Carl “Bud” Strang III

Winter Haven, FL. (May 16, 2013) – The 6/10 Corporation (www.610corp.net) board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Kerry Wilson as president of the company effective June 10, 2013. Carl J. (Bud) Strang, III, the current president and a director, has been named the chief executive officer. The changes come as a result of the company’s growth strategy and to align expansion efforts with its diversified portfolio of commercial properties and operating companies.

Kerry Wilson

Wilson is an original investor in the 6/10 Corporation, and has served on the board of directors, and as its general counsel. He will be leaving his position as a transactional attorney with Peterson & Myers, P.A. Wilson offers extensive experience advising businesses, primarily in the areas of forming and structuring business entities, drafting complex contracts, and negotiating and closing mergers and acquisitions. As president, Wilson will focus on inward operations and execute the company’s growth strategy plan. Wilson was born and raised in Winter Haven and is a graduate of Duke University with a history degree as well as Washington & Lee University with a law degree. Among his many civic leadership roles, he is a director and past president of Main Street Winter Haven, Inc.

Strang has played a leadership role at 6/10 Corporation since its inception. As chief executive officer, he will focus on corporate development and future strategy, overseeing planning, and investigating new projects and acquisitions. Strang, a longtime Winter Haven resident, graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor of arts and from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a law degree. In his leadership role at 6/10, he has made immense contributions to the start up and growth of several ventures specializing in real estate, agriculture, software and business services. He is a past president of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, a past president of Main Street Winter Haven, Inc., and currently serves on the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

Polk County School Board Invites Public to Attend Meet and Greets Scheduled for Final Three Superintendent Candidates

BARTOW, FL (May 2, 2013) Starting next week, the Polk County School Board will host several “Meet and Greets” that will provide members of the public with the opportunity to meet and speak with the final three candidates vying for the role of Superintendent of Schools for Polk County. On Tuesday, April 30, Polk County School Board members narrowed the list of five candidates to the final three: Polk County Public Schools’ Associate Superintendent of Learning David Lewis, Administrator on Assignment for the Lee County School District Dr. Constance Jones, and Former Chief Officer of Mathematics and Science for Duval County Public Schools Kathryn LeRoy. Following the Meet and Greets, each candidate will complete their final interview in the application process. The final interviews will occur throughout the month of May.

The individual who is named the Superintendent of Schools will replace current Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John A. Stewart, who has been in the role of interim superintendent since November. Dr. Stewart replaced former Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sherrie B. Nickell who retired because of family health reasons.

Below you will find a listing of the Meet and Greet schedules, the final interview schedules, and links to information about the final three candidates.

Meet and Greet Schedule

 David Lewis, May 6, 2013 – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Community Reception, Jim Miles Professional Development Center, 3098 U.S. 98, Lakeland, FL 33813. May 7, 2013 – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Community Reception, Lake Eva Banquet Hall, 799 Johns Avenue, Haines City, FL 33844

Kathryn LeRoy, May 8, 2013 – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Community Reception, Lake Eva Banquet Hall, 799 Johns Avenue, Haines City, FL 33844. May 9, 2013 – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.– Community Reception, Jim Miles Professional Development Center, 3098 U.S. 98, Lakeland, FL 33813.

Dr. Constance Jones, May 20, 2013 – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Community Reception, Jim Miles Professional Development Center, 3098 U.S. 98, Lakeland, FL 33813. May 21, 2013 – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Community Reception, Lake Eva Banquet Hall, 799 Johns Avenue, Haines City, FL 33844.

 Final Interview Schedule

David Lewis, May 8, 2013 – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Final Interview at the District Office, School Board Auditorium, 1915 South Floral Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830

Kathryn LeRoy, May 10, 2013 – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Final Interview at the District Office, School Board Auditorium, 1915 South Floral Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830

Dr. Constance Jones, May 22, 2013 – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Final Interview at the District Office, School Board Auditorium, 1915 South Floral Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830

Candidates Information

Below you will find a link that will take you directly to application information available for each of the three remaining candidates.

David Lewis: http://www.polk-fl.net/districtinfo/documents/CANDIDATE23-Mr._David_F_Lewis.pdf
Dr. Constance Jones: http://www.polk-fl.net/districtinfo/documents/CANDIDATE14-Dr.Constance_A_Jones.pdf
Kathryn LeRoy: http://www.polk-fl.net/districtinfo/documents/CANDIDATE13-Ms.Kathryn_M_LeRoy.pdf

The short video below will give you a glimpse of what attendees can expect.

Compete details and a Registration Form here.

We hope to see you there!

The restaurant construction is expected to take four months. When completed residents will be able to enjoy a 7,500 square feet Golden Corral that will seat 275 guests. The location will be staffed by a team of more than 75 people. The target date for opening the new restaurant is September 2013.

The restaurant will also have banquet facilities that will be available free of charge for groups and organizations in the area that choose to dine at Golden Corral.

About Golden Corral:

Founded in 1973, privately held Golden Corral Corp. is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C.  Golden Corral currently has 492 restaurants in 40 states.

As directed by the Winter Haven City Commission at the April 8 regular meeting, City Manager Deric C. Feacher has been in contact with Taylor Pursell, developer of the stalled Landings project.  Feacher will travel to Birmingham, Alabama to meet with Mr. Pursell to discuss the Chain of Lakes property, leaving Thursday, April 11 and returning Friday, April 12, 2013.

Mr. Pursell expressed appreciation for the opportunity to discuss possibilities of moving forward without litigation.

You can read more about current Florida Poly plans here.

Directions to Innovation, Science and Technology Building:

From I-4 East or West:

Take Exit 41 from I-4 to the Polk Parkway, southbound. Take Exit 23 on the Parkway to Pace Road, turn right, westbound. Proceed to light at Research Way, turn right, northbound. Go to second stop sign to enter the job site, on your right. Follow the construction road to the first construction trailer, on the left.

From Polk Parkway Eastbound:

Take Exit 23 on the Parkway to Pace Road, turn left, westbound. Proceed to second light at Research Way, turn right, northbound. Go to second stop sign to enter the job site, on your right. Follow the construction road to the first construction trailer, on the left.

Much news has been generated of late regarding the impasse between the City of Winter Haven and the developers of The Landings project on the site of Chain of Lakes Stadium and the SW Complex. City Attorney, John Murphy, released a copy of correspondence with attorneys for Taylor Purcell, the developer.

Due to the interest in a good outcome for this project, we are sharing the city’s position statement so you may be fully informed as to where they stand.

That file is available here.

There are still a few slots left for your Corporate Team or Four Friends to play in the 22nd Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament. You can also garner a bit of business exposure for a $125 hole sponsor sign.

Corporate team of four costs $600 and includes hole sponsor sign, lunch and dinner for the players.  Full details here

Citizen’s CEO and President Greg Littleton noted, ”We in the Citizens family are excited to welcome Bonnie Parker to the team. Her banking experience and community involvement will be a valuable asset to our private banking customers.”

Parker was previously a Client Advisor and Winter Haven City President for SunTrust Bank.

Congratulations Bonnie Parker!