Links:

• Detroit Tigers, Spring Training
• Independent Softball Association
• National Softball Association
• Home School World Series
• Florida Youth Soccer Association
• PSP Paintball World Cup
• Warrior Dash
• Lake Mirror Classic Auto Show
• Orange Cup Regatta
• Sun N’ Fun

Video Packages:

• Prospectwire Showcase
• Arts & Culture Update with Jessica Robers

Show Sponsors:

• Abuelos
• Holiday Inn Winter Haven
• Best Western Park View
• The Avenue Hotel
• Hollywood Window Tinting & Signs
• The Terrace Hotel
• Days Inn Lakeland North
• The Ledger

Original Air Date: December 2, 2011

Guests:

• Rick Brown, Sports Columnist for The Ledger
• Michael Mink, Principal Owner and GM of the Lakeland Raiders
• Feddy Azofeifa, Director of Operations of the Lakeland Raiders
• Linc Danser, Head Basketball Coach, Florida Southern College

Links:

• The Ledger – Rick Brown Columns
• Lakeland Raiders Homepage
• Florida Southern College Basketball

Video Packages:

• Cornfusion 5k Race
• Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival
• Arts & Culture Update with Jessica Robers

Original Air Date: November 4, 2011

Lake Region Baseball – Fall Ball Classic
Dates: 10/15 — 10/23
Venue: Lake Region High School and the Chain of Lakes Complex in Winter Haven
-This JV/Varsity baseball tournament will be held over two weekends at the Lake Region High School baseball feilds as well as at the Chain of Lakes Complex in Winter Haven
-For more information, please visit  www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Youth Soccer Association – Region 3 Premiere League
Dates:  10/15 – 10/16
Venue:  Lake Myrtle Sports Park
-This event will bring in 8 elite boys soccer teams to Polk County from around the Eastern United States.  Age ranges from U15 – U16.
-More than 160 participants and 100 spectators are expected to attend.
-For more information, visit www.fysa.com

 Bazooka Soccer Cup Invitational
Dates:  10/15 – 10/16
Venue:  Lake Myrtle Sports Park
-Boys and Girls U9 – U19.  Open to All USSF Affiliates, US Club Soccer, AYSO Canada and All FIFA Members.
-More information TBD
-For more information, log on to www.bazookasoccer.com

 Florida ISA – Youth Halloween Havoc      
Dates: 10/15 – 10/16
Venue: Bartow “555” Complex
-This will be an ISA qualifying tournament and is expected to bring in 150 adult participants, 450 youth participants, and 240 spectators.
-For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com 

 Florida ISA – College Showcase
Dates: 10/15 – 10/16
Venue: Bartow “555” Complex & Christina Park – Lakeland
-This will be an ISA qualifying tournament and is expected to bring in 150 adult participants, 450 youth participants, and 240 spectators.
For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

10th Annual Quilts & Tea Festival
Dates: 11/12 – 11/13
Venue: Davenport Historic District
- This event will bring in over 60 participants and over 900 spectators
- For more information please visit www.quiltsandtea.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association (ISA) Fall States U8, U10, and U12
Dates: 11/12 – 11/14
Venue: Bartow 555 Complex – Bartow, Jan Phyl Complex – Lakeland
- This event will bring in over 500 participants and over 250 spectators to Polk County.
- For more information please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Middle School Cross Country Championships
Dates: 11/13/2010
Venue: Lakeland Linder Airport
- This event will bring Florida’s best cross country athletes. The Championship Division 3K is open to Florida girls and boys in 6th thru 8th grades. Development Division 3K open to athletes of all fitness levels, capabilities between 3rd and 8th grades.
- For more information visit www.flyra.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Roar ‘n Soar – Land, Sea, and Air Show/Festival
Dates: 11/13 – 11/14
Venue: Fantasy of Flight 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E. Polk City, FL. 33868
- Fantasy of Flight will play host to this Land, Sea, and Air Festival. The two day event brings participants and spectators from all over the United States. Come experience every aspect of racing whether it is Planes, Boats, or Race Cars bring the whole family for the weekend to enjoy the Roars and the Soars.
- For more detail about this event please check out www.fantasyofflight.com/roar-n-soar/

Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) Olympic Development Program
Dates: 11/14
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park – Auburndale
- This event will bring into Polk County over 1000 participants and over 1500 spectators
- For more information please visit www.fysa.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Race for the Kids Foundation Worlds 2010 Hydroplane Boat Races
Dates: 10/21 – 10/24
Venue: Lake Alfred – Lake Alfred
- Race for the Kids Foundation’s Worlds 2010 Hydroplane Boat Races. Race fans mark your calendars for the most exciting action packed thrills and spills coming to Central Florida. Over 200 racers from Asia, Europe as well as the USA compete for this world title in a seven class four-heat, three day format. On Thursday the boat racers will be testing and qualifying all day. Friday will be the conclusion to the qualifying and the much anticipated Kids-Pro Race for the 11-17 year olds. Sat & Sun the Pros will race all day at speeds of over 120 mph. Also included; entertainment, food vendors, boat show, raffles. Event proceeds to benefit multi East Polk charities such as the Boy Scouts, City Little Leagues, Sunshine Foundation Dream Village, Lions Club, Humane Society of Polk County, and Keep Polk County Clean & Beautiful. Thurs-Sun, 9-6pm. For vendor or sponsor info contact Tracey Greene (863) 221-8505 or tgreene0422@gmail.com. For Race info contact Gary Levin, Race for the Kids President (954) 732-2393.  This event will bring in over 250 participants and over 750 spectators to Polk County.
- For more information please visit www.raceforthekidsfoundation.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Baseball Fall Slug-A-Rama
Dates: 10/22 – 10/24
Venue: Chain of Lakes – Winter Haven, Diamondplex – Winter Haven, Auburndale Softball Complex – Auburndale, Lake Myrtle Sports Complex – Auburndale.
- AAU Baseball Fall Slug-A-Rama will bring in 100 teams, over 1500 participants and an estimated 3,000 spectators
- For more information on AAU events check out www.aaubaseball.org and www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Orange Blossom Series Fall Classic – Table Tennis Tournament
Date: 10/22 – 10/24
Venue: Simpson Park Community Center 1725 Martin Luther King Ave., Lakeland, FL
- Lakeland Table Tennis Association will be hosting 100 table tennis athletes from across Florida for this 3 day tournament.   
- For more information on the Central Florida Fall Open Table Tennis Tournament please check out www.eteamz.com/lakelandtabletennis  and www.centralfloridsports.com

Independent Softball Association (ISA) Adult Halloween Havoc
Dates: 10/23/2010
Venue: Loyce Harpe Park – Lakeland
- This ISA event will bring in over 100 participants and over 170 spectators.
- For more information please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Go Green 5k at Circle B – Running
Date: 10/23/2010 8:00am
Venue: Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd Lakeland, FL
- This environmental friendly 5k running event will be at beautiful Circle B Bar Reserve a learning and nature sanctuary that will play host to the 5k (3.1) mile race through natural trails cut out of the forest.
- For more information check www.lakelandrunnersclub.com

Jim Ryun Invitational 5K
Dates: 10/23/2010
Venue: Without Walls Central Church – Auburndale
- This 5k race will be on a grass course around the 85 acres of Without Walls Central Church. Early registration will be $20 and race day registration will be $25. Registrations can be turned in at FITniche and all pre-registrations must be received by 10/17/2010. There will be a lot of prizes to be given away courtesy of FITniche so come out and enjoy the race.
- For more information please visit www.fl.milesplit.us/meets.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Lake Region Baseball Fall Baseball Classic
Dates: 10/23 – 10/24
Venue: Chain of Lakes Complex – Winter Haven
- This event will bring in over 250 participants and over 250 spectators to Polk County.
- For more information visit www.centralfloridasports.com

The Florida Sports Hall of Fame museum is not normally open on Monday’s, but will be open for this special event. Admission to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame is free and the museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Lake Region Baseball Fall Baseball Classic
Dates: 10/16 – 10/17
Venue: Chain of Lakes Complex – Winter Haven
- This event will bring in over 250 participants and over 250 spectators to Polk County.
- For more information visit www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association (ISA) College Showcase
Dates: 10/16 – 10/17
Venue: Christina Complex – Lakeland
- This ISA event will bring in over 400 participants and over 200 spectators.
- For more information please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Half Century (FHC) Bucs and Bulls 65s & 70s
Dates: 10/16 – 10/17
Venue: Auburndale Softball Complex – Auburndale, Diamondplex – Winter Haven
- Florida Half Century will host 50 teams from throughout Florida. This two day tournament will showcase teams with athlete’s ages ranging from 50+
- For more information please visit www.fhcsoftball.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Mercedes-Benz Lake Mirror Auto Classic
Dates: 10/16 – 10/17
Venue: Lake Mirror, Downtown Lakeland
- The Lake Mirror Classic will bring in over 500 registered cars that will attract over 20,000 visitors. Come and experience classic automobiles from the last 100 years.
- For more information, schedule, and visitor inquiries about this event please check out www.lakemirrorclassic.com and  www.centralfloridasports.com

Sundays at 8:00 pm
Mondays at 8:00 am
Tuesdays at 11:00 pm
Wednesdays at 3:00 am
Thursdays at 4:30 pm
Fridays at 12:00 pm
Saturdays at 6:00 pm

Don’t have any of the cable providers we listed? Well, as long as you have a computer, you can always catch the show there. Visit the Polk County website and click on the PGTV link at the bottom of the page for live streaming.

Florida’s Natural Charity Classic – Golf
Dates: 3/19-3/21
Venue: Lake Region Yacht and Country Club
- The Florida’s Natural Charity Classic will bring in over 155 participants and over 500 spectators for a three day event to Polk County
- For more information on this event please visit www.floridasnaturalcharityclassic.com, www.duramedfuturestour.com  or www.centralfloridasports.com

The Lakeland VW Show & Swap Classic
Dates: 3/19-3/21
Venue:The Lakeland Center
- The Lakeland VW Show & Swap Classic will bring in over 500 vintage cars and over 1000 participants and over 5,000 spectators to Polk County for this two day event
- For more information on this event please visit www.lakelandvwclassic.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

4th Annual Race for the Arts &Arts & Wellness Expo
Dates: 3/19-3/20
Venue:Polk State College-Lakeland Campus, Fort Fraser Trail, and Polk County Historical Museum
- The Race for the Arts & Arts & Wellness Expo will be hosting over 50 participants for this weekend event
- For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Half Century – Softball
Dates: 3/19 – 3/21
Venue:Diamondplex and Auburndale Softball Complex
- This FHC event will bring in 60 Senior Softball teams for a three day event to Polk County
- For more information please visit www.fhcsoftball.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida State Twirling Championships – Baton Twirling
Dates: 3/20 – 3/21
Venue: Address: Polk State College Gym – Winter Haven
- The Florida State Twirling Championship will bring in over 330 participants and over 450 spectators for a two day event to Polk County
- For more information on this event please visit www.floridabatontwirlers.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Make sure you continue to check back here (and add us to your RSS feed if you have not already) to get the latest news AND photos as the construction begins and Cypress Gardens is transformed into LEGOLAND Florida. We will have exclusive access to the site as it is transformed and will post updates regularly.

While we are never big on posting entire press releases on here, this is straight from us and some great quotes and details on the big news:

A press conference today attended by a host of elected officials, including Governor Charlie Crist and U.S. Representative Adam Putnam, confirmed that Cypress Gardens has been purchased by Merlin Entertainments – the second largest attractions industry company in the world and also owner of LEGOLAND Parks worldwide.  Members of the media and invited guests gathered at Florida’s first theme park – Cypress Gardens – to unveil the plan to continue the park’s legacy of attracting a multitude of visitors to Polk County.  The new park will be named LEGOLAND Florida. 
“I am delighted to be here today to announce what I believe will be one of the most exciting and important projects in which Merlin Entertainments has ever been involved,” said Nick Varney, chief executive officer for Merlin Entertainments. Merlin Entertainments introduced LEGOLAND Florida to a spellbound audience who received oranges made of legos.  “The development of a LEGOLAND Park in Florida is a perfect opportunity for us here in the heart of what is the biggest family tourist centre in the world – and I believe it will bring a unique new experience to Florida,” said Varney. 

LEGOLAND Florida will be Merlin Entertainments thirteenth attraction in the United States, with four more in the development phase.  LEGOLAND Florida will be the fifth LEGOLAND Park worldwide and the only one on the East Coast – with the others in California, Denmark, England and Germany.  “LEGOLAND is an extraordinary concept – specifically developed for children between the ages of 2 and 12 and their moms and dads, of course,” said Varney.  LEGOLAND offers families spectacular rides, shows and even model building challenges.
Merlin Entertainments is the second largest attraction company in the world, second only to the Walt Disney Company.  LEGOLAND California is the fastest growing theme park in the United States, realizing a 6 percent growth in visitation in 2009.  The park was also recognized by Amusement Today as the country’s best theme park for children for the sixth consecutive year.
The partnership between Merlin Entertainments and Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing had a major impact as the final site for LEGOLAND Florida was selected.  The Polk County Board of County Commissioners’ (BoCC) support for Polk County’s tourism industry was evidenced by a “can do” attitude and spirit of cooperation to partner with Merlin Entertainment Group to take their vision, as well as Polk County tourism, to new heights.  The BoCC’s commitment to tourism, and more specifically the historic site of Cypress Gardens, has been strong throughout the years.  They purchased Cypress Gardens’ original 30 acres in 2003 and continued an ongoing investment through sales and marketing support.  “We are looking forward to working with Merlin Entertainments.  Their record speaks for itself.  Their exciting plans for the site, the jobs LEGOLAND Florida will create and their commitment to Polk County is something my colleagues at both the local and state level really welcome,” said Bob English, chairman of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.
 Additionally, during the press conference, Governor Crist and a host of legislators offered their support in the building of LEGOLAND Florida.  “We are extremely happy that the future of Cypress Gardens is secure.  LEGOLAND is one of the most exciting names in family attractions and a welcome new addition to Florida,” said Governor Crist. 

 “This is a huge success story for Polk County that will have a significant impact on Polk County as a tourism destination.  LEGOLAND Florida and its connection to Merlin Entertainments provide worldwide visibility for Polk County,” said Mark Jackson, director of Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing.  Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing has already begun working with Merlin Entertainments on a cooperative partnership that will help promote the park and the tourism industry in Polk County.
In addition to the impact the park will have on Polk County’s tourism industry, the effect on economic development in the area will also get a massive boost. With the announcement from Merlin Entertainments, an international company, one of the Central Florida Development Council’s goals is closer to fruition. “We have been working with the international community for quite some time and today’s announcement reinforces Polk County’s commitment to international companies,” said Central Florida Development Council Director Tom Patton. “This news will certainly bring more awareness to Polk County and shows that we are a destination for international-oriented companies and investment.”