Now in its second year, the Carillon Classic 5K is a charitable event sponsored by the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) in partnership with Bok Tower Gardens, Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. and corporate sponsors.  The event is open to adults and students in grades 1 through 12 and will feature team competition for the first time.

All proceeds will benefit the FPRA chapter’s educational and professional endeavors, as well as the George W. Harris, Jr. Runaway and Youth Crisis Shelter in Bartow, an initiative of Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. The inaugural Carillon Classic 5K in 2012 drew more than 300 runners and walkers, raising a total of $3,100 for charity.

“We are excited to be teaming up with Bok Tower Gardens, Youth and Family Alternatives and many community-minded corporate sponsors to present this very wholesome and entertaining family-oriented charitable event,” said Jennifer Baker, Website & Special Events Coordinator of Lakeland-based Watson Clinic LLP and president of the sponsoring FPRA chapter.

The 5K course gives runners and walkers an opportunity to experience the rolling hills, unique terrain (some sections of the course are gravel and mulch), colorful gardens/citrus groves and beautiful mountain vistas surrounding Bok Tower. Participants will be treated to the soothing sounds of carillon music as they traverse the challenging course situated high atop “Iron Mountain,” one of the highest points, elevation wise, on the Florida peninsula.

“In addition to featuring individual and team competition and raising funds for charity, the event will give participants and their families an opportunity to experience the splendor and beauty of Bok Tower Gardens, one of Florida’s most unique treasures, since everyone is invited to stroll through the gardens and enjoy carillon music free of charge after the races,” Baker added.

The nonrefundable registration fee for runners and walkers who register before May 1 is $25 for adults and $15 for students in grades 1 through 12. After May 1, there will be an additional charge of $5. Registration begins at 6:30 am at Bok Tower Gardens on race day, with competition starting at 7:30 am sharp, rain or shine. Everyone who registers by May 1 will be guaranteed a Carillon Classic 5K dri-fit t-shirt. First, second and third place winners in standard age categories will receive a medal.

Those who are interested in participating in the team challenge should indicate their team name upon registration.  For more details on the Carillon Classic 5K, including registration forms and complete team competition rules, please go to www.fprapolk.org/calendar-page/carillon-classic-5k-runwalk.  All checks should be made payable to the Florida Public Relations Association and mailed to FPRA at 1606 Taylor Brooke Dr. Bartow, FL 33830. Online registration is also available.

For detailed information on the cost and benefits of the various levels of corporate sponsorship – Title, Presenting, Elite, Champion, Sprint and Shelter Supporter – contact Danny Kushmer by calling 863-559-8062 or danny.kushmer@watermatters.org. Sponsorship donations can be made via PayPal at www.fprapolk.org. The list of corporate sponsors currently on board for the 2013 event includes SEMCO Construction, Heartland for Children, Watson Clinic LLP, the Mosaic Company, A-C-T Environmental Infrastructure and Florida’s Natural brand juices.

Regular updates on the 2013 Carillon Classic 5K Run & Walk can be obtained by visiting the event page on Facebook at facebook.com/#!/CarillonClassic5kRunWalk.

For a complete listing of upcoming events in Polk County, please visit our website at: CentralFloridaSports.com/events.aspx.
Download Central Florida’s free app on your smart phone at: Explore Central Florida on the iOS or Android market.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs
Date: Friday, May 17
Venue:  Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

IronKids Florida
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue:  Lake Eva Park, Haines City
- Athletes ages 6-15 will compete in one of three age groups that includes a swim in the outdoor Lake Eva Aquatic Center, a challenging 2-mile loop bike course and a scenic run course around the lake and throughout the park.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Lakeland Raiders vs. Missouri Monsters
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- This season, the Lakeland Raiders, a member of the Ultimate Indoor Football League, hosted six home games at The Lakeland Center, with only one remaining on May 18, 2013.
- Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

MU ZETA LAMBDA Scholarship Golf Tournament
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: Providence Golf & Country Club, Davenport
- Since the early 1980s, Mu Zeta Lambda Chapter, Inc. has been working together to help young teenagers make the right decisions surrounding sexuality, drugs, violence and attitude with the Men of Tomorrow (MOT) Program.
- The MU ZETA LAMBDA Scholarship Golf Tournament will take place Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Providence Golf in Country Club in Davenport.

Tiger Trot 5K
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: Tigertown, Lakeland
- The Tiger Trot 5k Run and Walk will take place May 18, 2013 at the historic Joker Marchant Stadium at Tigertown, home of the Lakeland Flying Tigers and the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers.
- The course will start in the stadium parking lot and run through beautiful Lake Parker Park, ending on the warning track near third base in the stadium.

Florida ISA Adult Memorial Tournament
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Venue: Loyce Harpe Park, Mulberry
- Florida Independent Softball Association (Florida ISA) presents the Adult Memorial Tournament, a softball qualifying tournament expected to bring more than 200 spectators to Polk County.

FYSA State Cup Finals
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park, Auburndale
- This two-day Florida Youth Soccer Association tournament held at Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale features teams that have qualified through play in earlier State Cup Rounds.

Ironman 70.3 Florida
Date: Sunday, May 19
Venue: Lake Eva Park, Haines City
- Ironman 70.3 Florida returns to Lake Eva Park for the second year, and triathletes will compete  against one another through the 1.2 mile swim in Lake Eva, the 56 mile bike route through Polk County, and  the 13.1 mile run course around Lake Eva and through downtown Haines City.
- Vendors will be onsite for triathletes and spectators both at Lake Eva Park May 17-19, 2013.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs
Date: Sunday, May 19
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Miracle
Date: Monday, May 20
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Miracle
Date: Tuesday, May 21
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

RECURRING EVENTS:

Saturday Night Rodeo – Every Saturday night (Westgate River Ranch Resort, River Ranch)

Find more events on “Soaking Up the Local Culture” at SunnyCentralFlorida.com.

Get ready for the annual event taking place at Tigertown, the site of the MLB Detroit Tigers’ Spring Training and the MiLB Lakeland Flying Tigers’ regular season.  The course will kick off in the Joker Marchant Stadium parking lot at Tigertown and will continue through beautiful Lake Parker Park, then finally, conclude on the warning track near third base in the stadium.

Those who participate will receive a goody bag, free food, a shirt (while supplies last) and a special dog tag.

Top competitors will also be honored with a Tiger Trot 5K award. The top three men and women overall and the top three male and female masters will all be recognized as well as the top three finishers in each of the 14 age groups.

The age groups are as follows:  10 & Under, 11-13, 14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-35, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & Over

The Tiger Trot 5K is also a great opportunity to support local foundations. Those who participate in this 5K run and walk, will help benefit not only the Detroit Tigers Foundation of Florida, but will also support Our Childrens Academy & Rehab and The Ledger’s Newspaper in Education Program.

You can register for the Tiger Trot 5K now through the event in one of a few different ways.

To register online, simply visit: www.active.com/5k-race/lakeland-fl/tiger-trot-5k-lakeland-fl-2013

To register through the mail, print the flyer found at: http://lakeland.flyingtigers.milb.com/documents/2/8/0/44213280/TigerTrot2013_8.5x11Flyer_91eumt15.pdf. Complete it. Then, mail to: Tiger Trot, 202 Howard St, Suite 3, Auburndale, FL 33823.

Or, scan the QR code in the flyer below.

The cost to register is $30.

Race Day Registration will begin at 7:00 a.m., and the race is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m.

The Tiger Trot 5K Run and Walk is presented by the Lakeland Flying Tigers and Ledger Media Group.

For more information on the event, please go to VisitCentralFlorida.org or LakelandFlyingTigers.com. You can also contact Raging Races at 863-206-7000 or email: keithj@ragingraces.com.

For a complete listing of upcoming events in Polk County, please visit our website at: CentralFloridaSports.com/events.aspx.
Download Central Florida’s free app on your smart phone at: Explore Central Florida on the iOS or Android market.

GSA Florida State Baseball Championships
Date: Friday, May 10 – Sunday, May 12
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park, Auburndale
- GSA will host their State Baseball Championships for their 13U-14U divisions at Lake Myrtle Sports Park on May 10-12.
- Twenty-five youth baseball teams in this age group from across Florida are expected to compete in Auburndale over the three-day event.

Florida ISA Youth Summer Slam
Date: Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12
Venue: Bartow 555 Softball Complex
- Florida Independent Softball Association (Florida ISA) presents the Youth Summer Slam, a softball qualifying tournament that is expected to bring more than 500 participants to Polk County.

MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake
Date: Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12
Venue: Lake Morton & Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland
- Mayfaire is a free community weekend that features children’s art activities, musical performances and food, all centered around beautiful, award-winning art.
- Approximately 180 artists will exhibit on the picturesque shores of Lake Morton.

RECURRING EVENTS:

Saturday Night Rodeo – Every Saturday night (Westgate River Ranch Resort, River Ranch)

Find more events on “Soaking Up the Local Culture” at SunnyCentralFlorida.com.

Competitors from 41 States and from countries as far away as Germany and Argentina will descend on Polk County to test their athletic abilities, stamina and competitive drive this Sunday on the 70.3 mile swimming, running and cycling course.

While the more than 200 adult athletes will be focused on the competition and the challenge provided by the course, area residents will be able to take in the IRONMAN experience on a much more leisurely pace. Lake Eva Park in Haines City will host three full days of activities that will appeal to the entire family, May 17-19.

Beginning on Friday, May 17 the IRONMAN Village and the Lake Eva Park Bandshell will serve as the hub of all activities during IRONMAN weekend. The Bandshell area will be host to athlete check-in and the adjacent IRONMAN Village will serve as perfect gathering and meeting place for spectators. The IRONMAN Village will feature exhibitor booths, a demo day area, the IRONMAN Store and many other product and service displays.

Competition gets underway on Saturday morning as more than 500 IRONKIDS triathletes line up at the starting line for a 7 a.m. start. Youth ages 6-15 will take center stage as they tackle a shortened version of the adult course.

Sunday’s IRONMAN 70.3 Florida competition begins at 6:30 a.m. with the 1.2 mile swim in Lake Eva. Upon completion of the swim competitors will then embark on the 56 mile bicycle route through eastern Polk County and then complete the competition on the 13.1 mile running course utilizing the roads around Lake Eva. The event will conclude with the awards ceremony at the Lake Eva Park Bandshell at 4 p.m.

The schedule of events is as follows:

Friday 5/17
Noon – 7 p.m. – IRONMAN Village & Official IRONMAN Store Open
Noon – 7 p.m. – Athlete check-in
Noon – 7 p.m. – Information booth open
4 p.m. – Athlete briefing

Saturday 5/18
7 a.m. – IronKids Race Starts
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. IRONMAN Village & Official IRONMAN Store Open
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Information booth open
11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. – Athlete briefing
5 p.m. – Pro athlete panel

Sunday 5/19
5 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Information booth open
6:30 a.m. – IRONMAN 70.3 Florida Race Start
7 a.m. – 3 p.m. – IRONMAN Village & Official IRONMAN Store Open
4 p.m. – Awards Ceremony

For more information go to centralfloridasports.com or to IRONMAN.com.

For media credentials please contact Al Snow via phone at 863-551-4718 or via email at al@centralfloridasports.com.

Related Posts:

Ironman Success Makes a Memorable Weekend for Polk

Polk County Welcomes Ironman 70.3 Florida

Thursday, May 2 vs. Daytona Cubs
@ 6:30 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)

2-1 Beer Night & Frozen Drinks Sponsored by Miller Lite

Fans can enjoy 2 for 1 draft beer & frozen drinks and $1 soda every Thursday home game.  Alcohol sales will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at the conclusion of the 7^th inning.

Pack the Park Benefiting KidsPack

The Flying Tigers and KidsPack will be collecting non perishable food and donations to support KidsPack.  KidsPack raises food and money to supply Kidspacks to students in Polk County that do not know where their next meal will come from, as well as to those kids that are homeless and without proper nutrition. The schools in the area identify these kids, who remain nameless to KidsPack, then in turn they get the packs to the schools on Friday’s so the child has food to last them over the weekend when school meals are not accessible. There are thousands of kids here locally that are in need. Our goal for “Pack the Park” is to raise $50,000 or 36,000 lbs of food. 100% of all food and money raised goes directly to the cause.

Friday, May 3 vs. Daytona Cubs
@ 7:11 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)

7-11 Friday’s Presented by 7-11 Socrum Loop

Team Photo Giveaway Sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings

The Flying Tigers will be giving away 2013 team photos sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings to the first 500 fans that enter the stadium.

Pack the Park Benefiting KidsPack

The Flying Tigers and KidsPack will be collecting non perishable food and donations to support KidsPack.  KidsPack raises food and money to supply Kidspacks to students in Polk County that do not know where their next meal will come from, as well as to those kids that are homeless and without proper nutrition. The schools in the area identify these kids, who remain nameless to KidsPack, then in turn they get the packs to the schools on Friday’s so the child has food to last them over the weekend when school meals are not accessible. There are thousands of kids here locally that are in need. Our goal for “Pack the Park” is to raise $50,000 or 36,000 lbs of food. 100% of all food and money raised goes directly to the cause.

Chick-fil-A Night

Look for special promotions, contests and giveaways throughout the game from Chick-fil-A.

Pre-Game

• Tattoo and balloon artists from Twisted Artz will be in the main concourse beginning at 6:00 p.m. 

Lawton Chiles Middle Academy Spirit Night

Lawton Chiles students, teachers and parents will be participating in fun promotions throughout the game.

TGI Fridays Flying Tigers Mug Club Night #3

All fans 21 and older will receive a special Mug Club flier from TGI Fridays.  The first 100 fans 21 and older that bring the flier to Fridays after the game will receive a special Fridays/Flying Tigers mug, compliments of Fridays.  Fridays is the official “After Party” location of the Flying Tigers for all Friday night home games.  Fridays is located at 4204 Highway 98 North inLakeland.

MetroPCS Family 4-Pack

Families can enjoy the MetroPCS Family 4-Pack on Friday nights. With a MetroPCS coupon you receive 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 sodas for only $24! Vouchers are available at Lakeland Metro PCS locations.

Saturday, May 4 vs. Daytona Cubs
@ 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 4:30 p.m.)

Fireworks Extravaganza following the game (weather permitting).

Bright House Customer Appreciation Night

Bright House Networks will be inviting and recognizing customers as part of their annual night at Marchant Stadium.  There will be special prize giveaways throughout the game.

“Tiger Town Classic” Car Show Hosted by the Lakeland Corvette Club – 10 AM – 4 PM.

This is an open car show, so all cars of any make or model are welcome to attend. Registration is only $15 and includes entry of one car into the show, a ticket to the Flying Tigers game, a souvenir dash plaque and t-shirt. There will be trophies given out for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place best in show, along with 30 additional trophies. Car Show will be help in the soccer field located in Tiger Town directly across from Joker Marchant Stadium.

“Strike out Your Fat Challenge”

Sponsored by Bodyworks Health and Wellness Center, My Life preventive imaging and the Medina Law Group, P.A If you are serious about losing weight and being healthy, stop by the Bodyworks table on the concourse during the May 2nd through May 8th games to sign up for the challenge. There is a $500 cash prize to the winner with the highest percentage of weight loss. Plus Bodyworks will make a donation to KidsPack and to Polk County Schools for nutrition education. There will be monthly check ins at the Flying Tigers games home games on the 8th of each month, with the winners being announced at the August 31st game. Come by and meet Dan Burrows who has lost over 130 lbs on the weight loss program.

Sunday, May 5 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins)
@ 1:00 p.m. (Gates open at 12:00 p.m.)

Kids Day

• All kids 14 and under will receive free admission to the game.
• Kids can play catch on the field beginning at noon (weather permitting).
• Kids can also run the bases just like the Flying Tigers following the game (weather permitting).
• All fans will receive a voucher for a free sundae, compliments of Dairy Queen –North Lakeland.

Lakeland City Baseball Day

•  The Flying Tigers will be hosting Lakeland City Baseball’s team parties before and during the game.  Each team will parade on the field prior to the game.

Monday, May 6 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins)

@ 6:30 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)

Dollar Mondays – Fans pay only $1 for the items below:

• $1 tickets
• $1 hot dogs
• $1 small sodas
• $1 popcorn
• $1 peanuts
• $1 pretzels

Tuesday, May 7 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins)

@ 10:30 a.m. (Gates open at 9:30 a.m.)

The Ledger 2-1 Ticket Offer

• Check The Ledger for a special two-for-one ticket offer compliments of The Ledger Media Group.

Education Day Game Sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities and LEGOLAND Florida

• The Flying Tigers will be hosting Polk County students in the first of two Polk County Education Day games at Marchant Stadium.  Students will have the opportunity to

participate in on-field promotions as well as special game announcers.  Tickets to the game and lunch are provided by Publix Super Market Charities, LEGOLAND Florida the Detroit Tigers Foundation of Florida and Lakeland Sportservice.

Silver Sluggers

• Flying Tigers Silver Sluggers Tuesday presented by Humana.  Silver Sluggers members will receive free admission to the game as well as a complimentary soda.  For more

information on the Silver Sluggers program please contact the Flying Tigers at (863) 686-8075 or visit LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

Wednesday, May 8 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins)

@ 6:30 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)

All-You-Can-Eat Night

Wednesday is All-You-Can-Eat Night sponsored by Hooters.  Tickets are just $10 and includes admission to the game and all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, Little Caesars pizza, peanuts, popcorn, pretzels and chips as well as food from Hooters from 5:30-8:30 p.m. or while supplies last.

TICKETS

Tickets for all home games are available by calling the Flying Tigers at 863-686-8075.
- Box seats are $6, and reserved seats are $5.
- Seniors 55 and over and children 14 and under will receive a $1 discount.
- Saturday tickets are an additional $1.
- Wednesday All-You-Can-Eat tickets are $10.
- Monday tickets are just $1.
- Parking is FREE.

The Flying Tigers are a Class A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.  For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com or call (863) 686-8075.

Related Posts:

Lakeland Flying Tigers Schedule Features Seven Home Games & Daily Promotions

Flying Tigers will Battle the Manatees at Home April 9-10

For a complete listing of upcoming events in Polk County, please visit our website at: CentralFloridaSports.com/events.aspx.
Download Central Florida’s free app on your smart phone at: Explore Central Florida on the iOS or Android market.

Top Gun
Date: Wednesday, May 1 – Sunday, May 5
Venue: Lakeland Linder Regional Airport
- Frank Tiano Ent. (FTE) presents Top Gun, a five-day worldwide model aviation event in Lakeland full of competition, food, air shows, a hobby trade show and more.

Florida Orange Blossom Series Spring Classic Open
Date: Friday, May 3 – Saturday, May 4
Venue: Simpson Park Community Center, Lakeland
- Lakeland Table Tennis Association, Inc. presents the Florida Orange Blossom Series-Spring Classic-Open, a table tennis tournament that is expected to bring 100 participants to Polk County.

Lakeland Raiders vs. Corpus Christi Fury
Date: Saturday, May 4
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- The Raiders have a total of six home games at The Lakeland Center this season with two home games remaining: May 4 and May 18.
- Kick-off for all home games will be 7:30 p.m.

Florida ISA Sunshine Shootout
Date: Saturday, May 4 – Sunday, May 5
Venue: Bartow 555 Softball Complex, Auburndale Softball Complex
- Florida Independent Softball Association (Florida ISA) presents the Sunshine Shootout, a softball qualifying tournament that is expected to bring more than 600 participants and spectators to Polk County.

Florida State Soccer Association’s State Cup
Date: Saturday, May 4 – Sunday, May 5
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park, Auburndale
- The Florida State Soccer Association’s 11v11 State Cup tournament is made up of men’s divisions which include: Alarcon Florida Cup, Men’s President’s Cup, Men’s Chairman’s Cup, Men’s O30, Men’s O40, Men’s O50, and Men’s O60 and women’s divisions which include: Women’s Florida Cup; Women’s O30 Cup; Coed Cup.
- The State Cup semi-finals will take place on Saturday, May 4 with finals will taking place on Sunday, May 5 at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale.

Recurring Events:

Saturday Night Rodeo – Every Saturday night (Westgate River Ranch Resort, River Ranch)

2013 Homeschool World Series – Through May 4 (Lake Myrtle Sports Park, Auburndale)

Find more events on “Soaking Up the Local Culture” at SunnyCentralFlorida.com.

The 2013 Homeschool World Series opens with a mandatory coaches meeting at Lake Myrtle Sports Park on Sunday, April 28, followed by an opening ceremony the next day at Lake Myrtle’s Stadium Field at 9:00 a.m. Monday morning.  Pool play will begin later on Monday and continue through Tuesday, April 30.  Wednesday will give the teams a chance to recharge with an open day of competition, which will allow them and their families an opportunity to visit Polk County attractions or possibly do some shopping or dining at some of Polk County’s top offerings.

The tournament resumes competition once again at Lake Myrtle on Thursday, May 2 with single-elimination bracket play that will continue through Friday, May 3.  Saturday, May 4 is Championship Day, with championship games being held in three divisions, along with consolation games, wrapping up the week-long tournament.  A Closing Awards Ceremony will also take place at Lake Myrtle’s Stadium Field later that afternoon around 3:30 p.m.  To see the official schedule of events for the 2013 HWSA World Series, please visit the Homeschool World Series website for more information.

The Homeschool World Series Association (HWSA) is a nonprofit corporation that endeavors to promote and coordinate high school (varsity level) baseball competition among homeschool students throughout North America in a distinctly Christian environment.  The HWSA sponsors this annual championship playoff system for eligible homeschool varsity baseball teams, culminating in the World Series event that has now called Polk County home for four years.

For more information on the Homeschool World Series or any other sporting events taking place in Polk County, please be sure to visit our website at CentralFloridaSports.com.  Also be sure to check us out on Facebook at CF Sports, and follow us on Twitter at CentralFLSports for all the latest event information.

With the development and renovations to local facilities over the past few years, Polk County has quickly become a hotbed for soccer activity in the state of Florida.  Whether it is for local recreational play or tournament action, there is a good chance you can find soccer being played on a field on almost any day at Lake Myrtle Sports Park, Simmers Young Park or Lake Parker Park.  Between these three facilities, Polk County hosts more than 30 soccer events on an annual basis, making it a hub for premier youth and adult soccer tournaments for the state of Florida.

Lake Myrtle Sports Park

Lake Myrtle Sports Park, located in Auburndale, features 11 international-size soccer fields, including a main stadium field.  All 11 fields are lighted with Bermuda grass-playing surfaces that are fully irrigated.  The stadium field is equipped with an electronic scoreboard and a seating capacity for 1,000 fans and spectators.  There are two main concession areas located in the facility, each equipped with bathrooms and meeting space.  There are also five picnic pavilions located throughout the complex, suited for spectators looking to enjoy a place to enjoy a break from the action or take a few minutes to enjoy a lunch or some shade from the Florida sunshine.

Lake Myrtle Sports Park is also the home and headquarters of the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA), the largest youth soccer governing body in the state of Florida.  FYSA has called Lake Myrtle and Auburndale home since 2010.  Since the expansion of the facility from three existing fields to the current total of 11, Lake Myrtle Sports Park hosts more than 20 soccer events each year.  FYSA alone hosts an average of 15 sanctioned events at the facility annually.  Lake Myrtle Sports Park is owned and maintained by the City of Auburndale Parks and Recreation.

Simmers Young Park

Simmers Young Park, located in Winter Haven, features 12 full-sized soccer fields.  Simmers Young Park is the largest soccer facility located in Polk County.  Each field is equipped and capable of hosting youth or adult level soccer events.  All 11 fields are lighted, with grass playing surfaces that are fully irrigated.  Seating capacity at each field averages around 250 spectators.  The facility also has two main concession areas with restroom accommodations available to fans and spectators.

Young fans looking to take a break from soccer action can also enjoy a playground area located onsite at the facility or, perhaps, enjoy a little fishing in the large retention pond located along the outskirts of the soccer fields.  Simmers Young Park hosts more than a dozen recreational tournaments throughout the year and is owned and maintained by Polk County Parks and Recreation.

Photo Credit: www.roddaconstruction.com

Lake Parker Park

Lake Parker Park, located in Lakeland, features six full-sized soccer fields. Before renovations and development at Lake Myrtle and Simmers Young in recent years, Lake Parker Park was Polk County’s largest soccer facility. Each of the six fields is lighted. All of the fields are also grass-playing surfaces, which are fully irrigated. The facility also includes a large concession and restroom facility at the center of the complex, along with 18 picnic pavilions located throughout the facility. The facility is home to the Lakeland Futbol Club throughout the year, but also hosts recreational tournaments in conjunction with Lake Myrtle Sports Park and Simmers Young Park. Lake Parker Park is owned and maintained by the City of Lakeland Parks and Recreation.

For more information on the facility or any of these events, please visit CentralFloridaSports.com.  Also, be sure to find Polk County Sports Marketing on Facebook at CF Sports and Twitter at CentralFLSports for all the latest event information at these great facilities.

Related Articles

January’s Polk Sports Venue Spotlight: Softball Complexes

February’s Polk Sports Venue Spotlight: Tigertown

March’s Polk Sports Venue Spotlight: Lake Myrtle Baseball

For a complete listing of upcoming events in Polk County, please visit our website at: CentralFloridaSports.com/events.aspx.
Download Central Florida’s free app on your smart phone at: Explore Central Florida on the iOS or Android market.

AAU Spring Folkstyle Tournament of Champions
Date: Friday, April 26 – Saturday, April 27
Venue: George Jenkins High School, Lakeland
- Florida AAU will conduct their Folkstyle Tournament of Champions at George Jenkins High School on Saturday, April 27 with weigh-ins beginning on Friday, April 26.
- The event will draw youth wrestlers from across the state of Florida to compete in this state championship event, sanctioned by the Amateur Athletic Union.

Florida ISA Adult April Showers
Date: Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28
Venue: Loyce Harpe Park, Mulberry
- Florida Independent Softball Association (Florida ISA) presents Adult April Showers, a softball qualifying tournament in Mulberry, expected to bring more than 300 people to Polk County.

Florida ISA Flowers for Mom
Date: Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28
Venue: Bartow 555 Softball Complex
- Florida Independent Softball Association (Florida ISA) presents Flowers for Mom, a softball qualifying tournament expected to bring more than 250 people to Polk County.

FYSA State Cup Round of 16
Date: Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park, Auburndale
- Teams that will compete in the FYSA State Cup Round of 16 at Lake Myrtle Sports Park Saturday and Sunday have qualified and advanced through play in earlier State Cup rounds.

Lakeland Raiders vs. Chattahoochee Vipers
Date: Sunday, April 28
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- The Raiders have a total of six home games at The Lakeland Center this season with three home games remaining: April 28, May 4 and May 18.
- Sunday’s kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

2013 Homeschool World Series
Date: Sunday, April 28 – Saturday, May 4
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park
- The Homeschool World Series Association (HWSA) is a nonprofit corporation that endeavors to promote and coordinate high school (varsity level) baseball competition among homeschool students throughout North America in a distinctly Christian environment.
- The Homeschool World Series will bring in 25 baseball teams and more than 1,000 spectators to Polk County.

RECURRING EVENTS:

Saturday Night Rodeo – Every Saturday night (Westgate River Ranch Resort, River Ranch)

Find more events on “Soaking Up the Local Culture” at SunnyCentralFlorida.com.