The LakelandGov Podcast

Airport improvements, a major sewer replacement project, and a proposed change to how Lakeland handles code enforcement. Catch up on the October 19 City Commission meeting in just a few minutes with the latest edition of Meeting Minutes! WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

Drones that launch straight to emergency scenes and AI-assisted report writing are part of a major technology upgrade for the Lakeland Police Department, while four new red light camera locations get final approval. Commissioners also hear how Lakeland Fire paramedics start lifesaving care before the ambulance arrives, and the City Manager names Adam Lunn as the permanent director of Lakeland Lind...

Technology is transforming the way we live, work, and do business. But how can Lakeland embrace innovation while protecting our community from emerging digital threats? In this episode of Listen Lakeland, host Tiffany Van Wieren, Arts in Medicine Program Director at Watson Clinic Foundation, welcomes Joshua Sitta, Co-Founder of Sittadel, and Chip Nuttall, Founder of Daybook Consulting, for a conve...

Two contested rezonings along Bartow Road and Pipkin Creek Road draw neighbor concerns over drainage and data center rumors at the September 21st City Commission meeting. The Commission also welcomes a new class of Youth Council members and approves a $128,000 tactical robot for the police SWAT team, funded entirely through a federal grant. Watch the latest episode of Meeting Minutes for a full ru...

The Commission adopts new enforcement behind the city's water restrictions, approves a decrease in the electric fuel charge effective October 1st, and brings Uber to Lakeland Linder International Airport. This episode also features an update from the Mayor's Council on the Arts and progress on several water and wastewater projects across the city. WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Me...

What makes downtown feel like the heart of a community? Host James Phillips is joined by Julie Townsend, Executive Director of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority, and Adriana Eraso, Market Manager for COhatch Central Florida, to explore the people, businesses, and ideas shaping downtown Lakeland. From walkability and downtown growth to Tasty Tuesday, the Longest Table, and Color Wave, Lak...

A federal grant to expand the passenger terminal at Lakeland Linder International Airport moves forward at the August 17th City Commission meeting, where commissioners also approve industrial zoning on 12 acres in the Green Swamp and take a first look at new enforcement rules for the city's drought restrictions. Watch the latest episode of Meeting Minutes for a full rundown of what was discussed a...

The August 3rd City Commission meeting features a final vote on a temporary moratorium on data centers and large load customers, a new alerting system for Fire Station 8, a property donation for a new traffic signal at Combee and Saddle Creek roads, and an announcement from Commissioner Chad McLeod about his future on the Commission. Watch Meeting Minutes or the full meeting at the links below. WA...

What does it really take to connect talented people with meaningful careers in today's workforce? In this episode of Listen Lakeland, hosts Trinity Laurino and James Phillips welcome Dianne Kaplan, co-owner and Marketing Director of First Priority Staffing, to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping Lakeland's job market. From the growing demand for skilled trades and the importance of ne...

A proposed year-long pause on new data center development draws a packed house and hours of public debate at the July 20th City Commission meeting, as commissioners take their first look at how to regulate large-scale power users like the proposed Project Swan. Commissioners also weigh a letter of support for the Lakeland Housing Authority's plan to convert public housing units to Section 8 and ap...

Data centers in Lakeland? The debate is just getting started, and residents packed the room to weigh in. Also on the agenda: a major redesign for Memorial Boulevard, new funding for affordable housing across the city, a push to preserve a piece of the historic Moorhead community, and a fresh look coming to the Dixieland corridor. Listen to the latest episode of Meeting Minutes for a full rundown o...

What does it take to build a stronger community? Host James Phillips sits down with former Lakeland City Commissioner Don Selvage to explore the people, partnerships, and public service shaping Lakeland's future. From the America 250 celebration and the Mary Katherine Goddard monument to civic engagement, local leadership, and the value of having your voice heard, this inspiring conversation highl...

The Lakeland City Commission moves forward with a proposed moratorium on large data centers, setting public hearings for July 6th and July 20th. The meeting also features conduit financing for Lakeland Regional Health Systems, trail improvements connecting neighborhoods around Lake Hunter to Bonnet Springs Park, and two federal grants supporting traffic safety and the historic Lake Mirror Promenad...

What makes a city feel connected? In this episode of Listen Lakeland, host Tiffany Van Weiren is joined by James Phillips (City of Lakeland), Josh Henderson (Bonnet Springs Park), and Christopher Torres (Union Hall) to explore the spaces and experiences that bring people together. From parks and cultural events to live music and nightlife, the conversation highlights how Lakeland is creating oppor...

​The June 1 City Commission meeting features a packed house as Lakeland residents show up in force to weigh in on a proposed hyperscale data center, plus action on a Green Swamp annexation, fleet vehicles, public safety upgrades, and a split vote on a Veterans Park monument. Watch the latest episode of Meeting Minutes for a full rundown of what was discussed and decided. WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watc...

A major development agreement for the former Wedgewood Golf Course, a wage adjustment for Lakeland police officers, and several land use decisions were all on the agenda at the May 18th City Commission meeting. The Commission also receives an exciting update from the America 250 Committee on a life-size bronze statue headed to Veterans Memorial Park — and discusses whether the city should help get...

Major steps forward for Fire Station 8 in northwest Lakeland, a ten-year stormwater infrastructure funding plan, and the first public hearing on the Wedgewood Golf Course redevelopment kept the Lakeland City Commission busy at their May 4th meeting. The Commission also heard an update from the Lakeland Senior Hub on their growing efforts to connect seniors with services across the city, and approv...

In this episode of Listen Lakeland, host Trinity Laurino welcomes Sara Taylor of GMF Steel Group for a conversation about workforce development, skilled trades, and career opportunities in Lakeland. Sara shares how GMF is helping young people and job seekers explore pathways in construction, welding, and ironworking while building a strong workplace culture rooted in community, mentorship, and lon...

Major steps forward for two trail projects, a grant-funded initiative to combat harmful algal blooms in the city's lakes, and a first reading of a long-awaited stormwater fee ordinance designed to fund tens of millions of dollars in drainage and water quality improvements across the city — it was a busy April 20th meeting for the Lakeland City Commission. The Commission also received a clean bill...

At the April 6 City Commission meeting, commissioners moved forward with a decision on a closely watched land use appeal, voting to grant a de novo hearing on April 20 for the proposed Talbot House Ministries facility on Memorial Boulevard. The meeting also featured major progress on the Western Trunk sewer replacement project, new steps toward a future terminal building at Lakeland Linder Interna...

In this Earth Month episode of Listen Lakeland, host Tiffany Van Wieren is joined by architect Marlon Lynn and builder and realtor Shawn McDonough for an insightful conversation on how Lakeland can grow with intention and care. Together, they explore an innovative infill housing project designed to balance sustainability, efficiency, and community connection. From preserving mature trees and minim...

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from March 16, 2026 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap: WATCH MEETING MINUTES Watch the City Commission Meeting Read the Meeting Agenda Check out LakelandGov.net

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 technol...

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, technol...

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 th...