1885 is the year Lakeland was incorporated and reflects our history of being a forward-thinking city.
We honor our history, and small-town feel, yet we keep our eyes on the future, accommodating growth in a smart and visionary way. First it was our railroad stop and citrus beginnings, and then we diversified our industry in a way that helped us weather economic downturns. Through public and private investment, we are making strides, in revitalizing our historic downtown, in attracting aerospace jobs and fostering STEM education at our airport. We need visionary leaders to continue the momentum while preserving the quality of life and keeping all of our citizens safe. We need leaders who are fiscally responsible, supportive of smart growth, and believe in opportunities for all. Leaders who honor our history, love a strong sense of community, and are not afraid to lead us into our future.
Leadership is key, and that is 1885 Forward.