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Haines City Police Department
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Gary W. Hester
Chief of Police
Gary Hester, a life-long resident of Haines City Florida, was selected as the new Police Chief for the Haines City Police Department. Gary Hester has more than 22 years at the command or executive leadership level in law enforcement. He has served as Chief of Staff for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Police Chief of Winter Haven and currently Serves as Deputy County Manager for Public Safety for Polk County.
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James "Jim" R. Elensky
Deputy Chief of Police
Jim Elensky has accepted the Deputy Police Chief position for the Haines City Police Department. Jim has more than 26 years in law enforcement with a majority of those years with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. As the Bureau of Criminal Investigations Captain for the PCSO, Jim was able to implement process improvements, which ultimately led to 100% homicide clearance rate within one year of being selected to lead the unit.
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Keva Harris
Acting Captain
Lt. Keva Harris has been promoted to the Acting Captain position for the Haines City Police Department. Keva has served her hometown for more than 23 years and was the first African American female officer hired in 1993. Keva has served in numerous capacities and most recently as the Community Services Division Lieutenant.
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Candidate Forum for Haines City, City Commission Seat 5
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The Haines City Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Candidate Forum
Thursday, March 30th for the 2017 City Election for City Commission Seat No. 5.
Event: Haines City, City Commission Candidate Forum
Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: The Commission Chambers of City Hall, 620 E. Main Street, Haines City
Join us to hear from the Incumbent and Candidates for City Commission.
The City Election will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2017
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Haines City Area Chamber of Commerce Education Recognition Luncheon
The Haines City Chamber of Commerce held their Education Recognition Luncheon on Thursday, March 16, 2017. The purpose of the Education Recognition Luncheon was to honor and celebrate the 2017 Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year nominees from the school district. Teacher of the Year 2017 is Amanda Maggs. The School-Related Employee of the Year is Brenda H. Ryan.
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Teacher of the Year Amanda Maggs with Haines City High School's Principal Adam Lane
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School-Related Employee of the Year Brenda H. Ryan with Haines City High School's Principal Adam Lane.
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Amanda Maggs Adam Lane Brenda H. Ryan
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Top row from left to right:
Adam Lane - Principal, Haines City High School
Anthony Grant -
Principal,
New Direction Academy
Dr. James - Chair of Haines City Chamber Board of Directors
Betsy
Jennifer Dettling - Assistant Principal, Dundee Elementary Academy
Miguel Rivera - Assistant Principal, Daniel Jenkins Academy
Lucus Wilkins - Assistant Principal, Bethune Academy
Bottom row from left to right :
Michele Bobo - Teach of the Year, Bethune Academy
Cynthia Cutrupi - School Related Employee of the Year, Bethune Academy
Thomas McCullough - Teacher of the Year, Daniel Jenkins Academy
Debbie Ann Rivera Morales - School Related Employee of the Year, Daniel Jenkins Academy
Danielle Hippeli - Teacher of the Year, Dundee Elementary Academy
Kristin King - School Related Employee of the Year, Dundee Elementary Academy
Amanda Maggs - Teacher of the Year, Haines City High /IB
Brenda H. Ryan - School Related Employee of the Year - Haines City High/IB
Vannette Williams - School Related Employee of the Year, Horizons Elementary
Diane Boczkowski - Teacher of the Year, Horizons Elementary
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Special Events
Parks & Recreation Director Auburn Taylor
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Chili in the Park Winners
Congratulations to our 2017 Chili Cook-off Winners!
People's Choice - Heartburn Estates
1st Place - Haines City Area Chamber of Commerce
2nd Place - Boral Team 1
3rd Place - Boral Team 2
Best Decorated Booth - Heartburn Estates
Orange Blossom 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon
Haines City was host to the 2017 Orange Blossom Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K races Saturday, March 11th. Lake Eva Park was once again the site of the start and finish. The Orange Blossom races attracted 586 entrants, from 16 states and Canada. The race had more than 10% increase over last year’s registrants. The following link is to the event highlight video
https://vimeo.com/208235048
.
Congratulations to Sean Conway, Haines City Parks & Recreation employee and first time participant, for finishing the 10K with a personal record time and placed 2nd overall (pictured below in 10K start; left side, yellow shirt).
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Agape Food Bank
Agape Food Bank is having their Mobile Food Pantry Tuesday, March 21st from 2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. at Lake Eva Park located at 555 Ledwith Avenue, Haines City, FL 33844. Grocery distribution to 200 families; first come first served.
Agape is a Food Bank program of Catholic Charities of Central Florida. funded in part by GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida.
Easter Egg Hunt
Haines City Parks & Recreation’s 33rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., at the Larry Parrish Baseball Complex. Children ages 2-10 will be divided into 5 separate age groups and will have the opportunity to scoop up as many eggs as possible. Each egg will be filled with a special treat!
IRONMAN Florida 70.3 Event
Haines City is the home to IRONMAN Florida 70.3, which will take place Sunday, April 9, 2017. Its three-loop course makes it one of the best races on the 70.3 circuit for spectators, who have multiple chances to cheer on their loved ones, all while enjoying two playgrounds, water slides, a kiddie pool, food vendors and the IRONMAN village. For athletes, IRONMAN 70.3 Florida is a popular early-season race, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro getting your legs ready for the year ahead. Expect a beach start, glassy freshwater lake swim, moderately hilly bike course past orange groves and through downtown, and an energetic three-loop run.
See attached flyer below for IRONMAN event schedule, or f
or more information visit
https://goo.gl/8wTYNB
.
Have children? They can participate in the IRONKIDS Dip & Dash or the IRONKIDS Fun Run.
IRONKIDS Dip 'N' Dash Florida
Dip 'n' Dash is a fun and fast-growing sport that combines swimming and running. The swim can take place in any body of water – a pool, a lake, or an ocean. The run will take place on a trail, a road or a path. Dip n' Dashes will allow the athlete to follow in their parents footsteps and will get their feet wet in multi-sport movement.
Race Date:
April 8, 2017
Time:
9:00 a.m.
Ages:
7-15
Water:
Pool
Run:
Path
Event Distances: 100 Meter Swim/1 Mile Run
Wave Groups:
- Ages 12-15 @ 9:00 AM
- Ages 9-11 @ 9:05 AM
- Ages 7-10 @ 9:10 AM
Price:
$30 (
USAT Annual youth pass not included in price)
Entry Includes
: Each athlete receives a race bib, finisher shirt, transition towel, medal, swim cap and goodie bag.
For more information visit
http://www.ironman.com
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IRONKIDS Fun Run Florida
With its tranquil lake, velvety expanse of grass, and course-side water park, Florida’s Lake Eva Park plays host to the perfect family-friendly vacation. Just 30 minutes from Orlando’s theme parks, the IRONKIDS fun run race takes place in the charming small town of Haines City. The sunny event is the perfect sport for a fun, outdoor, family vacation. The IRONKIDS fun run offers young athletes the opportunity to feel the excitement of competition while enjoying the outdoors and promoting healthy living. Parents, family, and friends are invited to cheer on the racers while enjoying the area and family-centered event.
Race Date:
April 8, 2017
Time:
10:00 a.m.
Location:
Lake Eva Park
Ages:
3-14
Race Distances: 1
mile and 1/2 mile (Choose on race day)
Price:
$20
For more information visit
http://www.ironman.com
.
Relay for Life
Haines City’s Relay for Life will kick-off April 1, 2017 at Lake Eva Park with opening ceremonies beginning at 12 p.m. Local businesses, residents, and survivors will come together to create a #RelayForLife to help in the fight for the cure!
Relay for Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivor-ship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at Lake Eva Park and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. For more information, please visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RelayForLifeHainesCityDavenport/.
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5th Annual Youth Leadership & Scholarship Golf Tournament RECAP
The Haines City Area Chamber of Commerce’s 5th Annual
Youth Leadership & Scholarship Golf Tournament
was held on Friday, March 10th at Cypresswood Golf & Country Club.
Congratulations to the winning teams:
1st Place: New Direction Academy
2nd Place: Polk State College
3rd Place: ENVISORS, a Penoni Company
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2016/2017 Youth Leadership
Pictured below
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Athletics
Parks & Recreation Director Auburn Taylor
British Soccer Program
Parks and Recreation will host the British Soccer Camp July 10-14, 2017. The camp is designed to improve the necessary skills needed to compete in the game of soccer. More importantly, the coaches will instruct within a framework of character development based on respect, responsibility, integrity, leadership, and sportsmanship. Register online at www.challengersports.com.
Mini Soccer - 3-5 years | 8 a.m.-9 a.m. | $85
Half Day Camp - 6-9 years | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | $125
Half Day Camp - 10-14 years | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | $125
Polk County Senior Games Table Tennis
Haines City hosted the 2017 Polk County Senior Games Table Tennis competition March 6, 2017. The competition was held at the Lake Eva Community Center from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Polk Senior Games was organized as a public charity with the purpose of providing an annual series of competitive athletic and recreational events for men and women ages 50+. Haines City's Parks and Recreation Department was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of 25 years of commitment and support of the Polk Senior Games.
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City Clerks Office
City Clerk Linda Bourgeois
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Charter Review Committee
We are looking for five (5) volunteers to join the Charter Review Committee to review, provide input, and propose amendments or revisions to the City Charter. If you are interested, please see attached flyer with additional information.
2017 Election
Your polling place may have changed for the City of Haines City Regular Election for City Commissioner Seat No. 5, on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. The polling places will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The polling places for the 2017 Municipal Elections are hereby designated as:
- Precincts 402, 407 & 408 will vote at the Oakland Neighborhood Center (Auditorium), 915 Avenue E, Haines City, Florida 33844
- Precincts 306, 405, 409, 410 & 414 will vote at the Haines City Community Center, 555 Ledwith Avenue, Haines City, Florida 33844
MPORTANT NOTIFICATION – RUN-OFF ELECTION:
If necessary, a Run-Off Election will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the polling places identified above.
This is a TEMPORARY change for the 2017 Municipal Elections
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Employment Opportunities
Human Resources Director Donna Parker
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Below is a listing of positions open to receive applications. All interested applicants are required to submit an employment application, unless otherwise instructed on the City's website position announcement, along with any appropriate documentation deemed necessary to show interest in and qualifications for the position to which they are applying. Employment Applications and copies of complete position announcements are located on the City of Haines City's website at www.hainescity.com. (When completing the on-line application please save it to your computer and attach it via an e-mail to jobs@hainescity.com.)
The list below does not contain complete position announcements, and may have one or more vacancy available. To see the entire position announcements, please visit www.hainescity.com employment opportunities and click on the position title. Positions are considered "Open Until Filled," unless otherwise denoted. Corresponding pay grade ranges are included to represent earning potential and shall not be an assumption of potential starting wage, which will most likely be at the minimum rate of pay. If a conditional offer of employment is made, please note that everything included during the application process will be verified.
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Fire Department
Fire Chief Stuart McCutcheon
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Haines City Fire Department Participates in Chili Cook-Off at Lake Eva
On Saturday, March 11, 2017 two teams from the Haines City Fire Department participated in the Habitat for Humanity Chili Cook-off at Lake Eva Park. Although Fire Department chili wasn’t preferred by the judges, both teams went through several gallons of chili and had a good time!
In-Service Training for Tower 611 to Conclude next week
Next week, in-service training for the newest addition to the fleet will conclude. This training was required to ensure safe and effective operation of the tower truck as it was placed into service this month. In conjunction with the in-service training, all department members completed additional training hours needed to obtain a 40 hour certificate in Aerial Operations through the Florida State Fire College. The training was conducted by on duty internal instructors. Additionally, this opportunity was extended to the Davenport Fire Department who also participated in the training.
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Haines City's 2nd Annual Economic Summit
Presented by:
Haines City Economic Development Council
The Heart of Florida’s community, Haines City, and the Haines City Economic Development Council will host its 2nd Annual Economic Summit Wednesday, April 12, 2017. Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the Summit will run from 8:15 a.m. - Noon. The event will be held at the Lake Eva Event Center, 799 Johns Ave, Haines City, FL 33844. This Economic Summit is an opportunity to network with local leaders from Haines City, Polk County and the surrounding area. It’s free to the public and breakfast is provided. To attend, please email Tiffany Blomquist at
tblomquist@hainescity.com
.
Download(s):
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Haines City Public Library
Parks & Recreation Diretor
Auburn Taylor
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Spring Break
Bored with nothing to do? Check-out the Haines City Public Library calendars and maybe a few books to read over the school break!
Tax Preparation
The United Way of Central Florida will provide free tax preparation every Friday beginning February 3rd – April 14th from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Everyone With Diabetes Program
Do you or someone you love have diabetes? Everyone with Diabetes Counts is a program that encourages small lifestyle changes while learning about your diabetes and the way it affects your health. Have fun with friends and family while learning how to manage diabetes through better nutrition and physical activity. Enjoy the benefits of a healthier, more energetic lifestyle by signing up today! Classes are every Wednesday morning in March in the Haines City Library Community Room from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Remembering the R.M.S. Titanic
Please take a step back into time with Steven Mattis and explore some of the interesting facts about this historic ship. Event will be held on March 23 at 6:00 a.m. at the library, light refreshments will be served.
Download(s):
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The HR Connection is an informative monthly newsletter designed to keep employees informed on hot HR topics, follow-up items, and welcoming new employees to the City of Haines City Team. Check out the
April Newsletter!
Download(s):
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Parks
Parks & Recreation Director Auburn Taylor
Hazardous Spill Response Training
Parks staff members David Williams, Josh Sasnett, Joe Jackson, Heidi McIntee, Jeff Worth and Lamar Cliett all completed certification for Hazardous Spill Response Training.
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Police
Acting Police Chief Jay Hopwood
The Police Department will have their on-site assessment dates for CALEA Accreditation from March 20-23, 2017. The two assessors arrived Monday to meet with the agency personnel and review standards from our General Orders that have been placed in files. The assessors have also been working and reviewing our files online for the past four to five weeks. The assessors will tour the Police Department, interview staff, sworn officers, and civilian employees in regards to the General Orders that pertain to their assigned areas. The assessors will likely take part in ride alongs with our officers on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Also on Tuesday, the assessors will take phone calls from the public during the hours of 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in regards to the Police Department. The assessors will also have a public information session from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 620 E. Main Street, Haines, City.
On Wednesday, the assessors will continue to interview members, observe our working stations and will continue to do ride alongs. On Thursday, the assessors will complete exit interviews with Staff.
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Parks & Recreation Director Auburn Taylor
Aquatics - Swim Lessons
Registration is now open for Swim Lessons at the Lake Eva Aquatics Center! Classes are available for children ages 6 months – adults. Lessons are $40 per person, per session. Sessions begin April 24, 2017 and run through the end of July.
For more information, contact the Community Center at 863-421-3700 or the Aquatics Coordinator at 863-421-3715.
Cultural Arts
Silk Painting - Class Date: Friday, March 31, 2017 | 6-9pm | Must be ages 21 & Older
Please RSVP by: March 29, 2017 (Limited Space Available) | $25 per Person | Supplies Provided
Class Location: Lake Eva Community Center
Silk Painting is water coloring without “bleeding out”, tie-dye with additional control, and coloring an exclusive and precious natural material like a coloring book.
Heidi's Academy of the Performing Arts - Coming Soon!
We are happy to announce that the Oakland Neighborhood Center will be the new home for Heidi’s Academy of the Performing Arts. Dates and times will be posted in the coming weeks.
S.N.A.P. Swim Lessons
Special Needs Aquatic Program, or S.N.A.P., is a fun and beneficial program for children with a variety of special abilities and needs. Participants will work one on one with our Water Safety Instructors in programs that are tailored to meet the individual needs of each child. Two-week sessions (Monday-Thursday) begin in June. Space is very limited.
For more information about any of our swim lesson offerings, contact the Community Center at 863-421-3700 or the Aquatics Coordinator at 863-421-3715.
Summer Camp 2017
Summer is right around the corner! Parks & Recreation’s summer camp is for children currently in grades 1-5. Registration for Haines City residents opened Monday, February 6, 2017. Public registration will open Monday, February 20, 2017. For more information and pricing, please see flyer below.
Download(s):
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WOW! (Watched Outstanding Work!)
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The City of Haines City would like to thank all of our excellent, dedicated employees and volunteers who help make the City a great place to work, live and play. Have you "Watched Outstanding Work" within the City lately? Let us know at wow@hainescity.com.
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Welcome Aboard!
Haines City Family,
Please join us in welcoming our newest team member(s):
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Tusaine Allen,
Grounds Maintenance Technician
Tusaine Allen is Parks & Recreation’s newest Ground Maintenance Technician. Tusaine has been married for 5 years and recently moved to Poinciana from Fort Lauderdale, FL. He is originally from Jamaica and is excited to work for Haines City.
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The City of Haines City is very excited to welcome our newest team members. Please be sure to stop by and welcome them to the Team!
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City Commission
Mayor Horace West
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City Commission meetings are regularly scheduled every first and third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m., and are held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 620 E. Main Street.
Please use this link to access City Commission Agendas and Meeting Minutes, or to listen LIVE during a City Commission Meeting:
http://hainescity.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx.
For questions or more information, please call the City Clerk at (863) 421-9921.
Next City Commission Meeting: Thursday, March 31, 2017 at 7 p.m.
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City of Haines City| 863-421-3600 | www.HainesCity.com
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