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🌱 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

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Cheers Lakeland! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How three Mass Market building sales will reshape Lakeland’s downtown corridor
  • Why was this pregnant pup abandoned outside a Lakeland shelter?
  • What Polk deputies can now ask you about your birthplace

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles and 3 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 81 and low of 52 degrees.
  • Saturday: Sunny, nice and less humid, temps: high: 81, low: 57.
  • Sunday: Sunny and warm, with a high of 82 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Lakeland Commissioners Reach Compromise on Mass Market Sales (lkldnow.com) — Lakeland city commissioners have unanimously approved deals letting three longtime Mass Market-area tenants buy the buildings they occupy, sending nearly $3 million into the city’s CRA for future redevelopment. Market Lofts Apartments, DOU Bakehouse and Haus 820 will receive credits for past rent and investments, while still taking on major loans and paying property taxes on full appraised values.
   

2. Dog Dumped Under Shelter Sign With a Note-What Staff Discover Breaks Hearts (ledger-enquirer.com) — A pregnant dog named Clio was found terrified in a crate by the Polk County Bully Project in Lakeland, left under the shelter’s sign with only a handwritten apology note. Staff quickly brought her inside, began comforting her, and are now arranging the extra medical and foster care she’ll need as shelters nationwide struggle with overcrowding.
   

3. Polk County deputies to ask for birthplace under new policy, sheriff says (wfla.com) — Polk County’s sheriff, speaking from Lakeland, is rolling out a new policy allowing deputies to ask people where they were born during lawful encounters to help federal immigration enforcement. Officials say it’s designed to avoid racial profiling, while legal experts and community members raise concerns about privacy, fear, and trust with law enforcement.
   

4. DeSantis influence clear in Florida Supreme Court applicants (theledger.com) — Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady, a Lakeland native, is stepping down for a high-paying post at the University of Florida, and ten largely DeSantis-appointed judges are vying to replace him. The Judicial Nominating Commission will interview candidates in Tampa on December 29 before sending recommendations to the governor, who is expected to choose another conservative justice.
   

5. Here's how Team USA recruited Skubal for World Baseball Classic (mlb.com) — Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has committed to pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, adding extra intensity to his usual spring routine in Lakeland, Fla. While he won’t throw complete games in the tournament, coaches are coordinating his workload so he can chase a title for his country without derailing his regular season preparation.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Former Florida Tile employees
    Looking for former Florida Tile maintenance workers in the Lakeland plant, between 1983-2000. Contact Brittney Fries @ 813.230.7702 or bfries... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Good morning .
    My elderly father recently had an accident on his scooter at Walmart. He broke his pelvic socket and can’t have surgery. I am looking for a good SNF … (Nextdoor Meadowbrook)
  • I’ve been living on my own for years since my divorce.
    I enjoy the freedom that comes with independence, but I still feel lonely sometimes. Even a kind word or a small gesture can really brighten my day… (Nextdoor 540/Crews Lake)
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Lakeland. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Lakeland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakeland here.

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 don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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