Lakeland

USF PolyTech in Lakeland, the newest USF campus, aims to become the center of the high-tech universe along Interstate 4 connecting Tampa to Orlando. The fledgling university’s plans call for cross-disciplinary studies that emphasize math, science and technology as the best formula for growing intellectual capital. Down the road, tiny Florida Southern College is home to 10 architecturally significant buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. New or expanding companies include WellDyneRx, Firmenich, Pepperidge Farm, Saddle Creek and GTECH Printing. Nearly 100,000 residents enjoy an eclectic mix of neighborhoods and housing that runs the gamut from mobile homes to millionaire mansions. 

Dr. Patrick Zhang, research director of phosphate beneficiation and mining at Florida Polytechnic University’s Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR), shows a solution containing various rare earth elements in the institute’s lab.

Energy funds study that could lead to new industry for Florida

A Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute study can help position the state to become a U.S. supplier of the rare earth elements used to manufacture green energy and tech gadgets.

Book excerpt: Cell to Success by Chance L. Boyd

Entrepreneur Chance L. Boyd of Tampa gives readers an intense glimpse into his life with the release of his debut book, "Cell To Success: A Journey of True Liberation.''  

Dr. Randy K. Avent is president of Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland.
Florida Poly gets approval to build lab space for Fortune 500 firm

With approval to use private funds to build new labs, Florida Polytechnic University moves one step closer to its vision of creating a research park with a town center, shops, restaurants, and residences.  

Amanda Kabak, author of Upended
Book excerpt: Upended by Amanda Kabak

A budding entrepreneur between relationships is temporarily thrown for a loop when she becomes the victim of a vicious hate crime in Upended, a new novel by award-winning author Amanda Kabak of Lakeland, FL.

Perfect sailing weather in Tampa Bay.
Boom by the Bay: Where to see fireworks, celebrate 4th of July

Tampa's Boom by the Bay is back! As are lots of other small town and community 4th of July celebrations across the Tampa Bay Area. Read what's out there.

Kurt and Cindy Loft
Destination: Bok Tower, Lake Wales

The tranquility at Bok Tower is palpable, a slice of Eden, the soothing carillon bells -- played every 30 minutes -- sound like prayers of peace.

Researchers are especially eager to recruit African Americans and Latinos who are under-represented in many studies.
NIH awards $44.4m grant to USF researchers to fund ongoing Alzheimer’s research

Want to help researchers figure out how to treat Alzheimer's and other brain disorders that sometimes come with aging? Volunteer to be part of ongoing studies at USF Health. Learn more.

A BRT would speed up and increase bus service between well-traveled routes in Lakeland in Polk County.
Polk County considers adding Bus Rapid Transit service

A proposed BRT (bus rapid transit) route in Polk County would connect to Lakeland’s medical district and Lakeland Square Mall, which may eventually spur transit-oriented development along U.S. 98 in central Florida.

The growth along County Line Road by Plant City started with Amazon, which opened its facility in 2015.
Commentary: Head east from Tampa to see our present and our future

Where's the next commercial real estate boom shaping up in Florida? Look east of Tampa to County Line Road between Plant City and Lakeland, says Dee Maret of Bridgewater Commercial Real Estate.

Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, assistant professor of chemistry at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland.
Florida Poly COVID-19 research now in WHO database

Ongoing research at Florida Poly explores advanced electrochemical sensing systems and nanomedicine for personalized health wellness.

Our Partners

Don't miss out!

Everything Tampa Bay, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.