I Am Lakeland®

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Guy LaLonde Jr., a long-time Lakeland resident, veteran, and successful small business owner who is now stepping into the political arena as a candidate for City Commissioner, Northwest District (District A).

Guy shares his deep roots in the community, having lived in Lakeland for over 43 years and attended Lake Gibson High School. Known to many as the "moonwalk guy," Guy discusses his journey as an entrepreneur, from founding Lakeland Moonwalk in 2004 to expanding into One Tent Events. He reflects on how his business success is built on a foundation of service—a value instilled during his time in the US Navy and his lifelong involvement in local charities.

Whether you're interested in the future of Lakeland’s infrastructure or looking for ways to get involved in local philanthropy, Guy’s passion for "giving back to the community that has been so good to him" offers an inspiring look at local leadership. 33

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Jack Smith, the owner of Xtreme Clean, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, faith, and the value of high-quality local service. A Winter Haven native, Jack shares his journey from two decades in student ministry to becoming a staple in the Polk County business community.

Jack provides insight into the history of Xtreme Clean, which has been serving the area for over 20 years. He explains how he transitioned from the ministry into the cleaning business after purchasing the company from his former pastor. This background in service continues to shape his business philosophy today, emphasizing honesty, reliability, and a commitment to doing right by every customer.

Whether you're a homeowner looking to refresh your living space or a business owner in need of commercial floor care, Jack’s dedication to "providing more than you expect" makes this episode a great look at local business done right. 32

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Carley Regan, a Lakeland native and recent Florida Southern College graduate who is beginning her career at Rita Staffing. As the company celebrates its landmark 50th anniversary, Carley shares her unique perspective on growing up alongside this local institution and the vital role it plays in the Central Florida workforce.

Carley discusses the deep roots her family has with Rita Staffing, noting that her godmother has been with the company for nearly three decades. This personal connection makes her work in business administration and staffing feel more like family than a typical corporate environment. She provides an overview of the diverse services Rita Staffing offers, including professional, clerical, light industrial, and IT staffing (through Rita Tech), with options ranging from temporary projects to direct hires.

Whether you are an employer looking for the right talent or a job seeker ready for your next chapter, this episode highlights how Rita Staffing continues to be a pillar of support for the Lakeland economy. 31

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by a dynamic duo of community leaders and pageant titleholders: Emily Schumacher, Miss Coon Rapids and 1st runner-up for Miss Minnesota, and her best friend Eryn LaLonde, former Miss Polk County. Together, they discuss the power of digital connection, the discipline of pageantry, and a shared passion for life-saving advocacy.

Emily, a former collegiate soccer player and current pre-med student, shares how she and Eryn bridged the gap between Minnesota and Florida through a pageant group chat, eventually becoming close friends and collaborators. Beyond the crown, Emily discusses her rigorous journey toward medical school and her hands-on experience working in an emergency room, which fuels her dedication to healthcare.

The heart of the conversation focuses on Emily’s community service initiative: heart health education and CPR/AED training. As a certified instructor and partner with the American Heart Association, Emily emphasizes the importance of early heart screenings for young athletes and the necessity of hands-on training over simple online courses. She shares moving stories of how organizations like "Play for Patrick" and "Who We Play For" are saving lives through proactive cardiac care. 30

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with the multi-talented Eryn LaLonde. Eryn, a former Miss Polk County (2022) and Miss America competitor, shares her inspiring journey of community service, education, and professional growth within the Lakeland area.

Eryn discusses her deep-rooted connection to Lakeland, which began through her work with Florida Baptist Children’s Home (now One More Child) and her international mission trips to Guatemala. During her time as Miss Polk County, Eryn took a unique approach to her role, prioritizing meetings with community leaders like Mayor Bill Mutz and Sheriff Grady Judd to better understand the people she represented.

Whether you're a student looking for scholarship tips or an entrepreneur interested in the future of social media marketing, Eryn’s professionalism and dedication to service offer valuable insights for everyone. 29

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns welcomes LaFrieda "LJ" Smith, an author, speaker, and passionate advocate for the autism community. LaFrieda shares her powerful journey of moving from Cleveland to Florida, her career at Pepsi, and how her experiences as a mother to a son on the autism spectrum inspired her to become a voice for others.

The conversation centers on LaFrieda’s mission to humanize the autism experience and highlight the unique talents of neurodivergent individuals. She discusses her children's book series, "The Baker Series," which features real people with real talents. LaFrieda explains how she uses these stories to provide both representation for children and practical resources for educators and parents.

Whether you're looking for inspiration, seeking resources for the autism community, or just love a great success story, LaFrieda’s energy and dedication offer a wealth of encouragement. 28

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Tiffany Taylor, Development and Events Manager for the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center, and local banker Scott Katz. Together, they discuss the vital role the Center plays in the community and the excitement surrounding their premier annual fundraiser, Mr. Central Florida.

Tiffany provides a deep dive into the Center's mission, explaining how they serve patients of all ages—from infants to centenarians—across Polk and surrounding counties. She emphasizes that communication is a fundamental human right and highlights the Center’s commitment to providing care for those who are uninsured or underinsured, ensuring that financial barriers don't stand in the way of essential speech and hearing therapy.

Whether you're interested in community impact or looking for a fun way to support a great cause, this episode showcases how Lakeland comes together to ensure everyone has a voice. 27

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Nicole Bradham, the founder of Hot Mod Agency, for an insightful conversation about the evolving world of influencer marketing and community building. Nicole shares her journey from running a social media marketing company to launching an agency dedicated to humanizing the influencer industry and empowering local creators in Polk County.

Throughout the interview, Nicole highlights the value of working with "micro-influencers"—real people like stay-at-home moms and college students—who provide authentic connections for local businesses. She discusses her passion for supporting the Lakeland community, including her work with the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce to launch the Women’s Business Council and her involvement with organizations like Top Buttons and the Junior League of Greater Lakeland.

Whether you're a small business owner looking to grow your brand or an aspiring content creator, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on how to leverage digital marketing while staying rooted in your community. 26

In this compelling episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns sits down with a local icon, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. With over 50 years in law enforcement, Sheriff Judd shares the personal journey that led him from a childhood dream of being a sheriff to leading one of the most prominent law enforcement agencies in Florida. He reflects on his early days, his passion for service, and his unwavering belief that with hard work and a clear vision, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.

The conversation explores the values of leadership, community, and family. Sheriff Judd shares heartwarming stories about his father’s 46-year career in the automotive industry and how those lessons of dedication influenced his own professional path. He also provides a glimpse into his life outside the uniform, discussing his love for landscape and nature photography as a primary hobby that keeps him grounded and relaxed.

Beyond personal anecdotes, the Sheriff offers powerful advice for the younger generation and those navigating difficult paths. He speaks candidly about the dangers of illegal drugs—specifically the fentanyl crisis—and the importance of making the right choices today to protect one’s future. His message is one of optimism and empowerment, reminding listeners that the United States remains a land of immense opportunity for those willing to "straighten up, tighten up, and work hard." The episode concludes with a look toward the future, as Sheriff Judd expresses his continued excitement and dedication to serving the people of Polk County. 25

In this inspiring episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns sits down with Pastor Sandra Astacio, the founder of Daughters in Christ Ministries. Sandra shares her powerful journey of faith and restoration, detailing how a personal blog evolved into a multifaceted 501(c)(3) ministry dedicated to empowering and equipping women to walk in their divine purpose.

The conversation centers on the "restoration of life" through faith and practical service. Sandra discusses her two published books, including In Pursuit of Becoming, which explores the journey of becoming a Proverbs 31 woman through prayer, testimony, and biblical study. She also introduces her Christian fiction work, Amelia Unlikely, which uses humor and relatable characters to reflect her own experiences growing up in Florida and finding restoration through God.

A major highlight of the episode is the WE SERVE program (Women Empowered Serve), which Sandra launched during the pandemic to connect women with local service opportunities. From career workshops and resume building to "boots on the ground" community outreach, Sandra emphasizes the importance of a servant’s heart. She also shares details about ARISE—an acronym for Activate and Release Intentionally in a Safe Environment—a transformative event designed to help women release insecurities and embrace self-acceptance.

Throughout the discussion, Sandra’s commitment to building a "relationship-first" community in Lakeland is evident. Whether she is mentoring women through career transitions or hosting empowerment sessions at COhatch, her mission is to ensure every woman knows she is loved and has a vital role to play in the community. 24