Hi Lakeland! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Jake Klark: A Crowd Work Joint!.
Today's riddle: Why did the chicken go to the gym? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Southeastern University's Record Growth Bucks Private College Enrollment Trends (lkldnow.com) — Southeastern University in Lakeland is reporting record enrollment and expanding programs that directly affect local jobs, from nursing designed with Lakeland Regional Health to aviation training at Lakeland Linder International Airport. The school now employs more than 1,000 people locally, is opening new downtown spaces, and continues to grow its conservative Christian identity while navigating long-term financial challenges and broadening its regional footprint.
2. Senior Fest Brings Together Community Resources for the Elderly (lkldnow.com) — Local seniors and their families can connect with dozens of service providers at Senior Fest 2026, coming to First Presbyterian Church on Lake Hollingsworth Drive next Wednesday. The free event will gather 63 exhibitors offering information on health care, Medicare, Social Security, veterans' resources, and other support programs important to Lakeland's older residents.
3. Guatemalan woman in U.S. illegally arrested after backing into Polk deputy's patrol vehicle: PCSO (fox13news.com) — A pre-dawn traffic stop at Wabash Avenue and Dille Street in Lakeland led to the arrest of a 46-year-old Guatemalan woman after her car rolled backward into a Polk County deputy's cruiser. Deputies say she lacked a valid driver's license and is in the U.S. illegally, and federal immigration authorities have requested a detainer while her case moves forward.
4. FBGA Meeting, Trade Show Scheduled for Oct. 15 (specialtycropgrower.com) — Blueberry growers and ag professionals will be gathering in Lakeland on Thursday, Oct. 15, for the Florida Blueberry Growers Association's Fall Meeting and Trade Show at Bonnet Springs Park Event Center. Attendees can hear updates on the 2026 crop, pest and disease management, freeze recovery pruning, federal program changes, and even how Florida strawberry growers recently scored a key trade ruling victory.
5. Lakeland Woman Arrested After Deputy Finds Meth On Her ID Card (tampafp.com) — A Lakeland woman faces trafficking and paraphernalia charges after a Polk County deputy reportedly found meth residue on her ID card during a traffic stop. Deputies say further search uncovered more than 15 grams of meth in her purse before she was booked into the Sheriff's Processing Center on felony and misdemeanor counts.
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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 was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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