Dr. Timothy Regan, Lakeland Regional Health's Chief Medical Officer joins us to discuss the importance of keeping up with your scheduled visits and tests despite the pandemic and Patrick Phillips, Lakeland Regional Health's Senior Vice President of Business Development and Chief Strategy Officer offers some tips that both businesses and consumers can use to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection. For more information, please visit LRH's COVID-19 Business Resource Center at http://mylrh.org/businessresources/

To inquire about their consulting services call 863-904-1859 or email [email protected].

Whether your hair is a bit fluffy, your roots are impossible to hide or your toes look like a velociraptor, most of us are greatly in need of some personal care. As Governor DeSantis modifies his order and allows hair and nail salons to reopen, there is bound to be a flood of shaggy patrons rushing back to their favorite salons. Those working in the salon and beauty industry are also eager to get back to work but everyone wants to do it as safely as possible. Victoria Woods, owner of End Results Salon and Spa in Lakeland joins us to share her experience with the shutdown, her plans for reopening and how she plans to keep her customers and her stylists safe in these trying times. 

Just as Polk County begins to reopen, $126 million in unexpected relief funding arrives from Washington.  Reopening our businesses and taking small steps to returning to normal might be  too much for some and too slow for others, nevertheless Polk is marching forward to brighter times and with a few extra dollars to spend in the process. Find out how the County Commission intends to distribute the funds, what it means for small businesses desperate for relief and glimmers of what the future holds. 

A look back at the funniest moments of the last 22 episodes. We dare you not to laugh.  The "Lakelandist" Joe Cruz shares some of his favorite headlines. What's the deal with Chrissanne's marbles? Craig Hosking signature tropical style. Joe Tedder, our very own Zacchaeus! Sheriff Judd chooses a motorcycle over high school football. Bob Donahay's "Geraldo hair." Steve Scruggs' family were not travelling circus performers, despite what you might have heard. Tom Phillips gives the Ramada Inn five stars. Jae Choe and the pros and cons of goat yoga. Brad Sundgren and the art of feline carpentry.  

As talk of reopening our economy grows louder, so have opinions over whether or not it's the right time and if it will be done the right way. During these difficult times, emotions are running high but there are so many examples of generosity, innovation and survival going on around us. We can only hope that when we return back to "normal" that the "new normal" might involve a greater appreciation for the incredible people in our community who stood up and pushed forward at a time when it would have been easier to fold.  Please help us support these individuals and businesses, fill out our online small business survey so that we can share our collective voice with our elected officials and guide them as we take these next steps together. 

https://bridgelocal.com/survey/

When things are tough, it helps to turn to those who are always there to support you. This week, we  talk with Brad Sundgren, a  long time supporter of the show. Brad shares some funny stories and some insight on how we can all get through this together. We discuss the need to focus on getting back to normal and when we might expect to see that happen. 

These are tough times for our local community and our country overall. But while there is so much uncertainty and stress, there are extraordinary things happening right here in our area. We share countless examples of individuals and businesses who are innovating and how there are big things and small things alike that can make our present situation much more positive and rewarding. We are all in this together and in the tough times it's more important than ever to Elevate Polk. 

The son of an immigrant entrepreneur, Jae Choe grew up in a family martial arts business. He's since opened his own martial arts studio, Karate Beyond, in Lakeland. Jae share with us the evolution of his business and his vision for our community in the years to come. We talk philosophy, raising children and answer the age old question; "should Rob have become a dentist and is he willing to try yoga?" Listen and find out, it's a lighthearted episode that should be as fun to listen to as it was to record. 

To learn more about all the martial arts classes Jae offers, visit his website at https://www.karatebeyond.com/  

And you can listen to Jae's own podcast, The Jae Choe Show at https://www.jaechoe.net/

Alis shares with us some memorable stops on his journey to Lakeland, a journey paved with service to community and country. As CRA Manager for the City of Lakeland, Alis brings a unique passion to an agency tasked with making Lakeland a more vibrant, modern city for all its citizens. Alis shares some insight on CRA projects as well as what is on the horizon as Lakeland continues to grow and thrive. 

Government can be messy, it can be full of challenges and those challenges only grow larger as our world changes with social media and the twenty-four hour news cycle. Tom Phillips, Director of the Citrus Connection, is no stranger to the minefield of public policy. His pursuits of "big, hairy, audacious goals" has taught him many lessons about how best to communicate with the public he serves. Tom shares with us some of those lessons, some of his proven methods, a  smattering of interesting acronyms and more than a few laughs in the process.  Special thanks to the manager of the Ramada Inn for making this conversation possible.   (listen to find out why)