Lakeland growth: Healthcare surge, Publix IT expansion and the EDC’s leadership transition
By Alexis Muellner
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Jul 10, 2026

After more than two decades at the Lakeland Economic Development Council, Laura Taylor brings both deep institutional memory and a personal lens shaped by a family rooted in Polk County agriculture. In this Lakeland update, Taylor discussed the projects, employers and redevelopment efforts reshaping the market.

There was just a big milestone as Orlando Health Watson Clinic, Lakeland Highlands Hospital has opened. Healthcare is surging in Lakeland, yes?

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