The LakelandGov Podcast

In this month’s episode of Listen Lakeland, host Carol Philipson is joined by Ann Claussen, CEO of Central Florida Health Care, and Dr. Cara Nelson-James, Chief Medical Officer, for an inspiring conversation about how CFHC is transforming healthcare access in our community.
Learn how this federally qualified health center is breaking down barriers to care—offering everything from same-day appointments and pharmacy services to pediatric care, behavioral health, and support for the uninsured. You’ll also get a first look at their new four-story health center opening in 2026, including a Diabetes Center of Excellence designed to educate and empower patients.
Whether you're new to Lakeland or a longtime resident, this episode shows how community-focused healthcare is making a difference right here at home.
🌐 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 September 2, 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 August 18, 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 August 4, 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 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.

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

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

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.