Mask Resolution Extended: City Of Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL — As the coronavirus pandemic lives on, Lakeland residents and visitors are required to continue wearing masks inside public places after the city commission recently voted to extend the mask resolution that originally went into effect on July 2, and was scheduled to expire on Aug. 3.

The updated resolution was approved 5-2 and became effective on Monday at 5 p.m. It will expire at 5 p.m. on Sept. 8 unless extended by further action of the city commission, a city news release said.

The city reminds residents and visitors who violate this resolution will be fined $250 by the city:

It is the intent of the city commission to seek voluntary compliance with the provisions contained herein and to educate and warn of the dangers of non-compliance. However, in the event voluntary compliance is not achieved, then violation of this resolution, and any order issued pursuant hereto, shall be subject to a fine not exceeding the sum of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) pursuant to Section 1-14 of the Code of the city of Lakeland, Florida, or as otherwise provided by law.

There are exceptions put in place by the city that exempt people from wearing masks in situations such as certain medical conditions and other reasons. The full list of exemptions and the entire resolution can be viewed here.

The Lakeland Police Department is responsible for the enforcement of Lakeland's mask resolution, said the city on its website. If you need to contact them regarding mask enforcement or questions, call LPD's non-emergency number, 863-834-6900.

The city’s resolution does not override the right of a private business to decide which customers they will or will not allow to enter their premises, according to the city's website. That is up to each business, although the city recommends that they should carefully consider the Americans with Disabilities Act implications of such decisions.

Residents are encouraged to follow the Centers for Disease Control recommendations for social distancing and hygiene.

There is a city web page with a number of resources to help the community stay informed. You can find this site by visiting LakelandGov.net/covid19.