Taste of Winter Haven Menus Will Tempt You …

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Bob Gernert

The Taste of Winter Haven menus are complete and what they describe will make your evening delectable!  There are still a few good seats left for the evening – link below.  Here’s what you will be served …

*Arabellas Ristorante
-Pollo Saltimbocca
Boneless breast of chicken topped with prosciutto and fresh sage in a light white wine cream sauce
-Penne Aurora
Penne pasta sautéed with ham and peas in a vodka cream sauce

*Bob Evans Restaurant
-Mini portions of apple cider stuffed pork chops/chicken
-Fresh broccoli with cheddar cheese
-Dinner rolls

*Chalet Suzanne Restaurant and Inn
-Prime rib
-Yorkshire pudding

*Elmo & Linda’s Magical Dining
-Pork tenderloin medallions
-Nutty rice
-Peanut butter bites

*Fred’s Southern Kitchen
-Pulled pork
-Corn pudding

*KC’s Big Dipper
-Tiramisu frozen custard
-Red Velvet Cake frozen custard

*Olive Garden
-Baked ziti
-Chicken scampi

*Red Lobster
-Oak-grilled peppercorn sirloin topped with shrimp hollandaise
-Over a bed of roasted garlic mashed potatoes
-Cheddar bar biscuits

Richard’s Fine Coffees
- A self-serve selection

*Spring Haven Catering
-Bacon wrapped pork tenderloin filets
-Assorted dark chocolate mousse filled dessert cups

*Tapping The Vine
-Mettler Old Vine Zinfandel
-LaPlaya Carmenere
-Jam Jar (Sweet Shiraz)
-Alex Elman Torrontes
-Tapping The Vine Specialty Sangria
-Eel River Organic California Blonde Ale
-Eel River Organic Porter
-Kreusch Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese Riesling

*Terrie Lobb Catering
-Black bean soup shots topped with onion salsa and sour cream
-Mini cuban sandwiches

*The Seasoned Stone
-Signature Antipasto
Our Signature Vegetarian Curry or Mediterranean Chicken served inside a mini homemade shell

Join your friends for an evening of fine dining samples from many of the best restaurants in our area. Then celebrate as we honor both a man and woman for making Winter Haven a better place to live.

To purchase tickets, click here, (MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover accepted online.)

 

Posted in Chamber Events, Dining | Leave a comment

Mahalaks Celebrate NEW Posner Park Dealership …

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Bob Gernert

Join them for Grand Opening festivities
Tuesday, January 24 from 3 – 8 p.m.

Posner Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Join the Mahalak family of dealerships as they christen their beautiful new Posner Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram with special festivities. Here’s what’s in store …

Band Haven Performing Live

Great food and refreshments

Meet the Staff and Tour the Brand New State-of-the-Art Facility

See new Products (including):

1. Jeep Off Road Camper Trailer set up as it would look at a camp site.

2. The Truck Other Trucks Look up To! (a RAM 1500 with the Altitude Package which includes a 6” ProComp Suspension Lift Kit, 20” Custom Wheels, 25” ATX Tires, Side Oval Step Bars, Custom Designer Chrome Grill, Color Keyed Fender Flares, Chrome Package, and a Highline Appearance Package.

4. 97 Country Remote Broadcast

5. Small gifts to everyone who attends.

Grand Opening Week Special (good at any of our 3 dealerships which include Posner Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Winter Haven Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and FIAT of Winter Haven):

Own or Lease any new or used vehicle during grand opening  (now – Jan 24th) and receive:

1. Four FREE Oil Changes*

2. $100 in Mopar/Jeep/FIAT wearable’s and/or apparel*

3. $100 in Mopar Accessories*

*Oil changes and Mopar apparel and accessories valid on vehicle purchased during grand opening week only.

Join your friends for this great Grand Opening Celebration! US 27 Southbound just south of I-4.

 


Posted in Commercial Developments, Economic Development, General Announcements, Transportation | 2 Comments

LEGOLAND Florida Welcomes Obama Tourism Initiative …

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Bob Gernert

The Orlando Sentinel reports, “President Obama’s Orlando visit today brings to Florida a promise of an easing of visa restrictions for several countries, particularly Brazil, which has been rising rapidly in recent years as one of Orlando’s biggest sources of tourists.

The plan, as explained by the White House Wednesday, would dispatch more than 100 additional counsels to Brazil and other countries such as India and China, and expand a program that allows “low-risk” international visitors to get through airports more smoothly.

The White House on Thursday morning released an executive order mandating a 40 percent increase in personnel to those countries as well as requiring that 80 percent of “nonimmigrant visa” applicants be interviewed within three weeks. Those interviews now sometimes take much longer.”

LEGOLAND Florida’s Response to President Obama’s Tourism Executive Order

Adrian Jones, General Manager – LEGOLAND Florida

Adrian Jones

“This development is a major game-changer for Florida. An improved visa process helps us roll out the welcome mat to our friends in Brazil and will result in record numbers of young families visiting Florida.

Cost and convenience historically are two of the biggest barriers in travel. By addressing the hassle factor and making the visa process less onerous, we’ve just substantially improved our chance of attracting additional guests.

As a brand new theme park that caters to young families this is of course very welcome news for LEGOLAND Florida. The Brazilians’ affection for America, love of theme parks and their affinity for the LEGO brand present the perfect opportunity for us in that market.

The fact that we’re already seeing large numbers from Latin America combined with today’s announcement is pushing us to seek out more Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking model citizens to better accommodate our guests from across this region.”

 

Posted in LEGOLAND® Florida, Tourism | Leave a comment

LEGOLAND® Florida Announces 2012 Calendar …

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Bob Gernert

If your business is affected by local tourism activities, this schedule is important information to help you plan your year and your promotions.

Winter Haven, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2012) – Central Florida’s newest family theme park is gearing up for an action-packed 2012 with special events specifically geared towards families with children age 2 to 12. From LEGO® Friends Weekend to Kids’ New Year’s Eve the first full year of LEGOLAND® Florida is sure provide many reasons for guests to return again and again. The best way to participate in all the events at LEGOLAND Florida is with an Annual Pass – starting at just $99.

March 24 & 25, 2012
• LEGO® Friends Weekend is a daytime party for girls that includes a LEGO Friends building event, entertainment, games, activities and much more. This first-ever event celebrates girls and their personal individuality, just like the LEGO Group’s newest line of construction toys.

April 14, 2012*
• Runners and walkers can play – or run – their part during the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Citrus Classic 5K. This community-wide health event is designed for participants of all ages.

July 4, 2012
• Celebrate the 4th of July with a bang at LEGOLAND Florida’s first Independence Day event – Red, Brick & Boom. With special 3D glasses that turn ordinary fireworks into millions of exploding bricks, this July 4th celebration is sure to dazzle and delight.

October 2012
• Brick-or-Treat comes to LEGOLAND Florida every Saturday and Sunday in October. This spooky, kooky event features themed treat stations with candy, snacks and a few surprises along the way.

October 15, 2012
• Go LEGOLAND – it’s your birthday! Guests can celebrate LEGOLAND Florida’s first anniversary with a very special celebration.

Weekends in December
• ‘Tis the season for Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Florida with a 270,000 brick Christmas tree and festive decorations. Santa Claus makes daily appearances in the park.

December 26-30, 2012 
• Countdown to Kids’ New Year’s Eve features nightly fireworks over Lake Eloise. Watch the spectacular fireworks explode into millions of tiny LEGO bricks with special 3D viewing glasses.
December 31, 2012
• 5-4-3-2-1! Happy Kids’ New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND Florida where the giant LEGO brick drops at a very kid-friendly midnight KST (Kid Standard Time) – otherwise known as 7 p.m. EST. Other event elements include fireworks and a dance party DJ.

All events (*except Citrus Classic 5K) are included with park admission and subject to change without notice. For the most current information on LEGOLAND Florida special events, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

Posted in General Announcements, LEGOLAND® Florida, Tourism | Leave a comment

Pet Supermarket to Open Here … WOOF!! MEOW!! CHIRP!!

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Bob Gernert

Look for a Pet Supermarket Store to open on Cypress Gardens Boulevard in the near future. The company specializes in discount food and supplies for a variety of pets. The store will be located at 509 Cypress Gardens Boulevard in the space previously occupied by the Lighthouse Christian Bookstore.

The company sells more than 8,000 pet care products, including food, toys, medicine, and clothing, through its website and more than 110 stores in a dozen states, primarily Florida. Stores also offer vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets. They also and a variety of small animals (such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish).  Pet Supermarket works with area organizations to host adoptions and related events for cats and dogs. Customers can take their pets shopping with them. The company was founded in 1973 by Chuck West as Pet Circus, the family-owned company became Pet Supermarket in 1986.

This will be the company’s third location in Polk County.

Posted in Commercial Developments, Economic Development, General Announcements, Shopping | 2 Comments

Banker’s Cup/Taste of WH — YUMMY PREVIEW!!!

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Bob Gernert

Mark your calendar for Thursday, February 2, 2012 — and have a light lunch!  This year’s Banker’s Cup/Taste of Winter Haven features 11 great restaurants, a wonderful wine boutique and Richard’s Fine Coffees. Just to whet your appetite, here are the menus we have at the moment:

Chalet Suzanne Restaurant and Inn

- Prime rib
- Yorkshire pudding

Elmo & Linda’s Magical Dining

- Pork tenderloin
- Nutty rice
- Peanut butter bites

Fred’s Southern Kitchen

- Pulled pork
- Corn pudding

KC’s Big Dipper

-Red Velvet Cake frozen custard
-Tiramisu frozen custard

Olive Garden

- Baked ziti
- Chicken scampi

Red Lobster

- Oak-grilled peppercorn sirloin topped with shrimp hollandaise over a bed of roasted garlic mashed potatoes
- Cheddar bar biscuits

Richard’s Fine Coffee’s 

- A self-serve selection

  Tapping The Vine Wine Shop

- Mettler Old Vine Zinfandel
- LaPlaya Carmenere
- Jam Jar (Sweet Shiraz)
- Alex Elman Torrontes
- Tapping The Vine Specialty Sangria
- Eel River Organic California Blonde Ale
- Eel River Organic Porter
- Kreusch Piesporter Michelsberg Spatlese Riesling

Terrie Lobb Catering

- Black bean soup shots topped with onion salsa and sour cream
- Mini cuban sandwiches

Menus from Arabella’s Ristorante, Bob Evans and The Seasoned Stone forthcoming.

Banker’s Cup/Taste of Winter Haven is Winter Haven’s most delectable culinary event and this 89th Awards Banquet will honor two Winter Haven individuals with our highest civic honor. Nominations are being accepted until Monday, January 23 at 4 p.m. Complete details here.

The evening is presented by Winter Haven’s finest financial institutions. Don’t miss this memorable black-tie optional event. Complete information and ticket purchase details is available here. 

Posted in Chamber Events, Dining | Leave a comment

Aldi, Zaxby’s and Murphy Oil Planned for Haven …

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Bob Gernert

Site plans have been submitted for a multi-structure development directly north of Payless Shoes and south of the former Atlanta Bread store (US Highway 17 and Avenue K, SW across from Citi Centre). The parcel was formerly occupied by Winter Haven Citrus Growers and Hart Oil Company. Site plans call for a 17,866 sq. ft. ALDI food store, a 3407 sq. ft. Zaxby’s Restaurant, and a 10 pump island Murphy Oil Station.

According to the submitted site plan, Winter Haven Venture-2, a Texas limited partnership out of Dallas is the developer. Once the submitted site plan is approved development may begin.

 

 

Posted in Commercial Developments, Dining, Economic Development | 2 Comments

Congratulations to Winter Haven High School !

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Bob Gernert

On behalf of the Chamber and the Educational Outcomes Taskforce (now evolving into the Public Education Partnership, we want to extend our sincere congratulations to Principal Gina Williams, the WHHS faculty and the student body for their hard work and contributions resulting in the school improving its grade from “D” to “B” — it’s first ever on its annual report card issued by the state. Concern over the school’s marginal performance last year prompted a community-wide task force to form bringing important resources together on behalf of the City, Polk State College, Polk Public Schools and the Chamber of Commerce.

Commenting on the school’s improvement to a “B”, Taskforce Chairman Doug Lockwood commented, “Principal Gina Williams, her staff, teachers and students at WHHS deserve a congratulatory round of applause for WHHS’s dramatic improvement from a D to a B school. As a community, we must make every effort to improve all our public schools with the goal that each of them excel in every way. We still have a lot of work ahead of us to create the best education possible that all of our kids need and deserve. But what a great start for the Blue Devils of Winter Haven High!”

According to reports, Principal Williams first announced the news to the school via the public address system … shortly after ordering a celebratory cake!”

Go Big Blue!

Posted in Education, Success Stories | 8 Comments

LEGOLAND FL Among Parks at Maximum Capacity

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Bob Gernert

LEGOLAND guests enjoy the Technic roller coaster.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. today, LEGOLAND Florida stopped admitting guests “to ensure the guests of LEGOLAND Florida have an enjoyable day with their families.” The park had posted cautionary facebook entries earlier that it was approaching capacity and may have to turn guests away. Cypress Gardens Boulevard was experiencing significant traffic as well.

Disney parks also reached capacity today and I-4 was reportedly jammed. Central Florida tourism enjoying a very big day.

LEGOLAND will open at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, December 29.)

Posted in LEGOLAND® Florida, Tourism | 4 Comments

Call for Nominations: 2012 Banker’s Cup Awards

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Bob Gernert

Nominations Accepted Through Monday, January 23
Mark Your Calendar: Taste of Winter Haven/Awards Banquet – February 2

Chamber President Nelson Kirkland has called upon interested organizations or individuals to present nominees for the 2012 Bankers Cup Awards. Traditionally, both a man and a woman from the community are recognized. Criteria for the award are as follows:

• To honor persons dedicated to making Winter Haven better for their having lived here.

• Consider the range of activities and the involvement of the person you nominate and their positive impact on our community.

• Neither age nor occupation should be a factor. Every living resident of Winter Haven of exemplary character, is a potential candidate.

• Social standing is not relevant; respect and integrity are.

• Traditionally an award is voted by the Selection Committee for both a woman and a man, if worthy candidates are presented.

• Activities should be considered only if they were truly for the community good. For example, work done for one’s personal hobby would be given less importance than work volunteered to serve the needs of others.

• It is not a popularity contest. The number of letters received is never a deciding factor; one sincere, well-documented letter may be enough.

• It is appropriate to honor person for freely-given service over a period of years.

• The question is, “Who has made the most positive impact on making the Winter Haven area a better place to live?”

There are no forms to be completed. Groups or individuals are invited to send nomination letters to Bankers Cup Selection Committee, c/o Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 1420, Winter Haven, FL 33882-1420. Deadline for 2012 Nominations is Monday, January 23.

Posted in Chamber Events, Dining, General Announcements | Leave a comment