In this episode of “I Am Lakeland,” host Don Burns is joined by Judi New, a fourth-generation Polk County resident and an ordained United Methodist minister running as a write-in candidate for the Polk County Commission (District 1). Judi shares her deep personal connection to Lakeland and her professional journey—from working in Washington D.C. for Representative Adam Putnam to serving as the archivist for the Florida Methodist Church.
Judi discusses how her “tool belt” of experiences in politics, the chamber of commerce, and the ministry has prepared her for this leadership role. Her campaign is driven by a non-partisan “call” to serve the entire community, focusing on kindness, unity, and addressing the challenges posed by Polk County being the fastest-growing county in the nation.
Whether you’re concerned about traffic, water, or the future of your community, Judi’s passion for “doing the right thing” offers a refreshing and local-first vision for Polk County’s future. 97
