Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.

This is Winter Haven Wake — here to help you squeeze in all the holiday fun before the big week arrives.

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s go ⬇️

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

In the early 1900s Winter Haven was a small agricultural town finding its footing. One of the people most responsible for shaping those early years was Dr. John D. Inman, the man many locals still call the Father of Winter Haven.

Inman arrived during the city’s formative years and quickly became one of the community’s most influential leaders. While he practiced medicine, he was equally known for his work as a civic organizer, land developer, and advocate for Florida’s growing citrus industry. His leadership helped guide Winter Haven from a scattered settlement into a structured, forward-looking town.

One of his most lasting contributions was serving as the first president of the Florida Citrus Exchange, a cooperative formed to protect growers, improve marketing, and stabilize citrus prices at a time when the industry was still young and vulnerable.

Under his leadership, citrus became the economic engine that powered early Winter Haven and earned the city a nickname that still appears on old postcards: “The Citrus Capital of Florida.”

Inman’s civic influence stretched far beyond agriculture. His name appears throughout early records tied to the city’s planning efforts, community groups, and infrastructure improvements, all of which helped Winter Haven establish a stable foundation during the early twentieth century.

More than 2,000 athletes will take on one of Central Florida’s toughest endurance events this Sunday at Lake Eva Park in Haines City. The Ironman 70.3 Florida covers 70.3 miles total: a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run through the area.

If you live nearby or plan to travel through Haines City, be prepared for significant road closures. Ledwith Avenue, 6th Street, and Peninsular Drive will be affected starting at 3:00 a.m. and roads will reopen once athletes clear each section of the course.

Spectators can head to Lake Eva Park to watch the swim start, see athletes transition between events, and take in the finish line excitement. It is one of the most inspiring events of the year and it happens right in our backyard.

If you enjoy big local events or want to cheer on some incredible athletes, this is a great one to check out.

🐱 Gecko is an orange tabby and white adult male Domestic Shorthair who’s as curious as his name suggests. Neutered, friendly, and full of confidence, he’s the kind of cat who will follow you from room to room just to be part of the action.

He’s been at the shelter since November 23rd and is ready to bring his purrs and personality home for the holidays.

ADOPT GECKO HERE

🐶 Baxter is a brown brindle and white adult male Bulldog mix with a big heart and even bigger personality. This neutered gentleman has been at the shelter since November 1st and is always ready to flash his charming grin for a treat or a walk.

He’s loyal, playful, and just waiting for the right family to make him their new best friend.

ADOPT BAXTER HERE

Check the event links for additional information.

TODAY Grove Roots Run Club | Thursday, December 11th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: A great way to kickoff the weekend! Runners and walkers are welcome- route options include 1 mile or 5K.

Chair Yoga | Friday, December 12th | 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, December 13th | 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

Magical Illumination Christmas Parade | Friday, December 12th | 6PM (FREE)
Location: Downtown Bartow
Description: Enjoy Bartow’s Magical Illumination Christmas Parade! The parade begins at 6 p.m. at Mosaic Park. Lighted and decorated floats, cars and marching units will head north on Broadway, then east on Main Street to First Avenue. Event Info

Christmas Jubilee | Saturday, December 13th | 10:30AM - 6PM ($13+)
Location: Golden Ridge Groves
Description: Celebrate the season with a day of old-Florida Christmas fun! Your ticket includes a visit and photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus, cozy treats like hot chocolate and cookies, holiday hayrides, and a reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Explore U-Pick grapefruit, sunflowers, and strawberries, enjoy live music and food trucks, browse the farm market for homemade ice cream, fresh juices, and holiday pies, and relax with yard games and picnic areas on the wraparound porches. A full day of holiday cheer and family fun in the grove! Event Info & Tickets

Deck the Yard | Saturday, December 13th | 2PM - 6PM (FREE)
Location: Bowen Yard
Description: This year we’re decking the yard with festive lights, food and drink deals from all six restaurants, family-friendly activities, seasonal drinks, and a special visit from Santa from 4–6 p.m. Event Info

Sunday Funday | Sunday, December 14th | 1PM - 6PM (FREE)
Location: The Ritz Theatre
Description: Sunday Funday at The Ritz Theatre kicks off its first week with doors opening at 1:00 p.m., Nitro Bingo at 2:30 p.m. ($30 buy-in), and Tipsy Karaoke at 5:00 p.m., creating a full afternoon of fun and excitement. Come join the energy, laughter, and good vibes as you start your new favorite Sunday tradition! Event Info & Tickets

Trivia Tuesday | Tuesday, December 16th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: Test your knowledge at Trivia Tuesday while enjoying great local brews and Angel’s Heavenly Empanadas!

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, December 13th | 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 Saturday Market | Saturday, December 13th | 9AM - 3PM (FREE)
Location: Central Park- Downtown Winter Haven
Description: A free, family- and pet-friendly market featuring arts, crafts, jewelry, food trucks, live music, and more.

Mistletoe Market | Saturday, December 13th | 10AM - 3PM (FREE)
Location: Along Summerlin/Central & Wilson- Downtown Bartow
Description: Holiday market featuring 100 craft exhibitors, children’s activities, food from street vendors and local restaurants, live music, giveaways, raffles, and a visit from Santa. Event Info

GRB Market | Wednesday, December 17th | 4PM - 10PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: Sip and Shop Local at Grove Roots Holiday Market! Event Info

TODAY Comedy Work Sucks! (21+) | Thursday, December 11th | 8PM ($20)
Location: Laugh Out Lounge
Description: Doors open at 7PM for the #1-rated “Work Sucks” comedy showcase, hosted by Jake Klark and featuring a lineup of comedians who hilariously dive into the everyday struggles of the workforce! Event Info & Tickets

Live Music Music of the Season | Friday & Saturday | 7PM - 9PM ($20)
Location: Harrison School for the Arts
Description: Holiday music performed by the Harrison Singers and the Harrison Symphony Orchestra! This performance is for RESERVED seating. Please buy tickets in advance to confirm availability. Event Info & Tickets

Live Music A Very Diva Christmas | Saturday, December 13th | 7PM ($35)
Location: The Ritz Theatre
Description: Get ready for A Very Diva Christmas—a festive night of classic holiday favorites and modern pop hits delivered by iconic Divas. Enjoy nostalgia, energy, and holiday magic that will have you singing, dancing, and full of Christmas cheer! Event Info & Tickets

Live Music Divas of Soul | Tuesday, December 16th | 6:30PM ($35)
Location: The Ritz Theatre
Description: Experience the powerhouse voice and dazzling stage presence of Latraia Savage as she brings two legendary icons to life in one unforgettable evening. From Whitney Houston’s soaring ballads to Donna Summer’s disco anthems, Divas of Soul delivers the magic, the energy, and the timeless hits you love! 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

Theatre Plaid Tidings | Various Dates | 7PM ($39)
Location: Theatre Winter Haven- SecondStage
Description: Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings brings back the beloved quartet for a harmony-filled holiday special packed with “Plaid-erized” Christmas classics, nostalgic humor, and audience-favorite musical moments. This lighthearted, heavenly-inspired show delivers festive fun and timeless charm; additional showtimes playing from now until Sunday, December 21st. Event Info & Tickets

Breakfast with Santa | Saturday 9am - 12pm & Sunday 11am - 2pm ($45+)
Location: Bok Tower Gardens
Description: Enjoy a whimsical continental breakfast at the Olmsted House all decked out for the season, meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and delight in festive holiday cheer. Your ticket includes full Gardens admission and tickets to experience Holidays at El Retiro, making this a perfect tradition for the whole family. This special experience is part of The Nutcracker Weekend, featuring enchanting selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet at Geert D’hollander’s 3 p.m. carillon concert. Event Info & Tickets

Ribbon Cutting Tuesday, December 16th | 4:30PM (FREE)
Location: BCG Polk Workforce Readiness Center
Description: Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County are thrilled to be celebrating the grand opening of their new Brian Lamar Brady Workforce Readiness Center, a space dedicated to empowering youth throughout our community through innovative workforce development programs. The ceremony will include a ribbon cutting, followed by a tour of the facility and a light reception.

Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.

Forward this to someone who’s juggling shopping bags and hot cocoa like a pro.

- Logan and Mike

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