LAKELAND, Fla. – The body of Howard Keen, a 58-year-old Lakeland man reported missing on March 7th, has been positively identified. Keen’s body was discovered on March 20, 2025, in a rural area of unincorporated Polk County, east of where his vehicle was found in Plant City.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) is now overseeing the death investigation. The body was in a state of decomposition, but authorities have stated that no signs of trauma or injuries were observed.
READ: Without A Trace In Florida: 7-Year-Old Jennifer Sophia Marteliz, Where Are You?
Keen was initially reported missing by the Lakeland Police Department (LPD) on March 7th. He had last been seen on February 25th at a residence in the 2800 block of County Line Road in Plant City, where his vehicle was later located.
Keen had left a family member’s residence in Lakeland on the morning of February 24th. He was described as being approximately 5’9” tall and weighing 150 lbs, and was last seen wearing a blue polo shirt and black shorts. He was known to frequent the Saddle Creek Campground on Morgan Combee Road.
READ: Homestead Mechanic Caught By Sheriff’s Aviation Team In Riverview Motorcycle Theft
The LPD had initially requested public assistance in locating Keen, but the investigation has now transitioned to a death investigation under the PCSO.
The PCSO is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Keen’s death.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
