If you're heading into downtown Lakeland for a lunch meeting or community event, you might spend more time searching for a parking spot than usual. That's where the Squeeze comes in.

This shuttle service from Citrus Connection aims to be "fast, frequent, and fun." The Squeeze has offered fare-free rides throughout downtown Lakeland on weekends since 2022, plus weekday lunch-hour service with quicker routes.

The service is free to riders thanks to funding from the City of Lakeland. | Photo by LALtoday

The Squeeze is available on Fridays, 4 p.m.-2 a.m., and on Saturdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Hop on at one of 12 boarding points, including stops near the RP Funding Center, Florida Southern College, and Lake Mirror. Golf carts can carry several riders and visit each stop every ~20 minutes.

The Lunch Squeeze runs Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This service is more of an express route, offering fewer stops and quicker rides. Carts run from The Joinery to the Squeeze Park & Ride (at the corner of South Tennessee Avenue and East Walnut Street).

Route map and flyer for The Squeeze shuttle service in downtown Lakeland with operating hours and QR code. — On weekends, the Squeeze's route includes Florida Southern College, The Joinery, and the RP Funding Center. | Map via Citrus Connection

You can also find the Squeeze operating during special events. In the past, it's been available during Mayfaire by-the-Lake, the Lake Mirror Classic car show, food truck rallies, and downtown night markets.

Ready to ride? Here are a few pro tips before you leave your keys and ride the Squeeze:

Save our downtown parking guide to find more places to park before heading to your boarding point.
Check the full routes for weekday and weekend service.
Squeeze signs on sidewalks show you where to board.
Let your driver know your destination so you can hop off at a safe + convenient stop.
There's a "super-stop" at the corner of East Lemon Street and South Kentucky Avenue within walking distance of most downtown points of interest.
When rainy weather rolls in, Citrus Connection will roll out its Squeeze Plus van shuttles to keep passengers dry.