HOW TO PREVENT, PREPARE, RESPOND AND RECOVER IN THE FACE OF EMERGENCIES AND DISASTERS

Natural disasters and other emergencies can happen at any time, and when they happen at school, everyone should be prepared to handle them safely and effectively. Administrators, teachers, staff, parents and students can work together to promote and maintain school-wide safety and minimize the effects of emergencies and other dangerous situations. This guide covers different ways everyone in the school community can prepare for various natural disasters and other emergencies to stay safe.

Read the full guide here: https://bit.ly/2DxxApR

Our January 2019 issue of our Emerging Haines City Newsletter is now available!

Keep up with us read: https://bit.ly/2R8mbCS

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to meet your future employer!

Wednesday, November 7, 2018
10:00am – 1:00pm
Lake Mirror Center Auditorium

Register today!

• Pre-register on employflorida.com or at a CareerSource Polk Career Center
• Bring plenty of resumes
• Dress for Success!

Click here for the flyer.

Culver’s is opening soon! We are excited to welcome Culver’s to the Haines City community.

Stay posted for updates, click here. 

Our September issue of our Emerging Haines City Newsletter is now available! Keep up with us read: https://bit.ly/2OfRG08

Polk State College is expanding its services in Northeast Polk County at Ridge Community High School, where the College will increase its afternoon, evening, and weekend courses for adults seeking Associate in Arts degrees.

Our community and greater Northeast Polk now has access to higher education right in our backyard! Starting on September 17, Polk State classes begin at Ridge Community High.

To read more and for more information, click here.

In 2005, the City of Haines City sought to bring new industry and create jobs right in their own backyard. A large area of industrial-zoned land in Haines City presented a unique opportunity to expand and develop already existing infrastructure. Partnering with CSX, a leading supplier of rail-based freight transportation in North America, the city invested in building a new a rail spur. The rail spur now connects Industrial Park Haines City, FL to the main CSX line providing access to a larger transportation network.

The Haines City Economic Development Council (Haines City EDC) works closely with CSX in their partnership on the recruitment of rail served business to Haines City, Florida.  Our goal is to continue the growth of freight railroads on the rail network that connects businesses to the global supply chain.

Advocating and educating for the growth and expansion of railways in and around Haines City is important to the long-term economic infrastructure for Central Florida. Cyndi Jantomaso, Haines City EDC President, believes that “Rail access is a unique feature and added recruitment tool for businesses to come to Haines City.” Partnering with other organizations such as GoRail we are able to educate community leaders about the benefits of freight rail investments and building stronger rail networks.

Learn more about other rail developments:

The Haines City Economic Development Council stays up to date on the passenger rail discussions relating to SunRail’s Phase 2 expansion. There are significant hurdles to the extension of SunRail in Polk County, however, the 2035 Polk County Mobility Vision Plan envisions extending SunRail into Polk County. Stay in the loop: http://sunrail.com/

The newest people mover the Haines City Economic Development Council is following is with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies. The private operator of the high-speed rail system moving forward with their own Orlando-to-Miami Hyperloop proposal. Stay in the loop: https://hyperloop-one.com/

The Haines City Economic Development Council is spearheading conversation for the future development of a new north/south connector road. The Infrastructure Advisory & Stakeholder Committee hopes to improve road infrastructure and accessibility to Northeast Polk County and Central Florida.

Please contact Cyndi Jantomaso at 863-422-2525 or email cyndi@hainescityedc.com for more information.

Last Thursday Haines City Commissioner Horace West was sworn in for another term. Horace West has been a long-standing member of the Haines City Commision since 2001. Joined by his aunts and proud mother as both of her sons were honored last week. Horace’s brother Morris West became mayor of Haines City as well. Thank you for the continued service of these community leaders!  

Read more about Horace West and Morris West

HAINES CITY, FL – City Manager Deric C. Feacher is pleased to announce Jeffrey E. Brown as the next Deputy City Manager for Haines City. Jeff is an accomplished administrator with more than twenty years of municipal government experience, most recently serving as City Manager of Panama City.

Brown is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICCMA) and the Florida City/County Management Association (FCCMA). He has served in various roles throughout Polk County during his professional career with organizations such as City Manager for the City of Frostproof, Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Auburndale and a Planner for the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.

“I am extremely pleased we were able to secure his service as we continue to move Haines City Forward,” said City Manager Feacher.

Jeffrey E. Brown obtained his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida and a Master’s from the University of South Florida. Brown’s start date is set for Monday, May 7, 2018 with a salary of $110,000.

About Haines City

Incorporated in 1914, Haines City is nestled in the “Heart of Florida” and is home to more than 23,000 year-round and approximately 48,000 seasonal residents during winter tourist season. Haines City was ranked the number one location for “vacation home deals” and “golf nuts” by CNN Money, second in Florida for cost of living by onlyinyourstate.com, third in the nation for the “Most Affordable Snowbird Destinations” by tripping.com, and third out of the “5 Best Places to Picnic in Polk [County]” by The Ledger. The City set a Guinness World Record for the most sparklers lit simultaneously and is home to the world-class IRONMAN 70.3 Florida, Thunder on the Ridge Fourth of July celebration, Southern Dunes Golf, and Country Club, and located just outside of Orlando’s major theme parks. We found our heartbeat in the “Heart of Florida”…come find yours.