HAVEN June 2023

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June

JUNE IS MEN'S HEALTH MONTH

Only 3 out of 5 men in the US get an annual check-up and another 7 million+ American men have not seen a medical provider in over 10 years. Make the change and visit our team today.

Contact Us By Phone At

Tips to Stay Healthy Get Moving Eat & Drink Healthy Get Plenty of Sleep

863-293-1191

Manage Stress

Visit Our Website

Visit A Doctor

www.BondClinic.com

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An Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law Firm Shelby L. Loveless, Esq • James M. Weaver, Esq 863.676.6000 havenmagazines.com

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240 E. Park Ave. Lake Wales, FL 33853

Letter From the Editor

July Invisalign Special

ON THE COVER: A closeup of the Larger Than Life Flower Installation created by Golden Wild Florals at ART/ifact Studios. goldenwildflorals.com Happy June & Happy Pride Month! I want to thank Momma Ashley Rose for talking with us and sharing her story. She is also a contributing writer this month, thank you so much. We reached out to Polk Pride and got an update about Pride week this year, hopefully I’ll see you at Pride in the Park later this month. I’d also like to thank Gabriella Favilli-Vigoreaux for being another contributing writer this month. She and Gio have organized the Big Love Bake Sale. Gabby writes about the inspiration behind it and why it’s so important right now.

Perfect Teeth Without Braces!

Our Top Ten lists will keep you busy this month. Keep tagging your FB and IG posts with #kindachill and you might find it in the next issue of Haven. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, grandpas, and father figures out there!

Have a great month, I hope to see you around town!

Start treatment in July receive $100 gift card for school supplies - schedule today!

Amy Sexson Editor/Partner Haven & LKLD Magazines Destroyer Media & Marketing Winter Haven Farmers Market centralfloridatix.com amy@destroyermedia.com

Se habla español

(863) 676-6021

fornidental.com • 701 State Rd. 60 East • Lake Wales 9

VOTE NOW havenmagazines.com

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Publisher // Chris Sexson chris@destroyermedia.com Ad Director // Christine Campbell christine@destroyermedia.com Editor & Photographer // Amy Sexson amy@destroyermedia.com Managing Editor & Writer // Tara Crutchfield tara@destroyermedia.com Art & Production Manager // Steven Maynard steven@destroyermedia.com Account Representative // Jessica Parker jessica@destroyermedia.com Graphic Designer // Ella Doyle ella@destroyermedia.com Media Specialist // Nate Schaller nate@destroyermedia.com Organizer of Destruction // Nicole Nikdel nicole@destroyermedia.com Event Coordinator // Lyndsey Venrick lyndsey@destroyermedia.com Contributing Writer Shannon Carnevale Momma Ashley Rose Gabriella Favilli-Vigoreaux For advertising information please contact: christine@destroyermedia.com FMA CHARLIE AWARDS 2023 Best Writing: Humor Best Photo Illustration Best Digital: Social Media Best Digital: Podcast Best Advertisement: For a Client 2022 Best Digital: Podcast Best Photography: Feature Image 2021 Best Writing: Humor Best Digital: Social Media Best Special Theme Issue Best Writing 2020 Best Writing: Humor Best Digital: Social Media 2019 Best Writing: Feature Best Advertisement: For a Client Best Photography: Cover 2018 Best Design: Cover Best Redesign 2017 Best Digital: Social Media

M A G A Z I N E S JUNE 2023 // VOLUME 7 // ISSUE 8

CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE EDITOR ����������������������������������������������������9 LOCAL NEWS................................................................................ 13 TOP 10............................................................................................... 15 ROSE DYNASTY FOUNDATION �����������������������������������������20 POLK PRIDE...................................................................................26 GOLDEN WILD FLORALS ������������������������������������������������������30 BIG LOVE BAKE SALE................................................................34 COCKTAIL......................................................................................39 MOMMA KNOWS BEST��������������������������������������������������������� 40 CHECK ME OUT ;)......................................................................43 URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT ��������������������������������������������44 CALENDAR.................................................................................... 47 SOLD HOMES............................................................................... 57 HOROSCOPE................................................................................65 #KINDACHILL................................................................................67

PO Box 1607, Winter Haven, Florida 33881 863-202-9172 HAVEN is published twelve times a year by Destroyer Media & Marketing. Haven distributes 15,000 copies a month with 8,400 mailed to homes and 6,500 copies available at select locations throughout east Polk County.

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(863) 293-3171 Let us know if you would like transportation, and we will coordinate a driver for you.

LakeHowardHeights.com (863) 293-3171 650 N. Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven havenmagazines.com

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ALF# 5494

LOCAL NEWS

HURRICANE IAN RELIEF

PUBLIC SHELTER MAPS

GOOD FOOD POLK

HOME RULE HEROES

The City of Winter Haven has approximately $95,000 remaining for residents who incurred damage due to Hurricane Ian and are in need of assistance with insurance deductibles or repairs. Applications are being accepted now until all funds are gone. The home must be owned and occupied by the applicant for at least one year as documented by homestead exemption status with additional requirements. Contact: Diane Durr, Affordable Housing Programs Manager (863) 291-5600 Ext. 6108, email ddurr@mywinterhaven.com or visit winterhaven.seamlessdocs.com/f/ DisasterAssistanceApplication.

The 2023 map includes 47 shelters, including three “Special Needs Shelters” for residents with medical or physical conditions that require special assistance. Pre-registration for these shelters is highly recommended, by contacting Polk County Emergency Management at (863) 298-7027.

Three shelters are designated “Pet Friendly.” The map also provides emergency information, important telephone numbers and a list of recommended items to include in a “7Day Survival Kit.” The public shelters maps are available at the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center, located at 101 Adventure Court, Davenport, and at Publix stores in Polk County. Hurricane season goes from June 1 – Nov. 30. polk-county.net/em.

After hosting gatherings between restaurateurs, farmers, and other local foodies, Visit Central Florida has partnered with Destroyer Media and Marketing on Good Food Polk, social media and a website aimed at increasing local food scene awareness.

The goal is to become the information hub for good eats and sweet treats in Polk County. With its unique heritage of cattle, citrus and agriculture, Polk’s food scene may have had a humble beginning but soon stretched past its borders. Whether you’re looking to do your weekly shopping at the farmers market, pick fresh produce at a local farm, or find a new crave-worthy lunch spot – Good Food Polk will be your go-to guide for local food news. goodfoodpolk.com

The Florida League of Cities recognizes local leaders who consistently work alongside the league to provide a local voice of advocacy to important legislative issues. This year, both Mayor Dantzler and Commissioner Mercer will receive this award.

“Home Rule Heroes are some of our biggest advocates for protecting local decision-making. These league members stand out for their high level of participation, knowledge, and effectiveness. This year’s Home Rule Heroes continuously advocated for their communities throughout the 2023 legislative session.” FLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook said.

Congratulations to Mayor Dantzler and Commissioner Mercer!

BUS DRIVERS NEEDED

GRADUATES

WINNING WOMEN

CONGRATULATIONS!

Polk County Public Schools is hiring bus drivers for the new school year.

Starting pay is $16.25 per hour, and they provide paid training, health insurance, free employee health clinics, and Florida Retirement System benefits. For details on how to apply, please call 863-534-7298 or email herschel.pipkins@polk-fl.net. Walk-in applicants are also welcome. Stop by the transportation office during regular hours at 1430 State Road 60 E. in Bartow. polkschoolsfl.com

Every year, Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) takes time to celebrate a special group of seniors who have endured and overcome homelessness. In April, PCPS’ Hearth Project held a luncheon for about 60 students from the Class of 2023. Each has grown up experiencing some degree of homelessness, and Hearth provides assistance to those students and their families. Within PCPS alone, there are an estimated 4,400 students experiencing homelessness. The annual luncheon for graduates recognizes their hard work and perseverance. Many of the students will be moving on to college, so they are provided with necessities to help them get settled in their life after high school. The students also receive gift cards and a tablet computer.

Girls Inc. of Winter Haven honored four local women at the “She Knows Where She’s Going” luncheon in May. Amanda Jo Nicholson won the George Jenkins Award, Dr. Cathy Thornhill won the Julie Pope Award, LaTonnja Key won the Virginia Snively Award, and Amy Sumerlin won the Ralph & Alice Thompson Award. These women were honored for their dedication and contributions to the Greater Winter Haven community. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit Girls Inc. of Winter Haven in support of their after-school program that promotes local girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold! The luncheon was held at Polk State College.

Polk State College Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School recently celebrated its 2023 graduating class with valedictorian Jacob Baltazar and salutatorian Layla Unzueta. Both students completed their Polk State Associate in Arts degrees before they even had their high school diplomas in hand. Baltazar will continue his education at the University of South Florida where he plans to study biology on a pre-med track. Unzueta aspires to become a marine biologist and will study marine science at the University of Florida. Congratulations to both hard-working students!

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POLK TOP 10 FLYING TIGERS

RELAY FOR LIFE

FARMERS MARKET

SYMPHONY STORYTIME

BIG LOVE BAKE SALE

Our local Minor League Baseball team, the Lakeland Flying Tigers plays at home 16 times in June! With special promotions at almost every game, you have a chance to let the kids run the bases, play “Baseball Bingo” or choose the “All-You-CanEat” games. Schedule online. milb.com/lakeland

June 2, 6 pm at the Frances Langford Promenade in Lakeland. This is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. A luminaria ceremony with lighted bags honoring those who are fighting and those we have lost to cancer will start at 8:30 pm.

RelayForLife.org/PolkFL

The Winter Haven Farmers Market has new summer hours for June – August. Visit 9 am – noon every Saturday in the parking lot across from Grove Roots Brewing Co. In Winter Haven. Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, and more. Weekly vendor updates on FB @winterhavenfarmersmarket.

June 3, 9:30 – 10:30 am at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.

Enjoy music from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra featuring the tale of “Carnival of the Animals.”

Enjoy live music for young children, ages three to seven, along with narration. Register in advance. boktowergardens.org

June 4, noon – 3 pm at ART/ifact in Lakeland. Together with over 15 local bakers and makers, Bandidas & Rose Dynasty Foundation will be slinging pastries, coffee and more!

See Live performances from Rose Dynasty and friends, and raffles!

Family-friendly fundraiser. More info on FB @BandidasLKLD.

BLUES BROTHERS

INDIANA JONES

PRIDE IN THE PARK

JUNETEENTH

ROCK FOR PAWS

June 15, 6 pm at the Balmoral Event Center in Haines City. This is an action-packed show from start to finish. They will have the crowd on their feet singing, dancing, clapping, and laughing, with dinner included! centralfloridatix.com

June 15, 7 pm at The Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven. Enjoy specialty drinks, cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks for sale before and during the movie in The Ritz Lounge on the first floor. Watch “Indiana Jones” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) on the big screen. centralfloridatix.com

June 17, 10 am – 3 pm at Munn Park in Lakeland. Hundreds of LGBTQ+ owned/ally vendors will fill the park, and the main stage will keep you entertained throughout the day. This is the largest annual pride event in the county, it attracts thousands every year. More info on FB @PolkPrideFL.

June 17, 11 am – 4 pm at Lake Maude Park in Winter Haven. Families will enjoy community awards, contests, and games while enjoying influential jazz and R&B musical acts, education and health resources. This event will enhance each attendee’s understanding of African American culture. mywinterhaven.com

June 24, 7 – 10 pm at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. This fundraiser for SPCA Florida will have delicious food, cash bar, raffles, concert t-shirts, and dancing. Go back to the 80s, the decade that made big hair & spandex famous. spcaflorida.org/rockforpaws

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CELEBRATING

100 YEARS! The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing commerce and community by serving, representing and enhancing business growth in Winter Haven and beyond.

2023 is a very special year at the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. This year marks the Winter Haven Chamber’s 100th anniversary . What started as a board of trade in 1910 has blossomed into a thriving, forward- thinking Chamber of Commerce at the forefront of local advocacy, booming commerce and collaborative community.

To celebrate this milestone, the Chamber has launched a fresh, new, simple logo. This logo will stand the test of time as the Chamber continues to move forward into the next 100 years.

Over the next 100 years, the Chamber will find new and innovative ways to advance commerce and community, but will also stay committed to serving in ways we are currently.

To stay connected to the Chamber and celebrate our 100 years with us, follow us on social media! You can also purchase tickets to Celebrate Winter Haven: The 100-Year Celebration.

At this event, we will party like it's 1923 as we celebrate all of the amazing things the Winter Haven Chamber has accomplished over the last 100 years.

@winterhavenchamber

ORLANDO TOP 10 BITE 30

COMMUNITY RAINBOW RUN

INTO THE WOODS

June 1 – July 9 at participating restaurants in Orlando. Restaurants will offer a special prix fixe menu with multi-course dinners at a set price of $35. You can try several restaurants at a very reasonable price. Use the hashtag #Bite30 and #PublixAprons for your chance to win restaurant gift certificates. bite30.com

June 3, 7 am at Wadeview Park or virtually. The run, Kids Fun Run, and the CommUNITY Festival benefit The onePULSE Foundation and the National Pulse Memorial & Museum.

All participants will receive an official run t-shirt, tote bag, runner’s bib, and commemorative run medal. communityrainbowrun.com

June 6 – 11 at the Dr. Phillips Center.

Direct from Broadway, this is the only Florida engagement for this show. The musical follows a baker and his wife who want to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to go the King’s Festival, and Jack who wishes his cow would give some milk. drphillipscenter.org

June 11, noon – 4:30 pm at the Mennello Museum of American Art. Free admission all day, plus a fine art project based on the artists of the current exhibition, their subject matter, and their methods. On the 2nd Sunday of each month, free. mennellomuseum.org

June 12, 7 – 8 pm, the onePULSE Foundation holds an annual Remembrance Ceremony at the site of the Pulse nightclub, bringing together the families of those whose lives were tragically taken and honoring all who survived, the first responders and trauma teams. onepulsefoundation.org

DIXIE’S TUPPERWARE PARTY

HARRY POTTER LIVE

FATHER’S DAY AT LEU

BAILAORA, THIS IS MY VOICE

PINEAPPLE FESTIVAL

June 15 – 17 at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. Dixie Longate is the fast-talking, gum chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing your grandma’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. Filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, and audience participation. Ages 18+ only. gardentheatre.org

June 16 & 17 at the Dr. Phillips Center.

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” is projected onto a giant screen and accompanied by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performing the score live. Purchase tickets in advance. drphillipscenter.org

June 18, 9 am – 5 pm, free admission just for Dads at Leu Gardens.

Explore the 50-acre gardens including the current Dinosaurs!

Exhibit, the butterfly garden, rose garden and tropical stream garden.

Last admission is at 4 pm, no picnics or pets allowed. leugardens.org

June 22, 8 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center. Siudy Garrido is one of the most exciting international flamenco performers today.

Siudy and company blend contemporary dance influences and traditional dance elements over original flamenco compositions. drphillipscenter.org

June 24, 4 – 10 pm at the Lake Nona Town Center. This is a Puerto Ricanthemed street festival inspired by the Festival De La Piña Paradisíaca with live music, authentic food, live entertainment, and a kid’s zone.

Event entry is free and open to the public. boxiparklakenona.com

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FREE FAMILY FUNDAY

7-YEAR REMEMBERANCE

Next at Theatre Winter Haven

July 13th - August 6th Co-Produced By: The Dr. Robert Cassell Family, Brad Dantzler & Andrew C. Stroud - Raymond James and Associates

For tickets and showtimes visit our website www.theatrewinterhaven.com or call 863-294-7469 ext.1.

TAMPA TOP 10 GULP COAST PASSPORT

BIG JOHN

SUMMER NIGHTS

FRESH MARKET

SUMMER CLASSICS

This is your guide to St. Pete/ Clearwater’s craft beer scene, and enjoy deals and discounts along the way. Your passport will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email and is ready to use immediately. visitstpeteclearwater. com/eat-drink/gulp-coast-craftbrewery-passport

Visit with Big John, the world’s largest triceratops, at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Roughly the size of an RV, the exhibit will include tunnels with clear domes, where guests can pop up and see the 66-million-year-old skeleton from underneath. Reserve a time in advance. glazermuseum.org

Explore Busch Gardens after dark with extended hours every night. Dance at themed party zones throughout the park, take on the rides in the dark and enjoy entertainment throughout the night, including a fireworks display on the weekends. buschgardens.com

June 4, 10 am – 3 pm at Hyde Park Village on the first Sunday of the month. Fresh Market is a monthly farmers market featuring local vendors including produce, handcrafted goods, plants, live music and more. Pet friendly. tampabaymarkets.com

Every Sunday, 3 pm at the Tampa Theatre. Experience your favorite movies on the big screen this summer. Watch “Mrs. Doubtfire” on June 4, “Vertigo” on June 11, “The Flying Ace” on June 18, and “Fantasia” on June 25. Purchase tickets in advance. tampatheatre.org

ANNIE

DAY OF DISCOVERY

THE BIG RUN 5K

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

ALICIA KEYS

June 6 – 11 at the Straz Center. This is the “Annie” we all know and love.

She has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time will return in a new production. strazcenter.org

June 10, 8 – 9:30 am at Zoo Tampa.

In partnership with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at USF, Zoo Tampa is hosting a low-sensory morning tailored for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. Get tickets in advance. zootampa.org

June 10, 7:30 am at Al Lopez Park.

Celebrate Global Running Day with a chip-timed 5K! Run, walk, or stroll in person or virtually. Donations are being collected for Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay, the official charity partner. runsignup.com/ Race/FL/Tampa/TheBigRun5k2023

June 17, 3 pm – 9 pm at Raymond James Stadium. This cultural event includes live music, entertainment, food trucks, shopping, a job fair, health clinic, kids’ zone and more for the entire family and community. roctheblock.com

June. 30, 8 pm at Amalie Arena.

“The Keys to the Summer Tour” is a completely reimagined concert experience and set list. The tour will feature Keys in a 360-degree, “in the round” production setup which will allow fans to experience her live performance in an entirely new way. amaliearena.com

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Rose Dynasty Foundation

Mistah Aphrodite & Momma Ashley Rose 20

WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Eight years ago, Jason DeShazo sat in the crowd of a Dixie Longate drag show. “I don’t think I laughed and cried so much in one sitting outside of church ever,” he said. In her affected southern drawl, Dixie, America’s own Tupperware queen, told a simple story about “bumping a duck.” It goes something like this. There’s a duck in the middle of a calm lake. If you throw a stone into the lake, it ripples and bumps the duck. “If you can just be one stone to bump a duck, to cause a reaction, what kind of difference could you make in the world,” DeShazo said. “It immediately changed my life.” That’s when DeShazo, who performs as Momma Ashley Rose, moved forward with starting the charitable organization, Rose Dynasty Foundation.

Rose, said, “Every great person needs a good backbone.” Together for 15 years, Scott also makes all of Momma’s costumes, including the patchwork dress she wore that day, made with her great-grandmother’s hand-stitched material. She completed the look with a pair of rhinestone sneakers.

Momma Ashley Rose started experimenting with drag in 2000 when a local drag queen painted her for a Halloween Party. “I loved it. I absolutely loved it,” she said. This persona was someone she wanted to bring to the world. “I never wanted to be the stereotypical queen.” When she first started performing as Momma, she was a bit “churchy” and even did a few gospel shows. Her drag changed and sometimes stopped entirely for a year or two before finding her way back to it. “Every time I evolved and really made a change of growing into what ‘Momma’ and this organization is now.”

Born in Plant City and raised in Okeechobee, “I grew up in a very conservative home,” DeShazo said. The family attended church several days a week.

“I’ve always known I was gay.” Coming out in the early 80s amid the AIDS epidemic was a dangerous time for anyone, he said. “There was a lot of fear instilled already.” In his teens, DeShazo endured conversion therapy. “It just wasn’t going to work,” he said. “I did everything I knew I could do to try to change what I thought, and what I was being told, was not right.” In true Momma Ashley Rose fashion, DeShazo found humor in the midst of pain, joking, “It gave me three things: It gave me my therapist, it made me gayer, and it made me a drag queen.”

“I believed that what I needed to do was establish a safe space for all people,” Momma said. More important than the flashy costumes, elaborate makeup, and side-splitting one-liners is her message, “You are loved, accepted, and wanted,” something she intones at every event. “We’ve all felt that, whether you’re Queer or not. We’ve all felt unloved, unwanted, or unaccepted at some point in our life. Any human being has felt that way. I knew it was a message that people needed to hear, including myself.”

DeShazo was involved in both mainstream and LGBTQ+ churches for many years. After serving in the ministry, he found something to be missing. “There was more to what I believed in my life that needed to be done,” he said.

For the duration of this story, I will refer to DeShazo as she and her because, really, my interview wasn’t with DeShazo – it was with Momma.

The organization has been a safe space for folks like 19-year-old Florida Southern College student Adam Reuther. Reuther, who performs as Mistah Aphrodite, started doing drag two years ago. Their first performance was at a charity event with Rose Dynasty. The versatility and art – horror, camp, glamour, across the gender spectrum – drew them to performing. “There’s so much to explore,” they said. “Doing good while performing, raising money, is a very satisfying feeling because I’m doing something I love, and I’m making the world better.”

A dynasty, by definition, is a family, and the Rose Dynasty Foundation is no different. Momma started the organization with her husband, Scott DeShazo.

Rose Dynasty Vice President Scott DeShazo, who performs as Amanduh

Working with the organization has given the music education major a new understanding of how the world works “in both good ways and bad.” They said, “It’s disheartening to see that there are people out there trying to crush

Loved, Accepted, and Wanted

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 -

“You are loved, accepted, and wanted” 21

someone’s individual spirit for just existing.” Locally, Mistah Aphrodite says they’ve been surrounded by support for their art from family, friends, and fellow students. “What’s most shocking about Polk County is the love is so much more outspoken than the hate.”

Rose Dynasty Foundation provides a safe space and entertainment for all ages while raising money for charities across Polk County, Central Florida, and beyond. They host events to raise funds for organizations like CampOUT, Florida’s first LGBTQ+ summer camp, and the FitzLane Project, which provides funding to underprivileged transgender youth for LGBTQIA+ specialized therapeutic services at the mental health provider of their choice.

“We focus on the small charities that don’t get the government funding that are still making a difference,” Momma said. The Polk County Bully Project, Red Tent Initiative, It Takes a Village feeding families during Covid, Art Crawl, domestic violence shelters, autism, children’s hospitals, and cancer research are just some of the 70 charitable efforts for which they’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. The organization’s primary fundraiser is Miss Rose Dynasty, the world’s only family-friendly charity-based drag pageant. This year they raised $28K for five charities.

Their goal is to one day have a community center in town. Momma envisions a space that offers food, life skills classes, therapy, a venue for events, and a safe space for the Queer community.

Some oppose their family-friendly philanthropic events, calling them ‘adult’ and ‘inappropriate.’ “I encourage people to come to our events and see what’s happening. If you don’t leave with your mind changed, that’s something that you need to deal with,” Momma said.

She cited classic movies and television shows like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “I Love Lucy,” in which drag was predominantly featured as comedic relief for the whole family. While there are undoubtedly adult drag performers, that is not what Rose Dynasty promotes. “This has been around for a long time, and if it’s being sexualized, it’s not by the drag queens. It’s by the people that are closedminded looking in,” Momma said. “A child, when they walk up to me, they see the same thing as when they see Cinderella. They see any other princess, any other character. They just see someone that they feel safe with that has a positive message that’s sparkly, and glittery, and shiny.”

Hate Won’t Win On December 3rd last year, at a family-friendly drag and art show, a hate group protested the event. Some dozen Neo-Nazis, covering their faces, turned up at ART/ifact Studio in Lakeland to disrupt the fundraising efforts.

Momma Ashley Rose noted they’d held events for six years at the venue and never once had a protestor make a scene. “I knew one day it was coming,” she said. “But I had no clue it was going to be Nazis.”

About an hour before the event, as Queer artists from around the county geared up to sell their artwork to raise money for CampOUT, Momma got a phone call. A concerned parent contacted her from a parking lot down the road to say they were scared because they’d seen protestors with Nazi signs outside the gallery. They immediately locked down the venue to make sure everyone was safe, and the Lakeland Police Department arrived on the scene.

“Lakeland Police Department did really well. I believe they did the best of their

“What’s most shocking about Polk County is the love is so much more outspoken than the hate.” havenmagazines.com

22

ability,” Momma said. “They made sure we were protected, that the doors were sealed, that no one came in unless we let them. They stayed until we were done.”

Mistah Aphrodite was there that day too. “I was angry. I was pissed off because I’m here dedicating my time and energy to raise money for people in need. We have children here who want to showcase their art, who want to do something they love, and there are people outside screaming curse words, screaming slurs,” they said.

The protesters blocked the window with a 20-foot sign and projected offensive things onto the side of the building. They held antisemitic signs and yelled “things that no child should have to hear” at kids as they walked with their parents into the event. “Rose Dynasty has helped me manage my own reactions,” Mistah Aphrodite said. “It’s taught me to be composed on the outside, so I didn’t do anything rash. I stayed inside and made sure everyone else was doing okay, everyone else was safe.”

Despite the disruption, the event went on. “We’re not going to let hate win,” Momma said.

The incident did shake the organization, though. They now have to spend hundreds of dollars for security at every event. It’s another weight on the philanthropist’s shoulders. “We’re working on active shooter training, on how to handle protestors. We’re trying to get as prepared as we can for the ‘what ifs,’” Momma said. She lost several friends in the Pulse nightclub shooting. This hits close to home. “It’s scary,” she said.

“Drag queens are supposedly causing harm to children when our children are having to do active shooter drills in school,” Momma added. “And here we are raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity, helping the community, and we’re having to think about active shooter training. […] We shouldn’t have to think about that, and it all stems from the hate that we have allowed to come into our country in the last several years.”

Speaking Out Momma Ashley Rose spoke both in and out of drag against SB 1438. The Florida chapter of the ACLU described SB 1438 as “a bill that grants state agencies the power to target LGBTQ+ friendly businesses by giving the Department of Business and Professional Regulation discretionary authority to fine, revoke liquor licenses, and even shut down establishments. Additionally, it makes it a crime to admit young people to any performance, exhibit, play, or show that the state deems inappropriate, even if the child’s parents think it is appropriate for their family.”

The bill, introduced by Florida Republican Senators Clay Yarborough and Keith Perry, passed 82 to 32 on April 19.

“At face value, it shouldn’t affect us,” Momma said. But it has given them pause to consider how they run the organization. “Do we rename it? Do I stop doing drag? I don’t want to, and I’m not planning on it. It’s going to cost legal services. It’s going to risk going to jail. It’s going to risk losing venues – which we have already.”

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“We’re not going to let hate win” 23

connect. share. LOVE. #communitylovehaven

Comm.unity LOVE creating together with Visual Images havenmagazines.com

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“It’s a blatant attack on the Queer community,” she went on. “It’s a blatant attack on the drag community. It’s a distraction from something else, from something bigger. […] When you look at the people making these accusations, they’re deflecting something, and it’s sad. […] Our suicide rate in our LGBTQ+ community is skyrocketing again, and it’s because of this fearmongering that’s happening.”

A Ripple Momma is a fighter. Sitting for dozens of interviews, speaking in front of the Florida senate, and continuing to be outspoken on Queer issues have garnered her hateful messages and death threats. Asked why she carries on, her husband spoke up, “Who else is going to do it?”

Out of the emotions Mistah Aphrodite feels about the bill, fear is not one of them. “I think the bill is just a thinly veiled attack on the Queer community as a whole because people have been entertained by drag for centuries, if not eons,” they said. “Dating back to ancient Greece, you would have men playing female roles on stage. You have all these classic TV shows and cartoons of characters in drag, and it was never a problem then. There are photos of past political leaders doing drag, and I’ve heard the excuse, ‘It was just in good fun.’

Well, what are we doing? Are we not having fun?”

Momma’s eyes welled up with tears as she said, “Who else? I wish I had somebody like me when I was young. We all wish we had somebody like ourselves. Who else is going to fight? Who else is going to stand up for these people? Who else is going to stand up for the community?”

She hopes, if not a multitude, at least one person will be changed by her words. “If nothing else, it’s shown us that people are watching, and people are listening, and it’s giving people hope. That’s why I do what I do. That’s why I spread this message of love and acceptance,” she said. “If it stops somebody from ending their life. If it stops somebody from feeling hurt, distraught – it would be worth it.”

Rose Dynasty may now have to find more creative ways to raise funds for charity. They’ve already lost thousands of dollars a month in donations from businesses having to choose between continuing to host their drag events or risk losing their business. “It puts fear and more stress on entertainers. Not just myself but my brothers and sisters who are drag performers. What are they going to do? The restaurants are already canceling. The brunches are already closing. It not only puts a damper on the entertainment industry, it puts a damper on people’s income and for the charities we raise money for.”

Scott DeShazo added in a hopeful tone, “It just takes a ripple.”

Rose Dynasty Foundation FB @rosedynastyfoundation IG @rosedynastyfoundation www.rosedynastyfoundationinc.org

“The people backing these laws will never set foot in one of our events, and I’ve invited them,” Momma said. “They want to believe the hate they believe.”

To counter the hate and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation, “Be an action ally,” Momma urges. “People claim to be allies, but if you’re sitting and not doing anything and you’re not helping, you’re not being an ally. If you’re being quiet and not having conversations, not donating, you’re not an action ally.

We really need action allies.”

“Use your voice to amplify ours,” said Mistah Aphrodite.

“Use your voice to amplify ours”

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Polk Pride 2023 It’s time to celebrate, affirm, and stand beside our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and community members in the week-long celebration, Polk Pride. Asked if there was anything new or exciting with Pride this year, founder Scott Guira replied, “The most exciting thing is that we’re going to continue to have it despite the things going on out there.”

“Some of them will now have to reshape what they’re thinking as far as their future goes, as far as what they’re going to study.” Trans youth have asked, “What’s going to happen to us?”

McCoy said, “We have seen the tides turn before. It’s going to be a matter of electing the right people, and we can see change again. If we all just stick together, eventually, we will get through this. I feel like there’s a rainbow at the end.”

Guira created Polk Pride in 2015 to foster a community in Polk County where LGBTQ+ folks of all ages could feel welcome. Discussing the organization in 2021, Guira said, “I know this community has grown. I know that it is an outstanding place to live, to work, to play. I grew up here, and I’ve seen the community change. I want to make sure that the next generation of young people coming up and people moving to the area see that this is a place for them, this is a place for everybody.”

To support Polk Pride, folks can become a sponsor, volunteer, donate, or join their initiatives. Those interested in volunteering or donating can do so on their website. “It’s important that we have our allies as part of our Pride celebration,” Guira said. “If people can share our events [on social media] […] or by word of mouth, whatever they need to do to get the word out that this event is happening and that it is important to everyone in Polk County.”

Despite a slew of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Guira, and his team are moving forward to create the same safe, loving space he sought to forge in 2015. “We think that at a time like this, it’s more important than ever that we be out, we be vocal, and that our allies are part of our events,” he said.

As an ally, Kerri McCoy advised finding LGBTQ+ resources in the community and becoming part of a group. “If you know someone who is LGBTQ+, ask, ‘What can I do to support you? How can I help? What can I do to make a difference?’”

Polk Pride isn’t just being vocal. In April, the organization donated to the Drag2Talle initiative. “Drag2Talle was an opportunity for not only drag queens but trans people and our allies to go up to Tallahassee and make our voice heard that drag is not a crime. Drag is an art,” Guira said. “This is considered an attack on the entire LGBTQ+ community, and it was important for us to be part of a larger contingency of people from across the state who went to make sure our legislators, and so the public could see, that LGBTQ+ people are everywhere and that we are just as much a part of the community as they are.”

“Pride was born out of a necessity,” Guira said. “We celebrate Pride now, but when Pride started, it began as a protest against people who were holding LGBTQ+ people back from living safe lives. Now, it’s just as important, if not more important than it’s been the last several years because of our legislation and the changing political climate, to make sure our voice is heard and let people know we’re not going to stand by and let this decision be made without our speaking up.”

Also under the Polk Pride umbrella are Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and the Lakeland Youth Alliance (LYA), and they, too, are raising their voices. On November 4, students participated in the state-wide “Don’t Say Gay’’ walkout as the Florida Board of Education unanimously voted to expand the “Don’t Say Gay” law. On March 31, they held an LGBTQ+ rights protest at the entrance of Lake Bonny Park. The bills they protested included HB 999, HB 254, and HB 1223. “I don’t know that they make much of an impact on the people in Tallahassee, but I know it makes a huge impact to the kids. It’s important that their voices be heard,” said LYA and Polk PFLAG President Kerri McCoy.

Polk Pride polkpridefl.com FB @PolkPrideFL IG @polkpridefl Lakeland Youth Alliance lakelandyouthalliance.org FB @LakelandYouthAlliance PFLAG of Polk County pflagofpolkcounty.org FB @PFLAGofPolkCounty

Most LYA students are middle school-aged and have used words like “unfair” and “government control” to describe the bills. Of HB 999, McCoy said,

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WALKABILITY The extent to which the built environment is friendly to the presence of people living, shopping, visiting, enjoying or spending time in an area

DOWNTOWN WINTER HAVEN

WALK SCORE 76 Walk Score points are awarded based on the distance to amenities

walkscore.com havenmagazines.com

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POLK PRIDE 2023 JUNE 10-17 PRPolk IDPride EO N T A P 2023 Begins

PRDrinks, IDEDancing, KICandKDrag OFF

PRLakeland IDEYouth FOAlliance R YPride OU TH Party

PCelebration RIDE ofIN THE PARK Pride for the Whole Family

PAnRInterfaith IDE Celebration IN FAofIT H Pride

PRID E A F T E R D A R K Pride After Party | Drag Show

Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St, Lakeland Saturday 6/10 2-5 pm

The Parrot 1030 E Main St, Lakeland Friday 6/16 9 pm - 2 am

Ages 11-17 Location TBD Wednesday 6/14 6:30 pm

Munn Park | Downtown 201 E Main St, Lakeland Saturday 6/17 10 am - 3 pm

Beacon Hill Fellowship 220 W Beacon Rd, Lakeland Thursday 6/15 7 pm

LKLD Live @ Rec Room 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland Saturday 6/17 9 pm - 2 am

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

Golden Wild Florals Beauty and love are intertwined for Golden Wild Florals Owner and Head Designer Bethany Lynam. Since starting her woman-, Queer-owned floral company in 2020, Golden Wild has blossomed. “I think because we care so much, and people respond to that,” Lynam said. Her business is seeded in connection and “heart-forward” designs.

Lynam moved from South Tampa after taking a visual arts teaching position in Lakeland in 2016. Lynam studied the philosophy of beauty with a concentration in fine arts. “I’ve always been creative,” she said. Working with flowers came out of left field for the artist. “I kind of got burnt out teaching.”

She thought flowers would be a good temporary job.

Lynam already knew the elements of art, like shape, texture, and color. So, she tried her hand in the floral industry, working at a flower shop in Tampa. “It was really hard,” she said. “I was a very late bloomer (pun intended). It took me a while to build confidence. […] Then I fell in love with it.”

“Around that time, I was actually coming out – I realized my sexuality. They were really tied together because flowers are varied, and they have so much nuance in them, and they teach a lot of lessons about flexibility.” She found the work to be meditative and healing in her journey. “I would love to do something in the future with a type of floral meditation with people for that reason,” said Lynam.

On the weekends, she would travel to Jacksonville to work as a wedding florist with her mentor and now best friend, Sarah Boyce, with The Wild Thistle.

Lynam described event floristry as “fast-paced, intense, big work.” “The event work is where everything came together where I felt like, ‘I can do this,’” she said. The shop was good for a healing space because she could focus on herself and the work, but “Long-term it was dissatisfying because I love people and I couldn’t see if they were actually enjoying them.”

“When the world stopped in 2020, I had time,” she said. She put together a logo, website, and portfolio and tapped into her marketing and art background to launch her business, Golden Wild Florals. Using the word ‘wild’ “was harking to how much [Sarah] invested in me, and I really liked the clientele she attracted,” Lynam said. “I’m not a materialistic person, so I knew if I started a business or I branded it in some way, it would have to be authentic to me. It would have to be very heart-forward, or else I would lose interest in it.”

Her creative process starts with a casual, personable client consultation over Zoom. “My cat’s butt is usually in the frame,” she said, smiling.

These consultations are one of the most joyous parts of her job. “I love when the consultation is flowing, and I feel like I get them as a person, and they appreciate what I’m trying to do,” Lynam said. “I like bonding with the client that way.” From this conversation, she creates a mood board for them.

Photo by Mary Marsh

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Photo by Celeste Burns

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“National Remembrance Ceremony” on-site at Pulse in Orlando. The first year she participated, feeling “a sense of urgency and shock that no one locally acknowledges the event,” with last year’s event more upbeat. “It was much larger and was intended to be more joyful, inviting a larger group of Queer allies and entrepreneurs,” she said. Some heart arrangements were presented to families, with others left at the site in memory of the Pulse Angels.

As the event or wedding day arrives, Lynam picks flowers based on her client’s aesthetic, the season, and what’s affordable to them. She prides herself in using her creativity as an artist first and florist second to stick to a budget. “I have the mindset of making something little into something big, and that’s allowed me to honor budgets well.”

“The creative process is the easy part.” She does the bulk of the design independently in her studio space at ART/ifact. During the inquiry process, she’ll ask the client’s favorite song and make their bouquet to that song. “I’m over-the-top sentimental about it,” she said. “It keeps it joyful because it’s a lot of really hard work, and there’s a lot of steps and late nights.”

“It was a very important event and a lot bigger than me and a lot bigger than Golden Wild,” she said. Though she won’t be doing it this year, Lynam hopes to find another way to honor Pride. To come together as a community and make a cohesive arrangement.

Connecting with people is where Lynam draws inspiration. “Beauty is a very broad thing for me. I feel like flowers are physically beautiful,” she said. Her mantra and email signoff is ‘Love Brings the Beauty.’ “Connecting those two things, that’s what inspires me.[…] It’s made me lean into a heart for Queer people, or wanting to do events that are more on the activist side, or being very connected to my clientele because part of the beauty is the connection and love there.”

The team comes together on the event day to construct the vision. “We all have different strengths and jobs,” she said. “All the other girls that help me are creatives as well.” The energy is palpable, and she finally meets her client in person and presents her labor of love to them.

After a long day of hard work, when the team is collectively exhausted, they come together for a meal. “That’s my favorite part of the creative process is at the end when we’re eating pizza like, ‘I can’t believe we built that thing in an hour!’”

“That’s how I found my way to flowers,” she said. “I was connecting with myself, and I made great friends that way. They helped me connect to a deeper beauty in myself with my sexuality, with other people, with mental health.

Like anything in nature, they’re symbols. They’re teachers of a lot of beautiful things.”

People come to Lynam when they want something out of the ordinary. Her aesthetic is personalized, and she can create styles across the spectrum.

“What they all have in common is they show a lot of movement, and they’re very loose and bloom-heavy. I like big fluffy blooms, and a lot of it is very organic.”

Golden Wild Florals FB: Golden Wild IG @goldenwildflorals www.goldenwildflorals.com

Lynam markets herself for large-scale pieces, primarily for weddings. She’s done other events, including corporate functions and the Bonnet Springs Park grand opening. For the last two years, Lynam has put on the “With All Our Hearts: Remembering the 49” event in Lakeland after being hired to make the 49 floral heart arrangements by onePULSE Foundation for the

Photo by Celeste Burns

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WORDS Gabriella Favilli-Vigoreaux

Big Love Bake Sale When pondering the grassroots potential of the bake sale, it’s hard not to think of Georgia Gilmore, the woman who fed and funded the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. Gilmore formed The Club From Nowhere, a secret civil rights kitchen where she sold pies and pound cakes to raise funds for the 381-day resistance. It’s also hard to not think of Paola Velez, the DC chef who cofounded Bakers Against Racism, a massive bake sale movement that began as a pop-up in 2020 and has raised over 2.5 million dollars for social justice causes worldwide. Bake sales are nostalgic, collaborative by design, cheap to produce, and, as proven by Gilmore and Velez, can be true conduits for social change. This is what inspired us to start the Big Love Bake Sale.

wanted to benefit from with the bake sale. Not only do they provide mentoring for LGBTQ+ youth, but they are committed to creating safe spaces for our Queer community, all while spreading their positive mantra that everyone is “loved, accepted and wanted.” They work nonstop to raise funds for numerous organizations like the Polk County Bully Project and The Rent Tent Initiative, by producing family-friendly drag and variety shows, proving that drag can be, and IS, safe for people of all ages.

Once we chose an organization, our next step was to secure the dough, quite literally. We emailed and reached out to a bunch of local bakers and businesses on Instagram for pastry donations. Our ask was 25 to 50 pastries, whatever they felt comfortable with. An overwhelming majority agreed to participate, and it was really heartening to see how the cause resonated with so many people. It was important to us that we included a mix of bakers and businesses we knew, as well as some new friends we’d been pining to work with. Some have a brick-and-mortar; most are pop-ups, and a few are avid home-bakers who are passionate about the cause. A huge driving force behind the bake sale was our desire to meet other people in our industry and collaborate with them on something meaningful. Many of us operate as popups, and it’s rare that we get the chance to participate in the same markets, since most of them have quotas for how many pastry vendors can participate in a single event.

With minimal fundraising experience, we figured the best place to start was by choosing a cause that was timely and personal to us, ideally in our own neighborhood. With Pride month upon us, we are reminded of the Stonewall Riots of 1969. We are reminded that it was the drag community and trans people of color who led the rebellion that spawned the Gay Rights Movement. In recent weeks, we’ve seen a major rise in anti-drag legislation in our home state. We’ve seen how this has caused a surge in transphobia and opened more doors for harassment and hateful speech against the LGBTQ+ community. It’s tough to ignore in general, but especially as a Queer-owned business operating in a state where things like that are happening.

Gio and I started our pop-up bakery, Bandidas, a couple years ago and it’s been a rollercoaster to say the least. Food trends come and go, but one thing that hasn’t changed is our mantra of “community as a compass.” How can we create a safe space for the Queer community without a physical location to call our own? For us, the answer is to hold more events like Big Love Bake Sale where we can raise awareness, drive donations and share valuable information.

Our goal is to make the Big Love Bake Sale a regular occurrence and to get it down to a science so we can replicate it to raise funds for other local organizations that matter to us. Creating community around food is our love language and sometimes that message gets lost in the chaos of running a small food business. Many fundraisers are centered around fancy galas or benefit dinners, which are great, but we wanted something small scale and accessible to everyone in the community. You can come to our bake sale with five dollars and walk away with something delicious, knowing you supported an amazing cause.

With the safety and livelihood of the drag community at stake, it seemed like a no-brainer to choose The Rose Dynasty Foundation as the organization we

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What can you expect to eat at the bake sale? To name a few: Pinoy Cravings will be serving up their signature Filipino bibingka, a chewy coconut rice cake.

Winter Haven’s Honeycomb bakery will be providing classic croissants and pain au chocolate and Lakeland’s Born + Bread Bakehouse will have “Love Is Love” twice-baked croissants stuffed with cake batter frangipane and rainbow sprinkles. Citrus lovers will swoon for the mojito and key lime pie cupcakes by From Beverly Bakery (the latter is GF and vegan!). Vegetation Plant Food, who recently opened their brick-and-mortar in Lakeland, will also be serving vegan delights. DOU Bakehouse will be bringing their financier cake pops (that’s an almond and brown butter cake dipped in chocolate!) and Baking Brewer will be on site with her beloved beer-infused triple chocolate brownies. Beyond baked goods, there will also be some fun beverages from Lakeland pop-ups Glizzy Gal and La Sirena who will be serving vegan cold brew creations and agua frescas, respectively. There will be ice cream and popsicles from Purple Panda to cool down on what will surely be a June scorcher (don’t worry, the event is indoors). Last but not least, there will be raffles and live performances from The Rose Dynasty Foundation and friends!

If you made it this far, we hope you are hungry and as excited as we are for this event. Big Love Bake Sale is family-friendly and free to attend. It will take place on June 4th at ART/ifact Studio in Lakeland from 12 to 3pm. Tickets will be available at the door to redeem for baked goods and beverages. Each ticket is $5 and is good for one item of your choosing. We can’t thank our participating bakers and makers enough for offering up their talents. Special thanks to ART/ifact for providing us with a space to hold all this love (and sugar) and of course to the Rose Dynasty Foundation for everything they do for our community. See you all on the 4th!

Big Love Bake Sale June 4, 12 pm – 3 pm ART/ifact 820 N. Massachusetts Ave. Lakeland, Florida 33801

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WHY DINING LOCAL MATTERS Support the diversity of our neighbors enriching our community through food.

Support local restaurants

CamScanner

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Mojito 5 mint leaves 2 ounces white rum 1 ounce fresh lime juice .5 ounce simply syrup club soda extra mint for garnish In a cocktail shaker, lightly muddle the mint until aromatic. Add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, a handful of ice and shake.

Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with mint.

Please drink responsibly, ages 21+.

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WORDS Momma Ashley Rose Jason DeShazo

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Momma Knows Best: Drag is an Art The art of drag has a long history. It is nothing new to society, dating back centuries when men often dressed as women for entertainment and other events. The term “drag” itself is thought to have originated in the theater world in the early 20th century, when male actors would wear women’s clothing to play female roles. For a time in history, it was illegal for women to perform on stage.

setting powder. Bright colors for my eyes and contour to change the look of the shape of my face. False lashes that are huge! Wearing a big-styled wig, large rhinestone jewelry, and elaborate dresses covered in rhinestones, it can take me up to two hours to become Momma.

Over the last 23 years, my makeup and costumes have evolved, as do many artists. I have had the chance to learn and grow in my skills. I have learned from other makeup artists, makeup classes, YouTube, and more.

While “art” is subjective and can vary from person to person, drag can certainly be considered an art form. Drag involves using costume, makeup, and performance to create a persona that is often exaggerated or larger-thanlife. Drag performers often use their art to explore issues related to gender identity, sexuality, social norms, and beyond. Drag can consist of Kings, Queens, and anything in between. It can be an expression of gender, genderbending, cosplay, and more. Whether you are a male dressing as a female, a female dressing as a male, or even expressing your own gender or none at all, this is one of the amazing parts of the art form.

In my over two decades of doing drag, I have had the chance to watch so many lives change. I have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities. I have spread the message that everyone is loved, accepted, and wanted, no matter who they are.

I have seen families come together to celebrate so many things, including the love they have for their children, family, and friends. To me, the power behind drag is and can be life changing. On days when I am tired or don’t feel like taking the time to “transform” into Momma, I look in the mirror and think of the lives we have helped change through this art. I think of the kids whose smiles light up the room when I walk out and sing or read them stories.

I think of the families I see come together to celebrate each other. I think of the community we built by raising money and awareness for so many charities.

That is the reason I do what I do. That is the reason I believe drag is an art and drag is life-changing and brings joy and love!

Many drag performers also use their art to express themselves creatively and entertain audiences. Whether through lip-syncing, dance, comedy, singing live, playing musical instruments, or drama, drag performers often use their talents to create a memorable and impactful performance that leaves a lasting impression on their audience. Drag is a form of performance and visual art. As I stated before, the term “larger-than-life” is a good way to explain the look. Whether it’s a drag Queen, King, or anything in between, everyone has a chance to show off their art in a creative way. Utilizing makeup, wigs, costumes, and props, drag performers often spend time getting into character before a performance. This may involve practicing their mannerisms and movements to create a convincing and entertaining performance. Like any performance, drag requires a lot of practice and preparation. Drag performers may rehearse their lip-syncing, live singing, dance moves, comedy routines, and more to ensure their performance is polished and entertaining.

While not everyone may consider drag an art form, it certainly has many elements of traditional art forms. Executing successfully requires a great deal of skill, creativity, and talent.

There has been a lot of talk about drag being harmful to people. There are no proven facts that drag has harmed anyone. In fact, history has shown drag performers have always created a safe space for people and helped raise money and awareness for many social and political issues. There are many types of drag, as there are different types of TV, music, and stage shows. You have adult TV, radio, and entertainment, and you have those that are safe for all ages. Drag is and can be the same. Not all drag is for adults only. As with any art form, the show and entertainer can adjust the content to make it safer for all ages. Drag is not a crime; Drag is NOT harmful; Drag is love; Drag is community; Drag is art, and we are not going anywhere.

Drag can have the power to challenge societal norms and provoke thought about issues related to gender identity and expression. This can open up so much for people to understand and even provide a safe space for others. There can be so much inspiration and empowerment for others through art.

The drag transformation for me can be a lot of work – shaving my facial hair off to have a smooth face to create the look of a female and using stage makeup of all sorts. My base is a thick cream foundation used in many theaters and television shows, along with special effects makeup and large amounts of

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14TH ANNUAL

Swing for the Cure Cocktail Party & Golf Tournament

All proceeds raised from the 2023 Lewis Family Cancer Fund "Swing for the Cure" will be utilized locally to support the Winter Haven Hospital Cassidy Cancer Center.

Cassidy

Thank You Sponsors and Teams

The

Family

Applied Aquatic

Hill Nissan, Inc.

Archer Daniels Midland

Lennox / O’Ferrell / Salomon / Warren

Bob Paul, Inc.

Keller Mechanical & Engineering

The Cassidy Family – Team 1

Lowpaymentkings.com powered by: Mahalak Auto Group

The Cassidy Family – Team 2 Counter Ag Services Empire Imported Parts & Service Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka Gator Industries of Central Florida Heath Construction & Management, LLC

McDonald’s

Dr. Paul Morin Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine The Bond Clinic PA Oakley Transport, Inc. Reed Builder’s Group, Inc. Silver Properties of WH, LLC Thornhill Wealth Management

Morgan Stanley – The Scheck/Lewis/McKown Group – Team 1

UBS – Watkins Johnson Wealth Management

Morgan Stanley – The Scheck/Lewis/McKown Group – Team 2

Winter Haven Hospital

United Rentals Winter Haven Sun

Special Thanks To: Corporate Table Sponsors: Reilly Hartt The Krieger / Roberts Family Bill & Amy Lewis Pearce Financial Prince & Sons, Inc. Taylor Building Elements, LLC Tucker Paving, Inc.

Bernie Little Distributors

Beverage Cart Sponsors: Budget Auto Parts Chain of Lakes Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Catering Oasis Erin Floyd - Coldwell Banker Realty Lasseigne & Ladner, PA Attorneys at Law New Electric, LLC Frank & Janet Csomos Country Club of Winter Haven

Florida’s Natural

Bar Sponsors: L.H. Travis, Inc. Reilly Hartt Party Rentals Unlimited Roden Pool Contracting, Inc.

SouthState Bank

For more information, contact: Josh Lewis (863) 287-2106 WHH Foundation (863) 292-4138 | WHHFoundation@baycare.org Find us on

Check Me Out ;)

Compiled by the staff of the Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW (863) 291-5880 mywinterhaven.com/library

FLUX

By Jinwoo Chong THE CELEBRANTS

By Stephen Rowley A group of college friends reunite every few years in Big Sur to throw each other living “funerals” - celebrations that remind them of their bond and their purpose.

But this time, one of them has a secret that will change everything. Rowley creates memorable characters that you will root for, relate to and laugh with - making you appreciate the people who matter most in your life.

THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS

By Laurie Frankel This beautiful, thought-provoking tale is an extraordinary exploration of love, identity, and the power of acceptance. Frankel weaves a captivating narrative that follows the Walsh-Adams family as they navigate the complexities of raising a transgender child. Frankel’s writing is compassionate and honest. She tackles the complex issues surrounding gender identity with sensitivity, making it accessible for readers who may not be familiar with the topic. By humanizing the experiences of transgender individuals, she invites us to question preconceived notions and prejudices, urging us to embrace diversity and celebrate our differences.

FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE

By Camryn Garrett

“Flux” is a time-travel novel that goes beyond the speculative and explores the lives of three people coping with personal and systemic traumas. The book follows Bo, a young boy who lost his mother; Blue, a mute man who confronts a figure from his past; and Brandon, a fired employee who joins a mysterious company that has made a time-warping discovery.

As their stories intertwine, they face questions of identity, memory, and morality in a world that is constantly changing. “Flux” will keep you guessing until the end.

THE HOUSE OF IMPOSSIBLE BEAUTIES

By Joseph Cassara A stunning and heartbreaking novel about the drag queens of the House of Xtravaganza, the first Latino drag house in New York City in the 1980s. Inspired by the real-life figures of the ballroom scene, Cassara creates a vivid and unforgettable portrait of a subculture that defied the norms of race, gender and sexuality. The novel will make you feel every emotion possible. It is fierce, tender, funny, tragic, and beautiful. It is also a tribute to the resilience and creativity of the Queer community.

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THE PEOPLE WHO REPORT MORE STRESS

By Alejandro Varela

Mahalia Harris is a high school junior who wants to throw a coming-out party instead of a Sweet Sixteen. But Mahalia has to deal with many challenges along the way, such as her religious mom, her flaky dad, her SAT prep, and her tight budget. Will she be able to pull off the party of her dreams and find true love? Find out in this funny, sweet, and uplifting novel that will make you smile and cheer for Mahalia.

This collection of interrelated short stories follows a diverse group of characters dealing with stress and anxiety in different ways. Varela’s stories are set in New York City and Iowa City, and he captures the contrasts and conflicts of these places with sharp humor and empathy.

A nuanced take on race, class, sexuality, and politics.

FIELDWORK

By Iliana Regan

THE LATE AMERICANS

By Brandon Taylor

“Fieldwork” is an immersive novel that examines the complexities of identity and belonging. Maya, a young anthropologist, travels to Thailand to study a remote tribe and soon finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and mysteries.

She also develops a deep connection with a charismatic shaman who becomes her guide and mentor. But as Maya delves deeper, she also puts herself in danger from forces that want to exploit or destroy the tribe. A gripping novel that will transport you to a different reality while questioning your own.

The story follows a group of young men and women struggling with their identities, relationships, and futures.

Taylor’s prose is sharp and insightful, capturing human emotions and interactions while navigating themes of intimacy, precarity, friendship, and the idea of chosen family with honesty and compassion. This is a book that will make you think, feel, and question your own assumptions about life and love.

WORDS Shannon Carnevale

The Urban Heat Island Effect: A Growing Challenge in Florida’ s Urban Areas As an Extension Agent, a significant part of my daily work involves talking about our environment with folks from all walks of life. A topic that has recently been on everyone’s lips in the realm of urban forestry and community health is the urban heat island effect. It’s an issue that has far-reaching implications for our cities and the people who live in them.

in buildings and roads keep cities warm even after the sun goes down, creating a 24/7 cycle of increased temperatures. In winter, this can feel a bit nice. While the countryside in Polk may experience freezing temperatures, it will likely stay a few degrees warmer in the cities.

In areas with a lot of water, like Lakeland and Winter Haven, this effect can be compounded by the insulating effect large waterbodies have on the surrounding lands. Even at a statewide level, this is noticeable. It’s why Florida will look bright orange on the weather map when every other state is experiencing freezing temperatures.

And, although it may seem counterintuitive, the water can have the same insulating effect in summer. When states to the north are experiencing heat waves into the triple digits, it is rarer to see those temperatures in Florida. There isn’t a lot of research about how the urban heat island effect and the insulating effects of large waterbodies work in cities with both phenomena, but hopefully, there will be in the future.

Now that summer feels like it is officially here, and hurricane season is upon us, I feel like everyone’s conversation has turned to how hot the weather has been. And while the season’s hottest weather is yet to come, you may have noticed it doesn’t feel equally hot everywhere in Polk County. This is especially true when you compare the evening temperatures in our more rural or natural areas to our cities like Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, and Lake Wales. We can all thank the urban heat island effect for this heat disparity.

So, what is the urban heat island effect?

Essentially, it refers to urban or metropolitan areas that are significantly warmer than their surrounding rural regions. This temperature difference is primarily due to human activities. Cities and towns are full of buildings, roads, parking lots, and other structures made of materials like asphalt and concrete that absorb sunlight during the day and release it slowly at night, leading to an overall increase in temperature.

Unfortunately, the implications of the urban heat island effect are complex, and wide-ranging, and go beyond simple discomfort.

For instance, as temperatures rise, so does our reliance on air conditioning, leading to increased energy consumption.

Furthermore, hotter temperatures elevate the emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

From a human health perspective, heat islands can lead to heat stress and other heat-related illnesses. Even our wildlife isn’t spared, as some creatures are drawn to the warmth of the roads, leading to an unfortunate increase in roadkill incidents.

However, the heat island effect isn’t just a daytime phenomenon.

Unlike rural areas, which cool down considerably after sunset, urban areas don’t experience the same temperature drop. The heat stored

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As Polk County continues to urbanize, we must tackle the heat island effect head-on. But what can we do on an individual level? There are several strategies we can all take part in.

measures that protect and enhance our urban forests (also known as community forests). You can do this by sending an email, making a call, or attending community meetings. Every voice counts and public support for these less-traditional solutions is critical.

First and foremost, plant more trees. Trees are nature’s air conditioners. They absorb sunlight, provide shade, and cool the air through a process called transpiration. Additionally, trees provide a multitude of other benefits, from filtering pollutants out of the air to capturing stormwater runoff.

As we work to mitigate the urban heat island effect, it’s essential to remember that community trees and forest canopy aren’t just about cooling our cities. There’s a growing body of research showing that being around trees can lower stress levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. In short, trees make us happier and healthier. And, as new research continues to be released, I’m confident that this relationship with community trees will only get stronger.

However, planting a tree isn’t as simple as just digging a hole and dropping in a seedling. You need to consider where to plant it for maximum shading effect. For instance, planting a tree on the east, west, or south sides of your house can provide the most shade. If you’re unsure what type of tree to plant or how to plant it, call our office in Bartow. Your local Polk County extension office is staffed with trained master gardener volunteers who are always ready to provide personalized advice for your yard.

In conclusion, combating the urban heat island effect is a complex and collective effort. We all have a part to play in planting trees, supporting green infrastructure, and championing urban and community forestry. By doing so, we can help make our cities more livable, improve public health, and protect Florida’s natural beauty.

Beyond planting trees, we can also turn to green infrastructure. This includes initiatives like green roofs, cool pavements, and strategically planned city growth. These mimic natural systems and bring the benefits of nature into our built environments. These projects can be more expensive up front but are often less expensive in the long run when we consider energy efficiency, stormwater management, and mitigation of traditional capital projects.

If you’re interested in learning more about the urban heat island effect, consider listening to the Naturally Florida podcast episode on this topic at https://link.chtbl.com/HAVENreaders. It’s episode one of season two, “Is It Getting Hotter in Our Cities? It’s the Urban Heat Island Effect!”

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at scarnevale@ufl.edu.

Last, but by no means least, is the power of civic engagement.

Let your local government know you value trees and support

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VOTE NOW havenmagazines.com

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JUNE 2023 FIRST DAY OF HURRICANE SEASON June 1, 2023 FLYING TIGERS VS JUPITER HAMMERHEADS Jun 1, 2023, 6:30 PM Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Fans are invited wear pink, the event benefits the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida, which strives to ease the financial worries of local, Central Florida breast cancer patients and their families. A special ticket package is available that includes a donation to the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida. The first 300 Strike Out Cancer ticket package buyers will receive a complimentary tote bag. milb.com/lakeland TRIVIA NIGHT Jun 1, 2023, 7:00 PM Barrel 239, 239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven Every Thursday, free to play.

BINGO WITH MOMMA & FRIENDS Jun 1, 2023, 8:00 PM Quinteassence Kava Bar 839 North Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland Every Thursday with Momma Ashley Rose and the Rose Dynasty Foundation Inc.! All ages are welcome to attend. $15 to play with the proceeds going to a different local charity each week.

ADD YOUR EVENT YOGA IN THE GARDENS Jun 3, 2023, 9:00 AM Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales This inclusive class includes gentle yoga movements, breathing techniques, and extended relaxation. All levels welcome. Register in advance.

863-734-1222 boktowergardens.org WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER SEASON* Jun 3, 2023, 9:00 AM 250 Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. We are across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the old BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday.

SYMPHONY STORYTIME: CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS Jun 3, 2023, 9:30 AM Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales A timeless classic brought to you by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Woodwind Quintet.

Live music for young children, ages three to seven.

Register in advance. 863-734-1222 boktowergardens.org

SOUND BATH AND YOGA FLOW Jun 3, 2023, 10:00 AM Bok Tower Gardens RELAY FOR LIFE OF POLK COUNTY 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales Jun 2, 2023, 6:00 PM Healing and soothing singing bowls will be played Frances Langford Promenade, Lakeland throughout this all-levels yoga class. From beginFundraiser for the American Cancer Society with ner to experienced, all are welcome. Register in a luminaria ceremony honoring those who are fighting and those who have lost to cancer at 8:30 advance. 863-734-1222 boktowergardens.org pm. RelayForLife.org/PolkFL IMPROV COMEDY SHOW Jun 2, 2023, 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM Rec Room 202 North Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland Two show times, 7:30 is the Family Friendly Show and 9:30 is the 21+ Show. It is $10 per show or $15 for both. They are a 6-year-old team with the best improvisers in all of Polk County. swancityimprov. com LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET Jun 3, 2023, 8:00 AM Downtown Lakeland, 117 N Kentucky Ave Every Saturday 8 am - 1 pm, shop local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays. Every Saturday in downtown Lakeland.

Join OakLee, a local country band for a night of fun and music! Special guest, Derrick Flowers will open starting at 6:30PM, followed by OakLee starting at 8PM. A full bar and lite concessions will be available for sale. centralfloridatix.com

ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC NIGHT Jun 5, 2023, 6:00 PM Gram Parsons Derry Down 297 5th Street NW, Winter Haven All Acoustic Open Mic Night happens the first Monday night of the month. Sign up to perform up to 3 songs. No cost to attend. More info on FB @gramparsonsderrydown. Musicians of all ages are invited to play in this historic venue.

LIVE TRIVIA Jun 5, 2023, 7:30 PM Cob & Pen 1221 Florida Ave S, Lakeland Live trivia every Monday. Tons of fun with your friends are in store with a huge craft beer selection, unique craft cocktails, and an amazing food menu. Quarterly prizes given.

STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE Jun 3, 2023, 7:00 PM Gem Theater, 110 NW 1st Avenue, Mulberry We are kicking off summer with one of the biggest blockbusters ever! Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee, and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire’s world-destroying battle station. Tickets are $5.00, and doors open thirty minutes prior. Outside concessions are permitted. centralfloridatix.com

BIG LOVE BAKE SALE Jun 4, 2023, 12:00 PM ART/ifact 820 North Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland Bake sale from noon - 3 pm to raise funds for Rose Dynasty Foundation. Together with over 15 local bakers and makers, Bandidas & Rose Dynasty Foundation will be slinging pastries, coffee and FAMILY NATURE WALK more! See Live performances from Rose Dynasty Jun 3, 2023, 10:00 AM and friends, and raffles!! Come out, bring your Bonnet Springs Park friends, eat some cake, and celebrate our Queer 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland community! This is a FAMILY-FRIENDLY event First Saturday of the month BSP Staff and Volun- and only love will be tolerated. More info on FB teers will lead a one-mile stroll along our accessible @BandidasLKLD. Tickets will be available at the door. Each ticket is $5.00 and is good for 1 item of boardwalk and help visitors explore plants and your choosing. animals. Visitors must have the ability to follow instructions independently or with the aid of a FLYING TIGERS VS JUPITER companion and be comfortable outdoors for up HAMMERHEADS to 1 hour.

Jun 4, 2023, 1:00 PM bonnetspringspark.com Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Young Flying Tigers fans can enjoy kids’ zones with OAKLEE ALBUM “OUR TIME” multiple activities during the game, including face RELEASE PARTY painting, balloon artists and bounce houses. All Jun 3, 2023, 6:30 PM kids ages 12 and under may run the bases after the Historic Ritz Theatre game weather permitting.

263 West Central Ave, Winter Haven milb.com/lakeland 47

UAW MID FLORIDA RETIREE COUNCIL DROP-IN CENTER Jun 6, 2023, 9:00 AM 209 Avenue O SW, Winter Haven The UAW Mid Florida Retiree Council’s drop-in center in Winter Haven is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Please contact us at (863) 293-5556 or drop by with any problems you have with your benefits. All UAW retired members are welcome to take advantage of this drop-in center. Please bring all pertinent paperwork in order to resolve any problems. There will be no monthly meetings for the months of June, July and August. We are always looking for suggestions for guest speakers. If you have any suggestions, please call us at the drop-in center.

Please pass this info along to any UAW retired members who may not get this publication.

BUSY BEES SPORTS EXPLORERS! Jun 6, 2023, 10:00 AM Medulla Resource Center and Park 1049 Parker Road, Lakeland Every Tuesday, kids 3-6 are invited to learn the basics of a new monthly sport. To attend, please RSVP by e-mail to Cherry Alston at cherryalston@ polk-county.net. Must be accompanied by an adult CAMEO WRITERS Jun 6, 2023, 2:00 PM Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven Receive knowledgeable, appreciative support and encouragement. Questions please contact Beverly Lerner at bevlerner@aol.com. CW meets on the first Tuesday of each month. 863-291-5880.

Cameo Writers welcomes writers of varying ability, genre, and experience.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 49 -

Your Hometown Bakeshop Hours: Mon through Fri 7:00am–3:00pm, Sat & Sun 8:00am–2:00pm 140 6th Street SW, Downtown Winter Haven || HoneycombBread.com

Best of Both Worlds:

Contour correction of a filler now, Collagen and Elastin over time.

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MORE EVENTS ONLINE KNIT & CROCHET NIGHT Jun 6, 2023, 5:00 PM The Union Taproom 245 West Central Ave, Winter Haven Every Tuesday! Bring your Knit or Crochet project and join us for Hoppy Hour at Union Taproom.

Enjoy 20% off Beer, Cider, Wine, Craft Soda, Non-Alcoholic Beer, and Hoppy Water.

FLYING TIGERS VS TAMPA TARPONS Jun 6, 2023, 6:30 PM Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland All fans will receive a bingo card as they enter the gates, with a chance to win prizes from local area restaurants and attractions. Baseball Bingo takes place during every Flying Tigers at bat beginning in the bottom of the 1st inning. The fun ends once 10 winning fans have been announced. milb.com/ lakeland TRIVIA TUESDAYS Jun 6, 2023, 6:30 PM Grove Roots Brewing Company 302 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven Play trivia every Tuesday with Triviosity! Free to play.

CHAIR YOGA Jun 7, 2023, 10:00 AM Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales Now you can practice yoga from your chair. This class is appropriate for beginners, anyone with limited mobility, those recovering from injury, and anyone who has wanted to try yoga but felt intimidated. You can use a provided chair or your own chair, and wheelchairs are always welcome.

Registration required. boktowergardens.org 863-734-1222 FLYING TIGERS VS TAMPA TARPONS Jun 7, 2023, 6:30 PM Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland This all-inclusive package includes your game ticket and all-you-can-eat for one price! Enjoy unlimited hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, and fountain soda from 5:30 - 8:30pm. milb.com/lakeland

and fourth Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, at the Winter Haven library in the large conference room. (only 2nd Thursday in Nov. & Dec.) FLYING TIGERS VS TAMPA TARPONS Jun 8, 2023, 5:30 PM Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Don’t miss the annual TigerTown Chili Throwdown as various Lakeland Fire Departments compete for the best chili in town. Fans can enjoy chili samples from 5:30-7:00 p.m. followed by the Flying Tigers game at 6:30 p.m. with the purchase of a Chili Throwdown package. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Florida Children’s Museum.

LKLD SHUFFLE milb.com/lakeland Jun 9, 2023, 6:00 PM Lakeland Shuffleboard Club LAKELAND FOOD TRUCK RALLY 820 East Robson St, Lakeland Jun 8, 2023, 6:00 PM On the second Friday of every month from 6-8 Munn Park, 210 East Main Street, Lakeland PM, all equipment provided by the Shuffleboard Head to Munn Park on the second Thursday of Club, but feel free to bring your own if you have every month! it. We’ll provide instruction and get you started if you haven’t played before. It’s a very simple game TRIVIA NIGHT to get the hang of, no athletic skills needed! ShufJun 8, 2023, 7:00 PM fleboard is a great sport for people of all abilities Barrel 239, 239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven (suggested age 10 and up). Closed-toe shoes Trivia everyThursday, free to play. required. Snacks will be available for purchase on-site. centralfloridatix.com BINGO WITH MOMMA & FRIENDS Jun 8, 2023, 8:00 PM Quinteassence Kava Bar 839 North Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland Every Thursday with Momma Ashley Rose and the Rose Dynasty Foundation Inc.! All ages are welcome to attend. $15 to play with the proceeds going to a different local charity each week.

NATURE NARRATOR Jun 10, 2023, 10:00 AM Bonnet Springs Park 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland Storytime will begin at 10am followed by a fun activity. Seating will be at the Outdoor Classroom and families are encouraged to use our tiered bench seating. bonnetspringspark.com PRIDE ON TAP Jun 10, 2023, 2:00 PM Swan Brewing 115 West Pine Street, Lakeland Kick-off pride week at Pride on Tap, hosted by Swan Brewing! More info on FB @PolkPrideFL FLYING TIGERS VS TAMPA TARPONS Jun 10, 2023, 5:00 PM Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland The Flying Tigers will light up the night with a fireworks show following the game, weather permitting. milb.com/lakeland

NOT YOUR AVERAGE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE Jun 9, 2023, 7:30 PM Lake Wales Little Theatre 411 North 3rd Street, Lake Wales June 9 – 18. This is a teen production. After a science fair project goes awry, zombies begin to take over Eastdale High. lwlt.org/shows LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET Jun 10, 2023, 8:00 AM Downtown Lakeland 117 N Kentucky Ave , Lakeland Every Saturday 8 am - 1 pm Local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays. Every Saturday in downtown Lakeland.

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER SEASON* WINTER HAVEN WRITERS Jun 10, 2023, 9:00 AM THE SANDLOT Jun 8, 2023, 12:30 PM 250 Magnolia Avenue, Winter Haven Jun 9, 2023, 2:00 PM Winter Haven Public Library Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, Gem Theater, 110 Northwest 1st Ave, Mulberry 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven and more while supporting a healthy & connected This classic summer family feature will only be a This group shares work, writing ideas, and encourcommunity. We are across from Grove Roots on $2.00 admission charge.

In the summer of 1962, a age fellow writers. Interested writers can email new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the old ellenedits4u@gmail.com or call 863-456-9831 for baseball prodigy and his rowdy team, resulting in BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven more info. www.mywinterhaven.com. many adventures. Outside concessions are permit- every Saturday.

The Winter Haven Writers meet every second ted. centralfloridatix.com winterhavenfarmersmarket.com 49

FLYING TIGERS VS TAMPA TARPONS Jun 11, 2023, 1:00 PM Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Young Flying Tigers fans can enjoy kids’ zones with multiple activities during the game, including face painting, balloon artists and bounce houses. All kids ages 12 and under may run the bases after the game weather permitting. milb.com/lakeland MOMMA AND FRIENDS PRIDE SHOW Jun 11, 2023, 2:00 PM ART/ifact 820 North Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland Join Momma Ashley Rose, Miss Rose Dynasty 2023 Juno Vibranz, and the contestants of Miss Rose Dynasty 2023 pageant Mistah Aphrodite (Adam Reuther), Keirra Ka’oir Summers, and Jessa Belle Light for a great show! Tickets are on sale now! www.rosedynasty.org/brunch - CONTINUED ON PAGE 51 -

UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS

What does Dad really want this Father’s Day?

JUNE

Star Wars: A New Hope Gem Theater

9

JULY

Comfort Food & Beer

JUNE

1100cc supersport motorcycle

6

LKLD Shuffle

Lakeland Shuffleboard Club

Can he actually ride a motorcycle?

Are you obscenely wealthy?

1

No

Nice

Give him the good stuff.

JULY

Yes

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

JUNE

22

Buy him a Gift Certificate to

No

Yes

Historic Ritz Theatre

Elvis By The Pool Balmoral Bar & Grill

Godzilla vs.

Mothra Historic Ritz Theatre

JULY

Seussical Gem Theater

Gift Card

Great Food, Awesome Drinks, and Good Vibes Paul & Beth 205 3rd Street SW, Downtown Winter Haven lucillescafe.com • 863.875.5005 • Open 7 Days a Week havenmagazines.com

@centralfloridatix 50

3

14

ADD YOUR EVENT MORNING BOOK CLUB Jun 14, 2023, 10:00 AM Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven Discuss “Indian Horse” by Richard Wagamese.

Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. mywinterhaven.com

MONTHLY SACRED STILLNESS: MEDITATION + PRAYER Jun 11, 2023, 3:00 PM Ignite the Fire Inside Wellness Studio 140 SE Plaza Road, Winter Haven Join us for a special afternoon meditation, prayer & sound bath to wrap up the year in community. This monthly Sacred Stillness experience is held the 2nd Sunday of each month to provide a safe space to reflect, meditate, pray + encourage one another. Feel free to invite a friend but do RSVP as space is limited. Email Lupita@ ignitethefireinside.com for more information. centralfloridatix.com

PRIDE FOR YOUTH Jun 14, 2023, 6:30 PM Skate World Lakeland 911 N Lake Parker Avenue, Lakeland Ages 11-17 & their parents are invited for a chaperoned youth event. Meet Polk Pride, Lakeland Youth Alliance, and PFLAG of Polk County. More info on FB @PolkPrideFL

FILM: INDIANA JONES AND RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) Jun 15, 2023, 7:00 PM JUNETEENTH: IT’S HISTORY, IMPACT, Historic Ritz Theatre & SIGNIFICANCE TODAY 263 West Central Ave, Winter Haven Jun 15, 2023, 6:00 PM Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center 801 Enter Indiana Jones; an archeologist and adventurer searching for a storied lost relic while battling Martin Luther King Blvd , Winter Haven Learn histories most notorious villains. Enjoy specialty about the history of Juneteenth. drinks, cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks for Come and learn more about the history of Juneteenth and how it affects our communities today in sale at before and during the movie in The Ritz Lounge on the first floor. this town hall event. mywinterhaven.com centralfloridatix.com PRIDE IN FAITH Jun 15, 2023, 7:00 PM Beacon Hill Fellowship 220 West Beacon Road, Lakeland An interfaith gathering where you’ll hear from local leaders of several faiths as well as other guest speakers. More info on FB @PolkPrideFL

CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH Jun 11, 2023, 5:00 PM Inside Out Yoga 219 5th Street SW, Winter Haven Join Cosmic Sound Healer, Buffy La Roux.

Register online to save your place. Please bring your own mat and equipment. This is a high-vibratory journey of sound through time and space.

During this deeply meditative and transformative experience. 863-224-2311 ioyogastudio.com PULSE NIGHTCLUB MASS SHOOTING June 12, 2016 Stanley Almodovar III, Amanda L. Alvear, Oscar A. Aracena Montero, Rodolfo Ayala Ayala, Antonio Davon Brown, Darryl Roman Burt II, Angel Candelario-Padro, Juan Chavez Martinez, Luis Daniel Conde, Cory James Connell, Tevin Eugene Crosby, Deonka Deidra Drayton, Simón Adrian Carrillo Fernández, Leroy Valentin Fernandez, Mercedez Marisol Flores, Peter Ommy Gonzalez Cruz, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Paul Terrell Henry, Frank Hernandez, Miguel Angel Honorato, Javier Jorge Reyes, Jason Benjamin Josaphat, Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, Anthony Luis Laureano Disla, Christopher Andrew Leinonen, Alejandro Barrios Martinez, Brenda Marquez McCool, Gilberto R. Silva Menendez, Kimberly Jean Morris, Akyra Monet Murray, Luis Omar Ocasio Capo, Geraldo A. Ortiz Jimenez, Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, Joel Rayon Paniagua, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, Enrique L. Rios, Jr., Jean Carlos Nieves Rodríguez, Xavier Emmanuel Serrano-Rosado, Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, Yilmary Rodríguez Solivan, Edward Sotomayor Jr., Shane Evan Tomlinson, Martin Benitez Torres, Jonathan A. Camuy Vega, Juan Pablo Rivera Velázquez, Luis Sergio Vielma, Franky Jimmy DeJesus Velázquez, Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, Jerald Arthur Wright.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: THE GOONIES Jun 16, 2023, 7:00 PM Gem Theater 110 NW 1st Avenue, Mulberry Have a classic summer Friday night enjoying The Goonies. The Goonies is the tale of a group of misfit kids trying to save their hometown by uncovering lost pirate treasure. Outside refreshments are welcome. centralfloridatix.com

BINGO WITH MOMMA & FRIENDS Jun 15, 2023, 8:00 PM Quinteassence Kava Bar 839 North Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland Every Thursday with Momma Ashley Rose and the Rose Dynasty Foundation Inc.! All ages are welcome to attend. $15 to play with the proceeds going to a different local charity each week.

BLUES BROTHERS Jun 15, 2023, 6:00 PM Balmoral Event Center 116 Kenny Blvd, Haines City You’ve seen these guys on TV, seen them on stage in Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, and on cruise ships around the world. This is an action-pack show from start to finish. They will have the crowd on their feet singing, dancing, clapping, and laughing, with dinner included! centralfloridatix.com

DISNEY’S FINDING NEMO JR. Jun 16, 2023 Lakeland Community Theatre 121 S Lake Avenue, Lakeland June 16 - 25. A musical adaptation of the 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

TRIVIA NIGHT Jun 15, 2023, 7:00 PM Barrel 239 239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven Trivia everyThursday, free to play.

SACRED HARMONY: SOUND & AROMATHERAPY Jun 16, 2023, 7:30 PM Ignite the Fire Inside Wellness Studio 140 SE Plaza Road, Winter Haven This monthly Sacred Harmony experience is held the 3rd Friday of each month to provide a safe space to rest, tap into our senses & rejuvenate.

Specific Essential oils will be used which are aligned with the focus of the session. Do RSVP as space is limited. More info online. centralfloridatix.com MOVIES AT THE MAUDE Jun 16, 2023, 8:00 PM Lake Maude Recreation Park 1751 7th Street NW, Winter Haven Watch the award-winning 2007 film, “The Great Debaters,” featuring Denzel Washington as he - CONTINUED ON PAGE 53 -

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MORE EVENTS ONLINE depicts Professor Melvin B. Tolson, who recruits the first black debate team to challenge Harvard’s prestigious debate champions. Please bring your own chairs and blankets. There will be popcorn and other light concessions for sale. mywinterhaven.com

The festival will promote and provide an abundance of education and health resources. Additionally, this event will enhance each attendee’s understanding of African American culture. enjoying influential jazz and R&B musical acts. mywinterhaven.com

PRIDE WEEKEND KICKOFF Jun 16, 2023, 9:00 PM The Parrot, 1030 E Main Street, Lakeland Kick-off Pride weekend at none other than a pillar within Polk’s LGBTQ+ community, The Parrot!

More info on FB @PolkPrideFL LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET Jun 17, 2023, 8:00 AM Downtown Lakeland, 117 N Kentucky Ave , Lakeland Every Saturday 8 am - 1 pm shop local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays.

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER SEASON* Jun 17, 2023, 9:00 AM 250 Magnolia Avenue, Winter Haven Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. We are across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the old BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com PRIDE IN THE PARK Jun 17, 2023, 10:00 AM Munn Park, 210 E Main Street, Lakeland Hundreds of LGBTQ+ owned/ally vendors will fill the park, and the main stage will keep you entertained throughout the day. More info on FB @PolkPrideFL. DISCOVERY BAGS Jun 17, 2023, 10:00 AM Bonnet Springs Park 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland Stop by the GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center Classroom to check out a Discovery Bag from a BSP representative. Guests may check out a Discovery Bag by leaving their contact information and a Driver’s License or other government-issued ID card. All Discovery Bags must be returned by 3:00pm.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION Jun 17, 2023, 11:00 AM Lake Maude Recreation Park 1751 7th Street NW, Winter Haven

FAMILY FLICKS: MARY POPPINS Jun 17, 2023, 2:00 PM Gem Theater 110 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry Beat the summer heat with the family at the Gem Theater with a Family Flicks screening of Mary Poppins. This family-friendly treat will have an admission price of only $2.00. Outside concessions are welcome. centralfloridatix.com COMPLIMENTARY FATHER’S DAY PHOTOS AT LAKESIDE VILLAGE Jun 17, 2023, 5:00 PM Lakeside Village 1479 Town Center Drive, Lakeland Enjoy complimentary photos on The Lawn with a stunning backdrop on June 17 from 5-7 PM captured by our talented photographers, the Lagrones. Please note that the availability of the Father’s Day complimentary photos is weather dependent. You can download the images from Facebook within a week after the photoshoot date. Appointments are not required, but spaces are limited. Pets are welcome too!

PRIDE AFTER DARK Jun 17, 2023, 9:00 PM 202 North Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland A night of drinks, drag, and dancing at Pride After Dark! Enter through LKLD Live next to the Rec Room. More info on FB @PolkPrideFL FATHER’S DAY Jun 18, 2023 LIVE TRIVIA Jun 19, 2023, 7:30 PM Cob & Pen, 1221 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Tons of fun with your friends are in store with a huge craft beer selection, unique craft cocktails, and an amazing food menu. Quarterly prizes given.

TUESDAY BOOK CLUB Jun 20, 2023, 4:00 PM Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven Discuss “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman. Club meets on the thrid Tuesday every month. mywinterhaven.com FLYING TIGERS VS BRADENTON MARAUDERS Jun 20, 2023, 6:30 PM Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland All fans will receive a bingo card as they enter the gates, with a chance to win prizes from local area restaurants and attractions. Baseball Bingo takes place during every Flying Tigers at bat beginning in the bottom of the 1st inning. The fun ends once 10 winning fans have been announced. milb.com/ lakeland TRIVIA TUESDAYS Jun 20, 2023, 6:30 PM Grove Roots Brewing Company 302 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven Play trivia every Tuesday with Triviosity! Free to play.

FIRST DAY OF SUMMER June 21, 2023 FLYING TIGERS VS BRADENTON MARAUDERS Jun 21, 2023, 6:00 PM Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland This all-inclusive package includes your game ticket and all-you-can-eat for one price! Enjoy unlimited hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, and fountain soda from 5:30 - 8:30pm. milb.com/lakeland

hursday, free to play.

FILM: INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (1984) Jun 22, 2023, 7:00 PM Historic Ritz Theatre 263 West Central Ave, Winter Haven Indy, his sidekick Short Round and nightclub singer Willie Scott go from high-flying action above the Himalayas to a spine-tingling escape from a fortress-like mine in India. Enjoy specialty drinks, cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks for sale at before and during the movie in The Ritz Lounge on the first floor. centralfloridatix.com BARTOW UNCORKED Jun 23, 2023, 5:00 PM Front Page Brewing Company 190 South Florida Avenue, Bartow Visit 30 downtown shops, businesses & restaurants for a sampling of wines paired with bites at each stop. Purchase tickets in advance. More info on FB @MainStreetBartow

WINTER HAVEN WRITERS Jun 22, 2023, 12:30 PM Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven This group shares work, writing ideas, and encourage fellow writers. Interested writers can email ellenedits4u@gmail.com or call 863-456-9831 for NOCHE DE SAN JUAN - POOL PARTY more info. www.mywinterhaven.com. Meets twice Jun 23, 2023, 7:00 PM Balmoral Bar & Grill a month. (only 2nd Thursday in Nov. & Dec.) 124 Kenny Boulevard, Haines City We will provide music & entertainment with DJ TRIVIA NIGHT Miguel, and a special Hispanic food menu.

Jun 22, 2023, 7:00 PM Barrel 239 239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven Trivia everyT - CONTINUED ON PAGE 55 53

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ADD YOUR EVENT limited to ONLY 12 attendees, we will cover areas around Business Strategies, Finding Your Ideal Client, Mindset, Goal-Setting, Managing Your Time, & Even Taking that Vacation! centralfloridatix.com STEM IN THE PARK Jun 24, 2023, 10:00 AM Bonnet Springs Park 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland Explore topics in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! Each month will have a new and engaging activity fit for a wide range of learners. bonnetspringspark.com OUT OF THE BOX IMPROV Jun 23, 2023, 7:00 PM Historic Ritz Theatre 263 West Central Avenue, Winter Haven A cast of talented young actors create ‘slice of life’ theatre based on the audience’s script scenarios. centralfloridatix.com LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET Jun 24, 2023, 8:00 AM Downtown Lakeland 117 N Kentucky Ave , Lakeland Every Saturday 8 am - 1 pm, shop local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more!

ROCK FOR PAWS Jun 24, 2023, 7:00 PM Bonnet Springs Park 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland A benefit concert event for SPCA Florida Delicious food, cash bar, raffles, concert T-shirts, and dancing. We will Take You Back to the 80s - when we were ‘livin’ on a prayer’ and inspired to ‘don’t stop believin’. The decade that made big hair, spandex, leg warmers, headbands, fingerless gloves, neon shades, bright make-up, and parachute pants look good! spcaflorida.org/ rockforpaws

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER SEASON* Jun 24, 2023, 9:00 AM 250 Magnolia Avenue, Winter Haven Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. We are across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the old BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

FLYING TIGERS VS BRADENTON MARAUDERS Jun 25, 2023, 1:00 PM Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Young Flying Tigers fans can enjoy kids’ zones with multiple activities during the game, including face painting, balloon artists and bounce houses. All kids ages 12 and under may run the bases after the game weather permitting. milb.com/lakeland LIVE TRIVIA Jun 26, 2023, 7:30 PM Cob & Pen 1221 Florida Avenue S, Lakeland Tons of fun with your friends are in store with a huge craft beer selection, unique craft cocktails, and an amazing food menu. Quarterly prizes given.

THE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF EAST POLK/RIDGE Jun 27, 2023, 5:30 PM 35523 US Highway 27, Haines City The club meets on the 4th Tuesday at the R-Place Eatery Restaurant. All Democratic women are welcome to join the club, where we discuss shared political views and volunteer for activities that help elect fellow Democrats. Contact: Anne Huffman, Club President (863-242-3230) and annehuffman01@gmail.com

FIL LORENZ ORCHESTRA - BIG BAND JAZZ Jun 24, 2023, 7:00 PM Historic Ritz Theatre 263 West Central Avenue, Winter Haven The Fil Lorenz Orchestra is a big band jazz and swing show featuring vocalist, Walt Andrus. Join us for this high-voltage, crowd-pleasing big band born of the blues, with a sound defined by a searing, relentless horn section. Enjoy specialty drinks, cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks for sale at The Ritz Lounge before and during the concert. centralfloridatix.com BECOMING FEARLESS IN BUSINESS (INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP) Jun 24, 2023, 10:00 AM The Lodge, 332 Avenue B SW, Winter Haven During this EXCLUSIVE in-person workshop

LAID BACK COUNTRY PICKER Jun 24, 2023, 8:00 PM Artcade, 1149 1st Street S, Winter Haven The band consists of singer/guitarist “LB”, and drummer, “Honey.” The sound incorporates elements of blues, rock, and country; complete with slide guitar. Their debut album “Go West” could be considered a tribute to their musical influences, yet showcasing their own unique style. $25 Tickets on eventbrite by Artcade.

TRIVIA TUESDAYS Jun 27, 2023, 6:30 PM Grove Roots Brewing Company 302 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven Play trivia every Tuesday with Triviosity! Free to play.

WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS Jun 29, 2023, 8:00 AM Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales Wawa and Bok Tower Gardens are teaming up again to offer Wawa Summer Fun Days featuring complimentary admission on the last Thursday and Friday of May through September. Pre-registration is required for this complimentary offer.

Visitors can register at boktowergardens.org.

55

TRIVIA NIGHT Jun 29, 2023, 7:00 PM Barrel 239 239 3rd Street Southwest, Winter Haven Trivia every Thursday, free to play.

FILM: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) Jun 29, 2023, 7:00 PM Historic Ritz Theatre 263 West Central Avenue, Winter Haven Despite his attempts for a quieter life, Indiana Jones is thrust back into action when his father mysteriously disappears while on a quest for the Holy Grail. Enjoy specialty drinks, cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks for sale at before and during the movie in The Ritz Lounge on the first floor. centralfloridatix.com BINGO WITH MOMMA & FRIENDS Jun 29, 2023, 8:00 PM Quinteassence Kava Bar 839 North Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland Every Thursday with Momma Ashley Rose and the Rose Dynasty Foundation Inc.! All ages are welcome to attend. $15 to play with the proceeds going to a different local charity each week.

WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS Jun 30, 2023, 8:00 AM Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales Wawa and Bok Tower Gardens are teaming up again to offer Wawa Summer Fun Days featuring complimentary admission on the last Thursday and Friday of May through September. Pre-registration is required for this complimentary offer.

Visitors can register at boktowergardens.org.

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SOLD HOMES

2703 RED EGRET DR............................................... BARTOW..............2/27/2023........... $350,000 2691 RED EGRET DR............................................... BARTOW..............2/27/2023............$355,000

DAVENPORT

AUBURNDALE

1237 CASCADE DR............................................ DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023.............. $131,100

170 LAKE STELLA DR APT 2.............................AUBURNDALE............. 2/28/2023............. $80,000

1496 EUCALYPTUS WAY................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023..............$151,200

196 DIAMOND RIDGE BLVD............................AUBURNDALE..............2/27/2023.............$219,900

1572 EUCALYPTUS WAY.................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023..............$151,200

679 WATERFERN TRAIL DR............................AUBURNDALE............. 2/28/2023........... $240,000

50989 HIGHWAY 27 LOT 3............................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............$180,000

2411 TAYLOR RD..............................................AUBURNDALE..............2/27/2023............ $257,000

131 PAGE RD...................................................... DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023............ $210,000

2034 ALDERMAN RD......................................AUBURNDALE................3/1/2023............ $267,000

615 LUCAYA LOOP............................................ DAVENPORT................3/1/2023............ $232,500

554 VALENTINA LN.........................................AUBURNDALE............. 2/25/2023........... $280,000

112 NEW PROVIDENCE PROMENADE............... DAVENPORT............... 3/6/2023........... $245,000

229 CASCARA LN............................................AUBURNDALE..............2/27/2023............ $280,100

103 RUM RUN................................................... DAVENPORT............... 3/2/2023........... $250,000

905 WATERVILLE DR......................................AUBURNDALE................3/7/2023............ $287,500

5039 HIGHWAY 547.......................................... DAVENPORT............... 3/6/2023............$270,000

1075 TROPEA LN.............................................AUBURNDALE............. 2/28/2023........... $304,200

14 E CYPRESS ST............................................... DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023........... $280,000

1054 TROPEA LN............................................AUBURNDALE................3/1/2023............. $311,000

318 ANNABELLE WAY........................................ DAVENPORT............... 3/2/2023........... $289,800

587 AUBURN GROVE TER..............................AUBURNDALE..............2/27/2023........... $330,000

417 SYMPHONY PL........................................... DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023............$295,000

505 MANDY ST...............................................AUBURNDALE............... 3/2/2023........... $420,000

1729 DELIGHTFUL DR....................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023........... $300,000

224 OSCEOLA ST............................................AUBURNDALE..............3/10/2023............$475,000

1013 BLUE JAY DR.............................................. DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023........... $302,000

1044 ENCLAVE LAKE BLVD.............................AUBURNDALE................3/1/2023........... $490,300

1021 BLUE JAY DR.............................................. DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023........... $305,000

206 PILAKLAKAHA AVE..................................AUBURNDALE............. 2/28/2023............$675,900

606 CALABRIA AVE.......................................... DAVENPORT............... 3/4/2023........... $309,900

BARTOW

1761 TREE SHADE DR........................................ DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............ $310,000

1915 THOMPSON PRESERVE BLVD......................... BARTOW............. 2/28/2023..............$55,000

122 TINY FLOWER RD........................................ DAVENPORT................3/1/2023............ $319,000

2272 ORCHID DR.............................................. DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023.............. $131,100

1265 YELLOW FINCH DR................................... DAVENPORT................3/7/2023............ $312,000

1919 THOMPSON PRESERVE BLVD......................... BARTOW............. 2/28/2023..............$55,000

408 VISTA OAKS WAY...................................... DAVENPORT................3/7/2023.............$319,500

5440 FLOOD CT..................................................... BARTOW..............2/27/2023............. $65,000

2522 SANDY CREEK LN..................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023........... $334,000

2851 POINSETTIA AVE............................................ BARTOW..............3/14/2023............. $80,000

172 BERGAMOT LOOP...................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............ $337,000 290 COURTLAND AVE............................................ BARTOW..............2/27/2023............. $80,000 1536 EUCALYPTUS WAY................................... DAVENPORT................3/7/2023........... $340,400 924 LOCHLAND LOOP........................................... BARTOW............... 3/2/2023............. $86,500 1787 BUCKEYE RD............................................ DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023............$342,500 1829 THOMPSON PRESERVE BLVD......................... BARTOW................3/7/2023.............$110,000 392 LILY LN....................................................... DAVENPORT................3/7/2023............ $342,700 1923 THOMPSON PRESERVE BLVD......................... BARTOW................3/7/2023.............$110,000 1127 POMELO ST............................................... DAVENPORT................3/1/2023........... $350,000 760 FORMOSA AVE................................................ BARTOW............... 3/2/2023............ $120,000 1095 BROOKLET DR......................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............$354,500 1297 SUMMERLIN ST............................................... BARTOW............. 2/28/2023............ $150,000 1091 BROOKLET DR.......................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............ $357,500

2055 FLORAL AVE #42............................................ BARTOW..............2/27/2023............ $155,000 1042 JOHN JACOB RD....................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023........... $358,000 940 CARVER AVE................................................... BARTOW............... 3/3/2023.............$197,000 1915 ELKRIDGE ST............................................. DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023........... $358,000 4531 DAVID DR....................................................... BARTOW............... 3/2/2023........... $208,000 359 GINA LN..................................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023........... $360,000 1135 PINECREST DR................................................. BARTOW............... 3/3/2023............$239,000 2323 SUNSET WAY............................................ DAVENPORT............... 3/6/2023............ $361,000 835 GORDON AVE.................................................. BARTOW..............2/27/2023........... $269,000 1755 POST OAK DR........................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............ $367,000 2658 RED EGRET DR............................................... BARTOW..............2/27/2023............ $307,700 1003 CASCADE DR........................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............ $374,500 266 KISSENGEN PARK DR....................................... BARTOW................3/7/2023............$325,000

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 59 -

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2014 MARABOU DR.......................................... DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023............$375,000 207 BRADBURY RD...........................................HAINES CITY................3/1/2023............. $146,100 151 EAGLEVIEW LOOP....................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............$383,500 4851 LAKE LOWERY RD....................................HAINES CITY............... 3/2/2023............$168,000 136 SUNSET VIEW DR....................................... DAVENPORT............... 3/2/2023............ $387,000

202 RONALDALE AVE.......................................HAINES CITY............. 2/28/2023............$270,000

1139 JAMES PAUL RD......................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............ $387,500

356 TOWNS CIR................................................HAINES CITY............. 2/28/2023............$292,000

1752 BUCKEYE RD............................................. DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............$393,500

360 TOWNS CIR...............................................HAINES CITY............. 2/28/2023............$292,000

1131 JAMES PAUL RD.......................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023........... $398,900

376 TOWNS CIR................................................HAINES CITY............. 2/28/2023........... $296,400

1118 JAMES PAUL RD.......................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023...........$400,000

380 TOWNS CIR...............................................HAINES CITY............. 2/28/2023........... $305,000

3014 CAMDEN WAY.......................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023...........$400,000

368 TOWNS CIR................................................HAINES CITY..............2/27/2023........... $306,000

4731 VELLACITO WAY....................................... DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023...........$400,000

3051 GOLDEN EAGLE WAY...............................HAINES CITY..............2/27/2023............ $310,000

1207 CITRUS LANDINGS BLVD.......................... DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023............$418,000

472 EAGLECREST DR........................................HAINES CITY..............2/27/2023............ $310,000

2990 CAMDEN WAY......................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............$435,500

4373 DELEON ST..............................................HAINES CITY..............2/27/2023............ $315,000

638 CASSIA DR................................................. DAVENPORT...............3/8/2023........... $438,000

237 TANAGER ST..............................................HAINES CITY............... 3/3/2023.............$321,000

2522 MATTERHORN TRL.................................. DAVENPORT................3/1/2023........... $438,600

703 LAFAYETTE LN...........................................HAINES CITY..............2/27/2023.............$327,500

2215 CAMDEN PARK AVE.................................. DAVENPORT..............3/15/2023........... $450,000

2255 PIGEON PLUM DR.....................................HAINES CITY..............2/27/2023............$335,000

645 FORTUNA DR............................................ DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023........... $459,000

1241 PARNELL ST...............................................HAINES CITY............. 3/28/2023............$336,900

428 TOLDEDO RD............................................ DAVENPORT................3/1/2023........... $462,000 1363 MADISON CIR...........................................HAINES CITY..............2/27/2023............$343,500 180 WILLIAMSON DR........................................ DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023........... $505,000 685 SILVER PALM DR........................................HAINES CITY...............3/8/2023............$355,900 3010 CAMDEN WAY.......................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............$535,900 1347 MADISON CIR...........................................HAINES CITY..............2/27/2023............$356,500 7553 OAK SPRING LN........................................ DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023...........$600,000 1311 MADISON CIR............................................HAINES CITY..............2/27/2023............$366,500 7695 OAKMOSS LOOP..................................... DAVENPORT..............2/27/2023............ $665,100 1233 TUPELO TRL.............................................HAINES CITY............. 2/28/2023........... $403,500 7707 OAKMOSS LOOP...................................... DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023.............$734,100

140 LAKEVIEW DR............................................HAINES CITY................3/1/2023..........$1,100,000

49545 HWY 27.................................................. DAVENPORT............. 2/28/2023........ $2,980,000

2577 TRINIDAD RD...........................................HAINES CITY............. 4/18/2023........ $3,380,000

HAINES CITY

LAKE ALFRED

377 HAWKEYE LN.............................................HAINES CITY................3/1/2023............ $123,000

2012 KAY ST.....................................................LAKE ALFRED............. 2/28/2023............. $80,000

251 PATTERSON RD #A39.................................HAINES CITY............... 3/2/2023.............$141,000

240 PINE LILLY CT............................................LAKE ALFRED............... 3/2/2023............. $89,000

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 61 -

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LAKELAND

228 PINE LILLY CT............................................LAKE ALFRED............... 3/2/2023............$104,000 220 PARK LN....................................................LAKE ALFRED..............2/27/2023........... $360,000

2523 LAKEVIEW ST.............................................. LAKELAND..............2/27/2023...............$51,200

LAKE WALES

2354 TIMBERCREEK LOOP.................................. LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023.............. $61,600 4510 PENKERT PL................................................ LAKELAND............... 3/6/2023............. $68,400

5111 CLUB CIR.................................................... LAKE WALES............... 3/2/2023............. $66,000

4792 DRAKE AVE................................................. LAKELAND................3/7/2023............. $68,400

28 BEAVERKILL DR........................................... LAKE WALES................3/7/2023..............$75,000

4798 DRAKE AVE................................................. LAKELAND................3/7/2023............. $68,400

110 ALVINA AVE................................................. LAKE WALES..............2/27/2023............. $88,200

4858 DRAKE AVE................................................ LAKELAND............... 3/2/2023............. $68,400

9 SADDLEBAG TRL........................................... LAKE WALES............. 2/28/2023............$106,000

4433 OLINGER FARM RD..................................... LAKELAND..............3/31/2023..............$75,000

19 RED QUILL CIR............................................. LAKE WALES............. 2/25/2023............. $119,000

1042 WOODLAND OAKS DR................................ LAKELAND............... 3/6/2023............. $84,000

61 BEAVERKILL DR............................................ LAKE WALES............... 5/3/2023............ $145,000

6816 TREYMONT DR........................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023............. $89,000

4640 CALOOSA BLVD...................................... LAKE WALES............... 3/6/2023............$146,000

310 COURTLAND CIR.......................................... LAKELAND................3/7/2023............$100,000

419 LONGHORN DR.......................................... LAKE WALES................3/1/2023............ $155,000

1641 N NEW YORK AVE........................................ LAKELAND..............2/27/2023............$100,000

6756 ARBOREA DR........................................... LAKE WALES............. 2/28/2023............$180,000

719 ORANGE ST................................................... LAKELAND............... 3/2/2023............ $125,000

916 4TH ST........................................................ LAKE WALES............. 2/28/2023............$190,000

506 KELSEY ST.................................................... LAKELAND................3/1/2023............ $125,000

399 LONGHORN DR......................................... LAKE WALES............. 2/28/2023............$225,000

711 ELIZABETH LN................................................ LAKELAND............... 3/3/2023............ $130,900

2951 INDIAN LAKE DR....................................... LAKE WALES..............2/27/2023........... $245,000

202 LENOX ST...................................................... LAKELAND................3/7/2023............ $135,000

2135 LEMON DR................................................ LAKE WALES............... 3/3/2023........... $280,000

1425 HESTER DR.................................................. LAKELAND..............2/27/2023............$148,000

3057 DUNMORE DR......................................... LAKE WALES............. 2/28/2023........... $298,000

1051 BILTMORE PL................................................ LAKELAND................3/7/2023............ $150,000

1018 ROBERTA RD............................................. LAKE WALES............. 2/28/2023........... $300,000

290 GRANITE DR................................................. LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023............. $191,000

456 HILLTOP DR............................................... LAKE WALES............. 2/28/2023............ $310,400

2601 STATE PARK RD........................................... LAKELAND................3/1/2023........... $200,000

504 SCENIC BLUFF BLVD.................................. LAKE WALES............... 3/6/2023............$329,400

4029 WINDING VINE DR...................................... LAKELAND............... 3/6/2023............ $215,000

427 HILLTOP DR................................................ LAKE WALES............. 2/28/2023............$335,600

3646 MOUNT TABOR RD.................................... LAKELAND............... 3/6/2023............ $216,000

610 VISTA VIEW LN........................................... LAKE WALES................3/1/2023............$370,300

5141 EAGLES NEST DR.......................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023............$228,000

11118 BEACH PKWY............................................ LAKE WALES............. 4/25/2023........... $380,000

4010 MOUNTAIN CHESTNUT WAY...................... LAKELAND................3/1/2023........... $230,000

4181 DUNMORE DR.......................................... LAKE WALES...............3/8/2023........... $429,000

3958 2ND ST........................................................ LAKELAND................3/1/2023.............$231,000

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 63 -

Classically Join us for Classically Summer, an all-new series of classical music performances by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

In addition to daily Singing Tower carillon concerts, enjoy three family-friendly Symphony Story Time performances

Symphony Story Time

Summer Serenade Series

Peter Rabbit: June 10

Brass Ensemble: July 8

The Emperor and the Nightingale: August 5

Woodwinds Ensemble: July 22 Strings Ensemble: August 19

and three intimate Summer Serenade performances in the air-conditioned comfort of the Visitor Center Theater.

Tickets on sale now at boktowergardens.org

1151 TOWER BOULEVARD | LAKE WALES, FL 33853 | 863-676-1408 | boktowergardens.org

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5413 RIVER ROCK RD.......................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023........... $234,000 1905 YELLOW TRL............................................... LAKELAND..............3/21/2023......... $1,385,400 2338 RIDGEVIEW DR........................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023............$235,000 1839 YELLOW TRL............................................... LAKELAND.............. 4/11/2023......... $2,941,400 2517 GOLFVIEW ST.............................................. LAKELAND...............3/8/2023............$253,800 2120 LIMEDALE RD.............................................. LAKELAND................3/7/2023............$255,000

WINTER HAVEN

3720 KATHLEEN PINES........................................ LAKELAND............... 3/2/2023............$259,900

605 JAXSON BLVD....................................... WINTER HAVEN................3/7/2023............. $65,000

115 6TH ST............................................................ LAKELAND................3/1/2023........... $260,000

612 JAXSON BLVD........................................ WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023............. $65,000

2815 DELROSE DR................................................ LAKELAND............. 4/14/2023........... $260,000

625 JAXSON BLVD........................................ WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023............. $65,000

466 LAKE CAROLYN CIR...................................... LAKELAND..............2/27/2023........... $260,000

51 HARBOUR ESTATES DR........................... WINTER HAVEN................3/1/2023............. $65,000

2729 WILLISTON DR............................................ LAKELAND...............3/8/2023........... $269,000

3012 ROYAL ST............................................. WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023............. $69,000

533 SADDLE BAG LN............................................ LAKELAND............... 3/2/2023............$275,000

54 BUCKEYE CIR......................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 3/28/2023............$100,000

6830 COUNTY LINE RD....................................... LAKELAND..............3/10/2023............$275,000

56 BUCKEYE CIR.......................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 3/28/2023............$100,000

6838 COUNTY LINE RD....................................... LAKELAND..............3/10/2023............$275,000

3208 TIMBERLINE RD.................................. WINTER HAVEN............... 3/3/2023............ $125,000

1008 W QUEEN ST............................................... LAKELAND...............3/9/2023............$276,000

251 TEMPLE CIR........................................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023............ $130,000

3340 TAWNY GROVE PL...................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023............$278,000

134 LAKE MARIAM WAY............................... WINTER HAVEN..............4/12/2023.............$132,900

1028 MARJORIE ST............................................... LAKELAND..............5/10/2023............$279,000

6419 JACARANDA AVE................................. WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023............ $146,500

2120 CRYSTAL LAKE DR....................................... LAKELAND............... 3/2/2023........... $283,800

5850 CYPRESS GARDENS BLVD # 402......... WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023............ $159,000

2128 CRYSTAL LAKE DR....................................... LAKELAND............... 3/2/2023........... $283,800

273 WINTER RIDGE BLVD............................ WINTER HAVEN................3/1/2023............$168,000

760 ZELLA LN...................................................... LAKELAND..............2/27/2023........... $285,000

1001 34TH ST............................................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023.............$179,900

1920 CRYSTAL LAKE DR....................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023........... $290,000

1204 S LAKE ELBERT RD.............................. WINTER HAVEN............. 3/24/2023............ $195,000

146 LEITHA WAY.................................................. LAKELAND..............2/27/2023........... $290,000

803 REGGIE RD........................................... WINTER HAVEN............... 3/2/2023........... $202,400

3121 SAND TRAP CT............................................. LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023............$292,500

804 REGGIE RD........................................... WINTER HAVEN............... 3/2/2023........... $202,400

2265 CASPIAN DR................................................ LAKELAND................3/1/2023............$295,000

807 REGGIE RD............................................ WINTER HAVEN............... 3/2/2023........... $202,400

736 SPICEWOOD DR........................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023............ $297,000

808 REGGIE RD........................................... WINTER HAVEN............... 3/2/2023........... $202,400

1117 HALLAMWOOD CT....................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023........... $305,000

1204 S LAKE ELBERT RD.............................. WINTER HAVEN..............3/27/2023..............$211,200

715 PARKHILL AVE............................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023............ $310,000

48 BUCKEYE CIR......................................... WINTER HAVEN............... 3/3/2023............$235,000

6224 DOLOSTONE DR......................................... LAKELAND...............3/11/2023............ $316,300

54 BUCKEYE CIR......................................... WINTER HAVEN............... 3/3/2023............$235,000

4418 CINDY RD.................................................... LAKELAND..............2/27/2023.............$317,000

56 BUCKEYE CIR.......................................... WINTER HAVEN............... 3/3/2023............$235,000

4388 TROTTERS WAY......................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023........... $320,000

1663 VIENNA SQUARE DR........................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023........... $245,000

6033 EAGLE POINTE DR...................................... LAKELAND................3/1/2023.............$321,600

2315 SOUTH SWAN CT................................. WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023............$263,000

3733 HIGHLAND FAIRWAYS BLVD....................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023............ $327,000

965 EAGLE ROCK TER................................. WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023............$269,500

2132 GLEN HEIGHTS PL........................................ LAKELAND..............2/27/2023............$332,000

1520 MAJESTIC LN........................................ WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023............ $270,700

7055 VICTORIA RD.............................................. LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023........... $340,900

1824 CARNOSTIE RD................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023........... $288,300

5520 SILTSTONE ST............................................. LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023........... $344,000

1300 HAINES DR.......................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023........... $290,000

515 HANCOCK ST................................................ LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023........... $345,000

3054 LAUREL OAK LN................................. WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023............ $294,100

6216 ALAMANDA HILLS BLVD.............................. LAKELAND................3/1/2023........... $363,000

2105 EDGEWATER CIR................................. WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023............$295,000

307 YOUNG PL.................................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023........... $370,000

307 STERLING DR........................................ WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023............$299,500

2715 BUCKINGHAM AVE...................................... LAKELAND..............2/27/2023........... $380,000

776 SARNER PASS WAY................................ WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023............ $310,000

2890 DUNHILL CIR.............................................. LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023........... $380,000

2622 SAN MARCO WAY............................... WINTER HAVEN...............3/8/2023............ $310,200

9141 LEHALL SQ................................................... LAKELAND..............2/27/2023........... $395,000

1528 AXEL CIR.............................................. WINTER HAVEN............... 3/3/2023.............$315,500

5831 CREST LN..................................................... LAKELAND............... 3/2/2023............ $397,000

229 MAJESTIC GARDENS LN........................ WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023.............$317,000

5570 SUPERIOR DR............................................. LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023........... $405,000

619 GROVE ST.............................................. WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023............ $318,000

5481 OAKFORD DR.............................................. LAKELAND...............5/9/2023............ $412,000

1856 CARNOSTIE RD................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023............ $318,900

6573 GREAT BEAR DR.......................................... LAKELAND............... 3/3/2023............ $425,700

41 LAKE LINK CIR......................................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023............$335,000

1039 STONEY CREEK DR..................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023............$437,000

272 INMAN BLVD......................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023........... $370,000

8091 LAKE JAMES BLVD....................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023...........$440,000

3037 ROYAL ST............................................ WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023..............$371,100

1565 SIR HENRYS TRL.......................................... LAKELAND................3/7/2023........... $445,500

5250 DUNDEE RD........................................ WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023............ $415,000

1403 LEIGHTON AVE........................................... LAKELAND...............3/8/2023........... $450,000

9 JIMMY LEE RD........................................... WINTER HAVEN................3/1/2023........... $425,000

3142 KENDAL WAY............................................... LAKELAND..............2/27/2023............$487,900

1338 LAKE MILLSITE DR............................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023........... $479,000

5415 VINTAGE VIEW PASS................................... LAKELAND..............2/27/2023........... $489,000

1339 W LAKE MILLSITE DR........................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/27/2023........... $479,000

2030 EDGEWOOD DR......................................... LAKELAND................3/1/2023.............$521,900

1490 AVENUE I............................................. WINTER HAVEN............... 3/3/2023...........$480,000

725 LAUREL LN.................................................... LAKELAND..............3/27/2023............$562,900

506 HAMILTON SHORE CT.......................... WINTER HAVEN............. 2/28/2023........... $540,000

3115 HAWKS RIDGE DR........................................ LAKELAND..............2/27/2023...........$648,000

4300 DUNDEE RD....................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 4/25/2023........ $3,490,500

5070 HANOVER LN............................................. LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023........... $700,000

4320 DUNDEE RD........................................ WINTER HAVEN............. 4/25/2023........ $3,490,500

3062 SOCRUM LOOP RD..................................... LAKELAND............. 2/28/2023.............$712,500

63

SEAFOOD AT ITS FRESHEST

SPRING HAVEN

THRIVE IN A COMMUNITY RICH WITH friendship

Fresh Oysters Raw. Steamed. Grilled

With beautiful views of Lake Hartridge, Spring Haven is a bright and vibrant community filled with friendship. And because we offer independent living, assisted living and memory care, you know you can depend on us – no matter how your needs change.

Frog Legs | Gator | Crawfish | Catfish | Snapper | Flounder Grouper | Scallops | Shrimp | Snow Crab Legs King Crab | Seafood Platters | Prime Rib | Fried Lobster Homemade Seafood Gumbo | Full Service Bar

Come visit – you’ll feel the difference from the moment you step through the door.

Call 863-269-0108 to schedule a tour today.

1225 Havendale Blvd. NW | Winter Haven, FL 33881 Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care Assisted Living Facility License # 5504 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM

Gary’s Oyster Bar and Seafood House 660 E. Hwy 17-92, Lake Alfred, FL | 863-956-5055 garysoysterbar.com | Mon-Sat: 4-9PM Sunday: 3-8PM

Where Central Florida Fun Is Found.

New to Florida’s Sweetest Spot? Swing by the Welcome Center. Home of the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame Museum.

1-800-828-7655 | VisitCentralFlorida.com. havenmagazines.com

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64

We’re All Stardust ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

March 21 - April 19

April 20 - May 20

May 21 - June 20

June 21 - July 22

This month, you may feel a desire to take on new challenges and explore new opportunities. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to take risks. You may also experience some positive changes in your personal relationships during the middle of the month.

June is a great time for you to focus on your personal growth and development. You may have an opportunity to take on a new challenge around the middle of the month. Be careful not to let your stubbornness cloud your decision making. Ask for advice.

Happy birthday, Gemini! This month, you may feel a surge of energy and creativity. Use this power to explore new opportunities. You may also receive some positive news related to your career or finances.

You will find yourself feeling more introspective and reflective. You may also have an opportunity to deepen your connections with loved ones. Travel is in your near future.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

July 23 - August 22

August 23 - September 22

September 23 - October 22

October 23 - November 21

June is a great time for you to focus on your relationships and connections with others. You may also receive some positive news related to your career or finances at the end of the month.

Just be careful not to let your desire for attention or recognition overshadow your personal life and relationships.

This month, you may find yourself feeling more inspired than usual. Use this energy to pursue your passions and hobbies. Don’t let the words and actions of others bring you down, stay on your path and you will find success.

A new energy might enter your life around the middle of the month. You may also experience some positive changes in your personal relationships. The more positive you are in your everyday life; the more positive energies will enter. The opposite is true, too.

This month, you may find yourself feeling more confident and assertive in your personal and professional relationships. Use this energy to pursue your goals and advocate for yourself. You may also have an opportunity to deepen your connections with loved ones.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

November 22 - December 21

December 22 - January 19

January 20 - February 18

February 19 - March 20

June is a great time for you to focus on your finances and budgeting for the second half of the year. You may also experience some unexpected financial gains in the middle of the month. Be careful not to overspend or take on too much debt.

This month, you may feel a desire to take a break and recharge.

Use this time to focus on self-care and prioritize your mental and physical health. Don’t be tempted to do things the same old way, try a new path. Your mornings may feel chaotic this month, so take it slow.

June is a great time for you to focus on your career. You may receive recognition for your hard work or even a promotion.

There may have been issues with co-workers in the past, use this month’s good energy to help put closure on those relationships.

Embrace the unknown and seek out spontaneity this month.

These events will add much needed color to your life which will help you succeed in work and personal relationships. Be kind to those bringing the negative energy, they need it the most.

65

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UPCOMING EVENTS EVENTS UPCOMING Blues Brothers Blues Brothers

Balmoral Event Center - Dinner Show Balmoral Event Center - Dinner Show June 15th | 6pm - 9pm June 15th | 6pm - 9pm

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Balmoral Bar & Grill June 23rd | 7pm - 12am June 23rd | 7pm - 12am

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