Fort Meade Seeks to Unite the Community Through Dialogue, New Retail, Family-Friendly Activities

Like the rest of Polk County, Fort Meade continues to grow. Its population has increased from 5,100 in the 2020 Census to an estimated 5,341 in 2024. City leaders expect it to continue to grow. 

“Fort Meade is poised to flourish as a vibrant, walkable community where family-friendly nightlife and local charm converge,” said Lekia Johnson, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency Administrator. “As revitalization efforts take root and community engagement deepens, the distinctive character of our historic small town is beginning to shine like never before.”  

It has a project that’s been years in the works and is about to come to fruition. 

“Among the most highly anticipated initiatives is the revitalization of our downtown streetscape— a transformative project designed to enhance pedestrian accessibility, elevate public safety, and lay the foundation for future economic and cultural vitality,” she said. 

Several years ago, Fort Meade received state funding to develop a vision. The grant allowed the city to contract with the Regional Planning Council for its professional services. The council led the process, working in partnership with the Central Florida Development Council, Fort Meade Chamber of Commerce, The Historical Society of Fort Meade, Polk County School District and more. 

City of Fort Meade Goals for 2025

The goals for 2025 are clear, Johnson said. They are:  

• “Revitalize residential properties in areas affected by slum and blight to enhance neighborhood stability and visual appeal.  
• Stimulate economic growth by attracting innovative entrepreneurs and diverse business ventures to the downtown district.  
• Expand access to quality, affordable housing to support a thriving and inclusive community.”  

But the city also faces challenges, she said. “One of the most significant challenges lies in uniting diverse communities around a shared vision for Fort Meade’s future. Fostering alignment across perspectives and promoting equitable, inclusive progress remains a central priority.”

The city is taking a proactive approach to help unite the community. “We’re actively engaging with local residents through open dialogue, community meetings, and neighborhood feedback sessions,” she said. “These conversations help guide our planning and build trust between the city and its people.”

Improving Infrastructure

Like most of the cities in Polk County, Fort Meade faces challenges with its infrastructure, but it’s working to address them.  

 

“We are preparing to invest in key enhancements that will enrich community life,” Johnson said. Those include: 

• “The installation of new pedestrian-friendly sidewalks throughout the downtown core.  
• Development of a state-of-the-art public library to foster lifelong learning and accessibility.  
• Creation of a vibrant community center designed to support educational programs, the arts, and youth engagement initiatives.” 

Attracting Retail

As the city grows, more national chain restaurants are interested in moving into the city, a welcome addition, Johnson said. 

“We’re experiencing growth in the quick-service dining sector, marked by the entry of national brands such as Culver’s into our local market,” she said. “These additions not only diversify our culinary landscape but also generate new employment opportunities and contribute to economic vitality.”  

The city wants even more restaurants, but it’s also trying to attract other family-friendly activities to the small southwest Polk town.  

“We are focused on attracting family-owned, mom-and-pop style restaurants that add character and keep dollars circulating locally,” Johnson said. “Exciting ideas in the early planning stages include an outdoor amphitheater, a splash pad and a new park to further support community engagement and recreation.”  

The ideas envision to “enhance community engagement, recreation, and quality of life,” she said. “Fort Meade stands to benefit from increased investment in recreation, the arts, and technology. Establishing dedicated spaces for youth development, creative expression, and innovation is vital to cultivating a more vibrant, connected, and resilient future for our city.” 

Fort Meade offers a unique blend of charm and character that’s hard to find elsewhere. As a city that honors its past while steadily embracing the future, Fort Meade stands as a reminder that small towns can hold big stories—and even bigger potential.