TOGETHER WITH
Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.
This is Winter Haven Wake — the cozy companion to your first real cold front of the season.
In today’s Winter Haven Wake:
How the Chain of Lakes Connected a City
Winston & Gigi Need New Homes
Haven Coffee Sets Their Grand Opening Date in Auburndale
Let’s go ⬇️
— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine
📜 Historic Haven Highlights
🌊 How The Chain of Lakes Connected A City
Water skiers performing on Lake Eloise at the Cypress Gardens theme park in Winter Haven, Florida.
If you’ve lived in Winter Haven long enough, you’ve probably heard someone say you can boat “from one side of town to the other.” That’s thanks to one of the city’s greatest engineering feats: the Chain of Lakes, a network of canals linking more than 50 natural lakes.
The story began in 1915, when local leaders first connected Lake Howard and Lake Cannon by hand-dug canal. Over the next two decades, as Winter Haven’s land boom took off, more canals were added, linking lake after lake and transforming the city into a one-of-a-kind waterfront community that, by the 1930s, had earned its nickname: “The Chain of Lakes City.”
The canals turned everyday lakes into an interconnected playground. Families could fish in one lake, ski in another, and boat downtown for dinner, all without ever leaving the water.
By the 1950s, water-ski pioneers like Dick Pope Sr. were using the connected lakes for elaborate shows that helped put Cypress Gardens (and Winter Haven) on the map.
The Chain of Lakes now includes two main systems: the Northern Chain (Lakes Howard, Cannon, Mirror, and others) and the Southern Chain (Lakes Eloise, Lulu, Summit, and beyond). Dozens of public boat ramps, waterfront parks, and scenic bridges keep the tradition alive, making Winter Haven one of the few cities in the nation where you can boat, fish, or ski straight through downtown.
It is a legacy that still defines Winter Haven, a city built not just beside the water, but connected by it.
💡 Did You Know?
The first canal linking Lake Howard and Lake Cannon was carved out by mule teams and wheelbarrows back in 1915.
Some of those early bridges were built so low that boaters had to duck or even lie flat to make it through, a local tradition that still sparks a laugh today.
And before the canals became a playground, developers used them for real estate tours, boating potential buyers from one future neighborhood to the next.
🏃♀️ SPONSORED BY WINTER HAVEN RUN CLUB
Winter Haven Run Club is a free run club that meets 2 times a week and always open to anyone who wants to join!
Come out and run (or walk):
3.1 miles (5K) at Grove Roots every Thursday at 6:30PM
3 or 5 miles at Richard’s Coffee every Sunday at 8AM
Interested in joining?
Interested in partnering with WH Wake?
🚨 Biggest News This Week
☕ Haven Coffee Is Coming To Auburndale Nov. 22nd
Courtesy of Haven Coffee Roasters Facebook
Big news for coffee lovers-
Haven Coffee Roasters downtown Auburndale expansion has an official open date!
The team announced this week that their Grand Opening will take place on Saturday, November 22nd, from 7 AM – 5 PM at 202 North Park Street.
The new location will include a bakery alongside the coffee shop, expanding the brand’s presence in Polk County.
📍 Location: 202 North Park Street, Auburndale
📅 Grand Opening: Saturday, November 22 | 7 AM – 5 PM
🐶 Pets Of The Week
Winston & Gigi
🐶 Winston is a tan and white adult male Bulldog mix with the perfect mix of strength and sweetness. This neutered gentleman has a calm confidence about him; the kind of dog who’s just as happy on a walk as he is lounging by your side.
He’s been at the shelter since October 28th and is ready to trade the kennel life for a cozy couch and a loving home.
🐈 Gigi is a spayed adult female gray tabby and white Domestic Shorthair with big, curious eyes and a playful personality. She’s equal parts affectionate and independent; the type who’ll curl up beside you after a long day but still keep her charm.
She’s been at the shelter since October 8th and is ready to rule her new kingdom (your living room).
Interested in volunteering with Polk County Humane Society?
📆 Local Events: November 13th - November 19th
Check the event links for additional information.
TODAY: 2025 Winter Haven State of the City
Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 8am
An annual opportunity for citizens, business leaders, community groups, and civic stakeholders to come together to reflect on our city’s accomplishments over the past year—and chart a bold course for the future. Coffee, drinks and pastries will be served. Seats are limited! Admission is $5 to reserve your spot.
⚽ Sports & Fitness
Chair Yoga | Friday, November 14th | 10:30am - 11:30am (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Public Library- Multipurpose Room
Description: Activate the muscles that help you find length up through the spine for better posture and energy flow and improve your balance as you create stability in your core and flexibility in your joints. Class instructed by Kristie Renardson, space is limited. Event Info
Kayak Ecotour | Saturday, November 15th | 9am - 12pm (Varied Price)
Location: Lake Cannon Park
Description: The City of Winter Haven's Natural Resources Division is hosting a series of kayak ecotours on various lakes in our town. These tours will be short (within 3 hours) but information-packed trips where residents and visitors to our town can get out for a fun morning on the lakes & learn about lake health, wildlife, plant life, and other general lake ecology in the process! Event Info
Yoga in the Gardens | Saturday, November 15th | 9am - 10am ($12+)
Location: Bok Tower Gardens
Description: A morning of bending, breathing and relaxing in the great outdoors. This inclusive class includes gentle yoga movements, breathing techniques, and extended relaxation infused with a sprinkling of yoga philosophy. All levels are welcome and beginners are encouraged to attend. Bring your yoga mat and join us on the Olmsted House Lawn. Registration required. Event Info & Registration
Fitness at the Port | Saturday, November 15th | 9AM - 11AM ($15)
Location: Port 27
Description: A full morning of fun and fitness at Port 27! Meditation and Rev/Flow classes happen simultaneously from 9am-10am, then, the fun continues with Yoga from 10am-11am. Each class is $15/person. Event Info
Ski Show | Saturday, November 15th | 4PM (FREE)
Location: Lake Silver/MLK Park
Description: Walking distance from Downtown Winter Haven, catch Cypress Gardens Ski Team’s Monthly exhibition! Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Pre-show begins at 4:30pm; attendance is free, but donations are always appreciated. Event Info
Pro Truck 50 | Saturday, November 15th | 7PM ($20 cash)
Location: Auburndale Speedway
Description: An action-packed night headlined by Pro Truck 50 The excitement continues with A-Mods, Pure Stocks, Crown Vics, Mod Minis, & Mini Cups for a full night of short track racing fun! Event Info
Winter Haven Run Club
Thursday (5k) 6:30PM | Sundays (5mi) 8AM
🎆 Community Fun
Wine, Chocolate, and Cheese | Friday, November 14th | 5:30PM - 8:30PM ($45)
Location: Downtown Winter Haven
Description: Attendees will sample carefully curated pairings of wine and chocolate, or a wine and cheese pairing with their tasting ticket at 40 plus Downtown businesses. Wine, Chocolate, and Cheese is a map-based event encouraging attendees to explore and shop Downtown Winter Haven’s local small businesses. Event Info & Tickets
Trivia Tuesday | Tuesday, November 18th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: Test your knowledge at Trivia Tuesday while enjoying great local brews and Bacon Wake Food Truck!
Polk County Brew’N Biz | Tuesday, November 18th | 4:30PM - 6PM (FREE)
Location: Ave Bar on Central, Winter Haven
Description: Network with small business owners, entrepreneurs, side-hustlers, and community builders! Bring your business cards and a smile! Event Info
🎡 Markets & Fairs
Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, November 15th | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: NE Corner of 3rd Street and Ave C SW
Description: Fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and local vendors.
Winter Haven Holiday Market | Saturday, November 15th | 10AM - 4PM (FREE)
Location: 469 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Description: Featuring more than 200 vendors, it’s a great place for you to get your holiday shopping started! Vendors include arts, crafts, holiday decor, vintage, fair trade goods, cottage food, fresh gourmet, local authors, kids crafts, food trucks, and live music. Event Info
🎤 Performances
TONIGHT Rusty & Laurie Wright | Thursday, November 13th | 8PM - 10PM ($19+)
Location: Laugh Out Lounge
Description: Rusty Wright may be best known as a passionate, acclaimed blues-rocker, but he is also an artist who resists categorization. See him LIVE! Event Info & Tickets
Live Music Four Elements Festival | Saturday, November 15th | 6PM ($20)
Location: Bok Tower Gardens
Description: Known as one of the best Earth, Wind, and Fire cover bands in the country, Elements combines tight horn arrangements, soaring falsettos, and a pulsating groove into one unforgettable night of hits like “Shining Star,” “September,” and “Boogie Wonderland” among others. Event Info
Live Music Open Mic Night | Tuesday, November 18th | 6PM - 8PM (FREE)
Location: Barrel 239
Description: Open Mic Night every Tuesday, led by Alex Eisenberg. Take the stage to share your talents or enjoy an evening of live local performances and great atmosphere.
Theatre Daddy’s Dyin’ | Friday - Sunday | Various Times ($40)
Location: Little Lake Wales Theatre
Description: Set in a small Texas town in anytime, U.S.A., Daddy's Dyin' concerns the reunion of a family gathered to await the imminent death of their patriarch. In essence, however, it is not the story of the impending demise of the father or of the drafting of his will, but of a rebirth of the spirit of the family unit. The story shares funny moments, tense and touching moments, and characters you care about. Event Info & Tickets
Theatre Over the River and Through the Woods | Various Dates | 7:30PM ($22)
Location: Haines City Theatre
Description: A warm-hearted, hilarious, and deeply relatable comedy about family, food, and the ties that bind. Additional performances through November 23rd. Event Info & Tickets
THANKS!
Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.
Share this with a friend who finally got to wear their favorite sweater this week.
- Logan and Mike
