A new street light has been installed near a Lakeland subdivision where a teenager was killed earlier this month along the previously dark road.

  • Kalen Kirk was running to bus stop when he was hit by car and killed
  • County approved street lights for intersection
  • 3 pedestrians killed in area, which also has several bus stops

Kalen Kirk, 17, was killed while crossing Clubhouse Road to get to his school bus stop in the early-morning hours May 2. A student at George Jenkins High School, Kirk was struck by a car.

Kirk's death was the third along the roadway near the Summerland Hills gated community. Polk County officials started conversations about making the roadway safer for pedestrians - especially students.

In August 2014, the body of Jill Braddock was found next to Clubhouse Road, the apparent victim of a hit-and-run. In November 2014, Scott Sherman, 27, was hit by a Ford F-250 as he rode a skateboard on Clubhouse Road.

 A crew from Lakeland Electric installed the new light at the intersection Wednesday. County officials said it typically takes longer to approve and install a new street light but since the power pole was already there, they were able to move through the process quickly.

A committee also is looking at adding additional lights along the stretch of roadway.

Polk County commissioners would have to make a recommendation for more lights.

The Polk County School District also reviewed bus stops along Clubhouse Road, evaluating road conditions and the placement of bus stops. School officials said the stops were strategically placed on both sides of Clubhouse Road so students wouldn't have to cross the busy road.

Still, school officials say they are exploring any ways to make the Clubhouse Road stops safer.

In a statement, Kirk's family said they would like to see a full pedestrian crossing installed with a reduced speed zone, flashing lights and additional street lights.