On a stretch of North Florida Avenue already flagged for pedestrian dangers, a 54-year-old Lakeland man was struck and killed late Friday night while trying to cross the road. Police said John Parks was hit in the 1300 block of North Florida Avenue by a southbound vehicle, then hit again by a second car. First responders pronounced Parks dead at the scene, and neither driver reported injuries.
Crash details
According to Tampa Free Press, the first impact involved a black Toyota sedan driven by 22-year-old Angelique Fernandez. After that collision, Parks was struck again in the southbound lane by a white Chevrolet sedan driven by 40-year-old Jay Bloodworth, Lakeland police said.
Where the road falls short
City of Lakeland transportation documents have identified North Florida Avenue as a problem corridor for people on foot, citing repeated pedestrian-safety concerns and recommending upgrades such as high-visibility crosswalks and mid-block crossings (City of Lakeland). Separate reporting by LkldNow noted that FDOT has discussed installing a pedestrian signal on North Florida Avenue near a planned clinic, underscoring the long-running calls for safety improvements along the corridor.
Investigation underway
The Lakeland Police Department's Traffic Homicide Unit shut down the North Florida Avenue corridor for roughly six and a half hours while investigators documented the scene. Officers are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash-cam footage to contact Investigating Officer Travis Payne at [email protected], according to Tampa Free Press.
The case remains open, and Parks' death adds to a troubling history of pedestrian fatalities along a roadway that residents, planners and officials have been warning about for years.
