plan to enhance the facility, making it more welcoming and easier to navigate. The airport’s success plays a major role in Lakeland’s continued momentum on a national scale.

How is the city ensuring sustainable development while maintaining other key priorities?

Lakeland consistently ranks among the Top 10 fastest-growing cities nationwide, recently earning recognition as the fourth fastest-growing. We are exceeding growth projections, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

A key focus is expanding infrastructure to support this growth while modernizing aging systems. Our water and wastewater transmission lines — some over 80 years old — are being upgraded alongside expansions in electricity, transportation, and other essential services. This ensures we meet both current and future demand.

What makes Lakeland an ideal location for businesses and new residents?

Lakeland’s central location between Tampa and Orlando, with easy access to major highways, makes it ideal for businesses serving both coasts of Florida.

We also have available land at comparatively affordable prices, making it attractive for new development. Beyond logistics, Lakeland offers a high quality of life, a welcoming community, and strong philanthropic support, as seen in projects like Bonnet Springs Park. Unlike larger cities, we retain a strong hometown feel while still being home to major industries.

What are the main industries driving Lakeland’s economy, and which sectors have seen the most growth?

Publix remains a cornerstone of our local economy, and we have a strong relationship with them. Warehousing and distribution are also major industries, and manufacturing continues to grow. Another area of focus is the Innovation District near Florida Polytechnic University, where we see opportunities for research and development industries to emerge.

Healthcare is rapidly expanding, with about $2 billion in investment expected to bring 5,500 high-skill, high-wage jobs. Major projects include a new VA clinic, a $30 million Central Florida Health Care redevelopment, a 10-story, 400-bed AdventHealth hospital, and Orlando Health’s $650 million facility opening in 2026. Lakeland Regional Health is also expanding, with the first phase of its multi-building project completed in 2024.
Lakeland’s central location makes it a natural hub for healthcare services, drawing patients from surrounding areas. With these investments, the healthcare sector is poised to continue growing and playing a vital role in the city’s economy for years to come.

What support does the city offer to startups and small businesses? Are there any initiatives to promote business growth?

Supporting small businesses has been a priority. We want to be seen not just as a regulator but as a resource.

To assist entrepreneurs, we launched a Business Resource Office at city hall, providing direct guidance on business tax receipts, permits, and planning. We also offer financial support through our Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

Beyond funding, we are fostering networking and collaboration. Last year, we hosted Biz Bash with the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Bridge Local, and Sun ‘n Fun, creating opportunities for local businesses to connect. We also held the first Central Florida Business Summit at the RP Funding Center, bringing together entrepreneurs from Lakeland and Polk County. This event will return in the fall to continue providing resources and networking opportunities.

Our goal is to ensure that Lakeland remains a place where businesses — both small and large — can thrive.

What is the state of the labor market in Lakeland, and what initiatives exist to strengthen the talent pipeline?

One of the primary ways the city is addressing workforce challenges is through initiatives focused on affordable and workforce housing. A significant portion of this effort is being carried out through our Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and incentives provided by our utility enterprises. We’re working to ensure there is adequate housing stock to support both the recruitment and retention of the workforce. From a city government perspective, that is one of the most direct ways we are contributing to workforce development.

What are some of the major infrastructure projects planned or underway that will support residential growth?

Lakeland owns its electric utility, so ensuring sufficient power for residential and commercial expansion is a key priority. A few years ago, we decommissioned our coal plant and replaced it with six reciprocating internal combustion engines, which are now being brought online. These units are more efficient and environmentally friendly, helping to replace the lost generation capacity.

We’ve also signed a contract with the Williams Company for a large solar farm in the Innovation District near Florida Polytechnic University. Lakeland Electric will be a customer of this project, which will generate about 74 megawatts of power. This investment moves us toward cleaner energy while meeting growing demand.

On the water and wastewater side, we are undertaking major projects, including the Western Trunk Line, a three-phase, $30 million effort to replace aging underground transmission lines. Some of these pipes are nearly 80 years old and have deteriorated, leading to stormwater infiltration during heavy rains, which increases treatment demands. Modernizing this infrastructure is crucial to supporting future growth.

Several wastewater pump stations are also nearing the end of their useful life, and replacement projects are underway to maintain service reliability.

In transportation, multiple city, county, and state projects are in progress. Lakeland Hills Boulevard, home to our main medical corridor, is undergoing a state-led construction project set to take about two years. A lane realignment is also planned for State Road 37 through the Dixieland CRA district to improve safety and support small business redevelopment. Design is expected to finish in 2025, but construction is still years away. We are working to secure funding to move it forward sooner.

State Road 37 is one of Lakeland’s few north-south corridors, making it a critical transportation route. As our city grows, ensuring strong infrastructure across utilities, roads, and public services remains a top priority.

What are your goals for Lakeland over the next two to three years to strengthen its economic position and quality of life?

Quality of life is closely tied to infrastructure expansion, including electric, water, wastewater, and transportation, but public safety is just as important. Safe communities are essential for maintaining a strong quality of life.

In response to population growth, we’ve expanded police and fire services. A new police satellite office has opened north of I-4, and we’ve acquired land for a new fire station in the same area. Two new fire engines have already been delivered, with one set to be stationed there. These investments ensure that public safety keeps pace with Lakeland’s expansion.

Beyond infrastructure, we are strengthening Lakeland’s role as a business hub, especially for small businesses. Airport expansions are bringing in more industry, while residential growth is surging just south of the airport. The Innovation District near Florida Polytechnic University also offers opportunities to attract high-skill, high-wage industries focused on research and development.

Our biggest challenge is ensuring that infrastructure meets both current and future demands. We are working proactively to address this so Lakeland can continue growing while maintaining the momentum we’ve built over the years.