Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.

This is Winter Haven Wake, helping you stay ahead as the calendar fills up!

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s go ⬇️

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

High above the citrus groves of eastern Polk County stands one of the most unusual landmarks in Florida: Bok Tower Gardens.

The tower was the vision of Edward Bok, a Dutch immigrant and longtime editor of Ladies’ Home Journal. After retiring in the 1920s, Bok wanted to create a peaceful place that would inspire people and serve as a gift to the country he believed had given him so much opportunity.

In 1929, his dream became reality with the dedication of the 205-foot Singing Tower, built atop Iron Mountain near Lake Wales. The tower houses one of the world’s finest carillons, a musical instrument made of dozens of bells played from a keyboard.

Since its opening, the bells have rung out daily across the surrounding gardens and lakes, creating a sound that has become part of Polk County’s landscape for nearly a century.

Big changes are coming next week.

We are officially launching a brand new website along with a full rebrand.

The new look reflects how much this community has grown and where we are headed.

The updated site will make it easier to explore local guides, discover new spots, and find the stories that matter most around Greater Winter Haven.

We will also be releasing our first major local ranking on the new platform, featuring the top 10 pizza places in Winter Haven based on community feedback.

New look. New website. Bigger plans.

Launching next week.

🐈️ Lexi is a sleek black adult female Domestic Shorthair with bright golden eyes that seem to take in everything around her. Spayed and elegant, she’s been at the shelter since February 5th and is ready to swap kennel life for a quiet home and a sunny spot to stretch out in.

Calm, observant, and full of quiet charm, Lexi would love a family to call her own.

ADOPT LEXI HERE

🐕️ Banjo is a gray and white adult male Australian Shepherd mix with a handsome coat and gentle expression. Neutered and steady, he’s been at the shelter since February 25th and is ready for a home that appreciates a loyal, intelligent companion.

With his soulful eyes and easygoing presence, Banjo is just waiting for the right person to take him home.

ADOPT BANJO HERE

Check the event links for additional information.

TODAY Grove Roots Run Club | Thursday, March 5th | 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): Hustle Town Pizza

Chair Yoga | Friday, March 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

Pickleball Open Play | Friday, March 6th | 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

Zumba | Saturday, March 7th | 10AM - 11AM ($15+)
Location: Port 27
Description: Grab your girls and head to Port 27 to enjoy a Zumba class celebrating International Women’s Day! Pink, purple, and white athletic clothing encouraged. Event Info & Tickets

Pound 4 Pound Championship | Saturday, March 7th | 11:30AM ($30+)
Location: Winter Haven High School (600 6th St SE, Winter Haven)
Description: T&D Boxing Club presents an electrifying boxing showdown where top fighters battle for the championship title. Expect action-packed matches, intense rivalries, and nonstop excitement. All ages welcome! Event Info & Tickets

Ribbon Cutting Mad Pole Co. | Wednesday, March 11th | 4PM (FREE)
Location: Mad Pole Co. (60 4th St SW, Winter Haven)
Description: The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate Mad Pole Co. with a ribbon cutting! Event Info

Story Time: After Hours (18+) | Friday, March 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

Renaissance Faire | Friday, March 6th | 3:30PM - 7PM (FREE)
Location: Auburndale Public Library
Description: Step back in time and enjoy an evening with crafts, vendors, axe throwing, bounce castles, food trucks, a rock wall, and more! Fun for all ages! Event Info

First Friday | Friday, March 6th | 5PM (FREE)
Location: Downtown Winter Haven
Description: Spend the first Friday enjoying all the participating downtown businesses that stay open late. Visitors can enjoy food and drink specials at restaurants and sidewalk cafés, live musicians and entertainers at multiple venues, and a classic car show on Magnolia Avenue. The event is free and encourages shopping local!

Local Puzzle Swap Meet | Saturday, March 7th | 9:30AM (FREE)
Location: Dundee Public Library
Description: Mingle with fellow puzzlers and bring a few of your old, well loved puzzles to swap for a new-to-you one! Event Info

Lake Alfred Heritage Festival | Saturday, March 7th | 10AM - 2PM (FREE)
Location: Downtown Lake Alfred (E. Pomelo St.)
Description: Celebrate the city’s past and present as history comes to life! Spend the morning exploring historical exhibits and live demonstrations, along with all of your local festival staples: vendor market, citrus juicing competition, petting zoo, and more! Event Info

Zootopia 2 | Saturday, March 7th | 11AM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Public Library
Description: Kick your Saturday off with a matinee showing of ‘Zootopia 2’ (PG) in the library’s multipurpose room! Event Info

CommunityFest | Saturday, March 7th | 11AM - 4PM (FREE)
Location: Downtown Winter Haven (469 W Central Ave, Winter Haven)
Description: The 12th Annual CommunityFest Winter Haven—a day full of FREE family fun! Enjoy games, entertainment, character meet & greets, activities, and so much more for guests of all ages. Event Info

Gardening Class | Monday, March 9th | 10AM - 11AM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Public Library
Description: UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers invite you to learn how to grow tropical fruit in your central Florida yard. Learn everything from selecting the right fruit trees to caring for them and harvesting delicious fruits.  Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for all skill levels! Event Info

Trivia Tuesday | Tuesday, March 10th | 6:30PM (FREE)
Location: Grove Roots Brewing
Description: General knowledge trivia every Tuesday at GRB. La Casa do Mama Juana Food Truck will be at the brewery 5pm-9pm! Event Info

Morning Book Club | Wednesday, March 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 Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. 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

🌮 Polk County Taco Week | Friday, March 6th - Sunday, March 15th (FREE)
Location: Polk County, FL
Description: Don’t miss your chance to try amazing taco specials at dozens of restaurants all over Polk County! Event Info & List of Participating Shops

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, March 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

Rootstock Plant Sale | Saturday, March 7th | 9AM - 4PM (FREE+)
Location: Bok Tower Gardens
Description: Spring into the Rootstock Plant Sale—a garden lover’s dream. Browse unique plants from top vendors, take a hayride through the Pine Ridge Reserve, and enjoy live music on The Terrace while celebrating the peak of spring bloom. Event Info

TONIGHT Live Music Tony ‘Motown’ Knight | Thursday, March 5th | 4:30PM (FREE)
Location: Tanners Lakeside
Description: Enjoy live Motown jams from Tony Knight at Tanners Lakeside!

Live Music Live & Loud | Friday, March 6th | 6:30PM ($5)
Location: The Ritz Theatre
Description: Polk County’s monthly pulse of raw talent and underground energy—a welcoming space where rising artists and creatives from the local scene take the stage and push boundaries. This performances will include Cat Skratch, Dolittle, Hit The Shark!, and Twiggy Branches. Event Info

Variety Show Roll Out the Red Carpet | Friday, March 6th | 6:30PM ($40+)
Location: Harrison School for the Arts (750 Hollingsworth Road, Lakeland)
Description: "Roll Out the Red Carpet for Harrison" is the Harrison Parents' Association's annual fundraiser to raise funds for the coming budget year. This year's event will feature an online silent auction with many different items to bid on, and a live performance which will feature the talents of our amazing students in the various departments around the school. Event Info & Tickets

Live Music 863 Live | Saturday, March 7th | 2:30PM - 7PM (FREE+)
Location: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
Description: Live music, Florida vibes, and a powerful community cause. Join Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center for 863 Live!, a high-energy concert featuring performances by Ace Jackson & The Jump Kings, SOFA Kings, DJ MINi C, and headliner Bryce Mauldin. Enjoy a family-friendly night with music, games, food, drinks, raffles, and more—all supporting life-changing hearing, speech, and balance services in Polk County. Event Info

Live Music Voices: Music for a Cause | Saturday, March 7th | 7PM ($40+)
Location: The Ritz Theatre
Description: A Night with Tony Award–winning Broadway Star Trista Dollison & Friends: A Benefit for Filling The Lane. This special evening will feature Broadway-level performances, a community celebration, and an unforgettable night of music, supporting the youth and families served through the Filling The Lane program. Event Info & Tickets

Theatre Straight Outta FL | Wednesday, March 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

Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.

Send this to someone who’s already mentally on spring break.

- Logan and Mike

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