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🌱 Patch AM: How a Bradenton fraud case led back to an arrest in Lakeland

And check out Free Dog Training Class on the Lakeland Patch calendar

Wednesday April 15th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hey hey Lakeland! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • How a Bradenton fraud case led back to an arrest in Lakeland
  • Could your Polk County roof repair end in a foreclosure threat?
  • How Lakeland Christian’s young lacrosse squad just made school history

Also on today's calendar: Free Dog Training Class and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: Why are banana jokes so funny 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 87 and low of 59 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Sunny to partly cloudy, temps: high: 87, low: 61.
  • Friday: Warm with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 91 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Bradenton identity theft case tied to fraud in multiple cities, police say (bradenton.com) — A woman linked to multiple identity-theft cases across Florida was previously arrested in Lakeland and now faces several felony charges tied to a Bradenton loan scheme. Polk County deputies recently took her into custody again, and she remains jailed while cases in Manatee and Lake counties move forward, highlighting how regional fraud investigations can circle back to Lakeland.    

2. As State Accuses Roofer of Deception, Polk Homeowners With Liens Face Difficult Decisions (lkldnow.com) — Lakeland and other Polk County homeowners are facing liens and potential foreclosure after disputes with Florida Roof Specialists, even as the state attorney general accuses the company of deceptive practices. Some Lakeland residents have beaten liens in court or negotiated settlements, but many are still weighing costly legal fights while a statewide lawsuit slowly moves forward.    

3. Lakeland Christian girls lacrosse wins semis; 3 takeaways on the game (theledger.com) — Lakeland Christian’s girls lacrosse team just made school history, advancing past Wesley Chapel to reach the district championship and hosting the title game at home Thursday at 7 p.m. The young Vikings squad, led by standout scorer Kendall Reber, leaned on clutch fourth-quarter goals and strong leadership to edge a determined Wesley Chapel team and extend their breakout season.    

4. Polk State appoints Judd, Stargell to presidential search committee (theledger.com) — Polk State College has formed an 11-member committee to search for its next president, including community member Kelli Stargel of Lakeland and interim president Anne Kerr, formerly of Florida Southern College in Lakeland. The committee will review applications through May, then hold interviews and public forums with finalists in early June before recommending a new leader.    

5. New WWE Name Of Tiffany Stratton's Boyfriend Revealed (wwfoldschool.com) — A rising WWE prospect recently wrestled at an NXT house show in Lakeland, adding our city to his early career stops as he prepares for a likely TV debut. The 28-year-old judo Olympian, now competing as Shido Ash, is building momentum on Florida’s local circuit while his relationship with WWE star Tiffany Stratton keeps him in the spotlight.    


📸 Around Lakeland

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakeland

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Featured events

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Other local events

📣 Lakeland Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Wednesday April 15
  • Homeschool Hour Art Show
    Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
    10:00 am
  • Hong Kong Mahjong at the Library
    Lake Alfred, FL Calendar , 245 N Seminole Avenue , Lake Alfred
    1:30 pm
  • Seniors on the Move
    Bartow, FL Calendar Bartow, FL 33830
    2:00 pm
  • 2026-24: Quote Opening City Hall Renovation
    Lake Alfred, FL Calendar , 485 W Haines Blvd. , Lake Alfred
    2:00 pm
  • Full STEAM Ahead
    Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
    4:30 pm
  • Veterans Appreciation Event-FREE APPETIZER!
    Keel Farms , 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. , Plant City
    6:00 pm
  • Thursday April 16
  • Plant City Toastmasters
    Wesley Centre , 202 W. Reynolds St. , Plant City
    7:30 am
  • 2026 Professional Growth Class: April
    A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure , 1875 W Main St. , Bartow
    8:00 am
  • Entrepreneur/Small Business Consulting Services
    Plant City Chamber of Commerce , 2504 Walden Woods Drive , Plant City
    9:00 am
  • Book Babies
    Bartow, FL Calendar , 2150 S Broadway Ave. , Bartow
    10:00 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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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • welcome our newest crew member Horton's !!
    We are very blessed with another beautiful daughter!!! (Nextdoor Cherry Lane Estates)
  • All dogs have been reunited with the owner!
    MISSING off forest Brook Dr Lakeland male puppy was reunited with owner but a female puppy is missing. She is wearing a collar with the phone number… (Nextdoor Forest)
  • Hubbard Construction, Inc. posted a job opening for Loader Operator in Lakeland. Apply here.
  • Miller's Ale House Restaurant & Sports Bar posted a job opening for Expeditor 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: They have A peal (Thank you Michael C. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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