Winter Haven Commission honors Black History Month honorees and city award teams

The Winter Haven City Commission on Jan. 26 presented a series of Black History Month proclamations and its annual Excellence in Action awards, recognizing community advocates, historic desegregation plaintiffs and city project teams for improvements across parks, public safety and infrastructure.

Mayor William B. Yates read proclamations dedicating February 2026 to the "Triumphant 8," the group of eight Black children who were plaintiffs in a 1960s desegregation legal challenge in Polk County. A spokesman for the group asked the commission to meet with members so they can share their experiences with local students and city leaders.

Deputy City Manager MJ Carnivale introduced the Black Market, a Melanin Cultural Festival; founders Simone Wilson and Zania Zania Zhao invited the public to a Feb. 7 event at MLK Park on Lake Silver that will highlight Black-owned businesses, cultural arts and family activities. The commission also proclaimed the week of Feb. 1 as Valparissa Jacob Baker Week in recognition of Baker’s 33 years at Polk State College and declared Feb. 8 as Johnny Bernard Neal Jr. Week honoring his decades of service as a music educator.

The commission presented 2025 Excellence in Action awards across six strategic pillars. Chain of Lakes Park improvements — including pool upgrades, artificial turf fields, expanded parking and restored lakefront access — received the quality-of-life award. Fire Station Number 4 and its co-located Safe Neighborhoods and police field office were recognized for strengthening emergency response. The City University program was honored under responsible government for civic engagement and graduating participants who now serve on advisory boards. Lake Konai Nature Park and the Lake Elbert Trail were singled out for environmental stewardship and infrastructure improvements, respectively. Economic development recognition noted a $1.5 million state grant that helped attract a $150 million distribution investment and expanded rail access to the Central Florida Integrated Logistics Park. City project manager Andy Palmer received a legacy leadership award for oversight across multiple major projects.

"These recognitions reflect the work of citizens, volunteers and city staff who advance Winter Haven’s quality of life," the commission said in presenting the awards.

The commission did not take formal policy action tied to the proclamations beyond the ceremonial recognitions. The city plans to raise commemorative banners in Central Park and staff said they will coordinate any follow-up meetings requested by the Triumphant 8 representatives.