Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival 2007

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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