City of Winter Haven, Fl –

Happening tonight! Tune in at 6 PM to learn about the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan, which will suggest changes to city practices and ordinances on tree care & management to improve our canopy’s health! We are seeking your input and involvement to help make this plan – Use the link below to find the zoom link & add it to your calendars: http://ow.ly/SL5150MSqWJ
Can’t make it? Visit this link after the meeting to view the presentation & email your comments: http://ow.ly/eYuS50MSqWH

Winter Haven Police –

Winter Haven Police need the public’s assistance in locating 13 year-old Andrea Jasso. Andrea was last seen at her Ave. F NE home last night (2/14/23) around 9:30 p.m. Her mother went to her bedroom to check on her and she was gone. Andrea does not have a history of running away. She has mentioned self-harm in the past though nothing concerning recently.
Andrea was last seen wearing a dark colored jacket and sweat pants. She is 5’2″ and weighs approximately 160 pounds.
Anyone with information on Andrea’s whereabouts is asked to call Sg.t Cooper at 863-307-2296.

City of Winter Haven Honors Two Local Legends for Black History Month

by James Coulter

One was a local educator who strived to offer equal educational opportunities for all. The other was Polk’s first black county commissioner. Both were black residents whose legacies are worth remembering and celebrating during Black History Month.

Two local legends were commemorated during the Winter Haven City Commission on Monday evening with proclamations dedicating two weeks in February after them in honor of Black History Month.

In 2021, city leaders determined to celebrate Black History Month by recognizing and commemorating notable residents whose legacies impacted the local community by furthering the causes of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

“Whereas Winter Haven recognizes how diversity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of American life and solidifies the foundation of strong communities…community leaders came together and identified local heroes who blazed new trails while demonstrating passion, dedication, empathy, and compassion for the community,” each proclamation read.

The first proclamation honored Althea Margaret Daily Mills, a local advocate for equal education, and the city’s first postal career employee and postal manager. To celebrate her legacy and accomplishments, the city declared the week of Feb. 13, 2023, as Althea Margaret Daily Mills.

Mrs. Mills was born in Pughsville in 1924, and passed away in 2008. Her career in the local postal system earned her the honor of having the Florence Villa Post Office in Winter Haven renamed after her as the Althea Margaret Daily Mills Post Office Building in 2021.

In addition to her work in the post office, she was also a civil rights leader and avid advocate for equal educational opportunities for black children. In her own words: “God created all men equally, this includes all, and all are entitled to equal education.”

The second proclamation was for Charles R. Richardson, who served as an educational administrator, city commissioner, mayor, county commissioner, and all-around public servant. To honor him and his legacy, the City of Winter Haven declared the week of Feb. 20, 2023, to be Charles R. Richardson, Sr. Week.

Mr. Richardson was born and raised in Bartow. He was one of the first black students integrated into Summerlin Institute (now Bartow Senior High) in 1965. He served as an administrator at Polk Community College (now Polk State College) before starting his career as a public servant, serving as a city commissioner, mayor, and later as the first black county commissioner in Polk County.

Even before his death in 2003, he remained dedicated to his role as an elected official despite his then-failing health, the Orlando Sentinel reported. As one of his co-workers was quoted as saying: “He was doing what he enjoyed doing, and that was benefiting the public at large.”

The Cypress Gardens Ballet Skiers lead the bikers to MLK, Jr. Park where Bikers, Show Skiers, Hikers, Runners, Strollers, Skaters, and Citizens of All Ages ENJOY the many user friendly trails throughout Winter Haven.

Come celebrate Winter Haven’s Trail Town Designation…

Slow Roll 3:30 from the BIKE SHOP, FREE SKI SHOW 4:00 PM on Lake Silver Feb 18

Winter Haven Library –

Register for our FREE February 16th event now to find out What’s Up with Nasa? Join NASA Solar System Ambassador, Mark Guillette as he provides an overview of some of the exciting programs and missions at NASA!

register here: http://ow.ly/ZxmQ50MB5vN

nasa #winterhaven

Winter Haven Police – Congratulations to Officer Jeremy Davis for receiving the American Legion Post 8 Officer of the Year at a ceremony on Saturday. On Dec. 14, 2022, Officer Davis responded to a domestic disturbance that involved a male stabbing a female. When Officer Davis arrived on scene, he made entry into the residence and saw the male attacking the woman. Multiple commands by Officer Davis to drop the knife were met with negative results. Fearing the male would continue stabbing the woman resulting in her death, Officer Davis shot the man ultimately stopping the attack. Officer Davis and other officers who arrived on scene immediately rendered aide to the male and female until EMS personnel arrived on scene. The female was treated at the hospital for her injuries. The suspect was treated at the hospital and ultimately taken into custody where he remains. “Had Officer Davis not taken the immediate action to stop Armstrong, the outcome for the victim could have been much worse,” said Chief David Brannan.

The Winter Haven Water Department is having a job fair on February 16th, 2023. They are recruiting Utility Service Workers for openings that they already have. There are not many openings for these positions, so get one while you can!

Kairos Nutrition Opens Winter Haven Store with Ribbon Cutting

by James Coulter

It may be more than a month into the new year, but it is never too late to start your New Year’s resolution and start your journey to a healthier you. If you’re looking to eat healthier, then consider dropping by for a healthy bite to eat at Kairos Nutrition.

Why settle for greasy fast food for lunch and dinner that leaves you feeling sluggish and slow through the workday? Instead, try a healthful drink or snack from Kairos. They have a full menu of smoothies, teas, waffles, and even donuts packed with protein, vitamins, and other nutrients to help give you a pep in your step, lose weight, and feel overall healthier.

Victor Marrero and his wife, Ashley, started Kairos Nutrition two years ago in Lake Wales. They wanted to start their own business and give back to their community. They decided the best way to do so was to provide their community with healthier food and drink options outside of the typical fast-food joint or coffee shop.

“We had the vision to create a community [and] to bring it to Winter Haven,” Ashley said. “We did not know what we would go into, but we knew this was where we wanted to be. And we have been able to impact so many people’s diets. We are so grateful for community support these two years, and we cannot wait to continue spreading good nutrition and community in Winter Haven.”

Her husband, Victor, was not only proud that they were able to open two locations in Lake Wales, but also to expand their operations to Downtown Winter Haven. They had dreamed of opening a shop downtown, and now they have more than high expectations for their newest location.

“It has been in the works,” he said. “I wanted to be downtown. We were trying for a while, and it finally happened, and it all fell into place. [We are] super thankful and grateful that the Lord gave us this opportunity to continue spreading our business and just healthy nutrition in this amazing community.”

Kairos Nutrition opened its new store in Winter Haven with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. City and chamber officials gathered to cut the ribbon to the new store and commend the new store owners and chamber members on opening their new business.

Pro Tem Mayor Nathanial Birdsong was super excited to have a healthy eatery open up just a short walk away from City Hall. He especially appreciated being able to pick up an energy drink on his way back.

“I am excited this is walking distance from City Hall,” he said. “I will take my energy drink with me. We wish you a lot of success. I know you will be [successful].”

Anita Strang, the President/CEO of Winter Haven Main Street, commended Kairos Nutrition for opening their new store in the downtown district. As her organization wants to help beautify and develop the downtown area, any new business that decides to move in is a welcome addition to their neighborhood.

“The area you are located in is what we are excited about helping expand,” she said. “We want to help you give the visibility that would like to have downtown. And become part of our family and gathering. Thank you for choosing to put your business in Downtown Winter Haven.”

Kairos Nutrition is located at 315 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven, FL 33880. For more information, call 863-608-4173, or visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/kairos.nutrition24

Winter Haven Police –

Have you seen 16 year-old Makayla Seay?
Makayla was last seen at her 5th St SE residence after having a verbal altercation with a family member. She possibly left with someone in a gold or tan Chevy sedan, possibly an Impala.
Anyone with information on Makayla’s whereabouts is asked to call Detective Lozado at 863-662-0166.

City of Winter Haven – We are looking to fill an opening on our Cultural Arts Advisory Committee. The person selected will serve a term that expires on September 30, 2024. For more detailed information on this Committee, please get in touch with Natalie Wilson, Special Events Coordinator, at (863) 291-5656 or [email protected].