Health & Wellness - Best of Haven 2026
- Haven Magazine
- 47 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Best Family Doctor
KARA LANPHER, MD
DirectMD 406 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
Congratulations on Dr. Lanpher’s second win! This Winter Haven native is a favorite among locals. She believes healthcare should be personal and is passionate about preventive care. Clients rave about her compassion, expert knowledge, and comes highly recommended.
2nd: Garrison Christian, MD | Millennium Physicians Group
3rd: Eduardo Torres, MD | AdventHealth Bond Clinic
Best Pediatrician
RAUL ALVAREZ, MD
Lakeland Regional Health Winter Haven
430 E Central Ave, Winter Haven
Congratulations on a repeat win for Dr. Alvarez! With decades of experience, his patients love him with one reviewer writing, “Dr. Alvarez was my pediatrician growing up & has been all 4 of my kids pediatrician now!! He has always gone above & beyond for my family. Clean office and caring staff!”
2nd: Eric LaRue, MD
3rd: Josef Kleine, MD
Best Obstetrician | Gynecologist
ASHLEY LOPEZ, MD
Winter Haven Obstetrics & Gynecology
427 E Central Ave, Winter Haven
Congratulations to Dr. Lopez!! Dr. Lopez provides treatment for all aspects of women’s health including pregnancy and childbirth, reproductive health, infertility, menopause, hormone therapy, family planning, women’s preventive care, and more. She is trained in minimally invasive and robotic techniques and highly motivated to provide progressive, evidence-based care to the women of the community.
2nd: Lisa Jardine, MD | BayCare Medical Group Gessler Clinic
3rd: James Booker, MD | Winter Haven Obstetrics & Gynecology
Best Eye Specialist | Optometrist
ASHLEY MCCOY, OD
Optical Outlets
723 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Eye am so glad to see that Dr. McCoy won this spec-tacular award, congratulations! If you are in need of a comprehensive eye exam and the personal attention of a skilled doctor, Dr. McCoy is for you. She can help with your vision and overall eye health. From preventative care to treating an issue, if your life looks blurry, let Dr. McCoy bring it into focus.
2nd: Edward Attaway, OD | Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida. P.A.
3rd: Julia King, OD | Cypress Eye Care
Best Dentist
JAMES TRUITT, DMD, PA
144 Ave B NW, Winter Haven
For almost 40 years, Dr. Truitt has been treating Winter Haven’s smiles. One happy patient wrote, “The best dentist I have ever had. High-quality work. Great assistant and staff too.” Tooth be told, Dr. Truitt makes it a priority to deliver gentle and compassionate care. He believes patients should make educated decisions about their oral health care. Congratulations on your win!
2nd: Steven Wang, DMD | Kians Dental Studio
3rd: Ilmoon Park, DMD (Dr. Moon) | Moon Family Dental Care
Best Orthodontics
SCOTT ORTHODONTICS
211 6th St SE, Winter Haven
5030 S Lakeland Dr, Lakeland
Since 1987, this local, independent, and privately-owned practice has served the community with state-of-the-art technology and compassion. The doctors are totally floss-ome and locals love them. One patient wrote, “Scott Orthodontics is the best of the best. They are patient and informative and go above and beyond to ensure you’re happy with your smile. 10/10 recommend.” Congratulations to the entire Scott Orthodontics team!
2nd: Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics
3rd: Shannon Orthodontics
Best Orthopedic Doctor
LARRY PADGETT, MD
Padgett Center for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Dr. Padgett cares for athletes of all ages. He is the Florida Team physician for the Atlanta Braves, and was a Team Physician for the Cleveland Indians from 1998 through 2008. He is currently the Team Physician for Florida Southern College, Webber International University, and Warner University. The Padgett Center is voted the best in shoulder, knee, and elbow surgery. Congratulations!
2nd: Michelle Henne, MD
3rd: Samuel Messieh, MD
Best Spinal Care Clinic
MASSAGE AND SPINAL THERAPY OF WINTER HAVEN
546 Ave A NE, Winter Haven
What’s a spine’s favorite kind of music? Disc-o! Congratulations to the staff at Massage and Spinal Therapy! They offer non-surgical spinal decompression for people suffering from bulging discs, degenerative discs, pinched nerves, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. Spinal decompression therapy is designed to relieve pressure on spinal discs and surrounding nerves.
2nd: Mohammad Eldeeb, MD | AdventHealth Bond Clinic
3rd: Advanced Spinal Care Chiropractic Medical Spa & Massage
Best Chiropractor
TRUEHEART CHIROPRACTIC
589 Ave K SE, Winter Haven
Trueheart always has your back! They use gentle, targeted treatments for migraines, neck pain, lower back pain, whiplash, back injuries, shoulder and arm pain, disc-related issues, and more. Trueheart can treat the entire family using gentle chiropractic adjustments to stimulate your nervous system so you can heal. Congrats to Trueheart Chiropractic!
2nd: Smith Chiropractic
3rd: ETERNA Chiropractic Wellness Center
Best Rehab Services
ADVENTHEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY AT CYPRESS GARDENS
Formerly AdventHealth Bond Clinic
3000 Woodmont Ave, Winter Haven
If you’ve just had knee surgery, shoulder surgery, spinal surgery, or hip surgery, chances are you will need rehab services. Patients love this place, from the staff at the front desk to the doctors. One very happy review reads, “Had spinal surgery ... started here a month later. Walked in using a cane and after a couple months with them, I feel like my old self...”
2nd: Spring Lake Rehabilitation Center
3rd: Bespoke Physical Therapy
Best Massage Therapy
MASSAGE AND SPINAL THERAPY OF WINTER HAVEN
546 Ave A NE, Winter Haven
Knot today, achy muscles! Massage and Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven is here to help. Relax with Swedish, Hot Stone, or Deep Pressure massage with aromatherapy. They can also help with a Sports or Medical Massage, Prenatal Relaxation, Cupping, or their Signature Stress Relief. There is something for everyone. Congratulations to the staff for kneading out the competition this year!
2nd: Every Skin Spa Studio
3rd: Advanced Spinal Care Chiropractic Medical Spa & Massage
Best Med Spa
ETERNAL YOUTH AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS
400 Ave K SE, Winter Haven
If you’re interested in lip augmentation, anti-wrinkle treatments, liquid nose alteration, a butt lift, hair restoration, medical-grade facials, chemical peels, and so much more, then you’ve got to visit with the experts at Eternal Youth. In addition to advanced aesthetics and injectables, they can help with hormone optimization, IV therapy, and customized weight loss and fat reduction options.
2nd: Emergency Fix
3rd: Azuree Aesthetics & Skin Care Specialists
Best Mental Health Services
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER
Lakeland Regional Health
Multiple locations
One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to take care of our mental health. Lakeland Regional offers both inpatient and outpatient services including child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, group therapy, addiction therapy, couples therapy, ketamine infusions, electroconvulsive therapy, and more. Congratulations to Lakeland Regional Health!
2nd: Central Florida Health Care
3rd: Lili Parish, LMHC
Best Hospital
BAYCARE WINTER HAVEN HOSPITAL
200 Ave F NE, Winter Haven
Nobody wants to go to a hospital, but if you have to go, this is the place. From routine checkups to long-term care, their skilled and compassionate staff is dedicated to healing and helping. Thank you for keeping Polk County strong and healthy. Congratulations to Winter Haven Hospital on their repeat win!
2nd: AdventHealth Heart of Florida
3rd: Lakeland Regional Health
Best Urgent Care
ADVENTHEALTH URGENT CARE AT FIRST STREET
Formerly known as AdventHealth Bond Clinic Urgent Care
325 1st N, Winter Haven
Congratulations! This urgent care has won year after year. We all need unexpected fast care at some point. From minor injuries (when yardwork goes wrong) to common illnesses or infections (what did I just cough up?), head on over to Urgent Care. Locals love the quick and reliable care.
2nd: AdventHealth CentraCare Winter Haven
3rd: Lakeland Regional Health
Best Veterinarian
ORCHID SPRINGS ANIMAL HOSPITAL
615 Overlook Dr, Winter Haven
This is a repeat win for Orchid Springs, with clients specifically noting Dr. Moisa and Dr. Vargas as their favorites. If your dog is having a ruff-day, or your frisky feline isn’t feeling so fine, Orchid Springs treats your pets, big and small, with compassion and love. They offer boarding, grooming, surgical procedures, testing, advanced care, and answers to all of the questions you may have about your sweet pets. Congratulations to the staff at Orchid Springs for another win!
2nd: Paw Haven Animal Hospital
3rd: Garden Grove Animal Hospital
Best Gym | Fitness Studio
HABITAT HEALTH & FITNESS
650 6th St SW, Winter Haven
Congratulations to the staff at Habitat! Founded in 2010 by Brandon Roggow, this is THE place to get healthy. If you like taking long walks ... to the fridge, and you’re thinking about joining a fitness club, this is your sign. Habitat offers semi-private training, group classes, and stretch therapy. Clients keep their squats low and their standards high at Habitat. Book your free intro session online at habitatfit.com and you’ll plank me later.
2nd: The Balance Culture
3rd: Just Move
Best Yoga Studio
THE BALANCE CULTURE
31 5th St NW, Winter Haven
The Balance Culture is a women’s fitness studio offering Yoga, Power Yoga, and Yoga Stretch & Flow. Yoga can improve your overall health, mental health, reduce stress, and improve flexibility and muscle strength. One very happy client wrote, “I needed a place that I could grow and learn more about my strengths and I found it here at Balance Culture. Along with that, I also found a community of strong, dedicated and supportive women who are so welcoming.” Congratulations!
2nd: Jody Reece | Groundwork Yoga
3rd: Yoga Haven
Best Martial Arts Studio
RO’S TAEKWONDO
775 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
Congratulations on your win! Ro’s Taekwondo offers kids, teens, and adults martial arts programs, plus afterschool programs. Training in martial arts teaches discipline, confidence, and strength for all ages. Kick-start your fitness routine and go from a white belt to black at one of Polk County’s premier Taekwondo schools.
2nd: Carlson Gracie Winter Haven
3rd: TKO Martial Arts Academy
Best Holistic | Wellness Store
ETERNAL YOUTH AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS
400 Ave K SE, Winter Haven
Winter Haven’s only clinic with a full range of medical cosmetic treatments and wellness options. Founder Jodi DeVries and her staff can help customize a plan for you to look younger, feel younger, and live younger. From Botox to weight loss, they can tailor a plan for you to reach your goals. Clients rave about their kind staff and quality of treatments. Congratulations to the staff at Eternal Youth!
2nd: Healthy Habits
3rd: Wellness Haven Acupuncture
Best Cannabis Dispensary
TRULIEVE
749 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
6000 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
Trulieve is one of the foremost medical cannabis dispensaries in the country, so let’s be blunt. If you are a qualified patient, you’ve got to check out Trulieve. Visit their website or app for daily deals, rewards, and what’s new. They offer flower, vapes, edibles, topicals, concentrates, accessories, and more from the top brands.
2nd: MÜV
3rd: Surterra
Best Non-Profit
KEEP WINTER HAVEN CLEAN & BEAUTIFUL
This non-profit helps encourage community members to incorporate litter prevention, recycling, and environmental stewardship to keep the lakes clean and beautiful. Their flagship event, for 30+ years, is Project E.A.G.L.E. (Enhancing A Great Living Environment). A shoreline and community clean-up held on the last Saturday in April.
2nd: Angels Care Center of Eloise
3rd: The Mission of Winter Haven
Best Place of Worship
HEARTLAND CHURCH
225 Ave B NW, Winter Haven
Their mission is to love Jesus, love each other, and love the world. Heartland offers three services on Sundays along with fellowship, groups for kids, and groups for young adults. Monday Night Discipleship offers spaces to learn, ask questions, and apply biblical truth to real life.
2nd: Haven Worship Center
3rd: Berkley Chapel
