How are coronavirus and social distancing affecting local businesses? The Lakeland Economic Development Council surveyed its 135 member companies and found a wide range of answers from hurt-badly to busier-than-ever to staying-the-course-except-our-employees-are-working-from-home. More
Plans are being made for a Jaguar Land Rover dealership to be built in an area along I-4 in Lakeland where several car dealers locate to attract customers from the Tampa and Orlando areas. More
The company developing a five million-square-foot industrial and business park bordering the Polk Parkway in west Lakeland has hired Whit Duncan, an experienced commercial real estate pro, to manage the project. Parkway Property Investments LLC was joined by another firm in acquiring the 730-acre tract for $10 million late last year. (See an overview of this project starting on page 34 of this document.)
With demand for groceries increasing at a time when many are losing jobs, Publix Super Markets has announced it plans to hire “thousands,” mostly in distribution centers and stores. More
Publix Super Markets has adjusted its store opening times again because of coronavirus concerns. Starting today, stores will open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. More
A logistics company whose identity has not been publicly disclosed is considering Lakeland for a 700,000-square-foot warehouse that would bring $33 million in investment and 160 jobs. The company is seeking $28,800 in state and local incentives tied to the creation of 12 higher-paying jobs | MORE: City of Lakeland resolution to be considered by commissioners on Monday
John Attaway of Lakeland, who founded Publix Super Markets’ legal department in 1997 and retired last year as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary, will be honored with a lifetime achievement award by Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Plans are in the works to expand the home of the NOAA Hurricane Hunters at Lakeland Linder International Airport to accommodate two new aircraft and 50 to 75 more employees. More
Lakeland is losing more than a clothing store — it is also losing a landmark downtown institution. Nathan’s Men’s Store will soon close, but not before finishing what 77-year-old owner Harris Estroff calls a “retirement sale.” Estroff was talking about his own retirement. More
After 78 years in business, Nathan’s Men’s Store in downtown Lakeland has announced it is closing. The store at the corner of Main Street and Kentucky Avenue has been owned for decades by Harris Estroff, 77; it was founded in 1942 by his parents, Nathan and Mildred Estroff. More
