Lakeland, FL – June 19, 2025

A tragic crash in Lakeland claimed the life of a local motorcyclist Wednesday evening.

According to the Lakeland Police Department, the crash occurred around 7:04 p.m. near the 2000 block of North Crystal Lake Drive. A black Ducati motorcycle, driven by 26-year-old Blake Odom of Lakeland, was heading eastbound on North Crystal Lake Drive when a black Chevrolet Equinox entered the roadway from Honeytree Drive.

The Chevrolet, operated by 32-year-old Mia Smith of Brooksville, had been stopped at a stop sign facing south on Honeytree Drive. As the vehicle began to cross North Crystal Lake Drive, the motorcycle struck the front passenger side of the Chevrolet. Odom attempted to brake but was unable to avoid the collision.

First responders from the Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived quickly and attempted life-saving measures. Odom was transported by ambulance to Lakeland Regional Health, but despite the efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced deceased.

The occupants of the Chevrolet were not injured in the crash.

Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway remained closed for approximately three hours while investigators processed the scene.

The investigation remains open and active. Anyone with additional information about the crash is encouraged to contact Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].

Kathleen Road/I-4 – June 17, 2025

A tragic crash on Tuesday afternoon claimed the life of a 36-year-old Plant City woman after her vehicle struck a guardrail, hit a concrete wall, and caught fire.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 12:05 p.m. on the westbound entrance ramp to Interstate 4 from Kathleen Road.

The driver, operating a Chevy Blazer, lost control while attempting to merge onto the interstate. The vehicle veered into a guardrail, ricocheted off, then collided with a concrete barrier. Upon impact, the vehicle ignited.

Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene. The woman was airlifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Tragically, she later succumbed to those injuries.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the incident. The name of the driver has not yet been released pending next-of-kin notification.

Sergeant Steve Gaskins with the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed details of the crash

Lakeland, Florida – Saturday, June 14, 2025

Lakeland Police officers are on alert tonight as demonstrators gather downtown for the “No Kings Day of Defiance” protest.

The protest, organized by Indivisible Polk, is expected to begin at 5:30 p.m. in Munn Park. Although no permit was filed for the march, organizers plan to stay on public sidewalks as they move toward the Lakeland office of U.S. Representative Scott Franklin.

Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor addressed the event earlier this week, assuring city leaders that while no problems are anticipated, law enforcement is fully prepared to act if necessary.

“We’re not going to tolerate any type of disorder,” Chief Taylor said.

Chief Taylor emphasized that peaceful protest is protected, but warned that any unlawful activity—such as blocking roads, damaging property, or disrupting businesses—will be dealt with immediately.

“I don’t care if I have to call Sheriff Grady [Judd] and ask him to send me 400 deputies, which he will,” Taylor added.

City officials reiterated that public safety is the priority, and that while free speech is respected, any violations of the law will result in enforcement.

Here is a quote from the No Kings March organizers:

“In America, we do not tolerate wannabe rulers. NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to the growing excesses…”