🌱 Patch AM: Why Lakeland’s board rejected Talbot House’s homeless campus move

Hey hey Lakeland! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Why Lakeland’s board rejected Talbot House’s homeless campus move
• Why Orlando parents are raving about Lakeland’s Bonnet Springs Park

Today's riddle: What did the baby light bulb say to its mom? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Monday: Hazy sunshine, with a high of 80 and low of 53 degrees.
• Tuesday: Sunny to partly cloudy, temps: high: 82, low: 55.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 81 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Planning board blocks Talbot House plan to relocate (baynews9.com) — Lakeland’s Planning and Zoning Board has rejected Talbot House Ministries’ plan to relocate a large homeless services and housing campus to Memorial Boulevard after months of neighborhood opposition. Nearby residents raised concerns about school proximity and community impact, while the group’s attorney argues the denial may violate federal Fair Housing laws. Talbot House now has 30 days to appeal to the Lakeland City Commission.
   

• 100 Free Things to Do in Orlando with Kids (mommypoppins.com) — Lakeland families get a nice shout-out here: Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland is highlighted as a free, all-ages day-trip gem alongside Orlando’s best no-cost kid activities. The guide rounds up parks, museums, festivals, and programs across Central Florida, with tips on free passes, splash pads, and family events that can help you plan budget-friendly outings all year long.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

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📣 Lakeland Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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
• Seniors on the Move
  Bartow, FL Calendar Bartow, FL 33830
  2:00 pm
• Community Free Food Pantry
  The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce , 402 West English St. , Plant City
  6:00 pm
• Yarn Over Broadway
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  6:00 pm
• City Commission Meeting
  City of Auburndale City Hall , 1 Bobby Green Plaza , Auburndale
  7:00 pm

Tuesday January 6

• Connect & Grow (Leads Group)
  Plant City Chamber Office , 2504 Walden Woods Dr. , Plant City
  8:00 am
• Get Moving!
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  9:30 am
• Blood Drive - 155 E. Pomelo Street
  Lake Alfred, FL Calendar , 155 E. Pomelo Street , Lake Alfred
  10:00 am
• Intro to Tablets
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  3:00 pm
• Afternoon Craft at the Library [ ages 5+]
  Lake Alfred, FL Calendar Lake Alfred, FL 33850
  4:00 pm
• Creative Writing for Teens
  Lake Alfred, FL Calendar , 245 N Seminole Avenue , Lake Alfred
  5:00 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

• Hello so I posted a few times on here this is just for my ladies.
  Make sure if you pick something up from a man and something don’t feel right you have someone else go with you. I got a couch and I had help. He made… (Nextdoor Dossey Road)
• Found a dog on Lakeland hill blvd today.
  No chip and no name on collar. I posted to some Facebook pages. (Nextdoor Villages At Bridgewater)

• Walmart posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Lakeland. Apply here.
• Tractor Supply Company posted a job opening for Team Member in Lakeland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakeland here.

🗞 Nearby News

Winter Haven

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 love you watts and watts!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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