HAVEN August 2021

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August

Cardiology Bhatia, Karan K., MD Mustafa, Muhammad, MD Vigoreaux, Jose R., MD Willard, E.H., MD Cortes-Meyer, Lissette, APRN

Our Team Of Providers (as of 7/8/21)

Hospitalist Carlucci, Joseph A., MD Muniz, Elvin, MD Paul, Nisha, MD Ruhland, Kevin, DO Endocrinology & Diabetes Shamim, Talha, MD Tate, William, DO Nair, Ganesh, MD Skukowski, Bobbie, APRN Bridges, Candy, APRN Miller, Emily, APRN Reedy, Clayton, APRN Family Medicine Bovey, Barbara, APRN Arana, Flavio R., MD Arango, Cecilia, MD Koilpillai, Robinson, MD Internal Medicine Doval, Armando, MD Liu, Weilin, DO Magno, Alexander S., MD Farrell, Cathy, MD Lakhani, Sonali, MD Torres, Eduardo, MD Lopez, Christopher, MD Appratto, Yonny, APRN Prieto, Jose, DO Carbone, Carrie, APRN Cassady, Stephanie, APRN Reyes, Pamela, MD Rivera, Juan R., MD Cox, Jennifer, APRN Rivera-Bonilla, Maria, MD Hughes, Jessica, APRN Widner, Linda G., APRN Torres, Jorge, MD Aleman, Javier, APRN Bridges, Stephanie, APRN General Surgery Garcia, Kristina, APRN & Surgical Oncology Ray, Brandi, APRN Gambaro, Esteban, MD Saucedo, Gerardo, APRN Thomas, Robert S., MD Gonzalez, Liyenni, APRN Gynecology Nephrology Gabriel, Carlos I., MD Hou, Jeffrey Peng, MD Kenaan, Jana, MD Ibrahim, Sherif I, MD Salamon, Eva J., MD McClendon, Michele L., DO Valadez, Jenifer, APRN

Main Campus 500 E. Central Ave. Winter Haven

First Street Campus 325 First Street N. Winter Haven

Marc Feldman, DPM / Podiatry & Foot Surgery

Winter Haven Office 401 E. Central Ave. Winter Haven

Nephrology (cont.)

Lawrence, Laurel, APRN White, Samantha, APRN Neurology Rajguru, Shailesh, DO Nurse Practitioners *** Listed by specialty Oncology & Hematology Hlalah, O. Abu, MD Rampersad, Michelle, APRN

Pediatrics (cont.)

Harte, Brian, APRN Jones, Lorrie, APRN Ortiz, C. “Brook”, APRN Physical Therapy Cole, Lenny, DPT Goddin, Carrie, DPT Ha, Nam, DPT Physician Assistant *** Listed by specialty

863-293-1191 www.BondClinic.com Thoracic Surgery Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, MD Cayson, Barry, APRN Rodriguez, Christopher, PA Urgent Care/ Walk-In Care Marzola, Stephanie, MD Davidson, KC, APRN Davis, Mary, APRN Madrid, Amber, APRN Reed, Deloris, APRN Ritter, Cynthia, APRN

Urology & Podiatry & Foot Surgery Urologic Surgery Ophthalmology Englert, Christopher, DPM Lee, Kevin, MD Romero, Claudio, MD Figueroa, Mauricio, MD Feldman, Marc, DPM Pickard, Martha, APRN Pulmonology Schley, Brittany, PA Orthopedic Surgery Romeu-Velez, Jesse, MD Lerner, Robert K., MD Vascular Surgery Morin, Paul M., MD Rheumatology Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Lewis, Jami, APRN Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, MD Moore Morby , Vicki C., APRN Pancorbo, Roberto, MD Strukova, Victoriya, DO Cayson, Barry, APRN Rodriguez, Christopher, PA Pain Medicine Sleep Medicine (Interventional) Eldeeb, Mohammad A., MD Romeu-Velez, Jesse, MD Wound Care Elfallal, Tamer, APRN Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Warner, Erin “Ashley”, APRN Sports Medicine Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, MD White, Chelsea, APRN Lerner, Robert K., MD Cayson, Barry, APRN Liu, Weilin, DO Rodriguez, Christopher, PA Pediatrics Morin, Paul M., MD Nguyen, Kenny, MD Lewis, Jami, APRN Davis-Reyes, Toi, APRN Moore Morby, Vicki C., APRN

Downtown Campus 199 Ave B N.W. Winter Haven Sebring Office 4900 Sun N Lake Blvd. #1 Sebring

East Campus 3000 Woodmont Ave. Winter Haven

Ophthamology Campus 506 Ave A SE Winter Haven

Davenport Campus 2320 North Blvd W, Ste. C, Davenport

Lakeland Complex 2039 E. Edgewood Dr. Lakeland

Just Right

TM

Find what’s Just Right ™, for your home.

1350 N Broadway (US 98) BARTOW 863-533-1611

1515 Highway 17 N EAGLE LAKE 863-294-7749

1399 6th St NW WINTER HAVEN 863-251-2039

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Letter From the Editor

ON THE COVER: “Greetings From Haven” created by Ella Sexson.

PERFECT TEETH without braces!

This month we’re diving into the unknown, the curious, the silly, the wacky side of Florida.

Tara has listed 30 of the more unusual tourist spots around our state. Perfect for a day trip with plenty of Instagramable photos, for sure! Keep us posted if you visit any of them, maybe Monkey Island is on your agenda? Or The Bubble Room? Read more in our feature story.

We also visit with the pilots at Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base in the “Seaplane Capital of the World.” Did you know they train more seaplane pilots in one year than all the other schools around the world? Amazing! We also talk with the Winter Haven Shuffleboard Club, the second oldest club in the state. We visit the newly-opened Pressed Book Store in Lakeland, find out what they offer & the inspiration behind the new shop. The Winter Haven Public Library has given us their monthly book recommendations, excellent reading for a day by the pool or on vacation.

Our Top Ten lists cover all of Central Florida, there’s something for everyone. Continue to tag us with #kindachill on your IG and FB posts and you might find them printed in the next issue!

Have a great August!

Amy Sexson Editor/Publisher Haven & LKLD Magazines amy@destroyermedia.com

Your Smile is Our Work of Art (863) 676-6021 701 State Rd. 60 East • Lake Wales ForniDental.com 5

A U G U S T

CONTENTS

UNUSUAL DESTINATIONS �������������������������������������18 SEAPLANE CAPITAL...................................................36 LET’S PLAY SHUFFLEBOARD................................ 40 PRESSED...........................................................................44 CHECK ME OUT ;).......................................................50

5.......................................................FROM THE EDITOR 8..................................................................LOCAL NEWS 10................................................................................TOP 10 48 .................................................................... COCKTAIL 52.....................................................................CALENDAR 63...............................................................SOLD HOMES 71................................................................. #KINDACHILL

havenmagazines.com

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AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 5 ISSUE 10 Publisher Chris Sexson chris@destroyermedia.com Editor Amy Sexson amy@destroyermedia.com Managing Editor Tara Crutchfield tara@destroyermedia.com Photographer Amy Sexson amy@destroyermedia.com Art & Production Manager Steven Maynard steven@destroyermedia.com Ad Director Christine Campbell christine@destroyermedia.com Account Representative Jessica Parker jessica@destroyermedia.com Social Media Coordinator Angela Rosado angela@destroyermedia.com Design Contributor Ella Sexson 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 To submit to our calendar: amy@destroyermedia.com Office: PO Box 1607 Winter Haven, Florida 33881 863-225-8658

2017 Best Digital: Social Media 2018 Best Design: Cover Best Redesign 2019 Best Writing: Feature Best Advertisement: For a Client Best Photography: Cover 2020 Best Writing: Humor Best Digital: Social Media 2021 Best Writing: Humor Best Digital: Social Media Best Special Theme Issue Best Writing 7

LOCAL NEWS

POLK STATE

TWO OPTIONS AVAILABLE

SCHOLARSHIPS

CHAPLAINS IN MIAMI

The Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) recently designated Polk State College as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) as the College’s Hispanic student population has reached 26 percent and continues to grow. Additionally, Polk State is now eligible for Title V and HSI STEM federal grant funds that support institutions that enroll large proportions of minority and financially disadvantaged students.

The College will apply for these funds through the U.S Department of Education to further support its services to students.

Polk County Public Schools will offer two learning options for students in the 2021-2022 school year. The first option will be traditional campus learning with face-to-face instruction. The second option will be Polk Virtual School, the district’s longstanding program that allows students to take online lessons. Students have flexibility in their daily work schedule and may work at an accelerated pace, so time management and self-motivation are essential for success. For more information about Polk Virtual and how to enroll, visit pvs.polkschoolsfl.com

The Winter Haven Chamber Foundation, in partnership with State Farm, awarded $17,000 in college and vocational scholarships to local students. The ceremony recognized the recipients on June 30 at the Chamber. Several years ago they partnered to create an annual scholarship program focused on high school seniors at the Winter Haven area high schools, Lake Region, New Beginnings, and Chain of Lakes Collegiate. Congratulations to the students!

Polk County Fire Rescue’s chaplains assisted first responder crews in the Surfside Condo recovery mission in Miami. Their assistance was requested from Miami Dade Fire Rescue.

Polk’s chaplains work with firefighters and emergency medical personnel to provide valuable guidance to those who need emotional or spiritual support. They use a non-denominational approach and promote a culture of religious tolerance and acceptance.

In Miami, they were also on the ground with first responders, in hard hats and at the ready to immediately provide their services.

SANDBAG MACHINES

BONE VALLEY EXPANSION

PCSO SELF DEFENSE CLASS

Polk County’s Roads and Drainage maintenance units are now equipped with automatic sandbag machines to assist residents with storm preparation. The addition of the machines will mean a different process for getting bags filled. Now, when someone arrives at one of the units, they will be able to pick up 10 bags, load them in their vehicle and be on their way. Please note the sandbag sites will only be open at designated times before storm events. Those notifications of openings and operating times will be posted on polk-county. net and Polk County Government’s Facebook, Twitter and NextDoor accounts.

The 300-acre expansion of the Bone Valley ATV Park is moving ahead with the recently approved construction contract with Bartow-based BulHed Corp. The $487,000 contract will include extensive land clearing, general earthwork, and revegetation. The work is expected to take about 18 months. Following its completion, the county will be able to begin developing additional trails, tracks, and camping facilities. Earlier this year, the park was approved for a $1 million federal grant administered by the state and $200,000 in matching county funds to build a bridge linking the existing park with the northern expansion. The bridge will allow ATV riders to go between the original 200-acre tract and the new, 300-acre tract on the north side of County Road 630.

FLORIDA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

havenmagazines.com

Explorations V Children’s Museum is becoming Florida Children’s Museum when the 30-year-old institution relocates to Bonnet Springs Park mid 2022. There will be something for the whole family spread across the 47,800 square feet of hands-on exploration. The new state-of-theart facility will have new experiences for kids of all ages. The building has been designed to be an inclusive building with predictive floor patterns to show pathways to public spaces, sound dampening wall treatments, wheelchair access and so much more. The goal is to help all children feel safe and secure.

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The Personal Safety and Women’s Basic Self Defense classes are free of charge and for ladies 13 years and older. Each class is approximately one hour long. The class consists of a lecture (approximately 15 minutes) and hands-on techniques (approximately 45 minutes). Attendees will demonstrate all of the techniques on a body opponent bag (B.O.B.) which they will supply. Saturday, Aug. 7, 10am at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven. polksheriff.org

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POLK TOP 10 STADIUM CONCERTS

AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISM: TREASURES FROM THE DAYWOOD COLLECTION

SUMMER MARKET

NICE CREAM

Most weekends at the Chain O’ Lakes Stadium in Winter Haven.

The concerts are performed outdoors so bring your lawn chair, cooler and enjoy a great show under the stars! Gates open one hour before the show so you can grab a great viewing spot. Bring a picnic and make a night of it. Purchase tickets in advance and view full schedule at theatrewinterhaven.com

Throughout the month of August at the Polk Museum of Art. This exhibition features 41 rarelyseen paintings originally from the private collection of Arthur Dayton and Ruth Woods Dayton.

This extraordinary and beautiful exhibition exemplifies how the support of patrons like the Daytons helped American Impressionists claim their niche in the art world.

Polkmuseumofart.org

The Winter Haven Farmers Market is every Saturday in August from 8am-11am. This pet-friendly market features a variety of artisan food vendors, plants, and a sprinkling of crafts. Enjoy live music and food trucks. Located across from Grove Roots in the parking lot of the BB&T Bank building on the NE corner of Third St. and Ave C SW in Downtown Winter Haven.

Winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

Aug. 14, 2-3pm at Bok Tower Gardens. Join Brittney Kieffer in the outdoor kitchen to learn how to make a healthy alternative to ice cream. In this workshop, you will sample and learn how to make cashew milk and “nice cream” with only whole plant-based ingredients. $5 members/$20 for non-members. Register in advance. 863-734-1222 boktowergardens.org

Aug. 15,3:30-5pm join Platform Art at SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Lakeland for a reception and program on the Buffalo Soldiers & Friends of Freedom public art sculpture. Subject experts share the history of the SpanishAmerican War and the Buffalo Soldiers who were stationed in Lakeland during 1898 for the military campaign to gain Cuba’s independence from Spain.

Platformart.org

3RD THURSDAY MARKET

THE POLK EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS

THE 5TH ANNUAL FINE ART AT THE MAGNOLIA

TRISHELLE MICHAELS

SENIOR PAINT PARTY

Aug. 19, 6-8:30pm at the Bartow Civic Center. This is an annual collaborative event hosted by Polk County’s three young professional groups. The ceremony recognizes five young professionals between the ages of 21 and 42 making significant contributions to our community and who will continue to shape the future of Polk County.

Purchase tickets in advance winterhavenchamber.com

Aug. 21 & 22 in Downtown Lakeland at the beautiful Magnolia Building. This is a 2-day indoor Fine Art Show – open to the public – featuring works from 19 accomplished artists and craftsmen of Florida. The show will feature a variety of fine art mediums, including painting, sculpture, clay, fiber, jewelry, and drawings. facebook.com/ FineArtMagnolia

Aug. 21 dinner at 7pm, the show starts at 8pm sharp. Back by popular demand, Balmoral in Haines City brings back the delightfully entertaining dinner that will combine sketch comedy, dance, performance art, improv, and drag. Hosted by Trishelle Michaels, this highly anticipated dinner show will sell out quickly!

Purchase tickets in advance at centralfloridatix.com.

Aug. 27 beginning at 1:30 at the Wabash Community Center.

Polk County Parks & Recreation and Humana invite seniors 55 and older to enjoy a fun paint party experience. Participants will get an opportunity to create a canvas painting while enjoying light refreshments, prizes, and giveaways. Paint sessions are free, but pre-registration is required. To register please call (863) 284-4223.

Aug. 19, 4-7pm. The Market features a variety of artisan food vendors, plants, a pinch of crafts, and a food truck. Located in downtown Lake Wales in the parking lot on Stuart Avenue and Scenic Highway. Just look for the bright “orange” mural.

Every month on the 3rd Thursday.

Presented by Lake Wales Main Street. More info on Facebook @LakeWales3rdthursdaymarket

BUFFALO SOLDIERS

*Due to the uncertainty of COVID, please double check that the event you’re interested in has not been canceled or rescheduled prior to leaving your house. havenmagazines.com

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ORLANDO TOP 10 DISNEY BOO BASH

WEST SIDE STORY

MEGACON

Aug. 11, 10:30-11:30am at the Orlando Museum of Art. Take a stroll through the galleries with infants and toddlers in tow! Join a Museum educator for a one-hour tour of OMA with discussion and engaging experiences. Crying and chatty babies are welcome! Both babies and adults can view colorful and intriguing works of art without the fear of being disruptive.

Register in advance. omart.org

Aug. 12-15 at the Orange County Convention Center. This is the South East’s largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event. Every year, MEGACON Orlando offers family-friendly attractions, events, and celebrities where you can celebrate all things pop culture. Watch professional comic artists battle it out, learn from “How To” workshops, and take photos with your favorite costumed characters! fanexpohq. com/megaconorlando

STROLLER TOURS

The Orlando Shuffle is back!

Every 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month from 7-9pm. Free, Fun, and friendly for all! The shuffleboard courts are a city of Orlando facility, equipment provided. Located at the Beardall Senior Center in Orlando. More info on FB @OrlandoShuffle 407-246-4440

Aug. 10 - Oct. 31 at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Guests can arrive costumed to trick or treat throughout the park, watch Halloween-themed parades and look for spooky character spottings. The entire park will have special decor, lighting and music to set the tone for a not-too-spooky good time. Purchase scarey seasonal treats & more. Purchase tickets in advance.

Disneyworld.disney.go.com

CELEBRATION OF RUNNING

FILM SLAM

ORLANDO BOAT SHOW

MAN OF LA MANCHA

NIK & REEMA TRIO

Aug. 14, 7:30am at the Orlando Cultural Park. Track Shack’s Celebration of Running 5k is presented by AdventHealth and it kicks off Florida’s upcoming running season. This race features a virtual option, Children Kids’ Run and an Awards Presentation.

Register in advance at trackshack.com/event/233

Aug. 15 beginning at noon at Enzian Theater in Maitland.

Central Florida Film Slam is an unrated, independent film showcase and competition open to all regional filmmakers and students. CFFS filmmakers and attendees will have access to information sessions and workshops highlighting filmmaking and festival essentials. enzian.org/film/filmslam/

Aug. 27-29 at the Orange County Convention Center. This is the premier boat show with over 500 boats, seminars, booth area loaded with fresh water & salt water fishing tackle, lures, clothing and fishing gear. See Twiggy the world famous water skiing squirrel, learn about dog training and try your hand at the fishing simulator. Purchase tickets at orlandoboatshow.com

Aug. 27 - Sept. 19 at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. A story of imagination, adventure, and chivalry rises from the darkness and despair of a prison cell, carried by some of the American Theatre’s most familiar and beloved songs.

The walls fall away as Miguel de Cervantes transforms into his legendary hero Don Quixote.

Purchase tickets in advance gardentheatre.org

Aug. 29, 3pm at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts in Winter Park.

The Nik & Reema Trio is a Jazz/ Noir Pop group featuring Niklas Schonbeck on guitar, Reema Schonbeck on vocals, and Jon Warcholac on bass. Armed with only a guitar and sultry vocals, Reema’s noir pop style has been called “so beautiful to experience.”

They have performed globally. bluebambooartcenter.com

Aug. 6 & 7 at the Dr. Phillips Center. Support some of Central Florida’s most talented high school actors as they perform West Side Story. One of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Travel back to 1950s New York City as two young, idealistic lovers, Tony and Maria, find themselves caught between warring street gangs.

Drphillipscenter.org

ORLANDO SHUFFLE

*Due to the uncertainty of COVID, please double check that the event you’re interested in has not been canceled or rescheduled prior to leaving your house. havenmagazines.com

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TAMPA TOP 10 LEE MILLER MOLLY HATCHET

GOSPEL BRUNCH

Celebrating 30 years of the classics on the big screen at the Tampa Theatre! Your favorite classic movies every Thursday at 7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm. A new movie every week including “Some Like it Hot,” “Young Frankenstein,” and “Singin’ in the Rain.” Purchase tickets in advance. tampatheatre.org

Aug. 7, 8pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. The Florida-native Southern Rock legends return to Clearwater to mark the 50th anniversary of Molly Hatchet.

Bobby Ingram continues to carry on the legacy started by Dave Hlubek. They are best known for their guitar-filled hits like “Flirtin’ with Disaster,” “Dreams I’ll Never See,” and “Gator Country.” rutheckerdhall.com

Aug. 8, 11am-1pm at the Oxford Exchange. In conjunction with the Henry B. Plant exhibit, “When the Train Comes Along”: Booker T. Washington at the Tampa Bay Casino. Enjoy brunch and a live musical performance by Sa’Tonya Brascom & Ambassadors of Hope Soul Singers. Space is limited, purchase tickets in advance, proceeds benefit the museum. plantmuseum.com

The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is a unique collection of cars from around the world that greatly influenced the modern vehicle of today. Not your typical “Classic Car Museum.” See one-of-a-kind vehicles and limited production cars that are not found anywhere else. Open every day except Tuesday. tbauto.org

Throughout August at The Dali Museum in St. Pete. The Woman Who Broke Boundaries: Photographer Lee Miller surveys the work of photographer Lee Miller (1907-1977), who is known for her fascinating personal life, portraiture, and photojournalism.

The exhibition features more than 130 images by the groundbreaking female photographer, an eyewitness to some of the most extraordinary moments of the 20th century. thedali.org

WINE TASTING: FRANCE

MYSTERY CREATURE

ICE CREAM 5K

SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL

WALKING TOUR

Aug. 12, 6-8pm. Taste a range of both whites and reds from all major regions of France, and learn why people love the wines so much. Enjoy 12-15 different wines and a savory cheese plate at this walk-around tasting at the Show & Tell space in Armature Works.

Hosted by Cru Cellars, purchase tickets in advance. crucellars.com/cru-events

Free with admission at the Imagine Museum in St. Pete. Find the small mystery creatures who escaped from the gift shop! Available every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Take this special self-guided tour of American contemporary studio glass, designed for the young and young at heart. imaginemuseum.com

Aug. 15, 8am at Al Lopez Park.

This family-friendly event features ice cream and an amazing afterparty. It’ll also feature a kids 1-mile run and a baby/toddler crawl/ walk. Proceeds help benefit John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

Every participant in the 1-mile run and 5K receives a t-shirt, ice cream, and other great items! runtampa.com/events

Aug 17 - Sep 19 at the Straz Center.

A swinging romp through the jukebox hits of the ‘60s follows five colorful characters through the trials and tribulations of love in dawn-of-women’s-lib London.

Featuring new arrangements of hits “Downtown,” “Son of A Preacher Man,” and “Goldfinger.”

Run Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes with no intermission.

Strazcenter.org

Aug. 21, 10-11:30am. The walking tour highlights Tampa’s iconic landmarks, colorful characters, and the groundbreaking events behind what was once the economic hub on Florida’s west coast. Stroll past City Hall, Sacred Heart Church, the Floridan Palace Hotel, and more. Tours have limited space, advance tickets required. 813-228-0097 tampabayhistorycenter.org

AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM

SUMMER CLASSICS

*Due to the uncertainty of COVID, please double check that the event you’re interested in has not been canceled or rescheduled prior to leaving your house. havenmagazines.com

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M E M B E R S H I P S

KEEPING THE ARTS ALIVE We have an exciting 2021-2022 season featuring national headlining comedians, monthly gallery exhibits, fine arts education, and exclusive member events. Join today to get in early on all the programming action and receive great membership benefits.

UP COMING EVENTS

P H OTO B Y ANGELO TRIBUNO

POSTCARDS FROM FLORIDA

Aug 8th through Sept 11th (tues, wed, fri 10am-3pm; thrus 10am-7pm; sat 10am-1pm)

8/6 Opening ReceptiOn @ 6pm 8/19 galleRy talk @ 11am 8/21 SatuRday ShenaniganS @ 10am 8/21 SatuRday matinee @ 2pm 9/11 aRt afteR daRk @ 6pm

1099 Florida 60 Lake Wales, FL 33853 863.676.8426 www.lakewalesartcouncil.org

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Florida’s

wacky e g an r st &

curious Some of the Sunshine State’s Most Unusual Destinations Beaches, Disney World, snowbirds, alligators, and ‘Florida Man’ are about all the space most people have in their heads for our peculiar peninsula. I’m not sure if it’s the heat, invasive pythons, or what, but we tend to attract (or create over time) a different breed of folks. My native Floridians, we are not absolved from this – we’re all a little cooky here.

Some 900 people move to Florida every single day. That’s 900 new bad drivers, consistent sunburn havers, Pub Sub face-stuffers, and oversize fiberglass statue lovers (I personally find the giant wizard in Kissimmee to be a real delight). That’s also 900 new brains to think up ideas for offbeat roadside attractions and questionable tourist traps – two of my favorite things. You’ll find plenty of them on this list of very ‘Florida’ destinations.

Through personal experiences, scouring the web, and using www.atlasobscura.com as an invaluable source, I’ve done my best to compile a motley mix of odd and interesting so that the least ‘Florida’ of you and the most ‘Florida’ of you will get something out of it. Psychics, haunted dolls, gator feeding, underwater hotels? We’ve got it! Erotic art, wax figures, serial killers, snake milking? You better believe it.

I’d like to think that if this list were any more ‘Florida’ it would be in the county jail with pending ‘theft of a taxidermied flamingo’ or ‘use of hotdogs as nunchucks,’ or ‘robbery of a 7-Eleven wearing suspenders connected to assless chaps’ charges. Anyway… I hope you like it!

WORDS Tara Crutchfield havenmagazines.com

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Weeki Wachee Over 70 years ago, on October 13, 1947, guests gathered in an 18-seat theater to watch the first Weeki Wachee mermaid show.

In the decades following, the park has grown and continued its magical mermaid tradition.

Weeki Wachee was named by the Seminoles, meaning “little spring” or “winding river.”

A seemingly bottomless natural spring, its absolute depths have yet to be reached. One hundred and seventeen million gallons of 74-degree, crystal clear spring water flows every day from the spring into the Weeki Wachee River before making its way another 12 miles into the Gulf of Mexico.

By the 1950s, Weeki Wachee was one of the nation’s most popular tourist attractions. In 1959, the American Broadcasting Company purchased Weeki Wachee and started promoting the mermaid shows across America. They updated the theater to sit 16-feet below the surface of the spring. The three-inch glass walls across the front allow everyone in the 400-seat theater to see the show. By the 1960s, there were 35 mermaids,

eight shows a day, and a half-million visitors a year. Limestone makes up the side of the spring’s 100-feet wide basin where the mermaids swim.

In 1982, Buccaneer Bay water park opened.

The park is Florida’s only spring-fed water park. Kayak rentals and paddling adventures are also available at the 538-acre Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, which became a Florida State Park in 2008.

A know before you go update for the park on www.floridastateparks.org/WeekiWachee states: Effective May 21, 2021: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The mermaid show and the ranger experience offer limited seating. Guests who wish to secure a seat for the mermaid show are encouraged to arrive when the park opens.

6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill (352) 592-5656 Weekiwachee.com

Robert the Doll Apology letters routinely arrive at the Fort East Martello Museum in Key West – all of them addressed to one Robert the Doll. The 117-year old doll is well-worn, donning a sailor suit and cap, holding a stuffed puppy of his own, looking at patrons through the museum glass with eyes as dark as the deepest recesses of Hell. That’s right, Robert the Doll is – you guessed it – HaUnTeD! This little demonic cutie can be traced back to toymaker, the Steiff Company, credited with being the first to manufacture the Teddy Bear.

Before his residency at the museum, Robert belonged to a little boy of the same name, Robert Eugene Otto. As legend would have it, Otto began to blame strange and terrifying happenings on the doll. Otto kept him into adulthood, even placing him in an upstairs window at his home. According to Atlas Obscura, “Schoolchildren swore that he would appear and reappear, and they avoided the house.” Even upon changing hands to Myrtle Reuter after Otto’s death, the oddities continued from changing expressions on the doll’s face, sounds of giggling and footsteps, lights flickering, and Robert moving around on his own. Robert the Doll was donated to the museum in 1994.

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Robert’s reign of terror continues. Museum patrons are encouraged to introduce themselves to Robert and ask his permission before snapping a photo. And don’t dare leave without saying goodbye. Those who find themselves on Robert’s bad side report temporary camera malfunction and repercussions after leaving the museum from a string of bad luck to divorce and even injury.

Specter seekers can now go on a ghost hunt featuring Robert the Doll. The adventure takes place throughout Fort East Martello, a Civil War fortress built in 1862. The museum claims the most extensive collection of haunted artifacts in the state. Gutsy ghost hunters can expect a 60-minute guided hunt through the glim fort and a 25-minute sitdown lockdown with Robert the Doll. Be sure to mind your manners, or you may pay dearly and find yourself begging his forgiveness.

Fort East Martello Museum 3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West (305) 296-3913 kwahs.org/museums/fort-east-martello/visit robertthedoll.org

Spook Hill Ah, Lake Wales, Crown Jewel of the Ridge, home to Bok Tower Gardens, rows of blossoming citrus trees, the friendliest people, and (wiggles fingers in a menacingly scary way) Spoooooook Hill.

Posted on a sign just before the hill is the legend of Spook Hill. The sign reads: “Ages ago, an INDIAN TOWN on Lake Wailes lake was plagued with raids by a HUGE GATOR. The town’s GREAT WARRIOR Chief and the gator were killed in a FINAL BATTLE that created the huge swampy depression nearby. The chief was buried on its north side. Later PIONEER HAULERS coming from the old ARMY TRAIL atop the ridge above found their horses LABORING HERE… at the foot of the ridge

… and called it Spook Hill. IS THE GATOR SEEKING REVENGE, OR THE CHIEF PROTECTING HIS LAND???”

Then it states simple instructions: Stop car on white line, place in neutral, and let it roll back.

I’ve heard that Spook Hill is an optical illusion, but I’m not sure what’s so spooky about it. When I tried it with a group of friends, all we could collectively conceive was that maybe there was a smaller hill at the bottom producing this trick of the eye.

Though I didn’t see the chief or the giant gator, it was fun to try out. I give Spook Hill three out of five Exorcist head spins since it was not very scary but made for a fun trip with plenty of laughs!

Shell Museum The only accredited museum dedicated solely to shells and mollusks in the United States, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum uses “exceptional collections, aquariums, programs, experiences, and science to be the nation’s leading museum in the conservation, preservation, interpretation, and celebration of shells, the mollusks that create them, and their ecosystems.”

Daily programming includes Touch Pools in which guests can touch live mollusks while learning about the animals, a Scavenger Hunt testing your knowledge of shells and mollusks with different levels and prizes,

and a Mollusk Movie – a short film about mollusks in Sanibel. The museum offers over 30 permanent exhibits as well as several temporary ones like “Shells of Sanibel & Captiva,” “Shells from Around the World,” “Record-Breaking Shells” (including some of the largest shells ever found on display), “Shells in Architecture, Art, and Human History,” and “She Sells Sea Shells by the Seashore.” (That last exhibit is a joke, of course.)

3075 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel (239) 395-2233 www.shellmuseum.org

Skunk Ape Headquarters You’ve heard of the Yeti, an abominable snowman-type creature covered in hair as white as the snowy mountainous landscape they’re said to roam. And Bigfoot, the elusive giant ape-man that traverses the backcountry of the Pacific Northwest only to be caught in a blurry photo or two. Florida has its own legendary creature – the Skunk Ape. The Florida Skunk Ape is said to be a tall, bipedal animal with reddish-black fur and a strong odor similar to rotten eggs.

In the heart of the Everglades, about three hours south of Polk County within the Big Cypress Preserve, past a speckling of airboat tours and the tiny Ochopee post office is The Skunk Ape Headquarters. After a selfie with the Skunk Ape replica or the 28-foot fiberglass cougar statue out front, tourists can enter the small gift shop and purchase a magnet, hat, t-shirt, mug, or their very own copy of the Everglades Skunk Ape Research Field Guide. For a fee, visitors can step through a door in the back to see a collection of animals – different species of snakes, including a massive Reticulated Python, baby alligators, turtles, and birds, to name a few. havenmagazines.com

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A part of the Trail Lakes Campground, this one-stop-Skunk Ape shop and research headquarters was started by Dave Shealy, an authority on the creature and a self-described Skunk Ape expert.

Shealy heard tales of the Skunk Ape growing up and became obsessed with the cryptid when he first encountered it at age ten. Dave and his older brother Jack were hunting in the glades when Jack saw something walking in the distance. Only about 100 yards from the boys, Dave couldn’t see it over the tall grass.

“He picked me up, and I looked, and there it was,” said Dave. They agreed that it looked exactly as it had been depicted in the stories they’d heard growing up. Dave has dedicated most of his life to researching the Skunk Ape. He’s taken multiple photos and a video of the creature. Shealy has been featured on The Discovery Channel, The Travel Channel, TLC, Inside Edition, and other national and international media outlets.

40904 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee (239) 695-2275 www.skunkape.info

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Jules’ Undersea Lodge Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go to… Jules’ Undersea Lodge (we’ll scuba fast and then we’ll scuba slow… that’s where we want to goooooo… to Jules’ Undersea Lodge instead of Kokomo). This oceanic inn began as La Chalupa research laboratory, “an underwater habitat used to explore the continental shelf off the coast of Puerto Rico.”

The lodge is located in a mangrove lagoon plentiful with reef fish like tropical angelfish, parrotfish, barracuda, and snappers, along with anemones, sponges, oysters, and feather duster worms. The underwater structure sits on legs roughly five feet off the lagoon floor and is filled with compressed air, preventing water from flooding the rooms.

Divers enter the hotel through a five by seven-foot “moon pool” and into a wet room.

The lodge’s most notable feature is a 42-inch round window in each room where guests can look out into the lagoon and the wildlife teeming within it. Principal developers of the project, Ian Koblick and Dr. Neil Monney, named the lodge after “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” author Jules Verne.

The Lodge’s unique experience has drawn celebrity guests, including former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, rock stars Steve Tyler of Aerosmith and Jon Fishman of Phish.

According to their website, Jules’ is the first and only underwater hotel in which scuba diving is the only way to get to your room and the first underwater research lab to be made accessible to the public.

According to Ian Koblick, owner and codeveloper of the Lodge, as quoted on their website, “Jules’ Undersea Lodge serves as an artificial reef, providing shelter and substrate for marine animals. And the flow of air to the Lodge constantly adds oxygen to the entire surrounding body of water, creating a symbiotic relationship between the technology of man and the beauty of nature.”

51 Shoreland Dr, Key Largo (305) 451-2353 jul.com

Last Resort Bar

The Bubble Room

A last resort destination for those who prefer their ice-cold beer with a bloody backstory is a biker bar in Port Orange. At the Last Resort Bar, on January 9, 1991, one of America’s most notorious female serial killers, Aileen Wuornos, was finally apprehended by police.

Wuornos murdered at least seven men between 1989-1990.

“It’s always Christmas at the Bubble Room.”

The eccentric eatery opened in 1979 and began its whacky multi-themed decor with 1930s and 1940s toys. Now a Captiva Island staple, The Bubble Room is a colorful, whimsical, kitschy restaurant with year-round Christmas lights, an ‘Elf Room,’ moving trains on all three floors, photos covering the walls, and a rainbow Candyland-esque facade.

5812 S Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange (386) 761-5147

15001 Captiva Dr, Captiva (239) 472-5558 www.bubbleroomrestaurant.com

Coral Castle Museum The 28-year toil of one man, the Coral Castle (now a museum) in Miami was carved by Ed Leedskalnin between 1923 and 1951. The sculpture kingdom is made up of over 1,100 tons of coral rock, including a 9-ton gate that ‘moves with just a touch of the finger,’ as well as rocking chairs and a Polaris telescope constructed entirely from stone. “Since it is documented that no one ever witnessed Ed’s labor in building his beloved Coral Castle, some have said he had supernatural powers.

Ed would only say that he knew the secrets havenmagazines.com

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used to build the ancient pyramids, and if he could learn them, you could too,” reads the Coral Castle Museum website (coralcastle. com). Guests can take narrated and guided tours through this otherworldly realm of rock with narration available in English, Spanish, French, and German.

28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead (305) 248-6345 coralcastle.com

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Monkey Island

Spongeorama

Amidst what resembles a nautical-themed miniature golf course on an island in the Homosassa River, spider monkeys reign supreme. In a kingdom all their own, these mischievous monkeys spend their days swaying from ropes, scampering along platforms, up their miniature lighthouse, and on their beached boat, the USS Primate.

Barriers act to keep curious boaters from trespassing on the island (which is under 24-hour surveillance), and the water keeps curious monkeys from escaping and monkeying around Homosassa.

Tarpon Springs is a coastal Gulf town known for its rich Greek heritage, culture, shopping, food, and for being the Sponge Capital of the World. Boat tours and sponge diving demonstrations with divers in full vintage diving gear, complete with the hard-hat helmet, are a great way to learn about the town’s former leading export. Or, you could stop in at the world-famous Spongeorama Sponge Factory, complete with a museum exploring Tarpon Springs, the Sponge Docks, and the Sponge Industry. After a stroll around the sponge museum, you can learn what exactly a sponge is and where they come from in their movie theater (both the museum and movie are free). Their gift shop features many aquatic gifts like conchs, barnacles, and of course, sponges.

You can see these playful primates from the Florida Cracker Riverside Resort (formerly the Homosassa Riverside Resort), The Florida Cracker Monkey Bar, or by walking down an adjacent observation dock.

510 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs (727) 943-2164 spongeorama.com

historicmonkeyisland.com

Stiltsville Off Key Biscayne Beyond the cerulean shallows of Biscayne National Park is a smattering of wooden structures built on stilts, now aptly called ‘Stiltsville.’ The first of these seemingly floating flats was built in the 1930s by “Crawfish” Eddie Walker, followed by more construction over the years. According to a post by the National Parks Service, this ocean hamlet stirred up stories of illegal alcohol and gambling, which led to several police raids on the Bikini Club and Quarterdeck Club. The article (www.nps.gov/bisc/learn/ historyculture/stiltsville.htm) goes on to say, “At its peak in 1960, there were 27 structures on the flats, but hurricanes, fires and the ravages of being in such an exposed place

made every building relatively short-lived.

In 1985, the bottomland on which the stilt structures sit was deeded by the State of Florida to the Federal Government as part of Biscayne National Park. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew left only seven buildings standing, none of which existed during the area’s heyday.”

Public access to the structures is by permit only (contact the Stiltsville Trust for permit details), but there are several charter boat tours to choose from, like the Stiltsville Guided Historic Tour from Deering Estate, Ocean Force Adventures Miami Boat Tours, and Island Queen Cruises and Tours.

stiltsvilletrust.org

Christ of The Abyss If you dive down about 25-feet off the coast of Key Largo in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, you will literally have a ‘Come to Jesus’ meeting. A nine-foot-tall, 4,000-pound bronze statue of Christ

by Italian sculptor Guido Galletti was submerged there in 1965, the final of three to be installed in oceans around the world. The first statue was situated beneath the waves of the Mediterranean Sea in 1954, followed by another off the coast of St. George’s, Granada, in 1961. The Key Largo blessed bronze depicts Christ with arms outstretched and face towards the heavens. Christ of the Abyss is a popular site for scuba diving and snorkeling.

History of Diving Dedicated to aquatic avocation, the History of Diving Museum tells “the international story of the attempts to explore, understand and venture under the sea. We also celebrate the special role that South Florida and the Florida Keys played in this untold story.”

Dive into exhibits like the Timeline of Diving, Underwater Photography, The Treasure Room, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Deep Diving in the Abyss, or their featured exhibition, Diving in Pop Culture.

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82990 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada (305) 664-9737 divingmuseum.org

Robert is Here Fruit Stand The year is 1959. Six-year-old Robert was set on a corner to sell his father’s cucumber crop.

As the story goes, “Robert sat all day that Saturday, and no one even stopped. That evening, Robert’s father decided that ‘There can’t be that many people who don’t like cucumbers; they must not see this little boy standing here on the corner.’” Determined to sell his crop the next day, Robert’s father placed signs around the little fruit stand with big red letters that said: “Robert is Here.” The signage must have done the trick because, by noon, Robert was walking home after selling out of his father’s cucumbers. A neighboring farmer added produce to his display, and Robert took on occasional help from his little sister Rose. His mother arranged for the bus to pick him up and drop him off each day at his fruit stand, which grew with such gusto that by age nine, Robert hired a neighbor to work for him while he attended school. The young fruit-selling mogul bought his first ten

acres when he was fourteen, on which he planted an avocado grove and rented out the house.

Today, passers-by are drawn in by the “Robert is Here” signage, now in huge white lettering atop a much larger building than the stand in which he started. What began as a modest fruit stand continues as a family-owned and operated tourist destination specializing in rare and exotic fruits and veggies grown mostly on their Homestead, Florida farms.

In addition to produce, guests can indulge in fresh fruit milkshakes and homemade key lime pies. There is also an animal farm, play area, picnic tables, and live music on weekends and holidays.

19200 SW 344th St, Homestead (305) 246-1592 www.robertishere.com

Barberville Yard Art Emporium On occasion, I drive by a mini-golf course and think to myself, ‘A 7-foot fiberglass T-Rex would be a tasteful addition to my front yard.’

If you have similar thoughts, head on down to Barberville Yard Art Emporium for all your yard art needs. Do they have a lifesize pink rooster? Probably. The Virgin Mary? You betcha. The Statue of Liberty and a Big Boy Burger boy? I’d certainly hope so.

Sprawling over two acres, you’ll find an eclectic selection of indoor and outdoor items,

produce, jams, boiled peanuts, peanut brittle, and more. Items at the Barberville Yard Art Emporium range from average to oversize, and most are made of aluminum or wrought iron. They also boast an array of Authentic Talavera Pottery, handmade and brought directly from Mexico.

140 West, FL-40, Pierson (386) 749-3562 www.barbervilleroadside.com

showmen’s museum Ladies, gentlemen, boys, and girls – step right up and win a prize! The International Independent Showmen’s Museum boasts over 54,000 square feet of artifacts, midway memorabilia, and photographs that capture over a century of traveling shows in America.

This collection of carnival vestiges preserves American carnival and traveling show history through exhibits like acres of show wagons, one of the first Ferris wheels in the country assembled and in operating condition within the museum, one of burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee’s slinky black beaded costumes, and an outfit worn by the 9-foottall, 425-pound, “Viking Giant,” Johann K. Petursson. havenmagazines.com

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According to their website, “The museum features thousands of rare photographs of carnivals, circuses, wild west shows, and early traveling shows that brought the main and sometimes the only form of entertainment that many towns throughout America would enjoy all year. Visitors will also be able to walk through antique wagons and trailers with ornate facades where show people lived or ran the day to day business of the carnival.”

The International Independent Showmen’s Museum is open every Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 pm.

6938 Riverview Dr, Riverview (813) 671-3503 Showmensmuseum.org

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Cassadaga Known as the “Psychic Capital of the World,” this unincorporated community of Spiritualists was established over 120 years ago and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. According to www. cassadaga.org, after being told during a seance that he would be instrumental in founding a Spiritualist community in the South, a young New Yorker, George Colby, would see that prophecy fulfilled. Colby put roots down in Cassadaga while continuing to travel for work as a medium. In 1894, the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association was formed, and in 1895, Colby deeded over 35 acres to its founders. Today, the Spiritualist camp is sprawled over 57 acres and made up of 55 homes and a community of spiritual folks, including many mediums, psychics, and healers.

As defined on their website, Spiritualism is “The Science, Philosophy, and Religion based upon the principle of continuous life demonstrated through mediumship.

Spiritualism embraces the concept of individual responsibility and the belief that the door to reformation is never closed.” The resident Spiritualists of Cassadaga welcome believers, skeptics, and the curious alike.

Things to check out in addition to visiting the Camp (and its bookstore) are the historic and allegedly haunted Hotel Cassadaga, The Shoestring Theatre, The Cassadaga Spiritualist Psychic Center, and the Devil’s Chair. The latter of which is a brick throne of sorts, sitting graveside at the Lake HelenCassadaga Cemetery. Legend has it if you sit in the Devil’s Chair at midnight, Lucifer himself will communicate with you. Plan your visit now! I bet they already know you’re coming.

The Wonder House Built without blueprints by inventor and oddities collector Conrad Schuck, The Wonder House sits in grand juxtaposition to the average neighborhoods surrounding it.

Currently a full-time private residence, this Bartow abode is open for historic tours on a limited basis.

As the name implies, the spacious estate is full of wonders. The house is made with a blend of steel-reinforced concrete inlaid with glass and tile mosaics and stands four stories tall with two stories underground. The Wonder House amalgamates an eccentric dreamer’s boundless imagination and vision, from beautiful tile mosaics and hand-painted ceiling panels to hidden rooms and clever inventions.

Some of the home’s notable features include a moat with two bridges spanning it and two pools on the third floor (one of which has since been concreted in by a previous owner) used as bathtubs, swimming pools, and then koi ponds. According to their website, “The house featured many time-saving devices like delayed light switches, a laundry chute, and inventions including air conditioning in the 1920s!”

Historic Tours of the Wonder House are available only by booking a reservation online in advance.

1075 Mann Rd, Bartow www.wonderhousebartow.com FB @wonderhousebartow

Tour The Bulk Candy Store Have you ever had sweet dreams of touring the history and production of candy at a one-of-a-kind candy emporium? At the Bulk Candy Store in West Palm Beach, you can ‘experience the evolution of candy’ through a live guided tour and video presentation. The family-owned candy shop has been slinging sweets and treats since 1992. Throughout a 40-minute tour at their candy store, havenmagazines.com

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guests will sample the sights and tastes of confections and have the opportunity to shop copious candies and over 50 flavors of gourmet popcorn.

235 N Jog Rd, West Palm Beach (561) 540-1600 www.bulkcandystore.com

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Reptile World Serpentarium Opened in 1972, Reptile World Serpentarium in St. Cloud houses a collection of over 80 species of snakes from around the world.

This includes six species of cobra (including an over 13-foot king cobra), a black mamba, East African green mamba, and 11 kinds of rattlesnakes, in addition to more innocuous non-venomous snakes. Also on display are several species of lizards, a Nile crocodile, an alligator, turtles, and tortoises.

What sets them apart is their regular venom extraction shows performed in front of visitors. According to their website (www. reptileworldserpentarium.com), “Though there may be only fifty snakes on public display at any given time, behind the scenes are hundreds of venomous snakes just

Dysfunctional Grace

waiting to be “milked” for their valuable venom. Reptile World Serpentarium ships this precious commodity worldwide for use in medical and herpetological research.”

Venom shows begin with a verbal presentation about snakes and their venom.

Then, behind a glass barrier, owner George Van Horn handles venomous snakes, which are “coaxed into sinking their fangs through a clear membrane stretched over a collection glass” for medical and herpetological research purposes.

5705 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, St Cloud (407) 892-6905 reptileworldserpentarium.com

Dome House Four stilted concrete dome structures (initially six) make up an abandoned home sitting about 300 feet offshore from Cape Romano just south of Marco Island. These domeshaped pods commissioned by now-deceased oil producer, Bob Lee, seem to be a testament to perhaps what ‘the future’ looked like from a past perspective. The smattering of pillared domes, construction of which began in 1980, today attracts fishermen and tourists.

In this Ybor City art gallery and gift shop, you may find antiques and oddities from skulls and skeletons of various animals to vintage door knockers or a pair of taxidermied squirrels playing a game of cards. “The only shop in Ybor where death and dysfunction dance in a graceful ballet.”

1903 E 7th Ave, Tampa (813) 842-0830 dysfunctionalgrace.shop

Solomon’s Castle Solomon’s Castle is one man’s masterpiece, tucked amongst orange trees and cow pastures in Ona, Florida. Howard Solomon, who unfortunately passed away in 2016, had an imagination that overflowed into everything he did. According to Solomon’s daughter, Alane Solomon, after buying the property and realizing there wasn’t much room to build out, he built up. What came of that was an eclectic castle. Solomon estimated the property to be about 10,000 square feet with a restaurant in a 65-foot ship made of recycled wood called “The Boat in the Moat,” a lighthouse, a replica facade of the Alamo, and more. The artist’s work throughout the property is made from carburetors, gas tanks, oil drums, beer can havenmagazines.com

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bottoms, coat hangers, and other recycled materials. Solomon made everything from people, creatures (real and imaginary) to boats, cars, and beyond.

Today, guests can tour the castle, meandering through the galleries and home of its builder, boat, and lighthouse. Taking the tour several years ago, my tour guide, Cindy, described Solomon as “The Da Vinci of debris, the Rembrandt of reclamation, the wizard of odds and ends, and the savior of salvage.”

4533 Solomon Rd, Ona (863) 494-6077 Solomonscastle.com

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Shell Factory And Nature PArk A tourist draw for over 80 years, the Shell Factory (now including their Nature Park and Scallywags Fun Park) offers over 50,000 square feet of shopping, including millions of shells, gifts, nautical décor, jewelry, pearls, toys, coral, fine jewelry, Christmas collectibles, pick your own pearl, and much more. The eclectic destination offers a “dizzying and constantly changing array of diversions and amusements reminiscent of Florida roadside attractions of yesteryear, which, by the way, the Shell Factory was one of the first. The changes will never be complete,” according to their website. Die-hard holiday fans will love The Shell Factory’s year-round Christmas House, or if that’s not up your

alley try the Fossil and Gemstone Mining Rig, Game Room, US Post Office, Gulf Coast Homemade Fudge and Ice Cream Shop, and a Hunt Brothers Pizza shop.

Scallywags Fun Park & Mini Golf boasts a zip line, and the Nature Park has over 400 animals, a petting farm, three walk-thru aviaries, a full-scale dinosaur exhibit, and a Touch Center with daily shows in which kids can touch and hold animals.

16554 N Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers (239) 995-2141 www.shellfactory.com

tripadvisor.com

National Comedy Hall of Fame It is often said that laughter is the best medicine. I guess that makes the National Comedy Hall of Fame the pharmacy. The NCHF aims to “preserve and celebrate the history of Comedy and to honor the “Great Legends of Comedy” who have dedicated their lives to improve the world we live in by sharing with us their humor and bestowing upon us the greatest gift of all, laughter.” The museum has a substantial collection of comedy memorabilia, from original movie posters and comedy albums to authentic puppets, studio photographs,

Gatorama This roadside wildlife attraction, open for some 60 years, promises the biggest gators and crocs along with plenty of thrills and education. Gatorama offers your run-ofthe-mill (for Florida, that is) gator and croc feeding shows as well as up-close encounters with tortoises, pythons, and more. Brave Gatorama guests can opt for the Fast Hands Challenge and feed hungry leaping gators and crocs from the bridge. Not for the faint of heart is the Face to Face Challenge in which you can get up close and personal with these prehistoric monsters with ‘little

havenmagazines.com

more than a Gator Stick between you’ and feed the beastly gator, Big Daddy. Of course, you’ll need a photo for bragging rights and probably a new pair of shorts. If you’d prefer less thrill and more education, check out their numerous exhibits of alligators, crocs (including Orinoco, Cuban, and Saltwater), other reptiles, Kinkajou, bobcats, and the Florida panther.

10665 N US Hwy 27, Palmdale (863) 675-6023 www.gatorama.com

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and more. “Short films that display rare footage accompany each comedian’s exhibit, like Charlie Chaplin’s slapstick, Jack Benny’s violin dexterity and Phyllis Diller’s wit,” according to the museum’s website (nationalcomedyhalloffame.com). Guests can chuckle and howl at short films and comedy sketches in the museum’s in-house theater.

2435 US-19, Holiday (727) 944-4453 Nationalcomedyhalloffame.com

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The World Erotic Art Museum Expect your fair share of tasteful hoo-hoos and ha-has in this steamy Miami museum dedicated to all things erotic. Standing erect in the Art Deco Historic District of Miami Beach is The World Erotic Art Museum, or WEAM. The museum has received global attention and was founded by Naomi Wilzig (1934-2015), known as ‘an authority on exotic art.’ In part, her obituary reads, “Naomi Wilzig presented her collection with the aim of imparting a historically and culturally comprehensive picture of erotic art. She explained that she wanted to evoke the sensual experience of the pleasure and pain of love, and also wanted to send a message of tolerance in acknowledgment of

the community and diversity of mankind.”

The extensive collection at WEAM includes African - Native North American Art, Art Deco, Asian Art, Glass Art, Folk Art, Gay Art, Indigenous Art of the Americas, Pin-Up, Photography, Boxes, Figurines, and Hidden Art, Humor, Iconic Artists, India - Tibet Art, Lady Godiva, Leda, and the Swan, Outsider Art, P and P, Prints, Realism, Surrealism, and Wunderkammer.

1205 Washington Ave, Miami Beach (305) 532-9336 www.weammuseum.com

Fairyland Figures Tampa’s Ulele eatery features native-inspired food and spirits as well as an on-site brewery.

Only slightly more magical than their Gouta Grouper or Seafood Risotto is the collection of remnants from Tampa’s former attraction, Fairyland, which ran from 1957 into the 1990s. According to their website, “The Humpty Dumpty character on the Ulele roof is part of 11 remaining vignettes,” from Fairyland. “Columbia Restaurant Group owner Richard Gonzmart bought the discarded figures at a city auction last year because Richard had such fond memories of them from childhood visits. He recently had them restored by local artist Jason Hulfish.”

1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa (813) 999-4952 www.ulele.com

Potter’s Wax Museum St. Augustine is the oldest and one of the most haunted cities in the country. So, of course, this spooky settlement would vaunt America’s first and oldest wax museum (with an entire section devoted to horror movies) located within the country’s oldest pharmacy. Potter’s Wax Museum opened in the mid-century by George Potter and now houses over 160 wax figures, including Harry Potter, Henry the VIII, Freddy Krueger, Abraham Lincoln, Jack Sparrow, Cleopatra, Annie Oakley, and more. “Potter set out to preserve the likenesses of great American leaders and statesmen for posterity and proceeded to procure the very best wax from havenmagazines.com

France, the finest hair from Italy, and the most highly skilled artisans to give shape and form to it all. Belgium was where the first production facility was located, and the first run of wax figures found their way to what would become Potter’s Wax Museum back in 1949,” according to their website. Guests can take photos with the likenesses of celebrities, politicians, historical figures, musicians, sports stars, royal families, and an expansive list of fictional characters.

31 Orange St, St. Augustine (904) 829-9056 www.potterswaxmuseum.com 34

WHY SHOPPING LOCAL MATTERS By shopping locally, you are directly contributing to your local community.

Your money is going straight into your city – helping it to thrive.

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Seaplane Capital of the World “It’s magical,” said 25-year-old seaplane pilot Abbie Kellett.

“You’ll see – it’s just amazing.” Some 500 feet below the yellow airframe of the Piper J3 Cub, semis and Suburbans move along like toy cars. Breaking up the cityscape and pastoral patchwork are deep blue-green lakes dotted between baseball fields, highways, hospitals, woods, and pastures. Like swollen raindrops, some lakes appear perfectly round from our vantage point and others less so. An alligator suns himself in the shallows of a marshy creek connecting two larger bodies. We circle around to see him a second time. I am exhilarated – uplifted in more ways than one.

Lake Jessie, one of the northernmost lakes on The Chain. This scene has played out thousands of times and has made many a seaplane pilot since 1963.

Abbie Kellett earned her pilot’s license at just 17 and got her seaplane rating at Jack Brown’s as a Christmas present. She went to college for communications and landed a job (pun intended) in New York flying seaplanes off the East River into East Hampton. She returned home to Winter Haven, where she obtained her Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate. Kellett has been a flight instructor at Jack Brown’s for two years and joined the SPA team as an assistant to the director in October 2020. For Kellett, love of flight is familial. Her father, Ken Kellett, is a Restoration Specialist at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, building and maintaining small aircraft from throughout history, mostly from WWI. “The small airplanes are kind of what I’m used to with dad,” she said.

“It was built in the 1940s. They were originally designed to train people for World War II,” said Kellett of the seaplane we were soon to board. Kellett is Assistant to the Director for the Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) and an instructor at Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base. Dandelion is an apt enough description of the plane’s hue. It sits on 1500 straight floats allowing it to move through water as it does through the air. The 1940s Piper J3 Cub has undergone a complete restoration by Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base mechanics. The base take their seaplanes to a maximum altitude of 500 feet and hop from lake to lake like a frog spoiled for choice, springing across an unending esplanade of lily pads.

How does Kellett like being a seaplane instructor? “It has its ups and downs.”

JACK BROWN’S SEAPLANE BASE “The seaplane base was founded by Jack Brown in 1963,” began Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base owner and president, Ben Shipps.

Founder Jack Brown began flying an Aeronca C-3 Floatplane on the Kanawha River in West Virginia. He took his piloting expertise with him into the military during World War II, in which

A small tractor pulled the seaplane to the base of a series of shallow wooden steps descending toward the water. The plane would then be hand-guided onto the ramp steps and eased into

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he flew the Grumman “Flying Boats” and PBY’s. Brown worked as a civilian instructor and test pilot for the United States Air Force station in Central Florida after the war and eventually settled in Winter Haven, becoming the fixed base operator at the Winter Haven Airport.

25,000 pilots have been trained to fly seaplanes at the Lake Jessie base throughout its almost sixty-year history, with around 450 to 500 pilots training there annually. Their fleet includes five Piper J3 Cubs, a Piper Super Cub (with a second Super Cub being assembled by their mechanics), an M-7-235 Super Rocket, and a recently acquired ICON A5.

“Jack’s affection for seaplanes gave him a grand vision for an overgrown area on Lake Jessie, located just southwest of the Winter Haven Airport. Jack launched a Piper J-3 Cub on floats to introduce a friend to the freedom of float flying, and a seed was planted for Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base,” according to their website. Brown ran the seaplane base for twelve years until his passing in 1975. The business was passed on to his oldest son, Jon Brown. After 42 years of operating the base, Jon Brown would sell the business in 2019 to his son-in-law, Ben Shipps.

Shipps attributes relatively idle airspace and abundance of freshwater lakes to what makes Winter Haven ideal for such an illustrious seaplane training base. “We can launch out of our lake here and go less than half a mile in any direction we have other lakes adjacent to it,” he said. There are well over 500 naturally freshwater lakes in Polk County, and within the ten-mile radius around Winter Haven Regional Airport, instructors at the seaplane base have over 100 bodies of water to use for training.

“I had the dream of going to Alaska. At the time, I was a private pilot with a restricted medical, and I couldn’t go fly commercially there, but I wanted to go out there for a summer adventure and work the line and fuel airplanes,” said Shipps of what led him to pursue his seaplane rating. Not too far from his home in Venice, Florida, Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base was the logical choice for training.

THE SEAPLANE PILOTS ASSOCIATION Down the road from Jack’s Seaplane Base is the Winter Haven Regional Airport at Gilbert Field. Last year, The Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) moved from Lakeland to the airport in Winter Haven, where they plan to build their world headquarters. “This is an incredibly seaplane-friendly community in Winter Haven.

The city council and the mayor have always been incredibly supportive of the seaplane community here, which makes it unique and wonderful,” said SPA executive director Steven McCaughey.

“That seaplane rating at Jack Brown’s led to a job offer if I ever got my CFI, that I could come teach here,” he said. Shipps earned his rating in the summer of 2010 and changed his major in school to become a commercial pilot and CFI to come back and teach at the base. He started instructing full-time in the summer of 2011, the same year he was introduced to Jon Brown’s youngest daughter. The two would go on to marry, and Brown would eventually approach Shipps about taking over the family business. In 2018, he became an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and bought Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base from Jon in 2019.

Jack Brown’s may not be the largest seaplane base by size, but it does train more pilots than any other base in the world. Some

The SPA was founded in 1972, celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. Their mission is simple – ‘protect and promote water flying.’ The SPA is an international organization, the only one of its kind, “solely focused on representing the interests of seaplane pilots, owners, and operators,” according to their website. It goes on to note, “SPA is dedicated to promoting safe seaplane operations, and to protecting the sharing of our nation’s waterways with other user groups.”

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FLYING FEVER SINCE FIFTH GRADE

of seaplane pilots, and educating resource managers, policymakers, and the general public about seaplanes.

Fort Lauderdale native Steven McCaughey became the Seaplane Pilots Association executive director ten years ago. He had been a member of the organization 25 years before that. He started flying to Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base in 1983, with Jon Brown having signed three of his licenses over the years.

The SPA has some 5-6k members internationally. With a modest staff, the organization relies on its many volunteers, also known as field directors. “Volunteers are the bread and butter – they are the backbone,” said Kellett. “Being a field director is so important. What those people do is pretty amazing.

They’re setting up events, they’re doing safety groups, they’re talking to local politicians, trying to get legislation in favor of seaplanes, and collecting membership because there is strength in numbers.”

McCaughey’s aviation addiction started in the fifth grade with his best friend, Michael Wagner. “His father was an airline pilot for National Airlines and flew from Miami to Lima, Peru, as his route. For some reason, that planted an unbelievable seed in me,” said McCaughey. “I started memorizing every statistical data point of every airline airplane made that the airlines were flying – how many passengers, what the engines were, wingspan, length, weight – everything about the airplane.”

According to McCaughey, the SPA wants to protect and expand waterway access for seaplanes and protect pilots from a safety aspect. A large part of that, says the executive director, is educating those in charge of regulating waterways. “Most of what we’re confronted with as opposition is due to lack of understanding. Very few people from the regulator side know anything about seaplanes.” Many assumptions made about seaplanes involve pollution of water, noise, the transmission of invasive species, hazard to public safety, and that boats and seaplanes can’t operate safely in the same water. This is all a lack of understanding posit the SPA. The difference, McCaughey says, between the seaplane and boating communities is that you can buy a boat and launch it, and you’re on your way as a boater. “By the time you get a seaplane license, most of the pilots have invested about sixty thousand dollars in training on average.”

At age ten, he hand-typed 200 letters to every airline of which he could get a name and address. The letter went something like this: “My name is Steve McCaughey. I’d like to pursue aviation as a living. I’m ten years old. I’d appreciate anything you could send me or any guidance you could give me to help me pursue my path.” McCaughey got 146 responses, three of which were personal letters from the CEOs of Delta, Braniff International Airways, and Eastern Airlines.

In his late teens, McCaughey decided he didn’t want to fly the airlines. He wanted to pursue more ‘interesting, hands-on flying.’

He gravitated towards aerobatics, tailwheel, warbirds, and historical airplanes and seaplanes. McCaughey went into special operations for the air force. Coming out of the military, he and his wife used their engineering backgrounds to design rocket components and work on deep-dive submarines. He left his own company to become the executive director of the SPA.

In addition to a monetary investment, there is a significant investment of time. To obtain a private pilot’s license requires an average of 60 to 85 hours. “The level of experience that we have going into the water to operate where we’re dealing with boats, we generally take 100 percent responsibility for avoidance and safety. We don’t put any burden on the controlling agencies. We don’t put any burden on the boaters. We’re going to take the burden to make sure that we’re operating safely. We’re trained to do that, unlike the typical boater,” said McCaughey.

ADVOCACY FOR FAIR AND EQUAL ACCESS Current SPA advocacy focuses include seaplane safety, protecting waterway access and saving seaplane bases, invasive species, environmental issues, promoting the next generation havenmagazines.com

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“With all the regulators and groups that we work with, we want to be a sincere partner,” he continued. “We go in and say, ‘We’re going to partner with you, and we’re going to look at the data, and if we don’t have the data, we’re going to try to find the data and then if we need to make changes we’re going to try to engineer ways to make those changes.”

you, and you’re looking across the lake to the rose garden at the Bellagio,” said McCaughey. “I wanted to create the adventure of a lifetime for our members where we could take a small group of our members, 35 to 65 people, and give them an epic adventure that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”

To promote future seaplane pilots, the SPA awards several scholarships annually. These include the Tyler Orsow/ Chuck Kimes Memorial Seaplane Rating Scholarship and the LIFT (Ladies in Flight Training) Scholarship, with plans to continue expanding their scholarship programs. “Our goal is to award twelve zero-cost seaplane ratings per year to people based on achievement,” said the executive director. Abbie Kellett discussed the LIFT Scholarship as a response to the low number of female seaplane pilots – just three percent. “A lot of it is that they don’t know it’s an option for them. It’s not that anyone is keeping them from flying, but they just don’t know that it’s a viable option,” she said. The first-ever LIFT Scholarship was awarded last month.

In answer to the perception that seaplanes produce excessive noise, the organization initiated noise studies. “It’s easy to identify because you hear the noise, and you see the airplane taking off. But what people don’t realize is you’re talking about 18 to 40 seconds where you have that noise footprint,” he said.

That initial noise spike is minute in comparison when looking at a composite noise footprint of, say, a motorcycle idling, a ski boat on the lake all day, or someone mowing the lawn. “You get that spike of noise, but you don’t have the duration, so your actual footprint is much different than other activities,” said McCaughey of seaplanes.

The perception that seaplanes aren’t safe is another relative fallacy when looking at other user groups, says McCaughey. The SPA obtains a detailed annual report from the U.S. Coast Guard measuring all on-water accidents. In almost every state annually, there are more fatalities involving boats than seaplanes. And as far as boating accidents involving seaplanes, it’s virtually unheard of, said the executive director. “Boaters hit boaters. We don’t hit boaters.”

“We want to be a positive force,” said McCaughey. Being a good neighbor is paramount to this aviation advocacy group.

“We want to make sure that our presence is an asset. We want to bring the community more into our world, and we also want to be an active and vibrant part of the community,” said the Seaplane Pilots Association executive director.

Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base 2704 US-92, Winter Haven (863) 956-2243 Brownsseaplane.com FB @Jack Browns Seaplane Base IG @browns_seaplane

“My job is to go to the regulators and the communities and bring this message home. This isn’t our data; this is U.S. Coast Guard data, and they’re measuring all on-water accidents. We don’t show up in the report usually because we’re not even a measurable number,” he said.

The Seaplane Pilots Association 2072 US Highway 92, Winter Haven (863) 701-7979 seaplanepilotsassociation.org FB @SeaplanePilotsAssociation IG @seaplanepilotsassociation

In addition to advocacy work and providing resources for their members, the SPA conducts some fifty workshops each year from Alaska to Australia. Six years ago, the SPA began hosting exclusive seaplane excursions for members. In Lake Como, Italy, “We would park up on a beach and have lunch at an Italian villa on the side of the lake, and you’ve got the Swiss Alps behind

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Let’ s Play Shuffleboard!

To find out more about a game so beloved throughout history and making a come-back with younger generations, we spoke with resident retired pro and District Tournament Director for the FSA Central District, George Adyns. A husky New England accent gives away Adyns’s northeastern origins. He moved to Florida from Massachusetts in 2000 and started playing shuffleboard in 2001. In 2003, after meeting a couple of shuffleboard professionals, Adyns was invited to the Winter Haven Shuffleboard Club. He took notice right away of the difference between the recreational shuffling he’d been playing and tournament-style shuffling at the club and became hooked on the latter.

It’s a little humid but not too bad for a summer morning in Florida. The hum of player chatter is interrupted by the clack of one disk colliding with another on this Tuesday at the Winter Haven shuffleboard courts. We were invited to meet with the Winter Haven Shuffleboard Club by one of its members, Kat Davis-Cooke, and spent the morning learning about the game. Using a long stick called a cue, players push a weighted disc across the narrow court to marked triangular areas. The objective is to accumulate more points than the team you’re playing against by maneuvering the disk into certain areas while avoiding others.

Shuffleboard is a popular recreation activity aboard cruise ships, at hotels, and among retirees. It has origins going back at least 500 years in Europe but didn’t make its way to America until 1913. Robert Ball, the owner of Lyndhurst Hotel in Daytona Beach, played shuffleboard on a cruise ship during his vacation and was so enthused with the sport, he decided to make his own shuffleboard court on the sidewalk in front of his hotel. He then “went about assembling the necessary equipment – some long, pronged poles and some small wooden discs and the first shuffleboard court on dry land made its debut,” according to Chuck Moulton in his article, “Shuffleboard: From Table Top… To Decks… To Courts,” on www.zephyrhillsshuffle.com.

Moulton goes on to say, “The sport quickly became popular, especially among retired people, and it was quickly adopted at other resorts and in the retirement communities that sprang up in Florida during the 1920s.” In 1923, St. Petersburg’s City Park Board built two public courts at Mirror Lake Park. “It’s a place sacred in the lore of shuffleboard since it gave rise to the Mirror Lake Shuffleboard Club, where the first organized and competitive games were played,” writes Moulton.

“I remember my first day here. I joined in March of 2003. I played in the summer here, and when a fellow by the name of Ron Crawford, who was a pro, was here all summer too. I learned more from Ron Crawford than anyone else in the state of Florida.

He was so good to me that first summer. I think it’s because of him I liked the game,” said Adyns.

The District Tournament Director has since taken roles as president, vice president, secretary, and director for the club.

Adyns has never been the treasurer, though. The retired accountant promised his wife, “When I retire, I am retiring from numbers,” and he’s kept that promise.

“On the first tournament after Thanksgiving, I had already accumulated my five points to become pro the following October,” said Adyns. He played in the state championship tournament, held in Port Charlotte that year, with Bish Kowicz as his teammate. They won the state’s amateur championship double tournament that year.

Adyns turned professional and played for about three more years, slowed down only by progressive pain in his shoulders. He eventually found that he had arthritis, and there wasn’t a thing to be done about it, ostensibly ending his shuffling career. This news came between the 2011-2012 seasons. “That was the end of my playing shuffleboard,” he said. “I was devastated. To tell you the truth, I cried. I just loved to play the game.”

According to “The History of Florida Shuffleboard,” a booklet compiled by FSA Historian, Dorothy Spillman Wagasky, Winter Haven Shuffleboard Club is the second oldest club in the state, established in 1926.

Shuffleboard clubs cropped up around the state, and in 1928 the Florida Shuffleboard Association (FSA) was formed, leading to the formation of the National Shuffleboard Association (NSA) in 1931. Shuffleboard saw the height of its popularity in the 1950s, and in 1979 the International Shuffleboard Association (ISA) was founded in St. Petersburg. Though its popularity has declined since its 1950s prime, the sport continues to draw avid players and fans and is played competitively between clubs internationally. In recent years, shuffleboard has garnered popularity with a younger crowd as well. Every Friday night, twenty- and thirty-somethings gather to play, drink and socialize at the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club.

But, looking at the shuffleboard silver lining, Adyns knew there was always a shortage of tournament directors. He started on the path of becoming a tournament director in October of that year. He did one year as an apprentice, became certified in March 2013 as a director, and spent two years in that position.

He was later elected to his current position on the board of directors. “I’ve stayed involved with the community only because they’re a bunch of great people. But I miss playing,” he said.

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George

In March of 2020, George Adyns was inducted into Winter Haven’s Shuffleboard Hall of Fame with a service award.

According to Adyns, the club typically requires interested players to come once as a guest, the second time as a friend, and join as members on the third visit. Membership is $20 per year.

The club presently has around 40 active members. According to member Kat Davis-Cooke, the club is doing Summertime Shuffles for the first time in recent history. During Summertime Shuffle, they gather and play every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 am, weather permitting. During the winter, that shifts to Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, says Adyns.

According to Adyns there are two types of shuffleboard games.

The first is called a ‘frame game’ in which 16 frames are played to get the highest score after those frames, or 75 points, whichever comes first. State-sanctioned tournaments play ’75 games’ in which the first team to accumulate 75 points wins. The shuffleboard pro knows a thing or two about the game. Adyns talked tricks of the trade using shuffleboard slang like ‘snuggling’ and ‘the kitchen’ and says he’s willing to share his knowledge with anyone interested in learning more about shuffleboard.

The club has 24 courts that can accommodate 96 players at one time. They use these courts to practice and host tournaments, including one state amateur tournament and some seven or eight district tournaments. The largest of these is a two-day tournament held in February, says Adyns, an open mixed doubles (open to all players, two players on each team, one man and one woman).

“It can be complicated, but yet it’s very easy,” he said. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, says Adyns. “Nobody has to be afraid of a pro shuffleboard player because I’m willing to bet that 90 percent of the pros would be more than willing to help an amateur or a beginner. […] Help is always available, and we always welcome new people.”

“This district alone is quite large. Territory-wise we are the largest district under the umbrella of the Florida Shuffleboard Association,” said Adyns. The City of Winter Haven plays a supportive role to the Winter Haven Shuffleboard Club. The City owns the shuffleboard courts and made the investment about a year and a half ago to resurface the courts, working with the club for specs of the Nidy surface. The City also provides the Shuffleboard Hall of Fame and allows the club to use the building during tournaments.

For more information about the Winter Haven Shuffleboard Club, check out their public Facebook Group of the same name. They play at their 24 lighted courts at 250 South Lake Silver Drive SW in Winter Haven and host open shuffles from October to April on Wednesdays and Sundays at 1 pm. Check out Summertime Shuffles every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 am where they offer free instruction, beginners are welcome, and there is no experience or equipment necessary.

The more, the merrier at the Winter Haven Shuffleboard Club. Members welcome all who are interested in the game.

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Local Murder?!

Was it Mrs. Peacock with the candlestick?

Ricky and Danielle Peacock of Home Solution Lenders, Inc. held an exclusive Murder Mystery fund raising event at an undisclosed historic location. Their humble and generous philanthropic visions have a wide reach including historical preservation, schools, nonprofit organizations, and many other community involvement endeavors.

Ricky Peacock recently received a classroom dedication at his Alma Mater at the Warrington School of Business at the University of Florida. Danielle Peacock is a proud Co-Founder and the Treasurer of the Florida nonprofit lockersoflove.org.

Home Solution Lenders, Inc.

1445 E Main Street Bartow, FL 863-607-HOME (4663) HSLenders.com NMLS: 327291 Lic Florida MLD954

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Pressed Independent bookstore and coffee shop, Pressed had their grand opening on July 29. The page-turning proprietors, Christina and Paul Needham, are offering a hand-curated selection of new books (classics and new releases) and a small cove of used books, along with Ethos Coffee Roasters coffee, tea, and Honeycomb Bread Bakers baked goods. Pressed patrons can enjoy their Ray Bradbury with a bagel or a new copy of Frankenstein with fresh espresso from ‘Florence,’ the newly named espresso machine.

wanted their three children, now nine, six, and four, to have the same love of literature that their families shared. “For us, books open up a world of imagination and stories, and connect us with things that we don’t know. I think it’s so important right now to learn and grow as a person by expanding your knowledge of the world and of different people’s beliefs and behaviors. I think books open that up for us. That’s why books are so important to us and our children,” said Needham.

IM-‘PRESSED’ WITH THE CONCEPT

Christina Needham has lived in Lakeland for twenty years, save for her college years. In college, she met her husband, Paul, who hails from Durham, North Carolina. The Needhams moved back to Lakeland nine years ago when their daughter was born.

When Christina and Paul first had the idea to open a bookstore a few years ago, they began visiting bookstores whenever they would travel. They browsed the shelves at places like Letters Bookshop in Paul’s hometown of Durham, Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, and Parnassus Books in Nashville. “We saw the magic of a bookstore, especially in a local community, and we thought Lakeland would benefit from having a bookstore,” she said.

Excited to see their dream come to life, the Needhams began to form a concept they thought the community would enjoy.

“When we decided to bring the bookstore to Lakeland, we felt like it would succeed having another element to it as a gathering space. Not just selling books, but also a place where people can come and sit and gather,” said Needham. So, they added a coffee shop.

Pre-Pressed, Christina Needham was a Music Education teacher instructing elementary, middle, and high school students in private piano and voice lessons. Her music lessons paralleled her book store dreams. “In music, you’re teaching so much about overcoming fears and expressing yourself. I was telling this to my students, and at the same time, it was giving me confidence,” said Needham. “This last year was a different time for everyone.

We had a lot of time to reflect on life and goals and dreams.

While music was fulfilling me very much, I also had this other dream about starting a bookstore,” she said. The realization of that dream started last November while walking downtown and spotting a ‘For Lease’ sign on a Kentucky Ave. storefront. She called to inquire about the space, and so it all began.

The Pressed owners have been intentional about adding local elements into their space. “Lakeland is growing, and new businesses are coming here, including us, that want to be here and want our city to thrive and are passionate about Lakeland,” said Needham. This shared passion for the city is why they chose to offer coffee from local roasters, pastries from a local baker, feature books from local authors on their shelves, and art from local artists on their walls.

Needham registered her bookstore business without having a confirmed location, hopeful that the Pressed pieces would fall into place. The initial Kentucky Avenue space fell through, and Christina found herself in March without a clear path to opening her book shop. “I felt like I hadn’t gotten anywhere. I thought maybe this isn’t the right time.” At the end of that month, another landlord called her about the Bay Street space formerly occupied by Twenty Seven and Honeycomb Bread Bakers. “I knew the space,” said Needham. “I had been in here before, and I thought it was perfect.”

Along with the children’s book section with curation help from the Needham kids, their selection of adult books was handselected as well. “The curating process was where we tap into our experience of what we’ve read, what we’ve enjoyed and making the experience of buying a book a little less intimidating,” said Needham. She went on to acknowledge that “Books are an investment of your time and money,” and as such, having a smaller, more diligently curated selection from which to pick makes for a better investment of both, rather than sifting through a sea of titles at big box stores.

A FAMILY LOVE OF LITERATURE Christina Needham’s mother is an English teacher, which meant plenty of books in their home. “Growing up, I was surrounded by books,” she said. As a child, she was more into music and playing piano than reading but enjoyed it all the same. Her favorite childhood story was one that her dad would read to her, called Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey.

Opening in late July, the plan is for Pressed to kick-off events in the fall. Those in the forefront of Needham’s focus include book clubs, writing workshops, author spotlights, book signings, and storytime for kids. “I think it would be fun to have different people in the community come read during storytime,” she said.

“My love of books really sparked as an adult,” said Needham.

Her husband’s family are also voracious readers with books filling their family home – a point of connection between Christina and Paul’s mom. “My mother-in-law would hand me things on holidays and recommend different books to read,” she said.

Though the book shop owners haven’t had much time to read while preparing to open, they did have a few recommendations and books they’re excited about. Christina gave high praise to The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah and said she is looking forward to reading The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller as well The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. Paul is keen to sink his teeth

Today, her favorite genre is historical fiction, whereas Paul’s interest is piqued by biographies, philosophy, and other nonfiction reads. When the Needhams started their family, they

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into The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson. These and many other titles will be available at the indie Lakeland book shop.

For months, brown paper has obscured from view the transformation taking place within 213 E. Bay Street. Pressed is shaping up to be what I can only describe as (and I include myself in this) a book nerd’s paradise. The cozy atmosphere – greenery here, a stylish rug there – is like being in the living room of someone very, very cool who also happens to love books.

There are reading nooks, tables for studying, cozy seating, and a green velvet couch – among other mid-century modern features contributing to a comfy bookish vibe. Across the coffee bar are works from Vakti Gallery by local artists Paul O’Neill, Seungdo Hyun, and Mockingbird Artist. A colorful Twenty Seven mural is the backdrop for the children’s books section, which Christina Needham plans to keep, saying, “It’s so sweet and whimsical.”

Now that the paper has finally come down and the community is invited to share in their love of books, Christina Needham reflects on her Pressed journey. She described their book shop as an extension of themselves. “We have big dreams for the place.

I think Pressed has such potential. […] I think our ultimate vision is that it’s a gathering space for people to work, read, study, have conversations, host community events, and be a place where people want to come, and it brings them joy.”

213 E. Bay Street, Lakeland www.pressedlkld.com FB @pressedlkld IG @pressedlkld

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cherry bomb 2 1/2 ounces bourbon 7 cherries, pitted 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges 1 tablespoon maple syrup cherries & lemon wedge for garnish In a cocktail shaker, add the lemon wedges and cherries, muddle until all juice is released and cherries are broken up. Add bourbon, syrup, and ice. Shake about 30 times, strain into glass with ice. Garnish with cherry and lemon.

Please drink responsibly, 21+

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Check Me Out ;)

WORDS Jane Martin, City Librarian Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven

PERFECT LITTLE WORLD

By Kevin Wilson THE IN-BETWEENS

By Mira Ptacin

ATLAS OBSCURA

By Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras & Ella Morton Whenever I get visitors, I make sure to take them on a few of my “Fall in Love with Florida” spots - those quirky, off-beat places that make Florida Florida. Atlas Obscura does that for the whole world - and I love it! Sure to activate your wanderlust.

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Utopian societies have attracted followers throughout time.

Koreshan State Park features a historical look at one such commune active around the turn of the century. For a more modern take on utopias, read Kevin Wilson’s “Perfect Little World.”

The book revolves around a commune called The Infinite Family Project - a utopian community designed to raise superior children by doing away with the idea of biological parents. In turns weird, heartwarming, and whimsical, the book explores the concept of family bonds through “out there” characters.

Cassadaga is one of the oldest spiritualist camps in the country.

It is a quaint, southern camp filled with mediums, psychics, and rich history. Ptacin’s book, “The In-Betweens,” details the history of another spiritualist camp, Camp Etna, a 144-year-old Spiritualist camp in Maine. The book traces the beginning of Spiritualism through the modern-day. An interesting and intimate look at the movement and the influence of the femaledominated world of Spiritualist camps.

SUBLIME SPACES AND VISIONARY WORLDS

By Leslie Umberger

THE MUSEUM OF EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

By Alice Hoffman

In 1972, self-taught artist Howard Solomon began to build his own castle in rural Ona. It was his family home and art studio and gallery for years and now serves as a museum and tourist attraction. “Sublime Spaces and Visionary Worlds: Built Environments of Vernacular Artists” explores some more of these unique structures built by outsider artists who brought to life their artistic visions by transforming their personal spaces into 3D environments. Well researched and utterly fascinating.

Visiting Weeki Wachee Springs as a young girl gave me a lifelong love of mermaids. Alice Hoffmans’ “the Museum of Extraordinary Things” follows the story of a girl raised as a mermaid by her father, an impresario behind a Coney Island freak show. Hoffman weaves history and magic and a cast of unforgettable characters into a haunting love story.

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KILLING MR. WATSON

By Peter Matthiessen In the sleepy tiny outpost of Chokoloskee, Florida, sits the historic Smallwood Store. In 1910 Edgar Watson was shot dead by his neighbors outside the store.

This unique piece of history is fictionalized in Peter Matthiessen’s masterpiece, “Killing Mr. Watson.”

The book is rich with details of the wilderness of South Florida at the turn of the century.

ABANDONED PALACES

By Michael Kerrigan The Cape Romano Domes off the coast of Marco Island fascinate me as they sink further and further into decay - accessible only by boat, the once beautiful dream home has fallen into ruin. The idea of abandoned homes activates in me a complex emotion. The book “Abandoned Palaces” explores that by examining deserted buildings from around that world that have fallen into ruin for one reason or another. It is hauntingly beautiful while delving into the concepts of time and history.

James Boley 863-400-7460 3615 S Florida Ave, Lakeland geico.com/lakeland-boley ¡Hablamos Español!

Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076 © 2021 GEICO 51

AUGUST CALENDAR 2021 *Due to the uncertainty of COVID, please double check that the event you’re interested in has not been canceled or rescheduled prior to leaving your house.

BAPTISTE POWER YOGA When: Aug. 01, 2021 | 10-11:15 a.m.

Where: Inside Out Yoga

52 4th St. NW, Winter Haven ioyogastudio.com You will incorporate the 5 pillars and 3 themes of Baptiste yoga into each class. Move through a series of balancing and strength building poses, back-bends and core work and inversions. Register in advance.

WINTER HAVEN BRUNCH TOUR When: Aug. 01, 2021 | 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Parking Garage

220 Ave A NW, Winter Haven winterhavenfoodtours.com Eat, drink and discover mimosas, waffles, citrus ales and more! Explore downtown Winter Haven and it’s charming restaurants that celebrate Brunch, Drinks, and of course history. This tour is different from our other tours. It’s only offered on the weekend and samples different foods from different restaurants that celebrate brunch. Must be 21 with ID to attend. All tours require 48 hours in advance notice. Email for more info: info@winterhavenfoodtours.com AFTERNOON FLAVORS OF WINTER HAVEN FOOD TOUR When: Wed -Sun | 2-4:30 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Parking Garage

220 Ave A NW, Winter Haven winterhavenfoodtours.com Wet those lips and get ready to experience what Winter Haven offers to both locals and tourists alike. Your friendly tour guide will share history of food and the award winning city all while you sample delicious dishes. Get to know why Winter Haven is where we live, work, and play. Tickets must be purchased 48 hours in advance. Email for more info: info@winterhavenfoodtours.com.

DUST2DUST When: Aug. 01, 2021 | 2-5 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Spend your afternoon listening to Dust2Dust with PJ’s BBQ on hand from noon-7 pm with all the yummy BBQ and fun sides!

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND When: Aug. 01, 2021 | 2:30 p.m.

Where: Theatre Winter Haven

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven theatrewinterhaven.com Winner of 20 Tony-Awards for Best Musical.

havenmagazines.com

Ti Moune, a peasant girl, rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love. Unbeknownst to Ti Moune, the pompous gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death, the stakes being Ti Moune’s life. Reserve your tickets in advance. 863-294-7469.

porary photographer whose body of work seems infused with a powerful nostalgia for the non-digital photographic forms and techniques of photography’s nascent years as an artistic medium in the previous two centuries. Sacabo conjures a world of mystery and mysticism in her work, excavating stories about lives lived in secret struggle or without inhibition, reviving traditional processes of photography like photogravure and tintypes, and giving much-needed voice to women of the past whose legacies still inspire and haunt the artist to this day. 863-688-7743

THE MUSIC FROM WOODSTOCK When: Aug. 01, 2021 | 7 p.m.

Where: Chain O’ Lakes Stadium,

500 Cletus Allen Drive

Winter Haven theatrewinterhaven.com Performed outdoors near the Chain O’ Lakes Stadium. Bring your lawn chair, cooler and enjoy a great show under the stars!Gates open at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm.

863-294-7469

AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISM: TREASURES FROM THE DAYWOOD COLLECTION When: Aug. 03 - Oct. 24, 2021 Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org Treasures from the Daywood Collection features 41 rarely-seen Impressionist paintings originally from the private collection of Arthur Dayton and Ruth Woods Dayton (whose surnames combine to create the collection’s portmanteau name: “Day-Wood”). Celebrated as patrons of the arts in West Virginia and as consequential collectors of American art, the Daytons developed a fine art collection that exceeded 200 works. 863-688-7743

CRAFT BEER & BINGO When: Aug. 02, 2021 | 7-8:30 p.m.

Where: Craft + Kitchen

3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland Every Monday, free to play, win beer & prizes!

UAW MID FLORIDA RETIREE COUNCIL When: Aug. 03, 2021 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: UWA Drop In Center, 209 Avenue O SW, Winter Haven The UAW Mid Florida Retiree Council’s drop in center in Winter Haven is reopening. The office will be open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The office is located in the Hope Plaza strip mall (off Hwy 17 by the WAWA and across the street from Big Lots). Please contact us at (863) 293-5556 or drop by with any problems you have with your benefits. All UAW retired members are welcome to take advantage of this drop in center. Please bring all pertinent paperwork in order to resolve any problems.

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

HEART FOR ART When: Aug. 03 - Aug. 28, 2021 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 the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) of Polk County Schools, whose mission is to provide support for students of various disabilities as well as gifted learners. 863-688-7743 Y2K: ART AT THE TURN-OF-THE-21ST CENTURY FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION When: Aug. 03 - 28, 2021 Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org This installation of works from the Museum’s permanent collection features a selection of objects in a variety of media and from a multitude of perspectives from the Y2K era. The works on display span the consequential period of 1998 to 2001, and, while most artists do not comment explicitly on the millennial change, their art is inseparable from the time in which they lived. Striving to produce meaningful art, artists, like everyone else in the late 1990s and early 2000s, grappled with a world on the cusp of great change and new realities, be they psychological, emotional, social, technological, or otherwise.

863-688-7743

RESILIENCE THROUGH DRUMMING When: Aug. 03, 2021 | 10-11 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Participants will enjoy personal growth and insight while drumming on djembe drums on the back lawn at Pinewood Estate. No previous drumming experience necessary.

Registration required. Free for members, $15 per person for non-members.Tickets are available for purchase online, in person at the Visitor Center or by phone at 863-734-1222.

JOSEPHINE SACABO: THOSE WHO DANCE When: Aug. 03 - Oct. 17, 2021 Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org Josephine Sacabo’s art is both of our time and embedded deeply in a time past. She is an acclaimed, New Orleans-based contem-

MICAH MADORE & FITNICHE FUN RUN When: Aug. 03, 2021 | 6-9 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Earn your beers by joining the FitNiche fun run at 5:45, and listen to Micah Madore entertain you starting at 6 pm.

BEACHES, CREATURES & COWBOYS: FLORIDA MOVIE POSTERS When: Aug. 04 - Sept. 25, 2021 Where: Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center, 325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales cityoflakewales.com Movie producers have been making films in Florida almost since the dawn of the industry.

For a short time in the early twentieth century, Florida even rivaled California as a place for movie making. This exhibit presents a selection of colorful, eye-catching posters that advertised films. The posters and lobby cards in this exhibit depict some of Florida’s most famous films from the early 1920s to the present. 863-676-1759 CIRO’S SWEET TOOTH DESSERT TOUR When: Aug. 04, 2021 | 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Parking Garage, 220 Ave A NW, Winter Haven. winterhavenfoodtours.com Explore the sweeter side of Winter Haven Wed-Thurs! Get ready to taste delicious desserts showcased at amazing restaurants and stores. This tour is perfect for kids of all ages!

48 hours advance ticket purchase is required.

Tastings are subject to change. Private tours are also available. Email for more info: info@winterhavenfoodtours.com SOUTH LAKELAND CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S CONNECTION LUNCHEON When: Aug. 04, 2021 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Cleveland Heights Golf Course

2900 Buckingham Avenue, Lakeland Feature: My Diamond Organizer — Looking to declutter, downsize or breathe life into your space? Check us out! Speaker: Jo-Anne da Silva — “When Stormy Journeys Turn to Sunshine Adventures.”Cost: $22 inclusive.

Reservations: Email mayersman@tampabay.rr.com or call Marty at 863-425-1390.

Reservations and Cancellations by Monday, August 2nd. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries www.stonecroft.org WINTER HAVEN HAPPY HOUR WALKING TOUR When: Aug. 04, 2021 | 4:30-7 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Parking Garage

220 Ave A NW, Winter Haven winterhavenfoodtours.com Where do the locals hangout? Come join us for Happy Hour and find out!The happy hour tour only focuses on bars and restaurants that host Happy Hours Wed-Fri. Must be 21 with ID to attend. Tours must be purchased 48 hours in advance. Tastings are subject to change. Email for more info: info@winterhavenfoodtours.com.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 54 -

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Bridge Church

LIVE LIFE CONNECTED with GOD, PEOPLE, and GENEROSITY

Meet us at the Ritz 9/19/21 at 10am 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven bridgewh.com | 804.536.4458 | 53

HOLD ON I KNOW THIS When: Aug. 04, 2021 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Bring a friend and play trivia - it’s free and there are prizes to win! Food truck fare & locally-made craft beer for purchase.

WARREN MCCOLLOUGH When: Aug. 05, 2021 | 6 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Live music & a food truck!

TRIVIA THURSDAY When: Aug. 05, 2021 | 7-9 p.m.

Where: Craft + Kitchen

3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland A weekly trivia event hosted by Triviosity Live Events. Questions are General Knowledge trivia unless otherwise announced. Prizes to the Top 3 teams.

NATURE DISCOVERY: NATURE OBSERVATION STATION When: Aug. 06, 2021 | 9-11 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Visit the Nature Observation Station in Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden for an activity designed to help children build a deeper appreciation of nature. Drop in anytime between 9am-11am. No registration required.

Free with general admission or membership

havenmagazines.com

REIKI RENDEZVOUS When: Aug. 06, 2021 | 6 p.m.

Where: Inside Out Yoga

52 4th St. NW, Winter Haven ioyogastudio.com Reiki Rendezvous transports you into a deeply relaxing experience through soothing music, guided meditation, and reiki energy balancing. A journey of relaxation through the body, mind, emotions, and spirit where you’ll release mental, emotional, and energetic blockages. Reiki Energy balancing is an ancient Japanese technique where a trained practitioner uses “life force energy” through their hands to balance and activate the body’s natural healing system. Investment: $25

crafts. Enjoy a strong selection of “ready-toeat” foods and freshly picked produce. Enjoy live music and food trucks, pet friendly. The summer season lasts June - August. Located across from Grove Roots in the parking lot of the BB&T Bank building on the NE corner of Third St. and Ave C SW in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday.

HEART CENTERED YOGA AND MINDFUL MEDITATION When: Aug. 07, 2021 | 9-10:15 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Join Kelly Andrews for a morning of Bliss outdoors. The class format includes a slow, heartFULL yoga practice with time for relaxation, reflection, and gentle movements followed by a calming and nurturing meditation. All levels are welcome and encouraged to take this opportunity to be present and peaceful. Please bring a yoga mat if you have one; otherwise, one will be provided. Free for members/$15 for non-members, register online.863-734-1222

THE MUSIC OF NEIL DIAMOND When: Aug. 06, 2021 | 8 p.m.

Where: Chain O’ Lakes Stadium

500 Cletus Allen Drive,

Winter Haven theatrewinterhaven.com Performed outdoors near the Chain O’ Lakes Stadium. Bring your lawn chair, cooler and enjoy a great show under the stars! Gates open at 7 , show starts at 8. 863-294-7469

YOGA FOR KIDS When: Aug. 07, 2021 | 9-10:15 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Introduce your children to a gentle yoga practice that focuses on stress relief, anger management, self-awareness & a positive self-image. Bring a yoga mat, towel, or blanket; blocks (if desired), and water to stay

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER SEASON* When: Aug. 07, 2021 | 8-11 a.m.

Where: NE corner of Third St. & Ave. C SW, Winter Haven winterhavenfarmersmarket.com The Market features a wide variety of artisan food vendors, plants, and a sprinkling of

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hydrated. Children should wear clothes that are comfortable, yoga socks if needed to avoid sliding on the mat. Meet at the Terrace Garden. For kids ages 5 and up. This is a one-hour yoga class followed by a 10-minute meditation walk or activity. Free for members, included in general admission.

NATURE ADVENTURERS: NATURE JOURNALING When: Aug. 07, 2021 | 10-11 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Children will learn how to be the author of their own nature book. Drawing from nature, children will start their own nature story through nature journaling. Free for members, $15 per family for non-members.863-734-1222 3-YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT & PINBALL TOURNAMENT When: Aug. 07, 2021 | 2-8 p.m.

Where: Artcade, 1149 1st St. S, Winter Haven Join Artcade to celebrate 3 years in business!

They will have Breezy Eazy Bistro Food Truck from 1:30pm - 4:30pm (Every dollar spent = a raffle ticket!) Also, raffle prizes, giveaways & a 4 strikes pinball tournament!

DANIEL PEPIN LIVE When: Aug. 07, 2021 | 7-10 p.m.

Where: Craft + Kitchen

3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland danielpepinmusic.com Join Daniel for a night of amazing music,

food, and drinks! Daniel Pepin’s music can be found on Amazon, Spotify, Youtube, Apple music, etc. Craft + Kitchen is Polk County’s only Craft Beer Bottle Shop. they stock over 500 craft beers, imports, ciders, and meads which all are available by the pack or mix/ match. There are also 10 taps available to drink a beer while you shop or fill a growler to go. Come on out and have some fun!

BRETT FOSTER BAND When: Aug. 07, 2021 | 7 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Live music & a food truck!

DANIEL PEPIN LIVE When: Aug. 08, 2021 | 2-5:30 p.m.

Where: Twisted Prop Bar and Grill

615 7th St SW , Winter Haven danielpepinmusic.com Join us for a night of great food, drinks, and music! This will be a special acoustic and electric concert.

33 YEARS DUO When: Aug. 08, 2021 | 2 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Live music & a food truck!

CRAFT BEER & BINGO When: Aug. 09, 2021 | 7-8:30 p.m.

Where: Craft + Kitchen

3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland Every Monday, free to play, win beer & prizes!

MUSEUM FILM CLUB - THE DIG When: Aug. 11, 2021 | 12 p.m.

Where: Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center, 325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales lakewalesfl.gov Watch films based on true stories and then meet with fellow film buffs to discuss them!

Use your own Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, or other streaming services to access films each month. Some films may only be available certain streaming services. Free to the public. The 2nd Wednesday of the month at noon. 863-678-4182

TRIVIA THURSDAY When: Aug. 12, 2021 | 7-9 p.m.

Where: Craft + Kitchen

3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland A weekly trivia event hosted by Triviosity Live Events. Questions are General Knowledge trivia unless otherwise announced. Prizes to the Top 3 teams.

HOLD ON I KNOW THIS When: Aug. 11, 2021 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Bring a friend and play trivia - it’s free and there are prizes to win!

POINT OF VIEW GALLERY TALK: AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISM When: Aug. 13, 2021 | 12-1 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org Dr. Alexander Rich will provide an in depth overview of the current exhibition, American Impressionism: Treasures from the Daywood Collections. Dr. Rich is the Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Museum and a Florida Southern College Professor of Art History.

863-688-7743

FOOD TRUCK RALLY When: Aug. 12, 2021 | 6-9 p.m.

Where: Munn Park, Lakeland This happens the 2nd Thursday of each month from 6-9pm. Dog and Family Friendly

KELLEY COLOPIETRO DUO When: Aug. 13, 2021 | 7 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Enjoy this Nashville-via-Pittsburg travelling country/rock band!

GREG REDDING When: Aug. 12, 2021 | 6 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Live music & a food truck!

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER SEASON* When: Aug. 14, 2021 | 8-11 a.m.

Where: NE corner of Third St. & Ave. C SW, Winter Haven winterhavenfarmersmarket.com The Market features a wide variety of artisan

EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY DISCOVER THE SINGING TOWER, ACRES OF HISTORIC OLMSTED GARDENS, A CHILDREN’S GARDEN AND MORE!

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

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food vendors, plants, and a sprinkling of crafts. Enjoy a strong selection of “ready-toeat” foods and freshly picked produce. Enjoy live music and food trucks, pet friendly. The summer season lasts June - August. Located across from Grove Roots in the parking lot of the BB&T Bank building on the NE corner of Third St. and Ave C SW in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday.

CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH When: Aug. 14, 2021 | 11 a.m.

Where: Inside Out Yoga

52 4th St. NW, Winter Haven ioyogastudio.com Join Cosmic Sound Healer, Buffy La Roux as she facilitates a high vibratory journey of sound through time and space. During this deeply meditative and transformative experience, Buffy guides you inward through a sound bath of deeply shifting vocal toning, singing, frequencies and quartz crystal singing bowls. Each Crystal Sound Bath is a unique symphony and a dance of the collective energies present for the Well Being of All and the Amplification of Love. Register in advance. 863-224-2311 ZOOM AND VROOM When: Aug. 14, 2021 | 11 a.m. polk-county.net Zoom & Vroom is a virtual program that provides registrants with the tools to create immersive learning experiences for the entire - CONTINUED ON PAGE 56 -

family. To participate in the live event each month, contact Jayme Jamison by email at JaymeJamison@polk-county.net or by phone at (863) 534-4381. You will be provided with the link for the Zoom presentation and a plan for materials pick-up. To participate after each event, presentations will be available online. You may call the History Center at 863)534-4386 to request materials for pick-up.

NICE CREAM When: Aug. 14, 2021 | 2-3 p.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Join Brittney Kieffer in the outdoor kitchen for an introduction to a plant-based lifestyle.

Experience a healthy alternative to the popular ice cream treat. In this workshop, you will sample and learn how to make cashew milk and “nice cream” with only whole plant-based ingredients.$5 members/$20 for non-members. 863-734-1222 THE FLORIDA GARDENER: INSPIRING YOUR FALL GARDEN When: Aug. 14, 2021 | 2-3 p.m. boktowergardens.org As the end of Summer approaches, now is the time to plan and plant your fall garden. Free for members, $10 for non-members. Requires reservation for members and purchase for non-members. Zoom login instructions will be emailed to you.

SG WOOD When: Aug. 14, 2021 | 2 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Live music & a food truck!

THE MUSIC OF BEE GEES When: Aug. 15, 2021 | 7 p.m.

Where: Chain O’ Lakes Stadium

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven theatrewinterhaven.com Performed outdoors near the Chain O’ Lakes Stadium. Bring your lawn chair, cooler and enjoy a great show under the stars! Gates open at 6, show starts at 7. 863-294-7469

DAN PEPIN SOLO When: Aug. 14, 2021 | 7 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Live music & a food truck!

CRAFT BEER & BINGO When: Aug. 16, 2021 | 7-8:30 p.m.

Where: Craft + Kitchen

3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland Every Monday, free to play, win beer & prizes!

GENTLE YOGA WITH REIKI When: Aug. 15, 2021 | 10 a.m.

Where: Inside Out Yoga, 52 4th St. NW Winter Haven ioyogastudio.com A gentle yoga class that includes reiki.

THE MOONLIGHT MARKET When: Aug. 18, 2021 | 6-9 p.m.

Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co.

302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven Vendors from all over Central Florida, local food trucks, and and live music!

BUFFALO SOLDIERS & FRIENDS OF FREEDOM MONUMENT When: Aug. 15, 2021 | 3:30-5 p.m.

Where: Springhill Suites by Marriott

511 W. Lime St., Lakeland platformart.org Join Platform Art for a reception and program on the Buffalo Soldiers & Friends of Freedom public art sculpture, a Florida Humanities supported program. Subject experts share the history of the Spanish-American War and the Buffalo Soldiers who were stationed in Lakeland during 1898 for the military campaign to gain Cuba’s independence from Spain.

HOLD ON I KNOW THIS When: Aug. 18, 2021 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Bring a friend and play trivia - it’s free and there are prizes to win!

3RD THURSDAY MARKET When: Aug. 19, 2021 | 4-7 p.m.

Where: Lake Wales

GET YOUR AUTOMOBILE RUNNING AT ITS BEST

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The Market will feature a variety of food vendors, a pinch of crafts and a mind blowing food truck. Located in downtown Lake Wales in the parking lot on Stuart Avenue and Scenic Highway. Just look for the bright “orange” mural. Every month on the 3rd Thursday.

Presented by Lake Wales Main Street. More info on Facebook @LakeWales3rdthursdaymarket POLK EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS When: Aug. 19, 2021 | 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Bartow Civic Center

2250 S Floral Ave, Bartow winterhavenchamber.com The Polk Emerging Leaders Awards is an annual collaborative event hosted by Polk County’s three young professional groups.

Continuing a new era of cooperation and blurring the perceived east/west dividing line, the ceremony recognizes five young professionals between the ages of 21 and 42 making significant contributions to our community and who will continue to shape the future of Polk County.

TRIVIA THURSDAY When: Aug. 19, 2021 | 7-9 p.m.

Where: Craft + Kitchen

3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland A weekly trivia event hosted by Triviosity Live Events. Questions are General Knowledge trivia unless otherwise announced. Prizes to the top 3 teams.

THE MUSIC OF THE BEACH BOYS When: Aug. 20, 2021 | 8 p.m.

Where: Chain O’ Lakes Stadium

500 Cletus Allen Drive,

Winter Haven theatrewinterhaven.com Performed outdoors near the Chain O’ Lakes Stadium. Bring your lawn chair, cooler and enjoy a great show under the stars! Gates open at 7, show starts at 8. 863-294-7469

management, self-awareness & a positive self-image. Brina a yoga mat, towel, or blanket; blocks (if desired), and water to stay hydrated. Children should wear clothes that are comfortable, yoga socks if needed to avoid sliding on the mat. Meet at the Terrace Garden. For kids ages 5 and up. This is a one-hour yoga class followed by a 10-minute meditation walk or activity.Free for members, included in general admission.

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER SEASON* When: Aug. 21, 2021 | 8-11 a.m.

Where: NE corner of Third St. & Ave. C SW, Winter Haven winterhavenfarmersmarket.com The Market features a wide variety of artisan food vendors, plants, and a sprinkling of crafts. Enjoy a strong selection of “ready-toeat” foods and freshly picked produce. Enjoy live music and food trucks, pet friendly. The summer season lasts June - August. Located across from Grove Roots in the parking lot of the BB&T Bank building on the NE corner of Third St. and Ave C SW in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday.

YOGA ON THE LAWN When: Aug. 21, 2021 | 9-10:15 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Join Jody Reece for a morning of bending, breathing, and relaxing in the great outdoors.

This inclusive yoga class includes slow, gentle movements, breathing techniques, and extended mindful meditation. All levels are welcome. Beginners are encouraged to attend. Please bring a yoga mat if you have one; otherwise, one will be provided. Free for members/$15 for non-members.

863-734-1222

YOGA FOR KIDS When: Aug. 21, 2021 | 9-10:15 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Introduce your children to a gentle yoga practice that focuses on stress relief, anger

technique has become increasingly popular with modern artists. Participants will learn about encaustic history, safety, surfaces, and fusing. In this comprehensive class, you will be exploring a variety of techniques such as incising, image transfers, pigment sticks, mark-making, collage, mono-printing, and incorporating photos. Students will leave with multiple pieces, utilizing a variety of techniques. All materials supplied. All skill levels welcome.$165 members/$185 for non-members, register in advance. 863-734-1222 FINE ART AT THE MAGNOLIA When: Aug. 21, 2021 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Magnolia Building

702 E Orange St., Lakeland facebook.com/FineArtMagnolia The 5th Annual Fine Art at the Magnolia will be returning to the beautiful garden and theater district of Downtown Lakeland at the lovely Magnolia Building. This is a 2-day indoor Fine Art Show — open to the public — features works from 19 accomplished artists and craftsmen of Florida. The show will feature a variety of fine art mediums, including painting, sculpture, clay, fiber, jewelry, and drawings. Hours Saturday: 10am — 5pm and Sunday: 10am— 4pm

ENCAUSTIC EXPLORATIONS WORKSHOP When: Aug. 21, 2021 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Encaustic painting is the process of painting with hot-pigmented beeswax. This ancient

HEART FOR ART EXHIBITION RECEPTION When: Aug. 21, 2021 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland

Defense attorney. Father. Outdoors man.

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© 2021 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.

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polkmuseumofart.org Celebrate the work of Polk County Students grades K through 12 showcased in the latest student exhibition, Heart for Art. The museum hosts several exhibitions per year in the George Jenkins Gallery that feature artwork

by Polk County School District students.

From each of these exhibitions, one piece is purchased by the Museum to be added to our Student Collection. This exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) of Polk County Schools, whose mission is to provide support for students of various disabilities as well as gifted learners.

PINTS FOR THE PINEAPPLE When: Aug. 21, 2021 | 12-5 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Come and join us for a very special benefit for a very special little girl! Adeline is a sweet, adorable little girl. Adeline was born with Aicardi syndrome and adrenal insufficiency.

Aicardi syndrome is a very rare syndrome that affects only girls (and 1 boy with an extra X chromosome). It causes brain abnormalities and difficult to control seizures. Adeline is blind and has several other medical issues as well. Despite having had 2 brain surgeries and needing spinal surgery she keeps on smiling.

Enjoy special musical guests John Frinzi, Don Farr on the Bass Guitar, Mr. Roger Bartlett (Coral Reefer #1) and JD Spradlin from Sirius - CONTINUED ON PAGE 58 -

XM’s Radio Margaritaville. Polk County Fire Rescue will be on site cooking your backyard favorites for donations. Swan Brewing will be donating $2 from every pint sold directly to Adeline and her family.

DRAG SHOW When: Aug. 21, 2021 | 7 p.m.

Where: Balmoral Event Center

116 Kenny Blvd, Haines City centralfloridatix.com Back by popular demand, Balmoral brings back the delightfully entertaining dinner that will combine sketch comedy, dance, performance art, improv, and drag. Hosted

by Trishelle Michaels, this highly anticipated dinner show is only $35 and will sell out quickly! Dinner is served at 7:00pm with DJ Jace while the ladies mingle with guests. Arrive on time - dinner will not be served after 7:45pm, the show starts at 8:00pm. Snap a pic in our photo booth with your favorite entertainer!Time: 7:00pm (doors open 30 mins. prior) Ticket price: $35 with shared table seating ($45 at the door) FINE ART AT THE MAGNOLIA When: Aug. 22, 2021 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Magnolia Building

702 E Orange St., Lakeland facebook.com/FineArtMagnolia The 5th Annual Fine Art at the Magnolia will be returning to the beautiful garden and theater district of Downtown Lakeland at the lovely Magnolia Building. This is a 2-day

indoor Fine Art Show — open to the public — features works from 19 accomplished artists and craftsmen of Florida. The show will feature a variety of fine art mediums, including painting, sculpture, clay, fiber, jewelry, and drawings.

paigns, supporting or opposing legislative activities, and other opportunities to support the Democratic agenda. Social time begins at 6:00 p.m.- Program begins at 6:30 p.m. and adjourns at 8:00 p.m. Refreshments are provided.The meeting is open to the public. If you are interested in joining our club, you will be able to do so at any meeting. If you have questions, you can email the club at dwclakeland@gmail.com or visit our website.

THE MUSIC OF BARRY MANILOW When: Aug. 22, 2021 | 7 p.m.

Where: Chain O’ Lakes Stadium

500 Cletus Allen Drive,

Winter Haven theatrewinterhaven.com Performed outdoors near the Chain O’ Lakes Stadium. Bring your lawn chair, cooler and enjoy a great show under the stars!Gates open at 6, show starts at 7. 863-294-7469

CRAFT BEER & BINGO When: Aug. 23, 2021 | 7-8:30 p.m.

Where: Craft + Kitchen

3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland Every Monday, free to play, win beer & prizes!

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF EAST POLK/RIDGE When: Aug. 24, 2021 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: The R-Place Eatery Restaurant

35523 Hwy 27, Haines City 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

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF LAKELAND When: Aug. 23, 2021 | 6-8 p.m.

Where: 1515 Williamsburg Square,

1515 Williamsburg Square, Lakeland dwclakeland.org The Democratic Women’s Club of Lakeland is a proud, fearless and determined group of Democratic women and men. Our meetings are informative with quality speakers focused on current local, state, and national issues.

Our outreach includes having a presence at community events, such as, First Friday, the Martin Luther King Parade, Pride in the Park, and voter registration, to name a few. Members are also involved in Democratic cam-

REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB OF LAKELAND When: Aug. 25, 2021 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Grasslands Golf & Country Club, 1600 Grasslands Blvd., Lakeland

Make reservations: Noel Trees — 863-6801340. We are a friendly group of Republican Women of all ages who enjoy sharing political views and meeting our candidates as they present their platforms to us at our luncheon meeting. We volunteer for a variety of events — i.e. 1st Friday, downtown Lakeland, voting registration of new residents of Lakeland, as well as promoting college students to get involved in the political environment. We welcome visitors and are always seeking new members to join us. For additional info, contact Jane Stevenson, Treasurer, stevenjane11365@aol.com MUSEUM BOOK CLUB When: Aug. 25, 2021 | 12 p.m.

Where: Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center, 325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales lakewalesfl.gov Museum Book Club - “Bubble in the Sun: The Florida Boom of the 1920s and How it Brought on the Great Depression” by Christopher Knowlton. Dedicated to non-fiction, you’ll discover the truth can be much stranger than fiction. Join us every month to discuss new book! Read the book and come ready to discuss the best non-fiction books. Free to the public. Books are available to check out free of charge at the Museum while supplies last.

863-678-4182

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 60 -

Groomingdeals, Inc.

10 Years of Service

10% OFF Vertical Blinds* Stina’s AAA Vertical Blind Factory 785 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

(863) 325-8898 www.stinasblinds.com

*Must present coupon at time of estimate. Not valid with any other offer.

Angie Todd

Owner / Groomer FamilyandOwned 2019

TAKE CHARGE OF LIFE’S TRANSITIONS

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www.groomingdeals.com

(863) 294-PUPS (7877)

OUR KEY OFFERINGS

Denise R. Tessier, Esq.

863.220.7927 Office | 863.225.2244 Direct DeniseTessier@TessierLawFirm.com

290 Cypress Gardens Blvd. | Winter Haven, FL 33880

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By Appointment throughout Polk County

The Polk Emerging Leaders Awards annually recognizes five young professionals from across Polk County making significant contributions and commitment to our community. In its 10th year, the awards are once again hosted by the three young professional groups in Polk County, celebrating collaboration across city borders.

A U G U ST 1 9 , 2 0 2 1

BARTOW CIVIC CENTER

6:00PM - 8:30PM

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: WINTERHAVENCHAMBER.COM/POLK-EMERGING-LEADERS-AWARDS THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

59

trivia unless otherwise announced. Prizes to the top 3 teams.

HOLD ON I KNOW THIS When: Aug. 25, 2021 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St., Lakeland Bring a friend and play trivia - it’s free and there are prizes to win!

2021 ATHENA AWARDS When: Aug. 26, 2021 | 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: RP Funding Center

701 Lime Street, Lakeland business.lakelandchamber.com Supporting, recognizing and honoring women leaders of Lakeland.The Awards Presentation will honor exceptional leaders that inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives in three categories. 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 in advance. 863-688-8551 Ext. 230 TRIVIA THURSDAY When: Aug. 26, 2021 | 7-9 p.m.

Where: Craft + Kitchen

3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland A weekly trivia event hosted by Triviosity Live Events. Questions are General Knowledge

invite seniors 55 and older to enjoy a unique and fun paint party experience. Participants will get an opportunity to create a canvas painting while enjoying light refreshments, prizes and giveaways. Paint sessions are free, but pre-registration is required. To register please call (863) 284-4223.

WAWA SUMMER FUN DAY When: Aug. 27, 2021 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org Enjoy complimentary admission compliments of Wawa. Committed to the communities they serve, Wawa is keeping the Gardens growing with their generous support.

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER SEASON* When: Aug. 28, 2021 | 8-11 a.m.

Where: NE corner of Third St. & Ave. C SW, Winter Haven winterhavenfarmersmarket.com The Market features a wide variety of artisan food vendors, plants, and a sprinkling of crafts. Enjoy a strong selection of “ready-toeat” foods and freshly picked produce. Enjoy live music and food trucks, pet friendly. The summer season lasts June - August.Located across from Grove Roots in the parking lot of the BB&T Bank building on the NE corner of Third St. and Ave C SW in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY When: Aug. 27, 2021 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Bartow Executive Airport

5993 Airport Blvd, Bartow facebook.com/BartowAirport Change your lunch time scenery! Fly in, drive in, or walk in to grab a bite to eat on the airside ramp of the airport. Outdoor and indoor seating with views of the runways and taxiways will be available during the event.

This is a once month event on the last Friday of the month. Each month will host a different food truck.

Stadium. Bring your lawn chair, cooler and enjoy a great show under the stars! Billy Buchanan performs in full costume, wigs, makeup, etc, playing the guitar and keyboard, as Legends: Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Ray Charles, and Sam Cooke. 863-294-7469 THE MUSIC OF TINA TURNER AND BLUES BROTHERS When: Aug. 29, 2021 | 7 p.m.

Where: Chain O’ Lakes Stadium

500 Cletus Allen Drive,

Winter Haven theatrewinterhaven.com Performed outdoors near the Chain O’ Lakes Stadium. Bring your lawn chair, cooler and enjoy a great show under the stars!

863-294-7469 CRAFT BEER & BINGO When: Aug. 30, 2021 | 7-8:30 p.m.

Where: Craft + Kitchen

3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland Every Monday, free to play, win beer & prizes!

THE PIONEERS OF ROCK ‘N SOUL When: Aug. 28, 2021 | 8 p.m.

Where: Chain O’ Lakes Stadium

500 Cletus Allen Drive,

Winter Haven theatrewinterhaven.com Performed outdoors near the Chain O’ Lakes

SENIOR PAINT PARTY When: Aug. 27, 2021 | 1:30 p.m.

Where: Wabash Community Center, 1230 Southern Ave, Lakeland Polk County Parks & Recreation and Humana

August Clearance Sale

Your piggy bank is going to love you.

On tagged items.

– 605 E. Central Ave., Winter Haven – 863.291.8585 // Mon: Closed, Tues- Sat 10-4pm

Save by becoming a new customer, adding Drivewise and having safe driving habits.

Polston Insurance Agency 767 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven (863) 294-7637 // lynnpolston@allstate.com Savings vary based on Drivewise and other safe-driving discounts. Prices vary based on how you buy. Subject to terms, conditions, and availability. Not Applicable in CA, Allstate Fire Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliates © 2020 Allstate Insurance Co.

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&

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Sold Dollar Home 43.75% 2020: $280,569,054 2021: $403,315,772

Avg. Sale Price 20.83% 2020: $222,674 2021: $269,057

Units Sold

How Many Buyers Are Looking For Your House?

18.97% 2020: 1,260 2021: 1,499

Active Listings -64.88% 2020: 2,523 2021: 886 havenmagazines.com

863-419-9010 863-875-5656 304 East Park St, 36248 US-17, Haines City Auburndale

863-324-1000 230 W. Central Ave, Winter Haven

Numbers reflect sums for June of 2020 & 2021 in Polk County 62

SOLD HOMES

704 RUM RUN.......................................... DAVENPORT.............5/21/2021............ $143,300 6115 COUNTY ROAD 547.......................... DAVENPORT............5/24/2021............ $185,000 312 BANDON DUNES LOOP...................... DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021............ $218,800

AUBURNDALE

320 BANDON DUNES LOOP..................... DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021............$234,400 172 FOXTAIL LOOP.................................... DAVENPORT............. 5/17/2021............. $235,100

267 SPINNAKER CT.................................AUBURNDALE.............5/21/2021.............. $55,200

405 PINE LAKE VIEW DR.......................... DAVENPORT............. 5/17/2021............ $237,000

1420 PINTER RD......................................AUBURNDALE............ 5/25/2021..............$55,400

121 LAUREL OAK PASS............................... DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021........... $240,000

2417 NELSON ST.....................................AUBURNDALE............. 5/17/2021..............$63,500

510 FOX LOOP.......................................... DAVENPORT............. 5/17/2021............$250,000

118 HOLIDAY LN......................................AUBURNDALE............5/20/2021..............$65,000

305 TOLDEDO RD.................................... DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021............ $252,200

4205 JULIANA LAKE DR..........................AUBURNDALE.............5/19/2021............ $105,000

407 KAFFIR WAY....................................... DAVENPORT............5/20/2021............ $253,900

518 WALNUT ST......................................AUBURNDALE............. 5/17/2021............$140,000

128 BERGAMOT LOOP.............................. DAVENPORT............5/20/2021............ $255,900

118 LIGHTER LOG LN...............................AUBURNDALE.............5/21/2021............ $150,000

539 KNOLLWOOD DR............................... DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021............$263,000

755 AUBURN PRESERVE BLVD................AUBURNDALE............ 5/22/2021........... $246,000

796 BROOKLET DR................................... DAVENPORT............5/20/2021............ $263,500

109 BELLARIA CT....................................AUBURNDALE.............5/18/2021............$263,400

1234 LEXINGTON AVE............................... DAVENPORT..............6/9/2021............ $275,000

334 TRAVELERS CREEK DR....................AUBURNDALE.............5/18/2021............ $314,500

474 JACKS WAY......................................... DAVENPORT............. 5/17/2021.............$277,000

245 WALKERS POINT DR........................AUBURNDALE.............5/18/2021..............$317,700

166 NAZHA DR.......................................... DAVENPORT............5/20/2021.............$277,500

510 ALLERIA CT......................................AUBURNDALE.............5/19/2021........... $350,000

511 JACKS WAY.......................................... DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021............$280,300

447 LAKE VISTA DR................................AUBURNDALE.............5/21/2021........... $390,400

358 PRESERVE POINTE BLVD................... DAVENPORT.............5/21/2021............$283,800

466 LAKE VISTA DR................................AUBURNDALE............5/24/2021............ $396,700

1075 AERIDES WAY................................... DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021.............$291,000

BARTOW

810 ASHTON DR....................................... DAVENPORT............. 5/17/2021.............$291,000

2455 E GIBBONS ST........................................ BARTOW.............5/21/2021............. $60,000

1022 AERIDES WAY................................... DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021............$292,000

431 GANDY CEMETERY RD............................. BARTOW............. 5/17/2021............. $64,000

704 BROOKLET DR................................... DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021............$299,000

467 GANDY CEMETERY RD............................ BARTOW............5/20/2021............. $64,000

340 TOLDEDO RD.................................... DAVENPORT............ 5/26/2021............$299,900

2055 S FLORAL AVE LOT 153........................... BARTOW.............5/21/2021...............$70,100

625 GREYMOUNT ST................................ DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021............ $314,000

1250 FAIRVIEW AVE........................................ BARTOW............. 5/17/2021............ $130,000

2646 CAMDEN PARK LOOP...................... DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021............ $322,800

833 SHAY DR.................................................. BARTOW............5/20/2021............ $160,000

2641 CAMDEN PARK LOOP....................... DAVENPORT.............5/21/2021........... $330,000

2989 SIMPSON DR.......................................... BARTOW.............5/18/2021.............$179,400

512 PLAYA DR............................................ DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021.............$337,900

890 6TH AVE.................................................. BARTOW............. 5/17/2021............ $180,000

2569 CAMDEN PARK CIR.......................... DAVENPORT............5/24/2021........... $364,600

470 HANKIN RD.............................................. BARTOW.............5/18/2021............ $185,000

2585 ROSEMONT CIR............................... DAVENPORT............5/20/2021............$370,000

675 S 4TH AVE................................................ BARTOW.............5/18/2021........... $208,000

510 CANTABRIA DR.................................. DAVENPORT.............5/21/2021........... $380,000

1220 TURNER ST............................................. BARTOW.............5/21/2021.............$215,000

2634 CAMDEN PARK LOOP...................... DAVENPORT............5/24/2021............$395,300

330 VINE ST.................................................... BARTOW.............5/21/2021............$230,000

151 MAGELLAN CT..................................... DAVENPORT............. 5/17/2021...........$400,000

124 PERSHING ST............................................ BARTOW.............5/19/2021.............$231,900

2638 CAMDEN PARK LOOP...................... DAVENPORT............5/20/2021............$407,000

315 MACARTHUR ST....................................... BARTOW.............5/21/2021............ $273,300

744 GOLF COURSE PKWY........................ DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021............. $417,500

303 MACARTHUR ST...................................... BARTOW............5/20/2021............ $274,600

2561 CAMDEN PARK CIR........................... DAVENPORT............. 5/17/2021............$438,200

117 PERSHING ST............................................. BARTOW.............5/21/2021............ $276,700

2553 CAMDEN PARK CIR.......................... DAVENPORT.............5/21/2021............ $457,800

6122 RIVERLAKE BLVD.................................... BARTOW.............5/21/2021............$410,000

6125 BROAD OAK DR................................ DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021............$925,000

DAVENPORT

109 SHADY OAK LOOP............................. DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021.............$261,000 390 CAPTIVA DR...................................... DAVENPORT.............5/21/2021............$295,000

227 SAW GRASS ST................................... DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021.............. $74,900

633 VISTA VILLAGES BLVD....................... DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021.............$301,200

337 ARNOLD PALMER DR......................... DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021............. $86,000

177 ALFORD DR......................................... DAVENPORT.............5/21/2021............$302,500

2642 ST GEORGE DR................................ DAVENPORT.............5/21/2021..............$92,900

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63

3908 CALABRIA AVE................................ DAVENPORT............. 5/17/2021..............$53,000

374 F ST..................................................... LAKE WALES.............5/18/2021.............$132,000

904 CHARO PKWY 516............................. DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021.............$179,000

285 STUART AVE...................................... LAKE WALES.............5/19/2021............ $145,000

215 MANGO DR......................................... DAVENPORT.............5/21/2021............ $210,000

301 TINDEL TRL........................................ LAKE WALES.............5/21/2021............ $154,000

2286 BELLA VISTA DR............................... DAVENPORT............. 5/17/2021............$220,000

603 ALTA VISTA ST................................... LAKE WALES............. 5/17/2021.............$179,900

641 BRAYTON LN...................................... DAVENPORT............. 5/17/2021............$254,500

844 CAMPBELL AVE................................. LAKE WALES.............5/18/2021............ $210,000

3869 MARBELLA WAY.............................. DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021............$265,800

124 CENTRAL AVE..................................... LAKE WALES............. 5/17/2021............ $225,000

3875 MARBELLA WAY............................... DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021.............$271,800

643 HIGH ST............................................. LAKE WALES.............5/18/2021............$289,900

3863 MARBELLA WAY.............................. DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021........... $290,400

5130 ABC RD LOT 40................................ LAKE WALES............. 5/17/2021..............$76,900

1239 IGUANA LOOP.................................. DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021........... $305,000

4496 STRATHMORE DR........................... LAKE WALES............5/20/2021........... $330,000

1335 FOX SQUIRREL DR............................ DAVENPORT............5/20/2021............ $307,000

4100 STONE CREEK LOOP........................ LAKE WALES.............5/19/2021............$363,400

1319 FOX SQUIRREL DR............................ DAVENPORT............5/20/2021........... $308,500

14 SADDLEBAG TRL.................................. LAKE WALES.............5/21/2021..............$50,300

1278 IGUANA LOOP.................................. DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021............ $337,000

152 HORSESHOE BND............................... LAKE WALES.............5/21/2021..............$65,000

1282 IGUANA LOOP.................................. DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021............ $341,000

2354 LINDA ST.......................................... LAKE WALES............5/24/2021..............$78,800

906 TUSCAN HILLS BLVD......................... DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021........... $350,000

3335 MARINA PKWY................................. LAKE WALES.............5/18/2021............. $85,000

1294 BLACKHEATH CT.............................. DAVENPORT.............5/18/2021........... $360,000

201 LONGHORN DR.................................. LAKE WALES.............5/18/2021............. $90,000

121 JETTY WAY........................................... DAVENPORT.............5/19/2021............. $374,100

2400 APPALOOSA RD.............................. LAKE WALES............. 5/17/2021.............$107,000

2080 LELANI CIR...................................... DAVENPORT............5/24/2021............$609,700

1137 SAINT ANNE SHRINE RD.................... LAKE WALES.............5/21/2021............ $145,000

2007 LELANI CIR....................................... DAVENPORT.............5/27/2021.............$619,200

20 APPALOOSA TRL................................. LAKE WALES............5/20/2021............ $150,000

2167 LELANI CIR........................................ DAVENPORT............5/20/2021............$709,600

LAKELAND

HAINES CITY

1725 CRYSTAL GROVE DR............................ LAKELAND............5/20/2021.............. $52,500

90 MUSTANG TER.................................... HAINES CITY............5/20/2021............. $54,000

1810 BLUE LAKE DR...................................... LAKELAND.............5/21/2021............. $60,000

56 BUCK CIR............................................. HAINES CITY.............5/19/2021............ $138,000

707 MABEL AVE........................................... LAKELAND.............5/18/2021.............$126,900

4061 BARBARA AVE.................................. HAINES CITY.............5/19/2021............. $147,500

215 UTAH AVE.............................................. LAKELAND............5/20/2021.............$139,900

1703 LAKE BROWN DR.............................. HAINES CITY.............5/19/2021............ $160,000

1718 MOOSE DR........................................... LAKELAND.............5/18/2021............ $140,400

593 SWEETWATER WAY........................... HAINES CITY.............5/19/2021............. $177,000

731 MERIDIAN AVE....................................... LAKELAND.............5/21/2021............ $155,000

1125 ZION DR............................................. HAINES CITY............. 5/17/2021............. $216,700

1880 CRYSTAL LAKE DR #1........................... LAKELAND.............5/19/2021............ $160,000

1420 JOHNS AVE....................................... HAINES CITY.............5/21/2021............$235,000

305 MEMORIAL BLVD.................................. LAKELAND.............5/18/2021........... $200,000

584 ANDREA CIR...................................... HAINES CITY............5/20/2021............$245,900

1636 CRYSTAL LAKE DR............................... LAKELAND............5/20/2021.............$231,300

580 ANDREA CIR...................................... HAINES CITY.............5/19/2021............ $253,300

1717 FERN RD................................................ LAKELAND.............5/21/2021........... $260,000

163 ROSEVILLE DR.................................... HAINES CITY.............5/19/2021............$265,000

1523 COUNTRY RIDGE DR........................... LAKELAND.............5/19/2021............$370,000

147 ROSEVILLE DR.................................... HAINES CITY............. 5/17/2021............$266,000

1508 KING.................................................... LAKELAND.............5/18/2021............ $130,000

832 TETON ST........................................... HAINES CITY.............5/21/2021.............$267,500

1831 SALEM RD............................................ LAKELAND............5/20/2021............ $135,000

452 ANDREA CIR...................................... HAINES CITY.............5/21/2021............ $268,700

1915 BRITTANY RD....................................... LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021............ $145,000

808 TETON ST.......................................... HAINES CITY.............5/21/2021.............$285,100

823 DEMINGTON ST.................................... LAKELAND.............5/19/2021............$250,000

12 N 5TH ST............................................... HAINES CITY.............5/21/2021............ $310,000

4016 SOLAMOR ST...................................... LAKELAND.............5/21/2021............ $255,300

LAKE WALES

4535 BALLENTINE CT.................................. LAKELAND.............5/21/2021........... $306,000 2729 S OAKLAND AVE................................. LAKELAND.............5/18/2021.............$316,500

513 LINCOLN AVE...................................... LAKE WALES............5/20/2021..............$52,000

1804 FLORIDA AVE...................................... LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021............$325,000

4202 ORCHID BLVD.................................. LAKE WALES.............5/19/2021............ $105,000

3963 FLORIDA AVE...................................... LAKELAND............5/28/2021............. $50,000

613 BABCOCK AVE.................................... LAKE WALES............. 5/17/2021............ $106,500

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 66 -

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64

ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE Serving those in our care with respect while providing a supportive and enriching lifestyle • Restaurant Style Dining • Activities • Transportation

• Housekeeping • Emergency Response System • 24-hour Access To Trained & Friendly Staff

PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL TOUR Haines City 863.968.7851

301 Peninsular Drive,Haines City svannahcourthainescity.com Assisted Living Facility License #9382 2019

Best of WINNER

Bartow 863.578.8503

290 Idlewood Avenue, Bartow savannahcourtbartow.com Assisted Living Facility License #9888

SIGNATURE COMMUNITIES OF SENIOR LIVING MANAGEMENT CORP 65

Lake Wales 863.679.8246

12 E. Grove Ave., Lake Wales savannahcourtlakwwales.com Assisted Living Facility License #9383

3967 FLORIDA AVE...................................... LAKELAND............5/28/2021............. $50,000

4230 SALT SPRINGS LN............................... LAKELAND............5/20/2021............$299,600

1764 BAYVIEW DR........................................ LAKELAND.............5/19/2021............ $169,900

5418 KEATON SPRINGS DR.......................... LAKELAND.............5/19/2021........... $304,800

2431 DELROSE DR........................................ LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021............ $195,000

5941 VELVET LOOP...................................... LAKELAND.............5/18/2021.............$312,000

2431 TORRENS DR....................................... LAKELAND............5/20/2021............$250,500

6630 NEWMAN CIR..................................... LAKELAND............5/24/2021.............$321,000

2334 SEBAGO DR........................................ LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021............$352,000

2240 SWEET BAY DR................................... LAKELAND.............5/19/2021............$349,900

4632 SMITH RD........................................... LAKELAND............5/20/2021..............$75,000

4192 WINDING VINE DR............................... LAKELAND.............5/19/2021............ $182,000

3024 LINDA DR............................................ LAKELAND.............5/19/2021..............$82,000

6555 EMERALD WOODS LN........................ LAKELAND.............5/21/2021.............. $91,000

1124 THOMAS RD LOT 1............................... LAKELAND.............5/21/2021............. $137,500

4205 OLD HIGHWAY 37 APT 8.................... LAKELAND.............5/18/2021.............$110,000

1412 COVEY CIR........................................... LAKELAND............5/24/2021............$232,000

4128 PALO ALTO DR.................................... LAKELAND.............5/21/2021............ $145,000

5857 BAMBI CT............................................ LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021........... $240,000

3514 S CHRISTINA GROVES CIR................... LAKELAND.............5/18/2021............ $150,800

819 MEADOWLARK DR................................ LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021............ $293,700

2087 WINDWARD PASS............................... LAKELAND.............5/21/2021.............$174,000

4005 DERBY DR.......................................... LAKELAND.............5/19/2021............ $319,000

1118 HALLAMWOOD CT............................... LAKELAND............5/20/2021.............$175,500

956 HUNTERS MEADOW LN....................... LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021............ $357,800

2136 ROCKY POINTE DR.............................. LAKELAND............5/20/2021............$220,000

1116 EDITH AVE............................................. LAKELAND............5/24/2021............$108,000

4904 WHITEOAK DR................................... LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021............$236,000

2158 CYPRESS CROSS DR............................ LAKELAND.............5/18/2021............ $130,000

4444 REDING WAY...................................... LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021............ $239,900

3663 PIONEER TRAILS DR........................... LAKELAND.............5/19/2021............ $192,000

5302 ENGLISH DR........................................ LAKELAND............ 5/25/2021.............$241,600

6602 DOVE MEADOW TRL.......................... LAKELAND.............5/19/2021............ $192,000

6457 POLLY LN............................................ LAKELAND.............5/18/2021............ $253,700

1875 LONGBOAT DR.................................... LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021............ $192,600

6272 CORNERSTONE DR............................. LAKELAND.............5/21/2021............$265,000

3846 EXETER LN.......................................... LAKELAND............ 5/26/2021........... $204,000

4351 REDING WAY....................................... LAKELAND.............5/15/2021............ $273,700

7931 CHEYENNE LN..................................... LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021............$209,900

4511 BALLENTINE CT.................................... LAKELAND.............5/21/2021........... $306,000

7342 BRIARBAY LOOP................................. LAKELAND............5/20/2021............$220,000

4523 BALLENTINE CT.................................. LAKELAND.............5/21/2021........... $306,000

7109 REMINGTON OAKS LOOP................... LAKELAND.............5/21/2021............ $281,800

4619 KINGS POINT CT................................. LAKELAND.............5/18/2021............ $316,000

3756 PRESCOTT LOOP................................ LAKELAND.............5/18/2021........... $284,000

900 OSPREY LANDING DR.......................... LAKELAND.............5/21/2021............. $412,100

8435 ADELE RD........................................... LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021........... $284,000

2211 CHESTERFIELD CIR............................... LAKELAND.............5/19/2021........... $430,000

8309 PORCH CT.......................................... LAKELAND............5/20/2021........... $300,000

6561 EMERALD WOODS LN......................... LAKELAND.............5/21/2021........... $600,000

3909 ASHWORTH PL................................... LAKELAND............5/20/2021........... $305,000

1011 W MARJORIE ST.................................... LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021............ $140,000

5124 SPANISH OAKS DR............................... LAKELAND............5/20/2021............ $315,000

518 OHIO AVE.............................................. LAKELAND.............5/21/2021.............$215,000

5610 CHERRY RD......................................... LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021............$320,000

WINTER HAVEN

3502 TOWNE PARK BLVD............................ LAKELAND.............5/18/2021............$235,000

1008 BROOKS WAY............................. WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021.............. $59,200

4249 SALT SPRINGS LN............................... LAKELAND.............5/19/2021............$236,900

3328 TIMBERLINE RD.......................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/18/2021............. $107,500

4245 SALT SPRINGS LN................................ LAKELAND............5/24/2021............ $247,000

550 AVENUE N..................................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/18/2021............. $128,100

4254 SALT SPRINGS LN................................ LAKELAND.............5/21/2021........... $260,000

452 RED HAWK LOOP.......................... WINTER HAVEN............5/20/2021.............. $171,700

5740 LUNN RD............................................. LAKELAND.............5/19/2021............$260,300

64 COLEMAN RD................................. WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021............ $180,000

3906 WHITE IBIS RD.................................... LAKELAND.............5/19/2021.............$261,000

246 LAKE THOMAS DR........................ WINTER HAVEN.............5/21/2021............ $185,000

2326 MAPLE HILL DR................................... LAKELAND.............5/18/2021............ $269,200

101 MADERA DR................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 5/17/2021............ $190,000

5510 TURKEY CREEK WAY........................... LAKELAND............5/20/2021............$276,000

101 LANTERN LN.................................. WINTER HAVEN.............5/18/2021............ $199,000

1805 CREEKBEND DR.................................. LAKELAND............5/24/2021............$279,000

1566 FOXRIDGE RUN........................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021........... $206,000

2426 SILVER VIEW DR.................................. LAKELAND.............5/21/2021........... $280,400

1756 WALLACE MANOR LOOP............. WINTER HAVEN............5/20/2021............ $207,500

1518 HOLLOW TREE CT................................ LAKELAND.............5/19/2021.............$289,100

2409 AVENUE C................................... WINTER HAVEN............5/20/2021............ $210,000

5528 ARLINGTON RIVER DR........................ LAKELAND............. 5/17/2021.............$291,000

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1152 BOWLINE ST................................. WINTER HAVEN............. 5/17/2021............$250,000

189 DURRELL CIR................................ WINTER HAVEN.............5/18/2021..............$175,100

130 COTTONTAIL LN........................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021............$369,500

149 SE ALACHUA DR............................ WINTER HAVEN............. 5/17/2021............ $180,000

2204 NW 21ST ST................................. WINTER HAVEN............6/24/2021............. $60,000

455 PINEHURST CT............................. WINTER HAVEN.............5/18/2021............ $195,000

2500 21ST ST APT 30........................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/21/2021..............$75,000

4446 GLENNS LNDG........................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/21/2021............. $211,000

1456 HAINES DR.................................. WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021............ $120,000

2300 CYPRESS GARDENS BLVD.......... WINTER HAVEN.............5/21/2021.............$215,000

1492 HAINES DR.................................. WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021............ $120,000

1034 CORSO DR.................................. WINTER HAVEN.............5/15/2021............$226,600

1534 HAINES DR.................................. WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021............ $120,000

1170 YUMURI ST................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 5/17/2021............ $226,900

1541 HAINES DR................................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021............ $120,000

155 OAKALOOSA DR........................... WINTER HAVEN............5/20/2021.............$227,000

1776 6TH ST APT 305........................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021.............$125,000

1155 ELOISE LOOP RD.......................... WINTER HAVEN............. 5/17/2021............$230,000

520 16TH ST......................................... WINTER HAVEN............5/24/2021............ $140,200

3213 OAK TREE LN............................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/21/2021............$230,000

3015 AVENUE Q................................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021............ $150,000

409 CORSO LOOP............................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/18/2021............$235,000

1505 AVENUE E.................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 5/17/2021............ $194,000

1339 OAKMONT DR............................. WINTER HAVEN............. 5/17/2021............$246,900

18 MORTON RD................................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021............ $207,000

3054 BUCKEYE POINTE DR................. WINTER HAVEN............. 5/17/2021............ $252,000

1511 HAINES DR.................................... WINTER HAVEN............5/24/2021........... $208,000

1374 BENEVENTO DR........................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/18/2021............$258,300

1702 AMBAR CT................................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/18/2021............ $216,000

522 COLEMAN DR................................ WINTER HAVEN.............5/18/2021........... $260,000

1025 CAMBRIDGE DR.......................... WINTER HAVEN............5/20/2021........... $246,000

160 EMANUELLE DR............................ WINTER HAVEN............5/20/2021............$265,800

424 LANHAM DR................................. WINTER HAVEN.............5/18/2021............ $273,600

1146 YUMURI ST.................................. WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021............$268,300

1475 SALISBURY DR............................. WINTER HAVEN............5/24/2021............ $275,000

135 WODEN WAY................................. WINTER HAVEN.............5/21/2021............$268,500

202 LAKE REGION BLVD...................... WINTER HAVEN............5/20/2021........... $305,000

804 VIENNA DR................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 5/17/2021............ $272,800

2429 LAKE HARTRIDGE DR................. WINTER HAVEN............. 5/17/2021........... $305,000

872 VIENNA DR................................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/18/2021............ $276,200

9705 LAKE BESS RD LOT 687............... WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021.............. $67,900

5480 HOGAN LN................................. WINTER HAVEN............5/24/2021............ $279,500

9705 LAKE BESS RD LOT 789............... WINTER HAVEN.............5/21/2021..............$69,900

1112 SAWGRASS DR.............................. WINTER HAVEN............5/24/2021............. $311,600

9705 LAKE BESS RD LOT 351................ WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021..............$72,000

6244 PINEHURST LOOP...................... WINTER HAVEN............5/20/2021............$323,400

5869 SE RED FOX DR........................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021............. $80,000

4026 BEDFORD AVE............................ WINTER HAVEN............. 5/17/2021............$336,600

1103 CYPRESS GARDENS BLVD #17...... WINTER HAVEN.............5/19/2021.............. $97,000

6145 PEBBLE BEACH BLVD................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/18/2021........... $424,400

8006 WATERVIEW WAY...................... WINTER HAVEN............. 5/17/2021.............$125,000

1111 INTERLOCHEN BLVD...................... WINTER HAVEN.............5/21/2021............$765,000

SAVE BIG WITH MULTIPLE POLICIES

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863.259.1826 Fred Simons Your Local Agent

325 AVENUE C SW WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880 FSIMONS@FARMERSAGENT.COM https://agents.farmers.com/fsimons Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.

67

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

Summer Hours June - August 8 - 11 am Every Saturday Join us in the BB&T Bank lot on the NE Corner of 3rd St and Ave C SW across from Grove Roots Brewery in Downtown Winter Haven. Celebrate a healthy and connected community by shoppng from fresh food vendors, makers, & food trucks.

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Now is the time to book your next event.

The holidays will soon be here!

Vicky Holloway • 863.557.9003

SPACIOUS CONDO W/ LAKE VIEWS! 2 BD/ 2 BA • 1,114 SF Spacious Floor Plan • Community Pool Guest Parking • MLS: K4901413 Call Vicky Holloway today at 863.557.9003

$109,900

Dedicated to You, Dedicated to Results!

2019

Best of WINNER

www.LegacyRealEstateCenter.com

863-676-0200

September 18

Winter Haven Farmers Market 9am - 1pm Find drop off locations & more info FB @winterhavenfarmersmarket havenmagazines.com

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#kindachill

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21-ORTHO-07152

Expert Strength in Orthopedics

You deserve incredible care close to home.

We’ve expanded our network of locations in Polk County to include more world-class orthopedic services through a special partnership with Rothman Orthopaedics. Access some of the most innovative, personalized care of its kind - right in your neighborhood.

Davenport | 40124 US Highway 27, Suite 101 | 410 Lionel Way, Suite 201 Lake Wales | 1255 State Road 60 East, Suite 300

To schedule an appointment or to learn more, visit IncredibleOrtho.com.

Ewing, Blackwelder & Duce Insurance

Shopping Local Matters We can save you time and money with all your insurance needs. www.ebdins.com

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Karl Duce, AAI

635 1st St., Winter Haven

1330 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven

Phone: 863-293-4864

Phone: 863-293-2838

Agent

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