🌱 Which Bartow projects survived DeSantis’ veto pen—and which didn’t?
Bartow, Florida Patch AM: a 4 min readHey there, Bartow! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Which Bartow projects survived DeSantis’ veto pen—and which didn’t?
- Could a waffle ad really be to blame at Bartow’s Waffle House?
- How did Bartow stack up in Polk County’s all-sports race?
Also on today's calendar: Family Nights Out - Trivia and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a camel who likes to perform in plays? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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- Tuesday: Humid; heavy p.m. t-storms, with a high of 93 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Wednesday: A p.m. t-storm in spots, temps: high: 93, low: 74.
- Thursday: An afternoon t-storm or two, with a high of 93 and low of 72 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• DeSantis vetoes millions in Polk County. Here's what was spared (theledger.com) — Bartow is losing nearly $490,000 for a police emergency rescue vehicle but gaining $4 million for a new fire headquarters and training facility, plus $3 million for the Polk County Agri-Center and Equestrian Complex in town. The article explains how DeSantis’ new state budget reshapes funding for Bartow and other Polk County communities, including schools, roads, and public safety. 
• Florida man sues Waffle House, says irresistible breakfast advertisement caused him to trip over curb (notthebee.com) — A lawsuit claims a Bartow Waffle House’s strawberry waffle window ads distracted an 84-year-old man, leading him to trip over a curb and suffer serious injuries. The complaint argues the restaurant prioritized flashy marketing over basic pedestrian safety, while Waffle House denies responsibility and says the curb was clearly visible.
• Here's how George Jenkins and McKeel won Ledger's All-Sports Awards (theledger.com) — Bartow High’s athletic program finished sixth in the Ledger’s Big School All-Sports standings, the only other school besides the top five to top 200 points. The piece breaks down how George Jenkins and McKeel captured overall titles and highlights how other Polk County schools, including Bartow, stacked up across fall, winter, and spring sports.
📸 Around Bartow
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🗓
Upcoming Events in
Bartow
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
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Songs & Stories →
Bartow Public Library, 2150 S Broadway Ave, Bartow
11:00 am
Thursday July 2
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Novels After Noon →
Bartow, FL Calendar, 2150 S Broadway Ave., Bartow
3:00 pm -
Book Babies →
Bartow, FL Calendar, 2150 S Broadway Ave., Bartow
10:00 am -
Teen Dungeons & Dragons →
Bartow, FL Calendar, 2150 S Broadway Ave., Bartow
4:00 pm -
Family Nights Out - Trivia →
Carver Recreation Center, 520 Herbert Dixon Blvd, Bartow
6:00 pm -
Independence Day Holiday →
Bartow, FL Calendar Bartow, FL 33830
8:00 am -
Independence Day →
Bartow, FL Calendar -
Country Connections Line Dancers →
City of Bartow Civic Center, 2250 S Floral Ave, Bartow
9:00 am
Wednesday July 1
Thursday July 2
Friday July 3
Saturday July 4
Monday July 6
📣 Bartow Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
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2026 Chamber Monthly Meeting: AUS Senior Living
Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce 510 N Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
7:30 am -
Get Moving! →
Bartow Public Library, 2150 S Broadway Ave, Bartow
9:30 am -
2026 Fun Thursday- Idlewood Venue
Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce 510 N Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
5:30 pm -
Antique Fair Along Main Street →
Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce All along Main Street, Bartow, Florida
8:00 am
Tuesday June 30
Thursday July 9
Saturday July 11
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
- Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. posted a job opening for Crew Member in Bartow. Apply here.
- Driven Brands, Inc. posted a job opening for Part-Time Oil Change Team Member - Shop#473 - 1615 North Broadway Avenue in Bartow. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bartow here.
🗞 Nearby News
Mulberry
- Debate over property taxes could define Georgia's legislative elections (ajc.com)
Winter Haven
- One Person Shot Following Altercation in Winter Haven (winterhavendaily.com)
- Winter Haven native crowned Miss Florida 2026 in Lakeland (fox13news.com)
- Polk State launches Presidential Ambassador Program with a dozen talented students (polk.edu)
Lake Wales
- Lake Wales History Museum Celebrates 50th Anniversary (lakewalesnews.net)
Ok Bartow! 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 drama-dary (Thank you Phillip M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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