Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Which new Avelo routes could be coming to Lakeland Linder next?
You won't want to miss Fine Art at the Magnolia 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:
- Which new Avelo routes could be coming to Lakeland Linder next?
- What this new warehouse approval could mean for Lakeland's Green Swamp edge
- Why a live Korean War-era grenade shut down Lakeland's police station
Also on today's calendar: Fine Art at the Magnolia .
Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 92 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 89, low: 76.
- Friday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 92 and low of 74 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. How has Avelo Airlines fared in Lakeland? What routes might be next? (theledger.com) — Lakeland travelers are flocking to Avelo Airlines at Lakeland Linder International Airport, with passenger counts nearly quadrupling from 2024 to 2025 and more than 393,000 passengers moved overall. Airport leaders are now pushing for more frequent Atlanta flights, year-round Detroit service, and new routes to popular vacation spots like the Great Smoky Mountains. 
2. Lakeland officials clear way for warehouse near Green Swamp area (theledger.com) — Lakeland commissioners have approved annexation and industrial zoning for a speculative 45,000-square-foot warehouse near Old Polk City Road, right by the environmentally sensitive Green Swamp area. The move, coming after a moratorium on data centers, raises questions about future industrial uses, water demand, runoff, and how strictly the city will enforce protections around critical lands and utilities.
3. Live Korean War-Era Hand Grenade Brought To FL Police Station (patch.com) — A resident unknowingly carried a live Korean War-era hand grenade into the Lakeland Police Department on Massachusetts Avenue, forcing a brief station closure and road detours. Tampa's bomb squad safely removed the device, and Lakeland police are now urging residents to call authorities immediately rather than move any suspicious items themselves.
4. Ruth Silver Haigler (thedigitalcourier.com) — Lakeland is remembering longtime resident Ruth Silver Haigler, a trailblazer at Watkins Motor Lines who became the company's highest-ranking female department head. Known for her church service, competitive bowling, and devotion to family, she passed away at 95 and will be honored at a graveside service on August 21 in Gainesville, Georgia.
5. Mega Millions, Powerball winners in Florida: $1M to $803 million in a month (palmbeachpost.com) — Lakeland had a lucky streak this month, with a $6 million Florida Lotto jackpot and a separate $1 million Powerball prize both sold at local gas stations. The story recaps where the winning tickets were bought, when they were claimed, and how Florida's rules work for jackpot deadlines and short-term winner anonymity, alongside other huge statewide wins.
📸 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 ★
- Fine Art at the Magnolia →
Magnolia Building, 702 E Orange St, Lakeland
10:00 am
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
- Winter Haven Main_Story Time Seedlings
Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
9:00 am - Mulberry_Swan City Improv Storytime
Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
10:00 am - Fort Meade - Clean Reads Book Club - Adults
Auburndale Public Library Fort Meade Public Library, 75 E Broadway St, Fort Meade, FL 338
10:00 am - Winter Haven Rec_How to start a Podcast
Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
10:00 am - Frostproof - Preschool PALS (Play & Learn Storytime)
Auburndale Public Library Latt Maxcy Memorial Library, 15 N Magnolia Ave, Frostproof, FL
10:00 am - Winter Haven Main_Little Sprouts Story Time
Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
10:30 am - Auburndale - Storytime
Auburndale Public Library 100 W Bridgers Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823, USA
10:30 am - Mulberry_Fairy Lantern Craft
Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
2:30 pm - Winter Haven Rec_Unplugged Games
Auburndale Public Library 100 West Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823
3:30 pm - Bartow - Full Steam Ahead
Auburndale Public Library Bartow Public Library, 2150 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
4:30 pm - Lakeland Main - Cross Stitch for Beginners
Auburndale Public Library Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801
5:00 pm
Wednesday August 19
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
- Here's An UPDATE ON KITTENS IN MY CARE
Hey Everyone I hope everyone is having a blessed and beautiful morning. As for these little kittens, they're doing lovely. They have taken to the… (Nextdoor E Memorial Blvd) - Can we discuss MEDICARE..
I am trying to figure this out for my husband who is turning 65 this year. I understand part "A", "B", "C" & "D" but I will spell it out for those… (Nextdoor Fox Lakes)
- TIBCO Software, Inc. posted a job opening for Now Hiring Store Cleaning Associate in Lakeland. Apply here.
- Miller's Ale House Restaurant & Sports Bar posted a job opening for Cleaning Specialist - New Restaurant Opening 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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