Polk County's Sweet 16 Ice Cream Showdown: Who Will Win Your Vote?

Polk County's Sweet 16 Ice Cream Showdown: Who Will Win Your Vote?

As Polk County basks under the sizzling sun, with Extreme Heat warnings popping up left and right, there’s no better remedy than a scoop of ice cream. The Ledger has turned the spotlight on this delicious cool-down option by inviting readers to partake in a poll to determine their favorite ice cream shops. With 22 contenders initially on the list, thousands have cast their votes to reveal the „Sweet 16“ ice cream shops competing for the top spot.

Yes, you read that right! Voting is open until 5 p.m. on August 19, when ice cream enthusiasts have the chance to make their voices heard. The winning shops will progress to the Flavorful 8, with results announced on August 21. So, which local ice cream parlors are stirring up the most buzz? Let’s dive into the matchups that will sweeten your summer days.

Matchups to Savor

The competition boasts an exciting lineup of head-to-head showdowns, each promising a unique flavor experience that reflects the community’s diverse tastes. Here’s a peek at the Sweet 16 matchups:

• Mootown Scoops vs. Cain’s Snowballs
  Mootown Scoops is a newer gem in Lakeland, boasting the delightful croque glaces – that’s a French brioche bun stuffed with ice cream! Meanwhile, Cain’s Snowballs in Southwest Winter Haven is famous for their custom creations, blending shaved ice and ice cream to perfection.
• Mimi’s Italian Ice vs. Topper’s Creamery
  If healthy options are your vibe, Mimi’s Italian Ice offers dairy-free and gluten-free choices that include unique flavors like English Toffee Crunch. On the other hand, Topper’s Creamery in Lake Wales serves soft-serve custard-style treats that can be topped just the way you like it.
• Andy’s Igloo vs. Polk City Ice Cream Company
  A long-standing treasure, Andy’s Igloo in Winter Haven has been delighting visitors since the 1950s with burgers and seafood alongside their ice cream. Polk City Ice Cream Company, with its whimsical cotton candy burrito, offers over 20 tantalizing flavors to choose from.
• Lakeland Ice Cream Company vs. Sweet Haven
  Lakeland Ice Cream Company is a haven for flavor lovers, showcasing over 60 hand-dipped options, while Sweet Haven captures the essence of New Zealand-style ice cream, with fresh fruit paired beautifully with vanilla.
• Delectable Delights vs. Shake Shoppe
  Delectable Delights is known for making sweet treats more indulgent by pairing ice cream with cookies and brownies. In comparison, the Shake Shoppe in Auburndale serves customizable soft-serve and hard-packed ice cream for all the topping enthusiasts.
• Mayday Ice Cream vs. Auburndale Ice Cream Co.
  If you’re in the mood to try creative, boozy flavors, Mayday Ice Cream at The Joinery deserves a visit. Auburndale Ice Cream Co., a sister shop to Lakeland Ice Cream Company, is known for its delightful union with a bakery.
• Frostbite Ice Cream and More vs. Mulberry Ice Cream Co.
  Frostbite has been serving Frostproof for over 20 years, catering to a variety of frozen treat lovers. Mulberry Ice Cream Co. cranks things up by offering an impressive 72 flavors of premium hand-dipped ice cream.
• Ripples Handcrafted Ice Cream vs. Bright Ice Lakeland
  Lastly, Ripples Handcrafted Ice Cream is all about creating from scratch with their unique ice creams and sorbets, while Bright Ice Lakeland focuses on whole ingredients and small-batch artisan methods.

What’s at Stake?

With the heat rising and these delightful destinations at stake, the next few days promise to be filled with anticipation. Local residents are encouraged to vote and support their favorites, ensuring the sweetest of outcomes. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or adventurous combinations, there’s something for everyone in Polk County’s ice cream scene.

This countdown to the Flavorful 8 is not just about bragging rights; it reflects a community that comes together to celebrate local flavors amid the heat. So grab your spoons and get ready to vote!

The Ledger has consistently kept the community informed as this delicious contest unfolds. For those wanting to learn more about the ice cream showdown, take a look at their detailed wrap-up on the Sweet 16 ice cream shops.

And speaking of cool venues, there’s something alluring about the Ice Forum Duluth, known for its impressive facilities and ice skating programs, including everything from public skating sessions to figure skating classes. This facility opened in 1994 and features two NHL-sized rinks, ensuring cool fun year-round. You can find more about the Ice Forum Duluth at their official page.