🌱 Patch AM: What will happen at Monday’s sentencing in the Lakeland double-murder case?

Hello Lakeland! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• What will happen at Monday’s sentencing in the Lakeland double-murder case?

Also on today's calendar: R&B Nite (details soon!) and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: I quit my job as a banker. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, with a high of 74 and low of 55 degrees.
• Saturday: Breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 76, low: 62.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and beautiful, with a high of 75 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Marcelle Waldon to be sentenced Jan. 5 for Lakeland murders. Will he get death? (theledger.com) — A man convicted of killing a prominent Lakeland couple in their Lake Morton home is set to be sentenced Jan. 5 in Bartow, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty after an 11-1 jury recommendation. The case, which deeply shook Lakeland, has also helped shape how new Florida death-penalty rules will apply in other high‑profile Polk County murder trials in the coming years.
   

📸 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 ★

Saturday January 3

• Repticon Lakeland
  RP FUNDING CENTER, RP FUNDING Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland
  9:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Saturday January 3

• R&B Nite (details soon!)
  Union Hall , 1023 Florida Ave S , Lakeland
  4:00 pm
• KiDz NiGhT OuT - " Coming Soon"
  Art Centric Studio , 1035 Florida Ave S #180 , Lakeland
  5:30 pm
• Depot Walk - Welcome 2026` — Lakeland Arts Association
  Depot Arts District by Lakeland Arts Association , 955 E Memorial Blvd , Lakeland
  6:00 pm
• Highland Calf ~ Choose Your Surface!
  Painting with a Twist , 3670 Harden Blvd , Lakeland
  7:00 pm
• Lakeland Comedy Presents - Ginger Kelly
  The Pink Piano - Live Music Tuesday thru Saturday , 1015 Florida Ave S , Lakeland
  9:00 pm

Sunday January 4

• Misty Hike | Add a DIY Candle
  Painting with a Twist , 3670 Harden Blvd , Lakeland
  12:30 pm
• BEATS N BRUNCH DAY PARTY
  La Gran Muralla , 2810 Lakeland Highlands Rd , Lakeland
  4:00 pm

📣 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

Saturday January 3

• S.O.S. (FREE!) ~ Fix or Finish Your Painting!
  Painting with a Twist , 3670 Harden Blvd , Lakeland
  10:00 am
• Mini Masterpieces
  Florida Children's Museum , 600 Bonnet Spgs Blvd , Lakeland
  11:30 am
• Family Class! ~ Cosmic Carousel ~ Pick One!
  Painting with a Twist , 3670 Harden Blvd , Lakeland
  12:30 pm

Sunday January 4

• Posh Poppies | Add a DIY Candle
  Painting with a Twist , 3670 Harden Blvd , Lakeland
  4:00 pm

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

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Lakeland PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Does anyone know who is shooting guns off on a road that is off Rock Ridge road and across from the Cypress Lakes community.
  They started before Midnight last night and continued past 2 in the morning. I want to file a complaint but don't know who's doing it. My dog is… (Nextdoor Cypress Lakes)
• Regardless of our challenges in 25, we are a blessed community with a bright new year ahead.
  I am not a profit but I believe much good is to come in the new year so fasten your seat belts and just enjoy the ride. God bless us everyone. (Nextdoor Winston/ Galloway)

• Veterans Staffing posted a job opening for Facility Housekeeper in Lakeland. Apply here.
• Sam's Club posted a job opening for Maintenance Custodian Associate in Lakeland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakeland here.

🗞 Nearby News

Auburndale

• Here are 10 under-the-radar Florida political stories to watch in 2026 (floridapolitics.com)
• Basketball Recap: Bolton Comes Up Short (maxpreps.com)

Mulberry

• Meet The Ledger's All-County Offensive Football Team (theledger.com)

Bartow

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 just lost interest.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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