LKLD HAVEN Dec 2017

1 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid FT Myers FL Permit #87 Postal Customer ECRWSS

LAKELAND Volume 1 . Issue 3

Locations Main Campus 500 E. Central Ave. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-293-1191 Downtown Campus Downtown Winter Haven 199 Ave B. N.W. Winter Haven, FL 33881 863-293-1191 East Campus Off of Cypress Gardens Blvd. across from Legoland 3000 Woodmont Ave. Winter Haven, FL 33884 863-293-1191 Ophthalmology Adjacent to the Main Campus 506 Ave A S.E. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-293-1191 ext. 3459 Pediatrics Adjacent to the Main Campus 45 Lake Elbert Drive S.E. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-293-1191 ext. 3633 Davenport Campus In Cypress Physicians Building at Heart of Florida 40124 US Hwy 27, Suite 102 Davenport, FL 33837 863-293-1191 ext. 4020 Marc Feldman, DPM / Podiatry & Foot Surgery 401 E. Central Ave. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-299-9100

First Street Campus Opening Soon Lakeland Office 4730 Exploration Ave. Lakeland, FL 33812

By Appointment Only

4900 Sun N Lake Blvd.#1 Sebring, FL 33872 863-385-5506 Lake Wales Office Located in the Orange Grove Plaza 1342 S.R. 60 East Lake Wales, FL 33853 863-679-1552

By Appointment Only

Cardiology Bhatia, Karan K., MD Cosme, Octavio, MD Mustafa, Muhammad, MD

Physicians and Providers Vigoreaux, Jose R., MD Willard, E.H., MD

Endocrinology & Diabetes Miller, Christopher, MD Family Medicine Arana, Flavio R., MD Arango, Cecilia, MD

Obstetrics & Gynecology Gabriel, Carlos L, MD Gatto, Vincent W., MD Kenaan, Jana, MD Salamon, Eva, MD Oncology & Hematology Hlalah, O. Abu, MD

Koilpillai, Robinson, MD Magno, Alexander S., MD

General Surgery & Surgical Oncology Gambaro, Esteban, MD Thomas, Robert S., MD

Ophthalmology Ort, Michael G., MD Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Lerner, Robert K., MD Morin, Paul M., MD

Hospitalists Carlucci, Joseph A., MD Muniz, Elvin, MD Paul, Nisha, MD

Redlien, Parker, MD Shamim, Talha, MD Tan, Joseph, MD

Pain Medicine Interventional Eldeeb, Mohammad A., MD

Internal Medicine Farrell, Cathy, MD Lakhani, Sonali, MD Lopez, Christopher, MD Prieto, Jose, DO

Rentas, Evelyn, MD Reyes, Pamela, MD Rivera, Juan R. MD Torres, Jorge, MD

Physical Therapy Balogh, Jeremy S., DPT

Nephrology Hou, Jeffrey Peng, MD McClendon, Michele L., DO

Pediatrics Nguyen, Kenny, MD

Physicians Assistant Rodriguez, Christopher, PA Podiatry & Foot Surgery Englert, Christopher, DPM Feldman, Marc, DPM

Neurology Rajguru, Shailesh, DO

Pulmonology Romeu-Velez, MD Romeu-Velez,Jesse, Jesse, MD

Nurse Practitioners Bailey, Charla, ARNP Bridges, Stephanie, ARNP Calderon, Amelia, ARNP Carbone, Carrie, ARNP Cassady, Stephanie, ARNP Cayson, Barry, ARNP Davidson, KC, ARNP Harte, Brian, ARNP Hughes, Jessica, ARNP Jones, Courtney, CPNP Jones,Miller, Lorrie, ARNP Emily, ARNP Krieger, Kelly, ARNP Moore, Vicki C., ARNP Lawrence, Laurel, ARNP Lewis, Jami, ARNP Linn-Gettel, Jean, ARNP

Rheumatology Pancorbo, Roberto E., MD Sleep Medicine Romeu-Velez, Jesse, MD

863-293-1191

Miller, Emily, ARNP Moore, Vicki C., ARNP Pickard, Martha, ARNP Rampersad, Michelle, ARNP Ray, Brandi, ARNP Reed, Deloris, ARNP Ritter, Cynthia, ARNP Rivera, Ruby A., ARNP Robertson, Sally ARNP Skukowski, Bobbie, ARNP Torres, Heather, CPNP Valadez, Jenifer, NP-C White, Samantha, ARNP Widner, Linda G., ARNP

Thoracic Surgery Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, MD Urology & Urologic Surgery Lee, Kevin, MD Romero, Claudio, MD Vascular Surgery Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, MD Wound Care Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, MC

www.BondClinic.com

Savannah Court has been a trusted choice for seniors and their families for over a decade. Our intimate assisted living communities focus on encouraging the independence of our residents with empathy and dignity. You have choices to customize the services needed to maintain and enhance the lifestyle of your loved one, increasing services as needs arise.

• Comfortable & Elegant Atmosphere • Restaurant Style Dining • Activities • Transportation • Housekeeping • Emergency Response System • 24-hour Access To Trained & Friendly Staff

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Neighbors You’ll Love

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Haines City 863.422.5204

301 Peninsular Drive • Haines City, Fl. 33844 www.SavannahCourtHainesCity.com Assisted Living Facility License #9382

Bartow 863.519.3398

290 Idlewood Avenue • Bartow, Fl. 33830 www.SavannahCourtBartow.com Assisted Living Facility License #9888

St. Cloud 407.892.8502

Friendships You’ll Treasure

Moments You’ll Cherish

3791 Old Canoe Creek Road • St. Cloud, Fl. 34769 www.SavannahCourtStCloud.com Assisted Living Facility License # 9917

Savannah Court of Lakeland 863.816.1155

6550 N. Socrum Loop Road • Lakeland, Fl. 33809 www.SavannahCourtLakeland.com Assisted Living Facility License # 10024

Savannah Cottage of Lakeland

A Memory Support Community

863.815.9411

605 Carpenter’s Way Lakeland , FL. 33809 www.SavannahCottageLakeland.com Assisted Living Facility License # 9783

I’m Glad We Chose Savannah Court

Holiday Spirits Cost Plus Dollar Wine & Liquor is one of Lakeland’s best little secrets. It’s a very unassuming storefront, nothing fancy. But trust me, go inside.

For starters, they have 850 different whiskeys including bourbons, single malt, limited editions, blended scotch and rye. They carry whiskeys from all over the world including Japan, India, Vietnam and Ireland. If you name it, they have it, and if they don’t have it, they’ll get it for you. Bhavesh Babariya takes customer service to a whole new level. He doesn’t just take two minutes to ring you up for a purchase. He stops and talks to you, he wants to make sure you’re buying something you will love.

Bhavesh Babariya is the store manager of CPD. He managed a major liquor store in New Jersey for 7 years before heading to Lakeland. He’s extremely knowledgeable about each brand and each category of alcohol. If you have a question, he’s got the answer. Bhavesh keeps up on the latest trends, too. He knows what people want and works hard to secure it. Generally, he’s the only store in Central Florida allocated to get special items. He keeps track of what’s being released and gets it in

the store as soon as possible. Right now, people want whiskey, and he’s got it a lot of it. On the day I was there, he just received a shipment of 6 bottles of Dark Rye Basil Hayden. They carry Ardbeg, Kentucky Owl and Old Forester just to name a few.

Not a whiskey drinker? They have 450 different craft beers from all over the country. If you’re not native to Florida or you had a really great beer visiting somewhere, he might have it. If he doesn’t, just like anything else, he will get it for you.

They also specialize in small batch wines. With so few bottles being allocated to Florida, Bhavesh works continuously to make sure he gets them. Clients drive from all over the state including Miami and Jacksonville to purchase specialty items only CPD carries. Brands like PlumpJack, Sine Quanon and even a Spanish Syrah called Precious aged in Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon barrels.

Not only is there a large selection of vodka and tequila but he also has over 300 rums. Aged rum,

18-year, 25-year and even a 30-year aged rum.

They also have an amazing cognac selection, they sell more cognac than anyone in the area.

The holidays and New Year’s will be here before you know it. Do you need a gift? Do you need an interesting wine to bring to Thanksgiving? Or maybe you need help choosing a bottle? Need a hostess gift? How about champagne for NYE? CPD has got you covered. All tastes, all budgets and plenty of experience to help you make the best choice.

CPD has a very high-end selection of cigars. It’s not a huge selection, but what they have is thoughtfully chosen to represent all tastes. It’s the perfect addition to go with whiskey.

Next time you want to find something special for you or something to impress your guests with, please go to CPD Wine & Liquor. You will not be disappointed.

Cost Plus Dollar Wine and Liquor 5100 US 98 North Lakeland, FL, 33809 848-219-5726 cpdwineliquor.com COST PLUS DOLLAR

Spend $50 And Get $7 Off

COST PLUS DOLLAR

Spend $100 And Get $20 Off 5

COST PLUS DOLLAR

Buy 6 Bottles Of Wine Receive 10% Off Buy 12 Bottles Of Wine Receive 20% Off

Hello and welcome to our Lakeland edition of our monthly Haven Magazine. As an almost lifetime resident of this fine city, I am both excited and honored to represent Haven Magazine as your Publisher! Most of my adult life has been working and serving in the community, with many local businesses in a marketing capacity formerly with the local newspaper​.

With each issue of Haven Magazine, it is our pleasure to bring interesting stories about local people in our community. I hope you will find the information about local events and restaurants useful as you plan your monthly activities. L​akeland has so many things to offer! We love downtown’s Munn Park Historic District known for its antique shops and early-1900s architecture. Florida Southern College, the city’s many lakes including Lake Mirror with its promenade, Hollis Garden, the Historic Polk Theatre which opened in 1928 and the Polk Museum of Art with it’s fine collection of artifacts and paintings and so much more.

Weddings

Fiesta gowns

I truly hope that Haven Magazine meets your expectations and that it represents the best our community has to offer. If there is something you feel should be a part of our future issues, please email me at brakoczy@ scmginc.com.

Quinceñeras

&

Baptism Ceremonies

Decorations

We are all local, all month long, Have a very Happy Holiday, see you around town!

3762 Rifle Ridge Rd.

Winter Haven, FL 33880

Barbara

(863) 318-8811 mariabridal101@hotmail.com

Editor’s Note: A HUGE thank you to Crumb & Get It for donating all of the cookies featured on the cover. They were both beautiful and delicious!

And a big thanks to Ethos Coffee for spending so much time with us. We hope you take away as much as we did after you read their cover feature. It’s not just about the coffee....

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havenmagazines.com

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Now thru Jan. 7, 10am - 5pm

Merry & Bright – A Musical Celebration Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate

www.boktowergardens.org/christmas 863 676 1408

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, FL

WINTER HAVEN HONDA, LEDGER MEDIA GROUP, SUN MEDIA GROUP, WUSF, TODAY & TONIGHT MAGAZINE 7

LAKELAND D E C E M B E R

CONTENTS

FEATURES PROFILES.........................................................................38 ETHOS COFFEE.............................................................18 IL FORNO........................................................................ 32 TRAVEL............................................................................56

6.......................................................FROM THE EDITOR 10.................................................................LOCAL NEWS 12............................................................... TOP 10 TO DO 24..................................................................................ARTS 37........................................................................LET’S EAT 35 ..................................................................... COCKTAIL 46.....................................................................CALENDAR 53............................................ SOLD HOME LISTINGS 58........................................................ IN THE MOMENT

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DECEMBER VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3 Publisher Barbara Rakoczy Editor Amy Sexson Advertising Director Kim Edwards Contributing Writers Tara Crutchfield Amy Sexson Barry Friedman Lea Anne Crittenden Contributing Photographers Bill Siegel Bill Batton Amy Sexson Lea Anne Crittenden Sarah Walston Graphic Designer Steven Maynard Sr. Sales Consultant Gary Peach Digital Specialist Kathy Woodruff Account Executives Chris Campbell Bret Myers Ariel Courson Katherine Myers President Sun Central Media Group Chris Sexson HAVEN is published twelve times a year by the Sun Central Media Group.

Haven distributes 13,500 copies a month with 7,701 mailed to homes and 5,800 copies available at select locations throughout east Polk County.

For advertising information please contact: kedwards@scmginc.com For editorial information please contact: asexson@scmginc.com To submit to our calendar: calendar@scmginc.com Office: 99 Third Street N.W. Winter Haven, Florida 33881 863-533-4183 9

LOCAL NEWS WORDS Barry Friedman/LkldNow.com

Voters Say It Loud

Monumental Decision

Horseback Dui Gets Tabloid Play

International Story Airport Goes Hits Home International

Lakeland voters spoke loudly in city elections Nov. 7. By wide margins, they rejected a strong-mayor form of government, and elected Bill Mutz mayor and Scott Franklin a city commissioner. Also, Jim Malless was ousted from his City Commission seat by Stephanie Madden in a fiveperson race. There’s still one election left this year: a runoff Dec. 5 between Michael Dunn and Larry Durrence for a seat on the City Commission.

By a slim majority, city commissioners signaled their intention to keep the Confederate statue in Munn Park, but maybe surround it with other monuments to Lakeland history and diversity.

A formal vote on the issue comes Dec. 4. Whatever the outcome, watch for the issue to emerge again after four new commissioners are seated in January.

There’s a news formula that goes like this: Wacky behavior + Grady Judd + news cameras = Lakeland gets in the tabloids again. This time the story involves a 53-year-old woman who was stopped for DUI on her horse named Bo Duke. She had ridden from Polk City to Combee Road to fetch herself some spurs as a birthday treat.

Her pro bono attorney says she’s a pedestrian because she was riding on the side of the road, and pedestrians can’t be charged with DUI.

Lakeland and Polk County are getting an influx of new residents who are leaving Puerto Rico after the island, a U.S. territory, was devastated

by Hurricane Maria. Schools, job services, health care providers and others are making plans for thousands of new residents. Nearby Orange and Osceola Counties are getting the nation’s largest share of new arrivals and expect hundreds of thousands to settle there.

Four local passengers exiting a small Cessna after flying from the Bahamas were the first to use a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. The facility opens Lakeland to companies that want to ship freight or bring passengers directly from overseas. Watch for a name change. How does Lakeland Linder International Airport sound?

Restaurants Keep Coming

Rolling Restaurants

Recycling Blues

Christmas Parade Chair Creep

Publix Getting Competition?

Scream’n Tuna, a new sushi spot at NoBay Village, heralds the next wave of restaurants in downtown Lakeland. A bit farther south, look for three new chain establishments to open next year along a strip of Florida Avenue near the Polk Parkway: Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Jason’s Deli and Mission BBQ. At one point, Pollo Tropical was expected in one of those spots, but plans changed.

Lakeland loves the monthly food truck rally in Munn Park.

That’s why the company that coordinates it wants to bring a permanent food truck installation to Midtown.

Tampa Bay Food Trucks envisions a rotating assortment of food trucks operating noon to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays at the site of an abandoned used car lot on Massachusetts Avenue next to the Mass Market complex.

They’re working with the city, which owns the property, to make it happen.

While city of Lakeland residents continue to place a variety of recyclables into their blue carts, their neighbors just outside city limits are facing new limits and complaining to county commissioners about it. The county is no longer accepting glass or colored plastic bottles in their new yellow-topped black carts.

County officials say those items are no longer profitable, so they’ll get dumped into the landfill.

It’s become a running joke in Lakeland: How early will people set up chairs for the annual Christmas Parade? It wasn’t too long ago that chairs didn’t start appearing until the afternoon of the event.

(This year’s parade is Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.) But lately, it seems that chairs start clogging downtown sidewalks earlier and earlier each year. For the record, the city respectfully asks that no chairs go up more than 24 hours in advance. It’s going to take somebody powerful to enforce that. Santa, maybe?

It’s pretty bold for a new-toLakeland supermarket to take on Publix in its headquarters town, a city that bleeds Publix green. Harveys, which promotes its “low and staying low” pricing, has taken over the Winn-Dixie stores on Ariana Street and at U.S. 92/ Combee Road. Both Harveys and Winn-Dixie are affiliated with Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers.

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Lakeland Electric can’t tell the future... ...but we can tell you how much your next electric bill will be.

And if you don’t like the forecasted amount, we will give you tips on how to lower your bill.

Check out the NEW digital Energy Toolset

www.lakelandelectric.com/Residential 11

LAKELAND TOP 10

HOLIDAY SIP, SHOP & STROLL

HOLLY JOLLY JINGLE BELL JOG 5K

Dec. 8th from 4-10pm in downtown Lakeland.

Explorations V will offer a program for your children so you can shop and enjoy while your child enjoys.

Dec. 16th from 7:30-9am.

New Reindeer Dash Kids’ Fun Run. Holly Jolly attire is encouraged for all!

Traversing the 3 Parks Trail starting just outside of the Cleveland Heights Golf Course. Register: www.jbjog.com

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HOLIDAY PACK-A-SACK EVENT AGAPE FOOD BANK Dec. 16th from 8am4pm 625 McCue Rd #2 in Lakeland. Contact: (407)284-7112 or agapefoodbank@cflcc.org for volunteering information.

Please complete the volunteer registration online. https://goo.gl/ forms/2NG2wW71csNyQiME3

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THE NUTCRACKER

Public Ice Skating

Dec. 16th at 7:30 & 17th at 2:30 by the Florida Dance Theatre at the Branscomb Auditorium. www. floridadancetheatre.org

Dec. 26th through Jan. 1st at George Jenkins Arena. For more info visit: rpfundingcenter.com

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6 FRIDAY FAMILY YOGA Every Friday at 4 at the Explorations V Children’s Museum. One hour class practices mindfulness and increases flexibility. Boost focus with meditation and mandala coloring. Suitable for toddlers and their caregivers! explorationsv.com

1 IT’S A SWANDERFUL LIFE Dec.1st at LkldLive, Studio B, 202 N Mass Ave. 7pm or 8:30pm. Performed

by Swan City Improv.

Swancityimprov.com $10

2 HAUS MRKT Dec. 2nd from 10am-3pm at Haus 820, 820 Mass Ave. 40+ vendors with local products, finish your holiday shopping here. haus820.com/haus-mrk

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SUCCULENT TERRARIUM WITH AMETHYST CLUSTER Dec. 6th from 7:30-9:30pm at Cob & Pen. Hosted by Plant Nite Tampa. $60 All supplies included: unique container, soil, beautiful plants, fun decorations, apron! Use code SWAN40 for 40% off your ticket price! www.plantnite.com

7 LAKELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE: A NIGHT AT THE NORTH POLE Dec. 7th at 7pm in downtown Lakeland.

Hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. www.jlgl.org/fundraiser/ lakeland-christmas-parade

Voted the #1 thing to do in Winter Haven After Legoland!

One & Two Hour Scenic tours, Day tours, Lunch, Dinner & Sunset Cruises and Legoland Ski Show tours!

Events take place in a day, but memories last a lifetime!

BREAK THE CHAIN WITH

“THE LIVING WATER” BOAT CRUISES! We invite you to get the most out of your vacation or just vacation here at home! Cruise Winter Haven’s famous Chain of Lake, dine at lakeside restaurants, catch the Legoland fireworks or Pirate’s Cove ski show, take a romantic sunset or sunrise cruise, or create your own trip! Whatever your desire, we have the perfect option for you at the perfect price!

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80+ Acres Of Working Ranch Bonfire Grooms Studio/ Tack Room Band Stage Tree Line Pond

ALL TOURS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Complimentary Cold Bottled Water • Blue Tooth System to Play Your Own Music • On-Board Private Changing Room • Sunblock Provided • On-Board Storage • Plush Couch-Style Seating • Bimini Top for Shade if Desired

CCtact Venue Managg Hannah Duggan at 863-899-7984

10% OFF Just Call and Mention Code: LIVEIT10

Call For Special Group Rates!

863-268-0577

LivingWaterCruises.com Info@LivingWaterCruises.com

HUGE SALE The best source for antique, fine persian rugs and new modern rugs.

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3318 S. Florida Ave. • Lakeland • (863) 607-9111 • www.idinrug.com havenmagazines.com

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TAMPA TOP 10

WINTER VILLAGE AT CURTIS HIXON PARK Runs through Jan. 5th.

Enjoy the Winter Village Shops with over 20 local makers. Or try the outdoor ice skating rink. For hours & info:

2 1 LADY GAGA

www.tampasdowntown.com

Joanne World Tour, Dec. 1st at Amalie Arena. www.amaliearena.com

THE NORTH POLE EXPRESS

98 DEGREES AT CHRISTMAS

Dec. 7th-10th Take a ride to the North Pole and see Santa! Begins at the Florida Railroad Museum 12210 83rd St E, Parrish. www.frrm.org

Dec. 8th at 8pm. Celebrate the holidays with 98°, the vocal quartet comprised of Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons. www.themahaffey.com

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THE IRON SHARPENERS RUN FOR THE DREAM

5-10 THE BOOK OF MORMON

Dec. 2nd, 8:30am at Gadsden Park. 5k chipped race, ½ mile candy dash, food, music, raffles, bounce house and more. www.ironsharpeners.org

Dec. 5th-10th at the Straz Center. A musical comedy follows the misadventures of a pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. www.strazcenter.org

HANUKKAH DINNER EXTRAVAGANZA

NEXT GENERATION BALLET’S NUTCRACKER

Dec. 17th at 5:30, Bryan Glazer Family JCC Ballroom, 522 N. Howard Ave in Tampa. Dreidel spinning, crafts, festive music & buffet.

RSVP at jewishtampa.com

Dec. 21-23rd at the Straz Center. Features internationally-renowned principal dancers from Miami City Ballet and New York City Ballet onstage with NGB’s award-winning young dancers. www.strazcenter.org

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6 A VERY MERRY MARKET Dec. 6th from 4-8pm Join Sunken Gardens and Great Explorations for a holiday market with exclusive discounts, free champagne, holiday treats and complimentary valet. www.stpete.org/attractions/ sunken_gardens

SWINGIN’ IN THE NEW YEAR Live music, dancing, and celebration at the spectacular St. Petersburg Coliseum with the World Famous Jive Aces. www.newyearswing.com

Shop The Shoe Store In Your Closet!

If you have favorite shoes, purses or belts gathering dust in your closet, give them a second chance and have us put a new shine on them!

We are in business to repair your favorites!

Celebrating 100 YEARS!

McFarland’s Shoe Repair 5355 Florida Ave. S, Lakeland 863-644-6395 www.mcfarlandsshoerepair.net

Let It Snow.

Let It Sparkle!

As flurries of snow, twinkling lights and yuletide greetings fill the air, our hearts and spirits are lifted by the pure joy of Christmas time. May the spirit of the season fill you with the same sense of wonder and contentment into the New Year and beyond.

Thank you for helping to make 2017 an outstanding year. We owe our success to the loyal support of friends and customers like you, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Many Thanks & Merry Christmas

2600 Harden Blvd Lakeland 863-688-3028 www.masverdeflorida.com

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ORLANDO TOP 10 THE STETSON MANSION “CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR” TOURS Visit the largest, grandest, and most historic home ever built in Florida before the 20th century decorated for the holidays. Tours through January. www.stetsonmansion.com

WINTER SPARK BALDWIN PARK Dec. 9th 3-9pm New Broad Street & Jake Street, Baldwin Park. This family friendly event begins with a festival, a holiday “cheer” garden and kiddie zone including pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus. At 6pm sharp, a lighted parade will march down New Broad Street toward the lake. Enjoy music and holiday “cheer” by the fountain in Village Center until 9pm.

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2&3 CELEBRATION HOLIDAY HOME TOUR BAGGAGE CLAIMS & VIRTUAL VIEWS Last chance to see both exhibitions at the Orlando Museum of Art. Displayed through Dec. 31st. omart.org

6TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LIGHT RIDE! Dec.16th from 7-8pm. Ride 6 miles through Ivanhoe Village and College Park to take in the light displays at a casual pace. Teaming up with One Heart for Women and Children, to help bring Christmas to those who might not otherwise be able to celebrate.

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7 DEAD & COMPANY

407-566-1234

Dec. 2nd from 2-10pm.

Registration party to kick off the crawl with exclusive drink and food specials at participating bars.

Purchase tickets at www.eventbrite.com

Dec. 7th at 7:30pm, Amway Center. Original Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann and Bob Weir alongside singer/guitarist John Mayer, Allman Brothers’ bassist Oteil Burbridge and Fare Thee Well and RatDog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti. www.amwaycenter.com

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

THE SCHOOL OF ROCK

CAMPING WORLD BOWL

Dec. 17th from 5-10pm at CDA Orlando, 7051 Pershing Ave. Food, entertainment & snow!

(407) 736-8701

Dec. 26th-31st Andrew Lloyd Webber’s newest musical, based on the film of the same name! www.drphillipscenter.org

Dec. 28th at 5:15pm at Camping World Stadium.

This bowl will match the top selection from the ACC (inclusive of Notre Dame) outside of the CFP series against the second selection from the Big 12 outside of the CFP series. campingworldstadium.com

Dec. 2nd from 3-9pm and Dec. 3rd from 1-5pm in Celebration. Take a self-guided 2-hour tour of homes decorated for the holidays. $20 thecelebrationfoundation.org

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UGLY SWEATER CRAWL-ORLANDO

26-31

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Ethos Coffee

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WORDS & PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson Lisbeth Pacheco and her husband Julian Rios are the founders of Ethos Coffee in Lakeland. He grew up in Colombia, Lisbeth from Guatemala. Lisbeth has been roasting for 4 years, however, Ethos Coffee is one year old and growing quickly. They have their whole heart in this business. For them, it’s not just about brewing a cup of coffee. Lisbeth spoke about going into it with the intentions of trying to make a difference in the farmer’s lives. Purchasing from Free Trade farms means you are transforming lives and not hurting the environment. I had the amazing honor of spending time with Lisbeth and learned about roasting, brewing, storing and why everyone should buy Free Trade. Most importantly, how the choices we make in our everyday lives can make a difference in someone else’s.

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Basics Most coffee is grown in the countries between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Brazil is the top producing country, second is Vietnam followed by Colombia.

What begins as a coffee “cherry” is harvested and the bean inside is taken to be washed and dried.

The outside pulp is generally used as compost or animal feed. The beans are usually set out in the sun to dry for a couple of weeks, until 12 percent of its moisture remains.

From there, they are bagged and sent out to roasters.

Roasting Ethos is located in a small building in Lakeland. The roasting room is super clean and organized. There are burlap bags of coffee stacked and organized by country of origin.

Before she roasts, she turns the machine on and measures out the beans. “We weigh everything to keep consistent,” she explained.

The roaster heats up and Lisbeth shows me the variety of beans they have from Guatemala, Peru, Dominican Republic, Brazil and Colombia. Colombia has 12 distinct growing regions, and they are so different, it’s like different countries.

“We typically carry 2 or 3 from Colombia.” The taste difference in the beans is subtle, but the more you drink, the more you will taste the difference. The longer you roast the beans, the darker and more oily they get. “If I ever see very dark and oily beans, I stay away because they are burnt,” she explained.

After pouring the beans into the roaster, we wait for the “first crack,” about 8 minutes in. She says, “The beans get so hot that it expands and pops, almost like popcorn.” At that point, you control how long you will roast to get light, medium or dark roasts. It’s a very short window, in a matter of 2 minutes you can change the entire roast.

havenmagazines.com

The darker the roast, the less caffeine it has. Lisbeth explained that the caffeine actually evaporates during the roasting process. So the longer it’s in, the less it has. The lighter roasts have more caffeine and tend to be more acidic. That being said, I asked about espresso. Lisbeth says that because you’re getting a smaller, more concentrated amount of coffee, it has just has much caffeine in it.

At that point, it was first crack. I could hear the beans make little popping noises inside the roaster.

Lisbeth has determined that we are making a medium roast, so it will be about 12 more minutes at just under 400 degrees. After 12 minutes, the beans have become much darker and are removed to cool down.

Lisbeth noted that we wouldn’t brew those today, they will taste better tomorrow. The entire process is very detailed; every minute and temperature change matters.

Why you should only buy Fair Trade? Most countries only have one harvest a year. Generally, farmers only get enough money to cover the costs. Lisbeth explained, “They are living in the most awful conditions.” The farmers are very dependant on the price of coffee in the marketplace. “It’s the second most traded commodity after oil,” she said. The farmers are growing it, but they can’t price it, so the profit margins are very low. This favors the buyers. Ethos uses only Fair Trade coffee, and here’s why. In order to get Fair Trade certification, it has to be a small farm where people are working on their own farms. These farmers get a premium for what they grow.

Essentially, they are insured a profit.

Fair Trade supports programs in the community bringing a better quality of life. They also ban child labor.

(It’s not uncommon to find very small children working on the farm, carrying heavy sacks of coffee.)

There are very strict guidelines and if they are broken even just a little, you lose certification.

20

How to prepare coffee Lisbeth prefers pour-over coffee for the best experience. She brings out a beautiful ceramic single-cup pour over set made by a group of women artisans in Guatemala.

She explains the coffee we’re about to taste. “It’s farmed by a group of women in Peru. Women cooperatives are not as common as we’d like them to be. There’s a few around the world, some in Colombia and now in Peru, so we try and support them.” The coffee is called Damas De San Ignacio, a blend of Washed Typica & Catimor. It has hints of dark chocolate and orange.

Lisbeth brought a kettle of water to boil, then let it sit for a few minutes, ideal water temp is 205 degrees F. She pours it over the grounds so they “bloom.” Immediately, I can smell coffee. After the water has dripped through, we taste. It’s delicious and leaves a note of chocolate.

What do you do if you don’t have a pour-over? A regular coffee pot works fine, too. Lisbeth uses one when she’s at the Lakeland Farmer’s Market. She uses filtered or spring water and one tablespoon of coffee per cup according to the coffee maker. (It comes out to about two tablespoons per average-size mug.)

Decaf

Storing

Lisbeth shows the Oaxacan beans from Mexico. They are a light green color that have been water processed. That means the caffeine is removed in a series of water baths, until 99.9% of the caffeine is gone. The process takes months.

Afterwards, it goes through the same drying process out in the sun. “It makes the bean a lot less bitter. Caffeine is bitter,” Lisbeth explained.

After the roasting process, decaf beans produce a sweeter cup of coffee.

Store in original container inside an airtight container in a cool, dry place. “But not your refrigerator,” she said. The cold temperatures make the beans lose flavor, “All of your aromatics will be lost.”

Lisbeth’s tip is to only buy what you’re going to drink in the next two weeks. “We put a roast-date on all of our coffee and suggest you drink it within a month of it being roasted for the premium, freshest experience you can have.”

Lisbeth plans to continue buying from small farms and creating relationships with them. She has a passion for roasting and is excited to get more people familiar with drinking black coffee. “I want people to have coffee for the pleasure of having it.”

Arabica vs Robusta The large roasters, the companies that make the coffee you buy in a can at the grocery, use Robusta coffee beans. They grow easier and at lower altitudes. They require almost no care, and are somewhat pest resistant. You can harvest them in a large mass and do it mechanically, so it’s faster and cheaper. Arabica beans are used by specialty roasters and cost more because of the labor involved.

Single origin beans means it has to be very special, taste very good by itself. Not all beans can be single origin, in that case, those are the beans commonly used for blends.

So, can you change someone’s life by brewing a cup of Free Trade coffee? Absolutely. Ethos Coffee is making sure of that.

Where can you get Ethos?

Downtown Lakeland Farmers Curb Market www.ethosroasters.com (863) 940-0060

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ARTS WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Pinewood Estate “Merry and Bright”

Get ready to step back in time with the Buck family, Bok Tower Gardens is celebrating their 23rd Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate from November 24th through January 7th and is even open on Christmas Day. I got a sneak peak of the decorating process. Pinewood, on its own, is a stunning display of architecture.

I was amazed by every tiny detail around each corner that I turned.

When touring Pinewood, there were plenty of busy decorators, making the theme come to life with enchanting ornamentation and intricate storylines. Though it was a dreary, muggy day in early November and the decoration hadn’t yet been completed, that intangible, cheery Christmas magic filled the air.

Pinewood Estate, originally called ‘El Retiro’, was built for Charles Austin Buck in the 1930’s. Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Bok Tower, Erica Smith, spoke about the home, “It is one of the finest examples of Mediterranean Revival architecture in Florida, and it is really a jewel. It’s one of those houses that is like a moment in time. When you go into Pinewood Estate, you’re getting that feeling of what it was like in Florida in the late 1920’s and 1930’s. That’s why we love the house so much is it really has captured that interesting point in American history.”

Pinewood is open all year round, closing from October 31st until it reopens for the Holidays. This gives the decorators time to complete it.

The theme this year is “Merry and Bright”, something The Amaryllis Club, who is responsible for the decoration, has been conceiving of since February. With almost a year of planning involved, the group put storyboards for each room together havenmagazines.com

in September before starting the process in November. Patti Bostick is the lead designer of The Amaryllis Club’s decorating team. Erica complemented Patti’s décor expertise, saying, “She has that artistic eye to be able to edit and make it just this beautiful, luxurious experience.”

Frog Fountain Terrace each Saturday, beginning at 12:30 p.m. during the holidays. The lineup includes Omari Dillard on November 25th, Swing Boutique on December 9th, KC&CO on December 16th, Victoria De Lissovoy on December 23rd, Those Guys on December 30th, and John Skillman and the New Orleans Night Hawks on January 6th.

“The house is open for the historical tour, but Christmas is when it sparkles because we have all the decorations and we create these storylines that just kind of bring the romance back to the house,” remarked Smith.

This will be the third year running that Pinewood will have a historical storyline for the theme. Erica described their theme last year as being in post-war 1940’s and created a scenario around Mr. Buck’s son coming home for the holidays. This year, they are bringing the house back to 1936, when Jazz was in its heyday in America, “We did have this Jazz-baby feeling in the American culture. They were still in the middle of the Great Depression, they were still having lots of changes in history, but Jazz was really hot, everybody caught Jazz fever.”

There is something so splendid about Pinewood and Bok Tower Gardens during this time of year. Erica put her finger on what makes it such a wonderful stage for this holiday, saying, “We are very natural here and we look at what mother nature wants us to have from a Christmas standpoint. Pinewood Estate is that jewel and we can make that sparkle while the grounds here and the gardens are more in a natural, more relaxed atmosphere.” Erica added to her thought, “Really what makes it I think, romantic, is the fact that when you come to Bok Tower Gardens, you’re so removed from the world and you can enjoy your family a little bit more.”

The Holiday Home Tour is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November 24th through January 7th.

To find out more about the events Bok Tower Gardens has to offer this season visit their website boktowergardens.org.

They’ll be incorporating musical elements into the decoration, with Mr. Buck’s grandchildren receiving musical instruments. “The house is going to be patterned as if the family was going to have a Christmas Day Jazz concert. The music room will be set up as if they’re waiting for their guests to arrive for a special Christmas Day Jazz concert,” said Smith.

With such a focus on music, it would be remiss to exclude live music from the experience, and no detail is spared for Pinewood. Live music will play outside of Pinewood Estate on the 24

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WORDS & PHOTOGRAPH Tara Crutchfield

Polk Arts Alliance When you see a show at one of your favorite nonprofit community theatres or art galleries, do you ever wonder how they got the funding to bring and retain such rich artistic culture to Polk County? The answer, for many of the nonprofit arts organizations around the county, is the Polk Arts Alliance.

I spoke with Polk Arts Alliance’s Executive Director who’s been with them since 2010, Meri Mass. She defined the organization, “The Polk Arts Alliance is the official designated agency for Polk County and represents all of the arts organizations, the nonprofit arts organizations within the county.” PAA is the advocacy agency with the Board of County Commissioners Division of Culture Affairs in Tallahassee and Americans for the Arts in Washington D.C., doing their part to advocate for the funding of our local creative nonprofits.

The nonprofit organization has been in existence since 2004 according to Mass, whose background is economic development and the arts. Prior to coming to Polk county in 2005, Meri lived in Palm Beach County, where she worked for the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts for many years, later working for the economic development organization for the county.

Meri described an important endeavor PAA took on a few years ago on behalf of the arts, explaining, “In 2011, we advocated to get Bed

Tax dollars to fund the arts through a grant program because no bed tax dollar was going to the arts, it was all sports. Through our efforts, which I thought was going to take about a year, took 4, but in 2013 we were able to actually get an ordinance passed that 15% of the first two pennies of the bed tax would be dedicated to the arts.” She continued, discussing the significant financial impact of the bed tax, “It’s about $700,000 a year which has actually turned out to be, at this point in time, about 2.5 million dollars, total money back to the arts.”

staggering numbers, “I had a meeting this morning with Polk Vision, to reveal the results on that and it’s turned out that the nonprofits that participated, there were about 34 of them, is $46.5 million economic impact a year in Polk County.” Meri noted that the study only accounted for nonprofit organizations, but that PAA is also working with the creative industries which are for profit, such as galleries, artist, and architects, saying, “Now going forward, we’re going to be working with our economic development offices to try to get them to recognize the importance of the creative industries.”

Polk Arts Alliance is also the publisher of Artifacts Magazine. Meri explained that the magazine has been in publication for over 25 years, starting as a for-profit. In 2004, the woman who started Artifacts sold it to PAA for a dollar. Now, the money for the specialty ‘support the arts’ license plates, comes back to PAA, around $8,000 according to Meri, that is dedicated to funding the magazine which highlights the arts, both forprofit and nonprofit, in the county.

In conjunction with funding nonprofits, focusing on the positive impact the arts has in the education system is paramount to the organization. Polk Arts Alliance wants to bring that to the forefront of the broader conversation of arts in education, saying, “We have a 92% graduation rate for students who are in art classes, our “A” schools are all performing arts schools. You hear the word STEM [Science, technology, engineering, and math] a lot, the next issue is trying to change that conversation to STEAM [Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math].”

The arts may have an undeniable cultural impact within Polk County, but Meri says a major goal for PAA is to make the economic impact known as well. In January of 2016, through Americans for the Arts, an economic impact study of the arts began.

Throughout the year, the nonprofit members of PAA collected data that Meri then sent to Washington. The results of the of the study were recently released, with Meri recounting the

Meri invited me to sit in on a meeting she was having with Theatre Winter Haven which gave me an understanding of the amount of talent we have in Polk county and how that impacts the local economy.

27

Tony Gallegos, the theatre’s business director remarked that the theatre which has been in existence since 1970, in the Chain of Lakes Complex since 1977, is a 6-time national awardwinning theatre, the most honored in the state of Florida. Theatre Winter Haven brought home several awards when they took The Amish Project to AACTFest, a national community theatre competition, including best technical achievement. TWH will be hosting the Florida Theatre Conference (FTC) in August of next year, bringing theatres from across the state to Polk county–a prime example of the impact the arts have on our economy.

Through the process of the impact study, PAA has started a business committee for the arts, encouraging as many as possible to become involved. To find more information on Polk Arts Alliance, the business committee for the arts, or to get involved, go to www.polkarts.org or contact Meri Mass by phone at (863) 804-0494 or email at director@ polkarts.org.

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

Florida Dance Theatre Performing, The Nutcracker Polk County’s only professional dance company, Florida Dance Theatre is set to put on their annual, world-class performance of The Nutcracker this month. The dance theatre, now in its 24th season, was started as a ballet school in 1993 by founder and artistic director Carol Krajacic-Erkes. Erkes, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, has a background in dance. Beginning her professional career at age 15 with the Ohio Chamber Ballet/Ohio Ballet, as a soloist for Cincinnati Ballet and August Ballet. She danced and taught at Southern Ballet Theatre, now Orlando Theatre, and Texas Ballet and has been a featured guest for numerous others.

When she started her school, Erkes said, “I got so many kids right off the bat and so many of them were extremely talented that I changed the organization over to a nonprofit so that I could offer scholarships for kids.”

Realizing her students would need an outlet to perform, Erkes started Lakeland Ballet eventually changing the name to Florida Dance Theatre.

“First it was just high school kids and then after about 4 or 5 years, I started paying a few dancers. The past 10 to 12 years I’ve had salaried dancers.”

The theatre now keeps between 9 to 12 salaried dancers every year for a 26 to 36-week season, depending on the season. The theatre puts on an average of 4 shows per season, along with other projects and performances.

Though the Florida Dance Theatre is a nonprofit organization offering scholarships, summer camps, an inschool Arts in Education performance series, with community ties and partnerships with organizations such as Family Fundamentals, Salvation Army, and the Lakeland Housing Authority, Erkes says that it’s imperative to note that they are also a professional dance company.

Florida Dance Theatre’s salaried, professionally-trained dancers are making their performance of The Nutcracker, that much more of a treat for the holidays.

The production has about 120 performers ranging from age 6 through adults, including the company’s professional dancers.

Erkes expressed the appeal of the show, saying, “For the audience, everybody knows Nutcracker, they know the music, they know the story.

It’s become a tradition, not only here, but all over the world. People are used to seeing Nutcracker at Christmas time.” She continued, discussing what makes it particularly special for the dancers, “For the company dancers, we do a lot of contemporary ballet and modern, so Nutcracker is one of the more classical things, it’s a challenge. I think it’s more exciting for them because it’s something different.”

“We’ve been doing Nutcracker for years,” said Erkes. Originally the theatre would do their rendition of The Nutcracker with a Jazz element to the first act and went into classical in the second act. Erkes said, “Finally, I realized I had enough company dancers and trainees that we could do the classical production. So, we’ve been doing that for at least 10 or 11 years.”

The Florida Dance Theatre will be showing their production of The Nutcracker for the children of Polk County schools on December 14th, according to Erkes. The public shows will be on December 16th at 7:30 p.m. and December 17th at 2:30 p.m. at the Branscomb Memorial Auditorium. For more information on the Florida Dance Theatre or for a link to purchase tickets, visit their website, www.floridadancetheatre.org.

The process starts with auditioning kids from all over Polk County and even some outside of the county. “The audition kind of gives us a general idea of what they can do and when we look at them, what kids are going to look best with the other ones. Then we have 8 weeks of rehearsal, once a week,” explained Erkes.

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Il Forno Italian Restaurant I don’t believe I know anyone who doesn’t like Italian food–a cuisine steeped in rich flavors and rich culture. Il Forno in South Lakeland is a place you need to visit the next time those pasta or pizza cravings kick in.

“I opened the restaurant in 2004 in the same place, in the same shopping center. We had the movie theater over here and then they closed down so we turned from a regular pizza shop serving Italian food to an Italian food restaurant serving pizza,” said Mick Pugliese, owner of Il Forno.

For lunch, I had the lasagna which may be the best lasagna I’ve ever had. It was heavenly layers of pasta, their blend of beef, veal, and sweet sausage, married with three imported cheeses and Il Forno marinara sauce, baked to perfection. Amy set her sights on the pizza which we both quite enjoyed. It has a thin crust with their homemade sauce topped with cheese and pepperoni, delicious. There are two types of people in this world, those who eat the crust and those who do not. I am not a crust eater, Il Forno’s was so tasty that I did!

Mick came here in 2001 and worked as the manager of a restaurant in Winter Haven. He came prepared with an extensive culinary background, explaining, “I went to culinary school in Italy for 5 years and I’ve worked in Switzerland, England, and Italy before I came here.”

“For good Italian food, not fancy, no novel cuisine, or fine dining type of restaurant–you’ll always leave here with a box,” said Mick, and leave with boxes we did! “We like people to eat and enjoy themselves, we don’t allow people on diets here–no, I’m kidding!”

The name, Il Forno is Italian for “The oven,” according to Mick. The moniker was chosen because they were originally going to put a brick oven in. Unfortunately, the location they’re in isn’t suitable for it.

If you’re looking for authentic Italian food, deliciously prepared, and quite possibly the best lasagna you’ll ever eat, AND if you want leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, Il Forno is the spot!

Brick oven or not, their cuisine is world class. Mick describes his food as Southern Italian from Naples saying, “All the recipes are pretty much from my culinary school and from my grandmother’s and mama’s cooking.” He keeps the flavors authentic to the region, remarking, “We try to get all the freshest ingredients. Most of them are imported from Italy.” I asked him what some guest favorites were that came from his family. He replied, “The pasta fagioli, our soup, is from my grandmother, the lasagna is how mama makes it. The baked ziti is something my grandmother used to make. All the dishes we make, they are pretty much from generation to generation.”

The ambiance of an Italian restaurant is almost as important as the food. The sights, sounds, and smells you take in while you enjoy a slice of pizza or bite of spaghetti can transport you across the world. Mick describes his restaurant as a “very casual Italian restaurant,” and uses the Italian word “trattoria” to describe it, meaning a small, intimate restaurant or eatery.

Ready to try some of Il Forno’s family favorites, My editor, Amy and I headed there for lunch. We started with salads, mine a Caesar with house-made Caesar dressing that was to die for, her’s a house salad with their house dressing with sun-dried tomato & balsamic. We sat and enjoyed our salads and the complimentary bread brought to the table while taking in the smell of fresh pizza being cooked.

The walls are filled with pictures of Italian landscapes and murals. It’s charming coupled with the “vintage Italian” music, along with the pleasant chatter of guests as the restaurant filled with patrons. The word that Mick used, “tertulia” came to mind.

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LET’ S EAT Let’s take some time this holiday season to slow down. Meeting friends for coffee or tea is a great way to take a break and check in with the important people in your life. Here are some local spots we love:

Tea Largo Beverage Co. 4634 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland (863) 688-6816 Mon-Thurs 7am-9pm Fri & Sat 7am-9:30pm Sun 10:30am-7:30pm Jitters Coffee Cafe 5327 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 660-5825 Tues-Thurs 7am-7pm Fri & Sat 7am-9pm Closed Sun & Mon My Cottage Garden 325 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland (863) 688-9686 Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm Fri 3-6pm Sat 1-6pm Closed Sun & Mon Black & Brew 205 E Main St, Lakeland (863) 682-1210 Mon-Thurs 7am-8pm Fri 7am-10pm Sat 8am-10pm Sun 11am-4pm

Concord Coffee 1037 Florida Ave S #135, Lakeland (561) 312-3974 Mon-Sat 7am-7pm Closed Sunday Portico Coffeehouse 1000 Longfellow Blvd, Lakeland (863) 667-5268 Mon-Thurs 7:30am8pm Fri 7:30am-5pm Sat 10am-5pm Closed Sunday Hillcrest Coffee 119 Hillcrest St, Lakeland (863) 398-9155 Mon-Wed 7:30am-5pm Thurs 7:30am-5pm, 6:30-9:30pm Fri 7:30am-5pm Sat 9am-4pm Closed Sun Mitchell’s Coffee House 235 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland (863) 680-2944 Mon-Sat 7am-5pm Closed Sun

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801 E Main 801 E Main St, Lakeland (863) 937-6915 Fri 7pm-midnight Sat 8am-midnight Sun 8am-2pm Charlie’s Mini Donut & Coffee 1023 East County Road 540A, Lakeland (863) 500-1414 Mon-Thurs 7am-8pm Fri & Sat 7am-9pm Sun 7am-3:30pm Drica’s Favorite 4404 Florida Ave S, Lakeland 863) 450-9398 Mon & Tues 7:30am3pm Wed-Fri 7am-3pm Sat 9am-1pm Closed Sunday Born & Bread Bakehouse 1113 Florida Ave S, Lakeland Sat 8am-noon

WORDS Tara Crutchfield

Charles F. McNally WWII Veteran & Hero

“Charles F. McNally ‘Poppy’ WWII Veteran and Hero” is the title of a booklet that Nancy McNally Wagner made for her children, nieces, and nephews, to tell the story of her father’s service in the U.S. Navy during WWII. The book is filled cover to cover with history, recounts, photos, and excerpts in her words and from other articles and books regarding her father’s experiences, sparing no detail. It is a project that Nancy immersed herself in, sparked by the realization that her father was owed decorations from his service.

in the front of them and they were on rails, like railroad rails. They would come shooting out of these caves and into the water and the man that was the suicide mission man, would just drive the boat straight into the side of one of the ships and blow it up and himself at the same time.”

“For many, many years, 70 years, my father never talked about the war. You almost would not even know he had ever been in it. We would ask questions sometimes, he would be very emotional about it, couldn’t talk about it.”

Though these events are understandably difficult to discuss for Mr. McNally, he embraces the pride and honor of being a United States veteran. Two years ago he went on the honorees trip to Washington D.C. and a year ago went to New Orleans. Mr. McNally said, “My son-in-law said they had a great museum in New Orleans...6 of us took off for New Orleans and visited that fantastic WWII museum.”

Nancy filled out the paperwork to receive the decorations he was entitled to for his service. According to Nancy, this was a turning point for her father.

After those two trips, a journey to Normandy was organized which turned out to be an emotional and heartwarming experience for the veteran and his family.

She remarked, “We got them and had them put into a frame and he became very proud. It was just such a complete transformation, he became very proud of it, so he opened up a lot more about what had happened in the war.”

Nancy got her father a WWII veteran hat to wear on the trip. She recounted people coming out of their homes to thank him for his service and take photos with him, “It was very gratifying for him, I think, to know that people still were grateful for the service that America did. It didn’t matter if it was Pacific or European or if it was in Germany or France or Poland, it was just very touching,”

The proud daughter of a war hero, Nancy began telling me about Mr. McNally’s service, “My father was 17 years old when he enlisted. He enlisted because he knew he was going to be getting drafted and he wanted to be able to choose what branch of service he was going to.” The year was 1943 and in speaking with Mr. McNally about it, he said that he was a few days shy of his 18th birthday at the time, even missing his high school graduation to attend training.

Mr. McNally was asked if he would do them the honor of participating in the flag ceremony that evening.

Nancy said there were hundreds of people in that cemetery for the ceremony, and you could have heard a pin drop, saying, “He helped take the flag down and fold it.” She continued, “Seventy years later, sort of like, here is some validation, for what was probably the worst experience of his life.”

Charles said most of his first year in the Navy was spent attending Radio Engineering courses where he became a radio engineer, before being assigned to the amphibious force of the Navy. “My father was in charge of making sure the radar and the radios worked,” explained Nancy, saying that her father didn’t always have the materials needed so he would have to think outside of the box to find a solution to keep things running.

“It was a tremendously interesting trip, one I’ll never forget,” Charles remarked, his voice shaking with audible emotion.

After being discharged from the Navy, he returned to Long Island to start a family with the love of his life, Betty. I had the pleasure of speaking with the two on the phone, they shared how they met with Betty commenting, “When we first met each other, we were 11 and 12 years old and from then on it was love at first sight,” a sentiment Charles agreed with her on saying, “Believe me, it has lasted!”

McNally was on a ship called LCS(3)8 which stood for Landing Craft Support (third configuration) #8. The boats were known as the “Mighty Midgets” and McNally’s ship was called “The Crazy Eight” with a painting of an eight-ball decking the smokestack.

According to her, the ships were originally designed to carry personnel.

The men came off the boat in a single file line because of the narrow design of the ramps. They quickly realized the inefficiency of the boats and re-outfitted them for landing craft support. Then, their purpose became entering the harbor and destroying the mines that had been set by the enemy. They would catch the chains that the mines were on, draw them up to the surface, and blow them up in open water. This protected the larger battleships coming into the harbor, as well as offering air support with the anti-aircraft guns they were fitted with.

She told me how they came together after his time in the Navy, explaining, “When he got out of the service, I was a nurse and I had just graduated. We had been in touch with each other for all those years, believe it or not, I have all our love letters.”

Charles went on to become a math teacher and high school principal. They’ve just celebrated their 70th anniversary. Charles will be 93 in February and Betty just turned 91. Though they moved to Lakeland 6 years ago from Long Island, Betty explained that their tight-knit family still has a reunion every year in Pennsylvania, carrying on the tradition for 20 years running.

As part of General MacArthur’s fleet in the Pacific Ocean theater that traveled to the Philippines, Nancy said of her father, “He was involved in clearing many harbors out and escorting many, many ships, but he was engaged in two major battles.”

War hero Charles F. McNally put his patriotism ito words , “This is the greatest country in the world, there is no other country that gives the individual the ability to live his life relatively unimpeded by government bureaucrats and everybody else. We are free. I don’t think our citizens really understand and appreciate what they have here. The freedom to go and come as they please, It’s just the greatest country. The fact remains that it has provided the best living of any other system that has ever been developed on the face of the earth and I hope to god we’re able to continue it.”

McNally was in a battle near Borneo and one in Manila Bay. Nancy gave a detailed account of the battle in Manila Bay, “This one particular evening was very shocking because they were all in this harbor, they had done what they thought was their activity for the day, and all at once, some of the ships were getting hit.” She continued, “It turned out that the Japanese had dug tunnels into the cliffs around Manila Bay and they stored these boats, they were called Shin’yó boats, and they were kamikaze suicide boats. They would have a charge havenmagazines.com

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WORDS & PHOTOGRAPH Lea Anne Crittenden

From The Desk to The Hills Imagine yourself on a mountain biking trail overcoming obstacles in your path.

Bill Dorman finds himself doing this on a regular basis.

Dorman grew up in Apopka, FL and moved to Lakeland when he was 15 years old after the Minute Maid Company his dad worked for closed their Orlando office. He attended Florida State University and double majored in Risk Management & Insurance major and Marketing.

Dorman went to work for Lanier Upshaw, Inc. in 1983, shortly after graduating from FSU and is currently sitting on the Board of Directors. He deals with the production side of the company. “I am in charge of new business, putting a team together to service an account and with the current customers I have to maintain that relationship,” said Dorman. When he isn’t taking his company by storm, he is mountain biking.

Dorman is the current Chair of the Early Learning Coalition. ELC is a non-profit helping children, whose families can’t afford to put their children into daycare, get prepared for kindergarten. “As a business owner I feel like there should be attention to these kids that would normally slip between the cracks,” said Dorman.

Dorman is on the board of New Beginnings High School. This is a charter school that allows high school dropouts, up to age 24, get their high school diploma.

“It’s a second chance,” said Dorman, “a new beginning.”

Dorman is on the Board of the Givewell Community Foundation in Lakeland.

Givewell finds and provides funding to indigent causes. He is also an advocate for Guardian Ad Litem. GAL is a program that speaks on behalf of the children in the community that were taken from their home and placed in foster care due to abuse, abandonment or being neglected. “The Children are in a tough spot,” said Dorman.

Dorman has only been on the mountain biking scene for three years. “A friend of mine got me into it and I dabbled with it for a couple of months and finally made the commitment to buy a bike,” said Dorman. He has been riding ever since.

Dorman loves the challenge, the exercise and the technical aspect of mountain biking. “In Florida, you’re pedaling all the time but in Utah it’s all downhill, you just hold on and hope you don’t pick up too much speed,” he said. When he first started biking, he was able to experience true downhill mountain biking when he went to Park City, Utah on a business trip.

Dorman rides solely for recreation and never participates in races, even though he has thought about it. “I want to do the best I can on a recreational level,” said Dorman. He enjoys riding through the various trails that Loyce Harpe Park provides. Completing all trails from the beginning to the end would be approximately 11.8 miles long. “In three years I think I have completed 7600 miles,” he said.

Like every sport there is always great risks. “You’re going to get dented and dinged up, just depends on how dinged up you get,” said Dorman, “I’m just thankful my wife tolerates this.” He has broken both shoulders, a rib and a hand in biking accidents. His wife, Allyson is very supportive of his hobby but worries about all the accidents he has. “I would rather him play bridge, because it’s safer and I love it,” said Allyson.

From the desk to the hills, Dorman loves the feeling of accomplishment. “I like his willingness to do anything to help anyone,” said Allyson. His passion for biking isn’t going anywhere any time soon. “Mountain Biking is more than just a hobby for me,” said Dorman.

When Dorman isn’t biking or working at his firm, he likes to play tennis, play golf and read. He also volunteers with several non-profit organizations. “He is charitable because he is always willing to help anyone, very tolerant and giving,” said Allyson.

Dorman is a past chair on the West Central Florida YMCA board of directors.

The YMCA is a non-profit that makes sure everyone is able to learn, grow and succeed within the community. “The YMCA never turns anyone away for their lack of ability to pay,” said Dorman. He was fortunate enough to be a part of the induction of the new CEO of the organization. havenmagazines.com

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

YLakeland Why do you live in Lakeland? What makes it a special community to be a part of? Why should young business leaders stay and grow in Lakeland? YLakeland, a nonprofit organization that started in 2007, headed by the Lakeland Economic Development Council, not only has answers for those questions but works diligently to see that there are resources and programs available to those young professionals to continue to grow in this booming city.

YLakeland has also launched an ambassador program at the beginning of this year. At the five local colleges campuses, they have student ambassadors promoting YLakeland and business within Lakeland. They participate by presenting about things going on in Lakeland, posting on social media, going to community events and encouraging other students to go with them. These ambassadors are paid up to $1,000 per semester to encourage this community involvement and promote YLakeland. That program has gone on for two semesters, starting with 10 ambassadors, growing already to 15.

I spoke with YLakeland’s executive director, Christina Graham, who synopsized the program, “They [the LEDC] are really good at what they do. So they also like to focus on other things to help the betterment of our community.” YLakeland’s mission is to recruit and retain talent. “We specifically focus on the 18 to 30 year old demographic so that’s college students and young professionals. Really, we are serving the LEDC because they’re bringing new businesses to Lakeland. They can’t bring new businesses to Lakeland or help existing businesses grow if there isn’t the talented workforce here.”

Striving to provide the most they can for local young professionals and companies alike, the team has been working on the launch of Lakeland Intern, a program with a separate website and social media. Graham explained the program saying, “It’s an internship program for students in Lakeland that are interested in finding an internship locally. We want to help connect them, because if our goal is recruiting and retaining talent and these students are going to other cities like Tampa or Orlando or wherever to find these internship opportunities then they’re probably not going to stay here in Lakeland long term.”

Graham, who is originally from Connecticut, came to Lakeland to attend Southeastern University where she obtained degrees in both finance and marketing. During her last semester of school, Graham worked as an intern with Catapult. From there, she started working for them full time as assistant director and eventually transitioning to YLakeland.

They are also helping local businesses with Lakeland Intern by spreading the word about internship opportunities that local companies have and assisting businesses that don’t have an internship available but would like one, to implement that opportunity.

In 2015, YLakeland got a 1.7-million-dollar donation to expand. With the capital to grow and Graham directing the progress, the program has begun to gain momentum, hiring staff, expanding existing programs, and implementing new ones. Graham remarked, “We started as just a website to help educate people on fun things to do in Lakeland and we’ve kind of continued that, grown it, morphed it, changed it over the years. Now we focus on a lot of different education and leadership programs as well.”

We got to talk with YLakeland intern, Laina Sweetney. She’s currently attending Florida Southern College as a communication major and will be graduating in the Spring. She described what she is currently doing during her internship with YLakeland, saying, “Basically what I’m doing is developing the Lakeland Intern website. Students around Lakeland can create profiles and then employers create profiles and we sort of help match them up with internships through that.

We also have different resources, how to create a cover letter, how to write an awesome resume, portfolios, just a lot different helpful tools to help get students springboarded into the workforce.”

Danika Thiele is the communication director at YLakeland. From Massachusetts originally, Thiele, like Graham, came to Lakeland for college. Thiele attended Florida Southern College where she majored in advertising and journalism as a double major as well as graphic design. She makes sure YLakeland has fresh, interesting content daily for their target demographic and does that by interviewing people, writing stories, and taking photos showcasing what Lakeland has to offer for young professionals.

In homage to their name, I wanted to get their answer to “Why Lakeland?”

Christina used her story as the perfect example of a young professional settling in Lakeland after discovering its magic. Coming from Connecticut to attend school, she didn’t know if she would be staying permanently, commenting, “Through my internship, I learned about YLakeland the company, and was really just blown away by what’s going on in Lakeland that I never knew existed. I think that’s kind of the story of YLakeland, just rediscovering what’s around you, and I think what really makes Lakeland unique is the community and you hear that from so many people. But once you actually experience the community of Lakeland you understand what that means.”

According to Graham, “This has really been a growing year for us–at the beginning of the year, we relaunched our website with a lot of new features, we launched a weekly newsletter, we recently launched a text message [program], we’ve also launched several new programs and then just revamped some of the current programs that we’ve had.”

One of YLakeland’s resources to the community is a summer leadership program that started in 2008. Companies can elect to put their interns or new hires into this 5-week program focused on leadership development where they do things like behind the scenes tours of different places in Lakeland so they can understand local business. They also have different leadership speakers and leadership seminars. “Really, it’s trying to help them get connected to the Lakeland community while also connecting them to leadership development opportunities that are going to help them wherever they end up,” said Graham.

This program has seen great success with 530 participants and 93 local companies involved. havenmagazines.com

If you want to keep up with YLakeland, you can sign up for their weekly newsletter on their website, or sign up for their text messages where you can get exclusive deals in Lakeland. The deal they had the day we spoke was a 2 for 1 cruffin at Born & Bread Bakehouse, which is pretty amazing. To get on their text list, text LKLD1 to 51660. ylakeland.com lakelandintern.com Facebook @ylakeland and @lakelandintern 42

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH www.thegypsymomma.com

Angela Newell: The Gypsy Momma It is so easy to live in a bubble, get stuck in a rut, and never leave the comforts of home. That’s something that Angela Newell of Lakeland, refuses to let happen. Angela is married to her husband, Scott and has two kids; seven-yearold daughter, Eastyn and twelve-year-old son, Evan. She works from home coordinating events, advertising and marketing, and community relations for a wealth management firm in Lakeland, saying, “We support a lot of nonprofit organizations so I am the liaison between the office and them.”

start a blog like a journal, a private one, not anything that anyone would see.”

With the encouragement from others that had interest in her travels and the help of her cousin who is a web designer, Angela started The Gypsy Momma. She now documents everywhere she goes with detailed descriptions, fun tales, and photographs on her blog. Here is an excerpt from her Manuel Antonio trip: “We stopped for lunch on the way at Restaurante Los Cocodrilos, a roadside restaurant with amazingly fresh food and the best mango smoothie I have ever tasted in my life. We watched a gentleman cut mangos and make the smoothie within 30 seconds. The restaurant was steps away from the Bridge over Rio, so we are able to see the huge wild crocodiles that free roam along the river.”

Working from home allows Angela to pursue her biggest passion, and include her family in it as well. “My love is travel, I like to travel as much as I possibly can.

As soon as I’m home from one trip, I’m planning the next.”

Though she’s always traveled, Angela explains that she really started traveling a lot in her thirties. “As far as domestic travel, Nashville is my heart, I love it.” She explained, “I just love that they have seasons change and I’m kind of a country girl you know, I love country music.” She says her dream is to have a small farmhouse in Nashville outside of the downtown city area.

Angela spoke more about The Gypsy Momma, “Used to, you had diaries. This is kind of like my diary in the year 2017.” She sees this as a sort of a photo album her kids can come back to, to see photos and read stories of their travels.

Her blog and frequent travels led her to pursue her travel agent license. “My little journal, turned into a blog, turned into a kind of side little fun friends-and-family business for me,” Now, as a licensed travel agent, using her own experiences, Angela plans trips on the side. When we spoke, she was planning a trip to Ireland and Iceland for a group of people, “I’ve been planning trips for people for 10 years, just because I’ve been to so many places and people say, ‘When you went here where did you eat or where did you stay?’ So, I’ll help them and book their place or tell them where to go or suggest restaurants all the time.”

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is another favorite destination of hers. Angela’s husband took her there for her 40th birthday and she fell in love with it, describing it as sort of like “a fancy Key West.” She talked about this special birthday, saying, “I went to Paris for my 40th birthday too. I had like a whirlwind two weeks where I just traveled all over the world.”

She spoke about Manuel Antonio, “I just fell in love with it. The people, the food is so amazing, the views.” Angela described having monkeys crawl up onto her patio, seeing sloths, parrots, macaws, toucans, and boundless stunning rainforest wildlife.

Aside from travel, Angela finds exhilaration in running, saying, “I am an avid runner! I ran a ton of marathons and half marathons.” She runs in races all over the country, and at the time we spoke, she was a week away from a trip to South Carolina to a town she had not yet been, to run a race. She says a goal of hers is to run a half marathon in another country.

Angela sees traveling as a learning experience and wants to engage her kids in cultures and history from around the country and the world. “My kids are very young and they’ve seen every national monument you can think of from Mt. Rushmore to Yellowstone, they’ve seen the Grand Canyon, they’ve seen Grand Teton, they’ve seen the badlands.” She talked about adventures they’ve gone on the last two summers saying, “My kids and I have driven across the country. This last summer we flew to Nashville and we rented a car and drove through 12 states and then flew home from Vegas.” The summer before, Angela and her children drove all the way from Lakeland to the Grand Canyon. “I’m free spirited, I’m not afraid to hop on a plane and fly anywhere with my kids, my kids are not afraid.”

When speaking with her, a tremendous amount of excitement was tangible in her voice–about everything, every story, every adventure, every memory she’s made.

It was contagious, I hung on every word, fascinated by not only her travel tales but by her unmistakable optimism.

Why does she travel, what does she get out of it, what shapes her exuberant outlook on life? “Life is so short, it’s so short. I’ve had experiences in my life and lost family and friends and you just don’t know what the next day is going to bring.” She continued, “I get the biggest high when I travel to somewhere I’ve never been. I just feel so free, and when I’m home for a weekend or two in a row, I get antsy. We need to be seeing stuff we haven’t seen before because my life could end tomorrow and I don’t want to have any regrets. I want to take my kids on as many adventures as possible.”

She encourages her kids to make the best of their experiences traveling saying, “When we travel, we don’t shop. My kids grab a rock from every state we’ve been in because they know. They don’t even ask for a souvenir, we’re collecting memories, not things.”

Everywhere Angela goes, she brings her little yellow journal to write down restaurant reviews, and other notes about anywhere she goes. She does this not only for herself but also for reference if anyone asks her advice on where to go if they’re traveling somewhere. “I was traveling so much I thought,I ’m just going to havenmagazines.com

You can follow Angela’s travels and get inspiration for your next destination by visiting her blog, www.thegypsymomma.com.

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December CALENDAR 2017

December 1-3 CENTRAL FLORIDA HEALTH EXPO Dec. 01 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

International Market World 1052 US-92, Auburndale Area’s premier event for health-conscious adults. One of the area’s largest farm fresh produce markets. Free.

ELVES SHELVES Dec. 01 -10th | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org The Elves Shelves Shoppe offers young shoppers lower priced gifts. Bring your children in to find gifts for their friends and family while supporting the Polk Museum of Art.There’s even a free gift wrapping station where they can wrap their presents!

THE ORANGE BLOSSOM REVUE: BBQ, MUSIC & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL Dec. 01 & 02 Friday at 4 p.m.

Lake Wailes Park/Gazebo 499 E Park Avenue, Lake Wales. www.orangeblossomrevue.com A barbecue, live music and craft beer festival where you’ll find something for everyone at this family-fun event. The 4th Annual Orange Blossom Revue is a fundraiser for the Lake Wales Rotary Club that benefits the community year-round.

FIRST FRIDAY HOMETOWN HOLIDAY Dec. 01 | 6-9 p.m.

Downtown Lakeland. www.downtownlakelandfl.com Enjoy vendors and exhibitors, but shop and dine as well!

Come, enjoy, explore, and experience all that historic downtown Lakeland has to offer!

LAKE WALES CHORALE PERFORMS A SPOTLESS ROSE CAROLS FROM MANY TIMES & PLACES Dec. 01 | 7 p.m.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church 644 S. 9th St., Lake Wales lakewalesartscouncil.org $15/adults $5/students Purchase tickets online or by phone.

ANOTHER NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Dec. 01-17 Theatre Winter Haven 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. www.theatrewinterhaven.com Synopsis:Karol, a disillusioned social worker, is trudging home one cold December night when she encounters an old man sitting on a park bench. Mistaking him for homeless, Karol offers the stranger some food — a seemingly innocent gesture, until he turns up in her apartment claiming to be Santa Claus. Purchase tickets & see showtimes online.

havenmagazines.com

COME TO THE STABLE AND BETHLEHEM SQUARE Dec. 01 | 7:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church 637 Sixth St. NW, Winter Haven. firstpreswh.org Performance date and times: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. “Come to the Stable and Bethlehem Square” is an outdoor living nativity with live music and animals followed by refreshments in “Bethlehem Square” at First Presbyterian Church, 637 Sixth St. NW, Winter Haven. Parking behind the church. For more information call 863-294-3121.

Handicapped accessible.

TROPICS VS SYRACUSE SILVER KNIGHTS Dec. 01 | 7:35 p.m.

RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland fltropics.com AN EVENING WITH RON WHITE Dec. 01 | 8-10 p.m.

RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland Ron “Tater Salad” White, best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon returns to The RP Funding Center with his new stand-up show

TAI CHI IN THE GARDENS Dec. 02 | 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Learn fluid movements that help release tension, increase balance and relax. Reservations preferred. $10

FIRST SATURDAY SHINDIG Dec. 02 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Juice Box 4295 S Florida Avenue, Lakeland.

First Saturday of each month with different vendors, artists and musicians in the breezeway outside. Details can be found on the Facebook page.

THE GATHERING GOOSE Dec. 02 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Downtown City Park 200 E Park St., Auburndale. thegatheringgoose.weebly.com The City of Auburndale does not allow Food Trucks at this time, however, we are working with the local area restaurants when our event is there. It is a mix of vintage, hand crafted, artisan, direct sales, retro, upcycled, etc. An eclectic array of vendors that one can shop from. City of Auburndale does not allow pets in their park.

HOLIDAY HAUS MRKT Dec. 02 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Haus 820 820 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland. haus820.com Featuring all kinds of local creative artisans, crafters, & makers including Bump Galletta, Rane Made, Giving Tree Handmade, June Taylor Shop & more.

3RD ANNUAL POLK COUNTY OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK Dec. 02 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Lake Hollingsworth East of South Florida Ave. & West of Bartow Rd., Lakeland. afsp.org/lakeland Proceeds benefit local and national suicide prevention and awareness programs of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Learn more at afsp.org/lakeland.

THE WINTER WONDERETTES Weekends Dec. 01 - 17 | 8 p.m.

TheatreWorks Florida 8 W Palmetto Street, Davenport www.theatreworksfl.org The Wonderettes are back in a scrumptious musical confection of holiday hits! This seasonal celebration finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Happening but when Santa turns up missing, the girls must use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party! Rating: FF (Family Friendly)

THE BEATNIK EXCHANGE PRESENTS: THE WILD WILD WEST Dec. 02 & 03 Sun ‘n Fun, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland. thebeatnikexchange.com A weekend of fun! Shop, camp, eat, dance, dress up and make some memories. Shabby chic, farmhouse, industrial, artist, farm to table and our newest addition called the “Natural LIving Exchange. They are a select few vendors that will be giving demonstrations and teaching all things healthy.

Rock painting classes all weekend as well as lots of cothing provided to dress up and get your picture made and printed right on site by David Wright Photography. Saturday will kick off with a one act play called “Tombstone Stagecoach” at 6:00 followed by and open drum circle at 7:00 and the main attraction at 8:00 with a good ole fashioned Hoe Down, boot stompin’ country and western band under the full moon.Admission is $5 per day (12 and under free) and $5 for Saturday night entertainment. Camping is available message us for information

COME TO THE STABLE AND BETHLEHEM SQUARE Dec. 01, 2017 | 8:30 p.m.

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 637 Sixth St. NW, Winter Haven. http://firstpreswh.org Performance date and times: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. “Come to the Stable and Bethlehem Square” is an outdoor living nativity with live music and animals followed by refreshments in “Bethlehem Square” at First Presbyterian Church, 637 Sixth St. NW, Winter Haven. Parking behind the church. For more information call 863-294-3121 or visit www.firstpreswh.org. Handicapped accessible.

CAROLS IN THE PARK Dec. 02 & 03| 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Central Park, 4th St. NW Winter Haven. www.mainstreetwh.com Carols in the Park provides a wonderful opportunity for crafters to display handmade unique gifts for Christmas during the holiday season. The two-day festival highlights local schools and entertainment. An assortment of food vendors, crafters, holiday music, children’s activities at their very own Candy Cane Corner, horse drawn carriage rides on Sunday, and Santa Claus

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN LAKELAND FOR CARLTON MUSIC Dec. 02 Carlton Music/Lakeland 1902 Harden Blvd., Lakeland. carltonmusic.com Special deals & live music starting at 11am, and giveaways!Enjoy complimentary coffee from Hillcrest Coffee in the morning and snacks in the afternoon! We will be raffling off prizes every hour!

EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY’S 2ND ANNUAL WINTER BOUTIQUE Dec. 02 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Excel Christian Academy 6505 Odom Rd., Lakeland.

Many different vendors coming like: Tupperware, doTERRA, Snap jewelry, Scentsy, Younique, Honey and lace, Thirty One, Paparazzi Premier jewelry, Mary Kay, Usborne, books Lipsense, Various Craft Vendors and many more.

DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET Dec. 02| 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

200 N Kentucky Ave 200 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland.

Fresh produce, plants and local handcrafted items.

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TEA WITH MRS. CLAUS Dec. 02 Sweet Magnolia’s Tea Bistro 212 Howard St., Auburndale. mysweetmagnolias.com Begin your Christmas season with Mrs. Claus! Call for times and reserve your table!

863-965-1684 LEGOLAND CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR Weekends throughout December 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Legoland Florida, Winter Haven. www.legoland.com Included with park admission. VIP experience available for additional charge.Don’t miss our dazzling, 30-foot-tall LEGO Christmas tree with a beautiful combination of synchronized lights and favorite holiday music, plus an occasional snow flurry! Send letters to the North Pole and hear stories told by Mrs. Claus. Capture memories at our one-of-a-kind photo ops, including a life-size Santa, sleigh and reindeer made out of thousands of LEGO bricks, and — new this year — from inside a giant snow globe or with our giant LEGO Christmas wreath. Enjoy classic Christmas songs performed by the LEGO Brickettes PETFEST Dec. 02| 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

7115 De Castro Rd., Winter Haven.

Come meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, vendors, food pet adoptions galore and much more!

Hosted by the Polk County Animal Control ACCESS ART: SPECIAL NEEDS Dec. 02| 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Polk Museum of Art Participants will create and discuss art with specially trained educator, Tinia Clark. This program invites individuals with special needs and varying exceptionalities to meet once a month at Polk Museum of Art to engage in viewing and discussing artwork that is exhibited. The program is designed to create social engagement and encourage creativity and self expression. The group meets for the talk and tour at 11:00 am on the 1st Saturday of every month unless it falls on a holiday weekend. After the tour the group meets at Kelly Rec. Center to make art inspired by the museum visit. Registration preferred but not required. For registration or questions, please contact Tinia Clark at 863-224-8557 or email at sidestreetartbeat@gmail.com.

“ART OUT LOUD” STUDENT RECEPTION Dec. 02 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org “Art Out Loud” features the work of Polk County Middle School students grades 6 through 8. The museum hosts several exhibitions per year in the George Jenkins Gallery that feature artwork by Polk County School District students.

December 4-10 OUT OF THE BOX IMPROV TROUPE Dec. 02| 7 p.m.

Lake Wales Little Theatre 411 N 3rd St., Lake Wales. lwlt.org Special night of unscripted laughter with a comedy improv troupe from Winter Haven. $8

HOLIDAY CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR Dec. 02 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Eagle Ridge Mall 451 Eagle Ridge Dr, Lake Wales. eagleridgemall.com Handmade crafts, jewelry, decor and more.

HOLIDAY HOME WORKSHOP: LIVING HOLIDAY TREE Dec. 02 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Learn how to create great plant combinations for sun or shade. Workshop includes instruction and all basic frame work and materials to build a 12” medium size Christmas Tree on a 2” wood base. It’s a perfect size for your table or buffet!

Bring your own container that works for your decor. $90

ULTIMATE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS Dec. 02 & 03 | 7:30 p.m.

Polk Theatre 139 S Florida Avenue, Lakeland. www.polktheatre.org Ultimate Dance Center presents Ultimate Night Before Christmas!A magical and inspiring dance interpretation based on Disney and Tim Burton’s classic movie.

CRUISIN’ WINTER HAVEN Dec. 02 | 3-7 p.m.

Central Park, 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. www.mywinterhaven.com Enjoy great music from the 50’s and 60’s along with a cruising display of all the cars at the end of the evening.

KARAOKE AT 801 Dec. 02| 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

The Poor Porker 801 E Main St., Lakeland. www.thepoorporker.com Bring your vocal chords and fancy dance moves! Cocktails, craft beers, beignets, friendly faces, and the sweetest atmosphere will be ready and waiting for you!

GLITTER GLISTEN & SNOW Dec. 02 | 6-9 p.m.

Lake Eva Park 555 Ledwith Ave., Haines City. hainescity.com Countdown with us as we light up thousands of Christmas lights and our 31 foot Christmas tree in Lake Eva Park! We will also have snow slides, local children entertainment, arts & craft vendors, and food vendors. For more information, call Haines City Parks & Recreation at 863 421-3700.

SUNSET & SYMPHONY HOLIDAY CONCERT Dec. 02 | 6-8 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Enjoy the sounds of the season as the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Singing Tower Carillon perform in one of Central Florida’s favorite holiday concerts.Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, small tables, and blankets for enjoying the concert. $30

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Dec. 03 | 1-4 p.m.

Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center, 325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales. cityoflakewales.com/depotmuseum Christmas crafts, train display, meet The Frozen Sisters, see Santa from 2-3:30.

ELVES SHELVES When: Dec. 04, 2017 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art, 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Our Elves Shelves Shoppe offers our young shoppers lower priced gifts. Bring your children in to find gifts for their friends and family while supporting the Polk Museum of Art.There’s even a free gift wrapping station where they can wrap their presents!Elves Shelves runs from November 25th - December 10th.

LAKE WALES FOOD TRUCK INVASION When: Dec. 04, 2017 | 5-9 p.m.

Where: Lake Wailes Park/Gazebo, 499 E Park Avenue, Lake Wales. http://www.cityoflakewales.com Bring chairs, blankets & appetite!

IMPERIAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TEA & SYMPHONY PRE-CONCERT LECTURE SERIES Dec. 05 | 5:45-8 p.m.

RP Funding Center, Lakeland. imperialsymphony.org/ Lake Hollingsworth Ballroom POLK MUSEUM OF ART PATRON HOLIDAY PARTY Dec. 05 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org We invite our Patron Members to join us for a festive holiday party.For details and to RSVP, please email Pal Powell at PPowell@PolkMuseumofArt.org.

WINTER HAVEN COMMUNITY SINGERS-PREMIER PERFORMANCE Dec. 05 | 7 p.m.

Hope Presbyterian Church 2110 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven.

A Christmas concert led by Director Philip King . Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Church office at (863) 624-6382.

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SOCIETY OF THE TURTLE JOG Dec. 06 | 5:15-6 p.m.

Central Park (across from Gourmet Goodies in Winter Haven). The 2.5 mile route takes us around Lake Silver and back. Afterwards, raise a glass with us at one of the local downtown pubs.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS ORIENTATION & TRAINING Dec. 06 | 5:30-7 p.m.

Women’s Resource Center 165 Ave A NW, Winter Haven www.bbbstampabay.org These information sessions for potential volunteers are a required part of the application process in order to become a Big. These sessions allow everyone to gain a better understanding of what it means to volunteer with BBBS and ask any questions about the process.

LAKELAND MAGIC VS RENO BIGHORNS Dec. 06| 7 p.m.

RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland lakeland.gleague.nba.com NBA G League DECEMBER VINTAGE MARKET Dec. 07-10 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Decades Reclaimed Vintage Depot 502 W Brannen Rd., Lakeland. www.decadesreclaimed.com Monthly vintage market! We have close to 10,000 sq ft of vintage, farmhouse, shabby chic, man cave, Salvage, coastal, eclectic and GARDEN decor!!!

SANTA CALLING Dec. 07 | 6-8 p.m. www.mywinterhaven.com/event/santa-calling/ Working closely with the North Pole Telephone Company, the City of Winter Haven made special arrangements to have Santa Claus telephone your child to deliver a memorable greeting. To have Santa call your child, please fill out form online & return to Santa no later than December 4th.

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS Dec. 07 | 7 p.m.

Ritz Theatre 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. jzmagic.com Justino and Daniela Zoppe present their all new holiday stage spectacular”The Magic of Christmas! www.Facebook.com/JustinoMagic

LAKELAND MAGIC VS FT. WAYNE MAD ANTS Dec. 08 | 7-10 p.m.

RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. lakeland.gleague.nba.com NBA G League

THE LAKELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE: A NIGHT AT THE NORTH POLE Dec. 07| 7 p.m.

Downtown Lakeland www.jlgl.org/fundraiser/lakeland-christmas-parade.

The 37th Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade, hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland FL. The parade theme for 2017 is “A Night at the North Pole”.

SEASON’S SCREENINGS MOVIES IN THE PARK Dec. 08| 7 p.m.

Haines City Parks & Rec 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City. www.facebook.com/hainescity Haines City Parks & Recreation presents Elf.

POINT OF VIEW GALLERY TALK Dec. 08 | 12-1 p.m.

Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org The Museum’s Collections Manager, Loren Plunkett, will discuss the behind-the-scenes work of collections management. Collections Managers are responsible for the long-term preservation of the collection, ensuring that the artworks you visit will still be around for the generations to come. Space is limited. RSVP by emailing Reservations@ PolkMuseumofArt.org.

CELEBRATION FOUNDATION CONCERT SERIES: TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY BRASS CONCERT Dec. 08| 7:30 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church 511 Celebration Ave, Celebration. thecelebrationfoundation.org Traditional Holiday Brass Concert presented by The Brass Band of Central Florida. Purchase tickets online.

THE GATHERING GOOSE Dec. 08 | 4-9 p.m.

251 Avenue A SW, Winter Haven thegatheringgoose.weebly.com It is a mix of vintage, hand crafted, artisan, direct sales, retro, upcycled, etc. An eclectic array of vendors that one can shop from. Food trucks will be there Family and pet friendly.

YULETIDE SWINGTIME REVUE Dec. 08 | 8-10 p.m.

LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland. www.lkldlive.com Lkld Live’s Master of Swing Jason Baker returns to the stage with a cast of Lakeland’s finest singers and musicians for a special Holiday themed evening of Jazz classics from yesteryear.

MAKE IT MAGICAL: 6TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT THE MARKET PLACE Dec. 08| 5 p.m.

Downtown Marketplace 20 N Market, Lake Wales. lwmainstreet.com Holiday shopping, food & fun

JINGLE BELL CLASSIC Dec. 09 | 7-10:30 a.m.

Central Park 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. mywinterhaven.com The friends of the Winter Haven Library bring you competitive 10K and 5K holiday themed races. For more information please contact Julie at julie@triplaces.com or Cherly at cinsurance7@verizon.net

BARTOW’S MAGIC ILLUMINATION CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 08| 6 p.m.

Mosaic Park & Bandshell Park Lane, Bartow Parade featuring the arrival of Santa!

PRAISE IN THE PARK Dec. 08| 6:30 p.m. www.mywinterhaven.com Music in the Park for the benefit of the mission. Bring your own chairs.

DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET Dec. 09 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

200 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland.

Fresh produce, plants and local handcrafted items.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Dec. 09 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Fontaine Gills Family YMCA 2125 Sleepy Hill Rd, Lakeland.

Eat breakfast with Santa! Also enjoy photos with Santa, bounce houses, decorating cookies, crafts and more!

HAVENDALE CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 08 | 7-9 p.m.

The City of Winter Haven in conjunction with the City of Auburndale is pleased to bring you a Magical Christmas Celebration Parade! This annual parade will offically start at 7:00 PM from Spring Lake Square and work its way up Havendale Blvd. to Wells Fargo in Auburndale.The streets will close at 6:00 PM, parking will be limited.

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TAI CHI IN THE GARDENS Dec. 09 | 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Learn fluid movements that help release tension, increase balance and relax. Reservations preferred. $10 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Dec. 09 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Beef O Brady’s 902 Old Polk City Rd, Haines City Admission is included with the price of a meal. Please bring your cameras for pictures with Santa!

JINGLE BARK PET FESTIVAL Dec. 09 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Northeast Regional Park 50901 Highway 27, Davenport www.facebook.com/events/1512927215423034/ Features pet supply vendors, food vendors, pet photos with Santa, ugly sweater contest, best trick contest, Pet / Owner look-alike contest, time trial contest, prizes, training demos and crafts.Free admission for all humans and furry friends**Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier**For more information, please call (863) 534-6911 SNOWFEST Dec. 09| 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Munn Park, Lakeland www.lakelandgov.net Presented by the City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation Department. This year’s event will feature snow mountains, arts & crafts, vendors, a rock climbing wall, live entertainment and more!

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS ORIENTATION &TRAINING Dec. 09 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

BBBS Office, 1231 Orange St., Lakeland www.bbbstampabay.org These information sessions for potential volunteers are a required part of the application process in order to become a Big. These sessions allow everyone to gain a better understanding of what it means to volunteer with BBBS and ask any questions about the process.

ART LAB: FRED KOEHLER Dec. 09 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org December 9: FLASHLIGHT NIGHT by Flashlight - For Kids!Instructor: Fred KoehlerBring your little ones and their flashlights! Join artist Fred Koehler as he leads your family through the original art of his latest book, FLASHLIGHT NIGHT. After the Artlab, Koehler will be available to sign copies, which can be purchased from the Museum Shop.

December 11-17 THREE AUTHORS & A FISHMONGER: THE BEST OF FLORIDA SEAFOOD Dec. 09 | 12-2 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org “Good Catch: Recipes & Stories Celebrating the Best of Florida’s Waters” authors Heather McPherson, Pam Brandon, and Katie Farmand, along with Wild Ocean Seafood fishmonger Cinthia Sandoval, will cook, entertain with stories, and serve everything from cocktails to dessert, including the freshest Florida seafood. Each guest will receive a signed copy of “Good Catch” ($29.95 value), and the authors will be on hand to personalize copies — with additional copies for sale at a discount for holiday gifts. $55 HOLIDAY CONCERT Dec. 09| 2 p.m.

Center for Public Safety 1251 Keene Blvd., Winter Haven. symphonyguildofwinterhaven.com Returning for a third year to celebrate the season will be the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mark Thielen.

Order tickets online.

JOYS OF THE SEASON: THE CHRISTMAS GALA Dec. 09| 2:30 p.m.

Branscomb Auditorium 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland. www.flsouthern.edu/visitors/festival-of-fine-arts.aspx Joys of the Season: The Christmas Gala, offers musical favorites performed by Department of Music students, faculty, and guests, including members of FSC’s Dance Program. Come join the holiday fun and festivities in beautifully adorned Branscomb Auditorium!

WINTERFEST Dec. 09 | 4-9 p.m.

Wilson Park County Rd. 547, Davenport. www.mydavenport.org Festivities will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, electric night time parade, cookie decorating, vendors and SNOW.Downtown Davenport - Wilson ParkEvening ScheduleNighttime Electric Parade - 6 PMAll other activities start at 7:00 PM in Wilson Park

THE GATHERING OF SANTAS PUB CRAWL Dec. 09 | 6-9 p.m. www.facebook.com/Lkldsantacon/ The gathering of the Santas pub crawl.We will be enjoying drinks at 3 local bars starting at Lakeland Brewing, then heading over to Linksters, and finally ending the night at Molly’s.

MEDITATION WITH SINGING BOWLS Dec. 12| 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Sound healing with Reiki Master Kristen Tenpenny leads you into an in-depth journey of relaxation and expansion. $15 LAKELAND MAGIC VS WINDY CITY BULLS Dec. 12 | 7 p.m.

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KARAOKE AT 801 Dec. 09 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

The Poor Porker 801 E Main St., Lakeland www.thepoorporker.com/ Bring your vocal chords and fancy dance moves! Cocktails, craft beers, beignets, friendly faces, and the sweetest atmosphere will be ready and waiting for you!

IMPERIAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: THE HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Dec. 12 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.

RP Funding Center, Lakeland. imperialsymphony.org Symphonic works, Christmas carols and songs of the winter season. Join in on the fun with the audience-favorite Christmas Carol Sing-Along.

GINGERBREAD HOUSES WITH MRS. CLAUS Dec. 10 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Join us for fun for the whole family and decorate your own gingerbread house and take a tour of the Holiday Home.

Each participant will receive their own gingerbread house to decorate and storybook to take home. Register online.

LUNCH & LEARN: HOLIDAY HOME DECOR WITH PLANTS Dec. 13 | 12-1 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Learn how to decorate indoors and outdoors for the holidays with plants, natural materials, and other festive crafts.

Bring your favorite lunch, picnic in the Gardens, or opt for a fresh choice from the Blue Palmetto Cafe. All Lunch & Learn events are included with general admission and free to members. RSVP recommended for this class.

THE CRYSTAL NUTCRACKER Dec. 10 | 3-5 p.m.

Polk Theatre 139 S Florida Avenue, Lakeland www.polktheatre.org Crystal’s World of Dance presents The Crystal Nutcracker!

CREATIVE YOGA: KAREN SEGGERMAN Dec. 10, 2017 | 3-4 p.m.

Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org An hour-long class that will end incorporating the current exhibition.Our classes are a community format so that all ages, sizes, and levels of experience will feel comfortable.

Please arrive early as space is limited and bring your own mat, blanket, and support block.Cost: $10 Non-members / $5 MembersIf you have any questions, please call Membership Manager, Diana Smith, at 863.688.7743 x 249.

WILD WEDNESDAY: REINDEER! Dec. 13 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Mulberry Phosphate Museum 101 SE 1st St., Mulberry mulberryphosphatemuseum.org Join us for Wild Wednesdays, a free program exploring the animal kingdom. Hands-on activities learning about reindeer! This class is free, but registration is required.

Reservation only needed for children who will be participating.

AQUATIC AND NATURAL AREAS PESTICIDE EXAM PREPS Dec. 14 | 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

UF/IFAS Extension 1702 S Highway, Bartow.

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County will hold exam preps for the Aquatic and Natural Areas pesticide applicator exams HANUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING Dec. 14| 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Virginia Miller Park, Ave B & 4th Street Winter Haven.

Chabad Jewish Center will be hosting a Hanukkah Menorah Lighting. Open to the public.

THURSDAY SQUARED FOOD TRUCK RALLY Dec. 14 | 6-9 p.m.

Munn Park, Lakeland.

Come out and sample unique, delicious foods from 20+ trucks from all over central Florida. Stroll through Downtown and window shop then drop into one of our many delicious restaurants or bars and grab a drink.

LUNCH & LEARN: STATE OF THE CITY Dec. 15 | 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce 401 Ave B NW, Winter Haven web.winterhavenchamber.com Join Endeavor Winter Haven for their December Lunch & Learn as newly appointed City Manager, Mike Herr, gives an update on the status and happenings of Winter Haven. $10/ member $20/non-members CREATIVE YOGA WITH MICHELLE PUGH Dec. 15 | 12-1 p.m.

Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland JMichelle Pugh will guide you through an hour long hathabased class that will end with a meditation focused on our current exhibition. Please arrive early as space is limited and bring your own mat and blanket if possible.Cost: $10 Nonmembers / $5 MembersIf you have any questions, please call Membership Manager, Diana Smith, at 863.688.7743 x 249.

BOK AFTER DARK: CELESTIAL GREETINGS Dec. 13 | 6-9 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Join Geert D’hollander as he performs his all-new Christmas CD live. Enjoy the peak of the Geminids, also known as the “King of All Meteor Showers” because it’s the most intense of all the annual meteor showers.Join the Imperial Polk Astronomical Society on the Singing Tower lawn and view the meteors from their many telescopes they will have available.

CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE Dec. 09| 5-8 p.m.

Lake Howard Trail, Winter Haven www.chainlifewinterhaven.com Bring chairs and enjoy food trucks, live Christmas music and friends before the highly anticipated Christmas Boat Parade drives right by. Everyone meet in Lake May near Marine supply around 6pm and fall in line.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 50 -

40 C

g

tin ra

b ele

Years of Service

Celebrating 40 Years of Service

Country Christmas JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF FOOD, FUN, MUSIC AND INSPIRATION TUESDAY - DECEMBER 12, 2017 – 6:00-8:00 PM

At First Presbyterian Church – 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. 33801

$75.00 Single Ticket

$600.00 Table for 8

Ready to Evolve?

T I C K E T S I N C LU D E D I N N E R A N D E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Come see what we can do for you

To register for tickets go to www.lighthousemin.org/events or call 863-687-4076 ext-224

126 E. Main St. Lakeland, FL 33801

(863) 510-5975

Gather a Group to Celebrate the Season 49

Country Primitives Vintage Market

CONCERT SERIES: MUSIC FOR THE MASSES POLKWEED MUZIQUE Dec. 15| 5 p.m.

Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven www.mywinterhaven.com Registration is required for each concert and opens one month prior to the event.The Friends of the Winter Haven Library present: MUSIC FOR THE MASSES A series of 4 concerts.

BOOK STORE 1/2 PRICE SALE Dec. 16| 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Friends of the Winter Haven Library Book Store, 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven 1/2 price sale on the 3rd Saturday of every month.

DOCENT-LED TOUR Dec. 16| 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org Free. Pre-registration is suggested. Space is limited.Join us each month to get a fresh look into the Museum’s main exhibition through connecting conversations with one of our passionate docents. Learn the stories behind the work and talk “art” with ease as we bring people and art together.

Register at Rerservations@PolkMuseumofArt.org.

DULCIMERS IN THE PARK Dec. 15| 5:30-7 p.m.

Central Park, 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. www.mywinterhaven.com Bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening with this unique Hammered Dulcimer band as well as demonstrations from the Wildwood Dulcimers, mountain dulcimer trio.

THE RESILIENCE ADVANTAGE Dec. 16 | 1-3 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales boktowergardens.org The HeartMath approach to personal resilience is a life changing coaching process that will help you identify the things in life that drain you as well as fulfill you. Kelly Andrews will support you in your journey to a New Way of Being. $45

SNOW CENTRAL Dec. 15| 6-9 p.m.

Chain ‘O Lakes Complex, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven Santa, slides, snow and more! Hosted by the Winter Haven Parks, Rec & Cultural Center.

• ANTIQUES • SHABBY CHIC • FRENCH COUNTRY • BOUTIQUE APPAREL • RECLAIMED FURNITURE

BEGGARS BANQUET Dec. 15| 7-10 p.m.

LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland www.lkldlive.com Enjoy a themed 3-course dinner and a special acoustic mini set while you eat.

CYPRESS GARDENS SKI SHOW: CHRISTMAS! Dec. 16 | 3:30-5:30 p.m.

MLK Jr. Park 199 E Lake Silver Dr. NE, Winter Haven cypressgardenswaterskiteam.com Free Ski Show MLK Jr Park 100 Lake Silver Dr Winter Haven Concessions available.Bring blanket or chair for seating.

SEASON’S SCREENINGS-MOVIES IN THE PARK Dec. 15 | 7 p.m.

Haines City Parks & Rec 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City facebook.com/hainescity Haines City Parks & Recreation present The Santa Clause.

ANNUAL CROOKED LAKE CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE Dec. 16 | 6 p.m.

Crooked Lake, Babson Park www.defendersofcrookedlake.com

FLORIDA TROPICS VS BALTIMORE BLAST Dec. 15 | 7:35 p.m.

RP Funding Center, Lakeland fltropics.com Indoor professional soccer.

LAKELAND MAGIC VS LONG ISLAND NETS Dec. 16 | 7-10 p.m.

RP Funding Center, Lakeland lakeland.gleague.nba.com NBA G League

HOLLY JOLLY JINGLE BELL JOG 5K Dec. 16 | 7:30 a.m.

Cleveland Heights Golf Course 2900 Buckingham Avenue, Lakeland www.jbjog.com Added Reindeer Dash Kids’ Fun Run so that everyone can join in on our Reindeer Games.As in the past, Holly Jolly attire is encouraged! We will once again be traversing the 3 Parks Trail starting just outside of the Cleveland Heights Golf Course. $35

863-291-3131 Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm

251 Ave A SW Winter Haven FL 33880

www.facebook.com/CountryPrimitives

country.primitives@yahoo.com havenmagazines.com

THE TEN TENORS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Dec. 16 | 7:30 p.m.

RP Funding Center, Lakeland. rpfundingcenter.com International singing sensation is a magical experience for the whole family. Center Stage Buffet available for additional charge.

DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET Dec. 16 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

200 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland Fresh produce, plants and local handcrafted items.

LAKELAND CHRISTMAS COMEDY SPECIAL Dec. 16 | 8-10 p.m.

LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland www.lkldlive.com Comedy sketches, musical and dance numbers, local celebrities and much much more! We will also feature a full bar for your enjoyment! Tickets on sale online!

HOLIDAY PACK-A-SACK FOR AGAPE FOOD BANK Dec. 16 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

625 McCue Rd #2, Lakeland Contact us at (407)284-7112 or agapefoodbank@cflcc.org Please complete the volunteer registration online

KARAOKE AT 801 Dec. 16| 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

The Poor Porker 801 E Main St., Lakeland www.thepoorporker.com Bring your vocal chords and fancy dance moves! Cocktails, craft beers, beignets, friendly faces, and the sweetest atmosphere will be ready and waiting for you!

TAI CHI IN THE GARDENS Dec. 16 | 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Learn fluid movements that help release tension, increase balance and relax.

Reservations preferred. $10 50

FLORIDA DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS: TCHAIKOVSKY’S THE NUTCRACKER Dec. 16 | 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 | 2:30 p.m.

Branscomb Auditorium 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland www.floridadancetheatre.org KENNETH TREISTER BREAKFAST & BOOK SIGNING Dec. 17| 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Cleveland Heights Golf Course 2900 Buckingham Avenue, Lakeland Treister will give a talk, slideshow and book signing.

Reservations required by emailing rbaum428@gmail.com $14 CHRISTMAS ORGAN CONCERT Dec. 17 | 4-5 p.m.

Polk Theatre 139 S Florida Avenue, Lakeland www.polktheatre.org CARILLON & CHORALE HOLIDAY CONCERT Dec. 17 | 4-8 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org The sounds of the holidays ring out as the Singing Tower carillon joins a live choir for an enchanting late afternoon concert experience.Concert included in general admission.

December 25-31

December 18-24 THEATRE WINTER TRIBUTE TUESDAYS: CHRISTMAS SOCK HOP FEATURING BUDDY HOLLY & FRIENDS Dec. 19 | 7:30 p.m.

Theatre Winter Haven 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. www.theatrewinterhaven.com SOCIETY OF THE TURTLE JOG Dec. 20 | 5:15-6 p.m.

Join us for a slow jog at 5:15 PM at the fountain in Central Park (across from Gourmet Goodies in Winter Haven).

The 2.5 mile route takes us around Lake Silver and back.

Afterwards, raise a glass with us at one of the local downtown pubs.

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE! Dec. 20 | 7 p.m.

RP Funding Center, Lakeland rpfundingcenter.com The live stage adaptation of the classic animated television special brings all your favorite characters to life - all set to the unforgettable sounds of the Vince Guaraldi musical score.

CHRISTMAS WITH ROCKAPELLA Dec. 20 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Polk Theatre 139 S Florida Avenue, Lakeland www.polktheatre.org From unique spins on classic favorites, to brand new originals destined to become classics, audiences of all ages can expect to be charmed by a holiday performance like no other.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS ORIENTATION & TRAINING Dec. 21 | 5:30-7 p.m.

Family Fundamentals 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd, 2nd Floor, Lakeland www.bbbstampabay.org Please consider becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister and help change the life of a child facing adversity for the better, forever. It doesn’t take a lot of time (between 4-8 hours a month, depending on the program). The real focus is on being consistent, and spending one-to-one quality The first step is to attend one of our Big Orientation & Training sessions.

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA Dec. 21 | 6-8 p.m.

Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center, 801 Ave T NE Winter Haven www.mywinterhaven.com Kick off the holidays with this FREE family event. Join us for a night full of games, prizes, and refreshments. For more information, please call (863) 291-5675.

LIFE SCREENINGS Dec. 21 | 7:30-9 p.m.

LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland www.lkldlive.com Life Screenings in association with Lkld Live and Platform Art brings an international short film screening exhibit to Lakeland, FL.This 80 minute event goes beyond movie night and into a shared experience which includes films, filmmakers, lovers of film and conversation. International filmmakers are Skyped in. All films are curated with the intention of showing a world we desire to live in.

DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET Dec. 23 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

200 N Kentucky Ave 200 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland Fresh produce, plants and local handcrafted items.

CHAT WITH THE MAYOR OF DAVENPORT AT THE GAZEBO Dec. 23 | 10-11 a.m. mydavenport.org Downtown Davenport SATURDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY MOVIE TIME Dec. 23 | 2-4 p.m.

Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven ww.mywinterhaven.com Enjoy a family friendly movie on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month! Admission is FREE and food and drink are welcome. Despicable Me 3

SWEETEN YOUR HOLIDAYS Dec. 22 | 1-3 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Linda Worle, state certified horticulturist and teacher will show real sugar cane plants. She will explain the harvest process‚ and for the fun part: we will decorate sugar cookies for the holidays! Master the surprisingly simple techniques for transforming royal icing and sugar cookies into edible art inspired by nature. $15/person; children ages 6 and up $15

FLORIDA TROPICS VS HARRISBURG HEAT Dec. 23 | 7:35 p.m.

RP Funding Center, Lakeland fltropics.com Professional indoor soccer KARAOKE AT 801 Dec. 23 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

The Poor Porker 801 E Main St., Lakeland www.thepoorporker.com Bring your vocal chords and fancy dance moves! Cocktails, craft beers, beignets, friendly faces, and the sweetest atmosphere will be ready and waiting for you!

MEMBERS RECEPTION Dec. 22 | 6-8:30 p.m.

Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org Lecture followed by a reception and cash bar.This reception is a complimentary membership benefit.RSVP by Monday, December 18.EMAIL Reservations@PolkMuseumofArt. orgONLINE PolkMuseumofArt.org/rsvpWant to bring a friend? Non-Members are welcome to attend for $10 per person.

KIDS’ NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT LEGOLAND Dec. 26-30 2017 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Legoland Florida 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven www.legoland.com Included with admission, VIP experience available for additional charge. End the night with our 7 p.m. fireworks spectacular in the skies above Lake Eloise; before showtime, pick up a free pair of viewing glasses to see a special LEGO surprise in every burst. Locate the missing clocks throughout MINILAND USA for a chance to win a LEGO prize pack. Brick by brick, build a giant New Year’s-themed LEGO mosaic with us. On Sunday, Dec. 31 only, join us as we drop a giant LEGO brick while we count down to 2018 at the kid-friendly time of 8 p.m., followed by our biggest fireworks show of the year!Meanwhile, most of the Christmas Bricktacular fun continues Dec. 26-31, including the tree lighting ceremony, LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier meet-and-greets and our awesome family photo ops MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER Dec. 28 | 7 p.m.

RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland rpfundingcenter.com Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker features over-thetop production values and world class Russian artists. Larger than life puppets and nesting dolls, and gloriously handcrafted costumes bring the Christmas spirit to life.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 52 -

SEASON’S SCREENINGS-MOVIES IN THE PARK Dec. 22 | 7 p.m.

Haines City Parks & Rec 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City Haines City Parks & Recreation present The Polar Express.

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY TEA PARTY Dec. 23 Sweet Magnolia’s Tea Bistro 212 Howard St., Auburndale mysweetmagnolias.com Call for details! Have a tea party with a real sugar plum fairy!

863- 965-1684 SANTA’S RUN FOR OUR KIDS Dec. 23 | 7-11 a.m.

Where: Central Park 4th St. NW, Winter Haven whoptimist5k10k.com This event is sponsored by the Winter Haven Optimist Club, a service club raising funds for our kids in and around Polk County. Our website is: Winterhavenoptimistclub.org

TOM HANKS

Holiday Time is Movie Time!

COMING SOON!

TO SEE WHAT’S PLAYING:

SilverMoonDriveIn.com

4100 US 92 W • Lakeland 863-682-0849 51

Swap Shop every Saturday and Sunday

HOMETEAM NEW YEARS RALLY Dec. 29&30 Maddox Ranch 2505 W Bella Vista St., Lakeland.

What’s the Hometeam New Years Rally you ask? Why, it’s not just a festival, it’s a union and a reunion for family and friends who share a love for music, art and community.

It’s the type of gathering you’ll see the same musician you cheered for on stage, pull up a chair next to you and join the campfire jam. It’s home and we can’t wait for you join the team!Tickets Go On Sale Friday October 13th TIX: http://bit.ly/HOMETEAM2017

TIME FOR A CHANGE MEDITATION Dec. 30 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Most of all, finding the silence and answers from within.

There is something to gain for every in this meditation retreat. All levels are welcome and encouraged to participate. Three hours will fly by and enhance your life in unimaginable ways! Treat yourself with tastes, sounds, smells, yoga postures, breathing exercises, guided visualization meditation, Q & A, walking meditation, and a sound healing grand finale. $35

Bridal, Formal & Quinceanera 863-401-8118

605 6th Street SE, Winter Haven, FL 33880

www.aboutlovebridal.com

SIMPLICITY BAND Dec. 29 | 6:30-8 p.m.

Central Park 4th St. NW, Winter Haven Simplicity Band playing in Central Park. guest please bring lawn chairs.

Crumb & Get It!

HOLD ON, I KNOW THIS! CHRISTMAS EDITION Dec. 29 | 7:30-10 p.m.

LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland www.lkldlive.com Quizmasters Nick Allred and Benedict Heaps host a special Holiday Edition of our favorite quiz show “Hold On, I Know This!” Doors at 7pm Show starts at 7:30pm $10 Advance Tickets $15 Day Of Show DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET Dec. 30 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

200 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland Fresh produce, plants and local handcrafted items.

2510 S Florida Ave. Lakeland, 33803

(863)-210-5132

havenmagazines.com

52

SOLD HOMES

248 ARBOR LAKES DR, DAVENPORT..........................9/25/2017...... $181,000 256 ARBOR LAKES DR, DAVENPORT...........................9/21/2017...... $181,000 136 SENECA LN, DAVENPORT...................................... 9/19/2017..... $195,000 533 CANTABRIA DR, DAVENPORT............................ 10/23/2017..... $196,500 496 LAKE SHORE PKWY, DAVENPORT....................... 9/18/2017......$197,000 471 VIZCAY WAY, DAVENPORT.................................... 9/26/2017..... $210,000 1406 CHALLENGER AVE, DAVENPORT.......................9/25/2017..... $210,000 433 NOVA DR, DAVENPORT........................................9/22/2017...... $217,000 238 RICHMOND DR, DAVENPORT...............................9/21/2017..... $218,000 419 ARAGOSA DR, DAVENPORT............................... 10/26/2017......$219,300 584 NOVA DR, DAVENPORT....................................... 9/26/2017.....$222,000 278 ALFORD DR, DAVENPORT.....................................9/21/2017.....$223,000 154 LAZY WILLOW DR, DAVENPORT..........................9/22/2017.....$223,500 243 STONEHAVEN DR, DAVENPORT......................... 9/15/2017.... $228,000 802 LOCKBREEZE DR, DAVENPORT...........................9/22/2017.... $230,000 503 MONTARA DR, DAVENPORT................................ 9/19/2017.... $230,000 329 SUMMER SQUALL RD, DAVENPORT.................. 10/16/2017.....$233,300 409 PALMETTO ST, DAVENPORT................................9/22/2017.... $234,900 247 STONEHAVEN DR, DAVENPORT.......................... 9/18/2017.... $238,500 363 ARDMORE ST, DAVENPORT................................ 9/26/2017.....$242,500 168 SEVILLE DR, DAVENPORT.....................................9/22/2017..... $244,100 615 OXFORD DR, DAVENPORT....................................9/22/2017.... $245,000 123 BAY ST, DAVENPORT............................................. 9/26/2017.... $250,000 1724 PINE RIDGE DR, DAVENPORT............................ 10/25/2017.... $255,000 244 KETTERING RD, DAVENPORT............................. 9/20/2017.... $255,000 4028 CORTLAND DR, DAVENPORT.......................... 10/31/2017.... $256,400 198 MAGELLAN CT, DAVENPORT................................9/25/2017.... $262,000 850 ASTURIAS RD, DAVENPORT............................... 9/20/2017.....$262,700 4123 CORTLAND DR, DAVENPORT............................ 9/20/2017.....$263,700 3968 CORTLAND DR, DAVENPORT..........................10/27/2017.... $266,400 286 CAPTIVA DR, DAVENPORT.................................. 9/20/2017..... $267,200 2675 SAND HILL POINT CIR, DAVENPORT.................. 11/9/2017.... $270,000 1648 NINA DR, DAVENPORT.........................................9/21/2017.....$276,000 293 DRAYTON AVE, DAVENPORT...............................9/22/2017.... $278,000 1038 CYPRESS POINTE BLVD, DAVENPORT...............9/25/2017.... $285,000 854 ASTURIAS RD, DAVENPORT.................................9/22/2017.......$291,100 2221 CROFTON AVE, DAVENPORT...............................9/21/2017..... $294,100 540 LAGO LOOP, DAVENPORT.................................. 9/19/2017....$300,000 370 ARDMORE ST, DAVENPORT................................. 9/15/2017.... $302,400 1644 NINA DR, DAVENPORT....................................... 9/20/2017.....$310,000 816 ASTURIAS RD, DAVENPORT................................. 9/20/2017.... $326,400 510 CANTABRIA DR, DAVENPORT............................. 10/30/2017....$368,400 2270 CALLAWAY CT, DAVENPORT............................. 9/20/2017....$600,000 5405 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT.......................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5409 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT.......................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5413 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT............................ 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5417 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT............................ 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5421 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT............................ 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5425 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT........................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5429 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT........................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5433 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT........................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5437 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT........................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000

AUBURNDALE

840 WATERFERN TRAIL DR, AUBURNDALE ..............9/25/2017.......$59,900 605 HAMPTON ST, AUBURNDALE ............................ 9/26/2017......$60,000 700 ELIZABETH LN, AUBURNDALE ............................9/22/2017..... $120,000 687 WATERFERN TRAIL DR, AUBURNDALE ...............9/22/2017..... $129,000 213 DENISE CIR, AUBURNDALE ................................... 9/27/2017..... $142,000 624 BERKLEY POINTE PASS, AUBURNDALE .............. 9/19/2017......$174,000 2210 LAKE LENA BLVD, AUBURNDALE .......................9/22/2017..... $195,000 217 ALEXANDER ESTATES DR, AUBURNDALE .......... 9/26/2017.....$239,900 332 LAKE MARIANA WAY, AUBURN-DALE ................. 9/19/2017......$257,200 590 SOMERSET DR, AUBURNDALE ........................... 9/18/2017..... $315,000 2124 KIRKLAND LAKE DR, AUBURNDALE ...................9/21/2017.... $395,000 128 ARIETTA SHORES DR, AUBURNDALE ..................9/22/2017.... $425,000

BARTOW

3150 CENTRAL AVE, BARTOW.................................... 9/20/2017...... $50,000 4587 WESTON RD, BARTOW........................................9/21/2017........$91,500 755 BEARCREEK DR, BARTOW................................... 9/20/2017...... $92,000 3065 REYNOLDS RD, BARTOW....................................9/21/2017...... $95,000 1035 BEARCREEK DR, BARTOW..................................9/22/2017..... $155,000 1813 KINGSMILL DR, BARTOW.................................... 9/29/2017..... $165,000 1845 KINGSMILL DR, BARTOW................................... 9/29/2017..... $165,000 1840 JAMES TOWNE LN, BARTOW............................. 9/29/2017..... $165,000 1841 JAMES TOWNE LN, BARTOW.............................. 9/29/2017..... $165,000 1833 JAMES TOWNE LN, BARTOW............................. 9/29/2017..... $165,000 1833 KINGSMILL DR, BARTOW....................................9/25/2017..... $176,600 2060 GOLDEN MEADOW WAY, BARTOW................ 9/20/2017.....$184,900 1801 KINGSMILL DR, BARTOW......................................9/21/2017......$187,000 1520 S KISSENGEN AVE, BARTOW.............................. 9/15/2017....$200,000 2080 ASHBORO PL, BARTOW....................................9/25/2017......$251,300 965 SQUARE LAKE DR, BARTOW................................ 9/27/2017.....$273,000 4222 ROBERTA DR, BARTOW...................................... 9/18/2017.... $389,500 4226 ROBERTA DR, BARTOW...................................... 9/18/2017.... $389,500 4230 ROBERTA DR, BARTOW...................................... 9/18/2017.... $389,500

DAVENPORT

203 RUM RUN 36103, DAVENPORT............................ 9/15/2017......$90,000 307 RUM RUN 35203, DAVENPORT........................... 9/18/2017...... $92,000 117 SUNSET VIEW DR, DAVENPORT........................... 9/20/2017......$100,100 1366 ANDALUSIA LOOP, DAVENPORT...................... 9/20/2017......$100,100 127 PARADISE WOODS PL, DAVENPORT................... 9/20/2017..... $124,400 206 CALABRIA AVE, DAVENPORT...............................9/22/2017..... $125,000 44 WESTRIDGE RD, DAVENPORT............................... 9/18/2017..... $132,000 260 CRESTWOOD PASS, DAVENPORT.....................10/10/2017.....$148,000 202 E PALM ST, DAVENPORT.......................................9/22/2017.....$149,000 1519 INDIAN KEY BLVD, DAVENPORT.......................... 9/19/2017..... $149,900 227 BRIDGETON ST, DAVENPORT...............................9/22/2017..... $164,900 736 KNOLLWOOD DR, DAVENPORT......................... 9/20/2017..... $165,000 119 GRANT CIR, DAVENPORT....................................... 9/18/2017..... $176,000 912 WOODLARK DR, DAVENPORT............................. 9/18/2017.....$180,000

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 54 -

CATHY “K” KLUYTENAAR &

The K Team Real Estate Services

RELAX. YOU’RE HOME.

Polk County’s Favorite Real Estate Family

Cathy Kluytenaar Zac Kluytenaar

Visit our new website at yourkteam.com

Florrie Kluytenaar

863-604-6220 53

5441 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT............................ 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5445 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT........................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5449 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT.......................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5453 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT........................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5440 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT.......................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5444 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT.......................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5448 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT.......................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5452 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT........................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5532 MISTY OAK DR, DAVENPORT............................ 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5536 MISTY OAK DR, DAVENPORT............................ 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5540 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT.......................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5544 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT........................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5548 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT........................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5552 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT........................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5556 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT........................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000 5560 MISTY OAK CIR, DAVENPORT.......................... 9/20/2017.$1,000,000

2502 SUNSET CIR, LAKE WALES.................................. 9/27/2017...... $56,000 9225 OAKWOOD DR, LAKE WALES.............................10/2/2017....... $57,500 2871 MOCKINGBIRD TRL, LAKE WALES..................... 9/20/2017...... $58,000 3155 MAR LISA COVE RD, LAKE WALES......................9/22/2017...... $70,000 4351 PARK AVE, LAKE WALES...................................... 9/20/2017...... $76,000 841 SHERWOOD DR, LAKE WALES............................. 9/19/2017........$76,100 31 E STARR AVE, LAKE WALES...................................... 9/27/2017.....$100,000 8913 SHEPPARD DR, LAKE WALES............................... 9/19/2017......$118,000 0 TOWER BLVD, LAKE WALES.................................... 9/20/2017..... $132,600 0 TOWER BLVD, LAKE WALES.................................... 9/20/2017..... $132,600 4123 ABERDEEN LN, LAKE WALES............................... 9/19/2017..... $156,000 3050 WALDEN SHORES BLVD, LAKE WALES............ 9/20/2017.....$194,000 4596 BROOKSHIRE PL, LAKE WALES...........................9/21/2017..... $194,900 0 TOWERGATE CIR, LAKE WALES.............................. 9/20/2017......$212,900 4025 PAW PAW TRL, LAKE WALES............................. 10/12/2017.... $220,000 4424 VENTANA LN, LAKE WALES.............................. 9/20/2017.... $246,000 1228 S HIGHLAND PARK DR, LAKE WALES................. 9/27/2017.... $250,000 4166 STONE CREEK LOOP, LAKE WALES................... 9/20/2017.... $325,000 1121 SUNSET DR, LAKE WALES.................................... 9/26/2017....$360,000

FORT MEADE

510 N PERRY AVE, FORT MEADE .................................9/22/2017...... $85,000 30 S BLOXHAM AVE, FORT MEADE ............................9/22/2017...... $112,000

LAKELAND

FROSTPROOF

3525 VALLEY TRL, LAKELAND..................................... 9/15/2017...... $50,000 1920 E EDGEWOOD DR APT R3, LAKELAND..............9/25/2017...... $50,300 2714 SUNSHINE DR, LAKELAND.................................. 9/15/2017...... $55,000 1605 S LINCOLN AVE, LAKELAND............................... 9/19/2017...... $55,000 3218 PEARLY DR, LAKELAND.......................................9/22/2017...... $55,000 0 BEDFORD LN, LAKELAND........................................ 9/20/2017...... $55,000 5232 KNIGHTS STATION RD, LAKELAND................... 9/20/2017.......$56,700 1427 PLEASANT PL, LAKELAND.................................. 9/20/2017...... $62,000 733 CARPENTERS WAY APT 13, LAKELAND.................9/21/2017...... $65,000 908 FOREST LAKE DR, LAKELAND..............................9/21/2017......$68,000 504 CAMEO DR, LAKELAND....................................... 9/15/2017...... $70,000 1815 FOX HILL DR, LAKELAND...................................... 9/18/2017.......$72,000 1511 N CARVER AVE, LAKELAND...................................9/22/2017.......$79,000 6050 CHERRY RD, LAKELAND....................................9/22/2017......$80,000 125 EASTWAY DR, LAKELAND...................................... 9/18/2017...... $83,000 766 BARBER CIR, LAKELAND.......................................9/25/2017...... $84,900 2424 DELPHI CIR, LAKELAND......................................9/25/2017...... $85,000 716 HIGHLAND GARDENS LN, LAKELAND................ 9/26/2017...... $85,000 2416 DELPHI CIR, LAKELAND....................................... 9/15/2017....... $87,500 6217 INDIAN LN, LAKELAND......................................... 9/15/2017......$88,000 1246 W PIPKIN RD, LAKELAND..................................... 10/6/2017......$90,000 453 E MARKET SQ, LAKELAND....................................9/22/2017...... $93,000 2316 DERBYSHIRE AVE, LAKELAND.............................9/22/2017......$94,000 5523 SPRING LAKE DR, LAKELAND.............................9/22/2017...... $94,600 455 MARKET SQ, LAKELAND...................................... 9/19/2017...... $96,000 2883 CREEKS CROSSING BLVD, LAKELAND............. 10/13/2017.......$97,000 2342 CREEKS CROSSING DR, LAKELAND................. 10/13/2017.......$97,000 6003 HILLTOP LN, LAKELAND.....................................9/25/2017......$98,000 5236 HARVARD ST, LAKELAND................................... 9/19/2017...... $102,100 6464 SANDPIPERS DR APT 10, LAKELAND................ 9/20/2017.....$105,000 5111 HAYES RD, LAKELAND............................................9/21/2017.....$105,000 4030 LAKE HANCOCK RD, LAKELAND..................... 9/29/2017.....$105,000 0 LAKE HANCOCK RD, LAKELAND............................ 9/29/2017.....$105,000 5213 SHADYGLEN DR, LAKELAND............................... 9/27/2017.....$106,000

306 S SCENIC HWY, FROSTPROOF............................9/22/2017..... $125,000 10123 US HIGHWAY 27, FROSTPROOF ........................9/22/2017........$57,200 0 STREETY LAKE RD, FROSTPROOF .........................9/25/2017....$400,000

HAINES CITY

251 PATTERSON RD H-38, HAINES CITY .................... 9/26/2017.......$62,500 144 VICTORIA DR, HAINES CITY .................................9/22/2017...... $65,000 232 TANAGER ST, HAINES CITY .................................. 9/18/2017......$68,000 356 WILLET ST, HAINES CITY ...................................... 9/18/2017......$68,000 5030 LAKE LOWERY RD, HAINES CITY ......................9/25/2017........$70,100 79 ASPEN DR, HAINES CITY .........................................9/21/2017...... $85,000 613 4TH ST, HAINES CITY ........................................... 9/26/2017.....$100,000 224 TANAGER ST, HAINES CITY ..................................9/25/2017...... $101,900 228 TANAGER ST, HAINES CITY ..................................9/25/2017...... $101,900 352 WILLET ST, HAINES CITY ......................................9/25/2017...... $101,900 803 AVENUE A, HAINES CITY .....................................9/25/2017.....$106,000 568 TEES DALE DR, HAINES CITY ............................... 9/15/2017...... $115,000 962 CHANLER DR, HAINES CITY ..............................10/30/2017..... $155,000 3022 PATTERSON GROVES DR, HAINES CITY ...........10/4/2017...... $161,000 740 E MAIN ST, HAINES CITY .......................................9/22/2017......$175,400 2036 HEMINGWAY AVE, HAINES CITY ....................... 9/15/2017..... $176,000 349 WILLET ST, HAINES CITY .......................................9/21/2017..... $179,000 221 TANAGER ST, HAINES CITY ....................................9/21/2017..... $183,400 0 LAKE LOWERY RD, HAINES CITY ............................. 9/18/2017.....$185,000 327 WILLET ST, HAINES CITY ......................................9/22/2017.....$189,000 238 MILESTONE DR, HAINES CITY .............................9/25/2017..... $216,000 200 TANAGER ST, HAINES CITY .................................9/22/2017..... $218,900 162 MINNIEHAHA CIR, HAINES CITY .......................... 9/15/2017......$221,000

LAKE WALES

6245 TREASURE VALLEY LOOP, LAKE WALES...........9/25/2017.........$51,100 305 WEAVER ST, LAKE WALES......................................9/21/2017...... $55,000 2503 SUNSET CIR, LAKE WALES................................. 9/27/2017...... $56,000

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3932 LAUREL BRANCH CT, LAKELAND......................9/22/2017....$200,000 2831 MAGNOLIA AVE, LAKELAND.............................. 9/18/2017....$200,000 8710 HINSDALE HEIGHTS DR, LAKELAND..................9/22/2017.... $202,800 0 DANES CT, LAKELAND............................................. 9/20/2017..... $205,100 4220 VINSON RD, LAKELAND...................................10/30/2017..... $216,000 4685 LATHLOA LOOP, LAKELAND............................. 9/15/2017..... $218,400 6217 ELM SQ, LAKELAND............................................. 9/27/2017.... $220,000 2936 VINTAGE VIEW CIR, LAKELAND........................ 9/20/2017......$221,000 8758 FORT SOCRUM VILLAGE WAY, LAKELAND......9/22/2017.....$226,900 301 TOWERING PINES DR, LAKELAND........................9/22/2017.... $230,000 3385 SONGBIRD LN, LAKELAND.................................9/22/2017.....$232,500 330 KERNEYWOOD ST, LAKELAND.............................9/21/2017.... $236,000 2474 SILVER VIEW DR, LAKELAND............................. 9/26/2017.... $236,000 2497 SILVER VIEW DR, LAKELAND..............................9/22/2017.... $238,000 4616 BURGUNDY PL, LAKELAND.................................9/21/2017..... $241,000 1299 EVERGREEN PARK CIR, LAKELAND.................... 9/27/2017..... $247,000 1990 ALTAVISTA CIR, LAKELAND.................................9/22/2017....$248,000 3581 LONGVIEW LN, LAKELAND.................................9/22/2017....$248,000 2824 WHITNEY ST, LAKELAND................................... 9/27/2017.... $248,500 5909 GREAT SALT CT, LAKELAND............................ 10/26/2017......$251,900 8780 VIKING LN, LAKELAND.......................................9/25/2017.....$253,500 508 LAUREL HILL, LAKELAND.................................... 9/20/2017.... $263,000 1312 EVERGREEN PARK CIR, LAKELAND..................... 9/15/2017.... $265,600 6744 HIGHLANDS CREEK LOOP, LAKELAND.............9/22/2017.... $269,900 3430 ARROWWOOD DR, LAKELAND....................... 9/28/2017.... $270,000 4420 SUGARTREE DR, LAKELAND.............................9/22/2017.... $270,000 3254 PEARLY DR, LAKELAND.......................................9/22/2017.....$272,500 7112 HIGHLANDS CREEK AVE, LAKELAND................. 9/26/2017.....$273,600 6532 BEAL LN, LAKELAND.......................................... 9/20/2017.... $284,900 3982 VIAMONTE LN, LAKELAND................................9/22/2017.....$287,000 2586 IRIS ANN DR, LAKELAND....................................9/25/2017..... $297,900 4709 LATHLOA LOOP, LAKELAND...............................9/21/2017....$306,800 802 PARK HILL AVE, LAKELAND..................................9/25/2017.... $320,000 5502 GREY HAWK LN, LAKELAND..............................9/25/2017....$330,000 6802 FORESTWOOD DR, LAKELAND........................9/22/2017..... $331,000 1109 LAKE POINT TER, LAKELAND............................. 9/26/2017..... $337,300 1818 ALTAVISTA CIR, LAKELAND................................. 9/26/2017....$348,000 5070 NEW TAMPA HWY, LAKELAND......................... 9/20/2017.... $350,000 1894 VIA LAGO DR, LAKELAND....................................9/21/2017.... $379,000 8035 DARLINGTON CIR, LAKELAND......................... 9/20/2017.... $405,700 0 ANCHUCA DR, LAKELAND...................................... 9/27/2017... $800,000 0 ANCHUCA DR, LAKELAND...................................... 9/27/2017... $800,000 0 ANCHUCA DR, LAKELAND...................................... 9/27/2017... $800,000 0 ANCHUCA DR, LAKELAND...................................... 9/27/2017... $800,000 3110 REYNOLDS RD, LAKELAND................................. 9/20/2017.. $1,050,000 1615 MEMORIAL BLVD, LAKELAND............................. 9/20/2017.. $1,200,000 930 GRIFFIN RD, LAKELAND........................................ 9/15/2017.. $1,700,000 930 GRIFFIN RD, LAKELAND........................................ 9/15/2017.. $1,700,000 4516 S FLORIDA AVE, LAKELAND................................ 9/19/2017.. $3,185,000

1240 MORGAN DR, LAKELAND...................................9/25/2017.....$108,000 1071 CAPTIVA, LAKELAND............................................ 9/15/2017......$110,000 2175 MONTICELLO AVE, LAKELAND............................9/21/2017....... $111,000 6381 EGRET DR APT 18, LAKELAND............................. 9/15/2017......$114,000 1730 PARK DR, LAKELAND.......................................... 9/20/2017.......$117,000 1332 EVERGREEN PARK CIR, LAKELAND..................... 9/15/2017......$118,000 1311 EVERGREEN PARK CIR, LAKELAND...................... 9/15/2017......$118,000 3409 CHRISTINA GROVES LN, LAKELAND................ 9/18/2017..... $120,000 653 LARK DR, LAKELAND........................................... 9/20/2017.......$121,900 215 W OAK DR, LAKELAND......................................... 9/29/2017.....$130,000 7516 WILLOW WISP DR, LAKELAND........................... 9/26/2017.....$130,000 0 HANCOCK LAKE RD, LAKELAND............................ 9/15/2017.....$130,000 5444 HOUSTON DR, LAKELAND................................ 9/19/2017.....$130,800 6236 EGRET DR, LAKELAND........................................9/22/2017..... $135,000 6317 SANDPIPERS DR, LAKELAND............................... 9/15/2017..... $136,000 609 W PARK ST, LAKELAND.........................................9/25/2017..... $139,900 1226 FAIRLEE ST, LAKELAND........................................ 9/15/2017.....$146,000 5305 LEWELLYN RD, LAKELAND.................................9/25/2017......$147,000 4416 IRIS ST, LAKELAND............................................... 9/15/2017..... $149,900 614 MCRORIE ST, LAKELAND........................................9/21/2017..... $149,900 0 HAMPSTEAD LN, LAKELAND.................................. 9/30/2017.......$151,900 6027 CONDOR DR, LAKELAND.................................. 9/19/2017..... $153,000 1107 WALKER CIR, LAKELAND...................................... 9/18/2017......$155,500 1718 LAKEWOOD RD, LAKELAND................................9/22/2017......$157,000 1412 N GRACE ST, LAKELAND.......................................9/22/2017......$157,000 6023 WOODALE DR, LAKELAND.................................10/4/2017......$159,900 7967 BENJAMIN DR, LAKELAND..................................9/22/2017.....$160,000 821 ARIANA ST, LAKELAND..........................................9/22/2017.....$160,000 0 ARIANA ST, LAKELAND.............................................9/22/2017.....$160,000 2 LA TERRAZA, LAKELAND......................................... 9/26/2017.....$160,000 7989 KAITLIN CIR, LAKELAND.................................... 9/18/2017..... $170,000 2806 TIMBERCREST PL, LAKELAND...........................9/22/2017..... $170,000 7283 PEBBLE PASS LOOP, LAKELAND.........................9/22/2017..... $173,000 8339 ADELE RD, LAKELAND........................................9/22/2017......$173,500 5581 MAGGIORE BLVD, LAKELAND.............................9/21/2017......$173,900 3013 FORT SOCRUM VILLAGE BLVD, LAKELAND...... 9/19/2017......$174,900 408 N IOWA, LAKELAND............................................ 9/26/2017..... $175,000 414 N IOWA ST, LAKELAND......................................... 9/26/2017..... $175,000 417 E PEACHTREE ST, LAKELAND............................... 9/26/2017..... $175,000 415 E PEACHTREE ST, LAKELAND............................... 9/26/2017..... $175,000 1571 KINSMAN WAY, LAKELAND................................... 9/18/2017..... $176,000 5063 ASHWOOD DR, LAKELAND............................... 9/19/2017..... $178,000 534 HOLLOWAY SHORES DR, LAKELAND................ 9/26/2017..... $179,000 1716 BAYOU CIR, LAKELAND....................................... 9/26/2017.....$180,000 6352 BUTTERNUT DR, LAKELAND............................. 9/18/2017.....$183,000 6007 MISSION DR, LAKELAND................................... 9/26/2017.....$185,000 5029 CHRISTOPHER CT, LAKELAND..........................9/22/2017..... $189,900 6542 OAKPOINT DR, LAKELAND.................................9/21/2017..... $192,000 6779 GLENBROOK DR, LAKELAND............................9/22/2017..... $193,000 4425 GALLOWAY LN, LAKELAND............................... 9/15/2017..... $195,000 6142 SILVER LAKES DR, LAKELAND.............................9/22/2017.....$196,000 6735 LAKE CLARK DR, LAKELAND.............................. 9/18/2017......$197,400 7362 BEAUMONT DR, LAKELAND...............................9/21/2017..... $198,500 8748 PLANTATION RIDGE BLVD, LAKELAND.............9/25/2017....$200,000

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Bone Valley ATV Park Around 12 years ago, a group took their interest in a public place to ride ATV’s to Polk County. The county instituted an ATV committee to begin looking for the perfect site, touring 100’s of pieces of property. Eventually Mosaic worked with the county to buy the initial 200 acres of mined land with the option for 300 more for what is now, Bone Valley ATV Park.

Before the park opened in February of 2015, the closest public park that ATV addicts could go to was Croom Motorcycle Area at Withlacoochee State Forest in Brooksville. Now, Polk County gives the public access to adrenaline junkies near and far to enjoy the Florida weather and have a heart-pumping good time doing it.

According to Derek Harpe, Polk County Parks and Recreation’s SuperIntendent, “This place was really affordably done to the taxpayers of Polk County. We went out really aggressively for grants.” It was built so efficiently, in fact, that two-thirds of the park was built with funding from grants.

Prior to opening its gates, the piece of property Bone Valley sits on was mostly dense forest and pine thicket. “Our landscape architects went in with a GPS unit and machetes and cut out trails. It really was an endeavor, it took a year and a half, almost two years to build because it really was a raw piece of property,” remarked Harpe.

“The great part about this is it’s reclaimed mine land, which means something productive is happening after the mining process,” said Harpe. “It worked really well with what we’re trying to do. We tried to keep it mostly trees here, tried not to remove a lot of trees, we wanted it to be beautiful. We wanted you to ride our trails underneath this big oak canopy that we were lucky enough to have and we managed to do that.” According to him, 70-75% of the tracts in the park are shaded, an incredibly nice, if not necessary aspect of an ATV park in sunny central Florida.

The park has become a staple attraction to Polk County residents and a destination for those outside of the county.

Not only because of the fun to be had there but because of the quality of the park. From the trails to the parking area, to the restrooms, everything was clean and well managed to the tremendous credit of park’s staff.

The trails are all one-way and built in 3 stages, easy, moderate, and difficult, much like snow skiing trails as described by Derek. Green is easy, blue is moderate, and black is difficult. You need not worry about accidentally going down the wrong trail during your visit to the park, as they are all clearly marked. Other safety features include do not enter signs down trails of the opposite direction, stop signs to avoid accidents and orange markers along the course that tells you where you are so you can call with your location in case you do find yourself in need of assistance.

“Safety is paramount here,” says Harpe, relaying that the fences in the open areas of the course and throughout the park are designed with holes in the 4x4 posts, so they break if something hits them, minimizing the chance of injury.

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Currently Bone Valley is BYOATV (bring your own ATV), but the park is hoping that by March of 2019 guests will have the option to rent from vendors which Harpe thinks will open the park up to more visitors.

The name of the park has origins in the phosphate mining industry according to Harpe. The southwest side of the county where the park is located along with portions of Hardee, Hillsborough, and Manatee were all mined extensively for phosphate. During the mining process, a multitude of bones and fossils were found, thus dubbing the region ‘Bone Valley.’ The park was fittingly named after the region, with a mastodon head as their logo.

This year, the county purchased the additional 300 acres, giving the park a total of 500 acres: 200 developed, and 300 waiting to begin developement in March of next year.

Though you can’t currently camp at Bone Valley, the development of the additional 300 acres looks to add at least one campground, near a lake on the north side of the new property. The exciting prospect of a campground will also be accompanied by more ATV tracks, hiking trails, 3 motocross tracks, and more. Construction on a motocross track on the current 200-acre property is set to begin around February or March of next year, and along with the 3 proposed tracks on the new property, is part of a partnership with Dream Traxx Motocross Track Builders to build world-class motocross tracks, right here in Polk County.

Harpe spoke on what makes Bone Valley an asset to the county, saying, “It’s an asset because it’s an attraction to bring people in. They stay at our hotels, they eat at our restaurants, buy our gas, but it’s also just for those outdoor people.” He continued, “I think once the 300 acres across the street opens up, we really will see an attraction, you’ll see people coming and spending a week here with us because we’ll have the campground, we’ll have motocross.”

During our trip to Bone Valley ATV Park, Jeremy Maready, from Polk County’s Communications Division took us on a tour of some of the park’s 15 trails. It was an absolute adventure as we left the parking lot and free riding areas, within a minute we were completely secluded, surrounded by palmetto bushes, pine trees, and a canopy of oaks.

There was something so fun about combining the tranquility and solitude of nature with the adrenaline rush of the roar of an ATV navigating the dips and rivets around each turn of the park’s trails. It was a perfect fall day, sunny with a breeze, but I couldn’t help but think that after a good Florida rain how fun it would be to spend an afternoon speeding down the track, splashing through the mud. I’ll have to take a raincheck on that and report back! Cue bad joke drum sound.

Start planning your trip to Bone Valley ATV Park by visiting www.bonevalleyatv.com to see all rules, restrictions, pricing, and all other information.

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Art Crawl 2017

1 Drew Travis Robinson

Molly Ahler Jordan Raybon

2

Megan Delfino Annabel Delfino Cathy Hopkins Meri Mass

1

3 Elizabeth Haslwanter

Gabrielle Haslwanter Morgan Arlt

4 Jacoub Reyes 5 John Lawrence

Leah Lawrence Tom Robertson Rachel Lawrence Taylor Haynes

2

6 Ferdinand DeJesus 7 Yorlett Tovar

PHOTOGRAPH Sarah Walston

3

4

5

6

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7

2

3

4

5

1

Bill Shimp Mary Shimp

2

Archey Campbell Cheryl Campbell

3 Amanda Calabrese

Justin Calabrese

4 Pat Harris 5 Sheila Chamberlain

Jillian Chamberlain

6 Dillon Haakonsen

6

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Amelie Haakonsen Ashley Buckley T.J Zimmerman

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Andrew Pring Samantha Pring

8 Angelia Booth

Casey Copeland Cathy Copeland

9 Rhonda Thomas

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Bryant Thomas

PHOTOGRAPH Bill Batton

Margarita Ball

1

1

2

The Big Event PHOTOGRAPH Bill Siegel

4

3

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Addison Lenderman Jeff Lenderman Paige Lenderman Danielle Lenderman

2

Jill Thompson Dawson Thompson Danny Thompson

3

Lucas O’Connor Grana Gia O’Connor Grana Pia O’Connor Grana John O’Connor

4 James Holt

Daissy Holt

5 Kevin Gardner

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Jeuan Parker Jessie Zimmer Chase Keener

6 Ina Thompson

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Autumn Foust Madison Szlezak Joshua Hulls

Olivia Croy with Faith Laura Lawson with Lawson Nancy Hester with Parker Barbara McClernan with Delia

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