The LakelandGov Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Listen Lakeland | March 2026 – Empowering Women Entrepreneurs & Solving Childcare Challenges Mar 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

Meeting Minutes - February 16, 2026 Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

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

Meeting Minutes - February 2, 2026 Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

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

Listen Lakeland | February 2026 – Lakeland’s Living History: Stories That Still Matter Feb 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2026 Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

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

Meeting Minutes - January 5, 2026 Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

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

Listen Lakeland | January 2026 – Empowering Voters, Strengthening Neighborhoods Jan 04, 2026

Show notes

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.

Honoring Our Past, Inspiring the Future: Lakeland's Path to America 250 | Listen Lakeland - December 2025 Dec 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

Meeting Minutes - November 17, 2025 Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

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

Meeting Minutes - November 3, 2025 Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

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