While City of Winter Haven economic development officials are eager to see major retailers locate in Winter Haven, for City officials to name specific stores as likely to locate at specific planned retail development sites would be premature and has not happened. A lot of development activity is currently underway in Winter Haven and that's a good thing for the local economy. In Tuesday's News Chief the Community Development Director was incorrectly quoted as saying that a specific retailer “might be the (one) coming in.” That specific conversation did not occur. City staff understands the importance of maintaining confidences and would not divulge specific information of such a sensitive nature.
Harry S. Truman said "The right of children to play, to sing and to dance; the right of youth to sport for sport's sake; the right of men and women to use leisure in the pursuit of happiness in thier own way, are basic to our American heritage." Are you aware of all the recreation programs your City has to offer? The City of Winter Haven invites everyone to come out to one of the many parks and recreation programs offered. 2010 Parks and Recreation Month will be kicked off with the Rock N' Freedom Fest Independence Day Celebration on July 3 at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, on Lake Silver. The 2010 Family Scavenger Hunt will start in July and give families the chance to prove that they are Winter Haven's "Most Playful Family." During July and all year long, the City offers numerous programs and opportunities for children and adults, alike, to recreate. For more information about many City of Winter Haven recreation programs and events, CLICK HERE: Share This Article
Help restore one of Winter Haven's downtown landmarks. Participate in the Putt-n on the Ritz, a Mayor's Initiative to benefit restoration of the historic Ritz Threatre. This inaugural fundraiser golf tournament will be Saturday, June 26, at Willowbrook Golf Course, on Lucerne Park Road. The event will begin with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The cost is $60 per player; $240 for a foursome. To register, call Willowbrook Golf Course at 863-291-5899. The City of Winter Haven and the Ritz Theatre Board of Directors are proud to partner in an effort to raise community awareness and financial support for the final phase of the Theatre's restoration. Please join us for a geat day on the links. Participants will receive complimentary use of the driving range, special on-course challenges and activities, post tournament luncheon and raffle, and prizes for top finishers.
City of Winter Haven Citizen's Academy is Accepting Applications Are you looking for answers to how the City makes decisions and provides services to its residents? Do you want to get more involved with the City, but you don't know where to start? These questions and many more will be answered during the first City of Winter Haven Citizen's Academy. This seven-week program is for City residents interested in learning more about the inner-workings of municipal government. Up to 15 participants will be accepted in the program held every Thursday from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. beginning August 5. The program ends with a reception prior to the City Commission meeting on Monday, September 13. Academy registration will begin June 14 at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and will continue 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. through Friday, June 18, or until full. Potential participants must be at least 21 years of age, and register in person at the west entrance of City Hall. Two forms of identification indicating residency status (... [more]
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV), Illinois Pondweed, in Lake Howard Every spring, Illinois Pondweed blooms and sends its flowers to the surface of many of our lakes. It is often especially heavy on the south side of Lake Howard. These surfacing flowers can present a temporary nuisance to boaters. However, once the flowers are gone, these areas usually become more navigable, as only the leaves will still be at or near the surface. Residents can apply to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, Invasive Plant Management Section, (863) 534-7074, for a permit to control pondweed in access corridors, to allow for boat traffic to open water. An aquatic plant biologist from FWC will review the request, visit the site, and issue permits as needed. If homeowners already have an aquatic plant control permit that does not include pondweed control, they can apply for a modification to add it. Lake Howard has water qual... [more]