Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Victim In Fiery McLaren Crash With Auto Influencer ID'd As FL Hooters Calendar Girl

Make time for Free Dog Training Class on the Lakeland Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
Wednesday September 16th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Greetings Lakeland! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Lakeland model killed after flying to California for car influencer meetup
  • How much is Lakeland really investing in public art and health?
  • Where Lakeland women entrepreneurs can meet, market, and get free workwear

Also on today's calendar: Free Dog Training Class and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: A gusty t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 91, low: 72.
  • Friday: Humid with a t-storm or two, with a high of 91 and low of 72 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Victim In Fiery McLaren Crash With Auto Influencer ID'd As FL Hooters Calendar Girl (patch.com) — Lakeland residents are mourning 22-year-old Alexis "Lexi" Kramer, a Hooters calendar model from the city who was identified as one of two people killed in a fiery McLaren crash in Irvine, California. Family members say she flew from Lakeland to meet auto influencer James Wehr after connecting on social media, and describe her as a devoted car enthusiast whose passion tragically intersected with the crash.
   

2. Community Leaders Come Together to Champion 'Arts as Infrastructure' (lkldnow.com) — Lakeland leaders and arts advocates recently gathered to argue that public art is essential infrastructure for the city's health and quality of life, not just decoration. From Lemon Street sculptures and playground art to a $375,000 Mayor's Council on the Arts budget and the Outdoor Sculpture Competition, they highlighted how local investments in creativity support community connection, wellness, and economic vitality.
   

3. Polk County Women Mean Business Builds a Community Around Women Entrepreneurs (lkldnow.com) — Women entrepreneurs in Lakeland and Polk County now have a growing support hub in Polk County Women Mean Business, which holds regular meetings and an Indoor Market at COhatch Lakeland. With a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce on September 17, plus free Confidence Closet clothing events and ongoing networking and "business group therapy" sessions, locals can plug into a robust women-focused business community.
   

4. Bicycle Ride Leads To Warrant Arrest, New Burglary Charges For Lakeland Man (tampafp.com) — A Lakeland man was arrested during a Monday patrol near Longfellow Boulevard after a deputy recognized him as wanted on a Polk County warrant. While in custody, he was also linked to a separate porch theft at a Lakeland home and now faces additional burglary and grand theft charges.
   

5. Venezuelan-born Detroit Tigers pitching coach mentors Latino players through baseball and beyond (tampabay28.com) — Detroit Tigers pitching coordinator Jorge Cordova has put down roots in Lakeland, where he and his family enjoy the quiet town and proximity to beaches and theme parks. From that home base, the Venezuelan-born coach mentors young Latino pitchers, helping them navigate language, culture, and the pressures of professional baseball.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakeland

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📣 Lakeland Shout Outs!

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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:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Graham did a great job fixing my computer !
    It's working great as ever! If you need any computers, or any house hold thing fixed or repaired I highly recommend him! (Nextdoor Parker Street)
  • Good morning.
    Any recommendations for someone who works with sprinklers? Thank you. (Nextdoor Hallam Preserve)
  • O'Reilly Automotive posted a job opening for Distribution Center Custodian in Lakeland. Apply here.
  • LongHorn Steakhouse posted a job opening for Dishwasher 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: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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