52nd National Road Runners Club of America Convention
Dates: Apr. 21-24
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- The 52nd National RRCA Convention will be a 4 day event which will bring over 100 participants to Polk County
- For more information on this event please visit www.rrcaconvention.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Senior Softball Spring Nationals
Dates: April 21-25
Venue: Diamondplex and Auburndale Softball Complex
- The Senior Softball Spring Nationals will bring into Polk County over 45 teams
- For more information on this event please visit www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) ODP State Trials
Dates: 4/23 – 4/25
Venue: Lake Myrtle
- This FYSA event will host 60 teams and bring in over 1200 spectators to Polk County
- For more information on this event please visit www.centralfloridasports.com www.fysa.com

Home School World Series
Dates: 4/23 – 5/2
Venue: Lake Myrtle
- The Home School World Series will bring in over 50 baseball teams and over 1000 spectators to Polk County
- For more information check out www.centralfloridasports.com www.hwsa.com

USBC Men’s State Championships – Bowling
Dates: 4/24/2010 – 6/20/2010
Venue: Lakeland Orange Bowl and Lakeland AMF Lanes
- The USBC Men’s State Championships will be held in Lakeland for 8 weeks and will bring in over 4,000 participants to Polk County
- For more information please visit www.usbcfsba.org or check out www.centralfloridasports.com

Well, I’m glad you asked!

Last Saturday, Florida Southern College celebrated the future home of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Tourism and Education Center, which will be located at the northeast corner of Johnson Avenue and McDonald Street. The Tourism and Education Center will be built using plans for a Usonian house that Mr. Wright designed as part of the campus master plan. Wright designed 18 structures for the campus, 12 of which were built over two decades from 1939 to 1958.

The Tourism and Education Center will provide a dedicated space for an introductory film on the history of  Wright’s career and 20-year relationship with Florida Southern College; a gift shop with a full inventory of Frank Lloyd Wright-related books, apparel, and souvenirs; a tourism kiosk with information on other Polk County attractions; exhibitions and conferences; and self-guided and docent-led walking tours.

Among Wright’s plans left on the drawing board was a Usonian house design meant to serve as economical faculty housing. Designed to control costs, Mr. Wright’s Usonian houses – which he intended to be built in a distinctly American style that was affordable for the middle class – had no attics, no basements, and little ornamentation. “Usonian” is an acronym for United States of North America. Keep checking back here and we will keep you updated on the progress of the building and when it will be ready to start welcoming visitors to the largest one-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world.

This show, sure to be an eclectic mix of art and party is creating quite a buzz.  “But what is it? It’s not just a concert, an art show, a film or a dance — it’s all of them and more.” says Peggy Kehoe, managing editor for the Polk County Democrat.  

The party will be Saturday February 13, 6:30-10 p.m. at the Polk County Historical Museum, 100 East Main St, Bartow.  Admission is as follows: $15 – General Admission, $12 – Seniors, $10 – Students.

Mark your calendar now for October 2011 because that is when LEGOLAND Florida is set to debut in Winter Haven. The announcement was formally made just minutes ago at Cypress Gardens, the new home of LEGOLAND. All in all, Merlin Entertainments Group plans to invest $300 million in the park over the next few years, including in time adding accommodations and other smaller attractions–possibly one of their Sea Life aquariums.

Make sure you continue to check back here (and add us to your RSS feed if you have not already) to get the latest news AND photos as the construction begins and Cypress Gardens is transformed into LEGOLAND Florida. We will have exclusive access to the site as it is transformed and will post updates regularly.

While we are never big on posting entire press releases on here, this is straight from us and some great quotes and details on the big news:

A press conference today attended by a host of elected officials, including Governor Charlie Crist and U.S. Representative Adam Putnam, confirmed that Cypress Gardens has been purchased by Merlin Entertainments – the second largest attractions industry company in the world and also owner of LEGOLAND Parks worldwide.  Members of the media and invited guests gathered at Florida’s first theme park – Cypress Gardens – to unveil the plan to continue the park’s legacy of attracting a multitude of visitors to Polk County.  The new park will be named LEGOLAND Florida. 
“I am delighted to be here today to announce what I believe will be one of the most exciting and important projects in which Merlin Entertainments has ever been involved,” said Nick Varney, chief executive officer for Merlin Entertainments. Merlin Entertainments introduced LEGOLAND Florida to a spellbound audience who received oranges made of legos.  “The development of a LEGOLAND Park in Florida is a perfect opportunity for us here in the heart of what is the biggest family tourist centre in the world – and I believe it will bring a unique new experience to Florida,” said Varney. 

LEGOLAND Florida will be Merlin Entertainments thirteenth attraction in the United States, with four more in the development phase.  LEGOLAND Florida will be the fifth LEGOLAND Park worldwide and the only one on the East Coast – with the others in California, Denmark, England and Germany.  “LEGOLAND is an extraordinary concept – specifically developed for children between the ages of 2 and 12 and their moms and dads, of course,” said Varney.  LEGOLAND offers families spectacular rides, shows and even model building challenges.
Merlin Entertainments is the second largest attraction company in the world, second only to the Walt Disney Company.  LEGOLAND California is the fastest growing theme park in the United States, realizing a 6 percent growth in visitation in 2009.  The park was also recognized by Amusement Today as the country’s best theme park for children for the sixth consecutive year.
The partnership between Merlin Entertainments and Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing had a major impact as the final site for LEGOLAND Florida was selected.  The Polk County Board of County Commissioners’ (BoCC) support for Polk County’s tourism industry was evidenced by a “can do” attitude and spirit of cooperation to partner with Merlin Entertainment Group to take their vision, as well as Polk County tourism, to new heights.  The BoCC’s commitment to tourism, and more specifically the historic site of Cypress Gardens, has been strong throughout the years.  They purchased Cypress Gardens’ original 30 acres in 2003 and continued an ongoing investment through sales and marketing support.  “We are looking forward to working with Merlin Entertainments.  Their record speaks for itself.  Their exciting plans for the site, the jobs LEGOLAND Florida will create and their commitment to Polk County is something my colleagues at both the local and state level really welcome,” said Bob English, chairman of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.
 Additionally, during the press conference, Governor Crist and a host of legislators offered their support in the building of LEGOLAND Florida.  “We are extremely happy that the future of Cypress Gardens is secure.  LEGOLAND is one of the most exciting names in family attractions and a welcome new addition to Florida,” said Governor Crist. 

 “This is a huge success story for Polk County that will have a significant impact on Polk County as a tourism destination.  LEGOLAND Florida and its connection to Merlin Entertainments provide worldwide visibility for Polk County,” said Mark Jackson, director of Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing.  Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing has already begun working with Merlin Entertainments on a cooperative partnership that will help promote the park and the tourism industry in Polk County.
In addition to the impact the park will have on Polk County’s tourism industry, the effect on economic development in the area will also get a massive boost. With the announcement from Merlin Entertainments, an international company, one of the Central Florida Development Council’s goals is closer to fruition. “We have been working with the international community for quite some time and today’s announcement reinforces Polk County’s commitment to international companies,” said Central Florida Development Council Director Tom Patton. “This news will certainly bring more awareness to Polk County and shows that we are a destination for international-oriented companies and investment.”

A reception with refreshments to meet the artist will follow the concert and tickets are $25 or $20 for members.  Call 863-734-1221 or e-mail phrestina@boktower.org for reservations.The Music at Pinewood concert series offers a chamber music experience in the intimate performance setting in the 20-room mansion at Pinewood Estate. One of the finest examples of Mediterranean-style architecture in Florida, Pinewood Estate showcases the elegance and grandeur of a 1930s winter retreat with its antique furnishings, Tunisian tiles and intricate woodwork.

Upcoming Music at Pinewood concerts include “Dance in Music” with pianist Dr. Joseph Schwartz on February 21 and “Romance of Spain” with Vladimir Svoysky on March 14. Visit www.boktowergardens.org for more information.

 For more information on Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey visit www.ringling.com.

If you missed it last weekend, Frostproof  will have a “Last Chance Viewing” of the Festival of Trees, in the Ramon Theater this weekend on Sunday, December 13th between 2pm and 4pm.  If you haven’t had a chance to see these spectacularly decorated trees or if you know someone that hasn’t viewed the trees be sure to attend this last viewing.  Also, Frostproof will welcome the big, jolly man himself as they have Pictures with Santa this Saturday, December 12th in the Ramon Theater.  Kids pictures will be between 10am and noon and Pet pictures will be between 2pm and 4pm.  Cost of a 5X7 picture is $5. 

The Ramon Theater will also serve as the backdrop for a great way to spend New Years Eve. This New Years Eve there will be a murder mystery – “Murder Plays A Sour Note” – and you can reserve your tickets now.  Finally, don’t forget to get your music series tickets, cost is $60 for all 6 shows. Come on, where else can you see this kind of a line up for $10 a show.  These tickets would make a great Christmas present for someone, so reserve your tickets now!

For additional information or ticket reservations contact Tina or Eddie at (863) 635-9112 or (863) 635-7222 or email them at info@frostproofchamber.com or info@ramontheater.com.

Jerry Uelsmann, Untitled, 1987, Gelatin Silver Print, 16 x 20 inches, Collection of Lee and Becky Jackson

Polk Museum of Art’s upcoming exhibition, The Surreal Photography of Jerry Uelsmann, is certain to be a favorite among people who love photography or surrealism. The artist, Jerry Uelsmann, is a former University of Florida photography professor, and he’s been creating dream-like images in his darkroom longer than Photoshop has been around! He uses up to 7 enlarges to create composite images from his original negatives, and then develops the paper using traditional chemical processes.

The exhibition will be a 50 year retrospective of Uelsmann’s work, and it will be on display November 14 – January 17.

On Saturday, November 7, join Winter Haven designer and caterer Phillip Burkhart for this hands-on opportunity. All you have to do is provide your own container. Phillip is bringing the rest, including a boxed lunch that will be served in between the two sessions: one session is 10:30am-1:30pm and the other is 12:30-3:30pm. The cost for the workshop, including lunch, is $30 for Museum Members and $35 for Non-members.

Call 863-688-5423 to register because space is limited!

We have already told you about the great event that Bok Tower Gardens hosts in November called Sunset & Symphony, but now we want to give you the opportunity to go to the event and see for yourself how great it is….for FREE. Just leave a comment on this post (make sure to leave your name and email address-so we can contact you if you win) and we will select two winners who will each receive a pair of tickets to the event on Saturday, November 7th at 6pm. The deadline to leave a comment is 5pm on Monday, October 26. So, comment away and good luck!

Also, please remember to follow us on Twitter– @sunnycentralfl –for the latest information about all there is to see and do in Sunny Central Florida.