Sara Roberts McCarley is projected to be the next mayor of Lakeland. With 100% of the precincts reporting, she received 5,970 total votes.

Four candidates were vying for the open mayor's seat in Lakeland, after the current mayor declined to seek a third term.

The candidates were city commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley, professor Cedrick Valrie, bartender Kaitlin Kramer, and healthcare professional Kay Klymko.

They all bring diverse experience, backgrounds and perspectives. Tampa Bay 28 asked candidates what makes them stand apart from the others.

Watch report from Rebecca Petit

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