🌱 Patch AM: Which Lakeland streets are getting new speed bumps approved by the county?

Hi Lakeland! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Which Lakeland streets are getting new speed bumps approved by the county?
• What Lakeland neighbors can’t burn or light this New Year’s Eve
• How a Lakeland family’s Christmas puppy turned into heartbreak

Today's riddle: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Cool with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 62 and low of 39 degrees.
• Thursday: Sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 71, low: 44.
• Friday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, with a high of 74 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Eight Speed Bumps Approved for Roads in Lakeland and Mulberry (dailyridge.com) — New speed bumps are coming to Arizona and Jamestown Avenues in Lakeland after Polk County commissioners unanimously approved funding for eight installations split between Lakeland and Mulberry. Traffic studies and resident ballots supported the changes, which will be paid for through the county’s Transportation Millage Fund to slow drivers and reduce neighborhood disturbances.
   

2. No Backyard Fireworks: Burn Ban Still in Effect Across Polk County (lkldnow.com) — Lakeland residents are still under a countywide burn ban, meaning no backyard fireworks, bonfires, brush burning, or trash fires for New Year’s celebrations. The ban, driven by unusually dry weather, applies across Polk County, with violations carrying fines and possible jail time. Small grills are allowed, but officials urge residents to attend professional shows instead.
   

3. Lakeland family forced to euthanize sick puppy adopted from Polk County Animal Control Shelter (fox13news.com) — A Lakeland family says they had to euthanize a 10-week-old puppy adopted from the Polk County Animal Control Shelter after a severe lung infection was discovered. They question how sick animals are separated and monitored, while the sheriff’s office insists it doesn’t knowingly adopt out ill pets and says the dog could have been returned. The case highlights concerns for Lakeland families adopting shelter animals.
   

4. Jayhawks receive all-star invites (ljworld.com) — Lakeland will help host top college football talent when the new American Bowl debuts at Southeastern University on Jan. 22, following the Hula Bowl in DeLand. Several Kansas Jayhawks, including quarterback Jalon Daniels and linemen Enrique Cruz Jr. and Bryce Foster, are heading to Central Florida to showcase their skills for pro scouts.
   

5. Supreme Court nixes Uthmeier lawyer proposal (fox13news.com) — Florida’s Supreme Court has rejected Attorney General James Uthmeier’s proposal to let some government lawyers work in-state for up to three years without passing the Florida Bar exam, keeping stricter certification rules in place. For Lakeland residents, this means state attorneys serving your area must still quickly sit for the Florida Bar, preserving existing character, fitness, and competency standards.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

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🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday December 31

• Hong Kong Mahjong at the Library [ages 12+]
  Lake Alfred Public Library , 245 N Seminole Ave , Lake Alfred
  1:30 pm
• Seniors on the Move
  Bartow, FL Calendar Bartow, FL 33830
  2:00 pm
• Library Closing Early
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  5:00 pm

Thursday January 1

• LIBRARY CLOSED
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
• New Year's 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

Friday January 2

• Get Moving! Chair Yoga
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  9:30 am

Monday January 5

• Country Connections Line Dancers
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2250 S. Floral Ave. , Bartow
  9:00 am
• Honeybee Storytime at the Library [Ages 0-4]
  Lake Alfred, FL Calendar , 245 N Seminole Avenue , Lake Alfred
  10:30 am
• Community Free Food Pantry
  The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce , 402 West English St. , Plant City
  6:00 pm
• City Commission Meeting
  Bartow, FL Calendar , City Hall Commission Chambers 450 N. Wilson Ave , Bartow
  6:00 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! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• MISSING CAT!!!!!!!!
  His name is Knuckles. He has been missing since 6:00pm tonight. He’s a very special and unique cat to our family. He’s a 6 toed brown tabby. Please… (Nextdoor Oakview Estates)
• No fireworks in Polk County.
  We have a burn ban. https://share.newsbreak.com/gji7alo7 (Nextdoor Leitha Way/Kent Rd)

• Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Lakeland. Apply here.
• Ross Stores posted a job opening for Early Morning Stock Associate 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 heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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