BEST FLORIST
GOLDEN PETAL DESIGNS
390 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
(863) 293-1900
FB @goldenpetaldesigns
IG @goldenpetaldesigns
Winter Haven is in full bloom thanks to Golden Petal Designs! This family-owned shop offers engraving, fine jewelry and repair, and contemporary florals. Husband and wife team of 25 years, Shelly and David Braswell, offer various custom design concepts for your wedding day, floral events, handcrafted jewelry, and glass or metal engraving. One customer raved, “Golden Petal Designs were amazing creating our floral wedding dreams! Shelly was so kind and really informative about what kind of flowers would be best to use to achieve our floral look. When the flowers were delivered, Shelly made sure I was happy with the flowers and went over how to hold the bouquets. The arrangements were absolutely gorgeous.”
2nd: Lasater Flowers
3rd: Pretty Odd Flower Cart
BEST WEDDING VENUE
VENUE 650
650 6th St SW, Winter Haven
(863) 287-3814
FB @venue650
IG @venue650
Venue 650 really ties the knot! The adaptable event space, featuring stylish exposed brick walls and a polished concrete floor, is ideal for bringing any event vision to life and can comfortably host up to 400 guests. Venue 650 also offers highspeed internet, ample well-lit parking, a catering kitchen, and dressing suites. As one testimonial puts it, “We are so thankful that Venue 650 was our choice for our wedding day. It was the perfect place for our friends and family to celebrate together! The entire venue is such a beautiful space. It was big enough to accommodate a large wedding, but it still felt so intimate! And that was really important to us.”
2nd: Adams Estate
3rd: The Barn at Azalea Oaks
BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
MIKE POTTHAST | POTTHAST STUDIOS
234 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
(863) 294-4920
FB @PotthastStudios
IG @potthaststudios
Picture-perfect moments are available in downtown Winter Haven! Mike Potthast and his team provide top-notch photography services, including portraits, commercial shoots, video production, photo restorations, digitizing services, passport photos, and photography classes at their spacious Central Avenue studio. Potthast Studios highlights, “A great photo shoot involves much more than just lights, camera, action. It requires coordination, communication, skilled design, and styling before the shoot, along with talent behind the camera to bring it all together.” Glowing reviews echo this sentiment. Guests think Potthast is the absolute best photographer around for personal or professional shots. The quality is exceptional!
2nd: Gonzalez Lugo Photography
3rd: Beth Carter Photography
BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT
99 IN THE SHADE
FB @99intheshadeband
Best of Haven voters are rocking out to this highenergy variety and dance band. In addition to gigs at clubs, weddings, corporate, and private events, you can catch this rockin’ quartet regularly at Somewhere Sports Bar & Grill and Tanners Lakeside. Since 2015, 99 in the Shade has been getting crowds on their feet with classic to current music – everything from Journey to Bruno Mars!
2nd: Hunter Smith
3rd: Daniel Burns Band
BEST DRY CLEANER
TOP HAT CLEANERS LAUNDRY CENTER
150 2nd St NW Winter Haven
(863) 293-2627
Pressing matters? They’ve got you covered! Top Hat Cleaners is a premier dry cleaning service with over 20 years of spotless reputation. With its convenient locations and eco-friendly GreenEarth technology, it’s hard not to appreciate their service. As Top Hat Cleaners puts it, “Our friendly staff takes particular care with each and every order and proudly provides customers with professional workmanship.”
2nd: Dry Clean America
3rd: Executive Dry Cleaners
BEST AUTO REPAIR
STEWART AUTO REPAIR
1990 42nd St NW, Winter Haven
(863) 965-2526
FB @stewartautorepair
IG @stewartautorepair
Stewart’s is tire-lessly committed to great auto service! Since 1998, Stewart Auto Repair has been the go-to for a variety of makes and models across Central Florida. Their expert technicians use high-quality parts for collision and auto body repairs, and they back their work with a warranty. Stewart Auto Repair also invests in the latest tools and diagnostic software tailored to your vehicle’s needs. Customers agree that they have a friendly and professional staff with excellent communication about the issues and needed repairs.
2nd: A&E Auto Body, Inc.
3rd: Adkins Automotive
BEST AUTO DEALER
LOW PAYMENT KINGS
Locations throughout Polk County
FB @LowPaymentKings
Don’t drive yourself crazy going somewhere else! Since 1966, their mission has been to surpass expectations through exceptional customer service, top-quality products, and cost-effective solutions for all automotive needs. The Low Payment Kings are dedicated to helping drivers find their dream vehicle at any of their seven convenient locations. As one satisfied customer from the LPK Used Vehicle Outlet and Buying Center notes, “We had an outstanding customer service experience purchasing a vehicle. They were excellent at answering questions and helping us find the perfect Jeep.”
2nd: Hill Nissan
3rd: Bartow Ford
BEST CAR WASH
MISTER CAR WASH
Multiple Locations
Rev up your ride with a shine that’s sublime! Whether you’re after a single wash or interested in joining the Ultimate Wash Club, Mister Car Wash ensures a high-quality experience with every visit. A customer from the Mister Car Wash 3rd Street location shared, “Love this place!! Always a quick wash... in and out, even with a line! My car always comes out super shiny! I love the free vacuums and the unlimited wash membership!”
2nd: Pat’s Nustar Car Wash
3rd: Zips Car Wash
BEST OIL CHANGE
TAKE 5 OIL CHANGE
1530 1st St S, Winter Haven
(863) 658-6075
Don’t let your engine run dry - come get a fast oil change! Take 5 Oil Change provides a quick, drive-thru oil change service in just 10 minutes, no appointment needed. Choose your oil from the selection offered by the technicians, then relax while they handle the oil and filter change, top off under-hood fluids, and check your air filter and wiper blades. Customers love the friendly and swift service and say they will definitely come back.
2nd: Johnny’s Automotive
BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR
AUSTIN THARP | AVENTAIL WEALTH MANAGEMENT
353 Ave C SW, Winter Haven
(863) 333-1927
FB @aventailwm100
Time to make ‘cents’ of your finances! Austin Tharp serves as the Vice President & Investment Adviser Representative at Aventail Wealth Management, where he has been a part of the team since 2016. He is dedicated to providing topnotch, personalized service to his clients. Beyond his professional role, Tharp actively contributes to his community through involvement with nonprofit organizations. Austin’s clients think he is a delight to work with. They trust he will address all questions and concerns with the best possible advice, giving them peace of mind.
2nd: Joshua Chase | Edward Jones
3rd: Mark L. Barber | Edward Jones
BEST CPA
CONNER & ASSOCIATES LLC
20 3rd St SW Suite 306, Winter Haven
(863) 268-4374
FB @ConnerCPA
IG @connerandassociatesllc
Taxing times? Connor will deduct your stress! Serving Winter Haven and the surrounding areas, Conner & Associates LLC provides friendly tax, accounting, payroll, and business consulting services. Their mission is “to ease the burden of entrepreneurship on small business owners.” Committed to delivering prompt and dependable tax and accounting support for both personal and business needs, Conner & Associates is dedicated to their clients’ success. One client noted, “Mr. Conner filed tax returns for our family. He is professional, informative, and efficient. His staff is top-notch also. I’ll be back next year.”
2nd: Turner Wiggins | Wiggins, Smit, Burby, Reineke & CO P.A.
3rd: Karen Clark | Surrency, Clark & Colyer, CPAs, PL
BEST ATTORNEY
SOUTHERN ATLANTIC LAW GROUP, PLLC
520 6th St NW, Winter Haven
(863) 656-6672
FB @WinterHavenbusinesslaw
IG @southernatlanlawgroup
When it comes to legal matters, they’re the best in the court (room)! The Southern Atlantic Law Group is a leading statewide civil litigation and appellate firm with attorneys skilled in handling cases in both state and federal courts. Based in Winter Haven, this firm is known for its clientfocused approach and successful outcomes. Their areas of expertise include appellate law, business litigation, class actions, contract disputes, corporate and general counsel, hurricane damage claims, insurance claims, and personal injury. Clients report having an outstanding experience with Southern Atlantic Law Group. The team is incredibly respectful and professional.
2nd: Howell & Thornhill
3rd: Mark Turner | Straughn & Turner, P.A.
BEST BANK
MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION
Multiple Locations
FB @MIDFLORIDA
IG @midflorida_creditunion
Banking on a brighter future? MIDFLORIDA, a consistent Best Bank winner, is a not-forprofit, member-owned institution providing a range of banking services from personal and business accounts to loans, mortgages, and investment options. Originally founded in 1954 as Polk County Teachers Credit Union, it has grown to nearly 65 branches, serving as Central Florida’s community credit union. MIDFLORIDA emphasizes personalized service and competitive rates. They hope to equip their members with the tools and resources necessary for making informed financial decisions and achieving their financial goals.
2nd: SouthState Bank
3rd: Crews Bank & Trust
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
DAN MANN | STATE FARM INSURANCE
6380 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
(863) 318-8881
FB @DanMannInsurance
Whether you’re looking for coverage on auto, homeowners, renters, personal liability umbrella insurance, business, life, health, or pets – Dan is the Mann! Dan Mann and his State Farm team are committed to offering you a great policy at a great price for your unique needs. They share a love for community and are involved in everything from youth sports like soccer, baseball, and volleyball to nonprofit organizations like Meals on Wheels, Boy Scouts, and The Mission. One client writes in part, “Spoke with three different reps while I was working on adding a new car. Each rep was polite, very professional, and willing to help. I have been doing business here with Dan for about eight years and here’s to many more!!!”
2nd: Karen Bryan | State Farm Insurance
3rd: David Dershimer | Dershimer Insurance Agency
BEST PRINT AND SIGN SHOP
STACY’S PRINTING
6320 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
(863) 662-3163
FB: Stacy’s Printing & Services
IG @stacys_printing
Looking for an excellent print shop – here’s your sign – Stacy’s is it! Inspired by her mother, Stacy’s Printing was established in 2017 with one machine and a countertop and has grown into a fullfunctioning print shop that offers many services, including blueprints, signs and banners, business cards, digital full-color printing, books and booklets, and finishing. One customer raved, “I recently had the pleasure of working with Stacy’s Printing, and I couldn’t be more impressed with their services. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with friendly and professional staff who were eager to help with my printing needs. The quality of the prints exceeded my expectations – the colors were vibrant, and the details were crisp. They handled my order with exceptional care and delivered it on time, which was crucial for my project.”
2nd: Cypress Signs
3rd: RayGraphics
BEST TECH REPAIR
TECHMATE COMPUTER SALES & SERVICE
1107 3rd St SW Suite 4, Winter Haven
(863) 293-3800
FB @TechMateFL
TechMate is your computer store for top-level computer sales and service. Located in Winter Haven, TechMate serves all of Polk County and Central Florida. They are CompTIA A+ and Network+ Certified with over 14 years of hands-on computer experience. They are experts on all of the current Windows Operating Systems (10, 8, 7), Windows Server Systems, and MacOS and specialize in building and repairing desktops and laptops, setting up networks (wired or wireless), and offering enterprise-grade secure offsite cloud backups.
2nd: Affordable Computer Geeks
3rd: CPR Cell Phone Repair Winter Haven
BEST DAYCARE
PARKLAND PRESCHOOL
1800 8th St SE, Winter Haven
863-293-1207
From ABCs to 123s, Parkland makes learning a breeze! Parkland Preschool at Parkland Baptist Church is a top choice among voters. Catering to children from twelve months to four years old, Parkland also provides an after-school program for K-4th graders from Brigham Academy, Garden Grove Elementary, Chain of Lakes Elementary, and Jewett School of the Arts. Parkland emphasizes its focus on biblical teachings and spiritual values. They aim to extend the ministry of Parkland Baptist Church by offering exceptional care and education for children.
2nd: Florida Leaders Academy
3rd: Cypress Academy Preschool
BEST AFTER SCHOOL CARE
RO’S TAEKWONDO
775 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
(863) 293-8584
FB @rostaekwondo1
IG @rostaekwondo
Looking for something to occupy your young ones after school lets out? Let Ro’s Taekwondo teach them about respect, discipline, and fitness in their martial arts after-school program. According to Ro’s, “Learning martial arts helps kids in many ways. It teaches them to respect themselves and others and to persist when they have a goal in mind. It emphasizes the mindbody connection and helps them to discipline themselves without being reminded.” Parent testimonials rave that the Ro’s staff are friendly to work with and that their kids enjoy the classes and friends they’ve made there.
2nd: Excel Athletics
3rd: Girls Inc. of Winter Haven
BEST SPA
MASSAGE AND SPINAL THERAPY OF WINTER HAVEN, INC.
546 Avenue A NE, Winter Haven
(863) 294-2000
FB @ MassageandSpinalTherapyofWinterHavenInc
IG @massageofwinterhaven
Established in 1990, Massage and Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven is committed to excellence in personal healthcare. According to Massage and Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven, “Through many new and innovative forms of treatments available, your chronic pain related to body structure and function can be relieved and the underlying causes permanently corrected.” One relaxed client writes, “Had the best deep tissue massage EVER yesterday! I love a superrrr deep massage to work out any tension in my muscles and Brooke did just that. Will definitely come back, I have found my new favorite massage place!”
2nd: Salt Room Winter Haven
3rd: SPAscape
BEST MED SPA
ETERNAL YOUTH AESTHETICS
400 Ave K SE Suite 1, Winter Haven
(239) 383-7625
FB @eternalyouthaestheticsllc
IG @eternalyouthaestheticsllc
Eternal Youth Aesthetics, led by owner Jodi DeVries, a Certified Cosmetic Injector, MS, APRN, CRNA, delivers rejuvenating transformations that make you feel younger, refreshed, and confident— where everyone notices, but no one knows. This med spa specializes in cosmetic injections, iS Clinical Skincare, and facial and body treatments. Clients rave that the staff is welcoming and warm. Jodi patiently answers all questions and it’s clear they’re dedicated to enhancing natural beauty, not creating an artificial look. Get ready to inject some youth into your routine!
2nd: The New You
3rd: CaraMia Medical Aesthetics
BEST PERMANENT MAKEUP
GREAT BROWS
My Salon, 4000 US Hwy 98 N Suite 106, Lakeland
(863) 888-2443
FB @greatbrows
IG @greatbrows
From nano brows to ombre brows, permanent eyeliner and lip blushing, and everything in between – this Lakeland studio is the place for GREAT BROWS! Their studio specializes in creating beautiful, natural-looking brows through cutting-edge techniques. One beautified customer writes, “I had a very positive experience with Kate. It was my first time getting my brows done, and she made me feel comfortable. Her precision, meticulousness and attention to detail is commendable. I was very impressed with the results. I would definitely recommend her to my friends and family!”
2nd: The U Salon
BEST HAIR SALON
SPECTRUM STUDIO
219 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
(863) 307-7500
IG @spectrumstudio
There is shear-magic happening in Spectrum! For over 20 years, Spectrum Studio has been a landmark salon in Winter Haven. This iconic studio provides a range of services, including hair cuts, nail treatments, facials, massage, and brow waxing, all available by appointment. Their expertise has ‘cut’ through the competition, leaving clients looking fabulous and feeling beautiful with every visit. Come early to shop the attached men’s & women’s boutique, Seven Anchors.
2nd: The Room Hair Salon
3rd: PhD Salon
BEST HAIRSTYLIST
DANIELA AGUILAR
The Room Hair Salon
55 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
(863) 808-8599
IG @_danielaaguilar._
FB: Hair By Daniela
Daniela Aguilar started doing hair in 2009 after she had her firstborn. She worked at PhD Salon in Winter Haven for almost seven years, saying she worked with some “amazing stylists” and that she “will be forever grateful to them.” Nine years ago, she and partner Mandy Homman worked together to open The Room Hair Salon in downtown Winter Haven. Aguilar specializes in hair extensions and ‘lived-in’ color for her clients but loves doing it all – haircuts, blowouts, balayage, highlights, hair extensions, and custom colors. “I honestly love what I do, I love making women feel beautiful and empowered even if it’s for that two plus hours in my chair. I love that they trust me to do their hair and allow me to express myself! I’m seriously so thankful for each of them because of them is why I get to enjoy my profession!” says Aguilar.
2nd: Lindsey Meeks | Spectrum Studio
3rd: Michelle Blastic | PhD Salon
BEST BARBER
BEST CUTS BARBER SHOP
213 Ave O SW, Winter Haven
(863) 293-9433
FB @BestCutsWinterHaven
IG @bestcutswinterhaven
We are buzzing with excitement for Best Cuts Barber Shop! Located in Winter Haven, the Best Cuts team caters to men, women, and kids with services including haircuts, beard trims, washes, hot towel shaves, and massages. One satisfied client shares, “Absolutely incredible barber shop. The barbers are top-tier and incredibly talented. The atmosphere is so much more than a barbershop. The team there makes you laugh, the music is great, and such a fun vibe. Highly recommended. I will not go anywhere else.”
2nd: Mr. Clippers Barber Shop
3rd: The Vintage Barber Lounge
BEST NAIL SALON
LUNA ESTHETICS STUDIO
170 2nd St SW, Winter Haven
(863) 852-5882
FB @lunaestheticsstudio
IG @lunaestheticsstudio
Luna Esthetics Studio really nailed it this year! Luna offers lash extensions, facials, waxing, teeth whitening, body sculpting and more by appointment only. But it’s the nails we’re here for! Luna offers acrylic, Gel-X, and structured gel manicures. Leslie Ramirez also known as @monas.manis_ on IG, specializes in structured gel manicures, and Abby Rodriguez, @abbysacrylix on IG, specializes in acrylic nail art designs that last. Luna Esthetics Studio clients love to recommend them for their retention and successful nail growth. “We are not a typical walkin nail salon. We are appointment based only which allows us to focus all our attention only on our clients. We also offer complimentary wine for all our clients over 21 of course!” says Luna.
2nd: Tips & Toes Nail Spa
3rd: Oasis Spa & Nails
BEST TATTOO STUDIO
SKINFINITY TATTOO COMPANY
5654 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
(863) 401-8288
FB @skinfinitytattoocompany
IG @skinfinitytattoocompany
Skinfinity has been inking Polk County since 2005. Skinfinity is a family-owned and operated small business that has forged a trusted name for safety, cleanliness, artistry, and customer service. They are home to several award-winning artists with a variety of styles of tattoo artwork. One client raved, “Such a professional and friendly shop! I just completed my second piece with Terri. She is such a talented artist. She was able to take my vision and turn it into something that exceeded my expectations.”
2nd: Aces Ink
3rd: Angry Elephant Tattoos
BEST FUNERAL SERVICES
KERSEY FUNERAL HOME
108 Lake Stella Dr, Auburndale
(863) 401-4086
FB @kerseyfuneralhome
Kersey Funeral Home has been offering compassionate care since 1950. Their historic funeral home sits on over seven acres of land in the heart of Auburndale. Kersey offers complete endof-life care for burial, cremation, and coordination with local cemeteries, all designed to provide peace of mind during difficult times. One client writes in part, “The care given to my wife and the continued care and support given to myself and my children was/is nothing short of amazing. They really care for the departed, and for the ones left behind, it is truly special.”
2nd: Oak Ridge Funeral Care
3rd: Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home
