Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.

This is Winter Haven Wake — still defrosting, but ready for another week of local activities!

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s go ⬇️

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

Auburndale didn’t grow by accident. It grew because of the railroad.

In the late 1800s, rail lines cut through Central Florida, linking citrus groves and small settlements to markets up north. One of those stops became what we now know as Auburndale. The town formed where it did because the tracks made it useful. Fruit could be shipped, passengers could stop, and businesses could grow right alongside the rail corridor.

As the railroad expanded, so did the town. Packing houses, warehouses, and small businesses clustered near the tracks, while homes spread outward from the depot. Auburndale became a working town, shaped less by tourism and more by transportation, agriculture, and daily movement of goods and people.

By the early 1900s, trains arriving in Auburndale carried citrus shipments headed north, winter visitors passing through, mail, supplies, and news from outside Polk County. The railroad connected Auburndale to the rest of Florida and far beyond, giving the town a purpose and a future.

Even today, Auburndale’s layout reflects those early decisions. Streets, neighborhoods, and industrial areas still follow patterns set when rail travel was king. Long before highways defined the region, the tracks did.

The tracks didn’t just pass through Auburndale. They created it.

A new chapter may soon begin at Polk State College.

The Polk State College District Board of Trustees convening at a special meeting TODAY at 3:30 p.m. and the only agenda item is considering Dr. Anne Kerr as interim president of the college.

Dr. Kerr brings decades of higher-education leadership experience and strong ties to Polk County. She previously served as president of Florida Southern College from 2004 to 2024, leading periods growth, development, and national recognition. If approved, her appointment would signal a focus on continuity, collaboration, and support for students, faculty, and staff as the college looks ahead.

The meeting is open to the public, and attendees will have the opportunity to address the board. For the Polk State community, today’s meeting represents an important step forward and the potential for experienced leadership guiding the college into its next phase.

🐕️ Lyric is a black and white adult female Labrador Retriever mix with a soulful gaze and a graceful presence. Spayed and quietly affectionate, she has an elegant calmness that makes her especially easy to connect with.

She’s been at the shelter since January 24th and is patiently waiting for the right family to give her the fresh start she deserves.

ADOPT LYRIC HERE

🐈️ Bella is a brown tabby adult female Domestic Shorthair with a sweet, observant nature and expressive eyes. Spayed and gentle, she’s the kind of cat who likes to take in her surroundings first before settling in close once she feels comfortable.

She’s been at the shelter since February 3rd and is ready to find a calm, loving home where she can truly relax and feel safe.

ADOPT BELLA HERE

Check the event links for additional information.

“The Big Game” Paradise Market | Sunday, February 8th | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
Description: Shop local, rep your favorite team, and enjoy island vibes at "The Big Game" –themed Paradise Market! This family-friendly event features 40+ local vendors, unique finds, sweet treats, and handcrafted goods. Event Info

“The Big Game” Challenge & Watch Party | Sunday, February 8th | 3PM - 10PM ($70+)
Location: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
Description: Bring your game-day spirit and jump into interactive football challenges, live entertainment, and themed fun. Fuel up with complimentary all-you-can-eat snacks, enjoy a hearty BBQ buffet featuring burgers, brats, chicken, classic sides, and desserts, and keep the celebration going with a full bar open throughout the event. Ticket prices increase on Sunday so be sure to reserve your seat soon! Event Info & Tickets

Mayor Yates Super Bowl Party | Sunday, February 8th | 5PM (FREE)
Location: The Ritz Theatre
Description: Join Mayor Yates at his Winter Haven Super Bowl Party for a high-energy, all-ages game-day celebration. Enjoy pre-game live performances, prizes, and a one-of-a-kind Super Bowl watch party, with food and drinks available for purchase. Bring your friends, wear your team colors, and celebrate in Winter Haven! Event Info & RSVP

Food & Drink Specials | Sunday, February 8th | 6PM
Location: Port 27
Description: Food and Drink Specials begin at 6pm at Port 27!

TODAY Grove Roots Run Club | Thursday, February 5th | 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!)

Chair Yoga | Friday, February 6th | 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

Yoga in the Gardens | Saturday, February 7th | 9AM - 10AM ($12+)
Location: Bok Tower Gardens
Description: A relaxing outdoor yoga class featuring gentle, all-level movements, breathing techniques, and extended relaxation with a touch of yoga philosophy. Beginners welcome. Bring your mat and meet on the Camellia Glade. Registration required. Event Info & Registration

Fitness at the Port | Saturday, February 7th | 9AM - 10AM ($15)
Location: Port 27
Description: A morning of fun and fitness at Port 27! Meditation and Rev/Flow classes happen simultaneously from 9am-10am. Event Info

Galentine’s Zumba Dance Party | Saturday, February 7th | 10:30am ($15+)
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

First Friday Free Bites | Friday, February 6th | 5PM - 9PM (FREE)
Location: Bowen Yard
Description: Stop by Bowen Yard every First Friday and enjoy free samples from all of the restaurants! Jo Estrada will be playing live music beginning at 5:30pm.

Story Time: After Hours (18+) | Friday, February 6th | 5:30PM - 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Public Library
Description: This one’s just for the kids at heart. Join us for age-appropriate songs, games, coloring, and stories— and relive the simple joy of being read to at the Winter Haven Public Library. 18+ only. Please leave the kids at home. Event Info

Sunday Funday | Sunday, February 8th | 1PM - 6PM (FREE)
Location: The Ritz Theatre
Description: Sunday Funday at The Ritz Theatre is fun for the whole family 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

🍊🍓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! PJs BBQ will also be on site Saturday and Sunday! U-Pick Schedules: Oranges & Grapefruits, Thursday - Saturday 10:30am-4:30pm | Strawberries, Saturday & Sunday 10am-6pm Event Info

Gardening Class: Beautiful Hibiscus | Monday, January 9th | 10AM - 11AM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Public Library
Description: Explore the vibrant world of hibiscus with UF/IFAS Master Gardener Volunteers. Learn about top varieties, culture (general care), insects and diseases, soil considerations, fertilization and resources. Event Info & Reserve a Seat

Lecture Series: Our Florida | Tuesday, February 10th | 5:30PM - 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Public Library
Description: The Our Florida! Lecture Series continues with Dr. Keri Watson and The Art of Walt Disney. Explore the art, life, and lasting influence of Walt Disney on animation, film, architecture, and Florida itself. Dr. Watson, Assistant Director of UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design, offers an engaging, in-depth look at how Disney shaped cartoons, movies, and theme parks. 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 10th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: General knowledge trivia every Tuesday at GRB. Boy Named Sous food truck will be at the brewery 5pm-9pm! Event Info

Morning Book Club | Wednesday, February 11th | 10AM - 11AM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Public Library
Description: The Morning Book Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month and features a mix of adult fiction, nonfiction, and biographies. This month’s selection is A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst. Event Info

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, February 7th | 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

Live Music Live & Loud | Friday, February 6th | 6:30PM ($5)
Location: Ritz Theatre
Description: Polk County’s monthly First Friday showcase of raw, underground talent, featuring bold local and regional artists in a safe, inclusive space—with childcare available! This month’s lineup includes Hoss (Lakeland), The Remembrance (Orlando), Razor & The Boogiemen (St. Pete), and The Kutoffs (Lakeland). Event Info & Tickets

Live Music The Reflections | Saturday, February 7th | 5:30PM ($35)
Location: Ritz Theatre
Description: Relive the golden age of music with The Reflections, best known for their 1964 hit “Just Like Romeo and Juliet.” Now led by entertainer Michael Russo, the group continues the official legacy with the blessing of its original members—bringing timeless harmonies, classic energy, and unforgettable memories to the stage. Event Info & Tickets

Live Music Miss Meaty Okra | Saturday, February 7th | 5:30PM - 8PM (FREE)
Location: Bowen Yard
Description: Enjoy live music and Bowen’s best!

Tribute Show Reba & Hank Jr. | Wednesday, February 11th | 7PM ($35)
Location: Ritz Theatre
Description: Experience a high-energy tribute show starring award-winning impersonators Robin Gallo and Arnold Davidson as Reba McEntire and Hank Williams Jr. Enjoy two hours of iconic hits, powerhouse vocals, and unforgettable moments celebrating these country music legends. Event Info & Tickets

Theatre Straight Outta FL | Wednesday, February 11th | 7PM ($35)
Location: GhostLight Lounge- Theatre Winter Haven
Description: Compton & Bennett deliver a fast-paced, 90-minute musical satire skewering the quirky underbelly of Florida. With two actors portraying six colorful characters, the show offers a sharp, inside look at the state’s culture, myths, and personalities through songs, sketches, and humor that only Florida could inspire. Event Info & Tickets

Theatre The Wizard of Oz | Various Dates & Times ($39)
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.

Forward this to someone who’s firmly Team Chocolate over Team Flowers.

- Logan and Mike

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