Posts filed under 'City of Winter Haven'
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 10, 2008: 7:32 am
Center Opens in Six Ten Corporation’s “Inland Fiber and Data Technology Park”
Located Downtown
T3 Communications, Inc. based in Fort Myers has opened its second data center in Winter Haven. Together with 6/10 Corporation, T3 Communications has designed its data center (pictured at right) to serve SMB, Enterprise, Government and carrier customers as well as others in need of a secure site for IT infrastructure and disaster recovery needs. This data center features redundant power and cooling systems, high-speed fiber connectivity to the Internet and 24/7 monitoring and surveillance. Located downtown the structure is category 4 hurricane wind load certified and more than 140 feet above sea level.
The technical description of the new center is carrier neutral data and enterprise collocation data center. Adam Sewall, president and CEO of T3 notes, “In order to meet the demands for expansion of advanced data and voice services to businesses in Florida, Winter Haven has proven to be an ideal location.”
Carl J. Strang, III, president of the 6/10 Corporation said, “T3 has built an advanced data center in our Inland Fiber and Data Technology Park located in downtown Winter Haven. We are pleased to add T3 to the growing list of technology companies that have chosen to locate in Polk County. Our inland location and proximity to the Tampa and Orlando markets make Polk County a logical choice for next generation technology providers such as T3.”
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Commercial Renovations, Downtown, Economic Development, Technology
Posted: June 6, 2008: 1:46 pm
Bonnie Parker, immediate past-president of the Chamber has been promoted to City President for SunTrust’s Winter Haven area operations. Ray Sandhagen, Chairman, President and CEO for SunTrust Bank Central Florida made the announcement.
Parker is based at the Winter Haven office as a client advisor in Private Wealth Management. As city president her new responsibilities include community development in the Winter Haven area.
In addition to her role at SunTrust, Bonnie serves on the Board of Directors for several organizations including the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. She is active in the Rotary Club of Winter Haven, United Way of Central Florida and Girls Incorporated of Winter Haven. Parker is a graduate of Leadership Winter Haven Class XI.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Financial Industry, General Announcements
Posted: May 28, 2008: 2:25 pm
A group of 21 Polk citizens left Sunday, May 18 and spent Monday, May 19 touring the Alliance, Texas intermodal rail facility and surrounding business park.
The group spent Monday morning touring the intermodal rail facility observing the equipment in operation, containers being transferred to rail, noise levels, site organization and traffic.
In the afternoon the contingent met with Tony Creme (left) with the Hillwood Corporation as he outlined how the business park has evolved since 1990, the companies who have located there, development standards and deed restrictions covering building color, landscaping and lighting.
Pictured below, the Polk group conducts a Question and Answer session with Hillwood
executive, Tony Creme. He spent more than two and one half hours discussing all aspects of the Alliance/Gateway development from inception in 1990 to present.
Following the Hillwood presentation the group travelled via bus to a new housing development located one-half mile from the intermodal rail facility. Sendera Ranch features a variety of brick homes ranging in price from $110,000 to more than $300,000. (Pictured below)
Monday night after dinner the bus returned to the entrance of the intermodal rail facility to observe lighting and sound levels. The bus was positioned approximately 500 yards from the freight transferring operations and the engine turned off. With windows open facing the facility there were the normal sounds of a spring evening in the country and no audible industrial sounds other than a tractor/trailer exiting the center adjacent to the bus.
The Alliance integrated logistics center (ILC) is far larger than the facility planned for Winter Haven. It also serves a six state area and the Haven site is planned to serve peninsular Florida. Currently all on-site access roads to the Alliance site are two lane. The intermodal rail terminal was designed allowing for a four-lane access road but has operated with just two lanes for the past 16 years. The Polk delegation traveled throughout the ILC all day on Monday never experiencing any type of traffic congestion.
Visitors to Alliance find an immaculately maintained, well landscaped orderly operation that would be the envy of any locale. Hillwood conducts an annual independent survey assessing the tax revenues their project has generated. The current estimated total taxes paid within the communities and counties the project encompasses and within the state of Texas comes to more than $535 million dollars (cumulative total over the past sixteen years).
Those traveling with the group included:
State Representative Frank Attkisson
County Commissioner Bob English
County Commissioner Sam Johnson
County Commissioner Jean Reed
County Commissioner Randy Wilkinson
County Manager Mike Herr
Assistant County Manager Jim Freeman
County Transportation Director Tom Deardorff
Winter Haven City Commissioner Jeff Potter
Winter Haven Community Development Director David Dickey
Assistant to Winter Haven City Manager, Deric Feacher
Director of Utility Services, Pete Chichetto
Winter Haven Chamber President, Sam Killebrew
Winter Haven Chamber Vice President, Howard King
Winter Haven Chamber members Pete Cassidy, Allison Hunt and Wayne Watters
Winter Haven Chamber Executive Director, Bob Gernert
CSX Transportation, Ron Morrow
Lakeland Economic Development Council, Steve Scruggs
East Polk Committee of 100, Jack Barnhart
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Transportation
Posted: May 23, 2008: 2:11 pm
There will be a Candlelight Memorial to Marlene Young in Central Park on Tuesday evening, May 27 from 8 - 8:45 p.m. It will be a time of music and quiet reflection by candlelight. Those attending should bring candles and lawn chairs or blankets.
Husband Robert Young and other family members plan to attend.
(Update 5-28-08) The memorial service at the First Church of the Nazarene in Winter Haven will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30.
Young died early Thursday, May 22 following a Wednesday night automobile collision on Lake Howard Drive, SW. She was a passenger in a car hit head on by another driver who crossed the center line. Her husband Bob was treated for injuries including a broken leg and released. Daughter Meghan was injured more seriously and she is expected to recover.
A memorial fund has been established at the Community Foundation of Greater Winter Haven in Marlene’s name. It will fund her favorite community causes. For more information phone 863.298.9020. All donations are tax deductible.
Photo courtesy of The Ledger, Paul Johnson
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Memorials
Posted: May 19, 2008: 7:35 am
The number of acres of park land in Winter Haven — both developed and to be developed has grown from 347 acres in 2000 to 597 acres in 2008. A net gain of 250 acres in less than eight years. It is an impressive and aggressive program that has seen the city become one of two municipalities in the state (the other is Boca Raton) to set aside money annually to purchase lakefront property to preserve public access. The City completed a strategic plan for Winter Haven parks in 2007 and the following list is a progress report of where things stand.
For those who measure their community by its commitment to parks and leisure recreation opportunities, the City of Winter Haven scores high marks. The following review was presented to the City Planning Retreat on Wednesday, May 14.
Parks Both Planned and Proposed …
Lake Maude Natural Area
Acreage: 8.9± Amenities: Walking trail; playground; restrooms; picnic facilities; site furnishings; fishing area(s); parking
60% construction documents were reviewed by staff and SWFWMD
Comments (including addition of a restroom on the south end) are being addressed by consultant/design team
Lake Maude Recreation Area
Acreage: 26.07± Amenities: Tennis center; multi-generational center; shuffleboard pavilions; walking trails; playground; dog park; multi-purpose fields; restrooms/concessions; fishing area; parking; site furnishings; connectivity to Lake Maude Natural Area
Kick off meeting was held with consultant design team April 23
Initial work includes finalize full build-out concept, all surveying, cost estimating and phasing recommendation
Public input meetings are being planned
South Central Park
Acreage: 1.23± Amenities: Open space for events; band shell; spray-ground (potential); improved parking; site furnishings
Initial concept was created by staff and presented to Martin & Vargas for refining
Functional design phase needs to occur followed by construction/design documents
Pollard Road Park
Acreage: 109.6± Amenities (Proposed): Sports fields; natural areas; picnic facilities; parking; restrooms/concessions; site furnishings
Staff is finalizing the Request For Qualifications that will include the design work for Pollard Road; The RFQ will go out mid June
PCC Recreation Area
Acreage: 23.29± Amenities: Soccer fields (3); improved walking trail with fitness stations, restroom; stormwater retention; site furnishings
Staff met with PCC President Eileen Holden May 6 to present the plan; Dr. Holden will now present the plan to the Board of Trustees
Staff anticipate completing the engineering and design in-house
Downtown Trailhead Facility
Acreage: 6.89± Amenities: Playground; trail access; restrooms; concession; parking; site furnishings
Design team is finalizing the concept plan based on project budget.
Toddhunter Trailhead / Salvation Army Trailhead
Acreage: 3.96± / 0.82± Amenities: Parking; trail access; site furnishings
The FY 2008/09 Community Services Budget Proposal includes $135,000 for the design and construction of a parking area and access point at the former Toddhunter property located north of Avenue T; and $10,000 for the design of a similar facility south of Avenue T at the former Salvation Army property.
Lake Conine Nature Park
Acreage: 34± Amenities: Stormwater treatment; walking trails; picnic area; fishing pier; parking; site furnishings
This project is currently in design with construction anticipated to commence in early 2009
CR653 School Site
Acreage: Undetermined Amenities: Track; sports fields; potential natural area with trail; potential fishing area; parking
Staff met April 18 with School Board Member Margaret Lofton and Director of Planning Larry Helton to discuss a joint partnership for athletic and recreation facilities at the proposed middle school site on CR653
School Board representatives were very much interested in this opportunity and are coordinating a meeting with their architect and City staff
Lake Otis Access Area
Acreage: 0.50± Amenities: Boat ramp; parking; stormwater treatment
Staff’s intent is to convey the City’s property to the Lake Region Lakes Management District through a Cooperative Agreement
City and LRLMD will partner on the final design
City will pay for all tree line buffering with LRLMD installing
City will design and construct stormwater component
LRLMD responsible for perpetual maintenance and upkeep of all areas except stormwater
Inman Park
Acreage: 8.50± Amenities: Walking trail; multi-generational interaction area; parking; picnic area; site furnishings
Project is included in the 2008 FRDAP funding schedule; however, Legislature directed DEP staff to fund the entire list pro-rata based on available funds
Staff should get final numbers from DEP late summer 2008
Total Acreage: 223.76±
Small Scale Projects
Playground Refurbishments: WHRCC (2008/2009); Malcolm Park (2009); Girl Scout Park (2009)
Special Projects/Improvements: Rotary Park/WH Rotary Club Centennial Project
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Parks and Green Space
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 11, 2008: 10:21 am
The Third Annual Central Park Stroll was held April 10 amid picture perfect weather, beautifully manicured parks and ten new outdoor sculptures. This year’s Stroll was unique in that for the first time, one of the ten sculptures was created by a Winter Haven artist. Perhaps most exciting is the fact that Albert Kriston’s “Reach” sculpture (pictured at left) was selected as “Best of Show” by the judges and “Peoples Choice” winner from Thursday evening’s guests.
Reach was inspired by the astronauts who lost their lives on the shuttle Challenger.
The Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition is organized by the Polk Museum of Art in conjunction with the City of Winter Haven. This is the eighth year for the competition and the third time it has been in Winter Haven’s downtown parks. The City of Winter Haven provides both financial backing for the exhibition and the logistical support to install and maintain the sculptures. The sculptures are selected by a committee of area residents. This year’s judges included Carol Mickett, Ph.D., and Robert Stackhouse, Ph.D Artists.
The Central Park Stroll was sponsored by Cartlon Music Center, CSX Transportation, Food Partners, Haskell Corp., Peterson Myers, P.A., Publix Supermarkets, Inc., Raley Downtown Properties, Richards Fine Coffees, Tampa Electric Company and the Winter Haven Chamber Foundation.
The Chamber joins with Main Street Winter Haven and the City to present the Central Park Stroll. Those who voted for the sculptures last evening received a coupon book good for discounts at downtown restaurants and retailers.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Cultural Arts, Downtown, Main Street Winter Haven, Parks and Green Space, Success Stories, Tourism
Posted: March 26, 2008: 2:31 pm
The obviously empty housing at left was removed from the historic Times Square building yesterday to join the previously removed works for restoration and electrification. The vintage “McClintock Clock” was placed on the then Snell National Bank in 1925 and for the past 83 years has served as one of Winter Haven’s most recognizable landmarks.
Current owners of the building, Park Partners, recently donated the clock to the citizens of Winter Haven thereby ensuring the clock never leaves the community.
The restoration is being coordinated by Lloyd Larish who purchased the remaining inventory of the now defunct McClintock Clock Works. The process will require the skill of a number of master craftsman and is expected to cost approximately $27,000. Restoration and electrification will take from three to five months.
Representatives from Main Street Winter Haven, the City of Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce are working together on a campaign dubbed “Buy a Little Time.” A restricted fund has been established within the Main Street organization to accept tax deductible gifts for the clock’s restoration. The cost of restoration has been divided among the hours and minutes of a 24 hour day making contributions affordable to everyone from children and schools to larger organizations within business community. For example:
$1,000 sponsors an hour
$500 sponsors a half hour
$250 sponsors a quarter hour
$100 sponsors five minutes
and minutes are $20 each
All hourly sponsors will be listed on a plaque to be placed below the clock. All donors will be listed in a celebratory program to be used on the date of the clock’s re-dedication.
For further information or a donor brochure contact Main Street Winter Haven at 295-9422 or the Winter Haven Chamber at 293-2138. Donor brochures are available here.
Tick-tock people! Join us and “Buy a Little Time.”
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Downtown, Main Street Winter Haven
Posted: March 19, 2008: 10:27 am
Add a little balance to your life and make plans to bring friends and family to the 2008 Sunset Celebration from 4 p.m. to sunset on the shores of Lake Howard at Avenue D. NW. The festival is FREE! The General Public is invited. In addition to the Chair artist pictured at left, guests will enjoy a strolling magician, Rolla Bolla (balance artist on a series of stacked cylinders), an amazing Hula Hoop demonstration and a contortionist (both pictured below). They’ll be “bending over backwards” to show you a good time.
Main Stage Entertainment includes Reggae and Beach music by Azwon. And T. Michael Stavres will bring a little Margaritaville to the festivities.
Do you know a local amateur talent under the age of 21? The Chamber will hold auditions for budding unicyclists, jugglers, magicians and other novelty acts on Saturday, March 29 at 9 a.m. at our downtown building (401 Avenue B, NW). Those selected will receive prizes and be asked to perform at the April 5th event during our “Amateur Hour.”
You won’t want to miss “Dogs In Synch” presented by the Humane Society. and our Children’s Game area features a bounce house, face painting, Treasure Dig, Sand Art and more. Do you have a vintage car or boat? Register for the Chain of Lakes Vintage Auto and Boat Show here and bring it for display. There will be a “Motorcycle Row” display, too!
You’ll find great food from Texas Cattle Company and Smokin’ Jim’s BBQ and you can also enjoy margaritas from Tanner’s Pub.
It’s a Key West-style Sunset Celebration presented by The Winter Haven Chamber Foundation, City of Winter Haven and the employees of State Farm Insurance.
Supporting sponsors include Bright House Networks, News Chief, The Ledger and Winter Haven Hospital. Main Stage entertainment from CSX Transportation and Street Entertainment sponsored by Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Winter Haven.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Downtown, Tourism
Previous Posts
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
