Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a Lakeland microschool just won $250,000 for innovation

Also check out Lakeland Camellia Society 42nd Annual Camellia Show and Plant Sale on the Lakeland Patch calendar

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Friday January 9th Patch AM
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Greetings Lakeland! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Lakeland microschool just won $250,000 for innovation
  • Which restaurants are Lakeland neighbors begging to get here next?
  • How a new cancer partnership could spare Lakeland patients long Tampa drives

Also on today's calendar: Lakeland Camellia Society 42nd Annual Camellia Show and Plant Sale and 4 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the shovel say to the dirt? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 85 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Saturday: Sunny to partly cloudy, temps: high: 84, low: 60.
  • Sunday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 82 and low of 46 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Lakeland-born WonderHere Wins National Education Prize for Rethinking How Kids Learn (lkldnow.com) — A Lakeland-based microschool, WonderHere, has won a $250,000 national Yass Prize for its project-based, family-style learning model and plans to use the funds to expand its Lakeland campus and nearby offerings. Serving over 100 local students, the school’s flexible four-day schedule, mixed-age classrooms, and strong parent involvement are drawing attention as an alternative for Polk County families seeking different education options.
   

2. Lakeland's ultimate restaurant wishlist (6amcity.com) — Lakeland residents are sharing which restaurants they’re craving most, from big national chains like Cheesecake Factory, Raising Cane’s, and White Castle to a true New York-style Jewish deli and more local fish and pizza options. The wishlist highlights specific desires for spots in North Lakeland and celebrates new arrivals like Dutch Bros and Lucky Goat Coffee Co. You’re invited to add your own dream restaurant to the list.
   

3. More cancer care options available for Polk County residents (wfla.com) — Lakeland residents facing cancer will soon have more treatment options close to home, thanks to a new partnership between Lakeland Regional Health and Tampa General Hospital’s Cancer Institute. Starting March 1, additional specialists will rotate through Hollis Cancer Center, expanding care for complex cancers and increasing access to clinical trials so patients can avoid frequent trips to Tampa for lifesaving treatment.
   

4. Blue Angels Release 2026 and 2027 Schedule (gulfshoresnews.com) — Lakeland residents can look forward to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels bringing their 2027 air show to the city on April 10–11, part of a newly released two-year schedule. The team outlines show dates across the country, including several Florida stops, and reminds fans that schedules may change and to confirm details before traveling.
   

5. Weber State DE transfer commits to Michigan State football (usatoday.com) — A former UCF defensive end from Lakeland Keahnist Thompson, is transferring from Weber State to play his final season at Michigan State. Local fans may remember him as a four-star recruit from the 2022 class, and now he’ll bring his experience and size to the Spartans’ defensive line.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakeland

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📣 Lakeland Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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

  • Hey everyone!
    Currently looking for any form of work. I have many skills/capabilities with some college under my belt as well! Current student for AS-BA business… (Nextdoor Hennessee)
  • I need some help, y'all.
    I have an eviction on my record, and it's been tough finding a place. It was due to my rent being late, and they wouldn't accept a late payment, so I… (Nextdoor Paul A Diggs)
  • Hubbard Construction, Inc. posted a job opening for Loader Operator in Lakeland. Apply here.
  • Guest Services posted a job opening for Stock Room/Receiver - Florida Southern 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 really dig you!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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