🌱 Patch AM: How will Fire Station 8 change emergency response in North Lakeland?

Coming up: Blast Off to the Holidays Camp on the Lakeland Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: How close is one Lakeland mom to losing her housing foothold?

Be sure to catch Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles on the Lakeland Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Need state help? See when Rep. Canady’s team comes to the library.

And check out Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles on the Lakeland Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: How will 973 new homes reshape the old Wedgewood golf course?

Also, don’t miss Very Merry Christmas Sip & Paint Party on the Lakeland Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: How three Mass Market building sales will reshape Lakeland’s downtown corridor

Coming up: "Very Merry Christmas" Sip & Paint Party on the Lakeland Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Lakeland community remembers the life of Oscar Ray Stotts

Spotted on the Lakeland calendar: "Very Merry Christmas" Sip & Paint Party

🌱 Patch AM: Toy Drives In Lakeland: How To Make The Holidays Merry For Everyone

Be sure to catch "Very Merry Christmas" Sip & Paint Party on the Lakeland Patch calendar

6 Can’t-Miss Hikes Near Lakeland

Get outside and explore — these nearby hikes offer everything from easy strolls to more challenging treks for every kind of adventurer.

Celebrate the Season - Santa Hustle Will Be Dashing Through Orlando

Register now for the 5K, 10K or Kids Dash to take place Saturday, December 21; event proceeds will benefit “Give Kids The World Village.”

Mother Gives Birth In FL Sheriff’s Office Parking Lot: PCSO

A couple on the way to the hospital welcomed their newborn daughter in a Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s substation parking lot.

Magyar Szabadság Kör – Cultural-Culinary Experience in Plant City, FL

The Hungarian Liberty Club is a celebration of the cultural, culinary, spiritual, and political values that make the Magyars unique.

New Beginnings High School Explores the Power of Experiential Learning

It’s a common misconception that acquiring new information in an educational setting is limited to rote memorization and recitation.

The American Pickleball Tour Returns to Winter Haven August 16-18!

The tournament is proud to announce a new charity partner - The American Red Cross.

Publix Ice Cream Truck Hits The Road In FL Again This Summer

The Publix ice cream truck will tour Florida again this summer with its premium ice cream and limited-edition flavors.

The American Pickleball Tour Returns to Winter Haven February 23 - 25!

Smash into action with the ultimate tournament open for all skill levels!

Polk County Man Wins $5M From FL Lottery Scratch Ticket

The Winter Haven man claimed his prize after purchasing the winning $20 Gold Rush Limited scratch ticket at Haines City Food Mart.

Ribbon-Cutting Set For Salvation Army's Hope Homes, Shelter Addition

The Salvation Army of Lakeland George Jenkins Community of Hope​ will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday.

42nd Annual Swan Roundup Now A Lakeland Community Tradition

During the annual Swan Roundup, the graceful water birds received wellness checkups.

5 Nonprofits To Get Behind In The Lakeland Area

Lakeland's nonprofits serve the homeless, give out prom dresses to teens, provide sports and after-care for kids, and hand out free bikes.

Kids' Books, Stuffed Animals, Snacks Collected By Polk Sheriff

The peanut butter will go to food pantries and the books and stuffed animals will be given out to children going through a traumatic event.

Join the Pickleball Craze in Winter Haven August 11 - August 13!

Tournament organizers are currently seeking a charity beneficiary to partner with them on this event!

No Pride Month Proclamation From Polk County Commissioners

Despite the actions of the Polk County Commission, Polk Pride leaders are going ahead with the annual Pride in the Park event Saturday.

Lakeland Forges National Reputation For Preserving Aerospace History

Lakeland's Florida Air Museum is committed to preserving the history of flight as well as inspiring new generations to look to the skies.

The American Pickleball Tour is Coming to Winter Haven in August!

The tournament, with social events, is open to ages 14 and up with all skill levels including professionals and beginners.

Star Student Excels At Bartow High International Baccalaureate Program

In addition to being bright, his grandmother said, "He is a great kid who cares about his family."

Deputy Blane Lane's Name Added To Polk County Sheriff's Memorial

Polk County sheriff's deputies paid tribute to fallen deputies during ceremonies at Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial in Lakeland.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Architectural Legacy Preserved In Lakeland

Famed 20th century architect Frank Lloyd Wright left his permanent stamp on Florida Southern College and the city of Lakeland.

4-Year-Old Frostproof Boy With Leukemia To Become Superhero For A Day

Four-year-old leukemia patient Cooper Wingate will be the 7,000th recipient of a wish from Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida.

Drop Off Boxes Of Cereal For Sheriff's Cereal For Summer Campaign

Polk Sheriff Grady Judd is determined to collect more boxes of cereal than any other organization in Tampa Bay for Feeding Tampa Bay.

Accidental 911 Call Yields Surprising Returns; Impromptu Pick-Up Game

Concerned when a caller accidentally dialed 911 and hung up, a Polk deputy showed up at the man's house and joined him in a game of hoops.

Star Student: Lakeland 8th-Grader Always Thinks Outside The Box

Star student Cadance loves reading, musicals, golfing, dirt bike-riding, she is smart beyond her years.

NFL Legend Tim Tebow Tells Lakeland Audience To Give 'Until It Hurts'

Families struggling to find affordable housing received some hope from NFL legend Tim Tebow during The Salvation Army's annual dinner.

FL Star Student: Lakeland Teen Won't Let Autism Define Her

Patch is telling the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

5 Polk County Nonprofits Surprised With $10,000 Awards From 1st Lady

Recipients are Everyday Christians Helping Orphans​; Top Buttons Inc.​; Bikes for Christ​; Dream Center of Lakeland and Take a Kid Fishing.

How Queen Elizabeth's Gift Turned Lakeland Into Swan City

In 1954, Lakeland had its swan song with the death of the city's last swan. But a royal gift restored the city's iconic bird population.

Christina Park Bench Intended To Raise Awareness About Mental Illness

The Libertore Fund for Children purchased a suicide prevention awareness bench from Josh's Benches for Awareness​​ to get people talking.

Polk County Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

There were more than 3,900 domestic violence injunctions filed in Polk County in 2021, with 566 being repeat violence cases.

Disabled Veteran From Lakeland Receives Gift Of Home And Warm Welcome

Rahmeka Hopkins is among more than 300 wounded veterans to receive a home courtesy of the national nonprofit, Building Homes For Heroes.

Lakeland Ranked No. 14 On U.S. News' List Of Best Placed To Retire

Lakeland came in as one of the top 20 best places to retire in the United States.

To Generations Of 4-H Members, She'll Always Be Grandma Judy

For her 35-plus years serving the youth of Polk County, Judy Raymond was inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame.