Winter Haven has 50 lakes within its borders, including its famous Chain of Lakes. The lakes are by far the city’s most distinctive feature. Winter Haven promotes itself as “The Chain of Lakes City”.
Cypress Gardens, a world famous botanical garden, was opened in 1936 by Dick Pope. After several decades, it closed and is now owned by Merlin Entertainments, owner of Legoland Florida.
Legoland Florida Resort opened on October 15, 2011. It opened with some of the original attractions. Legoland Florida is an attraction built for kids with Lego toys and childhood amusement.
On September 6, 1930, George Washington Jenkins opened his first Publix supermarket in Winter Haven. Publix headquarters is located in Lakeland, in Polk County. Publix is a regional supermarket chain with 1,294 retail locations in seven states.
Local Winter Haven entrepreneurs have created business opportunities in the city. With the help of local business leaders, the demand for startup ventures and the need for more goods and services has ignited the spirit of ownership in the Winter Haven community.