OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER 

 

MEDIA CONTACT                          

Contact: David S. Johnson

Title: Assistant to the City Manager

Phone: (801) 696-8335

Email: [email protected]

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Haines City Calls Bluff on "Scientific" Credibility 

of Rankings Produced by Online Source

 
Haines City, FL - May 21, 2015 - Haines City officials call out staggering errors and question the true "scientific" credibility of the online article, "These Are The 10 Worst Places To Live In Florida," produced by the online source, HomeSnacks.

 

"The very first line in the article about Haines City's population is laughably incorrect and calls into question its entire validity," said Jonathan Evans, Haines City Manager. "You cannot simply claim to be 'scientific' and expect people not to question your methods-especially public servants in the Sunshine State."

 

The article in question identifies Haines City's population at 11,313, but the United States Census lists the 2013 population estimate at 21,490-nearly double. The article also lists a median household income nearly $8,000 below the median provided by the U.S. Census. Furthermore, the rankings, median household income and population statistics listed in the article are inconsistent with HomeSnacks' own findings in their full report, which they provided in a spreadsheet at the end of the article.

 

"This so-called 'media outlet' does not exhibit responsible journalism," said Evans. "They have misquoted their own sources, mischaracterized the great things Haines City does to make our community a destination for seasonal residents and commerce, and misrepresented the great people that call Haines City home!"

 

In response to the accuracy of the crime rates, Evans points out an overwhelming 74 percent of respondents in Haines City's 2015 Community Value Survey, "Agreed" or "Strongly Agreed" that Haines City is a safe community.

 

"Haines City provides a quality of life that is recognized regionally, nationally and internationally," said Evans.

 

In 2014, CNN Money ranked Haines City the number one community for "vacation home deals" and "golf nuts." Haines City is also home to the world-class IRONMAN 70.3 Florida and Polk County's largest Fourth of July celebration, where they earned a Guinness World Record for the most sparklers lit simultaneously. Likewise, Haines City is a proven central location for large-scale Florida distribution sites as well as top-rated education.

 

"Haines City High School provides one of the few international baccalaureate programs in the State of Florida," said Evans. "Likewise, Haines City Ridge Community High School was ranked in the top 100 public high schools in the State of Florida and the Bethune Academy is a consistently an A-rated magnet school, which provides exceptional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.

 

For a more in-depth and accurate statistics regarding Haines City and other Florida municipalities, visit hainescity.com, www.census.gov or www.floridaleagueofcities.com.

 

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About Haines City

Incorporated in 1914, Haines City is nestled in the "Heart of Florida" and is home to more than 22,000 year-round residents and seasonal residents. Haines City was ranked the number one location for "vacation home deals" and "golf nuts" by CNN Money and holds the Guinness World Record for the most sparklers lit simultaneously. It is home to the world-class IRONMAN 70.3 Florida, Polk County's largest firework celebration, the Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club, and it is located just 20 minutes from Orlando's major theme parks. We found our heartbeat in the "Heart of Florida"...come find yours.

 

Our Mission

"Our team of professionals will provide our residents and business community with the highest quality services in a fiscally responsible manner through cooperation, strong ethical leadership with a lifelong commitment to enriching lives."

City Manager's Office

620 East Main Street

Haines City, Florida 33844

863.421.3650 
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