Winter Haven Honors the Past and Inspires the Future with Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation
by James Coulter
The City of Winter Haven intends to honor the past and inspire the future of its Hispanic residents through this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Sep. 22, Winter Haven city commissioners released an official proclamation recognizing Sep. 15 to Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.
“National Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural traditions and recognize and honor the significant achievements of U.S. Hispanic communities, which have influenced American culture and enriched the fabric of our society,” the proclamation read.
This year’s month will be themed to “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” The theme was chosen to highlight the “prominent and important role” Hispanic Americans have played in the heritage of America and the local community.
“The Hispanic American community has left an indelible mark on our government, culture, and economy,” the proclamation read. “They continue to embody the pioneering spirit of America today.”
More than 68 million Americans identify as Hispanic or Latino, representing 20 percent of the total U.S. population, and making Hispanics the second largest ethnic group in America, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
More than 5 million Hispanics and Latinos reside in Florida, with more than 187 thousand residing in Polk County, and more than 7 thousand residing in Winter Haven, according to the 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.
As such, the Hispanic population represents more than 25 percent of the county’s population and nearly 15 percent of the city’s population.
Vanessa Castile, Winter Haven City Clerk and Chairperson for the Hispanic Heritage Month Employee Luncheon, commended the city for recognizing its Hispanic residents through the official proclamation.
Castile was joined by several committee members for the upcoming luncheon on Fri. Sep. 26. While not all of them could be there tonight, all of them appreciate the hard work and dedication that make such a celebration “both meaningful and engaging.”
“This event has become a cherished tradition, always receiving enthusiastic feedback and growing anticipation from employees each year,” Castile said. “We are excited to continue this legacy of celebration, education, and community pride. I could not have done it without this fabulous team that I have behind me, which is the employee engagement committee. Thank you very much.”
