Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Lakeland woman arrested on Panhandle felony warrants, deputies report
Be sure to catch Lakeland Comedy Underground: Rants Rounds! on the Lakeland Patch calendar
Cheers Lakeland! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Lakeland woman arrested on Panhandle felony warrants, deputies report
- How a $13 million upgrade could change flying out of Lakeland
- When Polk State's Lakeland campus turns into a career-launch hub
Also on today's calendar: Lakeland Comedy Underground: Rants Rounds!.
Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Friday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 92 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 91, low: 75.
- Sunday: A t-storm in the afternoon, with a high of 90 and low of 74 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Lakeland Fugitive Busted: Panhandle Warrants Catch Up With Polk County Woman (tampafp.com) — Polk County deputies arrested a 44-year-old Lakeland woman at a Shorewood Drive home on felony warrants issued in the Florida Panhandle, including charges tied to distributing obscene material to a minor. She was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Polk County processing center, with records showing several prior charges from earlier cases. 
2. Lakeland airport set for major expansion with new gates and air taxis (tampabay28.com) — Lakeland Linder International Airport is getting nearly $13 million in federal grants to expand its terminal, add aircraft holding bays, and prepare for future air taxi testing, potentially attracting more major airlines. Construction on the new gate area starts in September, promising more capacity, new destinations, and faster, more convenient travel options for Lakeland residents.
3. Polk State Career Services announces events for Fall 2026 Semester (polk.edu) — Polk State College is lining up Fall 2026 career events on both its Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses, including resume workshops and a major College, University and Career Mixer in Lakeland on October 6. Students can meet employers, universities, and Disney representatives while sharpening resumes and planning next steps in their education or job search.
4. Publix does away with 10-items or less express checkout lanes (wfla.com subscription) — Lakeland-based Publix is eliminating its 10-items-or-less express checkout lanes, giving employees more flexibility to manage lines and reduce wait times across its stores. While the chain hasn't said exactly when the change begins, the shift will affect how Lakeland shoppers move through checkout and could alter familiar store routines for many regulars.
📸 Around Lakeland
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakeland
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Lakeland Comedy Underground: Rants Rounds! →
310 E Lemon St, Lakeland
9:00 pm - Fine Art at the Magnolia →
Magnolia Building, 702 E Orange St, Lakeland
10:00 am
Friday August 21
Saturday August 22
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Pours & Punchlines →
Pink Piano, 1015 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
9:00 pm
Saturday September 5
📣 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!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Mulberry_Documentary Club
Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
10:00 am - Winter Haven Main_Chair Yoga & Standing Balance
Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
10:30 am - Winter Haven Main_Sensory Story Time
Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
1:00 pm - Lakeland Main - Ultimate Improv
Auburndale Public Library Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801
3:00 pm - Winter Haven Rec_PlayStation Party
Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
3:30 pm - Broadway Rave →
Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
8:00 pm - Mulberry_Movie: Peter Pan (2003)
Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
10:00 am - Lakeland Main - American Girl Tea Party
Auburndale Public Library Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801
2:00 pm - Winter Haven Main_Board Game Meet
Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
2:30 pm - Lakeland Main - Get Stuff Done: Bullet Journal Workshop
Auburndale Public Library Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801
5:30 pm - Wedding Expo →
Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, 361 Denton Ave, Auburndale
11:00 am
Friday August 21
Saturday August 22
Sunday August 23
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Publix Super Markets posted a job opening for Vacation/Shift Relief Operator, Fluid Filling/Blowmold, Dairy-Lakeland in Lakeland. Apply here.
- JP Lamborn Co Inc posted a job opening for Day Shift Material Handler 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: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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