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🌱 Winter Haven Lake Alfred Road property faces tax deed auction in November

Winter Haven, Florida Patch AM: a 5 min read

Hello again Winter Haven! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Winter Haven Lake Alfred Road property faces tax deed auction in November
  • How a Winter Haven school commute turned into a deadly tragedy
  • How a routine Winter Haven school bus ride turned deadly Monday morning

Also on today's calendar: Lake Ashton Veterans Association Auxiliary Annual Craft Fair to Benefit Military Veterans and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 90 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 89, low: 74.
  • Sunday: Cloudy, a thunderstorm; humid, with a high of 88 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Tax Deed 267-2026 (midfloridanewspapers.com) — A property on Lake Alfred Road in Winter Haven is headed for a tax deed auction on November 19, 2026, unless back taxes are paid. Polk County officials warn anyone with ownership or legal interest that unpaid taxes could result in the parcel being sold online to the highest bidder and explain how to contact the clerk for details.
   

2. Florida High School Cheerleader Dies On Way To First Practice at 16 (miamiherald.com) — A 16-year-old Winter Haven High School student was killed Monday morning when her school bus was struck on Lucerne Park Road, triggering a three-vehicle crash that also left another person dead and many injured. Polk County’s sheriff and school superintendent describe the collision’s severity and the deep impact on classmates and staff as the community begins to grieve and support affected families.
   

3. Cheerleader Killed In Horrific Bus Crash As Tragic Details Emerge (newsbreak.com) — A Winter Haven High School sophomore was killed Monday in a three-vehicle crash involving her school bus on the way to her first cheerleading practice, leaving classmates and staff grieving. Polk County officials say a Chevy Malibu crossed the center line, triggering the collision that also killed another driver and badly damaged the bus carrying 37 students.
   

4. The Scoop: Wed. Oct. 7, 2026, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF (wmnf.org) — An update on the Winter Haven school bus crash confirms no criminal charges will be filed, as investigators say the bus stayed in its lane and below the speed limit when struck by a Chevy Malibu. The collision killed Winter Haven student Adinaluz Guadalupe Prieto Oyola and another driver, with video showing the crash unfolded too fast for drivers to react.
   

5. Scam Alert - Free Water Testing Florida Water Analysis (blogspot.com) — Winter Haven residents are being warned about official-looking mailers from Florida Water Analysis that promote “free” water testing to sell costly filtration and softening systems. Local authorities stress the company is a private business, not a government agency, and say its high-pressure in-home sales tactics have generated many complaints and utility warnings.
   

📸 Around Winter Haven

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Winter Haven

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📣 Winter Haven Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • To the kind soul that placed a mis-delivered package at my door this evening, I am truly grateful!
    Thank you! There are still good people in the neighborhood. (Nextdoor Winterset/Cypress Gardens)
  • GARDEN GROVE AREA.
    The animal control truck was driving around looking for the owner of a tan chihuahua that she found in the area. If you're missing a dog, please… (Nextdoor Cypress Gardens)
  • dodge chrysler jeep of winter haven posted a job opening for Parts Advisor in Winter Haven. Apply here.
  • Dunkin' posted a job opening for Assistant Manager in Lake Alfred. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Winter Haven here.

Ok Winter Haven! 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: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Winter Haven

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Winter Haven

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.