Facility manager Jaheida Maiz announces April 30 ribbon-cutting for Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center

Jaheida Maiz, facility manager for the Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center, said the city will hold a ribbon-cutting and open house on April 30 at 5:30 p.m. She invited residents to "come out, tour the facility, meet the team and experience everything the Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center staff and team has to offer." Maiz said, "We look forward to welcome you all."

Maiz introduced herself at the start of the presentation and said she brings "over 25 years of experience opening facilities and venue management," citing past roles with the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, the Orlando Ballet and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. She said this is her third major facility opening.

Speaking about the center's purpose, Maiz said the project is "more than just a building" and emphasized that the facility is intended to serve the community. She identified program priorities including planning after-school programs for children and hosting community meetings, and specifically named Florence Villa as a neighborhood she expects the center to serve.

Maiz said she is "super excited" to open the doors and to see community members use the space. The announcement closed with the invitation to the public event on April 30 at 5:30 p.m., when staff will be available to give tours and explain programs and services. No formal votes or policy actions were announced during the remarks.