Dedicated Combat Wounded Parking Space in Downtown Lakeland

From City of Lakeland:

LAKELAND, FL (November 4, 2016) - A Parking for Heroes initiative will bring a dedicated combat wounded parking space to downtown Lakeland. The idea was borne by Downtown Lakeland Partnership Director Ellen Simms and has received the support from the Polk County Veterans Council. After the initial discussion, a number of veteran advocates started working closely with City of Lakeland staff to make the idea become a reality.

The combat wounded reserved parking space will be adjacent to Munn Park on the corner of Main Street and Kentucky Avenue (Diagram attached). The City of Lakeland Traffic Division approved of the concept and then set the plan in motion.

Gary Clark, Retired US Air Force Colonel and Chairman of the Polk Veterans Council said, “Less than 1% of the US population serve in military uniform. The sacrifices these service members make deserve to be recognized. A dedicated parking space for those who have suffered life long combat injuries is just one way the community can show that they appreciate the service for those that were wounded defending our freedoms.”

The dedicated combat wounded parking space will be clearly marked with a reserved combat wounded sign and unlike many of the spaces downtown, it will not have a two hour time limit. The sign will be installed on Thursday, November 10th and then covered. The sign will be unveiled as part of the Veteran’s Day Parade on Saturday, November 12th at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Photo via City of Lakeland