destination winter haven 2012

2 D e s t i n a t i o n W i n t e r H a v e n / 2 0 1 2

T incorporated as a Chamber of Commerce in 1923. In 1996 the name changed to the “Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce” to better represent the area we serve. Our Chamber offers a voice for the business community, and we represent their collective interests. The Winter Haven Chamber also works to protect and enhance the quality of life in Central Florida. We invite you to visit the Chamber located at 401 Avenue B, NW, overlooking downtown Winter Haven’s Central Park. Our lobby is open 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. For your convenience we have a variety of information available including attraction brochures,

Polk County guides, nature and lakes information and maps. Thank you for choosing Winter Haven as your destination.

We hope you enjoy your visit.

The Official Publication of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce

401 Ave. B, Winter Haven, FL 33881(863) 293-2138 or e-mail

[email protected]

www.WinterHavenChamber.comDestination Winter Haven is published by the Greater Winter Haven

Chamber of Commerce / Bob Gernert Jr. - Executive Director

T

MagazineAbout This

2 0 1 2 / D e s t i n a t i o n W i n t e r H a v e n 3

he 2012 edition of Destination Winter Haven is filled with information that visitors and relocating families will find useful. You’ll find a little history, a look to our bright future and a number of special areas of interest including dining, shopping, accommodations, the arts ... all the great things you can do while visiting LEGOLAND® Florida! Relocating? There’s helpful information about public services, demographics, educational opportunities and our world-class healthcare facilities among a variety of topics. Our Chamber was originally founded in 1910 as a Board of Trade. The organization was later

Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce building downtown

4 / Our BEautiful City 5 / Our riCH HistOry 6 / futurE PrOMisE 9 / WintEr HavEn BusinEss 10 / attraCtiOns 16 / arts and CulturE 18 / DEliCiOus DininG19 / faBulOus, fun sHOPPinG 20 / aCCOMMODatiOns 21 / PlaCEs Of WOrsHiP 22 / BECOMinG a rEsiDEnt 24 / arEa rEaltOrs 25 / MuniCiPal lEaDErsHiP 27 / sCHOOl 28 / HEaltHCarE and HOsPitals 32 / CalEnDar of EvEnts 35 / tHinGs tO DO 38 / inDEx of infOrMatiOn

inter Haven is not just a great place to visit – it’s a great place to live. You’ll find a mild climate, lush tropical foliage and sparkling lakes at every turn.

Our natural environment allows many opportunities for outdoor leisure activities. As the “Chain of Lakes City,” Winter Haven boasts 50 lakes – many of them canal-connected – all waiting to provide memorable moments including boating, fishing, water skiing and wakeboarding. Whether you feel like spending leisure time on a lake, walking on one of the many nature trails, golfing or just enjoying the sights around town – opportunities to play, exercise or just relax and take it all in are always available. With a blossoming arts culture, unique shops and year-round community activities, our community takes pride in not only being a family friendly place at heart, but a beautiful city as well. Downtown Winter Haven features modern upgrades and

landscaping to the streets, sidewalks and crosswalks. Our public library overlooking Central Park is one of the state’s most beautiful. You’ll find interesting historic buildings, too. Make plans to enjoy the Central Park ... the heart of downtown featuring a beautiful public fountain as its focal point. The park is host to festivals, art shows and musical performances. Virtually every Friday in the fall, winter and spring, Central Park will have evening entertainment. You can also enjoy ten outdoor sculptures crafted by the hands of talented artists from across the country. These are the result of the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition conducted by the acclaimedPolk Museum of Art in conjunction with the City of Winter Haven.

WWCityOur Beautiful



HistoryOur Rich

and completed in the early 20s. The Florida boom of the 1920s brought rapid growth throughout Florida and, eventually, serious economic turmoil. Winter Haven was no exception. Citrus and other agricultural crops were the early economic mainstays. In 1930 a 22-year-old George Jenkins would start the PublixSuper Market chain here on Fourth St. NW. The building still exists and now houses a restaurant. In 1936 a gregarious promoter named Dick Pope

WWopened Cypress Gardens on Lake Eloise. Pope brought intense publicity to Florida, Winter Haven and his beloved Cypress Gardens. The Pope family sold the park in 1985. For 73 years it entertained more than 50 million people. A series of factors led owners to shutter the park in the fall of 2009 and in October 2011, Merlin Entertainments opened LEGOLAND® Florida on the historic site. The Cypress Gardens botanical gardens, owned by the citizens of Polk County, are leased to and maintained by Merlin Entertainments and their LEGOLAND division.

inter Haven has a rich history dating to the first settlers arriving here in the 1860s. The City incorporated in 1911 and just celebrated our Centennial year! The village was named in 1885 by P. D. Eycleshimer. While many lived in the vicinity such as the Eycleshimers, Sykes, Jacksons and Inmans, the first official residents of the village after it was platted were F.A.K. Harris and his wife Adele who built the first commercial and residential structure downtown in 1885. The village grew slowly for the first several decades with less than 2,000 residents as late as 1920. Our famous chain of canal-connected lakes was started in 1915

Historical SitesGene LeeDy arcHitecturaL tour Winter Haven

MuseuM of Winter Haven History October through May open saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Lake WaLes Depot - lake Wales (863) 676-5160 - www.CityoflakeWales.com/depot

MuLberry pHospHate MuseuM Mulberry - (863) 425-2823

poLk county HistoricaL MuseuM(863) 534-4386 - www.PolkCountyMuseum.org

poLk county HistoricaL anD GeneaLoGicaL Library Bartow - (863) 534-4380

frank LLoyD WriGHt arcHitecture florida southern College lakeland

Winter Haven near Highway 60. Evansville Western Railway, a subsidiary of CSX Transportation, will construct an inter-modal terminal facility to serve as a major distribution hub for the entire state. That construction is expected to begin in 2012 and bring hundreds of new jobs. Numerous technology companies call downtown Winter Haven home, anchored primarily by the Inland Fiber and Data Park and the facilities of the Six/Ten Corporation. The University of South Florida Polytechnic University has established “Blue Sky

WWPromise. . .Future

East,” a business accelerator located in the Six/Ten Plaza building. More than 35 companies and 350 employees bring a growing technology presence to the downtown core. The data managed in our area serves clients worldwide. Companies such as the Ford Modeling Agency, Sony Playstation, CBS, Yahoo, eBay, MIT and more have sought the expertise of Winter Haven-based technology companies. The addition of “Lambda Rail,”a high-speed data network some call “Internet 2,” serves research, medical and educational institutions, quickly and efficiently moving massive amounts of digital data. The downtown technology hub is expected to grow in size to 50 companies with more than 500 employees in the next two years, providing high-wage/high-skill opportunities for our workforce.

inter Haven has a future filled with bright opportunities. As a historic destination for tourism, the evolution of Cypress Gardens into LEGOLAND® Florida holds great promise that our hospitality industry will thrive into the future. The beautiful new park is expected to attract up to two million visitors annually and employs 1,000 full- and part-time workers. The audience for LEGOLAND® Florida is families with children two to twelve years old. Accommodating these new visitors will be a catalyst for new hotels, restaurants and retail areas. We are working to build a family friendly city environment and invite your suggestions on how to make your stay memorable. With this new tourism potential, the local commercial landscape will experience great change. One such project plans to convert the Chain of Lakes complex property on Lake Lulu to a mixed-use hotel/restaurant/retail complex.

A significant industrial/warehousing/transportation development will unfold in south



All of Polk County is marketed as a sports tournament destination by Polk County Sports Marketing. One new venue near Winter Haven is fast becoming an event magnet. The Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in nearby Auburndale opened in 2009 and hosts various sporting events and the accompanying crowds of spectators.

The complex is also home to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame. The future holds great promise for the greater Winter Haven area, both economically and from a quality of life vantage point. This unique city is the perfect place to live, work and play.

WW inter Haven strives to be a progressive community. The recently opened Fire Station #1 was the community’s first LEED certified “green” building. The City has made becoming a sustainable community a primary goal. The Lake Maude Nature Park took its place among several other new nature parks the City has created adding valuable recreational options. A new downtown trailhead park serving the Chain of Lakes Trail has opened an extensive new play area. This will complement a downtown that currently features more than $4 million in aesthetic upgrades and a $5 million public library voted Florida’s most beautiful in 2005.

Fire Station 1 Lake Myrtle Complex

Lake Maude Nature Park

BusinessWinter Haven


as agribusiness and agritechnology, Economic development groups such as the Winter Haven Economic Development Council and the Central Florida Development Council are working to attract both small businesses and large corporations to the area. Some of the major corporations which have found Polk County good for business include Publix Super Markets, Florida’s Natural Growers, State Farm Insurance, Lockheed Martin, Ford

TTMotor Company, Pepperidge Farm, Sherwin Williams and Coca-Cola.

Airside PotentiAl Winter Haven has invested significant resources and opened a new Winter Haven Municipal Airport Terminal accessed from U.S. Highway 92 north of the city. The site is also in the planning stages for an airport commercial park. The airport is currently one of the most modern and well equipped in the nation.

he past several years have been challenging economic times for our nation. Florida is no exception. However, Winter Haven’s diverse economy has fared better than most. Current opportunities such as LEGOLAND® Florida, a pending inter-modal rail and industrial/warehousing/business park, coupled with a rapidly growing technology core downtown and the enhanced educational resources of USF Polytechnic and Polk State College, are sources of growing optimism. Our major economic segments include technology, tourism, manufacturing, distribution and logistics, medical services, retail and business sectors such

New Businesscity of Winter Haven econoMic DeveLopMent DirectorDavid Dickey [email protected](863) 291-5600

centraL fLoriDa DeveLopMent counciL 863-551-4760www.whedc.com


WWAttractionsArea

inter Haven is excited to tell you about what’s new in town …

leGolAnd® Florida . . . ourspectacular new theme Park . . . As host city to LEGOLAND® Florida, Winter Haven is excited to welcome you. Opened in October 2011 on the iconic grounds of Florida’s first theme park, Cypress Gardens, LEGOLAND® Florida is the fifth and largest of the LEGOLAND brand and only the second such park in the United States. This wholesome family entertainment experience caters primarily to children two to twelve

years old as they discover giant Lego sculptures, rides, live entertainment and Miniland USA, which consists of scaled-down replicas of famous skylines, monuments and buildings. (Treat yourself to some Granny’s Apple Fries for a real treat!) You’ll also find a relaxing stroll awaits through the world famous Cypress Gardens Botanical Gardens. The botanical gardens are owned by the citizens of Polk County and leased to the park in exchange for their maintenance.

LEGOLAND® Florida on opening day.

toWerinG nearby . . . Soaring 205 feet from the top of Florida’s highest peninsular point, Bok Tower is the exquisite centerpiece that makes Bok Tower Gardens a majestic and soul-nourishing paradise. The marble and coquina rock tower is home to a 60-bell carillon, among the world’s finest. It is surrounded by more than 700 acres of groves, meadows endangered plants and protected lands. The tower opened in 1929 as a gift to the people of America from


Dutch immigrant Edward Bok. Every half hour, the “singing tower” rings out, and each day at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. a carillonneur plays various musical selections for visitors. It is a scenic picnic destination. Open daily 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Bok Tower Gardens also features special events and tours throughout the year. You’ll also find a visitor center, café, gift shop and free parking. For more information call 863-676-1408 or visit www.BokTowerGardens.com.


WWAttractionsMore Area

Here dreAms take Flight . . . Fantasy of Flight is a stunning Art Deco facility and home to more than 40 rare and vintage aircraft, many of which have been restored to flyable condition. But that is just the beginning. The attraction offers a variety of guided tours including visits to their working restoration and maintenance areas. You can take a spin on a state-of-the-art hang glide simulator in their interactive Fun with Flight center for families, and climb on board a real B-17 Flying Fortress in a WWII bombing mission. If you are looking for a real experience, real fun and something the entire family can enjoy, Fantasy of Flight is “An Attraction on a Higher Plane.” Let your imagination take wing at Fantasy of Flight located in Polk City just off I-4 at exit 44 (about 20 minutes from Winter Haven). A day at Fantasy of Flight offers a variety of options. Rare aircraft take to the skies during “Aircraft of the Day” demonstrations (weather permitting). Other options include a behind-the-scenes peek on the Back Lot Tour, or even a look into preparing vintage aircraft to fly again in the Restoration Shop Tour. Other tours include those of the hangars housing vintage aircraft, providing a look into aviation history from early flight, WWI, WWII and beyond. For those who want to be

a little more hands-on, a full-motion simulated battle mission over the South Pacific might be just the ticket. Admission and other information is available by calling (863) 984-3500 or by visiting www.FantasyofFlight.com.

Water ski Hall of Fame You may not get your own feet wet, but you can certainly learn the history of those who have by water skiing their way into the American Water Ski Hall of Fame. Also located near Fantasy of Flight, this museum experience offers a look at the legacy

left by those champions who dared to don skis – and those who skied on their bare feet – tethered to a boat by a short rope. This relatively young sport dates from 1922. Champions and their water-skiing records, many of which were set right here in Winter Haven on Lake Eloise, are on display at the American Water Ski Hall of Fame. For more information contact (863) 324-2472 or visit www.WaterSkiHallOfFame.com.


BACk to nAture And tHe reAl FloridA ... Airboat rides, too! You’ll find the prospects for experiencing the beauty of Central Florida are plentiful. Protected trails and parks are located in every direction offering opportunities to study nature, picnic or even pitch a tent and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visit a citrus grove, smell the orange blossoms or stop at a fresh fruit store. If camping isn’t your speed, a stay at Camp mack’s river resort is a great alternative. Nestled among the oak trees along the banks of the Kissimmee River, cabins and ample RV parking pads are available for rent. Need more comfort than a cabin? Camp Mack’s 40-room motel has modern conveniences and amenities. Located in the “Heart of the Big Bass Country,” Camp Mack also offers rides on an airboat and nature tours. For more information contact 863-696-1108 or visit www.CampMack.com.


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Band take turns entertaining audiences at the campus or around the city at various events throughout the year. Musical delights can also be heard at concerts sponsored by the Symphony Guild of Winter Haven. To the delight of many, the Bach Festival of Central Florida promotes the works of Johann Sebastian Bach through live performances each year. In addition to the daily Carillon concerts, Bok Tower Gardens hosts various concerts throughout the year both in the gardens and also in Pinewood Estate. For art lovers, Bok Tower Gardens also features a gallery

WWCultureArts and

displaying the work of local artisans. The exhibits change year-round. There’s no shortage of art galleries in the local area. Ridge Art Association is Winter Haven’s premier gallery with exhibits on display in the Chain of Lakes location. RAA is also host to public receptions for artists, competitions, classes and festivals throughout the year. Other local galleries include the Art Cottage and Arts Ensemble International.

inter Haven, Polk County and Central Florida offer year-round cultural and arts events. You have many choices from the highly acclaimed Theatre Winter Haven and Polk State College Fine Arts Series to the Lakeland Center and Polk Museum of Art. Add to that the offerings of Orlando and Tampa, both a convenient 45-minute drive, and your choices are nearly endless. No matter the reason or the season – theatre, music, comedy or galleries – local arts and culture are plentiful. Theatre Winter Haven captivates audiences with each new season’s productions. With more than 330 seats in the Chain of Lakes auditorium, the theatre can literally pack the house – and often does – selling more than 30,000 tickets every year. Recognized as one of the best small theatres in America, TWH puts on eight full-scale productions annually and has summer, youth, senior and stage-read programs as well. Downtown’s historic Ritz Theatre has undergone restoration as a multi-purpose facility and will host such upcoming events as a series of shows by entertainer Jim Stafford, a Winter Haven native who has been honored as the top entertainer in Branson, Missouri. Polk State College also hosts theatrical and musical productions on its stage in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Winter Haven campus.The Polk State College Players, Music Department and the Over 55 Show



including “Bark in the Park” (every dog’s dream), karaoke contests, a Community Fish Fry, Oktoberfest and various street parties. Celebrating the seasons and holidays, Winter Haven’s downtown is also the location for events such as “Ghoul’s Night Out,” “Carols in the Park” and “Snow Central” among other family friendly activities. Other family events around town include Admiral Eycleshimer’s Cardboard Boat Races (always the Saturday before Easter) and the

Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade (the first Saturday in December). Polk State College presents Fall Fest and welcomes thousands of visitors to its campus each autumn. Guests will find a vast array of arts and crafts on display and for sale. Area attractions have many special events and observances. If you are coming to visit LEGOLAND® Florida, be certain to check their calendar for hours of operation and special events when planning your visit. Bok Tower Gardens and Fantasy of Flight host a variety of events and annual festivals. Remember to check their websites, too. Many of these events and more can be found on the Winter Haven Chamber’s online calendar at www.WinterHaven Chamber.com.

Each year Winter Haven’s Central Park is home to ten winners of the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition. Coordinated by the Polk Museum of Art, the exhibition is presented by the City of Winter Haven and various individual sponsors. The “Central Park Stroll” is hosted every spring to introduce the newest sculptures to the public.

Winter Haven’s Central Park is also home to festivals and activities throughout the year, including those that cater to the visual or fine arts, families or even pets. Main Street Winter Haven presents many events

Arts and Culture Venues Arts on the Park (863) 680-2787 www.ArtsOnTheParkLakeland.orgBallet Conservatory (863) 299-1055 www.TheBalletConservatory.comFlorida dance theatre (863) 802-0399 www.FloridaDanceTheatre.orgFlorida southern College (863) 680-4111 - www.FlSouthern.eduFrank lloyd Wright Collection (863) 680-4444 www.FlSouthern.eduHaines City Community theatre (863) 421-1893 www.HainesCityTheater.comHarrison Center for the Performing Arts (863) 499-2855 www.HarrisonArts.com

imperial symphony orchestra (863) 688-3743 www.ImperialSymphony.orglake Wales Arts Center (863) 676-8426 www.lakewalesartscouncil.orglake Wales little theatre (863) 679-8587 - www.LWLT.orglakeland Choral society www.LakelandChoralSociety.orglakeland Community theatre (863) 603-7529 www.LakelandCommunityTheatre.comlakeland Concert Band - (863) 660-8428 www.LakelandConcertBand.comPolk state College (863) 297-1000 - www.Polk.eduPolk museum of Art (863) 688-7743 www.PolkMuseumofArt.org

Polk theatre (863) 682-7553 www.PolkTheatre.orgridge Art Association (863) 291-5661 www.RidgeArt.orgtheater Winter Haven (863) 294-SHOW (7469) www.TheaterWinterHaven.comthe lakeland Center (863) 834-8111 www.TheLakelandCenter.comthe symphony Guild of Winter Haven (863) 299-2672more in-depth Arts information: Polk Arts Alliance (863) 804-0494 www.PolkArtsAlliance.org


DiningDelicious

arabeLLa’s ristorante (863) 293-1797 - www.arabellasristorante.combean & Grape cafe, LLc (863) 299-8140 - www.beanandgrapecafe.combebo’s Marina - (863) 875-5646 beef o’braDy’s faMiLy sports pub (863) 293-9464 - www.beefobradys.combLue rooM - (863) 324-7200 bob evans, inc. (863) 679-2974 - www.bobevans.comcarrabba’s itaLian GriLL (863) 293-6635 - www.carrabbas.com

cHaLet suzanne restaurant & inn (863) 676-6011 - www.chaletsuzanne.comcLassic HoMestyLe buffet (863) 293-7220 - www.classichomestylebuffet.comDairy Queen - (863) 299-5165 eL norteno restaurant (863) 298-0993 www.elnortenosmexicanrestaurant.comeLMo & LinDa’s MaGicaL DininG (863) 514-5382 freD’s soutHern kitcHen Winter Haven, LLc (863) 595-1190 - www.fredssouthernkitchen.comGary’s oyster bar & seafooD House(863) 956-5055 - www.garysoysterbar.comGranD asian buffet (863) 293-1288 - www.thegrandasianbuffet.com

Grape expectations fine Wines (863) 318-8800 www.grapeexpectationsfinewine.comiaM pasta cafe inc. (863) 508 7433 - www.iampastacafe.cominternationaL House of pancakes (863) 326-1772 - www.ihop.comkc’s biG Dipper, inc. (863) 324-7309 - www.kcsbigdipper.comkentucky frieD cHicken (863) 299-7177 - www.tfcfamily.comLonGHorn steakHouse (863) 295-7740 - www.longhornsteakhouse.comManny’s oriGinaL cHopHouse (863) 293-9349 - www.mannyschophouse.comMcDonaLD’s (863) 293-4531 - www.mcdonalds.comMcGiLLicuDDy’s bar & GriLL (863) 875-6916 oLD Man frank’s - (863) 294-9179 oLive GarDen (863) 294-6641 - www.olivegarden.comoutback steakHouse (863) 295-9800 - www.outback.compark vieW restaurant (863) 324-5950pLaza cafe - (863) 294-2325 reD Lobster (863) 294-8844 - www.redlobster.comricHarD’s fine coffees (863) 291-3082 - www.richardsfinecoffees.comscHack’s bar-b-Q - (863) 324-1537 sMokin JiM’s barbeQue (863) 965-0230 - www.smokinjimsbbq.wssonny’s reaL pit bar-b-Q (863) 293-4744 - www.sonnysbbq.comsubWay # 13268 (863) 293-5011 - www.subway.comtanners pub (863) 294-7220 - www.tannerspub.comtappinG tHe vine, LLc (863) 268 8263 - www.tappingthevine.comtexas cattLe coMpany caterinG (863) 604-1515 - www.texascattlecompany.nettHe seasoneD stone (863) 875-5756 - www.randrchutney.comtiJuana fLats burrito coMpany (863) 206-2741 - www.tijuanaflats.comtropicaL sMootHie café (863) 295-7988 - www.tropicalsmoothie.comtsunaMi susHi (863) 293-2395 - www.tsunamisushi.usyoGurt Grove (863) 875-6990 - www.yogurtgrove.com

WW hether you are looking for a “quick bite,” your favorite fast food or savory gourmet fare, the Winter Haven area is home to a number of delightful restaurants.


“Sh-opp ortunities!”Plenty of

SS hopping venues in Winter Haven are plentiful. From department stores such as Macy’s to boutiques and consignment shops to antiques, our retailers welcome you and your family. Downtown Winter Haven offers a number of stores with elegant merchandise, crafts and gifts. You’ll find florists, upscale gift shops, antique stores and a fabulous array of restaurants. It’s a great place to find that something special. Don’t miss such unique stores as “Little Studio” and “Andy Thornal Company – Gateway to Adventure Since 1945”

– both destinations themselves. The US Highway 17 corridor, Cypress Gardens Boulevard and Cypress Gardens Road feature a number of interesting retail centers. Search our database at www.WinterHavenChamber.com for specific interests. For the seriously dedicated . . . shopping is an art. Winter Haven can definitely be your gallery.


Stay and PlayAccommodationsHotels and Inns Best Western Plus Auburndale inn & suites 1008 US Hwy. 92 W Auburndale(863) 551-3400 Fax (863) 551-3437www.bestwestern.com/auburndaleinnandsuites• 55 rooms, pool, computer in every room.

Best Western Park View Hotel*5651 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven(800) 247-2799 - (863) 324-5950Fax (863) 324-2376www.bestwesternparkview.com• 174 rooms, 13 1- & 2-BDRM suites, some with Jacuzzis, pool, Legoland Beds & Bricks partner.

Camp mack’s river resort 14900 Camp Mack Rd., Lake Wales(800) 243-8013 - (863) 696-1108Fax (863) 696-2924www.campmack.com• Motel: 40 rooms, pool, RV & Cabin rental also available.Hampton inn Winter Haven202 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven(863) 299-9251 Fax (863) 401-9388www.hamptoninn.com/winterhaven• 88 guest rooms, pool, free wifi.Holiday inn of Winter Haven200 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven(863) 292-2100 - Fax (863) 292-2101www.holidayinn.com/winterhavenfl• 112 guest rooms, king suites available, pool, Legoland Beds & Bricks partner.

lake ida Beach resort*2524 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven(863) 293-0942 - Fax (863) 293-5951www.lakeidabeachresort.com• 20 units, 1 & 2-room efficiencies, pool.lake roy Beach inn & suites*1823 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven (863) 324-6320 - Fax (863) 324-2750www.lakeroybeachinn.com• 33 rooms, 1 & 2 room efficiencies, pool.

Bed and BreakfastsChalet suzanne restaurant & inn*3800 Chalet Suzanne Dr., Lake Wales(800) 433-6011 - (863) 676-6011Fax (863) 676-1814 www.ChaletSuzanne.com• 26 guestrooms, pool.

Condos and Vacation RentalsHome Away Vacation rentalswww.homeaway.com/vacation-rentals/florida/disney-orlando/r149

Campgrounds and RV ParksCamp mack’s river resort*14900 Camp Mack Road, Lakes Wales (863) 696-1108 - Fax (863) 696-2924www.campmack.com• 250 RV sites, 10 cabins, pool.

Apartments & CondosApartment Finderwww.apartmentfinder.com Briarcrest at Winter Haven(863) 293 3350 www.robbinspropertyllc.comCarlton Arms of Winter Haven7676 Carlton Arms Blvd., Winter Haven(863) 875-1700 - Fax (863) 875-1780 www.carltonarmsofwinterhaven.comriverlake Apartments 4200 Mahogany Run, Winter Haven(863) 324-1072 - Fax (863) 318-9942

Manufactured Homes Colony Club mobile Home estates (863) 294-4969swiss Village (863) 294-4591 - www.cfrresales.com

*Accepts small pets


ChurchesCenterPoint Community Church 133 Ruby Lake DriveWinter Haven (863) 324-7915www.CenterPointChurch.orgFirst Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven637 6th Street, NWWinter Haven(863) 294-3121www.FirstPresWH.orgHeartland Community Church 205 Farnot Street SWWinter Haven 863-299-7797www.heartchurch.orgHope Presbyterian Church 2100 Cypress Gardens Blvd.Winter Haven (863) 324-6382www.hopepreswh.orgst. Joseph Catholic Church 532 Avenue M, NWWinter Haven(863) 294-3144 - www.stjosephwh.org

st. matthew Catholic Church1991 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven(863) 324-3040www.stmatthewwh.catholicweb.comst. Paul’s episcopal Church 656 Avenue L, NW, Winter Haven(863) 298-8485www.stpaulsepicopalchurch.usWinter Haven nazarene 244 Avenue D SW, Winter Haven(863) 293-0690www.winterhavennazarene.org

Synagoguestemple Beth shalom 1029 Bradbury Road, Winter Haven (863) 292-0722www.bethshalompolk.org

WorshipPlaces of


inter Haven is a great place to call home for many different reasons. The cost of living here is typically lower than the national average, making the Chain of Lakes City a practical place to settle. Residences ranging from apartments to single-family homes and town homes to waterfront estates offer a variety of options. City parks, trails and other recreational amenities have grown significantly throughout the past decade. There is ample access to our lakes for boaters, and our parks offer a variety of recreation and exercise options. Here are just a few beautiful locations ...

n Lake Howard Nature Park

n Lake Hartridge Nature Park

n Lake Maude Nature Park

n Martin Luther King Park (Lake Silver)

n Trailhead Park and Chain of Lakes Trail (3.6 miles starts behind City Hall and travels north to Lake Alfred)

n Central Park (downtown) Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, fountain

n Winter Haven Public Library (Downtown on the park)

The Polk County Public School district is among the largest districts in the nation and ranks eighth largest in the Sunshine State. There are 160 school sites and centers,

WWResidentBecoming a

members contributed their time as volunteers in Polk schools last year, with more than 1.2 million hours donated in district facilities.

comprising 65 elementary schools, 19 middle schools and 18 high schools, which include various magnet, choice and charter schools, career centers, adult schools and alternative schools. The district currently serves more than 90,000 students and is the largest employer in Polk County with nearly 13,000 employees. Many private and parochial schools also exist to serve students from kindergarten through graduation. Polk has been recognized as nineteenth in the nation for the number of teachers certified by the prestigious National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Certification is among the highest honors a teacher can receive. In addition, nearly 30,000 community

Life’s Necessitiespost offices111 W. Central avenue (863) 299-7824

1401 1st street, nW 293-5370 or (800) 275-8777

utiLitieselectric: tampa Electric Co. - (863) 299-0800

Gas: ameriGas Propane - (863) 294-4159

Central florida Gas (863) 293-2125

telephone: Bright House networks (863) 965-7766

verizon - (800) 483-4000 verizon Business - (800) 483-5000

cable: Bright House networks (863) 965-7766

Comcast - (863) 739-6077

Water: City of Winter Haven (863) 291-5678

refuse coLLectionCity of Winter Haven - (863) 291-5756

Polk County - (863) 284-4319

sociaL security office1 (800) 772-1213

veHicLeslicense tags & title - (863) 293-5551Driver’s license - (863) 421-3202

Winter Haven area transport(863) 534-5500



RealtorsArea

Brokers realty of Central Fl(863) 294-6773 www.reneebutler.com Chain of lakes realty, inc. (863) 299-5555www.chainoflakesrealty.com

Choice-dantzler Properties(863) 299-6710www.choiceproperties.netJudy B. Cleaves Properties, inc. (863) 299-5878 www.jbcleaves.com

Coldwell Banker residential real estate(863) 294-7541 www.floridamoves.comCollany Properties(863) 295-9886 www.collany.comCrosby & Associates, inc. (863) 293-5600www.crosbyandassociates.netFlorida Home Choice realty, llC (863) 412-2727 www.floridahomechoice.comkeller Williams realty (863) 508-3000 www.KW.commidFloridA real estate sales, llC (863) 299-9988www.midfloridasales.comnorris & Company realty, llC (863) 875-5583 www.michaelanddeenorris.comPioneer Property management, inc. (863) 325-8834star realty of Winter Haven, inc. (863) 299-7827www.starrealtyofwh.comJanice summers realty(863) 318-9500turner Properties of CFi(863) 324-1882Village realty of Winter Haven (863) 299-6767 www.phyllistcollins.comWatson & Watson, inc., realtors (863) 294-4149 www.watsonandwatsonrealtors.comJohn Wood realty, inc. (863) 324-9663www.johnwoodrealty.com


LeadershipMunicipal

TT he City of Winter Haven functions under a commission-manager form of local government. The City Commission consists of five members, elected at large, who hold office for four years. The municipal election is held in September of odd-numbered years. The City Commission appoints a City Manager who is the CEO of the municipal corporation. While the City Commission acts as the legislative body of the City, the day-to-day operations of the City are directed by the City Manager. Commissioners in office for more than nine months are eligible to serve as Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. They are elected by the City Commission at the second meeting in October. The Mayor presides at all meetings of the Commission. The City of Winter Haven employs almost 500 staff members who serve in various departments including: Support Services, Community and Economic Development, Executive Services, Technology Services, Community Services, Financial Services, Fire Services, Police Services and Utility Services. Interested in learning more? Please visit www.mywinterhaven.com or call City Hall at (863) 291-5600. “Like” City of Winter Haven, Florida on Facebook and follow us at mywinterhaven on Twitter!

(Front row, left to right) City Commissioner Jamie Beckett, Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel Birdsong, Mayor J. P. Powell, City Commissioner Steven Hunnicutt and City Commissioner Peter Chichetto.

(Back row, left to right) City Manager Dale Smith, City Attorney John Murphy and City Clerk Dorothy Johnson


CollegesHome Town

College to Polk State College and modified its mission to reflect the change. During 2011, Polk State unveiled a completely new mascot and logo design – Soar Eagles! Polk State College continues to be an open-access community college with programs and services that reflect the diversity of its students and the dynamic needs of its community. Approximately 73 percent of Polk State College’s credit students are part time, 63 percent are female, and more than 33 percent are racial/ethnic minorities. The College is a multi-campus institution where an estimated 70 percent of graduates receive the Associate in

PP

Arts (AA) degree. Additionally, Polk State College offers 30 Associate in Science (AS), 27 Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees, and one Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree with four areas of concentration. Polk State College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Since opening in 1964, Polk State College has produced more than 35,000 graduates.

olk State College was founded in 1964 to serve the higher education needs of Polk County, Florida. Over the years, Polk State College has undergone tremendous growth and change. The first academic year (1964) started with 1,107 students in temporary quarters on the Bartow Air Base. Today, the College annually serves more than 15,000 credit and 11,200 non-credit students in locations throughout Polk County. Winter Haven is the home of Polk State College’s first permanent campus with 21 buildings on a 99-acre site overlooking Lake Elbert. In July 2009, the College changed its name from Polk Community

Area Institutions of Higher LearningfLoriDa soutHern coLLeGe 863-680-4111 - www.flsouthern.edu

keiser university(863) 682-6020 - www.keiseruniversity.edu

poLk state coLLeGe(863) 297-1000 - www.polk.edu

soutHeastern university (863) 667-5000 - www.seuniversity.edu

university of soutH fLoriDa poLytecHnic (863) 667-7000 - www.poly.usf.edu

Warner university (800) 309-9563 - www.warner.edu

Webber internationaL university(800) 741-1844 - www.webber.edu

Webster university (863) 687-9309 - www.webster.edu

two technical schools:

riDGe career center (863) 419-3060schools.polk-fl.net/ridge/generalinfo.htm

traviss career center863-499-2700 - www.traviss.edu


are coupled with top-quality training for Winter Haven Hospital’s physicians and nurses. The hospital is Polk County’s first healthcare organization to achieve Magnet status (2008). Winter Haven Hospital joins hospitals across the country – about five percent of the nation’s total – to be recognized for excellence in patient care. Hospital staffers worked for more than five years to meet the program’s rigorous requirements. Winter Haven Hospital is the largest private employer in East Polk County with more than 2,500 employees and 300 board-certified physicians. The organization and has been recognized as a “Best Place to Work” by PolkWorks.

WWHealthcareOutstanding

the regency medical Center The Regency Medical Center is under the umbrella of Winter Haven Hospital. A facility for women and infants, the Regency is a 61-bed specialty hospital with a primaryfocus on state-of-the-art maternity and surgical care. Recently, the Regency was nationally recognized with a “Golden Stethoscope” award for quality in the area of maternal and neonatal care – a recognition based on performance measures for clinical quality outcomes, clinical processes and resources.

Heart of Florida regional medical Center Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, a 200-bed acute-care hospital, is located north of Winter Haven on Hwy. 27 in Haines City.

inter Haven counts its medical and allied health organizations among its finest resources.

Winter Haven Hospital Winter Haven Hospital offers diverse healthcare services, educational offerings and health screening opportunities. Established in 1926, the hospital has grown to include several centers of excellence including the Bostick Heart Center, the Cassidy Cancer Center and nationally recognized Stroke Center. More recently the hospital has affiliated with the University of Florida, College

of College of Medicine, Department of Urology to establish the Center for Urology and Robotics Institute. This brings comprehensive high-quality urological care to Central Florida. Sijo Joseph Parekattil, MD is fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopy/robotics and in microsurgery and male infertility. At the University of Florida College of Medicine/Shands Healthcare, he has performed more robotic microsurgeries than any other surgeon in the world. The state-of-the-art patient care, advanced technology and equipment


Offering a full spectrum of services and resources, HOF is supported by more than 170 physicians representing various medical specialties. Heart of Florida operates Urgent Care Cypress in Winter Haven, a facility that offers timely care for many illnesses and injuries. Urgent Care Cypress also provides x-rays and lab work.

lake Wales medical Center The Lake Wales Medical Center is a 160-bed facility with 50 active physicians serving the medical needs of the residents and visitors of the community of Lake Wales. The 500 hospital employees provide a broad range of both inpatient and outpatient services. The medical center recently opened a new wing featuring 32 private rooms designed for single occupancy for better efficiency and more comfortable care.

Bartow regional medical Center Bartow Regional Medical Center is a 72-bed acute care facility serving south Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, Ft. Meade, southwest Winter Haven and south Polk County. It is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, has a 188-member medical staff and employes 450. The hospital offers emergency services, inpatient and outpatient surgical services, cardiac catheterization, wound care/hyperbaric medicine, women’s center, intensive care, progressive care, post-surgical care, rehabilitation services, dialysis and lithotripsy. Winter Haven and the surrounding areas also feature several outpatient surgical centers such as the Eye Surgery & Laser Center, LLC; Day Surgery Center and the Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgical Center.


It’s amazing what happens when you feel good about yourself. Self-esteem climbs to heights you never dreamed possible. Confidence becomes a part of you – permanently. A smile warms your face in the morning when you wake, and you think to yourself... “this is going to be a great day.”

Board CertifiedAmerican Board of Plastic Surgery

Board CertifiedAmerican Board of Surgery

RICHARDRADOCHA

MD,FACS

Gessler Clinic, P.A.635 First Street North

Winter Haven, FL 33881

Receptionist (863) 298-3354Office Direct (863) 298-3275

www.radocha.com

C o m m i t m e n t t o E x c e l l e n c e

Rediscover youBR E A S T

EN L A R G E M E N T , RE D U C T I O N & L I F T S

SE C O N D A R Y BR E A S T EN L A R G E M E N T

SU R G E R Y

FA C E L I F T S / EY E L I D SU R G E R Y

LA S E R SK I N RE S U R F A C I N G

BO T O X

NO S E , CH I N , CH E E K & EA R RE P R O F I L I N G

L I P O S U C T I O N & TU M M Y TU C K S

BO D Y CO N T O U R SU R G E R Y

Medical NumbersbartoW reGionaL MeDicaL center (863) 519-1402

bLooD banks of MiD-fLoriDa (863) 297-1840

bonD cLinic, pa (863) 293-1191

centraL fLoriDa cancer institute (863) 293-6375

Day surGery center

(863) 293-8471

first care Winter Haven (863) 299-2420

GessLer cLinic (863) 294-0670

Haines city HMa urGent care, LLc (863) 325-8185

Heart of fLoriDa reGionaL MeDicaL center (863) 422-4971

Lake WaLes MeDicaL center (863) 676-1433

osceoLa reGionaL MeDicaL center (407) 846-2266

poLk county HeaLtH DepartMent (863) 519-7900

Winter Haven aMbuLatory surGicaL center (863) 291-4000

Winter Haven HospitaL (863) 293-1121

Hospices

cornerstone Hospice (863) 291-5560

GooD sHepHerD Hospice (863) 297-1880

Hope Hospice & HeaLtHcare services (863) 688-4715


There’s something for everyone – activities are aplenty year round in Central Florida. Here is a sampling:JAnuAryAlafia River Rendezvous - Homeland www.FloridaFrontiersmen.orgspecial Performance series Polk state College Winter Haven - www.Polk.eduspirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow Auburndale www.IntlMarketWorld.comFeBruAryWinter Haven Greek Festival Winter Haven - (863) 299-4532mardi Gras Festival - Lake Wales www.LWMardiGras.comPolk senior Games www.PolkSeniorGames.org

mArCHBach Festival of Central Florida Lake Wales - www.Bach FestivalofCentralFlorida.orgBloomin’ Arts Festival Bartow - (863) 533-7125Bluegrass, Clogging & BBQ Festival Auburndale www.IntlMarketWorld.comCentral Park Art Festival Downtown Winter Haven www.RidgeArt.orgChampagne & shamrocks with the Florida orchestra Winter HavenFlorida strawberry Festival - Plant City www.FLStrawberryFestival.comlake Wales Arts show Shores of Lake Wailes www.LakeWalesArtsCenter.org

EventsCalendar of

TALLAHASSEE | Gov. Rick

Scott is on a mission to reshape

Florida government by aggres-

sively cutting taxes, regulations

and spending.And as Florida lawmakers be-

gin their annual 60-day session on

Tuesday, Scott should find many

allies in the Legislature, which is

overwhelmingly Republican and

one of the most conservative law-

making groups in state history.

Against that backdrop, the gov-

ernor has set out an ambitious

agenda that could make Florida a

leading laboratory in testing many

of the latest ideas pushed by those

who want to reduce the size and

scope of government.

Among initiatives on the 2011

legislative calendar will be efforts

to reduce pensions for government

workers; to overhaul Medicaid, the

state-federal health-care program

for the poor and disabled; to cut

property and business taxes; to

reduce regulations, including by

merging some state agencies; to cut

spending, with Scott suggesting

more than $3 billion in cuts from

the current $70 billion budget; and

to limit the ability of Floridians to

sue businesses, health-care provid-

ers and others.Under Scott’s campaign man-

tra of “let’s get to work,” the

58-year-old former health-care

executive has argued slashing

government spending and regula-

tions will lead to a revitalization

of Florida’s economy. Currently,

more than 1 million Floridians

are jobless.“If we do the right thing, this is

the model of what’s going to hap-

pen in America,” Scott told a recent

Naples meeting sponsored by the

Scott pushes high-stakes initiatives on taxes, regulations and spending.

LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2011

The pair are accused of

vetting candidates for chief

academic officer through

e-mail.

LAKELAND | Two members of a Uni-

versity of South Florida Polytechnic search

committee charged with vetting candidates

for chief academic officer were removed from

the panel Friday for having “apparently dis-

cussed search committee business outside of

the Sunshine Law.”

The allegation centered on an e-mail sent

Nov. 30 by Richard Plank, who directs USF

Poly’s division of innovation, to William Ar-

mitage, director of the division of information

technology.The two were assigned to check references

and get input on some semi-finalists to become

USF Poly’s chief academic officer/senior asso-

ciate vice president for academic affairs.

“This is of great concern and we take

this type of allegation very seriously,” said

Karen White, the USF official chairing the

committee.“The committee members involved have

been removed from the search process and

we are reviewing the matter for additional

action.”At Saturday’s committee meeting, White

asked those in attendance whether the contents

of the e-mail or learning about it would have a

negative influence on their deliberations.

When they said it wouldn’t, committee mem-

bers continued making their final comments

on each of the four finalists. (Related story,

B1)Those will go to Marshall Goodman, chan-

cellor of USF Poly, who will make the final

selection. The Ledger, which also received a copy of

the e-mail, had consulted the Florida Attor-

ney General’s Office on whether the e-mail

BABSON PARK | Ken Mor-

rison, dean of the Polk County

environmental movement, died

Friday. He was 92.

He had been in failing health

for some time and died of natural

causes, according to his family.

Morrison’s career included

serving as editor of Audubon

magazine, director of Historic

Bok Sanctuary, president of Flori-

da Audubon and founder of Ridge

Audubon, Defenders of Crooked

Lake and Green Horizon Land

Trust. He also wrote two books

and many magazine articles.

“He was clearly an Audubon

giant on the state and national

level,” said Charles Lee, direc-

tor of advocacy for Audubon of

Florida.Lee, who first met Morrison

in 1972 when he

started work for

the organization,

said Morrison was

responsible for

making what was

then called the

Florida Audubon

Society a state-

wide organization that became

more involved in statewide con-

servation issues and lobbying.

Lee described Morrison as “the

spiritual and moral leader of Flor-

ida Audubon.”Kenneth Douglas Morrison was

born April 1, 1918, in Minneapo-

lis, Minn.Morrison came to Polk County

in 1956, where he became director

of what is now called Historic Bok

Sanctuary, succeeding Maj. Harry

WASHINGTON | When the

airline industry took a nose

dive a decade ago, executives

at global carriers scrambled

to find a quick fix to avoid fi-

nancial ruin. What they came up with, ac-

cording to federal prosecutors,

was a massive price-fixing

scheme among airlines that

artificially inflated passenger

and cargo fuel surcharges be-

tween 2000 and 2006 to make

up for lost profits.

The airlines’ crimes cost

U.S. consumers and busi-

nesses — mostly international

passengers and cargo ship-

pers — hundreds of millions

of dollars, prosecutors say.

But the airlines caught by

the Justice Department have

paid a hefty price in the five

years since the government’s

widespread investigation be-

came public.

MINERSVILLE, Pa. | Like

many Roman Catholics, Marie

Lutkus felt anger, sadness and

disillusionment after her be-

loved church was shut down in

a consolidation of parishes.

St. Francis of Assisi had

been her spiritual home since

1961. It’s the place where she

was married, where her chil-

dren and grandchildren were

baptized, where she mourned

the loss of her parents and

brother. So when the doors

were locked in 2008, Lutkus

couldn’t simply let go.

Three years later, Lutkus

and parishioners at eight other

shuttered churches in Penn-

sylvania’s Allentown diocese

have persuaded a Vatican

panel to overturn the bishop’s

decision to close them down —

an exceedingly rare reversal

that experts say may signal

a policy shift on U.S. church

closures.“This is a thunderclap. I

1918-2011

6 72051 05825 7

SHIFT TO A FASTER ER.

HAINES CITY | If there’s a bright fu-ture for business along U.S. 27 — and Thomas R. Kohler thinks there defi nitely is — it lies within three fi elds: trans-portation, health care, and, most likely, Legoland.

“We came up with what we’d call a mid-term and long-term — looking out to 2025 — strategy for what the potential was for that corridor,” said Kohler.

Kohler is a principal at Real Estate Research Consultants, based in down-town Orlando. They were hired by Polk County to draft an economic develop-ment strategy for U.S. 27, identifying the strengths this highway has.Kohler says there are several.“We were retained by the North Ridge

CRA (Community Redevelopment Agen-cy),” he said. “The district goes from Four Corners to the Haines City area. We just fi nished the study and made a summary presentation to the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 3. We were asked to look at the potential for the CRA area and all that was going on there in Polk County.”Northeast Polk County boomed in the past decade, as the soaring real estate

market helped transform lots of once vacant citrus fi elds along U.S. 27 into brand-new residential subdivisions, vacation home communities and com-mercial plazas.But the collapse of the housing market has left the region with a high inven-tory of unsold homes and a rising home foreclosure rate.“Since the economy has signifi cantly changed in the last 24 months, a lot of revenues were being diluted” along that once-thriving highway, Kohler said. “Basically, we were asked to review that district for the county.”Kohler thinks there’s a solid regional strategy for the corridor starting with

POINCIANA | In just two months, this community will move in a decidedly high-tech direction, when the Poinciana Digital Village goes online and residents and business owners have an opportunity to instantly connect with one another.In the meantime, Darhlene Zeanwick has her work cut out for her.

“We have almost 600 reg-istered users,” she said. “I’m working on a database to jack that up to 10,000.”If that sounds like a tall or-der, it should be noted that during the building boom be-tween 2004 and 2006, Poinci-ana’s population soared past 70,000. The community that crosses the Polk and Osceola county line and consists of 10 villages was one of the fastest growing in the region.“It’s hard to call Poinciana rural, and it’s hard to call

Perhaps it’s appropriate that Haines City High School coach Robin “Peanut” Wag-man spent her most infl uen-tial days wearing green and sporting a hornet, the school’s mascot, on her clothing.Wagman was always buzz-ing around the Haines City campus, en-couraging kids to participate in sports, han-dling fundrais-ers, checking on students’ grades, preparing for prac-tices and tying up loose ends at her alma mater.Wagman died Feb. 27 after a fi ve-year battle with colorectal cancer. She was 54.“It’s a void that’s impossible

Study: Health care, transportation, Legoland key to development.

Acree Family Once Again Customizing, Repair SaddlesDAVENPORTam Acree, who’s done leath-er work on and off over the years, is back in the saddle again.

A brain tumor in 1992 took him out of the saddle repair business, but over the last year he has picked up his trade again to supplement his retirement check.

“Saddle Sam” Acree works out of a shed behind his home in Davenport.

On his work bench recently was something he’d never worked on

before: A Mexican saddle.The saddle horn was fl at on top and it was huge. Stripped of its leather, the saddle’s frame was made of wood. He guessed the saddle’s owner did some steer roping.Acree works with his wife, Judy. Sam does the leather work while Judy does much of the tooling, sil-ver polishing and the business end of things. The two are teaching the trade to their two sons, Jeremiah, 25, and Ben, 22. They recently refurbished eight well-worn saddles from the Circle

F Dude Ranch in Lake Wales.“They told us we did the best job of refurbishing the saddles that they’d ever seen,” Judy Acree said. “They told us we can use them as a reference.”

Whether it’s a Western, English or bareback saddle, Acree can make or fi x them all. And he’s refused to fi x a saddle if the owner doesn’t want it done safely.“I’ll try to build anything for any-body as long as it’s safe,” he said.

HAINES CITY — Wayne Schumacher’s paint and body shop is his bread and butter, but the bread and butter al-lows him to feed his passion — being able to afford to restore old cars and trucks, making them street worthy.

His pride and joy is his “truck in a bucket.”

He rescued the truck from a Mississippi farm yard, brought it home in five-gallon buckets and completely re-stored it. The red 1949 Chevy truck is his favorite.

“It’s the nicest one I’ve ever done,” he said.

Other people apparently think it’s pretty cool as well. It is one of 12 classic vehicles that beat out thousands of entries to make it into the Pittsburgh Plate Glass’ 2011 national calendar.

It is also one of only 60 cars to be featured at the Gator Nationals in Gaines-ville, and will be featured in next month’s issue of Classic Custom Trucks magazine.

Chevy trucks are all right with him. He has made street rods of two others — 1946 and 1955 pickups that stay in his 2,400 square-foot garage in Clermont, where he lives with his wife, Cindy, and two children.

While his garage is large by many standards, Schumach-er said he wished he had Jay Leno’s wallet.

“He works on all of his cars,” he said. “I love working on mine. It gets in your blood. You can put from $5,000 to $50,000 in a vehicle depend-ing on the level of restoration you want.”

Some parts are still avail-able in aftermarket parts. Others he has to fabricate himself. But it can get expen-sive — “cost-wise, you don’t

even want to know.”It helps that he has state-

of-the art technology at his Haines City Paint and Body shop. Not only do he and his employees repair other peo-ple’s cars damaged in colli-sions, but they use the equip-ment to fuel their hobby of restoring antique cars. They will make them into street or hot rods.

“We do it because of the cre-ativity, personalization and passion that comes out when we don one of these things,” he said.

His passion started young when he got his first car while living in South Florida, a 1980 Nissan pickup truck. He won first place at World of Wheels, one of the premier car shows in the country.

Schumacher went to vo-cational-technical school to get better. From there, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business manage-ment and systems, and then earned an electrical engi-neering degree.

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72051 057506 2

Legoland owners also involved with Orlando

LAKELAND — Winter Ha-ven is not the only Central Florida location attracting the eye of Legoland’s corpo-rate owner.

Merlin Entertainments Group announced its plans this week to be part of a $100 million project on Interna-tional Drive in Orlando.

I-Walk Orlando will fea-ture retail stores, restau-rants, bars and entertain-

ment facilities, according to a company news release. Merlin’s contribution to the project will include some of its best-known attractions, including Madame Tus-sauds wax museum and a 425-foot-high observation wheel called the Orlando “Eye.”

The project, which is scheduled to open in 2013, is spearheaded by Circle En-

Polk environmentalist Morrison dies at 92

BABSON PARK — Ken Mor-rison, dean of the Polk County environmental movement, died Friday. He was 92.

He had been in failing health for some time and died of natural causes, according to his family.

Morrison’s career included serving as editor of Audubon

magazine, director of Historic Bok Sanctuary, president of Florida Audubon and founder of Ridge Audubon, Defenders of Crooked Lake and Green Horizon Land Trust. He also wrote two books and many magazine articles.

“He was clearly an Audubon giant on the state and national

Man uses auto shop for business, pleasure

TALLAHASSEE | Gov. Rick

Scott is on a mission to reshape

Florida government by aggres-

sively cutting taxes, regulations

and spending.And as Florida lawmakers be-

gin their annual 60-day session on

Tuesday, Scott should find many

allies in the Legislature, which is

overwhelmingly Republican and








LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2011


CRA (Community Redevelopment Agen-cy),” he said. “The district goes from Four Corners to the Haines City area. We just fi nished the study and made a summary presentation to the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 3. We were asked to look at the potential for the CRA area and all that was going on Northeast Polk County boomed in the

past decade, as the soaring real estate

market helped transform lots of once vacant citrus fi elds along U.S. 27 into brand-new residential subdivisions, vacation home communities and com-mercial plazas.But the collapse of the housing market has left the region with a high inven-tory of unsold homes and a rising home foreclosure rate.“Since the economy has signifi cantly changed in the last 24 months, a lot of revenues were being diluted” along that once-thriving highway, Kohler said. “Basically, we were asked to review that district for the county.”Kohler thinks there’s a solid regional strategy for the corridor starting with

POINCIANA | In just two months, this community will move in a decidedly high-tech direction, when the Poinciana Digital Village goes online and residents and business







CRA (Community Redevelopment Agen-cy),” he said. “The district goes from Four Corners to the Haines City area. We just fi nished the study and made a summary presentation to the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 3. We were asked to look at the potential for the CRA area and all that was going on there in Polk County.”Northeast Polk County boomed in the past decade, as the soaring real estate

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Against that backdrop, the gov-

ernor has set out an ambitious





Digital Village goes online and residents and business owners have an opportunity to instantly connect with one another.In the meantime, Darhlene Zeanwick has her work cut





For more information on any of our products, please visitwww.LedgerMediaGroup.com

APrilBloomin’ Arts Festival - BartowChain of lakes Festival - Winter Haveneaster sunrise service Bok Tower Gardens www.BokTowerGardens.orgmustangs & mustangs Fantasy of Flight www.FantasyofFlight.comsun ’n Fun Fly-in - lakeland www.Sun-n-Fun.orgmAyPops Concert under the stars Bok Tower Gardensmayfaire by the lake - Lakeland www.PolkMuseumofArt.orgyoung People’s Concert Polk State CollegeJunelive at the Gardens Concert Bok Tower GardensJulyFourth of July Celebrations Water ski Championships Mulberry - www.USAWaterski.orgoCtoBerCracker storytelling Festival Homeland - www.Polk-County.net

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More Calendar of EventsoCtoBer Fall Fest - Polk State College Winter Haven - www.Polk.eduHaines City Fall Fest - Haines City www.Ci.Haines-City.Fl.uslake mirror Classic Auto Festival Lakeland www.LakeMirrorClassic.comlake Wales Pioneer days - Lake Wales www.CityofLakeWales.comPops in the Park - Downtown Central Park, Winter HavennoVemBersunset & symphony with orlando Philharmonic Bok Tower Gardens www.BokTowerGardens.orgroar n’ soar - Fantasy of FlightWings ’n things Family Fun Fest Lakeland - www.Sun-n-Fun.orgdeCemBerCarols in the Park - Winter Haven www.MyWinterHaven.comChristmas at Pinewood Bok Tower GardensCity lights/Cypress nights - Countywide Holiday lighted Boat Parade Chain of Lakes - Winter Haven

*Dates are subject to change


Things To Doattractions bok toWer GarDens (863) 676-1408 - www.boktowergardens.org fantasy of fLiGHt (863) 984-3500 - www.fantasyofflight.com LeGoLanD® fLoriDa (877) 350-lEGO - www.legoland.com airboat tours caMp Mack’s river resort (863) 696-1108 - www.campmack.com bowling cypress Lanes (863) 294-3295 - www.cypresslanes.com iMperiaL Lanes anD kinG’s burGers & bbQ (863) 949-4830 - www.theimperialbowl.com fishing centraL fLoriDa bucketMoutHs(863) 661-7226 - www.cfbucketmouths.com caMp Mack’s river resort (863) 696-1108 - www.campmack.com flight training preston aviation - biplane rides (863) 956-2526 - www.Prestonaviation.net taiLWHeeLs etc. (863) 401-3592 - www.tailwheelsetc.com Museums, art Galleries & theatres expLorations v cHiLDren’s MuseuM (863) 687-3869 - www.explorationsv.com poLk MuseuM of art (863) 688-7743 - www.polkmuseumofart.org riDGe art association, inc. (863) 291-5661 - www.ridgeart.org tHe ritz 100, inc. (863) 295-9900 - www.ritztheatre100.org tHeatre Winter Haven (863) 299-2672 - www.theatrewinterhaven.com paintballing action paintbaLL (863) 224-6915 - www.action-paintball.us public Golf cypressWooD GoLf & country cLub (863) 324-6174 - www.cypresswoodcc.comDiaMonDback GoLf cLub (863) 421-0437 - www.diamondbackgc.netWiLLoWbrook GoLf course (863) 291-5899 Lake bess GoLf cLub inc. (863) 326-9171 - www.lakebessgolfclub.com

At Tampa Electric, our dedication to the community remains strong – from sponsorships and volunteerism to service and energy delivery. Life runs on energy – which is why we’ll be here this century and beyond.

813-223-0800 (Hillsborough County)

863-299-0800 (Polk County)

1-888-223-0800 (All other counties and out-of-state)

CommunityCommitment is our game.

tampaelectric.com

private & professional Golf Lake reGion yacHt & country cLub (863) 324-6666 - www.lakeregionycc.comLpGa futures tour (386) 274-6296 - www.lpgafuturestour.com seaplane rides & Lessons Jack broWn’s sea pLane base (863) 956-2243 sportsLake MyrtLe sports coMpLex (863) 551 4750 www.centralfloridasports.com


Chamber MembersPlease Visit These Fine

Carlton Arms(863) 875-1700

www.carltonarmsofwinterhaven.com

Best Western Plus Auburndale inn & suites(863) 551-3400

www.bestwestern.com/auburndaleinnandsuites

Bob evans restaurant(863) 679-2974

www.bobevans.com

explorations V(863) 687-3869

www.explorationsv.com

lasater Flowers(863) 294-3213

www.lasaterflowersandgifts.com

Preston Aviation - Bi-Plane rides(863) 956-2526

www.PrestonAviation.net

tapping the Vine(863) 268 8263

www.tappingthevine.com

Winter Haven Christian school(863) 294-4135

www.WHCSonline.org


www.hillnissan.com

N ISSANHill6401 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven • (863) 299-2161

38 D e s t i n a t i o n W i n t e r H a v e n

InformationIndex of

hank you to our advertisers for their loyal support!

TT emergency - Fire, Police & Ambulance - 911Polk CountyAnimal Control - (863) 499-2600Courthouse/County Clerk - (863) 534-4540 www.PolkCountyClerk.netHumane society - (863) 324-5227 www.HumaneSocietyofPolkCounty.orgmain switchboard - (863) 534-6000 www.Polk-County.netProperty Appraiser - (863) 534-4777 www.PolkPA.orgsheriff’s department info - (863) 298-6200 www.PolkSheriff.orgVoter registration - (863) 534-5888 www.PolkElections.comCity oF Winter HAVenwww.MyWinterHaven.comChain o’lakes Convention Center & recreation Complex / Leisure Services Dept. - (863) 291-5656City Hall - (863) 291-5600northeast recreation Center - (863) 291-5675Police department info - (863) 291-5858Winter Haven senior Center - (863) 291-5870library - (863) 291-5880

neWsPAPersnews Chief (863) 401-6900 - www.NewsChief.comthe ledger (863) 802-7000 - www.TheLedger.com trAnsPortAtionWinter Haven municipal Airport Gilbert Field - (863) 298-4551AmtrAk (863) 294-9203 - www.Amtrak.comWinter Haven Area transit (WHAT) (863) 688-7433 - www.RideCitrus.commisCellAneousBetter Business Bureau - (407) 621-3300 www.CentralFlorida.BBB.orgPolk Works (863) 508-1100 - www.PolkWorks.orgSocial Security Office 1-800-772-1213 - www.SSA.govUnemployment Office - 1-800-204-2418 www.FluidNow.comAttrACtionsAmerican Water ski Hall of Fame (863) 324-2472 - www.USAWaterski.orgBok tower Gardens - (863) 676-1408 www.BokTowerGardens.orgCamp mack river resort (863) 696-1108 - www.CampMack.comFantasy of Flight - (863) 984-3500 www.FantasyofFlight.comleGolAnd®

(877) 350-LEGO - www.Legoland.comWalt disney World - www.DisneyWorld.com

14 / all saints’ aCaDEMy

18 / araBElla’s

30 / BartOW rEGiOnal MEDiCal CEntEr

31 / BriGHt sMilEs Of WintEr HavEn

39 / BOnD CliniC

21 / CarltOn arMs

15 / CEntErstatE Bank

7 / CHEryl BECkErt, statE farM ins.

23 / CrOss fErnanDEz & rilEy

26 / Csx

29 / EyE sPECialists Of MiD flOriDa

13 / fantasy Of fliGHt

34 / fiat Of WintEr HavEn

29 / fisCHEr, sCHEMMEr, silBiGEr, MOraCzEWski

2 / GEsslEr CliniC

20 / HaMPtOn inn

33 / HEart Of flOriDa

37 / Hill nissan

20 / HOliDay inn

25 / JOHn WOOD rEality

11 / kC’s BiG DiPPEr

32 / lEDGEr MEDia GrOuP

15 / My naturEs DEliGHt

38 / OrCHiD sPrinGs aniMal HOsPital

15 / PEnGEO. inC.

24 / rivErlakE aPartMEnt HOMEs

31 / Dr. raDOCHa

8 / 6/10 COrPOratiOn

34 / taMPa ElECtriC CO.

34 / WintEr HavEn CHryslEr DODGE JEEP raM anD fiat

23 / WintEr HavEn faMily & COsMEtiC DEntistry

40 / WintEr HavEn HOsPital

19 / yOGurt GrOvE

destination winter haven 2012

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