City News

Lakeland, FL - (April 6, 2026) - The Lakeland Police Department is proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for citizens to dispose of unwanted, unneeded, and expired human and pet medications in a safe manner. We want to make it q ...

LAKELAND, FL (April 3, 2026) - Due to lower-than-average water levels and ongoing dry conditions, beginning April 3, 2026, the City of Lakeland is implementing Phase 3 Water Shortage Restrictions. These restrictions are in accordance with a Phase III Water Shortage per Rule 40D-21 declared by the Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District on March 24, 2026.

2026 Annual Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony Set for May 7     Lakeland, FL - (April 3, 2026) - The Fraternal Order of Police Polk County Lodge #46 and the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Inc., will present the 38th Annual Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM at the Polk County ...

    LAKELAND, FL (April 2, 2026) - The Lakeland Police Department is looking for eager and excited teens who are interested in learning more about careers in law enforcement to participate in a one-week, hand-on experience for young people. This highly interactive program, taught by Lakeland Police Officers, allows high school students to see and experience wh ...

--- UPDATE ---   Lakeland, FL (January 30, 2026) — The City of Lakeland is continuing to activate the new school-zone speed cameras near select schools in Lakeland. A few cameras are still awaiting final implementation. Until all cameras are fully activated, the program will remain in an educational warning phase. All drivers traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the pos ...

LAKELAND, FL (March 20, 2026) | The City of Lakeland Water Distribution Division will temporarily close a portion of W. 10th Street to complete utility work. The closure will take place on W. 10th Street between Providence Road and N. Webster Avenue beginning Friday, March 20, through Saturday, March 21, at 6:00 a.m.

LAKELAND, FL (March 9, 2026) – A section of Commerce Point Dr will be closed on March 10, 2026, for a needed asphalt repair.

*****UPDATE*****   Lakeland, FL (March 8, 2026) - On March 7, 2026, traffic crash investigators with the Lakeland Police Department arrested Jeffery Ronald Allen in connection with a fatal traffic crash which occurred on March 2, 2026, in the 1500 block of East Memorial Boulevard. Allen was arrested at his home around 8:30 p.m.   On Monday, March 2, 2026, at approximately 1 ...

*****UPDATE*****   Lakeland, FL (March 6, 2026) - An arrest has been made in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred early Thursday morning, March 5, 2026. Kevin Lamont Reed Jr., has been charged with Second Degree Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Reed was taken into custody at his residence on March 5, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m.   At approximately ...

LAKELAND, FL (March 4, 2026) – In celebration of Women's History Month, the Lakeland Police Department invites the community to attend their annual Women’s Career Event on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Lakeland Police Department Training Center, 3131 Centurion Drive, Lakeland, Florida.  Whether you are interested in becoming a sworn officer or ...