🌱 Patch AM: Which 2026 trips are easiest to take from Lakeland?

Morning Lakeland! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Which 2026 trips are easiest to take from Lakeland?
• Why a simple I-4 traffic stop in Lakeland ended with felony charges
• When will the Blue Angels roar over Lakeland skies?

Today's riddle: After dinner, my parents asked if I could clear the table. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 83 and low of 62 degrees.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 83, low: 60.
• Saturday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 84 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 2026 travel trends in Lakeland (6amcity.com) — Lakeland travelers get ideas for quick trips, national park adventures, and solo getaways that are easy to reach from Swan City, including flights from Lakeland International Airport. The piece also makes a case for why friends and family should add Lakeland itself to their 2026 travel plans.
   

2. Lakeland traffic stop leads to discovery of 250 grams of marijuana, thousands of dollars in cash (wfla.com) — State troopers say a traffic stop on I-4 in Lakeland turned into a high-speed chase that ended with an Orlando man’s arrest and the seizure of 250 grams of marijuana and thousands in cash. The driver allegedly fled at up to 120 mph before crashing, and now faces multiple drug, fleeing, and license-related charges in Polk County.
   

3. Blue Angels Release 2026 And 2027 Air Show Schedules (obawebsite.com) — Lakeland residents can look forward to the Blue Angels bringing their 2027 air show to Lakeland on April 10–11. The newly released 2026–27 schedule outlines performances nationwide, with multiple Florida stops and reminders that dates may change, so fans should double-check details before making travel plans.
   

4. Venezuelans in Polk County cheer Maduro's ouster, worry about what's next (theledger.com) — Lakeland residents with roots in Venezuela are reacting with both relief and unease after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro, sharing how the news is rippling through their families back home. Several Lakeland Venezuelans praise the decisive action yet worry that other powerful officials remain in charge, leaving loved ones facing uncertainty, crackdowns on dissent, and fears about what comes next.
   

5. AAA hosts TSA PreCheck enrollment events across Tampa Bay (wfla.com) — Lakeland residents can enroll in TSA PreCheck locally when AAA hosts an enrollment event Jan. 27–30, 2026 at its East Memorial Boulevard branch. The sign-up takes about 10 minutes and is open to non-members, but you’ll need an appointment and identity documents.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

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🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday January 8

• Entrepreneur/Small Business Consulting Services
  Plant City Chamber of Commerce , 118 W. Reynolds St. , Plant City
  9:00 am
• Book Babies
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  10:00 am
• Crafts and Chats [Adults]
  Lake Alfred, FL Calendar , 245 N Seminole Avenue , Lake Alfred
  10:30 am
• Songs & Stories
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  11:00 am
• Seniors on the Move
  Bartow, FL Calendar Bartow, FL 33830
  2:00 pm
• ALPI Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council
  ALPI Fort Pierce Admin Office , 2202 Avenue Q , Fort Pierce
  5:00 pm
• Dungeons & Dragons at the Library
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  5:30 pm
• Bartow Yellow Jackets vs George Jenkins High School
  Bartow High School , 1270 S Broadway Ave , Bartow
  6:00 pm

Friday January 9

• ENGAGE SERVES CLASS VI
  A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure Training Center , 1875 W. Main Street , Bartow
  8:00 am
• Get Moving! Chair Yoga
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  9:30 am
• Sip & Sparkle Wine Walk
  Main Street Bartow Inc , 180 S Central Ave , Bartow
  5:00 pm

Saturday January 10

• Antique Fair Along Main Street
  Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce , Main Street , Bartow
  8:00 am

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

• Lost Cat!
  Sugar. Very friendly and loves humans but not other pets. She is well loved and very missed. Missing since 1/5:26. Near the Sligh Lake Miriam area in… (Nextdoor Fairfax)
• Please help me find the owner of this dog.
  Spotted on Lewellyn Road. Wearing a collar with a tag. Could not get he/she to come into my vehicle. Sitting with hazards on (Nextdoor Walker rd)

• GuestServices, Inc. posted a job opening for Stock Room/Receiver - Florida Southern in Lakeland. Apply here.
• Lowe's posted a job opening for Part Time - Receiver/Stocker - Flexible 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 needed a running start, but I made it!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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