Latest News
What's happening? Tons.Study Abroad Trip Will Benefit Students and Local Business Partners
Is aviation the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Paris? Perhaps not, but a group of students in Polk State’s aerospace program will have an incredible opportunity to earn course credit during a study abroad trip to the Paris Air Show next summer,...
Creating Community Connections with Broadband
While a typical view of infrastructure may include electricity and water lines, broadband internet access has now become a critical component of the infrastructure we need for today and in the future. Before we go into details about how Winter Haven has progressed...
Annexation Conversation: What’s the Value to Our Community?
What do you think when you look at the map below of the City of Winter Haven city limits? Believe it or not, the current city population within these irregular boundaries is 40,000, while the service area for the city is 80,000. How might the community benefit by...
CityWorks(X)po Florida: Big Ideas for Better Places
There’s a new way to share ideas for better communities and it’s coming to Winter Haven April 28-29, 2016. Modeled after CityWorks(X)po, held annually in Roanoke, Virginia, the CityWorks(X)po Florida conference will bring the same idea exchange enthusiasm to Winter...
Are We There Yet? Cypress Gardens Boulevard Corridor Update
It’s a question asked on countless journeys – whether you’ve asked it yourself, or were asked by kids in the car. A worthwhile trip does have an ultimate destination, but the journey is important as well. For many years, efforts have been made to gain agreement on the...
Cypress Gardens Corridor Study Debrief
From the Winter Haven Chamber Blog: Last Thursday Bruce Lyon with the Winter Haven Economic Development Council (WHEDC) provided Chamber members with a debrief on the findings of the Cypress Gardens Corridor Study. This study was done for the WHEDC through a...
Regional Business Plan in Action
Last week, I visited downtown Winter Haven in Polk County. The town is brimming with newly renovated buildings filled with technology companies located right on top of Verizon’s telecomm switch and Internet fiber backbone.
LEGOLAND® Florida Hotel Opens May 15th
Central Florida will gain 152 new hotel rooms May 15 when the Legoland Florida Hotel opens, while the park will expand to include an area based on the Lego Friends line, the theme park announced Thursday in Winter Haven.
Polk State, WHEDC Agree to Partner on Internships, Events, Other Opportunities for Students
Polk State College and the Winter Haven Economic Development Council have inked an agreement that will help students make stronger real-life connections to area businesses.