In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with local author J.P. Sims to discuss his journey from a storyteller in training to a published novelist. Sims shares the inspiration behind his debut book, Three Loves, a coming-of-age romance that follows a protagonist through three pivotal relationships spanning over 20 years. He describes the story as a blend of romance, comedy, action, and drama, heavily influenced by his own experiences growing up in Lakeland and attending the University of South Florida.

J.P. reflects on how a creative writing course at Lakeland High School first ignited his passion for writing. Despite life’s many responsibilities, he continued to fill notebooks with ideas for decades. It wasn't until the passing of his father in 2023 that he felt the urgency to finally finish and publish his work. He discusses the intense process of rewriting and refining the manuscript with the help of fellow local artists and publishers, emphasizing that while the book is fictional, it captures the nostalgia of 2000s Lakeland, featuring iconic local spots like Merchants Walk and Palace Pizza.

The conversation also touches on the success Sims has found as an indie author, with his book maintaining high ratings on major platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. He expresses deep gratitude for the support of the Lakeland community and shares his excitement for upcoming local events and future projects, including two more novels already in development. 158

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, Yusuf Wanders announces the upcoming Wanderverse Studios event happening March 28th in Lakeland — a dedicated space for artists to share their stories. Music artists will have two reels, a full YouTube feature, and five media press kit ready photos.

The goal isn’t just content; it’s creating moments rooted in emotion so your music actually stays with people instead of getting lost in the scroll. Yusuf Wanders talks about why pairing honest conversation with live performance helps artists connect in a deeper, more memorable way.

Artists interested in being part of the March 28th session can reach out through Wanderverse Studios Instagram DMs or submit through the intake form in the bio. 148 #cohatch #wanderversestudios #iamlakeland #iamflorida

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Cody White and Dan Povey, the founders of the Lakeland Bearded Villains. Far from the "villain" stereotype, this local chapter of a worldwide fraternal brotherhood is dedicated to community service, charity, and breaking the stigma often associated with bearded men.

Cody and Dan share the history of the organization, which grew from a social media page for bearded models into a massive global network focused on family, kindness, and helping those in need.

Whether you're a fellow "beardie" or just someone looking to support local veterans and children, this episode showcases the power of a community-focused brotherhood. 140