Magazine

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Destination Winter Haven

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2013

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 / SchoolS 2 6 / Municipal Leadership 2 8 / Health care and Hospitals 3 2 / calendar of events 3 4 / PLACES TO GO, Things to do 3 5 / Index of information

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he 2013 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.

Winter Haven’s Central Park downtown

The organization was later 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 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 2013

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 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 Bob Gernert Jr. - Executive Director

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Destination Winter Haven

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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 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

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modern upgrades, street landscaping and sidewalks and crosswalks covered with decorative pavers. 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 at the hands of talented artists from across the country.

These are the result of the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition conducted by 2013

the acclaimed Polk Museum of Art in conjunction with the City of Winter Haven.

Our Rich

History Historical Sites Gene Leedy Self-guided Architectural Tour Begins at Chamber of Commerce

Museum of Winter Haven History October through May open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Lake Wales Depot - (863) 678-4209 Lake Wales - www.CityofLakeWales.com/depot Mulberry Phosphate Museum (863) 425-2823 - Mulberry Polk County Historical Museum www.PolkCountyMuseum.org - (863) 534-4386 Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library (863) 534-4380 - Bartow 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 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 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 2013

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 Entertainments and their LEGOLAND速 division.

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Destination Winter Haven

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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 (www.legoland.com) has enjoyed a first year filled with success including the addition of a spectacular water park and a new Miniland segment themed to the Star Wars motion picture franchise.

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® 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

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to a mixed-use hotel/restaurant/retail complex.

A significant industrial/ warehousing/transportation development is unfolding in south Winter Haven near Highway 60.

Evansville Western Railway, a subsidiary of CSX Transportation, has broken ground on an intermodal terminal facility to serve as a major distribution hub for the entire state.

That construction is expected to bring hundreds of new jobs. The entire project is estimated to bring $10 billion in investment during the first decade.

Projections also include 2,000 on-site jobs and 6,500 indirect jobs when fully operational.

The intermodal terminal is targeted to open in mid-2014.

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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 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.

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 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 “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 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.

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.

The complex is also home to the Florida

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Aerial view of Winter Haven

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.

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Destination Winter Haven

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Winter Haven

Business New Business

City of Winter Haven (CITY HALL) Economic Development Director David Dickey ddickey@mywinterhaven.com (863) 291-5600 Winter Haven Economic Development Council 25 Third Street NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 David Petr, Executive Director (863) 837-5280 - david@whedc.com www.whedc.com Central Florida Development Council 863-292-7017 - www.cfdc.org

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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 LEGOLAND® Florida, a new intermodal rail and industrial/ warehousing/business park under construction by Evansville Western Railway coupled with a rapidly growing technology core downtown, sophisticated medical care (including robotic surgery) and the enhanced educational resources of 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 as agribusiness and agri-technology.

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

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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 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.

(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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LEGOLAND® Florida

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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 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.

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 call 863-696-1108 or visit www.CampMack.com.

Bok Tower Gardens

Wakeboarding on Chain of Lakes

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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 real takeaway – 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 a little more hands-on, a full-motion simulated

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Destination Winter Haven

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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.

For those seeking a little more action, Wing WalkAir is an all new challenge course that will push your boundaries. It will convert the meekand-mild into a thrill-hungry, wingwalking, super-you! Three levels of adventure towering to heights of more than 40 feet with 33 challenges, plus 600 feet of screaming zip line—suspending you over water and placing you right on the edge of our legendary runway.

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

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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 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 Water Ski Hall of Fame. For more information contact (863) 324-2472 or visit www.WaterSkiHallOfFame.com.

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Destination Winter Haven

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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 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 multi-purpose 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 Destination Winter Haven

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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 2013

Gardens also features a gallery 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. 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), 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 Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade (the first Saturday in December).

Polk State College presents

Arts and Culture Venues Arts on the Park (863) 680-8727 www.ArtsOnTheParkLakeland.org

Ballet Conservatory (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 Imperial Symphony Orchestra (863) 688-3743 www.ImperialSymphony.org

Lake Wales Arts Center (863) 676-8426 www.lakewalesartscouncil.org

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. Nearby Lakeland each spring hosts 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.

Ridge Art Association (863) 291-5661 www.RidgeArt.org

Lake Wales Little Theatre (863) 676-1266 - www.LWLT.org

Theatre Winter Haven (863) 294-SHOW (7469) www.TheatreWinterHaven.com

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

The Lakeland Center - (863) 834-8111 www.TheLakelandCenter.com

The Symphony Guild of Winter Haven (863) 293-5214

More In-Depth Arts Information: Polk Arts Alliance - (863) 804-0494 www.PolkArtsAlliance.org

Polk Museum of Art (863) 688-7743 www.PolkMuseumofArt.org Polk Theatre (863) 682-7553 www.PolkTheatre.org

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Delicious

Dining

Chick-fil-A - (863) 299-2697 www.chick-fil-a.com/winterhaven

International House of Pancakes (863) 326-1772 - www.ihop.com

Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins of Winter Haven (863) 297-9100 - www.dunkindonuts.com ~o Restaurant - (863) 298-0993 El Norten

Longhorn Steakhouse - (863) 295-7740 www.longhornsteakhouse.com

Dairy Queen - (863) 299-5165

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www.elnortenosmexicanrestaurant.com

inter Haven is home to many delightful restaurants.

Elmo & Linda’s Magical Dining (863) 514-5382 - www.elmolinda.com Frank and Manny’s Harborside (863) 293-7070

Arabella’s Ristorante (863) 293-1797 www.arabellasristorante.com Fred’s Southern Kitchen Winter Haven, LLC - (863) 595-1190 Bean & Grape Cafe, LLC www.fredssouthernkitchen.com (863) 299-8140 Frescos Bakery & Bistro, Inc. www.beanandgrapecafe.com (863) 683-5267 - www.frescoslakeland.com Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub Gary’s Oyster Bar & Seafood House (863) 293-9464 - www.beefobradys.com (863) 956-5055 - www.garysoysterbar.com Blue Room - (863) 324-7200 Giovanni’s NY Pizza - (863) 324-9100 Bob Evans, Inc. www.giovannisnewyorkpizza.com (863) 679-2974 - www.bobevans.com Hurricane Grill & Wings Carrabba’s Italian Grill (863) 324-5157 - www.hurricanewings.com (863) 293-6635 - www.carrabbas.com Iam Pasta Cafe, Inc. Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn (863) 508 7433 - www.iampastacafe.com (863) 676-6011 - www.chaletsuzanne.com

KC’s Big Dipper, Inc. (863) 324-7309 - www.kcsbigdipper.com

Manny’s Original Chophouse (863) 293-9349 www.mannyschophouse.com

McDonald’s (863) 293-4531 - www.mcdonalds.com Old Man Frank’s - (863) 294-9179

Olive Garden (863) 294-6641 - www.olivegarden.com Outback Steakhouse (863) 295-9800 - www.outback.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 Scores’s Family Sports Cafe (863) 299-2863

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Destination Winter Haven

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2013

Plenty of

“Shopper -tunities!”

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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 “The Shop” and “Andy Thornal Company – Gateway to Adventure Since 1945” – both

Smokin Jim’s Barbeque (863) 965-0230 - www.smokinjimsbbq.ws

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

Southside Package & Lounge, Inc. (863) 683-4703

Tijuana Flats Burrito Company (863) 206-2741 - www.tijuanaflats.com

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q (863) 293-4744 - www.sonnysbbq.com

Starbucks (863) 229-5973 - www.starbucks.com Texas Cattle Company Catering (863) 604-1515 www.texascattlecompany.net

The View 4141 (863) 324-5810 - www.theview4141.com

Tinsley Family Concessions, Inc. (863) 299-7177 - www.tfcfamily.com

Yogurt Grove (863) 875-6990 - www.yogurtgrove.com

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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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Stay and Play

Accommodations 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.

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 • 57 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pets are allowed in cabins.

Apartments & Condos 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 www.riverlakeapts.com

Manufactured Homes Colony Club Mobile Home Estates Winter Haven - (863) 294-4969 Swiss Village Winter Haven - (863) 294-4591 www.cfrresales.com

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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. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Necessities

Resident

POST OFFICES 111 W. Central Avenue (863) 299-7824

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1401 1st St., N (863) 293-1939 or (800) 275-8777

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 (starts behind City Hall and

travels 3.6 miles north to Lake Alfred)

n Central Park (downtown) Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, fountain n 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

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Utilities Electric: Tampa Electric Co. (863) 299-0800

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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

by PEP. This groundbreaking community action has resulted in a 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 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. 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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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) 534-1441 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

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Area

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

Turner Properties of CFI (863) 324-1882

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

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

Choice-Dantzler Properties, Inc. (863) 299-6710 www.choiceproperties.net 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 www.janiceasummersrealty.com The 6/10 Corporation (863) 299-1195 www.610corp.net

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

Home To

Polk State College St 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 Warner University (800) 309-9563 - www.warner.edu Webber International University (800) 741-1844 - www.webber.edu

P 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 20,000 credit and non-credit students in locations throughout Polk County. Winter Haven is the home of Polk State College’s first permanent campus with 21 buildings on a 99-acre site overlooking beautiful Lake Elbert and is the site of the College’s district offices.

Other locations include

Webster University (863) 687-9309 - www.webster.edu

Lakeland and Lake Wales.

In 2009, the College changed its name from Polk Community College to Polk State 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, Associate in Science or Associate in Applied 2013

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

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, intercollegiate athletic events. For residents and visitors alike, Polk State is at the heart of the region’s identity.

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A Message from

The City of Winter Haven

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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

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

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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!

(From left to right) City Commissioner Peter Chichetto, City Commissioner Nathaniel Birdsong, Mayor J. P. Powell and City Commissioner Steven Hunnicutt

Before it gets to your spoon, it probably took a ride on our rails.

How tomorrow moves TM csx.com

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Outstanding

Health Care

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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. Sijo J. Parekattil, M.D. is fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopy/robotics and in microsurgery and male infertility.

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

The 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 nation’s total – to be recognized for excellence in patient care. Hospital

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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.

The Regency Medical Center

The Regency Medical Center is 2013

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 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.

Rediscover BREAST ENLARGEMENT, REDUCTION & LIFTS

you I

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 NOSE, CHIN, CHEEK & EAR REPROFILING

Gessler Clinic, P.A.

RICHARD RADOCHA MD,FACS

LIPOSUCTION & TUMMY TUCKS

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

BODY CONTOUR SURGERY

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Every family is unique

And when you’re ready to start your own family, we’ll be close by.

At the Center for Women’s Health, we know that starting and raising a family will change your life. That’s why we have skilled physicians, midwives and nurses dedicated to help you every step of the way. From contraception to infertility treatment to delivery, we can help you.

We specialize in:

· Contraception · Infertility

· Family planning · Preconception counseling

To find a physician, call 863-419-2341 or visit WomensHealthAtHOF.com

This hospital is partially owned by physicians.

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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 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) 297-1880

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Calendar

Lake Wales Arts Show Shores of Lake Wailes www.LakeWalesArtsCenter.org

of 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.bachfestivalofcentralflorida.org Bloomin’ Arts Festival Bartow - (863) 533-7125 Bluegrass, Clogging Festival Auburndale www.IntlMarketWorld.com Central Park Art Festival Downtown Winter Haven www.RidgeArt.org Champagne & Shamrocks with the Florida Orchestra Winter Haven Easter Sunrise Service Bok Tower Gardens www.BokTowerGardens.org Florida Strawberry Festival - Plant City www.FLStrawberryFestival.com

April Concert Under the Stars - Bok Tower 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 Mayfaire by the Lake - Lakeland www.PolkMuseumofArt.org Young People’s Concert Polk State College

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 Wings ’n Things Family Fun Fest Lakeland - www.Sun-n-Fun.org Community Christmas Tree Lighting Last Saturday in November Winter Haven December Christmas Lighted Boat Parade First Saturday in December Winter Haven Carols in the Park - Winter Haven www.MyWinterHaven.com Christmas at Pinewood Bok Tower Gardens

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Places To Go,

Things To Do Attractions Bok Tower Gardens (863) 676-1408 www.boktowergardens.org

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

Ridge Art Association, Inc. (863) 291-5661 - www.ridgeart.org

Fantasy of Flight (863) 984-3500 www.fantasyofflight.com

The Ritz 100, Inc. (863) 299-8330 - www.ritztheatre100.org

LEGOLAND® Florida (877) 350-LEGO www.legoland.com

Theatre Winter Haven (863) 299-2672 www.theatrewinterhaven.com

Sun’n Fun Fly In (863) 904-4012 www.sun-n-fun.org

Paintballing Action Paintball (863) 224-6915 www.action-paintball.us

Water Ski Hall of Fame (863) 324-2472 www.WaterSkiHallOfFame.com

Public Golf Cypresswood Golf & Country Club (863) 324-6174 www.cypresswoodcc.com

Walt Disney World (407) 939-2273 www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

irboat Tours A 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

Museums, Art Galleries & Theatres Explorations V Children’s Museum (863) 687-3869 www.explorationsv.com

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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 For more things to do, contact:

www.visitcentralflorida.org

Index of

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

Information Newspapers News Chief

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

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

T T

hank you to our advertisers for their loyal support!

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

(863) 293-0242 - www.SSA.gov Unemployment Office - 1-800-204-2418

www.FluidNow.com

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All Saints’ Academy Bartow Regional Medical Center Bright Smiles of Winter Haven Bond Clinic Carlton Arms of Winter Haven

Center for Women’s Health At Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center

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CenterState Bank

Cheryl Beckert, State Farm insurance

19 / citizen’s bank & Trust 2 7 / CSX Transportation 2 9 / Dr. Radocha 31 / Eye Specialists of Mid Florida 13 / Fantasy of Flight 2 9 / Fischer, Schemmer, Silbiger Moraczewski 2 4 / Fred’s southern kitchen 2 / Gessler Clinic 2 0 / Hampton Inn 14 / Hill Nissan 2 0 / Holiday Inn 35 / John Wood Reality 18 / Ledger Media Group 15 / Pengeo, inc.

8 / winter haven Chrysler Dodge

Jeep ram and Fiat

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Winter Haven Hospital

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