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🌱 What we know about the U.S. 17 crash in Winter Haven.

Winter Haven, Florida Patch AM: a 4 min read

Good morning Winter Haven! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What we know about the U.S. 17 crash in Winter Haven.
  • Crash on K-Ville Avenue claims lives of two Winter Haven residents.
  • How new AI classroom rules decided in Winter Haven will affect families.

Also on today's calendar: Amateur Cornhole Tournament with $1k cash prize pool and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: What are the two favorite words for a shark to hear? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 86 and low of 64 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Monday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 88, low: 69.
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 87 and low of 71 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Car Slams Into Abandoned Winter Haven Building, Leaving Three Injured (tampafp.com) — An early-morning crash sent three people to the hospital after a car slammed into an abandoned building along U.S. 17 near Fifth Street Southwest in Winter Haven. Local police and fire crews pulled victims from the wrecked Mazda and transported them as trauma alerts. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the driver to lose control.
   

• Two Winter Haven Residents Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash on K-Ville Avenue in Auburndale — Winter Haven News (dailyridge.com) — Two Winter Haven residents were killed when their Honda Accord was struck nearly head-on during a three-vehicle crash on K-Ville Avenue at Jimmy Lee Road in Auburndale. Polk County deputies say a drifting F350 first hit another truck, then crossed into oncoming traffic. The roadway was closed for hours while the traffic homicide unit investigated.
   

• State board OKs AI rules for schools, colleges (yoursun.com) — New statewide rules on classroom artificial intelligence were approved during a Florida Board of Education meeting held at Polk State College in Winter Haven, directly affecting how local schools and colleges can use AI. Districts must get parental consent for student AI use and offer non-AI alternatives, while colleges must restrict AI on graded work. Policies take effect for the 2027–28 school year.
   

📸 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

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★ Featured events ★

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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

  • Firearm Safety Training & Concealed Carry License Classes —Robert In-Gauge Read on Patch
  • Cleaning out my daughter's room and giving away everything she has outgrown!
    There are about 5 to 6 extra-large boxes filled with a mix of random baby toys and clothes. Everything is clean and ready for a new home. Clothing… (Nextdoor Winter Haven Oaks)
  • EVENTS FOR SATURDAY SEPT.
    26TH *Fall activities *Adoption event @ tractor supply in winter haven (Nextdoor Wahneta)
  • Olive Garden posted a job opening for Line Cook in Winter Haven. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Seasonal Team Supervisor in Winter Haven. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Winter Haven here.

🗞 Nearby News

Auburndale

  • Cheapest midgrade gas in Polk County at $4.29 per gallon in week ending Sept. 19 (polktimes.com)

Haines City

  • 1248 Cumberland Trail Dr, Lake Hamilton, FL 33851 (redfin.com)
  • In Loving Memory of Martha Steward Criss, 99 — Obituaries (dailyridge.com)

Lake Wales

  • Lakeland, Lake Wales football win big; Polk Week 6 Players of the Game (newschief.com)
  • Oktoberfest Celebration, Art Opening Reception, Book FAire, and Plant Festival Among Events Starting This Week (lakewalesnews.net)
  • Polk site once approved for large development might now be preserved (newschief.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: "MAN OVERBOARD!" (Thank you M 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.