Free Masks Distributed Weekdays To Lakeland Residents

LAKELAND, FL — Lakeland residents who need facial coverings to help protect themselves and others from spreading coronavirus may free masks at six sites within the Lakeland city limits beginning on July 16, a city news release said.

The city of Lakeland will distribute masks at these locations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and residents can receive up to three masks per person.

Mask Pickup Locations:

• Simpson Park Community Center – 1725 Martin L King Jr Avenue
• Lakeland Main Library – 100 Lake Morton Drive
• Lakeland Larry Jackson Branch Library – 1700 North Florida Avenue
• Lakeland Police Department Lobby – 219 North Massachusetts Avenue
• Kelly Recreation Complex/Gandy Pool – 404 Imperial Boulevard
• Coleman-Bush Building – 1104 Martin L King Jr Avenue
• eLibrary South Lakeland - 4740 South Florida Avenue

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear face coverings when outside their homes and in social settings when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

On Thursday, July 2nd the Lakeland City Commission passed a resolution that requires masks/face coverings consistent with CDC guidelines for those individuals inside the Lakeland corporate limits.

“The greatest number of cases now testing positive in our area is a younger set between the age of 25-44 and science shows masks along with other safety protocols help reduce the spread of the virus," said Dr. Joy Jackson, Director of the Florida Department of Health for Polk County in a news release.

The resolution expires at 5 p.m. on Aug. 3, and it is enforced with a fine not to exceed $250 for those that don’t comply. The city’s goal is to educate and offer masks to those that don’t have one before issuing fines.

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution last week that strongly recommends wearing facial coverings. They purchased the disposable three-ply masks for residents using funds available from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act grant.

Residents may receive up to three masks per person at the Lakeland sites and at those sites established by Polk County. Citizens may also pick up masks for a family member or someone unable to pick up for themselves.

These masks are reusable until they become damaged, dirty, or wet. The masks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out.

The city encourages the public to follow the CDC recommendations for social distancing and hygiene. Lakeland has developed a dedicated web page with a number of resources to help the community stay informed. You can find this site by visiting LakelandGov.net/covid19.