The Lakelander Issue 96

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PHOTOS BY Andy Glogower Madisen Elizabeth Evette Eve Michael Landes Jason Stephens Dan Austin Jordan Randall

THEN NOW ALWAYS PHOTOBOOK

Davonte Anderson

Local Photographers

Karen Moore Tina Sargeant Greg Allen

The Lakeland Country Club

Adam Novak Nestor Sanchez

Wildlife | Architecture | People | Then & Now

341 pounds Before Surgery

After Surgery

“I needed to prioritize me and my health so I can be a role model for my kids. Now two years later, I am down 161lbs.”

Real Bariatric Patient 2

TH E L A KE L A N DE R

Your after starts now.

Reveal the healthiest you this year.

Ready to take the ultimate step towards a healthier life? Our comprehensive bariatric program may be right for you.

Lakeland Regional Health’s highly skilled bariatric team will help you achieve your weight-loss goals while also treating underlying conditions, so you can live your happiest, healthiest life.

From your first visit, we’ll provide the complete care you need and develop a personalized care plan just for you.

To learn more, visit myLRH.org/Bariatrics, or scan the QR code.

How to use a QR code: 1. Open your smartphone’s camera.

2. Hold it over the QR code.

3. Click on the link that pops up.

Your Health. Our Promise. myLRH.org/Bariatrics I S S UE 8 3

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UNCOMPROMISED RETIREMENT LIVING

We Are

L AKEL AND The Estates isn’t just a premier senior living community in Lakeland – we encompass everything Lakeland is all about. Friendship, community, faith and fun. If you’re looking for all of this, plus safety, security, and a long-standing history, you’ll find it here, right in the location you love.

Call 863-274-3422 or scan the QR code to schedule a personal visit.

1001 Carpenters Way | Lakeland, FL 33809 EstatesAtCarpenters.com

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ISSUE 96

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Architecture

@andyglogowerphotography

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MASTHEAD

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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THE BUZZ

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CONTRIBUTORS

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SPONSORED CONTENT

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NATURE

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ARCHITECTURE

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PEOPLE

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ART AND CULTURE

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LAKELAND 2024 IN POLAROID

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Art and Culture

Lakeland 2024 in Polaroid

MASTHEAD

ISSUE 96

PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING

CREATIVE

Curt Patterson

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449

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ADVERTISING SALES

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Isaac Vargas | 407.619.3508

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER OPERATIONS Jason Jacobs

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

EDITOR, CONTENT STRATEGIST RJ Walters

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CIRCULATION EDITORIAL

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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

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

EDITORS NOTE

THE RIGHT RECIPES FOR THE FINEST PHOTOS

AUTO ACCIDENT?

THE LAKELANDER

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

O

For exceptional Chiropractic Care after a vehicle accident, contact Dr. Abraham and the professional team at New Hope Chiropractic in the Lake Miriam Publix Plaza.

D ON ’ T I G N OR E YOUR INJ URIES.

We would love to evaluate and treat you!

Dr. Abraham New Hope Chiropractic

Phone: (863) 682-1170 4788 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803

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n Christmas the festivities were finally winding down after a blessed day filled with laughter, love and excitement. But there was one thing that remained on my mind— cutting into the homemade tiramisu.

I’m not sure exactly how the tradition started, but my brother Tyler and my parents long ago decided that making the coffee-flavored Italian delicacy would be part of the holiday. And I have no reason to deter them from continuing the now family-legacy that offers an extremely satisfying end to one of my favorite days of the year.

This iteration of the tiramisu was different from past years though. The lady fingers were a little bit firmer, bourbon replaced the traditional rum and the whipped cream was magical.

The difference was that this time, my brother’s girlfriend Jennifer—an exquisite and curious hobby baker who is naturally hospitable—was in on the creation.

“She’s been working to perfect that recipe for a long time,” my brother told me with a grin as I made whatever face comes after a heavenly first bite.

Ah, that’s the difference between good and great isn’t it? A tireless dedication to getting something just right, even if what you had before was good.

That’s often how it is with photography.

You’ve seen thousands of photos of animals at Circle B Bar Reserve, but a few illuminate the beauty of God’s creation in ways others don’t; the iconic Polk Theatre is a sight to behold, but with the right lighting and framing, an image of it goes from memorable to majestic.

In The Lakelander’s second annual photo book we are focused on not only showing off our city and its people and place through photos that make you stop turning the pages, but on letting you learn a little bit about the recipes.

Local photographers have been kind enough to share some of the stories and inspirations behind the images, as well as the gear they used to capture moments that we hope will make you slow down and appreciate the place we call home.

The tastes, sounds and sights of home are something worth cherishing, and the talented individuals who make up this issue have some of the best recipes around.

RJ Walters EDITOR

THE BUZZ

THE BUZZ COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

Introducing the new look of the Lakeland Runners Club.

Created in collaboration with the creative team at The Lakelander, the logo is anchored by a forward facing swan that reminds us to keep moving forward. Swans are the iconic symbol of Lakeland, connecting our logo to our community.

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Our club's five focus areas are represented in the five wing sections: • Fitness - enrich lives through running events and fellowship • Community - create a culture where everyone belongs • Stability - ensure long term success through leadership planning • Viability - safeguard our financial health • Relationships - strengthen bonds with community groups and organizations Our color palette is a vibrant reflection of Lakeland's many lakes and sunny days.

FB | LAKELAND RUNNERS CLUB

THE LAKELANDER

We want to start the 2024 year by saying how incredibly grateful we are to have won The Lakelander Choice Awards Best Dentist!!! We are so honored to have received this award and will continue to provide the best dental care possible. We appreciate each and every person in this community who made this possible for us. @lakelandermag

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🦷💛

IG | AGNINIFAMILYDENTAL

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS ANDY GLOGOWER

EVETTE EVE

@andyglogowerphotography

@Evette Eve Photography

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Residing in Polk County for the past 48 years, Andy had the honor of being chosen to go to Singapore to represent Team United States in the 2023 World Photographic Cup that 35 Countries compete in for the 10th Annual photographic competition in which he took home the Bronze Metal in the Wildlife Category.

Named the 2021 Nature Photographer of the year for MPI (Master Photographers International) Named 2022 Nature Photographer of the year runner up for MPI Named Top 10 Photographer for 4 consecutive years by FPP (Florida Professional Photographers)

MADISEN ELIZABETH @madi.elizabeth.photography

Madi Elizabeth is a Californiaborn photographer who now resides in Lakeland. Known for her ability to capture fleeting moments with authenticity, Madi's work showcases a diverse range of subjects and settings, from landscapes to intimate portraits.

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she invites viewers to experience the emotions and beauty of each captured scene. Madi's talent has gained recognition through features and publications in People Magazine, The Lakelander, Voyage Tampa, etc, solidifying her place as a sought-after artist in the field of photography.

THE LAKELANDER

DAN AUSTIN

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@danaustinphoto

Growing up a Florida boy in the early 90s, Dan was drawn to its thriving art culture, small businesses and beautiful blend of communities and people. His style of photography leans more on the fashion-editorial side. Capturing the essence of someone is his absolute favorite thing to do.

Evette has been doing photography for over 10 years; she specializes in branding, boudoir & beauty. She believes in connecting & capturing the best in you — whether in business or your self esteem.

JASON STEPHENS @jason_stephens

Jason was born and raised in the Sunshine State. He grew up close to the water and spent the majority of his days outdoors. At 38 with a beautiful wife and two awesome kids, he still spends much of his free time outdoors, usually with a camera. He strives to keep his approach to photography simple and genuine—documenting his experiences as he sees it.

MICHAEL LANDES @michael.r.landes

Michael is a Lakelander and has been the Digital Photography instructor at Pinellas Technical College for 14 years. Prior to that, he owned and operated Landes Image Studio in Bartow for 28 years. In 2022 he was named Photographer of the Year by the Tampa Area Professional Photographers Association and the Central Florida Professional Photographers Association. He enters many professional photography competitions during the year and use many of these images as visual lesson plans for his students.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO LOVE CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF LAKELAND AS MUCH AS WE LOVE FEATURING THEIR WORK. DAVONTE ANDERSON @dripingrace

At Drip In Grace, Davonte and his wife, Vanessa, have a goal of leaving people feeling known and loved through their photography and lifestyle brand. They love to create spaces of grace where all feel safe and encouraged to be authentically them, and where all stories—whether of life, brand, event, or otherwise—are warmly welcomed and celebrated. There is grace found in each story captured and told through their photography. They want to make living a lifestyle of grace the norm—where all stories are welcome.

TINA SARGEANT tinasargeant.com

Tina Sargeant is a long time Lakelander and local commercial and editorial photographer. She enjoys raising her 3 amazing kids in the town where her husband grew up!

KAREN MOORE @ Karen Moore Vintage Sign Photography

JORDAN RANDALL @imjordanrandall

Jordan is a 28 year old freelance photographer from Upstate New York, currently based in Lakeland, Florida.

He specializes in portraiture, street, and instant photography. Jordan has photographed Sadie Robertson, Bastille, Andy Grammer and other prominent figures in his career, as well as served as Digital Media Producer for The Lakelander for the last three years.

While always drawn to old signs, it was 2000 when she started to photograph great vintage signs in the Dixieland Area of Lakeland. There are plenty in that area, including the iconic Southside Cleaners, Vito's Italian Restaurant, and Bent's Schwinn Bicycle Shop for starters.

Since then, traveling is always enhanced by the search for roadside treasures. In capturing these images, Karen believes we can enjoy the craftsmanship and spirit of those who came before us.

NESTOR SANCHEZ @nestorsh

ADAM NOVAK @droneelevations

Adam has been an avid photographer since picking up a Polaroid camera at the age of 10. He is also an art director, graphic designer, marketing expert and professional photographer of 20+ years. Adam has also been the CEO of NOVAK Brand Design, Inc. ad agency since 2007. He has been flying a drone professionally since 2016.

Nestor, born in Mexico City, is married to a wonderful talented woman and is the father to an amazing 9 year-old little girl. He moved to the U.S. at age 18 and has worked in the steel fabrication industry since then. He dabbles in photography as his hobby when he's not working in industrial landscapes or welding arcs.

GREG ALLEN tinasargeant.com

Greg Allen has called Lakeland home since 97’ where he graduated from FSC. When he’s not at his 9-5, you can usually find him next to a smoker honing his BBQ skills. His idea of a perfect day is waking up early and heading out on unplanned adventures with camera in hand.

SPONSORED CONTENT T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

HE LAKELAND COUNTRY CLUB has

The Oldest Private Club in Lakeland is a Timeless Gem for Locals to Enjoy

THE LAKELANDER

Written by RJ Walters Current Photos by Dan Austin Historic Photos provided by The Lakeland Country Club Designed by Briana Chenot

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Est. 1924

been a home away from home for many Lakelanders for many years—100 to be exact.

Opened as The Lakeland Yacht & Country Club by A.H. Stahl in 1924, the grounds was once home to the original Cleveland Heights golf course and clubhouse and it has been a premiere spot for many debutante balls, holiday meals, private celebrations and so much more.

In 2019, the club entered a new chapter of its history with the opening of a brand new building that pays some homage to the original club’s architecture, yet is home to contemporary amenities like a state-of-the-art workout facility, a robust tennis program, a gorgeous kid-friendly pool and dining experiences that are aiming to be the best in the area.

General Manager Patrick Reilly said the historic club is still a “hidden gem” in some senses, but he and his team are excited to change that and build off the momentum the club has experienced from a surge of younger families becoming members.

“People who drive by the building may not realize that this club is a community of people that are similar to a family,” he says.

“There are generations of families that support the Club and are now bringing in a younger demographic, with their children, to build the membership for the future.”

SPONSORED CONTENT T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

Current LCC member Clyde Roberts Sprott, is shown here with her late husband, Kingswood, enjoying the amenities of the club. Today, Sprott enjoys LCC with family members and friends, and she calls the club her “go to” spot.

A “Go To” Spot for Many Occasions

THE LAKELANDER

hen Clyde Roberts Sprott moved to Lakeland with her husband Kingswood in 1989 she fell in love with the club that Kingswood has been a member of

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since the 1960s.

Sprott said she knew “no one” when she moved to Lakeland, and the club was the place where she really found her footing and made friends, and eventually built a lot of business-centric networking relationships.

She has memories of Thanksgiving meals at LCC, as well as taking her grandson to visit Santa and the Easter bunny.

Her husband passed away in 2021, but today the club remains as important to her as ever.

“The Lakeland Country Club is a delightful and entertaining place to go,” she says. “Whether it’s to sit down for lunch or have a glass of wine… it’s my go-to place.”

She jokes that “people dress differently than we did in the 60s” when people dressed to the nines more frequently, but she has enjoyed seeing more families with young kids join the membership.

One Heart. One Purpose. Your Health.

Book an appointment at one of our 15 health centers today.

cfhc.org | 866.234.8534

SPONSORED CONTENT T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

Each room of The Lakeland Country Club has distinctive welcoming characteristics that make members feel at home.

The club offers a number of gourmet dining options, as well as bar, and plenty of memorable views to enjoy a meal or drink with.

THE LAKELANDER

The newly renovated facility for the Lakeland Country Club was completed in 2019. The updated building maintains the timeless history with a modern feel that is inviting to everyone.

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2024

Developing a World Class Food and Beverage Program One of the perks of club membership is access to elevated food and beverage experiences that are not accessible to the general public. Reilly is passionate about the role that great hospitality and service plays in bringing people together for a good time, and he’s committed to elevating the club to new heights in this arena.

“One of my goals is to make The Lakeland Country Club the best food and beverage experience in Polk County,” he said.

He is excited about the recent hiring of Chef Jason Lynn, a Certified Executive Chef, who has aspirations of becoming a Certified Master Chef, the most distinguished level of certification offered by the American Culinary Federation.

Reilly said the club is introducing more formal dining options and will continue to add more sophisticated food and beverages to its menu offerings.

A state-of-the-art workout facility as well as personal trainers are available for club members to stay fit.

Lakeland Country Club is home to 5 Har Tru courts, with former ATP tennis pro offering private/group lessons, and competitive teams.

“A lot of people who just drive by the building don’t understand that this club is like a family.”

TheLakelandCC.com @thelakelandcc on IG

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THE LAKELANDER

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Written by RJ Walters Photos by Madi Elizabeth Designed by Briana Chenot Developed in partnership with The Ruthvens

A Legacy Built on a Win-Win Approach

W

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6 THE LAKELANDER

hen an EF2 tornado tore through a section of North Lakeland in 2019, Brandon Clark, President of The Ruthvens, was tied up assessing damage to some of the company’s warehouses, filing insurance claims and sifting through the processes demanded when unexpected disasters strike.

Meanwhile, Chairman and CEO Greg Ruthven, became laser focused on the aftermath at one massive tilt wall concrete warehouse that was nearly 40 percent obliterated. The Ruthvens had two tenants in the facility, and Greg was determined to get them back up to speed as quickly as possible.

“It’s like 5 or 6 in the morning the day after the tornado and Greg is on the phone with their real estate guys…and he was like, ‘I’ve got this.’”

The tornado struck Lakeland late on a Friday night, and by Tuesday, The Ruthvens had their tenants moved to a fully equipped 90,000 square foot warehouse in a nearby proximity.

As the 66-year-old Greg Ruthven, who has worked at the family business since 1984, will tell you, “If the customer wins, we win.”

By most accounts, The Ruthvens have done a lot of winning since Greg’s father Joe. P Ruthven founded the company in 1957—and for the last 40 years, Greg has been an instrumental part of that.

When he first came on board as “head maintenance man,” The Ruthvens owned roughly 1 million square feet of warehouse space. Today, the company that is well recognized for its can’t miss large signs with its royal green logo, owns and manages 93 warehouses and offers more than 5 million square feet of space to meet the needs of a variety of clients.

The footnotes of Greg’s story all these years later are just as interesting as the awards and long-term success he has attained.

Fresh out of college, with a degree from Florida State University, he was ready to move to Lakeland and marry his sweetheart Kim, with the sure foundation of the family business.

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Greg recalls setting up a meeting with his father one Monday morning to put it all into motion.

“We sat in his office…I gave him the application, we talked for about five minutes and he asked me what I wanted, where my future was, where I was going, etc,” Greg says. “And then he said, ‘Well, I’m not going to hire you.’ I said, ‘Really?’ He said, ‘No, I want you to get some sales experience somewhere else.’”

As a young salesman he made—and admittedly lost—a lot of money in beach side real estate, and he sold computers for about two years.

At that point, Joe P. was ready to entrust his son with a vital role in the business.

Clark, who is married to Greg’s daughter Lauren, and has been with The Ruthvens since 2018—and has served as President since 2021—said the story of a tennis ball hanging from Greg’s office ceiling years ago is illustrative of Greg’s impact on the trajectory of the business.

When Greg came on board, The Ruthvens owned warehouses, but also owned a host of restaurants and retail shops along Memorial Blvd. and had a smattering of apartments and mobile homes communities as well.

“I decided we couldn’t do [it all], and I told dad, ‘We need to stick to warehousing,’ and that’s what we did...even though at the time nobody was building warehouses,” he says. “We are at the center of the state, along I-75 and US-27, and it just seemed to me the best place.”

At that time, Greg hung a tennis ball with a big “W” on it from his ceiling, as a reminder to always keep his eye on the ball, or in this case, the warehouse industry.

Greg chuckles when thinking back to paying $14.02 for impact fees on a new development or it only taking a “week instead of six months” for permits to process, but his philosophy for winning in business has remained largely unchanged.

He and his father, and staff today, find great joy in helping businesses get

their start with a smaller warehouse footprint of maybe 10,000 square feet, and then ideally helping them find the connections and resources needed to grow into businesses that need 30,000, 40,000 or 50,000 square feet of space.

An example would be Omnia, a company that made cotton balls and other cotton related products for Publix.

They were in four different warehouses over the course of nearly 40 years, before finally selling the company in 2023.

One of Ruthven’s longtime friends, Weymon Snuggs, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Citizens Bank & Trust, said a distinctive characteristic of Greg is his deeply caring approach to business.

“He was always wanting to try to help people that were renting from him, and he wasn’t just a landlord,” he says. “The thing about Greg and his family is they care about the community and the city owes a lot of its economic development and growth over the last 20 to 30 years to The Ruthvens.”

It’s no accident that Greg would often take Christmas gifts to tenants or have surprise ice cream truck socials with them, where staff could enjoy a free treat while he checked in.

Longtime Lakeland businessman and former Lakeland Mayor Howard Wiggs said part of what makes Greg great is he knows how to listen well and ask inquisitive questions.

“He really listens to what you want to do and what you want to accomplish and will come back with challenging questions about how something is going to actually help you achieve that,” he says. “And he really gives wise counsel; if you were to take a poll in the Lakeland community…and get people to raise their hand if they had received wise counsel from Greg Ruthven, you would see a lot of hands go up.”

It makes sense that Wiggs says that, since Ruthven was his campaign manager for nearly 25 years, and Ruthven was president of the local rotary club and served on a host of impactful boards in Lakeland over the years.

Greg Ruthvens will tell you he’s been blessed, he has learned from the likes of his family and George Jenkins and other entrepreneurs over the years; he’ll also tell you that his son-in-law is “10 times better” than him at working with office staff.

The appreciation and love from Clark is mutual.

“Greg’s mark on Lakeland is significant,” Clark says, “He’s a generational leader for our family, company and community, and he has a lot to be proud of. Our job is to build on his legacy in the decades to come.”

Greg knows he’s played a role in building something great that has endured several recessions, but it gives him more pleasure to let someone else share what the family name means than to tell you himself.

When he and other staff were at a private brokers lunch in Central Florida, a broker asked Greg’s cousin Matt, Vice President of Leasing, if he realized about the power of “The Ruthven Effect.”

“The broker says, ‘When we’re representing a property owner and they’ve got a 100,000 square foot building to lease, we tell them that if y’all get it we are never going to see that tenant again because you take care of your tenants.”

As Greg said recently, sitting in a historic office along Lake Morton that his dad once occupied in the 1970s: “When you’ve got a win-win philosophy, it goes a long way.”

“He was always wanting to try to help people that were renting from him, and he wasn’t just a landlord.”

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THE LAKELANDER

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

SPONSORED CONTENT

NATURE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6 THE LAKELANDER

NATURE

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"Driving to work on County Line Road I noticed an amazing field filled with Sunflowers. The field was owned by Fancy Farms and they were kind enough to allow me to photograph these beauties. I would head to work early enough to spend about 30 minutes photographing the sunflowers for about 10 straight days. I would bring a different lens most of the days to be able to catch different looks. As the sun would rise the Sunflower seemed to have so much expression and personality I couldn’t get enough of them. I’ve so many shots I love of the Sunflowers however this is my favorite. I’ve titled this one: Awakening" Shot on Canon R3, EF100mm Macro lens; settings- 1/2000 f/4 ISO 1000 @andyglogowerphotography

WILDLIFE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

THE LAKELANDER

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NATURE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

"These birds are mesmerizing to me.

The way they float and maneuver so effortlessly through the air reminds me in a way of surfing. I usually see them solo or maybe a pair, but one evening in July I counted at least 25 circling over my home. Maybe they were gathering to migrate back to their home in South America— who knows—but I do know it was a beautiful sight."

Shot on Nikon D850 with Nikon 70200mm lens @jason_stephens

"This image combines two of my favorite things about Florida: water and pine trees. I spotted this reflection of the pine tree in a puddle left behind from rain the previous night at Colt Creek State Park."

Shot on Fuji X-E2 with the Fuji 27mm prime lens

THE LAKELANDER

@jason_stephens

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NATURE

"The Tricolor Heron has such magnificent features and they move so fast. I was delighted to capture this photograph as when they shake their bodies to dry off there is only a split second to capture an image of them that is worthy of keeping. This is one such image I was able to get as he was sun lit from the front allowing the background to go dark with a fast shutter speed and shallow depth of field."

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

@andyglogowerphotography

THE LAKELANDER

Shot on Canon R3 w/ Canon EF500mm; settings – 1/2500 f/4 ISO 1250

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NATURE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6 THE LAKELANDER

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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

NATURE

"In late 2022, as I was walking along one of the less frequented trails at the Lakeland Highlands Scrub, I came across a Red Shouldered Hawk perched in the top of a dead pine tree with its feathers ruffled up. I chose to add a bit of interest to the foreground and frame the bird in a clearing."

Shot on Nikon D850 with the Nikon 70-200mm lens. @jason_stephens

Shot on a Canon R3 w/ Canon EF50mm f/1.4 lens 1/640 f/10 ISO 200 @andyglogowerphotography

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

"Photographed on a very foggy morning at Circle B Bar Reserve on the trail along Marsh Rabbit Run. The fog made the scene feel quite dreamy with the sun filtering through."

THE LAKELANDER

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THE LAKELANDER

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NATURE

NATURE

Lakeland Spoonbill "After some recent rains a handful of Roseate Spoonbills came to feed in our neighborhood retention pond in South Lakeland. I was able to get on my belly and do an army crawl to get into a decent position to photograph this one.

I sat the camera on the ground to get the lowest perspective and waiting for this one to do a little wing flapping, the overcast morning light helped. This bird had a chip on his beak so of course I named him Chip!"

Shot on Canon R3 w/ Canon EF500mm 1/2500 f/4 ISO 2000 @andyglogowerphotography

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6 THE LAKELANDER

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NATURE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6 THE LAKELANDER

"This image from Circle B Bar Reserve in late 2023 is a Great Blue Heron photographed on a very foggy morning."

Shot on Canon R3 w/ Canon EF500mm f/4 lens; settings- 1/640 f/5.0 ISO 200 @andyglogowerphotography

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ARCHITECTURE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6 THE LAKELANDER

ARCHITECTURE “My wife Kathy and I were on location before dawn so we could make the exposure with the predawn sky and the building’s exterior lighting. Basic editing was done in Adobe Camera Raw w/ Nik Filter applications and Photoshop for the reflection and retouching.“ Shot on a Nikon Z7 digital camera with a 24-70mm Nikon lens; on a tripod for the time exposure @michael.r.landes

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THE LAKELANDER

tinasargeant.com

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

ARCHITECTURE

THE LAKELANDER

FB: Karen Moore Vintage Sign Photography

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ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

THE LAKELANDER

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ARCHITECTURE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

“Southgate, showing off after the storm.”

Shot on an iPhone

THE LAKELANDER

@danaustinphoto

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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

(863)225-8482 | StrongholdRoofing.com FOR M E R LY R E S I D E N TI A L R OOFI N G D E P OT

ARCHITECTURE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

Shot on Canon R3 w/Sigma 35mm f/1.4; settings- 1/400 f/5.6 ISO 2500

THE LAKELANDER

“I always love to photograph in thunderstorms however rarely do due to safety. On this evening I was rested and ready as there was so much lighting going on and didn’t seem to be too much rain. However, when I arrived downtown the rain was fierce and showed no sign of letting up. Since I made it out with my camera, I was hunkering down to wait it out! The toughest part was sitting in my car for almost 2 hours waiting for a break in the rain with my car engine turned off and no A/C turned on lest my camera would fog up immediately when I left the car. Finally when the rain eased, I grabbed the camera and tripod and set up shop near the Polk Theater hoping to get a shot of the Theatre sign and a Bolt. I have a Lightning Trigger, however left it at home as I thought I had it with me. I took a few hundred shots and was fortunate enough to catch one with a nice lightning strike.”

@andyglogowerphotography

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ARCHITECTURE

“This was inspired by the beauty of the sunsets and be beautiful city of Lakeland. I created this panorama from multiple shots stacked in Photoshop.”

Shot on a Canon R with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 lens

THE LAKELANDER

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

@nestorsh

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ARCHITECTURE

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

THE LAKELANDER

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ARCHITECTURE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

The spinning Sputnik landmark on the corner of Main Street and Ingraham.

THE LAKELANDER

@gregallen

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F

2024

N

TURED I EA

LOCAL EDUCATION. GLOBAL IMPACT. We know that knowledge is cultivated in the classroom, but tested in the real world. It’s why Florida Southern College has been named a leader in experiential learning year after year.

And the reason our graduates achieve a 98% placement rate post-graduation.

Immersive, hands-on experiences such as internships and research equip students to lead, succeed, and make an impact in our community and across the globe.

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BACHELOR’S | MASTER’S | DOCTORAL

ARCHITECTURE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

Shot on a Nikon D700 and a 24mm lens tinasargeant.com

THE LAKELANDER

These were shot for a story for one of The Lakelander’s early issues featuring Silver Moon as an iconic local entertainment spot, showing off the vintage details of the drive-in.

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ARCHITECTURE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

“Often my job puts me at a location of interest. I often think “I should get a shot of that while I’m here . . . but . . . who’s got time for that?”. Well, this day I found the time.”

THE LAKELANDER

Shot on DJI Phantom 4.

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@droneelevations

ARCHITECTURE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

Shot on DJI Mavic Mini Pro 3. @droneelevations

THE LAKELANDER

“I’m a sucker for overhead architectural photos. I feel it’s a unique perspective and plays off the 3D depth with a flat 2D feel. The mix of geometric color shapes, symmetry with asymmetry and organic landscaping give me a zen-like feel.”

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PEOPLE

PEOPLE When we do couple portraits, we love to allow the couple space to connect and reflect on their love and future together. Lakelanders Alyson and Mason shared a moment sitting at Lake Mirror watching the sunset, while also talking about what they looked forward to most at their upcoming wedding.

Shot on a Sony A7iii mirrorless camera.

THE LAKELANDER

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

@dripingrace

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PEOPLE

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

THE LAKELANDER

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PEOPLE

"During this family portrait shoot we wanted to capture the Abbot’s naturally, crossing N. Kentucky with the backdrop of historic buildings, in route to one of their favorite coffee shops, Mitchell’s Coffee.

We love to create natural scenarios for family’s, so that it feels real and authentic for them."

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

Shot on A7iii mirrorless camera

The inspiration behind each photo that Madisen Elizabeth captures is to always catch people at their most confident.

Shot on Cannon Rebel t6i with a 18-270mm lens

THE LAKELANDER

@madi.elizabeth.photography

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@dripingrace

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

Make the Move!

Seniors in Lakeland have several options for accommodations, care, and locations with our 6 local communities.

Call Today to Speak to one of our Family Advisors!

PEOPLE T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6 THE LAKELANDER

"The night dedicated to celebrating the debut solo album, 'Suddenly I Saw You Clearly' by Chase Wagner at Union Hall was an absolute blast. We wanted to capture the connection Chase had with the crowd in this exact moment as he pointed out to them, and they pointed right back to him."

Shot on A7iii mirrorless camera

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@dripingrace

"Just like this theatre brings life to the city of Lakeland, we felt it would bring the T-Shirt to life. The T-shirt design, skillfully designed by Jonathon Jordan Willcox, showcased a "movie production theme," and given the conference's location here in Lakeland and Jordan’s design, we thought it’d be unique to choose the historic Polk Theatre as the perfect backdrop of this T-Shirt for the Grace City hosted event."

Shot on A7iii mirrorless camera @dripingrace

THE LAKELANDER

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THE LAKELANDER

PEOPLE

Captured just before golden hour in front of an iconic mural near the downtown area. @madi.elizabeth.photography

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THE LAKELANDER

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

A R T A N D C U LT U R E

A R T A N D C U LT U R E

ART & CULTURE Harrison School of the Arts 2023 Winter Dance Concert featuring Choreography by Shelley Bourgeois and Susi Olson.

Shot on aCanon R3 w/ Canon RF70-200; settings - f/2.8 lens 1/500, f/2.8 ISO 8000 @andyglogowerphotography

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6 THE LAKELANDER

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Located at:

The Strand Salon 2537 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803

m 863.604.7776 Q @carriejarahair

Carrie Jara Hair PROFESSIONAL STYLIST

OVER 17 YEARS OF HAIR STYLING TRAINED IN NEW YORK CITY TOP HAIR COLORIST IN LAKELAND, FL NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!

MESSIEH ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC

MESSIEH ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC Leader in anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991 Less-invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work

Leader in anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991 Less-invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work.

Two Locations 1601 Sixth Street SE Winter Haven, FL 33880 863.419.9301 3200 Physicians Way Sebring, FL 33880 863.471.9700

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THE LAKELANDER

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

Hmong New Year Event

@Evette Eve Photography

A R T A N D C U LT U R E

Harrison School of the Arts 2023 Winter Dance Concert featuring Choreography by Shelley Bourgeois and Susi Olson.

Shot on a Canon R3 w/ Canon RF28-700; settings - f/2.0 lens 1/400 f/3.5 ISO 4000 @andyglogowerphotography

LAKELAND 2024 IN POLAROID Sometimes it's just more fun to mix the old with the new to create something completely different. Shot on the Polaroid I-2, here is Lakeland now with a retro recipe of colors and nostalgia. @imjordanrandall

These homes are 100+ years old

This Tudor Revival style home showcases one of Lakeland's many unique architectural styles

A close-up look at one of Lakeland's most iconic signs

Overlooking E. Main St.

Having opened in 1948, Silver Moon Drive-In is the last remaining drive-in of Polk County, Florida

The ally behind Harry's connects E. Main and Cedar St.

Terrace This year, The ill celebrate w Hotel Lakeland rthday its 100th bi

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

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL/NATURAL GAS | LP/APPLIANCES-PIPING-REPAIRS

863.224.2354 INFO@ALTERNATIVEGASCONSTRUCTION.COM PO BOX 9461 WINTER HAVEN, FL 33883-9461

NO MATTER WHERE LIFE TAKES YOU, WE’LL BE THERE.

Vegan + Nontoxic gels & polishes · Sculpted gel · Gel-X paintnailbar.com 863.777.2947 1486 Town Center Drive Lakeland, FL 33803

863.223.3164 twomenlakeland.com

Each franchise is independently owned and operated. | U.S. DOT No. 1654865 | FL IM 1517 | MC 608908

T H E N N OW A LWAYS | I S S U E 9 6

HISTORY

ISSUE 96

THE LAKELANDER

Circa 1940s

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Lakeland Hollingsworth Orange Cup Regatta Power boats lined up for the beginning of a heat of the Orange Cup Regatta held annually on Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, Florida.

Courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library

TH E L A KE L A N DE R

76 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

Devoted to a Lifetime of Good Health

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Central Florida’s Premier Healthcare Provider for Over 80 Years 863-680-7190 | WatsonClinic.com |

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