Posts filed under 'Chain of Lakes'
Posted: April 16, 2009: 11:31 am
April 18 and 19 will be a grand weekend for cycling enthusiasts with an Alturas Road Race on April 18 and a fast-paced downtown Winter Haven Criterion event with a series of races for most ages on Sunday, April 19.
More than a year in the planning, the cycling events are sanctioned as a Florida Points Series Event, a Land Armstrong Junior Olympic Race Series Event and a US Cycling Federation events.
You can find a complete race schedule for both the Alturas Road Race and Downtown Criterion here.
Join your friends on Saturday and Sunday for what is sure to become a premier cycling competition. This event is the latest addition to the Chain of Lakes Festival events.
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Downtown, Main Street Winter Haven, Sports, Tourism
Posted: March 30, 2009: 1:55 pm
Planning for the Chain of Lakes Downtown Trailhead is underway. The complex will be located on City-owned property immediately north of Fire Station 1. The primary focus of this facility is to provide access to the recently completed Chain of Lakes Trail, while also expanding the City’s general recreation offerings. The facility’s proximity to the Winter Haven Area Transit Terminal (WHAT) will allow for enhanced connectivity between multiple transportation modes (vehicular, pedestrian, mass transit, etc.). As an indirect benefit, the facility will help meet parking needs associated with other destination facilities in the immediate area (i.e. City Hall, MLK, Jr. Park, Senior Adult Center, Garden Center and Nora Mayo Hall).
Improvements associated with the project include 140 new parking spaces, restroom/concession facilities, a transportation themed interactive playground, a municipal lawn/plaza, maintenance storage building, picnic facilities, shade pavilion, bike lockers, and general site furnishings. The landscape/layout design is consistent with recent redevelopment patterns of downtown and incorporates Mediterranean Revival Theme architecture consistent with the Winter Haven Public Library and WHAT Terminal.
Construction on the project is expected to start in Fall 2009. Prior to construction of the facility, the Farmers Market will temporarily be moved to either Patterson Park or Joyce Davis Park. Additional Downtown Park Renovation Plans call for the redevelopment of South Central Park.
Current cost estimates for the Chain of Lakes Downtown Trailhead are approximately $1.4 million. Over the next two years, the City has approximately $780,000 budgeted for the project, of which $475,000 will be in the form of Florida Department of Transportation Grants. In addition, the City has requested that the project be considered for Federal Economic Stimulus Funding through the Florida Department of Transportation.
The Chain of Lakes Downtown Project Plans are currently at the 60% Phase and are being reviewed by the Florida Department of Transportation, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and City Staff.
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Downtown, Parks and Green Space, Transportation
Posted: November 7, 2008: 11:53 am
Welcome to our twice monthly business blog update. Based on our 2008 member survey, 75% of you prefer electronic correspondence from the Chamber. The first and third Friday of each month we will share late breaking news with you via our blog post.
Chain of Lakes Boat Parade is on for December 6
(Please note that this post was updated as of November 12 to note that we have dropped Lake Cannon from the parade route. The parade will begin in Lake May at 6:30 p.m. It will then proceed into Lake Shipp and run counter-clockwise around that lake. It then returns thru Lake May around the eastern shore and into Lake Howard where is will make a counter-clockwise circuit ending at Old Man Frank’s Restaurant.)
What’s Christmas in Winter Haven without the Boat Parade?! We are happy to announce that lake levels appear to be good enough to “float your boat” on Saturday December 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Lake May.
The parade route will involve lakes Shipp, May, Howard and Cannon (due to current water levels the parade will NOT go into Lake Cannon). It may be necessary to “trim” your outboard motor in one or more locations but the Canal Commission has offered to be on hand to assist boaters where possible. We do not recommend that boats requiring deep draft participate. (It is recommended that your motor have the capability of trimming (lifting the prop upward). We do recommend that you drive the route the weekend before the parade to test your ride.
We will publish further details in mid-November. Deck those hulls!
“What Now Your Honor?”
Best Business Practices: HR and Employment Law November 12
11:30 a.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Best Business Practices luncheon to focus on human resource and employment law Issues. Actual court cases will illustrate challenges for small and large businesses.
Admission (includes lunch) is $10 for Winter Haven Chamber members and $20 for non-members.
Click here to RSVP.
Young Professionals Lunch and Learn November 13
11:30 a.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Winter Haven Young Professionals Group Lunch & Learn “Community Involvement and Volunteerism” Speakers: Terry Worthington, president of the United Way of Central Florida, and several community leaders.
Admission (includes lunch from Tijuana Flats): $10 for WHYPG members and $20 for non-WHYPG members. (No shows will be billed). Click here to RSVP.
November Networking Showcase: Thursday, November 20, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Presented by Platinum Bank and Straughn and Turner Attorneys
1285 First Street South Details and RSVP here
A Couple of Future Dates to Save …
Thursday, February 3 - 2009 Banker’s Cup Awards
Friday, March 27 - 2009 Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament
Weekend Options as detailed at the Chamber’s Online Calendar:
Friday, November 7:
Main Street Winter Haven Wine Taste
Saturday, November 8
Roar and Soar at Fantasy of Flight
Sunset & Symphony at Bok Tower
Sunday, November 9
Roar and Soar at Fantasy of Flight
This Week’s Special Chamber Offer:
“Wine Down at the Sundown” (Look for new options at an old favorite!)
- Wednesdays - 5 to 9 pm
- Samplings of wines from around the world. Have a taste or a whole glass. Samplings of appetizers from Christy’s Sundown. Live relaxing music, not full bands. Come and have a great time, and network with others in the Winter Haven business world.
- $15 for Chamber Members (print and present this ad or show Advantage Card)
- $20.00 dollars non-members
Do you have news for the blog or this bi-weekly update? chamber1@winterhavenfl.com
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, Chamber Events, Dining
Posted: July 16, 2008: 3:57 pm
Today’s News Chief (July 16, 2008) contains a news brief noting that the Lake Region Lakes Management Commissioners will hear a proposal from Commission Executive Director Roger Griffiths to undertake a program to deepen the Chain of Lakes canal system by two feet. In an email exchange with Griffith he describes the plan as a concept that will require engineering study to determine if it can be successfully done. The process under consideration would leave the present canal walls in place and use a different system to extend new retaining structures deeper. The process would have the least impact on current lawns and landscaping along the Chain’s canal banks.
The Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors conducted their annual planning retreat on July 11 and 12. Among the priorities established was a recommendation to determine the feasibility of deepening the canals to lessen the problems associated during times of drought. This interest followed similar discussions at the City of Winter Haven’s planning retreat in May. Deepening the canals is obviously a goal whose time has come.
The Chamber of Commerce strongly endorses the concept of deepening the Chain of Lakes canals for year -round use. We urge consideration of all viable technologies to accomplish this goal in a cost effective manner. The Chain of Lakes are Winter Haven’s most unique asset and our citizens underscored their dedication to our lake-centered environment during the 1999-2000 community visioning project.
The Chamber pledges its support to work with both the Canal Commission and City of Winter Haven to make deeper canals and the resulting year-round enjoyment of our Chain of Lakes a reality. There are no quick fix or overnight solutions but with vision and determination, we can make drought less of a factor.
A project of this magnitude requires a commitment of resources and funding to become a reality. Please let the Lake Region Lakes Managment Commissioners know of your support through comments here and emails as follows:
Commissioner Steve Enzor
Commissioner Matt Kaylor
Commissioner Betsey Schemmer
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Perspective, Tourism
Posted: June 4, 2008: 2:05 pm
Winter Haven will have a new option for dining on the Chain of Lakes as Dockside Restaurant opens tonight (June 4, 2008) on Lake May. Many will remember the locations as “Sally’s Shrimp Boat” and later “Autumn’s Anchor.”
The steak and seafood restaurant features a game room for the kids, stage for musical performances, big screen televisions, pool tables, two bars and outside decks and docks. Owners include Jim Staples, Brian Mallory and Chris Blagg.
The new operation is in its shakedown cruise opening with an emphasis on food quality and a neighborhood type of atmosphere. (Be sure to try their fabulous yeast rolls basted with butter and honey.)
Dockside features an expansive lakefront setting and with a little rain there will be a growing focus on summer events and outdoor activities such as volleyball. It is located at 1006 S. Lake Howard Drive. Hours are Monday - Thursday from 4 p.m. to Midnight. Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays from Noon to Midnight. Phone 297-1926.
Welcome!
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, Dining, General Announcements
Posted: May 15, 2008: 8:27 am
Satellite view of proposed master planning DRI
City Commissioners, staff, Chamber and Main Street representatives heard a preliminary overview of how redevelopment of the current Chain of Lakes Stadium/Southwest Complex property is likely to proceed. The City actually plans to trigger a “Development of Regional Impact” study (DRI) on a major portion (approximately 200 acres) of the community’s southwest quadrant bounded on the north by Avenue O, south by the Lake Lulu/Shipp canal, east by Park Lake/First Street South and west by Lake Shipp. Local developer Tony Binge presented the conceptual scenerio involving commercial, residential and enhanced public access to the Chain of Lakes. City staff underscored that the plan will provide for all amenities currently found on the Chain of Lakes property including a new facility for Theatre Winter Haven, a new aquatic center and other recreational amenities. Public access to Lake Lulu and the east shore of Lake Shipp would be greatly enhanced.
The master plan being contemplated will produce land use guidelines including more inter-city in fill development of a very high quality as well as an increased emphasis on Chain of Lakes access and appreciation, connectivity to walking trails and downtown.
The information was shared during the City’s annual planning retreat where those present outlined a vision for the city both five and ten years in the future. The areas of emphasis included Economic Development, Community Neighborhoods, Lakes, Leisure, Growth and Development and City Services. The City continues to use the results of the “Our Future By Design” visioning document as a significant benchmark for planning purposes. The document was developed in 1999-2000 by a broad cross section of Winter Haven residents (approximately 200 participated throughout the process).
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cultural Arts, Dining, Economic Development, Parks and Green Space, Real Estate, Sports, Uncategorized
Posted: April 17, 2008: 8:49 am
The Winter Haven Chamber has two great events scheduled for next week. You can RSVP at the links provided below.
FREE Chain of Lakes Breakfast Forum!
Tuesday, April 22, start your day with a free breakfast in one of Winter Haven’s most beautiful settings … at the Lake Hartridge Nature Park (pictured R at sunrise). Sponsored by Killebrew, Inc. and presented by Mike Britt and Rashelle Selser of the City’s Department of Natural Resources the breakfast is complimentary to the first 100 people who RSVP. Continental Breakfast will be served starting at 7:30 a.m. in the main picnic pavilion. The program will outline the our water resources and the City’s plans for a new aquatic and nature center to be built at the park. It’s one more step in the City’s quest to become a green community. Learn also how the nature park serves as a stormwater filtration marsh for Lake Hartridge. The program is open to Chamber members and the General Public. Free with your RSVP here.
Holiday Inn Hosts April 24 Showcase!
Join your friends at Winter Haven’s newest hotel … The Holiday Inn (200 Cypress Gardens Boulevard). Thursday, April 24 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. you can tour the beautiful new facility, impressive lobby (pictured below), restaurant and more. Enjoy great food, too! Shake the hand of the “Mystery Guest” and win $25. If you are this month’s “Name Dropper” chosen at random from our database you will win $200 — but you have to be present. Free to Chamber members and a guest with your RSVP here.
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, Chamber Events, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Parks and Green Space
Posted: April 14, 2008: 9:12 am
No, we’re not speaking of corporal punishment … but the best way to win the Second Annual Chain of Lakes Challenge Canoe & Kayak Races is to paddle your boat better than anyone else in the competition.
Bring your canoe or kayak to the Lake Summit Boat Ramp Park this Saturday, April 19. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. and the races start at 7:45 a.m. There are four divisions:
Professional Kayak (under 26″ wide)
Recreational Tandem or Solo Kayak (more than 26″ wide)
Professional Canoe (single bladed paddles)
G-2 canoe or kayak encouraging two generations to participate together (i.e. parent/child or grandparent/grandchild)
The first three categories will depart Lake Summit and travel along the shoreline of Lake Eloise clockwise and into Little Lake Eloise back into Lake Eloise continuing in a clockwise direction to the Eloise/Lulu canal. Paddlers will travel directly across Lake Lulu to the Lulu Shipp canal and back across Lulu into Eloise and on to Lake Summit and the Boat Launch Park finish line. (Approximately 7.7 miles.
The G-2 race will depart Lake Summit shortly after the above divisions and travel through the Cypress Gardens ski show circle, on around the tire breakwaters and back to Lake Summit Boat Launch Park.
Entrants must bring their own canoe or kayak. All crafts must be manually paddled. All participants must wear flotation throughout the race. All participants must finish or report out of the race at a check point to account for whereabouts. Checkpoints will be located at Little Lake Eloise and Lulu/Shipp Canal (east end).
First Place winners in each division get Cypress Gardens Passes and $50 cash awards. Second Place finishers receive $25 and Cypress Gardens Passes. Registration forms available at Andy Thornal Company and the Winter Haven Chamber Lobby. $20 registration fee per boat. All entrants receive Challenge T-Shirts.
The Chain of Lakes Challenge is sponsored by Andy Thornal Company, The News Chief and The Ledger. It is the final event in the 2008 Chain of Lakes Festival. The Chain of Lakes Challenge is organized by the Winter Haven Chamber Foundation and the City of Winter Haven Department of Natural Resources. Course Checkpoints courtesy of Marine Supply - The Boating Center.
Pictured at left, Don Nettlow noses between the finish line buoys to win the inaugural Chain of Lakes Challenge Professional Kayak division in 2007.
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, Chamber Events, Cypress Gardens, Sports
The Official Website of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
