Destination Winter Haven 2012

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Destination Winter Haven

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2012

About This

Magazine 4

/ Our Beautiful City 5 / Our Rich history 6 / future PROMISE 9 / winter haven business 1 0 / attractions 1 6 / arts and Culture 1 8 / delicious Dining 19 / fabulous, fun Shopping 2 0 / Accommodations 2 1 / Places of worship 2 2 / becoming a Resident 2 4 / Area Realtors 2 5 / Municipal Leadership 2 7 / School 2 8 / Healthcare and Hospitals 3 2 / calendar of events 3 5 / Things to do 3 8 / Index of information

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he 2012 edition of Destination Winter Haven is filled with information that visitors and relocating families will find useful. You’ll find a little history, a look to our bright future and a number of special areas of interest including dining, shopping, accommodations, the arts ... all the great things you can do while visiting LEGOLAND® Florida!

Relocating? There’s helpful information about public services, demographics, educational opportunities and our world-class healthcare facilities among a variety of topics.

Our Chamber was originally founded in 1910 as a Board of Trade.

The organization was later

Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce building downtown

incorporated as a Chamber of Commerce in 1923. In 1996 the name changed to the “Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce” to better represent the area we serve.

Our Chamber offers a voice for the business community, and we represent their collective interests. The Winter Haven Chamber also works to protect and enhance the quality of life in Central Florida.

We invite you to visit the Chamber located at 401 Avenue B, NW, overlooking downtown Winter Haven’s Central Park. Our lobby is open 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday.

For your convenience we have a variety of information available including attraction brochures, 2012

Polk County guides, nature and lakes information and maps.

Thank you for choosing Winter Haven as your destination.

We hope you enjoy your visit.

The Official Publication of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce 401 Ave. B, Winter Haven, FL 33881 (863) 293-2138 or e-mail chamber1@WinterHavenChamber.com

www.WinterHavenChamber.com

Destination Winter Haven is published by the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce / Bob Gernert Jr. - Executive Director

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Our Beautiful

City

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inter Haven is not just a great place to visit – it’s a great place to live. You’ll find a mild climate, lush tropical foliage and sparkling lakes at every turn.

Our natural environment allows many opportunities for outdoor leisure activities.

As the “Chain of Lakes City,” Winter Haven boasts 50 lakes – many of them canal-connected – all waiting to provide memorable moments including boating, fishing, water skiing and wakeboarding. Whether you feel like spending leisure time on a lake, walking on one of the many nature trails, golfing or just enjoying the sights around town – opportunities to play, exercise or just relax and take it all in are always available.

With a blossoming arts culture, unique shops and year-round community activities, our community takes pride in not only being a family friendly place at heart, but a beautiful city as well. Downtown Winter Haven features modern upgrades and

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landscaping to the streets, sidewalks and crosswalks. Our public library overlooking Central Park is one of the state’s most beautiful. You’ll find interesting historic buildings, too.

Make plans to enjoy the Central Park ... the heart of downtown featuring a beautiful public fountain as its focal point. The park is host to festivals, art shows and musical performances. Virtually every Friday in the fall, winter and spring, Central Park will have evening entertainment.

You can also enjoy ten outdoor sculptures crafted by the hands of talented artists from across the country.

These are the result of the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition conducted by the acclaimed Polk Museum of Art in conjunction with the City of Winter Haven.

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Our Rich

History Historical Sites

Gene Leedy Architectural Tour Winter Haven Museum of Winter Haven History October through May open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Lake Wales Depot - Lake Wales (863) 676-5160 - www.CityofLakeWales.com/depot Mulberry Phosphate Museum Mulberry - (863) 425-2823 Polk County Historical Museum (863) 534-4386 - www.PolkCountyMuseum.org Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library Bartow - (863) 534-4380 Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture Florida Southern College Lakeland

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inter Haven has a rich

history dating to the first settlers arriving here in the 1860s.

The City incorporated in 1911 and just celebrated our Centennial year! The village was named in 1885 by P. D. Eycleshimer. While many lived in the vicinity such as the Eycleshimers, Sykes, Jacksons and Inmans, the first official residents of the village after it was platted were F.A.K. Harris and his wife Adele who built the first commercial and residential structure downtown in 1885.

The village grew slowly for the first several decades with less than 2,000 residents as late as 1920.

Our famous chain of canal-connected lakes was started in 1915

and completed in the early 20s. The Florida boom of the 1920s brought rapid growth throughout Florida and, eventually, serious economic turmoil.

Winter Haven was no exception.

Citrus and other agricultural crops were the early economic mainstays. In 1930 a 22-year-old George Jenkins would start the Publix Super Market chain here on Fourth St. NW. The building still exists and now houses a restaurant. In 1936 a gregarious promoter named Dick Pope 2012

opened Cypress Gardens on Lake Eloise. Pope brought intense publicity to Florida, Winter Haven and his beloved Cypress Gardens. The Pope family sold the park in 1985.

For 73 years it entertained more than 50 million people. A series of factors led owners to shutter the park in the fall of 2009 and in October 2011, Merlin Entertainments opened LEGOLAND速 Florida on the historic site. The Cypress Gardens botanical gardens, owned by the citizens of Polk County, are leased to and maintained

by Merlin Entertainments and their LEGOLAND division.

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Future

Promise...

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inter Haven has a future

filled with bright opportunities. As a historic destination for tourism, the evolution of Cypress Gardens into LEGOLAND® Florida holds great promise that our hospitality industry will thrive into the future.

The beautiful new park is expected to attract up to two million visitors annually and employs 1,000 full- and part-time workers.

The audience for LEGOLAND® Florida is families with children two to twelve years old. Accommodating these new visitors will be a catalyst for new hotels, restaurants and retail areas. We are working to build a family friendly city environment and invite your suggestions on how to make your stay memorable.

With this new tourism potential, the local commercial landscape will experience great change. One such project plans to convert the Chain of Lakes complex property on Lake Lulu to a mixed-use hotel/restaurant/retail complex.

A significant industrial/ warehousing/transportation development will unfold in south

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Winter Haven near Highway 60.

Evansville Western Railway, a subsidiary of CSX Transportation, will construct an inter-modal terminal facility to serve as a major distribution hub for the entire state. That construction is expected to begin in 2012 and bring hundreds of new jobs.

Numerous technology companies call downtown Winter Haven home, anchored primarily by the Inland Fiber and Data Park and the facilities of the Six/Ten Corporation. The University of South Florida Polytechnic University has established “Blue Sky 2012

East,” a business accelerator located in the Six/Ten Plaza building. More than 35 companies and 350 employees bring a growing technology presence to the downtown core. The data managed in our area serves clients worldwide.

Companies such as the Ford Modeling Agency, Sony Playstation, CBS, Yahoo, eBay, MIT and more have sought the expertise of Winter Havenbased technology companies.

The addition of “Lambda Rail,” a high-speed data network some call “Internet 2,” serves research, medical and educational institutions, quickly and efficiently moving massive amounts of digital data. The downtown technology hub is expected to grow in size to 50 companies with more than 500 employees in the next two years, providing high-wage/high-skill opportunities for our workforce.

Fire Station 1

Lake Myrtle Complex

The complex is also home to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.

The future holds great promise for the greater Winter Haven area, both economically and from a quality of life vantage point. This unique city is the perfect place to live, work and play.

All of Polk County is marketed as a sports tournament destination

by Polk County Sports Marketing.

One new venue near Winter Haven is fast becoming an event magnet. The Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in nearby Auburndale opened in 2009 and hosts various sporting events and the accompanying crowds of spectators.

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Lake Maude Nature Park

inter Haven strives to be a progressive community.

The recently opened Fire Station #1 was the community’s first LEED certified “green” building. The City has made becoming a sustainable community a primary goal.

The Lake Maude Nature Park took its place among several other new nature parks the City has created adding valuable recreational options.

A new downtown trailhead park serving the Chain of Lakes Trail has opened an extensive new play area.

This will complement a downtown that currently features more than $4 million in aesthetic upgrades and a $5 million public library voted Florida’s most beautiful in 2005.

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Winter Haven

Business New Business

City of Winter Haven Economic Development Director David Dickey ddickey@mywinterhaven.com (863) 291-5600 Central Florida Development Council 863-551-4760 www.whedc.com

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he past several years have been challenging economic times for our nation. Florida is no exception. However, Winter Haven’s diverse economy has fared better than most. Current opportunities such as LEGOLANDŽ Florida, a pending inter-modal rail and industrial/ warehousing/business park, coupled with a rapidly growing technology core downtown and the enhanced educational resources of USF Polytechnic and Polk State College, are sources of growing optimism.

Our major economic segments include technology, tourism, manufacturing, distribution and logistics, medical services, retail and business sectors such

Motor Company, Pepperidge Farm, Sherwin Williams and Coca-Cola.

as agribusiness and agritechnology,

Economic development groups such as the Winter Haven Economic Development Council and the Central Florida Development Council are working to attract both small businesses and large corporations to the area.

Some of the major corporations which have found Polk County good for business include Publix Super Markets, Florida’s Natural Growers, State Farm Insurance, Lockheed Martin, Ford 2012

Airside Potential

Winter Haven has invested significant resources and opened a new Winter Haven Municipal Airport Terminal accessed from U.S. Highway 92 north of the city. The site is also in the planning stages for an airport commercial park. The airport is currently one of the most modern and well equipped in the nation.

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Area

Attractions

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inter Haven is excited to tell you about what’s new in town …

LEGOLAND® Florida . . . Our Spectacular New Theme Park . . .

As host city to LEGOLAND® Florida, Winter Haven is excited to welcome you. Opened in October 2011 on the iconic grounds of Florida’s first theme park, Cypress Gardens, LEGOLAND® Florida is the fifth and largest of the LEGOLAND brand and only the second such park in the United States.

This wholesome family entertainment experience caters primarily to children two to twelve

LEGOLAND® Florida on opening day.

years old as they discover giant Lego sculptures, rides, live entertainment and Miniland USA, which consists of scaled-down replicas of famous skylines, monuments and buildings.

(Treat yourself to some Granny’s Apple Fries for a real treat!)

You’ll also find a relaxing stroll awaits through the world famous Cypress Gardens Botanical Gardens.

The botanical gardens are owned by the citizens of Polk County and leased to the park in exchange for their maintenance.

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Towering Nearby . . .

Soaring 205 feet from the top of Florida’s highest peninsular point, Bok Tower is the exquisite centerpiece that makes Bok Tower Gardens a majestic and soulnourishing paradise. The marble and coquina rock tower is home to a 60-bell carillon, among the world’s finest. It is surrounded by more than 700 acres of groves, meadows endangered plants and protected lands. The tower opened in 1929 as a gift to the people of America from

Dutch immigrant Edward Bok. Every half hour, the “singing tower” rings out, and each day at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. a carillonneur plays various musical selections for visitors. It is a scenic picnic destination.

Open daily 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Bok Tower Gardens also features special events and tours throughout the year. You’ll also find a visitor center, café, gift shop and free parking.

For more information call 863-676-1408 or visit www.BokTowerGardens.com.

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More Area

Attractions

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here Dreams

Take Flight . . .

Fantasy of Flight is a stunning Art Deco facility and home to more than 40 rare and vintage aircraft, many of which have been restored to flyable condition. But that is just the beginning. The attraction offers a variety of guided tours including visits to their working restoration and maintenance areas. You can take a spin on a state-of-the-art hang glide simulator in their interactive Fun with Flight center for families, and climb on board a real B-17 Flying Fortress in a WWII bombing mission.

If you are looking for a real experience, real fun and something the entire family can enjoy, Fantasy of Flight is “An Attraction on a Higher Plane.”

Let your imagination take wing at Fantasy of Flight located in Polk City just off I-4 at exit 44 (about 20 minutes from Winter Haven).

A day at Fantasy of Flight offers a variety of options. Rare aircraft take to the skies during “Aircraft of the Day” demonstrations (weather permitting). Other options include a behind-the-scenes peek on the Back Lot Tour, or even a look into preparing vintage aircraft to fly again in the Restoration Shop Tour. Other tours include those of the hangars housing vintage aircraft, providing a look into aviation history from early flight, WWI, WWII and beyond.

For those who want to be

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a little more hands-on, a full-motion simulated battle mission over the South Pacific might be just the ticket.

Admission and other information is available by calling (863) 984-3500 or by visiting www.FantasyofFlight.com.

Water Ski Hall of Fame

You may not get your own feet wet, but you can certainly learn the history of those who have by water skiing their way into the American Water Ski Hall of Fame. Also located near Fantasy of Flight, this museum experience offers a look at the legacy 2012

left by those champions who dared to don skis – and those who skied on their bare feet – tethered to a boat by a short rope. This relatively young sport dates from 1922. Champions and their water-skiing records, many of which were set right here in Winter Haven on Lake Eloise, are on display at the American Water Ski Hall of Fame. For more information contact (863) 324-2472 or visit www.WaterSkiHallOfFame.com.

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Back to Nature and the Real Florida ...

Airboat Rides, too!

You’ll find the prospects for experiencing the beauty of Central Florida are plentiful. Protected trails and parks are located in every direction offering opportunities to study nature, picnic or even pitch a tent and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visit a citrus grove, smell the orange blossoms or stop at a fresh fruit store.

If camping isn’t your speed, a stay at Camp Mack’s River Resort is a great alternative. Nestled among the oak trees along the banks of the Kissimmee River, cabins and ample RV parking pads are available for rent.

Need more comfort than a cabin?

Camp Mack’s 40-room motel has modern conveniences and amenities.

Located in the “Heart of the Big Bass Country,” Camp Mack also offers rides on an airboat and nature tours. For more information contact 863-696-1108 or visit www.CampMack.com.

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POLK COUNTY’S LARGEST COMMUNITY BANK See how we stack up to the competition.

13 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN POLK COUNTY • FREE CHECKING • PERSONAL AND COMMERCIAL LOANS • WEALTH MANAGEMENT • RETIREMENT SERVICES • TREASURY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

863.291.3900 www.centerstatebank.com

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Arts and

Culture

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inter Haven, Polk County

and Central Florida offer year-round cultural and arts events.

You have many choices from the highly acclaimed Theatre Winter Haven and Polk State College Fine Arts Series to the Lakeland Center and Polk Museum of Art. Add to that the offerings of Orlando and Tampa, both a convenient 45-minute drive, and your choices are nearly endless. No matter the reason or the season – theatre, music, comedy or galleries – local arts and culture are plentiful.

Theatre Winter Haven captivates audiences with each new season’s productions. With more than 330 seats in the Chain of Lakes auditorium, the theatre can literally pack the house – and often does – selling more than 30,000 tickets every year. Recognized as one of the best small theatres in America, TWH puts on eight full-scale productions annually and has summer, youth, senior and stage-read programs as well.

Downtown’s historic Ritz Theatre has undergone restoration as a multipurpose facility and will host such upcoming events as a series of shows by entertainer Jim Stafford, a Winter Haven native who has been honored as the top entertainer in Branson, Missouri.

Polk State College also hosts theatrical and musical productions on its stage in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Winter Haven campus.

The Polk State College Players, Music Department and the Over 55 Show

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Band take turns entertaining audiences at the campus or around the city at various events throughout the year.

Musical delights can also be heard at concerts sponsored by the Symphony Guild of Winter Haven. To the delight of many, the Bach Festival of Central Florida promotes the works of Johann Sebastian Bach through live performances each year. In addition to the daily Carillon concerts, Bok Tower Gardens hosts various concerts throughout the year both in the gardens and also in Pinewood Estate.

For art lovers, Bok Tower Gardens also features a gallery 2012

displaying the work of local artisans.

The exhibits change year-round.

There’s no shortage of art galleries in the local area. Ridge Art Association is Winter Haven’s premier gallery with exhibits on display in the Chain of Lakes location. RAA is also host to public receptions for artists, competitions, classes and festivals throughout the year. Other local galleries include the Art Cottage and Arts Ensemble International.

Each year Winter Haven’s Central Park is home to ten winners of the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition. Coordinated by the Polk Museum of Art, the exhibition is presented by the City of Winter Haven and various individual sponsors.

The “Central Park Stroll” is hosted every spring to introduce the newest sculptures to the public.

Winter Haven’s Central Park is also home to festivals and activities throughout the year, including those that cater to the visual or fine arts, families or even pets. Main Street Winter Haven presents many events

including “Bark in the Park” (every dog’s dream), karaoke contests, a Community Fish Fry, Oktoberfest and various street parties. Celebrating the seasons and holidays, Winter Haven’s downtown is also the location for events such as “Ghoul’s Night Out,” “Carols in the Park” and “Snow Central” among other family friendly activities.

Other family events around town include Admiral Eycleshimer’s Cardboard Boat Races (always the Saturday before Easter) and the

Arts and Culture Venues

Arts on the Park (863) 680-2787 www.ArtsOnTheParkLakeland.org Ballet Conservatory (863) 299-1055 www.TheBalletConservatory.com Florida Dance Theatre (863) 802-0399 www.FloridaDanceTheatre.org Florida Southern College (863) 680-4111 - www.FlSouthern.edu Frank Lloyd Wright Collection (863) 680-4444 www.FlSouthern.edu Haines City Community Theatre (863) 421-1893 www.HainesCityTheater.com Harrison Center for the Performing Arts (863) 499-2855 www.HarrisonArts.com

Imperial Symphony Orchestra (863) 688-3743 www.ImperialSymphony.org Lake Wales Arts Center (863) 676-8426 www.lakewalesartscouncil.org Lake Wales Little Theatre (863) 679-8587 - www.LWLT.org Lakeland Choral Society www.LakelandChoralSociety.org Lakeland Community Theatre (863) 603-7529 www.LakelandCommunityTheatre.com Lakeland Concert Band - (863) 660-8428 www.LakelandConcertBand.com Polk State College (863) 297-1000 - www.Polk.edu Polk Museum of Art (863) 688-7743 www.PolkMuseumofArt.org 2012

Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade (the first Saturday in December).

Polk State College presents Fall Fest and welcomes thousands of visitors to its campus each autumn.

Guests will find a vast array of arts and crafts on display and for sale.

Area attractions have many special events and observances. If you are coming to visit LEGOLAND® Florida, be certain to check their calendar for hours of operation and special events when planning your visit. Bok Tower Gardens and Fantasy of Flight host a variety of events and annual festivals. Remember to check their websites, too.

Many of these events and more can be found on the Winter Haven Chamber’s online calendar at www.WinterHaven Chamber.com.

Polk Theatre (863) 682-7553 www.PolkTheatre.org Ridge Art Association (863) 291-5661 www.RidgeArt.org Theater Winter Haven (863) 294-SHOW (7469) www.TheaterWinterHaven.com The Lakeland Center (863) 834-8111 www.TheLakelandCenter.com The Symphony Guild of Winter Haven (863) 299-2672 More In-Depth Arts Information: Polk Arts Alliance (863) 804-0494 www.PolkArtsAlliance.org

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Delicious

Dining

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hether you are looking for

a “quick bite,” your favorite fast food or savory gourmet fare, the Winter Haven area is home to a number of delightful restaurants.

Arabella’s Ristorante (863) 293-1797 - www.arabellasristorante.com Bean & Grape Cafe, LLC (863) 299-8140 - www.beanandgrapecafe.com Bebo’s Marina - (863) 875-5646 Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub (863) 293-9464 - www.beefobradys.com Blue Room - (863) 324-7200 Bob Evans, Inc. (863) 679-2974 - www.bobevans.com Carrabba’s Italian Grill (863) 293-6635 - www.carrabbas.com

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Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn (863) 676-6011 - www.chaletsuzanne.com Classic Homestyle Buffet (863) 293-7220 - www.classichomestylebuffet.com Dairy Queen - (863) 299-5165 El Norteno Restaurant (863) 298-0993 www.elnortenosmexicanrestaurant.com Elmo & Linda’s Magical Dining (863) 514-5382 Fred’s Southern Kitchen Winter Haven, LLC (863) 595-1190 - www.fredssouthernkitchen.com Gary’s Oyster Bar & Seafood House (863) 956-5055 - www.garysoysterbar.com Grand Asian Buffet (863) 293-1288 - www.thegrandasianbuffet.com

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Grape Expectations Fine Wines (863) 318-8800 www.grapeexpectationsfinewine.com Iam Pasta Cafe Inc. (863) 508 7433 - www.iampastacafe.com International House of Pancakes (863) 326-1772 - www.ihop.com KC’s Big Dipper, Inc. (863) 324-7309 - www.kcsbigdipper.com Kentucky Fried Chicken (863) 299-7177 - www.tfcfamily.com Longhorn Steakhouse (863) 295-7740 - www.longhornsteakhouse.com Manny’s Original Chophouse (863) 293-9349 - www.mannyschophouse.com McDonald’s (863) 293-4531 - www.mcdonalds.com McGillicuddy’s Bar & Grill (863) 875-6916 Old Man Frank’s - (863) 294-9179 Olive Garden (863) 294-6641 - www.olivegarden.com Outback Steakhouse (863) 295-9800 - www.outback.com Park View RestaUrant (863) 324-5950 Plaza Cafe - (863) 294-2325 Red Lobster (863) 294-8844 - www.redlobster.com Richard’s Fine Coffees (863) 291-3082 - www.richardsfinecoffees.com Schack’s Bar-B-Q - (863) 324-1537 Smokin Jim’s Barbeque (863) 965-0230 - www.smokinjimsbbq.ws Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q (863) 293-4744 - www.sonnysbbq.com Subway # 13268 (863) 293-5011 - www.subway.com Tanners Pub (863) 294-7220 - www.tannerspub.com Tapping The Vine, LLC (863) 268 8263 - www.tappingthevine.com Texas Cattle Company Catering (863) 604-1515 - www.texascattlecompany.net The Seasoned Stone (863) 875-5756 - www.randrchutney.com Tijuana Flats Burrito Company (863) 206-2741 - www.tijuanaflats.com Tropical Smoothie Café (863) 295-7988 - www.tropicalsmoothie.com Tsunami Sushi (863) 293-2395 - www.tsunamisushi.us Yogurt Grove (863) 875-6990 - www.yogurtgrove.com

Plenty of

“Sh-opp ortunities!”

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hopping venues in Winter

Haven are plentiful. From department stores such as Macy’s to boutiques and consignment shops to antiques, our retailers welcome you and your family.

Downtown Winter Haven offers a number of stores with elegant merchandise, crafts and gifts.

You’ll find florists, upscale gift shops, antique stores and a fabulous array of restaurants. It’s a great place to find that something special. Don’t miss such unique stores as “Little Studio” and “Andy Thornal Company – Gateway to Adventure Since 1945”

– both destinations themselves.

The US Highway 17 corridor, Cypress Gardens Boulevard and Cypress Gardens Road feature a number of interesting retail centers.

Search our database at www.WinterHavenChamber.com for specific interests.

For the seriously dedicated . . . shopping is an art. Winter Haven can definitely be your gallery.

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Stay and Play

Accommodations Hotels and Inns

Best Western Plus Auburndale Inn & Suites 1008 US Hwy. 92 W Auburndale (863) 551-3400 Fax (863) 551-3437 www.bestwestern.com/ auburndaleinnandsuites • 55 rooms, pool, computer in every room.

Best Western Park View Hotel* 5651 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven (800) 247-2799 - (863) 324-5950 Fax (863) 324-2376 www.bestwesternparkview.com • 174 rooms, 13 1- & 2-BDRM suites, some with Jacuzzis, pool, Legoland Beds & Bricks partner.

Camp Mack’s River Resort 14900 Camp Mack Rd., Lake Wales (800) 243-8013 - (863) 696-1108 Fax (863) 696-2924 www.campmack.com • Motel: 40 rooms, pool, RV & Cabin rental also available.

Hampton Inn Winter Haven 202 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven (863) 299-9251 Fax (863) 401-9388 www.hamptoninn.com/winterhaven • 88 guest rooms, pool, free wifi.

Holiday Inn of Winter Haven 200 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven (863) 292-2100 - Fax (863) 292-2101 www.holidayinn.com/winterhavenfl • 112 guest rooms, king suites available, pool, Legoland Beds & Bricks partner.

Lake Ida Beach Resort* 2524 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven (863) 293-0942 - Fax (863) 293-5951 www.lakeidabeachresort.com • 20 units, 1 & 2-room efficiencies, pool.

Lake Roy Beach Inn & Suites* 1823 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven (863) 324-6320 - Fax (863) 324-2750 www.lakeroybeachinn.com • 33 rooms, 1 & 2 room efficiencies, pool.

Bed and Breakfasts

Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn* 3800 Chalet Suzanne Dr., Lake Wales (800) 433-6011 - (863) 676-6011 Fax (863) 676-1814 www.ChaletSuzanne.com • 26 guestrooms, pool.

Condos and Vacation Rentals

Home Away Vacation Rentals www.homeaway.com/vacation-rentals/ florida/disney-orlando/r149

Campgrounds and RV Parks

Camp Mack’s River Resort* 14900 Camp Mack Road, Lakes Wales (863) 696-1108 - Fax (863) 696-2924 www.campmack.com • 250 RV sites, 10 cabins, pool.

Apartments & Condos Apartment Finder www.apartmentfinder.com

Briarcrest at Winter Haven (863) 293 3350 www.robbinspropertyllc.com

Carlton Arms of Winter Haven 7676 Carlton Arms Blvd., Winter Haven (863) 875-1700 - Fax (863) 875-1780 www.carltonarmsofwinterhaven.com Riverlake Apartments 4200 Mahogany Run, Winter Haven (863) 324-1072 - Fax (863) 318-9942

Manufactured Homes Colony Club Mobile Home Estates (863) 294-4969

Swiss Village (863) 294-4591 - www.cfrresales.com *Accepts small pets

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Places of

Churches

Worship

CenterPoint Community Church 133 Ruby Lake Drive Winter Haven (863) 324-7915 www.CenterPointChurch.org First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven 637 6th Street, NW Winter Haven (863) 294-3121 www.FirstPresWH.org

Heartland Community Church 205 Farnot Street SW Winter Haven 863-299-7797 www.heartchurch.org Hope Presbyterian Church 2100 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven (863) 324-6382 www.hopepreswh.org

St. Joseph Catholic Church 532 Avenue M, NW Winter Haven (863) 294-3144 - www.stjosephwh.org

St. Matthew Catholic Church 1991 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven (863) 324-3040 www.stmatthewwh.catholicweb.com St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 656 Avenue L, NW, Winter Haven (863) 298-8485 www.stpaulsepicopalchurch.us Winter Haven Nazarene 244 Avenue D SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-0690 www.winterhavennazarene.org

Synagogues

Temple Beth Shalom 1029 Bradbury Road, Winter Haven

(863) 292-0722

www.bethshalompolk.org

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Becoming a

Resident

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inter Haven is a great place to call home for many different reasons. The cost of living here is typically lower than the national average, making the Chain of Lakes City a practical place to settle.

Residences ranging from apartments to single-family homes and town homes to waterfront estates offer a variety of options.

City parks, trails and other recreational amenities have grown significantly throughout the past decade. There is ample access to our lakes for boaters, and our parks offer a variety of recreation and exercise options. Here are just a few beautiful locations ... n Lake Howard Nature Park n Lake Hartridge Nature Park n Lake Maude Nature Park n Martin Luther King Park (Lake Silver) n Trailhead Park and Chain of Lakes Trail (3.6 miles starts behind City Hall and travels north to Lake Alfred) n Central Park (downtown) Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, fountain n Winter Haven Public Library (Downtown on the park)

The Polk County Public School district is among the largest districts in the nation and ranks eighth largest in the Sunshine State. There are 160 school sites and centers,

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comprising 65 elementary schools, 19 middle schools and 18 high schools, which include various magnet, choice and charter schools, career centers, adult schools and alternative schools.

The district currently serves more than 90,000 students and is the largest employer in Polk County with nearly 13,000 employees. Many private and parochial schools also exist to serve students from kindergarten through graduation.

Polk has been recognized as nineteenth in the nation for the number of teachers certified by the prestigious National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Certification is among the highest honors a teacher can receive.

In addition, nearly 30,000 community 2012

members contributed their time as volunteers in Polk schools last year, with more than 1.2 million hours donated in district facilities.

Life’s Necessities POST OFFICES 111 W. Central Avenue (863) 299-7824

1401 1st Street, NW 293-5370 or (800) 275-8777 Utilities Electric: Tampa Electric Co. - (863) 299-0800 Gas: AmeriGas Propane - (863) 294-4159 Central Florida Gas (863) 293-2125 Telephone: Bright House Networks (863) 965-7766 Verizon - (800) 483-4000 Verizon Business - (800) 483-5000 Cable: Bright House Networks (863) 965-7766 Comcast - (863) 739-6077 Water: City of Winter Haven (863) 291-5678 REFUSE COLLECTION City of Winter Haven - (863) 291-5756 Polk County - (863) 284-4319 Social Security Office 1 (800) 772-1213 VEHICLES License Tags & Title - (863) 293-5551 Driver’s License - (863) 421-3202 Winter Haven Area Transport (863) 534-5500

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Area

Realtors Brokers Realty of Central FL (863) 294-6773 www.reneebutler.com

Choice-Dantzler Properties (863) 299-6710 www.choiceproperties.net

Chain of Lakes Realty, Inc. (863) 299-5555 www.chainoflakesrealty.com

Judy B. Cleaves Properties, Inc. (863) 299-5878 www.jbcleaves.com

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate (863) 294-7541 www.floridamoves.com Collany Properties (863) 295-9886 www.collany.com

Crosby & Associates, Inc. (863) 293-5600 www.crosbyandassociates.net

Florida Home Choice Realty, LLC (863) 412-2727 www.floridahomechoice.com Keller Williams Realty (863) 508-3000 www.KW.com

MiDfloriDa Real Estate Sales, LLC (863) 299-9988 www.midfloridasales.com Norris & Company Realty, LLC (863) 875-5583 www.michaelanddeenorris.com

Pioneer Property Management, Inc. (863) 325-8834 Star Realty of Winter Haven, Inc. (863) 299-7827 www.starrealtyofwh.com Janice Summers Realty (863) 318-9500

Turner Properties of CFI (863) 324-1882

Village Realty of Winter Haven (863) 299-6767 www.phyllistcollins.com

Watson & Watson, Inc., Realtors (863) 294-4149 www.watsonandwatsonrealtors.com John Wood Realty, Inc. (863) 324-9663 www.johnwoodrealty.com

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2012

Municipal

Leadership

T T

(Front row, left to right) City Commissioner Jamie Beckett, Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel Birdsong, Mayor J. P. Powell, City Commissioner Steven Hunnicutt and City Commissioner Peter Chichetto.

(Back row, left to right) City Manager Dale Smith, City Attorney John Murphy and City Clerk Dorothy Johnson

2012

he City of Winter Haven functions under a commissionmanager form of local government.

The City Commission consists of five members, elected at large, who hold office for four years.

The municipal election is held in September of odd-numbered years.

The City Commission appoints a City Manager who is the CEO of the municipal corporation. While the City Commission acts as the legislative body of the City, the day-to-day operations of the City are directed by the City Manager. Commissioners in office for more than nine months are eligible to serve as Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. They are elected by the City Commission at the second meeting in October. The Mayor presides at all meetings of the Commission. The City of Winter Haven employs almost 500 staff members who serve in various departments including: Support Services, Community and Economic Development, Executive Services, Technology Services, Community Services, Financial Services, Fire Services, Police Services and Utility Services. Interested in learning more?

Please visit www.mywinterhaven.com or call City Hall at (863) 291-5600. “Like� City of Winter Haven, Florida on Facebook and follow us at mywinterhaven on Twitter!

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Home Town

Colleges Area Institutions of Higher Learning Florida Southern College 863-680-4111 - www.flsouthern.edu

Keiser University (863) 682-6020 - www.keiseruniversity.edu POLK STATE COLLEGE (863) 297-1000 - www.polk.edu Southeastern University (863) 667-5000 - www.seuniversity.edu University of South Florida Polytechnic (863) 667-7000 - www.poly.usf.edu Warner University (800) 309-9563 - www.warner.edu

P P

olk State College was founded in 1964 to serve the higher education needs of Polk County, Florida. Over the years, Polk State College has undergone tremendous growth and change.

The first academic year (1964) started with 1,107 students in temporary quarters on the Bartow Air Base. Today, the College annually serves more than 15,000 credit and 11,200 non-credit students in locations throughout Polk County. Winter Haven is the home of Polk State College’s first permanent campus with 21 buildings on a 99-acre site overlooking Lake Elbert.

In July 2009, the College changed its name from Polk Community

College to Polk State College and modified its mission to reflect the change. During 2011, Polk State unveiled a completely new mascot and logo design – Soar Eagles!

Polk State College continues to be an open-access community college with programs and services that reflect the diversity of its students and the dynamic needs of its community. Approximately 73 percent of Polk State College’s credit students are part time, 63 percent are female, and more than 33 percent are racial/ ethnic minorities.

The College is a multi-campus institution where an estimated 70 percent of graduates receive the Associate in 2012

Webber International University (800) 741-1844 - www.webber.edu Webster University (863) 687-9309 - www.webster.edu Two Technical Schools: Ridge Career Center (863) 419-3060 schools.polk-fl.net/ridge/generalinfo.htm Traviss Career Center 863-499-2700 - www.traviss.edu

Arts (AA) degree. Additionally, Polk State College offers 30 Associate in Science (AS), 27 Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees, and one Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree with four areas of concentration. Polk State College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Since opening in 1964, Polk State College has produced more than 35,000 graduates. /

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Outstanding

Healthcare

W W

inter Haven counts its

medical and allied health organizations among its finest resources.

Winter Haven Hospital

Winter Haven Hospital offers diverse healthcare services, educational offerings and health screening opportunities. Established in 1926, the hospital has grown to include several centers of excellence including the Bostick Heart Center, the Cassidy Cancer Center and nationally recognized Stroke Center. More recently the hospital has affiliated with the University of Florida, College

of College of Medicine, Department of Urology to establish the Center for Urology and Robotics Institute.

This brings comprehensive highquality urological care to Central Florida. Sijo Joseph Parekattil, MD is fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopy/robotics and in microsurgery and male infertility.

At the University of Florida College of Medicine/Shands Healthcare, he has performed more robotic microsurgeries than any other surgeon in the world.

The state-of-the-art patient care, advanced technology and equipment

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Destination Winter Haven

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are coupled with top-quality training for Winter Haven Hospital’s physicians and nurses. The hospital is Polk County’s first healthcare organization to achieve Magnet status (2008).

Winter Haven Hospital joins hospitals across the country – about five percent of the nation’s total – to be recognized for excellence in patient care. Hospital staffers worked for more than five years to meet the program’s rigorous requirements.

Winter Haven Hospital is the largest private employer in East Polk County with more than 2,500 employees and 300 board-certified physicians. The organization and has been recognized as a “Best Place to Work” by PolkWorks.

2012

The Regency Medical Center

The Regency Medical Center is under the umbrella of Winter Haven Hospital. A facility for women and infants, the Regency is a 61-bed specialty hospital with a primary focus on state-of-the-art maternity and surgical care. Recently, the Regency was nationally recognized with a “Golden Stethoscope” award for quality in the area of maternal and neonatal care – a recognition based on performance measures for clinical quality outcomes, clinical processes and resources.

Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, a 200-bed acute-care hospital, is located north of Winter Haven on Hwy. 27 in Haines City.

Offering a full spectrum of services and resources, HOF is supported by more than 170 physicians representing various medical specialties. Heart of Florida operates Urgent Care Cypress in Winter Haven, a facility that offers timely care for many illnesses and injuries. Urgent Care Cypress also provides x-rays and lab work.

Lake Wales Medical Center

The Lake Wales Medical Center is a 160-bed facility with 50 active physicians serving the medical needs of the residents and visitors of the community of Lake Wales. The 500 hospital employees provide a broad range of both inpatient and outpatient services. The medical center recently opened a new wing featuring 32 private rooms designed for single occupancy for better efficiency and more comfortable care.

Bartow Regional Medical Center

Bartow Regional Medical Center is a 72-bed acute care facility serving south Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, Ft. Meade, southwest Winter Haven and south Polk County. It is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, has a 188-member medical staff and employes 450.

The hospital offers emergency services, inpatient and outpatient surgical services, cardiac catheterization, wound care/hyperbaric medicine, women’s center, intensive care, progressive care, post-surgical care, rehabilitation services, dialysis and lithotripsy.

Winter Haven and the surrounding areas also feature several outpatient surgical centers such as the Eye Surgery & Laser Center, LLC; Day Surgery Center and the Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgical Center.

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2012

Medical Numbers Bartow Regional Medical Center (863) 519-1402 Blood Banks of Mid-florida (863) 297-1840 Bond Clinic, Pa (863) 293-1191 Central Florida Cancer Institute (863) 293-6375 Day surgery Center (863) 293-8471 First Care Winter Haven (863) 299-2420

Rediscover BREAST ENLARGEMENT, REDUCTION & LIFTS

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t’s amazing what happens when you feel good about yourself. Self-esteem climbs to heights you never dreamed possible. Confidence becomes a part of you – permanently. A smile warms your face in the morning when you wake, and you think to yourself... “this is going to be a great day.”

SECONDARY BREAST ENLARGEMENT SURGERY FACE LIFTS/ EYELID SURGERY LASER SKIN RESURFACING BOTOX

Gessler Clinic (863) 294-0670

NOSE, CHIN, CHEEK & EAR REPROFILING

Haines City HMA Urgent Care, LLC (863) 325-8185

LIPOSUCTION & TUMMY TUCKS

Heart of florida regional Medical Center (863) 422-4971

BODY CONTOUR SURGERY

Gessler Clinic, P.A.

RICHARD RADOCHA MD,FACS

635 First Street North Winter Haven, FL 33881 Receptionist (863) 298-3354 Office Direct (863) 298-3275

www.radocha.com

Board Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery Board Certified American Board of Surgery

C o m m i t m e n t

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E x c e l l e n c e

lake Wales Medical Center (863) 676-1433 Osceola Regional Medical Center (407) 846-2266 Polk County Health Department (863) 519-7900 Winter Haven ambulatory surgical Center (863) 291-4000 Winter Haven Hospital (863) 293-1121 Hospices Cornerstone Hospice (863) 291-5560 Good shepherd Hospice (863) 297-1880 Hope Hospice & Healthcare Services (863) 688-4715

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Calendar of

April Bloomin’ Arts Festival - Bartow Chain of Lakes Festival - Winter Haven Easter Sunrise Service Bok Tower Gardens www.BokTowerGardens.org Mustangs & Mustangs Fantasy of Flight www.FantasyofFlight.com Sun ’n Fun Fly-In - Lakeland www.Sun-n-Fun.org May Pops Concert Under the Stars Bok Tower Gardens Mayfaire by the Lake - Lakeland www.PolkMuseumofArt.org Young People’s Concert Polk State College

Events

There’s something for everyone – activities are aplenty year round in Central Florida.

Here is a sampling:

January Alafia River Rendezvous - Homeland www.FloridaFrontiersmen.org Special Performance Series Polk State College Winter Haven - www.Polk.edu Spirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow Auburndale www.IntlMarketWorld.com February Winter Haven Greek Festival Winter Haven - (863) 299-4532 Mardi Gras Festival - Lake Wales www.LWMardiGras.com Polk Senior Games www.PolkSeniorGames.org

March Bach Festival of Central Florida Lake Wales - www.Bach FestivalofCentralFlorida.org Bloomin’ Arts Festival Bartow - (863) 533-7125 Bluegrass, Clogging & BBQ Festival Auburndale www.IntlMarketWorld.com Central Park Art Festival Downtown Winter Haven www.RidgeArt.org Champagne & Shamrocks with the Florida Orchestra Winter Haven Florida Strawberry Festival - Plant City www.FLStrawberryFestival.com Lake Wales Arts Show Shores of Lake Wailes www.LakeWalesArtsCenter.org

June Live at the Gardens Concert Bok Tower Gardens

July Fourth of July Celebrations Water Ski Championships Mulberry - www.USAWaterski.org October Cracker Storytelling Festival Homeland - www.Polk-County.net

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Destination Winter Haven

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More Calendar of Events October Fall Fest - Polk State College Winter Haven - www.Polk.edu Haines City Fall Fest - Haines City www.Ci.Haines-City.Fl.us Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival Lakeland www.LakeMirrorClassic.com Lake Wales Pioneer Days - Lake Wales www.CityofLakeWales.com Pops in the Park - Downtown Central Park, Winter Haven November Sunset & Symphony with Orlando Philharmonic Bok Tower Gardens www.BokTowerGardens.org Roar nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Soar - Fantasy of Flight Wings â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Things Family Fun Fest Lakeland - www.Sun-n-Fun.org

December Carols in the Park - Winter Haven www.MyWinterHaven.com Christmas at Pinewood Bok Tower Gardens City Lights/Cypress Nights - Countywide Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Chain of Lakes - Winter Haven *Dates are subject to change

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Destination Winter Haven

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Things To Do

Attractions Bok Tower Gardens (863) 676-1408 - www.boktowergardens.org Fantasy of Flight (863) 984-3500 - www.FantasyofFlight.com LEGOLAND ® Florida (877) 350-LEGO - www.legoland.com A irboat Tours Camp Mack’s River Resort (863) 696-1108 - www.campmack.com Bowling Cypress Lanes (863) 294-3295 - www.cypresslanes.com Imperial Lanes and King’s Burgers & BBQ (863) 949-4830 - www.theimperialbowl.com Fishing Central Florida Bucketmouths (863) 661-7226 - www.cfbucketmouths.com Camp Mack’s River Resort (863) 696-1108 - www.campmack.com Flight Training Preston Aviation - Biplane Rides (863) 956-2526 - www.PrestonAviation.net Tailwheels ETC. (863) 401-3592 - www.tailwheelsetc.com Museums, Art Galleries & Theatres

E xplorations V Children’s Museum (863) 687-3869 - www.explorationsv.com Polk Museum of Art (863) 688-7743 - www.polkmuseumofart.org Ridge Art Association, Inc. (863) 291-5661 - www.ridgeart.org The Ritz 100, Inc. (863) 295-9900 - www.ritztheatre100.org Theatre Winter Haven (863) 299-2672 - www.theatrewinterhaven.com Paintballing Action Paintball (863) 224-6915 - www.action-paintball.us Public Golf Cypresswood Golf & Country Club (863) 324-6174 - www.cypresswoodcc.com Diamondback Golf Club (863) 421-0437 - www.diamondbackgc.net Willowbrook Golf Course (863) 291-5899 Lake Bess Golf Club Inc. (863) 326-9171 - www.lakebessgolfclub.com

Private & Professional Golf Lake Region Yacht & Country Club (863) 324-6666 - www.lakeregionycc.com LPGA Futures Tour (386) 274-6296 - www.lpgafuturestour.com Seaplane Rides & Lessons Jack Brown’s Sea Plane Base (863) 956-2243 Sports Lake Myrtle Sports Complex ( 863) 551 4750 www.centralfloridasports.com

Community Commitment is our game.

At Tampa Electric, our dedication to the community remains strong – from sponsorships and volunteerism to service and energy delivery. Life runs on energy – which is why we’ll be here this century and beyond.

813-223-0800 (Hillsborough County) 863-299-0800 (Polk County) 1-888-223-0800 (All other counties and out-of-state)

tampaelectric.com

2012

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Destination Winter Haven

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Please Visit These Fine

Chamber Members

Carlton Arms

(863) 875-1700 www.carltonarmsofwinterhaven.com

www.lasaterflowersandgifts.com

Best Western Plus Auburndale Inn & Suites

Preston Aviation - Bi-Plane Rides

Bob Evans Restaurant

Tapping the Vine

(863) 551-3400 www.bestwestern.com/auburndaleinnandsuites

(863) 294-3213

(863) 956-2526 www.PrestonAviation.net

(863) 679-2974 www.bobevans.com

(863) 268 8263 www.tappingthevine.com

Explorations V

Winter Haven Christian School

(863) 687-3869 www.explorationsv.com

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Lasater Flowers

Destination Winter Haven

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(863) 294-4135 www.WHCSonline.org

2012

Hill

NISSAN www.hillnissan.com

6401 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven â&#x20AC;˘ (863) 299-2161

2012

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Destination Winter Haven

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Index of

Newspapers News Chief

(863) 401-6900 - www.NewsChief.com The Ledger

(863) 802-7000 - www.TheLedger.com

Information

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hank you to our advertisers for their loyal support!

14 / All Saints’ Academy 18 / Arabella’s 3 0 / Bartow Regional Medical Center 31 / Bright smiles of winter haven 3 9 / Bond Clinic 21 / Carlton Arms 15 / CenterState Bank 7 / Cheryl Beckert, State Farm ins.

2 3 / Cross Fernandez & Riley 2 6 / CSX 2 9 / Eye Specialists of Mid Florida 13 / Fantasy of Flight 34 / FIAT of Winter Haven 2 9 / Fischer, Schemmer, Silbiger, Moraczewski 2 / Gessler Clinic 2 0 / Hampton Inn 3 3 / Heart of Florida 3 7 / Hill Nissan 2 0 / Holiday Inn 2 5 / John Wood Reality 11 / KC’s Big Dipper 3 2 / Ledger Media Group 15 / My Natures Delight 38 / Orchid Springs Animal Hospital 15 / Pengeo. inc.

2 4 / Riverlake Apartment homes 31 / Dr. Radocha 8 / 6/10 Corporation 3 4 / Tampa Electric Co. 3 4 / winter haven Chrysler Dodge

Jeep ram and Fiat

2 3

/ Winter Haven Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

40 / Winter Haven Hospital 19 / Yogurt Grove

38

Destination Winter Haven

Emergency - Fire, Police & Ambulance - 911 Polk County Animal Control - (863) 499-2600 Courthouse/County Clerk - (863) 534-4540

www.PolkCountyClerk.net Humane Society - (863) 324-5227

www.HumaneSocietyofPolkCounty.org Main Switchboard - (863) 534-6000

www.Polk-County.net Property Appraiser - (863) 534-4777

www.PolkPA.org Sheriff’s Department Info - (863) 298-6200

www.PolkSheriff.org Voter Registration - (863) 534-5888

www.PolkElections.com

City of Winter Haven www.MyWinterHaven.com Chain O’Lakes Convention Center

& Recreation Complex / Leisure

Services Dept. - (863) 291-5656 City Hall - (863) 291-5600 Northeast Recreation Center - (863) 291-5675 Police Department Info - (863) 291-5858 Winter Haven Senior Center - (863) 291-5870 Library - (863) 291-5880

Transportation Winter Haven Municipal Airport

Gilbert Field - (863) 298-4551 AMTRAK

(863) 294-9203 - www.Amtrak.com Winter Haven Area Transit (WHAT)

(863) 688-7433 - www.RideCitrus.com Miscellaneous Better Business Bureau - (407) 621-3300

www.CentralFlorida.BBB.org Polk Works

(863) 508-1100 - www.PolkWorks.org Social Security Office

1-800-772-1213 - www.SSA.gov Unemployment Office - 1-800-204-2418

www.FluidNow.com

Attractions American Water Ski Hall of Fame

(863) 324-2472 - www.USAWaterski.org Bok Tower Gardens - (863) 676-1408

www.BokTowerGardens.org Camp Mack River Resort

(863) 696-1108 - www.CampMack.com Fantasy of Flight - (863) 984-3500

www.FantasyofFlight.com LEGOLAND®

(877) 350-LEGO - www.Legoland.com Walt Disney World - www.DisneyWorld.com

2012

/

Destination Winter Haven

39