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Aldi, Zaxby’s and Murphy Oil Planned for...

Site plans have been submitted for a multi-structure development directly north of Payless Shoes and south of the former Atlanta Bread store (US Highway 17 and Avenue K, SW across from Citi Centre). The parcel was formerly occupied by Winter Haven Citrus Growers and Hart Oil Company. Site plans call for a 17,866 sq. ft. ALDI food store, a 3407 sq. ft. Zaxby’s Restaurant, and a 10 pump...

Congratulations to Winter Haven High Sch...

On behalf of the Chamber and the Educational Outcomes Taskforce (now evolving into the Public Education Partnership, we want to extend our sincere congratulations to Principal Gina Williams, the WHHS faculty and the student body for their hard work and contributions resulting in the school improving its grade from “D” to “B” — it’s first ever on its...

LEGOLAND FL Among Parks at Maximum Capac...

LEGOLAND guests enjoy the Technic roller coaster. At approximately 12:30 p.m. today, LEGOLAND Florida stopped admitting guests “to ensure the guests of LEGOLAND Florida have an enjoyable day with their families.” The park had posted cautionary facebook entries earlier that it was approaching capacity and may have to turn guests away. Cypress Gardens Boulevard was...

Call for Nominations: 2012 Banker’s Cup ...

Nominations Accepted Through Monday, January 23 Mark Your Calendar: Taste of Winter Haven/Awards Banquet – February 2 Chamber President Nelson Kirkland has called upon interested organizations or individuals to present nominees for the 2012 Bankers Cup Awards. Traditionally, both a man and a woman from the community are recognized. Criteria for the award are as follows: • To...

NYT Regional Newspapers May Be Sold

Sale would include The Ledger and News Chief. According to a report on The Ledger’s web site it appears that negotiations are underway between the New York Times and Halifax Media Group involving HMG’s purchase of the NYT Regional Newspaper group which includes both The Ledger and the News Chief. According to the report, “The Daytona Beach-based Halifax Media Group...

From Flight to Photos and Frozen Treats ...

Stumped for that special gift?  Here are some Chamber member suggestions … The Learning Curve has GREAT stocking stuffers for kids & adults! Gift certificate or gift. Unique educational toys, family games and gifts for the whole family! Our favorite game called Spot It is flying off the shelf! Stop by and ask for a FREE sample.  6294 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Located in the...

CSX Files Site Plan for Approval

Evansville Western Railway, a subsidiary of CSX Transportation has applied for Site Plan Approval for the Intermodal Terminal. The 318 acre project in south Winter Haven will ultimately become an integrated logistics center (ILC) that will handle containerized freight. Once this permit is approved they can begin construction and it is expected to begin in early 2012. Phase I of the...

‘Tis the Season: Ideas for Stocking Stuf...

We contacted several member organizations and asked what they might offer as a unique “stocking stuffer” this holiday season. Here are several suggestions for a little something different to keep on giving after Christmas morning: A Gift of Music from Imperial Symphony Orchestra: Certificates can be purchased in $20 increments to be used toward any ISO event. Tickets for a...

Haven Job Growth Projected to be Top in ...

Susan Adams, Senior Editor for Forbes, posted an article today that places Lakeland/Winter Haven tied for the top spot in job growth in the first quarter of 2012. She writes, “Though Florida was hard hit by the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis, and unemployment in the state sits 1.5% above the national average at 10.1%, in the first quarter of 2012, employers in two of Florida’s...

New Book is Resource to Play, Eat And Sh...

Three ambitious local women have just published a great resource for residents and visitors alike. “Sweet P.E.A.S.” is a collection of Winter Haven and East Polk places to Play, Eat, And Shop. From LEGOLAND® Florida to Fantasy of Flight and the Blue Room to K.C.’s Big Dipper … Andy Thornals to the Purple Pompano — the book features a variety of unique...

Downtown Welcomes “Laughing Owl Market”...

  Add one more option to Winter Haven’s specialty shoppes as the Laughing Owl Market is now open. You’ll find fine wines, wine accessories, elegant crystal, fine chocolates, fudges, cheeses, olives and other unique items in this brand new concept. Anita Strang invites you to visit Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The...

LEGOLAND® Florida – Just Add Water!

Park Announces Water Park Details and Unveils All-New Premium Annual Pass WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (November, 28, 2011) – Just six weeks after its official grand opening, LEGOLAND® Florida today released details of its first expansion – LEGOLAND Water Park. Scheduled to open in time for summer 2012, the water park will feature a wave pool, Build-A-Raft lazy river, tube slides, body...

LEGOLAND Holiday Events/Chamber Discount...

Play your part this Christmas Season! Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your family? Purchase a discounted annual pass to Florida’s newest theme park LEGOLAND Florida! Chamber members see link below! With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions all dedicated to families with children age 2 to 12, LEGOLAND Florida is the perfect place to spend the Christmas season with your...

Miniland at Night: LEGOLAND Florida

Hollywood Bowl in LEGO ... photograph by Will Chappell Miniland at Night, LEGOLAND® Florida, Winter...

East Polk Committee of 100 Approves Diss...

The East Polk Committee of 100 held its Annual Meeting on November 18, 2011 at the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Auditorium. The Board of Directors recommended to the membership on November 1, 2011, dissolution of the East Polk Committee of 100. A vote was taken today at the Annual Meeting and membership was in agreement to the dissolution. A motion was made by the Board of Directors...

Loftin to Lead Community Southern Bank i...

Robert Loftin Michael A. Micallef, Jr, President & CEO of Community Southern Bank has announced that Robert A. Loftin has joined the team as East Polk County President. His appointment is effective immediately. “I am thrilled to be part of a very healthy and growing community Bank, which was my heritage.” Loftin said. “With its five star Bauer rating, planned growth along with...

Polk Museum of Art Names New Executive D...

Claire Orologas Claire Orologas of Wheaton, Md., has been named executive director of Polk Museum of Art, the Board of Trustees announced today. Her appointment is effective February 1. “I have been extremely impressed with the dedication of the staff and Board at Polk Museum of Art,” Orologas said. “I look forward to working with them and the citizens of Polk County to advance...

Haven Blue Sky Accelerator to Host Grant...

The University of South Florida Polytechnic’s SFP Blue Sky Incubation Program will host a seminar on the Florida High Tech Corridor Council’s Matching Grants Research Program Nov. 15 at 9 a.m. at Blue Sky East, 199 Avenue B NW, Suite 240, Winter Haven (Six Ten Plaza/formerly Verizon Building). University faculty, entrepreneurs, and executives of established firms interested in...

Honey Baked Ham Comes to Haven

Honey Baked Ham has opened a franchise at 319 Cypress Gardens Boulevard (in the Wal-Mart Shopping Center). Opened today, store hours are: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed Sunday) The store offers a variety of types of smoked and baked hams, turkeys, turkey breasts and a variety of other food products. Honey Baked Ham began with one store...

Jessica James Wins iPad2 @ Economic Summ...

Chamber  and Wal-Mart Award iPad2 Jessica James was one of twenty-two Polk State College students hosted by the attendees at the Chamber Foundation’s 8th Annual Economic Summit. Attendees reserve tables of six and two Polk State students join them at their table. Following the breakfast a random drawing was held and Jessica’s name was drawn to win an iPad2 courtesy of the...

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