Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.

This is Winter Haven Wake — proof that even when the temps drop, the community doesn’t cool off.

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s go ⬇️

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

When the Florida land boom roared through the 1920s, Winter Haven wasn’t just expanding — it was making a statement. And nothing captured that optimism more than the opening of The Haven Hotel, a six-story Mediterranean-Revival landmark that officially opened its doors in October 1924.

Built at a staggering $610,000 (about $11.6 million today), the Haven was described by the Florida Chief (a forerunner of the News Chief) as “one of the most magnificent in the country… in class with the best hotels of the nation.”

Inside, the hotel featured 136 rooms, each with modern conveniences that were rare for the time. Guests could visit the five-chair barbershop in the basement, enjoy dinner overlooking Lake Howard, or relax in the airy lobby filled with oversized wicker furniture.

The Haven quickly became Winter Haven’s premier gathering place — the crown jewel of the “City of 100 Lakes.” Businessmen sealed citrus deals in the lobby, social clubs hosted galas in its banquet rooms, and northerners looking to escape the cold flocked south to experience a slice of the Florida dream.

And, according to local lore, the guest book read like a who’s-who of early 20th century society — even the Kennedys and Ernest Hemingway reportedly lounged in those same wicker chairs under the ceiling fans of the Haven’s grand lobby.

By the time World War II began, the Haven’s glamour had faded, but the building found a new purpose. Local volunteers used its rooftop to watch for unidentified aircraft as part of Winter Haven’s civil defense efforts — turning the former luxury hotel into a small but vital lookout on the home front.

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?

The votes are in for Winter Haven and Auburndale’s City Commission races, and the results are shaping the next chapter for both communities.

In Winter Haven, two seats were on the ballot:

Meanwhile, in Auburndale, Sean Levy won City Commissioner Seat #3 with 56.77% of the vote, defeating Maulissa Braverman.

With one race still undecided, Winter Haven voters will head back to the polls soon to make the final call.

🐈 Taffy is a gray tabby and white female Domestic Shorthair kitten with curious eyes and a sweet streak to match her name. She’s spayed, energetic, and ready to bring a little chaos (and a lot of love) to her new home.

She’s been waiting since October 22nd, and we’re betting her purrs will melt hearts.

ADOPT TAFFY HERE.

🐶 Marley is a white adult male Bulldog mix with a grin that says it all. He’s just happy to be here. This neutered boy is playful, affectionate, and always ready to turn any day into a good one.

He’s been at the shelter since October 1st and would love to trade kennel walls for couch cuddles.

ADOPT MARLEY HERE.

Check the event links for additional information.

Chair Yoga | Friday, November 7th | 10:30am (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 8th | 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

Crash-O-Mania | Saturday, November 8th | 7PM ($12+ and $10 cash parking)
Location: Auburndale Speedway
Description: Crash-O-Mania is set to make a thrilling return to Auburndale Speedway on Saturday. This adrenaline-fueled event promises an evening of high-octane entertainment, featuring a lineup of crowd-favorite races and stunts. Event Info

TODAY Family Movie Night | Thursday, November 6th | 7PM (FREE)
Location: Port 27
Description: Bring the family and enjoy a movie night under the stars! Tonight’s selection is Dr. Suess’ The Grinch (2018).

Plein Air Symposium | Saturday & Sunday | 9AM - 5PM ($250)
Location: Bok Tower Gardens
Description: The Plein Air Painting Workshop at Bok Tower Gardens invites artists of all levels to capture the natural beauty of Lake Wales as part of the 2nd Annual Plein Air Symposium. Participants will enjoy hands-on sessions, live demonstrations, and personalized instruction from acclaimed artists, with registration including garden admission, coffee, and lunch both days. Event Info & Tickets

CASS Cares Community Festival | Sunday, November 9th | 12PM - 5PM (FREE)
Location: Flightline Cafe- Winter Haven Airport
Description: Community Festival honoring Hometown Heroes featuring a health fair, local resources, family fun, giveaways, and tasty food. Attendees can also enjoy live music and entertainment and are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Event Info

Trivia Tuesday | Tuesday, November 11th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: Test your knowledge at Trivia Tuesday while enjoying great local brews and Angels Heavenly Empanadas!

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, November 8th | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: NE Corner of 3rd Street and Ave C SW
Description: Fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and local vendors.

Honeybee Craft Fair | Saturday, November 8th | 9AM - 4PM (FREE)
Location: Downtown Bartow (180 S Central Ave)
Description: This family-friendly event celebrates the beauty of bees and brings our community together with something for everyone. Enjoy a full day of shopping, learning, creating, and celebrating. Event Info

TONIGHT The Bucket List! | Thursday, November 6th | 8PM - 10PM ($13+)
Location: Laugh Out Lounge
Description: The Bucket List is an improvised comedy show where YOU choose the topics! Our comedians make up jokes on the spot based on your suggestions! Event Info & Tickets

Live Music Open Mic Night | Friday, November 7th | 6PM - 8PM (FREE)
Location: Richard’s Coffee
Description: First Friday Open Mic Night hosted by Sara Chase. An evening of creativity and community at Richard's Coffee, where the stage is yours! Whether you're a musician, poet, comedian, or storyteller, all talents are welcome to share their passion. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere, great coffee, and the unique talents of our local performers. Early Sign Up HERE

Theatre Daddy’s Dyin’ | Friday, November 7th OPENING NIGHT | 7:30PM ($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 | Friday, November 7th OPENING NIGHT | 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 November 8th - 23rd. Event Info & Tickets

Live Music Back Beat Band | Saturday, November 8th | 7PM - 10PM (FREE)
Location: Port 27
Description: Rock out to the Back Beat Band while enjoying all that Port 27 has to offer! The band will be playing all of your classic rock favorites and the True Amor Flower Truck will be on site to make for the perfect Fall Saturday night!

Live Music Puttin’ on “At” The Ritz | Saturday, November 8th | 7PM ($35)
Location: The Ritz Theatre
Description: During this Ella Fitzgerald Tribute, the Theatre Winter Haven Band will perform while singer Cherry Hamlin presents some of Ms. Fitzgerald’s greatest hits, including “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” “Daydream,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and “All the Things You Are.” All proceeds will provide music scholarships for students at Polk State College. Event Info & Buy Tickets

Live Music Open Mic Night | Tuesday, November 11th | 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.

Live Music Blondie Tribute | Wednesday, November 12th | 7PM ($35)
Location: The Ritz Theatre
Description: From the producer of Pinup A GoGo comes an unforgettable tribute to one of the most iconic bands of the new wave era. The award-winning Blondie Tribute: Heart of Glass delivers a high-energy performance that perfectly captures Debbie Harry’s look, sound, and attitude with live renditions of hits like “Heart of Glass”, “Rapture”, and “Call Me”. Event Info & Tickets

First Friday Winter Haven | Friday, November 7th | 5PM - 8PM (FREE)
Location: Downtown Winter Haven
Description: Centered around the downtown corridor, patrons can enjoy food and drink specials from downtown restaurants, shop the market in the park, and live musicians and other entertainment at multiple venues. Check out the car show on Magnolia Ave!

Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.

Forward this to someone who’s already swapped pumpkin spice for peppermint.

- Logan and Mike

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