The LakelandGov Podcast

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 conversation about Lakeland's growing technology sector, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the future of our local economy.
From the increasing sophistication of AI-powered cyberattacks to new opportunities for entrepreneurs and technology professionals, the discussion explores how collaboration, education, and innovation can strengthen Lakeland's business community.
Discover how local partnerships, emerging technologies, and practical cybersecurity strategies are helping build a smarter, safer, and more innovative Lakeland.
🌐 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.

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 rundown of what was discussed and decided.
 
WATCH MEETING MINUTES
Watch the City Commission Meeting
Read the Meeting Agenda
Check out LakelandGov.net

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 Meeting
Read the Meeting Agenda
Check out LakelandGov.net

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, Lakeland’s first mural festival, the conversation highlights what’s bringing people downtown—and the opportunities ahead to make it even more connected, welcoming, and vibrant.
🌐 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.

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 and decided.
WATCH MEETING MINUTES
Watch the City Commission Meeting
Read the Meeting Agenda
Check out LakelandGov.net

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.
WATCH MEETING MINUTES
Watch the City Commission Meeting
Read the Meeting Agenda
Check out LakelandGov.net

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 networking to navigating the "hidden job market" and creating résumés that highlight transferable skills, the conversation offers valuable insights for both job seekers and employers. Whether you're entering the workforce, changing careers, returning after time away, or looking to hire, this episode provides practical takeaways for strengthening Lakeland's workforce and supporting a vibrant local economy.
🌐 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 Marc Radio Lakeland, dedicated to providing an exceptional quality of life for all residents.

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 approve new rezonings on Hallam Drive and Laurel Road. The meeting also features a Public Works overview of Solid Waste and Fleet operations and the promotion of Joe Costine to lead the city's Water Utilities department. Watch the latest episode of Meeting Minutes for a full rundown of what was discussed and decided.
 
WATCH MEETING MINUTES
Watch the City Commission Meeting
Read the Meeting Agenda
Check out LakelandGov.net