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Lakeland, ³Ô¹ÏÍø

Whether you’re a thrill seeker, an outdoor enthusiast, a sports fanatic or history buff, there’s no shortage of activities to be found in the Lakeland area.

Nestled in Lakeland, ³Ô¹ÏÍø Poly is conveniently located along Interstate 4 (I-4) between Tampa and Orlando. With a population of about 115,000 residents, Lakeland combines small-town charm with big-city amenities.

Known for its scenic beauty, the city features lakes like Hollingsworth, Mirror, and Morton, offering a picturesque backdrop for activities such as boating, fishing, and picnicking.

Living in Lakeland

One of the Best Places to Live & Work

Lakeland enjoys warm, sunny weather for most of the year, making outdoor activities and sports a year-round option. There are also a variety of activities available that offer something for everyone.

Fastest Growing City in the U.S. – Bloomberg
# 50
Safest Place to Live – U.S. News
# 50
Most Affordable U.S. Cities for Home Buyers – visualcapitalist.com
# 50

Parks & Recreation

Explore Lakeland’s many parks and recreation gems:ÌýÌýfor lakeside tranquility,ÌýÌýfor untamed wilderness, andÌýÌýfor botanical beauty.ÌýÌýoffers family-friendly fun, whileÌýÌýfosters community connections. Each space provides a unique outdoor experience in Lakeland’s haven.

Sports

For sports fans, Lakeland’s Joker Marchant Stadium is famous as the spring training home of the and the , drawing baseball fans from across the country.

Theme Parks & Attractions

Experience Polk County’s top attractions:Ìýfor boundless creativity,ÌýÌýfor a unique safari adventure,ÌýÌýfor aviation thrills, andÌýÌýfor a tranquil retreat amid lush landscapes. Each destination offers a distinct and memorable experience, making Polk County a must-visit for the many attractions.

Culinary Delights

Explore Lakeland’s unique culinary scene atÌý,Ìý, andÌý. Enjoy fresh and vibrant flavors atÌý, or opt for a cozy meal atÌý. For coffee lovers,ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýÌýawait with expertly crafted brews. Delight in innovative cuisine atÌýÌý²¹²Ô»å savor Southern-inspired dishes atÌý. Lakeland’s culinary offerings promise a delightful journey for every palate.

Shopping

Shop in style in Lakeland, where theÌýÌýevery Saturday, where local vendors offer fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a lively atmosphere.ÌýÌýpresents a modern shopping haven with a mix of upscale stores, dining, and entertainment. ExploreÌýÌý²¹²Ô»å the historic charm of Munn Park Historic District, where boutique shops line the streets, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary finds.Ìý

Arts & Culture

Experience Lakeland’s vibrant arts and culture with theÌýÌý²¹²Ô»å ‘s captivating performances, theÌý enchanting melodies, and the Ìýdiverse visual expressions. In Lakeland, creativity thrives, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.

Schools

If you have children, Polk County Public Schools has manyÌýÌýfor your family with 150 school sites includingÌý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý, andÌý. There are also several great private schools includingÌý,Ìý,Ìý, andÌý.Ìý

Things to Do in Central ³Ô¹ÏÍø

Lakeland serves as a central hub for exploring the best that Central ³Ô¹ÏÍø has to offer. Residents enjoy convenient access to an array of entertainment, theme parks, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. With easy access to highways and a myriad of destinations just a short drive away, life in Lakeland is a perpetual invitation to explore the treasures of the Sunshine State.

Orlando, FL (1 Hour Drive East)

Theme Parks:Ìý,Ìý, andÌý, and many more

Water Parks:Ìý,Ìý,Ìý, and many more

Professional Sports:ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý

Tampa, FL (1 Hour Drive West)

Theme Parks:Ìý

Water Parks:Ìý

Professional Sports:Ìý,Ìý, andÌý

Enjoy ³Ô¹ÏÍø's Amazing Beaches

Whether you’re looking for a short drive or willing to journey further, living in Lakeland provides easy access to some of the most amazing beaches in the world.Ìý

West Coast

  • 1.5 Hour Drive:ÌýSt. Petersburg Beach, Clearwater Beach, John’s Pass, Fort Desoto Beach, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Beach, and Sarasota/Bradenton Beach
  • 2.5 Hour Drive:ÌýNaples Beach , Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral Beach, Boca Grande

East Coast

  • 2 Hour Drive:ÌýDaytona Beach, Cocoa Beach
  • 2.5 Hour Drive:ÌýMelbourne Beach, Vero Beach, Sebastian Beach

Other Must See ³Ô¹ÏÍø Beaches:Ìý

  • The ³Ô¹ÏÍø Keys and Key West
  • Destin
  • PensacolaÌý
  • South Beach Miami
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach
  • Panama City Beach
  • St. Augustine Beach
  • Flagler BeachÌý
  • Captiva Island
  • Siesta Key

Explore ³Ô¹ÏÍø

More Great Resources to Learn About All ³Ô¹ÏÍø Has to Offer

– Discover all that Central ³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s Polk County has to offer, including family-friendly attractions, wildlife, nightlife, museums and more.

Ìý– The state’s official tourism marketing corporation, serves as ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s official source for travel planning to visitors across the globe.Ìý

– Your daily dose of all things Lakeland. Stay in the know with this informative and engaging newsletter that delivers curated local news, events, and insights right to your inbox. From noteworthy community updates to the latest happenings, LAL Today keeps you connected and informed about the vibrant pulse of Lakeland.

Session Details

This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.

Presenter Profile

Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at ³Ô¹ÏÍø, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.

Dr. Lily Li is a Professor of Physics at ³Ô¹ÏÍø, where she specializes in materials science, analytical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical devices. Prior to joining ³Ô¹ÏÍø Poly in 2025, she spent 11 years at SUNY Potsdam, where she advanced to Full Professor and developed a 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program with Clarkson University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning and research-driven education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.