Ten years ago this month, Focus Magazine published its first issue. It’s hard to believe how quickly that time has passed. As we look back over the stories we’ve covered, one emotion overwhelms us – gratefulness. We’re grateful for you – our readers, advertisers, vendors, and contributors. More...

The small but lively city of Davenport, Florida is a busy place. One only needs look at the City’s webpage to discover a variety of well-organized family events throughout the year. More...

The Lake Wales Little Theatre represents more than 30 years of tradition in high quality, live entertainment for folks in Central Florida.

Operated completely by volunteers, the non-profit LWLT manages a full slate of performances each year. Most also work full- or part-time jobs, but enjoy investing their time and talents to offer cultural and educational experiences for local families and visitors. More...

A Winter Haven landmark is making history again. The latest downtown buzz is all about the reopening of the newly restored Ritz Theater.

Originally opened in 1925 as the Williamson Theater, The Ritz has been renovated and updated for use as a multi-purpose facility, enhancing the downtown arts district appeal even more. Thank you, Ritz 100, for this priceless gift. More...

The much-anticipated LEGOLAND® Florida welcomes its first visitors to the 150-acre theme park on Saturday, October 15, 2011. If the buzz is any indication, it’s sure to be a hit and a great fit. More...

On May 24, 2011 the “Report of the Educational Outcomes Steering Committee” was presented to the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and released to the public. This report represents hundreds of hours of work by committee members, chamber members, and others. It was a thorough investigation and a comprehensive report. More...

Winter Haven was founded during the period when the railroad stimulated the development in Polk County. In 1883 tracks were extended through the county by the South Florida Railroad Company. The railroad later became part of the Plant System and the Atlantic Coastline, predecessor to the CSX system. More...

Winter Haven and Polk County are fortunate to have such a rich and diverse cultural arts community. In the March issue I interviewed Dr. Briggs, recently retired from The Barranco Clinic, and asked him if he had any concerns 35 years ago when he decided to relocate to Winter Haven. He said, “Culture. We thought we were going to miss not More...

Leaders are readers and READ Polk is doing its part to make certain that Polk County has more than its share.

The countywide non-profit coalition utilizes volunteers from businesses and the community-at-large who are dedicated to improving adult literacy through individual tutoring and instruction. READ Polk has councils in Fort Meade, Lakeland, Haines City/Auburndale, and Lake Wales. Councils arrange for the volunteers and READ Polk does the training. More...