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🌱 Patch AM: Retired FL Cop Arrested After Making Threats Over Parking Ticket At Publix: Sheriff

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Tuesday January 6th Patch AM
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Hi Lakeland! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

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

In today's newsletter:

  • Retired Lakeland officer charged after heated Publix parking dispute
  • How AI-equipped trucks will change Lakeland’s pothole repairs this year
  • How a wrong-way drive on West Pipkin turned deadly Sunday night

Today's riddle: What did the hair spray say to the hair when it got back from vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 82 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 79, low: 57.
  • Thursday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 81 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Retired FL Cop Arrested After Making Threats Over Parking Ticket At Publix: Sheriff (patch.com) — Lakeland residents are learning more about the Dec. 30 arrest of a retired Lakeland police officer accused of threatening a Polk County Sheriff’s Office volunteer over a parking ticket at the Publix on County Road 540A. Authorities say the 60-year-old, who once served with both PCSO and Lakeland Police, allegedly became aggressive after receiving a citation for parking in a fire lane and now faces felony and misdemeanor charges.
   

2. Lakeland Turns to AI to Spot Potholes and Road Cracks Sooner (lkldnow.com) — Lakeland is rolling out AI-powered sensors on city vehicles to monitor potholes and road conditions daily, replacing pavement surveys done every few years. The four-year, $240,000 contract with Roadway Management Technologies starts March 1 and should help crews prioritize resurfacing, catch problems earlier, and coordinate with Polk County and FDOT on key routes like U.S. 92 and 98.
   

3. Lakeland woman killed in head-on collision on West Pipkin Road (theledger.com) — An 81-year-old Lakeland woman died after driving the wrong way and colliding head-on with another vehicle Sunday night on West Pipkin Road near Morgan Creek Preserve. Lakeland police and fire crews responded, and both drivers were taken to Lakeland Regional Health, where the woman was pronounced dead and the other driver was hospitalized with serious injuries.
   

4. Lakeland new mayor Sara Roberts McCarley sworn in (baynews9.com) — Lakeland has a new mayor: Sara Roberts McCarley was sworn in Monday as the city’s first woman directly elected to the office, winning just over 50% of the vote in November. She plans to prioritize infrastructure and improving how City Hall serves residents and businesses, emphasizing better responsiveness and customer service across Lakeland.
   

5. West Highlands Street closure extended again, this time to Jan. 12 (theledger.com) — If you drive near Lakeland’s Southwest Complex, expect all lanes of West Highlands Street between Kings Manor Trail Court and Beech Avenue to stay closed until at least 5 p.m. on Jan. 12. The closure, tied to a city utility pipe replacement project, blocks through traffic on surrounding stretches as well, so residents should plan alternate routes in case the work runs longer.
   

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Is anyone missing their bay.
    They have a collar on, but poor baby is skiddish. And I have 3 dogs in my home so I don’t want to scare it. It’s been up and down Cherry Lane for 2… (Nextdoor Dossey Road)
  • Is this your cat, she showed up about 2 months ago.
    She is young, super loveable, definitely someone's inside cat. I can't keep her, she is not compatible with my inside animals. Unfortunately if I… (Nextdoor K-Leen)
  • O'Reilly Auto Parts posted a job opening for DC Materials Handler - Inbound in Lakeland. Apply here.
  • Firehouse Subs 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 mist you!
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