The LakelandGov Podcast

Listen Lakeland | May 2026 - Building Careers in the Skilled Trades

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 long-term growth.
🌐 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 - April 20, 2026

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 of financial health from the city's external auditors.
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Meeting Minutes - April 6, 2026

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 International Airport, and continued investment in affordable housing. All that and more in this edition of Meeting Minutes.
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Watch the City Commission Meeting
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Listen Lakeland | April 2026 - Building Smart: Sustainable Growth & Thoughtful Living

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 minimizing land disruption to introducing energy-efficient, low-impact townhomes, the discussion highlights how thoughtful design can enhance both environmental stewardship and neighborhood vitality. The episode also dives into workforce housing opportunities, the importance of “eyes on the street,” and how collaboration between developers, residents, and the City of Lakeland is helping shape a more connected and resilient future for the community.
🌐 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 - March 17, 2026

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from March 16, 2026 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap:
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Meeting Minutes - March 2, 2026

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.
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Watch the City Commission Meeting
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Listen Lakeland | March 2026 – Empowering Women Entrepreneurs & Solving Childcare Challenges

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

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