Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Find out where to go and what to do in Polk County!
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
· 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
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
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
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
Events planned during Christmas at Pinewood:
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
Friday, November 16, 2007
Free Golf Clinic - Saturday Nov. 17
Led Zeppelin IV at The Lakeland Center
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
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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
Friday, November 9, 2007
Home for the Holidays - Special Offers for all Nov.15-Dec. 31, 2007
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.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Roar 'n Soar - Are you going?
4 days left - the countdown continues for Roar 'n Soar - Nov. 10-11
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)
Sunday, November 4, 2007
The countdown continues for Roar 'n Soar - Nov. 10-11

Saturday, November 3, 2007
Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Office Move (proposed)
NOTE of correction: The baseball complex is proposed at $7.0 million
Friday, November 2, 2007
The countdown has begun for Roar 'n Soar - Nov. 10-11
Unique activities that will showcase our own land, air and sea show -
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).
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
Friday, October 19, 2007
Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Celebrity Luncheon: Keynote speakers and award winners
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
Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Celebrity Luncheon
"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.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Veteran's Day weekend (pt. 2) Camp Mack Fest
"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
Friday, October 12, 2007
Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival, Oct. 19-21
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Veteran's Day weekend (pt. 1) - Roar 'n Soar
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
Monday, October 8, 2007
Trek Ten Trails Kick-Off Celebration
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.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Tourist Development Council Appointments
Monday, October 1, 2007
Free Marketing Opportunities
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
Friday, September 28, 2007
Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Celebrity Luncheon Series - with guest speaker Stan Heath

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
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
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
Monday, September 17, 2007

October 6 - Fort Fraser Trail, Highland City Trailhead
November 10 - Lakeland Highlands Scrub, 9 AM
December 8 - Hickory Lake Scrub, 9 AM
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
September 13 - Auburndale TECO Trail, 9 AM - Noon
Click Here For More Information about Trek Ten Trails and Friend of the Parks.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Farmers Market in Davenport starts Sept. 15

"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)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
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
Monday, September 10, 2007
Hi, I'm Darby and I work for the Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau and this blog is about our events and updates.