The Mayor & The Manager
Join Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton as they talk about happenings in Lake Wales, Florida. What can we look forward to? How are problems being dealt with?
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Episodes
23 episodes
Expanding Public Safety - #023
In Episode 23 of The Mayor and The Manager, host Mayor Jack Hilligoss is joined in the studio by City Manager James Slaton, Police Chief Velasquez, and Fire Chief Smith. Together, they take a deep dive into Lake Wales' ongoing public s...
Building a Vibrant Heart - #022
In this episode of The Mayor and the Manager, Mayor Jack Hilligoss sits down with three key figures shaping the communications and economy of downtown Lake Wales: Joy Pruitt, Shay Irvis, and Eric Marshall.Together, they share th...
The Voices Behind the City - #021
In this episode, Mayor Jack Hilligoss hosts Kelly Geniott and Gabe Segarra from the City of Lake Wales Communication and Engagement Department. The team discusses their backgrounds, how their roles have evolved, and the critical importance of m...
Parks and Recreation (Stephanie Lutton) - #020
In Episode 20 of The Mayor and The Manager, Mayor Jack Hilligoss sits down with Parks and Recreation Director Stephanie Lutton to discuss the local Family Rec Center, new equipment rental programs, citywide trail expansions, and the on...
Navigating Water Usage and Future Growth - #019
In Episode 19 of The Mayor & The Manager, the hosts discuss Lake Wales' current water situation and long-term sustainability plans. They examine the role of SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) and regional pumping ...
Pathways to Prosperity - #018
In this episode, Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton reunite to discuss key updates across Lake Wales, including upcoming municipal projects like police and fire facility expansions. The main focus centers on the "South Polk...
Property Taxes - #017
Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton talk about the hot topic that it seems everyone is talking about now: Property Tax. How would DeSantis' bill affect the city?
Grove Manor Redevelopment - #016
Al Kirkland and Rick Grogan join us today to talk about the Grove Manor redevelopment and about how the history northwest district and historic downtown Lake Wales are being connected
The Dixie Walesbilt Hotel (Part 2) - #015
Robin Gibson joins us again to talk about restoring the Walesbilt Hotel in downtown Lake Wales, the process of picking the firm who is overseeing that, as well as the potential that this brings with the citizens and business owners in our great...
The CRA (Feat. Robin Gibson) - #014
Robin Gibson has been a faithful city servant for many years—he's been especially involved in the Community Redevelopment Agency. In this episode, we talk about what the CRA is responsible for, how it affects you, the city, and the county, and ...
Lake Wales Fire Department (Chief Smith) - #013
Today, we're talking with Chief Smith on how Lake Wales' Fire Department helps the citizens, how someone can become a firefighter, and the kind of heart for people that our firefighters have!
The Church & Politics - #012
How should Christians be involved in politics both nationwide and in their own city? Paul encourages us to pray for those who rule over us and give them due respect, but what if we feel a stirring in our own hearts to be more involved?...
Destination City - #011
How do we make Lake Wales a destination city so our local businesses and citizens can prosper? What steps have been taken to see this through and what can we look forward to in the future?
Partnership - #010
Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton take time to talk about attracting companies to Lake Wales and the economic impacts that brings through different avenues. They also answer a question that a listener submitted!
The EDC (feat. Skip Alford) - #009
The Economic Development Council (EDC) is responsible for attracting businesses to Lake Wales in an effort to help Lake Wales citizens get higher paying jobs closer to home. This allows for Lake Wales to reap the benefits of the growth we're se...
State of the City - #008
This is a special episode—this week, we're featuring Mayor Hilligoss' annual State of the City speech. Here, he casts vision and dreams for Lake Wales and thanks each of our wonderful city staff members who work tirelessly to help Lake Wales re...
LWPD with Chief Velasquez - #007
Lake Wales' Police Chief, Chris Velasquez, stops by to talk about our fantastic men & women in blue. Lake Wales has a fantastic police force and we spend time talking about everything from public presence and patrolling to expansion in the ...
The CRA & Downtown Initiatives - #006
In this episode, Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton explain what the Community Redevelopment Association is. They'll also touch on ways that Lake Wales is attracting new businesses downtown.
Stellar City Staff & Federal Grants - #005
This week Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton talk a bit about Lake Wales' amazing city staff and the unsung heroes that help the city operate. We also talk about grants the city has won and how Lake Wales is beginning to become ...
Parks and Recreation - #004
In this episode, Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton talk about what the city has done to improve our parks and recreation. They'll also touch on some exciting things our citizens can look forward to in the coming years!
The Dixie Walesbilt Hotel - #003
In this episode of The Mayor and The Manager, Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton talk about the recent developments in the saga that is the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel in downtown Lake Wales. Who is the restoration company...
How Do We Prepare for Growth? - #002
In this episode, Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton talk about how we attract businesses to the city, how do we secure our city water, and how we've planned for the growth we're experiencing and growth that hasn't been realized ...