Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Kate Wallace’s appointment reshape Polk schools serving Lakeland families?

Also check out "Very Merry Christmas" Sip & Paint Party on the Lakeland Patch calendar

Tuesday December 16th Patch AM
Tuesday December 16th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

What's up Lakeland! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Kate Wallace’s appointment reshape Polk schools serving Lakeland families?
  • Lakeland clients learn fate of lawyer who stole their trust funds

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

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

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Lakeland? Post it to Lakeland photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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


Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and nice, with a high of 75 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and nice, temps: high: 78, low: 59.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and nice, with a high of 77 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Kate Wallace to Serve on Polk County School Board After DeSantis Appointment (lkldnow.com) — A former executive director of Lakeland Leads, Kate Wallace has been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the District 3 seat on the Polk County School Board, which includes several Lakeland schools. Wallace, who helped bring charter initiatives to Lakeland, faces both praise and concern over her strong school-choice stance as she steps into a role that will shape local education policy through 2026.
   

• Polk County lawyer who stole clients' money gets 25-year sentence (theledger.com) — A former Polk County attorney whose firm had an office in Lakeland has been sentenced to 25 years in prison and 15 years’ probation for stealing nearly $2 million from clients. Prosecutors say he laundered the money and lost much of it gambling, while multiple civil lawsuits seek to recover funds for affected families and a former business partner.
   


📸 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

  • This is Layla she is 1 year old about 2 year's old on April 24 she is a indoor cat she is very friendly good with dogs.
    She has her own bed that go with her the reason why I need her to be re-home she is pregnant and my wife can't deal with more cat's it's hard enough… (Nextdoor Carroll Rd - Palmer Rd)
  • This is just my personal opinion.
    So food for thought. We just lost our last fur baby in September 2025. With my husband's illness, we decided we were ready to welcome another small… (Nextdoor Meadow View Estates)
  • Healthcare Services Group posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Lakeland. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Lakeland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakeland here.

🗞 Nearby News

Auburndale

  • PCSO: Single-car crash near Lake Wales kills driver, injures 2 (theledger.com)
  • Review: Mainland Rum Single Barrel Florida Rum 8 Years Old (drinkhacker.com)

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 know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!


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