Contact Us

Office: 117 N. Kentucky Ave. (Directions in Google Maps)Across from Munn Park
Hours: 10am to 5pmMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursday by appointment.
Call: 863.683.2783

Who to Ask

Executive Director
Ask about: Downtown businesses, property and anything not listed here
Email Julie Townsend
Julie Townsend
Executive Director
Ask about: Downtown businesses, property and anything not listed here
Julie has led the LDDA since April 2014. She began in nonprofits, then sold ads for The Ledger, where she covered Downtown, joined its marketing group’s board and helped two merchants start First Friday. She went on to be the first Executive Director of the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, then worked in marketing at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. She believes in buying local.
Email Julie Townsend
Safety Director
Ask about: Downtown safety and cleanliness
Email Antonio (Tony) Davila
Antonio (Tony) Davila
Safety Director
Ask about: Downtown safety and cleanliness
Tony leads the LDDA’s work to keep Downtown safe and clean. Before moving to Florida in 2021, he worked in armed security in Pennsylvania and spent five years in crisis intervention at a mental health facility. He holds Florida security licenses and first aid and CPR certification, and helped start a youth basketball league in Pennsylvania.
Email Antonio (Tony) Davila
Communications Director
Ask about: Entertainment, performers and the Munn Park Concert Series
Email Eric Michaels
Eric Michaels
Communications Director
Ask about: Entertainment, performers and the Munn Park Concert Series
Eric Michaels is the Communications Director for the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority, bringing more than 25 years of experience in broadcasting, marketing and live entertainment. Previously a morning show host and Program Director for Hall Communications, he now helps promote Downtown Lakeland through community events, business partnerships and engaging communications. A former Disney entertainer and graduate of Leadership Lakeland Class 42, Eric combines creativity with hands-on leadership to connect people, support local businesses and create memorable experiences.
Email Eric Michaels
Downtown Development Manager
Ask about: First Friday
Email Bianca Ruiz
Bianca Ruiz
Downtown Development Manager
Ask about: First Friday
Bianca Ruiz is a native Lakelander and graduate of Lake Gibson High School. She started volunteering with Camp Fire Sunshine in sixth grade, and now serves on its Board of Directors.
Bianca started her own cleaning business, B Clean, and began working with the LDDA as a First Friday Zone Worker. She joined the LDDA full-time after graduating and now serves as Downtown Development Manager, managing First Friday and the Farmers Curb Market and helping coordinate Pop-Ups, Tasty Tuesday and Night Markets.
She is continuing her education in Business Management and Administration, and is passionate about supporting local businesses.
Email Bianca Ruiz
Creative Content Manager
Ask about: The Farmers Curb Market
Email Leilah McCargo
Leilah McCargo
Creative Content Manager
Ask about: The Farmers Curb Market
Leilah McCargo is a graduate of Tenoroc High School. She was first introduced to the LDDA in 2019 when she began volunteering with local artists from her high school to paint the storefronts of Downtown Lakeland businesses.
Leilah began working with the LDDA as a First Friday Zone Worker in 2021 and later joined full-time. She now serves as Creative Content Manager, managing the Farmers Curb Market, First Friday and helping coordinate Pop-Ups, Tasty Tuesday and Night Markets.
She is continuing her education in Digital Marketing Science and is passionate about furthering her knowledge in Graphic Design and website management.
Email Leilah McCargo