Good morning Lakeland! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Dog Training Class and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Barefoot 8-Year-Old Found Crossing Highway Alone In Lakeland: Watch (patch.com) — An 8-year-old boy from Lakeland was found barefoot and alone late Saturday night as he tried to cross busy Kathleen Road near Mall Hill Drive to buy snacks. A Florida Highway Patrol trooper safely intervened, returned the child home, and now Lakeland police are investigating how he was able to leave unnoticed, raising concerns about child safety and supervision in the neighborhood.
2. Bicyclist Dies Days After Harden Boulevard Collision In Lakeland (tampafp.com) — A bicyclist has died from injuries suffered in a Friday morning crash on Harden Boulevard in Lakeland, where police say he crossed into the path of a northbound Ford Ranger. Lakeland Police, city fire crews, and Polk County Fire Rescue responded, and the Traffic Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate after closing the roadway for about two hours.
3. 'Slow them down': Parents push for changes near Lakeland elementary school (tampabay28.com) — Parents at Griffin Elementary in Lakeland are pressing Polk County officials to slow traffic on Kathleen Road, saying fast-moving cars and blocked crosswalks make daily drop-off and pickup feel dangerous. The county so far says data doesn't justify a reduced-speed school zone, but plans another on-site review next week while the school district signals support for any added safety improvements.
4. 22-year-old crashes truck while applying deodorant: FHP (wfla.com) — Morning drivers on a Lakeland stretch of State Road 570 were slowed after a 22-year-old Auburndale man crashed his GMC Sierra while trying to apply deodorant. Florida Highway Patrol says the truck hit the concrete median but a crash cushion likely prevented serious injuries, and no one was reported hurt as crews cleared debris from the roadway.
5. Governor DeSantis announces second annual 2nd Amendment sales tax holiday (alachuachronicle.com) — Lakeland residents will see direct benefits as Governor DeSantis breaks ground on a new Florida Archery Center at Tenoroc, expanding local shooting-sports options. At the same time, a statewide Second Amendment sales tax holiday through December 31 lets Floridians buy firearms, ammunition, and many hunting, fishing, and camping supplies tax-free, with officials estimating tens of millions in total savings.
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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: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
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