City News Blog: Northeast District City Commissioner Announces Early Resignation Five Commission Seats Will Be Decided on Tuesday, November 4, 2025
LAKELAND, FL (June 23, 2025) – Northeast District City Commissioner Bill Read has announced his intention to step down from the Lakeland City Commission, effective December 31, 2025 — two years before the end of his current term.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve alongside each of you,” Read shared in his statement to fellow commissioners. “I am confident that each of you will continue to lead with the same dedication and passion that I have witnessed during my time in office.”
The Northeast District seat will be one of several positions on the ballot in the upcoming Lakeland City election, scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Seats up for election include:
- Mayor
- At-Large: Seat 1
- District B (Northeast)
- District C (Southwest)
- District D (Southeast)
Qualifying for prospective candidates begins at Noon on September 15, 2025, and ends at Noon on September 19, 2025.
Individuals interested in running for office must be a registered voter and have resided within the Lakeland city limits—and within their respective district—since at least January 5, 2025. For additional information, including district maps, candidate requirements, and a helpful training video, please visit the City of Lakeland’s Elections webpage at: https://lakelandgov.net/departments/city-clerk/elections/.
Contact
Kevin Cook
Director of Communications
City of Lakeland
863.834.6264
Kevin.Cook@LakelandGov.net
About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population fast approaching 130,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.