🌱 Patch AM: Which Lakeland arts groups made this year’s Polk awards shortlist?

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

In today's newsletter:

• Which Lakeland arts groups made this year's Polk awards shortlist?
• Did you buy a Powerball ticket at this Lakeland Circle K?
• Which Lakeland games are on deck this week?

Also on today's calendar: Pours & Punchlines.

Today's riddle: What did the Buffalo say when his son left? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: A t-storm in the afternoon, with a high of 88 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Monday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 95, low: 75.
• Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 94 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Here are the nominees for the 2026 Polk Arts and Culture Awards (theledger.com) — Lakeland arts lovers will see familiar names among the 2026 Polk Arts & Culture Awards nominees, including Lakeland Choral Society and Lakeland Art Association leaders. The countywide list highlights local organizations, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists from Lakeland, Lake Wales, Mulberry, Winter Haven and more who are being recognized for strengthening Polk's creative community.
   

2. After Powerball winner in Illinois and Florida, results for Saturday, Aug. 22 (palmbeachpost.com) — A Circle K on Walt Williams Road in Lakeland sold a $1 million Powerball ticket for the August 8 drawing, and the winner has already claimed a lump-sum prize. The story also recaps Illinois' recent $1.04 billion jackpot and explains current Powerball rollover amounts, odds, and upcoming drawing dates for Florida players.
   

3. Florida upcoming events Aug 24 (lemonwire.com) — Lakeland fans have home games this week as the Flying Tigers host the Clearwater Threshers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. They're part of a statewide roundup of concerts, sports, and family events running August 24–30, giving you plenty of options for live entertainment within an easy drive of home.
   

4. Polk County clerk publishes list of unclaimed checks. Are you on it? (newschief.com) — Polk County residents, including those in Lakeland, may be owed part of $85,677 in unclaimed court-related funds listed by the Clerk of Court. With amounts up to $7,290, anyone who recognizes a name must file a written claim and proof of ownership by Sept. 1 using details on the clerk's website or by phone.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakeland

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Saturday September 5
• Pours & Punchlines →
  Pink Piano, 1015 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
  9:00 pm

📣 Lakeland Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday August 23
• Wedding Expo →
  Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, 361 Denton Ave, Auburndale
  11:00 am
Monday August 24
• Winter Haven Main_Teen Library Volunteers
  Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
  4:00 pm
• 2026 Bartow's Taste of Polk
  Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce 510 N Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
  5:00 pm
Tuesday August 25
• 2026 Chamber Monthly Meeting August
  Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce 510 N Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
  7:30 am
• Lakeland Main - Perennials That Pack a Punch
  Auburndale Public Library Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801
  10:00 am
• Mulberry -Bilingual Storytime
  Auburndale Public Library Mulberry Public Library, 905 NE 5th St, Mulberry, FL 33860, US
  10:00 am
• Winter Haven_(Virtual) Author Talk
  Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
  2:00 pm
• Mulberry_ Shadow Tracing
  Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
  4:15 pm
Wednesday August 26
• Mulberry_Swan City Improv Storytime
  Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
  10:00 am
• Fort Meade - Potluck Club - Adults
  Auburndale Public Library Fort Meade Public Library, 75 E Broadway St, Fort Meade, FL 338
  10:00 am
• Auburndale - Storytime
  Auburndale Public Library 100 W Bridgers Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823, USA
  10:30 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

• KITTEN IN MY CARE
  Well it's about 1:20am and it's feeding time for my poor little Gus. Yes I have given him a name, and what that means is, he is now officially family… (Nextdoor E Memorial Blvd)
• Can anyone help me?
  Have bird on ground in backyard, does anyone know who cares for injured birds? I believe its wing & it has parent or mate hanging around chirping. … (Nextdoor Cherry Hill)

• Publix Super Markets posted a job opening for Hourly Support 3 - Payroll Clerk, Bakery - Lakeland in Lakeland. Apply here.
• Florida Polytechnic University posted a job opening for Adjunct Faculty – Business, Economics, and Logistics & Supply Chain Management 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: Bison! (Thank you Judy M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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