A Glimpse Back in Time Cypress Gardens opened its gates in 1936, the vision of Dick and Julie Pope, who transformed a stretch of swampy land into a lush, tropical oasis. The park quickly became famous for its water ski shows, Southern Belle-hosted garden tours, and beautifully maintained botanical gardens. Dubbed the “Water Ski Capital of the World,” Cypress Gardens was featured in countless movies, TV shows, and postcards, helping define the image of Florida tourism throughout the mid-20th century. Changing Hands, Evolving Identity Over the decades, the park changed ownership multiple times. In the 1980s, it was purchased by Anheuser-Busch, the same company that owned SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, bringing new life and attention to the property. However, as newer, larger parks emerged in Central Florida, Cypress Gardens struggled to maintain the spotlight. Despite its challenges, the park remained a beloved local landmark — a place of nostalgia for generations of Floridians. The LEGOLAND Era Today, the grounds of the original Cypress Gardens are part of LEGOLAND Florida Resort. When LEGOLAND opened in 2011, they made the thoughtful decision to preserve a portion of the historic park. Visitors can still stroll through the original gardens, marvel at the iconic white Southern Belle tower, and view the famous Florida-shaped swimming pool built by MGM in the 1950s. This blend of history and modern fun offers a unique experience that honors the past while embracing the excitement of today. A New Chapter: SEA LIFE is Now Open As of June 2025, SEA LIFE Aquarium is now officially open on-site at LEGOLAND Florida, adding another family-friendly experience to the growing list of attractions. Featuring interactive marine exhibits, hands-on activities, and incredible underwater displays, SEA LIFE brings the ocean to Central Florida — a perfect addition to a day at the park. Why This Story Still Matters Cypress Gardens isn’t just a footnote in Florida’s tourism history — it’s a foundational chapter. It showed the world that Florida was more than beaches and orange groves; it was a place of imagination, beauty, and innovation. Today, the legacy of Cypress Gardens lives on through LEGOLAND’s thoughtful preservation and Polk County’s continued efforts to share its story. Planning a trip to LEGOLAND or just love Florida history? Let me know — I’d be happy to share local tips, hidden gems, and must-see spots around Polk County. Want to see a video version of this story? Follow us on Instagram and let us know in the comments!

It All Began in Winter Haven In 1930, during the Great Depression, a visionary named George W. Jenkins opened the very first Publix store in Winter Haven, FL. It was a bold move during hard times, but Jenkins believed in offering something better than what was available—cleaner stores, higher quality products, and real customer service. That original store was modest by today’s standards, but it laid the foundation for something extraordinary. The Birth of the “Super Market” By 1940, Jenkins introduced his first Publix Super Market, a revolutionary concept at the time. This new location was nothing short of luxury—it featured air conditioning, marble floors, fluorescent lighting, and even background music. It wasn’t just a grocery store; it was an experience. It was also one of the first stores in the South to embrace self-service, allowing customers to browse freely and select their own goods. Where Are They Now? The original 1930 Publix location still exists! While it’s no longer a grocery store, the building has served various purposes over the years—including as a restaurant—and is currently under renovation for future use. It's located right in the heart of downtown Winter Haven, and it remains a quiet piece of local history. The 1940 supermarket building also still stands and is now home to a thrift store. If you visit, you can still spot architectural details from the original Publix era. It's a must-see for local history buffs and fans of vintage Florida charm. From One Store to 1,300+ What began as a single store in Winter Haven has grown into a grocery empire with over 1,300 locations across the Southeast. But despite its growth, Publix remains privately owned and employee-focused—core values that trace directly back to Mr. Jenkins and his small Polk County beginnings. A Polk County Legacy So next time you walk into a Publix or order your go-to chicken tender sub, remember this: you're walking through the doors of a Florida-born success story, one that started right here in Winter Haven. Looking for more stories like this? Follow us here at Haines & Haven Residential as we highlight hidden gems, historic spots, and real estate insights throughout Polk County and Central Florida.

A Solid First Impression Port 27 has launched with several of its anchor vendors already open and drawing a steady stream of visitors. I’ve tried a few of the beers on tap (great selection so far), and the burgers? Definitely doing the job. There’s a relaxed lakeside vibe, friendly service, and plenty of room to walk around and explore what’s already there—and what’s still to come. Here’s what’s open now: Ice Cream Shop – Perfect for cooling off in the Florida heat Craft Shop – Great local finds, gifts, and handmade goods Juice Bar – Fresh, refreshing options and a much-needed healthy stop Jet Ski Service – Up and running with high demand—tons of people were out enjoying the lake! Coming Soon to Port 27 Several exciting concepts are still in progress, and once they're live, this place will be a full-on food and lifestyle hub for the area. Here’s what’s on deck: Crepe Station Ceviche Shop Mexican Food Vendor Pasta Bar / Deli / Pizza Shop Two Additional Buildings planned to expand the complex even more Why It Matters Lake Hamilton is one of Polk County’s most scenic but often overlooked gems. Port 27 is shaping up to be a true destination for locals and visitors alike—whether you’re there for the water sports, the food, or just a spot to hang out with friends and family. This kind of development brings energy and new opportunity to the area, and it’s exciting to see it coming together in real time. If you haven’t stopped by yet, go soon—and maybe I’ll see you there.

Morning: Honeycomb Bread Bakers, Winter Haven Our day started at Honeycomb Bread Bakers in the heart of Winter Haven. From above, the building’s character is even more charming—you’ll see what I mean in the drone footage. Inside, the vibe is cozy and inviting. I had a slice of their quiche, toast with house-made jam, and a perfectly made cappuccino. Whether you’re into pastries or artisan bread, this spot is a must-visit for breakfast lovers. Mid-Morning Break: Loyce E. Harpe Park, Mulberry After breakfast, we made a quick detour to Loyce E. Harpe Park in Mulberry. It’s home to one of my favorite skateparks in Polk County—and a great way to stretch your legs. Even if skating’s not your thing, this park is worth a visit for its well-maintained trails and active outdoor scene. Lunch: The Joinery, Lakeland Next stop: The Joinery in downtown Lakeland. This food hall is a great mix of local eats and modern industrial design—and yes, we got some drone shots here too. I grabbed a pulled pork sandwich from Blue Dog Craft BBQ and paired it with a classic old fashioned from the main bar. There’s a ton of variety here if you're with a group, and the lakefront setting makes it even better. Afternoon Stroll: Lake Silver, Winter Haven After lunch, we took a quiet walk around Lake Silver. Polk County has no shortage of scenic lakes, but this one’s always been a favorite. It’s peaceful, easy to navigate, and just what you need to digest a heavy lunch. Evening Wind Down: Grove Roots Brewing Co. To wrap up the day, we headed back to Winter Haven for a cold beer at Grove Roots Brewing Co. Their craft brews are always solid, and the casual, laid-back vibe makes it a perfect final stop. Final Thoughts This quick day trip reminded me just how much variety Polk County has to offer—small-town charm, great food, and plenty of outdoor space. Whether you're a local or visiting from nearby, following a route like this one is a great way to spend the day. Want more Polk County travel tips and hidden gems? Follow us at Haines and Haven and stay tuned for more itineraries, videos, and property features from all over Central Florida.

In the 1970s and 80s, this sprawling, oak-covered property was a magnet for visitors from across the country. With two championship golf courses, an impressive tennis complex, and resort-style amenities, it was a local icon—so much so that even the Williams sisters once trained here during their early years. But like many Florida resorts of its time, Grenelefe’s momentum slowed. Ownership changed hands multiple times, amenities fell into disrepair, and the once-bustling vacation destination transitioned into a quieter residential community. Today, Grenelefe is home to a unique mix of full-time residents, long-term renters, and seasonal snowbirds—many of whom are drawn to its peaceful setting and old-Florida charm. As both a local and an investor in this community, I’ve kept a close eye on the changes—and I can confidently say: Grenelefe is coming back to life. A New Chapter Begins In 2024, a major shift began with the demolition of Grenelefe’s old clubhouse, a recognizable landmark that had sat unused for years. The teardown marked more than the end of an era—it signaled the beginning of a bold redevelopment vision. National builders like DR Horton and Lennar are now investing heavily in the area, with hundreds of new homes planned in and around Grenelefe. These aren’t just any homes—they’re part of a broader revitalization plan that includes: 🏡 Modern single-family homes 🌳 Community green spaces and parks 🏓 Pickleball courts and recreational amenities 🏠 A new community clubhouse and pool These updates are designed to attract both local homebuyers and out-of-state investors, many of whom are looking for more affordable, lifestyle-rich options outside of Orlando and Tampa. Why Grenelefe Still Matters What makes Grenelefe so unique is that it never fully lost its appeal—it simply went quiet. The bones of a resort are still here: winding roads shaded by mature oaks, golf views, rolling terrain, and a sense of space you don’t often find in modern developments. And now, with Polk County growing rapidly and Haines City seeing renewed interest from both homeowners and investors, Grenelefe is perfectly positioned to thrive again. Why We’re Invested At Haines & Haven Residential, we don’t just work here—we invest here. I personally own property in Grenelefe, and we currently manage several long-term rentals throughout the community. We’re deeply familiar with its quirks, its layout, and—most importantly—its potential. If you’re curious about buying, renting, or investing in Grenelefe, we’d love to give you a tour (virtual or in person). Whether you're a local homeowner, a relocating family, or an international investor, this is one community you’ll want to keep your eye on. Want to learn more about opportunities in Grenelefe or schedule a consultation? Reach out to us at info@hainesandhaven.com or give us a call—we’re happy to help.

What Makes La Provence Special? La Provence offers studio units with flexible options to meet a wide range of renter needs: - With or without patios - Furnished or unfurnished - Pet-friendly (with a small monthly pet rent, no pet deposit or fee) - Flexible move-in timelines - Quick and easy application process Tenants also enjoy: -Lake access - On-site dog park - Convenient on-site laundry We’ve made showings seamless, and our team is ready to schedule appointments, answer questions, and help qualified renters move in quickly. Why This Matters for Investors Whether you own one home or an entire complex, Haines and Haven Residential delivers tailored, responsive, and tech-savvy property management. Our ability to scale—from single-family homes to large multifamily assets—means investors can rely on us for everything from tenant screening and leasing to ongoing maintenance and marketing. If you're an owner or investor managing multiple doors in Central Florida, we’d love to show you how we can help. Let’s talk about how Haines and Haven Residential can support your property goals! Contact us at info@hainesandhaven.com or at 863-443-8845.

Helping Buyers: From First Homes to Smart Investments Yes, we assist with residential purchases too! Our team works with: -First-time home buyers -Primary residence buyers upgrading or relocating -First-time investors -Seasoned real estate investors We especially love helping our tenants take the next step toward homeownership. Whether you're buying a resale home or exploring new construction options, we can guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. Helping Sellers: Knowledge, Service, and Support We also help homeowners and investors sell their properties—many of whom have trusted us to manage those homes for years. Our familiarity with each property gives us an edge in preparing it for market, coordinating maintenance if needed, and even helping manage utility transitions during vacancy. When inspection items come up, we’re able to act quickly, thanks to our in-house and partner vendors. We’ve even handled multifamily property sales, offering full-service support from listing to closing. Why Work With Us? Our unique blend of local market knowledge, management experience, and hands-on service sets us apart. Whether you're buying, selling, or both, Haines and Haven Residential is ready to guide you with integrity and care.

A common mistake is folding the solar cost into the rent, which raises the advertised price and makes the home look less competitive in online listings. Even though the total cost may be lower than a traditional rental with utilities, higher rent figures often deter prospective tenants before they even read the details. A Better Strategy: Separate the Solar Fee Instead of including solar in the rent, consider marketing the base rental rate and disclosing the solar fee separately. For example: Rent: $1,950/month Solar Fee: $100/month (typically less than your average electric bill) This approach keeps your listing price competitive and transparent while helping tenants understand the value of solar. In most cases, the total monthly cost will still be less than what they’d pay with traditional electricity, especially in hot Florida months. Why It Works Clear value proposition: Tenants see what they’re saving, not just what they’re spending. Better visibility: Your property appears in more online searches with lower base rent. Informed decisions: Tenants can compare the solar fee to their current utility costs and see the benefit. With energy-efficient features becoming more important to renters, solar panels should be an asset—not an obstacle. Marketing them the right way helps you attract quality tenants and highlight the long-term value of your property. We suggest using a solar addendum and making sure the solar fee is clearly visible on your listing and all marketing channels.

Who We Are Lucas Oliveira, Lic Real Estate Broker and Co-Founder, has lived in Central Florida since 2003 and launched his real estate career in 2016 after graduating from UCF. He became a licensed broker in 2021 and is fluent in English and Portuguese and conversational in Spanish. Lucas specializes in working with overseas and out-of-state investors, especially in Brazil and Latin America. Trish Hohn, Co-Founder and Property Manager, moved to Polk County from Australia in 2015. Since 2019, she’s focused on maintenance coordination and became a licensed real estate agent in 2021. Trish also owns a successful maintenance company, giving her unique insight into what it takes to keep rental homes in top shape. Together, we bring a full-time, hands-on approach to property management that’s rare in the Florida market. What We Do Differently We started Haines and Haven Residential because too many management companies treat this work as a side gig—or don’t do it thoroughly. Our mission is simple: Keep homes well-maintained. Place responsible tenants who pay on time. Support investors with clarity, communication, and results. We treat every property like it’s our own, and every client—whether in Florida or overseas—gets our full attention. International Clients Welcome We’ve managed homes for clients in Brazil, China, Canada, the UK, and across the U.S. We understand the concerns international owners face: time zones, legal processes, cultural differences, and trust. That’s where our background makes a difference. Lucas is the son of immigrants. Trish is an immigrant herself. We’ve been on the other side of the paperwork and understand what it’s like to feel unsure about a new system. That perspective helps us make the process smoother and more accessible for our clients abroad. Let’s Work Together! If you’re looking for a reliable, multilingual property management team in Florida, reach out today. Whether you're across the globe or just across the county line, we’re ready to help.