Health & Wellness - Best Of Haven 2025
- Haven Magazine
- 7 days ago
- 7 min read
Best Family Doctor
KARA LANPHER, MD
Dr. Kara Lanpher is proud to serve her hometown of Winter Haven through her new practice, DirectMD. A University of Florida grad, Dr. Lanpher went on to attend St. George’s University for medical school and completed her residency at Florida State University. Her mission is simple: to make healthcare personal again. With a passion for preventive care and community medicine, she’s the kind of hometown doctor who truly knows her patients.
2nd: Ruben E. Perez, MD | AdventHealth
3rd: Robinson Koilpillai, MD | AdventHealth Bond Clinic
Best Pediatrician
RAUL ALVAREZ, MD
Lakeland Regional Health Winter Haven 430 E Central Ave, Winter Haven
With nearly four decades of seasoned experience since graduating from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Dr. Alvarez delivers care that’s always child’s play, in the best way. Patients rate him a perfect 5.0 for friendliness, clear explanations, and follow-up care. Dr. Alvarez listens with heart, diagnoses with care, and his bedside manner is truly parent-approved.
2nd: Josef S. Kleine, MD
3rd: Eric LaRue, MD
Best Eye Specialist/Optometrist
EYE SPECIALISTS OF MID-FLORIDA, P.A.
From humble beginnings in 1960s Winter Haven to multiple locations across the region, their vision has only gotten sharper. Whether it’s laser surgery, cataracts, glaucoma care, or stylish frames, the Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida keep patient care in focus. With top-notch doctors and a commitment to treating people, not just their eyes, they’re the clear choice for your vision needs.
2nd: Family Eye Care
3rd: Salomon Eye Care
Best Orthopedic Doctor
LARRY R. PADGETT, MD
Dr. Padgett has earned his reputation as the Best Orthopedic Surgeon with a career that’s truly hall of fame worthy. A UNC-Chapel Hill grad and Mayo Clinic-trained surgeon, he brings elite skill and experience to every patient. From serving as the Florida Team Physician for the Atlanta Braves to caring for college athletes and local high schools, Dr. Padgett keeps Polk County in motion. With expertise in sports medicine, shoulder surgery, and ACL innovation, he’s not just treating injuries, he’s changing the game.
2nd: Samuel S. Messieh, MD
3rd: Relevé Sports Medicine
Best OB/GYN
WINTER HAVEN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
427 E Central Ave, Winter Haven
The team at Winter Haven OB-GYN has truly birthed a reputation for excellence, earning the title of Best OB-GYN! Their care is built on compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to women’s health. From first ultrasounds to final checkups, their team helps patients feel womb-comfortable every step of the way. Whether you’re expecting, planning, or just prioritizing your well-being, they’ve got the right delivery of care.
2nd: Lisa M. Jardine, MD | BayCare Gessler Clinic
3rd: Andrea Francis, MD | Central Florida Health Care
Best Dentist
PAUL A. PALO, DMD
151 Ave F NW, Winter Haven
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Paul Palo truly knows how to fill every visit with care and confidence. A proud lifelong resident of Polk County, Dr. Palo has a knack for turning nervous grins into toothfully happy smiles. Patients rave about his gentle touch, advanced skills, and a team that’s always flossome. From cleanings to crowns, Dr. Palo delivers braceworthy care that’s nothing short of enamel-zing!
2nd: Jamie W. Odom, DMD
3rd: Gerald Cerdan, DMD
Best Orthodontist
DIETRICH & KELSO ORTHODONTICS
1519 6th St SE, Winter Haven
With over 40 years of smile engineering under their belt, they’ve clearly aligned themselves perfectly with patient satisfaction and community trust. Whether you’re in Lakeland, Winter Haven, or Bartow, this team braces no limits in crafting confident, comfortable grins. Their modern treatments, from ceramic to Invisalign, keep patients smiling.
2nd: Scott Orthodontics
3rd: Shannon Orthodontics
Best Hospital
WINTER HAVEN HOSPITAL
200 Ave F NE, Winter Haven
With compassionate care and advanced technology, they truly put patients first, making every visit feel welcoming and safe. From routine check-ups to complex treatments, their skilled team is dedicated to healing and hope. Known for their kindness and expertise, they are the heart of our community’s health. Congratulations to Winter Haven Hospital for always going above and beyond to keep Polk County strong and well.
2nd: AdventHealth
3rd: Lakeland Regional Health
Best Urgent Care
ADVENTHEALTH BOND CLINIC URGENT CARE
325 1st St N, Winter Haven
From scraped knees to sniffles, they bandage it all with quick, friendly care that’s right on the pulse. Everyone needs urgent care at some point, so when unexpected injuries or sudden illnesses strike, quick, reliable treatment makes all the difference. It’s comforting to know expert help is just a visit away. Congratulations on winning year after year!
2nd: BayCare Urgent Care
3rd: AdventHealth Centra Care Winter Haven
Best Rehab Services
OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE & PHYSICAL THERAPIES
5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
With 20+ clinics across Florida, OPPT’s therapist-owned approach ensures every patient gets top-tier care. From orthopedic to sports therapy, their specialty programs help patients bounce back faster and reclaim their active lives. Congrats to the dedicated therapists who put patients first, guiding them toward optimal health and peak performance.
2nd: Spring Lake Rehabilitation Center
3rd: Polk Therapy
Best Chiropractor
NEWBERRY CHIROPRACTOR CLINIC
1619 6th St SE, Winter Haven
Whether you’re looking to re-align with old health goals or chart a new course toward vibrant living, they’ve got your back (and spine). With a hands-on team and personalized care plans, it’s no wonder folks are adjusting their idea of healthcare. Ready to adjust your outlook on health? Newberry’s got your back, literally!
2nd: Trueheart Chiropractic
3rd: The Joint Chiropractic
Best Yoga Studio
YOGA HAVEN
1511 6th St SE, Winter Haven From downward dogs to peaceful savasana, this studio is the om-azing sanctuary where flexibility meets community. Their instructors are the namas-stars of the mat, guiding every flow with heart and intention. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just trying to find your center, Yoga Haven has you covered. You voted, and the results are pose-itively perfect. Congrats on this well-deserved success!
2nd: Winter Haven Yoga
3rd: The Balance Culture
Best Gym/Fitness Studio
JUST MOVE
5636 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
1164 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven
With top-notch equipment, motivating classes, and a supportive community, it’s no surprise this fitness haven outpaced the rest. Whether you’re lifting, cycling, stretching, or just starting your wellness journey, Just Move helps you find your strength and keep moving forward. The energy is high, the goals are personal, and the results? Stronger every day.
2nd: The Balance Culture
3rd: Habitat Health and Fitness
Best Wellness Store
HEALTHY HABITS
509 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
With shelves full of supplements and wellness must-haves, it’s the go-to spot for anyone looking to fuel their body the right way. Their knowledgeable staff makes every visit feel like a boost of energy and encouragement. Whether you’re starting your wellness journey or are a longtime health nut, Healthy Habits has everything you need to thrive. Congratulations on winning again this year!
2nd: Health Food Center of Winter Haven
3rd: SUNMED | Your CBD Store
Best Medical Cannibas Dispensary
TRULIEVE
From flower to vapes, edibles to oils, they’ve got the high-quality goods that keep customers coming back for more. The vibes are chill and the selection is totally dope. Whether you’re a seasoned toker or canna-curious, Trulieve’s staff knows their stuff and will help you find your perfect joint venture. You voted, and Trulieve rolled away with the win.
2nd: Surterra
3rd: Müv
Best Veterinarian
ORCHID SPRINGS ANIMAL HOSPITAL
615 Overlook Dr, Winter Haven
Paws up for Orchid Springs Animal Hospital! From tiny kittens to big ol’ good boys, they treat every pet like the ulti-mutt VIP. With compassionate care, a purr-fectly trained team, and top-notch facilities, it’s no wonder they’ve fetched the top spot again. Whether your fur baby needs a check-up or some extra TLC, this vet clinic is always there for you. Polk pet parents agree: Orchid Springs is the cat’s meow when it comes to care.
2nd: Cypress Animal Hospital
3rd: Garden Grove Animal Hospital
Best Dog Groomer
LITTLE WOLFE’S PET RESORT
555 6th St NW, Winter Haven
From fancy fluff-ups to dapper trims, they know how to make your furry friends pawsitively fabulous, fur real! Their team is shear magic with the clippers, treating every pup and kitty like grooming royalty. Whether it’s a quick tidy or a full-on glow-up, your pet will leave looking fetching. Polk pet parents clearly think Little Wolfe’s is the top dog when it comes to style and care.
2nd: Grooming Deals
3rd: Golden Spots Pet Grooming
Best Doggy Daycare
LITTLE WOLFE’S PET RESORT
555 6th St NW, Winter Haven
This pup paradise is where playtime meets top-notch care, with plenty of cuddles, belly rubs, and tail-chasing fun. Whether your dog’s a social butterfly or a nap-time pro, the Little Wolfe’s team treats every furry guest like one of their own. It’s no wonder Polk pet parents picked them as the leader of the pack! For paws-itively happy pups, this daycare is ruff to beat!
2nd: Paw Printz
3rd: Das Hund Haus
Best Place of Worship
HAVEN WORSHIP CENTER
1835 Overlook Dr, Winter Haven
This non-denominational church offers a welcoming environment for individuals seeking to deepen their faith. With engaging sermons, uplifting worship, and a variety of programs for all ages, they foster a sense of belonging and purpose. Their dedication to serving the community and making a positive impact has solidified their excellent reputation.
2nd: St. Joseph Catholic Church
3rd: First Presbyterian Church Winter Haven
Best Nonprofit
KEEP WINTER HAVEN CLEAN & BEAUTIFUL
Founded in 1980, it stands as the oldest continuing affiliate in the state of Florida under the Keep America Beautiful network. The organization actively engages thousands of residents through various initiatives, including neighborhood and lake cleanups, revitalization projects, and educational programs on litter prevention and waste reduction. Notably, its flagship event, Project E.A.G.L.E., has been instrumental in removing and recycling approximately 4,000 pounds of litter annually.
2nd: Girls Inc. of Winter Haven
3rd: Meals on Wheels of Polk County
