Lakeland 'Save The Post Office' Rally Planned

LAKELAND, FL — People in Lakeland will join thousands of citizens across the country who are staging protests Saturday against recent actions around the United States Postal Service. The rallies come in the wake of controversial changes to service before the presidential election.

The rally in Lakeland is planned for 11 a.m., Saturday, at the corner of Granada Street and Lakeland Hills Boulevard.

Activists are calling for the removal of Louis DeJoy as postmaster general and an end to what they say is attempted voter suppression.

DeJoy issued a statement earlier this week that he would back off changes he implemented, such as the removal of high-volume letter sorters and blue collection boxes, reportedly to avoid "even the appearance of any impact on election mail."

Organized by MoveOn.org along with the NAACP, the Working Families Party and other groups, the national protests have been dubbed #SaveThePostOffice Saturday.

In the interest of public health, all rallies will take place outside. Participants in Lakeland are asked to wear face coverings, stay 6 feet apart and bring a sign. Those who would prefer to stay in their cars are encouraged to decorate their vehicles with messages of support for the postal service.

The rally in Lakeland will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 2800 Lakeland Hills Blvd.