🌱 Patch AM: How big will Lakeland’s Rainbow Roots Festival be this year?

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. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How big will Lakeland's Rainbow Roots Festival be this year?
• Minor Lakeland pedestrian stop turns into violent struggle and arrest
• How a hard-throwing prospect is impressing with Single-A Lakeland

Also on today's calendar: Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market: Vol 13 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call advice from a cow ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Monday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 90 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Tuesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 90, low: 72.
• Wednesday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 89 and low of 73 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Second Rainbow Roots Festival scheduled for Oct. 4 in Lakeland (theledger.com) — Lakeland residents can look forward to the free, family-friendly Rainbow Roots Festival at Lake Mirror Auditorium on Oct. 4, celebrating LGBTQ+ history, arts, and local stories. Alongside performances and vendors, you'll see rare AIDS Memorial Quilt panels and can support the Little Free Pantry by bringing donations, with a chance to win local artwork.
   

• Simple Pedestrian Violation Turned Violent for Deputy in Central Florida (westorlandonews.com) — A Polk County deputy's stop for a minor pedestrian violation on Maine Avenue in Lakeland escalated when the man gave false information, ran, and fought the officer. After a brief chase and struggle, the deputy used a Taser to arrest 44-year-old Antwan Davis, who authorities say had outstanding warrants and a lengthy criminal history.
   

• This Tigers' 2025 Draft pick is looking to be the next juco player to make The Show (mlb.com) — A rising Detroit Tigers pitching prospect spent much of this season with Single-A Lakeland, rebounding from an early injury to dominate Florida State League hitters. His strong outings in Lakeland, including a standout August start, helped earn him a late-season promotion and highlight the development work happening right here in the local minor-league system.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakeland

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Tuesday September 22
• STEM Challenge →
  Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
  10:30 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Tuesday September 22
• Story Sprouts →
  Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
  10:30 am
• Mini Masterpieces →
  Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
  11:30 am
• Sensational Senses →
  Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
  1:30 pm
• Lake Region at Tenoroc →
  Tenoroc High School, 4905 Saddle Creek Rd, Lakeland
  7:30 pm
Wednesday September 23
• 1 Million Cups →
  The Well, 114 E. Parker St., Lakeland
  9:30 am
• Story Sprouts →
  Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
  10:30 am
• STEM Challenge →
  Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
  10:30 am
• Mini Masterpieces →
  Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
  11:30 am
• Sensational Senses →
  Florida Children's Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
  1:30 pm
Sunday September 27
• Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market: Vol 13 →
  Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland
  12:00 pm
Friday October 9
• 11th Annual Puttin On The Pink Breast Cancer Fundraiser →
  Winter Haven Moose Lodge, 2305 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven
  5:30 pm

📣 Lakeland Shout Outs!

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.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Lakeland PatchAM possible:

• Lakeland Comedy LLC. — 8633475276

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Looking for a handyman that can replace or repair the cutoff water valve located behind refrigerator.
  The valve is on the ice maker water line. If possible I need it done by tomorrow. Thanks (Nextdoor Christina Oaks)
• Looking for a #cleaning company that can come and do a deep clean .
  I need a lot dusted (high dusting) and walls cleaned etc. it's short notice but I would prefer if someone can come Sunday or Monday the latest. (Nextdoor Oakview Estates)

• Publix Super Markets posted a job opening for Office Coordinator, Hourly Support 4, Facilities Purchasing Lakeland in Lakeland. Apply here.
• Guest Services posted a job opening for Lead Cashier in Lakeland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakeland here.

🗞 Nearby News

Auburndale

• Auburndale approves $124.5M budget, keeps millage rate unchanged (theledger.com)
• Here's how Lakeland upended highly touted American Heritage (theledger.com)
• Loose emu turns heads on Polk Parkway: FHP (snntv.com)

Polk City

• 2026 Election Questionnaire: James Reilly, Will County Sheriff (shawlocal.com)
• Cash crunch continues for David Jolly in Governor's race (floridapolitics.com)
• Runaway emu causes wild scene on Central Florida highway (news-journalonline.com)

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: Beef Tips (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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