Community Corner
🌱 What’s on the agenda at Winter Haven’s September 18 magistrate hearing?
Be sure to catch DOWNTOWN: Chair Yoga & Standing Balance on the Winter Haven Patch calendar
Good morning Winter Haven! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What's on the agenda at Winter Haven's September 18 magistrate hearing?
- Winter Haven property faces October tax deed auction unless taxes are paid
- Court sets deadline in Winter Haven-linked divorce case 2026DR-4313.
Today's riddle: What has 2 arms and a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: Humid with a heavy t-storm, with a high of 91 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 92, low: 76.
- Saturday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 93 and low of 76 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. 9.18 Magistrate Meeting (midfloridanewspapers.com) — Winter Haven's Development Special Magistrate will hold public hearings at City Hall on Friday, September 18, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. Residents can review the agenda through the Planning Division and should arrange any needed language or disability accommodations several days in advance. Anyone considering an appeal is responsible for securing a verbatim record of the proceedings. 
2. Tax Deed 167-2026 (midfloridanewspapers.com) — A Winter Haven property at 124 Palmetto Ridge Drive is headed for a tax deed auction on October 15, 2026, unless back taxes are paid. Polk County officials warn anyone with an ownership or neighboring interest that unpaid taxes remain and explain how to redeem the certificate or follow the online sale.
3. 2026DR 4313 Moncada (midfloridanewspapers.com) — A Polk County court has issued a legal notice in a dissolution of marriage case involving a respondent whose last known address is on Emily Drive in Winter Haven. The respondent must file written defenses with the court and the petitioner by October 7, 2026, or risk a default judgment. Residents involved should keep their address updated with the clerk for future case documents.
4. Polk County High School Football Preview Week 3 — Auburndale (dailyridge.com) — Winter Haven football fans get a big home matchup this Friday as the Blue Devils host Lake Wales, looking to snap a three-game skid in the series. The preview breaks down Winter Haven's strong rushing attack, Lake Wales' defense, and offers score predictions, plus quick looks at other key Polk County games.
📸 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!
- DOWNTOWN: Chair Yoga & Standing Balance →
Winter Haven, FL Calendar, 325 AVE A NW, Winter Haven
10:30 am - Winter Haven Rec_Drop-in: Craft your own Invention
Kathryn L. Smith Memorial Library, 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven
1:00 pm - Bartow - Reading is Lit! Elementary Book Club
Kathryn L. Smith Memorial Library 2150 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830, USA
2:00 pm - Dundee - Free Movie
Kathryn L. Smith Memorial Library Dundee Public Library, 202 E Main St, Dundee, FL 33838, USA
3:00 pm - Winter Haven Main_Story Time After Hours
Kathryn L. Smith Memorial Library, 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven
5:30 pm - Bartow - "Uke" Can Do It: Ukulele Concert
Kathryn L. Smith Memorial Library 2150 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830, USA
10:00 am - Mulberry - Juego Bueno/ Board Games
Kathryn L. Smith Memorial Library Mulberry Public Library, 905 NE 5th St, Mulberry, FL 33860, US
1:00 pm - Winter Haven Rec_Closed Labor Day
Kathryn L. Smith Memorial Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
Friday September 4
Saturday September 5
Monday September 7
📣 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
- Fort Meade - Bingo Club - Adults
Kathryn L. Smith Memorial Library Fort Meade Public Library, 75 E Broadway St, Fort Meade, FL 338
10:00 am - Winter Haven Rec_Little Sprouts Story Time
Kathryn L. Smith Memorial Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
10:30 am - Winter Haven Rec_Guided Drawing Art for Mental Health
Kathryn L. Smith Memorial Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
11:00 am - Winter Haven Main_WH Writers
Kathryn L. Smith Memorial Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
12:30 pm
Thursday September 3
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
- The inspector actually stopped and asked who did the work.
Homeowner was selling her house, needed the garage door cleared for the buyer's inspection. Said the inspector had already flagged it once for safety… (Nextdoor Wahneta) - Two missing kitties!!!!!
They were spooked by the lawn guy and took off. They are micro chipped. One gray with a pink collar her name is Lawanda. One smaller black, a boy no… (Nextdoor Sun Ridge Village)
- Pizza Hut, Inc. posted a job opening for Team Member in Winter Haven. Apply here.
- Polk State College posted a job opening for Adjunct, Clinical Instructor - Nursing in Winter Haven. 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: A shirt (Thank you Dianna H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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