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LOCAL NEWS �������������������������������������������������������������������������������
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce’s event, Celebrate Winter Haven on Sept. 20 celebrated the Small and Large Businesses of the Year. Six/Ten LLC was awarded the Small Business of the Year and State Farm won Large Business of the Year. Joe Dunham of Grove Roots Brewing Co. won the first Entrepreneur Award. The customary passing of the gavel went from Chamber Chairwoman, Jennifer Fasking to the 2022-2023 Chamber Chairwoman, Dr. Angela Falconetti.
WORLD WATER SKI SHOW
The 2022 USA Water Ski Show Team won the team title at the 5th IWWF World Water Ski Show Tournament, Oct. 21-23, at Lake Silver in Winter Haven. The tournament featured show ski teams from the United States, Belgium, Canada, Germany, and Sweden. Team USA is made up of talented skiers from all over the United States. Congratulations to them!
P.E. TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Susan Searls from Davenport School of the Arts has been named Florida’s Physical Education Teacher of the Year at the middle school level. The award is presented by the Florida chapter of the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). Davenport School of the Arts Principal Cindy Braaten said students look forward to P.E. class with Searls. She gives students choices and offers fun activities like archery, mountain biking, and ultimate frisbee. Searls has also worked to expand opportunities for DSA students by pursuing grants for various fitness initiatives.
BLANE LANE
Mulberry High graduate Blane Lane has died. Lane was a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy; he was fatally shot while serving a warrant. He was just 21 years old. Lane graduated from Mulberry High in 2020 and enrolled in a law enforcement academy soon after. He played football and golf during his high school days, liked to fish, and was also active in FFA. “He was full of life — always had a bright smile and was friendly and respectful, had lots of friends,” said Principal Michael Young. “He was just an upstanding young guy.”
ESSAY WINNERS
The City of Winter Haven hosted an essay contest, and teachers at all schools in Winter Haven were encouraged to have students prepare essays for submission. The City received 28 essays from three schools plus homeschooled students. Staff from the City Manager’s Office and the Winter Haven Library selected the winning essays during 2022 City Government Week. The essay winners are Timothy Bretz, Olivia Elliot, Liam Foster, Harper Hassett, Isabelle Payne, Penelope Powers, Charlotte Roy, and Presley Young.
PARKING STUDY ANALYSIS
The City of Winter Haven and Walker Consultants are hosting meetings related to the Downtown Parking Study. Public attendance and comment are encouraged. November 7: Overview of the plan and recommendation to the Downtown CRA Advisory Committee at their regularly scheduled meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the John Fuller Auditorium in City Hall. The Walker Consultants team will present virtually at this meeting. November 14: Overview of the plan and recommendation to the CRA Board at a special-called meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the John Fuller Auditorium at City Hall. This meeting will take place immediately prior to the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting. The Walker Consultant team will present in-person.
BANKER’S CUP
The 97th Banker’s Cup Citizens of the Year were awarded in September at the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce’s event, Celebrate Winter Haven. This award is given to two individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and is truly Winter Haven’s highest honor. The 2022 recipients are Dave Dershimer and Dr. Martha Santiago. These two have spent their lives dedicating time, talent, and treasure to the Winter Haven community. Congratulations to them both.
OPEN HOUSE
Polk State College will host two open house events for prospective students to learn about academic programs, tour campuses, complete applications, and receive assistance with applying for financial aid. Open house on the Winter Haven Campus at 999 Ave. H N.E. is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Student Center, WST 126 & 127. Open house on the Lakeland Campus at 3425 Winter Lake Road is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Lakeland Technology Building, LTB 1100.
