🌱 Why Florida’s commerce chief is warning Fort Meade about its data center

Cheers Fort Meade! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Why Florida’s commerce chief is warning Fort Meade about its data center

Also on today's calendar: Bra Fitting Munch & Learn.

Today's riddle: How do you measure a fish? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, with a high of 80 and low of 59 degrees.
• Thursday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, temps: high: 82, low: 60.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 86 and low of 63 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

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📰 News we're reading

• Florida's commerce secretary comes out against a proposed AI data center (wfsu.org) — Fort Meade’s unanimously approved AI data center plan is drawing sharp criticism from Florida’s commerce secretary, who warns it could strain Central Florida’s water, energy, and infrastructure. State and water district letters question the project’s estimated water use and demand more transparency before key permits are granted, putting new pressure on city leaders after resident protests.
   

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📸 Around Fort Meade

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

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Meade

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Thursday April 30

• College Enrollment Workshop — Be U!
  Fort Meade Middle-Senior High School, 700 Edgewood Dr N, Fort Meade
  5:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

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Other local events

Saturday May 2

• Bra Fitting Munch & Learn
  ReNova by Design , 107 W Broadway St Suite A , Fort Meade
  3:00 pm

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📣 Fort Meade Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday April 22

• Seniors on the Move
  Bartow, FL Calendar Bartow, FL 33830
  2:00 pm
• Lego Club
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  4:30 pm
• Bartow Yellow Jackets vs Hardee Wildcats
  Bartow High School , 1270 S Broadway Ave , Bartow
  7:30 pm

Thursday April 23

• Book Babies
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  10:00 am
• Songs & Stories
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  11:00 am

Friday April 24

• Get Moving! Chair Yoga
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  9:30 am
• The 2026 Turmans Landscaping Annual Golf Scramble & Taste of the Ch
  Lake Wales Country Club , 2925 FL-60 , Lake Wales
  11:30 am

Saturday April 25

• Pokémon Club
  Bartow Public Library , 2150 S Broadway Ave , Bartow
  11:00 am
• Teen Anime Club
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
  1:00 pm

Monday April 27

• Country Connections Line Dancers
  Bartow, FL Calendar , 2250 S. Floral Ave. , Bartow
  9:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Fence Installer Needed – Fort Meade
  Partial fencing. Field fence + metal posts. Send labor price or contact me. (Nextdoor Brooke Road Fort Meade)

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🗞 Nearby News

Bartow

• Lake Wales teen dies after vehicle flips on I-4 in Orange County (theledger.com)
• 8 Incredible Things To Do In Florida That Even Lifelong Residents Haven't Discovered Yet (familydestinationsguide.com)
• Polk County Fire Rescue Honors Retired Deputy with First Ever Community Hero Award — Polk County (dailyridge.com)

Mulberry

• New developments coming to Lakeland's healthcare scene (6amcity.com)

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Ok Fort Meade! 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: By inches because they have no feet. (Thank you Gypsy S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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