Florida (33810) Man Killed While Checking Mail by Texting Driver – LIVE UPDATES – The Published Reporter

Lakeland (33810) – A 55-year-old Florida man was killed after being struck by a distracted driver while checking his mailbox in Lakeland, Polk County, authorities said. Deputies reported the man was standing near Kathleen Road when a woman driving a Ford F-150 veered off while texting on her phone, hitting him instantly. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver was detained for questioning. Investigators say charges are pending, awaiting toxicology and accident reconstruction results. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office warned residents that distracted driving remains a deadly epidemic, urging motorists to put down their phones while behind the wheel.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: 55-year-old struck while checking mailbox in Polk County.

• IMPACT: Victim killed instantly; woman driver detained for questioning.

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “Distracted driving cost a man his life today.” – Polk County Sheriff’s Office

• ACTION: Drivers urged to stay alert, avoid texting behind the wheel.

Impact Of Lakeland (33810)

1. Precise Location:
   Lakeland (33810) – near Kathleen Road and W. 10th Street.

2. Community Connection:
   “We’ve warned about speeding here for years; now it’s too late.”
   – Carl Jenkins, local resident

3. Visual Proof:
   

Exclusive Angle

Crisis Response

• IMMEDIATE RESOURCES:
  » Grief Counseling: Polk County Victim Services – 863-534-4000
  » Road Safety Helpline: Florida DOT – 850-414-4100

• OFFICIAL GUIDANCE:
  “Put down your phone while driving—lives depend on it.”
  – Sheriff Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Community Pulse

“VOTE: Should texting-and-driving penalties in Florida be tougher?
👍 Yes, stricter laws 👎 No, current laws enough
Sound off in comments – officials monitoring feedback”

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