HAVEN August 2019

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid FT Myers FL Permit #1092 Postal Customer ECRWSS

August

Physicians & Providers

Locations

(as of 08/01/19)

We are committed to providing Polk County and the surrounding region with qualified medical professionals.

Cardiology Bhatia, Karan K., MD Mustafa, Muhammad, MD Vigoreaux, Jose R., MD Willard, E.H., MD Cortes-Meyer, Lissette, APRN Endocrinology & Diabetes Miller, Christopher, MD Skukowski, Bobbie, APRN Family Medicine Arana, Flavio R., MD Arango, Cecilia, MD Koilpillai, Robinson, MD Magno, Alexander S., MD O’Meara, Mary, MD Torres, Eduardo, MD Ash, Greisy, APRNP Carbone, Carrie, APRN Cassady, Stephanie, APRN Cox, Jennifer, APRN Hughes, Jessica, APRN Widner, Linda G., APRN General Surgery & Surgical Oncology Gambaro, Esteban, MD Thomas, Robert S., MD Gynecology Gabriel, Carlos I., MD Kenaan, Jana, MD Salamon, Eva J., MD Valadez, Jenifer, APRN Hospitalist Carlucci, Joseph A., MD Muniz, Elvin, MD Paul, Nisha, MD Shamim, Talha, MD Bridges, Candy, APRN Miller, Emily, APRN Reedy, Clayton, APRN Rivera, Ruby A., APRN Internal Medicine Doval, Armando, MD Farrell, Cathy, MD Lakhani, Sonali, MD Lopez, Christopher, MD Prieto, Jose, DO Reyes, Pamela, MD Rivera, Juan R., MD Torres, Jorge, MD

Internal Medicine (cont.)

Aleman, Javier, APRN Bailey, Charla, APRN Bridges, Stephanie, APRN Calderon, Amelia, APRN Garcia, Kristina, APRN Huffstickler, Carrie, APRN Ray, Brandi, APRN Saucedo, Gerardo, APRN Nephrology Hou, Jeffrey Peng, MD Ibrahim, Sherif I, MD McClendon, Michele L., DO Lawrence, Laurel, APRN White, Samantha, APRN Neurology Rajguru, Shailesh, DO Nurse Practitioners *** Listed by specialty Obstetrics Gabriel, Carlos I., MD Valadez, Jenifer, APRN Oncology & Hematology Hlalah, O. Abu, MD Rampersad, Michelle, APRN Ophthalmology Ort, Michael G., MD Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Lerner, Robert K., MD Morin, Paul M., MD Lewis, Jami, APRN Moore, Vicki C., APRN Pain Medicine (Interventional) Eldeeb, Mohammad A., MD Madrid, Amber, APRN Warner, Erin Ashley, APRN Pediatrics Nguyen, Kenny, MD Harte, Brian, APRN Jones, Courtney, APRN Jones, Lorrie, APRN) Rodriguez, Payton, APRN Torres, Heather, APRN

Main Campus

Physical Therapy Balogh, Jeremy S., DPT Cole, Lenny, DPT

500 E. Central Ave. Winter Haven, FL 33880

Physician Assistant *** Listed by specialty

First Street Campus

325 First Street N. Winter Haven, FL 33881

Podiatry & Foot Surgery Englert, Christopher, DPM Feldman, Marc, DPM

Downtown Campus

Pulmonology Romeu-Velez, Jesse, MD Conner, Mike, APRN

199 Ave B, N.W. Winter Haven, FL 33881

Rheumatology Pancorbo, Roberto, MD

East Campus

Sleep Medicine Romeu-Velez, Jesse, MD Conner, Mike, APRN

3000 Woodmont Ave. Winter Haven, FL 33884

Thoracic Surgery Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, MD Cayson, Barry, APRN Rodriguez, Christopher, PA

Ophthamology Adjacent to the Main Campus

506 Ave A, S.E. Winter Haven, FL 33880

Urgent Care Barrow, Michelle, PA Davidson, KC, APRN Davis, Mary, APRN Reed, Deloris, APRN Ritter, Cynthia, APRN

Davenport Campus

2320 North Blvd W, Suite C, Davenport , FL 33837

Urology & Urologic Surgery Lee, Kevin, MD Romero, Claudio, MD Lajoie, Brittany, PA Pickard, Martha, APRN Vascular Surgery Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, MD Cayson, Barry, APRN Rodriguez, Christopher, PA Wound Care Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, MD Cayson, Barry, APRN Rodriguez, Christopher, PA

Marc Feldman, DPM / Podiatry & Foot Surgery Winter Haven Office

Lakeland Office/ Better Bladder Center 4730 Explorations Ave. Lakeland, FL 33812

By Appointment Only

Oficina de Lake Wales

401 E. Central Ave. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-299-9100 Oficina de Sebring

4900 Sun N Lake Blvd. #1 Sebring, FL 33872 863-299-9100

1342 S.R. 60 East Lake Wales, FL 33853 863-679-1552

By Appointment Only

Partnering with Parents since 1948!

In Addition to well care and walk in visits we offer: - Asthma Therapy

- Lab work

- Fluoride Varnish for healthy teeth

- Physicals

- Immunizations

- Splinting

- Incision & Drainage of abscesses

- STD testing & treatment

- Ingrown toe nail - surgical treatment - Ultrasound - Laceration repair

- X-Ray

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Sat 8am-5pm • Sun 8am-2pm

Bond Pediatrics

863-293-1191 ext. 3633

Kenny Nguyen, MD

www.BondClinic.com

Our home is designed with functional space that brings our family closer together.

- Jeanice Martin

Southern Homes homeowner

For the Martin Family’s full story, visit our website at MySouthernHome.com

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877.335.1399 MySouthernHome.com Bring this ad in to receive $500 in new home options

Wishing All Of Our Teachers A Great School Year!

FAMILY MEDICINE Ronald A. Ford, M.D. Richard K. LaCalamito, D.O. David Lipschitz, D.O. Mary R. De Sena, M.D. Garrison F. Christian, M.D. Tristan M. Harrison, M.D. Willie K. Jones, M.D. Laura Ann Mackley, PA-C Michele L. Murphy, APRN-C Nichole Murphy, APRN-C Julie Earp, APRN-C Roxanna Ford, APRN-C Lara Devero-Williams, APRN-C INTERNAL MEDICINE Alan G. Gasner, M.D. Elizabeth H. Griffin, M.D. Kyle M. Pochcial, M.D. Michael L. Keown, M.D. Nichole Murphy, APRN-C Roxanna Ford, APRN-C

CARDIOLOGY Randall B. Kramer, M.D. CARDIOLOGY-INTERVENTIONAL Rakesh Choubey, M.D. COLON & RECTAL SURGERY Richard J. Honer, M.D. Crystal E. Ingle, APRN-C DERMATOLOGY Roya Ghorsriz, D.O. GASTROENTEROLOGY Mark W. Shabla, M.D. GENERAL & BILIARY SURGERY Vriti Advani, M.D. Crystal E. Ingle, APRN-C GENERAL, BREAST & VASCULAR SURGERY W. P. Aronski, M.D.

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY ADULT GENERAL & VASCULAR SURGERY & PEDIATRIC David K. Speyerer, M.D. Maria J. Pochcial, M.D. Crystal E. Ingle, APRN-C

GYNECOLOGY Jean-Paul Muller, M.D. J. Anthony Mancini, M.D. ENDOCRINOLOGY Zahily Fals, M.D. Dorothea Thompson, APRN-C HOSPITALIST Aleixo M. Viegas, M.D. NEPHROLOGY Haldane W. Porteous, M.D., MSC, SCH, FACP Lara Devero-Williams, APRN-C OBSTETRICS -GYNECOLOGY Lisa M. Jardine, M.D. Maria Martino, M.D. OPHTHALMOLOGY OPHTHALMIC PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY John J. McGetrick, M.D. OPHTHALMOLOGY Lorraine S. Simonds, M.D.

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY William A. Cooper, D.O. INTERVENTIONAL SPINE/ SPORTS MEDICINE Lucien J. Parrillo, M.D. Carey E. Coco, APRN-C PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY Richard F. Radocha, M.D. PODIATRY Jorge L. Dopico, D.P.M. James E. Koon, D.P.M. PULMONOLOGY & SLEEP MEDICINE Jose I. Martinez-Salas, M.D. RHEUMATOLOGY Maurice F. McCarthy, Jr., M.D. Ada Lopez-Mendez, M.D. WALK-IN CLINIC Ashley Penaloza, APRN-C Tiffney Martin, APRN-C

(863) 294-0670 • 635 First Street, North, Winter Haven • gesslerclinic.com

Letter From the Editor

SAVE THE DATE

On the cover: Tangerine Egret by Adam Strang Bass Our August issue has one of the most beautiful covers yet! Local artist, Adam Strang Bass is a photographer with his first show in September. Read our profile about him and then make sure to visit his exhibition at the Lake Wales Arts Council.

NIGHT

This month’s cover story is a celebration of the Theatre Winter Haven turning 50! It was a rocky start, but with the help of the city, talented actors and excited audiences, it has grown into one of the most successful community theaters in the country.

Congratulations!

Aug. 22nd from 5-7pm

We also talk about a couple of exciting new businesses coming to downtown, a major musical act coming in September and a few locals with some very special stories. This is a jam-packed issue and we hope you feel inspired after reading it!

This past month, we had the honor of attending the Florida Magazine Association’s annual Charlie Awards Gala. This year, Haven Magazine won three awards and I couldn’t be more proud of our team! Winning for Best Writing Feature (Skunk Ape written by Tara Crutchfield), Best Cover Photography & Best Advertisement for a Client (Steven Maynard & myself). This brings us to a total of six awards earned over the past three years. I humbly say, that we are the most awarded magazine in the county, and we only plan to improve. Thank you to everyone that picks us up each month, and to all of our advertisers that support us. We can NOT do this without either of you!!

Keep tagging us with #kindachill each month, you might find yourself in the next issue!

Speaking of our next issue, our September will be the biggest one yet filled with your picks for the BEST of HAVEN! It’s something you’ll want to pick up early and hang onto as a resource for local businesses.

Hope to see you around! Have a great August!

Amy Sexson Editor & Partner Haven and LKLD Magazines amy@havenmagazines.com

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A U G U S T

CONTENTS

FEATURES PROFILES.........................................................................36 COVER STORY............................................................... 17 RESTAURANT................................................................ 32 TRAVEL............................................................................ 60

5.......................................................FROM THE EDITOR 8..................................................................LOCAL NEWS 10............................................................... TOP 10 TO DO 24..................................................................................ARTS 30...................................................................... COCKTAIL 42.....................................................................CALENDAR 56..........................................SOLD HOMES LISTINGS 63................................................................ #KINDACHILL

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AUGUST VOLUME 3 ISSUE 11 Publisher Chris Sexson Editor Amy Sexson Managing Editor Tara Crutchfield Photographers Amy Sexson Art & Production Manager Steven Maynard Ad Director Chris Campbell HAVEN is published twelve times a year by Destroyer Media Marketing.

Haven distributes 16,104 copies a month with 8,604 mailed to homes and 7,500 copies available at select locations throughout east Polk County.

For advertising information please contact: christine@destroyermedia.com For editorial information please contact: amy@destroyermedia.com To submit to our calendar: amy@destroyermedia.com Office: PO Box 1607 Winter Haven, Florida 33881

2017 Digital Excellence for Best Social Media 2018 Best Design: Cover Best Redesign 2019 Best Writing: Feature Best Advertisement: For a Client Best Photography: Cover

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LOCAL NEWS

WHAT’S MY BUS NUMBER?

SCHOOLS THAT FIT YOUR NEEDS

Polk County Public Schools is opening a temporary call center for the beginning of the 2019-20 school year. Parents and guardians can dial 863-534-7300 for assistance from Monday, July 29 through Friday, Aug. 23 on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Staff will be able to provide help with all manner of transportation questions, including student bus numbers; stop times and locations; transportation eligibility; bus delays and other topics.

FATHER & SON TRIP

ANOTHER GREAT SCHOOL YEAR

The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) Program was established during the 2019 Legislative Session.

The FES provides children whose families have limited financial resources a scholarship to attend a private school selected by the parent.

A student is eligible for the FES if the student meets certain criteria. More info at polkschoolsfl.com

Dieter Deussen and his five-year-old son Julian have completed the trip of a lifetime. In a span of 13 days, the duo from Germany visited seven different countries and eight different cities on their way to visit all of the LEGOLAND® Parks throughout the world! “The key to this trip was to have fun and enjoy extensive time with my son,” said Deussen while embracing Julian. “It’s a memory that we’ll have forever.”

Polk County Public Schools kept its positive momentum with another B grade in 2018-19. It was PCPS’ second consecutive year as a “B” district.

Comparing 2018-19’s school grades to the year prior, Polk County saw the number of “A” schools increase to 26 from 23; “B” schools increase to 29 from 27; “C” schools decline to 48 from 68; and “D” schools increase to 21 from 6. There were no F-rated schools in Polk.

HONORARY GUARDIAN

ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN

BRINGING HOME THE GOLD

PICK THE MAGIC JERSEY

On July 11, Sheriff Grady Judd administered a special oath of office to Mr. Ryan Petty – father of 14-year-old Alaina Petty, a Parkland shooting victim – to become an honorary Polk County School Guardian. Mr. Andrew Pollack - father of 18-year-old Meadow Pollack, a Parkland shooting victim - was also in attendance.

Mr. Pollack has been a staunch advocate for school safety and strong supporter of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission and serves on the Commission with Sheriff Judd.

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort constructed a life-size LEGO® Astronaut model comprised of almost 66,000 LEGO bricks to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. In addition to the eye-catching astronaut model, LEGOLAND Florida also assembled a moon landing-inspired mosaic background built from more than 44,000 LEGO bricks!

On June 23rd, the Cypress Gardens Water Ski brought home the Southern Regional Championship trophy from Sarasota! Since 2012, the Cypress Gardens Water Ski team has been competing in the Southern Regional Championships against some worthy competitors from Sarasota, Lakeland and Tampa.

The Lakeland Magic wants you to design their next uniform. The contest was open to the public for submissions through July 21, 2019 and will open to fans for voting starting on August 1, 2019. Player worn jerseys will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting the winner’s Polk County charity of choice. Visit lakeland. gleague.nba.com to learn more!

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POLK TOP 10 10-11 NATURE’S FINEST YOGA CLASS 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve in Lake Alfred. Every Thursday evening, everyone is welcome.

Bring a mat and an open heart.

Donations will be accepted although the class is free. mylakealfred.com

AUGUST COMEDY NIGHT CHRIS GORGES FEATURING TIFFANY BARBEE August 24, 8 p.m., Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven. Adult Material - Viewer Discretion is Advised.

Chris studied improvisation under Richard Schaal, Co-Founder of the legendary Compass Theater Group and The Second City in Chicago. High energy, honest and edgy comedy set the tone for a show that is never the same twice. Lots of interaction and improvisation make for a great comedy experience. centralfloridatix.com

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1 ADRIENNE RICHARDS August 1, 6 p.m. at Jensen’s Corner Bar, 100 3rd St SW, Winter Haven. An early evening block of acoustic tunes to get you ready for Friday! Come early for best seating.

FINE ART AT THE MAGNOLIA Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at theMagnolia Building,702 E Orange St. Invitational Fine Art Show held annually showcasing 19 accomplished Fine Artists from across the state in a stunningly beautiful 2-day Fine Art Show held inside the lovely Historic Magnolia Building in downtown Lakeland’s garden & theater district. For more info please email Betsy Bohrer at betsy@thebohrergallery.com or find them on FB @FineArtMagnolia

LEGOLAND FIRE SAFETY WEEKEND August 10 & 11, Legoland Florida.

Presented by the National Fire Protection Association, this entertaining and informative event teaches kids about fire safety with a variety of fun activities in the theme park, including a character experience with LEGO Max, a fire safety-themed scavenger hunt and a unique LEGO mosaic build.

Guests can snap a photo with LEGO City’s tallest firefighter! www.legoland.com

LADIES NIGHT DOWNTOWN August 29, 5:30 p.m. in Downtown Winter Haven. Enjoy a night of shopping, dining, and cocktail specials in participating businesses. Register for your FREE map online and pick them up on the corner of Central Ave and 4th Street NW at 5:30PM on August 29th! www.mainstreetwh.com

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17 CLEAR THE SHELTERS ADOPTION EVENT August 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., The Humane Society of Polk County, Inc., 3195 Dundee Rd., Winter Haven. A nationwide pet adoption drive to help find loving homes for animals in need. For this event the adopt fees will be discounted. (863) 324-5227 polknokill.org

POLK EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS August 29, 6-8:30 p.m., Bartow Civic Center. The Polk Emerging Leaders Awards annually recognizes five young professionals from across Polk County making significant contributions and commitment to the community.

Bartow, Lakeland and Winter Haven Chambers are involved. www.winterhavenchamber.com

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20 THE BEST OF THEATRE WINTER HAVEN- TRIBUTE TUESDAY LIVE August 20, 8-10 p.m., Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven. See, hear and experience the best songs and great talent from the Theatre Winter Haven stage. See the highlights from this and past seasons, PLUS, selections from shows to come. (863) 294-7469 centralfloridatix.com

CAMERAS FOR THE CAUSE August 30, 6-8 p.m. at the Polk State WH Fine Arts Gallery.

Photography exhibit and auction by local doctors to benefit Hope Lodge Tampa. Enjoy entertainment and refreshments.

Presented by Bond Clinic, $30 tickets may be purchased at centralfloridatix.com. Exhibit runs until Sept. 5.

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WALKABILITY:

“THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT IS FRIENDLY TO THE PRESENCE OF PEOPLE LIVING, SHOPPING, VISITING, ENJOYING OR SPENDING TIME IN AN AREA”

ORLANDO TOP 10 3

1-11 MYSTERY SKETCH THEATER

First Thursday of each month, 8 - 10p.m. at The Falcon Bar, 819 E. Washington St. A monthly live figure drawing session with models dressed as superheroes, burlesque performers, retro housewives or other pop culture outfits. $5, all skill levels welcome, bring your own supplies. (407) 423-3060 FB @ mystery sketch theater

TRACK SHACK’S CELEBRATION OF RUNNING 5K

August 17, 7:30 a.m. at Orlando Cultural Park, 530 East Princeton St. Presented by AdventHealth this kicks off the Florida running season. Children’s fun run at 8:45 a.m. Register at trackshack.com

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TWELVE ANGRY JURORS August 1-11, performed at the Orange County Regional History Center. A play about an 18-year old boy on trial for the stabbing and murder of his own father.

Twelve Jurors are shoved in a hot, bleak, room in mid-summer New York and tempers get short as the clock ticks and the temperature rises. (407) 937-1800 cfcarts.com

NASHVILLE NIGHT IN ORLANDO W/ KENT BLAZY AND CORY BATTEN

August 17, 7 - 11 p.m. at Harry Buffalo. A little bit of Nashville’s “Blue Bird Cafe” style to Orlando featuring Kent Blazy and Cory Batten in downtown Orlando for a unique songwriters round.

Advanced ticket purchase only.

More info on FB @nashvillenightinorlando

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ORLANDO WINE MIXER

August 2, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. at New Broad St. & Jake St. in Orlando.

Over 70 local artisans of all genres will display their art while guests shop and stroll through the heart of downtown Baldwin Park. baldwinparkevents.com

August 3, 3 - 7p.m. at Artisan’s Table, 55 W Church Street, Ste 128. Spend a late Saturday afternoon enjoying bottomless wine selections (and craft beer from Orange County Brewers) paired with delicious bites and 70s & 80s classic rock ballads. More info email hello@ growthmarketingfirm.com, (321) 594-8161, tickets at Eventbrite.

RAGTIME THE MUSICAL

RUSHMORE

FIRST FRIDAY FESTIVAL

August 23 - Sept. 15 at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. Based on the novel “Ragtime” by E. L. Doctorow. At the dawn of a new century, in the melting-pot of New York City, a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant, and a daring young Harlem musician are brought together by the promise of the future. (407) 877-4736 gardentheatre.org

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August 27, 9:30 p.m. at Enzian Theater in Maitland. One of Wes Anderson’s first movies and our editor, Amy’s most favorite movie of all time. Starring Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray and Olivia Williams. 1998 Rated R. (407) 629-0054 enzian.org

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15 SUNSET AT THE ZOO

August 15, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford. On the third Thursday of each month, the gates reopen, $5 admission, adults 21+ can stroll through the Zoo enjoying live music, purchase beer and wine, and meet animals up-close.

(407) 323-4450 centralfloridazoo.org

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

August 29 - Nov. 23. A celebration of global cuisines, music & more!

Explore international food kiosks, guest chefs, Marketplace additions and live music. Enjoy 87 days of Food & Wine, the longest the festival has ever run. Food & beverages sold separately. disneyworld.disney.go.com

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TAMPA TOP 10 3 OLIVIA PARKER: VANISHING IN PLAIN SIGHT

ZIP LINE ADVENTURE

Through August 31 at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa. View Parker’s interpretation of her husband John’s continual changes due to Alzheimer’s disease beginning with notes he would write to himself so he wouldn’t forget.

(813) 221-2222 fmopa.org

A 2.5-hour guided zip line adventure with 5 zip lines, numerous aerial adventure challenges, a 200’ suspension bridge crossing and wide open water views of Bayou Wilderness and Tampa Bay. Reservations required, ages 7+, groups welcome.

(813) 448-5635 zipontampabay.com

BOLTS BREW FEST

GOURMET FEASTIVAL

August 16, 7pm at Amalie Arena.

A three-hour event with craft beers from a variety of different local craft breweries, oversized games, Lightning personalities and more!

VIP experience available for additional charge. amaliearena.com

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August 22, 6-8:30pm at Armature Works. Enjoy signature dishes from Tampa’s finest restaurants, fabulous entertainment and an impressive silent auction and raffle.

Funds raised support The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women.

Thecentre.org

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DILLYDALLY WITH DALI

WORLDWIDE WEDNESDAY: JAPAN

Every Wednesday at noon at the Glazer Children’s Museum.

Learn about a different culture through activities, story time, and endless fun! (813) 443-3861 glazermuseum.org

LIVING HISTORY SATURDAYS

August 24, 12-3pm at the Tampa Bay History Center. Stories From a Battalion During the Great War. Through Kevin Gonzalez’s interpretation, discover how machine gunners lived, moved and fought during World War I, the impact they made, and how the technology has evolved. (813) 228-0097 tampabayhistorycenter.org

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August 3, 12-2:30pm at The Dali Museum. Children ages 4-11 can discover Dali through games, puzzles and arts + crafts activities which educate and encourage family interaction under the direction of the Museum’s Education Programs Associate in the 1st floor Stavros Education Center. (727) 823-3767 thedali.org

SUMMER POP UP AT ST. PETE SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB

August 25, 12-4pm. Indie Flea pop up with 60+ vendors and mobile shops, Shuffleboard, Brunch and Cocktails! Theindieflea.com

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10 TAMPA BAY ROWDIES

August 10, 6:30pm at the Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Pete.

Watch Tampa Bay’s professional soccer team and a member of the United Soccer League play against the Birmingham Legion FC. (727) 222-2000 rowdiessoccer.com

B-52s - 40TH ANNIVERSARY

August 28, 7pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater with special guests OMD and Berlin. Featuring songs like Rock Lobster and Love Shack, don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes and beehive wigs! rutheckerdhall.com

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CELEBRATE

summer

IN THE GARDENS.

SUMMER CELEBRATIONS Enjoy the beauty of the Gardens this summer season. Explore the meandering gardens, designed to be a contemplative and informal woodland setting offering a series of romantic recesses and tranquil resting spots, picturesque vistas and breathtaking views of the Singing Tower. Acres of ferns, palms, oaks and pines fashion a lush backdrop for flowering foliage and the spectacular seasonal color showcase an ever-changing work of art.

50% OFF ADMISSION FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS AUGUST 1- 31

Valid photo ID required.

MUSIC ON THE TERRACE WITH THE BLUE ROOSTERS AUGUST 2

Free admission 5pm-7pm.

Music begins at 6pm.

SPONSORED IN PART BY

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

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Reflecting on 50 Seasons of Theatre Winter Haven “Norm, let’s start from the beginning,” I said.

asked the Women’s Club if they could use the space and they agreed. They were at the Women’s Club from 1975 to 1976 while their current theatre was in construction. Asked to leave the Women’s Club auditorium, TWH went back to the small tourist auditorium until 1977 when the current theatre was completed. Small remembered their time at the Women’s Club, “We had to bring all of our lights in.

We put one down backstage, forgetting that it was still on. It started to smoke,” he burst with laughter.

“That’s one of the reasons they asked us to leave!”

Norman Small, Founding Producing Director for Theatre Winter Haven pulled out a black and white photograph and slid it across the table. Beneath the group of shaggy-haired ’70s youngsters read, “First Play Reading Committee 1970.”

“There’s a guy there with a lot more weight and a lot more hair at the time,” he laughed pointing to his 25-year-old self.

Theatre Winter Haven got its start by two of the people in that photo. “They were a couple of clowns in town,” said Small. “And I mean literally clowns, they made a living out of that.” The couple had gotten together with the Department of Recreation to found a community theatre. They asked Norman if he would join. A professor at then Polk Junior College at the time, he obliged. The clowns left town–money and all, after the first show, “Don’t Drink the Water”

by Woody Allen.

The theatre’s infancy was held together by a shoestring budget. For years, everyone, including Norman worked as a volunteer. There were a few vital volunteers that particularly stood out to the founding producing director. First, box office chairman, Virginia Myers who volunteered for thirteen years until her passing.

Two other instrumental players were actors from Lakeland, Barbara Smith and Mike O’Steen. The two performed for Lakeland Little Theatre and would go on to play many leads for Theatre Winter Haven.

“Barbara and Mike were really our stalwarts in surviving,” said Small crediting the actors.

“As a professor of theatre at the college and a local little theatre beginning, let’s do it or die,” Small remembered thinking. “So, I did it.” Making a whopping $6K a year teaching, Small was able to volunteer his time to continue the theatre. Season One would show only two productions, the second, “Barefoot in the Park” by Neil Simon. But Small persisted.

A year for the record books for Theatre Winter Haven was 1977. That year, the theatre hired its first employee, technical director, David Seavey. In 1980, Norman Small became the second employee, finally drawing a paycheck following ten years of volunteering.

Asked if he had any funny stories to share about the first season, Small quipped, “Why don’t I say that the first season was the funny story.” Funny or not, they climbed to 150 subscriptions in their first year.

Measurable Impact “When you are in the arts, you have a passion,” said Small. This passion is inflamed by both the process and the product. “If the product turns out and you adore what you’ve done and hopefully the audience does too – you want it to continue.”

For the first five or so years, the performances were held at the Tourist Club Auditorium on Lake Silver.

The small, flat stage auditorium could seat 150 and had a 15-foot-wide stage. Sandwiched between the shuffleboard courts and bingo and bridge hall, Norm joked, “We never knew when we performed whether it was going to be B-16 or I-41.”

“I went to a national conference in 1979 in New York City. One of the showcases of the American Community Theatre Association was the last time’s national winner – it was called “The Good Doctor” from Topeka Kansas,” recalled Small.

Between 1947 and 1955, there was another community theatre (that had since dissolved) in Winter Haven according to Small. They would use the Women’s Club auditorium to perform. Small

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He watched it and thought, “We can do that.”

He decided to enter the theatre in the competition which started at the state level, moving up to regional and national. Busy at the theatre, Norm was unable to attend the competition. “I remember getting the phone call backstage,” he said. It was a Friday night, the production they had entered was “The Shadow Box.” His excitement still almost as palpable as the day it happened, Small said, “We won!”

“Went to nationals, didn’t win. Who cares? We were [among] the ten best in the country,” he said. The win energized him artistically. “It validated what we were doing by those who are in the same world as we are.”

Between 1980 and 2017, Theatre Winter Haven has been nominated for and won numerous awards regionally, nationally, and internationally – donning the crown of most honored community theatre.

“How does it impact the community? The community knows they’ve got something here,” said Small, speaking to the cultural draw of the theatre. Current Producing Director, Dan Chesnicka added, “The economic impact right now for Theatre Winter Haven is about 8.5 million dollars to this community.”

That is 8.5 million dollars in food, lodging, gas, amenities, etc. that have been measured to directly result from the work of Theatre Winter Haven.

“We bill ourselves as Florida’s most honored community theatre because of the number of awards that have been bestowed upon us in a number of arenas,” said Chesnicka. Widely regarded as one of the best community theatres in the nation, the shows they produce impact the culture and economy of the surrounding areas. “Our county measures the success of an organization by how many visitors we bring from outside our local area. Our audience represents 35% from outside of Polk County that travel here to see these shows which is a fantastic measure of our success,” said Chesnicka.

More important still is the safe place the theatre provides. This is true especially of kids that participate in their academy. Chesnicka said, “They always have a safe place to come. We have classes that go throughout the year, we have two academy shows that we do each year. These kids are in a safe environment where they are valued and they are trusted and they are given all the tools that will give them accumulated advantages that they will take on through life.”

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For Chesnicka, it’s the “off the balance sheets” effects that theatre has on people which impact him most. “It’s the kid who comes in whose struggling in their life in one way or another and finds a home and finds a friend and is able to finally find that one place where they feel like they belong,” he said.

The volunteers get something from the theatre as well. There must be a reason they sacrifice their time and talent for the theatre’s sake. “They do it because it feeds them in a way that is meaningful and it’s admirable that we have the institution in our community,” said Chesnicka. “I’m so proud to be affiliated with it and with the people who donate their time and their energy and their talent for the only purpose of creating happiness for others.”

Support from the City Without the relationship between Theatre Winter Haven and The City of Winter Haven which Small noted as “important and significant,” the theatre would never have happened at all. “We had to have a place, they provided that at a very low cost.

This theatre that was built was specifically built for us, with input by me,” he said. “Their continued relationship with us is a symbiotic relationship that without them, what we have provided since, wouldn’t have continued.”

That tradition of local government support continues according to Chesnicka. Motioning to the construction on the Field House, Chesnicka acknowledged what it will do for the athletic community, adding, “It should be noted that there’s also going to be a second theatre that is built here so that we can double up on the amount of entertainment we provide for the people of this community.”

More rehearsal and multi-use space will allow the theatre to expand their children’s programs from simply theatre to that of a broader visual and performing arts center – including dance and voice programs, chamber music and instruments.

“If the mainstage is the beating heart of our theatre, our academy is its soul,” said Chesnicka.

“We’re wildly proud of everything that we do on our mainstage, but rarely do I feel more connected to our - CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 20

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mission than when we’re doing our academy shows.”

Theatre Winter Haven has been home and host to many successful actors, actresses, and technicians.

Actress Karen Olivo who came through the academy won a Tony Award for her role as Anita in West Side Story, the same role she played here. TV host, personality and Hamilton star, Wayne Brady has even graced the Winter Haven stage. If the theatre ever put together a wall of fame, Chesnicka said it would be wildly impressive – a nod to their reputation as the best community theatre around.

A tinge of pride in his voice, Small smiled, “How many theatres can say their little theatre produced a Tony winner?”

Of the city’s investment in Theatre Winter Haven, Chesnicka said, “I would say from Mayor Dantzler to the commissioners, to City Commissioner Herr, to Assistant City Commissioner T. Michael Stavres – there is a unanimous sense of commitment to having arts be if not the central part of our community, certainly a central part of our community.”

Looking Back, Moving Forward For 45 seasons, Norman Small was at Theatre Winter Haven’s helm. It isn’t just the building that holds memories for him, it’s the people and the art they made together. Small thought for a moment before listing out monumental times in his theatre career.

First, was moving into the building in ’77. “Before that point, I never really considered that what I was doing was show business, I was just doing shows,” he said.

“When the very first rehearsal happened under lights, when they went on for the first time – I’ve never had an experience like that except when my first child was born. When they came out and showed me the baby, something happened. And that happened whenever the lights went on and the curtain came up for the

first rehearsal here in this building.”

Next was when they were finally able to afford to hire their technical director David Seavey as a paid employee. Seavey left his job at what was then Circus World, taking a pay cut to do so. Norm asked him why. Small’s eyes began to water, “He said, ‘I was a Vietnam war vet. I’ve never seen people work harder to create a product and make it all happen since I was in the military than in the theatre.’” He went on to say that the coalescence of people working together to create something meaningful and significant was why he joined TWH. Small paused, “What an incredible, holy thing to say.”

This powerful sentiment was followed up by the memory of entering and winning the first competition, hiring production manager, Thom Altman who Norm one time gifted a gallon of white glue because he held them all together. Volunteers Virginia Myers and Dave Burger were given high praise, and Small mentioned his first paycheck from the theatre and reaching 4,000 members during their 45th season.

These spotlights were brief for the sake of the interview, but Small could have gone on telling sidesplitting stories and thanking the people who have made Theatre Winter Haven successful.

Season 50 – Shows and Celebration The Season 50 lineup of shows is promising. To kick off this milestone season is, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” a production that too is turning 50 this year.

Following that production will be “Coming Back Like a Song,” “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” and “Kinky Boots.” The latter is significant as Theatre Winter Haven will be the first community theatre in Florida to debut “Kinky Boots.” “We’re going to be doing that before you’ll be able to see it

anywhere. That happens quite regularly based on our reputation and our number of years of service,” said Chesnicka. Rounding out the season will be “Calendar Girls” and “The Wedding Singer.”

To celebrate the big 5-0, the theatre is planning a gala to take place in March. We don’t yet have many details to offer, other than, “It’s going to be big,” according to the Producing Director.

Final Thoughts A nationally recognized community theatre, the most honored in Florida – Theatre Winter Haven has grown that initial 150 subscriber base to nearly 5,000. Here from day one, Norm still catches every show he can when he’s in town. He’ll tell you that his favorite production throughout the years will always be, “The next one.”

The torch has been passed to Chesnicka and the next fifty or so years will be his to nurture. “My goal is to honor our city commissioners’ and our city manager’s wish to make Winter Haven a great place to live, work, and play,” he said. “I found this place as a volunteer. My kids grew up in this place. The reason I’m in this job is because I want to preserve what Norm has created and if possible cast a wider net – to continue the growth that Norm talks about that has happened through the first 50 years. And, to make sure that 50 years from now, there’s someone from Haven Magazine sitting down with whoever the next director is, to talk about what a milestone it is that Theatre Winter Haven is turning 100.”

“Norm, any final thoughts on the theatre’s 50th season?” I asked.

The Theatre Winter Haven luminary answered, “I never expected this to happen when I was 25 years old, but I’m so glad it has.”

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“I Carried a Watermelon” … Is a famous line that I had no idea I would hear about 100 times in one week.

I remember seeing the film Dirty Dancing when I was a teenager and thinking how cool it would have been to be in the scene where everyone dances the night away with Patrick Swayze. I would pretend to be Penny the beautiful blonde dance instructor. That, along with the “Baby character” was the extent of my Dirty Dancing memories.

We, Nando, my assistant Bianca & myself had just spent the last five weeks recreating all the iconic scenes of the film. It’s for an Australian TV show similar to our Dancing With the Stars, except the twist is they have to recreate all the different dances from the film. I felt like I was at Outback Steakhouse everyday being that the majority of the crew were Aussies.

First thing after reading the script, I knew we needed to remake the iconic T-shirts for the actors and background to wear. We roped in our Winner Haven Apparel and recreated the famous “Kellerman’s T-Shirts” with our

Lakeland Printer. I called them up and lickety-split, like Amazon… the shirts were made and delivered to set in Virginia.

Next up, Bianca and I watched Dirty Dancing a million times. We had to match all the wardrobe as closely as possible and Nando and his team had to build the sets.

We took a lot of screen shots from the film and then we shopped. It was surprising because almost everything “Baby” wore in the film was on the rack for sale at Target and Forever 21. Who would have thought?

The cast and crew were amazing to work with and it was a really magical production. Nothing went wrong on the show. That rarely happens. Bianca thinks it was because she swears the ghost of Patrick Swayze was channeling her the whole time we were in production. I kept telling her, that was a whole different film with Whoopi Goldberg.

Hands down, this was one of our favorite projects to date.

Now, typically we would skip back to NY for the next job or enjoy some time at our house up there. Instead, we are surprisingly shooting a film here in Florida! In Citrus County in a town named Hernando. I am Costume Designing with Bianca and Nando has an acting role.

(Nando thinks it’s really weird seeing his name, Hernando plastered all over the town). This is a feature film and we have weekends off which is rare. The script is very Central Florida, written by LA based, Jon Carlo who has submerged himself in Citrus County for the past 2 months.

His script includes everything from air boats to muddin’, quads, bonfires, Springs, visors, Yeti coolers, flotillas, “Polar Pops,” short shorts and Mexican tacos. Locations include trailers, dive bars and luxury horse farms.

I guess what sparked me to write this is: A. It’s the weekend and I have the day off.

B. We just left Publix where we bought and carried a watermelon home.

I’m sitting here staring at this watermelon with the song, “The Time of My Life” stuck on repeat and programmed into my head. I need to have it quickly fall away along with all the silly Dirty Dancing jokes as we are submerging ourselves in the current Florida script.

I’m trying to switch from “I’ve had the time of my life” to “Redneck Yacht Club and grab me a cold one.” I definitely got comfortable back on the farm in Winter Haven for the couple days in between films… easily falling back into my #kindachill Florida routine. But, I am so excited to go to set Monday because there is a “magic,” meaning that extra something special on this set, almost even more so than Dirty Dancing. Nando thinks maybe it’s the fact that we’ve actually gone air boating before or perhaps it’s all the Polar Pops everyones been chugging in-between scenes.? xo Sally & Nando DC Follow us on insta: @winnerhaven #therealdirtydancing #feralstatefilm P.S. We will just be “wrapping” the first week of August, so if you run into us in town and have any questions about film, how LA producers got by in the swamp or why we have been slow to come out with new WH Apparel Designs… lets chat!

P.P.S. About the Watermelon… it’s called a Prop.

Reviewing the script in pre-production, Nando and I were trying to figure out where to put a watermelon in this film as an “easter egg” from the last film. He is thinking that just maybe… his character could cut one up with a machete and eat it on the tailgate… (like Nando does in real life) since he is playing a Cowboy.

P.P.PS. Do you think anyone will notice if a couple of the Florida film characters are dressed like “Baby” from Dirty Dancing ? We have some wardrobe leftover that we brought.

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Getting Down to Business with Pati Mills Painting for Publix The artist is perhaps most well-known locally for her work as a Publix muralist.

When she was first contacted by Publix, Mills owned a small craft shop off of Dundee Road called The Cinnamon Tree where she hand-made ceramic tiles. According to Mills, the supermarket chain had heard about her through someone in her network. They called Pati to inquire about having the façade of their store painted. She agreed and got to work.

She lined the room of her shop with sheets of 4x8 plywood as her easel. Pati stacked the tiles, using a number and letter system. She and her children worked on the storefront piece. She said, “I gave them the first one and they said that they loved it and wanted to do it again.”

The first murals depicted a cornucopia. One day she got a call from Publix that they weren’t doing murals on their buildings anymore. The city wanted to charge them a sign tax as the murals depicted items sold in the store.

“So, I said, ‘Well isn’t the next one over by the park in Lakeland? Why don’t I do a park scene?’ They loved it!” remembered Pati. From then on, she’d find a distinguishing landmark or something symbolic of whatever town the mural was to go in.

Much of the success Pati Mills has seen in her life can be attributed to knowing the right people at the right time – the same kind of associations she cultivates with her networking group the Greneteam Gals.

Her life has been an interesting one. “I bought my house on the lake with a six-car garage with my art. How many artists do you know that can do that?” said Pati, smiling.

“And, I never had a contract.” She has her seaplane license and her first public speaking engagement was alongside former first lady Barbara Bush. Pati spent three days and $50 to become a security guard to gain access to Cypress Gardens in an attempt to snap photos to help to save it. She even gained a one of a kind position with real estate tycoon David Seigel as his Corporate Facilities Artist for 28 of his Westgate Resorts – stories chronicling Mills’ meaningful life experiences go on. Here a few great ones.

Executive Business Women’s Network Twenty-five years ago, Pati Mills founded the Executive Business Women’s Network. She wanted to meet smart people – leaders of the community. She didn’t want another social club. “I don’t talk about my kids or dogs or backaches,” she said. The network was the same in that regard. “Be specific, say who you are, what you’re working on, what your needs are, sit down and shut up,” she said.

The group did become successful and certainly, many business connections were made, but Pati eventually phased the group out to pursue other ventures.

Mills went on to paint 200 murals for Publix Supermarkets.

Pati’s Pottery Another opportunity opened up for her one day when a city employee stopped in her shop. He was looking for crafters for a craft village at Cypress Gardens. Pati remembered, “He said, ‘I’m looking for a potter.’ And I lied. I said, ‘You are? I’m a potter!’”

It wasn’t too big of a fib. She had been pouring slip and making dishes but hadn’t forayed into the pottery wheel.

How hard could it be? “The first thing I did was buy a book on how to be a potter because I’d told him I was a Master Potter, that was in the book. Then I bought a pottery wheel. In three months – just three months – I had five thousand pots. Now, they weren’t all beautiful, but I took a picture of them and put the bad side in the back.”

Next thing you know, her name was in seven-foot letters at Cypress Gardens – ‘Pati’s Pottery.’

“My first year, I made $84,000,” she said.

The Greneteam Gals Pati’s current women’s networking group, modeled after the Executive Business Women’s Network, started two years ago with twelve members attending the first meeting. The Greenlefe community, where Pati was living at the time, was their original meeting space. This is where their moniker, the Greneteam Gals, stems from.

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A petite woman, on the lower end of five feet tall, Pati Mills has no trouble commanding a room. Twenty women flowed into the meeting space at Bambu Café. Each put their cellphone into a basket where it would remain until the end of the meeting. This isn’t a social hour. For the Greneteam Gals, it’s time to get down to business.

The business cards of real estate agents, former county commissioners, writers, bakers, and other female entrepreneurs are exchanged. Budding deals and business connections are formed. No chit chat, or Pati who has earned and finds amusement in the name they’ve affectionately given her, ‘The General’ will call you out for interrupting the speaker. “I’m real strict about them not chit-chatting when the speaker is speaking,” she would tell me later.

To keep the group intimate and useful for the members, they meet twice monthly with the opportunity to attend one of two meetings on that day. “The point of the meeting is not to be chatty, but to really listen to who’s speaking and see if we can help them,” said Mills. Pati gives every one of the members a blank notebook so that as the ladies enjoy lunch and listen intently to the speaker, they can take notes. “The whole purpose of the meeting is that I want to be able to market you and support you,” said Pati. The meeting commenced with a prayer and a pledge followed by Pati’s instructions. “You’ll say who you are, what you’re working on, what your needs are,” she said.

Each attendee has three minutes to give their elevator speech to the group.

“It’s very important that you contact at least five people that were at the meeting that you had at least a little bit of a connection with,” said Pati to the group. If the person doesn’t answer, she encouraged them to leave a short message simply asking if there is anything they can help with. Pati wants the connections to be honest and organic.

I even got a call or two in the weeks following the meeting.

After the meeting, Mills spoke openly and fervently about the group. She asked me, “What if you met the best of the best – you met the leaders of the community?”

The Greneteam Gals is her answer to that question.

If you’re interested in attending the next meeting or becoming a member, find their group by searching ‘Greneteam Gals’ on Facebook.

WORDS Nando Del Castillo

Dew It Country Cool!

Just as the sun popped up over Eagle Lake, you would find me training racehorses back in the 80s. It was a necessity to be out early to keep me and the horse as cool as possible. We had to get our work done before the heat arrived as it did every day. While galloping along the lakefront I would often hear the low rumble of a Ski Nautique in the distance. It was our neighbors doing some training themselves; Barefoot waterski training that is.

We would wave to each other and continue on with our training.

One day after we both finished up our work, my friend Ron Scarpa came over and asked if I thought one of my racehorses could pull him on a water ski. “I think so,” I answered. After thinking about it for a second, I agreed to give it a try. I decided to use Sunkist my Quarter Horse.

Sunkist was my favorite horse, I loved her, she was a true cattle cutting horse. Her breeding came from the famous King Ranch out in Texas. She would turn on a dime and run faster and quicker than any horse I ever rode. She was named after the Sunkist orange because of her palomino color.

So I saddled her up and Scarpa brought over the ski gear including something new called a trick release. He explained it was the best invention yet! It releases the rope from the boat or better yet the saddle, so you don’t get your leg ripped off and the horse won’t get tangled in the rope. Scarpa showed me how to release the rope. It was a simple pull of a string that I would hold as I galloped along the lakefront. Anybody that has been around horses knows that if a horse really freaks out, you definitely don’t want to be on the wrong end of the hoof.

We were set! Sunkist was feeling good and a bit antsy.

She knew she was about to perform and she was literally rearing to go. I pulled in on the bridle gently repeating, “Easy does it... Whoa”...and patting her neck. I turned back, looked at Scarpa and yelled, “You ready?”

“Hit it Nando!” He yelled.

With the trick release in my left hand, I squeezed my heels into Sunkist’s side, loosened the reins and leaned forward all at once and Sunkist shot forward like a bullet. Zero to

thirty in about a second. At least it seemed like that to me.

We were galloping down the lakefront and Scarpa was all over the place barely hanging on. His right ski was in the air and he looked off balance with the left ski. I leveled her off to an easy canter and watched Scarpa get used to the slight back and forth rhythm of the rope from the movement of the horse. He finally gave me the one handed thumb’s up and pulled away from shore toward the middle of the lake. We ran along the edge through the shallow water as Scarpa got used to this “first” for all of us. We started and stopped a few more times and he was having a good old time cutting back and forth through the water doing tricks on the skis. We did this for a week or so each morning and it was a lot of fun. I wished he could ride and I could ski but his level of riding didn’t match his world barefoot champion status! So we continued in our roles.

One afternoon, Scarpa drove up our driveway with a sly look on his face. He had news! Mountain Dew wanted to make their horse skiing into a national TV commercial!

This was a big deal, they had a new campaign with kids doing crazy fun things and they want to use us and the horses and they wanted to shoot it in Winter Haven. I couldn’t believe it. Now I knew what Scarpa had up his sleeve with all this fun we had been having lately. They called the campaign “Dew It Country Cool.”

A few days later, a team of people showed up in a 12-passenger van. They all introduced themselves but heck, all I heard was director-producer-camera the rest was a blur. We walked them over to the lakefront and showed them what we did. Sunkist and I were at a full gallop when Scarpa jumped out of his skis on his bare feet. He went fifty yards and let go. He was barefooting in 2 feet or less of water. He was a nut… I mean crazy. The next run I galloped past the whole crew of people and whipped Scarpa right towards them. As I turned Sunkist back towards the crowd I saw him ski right up to them and pop out of his skis running and then take a bow. While I galloped up they were clapping and clearly impressed. I remember the Producer faking a southern accent saying, “If that ain’t Country Cool I do not know what is.”

Everyone laughed. Scarpa, Sunkist and I were doing our

best to catch our breath. The producer told us we got the job and had a lot to do. They asked to use a spot on the farm as a casting center and that some people from New York and LA would be calling us soon to coordinate everything. As they were leaving, the producer gave Sunkist a hearty pat on her neck and looked toward me and said, “You can really ride a horse Nando. Do you like Mountain Dew?” “Yes sir!” I answered. He told us to keep up the training while getting a couple of other horses trained to do the same thing. The horses would get tired with a five day shoot from sunup to sundown. They asked me, “cowboy Nando” if I would have a problem with that and I said, “No sir I will not.”

Three weeks later after all the New York and LA phone calls and castings at the farm were finished, we were ready to start filming. 5 a.m. came early that September day. It was always the coolest just before dawn and getting up a little while before the sun was tough. The excitement of the day wouldn’t wait. As the darkness was lit by the early morning light I saw a good hundred people out on the lakefront.

The next five days were controlled chaos. Snacks and plenty of Mountain Dew to drink everywhere. We had used up Sunkist’s endurance and switched to our other horse Mullikin. Mullikin was stubborn and at times really lazy.

His personality was of a grumpy old man but if you could get him going he was a dream to ride. We continued with more hard riding, water skiing and this incredible ski jump that Scarpa did.

The famous “drinking of the Mountain Dew” shot was next and I had figured it was a piece of cake. Drink up, get the shot and move on. Boy was I wrong. First I drank on the back of the horse chugging a 12 ounce specially made bottle just for the shoot in one take. Then they said do it again and again and again. After that I raised my hand to hold on. “How many times are we going to shoot this of me drinking?” I asked the director. “As many as it takes son, so drink up. Got it?” ”Yes sir.” I answered. “Oh and Nando, quit drinking them down. Just fill your mouth up and spit it out when I say cut. Got it son?” The light bulb went off in my head like in a cartoon and I said. “Yes sir, I got it!”

The commercial ran world-wide for a year, and there was a print and billboard campaign to boot! At that time, Dirty Dancing was such a success that they decided to do something that had never been done before. They put the Mountain Dew commercial at the beginning of the VHS tape. You had to watch the commercial first, and it was filmed right here in Polk County in 1987.

Another neat thing was that a little known actor at the time was flown in from Los Angeles to be the other main actor. As we visited between takes he assured me that he was going to make it big in the film industry. I had told my mother that. She said, “You mean that scrawny kid over there? You must be kidding!” Boy was she wrong. Brad Pitt did make it big. I have not bumped into him again since, but when I do I am sure he will remember his time here in Polk County.

Watch Nando & Brad on YouTube by searching Dew it Country Cool!

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WORDS Janet Trainer

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Winter Haven Montessori Silvia Vega has recently become the new owner of Winter Haven Montessori. Silvia is married to Dr. Celestino Vega, who works for Lakeland Regional Hospital, at a clinic in Auburndale. Silvia was born in Cuba and her family came to the states when she was ten. Her father was a physician and her mother was a nurse. They both were licensed and practiced in Miami. Silvia went to school in Miami and then studied nursing and worked until the birth of her first child. They have two children, Catherine, a third year medical student and Mathew who is beginning his Pathology Residency Program in Chicago.

With her children well on their way, Silvia has always dreamed of having her own school. She worked as a teacher at the school for 10 years. When the previous owner, Melissa Davis, decided to leave, an opportunity presented itself. Silvia decided it was time to make her own dream come true. When asked what her husband thought about this monumental undertaking, she said he thought she was crazy.

Montessori is a method of education which allows a type of “discovery“ model where the child learns concepts by working with materials rather than direct instruction.

An example of this was in their activity room where little bags were lined up with a letter on each bag. Silvia pulled out a bag and poured out a number of objects. There were items all beginning with the letter “W.” A tiny water bottle and other things could all be held and discussed

while making the sound Woo. These real life experiences are integrated into learning.The classrooms tend to be organized by ability rather than strictly by age. Winter Haven Montessori is dedicated to providing a challenging educational environment in which each child is empowered to grow to his/her fullest potential academically, emotionally, physically and socially at each stage of development.

have all been trained in the Montessori Method and any helpers are expected to take courses for certification. I am pleased to pay for the training. We are like a family. I have an excellent Director, Courtney Brooks. She is in charge of all paperwork for DCF, ELC, and all the phone calls. She is like my right hand. She is amazing.” Silvia is excited to start the new school term in August and welcomes parents to come and visit.

“I truly believe in Montessori as it is a great environment to raise children in. It teaches discipline, responsibility and how to care for others,” Silvia said.

Developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori (1870–1952), Montessori education is practiced in an estimated 20,000 schools worldwide, serving children from birth to eighteen years old. Please visit online or call for 2019-20 tuition rates.

The school can accommodate children from three-montholds to one-year-olds in the same class. The ratio is four children to one teacher at this age.

The toddler class is for one and two-year-olds, and has one teacher for every six children.

The two, three, and four-year-old class has one teacher for every 15 children. The ratio is the same for kindergarten.

“When I took over this school it went up to Kindergarten.

Now we will be opening classes to third grade. We already have students lined up for these grades.” Silvia said. “I have great teachers. They come to work with a smile on their faces and truly enjoy being with children. My teachers

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www.winterhavenmontessori.com 305 Ave E SW Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 268-8208

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Union Taproom Invites Winter Haven to PYOB For Meagan and Colin Wells, the thought of bringing people together and supporting downtown business was at the forefront when imagining Union Taproom. Union will be Polk County’s first self-pour taproom featuring 40 taps of rotating craft beer, cider, wine, cold brew coffee, and kombucha.

Union Taproom has a motto – PYOB (Pour Your Own Beer).

The PYOB process is simple. Guests present their ID and form of payment at the check-in counter to be scanned to verify age and start a tab. They are given an RFID bracelet that is linked to their tab, allowing them to pour as much or as little as they would like.

After grabbing a glass, thirsty patrons can head over to the tap wall. Above each tap is a tablet displaying the price per ounce, location and history of the brew, ABV (Alcohol By Volume), and IBU (International Bitterness Units). Guests pour what they’d like using your bracelet to activate the tap, allowing craft beer adventurers to taste before committing to a whole glass of something they may not love. When you’re ready to leave, return the bracelet and close out the tab.

The tap system has safeguards built in to avoid overserving.

When you start a tab, the system will cut you off after 32 oz.

From there, the guest can visit one of their staff who will do a visual check before allowing for more ounces.

more we can push people to those business helps everybody downtown – it helps us, it helps them.”

Meagan was born in Miami but has spent all of her life here.

Colin moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburg. He and Meagan have been married for ten years and have two daughters, aged four and ten.

Meagan, a hairstylist for seven years, most recently at Posh Salon Suites, explained that Colin’s family lives in Aiken, South Carolina. There is a similar self-pour taproom there, The Alley Downtown Taproom. When they visited a few years ago, they fell in love with the concept. Meagan said, “My first thought was ‘Oh my gosh, Winter Haven has to have this.’”

The wheels began to turn on the concept and more and more they had conversations about it. There was no one moment where they committed to opening it, but the momentum of incremental progress sealed the deal. The pair thought over a million different names. Meagan said, “We want to bring everyone in Winter Haven together and Union kind of fit that.”

Colin added that in other settings where you might only interact amongst your friends, the self-pour element forces you to mutual ground to grab a beer. They hope to see people interact, recommend beers to each other, and ultimately form new friendships.

“Having 40 choices is really exciting,” said Colin. Union will focus on craft brews from around the country with a few domestics and Florida beers available. “It’s like an adult candy store,” said Meagan.

The Taproom will feature a lounge area with warm leather seating and an assortment of funky furniture.

The industrial concrete floors and mix-matched lighting fixtures are just the atmosphere Meagan envisioned for the space. “I just want a loft type of feel,” she said. A warm, comfy, casual environment that invites everyone to stop in for a drink.

Along with the lounge there will be the main seating area with live acoustic music set up against the back wall on the weekends. They will have trivia every second Thursday of the month starting in October. To keep the good times rolling for you or the kids, Union will have an area with board and card games.

A sectioned off, but not entirely partitioned backroom will have a long table seating around 14 for larger parties that want a bit of privacy. That space leads to their back patio which will have a pergola and outdoor seating. Their back entrance conveniently leads to the parking garage.

Union Taproom is family-friendly and pet-friendly.

Though they will not serve food, some downtown eateries have agreed to deliver, and patrons are invited to bring in their own food. Kids will be able to cheers’ as well with Union’s cooler of bottled craft sodas.

“One of the things that we wanted to do was be part of Destination Downtown. There’s a lot of great business downtown. While we have people here, we want to introduce them to the other businesses,” said Colin.

With so many fantastic dining options, he added, “The

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“Winter Haven is experiencing so much growth now. People are investing in the community, we want to be a part of that,” said Colin. The Wells are excited to bring this new concept to Winter Haven and Polk. They expect to draw people from surrounding communities inside and out of the county. “While we have them here, we can introduce them to this beautiful city – this vibrant growing downtown area,” he said.

There is no official grand opening date yet set, but they are fairly confident it will be in August.

The Wells extend an invite to you and yours, “Come have a beer!”

Union Taproom 245 West Central Avenue, Suite 102, Winter Haven (863) 268-4921 info@uniontaproomwh.com Uniontaproomwh.com FB @uniontaproom IG @uniontaproom

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Tuesday Live: Best of Theatre Winter Haven Date: Aug 20

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RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW

WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTO Black Skimmer by Adam Strang Bass

Adam Strang Bass A Florida Wildman in spirit (and Instagram handle), Adam Strang Bass captures timeless shots of old Florida in the name of preservation. His images are striking. Photographs that are in and of themselves an argument for protecting our wild state. Bass has a knack for capturing moments seldom seen or at least seldom appreciated by modern man – the speckled golden gaze of an alligator contrasted by it’s dark scaled armor, a black and white shot of sand, freshly slickened by a receding wave being watched over by a cascade of clouds bursting with sunlight, a pelican flying low, its reflection mirrored in the unbroken glassy ocean surface.

Bass was born and raised in Winter Haven. He, wife Kim and two children, six-year-old Max and three-and-half-year-old (going on fifteen, he joked) Haddie moved out to Lake Pierce about six months ago – an idyllic homestead for the hunter, fisher, nature photographer. “It’s awesome because now I’m right there where I want to be – I can walk out back and take pictures of wood ducks anytime I want,” he said.

His time not shooting wild Florida is spent helping farmers with crop insurance as an agent for Carden & Associates Insurance Agency in Winter Haven. A true outdoorsman, Adam enjoys boating, fishing, and duck hunting. “Usually I’ve got my sidekicks by my side. I enjoy taking my kids out and showing them the woods, showing them the water,” he said. One of his little sidekicks, son Max, has picked up his dad’s affinity for photography. “I gave him one of my old cameras,” said Bass.

“My son, I think just wants to be with Daddy all the time which I’m thrilled about.” Adam even started an Instagram for Max’s photography, @maxbass863.

An Outlet “I’ve always been into art. My mom got me into art when I was a kid – she’s very artistic,” said Bass. Growing up, Adam would draw and paint. He loved it so much he almost attended art school. His career trajectory turned following 9/11 when he decided to join the Marine Corps. Bass served in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2012. His time in the service included two tours in Iraq, in the Al Anbar Province. “It was a good experience,” he said. “I made some great brothers over there and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

His first exposure to photography was the stark black and white landscapes of beaches, everglades, ancient cypress trees and Florida wilderness shot by Clyde Butcher. He had Butcher’s prints hanging up in his room growing up. Bass, influenced by Butcher’s work, said, “Clyde Butcher, in my opinion, is one of the best photographers of all time.”

Three or four years ago, Bass felt he needed an outlet – he wanted to get back into art. He discovered Paul Marcellini, another Florida wildscape photographer, who has since become one of his favorites. Seeing Marcellini’s work gave Bass the nudge he needed to pick up the camera.

“It’s an addiction for me now, I enjoy it – trying to capture that perfect shot,” he smiled. When he began his photography, Bass said, “I kind of went out and [shot] whatever I saw. Now, I’ve gotten much more methodical about it.” He went from “spray and pray” to finding that perfect image. He scouts places to photograph and sets up, waiting for the right lighting or for an animal to come along and complete the scene.

Spending so much time off the beaten path, he’s been witness to scenes akin to a religious experience. One such spot, which he described as “overwhelming nature” is Lake Marion Creek.

“It’s like a Cypress cathedral there. It’s like a holy place – just beautiful,” he said. “Cypress trees that are twenty, thirty feet around and Cypress knees that are taller than me, it’s a cool havenmagazines.com

spot.” His absolute favorite place to shoot his photography is right here in Polk County where he grew up, where he’s raising his family – where his heart is. He quotes Clyde Butcher, “I have always felt that your best photographs are taken in surroundings near to your heart.”

Lake Pierce, the Kissimmee River Valley, Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek, and Lake Hatchineha are also frequently visited areas for the photographer. The palm trees and salt marshes of Crystal River in Homosassa call to him as well. His more recent affinity for the sea turtle has him heading south for Jupiter and Fort Pierce. “Right now, I’m kind of fascinated with sea turtles,” he said. “I’m trying to get long exposure night shots of them while they’re laying their eggs.”

“Keep Florida Wild” In September, the public will have the opportunity to admire and purchase Bass’s work at his nature photography exhibit at the Lake Wales Arts Center. This will be his first showing at a formal gallery. In June he had a successful pop-up exhibit at Grove Roots Brewing Co. The exhibit, titled “Keep Florida Wild” will commence Lake Wales Arts Council’s 2019-2020 Exhibit Series. Executive Director of the Lake Wales Arts Council Andrew Allen was introduced to Bass’s photography through artist and, Blair Updike.

“Needless to say, I was BLOWN AWAY by his work. He’s a master photographer and I knew that his art would resonate with our community. Adam’s a natural fit for the Lake Wales Arts Council’s exhibit series,” said Allen. He described Adam’s photography as “visually stunning,” adding, “He has been able to capture the natural beauty of our local wildlife.”

The exhibit is themed around the conservation of Florida’s wild spaces. Bass said, “One thing I’m very passionate about is preserving our wild spaces here because they’re rapidly disappearing.” He humbly hopes that by showing off the grandeur of primordial Florida through his photography, people will be more inclined to protect it. “Not too many people have been that close to a wood stork,” he said, pointing to a large print on his office wall. “They might have seen them on a golf course, but they haven’t seen them out in a swamp in the Everglades Headwaters.”

“My work, I like to think maybe it’s going to help. I don’t know if that’s true or not,” he said, “but maybe [it will] just paint a picture for people that this is what’s out there and this is what’s worth protecting.” A reception for the exhibit will be held on September 19, 2019, from 5:30 – 7pm in the Michael Crews Gallery with an open bar and food available. Admission is free to the public. The exhibit will be on display from September 20 through November 8, 2019.

Conservation Adam doesn’t take photos to make money, but he is happy to sell his prints. To him, photography has become an intrinsic passion, an addiction. “It helps center me,” he said. His work will be available for sale at his LWAC exhibit as well as on his website. Conservation of the untamed beauty of the sunshine state is so important to the photographer that he donates 15% of the proceeds from each sale to The Florida Wildlife Corridor, a non-profit organization founded by another photographer he admires, Carlton Ward.

According to the organization’s website, “The Florida Wildlife Corridor organization champions the public and partner support needed to permanently connect, protect and restore the Florida Wildlife Corridor – a statewide network of lands 36

and waters that supports wildlife and people. Using a sciencebased approach, on-the-ground knowledge of the Corridor, and the support of thousands of followers throughout the state and nation, the Florida Wildlife Corridor now embarks on its most important journey – to accelerate the rate of conservation in Florida by 10% annually in order to protect 300,000 acres within the Corridor by the end of 2020.”

They approach this goal in a number of ways says Bass, “Working with land acquisitions, with conservation easements with ranchers, farmers. I think they understand the complexities of Florida and I like their process and their goals.”

The photographer is assisting with another project, the “Share Your Heritage” campaign by the Florida Cattlemen’s Association this year. The initiative of Cattlemen’s President, Matt Pearce, Bass explained the campaign’s purpose is to, “help bring awareness to the lifestyle and stewardship of wildlands in Florida that cattle families have.” In a July 2019 monthly message regarding the campaign, Pearce wrote, “I encourage each and every member to promote their story by using the #showyourpassion hashtag to tell your family’s ranching heritage. The Florida ranching heritage is the longest in the United States starting 500 years ago when Ponce de Leon brought the first cattle to Florida.”

Bass hopes to continue shooting unique landscapes and wildlife photos that breathe life into old Florida. He also plans to continue doing his part to take care of wild Florida and hopes others will follow suit. “If we want to keep Florida, Florida, we have to grow smart,” he said. “It’s great to have population growth and the positive economic climate that comes from that, but there’s also a responsibility with that.

Everybody’s moving here because Florida’s amazing, but it won’t be amazing if we don’t do a better job of taking care of it.”

Adam S. Bass Adamstrangbass.com adam@adamstrangbass.com IG @afloridawildman Lakewalesartscouncil.org floridawildlifecorridor.org

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

JJ Grey & Mofro Coming to Jessie’ s “I am hopeful for where I’m goin’ But I belong in the South That was where I was born a po’ boy Livin’ life like there’s no end in sight Even so I’ve done without Brighter days where did they go” -JJ Grey

asset to the community, doing their part to make an economic impact says, Loftus. Folks come for the music and spend money at local stores, restaurants, and businesses while they’re here. Jessie’s currently has an application in with the county to allocate tourism dollars to help fund these pricey productions.

The ticketed events will be on Avenue A, facing Jessie’s with the surrounding intersections of Avenue A and 3rd Street closed off. Loftus says parking won’t be difficult to come by with plenty of surrounding on-street parking and the parking garage only a few blocks away. Loftus expects to have three food trucks over the weekend. Adler’s will be onsite serving up some of Winter Haven’s tastiest burgers and the other two food trucks have yet to be confirmed.

Several streets in Winter Haven will be shutting down for the bluesy swamp rock stylings of JJ Grey & Mofro on Saturday, September 7, followed by the 90’s inspired jams of Badfish a Tribute to Sublime with special guests, The Supervillains on September 8.

For years, Jessie’s Booking and Events Manager, Robbie Loftus tried to get JJ Grey & Mofro’s booking agent to take a chance on the venue. His tenacity paid off as this will be the band’s third time performing at the Winter Haven bar. Setting up events for swaths of people is something Loftus is quite familiar with. Coming from an event background on a pro wakeboard tour, booking and orchestrating gigs fits into his skill set perfectly. He enjoys what he does.

While you’re at the concert, be sure to check out Jessie’s brandnew sign – a neon double-sided Fender guitar sporting their name.

November 16 will be another weekend to mark on the calendar.

Molly Hatchet and Someday Honey will be taking the stage at Jessie’s. The day prior to that show, Loftus would like to take advantage of the set up by holding a free-to-attend concert showcasing local bands. More information will be available closer to the date of the concert.

Known for his “blue-collared spirit over the bone-deep grooves of his compositions,” according to his website, JJ Grey has amassed millions of views on his performances on YouTube.

Loftus described Grey’s sound as a sort of “Florida southern swamp rock” and said it’s not rare to hear someone playing “Lochloosa” or “Brighter Days” on the jukebox at Jessie’s.

Jessie’s 118 3rd St. SW Winter Haven

The Jacksonville native’s stage presence is said to be “something startling and immediate, at times a funk raveup, other times a sort of mass-absolution for the mortal weaknesses that make him and his audience human.” Videos of his live performances depict a soulful Grey crooning to an invested crowd of fans, immersed in the music.

Jessieslive.com Tickets: centralfloridatix.com FB @JessiesLive

Badfish a Tribute to Sublime was another big catch, excuse the pun, for Jessie’s. A bio for the group reads, “What separates Badfish from other tribute bands is that they have replicated Sublime’s essence, developing a scene and dedicated following most commonly reserved for label-driven, mainstream acts.

Badfish makes their mark on the audience by playing with the spirit of Sublime. They perform not as Sublime would have, or did, but as Badfish does.”

Between their runs up and down the east coast, playing big venues in the sunshine state like House of Blues Orlando and Jannus Live in St. Pete, they’ll be stopping in Winter Haven thanks to Loftus. “That’s another one that we’ve been trying to nail down for a few years and it finally happened for us – we’re excited about that,” he said.

Each of the past two JJ Grey & Mofro concerts saw over 1000 people flock from out of county to rock out downtown.

Throughout this jam-packed weekend, Loftus expects over 2000 people in attendance. These types of shows are an

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

The Future is Sweet The proprietor of Confection and self-described Candyman of Winter Haven Ivy Horn just opened what might be the coolest little candy shop anywhere across deep space. The sci-fi themed Confection Candy Shop, had its grand opening was July 17. A vision in silver, Ivy was surrounded by friends, family and excited community members, all there to celebrate this delicious addition to downtown.

Beyond the “Nebulous Blue” store exterior, he is the first thing to catch your eye. Perhaps followed by the old science fiction movies Ivy projects on the wall or her offerings of tin robot toys.

The shop’s walls and shelves are confettied by a rainbow of candies. A neon red sign, reading, “The Future is Sweet” hangs behind the counter. Even the trash bin is ready for a galactic mission – a white rocket-shaped Spaceboy.

“I love candy as much as all kids do I think,” said Ivy. “In the last five or six years, it’s become my thing.” Candy became a part of her identity. During her travels, she was always on the lookout for something she hadn’t tried before – her next favorite treat.

The wide-eyed wonderment of a kid in a candy store – that’s what the Confection owner was most excited for prior to opening. “Just seeing them experience everything and asking me questions about things, “whatever they come up,” she smiled.

Ivy grew up in Winter Haven, leaving for a time to live in Orlando. She moved back and has been working as a Wand Assistant in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios teaching the ins and outs of magic and spells. She still works her magic one day a week at the park.

The 27-year-old candy connoisseur has entertained a few studies of interest from Mandarin and women’s studies to film, writing children’s books to teaching. Among her studies, one of her favorite classes was a science fiction literature course at Polk State College. She described her professor, Mr. Junkins as an incredible teacher. The class’s exploration of pulp novels pushed her deeper into science fiction. This isn’t where her infatuation with the genre began though.

“I started watching Star Trek because it was on in the morning before high school,” she remembers. She devoured the original series and fell in love with the franchise. Now, Ivy can’t get enough of old horror and sci-fi flicks with The Twilight Zone being one of her favorites.

The Candy Concept Sitting around the dinner table with her parents, the conversation of what they would like to see in downtown Winter Haven came up. Chocolate! Her parents are very involved downtown, her mom, Anita, has had two shops downtown. When they asked if she would consider opening a candy store, the possibilities began to whirl around her mind. Her initial concept was a horror-themed shop called Confection Crypt. Searching for something a little more kid-friendly, she turned from the macabre to sci-fi. “I could do candy and science fiction together, merge both of those things and create a space that’s inspiring – something that you’ll always remember,” she thought.

Ivy wanted a flying saucer fixture for the store, but her attention quickly turned to robots. Perusing the internet for famous robot replicas like Robbie the Robot and Gort from The Day the Earth Stood Still, she found a man named Fred Barton in California who makes them.

He sent over information about his work and there she found him, at the bottom of the sheet – Confection’s robot. The replica of a robot from the 1954 film, Target Earth, towers over 7-feet. She planned to integrate him into everything to do with the store, including the Confection logo. Her partner and mascot was soon on his way.

When asked his name, Ivy quipped, “He’s going to reveal his name to me very soon. We’re spending time together.” She did tell us what his name was not going to be. Amongst the rejects – Ringo, Bobby, and Lollitron. The two have since gotten to know each other and Winter Haven’s sweetest robot has introduced himself to be Zondar. havenmagazines.com

Little Surprises Around Every Corner Confection stocks a blissful mix of import and nostalgia candy, as well as craft chocolate. Each section of the store offers something different. Much like in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, you’re sure to find, “Little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous.”

“I love import candy,” said the Winter Haven Candyman. Her sweet treats dot the map from the UK, Eastern Europe, and the Nordic regions. She has a selection from Japan and France, two countries she hopes to get more stock from.

As for the nostalgia side of things – lovers of Zotz, Zagnut Bars, and the like are in for a real treat, pun intended. Browsing the shelves with Confection’s adorable tiny red candy baskets in hand, you’ll also find fun sweets for the kids (or adults, we’re not judging) like 3D gummy monsters, gummy pizzas, and gummy take out.

Then, there’s the bean-to-bar craft chocolate. Ivy held up a bar with the name Frazer Nordi on it, a Sea Buckthorn & Salty Caramel flavor. “This is a line of chocolate bars inspired by the Nordic wilderness,” she said. She saw them set up at a market and was inspired by their clever look, wilderness vests and all.

Confection also boasts an exclusive selection from Castronovo, a chocolatier out of Stuart, Florida, considered to be a national leader in bean-to-bar craft chocolates. Other offerings come from the Nashville based Olive & Sinclair who produce duck fat caramels, smoked nib brittle, bourbon brittle, and craft flavors like salt and pepper chocolate.

The shop’s Sour Laboratory is run by mad scientist, Doctor Sisko. It displays an assortment of tart, vibrantly colored candy.

This area of the store is complete with bubbling vials, Formula Sours in test tubes and other brimming scientific equipment.

Asked what her most coveted candies are, Ivy said at the top of her list was MozartKugel. “It’s a truffle and it has pistachio flavored marzipan and chocolate.” She’s hoping to get some for the holidays. “It has a picture of Motzart on it, it’s beautiful,” she said. Next was none other than the brightly colored, tart Formula Sours at her store.

Halloween – The Most Sacred Candy Holiday Ivy’s favorite holiday? Halloween of course. “It’s like a candy harvest,” she said. In her spare time, she reimagines horror movie titles using candy lingo – Children of the Candy Corn, The Hills Have Buckeyes, The Texas Chick-O-Stick Massacre.

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Ivy wants Confection to not only be Winter Haven’s candy connection, but also a place of candy celebration. She’ll get the opportunity to play into her original “Confection Crypt” idea and maybe use a few of these titles to celebrate come October.

She has been compiling a 1930s and 40s vintage horror playlist that is scary, but still kid-appropriate.

Inspired by memories of laying out Halloween candy on the floor, meticulously dividing it up by category, and trading with her brother – Ivy has thought about hosting a candy trade at Confection for the kids.

Operation Candy: Phase II The candy store proprietor has a few eccentric and exciting ideas up her sleeve. “The thing about a candy store – you can be as weird and eccentric as you want. That’s why people liked Willy Wonka and why they wanted his candy so badly,” she smiled.

Once she’s settled in, her phase two plans involve cocktail and candy pairings. The Confection owner gave the community a taste of what that might be like at her grand opening, bringing in mixologist Justin Levaughn of The Courtesy Bar and also the Suffering Bastard Tiki Bar. She brought Levaughn candy for inspiration and asked him to create an accompanying menu.

He did not disappoint. The first, “Howard’s Old Fashioned” was a duck fat washed bourbon with Guyanese Cacao honey and bitters that could be paired with Olive & Sinclair Duck Fat Caramels. The “Venus Attacks” was a gin, almond cordial, passionfruit, lemon, orange blossom, and bubble cocktail – suggested to be paired with Formula Sours from Confection’s Sour Laboratory. A perfect pairing to Geisha candy was “Manfish” a vodka, macadamia, toasted coconut, palm sugar, and pineapple concoction.

Eventually, she’d also like a cotton candy machine to create custom blends. “Freshly spun cotton candy is just incredibly visual, everything about it,” she said. “You can get bell pepper cotton candy – or any flavor.” She hopes to introduce patrons to these types of wild flavors, while also offering the classics.

It’s only fitting that Ivy Horn’s favorite candy movie is 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. “The original [Willy Wonka] is everything I want this to feel like,” she said. “The sense of wonder and global panic over candy, like with the Wonka Bars – that’s what I really love.”

Confection Candy Shop 254 West Central Ave. Suite B Winter Haven (863) 207-6007 Confectioncandyshop.com FB @confectionwh IG @confectionwh

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AUGUST CALENDAR 2019 1-4 SUMMER SHOP HOP When: Aug. 01 - Aug. 31, 2019 Where: Downtown Lakeland ldda.org/downtown-summer-shop-hop/ The more you shop, the more chances you get to win prizes! Every $10 that you spend with a participating retailer earns you one entry into a weekly drawing for $100 in gift certificates to downtown businesses. Return downtown to shop every week for new chances to win. All entries received during the summer will be entered into a grand prize drawing for $500 in gift certificates. The Grand Prize Winner will be chosen on September 6th.

FLORIDA RESIDENT MONTH When: Aug. 01 - Aug. 31, 2019 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org 50% off Admission for Florida Residents, valid photo ID required. (863) 676-1408 “BUILDING AN ICON: BUILDING BOK TOWER SINGING CARILLON” BY BOK TOWER GARDENS When: Aug. 01 - Aug. 24, 2019 Where: Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center

325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales www.lakewalesfl.gov/774/Exhibits Creating an Icon features information about the ways that people worked on the Singing Tower from Edward Bok’s initial vision to its design and construction. Photographs, infographics, bios, and details from the builder’s journals tell the story of the Tower, from the foundation to its crowning herons. (863) 676-1759 FLASHBACK FEMALE: WOMEN ARTISTS IN THE 1980S AND 1990S FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION PART I When: Aug. 01 - 03, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org This two-gallery, two-part installation highlights the important contributions and strides female artists made in the art world of the 1980s and 1990s. Selected from the Museum’s permanent collection and situated adjacently in Gallery II and the Perkins Gallery, these thematically related exhibitions present an instructive visual dialogue with one another, allowing viewers to engage with art not merely from two decades but also through an exclusively female lens.

(863) 688-7743 VSA ARTS K-12 When: Aug. 01 - Sept. 01, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org Artwork by Polk County Students Grades K through 12. This exhibition is organized in collaboration with VSA Florida, whose mission is to provide, support and champion arts education and cultural experiences for and by people with disabilities.The museum hosts several exhibitions per year in the George Jenkins Gallery that feature artwork by the Polk County School District students. (863) 688-7743

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Price of admission: buy a beer! And as always, free popcorn!

The first 40 people receive one free hot dog. Doors open at 6:30, seating is first come, first serve. All minors must be accompanied and actively supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

KIDS SUMMER MOVIE ESCAPE When: Aug. 01, 2019 | 10 a.m.

Where: CMX Cinemas Lakeside

1650 Town Center Drive, Lakeland. http://cobbtheatres.com Bring the kids to Cobb Theater at Lakeside Village for a summer of FREE Movies. Same day ticketing, first come first serve, doors open at 9:30am. Movies subject to change.

(863) 937-0555. This week’s movies: How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World (PG) and Captain Underpants (PG)

FOOTLOOSE (MUSICAL) When: Aug. 01 - 04, 2019 Where: Theatre Winter Haven

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven www.theatrewinterhaven.com Life in small-town Bomont is peaceful until City boy, Ren, arrives. Breaking every taboo, Ren brings dance back to the heart of a town held back by the memory of a tragedy.

FOOTLOOSE explodes onto the stage with classic 80’s anthems including Holding Out For A Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy, and of course the title track, FOOTLOOSE! (863) 294-7469

FLASHBACK FEMALE: WOMEN ARTISTS IN THE 1980S AND 1990S FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION PART II When: Aug. 01 - 31, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org This two-gallery, two-part installation highlights the important contributions and strides female artists made in the art worlds of the 1980s and 1990s. Selected from the Museum’s permanent collection and situated adjacently in Gallery II and the Perkins Gallery, these thematically related exhibitions present an instructive visual dialogue with one another, allowing viewers to engage with art not merely from two decades but also through an exclusively female lens.

(863) 688-7743

ANI AND THE FLYBOYS When: Aug. 01, 2019 | 8-11 p.m.

Where: Union Hall

1023 S Florida Ave, Lakeland Anisette and her boys are back along with the Italian Scallion food truck cooking up all night. No cover! More info on FB @unionhallevents FREE DAY AT EXPLORATIONS V CHILDREN’S MUSEUM When: Aug. 02, 2019 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Explorations V Children’s Museum

109 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. explorationsv.com Every kid should beat the heat this summer and turn up the dial on fun! Thanks to the generosity and vision of the Iron Horse Family Foundation, this day will be FREE! (863) 687–3869

PAUL FULLERTON: FORCES OF NATURE When: Aug. 01 - Nov. 10, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org Born in Minnesota and raised in Fort Myers, Paul Fullerton earned his bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Florida in 1967 under the late Hiram Williams. He received his master’s degree in painting, printmaking, and sculpture in 1969 from the University of Illinois. While serving as associate professor of sculpture at Wayne State University in Detroit, he developed the molding and casting process that is characteristic of a large and important body of his work — the cast metal reliefs that will be on view in the Polk Museum of Art Sculpture Garden this summer and fall. (863) 688-7743

AUGUST 2ND FIRST FRIDAY: BACK TO SCHOOL, SPONSORED BY MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION When: Aug. 02, 2019 | 6-9 p.m.

Where: Downtown Lakeland

117 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland Downtownlkld.com Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Don’t miss the Makers Market, featuring local artists and creators, on North Kentucky Avenue and the Classy Car Show on Tennessee Avenue. Streets are closed to vehicles, so come prepared to walk about! First Friday is a family-friendly event held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky and Tennessee Avenues. Parking in all permitted and metered locations is free after 5pm and all day on the weekends. Event parking is limited, so please carpool with friends and neighbors! Free valet on the corner of Lemon St. and Tennessee Ave. on First Fridays. For information on how to become an exhibitor, visit ldda.org

A COLORED IMAGE OF THE SUN When: Aug. 01 - Nov. 10, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org A solo exhibition by artist, Kelly Sturhahn. Sturhahn’s work explores notions of the sublime in nature from a contemporary viewpoint, simultaneously considering experience, perception and transformation. Favoring process and experimentation, her practice combines the unconventional with the traditional, incorporating a range of tactile materials to create paintings on cut fabric, ink drawings, and large-scale installations comprised of textiles, such as hand-sewn sequins and painted lace. Kelly Sturhahn is an Associate Professor of Art and the Director of the Foundations Program at Florida Southern College.

(863) 688-7743

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS When: Aug. 02, 2019 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. www.milb.com Minor League Baseball (863) 686-8075

ADRIENNE RICHARDS When: Aug. 01, 2019 | 6 p.m.

Where: Jensen’s Corner Bar

100 3rd St SW, Winter Haven An early evening block of acoustic tunes to get you ready for Friday!

SWAN CITY IMPROV When: Aug. 02, 2019 | 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Where: LkldTV Studio B

202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland www.lkldlive.com Another first friday double bill of laughs and hilarity, all unscripted! Come and experience comedy made up from audience suggestions, all ages are welcome! 7:30pm show = $10 9:00pm show = $10 both shows = $15

NATURE’S FINEST YOGA CLASS When: Aug. 01, 2019 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve

945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred mylakealfred.com Every Thursday evening, everyone is welcome. Bring a mat and an open heart. Donations will be accepted although the class is free.

TL JENTGENS When: Aug. 02, 2019 | 8-11 p.m.

Where: Union Hall, 1023 S Florida Ave, Lakeland TL Jentgens is coming to rock Union Hall! Italian Scallion will be cooking up all night. $10 online/$12 at the door! More info on FB @unionhalleventshttps://www.tljentgens.com

SUMMER MOVIE SERIES: THE GOONIES When: Aug. 01, 2019 | 7 p.m.

Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co.

302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven

SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY When: Aug. 03, 2019 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Polk State College - JD Alexander Center

152 E. Central Avenue, Lake Wales While supplies last, student must be present to receive supplies.

SUMMER FUN DAYS When: Aug. 03, 2019 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center

325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales www.lakewalesfl.gov Special guest speakers, hands-on demonstrations, artifact discovery, tours with the curator, art projects, storytelling, fun snacks, dress up activities for the whole family are offered throughout Saturdays in the summertime with all kinds of different history themes. Sponsored by Florida’s Natural Growers. Free to the public. (863) 676-1759 BLAST OFF BARTOW BACK TO SCHOOL BASH When: Aug. 03, 2019 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Carver Recreation Center

520 Idlewood Ave S, Bartow www.blastoffbartow.com Student attendees Pre-K to 12th grade will walk away with free school supplies and information for the upcoming school year. There will be vendors, food, fun, school supplies given away and so much more. Please register ahead of time as supplies will be first come first serve. Or sponsor a child for the 2019 school year. $25 Sponsorship includes: Free meal, Free backpack & Free Supplies. info@all-for1.comTel: (863) 409-5660 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH When: Aug. 03, 2019 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Wilfred Smith Resource Center

135 Ave Y NE, Winter Haven. parksandrec.polk-county.net Free school supplies for kids K - 5th grade, first come, first serve. Music, crafts, games, etc. Parent must be present with child. (863) 298-7898 SUMMER PALOOZA When: Aug. 03, 2019 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: RP Funding Center

701 Lime Street, Lakeland www.summerpalooza.org Come out to this family-friendly FREE back-to-school event brought to you by New Beginnings High School.

This year you will be entertained by some of Polk County’s most talented youth in the Summer Palooza Performing Arts Showcase where all guests in attendance will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite performers.‚ FREE haircuts for anyone in need, GIVING AWAY groceries (1 box per family) and personal care items for 1,000 families, along with a hot dog, chips and drink (while supplies last).

They recommend you Pre-Register to speed up your check-in process on day of event. SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED AND STRICTLY ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS. UIC OF NE POLK CO. 4TH ANNUAL BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH 2019 When: Aug. 03, 2019 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Lake Eva Event Center

799 Johns Avenue, Haines City Hosted by Unity in the Community of NE Polk County.

This year they are planning to have free backpacks with supplies, Physicals, Haircuts, Face-painting, Balloon Artist, Magician, World Strongest Man, Fashion Show, and access to the WaterPark (with limited capacity) and so much more.

Register in advance online at www.uicpolk.org/events. If you have any questions, please call (863) 438-2758. Register today online at www.uicpolk.org/events-1/back-2-schoolbash-of-2019 ACCESS ART: SPECIAL NEEDS When: Aug. 03, 2019 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

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Participants will create and discuss art with specially trained educator, Tinia Clark. Clark is the Executive Director of Sidestreet Art Beat, Inc., an organization whose mission is to provide awareness for the healing power of the arts through engagement. 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. 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.

VH-SWAN STORYTELLERS - “ALCATRAZ BADASS” ROBERT SCHIBLINE When: Aug. 03, 2019 | 5-6 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St., Lakeland www.swanbrewing.com Life is a collection of great stories and VH-Swan Storytellers is our way of bringing those great stories to the Swan Stage.

For this first installment, meet Robert “Banker Bob” Schibline, Alcatraz inmate 1355, as he tells the story of his life, crime and his connection to the most infamous prison escape in American history. Join us afterwards for a special Johnny Cash tribute performance by Sandy Back Porch.

BACK TO SCHOOL FIESTA When: Aug. 03, 2019 | 6 p.m.

Where: Lake Alfred Public Library

245 N Seminole Ave, Lake Alfred Dress as you wish and as always, this is a free event for ALL ages! Join the fun and enjoy face painting, refreshments, cookie decorating, music and games and you can win school supplies!! In need of a backpack? Join in on the raffle and put your name in for a chance to win!! Limited space, must reserve through Facebook @lakealfredlibrary LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS When: Aug. 03, 2019 | 6 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. www.milb.com Minor League Baseball (863) 686-8075 AGAINST THE ELEMENT + CRUEL CURSES + COMIN’ HOME + MURDER THE CROW When: Aug. 03, 2019 | 7-11 p.m.

Where: LkldTV Studio B

202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland www.lkldlive.com 4 great rock bands for only $7. Doors open at 7:00pm ASTRONOMY NIGHT When: Aug. 03, 2019 | 7 p.m.

Where: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve

945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred.

Watch a presentation on the Precision of the Equinoxes.

We know the Earth revolves around the Sun and it rotates, but that is not all. When will Vega be a North Star? Come and find out. Some telescopes available to look out into the galaxy. Rain or shine, the show goes on. Come join us. This event is free of charge. For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (863) 291-5272 or aquinones@mylakealfred.com THE WORLD’S LARGEST GOLF OUTING: WILLOWBROOK When: Aug. 04, 2019 | 7:30 a.m.

Where: Willowbrook Golf Course

4200 FL-544, Winter Haven www.worldslargestgolfouting.com The World’s Largest Golf Outing (WLGO) is about having a great day of golf with friends, family and colleagues, while benefiting Fisher House Foundation (FHF), a non-profit best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment.WLGO is an 18 hole four-person team scramble. The registration fee includes a $10 per player donation, 18 Holes, Cart, Lunch, Range & Prizes.

AUGUST LKLD CREATIVE MAKERS When: Aug. 05, 2019 | 7-8 p.m.

Where: Union Hall, 1023 S Florida Ave, Lakeland LKLD Creative Makers is a collective of amazing people that come together on the first Monday of every month to collab, celebrate, and network. Created in hopes of giving the artistic community of Lakeland a place to connect. Feel free to invite any and all that share in this creative passion. We welcome those that create visual art as their job, hobby, and/ or out of sheer enjoyment. Just show up! This month they talk with Bump Galletta and his new gig with West Elm.

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS When: Aug. 04, 2019 | 1 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. www.milb.com/lakeland/schedule/2019-08 Minor League Baseball (863) 686-8075 BOWL A RAMA When: Aug. 04, 2019 | 2 p.m.

Where: Cypress Lanes

2010 Dundee Rd, Winter Haven.

PolkNoKill.org Join the Humane Society of Polk County for a Sunday Funday Bowl-a-Rama at Cypress Lanes to raise money to save pets from homelessness and despair! For more information about the organization: PolkNoKill.org

5-11 HIT IT AND QUIT IT DnD/ TABLETOP GAME NIGHT When: Aug. 05, 2019 | 7 p.m.

Where: Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven onestopguildshop.com Come and play their unique style of Dungeons and Dragons or bring your favorite board game and grab a table. Bring your friends and general admission per party member gets you a table to play you campaign. Concessions available for purchase. More info online.

BACK 2 SCHOOL JAM When: Aug. 04, 2019 | 5-8 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven High School

600 6th St SE, Winter Haven The Back to School Jam is a FREE community event, for all students who attend any of Winter Haven’s local schools. We would like to feature a “Meet and Greet your Principal” as well. The purpose of this event is to unite the community and foster a sense of community pride.

The day will end with a celebrity basketball game, featuring Polk County’s finest staff members and current and former Polk County student athletes.

CAMEOS MEMOIRS WRITING CLASS When: Aug. 06, 2019 | 2-4 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven Write your own stories! Class meets the first Tuesday of each month. For more information, contact Beverly Lerner at (863) 294-6042 or bevlerner@aol.com.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST GOLF OUTING: COUNTRY CLUB OF WINTER HAVEN When: Aug. 05, 2019 | 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Country Club

4200 Country Club Road S, Winter Haven www.worldslargestgolfouting.com The World’s Largest Golf Outing (WLGO) is about having a great day of golf with friends, family and colleagues, while benefiting Fisher House Foundation (FHF), a non-profit best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment.WLGO is an 18 hole four-person team scramble. The registration fee includes a $10 per player donation, 18 holes of golf, cart, range, lunch or dinner, and prizes.

LEGO CLUB When: Aug. 06, 2019 | 4-5 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. www.mywinterhaven.com They supply the Lego blocks, you supply the imagination!

Creations will be displayed during the following week. Ages 6-12. (863) 291-5880 VERMICOMPOSTING 101 When: Aug. 06, 2019 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven Learn about this unique and easy method of using worms to compost. Instructions on how to care for a worm farm, harvest castings, and how to use those castings in your garden. Workshop is presented by the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardeners. Go to https://sfyl.ifas.ufl. edu/polk/ for more information. If you have any questions, please contact us at (863) 519-1041.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST GOLF OUTING: CLUB AT EAGLEBROOKE When: Aug. 05, 2019 | 8:30 a.m.

Where: The Club at Eaglebrooke

1300 Eaglebrooke Blvd., Lakeland www.worldslargestgolfouting.com The World’s Largest Golf Outing (WLGO) is about having a great day of golf with friends, family and colleagues, while benefiting Fisher House Foundation (FHF), a non-profit best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment.WLGO is an 18 hole four-person team scramble. The registration fee includes a $10 per player donation, 18 holes of golf, cart, range, lunch or dinner, and prizes.

SALSA DANCING When: Aug. 06, 2019 | 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Lake Mirror Theater

121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland. www.lakelandsalsa.com Lakeland Salsa & Swing partner with the City of Lakeland to host dance socials every Tuesday night at the Lake Mirror Complex. 6:30 - 7:30 PM — Group Lesson, 7:30 - 9:00 PM — Open Floor Dancing. General Admission — $5 (cash only please)

WELCOME ENGINE 51 INTO SERVICE When: Aug. 05, 2019 | 9-10 a.m.

Where: Lakeland Fire Dept. Station 5

3101 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland Engine 51 is the first clean-cab concept fire engine of its kind in Lakeland. It is specially designed to protect firefighters from exposures to carcinogens. It is also the department’s first Pierce Velocity Pumper. You’ll get a chance to see it up close, meet firefighters, and enjoy some refreshments. There will be goodies for the little ones too. Visit and see your community resources in action.

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS TAMPA When: Aug. 06, 2019 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland www.milb.com Minor League Baseball. (863) 686-8075 STUFF THE BUS WITH EMERGE LAKELAND When: Aug. 07, 2019 | 7-9 a.m.

Where: RP Funding Center

701 Lime Street, Lakeland emergelakeland.wildapricot.org Volunteer with other members of EMERGE and several local organizations that all come together to organize school supplies for children in need! You can simply drop by for 15 minutes or the whole time. This is all hands on deck and a fun event to volunteer alongside other EMERGE members.

Register online.

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS TAMPA When: Aug. 05, 2019 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland www.milb.com Minor League Baseball. (863) 686-8075

BIG ORIENTATION & TRAINING When: Aug. 07, 2019 | 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Women’s Resource Center

165 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/ Join us as a defender of potential by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister and together, we can change the world. All it takes is 4-8 hours a month, depending on the program, with a focus on being consistent and spending one-to-one quality time with your Little. Let’s clear a path to a child’s biggest possible future. The first step is to attend a Big Orientation & Training session where you’ll learn about our programs, commitments, expectations and our kids.

WRITERS @ LPL When: Aug. 07, 2019 | 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Lakeland Public Library

100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland. lakelandpl.libcal.com/event/4833831 Writers @ LPL meets the first Wednesday of each month in the Meeting Room. Writers will now have two sessions in one evening. First Steps for New Writers (6 — 7pm) This first session will be geared towards new writers and will address topics for beginning writers.The Next Level for Intermediate Writers (7 — 8:50pm) will focus on topics and interests for intermediate writers. (863) 834-4276 LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS TAMPA When: Aug. 07, 2019 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland www.milb.com Minor League Baseball. (863) 686-8075 OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH DAN SIGNOR! When: Aug. 07, 2019 | 8 p.m.

Where: Union Hall, 1023 S Florida Ave, Lakeland Dan Signor, founder of Union Hall, will be leading Open Mic nights every Wednesday for the coming months! Come out and enjoy amazing food and drinks! Whether you’re a singer or a musician, come down and collaborate with local artists!

(863) 999-1013. Find them on FB@unionhallevents LUNCH & LEARN: GROWING HAPPY HOUSEPLANTS When: Aug. 08, 2019 | 12-1 p.m.

Where: Lake Wales Public Library

290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales Limited on yard space or just looking to add some plants to enjoy indoors? Learn how to care for your houseplants from the best lighting to tips on watering, fertilizing and more.

This is a free lunch and learn workshop and lunch is provided.

Space is limited and registration is required.Workshop is presented by the Lake Wales Public Library and the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.Go to https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ for more information. If you have any questions, please contact us at (863) 519-1041.

CREATIVE WRITING CRITIQUE GROUP When: Aug. 08, 2019 | 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven www.mywinterhaven.com This group meets on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 12:30 — 2:30 p.m. Attendees share and critique their writings. All aspiring writers are welcome.Questions? Send email to wekeig@gmail.com.

MUSIC ON THE TERRACE WITH THE BLUE ROOSTERS When: Aug. 08, 2019 | 5-7 p.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Visit Bok Tower Gardens on the Cafe patio terrace for live music during the summer nights with free admission from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.(863) 676-1408 MONTHLY TEACHING KITCHEN When: Aug. 08, 2019 | 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Central Florida Health Care, Inc.

201 Magnolia Ave SW, Winter Haven Central Florida Health Care invites you to our FREE monthly community Teaching Kitchen classes. Learn helpful lifestyle

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tips and how to make healthy meals the whole family will love -- because the more we know, the better we feel!

(866) 234-8534 LAKELAND FOOD TRUCK RALLY When: Aug. 08, 2019 | 6-9 p.m.

Where: Munn Park, Lakeland tampabayfoodtruckrally.com/lakeland-food-truck-rally-2 Monthly Food Truck Rally in Munn Park in Downtown Lakeland on the second Thursday of every month. Free Admission and Dog Friendly!

DOUG SHEEN When: Aug. 08, 2019 | 6-9 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St., Lakeland www.swanbrewing.com You’ll hear the influence of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd as well as other Classic Rock Bands through his music. Always looking to surprise his fans, he strives to select a variety of forgotten hit songs that most other artists do not cover in order to provide a fresh alternative to the same old same old.

NATURE’S FINEST YOGA CLASS When: Aug. 08, 2019 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve

945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred mylakealfred.com Every Thursday evening, everyone is welcome, just bring a mat and an open heart. Donations will be accepted although the class is free.

POINT OF VIEW GALLERY TALKS When: Aug. 09, 2019 | 12 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org Point of View Gallery talks are the second Friday of the month at noon. Space is limited, register online. (863) 688-7743

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PRESENTS: THE ROLLING STONES LET IT BLEED When: Aug. 09, 2019 | 8 p.m.

Where: RP Funding Center

701 Lime Street, Lakeland rpfundingcenter.com Classic Albums Live takes classic rock albums and recreates them live, on stage - note for note, cut for cut.

SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON RACE SERIES #3 When: Aug. 10, 2019 | 7 a.m.

Where: Lake Hollingsworth East of South Florida Ave. & West of Bartow Rd., Lakeland lakelandrunnersclub.org The series has become an established venue for competition and an annual celebration of fitness. It continues to be popular with both experienced and casual runners alike. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last. All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times.

Your mission is to get faster with each race. So ask yourself: #CanYouBeatTheHeatThe Summer Watermelon 5k is run on a certified course (FL15070EBM). All races are chip timed.

Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results. Register online.

LAKE WALES FARMERS MARKET When: Aug. 10, 2019 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Downtown Market Place

20 N Market Place, Lake Wales www.lakewalesfl.gov 2nd and 4th Saturdays in downtown Lake Wales.

SUMMER FUN DAYS END OF SUMMER PARTY: WE LOVE THE 80S When: Aug. 10, 2019 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center

325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales www.lakewalesfl.gov Special guest speakers, hands-on demonstrations, artifact discovery, tours with the curator, art projects, storytelling,

fun snacks, dress up activities for the whole family are offered throughout Saturdays in the summertime with all kinds of different history themes. Sponsored by Florida’s Natural Growers. Free to the public. (863) 676-1759 ALBERTA DINOSAUR STAMPEDE! When: Aug. 10, 2019 | 10-11 a.m.

Where: Polk State/Winter Haven

999 Avenue H N.E., Winter Haven A film from the Royal Tyrrell Museum about the dinosaurs of Eastern Alberta will be shown.The Canadian province of Alberta is famous for the Rocky Mountains and resorts like Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. To the east of these mountains lie the Badlands where the remains of dinosaurs from the Cretaceous Period have been preserved. Francois Therrien, Ph.D., Curator of Dinosaur Palaeoecology at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta, discusses why dinosaur fossils are so abundant in eastern Alberta and showcases the important dinosaur discoveries of the past 140 years. The meeting will be held in Room 204 in the Learning Resources Building on the Winter Haven Campus of Polk State College. The lecture is open to the public with no charge for admission. PSC sponsor, Kathleen Riley (863-299-8430), invites everyone to attend.

LEGOLAND FIRE SAFETY WEEKEND When: Aug. 10, 2019 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: Legoland Florida

1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven www.legoland.com Presented by the National Fire Protection Association, this entertaining and informative event teaches kids about fire safety with a variety of fun activities in the theme park, including a character experience with LEGO Max, a fire safety-themed scavenger hunt and a unique LEGO mosaic build. New this year, guests can snap a photo with LEGO City’s tallest firefighter!

ACROSS THE ATLANTIC: AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISM THROUGH THE FRENCH LENS When: Aug. 10 - Oct. 13, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org This extraordinary exhibition, drawn entirely from the collection of the Reading Public Museum, explores the path to Impressionism through the nineteenth century, and the complex relationship between French Impressionism of the 1870s and 80s, and the American interpretation of the style in the decades that followed. Paintings and works on paper help tell the story of the new style of painting which developed at the end of the nineteenth century — one that emphasized light and atmospheric conditions, rapid or loose brushstrokes, and a focus on brightly colored scenes from everyday life.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS ORIENTATION & TRAINING When: Aug. 10, 2019 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: BBBS Polk Office

1231 E. Orange Street, Lakeland bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/ Join us as a defender of potential by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister and together, we can change the world. All it takes is 4-8 hours a month, depending on the program, with a focus on being consistent and spending one-to-one quality time with your Little. The first step is to attend a Big Orientation & Training session where you’ll learn about our programs, commitments, expectations and our kids.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY MOVIE When: Aug. 10, 2019 | 2-4 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven www.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.

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863-676-0200

THE SECOND SATURDAY CRUISE IN When: Aug. 10, 2019 | 4-8 p.m.

Where: Downtown Auburndale SALSA DANCING When: Aug. 10, 2019 | 7-10 p.m.

Where: LkldTV Studio B

202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland www.lakelandsalsa.com A Salsa Dance Social on the second Saturday of each month! 7:00 - 8:00 PM — GROUP LESSON, 8:00 - 10:00 PM — OPEN FLOOR DANCING. General Admission — $5 (cash, credit, venmo) LEGOLAND FIRE SAFETY WEEKEND When: Aug. 11, 2019 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: Legoland Florida

1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. www.legoland.com Presented by the National Fire Protection Association, this entertaining and informative event teaches kids about fire safety with a variety of fun activities in the theme park, including a character experience with LEGO Max, a fire safety-themed scavenger hunt and a unique LEGO mosaic build. New this year, guests can snap a photo with LEGO City’s tallest firefighter!

12-18 HIT IT AND QUIT IT DnD/ TABLETOP GAME NIGHT When: Aug. 12, 2019 | 7 p.m.

Where: Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven onestopguildshop.com Come and play their unique style of Dungeons and Dragons or bring your favorite board game and grab a table. Bring your friends and general admission per party member gets you a table to play you campaign. Concessions available for purchase. More info online.

2019 ECONOMIC UPDATE PRESENTED BY CPS INVESTMENT ADVISORS When: Aug. 13, 2019 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Hollis Cancer Center

Campisi Family Auditorium

3525 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland lakelandchamber.com CPS Investment Advisors present the Economic Update Luncheon hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

The program will feature lunch and an in-depth keynote presentation by Sean Snaith, PhD., University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness, a respected economist covering local and national perspectives. The majority of the 250 plus attendees are executives who run companies or have significant P&L responsibility. The financial industry and financial professionals are well represented this for mid-year Economic Update. Register online.

LEGO CLUB When: Aug. 13, 2019 | 4-5 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven www.mywinterhaven.com They supply the Lego blocks, you supply the imagination!

Creations will be displayed during the following week.Ages 6-12. (863) 291-5880 POETRY CLUB When: Aug. 13, 2019 | 6-7 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. www.mywinterhaven.com/event/poetry-club-2/2019-08-13/ Second Tuesday of the month in the Historical Conference Room. (863) 291-5880 SALSA DANCING When: Aug. 13, 2019 | 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Lake Mirror Theater

121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland

www.lakelandsalsa.com Lakeland Salsa & Swing partner with the City of Lakeland host dance socials every Tuesday night at the Lake Mirror Complex. 6:30 - 7:30 PM — Group Lesson, 7:30 - 9:00 PM — Open Floor Dancing. General Admission — $5 (cash only please) MORNING BOOK CLUB When: Aug. 14, 2019 | 10 a.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven www.mywinterhaven.com This Club meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. in the Historical Conference Room. Titles include a variety of adult fiction, nonfiction and biographies. Aug 14: A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum. (863) 291-5880 EAT TO BEAT DIABETES When: Aug. 14, 2019 | 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Where: Lakeland Activity Center for Seniors

1510 Commercial Park Dr, Lakeland www.eventbrite.com Through games and activities learn from a registered dietitian how to fill a healthy plate at meals and fit in all the foods you love. The Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program is dedicated to providing sciencebased information to empower individuals and families to make changes to improve their health and quality of life. Questions: Please contact Andrea Nikolai, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, Family and Consumer Science Agent at andreanikolai@ufl.edu or (863) 519-1041 OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH DAN SIGNOR! When: Aug. 14, 2019 | 8 p.m.

Where: Union Hall, 1023 S Florida Ave, Lakeland Dan Signor, founder of Union Hall, will be leading Open Mic nights every Wednesday for the coming months! Come out and enjoy amazing food and drinks! Whether you’re a singer or a musician, come down and collaborate with local artists!

(863) 999-1013. Find them on FB@unionhallevents

NATURE’S FINEST YOGA CLASS When: Aug. 15, 2019 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve

945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred mylakealfred.com Every Thursday evening, everyone is welcome, just bring a mat and an open heart. Donations will be accepted although the class is free.

BUTTERFLY & OTHER POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTS When: Aug. 16, 2019 | 9-10 a.m.

Where: The Historic Depot/Rotary Butterfly Garden

120 W. Park St., Auburndale Want to attract more pollinators to your garden? Join us to learn about which flowers to plant to get those bees, birds, butterflies, and other pollinators flying to your garden!

Workshop is presented by the City of Auburndale Parks and Recreation and the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Go to https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ for more information. If you have any questions, please contact us at (863) 519-1041 MINECRAFTERS When: Aug. 16, 2019 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven www.mywinterhaven.com Minecrafters is a hands-on event for kids. Learn, play and share the world of Minecraft. This program occurs on the 3rd Friday of the month in the Library’s SEEDLab. (863) 291-5880 BEER FOR BULLIES When: Aug. 16, 2019 | 6-9 p.m.

Where: Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave,, Lakeland Cheers to a No Kill Shelter for Polk County in 2025!! Come join us for drinks and help support our mission with the SPCA Florida to save Bully mixes and transport them out to our rescue partners in the North. We will have a 50/50 raffle and prizes to be won. Come have a drink with us and help change a life! Facebook @polkcountybullyproject

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AUG 17 | 5:00 P.M.

FREE TO

RIDE

Info @ FB.com/slowrollskishow

SATURDAY

Meet at the Bike Shop of Winter Haven | 249 3rd St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880 | (863) 299-9907

49

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS BRADENTON When: Aug. 16, 2019 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland www.milb.com Minor League Baseball. (863) 686-8075 REBEL SOUL When: Aug. 16, 2019 | 7-11 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St., Lakeland www.swanbrewing.com Rebel Soul is a high-energy, country/rock, country dance band. Their repertoire includes current country, several originals, a sprinkling of classic rock, southern rock, R&B and more.

SELWYN BIRCHWOOD When: Aug. 16, 2019 | 8-10 p.m.

Where: Union Hall, 1023 S Florida Ave, Lakeland With his fiery guitar and lap steel playing, his trailblazing, instantly memorable songs and gritty, unvarnished vocals, Birchwood is among the most extraordinary young stars in the blues. Birchwood’s high-octane blues — at once deeply rooted, funky and up-to-the-minute — are played with passion and honest emotion. With his band feeding off his drive and exuberance, the striking 6’3” young man with his trademark Afro roams the stage (often barefoot), ripping out memorable guitar licks with ease, his soulful, rocks-andgravel vocals firing up the crowd. More info on FB @unionhallevents THE FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC TIME TRIAL SERIES When: Aug. 17, 2019 | 8 a.m.

Where: Florida Polytechnic University

4700 Research Way, Lakeland legacy.usacycling.org Come out and test yourself against the clock on one of the finest time trial courses in Central Florida! This unique time trial series will feature a structured warm up with pacing and a motivational talk with coach starting 1-hour before each time trial. Whether you have a time trial bike or road bike, this

neoclassical architecture, the construction of the building and the stories behind the iconic Old Polk County Courthouse.

The free architectural tour is on the third Saturday of each month.

8 mile course will also serve as a perfect 20 minute power test location. There will be an optional endurance-tempo group ride after all the riders have finished each time trial event. This will give you the ability to crush an 8 mile time trial and enjoy some good miles with a group after to make a morning out of it. Categories and Styles:-Open to ages 14-99-Time Trial Bike (Aero Style), Road Bike (Eddy Merckx Style), handcycles, and recumbents-In order to qualify for “Merckx” style, you may not use any of the following items: Disc wheel, Aero wheels greater than 51mm deep, Aero bars, Aero helmets, Shoe covers. You must declare yourself as “Aero” or “Merckx” either at online registration or in the staging area.

CYPRESS GARDENS WATER SKI TEAM FREE SHOW When: Aug. 17, 2019 | 5-8 p.m.

Where: MLK Jr. Park

199 E Lake Silver Dr. NE, Winter Haven Free ski show! Bring chairs or a blanket, concessions available for purchase. Play the 50/50 raffle to support the ski team!

SLOW ROLL & SKI SHOW When: Aug. 17, 2019 | 5 p.m.

Where: The Bike Shop

249 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven THIS EVENT IS FREE! thanks to our sponsors Six/Ten, Bond Clinic, Wauchula State Bank, and Lynn Polston Allstate.

What is a Slow roll? Slow Roll will meet at the Bike Shop in Downtown Winter Haven the 3rd Saturday of every month. We will “Slow Roll” through the city of Winter Haven taking a path highlighting cities murals, parks, and new developments. We will then stop mid-roll at Lake Silver to take in the ski show. After the show we will Slow Roll back through town and end at Grove Roots Brewery (located across the street from the Bike Shop). More info on FB@ slowrollskishow

BOOK STORE 1/2 PRICE BOOK SALE When: Aug. 17, 2019 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Friends of the Winter Haven

Library Book Store

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

CLEAR THE SHELTERS ADOPTION EVENT When: Aug. 17, 2019 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: The Humane Society of Polk County, Inc.

3195 Dundee Rd., Winter Haven polknokill.org NBC and Telemundo owned stations are teaming up with hundreds of shelters across the country to host Clear the Shelters, a nationwide pet adoption drive to help find loving homes for animals in need. The Humane Society of Polk County is participating in this national campaign and are being sponsored by GEICO. For this event the adopt fees will be discounted to $50 for puppies and kittens and $25 for adult dogs and cats. (863) 324-5227 ARCHITECTURAL TOUR When: Aug. 17, 2019 | 11 a.m.

Where: Polk County History Center

100 E Main St, Bartow www.polk-county.net An architectural tour of the History Center to learn about

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS BRADENTON When: Aug. 17, 2019 | 6 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland www.milb.com/lakeland/schedule/2019-08 Minor League Baseball. (863) 686-8075 TAPESTRY: LIVE TRIBUTE TO CAROLE KING + JONI MITCHELL TRIBUTE! When: Aug. 17, 2019 | 8 p.m.

Where: LkldTV Studio B

202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland www.lkldlive.com We welcome Lakeland pianist/vocalist Nicole Celeste as she

performs Carole King’s classic album Tapestry solo from start to finish. Courtney Plummer will open the show with a special tribute to Joni Mitchell.

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS BRADENTON When: Aug. 18, 2019 | 1 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland www.milb.com/lakeland/schedule/2019-08 Minor League Baseball. (863) 686-8075 ABSTRACT - A PERFORMING ART SERIES INSPIRED

BY TAPESTRIES LAKELAND When: Aug. 18, 2019 | 2:30-4 p.m.

Where: Florida Dance Theatre

305 W Main St., Lakeland www.eventbrite.com GRUBB Arts, LLC, in collaboration with Florida Dance Theatre and The Working Artist Studio and Gallery, presents “Abstract” - a 5 show Performing Art Series inspired by Tapestries Lakeland. Each General Admission show will have limited seating available and will feature different Tapestries Lakeland paintings paired with Performing Art in various media; dance, song, and spoken word. AUG 18 - “So Long and Thanks for All the Fish” (PG). Following each performance will be a reception where featured artists’ works will be available for sale. Purchase tickets online.

19-25 HIT IT AND QUIT IT DnD/ TABLETOP GAME NIGHT When: Aug. 19, 2019 | 7 p.m.

Where: Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven onestopguildshop.com Come and play their unique style of Dungeons and Dragons or bring your favorite board game and grab a table. Bring your friends and general admission per party member gets you a table to play you campaign. Concessions available for purchase. More info online.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 52 -

Visit Our NEW HOME & Discover Your Style 605 E. Central Ave., Winter Haven

Have You Heard We Have a New Doctor?

(863) 291-8585 Mon-Sat 10-5:30pm

S U P YO G A C L A S S E S

Dr. Orange is back home.

Dr. Rayburn will still be available for appointments when he’s not fishing!

PAW HAVEN ANIMAL HOSPITAL 3691 Lake Alfred Rd. | Winter Haven 863-293-1428 | www.pawhavenvet.com

New & Used Board Sales . Private Parties . Lessons . Tours . Rentals

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Visit website for more information: PaddleboardWinterHaven.com

50

LAKE WALES ARTS COUNCIL

SHOOTOUT FOR THE ARTS

A Charity Clay Shoot Event Benefiting Fine Arts Education

SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2019 FLORIDA FFA LEADERSHIP TRAINING CENTER 5000 FIRETOWER RD, HAINES CITY, FL 33844

ENTRY FEE:

9 AM I REGISTRATION

$125 - INDIVIDUAL

10 AM I SHOTGUN START

$500 - TEAM

12 PM I LUNCHEON

Prizes, Silent Auction, Raffle, Breakfast & Lunch Learn more at www.lw-arts.org 51

“LEAN IN” LUNCHEON SERIES CELEBRATING WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE When: Aug. 20, 2019 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Chamber

401 Ave B NW, Winter Haven web.winterhavenchamber.com When Sheryl Sanberg wrote the book “Lean In,”which has become a rallying phrase for working women, she wanted to redefine what “leaning in” meant. The key is not pushing harder. The key is being attentive, objective and focused on opportunities that emerge in life and work. It is about knowing your passions, being bold and taking calculated risks. And above all, it’s about not letting yourself be guided by pressure and fear. ”In the “Lean In” Luncheon series, we want to share with you the stories of women in the workforce — their struggles, their successes, their mistakes and their victories. . . and of course, the lessons learned along the way.

Our first speaker will be Anita Silwal, Senior Neighborhood Planner for the City of Winter Haven. Tickets are $25 for Chamber members, $35 for non-chamber members and include lunch.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP When: Aug. 20, 2019 | 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Where: Side Street Studios, Inc.

110 3rd St SW, Winter Haven www.alz.org/crf Support group is for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.

TUESDAY BOOK CLUB When: Aug. 20, 2019 | 4 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven www.mywinterhaven.com This Club meets on the Third Tuesday of every month at 4 p.m. in the Historical Conference Room. Titles include a variety of adult fiction, nonfiction and biographies. Aug 20: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. (863) 291-5880

LEGO CLUB When: Aug. 20, 2019 | 4-5 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven www.mywinterhaven.com They supply the Lego blocks, you supply the imagination!

Creations will be displayed during the following week. Ages 6-12. (863) 291-5880 ATHENA AWARDS When: Aug. 20, 2019 | 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Haus 820

820 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland lakelandchamber.com The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce hosts its Inaugural ATHENA Awards Presented by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. Join us for a VIP Cocktail Reception followed by an Awards Dinner Presentation to honor exceptional leaders and to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives. The ATHENA Award honors women who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and forge paths of leadership for other women to follow.

Purchase tickets online.

SALSA DANCING When: Aug. 20, 2019 | 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Lake Mirror Theater

121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland www.lakelandsalsa.com Lakeland Salsa & Swing partner with the City of Lakeland to host dance socials every Tuesday night at the Lake Mirror Complex.6:30 - 7:30 PM — Group Lesson, 7:30 - 9:00 PM — Open Floor Dancing. General Admission — $5 (cash only please) LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS JUPITER When: Aug. 20, 2019 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland www.milb.com Minor League Baseball. (863) 686-8075

THE BEST OF THEATRE WINTER HAVEN- TRIBUTE TUESDAY LIVE When: Aug. 20, 2019 | 8-10 p.m.

Where: Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven centralfloridatix.com Season 49 comes to a close with a celebration of the best of Musical Theatre in our final Tribute Tuesday Live concert.

See, hear and experience the best songs and great talent from the Theatre Winter Haven stage. See the highlights from this and past seasons, PLUS, selections from shows to come. This is a night to celebrate the Best of Theatre Winter Haven! Musical Direction: Phil King. This performance will take place at the Ritz Theatre. It was moved from the Chain O’ Lakes Complex due to construction and upgrades to the building. (863) 294-7469 LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS JUPITER When: Aug. 21, 2019 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland www.milb.com Minor League Baseball. (863) 686-8075 COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT When: Aug. 21, 2019 | 7 p.m.

Where: LkldTV Studio B

202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland Hosted by Comedy Maestro Nate Fleming (Swan City Improv, Lkld Food Tours).It’s FREE to attend, and FREE to participate, but remember LAUGHS don’t come for free, so be sure to bring your best material, and get the audience rolling in the aisles for a chance to be invited to participate in a special end of year comedy show in December.

OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH DAN SIGNOR! When: Aug. 21, 2019 | 8 p.m.

Where: Union Hall, 1023 S Florida Ave, Lakeland Dan Signor, founder of Union Hall, will be leading Open Mic nights every Wednesday for the coming months! Come out and enjoy amazing food and drinks! Whether you’re a singer or a musician, come down and collaborate with local artists!

(863) 999-1013 Find them on FB@unionhallevents

CAREERSOURCE POLK’S 2019 ANNUAL MEETING & BEST PLACES TO WORK AWARDS BREAKFAST When: Aug. 22, 2019 | 8 a.m.

Where: RP Funding Center

701 Lime Street, Lakeland careersourcepolk.com/employers/best-places-work-awards/ Since 2003, CareerSource Polk has recognized the Best Places to Work in Polk County through a competitive application process that honors employers who exemplify best practices in their workplace and who are committed to improving the quality of life for their employees.

(863) 508-1100 CREATIVE WRITING CRITIQUE GROUP When: Aug. 22, 2019 | 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven www.mywinterhaven.com This group meets on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 12:30 — 2:30 p.m. Attendees share and critique their writings. All aspiring writers are welcome.Questions? Send email to wekeig@gmail.com.

CRYIN’ TOWEL 2019 When: Aug. 22, 2019 | 6 p.m.

Where: Bartow Civic Center

2250 S Floral Ave, Bartow Join Bartow Kiwanis as we award “the saddest coach” in Polk County HS football. This hilarious night features local coaches lamenting their upcoming season in side-splitting fashion. Enjoy a steak dinner, hors d’oeuvres, bottomless beer, raffles, a chest of cheer, and so much more! Get your tickets at Bartow Chamber of Commerce, CenterState Bank in Bartow, or your favorite Bartow Kiwanians. Proceeds of the event help support Bartow Kiwanis efforts to aid our local children and positively impact our community.

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Client focused.

We are client focused.

We are the Bank of Central Florida team. We are propelling forward together.

Contact us today and connect with one of our Bankers.

250 3rd St. N.W. Suite #102 Winter Haven, FL 33881 www.bankofcentralflorida.com | (863) 226-4064 w w w. b a n k o f c e n t r a l fl o r i d a . c o m | ( 8 6 3 ) 2 2 6 - 4 0 6 4 | 2 5 0 3 r d S t . N .W. S u i t e # 1 0 2 W i n t e r H a v e n , F L 3 3 8 8 1

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5692 Cypress Garden Blvd WinterHaven402.CBDrx4u.com // (863)268-6864 Our products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your physician before use. Must be 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult.

53

NATURE’S FINEST YOGA CLASS When: Aug. 22, 2019 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve

945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred mylakealfred.com Every Thursday evening, everyone is welcome, just bring a mat and an open heart. Donations will be accepted although the class is free.

CAST AND BLAST FLORIDA: THE LIVE SHOW When: Aug. 24, 2019 | 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co.

302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven The first ever live recording of the show! Join them for a special night, presented by Backcountry Hunters and Anglers! Tickets are free, but required for entry! More info on FB @castandblastfl

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS JUPITER When: Aug. 22, 2019 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland www.milb.com Minor League Baseball. (863) 686-8075

SWAN CITY IMPROV PRESENTS: MADE UP MUSICAL When: Aug. 24, 2019 | 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Where: LkldTV Studio B

202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland www.lkldlive.com One night, 2 completely improvised musicals. Swan City Improv will be doing the impossible by taking your suggestions and making 2 musicals on the spot. One at 7:30PM and one at 9:00PM. Come out ready to laugh as we sing songs, dance and have an all out great time bringing your suggestions to life on stage! $10 for one show, or just $15 for both!

LUNCH & LEARN: POLLINATORS AND THE FLOWERS THEY LOVE When: Aug. 23, 2019 | 12 p.m.

Where: Lakeland Electric

501 E Lemon St., Lakeland www.eventbrite.com Want to attract more pollinators to your garden? Join us to learn about which flowers to plant to get those bees, birds, butterflies, and other pollinators flying to your garden! This is a free lunch and learn workshop and lunch is provided.

Workshop is presented by the City of Lakeland Water Utilities and the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Register online.

REBEL SOUL When: Aug. 23, 2019 | 7-11 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St., Lakeland www.swanbrewing.com Rebel Soul is a high-energy, country/rock, country dance band. Their repertoire includes current country, several originals, a sprinkling of classic rock, southern rock, R&B and more.

LAKE WALES FARMERS MARKET When: Aug. 24, 2019 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Downtown Market Place

20 N Market Place, Lake Wales www.lakewalesfl.gov 2nd and 4th Saturdays in downtown Lake Wales.

FINE ART AT THE MAGNOLIA When: Aug. 24, 2019 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Magnolia Building

702 E Orange St., Lakeland Invitational Fine Art Show held annually in August in Lakeland, Florida. Showcasing 19 accomplished Fine Artists from across the state in a stunningly beautiful 2-day Fine Art Show held inside the lovely Historic Magnolia Building in downtown Lakeland’s garden & theater district. For more info please email Betsy Bohrer at betsy@thebohrergallery. com or find them on FB @FineArtMagnolia SATURDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY MOVIE When: Aug. 24, 2019 | 2-4 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven www.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.

THE ART OF FILM: NO HOME MOVIE When: Aug. 24, 2019 | 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org With audience Q&A and talkback sessions with film directors and faculty from Florida Southern College following each screening, this unique Polk Museum series will entertain, engage, and educate audiences of all ages. Doors open at 6:00 pm, Introduction and Screening at 6:30 pm. The Art of Film is free to attend. Cash bar available. (863) 688-7743.

No Home Movie, 2015, Synopsis: Filmmaker Chantal Akerman documents the life of her mother Natalia Akerman, a Polish immigrant and survivor of Auschwitz.

havenmagazines.com

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF EAST POLK/ RIDGE When: Aug. 27, 2019 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: The R-place Eatery Restaurant

35523 Hwy 27, Haines City The Democratic Women’s Club of East Polk/Ridge meets every 4th Tuesday. All Democratic women are welcome to join the club, where we discuss shared political views and volunteer for activities that help elect fellow Democrats.

Contact: Anne Huffman, Club President (863-242-3230) and annehuffman01@gmail.com POLK STRIDES KICKOFF PARTY AND REAL MEN WEAR PINK REVEAL When: Aug. 27, 2019 | 6-8 p.m.

Where: LkldTV Studio B

202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland makingstrideswalk.org/polk Please join us at LkldTV for a PINK party with a purpose to learn more about ways to get involved with American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Polk County. There will be hor d’oeuvres, wine available at a cash bar, and live entertainment! To attend, you MUST be interested in making a difference in the lives of those facing this awful disease. To RSVP, please email polkcountyflstrides@cancer.org or call (863) 225-4900

AUGUST COMEDY NIGHT - CHRIS GORGES FEATURING TIFFANY BARBEE When: Aug. 24, 2019 | 8 p.m.

Where: Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven centralfloridatix.com Adult Material - Viewer Discretion is Advised. Some people like to read books. Chris Gorges likes to read crowds. He has the ability to relate to his audience. His interactive style gets the crowd going and with his wide range of material, Chris never misses a beat. With a strong background in Improvisation, his act can be anything! He’s all about getting some serious laughs and brings tons of experience to the stage from every stage in his life. Chris studied improvisation under Richard Schaal, Co-Founder of the legendary Compass Theater Group and The Second City in Chicago.

High energy, honest and edgy comedy set the tone for a show that is never the same twice. Lots of interaction and improvisation make for a great comedy experience.

SALSA DANCING When: Aug. 27, 2019 | 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Lake Mirror Theater

121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland www.lakelandsalsa.com Lakeland Salsa & Swing partner with the City of Lakeland host dance socials every Tuesday night at the Lake Mirror Complex. 6:30 - 7:30 PM — Group Lesson, 7:30 - 9:00 PM — Open Floor Dancing. General Admission — $5 (cash only please) MOONLIGHT MARKET When: Aug. 28, 2019 | 7-9 p.m.

Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co.

302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven Shop from some of the best makers and food vendors from Central Florida! Shop, sip & eat local!

FINE ART AT THE MAGNOLIA When: Aug. 25, 2019 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Magnolia Building

702 E Orange St., Lakeland Invitational Fine Art Show held annually in August in Lakeland, Florida. Showcasing 19 accomplished Fine Artists from across the state in a stunningly beautiful 2-day Fine Art Show held inside the lovely Historic Magnolia Building in downtown Lakeland’s garden & theater district. For more info please email Betsy Bohrer at betsy@thebohrergallery. com or find them on FB @FineArtMagnolia

OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH DAN SIGNOR! When: Aug. 28, 2019 | 8 p.m.

Where: Union Hall, 1023 S Florida Ave, Lakeland Dan Signor, founder of Union Hall, will be leading Open Mic nights every Wednesday for the coming months! Come out and enjoy amazing food and drinks! Whether you’re a singer or a musician, come down and collaborate with local artists!

(863) 999-1013 Find them on FB@unionhallevents

26-31

LADIES NIGHT DOWNTOWN When: Aug. 29, 2019 | 5:30 p.m.

Where: Downtown Winter Haven www.mainstreetwh.com Enjoy a night of shopping, dining, and cocktail specials in participating businesses Downtown Winter Haven. Register for your FREE map online and pick them up on the corner of Central Ave and 4th Street NW at 5:30PM on August 29th!

LEGO CLUB When: Aug. 27, 2019 | 4-5 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven www.mywinterhaven.com They supply the Lego blocks, you supply the imagination!

Creations will be displayed during the following week. Ages 6-12. (863) 291-5880

POLK EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS When: Aug. 29, 2019 | 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Bartow Civic Center

2250 S Floral Ave, Bartow www.winterhavenchamber.com The Polk Emerging Leaders Awards annually recognizes five young professionals from across Polk County making significant contributions and commitment to our community.

In its 9th year, the awards are once again hosted by the three young professional groups in Polk County, celebrating collaboration across city borders. Bartow, Lakeland and the Winter Haven Chambers are involved.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS ORIENTATION & TRAINING When: Aug. 27, 2019 | 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: BBBS Polk Office

1231 E. Orange Street, Lakeland bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/ Join us as a defender of potential by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister and together, we can change the world. All it takes is 4-8 hours a month, depending on the program, with a focus on being consistent and spending one-to-one quality time with your Little. The first step is to attend a Big Orientation & Training session where you’ll learn about our programs, commitments, expectations and our kids.

NATURE’S FINEST YOGA CLASS When: Aug. 29, 2019 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve

945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred mylakealfred.com

54

Every Thursday evening, everyone is welcome, just bring a mat and an open heart. Donations will be accepted although the class is free.

CAMERAS FOR THE CAUSE When: August 30, 2019 | 6-8 p.m.

Where: Polk State WH Fine Arts Gallery

11th Street NE, Winter Haven, FL centralfloridatix.com Photography exhibit and auction by local doctors to benefit Hope Lodge Tampa. HLT provides a home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers while in treatment.

At the reception enjoy entertainment and refreshments.

Presented by Bond Clinic, $30 tickets may be purchased at centralfloridatix.com. Exhibit runs until Sept. 5.

BREW HUB’S NIGHT MARKET When: Aug. 30, 2019 | 6 p.m.

Where: Brew Hub, 3900 Frontage Rd S,, Lakeland brewhub.com Features artists and makers selling handmade goods, jewelry, art, wood-work, gifts and so much more! This is a familyfriendly event with a food truck & live music.

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS TAMPA When: Aug. 30, 2019 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland Minor League Baseball. (863) 686-8075 SIXX L SIXX CLASSIC ROCK & BLUES When: Aug. 30, 2019 | 7 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St., Lakeland Classic Rock & Blues and amazing Brews. Stop by and help us “Rock the House!” Dancing, drinks, great people!! All the classics you love!

LIVE TRIBUTE TO TOM PETTY - BY THE GARY LOVE BAND When: Aug. 30, 2019 | 8-11 p.m.

Where: LkldTV Studio B

202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland www.lkldlive.com Tribute Shows are BACK! The first part of the show will be all your favorite Tom Petty tunes, and after the intermission the band will play classic party rock hits from the 70s & 80s. Put on your dancing shoes , it’s going to be a night to remember..

Doors Open 7:30pm Show Starts 8:00pm VIP Table Seats $25 Row Seats $10 BAY STREET CLASSIC CAR SHOW When: Aug. 31, 2019 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Downtown Davenport www.mydavenport.org Vendors - 50/50 Raffle - BBQ - Contests. Registration Starts at 8:00 am. For more information please call (863) 419-3300 ext. 138 LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS TAMPA When: Aug. 31, 2019 | 6 p.m.

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland Minor League Baseball. (863) 686-8075 LADY MOONBEAM AND CMPNY OF ANMLS When: Aug. 31, 2019 | 8 p.m.

Where: The Poor Porker

801 E Main St., Lakeland Lady Moonbeam is an ethereal soulful electronic pop band from Lakeland. CMPNY of ANMLS is a dreamy psychedelic space rock band from Lakeland.

COLDWELL BANKER #1 In Real Estate Sales Volume for East Polk County in 2018 !*

*Based on MLS sales data for all East Polk County Board of Realtors for 2018, buying and selling sides for commercial and residential sales.

Island Lakes | 3/2 | $299,000 4111 Island Lakes Drive Erin Floyd 863-412-2286 Search P4906713 on cbhomes.com

Lake Reedy Estates | 4/2 | $309,900 88 Deer Rd Mike Nolen 863-508-1716 Search P4906677 on cbhomes.com

Lake Link Estates | 3/2 | $249,900 4 Lake Link Drive SE Wanda Dicks 863-287-7846 Bryan Dicks 863-287-7851 Search P4906676 on cbhomes.com

Lake Juliana Estates | 4/2 | $374,900 239 Lake Vista Drive Eunice Arroyo-Kirchgessner 863-698-9369 Christi Adkins 863-640-1096 Search P4906674 on cbhomes.com

Kings Pond | 3/2 | $185,000 171 Kings Pond Ave Tomi Miller-Troupe 863-287-0231 Search P4906604 on cbhomes.com

Whispering Pines Sub | 4/2 | $267,900 469 Pine Shadow Lane Jay Strouse 610-360-1767 Search P4906636 on cbhomes.com

Sunset Chase | 4/2 | $255,000 1701 Sunrise Ct Danny Chandler 863-651-3418 Search P4906634 on cbhomes.com

Wind Meadows | 4/2 | $300,000 2281 Trumpeter Swan Ave Craig Burke 863-899-5010 Search P4906624 on cbhomes.com

Normandy Heights | 4/2 | $239,777 1531 Normandy Heights Blvd Joni Reiter 863-287-8274 Search P4906320 on cbhomes.com

Dorrs Homestead | 3/2 | $245,000 3754 Crystal Beach Rd Caitlin Meadows 863-845-6562 Search P4906580 on cbhomes.com

Florida Highlands | 3/2 | $192,000 408 Lanier Lane Kelly Jones 863-258-1824 Search P4906576 on cbhomes.com

Lake Elbert Heights | 3/2 | $159,900 400 14th ST NE Glenda Devane 863-207-3961 Search P4906571 on cbhomes.com

Winterset Gardens | 3/2/1 | $625,000 6767 Winterset Gardens Rd Enoch Espinosa 863-412-7119 Search P4906551 on cbhomes.com

Babson Park | 4/2/1 | $795,000 922 Mangham Rd Julie Seay 863-287-1093 Search P4906417 on cbhomes.com

Sun-Air Country Club | 2/2 | $149,900 3 Pine Run Sheila Fritz 863-255-9260 Search P4906135 on cbhomes.com

COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM #1 REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE IN FLORIDA* Winter Haven 290 Cypress Gardens Blvd. SE | Winter Haven, FL 33880 | 863.294.7541 | CB Home Protection Plan 866.797.4788 *Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is ranked number one in closed residential buyer and/or seller transaction sides in Miami/Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, and number one in residential sales volume (calculated by multiplying number of buyer and/or seller transaction sides by the sales price) in Orlando and Tampa/ St. Petersburg. One unit equals one side of a transaction (buyer or seller). Data obtained by REAL Trends Survey, 2018. One unit equals one side of a transaction (buyer or seller). The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. Š2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 616418_FL_03/19

55

SOLD HOMES

290 ANNABELLE WAY.......................DAVENPORT........... 6/5/2019............$211,200 225 TAFT DR.....................................DAVENPORT.......... 6/21/2019........... $211,800 301 SANDY RIDGE DR.......................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019...........$213,900 933 ORCHID GROVE BLVD...............DAVENPORT..........6/19/2019.......... $216,000 125 SECLUDED OAK CT.....................DAVENPORT..........6/19/2019.......... $218,000 408 SILVER PALMS CIR.....................DAVENPORT......... 6/25/2019........... $222,100 468 BUCHANNAN DR......................DAVENPORT........... 6/4/2019.......... $222,700 125 BATTLEGROVE DR......................DAVENPORT.......... 6/21/2019..........$225,000 303 MARIVAL DR..............................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019......... $230,000 228 LUDISIA LOOP...........................DAVENPORT........... 6/3/2019...........$231,800 732 CITRUS ISLE DR..........................DAVENPORT..........6/19/2019.......... $232,200 493 BUCHANNAN DR.......................DAVENPORT........... 6/3/2019.......... $232,900 416 WINDSOR ESTATES DR..............DAVENPORT........... 6/3/2019..........$233,000 790 BENJAMIN TRL...........................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019........... $237,100 251 TOMELLOSO WAY......................DAVENPORT......... 6/25/2019...........$237,500 641 CAMPO LN.................................DAVENPORT......... 6/24/2019.......... $237,600 3205 SERENDIPITY WAY...................DAVENPORT.......... 6/21/2019......... $242,000 3145 SERENDIPITY WAY...................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019......... $243,000 134 LANGHAM DR............................DAVENPORT........... 6/6/2019......... $245,000 153 PRESTON AVE.............................DAVENPORT.......... 6/21/2019......... $248,500 589 SARDINIA CIR............................DAVENPORT........... 6/2/2019......... $248,900 336 TANGLEWOOD DR....................DAVENPORT.......... 6/21/2019......... $249,000 782 BENJAMIN TRL...........................DAVENPORT........... 6/3/2019......... $249,000 612 SPANISH PINE RD........................DAVENPORT.........6/30/2019......... $250,000 616 SPANISH PINE RD.......................DAVENPORT.........6/30/2019......... $250,000 624 SPANISH PINE RD.......................DAVENPORT.........6/30/2019......... $250,000 632 SPANISH PINE RD.......................DAVENPORT.........6/30/2019......... $250,000 668 SPANISH PINE RD......................DAVENPORT.........6/30/2019......... $250,000 3373 WELLBORN DR.........................DAVENPORT........... 6/6/2019......... $250,000 445 GLENEAGLES DR.......................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019......... $250,000 115 PANDA WAY.................................DAVENPORT.......... 6/21/2019.......... $252,500 129 SUNNY DAY WAY........................DAVENPORT.......... 6/21/2019..........$253,300 528 ARENA DR..................................DAVENPORT......... 6/20/2019..........$255,000 115 DILLON WAY................................DAVENPORT............7/8/2019..........$255,000 328 VIOLA DR...................................DAVENPORT........... 6/3/2019......... $258,000 1230 YORKSHIRE CT.........................DAVENPORT......... 6/24/2019......... $264,900 5458 LOMA VISTA LOOP..................DAVENPORT........... 6/5/2019......... $268,000 201 DURANGO LOOP.......................DAVENPORT........... 6/3/2019..........$270,000 477 BUCHANNAN DR.......................DAVENPORT........... 6/4/2019..........$270,000 697 OGELTHORPE DR......................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019..........$270,200 228 TAFT DR.....................................DAVENPORT..........6/19/2019..........$270,900 3149 SERENDIPITY WAY...................DAVENPORT.......... 6/21/2019..........$272,000 3119 SERENDIPITY WAY....................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019..........$273,000 310 ANNABELLE WAY.......................DAVENPORT......... 6/20/2019......... $280,400 314 ANNABELLE WAY.......................DAVENPORT......... 6/20/2019......... $280,400 318 ANNABELLE WAY........................DAVENPORT......... 6/20/2019......... $280,400 322 ANNABELLE WAY.......................DAVENPORT......... 6/20/2019......... $280,400 326 ANNABELLE WAY.......................DAVENPORT......... 6/20/2019......... $280,400 330 ANNABELLE WAY.......................DAVENPORT......... 6/20/2019......... $280,400 850 BENJAMIN TRL...........................DAVENPORT......... 6/20/2019......... $280,400

AUBURNDALE

160 TERRELL ST............................ AUBURNDALE........... 6/4/2019............ $87,500 512 WALNUT ST............................. AUBURNDALE......... 6/25/2019.......... $103,500 109 PEARL ST................................. AUBURNDALE........... 6/4/2019........... $119,900 636 DUNCAN CIR.......................... AUBURNDALE......... 6/20/2019.......... $130,000 122 DEEN BLVD............................... AUBURNDALE............6/7/2019.......... $135,000 715 ELIZABETH LN.......................... AUBURNDALE.......... 6/21/2019...........$137,000 611 ARIANA AVE............................. AUBURNDALE......... 6/20/2019.......... $152,000 4255 K VILLE AVE........................... AUBURNDALE............6/7/2019.......... $159,000 221 LAKEVIEW DR.......................... AUBURNDALE........... 6/5/2019..........$160,000 115 SIMS RD.................................... AUBURNDALE........... 6/5/2019.......... $169,900 1130 BERKLEY RIDGE LN................ AUBURNDALE......... 6/24/2019........... $170,100 220 EAGLE POINT LOOP................ AUBURNDALE........... 6/6/2019..........$180,000 1201 CAROL AVE............................ AUBURNDALE......... 6/24/2019..........$186,800 343 PINE SHADOW LN................... AUBURNDALE............6/7/2019.......... $213,000 5533 ORO VALLEY RD................... AUBURNDALE.......... 6/21/2019..........$222,000 1036 BETHPAGE RD....................... AUBURNDALE.......... 6/21/2019..........$225,000 142 LAKE MARIANA PL.................. AUBURNDALE.......... 6/21/2019.......... $227,600 2008 BRENTWOOD DR................. AUBURNDALE......... 6/20/2019......... $234,000 189 OAK CROSSING BLVD............. AUBURNDALE......... 6/24/2019..........$270,000 194 LAKE ARIETTA CT.................... AUBURNDALE......... 6/25/2019..........$274,000 596 SOMERSET DR........................ AUBURNDALE........... 6/3/2019......... $289,000 132 WALKERS POINT DR................ AUBURNDALE..........6/19/2019..........$289,500 101 VIOLA DR................................. AUBURNDALE.......... 6/21/2019..........$339,000

DAVENPORT

489 DISA DR.....................................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019............ $97,400 533 DISA DR......................................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019............ $97,400 50989 HIGHWAY 27 LOT 225...........DAVENPORT......... 6/24/2019.......... $105,300 347 DOE DR......................................DAVENPORT........... 6/4/2019..........$106,000 3030 HOLLY HILL CUTOFF RD..........DAVENPORT........... 6/5/2019..........$106,000 7 WESTRIDGE RD..............................DAVENPORT......... 6/24/2019........... $115,000 256 WHIRLAWAY DR.........................DAVENPORT..........6/19/2019.......... $129,800 392 SUMMER SQUALL RD................DAVENPORT..........6/19/2019.......... $129,800 1327 CALABRIA AVE..........................DAVENPORT........... 6/6/2019..........$140,000 2122 FAN PALM DR............................DAVENPORT......... 6/24/2019........... $151,000 450 ROBBINS REST CIR....................DAVENPORT........... 6/3/2019.......... $166,000 417 SCRUB JAY WAY..........................DAVENPORT......... 6/24/2019...........$172,600 412 JESSAMINE DR............................DAVENPORT..........6/19/2019.......... $189,000 130 NICHOLSON DR.........................DAVENPORT........... 6/4/2019..........$190,000 351 SCRUB JAY WAY..........................DAVENPORT......... 6/25/2019.......... $196,500 18 SOUTH BLVD................................DAVENPORT......... 6/20/2019..........$198,000 620 ROLLINS DR...............................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019..........$198,000 402 SUNRIDGE WOODS BLVD.........DAVENPORT......... 6/20/2019......... $203,000 110 HIGH RIDGE DR...........................DAVENPORT........... 6/6/2019......... $205,000 1012 SALAMANCA PL........................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019..........$205,700

CATHY “K” KLUYTENAAR &

The K Team Real Estate Services

RELAX. YOU’RE HOME.

Polk County’s Favorite Real Estate Family

Cathy Kluytenaar Zac Kluytenaar havenmagazines.com

Visit our new website at yourkteam.com

Florrie Kluytenaar 56

863-604-6220

983 BENJAMIN TRL...........................DAVENPORT......... 6/20/2019......... $280,400 168 FOREST VIEW DR.......................DAVENPORT......... 6/24/2019......... $285,000 1812 BENOIT TER...............................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019......... $288,600 711 BENJAMIN TRL.............................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019......... $289,600 521 WILMONT TER............................DAVENPORT..........6/19/2019..........$292,000 606 SAMUEL PL................................DAVENPORT........... 6/5/2019..........$292,300 820 CORVINA DR.............................DAVENPORT........... 6/3/2019......... $293,000 545 OGELTHORPE DR......................DAVENPORT........... 6/3/2019......... $306,000 209 MONTORO LN...........................DAVENPORT..........6/19/2019......... $309,000 292 WHIRLAWAY DR.........................DAVENPORT........... 6/5/2019.......... $314,200 560 WESTCHESTER CT.....................DAVENPORT......... 6/20/2019.......... $318,300 213 MONTORO LN............................DAVENPORT.......... 6/21/2019......... $328,400 438 BELFRY DR.................................DAVENPORT..........6/19/2019......... $340,000 403 HAMPTON DR...........................DAVENPORT........... 6/3/2019..........$355,000 266 TOMELLOSO WAY.....................DAVENPORT......... 6/24/2019......... $356,400 5412 SOLTERRA CIR..........................DAVENPORT........... 6/4/2019......... $386,000 1584 CLUBHOUSE BLVD...................DAVENPORT......... 6/24/2019......... $390,000 6078 BROAD OAK DR......................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019.........$440,800 6070 BROAD OAK DR.......................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019......... $443,600 6086 BROAD OAK DR......................DAVENPORT............6/7/2019......... $463,800 331 PINECREST LOOP.......................DAVENPORT........... 6/3/2019......... $554,400 7008 OAKWOOD ST.........................DAVENPORT........... 6/5/2019..........$862,500

324 SIERRA MIKE BLVD.................. LAKE ALFRED........... 6/3/2019.......... $146,600 505 S WINONA AVE........................ LAKE ALFRED........... 6/6/2019...........$157,000 131 SANDHILL CRANE LN................ LAKE ALFRED............6/7/2019..........$209,200 222 CATTAIL WAY........................... LAKE ALFRED........... 6/4/2019..........$220,500 409 YELLOW PERCH LN................. LAKE ALFRED............6/7/2019.......... $232,900 285 S GLENCRUITEN AVE............... LAKE ALFRED.......... 6/21/2019......... $308,000

LAKE WALES

19456 E STATE ROAD 60...................LAKE WALES........... 6/4/2019............$75,000 3008 HARBOR POINT DR.................LAKE WALES......... 6/22/2019........... $80,000 1303 CARLTON AVE..........................LAKE WALES........... 6/3/2019........... $82,000 19478 E STATE ROAD 60...................LAKE WALES............6/7/2019........... $84,300 116 LA CASA CONDOS......................LAKE WALES.......... 6/21/2019........... $88,500 2941 FAST TROT TRL........................LAKE WALES............6/7/2019........... $90,000 843 BRENTWOOD AVE.....................LAKE WALES............6/7/2019.......... $120,000 1068 SUNSET DR..............................LAKE WALES........... 6/3/2019.......... $130,000 415 SCENIC HWY..............................LAKE WALES......... 6/25/2019.......... $145,000 803 CHAMBERLAIN LOOP...............LAKE WALES..........6/19/2019.......... $148,300 124 SUNSHINE DR.............................LAKE WALES.......... 6/21/2019.......... $150,000 1155 CIRCLE DR.................................LAKE WALES........... 6/3/2019.......... $169,000 785 CHELSEA WAY............................LAKE WALES........... 6/6/2019.......... $174,000 325 JOHNSON AVE............................LAKE WALES............6/7/2019...........$178,500 2543 SUNSET CIR.............................LAKE WALES............6/7/2019...........$181,000 3000 TROON LN..............................LAKE WALES........... 6/3/2019.......... $185,000 4033 DUNMORE DR.........................LAKE WALES..........6/19/2019.......... $186,500 331 DINNER LAKE CT........................LAKE WALES........... 6/5/2019..........$205,900 4063 BIRKDALE DR..........................LAKE WALES........... 6/3/2019.......... $215,000 4323 GULLANE DR...........................LAKE WALES........... 6/3/2019..........$234,900 812 MASTERPIECE RD.......................LAKE WALES......... 6/24/2019......... $240,000 6309 AVOCADO DR.........................LAKE WALES........... 6/3/2019..........$253,000

HAINES CITY

41 N 20TH ST APT 24........................ HAINES CITY..........6/27/2019............$75,000 7005 HEMINGWAY CIR.................... HAINES CITY............6/7/2019........... $99,000 423 ROOKS LOOP........................... HAINES CITY........... 6/5/2019..........$106,000 424 ROOKS LOOP........................... HAINES CITY........... 6/5/2019..........$106,000 700 PINNACLE DR........................... HAINES CITY......... 6/24/2019.......... $145,000 9 CANTERBURY DR......................... HAINES CITY........... 6/5/2019.......... $172,000 238 HIDDEN LAKE LOOP................. HAINES CITY..........6/19/2019......... $200,000 229 HIDDEN LAKE LOOP................. HAINES CITY........... 6/5/2019......... $200,000 405 ASHLEY PL................................ HAINES CITY........... 6/6/2019......... $200,000 437 STILLWATER LN......................... HAINES CITY........... 6/5/2019......... $209,000 1021 SUFFRAGETTE CIR................... HAINES CITY........... 6/4/2019........... $217,000 380 ROOKS LOOP........................... HAINES CITY.......... 6/21/2019.......... $218,000 982 CHANLER DR............................ HAINES CITY.......... 6/21/2019.......... $218,000 501 KIMBREL CT.............................. HAINES CITY.......... 6/21/2019.......... $220,700 417 MCKAY DR................................. HAINES CITY........... 6/4/2019..........$235,000 517 KIMBREL CT............................... HAINES CITY............6/7/2019..........$236,600 203 MILESTONE DR......................... HAINES CITY..........6/19/2019......... $244,500 242 HIDDEN LAKE LOOP................. HAINES CITY........... 6/5/2019......... $246,000 656 MEADOW POINTE DR............... HAINES CITY......... 6/24/2019..........$252,600 1100 ALTA VISTA DR......................... HAINES CITY......... 6/20/2019.......... $267,000 625 MEADOW POINTE DR............... HAINES CITY.......... 6/21/2019.......... $267,200 384 VILLA SORRENTO CIR.............. HAINES CITY........... 6/5/2019......... $289,000 30105 HWY 27................................. HAINES CITY........... 6/5/2019......... $650,000

LAKELAND

2015 W SOCRUM LOOP RD................ LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019............$75,000 2806 WILLIAM LN............................... LAKELAND......... 6/25/2019............. $77,100 1050 WATERSEDGE DR....................... LAKELAND..........6/19/2019........... $80,000 2205 MARJORIE RD............................ LAKELAND............6/7/2019............ $81,000 1100 LOWRY AVE UNIT 50.................. LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019............$87,000 4936 BOBBIE AVE............................... LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019..........$100,000 3423 KATHY CT.................................. LAKELAND........... 6/6/2019.......... $105,000 4036 SHEARWATER ST....................... LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019.......... $105,200 4069 PINE FOREST PL........................ LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019.......... $105,200 6380 EGRET DR APT 23...................... LAKELAND..........6/19/2019..........$108,000 3216 STONEWATER CT....................... LAKELAND........... 6/6/2019...........$110,000 2348 SEA ISLAND CIR......................... LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019........... $115,000 808 HENNESSEE ST............................ LAKELAND............6/7/2019........... $115,000 743 BUENA VISTA ST.......................... LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019........... $118,700 3511 LORI LN........................................ LAKELAND..........6/19/2019............$121,500 2875 MINE AND MILL RD.................... LAKELAND......... 6/25/2019.......... $124,000 919 BEECH AVE................................... LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019.......... $125,000

LAKE ALFRED

720 S LAKE SHORE WAY................. LAKE ALFRED..........6/19/2019........... $90,000

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 58 -

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Fred Simons III, CLU, ChFC 57

5382 QUARRY ROCK RD.................... LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019.......... $128,500 858 CONCORD LN.............................. LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019.......... $128,600 2426 VIEW WAY.................................. LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019........... $131,000 4044 WINDING VINE DR.................... LAKELAND............6/7/2019.......... $135,000 6494 SEDGEFORD DR........................ LAKELAND........... 6/6/2019.......... $138,000 212 W POINSETTIA ST......................... LAKELAND......... 6/20/2019.......... $142,000 315 INGRAHAM AVE........................... LAKELAND......... 6/28/2019..........$144,000 2911 CLEVELAND HEIGHTS BLVD........ LAKELAND..........6/19/2019.......... $145,000 816 CHANNING RD............................. LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019.......... $145,000 3367 MOUNT TABOR RD.................... LAKELAND............6/7/2019.......... $149,000 1530 HUNTINGTON ST....................... LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019.......... $149,900 708 JEFFERSON AVE........................... LAKELAND............6/7/2019.......... $150,000 8735 PINE TREE DR............................. LAKELAND......... 6/26/2019.......... $155,000 7655 REFLECTIONS LAKE DR............. LAKELAND............6/7/2019........... $157,500 1257 DREW ST..................................... LAKELAND..........6/19/2019.......... $159,000 3729 WOODBURY HILL LOOP............ LAKELAND............6/7/2019.......... $159,900 1619 SKINNER ST................................. LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019..........$160,000 505 PALMEDEN DR............................. LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019........... $161,000 2151 WINTERSET DR............................ LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019.......... $163,000 3209 PRAIRIE DUNES CIR................... LAKELAND............6/7/2019..........$164,000 1517 BANKS PL..................................... LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019.......... $165,000 2822 BANYAN LN................................ LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019.......... $165,000 6231 SWEETWATER DR....................... LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019.......... $165,000 2315 HONEY DR.................................. LAKELAND............6/7/2019.......... $165,000 2875 DELROSE DR.............................. LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019..........$168,000 4702 VALLEY HILL CT......................... LAKELAND..........6/19/2019.......... $170,000 308 HIGH VIEW LN............................. LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019.......... $170,000 1803 BEDIVERE................................... LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019.......... $170,000 3563 RAINTREE CIR............................ LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019........... $171,000 6490 SEDGEFORD DR........................ LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019...........$173,500 2532 CREWS LAKE HILLS LOOP.......... LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019............$175,100 122 BEACON RD.................................. LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019..........$180,000 136 W BEACON RD.............................. LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019..........$180,000 7937 ASHLEY POINTE DR................... LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019..........$180,000 4009 TIMBERWOOD DR.................... LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019..........$180,000 1141 WATERFALL LN............................ LAKELAND........... 6/6/2019...........$181,000 2022 BUCKTHORN LN........................ LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019.......... $183,000 2154 LONGLEAF CIR........................... LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019.......... $185,000 2926 EWELL RD.................................. LAKELAND......... 6/25/2019.......... $185,000 1506 HALLAM CT................................ LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019.......... $185,000 1220 GREENVIEW DR.......................... LAKELAND............6/7/2019.......... $186,500 2717 GRACE MANOR DR..................... LAKELAND........... 6/6/2019...........$187,000 8535 CHERRY HILL DR........................ LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019...........$187,800 1779 HOLTON RD................................ LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019..........$198,000 3911 SERENADE LN.............................. LAKELAND......... 6/20/2019.......... $199,000 1034 PARAKEET TRL........................... LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019.......... $201,000 2238 CASPIAN DR............................... LAKELAND......... 6/25/2019...........$201,200 5340 SONG SPARROW CT.................. LAKELAND..........6/19/2019......... $204,000 1130 SUCCESS AVE.............................. LAKELAND........... 6/6/2019......... $204,400 8032 SUGAR PINE BLVD..................... LAKELAND......... 6/20/2019......... $205,000 7204 REGENT DR................................ LAKELAND............6/7/2019......... $205,000 7609 N MATHER RD............................ LAKELAND........... 6/6/2019.......... $207,500 8174 OAKHURST BLVD....................... LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019.......... $215,000 5821 MAGGIORE BLVD........................ LAKELAND......... 6/25/2019........... $217,000 2313 HAMLET CIR............................... LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019.......... $219,000 1747 DAVID CRUM CT......................... LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019...........$219,900 5847 COLONY PLACE DR................... LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019...........$219,900 4942 HIDDEN HILLS DR...................... LAKELAND............6/7/2019......... $220,000 8344 ADELE RD.................................. LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019..........$225,000 4039 BUTTONBUSH CIR.................... LAKELAND............6/7/2019..........$225,000 3814 CARROLWOOD DR.................... LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019..........$225,400 7305 KESHISHIAN CT......................... LAKELAND............6/7/2019..........$226,000 707 LAUREL POINTE CT..................... LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019........... $227,286 3523 CREEKMUR LN........................... LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019..........$228,000 6579 FOX TREE LN.............................. LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019..........$228,000 6059 CONDOR DR............................. LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019..........$229,000 havenmagazines.com

5409 WEBER PL.................................. LAKELAND............6/7/2019..........$229,900 1135 VIEWPOINTE WAY....................... LAKELAND......... 6/25/2019..........$232,000 3240 SUMMIT LN............................... LAKELAND............6/7/2019..........$234,900 1304 MERLYN ST................................. LAKELAND............6/7/2019..........$235,000 307 INGRAHAM AVE.......................... LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019......... $240,000 152 WOODSIDE DR............................. LAKELAND......... 6/25/2019......... $240,000 2667 CANYON CREST DR................... LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019......... $243,800 3803 ALAMANDA HILLS LN................ LAKELAND......... 6/20/2019......... $245,000 8275 WILDER LOOP............................ LAKELAND......... 6/25/2019.......... $247,300 5044 LOCHINVAR.............................. LAKELAND..........6/19/2019......... $250,000 4325 CINDY RD................................... LAKELAND......... 6/20/2019......... $250,000 4688 LATHLOA LOOP........................ LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019..........$252,400 3755 PEREGRINE WAY........................ LAKELAND............6/7/2019......... $254,400 6023 SUNSET VISTA DR..................... LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019.......... $254,700 1352 EVERGREEN PARK CIR................ LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019......... $258,400 728 HUNTERS RUN BLVD................... LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019..........$259,000 2157 BLUE HIGHLANDS DR................. LAKELAND........... 6/6/2019..........$259,900 7124 MORNING DOVE LOOP.............. LAKELAND......... 6/20/2019.......... $267,000 2435 TORRENS DR............................. LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019......... $268,000 4128 PRIMA LAGO CIR........................ LAKELAND........... 6/6/2019..........$270,000 3590 JIM KASEY LN............................. LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019..........$270,500 4173 PRIMA LAGO CIR........................ LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019..........$272,000 3009 HWY 540A................................ LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019..........$274,000 2863 VINTAGE VIEW LOOP................ LAKELAND......... 6/24/2019.......... $275,500 2379 SEBAGO DR................................ LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019......... $280,000 2325 BELLA LUNA CIR......................... LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019......... $289,000 1201 EVERGREEN PARK CIR................ LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019.......... $302,100 4046 SOLAMOR ST............................ LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019......... $304,000 4048 SOLAMOR ST............................ LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019......... $304,000 4052 SOLAMOR ST............................ LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019......... $304,000 4054 SOLAMOR ST............................ LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019......... $304,000 4058 SOLAMOR ST............................ LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019......... $304,000 4060 SOLAMOR ST............................ LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019......... $304,000 4063 SOLAMOR ST............................ LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019......... $304,000 4065 SOLAMOR ST............................ LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019......... $304,000 4810 BRIDLE PATH DR........................ LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019.......... $310,000 1512 YORKSHIRE TRL.......................... LAKELAND............6/7/2019.......... $310,000 6038 STONEY CREEK PL.................... LAKELAND......... 6/25/2019...........$312,500 2430 WINNIPEG DR............................ LAKELAND......... 6/20/2019..........$325,000 2465 LAUREL GLEN DR....................... LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019......... $340,000 1674 VIA LAGO DR.............................. LAKELAND......... 6/26/2019..........$359,300 505 MARTIN L KING JR AVE................ LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019.......... $361,000 1750 VIA LAGO DR.............................. LAKELAND..........6/19/2019..........$373,000 202 WOODSIDE DR............................ LAKELAND..........6/19/2019......... $390,000 5009 HANOVER LN............................ LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019..........$410,000 5908 LAKE VICTORIA DR................... LAKELAND........... 6/5/2019......... $425,000 3969 AQUILLA DR.............................. LAKELAND........... 6/4/2019......... $430,000 3925 AQUILLA DR.............................. LAKELAND.......... 6/21/2019..........$453,500 6357 ASHLEY DR................................ LAKELAND......... 6/20/2019..........$599,900 855 WHISPER WOODS DR.................. LAKELAND........... 6/3/2019..........$610,000 2673 BELLERIVE DR............................ LAKELAND............6/7/2019......... $670,000 7240 KATHLEEN RD............................ LAKELAND............6/7/2019..........$775,000 1 KATHLEEN RD.................................. LAKELAND............6/7/2019......... $850,000 3610 DEESON RD................................ LAKELAND............6/7/2019......... $850,000 5404 KATHLEEN RD........................... LAKELAND............6/7/2019.......$1,030,000

WINTER HAVEN

124 6TH ST...................................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019............$78,300 3231 TIMBERLINE RD...................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019........... $80,000 1372 EAGLE CREST BLVD..............WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019........... $83,000 2375 TWIN LAKE VIEW RD...........WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019........... $83,000 434 RED HAWK LOOP.................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/4/2019........... $88,300 161 DUVAL RD..............................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/25/2019........... $95,000 930 26TH ST................................WINTER HAVEN..........6/19/2019............$95,300 2500 NW 21ST ST APT 32.............WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019............$95,500 1181 HAINES DR............................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/26/2019..........$100,000 58

232 TERRANOVA BLVD................WINTER HAVEN..........6/27/2019.......... $207,500 184 SOLIS DR...............................WINTER HAVEN............6/7/2019.......... $210,000 213 MAJESTIC GARDENS LN.........WINTER HAVEN........... 6/4/2019.......... $210,500 1410 GREY EAGLE LN...................WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019.......... $214,200 901 TURNSTONE LN....................WINTER HAVEN..........6/19/2019.......... $215,000 953 SUMMER GLEN DR................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/20/2019.......... $215,000 1453 EAGLE CREST BLVD.............WINTER HAVEN........... 6/5/2019.......... $215,400 4077 GREAT EGRET DR...............WINTER HAVEN......... 6/24/2019........... $217,000 408 SUNFISH DR.........................WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019............$217,700 1127 NORMANDY HEIGHTS CIR...WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019..........$225,000 2410 SALZBURG LOOP................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019..........$226,500 28 BREVARD DR..........................WINTER HAVEN..........6/19/2019..........$229,900 3705 HUNTINGTON LN...............WINTER HAVEN......... 6/20/2019...........$231,900 126 WHITTIER LN.........................WINTER HAVEN..........6/19/2019..........$235,000 2393 TWIN LAKE VIEW RD..........WINTER HAVEN............6/7/2019..........$236,300 4336 DUNMORE DR....................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/5/2019..........$242,300 5032 PEBBLE BEACH BLVD..........WINTER HAVEN............6/7/2019..........$242,500 3148 COUNTRY CLUB CIR..........WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019.......... $253,700 201 LOMA DR...............................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/5/2019.......... $257,000 802 HART LAKE ST......................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/24/2019..........$270,000 337 TOWHEE RD..........................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/5/2019..........$275,000 2124 CLERMONT ST.....................WINTER HAVEN............6/7/2019..........$275,000 3029 COUNTRY CLUB CIR..........WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019........... $277,700 3037 COUNTRY CLUB CIR..........WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019........... $277,700 3041 COUNTRY CLUB CIR..........WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019........... $277,700 3045 COUNTRY CLUB CIR..........WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019........... $277,700 3049 COUNTRY CLUB CIR.........WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019........... $277,700 3168 COUNTRY CLUB CIR...........WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019........... $277,700 3460 RECKER HWY.....................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/20/2019......... $280,000 109 LAKE OTIS RD........................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/24/2019..........$282,000 514 ARCHAIC DR.........................WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019.......... $283,700 1620 17TH ST................................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019......... $300,000 3820 GAINES DR..........................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/4/2019......... $305,000 1025 S LAKE MARIAM DR.............WINTER HAVEN........... 6/5/2019......... $305,000 7343 BENT GRASS DR..................WINTER HAVEN..........6/19/2019......... $320,000 560 E LAKE ELBERT DR................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/20/2019......... $320,000 815 N LAKE HOWARD DR.............WINTER HAVEN..........6/19/2019..........$320,500 2502 PARTRIDGE DR...................WINTER HAVEN..........6/19/2019.......... $412,500 1433 LAKE HOWARD DR..............WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019.......... $415,000 9452 WATERFORD OAKS DR.......WINTER HAVEN............6/7/2019.......... $512,600 4065 GREAT EGRET DR...............WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019.......... $729,200 2060 HELENA RD........................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019.........$800,000 1105 CYPRESS GARDENS BLVD....WINTER HAVEN......... 6/20/2019.......$1,200,000 232 LAKE SMART CIR...................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019...... $2,482,000 516 LAKE SMART BLVD................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019....... $2,524,857 1200 LAKE SILVER DR..................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019......$6,000,000

1217 HAINES DR............................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/26/2019..........$100,000 1247 HAINES DR...........................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/26/2019..........$100,000 711 LUCERNE BLVD.......................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/26/2019..........$100,000 2500 21ST ST APT 5......................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/26/2019.......... $109,500 1905 16TH ST...............................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019...........$110,000 862 KILLEARN BLVD....................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/20/2019........... $118,500 3357 DEXTER DELL......................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019...........$122,500 1717 31ST ST..................................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019........... $123,700 612 SWEET BAY CIR......................WINTER HAVEN............6/7/2019........... $127,000 2800 AVENUE M..........................WINTER HAVEN............6/7/2019.......... $129,000 5023 QUERCUS LOOP.................WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019.......... $130,000 1505 AVENUE D...........................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/24/2019.......... $130,000 4410 GLENNS LNDG....................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019.......... $130,000 2348 ISLE ROYALE CT..................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/4/2019.......... $130,000 104 5TH ST JPV.............................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019...........$135,500 1123 BOWLINE ST.........................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/24/2019........... $138,100 815 E LAKE MARTHA DR..............WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019..........$140,000 118 WHITTIER LN..........................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/20/2019.......... $140,500 2422 SALZBURG LOOP................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/25/2019........... $142,100 1105 LAKE ELBERT DR..................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019.......... $143,000 503 TAYLOR BLVD.......................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019.......... $144,900 2355 GERBER DAIRY RD..............WINTER HAVEN......... 6/24/2019.......... $155,000 122 BEVERLY DR...........................WINTER HAVEN............6/7/2019.......... $155,000 1403 GRAND CAYMAN CIR..........WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019........... $157,900 130 CITRUS DR............................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/24/2019.......... $158,000 226 LAKE ELOISE POINTE BLVD...WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019...........$167,000 118 BROWNING CIR......................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019.......... $170,000 3745 RECKER HWY......................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/24/2019.......... $175,000 938 DEMING DR..........................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/5/2019.......... $175,000 1849 WALLACE MANOR LN.........WINTER HAVEN......... 6/25/2019...........$175,900 693 LUCERNE BLVD.....................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019........... $183,100 208 CHAUCER LN........................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/20/2019...........$187,000 3873 OSPREY POINTE CIR...........WINTER HAVEN......... 6/26/2019..........$190,000 148 SOLIS DR...............................WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019........... $191,600 4540 PALMETTO.........................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/24/2019.......... $193,000 6538 CRESCENT LOOP................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/24/2019..........$194,000 2912 WHISPERING TRAILS DR.....WINTER HAVEN........... 6/5/2019.......... $195,000 1511 AVENUE G.............................WINTER HAVEN............6/7/2019.......... $195,000 432 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/4/2019.......... $195,500 1230 SOPHIA BLVD......................WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019...........$197,000 1658 TRESSEL CT.........................WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019.......... $198,500 190 FALL GLO RD.........................WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019.......... $199,000 2268 ROSE BLVD.........................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/3/2019.......... $199,000 3117 ROYAL TERN DR...................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/5/2019......... $203,000 413 DURRELL CIR.........................WINTER HAVEN......... 6/26/2019......... $205,000 450 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN.......... 6/21/2019......... $206,000 272 24TH ST.................................WINTER HAVEN..........6/19/2019..........$207,000 950 SUMMER GLEN DR...............WINTER HAVEN......... 6/20/2019..........$207,000 105 SANDBURG LN......................WINTER HAVEN........... 6/6/2019..........$207,000 127 MORNING GLORY CIR...........WINTER HAVEN..........6/19/2019.......... $207,500

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Jeremy Gardner, Remember That Name He’s probably served you a beer at Grove Roots Brewing sometime in the past year, but don’t let his laidback vibe fool you.

This past April, the indie filmmaker premiered his latest film, Something Else at the Tribeca Film Festival. In July he was invited to the The Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival in Switzerland. NIFFF is a Swiss film festival renowned internationally as one of the foremost film festivals in the world for genre cinema. He will be attending two more festivals around the world by the end of this year, and has had to say no to several more. He’s kind of a big deal...

Gardner was born and raised in Kissimmee. That’s where he met his best friend, Christian Stella and together they’ve been making movies since high school, “with just whatever we could,” Gardner said with a smile.

When Gardner was 23, he moved to Connecticut with Stella and his family because Stella’s dad had a new show on the Food Network. With the close proximity to NYC, Gardner used this opportunity to audition and focus more on his acting.

His friend Stella slowly became a very good photographer, shooting all of the photos for his dad’s cookbooks.

Not loving the emotional drain of the audition process, he realized he did love everything that went on behind the scenes.

He thought, why not do it himself? Gardner explained, “So I wrote a script about two people on the road during an apocalypse.” It’s called The Battery. “I convinced my buddy Christian to help shoot it. He was already taking photos, so I asked him, can you use that camera to shoot a movie?”

Needing funds, he made a plan. At the time, he was working at a bar and asked ten of his coworkers for $600 in exchange for a 5% stake in their movie. “We went with six grand and five people out into the woods. It was a surreal trip because we didn’t know a soul in the industry,” he laughed. They made a few rookie decisions and ended up signing with the first distributor that took their digital and world-wide rights. “But we didn’t know it was a bad thing at the time.”

When writing the screenplay for The Battery, Jeremy explained that since they didn’t know anybody in the business, they didn’t care about how others did it. “So The Battery is more of a tone poem. It’s like an elegiac, flowing, long moments without dialogue, big wide shots to just kind of show nature creeping back in after humanity. And what happens when two people are forced to live together, when they really don’t like each other that much but they have to rely on each other. And it’s a zombie movie.”

The Battery premiered at the Telluride Horror Festival in 2012.

After that, they didn’t get into another festival for another 4 or 5 months. Gardner said, “We figured we tried, we did our best.

And then we got into the Imagine Film Festival in Amsterdam.

Because we got into that festival, it’s part of a network of genre festivals around the world, we started being asked by

havenmagazines.com

other festivals.” Before they knew it, they were getting letters from festivals all over the world saying they would waive the submission fee. “After awhile, we were invited to go without even submitting anything,” he explained.

investors could veto an idea, it wouldn’t be our movie anymore.

And the only thing that makes a movie about a guy and a monster and his romance-sadness interesting, is if there’s an ethereal voice behind it,” Gardner said.

Having never been to a festival before, they stayed at Imagine for the entire week. “We hobnobbed with everybody and then at the end of the week we had won the audience award. It made me realize that it’s all politics. If I hadn’t stayed for 6 days and shook hands and talked to everyone, we wouldn’t have won. There’s no way we would’ve beaten filmmakers like Danny Boyle or Wong Kar-wai,” Gardner said.

With investors to consider, it changes things. It makes you question everything. “It’s hard to make character driven ‘think pieces’ even if they have monsters or zombies. Once your start to get up in the budget range, then it’s scarier to make,” he said. “When it’s a $6000 movie, who cares if it’s really a think piece.” He laughed.

A week later they went to Scotland for the Dead by Dawn horror film festival, did the same thing and won the audience award again. It snowballed. Gardner said, “We ended up getting a DVD distribution deal in the states, got our worldwide rights back, and sold them through an international agency.” The Battery was being sold all over the country.

Jeremy started writing his next movie and it took awhile to finish. “I had been in this very long term relationship in Connecticut.” He continued, “I started writing this script about what it’s like to be in a long term relationship and what happens when one person sacrifices a part of who they are for the other person. It all started with this image of a couch in front of a door. I write so slow because I don’t start with a plot, I start with an inspiration that grabs me. I took that image and the idea of long term commitment and turned it into a monster movie with romance.”

The world premier of Something Else was at the Tribeca Film Festival this past April. “It was incredible and surreal. And now I’m back at the bar. It’s a weird, humbling up and down with this business.”

Something Else would end up costing quite a bit more money to make than The Battery.

Coincidentally, at the first festival in Amsterdam, they met Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead while touring with a movie called The Resolution. Gardner said, “They had made it for $20,000 and they seemed to have their shit together. We saw them again at a film festival in Brazil and became very close with them.” Over the next few years, Gardner was an actor in several of their movies that he has never auditioned for. He laughed because of going through all the auditions earlier and getting nothing, he was now getting parts avoiding the audition process all together.

Benson and Moorhead read the script for Something Else and loved it. They couldn’t make it though, because it was clearly Gardner’s passion. Benson and Moorhead had decided to form their own production company and they wanted Something Else to be the first movie under their new banner.

They got the money and fought for Gardner and Stella to have final cut rights. “They know how weird we are and if the

60

Something Else has been sold, but details haven’t been released.

During those few months after Tribeca, requests for film festivals starting coming in. Now they are better prepared with a spreadsheet of all the festivals, contacts, places they’ve been, places they want to go to, etc. With more cooks in the kitchen this time, there are more people advising them on which festivals to go to, which ones to avoid. It was Justin and Aaron that suggested they go to NIFFF. “It’s been going for a long time and has a very good reputation. It’s one of the most amazing film festivals as you look out across this glacial lake at the Alps with other filmmakers and having breakfast, lunch and dinner served to you everyday,” Gardner said. “I created a piece of artwork that the regulars and so many nice people bought, giving me just enough money to go over there so I didn’t have to worry about missing bills, which was pretty humbling and crazy. And it really filled me with a lot of anxiety to come back behind the bar again serving after standing on a stage hamming it up and being the center of attention.”

Gardner and Stella have festivals coming up in September and October. He was bummed to talk about turning down trips to Vienna and Portugal simply because they can’t afford to be out of work for that long. Gardner thoughtfully said, “How much of my heart do I take out of writing and put more of my head in and try to craft something that will have a far wider audience just so I can take advantage of the contacts I’ve made and lessons I’ve learned? Do I be stubborn and make these small, personal movies while working a day job or take a crack at writing something that’s a little more mainstream? How do I craft something of quality that has a broad appeal? It’s like a puzzle.” We sat, he took a drink of his Cheerwine and said, “But you know, I’m a bartender, I work at the brewery. Joe and everyone here has been extremely supportive since I’ve started.

Joe will support people following their dreams. That’s why I was gone for six months last year, while shooting the movie.

That’s why they named a beer after me called, Where’s Jeremy because everyone kept asking where I was.”

Something Else will be released first quarter of 2020 on demand and in select cities, Orlando being one of them.

“And now I put my head down and start writing again,” Gardner said.

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