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Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley
Mayor (2025-2029) | District: At-Large
Sara Roberts McCarley was born in Lakeland, raised in Davenport, and graduated from Florida Southern College. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
During her work with Best Buddies International, Sara developed a program that was implemented in high schools nationwide, enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through friendship and employment opportunities. Her role as Executive Director of Polk Vision further strengthened her commitment to the local community, where she helped build impactful public-private partnerships.
Sara has long been devoted to community service in and around Lakeland. Her involvement includes the Harrison School for the Arts Philanthropy Committee and Parent Association,Lakeland High School Parent Teacher Partnership, Lawton Chiles Middle Academy PTO, First United Methodist Church Nominations Committee and Alter Guild, the Lakeland Area Cotillion Council, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lakeland Class XXXVI, and the Leadership Polk Alumni Association.
She is also deeply committed to cultivating future leaders. Following the sudden passing of her first husband, Randy, in 2009, Sara transformed her grief into purpose by founding the Randy Roberts Foundation in his honor. Through this organization, she empowers young people to engage in government at the local, state, and national levels.
Sara Roberts McCarley began her public service on the City Commission on January 22, 2019, representing Lakeland’s Southwest District. On January 5, 2026, she was sworn in as Mayor of Lakeland, continuing her lifelong dedication to serving her community.