The Lakelander - Issue 93 by The Lakelander

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Rima Schillinger Vegetation Plant Food

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ISSUE 93

Photo by Sarah Brewington Baarns

Art & Style Ken Berman of The Glass Onion is a premiere stained glass artist whose presence is felt and seen across the city.

Culture Matthew Lowry is a fun-loving Floridian (and Lakelander) who has something to say. Find out his inspiration for his new album and what Flamingo County is all about.

Taste Rima Schillinger of Vegetation Plant Food has created a buzz in Lakeland with her fresh, delicious food—and we have the story behind it.

Builders Guide Rima Schillinger of Vegetation Plant Food has created a buzz in Lakeland with her fresh, delicious food—and we have the story behind it.

MASTHEAD

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE BUZZ

CONTRIBUTORS

METRO

ART AND STYLE

CULTURE

TASTE

BUILDERS GUIDE

82 HISTORY

MASTHEAD

ISSUE 93

PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING

CREATIVE

Curt Patterson

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449

Briana Chenot

ADVERTISING SALES

Emily Starling

Isaac Vargas | 407.619.3508

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785

Jordan Randall

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER OPERATIONS Jason Jacobs

EDITOR, CONTENT STRATEGIST

EDITORIAL

Sarah Brewington Baarns

DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER

CIRCULATION

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jordan Randall

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Jonathan Sierra

CONTRIBUTORS

Jason Jacobs

Adam Spafford

DISTRIBUTION

Jenna MacFarlane

David Heideman

RJ Walters MADE | ISSUE 93

Jonathan Sierra

VP, FINANCE Deb Patterson

Gabriela Andrews GENERAL COUNSEL Ted W. Weeks IV

The Lakelander is published 12 times annually by Lakelander Media, 1505 Florida Ave. S, Lakeland, FL 33803. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

THE LAKELANDER

“ Trust in th e Lord with all your h ear t , an d lean n ot on your own un derstan din g. In all your ways a ckn owledge Him, an d He will direc t your paths.” Proverbs 3:5- 6

CONTACT Lakelander Media, 1505 Florida Ave. S, Lakeland, FL 33803 Customer Service: 863.701.2707 • thelakelander.com

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EDITORS NOTE MADE | ISSUE 93 THE LAKELANDER

LIFE IS WHAT WE MAKE IT

you ask my children what I do for a living they might tell you that I “make magazines” or “make videos.” Don’t ask my wife what I make because it’s probably something along the lines of messes or trouble! They’re correct that what you’re holding in your hands is a creation, made by people for people. Each issue of the magazine is unique; every one of the 15,000 or so of each edition prints just a little differently; and where they end up is everywhere from coffee tables to backseats to desks. One of the coolest parts about being part of making something is the realization that it’s only possible because other people have used their Godgiven talents to make things that work in harmony and can bring our inspiration and vision to fruition. Less than 150 years ago it was unthinkable to even use multiple colors of wet inks in harmony. The Macbooks and iMacs and iPhones our creatives rely on heavily are not just the byproduct of a couple brilliant minds. It is the current (and always evolving) byproduct of millions of hours of projects and meetings, innovations that are microscopic to the eye that would take hundreds of pages to detail, countless failures, and literally the collaborative

efforts of millions of bright minds over the years that are foundational to a company of more than 160,000 employees. The digital recorder I used to document and transcribe interviews written in this magazine has more internal memory than PCs did 30 years ago, yet cost only about as much as a trip to the movies with my family. The building we call home was built more than 60 years ago with a vision to be a photography studio for Laklenaders; it was passed onto the son of the visionary; and now, as we modernize the space to fit our needs, what once was Phillips Photography still includes a professional photography and videography studio where ideas come to life. The reality is that in our often-automated and usually convenient age of Americanism it’s easy to forget the programmers behind the automation and the hard workers whose names and faces make our lives easier. That’s why we love bringing you the MADE Issue each year. It’s a celebration of good ideas, great people and relatable stories about businesses and products that reflect their journeys and can become part of yours. If you put all of the MADE winners in one room they likely wouldn’t all listen to the same music, mesh on political stances or even agree with how to put together a successful business plan. But I strongly believe they would each share the genuine satisfaction of finding their purpose, overcoming obstacles and finding a way to make something that no one else could, so they could share it with me and you.

RJ Walters EDITOR

THE BUZZ

AUTO ACCIDENT?

THE BUZZ

MADE | ISSUE 93

COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

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CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS GABRIELA ANDREWS Gabriela is currently a college student in Lakeland. As a graduate of Harrison School for the Arts’ creative writing program and daughter of two public educators in Polk County, she has grown up loving Lakeland and looks to give back to her community.

MADE | ISSUE 93

If not studying, she loves exploring new book stores, going to the beach, window shopping, making playlists, spending time with her little brother and writing.

SARAH BREWINGTON BAARNS With 15 years of creative experience, Sarah has worked among the (sometimes, seemingly irreconcilable) worlds of art academia and corporate creativity. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from Florida Southern College as well as her Master of Fine Arts in art practice from the School of Visual Arts in New York. She has worked as a corporate photographer for Publix Super Markets, held adjunct positions at multiple colleges, produced a sizable portfolio of freelance work, exhibited nationally as a visual artist, and led a digital marketing agency’s media team. Today, she works as an adjunct professor at Florida Southern College, an art instructor at the Polk Museum of Art and as a freelance photographer."

THE LAKELANDER

JENNA MACFARLANE

Hailing from Sarasota, Jenna Macfarlane is a Southeastern University graduate who fell in love with Lakeland when she arrived. Jenna earned a degree in communications and is passionate about her craft; she believes the highest form of art is hope and seeks to communicate it in every piece she writes. @jenna_macfarlane

22 MADE | ISSUE 93

METRO

THE LAKELANDER

fashion THAT EVOKES CONFIDENCE

WRITTEN BY DIEGO DE JESUS PHOTOS BY JON SIERRA & JACOB, OWNER OF BLAIR MEDIA GROUP DESIGNED BY BRIANA CHENOT

ashionista Yogi is the brainchild of Lakeland resident Susan Higgins that aims to bring a stylistic flair to yoga activewear. The brand was always an idea, but it wasn’t until 2022 when she looked herself in the mirror and decided to truly use her gifts and her story to pour fully into an apparel company that she had tinkered with for about a decade. It started to weigh heavy on her mind, so she knew she had to do something. “If I'm gonna be taking selfies and showing myself working out every day, I need to be representing something that comes from me that I want to really be wearing,” Higgins said. “That's really what pushed me to get something going is myself working out every day and not seeing myself wearing my own designs.” She wanted to build a strong foundation for her brand with a message, researching what was trendy but affordable for activewear. Along the way, she started working with a factory that provided the soft nylon and poly spandex fabrics she needed

for Fashionista’s notable touch, and she made each piece come to life with eye-catching colors like electrifying blue and Barbie pink. Currently, the brand operates exclusively online, on its website fashionistayogi.com, selling a plethora of vibrant female activewear and unisex t-shirts inspired by 80s rock. Notable items are their sports bras and jumpsuits that incorporate little details that make them distinctive. “I want people to be inspired to change the narrative and the story that they may have set up in their head, that may be a negative story, and I want them to turn that into a positive story,” Higgins said. “This brand is really for the fashionista.” Higgins knows firsthand what it means to turn tough times into opportunities for growth. Becoming a fashion designer was an undeniable vocation for Higgins, and she distinguished herself in New York City working for notable fashion brands like DKNY. But being a renowned fashion designer is a heavy mantle to carry, with high demand and a lot of pressure to always be pushing the envelope and turning profits. Neckdeep in stress, she needed an outlet to help her decompress.

METRO

In 2009, shortly after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, she discovered yoga. Yoga helped control her stress and flare-ups of the disease; it helped her find the tranquility of mind needed to push forward with her career. Her reputation preceded her, and she was recruited by JC Penney in 2011 to work at their corporate headquarters in Dallas. In that season of life she also mastered yoga and joined the Sunstone Yoga studio, earning a 500-hour trainer certificate in 2012. “There was something in my head that kept hitting me saying, ‘You should do this, you should do this,’” Higgins said. “And I started asking different teachers about it, and they told me about their experiences and how much they loved it.” She became an instructor, and loved it, but in 2016 she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis that damaged her wrists. She had to find alternative yoga movements and routines to compensate for that health change—but per usual, Higgins persevered.

Fast forward to 2021, Higgins was back in her hometown of Rochester, NY, when she was in and out of the hospital for several months, including suffering a diabetic coma. It was a scary time and her future was more uncertain than ever. It took months of physical therapy for Higgins to be able to walk again, but the bounce in her step eventually returned. In 2022, she moved to Lakeland to be with her mother, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for her. Much like her life journey, her company has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. This year has served as a catalyst for customer acquisition and new products. Higgins has canvassed the state setting up pop-up shops, as well as hosting yoga classes, all with her trademark smile that reflects confidence and boldness she hopes to pass along to others. You can check out the Fashionist Yogi brand, as well as Higgin’s upcoming schedule by following the brand on Facebook or Instagram.

THE LAKELANDER

@FashionistaYogi

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MADE | ISSUE 93

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUILDING YOUR

OUTDOOR DREAM SPACE

THE LAKELANDER

Call For a Quote: 321-663-5203

WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS

ne of the great joys of living in Florida is it's easier for residents to find their happy place outside. Well, that’s if you put on sunscreen, have fans nearby, find a way to deal with bugs and don’t mind little reptiles keeping you company. The husband and wife owned MD Construction has been bringing outdoor patio spaces and Florida rooms to life for customers in Central Florida for nearly a decade. Marcos and Megan D'Avila’s company has completed more than 5,000 projects, and it’s a good day when they can say their team has finished a space that’s ready for families to make memories in. MD does a lot of pre-fabrication work in a warehouse in Winter Haven, which contributes to a cleaner finished aesthetic of their installed products. They are proud to offer a two-year warranty on workmanship, as well as one-year warranty against cracks on cement. Megan, who previously worked in the Polk County Building Department and for the City of Winter Garden, is happy to provide tips for families and individuals who are ready to upgrade their outdoor living space.

METRO

The more information you come to the table with, the smoother and quicker the process of building your dream outdoor space will be. If you live in a community that has an HOA, be sure to read through all restrictions, including color of outdoor structures. D’Avila also recommends talking to someone at the city or county building department to understand estimated timelines for projects. Prior to searching for a contract you should also determine your budget for the project and be able to explain how you hope to utilize the space.

HOW MUCH MAINTENANCE ARE YOU WILLING TO DO?

D’Avila said their most popular product is screen enclosures, but she notices less people are enclosing pools,although she prefers enclosed pool areas herself because homeowners can control bugs and debris. Customers are also going a different direction when picking out pavers. The trend for a while was people leaning more into brown and cream options, and now D’Avila said she sees a lot more white and gray pavers being installed. People also are putting less color and texture on concrete, sticking with more of an industrial look.

WHAT’S THE TIMELINE LIKE FOR PROJECTS? At MD construction, their crews usually start a project within 3-4 months of a contract being signed, as long as permitting processes go as planned. Most screen enclosures and patios take 1-2 months to complete from start date, while Florida rooms can take up to a year because of the customized windows that are part of the installation.

CALL FOR A QUOTE 321-663-5203

THE LAKELANDER

Design preferences ebb and flow, but D’Avila said a lot of customers are more conscious about long-term maintenance needs when making decisions. She said a lot of people are opting for concrete slabs instead of pavers because they are easier to clean and maintain. More customers are also choosing bronze metal over white because it doesn’t show dirt and wear nearly as much.

WHAT’S TRENDY? MADE | ISSUE 93

WHAT ARE YOUR RESOURCES AND RESTRICTIONS?

OR VISIT MDConstructionFL.com 27 27

METRO

LAKELANDER BUSINESS PROFILE

THE LAKELANDER

MADE | ISSUE 93

WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN RANDALL DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEMOURS CHILDREN’S HEALTH

hen the Valdosta State softball team secured the final out against UC-San Diego to win the 2012 national title, it was the exclamation point on an incredible journey for pitcher Julia Fink. Starting around age 11 she spent many weekends traveling to tournaments where she would grind out game after game, usually throwing hundreds of pitches. For most of her formative years all Julia wanted to do was play softball, and she couldn’t see past the bright lights of the diamond. Being part of teams that won four consecutive Gulf South Conference Championships and a national title are proof of a dream realized, but for Julia—now Dr. Fink—a different chapter of her athletic career was the catalyst for making an impact for others. Half way through her high school softball career she suffered a devastating injury to her pitching arm that required Tommy John Surgery, a reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in her elbow. She couldn’t pitch during her junior year and became very familiar with rehab and physical therapy. As she was going stir crazy, the opportunity to shadow an orthopedic surgeon arose, and she quickly realized that “a career in sports” could be a lifelong pursuit worth chasing—a pursuit that recently led her to Nemours Children’s Health at Lakeland Regional Health. “[When I shadowed the surgeon] I was like, ‘This is what I want. I want to be the one who fixes the problem,’” she says. “It's almost like instant gratification. It's broken and now it's repaired, which I loved.” That experience was the catalyst for a path that took Fink through medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, a residency program at Jack Hughston Memorial

Hospital in Alabama and a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Along the way, she dove into research about the impact pitching has on a female's arm and how experiences and medical science could help create pitch restrictions and other preventive measures— something that baseball coaches and trainers long had data to rely on, but softball players and staff did not. “A lot of biomechanical studies have come out that showed throwing underhand is just as stressful on your shoulder and elbow as an overhand pitch, where everybody used to say, well it's underhand, it's a natural motion of the shoulder,” Fink said. Dr. Fink received a STOP Sports Injuries Award from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sport Medicine in 2022, and her passion for helping athletes is what led her to joining Nemours in September as part of the pediatric sports medicine program. Fink said the focus of Nemours is “to treat every child,” and she’s excited to be part of that mission in a county that is growing quickly, and is home to more kid and teen athletes than ever before. The board-certified surgeon will conduct surgeries like hip dysplasia in newborns and infants, but the majority of her focus will be on young athletes, ultimately building a practice that can assist individuals who remind her of her younger self. Fink said she’s looking forward to being a resource for coaches and trainers who are working with athletes who get injured or need assistance with preventive recommendations and practices. Fink’s husband, Dr. Devin Collins, is a surgeon at Florida Orthopaedic Institute, and the couple are proud parents to 2-year-old Lexi who Fink said she expects will “play all kinds of different sports….to keep her active and to use all her different muscles to help prevent injuries.”

Dr. Fink is currently accepting new patients, and appointments can be made by calling (407) 650-7715

Dr. Fink, a national champion winning softball player at Valdosta State, is now helping other young athletes on their journeys.

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THE LAKELANDER

MADE ISSUE 93

OWNER KEN BERMAN

the Glass Onion WRITTEN BY JENNA MACFARLANE PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL DESIGNED BY BRIANA CHENOT

DISTINCTIVE

making handcraft commissioned stained glass pieces. He began designing custom pieces for clients who wanted a little something special to adorn their entryways, kitchens and bathrooms. He named his business after a Beatles song from the band’s 1968 self-titled release. To this day, he hasn’t slowed down—he usually has a six to eight-week waiting list for new clients. “I’ve always been drawn to more controlled mediums,” Ken said. He prefers art forms like architecture and glass work rather than watercolor painting or mixed

ART AND STYLE MADE ISSUE 93

here’s something sacred about the way light gleams through stained glass. Is it the imagery, the story being told, carefully carved to represent a grander narrative? Is it the light distribution, coloring the room so gently? Or is it just that we’ve all associated stained glass with cathedrals and places of worship across the world? Maybe it’s a mix of all these things. For more than 1,000 years, stained glass has adorned the windows and walls of sacred spaces. For Ken Berman, the owner of The Glass Onion, stained glass creates a place of refuge. Ken’s quiet studio on Main Street in downtown Lakeland is unassuming. You wouldn’t guess that someone with more than 30 years of experience is inside, deeply focused, tinkering with glass and holding it up to the light. Born and raised in Lakeland, he earned a Bachelors Degree in graphic design from Flagler College, but returned to his hometown in pursuance of making a living through his passion: the artistry of stained glass. At the time, decorative stained glass was typically pretty generic, with designs often copied straight from templates or traced from books. Ken knew he could offer something more meaningful to Lakeland, and started

THE LAKELANDER

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media. He’d rather pore over the details, meticulously drawing, tracing and cutting glass until it’s just right. “It’s a good thing I liked puzzles as a kid,” he says, “Because now, my job is making puzzles out of glass.” When a new client commissions Ken’s work, they’ll usually go over the themes they’re wanting to portray in the piece, inspirations, art movement styles, and refer to some examples of Ken’s previous work. Ken also takes into account how light shines into the home, as well as the clients’ preferences and privacy needs. Stained glass design is always personal, and that’s part of why Ken loves doing it. When clients have something so important to them that they want to carve it into the walls of their home, that means something. Ken’s portfolio is impressive—he’s practiced just about every style of stained glass you can imagine. Once he’s ideated the design, he starts sketching, creating two identical drawings and using one for tracing the glass and the other for placement. It’s a painstaking process to get it perfect, but that’s why Ken loves it. He becomes immersed in a state of flowing, uninterrupted focus.

Ken does all the installation himself, too. Sometimes he works with contractors or designers to lay out the framework, but as far as handling the glass, he trusts only himself to do it. The time it takes to complete a project largely depends on its size and scope, but he’s usually wrapping up within two or three weeks. In 2013, Florida Southern College commissioned Ken to supply all the glasswork in a new Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home they were constructing, called The Usonian House. To this day, it’s the work Ken is most proud of. The Usonian House features more than 5,000 pieces of colored glass, all crafted by Ken. Frank Lloyd Wright believed in the beauty and function of stained glass, and believed it should be a staple in modern family homes, working with stained glass quite a bit during his career. (Needless to say, he’s one of Ken’s heroes.)

Today, Ken’s handiwork will live on in the Usonian House—a space Frank Lloyd Wright believed to be, “Out of the ground and into the light—a Child of the Sun.” Aside from Frank Lloyd Wright, Ken also draws inspiration from Louis Tiffany and contemporary artist Narcissus Quagliata. He also loves strolling through Mayfaire every year to meet other local artists and see their work up close. One of the most beautiful things about art is that it’s everywhere. It’s not limited to museum galleries or—in the case of stained glass— magnificent cathedrals in Italy or Peru. It’s on the walls of our homes, on the sides of buildings in Dixieland, and on the concrete of

our driveways as our children’s hands are dusty with chalk. The next time you see stained glass—or any piece of art, for that matter—take a moment to marvel at it. What colors stand out? Which ones do you have to linger to see? How does the light reflect and color the room? Art is all around us, when we look for it—when we choose to see beautiful things amid the chaos of everything else. Maybe that’s why stained glass feels so sacred. It’s a reminder of the beauty that breaks through when we turn to face the light. THE GLASS ONION 120 W Main St Lakeland, FL 33815 (863) 683-0803 GlassOnionBerman.com

MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE

WRITTEN BY DIEGO DE JESUS

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Leisarà Handbags PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEISARÀ HANDBAGS

OWNERS HENNESSY WARNER AND CASSIE TUCKER

THE MAKER Génesis “Hennessy” Warner and coowner Cassie Tucker have brought highend Italian leatherwork to customers in Lakeland and across the United States at competitive prices. Warner lived in Italy for a decade before building the foundation for Leisarà in 2017. She scoured Italy for manufacturers who measured up to her standard of quality and the heritage of “Made in Italy,” a very prestigious merchandise title in the style and accessories world. With a new line of Leisarà handbags in the works, they plan to collaborate with independent retailers in Lakeland and potentially open a storefront in the future. For now, they aim to have their bags available in boutiques in the region.

THE PRODUCT In Italian, Leisarà means “she will be”— an ethos Warner and Tucker cultivate to empower their female customer base to excel at anything they aspire to. Customer connection and storytelling are critical to the brand. The handbags, made from 100% Italian Saffiano leather with a spacious cotton till interior, embody the brand’s message and target working women and moms with accessible luxury pricing. Warner and Tucker also host a Lakelandoperated podcast, “She Will Be,” that further pushes the brand’s message while covering a slew of topics that benefit their audience, such as entrepreneurial advice and overcoming adversity.

Now Selling in Lawson Dunes Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Tucked away within the picturesque hills of Haines City, Florida, you’ll discover Lawson Dunes, a neighborhood featuring brand-new single-family homes in the vibrant heart of Polk County’s Highway 27 corridor. Here, residents can enjoy a host of outdoor amenities, including scenic walking trails, a sparkling swimming pool, a playground for little ones, and dog park, ensuring plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. In each Lennar home, Everything’s Included® which means that blinds, appliances, and upgrades are included in the price of the home at no extra cost.

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WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS

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OWNERS DOBER KLINE AND MARCO DENIS

American Dance Party

THE MAKER Marcos Denis wants to help you understand what you wear matters, and he wants to make you look fashionable in the process. If you run into the 41-year-old around town you might see him in either his professional ensemble that he wears Monday through Friday as a teacher in Polk County Schools or you might literally see him run past you in athletic wear as he trains for another ultra marathon. But if you see Denis in his most typical state, you’ll find him in something well loved and chic, possibly nostalgic and with a likely nod to pop culture. He grew up shopping mostly in thrift stores, and in his mid 20s he was inspired to marry his love for secondhand clothes with the opportunity to teach consumers about ethical manufacturing. After traveling the globe, reading books and watching documentaries on the massive scale and impact of sweatshops, in 2008 he launched American Dance Party. What began as screen printed shirts that were made in the USA has turned into a cultural phenomenon that is now shirts “re-made in the USA.” Denis’s goal is to use fashion forward clothing as a vehicle to help people understand the reality of low wages, exposure to harmful work environments and grueling hours of physical labor that is the reality behind many pieces of clothing they wear.

THE PRODUCT American Dance Party gear is essentially one part second-hand clothing, hand stitched with fun, and sometimes rare, swatches of bedding. “A lot of these fabrics end up in landfills and they take so so many years to break down,” Denis said. “Rather than having this just pile up and pile up in landfills, we can do our part and make something cool and nostalgic and make every piece really one of one.” Denis and his business partner, Dober Kline, have built a manufacturing pipeline that begins with valuable connections to suppliers of character-laded bedsheets and pillows that date back to as early as the 60s, and the materials are hand sewn by a team of experienced seamstresses who live in Central Florida. “Our seamstress team is incredible,” Denis said. “A lot of times it’s older women with incredible backgrounds in sewing who are extremely talented but who are doing other jobs because this kind of work isn’t there.” A large part of the sales of American Dance Party and the culture the company has built is thanks to how staff connect with fans at large music festivals across the United States. Denis said that getting approval to sell at the Okeechobee Music Festival years ago was a big break that led to creating pop-up stores at enormous events, including Bonnaroo. You can purchase merchandise from americandanceparty.com or follow their journey on Instagram or TikTok. @AMERICANDANCEPARTY

POWERI NG REL I AB L E I NNOVATI ON David thought it would be a typical day when he started work a week after Hurricane Ian, when a fault at the substation threatened to put all of downtown out of power. That's when the new substation automation kicked into gear to keep the power ﬂowing. "Many of the improvements our team makes aren't visible to customers. When we can ﬁx problems before they affect customers, that's when we know we're on the right path."

lakelandelectric.com

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PHOTOS BY

MADE | ISSUE 93

WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS

MATTHEW LOWRY

Welcဩe To FLAMINGO COUNTY

JORDAN RANDALL

MADE WINNER MADE WINNER

atthew Lowry’s first “album” was recorded during high school in the early 2000s with a multitrack tape recorder. He attended Southeastern University for three years with the intent of doing music ministry for a career, but never finished his degree, instead opting to go all-in as a musician, touring full-time with rock band Terra Terra Terra. Songwriting and instruments have always been the chosen medium for the 37-year-old’s truest form of expression. But the unexpected chapters of life—including moving often as the son of a military father, enduring his parent’s divorce and his own tumultuous relationship, meeting his now wife of six years, Sierra, building a formidable career as a golf caddie, and ultimately landing in the heavy equipment logistics industry—led him to a place where he had learned a lot about himself, but hadn’t quite found the right way to communicate those truths. When you listen to “Flamingo County,” an album he collaborated on with long-time friends and released on September 15, you will find yourself adventuring through an often entertaining wonderland that pays homage to life in the Sunshine State, but you’ll also directly encounter some of the obstacles Lowry has endured in his search for meaning and solace. Sierra jokes that her husband—who went to Lime Street Elementary for two years as part of his transient youth—has so much to say that he is constantly talking in his sleep. Just ask her about the “notes” section on her iPhone if you want a glimpse at the lyrics of his subconscious mind.

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Lowry says he has always considered his strength as a musician to be his songwriting, but it took his wife’s convincing to truly set his mind to following through with this cathartic album. Each year the couple has what they dub a private “State of the Union.” It is a Thanksgiving weekend meal where they discuss where they’ve been and where they’re headed. In November 2020, Matthew decided to get serious about reinvigorating his music career. “Before I recorded the album, it was like, ‘Honey, I just, I can't not do this’…and she's like, ‘Either do it and go all the way or don't—you've gotta make a choice for yourself. You can't just kind of maybe play some shows or maybe record some stuff,’” he recalls. “[In early 2021] I got my whiteboard, I put it on the wall and I went, ‘You're gonna finish writing these songs.’” The end result, which he recorded at The Vanguard Room in Lakeland, is a diverse offering that makes you feel like you are sitting with Lowry having an espresso at Concord Coffee or rocking with him at a backyard low country boil, two of his favorite things.

His all-time favorite musician is Dave Grohl, the iconic founder of the Foo Fighters, but the musical inspirations that shine through on his album are reminiscent of an old school jukebox. He acknowledges the influence of bands and musicians like Jimmy Eat World, Manchester Orchestra, Elton John, Queen and Ben Folds. On “Flamingo County” you will be introduced to his mother in the aptly titled “Mama”; you will feel the impact his grandfather had on him if you read the lyrics of “Tired”; you will get a glimpse into his relationship with his wife when you listen to the album’s lone love song, “Let You Walk Away.” You will also learn how he wrestled and came to terms with many of his deeply held religious and social beliefs from childhood in “Deconstruction." "Fall Away” is an honest ballad about Lowry’s decision to see a therapist to help him deal with panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. It’s not all serious though, and he’s not afraid to take a shot at how real life sidetracked most of his friends' musical ambitions in the song, “All My Friends Are Selling Out.” To understand Lowry though, you have to know the rest of the story. Some of the guys he called out in the song, Grant, Rick and Micah—are actually three of the five friends he called up to record this album. Grant, a former 97 Country DJ, is the personality behind the introduction and intermissions on the album, Micah is the band’s drummer and Rick played lead guitar or bass on a number of tracks. When Lowry was asked point blank if he “sold out” when he started a job in more “corporate America” or if he’s going to be soon eating his words as a dad—Sierra and Matthew are preparing to welcome their first child, a daughter named Sybil, into the world soon—he flashes a wide grin and offers a retort. “I've sold out…but like, I'm selling out so I can shell out,” he says. “To support my music and then, hopefully the music of others eventually.”

Speaking of friends who can appreciate his foray in the music industry more than others, Lowry shares that through the course of making the album he developed a friendship with Aaron Marsh. Marsh, who is most well-known for being the lead singer of indie rock group Copeland, built a distinguished career since his days as a student at Harrison School for the Arts. Lowry said the two really bonded over a shared love of Premier League Soccer, and Marsh ended up offering his well trained ear to Lowry’s project, as well as his talents—he shot and directed the music video for “All My Friends Are Selling Out.” “When the first mixes [of the album] came in, we got in the car and we rode around and listened...and had some coffee,” Lowry says. “We literally drove all around, like drove out to Mulberry and came back and just talked—had a beautiful night.” It’s the kind of music that Lowry loves to play live, like he and his band did at the album release show at Union Hall, where they treated the audience to the entire 14-track record. It’s also the kind of music that Lowry said can get him choked up at times, like when he’s alone on his piano singing the song about his grandfather’s admirable work ethic. Lowry and the band have played a handful of shows around Florida recently. He said in his past dreams he fantasized about touring the country like Bruce Springsteen with the E Street Band, but in his current dream of being a father and continuing to see where music leads him, he loves playing in theaters and intimate venues and hopes to be able to collaborate with others as a songwriter. “This whole album and project is embracing who I really am and my friends and the community around me,” he says. “I wanted this to be the launching point. Like, okay, this is where Matthew Lowry starts. This is who I actually am, this is what I actually believe. This is the life I want to live.”

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Swan City Improv

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THE PRODUCT Swan City Improv offers classes and private shows in addition to monthly shows for the general public on the first Friday of each month with ticket rates of $10 for one show or $15 for both. There is a family friendly show at 7:30 p.m. and a 9:30 p.m. show suited for 21+ audiences. They also offer corporate workshops for communication training using improv techniques that can help improve communication skills specifically tailored to the client’s needs. The workshops focus on group exercises rather than performing in front of a crowd. You can learn more about the corporate workshop offering on the organization’s website: SWANCITYIMPROV.COM

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THE MAKER

THE LAKELANDER

Nathaniel Fleming started doing improv when he was 8 years old and built his comedy career from the ground up. He founded Swan City Improv in 2016, where it began with teaching middle schoolers improv for a thespian competition. When he was asked to raise funds to support it, Fleming called some friends and they put on a show on April Fools weekend, a one-nightonly show that sold out. Over time, the audience for sows grew from 25 to 50 to 100, the regularity of the shows did, too. Today, Swan City Improv hosts a pair of shows each month. Soon they will be introducing a new “game show” themed offering where participants will compete for cash prizes.

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Passionate. Creative. Bold. Advance your career, get inspired, and connect with other ad pros who aim for the remarkable.

Sound like your kind of people? Join us for a free event at Catapult on Thursday, November 16. RSVP at polkadfed.org

MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE Owner James McFarland WRITTEN BY DIEGO DE JESUS

McFarland's Shoe Repair

C U LT U R E

THE MAKER James McFarland was born into the cobbling business, started working in it when he was 15 years old and inherited his father’s shoe repair shop in 1986, at the age of 21. Since then, McFarland has succeeded in maintaining the measure of craftsmanship carried down for five generations. His work is world-renowned. He has won numerous gold medals at cobbling competitions around the globe, and he has clients from all over the world who ship him high-end name-brand footwear that needs repaired. McFarland’s nephew, Kyle Crouse, is next in line to carry the torch and has been an apprentice for a year. McFarland said he plans on working for at least another five years in the shop because he’s still driven by his passion for the craft and his customers. He is a seasoned veteran who has leaned into new tricks. He has more than 900,000 TikTok followers and nearly 500,000 followers on Instagram and his handle is appropriately “americascobbler” on both platforms, which might sound overstated but is backed up by the millions of views he is racking up.

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@AMERICASCOBBLER

THE LAKELANDER

THE PRODUCT

McFarland’s Shoe Repair provides services that restore and maintain footwear to their prime condition. The specific service depends on the shoe’s condition and what repairs it needs or if it needs a simple shining. Most of McFarland’s clients send pictures of their shoes through email and McFarland will assess what needs to be fixed or amended, potentially offering further suggestions once he gets a better look in-person. Walk-ins are also an option at the store located at 5355 S. Florida Ave.. They also carry in-store products to care for footwear including polish, waterproofing, conditioners, etc. from brands like Saphir. Inquiries can be made on their website: MCFARLANDSSHOEREPAIR.COM

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THE LAKELANDER

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WRITTEN BY ADAM SPAFFORD SPA P FFORD PA

PHOTOS BY

MADE ISSUE 93

Curb to Cafe THE LAKELANDER

VEGETATION PLANT FOOD

JORDAN RANDALL

RIMA SCHILLINGER

MADE ISSUE 93 THE LAKELANDER

"I didn't know much about business going into this."

and dietary choices. "I came across several documentaries about seven years ago," she said, as she listed titles including "Forks Over Knives," "Eating You Alive," and "The Game Changers." These documentaries, supported by insights from doctors, highlighted the benefits of a plantbased diet and lifestyle. Her interest grew deeper as she consumed books and podcasts on the subject, and even completed an online course through Cornell University to further educate herself about the rationale behind plant-based diets. Creating vegan meals for herself and her family soon evolved into offering meals at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market. But it was Rima’s transformative stint at Catapult that she credits with her success thus far. "The short answer is ‘everything’,” she says when asked what she learned at the incubator, “because I didn't know much about business going into this.” “[Catapult Kitchen Director] Maggie Leach offered invaluable insights, starting me at ground zero and bringing me up to speed quickly: how to cook in a commercial kitchen, how to get licensed, conform to regulations,

TASTE

the short 15 months since readers met Rima Schillinger’s Vegetation Plant Food in our 2022 Taste issue, the plant-based chef, then operating out of Catapult, has grown her tasty endeavor into a commercial kitchen and charming cafe at 1437 E. Gary Road. What appears like rapid expansion is, no surprise, the result of years of dedication to perfecting a cuisine that appeals not just to vegans but eaters of all stripes. Rima's journey to a vegan lifestyle began when she made a connection between a family history of disease

O W N E R S N AT H A N PAT T E R S O N & M AT T C O Y L E

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purchase insurance—she showed me how to do all of that. The network of fellow entrepreneurs and mentors there was invaluable. I always felt like someone there had my back, and if they didn't know an answer, they’d find out for me." Even now, having left the nest, she can still rely on support from Catapult to navigate these challenges. Her own commercial kitchen allows Rima to experiment with new recipes and be more productive than ever before, producing a variety of meals, puddings, soups and salads. "We rotate foods weekly," she says, keeping things fresh and exciting for customers. Each week there are two made-to-order items, a variety of smoothies, an assortment of grab-and-go items, and some delicious drink options hailing from the in-house espresso machine. “Not only is there something hot when you come for lunch but there are also meal options for later in the week.” Inspiration for her culinary creations comes from all over the internet, including Instagram and TikTok. "There's so much content available, so many people doing extremely cool things," she explains. Whenever she travels with her husband, they seek out vegan restaurants. Even closer to home, in Tampa and St. Pete, they've discovered a wealth of excellent vegan eateries.

"While I can confidently create good food anytime, we say it must be ‘Vegetation-worthy’–that is, every dish on the menu has to hit the right notes.”

Perfecting her own dishes from that inspiration takes time. "It's a pretty long process," Rima says. “While I can confidently create good food anytime, we say it must be ‘Vegetation-worthy’— that is, every dish on the menu has to hit the right notes.” Customer feedback also influences the menu. The Vegetation Plant Food team actively listens to its patrons, aiming to incorporate their suggestions and preferences. This collaborative approach ensures a satisfying menu that represents various cuisines and flavors. Though she’s committed to a plantbased diet herself, Rima’s food philosophy doesn't include persuading others to adopt it. Instead, she simply offers

delicious food and lets it speak for itself, which attracts those who don’t eat vegan. "I don't think I'm going to win anyone over to the vegan camp–I'm not a pusher,” she says. “I think that most people understand the importance of incorporating more vegetables into their diet. With Vegetation Plant Food, we can provide tasty and healthy options that make it easy to do that. We don't rely on mock meats and we make everything from scratch.”

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Reflecting on the journey, Rima considers the people she's encountered as the single highest point. “I met so many customers at Catapult who are now customers of the cafe, and they are all just the nicest people." She's grateful for the supportive community that has embraced her venture and her food. There haven’t been particular low points, simply challenges through which she’s had to persevere, garnering the energy to make decisions amid ambiguity. Rising food costs have placed a burden on the business because, as Rima notes, “It’s inevitable to an extent, but I hate raising prices because I want everyone to feel they’re getting a great value.” Rave reviews suggest that Vegetation Plant Food is indeed hitting the right notes. Customers can savor a meal in the dining area, have a coffee or espresso, and enjoy good company. “We love it when our customers sit, eat, and relax in the cafe, then grab-and-go a meal for later,” she says. Rima’s even sowing the seeds of a new crop of opportunity through partnerships with local institutions–like hospitals–to provide nutritious meals for visitors and staff. “Building relationships to provide grab-and-go meals on site is where I see us growing.”

THE LAKELANDER

LEARN MORE ABOUT VEGETATION PLANT FOOD 437 E. Gary Rd, Lakeland, FL 33801 vegetationplantfood.com

MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE

WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL

MAKER OF NOTE

OWNER ELI BUFORD

Uncle Bucky's Southern BBQ

THE MAKER Life has been filled with challenges for Eli Buford. He grew up in what he calls “the projects” of Lakeland, he lost his father at age 12, and he buried his mother eight years later. But God placed people in his life—including longtime friends Greg and Lisa Rounds—who shared the love of Jesus with him and also invested in his passion for barbecue and people. His first customers were his friends, and by 2020 he was selling authentic southern barbecue on the street corner—until it quickly became apparent that he was best off getting the proper permits and putting together a business plan. That’s when his uncle Ron, and Eli's girlfriend, Jessica Leigh, helped him put the money together to purchase a food truck. The name Uncle Bucky originates from Eli's nephew "Tank," who has a young boy tried to say "Uncle Buddy" but ended up sticking with Bucky. A quote on his food truck sums up Buford’s philosophy well: “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”

THE LAKELANDER

Uncle Bucky’s is committed to crafting food that tastes like it took all day to make at home—something that harkens Buford back to days of old watching his dad grill on their front porch. His southern style ribs are prime cuts of meat with seasoning and sauce that Buford touts allows you to “taste everything versus something.” “You get a little kick, but not too much of a kick; a little sweetness, but not too much sweetness,” he says. He’s also proud of his turkey legs, which he says are a stark contrast to the kind people traditionally like to carry around a fairground or theme park all day. “My turkey legs are juicy and full of flavor,” he says. “If you try and hold one up and move…yeah, it’s gonna fall off the bone.” His menu also includes hearty chopped chicken and pulled pork sandwiches, tasty sides like baked beans and brisket and potato salad, and homemade cake options for dessert. Buford is bringing his genuine smile and tasty food all over Central Florida, and you can find out where next by following Uncle Bucky’s Southern BBQ on Facebook.

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THE PRODUCT

MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE MAKER OF NOTE

WRITTEN BY GABRIELA ANDREWS

Meraki Bakehouse PHOTOS COURTESY OF MERAKI BAKEHOUSE

TASTE

THE PRODUCT Offering a variety of specialized pastries, Meraki Bakehouse infuses European-inspired flavors into Lakeland’s baked goods scene. Catering to both savory and sweet palettes, their goal is to create an experience. By designing products that are pleasing to the eye and also delicious to taste, customers are given the best of both worlds. For those with a sweet tooth, be on the lookout for the Supreme, a luxurious, creme-filled circular croissant. For something savory, try another undeniable fan favorite, the G.O.A.T., which is filled with goat cheese, confit garlic and basil. Meraki Bakehouse currently serves up fresh baked goods at the Lakeland Curbside Market on Saturday mornings. A selection of their products are also offered at Hillcrest Coffee, happyfastdelicious and the Kitty Cat Lounge.

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THE MAKER Mara Rutledge grew up in a home where food was a love language. Now an adult, she is sharing her love language with Lakeland through her own small business, Meraki Bakehouse. In Greek the word “meraki” means to put heart, soul or passion into whatever you do. This passionate creativity is inherent to the elements of detail, balance and beauty Meraki gracefully crafts into its baked goods. Designing and operating a womenowned business has given Mara the opportunity to create an environment where work can be fulfilling and fun, giving staff the opportunity to deeply commit to each delectably intricate task at hand. Recognizing Lakeland appreciates craft and comfort, she frequently collaborates with other local businesses, harnessing the belief that supporting one small business supports many.

THE LAKELANDER

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HOME BUILDERS DIRECTORY

Built by Waters Inc. 863.287.4876 4447 Emerald Palms Ln. Winter Haven, FL 33884-3502 thebeauwaters@gmail.com builtbywaters.com

Bunch Construction & Development, Inc.

ACH Construction Inc.

863.337.6345 1927 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803 kristina@bunch constructionfl.com bunchconstructionfl.com

863.937.9933 120 E Carter Rd. Lakeland, FL 33801

AR Homes 863.669.1322 P.O. Box 1660 Highland City, FL 33846 amaqueira@arhomes.com arhomes.com/builder/ kensington-homes-inc

Burns Custom Builders 863.294.4949 10 Spirit Lake Rd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 burnscustombuilders@yahoo.com

Crystal Construction of Polk County 863.808.6708 6310 Green Rd. Lakeland, FL 33801

Danny Sadler, Inc. 863.967.4235 2723 Thornhill Road. Auburndale, FL 33823 sales@dannysadlerinc.com dannysadlerinc.com

HOME BUILDERS DIRECTORY

CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Dean Cress Construction LLC 407.559.2914 9540 Old Dade City Rd. Lakeland, FL 33810 dcress007@gmail.com

Diaz Family Homes of Central Florida LLC 863.600.6393 6705 Broken Arrow Trail S Lakeland, FL 33813 info@diazfamilyhomes.com diazfamilyhomes.com MADE | ISSUE 93

rnie White Construction, Inc. has been serving Central Florida as a premiere homebuilder since joining the Polk County Builders Association in 1981. Ernie White Construction, Inc. has been awarded "Builder of the Year" award, as well as, the prestigious Parade of Homes "Home of the Year" award a total of more than 35 times. Taking care of our reputation by taking care of our customers has established Ernie White Construction, Inc. as a dependable, innovative, and financially sound company. Since our beginning, we have built over 3,000 homes, which gives us great satisfaction and pride in our company. Homeowner satisfaction is our number one goal. We are confident that you will find the dream home you deserve by owning your very own “White House”.

L E A R N

M OR E

Ernie White Construction 863.683.2782 7011 US Hwy. 98N Lakeland, FL 33809 ErnieWhiteConstruction.com 75 75

HOME BUILDERS DIRECTORY

Dreambuilder Construction LLC 407.572.4172 715 Honeyfarm Lane Auburndale, FL 33823

George Ross Inc.

Hunt Construction

Mitchell Custom Homes

863.802.1124 1836 Harden Blvd Lakeland, FL 33803 georgerossinc@gmail.com

863.370.3445 5830 Scott Lake Hills Ln Lakeland, FL 33813 huntconstructionocf.com

863.656.0035 5337 N Socrum Loop Rd Lakeland, FL 33809

Harper Little Construction

Joe Goldsmith Construction, Inc.

Olivera Construction, Inc.

863.284.0637 5900 Imperial Lakes Blvd. Mulberry FL 33860 sean@harper constructionmgmt.com

863.859.1402 3240 Galloway Rd. Lakeland, FL 33810 taylor@goldsmithconst.com goldsmithconst.com

863.644.7844 5151 S Lakeland Drive, Suite 8 Lakeland, FL 33813 phillip@oliveraconstruction.com oliveraconstruction.com

McDonough Construction LLC

Paradise General Contracting LLC

863.412.0214 2000 E. Edgewood Dr, Ste 103 Lakeland, FL 33803 shawn@mcdonough constructionllc.com mcdonoughconstructionllc.com

863.213.4028 240 Old Bartow Eagle Lake Road Bartow, FL 33830 yan@paradisegeneral contracting.com paradisegeneralcontracting.com

dreambuildercontructionllc@gmail.com

dreambuilderconstruction.net

Duane McQuillen Construction 863.647.1200 4683 East County Rd. 540A Lakeland, FL 33813 duane@duanemcquillen construction.com duanemcquillenconstruction.com

Hickman Homes 863.646.1166 5412 Strickland Ave. #B Lakeland, FL 33812-4251 mike@hickmanhomes.net hickmanhomes.net

Easy Homes 123, LLC

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863.272.9394 210 E. Edgewood Dr. Lakeland, FL 33803 steve@easyhomes123.com easyhomes123.com

anny Sadler Jr. has dedicated his entire adult life to constructing new homes in Polk County. His extensive expertise in the construction process enables him to handle every aspect of the building journey proficiently. Alongside his wife Niki, this dynamic pair established Sadler Homes in 2017. Niki enriches the customer experience by providing a "TV Experience," designing home plans on the computer, and presenting clients with a 3D view of their custom home. When clients choose Sadler Homes, they collaborate directly with Danny, Niki, and their exceptional team. This personal touch is what defines Sadler Homes as your family-owned, small-town home builder. “We build quality homes, so you can build lasting memories.” TH E

KA I A

THE LAKELANDER

Auburndale, FL 33823

5 bed & 3 ½ Bath Living Area 3,528 s/f Lanai 514 s/f Entry 80 s/f Garage 590 s/f Courtyard 166 s/f Total 6,174 s/f

Sadler Homes 221 Palmetto St. Auburndale, FL 33823 863-268-4048 email@sadlerhomes.net oursadlerhome.com

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Assisted Living Facility Licenses: #AL11995, #AL12732, #AL5217, #AL7902

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HOME BUILDERS DIRECTORY

Rick Giﬀord Building Contractor LLC

Southern Hospitality Real Estate and Construction

863.510.1571 1334 Turkey Trl Lakeland, FL 33801 rickgiff@gmail.com

863.662.4003 2401 Cypress Gardens Boulevard Winter Haven, FL 33884 info@sohobuildbuysell.com sohobuildbuysell.com

Ring Construction, Inc. 863.337.5139 5739 Old Hwy 37 Lakeland, FL 33811 scott@ringconstruction.com ringrooﬁnginc.com

Waller Construction, Inc. 863.688.8870 1065 S. Florida Ave. Suite 1 Lakeland, FL 33803 brian@wallergroup.com wallergroup.com

Tapia Construction, LLC

WCM Construction and Rooﬁng, Inc.

863.644.5362 639 Midflorida Drive Suite #1 Lakeland, FL 33813 jlyons@tapiahomes.com tapiahomes.com

863.969.3722 P.O. Box 1214 Eagle Lake, FL 33839 office@warrencm.com warrencm.com

Ron Giﬀord Construction, Inc. Top Notch Construction of Central Florida, Inc. 863.773.9733 255 Soggy Bottom Lane Wauchula, FL 33873 travis@topnotchfl.com topnotchfl.com

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863.680.3535 1022 N. Swindell Ave. Lakeland, FL 33805 ronaldgifford@gmail.com giﬀordhomesfl.com

ur team is dedicated to serving Central Florida clients with the utmost integrity, from start to finish. Our mission is to offer next-level service to each client we work with. We work hard to provide fair pricing, energy eﬃcient options and modern technology to our customers. We don't just build houses—we build dream homes that will last for generations. THE

CONTEMPO R ARY

Canterwood Dr. Mulberry, FL 33860 5 bed, 4 Bath & 2 Kitchens Living Area 4,110 s/f Front Porch 700 s/f Back porch 200 s/f Garage 575 s/f Total 5,635 s/f LEARN

863.398.9141 Lakeland, FL myerscustomhomes.net 78

ulbert Homes has been constructing award-winning custom homes since 1997 in Polk and Hillsborough Counties, and recently began building in Palm Coast, Flagler County and the Space Coast. Their team is committed to innovative home design, quality building process, and attention to detail. They are known for building energy eﬃcient, sustainable homes that are customized to create precisely what you've always dreamed of. THE

ALYSSA

DAWN

2576 Delphi Woods Circle Lakeland, FL 33812 4 bed & 4 Bath Living Area 3,209 s/f Garage 578 s/f Total Living Area 4,329 s/f Lanai 190 s/f Entry 42 s/f Total 4,019 s/f LEARN

Hulbert Homes 863.647.5815 5116 S Lakeland Dr Lakeland, FL 33813 hulberthomes.com

TRACT HOME BUILDERS Adams Homes

Lennar

863.619.8120 5060 Lunn Rd. Lakeland, FL 33811 flintz@adamshomes.com adamshomes.com

Southern Homes of Polk County

866.412.3938 2230 Old Mining Rd. Lakeland, FL 33801 lennar.com

863.687.2700 1925 E. Edgewood Dr., #100 Lakeland, FL 33803 mysouthernhome.com

Highland Homes

Pulte Group

863.797.4999 3020 S. Florida Ave Ste 101 Lakeland, FL 33803-4058 highlandhomes.org

813.964.5169 2662 Falenburg Road Riverview, FL33578 nicholas.craniotis@pulte.com pulte.com

KB Home

R Nunez Homes

407.587.3580 9102 Southpark Ctr Loop #100 Orlando, FL 32819 aparah@kbhome.com kbhome.com

863.646-1100 140 Fitzerald Road Suite 1 Lakeland, FL 33813 corp@rnunezhomes.com rnunezhomes.com

William Ryan Homes 813.627.9040 3925 Coconut Palm Drive Suite 117 Tampa, FL 33619 mmaclellan@wmryan.com williamryanhomes.com

Oct 21-22 Oct 28-29 11 am – 5 pm

S AD L E R

F E AT U R E D

H O M E S

F EATU R ED

H OM E

H O M E S

Ernie White Construction

Hulbert Homes

KB Homes

Taylor Morrison

Hickman Homes

The Parker 7941 Lake James Blvd Lakeland, FL 33810

The Rio Vista II 2398 Heritage Lakes Dr Lakeland, FL 33803

The Plan 1541 367 Spirit Landings Circle Winter Haven, FL 33880

The Seneca 2571 Driftwood Street Auburndale, FL 33823

The Highland Manor 4000 Palma Ceia Cir Auburndale, FL 33884

Taylor Morrison

Southern Homes

KB Homes

Pulte Group

Built by Walters

The Magnolia 2068 Rosewood Circle Lakeland, FL 33810

The Westminister 4857 Drake Ave Lakeland, FL 33811

The Plan 1908 117 Acer Ln Auburndale, FL 33823

The Hanover 411 Pine Tree Blvd Lake Alfred, FL 33850

The Hallie Grace 4734 Emeral Palms Ln Winter Haven, FL 33884

Mitchell Custom Homes

Harper Homes

Sadler Homes

Pulte Group

Sadler Homes

The Cindy Lee 3830 N Galloway Rd Lakeland, FL 33810

The Eagle View 6572 Eagle Ridge Way Lakeland, FL 33813

The Arietta 155 Twin Cove Auburndale, FL 33823

The Medina 917 Silverlake Blvd Lake Alfred, FL 33850

Virtual Home The Kaia Virtual Entry

SCAN TO VIEW PARADE OF HOMES MAP

Hunt Construction

Southern Homes

Casa Fresca Homes

The Patrick II 2273 Coachman Loop Lakeland, FL 33812

The Rockingham II 1950 Lake Ariana Blvd Auburndale, FL 33823

The Lucia 2212 Canyon Oak Dr Davenport, FL 33837

R Nunez Homes

Taylor Morrison

Casa Fresca Homes

The Willow 2739 Elizabeth Pl Lakeland, FL 33812

The Redbud 2575 Driftwood Street Auburndale, FL 33823

The Indigo 3517 Yarian Dr Haines City, FL 33844

Since 1972 We’ve treated them like family.

Marshall Jewelers New Location! 2058 E Edgewood Dr | Lakeland, Fl 33803

863.682.4725

• Comprehensive Medical Services • Professionsal Grooming & Stying • Comfortable & Spacious Lodging • AAHA Accredited 3710 Cleveland Heights Boulevard 863.646.2995 pethospital.com

marshalljewelerslakeland.com

Closer to Home, Closer to Care! Schedule an appointment today! COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL/NATURAL GAS | LP/APPLIANCES-PIPING-REPAIRS

Edgewood Office 2140 E. Edgewood Dr. Lakeland, FL 33803

1920 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33805

863-683-4661 Winter Haven Office 550 Pope Avenue, Suite 100 Winter Haven, FL 33881 863.224.2354 INFO@ALTERNATIVEGASCONSTRUCTION.COM PO BOX 9461 WINTER HAVEN, FL 33883-9461

863-293-2144 pediatricassociates.com

and Area Loca kel ti La

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Lakeland Hills Office

Al l

863-669-1212

MADE | IS TA SU S TEE9 |3 I S S U E 9 2

HISTORY

ISSUE 93

1976

Betty Johnson and her daughter Lisa look on as Richard Martinez demonstrates the art of saddle making at the Expo Americana event held at the Lakeland Civic Center in Lakeland, Florida.

THE LAKELANDER

Courtesy of Lakeland Public Library

82 82

75 years of

EXPERIENCED MINDS handling

COMPLEX MATTERS Since 1948, Peterson & Myers has provided experienced legal advice to help our clients’ innovative ideas become a reality. We believe each client deserves attorneys who create learned, practical, individualized solutions in a constantly changing and complex environment. Please call us or visit our website today for more information about our time-tested legal experience.

PETERSONMYERS.COM • 863.683.6511 • LAKELAND | WINTER HAVEN | LAKE WALES

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