Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How much could your Lakeland stormwater bill jump by 2030?

Be sure to catch Crisis Management 1 Day Workshop | Lakeland, FL on the Lakeland Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Thursday December 11th Patch AM
Thursday December 11th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Morning Lakeland! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How much could your Lakeland stormwater bill jump by 2030?
  • How deputies say kids were used to scam Lakeland businesses
  • What big upgrades are planned at parks just north of Lakeland?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 71 and low of 45 degrees.
  • Friday: Nice with plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 72, low: 50.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and nice, with a high of 77 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• ‘Rare and Extreme': Business Leader Criticizes Lakeland's Proposed Stormwater Rate Hike (lkldnow.com) — Lakeland officials are weighing a steep stormwater fee increase that would nearly double the monthly charge on city utility bills over five years, starting with a hike on March 1. City staff say the money is needed for $69 million in drainage and lake projects, while the Lakeland Economic Development Council warns the plan hits businesses hardest and urges commissioners to slow down before Monday’s vote.
   

• Polk County deputies bust 3 accused of giving kids counterfeit money to spend at Lakeland businesses (fox13news.com) — Lakeland businesses were targeted in a counterfeit cash scheme where Polk County deputies say three adults used children to pass fake $20 bills at local stores. Investigators traced incidents from a south Lakeland shopping plaza to other Polk County locations, leading to multiple fraud and theft charges. No injuries were reported, but several kids were allegedly involved.
   

• What upgrades are being sought at state parks in Polk County? (theledger.com) — Florida is eyeing millions in upgrades for state parks, including Colt Creek State Park just north of Lakeland, with potential additions like new campsites, cabins, trails, and utility improvements. A statewide report outlines nearly $760 million in repairs plus long-term construction plans, also listing extensive wish‑lists for Catfish Creek Preserve, Lake Kissimmee State Park, and the Van Fleet Trail.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakeland

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Lakeland Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • FREE PET TAGS - FIDOALERT.COM I wanted to let everyone know about a great website that is giving away free pet tags. If your fur-baby does
    get away you can go to the website (or app) and send out an alert with the pictures on file and where he/she was last seen. The more pets we get back… (Nextdoor Lakeland Harbor)
  • I have about 30 cans of Friskies wet cat food that I want to bless someone's kitty with.
    I am in the vicinity of the Walgreen's on South Florida ave and available to meet about 5:30 today. (Nextdoor Lake Hollingsworth)
  • Guest Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Receiver/Stock Room Attendant- Florida Southern in Lakeland. Apply here.
  • Hut American Group, LLC posted a job opening for Team Member in Lakeland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakeland here.

🗞 Nearby News

Auburndale

Mulberry

  • Which Polk County high school wrestling program has had the best moments so far? Vote (theledger.com)
  • Mulberry Gears Up for a Festive Night at the Annual Christmas Parade December 13 (dailyridge.com)

Polk City

Ok Lakeland! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Lakeland