Polk State alumnus promoted to Lakeland Utilities Director

Joseph “Joe” Costine had little trouble breaking into the world of utilities. His ability to move up the ladder in his field, however, can be partially attributed to Polk State College’s affordability and flexibility.

Last month, Costine was promoted to Water Utilities Director for the City of Lakeland – Polk County’s largest municipality. The Polk State alumnus has more than three decades of experience in the field, including the last 20 years at the City of Lakeland.

“I’m a public servant at heart,” Costine said. “I love doing things for other people. Providing water and wastewater services is one way to take care of people and your community.”

Neither of Costine’s parents attended college. Of the two, only his mother had a high school diploma.

“They had no knowledge of college, but they had a work ethic,” Costine reflected. “My dad told me to go into something recession-proof, so I started my career in utilities.”

Costine began his career in public service at the City of Bartow in 1993. As he sought to take on bigger roles with the city, Costine realized that he needed to further his education. He began taking classes at night at what was then Polk Community College in 1997. For seven years, Costine took courses before achieving his Associate in Arts in 2004 with a 3.6 grade-point average.

“Polk State is committed to providing affordable, flexible pathways that help working professionals advance in their careers while continuing to serve our communities,” Polk State President Anastasios ‘Stasi’ Kamoutsas said. “Joe’s story is a testament to the transformative power of higher education, and it makes me proud to see Polk State alumni at the forefront of some of the most essential public services in our county.”

Costine began his tenure at the City of Lakeland in 2006. Having a college degree helped Costine transition to a management role in water production. Going any higher, however, required a bachelor’s degree.

“After a while, I realized I had another glass ceiling,” Costine recalled. “When I looked at Polk State, I saw they had a Public Administration concentration, which was perfect for me.”

The local choice with campuses across Polk County, online options and flexible hours, Costine returned to Polk State in the Fall 2019 Semester. He graduated Cum Laude with a 3.72 GPA and his Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management with a concentration in Public Administration in 2023.

“Traveling from work to campuses in Lakeland and Winter Haven was difficult at times,” Costine explained. “That really made online classes a blessing. I really appreciated Polk State’s flexibility. Being able to work at a slower pace and online freed me up a lot and gave me time to complete my degree.”

Working in utilities can be a daunting job that often requires late-night repairs and working during emergencies. Over the years, however, Costine has taken pride in being able to provide an invaluable service during those times. He’s also tried to mentor younger utility workers.

“I’ve been fortunate to always work with great people and that’s one of the things that keeps me going,” Costine added. “We have some quality public servants, and I’ve always enjoyed mentoring the junior staff. It’s rewarding to see them grow and take the next steps in their careers. The future of this field is bright.”

With the City of Lakeland Department of Water Utilities serving about 200,000 people and the population continuing to grow, Costine said one of his goals in his new role is to address some of the older infrastructure and in the most efficient manner possible. For those considering a return to school or taking college classes, Costine offered advice.

“It’s something that no one can take from you,” Costine concluded. “Education opens so many opportunities. Don’t wait and miss out on an opportunity. It’s important to pre-qualify yourself.”