The top 10 winners of the 2010 Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition have been selected and are being installed in downtown Winter Haven’s Central Park. This year’s outdoor gallery will be found in Virginia Miller Park (across from library), Central Park, and South Central Park and presented to the public on April 15 at the Central Park Stroll.
Join your friends from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and stroll the parks. Then vote for your favorite sculpture in the People’s Choice Awards. Official judges awards will also be announced that evening. Adding to the festivities will be music performed by musicians from Polk State College.
The Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition is presented by the City of Winter Haven and the Polk Museum of Art in partnership with Main Street Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs. William H. (Eunice) Fuller and George Wm. Tinsley, Sr. were honored as Winter Haven’s Woman and Man of the year at ceremonies Thursday evening at Nora Mayo Hall.
Mrs. Fuller, a quiet and diverse philanthropist, is known for her support of a multitude of organizations from childcare and abused women shelters to the arts and theatre. She has been a Winter Haven resident for more than 60 years. “Eunie” as she is affectionately known by her friends, credited her mother and grandmother for teaching her the importance of giving.
The Banker’s Cup was established in 1923 to recognize civic contributions. It is Winter Haven’s highest honor.
George Tinsley and his wife Seretha (2000 Banker’s Cup recipient) operate a array of restaurants (Pengeo, Inc.) including the highly successful KFC on Havendale Boulevard. Tinsley was recognized for his service to youth including troubled students who need a strong mentor. He is also known for helping his employees pursue further education and providing book grants specifically for that purpose. He and wife Seretha have made community service a part of their corporate mission.
More than 250 people enjoyed an elegant evening filled with delicious samples from area restaurants presenting the Taste of Winter Haven. Participating establishments included Arabella’s, Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn, International House of Pancakes, Florida Leadership Training Center, Outback Steakhouse, PenGeo, Inc., Sonny’s BBQ, Sundown & Fred’s Southern Kitchen, Richard’s Fine Coffees and Tanners.
Past recipients gathered for a group photograph. (L to R)Charles McPherson, Vaughn McAshan, Richard Straughn, Ron Morrow, Ann Darby, Gary Schemmer, MD, Judy Cleaves, George Tinsley, Frank Fischer, MD, Eunice Fuller (seated), Ellie Threlkel, Cheryl Beckert (kneeling), Glenda Jones, Scottie Beasley (kneeling), John Stewart, Angeline Davis, Seretha Tinsley, U.J. Johnson and Howard Beckert.
The Chamber joins with the community to welcome Dale Smith to his role as City Manager.
During its regular meeting Monday, Jan. 25, 2010, City Commissioners voted to name Dale L. Smith as City Manager for the City of Winter Haven.
Dale is no stranger to City Hall having begun his career with the City in 1978. City Manager Smith released the following statement.
“I’m pleased the City Commission is confident in my abilities by naming me the next City Manager for the City of Winter Haven. Over the span of 31 years, I have dedicated my career to the City. I have served as City engineer, Public Works Director, previous interim City Manager, Special Projects Manager and most recently as Assistant City Manager. I have grown professionally in the past six years as Assistant City Manager and am now ready to step into the position of City Manager.
I have the background and training to serve the City well. I grew up in Winter Haven and have the City’s best interests at heart. As a result, I am excited to continue to make Winter Haven the preferred place to live, work, play and raise a family.
With the numerous projects currently in the works, and new initiatives recently brought forth, it will be my role to communicate the City Commission’s policies, goals and objectives to staff. Some of these exciting projects include development of the CSX intermodal facility, welcoming Legoland to our City, and development of the Lake Conine Nature Park.
The City’s more than 450 employees are a dedicated group of hardworking individuals who will continue to work at their optimum level. As City Manager, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities we will encounter as we move forward together to meet our goals.”
The Chamber looks forward to continuing our partnership with the City of Winter Haven as we address the great opportunities in store for Winter Haven’s future.
The deadline for nominating a deserving man or woman to receive the 2010 Banker’s Cup Award is Wednesday, January 27 at 4 p.m. in the Chamberlobby. One well documented nomination is all it takes. Here’s the nominating criteria:
• To honor persons dedicated to making Winter Haven better for their having lived here.
• Consider the range of activities and the involvement of the person you nominate and their positive impact on our community.
• Neither age nor occupation should be a factor. Every living resident of Winter Haven, of exemplary character, is a potential candidate.
• Social standing is not relevant; respect and integrity are.
• Traditionally an award is voted by the Selection Committee for both a woman and a man, if worthy candidates are presented.
• Activities should be considered only if they were truly for the community good. For example, work done for one’s personal hobby would be given less importance than work volunteered to serve the needs of others.
• It is not a popularity contest. The number of letters received is never a deciding factor; one sincere, well-documented letter may be enough.
• If merited, a previous recipient may receive the award again.
• It is appropriate to honor person for freely-given service over a period of years.
• The question is, “Who has made the most positive impact on making the Winter Haven area a better place to live?”
• There are no forms to be completed. Groups or individuals are invited to send nomination letters to Bankers Cup Selection Committee, c/o Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 1420, Winter Haven, FL 33882-1420. Deadline for 2010 Nominations is Wednesday, January 27.
Watch tomorrow for a sample menu from our fine Taste of Winter Haven participating restaurants.
John Jakobsen Managing Director
LEGOLAND Parks – Merlin Entertainments
As Managing Director of Merlin Entertainments’ LEGOLAND Operating Group John is not only responsible for the continued development of the company’s four existing Parks – in Denmark, Germany, UK and California, USA; but also for the identification and planning for new LEGOLAND Parks around the globe, primarily in partnership with local developers and leisure partners. This includes one scheduled to open in Winter Haven in 2011, Malaysia in 2012; and a second in Dubai – although this one is currently on hold which the Middle East recovers from the backlash of the current global economic downturn. Other possible locations, in the US and Far East, are also under discussion.
The video below features highlights from Legoland California.
After an international career spent working with the Danish toy company and its theme park subsidiary, John believes he has found his “dream job”. He was General Manager in California when in 2005 Merlin acquired the four LEGOLAND Parks. He admits this move was a huge shock at the time given the very family nature of the business, and its necessarily close links with the toy company from which it has sprung.
However any concerns were short lived. In Merlin, while a much tougher commercial culture, he has found a company which not only truly understands how to develop and market theme parks, but is also totally committed to building on the unique LEGO franchise. More than that, like LEGO, Merlin’s objective is to provide ‘fun learning’ for generations of children through all its brands.
Over the next 5-10 years he also believes the original LEGO dream of having at least 10 LEGOLAND Parks around the world, may well become a reality under Merlin’s stewardship; and he is proud to have been there from the very beginning……
46 year old John was just 5 when the first LEGOLAND Park opened in Billund near his family farm in Denmark. Some of his strongest memories growing up were of his visits with his family, and every year from the age of 16 he tried to get one of the coveted holiday jobs there – but to no avail. It was not until he completed a Business Degree that his ambitions came true when in…. he secured one of only 2 coveted annual internships at the Park’s famous parent toy company – LEGO. Even then it was not until 1990 that as the most junior member of a team of 5, he was asked to take on the challenge of expanding the LEGOLAND franchise outside of Denmark.
In charge of site development and planning, he first worked on projects in the UK (Windsor opened in 1996); and California where he arrived in his words ‘a somewhat naive 30 year old’ in 1994 to deal with a hostile population bitterly opposed to the project. He won them over with a nail biting 57% local yes vote after spearheading a massive charm offensive! With the US project on track John returned to LEGO in Denmark to develop another new area for the Group – ‘corporate alliances’, the first of which was a link between LEGO and the Star Wars IP, a partnership which still represents one of the company’s most popular toy lines.
In 2002 John took on his first Park management role in Germany where he maintains he really learned the ropes relating to Park construction and commercial development. A year later he moved back to California as General Manager, and he and his team built the Park into the US Best Family Theme Park – an accolade it has won every year for the last 6 years.
His Operating Group role meant another move – this time to Dorset, in the UK, close to Merlin’s Head Office. A ‘country boy’ at heart, he and his family have settled very well into the english countryside and are making the most of the Dorset location. An award winning marathon runner, when not traveling, John and his wife regularly run near their home in the New Forest – in his view the perfect way to relax.
John has 3 children – a 19 year old at University in Denmark and two other teenagers 17 & 14.
It’s official. Representatives from Merlin Entertainments confirmed this morning that their company will construct their second U.S. Legoland Park on the historic Cypress Gardens property. (The park will be the largest Legoland so far.)
In a page torn directly from the promotions book of Dick Pope, founder of Cypress Gardens, Merlin Entertainments officials presented a news conference that involved a Florida panther, large orange and Polk County logo constructed completely of Lego blocks. If that wasn’t enough, the grand finale featured 100,000 Lego blocks cascading from a front end loader to the screams of delight from young guests from the Florida Baptist Children’s Home.
Facts at a glance:
Projected re-opening: Late 2011
Employment: Estimated 1000 jobs
Highlights: Rides, displays, interactive lego building for the whole family. And Merlin CEO Nick Varney (left) assured everyone present the the Cypress Gardens botanical gardens are in very safe hands with his company. They are part of what makes this location so special.”
Varney told of his first visit to Cypress Gardens in October of 2008 when he “absolutely fell in love with the park.”
The park will see 40 million lego blocks used in its construction.
Varney declined to specify the exact amount of the company’s initial investment rumored to exceed $150 million.
On hand for the festivities, Florida Governor Charlie Crist accepts a Lego replica of a Florida Panther from Merlin CEO Nick Varney
State Senator J. D. Alexander, Nick Varney and Winter Haven Mayor Jeff Potter
More than 400 billion Lego blocks have been manufactured in the company’s history. Varney described Florida as the world’s number 1 tourism destination and noted his park will fare well as it is positioned 180 degrees apart from a traditional theme park. He noted, “Most parks put you on something (like a ride) and do something to you. We set ourselves apart by inviting the guest to join in interactive activities such as race car building where parents compete against their children.” He admits the 23 month build out is ambitious but he feels very manageable. Mr. Varney also noted that of all the locations worldwide that his company has worked with government officials, their Florida and Polk County experience has been among the best. He also thanked the local businesses who have posted “Welcome Legoland Florida” on their reader boards.
Welcome to Winter Haven Mr. Varney and Merlin Entertainments. Mr. Pope wouldn’t have it any other way.
Post Update 1-22-10: In interviews after the news conference Nick Varney confirmed plans to reinstate the famed Cypress Gardens ski show “with a Lego twist.” He also noted that long range plans call for the property to become a Legoland Resort and including at least one hotel.
Note to Contractors: If your company is interested in being considered during the construction of Legoland Florida, the contact name is Ian Sarjeant, senior project manager. He can be reached at ian.sarjeant@legoland.com or 760-931-9159. He is compiling a list of prospective contractors, working on how the company is going to handle bids, etc. in preparation for work to begin.
In what may be the biggest announcement of the new century for Winter Haven and Polk County tourism, Merlin Entertainments will announce tomorrow, January 21, they will open their second U.S. Legoland Park here in Winter Haven on the Cypress Gardens property. Merlin operates Legoland California which has been named the #1 Children’s Park in that state for the past six years.
The confirmation is being attributed by area media to an email sent to Polk County Commissioners. The memo mentions several key points:
1. LEGOLAND Florida will be the fifth LEGOLAND attraction worldwide (California, Denmark , England , and Germany ).
2. Merlin is the second largest attraction company in the world, second only to Disney.
3. Merlin’s massive research in the area already indicated that the LEGOLAND brand already has high recognition and a 90% intention to visit by families in their target market.
4. LEGOLAND, CA, is the fastest growing theme park in the U.S., realizing an astounding 6% growth in 2009. The park was also recognized by Amusement Today as the country’s best theme park for children for the sixth consecutive year.
While there will be significant employment at the park during its reconstruction and transformation, the long term vision will see significant employment on an annual basis. This will return Polk and Winter Haven to solid tourism destination status complementing our other tourism venues such as Bok Tower Gardens and Fantasy of Flight.
We enthusiastically welcome Merlin Entertainments and salute the hard work of everyone involved locally in helping to make all the pieces fall into place (pun very much intended)!
We will present further information following tomorrow’s news conference.
Merlin Entertainments is a young and dynamic organization, it currently operates 50-plus attractions and four hotels anually, which welcomes more than 30 million visitors in 12 differrent countries across three continents – Europe, North America and Asia – and employ more than 13,000 staff.
From its headquarters in Poole, Dorset, the Merlin Entertainments Group today operates an international network of attractions, among them many of the world’s best known brand names…Madame Tussauds, The Dungeons, Alton Towers, LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE, Gardaland, the London Eye and others.
The Screamscape Blog actually uncovered land transfer documents that led to the discovery of Merlin Entertainments’ purchase of Cypress Gardens. We have added information collected from Google Alerts.
Downtown Winter Haven sparkles with new pavers, lighting and landscaping, a beautiful new library , a variety of great restaurants and a growing number of special shops. But quiet and little-noticed is an emerging technology sector anchored by a unique fiber optic crossroads and the USF Polytechnic technology accelerator.
The primary driver of this tech hub is two large telecommunications buildings formerly owned by Verizon/GTE and now owned and being developed by the Six Ten Corporation. The two buildings are hardened and carrier grade and have become the anchors for what is now known as the Inland Fiber and Data Park — a four-block area offering safe data storage and emergency back up facilities to both government and corporate clients from throughout Florida and both national and international interests.
There is currently 300,000 square feet of space serving 26 companies with approximately 230 employees. Six Ten is proposing to add another 50,000 square feet of new space by 2012 effectively doubling the number of companies to 50 and employment to 500. These high technology jobs are projected to average wages of $43,000 – $69,000.
Currently there are eight fiber optic providers located downtown. They include: Level 3, Verizon, Nuvox, Time Warner Telecom, FPL Fibernet, BrightHouse and Sprint. That number is expected to grow to twelve by 2012.
Tenants include medical, business service and support, software developers, data centers anddisaster recovery, technology, educational institutions and State and Federal Government. Another key partner in the development of this technology park is Elephant Outlook Information Services providing secure email management and compliance.
Key to this emerging sector is the synergy derived from public/private partnerships. Six Ten Corporation and Elephant Outlook are partnering with the resources of the City of Winter Haven, Central Florida Development Council, East Polk Committee of 100 and USF Polytechnic to maximize the position of Polk County and Winter Haven in this highly desirable area of economic development.
High wage and high potential in the heart of downtown. The future looks bright.
This Chamber and this blog have made no secret of our support for the planned CSX Integrated Logistics Center (ILC). This intermodal facility and the anticipated business park that will surround it have the potential to be a positive economic engine that is sorely needed in not only Winter Haven but Central Florida. Having visited Alliance, Texas in May of 2008, area business leaders and elected officials have witnessed firsthand the type of facility that can be created and the type of business and economic development that can follow.
We were fortunate to talk briefly with CSX Director of Media Relations Gary Sease this morning about the potential of this week’s legislative approval of a comprehensive railway plan for Florida. We asked what initial steps would take place. Sease noted, “This week’s vote puts two processes into motion. First, the Florida Department of Transportation and stakeholders will begin discussions regarding SunRail and the 61 miles of infrastructure upgrades that will be necessary to accommodate that commuter rail system. Timelines will be developed and implemented and, overtime CSX will relocate its Orlando intermodal and automotive operations to the Winter Haven ILC.” He indicated this planning will begin within weeks. Once a SunRail timeline is developed a plan for the Haven intermodal facility will be created that meshes with the commuter rail timeline.
Then CSX subsidiary Evansville Western Railway will begin construction of the ILC which is estimated to require approximately a year. The first order of business will be the construction of an entrance roadway from Highway 60 into the 318 acre intermodal site. In an economy beaten down by the closing of Cypress Gardens and tourism in general as well as lingering lethargy in the real estate market and local job losses, the Evansville Western project is a welcome opportunity to further diversify the area economy. It should be noted too, that recently City and Chamber officials toured the Port of Tampa with a large contingent from Lakeland. During the tour the guide noted a large area of the port that is planned for the expansion of handling containerized goods that will travel through the Panama Canal when its widening is completed in 2014. Much of that containerized consumer goods will potentially find its way to the Winter Haven ILC.
Sease was complimentary of Winter Haven City officials, Chamber representatives and others for their support and advocacy. He also pledged that CSX is committed to continuing their good corporate citizenship which has meant so much to so many area organizations. One example – last year CSX organized more than 150 volunteers to install new playground equipment, a running track, benches and other needs at Eloise Elementary. They also support safety oriented outreach such as the Red Cross. United Way of Central Florida is also among their beneficiaries. Tori Kaplan, CSX Director of Corporate Citizenship, also mentioned a new company initiative called “Trees for Tracks.” The company plans to work with communities to plant a tree for every mile of track they operate – more than 21,000 trees will be planted.
Sease closed our conversation noting that Florida took a major step forward in creating a comprehensive rail plan that addressed Orlando’s SunRail, South Florida’s Tri-Rail as well as high speed rail (particularly the Tampa-Orlando link). He added, “It’s time to put past difficulties aside and work together to address challenges and opportunities we will inevitably face in the future including job creation and economic stimulus while developing commuter, passenger and freight rail service that can make Florida a national leader.”
Important News Regarding USF Polytechnic Business Incubator and Accelerator Opportunities …
Do you have an idea for technology- related business, or know of an existing business interested in setting up shop in central Florida? If so, we might just have the resources and personnel in place to help you succeed.
The University of South Florida Polytechnic is pleased to announce that the staff of our USFP Blue Sky Business Incubator (Lakeland) and Business Accelerator (Winter Haven – to be housed in the 610 Plaza building pictured right) is officially in place. Their main charge is to promote the USFP Blue Sky sites to start up tech companies and young firms who can benefit from the many resources afforded to them through the world-class Blue Sky facilities, our economic development partners throughout the community and the highly skilled students, faculty, and staff at USFP.
Specifically, USFP Blue Sky East and USFP Blue Sky West will offer:
- Free or subsidized, fully furnished office space
- Connections to the University’s substantial resources, including;
- Technology
- Research
- Expertise
- Social Networking
- Student Interns
The USFP Blue Sky centers enjoy collaborative relationships with key economic development partners in state and local government, as well as:
Central Florida Development Council
Central Florida Partnership
East Polk Committee of 100
Florida High Tech Corridor
Lakeland Economic Development Council
Tampa Bay Partnership
In addition to these valuable connections, our newly placed USFP Blue Sky staff members represent experience in the fields of business development, international business, and entrepreneurship. They will be on site to assist to you take your operation to the next level.
We’re looking for a few good companies… to help us move Polk County and central Florida forward. Call us today at 863.667.7056 or email us at BlueSky@poly.usf.edu for more information.
Please note that the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce may, in our sole discretion, reject comments for any reason we deem appropriate. Links of value to the business community are welcome, but please use them sparingly - wield spam and you're banished forever. If you have an issue with a Winter Haven area business, please address that issue directly with that business. This is a moderated site and comments will appear if and when they are approved. We will review the queue several times daily, so please don't resubmit if your comment doesn't appear immediately.
The top 10 winners of the 2010 Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition have been selected and are being installed in downtown Winter Haven’s Central Park. This year’s outdoor gallery will be found in Virginia Miller Park (across from library), Central Park, and South Central Park and presented to the public on April 15 at the Central Park Stroll.
Polk Museum of Art in partnership with Main Street Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce.
The Official Website of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
