Lakeland Man Charged With Lewd Battery & Kidnapping Of A Child Under 13

Lakeland

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May 16, 2018

Lakeland Man Charged With Lewd Battery & Kidnapping Of A Child Under 13

Lakeland, Florida – A Lakeland man is facing Lewd Battery & Kidnapping of a child under 13 years old. The incident occurred on May 9, 2018. The suspect Juan Rivera Cabezudo, DOB: 07-11-1981, was arrested May 11, 2018. The suspect allegedly picked up a teenage girl under 13 years old and plied her with drugs and alcohol into have sex. Below is excerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit.

“On 05-09-2018 at approximately 1900-2000 hours, the suspect (Juan Rivera) observed the victim walking in the area of South Combee Road in Lakeland. Juan made contact with the victim while he was driving his girlfriend’s silver/grey in color Honda SUV. During a forensic interview with the victim, the victim stated that Juan told her to get into his vehicle, and after she got in he started driving. The victim said Juan drove to a 7-11 convenience store where he purchased beer and gas. The victim stated that Juan made her drink beer while riding in the vehicle. The victim said Juan then drove to an unknown subject’s house where he obtained illegal narcotics (Xanax pills and cocaine). Juan then drive to a Steak and Shake drive through and purchased ice-cream for the victim. According to the victim, Juan made her take a Xanax after leaving the Steak and Shake. The victim said she and Juan arrived at an unknown, abandoned residence where Juan hid her. After leaving the residence, the victim stated Juan drove to and orange grove somewhere in the Davenport area. Once at the orange grove, the victim said Juan asked her if she wanted to have sex and she told him “no”. The victim said Juan then told her to lay down on one of the middle seats inside his vehicle and her then pulled down her pants. The victim said Juan then “raped” her, which she clarified and said “rape”. The victim also stated that Juan made her perform oral sex on him. The victim said Juan told her to get out of the vehicle once they were in a neighborhood in Davenport, and the victim complied. The victim said Juan told her to wait for him, but the victim went to a residence and knocked on the door where she made contact with the resident and disclosed she had been “kidnapped” and “raped”.

During a post-Miranda interview with Juan, he stated that he did pick up the victim in the South Combee Road area on 05-09-2018. Juan said the victim told him she was eighteen years old, and that she had “weed” if he would give her a ride. Juan said he took the victim to 7-11 where he purchased her an alcoholic beverage, and he then went to a “friend’s” house where he picked up two Xanax pills. Juan said he gave the victim half of one of the Xanax pills, and he later offered the victim cocaine. Juan confirmed that he took the victim to Steak and Shake, the unknown orange grove, and the neighborhood in Davenport. Juan denied engaging in sexual intercourse with the victim, but he did admit that the victim “sucked his XXXX”. Juan said the victim did not “suck his XXXX” very long because he was using cocaine and he cannot get an erection while using cocaine.

It has been determined that Juan Rivera (H/M, 07-11-1981) violated the following Florida state statutes:

787.01(3A3), kidnapping of child under age 13, due to the fact that he secretly confined the year old victim in his vehicle without the consent of her guardian and while confining her he committed the offense of lewd battery against the child.

800.04(4A), lewd battery, due to the fact he engaged in sexual activity (he penetrated the victim’s mouth with his
penis) with the victim when the victim was under age 13, and he was thirty-six years old.

827.04(1A), contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child, due to the fact he committed an act
(provided the year old victim with Xanax and alcoholic beverages) which causes, tends to cause, encourages, or contributes to a child becoming delinquent.”

The suspect Juan Rivera Cabezudo is no stranger to the law. He currently was serving a 24 months of probation due to Grand Theft over $300 and False Information Provided To A Pawn Broker. He violated probation and is currently incarcerated.

Editors Note: It is unknown at this time if the victim knew the suspect or exactly why she entered his vehicle.

2017 boating accident statistics provide an opportunity for boating safety reminders

Staff Reporter

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May 16, 2018

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2017 Boating Accident Statistics Provide An Opportunity For Boating Safety Reminders

FWC photo.

With the release of the 2017 Boating Accident Statistical Report, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages boaters to focus on simple, effective steps that make boating safer.

“For 2017, the leading contributor to boating accidents was the operator’s inattention or failure to maintain a proper lookout. It is critical for operators to be diligent in observing and being aware of what is going on around them,” said Lt. Seth Wagner from the FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section.

In 2017, 261 boating accidents involved collisions and 38 percent of all collisions were due to inattention or the operator failing to maintain a proper lookout.

“It’s important that while out relaxing and enjoying Florida’s beautiful waters, boaters remember to be safe,” Wagner said.

Florida had 766 boating accidents in 2017, 52 more accidents than in 2016. However, there was no change in the number of fatalities. A total of 67 people lost their lives last year in boating accidents. Falls overboard have been the leading type of fatal accident since 2003, with drowning as the leading cause of death.

Eighty-one percent of these victims were not wearing a life jacket. Today’s boaters can choose from several models of light and comfortable inflatable belt-pack or over-the-shoulder life jackets that can be worn while fishing or enjoying the sun. Boating accident statistics support an important message: “Life Jackets Save Lives.”

The FWC is responsible for reviewing, analyzing and compiling boating accident data for the state. Its statistical report details boating accidents and their causes. The theme of accident-related messages from FWC staff is clear: Officers want to help keep Florida’s beautiful waterways a safe place to boat.

For a copy of the 2017 Boating Accident Statistical Report, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and select “Safety & Education” and “Boating Accidents.”

Special Needs Students Showcase Special Talents At Victory Ridge Academy Art Show

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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May 16, 2018

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Special Needs Students Showcase Special Talents At Victory Ridge Academy Art Show

by James Coulter

Noah, 12, is a shy young man, especially with him being diagnosed with Autism and ADHD.

Though he is reluctant to talk to others verbally, he is more willingly to express himself through his drawings.

One such drawing of a ferocious dragonhead currently hangs within the gallery of the Ridge Art Association for the art exhibition of his school, Victory Ridge Academy.

His dragon was created for a class assignment wherein he and his classmates were instructed to choose a subject from a book to sketch.

“It looks cool and awesome,” he said. “Every once in a while I will draw something…It is a hobby of mine.”

Noah attends Victory Ridge Academy, a free Polk County charter school located in Lake Wales that caters to students with special needs.

His mother, Jean Marie Scrima, has been sending him to the school for the past three years to help accommodate his special needs.

The care and attention he receives there is much more preferable than what is offered at any of the schools in their hometown of Lakeland. As such, she expects him to graduate from the school.

“There was nothing in Lakeland compared to the school,” she said. “The teachers have been wonderful, and he responds well to that. The school has been helpful a lot.”

As her son has been drawing for the past three years, she is not only proud that he has picked up a hobby outside of school, but that his own artwork has been selected for the school’s art exhibition.

“I could not wait to see the gallery,” she said. “The gallery turned out wonderful, and the school is great and wonderful.”

The Victory Ridge Academy Art Show was hosted on Saturday evening at the Ridge Art Association, where the art exhibition will remain open to the public until May 20.

Steve Whittaker, Victory Ridge Executive Director, started the exhibition as a way to showcase the artistic ability of his students and staff.

“We have a lot of creative students and staff, and so much goes on inside the classroom that we have people to see it outside of the walls, and this is a way of doing that,” he said.

Many of the artwork was created by students during their classroom and therapy sessions, with many of the art pieces being collaborative work among students.

One such piece was a melted wax painting of a guitar, with the rainbow colors melting alongside an outline of the stringed instrument against a black background.

Robbie, 18, helped contribute to the painting by taping the outline of the guitar for the wax dripping.

As someone who loves to draw himself, especially with his personal efforts to draw a semi-truck, Robbie loves the art classes he has been attending.

“The classes have been awesome,” he said. “Art is a good hobby to take.”

Kayla Lane, one of the teachers for the Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) classroom for non-verbal students, helped suggest the art exhibition as a way to help showcase what students with special needs are capable of.

“I feel that so many people see just their disability and not what they can do, so I suggested we do an art show,” she said.

Even with many challenges such as obtaining funding, the art exhibition and show more than exceeded her initial expectations and those of the other faculty and staff, not only with the number of artwork created, but the number of attendees that evening.

“We have to see past our kids and their disabilities, to not just see their labels, but to see them as a person,” she said. “Seeing the kids and being proud of their artwork was what makes me happy. If nothing else comes out of this, it’s the experience that the kids had.”

The Victory Ridge Academy Art Exhibition is being hosted at the Ridge Art Association at the Chain O’Lakes Complex, located at 210 Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven.

For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, visit their website at: http://www.victoryridge.org/

Winter Haven Man Faces 2 Counts of Attempted Degree Murder Charge After Allegedly Stabbing Two People

Staff Reporter

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May 16, 2018

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Winter Haven Man Faces 2 Counts of Attempted Degree Murder Charge After Allegedly Stabbing Two People

Winter Haven, Florida – According to the PCSO a Winter Haven man faces 2 counts of Attempted Murder In The 2nd Degree after allegedly stabbing two people where he once lived. According to published reports Justin Clark Handshoe, 8/16/1985, allegedly took an orange box cutter to attack a couple at a residence that he temporarily used to live in.

The attack occurred on Saturday, May 12, 2018. According to the arrest affidavit the suspect took and cut the first victim across the throat from ear to ear and while doing so the 2nd victim attempted to stop him. The second was stabbed in the head while trying to stop Handshoe. The suspect fled the scene.

He was identified by a witness at the scene and arrested. Handshoe has multiple charges over the last 15 years.

Mothers Paint Around At Third Annual Mother’s Day Paint Around

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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May 15, 2018

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Mothers Paint Around At Third Annual Mother’s Day Paint Around

by James Coulter

Debbie Edwards, a Winter Haven resident, doesn’t consider herself to be an artist, but every Mother’s Day weekend, she and her four children become miniature Picassos during the annual Mother’s Day Paint Around in Winter Haven.

For the past three years, Edwards has been attending the annual Mother’s Day event with her children and sister, allowing them the opportunity to unleash their inner artist.

“I love being with my kids all at one time because they are different ages and we are not always together, so this allows us to come together as a family,” she said.

Since then, her own art style has improved, though she is not quite the artist like her younger children.

Aside from spending quality time together, Edwards love collecting their portraits that they’ve painted at the event and hanging them on the wall of their house for all to see and admire.

“Their personalities show in their pictures,” she said. “It is a neat time as a mom with your kids where everyone can get involved and they have creative things they can do.”

Hosted by the Winter Havens Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department, in cooperation with the Winter Haven Arts Ensemble, the annual Mother’s Day Paint Around, has been offering mothers and their families the opportunity to explore their artistic side and exercise their creativity for the past three years.

“It is a time to get kids and their moms together on Mother’s Day weekend to do as little painting,” said Donna Nixon, Winter Haven Recreation Supervisor.

This year’s event drew in nearly two dozen aspiring artists spanning three generations as they gathered within the club room of the Chain of Lakes Complex in Winter Haven to learn how to paint a cherry tree under the instruction of local artist Carol Hughes, with this year being her first time offering instruction.

Many of the attendees, including Edwards, have been attending the art class since it started three years ago, and while attendance has grown, the overall size has allowed the setting to remain intimate, explained Jane Waters of the Winter Haven Art Ensemble.

Waters appreciates events such as this because they help inspire residents who would otherwise not be interested in the arts to explore such an interest for themselves.

“It is important, not only for children, but also parents to engage in the arts,” she said. “Everybody is an artist, and this gives them an opportunity to explore their own creativity.”

With Father’s Day right around the corner, the City of Winter Haven will also be offering quality time for fathers and daughters during the annual Daddy Daughter Dance, to be hosted at the Nora Mayo Hall on June 16 at 5 p.m.

Tickets range from $10 to $15, and will go on sale starting May 14. For more information, contact the Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center at 863-291-5675.

Local Artists Live “Life Out Loud” At LAG Spring Art Exhibition

Staff Reporter

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May 15, 2018

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Local Artists Live “Life Out Loud” At LAG Spring Art Exhibition

by James Coulter

A series of pipes to an old air-conditioning unit may not seem out-of-the-ordinary to most people, but to an artist like Chris Warrell, not only is something like that an ideal subject for a piece of art, but also for an award-winning art piece.

Warrell’s acrylic painting, “AC Unit”, won him first place in the emerging artist category of the Lakeland Art Guild’s “Life Out Loud” Spring Art Exhibition at Florida Southern University on Friday.

A graphic design sophomore at the college, Warrell was inspired to paint something “grungy” for his art piece, which he entered into the spring art show upon the recommendation of his employer.

Warrell had only painted 12 to 15 paintings prior to the art show, which was the very first he had ever entered in his life, making his first place win even more impressive.

“I am really excited about it,” he said. “It is something I never really expected.”

The biggest challenge with his painting was getting it created by the show’s deadline, especially since he wanted to focus on finishing the details often overlooked by non-artists, he said.

Though he hopes to continue focusing on graphic design after college, he also loves to paint as a hobby, as it offers a peaceful deviation from the art he typically produces.

“I really enjoy the process of painting,” he said. “It gives me something to do when I am not busy with other stuff.”

Warrell was one of the 66 artists who submitted the 160 pieces within the art exhibition for “Life Out Loud”, the 46th Annual Spring Art Exhibition at the Melvin Gallery in Florida Southern College and hosted by the Lakeland Art Guild.

The art pieces and artists were divided into two categories: accomplished artists (50 artists with 130 pieces) and emerging artists (16 artists with 30 pieces).

The show was a juried competition judged by Dr. Alex Rich, Assistant Proffesor of Art History in Florida Southern and Director of Exhibition at Polk Museum of Art.

This year’s art show had an eclectic collection of two to three dimensional artwork ranging from paintings to sculptures, all of which were judged and awarded within the two categories.

The first place winner of the accomplished artist category was Mark Kilvington for his art piece “Deja Vu.”

His acrylic painting was named thusly due to its subject being an elderly lady pouring tea in front of another painting of a milk maid pouring buttermilk in a similar fashion.

The elderly subject herself was based on Kilvington’s aunt, who was also an artists who created artwork for greeting card companies during the 1950s.

Kilvington often paints up to 8 to 10 paintings a year. Many of his subjects are wildlife, though he occasionally enjoys human interest and historic pieces such as this.

“I love to be diversified and not box myself into a corner,” he said.

Having exhibited his artwork across the state from Winter Haven to St. Augustine, Kilvington has entered and won numerous art shows, though he is still amazed by his prize that evening.

“I am honored to win this award,” he said. “I didn’t even know about the show, the other artist invited me to his exhibit, so it is a real honor for me to win this show.”

The theme for this year’s art show, “Life Out Loud”, focuses on artists motivating other artists, with the intention of allowing newer artists the opportunity to showcase their work, explained Ron Horn, Lakeland Art Guild exhibition committee member.

This year’s show especially offered the opportunity to showcase artists from outside of the Polk County area, including artists from neighboring Hillsborough and Highlands County.

Since its start, the guild and art show has grown in size and scope, and expectations are high for the sheer volume of art and artists to continue growing each and every year.

“We are getting to be more well-known with more artists in the organization, and giving them opportunity to show their work, and it is just building and building and building,” Horn said.

The “Life Out Loud” Spring Art Exhibition will be hosted until June 9 during normal gallery hours at the Melvin Art Gallery at Florida Southern College, located at 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive in Lakeland.

For more information, visit their website at: www.lakelandartguild.org

Four Educators Honored At She Knows Where She’s Going 2018 Awards

Staff Reporter

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May 15, 2018

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Four Educators Honored At She Knows Where She’s Going 2018 Awards

by James Coulter

Four outstanding local women who have served their community through education were recognized at the 27th Annual “She Knows Where She’s Going” Awards hosted by Girls Inc. of Winter Haven.

Founded in 1947, Girls Inc. was started with the mission of teaching young women to be bold, smart, and strong as to better prepare them for the future.

Serving more than 250 young women from ages 5 to 18 in schools throughout the county, the organization has ensured that their members receive a well-rounded education.

The “She Knows Where She’s Going” awards ceremony was started in 1992 to honor local women who embody the principles heralded by the organization.

This year’s award winners are as follows:

George Jenkins Awards: Elizabeth Ann Birdsong

Elizabeth Ann Birdsong retired in 2008 after 36 years of leadership and service at Hillsborough Community College, a long and fruitful career through which she has received countless awards.

Believing that young women can fully realize their potential through education, she has strived to provide local girls with such opportunities through local civic organizations such as Florence Villa Community Development Corporation, the Polk County Chapter of 100 Black Women, and especially at Girls Inc.

She considers it fitting that she received the award named after George Jenkins, as it has been his example that has served as a personal inspiration of what one person can achieve through collective, unified efforts within their own community.

“Our responsibility to this community is not just to glean it of its resources, to take all that we can get and then not give back,” she said. “Our responsibility is an awesome one, that our greatest ability to make our community the best it can be is uniting our efforts. We are all endowed with special skills and talents, our gifts to humanity, and it would be a shame to rob humanity by not sharing those talents with each other.”

Virginia Snively Award: Jaqueline Byrd

For more than 25 years, Jaqueline Byrd has worked to ensure that all students receive a quality education through her roles as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and currently as a superintendent.

Her innovative ideas have garnered her much recognition, including winning the Key to The City in Lakeland in 2018. She continues to facilitate educational opportunity through many local civic organizations such as the Polk Education Foundation.

As someone who has scaled the career ladder due to the educational opportunity provided to her by her local community, she understands that it is her responsibility, as well as that of everyone else, to provide the same opportunity to young children today.

“I, too, was a student, and I did not know where I was going as a student, but God directed me into the path that he wanted me to go,” she said. “But upon the direction I was given a responsibility to direct you…and with that responsibility, I want to make sure that I pave the way and pay it forward.”

Ralph and Alice Thompson Award: Terri Nelson

Currently serving as a principal at New Beginnings High School in Winter for the past three years, she has served in many roles to help advance the education of children within the community, from a guidance counselor at Lake Wales High School to a basketball coach at Lake Gibson High School.

Aside from her career, she has also dedicated herself to giving back to her community through her church at New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist in Lakeland and though numerous civic organizations.

Believing in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, she realizes that the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in servicing others, understanding that she can reach her fullest potential by serving her local community.

“What I gained out of the experience, and what I realized was that I was at my happiest, not when I focus on myself and only what benefits me and my family, but when I was acting compassionately to help others,” she said.

Julie Pope Award: Dr. Nanette Rodgers

After 50 long years serving within education, Dr. Rodgers retired from her position as supervisor of early childhood education in 2003 and as coordinator for staff and support at Polk State College in 2010.

Since then, even exceeding age 80, she has continued to live a healthy and productive lifestyle, serving as an active member of the Lakeland Runners Club, and running and even winning many local marathons.

The secret to her long and healthy life has been a plant-based diet as promoted by the local health advocacy group, Chat and Chew, which has allowed her to become healthy enough not to require medicine.

When asked what in the past she would change as we move forward into the future, she advised everyone to focus on their mind, body, and soul.

“I know many people who have to take medicine, but at my age, I take no medicine,” she said. “For me, it is working well for my body.”

“Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program heads to the Inwood, Jan Phyl Village & Sun Acres Communities on May 19, 2018

Staff Reporter

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May 14, 2018

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“Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program heads to the Inwood, Jan Phyl Village & Sun Acres Communities on May 19, 2018

Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. in partnership with Polk County Board of County Commissioners is bringing their “Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program to the Inwood, Jan Phyl Village & Sun Acres Communities on Saturday, May 19, 2018.

Residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this program that will consist of a large-scale trash pick up throughout the selected communities (clean sweep). This program will provide disposal of items that are NOT generally collected with their residential garbage such as remodeling & household construction debris (shingles, drywall, etc.) on THIS DAY ONLY. All households are asked to participate by placing these items by the curb no later than 7 am for this one day event.

Absolutely NO tires or hazardous waste will be collected curbside.

Polk County Residents are asked to join Keep Polk County Beautiful at the Westwood Park, 1145 36^th St. NW, for a FREE Tire Recycling Event from 8am- noon. Residents of Polk County may dispose of up to 24 tires. Absolutely NO COMMERCIAL WASTE OR TIRES WILL BE ACCEPTED. Participants must show photo ID/proof of Polk County residency to take advantage of the free disposal. Waste Tire Hauling limits will be strictly enforced.

Trash collection services donated by FCC and Tire Hauling serviced donated by Advanced Disposal Services.

For additional information on the “Clean It Up to Green It Up” program, Tire Recycling or to find out when/if this program is scheduled to come to your community, contact Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. at (863) 875-8911 or email [email protected] .

It is a violation of Florida Administrative Code Rules to transport more than 24 Waste Tires over public highways without a permit. Violation of this rule would constitute a 1st degree criminal misdemeanor and be punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or by 6 months in jail for further information please regarding the handling of waste tires please visit the DEP website http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ .

Routine Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest For Trafficking in Meth and Other Charges

Staff Reporter

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May 14, 2018

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Routine Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest For Trafficking in Meth and Other Charges

PCSO Release:
During the early morning hours of Monday, May 14, 2018, PCSO deputies patrolling the US Hwy 92 East area of Lakeland arrested 30-year-old Joshua Wesley Robertson, who has an active warrant for his arrest, and found a trafficking amount of meth and drug paraphernalia in his truck.

According to the affidavit, around 2:30 a.m. this morning, deputies made contact with the driver of a truck in the parking lot of the Bradley Motel, located at 3208 US Hwy 92 East in Lakeland. The driver had just gotten out of a red Ford truck that was registered to a registered sex offender (Robert Rogers) who has a curfew between 10:00 p.m. at 6:00 a.m.

When deputies asked Robertson who he was and asked for his identification, and then told him who the truck was registered to, Robertson laughed and said the truck’s owner was a friend of his who lets him use the truck at night because he cannot, due to his curfew. When deputies checked Robertson’s identification, they learned he had a warrant for his arrest for revoking his pretrial release on a domestic battery charge. Robertson also made a statement that he’s had a string of bad luck lately.

While searching Robertson, they found a piece of paper in his pocket that looked like a ledger, with names and numbers. A canine team responded, and the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the truck. A search of the truck revealed a backpack that contained the following:

Three bags containing: 19.98 grams of Meth, 0.80 grams of Meth, and 0.45 grams of Meth
Two bags containing: four Alprazolam (Xanax) pills, and two Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) pills
A digital scale
A plastic spoon
Three bags containing unused small Ziploc-style bags
Swabs and a straw
Another list similar to the one in his pocket, with names and numbers
A court snapout sheet for Joshua Robertson with case number 2018MM-002721 with a court appearance date for May 15, 2018.

“Good news – Joshua Robertson will make his May 15th court appearance. Bad news – he’ll have a whole new slew of charges. I’d say he hasn’t had bad luck lately – I’d say he’s been making bad decisions.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Robertson, whose last known address is 2910 Hickory Rd in Auburndale, was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

1 count Trafficking in Meth (F-1)
1 count Possession of Hydromorphone (F-3)
1 count Possession of Alprazolam (F-3)
1 count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M-1)
1 count Violation of Pretrial Release (M-3)

Tennis Lovers Will Love To Love-Love On New Winter Haven Tennis Complex

Staff Reporter

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May 14, 2018

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Tennis Lovers Will Love To Love-Love On New Winter Haven Tennis Complex

by James Coulter

Joan Birkes, a Winter Haven resident, has been playing tennis for 40 years, but has developed a recent love for pickleball ever since joining the Auburndale Pickleball League, known as the “Pickleball Gang.”

She and the 200 other members often play within the indoor courts of the Auburndale Community Center & Gym, but they now have a new playing location centrally-located within Winter Haven with the newly re-opened Tennis Court Complex.

Most tennis courts are not often built to accommodate pickleball. The nets for tennis are higher, and the boundaries for pickleball are smaller and shorter than tennis, she explained.

But the newly-refurbished tennis complex in Winter Haven not only has eight clay courts for tennis, but a bank of courts made specifically for pickleball.

“We are celebrating because typically we have to play on courts that are built for tennis,” Birkes said. “I found pickleball and love it because we laugh we act silly, it is great exercise, and it is just fun.”

The Winter Haven Tennis Complex was officially dedicated and opened to the public during the grand re-opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last Wednesday evening on May 9.

The newly-refurbished complex features eight clay courts, along with one instructional court and several smaller pickleball courts.

In the center of the complex stands a two-floor structure with an elevated observation deck on top and a pro-shop on the bottom, all of which is covered with a shading tarp nearly a block long, thus providing optimal shading and a panoramic aerial view of the entire complex.

The new complex will be used for various tennis classes and programs spanning ages young and old, from a USTA Net Generation class for ages 5-18, to adult drills for both men and women, as well as private and semi-private lessons, tournaments, and leagues.

The area on which the complex now stands was the original location of the Citrus Festival Grounds more than a century ago, and was even visited by President Calvin Coolidge on his way to the dedication of Bok Tower in 1929, explained Nathaniel Birdsong, Winter Haven Mayor Pro Tem.

By 1937, both the city commissioners and Rotary Club set aside the land for recreational purposes, and the tennis complex was constructed and opened later in 1942, Birdsong said.

Originally, the tennis court had asphalt courts and coin-operated lighting, but renovations were eventually made, with the main building being remodeled in 1977. The complex had since not received any major refurbishments over the past 50 years.

The past 20 years has seen the downtown area make a comeback with new facilities ranging from Trailhead Park to the Splash Pad, with the tennis complex being the most recent refurbishment, Birdsong said.

“For the past 90 years, many people have enjoyed the grounds of this part of town for recreation…[and] this complex with serve as an example of excellence for our community and Polk County for the next 90 years,” he said.

Mayor Brad Dantzler has been a supporter of the tennis complex refurbishment for many years, as he and his wife are avid tennis players, and even played one of the first matches together at the complex.

He remembers ten years ago when he received e-mails from city commissioners about why the complex needed to be refurbished, and he is now proud that those refurbishments have finally come into fruition.

His own family has been invested in the community’s recreational facilities and overall well-being for generations, as his grandfather was a supporter of tennis and recreations back in the 1930s.

“I am proud to know that my family has been involved in Winter Haven and its quality of life more than 75 years ago,” he said.

Refurbishments to facilities such as this are a mark of private investment within the downtown community, all of which will more than pay back in both economic development and overall higher quality living standards for local residents, he said.

“In addition to bringing tournaments, as businesses seek to relocate and prospective residents are looking for a new place to settle, I feel confident that they will be looking at our city as a place to be,” he said. “I am thrilled that this has finally come into fruition, and I am ready to get this place open and dedicated.”

The Winter Haven Tennis Complex is located at 209 Avenue F NW, and is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit the city’s website at: http://www.mywinterhaven.com/parks-and-recreation/facilities-parks/winter-haven-tennis-complex/

Or visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/CityOfWinterHavenTennis/

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