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🌱 What investigators say happened between a Winter Haven teacher and student

Winter Haven, Florida Patch AM: a 4 min read

Hello Winter Haven! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What investigators say happened between a Winter Haven teacher and student
  • Will you suit up for Winter Haven’s Fire vs. Police showdown?
  • Florida tops hot-car deaths; includes a tragic case in Winter Haven

Also on today's calendar: Ocean Siren - NEW ART and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What kind of shoes do frogs wear? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: A t-storm in the afternoon, with a high of 96 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, temps: high: 92, low: 75.
  • Monday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 91 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Winter Haven High School teacher arrested for sexual relationship with student (polktimes.com) — A Winter Haven High School teacher and boys’ tennis coach has been arrested on numerous serious charges after detectives say he had an ongoing sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student he met at the school. Investigators report recovered explicit messages and media, and school district leaders say he is being terminated and barred from further contact with students while the case proceeds.
   

• Inaugural Winter Haven Fire vs Police Charity Basketball Game (winterhavendaily.com) — Winter Haven residents are invited to cheer or play in the inaugural Fire vs. Police Charity Basketball Game on Friday, July 31, from 5–8 p.m. at 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. A $20 donation lets you join the game and includes a T-shirt, with all proceeds supporting the Police Benevolent Association and local law enforcement efforts.
   

• Two more kids die in hot cars; Florida leads US with 5 deaths. Why? (palmbeachpost.com) — Florida now leads the nation in child hot-car deaths this year, including the March loss of an infant in Winter Haven. The article explains when and where recent tragedies have occurred, outlines how quickly vehicles can become deadly, and shares practical, research-backed habits families can adopt to keep children from being left or trapped in cars.
   

📸 Around Winter Haven

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 Winter Haven

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Winter Haven 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

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

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on July 23, 2026 in Winter Haven, FL 33881 near Oak heaven rehab and nursing centers Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Elbert Lake)
  • Does anyone know of a place that fixes cats a female??
    Please a cheap one around winter haven area....i called haines city they said 600 dollers to fix a female cat iam only tryin to spend 50 to 100 if… (Nextdoor Carlton Arms)
  • Aramark Corporation posted a job opening for Lead Cook - LEGOLAND(R) Florida Resort Hotel - Legoland Florida Hotels in Winter Haven. Apply here.
  • LongHorn Steakhouse posted a job opening for Dishwasher in Winter Haven. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Winter Haven here.

🗞 Nearby News

Auburndale

  • Florida Poly's Fledgling Athletics Program Secures Use of Auburndale Sports Facilities (lkldnow.com)
  • Florida Launches eVTOL Readiness Testing: Air Taxi Tickets Still Years Away (travelerstoday.com)

Haines City

  • Florida Trooper Rescues Stray German Shepherd Wearing Service Collar In Polk County (tampafp.com)
  • 189 Minniehaha Cir, Haines City, FL 33844 (redfin.com)

Lake Wales

  • 3048 Cascade Cir, Lake Wales, FL 33853 (zillow.com)
  • Lake Wales names Ruby Nugent as new head softball coach (theledger.com)

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: Open-toad (Thank you Harold W. 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.