Posts filed under 'Chain of Lakes'
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
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 Official Website of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
