Visit Central Florida, Life in Polk County Blog

NEW official sites!

2008-05-11T19:24:00.001-04:00

the new (and official sites) are Sunny Central Florida and Catch Central Florida. Enjoy!

New Golf Guide has arrived

2008-01-14T16:13:00.000-05:00

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.

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

2007-12-05T08:50:00.000-05:00

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.

Parades in Central Florida Polk County

2007-12-01T15:26:00.000-05:00

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.

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

2007-11-26T12:36:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-22T13:33:00.001-05:00

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

2007-11-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-20T09:27:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-16T14:14:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-16T13:48:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-11-14T06:56:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-09T09:57:00.000-05:00

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?

2007-11-06T18:40:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-06T17:45:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-04T12:57:00.000-05:00

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)

2007-11-03T23:39:00.000-04:00

"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

2007-11-02T17:03:00.001-04:00

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

Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival 2007

2007-10-19T19:54:00.000-04:00

For more Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival pictures click here or watch the "Sports Central" TV segment here.

Celebrity Luncheon: Keynote speakers and award winners

2007-10-17T12:15:00.000-04:00

Communications Specialist Kris Keprios introduced the guest speaker Stan Heath -- the Head Basketball coach for USF. Before coming to USF, he was the head coach at the University of Arkansas for five seasons. He also guided Kent State to a record-setting 2001-02 campaign in his first year. On top of that, he helped lead Michigan state to the national championships in 2000. Heath was recently named head men's basketball coach for the Bulls. With the football team now ranked #2, Heath said it is an exciting time on the USF campus.

We are looking forward to a great season and are going to continue to blossom as a basketball team. "Every year there are a few teams that people say 'Who are they and where did they come from?' We hope that will be us this year," said Heath. "In my opinion to have a successful program, whether football or basketball, you have to have five keys elements in place."

The five key elements any team must have in place (According to USF Head Basketball Coach Stan Heath):

1. Strong University - "To sell to recruits you have to have a top-notch school with excellent programs. USF's programs are a huge selling point for our players."

2. Coaching - "We have an unbelievable staff that continue to recruit strong talent."

3. Talent - "The players this year are not only talented, but they have strong character and they work hard."

4. Fans - "I'm here to recruit fans," said Heath. "Keep in mind, it's only about a 35-minute drive to get to the stands. The event that stands out in our mind the most was the football game against West Virginia. We had 12,000 screaming students -- that really does make a difference."
5. Facilities - "Our facilities are improving every day. As you look at the most successful programs, you will see that they have good facilities."

Celebrity Luncheon Award Winners
- Athletic Achievement Award - Southeast University Men's Golf Team (Evan Gibson accepted the award)
- Community Partner - Polk Government Television (the entire PGTV/Communication staff accepted the award)
- Hospitality Service Award - Taste of Florida, Lang's Sun Country Groves (Debbie Brozio accepted the award)
- Innovative Marketing - Friends of the Parks Foundation for their "Trek Ten Trails" campaign (foundation president Marian Ryan accepted the award)

View the pictures on centralfloridasports.com
Congratulations to all award winners from Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing.

Celebrity Luncheon - Pictures posted

2007-10-17T11:53:00.000-04:00

Hank Longo just finished the welcome and introductions followed by Commissioner Randy Wilkinson (District 2) with the invocation and pledge of allegiance. With that lunch is served! Pictures are posted! Next up is a special presentation, Youth Basketball of America (YBOA). The next post will include all award winners.

Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Celebrity Luncheon

2007-10-17T11:22:00.000-04:00

Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing is hosting a Celebrity Luncheon at the Imperial Swan Hotel and Suites at 11:30 a.m. The Head Basketball coach University of South Florida -- Stan Heath -- will be the guest speaker. In addition, special awards will be presented to tourism and sports marketing industry partners for exceptional innovative marketing, community partnerships, hospitality service, and athletic achievement.

"This event gives us a forum to meet quarterly with industry partners to network and discuss business, while also listening to a dynamic speaker and recognizing industry achievements," said Neal Duncan, sponsorship sales manager for Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing.

We will keep you updated as the event unfolds.

Veteran's Day weekend (pt. 2) Camp Mack Fest

2007-10-15T10:40:00.000-04:00

Already planning your Veteran's Day weekend? There is always something going on in Polk County but especially this year November 9-11.

"Camp Mack Swamp Tour and Fishing Festival" will take place Nov. 9 and 10. Participants include the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservations Commission, Get REEL, Keep Winter Haven Clean & Beautiful, Tampa Bay Area Bass Masters and of course Camp Mack's River Resort. Events include - Fish Fry on November 9 with Buck Hummer and the Pick Ups in concert. Nov. 10 will be the family fishing derby, 8am-2pm. For fishing tournament details- Paul Thomas, 863-648-3202.

Live blogging on Oct. 17

2007-10-15T10:35:00.000-04:00

Live blogging will take place during the Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Celebrity Luncheon Series, Wednesday, October 17 - 11:30 AM. Guest speaker: Stan Heath, USF Head Basketball Coach.

Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival, Oct. 19-21

2007-10-12T10:49:00.000-04:00

The Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival will be next weekend, October 19-21, Downtown Lakeland. The guys at Polk County Sports Marketing interviewed Ford Heacock on their TV show, "Sports Central" (on PGTV). Watch the Sport Central TV segment with Ford, Mark and Hank.

Veteran's Day weekend (pt. 1) - Roar 'n Soar

2007-10-11T13:51:00.000-04:00

Already planning your Veteran's Day weekend? There is always something going on in Polk County but especially this year November 9-11. Beginning November 10, Roar 'n Soar will take place at Fantasy of Flight -- and that's just one of many events during this exciting time in Central Florida's Polk County.

Roar 'n Soar, November 10-11, will include a hot air balloon state championship race, water ski demonstrations, vintage racing boats, a classic car show, a cone race by the Jaguar Club of Central Florida and airplane exhibitions featuring aircraft from all eras.

Admission price is now available!!!

Location: Fantasy of Flight
1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E.
Polk City, FL 33868
(I-4; exit 44)
Nov. 10-11 hours: 10 am - 5 pm

Trek Ten Trails Kick-Off Celebration

2007-10-08T16:49:00.000-04:00

The long awaited day finally arrived! More than 1,000 people of all ages came to the kick-off celebration of "Trek Ten Trails". View some of the pictures from the first event here posted on flickr.com.

Come out to the next event, November 10 at Lakeland Highlands Scrub, 9 AM

You can still pick-up your "Celebrate Nature Passport Journal" at Polk Outpost 27, Polk County's Visitor Information Center. Polk Outpost 27 is open daily from 9am-6pm.

Tourist Development Council Appointments

2007-10-02T18:03:00.000-04:00

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners recently appointed Lakeland Center Executive Director, Mike LaPan to the Tourist Development Council. The TDC's nine member advisory board to the BoCC oversees Tourism & Sports Marketing programs and revenue, which is generated by the 5 percent tourist tax on short term rentals of six months or less (hotels, motels, vacation rental homes, condos and RV parks). "We are pleased to have Mike LaPan serve on the Tourist Development Council," said Mark Jackson, Director of Tourism and Sports Marketing for Polk County. "The Lakeland Center plays a key role in Polk County's Tourism and Sports Marketing industry and Mike has done an outstanding job there," Jackson said. In addition to the appointment of LaPan, the BoCC also reappointed current board member Jeff Vandiver. Vandiver is the General Manager of the Best Western Admiral's Inn and Conference Center in Winter Haven.

Free Marketing Opportunities

2007-10-01T16:11:00.000-04:00

Central Florida VCB News

Sign up Today For Two Free Marketing Opportunities: Home for the Holidays and Passport to Adventure and Savings.
As the holiday season approaches, many visitors are making plans to come "home" to Polk County. Take part in "Home for the Holidays" - a campaign that encourages family and friends of Polk County residents to stay in local lodging properties and visit local attractions and merchants.
To be eligible to receive the special offers, the family and friends must stay at a Polk County property and request the "Home for the Holidays" special rate. We welcome your participation. For more information contact Polk County Tourism and Sports Markeing at 863-523-2500.
Deadline for this free marketing opportunity is October 12.

The Passport to Adventure and Savings will be distributed to Visitors to Polk Outpost 27 and Florida's Welcome Centers at I-75 and I-95. It will also reach people who have requested a Vacation Guide on visitcentralflorida.org. Last year there were 80 special offers in a coupon booklet. This year each person will receive a Passport to Adventure and Savings Card and a brochure listing all the offers. There is no charge, but the form must be received by October 17. For more information contact Polk County Tourism and Sports Markeing at 863-523-2500

Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Celebrity Luncheon Series - with guest speaker Stan Heath

2007-09-28T17:10:00.000-04:00

You're Invited To Attend...Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Celebrity Luncheon Series

Wednesday, October 17 - 11:30 AM
Guest speaker: Stan Heath, USF Head Basketball Coach

At Imperial Swan Hotel & Suites
(4141 South Florida Ave, Lakeland)

Only $8 and includes lunch!!!!
RSVP - by October 5
To Christine at 863-534-2534

2007-09-25T19:44:00.000-04:00

Press Release from http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/news/

Polk Outpost 27 to Host Movie Madness Event
September 21, 2007BARTOW, FL – (August 29, 2007) – Superman is returning to Polk Outpost 27 on September 29. More specifically, Polk Outpost 27 will showcase Superman Returns in their high definition, surround sound theatre. Children, along with an accompanying adult, are invited to kick back and enjoy the show – all for free! The movie will be shown at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. In addition to the movie, refreshments will be sold, including popcorn, candy, hotdogs and beverages.Polk Outpost 27 is located at 101 Adventure Court in Davenport, just south of Interstate 4 on Highway 27 (exit 55). For more information, please contact Polk Outpost 27 at 1-800-828-7655, or visit www.visitcentralflorida.org.

* Media Members, for more information, please contact the Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau:Public Information Specialist600 North Broadway, Suite 300Bartow, FL 33830Phone: 863-534-2507Fax: 863-534-0886

2007-09-17T13:53:00.000-04:00

Trek Ten Nature Trails in Central Florida, Polk County! The Treks begin October 6, 2007 and conclude with a GRAND FINALE CELEBRATION on the Auburndale TECO Trail, September 13, 2008. 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.

2007 TREKS
October 6 - Fort Fraser Trail, Highland City Trailhead
November 10 - Lakeland Highlands Scrub, 9 AM
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

Click Here For More Information about Trek Ten Trails and Friend of the Parks.

Farmers Market in Davenport starts Sept. 15

2007-09-13T14:09:00.000-04:00

On Sept. 15, Polk Outpost 27 will host a farmers market from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. This will be the first of several farmers market events that will occur at the interactive visitor center this year.
"The farmers market will be a great addition to the events surrounding Polk Outpost 27 - visitors and residents alike will enjoy seasonal produce and other items unique to our area," said Mark Jackson, Polk County's tourism and sports marketing director.
Local farmers will sell fresh fruits and vegetables, and other vendors will come with homemade items, such as jams, breads and local crafts. The farmers market will take place again on the following dates: Sept. 15, Oct. 13, Nov. 24 and Dec. 15.
Local vendors who are interested in taking part in upcoming events must pre-register. Space is limited to the first 30 qualified vendors. To register, call Cynthia Cook at 863-420-2586.
Polk Outpost 27 is located at 101 Adventure Court in Davenport, just south of Interstate 4, exit55 on U.S. Highway 27. For details, call Polk Outpost 27 at 1-800-828-7655, or visit http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/. (from thelegder.com, info provided by the VCB)

2007-09-11T13:32:00.000-04:00

What's happening today in the world of Polk County College Sports?
Warner Southern College Women's Soccer - Lady Royals vs. Florida College, Location: Warner Southern College Soccer Field at 5:00 pm; and Warner Southern College Men's Soccer at 7:00 pm. For more information and other events happening in Central Florida Polk County -
http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/do/events/

The Florida Skydiving Center brings the thrill of the freefall to Central Florida's Polk County. For decades, visitors have enjoyed skydiving over acres of open land in the heart of Florida's lakes district. Watch the video of Katy's jump!

Want more videos? search for "Central Florida Polk County" on video.google.com or youtube.com

2007-09-10T14:01:00.000-04:00

Visit Central Florida Lakes District, where the sun is always shining and the possibilities for vacation fun seem endless. Explore 554 lakes and diverse attractions, all timeless wonders of the Sunshine State. And if you want to seek out other Florida adventures, Polk County provides the perfect home base – beautiful beaches and famous theme parks are all within easy reach. Whether you're traveling for vacation, sports or business, Central Florida’s Polk County offers a value and experience you won’t find anywhere else. - FMI http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/

Hi, I'm Darby and I work for the Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau and this blog is about our events and updates.