Winter Haven is gearing up for a packed weekend of live music, offering everything from acoustic sets to high-energy bands across some of the area’s favorite local venues. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends or a laid-back evening with great tunes, here’s what’s happening around town.
Cypresswood Pub
1099 Clubhouse Rd, Winter Haven
Thursday, Nov. 20: Hunter McNeer | 6–9 PM
Friday, Nov. 21: Blind Ambition Duo | 6–9 PM
Sage Cocktail Lounge
99 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
Live music is now part of the weekly rhythm at Sage, happening every Tuesday.
Tuesday, Nov. 25: Adrienne Marie | 6–9 PM
Tanners Lakeside
Tanners Lakeside: 1006 S Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven
Thursday, Nov. 20: Tony Knight | 4:30–7:30 PM
Friday, Nov. 21: Karaoke Night
Saturday, Nov. 22: Summit Kings | 7–10 PM
Sunday, Nov. 23: Travelers of Time | 2–6 PM
From soulful singers to lively bands, this weekend’s music scene has something for everyone. Grab your friends, pick your spot, and enjoy the sounds of Winter Haven!
If you’d like your weekend live music promoted, email [email protected].
Consultant Services Authorization Approved for the Spirit Lake Road Roundabout Project
by James Coulter
The roundabout planned for Spirit Lake Road in Winter Haven is much closer to completion now that county commissioners have approved consultant services for the project.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 18, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve a Consultant Services Authorization (CSA) for the Spirit Lake Road Roundabout Project.
The CSA has been granted to AECOM Technical Services, Inc. at a cost not to exceed $846,132.75. Funds for the CSA are budgeted in the Transportation Trust Fund.
Through the CSA, AECOM will provide Construction Engineering & Inspection services on the project for a duration of 17 months.
Jay M. Jarvis, Roads & Drainage Division Director, wrote that the services will provide: “a part-time Senior Project Engineer, a full-time Project Administrator, field inspection staff at appropriate levels to cover the contractor’s work effort, and a testing laboratory to be able to verify that the construction materials being used on the project meet the contract specifications.”
Currently, for the roundabout project, the design and right-of-way acquisition have been completed, and bids for construction have been received. Overall, construction is expected to take 492 days.
$1.4M Interlocal Agreement Approved to Acquire 153 Acres near Lake Pansy
by James Coulter
Polk County and the City of Winter Haven have entered into an interlocal agreement to acquire land near Lake Pansy for conservation efforts.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 18, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve an interlocal agreement with Winter Haven for the protection of Astute Financial Land Trust property located east of Lake Pansy.
“This project protects significant wetlands that filter surface waters between Lake Pansy and Lake Rochelle,” explained Tabitha Biel, Director of Parks and Natural Resources. “The protection of these wetlands is critical for the water quality and flood management in the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes.”
The subject property, called the Astute Financial Land Trust, consists of approximately 153 acres. It is located on the east side of Lake Pansy and is bordered by Highway 17 and 92 to the east and north, respectively.
Polk County and Winter Haven have agreed to acquire and protect the land, as both entities are responsible for the pollution that has accumulated on that property through the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.
The total cost for the property’s purchase will be $1,400,000. Polk County has agreed to contribute $800,000, while Winter Haven has agreed to contribute $600,000. Funds for the county are available in the Parks and Natural Resources CIP within the Stormwater MSTU Fund.
Bartow is remembering the life and legacy of Clifton P. Lewis, a beloved community leader and champion of Black history, who passed away Sunday at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer. For more than 20 years, Lewis served as the director of the L.B. Brown Heritage Festival, a role that allowed him to preserve and share an important piece of Bartow’s history.
Photo source Clifton P. Lewis Facebook page
In the late 1990s, Lewis stepped in to save the L.B. Brown House from demolition. He not only secured its restoration but helped transform the home—built by former slave Lawrence B. Brown—into a museum and gathering place that celebrated the rich heritage of Black Americans. Thanks to his tireless work, the L.B. Brown House is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized in the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture.
This past summer, the City honored Lewis by proclaiming August 5 as Clifton Paul Lewis Day, celebrating his decades of service and his unwavering dedication to Bartow.
Bartow has truly lost a visionary—one whose work will continue to inspire for generations.
HAINES CITY – Cheering at NASCAR races is usually left to the fans in the stands, but this year, the Glamorous All Stars Cheer and Dance team will take center stage at the 2025 Daytona 500, highlighting how an award-winning group of young athletes brings the energy.
The invitation is just one highlight in what promises to be an action-packed season. The team’s calendar is filling fast: a visit from a NASCAR representative, a successful showcase event, and a long lineup of competitions across the South.
Last week, a representative from the Daytona 500 visited the team’s training facility.
Glamorous All Star Cheer and NASCAR Representative
“Our visit from the NASCAR representative was truly inspirational. He educated our athletes and parents about the rich history of the NASCAR race, reminding us that thousands of people will be watching them perform on one of the biggest stages comparable to a Super Bowl,” said Tamika O’Hara, Director and Owner.
Former Haines City Mayor and City Commissioner Horace West joined the visit to welcome the NASCAR spokesperson and address the athletes.
“He poured out greatness into our athletes, encouraging them to believe they can achieve anything in life,” O’Hara said.
The following day, on Nov. 14, the group held its first showcase at Ridge Community High School.
“It was a huge success, with amazing teams coming together to perform. We were blessed to have Markeisha Smith, Markeisha West with State Farm Insurance, and my former athlete Justice Smith, now a cheerleader at Bethune Cookman University, empower our athletes and all the cheer programs who attended,” O’Hara said.
Participating teams included the Haines City Vipers, Haines City High School, Davenport High School, Winter Haven Wolverines, Lakeland Storm, and the Davenport Broncos Pop Warner.
On Nov. 15, the Glamorous All Stars Elite Team Sassy Rubies and Hip Hop Team Bossy Charmz performed at a charity basketball tournament hosted by the Haines City Police and Fire Departments.
“It was an incredible weekend, and Glamourous All Stars Cheer and Dance is fired up to kick off Season 2, proudly representing our city and community,” O’Hara said.
While competition season begins in December, O’Hara said the program’s goals go far beyond trophies.
“We want them to know this is just a platform. They can be a lawyer, a doctor, whatever,” she said. “We don’t want them to let this limit them if cheering is not their end goal.”
The team’s first competition will be held in Gainesville on Dec. 6. Several more events will follow over the coming months before the regular season concludes on March 21 in Fort Lauderdale. According to O’Hara, the April competition is determined by bids won during the season. The goal of Season 2 is to win bids for the Allstars Worlds Championship, and Prep and Rec Grand Nationals Championships.
To help fund the Daytona 500 performance, the teams are selling sponsorships and Daytona 500 tickets.
Glamorous All Star Cheer and Dance selling NASCAR Daytona 500 Tickets
“We are still working hard to get our athletes to the Daytona 500 to perform on the biggest stage ever,” O’Hara said. (Order form is included.)
For information on donations or sponsorships, call O’Hara at 863-419-5151.
2024-25 Competition Results
Spirit Champion, Nov. 2024
1st Place – Rubies
1st Place and Grand Champion – Diamonds
All Out Champion, Dec. 2024
Superior – Gems
3rd Place – Emerald Barbies
1st Place – Sassy Rubies
1st Place – Flossy Diamonds
All Star Cheerleading Championships, Jan. 2025
Superior – Gems
3rd Place – Emerald Barbies
2nd Place – Sassy Rubies
1st Place and Bid Prep and Rec Grand Nationals – Flossy Diamonds
Deep South Spirit, Feb. 2025
Superior – Gems
2nd Place – Emerald Barbies
2nd Place – Sassy Rubies
2nd Place – Glitter Pearls
1st Place and Paid Bid to the All-Star World Championship – Flossy Diamonds
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with a little extra cheer! The Bartow Public Library is hosting Milk and Cookies with Santa on Saturday, December 6 at 10 AM, and families are invited to join the fun. Children will enjoy a festive story read by Santa himself, followed by time for photos, hands-on crafts, and of course—cookies.
Every family who attends will also receive a free book to take home and enjoy during the holiday season.
This event is open to all ages, and no registration is needed. Join the fun at 2150 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL—just bring your holiday spirit!
A crash on SR-618 in Tampa caused major disruption early Wednesday afternoon after a commercial vehicle overturned near the Channelside exit ramp.
The incident happened on November 19, 2025, at approximately 12:12 p.m. A 48-year-old Lakeland man was driving a commercial vehicle eastbound when a pickup truck abruptly changed lanes in front of him. To avoid a collision, he took evasive action and lost control.
The truck struck a concrete barrier and a light pole before overturning and coming to rest near the exit ramp. Despite the severity of the crash, the driver was not injured.
FHP is reviewing the lane-change maneuver that led to the incident. Traffic delays were reported as crews worked to clear the scene.
Tucked along the scenic Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, Lake Cannon Park offers a peaceful escape with plenty of outdoor fun for families, anglers, and lake-life enthusiasts. Located at 1508 W Lake Cannon Dr NW, Winter Haven, 33881, the park sits on one of the 16 interconnected lakes that make up this beloved Central Florida waterway.
Lake Cannon is a favorite among anglers, known for plentiful largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie. Water skiing is another popular pastime, with smooth stretches of water ideal for an afternoon ride.
The park itself is designed for easy relaxation and recreation, featuring a boat ramp, playground, and picnic tables—perfect for a lakeside lunch or a family day out. Whether you’re casting a line, launching a boat, or simply enjoying the shade, Lake Cannon Park offers a welcoming slice of Winter Haven’s natural beauty.
Adults 18 and older are invited to unwind, connect, and have fun at the Winter Haven Public Library’s monthly board-game meetup. Held on the fourth Saturday of every month from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m., this gathering turns the Library Multi-Purpose Room into a relaxed space filled with classic favorites, new strategy games, and plenty of friendly competition. All games are provided, so you can simply show up and play.
Whether you arrive solo or bring a group, you’ll find an easygoing atmosphere where laughter comes naturally and newcomers are always welcome. It’s a great way to meet people, try something new, and take a break from the usual weekend routine.
The Winter Haven Public Library is located at 325 Ave A NW, Winter Haven. Mark your calendar and get ready for a fun, screen-free afternoon of gaming each month!
Norman Lee Borror, 88, of Babson Park, FL, passed away November 13, 2025. He was born on June 17, 1937, at the family home in Delaware County, Indiana, to Claude E. and Dessie M. (Lett) Borror.
Norman served four years in the U.S. Army. He was a carpenter and painter by trade and he loved gardening, canning and playing card games.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Dessie; siblings, Lillian, Geraldine, Raymond, Ralph, and Harold; grandson Derrick Borror.
Norman is survived by his wife of 39 years, Penny Borror; children, Leanna (Wade) Hite, Tina Honn, Ken Borror, Luci (Alan) Warren, Mark Borror, step-daughters, Lisa Ellis, Tracey Leneave, Laurie (Mark) MacBeath; sixteen grandchildren, twenty five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren
