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Heartland LIVING
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Let’s face it, summertime in the Heartland of Florida is characterized by hot, humid weather with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Kiddos are out of school and looking for things to do, so let’s get them outside this summer. We live in a fantastic place for kids and adults to enjoy a summer filled with adventure, learning and mostly fun. I was talking with a friend the other day, reminiscing about our childhood and what we did in the summer. As kids, we were outside all day running, playing, riding bikes, and if we got thirsty, we drank out of the water hose. So, let’s get the kids outside and away from technology devices this summer.
My amazing writers have brought you a diverse array of feature stories in this issue. We try to capture each person’s interest with a rich tapestry of content that can engage our readers. We hope you enjoy this collection of features in this issue.
Thank you, Carlton Ward, Jr, for another gorgeous cover showing our ranchers, land and agriculture in the Heartland. Carlton is a National Geographic photographer and conservationist and has been instrumental in advocating for the protection of Florida’s natural landscapes through the easements of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Thank you, Christy, for writing such a knowledgeable story, helping us understand the importance of saving our communities from over-development in Florida.
I’m proud to have Kari Goetz join us in this issue writing on our aviation gem right here in Lakeland, shaping the future of Florida's Heartland. Lakeland International Airport is owned by the City of Lakeland and has so much history as well as all the growth of the airport’s operations.
Justin and Amber Callaham have opened their hearts and home, sharing their story with us on the importance of becoming foster parents. Thank you, Justin and Amber, for providing a loving home for these babies. We also welcome Jake Ford as one of our new photographers who took the beautiful photos of the Callaham family.
Lastly, we can’t leave out the importance of our Veterans, especially on the Fourth of July. Thank you to all of you that have worked so hard to create a home in Highlands County for the Florida Medal of Honor Memorial.
Please let us know what you enjoyed best in this issue. Tag us on social media or send a note to cindy@heartland-living.com.
God Bless,
Cindy Sebring Adams
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EDITORIAL
Christy Swift | Editor -Writer
Kari Goetz | Writer
Rebecca Maglischo | Writer
Ladonna Paedae Rodriguez | Writer
CEO | Publisher
Cindy Sebring Adams
ART
Bridgette Waldau | Creative Director
Carlton Ward, Jr. | Cover
Branca Media Team | Photographer
Jake Ford | Photographer
CONTRIBUTORS | Photography
Wildpath Team: Carlton Ward Jr., Jen Guyton and Lauren YoHo
City of Lakeland
Florida Medal of Honor Memorial
Office: Cindy Houtz | Website Kristan Baker | Distribution Lisa Griffin | Distribution
Christy Swift is an author and editor with over 15 years’ experience as an awardwinning newspaper correspondent, magazine feature writer, and web content provider. She recently scored a 2-book deal with major publisher, Hachette Forever, and her debut romcom, Celebrity Crush, launched on Feb. 11th.. She also writes fantasy under the name C.P. Swift on www.royalroad.com. Find her at www. christyswift.com
Editor & Writer Creative Director
Kari Goetz is honored to be making her Heartland Living debut with her feature on the Lakeland International Airport. A Florida native, Kari grew up on the beach in Fort Myers and currently calls Tampa Bay home. An avid runner, reader, and traveler, Kari is happiest when she is in the air adventuring with her amazing kid and incredible husband.
Writer
Rebecca Maglischo is a wife and mother of two boys. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Human Movement with an emphasis on Corrective Modalities. She has completed a two year study in Full Body Systems through the Holistic Nutrition Lab and a certification in Functional Range Condition through the Functional Anatomy Systems.
Writer
Ladonna Paedae Rodriguez has written newspaper articles about Sebring, its people and its history, and finds joy in sharing with her community. She is also a visual artist, using colored pencil as her medium. Her roots are deep in Highlands County; her mother was born in a house in DeSoto City in 1928, and her relatives were among the firefighters who went to rescue those in Moore Haven during the hurricane of 1926, giving her a unique perspective into our culture.
Writer
June & July 2025
Bridgette Waldau has been a graphic and fine artist for over 40 years. She received her A.A. from the Ft. Lauderdale Institute of Art and a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Stetson University. Bridgette has been creative director for several publications, working with Heartland Publications & Marketing as art director since 2011, winning 11 Florida Magazine Charlie Awards (2015- 2021). Bridgette is married to James, a retired firefighter from the City of Hialeah
Frank Branca III is a professional videographer and photographer from Avon Park, FL. He holds a bachelor’s degree in film and leads creative production for Infinity Reflections Weddings & Events and Branca Media. Frank specializes in event storytelling, bringing a cinematic style to every project. He enjoys traveling, being involved in the skateboarding community, and spending quality time with family. His career is rooted in passion and community engagement.
Jake Ford is a wedding and family photographer creating timeless images that honor legacy, connection, and the beauty of real moments. With a heart shaped by his role as a husband and father, Jake photographs each story with the same care he gives his own family, preserving what matters most through images that will be cherished for generations. Jake lives in Lakeland with his wife and three sons.
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READERS
Heartland LIVING
April & May 2025 Issue
"Beautiful cover, Shawn! I love the story, especially that it was a sisters getaway."
-Lori Martin
"Wow. What a great picture."
-Connie Baker
"Stunning!"
-Janis
Ferguson
"Lovely picture. I have a pretty wicker basket in my living room. It’s filled with your magazines. My guests always go through them." -Lynda Gruber
"My favorite part about Heartland LIVING is that you share with us great ideas for travel, especially the Florida day trips. This issue you outdid yourself and informed me about three great places to visit You can be sure I am planning to go feed the Flamingos in Sarasota, take in some art at the AGB Museum and head to the new Brighton Casino and Hotel. Thanks for keeping me entertained!" -Carolyn Myers
I asked readers where they pick the magazine up and you told us.
-Cindy Sebring Adams
"I happened to be at Joint & Spine today in Sebring with hubby getting shots, and I was happy sitting there just reading my Heartland Living Magazine! " - Denise Shubert Earnhardt
"I always get my Heartland Living at Midflorida Credit Union."
-Susan Wuellner
"I just want to say the article [AdventHealth Sebring Every Beat Counts] came out great and I have had a lot of patients who are coming to us because they read the magazine and actually saw the symptoms in themselves or loved ones. We are so glad we can help people, and that our publication did some real good measurable improvement in people lives.
-Dr. Yelena Pleshkova
If you would like to share your thoughts, please leave a post on our Facebook page or email us at Cindy@Heartland-Living.com
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It is always great to hear positive feedback and thanks from our readers, advertisers and those we write about in Heartland LIVING. Recently, to my surprise, I received a most wonderful gift from Bob Zoldosky and the Cypress Gardens Water Skiers. Heartland LIVING did a feature on the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show Legacy in our February & March 2025 issue. Recently, the skiers got together for their 2025 reunion, and they all took the time to sign their names by their pictures in the magazine and presented the magazine, along with a group photo from the reunion, to me. It is wonderful to see so many skiers still active today! I had to share this with my readers. Thank you Bob and all the skiers - this was an honor and I will treasure this. - Cindy Sebring Adams
Photography by Wildpath Team: Carlton Ward Jr., Jen Guyton and Lauren YoHo
We see it slipping away a little more every day —that copse of trees replaced by new construction; the town we knew from childhood, now unrecognizable; the choking estimates: 1,000 people a day relocating to this paradisical peninsula.
Everyone seems to love Florida—but is she in danger of being loved to death?
The honest answer is yes.
A lot of work has been done on a plan that would allow Florida to continue to develop in a responsible way that protects our water supply, wildlife and green spaces. You may have read my earlier articles on the Florida Wildlife Corridor—a connected network of nearly 18 million acres of public and private lands that allows wildlife to roam freely throughout the state while preserving Florida’s natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Almost 10 million acres of that is already protected conservation land. But eight million are still unprotected, and that’s where the work lies.
How do we protect crucial privately owned lands from falling prey to future development? One part of the solution is the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program run by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, whereby the State pays landowners for allowing portions of their land to be protected in perpetuity as conservation easements. Julie Morris, Executive Director of The Florida Conservation Group, has spent over 25 years in the Florida conservation field and has extensive experience in conservation policy and land protection implementation. She says the Rural and Family Lands program has been extremely popular.
“We have landowners lined up that are willing to sell their development rights to keep that land protected,” she says. The bigger challenge, Julie explains, is securing funding, which has skewed wildly from as much as $300 million one year to zero another. The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program complements its sister initiative, Florida Forever, a Department of Environmental Protection program that preserves natural landscapes and resources through both land purchases and conservation easements. Both programs need more consistent funding every year to achieve Florida’s conservation goals.
The programs are, indeed, popular. Right now, applications for the Rural and Family Lands program add up to “well over $1 billion,” according to Julie, and Florida Forever has a similar demand. It seems it’s less about encouraging people to protect Florida’s wild spaces—they’re already on board. The key is to secure the funding to execute on the plan before
Julie Morris
Wes Williamson,
The uncomfortable truth is that there is a deadline to securing these lands for the future. As landowners pass away, their children and grandchildren may not be as keen on holding onto the family ranch. Former President of Williamson Cattle Company, Sonny Williamson, calls development “the final crop,” according to his grandson, Wes, who now runs the company. It’s an apt, if stark, description of the situation.
But Wes is one of the lucky ones whose application for a conservation easement in Okeechobee County was approved in December of 2024. A total of 62,000 acres of state land were approved through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program that session, adding up to $206 million—the largest ever approved at a meeting of the Governor and Cabinet, according to a press release.
About 3,000 acres of the 11,000-acre Williamson Ranch were included in that historic acquisition along with approximately 5,600 acres on the Hendrie Ranch in Highlands County; 2,700 acres on French Golden Gate in DeSoto County; 4,700 acres on Montsdeoca Ranch in Highlands County; 2,780 acres on One Nine Cattle in Okeechobee County; 6,100 acres on Peeples Family Ranch in Glades County; and 418 acres on Raley Grove in Polk County. Agricultural lands, though not untouched, nonetheless provide crucial pathways for wildlife and help protect biodiversity in the state.
“We do cattle, a little bit of citrus—we still have about 250 acres of citrus, mostly young trees we’re keeping our fingers crossed on,” says Wes, referring to the devastating effects of greening on Florida’s citrus industry and underscoring the challenges facing Florida’s agriculture community. For Wes, applying for the conservation easement was a business decision. “We had done a conservation easement back in 2010, and we looked at it as a way to extract some of the speculative value—the value that is on it because of the potential to be developed into housing. It was a way to keep the property in agriculture and to keep it under Williamson Cattle Company ownership. As a family, we made that decision.”
Julie Morris helped the Williamson family to navigate the paperwork-heavy transaction, but Wes didn’t mind the bureaucracy. “The State of Florida through the Department of Agriculture needs to know exactly what they’re getting. This is a business transaction, but I think we also need to remember what the State and the people in the State of Florida are getting for our tax dollars.”
With high demand on these conservation programs and limited funding, ROI is a top-of-mind consideration for everyone. Whose application gets approved and whose doesn’t? What are the top priorities? What can we afford to sacrifice?
One of the people aiming to answer those questions is Tom Hoctor, Director of the UF Center For Landscape Conservation Planning. Tom and his team use research to provide science-backed conservation recommendations, helping to assure that the most crucial pieces of land are protected. Each piece of land is given a priority level, with P1 being the most important, but there are other factors to be taken into consideration as well, such as how close a lower-priority piece of land is to a higher-priority one. The Williamson easements are considered P2 and P5, but are adjacent to P1 land. This expansion makes them part of the Wildlife Corridor.
“In theory if we were just able to protect enough of P1, that would be quite an accomplishment, but we want to do more than that,” Tom says. “There are eight million acres total of unprotected private land in the Corridor as a whole.”
Eight million is a big number. According to FloridaWildlifeCorridor.org, over 317,000 acres of land have been approved for conservation since the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act of 2021 was passed. Tom says that, currently, we’re protecting more crucial land than we’re losing to development. That in itself is a “win.” The panther, lost in much of the southeastern United States, has managed to “eke it out” in the Everglades and ranches in South and Southwest Florida, he adds.
How long would it take to secure the Florida Wildlife Corridor? Tom has run some models, but there are a lot of variables. “If we continue to buy land at the current rate—and we’re hoping to continue this momentum—at $300 to $500 million minimum per year. If we did that and we have enough willing landowners...” He trails off. “And also land prices may go up. At least, at minimum... three decades.”
Save Florida within the next 30 years? It’s a challenge, but one a lot of people are up for. Right now what’s working in our favor is that new development usually springs up around existing development. If new pockets of development begin to bloom inside the areas we want to protect—that’s when things can get dicey.
Tom Hoctor
“We choose the projects we work on very carefully,” Julie says, adding that there is a real sense of desperation in her work. “There’s only so much funding, and we can’t protect everything. We’re racing against time.”
Julie uses Tom’s science-backed conservation research to help with the tough decisions: “We do a careful evaluation of the water resources, biodiversity, habitat. It’s our taxpayer dollars. We have to make the case of how does this impact our drinking water, wildlife habitat, all the things we value. We provide the scientific justification for why this property warrants conservation. It’s absolutely critical for all of us to protect these ag lands that provide wildlife and also food security. That’s our food source.”
If you want to do your part to protect wild Florida, Julie says the best thing you can do is to contact your Florida state legislators and urge them to generously fund land conservation programs like The Rural and Family Land Protection Program and Florida Forever. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Act received unanimous bipartisan support during its inception, but there have been recent bills introduced in the House and Senate that could erode protections for rural lands and give developers an edge that could significantly increase the loss of lands to development within the Corridor.
“Everyone is working as hard and fast as they can to get this land protected, to advocate for these programs, to have the folks in Tallahassee get as much money into these programs as possible,” Julie says.
Only time will tell if we succeed in staving off planting “the final crop” in the wild places we love most.
A GATEWAY WITH ALTITUDE:
By Kari Goetz
Photography courtesy of City of Lakeland
Tucked between Tampa and Orlando lies an aviation gem that’s quietly shaping the future of Central Florida. Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) isn’t just a place for planes to land—it’s a vital piece of Florida’s economic engine, a launchpad for future pilots, and a testament to community spirit. With deep roots in Florida aviation history, a sky-high vision for education and a new chapter of commercial air service and air cargo underway, LAL has grown into a dynamic force that locals can take pride in—and take off from.
As Airport Director Kris Hallstrand puts it, “LAL is more than an airport. It’s an economic engine for the region and a leader in developing the next generation of aviation leaders. When you look at the growth that Lakeland has experienced in the last few years, you realize that this airport has been in the center of it all.”
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a student dreaming of the skies or a local looking for a convenient place to fly, Lakeland International Airport offers an opportunity to grow, learn and adventure.
Airport Director Kris Hallstrand
1980 Terminal and Tower
Humble Beginnings
The story of Lakeland’s airport begins with ambition—and a war. In 1940, the Lakeland City Commission voted to replace the original 1933 airport with a new one, which became Drane Field, named for local leader Herbert J. Drane. But just as construction began, global conflict intervened. The War Department took over the field for use as a sub-base of MacDill Field in Tampa during World War II, and Drane Field transformed into a hub of military activity, training aircrews in B-26 Marauders and other aircraft.
After the war, the massive airfield sat largely unused—too big, too costly, and too underutilized for peacetime municipal needs. Meanwhile, the original Lakeland Municipal Airport, renamed Al Lodwick Field in 1948, was in decline following the closure of Lodwick Aircraft.
By 1957, the city made a strategic pivot. It retired Lodwick Field and shifted focus to Drane Field, beginning years of upgrades that culminated in a re-dedication as Lakeland Municipal Airport in 1960, with Don Emerson as its first director.
The name evolved along with the airport. In the 1970s, it became Lakeland Regional Airport, and in the 1980s, it was renamed Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in honor of Paul Scott Linder, a visionary local businessman and economic leader whose legacy was influential in the airport’s success. Today, Lakeland International Airport welcomes guests with a new look featuring the City of Lakeland’s famous swans. The airport’s new logo, highlighting their airport code, LAL, is built on the city mascot with an aviation twist – a swan that has the swoop of an airplane in its tail feathers.
Through decades of reinvention, the heart of the airport never changed: service to community, opportunity through aviation and a future defined by innovation and growth.
Above: Servicemen pause for a photo while peeling potatoes at Lakeland Army Airfield (Drane Field) c .1942
Right: On February 8, 1957, the royal swans, gifted by Queen Elizabeth II, flew all the way to Drane Field Airport via Riddle Airlines. These swans have become a cherished part of Lakeland’s identity.
NOAA’s Aircraft Operations Center
Lakeland Aero-Club
Community Airport
LAL is more than just an airport and airplanes —it is an ecosystem of activity that powers the region. With 84 businesses on-site, LAL drives more than $1.5 billion in annual economic impact.
“We’re proud to be part of the City of Lakeland,” Hallstrand says. “The airport is a catalyst for growth — creating jobs, attracting investment, and helping the region thrive.” There are over 3,400 jobs connected to airport operations at LAL – more than three times the number of residents in Lakeland when the city was founded in 1885.
One of LAL’s most high-profile tenants is NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center, which moved to Lakeland from MacDill in 2017. It’s home to the iconic Hurricane Hunters—those brave crews who fly directly into the eye of storms for critical weather data. Alongside them is Draken International, a defense contractor that supports U.S. military training with a private fleet of fighter jets from around the world.
Private and general aviation are also thriving. With two fixed base operators (FBOs), LAL offers top-tier service hangars and other amenities to pilots.
Yet perhaps the airport’s most lasting contribution is to the next generation. The Central Florida Aerospace Academy, a public high school on airport grounds, immerses over 250 students in aviation career tracks. The Lakeland Aero-Club, the largest high school flying club in the nation, teaches students to rebuild and fly antique planes. Polk State College, Southeastern University and Travis Technical College also offer specialized degrees and certifications, creating one of the most comprehensive aviation education pipelines in the country.
While the headlines are frequently filled with a shortage of qualified pilots, air traffic controllers and other aviation specialists, Lakeland International Airport has been quietly building a growing pipeline of talent to the industry.
The crowning jewel of LAL comes in the spring. For one week, in April, SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo—a grassroots fly-in turned global aviation festival—takes over the airport and becomes the second largest “fly-in” event in the country. Drawing over 200,000 visitors annually, many of whom flying for the event in their personal aircraft, it features vintage airplanes, airshows, STEM activities, a 5K race and more. The proceeds from SUN ‘n FUN fund the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), which reaches more than 50,000 youth a year with scholarships, museum exhibits and hands-on learning.
New Era of Growth
In 2022, a changing of the guard marked a new chapter for the airport. Kris Hallstrand stepped into the Director role after serving as Assistant Director for several years.
With over 20 years in airport operations, a background in the Air Force as a C-130 Crew Chief and leadership stints from Wisconsin to Florida, Hallstrand has brought depth, discipline and vision to the job.
“The airport’s momentum is incredible,” she says. “We have a diverse portfolio that makes our airport unique, and all of our business lines are growing.”
That growth includes a major milestone: the return of commercial air service to Lakeland. In June 2024, Avelo Airlines launched routes out of LAL for the first time in over a decade. The response has been enthusiastic—over 100,000 passengers in the first year alone. Avelo now connects Lakeland to multiple destinations including Nashville, Wilmington, San Juan, and new summer destinations to Grand Rapids and Islip. LAL not only welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy the Florida sunshine, attractions, and world-class golf – it has become a popular alternative for local residents who are tired of the long drives to airports in Tampa or Orlando.
“The convenience is unmatched,” Hallstrand says. “No I-4 traffic, no parking headaches—just a smooth, easy departure from your local airport. We’re building a new travel habit for this region.”
Then there’s Amazon Air. The retail giant completed construction of its regional cargo hub at LAL in 2020, and has since expanded. Lakeland International Airport is now Florida’s third-largest cargo airport, and the 32nd in the US, handling more than 900 million pounds annually. Amazon’s continued growth in the region cements LAL as a logistics linchpin for the southeastern U.S. This positions the airport as a critical player in e-commerce supply chains and the broader economic landscape of Florida.
Ribbon cutting at Avelo opening
Lakeland City Commissioners: Bill Read, Mike Musick, Mayor William “Bill” Mutz and Stephanie Madden
LAL Avelo ticket counter first flight.
Looking ahead, LAL is pursuing infrastructure upgrades, sustainability initiatives and enhanced passenger amenities—all while staying true to its mission: serve the city, fuel opportunity and inspire the next generation to reach new heights. “We embrace all things aviation,” Hallstrand says enthusiastically. “We’re always looking for what’s the best way to serve our community.” That doesn’t mean replicating the airports to the east or west on I-4. “We don’t want to be Tampa, and we don’t want to be Orlando,” Hallstrand emphasizes. “We want to be Lakeland.”
Wheels Up, Lakeland
Lakeland International Airport is more than a dot on the map—it’s a destination, an economic engine and a symbol of hometown pride. With its storied past, thriving present and ambitious future, LAL proves that small airports can make a big impact.
What is Hallstrand’s hope for LAL? “Simple,” she says. “The next time you think about travel, think local. Think LAL.” With every takeoff from Lakeland, passengers are not just heading to a destination—they’re part of a legacy that’s still climbing.
embrace all things aviation. We’re always looking for what’s the best way to serve
COMMUNITY
-Airport Director Kris Hallstrand
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Justin and Amber Callaham with their children Edward and Annalynn, and foster child "Baby Z"
LEGACY OF
By Rebecca Maglischo
Justin and Amber Callaham didn’t have a lifelong dream of fostering children. They moved to Lakeland, FL right after Justin completed law school in 2013 and began to build a regular life. They bought a house and worked on their careers. They tried another town, had a baby and moved back in 2020, pregnant with their second child. Justin’s career was going well, and Amber stepped away from her career in 2018 when her daughter, Annalynn, was born. She had served as a counselor working for Title 1 schools and worked with children whose circumstances were extremely challenging—a lot of them. She also saw that, all too often, it was difficult to find people willing to step in and advocate for these children.
The need to help fill this gap continued to tug at her heart. When a good friend began fostering a child, the Callahams witnessed the experience and walked alongside their friends. “I always thought ‘special’ people foster children,” Amber says. “But when my friend stepped up, I realized that fostering was something we could do.” The Callahams felt called to foster in their own home, and there was certainly a need to fill.
The 2022 census reported 22,492 children under the age of 18 years old in the state dependency system in Florida alone. Current year estimates exceed 30,000 children, and those within the child advocacy system are voicing concerns that the number is growing. Homelessness, domestic violence and parental substance abuse are all among the reasons a child may need a temporary safe spot to land. In Polk County, where Justin and Amber live, the Polk County School Board estimates around 4,700 students are living in situations that are inadequate to meet basic needs. Justin Callaham has become passionate about the children in these circumstances. “The kids haven’t done anything wrong! They have their whole lives ahead of them, and they need a stable place for a bit. Fostering is not an extraordinary decision,” he insists. “It is a sequence of small, day-in and day-out decisions in favor of a child that needs a little help.”
Photography by Jake Ford
n 2023, Justin and Amber started the process of becoming foster parents by contacting One More Child. This Christianbased organization equips families for foster care by providing training, classes, background checks and a home study. All the completed work is then sent to Heartland for Children, a community-based care lead agency contracted with the Department of Children and Families for licensure. Once licensed, One More Child further supports foster parents by providing assistance with material needs, advice on tough situations and even just someone to turn to as they navigate the inevitable emotions and decisions that come with the process.
The Department of Children and Families has to recruit about 1300 new Florida foster families annually in order to keep pace with the swell of children needing homes and the attrition rate of active foster families. On August 4, 2023, the Callahams received their certification and became fully licensed. They also welcomed their first foster child that same day. She arrived in a diaper with a baby blanket. Amiah was 18 months old, one of five siblings that were placed in foster care. Edward and Annalynn, the Callaham children, immediately loved her. Integrating another child into their home had definite challenges, but the Callahams never missed the significance of showing their own children the importance of loving others and helping those who can’t help themselves.
Amber makes it a point to clarify that the foster parents are cheering on the biological parents. The state makes a case plan that the parents must walk through in order to reunify their family. “The parents have work to do,” Amber says. “We communicated to Amiah’s mom that her child was in a safe place; she was being loved and cared for. We wanted her to know that it was okay for her to go get to a better place. We wanted her to be whole and her family to be together again.” Amiah’s mom took on her case plan like a rockstar. She got a job, and she never missed visitation, even when she had to walk to come see her baby.
Shown above, Edward and Annalynn with first foster child Amiah and below, with second foster child "Baby Z"
Reuniting a child with her family is a celebration. It did require big feelings for Justin, Amber and their children but it also opened great conversations about demonstrating love and personal sacrifice. These were lessons for themselves and their children about the true meaning of community. “We came at this with our conviction to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” Justin explains. “But, ultimately, we are a community, and people go through tough times. We need to support parents during those times because children need to be with their parents.” The Callaham Family took a break after Amiah was reunited with her family, as advised by One More Child. Four months later, on February 7, 2025, they welcomed their second foster child, a threeweek-old baby girl, who they have affectionately nicknamed Baby Z.
Oftentimes, people think love is an emotion, but it's not. True love is action. The actions of foster families are small daily sacrifices repeated in an effort to impact one child, one parent, one family, but the impact is far greater. When a biological mother of five children can turn her life around because of the support of the foster system, the effects are generational—five children that can come from a better story, more equipped to care for their own children. This becomes something handed down from generation to generation, a legacy of community, kindness, care and the true meaning of unconditional love.
For more information about One More Child +1 www.onemorechild.org
FOSTERING is not an extraordinary decision. It is a sequence of SMALL, day-in and day-out decisions in FAVOR of a CHILD that needs a little
-Justin Callaham
By Ladonna Paedae Rodriguez
Photos courtesy of Florida Medal of Honor
ummertime…when youths plan for beach days, parents prepare for family trips, and the price of gas may be your biggest concern.
It is also, however, the time that we pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.
That brings to mind a massive undertaking—one that spanned decades, several boards-of-directors, multiple logistics challenges, and funding issues—that has at last become a reality: The Florida Medal of Honor Memorial & Visitors Center. Finally, a home to honor and remember the twenty-four Florida veterans who received the Medal of Honor has a permanent and prominent location in Sebring! Located at 442 South Eucalyptus Street, the memorial proudly stands at the intersection of Eucalyptus Street and South Commerce Avenue in the historic Downtown Sebring district.
The twenty-four Medal of Honor recipients being honored by the Memorial displayed incredible bravery—above and beyond the call of duty. Of the twenty-four, seventeen were killed as a result of the wounds received in action. Five jumped on grenades, and several charged directly into the face of the enemy, braving machine gun nests or other such hazards. Some went into burning vehicles or aircraft to rescue their comrades. Others died while protecting their wingmen in aerial dogfights or rescued downed aviators under the most perilous conditions. Only seven of the twenty-four survived the action. All were heroes.
With humble beginnings some twenty-plus years ago, when a plaque affixed to a rock in front of the Highlands County Health Department building was the only tribute to this group who “gave all,” slowly the landmark grew to include specially planted trees with brass marker plates.
Not satisfied that the veterans were being honored in a way that was fitting, the Medal of Honor Park Foundation decided that something more memorable—something special—was needed. Struggling for funding to create a fitting memorial, the 501c3 non-profit found a huge supporter in the Florida State House of Representatives with Kaylee Tuck, who was able to secure a $250,000 grant towards the project that would become today’s Florida Medal of Honor Memorial & Visitors Center. Mike Borders, who has been chairman of the Foundation for over eight years, said that with the grant boost followed by the cession of the former Girl Scout House on Eucalyptus Street, they were able to have their groundbreaking ceremony in 2022.
Borders said that they salvaged as much as possible from the historic Girl Scout House and reused the flooring for the ceiling in the new center. Wooden display cases for the visitor center were crafted from the former building as well, incorporating that piece of history into the site.
With extensive fundraising efforts and generous donations from businesses and community members in monetary and service support, the $900,000 project came to fruition.
Mike Borders at display honoring Tommy McGuire
Borders said that without the support and donations from local businesses, including their roof, sprinkler system, fencing and so much more, this memorial may have taken much more time to complete.
Borders especially wanted to recognize Donald Laycock, the construction specialist at the helm. “We brought our concept to him, and along with Marmer Construction, they were able to turn our idea into a formal set of plans, and Donald supervised the entire construction project.” He encourages all to visit the “Supporters” page to read about the many entities that contributed. With funding secured, building began in February of 2024 and took ten and a half months to complete.
The Florida Medal of Honor Memorial & Visitors Center dedication took place on December 12, 2024. Of the twenty-four Medal of Honor Florida recipients, one is living. Robert Ingram, who resides in Jacksonville, attended the dedication ceremony, spoke to the group and was the guest of honor for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, opening the center to all.
Borders noted that one of the 24 servicemen recognized in the center is Tommy McGuire, who graduated in1938 from Sebring High School, and there is a special display area with several pieces of his crashed airplane and other items of significance that were recovered in the Philippines. Literature about McGuire reads, “He exposed himself to attacks so that he might rescue a crippled bomber. In rapid succession he shot down one aircraft, parried the attack of four enemy fighters, one of which he shot down, single-handedly engaged three more Japanese [aircraft], destroying one, and then shot down still another, his 38th victory in aerial combat.”
Said Borders, “It is one of the single biggest highlights of what is in the center. We also have his Medal of Honor and other key medals on display.”
Robert Ingram
Donald Laycock
Friends and family members at the visitor center honoring the military heroes.
“We have three things we are strategically working on now: honoring the twenty-four, ensuring that those heroes are not forgotten; educating in particular the younger generation of American citizens about the high price of freedom—freedom isn’t free; it comes at a high price. Thirdly, the group wants to inspire fellow citizens of all ages on the kinds of values we associate with the Medal of Honor: commitment, courage, sacrifice, integrity, citizenship and patriotism in daily life.”
A docent is always on hand to guide guests and to describe the historic and brave sacrifices made by the Florida twenty-four. Borders noted that, “Everyone associated with the center is a volunteer, and the entire board is outstanding, and all bring something to the table, from the Master Gardeners, who headed the landscape project team for the center which features ninety percent Florida-native plants, to the docents who greet visitors on a daily basis.” He added that many of the volunteers have life experiences of their own from wartime.
Though the impressive memorial center is completed, the 501c3 organization is “always in fundraising mode,” according to Borders. With annual operating expenses of $18,000, the group holds several functions throughout the year to help offset those expenses. At the end of June, there will be a golf tournament with proceeds benefiting the center. Visit their website, floridamedalofhonor.org, for more information.
Above: Mayor John Shoop presents Robert Ingram with the key to the City of Sebring.
Right (L-R): Florida House Representative Kaylee Tuck, Robert Ingram and Mike Borders
A large crowd attended the dedication
…And the story could end right there if I had not visited the memorial, but I did, and I left crying. The pristine, winding, plant-lined concrete pathway leading to the place which holds things more valuable than any treasure is serene and reflective. It provides the guest with ample time to consider what they are entering, and an entirely different perspective when leaving.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025
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If you do not feel moved when reading about the great sacrifices made as you look at the photos of our brave twenty-four Florida men who dived onto grenades, who, while already wounded, picked up machine guns and stood in the line of fire to protect their own, who dove into frigid waters to rescue wounded pilots—if you don’t see the lives that could have, that should have been, then I encourage you to take a little time out of your day to immerse yourself into this serene, respectful, solemn place, and imagine what might have been so very different in our world had they not made the ultimate sacrifice. Freedom truly is not free. is an internationally recognized structural repair company with the latest foundation repair technology and a tradition for the highest standards in customer care.
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By Cindy Sebring Adams Illustrated by Bridgette Waldau
e celebrate our independence as Americans each year on July 4th but little is known and celebrated about Flag Day. The history of our flag is as fascinating as the American republic itself; it has survived battles, inspired songs and evolved in response to the growth of the country it represents.
The United States used to be a colony of the British many years ago. But after a while, the 13 original colonies decided they wanted to be their own nation. After fighting in the American Revolution, the US colonies finally won their independence from Great Britain. In order to officially declare their split from the British, the new nation needed to draw up a Declaration of Independence document. So, on July 2, 1776, one representative from each colony came together in Philadelphia to vote.
The American flag has symbolized our nation’s strength and unity since three members of a secret committee from the Continental Congress came to call upon Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, to sew the first flag in late May of 1776. Those representatives were George Washington, Robert Morris and George Ross. In July of the same year, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud for the first time at Independence Hall.
n June 11, 1776, the Colonies' Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and formed a committee whose express purpose was drafting a document that would formally sever their ties with Great Britain. The committee included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, who was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer, crafted the original draft of the Declaration of Independence. A total of 86 changes were made to his draft, and the Continental Congress officially adopted the final version on July 4, 1776.
The first public readings of the Declaration were held July 8, 1776, in Philadelphia's Independence Square to the ringing of bells and band music. One year later, on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress, seeking to promote national pride and unity, adopted the national flag: "Resolved: that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
n July 4, 1777, Philadelphia marked Independence Day by adjourning Congress and celebrating with bonfires, bells and fireworks.
Between 1777 and 1960 ,Congress passed several acts that changed the shape, design and arrangement of the flag and allowed stars and stripes to be added to reflect the admission of each new state. Today, the flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white. The stripes represent the original 13 Colonies and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
fter a British bombardment, amateur poet Francis Scott Key was so inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying over Baltimore's Fort McHenry that he wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" on Sept. 14, 1814. It officially became our national anthem in 1931. The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He described "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations" throughout the United States. However, the term "Independence Day" was not used until 1791. Today, communities across the nation mark this major midsummer holiday in very similar ways; parades, firework displays, picnics and performances of "The Star-Spangled Banner.”
t fills my heart with pride every time I drive by a park, business or home and see Old Glory flying high in the sky. The name Old Glory was given to a large, 10-by-17-foot flag by its owner, William Driver, a sea captain from Massachusetts. Inspiring the common nickname for all American flags, Driver’s flag is said to have survived multiple attempts to deface it during the Civil War. Driver was able to fly the flag over the Tennessee Statehouse once the war ended. The flag is a primary artifact at the National Museum of American History and was last displayed in Tennessee by permission of the Smithsonian at an exhibition in 2006.
It’s important that we remember to respect the flag in ways set forth by our ancestors. The U.S. flag should never be dipped toward any person or object, nor should the flag ever touch anything beneath it. The flag is usually displayed from sunrise to sunset. It should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously. In inclement weather, the flag should not be flown.
s we enter the summer and are enjoying extra free time with our family and friends, let’s be cognizant of the sacrifices that have been made by our military men and women and the rich history that has taken place over the past hundreds of years that continue to make the United States of America a great nation; the home of the free and the land of the brave.
By Cindy Sebring Adams
Fourth of July Recipes to Celebrate America! It's time to gather your friends and fire up the grill!
Happy Birthday, America! It's officially time to kick off that 4th of July party! While we love grilling all summer long, the 4th is the one day of the year when you just absolutely have to get outside and fire that thing up.
Whether you're heading out to a campground or just hanging out in the back yard, there's no better way to celebrate America's birthday than by grilling your favorite meals and sharing beverages with family and friends.
To help you sort out any last-minute changes to your menu, we've put together a few of our favorite recipes, including chicken and ribs, sides and a watermelon margarita. So brush up on your grilling skills and get ready!
Okay, if the guys are reading, breathe…
This is the easiest and quickest BBQ ribs made right in your instant pot! So saucy, sticky, and tender, it just falls off-the-bone!
INGREDIENTS
1 T. brown sugar
2 tsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground mustard
1 ½ tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
¾ tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
2 lbs baby back pork ribs, trimmed of excess fat, rinsed, and patted dry
2 c. chicken stock
½ c. apple cider vinegar
2 c. barbecue sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, onion powder, chili powder, mustard, paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, cumin and cayenne pepper.
Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs, pulling it down the entire length. Season ribs with brown sugar mixture, rubbing in thoroughly on both sides.
Add chicken stock and apple cider vinegar to a 6-qt Instant Pot®. Place metal trivet into the pot. Place ribs upright on top of the trivet, wrapping in a circle.
Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high and set time for 20-25 minutes. When finished cooking, quick-release pressure according to manufacturer’s directions.
Preheat oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place ribs, meat side up, in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet; brush with barbecue sauce.
Place into oven and broil until barbecue sauce is caramelized and browned, about 4-6 minutes.
Serve immediately with remaining barbecue sauce.
Tender, juicy chicken grilled to perfection with a sweet and sticky barbecue glaze!
INGREDIENTS
3 pounds skin-on chicken thigh and drumsticks
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 ½ T. canola oil
FOR THE BBQ SAUCE MIXTURE
1 ½ c. BBQ sauce, such as Everglades Gourmet Moppin BBQ Sauce
3 T. honey
2 T. Dijon mustard
2 T. apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
INSTRUCTIONS
Season chicken thighs and drumsticks with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken and BBQ sauce mixture; marinate for at least 4 hours to overnight, turning the bag occasionally. Drain the chicken from the marinade.
Using paper towels, pat chicken dry. Brush with canola oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Preheat grill to medium heat.
Add chicken to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly charred all over, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Increase heat to medium high heat; move chicken to cooler side of the grill. Cover and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 15-20 minutes.
Brush with reserved BBQ sauce mixture, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Serve immediately.
FOR THE BBQ SAUCE MIXTURE
In a medium bowl, combine Everglades BBQ sauce just as it is or add the honey, Dijon, vinegar, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder to it. Reserve 1 cup and set aside.
WITH CRISPY BACON
Don’t make the same 'ole deviled eggs this 4th of July. Let’s spice them up with some spicy pimento cheese, and who doesn’t love crispy bacon?
INGREDIENTS
6 eggs boiled
1/8 tsp. Onion powder
1/4 c. pimentos
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
3 T. mayonnaise
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp. black pepper, freshly cracked
1/8 tsp. cayenne
1/8 tsp. Salt
1/3 c. cheddar cheese
3 pieces of bacon* (cooked and chopped into tiny bits chives)
INSTRUCTIONS
Boil eggs for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool and peel.
Spoon out the yellow and make the filling with all the ingredients.
Spoon in or pipe and generously fill each egg white. Chill in fridge for at least an hour before serving. Garnish with the rest of the crispy bacon, chopped chives and freshly cracked black pepper.
Mac and Cheese is everyone’s favorite! Super simple, and super quick, you’ll never use a box again.
INGREDIENTS
8 oz. elbow pasta
3 T. unsalted butter
3 T. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. paprika
½ tsp. onion powder
2 (12-oz.) cans evaporated milk
12 oz. shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, about 3 cups, divided
¼ c. freshly grated Parmesan Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 T. chopped fresh chives
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups cheddar cheese and Parmesan. Stir in pasta; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Whisk in flour, paprika and onion powder until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in evaporated milk until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
Divide pasta mixture into 5 (10-oz.) or 6 (8-oz.) ramekins or oven-proof bowls.* Place onto a baking sheet; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese.
Place into oven and bake until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with chives, if desired.
Creamy potato salad that you can make ahead of time.
INGREDIENTS
2 lbs baby red potatoes, quartered
1/3 c. mayonnaise
2/3 c. sour cream
1 1/2 T. Dijon mustard
1 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp. lemon zest
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 celery ribs, diced
3 T. capers, chopped
3 T. finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
3 T. finely chopped fresh dill
2 green onions, thinly sliced
4 soft boiled eggs, quartered
INSTRUCTIONS
Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold salted water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and simmer until just tender, about 15 minutes; drain well and let cool.
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon, lemon juice and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in celery, capers, parsley, dill, green onions and potatoes until well combined. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours to 2 days.
Serve, topped with eggs.
The corn is perfectly sweet and juicy, served with the most irresistible garlic herb butter! Perfect for summer 4th of July get-togethers and barbecues.
INGREDIENTS
6 ears corn, unhusked
2 T. chopped fresh parsley leaves
½ tsp. smoked paprika
FOR THE GARLIC HERB BUTTER
½ c. unsalted butter, at room temperature
¼ c. chopped fresh parsley leaves
3 cloves garlic, pressed zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. dried basil
½ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. or on your grill
In a medium bowl, combine butter, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, basil, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper; set aside.
Place corn husks directly on the oven rack and roast until corn is soft, about 35-40 minutes. Or place on grill about 10 minutes. Turn until all sides are done.
Peel down husks and spread with butter mixture.
Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and paprika, if desired.
Refreshing and delicious, this Frozen Watermelon Margarita is my favorite summer drink. It's the perfect blend of tequila, sweet watermelon and tangy lime.
INGREDIENTS FOR RIM
2 T. kosher salt
1 T. granulated sugar zest of 1 lime lime wedge FOR DRINK
4 c. chopped watermelon
1/4 c. lime juice
1/2 c. silver tequila
1/4 c. triple sec
4 watermelon slices, for garnish
4 lime rounds, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Place watermelon on a large baking sheet and freeze until hardened, at least 2 hours.
Combine salt, sugar and lime zest on a small plate and stir to combine. Use lime wedge to wet rim of margarita glasses then dip rims in salt mixture.
In a blender, combine frozen watermelon, lime juice, tequila and triple sec and blend until smooth. Pour into rimmed glasses and garnish with a watermelon and lime round.
