City News Blog: City Manager Shawn Sherrouse Appoints Joseph “Joe” Costine as Water Utilities Director

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City News Blog: City Manager Shawn Sherrouse Appoints Joseph “Joe” Costine as Water Utilities Director

LAKELAND, FL (July 20, 2026) |Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph “Joe” Costine as Water Utilities Director, effective Monday, July 20, 2026.

Costine most recently served as Assistant Water Utilities Director and has been leading the department alongside Assistant Water Utilities Director Robert “Robby” Kniss for the last six months. During the transition, both leaders assumed the responsibilities of the director role, providing continuity for the department while demonstrating their leadership and commitment to the organization.

"Robby and I approached this transition to do what’s best for the department,” said Costine. “I appreciate Robby’s partnership in collaboratively determining the future of leadership at Water Utilities. Also, I’m thankful for the support and confidence that City Manager Sherrouse has for our team."

"This transition period provided a valuable opportunity for both assistant directors to experience the responsibilities and expectations of leading Water Utilities," said City Manager Shawn Sherrouse." Joe and Robby both demonstrated outstanding leadership, professionalism and dedication throughout this process. After thoughtful discussion, we collectively agreed that Joe will lead the department moving forward. I want to thank Robby for his exceptional leadership and partnership during this transition. His support has been and will continue to be instrumental to the department's future success."

As Water Utilities Director, Costine will oversee the City's drinking water and wastewater services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout the greater Lakeland area, helping ensure the reliable delivery of essential utility services while leading the department's operations, employees, projects, and long-term strategic initiatives.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the dedicated staff of the City of Lakeland’s Water and Wastewater Utilities Department,” said Costine. “Together, we will continue providing safe, reliable, and high-quality water and wastewater services while building on the department’s strong foundation of operational excellence, innovation, and outstanding customer service.”  

Costine, a Lakeland native, is a graduate of Polk State with a bachelor’s in public administration. He brings nearly four decades of public and private sector experience in the water and wastewater industry including two decades of experience with the City of Lakeland, where he most recently served as Assistant Director and 18 years as Water Production Manager.

“I look forward to working alongside our talented team, City leadership, and the community to ensure our utilities continue to meet the needs of Lakeland today and well into the future,” said Costine.