5 minute read
LOCAL NEWS
SHIELDS DOWN
Polk County Public Schools began removing desk shields at elementary schools throughout the district on Nov. 15th. The clear plastic shields had been affixed to students’ desks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. There has been a decline in the spread of this illness, the overall positivity rate has decreased below 3 percent at the beginning of November. In addition, children aged five to 11 are now eligible for vaccination. Parents and guardians can choose to opt-in for their child to continue using the plastic shield. They can email their child’s teacher or principal, and indicate that they want to keep the shield in place. The desk shields will be stored, and made available should health conditions change in our community.
PARK EXPANSION
The South Lake Howard Nature Park opened in 2001. It contains stormwater ponds and elements to filter and clean stormwater from area neighborhoods and roadways before it enters Lake Howard. The City recently purchased adjacent property (formerly the home of WSIR Radio) to expand the nature park, which will begin with the addition of stormwater improvements to further help filter and clean run-off water from streets and neighborhoods. Future recreational elements will then be built and could include expanded trails and boardwalks, an outdoor classroom, trailhead and parking lot, a kayak launch, picnic areas, a disc golf facility, open play space, and more. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department at 863-291-5656.
BUILDING HIGHER
Polk State College and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort celebrated the latest extension of their partnership. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s initial investment of $30,000 to the Polk State College Foundation has launched the Building Higher Prepaid Scholarship Program for LEGOLAND® Florida Resort employees. Building Higher pre-paid scholarships will ensure that eligible LEGOLAND® Florida Resort employees have no out-of-pocket tuition costs by covering tuition balances at Polk State upfront that are not already covered by other forms of financial aid. The scholarships will cover all degree and non-degree programs, and provide financial support for employees who meet certain criteria.
LIP SYNC BATTLE
It was a record fundraising year bringing in more than $37,000 for public education in Winter Haven! On Nov. 4th, the 2021 Celebrity Lip Sync Battle featured six local celebrities, battling against each other as a fundraiser benefiting public education in Winter Haven through contributions to two nonprofits: The Winter Haven Public Education Partnership and Cypress Junction Montessori. Both organizations work to provide quality public education options to all children in Winter Haven. This year’s contestants were ReNata Baker - Cypress Junction Montessori; Maude F. Graham - 2021 Polk County Teacher of the Year, R. W. Blake Academy; Frederick Heid - Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools; David Nicholson - City of Winter Haven; Heather Reuter - City of Winter Haven & CJM Board of Directors.
LOW PAYMENT KINGS
Mike Mahalak president of the Mahalak Auto Group and Ralph Mahalak Jr. recently announced the 30th anniversary of their Winter Haven flagship dealership. Mike Mahalak and Ralph Jr. worked in the first dealership their father opened in 1966 in Michigan. “That dealership is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year,” said Ralph Mahalak Jr., “Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Winter Haven was founded in 1991. The “Low Payment Kings” have a history of supporting and sponsoring local community events. Ralph and Mike Mahalak invite all golfers and sponsors to join them on February 22, 2022 for the 9th Annual Low Payment Kings 18 Aces to Conquer Cancer Golf Outing and Dinner at the Winter Haven Country Club. Register online at 18acestoconquercancer. weebly.com.
REX JACKSON
With this year’s opening of LEGOLAND® New York Resort and announcement of future resort enhancements across the California and Florida properties, Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in location-based family entertainment, has solidified its commitment to the U.S. market. They recently appointed Rex Jackson as the North America Regional Managing Director for LEGOLAND® Resorts. This newly formed role is designed to further establish the resorts as a top theme park brand in US households for their next family vacation. Jackson, an award-winning executive who helped lead LEGOLAND® Florida Resort from a single theme park into a multi-day vacation destination, will support the ongoing expansion of the Merlin Parks in North America, which include the three LEGOLAND Parks as well as the second-gate attractions and hotels in those resort locations.
WELCOME TEACHERS
Amid a national teacher shortage, Polk County Public Schools has been recruiting educators from abroad to serve in the schools. In early October, they held a reception to welcome their new friends from around the globe. The exchange program means a lot to all involved: PCPS is able to hire qualified and dedicated teachers, and students have an opportunity to learn about different cultures. Want to come teach with Polk County Public Schools? Visit polkschoolsfl.com/jobfair for upcoming hiring events and other info. Please email jobs@polk-fl.net for any questions about teacher hiring.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The City of Winter Haven Commission voted to approve an up to $23.5M non-ad valorem revenue bond to fund public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life projects over the next several years. This includes Southeast Pocket Park, renovation of existing Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center, two baseball diamonds at Lake Maude Park, Lake Conine Wetland Restoration improvements, Chain of Lakes Park phase 2, a fourth fire station located in Northeast Winter Haven (Florence Villa), and improvements to the Lake Elbert Trail, In addition to these projects, the approval also allows for monies to be put towards additional parking facilities such as a parking garage.
2021 Best OfHAVEN
WHAT IS “BEST OF HAVEN?” Best Attorney
WILLS TRUSTS ELDER LAW
Each year in August The Haven Magazine asks its readers who, in their opinion, is the best in Polk County. There are over 100 categories, one of which is Attorneys. Readers must go to the link, find the category, and type in their selection.
WE’RE GRATEFUL TO OUR CLIENTS WHO’VE VOTED US THE BEST!
