With GOP presidential nomination Donald Trump scheduled to visit Lakeland at 3 p.m. Wednesday (tickets), the Lakeland Police Department has issued information for people planning to be in the area, including traffic plans and a long list of prohibited items:
The doors (at Sheltair Hangar,3440 Airfield Drive West) are scheduled to open at noon. The Lakeland Police Department will be assisting the U.S. Secret Service with security, assisting with the traffic flow and crowd control. There will be numerous Magnetometer checkpoints and the U.S. Secret Service advised the below listed items will not be allowed:
- Firearm of any type
- Weapon of any type
- Hazardous materials
- Chemical materials
- Radiological materials
- Biological materials
- Knives (of any kind)
- Toy guns / toy weapons
- Fireworks
- Pepper spray / mace
- Scissors
- Razor blades
- Needles
- Leatherman brand tools (or similar)
- Screwdrivers (or similar)
- Glass bottles
- Tripods
- Coolers
- Air-horns
- Laser pointers
- Aerosol containers
- Soda cans
- Sticks / poles
- Baseballs, softballs, etc
- Produce (depends on event)
- Umbrellas (depends on event)
The Lakeland Police Department recognizes and respects everyone’s right to express their First Amendment, and we will do everything possible to ensure the event is safe for all attendees and surrounding neighborhoods. Expect security to be heavy and visible as the Lakeland Police Department will have a large presence at the rally. People coming to the event, living or working near the airport should expect delays and plan alternate modes of transportation.
The temperature is expected to be 85 degrees tomorrow so please take precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration, including the following:
- Drink plenty of fluids beforehand
- Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing.
- Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.
- Dress appropriately for the elements.
Parking Information
The Lakeland Linder Regional Airport will be closing Don Emerson Drive to all thru traffic for pedestrian safety at10:00am. Those attending the event will enter the parking lots via Airfield Ct. E. at the intersection of Drane Field Road. There will be two trams looping through the parking lot. There is limited handicap parking. Based on the number of expected attendees the lots should fill quickly. Once they reach capacity the lots will be closed and all additional traffic will be turned away.
Protestors will be directed to a designated area off of Don Emerson Drive across from the Hilton Garden Inn.
These plans are fluid and subject to change depending on conditions and as we learn more. We will be doing our best to communicate this event to surrounding businesses and the public so please follow our social media sites for updates throughout the day tomorrow