Officially known as “The Chain of Lakes City,” Winter Haven, FL is regarded as the water skiing capital of the Earth. Residents here spend their time water skiing, fishing, swimming, or cruising the canals that link each of the 16 lakes in the chain. If you own a boat, and think you would enjoy using it nearly every day of the year, then you’ve found just the place. For sure, Winter Haven is a boater’s nirvana.
You would be hard pressed to locate a spot in Winter Haven that is not close to a freshwater lake or canal. For this reason, fishing remains a big-time pursuit and makes for big-time fun!
Visitors and residents can spend the day at Cypress Gardens, where they can tour the wonderful botanical habitat, talk with one of the many Southern Belles roaming the grounds, and finish the day by watching a thrilling water ski show. For those seeking professional water skiing lessons, instructors and schools abound. In fact, world champion barefoot skier Ron Scarpa operates a barefoot skiing school on the chain.
The City’s Origins
The town’s origins can be traced back as far as 1884, when the first residents began to arrive. One year later our city received it’s name – thanks to Mr P.D. Eycleshimer, one of the area’s first farmers of note, who called it “Winter Haven” due to its incredibly temperate and agreeable climate.
The city was incorporated in 1911, and by that time boasted a grand total of 400 residents, several banks, a band, a newspaper, a cinema, and 15 automobiles.
Winter Haven, Florida c. 1919
The Great Florida Land Rush of the 1920’s brought increased mercantilism, speculation, and prosperity. It also set in motion an increase in the quantity of new residents that still remains very strong today.
In 1924, the Florida Citrus Festival was first held to show respect to the significance of citrus as an agricultural business in the area.
On September 6, 1930, 22-year-old George Jenkins opened the first Publix Food Store on 4th Street, NW not too far from the park near downtown Winter Haven.
The photo below is of this very first Publix Food Store. Mr. Jenkins prided himself on taking excellent care of his clientele. As such, this first store set not only a new example for cleanliness and beauty, but it also established the famous Publix standard for client service and associate attention to detail. Walk into any Publix today, and you will experience this tradition first hand – it is a true testament to the tradition of Winter Have, Florida itself.
In 1936, tourism started to bring celebrity and growth as Dick and Julie Pope opened Cypress Gardens — and the eyes of the planet — to the wonderful thing about Winter Haven. Winter Haven was well on its way to turning into the attractive, peaceful, and successful town that it is today.
The black and white photograph to the right is of Mr. Pope and famed film actress Bette Davis. Mr Pope is seen giving Ms. Davis the grand tour of the Gardens via a characteristically “Floridian” canopied golf cart.
You can’t beat Winter Haven for its beauty, regional atmosphere, charm, and good living. Whether it’s cruising the Chain of Lakes Canals with friends and loved ones, enjoying our many freshwater sports and activities, visiting local attractions, or setting off for a quick trip to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers football game or afternoon at one of the several Walt Disney World or Universal theme parks, Winter Haven, FL offers something for everybody.
If you’re looking to relocate to Winter Haven and need some help finding a home or securing a Florida home loan, you may contact me or call me directly at 863-604-3019.
Specific information for individuals looking for a home loan in Florida may be found on my borrower website.
I hope you found this post useful! As always, if you or anyone you know is in need of a local Florida mortgage broker, I’m your guy. Call me at 863-604-3019 or apply online for your Florida mortgage. We’ll keep you posted and let you know when it’s time to pull the trigger!
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The town seems amazing. A heaven for anyone who loves water sports.
Nice highlights you have featured here. I loved reading this post. Very helpful information. Thanks for sharing it. I might just plan a vacation to Florida.
As an avid water ski enthusiast, Winter Haven sounds like just the kind of place I’d want to visit on summer vacation. Actually, make that any time of the year with such perfect weather as you describe.
For most of us, there is something about being close to the water that immediately relaxes even the most stressed folk. That’s why my retirement dream is to live in an environment like Winter Haven, where the only decision I have to make is whether to pick up my water skis, fishing rod or wakeboard before heading out on the water. Florida, here I come!
Great site I’m looking forward to reading more posts from you!