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🌱 Meet the Winter Haven World War II veteran honored at Sun ’n Fun

Hello Winter Haven! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Meet the Winter Haven World War II veteran honored at Sun ’n Fun
  • See what’s planned at Winter Haven’s Not Your Average Art Festival
  • How a missed work release led to a Winter Haven man’s arrest

Today's riddle: What did the inventor of the knock-knock joke win? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Warm with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 91 and low of 65 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and warm, temps: high: 92, low: 67.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 90 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Nine World War II veterans honored at Sun 'n Fun. Hear their stories (theledger.com) — Winter Haven resident and World War II veteran John Stamey was among nine veterans honored during the Sun ’n Fun 2026 opening night concert, highlighting Polk County’s deep ties to the Greatest Generation. The tribute, part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, shared powerful stories from local veterans who served in pivotal battles and behind-the-scenes missions across the globe.
   

2. Not Your Average Art Festival Coming to Winter Haven May 16 (winterhavendaily.com) — Winter Haven families can mark their calendars for the free Not Your Average Art Festival coming to Lake Blue Park on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hosted by Polk County Parks and Recreation, the event will feature hands-on art activities, live demonstrations, music, food trucks, games, and giveaways for all ages.
   

3. From Criminal Mischief to Missed Work Release: Winter Haven Man Arrested Again (winterhavendaily.com) — A Winter Haven man previously charged in a 2025 criminal mischief case has been arrested again after failing to appear for his court-ordered weekend work release. Acting on a Crime Stoppers tip, Polk County deputies located him in Lakeland and booked him on a warrant tied to the original case.
   

4. Polk State College to celebrate 134th graduating class on April 30 (polk.edu) — Polk State College will graduate more than 1,100 students on April 30 in Lakeland, with a Winter Haven native, longtime banker and civic leader Debbie Harsh, honored as Distinguished Alumna. Her deep involvement with the Winter Haven Chamber, local nonprofits and youth programs underscores the strong role Winter Haven residents play in shaping Polk County’s future.
   

5. Sea Dogs outfielder Nelly Taylor beat childhood cancer. Now he's climbing the ladder in Red Sox system (pressherald.com) — A rising Boston Red Sox prospect got his start at Polk State College in Winter Haven before climbing to Double-A after beating childhood cancer. Outfielder Nelly Taylor, now with the Portland Sea Dogs, reflects on his diagnosis at age 5, his recovery, and how family and local sports support shaped his determination to keep advancing in baseball.
   

📸 Around Winter Haven

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Winter Haven

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lost dog in the Bretton Ridge area (Overlook).
    She is a shih-zu about 10 pounds. caramel color and has a little mass on her tummy. She ran out the door behind my back last night around 7pm. She is… (Nextdoor Carlton Arms)
  • Hello neighbors, I would like to get your opinions on a topic.
    I remember when I was a child, hanging out at the Lake Cannon Park with my family. We would swim and grill out and go water skiing. When finished… (Nextdoor Elbert Acres)
  • Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. posted a job opening for Processing Associate (Winter Haven) in Winter Haven. Apply here.
  • Diocese of Orlando posted a job opening for Substitute Teacher 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: The NO-BELL prize (Thank you Gina M. 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.