Although Bob Dylan wrote the song “The Times They Are A-Changin'” nearly 50 years ago, the premise is just as true today here in Winter Haven, Florida.

These changes are best represented by a few “game changing” projects:  LEGOLAND Florida and the CSX Integrated Logistics Center.

Only seven months after the opening of Florida’s newest theme park, LEGOLAND Florida, the park’s first major expansion – LEGOLAND Water Park - was unveiled in May 2012.  With 200 additional jobs associated with the expansion, LEGOLAND Florida has become one of the City’s largest employers with more than 1,200 employees.

Work on critical infrastructure related to the CSX Integrated Logistics Center is in full swing.  It is anticipated that the first phase of this development will open in early 2014.  At build-out this project will create 8,000 new jobs and more than 5 million square feet of development.

So the obvious question…why Winter Haven?  Why did these projects – each being an economic development home run - end up in a community of 35,000 people in Central Florida?  The short answer is synergy.  Synergy of location, infrastructure and a business-friendly environment. 

One final note. With David Petr heading up the Winter Haven Economic Development Council, a renewed partnership between the City and the business community was born.  Dave’s world-class marketing skills and his strategic approach have already resulted in wins for the community.  I encourage you to visit the Council’s new website at www.whedc.com.

Come see for yourself what makes Winter Haven so special.  I invite you to put our team to the test.

Sincerely,


David Dickey
Community & Economic Development Director

City of Winter Haven Construction Projects

For a list of construction projects that the City is working on, please click here.

Business Tax Receipts

Below is a list of some of the businesses that have recently received a Business Tax Receipt in the City:

Projects:

Below is a list of some of the commercial projects that have been approved, are under development, and/or were recently completed within the City limits of Winter Haven. 

RaceTrac (US Highway 17 & Havendale Blvd)

Wendy's (Northeast corner US Highway 17 & Lake Silver Drive (5.10.2013).

Murphy Express Opens -1174 3rd Street SW (picture taken 1.30.13)

Aldi - 333 Avenue K SW (1.30.2013)

Zaxby's - US Highway 17 (5.10.2013)

Salem Gyro - Under construction - Northeast Corner Cypress Gardens Blvd. & US 17 (3.4.2013)

Economic Development Plan Update:

The creation of the City's Economic Development Plan is complete! 

Click here for the Winter Haven Economic Development Action Plan August 8, 2011

At a City Commission meeting held February 16, 2011, additional input from the City's elected officials was gathered.  Take a look at the PowerPoint presentation from the meeting: Economic Development Presentation - City Commission Meeting_2.16.2011. 

Presentation to the City Commission on May 9, 2011 Target Industry Analysis Presentation

Presentation to the City Commission on April 11, 2011 Economic Development Presentation City Commission Meeting 4.11.11.  Document to be presented to the City Commission on June 13, 2011 Economic Development Assessment Document CC Meeting 06.13.2011

The Landings Economic Impact Analysis, by Gordon Kettle, Economics instructor, Polk State College and Webster University

For more information, contact David Dickey at 291-5600.

Downtown Parking Garage:

The City is pleased to announce that completion of the 267-space parking garage, at Third Street and Avenue A NW. Parking within the parking garage is FREE.   A ribbon cutting was held April 17, 2012.  If you have any questions, please contact Jeanne Sobierajski at (863)291-5892.

Photograph by Potthast Studios

David Dickey

Community & Economic Development Director

ddickey@mywinterhaven.com

Winter Haven City Hall
451 Third Street NW
Winter Haven, Florida 33881
Phone: (863) 291-5600