Latest News
Golf enjoys pandemic renaissance
One of the positives coming out of the pandemic is that participation is outdoors sports has significantly increased. PTSM has followed the research and has heavily targeted several of these markets with great success. Blessed with seemingly countless good golf...
Colombian based journalists explore Polk County
Journalists from Colombia-based Travesia TV and Radio recently completed a leg of their Florida press junket in Polk County. Travesia is the first Spanish tourism show to broadcast nationally on the Caracol network in its own country as well as throughout the world on...
Promotional initiative launched to support area businesses
In an effort to stimulate the local economy while the pandemic continues, Polk County’s destination marketing organization, Visit Central Florida, launched a promotional initiative this week utilizing restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. The Polk Savings Pass,...
Fieldhouse, Winter Haven enjoy ESPN moment
The AdventHealth Fieldhouse in Winter Haven enjoyed its first ESPN moment when the American Cornhole League held the 2021 ACL Kickoff Battle from Feb. 5-7. The tournament was broadcast both live and by tape delay around the world on various ESPN channels. It was the...
Shah repeats as Central Florida Spelling Bee champion
Dhurrie - a heavy cotton rug from India - was the winning word for Dev Shah, the first repeat Central Florida Spelling Bee Champion. It only took 18 rounds spanning five hours to do it. Encompassing more than a third of the counties in Florida, the third annual...
Olympians return to Florida Southern College
A collection of the greatest athletes from the United States to play softball took to the fields at Florida Southern College once again to continue their COVID-paused quest for Olympic glory in Tokyo. USA Softball’s National Women’s Team (NWT) – the same women that...
Flag football is a big score for Polk County
More than 420 teams filled up 18 fields in two different parks, generating not only more than $10 million in economic impact, providing a powerful shot in the arm for the Polk County economy. Dubbed the United Flag Football League National Championships, the three day...
SSE Committee Public Meeting Notice
Due to COVID-19, we ask that non-committee members attend this month's Sports & Special Events committee meeting via Zoom if possible. BOARD: Sports & Special Events Committee, Tourist Development Council of Polk County, Florida DATE AND TIME OF MEETING: Jan...
Lane wins Bernie Little Sports Executive Award
Some athletes give back to their sport. Many give back to their community. Bobby Lane does both – at the same time. For his efforts, Lane recently received the Bernie Little Sports Executive Award. Voted on by a committee comprised of sports legends and local...
In Memoriam: Ken Riley
Ken Riley, whose journey from Union Academy to the NFL and the halls of academia would inspire countless other Polk County athletes, passed away Sunday morning. He was 72. While Riley’s success on the field as both an athlete and later as the head coach of Florida...