Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.

This is Winter Haven Wake — serving up local news before the turkey takes over your week.

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s go ⬇️

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

To celebrate the grand reopening of Pizza Connection this week, and the grand opening of Haven Coffee next week, we're keeping the history highlight for this week in Auburndale! If you’ve spent any time in Auburndale, you’ve probably noticed the Baynard name on signs, streets, and one of the city’s oldest homes.

Ephriam Mikell Baynard was one of the early figures who helped shape Auburndale from a small lakeside settlement into a growing Central Florida town.

Baynard arrived in the late 1800s, building one of the area’s earliest homes in 1894 and quickly becoming one of Auburndale’s most active landowners and businessmen. He ran a general store, invested in citrus groves, and began buying and developing land at a time when Auburndale was little more than a depot town along the rail line.

In the early 1900s, downtown Auburndale suffered a series of major fires that destroyed much of the wooden commercial district. Many small towns never fully recovered from events like these, but, Auburndale did — in large part because Baynard stepped in. He helped rebuild sections of Main Street with sturdier materials and more permanent storefronts, giving the town the backbone it needed to grow through the 1920s and beyond.

Because of his influence on the city’s early development, his name became part of Auburndale’s landscape. The Baynard House he built, and lived in, still stands. Streets and markers carry the name, and many of the choices he made more than a century ago still shape the layout of the historic downtown that Pizza Connection and Haven Coffee are now bringing new energy into.

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):

Interested in joining?

Big news for pizza lovers: Pizza Connection is officially back.

Their grand reopening this week was nothing short of incredible (and the pizza tasted just as good!).

After being closed for three months due to fire damage, the beloved Auburndale restaurant finally reopened its doors, and the community showed up big.

Their first day back was packed with familiar faces, long-awaited hugs, and the kind of warmth you can’t fake. The team said the day was emotional, healing, and overflowing with gratitude for the customers who stood by them through the long rebuild.

With the rush of opening day, the Pizza Connection crew is taking a little extra time to tighten up a few behind-the-scenes details so they can deliver the experience their customers deserve, but one thing is clear: Auburndale is thrilled to have them back.

🐱 Michael is a small, male Domestic Short Hair kitten with bright orange fur and endless curiosity. He’s neutered, full of kitten energy, and always up for a little mischief before curling up for a nap.

If you’re looking for a cheerful companion to keep you smiling, Michael is your guy.

ADOPT MICHAEL HERE.

🐶 Ron is a young, medium-sized male American Bulldog mix with a classic all-white coat and a heart as big as his paws. This neutered pup has an alert stance and a curious spirit — always ready for his next walk, treat, or adventure around the lakes.

He’s the perfect blend of loyal and playful; a true best friend in the making.

ADOPT RON HERE.

Check the event links for additional information.

Chair Yoga | Friday, November 21st | 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

Fitness at the Port | Saturday, November 21st | 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

Pro Late Model 75 | Saturday, November 22nd | 7PM ($20 cash)
Location: Auburndale Speedway
Description: An action-packed night headlined by Pro Late Model 75. The excitement continues with Street Stocks, Crown Vics, Mini Stocks, INEX Legends, & INEX Bandoleros for a full night of short track racing fun! Event Info

REGISTRATION ENDS TODAY Paint Your Pet In A Santa Hat | Saturday, November 22nd | 1:30PM ($66+)
Location: Painting With A Twist- Winter Haven
Description: Paint your pet in a Santa hat during this group led class while enjoying a drink from a selection of wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages at the bar. Be sure to check the link for important information and to register! Event Info

Music Bingo | Tuesday, November 25th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Somewhere Sports Bar
Description: Listen for your favorite songs during Music Bingo and win big! Free to play, come early to enjoy happy hour!

Trivia Tuesday | Tuesday, November 25th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: Test your knowledge at Trivia Tuesday while enjoying great local brews and Gin Khao Food Truck!

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, November 22nd | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: NE Corner of 3rd Street and Ave C SW
Description: Fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and local vendors.

Paradise Market | Sunday, November 23rd | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
Description: This indoor market features over 60 vendors offering baked goods, artwork, home décor, boutique clothing, and more. Open to the public and resort guests. Event Info

Comic Dog Act Johnny Peers & Mutville Comix | Friday, November 21st | 7PM ($15)
Location: Ritz Theatre
Description: Johnny Peers & The Muttville Comix present a hilarious, family-friendly dog show starring over a dozen talented, mostly rescued pups. A Ringling Brothers Clown College graduate, Johnny has performed nationwide and on major stages, from David Letterman to the White House. Meet favorites like Noodles the skateboarding basset hound, Piccolo the ladder-climber, Waffled the balancing chihuahua, and Sir Harry the waltzing terrier. Get ready to howl! Event Info & Tickets

Comedy Adam Minnick | Friday & Saturday| 8PM - 10PM ($15+)
Location: Laugh Out Lounge
Description: Adam Minnick has performed at comedy clubs and theaters across the country, and has his own Dry Bar Comedy special. Don't miss him! Event Info & Tickets

Live Music Free Whiskey Band | Wednesday, November 26th | 7PM - 10PM ($5+)
Location: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
Description: Get ready for a night of great music and good vibes with the Free Whiskey Band at Camp Margaritaville's Paradise Pavilion (indoor event)! Event Info & Tickets

Theatre Annie | Opening Night! Wednesday, November 26th | 7:30PM ($39)
Location: Winter Haven Theatre
Description: Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.” 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

Thanksgiving Eve Party | Wednesday, November 26th | 5PM - 9PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: Spend your Thanksgiving Eve with Grove Roots! They will have La Casa de Mama Juana Food Truck and Bacon Wake Food Truck for all your dinner needs with your favorite beers on tap! Event Info

Ribbon Cutting Lake Elbert Trail | Saturday, November 22nd | 9AM (FREE)
Location: 813 Lake Elbert Park NE
Description: Join the City of Winter Haven and community partners and celebrate the official opening of the Lake Elbert Trail! The morning will begin with a brief ceremony and ribbon cutting, followed by a ceremonial “First Walk” around the trail. Event Info

Festival of Trees Preview Party | Friday, November 21st | 6PM ($45+)
Location: Grove Roots- Packing House
Description: Join us for a magical evening at Winter Haven's Festival of Trees- Mistletoe Mixer - A Preview Night Cocktail Party hosted by the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven! Kick off the holiday season with us at Grove Roots Packing House! Enjoy a festive night filled with beautifully decorated trees, delicious treats, and joyful company. Event Info

Ribbon Cutting Haven Coffee- Auburndale | Friday, November 21st | 4PM (FREE)
Location: 202 North Park Street, Auburndale, FL
Description: Join in celebrating Haven Coffee's new Auburndale location! Event Info

Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.

Pass this along to someone who treats Black Friday like their Super Bowl.

- Logan and Mike

Interested in advertising with us?

Have a minute to help us improve WH-Wake? Click here.