Press Releases

Franklin Helps Secure Polk County Veterans Service Office At Lakeland's New VA Clinic

September 16, 2024

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) announced the Polk County Veterans Services Division will open a satellite office in the new Lakeland VA Clinic to further assist Polk County’s 54,000 veterans.

“I understand how challenging it can be for fellow veterans to navigate the VA,” said Congressman Scott Franklin. “An experienced and compassionate VSO makes all the difference helping veterans get the benefits they’ve earned. I’m pleased my office was successful coordinating with the VA to reestablish a county veteran services presence in Lakeland.  I’m confident this office will provide top-notch assistance for our nation’s heroes.”
“On behalf of Polk County Veteran Services, I look forward to a great partnership working in conjunction with the VA. We look forward to providing our Lakeland Veterans with the best possible assistance to maximize their benefits,” said Polk County Veteran Services Supervisor, Joseph Lesniewicz. “It has been a long journey to have a VSO presence in Lakeland and we are thankful for the opportunity and grateful for Congressman Franklin's help in this process.” 

A Polk County Veterans Service officer (VSO) will be stationed on the second floor in office #2049 from 8 AM to 5 PM each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On Tuesdays, the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs will staff the office from 8:30 AM to 3 PM. Appointments will be done on a walk-in basis, and veterans will be able to receive free VA benefit assistance.

Polk County Veterans Services, located within the government complex in Bartow, has not had a Lakeland presence since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Congressman Franklin’s office worked with the VA to secure additional operating space, expanding access to services and providing convenient options for local veterans.

In May 2024, the VA opened a new state-of-the-art outpatient clinic in South Lakeland to help Central Florida veterans get the care they need.  The clinic will increase access to primary care, home-based and mental health care, audiology, physical therapy, vision care and more.

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Permalink: https://franklin.house.gov/2024/9/franklin-helps-secure-polk-county-veterans-service-office-at-lakeland-s-new-va-clinic