LOCAL NEWS �������������������������������������������������������������������������������

POLK SENIOR GAMES

The 2023 Polk Senior Games are scheduled for February 25 – March 11, 2023. The Games offer a two-week series of athletic and recreational Olympic-style events for men and women, ages 50 and over. The purpose of the Games is to promote friendly competition, fellowship, health and wellness, an active lifestyle, and volunteerism. Events are held at various locations throughout Polk County. To request an entry booklet to be mailed in January or for more info contact Deena Wilbur at 863-533-0055 or polkseniorgames50@gmail.com or visit www.polkseniorgames.org. Registration begins in January 2023.

CRYSTAL LAKE ELEMENTARY

Crystal Lake Elementary is celebrating a major milestone after becoming a UCF-Certified Community Partnership School. “There are only 14 schools in Florida to achieve this distinction,” said Andrea Hagan, Crystal Lake’s Community Partnership School director. “The University of Central Florida sets the bar extremely high, and normally this rigorous evaluation process takes five years to complete. Crystal Lake Elementary was able to finish one year early.” The certification demonstrates Crystal Lake Elementary’s commitment to providing high-quality programs and upholding core components of the Community Partnership Schools model.

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR

Polk County Public Schools announced that Rodrick Gray from Laurel Elementary is the Principal of the Year for 202223. Sarah Miranda from Mulberry Middle is the Assistant Principal of the Year. The two outstanding administrators were honored in October during a Polk County School Board meeting. Pat Barnes, the regional superintendent who oversees Laurel Elementary, said the school has seen significant improvement in its state rating under Gray’s leadership. She also praised Gray for the way he treats students, staff, and families. Rebecca Raulerson, the regional superintendent, said Miranda is a champion for her students and staff, as well as the Mulberry community.

NEW HOSPITAL

AdventHealth announced it is expanding its healthcare network by planning for a four-story hospital and emergency room along Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven. The 42-acre property will be developed as a full medical campus which includes a 192-bed hospital with an emergency department and medical offices with ancillary facilities. The first phase of construction will include a freestanding ER which will open to the community prior to the hospital construction phase. The hospital services will also include primary care, cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedic and urological specialty medical services. The Winter Haven City Commissioners unanimously approved the final zoning changes for the land located north of Cypress Gardens Boulevard, south of River Lake and west of Cypress Gardens Road.

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

To spread holiday cheer, Central Florida’s Welcome Center in Davenport is giving away a free gift every day (while supplies last), between Dec. 1 and Dec. 12, to the first 50 guests who mention the giveaway to a front desk staff member. The free gift will vary each day and will include items from local businesses. Must be age 18 and over to receive a gift. Central Florida’s Welcome Center is open from 8 am to 5 pm, seven days a week (excluding major holidays), and is located at 101 Adventure Court, Davenport, FL 33837 (along U.S. Highway 27), a half-mile south of I-4 at Exit 55. 420-2586.

AHOY ADVENTURE!

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort announced that the Pirate River Quest will open on January 12 and charts the course for 2023 as a year of fantastic family fun at the Theme Park built for kids. On this all-new attraction, captain-driven boats navigate the natural passageways of Lake Eloise and the historic Cypress Gardens. The quest to uncover the lost treasure of Captain Redbeard of this family-friendly boat ride unfolds brick by brick with a variety of exciting sequences that tell the tale of a rowdy LEGO® pirate crew, a troop of mischievous monkeys, and even a fearsome Kraken. Pirate Fest Weekends will take place for five consecutive weekends, starting on January 21, families can enjoy pirate-packed days of play.

$215.5 MILLION

A recent study asserts that even during the midst of a global pandemic, Polk State College’s credit programs add $215.5 million in total income to the Polk County economy. The College commissioned a study by Emsi Burning Glass last year using the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 data for degree-seeking students to establish a baseline. Polk State College programs include 24 associate degrees — the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees — and six baccalaureate degrees, including a Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degrees. Of the College’s total economic impact, 55% or $118.3 million is a direct result of the increased earnings students and alumni receive because of their Polk State College education.

CITY MANAGER

The November 14 Winter Haven City Commission meeting included the resignation of City Manager Mike Herr. Herr is leaving the City of Winter Haven, effective December 12, 2022, after more than five years, to serve as City Manager for the City of Bartow. The City Commission voted unanimously to offer the City Manager position to T. Michael Stavres, Winter Haven’s current Deputy City Manager. “To me, you want a city manager who has the heart and soul of the community in their heart. I truly feel that we have that in our Deputy City Manager, T. Michael Stavres,” said Commissioner Brian Yates.