In this compelling episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns sits down with Gow Fields, the former Mayor of Lakeland, for a deep dive into the history, governance, and future of the city. A Lakeland native, Gow shares his personal journey—from being the son of a Tuskegee graduate to his transition from the insurance industry into public service. He reflects on his 17 years as a city commissioner and his subsequent term as mayor, offering a unique “behind-the-scenes” look at the decisions that shaped modern Lakeland.
The conversation covers the critical importance of public infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth. Gow explains the philosophy behind “revitalizing” rather than just “replacing,” using the transformation of downtown Lakeland and the development of the city’s transit system as primary examples. He provides fascinating insights into the Citrus Connection and the challenges of maintaining a public utility like Lakeland Electric, explaining the “poison pill” in the city charter that protects the utility from being easily sold to private entities. Gow emphasizes that public ownership allows residents to have a voice in their resources, a concept he calls the “strength of Public Power.”
Beyond his past achievements, Gow discusses his continued commitment to the community and his decision to run for Polk County Property Appraiser in 2024. He highlights the need for building “bridges of understanding” across Lakeland’s various sectors to overcome the “silos” that can hinder collaboration. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder of the impact of local advocacy and the importance of leadership that encourages people to work together for the common good. 20
