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

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.

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.

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

Free Golf Clinic - Saturday Nov. 17

info from www.VisitCentralFlorida.org

An exciting day of fun, food and fellowship for the entire family takes place at the YMCA Par 3, Home of The First Tee of Lakeland. Brad Bryant, Bart Bryant and Wendy Doolan will host a lively golf clinic that is sure to be both insightful and entertaining. There will be turkeys given to each family in attendance. In addition to the golf clinic, there will be a K-9 police dog show by the Lakeland Police Department. 2007 Senior Open Champion Brad Bryant and current PGA Tour professional Bart Bryant along with their family and other celebrity friends such as LPGA professional Wendy Doolan will host this third annual event benefiting all families in the Lakeland area.

Location: YMCA Par 3 Home of The First Tee of Lakeland)1740 George Jenkins Blvd.Lakeland, FL 33815

Website: www.thefirstteelakeland.org

Hours: 11 AMCost: Free!For more information, contact: YMCA Par 3(863) 577-0236

Led Zeppelin IV at The Lakeland Center

info from www.VisitCentralFlorida.org
The Lakeland Center Presents: Classic Albums Live - Led Zeppelin IV Led Zeppelin
Friday, Nov 16, 2007. This is not a tribute act nor is it a group of musicians trying to play all the classic albums. This is a show created by music director, arranger Craig Martin from Toronto Canada he reproduces the Classic albums live on stage with every instrument that was used to originally record the album. The live production is incredible it is not unusual to see 15-26 pieces on stage performing a Rock album. Imagine a Rock Symphony not unlike a philharmonic orchestra playing “Bach” CAL is paving the way that fans will come to watch their favorite album played live in the future. No one on stage is performing like or trying sound like the artists no one on stage is trying to sell you the performance. This is truly a musical recital of the highest order; only the best possible musicians are chosen to play for each album the performance is all about the music and featuring some of the most incredible vocalists you have ever heard. As with anything new you have to see this presentation to really appreciate the awesome power of this show and how it affects an audience. FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK IN LAKELAND, WE SALUTE YOU!

Location: The Lakeland Center701 West Lime StreetLakeland, FL 33815
(driving directions)
Website: www.thelakelandcenter.com
Hours: 8:00 pm; Youkey TheatreCost: Advance tickets: $20.00, Savings Deal sponsored by Max 98.3 FM; Day of Show $25.00 (Parking: All standard cars - $5.00, Oversized vehicles - $7.00)863-834-8100 - Main phone number; 863-834-8111 - 24 Hour Ticket Information Hot Line

Trek Ten Trails - Mark your calendar for the Dec. 8 trek!

The Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau is partnering with the Friends of the Parks Foundation to encourage you to explore ten trails out of the 125 miles of trails in Central Florida Polk County from October 2007-September 2008. Special events are planned at a featured trail each month till the end of September 2008.

Add more to your adventure by locating the geocaches on each trail. For more information call 1-800-828-7655 or click here for all the event dates for Trek Ten Trails.

Mark your calendar: December 8 - Hickory Lake Scrub, 9 AM (view map)

2008 TREKS
January 13 - Crooked Lake Prairie, 1:30 PM (view map)
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

Home for the Holidays - Special Offers for all Nov.15-Dec. 31, 2007

Stay in Polk County during the holidays....Do you have relatives coming for the holidays and no bed for them to sleep in? Is your Aunt Suzie allergic to your pets and planning to spend the holidays at your house? Through December 31, make your guests feel comfortable by arranging for them to stay in a Polk County lodging property (mention Home for the Holidays offer). Guests will enjoy special rates at vacation rental homes, hotels, bed ‘n breakfasts, and more. Upon arrival, guests will receive a value card with more than 40 offers for attractions, restaurants and shops.

The special offers can be used by the entire family, not just those staying at the accommodation. Enjoy savings at Polk County’s top attractions and holiday activities -- such as Historic Bok Sanctuary, Fantasy of Flight, the Florida Air Museum and musical productions, as well as ice-skating at the Lakeland Center.

It’s our gift to you and we hope you’ll find Polk County is the destination that makes your holidays special. For more information, contact the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau at (863) 534-2500.

Roar 'n Soar - Are you going?

Are you going to be at Roar 'n Soar November 10 or 11 (2007)? If so what will you be participating in?

4 days left - the countdown continues for Roar 'n Soar - Nov. 10-11

See & Meet Famous People at Roar 'n Soar!

What do Banana, Kermit, Tullius and D'eath have in common? They're the best in their business. Banana George the 92 year old barefoot water ski champion, Kermit Weeks, former U.S. national aerobatic champion, Bob Tullius, legendary Jaguar racer and Tom D'eath, seven-time inboard hydroplane world champion and others will be on hand at Roar 'n Soar on November 10 and 11th. Check out the web site for ticket and event information.

(This event is sponsored in part by Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing)

The countdown continues for Roar 'n Soar - Nov. 10-11

Only 6 days left....

It’s time to get your speed on as the Polk County Visitors Bureau and Sports Marketing team up with Fantasy of Flight to bring you the inaugural Roar 'n Soar celebration in Polk City on November 10 & 11.

In addition to events on land and water, Roar 'n Soar will feature flying miniature planes. A special aerobatic show will feature the finest giant scale model replica aircraft in the world and will take place throughout the day coordinated by Bob's Hobby Center. Guests of all ages will marvel as these remote control aircraft perform formation flying, precision aerobatics and aerial combat maneuvers.

Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Office Move (proposed)

"Polk County tourism officials are proposing to build a $7.2 million baseball complex in Auburndale and spending an additional$2.2 million to locate the county's tourism and economic development offices there as well." read more at The Ledger

NOTE of correction: The baseball complex is proposed at $7.0 million

The countdown has begun for Roar 'n Soar - Nov. 10-11

Roar 'n Soar - November 10-11, 2007
Unique activities that will showcase our own land, air and sea show -

Over 2500 Motorcycles

The Second Annual L.i.F.E. & Kidz Poker Run benefiting the Polk County Fallen Heroes Fund will rumble onto Fantasy of Flight and Roar 'n Soar featuring over 2,500 motorcycles on Saturday, November 10, 2007. Click here for more
Purchase Your Roar n' Soar tickets now and Save!! Advance Sale Tickets are $19.95 adult and Kid's Free (ages 6-15).

Experience the "Flavors of Polk County"
Visitors to Roar n' Soar will not only experience sights and sounds but tastes as well. The Polk County Chapter of the Florida Restaurant Association will offer tasty samplings from area restaurants. From hot dogs to seafood and from barbecue to Cajun, visitors can take time out from the action to indulge in the flavors of Central Florida. Click here for more

Check out more at www.Roar-n-Soar.com