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“Restore the Core,” an initiative focused on shaping Downtown, Midtown, and Dixieland, has entered its next phase — the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is hosting meetings to share updated plans for the future of the city’s central districts.
This spring, the CRA is inviting stakeholders to community meetings to learn more about each district’s updated redevelopment plan, share feedback, and ask questions. The two remaining meetings will focus on Midtown and Downtown districts.
Midtown CRA Plan Update Public Meeting
When: Tuesday, March 24, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Lake Crago Recreation Center, 525 Lake Crago Dr.
RSVP is requested, but not required.
What to expect: A brief presentation from the lead consultant on Midtown CRA’s plan update will begin at 6:15 p.m. Attendees can respond to future development corridor concepts, share feedback, and review potential strategies and opportunities for the Midtown CRA district.
Downtown Social
When: Thursday, April 2, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: The Joinery, 640 E. Main Street
RSVP is requested, but not required.
What to expect: Attendees can share ideas and discuss the updated downtown plan.
The CRA held its Dixieland meeting on March 10, which included a presentation about the updated plans and provided opportunities for community input.
The plan focuses on four key areas:
- District definition – adding gateway and wayfinding signage
- Urban form and economic development – guiding future construction and district continuity
- Public safety – addressing safety concerns and improvements
- Transportation – improving connectivity and infrastructure like crosswalks and sidewalks
What is ‘Restore the Core’?
The CRA kicked off ‘Restore the Core’ with an open house in November 2025. Residents were invited to explore interactive displays and share thoughts with city staff and consultant teams who would be updating each district’s plan.
Since then, the CRA has engaged residents, businesses, and stakeholders at events across the city. From November 2025 through January 2026 residents could also complete an online survey to share their thoughts and ideas.
“Over the past several months, we’ve enjoyed connecting with the community at events such as the Farmers Market, First Friday, the Dixieland Night Market, neighborhood meetings, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, Biz Bash, and many others,” Karen Thompson, CRA senior project manager, said in an email.
Ultimately, “Restore the Core” aims to strengthen the Downtown, Midtown, and Dixieland districts in ways that support economic growth, encourage new investment, and enhance overall quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors for generations to come.
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