Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will your daily school commute trigger Lakeland’s new speed cameras?

Spotted on the Lakeland calendar: Just Laughs! First Friday Comedy

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Hey there, Lakeland! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will your daily school commute trigger Lakeland’s new speed cameras?
  • How a Publix parking dispute landed a retired officer in jail
  • Which 2026 Lakeland festivals should you lock into your calendar now?

Also on today's calendar: Just Laughs! First Friday Comedy and 2 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I got fired from the M&M factory. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Saturday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 77 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 78, low: 53.
  • Monday: Hazy sunshine, with a high of 80 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Lakeland to activate school zone speed cameras starting Monday (fox13news.com) — New school zone speed cameras will start ticketing Lakeland drivers in February, following a warning period through January, to slow traffic around local schools after multiple student deaths in Polk County. Cameras will monitor speeds only while school zone lights flash and target drivers going more than 10 mph over the limit near campuses like Lakeland High, Dixieland Elementary, and several others.
   

2. Retired Lakeland officer arrested for making threats over parking ticket at Publix: PCSO (wfla.com) — A retired former Lakeland Police officer was arrested after deputies say he threatened a 75-year-old volunteer parking officer at a Publix on County Road 540A in Lakeland. Investigators allege the confrontation escalated when he received a citation for parking in a fire lane, leading to charges including corruption by threat to a public servant.
   

3. The Must-Do Orlando Events and Festivals in 2026 (gottagoorlando.com) — Mark your calendar for two big 2026 happenings in Lakeland: the 29th Annual Lakeland Pigfest on January 23–24, supporting Lakeland-area charities, and the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo April 14–19. Both events promise major crowds, food, entertainment, and plenty of reasons to stay close to home instead of driving to Orlando.
   

4. SPCA Florida gives specialized care to kittens burned in a house fire (fox13news.com) — Two kittens badly burned in a New Year’s Eve house fire in Lakeland are receiving intensive treatment from SPCA Florida, including pain control, oxygen support, and cold laser therapy. Staff say a donated laser machine, secured after earlier collaboration with another rescue, is now helping Phoenix and Blaze through their most critical recovery days.
   

5. Mystery Lingers: Florida Agents Hunt For Answers In Vanishing Of Lakeland Air Force Vet (tampafp.com) — State investigators are renewing efforts to solve the disappearance of Lakeland Air Force veteran and Disney employee Brian Edward Klecha, missing since late 2017. FDLE agents say they suspect foul play and are again asking anyone in Polk, Orange, or Hillsborough counties with even small bits of information to come forward to help finally bring answers.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakeland

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Lakeland Shout Outs!

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🗓 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
    • Monday January 5
  • City Commission Meeting
    City of Auburndale City Hall , 1 Bobby Green Plaza , Auburndale
    7:00 pm
    • Thursday January 8
  • ALPI Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council
    ALPI Fort Pierce Admin Office , 2202 Avenue Q , Fort Pierce
    5:00 pm
    • Friday January 9
  • ENGAGE SERVES CLASS VI
    A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure Training Center , 1875 W. Main Street , Bartow
    8:00 am

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!
    , his name is Graham. He’s been missing since 12/23/2026. -540A - between GGHS and Dunkin’ Donuts. He is 5 years old, a tabby brown cat with a… (Nextdoor Groveglen East)
  • Need recommendations for a vet.
    The one I’ve been going to hasn’t been a great help for my dog. My dog is having allergies and skin issues, I’ve tried so many things. She’s… (Nextdoor Cleveland Heights)
  • Seminole Tribe of Florida posted a job opening for Activities Coordinator Aide in Lakeland. Apply here.
  • INTEGRO posted a job opening for Shipping 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 kept throwing out all the W’s.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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