Community Corner
🌱 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
Hello again Lakeland! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How will Fire Station 8 change emergency response in North Lakeland?
- How three Lakeland colleges are quietly reshaping students’ futures
- How a Lakeland driver became involved in a deadly pre-dawn crash
Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 82 and low of 55 degrees.
- Wednesday: Plenty of sun, temps: high: 82, low: 56.
- Thursday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 82 and low of 55 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Is Lakeland finally getting Fire Station 8 in 2026? Here's what we know (theledger.com) — North Lakeland residents may finally see Fire Station 8 break ground in early spring 2026 at Sleepy Hill Road and Mall Hill Drive, with opening expected in 2027. City-funded at roughly $6 million, the station is designed to boost response times, improve firefighter health, and add on-site training features that should strengthen emergency coverage for surrounding neighborhoods. 
Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2. Lakeland's Universities Grow Through Partnerships and Grants (lkldnow.com) — Lakeland students and families will see big changes at three local universities, as Florida Southern, Florida Poly, and Southeastern University roll out new partnerships, expanded programs, and a major grant. From entrepreneurship support at Catapult to high-tech industry collaborations and a $10 million faith-based education network, these moves aim to boost opportunities and long-term economic impact in and around Lakeland.
3. Lehigh Acres man killed while securing semi-trailer on dark SR-72 in DeSoto County (gulfcoastnewsnow.com) — A 20-year-old man from Lakeland was driving on State Road 72 in DeSoto County when his sedan struck a Lehigh Acres man who was securing a semi-truck trailer blocking both lanes, killing the older driver. The crash happened around 4:30 a.m. Monday on a dark stretch of the rural highway. Lakeland readers may want to note the location and circumstances if they travel this route.
4. Lakeland tax preparer gets 7 years for fraudulent tax returns (theledger.com) — A Lakeland tax preparer has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison after admitting to preparing hundreds of fraudulent tax returns that caused over $15 million in losses to the IRS. The case, handled in Tampa’s federal court, also requires forfeiture of more than $1.3 million and full restitution, underscoring serious consequences for tax fraud schemes.
5. Sheffield, Elad to Play in Senior Showcases (onthebanks.com) — Lakeland will host the new American Bowl at Southeastern University on January 22, 2026, with kickoff at 8 p.m. Rutgers wide receiver DT Sheffield will play in that game, while teammate Jett Elad heads to the Hula Bowl in Orlando, giving local fans a chance to see future pros up close.
📸 Around Lakeland
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📣 Lakeland Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
- Blast Off to the Holidays Camp
Bartow, FL Calendar , 520 S Herbert Dixon Blvd. , Bartow
7:30 am - Get Moving!
Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
9:30 am - Dance Fit
Bartow, FL Calendar , 520 S Herbert Dixon Blvd. , Bartow
12:30 pm - Seniors on the Move
Bartow, FL Calendar Bartow, FL 33830
2:00 pm - Afternoon Craft at the Library [ ages 5+]
Lake Alfred, FL Calendar Lake Alfred, FL 33850
4:00 pm - Game Night
Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
4:30 pm - ALPI Office Closure- Christmas Holidays
ALPI Corporate , 300 Lynchburg Road , Lake Alfred
8:00 am - Business Builders Roundtable Networking
OnPoint CoWork Solutions , 1805 James L Redman Pkwy , Plant City
8:15 am - Christmas Day
Bartow, FL Calendar - Plant City Toastmasters
Wesley Centre , 202 W. Reynolds St. , Plant City
7:30 am - Entrepreneur/Small Business Consulting Services
Plant City Chamber of Commerce , 118 W. Reynolds St. , Plant City
9:00 am - Planning and Zoning Board Meeting
Lake Alfred City Hall , 120 E Pomelo St , Lake Alfred
6:00 pm
Tuesday December 23
Wednesday December 24
Thursday December 25
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- I am waiting to hear back from a rehab place already but if anyone can help this duck, it looks like there is a hook stuck in its cheek.
He doesn't seem to be in any pain but I don't know (nor have the tools) to remove it safely. He's located on the second pond (larger one) inside… (Nextdoor Carlton Arms) - Just wanna say, I love how festive the neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods are with all the lights and Christmas decorations this year and every year...
thank you so much, I truly appreciate seeing your creativity and beauty. Happy holidays everyone. (Nextdoor Lake Somerset)
- HCA posted a job opening for Material Handler in Lakeland. Apply here.
- Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member 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 find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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