Posts filed under 'City of Winter Haven'
Posted: June 11, 2009: 6:08 pm
Winter Haven to be home to USF Polytechnic technology business accelerator.
In a memo distributed today, June 12, to the Mayor and City Commisioners, City of Winter Haven Community
Development Director David Dickey announced the following information:
In April 2009, the Polk County Commission, in conjunction with the Central Florida Development Council, earmarked $1 million in funding to help establish a high-tech business incubator to be located on the USF Polytechnic campus.
The incubator concept has gained momentum so quickly that the decision was made to establish two locations prior to the completion of the Polytechnic campus. An incubator will be established in Lakeland with a business accelerator to be located in downtown Winter Haven.
Benefits to new companies will include proximity to, and resources of, a national research university; access to operational infrastructure including office space, equipment and technology; faculty experts; technology consultants; and training programs.
The decision to locate this facility in downtown Winter Haven is result of a partnership between the 6/10 Corporation and the City. The 6/10 Corporation will provide rent-free space in the Verizon building located at 199 Avenue B, NW. This building houses the Inland Fiber & Data Technology Park which makes the accelerator a great fit. Subject to approval and funding availability, the City’s CRA would provide $10,000 annually to help offset operating costs.
It is anticipated that the facility will be operational by September 1, 2009 and will initially house from five to ten new companies. The proposed accelerator can be distinguished from a business incubator in that it will target more mature start-ups that still require a degree of support. It is hoped that the companies will grow into adjacent office space and maintain a long-term downtown Winter Haven presence.
This development will further advance the developing technology-based business core downtown. Congratulations to both Lakeland and Winter Haven. The County/CFDC/USF/Lakeland/Winter Haven/Six-Ten partnership is a very positive step in economic recovery. The Polytechnic influence will grow the high-skill / high-wage sector critical to the area’s long-term future.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Downtown, Economic Development, Education, Employment Opportunity, Success Stories, Technology
Posted: June 1, 2009: 3:38 pm
Restoration plans by Richard Mills have been approved for a $10,000 matching grant from the Downtown Winter Haven CRA to restore the facade of what was originally the “Hoffman Department Store” built in 1937. Seen below is the original building, the current facade and the proposed renovations.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Renovations, Downtown, Economic Development, Uncategorized
Posted: May 14, 2009: 12:36 pm
The recent Sun n’ Fun Air Show generated additional traffic for many neighboring airports. Winter Haven was no exception with a variety of air craft circling the recently competed municipal air terminal. The City worked with the Central Florida Visitor and Conventions Bureau to provide the air visitors information on area attractions, restaurants and hospitality options.
Winter Haven joins Lakeland and Bartow in offering modern new facilities. More recently the impressive Citation X aircraft below paid a visit. The air terminal features Richard’s Fine Coffees and sandwches.
The new facility is conveniently located adjacent to US 92 for maximum exposure. The new footprint for the airport positions the City for development of an air-related business park along the US 92 frontage.
Among the groups recently visiting the air terminal were the Board of Directors of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and the second class of Leadership Polk, a county-wide leadership and learning program.
The City of Winter Haven is among the many municipalities in Polk County who are moving ahead with improvement projects such as the new air terminal, Fire Station #1 and Lake Maude Park providing jobs and improvements in a tough economy. Haines City is moving to complete the massive Lake Eva Park project, Polk City has new city administrative offices, Polk Community has opened the J.D. Alexander satellite campus in Lake Wales and Auburndale has partnered with the County and Central Florida Development Council in development of the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex just to name a few.
As the economy begins to improve, these infrastructure improvements will serve as further catalysts for growth.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Perspective, Transportation
Posted: April 28, 2009: 4:24 pm
The City of Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce extend a cordial invitation to all Chamber members to a special Business Open House at the newly renovated Women’s Club/Museum of Winter Haven History at 660 Pope Avenue this Thursday, April 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
You’ll find delicious culinary samples from five different caterers, piano entertainment and facility tours worth your time. Renovations included bathroom renovations, enhanced lighting, a protective fire sprinkling system, new ceilings and other renovations in keeping with the buildings historic designation on the National Register including an historically accurate repainting of the pink facade. There are new museum displays as well.
The City has developed guidelines for building rental in keeping with the historic contents of the museum. Learn a little history, enjoy some delicious food and tour a beautiful building. RSVP here.
A special Open House for the General Public is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 from 10 am. to 2 p.m.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Cultural Arts, General Announcements
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: March 12, 2009: 1:15 pm
Downtown Winter Haven is positively abuzz as Publix Supermarkets films an upcoming commercial for the nation’s finest grocery chain (in our humble opinion). The company was founded right here in Winter Haven nearly 79 years ago (September 6, 1930 to be exact). Ironically the filming of this commercial took place directly across Central Park from George Jenkin’s first “Publix Food Store” (now Score’s Sports Restaurant). Between 1930 and 1941 Winter Haven was home to the only Publix Store. In 1940 Jenkins built his first store from the ground up. The building still stands on Central Avenue at 2nd Street NW across from the First Baptist Church.
Publix reported $23.9 billion in retail sales in 2008. They have 141,000 associates and 1,001 stores … and to think it all began here!
We do not know the story line of the commercial but judging by the side of the Publix truck below, we bet it involves PUBLIX ICE CREAM! All is flavor say aye!
Hats off to Main Street and the City of Winter Haven for a Downtown worthy of a Publix commercial.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Downtown, Main Street Winter Haven, Success Stories
Posted: March 3, 2009: 8:54 am
Construction will begin soon on a new 21,000 square-foot fire station. The City of Winter Haven has closed on the $400,000 purchase of property on U.S. 17 South near Andy’s Igloo. The site, combined with previously owned city property totals more than two acres. After 37 years at 551 Third Street, NW adjacent to City Hall, the Fire Department has outgrown its building.
The building will be the City’s first “green” structure as a Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building. LEED certifies the building’s construction complies with U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) guidelines and standards for environmentally sustainable construction. The new fire complex was designed to preserve large established trees currently on the site.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, General Announcements
Posted: February 24, 2009: 10:53 am
Cypress Gardens new management team will be led by Bill Sims (pictured at left) who announced today that both the Botanical Gardens and Splash Island water park will reopen March 28 to coincide with Spring Break. Sims was introduced to assembled news media by former State Senator Rick Dantzler who has served on a consulting basis with park owners since November 2008. Dantzler’s wife is the granddaughter of park founders Dick and Julie Pope.
“Those who hold current annual passes will see those extended by four months to compensate for the four months the park has been closed. New annual passes will go on sale March 1,” Sims stated. Under the new structure the Gardens and the Waterpark will have separate admission gates and sell separate tickets. Ticket prices will be reduced up to 40% off 2008 prices.
Sims previously worked at Cypress Gardens from 1970 to 1985 ultimately serving as Executive Vice President working with Dick Pope Sr., and his son, Dick Pope, Jr. He has also headed management teams at Silver Springs in Ocala and Weeki Wachee Springs in Spring Hill.
“I cut my teeth in the entertaiment industry at Cypress Gardes and learned from the best in the business, Dick Pope, Sr.” Sims said, “I’m thrilled to be returning.”
The reborn Cypress Gardens will focus on the iconic Botanical and Topiary Gardens along with the Splash Island Water Park. The famous water ski shows and electric boat tours will also resume operation. A number of special events including flower festivals and concerts are being scheduled and will be announced in the near future.
Sims announced many past employees of Cypress Gardens will be contacted in the coming weeks regarding resumption of their duties at the attraction.
Chamber President Seretha Tinsley noted that Cypress Gardens plays an important role in our community and the entire county. A successful business model for the Gardens will help our restaurants, hotels and other businesses be more successful in the long term.
Welcome Mr. Sims … we wish you and the Gardens great success.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, General Announcements, Tourism
Posted: February 5, 2009: 10:42 am
For the fourth year, the City of Winter Haven has joined with the Polk Museum of Art to bring ten outstanding outdoor sculptures to downtown’s three-block Central Park area for 2009. The sculptures will be installed during March. The exhibition will officially open at the “Central Park Stroll” event scheduled for Thursday, April 9 in late afternoon. The sculptures will remain on display until February of next year. (The sculpture at left is titled “Humpback Whale Tail” and measures 11′ high by 17′ wide and 9 ‘ deep. It was created from reclaimed Honduran mahogany.)
The Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition is a joint project of the City of Winter Haven and the Polk Museum of Art. The Chamber and Main Street are also partners in the project.
The selections were made by a committee of people that included representatives from the Museum and residents of Winter Haven. Ten pieces were chosen from the 53 submitted. Best of Show, 2nd Place, and Honorable Mention prizes will be awarded on April 9th following judging and Peoples Choice voting.
You can view all ten sculptures here.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Cultural Arts, Downtown, Parks and Green Space, Tourism
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