On Friday, May 8, 2026, at approximately 10:50 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash in the 1300 block of North Florida Avenue. Just before the crash, a black Toyota sedan was traveling south on North Florida Avenue in the inside lane. At the same time, a pedestrian was crossing westbound across North Florida Avenue, not in a marked crosswalk. As the pedestrian entered the southbound inside lane of travel, he was impacted by the Toyota. Post impact, the pedestrian, still in the inside southbound lane, was struck by a white Chevrolet sedan.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on scene to provide life-saving measures. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, the pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The drivers of the vehicles did not sustain injuries.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately six and a half hours while the scene was processed.
This remains an open and active investigation. If anyone has any additional information regarding the crash, please contact Investigating Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
The pedestrian (deceased) driver was identified as:
John Parks
Age 54
Lakeland, FL
The Toyota sedan driver was identified as:
Angelique Fernandez
Age: 22
Lakeland, FL
The Chevrolet sedan driver was identified as:
Jay Bloodworth
Age: 40
Lakeland, FL