2-minute read

This year’s Politics in the Park will be held at the Skylight Hanger at Sun ‘n Fun on Aug. 12.

Hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, the free event is designed to give voters the opportunity to speak directly with candidates vying for election in 14 races ahead of the Aug. 18 primarily election.

The event begins at 6:00 p.m., following a private reception for candidates and event sponsors.

What to Expect

All public portions of the event are free and open to the public.

Political Forum (6:00–7:30 p.m.): Hear directly from statewide and local candidates as they introduce their platforms and discuss the priorities in an organized forum. 

Community Networking (7:30–8:00 p.m.): Connect with candidates, community organizations, business leaders, and fellow attendees after the forum.

Supervisor of Elections Straw Poll: Participants can experience the election process early in the Politics in the Park Straw Poll, conducted by the Polk County Supervisor of Elections. The non-binding poll results, shared at the end of the evening, give candidates a snap shot of the participants’ view of their campaign.

As of Monday, Aug. 3, confirmed campaigns attending include:

  • Jay Collins for Florida Governor
  • Deva Simmons for U.S. Representative, District 18
  • Ed Pope for U.S. Representative, District 16
  • Colleen Burton for Florida Senate, District 12
  • Jennifer Kincart Jonnson Campaign for Florida House of Representatives, District 49
  • Jennifer Canady for Florida House of Representatives, District 50
  • Hilary Holley for Florida House of Representatives, District 51
  • Omar Arroyo for Polk County Commissioner, District 4
  • Rick Wilson for Polk County Commissioner, District 2
  • Kelly Quinn for Polk County Commissioner, District 2
  • Victor Sims for Polk County School Board, District 3
  • Kate Wallace for Polk County School Board, District 3
  • Kay Fields for Polk County School Board, District 5
  • Sam Neelam for Polk County School Board, District 5
  • Justin Sharpless for Polk County School Board, District 6
  • Chris Spath for Circuit Court Judge Group 23
  • Andrea DeMichael for Circuit Court Judge Group 24
  • Candice Dixon for Circuit Court Judge Group 24

Get ready to vote with LkldNow’s 2026 Voter Guide:

2026 Voter Guide: Primary Edition

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Erin Grant is a student journalist for LkldNow. She is studying political science and communication at Florida Southern College, where she also serves as the editor and chief for the student newspaper, The Southern. She enjoys continuing to grow as a journalist while telling stories that help readers better understand their community through her contributions to LkldNow.

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