LAKELAND — City officials are hopeful that the opening of the new Lakeland Automall dealership will spur economic growth on the West Memorial Boulevard corridor.
The car dealership is situated on 11½ acres at 1430 W. Memorial Blvd., and at least 100 people came to the opening Tuesday to show their support for the Automall’s owner and President Greg Balasco. Before the ribbon cutting, a prayer was said for the building and its employees to make a difference in the city of Lakeland.
“We will look back on this day and realize this is the catalyst for redevelopment,” Mayor Howard Wiggs said after the ceremonial ribbon cutting. “This guy, Greg Balasco, has the courage of a warrior and the heart of a champion.”