Hi there, Lakeland! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Lakeland Camellia Society Monthly Meeting and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What happened to the pregnant cat that ate yarn? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Southeastern University's record growth bucks private college enrollment trends (wusf.org) — Southeastern University, founded and still based in Lakeland, has hit record enrollment and now ranks among the city's largest employers, with over 1,000 local jobs. The story details new degree programs tied to Lakeland Regional Health and Lakeland Linder airport, recent campus expansions downtown, and how the conservative Christian school balances rapid growth with its faith-driven identity.
2. Lakeland tied with 2 other cities for 22nd in Florida for July scam reports (polktimes.com) — Lakeland logged 11 scam reports with the Better Business Bureau in July, ranking 22nd among 237 Florida cities and showing a slight decline from June. Most local reports involved online purchases, with losses topping $500, underscoring why residents should double-check unfamiliar sellers and consider using BBB Scam Tracker before sending money.
3. Woman dies, child injured in fiery I-4 crash in Orange County (orlando-news.com) — A 44-year-old Lakeland woman died Sunday morning after her Honda Accord crashed and caught fire along I-4 near Daryl Carter Parkway in Orange County, seriously injuring a 9-year-old passenger. Florida Highway Patrol says she may have suffered a medical episode after an earlier minor collision, and investigators noted she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.
4. Florida homebuyers explore emerging housing destinations (latination.com) — Lakeland is emerging as one of Florida's hottest new-construction markets, drawing more than 83% of home views from out-of-area buyers and keeping median prices far below Miami. Local infrastructure investments and builder incentives are helping attract families seeking affordability, space, and a quieter lifestyle, which could mean more growth, traffic, and development pressure for current Lakeland residents.
5. ATHLETES OF THE WEEK: Venice's Irving-Jones, North Port's Taylor (yoursun.com) — Venice High's Dorien Irving-Jones just helped his team win a double-overtime thriller played in Lakeland, rushing for 134 yards and three touchdowns to keep Venice undefeated. The feature also spotlights North Port runner Megan Taylor's strong early-season finishes, underscoring how local high school athletes are shining across regional competitions.
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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: She had mittens! (Thank you April M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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