The LakelandGov Podcast

Empowering Learners of All Ages: Celebrating 50 Years of the Learning Resource Center | Listen Lakeland - August 2025

In this inspiring episode of Listen Lakeland, host Dr. Sallie Stone, Founder of Compass Smart Solutions and Owner of Well-Done! Events, sits down with Dr. Pamela Craven, Executive Director of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) of Polk County. Together, they explore LRC’s remarkable 50-year journey of serving learners from early childhood through adulthood. Dr. Craven shares the organization’s roots in grassroots volunteerism, its evolution into a vital educational support system, and the programs that continue to uplift students across the county—from “Camp READY!” to SAT/ACT prep, and even game design classes.
Listeners will hear heartfelt success stories that highlight the transformative impact of LRC’s work, including students like Zion, Jackson, and Maximus. Dr. Craven also candidly discusses the challenges of nonprofit education work, the importance of community partnerships, and the critical need for continued support—whether through volunteering, financial giving, or simply spreading the word. This episode is a powerful reminder of the role we all play in building a brighter future for Lakeland’s learners.
🌐 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 - July 21, 2025

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from July 21, 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 - July 7, 2025

PODBEAN:
Get the highlights of the commission meeting from July 7, 2025 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap:
WATCH MEETING MINUTES
Watch the City Commission Meeting
Read the Meeting Agenda
Check out LakelandGov.net

Keeping Kids Curious: Summer Learning and Family Engagement in Lakeland | Listen Lakeland - July 2025

This month on Listen Lakeland, host Tiffany Van Wieren, Coordinator of the Watson Clinic Foundation’s Arts in Medicine Program, explores how families in our community can turn summer into a season of enrichment. Joined by Julie Ward of the Florida Children’s Museum, Stephanie Brown from the Lakeland Public Library, and April Mucci, founder of Lakeland Mom, the conversation focuses on local programs, resources, and creative ideas that help kids stay engaged, curious, and connected throughout the break.
From free library activities and hands-on learning at the museum to low-cost family events and the trusted tools offered by Lakeland Mom, you'll discover how to build routines, spark imagination, and combat summer learning loss—all while having fun. Whether you're looking for accessible outings, educational opportunities, or simple ways to connect as a family, this episode is packed with practical inspiration for a more meaningful summer.
🌐 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 - June 16, 2025

PODBEAN:
Get the highlights of the commission meeting from June 16, 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 - June 2, 2025

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from June 2, 2025 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap:
WATCH MEETING MINUTES
Watch the City Commission Meeting
Read the Meeting Agenda
Check out LakelandGov.net

Nurturing Young Readers: The Power of Mentorship Through ReadingPals | Listen Lakeland - June 2025

In the June edition of Listen Lakeland, host Ileana Kniss, Board Chair of Lakeland Vision, speaks with Ruthie Teets, ReadingPals Program Manager, and Katelyn Bruce, Senior Director of Marketing at United Way of Central Florida, about the impact of early childhood literacy initiatives in our community. They discuss how the ReadingPals program connects volunteers with kindergarten students to build foundational reading skills and supportive relationships, and share data showing improved literacy outcomes, attendance, and behavior. The episode also highlights the 30th Anniversary Summer Readathon, a community effort encouraging children to read daily throughout June to prevent learning loss during the summer break. The conversation emphasizes how local involvement in early education contributes to student success and long-term community well-being.
🌐 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 - May 19, 2025

Get the highlights of the commission meeting from May 19, 2025 with today’s Meeting Minutes Recap:
WATCH MEETING MINUTES
Watch the City Commission Meeting
Read the Meeting Agenda
Check out LakelandGov.net