Winter Haven Magazine 2023

WELCOME TO WINTER HAVEN

Historically, Winter Haven has been just what the name implies – a respite for those seeking an alternative to the harsh northeast winters . While we continue to welcome winter visitors, Winter Haven has evolved into so much more – a true renaissance city . Our unique ecology and natural 24 canal-connected lakes offer an affordable lakeside lifestyle As home to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and Peppa Pig Theme Park, Winter Haven has become a premier family-friendly destination . Embracing deep-running Florida roots, our city has a robust collaborative business and entrepreneurial community connected by a vibrant downtown core Winter Haven is the destination to live, work, eat, play, stay, and start your business

With a population of 52,710 within the City of Winter Haven limits and equally as many residents in our unincorporated area, Winter Haven continues to rank as one of the fastest growing locales in the country . Growth, however, is not the only thing going for this community We continue to be award-winning for our focus on maintaining the quality of life, healthy lifestyles, and restoring our historic Downtown In fact, in the fall of 2019, Downtown Winter Haven was named the official #1 Great Place in Florida by the American Planning Association . Additionally, between 2019 and 2020, the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area tied with Boise City, Idaho for the second-highest rate of growth in the nation at 2 7%, according to census data analysis from the New York Times .

Winter Haven is located at the center of Florida’s I-4 cooridor . This area spans from Tampa to Daytona generating $300 billion per year in economic activity, making it the 9th largest economy in the United States Winter Haven is directly between two metropolitan areas –Tampa and Orlando – and offers a short drive to either city’s amenities . Winter Haven offers a lower cost of living, less traffic, and a more cohesive community . Not a bedroom community by any means, we have economic opportunity built on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and large industry

Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and Winter Haven is no exception . We experience a mild climate, blue skies, sunshine, and light breezes for the vast majority of the year . Our location and weather are two of the most referenced reasons a business or resident relocated to our community

IT’S ALL ABOUT LOCATION

HISTORY OF WINTER HAVEN

Winter Havenites are incredibly proud of their rich agricultural and entrepreneurial history . Early residents dubbed the city the “City of 100 Lakes ” Realistically, we don’t have 100 lakes, but how could they have known without the ease of drone technology? The first settlers arrived in Winter Haven in the 1860s . By 1885, the village was named by P .D . Eychleshimer While many families lived in the vicinity, such as the Eycleshimers, Sykes, Jacksons, and Inmans, the first official residents of the village after its platting were F .A .K Harris and his wife Adele, who built the first commercial and residential structure downtown in 1885

Our famous chain of canalconnected lakes began construction in 1915 and completed in the early 1920s for recreation and to transport citrus crops Along with the Chain of Lakes, the 1920’s boom brought rapid growth throughout Florida, and eventually, severe economic turmoil . Winter Haven was not exempt Citrus and other crops were the early economic mainstays In 1930, a 22-yearold George Jenkins opened the first Publix Food Store on 4th St . NW, followed by his “dream

store” for Publix Super Markets on Central Avenue in 1940 You can visit these sites today to see the historical markers .

In 1936, a gregarious promoter named Dick Pope Sr ushered in a new era of Florida tourism when he opened Cypress Gardens Botanical Gardens on Lake Eloise . Pope brought intense publicity to Florida, Winter Haven, and his beloved park He also cemented Winter Haven as the ‘water ski capital of the world’ when he introduced the ski shows as a main attraction at the park . Cypress Gardens closed in 2009 . The closure was short-lived when in October 2011, Merlin Entertainments Group opened

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort on the historic site . Cypress Gardens botanical gardens remain today and are leased to and beautifully maintained by LEGOLAND® .

VISIT THE MUSEUM OF WINTER HAVEN HISTORY

Winter Haven has a rich and interesting history, and the museum captures the highlights Learn about the origins of the chain of canal-connected lakes, explore Winter Haven’s citrus-based heritage, enjoy our tourism history from Florida’s first theme park “Cypress Gardens” to its renaissance as LEGOLAND Florida Resort®, and celebrate our distinction as the birthplace of Publix Supermarkets . The museum’s mission is to inform, educate and entertain .

The museum is located in the historic Woman’s Club building on Pope Avenue at Lake Howard Drive . It is free to the public and you’re invited to come explore . Check their Facebook page for current hours of operation Tours for four or more people are available by appointment . Club and organization presentations are encouraged . Learn more by calling (863) 206-6855 .

HOME TO LEGOLAND®

Central Florida is a destination for families to experience the thrills and laughs of America’s most beloved theme parks, including right here in Winter Haven! We are home to the most awesome theme park built-for-kids – LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

A trip to LEGOLAND® is guaranteed to be saturated with interactive experiences like nowhere else! With over 50 rides, a water park, interactive attractions, restaurants, and shops, all inspired by the popular LEGO® brand and characters, LEGOLAND® is tailormade for families with children ages 2 – 12

As Duplo Valley opens up to LEGO® figures and endless color, you can take your child into LEGOLAND’s® Florida Prepaid Schoolhouse . Inside the Schoolhouse doors are play structures, an interactive learning pad, LEGOLAND® building blocks, and so much more If your children are a little older, they will

love wandering through Miniland USA, where they will see LEGO® replicas of famous skylines and historical landmarks .

Do they want a wilder adventure? Take them on one of the many “pink knuckle” rides in the park, like NINJAGO®, where they can battle against the enemy and sharpen their ninja skills . Or they can prepare for takeoff on the suspended roller coaster, Flying School, or The Great LEGO® Race, a combination of virtual reality and LEGO® figures that gives riders a 360-degree view to enhance their coaster experience .

In 2023, LEGOLAND unveiled its newest attraction, Pirate River Quest . While it pays homage to the historical Cypress Gardens Canal Ride, it is a completely authentic and reinvented ride for families to enjoy! Take to the lakes in the most LEGO way

as riders set sail on an adventurous treasure hunt to discover the Chain of Lakes .

For a more relaxing pace, LEGOLAND® also offers guests a beautiful glance into the park’s history as Florida’s first theme park when guests meander through the Cypress Gardens botanical gardens .

LEGOLAND® isn’t just a one-day adventure . This Florida amusement park is a place to put the family in ‘park’ and stay awhile With three accommodations, LEGOLAND® offers ample opportunities for families to play and stay the LEGOLAND® way . On the shores of Lake Dexter is the LEGOLAND® Beach Retreat, a bungalow-style villa with all of the amenities of a built-for-kids accommodation . The LEGOLAND® hotel sits next to the park gates, giving guests convenient park access, as well as a kid-friendly hotel experience with LEGO® themed rooms just for them In May

2020, the Pirate Island Hotel opened adjacent to the LEGOLAND® Hotel, which gives guests a fully themed pirate adventure

LEGOLAND® celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 15, 2021 complete with a LEGO® brick cake Alongside the birthday festivities, the park had a grand opening for The LEGOLAND® Story “Here, LEGO® and LEGOLAND® history come to life with colorful, photo-worthy displays, an interactive mini-figure trading wall, and even an original ride vehicle from Cypress Gardens’ Triple Hurricane roller coaster . It also gives you the opportunity to build right next to LEGOLAND®’s own Master Builders,” said LEGOLAND® Managing Director, North America LEGOLAND Parks, Rex Jackson of the new attraction which also features the new LEGOLAND® Coffee Company .

Suffice to say, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is a perfect place to make your hub for your Central Florida vacation

PEPPA PIG THEME PARK

On February 24, 2022, Peppa Pig Theme Park opened it’s doors to little piggies around the world with a lineup of 12 new attractions and six new rides for the whole family Kiddos can meet Peppa and her friends for a fairground adventure with free games for the family at Fun Fair or get (not so) messy at Muddy Puddles Splash Pad . Peppa pals can join Daddy Pig in his newly cleaned red car while watching out for Mr Bull digging up the road on Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster and so much more!

BOK TOWER GARDENS

Soaring 205 feet above the hillside, Bok Tower is the exquisite centerpiece that makes Bok Tower Gardens a majestic and soulnourishing paradise . The marble and coquina rock tower is home to a 60-bell carillon and surrounded by more than 700 acres of groves, flowers, meadows, endangered plants and protected lands

Opening in 1929 as a gift to the American people from the Dutch immigrant Edward Bok, the tower still rings out every half hour and at 1:00 p m and 3:00 p m , when a carillonneur plays a concert of various musical selections . Bok Tower Gardens also includes a children’s garden and play area, an outdoor kitchen and edible garden and paved paths for easier access to all visitors They host hundreds of special events throughout the year including their most popular, Sunset and Symphony, Rootstock and Christmas at Pinewood Pack a picnic lunch or buy lunch at their delicious café on site Dogs are now welcome to come into the gardens for an additional fee .

AVIATION

People don’t just flock to Winter Haven to dive into the lakes, they also come to fly high above them . Winter Haven is internationally recognized for seaplane training, driven primarily through Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base at the Winter Haven Regional Airport

Since its start in 1963, Jack Brown’s has trained over 25,000 pilots from all over the world . Because of the abundance of lakes and beautiful views, Winter Haven is a soughtafter location for seaplane and biplane training . The airport is also centrally located, making it a convenient place for pilots to land and refuel

Central Florida is also home to the world’s largest aviation conference, Sun ‘n Fun, where the community is invited to learn more about aviation, see planes up close and watch several air shows

With flawless flying weather, 55 accessible lakes, and a regional airport, Winter Haven has all the essential amenities for pilots to travel to our city from all over the world

PREMIER FAMILY DESTINATION

PROFESSIONAL & AMATEUR SPORTS

Polk County is home to the Lakeland Magic, the professional NBA G League basketball team and sister team to the Orlando Magic . The Lakeland Magic play their games at the RP Funding Center in nearby Lakeland but have their practices at Winter Haven’s newest facility, the AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center at Chain of Lakes Park . The fieldhouse includes 6 basketball courts which can be converted into 12 volleyball courts, or courts for wrestling, cheer and dance competitions, business expos, concerts or large banquets The facility also includes breakout meeting rooms, a fitness facility, an indoor running track and upgrades to the existing Theatre Winter Haven and Ridge Art Association Gallery

In addition to basketball, Polk County has a long history of professional baseball Lakeland is home to one of the longest standing relationships having hosted the Detroit Tigers spring training for over 83 years . The Detroit Tigers sister team The Lakeland Flying Tigers also provide great baseball entertainment during the season at Joker Marchant Stadium .

And for you soccer fans, our hometown professional soccer club, the Florida Tropics, wow fans at the RP Funding Center playing 10 home games from NovemberMarch .

Winter Haven has a very strong youth soccer association, baseball league, football league, swimming team, the Winter Haven Stingrays, and softball league, Miss Winter Haven Softball . For those children with adaptative needs, the Special Olympics of Polk County offers a wide variety of sports activities and competitions

SPLASHY ATTRACTIONS

Winter Haven has long been known as the Water Ski Capital of the World From the original water skiers at Cypress Gardens theme park to the numerous wakeboarding, flyboarding, and wake surfing instructors in the area, our community’s water sports legacy continues .

While in town, rent a boat at Marine Supply or take a guided tour of the Chain of Lakes with Living Water Boat Cruises . For those looking to burn a few calories while exploring, check out Paddleboard Winter Haven for an up-close look at the lakes No boat? No problem In 2019, Polk County’s first water sports cable park opened in our neighboring city of Auburndale . While you are there, you can also visit the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame

BACK TO NATURE

Beyond the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, Winter Haven’s natural beauty and appeal can’t be understated . Protected trails and parks are located in every direction, allowing for opportunities to learn, explore, have a picnic, or even camp! Visit Circle B Bar Reserve for the chance to see bald eagles, hundreds of gators, turtles, birds, rabbits, and much more! Circle B is also home to the Nature Discovery Center, where families can learn about the animal and plant species indigenous to our part of Florida Polk County also boasts an extensive trail network for hiking and biking .

THINGS TO DO

Art & Theatre

A New Pointe Dance (863) 875-7980

anewpointedance .com

Polk Museum of Art (863) 688-7743

polkmuseumofart .org

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

ridgeart org

The Historic Ritz Theatre (863) 937-1414

ritzwinterhaven .com

Theatre Winter Haven (863) 294-7469

theatrewinterhaven com

Attractions

Bok Tower Gardens (863) 676-1408

boktowergardens org

Bonnet Springs Park (863) 732-7000

bonnetspringspark com

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (813) 884-4FUN

buschgardens .com/tampa

Circle B Bar Reserve (863) 668-4673

polknature com/explore/circle-bbar-reserve

Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team (727) 692-6851

cypressgardensskiteam .com

Cypress Lanes (863) 294-3295

cypresslanes .com

Fantasy of Flight (Seasonal) (863) 984-3500

fantasyofflight com

LEGOLAND Florida Resort (877) 350-5346

legoland .com/florida/

Peppa Pig Theme Park (888) 690-5346

peppapigthemepark com/florida

Seaworld Orlando (407) 545-5550

seaworld .com/orlando

Walt Disney World Resort (407) 939-2273

disneyworld .com

Water Ski Hall of Fame (863) 324-2472

usa-wwf org

Universal Orlando Resort (407) 363-8000

universalorlando .com

Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park (813) 935-8552

zootampa org

Fitness & Health

Inside/Out Yoga (863) 224-2311

ioyogastudio .com

Just Move Fitness (863) 291-4653

justmovewinterhaven com

Laws of Fitness Downtown (863) 875-3254

LawsofFitness .net

The Balance Culture Winter Haven (863) 323-0831

thebalanceculture com

The Spot Fitness Studio (863) 662-3248

thespotfitnessstudio com

Food

Winter Haven Farmers Market (863) 845-3155

winterhavenfarmersmarket com

Winter Haven Food Tours, LLC (863) 288-0038

winterhavenfoodtours .com

Golf Country Club of Winter Haven (863) 324-6666

ccofwinterhaven .com

winterhaven

Marine Supply Boat Rentals & Sales (863) 293-1156

marinesupplyboats com

Paddleboard Winter Haven (863) 845-5307

paddleboardwinterhaven .com

The Living Water Cruises (877) 257-1529

livingwatercruises com

Private Dinners Banquets

Balmoral Event Center makes party planning simple by providing our Executive Chef, fantastic staff to serve your guests, and a selection of preferred vendors.

Homestay Vacation

Rentals

iTrip Vacations Lakes of Central Florida

(813) 803-5633

floridalakes .itrip .co

Balmoral Resort Florida (866) 584-5527

feltrimresorts .com/balmoral-resort

Hotels

Courtyard by Marriott Winter Haven (863) 292-3000

marriott .com/hotels/travel/mcocwcourtyard-winter-haven/

Hampton Inn (863) 299-9251

hilton com

Holiday Inn Express Lake Wales North - Winter Haven (863) 949-4800

hiexlakewales com

Holiday Inn of Winter Haven (863) 292-2100

holidayinn .com/winterhavenfl

Lake Roy Beach Inn & Suites

(863) 324-6320

lakeroybeachinn com

LEGOLAND Beach Retreat

(877) 350-5346

legoland .com/florida/places-tostay/beach-retreat/

LEGOLAND Hotel

(877) 350-5346

legoland com/florida/places-tostay/legoland-hotel/

LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel (877) 350-5346

legoland com/florida/places-tostay/pirate-island-hotel/

Springhill Suites by Marriott (863) 413-1700 marriott .com

RV Parks & Campgrounds

Cypress Campground & RV Park (863) 324-7400

cypresscampground com

Royal Oaks Mobile Home & Travel Resort (863) 439-5954

royaloaksmhp com

The Outpost RV Resort & Tiny Home Community (863) 289-0104

theoutpostresort .com

ACCOMODATIONS

DOWNTOWN IS OUR STAGE

Quality of life is essential . We know you want opportunities to live more, drive less, and make memories Look no further than Winter Haven . We have the smalltown heart you’re looking for with big-city amenities . Our downtown core, named the #1 Great Place in Florida 2019 by the American Planning Association of Florida, is walkable, has over 15 different dining options, a weekly farmers market, numerous destinations for live music, locally brewed beer, professional water ski shows, plentiful parks and recreational activities and local coffee shops Oh, did we mention our downtown is sandwiched between two popular lakes, one of which has a dock for your boat or seaplane? Yeah, we’re that cool

Memories are not only created in the outdoors of our walkable downtown We are also a place of varied arts and cultural experiences from multiple art galleries and interactive artistic experiences, locally-owned artisan restaurants, retail, a restored downtown business district, and the revival of locallygrown music at Gram Parson’s Derry Down and the historic Ritz Theatre . And we can’t forget one of Florida’s best community theaters, Theatre Winter Haven

Small businesses are the foundation of the Winter Haven economy and are a significant presence in the Downtown core . Our lovely downtown boasts endless shopping opportunities, including antique shops, clothing stores, as well as niche markets such as Carlton Music Center, Andy Thornal Company (Outdoor, Clothing, Skiing, etc .), and so much more

We use the phrase “Downtown is Our Stage” because it truly is a platform for our community to celebrate our culture, heritage, and ingenuity . Keep reading to learn why Downtown is our stage for music, art, local favorites, events, and so much more!

FOR LOCAL FAVORITES

One of the best ways to visit a community is to hang out where the locals do . Downtown is the heart of the Winter Haven community . It is our stage for

delicious food, fantastic music, innovative businesses, unique shopping, recreation, local favorites, culture, and arts Some residents joke that it is our very own “Epcot World Showcase” in terms of dining options . Winter Haven has a little bit of everything from Italian cuisine, southern BBQ, locallyowned coffee shops, Thai food, sushi, Japanese-inspired menus, American favorites, Mexican, bakeries, healthy smoothies, and much more .

Aptly described as Winter Haven’s backyard party, Grove Roots Brewing Co is Winter Haven’s first and only craft brewery Grove Roots’ theme pays homage to our history rooted in the citrus industry but with a modern twist . Whether you are a craft beer aficionado or

someone that just likes live music, delectable food trucks, trivia nights, craft business markets, and a safe space for family members of all ages to enjoy – Grove Roots is a great stop on your visit to our community . Don’t forget to stop into our other local watering holes, including local, but out of this world wine bar, Obscure Wine, and a destination to listen to live music and have great drinks at Jensen’s Corner Bar

FOR ART

One of the highlights of a trip downtown is the modern murals peeking through the alleyways and sides of buildings . Some of these are from local artists, and others were commissioned by

internationally recognized artists . They are not your grandmother’s murals! Our downtown canvas is a favorite for family and engagement photo sessions

The City of Winter Haven’s culture art advisory committee commissioned local artists to paint all the electrical boxes in downtown Winter Haven in 2017 . Ridge Art Association and the Polk Museum of Art are also great spots for those who prefer indoor artistic experiences .

Our community theatre, Theatre Winter Haven, is Florida’s most award-winning community theatre and continues to enrich the lives of residents and visitors with its talented actors, experienced staff, and exceptional productions . Annually, they transport you to the

streets of Broadway with musicals, plays, and special performances . They also offer programming that includes a 55+ acting troupe, a children’s theatre academy, dance classes, and a community choir .

The historic Ritz Theatre brings additional entertainment downtown with live shows, movie and cocktail nights, and more throughout the year Polk State College also stages many excellent performances and music productions, along with studentcreated visual arts showcased throughout the year

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

FOR EVENTS

South Central Park is the newest addition to outdoor event spaces downtown and has made our ‘stage’ significantly bigger! South Central Park is located between 5th Street SW and 4th Street SW, with a grassy area surrounded by beautiful brick pavers, swinging benches, nighttime lighting features, and ample parking

An interactive information kiosk located in the park assists guests in enjoying our walkable downtown . Our events, festivals, art show, farmer’s markets, and family events have dramatically enhanced with this new park!

Main Street Winter Haven presents many of our downtown events such as Oktoberfest, Art Walk, Craft Beer Crawl, Starlight Nights, Wine, Chocolate & Cheese, and Carols in the Park . Annually, the Chamber of Commerce presents CommunityFest and Taste of Winter Haven CommunityFest is a FREE family festival with games, food, and entertainment Taste of Winter Haven is an evening event that allows guests to taste the local fare and craft beer and wine . Winter Haven is truly a center for community events, thriving fine arts, and diverse culture

FOR LIVING MORE, DRIVING LESS

Walkability is a crucial component to a successful downtown Walkability from your door to your business, your door to your dinner, and your door to your entertainment is even better Downtown developers are focusing on creating a live-workplay community In 2016, the first major residential developments in the downtown core for over 30 years opened the RainGarden Apartments and Tupelo Vue Apartments In 2019, 20 more units were added, and over the next

five years, over 500 more units are currently planned, including over 100 units at RainDance opening in Spring 2023 . In addition to new construction, developers are focusing on revitalizing the surrounding downtown neighborhoods, including the Downtown Lake Howard Oaks District and the Lake Martha Neighborhood . Entrepreneurs are bolstering livability by opening a 24-hour gym, yoga studio, and coffee shops For entrepreneurs who work remotely, memberships to The Lodge coworking space are available .

The City of Winter Haven has made sizeable investments into the downtown core, including rails-to-trails bike and running paths, a new Winter Haven Tennis Center, and renovated Senior Recreation Center In October 2020, we cut the ribbon on a new skate park and amphitheater on Lake Silver . 2021 brought additional renovations to the Martin Luther King Jr . Park on the shores of Lake Silver . The Lake Howard Dock, just one block from the downtown core, features boat slips, floating docks suitable for seaplane docking, a fishing pier, and relaxing benches . Imagine leaving the

LEGOLAND® Hotel on a water shuttle to downtown via the Chain of Lakes . It could be a reality in the near future .

FOR MUSIC

Winter Haven’s musical history boasts hometown artists like Jim Stafford and Gram Parsons, and

its present-day also includes young artists making their mark . From open mic nights to concerts, Gram Parson’s Derry Down gives everyone a chance to be a part of Winter Haven’s musical soul Once a teen nightclub in the 1960s, this restored venue is once again giving young musicians an opportunity to hone their craft . Many of our downtown restaurants and bars also host live music Wednesday through Sunday and host special musical concerts and festivals . No matter where you choose to be exposed to music, arts, and culture, Winter Haven has many venues from which to choose

Downtown Businesses that routinely host live music:

• Fire Restaurant

• Gram Parsons Derry Down

• Grove Roots Brewing Co

• Harborside

• Haven Coffee Roaters

• Jensen’s Corner Bar

• Jessie’s

• Old Man Franks

• Tanner’s Lakeside

• Winter Haven Farmer’s Market

SHOPPING

Beauty

Ageless Allure Medispa

(863) 292-2317

agelessalluremedispa com

Cutting Edge Hair Salon

(863) 299-6537

facebook com/hairsalon

cuttingedge

KayMae Salon & Spa

(863) 956-7070

kaymae-salon-spa .business . site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_ medium=referral

Kim Nicole Luxury Wigs LLC

(863) 288-0474

kimnicolelux .com

Krizia’s Skin Care & Lashes

(863) 288-5618

kriziaskincare com

Review Before You Buy Wig

(860) 484-3199

reviewb4ubuywig .com/

Skinfinity Tattoo Company, Inc

(863) 401-8288

skinfinitytattoocompany .com

Spa Haven

(863) 514-0667

spa-haven com

Talk of the Town Nails & Co

(863) 294-4666

facebook .com/people/Talk-Of-TheTown-Nails-Co/100051290901113/

Wax Haven LLC

(863) 280-3939

thewaxhaven .com

Grocery

ARKH Liquor #2

(863) 292-0401

Cherry’s Food Mart and Beverages

(863) 875-7075

Publix Super Market at Northgate

(863) 299-8000

publix .com/locations/836-publix-atnorthgate

Pulix Super Market at Southeast Plaza Shopping Center (863) 291-0312

publix com/locations/1204southeast-plaza-shopping-center

Publix Super Market at Winter Haven Square

(863) 324-1182

publix com/locations/448-winterhaven-square

Marine

Marine Supply Boat Rentals and Sales

(863) 293-1156

marinesupplyboats com

Building Lasting Relationships

Since 1954

www.whiteheadconstruction.com (863) 293-6473

Retail

3rd St Skate Supply

(863) 298-9815

facebook com/3rdstskatesupply

All4Dogwear

(863) 326-0766

etsy com/shop/all4dogwear

Amy’s Gifts and Party Planning (863) 875-1500

shop .amyspartystore .com

Andy Thornal Co (863) 299-9999

andythornal com

Badcock Home Furniture & More of Winter Haven

(863) 294-7749

badcock .com

Bellies-2-Babies LLC

(863) 662-5034

bellies-2-babies .com

Carlton Music Center (863) 294-4216

carltonmusic .com

Davidson of Dundee (863) 439-1698

davidsonofdundee com

Frequency Wellness Products

(706) 362-1253

centropix us/magicmat

Friends of the Winter Haven Public Library, Inc (863) 292-0540

fol .mywinterhaven .com

George L Tyler Office Supply (863) 686-1799

gltoffice com

Golden Petal Designs 863-293-1900

goldenpetaldesigns com

Griner’s Jewelers, Inc (863) 293-0151

grinersjewelers .com

Mann Lake - Stromberg’s Chicken & Game Birds Unlimited (877) 444-2727

mannlakeltd com

Staples, Inc . (863) 401-9661

staples com

Ten-86 Outfitters

ten86outfitters .com

The Treasured Olive (863) 294-6457

thetreasuredolive com

The Village Sampler (863) 875-5150

facebook .com/TheVillageSampler

Top Buttons (863) 220-2464

topbuttons org

Adler’s adlersburgers .com

AJ Slammers

(863) 875-5623

facebook com/ajslammer

Arabellas Ristorante

(863) 293-1797

arabellas .us

Back Alley Grill (863) 298-9815

Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub (863) 293-9464

beefobradys .com

Cam’s Catering Company, Inc (863) 298-8062

camscatering com

Carrabba’s Italian Grill (863) 293-6635

carrabbas com

Chick-fil-A (863) 299-2697

chick-fil-a .com/winterhaven

Culver’s (863) 268-2831

culversmenu com

DonutNV Winter Haven (863) 332-2489

donutnv .com/winterhavenflorida

Duke’s Brewhouse Winter Haven (863) 500-7200

dukesbrewhouse com

Dunkin Donuts & Baskin Robbins of Winter Haven

(863) 297-9100

Elite Catering Company

1 (866) 606-0314

elitecateringcompanyllc .com

Fire Restaurant (863) 875-5544

thefirerestaurant com

Glory Days Grill

(863) 496-6122

glorydaysgrill .com

Gourmet Goodies Bake Shop

(863) 318-1400

ggcupcake .com

Grove Roots Brewing Company (863) 291-0700

groveroots com

Harborside (863) 293-7070

harborsidefl .com

Haven Coffee Roasters (863) 251-9619

havencoffeeroaster com

Honeycomb Bread Bakers (863) 662-5513

honeycombbread .com

Jensen’s Corner Bar (863) 298-9815

jensenscornerbar .com

Jessie’s Lounge (863) 298-9815

jessieslive com

Kairos Nutrition (352) 988-3161

facebook .com/kairos .nutrition24

Kick Yo Butt BBQ (863) 595-6633

brackshack .com

Lake Wales Dairy Queen (863) 949-4816

lakewalesdq com

Lola’s X-streem Ice Kreme (863) 268-2335

lolasxstreemicekreme .com

Longhorn Steakhouse (863) 295-7740

longhornsteakhouse .com

Louise’s Cafe (863) 875-5590

facebook com/ LouiseCafeWinterHaven

Lucille’s American Cafe (863) 875-5005

lucillescafe .com

McDonald’s (863) 293-1445

mcdonalds .com

Mediterranean Fresh Grill, Inc . (833) 633-4745

mediterraneanfreshgrill com

Mr Chillz Philly Water Ice, LLC (215) 966-9086

mrchillz215 .com

Obscure Wine Company (863) 268-6555

obscurewine com

Old Man Frank’s (863) 294-9179

oldmanfranks .com

Our Noire Kitchen LLC

786-282-7296

linktr .ee/OurNoireKitchen

Ovation Bistro & Bar (863) 656-1972

ovationbistro com

Pelican’s Snoballs (863) 875-7408

pelicanssnoballs .com

PFG Nutrition (863) 733-2723

facebook .com/PFGNutrition

Richard’s Fine Coffees (863) 291-3082

richardsfinecoffees com

San Diego’s Mexican Grill (863) 268-6515

facebook .com/ sandiegosmexicangrill

Schack’s Bar-B-Q (863) 324-1537

schacksbar-b-que .food93 .com

Smokin Jim’s Barbeque (863) 965-0230

smokinjimsbarbecue com

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

facebook .com/pages/SouthsideBar/201618579850213?fref=ts

Sweet Indulgence Cookies & Treats (863) 207-2977

facebook com/Sicookiesandtreats

Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar (863) 662-5948

tannerslakeside com

Terrie Lobb Catering, Inc (863) 533-6483

terrielobbcatering .com

The Catering Co . of Central Florida (863) 207-7057

thecateringcompanyofcentralfl com

The Crooked Bass Grill & Tavern (863) 589-5887

crookedbass com

The Krazy Greek (863) 875-2753

thekrazygreek .com

The Social Cocktail Lounge (863) 229-7453

thesocialwinterhaven com

Tinsley Family Concessions, Inc (863) 299-7177

tfcfamily .com

Tsukiyomi Sushi Bar & Grill (863) 293-2395

tsukiyomisushi .com/home .html

Zaxbys (863) 299-7200

zaxbys com

Zaxbys Cypress Gardens Blvd (863) 875-9499

zaxbys .com

Zocalo Fish Market & Grill (863) 353-2220

zocalofishmarket com

DINING

Being lakeside is not just a location – it’s a lifestyle here in Winter Haven . With 24 canal-connected lakes, 55 lakes that touch the City of Winter Haven borders, and 554 lakes in Polk County, there is pretty much a lake everywhere you look . You can travel from one side of Winter Haven to the other without ever leaving your boat . Canal connectivity means countless hours of water skiing, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, tubing, flyboarding, and wakeboarding . Since 1922, water skiers have been leaving their mark on Winter

Haven history for all to see . In 1936, when Dick Pope opened Cypress Gardens theme park, one of the main attractions was the show skiers Today, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort carries on that tradition with several LEGO® themed shows per day on Lake Eloise . In February 2021, they launched the brandnew Brickbeard’s Watersport Stunt Show

In 2012, Mark Voisard, a former show skier for Cypress Gardens, started the Cypress Gardens Water Ski team to help carry on Winter

Haven’s legacy of the sport . Today, this troupe of athletes performs a free show every third Saturday of every month on Lake Silver in downtown Winter Haven

If you want to slow down from the fast-paced water recreation, you can take peaceful tours of the lakes with Living Water Boat Cruises Rue and Sharlene Denton have endless knowledge about the history, wildlife, and plant life that inhabit our lakes . They offer various tour options that are perfect for visitors and residents . You can also

rent a boat from Marine Supply of Winter Haven on Lake May .

The lakeside lifestyle doesn’t stop at water recreation Winter Haven offers several waterfront restaurants with seamless views of our beautiful orange, purple, and red sunset skies . We have 91 miles of shoreline in Winter Haven, some developed as residential living and commercial properties, with plenty of public spaces on the lakes too The Lake Howard Walking Trail is the most recent addition, which starts on West Central Avenue and

LAKESIDE LIFESTYLE

Lake Howard Drive and goes to Avenue G NW and Lake Howard Drive . Whether you want to take a stroll, train for a 5K, or hop on your bike, this is a great trail to add to your route Lakes Cannon, Shipp, Hartridge, and Maude all have parks on them, and some also have playgrounds .

For the ultimate lakeside lifestyle at home, check with our local realtors for the latest listings Lakeside homes can range from the mid100’s to over $1 million, depending on location and size . Many

neighborhoods also have private or public boat ramps for the residents who don’t live directly on the lakes to enjoy There are 1,400 lakefront parcels to choose from in our community! It truly is an inland coastal playground . Whether you decide to dive right into the water or relax on the shores, it’s not hard to dip into the lakeside lifestyle in Winter Haven

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Whether you are a resident or visitor, Winter Haven provides everyone with a chance to experience the great outdoors . Our city offers more than 13 miles of trails, as well as numerous parks for your children to get out and get active Here is a list of local trails and parks where you and your family can experience our beautiful, sunny weather and clear skies .

TRAILS

If a leisurely stroll is more your pace, Winter Haven has plenty of trails for you . Winter Haven was recently recognized as a Trail Town City by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails It is currenlty one of only 13 cities with this designation

CENTRAL PARK

Central Park is at the heart of our downtown core You can enjoy strolling alongside our downtown businesses with views of handpainted electrical boxes, murals and a beautiful fountain .

CHAIN OF LAKES DOWNTOWN TRAILHEAD PARK

For kids, this park is double the fun! It has a large playground and a splash pad . Kids can enjoy running off energy on the playground and head over to the splash pad to cool off There are also covered picnic areas for families to enjoy!

KIWANIS PARK

Nestled along the banks of Lake Martha, this park houses two playgrounds, lakeside picnic areas, and a dock for fishing and sightseeing .

LAKE MAUDE PARK

Lake Maude Park features a Nature Park on the banks of Lake Maude with picnic areas and trails with lush vegetation . Across the street is the Recreation Park, which features a playground, football and recreational fields and more .

LAKE SHIPP PARK

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR PARK

Popular Trails Include:

Lake Hartridge Nature Park [1/3 Mile]

Lake Maude Park [ .9 miles]

Lake Howard Trail [1 .5 miles]

Chain of Lakes Trail [3 6 miles]

This park features a playground, lakeside picnic areas, a large boat ramp, and a dock for fishing and sightseeing .

LAKE HOWARD DOCK

For people who love fishing, boating, skiing, kayaking, seaplane flying, or just catching a sunset, Lake Howard Dock, which was unveiled in 2019, is the perfect place to perch yourself for access to the Chain of Lakes

This park is home to many local events and the Cypress Gardens Water Ski team, where every third Saturday of the month, they host a FREE ski show on Lake Silver . Martin Luther King Jr . Park also includes a new skate park and amphitheater

POCKET PARK

New to southeast Winter Haven, this pocket park offers something for everyone: a playground for the kiddos and plenty of room for your dogs to stretch their legs in the city’s first dog park

ROTARY PARK

Rotary Park has a playground, outdoor pavilion, basketball court, and sand volleyball court This park is perfect for hosting large parties with wide-open spaces and plenty to do .

SIMMERS-YOUNG PARK

Simmers-Young Park is a great place for your kids and dogs to run! It has 200 acres of land with play areas, picnic tables, access to the lakeshore, and fields for playing soccer

SOUTH CENTRAL PARK

South Central Park comes complete with swinging benches, nighttime lighting features, an information kiosk, and ample parking .

WINTER HAVEN TENNIS CENTER

The City Tennis Center offers 8 HarTru clay, 1 hard, and 4 pickleball courts . In addition to new clay courts, it includes a new pro shop, an elevated shaded observation deck, outdoor shaded tables, and expanded parking

WINTER HAVEN SKATE PARK

This 17,500 square foot well-rounded facility can accommodate various disciplines and levels of users . The park is split between a large flow bowl and a long, linear street course . The street course consists of two main levels that have been carved into the natural topography of the area overlooking Lake Silver .

RELOCATION GUIDE

Apartment/Condo Rental

Briarcrest at Winter Haven (863) 269-7078

robbinspropertyllc .com

Carlton Arms of Winter Haven (863) 875-1700

carltonarmsofwinterhaven com

Carrerou Enterprises, LLC (863) 294-2384

carrerouenterprises com

Oakley Rhinehart Cassidy, LLC (863) 324-3698

Silver Properties of WH, LLC (863) 510-7912

silverpropertieswh com

Village Realty of Winter Haven, Inc (863) 299-6767

villagerealtyrental .com

Winter Haven Housing Authority (863) 294-7369

winterhavenhousing com

Westside Lakeshore Club, LLC (863) 875-3137

lakeshoreclubwh .com

New Home Builders

Adams Homes (863) 619-8120

adamshomes com

Boyer Building Corp (863) 984-3996

boyerbuildingcorp .com

Built By Waters, Inc . (863) 287-4876

builtbywaters com/about-us

D R Horton (407) 850-5200

drhorton .com/Florida/CentralFlorida#

Maronda Homes (407) 515-0235

marondahomes .com/fl/hainescity/polk-county-scattered-33844 . html

Southern Homes of Polk County (863) 687-2700

mysouthernhome .com

Realtors

Angie Allenfort, P .A . (973) 752-9192

cfhomesales .com

Associate Realty & Investments, Inc (863) 618-4000

chrissijasso .com

Barbara Taylor, LLC (863) 604-6256

coldwellbanker com

Brenda Brooks LLC, Keller Williams Realty Smart 1 (863) 224-4887

brendabrooks .kw .com

Brian Reeves, Watson Realty Corp (863) 899-1986

briansreeves .com

Brokers Realty of Central FL (863) 294-6773

thebutlerteam com

carriEstate (863) 450-6525

carriestate .com

CENTURY 21 Watson & Myers (863) 324-1000

recentralgroup com

Chain of Lakes Realty, Inc . (863) 287-4679

chainoflakesrealty .com

Coldwell Banker Realty (863) 294-7541

coldwellbanker .com

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

crosbydirt com

Dawn Van Meter, CENTURY 21 Watson & Myers Realty (863) 287-7013

dawnvanmeter .com

East Polk County Association of Realtors

(863) 294-3163

epcar .com

I Think Realty (863) 280-2201

ithinkrealty com

John Wood Realty, Inc . (863) 324-9663

johnwoodrealty com

Joshua Johnson - Keller Williams Smart 1 (863) 206-3835

joshuajohnson .kw .com

Judy B Cleaves Properties, Inc (863) 299-5878

jbcleaves com

Larry Montanus, Advisor at SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate

(863) 812-4670

saundersrealestate com

Keller Williams Realty Smart 1 (863) 508-3000

lifeatkwsmart1 .com

The Lay Group (863) 248-5838

thelaygroup .com

Lockhart & Associates, Inc ., Realtors (863) 293-1234

lockhartonline com

Meeks Real Estate, LLC (863) 604-9287

carlameeksrealtor .com

NextHome | Norris & Company Realty (863) 875-5583

norrisandcompanyrealty .com

Star Realty of Winter Haven, Inc (863) 581-1338

StarRealtyofWH org

The K Team Real Estate Services, LLC

(863) 604-6220

Yourkteam com

Turner Properties of CFI (863) 291-1895

turnerpropertiescfi .com

Village Realty of Winter Haven (863) 299-6767

villagerealtyrental com

Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Dave Westphal (863) 287-3302

centralflorida-homeguide com

Title & Appraisal Services

Celebration Title Group (407) 801-9776

celebrationtitlegroup com

Executive Title of Central Florida, Inc . (863) 294-3633

exectitle org

Integrity First Title (863) 294-0604

integrityfirsttitle .com

Real Estate Title Services (863) 299-6942

realestatetitlefl com

Ridge Security Title, Inc . (863) 419-8485

ridgetitle .com

Winningham & Pospichal, Inc (863) 585-6422

polkappraisers .com

Moving Companies

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving (863) 999-5535

collegehunkshaulingjunk .com/ Winter-haven

Organized Haven (863) 268-4041

organizedhaven .com

Two Men and a Truck (863) 646-6683

twomen com

CONTACTS

EMERGENCY

911

COURTHOUSE/COUNTY CLERK

(863) 534-4000

polkcountyclerk .net

PROPERTY APPRAISERS

(863) 534-4777

polkpa org

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

(863) 298-6200

polksheriff .org

VOTER REGISTRATION

(863) 534-5888

polkelections com

CITY OF WINTER HAVEN

(863) 291-5600

mywinterhaven .com

PARKS & RECREATION

(863) 291-5656

mywinterhaven com

WINTER HAVEN POLICE

(863) 401-2256

whpd .mywinterhaven .com

WINTER HAVEN SENIOR CENTER

(863) 291-5870

PUBLIC LIBRARY

(863) 291-5880

whpl .mywinterhaven .com

WINTER HAVEN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT (863) 298-4551

mywinterhaven com

WINTER HAVEN AREA TRANSIT (BUS) (863) 765-5287

ridecitrus .com

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (407) 621-3300

centralfloridabbb .org

CAREERSOURCE POLK

(863) 508-1100

careersourcepolk com

SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE (877) 457-1739

ssa .gov

WINTER HAVEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(863) 293-2138

winterhavenchamber com

Winter Haven’s approach to business is an unusually collaborative one, incorporating pro-growth government policies, strategic partnerships, highcapacity IT infrastructure, and flexible workforce development opportunities throughout the greater Winter Haven area . Cultivating a thriving business community through collaboration is at the heart of what we do in Winter Haven Many executives that relocate to the area say it’s what sets us apart .

Our collaborative spirit makes Winter Haven a welcoming destination for the young entrepreneurs looking for the perfect place to grow their business or the well-established business owner looking to develop close partnerships and collaborative connections

“The spirit of the Winter Haven business community and the opportunity to build relationships with other business owners play a significant role in the survivability of business in the community

The opportunities to thrive in the good times and bad are possible with producing reliable results for those we work and live within our area,” said Mike Potthast, owner of Central Avenue photography studio, Potthast Studios “I have been a Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce member since my first days in business, and the organization has provided the necessary resources to succeed . The opportunities for exposure to other business leaders and business owners in the community have been significant in the survival of my business in good and bad years . The Chamber’s website and email communications are always current and provide information to latest business social opportunities or featuring other members through their podcast series . ”

Winter Haven has experienced a high rate of growth over the last eight years Our location is a primary driver of that growth, which

includes easy access to routes of trade, a history as a logistics and distribution hub, the availability of land, position between two major metro markets, a workforce of 9

• Main Street Winter Haven

• Small Business Development Center

• Winter Haven Economic Development Council

million people within 100 miles, lower cost of living compared to surrounding metro markets, and of course the warmth and sunshine

Here are some businesses that can help you start a business, grow a business, market your business and give you the tools to join us in collaborative business partnerships that make our community a great place to work!

• Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce

• Central Florida Development Council

• Central Florida SCORE

If you own a business in Winter Haven and haven’t joined the Winter Haven Chamber, visit our website to learn how Chamber Membership can help you grow your business! We are excited to help you acquire the connections and tools you need to succeed on your business journey .

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

Winter Haven’s location at the center of the state makes it a perfect place for the transfer of

BUSINESS COMMUNITY

of product distribution by rail . This addition opens numerous opportunities for businesses looking to expand their markets to the 18 million residents and 80 million visitors within 4-hours of Winter Haven, as well as the global economy through access to the Florida ports .

Winter Haven is also home to its own regional general aviation airport Several businesses are located on the airport grounds for aircraft maintenance and training, with more plans for build-out on the site for additional aviation-related businesses

DIVERSE ECONOMY

development to internet security and secure inland data storage, downtown Winter Haven hosts this rapidly developing segment

In 2018, the Governor designated six Winter Haven areas as Opportunity Zones, created by the Federal Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 . Opportunity Zones are a new tool that provides incentives for investments in low-income communities across the country Contact the Chamber for more information on these opportunities .

THE SECRET SAUCE

goods and services . Polk County has a long history as a warehousing and logistics hub with access to Interstate 4, Highway 27, and Highway 60, all of which traverse the state in various directions . This makes it easy for freight to make its way to seaports on both the east and west coast and two major international airports in Tampa and Orlando In 2017, our neighboring airport in Lakeland opened a customs center and can accept international shipments . Winter Haven is home to CSX’s Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center The technologically advanced intermodal center makes Winter Haven one of the main hubs

The economy of Winter Haven has greatly diversified over the past several decades In fact, in January 2020, the Winter HavenLakeland MSA was named the most diverse economy in Florida . Agribusiness, particularly the citrus industry, was the main economic driver for most of the 20th century However, economic development efforts directed at diversifying the economy began in earnest during the 1980s . Today’s economy has dominant sectors, including healthcare, technology, tourism, professional and financial services, education, agribusiness, and as mentioned, distributions and logistics .

The considerable fiber-optic infrastructure in downtown Winter Haven has led to the growth of a technology sector that employs more than 500 people . From software and blogging platform

The most crucial factor in Winter Haven’s growth is the businessfriendly climate, combined with the cooperation and synergy of our organizations working to support business sustainability and growth

The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and the Winter Haven Economic Development Council are two cornerstones working to champion efforts to expand local business and recruit new opportunities to Winter Haven Our economic development pace is strong . With projects of all sizes and scales planned for Winter Haven, we are working closely with all levels of government

Private investment follows public investment, and we are blessed to have a City with the foresight to understand that . In 2019-2020, the City completed several projects, including; the 7th Street complete

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

BUSINESS RESOURCES

CENTRAL FLORIDA DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Sean Malott, President/CEO

(863) 937-4430

cfdc .org

CENTRAL FLORIDA SCORE

(863) 284-5607

centralflorida .score .org

CITY OF WINTER HAVEN

Eric Labbe, Director of Economic Opportunity & Community Investment

(863) 291-5600

mywinterhaven .com

WINTER HAVEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sara Beth Wyatt, President/CEO

(863) 293-2138

winterhavenchamber .com

MAIN STREET WINTER HAVEN

Anita Strang, Executive Director (863) 295-9422

mainstreetwh com

COMMUNITY AND SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

(863) 534-5915

polk-county net

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

(863) 678-4182 x227

sbdctampabay .org

WINTER HAVEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Bruce Lyon, President

(863) 837-5280hedc .com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

street project, the airport runway rehabilitation project, installing needed infrastructure for business expansion at the airport, the Lake Howard Dock, the iconic AdventHealth Fieldhouse, and Conference Center at Chain of Lakes Park, Martin Luther King Jr Park, City Skate Park, Lake Maude Recreation Park, Lake Conine Wetland Restoration, and MLK Boulevard reconstruction

In 2022, we saw the addition of classroom units at the Winter Haven Airport as part of the new Central Florida Aerospace Winter Haven Campus, Rotary Park playground and restroom improvements, the groundbreaking of the first downtown hotel in decades, and the completion of the 4th Street Market Piazza and Streetscape in addition to needed utility and sidewalk infrastructure projects .

The Chamber of Commerce also

works closely with Main Street Winter Haven to support its mission to develop and preserve the economic, cultural, and historic qualities that make downtown the heart of our community

Small business is our community’s foundation, and we are incredibly proud of that . At the Chamber, we work closely with the city to advocate for our small businesses and ensure our business-friendly climate remains We also partner with the Community and Small Business Assistance Center, Central Florida SCORE, and the Small Business Development Center to ensure you have the resources you need Each April, these organizations come together to host Cityworks (X)po Florida, an idea-sharing conference focused on developing communities in thoughtful, creative, and sustainable ways

Together, Winter Haven stands ready to empower local businesses and remove barriers to success .

Primary Care • Pediatrics • OB/GYN • Pharmacy Behavioral Health • Dental • Optometry • Nutrition

15 Locations across Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties. Call 866.234.8534 to schedule your appointment today. Se habla español.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS!

ABOUT YOUR WINTER HAVEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing commerce and community by serving, representing and enhancing business growth in Winter Haven and beyond

2023 is a very special year at the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce . This year marks the Winter Haven Chamber’s 100th anniversary What started as a board of trade in 1910 has blossomed into a thriving, forwardthinking Chamber of Commerce at the forefront of local advocacy, booming commerce and collaborative community

To celebrate this milestone, the Chamber has launched a fresh, new, simple logo . This logo will stand the test of time as the Chamber continues to move forward into the next 100 years

Over the next 100 years, the Chamber will find new and innovative ways to advance commerce and community, but

will also stay committed to serving in ways we are currently One of those avenues is through our Winter Haven Chamber Foundation . The Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on education, professional development, beautification of the community and building the next generation of Winter Haven’s leaders . It houses programs such as Winter Haven’s largest young professionals group, Endeavor Winter Haven; Leadership Winter Haven and Youth Leadership Winter Haven

“It has been our honor and privilege to serve the Winter Haven business community for the last 100 years. For many years to come, the Winter Haven Chamber is committed to advancing commerce and community in a future focused way. We hope that, whether you join as a member, volunteer at events or support online, you will partner with us to continue to make Winter Haven the best place to play, stay, work and live.”

- President & CEO, Sara Beth Wyatt

INTRODUCING OUR NEW LOOK!

ANIMAL SERVICES

Animal Services

Humane Society of Polk County

(863) 324-5227

humanesocietyofpolkcounty .org

Orchid Springs Animal Hospital

(863) 324-6964

osahvets com

Paw Haven Animal Hospital

(863) 293-1428

pawhavenvet .com

Paw Printz, Inc

(863) 268-8183

pawprintzofwh .com

Polk County Animal Services

(863) 577-1762

polksheriff org/animal-services

SPCA Florida

(863) 646-7722

spcaflorida .org

Veterinary Healthcare Associates

(VHA)

(863) 324-3340

vhavets .com

Dog Parks

Auburndale Dog Park

Auburndale

Bark Park at VHA

Winter Haven

Dog Park at Mary Holland Park

Bartow

Cook Park Dog Park

Lakeland

Diogi Dog Park

Lakeland

Dog Leg Woods Dog Park

Lakeland

Harmony Dog Park

Lake Wales

Lake Crago Dog Park

Lakeland

Poinciana Community Park

Kissimmee

Simmers - Young Park Dog Park

Auburndale/Winter Haven

Winter Haven Pocket Park

Winter Haven

LOCAL HEALTHCARE

ADVENTHEALTH

In 2019, AdventHealth merged with Chamber members Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center and Lake Wales Medical Center . AdventHealth was founded in 1908 by pioneering Seventhday Adventists who believed in whole-person health — healing the body, mind, and spirit — AdventHealth has grown into one of the largest non-profit hospitals in the country . AdventHealth operates nearly 50 hospitals and hundreds of care centers in nearly a dozen states, making it one of the largest faith-based healthcare systems in the United States . AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division encompasses 20 hospitals in the counties surrounding metro Orlando: Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Polk, Volusia, and Flagler . The Central Florida Division’s care network also includes more than 30 CentraCare urgent-care centers, including Winter Haven’s CentraCare location In addition to the hospitals and urgent care centers, AdventHealth has also invested in their physician group in Winter Haven, opening an office on 1st Street in the downtown medical core In late 2022, AdventHealth announced that they will be

expanding their 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 emergency department and medical offices with ancillary facilities .

BAYCARE MEDICAL GROUP/WINTER HAVEN HOSPITAL

Winter Haven Hospital joined the BayCare network of hospitals in 2013 to better address changes in healthcare delivery Over the last four years, Baycare has invested almost $150 million in facilities to upgrade the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital, Cassidy Cancer Center, imaging equipment, and a new $51 million emergency department In 2020 they also welcomed their first class of residents to the Florida State College of Medicine Family Medical Residency Program at Winter Haven Hospital Those physicians round at the hospital and see patients at the new Winter Haven Family Health Center . This will increase access to primary care in our area and, at the

same time, will introduce new physicians to life in our community and hopefully help create a succession plan for providers in our area . Located in the heart of Downtown and the centerpiece of a strong medical sector, Winter Haven Hospital currently has over 500 beds and 300+ board-certified physicians . These physicians work in every specialty, including centers of excellence such as the Bostick Heart Center, Breast Imaging Center, Cassidy Cancer Center, Winter Haven Women’s Hospital, six primary care centers, and a nationally recognized stroke center – to name a few .

Winter Haven Hospital is the largest private employer in east Polk County, with more than 2,300 employees .

MEDICAL HUB

In addition to three major hospitals in the greater Winter Haven area, our community is also home to two large multi-specialty medical groups, Bond Clinic, P .A . and Gessler Clinic, P A Check out the listing in this magazine and their websites for a complete picture of the medical services provided in our area .

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Dentistry & Oral Surgery

Affordable Dentures & Implants, Winter Haven FL

(863) 291-8161

affordabledentures com/locations/ fl/winter-haven

Bright Smiles of Winter Haven

(863) 293-0636

brightsmilesofwinterhaven .com

Butz, George W III, DDS

(863) 299-7974

drbutz .com

Dietrich Kelso Orthodontics

(863) 644-0430

dkosmiles .com

Dr Viet Ho Prosthodontics & Implant Dentistry

(863) 294-4484

drvietho .com

KianS Dental Studio

(863) 875-4395

kiansdentalstudio .com

Scott Orthodontics

(863) 299-1261

scottsmiles com

Steven C . McNutt, DDS, PA

(863) 294-6565

facebook com/Steven-C-McNuttDDS-172540636442323

Winter Haven Family & Cosmetic

Dentistry

(863) 293-1108

winterhavenfamilydentistry .com

Winter Haven Oral Surgery

(863) 294-7648

whomsimplants .com

Eye Care

Advanced Eye Care Associates

(863) 294-5457

advancedeyecarefl com

Center for Retina and Macular Disease

(863) 297-5400

crmd net

Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, PA

(863) 294-3504

eyesfl .com

Salomon Eye Care

(863) 401-4200

salomoneyecare .com

Hospice

Good Shepherd Hospice, Inc .

(863) 682-0027

chaptershealth org

Vitas Healthcare

(863) 583-7100

vitas .com

Hospitals

AdventHealth

(863) 422-4971

adventhealth com

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland

(863) 279-1600

encompasshealth .com/locations/ lakelandrehab

Lakeland Regional Health

(863) 284-5000

mylrh .org

Winter Haven Hospital

(863) 293-1121

winterhavenhospital .org

Medical Equipment

3B Medical, Inc .

(863) 226-6285

3bproducts com

Beltone Hearing Aid Center

(863) 294-8353

beltone .com

QualiMed Respiratory & Mobility, Inc

(863) 293-3066

qualimedservices .com

Mental Health Counseling

Divine Mental Health Care

(863) 585-5946

divinementalhealthcare .net

Heart for Winter Haven Center for Well-Being

(863) 291-6270

heart4wh .org/c4wb

Piece of Zen, LLC

(863) 651-7969

apieceofzen com

Restoring You (256) 529-8950

laurenbretz com/restoringyou

TriCounty Human Services Inc

(863) 709-9392

tchsonline .org

Outpatient Surgery Day Surgery Center

(863) 293-8471

winterhavendaysurgery center .com

Keyhole Surgery Center (863) 226-6196

keyholesurgerycenter com

Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgical Center

(863) 291-4000

winterhavenasc .com

Physicians/Specialists

AdventHealth

adventhealth .com/hospital/ adventhealth-heart-florida/finddoctors

A .T . Radiology, P .A . (863) 419-8832

atradiology .cc/t-radiology-winterhaven

BayCare

baycare org/doctors

Bond Clinic, P .A .

(863) 293-3577

www bondclinic com

Central Florida Health Care

(866) 234-8534

cfhconline .org

Cypress Chiropractic and Wellness

(863) 324-0000

mywinterhavenchiro com

Eternal Youth Aesthetics, LLC

(863) 412-2057

discovereternalyouth .com

Florida Dermatology & Skin Cancer Centers

(863) 293-2147

fldscc .com

Fortaleza Physical Therapy Centers

(863) 280-6766

lafortalezarehab com

Gessler Clinic

(863) 294-0670

gesslerclinic .com

Good Health Physicians

(863) 229-2540

ghpclinic .com

InCare Winter Haven LLC

(863) 345-0146

incarenow com

Lakeland Regional Health

(863) 284-5000

doctors .mylrh .org/

LRHPhysicianGroup

Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine

(863) 606-1552

lvim net

Lakeside Dermatology

(863) 293-7546

lakesidedermatology .com

Massage & Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven (863) 294-2000

massageandspinaltherapy com

Newberry Clinic PA (863) 293-3893

chirowinterhaven .com

Polk Therapy

(863) 291-8644

polktherapy .com

Releve’ Sports Medicine

(863) 401-4401

relevesportsmedicine com

Reliance Medical Centers

(863) 272-6536

helloreliance .com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

HEALTH & WELLNESS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

The Barranco Clinic (863) 299-1251

barrancoclinic .com

Vein Health Clinics (877) 817-8346

veinhealthclinics .com

Winter Haven Audiology (863) 594-1978

winterhavenaudiology com

Winter Haven Kidney Care Center (863) 292-6089

arcdialysis .com

Winter Haven OB/GYN (863) 299-1107

winterhavenobgyn com

Urgent Care Clinics

AdventHealth Centra Care Winter Haven (863) 325-8185

centracare .adventhealth .com/ urgent-care/winter-haven

BayCare Urgent Care (863) 299-2420

baycareurgentcare org

Bond Clinic Urgent Care (863) 293-1191 ext . 3693 bondclinic com/urgent-careemergency-room

Senior Services

A Better Solution Home Care (863) 325-5557

abs .care

All About Aging LLC (863) 557-7604

allaboutagingLLC com

Assisting Hands Home Care (863) 877-3992

assistinghands .com/polkcounty

Astoria Senior Living (863) 318-5000

astoriaseniorretirement com

ComForCare Home Care - Winter Haven / NW Tampa (863) 268-4163

comforcare com/florida/ winterhaven

Comfort Keepers (863) 701-9200

comfortkeepers .com

Granny Nannies (863) 299-1100

grannynannies .com

Home Instead Senior Care (863) 294-9141

homeinstead com/333

Lake Howard Heights (863) 293-3171

lakehowardheights .com

Lakeview Tower Apartments (863) 293-6014

lakeviewtowerapts .com

Life Care Center of Winter Haven (863) 969-5610

lifecarecenterofwinterhaven com

Morning Glory Consulting (863) 207-2450

Palm Garden of Winter Haven (863) 293-3100

palmgardenofwinterhaven com

Spring Haven Retirement (863)293-0072

seniorlifestyle .com/property/ florida/spring-haven

Spring Lake Rehabilitation Center (863) 294-3055

springlakerehab .com

Tenth Circuit Public Guardian, Inc . (863) 875-4809

guardianshiptenthcircuit com

The Club at Haines City (863) 422-5204

innovationsl .com/senior-living/fl/ haines-city/peninsular-dr

The Club at Lake Wales (863) 679-8246

innovationsl .com/senior-living/fl/ lake-wales/e-grove-ave

The Palms of Winter Haven Nursing and Rehab (863) 293-1989

brandywyne .com

Two Hearts One Love (863) 934-1700

twoheartsonelovellc com

WORSHIP

Bridge Church (803) 536-4458

bridgewh .com

CenterPoint Community Church

(863) 324-7915

CenterPointChurch org

Deeper Depths Int’l Church

(863) 877-6691

deeperdepths .com

First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven

(863) 294-3121

FirstPresWH .org

Garden Grove Church (863) 324-7880

gardengrovechurch com

Grace Lutheran Church

(863) 293-8447

glwh .org

Haven Worship Center (863) 318-0701

whwc .org

Heartland Church

(863) 299-7797

heartchurch org

Holy Cross Episcopal Church

(863) 324-4021

holycrosswinterhaven .com

Kairos Church

(863) 216-8896

kairos church

Lakeside Church

(330) 360-7133

lakesidechurchwh .com

Redeemer City Church

(863) 298-9849

redeemerwinterhaven .org

St . Matthew Catholic Church (863) 324-3040

saintmcc com

The Salvation Army of East Polk County (863) 294-7493

salvationarmywinterhaven .org

Youth For Christ of Polk County (863) 325-9220

yfcofpolk .org

BIBLE-BASED CURRICULUM

PRE-K4 – 12 TH GRADE FULLY ACCREDITED

Graduates qualify for up to $48,000 in scholarships from Warner University

www.whcsonline.org

MESSAGE FROM CITY HALL

RESOURCES

POST OFFICES

111 W . Central Ave

(863) 299-7824

1401 1st St N

(863) 293-5370

More than 70,000 people call this community home, over 53,000 of whom live inside the City limits, taking advantage of its year-round recreation, climate, and central location

With a history in citrus, lakes, and Americana rock & roll, the Winter Haven experience is a chorus of modern lifestyle possibilities in harmony with our roots Winter Haven is where affordable lake living is a reality, and water play is a requirement . It’s a place where there’s a concert on every corner and family excitement in every park . And let’s not forget about Winter Haven’s hometown connection to family-friendly LEGOLAND® Florida Resort just around the corner from the City core .

The City stretches over 40 square miles, eight of which take the form of sparkling, fun-filled lakes Winter Haven is known as the Chain of Lakes City with two separate chains of lakes connected by an extensive canal system . With 50 lakes inside the City limits, 22 boat ramps, 14 public docks, and 30 waterfront parks, there is a multitude of fresh-water opportunities for both residents and visitors .

A complete team of City staff are committed to enriching the lifestyle of our residents and visitors through exceptional service . Our ultimate goal is to be the best City through the relentless pursuit of excellence . We encourage you to visit one of our many events, public facilities, parks, and trails and explore the

many opportunities Winter Haven has to offer .

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, and are elected by the City 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 .

We invite you to attend our commission meetings held on the second and fourth Monday of each month in City Hall, as well as become involved in one of the many City committees . Our goal is to listen, learn, and improve through citizen engagement

Beginning in 2023, we will stream our City Commission meetings via YouTube . See the City’s website for details .

Winter Haven continues to experience steady, quality growth as it transforms into a vibrant and extraordinary community, embracing the values and needs of its residents . Partnerships and a cooperative spirit make Winter Haven an exceptional destination for new businesses and entrepreneurs looking to relocate Our dedicated staff looks forward to serving its residents, businesses, and visitors as we all enjoy Winter Haven’s special lifestyle We encourage you to make yourself at home

ELECTRIC

Tampa Electric Company (TECO) (863) 299-0800

tampaelectric com

Duke Energy

1-800-700-8744

duke-energy .com

GAS

Florida Public Utilities

1-800-427-7712

fpuc com

TELEPHONE & CABLE Spectrum

(877) 463-0677

spectrum com

WATER City of Winter Haven (863) 291-5678

mywinterhaven .com

REFUSE COLLECTION

City of Winter Haven

(863) 291-5756

mywinterhaven com

Polk County

(863) 284-4319

polk-county net

PUBLIC TRANSIT

Citrus Connection

(855) 765-5287

www .ridecitrus .com

SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE

1395 Havendale Blvd NW (877) 457-1739

DRIVER’S LICENSE

(863) 534-4700

TAG AGENCY

(863) 293-5551

“I’m dedicated to helping patients get better.”

It’s not just an ID badge. It’s a badge of honor.

At Winter Haven Hospital, you get compassionate, highquality care from team members who are proud to wear this badge. You’re our primary focus, so we combine stateof-the-art technologies with an experienced team to bring you exceptional clinical outcomes. We provide specialized care in a number of areas—cutting-edge heart care at the Bostick Heart Center, comprehensive cancer care at the Cassidy Cancer Center, total joint replacement, weight loss surgery and much more. We’re dedicated to giving you all the extraordinary care you deserve.

Learn more: WinterHavenHospital.org