LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland City Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley has joined the 2025 race for mayor.

What You Need To Know • City commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley is one of the four candidates seeking to become Lakeland’s next mayor • If elected, McCarley said she plans to work alongside fellow commissioners to build on efforts toward accessibility, budget transparency and community involvement • Having served on the City Commission since 2019, she says her familiarity with city departments and local partnerships would make for a smooth transition

She was the first candidate to announce her bid following Mayor Bill Mutz’s decision not to seek another term.

McCarley, who has represented the city’s Southwest district since 2019 , said humility and consistency of character are wha

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