ABOUT WINTER HAVEN & HISTORY

Historically, Winter Haven was just what the name implies - a haven for those seeking an alternative to the harsh winter of the northeast. While we still welcome numerous winter visitors each year, Winter Haven has evolved into so much more - a true renaissance city. With an affordable lakeside lifestyle, robust and collaborative business community and entrepreneurial economy, a premier family friendly destination and home to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, a revitalized and vibrant downtown core, authentic Florida roots and a beautifully unique natural environment with 24 canal-connected lakes, Winter Haven is the destination to live, work, eat, play, stay, and start your business.

IT’S ALL ABOUT LOCATION

With a population of 44,800 within the City limits, the Winter Haven-Lakeland MSA has been named 14th on the list of Fastest Growing Cities by Forbes with a growth rate of 4.1% from 2017 to 2018. In 2019, Downtown Winter Haven was named the official #1 Great Place in Florida by the American Planning Association. We are located at the center of Florida’s super region, an area that spans from Tampa to Daytona which generates $300 billion per year in the 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. However, in Winter Haven you can enjoy lower cost of living, less traffic and a more cohesive community. We’re not a bedroom community by any means, as 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. For the vast majority of the year we experience mild climate, blue skies, sunshine and light breezes. We are in Florida though so the occasional shower can occur, especially in the hotter summer afternoons. A little shower provides the perfect time to experience our indoor activities and cultural venues.

Downtown Winter Haven in the wee hours

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 without the ease of drone technology, how could they have known? The first settlers arrived in Winter Haven in the 1860’s. 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 it was platted were F.A.K Harris and his wife Adele, who built the first commercial and residential structure downtown in 1885. Our famous chain of canal-connected lakes was started in 1915 and completed in the early 1920’s as a way to transport citrus crops. Along with the Chain of Lakes, the 1920’s boom brought rapid growth throughout Florida, and eventually, serious economic turmoil. Winter Haven was not exempt. Citrus and other agricultural crops were the early economic mainstays. In 1930, a 22-year-old George Jenkins opened the first Publix Food Store on 4th St. NW and then his “dream store” for Publix Super Markets on Central Avenue in 1940. You can visit these sites today to see the historic markers. In 1936, a gregarious promoter named Dick Pope opened Cypress Gardens on Lake Eloise. Pope brought intense publicity to Florida, Winter Haven and his beloved park. The Pope family sold Cypress Gardens in 1985. For 73 years it entertained more than 50 million people. In October 2011, Merlin Entertainments Group opened LEGOLAND ® Florida on the historic site, and the Cypress Gardens botanical gardens are leased to, and beautifully maintained by them. Winter Haven’s history is being preserved at the Museum of Winter Haven History located on Lake Howard and Pope Avenue in the historic Woman’s Club.