Lakeland Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley enters race for mayor

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

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 what define a good leader.

“Because if you’re willing to tell the truth and be like, ‘Hey, I didn’t know that. I got that wrong.’ That’s really important. I think that builds sincerity and trust with the people around you,” she said.

The Lakeland native often shares that message with students across the area. She says it’s something that has guided her since leading Polk Vision, an organization focused on community priorities, local partnerships and accountability in Polk County. She maintained that philosophy after joining the City Commission.

“I love serving, and I love getting my hands dirty, and working in different segments of our community, with schools, and with the business community,” McCarley said. 

McCarley hopes to continue serving the community, but in a different capacity. If elected mayor, she said she plans to work alongside fellow commissioners to build on what she describes as ongoing efforts toward accessibility, budget transparency and community involvement.

“Community service continues to be a big opportunity for us to engage more voices in the process, and that’s something I like to do from day one,” she said.

With years of experience at City Hall, McCarley believes the start of her term would be a smooth transition.

“My learning curve is shorter, and I can ramp up quicker,” she said. “I know the departments, and I know the constituencies outside of City Hall, which I think is really important. And I feel like bridging those conversations is something that I do well.”

McCarley said she hopes to bring those strengths into a new role as mayor while encouraging future leaders to do the same.

Lakeland residents will elect their next mayor on Nov. 4. Other candidates in the race include Kay Klymko, Kaitlin Kramer and Cedrick Valrie.