LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland is experiencing a lot of growth from population to industry.

What You Need To Know

  • Lending Tree ranks Lakeland as one of the fast growing cities in the U.S.      

  • Amazon is expanding its operations to fly more aircraft out of the city airport    

  • Population is expected to grow to 500,000 by 2035 

Mayor Bill Mutz says the city is planning years ahead as the population explodes. 

The city is focused on infrastructure, healthcare, education and affordable housing.

“This is a city that is 260,000 today and will be 500,000 by 2035,” Mutz said.

A lot of the growth can be attributed to the cost of living, the expansion of the corporate office for Publix and significant growth from Amazon.

“We are now Amazon's Southeast hub for distribution – 11 flights a day now and it will go to 33 in the next 24 months,” Mutz said.

Lending Tree, a loan marketplace for businesses ranked Lakeland 3rd in a list of boomtowns in the United States.

With growth comes the need for more affordable housing but also a chance for small businesses to grow.

Jonathan Bucklew owns the Joinery in Lakeland – a fast casual dining hub downtown.

“I genuinely think we are the Austin of Florida, it's really known for its artisan community and I think we have a thread of that here,” Bucklew said.