It's Happenin' In the Haven

On Episode 161, we speak to Michael Ducat, Owner of Incredibowl. Michael shares the story of the transition from Cypress Lanes to Incredibowl, the many offerings they have for families and much more.

On Episode 160, we speak to Dr. Rich, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College. Dr. Rich shares about the amazing resources offered at the museum, the perks of becoming a member, and why it's a perfect destination for the entire family.

On Episode 159, we speak to the President of LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Frank Idris. Frank shares the scoop on SEA LIFE, coming to LEGOLAND, as well as Ferrari Build & Race. He also shares why LEGOLAND is the perfect destination for families.

On Episode 158 , we are taking a deep dive into CommunityFest! We are thrilled to be celebrating 10 years of this FREE family festival. March 2nd will be here before we know it, so we want to make sure you have all of the information you need to sponsor, become a vendor or volunteer! We would like to thank LEGOLAND Florida Resort for being the Presenting Sponsor of Season 8 of the podcast!

On Episode 157, we speak to Gene Conrad, President & CEO of the Aerospace Center for Excellence. Gene shares about the incredible programming ACE offers, the details of the 50th fly-in at Sun 'n Fun coming this April and the economic impact of the aviation industry in Polk County.

On Episode 156, Fostering Fun & Family at the Florida Children's Museum, we speak to Kerry Falwell, the CEO of the Florida Children's Museum. Kerry shares about the transition to Bonnet Springs Park, the importance of playful learning and why this is such an asset to the families in Polk County.

On Episode 155, the Chamber team gets together to talk about the highlights of 2023, all of the amazing things coming in 2024 and a wink towards Season 8 of the podcast which is all about Winter Haven being a premier family destination.

On today's episode, we speak to Ashley Tucker, VP of Sales and Marketing at Blue Line Aviation. We chat about Blue Line's unquote training program, their experience doing business in Winter Haven and much more.

On Episode 153: The Pet Healer, we speak to Dr. Mitsie Vargas, Founder of Orchid Springs Animal Hospital. She shares about her love for Winter Haven, her long career in veterinary medicine, using acupuncture at the clinic and much more.

On Episode 152: Musical Roots in Winter Haven, we speak to Hunter Smith, singer, songwriter and commercial insurance agent with Mulling Insurance. We talk about his experience growing up in Winter Haven, falling into singing and songwriting, his musical inspirations and more. 

On Episode 151 we speak to Keisha Pyzynski, Founder, Creative Director, Designer at Key Design & Media. Keisha shares about her journey to Winter Haven, her experience as an entrepreneur in the digital marketing and video industry and the upcoming projects she's most looking forward to.

On Episode 150: From Undercover to Winter Haven's Favorite Coach, we are joined by Alex Santiago. We talk about his journey to Winter Haven, his time with the police force in New York City, his community involvement, and everything in between!

On Episode 149: Designing Opportunities for All, we are joined by Tresa Warner, Director of IMAG Academy at Lake Region High School. We talk about her experience getting started with teaching, founding the IMAG program, her involvement with the National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation, and much more!

On Episode 148: Managing for the Future, we are joined by the City of Winter Haven's City Manager, T. Michael Stavres. We chat about his storied career at the City of Winter Haven, the transition from Deputy City Manager to City Manager, his side hustle as a musician with the duo, Coastal Acoustic Barefoot Music, and more! This podcast is made possible through sponsorships from  Citizens Bank...

On Episode 147: Putting Your Money Where Your Passion Is, we talk with Bonnie Parker about her long career in banking, her passion for the arts and traveling, what she loves most about Winter Haven, and more! This podcast is made possible through sponsorships from  Citizens Bank & Trust ,  Mahalak Auto Group/Winter Haven Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram , and  AdventHealth.

On Episode 146: Winter Haven's Hap-piest Volunteer, we talk with Hap Hazelwood about his life in Winter Haven, how he’s handled adversity throughout his career, giving back to the community, and much more! This podcast is made possible through sponsorships from  Citizens Bank & Trust ,  Mahalak Auto Group/Winter Haven Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram , and  AdventHealth.

On Episode 145: Outfitting Winter Haven with Winter Haven Apparel, we talk to Sally and Nando Del Castillo, founders of the local apparel brand, Winter Haven Apparel. Sally and Nando share about their journeys to Winter Haven, the story behind Winter Haven Apparel, and everything in between. Stay tuned through the end to hear the amazing story about the commercial that launched Nando's modelin...

On Episode 144: Getting to Know Mr. Winter Haven, we talk to Volunteer Curator at the Museum of Winter Haven History and Mr. Winter Haven Himself, Bob Gernert. Bob shares all about his time as the Executive Director of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, the founding of the Museum of Winter Haven History, and much more! This podcast is made possible through sponsorships from  Citizens Ba...

On Episode 143 we take a trip down memory lane with some of our favorite episodes from past seasons! On this Best Of episode, you will hear from former Professional Wakeboarder, Zane Schwenk, Public Works Director for the City of Winter Haven, MJ Carnevale, and the team with Adler's.

On Episode 142: Getting to Know Brianna, we interview the Winter Haven Chamber's Marketing & Communications Manager and our podcast host, Brianna Price. Brianna shares all about how she came to Winter Haven, her excitement for motherhood and much more.

On Episode 141: Winter Haven Chamber Update, the team gets together to give you the scoop on all things Winter Haven Chamber! We chat about the Capital Campaign, Leadership Winter Haven, upcoming events and more. Tune in now!

On Episode 140: Getting to Know Miah, we speak with Miah Bennett, the Chamber's Information Center Concierge. Miah shares about her journey to Winter Haven, her Masters program and everything in between!

On Episode 139: Collaborating for Community Growth, we speak to the Senior Vice President & COO of the Central Florida Development Council, Lindsay Zimmerman. Lindsay shares about their collaborative efforts surrounding talent pipeline, working together to grow Polk County and more.

On Episode 138: The Legacy of Leadership Winter Haven, I speak to Cindy Price and Rick Hemenway, participants of Leadership Winter Haven Class 4. Cindy and Rick share about the impact Leadership Winter Haven made on them in 1984 and how beneficial the program still is today.

On Episode 137: Uniting Our Community, we speak to Dr. Rod Crowley, COO of United Way of Central Florida. Rod shares about the impactful programs they support at United Way and the collaborative partnerships they are leveraging to make a difference in Polk County.