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Winter Haven issues proclamations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Florida Arbor Day; lists events and tree giveaway
Summary
The commission issued proclamations recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 20) and Florida Arbor Day (Jan. 17). The MLK steering committee and the urban forestry advisory board announced a schedule of events, including a Jan. 18 tree giveaway at South Central Park.
The Winter Haven City Commission issued two proclamations on Jan. 13: one recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 20, 2025) and another recognizing Florida Arbor Day (Jan. 17, 2025).
The MLK proclamation was presented to members of the MLK steering committee. A committee representative summarized planned events for the week: "story time with Martin" at the Winter Haven Library (Jan. 14, 3–4:30 p.m.), a day of service on Jan. 15, a wreath-laying ceremony at Martin Luther King Park at 10 a.m. on Jan. 16 followed by "Movies with Martin" at 6 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre (screening the film Till), a Unity Luncheon at Norma Mayo Hall at 11 a.m. on Jan. 17 with keynote Elder Jimmy Thompson and local heroes recognition, a parade at 10 a.m. along Martin Luther King Boulevard on Jan. 18, and a community breakfast on Jan. 25 at 9 a.m. at Norma Mayo Hall. The committee representative thanked the city and said many events are free and open to the community; tickets for the Unity Luncheon were announced as $20.
The Arbor Day proclamation was presented to members of the Urban Forestry Advisory Board and city staff. Shannon Carnivale, Savannah Winstanley and Public Works Director Britney Hart were recognized at the dais. Staff noted Winter Haven has been a Tree City USA for more than 30 years and will receive the Arbor Day Foundation Growth Award for the 16th consecutive year. City staff announced the 10th annual tree giveaway: 203-gallon trees of Florida-friendly species will be distributed Saturday, Jan. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South Central Park. Staff said participants will be shown how to select, plant and care for the trees.
Ending: Both proclamations were signed by Mayor Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr. and attested by City Clerk Vanessa Castillo. The commission and committee representatives encouraged residents to participate in the scheduled events.
No formal commission votes were required to issue the proclamations.
