The LakelandGov Podcast

The March 2 City Commission meeting included recognition for the Lakeland Police Department’s K-9 Unit following a first-place regional finish, along with a look at how the city prepares for emergencies behind the scenes. Commissioners also approved annexation and zoning changes, supported major infrastructure and airport projects, adjusted Lakeland Electric’s fuel charge, and advanced new technology aimed at improving customer service. WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

This month on Listen Lakeland, host Trinity Laurino sits down with Callie Miller, founder of Carilly, Little Lake, and Sittysites, to explore the power of entrepreneurship and the evolving childcare landscape in Lakeland. In honor of Women’s History Month, Callie shares her journey from a decade-long healthcare career to launching three innovative, self-funded businesses rooted in service, technology, and community impact. 🌐 Listen now and stay connected with your community! Visit lakelandvision.org for more episodes and to participate in our survey. 🎧 Listen Lakeland is a collaborative project by Lakeland Vision, the City of Lakeland, and Hall Communications, dedicated to providing an exceptional quality of life for all residents.

Episode 100 of Meeting Minutes is here! In this milestone installment, we cover the February 16th City Commission meeting, including a Visitor Center update from the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, an economic development agreement with Trimac Building Systems bringing 50 new high-wage jobs to the area, a major sewer rehabilitation project, new airport staffing tied to Avelo Airlines' growth, and the introduction of the City's new Communications Director, Larry Little. Plus, we mark 100 episodes of keeping Lakeland informed — thank you for watching and staying connected to your city. WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from February 2, 2026 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap: WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

In this February episode of Listen Lakeland, host Tiffany Van Wieren invites listeners into a meaningful conversation about how Lakeland’s Black history is preserved, remembered, and lived every day — not just during one month of the year. Joined by community leader Lynne Simpkins and LuAnn Mims of the Lakeland History Room, the discussion explores the power of neighborhoods, the role of libraries as living storytellers, and why curiosity about our city’s past helps build stronger connections today. From the stories behind street names and community landmarks to personal memories that shaped generations, this episode highlights how Lakeland’s shared history continues to influence who we are and where we’re going. Listeners are encouraged to look closer, ask questions, and see themselves as part of the city’s ongoing story. 🌐 Listen now and stay connected with your community! Visit lakelandvision.org for more episodes and to participate in our survey. 🎧 Listen Lakeland is a collaborative project by Lakeland Vision, the City of Lakeland, and Hall Communications, dedicated to providing an exceptional quality of life for all residents.

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from January 20, 2026 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap: WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from January 5, 2026 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap: WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

In this inspiring January 2026 episode of Listen Lakeland, host Trinity Laurino welcomes Polk County Supervisor of Elections Melony Bell. From her early grassroots activism in Fort Meade to years of public service at the city, county, and state levels, Supervisor Bell shares how civic engagement fuels strong, safe communities. The conversation explores her passion for voter education, recent changes in Florida’s vote-by-mail process, and innovative outreach efforts—including Polk County’s first mobile voting unit and student-designed “I Voted” stickers. Together, Trinity and Melony highlight how increased voter turnout and accessible information can deepen public trust and encourage active participation in local democracy. 🌐 Listen now and stay connected with your community! Visit lakelandvision.org for more episodes and to participate in our survey. 🎧 Listen Lakeland is a collaborative project by Lakeland Vision, the City of Lakeland, and Hall Communications, dedicated to providing an exceptional quality of life for all residents.

In this edition of Listen Lakeland, host Pat Steed, Vice‑Chair of Lakeland Vision, welcomes a distinguished panel to discuss Lakeland’s exciting role in the upcoming national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Guests J. Lenora Bresler, Dr. Alan Snyder, and Gary Clark—members of the America 250 “Path to Freedom” Steering Committee—share insights into this visionary and multifaceted project that blends art, education, history, and civic pride. With powerful stories, local collaboration, and a shared commitment to preserving American ideals, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the past while participating in building an informed, inspired, and united future. 🌐 Listen now and stay connected with your community! Visit lakelandvision.org for more episodes and to participate in our survey. 🎧 Listen Lakeland is a collaborative project by Lakeland Vision, the City of Lakeland, and Hall Communications, dedicated to providing an exceptional quality of life for all residents.

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from November 17, 2025 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap: WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from November 3, 2025 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap: WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

In this forward-thinking episode of Listen Lakeland, host Trinity Laurino, Executive Director of Lakeland Now, is joined by two distinguished visionaries shaping the future of our region—Ana Wood-Rogers and David Bunch. With decades of leadership between them, Ana and David explore what makes Lakeland a “textbook city,” discussing long-range planning, infrastructure, civic identity, and community collaboration. From Ana’s development of a 150-year solid waste management framework to David’s insights into unifying Polk County’s 17 municipalities, this conversation shines a light on the importance of visionary leadership and long-term thinking. The guests also delve into the concept of shared values across communities, the challenges of rapid population growth, and the need for accessible infrastructure—highlighting a bold proposal to replace a key railway overpass to improve connectivity near Bonnet Springs Park. This episode is a call to action for residents, leaders, and planners to think not just about today, but about what Lakeland and Polk County will look like 100 years from now. 🌐 Listen now and stay connected with your community! Visit lakelandvision.org for more episodes and to participate in our survey. 🎧 Listen Lakeland is a collaborative project by Lakeland Vision, the City of Lakeland, and Hall Communications, dedicated to providing an exceptional quality of life for all residents.

In this heartfelt October episode of Listen Lakeland, host Tiffany Van Wieren spotlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month by welcoming three incredible guests whose work and experiences are making a difference in Lakeland and beyond. Joining the conversation are Dr. Elisabeth Dupont, breast surgeon at Watson Clinic; Massiel Gilpin, registered dietitian and diabetes educator at Watson Clinic; and Cathy Angel, a 10-year breast cancer survivor and founder of Boxed by An Angel, a nonprofit providing personalized care packages to women undergoing treatment. Together, they explore the importance of early detection, the emotional and financial challenges patients face, and the power of nutrition, movement, and community support in healing and survivorship. With powerful personal stories, practical advice, and heartfelt encouragement, this episode is a tribute to the strength and resilience of those impacted by breast cancer—and a call to action for all who want to help. 🌐 Listen now and stay connected with your community! Visit lakelandvision.org for more episodes and to participate in our survey. 🎧 Listen Lakeland is a collaborative project by Lakeland Vision, the City of Lakeland, and Hall Communications, dedicated to providing an exceptional quality of life for all residents.

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from September 15, 2025 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap: WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

In this month’s episode of Listen Lakeland, host Carol Philipson is joined by Ann Claussen, CEO of Central Florida Health Care, and Dr. Cara Nelson-James, Chief Medical Officer, for an inspiring conversation about how CFHC is transforming healthcare access in our community. Learn how this federally qualified health center is breaking down barriers to care—offering everything from same-day appointments and pharmacy services to pediatric care, behavioral health, and support for the uninsured. You’ll also get a first look at their new four-story health center opening in 2026, including a Diabetes Center of Excellence designed to educate and empower patients. Whether you're new to Lakeland or a longtime resident, this episode shows how community-focused healthcare is making a difference right here at home. 🌐 Listen now and stay connected with your community! Visit lakelandvision.org for more episodes and to participate in our survey. 🎧 Listen Lakeland is a collaborative project by Lakeland Vision, the City of Lakeland, and Hall Communications, dedicated to providing an exceptional quality of life for all residents.

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from September 2, 2025 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap: WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from August 18, 2025 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap: WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from August 4, 2025 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap: WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

In this inspiring episode of Listen Lakeland, host Dr. Sallie Stone, Founder of Compass Smart Solutions and Owner of Well-Done! Events, sits down with Dr. Pamela Craven, Executive Director of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) of Polk County. Together, they explore LRC’s remarkable 50-year journey of serving learners from early childhood through adulthood. Dr. Craven shares the organization’s roots in grassroots volunteerism, its evolution into a vital educational support system, and the programs that continue to uplift students across the county—from “Camp READY!” to SAT/ACT prep, and even game design classes. Listeners will hear heartfelt success stories that highlight the transformative impact of LRC’s work, including students like Zion, Jackson, and Maximus. Dr. Craven also candidly discusses the challenges of nonprofit education work, the importance of community partnerships, and the critical need for continued support—whether through volunteering, financial giving, or simply spreading the word. This episode is a powerful reminder of the role we all play in building a brighter future for Lakeland’s learners. 🌐 Listen now and stay connected with your community! Visit lakelandvision.org for more episodes and to participate in our survey. 🎧 Listen Lakeland is a collaborative project by Lakeland Vision, the City of Lakeland, and Hall Communications, dedicated to providing an exceptional quality of life for all residents.

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from July 21, 2025 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap: WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net