Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: See what’s inside Lakeland’s new ER before it officially opens.
You won't want to miss STEM Challenge on the Lakeland Patch calendar

Good morning Lakeland! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- See what's inside Lakeland's new ER before it officially opens.
- Meet the Lakeland attorney shaping elder care for local seniors.
- How healthy are Lakeland's famous Lake Morton swans this year?
Also on today's calendar: Lakeland Camellia Society Monthly Meeting and 9 more events.
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Linda M.!
Today's riddle: What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Sunday: Humid; a p.m. t-storm or two, with a high of 85 and low of 68 degrees.
- Monday: Periods of sun; less humid, temps: high: 89, low: 66. 🌶 Hot!
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 88 and low of 66 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Orlando Health ER North Lakeland Community Preview (lakelandgazette.info) — Lakeland residents are invited to preview the new Orlando Health Emergency Room – North Lakeland at Lakeland Park Center on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon. You can tour the facility, meet the ER team, and enjoy kid-friendly activities like touch-a-truck, face painting, bracelet making, and stuffed animal "checkups," all free and geared toward local families.
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2. How a Family Diagnosis Inspired This Fast-Rising Florida Elder Law Leader (newsbreak.com) — A Lakeland-based elder law attorney, Kevin Albaum, leads the elder law department at a local firm and helps guide VISTE, which serves at-risk seniors across the greater Lakeland area. His family's experience with early-onset Alzheimer's shaped his career, and he now balances intense client needs with community leadership, family life, and stress-relieving hobbies around town.
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3. Florida crews round up 59 swans in annual health checkup, and children get a rare chance to hold one (thecooldown.com) — Lakeland's beloved swan roundup at Lake Morton just marked its 46th year, with city crews gathering 59 swans for health checks and vaccinations. Despite rainy weather, residents and children turned out to see and even hold the birds, reinforcing the swans' special place in Lakeland's identity and showcasing how city staff carefully manage this unique urban flock.
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4. ALAN activates for first Atlantic hurricane of 2026 (thetrucker.com) — Based in Lakeland, the American Logistics Aid Network is mobilizing as Hurricane Isaias strengthens, urging Gulf Coast businesses to follow local warnings and logistics professionals to be ready to support relief efforts. The group, with a long history of hurricane response, is preparing to coordinate donated transportation, warehousing, and equipment while cautioning against sending unsolicited supplies into disaster zones.
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📸 Around Lakeland
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakeland
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- STEM Challenge →
Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
10:30 am
Monday October 12
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Story Sprouts →
Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
10:30 am - Mini Masterpieces →
Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
11:30 am - Sensational Senses →
Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
1:30 pm - Film: Frankenstein →
Polk Theatre, Lakeland
6:30 pm - Better Breathers Club →
Lakeland Regional Health Kathleen Campus, 2400 Kathleen Road, Lakeland
10:00 am - Story Sprouts →
Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
10:30 am - STEM Challenge →
Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
10:30 am - Lakeland Camellia Society Monthly Meeting →
2120 Sylvester Rd, Lakeland
6:45 pm - AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) →
Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland
6:00 pm - Rant Rounds! (Stand Up On The Spot) →
The Stage Room, 310 E Lemon St, Lakeland
9:00 pm - Broadway Rave →
Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
8:00 pm
Monday October 12
Tuesday October 13
Thursday October 15
Friday October 16
Saturday October 24
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Lakeland PatchAM possible:
- Lakeland Comedy LLC. — 8633475276
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 neighbors,
Looking for a recommendation to complete a Lady Bird deed. Law groups are wanting $375-$500. I have completed form, just need it notarized. Thanks (Nextdoor Sandpiper) - Does anyone know a good service to clear out an overgrown fence line?
I have shrubs, ferns, and tall grass that have made it dangerous to turn and pull out of my driveway. If you or someone you know can help, please… (Nextdoor Winston/ Galloway)
- Dollar General posted a job opening for ASST STORE MGR in LAKELAND FL S16560 in Lakeland. Apply here.
- Amazon.com, Inc. posted a job opening for Area Maintenance Manager 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: "What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath?" — A dirty double crosser ! (Thank you Theresia F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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