Temporary Road Closure Approved for Annual Winter Haven Police Department 5K
by James Coulter
Winter Haven residents traveling through the Downtown area, specifically around Lake Silver, are advised to take a detour on Mar. 14—unless they’re jogging with running shoes!
At their regular meeting on Mon. Feb. 23, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve their consent agenda, which included a temporary road closure request for an upcoming event.
On Mar. 14, 2026, the city’s police department is hosting its annual 5K for Special Olympics Florida.
The start and finish line for the big race will be set at Virginia Miller Park at 325 Avenue A NW.
The race will have participants heading north along the park’s trail until S. Lake Silver Drive, then continuing along 1st Street NE to Avenue M NW.
Racers will then race around the TECO building and follow the trail south until they return to Virginia Miller Park.
To facilitate the race, a temporary road closure request is required by the Florida Department of Transportation.
The proper forms have been filled out and submitted with a map and documentation of the City Commission action approving the requested Closure.
“This is a routine request associated within normal operations of the City,” wrote Julie Adams, Parks, Recreation & Culture Director.
“Staff recommends City Commission authorize staff to take all necessary action to apply for and submit a Road Closure Permit Application for the Annual Winter Haven Police Department 5k,” she continued.
The Winter Haven Police Department 5K, organized by the Winter Haven Police Department, is a charitable running event benefiting Special Olympics Florida, a 501 c3 non-profit serving athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The annual 5K is coordinated through a long-running partnership with Law Enforcement Torch Run, which, according to its website, “is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics.”
This year’s event will be hosted on Sat. Mar. 14, 2026, with the race starting at 8 AM. The event is rain or shine with no refunds.
Packets, which include a Special Olympics Torch Run t-shirt, will be distributed at the Winter Haven Library on Fri. Mar. 2026 from 4 PM to 6 PM, and on the day of the race, starting at 6:30 AM.
To register for the event, or to learn more, visit their website at: www.active.com/winter-haven-fl/running/distance-running-races/whpd-5k-for-special-olympics-florida-2026
