Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a 5-year-old Lakeland “Affirmation Princess” is lifting other kids

Coming up: Publix Dairy Processing Plant Field Trip with/ Tampa Bay HEAT's Homeschool Resource Center (HRC) on the Lakeland Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 9th Patch AM
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Good morning Lakeland! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a 5-year-old Lakeland "Affirmation Princess" is lifting other kids
  • Which Lakeland Christian star just shattered a long-standing county record?
  • Why are so many out-of-towners suddenly eyeing Lakeland homes?

Also on today's calendar: Lakeland Comedy Underground and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the burglar wear blue gloves? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 92 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: An afternoon t-storm; humid, temps: high: 92, low: 74.
  • Friday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 91 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 5-year-old 'Affirmation Princess' inspires spreading positivity, kindness (baynews9.com) — A 5-year-old Lakeland kindergartener known as the "Affirmation Princess" is using daily positive statements to build her own confidence and encourage other local children. Guided by her mother, she now speaks at community events and online, urging families to use affirmations to counter bullying and help kids feel strong, loved, and secure in who they are.
   

2. Record-setting cross country runners among nominees for Tremendous 10 poll (theledger.com) — Lakeland Christian's Emma Wilkinson just broke an 18-year-old Polk County cross country record, and fellow Lakeland Christian athletes are also starring in volleyball and other sports. The Tremendous 10 poll highlights standout performances from across Polk County, and readers can email weekly nominations to help recognize more local high school athletes.
   

3. Florida homebuyers explore emerging housing destinations (latination.com) — Lakeland is emerging as one of the nation's hottest new-construction markets, drawing over 83% of its home views from out-of-area buyers and offering a median price around $315,000, far below Miami. Analysts say remote workers and families are flocking to cities like Lakeland for affordability, space, and no state income tax, while local governments invest in infrastructure to handle growth.
   

4. The Scoop: Tue. Sep. 8, 2026, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF (wmnf.org) — Lakeland officials are weighing tougher enforcement of Phase 3 drought water restrictions, including possible fines, but some commissioners worry residents haven't been adequately notified. That local debate appears alongside statewide stories on executions, a major property‑tax amendment fight, Labor Day union organizing in Tampa, and controversy over a Florida fight promoter.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Boy cat named Shady has been missing since November 💔 he's an indoor cat and is very scared of people.
    He walks with a limp due to a deformity in his front paw. We are still looking for him ): (Nextdoor Huntington Hills)
  • Our sweet Baylee has been missing from our barn for about a week .
    She is very friendly and microchipped. Please keep an eye out. We live in Imperial Lakes area. (Nextdoor Shepherd)
  • Troon Golf, L.L.C. posted a job opening for Cart Attendant/Outside Operations in Lakeland. Apply here.
  • Nesco Resource posted a job opening for Shipping and Receiving Clerk - 2nd Shift in Lakeland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakeland here.

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: So he wouldn't get caught red handed. (Thank you Vicki B. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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