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Monday 9am - 6pm Tuesday 9am - 6pm Wednesday 9am - 7pm Thursday 9am - 6pm Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 6pm

https://RyanSellsFloridaHomes.com/

Ryan Odenweller - Realtor, 245 Central Avenue Ste. 101, Winter Haven, FL (2026)

06/11/2026

🚀 **YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT'S COMING to East Polk County!**

🌴 **East Polk County Is About to Look Very Different in the Next Few Years.**

🚧 **The East Polk County You Know Today May Look Very Different Tomorrow.**

From major retail projects and new restaurants to healthcare expansion, new employers, entertainment venues, and infrastructure improvements, the future is arriving faster than many people realize.

FOR YEARS, much of Polk County's growth seemed concentrated around Lakeland, Davenport, Champions Gate, and the I-4 corridor. Many residents have said the same thing for years:

**"WHY DO WE ALWAYS HAVE TO DRIVE SOMEWHERE ELSE? WHY CAN'T WE GET A (INSERT LARGE BUSINESS) IN (INSERT SMALL TOWN)?"**

THE GOOD NEWS: More businesses, shopping, dining, and entertainment options are finally making their way closer to home.

Today, that growth is steadily moving south and east, bringing new opportunities, jobs, shopping, dining, healthcare, and entertainment CLOSER TO HOME for residents of Lake Wales, Dundee, Haines City, Lake Hamilton, and the surrounding communities.

LOOK at some of the projects ALREADY UNDERWAY:

🛍️ A new TARGET is being built to Winter Haven.

🏢 The Crossroads Village development in Haines City, often referred to by some as "POSNER PARK 2.0," is expected to bring major retail, restaurants, entertainment, and new commercial opportunities to the area, including TARGET, BONEFISH GRILL, a rooftop bar, a movie theater and more.

For many East Polk residents, this means FEWER TRIPS to Orlando, Lakeland, or Kissimmee for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

🏘️ New residential communities with retail on the outskirts continue to be developed throughout Auburndale, Haines City, Davenport, South Winter Haven, West Lake Wales, and much of Northeast Polk County, which are attracting additional retail and service businesses nearby.

🏥 Healthcare providers continue expanding services throughout Polk County to serve a growing population.

💼 New employers and commercial development continue to follow population growth throughout the region.

🚀 **What's Likely Coming Next?**

No one has a crystal ball, but if current growth trends continue, East Polk County could see even more exciting additions over the next several years.

Many industry experts would not be surprised to see:

🍽️ Additional restaurants and dining options expanding into the area

🛍️ More national retailers following major anchors such as Target and Publix

🏥 Expanded healthcare services, medical specialists, and outpatient facilities

🎬 Additional ENTERTAINMENT venues, family attractions, and recreational opportunities are moving into the area

🏨 New hotels and hospitality projects along major travel corridors

💼 More employers bringing professional, healthcare, logistics, and service-related jobs to Polk County

🚗 Continued road and infrastructure improvements to support the area's growing population

🏢 Additional mixed-use developments where residents can live, work, shop, and dine in one convenient location

🌴 **Why This Matters**

For many years, residents often had to travel to Lakeland, Tampa, Orlando, or Kissimmee for shopping, dining, entertainment, and specialized services.

Today, more of those opportunities ARE COMING CLOSER to home.

With projects such as the new Target in Winter Haven, the Crossroads Village development in Haines City, continued growth in Davenport, and new communities throughout Auburndale and Northeast Polk County, the entire region is becoming more connected and more desirable.

THE BEST PART:

Lake Wales residents can enjoy many of these benefits while still maintaining the small-town atmosphere, historic charm, beautiful lakes, rolling ridge landscapes, and sense of community that make this area so special.

**The growth isn't just happening AROUND US anymore.**

**It's moving toward us. 🚀**

Want to know more about future growth or have housing questions, contact me at 863-271-7882.

Ryan Odenweller
ReMax Heritage Professionals

06/10/2026

☀️ LOOKING FOR THINGS FOR KIDS TO DO IN THE LAKE WALES AREA THIS SUMMER?

Many parents are looking for ways to keep their children active, engaged, and making memories during summer break.

Did you know the Lake Wales area offers all of these summer camp opportunities?

🎨 Lake Wales Arts Center

🏙️ Kid City USA Summer Program

⛺ Lake Aurora Christian Camp

🌲 Camp Frontier

🐴 Circle F Dude Ranch Camp

🏆 Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County

🎯 Lake Wales Family Recreation Center Summer Camp

🌎 Camp La Llanada

⚜️ Flaming Arrow Scout Reservation

🙏 Vacation Bible Schools (VBS)

🏀 Warner University Sports Camps

🌱 Warner University Summer Ag Camp

⚾ Youth Sports Camps & Clinics

🌳 Polk County Parks & Recreation Programs

Whether your child enjoys art, music, sports, horseback riding, lake activities, leadership development, outdoor adventures, faith-based programs, scouting, or simply making new friends, there's likely a camp that fits their interests.

👇 Here are a few details about each opportunity:

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🎨 Lake Wales Arts Center
Website: LWArts.org

The Lake Wales Arts Center offers both Sandy's Music Camp and Lake Wales Arts Camp, providing opportunities for children to explore music, creativity, art, and self-expression while making new friends throughout the summer.

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🏙️ Kid City USA Summer Program
Website: Facebook.com/KidCityUSALakeWales

Kid City USA offers an eight-week summer program featuring STEM activities, science projects, art, creativity, water play, field trips, educational activities, and themed learning opportunities designed to help children learn, play, grow, and succeed.

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⛺ Lake Aurora Christian Camp
Website: LakeAurora.org

Located just outside Lake Wales, Lake Aurora Christian Camp offers camps for children from 1st grade through high school and is known for its fun activities, delicious food, comfortable cabins, professional staff, lifelong friendships, and opportunities for spiritual growth.

Campers enjoy:

🏊 Lake activities

⚽ Sports and recreation

🔥 Campfires and s'mores

🙏 Faith-based programs

Many local churches also offer discounts for families attending Lake Aurora camps.

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🌲 Camp Frontier
Website: CampFrontier.com

Camp Frontier is Florida's premier overnight adventure camp and sleep-away summer camp experience for boys and girls ages 7–17.

Designed around friendship, fun, and personal growth, Camp Frontier gives campers the opportunity to unplug from technology, build confidence, develop independence, and create lifelong friendships in a safe and encouraging environment.

Campers come from across the United States and around the world, with many returning year after year.

With more than 50 activities available, campers enjoy:

🌊 Lake activities

🏊 Half-Olympic swimming pool

🧗 Challenge course

🎭 Performing Arts Center

🎾 Tennis courts

💪 Fitness center

🏀 Indoor gymnasium

🌿 Outdoor adventures and nature experiences

❄️ Air-conditioned boys' and girls' lodge bunk rooms

Camp Frontier combines decades of summer camp tradition with programs designed to promote kindness, responsibility, respect, healthy independence, and personal growth.

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🐴 Circle F Dude Ranch Camp
Website: CircleFDudeRanchCamp.com

For families looking for a premium summer camp experience, Circle F Dude Ranch is one of the most recognized camps in Central Florida.

Campers can enjoy:

🐎 Horseback riding

🏹 Archery

🛶 Canoeing and kayaking

🌊 Lake activities

🔥 Campfires

🤝 Leadership development

Families often highlight the excellent food, well-maintained facilities, wide variety of activities, and supportive staff who help campers build confidence, friendships, and independence.

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🏆 Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County Summer Programs
Website: BGCPolk.org/Summer-Camp

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County provide enrichment activities designed to help young people become productive members of the community.

Programs focus on:

📚 Education

🎨 Arts

🏃 Health and wellness

⚽ Sports

👥 Leadership development

🤝 Positive behavior and life skills

Many locations also offer field trips and enrichment experiences.

⭐ Great futures start here.

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🎯 Lake Wales Family Recreation Center Summer Camp
Website: LakeWalesFL.gov/Recreation

The Lake Wales Family Recreation Center offers summer programs where children can stay active, make friends, participate in arts and crafts, enjoy outdoor activities, and have fun in a structured environment throughout the summer.

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🌎 Camp La Llanada
Website: CampLaLlanada.com

Camp La Llanada serves campers ages 7 to 16 and focuses on building independence, leadership, teamwork, and meaningful relationships.

Programs are tailored by age group:

💎 Ages 7–11: Adventure-based teamwork challenges and cabin activities

🚀 Ages 12–14: Increased independence and personal growth experiences

🎓 Ages 15–16: Leadership-focused CIT program designed to help teens develop confidence, purpose, and future goals

Camp La Llanada emphasizes real-world experiences, human connection, and helping young people develop skills they'll carry with them for life.

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⚜️ Flaming Arrow Scout Reservation
Website: TampaBayScouting.org

Flaming Arrow Scout Reservation offers a variety of outdoor experiences for Scouts and youth, including Cub Scout Day Camps, outdoor skills development, leadership opportunities, camping experiences, and adventures that help children connect with nature while building confidence and character.

---

🏀 Warner University Sports Camps
Website: WarnerRoyals.com

Warner University periodically hosts youth athletic camps and clinics that allow children to learn new skills, stay active, and work with college coaches and athletes.

---

🌱 Warner University Summer Ag Camp
Website: Warner.edu

A unique opportunity for children interested in agriculture, animals, science, and hands-on learning experiences.

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⚾ Youth Sports Camps & Clinics

Many local organizations offer baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, football, cheerleading, and other sports programs throughout the summer.

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🌳 Polk County Parks & Recreation Programs

Polk County frequently offers youth activities, camps, sports programs, and outdoor experiences throughout the summer.

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🙏 Vacation Bible Schools (VBS)

Many Lake Wales churches host Vacation Bible School programs during the summer that combine games, crafts, music, fun, and faith-based learning opportunities for local children.

Churches that have hosted VBS programs in recent years include:

⛪ First Presbyterian Church

⛪ First Baptist Church

⛪ Lake Wales Lutheran Church

⛪ Holy Spirit Catholic Church

⛪ New Hope Baptist Church

⛪ Lake Wales Alliance Church

⛪ IMPACT Church Lake Wales

Families should check directly with each church for current dates, registration information, and age requirements. Many Lake Wales churches continue to offer summer programs that help children learn, grow, make friends, and have fun.

---

Whether your child enjoys art, music, sports, horses, outdoor adventures, faith-based programs, leadership development, or simply making new friends, there are more opportunities in the Lake Wales area than many families realize.

Summer memories have a way of lasting a lifetime, and fortunately, Lake Wales families have plenty of opportunities to help create them.

Save this post for future reference and feel free to share it with other parents looking for summer activities.

Did I miss a camp, sports program, or VBS? Let everyone know in the comments so local families can learn about it!

Ryan Odenweller
RE/MAX Heritage Professionals

Local Knowledge. Proven Results.

06/09/2026

🌴 Why 55+ and Mobile Home Communities Remain Popular With Snowbirds and Retirees

When many people think about retirement in Florida, they imagine warm weather, friendly neighbors, and a lifestyle that allows them to spend more time enjoying life and less time maintaining a home.

That's one reason Lake Wales continues to attract retirees and seasonal residents from across the country.

Here are a few reasons why:

✅ Affordability compared to many Florida retirement destinations

✅ Lock-and-leave convenience for seasonal residents and snowbirds

✅ Active social lifestyles with clubs, events, pickleball, shuffleboard, and community activities

✅ Less maintenance and more free time

✅ Convenient access to healthcare, Orlando, Tampa, airports, and Florida attractions

✅ A strong sense of community and lasting friendships

✅ Florida living without many of the prices found in coastal markets

Another advantage many people may not realize is that Lake Wales offers a variety of retirement housing options. From 55+ mobile home communities to condominiums, townhomes, and active adult neighborhoods, buyers can often find a lifestyle and budget that fits their goals.

Lake Wales is currently home to 12 established 55+ communities, with another community in development. Popular communities include Imperial Harbours, Dinner Lake, Towerwood, Orange Acres, Saddlebag Lake Resort and several others that offer residents a variety of amenities, activities, and housing choices and golfing communities.

For many retirees and seasonal residents, it's not about having the biggest home. It's about finding the right lifestyle. That's one reason Lake Wales continues to attract buyers looking for affordability, convenience, and a strong sense of community.

Ryan Odenweller
RE/MAX Heritage Professionals

Local Knowledge. Proven Results.

06/02/2026

🏡 5 Reasons Paying Off Your House Early Isn't Always the Best Financial Move

For many people, paying off their mortgage early is a major financial goal. There's certainly peace of mind that comes with owning your home free and clear.

But depending on your situation, paying off your house early may not always be the best financial decision.

Here are five reasons why:

1️⃣ Your mortgage may be the cheapest interest loan you'll ever have.

Many homeowners locked in interest rates that are significantly lower than today's borrowing costs. If your mortgage rate is low, it may make more sense to keep that loan in place while directing extra money elsewhere.

2️⃣ Inflation works in your favor.

A $350,000 mortgage may sound like a lot today, but over time inflation reduces the purchasing power of money. You're paying tomorrow's mortgage payments with future dollars that are worth less than today's dollars.

Meanwhile, your home may continue to appreciate in value over the long term. Just think about it: 20 years ago, you may have been able to purchase a house for $100,000, and today $100,000 doesn't go nearly as far as it did back then. The same principle applies to a mortgage that is paid back over decades.

3️⃣ That money may be more useful elsewhere.

Instead of making extra mortgage payments, some people choose to invest those funds into assets such as rental properties, stocks, businesses, or other investments that have the potential to grow at a rate greater than the interest they are paying on their mortgage.

For many investors, the goal is not simply to eliminate debt, but to use available capital to acquire assets that can produce future income and build long-term wealth.

4️⃣ Your home's equity can become a financial tool.

As equity builds, homeowners may have opportunities to leverage a portion of that equity to acquire income-producing assets. The goal isn't borrowing to buy things that lose value. The goal is using assets to help create additional assets and income streams.

Many investors focus on buying assets first and then using the income from those assets to help pay for liabilities such as vehicles, vacations, or lifestyle expenses.

5️⃣ Investing can help build long-term wealth.

Instead of using every extra dollar to pay down a mortgage, some homeowners choose to invest a portion of that money into stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, retirement accounts, businesses, or real estate.

Over time, those investments have the potential to grow through appreciation, dividends, interest, and compounding returns. While there are no guarantees and investments carry risk, many people use investing as a strategy to build wealth over the long term while continuing to make their regular mortgage payments.

The goal isn't simply to pay off debt—it's to grow assets that can potentially provide future income, financial flexibility, and long-term financial security.

Of course, personal finance is personal. For some people, the peace of mind that comes from being completely debt-free outweighs any potential financial advantage.

There's no single right answer.

The real question is:

Would you rather use extra money to eliminate debt as quickly as possible, or use it to build additional assets and income streams?

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

06/01/2026

🚨 WAIT... YOU MAY NOT NEED $20,000 DOWN TO BUY A HOME. 🚨

One of the biggest myths in real estate is that you need a huge down payment sitting in the bank before you can become a homeowner.

The truth?

Many buyers right here in Polk County qualify for programs that can help with down payment and closing costs.

🏡 Some buyers may qualify for:
✅ Up to $35,000 through Florida's Hometown Heroes Program
✅ Polk County Down Payment Assistance
✅ Florida Housing assistance programs
✅ USDA financing with 0% down in eligible areas
✅ VA financing for veterans and active-duty military
✅ Other local and state homeownership assistance opportunities

Many buyers are surprised to learn they can purchase a home sooner than they thought possible.

If you've been renting, waiting, or simply wondering whether homeownership is within reach, it may be worth exploring your options.

The best part? It costs nothing to find out if you qualify.

📩 Send me a message with the word "HOME" and I'll point you in the right direction.

Ryan Odenweller
RE/MAX Heritage Professionals
863-271-7882

Programs have income, property, and qualification requirements. Availability and funding may vary.

Source: Florida Housing, Polk County Housing Programs, and participating lending institutions.

05/31/2026

More details coming Monday morning at 7:30am.

05/31/2026

🌴 Lake Wales Vibes: Higher Education in Lake Wales 📚

When people think about Lake Wales, they often picture beautiful lakes, historic charm, local restaurants, and the small-town atmosphere that makes this community special.

But Lake Wales is also a place where education and opportunity continue to grow.

Many people are surprised to learn that Lake Wales is home to Warner University, which has been serving students for decades. Right in downtown Lake Wales, Polk State College also provides higher education opportunities downtown.

Here are just a few of the educational opportunities available right here in Lake Wales outside of Lake Wales Charter Schools and private religious based schools:

🎓 Warner University• A private Christian university serving students from across Florida and beyond• Offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs• A long-standing part of the Lake Wales community

📖 Polk State College – Lake Wales Campus • Conveniently located in downtown Lake Wales• Provides higher education, workforce training, certifications, and degree programs• Helps students pursue their goals close to home

🏫 Vanguard International School • Located along Highway 27, Vanguard serves middle and high school students. Known for its college-preparatory curriculum and focus on academic excellence.

🤝 Lake Wales Care Center GED Program• Supports adults working toward earning their GED. Provides educational resources and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Demonstrates that learning can happen at any stage of life.

🌟 From elementary school and high school students to college graduates and adults returning to the classroom, Lake Wales offers opportunities for lifelong learning.

Small-town charm. Big opportunities. A community that invests in its future.

What educational opportunities in Lake Wales have made the biggest impact on you or your family?

💥 Next, we'll take a look at all of the elementary, middle, and high school opportunities in Lake Wales. 💥

05/29/2026

My extended family.

Ryan Odenweller - Realtor

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

05/29/2026

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