City of Lakeland plans $26.3 million permanent redesign for South Florida Avenue corridor

The $26.3 million project alters travel routes and storefront accessibility along a one-mile commercial corridor for three and a half years, affecting daily commuters and local business owners.

• •The permanent redesign project is estimated to cost $26.3 million.
• •Construction is projected to begin in mid-2027 and take approximately three and a half years to complete.
• •The project rebuilds roughly one mile of South Florida Avenue through the Dixieland neighborhood.
• •The permanent design retains the three-lane road configuration introduced in a 2020 pilot project, replacing temporary concrete barriers.
• •Plans include over 1,200 utility conflict resolutions, stormwater system upgrades, and water utilities infrastructure updates.
• •The redesign adds wider sidewalks, shade trees, historic-style lighting, and dedicated pedestrian crossings.
• •The city plans to keep one traffic lane open in each direction during most of the construction period.
• •Funding sources include the Florida Department of Transportation, Lakeland's water utility, and the city's Community Redevelopment Agency.
• •Final design plans are scheduled for completion by December, with contractor bids anticipated in April 2027.
• •The city plans to hold a public meeting prior to construction to outline traffic-management plans.