This past Monday, I attended the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s monthly meeting as I do each month since I’ve been a part of the LEDC crew. This meeting was extra special as the LEDC was able to pull off quite the feat, surprising Mayor Buddy Fletcher. As mayor, it’s Fletcher’s duty to be on top of what is going on in this city, so surprising him is no easy task, however the LEDC was sneaky enough to pull it off.

The unexpected surprise (not included on the meeting agenda) was a tribute to the Mayor for his 16 year career as Lakeland’s leading man. The meeting was held at the beautiful Polk Theatre. The LEDC put together a slide show presentation with pictures of Mayor Fletcher throughout his career set to the song “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. The pictures showed Mayor Fletcher at various groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and other important events from his terms. At the end of the presentation, the crowd gave Mayor Fletcher a standing ovation. The Mayor spoke briefly saying that he was surprised and thanked the audience of about 150 local business men and women for their support. “I’ve always said this is not an ‘I’ city, this is a ‘we’ city” said Mayor Fletcher. His wife, Weetsie Fletcher also surprised him by coming up to the podium, I don’t think he knew she was even at the meeting. It was a heartwarming moment, you could tell that she is so very proud of her husband and that he is very gracious of her never-ending support.

The LEDC presented Mayor Fletcher with a model train to symbolize his time as the driver of Lakeland’s economic engine. The plaque on the train reads ” Thank you for providing the leadership that guided our engine down the tracks to economic development success”.

Mayor Buddy Fletcher has achieved great success in helping to boost Lakeland’s economy and the City as a whole during his 4 terms. He is a Lakeland native and a Florida Southern College alum with passionate support for his city. He was described at Monday’s meeting by LEDC Chairman, Scott Franklin, as always being pro business and the force behind the “Lakeland renaissance”.

Aside from being Mayor, Buddy Fletcher is a very active member of the community and belongs to countless organizations. He said he will continue to volunteer and the end of his Mayoral career will not bring an end to his active role in the community (I hope he at least takes a well deserved vacation!).

On December 8th the run-off election will be held to determine Lakeland’s next mayor (be sure to vote if you are a Lakeland resident!). The candidates are Jim Verplanck and Gow Fields (who were both in attendance on Monday) and whoever wins is definitely going to have some big shoes to fill.