City News

    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 ...

Janard Dominic Childs Age 34 (photo from previous arrest on 8/21/25) *****UPDATE*****   LAKELAND, FL (February 24, 2026) – An arrest warrant has been issued for Janard Dominic Childs, 34, of Lakeland, in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday morning, February 22, 2026.   At approximately 2:00 a.m. on F ...

LAKELAND, FL (February 19, 2026) | The Detroit Tigers return to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Sunday, February 22, as the club opens its 2026 Grapefruit League schedule. This marks the 61st consecutive season the Tigers have called Lakeland home. The 2026 Spring Training season represents Detroit’s 90th straight year in TigerTown, extending the longest-standing relationship between a Major League Baseball franchise and its Spring Training host community. For generations, Lakeland has been where baseball traditions begin, legends are built, and the next wave of Tigers stars take the field.