Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.

This is Winter Haven Wake — helping you finish February on a high note.

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s go ⬇️

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

Tucked along the shores of Lake Rochelle in Lake Alfred stands one of the quiet reminders of Polk County’s citrus wealth: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve.

Built in the early 1930s by citrus executive Alexander Mackay, the lakeside estate reflected the prosperity that citrus brought to Central Florida during the height of the industry’s influence. While packing houses and rail lines moved fruit north, homes like this one showed what success looked like once it reached shore.

The Mediterranean Revival–style mansion was designed to take full advantage of its setting. Wide porches, arched windows, and views across the water made Lake Rochelle part of the home itself. Surrounding gardens were carefully planned, blending ornamental landscaping with the natural beauty of old Florida.

Unlike many grand estates of the land-boom era, the Mackay home did not vanish with time. The property was eventually preserved and is now open to the public as a park and event space, allowing visitors to walk the same grounds that once served as a private retreat.

Today, Mackay Gardens stands not just as a beautiful lakeside preserve, but as a lasting piece of the citrus era that helped shape Greater Winter Haven. Before subdivisions and highways defined the region, estates like this marked a different chapter of growth along the lakes.

New adventures are blasting off in Winter Haven!

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is opening its first-ever indoor roller coaster, Galacticoaster, tomorrow, February 27 — a first not just for the park, but for the city.

Located inside the new LEGO Galaxy area, the space-themed ride lets guests customize their own LEGO spacecraft before launching into a 40-mph indoor adventure. Riders use interactive touchscreens and RFID wristbands to design elements of their vehicle, creating more than 600 possible combinations before takeoff.

This is the first new roller coaster added to the main LEGOLAND park since it opened in 2011, making it one of the most significant additions to the resort in over a decade.

The LEGO Galaxy area will also feature a themed retail shop and a DUPLO Tot Spot for younger guests, turning the launch into a full family experience.

🐈️ Luna is a gray kitten Domestic Shorthair with soft fur and curious, watchful eyes. Spayed and just getting started in life, she’s been at the shelter since February 19th and is ready to trade blankets for a forever home full of toys, naps, and plenty of love.

Playful, gentle, and full of kitten charm, Luna is ready to grow up with a family of her own.

ADOPT LUNA HERE

🐕️ Bongo is a white and brown adult male Papillon mix with expressive ears and a sweet, soulful look. Neutered and small in size but big in personality, he’s been at the shelter since February 16th and is ready to find his perfect match.

If you’re looking for a loyal little companion who’ll stay close by your side, Bongo might be your guy.

ADOPT BONGO HERE

Check the event links for additional information.

TODAY Grove Roots Run Club | Thursday, February 26th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: Runners and walkers are welcome- route options include 1 mile or 5K. (Plus there’s beer at the end!) Food Truck (5pm-9pm): Angel’s Heavenly Empanadas

Chair Yoga | Friday, February 27th | 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

Pickleball Open Play | Friday, February 27th | 4PM - 5:50PM (FREE)
Location: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
Description: Get active and meet other local pickle ball enthusiasts at Margaritaville’s Open Play! Every Friday at 4pm, free and open to all ages and skill levels. Event Info

Ken Hyatt Memorial 142 | Friday & Saturday | 6PM ($20+)
Location: Auburndale Speedway (5640 E County Rd 542, Winter Haven)
Description: Two days of short track racing you don’t want to miss! Highlighted by the Super Late Model feature presented by Blackburn’s BBQ and the Sportsman feature presented by Vaden Performance, there’s $20,000 on the line and 142 laps to go. Event Info & Tickets

TODAY Crafting Under the Canopy (Ages 16+) | Thursday, February 26th | 3PM - 5PM
Location: Winter Haven Public Library- Sensory Garden (outdoor)
Description: Drop in for a craft under the canopy in Winter Haven Library’s Sensory Garden! This week’s selection is a Crayon Sun-Catcher. Supplies and space are limited, ages 16+ only. Access the garden via Avenue A NW. Event Info

TODAY Pokemon Party | Thursday, February 26th | 4PM - 6PM (FREE)
Location: Auburndale Public Library
Description: Join in for a fun afternoon celebrating all things Pokemon. There will be crafts, snacks, Pokemon Bingo, and a scavenger hunt! For more more information, please call (863) 965-5548.

TODAY Headshot Happy Hour | Thursday, February 26th | 5:30PM ($25)
Location: Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce- 2nd Floor
Description: Mix, mingle, and make connections at a night of drinks and appetizers, then leave professional headshots you’ll actually want to use! Hosted by Endeavor Winter Haven, this event is open to members and non-members of all ages - bring friends, coworkers, and colleagues and join the fun. Event Info

TODAY Senior Art Exhibit | Thursday, February 26th | 6PM - 8PM (FREE)
Location: AGB Museum (800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland)
Description: Stroll through the exhibit filled with works from Harrison School of the Art’s current senior class. Event Info

Pokemon Math Night | Friday, February 27th | 5PM - 8PM (FREE)
Location: Mathnasium of Winter Haven
Description: Bring the whole family out for a fun and educational event at Mathnasium of Winter Haven including rewards, giveaways, and games for all ages! Event Info

Board Game Meet (Ages 18+) | Saturday, February 28th | 2:30PM - 5PM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Public Library- Multi-Purpose Room
Description: Adults 18+ are invited to play a variety of provided board games! Come alone or bring your friends! Event Info

LAST CALL U-Pick Grapefruit! | Thursday - Saturday | 10:30AM - 4:30PM (FREE)
Location: Golden Ridge Groves (2129 Alturas Road, Bartow)
Description: This is your final chance to run the rows inside the CUPS grove and hand-pick those bold, blushing Ray Ruby Grapefruit straight from the tree! Not looking for the hands-on experience? The GRG Farm Market is full of local products, ice cream, and farm-fresh desserts! *Subject to change based on fruit availability. Event Info

UF/IFAS: Cooking for a Lifetime of Cancer Prevention | Monday, March 2nd | 12PM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: Online Workshop
Description: March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! Join us for a free educational workshop that promotes healthy living and cancer prevention. Get nutrition tips for building a healthy plate, discover simple cooking methods that reduce cancer risk, and learn about colorectal cancer screenings and how to access free or low-cost options in your area. Event Info & Registration

Trivia Tuesday | Tuesday, March 3rd | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: General knowledge trivia every Tuesday at GRB. Jac’s Corner Food Truck will be at the brewery 5pm-9pm! Event Info

Ribbon Cutting Apex Soccer Academy | Wednesday, March 4th | 1PM (FREE)
Location: Apex Soccer Academy (5149 Airport Blvd., Bartow)
Description: The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate Apex Soccer Academy with a ribbon cutting! Apex Soccer Academy offers a diverse range of soccer programs tailored to all age groups and schedule. Check out their programs and offerings here! Event Info

☕️ Coffee Crawl | Saturday, February 28th - Saturday, March 7th (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Coffee Shops
Description: Small businesses fuel our community, and this week we’re celebrating local Winter Haven coffee shops! Sponsored by Brooks Law Group, stop in and ask for the Coffee Crawl Special or enjoy other discounted treats. Event Info & List of Participating Shops

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, February 28th | 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 28th | 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

TODAY Improv Comedy The Bucket List | Thursday, February 26th | 8PM ($10)
Location: Laugh Out Lounge
Description: An improvised comedy show where audience suggestions are pulled from a bucket and turned into jokes on the spot. No scripts. No safety net. Event Info & Tickets

Live Music Jason Link | Friday, February 27th | 12PM - 3PM (FREE)
Location: Margaritaville Auburndale
Description: Spend a sunny Friday afternoon at Camp Margaritaville with acoustic favorites with Jason Link.

Live Music Brian Buck | Friday, February 27th | 5:30PM (FREE)
Location: Bowen Yard
Description: Grab some of Bowen’s best eats and enjoy live music from Brian Buck!

Live Music Billy D | Saturday, February 28th | 2PM - 5PM (FREE)
Location: Margaritaville Auburndale
Description: Kick off your evening with Billy D!

Live Music Josh Blevins | Saturday, February 28th | 7PM (FREE)
Location: Tanners Lakeside
Description: Catch Josh Blevins live at Tanners Lakeside beginning at 7pm.

Live Music Youth Music Night | Saturday, February 28th | 5:30PM (FREE)
Location: Bowen Yard
Description: Support local youth musicians this Saturday at Bowen!

Theatre Water for Elephants | Friday & Saturday 7PM | Sunday 2PM ($15+)
Location: Harrison School of the Arts (750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland)
Description: Don’t miss Harrison’s Spring Musical, Water for Elephants. Put together, rehearsed, and produced with students involved every step of the way, it's not something you want to miss! Event Info & Tickets

Live Music The Bruce Tribute | Tuesday, March 3rd | 6:30PM ($35)
Location: The Ritz Theatre
Description: Known for intimate, high-energy shows, The Bruce Tribute offers fans a genuine Springsteen experience filled with passion, rich musicianship, and timeless heartland rock anthems. Event Info & Tickets NEW: Four-Course Pre-Show Dinner at Arabellas

FINAL SHOWS Theatre The Sunshine Boys | Various Dates & Times ($39)
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

Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.

Forward this to someone who loves a good “new month, new energy” moment.

- Logan and Mike

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