Posts filed under 'Tourism'
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: May 5, 2008: 1:59 pm
Free Admission! Special Shows! Food and Merchandise Discounts!
Special Discounted Annual Pass for Chamber Members!
Tickets for the Chamber’s May Showcase, “Chamber Family Night” at Cypress Gardens are now available in our lobby while they last. (Limit six per family) The event will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 22.
Winter Haven Chamber members need only display a Chamber Advantage Card, business card or employee ID card from a Chamber member company. Join your friends at Cypress Gardens for an evening filled with family fun!
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Cypress Gardens, Tourism
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 28, 2008: 11:02 am
The Chamber has learned that Shaner SPE Associates LP has site plans prepared to build a four story 104-room Marriott Courtyard Hotel on three acres of land fronting Cypress Gardens Boulevard across from the new Towne Center at Cypress Gardens.
Shaner Hotels is one of the foremost owner-operator companies in the hospitality industry. The current portfolio is made up of 20+ properties in 15 states and total assets that exceed $400 million. New properties are constantly evaluated as the division continues a conservative yet opportunistic approach to growth. Shaner plans to build 20 new Marriott properties over the next three years.
No start date has been announced. The hotel’s vicinity location appears below. Projected opening: Spring 2010.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, Real Estate, Tourism
Posted: March 20, 2008: 6:49 am
Cypress Gardens to Host First-Ever Corporate Beach Volleyball Tournament
In celebration of the reopening of Splash Island Water Park and Cypress Gardens’ first-ever Ski & Surf Weekend, the park will host a Corporate Beach Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, March 29. Cypress Gardens is looking for eight teams of four players who will compete for the title of Cypress Garden Beach Volleyball Champions. The winning team will also designate a charity of their choice to receive a portion of the money raised from the event. An entry fee of $100 per team will provide the four participants admission to the park for the day as well as entry into the tournament. Fun prizes will also be awarded to the “Masters of Sun and Sand.” To receive information on the tournament and an entry form, please contact Jennifer Mansfield by emailing jmansfield@cypressgardens.com.
The tournament will be held on the brand new beach volleyball court located in Splash Island and will begin at 11 a.m. Cheering fans from participating company’s are encouraged to come out and cheer on their team. Call 863-324-2111 ext. 3 for group ticket information.
Ski & Surf Weekend will also feature the All American Ski Tournament taking place in the Ski Show Circle, ride alongs sponsored by Huston Motors and Correct Craft, a Sunday tribute to Banana George Blair, Sammy Kershaw in concert Saturday, March 29 at 3 p.m. and the Beach Boys in concert Sunday, March 30 at 3 p.m.
| See other posts filed in: Crazy Things To Do, Cypress Gardens, Sports, Tourism
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
Posted: February 14, 2008: 10:23 am
Downtown’s Central Park area will be home to the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition for 2008. For the past two years both Winter Haven and Lakeland have hosted ten sculptures but the 2008 competition will be held in Winter Haven alone as Lakeland has chosed to exhibit works by a single artist. The ten sculptures range from small and delicate to massive and imposing and include a bronze work, “Reach” by Winter Haven artist Albert Kriston (pictured below). The Outdoor Sculpture Competition is a project of the Polk Museum of Art in cooperation with the City of Winter Haven. Winners were selected by a committee of Winter Haven residents.
The individual works will be installed in the three sections of downtown’s Central Park by early March in time for inclusion in the Central Park Art Festival March 15 and 16. The City will join with Main Street Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce to announce the winners of the competition and “People’s Choice” at the Central Park Stroll on April 10.
You can view all of this year’s selections here.
| See other posts filed in: Cultural Arts, Downtown, General Announcements, Parks and Green Space, Tourism
Posted: January 2, 2008: 11:13 am
The new owners of Florida’s Cypress Gardens have announced a significant operational change at the historic attraction. Owners say the move will create a more energized, fun-filled experience that will be applauded by Cypress Gardens’ current guest base and create strong appeal to both area residents and visitors to Central Florida.
Baker Leisure Group, headquartered in Orlando, respected worldwide as one of the premiere
consulting and management specialists in the themed attractions industry, has been appointed to operate the 71-year old Florida themed attraction. “This is an important first step toward providing our guests with a more positive, memorable guest experience,” said co-owners Rob Harper and Brian Philpot, who announced Baker Leisure Group’s appointment on Tuesday. Harper and Philpot said the change does not affect the attraction’s operating staff, but replaces the contractor that had been managing Cypress Gardens on interim basis since the two Polk County natives purchased the attraction last October. The operational changeover is effective immediately.
“We are fortunate to have Baker Leisure Group at Cypress Gardens. They are one of the premier management companies in the world and based in Central Florida. Cypress Gardens needs a strong community presence, an element the Baker group understands,” said Harper and Philpot. Baker Leisure Group, comprised of veterans of some of the world’s most successful theme parks and attractions, has earned worldwide recognition for their attraction and theme park management capabilities. The Orlando-based company has handled assignments ranging from the popular Coca- Cola Olympic City at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games to planning, opening and managing Al Shallal, Saudi Arabia one of the largest theme parks in the Middle East. Altogether, Baker Leisure Group has been involved with more than 100 theme parks, attractions and related assignments around the world since the firm was founded in 1988 by 40-year theme park and attractions management specialist Steve Baker.
Harper and Philpot also stress that the attraction will maintain a close relationship with the local community. Community relations programs will include partnerships with local businesses, greater community involvement and a proactive outreach to Cypress Gardens’ “alumni” and fans.
Cypress Gardens staff were notified of the operational change on Tuesday morning. Vendors and suppliers to Cypress Gardens were also notified of the change, along with assurances that the change is a reflection of the new ownership’s confidence in the park’s future.
The ownership team said they are in the process of notifying a number of other influential local audiences in Central Florida, including tourism industry and economic development leadership, as well as current ticket holders and volunteers who have lobbied to keep Cypress Gardens operating after the attraction suffered attendance declines in the 1980s and 1990s and an ownership change in 2005.
“Visitors to Cypress Gardens will notice a more lively, interactive, engaging atmosphere as we move forward,” said Steve Baker, whose company has assumed operational control of the attraction. “We provide the best overall guest experience possible. The changes will range from cosmetic to cultural. Cypress Gardens enthusiasts will recognize and applaud the changes and potential guests, particularly families living in the fast-growing Polk County metropolitan area, will have plenty of reasons to want to visit the attraction for the first time or make a return visit.”
Baker said operational changes will address intangibles such as more extensive staff training, revised internal operating procedures such as queue line management and more accessible food and beverage service, as well as more visible changes.
Land South Holdings Group
Land South Holdings, based in Mulberry, Fla., is a real estate investment company specializing in large land acquisitions in the United States. www.landsouthgroup.com
Baker Leisure Group
Baker Leisure Group based in Orlando, Fla., is a multi-faceted management and consulting company specializing in attractions, entertainment centers and tourism businesses. bakerleisuregroup.com
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Tourism
Posted: December 6, 2007: 8:20 am
Artist’s Rendering of Renovated and Expanded Admiral’s Inn
Jeff Vandiver, General Manager of the Best Western Admiral’s Inn has announced expansion and renovation plans for the hotel. The new building will have 90 suites and eight king rooms with hot tubs for a total of 98 new rooms. Plans call for a full range of amenities including wired and wireless high speed internet, fitness center, business center and meeting rooms. The existing building will get an exterior facelift in the process. The new building will be located in front of the existing structure. The miniature golf course that occupies a portion of the site has been closed and will be demolished.
Vandiver commented, “We are very excited about the expansion of our hotel. With the continued growth in the southeast area of Winter Haven, we feel this will complement the new growth that has already taken place. As the preferred hotel of Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, we wanted to ensure that our guests receive the best accommodations the area has to offer. Once construction has been completed, approximately twenty new jobs will be created for the greater Winter Haven area. Our owner is proud to be a part of this community and this investment assures that we will be here for many years to come.”
A groundbreaking is expected in early 2008 with completion in the Fall.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Commercial Renovations, Economic Development, General Announcements, Tourism
Posted: November 14, 2007: 7:44 am
You just can’t keep a great parade down! The Christmas Boat Parade … threatened by low water levels … will have a new “twist” this year. It will take place ON LAND!
Based on interest expressed by a variety of residents, boats will be decorated on their trailers and caravan through downtown and around Lake Howard Drive. (The exact route will be announced after consultation with the Winter Haven Police Department.)
The parade will take place on Saturday, December 1, assembling downtown near City Hall. It will begin at 6:30 p.m., circle the Central Park area and the Carols In The Park Tree lighting and then proceed to circle Lake Howard. Several special entries are planned and Cypress Gardens Adventure Park will provide a boatload of Christmas Belles! There will be prizes for boats judged best in show!
Bob and Amy Lanpher have agreed to Chair the effort for this the 25th Annual Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade! The Winter Haven Nautical Club and Marine Supply are also assisting in organizing boaters. To participate boaters must pre-register with the Chamber at 293-2138. You will need to provide your name, telephone number and email address.
There is no charge to participate but the boats must be decorated with holiday lights. Arrangements will be made for Santa to join us on one boat so participants are asked not to bring other “Santas.”
Complete details will be announced on November 20. For now, interested boaters and “land lubbers” need to call the Chamber to register: 293-2138.
DECK THOSE HULLS!!!
| See other posts filed in: Cypress Gardens, Downtown, General Announcements, 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
