Hello again Lakeland! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Pours & Punchlines.
Today's riddle: What gets bigger the more you take away? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Polk school district begins setting standards for use of AI (newschief.com) — Polk County Public Schools, which serves Lakeland, is rolling out a three-year SPARK program to guide how teachers, staff, and eventually all students use artificial intelligence. With free support from the University of Florida and Impact Florida, the district is standardizing tools like Microsoft Copilot so classrooms can use AI securely and consistently.
2. Nonprofit installs wheelchair lift on truck for 13-year-old Kailebe (wftv.com) — In Lakeland, a 13-year-old boy named Kailebe just gained far easier access to school, medical appointments, and local outings thanks to a new wheelchair lift installed on his family's truck. The modification, provided free by Wheelchairs 4 Kids and a charitable foundation, helps his family safely transport his chair as he manages Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy and stays active in research and community life.
3. Major Lakeland-based logistics company is laying off 178 at warehouse (newschief.com) — Lakeland-based Saddle Creek Logistics is cutting 178 jobs at its Plant City warehouse on Oct. 15, with most losses hitting forklift operators. Company officials say the client will self-operate the distribution center and that affected workers can apply for new roles on-site, a shift that could ripple through many Lakeland-area households.
4. Lakeland woman reaches 106th birthday with attitude of 'Why not?' (theledger.com) — A longtime Westminster Lakeland resident just celebrated turning 106, sharing stories that stretch from Model T road trips to Polk Senior Games and pandemic driveway gatherings. Surrounded by neighbors, family, and even Sheriff Grady Judd, she credits a lifelong "why not?" attitude for staying active, politically engaged, and deeply involved in her Lakeland community.
5. Lkld Lore: The Parrot Has Been Home to Lakeland's LGBTQ+ Community Since 1969 (lkldnow.com) — Lakeland's longtime LGBTQ+ bar The Parrot on East Main Street remains a packed, high-energy home for drag, karaoke, and community more than 50 years after opening. Performers and staff describe it as a historic safe haven that's weathered changing laws and attitudes while continuing to launch drag careers and give locals a place to feel fully themselves.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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: A hole (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Lakeland Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.