Community Corner

šŸŒ± Patch AM: How Lakelandā€™s famous Lake Morton swans get their annual health check

You won't want to miss Rocky Horror Live with Hell on Heels on the Lakeland Patch calendar

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Saturday September 26th Patch AM
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Hello Lakeland! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Lakeland's famous Lake Morton swans get their annual health check
  • What Lakeland's new $872 million budget means for taxes and retirees
  • How a Lakeland classroom uses play to build kids' independence

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

Today's riddle: Riddle: David's parents have three sons: Snap, Crackle, and what's the name of the third son? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 86 and low of 62 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 85, low: 64.
  • Monday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 88 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City News Blog: City of Lakeland to Host 46th Annual Swan Roundup (lakelandgov.net) — Lakeland is gearing up for its 46th Annual Swan Roundup at Lake Morton, with city staff gathering the birds early on October 6 for wellness checks by local veterinarians the next morning. Residents can expect the beloved royal-gifted swan flock to be briefly penned on the lake's south side while exams, microchipping of cygnets, and health monitoring are completed at no cost to the city.
   

2. Lakeland approves $872 million annual budget (lkldnow.com) — Lakeland's City Commission has unanimously approved an $872 million budget for fiscal 2027, keeping the property tax rate steady while generating about $3 million more as values rise. Public safety remains the largest General Fund expense, but retirees face significant health-plan premium increases as the city trims a projected 23% hike to an average 9.9% by redesigning coverage.
   

3. Play-Based Learning: How It Can Build Young Children's Independence (edweek.org) — An early childhood program in Lakeland is drawing national attention for using play-based learning to build young children's independence, math skills, and flexibility. Education Week visited WonderHere in Lakeland to show how guided play in pre-K and kindergarten can help local kids develop the confidence and life skills they'll need in elementary school and beyond.
   

4. See what Florida Poly's $87M Student Achievement Center will look like (newschief.com) — Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland has unveiled designs for an $87 million, three-story Student Achievement Center that will sit beside its iconic IST building. Construction is slated to start in spring 2027 and finish in fall 2028, adding new study spaces, support services, an auditorium, and career-development areas that will expand opportunities for current and future Lakeland-based STEM students.
   

5. Why NOAA's famed Hurricane Hunter planes are in Harlingen (mysanantonio.com) — NOAA's Hurricane Hunter planes are temporarily flying out of Harlingen, Texas to study powerful Hurricane Polo off Mexico, but their home base remains the Aircraft Operations Center in Lakeland. The story explains how these Lakeland-linked P-3 Orion planes fly into storms, dropping instruments that improve forecasts for communities vulnerable to hurricanes, including here in Central Florida.
   

📸 Around Lakeland

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakeland

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Job hunters here is some information for you.
    If you are doing hundreds of applications and not getting calls for an interview, there is something wrong with your resume. Please know that all… (Nextdoor Cherry Lane Estates)
  • Shady Oak —
    Found— very sweet, affectionate kitty. Missing the family. Message me!! (Nextdoor Shady Oak)
  • Save A Lot posted a job opening for Meat Wrapper / Full Time - Lakeland, FL in Lakeland. Apply here.
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Team Member 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: David (Thank you Thomas F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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