WINTER HAVEN, FL. — Winter Haven has recently opened its first downtown hotel in over a century, looking to accommodate an increased number of tourist in the fast-growing area.

Eric Labbe, the Director of Economic Opportunity and Community Investment in Winter Haven, says the new Staybridge Suites hotel will provide a place for visitors to spend the night, host conferences and events, as well as support local businesses.

In the last few years, over 500 hotel rooms across the city have been developed, which Labbe says has boosted employment.    

“Creating jobs is one of the big economic drivers here in Winter Haven,” he said.

The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce reports that the Winter Haven-Lakeland area has experienced a 45% population growth rate between 2010 and 2020.

Labbe states that Winter Haven has managed to maintain its small-town charm, even with the recent growth, believing it is appealing to both visitors and residents.

“They want something a little bit hometown, still has vibrancy and things to do, but isn’t quite so big,” he said.

Angie Hibbard, the city’s Community Redevelopment Manager, is thrilled to see these changes take shape.

“We’ve got enough money coming into Winter Haven to advance our parks and our system and infrastructure,” she said. “It’s a group effort to get where we are and to keep up with the growth. It takes both the residents, businesses and the staff.”

Hibbard expects that hotel guests who visit as tourists will return to Winter Haven as friends, contributing to the city’s legacy.

“To be able to help grow my city is beyond belief. You get to see a little bit more of the history,” she said.

In total, there have been 894 hotel rooms added since the first Legoland Hotel opened in 2015.

The city of Winter Haven has been redeveloping downtown for the last 25 years. Recently, the city opened the Sidewalk Cafe District on Central Avenue. They also plan to open an 88-unit apartment complex next month.