Four candidates vying for mayor’s post in Lakeland

For the first time since 2018, someone other than Bill Mutz will soon be the mayor of Lakeland.

The mayor’s spot, along with two commission seats, will be determined on Tuesday, Nov. 4

Mutz announced in March that he would not seek a third term.

A group of four candidates is vying to be the next mayor of Lakeland.

We will have stories with each of the candidates from now until the election. Tap/click on the candidate’s image below to learn more:

Lakeland Mayoral Candidates

Kaitlin Gracie Kramer – 24, a restaurant manager and homeowner, who said the focus of her campaign will be city growth and the infrastructure. She is the youngest person ever to run for mayor of Lakeland.

Kay Klymko – 75, a health care industry worker, who has run for office previously.

Sara Roberts McCarley – 54, a businessperson and nonprofit worker who was previously a member of the Lakeland city council.

Cedrick Valrie – 42, Southeastern University theology professor who is making his first foray into running for public office. Valrie said the continuing economic concerns prompted him to run.

Nov. 4 Mayoral Election

The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Oct. 23.

Early, walk-in voting begins Oct. 27 at the following locations:

• Lakeland: Polk County Government Center, 930 E. Parker St. (early voting at this site ends Oct. 31.)
• Winter Haven: Election Operations Center, 70 Florida Citrus Blvd. (voting continues through Nov. 3, but not on Saturday or Sunday)
• Bartow: Election Headquarters: 250 South Broadway Ave. (voting continues through Nov. 3, but not on Saturday or Sunday)

On Election Day, polls will be open at assigned precincts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.