Bob’s Vets: Brotherhood, Faith, and the Peace River Journey
AT THE HEART OF BOB’S VETS OF HIGHLANDS COUNTY is a simple but powerful mission — bring veterans together, strengthen bonds of brotherhood, and reconnect men with purpose, faith, and one another. That mission came to life in a remarkable way during a recent five-day kayak expedition down Florida’s historic Peace River.
A Strong Start Before Sunrise
The journey began early in the quiet town of Arcadia, where participants gathered at 6:00 a.m. There was a mix of anticipation, camaraderie, and reflection as veterans prepared for what would be both a physical challenge and a meaningful experience.
After a brief meeting and final preparations, the group was transported to the launch point in Fort Meade, arriving around 7:30 a.m.. With kayaks unloaded and gear secured, the men pushed off into the slow-moving waters of the Peace River leaving behind the noise of everyday life.
60 Miles of Challenge and Brotherhood
Over the next four days and five total days of the event, the group paddled approximately 60 miles down the Peace River. This wasn’t a casual outing—it was a test of endurance, teamwork, and resilience.
Each day brought:
• Long hours of paddling through winding river bends
• Encounters with Florida wildlife and
untouched nature
• Moments of quiet reflection on the water
• Shared encouragement among brothers
At night, the group embraced primitive camping, setting up along the riverbanks. Without modern comforts, the men relied on each other—sharing meals, stories, and support under the open sky.
Faith, Fellowship, and Purpose
As much as the trip was physical, it was equally spiritual. Around campfires and beneath the stars, conversations turned to faith, life experiences, and personal growth. These moments are what define Bob’s Vets—not just activity, but transformation.
Finishing Strong at the Peace River Campground
The journey concluded at Peace River Campground, where participants completed the final stretch of their 60-mile expedition.
There was a strong sense of accomplishment—but also gratitude.
Before departing for home, each participant was given a new Bible, along with other items, as a reminder of the journey they had just completed and the
path ahead. It symbolized not just the end of the trip, but the continuation of faith and fellowship beyond it.
More Than a Trip
This Peace River expedition was more than a kayak trip. It was:
• A test of endurance
• A strengthening of brotherhood
• A renewal of faith
And above all, it was a reminder that no veteran walks alone.
Looking Ahead: The Next Event
Bob’s Vets isn’t slowing down.
The next event—a fishing outing—is already on the horizon. Like all Bob’s Vets activities, it’s designed to bring veterans together in a meaningful way. Help is always needed.
Whether it’s volunteering, supporting logistics, or simply spreading the word, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference.
If you’re interested in participating, volunteering, or supporting future events, Bob’s Vets continues to welcome those who want to serve those who have served. P.O. Box 893 Avon Park Fl. 33826, or Breakfast with Bobs Vets at Bob Evan restaurant in Sebring at 0830 every Thursday morning.
Robert ‘Bob’ Farabee
President
Bobs Vets of Highlands County
By Robert ‘Bob’ Farabee President Bobs Vets of Highlands County
MAY HOLDS TWO EMOTIONS AT ONCE . We celebrate and we remember. Mother’s Day brings love and gratitude for the women who shaped us. Memorial Day brings reflection and the weight of sacrifice. One honors life. The other honors those who gave theirs.
That balance feels a lot like this community. Strong but not untouched. Proud but built on stories that carry weight.
As Pulse of the Heartland has grown to reach over half a million people, one thing has become clear. This community is not just looking for headlines. It is looking for connection.
People are not just reading. They are seeing themselves in these pages.
This issue reflects that. Stories of service, resilience, and people who kept going when it would have been easier not to.
Because in the end, May is a reminder that joy and sacrifice can exist at the same time. And every story in between still matters.
Tiffanie Nicole
Inside this Issue
Pg 5 Honor Flight
Pg 10 Memorial Day
Pg 12–13 He Kept Getting Up
Pg 14 Graduation Spotlights
Pg 20 The Season of Motherhood
Pg 22–23 More Than a Name on the Ballot
Pg 28 Community Calendar
Writers
of
TIFFANIE NICOLE 1 760 221 9798 tiffaniepulsepublications@gmail.com
ANTHONY FOLKNER 1 765 215 8404 Tony@pulsemedia.info
P O Box 290066 - Phelan, CA 92329-0066 10405 Mountain Road - Piñon Hills, CA 92372
FRANCES CONKLE
CEO Mother Road Enterprises 1 760 617 3774 FrancesConkle@gmail.com
JAMES CONKLE
Publisher 1 760 617 3991 jim@motherroadenterprises.com 66jimconkle@gmail.com
LORI WESTON
1 760 680 9472 Lori@motherroadenterprises.com
JORGE LEANDRO RODRIGUES
Graphic Designer 55 16 99991 0229 leandro.works@gmail.com
Tiffanie Nicole General Manager, Editor, Journalist
Anthony Folkner Marketing Manager, Photographer, Journalist
Tray Folkner Sebring High School senior Youth Correspondent
Paige Folkner Highlands Virtual Freshman Youth Correspondent. Jr graphic designer
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Katie Folkner Photographer Haley Stough Writer
IT HOLDS BOTH SOMETHING REALLY BEAUTIFUL… and something really heavy.
We start with Mother’s Day. It’s full of flowers, hugs, and all the “thank yous” we try to put into words. It’s a day to celebrate the women who raised us, loved us, and showed up for us in ways we didn’t always notice at the time. A mother’s love is just different…it’s constant, it’s selfless, and it doesn’t quit.
Then just a couple weeks later, we have Memorial Day. And the feeling shifts.
Memorial Day isn’t about celebrating, it’s about remembering. It’s about honoring the men and women who gave their lives so we could live in freedom. It’s quiet, it’s meaningful, and for a lot of people, it’s personal.
I keep coming back to the fact that both of these days fall in the same month.
One celebrates life and love. The other remembers sacrifice. But when you really look at it…they are both about love.
By Haley Stough
A mother’s love is one of the first examples we ever see of putting someone else before yourself. And when I think about the people we honor on Memorial Day, I see that same kind of selflessness, people who chose courage, who chose others, and who gave more than most of us could ever imagine.
For some people, May is full of joy. For others, it’s complicated.
Some are celebrating their moms, while others are missing theirs more than ever. Some are remembering someone they lost in service, carrying both pride and pain at the same time.
Life doesn’t really separate those feelings.
Sometimes joy and grief sit right next to each other.
And maybe that’s the reminder this month gives us, it’s okay to feel both. To celebrate the people we love while also honoring the ones we have lost. To hold gratitude and sadness at the same time.
If anything, it makes us more aware.
More aware of the people around us. More aware of how short and meaningful life really is.
So this month, whether you’re celebrating, remembering, or doing a little bit of both…
just love your people well.
Say the things you have been meaning to say. Show up. Be present.
It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be real.
Because at the end of the day, love is what lasts.
Honor Flight A Story of Service Memory and Meaning
By Tiffanie Nicole | Pulse Media
THERE ARE STORIES that educate and then there are stories that stay with you long after the final page. Honor Flight Celebrating America’s Veterans does both, bringing readers into a deeply personal experience while reflecting something larger the collective memory of a nation and the responsibility to never forget those who served.
Author Jeff Gottesfeld did not initially set out to tell this story. It found him. After the success of his previous work, he began hearing from aging veterans about the Honor Flight Network, a program he had never encountered before. What he discovered was powerful. A mission built on ensuring veterans, many of whom never received a proper welcome home, are honored in a way that restores dignity and recognition. For Gottesfeld, the timing mattered. These stories could not wait. Veterans from earlier eras, especially those who served during Vietnam, are aging, and many carried the weight of service without acknowledgment. This book became a way to ensure their experiences are not lost.
Telling the story in first person was intentional. By removing a specific name from the narrator, the voice becomes universal, allowing any reader to step into that experience. It creates an emotional connection, especially for younger readers, who are able to feel rather than simply observe. That connection is what sets this book apart.
Gottesfeld experienced an Honor Flight himself as a guardian in 2023. What stayed with him was both the energy and the stillness. The constant conversation among veterans, the stories shared, the sense of connection, followed by the quiet at the memorials where reflection takes over. He describes it as loud and silent at the same time. For many veterans, the greatest fear is not death but being forgotten. That idea is central to the story. Honor Flight does not restore youth or erase hardship, but it restores recognition. It reminds veterans that their service mattered.
While the book is geared toward younger readers, its message reaches far beyond that audience. Today’s generation is growing up with strong values of kindness and acceptance, but service, sacrifice, honor, and responsibility must also remain part of that foundation. These are not outdated ideals. They are essential ones. Among the memorials featured, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands out for its deeply personal connection. Gottesfeld chose to observe from a distance, allowing
veterans to experience those moments on their own. It was not his experience to take. It was theirs to live.
The book also addresses a difficult truth that many veterans did not receive the welcome home they deserved. Some were met with silence, others with criticism. Gottesfeld approaches this with care, allowing the emotional weight to come through in a way that resonates across generations. One of the most powerful elements of the story is its multigenerational impact. Children are part of the narrative, writing letters and participating in homecomings, showing that honoring veterans is something that must be carried forward.
Authenticity was critical in shaping the book. Gottesfeld spent time researching, listening, and experiencing Honor Flight firsthand. That experience brought a level of truth that cannot be replicated from a distance. His collaboration with illustrator Matt Tavares adds another layer, bringing the story to life with visuals that are both specific and emotionally grounded. Together, the words and images create something that resonates on multiple levels.
For families reading this book together, the takeaway is clear. A deeper appreciation for veterans, a stronger understanding of history, and a reminder of the role each community plays in honoring those who served. For veterans, the message is even more direct. You are not forgotten. Looking ahead, Gottesfeld continues to focus on stories of service and American life, including an upcoming work centered on military families. When asked what communities can do better, his answer was simple. Support veterans not just through systems but through visible acts of recognition. Even something as simple as flying the American flag on key days can carry powerful meaning.
Because for those who served, being seen matters. And through stories like this, that visibility continues.
When California Meets Florida
WHEN CALIFORNIA
MEETS FLORIDA , the comparisons are inevitable. Both have Disney, Universal, and miles and miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches. And of course, delicious oranges to boot.
As a life-long West Coast dweller, I had a chance to visit the Sunshine State and wanted to take the opportunity to see which state had more to offer.
As the plane touched down softly on the tarmac at the Miami International Airport, a fellow passenger next to me smiled and said, “Welcome to Florida, where everything bites.”
I smiled in return. Everything bites? Of course, the mosquitoes, alligators, snakes, and the endangered Florida panther.
The panther, named the state animal in 1982, doesn’t roar or scream like its California cousin, the cougar or mountain lion. No, the panther has a unique way of letting folks know it is around by whistling, chirping, hissing, and purring.
Sounds more like an upset kitty-kat to me. But this cat you don’t want to mess around with in the wilds of the Florida hinterlands. Endangered or not, this panther can easily weigh over 160 pounds, be nearly seven feet in length, jump fifteen feet into the air, and forty feet horizontally.
That is one bad cat!
Since we, including my lovely wife, Laureen, were heading to downtown Miami for a conference, I did not have much of a chance of running into one of
these panthers, unless we happened to bump into a fan of the Florida Panthers making their way to an NHL game.
Of course, they may come out hissing and chirping if the hockey teams fail to score.
Residing in Southern California’s High Desert region, we haven’t seen a lot of green scenery since we returned from a trip to Ireland, where there are 40 shades of green everywhere. No, we live in the Mojave Desert, and it is beautiful in its own desert way, but lush green? Not so much.
As we drove around southern Florida during our brief stay, the scenery was beautiful, lush, and green. There is a distinct tropical aura, more reminiscent of the Caribbean or Hawaii.
By John Beyer
Then again, this makes sense since Miami sits about 25.7 degrees north of the equator, making it much more tropical than Los Angeles, which is nearly nine degrees further north of the equator.
And if that definition is confusing, there is a much simpler way to see the difference in weather between the two coasts.
On the southern California coast, it’s generally cool to warm during a typical summer day. And, it is what is referred to as a dry heat, with very low humidity. Palm Springs may be 170 degrees, but no one is perspiring. Maybe passed out dead from heat exhaustion, but the clothes are damp-proofed.
Along Florida’s southern coast, it’s hot and muggy. An example: I took a shower at the hotel, dried off, got dressed, and walked outside onto the balcony. Laureen asked why I hadn’t toweled off before getting dressed.
I smiled and kept sweating.
We did feel that a slower pace of life was at our fingertips as we ventured out and about. People were walking along the beaches, sitting in outdoor bistros, and generally enjoying the Florida sunshine. It is the same in Southern California, but it just seemed a bit more hustling and bustling. People grab a latte from a Starbucks in Malibu and then race off south to catch a business meeting in Century City.
No, the pace was much more relaxed while we visited. In fact, we had a nice lunch near South Beach at Monty's Sunset, and
Wide open venues to view the beautiful blue waters of Florida
John R Beyer standing near the gorgeous greenery of southern Florida
the place was packed. No one seemed to be in a hurry, and as we enjoyed the food, beverages, and scenery, we understood why.
Just enjoy the beauty of the atmosphere and friendship.
But one thing that was quite different for us was the universal use of a Florida porch: a screened-in section that keeps pets and children away from the pesky toothed jaws of either the American alligator or the American crocodile. Both can ruin any family's backyard fun.
A Florida porch or Florida room serves as a protected outdoor living space, protecting you from being eaten alive by alligators, crocodiles, or mosquitoes, which can be the size of small bats. We actually had thought of renting an Airbnb houseboat, but upon inspecting it,
we found a rather large crocodile sunning itself on the aft. That rental thought vanished as fast as our legs could travel.
Florida, though, definitely has California beat when it comes to the cost of living: no state income tax, lower fuel costs, more affordable housing by a long shot, and cheaper energy costs.
Not to mention, Florida does have an overall lower violent crime rate than California.
No wonder so many Californians are moving to Florida every day. Just try to find a U-Haul in the Golden State.
Both coasts are beautiful in their own way. Sparkling blue ocean waters, sandy beaches, wonderful weather year-round, and plenty of activities for any age group to enjoy.
Since the 16th century, both have received visitors from around the world. Florida has waved the Spanish and British flags in its past until becoming the 27th state. California has flown flags from Spain and Mexico before becoming the 31st state.
California has the waves, the dramatic coastlines, whale watching, and … well, sharks.
Florida has warmer water, two coastlines (Atlantic and the Gulf of America), manatees, and yes, sharks, too.
Trying to compare the two isn’t like
apples to oranges, but more like oranges to oranges. Both states are beautiful, climate-friendly, but each is also unique. In terms of cost of living, Florida beats California hands down. Politically, that is up to the reader to decide - I don’t venture into that avenue.
One thing is for sure. Whichever coast one may find themselves on, get out and enjoy. And, don’t be in a hurry.
John can be reached at beyersbyways@gmail.com
courtesy of Monty's Facebook
Be careful near the waters
More Than Just a Rainbow
By Tiffanie Nicole – Pulse of the Heartland
FOR SARAI SAPP, storytelling is about more than words. It is about capturing a feeling and sharing it in a way others can recognize in their own lives.
Her book, When I See a Rainbow, began with a quiet moment. Sitting on her porch, she looked up and saw a rainbow stretching across the sky. In that instant, she felt something simple but powerful. Peace. Hope. A reminder that even ordinary moments can hold meaning.
Now, after recently relocating to Highlands County, that message has taken on a deeper meaning. What began as a difficult transition has turned into something positive. With new friendships, strong community support, and a sense of belonging, she has found exactly what her story reflects.
Every page of her book, both written and illustrated by Sapp, was created with intention. Her hope is that readers pause, take a breath, and find something meaningful in their own world.
“Even if no one else agrees or understands why, all that matters is that it matters to you,” Sapp said.
Not something complicated. Just something real. Because sometimes, hope shows up in the simplest ways.
A Sweet Gesture for Those Who Served
By Tiffanie Nicole – Pulse of the Heartland
SOMETIMES, it’s the smallest things that carry the biggest meaning. After their original ice cream freezer went out, senior veterans at The Fellowship at the Fairways were left without a simple comfort many had come to enjoy.
But this community stepped up.
Thanks to the efforts of Disabled American Veterans Senior Vice Commander Joe Kozic, and the support of Home Depot in Sebring, FL a brand new ice cream chest is now in place bringing back not just cold treats, but smiles. It may look like just a freezer.
But to the veterans who gather there, it represents appreciation, care, and the reminder that their service is not forgotten. Moments like this matter.
A huge thank you to Joe Kozic for making it happen, and to Home Depot for stepping in and turning a need into a reality for our local veterans.
Because taking care of those who served, should always be a priority.
Highlands Observes Memorial Day
By Barry Foster
THE END OF THIS MONTH will be Memorial Day, the beginning of the High Holy Days of Patriotism that climax on Independence Day, July 4, then extend on with observances that mark what happened directly after the signing of the Declaration of Independence informing the people of the action, and bracing the country for the War of Independence that would follow.
Highlands County has a stout population of veterans, and Memorial Day, the day of gratitude for those who gave their all in the service of their country, has always been well marked locally.
Since 2012, Lakeview Memorial Gardens has held morning observances which have grown into a very large and elaborate tradition featuring local Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets, Highlands County Sheriff's deputies, Florida Highway Patrol troopers, special music and a speech by different military personnel with incredible stories to tell.
That will continue this coming May 25 beginning at their location at 854 Memorial Drive in Avon Park.
This year, the presentation will come from Retired Army SFC Howard J. Blake, the recipient of two Bronze Stars and a pair of Purple Hearts for his injuries in Battle.
Music this year will be provided by vocalist Helen Blondel, with bagpipes and a special rendition of "Echo Taps" featuring two buglers.
The program begins at 9am, with refreshments provided prior to the program and a cookout afterward. Because of the anticipated heat, Lakeview Memorial Gardens again will erect two large tents, with seating for the crowd. Cold Drinks and fans also will be provided.
For those who find walking to be a challenge, transportation will be provided for those who require it from the designated parking area to the event site. There will be seating provided, but those who prefer their own chairs are encouraged to bring them.
Additional information on the event may be obtained by calling Gina Smith at (863) 385-4942
Also that Memorial Day Monday, there will be an afternoon observance at The Military Sea Services Museum on Roseland Avenue in Sebring. This observance has been going on for nearly a decade.
Keynote speaker there will be U.S. Army Ret. Col. Mike Borders. In addition to commanding a nuclear Pershing Missile battery in Europe during the Cold War, Col, Borders is a Latin American subject matter expert - intimately familiar with
recent Cuban, Venezuelan and Colombian developments.
Sebring Mayor John Shoop also will deliver remarks.
Following the observance, there will be a ceremonial cake cutting using a Naval officer sword. Refreshments then will be served.
Again, seating there will be under cover of tents, with cold bottled water and refreshments available.
The day long observances are staged back to back to provide residents an ample opportunity to honor America's service men and women who gave their all in the service of their country.
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR: Barry Foster has been providing news to Highlands County for better than 30 years, both as a radio broadcaster and talk show host, as well as writing for the local newspaper. He now is featured on his own internet program, The Barry Foster Show on Youtube.
All photos from 2025 Lakeview Memorial Gardens
Photos by Barry Foster
21-Gun Salute
ROTC cadets
Helen Blondel
He Kept Getting Up
DURING MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH, there are stories that deserve more than a headline. Some stories are not polished. They are not easy. They are not built in offices or behind podiums. They are built in moments most people would never choose to live through, and in the decisions made when everything feels like it is falling apart.
In Highlands County, Jay Collins, Florida’s Lieutenant Governor, sat down with Pulse of the Heartland for a one-onone interview. Not a press gaggle. Not a staged appearance. A real conversation. What came out of that conversation was not a campaign message. It was the story of a man who has lived through more than most people ever will.
Collins’ story does not begin in leadership. It begins in struggle. Born to a teenage mother and later adopted by his grandparents, he grew up in poverty. The kind of poverty where you are aware early that life is not the same for you as it is for others. He watched his family lose their farm. He saw addiction affect the people closest to him. He saw what instability looks like inside a home.
“My life has been complex,” he said. “I’ve gone through many things… more than many.”
There were times when there was no
clear place to land. He stayed where he could. With friends. In homes that were not his. And at times, in his truck. Not for effect. Not for a story later. Because that was the reality in that moment.
Faith during those years was not simple. It was not steady. It moved with circumstances. It was questioned. It was challenged. It was something he had to wrestle with long before he ever spoke publicly about it.
Even when things began to stabilize, life did not let up. He spoke about finding a stronger relationship with God in his late teens, only to face more hardship when his father passed away and his mother struggled to hold everything together. Those moments did not break him, but they shaped how he would see both struggle and purpose moving forward.
Then he chose to serve.
As a Green Beret, Collins entered a world most people will never experience. Not the version seen in movies, but the reality of conflict where decisions are immediate and consequences are permanent. It is a world that tests not just physical strength, but belief itself.
“Sometimes it’s hard not to question your faith,” he said. “When you see things… it hurts as a person.”
He spoke about what he witnessed overseas. The kind of things that stay with you long after you leave. The kind of moments that make you ask questions that do not have easy answers.
“There is evil in this world,” he said. “But there’s also good. And if good men and women don’t step up and counter it, then all is lost.”
That belief came with a cost.
Collins was shot in combat. Later, he was hit by a mortar blast that would ultimately cost him his leg. The kind of moment that changes everything. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
Years followed where his body was rebuilt piece by piece. Surgeries. Recovery. Pain that does not simply disappear. At one point, he was lying in a hospital bed unsure of what his future would look like.
At the same time, his young son was fighting his own battle, struggling daily with a condition that made even basic things like eating difficult.
“I would have given up my other leg in a second to take that from him,” he said.
For Collins, the hardest moments were never about what happened to him. They were about the people he loved.
There are also losses that do not heal with time. He spoke about losing a close friend. A man who had finally started a family after years of trying. A man who never made it home.
“Those are the things that hurt,” Collins said. “Because he was such a good man.”
That is where the weight of service becomes personal.
And still, he kept getting up.
By Tiffanie Nicole – Pulse of the Heartland
“You can’t break someone who keeps getting up,” he said. It is not a slogan. It is a reality.
When he talks about turning points, he does not point to politics. He points to perspective.
“All I wanted to be was a Green Beret,” he said. “But God had more in mind.”
For him, hardship was not the end. It was the process.
“It takes heat. It takes pressure,” he said. “You have to go through hard times to become something stronger.”
That belief carried him through recovery and into the next chapter of his life.
Through all of it, one thing remained constant. His family.
His wife, a highly accomplished military professional, stepped away from her own career to support their family when everything else was uncertain.
“She gave me a leg to stand on before I had one,” he said. It is not a line meant to impress. It is a truth.
For most of his life, politics was not something Collins wanted. He understood what came with it. Division. Criticism. The reality that not everyone will agree.
“I never wanted to be in a position where I couldn’t make 40 to 50 percent of the people happy,” he said.
But there came a point where standing on the sidelines was no longer an option.
That moment came during a time when the country was facing challenges, and it was reinforced by something simple, but direct.
“Dad, you’re whining. What are you going to do about it?”
That question came from his son. It stayed with him.
“I just couldn’t stand on the sidelines anymore,” he said. So he stepped forward.
Today, as Florida’s Lieutenant Governor and a candidate for governor, Collins carries a perspective that was not built in politics, but long before it.
When he talks about leadership, it is not polished.
“Moral courage is doing the hard right,” he said. “Especially when it’s hard.”
Not when it is easy. Not when it is popular. When it costs something.
While speaking to people in Highlands County, that message stayed consistent.
“Leadership isn’t about being loud,” he said. “It’s about staying the course. Solving problems. Remembering who we are.”
He does not define himself first by office.
“I’m a dad and I’m a husband first,” he said.
That is where everything starts for him.
Family. Responsibility. Legacy.
When asked how he hopes to be remembered, his answer was simple.
“I want to be known as someone who made a difference,” he said. “Someone who put others ahead of myself.”
There are many ways to write about a man. You can focus on position. You can focus on policy. You can focus on politics.
Or you can focus on the life that shaped the person making those decisions.
This is that story.
A life that started in uncertainty. That moved through hardship, loss, war, and rebuilding. A life that, at multiple points, could have stopped.
But didn’t.
And during Military Appreciation Month, that matters. Because before the office, before the campaign, before the title, there was service.
And for some, that service never ends.
Carrying Forward
Honoring What Was Given, Living What Matters
Devotional Introduction
NONE OF US GOT HERE ON OUR OWN.
Someone showed up for us. Someone sacrificed for us. Someone believed in us when we didn’t see it ourselves.
Some gave in big, visible ways. Others gave quietly, over time, without recognition. And now we stand in a life shaped by what was poured into us.
May brings reminders of that. We honor mothers who carried more than we ever realized. We remember those who gave everything so others could live freely. We watch graduates step into new chapters built on years of investment.
The question isn’t just what we’ve received. It’s what we carry forward.
This 28-step journey is self-paced. Move quickly or slowly, but let each step be intentional. Growth isn’t measured by how fast you move — but by how deeply you live it.
Daily Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Help me recognize what has been given to me.
Give me gratitude for those who have poured into my life.
Heal what still needs healing. Strengthen what needs to grow.
Guide me in how I live, speak, and serve. Let my life reflect something worth carrying forward.
Amen.
28 Self-Paced Steps
1. Think of one person who impacted your life — write their name down.
2. Thank God specifically for something someone taught you.
3. Reach out to someone who has supported you and tell them thank you.
4. Reflect on a sacrifice someone made that benefited you.
5. Spend 5 quiet minutes and listen for God’s direction.
6. Write down three things in your life you didn’t build alone.
7. Let yourself feel gratitude without rushing past it.
8. Reflect on something that still feels unresolved in your past.
9. Forgive someone who didn’t meet your expectations.
10. Acknowledge something difficult that shaped you.
11. Pray about something you’ve been avoiding emotionally.
12. Let go of the idea that everything had to be perfect to matter.
13. Replace one negative memory with a lesson you learned.
14. Ask God for clarity on what still needs healing.
15. Do one intentional act of kindness today.
16. Encourage someone the way you once needed encouragement.
17. Show patience where you normally rush.
18. Offer help before being asked.
19. Spend one conversation fully present — no distractions.
20. Serve someone in your home first.
21. Choose integrity in a small decision today.
22. Set one goal that reflects the life you want to live.
23. Speak life over someone else’s future.
24. Pray specifically for your family and their direction.
25. Reflect on what kind of example you are setting.
26. Write a short statement of the values you want to live by.
27. Invest time in someone who could benefit from it.
28. Commit to living in a way that honors what you’ve been given.
Closing
What was given to you matters. What you do with it matters even more. Carry it forward.
Share what stood out to you on the Pulse of the Heartland Facebook page — we’d love to hear your journey.
By Ynot Folkner - Pulse of the Heartland
A Holistic Approach to Wellness: Supporting the Body God Designed
By Julie Stough, Wellness Advocate
MY JOURNEY INTO WELLNESS didn’t begin in a classroom, it began through my own health challenges. There was a time when I felt like my body wasn’t working the way it should, and I knew there had to be more than just managing symptoms. That search led me down a path of research, faith, and discovery.
What I’ve come to believe with my whole heart is this: God designed our bodies with the ability to heal. When we give our bodies what they truly need, they will begin to repair and restore themselves the way they were intended to.
That understanding shapes everything I do as a wellness advocate.
The foundation of my approach begins at the cellular level. Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells that are constantly communicating, repairing, and protecting us. This communication is supported by redox signaling molecules—naturally produced messengers that help our cells respond to stress and function properly. Over time, due to age and daily stress, that communication can slow down, which
is often when we begin to feel the effects in our energy, recovery, and overall wellbeing.
From there, I incorporate frequencybased wellness tools. The body is electrical by design, and every cell carries its own frequency. Supporting the body in this way can help encourage circulation, movement, and overall balance—working hand in hand with cellular communication to “wake up” the system.
The third piece of my approach is essential oils. These plant-based tools have been used for thousands of years— dating back to ancient civilizations and even referenced in the Bible. They are one of the many gifts God has given us through nature to support both the body and the emotions. When the body’s communication pathways are supported and circulation is improved, the body is often better able to receive and utilize these natural solutions.
What I’ve learned—both in my own life and in helping others—is that healing is not found in one quick fix. It’s found in small, daily choices. Drinking more water. Nourishing your body. Moving a little
more each day. Reducing toxins. Being intentional.
Those small steps, done consistently, can lead to big changes over time.
I don’t believe our bodies are broken—I believe they are wonderfully made. Sometimes they just need the right support, the right environment, and a little patience to do what they were created to do.
Because when we align with the design God gave us… the body has an incredible ability to restore, renew, and thrive.
If this resonates with you and you’re looking for a more natural, supportive approach to your wellness journey, I would love to connect with you. You can find more information and ways to reach me through my websites listed below.
Julie Stough
Holistic Wellness Advocate | Raindrop Practitioner
Empowering families toward natural wellness (407) 388-5754 livingwelleo@gmail.com https://livingwelleo.com
SFSC Foundation Hosted Boots and Bling Learning & Legacy Gala to Support Students
THE SOUTH FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE (SFSC) Foundation celebrated education at its second annual Learning & Legacy Gala at the Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park on Friday, April 17. This event raised over $11,000 to Build for the Future for students and the College.
Sponsors for the event were Summa Cum Laude Sponsor Roman Three Ranch, Doyle Carlton III and Family; Magna Cum Laude Sponsors Highlands Radio Group (in-kind) and TRANE; Cum Laude Sponsors Century 21 Advanced All Service Realty, Inc., Jacob and Giselle Cook, Dr. Catherine P. Cornelius, Parker R. Hall, Pure Grit (inkind), and Katie Wilson, ReMax Realtor; and In-Kind Sponsors Bernie Little Distributors, Inc. (beer sponsor), The Fuchser Family (band hospitality sponsor), and Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Saunders (wine sponsor).
The silent auction portion of the event was supported by a number of popular regional
businesses, all of which can be seen listed on the website: southflorida.edu/supportsfsc/foundation-events/sfsc-gala
Students from the Culinary Arts, Dental Education, and Fire Science/ EMS programs were in attendance to demonstrate the hands-on training they receive in class. Undergraduate Research students presented posters with the topics they have been studying for guests.
“The energy during the event was incredible! Seeing our students share their passions alongside our donors and community partners made for a truly memorable evening and a great reminder of why we do this work,” said Emily Dabolt, executive director of institutional advancement at SFSC. “Together, we are Building for the Future, and we couldn’t do it without the incredible support of our sponsors, silent auction partners, guests, students, and instructors who bring this event to life each year.”
For more information about the Learning & Legacy Gala, contact the SFSC Foundation at 863-453-3133 or foundation@southflorida.edu
ABOUT THE SFSC FOUNDATION
The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation strengthens the connection between the College and the community by cultivating and stewarding philanthropic support. The Foundation encourages, solicits, and manages financial and inkind contributions to advance the mission and priorities of South Florida State College. Funds received are directed to initiatives that support student success and institutional growth. This includes scholarships and program and facility enhancements. Through responsible stewardship and community partnership, the Foundation helps expand access to education and sustain the College’s impact across the region.
The Season of Motherhood
YOU CAN SPOT A MOTHER ANYWHERE.
In a grocery store aisle with a toddler on her hip. At a ball field cheering louder than anyone else. Sitting quietly at a school event, phone full of photos no one else will ever see. Or standing in a doorway, watching a grown child walk out into their own life. She looks different in every stage. Because motherhood is not one moment. It is a lifetime of seasons.
Some are just beginning, holding a newborn with unsure hands and a heart that has never felt so full or so afraid. Some are in the thick of it, balancing work, school pickups, dinners, and the constant pull of being needed in ten places at once. Others are standing on the other side, learning what it means to let go while still loving just as fiercely.
And every season carries its own kind of strength.
For the young mom, life can feel like it changed overnight. Dreams are still forming while responsibility has already arrived. There is a quiet resilience there. The kind that shows up tired but keeps
going anyway. The kind that learns on the fly and loves without limits.
For the mothers in the middle years, life moves fast. Days are packed. Schedules are full. Sacrifices are constant and often invisible. This is the season where she becomes everything at once. Teacher, protector, provider, comforter. It may not always be seen, but it is everything.
For the mothers whose children are grown, the season shifts again. The house may be quieter, but the love is not. It deepens. It stretches across distance, across time, across new beginnings. There is pride. There is reflection. There is sometimes a quiet ache for the days that passed too quickly. But there is also peace in knowing what was built will last.
And then there are the mothers whose stories do not fit into neat categories.
The grandmothers raising another generation.
The women who have lost children and carry that love every day.
The mothers who are still waiting.
The women who chose to love, guide, and nurture children who were not born to them but became theirs in every way
A Season Called Mother
She blooms in beginnings
Soft and unsure
Holding a life
She would already give hers for
She grows in the middle
Where days blur and bend
In the making of moments
She wishes would never end
She stands in the later
With a quieter grace
Watching her love
Find its own place
She is not one moment
Not one single role
She is every season
That shapes a soul
By Tiffanie Nicole | Pulse of the Heartland
that matters.
Motherhood is not defined by perfection. It is defined by presence.
It is in the late nights and early mornings. The whispered prayers. The packed lunches. The hard conversations. The moments no one claps for.
But they matter.
Here in Highlands County, you see it every day. In small businesses where moms are working behind the counter with their kids nearby. In classrooms, churches, ballfields, and neighborhoods where women are holding families and communities together in ways that often go unnoticed.
They are the steady force behind so much of what makes this community feel like home.
And whether they are just beginning, right in the middle, or looking back on years that went by too fast, every mother is living a season that deserves to be seen.
Because motherhood is not one story. It is millions of stories, unfolding every single day.
And every one of them matters.
More Than a Name on the Ballot
IN A TIME WHEN MANY voters feel disconnected from the people seeking to represent them, Dr. Collige enters the conversation with something that cannot be manufactured. Real life experience shaped by service, family, faith, and a growing frustration with systems that are no longer working for everyday Floridians.
Before the campaign, before the conversations about policy, his story begins with something much more personal.
“The moment that truly defined me was when I married my wife,” he shared. “It was
not just about love. It was about becoming better. She grounded me, challenged me, and changed how I approached life. It made me more focused on building something meaningful not just for myself, but for my family.”
That foundation has stayed with him through every chapter of his life. It is also where his definition of leadership begins. Not in titles or recognition, but in responsibility and consistency.
As a veteran, Collige carries lessons from his time in service that still guide him today.
“One of the most impactful things I was taught was that professionalism has no bounds,” he said. “You do things the right way every time, no matter who is watching. That is what leadership looks like.”
It is a principle he has carried far beyond the military. From contracting overseas to investigative work and now as a public adjuster, his work has consistently placed him in situations where people are vulnerable and in need of someone willing to stand in their corner.
Faith plays a central role in that mission.
“My faith has always been a guiding compass,” he explained. “It teaches that when you are in a position of strength, you
By Tiffanie Nicole – Pulse of the Heartland
have a duty to stand up for those who are vulnerable.”
That belief has translated into a career built around protecting others. In the military he protected people. As a contractor he supported missions that kept troops safer. As an investigator he pursued those who exploited others. Today he works directly with homeowners facing one of the most frustrating challenges in Florida.
Insurance.
For many families across the state, rising costs and shrinking coverage have created a situation that feels impossible to navigate. For Collige, it is not just something he has observed. It is something he deals with every day.
“What made me step forward was the lack of accountability,” he said. “I have seen carriers influence legislation while everyday people are struggling just to keep their homes. People are paying more and getting less, and the system is protecting companies instead of consumers.”
Behind that frustration are real stories that continue to stay with him.
Some of the most difficult involve elderly homeowners who did everything right. They worked their entire lives, paid off their homes, and expected to be secure. Instead, they are now being forced to sell because they can no longer afford the insurance required to keep those homes.
“That should never happen,” he said.
In another situation, a homeowner returned from a trip to find water pouring
out of their home. The damage was estimated at one hundred fifty thousand dollars, yet their policy capped coverage at just twenty thousand.
“Imagine paying your premiums for years and then finding out when you need help the most that you are not actually covered,” he said. “These are not isolated cases. They happen every day.”
For Collige, these are the moments that shift the conversation from policy to people.
“As an individual, it is frustrating and
personal,” he explained. “We are required to have insurance, yet the relationship feels completely unbalanced. Rates go up, coverage gets cut, and families are left trying to figure out how to recover.”
It is that imbalance that ultimately pushed him to step forward.
And while many candidates rely on large events or controlled messaging, Collige continues to focus on something much simpler. Showing up.
“That is what leadership looks like,” he said. “People deserve access to those who want to represent them. Not just during a campaign, but before and after as well.”
Even when attendance is small or responses are limited, he continues to engage. For him, accountability is not a talking point. It is a two way expectation.
When asked what people often misunderstand about him, his answer is straightforward.
“Most people just struggle with how to pronounce my name,” he said with a smile. “But beyond that, I think they expect a typical politician. That is not who I am.”
Instead, he describes himself as someone shaped by real experiences. A husband. A father. A business owner. Someone who still handles everyday responsibilities like anyone else.
“My family keeps me grounded,” he said. “No matter what is happening with the campaign, I am still a husband and a
father first. That reminds me exactly who I am fighting for.”
That perspective carries into how he hopes people see him after meeting him.
“I want people to walk away knowing that I am genuine,” he said. “What they see is what they get.”
At its core, his campaign is not about building a political image. It is about standing firm in values that have defined his life long before he ever considered running for office.
“I want my family to say that I stood firm in my beliefs, even when it was not easy,” he said. “That I did not take the easy way out if it meant compromising what I knew was right.”
For communities like those across Highlands County, his message is rooted in something familiar.
“My story is not unique. It is relatable,” he said. “I grew up in Florida. I have seen what this state was and what it is becoming. This is about more than insurance. It is about preserving our communities, our way of life, and making sure the people who live here are not pushed out.”
In a state facing rapid change, rising costs, and growing concerns about affordability, Collige is stepping forward with a message centered not on politics, but on people.
And for many, that may be exactly where the conversation needs to begin.
History Almanac
MAY, 1981 – The Avon Park Depot was opened as a museum by the newly formed Historical Society of Avon Park in May of 1981. The 100 year old building that first served as a train depot offering residents a convenient transportation option, now provides a home for the collection of documents, photographs and artifacts that preserve the history of this community for future generations. The museum has evolved over the past 45 years to include a variety of exhibits organized into categories by room. The museum is maintained and operated by the Historical Society of Avon Park and community volunteers. This is the story of how it came to be.
Train service in Avon Park began in 1912. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad came through Avon Park twice a week. The Atlantic Coastline Depot was built just east of where the Community Center stands today. In those early days the trip by rail from Haines City to Avon Park took a full day. Leoma Maxwell in her book The First Hundred Years of Avon Park, Florida, wrote that the engineer would stop the train along the way and send the fireman into the woods to cut enough wood to fire the boiler so the train could complete the run. A second set of tracks built by the Seaboard Airline Railroad through Avon Park was added and the station building (the current museum) was completed in 1926.
Residents of Avon Park and the surrounding area enjoyed the convenience of train travel up until 1976 when service was discontinued. Trains continued to pass through Avon Park, as they do today, but did not stop to take on or discharge passengers and freight. What was the reason for the closing of the Avon Park Depot? As with many things, it had to do with economics.
Petroleum supplies to the United States were disrupted by the 1973 OPEC oil embargo and the 1979 Iranian Revolution creating severe fuel shortages and very high gas prices. The high cost of fuel caused companies to turn to shipping product by trains instead of trucks. Rail companies cut back on passenger business in order to use the existing rail routes to ship freight. This led to the closing, up and down the line, of rail stations that served passengers. The Avon Park Depot closed in 1976, while the
station in Sebring remained open.
The Old Settlers Association, formed in 1946, was a civic organization and immediately began the process of obtaining the now empty depot building to use as a museum. The Old Settlers Association had a rather small membership and it became apparent early on that it would take a broad base of community support if the project were to be successful. The Historical Society of Avon Park, with membership open to all, was born.
Leoma Maxwell, local business owner (Maxwell Groves), led the charge along with her good friend Cora Wray, to convince the City Council to secure the Depot building for a museum. Their efforts were successful and the deed was transferred to the City on January 4, 1979.
The Ladies Who Got the Job Done
In 1903, Cora Gray arrived in Avon Park from Perry, New York, with her family. She married Fred Elmore Wray and they raised five children. Cora Wray could be called the historian of Avon Park. In addition to collecting scrapbooks, photographs, and community event programs, she maintained a wide correspondence with friends and acquaintances in other states, some were military people who were stationed here during the war years. Mrs. Wray believed strongly that Avon Park should have a museum and looked forward to a time when her collection of photos and documents could be organized into exhibits and displayed. She worked along side Mrs. Maxwell to get the museum started, sadly she passed away before the museum opened. The items she collected and donated formed the basis of the current museum collection.
Leoma Maxwell felt strongly that the
By Nancy Fisk
pioneer spirit that built Avon Park should be honored and the history of this town preserved. When the opportunity to have a building for this purpose became available, she engaged other citizens to join her to make her dream of an Avon Park museum a reality. Mrs. Maxwell was active in the community along with running a business with her husband and raising their four children. She was the driving force behind getting others to “get on board” the museum project. Donations of documents, photographs and artifacts came in from local residents and exhibits were created. The space where folks once waited for a train, now informs visitors of the city’s history. Leoma Maxwell was the first director of the museum. We continue to build on her foresight and efforts today.
The museum is manned by local volunteers and relies on Historical Society memberships and events for income. Hundreds of visitors from across the state and beyond pass through the museum each year. Admission is by donation.
On May 9, 2026, a new chapter in the Depot Museum story continues with the opening of the baseball exhibits that chronical 100 years of Avon Park baseball history. As before, the idea for this new chapter was the vision of two individuals – Mrs. Marva Turner and Dr. Ron Sevigny. They believed preserving this unique aspect of Avon Park history was important and they set about doing what was necessary to make it happen. It took over three years to raise the required funds and execute the project, and with the support of the community, the day has arrived. On May 9, a ribbon cutting and ceremony will acknowledge several 100 year anniversaries: the incorporation of the city, the building of the depot museum, and the creation of Cardinal Field. All three, ordinary events that have led to an extraordinary history.
Foxhole Faith
By Jerry Boritzki
JUDE 22-23 “…of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire…”.
It has been said, “There are no atheists in foxholes”. I first came to Christ as a young sailor in Rota, Spain. My pastor there came to Christ years earlier while serving in Vietnam and as his helicopter was going down, in fear he prayed for the first time. Immediately, the pilot regained control of the chopper and by then, God had gained control of his life, and he continues to serve Him today.
After the horrific treatment by many of our citizens toward US service members returning from Vietnam, it seems we have learned to love and show appreciation for our troops regardless of how we feel about current administrations, wars, or conflicts. Those who sign their life away for years are not to blame for policies or war. Most all service members will face the same three enemies: hostile environments, loneliness, and fear of the unknown. Too many of our troops and veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disease (PTSD), Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSS), or Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI), all different names for the same problem in an attempt to lessen the stigma of each.
Hostile environments – The minute a service member arrives at Boot Camp, their life changes. From their happy farewell
parties, to drill sergeants screaming in their faces, fences enclosing them and gates guarded so they cannot leave. They encounter pressures they thought they were ready for but quickly learn they were not.
Loneliness – The transition from civilian life to the new military life, the months and sometimes years of training are a difficult time. If you look up the definition of ‘loneliness’ it falls far short of the reality. Here in the Heartland, we see what happens when a senior loses their partner of fifty and sometimes seventy years. It can be the same for a young person who is separated from family, friends and lovers for the first time in their life. Following their training the first set of orders arrive, often sending them overseas for yet another new beginning. Which brings them to yet another fear, of the unknown.
Fear of the Unknown – Whether it is duty on a ship, a soft assignment in southern Spain, or dropped into the desert in the heat of battle, there is a fear of the unknown: what will happen,ongoing concerns of not fitting in. More loneliness: will my significant other still be there when I return? In the battle zone the question is much more important. Will I survive this?
I found it interesting one day while I was going through some old boxes and found a little Gideon’s New Testament. I was surprised to see that I had signed and dated the little prayer in the front of the
New Testament while I was in Boot Camp. I found a place of peace and hope there and claimed it, apparently, while laying on my bunk in the quietness of lonely barracks, surrounded by sixty other sailors all feeling the same way.
The Military Chaplain Corp was established in 1775, and just celebrated its 250th anniversary. The spiritual needs of our troops are well understood by our great nation. How we come to a closer walk is often different…Some by compassion… others by fear.
I found Christ because a Chaplain took the time to understand my situation and encourage me to surrender to Christ.
My pastor found his Peace through fear of his helicopter going down and his life coming to a premature and uncertain end.
Let’s all use this Military Appreciation Month to reach out to someone we know who is currently serving and tell them we care. When you see a veteran wearing a hat in a restaurant indicating they served, they are doing so because they are proud of the time they gave. Thank them for their service. Maybe take it a step further. If you did not serve, why not thank them for their service and then pick up their tab, too!
This is an entire month set aside to appreciate those who deserve our thanks. “All gave some, Some gave all.”
Memorial Day: Holding Joy and Grief in the Same Hand
By Anthony R. Folkner II
MEMORIAL DAY HAS ALWAYS CARRIED A WEIGHT TO IT.
It’s not just another long weekend. It’s not just the unofficial start of summer. It’s a day marked by sacrifice— the kind that can’t be repaid.
It’s a day set aside to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country.
And because of that, there’s often this quiet question that floats around every year:
Is it okay to say “Happy Memorial Day”?
For some, that phrase feels out of place—maybe even disrespectful. And I understand that. There is nothing “happy” about loss. There is nothing light about folded flags, empty chairs, or names etched in stone.
But in our household, we’ve come to see it a little differently.
For me, Memorial Day has always been a task—an intentional act—of choosing joy while honoring grief. Not replacing it. Not ignoring it. But carrying both at the same time.
Because the men and women I remember… the ones I served alongside, the ones we’ve lost… they didn’t give everything so we could live cautiously or quietly.
They lived fully. They laughed hard. They gave everything they had—not just in the end, but in the way they showed up every single day.
And I can’t help but believe that if they could speak into this day, they wouldn’t ask us to lower our heads and stay there. They’d tell us to live.
To gather.
To laugh.
To hug our families a little tighter.
To fire up the grill.
To sit in the sun a little longer than we should.
Not in spite of their sacrifice—but because of it.
So yes, we remember with reverence.
We pause.
We reflect.
We honor.
But we also celebrate.
We celebrate freedom.
We celebrate the lives they lived.
And we celebrate the fact that we still get to be here—living the very life they helped protect.
So if you hear me say “Happy Memorial Day,” know this:
It’s not coming from a place of forgetting. It’s coming from a place of deep gratitude.
A place that understands the cost… and chooses to live in a way that makes that cost matter.
Because sometimes the most respectful thing we can do… is to live well in their memory.
Avon Park Chamber of Commerce Announces New Executive Director
THE AVON PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (APCC) has hired a new executive director to fill the role vacated by Kamla Long. Raquel Embrack-Scott has been selected for the role and began her tenure on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The mission of the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce is to promote the interest of its membership by assuming a leadership role in making Avon Park a quality environment in which to live, work, and conduct business. The executive director leads the Chamber’s efforts to support and serve member businesses and organizations of all categories, locations, and sizes.
Embrack-Scott has experience connecting people for a shared goal, which included community development and affordable housing for the Town of Islip, organizational leadership for the Uniondale Community Council, and program creation for the Department of Corrections in Queens, all located in New York. She created partnerships with the United Way, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and regional non-profits in her previous positions.
“I speak for the entire Board when I say we were truly impressed with Raquel’s leadership during her time as the interim executive director and CEO of the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce,” said Dr. Angel HammondWiggins, interim board president for APCC and. “We are proud to now share that she has formally accepted the permanent executive director role. We look forward to the depth of knowledge and expertise she brings from her years in government and nonprofit service, and we are confident that her leadership will strengthen and elevate our Chamber and our community.”
“With more than a decade of experience strengthening local business ecosystems and building cross-sector partnerships, I am excited about the opportunity to support Avon Park Chamber’s continued growth, economic vitality, and community engagement,” said Embrack-Scott. “My experience prepared me to serve as a visible, trusted leader for the Chamber as someone who listens fully, communicates transparently, and represents the community with professionalism and enthusiasm.”
Raquel Embrack-Scott earned a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College in N.Y. and a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from SUNY Old Westbury in N.Y. She also studied abroad at Minzu University in Beijing, China to learn about international business structures, crosscultural communication, and global economic models.
For more information about the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce, visit apccfl. org, email Raquel.Embrack@apccfl.org, or call 863-453-3350.
Avon Park’s Most Positive Citizen – April 2026
By Jenny Tullo- Avon Park resident
Join us in celebrating this month’s Most Positive Citizen, Sacara
Tyler!
SACARA IS THE PROUD OWNER of Jimmy’s Flowers, where her kindness, faith, and uplifting spirit shine just as brightly as the beautiful arrangements created in her shop. Known throughout the community for her warm smile and friendly nature, Sacara truly brings joy to everyone she meets.
Beyond her business, Sacara gives back in a meaningful way by spending time teaching members of ARC how to create flower arrangements—sharing both her talent and her heart. The results? Absolutely stunning creations that reflect the love and care poured into every bouquet.
When asked how she stays so positive, Sacara shared that it comes from bringing joy to others through her work—creating special moments with flowers for people during all of life’s occasions.
And who helps keep her grounded and positive? Without hesitation, she said her daughter, Carlyn Dee—a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. If you haven’t visited Jimmy’s Flowers yet, you’re missing out! Stop by, support local, and experience the beauty and positivity Sacara and her team bring to Avon Park every day.
A special thank you to this month’s business sponsors, Thankful Hearts Nutrition and Special T’s Services, for supporting and uplifting our community initiatives—we appreciate you!
Congratulations, Sacara Tyler—thank you for making Avon Park a brighter, more positive place!
May 2026 Community Calendar
WHERE VETERANS ARE HONORED YEAR-ROUND
Highlands County & Okeechobee
At Pulse of the Heartland, we want our veterans to know where they are honored in our community. The following businesses currently offer recurring discounts to veterans and Active Duty service members. This is not a complete list and will continue to grow. Please confirm details directly with each business, as policies may change.
• Village Inn — 10%
• Denny’s — 10% (AARP 15%)
• Bob Evans — 10%
• IHOP — 10%
• Fairmount Café (Veteran-Owned) — 10%
• Dee’s Place — 10%
• Chili’s — 10% (Must ask)
• Applebee’s — 10%
• Beef O’Brady’s — 10%
• Tabby’s Bar & Grill — 10% (Military & First Responders)
• Lowe’s — Military Discount (Registration required)
• Ace Hardware (Avon Park) — 15%
• Triple B’s Car Wash — $5 off washes; $10 off memberships; $10 off oil changes
• Flo Vape (Veteran-Owned) — Veteran Discounts Available
• Freedom Lawn Care & Landscaping — 10%
• Back Alley Bar & Grill — 10%
• Oscar’s — 10% (Veterans only)
• Demetri’s Restaurant — 10% Market 27 — 10% (Veterans & Active Duty)
• Pure Grit Boot Company — Discount on full-priced items (ID required)
• Boot Barn — Military & Veteran Discount (Registration required)
• Home Depot — Military Discount (Registration required)
• THN Sebring (Thankful Hearts Nutrition) — 10%
If your business offers a discount to veterans, Active Duty service members, or first responders — now or in the future — we welcome you to contact Pulse of the Heartland to be included.