Posts filed under 'City of Winter Haven'
Posted: August 23, 2010: 12:53 pm
Join your business associates and friends and visit dozens of booths promoting environmentally green products and services for a sustainable Winter Haven at Thursday’s Green Works Expo. Presenting Sponsor is Central Florida Gas with support from QuickBeam Energy. Enjoy refreshments from Red Lobster and Publix and the music of Hunter Smith on guitar. Chuck Roberts with Chastain Skillman will present a special session on Sustainability during the Showcase.
It all takes place at the Orange Dome on Cypress Gardens Boulevard and doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be door prize drawings, Name Droppers Prize and a $25 handshake award.
You could win a propane powered outdoor fire pit courtesy of Central Florida Gas!
Visit booths by these fine businesses …
Central FL Gas, Presenting Sponsor
QuickBeam Energy, Supporting Sponsor
Blue Lake Citrus (Noble Juice)
Chastain – Skillman
City of Winter Haven
Collman & Karsky Architects
Florida Refuse
Furr & Wegman
Greenovative Design & Engineering
Hill Nissan
Jarrett-Gordon Ford
Keller Komfort Radiant Systems
Konica Minolta
The Ledger Media Group
Magnify Credit Union
McGee Tire
Polk County Waste Resource Management
Polk State College
Reno Power
Sherwin-Williams
Stewart Auto Repair
State Farm
Tampa Electric Company
The Lawn Crew
Tucker Construction
Wallis Murphey Boyington
Wal-Mart
Winter Haven Honda
Wyndsor Lighting
The Winter Haven Hospital Blood Mobile will be on site accepting bright red donations.
RSVP HERE!
The Green Works Expo is a project of the City of Winter Haven and the
Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Technology
Posted: July 13, 2010: 11:59 am
The Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce will conduct a “LEGOLAND® Florida Host City Forum” for our members on Tuesday, July 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium. We have seating for 60. City, County and Polk Tourism representatives will participate.
Topics for discussion will include:
- How can Winter Haven become the best LEGOLAND® host city in the world.
- How do we best prepare to serve families with children 2 to 12 years old.
- How do we preserve and enhance our entryways and prevent “visual chaos.”
- How do we enhance our ability to make the Chain of Lakes a part of the visitor experience.
- How we can be an effective marketing partner of the Central Florida visiting experience.
Participation is limited to two persons per member organization to ensure the diversity of the forum input. Our tourism-related (hotels, restaurants, attractions) industries are encouraged to participate.
RSVP is required to attend.
If you have questions or issues you feel should be discussed, please email them to chamber1@winterhavenfl.com.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, LEGOLAND® Florida, Tourism
Posted: July 1, 2010: 4:28 pm
Winter Haven, FL (July 1, 2010) –The bricks are falling into place at LEGOLAND® Florida as the first three members of the marketing team begin to market the first LEGOLAND Park on the east coast here in Winter Haven. Director of Sales and Marketing Kim Isemann, Manager of Sales Todd Andrus and Public Relations Representative Jackie Wallace are bringing their expertise from Central Florida attraction destinations to promote the family theme park opening fall 2011.
Isemann brings considerable expertise in theme park and attractions marketing and will lead the estimated 20-person marketing team as Director of Sales & Marketing for LEGOLAND Florida. Isemann joins the team of Model Citizens (LEGOLAND Park’s affectionate term for employees) from her role as General Manager of the Daytona 500 Experience Attraction at the Daytona International Speedway. Prior to the Speedway, Isemann was with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment in escalating roles over a 12-year period, culminating in her position as the Florida Parks Director of Promotions. Isemann is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and will soon be relocating to Polk County.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of Merlin Entertainments Group on this exciting new venture,” Isemann said. “LEGOLAND has such a tradition of quality entertainment, and I know this will be a successful park when we open next year.”
Joining Isemann as the Manager of Sales is Andrus, a 13-year sales veteran from SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment where he was most recently the Senior Manager of National Sales. Andrus’ knowledge and contacts in the sales arena will prove invaluable to the first new theme park to be built in Central Florida in more than 10 years. Andrus graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Communications.
Wallace will be heading the communications efforts for the new park as Public Relations Representative. With more than 10 years of theme park experience, Wallace comes to LEGOLAND Florida directly from the promotions team at SeaWorld & Busch Gardens. Previously, she was a member of the SeaWorld Orlando media relations team that opened Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark and several headlining shows. Wallace graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations.
LEGOLAND Florida will offer more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, including thousands of spectacular LEGO® models. The Florida development will be Merlin Entertainments’ second LEGOLAND Park in North America and will play an important role in the group’s continued growth in the U.S. Providing a full-day, year round theme park experience geared towards families with children between the ages of 2 and 12, LEGOLAND Florida will mirror the successful concept of the four existing LEGOLAND Parks in Denmark, Germany, U.K. and California. However, as with the other four, it will also have its own unique “twist” reflecting its stunning location and adding a Florida flavor.
Winter Haven is excited to host LEGOLAND® Florida and we welcome Kim Isemann,Todd Andrus and Jackie Wallace as they begin to tell the world about the park .
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Economic Development, LEGOLAND® Florida, Merlin Entertainments, Tourism, Uncategorized
Posted: June 28, 2010: 11:57 am
WINTER HAVEN – City Manager Dale Smith announced today that a conditional offer of employment has been made to Gary Hester to serve as the City’s next Police Chief. It is anticipated background checks will be completed and Hester will begin work with the City of Winter Haven August, 16, 2010. His salary will be $105,000 annually.
A career law enforcement officer, Hester, 49, lives in Haines City and is a 31-year veteran of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Hester is currently the Chief of Staff at PCSO, but has risen through the ranks of patrol deputy, canine handler, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major and colonel before he was appointed Chief of Staff in 2005. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from St. Leo College and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama. He has attended the Southern Police Institute and the Senior Management Institute for Police.
“All final candidates were well qualified to serve as Winter Haven’s next Police Chief. Gary Hester’s experience was unmatched and will serve the City well as we move forward,” said Dale Smith, city manager.
“Gary’s style of management is exactly what is needed as the WHPD continues to move forward as a progressive agency and to improve cooperative relationships with members of the community and other local and state agencies.”
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven
Posted: June 11, 2010: 12:09 pm
The Police Chief Application Review Committee met today (June 11) to choose the top five applicants for Winter Haven Chief of Police. Those on the shortlist were chosen from a field of 15 qualified applicants. Names of the top five finalists will be forwarded to City Manager for review and interviews. In alphabetical order, those on the shortlist are:
Lisa Albury
Joe Halman
Gary Hester
Wayne Miller
Paul O’Connell
Interviews are expected to be scheduled June 14-25, with a conditional offer possibly by June 28. Announcement of the City’s new Police Chief is expected about July 9.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven
Posted: May 27, 2010: 11:02 am
The morning belonged to Winter Haven’s finest firefighters as the City dedicated the new $5 million Fire Station #1 at the intersection of Avenue G and Third Street SW. The 22,000 sq. ft. facility is in the process of seeking certifications as a Gold “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) building. A Gold certified building chalks up savings of $71.31 per sq. ft. or an annual savings of $1.5 million. And as Chamber President Howard King noted in his remarks, “That’s good for you and me and all who are served by our brave and dedicated firefighters.”
The dedication ceremonies were brief and impressive featuring the ceremonial flag transfer from the old location to the new escorted by the Tampa Pipe and Drum corp and members of the WHFD pictured above. The event was capped with the “Ribbon Cutting” performed by Ladder Truck 1 as it drove through the appropriately chosen “green” ribbon.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven
Posted: May 10, 2010: 11:59 pm
The Sundown Southern Eatery officially opened its doors to a welcoming public on Monday, May 10, 2010. The totally renovated restaurant is bright and the decor is decidedly upscale and contemporary with three private dining areas in addition to the lounge area (pictured left) and the two main dining rooms.
The grand opening follows a weekend of soft opening practice for the restaurant’s chef and staff. And the menu is as spectacular as the New York decor. From Yukon Gold Potato Chips with gorgonzola bleu cheese to grilled romaine salad — crab cakes to “The Burger” you’ll find steaks, sea food grilled pork and fried chicken. The menu selections are creative and the presentation complements the fare. Prices are moderate and the service is friendly and focused.
The Sundown Southern Eatery is now open on the historic site formerly known as Christy’s Sundown. It is one more great dining option for Winter Haven residents. Stop in and meet Manager Michael Johnson and his fine staff.
Pictured below top left: Grilled Romaine Salad, right: Crab Cake Appetizer
Below left: “The Burger” – right: Yukon Gold Potato Chips w/Gorgonzola Bleu Cheese
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Dining, General Announcements
Posted: April 12, 2010: 4:51 pm
City of Winter Haven and Winter Haven Chamber representatives visited Carlsbad and Legoland California April 8 and 9. The group met with Carlsbad Chamber and City officials on Thursday and enjoyed a five-hour Legoland visit on Friday. Since many local folks aren’t quite sure what to expect … here are a few observations:
Expect a park designed to entertain children two to twelve years old and involve their parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles in that experience.
Expect lush landscaping with photographic sight lines in the best traditions of Dick and Julie Pope.
Expect a gourmet dining experience – no exaggeration here. Traditional burgers and hot dogs are available but add to that such items as gourmet wood fired pizzas, Asian chicken stir fry, spicy shrimp linguini, Carne Asada steak nachos, Cajun salmon, spinach and pear salad and much, much more. You’ll also find child “right-sized” buffet lines.
Expect to become addicted to Granny’s Apple Fries (a Legoland original!) Warm Granny Smith apple fries are dusted with cinnamon and sugar and served with a vanilla cream dipping sauce. (Pictured left)
Expect bright primary colors and millions upon millions of Lego bricks used in sculptures and creations.
Expect a Miniland USA so complete and complex with examples such as the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, The U. S. Capitol, Washington Monument and New York skyline. Our Miniland will have its own unique mix of Lego brick creations, but these were part of just the Miniland USA area of the park, and it alone could take more than a day to explore and appreciate its intricate detail. (Below)
Expect rides that have parents and children participating together. Rides that move on their own – but move faster if you peddle. Rides that involve pulleys that the occupant pulls for elevations. Rides such as the Junior Driving School where kids can get their Legoland Driving License. Expect queue lines for rides that surround a Lego brick play area for kids to keep them occupied while Mom and Dad weave around them.
Expect a dedicated management team laser-focused on their target audience … those two- to twelve-year-old guests that will allow us to particpate with them. You’ll find friendly, engaged employees and a spotless park as well.
Expect a good corporate citizen that works closely with the community and gives back. Legoland is particularly supportive of education.
Expect to say (as we did) “Wow, how perfect that they chose Winter Haven for their Florida Park!”
The City of Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce wish to thank The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, City of Carlsbad and Legoland California for their extraordinary hospitality. Special thanks to Peter Ronchetti, General Manager and Brian Shaw, Director of Finance for their personal tour of the Legoland California facility.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, Merlin Entertainments, Perspective, Success Stories, Tourism
Posted: April 2, 2010: 10:11 am
Other than reporting that Cypress Gardens is in Winter Park (!?) the March/April Issue of Tampa’s Maddux Report contains a Polk County Corporate Report that touts projects far and wide. In the Winter Haven area, mention was made of the CSX Intermodal Rail Terminal, LEGOLAND Florida, The East Polk Committee of 100, Winter Haven’s high tech downtown “Inland Fiber and Data Park” as well as the USF Polytechnic Business Accelerator located in 610 Plaza. The article goes on to note Winter Haven Hospital’s $40 million expansion and Polk State College’s inaugural bachelor’s degree program with 169 students enrolled. With other great projects noted throughout Polk you can’t help but feel there’s a lot going on … just not in Winter Park! Don’t let the cover fool you … “The End?” pertains to the future of Florida’s film industry.
You can read for yourself here beginning on Page 24.
It provides a much more comprehensive look than Florida Trend’s April Economic Yearbook.
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, Employment Opportunity, Health Care, High Speed Rail, Merlin Entertainments, Real Estate, Tourism, Transportation
Posted: March 12, 2010: 5:02 pm
Artist concept looking SE from interection of Ave. A and Third St. NW
Winter Haven City Commissioners met today (Friday, March 12) in a Quarterly Planning Workshop designed to discuss potential new projects and review the status of previous priorities.
One primary area of interest involved a proposed downtown parking garage that would be situated on the block where the Ritz Theatre is located. The garage would essentially wrap around the theatre. Conceptual plans call for first floor retail space for urban connectivity and several floors of parking spaces including a top deck. Total number of spaces would number slightly more that 5oo.
Commissioner Jamie Beckett pointed to the new “Business Continuity Center” located in the 610 Plaza building (formerly Verizon) that can accommodate overnight up to 250 workers from a business that has suffered an interruption due to catastrophic circumstances anywhere. Beckett said his number one question from downtown businesses dealt with parking and he added, “Where will we park those 250 extra workers.” (Also, a developing downtown technology sector now employs approximately 230 people and is projected to employ 500 by 2012.)
City Manager Dale Smith noted that parking garages are never inexpensive but the current economic climate should produce a cost effective climate for building.
The commissioners instructed staff to develop definite plans and recommendations on how to proceed.
The planning workshop lasted three-hours and dealt with a variety of topics. The Commission is also interested in evaluating the need for updating the Community’s visioning document, “Our Future By Design.”
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Downtown, Real Estate, Technology
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