A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY: WINTER HAVEN PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT EARNS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION4/10/2024 The City of Winter Haven maintains a strong focus on achieving accreditation throughout various service-line departments. “This designation is not easily obtained, and it demonstrates a staff who is aligned, innovative, and dedicated to delivering exceptional services through best practices,” says T. Michael Stavres, City Manager. “Multiple other departments are actively pursuing additional designations.
0 Comments
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate, is a fairly common issue for men over the age of 50. Bartow Regional Medical Center is now providing Aquablation®, an innovative treatment for the condition – just the latest treatment available to patients in the area from BayCare hospitals. BPH can cause trouble when urinating, urinary tract infections and sexual function issues. The usual treatments for BPH tends to solve some problems but not others. Aquablation® therapy uses the power of water delivered with robotic precision to provide long-lasting BPH relief with low rates of irreversible surgical complications. It can be performed on prostates of any size and shape. The first Aquablation procedures were performed at Bartow Regional Medical Center on March 1. The City of Winter Haven is excited to unveil plans for the redevelopment of the historic Chain of Lakes Park. As the former spring training home for major league baseball teams like the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians, this site is poised to embrace a bright future while honoring its illustrious past. In partnership with Polk County and the Polk County Sports Marketing team, the City is spearheading a $20 million project that promises to transform the park into a state-of-the-art facility for amateur and collegiate baseball, infused with the spirit and memories of its historic legacy. The City of Winter Haven is excited to announce the availability of new and enhanced housing assistance programs under the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP). These programs are designed to support the community by providing financial assistance for home repairs, rehabilitation, down payment aid, and more for eligible low to moderate-income households. The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL), an initiative by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training April 9 - 10, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET each day.
This no-cost and nonpartisan 2-day program is open to everyone and recommended for elected officials, current or future candidates, campaign workers, and anyone interested in serving in an appointed position. As we aim to secure Florida’s Future and move Florida’s economy from 17 th largest in the word to 10 th largest by 2030, it is necessary to ensure candidates running for office understand the issues facing Florida and our economic future. All campaign training schools will be conducted online. A new vice president and chief medical officer has joined the Winter Haven Hospital/Winter Haven Women’s Hospital team, effective March 11. Dr. Arif Asif joins BayCare from Hackensack Meridian Health System in New Jersey, having held various roles including vice president of clinical operations, assistant chief medical officer, chair of department of medicine, chair of performance improvement and associate residency program director, among others. The Winter Haven City Commission authorized City staff during their March 25, 2024 regular City Commission meeting to continue discussions with The Historic Ritz Theatre Board of Directors regarding the potential acquisition of the Historic Ritz Theatre. This decision follows in-depth conversations and considerations about the future of this iconic structure and its importance to the cultural and economic vibrancy of downtown Winter Haven.
The Historic Ritz Theatre, a cornerstone of our community’s arts and culture scene, has faced financial challenges that have jeopardized its continued operations and maintenance. Recognizing the theatre's significant place in our City's history and its potential for enhancing the downtown area, the City has been in talks with the Theatre Board of Directors, at their request, about the possibility of the City taking over ownership of the building. Citizens Bank & Trust is pleased to announce that the Bank has entered into an agreement with College Ave to offer a variety of student loan financing options to consumers. This referral-based partnership provides access to college student loan and student loan refinancing solutions through a completely online process. “College Ave’s industry reputation, flexible loan options, and a focus on educating consumers, aligns with our service commitment to both our customers and the community,” said Citizens Bank & Trust President and CEO Greg Littleton. “Access to higher education can transform lives, and we are proud to enter into this agreement to help families throughout our service area.” Aspiring teachers will now have the opportunity to pursue Polk State College’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education on the Winter Haven Campus with the expansion of the highly reputable program to East Polk County. Classes will start in August 2024; open enrollment will begin on June 10. The Polk State Education Program will be hosting information sessions:
Guest blog provided by: RIGNANESE & ASSOCIATES, PLLC The current blockbuster Barbie movie has an unusual Barbie line; during a girls’ disco party she inquires, “Do you guys ever thing about dying?” Everyone stops dancing and the music goes silent, because the question is so unlike the happy, optimistic Barbie we know and love. As an estate planning attorney, this line was priceless in bringing the important topic of planning for death to the Big Screen! Who would receive the Barbie Dream House, her convertible, her Dream Plane and her extensive wardrobe, upon her death?
Barbie and Ken have been in a relationship for as long as we can remember; but as far as we know, they have never actually tied the knot and gotten married, nor had kids. We have seen Barbie holding down at least 200 jobs over the years without ever seeing Ken do more than surfing… it could be said that Barbie has been maintaining Ken for 60 years! Emily Rogers Consulting + Coaching announces launch of new professional development program, Leadership Essential for Mid-
level Managers. Starting, May 9th, Leadership Essentials For Mid-level Managers is a 12- week program designed for first-time or experienced mid-level managers who are leading teams. The program focuses on ten essential leadership development topics including 1) Understanding your management style 2) Improving your ability to direct, delegate, and motivate 3) Growing in emotional intelligence 4) Managing and resolving conflict 5) Creating a connected and inclusive culture 6) Developing highly functioning teams 7) Giving feedback and coaching others 8) Leading change 9) Strengthening leadership presence 10) Boosting resilience in the workplace. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce with its designation of Accredited with 5 Stars for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. “Accredited chambers of commerce are impactful advocates for the business community,” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM. “When chambers of commerce earn the distinction of becoming Accredited, it is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership. This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber’s policies, operations, and programming. Accredited chambers are recognized for their ability to serve as a resource to their region’s businesses while maintaining transparent governance practices, sound financial controls, safe work environments, effective communications, and value in programming. It is an extraordinary accomplishment.” Winter Haven Hospital Community Blood Center (WHHCBC) has signed an agreement to transition its operations to OneBlood. “The time is right for the blood center to take this step and OneBlood is the right partner,” said Tom Garthwaite, President of Winter Haven Hospital and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital. The blood center has been part of Winter Haven Hospital, Inc. operations since 1953. Originally, it served the blood supply needs of patients and hospitals for all eastern Polk County. Recently, it has been the key supplier of blood products to Winter Haven Hospital and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital. The blood center has been a proud member of the Blood Centers of America and supported many national campaigns to collect blood products for emergencies and crises. Press Release Provided by: Polk County Public Schools Polk County’s District Advisory Council, a volunteer-based group, is hosting an Education Town Hall series to share information on a new state law that will change start times for schools. Each town hall will feature a panel of experts in education and school operations to answer questions and collect feedback from the public. Light refreshments will be available.
Julio Otero, Property Manager for A+ Storage Winter Haven, was named Manager of the Year by the Florida Self Storage Association at their Annual Conference held February 7 – 9, 2024 at the Renaissance Sea World Resort in Orlando. His leadership, community involvement, and outstanding customer service are just a few factors that led to him receiving this prestigious award. Provided by: Charter Communications Spectrum Reach, the advertising sales business of Charter Communications, Inc., today announced it will offer 250 underserved small business owners nationwide access to its expert advertising and marketing resources through its 2024 “Pay It Forward” initiative, which is now accepting applications for this year’s program. Local entrepreneurs selected to participate will receive a live and streaming TV campaign worth up to $15,000 along with a custom produced 30-second commercial, marketing consultation services, mentoring and educational resources, and networking opportunities.
Bond Clinic, P.A., welcomed Interventional Pain Medicine Specialist Dr. Lucien Parrillo & Endocrinologist Dr. Marivette Machado to the team in January. Both physicians have practiced previously in the Winter Haven area and will continue to treat patients in their new locations. Dr. Parrillo is board-certified in Pain Management, Addiction Medicine, and Sports Medicine. He sees patients in his new office at the First Street Campus at 325 First Street N. Dr. Parrillo specializes in advanced treatments for chronic pain conditions and syndromes and for opioid dependence with approved medications.
Bartow Ford, a leading automotive dealership in Florida, is pleased to announce their recent donation of $40,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project. This generous contribution is a result of the proceeds from their Second Annual Concert on the Lot held on November 11, 2023, which featured popular country artists Lee Brice and Randy Houser. Bank of Central Florida announces a strategic addition to its leadership team with the appointment of Rob McCollum as the Polk County Market Executive. This significant move aligns seamlessly with the Bank's Vision 2025 strategy, marking a deliberate step towards geographic expansion while prioritizing decisions to be made in proximity to the client. Rob McCollum, a local Polk County resident with over 26 years of experience in the banking industry joins Bank of Central Florida from Truist, where he held diverse and impactful roles such as Business Banking Team Lead, Commercial Relationship Manager, and most recently, as the Greater Polk County Market President. His diverse experience and successful track record in the financial industry make him an invaluable addition to the Bank of Central Florida team. Press Release Provided by: LEGOLAND Florida Resort For five action-packed weekends, guests can master the elemental powers as LEGO® NINJAGO® Weekends take over LEGOLAND® Florida Resort! During this limited-time event, guests can unlock their true ninja potential through high-energy activities and shows, all-new ninja-worthy treats, and exclusive meet-and-greets with their favorite heroes from the world of LEGO® NINJAGO®. Plus, it is all included in general admission and select Annual Passes.
LEGO® NINJAGO® Weekends will occur on Jan. 20-21, 27-28, Feb. 3-4, 10-11, and 17-19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Information provided by: The Florida Chamber of CommerceThe sales tax rate levied on Florida businesses renting or leasing commercial property, also known as the business rent tax (BRT), is set to be reduced from 5.5 to 4.5 percent this Friday, December 1. For more information on how the tax cut could impact your business, click here. Polk State College’s collegiate high schools are launching 10th grade to expand accelerated learning opportunities and preparation for students interested in the collegiate program. Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School and Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School will be accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Academic Year through March 1.
Chain of Lakes Collegiate on the Polk State Winter Haven Campus and Lakeland Collegiate on the Lakeland Campus now serve 10th, 11th, and 12th grades and allow students to complete college credits and high school requirements simultaneously, at no cost to them. In most cases, students graduate with both their high school diplomas and college degrees. Race into 2024 with a full year of family fun at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort as LEGOLAND® Theme Park debuts the new LEGO® Ferrari “Build and Race” Experience this spring. Then, splash into an all-new adventure with the opening of SEA LIFE Florida Resort in Fall 2024 and enjoy an action-packed calendar of fan-favorite events. It’s the ultimate year to be—or become—a Passholder at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Deck the halls with this season’s eatings! Unwrap a host of appe-tiding dishes sure to land on the nice list during HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND presented by Hallmark Channel select dates Nov. 24 through Dec. 31. Try these seasonal dishes and more at the jolliest event of the year that is stocking stuffed with sparkling shows, yuletide activities, and new cheerful character meet-and-greets. Prance over to Facebook for a detailed look at the full menu and photos of these tree-rific food and beverage offerings. |
Upcoming Events |
|