Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.

Roses are red, inboxes are too— this Winter Haven Wake is for you! 💌
Sending a warm and joyful weekend to all of our Winter Haven Wake readers.

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s go ⬇️

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

Long before dinner reservations and text messages, a night out in Winter Haven was simple, local, and centered around downtown.

In the 1920s and 1930s, a typical evening began on Central Avenue. Couples might catch a film at the Williamson Theatre, known today as the Ritz, where silent pictures and early talkies brought the community together after sunset. A movie wasn’t just entertainment. It was an event.

Afterward, many stopped by a drugstore soda fountain for a Coca-Cola, a milkshake, or a cup of coffee. Long counters lined with stools made it easy to sit and talk awhile. Places like Kry’s Drugstore weren’t just stops for prescriptions. They were gathering spots where conversations lingered long after the drinks were finished.

On cooler evenings, a stroll along Lake Howard often followed. The lake sat just steps from downtown, offering open air, quiet water, and a natural backdrop that required no reservations or RSVP list. Downtown and the lake worked together, giving Winter Haven residents a built-in date night long before modern nightlife.

The details have changed, but the pattern hasn’t. A show at The Ritz, a drink, and a walk through downtown still make for a pretty good evening in Winter Haven.

HCA Florida Auburndale Emergency has officially opened its new freestanding emergency department, giving Winter Haven and greater Polk County residents 24/7 access to emergency medical care close to home.

Located at 2885 Havendale Boulevard NW, the facility operates around the clock, staffed with board-certified emergency physicians and experienced nurses. It’s equipped to treat a wide range of urgent medical needs — from serious injuries and infections to chest pain and diagnostic imaging — without having to travel farther to a full hospital ER.

🐈️ Sweetcake is an orange tabby and white adult female Domestic Shorthair with a soft look and an even softer heart. Spayed and sweet as her name, she’s been at the shelter since February 9th and is ready to trade kennel life for a cozy window perch and a loving home.

If you’re looking for a calm, affectionate companion to brighten your days, Sweetcake might be your perfect match.

ADOPT SWEETCAKE HERE

🐕️ Smokey is a black and brown adult male German Shepherd with alert eyes and a strong, athletic build. He’s been at the shelter since February 9th and is ready for a home that will give him the structure, activity, and loyalty this breed thrives on.

Confident, striking, and full of potential, Smokey is waiting for the right person to make him part of the family.

ADOPT SMOKEY HERE

Check the event links for additional information.

TODAY Grove Roots Run Club | Thursday, February 12th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: A great way to kick off the weekend! Runners and walkers are welcome- route options include 1 mile or 5K. (Plus there’s beer at the end!) Food Truck (5pm-9pm): Tito’s Latin Cuisine

Chair Yoga | Friday, February 13th | 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

Galentine’s Zumba Dance Party | Saturday, February 14th | 10:30am ($20+)
Location: Port 27
Description: Get your morning workout in with your Galentine at Port 27’s Zumba Dance Party! Led by Stephanie L. Shaw, tickets start at $20, or you can get 2 for $30! All levels are welcome to this event as a way to socialize and get active! Event Info & Tickets

TODAY Author Talk- Dr. Lindsey Stewart | Thursday, February 12th | 2PM - 3PM (FREE)
Location: Online
Description: Join feminist philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart for an online author talk on The Conjuring of America, exploring how Black women preserved powerful conjure traditions that shaped American culture from slavery through Jim Crow. Drawing on history and African spiritual lore, Stewart reveals the magic Black women used to resist oppression and sustain hope. Event Info & Registration

Valentine’s Art | Saturday, February 14th | 11am - 6PM ($30+)
Location: Port 27
Description: Looking for a Valentine’s Date idea? Stop by the Port for various crafts throughout the day. Schedule: Hand-Building Pottery $76 (11AM) | Pottery on the Wheel $56 (2PM & 4PM) | Sip & Paint $30 (2PM, 3PM, 4PM, & 5PM) Event Info

Lecture Series: Our Florida | Tuesday, February 17th | 5:30PM - 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Public Library
Description: The Our Florida! Lecture Series continues with author and journalist Ben Montgomery as he discusses For Their Own Good, uncovering the dark history of Florida’s Dozier School for Boys—from its origins as a reform school to its reality of forced labor, abuse, and neglect—and the truth and reconciliation efforts that followed its 2011 closure. The lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Library Multi-Purpose Room, with doors opening at 5 p.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Event Info

Trivia Tuesday | Tuesday, February 17th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: General knowledge trivia every Tuesday at GRB. Connie Sue’s Korean BBQ will be at the brewery 5pm-9pm! Event Info

BINGO | Wednesday, February 18th | 5:30PM (FREE)
Location: Tanners Lakeside
Description: Enjoy a family friendly evening out with bingo starting at 5:30pm- you will want to come early to get set up. There are 10 chances to win and everything you need to play is provided. Weekly Wine and Food specials available while you play, then stay for our 7:30pm Bingo For A Cause game to benefit The Mission of Winter Haven. Event Info

Greek Festival | Friday - Sunday, Various Times (FREE)
Location: St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church (1080 Bradbury Road, Winter Haven)
Description: Come be Greek for a day at this vibrant three-day festival celebrating Greek culture with live music, dance performances, and authentic food! Enjoy classic Greek dishes, pastries, coffee, a full taverna, church tours, a kids area, and a bustling marketplace, with free admission and parking. Event Info

🍊🍓U-Pick Citrus & Berries! | Thursday - Sunday, Various Times (FREE)
Location: Golden Ridge Groves (2129 Alturas Road, Bartow)
Description: Looking for a fun and educational activity? Bring the family to Golden Ridge Groves to learn how Florida Citrus grows, and then pick some to take home! Not looking for the hands-on experience? The GRG Farm Market is full of local products, ice cream, and farm-fresh desserts! U-Pick Schedules*: Oranges & Grapefruits, Thursday - Saturday 10:30am-4:30pm | Strawberries, Saturday & Sunday 10am-6pm *Subject to change based on fruit availability. Event Info

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, February 14th | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: Along Magnolia Ave, Downtown Winter Haven
Description: Fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and local vendors. Located on Magnolia Ave (between 2nd & 3rd St SW), check them out on Facebook and Instagram for the weekly vendor list. The goal of Winter Haven Farmers Market is to support local vendors and offer a healthy foodie destination every Saturday morning in Winter Haven. Facebook | Instagram

Winter Haven Saturday Market | Saturday, February 14th | 9AM - 3PM (FREE)
Location: Central Park- Downtown Winter Haven
Description: Browse through over 100 vendors ranging from jewelry, local produce, crafts, books, spices, and more in Winter Haven’s Central Park. Event Info

Live Music Florida Carillion Festival | Friday, February 13th | 3PM - 3:30PM (FREE with admission)
Location: Bok Tower Gardens
Description:Join us for a carillon performance by Wade FitzGerald for the Florida Carillon Festival series! Event Info & Tickets

Live Music Daniel Pepin | Friday, February 13th | 6PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: Grab some Swamp Boys BBQ (5pm-9pm) and enjoy live music from Daniel Pepin! Event Info & Tickets

Mentalist Mind Magic | Saturday, February 14th | 7:30PM ($35+)
Location: Ritz Theatre
Description: Looking for the perfect Valentine’s date night? Mind Magic LIVE stars award-winning mentalist Joshua Seth for a fast-paced, interactive evening of mind-blowing magic and laughter—praised by Broadway World as “genuinely amazing and flat-out funny.” Event Info & Tickets

Live Music The Sunshine Boys | Thursday, February 12th | 7PM ($39) OPENING NIGHT
Location: Second Stage
Description: Once legendary vaudeville duo “Lewis and Clark,” Al and Willie haven’t spoken in twelve years. When a TV retrospective forces a reunion, old wounds, memories, and laughs resurface as a young agent tries to bring the feuding partners back to the stage. Performances run on various dates and times through March 1st. Event Info & Tickets

Theatre The Wizard of Oz | Various Dates & Times ($39) FINAL PERFORMANCE SUNDAY
Location: Theatre Winter Haven
Description: Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide. Performances run on various dates and times through February 15th. Event Info & Tickets

Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.

Share it with the friend or coworker you know that hasn’t realized Saturday is Valentine’s Day.

- Logan and Mike

Interested in advertising with us?

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