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It’s the most wonderful time of the year to visit LEGOLAND® Florida Resort with the return of HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND®, presented by Hallmark Channel, select dates Nov. 25 through Dec. 31. Celebrate the season and build holiday memories with a full lineup of festive entertainment, including new shows, cheerful LEGO® décor, merry meet and greets with LEGO® characters, tasty holiday treats and more. Here’s a look at the yuletide fun – all included with general park admission and select Annual Passes.
THE BIGGEST DEALS OF THE YEAR START TOMORROW FOR BLACK FRIDAY AT LEGOLAND® FLORIDA RESORT11/21/2022 Press Release provided by: LEGOLAND Florida Resort Ahoy shoppers! LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s biggest sale of the year is here! Captain Brickbeard has taken over Black Friday and is revealing the treasure he has in store. These swashbuckling savings include deep discounts on Annual Passes, vacation packages, and tickets. Exclusive early access for email subscribers started today. The Black Friday sale will officially be live tomorrow, Tues., Nov. 22, and guests can purchase at LEGOLANDFlorida.com.
AdventHealth Announces Expansion of Health Care Services with New Hospital in Winter Haven11/15/2022 Press Release Provided by: AdventHealth  AdventHealth announced it is expanding its healthcare network by planning for a four-story hospital and emergency room along Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven.
The 42-acre property will be developed as a full medical campus which includes a 192-bed hospital with emergency department and medical offices with ancillary facilities. “I’m excited about the opportunity to further expand our services in Winter Haven and continue to meet the growing needs of our community by providing world class, whole person care to residents close to home,’’ said Tim Clark, President and CEO of the AdventHealth Polk Market. “We know that convenient access to health care is a priority, and this new hospital and medical campus will provide needed primary and specialty care to an underserved area in the southeast area of Winter Haven.’’  GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) and United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) announce $205,600 in grants to provide Hurricane Ian relief throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. After surveying the most pressing needs in the hurricane’s aftermath, twenty local nonprofit organizations were selected to receive funding that will support recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout the community.
LEGOLAND® FLORIDA ANNOUNCES PIRATE RIVER QUEST OPENING DATE AND DEBUTS ALL-NEW ANNUAL PASS LINEUP11/7/2022  Ahoy adventure! LEGOLAND® Florida Resort announces Pirate River Quest will open January 12 and charts the course for 2023 as a year of fantastic family fun at the Theme Park built for kids! LEGOLAND invites fans to “join the crew” with the introduction of an all-new fleet of Annual Passes, starting at less than $13/month after a small down payment.
The team is offering Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce members 25% off our Leadership Essentials Microlearning Series, when they use code WHCC25. You can learn more about Leadership Essentials in the attached press release.
Emily Rogers Consulting + Coaching’s Mindful Leadership Program begins January 11, 2023. The six-week professional development program is designed for women who care deeply about purposeful growth, becoming their best self, and leading authentically. Virtual workshops meet 11:45-1:00ET on January 11th, 18th, 25th February 1st, 8th, and 15th. Registration is $495.00 A recent study asserts that even during the midst of a global pandemic, Polk State College’s credit programs add $215.5 million in total income to the Polk County economy. The College commissioned a study by Emsi Burning Glass last year using Fiscal Year 2020-2021 data for degree-seeking students to establish a baseline as it updates its strategic plan and prepares for significant growth in student enrollment, programs, and geographic footprint. Polk State College programs include 24 associate degrees -- the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees -- and six baccalaureate degrees, including a Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degrees.
 Special delivery! LEGOLAND® Florida Resort just unveiled the newest vehicle in its LEGO® brick build fleet – the Ford F-150® Lightning™, now on display in the Theme Park in front of the Ford® Driving School. A team of 15 Master Model Builders started building the truck in mid-July at The LEGO Group’s U.S. headquarters in Enfield, Conn. The team spent more than 1,600 hours assembling the design, which includes 320,740 LEGO® bricks. The new 3,730-pound build measures in at more than 19 feet long and nearly 7 feet wide, making this the largest (and first!) electric vehicle model currently on display at any LEGOLAND® Park in North America.
For the first time since 2009, Polk State Soccer is bound for the final site of the national NJCAA Tournament. To see the Eagles off as they soar to Evans, Ga., Polk State College will be holding a pep rally on Tuesday at 1 p.m. The pep rally takes place in front of the Lakeland Academic Center (LAC) building on the Lakeland Campus. Tuesday’s pep rally is free to attend and open to the public.
In a collaborative partnership focused on community initiatives, AdventHealth is contributing $1.7 million to the Polk State College Foundation to provide resources to enhance the College’s Nursing Program. The media is invited to learn more:
AdventHealth-Polk State College Media Event When: Thursday, November 15, 2022, at 3 p.m. Where: Polk State College’s Winter Haven Campus, 999 Ave. H N.E. in the library located on the third floor of the WLR Learning Resources Building Speakers: Tim Clark, President and CEO of the AdventHealth Polk Market, and Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, President of Polk State College
Press Release Courtesy of United Way of Central Florida, Katherine Fitzwater  Photo is courtesy of United Way of Central Florida Located in the heart of Lakeland, The Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center had it's sneak peek event on Tuesday, October 25, celebrating with founders and members of the United Way of Central Florida Leadership Giving Association. The Children's Resource Center is a community-based learning and resource center that provides classes, playgroups, workshops, developmental checkups, community activities, and support for parents and caregivers of children ages 0-6, as well as for expectant moms and dads. Formerly Family Fundamentals, this move and rebranding will add more programming and feature more exposure to the community at large.
Founded in 1995 by Carol Jenkins Barnett, former director of Publix Super Markets Charities, and spearheaded by United Way of Central Florida, the Children's Resource Center was developed to help make early childhood education a top priority in our community. Those in attendance were members of the Barnett Family, Polk County Clerk of Court Stacy Butterfield, Mayor Bill Mutz, members of the United Way Leadership Giving Association and the United Way Board of Directors. Information provided by Lake Ashton  Lake Ashton Community Development District (CDD) is soliciting proposals to operate a casual restaurant sports bar at the CDD’s Clubhouse in Lake Wales, Florida. The objective of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to enter into a lease agreement with the Lake Ashton Community Development District (lessor) to provide full-service bar and restaurant operations at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse. Optional catering opportunities are also available to those who are interested.
Press Release Provided by: Polk State College Polk State College will host two open house events in November for prospective students to learn about academic programs, tour campuses, complete applications, and receive assistance with applying for financial aid. Open house on the Winter Haven Campus at 999 Ave. H N.E. is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Student Center, WST 126 & 127. Open house on the Lakeland Campus at 3425 Winter Lake Road is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Lakeland Technology Building, LTB 1100.
Bond Clinic, P.A., is proud to be the ‘Official Medical Partner’ of the 2022 International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Water Ski Show Tournament at Lake Silver in Winter Haven, FL from October 21, 2022 to October 23, 2022. The event is providing free admission to the public.
Healthcare professionals, part of the Bond Clinic Sports Medicine Department, will be onsite during the course of the competition to provide immediate medical support to the athletes. Additionally, Bond Clinic Vendor Village will host two dozen vendors showcasing water equipment, event apparel and local business from the Polk County community. Bartow Ford Company is hosting a luncheon to honor the heroes of Polk County – local law enforcement. Originally scheduled for last week, Bartow Ford postponed the event after the passing of Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane. Local law enforcement agents from around the county will be the guests of honor, and they will be served a barbecue lunch from 11 AM to 1 PM on October 27, 2022, at the dealership.
The Central Florida Welcome Center will host their Fall Festival “Jack O’Lantern Jubilee” on Saturday, Oct. 29. This FREE, family-friendly event will take place from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. including trick-or-treating, a pumpkin carving contest (see entry details below), a free caricature artist and free face-painter, plus local vendors. Costumes are welcome.
Press Release provided by: Florida Blue
Flu Season is here! Come visit our local Florida Blue Center flagship locations to get your yearly Flu Shot to protect yourself and those around you. Enjoy food, treats, special giveaways, and a variety of fun fall-themed activities. Plus, when you get your $0 flu shot or other vaccines with Walgreens, you’ll receive a $10.00 Publix gift card*. Insurance cards from any carrier are welcome, but health insurance is not required. In addition, Florida Blue members who get their Personal Health assessment completed on-site will also receive a special gift!* *(While supplies last. Limit 1 per person.) Now through this Sunday, Oct. 9, $20 from every LEGOLAND® Theme Park ticket sold on LEGOLANDFlorida.com will be donated to the American Red Cross to help support Hurricane Ian relief efforts up to a maximum of $100,000. This donation will enable the American Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park and Peppa Pig Theme Park reopened on Saturday, Oct. 1 following an incredible clean-up effort by the Resort’s dedicated team of employees and partners. LEGOLAND® Water Park will reopen on Saturday, Oct 8. Two of the Water Park’s slides, the Twin Chasers and Splash Out, will remain temporary closed. Bartow Ford is sending its event plans into high gear with an incredible Country Music concert that will feature Florida’s own Country superstar Michael Ray. Bartow Ford is partnering with 97 Country and The Dallas Bull for the November 5 event, which will be held at the dealership. The event features Special Guest Jon Langston. “We are so excited to bring this entertainment experience to Polk County, at a ticket price that makes it affordable for more people in our community,” said Benny Robles Jr, President of Bartow Ford. “We promise it will be a night to remember.”
East Area Adult School has moved to Ridge Technical College!! We are now located at 7700 SR 544 (Lucerne Park Rd.), Winter Haven, FL 33881. As a Polk County Public School, we are excited to announce class offerings in the Winter Haven and Eastern Polk areas!
East Area Adult School at Ridge Technical College assists adults to prepare to take the GED tests, complete high school credits, and provides English classes for speakers of other languages. We also provide the GED preparation in SPANISH! We strive to encourage adults to advance in their post-secondary education and/or to improve their employability skills. Polk State College’s campuses and centers will close today, Tuesday, at 12 p.m. This includes collegiate high schools and on-campus dual enrollment classes. Online classes will continue through the evening. The College will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to Hurricane Ian. This includes all campus operations and online classes. The College’s Emergency Management Team will continue to meet daily to determine if closures need to be modified or extended for the remainder of the week. Updates will be provided on polk.edu and through local and social media.
Polk County Public Schools Will be Closed Due to Hurricane Ian on Tuesday (Sept. 27) and Wednesday (Sept. 28). Public schools in Polk County will be closed on Tuesday (Sept. 27) and Wednesday (Sept. 28) in response to Hurricane Ian. County emergency officials and the National Weather Service have urged PCPS to activate some of our schools that will be serving as storm shelters for those evacuating their homes. County emergency officials will be sharing shelter information with the public as it becomes available.
Polk County Public Schools is issuing the following update from Superintendent Frederick Heid:
PCPS continues to work closely with its partners at Polk County Emergency Management and all county agencies to prepare for any impact to our area. Our top priority is always the safety of our students and employees. The district is carefully monitoring the latest weather forecast. Tropical Depression Nine was upgraded on Saturday (Sept. 24) to Tropical Storm Ian. The forecast as of this afternoon shows this system will likely continue to develop over the next 48 hours, gaining strength and size into a hurricane. |
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