Dear Winter Haven residents,
Pictured is the original downtown Winter Haven Southern Railway Station. It was located about 100 feet west of the Times Square building. Now the area is parking, adjacent to South Central Park.
Exactly three weeks ago, Mary and I were wondering if we should cancel our two-week tour of Ireland that was to begin four days later.
A lot of people are finding themselves at home a lot these days — and are maybe even looking for things to do to pass the time.
The photograph above is looking southeast at Fourth St. NW, circa 1915. The white building on the left is the Bonita Theatre, which was operated by the Ripley family. It burned to the ground that same year. Central Park is in the foreground.
In 1908, one of Bartow’s newspapers announced the opening of Dial and Read’s Livery Stable, in what is now the 100 block of South Florida Avenue.
As we are all monitoring and taking precautions relating to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, please remember a few things — there are going to be rumors and fake claims being made on social media and elsewhere.
The coronavirus is serious. It’s OK to panic.
It’s not often that a story that dominates world headlines has a direct effect on our lives.
Pictured above, a bevy of Cypress Garden’s iconic “Southern Belles” dance on the lawn. The photo was taken sometime circa the 1950s.
The 9-1-1 emergency system has been around for many years now, but there are still many people who don’t know when it is appropriate to use.
Pictured is Fifth Street NW, looking south from the intersection of Pope Avenue and Avenue A NW. The Ford dealership was to the extreme right and the Grand Theatre is the white building adjacent. Central Park is on the left. Taken circa 1925, the photo is by Robert Dahlgren.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has just completed a month long campaign to raise awareness about hit-and-run crashes in the state of Florida, but we still need to get the word out that people need to remain on the scene of a crash.
With the arrival of the primary election season a few weeks ago, the issue is often raised, “Why can’t I vote for whomever I want, instead of only for members of my own party?”
A legislative proposal to make Florida Polytechnic University and New College of Florida branch campuses of the University of Florida and Florida State University, respectively, makes little sense.
This photograph of swimmers on a Lake Howard dock is noted with the date December 9, 1909. The family included hats with their stylish swimwear of the day. Six years later, efforts began to connect the lakes with a system of canals.
You might have heard in the news that the father of pop singer Taylor Swift recently thwarted a burglar in his St. Petersburg home when he came home during the crime.
Pictured is the dining room at what was then the Haven Hotel, circa 1925. Located at 235 6th Street NW, adjacent to McDonald’s, the building is now known as The Haven.
The cornerstone of our constitutional democratic republic is protecting citizens’ right to full and public notice when their elected officials are discussing or making decisions that could affect taxpayers’ daily lives.
Distraction burglaries are certainly nothing new to Polk County, but we’ve been fortunate in that none have been reported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office recently.
It was nearly 40 years ago that I decided it was time for Mary to have a microwave oven.
The year was 1957 and the popular television show “I’ve Got a Secret” and host Garry Moore headlined the Citrus Exposition. Pictured above, on the then roofless Lake Silver Amphitheatre, from left are: Durwood Kirby, Marion Lorne, Peter Lawford, Diana Dors, Garry Moore, Alan King, (newly dis…
If there’s one skill I would say almost every law enforcement officer possesses, it’s the ability to recognize when someone is being dishonest.
A degree in government, with which I graduated 57 years ago, can only teach you so much.
Pictured is the Northgate Publix Store, as it looked when it opened in 1957. The mid-century modern arch to the right was removed when the shopping center expanded for the relocation of Rheineaurs women’s apparel (now the location of Badcock Home Furnishings).
During an emergency, every second counts and any kind of delay could mean the difference between life and death.
There’s wonderful news for everybody who owns a cell phone, which is basically anyone in America over the age of 3.
The Blue Bird Drive-In was located on U.S. Highway 17, on the current site of the Cypress Tire Company.
Back when I was a kid — probably 10 years old or so — I used to hang out with Dad at his office on Saturdays.
The 2019 Christmas campaign for the U. S. Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots program closed with a very successful year! This past Christmas, we provided new, unwrapped toys to 14,228 underprivileged children — an increase of over 1,866 children from the previous year.
In law enforcement, it is frustrating to see the same people returning to jail time after time. Too often, a life of crime is a way of life.
Winter Haven’s first formal school house is pictured here, with both students and teacher (circa 1910).
Did you hear the one about the Vermont legislator who wants to limit ownership and use of cell phones to adults?
Last week I heard a rumor. After some research I discovered it was true.
It wasn’t all that long ago that January meant a huge celebration of citrus was just around the corner. Between 1924 and 2008, the celebration was known variously as the Orange Festival, Citrus Exposition and, finally, as the Citrus Showcase.
I can’t understand why some people have pets, when they don’t care to take care of the pets.
Here’s another look at the F.A.K. Harris Store. It was both Winter Haven’s first residence (upstairs) and commercial structure.
A law went into effect in 2019 that was intended to cut down on people who are texting on their cell phones while they’re driving on public roads.
Seldom in my memory have Americans been so divided on the issue of national political leadership.
The holiday season has come and gone, but let’s continue to be thankful and grateful for the simple things we are blessed with. Be grateful for time with family and friends. Let us be thankful for achieving the small successes in life.
Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, natural wonders and vibrant tourist attractions, continues to grow rapidly.
With the New Year, we introduce a new weekly photo from Winter Haven’s history.
Today’s column will end our “Beneath the Chinaberry” series.
The presidential election of 1964 was the first one in which I voted, and I have never missed one from that day to this.
As 2019 comes to a close, it appears that we will finish with a total of 11 reported cases of rabies in Polk County.
Polk State College is celebrating a successful 2019 thanks to the Polk County Legislative Delegation, and the College is optimistic ahead of the 2020 Legislative Session that the support of local legislators will ensure continued access to a Polk State education for all residents of Polk Cou…
As the odometer rolls over on the New Year next week, Bartowans (and any residents of neighboring communities who care to join us) will celebrate this annual milestone in a unique fashion.
On Sept. 17, America quietly observed Constitution Day, the anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has investigated three recent cases within one week which we refer to as “distraction burglaries.”
