With the announcement of the CSX Intermodal facility and Merlin Entertainments construction of LEGOLAND Florida, the Winter Haven community is assessing how best to leverage these exceptional opportunities. To this end, the City Commission has identified the need for an updated economic development plan as one of its top priorities for the upcoming year.

The City’s decision to develop a new plan has fostered a reinvigorated partnership between the public and private sectors. The City is committed to creating a first class business infrastructure by employing the practical real-world insights of our private partners. What was once a region dominated by agriculture and mining, is quickly transforming into one characterized by healthcare, technology, and world class tourism.

Any discussion about economic development needs to include the City’s natural resources…in particular the 50 lakes that either border or are within the City limits. In fact, the lakes are such an important part of how our citizens define Winter Haven that we call ourselves the “Chain of Lakes City.” The City understands the importance of quality of life as an economic development tool and has undertaken an aggressive campaign to provide more parks, paths, and open spaces.

Please contact my office to inquire about how Winter Haven can help you and your business achieve real success - right here in the center of the Sunshine State.

Sincerely,


David Dickey
Community & Economic Development Director

Economic Development Plan Update:

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

Click here for the Strategic Recommendations and Action Plan - DRAFT July 19, 2011

There was a City Commission meeting held on February 16, 2011 to gain additional input from the City's elected officials.  Take a look at the PowerPoint presentation given at 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

Take some time to go to the project website at www.winterhavenstrategicplan.com to find out more.

For more information, contact David Dickey.

Downtown Parking Garage:

Design of the new parking garage is complete, demolition has begun.  The three-story building containing approximately 265 parking spaces will be located on the southeast corner of Third Street, NW and Avenue A, NW.  The anticipated completion is April, 2012.  If you have any questions, please contact Jeanne Sobierajski at (863)291-5600 ext. 246.

Follow the construction on the Everett Whitehead & Son, Inc. facebook page at www.facebook.com/whiteheadconstuction or on their newly launched new and improved website at www.whiteheadconstruction.com.

Construction Schedule (highlights):

Demolition and sitework - July - August 19, 2011

Precast Walls Raised - October 10 - November, 2011

Painting - end of December

Hardscape - month of January

Landscaping - end of January - 2nd week in February

Final Completion - April, 2012

LEGOLAND Florida - March 2011 Update:

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