The Polk Experience

Competitive Show Skiing for Dummies -- A Preview of the 2022 IWWF World Water Ski Show Tournament

Not long ago, every theme park in Central Florida - and most in the nation - had their own water ski show complete with pyramids, jumps, stunts and more. 

Today, while the theme park shows are mostly history, clubs around the world keep the sport alive. 

When the best show water skiers in the world gather in Winter Haven, Florida from Oct. 19-23 to compete as both teams and individuals in the 2022 IWWF World Water Ski Show Tournament, things will be a little different.

Long time water ski broadcaster Mark Jackson and Joel Shapiro, the President of the National Show Ski Association, are here to give you the ins and outs of scoring an international competition.

For more information, go to visitcentralflorida.com or worldwaterskishow.com.

 

Margaret Parry and the Pope Legacy

Dick Pope Sr.'s niece, Margaret Parry, joins Shauna Pasanen and Jack Cormier to talk about the birth of Cypress Gardens, growing up in the gardens - from spending time with Miss Americas to the Shah of Iran - and finally, what she thinks is the legacy of the Popes. 

All my rowdy friends...kick off season 3

Today, we kick off season with a visit from Neal Duncan and Ryan Buckley.

Topics included Ken Riley and the NFL Hall of Fame, Pete Rose, and the upcoming IWWF World Water Ski Show Tournament, to be held on Lake Silver in Winter Haven Oct. 18 to 23.

For more information on the World Water Ski Show Tournament, visit worldwaterskishow.com.

For more on Central Florida’s Sweetest Spot, Polk County, visit www.visitcentralflorida.org.

Dr. Jennifer Stoll on the power of Sports Tourism

Industry expert Dr. Jennifer Stoll, the executive director of the Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission, joins us to discuss not only the powerful impact of sports on a community, how the growth of travel teams is good for the tourism industry, and how to improve this segment going forward. 

Remembering Norm Benn

Polk County and Florida Southern sports legend Norm Benn recently passed. 

Having spent a lot of time with Norm up to his enshrinement in the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame, we felt that re-releasing what might be his last interview was the least we could do.

Quick witted with a sharp sense of humor, Norm will be missed.  

Haines City’s dynamic duo helps shape the northeast corner of Polk County

Despite what you saw on television, parks and recreation is serious business. 

In Haines City, Terrell Griffin and Ryan Ritchie use a mix of attractors and activities to not only infuse their city with visitors, but to shape the future of Polk's northeast corridor. 

Polk County legend Scot ”The Rocketman” Ellis comes in for a landing

Perhaps the greatest water ski jumper of his generation, Polk County legend Scot "The Rocketman" Ellis is calling it a career. Find out how a globe-spanning career started in Lakeland with .49 cent tacos and his plans for the future. 

Women, Softball and Sport, with THE Spring Games CEO, Alison Strange

Alison Strange, CEO of THE Spring Games, joins Kevin Smith and Jack Cormier to discuss the upcoming event in Polk County, the long last influence of sports tourism on a community and how the past two years have changed the game for events in general. 

That’s a fivehead

On this roundup episode, we discuss if the Rays should come to Polk County, upcoming sports events including RussMatt and PFX, and the recent Major League Baseball Hall of Fame winners and losers. 

A preview of the Central Florida Classic STOL Competition

If you like planes - especially takeoffs and landings - this is the event for you. 

STOL stands for Short Takeoff and Landing, and its the hottest aviation competition category going. 

Joining us is Anitra Goddard of the National Stol Series to talk about the Central Florida Classic STOL Competition going on in Lakeland Dec. 3 and 4 as part of the Sun N Fun Holiday Fly-In and Car Show.