From the Locals – Sandy Sanders (Lakeland)

Executive Director, Development Authority of Lanier County

“I remember riding my bicycle around Lakeland as a child; joining up with friends and riding the streets. Much has changed over the past sixty years.

Today, McDonald’s arches stand in the horizon next to a large gas complex with more pumps than we had in the whole county when I was growing up.
Before our community of people became a town, we had the beautiful Alapaha River meandering down the eastern border. Our west side is bordered by Banks Lake, a national wildlife refuge.
From my childhood to my senior-hood, I have noticed that the people are the same. Come stay for a day or the rest of your life. “We love company!”