Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What does Lakeland’s new $872 million city budget actually fund?

Make time for Amateur Cornhole Tournament with $1k cash prize pool on the Lakeland Patch calendar

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Sunday September 27th Patch AM
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Good morning Lakeland! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What does Lakeland's new $872 million city budget actually fund?
  • Lakeland bicyclist accused of swiping speaker from neighbor's driveway trailer
  • Lakeland community remembers the life of Catherine Elizabeth Verbeten

Also on today's calendar: Amateur Cornhole Tournament with $1k cash prize pool and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What are the two favorite words for a shark to hear? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 85 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Monday: Sunny to partly cloudy, temps: high: 88, low: 68. 🌶 Hot!
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 88 and low of 69 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Lakeland City Commission unanimously approved an $872.4 million budget (lakelandgazette.info) — Lakeland's City Commission has approved an $872.4 million budget for Fiscal 2027, keeping the property tax rate flat while increasing overall spending 7%. Expect continued investment in utilities, police, fire, parks, and major infrastructure, plus airport and streetscape projects, though a proposed Holloway Park pickleball complex was cut. These choices shape your services, bills, and neighborhood improvements for the coming year.
   

• Lakeland Man On Bicycle Caught With Stolen Speaker From Driveway Trailer, Polk Deputies Say (tampafp.com) — A Lakeland homeowner spotted a man bicycling away with a speaker taken from an enclosed trailer in his driveway, leading deputies to arrest 52-year-old Christopher Albert Pryor near Shepherd Road. Polk County Sheriff's officials say Pryor, who has multiple prior theft charges, now faces third-degree felony burglary and felony petit theft counts.
   

• Catherine Verbeten (thebaynet.com) — Lakeland is mourning Catherine Elizabeth Verbeten, 69, who passed away here on September 13. Remembered for her faith, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, she devoted herself to family, church, children's activities, and crafting, and even supported a Maryland homeless shelter with homemade meals. Her large family, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, will honor her privately and continue her traditions.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This may be a long shot but my daughter attended LGMS , today at school a child in her class expressed to the class that they are in need of food at home !
    I am hoping that his mother or father see this and reaches out to me and myself and my family would like to help ,please if you see this private… (Nextdoor Villages At Bridgewater)
  • Wanted
    Reliable Mobile Mechanic / Automotive Technician (Will Pay Cash) I am looking for an experienced, honest mobile mechanic to come to my location [… (Nextdoor Imperial Blvd)
  • RaceTrac posted a job opening for Store Associate - (RT671) in Lakeland. Apply here.
  • LongHorn Steakhouse posted a job opening for Bartender in Lakeland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakeland here.

🗞 Nearby News

Auburndale

  • Two Winter Haven Residents Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash on K-Ville Avenue in Auburndale — Winter Haven News (dailyridge.com)
  • Cheapest midgrade gas in Polk County at $4.29 per gallon in week ending Sept. 19 (polktimes.com)

Polk City

  • Polk State Athletics media team brings home five national recognitions (polk.edu)
  • Repeat DUI offender admits he was drinking rum while driving & just snorted coke: sheriff (news3lv.com)
  • Modified Watering Hours to Remain in Effect Through March 2027 (lakelandgazette.info)

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: "MAN OVERBOARD!" (Thank you M J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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