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🌱 Patch AM: How a $1 Lakeland lottery ticket became a $2 million win

Be sure to catch Free Dog Training Class on the Lakeland Patch calendar

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Friday May 1st Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hi there, Lakeland! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • How a $1 Lakeland lottery ticket became a $2 million win
  • Lakeland’s longtime parade Santa arrested in major Polk child-protection sting
  • Lakeland man who played Santa among 19 arrested in Polk sting

Also on today's calendar: Free Dog Training Class and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: 4. What is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Partial sunshine, with a high of 91 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 88, low: 62.
  • Sunday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 82 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• $1 lottery ticket turns into $2 million jackpot for Florida man (cbs12.com) — A Polk County man’s $1 JACKPOT TRIPLE PLAY ticket bought at a Combee Road convenience store in Lakeland has turned into a $2 million prize, with a lump-sum payout of $1.2 million. The Florida Lottery notes the game has generated millions for education, and the next drawing is set for May 1 with a $1.3 million estimated jackpot.    

• Popular Florida Santa Claus arrested in undercover child sex sting, investigators say (dailymiaminews.com) — A longtime Lakeland resident known for portraying Santa at community events, including the Lakeland Christmas Parade, was arrested in a Polk County undercover child-protection sting, according to investigators. Authorities say the multi-agency operation targeted people seeking to exploit children and resulted in 19 arrests countywide, with charges that include human trafficking and using electronic devices to facilitate felonies.    

• Santa Claus performer among 19 arrested in Florida child sex sting (usatoday.com) — A 68-year-old Lakeland man is among 19 people arrested in a Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover sting targeting adults who allegedly sought sex with minors. Investigators say he worked as a professional Santa Claus and longtime preacher, and now faces multiple felony charges as the broader investigation continues.    

📸 Around Lakeland

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Church Guardian Training Course - Become compliant before July 1st
    Florida's new 'Worship Center Security' law goes into effect July 1st. Compliance is NOT automatic. Become compliant before the law takes effect. ... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • There is a Colleen Mike posting on here today with comments shut off.
    Yesterday it was Lydia Lopez. They are offering a job 3 days a week for 2 hours a day pay is 600.00 a week. I spoke with this SCAMMER yesterday. The… (Nextdoor Shepherd)
  • New to me little paint trailer !
    Will be primarily used to haul around drywall mud , paint , and other miscellaneous job materials so they don't get rained on in the back of my truck… (Nextdoor Leitha Way/Kent Rd)
  • Hubbard Construction, Inc. posted a job opening for Loader Operator in Lakeland. Apply here.
  • Asset Living posted a job opening for Porter in Lakeland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakeland here.

🗞 Nearby News

Auburndale

  • 28-year-old motorcyclist dies in crash on K-Ville Ave. in Winter Haven (theledger.com)

Mulberry

Bartow

  • Clutch hits from Knowlton, Hillman lifts Bartow to district title (theledger.com)
  • Ford Dealership Announces Winner of its 33rd Annual Drive for Excellence Event (businessdailynetwork.com)

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: The letter R (Thank you Brenda C. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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