🌱 Patch AM: Can your tip help solve Lakeland’s 2021 gas-station homicide?

Coffee in hand, Lakeland? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

• Can your tip help solve Lakeland’s 2021 gas-station homicide?
• Why Lakeland is a standout Florida town for budget‑smart retirees

Also on today's calendar: Better Together Community Job Fair.

Today's riddle: Why is the mushroom always invited to the party? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

• Monday: A thick cloud cover, with a high of 82 and low of 62 degrees.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny and delightful, temps: high: 87, low: 67. 🌶 Hot!
• Wednesday: Warm with clouds and sun, with a high of 93 and low of 66 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

• Information sought in connection with 2021 cold case murder in Lakeland (wfla.com) — Lakeland police are asking for tips to solve a 2021 gas-station homicide, offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to two suspects. A 34-year-old man was shot while fleeing armed attackers at the Mobil on West Memorial Boulevard and later died at Lakeland Regional Hospital. Residents can share information anonymously through Heartland Crime Stoppers.    

• Retire Like Royalty On Social Security Alone In These 10 Overlooked Florida Towns (familydestinationsguide.com) — Lakeland is spotlighted as a budget‑friendly Central Florida retirement option, offering small‑city charm, historic downtown streets, and easy access to lakes, healthcare, and shopping between Tampa and Orlando. The piece compares Lakeland with nine other affordable Florida towns, emphasizing where Social Security checks stretch further without sacrificing community life, culture, or warm weather.    

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📸 Around Lakeland

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 Lakeland

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Tuesday May 12

• Better Together Community Job Fair →
  Zion Hill Primitive Baptist Church, 1348 Sidney Ave, Lakeland
  10:00 am

Saturday May 23

• Run for their Lives 2026 | SPCA Florida →
  3700 Cleveland Heights Boulevard, Lakeland, FL 33803, USA
  9:00 am

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📣 Lakeland Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Monday May 4

• Honeybee Storytime at the Library [Ages 0-4] →
  Lake Alfred, FL Calendar, 245 N Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred
  10:30 am
• Yarn Over Broadway →
  Bartow, FL Calendar, 2150 S Broadway Ave., Bartow
  6:00 pm
• Community Free Food Pantry
  The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce 402 West English St. Plant City, FL 33563
  6:00 pm
• City Commission Meeting →
  City of Auburndale City Hall, 1 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale
  7:00 pm

Tuesday May 5

• Connect & Grow (Leads Group)
  The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Plant City Chamber Office 2504 Walden Woods Dr. Plant City, Florida 33566
  8:00 am
• Get Moving! →
  Bartow, FL Calendar, 2150 S Broadway Ave., Bartow
  9:30 am
• Afternoon Craft at the Library [ ages 5+] →
  Lake Alfred, FL Calendar Lake Alfred, FL 33850
  4:00 pm
• Intermediate Canva →
  Bartow, FL Calendar, 2150 S Broadway Ave., Bartow
  4:00 pm
• Creative Writing for Teens →
  Lake Alfred, FL Calendar, 245 N Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred
  5:00 pm

Wednesday May 6

• Hong Kong Mahjong at the Library →
  Lake Alfred, FL Calendar, 245 N Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred
  1:30 pm

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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🪧 Patch Classifieds

• Church Guardian Training Course - Get compliant before July 1st
  Florida's new 'Worship Center Security' law goes into effect July 1st.  Become compliant before the law takes effect. Contact In-Gauge - Florida... (More info)

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• ❗️❤️NEED HELP❤️❗️
  ******UPDATE****** Thank you so much to the amazing neighbors of copper ridge for your support at finding this loving boys home. I took him to the… (Nextdoor Copper Ridge)
• Are you missing this beautiful boy?
  He’s an older outside cat, Siamese markings, white paws, blue eyes and a green collar with no tags. Think he is from Braemar Ave. or Forest Hills Dr… (Nextdoor Braemar Ave)

• Burlington Coat Factory posted a job opening for Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in Lakeland. Apply here.
• O'Reilly Auto Parts posted a job opening for DC Materials Handler - Outbound in Lakeland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakeland here.

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🗞 Nearby News

Auburndale

• Lakeland, Victory boys, George Jenkins girls win region track titles (theledger.com)

Mulberry

• Why your mom deserves 'the Rolex of sleep masks' for Mother's Day (theledger.com)
• Man from Mexico Arrested for Assault in Central Florida (westorlandonews.com)

Bartow

• ‘The Devil Wears Prada' struts to first place with $77 million debut (midfloridanewspapers.com)
• Arrests in Brevard County: May 2, 2026 – Suspects Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty (thespacecoastrocket.com)

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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: He is a fungi (Thank you Liz N. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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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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