Spring is right around the corner, and Tyler is getting ready to bloom. In this episode, hosts Sage Sowels and Payton Weidman talk with Arborist Luke Alfaro and Horticulturist Jana Pirtle about Tyler’s urban landscape, what’s happening at the Tyler Rose Garden, and a few simple tips to help your own garden thrive. Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at PublicRe...

When winter weather threatens East Texas, preparation starts long before the first freeze. In this episode, we sit down with leaders from the City of Tyler’s Streets and Fire Departments to talk through how crews prepare for cold conditions, respond in real time, and keep residents safe when temperatures drop. From road treatment and emergency response to behind-the-scenes coordination, they share what it takes to keep Tyler moving during winter weather events. You’ll also hear practical tips...

Utility bills can be confusing (and frustrating), and we know many customers have questions about what they’re seeing and why changes are happening. In this milestone 100th episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Payton Weidman and Adriana Rodriguez, along with guest Chris Cambra from the Water Business Office, walk through upcoming updates to Tyler’s utility billing and customer tools, including a redesigned utility bill and a new payment provider. The conversation focuses on clarity and transpa...

Downtown Tyler is buzzing with change! In the latest Roses & Weeds episode, host Sage Sowels and guests Amber Varona, Lindsey Froneberger, and Haleigh Franck with the Main Street team share what’s taking shape through the Downtown Improvement Project, the stories behind local favorites like Liberty Hall, and how the City is keeping Tyler’s charm while building its future. Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or i...

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, host Sage Sowels sits down with Craig O’Daniel, the Director of the Tyler Film Festival, and judges Shadai Perez and Becca Hale to discuss everything related to the festival. Scheduled for September 12 & 13, the event promises to be an incredible celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community. This week's episode was recorded in a unique location: Shadai's Downtown Tyler studio, Lightbox Collective, instead of our usual podcast studio. T...

In this episode, hosts Sage Sowels and Adriana Rodriguez sit down with Tyler Area Business Education Council Executive Director LaToya Young and City of Tyler Parks Director Leanne Robinette to discuss the upcoming 12th Annual #SchoolisCool event! It's a free, family-friendly back-to-school celebration happening Aug. 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rose Garden and W.T. Brookshire Conference Center. LaToya and Leanne share what makes this event a staple in the community. From free backpacks ...

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, we sit down with Shonda Marsh, the newly elected City Council member representing District 3 in Tyler. Shonda shares her journey from a career in healthcare to serving her community at City Hall. She opens up about her family, the values that shaped her, and the mentors who inspired her to run for office. Join us as we get to know the person behind the title and hear her hopes for the future of District 3 and All of Tyler. In this episode, we talk...

In this episode, we sit down with Mayor Warren, Assistant City Manager Heather Nick, and David Jones from Freese and Nichols to discuss the City of Tyler's new Comprehensive Plan. This strategic roadmap is designed to guide Tyler’s growth over the next 20 years, updating the original Tyler 1st Comprehensive Plan from 2007. Listen now to hear how we're creating a shared vision for Tyler that supports smart growth and embraces new opportunities. Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler'...

In this special episode, we sat down with Mayor Don Warren and City Manager Ed Broussard for a candid conversation about Mayor Warren’s time in office. They discuss the projects that will drive the continued growth in Tyler, the partnerships that helped move the City forward, and the foundational work laid for the next mayor and all of Tyler. Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show t...

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, we highlight a critical but often overlooked part of city planning and public safety: stormwater, drainage and erosion control. These systems play a vital role in protecting homes, roads and the environment — yet they often go unnoticed until problems arise. City of Tyler Development Services Engineering Manager Darrel Kotzur and Stormwater Management and Environmental Compliance Engineer Paul Neuhaus join the conversation to explain how these systems wor...