Sunday, May 11, 2008

Monday, January 14, 2008

New Golf Guide has arrived

Both residents and visitors alike have a new reference tool when it comes to golfing in Polk County, with the debut of the new 2008 Polk County Golf Guide. The guide is being distributed at twenty Golf Shows throughout the Northeast, Polk County golf courses, Polk Outpost 27 and will be available at area chambers and lodging properties. The guide has a brand new look, including a new cover that reinforces the "heritage of golf" feel. This year's edition of the Golf Guide is redesigned and complete with an introduction from PGA Tour golfer, and Lakeland resident, Andy Bean. The magazine style guide includes a new area map highlighting golf course locations throughout the county. In addition to these new features, one of the highlights of the new guide is articles featuring golf course architects Ron Garl and Steve Smyers, who call Polk County home.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Find out where to go and what to do in Polk County!

For more information about Central Florida, Polk County check out these links:
Things To Do - From the arts and culture to planning your vacation itineraires
find out what's going on this weekend, Dec. 7-9 (pdf) or search for event dates

Need a taxi or visitor information? You can find this along with rental cars, health clubs and more on the Visitor Services in Central Florida Polk County page

Find want you want in an accommodations while staying Polk County.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Parades in Central Florida Polk County

Parades in Central Florida Polk County (to be aired on PGTV ) this holiday season are as follows:
· Friday, November 30: Bartow 6 p.m. – live
· Saturday, December 1: Haines City, 10 a.m. – live
· Saturday, December 1: Ft. Meade, 7 p.m. – live
· Thursday, December 6: Lakeland, 7 p.m. – live
· Friday, December 7: Havendale (Winter Haven/Auburndale), 7 p.m. – live
· Saturday, December 8: Lake Wales, 6 p.m. – recorded for re-air
· Saturday, December 1: Frostproof, 7 p.m. – recorded for re-air
· Saturday, December 8: Lake Alfred, 6:30 p.m. – live

Check the PGTV schedule for re-airs.
If you are in Polk County watch PGTV on BrightHouse 19 or Comcast 33…or on the internet at polk-county.net.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Trek Ten Trails - Trek #3 December 8 at Hickory Lake Scrub

Event #3 for Trek Ten Trails Dec. 8

Post your Polk County nature trail pictures to http://www.flickr.com/groups/trektentrails

What is Trek Ten Trails?
You have the option of trekking the ten featured trails on scheduled event dates, or on your own with family and friends. Be sure to find the geocache to validate your treks or have them stamped at the scheduled events. Locations of geocache can be found without a GPS unit.

Mark your calendars for the Treks
2007 TREKS
December 8 - Hickory Lake Scrub, 9 AM

2008 TREKS
January 13 - Crooked Lake Prairie, 1:30 PM
February 10 - SUMICA, 1:30 PM
March 8 - Gator Creek Reserve, 9 AM
April 5 - Saddle Creek Nature Trail, 9 AM
May 3 - Lake Wales Trailway, 9 AM
June 7 - Lake Hollingsworth, 9 AM

GRAND FINALE CELEBRATION
September 13 - Auburndale TECO Trail, 9 AM - Noon

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Film Central Florida Flickr Group

First of all, Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

The Central Florida Polk County Tourism office has started a Film Central Florida Flickr Group to help promote Polk County and to help find locations for film companies.

We need your help!

If you tag your pictures (or any of your other ones taken in Polk County) "Film Central Florida" (yes, using the " " will make the words stay together for the tag) it could be used in numerous ways to help us promote Central Florida Polk County and as a place for film companies to use as a set background. Your photos will not be sold.

Also once your are a member be sure to send your Polk County pictures to the pool.
Thank you.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Marketing Committee Meeting - Thurs. Nov. 29

Toursit Development Council (TDC) Marketing Committee Meeting on Thursday, November 29 at 8:30 am in the Community Room (on the third floor) in the Citrus and Chemical Bank Building at 600 N Broadway in Bartow.

In addition to staff reports on sales and marketing initiatives and updates by Polk County attractions, Polk County Arts Alliance and participating Chambers, the following presentations will be made:
Blogging - Free Online Marketing Ideas presented by Nick Gernert, CNP Studio, an Interactive Division of Clark/Nikdel/Powell
Visit Florida's Mobile Production Studio Program - Sponsored Content on VisitFlorida.com presented by Lisa Harley and Debi Clark

Take advantage of this opportunity to become more involved in co-operative marketing and sales initiatives to promote your tourist related business. For more information call the Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Office at 863-534-2500.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

A Jolly, Jazzy Holiday at Bok Sanctuary Nov.23-Jan. 1

November 23 - January 1, Historic Bok Sanctuary’s Christmas at Pinewood features the magnificent Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estates – all decked out for the holidays. The Estate occupies eight acres of Historic Bok Sanctuary and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. For the past 13 years, Central Florida designers fill the 20-room mansion with glittering decorations that showcase the magnificent antique furnishings and superb craftsmanship of a golden era. Local businesses and designers each sponsored one room in the house, transforming it into their interpretation of this year’s theme – a Jolly, Jazzy Holiday. The stunning holiday décor accentuates the mansion’s antique furnishings and architectural elements.

Events planned during Christmas at Pinewood:
  • November 23 at 10 a.m., the first 100 visitors through the holiday home tour receive a free welcome gift.
  • December 1 from 10 a.m. to noon, learn how to make origami paper ornaments.
  • December 1, costumes are encouraged when you step back in time for a swanky, jazzy night in the 1920s at the Christmas at Pinewood Benefit Party.
  • December 6 & 7 from 5 to 8 p.m., join us for two evenings of fun, shopping and the holiday home tour. Enjoy carolers, a holiday family workshop, pictures with Santa and more in the Visitor Center. Special holiday gifts and goodies for purchase are available in the Carillon Café and Tower & Garden Gift Shop.

    Built in the early 1930s, the Pinewood Estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the finest examples of Mediterranean-style architecture in Florida. C. Austin Buck, original owner and early 20th century industrialist, would be proud to spend the holidays at the 20-room Pinewood Estate this year.

    Christmas at Pinewood Home Tour Hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Dec. 24 & 25). For more information, call Historic Bok Sanctuary at 863.676.1408 visit www.boksanctuary.org or call the event line at (863) 734-1222.

    General Rates: (includes Sanctuary admission)$18 adults; $9 children ages 5-12; free under 5; $7 members
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