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As Lakeland’s streets fill with trick-or-treaters tonight, police and safety advocates are urging drivers and parents to be especially careful. Polk County ranks among Florida’s 25 most dangerous counties for pedestrians and bicyclists — and this year’s numbers show why.
So far in 2025, 10 people have been killed while walking or biking in the Lakeland area, matching last year’s total — and three of those deaths happened within the past week.
Most of the crashes happened after dark and several involved electric scooters or bicycles.
None of the recent victims were children; however, several were wearing dark clothing. Sunset tonight is at 6:44 p.m., meaning trick-or-treating will take place after dusk for many families.
Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor urged drivers to use extra care.
“Tonight during Halloween fun, drivers, please watch for pedestrians — especially children — and slow down in busy areas,” Taylor said.
He also urged parents and children to take precautions. “If you’re walking or riding a bike, make sure you’re visible and always pay attention when crossing the street,” Taylor said.
Other recommendations include:
- Go out in groups and stay visible.
- Use sidewalks whenever possible.
- Carry flashlights or glow sticks.
- Cross only at marked crosswalks and wait for the walk signal.
“Taking a few extra minutes and using caution can make the difference in getting everyone home safely to their families,” Taylor said.
Pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in the Lakeland area in 2025
So far this year, six pedestrians and four cyclists have been killed on Lakeland-area roads. Eight were men; two were women.
- Jan. 11 – North Socrum Loop Road: Dale Douthit, 69, of Lakeland, was struck by a Honda Civic while crossing outside a marked crosswalk. He died of his injuries six days later.
- Apr. 7 – South Florida Avenue near Edgewood Drive: Donald Fike, 68, of Lakeland, was running across the street when he was hit by a Ford Escape. He died on May 1 from his injuries.
- May 12 – Pirates Way near Reynolds Road: Nathaniel Jones, 38, a father of three, was killed when an out-of-control car involved in a drug deal and shooting crashed into a home. Jones was riding an electric bicycle and was an innocent bystander.
- June 10 – Bartow Road just north of Crystal Lake Drive: Jerald King, 68, was walking across the highway before sunrise when he was struck by a Tesla traveling north.
- Aug. 18 – West Highland Street near South Wabash Avenue: Danielle Stilwell, 28, was walking to work before dawn when she was struck and killed in a hit-and-run. The driver later told investigators she had been blinded by high beams, swerved, and thought she might have hit someone.
- Sept. 13 – 5th Street and North Ohio Avenue: Eddie Sloan, 62, was crossing the intersection when he was struck by a Ford Fusion. He died four days later.
- Oct. 3 – U.S. 98 North near Parkview Place: Herman Lasater, 74, was riding an electric bicycle when a Ford Expedition turned right and hit him. He died on Oct. 8 from his injuries.
- Oct. 23 – Lakeland Square Mall parking lot: Katelin Rose Scavone, 34, was walking through the parking lot when she was struck by a Ford Bronco. She died on Oct. 26.
- Oct. 24 – U.S. 92 and Fairway Avenue: Joshua Carpenter, 31, was riding a Segway scooter and attempted to cross the road against the light when he was struck by a Toyota Avalon. Police said he was wearing dark clothing and no helmet.
- Oct. 27 – U.S. 92 and Eastside Drive (CSX tracks): Joseph Evju, 65, was killed when his bicycle was struck by an Amtrak train. Investigators said the crossing arms were down, and he either did not hear or ignored the train’s horn as he maneuvered around the barrier.
Public safety efforts
Local officials are tackling the problem of pedestrian safety on many fronts — education, engineering and enforcement. But road projects are measured in years, and sometimes decades.
Lakeland has embarked on a Vision Zero campaign, with short- and long-term safety projects to eliminate all fatal and serious injury crashes by 2040. However, in the meantime, many Lakeland roads are unlit, have incomplete sidewalks and lack crosswalks.
Law enforcement agencies throughout Polk County are participating in the statewide Best Foot Forward initiative. Over the summer, plainclothes officers crossed streets at marked crosswalks, allowing drivers plenty of time to slow down and stop. Those who didn’t were subject to a minimum $164 citation and three points on their driver’s license, by Florida law.
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