Greetings Winter Haven! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️
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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Lake Ashton Veterans Association Auxiliary Annual Craft Fair to Benefit Military Veterans and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Tax Deed 224-2026 (midfloridanewspapers.com) — A property at 636 NW Avenue B in Winter Haven is headed for a tax deed auction on November 19, 2026, unless back taxes are paid in time. Polk County officials warn anyone owning, having an interest in, or living near the parcel that unpaid taxes remain and explain how to redeem the certificate or participate in the online sale.
2. Another crash on Winter Haven road days after deadly school bus wreck (wfla.com) — A deadly school bus crash that killed a Winter Haven High student and another driver has renewed urgent concerns about safety on Lucerne Park Road. State and county officials say widening the road is in design but still unfunded, potentially years away, even as another serious crash occurred this week. Residents nearby describe daily congestion and hazards, urging both improvements and more careful driving.
3. CareerSource Polk CEO, board removed in sweeping reset (wusf.org) — Polk County commissioners have ousted CareerSource Polk's CEO and entire board, a move that directly affects Winter Haven residents who lost their full-service career center in 2025 and now must travel to Lakeland. Officials cited performance and management concerns, while some commissioners questioned whether the record justified such a sweeping reset and what it means for restoring robust services closer to Winter Haven.
4. Florida woman arrested after cat carcasses, dead donkey found on her property: sheriff (thenationaldesk.com) — Deputies arrested a 59-year-old woman after Polk County investigators say they found a dead donkey, multiple dead cats, and other animals living in filthy conditions on her Winter Haven property. Several agencies removed surviving animals and are awaiting necropsy results that could bring additional charges. Environmental officials also checked for chemical hazards but reported no dangerous gas leak.
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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: "What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white?" — A chalk board (Thank you Charlie H. for sending it in!)
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