Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.

This is Winter Haven Wake — wishing you good food, good company, and a great Thanksgiving.

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s go ⬇️

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

If you grew up in Polk County, Thanksgiving probably started with a trip to Publix. That tradition goes back much further than most people realize. Before Publix became a Florida icon, its roots were planted right here in Winter Haven, and those early years played a surprisingly big role in how local families prepared for the holiday.

Publix founder, George Jenkins, opened his very first successful store in downtown Winter Haven in 1930, right on Fourth Street. At a time when most grocery stores still operated with clerks behind the counter, Jenkins introduced something completely new for Florida: a modern, self-service experience where shoppers could walk aisles, choose their own items, and pick up everything needed for a holiday meal in one place.

Thanksgiving quickly became one of the busiest times of the year. Locals crowded the store for fresh produce, holiday baking supplies, and the novelty of buying a turkey ready to take home and cook. Families who had once relied on small markets and farmstands were now doing their entire Thanksgiving shop under one roof, which felt revolutionary in the 1930s and 40s.

Those years helped cement Publix as part of Winter Haven’s community rhythm. The store grew, moved, and modernized over time, but holiday shopping remained the moment when families lined up, exchanged recipes in the aisles, and bumped into neighbors they had not seen since the year before.

What began as one small Winter Haven market became part of the way Floridians prepare for Thanksgiving, long before Publix became the statewide staple it is today.

Big news for Winter Haven — after years of planning, construction, and anticipation, the newly revitalized Chain of Lakes Park is officially ready for its grand opening next month.

The City of Winter Haven and Polk County will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, December 3rd from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM at the park’s main building entrance. The celebration will include remarks from city and county officials, a look back at Winter Haven’s rich baseball history, and a preview of how the transformed grounds will serve residents and visitors for decades to come.

After the ceremony, guests are invited to explore the park during an open house with guided walkthroughs, refreshments, and a first look at the park’s newest amenities.

📍 Chain of Lakes Park: 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd SW
📅 Grand Opening Ceremony: Wednesday, December 3 | 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

🐶 Liddy is a black and white adult female German Shepherd mix with kind eyes and a gentle heart. This spayed sweetheart is calm, loyal, and always eager to please — the perfect walking partner or cozy-night-in companion.

She’s been at the shelter since November 24th and can’t wait to find her forever home.

ADOPT LIDDY HERE.

🐱 Frannie is an orange tabby and white adult female Domestic Shorthair with a soft coat and an even softer personality. She’s spayed, sweet, and loves a quiet corner to nap — but don’t be fooled, she’s got plenty of playful charm when she warms up to you.

She’s been at the shelter since November 14th and is ready to make herself right at home.

ADOPT FRANNIE HERE.

Check the event links for additional information.

Fitness at the Port | Saturday, November 29th | 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

Winter Haven Run Club | Sunday, November 30th | 8AM (FREE)
Location: Richard’s Fine Coffee
Description: A great way to get moving on a Sunday Morning! Runners and walkers are welcome- route options include 1 mile, 5K, or 4 miles. Event Info

6 O’Clock Social | Tuesday, December 2nd | 6PM - 7PM ($10)
Location: Ave Bar
Description: Hosted by Endeavor Winter Haven (young professionals networking group), kick off your holiday season with a cocktail at Ave Bar. Enjoy small bites provided by Endeavor upon arrival, with additional food and beverages available at your own discretion. Show off your holiday spirit in our Holiday Office Style contest — the winner will receive an Arabella’s gift card! Event Info

Music Bingo | Tuesday, December 2nd | 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, December 2nd | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: Test your knowledge at Trivia Tuesday while enjoying great local brews and Gin Khao Food Truck!

Bingo | Wednesday, December 3rd | 6:00PM - 8:00PM (FREE)
Location: Bowen Yard
Description: Free Bingo at Bowen Yard! Bring the whole family to eat from your favorite places and enjoy a great night on the lawn.

Trivia at Jensen’s | Wednesday, December 3rd | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Jensen’s Corner Bar
Description: Join us every Wednesday at 6:30 PM for a fun-filled evening of trivia hosted by @TriviosityLive! Teams of up to 6 compete for gift card prizes and bragging rights. Bring your crew and show off your smarts!

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, November 29th | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: NE Corner of 3rd Street and Ave C SW
Description: Fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and local vendors.

Small Business Saturday | Saturday, November 29th | 8AM - 5PM (FREE)
Location: Downtown Winter Haven
Description: Main Street Winter Haven proudly hosts Small Business Saturday®, a festive event dedicated to supporting our local business community. Small Business Saturday® is not just about buying local; it's about building relationships, fostering connections, and strengthening the bonds that make Winter Haven a close-knit and thriving community. Event Info

Comedy Patrick Sisk | Friday & Saturday | 8PM - 10PM ($18+)
Location: Laugh Out Lounge
Description: Patrick Sisk, one of Orlando’s rising comedy stars, has been traveling the country performing at numerous comedy clubs and theaters. Now you have a chance to see him LIVE! Event Info & Tickets

Live Music Tribute to Elvis | Tuesday, December 2nd | 4PM OR 6:30PM ($35)
Location: Ritz Theatre
Description: Dwight Icenhower’s ULTIMATE Tribute to the King! Five-time world champion Dwight Icenhower—hailed as one of the world’s top Elvis tribute artists—brings Elvis’s early hits, Vegas-era classics, and a few holiday favorites to life with stunning authenticity. This high-energy show is a must-see for every Elvis fan. Event Info & Tickets

Theatre Annie | Various Dates | 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

Cardboard Boat Race & Friendsgiving | Saturday, November 29th | 1PM (FREE)
Location: Tanners Lakeside
Description: Family friendly event! Come on out and join us at the Tiki. Boat building will be from 1 to 3pm and we will have the supplies. Feel free to bring decos to make it more fun. Boats will race at 3:30PM. Also enjoy the bounce house and food and drink specials. Event Info

Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.

Share this with someone who’s already guarding their favorite spot at the Thanksgiving table.

- Logan and Mike

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