Posted: August 21, 2010: 1:20 pm
Sunset on Lake Shipp as photographed from the Lulu/Shipp canal on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes – August 18, 2010
Photo by Nick Gernert
3 Comments | See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, Perspective
Posted: March 30, 2010: 1:38 pm
The recent rains — well before the usual rainy season — have had a marked and positive impact on the levelof our Chain of Lakes. According to Roger Griffiths of the Lake Region Lakes Management District (often called the Canal Commission) the level of the Chain is 129.70 (feet above sea level) and on March 19
that level was 129.24. This means that in the past 10 days the lakes have come up .46 or almost 6 inches. This compares to last year on March 27, 2009 when the lakes were at 129.08 or .62 lower than the current level. This means we are about 7.5 inches higher than this time last year. While it does not yet represent ideal levels, we are certainly moving in the right direction. Minimum desired level is 129.5 and maximum is 131.5.
As an update on the lock (Lake Hartridge to Conine), the firm hired to complete phase two – installation of the doors – is again moving forward. They have hired a Lakeland engineering firm to prepare the needed documents to acquire a permit from the City of Winter Haven. That has been a needed next step and is now underway. These documents should be available in another 2 to 3 weeks. They will then apply for a permit and finish the job.
10 Comments | See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes
Posted: November 11, 2009: 3:53 pm
Roger Griffiths, Executive Director of the Lake Region Lakes Management District (often referred to as the Canal Commission) reported at their October Board Meeting that lake levels in the southern Chain of Lakes were 1 foot 4 inches below 2008 levels (and last year’s parade barely made an abbreviated route). With disappointing rainfall levels from this month’s late season tropical storm, it appears certain that the canals will not be deep enough to allow the parade to go on.
Over the years the Chamber has learned that the success of the Boat Parade lies in people being able to navigate their boats through the Chain to form the parade in Lake May. Current levels severely limit boats with only a driver — not to mention fully loaded craft.
The Chamber does not like to disappoint boaters or the thousands of people who watch from shore … but safety is our first priority and shallow canals cause too many problems. The parade will return when lake levels do.
We are making the announcement at this time to allow residents who have “Parade Parties” to plan accordingly.
Photo credit: Lake Cannon by Sean O’Shaughnessy
Add a Comment | See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven
Posted: August 13, 2009: 4:59 pm
The Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) meeting today in Bartow approved a series of priorities that include three walking and biking trail enhancements. Among the priorities to be recommended to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are three Winter Haven projects. (The value of these enhancements totals nearly $3.5 million.)
1. Chain of Lakes Trail- Lake Howard Connector - The Chain of Lakes Trail-Lake Howard Connector is a 2,800± foot pedestrian trail extending along Avenue B, NW from First Street to the Lake Howard Trail. The Connector will intersect the Chain of Lakes Trail near Fourth Street, NW (adjacent 
to the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce) and connect with the Lake Howard Trail on the west side of the intersection of East Lake Howard Drive and Avenue B, NW. Estimated cost for this project is $840,000.
2. Chain of Lakes Trail Southern Extension. The Chain of Lakes Trail Southern Extension is a 2,500± foot pedestrian trail extending from South Central Park along Avenue A, SW, Magnolia Avenue and Third Street, SW to Avenue G, SW. This trail will downsize Avenue A, Magnolia Avenue, and Third Street from three and four-lane roadways to two-lane roadways with a pedestrian trail, landscaping, and on-street parking. Estimated cost for this project is $845,000.
3. Chain of Lakes Trail Bridge over Avenue T, NW. The Chain of Lakes Trail Bridge involves the construction of a bridge over Avenue T, NW to provide for a safe pedestrian and bicycle crossing over this four-lane roadway. The bridge will be constructed on the west side of Martin Luther King Drive on two parcels owned by the State Office of Greenways and Trails. Estimated cost for this project is $1,800,000.
These distinctive enhancements to Winter Haven’s walking and biking trail system will help maximize the usefulness and connectivity of the Chain of Lakes Trail.
(Pictured above: a portion of the 3.4 mile Chain of Lakes Trail)
2 Comments | See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Downtown, Parks and Green Space, Transportation
Posted: August 5, 2009: 1:43 pm
The Chamber hosted a City Commission Candidate Breakfast Forum this morning (August 5, 2009). The breakfast was organized by the Chamber’s Government and Legislative Affairs Committee. The candidates were asked a series of questions relevant to the business community including transportation priorities, economic development opportunities, public transit funding, city responsibility to the Chain of Lakes and their opinion of the Hometown Democracy amendment (requiring all future comprehensive plan amendments to be put forth in voter referendums) expected to be on the 2010 state ballot.
Candidates for Seat 4 (Mayor Yvonne Brooks and Jamie Beckett) both pointed to the economic development potential of the Winter Haven Municipal Airport along the US 92 corridor. Beckett noted his view that runway length would not support increased use by corporate jets. Beckett felt the city’s responsibility with regard to the Chain of Lakes required cooperation with the various agencies from the canal commission to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Brooks pointed to the number of lakes preservation goals outlined in the “Our Future By Design” visioning document that the city has accomplished including the urban lakefront design guidelines. Their most divergent views were expressed regarding the Hometown Democracy amendment with Brooks favoring continuing the current regulatory process and Beckett supporting the amendment. (Ed. Note: While candidate Beckett originally stated that he felt comprehensive plan changes should be left to voters, he has since clarified his position and opposes the Hometown Democracy amendment. His clarification is noted in the first comment below. – BG 8/13/09)
Candidates for Seat 5 (Commissioner Mike Easterling, Steven Hunnicutt and Bob Jardine) were in general agreement on most issues. Easterling expressed his continued commitment to the community visioning plan and Hunnicutt and Jardine both agreed it was an important guide for decisions. Jardine noted his interest in representing the needs of sight and physically impaired including his work to secure audible crossing signals for key city intersections. All Seat 4 candidates favor retaining the current regulatory system for changes in comprehensive plans and opposed the Hometown Democracy amendment.
Candidates for Commission Seat 4:
Mayor Yvonne Brooks
Jamie Beckett
Candidates for Seat 5:
Commissioner Mike Easterling
Steven Hunnicutt
Bob Jardine
The Chamber collected candidate information including background, city strengths and challenges, revitalization, top priorities and more. A comparison of that information is available at this link.
The city election will take place Tuesday, September 8, 2009.
1 Comment | See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Economic Development, Perspective, Political Scene, Transportation
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.
1 Comment | 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.
1 Comment | 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!)
Do you have news for the blog or this bi-weekly update? chamber1@winterhavenfl.com
4 Comments | 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
10 Comments | 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!
8 Comments | See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, Dining, General Announcements
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