Information provided by: The Florida Chamber of Commerce The 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.
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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.
The Low Payment Kings Mahalak Auto Group to host 11th annual 18 Aces to Conquer Cancer Golf event11/1/2023  The Mahalak Auto Group will host their 18 Aces to Conquer Cancer 11th annual golf outing to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research and patient aid. The event will take place on January 8,2024 at The Country Club of Winter Haven. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute for Pancreatic Cancer Research The event offers a chance to win a Jeep lease for every hole-in-one made. The course will be set up so that every hole is a par three and play will be four-person best ball scramble. There will be $31million dollars’ worth of vehicles to give away!
 Charlie Bird, Winter Haven Assistant City Manager - Public Safety is seeking residents of Winter Haven, who are over the age of 18, to participate in the Winter Haven Public Safety Leadership Council. The dates for the council will be held every other Tuesday beginning in January until mid-May 2023. The Council will consist of approximately 20 members who will serve voluntarily and meet every other Tuesday from 6 – 9 p.m. with Asst. City Manager of Public Safety Charlie Bird, Police Chief David Brannan, Fire Chief Sonny Emery and agency members from both Police and Fire for a total of ten meetings. The Council will begin on January 23, 2024. Participants will be asked to complete assignments and provide feedback on Department operations.
Press Release provided by: Harrison School for the Arts Harrison School for the Arts proudly presents our all-school musical, Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella on November 2, 3, 4 at 7:00 p.m. and November 5 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 adults, $16 students/seniors and may be purchased at www.harrisonarts.com. A timeless story, told across cultures and borders, receives a new, contemporary twist. Ella, a dreamer with a pure heart, is forced to cater to the whims of her scheming stepmother and selfish stepsisters.
Topher, a young man with high expectations, longs for excitement and meaning in his life. When the two meet at a royal ball, their worlds are turned upside down. With the help of political advisors, fairy godmothers, and social activists, Ella and Topher discover that "impossible things are happening every day." Cinderella reminds us of the importance of optimism, the magic of community, and the power in persevering beyond our circumstances. Harrison School for the Arts is located at 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801. This production is sponsored by Highland Homes. Press Release Provided by: The City of Winter Haven The City of Winter Haven proudly announces an array of events and activities in celebration of City Government Week from October 16-22, 2023. A time to emphasize the role of municipal government and its impact on residents, this year's edition promises to be interactive, insightful, and thoroughly entertaining.
Press Release Provided by: Polk Elections Office Mail ballots are available for registered voters who reside in the cities of Auburndale, Fort Meade, Lakeland and Winter Haven who would like to vote by mail in the November 7th Municipal Elections. “No stamp is necessary to return the ballot as the return postage is pre-paid,” said Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards.
Voters can request that a ballot be mailed to them by calling the Elections Office at (863) 534-5888, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, or by clicking on the “Vote by Mail” button at PolkElections.gov. Voted ballots must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 pm on Election Day, November 7th. For more information, visit PolkElections.gov or call the Elections Office at (863) 534-5888.  Reindeer, prep for landing! HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND® presented by Hallmark Channel is flying into LEGOLAND® Florida Resort select dates Nov. 24 - Dec. 31, carrying a sleigh-load of festive fun. Get wrapped up in the holiday spirit with seasonal shows, NEW cheerful characters, festive activities, and more yuletide fun, all included with general park admission and select Annual Passes.
 The American Pickers are excited to return to Florida! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in January 2024. AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections.
Emily Rogers Consulting + Coaching Mindful Leadership Program begins January 10, 2024 and Mastering Leadership Program begins February 21, 2024.
These two distinct programs are designed to develop authentic, confident, and impactful women leaders. Experiential live virtual workshops will include rich insight, actionable tools, and the opportunity to cultivate enduring connections with like-minded colleagues. Press Release Provided by: Bank of Central Florida  Bank of Central Florida is proud to announce that it has been honored with the George W. Harris, Jr. Success in Large Business Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes the bank's exceptional growth, community service, and commitment to economic development in the Central Florida region.
The bank was selected as a finalist alongside esteemed organizations such as Amazon Air, Southeastern University, and Lakeland Regional Health. Being recognized among these fast-growing large businesses is a testament to Bank of Central Florida's success and impact in the community. Crews Banking, known for its hometown banks and rooted in a rich history of community focus and family ownership, is preparing for unification under the name Crews Bank & Trust on September 25, 2023. This move reflects the institution's enduring dedication to its customers and communities throughout Central and Southwest Florida. The Crews family of banks is currently comprised of four distinct banks: Charlotte State Bank & Trust, Crews Bank & Trust, Englewood Bank & Trust and Wauchula State Bank. Unification will bring the banks together as Crews Bank & Trust, ensuring consistency and enhancing services.
 Last night, over 450 people gathered at Nora Mayo Hall in their 20's attire to celebrate all that has happened in Winter Haven over the year, as well as the Chamber's 100th anniversary! Taking a look into the past, while dreaming about the future wasn't the only thing we did. We honored the 98th Banker's Cup Citizen of the Year Award, Small & Large Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Presidential Ambassadors and this year we called out our Longevity Members who have been with us for 50+ years. We were also excited to release a brand new video all about the Chamber's legacy!
 Drop in and save big this Labor Day weekend at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort with limited-time deals that will have everyone ready to play! From today through Tues., Sept. 5, families can buy single-day tickets for ONLY $59.50. Here’s a look at the awesome savings:
Polk County and the Department of Health-Polk County will open a special needs shelter at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. The shelter is located at the Department of Health-Polk County Specialty Care Unit, 1255 Brice Blvd., Bartow. Residents who are pre-registered for special needs sheltering that need transportation must call to make arrangements at (863) 298-7027 before 10:00 p.m. tonight or between 7:00 - 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Guest Blog: Cynthia Rignanese with Rignanese & Associates, PLLC The Quick Answer:
It means that your will gives assets to “Your Kids’ kids!” Prelude: Lawyers often must use legal terminology, and some of it is based in Latin, such as “per stirpes.” I do not use this term to be confusing, or to create job security. I use it because it is a legally defined term that is precise. When it comes to legal matters, understanding the terminology can be challenging. One such term commonly used in estate planning and inheritance laws is "per stirpes." If you are a resident of Florida, it is important to know what this term means and how it can impact your family's inheritance. In this blog post, I will explain the meaning of "per stirpes" and its significance in Florida.  Last night, Endeavor Winter Haven, Engage Bartow & Emerge Lakeland gathered to present the 12th Annual Polk Emerging Leaders Awards! Over 200 people from all over Polk County gathered at the Bartow Civic Center to celebrate the incredible things that young professionals are doing in their communities. This year, 19 young professionals were nominated for this prestigious award coming from every corner of the county, representing a wide variety of professions and volunteer service to numerous non-profit or civic organizations.
The 2023 Polk Emerging Leaders Awards winners are Dr. Aimee Franklin, Jon Lane, Alexander Cam, Tayler Baldick and John Helms. Read more about our award winners below! Press Release Provided by: Webber On June 22, 2023, twelve FBLA students accompanied by their advisor, Dr. Joanne Muniz, Associate Professor & Chair, Accounting and Honors Program Director, traveled to Atlanta to attend the FBLA Collegiate National Leadership Conference (NLC). This annual NLC conference is the culmination of the hard work of Webber’s students who competed at the District and State levels to earn their place at Nationals. This year’s NLC brought FBLA collegiate students together from across the US and Puerto Rico to work on polishing their professional and personal skills as they work their way through their academic careers with the destination of furthering their education, becoming employed, or starting their own businesses.
Press Release Provided by: Jimmy John's A new Jimmy John’s Sandwiches located at 1103 3rd St. SW is now open and ready to serve gourmet sandwiches to the people of Winter Haven.
“This will be our first store in Winter Haven and our team is excited to serve fresh, fast and tasty sandwiches to a new set of customers in the area,” said owner Douglas Law. “Whether it’s in our new store, through contactless delivery or ordered through our Freaky Fast Rewards® loyalty program – our team is ready to serve even more guests on their terms in a way that only Jimmy John’s can deliver.” Say bone-appetite! LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is serving up a new monster menu of ghoulishly great treats this Halloween when Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party, select Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 16 to Oct. 29. Families can also brick-or-treat their way through an ALL-NEW interactive character and candy experience included with general park admission and select Annual Passes.
Eat, drink and be scary with these BOO-tastic, limited-time dishes: Press Release Provided by: Mahalak Auto Group The Low Payment Kings powered by Mahalak Auto Group has announced a major commitment to sustainability by going solar at their Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Winter Haven, Posner Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM FIAT, and Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealerships. The company has partnered with ESA to invest in new rooftop and ground mount solar panel arrays that will be installed at these three dealerships.
In addition to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner environment, Mahalak Auto Group decided to go solar to save money on its climbing electric bills. As the new solar panels generate clean energy to power up the dealerships, the amount needed to be drawn from the grid is drastically reduced. Press Release provided by: Adamson + Co To invest in the clients and communities of Central Florida, Anglin Reichmann Armstrong P.C. (Anglin) has merged in Adamson + Co, P.A., effective August 1, 2023. The combined firms will operate under the name Anglin Reichmann Armstrong and expand the firm’s presence in the U.S. Southeast region and nationally. This merger strengthens Anglin’s commitment to serve existing and new clients throughout Central Florida and grow with them, adding extensive knowledge and community investment through the Adamson team. With an office in Polk County, centrally located between Tampa and Orlando, Anglin can deliver additional resources, technology and professional career opportunities to several local communities.
 Michelle “Missy” Joyce has joined Citizens Bank & Trust as Vice President and Private Banking Officer. She will work in the Winter Haven office and serve the private banking customers throughout Polk County. Ms. Joyce is a lifelong resident of Winter Haven. She is a graduate of Auburndale High School and attended Polk State College. Missy began her banking career in 1987, starting as a teller and advancing into a progressive series of leadership roles throughout her 36-year tenure.
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