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.

Related Vision Goal:

• Strong and Safe Neighborhoods
  Lakeland will have neighborhoods where residents enjoy their quality of life.

   

  Goals
• Sense of Community
  Institutions, organizations, and neighborhoods will create and support a cohesive and engaged community that fosters intergenerational and geographic unity.
• Downtown
  Downtown Lakeland will be walkable and vibrant with a variety of housing options, restaurants, small businesses, green spaces, and venues for community gatherings and events.