Winter Haven, Florida
Encyclopedia
Winter Haven is a city in Polk County
, Florida
, United States
. The population was 26,487 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2007 estimates, the city had a population of 32,577, making it the second most populated city in Polk County. It is a principal city of the Lakeland
–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Winter Haven became home to the first Publix
supermarket
, circa 1930.
The first Florida boom took place in the 1920s as towns sprang up all over the peninsula. Florida's potential as a place to live and a place to visit was first realized then, but the Great Depression
slowed growth in Florida until after World War II
. In Winter Haven; however, the definitive event in the city's history happened in 1936 with the opening of Cypress Gardens
by Dick and Julie Pope. It was announced on January 21, 2010, that the former site of Cypress Gardens will become Legoland Florida
, the second Legoland park in the United States, and the largest in the world. It is expected to open by the end of 2011.
Winter Haven featured many buildings designed by Gene Leedy
, one of the founders of the Sarasota School of Architecture
.
, the city has a total area of 25.4 square miles (65.8 km²). 17.7 square miles (45.8 km²) of it is land and 7.7 square miles (19.9 km²) of it (30.45%) is water. Winter Haven is located within the Central Florida Highlands area of the Atlantic coastal plain
with a terrain consisting of flatland interspersed with gently rolling hills.
Winter Haven is called "The Chain of Lakes City" because of its numerous fresh water lakes which touch or are contained within the city limits. 24 of the 45 lakes in Winter Haven are connected by a system of navigable canals better known as the "Chain of Lakes".
Winter Haven is located in the humid subtropical zone (Köppen climate classification
: Cfa). The city gets its name from its obvious lack of colder weather with a warm tropical climate throughout the majority of the year. The average temperature is 73.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
of 2000, there were 26,487 people, 11,833 households, and 6,934 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,498.3 inhabitants per square mile (578.4/km²). There were 13,912 housing units at an average density of 787.0 per square mile (303.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.51% White, 1.96% African American, 1.02% Asian, 0.19% Native American, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.87% from other races
, and 0.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.14% of the population and 0.001%.
There were 11,833 households out of which 21.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.1% were married couples
living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.4% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.81.
In the city the population was spread out with 20.9% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 27.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 85.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $31,884, and the median income for a family was $39,657. Males had a median income of $30,943 versus $21,812 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $20,383. About 10.5% of families and 15.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.2% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.
and barefoot skiing
.
It used to be the spring training
home of the Philadelphia Phillies
(1928–1937), Boston Red Sox
(1966–1992) and the Cleveland Indians
(1993–2008). The Red Sox moved to Fort Myers
in 1992, and the Indians left after 2008 to return to Arizona
.
The streets of downtown Winter Haven are arranged in a grid plan
. 1st Street (SR 549
) is the north-south axis, with two sets of numbered streets running parallel - one to the east (e.g. 7th St. NE/SE), and one to the west (e.g. 6th St. NW/SW). Central Avenue (SR 542) is the west-east axis, with two sets of lettered avenues similarly running parallel on either side.
Winter Haven has an Amtrak train station
. Local commuter bus service is provided by Winter Haven Area Transit
and the Citrus Connection
.
Winter Haven's Gilbert Airport
and the adjacent Jack Browns Seaplane Base
are located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of the central business district
.
/St. Pete television market, the 13th largest in the country and part of the local Lakeland/Winter Haven radio market, which is the 94th largest in the country.
.
, Italy
(1984), on the occasion of the Water Ski World Cup performed on the lago Arancio
, in Sambuca di Sicilia, Italy. Both cities are in fact involved to this sport.
Polk County, Florida
Polk County is located in central Florida between the Tampa Bay and Greater Orlando metropolitan areas. The county was established by the state government in 1861 on the eve of the American Civil War and named after former United States president James K. Polk. The county seat is Bartow and its...
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 26,487 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2007 estimates, the city had a population of 32,577, making it the second most populated city in Polk County. It is a principal city of the Lakeland
Lakeland, Florida
Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States, located approximately midway between Tampa and Orlando along Interstate 4. According to the 2008 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, the city had a population of 94,406...
–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
The area was platted in 1884 and would first be known as Harris Corners. A year later, the name Winter Haven was suggested because of the area's pleasant climate. By the end of the century the population grew to around 400 and in 1911, the City of Winter Haven was incorporated. The Chain of Lakes canals were begun in 1915.Winter Haven became home to the first Publix
Publix
Publix Super Markets, Inc. is an American supermarket chain based in Lakeland, Florida.Founded in 1930 by George W. Jenkins, it is an employee-owned, privately held corporation. Publix is currently ranked No. 86 on Fortune magazine's list of 100 Best Companies to Work For 2010 and was ranked No...
supermarket
Supermarket
A supermarket, a form of grocery store, is a self-service store offering a wide variety of food and household merchandise, organized into departments...
, circa 1930.
The first Florida boom took place in the 1920s as towns sprang up all over the peninsula. Florida's potential as a place to live and a place to visit was first realized then, but the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
slowed growth in Florida until after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. In Winter Haven; however, the definitive event in the city's history happened in 1936 with the opening of Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens was an American theme park near Winter Haven, Florida, that operated from 1936 to 2009.-History:Billed as Florida's first commercial tourist theme park, Cypress Gardens opened on January 2, 1936 as a botanical garden planted by Dick Pope Sr. and his wife Julie...
by Dick and Julie Pope. It was announced on January 21, 2010, that the former site of Cypress Gardens will become Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida is a theme park in Winter Haven, Florida. It opened on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Merlin Entertainments Group operates the park which encompasses of the former Cypress Gardens amusement park, making Legoland Florida the world's largest Legoland park.-Announcement:A press release...
, the second Legoland park in the United States, and the largest in the world. It is expected to open by the end of 2011.
Winter Haven featured many buildings designed by Gene Leedy
Gene Leedy
Gene Leedy is an architect based in Winter Haven, Florida.Gene Leedy has been one of the pioneers of the modern movement in Florida and was one of the founders of the now famous "Sarasota School of Architecture," including Paul Rudolph, Victor Lundy, Mark Hampton and others...
, one of the founders of the Sarasota School of Architecture
Sarasota School of Architecture
The Sarasota School of Architecture, sometimes called "Sarasota Modern," is a regional style of post-war architecture that emerged on Florida's Central West Coast...
.
Geography and climate
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 25.4 square miles (65.8 km²). 17.7 square miles (45.8 km²) of it is land and 7.7 square miles (19.9 km²) of it (30.45%) is water. Winter Haven is located within the Central Florida Highlands area of the Atlantic coastal plain
Atlantic Coastal Plain
The Atlantic coastal plain has both low elevation and low relief, but it is also a relatively flat landform extending from the New York Bight southward to a Georgia/Florida section of the Eastern Continental Divide, which demarcates the plain from the ACF River Basin in the Gulf Coastal Plain to...
with a terrain consisting of flatland interspersed with gently rolling hills.
Winter Haven is called "The Chain of Lakes City" because of its numerous fresh water lakes which touch or are contained within the city limits. 24 of the 45 lakes in Winter Haven are connected by a system of navigable canals better known as the "Chain of Lakes".
Winter Haven is located in the humid subtropical zone (Köppen climate classification
Köppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by Crimea German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen himself, notably in 1918 and 1936...
: Cfa). The city gets its name from its obvious lack of colder weather with a warm tropical climate throughout the majority of the year. The average temperature is 73.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 26,487 people, 11,833 households, and 6,934 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,498.3 inhabitants per square mile (578.4/km²). There were 13,912 housing units at an average density of 787.0 per square mile (303.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.51% White, 1.96% African American, 1.02% Asian, 0.19% Native American, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.87% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.14% of the population and 0.001%.
There were 11,833 households out of which 21.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.1% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.4% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.81.
In the city the population was spread out with 20.9% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 27.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 85.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $31,884, and the median income for a family was $39,657. Males had a median income of $30,943 versus $21,812 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $20,383. About 10.5% of families and 15.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.2% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.
Sports
Winter Haven, having many small lakes, is home to many ski schools, both for water skiingWater skiing
thumb|right|A slalom skier making a turn on a slalom waterski.Waterskiing is a sport where an individual is pulled behind a boat or a cable ski installation on a body of water, skimming the surface.-History:...
and barefoot skiing
Barefoot skiing
Barefoot skiing is water skiing behind a motorboat without the use of water skis, commonly referred to as "barefooting". Barefooting requires the skier to travel at higher speeds than conventional water skiing...
.
It used to be the spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
home of the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
(1928–1937), Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
(1966–1992) and the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
(1993–2008). The Red Sox moved to Fort Myers
Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers is the county seat and commercial center of Lee County, Florida, United States. Its population was 62,298 in the 2010 census, a 29.23 percent increase over the 2000 figure....
in 1992, and the Indians left after 2008 to return to Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
.
Transportation
Major routes through, to, and from Winter Haven include:- US 17U.S. Route 17 in FloridaU.S. Route 17 in Florida is a north–south United States Highway. It runs from the Punta Gorda, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area northeast to the Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area....
- A major north/south route through Winter Haven, this highway leads northward to Lake AlfredLake Alfred, FloridaLake Alfred is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,890 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 3,944 . It is part of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area....
where it joins US 92U.S. Route 92U.S. Route 92 is a 177 mile intrastate U.S. Route in the U.S. state of Florida. The western terminus is at Alt US 19, SR 595, and SR 687 in downtown St. Petersburg. The eastern terminus is at SR A1A in Daytona Beach. Most of US 92 is designated unsigned State Road 600.-Route description:US 92...
, and southward to BartowBartow, FloridaBartow is the county seat of Polk County, Florida, United States. Founded in 1851 as Fort Blount, the city was renamed in honor of Francis S. Bartow the first brigade commander to die in combat during the American Civil War. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census, the city had a...
. - US 27U.S. Route 27 in FloridaU.S. Route 27 in Florida is a north–south United States Highway. It runs from the South Florida Metropolitan Area northwest to the Tallahassee Metropolitan Statistical Area. Throughout the state, US 27 has been designated the Claude Pepper Memorial Highway by the Florida State Legislature...
- This divided highway east of Winter Haven will be a key access road for Legoland FloridaLegoland FloridaLegoland Florida is a theme park in Winter Haven, Florida. It opened on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Merlin Entertainments Group operates the park which encompasses of the former Cypress Gardens amusement park, making Legoland Florida the world's largest Legoland park.-Announcement:A press release...
in its intersection with Interstate 4Interstate 4Interstate 4 is a intrastate Highway located entirely within the state of Florida, United States. It goes from Interstate 275 in Tampa, Florida to Interstate 95 at Daytona Beach, Florida . It also has the Florida Department of Transportation designation of State Road 400, but only a small...
to the north. - State Road 540Florida State Road 540State Road 540 is a west–east route in Central Florida, serving Polk County. It runs from the south side of the city of Lakeland to US 27. SR 540 also runs along the future entrance to Legoland Florida...
- This key road runs through southern Winter Haven as Cypress Gardens Boulevard, leading westward to Lakeland and the Polk Parkway, by Legoland FloridaLegoland FloridaLegoland Florida is a theme park in Winter Haven, Florida. It opened on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Merlin Entertainments Group operates the park which encompasses of the former Cypress Gardens amusement park, making Legoland Florida the world's largest Legoland park.-Announcement:A press release...
just east of town, and on eastward to US 27. - State Road 542Florida State Road 542State Road 542 is a west–east route in Central Florida, serving Polk County. It runs 6.8 miles from the downtown of Winter Haven to the downtown of Dundee, Florida.-Route description:...
- It cuts through the heart of Winter Haven's downtown as Central Avenue, and leads eastward directly to DundeeDundee, FloridaDundee is a town in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,912 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 3,008...
at US 27. - State Road 544Florida State Road 544State Road 544 is a west-east state road in the U.S. state of Florida. It runs 11.7 miles from Auburndale to Haines City.-Route Description:...
- From northern Winter Haven, SR 544 connects westward to AuburndaleAuburndale, FloridaAuburndale is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 11,032 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S Census estimates of 2005, the city had a population of 12,381...
, hence its name, Havendale Boulevard, and leads a scenic route eastward toward Haines CityHaines City, FloridaHaines City is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 13,174 at the 2000 census. As of 2010, the population estimated by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida is 18,762. Haines City is the third most populous city in Polk County, Florida...
.
The streets of downtown Winter Haven are arranged in a grid plan
Grid plan
The grid plan, grid street plan or gridiron plan is a type of city plan in which streets run at right angles to each other, forming a grid...
. 1st Street (SR 549
Florida State Road 549
Florida State Road 549, or 1st Street N, is a north-south state road in the U.S. state of Florida. It runs 1.5 miles through the downtown of Winter Haven as the north-south axis of the city's grid plan.-Route description:...
) is the north-south axis, with two sets of numbered streets running parallel - one to the east (e.g. 7th St. NE/SE), and one to the west (e.g. 6th St. NW/SW). Central Avenue (SR 542) is the west-east axis, with two sets of lettered avenues similarly running parallel on either side.
Winter Haven has an Amtrak train station
Winter Haven (Amtrak station)
The Winter Haven Amtrak station is a train station in Winter Haven, Florida, United States served by Amtrak, the national railroad passenger system. It was originally built in 1925 by the Seaboard Air Line Railway, and rebuilt in 1947...
. Local commuter bus service is provided by Winter Haven Area Transit
Winter Haven Area Transit
Winter Haven Area Transit is a bus system based in Winter Haven, Florida. The system operates 9 of its own buses, and another 4 buses are provided for WHAT by the Citrus Connection. There are 8 routes serving Winter Haven, Auburndale, Lakeland, Lake Alfred, Haines City, Lake Wales, Frostproof,...
and the Citrus Connection
Citrus Connection
Citrus Connection is the public transit system of Lakeland, Florida, operated by the Lakeland Area Mass Transit District . The system operates a fleet of 38 buses on 21 routes in the Lakeland area, including service provided for Winter Haven Area Transit to the neighboring cities of Auburndale,...
.
Winter Haven's Gilbert Airport
Winter Haven's Gilbert Airport
Winter Haven's Gilbert Airport is a city-owned, public-use airport located three nautical miles northwest of the central business district of Winter Haven, a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. It is owned by the City of Winter Haven. It is also known as Winter Haven Municipal Airport or...
and the adjacent Jack Browns Seaplane Base
Jack Browns Seaplane Base
Jack Browns Seaplane Base is a public-use seaplane base located 3 nautical miles northwest of the central business district of Winter Haven in Polk County, Florida, United States...
are located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of the central business district
Central business district
A central business district is the commercial and often geographic heart of a city. In North America this part of a city is commonly referred to as "downtown" or "city center"...
.
Media
Winter Haven is part of the TampaTampa, Florida
Tampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709....
/St. Pete television market, the 13th largest in the country and part of the local Lakeland/Winter Haven radio market, which is the 94th largest in the country.
K-12 Schools
Public schools in Winter Haven are operated by Polk County Public SchoolsPolk County Public Schools
Polk County Public Schools is a school district headquartered in Bartow, Florida, United States. The district serves Polk County.-Intelligent Design Controversy:...
.
- Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School
- St. Paul's Episcopal School
- Haven Christian Academy
- Elbert Elementary
- Garden Grove Elementary School
- Garner Elementary School
- Inwood Elementary
- Jewett School of the Arts (Elementary)
- Lake Shipp Elementary
- John A. Snively Elementary School
- Westwood Middle School
- Jewett Academy Middle School
- Denison Middle School
- Winter Haven Senior High SchoolWinter Haven High SchoolWinter Haven High School PrincipalGina WilliamsSchool typePublic Religious affiliationNoneFounded1890LocationPolk County, Florida, Winter Haven, FloridaEnrollment1761 students , Campus surroundingsUrbanContact...
- Lake Region High School (Florida)Lake Region High School (Florida)Lake Region High School is located at 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake, Florida, 33839.LRHS opened on August 14, 1995. Current enrollment is 2000, the senior class enrollment is 400.LRHS serves the communities of south Winter Haven, north Bartow and Eagle Lake...
- Frank E. Brigham Academy Elementary School
- All Saints' Academy (Florida)All Saints' Academy (Florida)All Saints' Academy is an independent preparatory school located in Winter Haven, Florida that is affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Grades serviced within the school range from Pre-Kindergarten, at age 3, through the twelfth grade...
- Rachel's School for the Custodial Arts.
- Mark Wilcox Center
- Winter Haven Christian SchoolWinter Haven Christian SchoolWinter Haven Christian School is a private Christian school located at 1700 Buckeye Loop Road NE in the City of Winter Haven, Florida. The school currently serves grades Pre-K three year old through eighth grade.-History:...
- Grace Lutheran School
- St. Joseph Catholic School
- Chain of Lakes Elementary School
- Eagle Lake Elementary
- Wahneta Elementary
Sister City
Sambuca di SiciliaSambuca di Sicilia
Sambuca di Sicilia is a comune in the Province of Agrigento in the Italian region Sicily, located about 68 km southwest of Palermo and about 89 km northwest of Agrigento...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
(1984), on the occasion of the Water Ski World Cup performed on the lago Arancio
Lago Arancio
Lago Arancio is a lake in the Province of Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. The reservoir is located on the territory of the municipalities of Sambuca di Sicilia, Santa Margherita di Belice and Sciacca....
, in Sambuca di Sicilia, Italy. Both cities are in fact involved to this sport.
External links
- City of Winter Haven official site
- Winter Haven News Chief community news
- The Lakeland Ledger newspaper serving Winter Haven and all of Polk County