POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Friday morning for the Lakeland VA Clinic. 

The 121,000-square-foot building expands on the resources and services available for veterans in Polk County.

What You Need To Know

  • Construction for the Lakeland VA clinic began in April 2022

  • There are nearly 50,000 veterans in Polk County

  • Navy veterans George Bristol said with the clinic open, he won't need to travel to Tampa as much

George Bristol and many other veterans are thrilled the clinic has arrived. 

“They did a fine job, and I watched this thing go up from day one,” he said. “So, I know what it took to make it and I like it.” 

Bristol served in the U.S. Navy and lives less than a mile from the clinic.

Construction began in April 2022, and Bristol said seeing the building rise from nothing has been amazing. 

From mental health care, audiology, and an eye clinic are just a few of the services the clinic provides.

Bristol said he no longer needs to drive far for most of the services he needs.  

“I used to have to go to Tampa for everything I needed to get done,” he said. “Now I can come here and see my primary doctor.” 

As Bristol checked out the clinic with other attending veterans, he thought of the nearly 50,000 veterans in Polk County and how this facility would help. 

“It benefits me and a lot of other people because there’s so many veterans right around this area,” he said.  

The VA said they’re hoping in the next two or three months, there will be approval to begin working on a similar clinic in Citrus County.