Is the Polk County industrial market cooling off?
If you just look at the front page of most market reports right now, it’s easy to think things are slowing down. Total sales volume took a massive 60% dive, dropping to $41.5 million for the quarter, and construction numbers are lower than they used to be.
 
But if you’re buying, selling, or leasing property here, you know that headlines don't tell the whole story. What we are seeing in Q1 2026 isn't a market losing its steam, it's a market that has become disciplined.
 
Why a massive wave of new buildings didn't touch vacancies
The most interesting anomaly this quarter is the delivery data. A massive 604,436 square feet of new inventory hit the grid, mostly driven by the Pace 570 project. Usually, when that much space drops all at once, vacancy spikes.
 
Instead, it didn't budge. Polk county’s vacancies stayed at 7.10%. That means tenant demand is still aggressive enough to swallow major completions without skipping a beat. The right spaces are hitting the market, and they’re getting absorbed immediately.
 
Stop looking at county-wide averages
If you make business decisions based on "Polk County averages" right now, you’re going to get tripped up. The reality completely depends on which exit you take off I-4.
 
Look at the divergence: East Polk is practically locked down with a 2.80% vacancy rate. If you need space there, you have almost no leverage and must act fast. Meanwhile, North Polk jumped to 11.30% vacancy after taking on nearly 500,000 square feet of new construction. If you’re a tenant looking for immediate options or room to expand, that’s your playground.
 
What the dirt tells us about the next two years
To see where the market is really heading, look at the vacant land transactions. Developers aren't just blindly banking acreage anymore; they are highly selective.
 
The land data shows a massive spread in what's moving, from small, 1.7-acre infill pieces on US Hwy 92 to major 70+ acre tracts in Plant City and Lakeland. Because land and infrastructure costs are so high, developers are only pulling the trigger on sites where utilities, zoning, and highway access line up perfectly for immediate demand. They’re building for specific needs, not taking wild guesses.
 
Deals are quieter, but prices are louder
Yes, fewer properties changed hands. But don't mistake a slower transaction pace for falling values. Property values hardened. The average sales price climbed to $111 per square foot, and cap rates held firm at an average of 7.40%. Investors aren't running away; they’re just waiting for premium assets. They know the underlying fundamentals, like the 85 new residents moving to Polk County every single day that aren't going anywhere.

The smartest move developers made this quarter was taking a 14% step back on the construction pipeline, keeping it at a manageable 1.54 million square feet. It's preventing the overbuilt mess that other major logistics hubs are dealing with right now.
 
Want to see the exact transaction logs or how the available square footage breaks down by size? Check out the full Q1 2026 Industrial Market Report below or by clicking here.
 
Have questions about how these submarket shifts or land trends affect your property? Give Alex Delannoy, SIOR a call at 863-250-2502 or shoot an email over to adelannoy@ruthvens.com to talk strategy.

Recently, we asked Lakeland Chamber members if a nationwide consumer privacy law would provide clearer protections for consumers, strengthen trust, and provide greater certainty for small businesses. Most respondents either agreed or were not sure of such legislation's outcomes.

"The current state-by-state approach creates confusion for consumers and imposes significant compliance burdens on businesses, particularly small businesses. A 2022 report highlighted that a fragmented privacy landscape could cost the U.S. economy $1 trillion, with $200 billion of that burden falling on small businesses," stated Jordan Crenshaw, Senior Vice President, C_TEC, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, before Congress. "Just recently, the California Privacy Protection Agency finalized its California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) cyber, risk assessment, and automated decision-making technology, and insurance rulemaking which was estimated to cost businesses at least $4.8 billion over 10 years—with small businesses incurring annual costs of $16,377."  Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Alongside chambers of commerce from more than 40 states, the Lakeland Chamber recently  signed a letter to Congress addressing support for H.R. 8413, the “SECURE Data Act,” urging the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to advance this legislation.

The SECURE Data Act would establish a single national privacy standard with robust consumer protections that builds upon a strong framework already adopted in 20 states. Those protections include data minimization and sensitive data requirements, as well as access deletion, correction, and opt-out rights. Importantly, this legislation will also help small businesses who are disproportionately impacted by the regulatory confusion caused by a patchwork of state privacy laws.

This letter signals our support of enacting of a single national privacy standard that protects consumers and provides a workable compliance framework for businesses of all sizes.

For more information, please see the letter below.

During the Lakeland Regional Health Annual Philanthropy Event, the Kim & Greg Ruthven Family was honored with the 2026 Philanthropist of the Year Award in recognition of their extraordinary generosity, leadership, and lasting impact on the community.

The annual celebration recognizes individuals and families whose dedication to philanthropy continues to shape and strengthen the mission of Lakeland Regional Health. The Ruthven family was recognized for their steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare in Central Florida and their partnership with the medical center on several transformative initiatives.

Among their many contributions, the Ruthven family partnered with Lakeland Regional Health to fund major facility upgrades, including the renovation of the emergency department lobby in honor of longtime emergency physician Dr. James Melton. The renovation serves as a tribute to Dr. Melton’s decades of compassionate care and unwavering service to the community.

The evening also celebrated the accomplishments of other distinguished honorees. Suzette Jones received the Sarah D. McKay Advocate of the Year Award for her dedication to supporting the mission and patients of Lakeland Regional Health. Additionally, Dr. James Melton was formally recognized and honored for 38 years of dedicated service in the hospital’s emergency department, where he has impacted countless patients and families throughout his career.

“We are deeply grateful and humbled to receive this recognition,” said Kim and Greg Ruthven. “Lakeland Regional Health plays such a vital role in our community, and it has been an honor for our family to support the incredible work happening every day throughout the organization. We are proud to stand alongside so many individuals who are committed to making a lasting difference for future generations.”

The Annual Philanthropy Event brought together community leaders, healthcare professionals, donors, and advocates to celebrate the spirit of giving and the collective impact philanthropy continues to have on the future of healthcare in the region.

For more information on The Ruthvens, visit www.ruthvens.com.

Contact: Kimberly Kirsop
863.686.3173
kkirsop@ruthvens.com

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the graduation of Leadership Lakeland Class 42, a dedicated group of local leaders ready to shape Lakeland’s future. Graduates celebrated at RP Funding Center with more than 150 alumni, friends, and family.
Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to identify leadership and enhance existing leadership in our community. Will Link, Attorney at Reed Mawhinney & Link, served as Chair of Class 42.

“Serving as Chair for Leadership Lakeland Class 42 was a powerful reminder of what this program does at its best,” said Link. “It connects talented professionals to the people, institutions, and challenges shaping our community. Over the course of the year, I watched this class grow as they stretched their perspectives, built relationships, and stepped into service with purpose. It’s been an honor to walk beside them.”

Link also added, “Class 42 is, undisputedly, the best class in the galaxy, and I’m confident their impact on Lakeland will be felt for years to come. After all, 42 is the answer to the great question. I’m excited to see what this class goes on to answer for our community.”

Class 42 participated in a series of monthly meetings, where they gained valuable insights about Lakeland through experiences that will empower them as they lead across the Lakeland community. Graduates of class 42 include:

● Kristin Aiken, President & CEO, Achievement Academy
● Kevin Albaum, Shareholder, Clark, Campbell, Lancaster, Workman & Airth, P.A.
● Andrea Anderson, REALTOR®, S&D Real Estate Services
● Erin Avella, Category Manager - Corporate Purchasing, Publix Super Markets, Inc.
● Sarah Betzer, FVP / Human Resources Director, Bank of Central Florida
● Michelle Boley, Owner, Boley Insurance GEICO Local Office
● Paige Campbell, Quality & Risk Director, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
● Gretchen Ceranic, Vice President, Success by 6, United Way of Central Florida
● Katie Elaine Clements, Owner / Operator, Kid Cafe, LLC
● Angel Davis, President, Junior League of Greater Lakeland
● Jason Davis, Chief Estimator, GMF Steel Group
● Dr. Joseph Demidovich, III, Attending Physician, Lakeland Regional Health
● Brent A. Elliot, Chief Financial Officer, Highland Homes
● Emily Crain Evans, Senior Associate Attorney, GrayRobinson
● Araceli Gauna-Scattolini, Chief Executive Officer / Owner, Atala Counseling
● Roberto Hernandez, Deputy City Manager, City of Lakeland
● Andrew Howard, Director of Athletics & Dean of Wellness, Florida Southern College
● Tanya Susan Jooste, Learning Operations Manager, Amazon Air – KLAL
● Terrie Lobb, Owner / President, TLC Catering
● Audrey Mason, Director of Operations, Double M Aviation
● Eric Michaels, Marketing and Event Director, Lakeland Downtown Development Authority
● Marilyn Paul, Executive Director, Options for Women Pregnancy Health Clinic, Inc.
● Mark Shapiro, AVP, Residential Lending Officer, Citizens Bank and Trust
● Bruce Duncan Phillips, President, Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware
● Lee Valadez, VP / Area Manager, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
● Dr. Guillermo O. Vasquez, Internal Medicine Physician, Watson Clinic LLP
● Victoria Alexa Wagner, AVP OH & Chief Operating Officer, Orlando Health
● Kelley Christopher Wilson, Financial Advisor, CPS Investment Advisors

The Chamber is now working towards welcoming its next class of community champions. Leadership Lakeland Class 43 will begin later this year, continuing the program’s tradition of empowering individuals with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to lead across Lakeland. Class 43 Chair, Jennifer Adams, Jennifer Adams, SVP | Professional and Community Banking Service Leader at Bank of Central Florida, looks forward to her experience as Chair.

​“Leadership Lakeland is built on a strong foundation of opportunities designed to promote collaboration, service, and shared purpose.  Serving as Chair Elect of Class 42, under the direction of Chair Will Link, was an honor, and I look forward to taking the energy and passion he brought to the program and pouring it into Class 43.”

Scott Bowne, CFO & Broker at Compass Mortgage, will serve as Class 43 Chair-Elect.

About Leadership Lakeland
Established in 1983 by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to identify leadership and enhance existing leadership in our community. Leadership Lakeland does not take public policy positions or advocate any individual viewpoint. The program unites leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to improve their ability to lead effectively, offering its members a broad range of experiences and insights about the community, its people, its needs, and its services.

About the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce serves as the Catalyst for business success, Convener of leaders and influencers, and Champion for our thriving community. Its vision is to be the premier catalyst for the advancement of Lakeland’s economic growth and enhancement of quality of life.

The Lakeland Chamber, alongside more than 300 organizations, has signed onto a coalition letter addressing Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, and Steve Scalise, Majority Leader, both of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The letter's purpose is to strongly support H.R. 1163, the Prove It Act of 2025, and urge the House of Representatives to consider and pass this important legislation to strengthen the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) and bolster the voice of small business in our nation’s capital.

Read more about the Prove It Act of 2025 below.

Stahl & Associates, a Higginbotham Partner since 2023, is a full service insurance and risk management firm serving businesses throughout the community. Backed by the national resources of one of the largest employee owned insurance brokerages, our local Lakeland team shares expertise into how employee wellness, safety, and risk management work together to help control insurance costs.

When local business owners think about employee wellness programs, they often associate them with attracting and retaining good employees. While that is certainly important, wellness initiatives can also play a meaningful role in helping control insurance costs across both employee benefits and business insurance programs. When workforce health, safety, and risk management work together, the benefits extend well beyond the HR department.

Healthier employees generally experience fewer chronic conditions, lower stress levels, and fewer preventable injuries. From an employee benefits standpoint, this can help reduce medical and disability claims and improve overall productivity. Preventive care, early intervention, and access to mental health resources can make a significant difference in helping employees stay healthy and engaged at work.

Wellness also plays an important role in workplace safety and liability. Fatigue, stress, and untreated health conditions can increase the likelihood of accidents, whether in an office, on a job site, or on the road. Employees who feel supported and are physically and mentally well are more likely to follow safety procedures, stay alert, and avoid costly mistakes that can lead to workers’ compensation or liability claims. Over time, this can positively affect a business’s insurance experience and overall risk profile.

Wellness programs do not have to be complicated or expensive to be effective. Many local businesses find success with practical initiatives such as:
· Preventive health screenings and flu shot clinics
· Access to mental health and employee assistance programs
· Ergonomic assessments and injury-prevention training
· Fitness or walking challenges and nutritional education
· Fatigue management and substance abuse awareness programs

The greatest impact comes when wellness is part of a broader approach to employee safety and business risk management. When employers look at wellness, safety, and insurance together, they can identify trends and address issues before they turn into major claims or disruptions.

At Stahl & Associates, a Higginbotham Partner, we help local businesses take this connected approach. By bringing together employee benefits consulting and property and casualty insurance expertise, we help employers better understand how workforce health, safety practices, and insurance performance are related. This allows businesses to make more informed decisions that support both their employees and their long-term stability.

This coordinated approach can also support better outcomes with insurance carriers. Insurers consider both loss history and risk controls when evaluating coverage and pricing. Businesses that demonstrate commitment to employee well-being, safety training, and proactive risk management often present a stronger overall risk profile, which can contribute to more stable insurance costs over time.

Beyond insurance considerations, investing in wellness helps build stronger workplace culture. Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay with their employer, participate in safety programs, and contribute positively to the organization. For small and mid-sized businesses in our community, retaining experienced employees and maintaining consistent operations is critical to long-term success.

For Chamber members, the takeaway is simple: employee wellness is not just an HR benefit, it is part of running a healthy, sustainable business. Even small steps toward improving wellness and safety can lead to meaningful improvements in employee satisfaction, productivity, and risk management.
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To learn more or discuss employee benefits, contact Jay Skelcher-Maxwell, Consultant, Employee Benefits at Stahl & Associates in their Lakeland office: JSkelcherMaxwell@higginbotham.net / (863) 250-8546

The Chair of the Women’s Business Council, Sylvia Blackmon‑Roberts (Southeastern University), welcomed guests and offered a powerful invocation, setting the tone for an afternoon rooted in purpose and possibility.

​The sun smiled through the windows of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland building as the doorways embraced attendees who gathered in a space where so many women have gathered before. Constructed in 1927, the Building has long been a place where Lakeland women have organized, learned, and led. When the event began, the space itself seemed to listen.

Call it chit chat if you want, but when women gather and speak openly, it becomes something much greater. It becomes Real Talk. Our panelists included: Moderator, Amy Wiggins (Lakeland Chamber), Pamela Mutz (Dozen Family LLC.), Deidra Joseph (City of Lakeland), Kay Fields (Girls Inc. / Polk County School Board Member), The Honorable Judge Brenda Ramirez (Florida's 10th Judicial Circuit Court), Michelle Netwal (Bank of Central Florida), and Beatrice Dela Pena (GEICO). They spoke candidly about the fears, challenges, and successes that have defined their leadership journeys. Through sharing their stories, their successes all circled back to the importance of mentorship from others who believed in them, opened doors, and offered them opportunities at just the right moment. They reminded women unsure of themselves that leadership is not about perfection, it’s about honesty, resilience, and showing up.

Following the panel discussion, Alisha Martin of Suncoast Credit Union took the stage with her keynote, “From Bankruptcy to the Boardroom.” Her story captivated the room and echoed the same themes of vulnerability and grit. She spoke about difficult topics with humorous clarity like choosing courage, rebuilding herself, again and again, and about the unexpected places strength can come from. Her inspiring message complemented the panel’s discussion and significantly deepened it. All of it, from the stories, the candor, the laughter, and the quiet nods of recognition, felt right at home in a building that has held generations of women learning from one another. As the luncheon drew to a close, a simple truth lingered; none of these women got where they are today alone. Someone believed in them, encouraged them, and helped them grow.
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It seems that whether guiding an individual or supporting local business, growth often starts with one investing in another’s potential. That same spirit continues to shape Lakeland today, and The Chamber’s investment in the business community, while not mentorship in the traditional sense, believes in providing resources and opportunities to help businesses succeed.

Thank you to our Master of Ceremonies, Patricia Uiterwyk, owner and operator of Venue Salon  and member of the Women’s Business Council, for her voice and commitment.

Thank you to our generous sponsors -
Presenting Sponsor - Lyndsay Health
Lunch Sponsor - Bank of Central Florida
Goody Bag Sponsor - SUN ‘n FUN | Aerospace Center for Excellence
Giveaway Sponsor - Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital
In-Kind Sponsors: Strong Souls - Venue Salon - Your CBD Store | SunMed - Healing Glow Juices

We kindly thank the volunteers from the Women’s Business Council for their time and dedication in supporting this inaugural event.

Thank you to the event's photographer, CatDave Productions.
​
About the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce serves as the Catalyst for business success, Convener of leaders and influencers, and Champion for our thriving community. Its vision is to be the premier catalyst for the advancement of Lakeland’s economic growth and enhancement of quality of life.

About the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council
The Women's Business Council was established to cultivate a community in Lakeland, Florida, where women in business are united by a shared purpose: to excel, uplift, and leave a lasting impact. Through mentorship, collaborative networking, and targeted skill enhancement, this council aims to empower women to navigate the business world confidently. By fostering a culture of resilience, innovation, and positive change, this council seeks to create a legacy of influential women who drive economic growth, inspire progress, and lead with purpose in the Lakeland community.

For more information on the Women’s Business Council, reach out to Dr. Takiyah Dixon, Director of Business Resources, at tdixon@lakelandchamber.com.

Every entrepreneur has a story to share about their journey pursuing growth. Whether they’ve just opened or been in business for years, that journey requires building relationships. When business owners focus on building relationships, there is a drive that stems from serving others more than simply selling a product. As relationships grow, the community grows and there is a greater potential for long-lasting impact. This is why Bank of Central Florida focuses on relationship banking.

Bank of Central Florida provides a personalized financial experience where proposed solutions are based off the client’s business and its goals. The application of relationship banking is reflected in three different stages: establishing trust and support, collaborating strategically, and guiding the client towards growth and success.

When a new relationship begins, a banker will start with one main question “how can I connect and help this client?” Being attuned first to understanding what the client needs fosters trust. Developing a strategic plan to achieve financial goals can be a complex process, and it is difficult to know how to move forward without understanding what a client needs.

One of Bank of Central Florida’s clients, Automotive Development Group (ADG), experiences the relationship banking difference every day. Accounting Manager Olivia Urker describes that Bank of Central Florida wants to know about the personal lives of their clients, and she feels that working with Bank of Central Florida feels like working with family, which she believes is the feel they have at ADG. Having a banker who understands a client and gets to know them is essential to a client’s financial journey.

With a trusted banker, a business owner can move into the second stage of relationship building where the banker and the business owner can collaborate on how they can achieve their financial goals. This strategic partnership requires a great amount of care and dedication. One of the ways bankers show they care is by simply returning phone calls. Communication can be critical to business deals and time-sensitive decisions. Bank of Central Florida knows the commitment it takes to advance towards growth and financial success as a team: it requires the pursuit of going beyond transactions and embracing new opportunities at every turn.

Once a banker establishes trust and develops a strategic financial plan, the banker can guide the client to propel towards growth. Even though the journey to growth can be challenging, having a partner who has the expertise to surpass many obstacles can be the difference between a business’s success and achieving it. 

Over the years, Bank of Central Florida’s CEO and Chairman of the Board Paul Noris is encouraged by the work of the Bank’s team helping clients on their financial journey. “I can remember several clients who have come back to me over the years and said, ‘Paul it’s really the relationship with our company and the allocation of capital back to us that allowed us to accomplish what we accomplished.’ And that really makes a difference for me and it really makes a difference to our employees as well.” He explains “The knowledge that we can help a client go from small to large, or to continue to grow is really core to what we want to be doing.”
At the end of the day, the journey of relationship banking is about establishing trust, building strong partnerships with the right expert, and being a guide to clients. Whatever your banking needs may be, the Bank of Central Florida team is ready to serve local businesses in Polk and Hillsborough County.

For more information, visit the Bank of Central Florida website and connect with a banking expert. 

Click here to learn hear from Bank of Central Florida from CEO and Chairman of the Board Paul Noris about The Reward of Helping Small Businesses Grow.

​Written by Bank of Central Florida, Member FDIC

When Greg Manning hiked to the top of Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome, he knew it marked a milestone, not just in miles or elevation, but in how far he’d come since his heart valve replacement.

The 16-mile trek, which includes an elevation gain close to 5,000 feet, would be a challenge for anyone. For Greg, it was proof of his renewed health, endurance, and strength.

“I don’t think I could have done it without the valve. We never had to stop because of fatigue or because I was out of breath. I wouldn’t have been able to do that before,” says Greg.

Greg’s path to surgery began many years earlier. He didn’t even have any obvious symptoms at first. His journey began when his primary care provider detected a heart murmur at a routine physical.

“About four years ago, my doctor found it and started doing echocardiograms every other year,” he says. “Over time, the numbers kept going down until I reached a point where I needed to consider next steps.”

When his valve measurements reached that serious level, Greg’s cardiology team, including Dr. Andres Medina and Dr. Mohammed Hassan, Cardiothoracic Surgeons at Lakeland Regional Health, helped him review his options. Those included traditional open-heart surgery or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve that isn’t opening or closing properly. Instead of open-heart surgery, doctors guide a new valve into place through a small incision in the leg and expand it inside the existing valve. TAVR helps to improve blood flow, reduce symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath, and allows for quicker recovery with less time in the hospital.

Dr. Medina helped pioneer the procedure, LRH was the first hospital in Florida to perform it, and more than 1,000 TAVR procedures have been performed since it was introduced.

Greg had his TAVR procedure in 2024, staying just one night in the hospital. Within days, he was walking regularly, and he was back to work within a week.

“My experience was extremely positive,” he said.

With renewed stamina, Greg completed the Half Dome hike with his son and is now planning future climbs, possibly Mt. Elbert in Colorado.

If he had to make the decision again, he would choose TAVR every time. “TAVR just made sense for me,” he said. “It was less invasive with a quicker recovery.”

If you have been told you have a heart murmur or aortic stenosis, talk with your cardiologist about whether the TAVR procedure may be right for you. Lakeland Regional Health provides comprehensive cardiovascular care, offering advanced treatment options to support patients across a wide range of heart conditions.

➡️ Watch Greg share his story.