Subject: MLK Parade Details – Indivisible Polk Florida
Thank you for signing up to walk with Lakeland and Indivisible Polk Florida in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We are so grateful you’ll be joining us.
This year’s theme, “A Legacy of Strength, A Future of Action,” brings our community together to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. King and his message of equality, service, justice, and unity. We are excited to walk alongside you in that spirit.
📍 Parade Day Details
- Parade line-up begins: 10:00 AM
- All participants in place: 12:00 PM (noon)
- Official Parade start time: 1:00 PM
- Route length: Approximately 1.5 miles
- End location: Coleman–Bush Building on MLK Jr. Ave
- Estimated wrap-up time: 2:00–3:00 PM, depending on parade pacing
🚧 Important: Roads around the parade route will begin closing at 10:30 PM. We ask that everyone arrive by 11:00 AM because parking fills up quickly.
- This allows us to gather and get situated without stress.
- We are # 98 in the line up. This is the link to the parade route and the staging area maps and the waiver form. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Pu5FtHFDqPhnHCnqRffIp5AQ8bCgotmL?usp=sharing
- Please review these maps.
- Staging Area map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h-6uRpXKQvdStIVr6AVRZonW6Deq-gjO/view?usp=sharing
- Parade Route Map : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o8nrekJo9Xm0rr790EMA3it-fJ1E9Jy3/view?usp=sharing
🚗 Parking Options
You may park near either the start or the end of the parade route. Please read carefully, as the parade starts and ends in different locations.
Start-of-parade parking (recommended if possible):
Grassy lot across from 1315 W 14th St, Lakeland, FL 33805
- Closest to the lineup
- Please arrive by 11:00 AM
Staging area and parking map link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h-6uRpXKQvdStIVr6AVRZonW6Deq-gjO/view?usp=sharing
End-of-parade parking:
205 W 3rd St, Lakeland, FL 33805
- This option is quite a walk, so consider taking the shuttle to the beginning of the parade route
Drop off:
- You can drop people off via Powhatan Ct. , which closes at noon.
🚌 Last shuttle to the beginning of the parade will depart around 11:05 AM.
Please note that the shuttle driver will also need time to park and walk back to the lineup area.
If anything is confusing or parking looks different from what was expected, please don’t panic. Text/call Alexis at 863-808-6571 or Veysel at 863-868-3733 and we’ll help you figure it out.
🚌 Transportation & Accessibility
- The parade starts and ends in different locations
- A pickup/drop-off shuttle will be available to transport people between the start and end points
- We need a volunteer to assist with shuttle pickup/drop-off. Please reach out if you’re able to help
- We will also have a van driving in the parade
- Seating inside the van is limited
- If you have mobility concerns, medical needs, or require accommodations, please contact us ahead of time so we can support you
⏳ While We Wait
There will be some downtime before the parade begins:
- We are # 98 in the line up. This is the link to the parade route and the staging area maps and the waiver form. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Pu5FtHFDqPhnHCnqRffIp5AQ8bCgotmL?usp=sharing
- Please bring a fold-up camping chair if you’d like to sit (chairs can be stored in the van once the parade starts)
- We’ll be having a picnic while we wait
- There is a sign-up for food:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044EA9A92CA1F5C70-61703844-mlkparade#/ - Times are tough — if you can’t bring anything, please don’t worry at all. Please still eat with us.
- Restrooms will be available at the staging area
- Limited sign-making supplies will be on hand
🪧 Signs & Messaging
We’d love our signs and presence to focus on Dr. King’s words and legacy. MLK left us with powerful quotes about social justice, community, service, love, and collective action. While we don’t want to be overly political, many of his teachings align beautifully with our values and mission. Please feel free to highlight those messages.
👟 What to Wear & Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes: the route is about 1.5 miles
- Indivisible Polk shirts will be available. They are short-sleeved, so please plan accordingly
- Sunscreen, water, hats, ponchos, or anything else you need to stay comfortable. It will be “Florida Cold.”
🎶 Music
We’ll be playing music while we walk. Please send us your song suggestions. Uplifting, joyful, and reflective of Dr. King’s legacy are perfect.
📱 Day-Of Contact
If you’re running late, confused about parking, or having trouble finding our group, please reach out:
Alexis 863-808-6571
Veysel 863-868-3733
Please help us leave the space cleaner than we found it.
We are honored to walk with you as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the values he stood for.
In solidarity and community,
Indivisible Polk Florida
