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Winter Haven, Florida

Located in Polk County, Florida, Winter Haven was established in 1911. Legoland Florida built on former Cypress Gardens site. Cypress Gardens (1936) was Florida's first theme park.
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Founded 1911 | Population 52,000 | Peak 52,000 (2024) | County Polk County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Winter Haven, Florida

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1885Railroad Era: Railroad connections spurred growth and commerce in Winter Haven.
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1911Founded: Winter Haven was founded as a railroad town in Polk County.
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1936Cypress Gardens: Florida's first theme park.
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2011Legoland: Legoland Florida opens.
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Latest News in Winter Haven

Feb 20, 2026
Grandpa Opens Fire On Armed Criminals During Home Invasion – His Granddaughter Orchestrated The Whole Heist
Among those arrested was the homeowner’s granddaughter, the orchestrator of the crime.
Feb 20, 2026
Dad And Son Charged With 216 Counts Of Incest, Pay The Price
A father and son in West Virginia has been charged with over 216 counts of incest, sexual assault and sexual abuse that involved t…
Feb 20, 2026
Trump Admin Mocked Over This Small Detail In Venezuela ‘Situation Room’ Photo
In the wake of a bold and controversial U.S. military operation in Venezuela…

Complete Historical Timeline

1885 Transport
Railroad Era
1911 Culture
Founded
1936 Culture
Cypress Gardens
2011 Business
Legoland

Did You Know?

1
Legoland Florida built on former Cypress Gardens site.
2
Cypress Gardens (1936) was Florida's first theme park.
3
Over 50 lakes within city limits.
4
Winter Haven is located in Polk County, Florida.
5
Winter Haven was founded in 1911.

Famous People from Winter Haven, Florida

GP
Gram Parsons
Singer, Pianist · Born Nov 5, 1946 · Died Sep 19, 1973 (age 26)
GH
Gloria Hendry
Actor, Model · Born Mar 3, 1949 · Age 76
RG
Rowdy Gaines
Sports Commentator, Swimmer · Born Feb 17, 1959 · Age 67
AB
Andre Berto
Boxer · Born Sep 7, 1983 · Age 42
OB
Otis Birdsong
Basketball Player · Born Dec 9, 1955 · Age 70
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