LAKELAND – Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency is hoping it can inspire businesses and artists alike to show their love for the South Florida Avenue corridor this month.
The Lakeland CRA will launch an Art Infusion Grant Program starting Feb. 15 to help bring new life and color to Dixieland and downtown Lakeland. It will fund approximately a half million dollars in improvements to facades, awnings and murals.
CRA Manager Alis Drumgo said the Dixieland segment of South Florida Avenue has been undergoing major redevelopment with new businesses, including Born and Bread, Patriot Coffee and Union Hall. With the South Florida Avenue road diet now in place, there is larger space for sidewalks, making it safer for pedestrians. Now, Drumgo hopes to the grant program will infuse life.
LAKELAND – Downtown Lakeland may be making room for another bank in 2021.
On Dec. 15, the Lakeland Planning and Zoning Board approved a request to allow the construction of a retail commercial bank at 221 E. Main St. That s the spot occupied by Nathan s Men s Store, which will close at the end of this week. The proposal will move before the City Commission in January.
Mark Wilson with engineering consulting firm Kimley-Horn represented Nathan s owner Harris Estroff at the meeting. He would not disclose which financial institution will be moving in next year.
In addition to the bank, which will not have a drive-thru, there will be a separate business on the second floor of the building. While Wilson would not disclose that client either, he said it s a current Lakeland business set to relocate.