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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Good day Winter Haven! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Want a behind-the-scenes look at Winter Haven public safety?
  • How will Thompson Nursery Road’s new zoning reshape your neighborhood?
  • How a Polk caregiver case led to a critical baby injury

Also on today's calendar: Meet Me In The Water and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Winter Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Winter Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 71 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Friday: Sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 72, low: 51.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and nice, with a high of 79 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Winter Haven Public Safety Seeking Winter Haven Residentsto Participate in 2026 Winter Haven Public Safety Leadership Council (winterhavendaily.com) — Winter Haven’s Public Safety team is recruiting about 20 adult residents for a hands-on 2026 Leadership Council that runs every other Tuesday evening from January through mid-May. Participants will tour local justice facilities, complete ride-alongs with police and fire, and give feedback on department operations. Applications are due by January 5, 2026, with selections announced by January 9.
   

2. Winter Haven residents fume over zoning change on Thompson Nursery Road (theledger.com) — Winter Haven commissioners have approved a major zoning change along Thompson Nursery Road, clearing the way for a 46-acre commercial district near existing neighborhoods despite resident concerns about flooding and traffic. Neighbors from Terranova and Traditions worry higher parking lots and wetland infill could worsen stormwater problems. Developers and city staff say traffic and drainage will face further review before any building begins.
   

3. ‘Unfathomable' abuse: Polk County caregiver ‘violently' shook baby, critically injuring him, PCSO says (wfla.com) — A Polk County caregiver has been charged with aggravated child abuse after a 3‑month‑old in his care was hospitalized at Winter Haven Hospital with severe, likely permanent injuries. Investigators say medical experts concluded the baby was violently shaken, and the sheriff is calling for full prosecution while the child continues to recover.
   

4. Florida Homeowner Nears Foreclosure As Squatter Lives Rent-Free, 'It's Deceitful, It's Hurtful' (blackenterprise.com) — A Winter Haven homeowner is fighting to save her house after a would-be buyer moved in and has allegedly lived there rent-free for more than a year, pushing her toward foreclosure. She’s now working with an attorney using Florida’s new anti-squatting law to try to remove the occupant before a January foreclosure hearing and urges others to protect themselves during home sales.
   

📸 Around Winter Haven

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Winter Haven

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Winter Haven Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Recently just found out my son has autism, ADHD.
    I’m new to this, I’m trying to find resources and a good therapist for him. He’s 5 years old. We recently had our second visit with peace river and… (Nextdoor Inwood)
  • Ozzy and Sharon have been fixed and were given their rabies vaccine.
    They have already had their FRCP vaccine and been treated for fleas, ticks, earmites, heartworm, butt and gut worms. As is all of our furry friends,… (Nextdoor Century Dr)
  • Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Winter Haven. Apply here.
  • Golden Corral posted a job opening for Restaurant General Manager 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: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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