Haines City played host to the February Ridge League of Cities Membership Dinner Meeting on Thursday February 13, 2025, at the Lake Eva Event Center.  Mayor Omar Arroyo welcomed the record 273 attendees for a Ridge League Dinner to his city.   The evening started out with the “City Marketplace” event where Associate Members displayed their products and services in an exhibition hall setting.  The Lake Eva Event Center is the perfect setting for the Marketplace which is held annually by the local league.  The dinner, excellent accommodations and beautiful Valentine’s Day themed decorations were planned and prepared by the Haines City staff.   The evening focused on our fantastic Associate Members.  The League currently has thirty-eight (38) Associate Members including our newest members Z Squared, DRMP, and Publix Supermarkets.

Tara Chilton, Governmental Affairs Manager, and Brian West, Community Affairs Manager with Publix were the guest speakers.  It was great to hear some of the historical facts about Publix which started with its first store in Winter Haven in 1930.  Great program and Welcome Publix to the Ridge League!

Of the 273 attendees, 201 were from our various cities.  Twenty-one (21) of our twenty-four Member Cities were in attendance.  Fort Meade with twenty-five guests was awarded the City Member Traveling Trophy.  Fort Meade Mayor Samuel Berrien accepted the trophy from Ridge League President Rod Cannon.  It was great to see so many of the cities with double digits including Lake Alfred, Mulberry, Lake Hamilton, Davenport, Haines City, Dundee, and Fort Meade.   Our Associate Members were also well attended with Kimley Horn awarded the Associate Member Traveling Trophy.

It was an enjoyable evening in a beautiful setting.   Thank you, Haines City!