Destination Winter Haven, 2014

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Magazine About This

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he 2013-14 edition of Destination Winter Haven is filled with information designed to inform visitors and relocating families. 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, an emerging downtown technology sector and our world-class health care facilities among a variety of topics.

Our Chamber was originally founded in 1910 as a Board of Trade. The organization was later incorporated as a chamber of commerce in 1923.

In 1996 the name changed to the

Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce building

“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 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For your convenience we have a variety of information available including attraction brochures, Polk County guides, nature and lakes information and maps.

Thank you for choosing Winter Haven as your destination.

We hope you enjoy your visit.

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 / Fabulous, Fun Shopping 20 / Delicious Dining 21 / Accommodations 22 / Becoming a Resident 23 / Area Realtors 24 / Places of Worship 25 / Schools 2 6 / Message from City Hall 2 8 / Health Care and Hospitals 32 / Calendar of Events 3 3 / Places to Go, Things to Do 3 4 / Index of Information

The Official Publication of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce 401 Avenue B, NW 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 Katie Worthington, President

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City

Our Beautiful

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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 with 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 wake-boarding. 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, Winter Haven takes pride in not only being a family friendly place at heart, but a beautiful city as well.

Downtown features modern upgrades, street landscaping and sidewalks and crosswalks covered with decorative pavers.

Our public library overlooking

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Central Park is one of the state’s most beautiful. You’ll find interesting historic buildings, too.

Make plans to enjoy 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 at 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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History Our Rich

Historical Sites Gene Leedy Self-Guided Architectural Tour

Begins at Chamber of Commerce Audio Tour / www.geneleedy.com

Museum of Winter Haven History 9 a.m. to Noon October through May

Lake Wales Depot

www.CityofLakeWales.com/depot Lake Wales / (863) 676-5760

Mulberry Phosphate Museum Mulberry / 863) 425-2823

Polk County Historical Museum www.PolkCountyMuseum.org (863) 534-4386

Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library Bartow / (863) 534-4380

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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 recently 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

Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture Florida Southern College Lakeland

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 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.

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 beautifully maintained by Merlin速 Entertainments and their LEGOLAND速 division.

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Promise W Future

inter Haven has a future filled with bright opportunities. As a historic destination for tourism, the evolution of Cypress Gardens into LEGOLAND速 Florida (www.legoland.com) has continued to enjoy roaring success including the addition of The World of Chima, which compliments the new animated show on Cartoon Network.

LEGOLAND速 plans to open its very own hotel! The hotel will be located overlooking Lake Eloise, in what was the animal area of Cypress Gardens.

The hotel will have four stories with 152 rooms and is expected to open in 2015! The beautiful new park has enjoyed record attendance that exceeded their expectations and currently employs 1,300 full- and part-time workers.

The audience for LEGOLAND速 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.

CSX Transportation subsidiary Evansville Western Railroad will open a modern new intermodal rail terminal on 318 acres of land in south Winter Haven

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Artist rendering of the new LEGOLAND Florida hotel

in Spring 2014. A significant industrial/ warehousing/transportation complex will emerge surrounding the terminal on more than 900 acres of land. The investment is estimated to total more than $10 billion over the next 10 years creating 2000 direct jobs and more than 6500 indirect employment opportunities.

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, more than

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35 companies and 350 employees bring a growing technology presence to the downtown core. The 6/10 Plaza building is also home to the Winter Haven Hospital Center for Urology and Robotics Institute Center that opened in fall 2012. Located in that building, the Protected Trust data center serves the health-care industry, and offers HIPAA-compliant data storage.

The data managed in our area serves clients worldwide. Companies such as the Ford Modeling Agency, Sony Playstation, CBS, Yahoo, eBay, MIT and more seek the expertise of Winter Haven-based 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.

The City of Winter Haven strives to be a progressive community.

The recently opened Fire Station #1 was the community’s first LEED certified Winter Haven’s new downtown parking garage

accompanying crowds of spectators.

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, play and raise a family.

Discover all there is to do in Winter Haven with two new mobile applications; Explore Central Florida and The City of Winter Haven! Download them for your Android or iPhone today for free!

“green” building. The City has made becoming a sustainable community a primary goal.

Downtown, adjacent to City Hall, Trailhead Park took its place among several other new nature parks the City has created adding valuable recreational options. The park serves the Chain of Lakes Trail and features an extensive play area. This will complement a downtown that currently features more than $4 million in aesthetic upgrades and a $5 million public library.

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 Des tination Wint er Hav en / 2014 /

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Business

Winter Haven

New Business Central Florida Development Council

David Petr, President and CEO 863-292-7017 / David@cfdc / www.cfdc.org

City of Winter Haven (City Hall) Growth Management Dept. Director Merle Bishop mbishop@mywinterhaven.com

Main Street Winter Haven

Anita Strang, Main Street Manager (863) 295-9422 anita@mswinterhaven.com www.mainstreetwh.com

Winter Haven Economic Development Council

Bruce Lyon, Executive Director bruce@whedc.com / (863) 837-5280 www.whedc.com

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This 95’ electric crane will move containerized freight on and off rail cars at the new Evansville Western Rail Terminal

ur nation has experienced challenging economic times over the past several years, and the state of Florida did not escape hardship.

As the national economy slowly improves there is optimisim here in Winter Haven. Our diverse economy, with strengths in technology, medical services, logistics, tourism, business services and agriculture, has allowed us to fare better than most cities.

The Winter Haven Economic Development Council and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce are just two of the many organizations in Polk County championing an effort to expand local business and recruit new opportunities to our area. Working in partnership with the City of Winter Haven, we are capitalizing on

the infrastructure and talent assets of our city to create new jobs and capital investment.

Our economic development pace is strong. More than seven projects are underway in the downtown core including an new rental complex called “Raingarden Apartments.” The Evansville Western Railroad intermodal terminal is now complete and staff training is underway. LEGOLAND® Florida continues to expand and a 152bed lakefront hotel is under construction and expected to open in 2015. These are among the major investments boosting the city’s economic outlook.

Organizations like the Winter Haven Economic Development Council stand ready to empower local business and remove any barriers to success. Our partners are aligned with our mission and have the tools the business

community needs to prosper. We are a creative city, an inspired city, and a city of wonderful natural resources and beauty.

We’re building tomorrow’s Winter Haven today… and our future looks bright.

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Attractions W Area

inter Haven has many exciting local attrations...

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 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 a new tribute to the Star Wars films.

A full-featured water park is also an option at the park from Memorial Day until late October. Summer 2013 brought a new addition to LEGOLAND®; The LEGO® World of Chima, presented

by Cartoon Network, features an immersive family experience with an interactive water ride, The Quest for CHI, a super-charged SpeedorzTM Arena, Cragger’s Swamp water play area, a new 4D movie experience and character meet-n-greet sessions.

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The World of Chima opening at LEGOLAND® Florida

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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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 863-6961108 or visit www.CampMack.com.

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 soul-nourishing 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.

Wakeboarding on Chain of Lakes

Bok Tower Gardens

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Attractions F More Area

antasy of Flight is Central Florida’s premier aviation-themed attraction, showcasing more than 100 rare and vintage aircraft from the world’s largest private collection. But that’s just the beginning. Fantasy of Flight not only explores the history and innovation of flight, but also invokes the profound metaphor of flight – pushing our boundaries, reaching beyond ourselves and freedom. Not at all your typical air museum, Fantasy of Flight features themed immersion experiences, interactive exhibits, a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas, Restoration and Backlot tours and the country’s only “Aerial Demonstration of the Day” featuring a vintage plane

(weather permitting). Whether it’s hearing the stories of heroism during the audio tour of the hangars filled with aircraft from early flight, WWI or WWII, taking a spin on a state-of-the-art hangglide simulator, climbing on board a real B-17 Flying Fortress or strapping in for an authentic biplane ride – Fantasy of Flight offers something for anyone who’s ever been enchanted by the freedom of flight.

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

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Ever wonder what it would have been like to be a wing walker or barnstorming pilot? Wing WalkAir Confidence Course & Zip Line is just the ticket. This thrilling ropes course is guaranteed to push your mental boundaries and unleash your inner daredevil. Perfect for families and corporate team building, Wing WalkAir will help you reach beyond yourself on a three-level, 36-midair-challenges ropes course towering to heights of 40 feet. When you reach the top, glide across our 600 feet of zip line, suspending you over water and placing you right on the edge of our legendary runway.

After all of this excitement, stop to refuel with a slice of Americana at our Art-Deco Compass Rose Diner or snag a unique aviation-themed memory at our gift shop.

Let your imagination soar at Fantasy of Flight, located in Polk City just off I-4 at exit 44 (about 20 minutes

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from Winter Haven). 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 waterskiing 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 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.

Hill

NISSAN www.hillnissan.com

6401 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

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

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Culture W Arts and

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 Musuem of Art. Add 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 theaters 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. For more than 50 years, the Ritz Theatre on West Central Avenue provided entertainment and a sense of community for residents of Winter Haven and surrounding areas.

Polk State College also hosts theatrical and musical

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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 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.

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For art lovers, Bok Tower Gardens also features a gallery displaying the work of local artisans. The exhibits change yearround. 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. Ridge Art is also host to public receptions for artists, competitions, classes and festivals throughout the year.

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), 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”, “Snow Central” and “Ice-Cream Sunday,” among other family friendly activities.

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

In nearby Lakeland, each spring they host the Sun n’ Fun Fly In – one of the two largest air shows in the country.

Remember to check their websites, too. www.legoland.com www.boktowergardens.org www.fantasyofflight.com www.sun-n-fun.org

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

Arts and Culture Venues Arts Ensemble

Imperial Symphony Orchestra

Polk Museum of Art

Ballet Conservatory

Lake Wales Arts Center

Polk Theatre

(863) 293-2700 www.artsensemblehealingarts.com (863) 299-1055 www.TheBalletConservatory.com

Florida Dance Theatre

(863) 802-0399 www.FloridaDanceTheatre.org

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

(863) 688-3743 www.ImperialSymphony.org

(863) 676-8426 www.lakewalesartscouncil.org

Lake Wales Little Theatre

(863) 676-1266 - www.LWLT.org

Lakeland Choral Society

(863) 688-7743 www.PolkMuseumofArt.org (863) 682-7553 - www.PolkTheatre.org

Ridge Art Association

(863) 291-5661 - www.RidgeArt.org

Theatre Winter Haven

www.LakelandChoralSociety.org

(863) 294-SHOW (7469) www.TheatreWinterHaven.com

(863) 603-7529 www.LakelandCommunityTheatre.com

(863) 834-8111 www.TheLakelandCenter.com

Lakeland Community Theatre Lakeland Concert Band

(863) 660-8428 www.LakelandConcertBand.com

Polk State College

(863) 297-1000 - www.Polk.edu

The Lakeland Center

The Symphony Guild of Winter Haven - (863) 293-5214 More In-Depth Arts Info: Polk Arts Alliance - (863) 804-0494 www.PolkArtsAlliance.org

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Shopping S Plenty of

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 “The Shop” and “Andy Thornal Company – Gateway to Adventure Since 1945” – both destinations in and of 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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Dining W Delicious

inter Haven is home to many delightful restaurants.

Arabella’s Ristorante

(863) 293-1797 www.arabellasristorante.com

Bean & Grape Cafe, LLC

Elmo & Linda’s Magical Dining

Prestiage Catering, Inc.

Frank and Manny’s Harborside

Publix Super Market #1204

Frescos Bakery & Bistro, Inc.

Puff n Stuff Catering, LLC (407) 629-7833 - www.puffnstuff.com

(863) 514-5382 - www.elmolinda.com (863) 293-7070

(863) 683-5267 www.frescoslakeland.com

Gary’s Oyster Bar & Seafood House

(863) 299-8140 www.beanandgrapecafe.com (863) 956-5055 - www.garysoysterbar.com Giovanni’s NY Pizza - (863) 324-9100 Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub (863) 293-9464 - www.beefobradys.com www.giovannisnewyorkpizza.com Blue Room - (863) 324-7200 Golden Corral Buffet & Grill (863) 324-5600

Cam’s Catering Company, Inc.

(863) 298-8062 - www.camscatering.com Hurricane Grill & Wings (863) 324-5157 - www.hurricanewings.com

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

(863) 293-6635 - www.carrabbas.com International House of Pancakes (863) 326-1772 - www.ihop.com Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn (863) 676-6011 - www.chaletsuzanne.com KC’s Big Dipper, Inc.

Chef Boy R G’s - Sugar Bakery

(863) 324-7309 - www.kcsbigdipper.com

(863) 292-9706

Longhorn Steakhouse - (863) 295-7740

www.chick-fil-a.com/winterhaven

McDonald’s - (863) 293-1445

Chick-fil-A - (863) 299-2697

Dairy Queen - (863) 299-5165 Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins of Winter Haven - (863) 297-9100

facebook.com/dunkindonuts.baskinrobbins. winterhaven.florida

www.longhornsteakhouse.com www.mcdonalds.com

Olive Garden - (863) 294-6641

(863) 607-6086

(863) 291-0312 - www.publix.com

Red Lobster

(863) 294-8844 - www.redlobster.com

Richard’s Fine Coffees (863) 291-3082 www.richardsfinecoffees.com

Rick’s Bar-B-Q - (863) 299-0354 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 Starbucks

(863) 229-5973 - www.starbucks.com

Terrie Lobb Catering, Inc. (863) 533-6483 www.terrielobbcatering.com

Texas Cattle Company Catering

www.olivegarden.com

(863) 686-1515 www.texascattlecompany.net

(863) 295-9800 - www.outback.com

(863) 875-1752

Outback Steakhouse

Pierre’s Hot Spot Sports www.elnortenosmexicanrestaurant.com Bar & Grill - (863) 875-7826

El Norteno Restaurant - (863) 298-0993

The Island Grill and Bar

The Seasoned Stone - (863) 875-5756 www.randrchutney.com

The View 4141 (863) 324-5810 - www.theview4141.com Tijuana Flats Burrito Company (863) 324-3262 - www.tijuanaflats.com Tinsley Family Concessions, Inc.

(863) 299-7177 - www.tfcfamily.com

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburger Restaurant

(863) 291-0290 - www.wendys.com

Yofresh Frozen Yogurt Cafe

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(863) 368-1795 www.yofreshyogurtcafe.com

Zaxbys

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Accommodations

Stay and Play

Hotel 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 • 57 rooms, pool and free wifi.

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 401-9388 www.hamptoninn.com/winterhaven • 88 guest rooms, pool and free wifi.

Holiday Inn of Winter Haven 200 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven (863) 292-2100 / Fax 292-2101 www.holidayinn.com/winterhavenfl • 112 guest rooms, king suites available, pool; a 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- and 2-room efficiencies and pool.

Winter Haven Suites & Conference Center

1150 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven (863) 294-4451 / Fax (863) 293-9829 www.winterhavensuites.com • 228 units, pool, free wifi and HBO.

Bed and Breakfasts Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn*

3800 Chalet Suzanne Dr., Lake Wales (800) 433-6011 / (863) 676-6011 Fax 676-1814 / www.ChaletSuzanne.com • 26 guest rooms, pool, lunch and dinner available.

Campgrounds & 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 and pool.

Cypress Campground & RV Park* 7400 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven (863) 324-7400 / (863) 324-2418 www.cypresscampground.com • 191 RV sites, 3 park models & 3 trailers for rent and heated pool.

Apartments & Condos

Briarcrest at Winter Haven 200 Avenue K SE, Winter Haven (863) 293-3350 / (863) 294-0953 www.robbinspropertyllc.com

Carlton Arms of Winter Haven 7676 Carlton Arms Blvd.,Winter Haven (863) 875-1700 / (863) 875-1780 www.carltonarmsofwinterhaven.com

Cypress Gardens Apartment Homes

4200 Mahogany Run, Winter Haven (863) 324-1072 (863) 318-9942 www.riverlakeapts.com

Village at Lake Ned

4025 Lake Ned Circle, Winter Haven (863) 318-9670 www.villageatlakened.com

Manufactured Homes Colony Club Mobile Home Estates

Winter Haven - (863) 294-4969

Swiss Village

Winter Haven - (863) 294-4591 www.cfrresales.com

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

Park View Hotel*

5651 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven (863) 324-5950 / Fax (863) 324-2376 www.parkviewhotelwinterhaven.com • 174 rooms, 13 1- & 2-bedroom suites, some with jacuzzis and pool. *Accepts small pets

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Resident W Becoming a

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 ...

• Lake Howard Nature Park • Lake Hartridge Nature Park • Lake Maude Nature Park • Martin Luther King Park (Lake Silver) • Trailhead Park and Chain of Lakes (Trail starts behind City Hall and travels 3.6 miles north to Lake Alfred) • Central Park, Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, Fountain & Winter Haven Public Library (downtown on the park)

The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce has launched an Educational Outcomes initiative to determine ways the community may become involved in the public school system and help to improve the educational outcomes of our students. As a direct result, the Public Education Partnership (PEP) was formed comprising educators, teachers, business leaders, elected officials and citizens. The group gathered information from students, teachers, parents and the business community resulting in a series of key recommendations. These recommendations and other important considerations are now being addressed

22

by PEP. This groundbreaking community action has resulted in call-to-action for citizens passionate about improving educational outcomes for our children.

The Polk County Public School district (www.polk-fl.net) is among the largest districts in the nation and ranks eighth largest in the Sunshine State.

There are more than 160 school sites and centers, comprising elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools which include various magnet, choice, and charter schools, career centers, adult schools, and alternative schools.

The district currently serves more than 94,000 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. The Winter Haven campus of Polk State College (www.polk.edu) is home to Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School, one of two such campuses in the county where students can earn college credit while attending their junior and senior years.

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Life’s Necessities Post Offices

111 W. Central Avenue (863) 299-7824

1401 1st Street N (863) 293-5370 or (800) 275-8777

Utilities Electric Tampa Electric Co. (863) 299-0800 Gas AmeriGas Propane (863) 439-1597

Central Florida Gas (863) 293-2125

Telephone Bright House Networks (863) 965-7766

Verizon - (800) 483-4000 Verizon Business (800) 483-5000

Realtors

Area

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

Brokers Realty of Central FL (863) 294-6773 - www.thebutlerteam.com Carlton Arms of Winter Haven (863) 875-1700 www.carltonarmsofwinterhaven.com

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

(863) 875-5583 www.michaelanddeenorris.com

(863) 324-1072 - www.riverlakeapts.com

(863) 324-1000 - www.recentralgroup.com

Cypress Gardens Apartment Homes Florida Home Choice Realty, LLC (863) 412-2727 www.floridahomechoice.com

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - (863) 294-7541

Janice Summers Realty, Inc.

Collany Properties

Judy B. Cleaves Properties, Inc.

www.floridamoves.com

(863) 295-9886 - www.collany.com

Creative Association Services

(863) 293-7400 www.creativeassociations.com

Norris & Company Realty, LLC

Real Estate Central Group, LLC

Star Realty of Winter Haven, Inc.

(863) 299-7827 - www.starrealtyofwh.com

The 6/10 Corporation

(863) 299-1195 - www.610corp.net

(863) 318-9500 www.janiceasummersrealty.com

Turner Properties of CFI

(863) 299-5878 - www.jbcleaves.com

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

MIDFLORIDA Real Estate Sales, LLC

(863) 299-9988 - www.midfloridasales.com

National Properties Trust Spring Lake Square - (863) 401-8000

www.nationalpropertiestrust.com

(863) 324-1882

Watson & Watson, Inc., Realtors (863) 294-4149 www.watsonandwatsonrealtors.com

Wood, John Realty, Inc.

(863) 324-9663 - www.johnwoodrealty.com

Cable Bright House Networks (863) 965-7766

Verizon FiOs 1-866-613-5251

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

Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s License - (863) 421-3202 Winter Haven Area Transport (863) 534-5500

illage at Lake Ned offers high-quality, affordable apartment V living in the heart of Central Florida. With excellent schools,

convenient shopping and easy access to I-4 this is an unequaled lifestyle at a great value. Our well-appointed, spacious one-, twoand three-bedroom apartment homes are nestled in a beautifully landscaped, gated community with tranquil water views of Lake Ned. Take advantage of all the perks and luxuries like a state-ofthe-art fitness center, swimming pool, Wi-Fi business center and club room.

And all apartments include a full-size washer and dryer, luxury appliance package and lots of closet space. Call or visit us today!

Truly love where you live at Village at Lake Ned! leasingLN@villageatlakened.com -BLF /FE $JSDMF t 8JOUFS )BWFO '-

5FM t 'BY

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Worship Places of

Churches

Awaken Church Florida

(206) 409-4195 - Winter Haven www.awakenonline.net

CenterPoint Community Church (863) 324-7915 133 Ruby Lake Drive, Winter Haven www.CenterPointChurch.org

First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven - (863) 294-3121

637 6th Street NW, Winter Haven FirstPresWH.org

Heartland Community Church

(863) 299-7797 205 Farnol Street SW, Winter Haven www.heartchurch.org

Hope Presbyterian Church

(863) 324-6382 2100 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven www.hopepreswh.org

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St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church

(863) 294-8888 656 Avenue L NW, Winter Haven www.stpaulswinterhaven.com

St. Joseph Catholic Church & School - (863) 294-3144

532 Avenue M NW,Winter Haven www.stjosephwh.org

St. Matthew Catholic Church

(863) 324-3040 1991 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven www.stmatthewwh.com

Winter Haven Nazarene

(863) 293-0690 244 Avenue D SW, Winter Haven www.whnaz.net

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Synagoques Temple Beth Shalom

1029 Bradbury Road, Winter Haven (863) 292-0722 www.bethshalompolk.org

Polk State College Home to

Area Institutions of Higher Learning

P

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

The first academic year started with 1,107 students in temporary quarters on the Bartow Air Base. Today, the College annually serves more than 24,000 credit and non-credit students in locations throughout Polk County. Winter Haven is the home of Polk State College’s first permanent campus with 20 buildings on a 99-acre site overlooking beautiful Lake Elbert and includes the College’s district offices.

Other locations include Lakeland and Lake Wales and Bartow.

In 2009, the College changed its name from Polk Community College to Polk State

Winter Haven: • Polk State College Nearby: • Florida Southern College • Florida Polytechnic University • Webber International University • Warner University • Southeastern University • Webster University • University of Central Florida • University of Tampa Two Technical Schools: • Ridge Career Center • Traviss Career Center College and expanded its offerings to include fully accredited bachelor’s degrees. In 2011, Polk State unveiled a completely new mascot and logo design to underscore the institution’s connection with the region it serves and its vital role in helping students succeed. 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.

The majority of Polk State’s graduates earn associate’s degrees (the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science), but a growing number also pursue Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degrees.

Visitors to the region enjoy a variety of cultural events at the

College’s various locations, as well as a range of championship inter-collegiate athletic events. For residents and visitors alike, Polk State is at the heart of the region’s identity.

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City Hall W

Message From

elcome to Winter Haven, where every day is the perfect day to enjoy the warm sunshine on your face and the refreshing waters of its many lakes. This close-knit community has a diverse population with a variety of historic neighborhoods to choose from.

Everything you need is inside the City limits, from shopping and recreation to good jobs and education.

While exploring the area, you will find beautiful parks and trails with unique sculpture displays, great restaurants and a 32,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art library. The redeveloped downtown is a pedestrian-friendly place home to specialty shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants, a beautiful park stretching three blocks and a healthy business district. Winter Haven continues to experience steady and controlled growth as it transforms into a distinctively different city, embracing the values and needs of its residents.

The City functions under a commission-manager form of local government. The City Commission consists of five members, elected at large, who hold office for four years.

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, and the Mayor presides at all meetings of the Commission. 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.

The City of Winter Haven strives to provide for residents and visitors with a team of dedicated staff, community partners and an engaged community.

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For more than 100 years, Winter Haven has served as a destination where people want to live, work, play, learn and raise a family.

By choosing Winter Haven, you have made the wise choice to be part of the Winter Haven lifestyle. We hope you will make yourself at home!

Visit www.mywinterhaven.com or call City Hall at (863) 291-5600 to learn more. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like usâ&#x20AC;? at Facebook. com/winterhavenflorida and follow mywinterhaven on Twitter!

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Winter Haven City Commissioners: Front L to R - Mayor Nathaniel Birdsong and Mayor Pro Tem Steven Hunnicutt Rear L to R: Commissioners Brad Dantzler, J. P. Powell and Peter Chichetto.

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Health Care W

Outstanding

inter Haven counts its medical and allied health organizations among its finest resources.

Winter Haven Hospital

Winter Haven Hospital offers diverse health-care 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 Medicine, Department of Urology to establish the Center for Urology and Robotics Institute. This brings comprehensive high-quality urological care to Central Florida.

State-of-the-art patient care, advanced technology and equipment are coupled with top-quality training for Winter Haven Hospital’s physicians and nurses.

The hospital is Polk County’s first health-care organization to achieve Magnet status (2008). Winter Haven Hospital joins hospitals across the country – about five percent of the

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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 Polk Works.

Winter Haven Hospital is now a part of the BayCare Health System.

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

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a primary focus on state-of-the-art maternity and surgical care. 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 Highway 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, serves 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. A new “Owl Now Urgent Care Center” has opened on Sixth Street, NW in downtown Winter Haven.

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30

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Medical Numbers Bartow Regional Medical Center (863) 533-8111

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

Gessler Clinic (863) 294-0670

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

Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center (863) 422-4971

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) 291-5560

Winter Haven Hospital (863) 293-1121

Hospices Cornerstone Hospice (863) 291-5560

Good Shepherd Hospice (863) 682 3006

Demographics

Community

W

inter Haven is the second largest of 17 municipalities located in Polk County, Florida.

Centered in the heart of the state, the community affords businesses convenient, low-cost access to major customer markets such as Tampa and Orlando while offering an excellent quality of life.

Workers by Occupation

Category 2000 Management/Professional 2,631 Service Occupations 1,914 Sales & Office 2,928 Farming/Fishing/Forestry 121 Construction/Maintenance 1,019 Production/Transportation 1,416

2013 3,623 2,269 3,364 110 1,543 1,465

Employment by Industry

Industry 2000 2013 Agriculture & Mining 191 186 2013 Construction 622 718 Regional Population 652 854 Population within 25 Miles 726,464 Manufacturing 375 285 Population within 50 Miles 3,637,945 Wholesale Trade 1,685 1,349 Population within 100 Miles 9,140,092 Retail Trade Transportation & Utilities 491 445 Population Information 201 247 2000 Census 26,487 Finance & Insurance 903 755 2013 Estimate 36,280 Professional Services 722 1,089 Population by Age Health Care & Education 1,946 3,279 Age 2000 2013 Arts and Entertainment 1,244 1,828 0-14 4,612 6,603 Other Services 592 495 15-24 2,742 3,965 Public Administration 407 844 25-54 9,266 12,996 Average Wage per Job 55-64 2,607 4,379 2000 - $26,056 • 2013 - $34,545 65+ 7,260 8,337

Population by Race

Race White Black Asian Other

2000 2013 18,941 23,346 6,134 10,405 279 493 1,133 2,036

Population Hispanic Origin

2000 - 1,309 • 2013 - 3,842

Population by Gender

Gender Male Female

2000 2013 12,180 17,349 14,307 18,931

Labor Market Data

Category Labor Force Employed Unemployed Rate

2000 10,685 10,029 656 6.1%

2013 13,421 12,374 1,047 7.8%

Educational Attainment 25 Years+ Category 2000 Not High School Graduate 4,567 High School Graduate 6,094 Some College, No Degree 4,026 Associates Degree 1,041 Bachelor’s Degree 2,099 Graduate Degree or More 1,051 Research/Preparation: Gordon Kettle, Economist Sources: • U.S. Census Bureau • Florida Department of Labor • University of Florida, (BEBR) • Claritas

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2013 4,188 9,678 4,954 1,691 3,537 1,664

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Events T

Calendar of

here’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 March 14 - Lakeland North Presbyterian Church March 16 - Winter Haven First Presbyterian Church www.bachfestivalofcentralflorida.org

Lake Wales Arts Show

Shores of Lake Wailes www.LakeWalesArtsCenter.org

April

Concert Under the Stars - Bok Tower Easter Sunrise Service Bok Tower Gardens www.BokTowerGardens.org

Bloomin’ Arts Festival

Mustangs & Mustangs

Bluegrass, Clogging Festival

Sun ’n Fun Fly-In

Central Park Art Festival

Young People’s Concert

Bartow - (863) 533-7125

Auburndale - www.IntlMarketWorld.com Downtown Winter Haven -

Fantasy of Flight - www.FantasyofFlight.com Lakeland - www.Sun-n-Fun.org Polk State College

May Champagne & Shamrocks with the Florida Orchestra - Winter Haven Mayfaire by the Lake Lakeland - www.PolkMuseumofArt.org Florida Strawberry Festival Plant City - www.FLStrawberryFestival.com

October

Polk State College Fall Fest

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

Central Park, Downtown Winter Haven

November

Sunset & Symphony with Orlando Philharmonic Bok Tower Gardens www.BokTowerGardens.org

Wings ’n Things Family Fun Fest Lakeland - www.Sun-n-Fun.org

Christmas Tree Lighting

Last Saturday in November - Winter Haven

December

Christmas Lighted Boat Parade First Saturday in Dec. - Winter Haven

Carols in the Park - Winter Haven

32

www.MyWinterHaven.com

Christmas at Pinewood Bok Tower Gardens

*Dates are subject to change

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Things to Do

Places To Go

Attractions Bok Tower Gardens

(863) 676-1408 - www.boktowergardens.org

The Ritz 100 Inc.

(863) 295-9900 - www.ritztheatre100.org

Theatre Winter Haven (863) 299-2672 (863) 984-3500 - www.fantasyofflight.com www.theatrewinterhaven.com Fantasy of Flight

LEGOLAND Florida ®

Paintballing

Lake Bess Golf Club Inc. (863) 326-9171 - www.lakebessgolfclub.com Private

& Professional Golf

The Country Club of Winter Haven (863) 324-6666 www.ccofwinterhaven.com

(877) 350-LEGO - www.legoland.com A ction Paintball (863) 224-6915 - www.action-paintball.us Seaplane Rides Sun’n Fun Fly In & Lessons (863) 904-4012 - www.sun-n-fun.org Paddleboarding Paddleboard Winter Haven, Inc. Jack Brown’s Sea Plane Base Water Ski Hall of Fame (863) 956-2243 (863) 324-2472 - www.waterskihalloffame.com (863) 289-9502 www.paddleboardwinterhaven.com Sports Walt Disney World - (407) 939-2273 Lake Myrtle Sports Complex www.disneyworld.disney.go.com Public Golf (863) 551 4750 Cypresswood Golf www.centralfloridasports.com Airboat Tours & Country Club - 863) 324-6174

Camp Mack’s River Resort www.cypresswoodcc.com (863) 696-1108 - www.campmack.com Willowbrook Golf Course

Boat Rental (863) 291-5899

Marine Supply of Winter Haven (863) 293-1156 www.marinesupplyboats.com

Bowling

Cypress Lanes (863) 294-3295 - www.cypresslanes.com

Fishing Central Florida Bucketmouths

(863) 661-7226- www.cfbucketmouths.com

Camp Mack’s River Resort (863) 696-1108 - www.campmack.com

Flight Training & Bi Plane Rides

Preston Aviation - Biplane Rides

(863) 956-2526 - www.PrestonAviation.net

Football

Florida Marine Raiders (863) 834 8100 - www.lakelandraiders.com

Kayak Rental Chain of Lakes Kayak Rentals (863) 229-1070 www.chainoflakeskayaks.com

Museums, Art Galleries & Theatres

Polk Museum of Art - (863) 688-7743 www.polkmuseumofart.com

Ridge Art Association, Inc.

(863) 291-5661 - www.ridgeart.org

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Information T Index of

hank you to our advertisers for their loyal support!

29 / Bright Smiles

35 / 18 /

27 / 7 /

24 / 19 / 29 / 13 / 29 /

2 / 21 / 30 /

14 / 20 / 33 / 15 / 32 /

15 / 23 / 8 /

36 /

of Winter Haven Bond Clinic Carlton Arms of Winter Haven CenterState Bank Cheryl Beckert, State Farm Insurance Citizen’s Bank & Trust CSX Transportation Dr. Radocha Fantasy of Flight Fischer, Schemmer, Silbiger & Moraczewski Gessler Clinic Hampton Inn Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center Hill Nissan Holiday Inn John Wood Reality Ledger Media Group Orchid Springs Animal Hospital Tinsley Family Concessions Village at Lake Ned Winter Haven Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Fiat Winter Haven Hospital

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Emergency

Fire, Police & Ambulance - 911 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

Winter Haven Senior Center (863) 291-5870

Library - (863) 291-5880 News Chief

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

The Ledger

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

Property Appraiser

Winter Haven Municipal Airport Gilbert Field - (863) 298-4551 AMTRAK

Sheriff’s Department Info

Winter Haven Area Transit

Voter Registration

Better Business Bureau

(863) 534-4777 - www.PolkPA.org (863) 298-6200 - www.PolkSheriff.org (863) 534-5888 - www.PolkElections.com

City of Winter Haven www.MyWinterHaven.com

Chain O’Lakes Convention Center & Recreation Complex / Leisure Services Department (863) 291-5656

City Hall - (863) 291-5600 Northeast Recreation Center (863) 291-5675

Police Department Info

(863) 291-5858

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(863) 294-9203 - www.Amtrak.com

(WHAT) (863) 688-7433 - www.RideCitrus.com (407) 621-3300 www.CentralFlorida.BBB.org

Polk Works

(863) 508-1100 - www.PolkWorks.org

Social Security Office

(863) 293-0242 - www.SSA.gov

Unemployment Office

1-800-204-2418 - www.FluidNow.com

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