Cheers Lakeland! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Fine Art at the Magnolia .
Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. How has Avelo Airlines fared in Lakeland? What routes might be next? (theledger.com) — Lakeland travelers are flocking to Avelo Airlines at Lakeland Linder International Airport, with passenger counts nearly quadrupling from 2024 to 2025 and more than 393,000 passengers moved overall. Airport leaders are now pushing for more frequent Atlanta flights, year-round Detroit service, and new routes to popular vacation spots like the Great Smoky Mountains.
2. Lakeland officials clear way for warehouse near Green Swamp area (theledger.com) — Lakeland commissioners have approved annexation and industrial zoning for a speculative 45,000-square-foot warehouse near Old Polk City Road, right by the environmentally sensitive Green Swamp area. The move, coming after a moratorium on data centers, raises questions about future industrial uses, water demand, runoff, and how strictly the city will enforce protections around critical lands and utilities.
3. Live Korean War-Era Hand Grenade Brought To FL Police Station (patch.com) — A resident unknowingly carried a live Korean War-era hand grenade into the Lakeland Police Department on Massachusetts Avenue, forcing a brief station closure and road detours. Tampa's bomb squad safely removed the device, and Lakeland police are now urging residents to call authorities immediately rather than move any suspicious items themselves.
4. Ruth Silver Haigler (thedigitalcourier.com) — Lakeland is remembering longtime resident Ruth Silver Haigler, a trailblazer at Watkins Motor Lines who became the company's highest-ranking female department head. Known for her church service, competitive bowling, and devotion to family, she passed away at 95 and will be honored at a graveside service on August 21 in Gainesville, Georgia.
5. Mega Millions, Powerball winners in Florida: $1M to $803 million in a month (palmbeachpost.com) — Lakeland had a lucky streak this month, with a $6 million Florida Lotto jackpot and a separate $1 million Powerball prize both sold at local gas stations. The story recaps where the winning tickets were bought, when they were claimed, and how Florida's rules work for jackpot deadlines and short-term winner anonymity, alongside other huge statewide wins.
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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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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