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Winter Haven EDC Names Executive Directo...

David Petr The Winter Haven Economic Development Council announced today the hiring of David Petr as Executive Director for the newly-formed organization. Petr most recently served as Director of Marketing for the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance and Visit Lubbock, Lubbock’s Convention and Visitors Bureau in Lubbock, Texas. “David was clearly the best fit for Winter Haven,”...

Coming In For A “Landings”

The Winter Haven Landings property on Cypress Gardens Blvd. closed today on the interim phase, which includes 4.1 acres in the amount of $881,500. Tucker Construction has installed a camera to take photos every ten minutes of the construction progress, including the demolition of the Dome, which could begin as early as Friday and continue for several weeks. Click the...

Lakeland/Winter Haven MSA Among Eight To...

CNN Money is reporting that Realtor.com has ranked eight Florida communities among the top 10  turnaround towns in the Nation. They primarily attribute the turnaround here (the Lakeland – Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area”MSA”) to the opening of LEGOLAND Florida and the 1000 jobs it has created. Two minor flaws in the report … they tag the turnaround...

WAWA Coming to Winter Haven …

Look for a very popular and successful convenience/fuel store named “Wawa” to build a 5,500 square foot store with an eight-island fuel station at 1490 3rd Street SW — former home of Cypress Lincoln Mercury. The site will be cleared and all new construction will occur. Todd Dantzler with Choice-Dantzler Properties has handled the sale of the...

Taste of Winter Haven Menus Will Tempt Y...

The Taste of Winter Haven menus are complete and what they describe will make your evening delectable!  There are still a few good seats left for the evening – link below.  Here’s what you will be served … *Arabellas Ristorante -Pollo Saltimbocca Boneless breast of chicken topped with prosciutto and fresh sage in a light white wine cream sauce -Penne Aurora Penne...

Mahalaks Celebrate NEW Posner Park Deale...

Join them for Grand Opening festivities Tuesday, January 24 from 3 – 8 p.m. Posner Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Join the Mahalak family of dealerships as they christen their beautiful new Posner Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram with special festivities. Here’s what’s in store … Band Haven Performing Live Great food and refreshments Meet the Staff and Tour the Brand New...

LEGOLAND Florida Welcomes Obama Tourism ...

The Orlando Sentinel reports, “President Obama’s Orlando visit today brings to Florida a promise of an easing of visa restrictions for several countries, particularly Brazil, which has been rising rapidly in recent years as one of Orlando’s biggest sources of tourists. The plan, as explained by the White House Wednesday, would dispatch more than 100 additional...

LEGOLAND® Florida Announces 2012 Calenda...

If your business is affected by local tourism activities, this schedule is important information to help you plan your year and your promotions. Winter Haven, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2012) – Central Florida’s newest family theme park is gearing up for an action-packed 2012 with special events specifically geared towards families with children age 2 to 12. From LEGO® Friends Weekend to...

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...

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