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For generations, Watson Clinic’s Dermatology department has helped patients make the most of their summer season without sacrificing the health of their skin. Before having your fun in the sun, make sure you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear a hat or other clothing that can shield your skin from harmful UV exposure, and schedule an appointment for a routine exam with one of our expert dermatologists today.

When you’re committed to your patients, it shows.

I’d like to give a huge thank you to James Huffstutler. I met James as he was walking around taking photos at the Winter Haven Farmers Market one Saturday. James is the creator of the Central Florida Photo Club, a social club that meets to take photos and talk all things photography. We partnered up to create the first photo contest for Haven Magazine. From February 28 – April 27, we accepted photos that were taken in Polk County with the theme, “People and Places of Polk County.” We ended up with 180 photos, and needed to cut that down to 40, including two for the covers. It was hard, there were so many really good photos. The final photos chosen are in this issue. I hope you’ll join us for the photography show on First Friday in Winter Haven, where you can meet the artists and check out their work.

This month, we also reveal the winners of the Great Polk Pet Showdown! We had our readers submit photos of their pets, and then you could vote for your favorites. Find out who won inside this issue!

We also visit with the Winter Haven Senior High Girls Basketball team, the current state champions. They have put in so much work, congratulations to them!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

I hope to see you around town,

Amy Sexson Partner/Editor

You’re invited!

“People and Places of Polk County”

June 6, 5 – 8 p.m.

Destroyer Media

326 Ave C SW, Winter Haven

ON THE COVER: “When in Doubt, Air It Out” by Whiskey Roller

SCAN TO SUBSCRIBE

chris@destroyermedia.com

aaron@destroyermedia.com

// Prima Yawa prima@destroyermedia.com

LOCAL NEWS

MOAT-UMENTAL TASK

As part of a State of Florida preservation grant, Bok Tower Gardens is working to preserve and improve the nearly 100-year-old iconic Singing Tower. This project begins with draining the Singing Tower Moat on Monday, June 16, 2025. Historically, the moat was drained yearly during the slow season; however, the Singing Tower’s moat has not been drained since 2010. After the draining, the moat will be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for tree root damage or leaks. The moat is estimated to be empty for 2-3 weeks. Once all inspections and repairs are made, the moat will be refilled. Members of the Bok Tower Gardens facility team are completing the project. While the moat is drained, the Bok Tower Gardens Facility and Horticulture teams will add several planters with aquatic plants to the moat, which will act as a natural filtration system.

FFA RECOGNITION

The Florida FFA Association (Future Farmers of America) has announced the state’s Premier Chapters this year, and several Polk County Public Schools schools made the list. Congratulations to Auburndale High, Bartow High, Bartow Middle, Davenport High, Lake Gibson High, Lake Region High, Mulberry High, Roosevelt Academy, and Westwood Middle. School FFA programs earn Premier Chapter status for “exceptional achievement in agricultural education and FFA involvement,” according to the Florida FFA Association. The honorees demonstrate excellence in areas that include alumni and community partnerships, financial planning, and public relations. Each Premier Chapter will be recognized during the 97th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo this summer in Orlando. Mulberry High FFA was also named to the list of “Florida’s Finest” chapters this year.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF POLK COUNTY

The grand reopening and official ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated George Jenkins Memorial Club took place on May 22 at 2400 Havendale Boulevard in Winter Haven, marking the completion of a $4.8 million renovation. The current renovation is part of the organization’s “Kampaign for Kids” capital campaign, launched in 2019 to address aging infrastructure and accommodate the growing needs of families across the county. The revitalized facility now offers modern learning spaces, a dedicated teen center, upgraded athletic and recreational areas, enhanced security, and new technology resources—all designed to help young people thrive in a safe and inspiring environment. The facility renovation also added a kitchen, recording studio and dedicated tutoring space.

GRADUATING EARLY

Three students from Polk State College’s collegiate high school programs are celebrating a remarkable achievement: earning their bachelor’s degrees before even receiving their high school diplomas. Madison Gillis, Georgia Medrano-Flores, and Nia Bonney graduated with Polk State’s 132nd class on May 1 and represent a growing number of students who are taking full advantage of Polk State’s unique dual enrollment and collegiate high school opportunities. Through Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School and Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School, these students have earned both their high school diplomas and college degrees — all at no cost to them.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

Student flights, business jets, recreational planes, Tampa General Hospital’s emergency medical helicopter, and the iconic seaplanes— operate in and out of Winter Haven Regional Airport (KGIF). Pilots currently share a common radio frequency used by multiple airports across the state. This shared frequency makes it challenging to maintain clear communication. A delegation of Winter Haven officials traveled to D.C. to advocate for the assignment of a dedicated FAA communication frequency for KGIF. Winter Haven is pioneering the implementation of a Remote Digital Air Traffic Control Tower. Fully funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), this innovative system will be operated remotely from a control center at Bartow Executive Airport. The digital tower will utilize highdefinition cameras and sensors to provide air traffic controllers with a comprehensive view of KGIF’s airspace, facilitating more efficient and safer aircraft operations.

RED LIGHT CAMERAS

The City of Bartow and the Bartow Police Department have installed 16 red-light safety cameras at high-risk locations around the city to decrease traffic violations and collisions and to make the streets safer for all. The program went live on April 21. Beginning May 21, violations have incurred fines. A red-light running violation occurs when a motorist enters an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. This violation is a nonmoving infraction and does not result in the assessment of points against the driver. The fine amount for a red-light safety camera violation is $158 for each offense. Of that amount, $70 is remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund, $10 goes to the Florida Department of Health Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund, $3 to the Florida Department of Revenue for deposit into the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund, and $75 is retained by the City of Bartow.

SEA LIFE OPENS

The first animals have officially moved into SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort! A sleek blacktip reef shark, all the way from Germany, is now gliding through the main oceanarium. From stingrays to clownfish, the exhibits are coming to life. The official grand opening is happening on June 6. Guests will see more than 25 interactive exhibits, including a stingray bay, hands-on rock pools, and ten underwater-themed galleries— all designed with accessibility and inclusivity at heart. The aquarium will be fully ADA accessible, and SEA LIFE Florida aspires to earn a designation as a Certified Autism Center, a Resortwide initiative. SEA LIFE Florida is introducing the world’s first “Theme Park Under the Sea” experience in the main ocean exhibit, where guests will not only be able to explore as they walk through a 30-foot-long underwater tunnel, but they’ll be able to see animals interacting with coral carousels and deep-sea roller coasters—making this an unforgettable adventure for both the guests and the animals.

HAVEN SUBSCRIPTIONS

Haven Magazine now offers home subscriptions! For $30/year, you can have the magazine mailed to you. Get a curated roundup of local news, events, community stories, the Arts, and restaurants delivered right to your doorstep. Your subscription helps sustain local writers, photographers, artists, and more who are passionate about covering the people and places that matter to your community. Head over to havenmagazines.com and click “Subscriptions.” From there, you can choose whether you would like Haven or LKLD and then go from there. For a limited time, use coupon code SUPPORTLOCAL for $5 off.

POLK TOP 10

PEOPLE & PLACES OF POLK COUNTY

June 6, 5 – 8 p.m. Meet the photographers and view the winning photographs chosen for the June issues of Haven and LKLD Magazines. This photo contest was a collaboration between the Central Florida Photo Club and Destroyer Media to showcase local talent and to see the world through others’ eyes. The theme was “People and Places of Polk County.” More info on IG @haven_magazine.

PRIDE IN THE PARK

June 14, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Munn Park in Lakeland. The main event of Polk Pride Week from June 7 - 14. This is a family-friendly celebration of love, diversity, and community! Enjoy dozens of vendors, fabulous entertainment, and the iconic Pride Flag March as everyone comes together to celebrate 10 years of Polk Pride. polkpridefl.org

FIRST FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET

June 6, 5 – 8 p.m. in Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven. Shop from local artists, makers, bakers, and more at this pop-up market all around Central Park. Afterwards, stroll through Downtown for live music, restaurant specials, shops open late, and more! Find more info on FB @whfirstfriday.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

June 14, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Rueben Williams Sports Complex. Join the City of Winter Haven as they honor Juneteenth with a day full of culture, community, and celebration. Enjoy live performances by local artists, vendors & nonprofits, a fun Kids Zone, food, and more! mywinterhaven.com

BANDIT MARKET

SUMMER PARTY

June 7, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Nora Mayo Hall. Bandit Market is Winter Haven’s only alternative shopping event. Thousands of attendees can shop from over 70 local artists, makers, and vintage curators while enjoying delicious snacks, sweet treats, and our famous cocktails and mocktails! It’s the coolest event of the summer! FB & IG @thebanditmarket

TODAY, TOMORROW, AND FOREVER

June 17, 5 p.m. or 8 p.m. at The Ritz. Step back in time and experience the magic of Patsy Cline! This heartfelt tribute show includes beloved classics like “Crazy,” “Lovesick Blues,” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Choose from two show times on the same day. theatrewinterhaven.com

SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K

June 14, 7 a.m. at Lake Hollingsworth Park in Lakeland. Proceeds from the run go towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Lakeland Runners Club created this race out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. lakelandrunnersclub.org

BARTOW UNCORKED

June 20, 5 p.m. in Downtown Bartow. The Bartow Uncorked Wine Walk is bigger and better than ever! Stroll through downtown Bartow, explore 27+ local shops and restaurants, and enjoy delicious wine samples paired with bite-sized treats. ️ Every ticket purchased is entered to win a prize! More info on FB @MainStreetBartow.

FAIRY FESTIVAL

June 14, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Come dressed in your fairy best! This magical day is perfect for fairies and fauns of all ages. See a fairy godmother take flight from the Singing Tower as she dances amongst the trees, meet fantastical fairies and animals, discover hidden Fairy Doors, enjoy music, and plenty of bubbles! boktowergardens.org

WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS

June 26 & 27 at Bok Tower Gardens. Free admission on the last Thursday and Friday of the month through August. This complimentary offer is limited to four visitors per registration, and admission for the day is limited to assist with capacity issues. All members of the party will need to have a ticket reserved in advance to enter.

boktowergardens.org

ORLANDO TOP 10

BITE30

June 1 – July 13. Participating restaurants throughout Orlando will offer special prix fixe menus that have multi-course dinners set at a low price. Diners get the opportunity to try multiple restaurants without emptying their bank account. Visit bite30.com to see participating restaurants.

THE RETURN OF THE KING

June 13 & 14 at Dr. Phillips Center. Voyage to Middle-earth as the final chapter of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga comes alive in symphonic sound. In this special film in concert, watch “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” on the big screen while a symphony orchestra, chorus and soloists perform Howard Shore’s award-winning score live. drphillipscenter.org

BOB ROSS + METAL

Every Sunday at 8 p.m. at The Falcon, drink & draw with Bob Ross on the screen! Unleash your inner demons and create your own happy little trees masterpiece. No cover charge, art supplies provided. Reserve your spot and find more information at linktr.ee/thefalconbar.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

June 17, 6 p.m. Ulsan HD v. Mamelodi Sundowns FC at Inter&Co Stadium. June 20, noon, SL Benfica v. Auckland City FC at Inter&Co Stadium. June 24, 9 p.m. Club Leon v. CR Flamengo at Camping World Stadium. June 26, 3 p.m. Juventus FC v. Manchester City at Camping World Stadium. fifa.com

LATE NIGHT THURSDAYS

Visit Leu Gardens 5 – 8 p.m. Bring a picnic, seating, and wine if you’d like! June 5 hear John Olearchick, a solo jazz, classical, and pop pianist. June 12 will be Tony Wynn and Cameron Brown, a saxophone and trumpet smooth jazz duo. Finally, on June 19 you can hear the Cigano Swing Duo, with gypsy jazz guitar. $15 admission. leugardens.org

JAZZ & JUBILEE

June 19, 5 – 10 p.m. in Shady Park in Winter Park. This is the Third Annual “A Night Under the Stars: Jazz & Jubilee.” An evening celebrating Juneteenth with live jazz, incredible food, and a vibrant night of community under the stars. This event honors history, culture, and community in a spectacular way. equitycouncilcorp.org

AQUATICA AQUAGLOW

Most Fridays & Saturdays in June at Aquatica. A nighttime splash party with high-energy dance parties, laser light shows, neon foam party, and low wait times during this exclusive, limited-capacity, family-friendly event. For an additional cost, add a cabana rental or the meal service. Purchase tickets in advance at aquatica.com.

TWILIGHT: THE ULTIMATE FINALE

June 24, 8 p.m. at Enzian Theater. A one-night-only double feature event. Watch Breaking Dawn –Part 1 and Breaking Dawn – Part 2 back-to-back, as Bella and Edward’s love story reaches its unforgettable climax. Experience the epic conclusion of The Twilight Saga like never before. enzian.org

PANCAKES & BOOZE

June 7, 8 p.m. at The Abbey. This LA-based event originated in 2009 and has since popped up more than 500 times in 35+ cities around the world. This show features up-andcoming artists, a DJ, drinks, and unlimited pancakes. Yes, pancakes, art, and booze, hence the name. More info and tickets online at pancakesandbooze.com.

SUNSET AT THE ZOO

June 27, 5 – 8 p.m. at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride. Guests are invited to explore the zoo at night with live music, DJs, food trucks, vendors, fun activities, and more until the sun goes down! Online exclusive: Purchase a $44 Family 4-Pack and get four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas. centralfloridazoo.org

TAMPA TOP 10

GIANTS, DRAGONS, & UNICORNS

Throughout June at MOSI. Through amazing displays and interactive experiences, you’ll discover how narwhal tusks became unicorn horns and how dinosaur fossils inspired the creation of griffins. You’ll also uncover the mysteries of sea serpents, fire-breathing dragons, and towering giants from cultures across the globe. mosi.org

SURREAL PET PORTRAITS

June 10, 6 – 9 p.m. at the Dali Museum. Memorialize your furry friend with a colorful portrait. Learn how to use a value scale and “paint by numbers” to create a unique and colorful pet portrait. Tickets must be purchased in advance along with pet photos sent to the instructor before class. thedali.org

SHUCKED

June 3 – 8 at the Straz Center. This musical comedy follows Maizy, a young woman who leaves Cob County to find help to save her hometown’s corn. She encounters a “corn doctor” in the big city who has a plan to exploit the desperate farmers. “Shucked” is the Tony Award–winning musical comedy that The Wall Street Journal calls, “flat out hilarious!” strazcenter.org

WU-TANG CLAN

With Run The Jewels on June 10, 8 p.m. at Amalie Arena. This is the “Wu-Tang Forever – The Final Chamber” tour. The band developed East Coast hip hop and hardcore hip hop styles. Their lyrics “contain a mix of kung fu, comic book, and mafioso pop culture references, along with a dose of mystical 5% teachings.” amaliearena.com

METALLICA M72 TOUR

June 6 & 8 at Raymond James Stadium. Two different setlists with two different bands opening each night. Played in the round on the 50-yard line. Purchase a one-day or two-day ticket. June 6 with Limp Bizkit and Ice Nine Kills. June 8 with Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies. raymondjamesstadium.com

2ND SATURDAY ARTWALK

June 14 from 5 – 9 p.m. On the second Saturday of every month, the Central Arts District, Grand Central District, Warehouse Arts District, Uptown Arts District, Deuces Live District, Edge District, and Waterfront Arts District come together as one arts destination with many venues hosting their latest exhibit. stpeteartsalliance.org

LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL

June 6 – 29 at Stageworks Theatre. This show will make you feel like you’re front and center, witnessing Billie Holiday, the jazz legend herself. The play takes place in March of 1959 at a run-down bar in South Philadelphia, where Holiday performs her songs while charming the audience. stageworkstheatre.org

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

June 21, 3 – 9 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. This festival is a family-friendly, educational, and empowering experience for the community! Enjoy live DJs, dance performances, musical guests, a KidZone, and so much more! Shop from retail vendors, community resource booths, and a variety of food vendors. roctheblockinc.com

PAINTING WITH ORANGUTANS

Sundays in June at 8:30 a.m. at ZooTampa. This behind-the-scenes experience features the iconic Bornean Orangutan. Collaborate on a painting with an orangutan and take home your one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Open to ages five and up. All participants require a ticket, Zoo admission is included. zootampa.org

ST. PETE PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL

June 28, North & South Straub Park. The largest Pride Festival in Florida brings together members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to enjoy the parade, national and local entertainers on the main stage, and hundreds of local vendors, food purveyors, artists, and community partners. stpetepride.org

People & Places of Polk County

We teamed up with the very talented James Huffstutler at the Central Florida Photo Club and invited our amazing readers to snap and share their best shots with the theme “People and Places of Polk County”— and wow, did you deliver. From February 28 to April 27, we received over 180 stunning submissions!

Choosing which ones to feature in the magazine was no easy task (seriously, can we get more pages next time?!). If we could, we’d show off every single photo—because they were all that good.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who shared a slice of Polk through their lens. Keep clicking, keep capturing, and keep showing us the beauty all around you!

“Hot Air Over Posner” Jenni Gregory

“Southgate Bug” by April Moser (chosen as cover of LKLD Magazine)

“A Taste of Summer Love” Braylee Pardue

“JJ from Lucille’s” Tyler Meadows

“Home Run Hitter” Cassidy Lovato

“Sun and Field” Keith McCullough

“Dreams Slipped Away” Scott Audette

“Market Day” Giovanna Favilli-Vigoreaux

“Lady Bird” Valerie Morrow

“Senior Games” Leticia Yglesias

“Potting Bench” Tyler Meadows

“On the Berm” David Stanick

“Polk Princess” Natalie Stover

“Hay Day Y’all!” Sally DC

“Bone Valley Witness” Sarah Brewington Baarns

“Scrub Scavengers” Garnet Bailey

“Ballet on Water” Lynn Novakowski

“Imagine” Katy Walters

“Lake Wales Downtown” Keith McCullough

“FLW at FSC” Kimberly C. Moore

“The Last in Town” Alex Lawrence

“On the Corner of Super Way and Recker Hwy” Elaine Santibáñez

“Leedy” Austin Tharp

“The Ascent” Jeremy McGuire

“The Rotosphere” D. Buckner Photography

“Harmony in Reflection” Heather Earl

“Cruising Down Orange St.” Matt Fitz

“Born on the Bayou” Amanda McCallister

“Sandmine Road” Jenni Gregory

“The Red Building” Levi Houston

“Breaking Barriers” Andy Glowgower

“Duck Tower” Julian Torres

“Polk Theater Marquee” Alexander McLendon

“Bovine Vista” Lisette Ramos

“Fleece Frame” Lisette Ramos

“Lake Hollingsworth Otter” Echoes of Motion

“Brew Pup at Grove Roots” Tyler Meadows

“1, 2, 3, 4... I Declare a Thumb War” Susan Pasquale

James Huffstutler

CENTRAL FLORIDA PHOTO CLUB

PHOTOGRAPH

James Huffstutler

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is James Huffstutler. I am a hobbyist photographer living in Winter Haven, Florida, with my wife and kids. My father was in the Air Force growing up, but we settled in Winter Haven around 2003. I graduated from Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School in 2011 and Florida Southern College in 2014.

WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN PHOTOGRAPHY?

I have been interested in photography since I was a young child. I remember spending hours poring over old family photos, asking my parents for a disposable camera any chance I got, and posing my toys in elaborate scenes and using our camera to take photos of them. In 2014, I picked up an old film camera at a yard sale and shot a roll of film. It really reignited my interest in photography, and I found a vibrant active community of other photographers still shooting film all over the world.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST PHOTO YOU WERE REALLY PROUD OF?

My most memorable photo was taking my daughter’s first photos in the hospital right after she was born. This was mid-2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic, which meant no one was allowed to visit the hospitals, including outside photographers. I packed up my medium format film camera and a few weeks later, when I developed the film, I was very happy to have beautiful, high-quality, and very precious photos of our newborn.

SELF-TAUGHT, TUTORIALS, WORKSHOPS?

Photography for me has mainly been self-taught with a lot of trial and error. I took a film class in high school that taught me a lot of the basics of visual language, but YouTube and online blogs have been my main source of technical photographic knowledge. I am always still learning. Every time I go out and take photos is an opportunity to learn and improve.

WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU SHOOT WITH?

I enjoy using a wide variety of cameras, both film and digital. I like the saying that the best camera is the one you have with you. My preference is for easyto-carry mirrorless digital cameras, rangefinder film cameras and vintage twin lens reflex cameras.

WHAT’S YOUR STYLE? INSPIRATION?

I would describe my style as a mix of observational, documentary, and architectural. I enjoy taking photos around downtown historic districts or urban environments. One of my favorite subjects is the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at my alma mater Florida Southern College. More recently, I have been enjoying photographing around the Disney World theme parks. I enjoy taking photos anywhere there is interesting light and subjects.

One of my main sources of inspiration is the photographic community and my photographer friends who are doing incredible work all the time. They inspire me to keep getting out there, making more work, and pushing myself to become a better photographer.

TELL US ABOUT THE CENTRAL FLORIDA PHOTO CLUB

Central Florida Photo Club was born out of my desire to attend local photography meetups and events. For a long time, I would see these events happening in cities all around the world, but when I looked for anything similar happening locally, I came up empty.

Three years ago, I decided to start my own group to host meetups and try to grow a community here in Central Florida. With a little bit of optimism, I called it Central Florida Photo Club. It started out small, but now we get photographers and creatives from all over Central Florida.

My goal with the club is to organize relaxed events where local creatives can come out, share ideas, and create together. One of my favorite things about the photographic community is the number of experienced photographers willing to share their knowledge and advice to those just starting the hobby without charge or expectation of anything in return.

WHAT’S YOUR EDITING STYLE?

My editing style is pretty simple, with usually only some minor exposure adjustments, cropping, and color grading. I enjoy shooting black and white film, and I find myself gravitating toward monochrome for certain subjects even when shooting digital. For select shots, I will get into more advanced lighting and masking techniques in Lightroom. Whether dealing with film or digital files, my thought is that each negative, positive, or raw image is the starting point that will require post-processing to reach the desired final image ready to share.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE? BIGGEST REWARD?

What I always struggle with is finding the time to get out and take photos. With a family and a full-time job, photography often takes a back seat to the rest of life. However, I try to keep a camera with me almost always, and that way, I’m able to make time for it when possible.

One of the most rewarding parts of photography recently has been seeing the photography community in Central Florida growing. Being even a small part of that is highly rewarding.

CURRENT WORK? DREAM PROJECTS?

Lately, I’ve been putting out some long-form videos exploring my photography process. For me, it’s a new way to share my work. Social media can put a lot of pressure on photographers to keep creating and putting out content, so having a variety of projects that are more than just making a social media post is important for me. One of my current long-term goals is to produce a new photography book within the next couple of years.

ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?

Get out and take photos. There is a lot of advice out there, and not all of it is good. Find what works for you and your workflow. And be sure to consume the work of others, including photographers currently active as well as influential photographers from the past. Study the looks and styles of others while you work to develop your own unique voice. Don’t get caught up on what is the best gear; use what you have and practice a lot. Also, bring a camera with you everywhere. If you see something that catches your eye, take a photo. Every bad photo is an opportunity to learn.

THANK YOU

I would like to thank my wife Amy and my kids for putting up with me every time I stop to take photos when we are out.

Central Florida Photo Club centralflorida.photo IG @centralfloridaphoto

STATE CHAMPIONS LADY BLUE DEVILS

Two weeks before the championship game, there is room to reminisce. The Winter Haven Senior High Lady Blue Devils (LBD) of 2023 and 2024 made it to the finals. The conditioning was the same. The practices went as structured. The goal was set. But both years, they lost. Now the 2025 team was headed back with the same goal… on the same floor they graced twice, with the same conditioning, the same amount of practices, and facing the same team that previously beat them.

“I went and had a practice with the girls by myself. I saw a lot of good things in them. I felt like the pieces were there and they put in the work... I told them what they needed to do to become that championship team…” remarks Winter Haven Senior High’s Athletic Director, LeDawn Gibson. Former head coach of the LBD, current icon in Polk County basketball, and the reason the legacy of LBD began, Gibson’s assessment of the team is crucial. If anyone can eye the blueprint of a winner, it would be the woman who led the team to be ranked No.1 for nine straight seasons. She believed in this group of girls, and in the man she handed her reins to.

Coach Johnnie Lawson is, by many accounts, an incredible head coach, but by more accounts, an incredible person. His LBD career spans nearly three decades, 17 years at the helm, 10 years as assistant to then-Coach Gibson. He is thoughtful, encouraging, and dependable, and according to his senior girls, he is a second dad. “I run my team like I run my house-discipline, order, and structure.” Coach Johnnie has garnered the respect of all who play for him by offering a consistent work ethic; he has gained adoration as he cultivates a loving and inspiring program. Amaya Shaw, senior power forward, describes the team as “definitely a family.” Senior guard, Azzariah Styles adds, “It’s more than basketball bonds. The coaches are just as close with the players as we are with each other.”

“Playing here is different. Everybody can’t play here. Even though we love them hard, we coach them hard,” 11-year assistant coach Billy Washington discloses how the reputation of the LBD is anchored. While endearing, the team runs on toughness. And while Coach Billy doesn’t see himself as the “tough coach” but the “balance to

Coach Johnnie,” he prepares the girls to push more than ever as they will engage with an above-average schedule of workouts, conditioning, and teams.

Two weeks before the final game, Coach Johnnie doesn’t sleep well. The idea of meeting the standard that LBD teams are held to becomes an “up all-night” engagement. What will he tell his girls if their stringent regimen leaves them without the trophy for a third year in a row? This is where Coach Johnnie admits the weight of legacy, “Is it more pressure to start a program fresh, take it from scratch, or is it tougher following a legend? It’s tougher following a legend… the pressure mounts up.” When you aren’t new to winning, the effort it takes to accomplish the accolade can be ignored. The LBD are not new to winning. They have gone to the finals 24 times, more than any basketball team in the county. The effort has yielded multiple district and regional titles, five state titles. Now, LBD ‘25 wants their effort to make it six.

Two weeks before the game the energy has yet to stall. It vibrates amongst the girls one would assume should be nervous, but are instead concentrating on what has been engrained. The girls recalled what that looked like:

Dashanique Henry, senior forward asserts “I was feeling good. I felt like we would win off the start of the season. Everybody had a position we needed, everybody had a part.”

“Every time we came in the gym, it was ‘practice and play like a champ.’ Our intensity was different than our regular season games,” Dariasia Pitts, a senior power forward, excitedly boasts.

“It’s not nerves. The entire team is locked in, focused on the main goal… there’s no playing around, no slacking in practice… we’re excited to play Dr. Phillips to get our get back,” point guard Jaeden Williams imparts with an assured smirk.

Team captain and shooting guard, Serenity Hardy, acknowledges her motivation, “Looking at those pictures in the gym it’s also a [reminder] this is the legacy, this is who we’re playing for, this is who is across our chest.”

The last practice before the final game… everyone was fully immersed, driven by a collective aspiration. After basic drills and fundamentals to sharpen what was already there, it was time to play each other. The hustle was apparent, the determination is resolute. Coach Billy refused to call fouls, mimicking what the girls may have to play through in the finals. At different points in the scrimmage, juniors Serenity Hardy and Quin’Nya Gray de Sanders were bleeding, then center Victoria Hall’s knee started bothering her. They would have continued to play, but the gym fell silent as the girls were stunned when Coach Johnnie called it a day. They had done enough, and while they were willing to give more, Coach Johnnie knew there was nothing else to do.

But win…

“Man, I can’t believe I cried…” with a soft laugh and sigh, Coach Johnnie unveils what the masses can easily dismiss. The portions of their life that coaches sacrifice to be present for their team. The portions of life that make girls decide to move counties, cities, schools, all to find environments that accept them, teams that help them grow as a player and a person. Those outside of the locker room do not see the portions of life that include headache and heartbreak, where loss and grief can break you, because the team and staff still show up on game night, to afternoon workouts, and the team meetings. “I cried… when you put everything in [this]… there’s so much that you’re thinking,” Coach Johnnie continues about the moment the final game is done, “a lot came out, a lot of emotions, everything these years have put us through, me and Billy, big grown men, fell into each other’s arms.” The two LBD coaches hugged each other for every trial they and their team experienced and shed tears for a win that felt promised and earned.

Legacies only last if the work does, if the love does.

Legacies are built in the present steps, not just the end summary of acts. LBD ‘25 forged their legacy with intentional steps. With fervor. In unison. With love and their set goal.

And they won the state championship.

“practice and play like a champ”

Kathy Leigh Berkowitz

AUTISM SPECTRUM COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERIES

As the healthcare community learns more about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how to improve healthcare for autistic individuals, an Autism Spectrum Community Education Series was launched this spring, via a partnership between the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation, the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) School of Behavior Science Analysis, and Rockin’ On The Chain. Three FIT professors are teaching the series.

We caught up with one of the busy professors to get a bird’s eye view of how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts and techniques, used in a clinical setting, may benefit ASD individuals. Dr. Jonathan Fernand, Assistant Professor with the School of Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology’s College of Psychology and Liberal Arts, is heavily involved in providing therapy and resources to the autistic community through his work at The Scott Center for Autism Treatment.

For the healthcare community who provides care for those with ASD, Dr. Fernand says that understanding has grown beyond the “simple awareness” of the definition of autism, to applied behavior approaches that facilitate a more comfortable clinical experience. “I learn from each and every single patient and family,” says Dr. Fernand.

It is his hope that the Autism Spectrum Community Education Series is just the beginning of a long-term partnership to help those in the Autism community advocate for themselves, as well as equip medical facilities and teams with the tools necessary to foster that growth. He says every individual’s needs are unique. Those in the world of behavior analysis look at the environment and how that can either help or hinder experiences for autistic individuals. “So we can arrange the environment in such a way that fulfills the needs for those people,” he says.

patient safety during medical procedures such as exams or vaccinations. The discussion of what creates a therapeutic environment, says Dr. Fernand, is “assisting somebody to be successful in their natural environment.”

BARRIERS FACED

The Scott Center offers behavioral health assistance to those autistic children who need it. Families face great challenges when it comes to healthcare – as well as accessing and navigating those services. Waiting lists are long for treatment, and the necessary appointments to get the initial diagnosis can be difficult, according to Dr. Fernand.

Parents may forgo the needed doctor’s checkups because they are afraid of how the child is going to act out while they are there. That doesn’t stop at adulthood. Adult ASD individuals may avoid appointments out of fear of the medical environment. “Families often feel they don’t know what to do,” Fernand says. “It’s not common knowledge.” He adds there is a “knowledge learning curve,” for example, when a person is not only learning what it means to be a new parent, but also the complexities of having a child on the spectrum. “Most behavior analysts are working with individuals who need substantial support,” Fernand says.

Some ASD individuals do not engage in any communication at all, whether vocally or by sign language. The deficits in communication then display in behaviors such as selfinjuring, tantrums, or disruption, he notes. Parents may say, “Now I have an atypical development occurring that I need assistance for,” he says, and find that they now must learn how to advocate for their child to be seen at a healthcare facility. Fernand adds that not every person with ASD needs services to help them communicate or navigate. However, as ASD individuals age, services tend to decline. Services for all individuals with autism beyond age 23 drop off, due to availability.

ASD individuals gain helpful skills so they can navigate their world in a productive way for them, Dr. Fernand adds.

A GREAT PARTNERSHIP

Florida Institute of Technology Dean Lisa Steelman notes that the partnership started when Florida Tech, assisted by Winter Haven Hospital Foundation and its president and CEO Joel Thomas, began offering mental health services to patients at Winter Haven Hospital. “Florida Tech clinical psychologists in training work in collaboration with the hospital residents to help treat the whole patient, in this case through psychological services. We have now partnered in this way for five years and provided needed mental health services to a multitude of patients,” Steelman said. “Helping children with ASD and their families through the health care system (health check-ups, vaccines, etc.) was a logical next step.” Dr. Fernand is teaching the last series meeting. Dr. David Wilder and Dr. Kimberly Sloman facilitated the first two meetings.

A strong supporter of the program is Rockin’ On The Chain, which holds an annual fundraiser to help with autism awareness, and the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation is the recipient of it. “It has been very well received,” says John Straughn, founder of Rockin’ On The Chain. “Our goal is to have a fundraising event to help raise awareness to the autism and special needs community and I think the hospital is doing a great job by helping to promote that,” he adds.

HISTORY

Those who attend the series, which comprises both caregivers as well as healthcare professionals, learn more about ASD and other intellectual and developmental abilities, the basics of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts and techniques, communication strategies, sensory challenges, and creating a sensory-friendly environment. ABA techniques can be useful to equip ASD individuals with skills to better articulate pain and discomfort, voice preferences, and improve tolerance for medical procedures, Dr. Fernand notes. Other takeaway nuggets include managing aggression and increasing

Quality of life becomes an issue, and both caregivers and healthcare advocates are hopeful that as the individual with ASD grows, they can learn to “fulfill a quality of life for themselves.” Tying the behavior analyst into the healthcare team for ASD individuals is growing, Fernand says, adding that many hospitals keep one on staff as they collaborate their understanding with other medical disciplines. The hope is that by altering the clinical environment, it may assist the

In 2020, the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation started the FIT Clinical Psychology Training Program. The Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Program and BayCare Health System are likewise intertwined to provide mental health care services. Benefitting patients at Winter Haven Hospital’s Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation Clinic and BayCare Medical Group’s Family Health Center in Winter Haven, the program hopes to draw more students to both train and remain in the Winter Haven community.

The series, which began May 29, will see two more meetings on Thursday June 5 and June 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1201 1st Street South, Suite 100A, Winter Haven. For more information, email whhfoundation@baycare.org. WORDS

Bob Gernert, Community Historian

Beneath the Chinaberry Tree:

Vignettes from POLK COUNTY’s History

THE 1930S: DICK AND JULIE POPE DECIDE TO GARDEN…

Dick and Julie Pope are remembered (respectively) by many Havenites as the flamboyant and gracious founders of Cypress Gardens. Their story and its impact on our community are both rich and colorful. This month we take a look at Dick Pope long before he created Cypress Gardens ... up to the time that he met his lifelong personal and professional partner, Julie Downing.

Richard Pope was born April 19, 1900, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of J. Walker Pope and his wife, Lily May. The family would relocate to Winter Haven in 1910.

At the age of 12, he joined his father at his Winter Haven real estate office and learned to help out when

J. Walker Pope was out of town. Following one particular trip, his father returned to learn that young Richard had shown a property and arranged the deal for the sale.

It was definitely a sign of things to come and “an idea a minute” became his trademark. While other youngsters were involved with traditional childhood pursuits, Dick Pope was beginning a career in sales and promotion.

As a teenager, Pope enjoyed golf, skiing, and photography. He also served as vice president of the 1918 graduating class of Winter Haven High School. Following a brief attempt at college, he returned to Winter Haven. He managed to find plenty of time to play golf ... fast becoming Florida’s Amateur Champion. He traveled the

country for tournaments. Ultimately, in North Carolina for the National Amateur Championship, he accomplished two major feats: he came in second in the tournament, and he met the perfect business partner ... his future wife, Julie Downing.

Dick and Julie married and by 1931 found themselves living in New York City as he worked in public relations. As young parents, they evaluated the potential for success if they remained in New York. Dick felt “you could make more money” there, but didn’t enjoy what you had to endure to do it. Both longed to return to the south.

Dick and Julie continued to refine their idea of a garden so beautiful, that people would pay admission to see it. Due

Richard D. Pope c. 1920s

Julie Downing Pope c. 1920s

to his boating expertise, Dick was asked to serve on the Canal Commission. He believed the canals connecting Winter Haven’s lakes were the community’s greatest asset.

Times were very tough in Florida. The stock market crash came directly on the devastating collapse of the Florida land boom. The Florida Emergency Relief Association (FERA) paid a dollar a day to many who otherwise would have no work. The work involved odd jobs such as raking leaves.

Soon, Pope advanced an idea to use FERA funds and financial support from the Canal District to build a garden that would be owned publicly but charge an admission fee. He would serve as administrator (and promoter). He sold the idea to the Chamber of Commerce, and before long, excitement was growing throughout Winter Haven.

Pope picked the location for Cypress Gardens based on his memories of camping there as a boy of 13, having traveled to the site by a horse drawn wagon.

During the land boom, a country club was built on the site overlooking Lake Eloise. In the early 30s, it sat boarded up. Citrus grower John Snively, Sr., agreed to permit the use of this building for ticket sales and a small gift shop.

His greatest challenge at the time was convincing others to join in the mission. He needed $1200 or more

from several sources ... a lot of money for the time. John Snively, Sr., George Andrews (Haven Hotel), M.M. “Dad” Lee (Florida Chief) and George Burr (Winter Haven Herald) ultimately believed in Pope’s dream enough to provide some backing.

In addition, the Canal Commission had spent $6500 in an arrangement worked out by Pope and Ray Bice. With a budget of 3500 “man-days” at a dollar a day, FERA crews started digging canals and working on the property in September of 1932. It didn’t look particularly good as a work in progress, and doubts began to surface. City and canal officials began to doubt its viability. FERA representatives visited the site and announced they were pulling out of the process. The Canal Commission insisted that they be relieved of the responsibility of the “disaster.”

Pope and John Snively decided to take over the project and struck a deal with the Canal Commission to repay the money invested. They would pay $500 down and the balance over a period of three years. It was 1933, and Pope would eventually be derided as “Swami of the Swamp.”

Julie and Dick formed “Florida Cypress Gardens Association, Inc.” and both were owners. Pope later noted, “It was a little rough going for a while because 30 men worked six days a week for $1 a day and when I didn’t have the money I’d call (Publix Founder) George Jenkins - the Pope family grocer - tell him I was a little short and ask to give out chits for $1.25 each to the

workers.” Jenkins agreed, and Pope reportedly offered him stock, but Jenkins replied, “No, I’ll stay in the business I know best.”

Julie Pope brought her “green thumb” to the initial landscaping for the Gardens. She and friends traveled the area gathering plants that residents were willing to share. From bougainvillea to flame vines and azaleas to camellias, those first sprigs and sprouts brought the Gardens to life.

Pope was a master promoter. As he and Julie designed the Gardens, he developed a plan to make every path beautiful and photogenic from every angle. Each plant, flower, and tree that was added was placed in position after Pope had viewed the location through a camera viewfinder. Composition, color, beauty, and lighting were important considerations for each pathway. Working with his good friend and legendary photographer, Robert “Bob” Dahlgren, Cypress Gardens was planned to photographic perfection.

On January 2, 1936, Cypress Gardens officially opened to the public. In the midst of the Great Depression, the Popes had created the foundation of a park that would eventually welcome 45 million visitors with Winter Haven tagging along for the ride.

Next month: The “Swami of the Swamp” has the Last Laugh

This photo of the young Dick and Julie Pope family on an early Garden’s bridge was taken at or before the park’s opening. Left to right Dick, Adrienne, Dick Jr., and Julie.

Early photo of the Eloise Woods Country Club built during the 1920s Florida Boom. John Snively would make an agreement with Dick Pope for its use as the Cypress Garden’s entrance and gift shop.

Read more at GOODFOODPOLK.COM

MOOTOWN SCOOPS

Mootown Scoops offers premium ice cream, including a couple of dairy-free choices, milkshakes, floats, affogatos, ice cream flights, croque glaces, and some very classic toppings. We tried the croque glace, which is a brioche bun filled with your choice of ice cream and topping and then cooked in a little machine that looks like a waffle maker. The outside is warm and a little crispy, but the ice cream is still cold in the middle. We also tried a scoop of the Gator Trail ice cream with hot fudge swirls & peanut butter cups. It was so good in one of the house-made waffle cones. The chocolate milkshake was very good, such a classic, and topped with a cherry. We loved everything we ordered and will definitely be back! The Grand Opening was May 8.

MOOTOWN SCOOPS

723 E Palmetto St, Lakeland IG @mootownscoops

THE GREAT POLK PET SHOWDOWN WINNERS!

Did you know I have heterochromatic eyes? My left eye is a stunning blue, and my right eye is a beautiful brown. My most favorite, best, drool-worthy thing to eat is freeze-dried chicken treats. I also love living the lake life and boating on the Winter Haven Chain to our favorite places like Tanners, Harborside, and the Twisted Prop!! I just love the wind in my fur as we zoom around the lakes. My Mom is named Amanda, and she’s the most fun and best human in my life. She always says that I could be a model when I grow up because she thinks I’m gorgeous. I just love her. #Lakynlife

I love doing tricks! In fact, I know over 85 tricks & have my AKC Performer Trick dog title! Some of my favorite foods are chicken, whipped cream, bully sticks, and soft and jerky-style treats. I like to stay pretty active, I love playing frisbee, swimming, chasing airplanes (I am so close to catching one), practicing agility, learning new tricks, and meeting new people. My most favorite human is my Mommy, and her name is Heidy. She’s the best. I’m hoping to one day be a professional frisbee athlete, or an Olympic gymnast or swimmer (Once they allow dogs to enter!) or an actress, a stunt girl, or a model, I just can’t decide.

One interesting thing about me is that people request a Christmas card from me every year, and the list keeps getting longer. It’s quite flattering really, but they don’t quite understand the level of sophistication I bring to the table. I am a connoisseur of fine foods. I love steak, but only the prime cuts, no cheap stuff. I have very deep and philosophical thoughts that I often ponder while lounging. My favorite person is the one who brings me the fluffy blanket, they know exactly how to keep me warm and comfortable so I can really think. One day I hope to become a food journalist, sharing my discerning opinions on all things culinary.

LAKYN

JOHNNY CAT

MOST PURRRFECT CAT

MOST FETCHING DOG

MOST PLAYFUL PUPPY

I’m the fluffiest little orange puffball you’ll ever meet—my mom was rescued and had five of us, but I’m the only one who came out with this purrfectly sunshine fur. I absolutely love kitten kibble (yum!), and my most favorite thing in the whole wide world is snuggling up with my dog bestie— he’s big and warm and lets me nap. My human Mom is my favorite human ever, I love her so much. If I had a job, I’d be a model, paws down. I mean, have you seen my whiskers?

I’m a galloping girl who loves belly scratches! My all-time favorite snack? Juicy apple treats... crunchy, sweet, and totally neigh-licious. Nothing gets my hooves flying like running barrels— speed, turns, and feeling the wind in my mane! As for my favorite human? Well, if you’ve got treats, you’re instantly my best friend (no questions asked). And if I had a job? I’d be a swimmer, of course—just imagine me splashing around with my mane flowing. Giddy-up!

MOST ADORABLE FARM ANIMAL

I’m the fluffiest little bunbun around, and my absolute favorite thing to do is snuggle up with my big husky brother and sister—they’re so cozy and warm, like giant fuzzy clouds! When I’m not cuddling, I’m munching on my most favorite treat in the world: fresh, yummy cilantro—mmm, so leafy and delicious! My human Mama is my very favorite person ever; she gives the best cuddles and always knows when I need a snack. One day, I’d like to be the best pet sitter— because who better to take care of furry friends than a sweet little bunny like me?

I’m a big ol’ lovable goofball and proud winner of the “A Face Only a Mother Could Love” award—can you believe it?! I came from the awesome people at the Polk County Bully Project, and surprise! I grew into a 75-pound lap dog (yes, laps are for all sizes, thank you very much). My favorite food? Oh, paws down—anything and everything! If it smells edible, I’m your taste tester. I’m basically a living, drooling weighted blanket who loves to flop on top of my people for snuggles. My favorite human? My Dad, of course! And if I had a job, I’d be a therapist, no doubt—just look into my smooshy face and tell me your troubles. I’m all ears… and jowls! Thank you to everyone that submitted a photo and voted!

FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE

DREAMY

MAUI

BOO

ROSIE

CUTEST KITTEN

COOLEST ALTERNATIVE PET

SUMMER WILDFLOWERS FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA YARDS

Many homeowners in Central Florida turn to native wildflowers as an option for seasonal color in their landscapes. Summer-blooming wildflowers are colorful, eye-catching, and a great way to enhance your summer landscape. With proper selection and placement, summer wildflowers can thrive in your Central Florida yard.

Native wildflowers are well-adapted to the sandy soils, high humidity, and frequent rainfall associated with summers in central Florida. Many native species are drought-tolerant once established and require little maintenance, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Native wildflowers contribute to ecosystem health by supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while also offering habitat and food sources for beneficial insects and birds.

SELECTING THE RIGHT WILDFLOWER FOR THE RIGHT PLACE

When selecting wildflowers for your yard, it’s important to follow the right plant, right place principle of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™. This means selecting a plant based on the conditions of your landscape. Consider sun exposure, soil moisture, available space, and desired bloom times. Summerblooming varieties can fill in gaps left by spring flowers and provide color throughout the hottest months.

WILDFLOWERS FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA:

There are many native wildflowers that thrive in central Florida. Utilize local plant nurseries, plant lists, and the UF/ IFAS Extension Service for information on local plants. Here are a few that grow well in most central Florida yards: • Coreopsis spp. (Tickseed): Florida’s state wildflower, Coreopsis, is a cheerful and prolific bloomer. Species like Coreopsis lanceolata and Coreopsis leavenworthii produce

small, yellow, daisy-like flowers that attract butterflies and bees. They thrive in full sun and tolerate drought once established. These happy summer-bloomers will pop up and spread in the landscape.

• Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage): This wildflower produces bright red tubular flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. Scarlet Sage can grow in both sun and partial shade and readily reseed, making them easy pass-along plants for friends interested in starting wildflowers in their own yards.

• Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan): With its yellow petals and dark centers, Black-eyed Susan offers a classic look. It does well in full sun and tolerates a range of soil conditions. For maximum impact, plant in masses.

• Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed): A native milkweed with vibrant orange flowers, this is the milkweed that we promote for anyone interested in attracting monarch butterflies to their yards. It is one of the most popular native milkweed species and is attractive to many types of pollinators.

ESTABLISHING WILDFLOWERS IN THE LANDSCAPE

Site preparation is key to the successful establishment of wildflowers—particularly if you are starting from seed. While some wildflowers can be started from transplants, many species are readily available as seed. Sow seeds for summer wildflowers in October or November for summer blooms.

Water new plantings regularly until established. After establishment, most native wildflowers will not need supplemental irrigation (in fact, some may not thrive with additional irrigation). Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides in or near wildflowers, as these can harm pollinators. If pest control is needed, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Service for management options.

MAINTENANCE AND LONG-TERM CARE

Once established, wildflowers require less maintenance. Occasional deadheading or trimming can encourage additional blooms and prevent aggressive reseeding by certain species. Mulch should be maintained at 2-3 inches in landscape beds, with mulch pulled away from the base of the plants. For a natural look, group wildflowers with other native perennials, ornamental grasses, and groundcovers. This layered approach mimics Florida’s native ecosystems and fosters greater habitat diversity. Additionally, you can just substitute any colorful perennial or annual plant for native wildflowers for a colorful impact in the landscape. With so many bloom colors and plant sizes, there are sure to be wildflowers to fit your landscape aesthetic.

For more information on summer wildflowers, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. If you are not in Polk County, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic..

To learn more about gardening and landscaping in central Florida, listen to the “Your Central Florida Yard” podcast. The June episode is all about summer wildflowers. Find more information here: centralfloridayard.substack.com.

An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/ IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.edu

Check Me Out ;)

THE GARDEN OF SMALL BEGINNINGS

By Abbi Waxman

Gardening might be serious business for some, but here it’s the backdrop for a warm and funny story about starting over. Lilian, a widowed illustrator with two young kids, signs up for a gardening class and slowly finds herself growing more than just vegetables. Waxman brings humor and heart to the everyday messiness of life with characters who feel refreshingly real.

SECOND NATURE: A GARDENER’S EDUCATION

By Michael Pollan

Pollan approaches gardening with curiosity and care, reflecting on it not as a way to control nature but as a conversation with it. This thoughtful memoir explores the balance between wildness and cultivation, tradition and change. It’s part personal story and part reflection on how we live alongside the natural world.

LITTLE GREAT ISLAND

By Kate Woodworth

On a small island off the coast of Maine, Mari McGavin returns to her childhood home with her young son. As she reconnects with the land and its community, Mari collaborates with a widowed neighbor to cultivate a vegetable garden, finding healing and purpose along the way. The island’s changing ecosystem serves as a backdrop to this story of resilience, community, and the enduring bond between people and the land.

THE RED GARDEN

By Alice Hoffman

A small town in Massachusetts is the setting for this collection of linked stories, all connected by a mysterious garden where red plants grow no matter the season. Hoffman blends everyday life with a touch of magic, exploring how a place— and its soil—can hold the stories of generations.

WORDS

Jane Martin, City Librarian

Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven

THE LITTLE STRANGER

By Sarah Waters

Set in post-war England, this gothic novel takes place at Hundreds Hall, a once-grand estate now slipping into decay. As strange events unfold, the house—and its overgrown garden—becomes a character in its own right. It’s a slow-burn ghost story that weaves in class tension, memory, and the unsettling pull of the past.

THE BROTHER GARDENERS

By Andrea Wulf

This engaging history introduces the men who helped shape Britain’s gardening culture in the 18th century. Through letters, plant shipments, and big botanical dreams, Wulf tells a story about science, empire, and the passion for collecting and cataloging the natural world. It’s both informative and surprisingly lively.

GARDEN OF LAMENTATIONS

By Deborah Crombie

In a tucked-away London garden, a young woman is found murdered, and what first appears to be an isolated crime soon reveals deeper connections. Crombie’s mystery is layered and patient, with a strong sense of place and a cast of characters shaped by grief, secrets, and quiet resilience.

THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS

By Elizabeth Gilbert

Alma Whittaker grows up surrounded by plants, books, and questions. As a botanist in the 18th and 19th centuries, her life unfolds at the pace of moss—slow, steady, and deeply observant. Gilbert’s novel follows Alma’s personal and scientific journey in a way that’s thoughtful and richly detailed.

The Temporal Screen: STORIES THE CODE COULDN’T KILL

The Motion Picture Production Code—enforced from 1930 and reaching its most stringent application from 1934 until its decline in the late 1960s—represented one of the most aggressive regulatory frameworks in American cinematic history. Known commonly as the Hays Code, it functioned as both a moral compass and a tool of censorship, explicitly forbidding depictions of what it termed “sexual perversion.”

The Hays Code was never just about censorship— it was about erasure. It imposed not only moral strictures on American cinema but sought to dictate what could be seen, said, and even imagined. For those of us who grew up watching films that came long after the Code’s collapse, it is easy to forget how effectively it rewrote the representation within what was already seen as one of the most powerful tools in cultural messaging—especially for queer people.

Of course, queerness never truly disappeared from the screen. It lived within allegory, in genre, in monsters, and metaphors. The Code tried to shut the door, but filmmakers—bold, passionate, imaginative—stepped into shadow to be seen. They invented new languages, new symbols, and new ways to tell stories lived, feared, and dreamed. This is not only a snapshot of cinema under suppression but also of innovation, resistance, and connections across decades.

GOLDEN AGE OF HORROR

In the 1930s and 1940s, the horror genre functioned as a critical space for the exploration of otherness, desire, and identity under the regulatory pressures of the Production Code. James Whale, operating as one of the few openly gay directors within the studio system, leveraged the figure of the monster as both a mirror for societal exclusion and a vessel for nuanced expressions of alienation and longing. His films, “Frankenstein” (1931) and “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935), reconceptualize the creature not as a simplistic embodiment of terror, but as a figure of complex humanity, whose constructed body becomes a site of empathy rather than fear. Whale’s personal experiences of marginalization inform his aesthetic choices—his use of camp, excess, and gothic spectacle destabilizes conventional horror narratives. Nowhere is this more apparent than in “Bride of Frankenstein,” where the flamboyant Dr. Pretorius transforms scenes into carnivalesque celebrations of perversity and theatricality, highlighting the film’s defiance of traditional genre expectations.

“The Old Dark House” (1932) further reveals Whale’s distinct capacity to blend horror, satire, and camp into a gleefully subversive critique of societal and familial repression. Often overshadowed by his Frankenstein films, “The Old Dark House” stands as perhaps his

most overtly comedic and anarchic work—a film in which the gothic trappings of haunted houses and decaying aristocracy are gleefully undercut by absurdity, wit, and knowing exaggeration. Whale populates the isolated Femm household with a gallery of grotesques and misfits, their exaggerated performances exposing the thin veneer of civility that masks dysfunction and desire. Whale transforms the haunted house into a carnival of social breakdown.

“The Old Dark House” may masquerade as a tale of horror, but beneath its creaking doors and flickering candles lies a mischievous celebration of theatricality, with characters twice as engaging as they appear at first glance and three times as funny—I mean it—still very funny.

At RKO, producer Val Lewton pioneered a more introspective and psychological form of horror that foregrounded atmosphere, ambiguity, and internalized fear. Rejecting the visual bombast of earlier Universal horror cycles, Lewton’s productions emphasized restraint, minimalism, and suggestion— deploying darkness, off-screen space, and sound to activate the viewer’s imagination. Nowhere is this approach more fully realized than in “Cat People” (1942), directed by Jacques Tourneur. Rather than offering audiences a visible monster, the film immerses them in a carefully constructed world of shadows, ambiguity, and suppressed tension, where

James Whale (Left) - Boris Karloff (Right)

The Old Dark House (1932) - Directed by James Whale

the line between human and monster, desire and danger, remains deliberately blurred.

The narrative follows Irena, a woman whose fear of sexual awakening is intricately tied to an inherited curse, which may—or may not—transform her into a predatory cat. Lewton’s insistence on withholding the spectacle of transformation is itself a radical gesture, forcing the horror to reside within psychological suggestion and the dread of uncertainty. Through the manipulation of cinematic form—lighting, sound design, and framing—Lewton and Tourneur created an atmosphere of repression, where fear becomes internalized, and the monstrous exists as much within the character’s psyche as in any external threat. This aesthetic choice allowed for a more nuanced engagement with themes of identity, desire, and repression, transforming Cat People into a meditation on the instability of self and the psychological consequences of living within a society that demands containment, control, and conformity.

Lewton built horror from what was unseen, from the dread of what might live inside us, creating cinematic worlds capable of visceral connection despite time passed and lives lived—a connection between the leopard man, the cat people.

THE AGE OF EXPERIMENT

Curtis Harrington’s “Night Tide” (1961) stands as a liminal work, bridging the gothic studio horror aesthetics of James Whale and Val Lewton with the emerging queer underground cinema of the 1960s.

Harrington was a key figure in the West Coast experimental scene and one of the few openly gay directors to navigate the Hollywood system. He began his career in the avant-garde, creating trance films that explored desire, identity, and psychological fragmentation—modes of storytelling that would carry into his later studio work.

In “Night Tide,” Harrington infuses these sensibilities into a deceptively conventional horror narrative. His young sailor drifts through fog, carnival lights, and shadowy piers, entering the orbit of Mora, a woman who performs as a sideshow mermaid—her presence tinged with the ambiguous allure of a siren hiding in plain sight. The film refuses to clarify whether Mora is truly a creature of myth or simply a woman burdened by longing, grief, and outsider status. This ambiguity is essential. Rather than indulging in spectacle, “Night Tide” weaves its uncanny elements into the everyday, creating a form of cinematic magic realism where the strange and the real coexist, indistinguishable from one another.

In his youth, Harrington found a mentor in James Whale—a figure of mythic proportions in his personal pantheon. Years later, fate allowed him to return the gift. Harrington was instrumental in recovering and restoring Whale’s long-lost “The Old Dark House,” using his position within the studio system to ensure its preservation at the George Eastman House. His legacy, then, is not only as director but as guardian of what once inspired him. It’s stories like these that remind me why I linger in the yellowed pages of old film journals—where no imagined secondhand

account rivals the quiet glow of someone stepping fully into the history they once only dreamed of.

PRIDE

By the time the 1960s faded, the world had changed. The collapse of the studio system was nigh, and the wheels of cinema could turn with a little more speed. The New Queer Cinema of the 1990s did not forget. Its filmmakers carried the ghosts of Whale, Lewton, and Harrington with them, weaving their coded legacies into multifaceted new tapestries.

Yet more than fifty years after the fall of the Hays Code, cinema remains an incomplete archive. Our screens continue to wait—for stories still untold, identities still marginalized, and futures that reject tokenism and assimilation, that move beyond visibility alone, that challenge cinema’s complicity in erasure, and demand stories that reflect lived complexity while opening space for narratives where the shadows are optional, never mandatory.

Night Tide (1961)

Val Lewton- novelist, film producer and screenwriter

JUNE 2025

MORNING YIN AND MINDFULNESS

Jun 1, 2025, 9:30-10:30 AM

Yoga Haven

1511 Sixth St SE, Winter Haven

Morning Yin and Mindfulness begins with a gentle seated warm-up to prepare your body for slow, floor stretches, which release muscle and deep connective tissues like fascia, ligaments, and joints. This class is recommended for all levels. winterhavenyoga.com

LEGO FESTIVAL

Jun 1, 2025, 10 AM-6 PM

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven

Five never-before-seen play zones, packed with festival vibes, awesome entertainment, epic brick-building, brand-new shows, massive builds, exclusive LEGO Minifigures, music, dancing, and unique LEGO experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Weekends through June 8. legoland.com/florida

ALL INCLUSIVE LICENSE TO CHILL POOL PARTY

Jun 1, 2025, 11 AM-5 PM

Camp Margaritaville

361 Denton Avenue, Auburndale

All-inclusive, adults-only pool party with Miami vibes all day long, live DJ, unlimited elevated bites, and beverages to keep the party flowing. balmoraleventcenter.com

CANDLELIGHT RESTORATIVE YOGA WITH SOUND BOWLS

Jun 1, 2025, 5-6:15 PM

Yoga Haven

1511 Sixth St SE, Winter Haven

Experience the crystal bowls as they gently release their healing vibrations into your essence. winterhavenyoga.com

MARAUDERS AT FLYING TIGERS

Jun 1, 2025, Noon

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Jun 2, 2025, 6 PM

Gram Parsons Derry Down

297 5th St. NW, Winter Haven

Musicians of all ages and experience are invited to play in this historic venue, just come in and sign your name to perform up to 3 songs. This is an all acoustic Open Mic, please keep that in mind. facebook.com/gramparsonsderrydown

OFF THE WALL SOUL LINE DANCING CLASS

Jun 2, 2025, 6:30-8 PM

Coleman-Bush Building

1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Lakeland

90 minutes of movement to your favorite Hip Hop, Rhythm & Blues, and Pop songs! FB: Off The Wall SOUL Line Dancing Group.

MONDAY TRIVIA

Jun 2, 2025, 7:30 PM

Cob & Pen

1221 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Every Monday with Triviosity Live! FB @TriviosityLive

KIDS CLUB: KIDCHELLA

Jun 3, 2025, 10-11:30 AM

Lakeside Village

1479 Town Center, Lakeland

Get ready for: Sparkly tinsel hair strands, A live hula hoop performance, DJ Scuba Steve spinning fun, kid-friendly beats, A music festival-themed craft station …and all the festive vibes your little ones can handle! Pro tip: Don’t forget your water bottles and sunscreen — we’ll be dancing under that bright Florida sun! Free event • Family-friendly • Dress in your fest best!

CHICAGO DIVAS

Jun 3, 2025, 5 PM or 8PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Chicago Divas: An All-Female Tribute to the Legendary Band Chicago delivering a high-energy celebration of music, talent, and showmanship. theatrewinterhaven.com

FLYING TIGERS VS. TORTUGAS

Jun 3, 2025, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Jun 3, 2025, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Tuesday. FB @TriviosityLive

QUINN’S CORNER WRITER’S SHOWCASE -

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Jun 3, 2025, 7:30 PM

Jenson’s Corner Bar

100 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

On the first Tuesday of every month. Sign-ups at 7:30 PM, show starts at 8. All writers welcome—poetry, rap, stories, comedy, songs. Share your voice!

MOLLY’S MUSICIANS SHOWCASE

Jun 3, 2025, 9 PM

Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub 111 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland Open to all musicians

COOKING FOR YOUR HEART WITH MED

(MEDITERRANEAN) INSTEAD OF MEDS

Jun 4, 2025, 3 PM

Lake Wales Family Rec Center 1001 Burns Ave, Lake Wales

Interested in a Mediterranean-style eating pattern but not sure where to start? Join Registered Dietitian Andrea Nikolai for the first in a 6-part series.

863-519-1072

BINGO AT BOWEN YARD

Jun 4, 2025, 6 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St. SW, Winter Haven

FREE Bingo at Bowen Yard!  Enjoy delicious food from SIX amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes! Every Wednesday outside. FB @bowenyardwh

FLYING TIGERS VS. TORTUGAS

Jun 4, 2025, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

JENSON’S TRIVIA NIGHT!

Jun 4, 2025, 6:30-8:30 PM

Jenson’s Corner Bar

100 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Wednesday at 6:30 PM for a fun-filled evening of trivia hosted by @TriviosityLive! Teams of up to 6 compete for gift card prizes and bragging rights.

LAKE WALES WOMAN’S CLUB MEETING

Jun 5, 2025, 10:30-11:30 AM

275 E Park Ave, Lake Wales

Lake Wales Woman’s Club meets on the first Thursday of each month, at our club house, 275 E Park Ave, 10:30a.m.

AGB THURSDAYS

Jun 5, 2025, 4-8 PM

AGB Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland

Join us every Thursday evening for extra hours to visit all the galleries, book one of our spaces, and enjoy our art loving community. facebook.com/AGBmuseum

NITRO BINGO

Jun 5, 2025, 4:30-8 PM

Ritz Theater

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

More info on FB @theritzwinterhaven

RUN CLUB

Jun 5, 2025, 6 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday Walk or run 1.5m, 3m, or any distance.

More info: FB @groverootsbrewing

NIGHT MARKET

Jun 5, 2025, 6-9 PM

Union Taproom

245 West Central Ave, Winter Haven

Pour your own drinks from the tap wall and shop unique finds from small businesses.

CERAMIC HAND BUILDING CLASS

WITH AUSTIN SNEDDEN

Jun 5, 2025, 6-9 PM

Ridge Art Association

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd SW, Winter Haven

4 weeks: Thursdays 6-9pm. Beginner’s Hand Building Ceramics Course Explore the art of creating unique pottery without a wheel! ridgeart.org

FLYING TIGERS VS. TORTUGAS

Jun 5, 2025, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

THURSDAY TRIVIA

Jun 5, 2025, 7 PM

Barrel 239

239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday. FB @TriviosityLive

FIRST FRIDAY WINTER HAVEN

Jun 6, 2025, 5-8 PM

Downtown Winter Haven

Patrons can enjoy food and drink specials from downtown restaurants while dining at our new sidewalk cafes. They can shop with downtown businesses who stay open late for the event, and we’ll have live musicians and other entertainment at multiple

venues. Check out the car show down Magnolia Ave. and the NEW Night Market in Central Park. Check the socials for monthly specials @whfirstfriday

PEOPLE & PLACES OF POLK COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW

Jun 6, 2025, 5-8 PM

Destroyer Media

326 Ave C SW, Winter Haven (Bowen Yard)

Join us for a very special exhibition of the winning photos that appeared in this month’s issues of Haven & LKLD in collaboration with the Central Florida Photo Club. Meet the photographers and the staff of Haven & LKLD.

STORY TIME: AFTER HOURS (18+)

Jun 6, 2025, 5:30-6:30 PM

Winter Haven Public Library

325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven

When is the last time someone read YOU a book? Sit back and chill while someone reads to you during First Friday.

FLYING TIGERS VS. TORTUGAS

Jun 6, 2025, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

SWAN CITY PIANO FESTIVAL:

LINDSAY GARRITSON SOLO RECITAL

Jun 6, 2025, 7-9 PM

Harrison School For the Arts

750 Hollingsworth Road, Lakeland

With the internationally renowned pianist Lindsay Garritson. Dr. Lindsay Garritson has performed internationally since age four, appearing at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Place des Arts, and as soloist with major orchestras across North and South America. swancitypianofestival.com

THIS MURDER WAS STAGED

Jun 6 - 15, 2025

Lake Wales Little Theatre

411 N 3rd St, Lake Wales

A teen production from June 6 - 15. It’s opening night of a brand-new mystery play, but just as the killer is about to be revealed, the body of the play’s director falls onstage instead.  Buy tickets at lwlt.org.

JIM LAUDERDALE

Jun 6, 2025, 7:30 PM

Gram Parsons Derry Down

297 5th Street NW, Winter Haven

Jim Lauderdale featuring Brett Staska. Doors at 6:30 - Brett Staska open 7:30, Jim Lauderdale 8. Jim Lauderdale is a constant creator of music, whether he’s recording in the studio or improvising at home in Nashville. gpderrydown.com

RAUCE PADGETT FROM REAL RADIO 104.1!

Jun 6, 2025, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven

Rauce’s story-based physical comedy will have you rolling! winterhavenlol.com

CAFFEINE & GASOLINE AT BSP

Jun 7, 2025, 8-10 AM

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

All exotic, classic, luxury, hot rod, and import cars are welcome! No registration is required. bonnetspringspark.com

LKLD DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET

Jun 7, 2025, 8 AM-1 PM

Downtown Lakeland

117 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland Open every Saturday. More info on FB @LKLDCurbMarket

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

* SUMMER SEASON * NEW HOURS

Jun 7, 2025, 9 AM-12 PM

250 Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, artisan food vendors including handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday. We are located in a parking lot across from Grove Roots Brewery in Downtown Winter Haven EVERY Saturday. Follow our socials for vendor updates @winterhavenfarmersmarket. *Note NEW HOURS.

FAMILY FUN DAY 2025

Jun 7, 2025, 9 AM-1 PM

Early Learning Coalition of Polk County 115 S Missouri Ave, Lakeland

Come join us for our 5th Annual Family Fun Day! This FREE event will have food, face-painting, balloon art, fun photo booth, music, free gifts for children while supplies last, and so much more!

BIRDING ON THE BOARDWALK

Jun 7, 2025, 10 AM-12 PM

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

Guests will have the opportunity to use our collection of birding scopes at the Observation Dock and check-out binoculars and birding guides for independent use along the Mims Family Boardwalk. Open to guests of all ages with adult supervision.

LEGO FESTIVAL

Jun 7 & 8, 2025, 10 AM-6 PM

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven

Five never-before-seen play zones, packed with festival vibes, awesome entertainment, epic brick-building, brand-new shows, massive builds, exclusive LEGO Minifigures, music, dancing, and unique LEGO experiences you won’t find anywhere else. legoland.com/florida

“WHEN STONE SPEAKS: THE ART OF ALICE KIDERMAN” COFFEE RECEPTION

Jun 7, 2025, 10:30 AM-12 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

A coffee reception with artist Alice Kiderman to celebrate her exhibition “When Stone Speaks.” Reception: 10:30 am - 12 pm. agbmuseum.org

TROPICAL FRUIT JUICING

Jun 7, 2025, 11 AM-12 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

With Arthur White. This class includes a how-tomake demonstration, including juice samples and

a Cold-Pressed Juices Recipe ebook. Register at boktowergardens.org

POLK PRIDE 2025: KICK-OFF PARTY

Jun 7, 2025, 11 AM-3 PM

Union Hall

1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Polk Pride & Fierce Drag Events Lakeland is bringing you a fabulous afternoon of drag & drinks as you usher in Polk Pride 2025: InTENtionally Proud! facebook.com/PolkPrideFL

BANDIT MARKET SUMMER PARTY

Jun 7, 2025, 11 AM-4 PM

Nora Mayo Hall

500 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven Bandit Market is Winter Haven’s only alternative shopping event. We’re escaping the summer heat and holding the market indoors at a new location. Thousands of attendees can shop with over 70 local artists, makers and vintage curators while enjoying delicious snacks, sweet treats and our infamous cocktails and mocktails! It’s the coolest event of the summer! IG or FB @thebanditmarket

WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES

Jun 7, 2025, 1:30-2:30 PM

Kelly Recreation Complex

404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland

Join our women’s self-defense classes to enhance your personal safety, elevate your confidence, and reduce your risk of becoming a target. Sign up by calling or visiting the Kelly Recreation Complex, 863-834-3284 or 863-834-3284.

FLYING TIGERS VS. TORTUGAS

Jun 7, 2025, 6 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

SWAN CITY PIANO FESTIVAL:

LYNNE ARRIALE, SOLO JAZZ PIANO

Jun 7, 2025, 7-9 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, she has recorded and toured with jazz greats such as Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, and George Mraz, and appeared at major international festivals including Montreux, Monterey, and North Sea. swancitypianofestival.com

MORNING YIN AND MINDFULNESS

Jun 8, 2025, 9:30-10:30 AM

Yoga Haven

1511 Sixth St SE, Winter Haven

Morning Yin and Mindfulness begins with a gentle seated warm-up to prepare your body for slow, floor

stretches, which release muscle and deep connective tissues like fascia, ligaments, and joints. This class is recommended for all levels. winterhavenyoga.com

FLYING TIGERS VS. TORTUGAS

Jun 8, 2025, 12 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

SILENT BOOK CLUB

Jun 8, 2025, 2-3:30 PM

Pour Bear Coffee

4608 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland

Bring your current read and enjoy reading in silence in a relaxing and fun atmosphere. After reading, sit, chat and share your book.

SWAN CITY PIANO FESTIVAL: SEAN KENNARD SOLO RECITAL

Jun 8, 2025, 3-5 PM

First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland

175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland

The final concert of the 2025 Swan City Piano Festival presents Sean Kennard. American pianist Sean Kennard has won top prizes in prestigious competitions around the world, including the Queen Elisabeth, Viña del Mar, Vendome, Sendai, Hilton Head, and National Chopin competitions. swancitypianofestival.com

MONDAY TRIVIA

Jun 9, 2025, 7:30 PM

Cob & Pen

1221 Florida Ave S, Lakeland Free trivia every Monday. FB @TriviosityLive

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Jun 10, 2025, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven Every Tuesday. FB @TriviosityLive

MOLLY’S MUSICIANS SHOWCASE

Jun 10, 2025, 9 PM

Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub 111 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland Open to all musicians.

THRESHERS AT FLYING TIGERS

Jun 10, 2025, Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

SENIOR SOCIAL

Jun 11, 2025, 10 AM-12 PM

Rose Dynasty Foundation 1253 W. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland LGBTQ+ older adults can connect at this monthly social over coffee and snacks. rosedynastyfoundationinc.org

BINGO AT BOWEN YARD

Jun 11, 2025, 6 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St. SW, Winter Haven FREE Bingo at Bowen Yard!  Grab your friends, enjoy delicious food from SIX amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes! Every Wednesday outside. FB @bowenyardwh

KARAOKE NIGHT AT BALMORAL

Jun 11, 2025, 6-9 PM

Balmoral Bar & Grill 124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City balmoraleventcenter.com

SURFIN’ SAFARI

Jun 11, 2025, 6:30 PM

The Ritz

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Take a trip to the beaches of California in the 50’s and 60’s with Johnny Wild and the Delights! You’ll hear all the best summertime tunes. theatrewinterhaven.com

JENSON’S TRIVIA NIGHT!

Jun 11, 2025, 6:30-8:30 PM

Jenson’s Corner Bar

100 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Wednesday!Teams of up to 6 compete for gift card prizes and bragging rights. Bring your crew and show off your smarts!

POLK PRIDE 2025: PRIDE FOR YOUTH

Jun 11, 2025, 6:30-9 PM

United Women’s Club of Lakeland 1515 Williamsburg Square, Lakeland

Polk Pride is thrilled to partner with the Lakeland Youth Alliance once again to host Pride for Youth!  This special event provides a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 11-17 to connect, celebrate, and embrace being InTENtionally Proud! facebook.com/PolkPrideFL

AGB THURSDAYS

Jun 12, 2025, 4-8 PM

AGB Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland

Every Thursday evening will have extra hours to visit all the galleries, book one of the spaces, and enjoy an art loving community. facebook.com/AGBmuseum

NITRO BINGO @ THE RITZ

Jun 12, 2025, 4:30-8 PM

Ritz Theater

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven More info on FB @theritzwinterhaven

RUN CLUB

Jun 12, 2025, 6 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven Every Thursday at 6pm! Walk or run 1.5m, 3m, or any distance. FB @groverootsbrewing

THURSDAY TRIVIA

Jun 12, 2025, 7 PM Barrel 239

239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven Every Thursday. FB @TriviosityLive

POLK PRIDE IN FAITH

Jun 12, 2025, 7-9 PM

Beacon Hill Fellowship

220 West Beacon Road, Lakeland

This special gathering will bring together leaders and members of various faith traditions to share messages of love, inclusion, and affirmation. All are welcome as we celebrate the intersection of faith and pride! facebook.com/PolkPrideFL

THRESHERS AT FLYING TIGERS

Jun 12, 2025, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

JUNE 2025

TALBOT HOUSE MINISTRIES

GOLF SCRAMBLE

Jun 13, 2025, 8 AM-2 PM

Cleveland Heights Golf Course

2900 Buckingham Ave, Lakeland

Enjoy a great day of golf, food, and fun-all to support individuals and families facing homelessness. Proceeds benefit shelter, healthcare, and support programs. Come swing for hope and help change lives-one stroke at a time! talbothouse.org

DIXIELAND NIGHT MARKET

Jun 13, 2025, 6-11 PM

Dixieland Night Market

1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland

Come out to Dixieland on the second Friday each month for the latest works from local artists, fashion designers, jewelry makers and more local entrepreneurs. IG @dixielandnightmarket

DISNEY’S NEWSIES JR.

Jun 13 - 22, 2025

Lakeland Community Theatre

121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland

Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turnof-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

ANYTHING GOES!

Jun 13, 2025, 7:30-9 PM Gem Theatre

110 Northwest 1st Avenue, Mulberry Music, dance, laughs and the age-old tale of boy meets girl. Anything Goes is Cole Porter at his absolute best! This revised version - fresh off Broadway! - has twice as much dance music as the 1962 version. centralfloridatix.com

PITTIES & PEARLS

Jun 13, 2025, 6 PM Adams Estate

2222 W Pierce St, Lake Alfred

Benefitting The Polk County Bully Project! Dance the night away while raising desperately needed funds for the rescue. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music by The Sofa Kings, an online auction, casino tables, and cash bar. Info on FB @polkcountybullyproject.

POLK PRIDE 2025: FRIDAY NIGHT PRIDE

Jun 13, 2025, 9 PM

The Parrot

1030 E Main Street, Lakeland

Let’s continue celebrating 10 years of Polk Pride at Friday Night Pride: A night full of drinks, dancing, and dazzling drag performances! facebook.com/PolkPrideFL

30TH SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K

Jun 14, 2025, 7-9 AM

Lake Hollingsworth Park

929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland

Get #SweatyforScholarships! Proceeds go towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. Race is run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times. The Summer Watermelon 5k is run on a certified course. All races are chip timed. lakelandrunnersclub.org

LKLD DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET

Jun 14, 2025, 8 AM-1 PM

Downtown Lakeland 117 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland

Open every Saturday. More info on FB @LKLDCurbMarket

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

* SUMMER SEASON * NEW HOURS

Jun 14, 2025, 9 AM-12 PM

250 Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, artisan food vendors including handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday. We are located in a parking lot across from Grove Roots Brewery in Downtown Winter Haven EVERY Saturday. Follow our socials for vendor updates @winterhavenfarmersmarket. *Note NEW HOURS.

ASK A MASTER GARDENER

Jun 14, 2025, 9 AM - NOON

Winter Haven Farmers Market

250 Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

Visit the Polk County Master Gardener Volunteer booth for the latest gardening information and to ask gardening questions.

FAIRY FESTIVAL

Jun 14, 2025, 9 AM-4 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Come dressed in your fairy best as Bok Tower Gardens presents a summer Fairy Festival like none other! This magical day is perfect for fairies and fauns of all ages, with activities and entertainment throughout the Gardens. boktowergardens.org

POLK PRIDE 2025: PRIDE IN THE PARK

Jun 14, 2025, 10 AM-5 PM

Munn Park

201 E Main St, Lakeland

75+ Vendors in Munn Park.; food trucks, live music and entertainment. facebook.com/PolkPrideFL

2025 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Jun 14, 2025, 11 AM

Rueben Williams Sports Complex

1790 7th St NE, Winter Haven

A day full of culture, community, and celebration! Live Performances by Local Artists, Vendors & Nonprofits, A Fun-Filled Kids Zone, Delicious Food & More! mywinterhaven.com

WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES

Jun 14, 2025, 1:30-2:30 PM

Kelly Recreation Complex

404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland

Join our women’s self-defense classes to enhance your personal safety, elevate your confidence, and reduce your risk of becoming a target. Sign up by calling or visiting the Kelly Recreation Complex, 863-834-3284 or 863-834-3284.

CARMEN VALLONE FROM LAST COMIC STANDING!

Jun 14, 2025, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven

You might have seen Carmen on Last Comic Standing, or his hit web series “A Joke Off!” winterhavenlol.com

POLK PRIDE AFTER DARK

Jun 14, 2025, 9 PM-1 AM

Union Hall

1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Close out Polk Pride week with a night of electrifying drag performances and including an internationally known headliner from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Tickets are limited. facebook.com/PolkPrideFL

THRESHERS AT FLYING TIGERS

Jun 14, 2025,

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

FATHER’S DAY

Jun 15, 2025

Tell your dad how much you love him.

FATHER’S DAY AT THE GARDENS

Jun 15, 2025, 8 AM-5 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Celebrate Dad with quality time in the Gardens. Free admission offered to all dads. boktowergardens.org

MORNING YIN AND MINDFULNESS

Jun 15, 2025, 9:30-10:30 AM

Yoga Haven

1511 Sixth St SE, Winter Haven

Morning Yin and Mindfulness begins with a gentle seated warm-up to prepare your body for slow, floor stretches, which release muscle and deep connective tissues like fascia, ligaments, and joints. This class is recommended for all levels. winterhavenyoga.com

DIXIELAND MID-DAY MARKET

Jun 15, 2025, 10 AM-3 PM

Union Hall

1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Relax in Dixieland on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month at the Dixieland Mid-Day Market! Shop the market and find your next favorite artist, local brands, entrepreneurs and more! Emporiumlakeland.com

THRESHERS AT FLYING TIGERS

Jun 15, 2025, 12:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

MONDAY TRIVIA

Jun 16, 2025, 7:30 PM

Cob & Pen

1221 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Every Monday with Triviosity Live! FB @TriviosityLive

TODAY, TOMORROW, AND FOREVER: A TRIBUTE TO PATSY CLINE

Jun 17, 2025, 5 PM or 8 PM

Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

This heartfelt tribute show stars Jessica Pipkin and Keisha Gill McNair, two powerhouse performers. Together, they bring her timeless spirit to life, performing beloved classics like “Crazy,” “Lovesick Blues,” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” theatrewinterhaven.com

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Jun 17, 2025, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Tuesday. FB @TriviosityLive

LAKELAND IS OUR BUSINESS INTERACTIVE MEETUP

Jun 18, 2025, 5:30-7:30 PM

Cleveland Heights Golf Course

2900 Buckingham Ave, Lakeland

Every third Wednesday of every month, come be a apart of what was originally a vendor market of coworking and networking together and meet various people who may be your next customer or client. We also will have an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please email at lakelandisourbusinessvendor@gmail.com

BINGO AT BOWEN YARD

Jun 18, 2025, 6 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St. SW, Winter Haven

FREE Bingo at Bowen Yard!  Grab your friends, enjoy delicious food from SIX amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes! Every Wednesday outside. More info on FB @bowenyardwh

JENSON’S TRIVIA NIGHT!

Jun 18, 2025, 6:30-8:30 PM

Jenson’s Corner Bar

100 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Wednesday ! Teams of up to 6 compete for gift card prizes and bragging rights. Bring your crew and show off your smarts!

AGB THURSDAYS

Jun 19, 2025, 4-8 PM

AGB Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland

Join us every Thursday evening when we will give you extra hours to visit all the galleries, book one of our spaces, and enjoy our art loving community. facebook. com/AGBmuseum

NITRO BINGO @ THE RITZ

Jun 19, 2025, 4:30-8 PM

Ritz Theater

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven theatrewinterhaven.com

RUN CLUB

Jun 19, 2025, 6 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday, walk or run 1.5m, 3m, or any distance. FB @groverootsbrewing

Join us for beautiful blooms, melodic music, awe-inspiring architecture, historic home tours, and more! Experience a day like none other in the beauty of Bok Tower Gardens this season.

WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS

MAY 29 & 30, JUNE 26 & 27, JULY 24 & 25, AUGUST 28 & 29

FAIRY FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

FATHER’S DAY AT THE GARDENS

SUNDAY, JUNE 15 (FREE ADMISSION FOR DADS)

FRUIT FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, JULY 12

1151 TOWER BOULEVARD | LAKE WALES, FL 33853 863-676-1408 | BOKTOWERGARDENS.ORG

JUNE 2025

THURSDAY TRIVIA

Jun 19, 2025, 7 PM

Barrel 239

239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday. FB @TriviosityLive

BARTOW UNCORKED: WINE WALK

Jun 20, 2025, 5 PM

Downtown Bartow

180 S Central Ave, Bartow

Stroll through downtown Bartow, explore 27+ local shops and restaurants, and enjoy delicious wine samples paired with bite-sized treats.

JOSH CURCHY

Jun 20, 2025, 8 PM

Jenson’s Corner Bar

100 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Josh Curchy back at Jensen’s! Join us for a night with live music and good friends! Music starts at 8pm!

DONALD’S EVANS FROM FLORIDA’S FUNNIEST!

Jun 20, 2025, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven

With a mix of roasting and improv, Donald Evans’ in-your-face style of comedy will have you rolling in the aisles. winterhavenlol.com

LKLD DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET

Jun 21, 2025, 8 AM-1 PM

Downtown Lakeland

117 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland

Open every Saturday. More info on FB @LKLDCurbMarket

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

* SUMMER SEASON * NEW HOURS

Jun 21, 2025, 9 AM-12 PM

250 Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, artisan food vendors including handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday. We are located in a parking lot across from Grove Roots Brewery in Downtown Winter Haven EVERY Saturday. Follow our socials for vendor updates @winterhavenfarmersmarket. *Note NEW HOURS.

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

Jun 21, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Celebrate International Yoga Day with Yoga Haven. Guests will enjoy a FREE yoga class outside in the Yard, and get a free t-shirt! In case of rain, the class will be held at Yoga Haven, 1511 6th St. SW, Winter Haven. Class led by Prima Yawa. Register at winterhavenyoga.com

WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES

Jun 21, 2025, 1:30-2:30 PM Kelly Recreation Complex

404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland

Join our women’s self-defense classes to enhance your personal safety, elevate your confidence, and reduce your risk of becoming a target. Sign up by calling or visiting the Kelly Recreation Complex, 863-834-3284 or 863-834-3284.

DONALD’S EVANS FROM FLORIDA’S FUNNIEST!

Jun 21, 2025, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge 19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven

With a mix of roasting and improv, Donald Evans’ in-your-face style of comedy will have you rolling in the aisles. winterhavenlol.com

MORNING YIN AND MINDFULNESS

Jun 22, 2025, 9:30-10:30 AM

Yoga Haven

1511 Sixth St SE, Winter Haven

Morning Yin and Mindfulness begins with a gentle seated warm-up to prepare your body for slow, floor stretches, which release muscle and deep connective tissues like fascia, ligaments, and joints. This class is recommended for all levels. winterhavenyoga.com

MONDAY TRIVIA

Jun 23, 2025, 7:30 PM

Cob & Pen

1221 Florida Ave S, Lakeland Every Monday with Triviosity Live! FB @TriviosityLive

FLYING TIGERS VS. THRESHERS

Jun 24, 2025, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Jun 24, 2025, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Tuesday. FB @TriviosityLive

MOLLY’S MUSICIANS SHOWCASE

Jun 24, 2025, 9 PM

Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub 111 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland Open to all musicians

BINGO AT BOWEN YARD

Jun 25, 2025, 6 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St. SW, Winter Haven

FREE Bingo at Bowen Yard!  Grab your friends, enjoy delicious food from SIX amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes! Every Wednesday outside. More info on FB @bowenyardwh

FANCY REAGAN

Jun 25, 2025, 6:30 PM

The Ritz

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven Fancy and her zany Crüe OF MISFITS turn every show into a Breakfast Club of Champions, smashing megarock power ballads, chick-pop anthems, slinky new wave bops, pop culture cult hits, and proto-punk dance tunes with fervor and passion. theatrewinterhaven.com

JENSON’S TRIVIA NIGHT!

Jun 25, 2025, 6:30-8:30 PM

Jenson’s Corner Bar

100 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Wednesday hosted by @TriviosityLive! Teams of up to 6 compete for gift card prizes and bragging rights. Bring your crew and show off your smarts!

MISS FLORIDA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT

Jun 25, 2025,

RP Funding Centrer

701 W. Lime Street, Lakeland

The winner of the Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant will go on to represent Florida at the Miss America pageant in September.

2025 WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS

Jun 26, 2025, 8 AM-5 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

FREE day at Bok Tower Gardens, you must reserve in advance to enter. boktowergardens.org

FLYING TIGERS VS. THRESHERS

Jun 26, 2025, 11 AM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

AGB THURSDAYS

Jun 26, 2025, 4-8 PM

AGB Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland

Join us every Thursday evening when we will give you extra hours to visit all the galleries, book one of our spaces, and enjoy our art loving community. facebook. com/AGBmuseum

NITRO BINGO @ THE RITZ

Jun 26, 2025, 4:30-8 PM

Ritz Theater

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Buy tickets at theeatrewinterhaven.com

RUN CLUB

Jun 26, 2025, 6 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday walk or run 1.5m, 3m, or any distance.

FB @groverootsbrewing

TRIVIA NIGHT

Jun 26, 2025, 6-8 PM

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

Join us on the last Thursday of every month for trivia from 6 – 8PM! Stop by and enjoy ½ off draft beer, house wine, and select liquor brands. bonnetspringspark.com

THURSDAY TRIVIA

Jun 26, 2025, 7 PM

Barrel 239

239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday. FB @TriviosityLive

ULTIMATE IMPROV FOR TEENS

Jun 27, 2025, 3-4 PM

Lakeland Public Library

100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland

Sharpen your wit and think on your feet. Invent characters, create scenes, twist the plot, laugh ’til you scream. For teens ages 13-17. No registration required. FB @lakelandpubliclibrary

LAKELAND ARTS ASSOCIATION 53RD ANNUAL FINE ART EXHIBITION

Jun 27, 2025, 6-8 PM

Melvin Gallery at Florida Southern College 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland

This juried and judged exhibition will include paintings, sculptures, and other art forms highlighting the incredible talent and creativity of artists in the Central Florida Area.

FLYING TIGERS VS. THRESHERS

Jun 27, 2025, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

LKLD DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET

Jun 28, 2025, 8 AM-1 PM

Downtown Lakeland 117 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland Open every Saturday. More info on FB @LKLDCurbMarket

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

* SUMMER SEASON * NEW HOURS

Jun 28, 2025, 9 AM-12 PM

250 Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, artisan food vendors including handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday. We are located in a parking lot across from Grove Roots Brewery in Downtown Winter Haven EVERY Saturday. Follow our socials for vendor updates @winterhavenfarmersmarket. *Note NEW HOURS.

FLYING TIGERS VS. THRESHERS

Jun 28, 2025, 6 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

OPEN MIC RENEGADES

Jun 28, 2025, 6-9 PM

SoCe Market

380 Ave C Sw, Winter Haven

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-timer, this is your chance to shine on stage (poets, musicians, vendors, spoken word, comedy, singers, dancers). Grab a drink, food, check out Bowen Yard, relax, and enjoy the show as local artists and musicians take the spotlight.

MORNING YIN AND MINDFULNESS

Jun 29, 2025, 9:30-10:30 AM

Yoga Haven

1511 Sixth St SE, Winter Haven

Morning Yin and Mindfulness begins with a gentle seated warm-up to prepare your body for slow, floor stretches, which release muscle and deep connective tissues like fascia, ligaments, and joints. This class is recommended for all levels. winterhavenyoga.com

FLYING TIGERS VS. THRESHERS

Jun 29, 2025, 12 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Single-A Affiliate. milb.com/lakeland

MONDAY TRIVIA

Jun 30, 2025, 7:30 PM

Cob & Pen

1221 Florida Ave S, Lakeland Every Monday with Triviosity Live! FB @TriviosityLive

dine. drink. shop.

food & drink specials, shops open late, free car show

Every 1st Friday | 5 - 8 pm

Downtown Winter Haven

Presenting Sponsor:

#whfirstfriday

New night market in Central Park! masterminded by

Car Show Presented By:

THANK YOU SPONSORS AND TEAMS

Applied Aquatic Management, Inc.

Bob Paul, Inc. / Counter Ag Services

Central Florida Media Group

Century 21 Myers Realty

Dr. Paul Morin –

Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Bond Clinic, P.A.

Empire Imported Parts & Service

Fairway Sponsors:

Central Florida Media Group Today & Tonight Magazine

Martini Bar Sponsor: Reilly Hartt

Koozie Sponsor: SouthState Bank

Gator Industries

Heath Construction & Management, LLC

Highlands County Golf Crew

Morgan StanleyThe Scheck/Lewis/McKown Group

Oakley Transport, Inc. Over the Hill Gang

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Bar Sponsors: Alpine Events

Reilly Hartt

Corporate Table Sponsors: AlexanderDonalson, PLLC

Amerity Wealth Management – Brian Pearce

Bill & Amy Lewis

Bolton’s Towing Service

Haven Magazine

Posh Salon Suites

Reed Builder’s Group, Inc.

Sky Powersports

The Thompson Family United Rentals

Winter Haven Hospital

Beverage Cart Sponsors:

Budget Auto Parts - Auburndale

L.H. Travis, Inc.

Roden Pool Contracting

Haven Magazine

New Electric, LLC - Frank & Janet Csomos

Lasseigne & Ladner, P.A. - Attorneys at Law

Bernie Little Distributors | Bill Kovaly | Country Club of Winter Haven | Florida’s Natural | Obsessive Geek – Clyde Bielss

ARIES

(March 21 - April 19)

This month, every conversation feels like a confrontation, every decision like a door slamming. You move fast — maybe too fast. June will ask: Are you rushing forward... or running away?

TAURUS

(April 20 - May 20)

You crave stability, but June shakes the very ground you stand on. People will demand answers you aren’t ready to give. Hold your ground — even if your voice trembles when you do.

GEMINI

(May 21 - June 20)

You’ll feel like two people in June, Gemini — one laughing at life’s chaos, the other aching for something real. Sooner or later, you’ll have to decide which part of you wins.

CANCER

(June 21 - July 22)

June presses heavy on your heart, Cancer. Old memories resurface like unwelcome guests. You’ll be torn between clinging to the past and reaching for something — someone — just out of sight.

LEO

(July 23 - August 22)

All eyes are on you, Leo — but being seen isn’t the same as being understood. This month demands more than charm. It demands that you be vulnerable... and that’s the bravest performance of all.

(August 23 - September 22)

You’ve held it together for so long, Virgo, that even your smiles have become armor. But June asks: Who are you when you finally set the clipboard down and admit you need help, too?

(September 23 - October 22)

You long for balance, but June feels anything but balanced. Relationships pull and stretch at your heartstrings until something gives. Not everyone can be saved — not even by you.

(October 23 - November 21)

You guard yourself like a fortress, Scorpio. But in June, someone will find a way inside — and when they do, you’ll have to decide: fight them off or finally let someone stay.

SAGITTARIUS

(November 22 - December 21)

Freedom is everything to you, but June asks if running away has just become another kind of prison. Sooner or later, Sagittarius, you’ll have to stop somewhere and build something real.

Presenting Sponsor:

(December 22 - January 19)

You’ve been climbing so long you forgot why you started, Capricorn. This month, life demands a reckoning: Is the view at the top worth everything you had to leave behind?

AQUARIUS

(January 20 - February 18)

You think you can out-think your own emotions, Aquarius, but June proves otherwise. You’ll be pulled into a conversation, a confession, a choice — and this time, logic won’t save you.

PISCES

(February 19 - March 20)

Dreamy Pisces, June doesn’t let you hide. Reality comes knocking, louder than you like. Love, career, friendships — they’ll all demand your full attention. You can no longer afford to drift.

VIRGO

SCORPIO

CAPRICORN

LIBRA