The LakelandGov Podcast

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...

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...

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 chang...

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...

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...

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 Cath...