Make a splash for a good cause this weekend at the Kayak Ecotour & Chain Reaction Cleanup on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Lake Cannon Park in Winter Haven.
This event invites the community to paddle through one of Polk County’s scenic lakes while learning about local ecosystems and doing their part to keep them clean. Participants will enjoy a guided kayak tour highlighting the unique plants and wildlife that thrive in the area. Along the way, kayakers will help collect litter from the lake, supporting ongoing conservation efforts.
It’s the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, environmental education, and community service — great for families, friends, or solo paddlers looking to give back to nature.
Winter Haven is the place to be for live music lovers this weekend, with several great local venues offering performances throughout the week.
Sage Cocktail Lounge (99 3rd St NW, Winter Haven) continues its weekly live music series every Tuesday. Upcoming performances include Micah Madore on November 18 and Adrienne Marie on November 25, both from 6 to 9 p.m.
Cypresswood Pub (1099 Clubhouse Rd, Winter Haven) will feature two nights of live entertainment this week. Curt Beasley performs on Thursday, November 13, from 6 to 9 p.m., followed by Gerry Williams on Friday, November 14, also from 6 to 9 p.m.
Tanners Lakeside (1006 S Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven) keeps the weekend energy going with Jaded performing on Saturday, November 15, from 7 to 10 p.m.
No matter your musical taste, Winter Haven has a lineup of great tunes and good vibes waiting for you this weekend!
The City of Winter Haven is currently accepting applications for several positions across multiple departments. Job seekers can apply online or in person at the Human Resources Office, located at 500 Third Street NW.
Current openings include Building Service Worker, Crew Leader II, Police Officer,Part-Time Recreation Attendant, and more!
These roles offer opportunities to serve the community while building a rewarding career with the city.
Anyone interested in applying or learning more about job descriptions, qualifications, or benefits is encouraged to contact the Human Resources Team at 863-291-5650 or email [email protected].
Stars of Land of the Lost and Other Retro TV Shows Appearing at Bartow Con 2025
by James Coulter
Sean L. Serdynski grew up watching the classic Saturday morning television show Land of the Lost. Now he and other visitors to Bartow Con will be able to meet the main stars of that show this Saturday.
Kathy Coleman and Wesley Eure, the former child actors who played Holly and Will Marshall on Land of the Lost, will be some of the guest stars appearing at this year’s Bartow Con on Sat. Nov. 15 at the Bartow Civic Center.
Other guest celebrities include Marc Price from “Family Ties”, Parker Stevenson from “Baywatch”, Kevin Kedgley and Joe Davis from “Stranger Things”, and Duncan Watson and Patricia Patts, the voice actors of Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty from “Peanuts.”
Bartow Con will include other festivities, including booths and vendors, food trucks, and even an immersive Harry Potter-themed room. The event will be hosted from 10 AM to 5 PM with tickets at $25.
Sean L. Serdynski created Bartow Con as an indoor spin-off of Syfy Bartow, Florida’s largest outdoor sci-fi convention, which has been ongoing for nearly 12 years. Since its inception three years ago, the indoor event has grown exponentially in size and number.
Serdynski is especially excited for this year’s event, as it will feature two actors from one of his favorite childhood shows, “Land of the Lost.” He was especially surprised by how he was able to invite the stars to the convention.
“I was a huge fan of [the show],” he said. “I wanted to get these two guests to one of our shows for many years. This year, it worked out, and they are coming. I will be able to spend some quality time with my childhood heroes–and they’re older than me now!”
There’s plenty happening across Polk County this weekend! From festive family events to live music and community celebrations, here are a few local highlights you won’t want to miss.
🎄 15th Annual Festival of Wreaths
When: Starts November 14 and runs through December 11
Where: Polk County History Center, Bartow
Kick off the holiday season at the Polk County History Center’s annual Festival of Wreaths. This festive display features beautifully decorated wreaths, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. It’s a great stop for families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy a touch of Christmas cheer early in the season.
🎶 Lake Wales Live
When: Friday, November 14
Where: Downtown Lake Wales
Head downtown for an evening of live performances during Lake Wales Live! This popular event brings music, entertainment, and community together for a relaxing night under the stars — a perfect outing for music lovers.
🍂 Annual Fall Festival
When: Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Lake Wales Family Recreation Center (1001 Burns Ave., Lake Wales)
Bring the whole family out for an afternoon of fall fun! Enjoy hay wagon rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, games, and more. Admission is free, and guests who bring a canned-goods donation can enter a special prize drawing.
🍁 Break Your Fall – Family Fall Festival
When: Saturday, Nov. 15, 4–7 p.m.
Where: Garden Grove Church (3379 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven)
A fun, family-friendly festival featuring inflatables, free food, games, and more. Sponsored by Heartfelt Quilting & Sewing.
🌊 Kayak Ecotour & Chain Reaction Cleanup
When: Saturday, November 15, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Lake Cannon Park, Winter Haven
Get outdoors and make a difference this weekend at the Kayak Ecotour on Lake Cannon! In partnership with the Chain Reaction cleanup initiative, participants will enjoy a guided kayak tour exploring the local ecosystem while helping remove litter from the water. It’s a fun and educational way to experience Polk County’s beautiful lakes and support environmental stewardship.
Spend the day at the farm and enjoy family-friendly activities like a corn maze, petting zoo, wagon rides, U-pick sunflowers, pumpkins, and face painting. This event is a fall favorite and a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
🏆 National Philanthropy Day Breakfast & Awards
When: Friday, November 14, 7:30 a.m. (breakfast); 8:00 a.m. (program)
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland (175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland)
Join community leaders and organizations for a morning celebrating philanthropy and community service. The event includes breakfast, networking, and awards recognizing those who make a difference in Polk County.
No matter what you’re in the mood for — music, family fun, or community connection — there’s something for everyone happening in Polk County this weekend!
TOMORROW is the State of the City! If you’ve been meaning to grab your seat, now’s the time.
Join us as we take a look at where Winter Haven is today, where we’re headed next, and how our community continues to grow through connection, service, and care for one another. You’ll hear directly from the Mayor and City leadership and have a chance to submit your own questions during the program.
Winter Haven City Commission Considering 13+ Acre Parcel for City’s Water Department
by James Coulter
An annexed 13+ acre parcel may soon be used by the Winter Haven Water Department if city commissioners approve changes to the property’s zoning and future land use.
At their recent meeting on Mon. Nov. 10, Winter Haven city commissioners reviewed the first reading of two ordinances regarding an annexed parcel being considered for use by the city’s water department.
The parcel, located at 500 4th Street East Wahneta, was annexed into the city on July 28, 2025, and purchased by the city in January 2025. As the site is adjacent to the city’s water treatment plant, it is being considered for use by the city’s water treatment plant.
The two ordinances would change the parcel’s future land use to Institutional Future Land Use and its zoning to Public Institutional (PI), respectively.
“As there are no current plans to develop the property, no additional demands on public infrastructure are expected at this time,” wrote Senior Planner Heather Reuter.
City commissioners did not vote on the two ordinances, but will vote on the second reading at a future city commission meeting.
The Water Department will close the right westbound lane of Havendale Blvd today, November 12, from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m., while crews use a camera to inspect the sewer main line in the area.
The other two westbound lanes will remain open, and work is expected to be completed by midnight. View the map for the exact location, and please use caution when traveling through the area.
Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization, is sponsoring a free turkey giveaway Saturday, November 22, 2025, at three Polk County locations (see below). We are joined in this effort once again by The Freedom Tour volunteer organization based in Lake Wales whose mission it is to provide quality food and love to those in need.
“For the 8th year in a row we are blessed to be able to provide turkeys to our citizens, thanks to the generous donations made year-round to Polk Sheriff’s Charities. We’re so grateful to the volunteers at the Freedom Tour for the use of their refrigerated trucks and for their food donations as well. It is so heartwarming to work with such a generous group of men and women and to be able to make a positive difference in others’ lives.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The turkeys will be distributed one per family, one per vehicle on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. No identification or pre-qualification will be required to receive a turkey.
Deputies will be at each location to hand out the frozen birds, which are in the 15 to 17 pound range. Up to 1,200 turkeys will be given away.
The locations and times where the turkeys will be distributed are:
East Polk: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Church on the Hill, 1111 Scenic Hwy, Dundee;
**Cars will be directed to enter the parking lot south of the church from Old Scenic Hwy, then will be directed around the back of the church to the distribution point. Cars will then be directed to exit north onto Old Scenic Hwy towards Dundee.**
Central Polk: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Lake Region High School campus, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake;
**Cars will be directed to enter onto Cameron Road from US 17, which turns into Gilbert Street, then onto Thunder Road, through the school parking lot to the distribution point, and back out onto Gilbert Street.**
West Polk: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Lakes Church (AKA Church at the Mall), 1010 East Memorial Blvd, Lakeland;
**Cars will be directed to enter the parking lot from the westbound lane of Memorial at the intersection with Ingraham Avenue, and then will be directed to the rear parking lot of the church to the distribution point. Cars will be directed to exit westbound onto Memorial, or straight onto Ingraham Avenue.**
Celebrate the spirit of the season at Winter Haven’s Winter Wonderland!
Gather your family and friends for an enchanting evening filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and holiday cheer in beautiful Downtown Winter Haven. Enjoy free photos with Santa from 6:30–8:30 PM, a special outdoor screening of The Polar Express, and plenty of kids’ activities like ornament making, writing letters to Santa, and bouncing through inflatable play zones.
Savor delicious seasonal treats from local food vendors, bring your blankets and chairs, and settle in for a magical night of joy, laughter, and community togetherness.
