BEST GYM
THE BALANCE CULTURE WINTER HAVEN
31 5th St NW, Winter Haven
(863) 323-0831
FB @thebalanceculture
IG @thebalanceculture
This women’s fitness studio was established in 2015. Their goal is to empower women and create a unique experience where they feel challenged physically, encouraged mentally, and supported through community. The Balance Culture offers a variety of group fitness classes, small group classes and private sessions, personal training, and nutrition coaching. One fitness baddie writes, “Steph is passionate about health and encouraging other women to live the best versions of themselves. I highly recommend trying them out, and I love that they offer a variety of classes! If you’re looking to work out and build a community at the same time, this is the place for you!”
2nd: Laws of Fitness Downtown
3rd: Habitat Health and Fitness
BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO
RO’S TAEKWONDO
775 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
(863) 293-8584
FB @rostaekwondo1
IG @rostaekwondo
Ro’s Taekwondo strives to offer a professional facility and a complete program that pertains to each member’s mind and body. “It is our goal to pursue maximum results that both the member and the school can be proud of. We offer numerous courses depending on your goals and what you like to accomplish through the program,” according to Ro’s. They offer kid, teen, and adult martial arts programs and an award-winning afterschool program. One Ro’s attendee writes, “Ro’s Taekwondo is definitely the BEST taekwondo school in Winter Haven. Master Ro and staff are world-class instructors that seek the best in each student! From training world class competition team members - to all ages and levels, this is the place to be. Unlike other martial arts schools, Ro’s Taekwondo stays true to their roots with no fake or false titles and only real Masters!”
2nd: Carlson Gracie Winter Haven
3rd: Tiger’s World Martial Arts
BEST MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY
MÜV DISPENSARY WINTER HAVEN
6900 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
(833) 880-5420
FB @muvdispensary
IG @muv.fl
This medical cannabis dispensary comes ‘highly’ recommended by voters. MÜV Dispensary Winter Haven offers a diverse range of medical marijuana products that are carefully selected to meet the unique needs of their patients. From premium flower to concentrates, edibles, and topicals, their extensive selection caters to different preferences and conditions. One high and happy customer writes, “I absolutely love coming to Winter Haven location, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. From the time I arrived I’m greeted with smiles. Given the specials that are currently available, if I have questions about any of the products, they are explained and given with examples. The first time I came in, I was a little nervous, but that was eased instantly. These are the best people!!!”
2nd: Surterra Wellness
3rd: Trulieve Winter Haven Dispensary
BEST WELLNESS STORE
HEALTHY HABITS
509 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
(863) 875-6551
FB: Healthy Habits Cafe on the Boulevard
IG @healthyhabitsontheboulevard
“Change your habits, change your life” is the motto at Healthy Habits. They believe that making positive adjustments to our daily routines can significantly impact our long-term health and well-being. Whether you have specific dietary requirements or are looking to adopt healthier habits. Healthy Habits offers a wide range of products, including antioxidants, anti-aging solutions, blood pressure support, digestive enzymes, gluten-free foods, immune system boosters, vitamins, and organic hair, skin, and beauty products.
2nd: Health Food Center of Winter Haven
3rd: Your CBD Store | SUNMED
BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP
HAVEN WORSHIP CENTER
1835 Overlook Dr, Winter Haven
(863) 318-0701
FB @havenworshipcenter
IG @havenworshipcenter
Haven Worship Center exists to help people know God, live free, find purpose, and make a difference. Jeff Connor is the Lead Pastor of Winter Haven Worship Center along with his wife, Kim Connor. The church recently acquired a new building across the street (Haven Chapel) and launched a rebrand, officially changing the name to Haven Worship Center. One congregant writes, “Very organized church. Solid, biblical teaching. I see a genuine desire in the leadership to work the vineyard in the principles of the Word: Salvation, Christ-like living, practical day-to-day living, service to others, relationship over religion. Great worship, too. Multiple programs for children and adults.”
2nd: Heartland Church
3rd: St. Joseph Catholic Church
BEST FAMILY DOCTOR
AMANDA WATERS, APRN | LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH LAKE WALES PRIMARY CARE
455 Emerald Ave, Lake Wales
(863) 284-5000
FB @LakelandRegionalHealth
IG @lakelandregionalhealth
Amanda Waters has worked in healthcare for more than 20 years. She was an ER/Trauma RN since 2012 and has been a Nurse Practitioner since 2019. Waters specializes in Family Medicine — promoting health and wellness and disease prevention — using a holistic approach where appropriate. She offers extensive experience in many acute and chronic health conditions and weight loss. Patients often note her compassion and competency when raving about Amanda Waters.
2nd: Michael Keown, MD | BayCare
3rd: Betina P. Laiolo, MD | BayCare
BEST PEDIATRICIAN
RAUL ALVAREZ, MD | LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH WINTER HAVEN
430 E Central Ave, Winter Haven
(863) 284-5000
FB @LakelandRegionalHealth
IG @lakelandregionalhealth
Dr. Alvarez has practiced Pediatrics for nearly three decades. In addition to general pediatric care, Dr. Alvarez offers adolescent and young adult care. His patient philosophy is to listen and observe patients’ needs before dispensing care or advice. Dr. Alvarez never intended to become a physician. According to Dr. Alvarez, “My “nerdiness” initially led me to study chemistry and biology with the hope of becoming a biochemical engineer. Along the path, I found myself desiring to be in the foreground, rendering medical care.” One patient raves, “Great Doctor! Has a lot of experience. Very knowledgeable. Thank you for all you do, Dr. Alvarez!”
2nd: Josef S. Kleine, MD | Kleine Pediatrics
3rd: Eric LaRue, MD | LaRue & LaRue Pediatrics, P.A.
BEST EYE SPECIALIST/ OPTOMETRIST
FAMILY EYE CARE
410 E Central Ave, Winter Haven
(863) 293-0276
FB @DrHenne
IG @familyeyecarewh
Eye’ve heard good things about you! Family Eye Care states, “Whether it’s a general eye exam or treating a condition that requires and in-depth diagnosis, our team provides undivided attention to each patient so we can evaluate a plan based on your needs and our professional opinion.” One patient writes, “We’ve been Family Eye Care clients for 30 years. We have always been treated with utmost professionalism, expertise, and kindness. I highly recommend Dr. Henne and Dr. Beissinger for all your eye care!”
2nd: Salomon Eye Care
3rd: Eye Specialists of Mid Florida
BEST ORTHOPEDIC DOCTOR
LARRY R. PADGETT, MD | ADVANCED ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY AND SPORTS MEDICINE
250 3rd St NW #201, Winter Haven
(863) 318-9696
A repeat winner, Dr. Padgett and his team provide top-notch care to athletes ranging from high school and college players to professionals and recreational athletes of all ages. His impressive career includes serving as the Team Physician for the Cleveland Indians from 1998 to 2008, and he is currently the Florida Team Physician for the Atlanta Braves. His extensive experience includes roles as the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team Physician, Assistant Team Physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Event Physician for the Women’s World Pro Ski Tour, and Major League Physician for the World Baseball Classic in 2006.
2nd: Paul Morin, MD | Bond Clinic, P.A.
3rd: Michelle Henne, MD | Releve Sports Medicine
BEST OB-GYN
JAMES J. BOOKER, MD | WINTER HAVEN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
427 E Central Ave, Winter Haven
(863) 299-1107
FB @WinterHavenOBGYN
Dr. James Booker founded Winter Haven OBGYN in 2004. He attended college and medical school in Virginia and completed his residency in OBGYN in North Carolina. His goal with Winter Haven OBGYN is to focus on the individual and provide a high level of personal attention to expectant mothers. This allows him to continue following patients successfully treated for infertility issues. He currently delivers babies at Winter Haven Women’s Hospital and sees patients at Winter Haven Hospital and Bartow Regional Medical Center. He is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is currently active in many leadership roles in local, state, and national organizations. One patient of Dr. Booker writes, “Dr. Booker is a great surgeon, very professional, and explains everything in detail. All the office staff is very friendly and make you feel like family. They always show they care about you. Would recommend to any friend or family member.”
2nd: Ashley Lopez, MD | Winter Haven Obstetrics and Gynecology
3rd: Lisa Jardine, MD | Gessler Clinic, P.A.
BEST DENTIST/ ORTHODONTIST
FORNI DENTAL & ASSOCIATES
701 State Rd 60 East, Lake Wales
(863) 563-3663
FB @fornidental
IG @fornidental1
Forni Dental has been making Polk County smile since 1974. They provide patients with modern cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and general family dentistry. Forni Dental uses the latest technology, materials, and procedures to ensure that you will be provided with the highest quality of dental care, emphasizing your comfort and experience. One patient raves, “I have been to a lot of Dentists in my life but I have never experienced anything like I did at Forni Dental. They offer the newest equipment and treatments. They are genuinely interested in the patient’s care and experience. I will be having a lot of work done, and there was no pressure to get it done quickly but rather to work at the pace of my financial ability. Thank you to all of the staff for making me feel so comfortable.”
2nd: Paul A. Palo, DMD | Palo Dental
3rd: Steve G. Wang, DMD | Kians Dental Studio
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
SMITH CHIROPRACTIC
1550 6th St SE, Winter Haven
(863) 293-8836
FB @SmithChirocare
IG @smithchirowh
Suffering from neck or back pain? Let Smith Chiropractic take a crack at it! According to Smith Chiropractic, “While traditional chiropractors tend to simply focus on pain, we also focus on your overall function. If your body is functioning at its best, you’ll experience less pain and be able to get back to doing what you want to do quickly and safely.” The practice is run by Dr. Ryan Briggs, a licensed Chiropractic Doctor with years of experience creating customized treatment plans for individuals with a range of conditions. “I had my first appointment today with Dr. Briggs, and I couldn’t be more impressed with his care or his office staff. He was very thorough, personable, and reassuring during my treatment. I was very anxious, but he put my worries to rest. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone needing chiropractic care,”writes one Smith Chiropractic patient.
2nd: Advanced Spine & Wellness
3rd: Trueheart Chiropractic
BEST HOSPITAL
WINTER HAVEN HOSPITAL
200 Ave F NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 293-1121
FB @WinterHavenHospital
IG @baycare
‘Ward’ - winning, once again! Established in 1926, Winter Haven Hospital is renowned for delivering exceptional, patient-focused care. Their mission is “to improve the health of the people we serve by providing the highest quality and most effective care and services – and to return value to the people in the communities.” By maintaining this commitment to excellence, Winter Haven Hospital offers patients across Central Florida personalized, cutting-edge treatments in a welcoming and comfortable setting.
2nd: AdventHealth
3rd: Lakeland Regional Health
BEST URGENT CARE
BOND CLINIC URGENT CARE
325 1st St N, Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 293-1191 ext. 3693
FB @BondClinic
IG @bondclinic_fl
Feeling a bit under the weather? Drop by for an ‘urgent’ dose of care! You can stop by Bond Clinic Urgent Care without needing an appointment! The Urgent Care Association of America reports that most visitors wait 30 minutes or less to see a provider, compared to the longer waits often experienced in ERs. Plus, the cost at an urgent care center can be significantly lower, potentially saving you up to seven times what you might spend at an ER. Bond Clinic Urgent Care is available to both established patients and the general public, with skilled providers ready to address issues like colds, flu, minor cuts, ear pain, fever, and mild burns—it’s a great alternative if your primary doctor is fully booked.
2nd: AdventHealth Centra Care
3rd: Owl Now Urgent Care
BEST REHABILITATION SERVICES
POLK THERAPY
295 1st St S #2, Winter Haven
(863) 291-8644
From stiffness to strength - your physical therapy journey starts here! Polk Therapy delivers a thorough physical therapy and rehabilitation program in a welcoming environment. Their focus is on providing top-quality care and tailoring services to meet each patient’s unique needs. They are dedicated to offering the highest standard of health care. With a friendly and supportive approach, they create individualized rehabilitation plans designed to improve or restore your quality of life and help you safely return to your work, recreation, and sports activities as quickly as possible.
2nd: Spring Lake Rehabilitation Center
3rd: CORA Physical Therapy Winter Haven
BEST MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
LILI PARISH, LMHC
141 E Central Ave # 240A, Winter Haven
(863) 206-9428
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Don’t let your mental wellbeing become a last priority. Lili Parish is a licensed mental health counselor in downtown Winter Haven. Her clients rave about her compassionate care, listening skills, and how she’s gotten them through tough times. One client writes, “Mrs. Parrish is an angel on this earth! This is more than just a job to her. She really cares, and is a great listener, and a sweet person who knows what to say.” Another says, “Lili Parrish is an angel. She has helped me get through the most trying times of my life. I love her!”
2nd: Heartland Counseling Center
3rd: Donna Grosser, LMHC
BEST DOGGY DAYCARE
LITTLE WOLFE’S PET RESORT
555 6th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 293-7327
FB: Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort
IG @littlewolfespetresort
Dogs can wag, woof, and play all day! Pet parents give Camp Little Wolfe’s five dog bones for this paw-sitively amazing doggy daycare. One happy customer raves that Little Wolfe’s has the best staff and services, with their dogs enjoying boarding, grooming, and daycare here for three years. Their dogs always come home happy, tired, and eager to return! At Camp Little Wolfe’s, pups are grouped by size and temperament, ensuring they can romp and roll to their heart’s content. Pet parents can relax knowing their furry friends are in good paws, as the camp requires all attendees to be spayed or neutered, clean, well-groomed, and parasite-free
2nd: Paw Printz, Inc.
3rd: Orchid Springs Animal Hospital
BEST DOG GROOMER
GROOMING DEALS PET SPA & SALON
1616 6th St SE, Winter Haven
(863) 294-7877
If your dog is looking ruff, look no further than Grooming Deals! Owner Angela Todd is a Bay Area Pet Grooming Academy, Inc. graduate and has attended seminars at the Veterinary Medicine and Pet First Aid. Grooming Deals is a current member of the Dog Groomers Association of America and the Dundee Chamber of Commerce. The grooming room is open and easily viewed from the lobby. This is where your pup will get their hair cut or trimmed, nail grinding, and ears cleaned. All clients will leave with a bandana and designer cologne for the boys and bandana, bows, and designer perfume for the girls. One pep mom writes, “I take my little floof here regularly. The staff is kind and courteous, and they always do a great job on his groom.”
2nd: Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort
3rd: Golden Spots Pet Grooming
BEST VETERINARIAN
ORCHID SPRINGS ANIMAL HOSPITAL
615 Overlook Dr, Winter Haven
(863) 324-6964
FB @OrchidSpringsAnimalHospital
IG @orchidspringsanimalhospital
We’ve heard the Orchid Springs Animal Hospital team are the best ‘dog’tors around! Orchid Springs Animal Hospital was established as a small clinic in 1996 by Dr. Mitsie Vargas. Caring for one pet at a time, OSAH grew into a fivethousand-square-foot building with a boneshaped pool (used for exercise, rehabilitation therapy, and entertainment). In 2008, Dr. Vargas made room for a more extensive treatment area and luxury boarding rooms called The World Suites. Dr. Vargas and her team offer medical services to many kinds of animals as well as provide acupuncture therapy, boarding, daycare, grooming, training, dental services, veterinary medical manipulation, canine massage, canine rehabilitation, and Chinese herbal medicine.
2nd: Cypress Animal Hospital
3rd: Garden Grove Animal Hospital
