The LakelandGov Podcast

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
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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 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.

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.

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 collaboration.
From Ana’s development of a 150-year solid waste management framework to David’s insights into unifying Polk County’s 17 municipalities, this conversation shines a light on the importance of visionary leadership and long-term thinking. The guests also delve into the concept of shared values across communities, the challenges of rapid population growth, and the need for accessible infrastructure—highlighting a bold proposal to replace a key railway overpass to improve connectivity near Bonnet Springs Park.
This episode is a call to action for residents, leaders, and planners to think not just about today, but about what Lakeland and Polk County will look like 100 years from now.
🌐 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.

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 Cathy Angel, a 10-year breast cancer survivor and founder of Boxed by An Angel, a nonprofit providing personalized care packages to women undergoing treatment.
Together, they explore the importance of early detection, the emotional and financial challenges patients face, and the power of nutrition, movement, and community support in healing and survivorship. With powerful personal stories, practical advice, and heartfelt encouragement, this episode is a tribute to the strength and resilience of those impacted by breast cancer—and a call to action for all who want to help.
🌐 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.