The Lakelander - Issue 55 / Influence

ISSU E 55

T HE

INFLUENCE I S S U E

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“I found many opportunities here I would never have found otherwise: opportunities to travel near and far; opportunities to attend special events here and elsewhere; opportunities to find new friends.”

Vivian Pemberton

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C O N T E N T S ISSUE 55

ON THE COVER Introducing The Lakelander’s 2020 Influencers Photo by Dan Austin

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

The Wedding Issue

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863.409.2449

CONTENTS

48 FEATURES

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48 • SPONSORED

60 • PEOPLE

A Heart of Influence

10 Leading Lakelanders

The students, faculty, and staff that make up the influential presence found at Southeastern University

The movers and shakers of our city and how they are using their influence to make a significant impact

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

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80 80 • EDUCATION

Raising the Bar Jacquenine Byrd, superintendent of Polk County Public Schools, is focused on making an impact on every child in the district

92 • BUSINESS

The Economy of Clout Everyday individuals have changed the scope of digital marketing

104 • TASTE

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We Are What We Eat How food influences us and recipes to fuel your body for optimal health

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DEPARTMENTS

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20 • MASTHEAD

24 • CONTRIBUTORS

28 • METRO

22 • EDITOR’S NOTE

26 • LETTERS

122 • HISTORY

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

2020 SCHEDULE FEBRUARY –JUNE January 17–February 21

JANET SIEGEL ROGERS: THE MYSTERY OF COLOR Monday, February 10

JAZZ FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS, VOLUME 1 February 13-16; 20-23

CABARET

Monday, February 24

FROM VIENNA TO VEGAS – AND PLACES IN-BETWEEN Wednesday, February 26

THE RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET: SERGEI PROKOFIEV’S CINDERELLA Tuesday, March 10

PIANO, PIPA, AND CHINESE MUSIC Thursday, March 12

JAZZ BRILLIANCE! March 13–27

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGN THESIS EXHIBITION Monday, March 16

ORCHESTRAL TREASURES Tuesday, March 24

STRINGS AND OTHER THINGS FLSOUTHERN.EDU/FFA | 863.680.4296

March 28 – 29

FSC l DANCE: SYNERGY April 2-5;9-12

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DANCE | MUSIC | VISUAL ART | THEATRE

April 3–24

STUDIO ART SENIOR THESIS EXHIBITION Tueday, April 7

A JOURNEY THROUGH LIGHT AND SPACE Saturday, April 18

THE OPERA GALA: RUDDIGORE (THE WITCH’S CURSE) Tuesday, April 21

WE ARE ONE May 8–June 12

ANNUAL LAKELAND ART GUILD EXHIBITION FOR FULL SEASON SCHEDULE, VISIT

FLSOUTHERN.EDU/FFA

Curt Patterson

Jason Jacobs

PUBLISHER

•

Brandon Patterson

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS

Annalee Mutz

Daniel Barceló

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Advertising ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ADVERTISING SALES

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449 Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785

Editorial CONTRIBUTORS

STAFF WRITER COPY EDITOR EDITORIAL INTERN

Sally Ibarra Barceló, Bryan Brown, Rebecca Knowles, Annalee Mutz, Britnai Shipe Charmaine Patterson Laura Burke Sam Hepler

Creative DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS STYLISTS

Nate Chappell Amy Kate Anderson, Dan Austin, Paul Bostrom, Nate Chappell Kayla Judy, Lisa Malott, Giselle Oliveras

Digital DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR DIGITAL MARKETING INTERNS

Sally Ibarra Barceló Ansley Blackwell

Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR VP, FINANCE GENERAL COUNSEL

Jason Jacobs Deb Patterson Ted W. Weeks IV

Issue 55 The Lakelander is published ten times annually by Patterson Jacobs Media Group, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

Contact: Patterson Jacobs Publishing, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 863.701.2707 • thelakelander.com Customer Service: 863.701.2707 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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E DITO R ’ S N OTE THE CHOICE IS OURS

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hen I think back on my life (thus far), I can easily recognize the mentors, guides, and influencers who were placed in my life at very specific times and for very specific reasons. Individuals who I either had a personal relationship with or I just admired from afar motivated me to do better and emulate their admirable characteristics in my own life. These individuals stood out to me because they allowed me to journey alongside them, helped me to feel seen and known, and encouraged me to pursue more and do better.

Influence means different things to different people. For some, the positive influence of others might sound similar to the impact I listed above. Influence might also take shape in a follower count or a list of achievements. There are people who have used their influence to leave an impressive impact on the world, and others who have used their influence to fulfill selfish and destructive wants and needs.

We all are impacted by the influence of others, and we all hold influence that impacts others. We have a choice on who and what we allow to influence us, and how we let our own influence impact others as well.

We all are impacted by the influence of others, and we all hold influence that impacts others. We have a choice on who and what we allow to influence us, and how we let our own influence impact others as well.

In this “Influence” issue of The Lakelander, we take a look into the many ways other’s influence leaves an impact on our lives. From the people we encounter to the foods we consume, who and what we choose to influence us leaves a ripple effect. We hope that this issue will be a reminder of the good that surrounds us in our community and how Lakeland is filled with many influencers leaving an inspiring impact. We’ve highlighted individuals not only for their great achievements in our community, but also because they chose to be selfless and pass on their influence for the betterment of others.

The beauty of our world is that we all come from different walks of life. We all have something to learn from each other.

Taking the time to learn the stories of others influences our own. We hope that this issue will not only introduce you to these individuals, but also invite you to see new perspectives and challenge you to do better.

Annalee Mutz

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

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C O N T R I B U T O R S THE WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS THAT MAKE THE LAKELANDER

NATE CHAPPELL Nate Chappell is the newest member of The Lakelander team. He hails from East Tennessee and graduated from Southeastern University in 2018 with his degree in graphic design. He has loved the opportunity to serve this blossoming city as a creative for the past seven years. Nate is passionate about building a platform for others to see themselves represented through art and creating a place for all to feel welcomed, accepted, and beautiful. Nate is excited to learn more about the culture and aesthetic of Lakeland as he helps design the pages that tell the stories of our community. @nate.chapp | @natechappell.com

“We Are What We Eat” written by Britnai Shipe, pg. 104

BRITNAI SHIPE Britnai is a certified Holistic Health Coach, as well as a recipe developer, dog mom, and missionary in Honduras. From surviving multiple cancers to her battle with Lyme Disease, her story is rare, filled with countless highs and lows. She has immersed herself in a lifelong journey of health and wellness using nutrition to heal herself and others through her experiences. fundamentallywhole.com

Why did you decide to become a holistic health coach?

Holistic health and wellness has been a part of my life since I was a child because my dad practices holistic medicine. I’ve always felt drawn to help people feel their best while channeling nutrition and lifestyle health.

Tell us a little about your blog, Fundamentally Whole.

Fundamentally Whole has been my vision of an archetypal pattern that I believe exists inside us–the pattern to orient ourselves toward being whole, living whole, and eating whole foods. My philosophy is rooted in holistic wellness: a wellrounded approach to an integrated mind, body, and spirit through lifestyle and nutrition. My goal is for Fundamentally Whole to be a relatable source that carries empathy for anyone struggling. It is essentially a guide to holistic, sustainable wellness.

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You’re about to spend the next 10 months living in Honduras. What will you be doing during your time over there?

I’m going to be a missionary interning at a private Christian school as an administrative assistant.

Along with administrative tasks, my time there will be helping build up the community of Rio Viejo and to provide an opportunity for quality education in a Christian environment that reaches the children of the rural villages of Honduras.

If you were stuck on an island and could only bring one item from your skincare routine, what would you bring and why?

This is the hardest question thus far! My skincare routine is my meditation. I love Cocokind and Indie Lee products, but I think I’d have to say Cocokind Glow Essence. Cocokind is my go-to for clean beauty products. A hydrating spritz-a-day keeps the fine lines and wrinkles away!

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REBECCA KNOWLES Aside from four years in Atlanta, GA, where she earned a BA in Psychology from Agnes Scott College, Rebecca has lived in Lakeland since she was 2.

She is the director of communications and community partnerships at All Saints Academy, and co-owner of Baum and Knowles College Advising. She holds a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Florida Southern College. Rebecca enjoys travel, sushi, spending time with friends, family, and—most importantly—her children Clayton (11) and Alison (7).

See the masthead on p.20 for a list of all contributing writers and photographers.

Joel Ivy

GENERAL MANAGER

Lakeland Electric is entering an exciting new era as we modernize our energy generation units by building efficient and cleaner energy solutions, including solar and natural gas generation options. Our coal-powered generator will cease operations as it reaches the end of its operational life by 2024.

As we enter this period of change, we remain committed to providing affordable, dependable, and sustainable power to all our customers. We will be sharing updates with the community as we build to serve Lakeland now and in the future.

lakelandelectric.com

L E T T E R S COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

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BETTER THAN WE FOUND IT

What a basketball legend can teach us about influence

A tragic accident made world news on January 26, 2020. Basketball legend Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter accident along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other people. The sudden news left the world in stunned disbelief.

After this news broke, countless figures – and not only in the world of sports – took to social media to process this death.

People such as Barack Obama, Mark Cuban, and Bill Russell are among the few recognizable names to take to Twitter to express their shock and condolences.

But perhaps the reactions from those who never even knew him provide the best insight into the type of influence Bryant truly left behind. People who never spoke one word to Bryant also took to social media to express the loss they’ve felt from his passing – many posting inspirational quotes by the icon and what his influence meant to them personally.

Bryant retired from basketball in 2016 after completing his 20th season in the NBA with the Lakers. In a 2017 ceremony, the organization retired both of the jersey numbers he wore (No. 8 and No. 24).

In his career, Bryant scored his way to an impressive 24 50-point games and made

8,368 free throws which contributed to his 33,583 point total in the NBA. He held the third-highest point total of all time until LeBron James recently passed him.

(Bryant’s last tweet was him congratulating James on the victory).

Media outlets continue to commemorate his impressive statistics and the example he provided during his time on the court.

However, his influence did not end with his legendary basketball career.

Along with being an iconic athlete, he was a mentor and a hero to so many.

He contributed great work to the world that carried out his work ethic to others.

In 2018, Bryant won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short for his sixminute film, Dear Basketball. That same year he published a book, The Mamba

“ S O L E AV E EVERYTHING ON THE C O U R T. L E A V E T H E GAME BETTER THAN Y O U F O U N D I T. A N D WHEN IT COMES TIME F O R YO U TO L E AV E , L E A V E A L E G E N D .”

– K O B E B R YA N T

Mentality: How I Play.

Bryant also founded the Mamba Sports Academy, a multisport training center which aims to train and mentor young athletes. His influence lives on in those who try to emulate the talent he earned in his career and his dedication to greatness in all other areas of life. Countless lessons have been and will continue to be passed on during his post-playing days.

Bryant didn’t keep his influence to himself. He dedicated a career to being the best he could be, and then even a life after toward helping others reach their goals too. That’s why his influence transcends the world of basketball and has left him as a global, iconic figure to a generation that is currently mourning the loss of his life – regardless if they personally knew him or not.

That type of grieving is evidence of the reach and depth of his influence.

As Bryant once said: “It’s the one thing you can control. You are responsible for how people remember you – or don’t. So don’t take it lightly. If you do it right, your game will live on in others.

You’ll be imitated and emulated by those you played against and those who never saw you play at all. So leave everything on the court. Leave the game better than you found it.

And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.”

We mourn this tragic loss and remember the life of a true influencer.

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METRO

national stage among 50 of the nation’s most driven, motivated, and accomplished young women was a moment I’ll never forget.

My experience was equally challenging and exhilarating.

This year, Miss America 2020 was held for the first time in December at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. Unlike past years, the competition highlighted candidates’ social impact initiatives and gave them more of an opportunity to share their heart and opinions on stage. I am happy to have placed in the Top 15 with women that I greatly admire and inspire to be more like.

Q&A with Miss Florida 2019

Michaela McLean catches up with The Lakelander

hat has your experience been like transitioning from being Miss Florida Citrus to becoming Miss Florida?

It was such an honor to represent my family’s heritage and roots as Miss Florida Citrus leading up to being crowned Miss Florida! I am an eighth generation Floridian and part of a family of fifth generation citrus growers! As Miss Florida Citrus, I had the unique privilege to meet citrus growers and industry leaders across the entire state.

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I was overwhelmed with the support and encouragement from the citrus community. The title of Miss Florida Citrus prepared, equipped, and launched me to be the very best Miss Florida I can be this year.

What was your experience competing in the Miss America competition? How was it different from previous competitions?

Competing and performing my lyrical dance at Miss America has been a dream of mine for several years. To wear “Florida” across my chest and stand on the

What do you plan to do with the platform you’ve been given as Miss Florida?

The job of Miss Florida has opened up multiple opportunities that I never could have imagined. From filming a segment for the Discovery channel while wrestling a python in the Everglades to meeting with senators and representatives in Washington D.C., the job of Miss Florida has been an exhilarating ride. I wear several different hats and each job presents a new opportunity to make a difference. I am an ambassador and spokesperson for the Everglades Foundation, Advanced Recovery Systems, and my social impact initiative “Brave & Beautiful.” So far, I have visited 35+ schools across our state and traveled over 15,000 miles. I am so excited to use the remainder of my year of service to travel, speak, encourage, and equip more thousands of people to understand their true purpose and potential.

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GREENWISE MURAL If you’ve been to Lakeland’s new GreenWise Market, you’ve probably noticed an intricate mural while you were checking out. The 8-foot-square mural titled “Lakeland On the Move” was created by local artists Bump Galletta and Fred Koehler, and it features a variety of Lakeland gems from the Southgate sign to Lake Mirror. You might even spot yourself!

FLORIDA POLY’S FIPR INSTITUTE TO DONATE MEGALODON TO LOCAL SCHOOLS The Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute, a research entity within Florida Polytechnic University, donated eight carts of fossil collections to elementary schools and libraries in Polk and Hillsborough counties.

The carts will include fossil samples, rock and mineral identification kits, curriculum materials, and information texts.

METRO

The Mixologist I chose this drink because it is visually beautiful, but the taste offers a glimpse of spring without being too floral.”

– Jeannie Weaver, owner of Revival

Revival 119 South Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 863.606.6090 • revivallakeland.com

INGREDIENTS 1.5 oz Hendricks Gin ½ oz Giffard Framboise ½ oz Giffard Rhubarb ½ oz Simple Syrup ½ oz Lemon Juice 1 Egg White TO MAKE THE COCKTAIL

A series of seasonally inspired cocktails in collaboration with our friends over at Revival

RECIPE No. 4

CUPID’S SHUFFLE

Fill a shaker tin with ice and add ingredients in the opposite order listed. The reason? If you make a mistake with the ingredients (I’m looking at you, egg white), you’re working the recipe from least expensive ingredient to most expensive. I like to add the egg whites in with the ice to do a reverse dry shake*. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds with ice, and then strain out the ice and shake again without it.

Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a fresh flower. *A reverse dry shake starts by shaking a cocktail’s ingredients over ice, straining out the ice, and then “dry” shaking with just the liquid so that the egg white can completely emulsify.

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METRO

New Year, New Gym Lakeland Crunch Fitness opening soon

AN ECONOMIC FORECAST An overview of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s annual Forecast Breakfast

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Resolution was the goal at the 33rd annual Economic Forecast Breakfast, which offered perspective on the financial state of Central Florida.

Allen & Company of Florida, LLC and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce presented the event at the RP Funding Center on Thursday, January 16. The theme for this year was to provide clarity amid the ups and downs of all things finance and budgeting, from negative interest rates to trade wars.

Chief Economist Brian Wesbury of First Trust Advisors, L.P. returned as the speaker and dynamically offered a viewpoint that is relevant to local, nationwide, and international economics and politics.

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Lakelanders will soon have a new place to work on their fitness. Crunch Fitness is set to open a brand-new $2 million facility in Lakeland. With more than 300 locations around the state and nation, Crunch Fitness will make its newest mark in the heart of the city at 5218 South Florida. The official open date hasn’t been determined yet, but it’s currently being constructed after breaking ground in December.

From boosting cardio on $850,000 worth of state-of-the-art machines and equipment to working out with gym pals in more than 40 group classes like yoga and Zumba, Crunch Fitness offers something for everyone. The gym is also set to feature high intensity interval training (HIIT) and a much needed Relax & Recover area with HydroMassage and tanning for post workouts.

Ultimately, the atmosphere vows to be one full of positivity, empowerment, encouragement, and inclusivity with no judgment as locals and visitors aim to achieve the gym-possible.

Crunch Fitness – Lakeland 5218 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33813 863.226.0486 crunch.com/locations/lakeland

“This forecast breakfast originated from the idea that independent business owners needed exposure to economic intelligence.

The macro level of material that Mr. Wesbury shares translates significant concepts into easily-digestible, relevant data that paints an economic landscape for businesses both small and large,” said Ralph Allen. He continued, “Each year I feel the same way, that this year is the most critical in our country’s history, and this year is no different.”

Those who attended were also provided with continuing education credits for Florida Certified Planners from Allen & Company of Florida, LLC and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

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A booming Lakeland welcomes its first-ever food hall Written by Charmaine Patterson

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hat was previously known as Lakeland Brewing Co. is now the home of Lakeland’s first-ever food hall, set for a place where foodies and families can indulge.

Owned by Sarah and Jonathan Bucklew, The Joinery is a stylish and modern artisan food hall and craft brewery in downtown Lakeland on Main St. After a series of soft openings for its family, friends, city entities (such as the Lakeland Economic Development Council) The Joinery opened its doors to the public (via a new soft

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opening) for the first time on January 20, 2020.

“The city has just done a lot to help us with this. The [Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency] gave us a grant for the project, so we wanted to say thank you to them for that,” says Sarah. “The building inspectors, the fire marshals, everybody had been very involved and very helpful.”

Despite the makeover, the heart and soul of Lakeland Brewing Co. are still present as the logo remains on the ground just inside of what’s been transformed into an eating patio for

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

VENDORS

THE JOINERY

SABU Ramen and Japanese snacks

customers. That space was previously the front entrance during the Lakeland Brewing Co. days.

“I think it’s really cool. I wanted to keep it because it really speaks to what the building used to be,” says Sarah.

The new front door for The Joinery is on the side of the building for easier access from the parking lot.

When first walking into the building, patrons are met with a bright and open U-shaped selection of seven vendors that sell a

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Sushi & Poke Bowls

Neapolitan-style pizza

BLOOM SHAKALAKA Flowers & Gifts

variety of goodies from florals to coffee, small gourmet plates, sushi, pizza, and ice cream. The front area is complete with a directory to help customers navigate through all The Joinery – including options for picky eaters and kids.

Sarah predicts that one of the favorites will be the s’mores kits topped with gourmet marshmallows. Those s’mores can be enjoyed in the fire pit area outdoors, which has a clear view of trains rolling through downtown.

The Joinery has come a long way since the

SUPER DOT SPOT Burgers & chicken sandwiches

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Tacos & Mexican street food

Coffee, tea, and breakfast

Handcrafted ice cream

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own to the first five-star dinner of the trip, and being transported

pected flavors awaiting you. For others, it’s pulling into an exotic,

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Bucklews first leased the space in September 2018. It now also touts a full bar, large garage windows for a scenic view, and pays homage to vintage Florida with decorative breeze blocks used to separate a small eating area from a space designated for ordering and waiting for food.

The area also includes a large dining space that easily sits 100, making The Joinery a potential commodity for venue rentals hosting large crowds.

The primary artwork displayed also features oversized postcards of some of Florida’s most notable spaces.

It’s clear Sarah and Jonathan have thought of nearly everything with The Joinery’s concept, even the bathrooms as Sarah proudly says each is uniquely designed.

Staying true to the brewery-style venue, The Joinery is complete with a row of supersized brewing containers on the back of the wall behind the bar, giving customers a behind-thescenes look.

The chatter around the highly-anticipated opening has already made The Joinery a Lakeland hot spot.

“THE CITY HAS JUST DONE A LOT TO HELP US W I T H T H I S .”

– SARAH BUCKLEW

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METRO

New local boutiques are just a click away Meet the faces behind two local online clothing stores and learn what their businesses have to offer

OXFORD PALM

(Pictured Below): Oxford Palm founder, Hannah Onorato

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Oxford Palm was created with the minimalist fashionista in mind. Fresh off of a 2019 holiday season launch, the online boutique has flourished into a digital destination for local and national consumers.

The co-founder of the Giftful app, Hannah Onorato, created the brand for those who unapologetically lean on fashion and style as a form of self-expression. Oxford Palm is housed strictly online at OxfordPalm.com, but it’s become a topic of conversation here in Lakeland. The boutique provides simple options when going for a simple look (like the Daphne straight-leg jeans or the Love You A Latte Sweater), and a few accent pieces, like the Fall For You asymmetrical skirt, to spruce up any outfit.

The Lakelander caught up with Onorato and she dished on how she went from computer programmer to boutique owner, her favorite Oxford Palm items, and what we can expect for the upcoming spring season.

What inspired you to start Oxford Palm?

I’m a software developer, so I noticed this lack of creativity in my day-to-day, and it started to bother me. I didn’t like just working on computer programming and I felt like I wasn’t being creative. I went through this phase where I was brainstorming with [my husband] Cono, and we were trying to figure out a career I could go down where I could use my skills, be creative and incorporate fashion. We were kind of talking

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one day and realized, “Hey I should do an online boutique.”

I always thought I’d do one at some point in life, so we thought I should go ahead and start it.

How would you describe Oxford Palm’s style?

Half of it is styles that you’ll have in your closet for years. You know, those staple pieces that you want to keep re-wearing. And then you have other pieces that are kind of fun; whether you’re going out for brunch or going on a date. Oxford Palm is just everyday clothes, things you can wear to work or out with your friends. Every once in a while, we have pieces that are a little dressier.

What are some of your favorite items?

We have a top called the Hannah top. We named it that because I liked it so much that I kept one for myself. It’s very much my style — it’s loose, it’s thin material, so it’s perfect for Florida. I would also say our black jumpsuit called the Franco. It’s comfortable, it’s cute, and you can wear it for a variety of things.

What do you have in store for spring?

We just released five new items and will be releasing five more with a new item each week.

Everything is either orange or white and perfect for vacation!

OXFO R D PAL M oxfordpalm.com @shopoxfordpalm

METRO

BARELY JADE

(Pictured Below): Barely Jade founders, Ahna Waddell (top) and Haylee Mathis (bottom)

When Ahna Waddell and Haylee Mathis teamed up to launch an online boutique, Barely Jade, they had big things in mind.

While the self-proclaimed boss babes dream of being able to spot a girl donning Barely Jade on the street, for now, they’re proud to offer affordable accessories, clothes, and shoes that will serve as love at first sight for their customers.

But Barely Jade isn’t your typical online boutique. Instead, Ahna and Haylee have spent their first year in business offering pieces that combine simplicity and high fashion, from the Brit Slip Dress to the Gold Rush Hoop earrings.

While they’re getting ready to drop new products this spring, they spent the recent months spreading the word at pop-up shops and vendor gatherings such as Haus Mrkt and Oak Grove Events.

The ladies spoke with The Lakelander about how their collaboration began, what sets them apart, and where they hope to see Barely Jade sooner than later.

How did you two team up to create Barely Jade?

We always knew we wanted to start a business together.

We both have a love for fashion and shopping. One day it kind of hit us that we should start an online boutique. We started going over ideas in the summer of 2018 and worked on things, went to markets, and finalized the boutique in March 2019, and launched a month later.

How is Barely Jade’s style unique?

Our style is unique because it’s not really a “boutique” look.

We really pay attention to more fashion-forward looks and more of an L.A. meets NYC vibe. We really pay attention to what we order and make sure what we pick out is [something] we would wear also.

Where do you hope to see Barely Jade in five years?

We hope to have a successful storefront that people can come to. We had a conversation in June on the plane to our second market in NYC of how cool it would be to walk the streets of a city and say, “Oh, hey! That girl’s in Barely Jade!” because the brand is that well known. That would be amazing!

BA RELY JADE barelyjade.com @barelyjade

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LAKES

CHURCH

SAME CHURCH | EXCITING FUTURE

WORSHIP TIMES Downtown Lakeland Campus Sunday | 8;00am (Chapel) 9:15am & 10:45am Wednesday | 6:15pm 1010 EAST MEMORIAL BLVD. // LAKELAND Auburndale Campus Sunday | 9:15am Wednesday | 6:15pm 341 STATE RD. 559 // AUBURNDALE

South Lakeland Campus Sunday | 9:15am MEDULLA ELEMENTARY (Launches Feb. 23, 2020)

WHO WE ARE What an exciting future that’s ahead for Lakes Church! Church at the Mall has launched into a brand new season as Lakes Church. We are one church with multiple locations. To get more information about who we are as a church, our vision, staff, and everything offered for kids,

LAKES

CHURCH

students, and adults be sure to visit us at GOLAKESCHURCH.COM

METRO

An Update On Downtown Parking If you’re tired of the roadblock on Kentucky Avenue, detour no longer!

WATSON CLINIC FOUNDATION DONATES $100,000 TO BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL FLORIDA On October 18, the Watson Clinic Foundation donated $100,000 to the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida (BCFCF), an organization that provides financial resources and personal support to individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. The donation was presented at the 3rd Annual Pink Ribbon Gala, BCFCF’s fundraising event at Haus 820.

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The Heritage Parking Garage is near completion. Located at 227 South Kentucky Avenue, the new garage will be open to public use and provide needed additional parking for Downtown Lakeland.

The unique project was funded by the City of Lakeland, Lakeland Regional Health, MidFlorida Credit Union, and Heritage Plaza owner BKP Five LLC, each of whom retained ownership of the parking spaces, paying a prorated share of the construction and development costs.

There are 49 regular spaces and 10 ADA accessible spaces on the first floor available to the public as pay-to-park spaces.

The parking garage supports one existing and one new office building, and benefits downtown businesses, shoppers, diners, and

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visitors. The public spaces will be available at an hourly rate of $1 per hour with two pay stations located on the ground level of the garage. Guests can use coins, dollars, credit cards, or the ParkMobile app to pay for parking. Similar to other parking lots downtown, the public will have access to free parking after business hours and on weekends on the first and second floor of the garage.

In addition to the completion of the garage, an additional 33 parallel parking spaces will be reinstated along the perimeter of the garage on Orange Street, Kentucky Avenue, and Tennessee Avenue, where parking is free to the public for two hours per day. Visitors may also extend their stay using the ParkMobile app.

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LAKELAND’S BEST SMILES. True locals whose smiles have been tranformed by Agnini Family Dental

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AgniniDental.com We accept CareCredit

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

“I smile naturally knowing my teeth look great.”

Former Mayor

HOWARD WIGGS

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Southeastern University F E A T U R E D

P A R T N E R

A Heart of Influence The students, faculty, and staff that make up the influential presence found at Southeastern University

WRITTEN BY ANNALEE MUTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE CHAPPELL

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th elakelande r.c om

THE DOMINO EFFECT 2017, a freshman collegiate athlete’s world was turned upside down. Xavier Hendrix had just finished a successful high school athletic career and was ready to jump into college football at Southeastern University (SEU).

He was set to start the season when he received devastating news.

“Two or three days after an EKG (electrocardiogram), the director of the program contacted my athletic trainer and told him there was a problem in my screening and that I needed to see a cardiologist,” says Hendrix. The screening, offered at SEU, found a heart abnormality, and further testing also revealed that Hendrix had Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome – a syndrome in which there is an extra electrical pathway between the heart’s upper and lower chambers that can cause a dangerously rapid heartbeat.

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XAVIER HENDRIX S T U D E N T & H E A R T H E A L T H A D V O C A T E

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This news would end one dream – but also redirect Hendrix toward another.

With a death occuring once every three days, sudden cardiac arrest is the number one killer among young competitive athletes. Hendrix knew that this was a problem that needed to be fixed.

Since a successful final heart surgery, Hendrix has worked alongside the EKG screening program, Who We Play For, to advocate for more screenings across the country. One of the biggest reasons athletic departments have not already implemented these screenings into their programs is simply a lack of funding. Hendrix is grateful to be at a university that has continued to invest in these screenings since his freshman year.

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“At Southeastern, we already identified several students that may have never known that they have a detectable heart condition. We were able to save people’s lives,” says Hendrix. “I was the first that had my life saved and now we’re doing a domino effect.”

Hendrix enrolled at SEU as a pre-med major with the intention of pursuing medical school. “I always knew I wanted to do something in the medical field but didn’t know what specifically,” he says. Through his personal story and the investment made

by SEU, Hendrix (now in his junior year) is actively involved in multiple clubs and organizations in the College of Natural & Health Sciences, and aspires to work in pediatric cardiology or orthopedic surgery.

After an EKG screening saved his life, Hendrix has worked with Who We Play For, a program that advocates for more screenings across the country.

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DR. AIMEE FRANKLIN A S S O C I A T E P R O F E S S O R O F B I O L O G Y

THE FULL CIRCLE “Being an effective influencer is meeting the needs of individual students and not a collective body,” says Dr. Aimee Franklin, associate professor of biology at SEU. As a former student and current employee, Franklin’s academic career was significantly influenced by the faculty and staff at Southeastern.

After graduating with her undergrad degree, Franklin’s former dean (and now boss at SEU), Dr. Deborah Hazelbaker, encouraged her to take the GRE and apply to graduate programs.

“I thought I wanted to go to med school, and she really encouraged me to pursue graduate school.” Hazelbaker’s voice carried great weight in Franklin’s life because of the continued investment she made even after undergrad.

“We would chat on the phone and stay in contact. She would check in and see how I was doing and that was a huge comfort through six years of graduate school,” says Franklin.

“To be an effective influencer of students and colleagues, you have to be someone who listens to what they need and what they need you to be.”

– AIMEE FRANKLIN

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Franklin has now been a professor at SEU for six years. She teaches neuroscience and anatomy and physiology, and serves as a pre-health advisor for the department. “It seems like every

step of the way, I was being pulled back to Southeastern,” says Franklin.

Prior to working at SEU, Franklin was on her way to do a postdoctoral research fellowship for the National Institute of Health (NIH) when she withdrew her name three weeks before the start date so she could accept an offer from Hazelbaker to come back and teach.

“One thing I knew I wanted to do was start an undergraduate research program for our science majors.”

Recounting the many ways SEU prepared her academically for graduate school, she does remember the lack of laboratory prep. “I went on to graduate school and the first time I stepped foot into a laboratory to use pipettes was the first day of graduate school. So I felt kind of behind with laboratory techniques,” says Franklin. She desired to see SEU students better equipped with experiences for graduate school and more competitive for med school.

After returning to teach at SEU, Dr. Franklin set out to start a research program that would better equip students for graduate studies and med school.

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Because of her dedication and the support of her colleagues, SEU now has a thriving research program. “We have many students who participate in research now. We’re doing experiments that have never been done before. Real experiments, not like a laboratory as part of a class – actual research,” says Franklin. Because of the great strides made in the program, students have gone on to present and be recognized at national conferences. Franklin emphasizes how none of it would have been possible without the support of the provost and administration.

But even more so, none of this would have been possible without a few key faculty members who influenced Franklin well before her time began as a faculty member at SEU, too.

“Southeastern is unique in how much the faculty cares about the students. They want to play an active role in helping them plan for the future,” says Franklin.

Xavier Hendrix, who also works as Franklin’s teaching assistant for her Anatomy and Physiology courses, couldn’t agree more. “I know I’m able to talk to [Franklin] about anything in my future and she’ll be 100 percent honest with me about it and what I can do to get to where I want to be because she knows my goals,” says Hendrix.

“I’m forever thankful for her and for all of my professors.”

Franklin came back to SEU for this very reason – to impact students in a similar way that she had been impacted by her own professors. “To be an effective influencer of students and colleagues, you have to be someone who listens to what they need and what they need you to be,” says Franklin.

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“I think any leadership position has influence over someone and the best influencers are the people who are good stewards of that.”

ELENA ESPINOZA S T U D E N T & P H O T O G R A P H E R

– ELENA ESPINOZA

THE STORYTELLERS “SEU has taught me that influence has a lot to do with the intentional investment,” says, Elena Espinoza.

Espinoza is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and is involved in multiple areas on campus. She works in the enrollment marketing office as a student worker, on the student magazine team as a student leader, and as a teaching assistant for a missions professor. In addition to what

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she’s learning in the classroom, she believes all these additional experiences are giving her the tools she needs to reach her future goals.

“I hope to be a missions photojournalist,” says Espinoza. Specifically, she hopes to launch a nonprofit that would almost function as a third-party marketing company that focuses on telling the stories of missionaries on the field.

“It would help tell their story and, hopefully, through the media content, help expedite their fundraising process

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by taking care of the communication side for them, allowing them to just focus on foot,” says Espinoza.

Similar to Hendrix, one of Espinoza’s most transformational moments from SEU came during her freshman year. Prior to coming to SEU, Espinoza had suffered from a severe jaw injury that greatly impacted her respiratory system due to blockage in her airways.

She was set to have total joint replacement surgery to repair the damage caused by the disintegrated jaw when

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vice president’s office, Espinoza found herself on the stage of SEU Conference a year later sharing her story to thousands of her peers and encouraging countless students.

In addition to the opportunities in her student leadership position working with the campus magazine and student worker role in enrollment marketing, Espinoza has been given many opportunities to grow in her craft and better understand the privilege of sharing a story.

“I think it doesn't matter what I do or what position I’m in, I always want to be helping others,” says Espinoza.

THE GIVEBACK Xavier Hendrix, Aimee Franklin, and Elena Espinoza are a few among the many who have used their influence to positively impact those around them.

Countless stories fill Southeastern’s campus of those impacted by the leadership of students, staff, and faculty, and serve as a reminder that the influence we are given is meant to be shared with those around us. As Espinoza says, “I think any leadership position has influence over someone and the best influencers are the people who are good stewards of that.”

Elena Espinoza aspires to be a missions photojournalist and tell the stories of missionaries on the field.

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the pain miraculously subsided while at SEU’s annual conference. “I prayed, and in that moment I took a deeper breath, deeper than any in the past three years.

As I closed my mouth, my lower jaw had just shifted forward,” says Espinoza.

She no longer needed the surgery.

The vice president of student development caught wind of Espinoza’s story and asked to meet with her. “I go into her office and she says, ‘I want to hear your whole story. Start from birth,'” Espinoza laughs as she recalls sitting in Bethany Thomas’s office and sharing not only her experience at SEU Conference, but her future hopes and aspirations.

“Southeastern has influenced me the most just in encouraging me to tell my story and personal testimony, as well as taking the time to learn about my goals and dreams and then doing everything they can to help equip me for that,” says Espinoza. After sharing her story in a

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PEOPLE

The movers and shakers of our city and how they are using their influence to make a significant impact

Written by Bryan Brown Photography by Dan Austin & Paul Bostrom

TE N

LAKELANDERS INSPIR IN G OU R CITY TO D O M ORE, B E BETTER, A N D ACHIEV E HIG HER

w WE ALL HAVE INFLUENCE, BUT WHAT SETS AN INFLUENCER APART IS WHAT THEY CHOOSE TO DO WITH THE POWER THEY HOLD. LAKELAND IS FILLED WITH INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE CONTRIBUTING GREATLY TO OUR COMMUNITY IN AN ARRAY OF AREAS. IN OUR FIRST-EVER LIST OF LOCAL INFLUENCERS, WE’RE HIGHLIGHTING INDIVIDUALS WITH DIVERSE STORIES WHO SHARE A COMMON THEME. THESE ARE THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS OF OUR CITY WHO ARE COMMITTED TO NOT ONLY SUCCEEDING IN THEIR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE, BUT USING THAT SUCCESS TO SERVE OTHERS. THEY ARE THE ARTISTS AND DOCTORS; PHILANTHROPISTS AND HOMEMAKERS; EDUCATORS AND ADVOCATES. THEY REPRESENT A FEW AMONG THE MANY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE WHO MAKE UP LAKELAND, AND THEY INSPIRE US TO BE AS SELFLESS AND RELENTLESS IN OUR WORK ETHIC TO ACHIEVE MORE IN OUR HOMES AND CITY. I N T R OD U C I N G THE LAKELANDER’S 2020 I N F LU E N C E R S .

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SARAH POWERS FO U N D E R & C E O, TO P B UT TO NS I NC.

ON MY DAYS OFF

If you had two hours of unhindered free time (no obligations!), what would you do?

I would go for a long run. I absolutely love running.

What are your top three favorite places in Lakeland?

• Lake Hollingsworth • Downtown Lakeland (Kentucky Avenue) • Peterson Park

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As a former youth minister and social worker, and, frankly, as a mom of four kids, Sarah Powers’s passion is to encourage young women to find their identity and value in Christ, “not in the provocative, disrespectful, and inappropriate.”

Powers is the founder and chief executive officer of Top Buttons, Inc., which exists to build youn women’s self-worth from the inside and out through mentorship, education, and fashion.

Born and raised in Lakeland, Powers desired to live elsewhere early on like most ambitious youth and young adults. Now, a wife, mother, and business owner, Powers is grateful to be back in her hometown and could not see herself anywhere else. Powers sees and loves many others in the community with passion, work ethic, and commitment to bettering the community.

Powers would like to see those who are broken and lost find hope, purpose, and support, closing the gap to help people find their way.

Powers, who built an entire program on giving hope, desires “to see young women known for who they are as a whole person, which is far more than just a pretty face.”

Influencers in Powers’s own life include Jeanne Mayo, a national youth leaders coach.

Mayo encouraged Powers while speaking at a conference and the two ended up working in ministry together. Others like, Jeremy DeWeerdt, founder and leader of Master’s Commission, had a big impact on Powers, who spent five years in his program.

“The time spent in Rockford,” Powers says as she reflects on her time at Master’s Commission, “has forever impacted my perspective on what it means to love and serve people in your community.”

Time spent studying the Bible with her husband and investing in others keeps Powers grounded with a healthy perspective. “Getting our eyes off ourselves and on the needs of others is one of the best ways to stay healthy all the way around,” she says.

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STEVEN ACHINGER, MD, FASN

ON MY DAYS OFF

MANAGING PA RTN ER & C HA IR M A N , WATSON CLINIC

If you had two hours of unhindered free time (no obligations!), what would you do?

I would play soccer on the beach with my kids.

What are your top three favorite places in Lakeland?

• Nineteen61 • Being around Lakes Morton, Mirror, and Hollingsworth • Watson Clinic

For close to 80 years, Watson Clinic has provided quality healthcare to patients because of medical doctors and leaders like Dr. Steven Achinger, Managing Partner and Chairman of the Board since 2018. Achinger joined Watson Clinic in 2009 and cares for patients with kidney disorders through his nephrology practice. Achinger also oversees daily operations and quality assurance for the clinic.

Uniquely, Watson Clinic is 100% physician-run and governed. Watson Clinic’s independence gives Achinger and his team the freedom to focus on patients and their needs first, providing

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quality care without burdening regulations and restrictions.

According to Central Florida’s Development Council, Watson Clinic is one of Polk County’s Top 10 employers with more than 1,800 employees, including 300 physicians and providers at 18 different locations.

“My overarching desire for Watson Clinic is to see all patients get the best care possible,” says Achinger.

Achinger was born in Syracuse, New York, and spent a brief portion of his life in the Marshall Islands. Achinger moved to Ormond Beach when he was 7 years old before eventually landing in Lakeland

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in 2009. Achinger received his medical degree from the University of Miami and completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX. Achinger hopes that Lakeland continues to prosper and “grow at a responsible rate,” hoping the city “does not lose its beauty or charm at the expense of growth.”

“Lakeland has a great small town feel and people are genuine,” says Achinger, who loves the laidback Florida lifestyle.

“The city is very family-friendly, a great place to raise kids, and not too far from major attractions in other cities.”

Ben Stevenson, a straight “A” student as an eighth grader (the only one in his class), earned a college scholarship at 7 years old and was destined to succeed with his wit, drive, and passion.

Stevenson, who graduated from University of Florida and eventually earned two graduate degrees, serves as president and CEO of the Lakeland Housing Authority.

Stevenson grew up in a phosphate mining town in Pierce, Florida, where his family taught him work ethic and, clearly, humility. A “country boy,” as he affectionately calls himself, Stevenson does not use an alarm clock but wakes each morning for a walk and talk with God at 4 a.m., listening to Gospel music on his stroll.

Seven years ago, after being away for more than 40 years, Stevenson returned to Lakeland, to provide vision and daily oversight to the Lakeland Housing Authority.

“Lakeland is facing an affordable housing crisis,” says Stevenson. “For every 10 families seeking affordable housing, there are only three units available.” Despite the crisis, Stevenson is optimistic and encouraged by what he sees among the city officials and citizens of Lakeland.

Stevenson has a knack for cleaning up financial messes and providing steady leadership. Winning multiple local and national awards for his work in places like New Orleans, Tampa, and Lakeland – and receiving

recognitions from presidents like Barack Obama and Bill Clinton – serves as testimonials to not only Stevenson’s work, but his heart and commitment as well.

Ever since Stevenson was a little boy, he felt a call yo serve others. “I always said if I won the lottery, I would use it to help poor people,” says Stevenson.

In a way, Stevenson won the lottery by the many positions he has filled and helping people along the way.

In case you are wondering, Stevenson received a scholarship at such a young age after winning an art contest. Add that to the list of incredible accomplishments and one deeply diverse, inspiring, and influential individual.

ON MY DAYS OFF

BEN STEVENSON

If you had two hours of unhindered free time (no obligations!), what would you do?

I would work on something that would use my gifts to serve mankind and bring glory to God.

P RESID EN T & C EO, LA KELA N D HOU SI N G AU T HOR I T Y

What are your top 3 favorite places in Lakeland?

• Harry’s • Keke’s • Hollis Gardens

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O n c u

JUDY ONCU

fa i t h f u l ly

EN GLI SH TE AC HER , LAKELAND CHR I ST I A N SC HOOL

Since the 1950s, Lakeland Christian School (LCS) has been known for its ability to educate, equip, and empower the next generation of learners and leaders. While the school grounds itself is a Christian foundation, it relies on an important vessel to bring about growth among its students: quality teachers. An avid reader, lover of great literature, and writing pundit, Judy Oncu fits the description.

Oncu has faithfully served and guided students at Lakeland Christian School for more than 35 years. Born and raised in Romeo, Michigan, just north of Detroit, Oncu moved to Lakeland with little plans but great faith. Oncu would find a home not only in the city of Lakeland, but at LCS as well, where her passion for preparing students was cultivated and released.

Oncu’s enthusiasm stems from one of her own personal influences, an English teacher from her senior year of high school who encouraged her to pursue continuing education. This came as a slight shock to Oncu, as no family member of hers had ever graduated from high school.

“I am so confident that moving here was totally led by God,” said Oncu, “and I have peace and contentment in all areas of my life because of that.”

Whether at a local restaurant, where the servers call her by name, or being greeted like an old friend at a local coffee shop, Oncu loves the small-town atmosphere of a larger city. With that, Oncu wishes for a greater mingling of the diverse groups, ethnicities, and races within the city of Lakeland – a model city of racial and ethnic integration.

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has

s e rv e d

and

gui ded s tu d e nts

at

L akeland Ch r isti an S ch o ol m o r e

for

than

35

years.

ON MY DAYS OFF

If you had two hours of unhindered free time (no obligations!), what would you do?

Grab an iced tea (unsweetened, I am from the North) and read a book.

What are your top three favorite places in Lakeland?

• Heritage Baptist Church • Lakeland Christian School • Starbucks at Lakeside Village

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ON MY DAYS OFF

If you had two hours of unhindered free time (no obligations!), what would you do?

Apart from most likely seizing the moment simply to relax, I would spend it with our Mini Schnauzer puppy, Wilkie. I would also very likely try to go for a nice swim, grab a bite with friends, or head out to Epcot to eat and drink around the world.

What are your top three favorite places in Lakeland?

•P olk Museum of Art and Frank Lloyd Wright Campus at Florida Southern College •L akes Morton and Hollingsworth • Lakeside Village

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

ALEXANDER RICH EXEC UT IV E D IRE C TO R & C H I E F C U R ATO R , P OL K M U SEU M O F A R T C HA IR, F LOR I DA S O U TH E R N CO L L E G E ’ S D EPA R T M EN T O F A R T H I STO RY A N D MU S E U M STU D I E S

“I

l o ve

n o t h i n g t h a n

m o r e

be i n g

a

t e a c he r

o f

h i s t o ry

an d

my

pa s s i o n

l i f e

i s

l o ve

an d

art

h i s t o r y, mu c h

i n

m ak i n g

o t h e rs a r t,

art

as

as I

d o .”

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At 2 years old, cartoonist (at the time) Alexander Rich dreamed of becoming a Disney animator. Years later, Rich never imagined he would live 45 minutes from Mickey’s magical playground, teaching art history at Florida Southern College (FSC).

In June 2019, Rich was appointed executive director and chief curator of the Polk Museum of Art and chair of FSC’s newly established Department of Art History and Museum Studies.

Among many responsibilities, Rich is tasked with providing creative vision to the museum.

“It’s a dream come true,” says Rich, “directing a Museum, curating its exhibitions, and teaching future art historians in and out of the classroom.

I love nothing more than being a teacher of art history and my passion in life is making others love art, and art history, as much as I do.”

Rich, born and raised in New York City, moved to Lakeland in 2014 and started out as assistant professor of Art History at FSC. Rich has grown to love Lakeland as it has provided him with a dream career, a great community of coworkers and friends, and so much more.

Rich hopes Lakeland continues what he calls its “spectacular upward trajectory,” suggesting it can “easily claim the title of ‘coolest’ small-ish city in Central Florida. This New York City boy feels very privileged to call himself a Lakelander,” he says.

While in college at Dartmouth, and at New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts, Rich encountered many influential teachers and mentors, “whose instruction, scholarship, advice, and teaching methods” still impact Rich’s approach to the classroom and museum today.

Yet, Rich’s creative art interests were fostered early on without reservations by his parents and other family members.

Rich emphasizes that he, “owes my fledgling development as an art historian to my paternal grandfather, who took me to all of New York City’s museums throughout my childhood each time we got together.”

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ON MY DAYS OFF

If you had two hours of unhindered free time (no obligations!), what would you do?

I would be coming up with a new way to help my Hispanic community. Also, I could spend time with my hubby or binge watch one of my favorite TV programs.

What are your top three favorite places in Lakeland?

• Munn Park • First Fridays • The Pink Piano

ANA RIVERA DE RAMOS P R ESID EN T & FOUN D ER , P U ER TO R I C A N /HI SPA N I C C H A M B E R O F COM M ER C E OF P OL K CO U N TY

Puerto Rican-born, and raised in the Bronx – a true Boricua – Ana Rivera de Ramos now calls Lakeland home. For the past 12 years, Ramos has served as president and founder of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County. Ramos felt a lively representation of Hispanic culture, spirit, and soul was missing in the Lakeland community and, naturally, the chamber was born. The Chamber exists to serve small and upcoming Hispanic businesses, keeping pace with the influx of Hispanic families into Lakeland.

“Some groups do an excellent job of celebrating Hispanic culture,” said Ramos. “Lakeland needed one that

would lead the Hispanic demographic – specifically families, entrepreneurs, and the community as a whole – into feeling like they belonged here in Lakeland.”

Ramos desires for Lakeland to embrace the Hispanic youth and millennial population more enthusiastically, as they are the future and in need of embracing. With this in mind, and the city becoming more diverse and inclusive, Lakeland will undoubtedly become a “beacon on the I-4 corridor” in the eyes of Ramos.

“I am looking toward what else this new decade will bring for my family, my friends, my organization, and, of course, the city of Lakeland,” says

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Ramos. “Hopefully, I will be involved in continuing to change the panorama of the Latino community here in the beautiful city of swans.”

Many people influenced Ramos, including her mother, Señora Ana Ocasio, and great grandmother, La Señora Sixta N Colon. Both, clearly, had an early impact on Ramos. Ramos’ faith, along with the love of her family, both past and present, sustains her daily work as she seeks to inspire those around her and be a compassionate change in her community.

Oh, and for Ramos, some lively Latino music helps – a staple of every Puerto Rican household!

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Extended 7am to 7pm Drive Thru and Saturday Hours

ON MY DAYS OFF

If you had two hours of unhindered free time (no obligations!), what would you do?

I love to watch sports and give back to our great community.

BARNEY BARNETT

What are your top three favorite places in Lakeland?

• My home • Florida Southern College • Lone Palm Golf Club

FORMER VICE C HA IR M A N , P UBLIX SUPER M A R KETS P HILA N THRO P IST, P UBLIX SUP ER M A R KETS C HA R I T I ES

Barney Barnett retired in April 2019 from Publix after more than 50 years of service. Throughout his tenure, Barnett served in multiple roles, including executive vice president, before eventually becoming vice chairman in 1998. In a 2019 Publix press release on his retirement, the company noted that Barnett is one of only 20 individuals who served as a Publix employee for 50 years.

Barnett was born in North Carolina during World War II and moved to Lakeland, as his father was a native of the area, when he was 6 years old. A lifelong Lakelander, outside of two brief stints outside the city, Barnett has spent 64 of the 76 years of life in Lakeland.

Barnett’s greatest influences were his parents and grandparents as well as teachers and coaches. During his time at Publix, Barnett also received great mentorship.

“I consider myself lucky, being born in the USA and fortunate to grow up in Florida,” says Barnett after some reflection. “I am also very fortunate to have gotten my job at Publix.”

Barnett currently serves on the Publix Charities board, which seeks to meet the needs of individuals in communities in Florida and throughout the nation.

Barnett also works with a group designing and building the upcoming Lakeland recreational attraction,

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Bonnet Springs Park, a 180-acre park that will feature a botanical garden, nature walks, a new Explorations V Children’s Museum, and much more.

“It is hard not to love Lakeland,” says Barnett, referring to its proximity to the I-4 attractions, being between the Gulf Coasts, and the people that make up the community.

Barnett’s love for Lakeland is seen in the way he and his family faithfully support Lakeland by continually pouring their resources back into the community. He tirelessly aims to beautify and unify the city in hopes that Lakeland will continue its steady growth as a premier area.

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Careers are not always defined by fancy titles, salaried day jobs, and paychecks; sometimes the greatest professions carry obscure titles, countless hours of work, and little-tono pay or recognition. Yet, such a covert calling brings about positive and lifechanging impact on the parties served.

Need an example? Meet Pam Mutz: wife of 41 years to Mayor Bill Mutz and mother to 12 children (and lots of grandchildren) who has spent more than 40 years serving her family. From supporting and doing life together with her husband to preparing her children for life, Mutz is called to sacrificially and devotedly support her family.

Mutz has also mentored and taught life skills to women all over Lakeland and supported young families as they grow.

This faithfulness is rooted in her relationship with Jesus Christ, who she considers her greatest mentor “because of his teachings, kindness for others, and love.”

Born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, Mutz considers herself a “mountain girl” with a love for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and many other outdoor activities like tennis. Mutz then met and married her husband in Indianapolis, Indiana, where they started their family by having their first 10 children. Finally, Mutz and her family would land in Lakeland, calling it “home” for the last 23 years.

“Lakeland is an amazing place to raise a family because the community cares about people,” says Mutz, who appreciates the strong family values the

community possesses. “We have seen this in educational settings, athletic coaches, and even therapists for our special needs daughter!”

Mutz desires to influence the next generation with character and values and build healthy families, which she believes are at the heart of strong communities. Mutz, along with her husband, encourages parents to make their families a top priority, believing this focus is how to best shape the next generation.

Mutz envisions Lakeland as one of the most influential communities not only in Central Florida, but across the whole state of Florida as well, built on a “strong core community, strong infrastructure, and outstanding education.”

PAM MUTZ M E N TO R & CO MM UNIT Y LEADER

ON MY DAYS OFF

If you had two hours of unhindered free time (no obligations!), what would you do?

I would hike to a beautiful place, sit outside, draw, watercolor, and journal.

What are your top three favorite places in Lakeland?

• Scarpa’s • Café Zuppina • The nature in my own backyard!

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“

IT ALL STARTED WITH

UNITED WAY My entire life I’ve had a community that embraced me and helped me along.

That gives me such gratitude and, in a nutshell, is why I serve.

— MARK MILLER

MARVIN TARVER C A P TA IN , LAKELAND P O L I C E D EPA R T M EN T

Marvin Tarver has been a member of the Lakeland Police Department since 1996, serving in multiple roles like SWAT operator, criminal investigator, and most recently, police captain.

Tarver oversees the Uniform Patrol Division (UPD) and is responsible for the direction, planning, and coordination of all functions of the division.

Tarver’s first role model was his mother, who taught him dedication, persistence, and resilience, as well as treating all people with respect and to never give up on your dreams. This is significant, as Marvin eventually chose law enforcement because he wanted to help and protect people from individuals who prey on the weak and exploit the helpless.

“The idea that men and women were willing to put themselves in harm’s way to preserve life and maintain public safety appealed to me,” says Marvin, who believes that “law enforcement is more than a job; it’s a calling.”

Tarver was born and raised in Bartow, Florida, and graduated from Bartow High School. Tarver eventually earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Polk State College and is a graduate of the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute, Senior Leadership Program. Tarver has received numerous awards over the course of his career, including Officer of the Year. Tarver loves spending time with family, cruises, visiting local theme parks, and attending church regularly, as each keeps him balanced emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Tarver’s love for Lakeland is rooted in how the community’s leaders and citizens work together to improve the city, making it a premier place to live and visit.

Tarver wants to see Lakeland as a leading city, “whose citizens work with their police department to reduce crime, and the fear of crime, so that the people and their children can enjoy the amenities that the city offers and take advantage of the opportunities that are made available to its residents.”

ON MY DAYS OFF

If you had two hours of unhindered free time (no obligations!), what would you do?

I like to think of myself as a do-it-yourselfer. So, I enjoy learning how to do new things. For instance, I wanted to learn how to play the keyboard so I read some music books, watched YouTube, and, within a few days, I was playing Luther Vandross’ hit song, “Dance With My Father” and a holiday favorite, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas What are your top three favorite places in Lakeland?

• Purple Onion • Texas Cattle Co. • Lakeland Square Mall

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ON MY DAYS OFF

If you had two hours of unhindered free time (no obligations!), what would you do?

The Tampa Bay Frogman Swim – a fundraising swim for the Navy SEAL Foundation, where we swim from St. Pete to Tampa. It has been my yearly highlight as far as a physical and mental challenge. I love to swim – it’s my exercise of choice since I was in high school.

And I am sure that my swim crew has not only kept me fit, but also sane.

TIM RICE L EA D PASTOR , T R I N I T Y P R ESBYT ER I A N C H U R C H

Tim Rice is known for many things, but one of the main characteristics people know him for his faith. From God to his family to Lakeland, Rice faithfully and sacrificially serves what he loves most.

Rice planted Trinity Presbyterian Church in 1997, where he serves as lead pastor and director of church planting.

Since 2005, Rice and the Trinity network have “daughtered” (planted) nine churches across Polk County and assisted other non-denominational church plants like Grace City Church and The King’s Church.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, Rice moved to Lakeland in 1986 and quickly

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fell in love with the city and its people.

“I hope to die here,” Rice says. “It’s full of amazing people and such a generous, loving community.”

Culturally, Rice loves that Lakeland is modest, seeing humble people with means eagerly sharing with people in need. Spiritually, Rice desires widespread renewal, as 85% of the people in Lakeland are not part of a church in a meaningful way.

Rice candidly shares, “I think the church, at large, has probably earned certain criticism and cynicism for being insular, selfish, smug, and aloof.”

That statement alone speaks volumes because leading the way for Trinity’s church-planting network

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

What are your top three favorite places in Lakeland?

• Gandy Pool • Mitchell’s Coffee Shop • Lake Mirror and the surrounding areas

is a pastor (Rice) who shows humility, awareness, leadership, and compassion. “I do what I do because I love Jesus and I love the people of our city,” says Rice.

Rice has had many important influences throughout his life, like his parents, both members of Trinity and active in Lakeland at 93 and 89 years old, and well-known pastor and church planter, Tim Keller. Rice has been influenced, challenged, and encouraged by his best friend, Tim “Timo” Strawbridge, co-pastor at Trinity. Rice is also indebted to his wife, Julie, and their four brilliant and courageous kids: Tyler, Molly, Abby, and Campbell.

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Sea of Galilee I SS U E 5 5

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EDUCATION

RAISING THE BAR 80

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Jacqueline Byrd, superintendent of Polk County Public Schools, is focused on making an impact on every child in the district. Her top priorities are academic achievement, school safety, and improving the learning and working environment in the schools. Great achievements have been made since she took the helm in 2016, and “the best is yet to come.”

When Jacqueline Byrd came to Polk County in June 2013 to become Deputy Superintendent of Schools, it was, “one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” According to Byrd, who is married and has two children, “coming to Polk was the logical next step in a career fueled by a desire to serve students.”

A self-described “true educator at heart,” Byrd began her career as a kindergarten teacher in Jacksonville. “I loved being able to make an impact on the children in my classroom,” says Byrd. “I loved watching the ‘light bulbs’ click on as they learned foundational skills in reading and math. I reveled in helping them develop academically, socially, emotionally, and so on.”

The call to become an administrator appealed to Byrd, “because doing so offered me the opportunity to make an even greater impact. As a principal, I could impact an entire school.” Now, as superintendent of Polk County Public Schools, a role to which she was appointed in 2016, she sets the tone for leadership and communication districtwide. “Everything I do influences the entire organization, and therefore, every single child served by Polk County Public Schools.”

Since coming to Polk County, Byrd has had many rewarding experiences, but she puts developing relationships and connections at the top. “I’ve made building relationships within the communities of Polk County and our schools a top priority of my work as superintendent, and I’m proud of the headway my team and I have made in that regard,” says Byrd. “My leadership team and I spend a great deal of time in the schools, connecting with teachers, staff, schoolbased administrators, students, parents and volunteers. Through the relationships we forge, we’re able to better understand the challenges facing our schools, and we’re better able to help them develop solutions.”

WRITTEN BY REBECCA KNOWLES PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN AUSTIN

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According to Byrd, another rewarding achievement was raising the district’s letter grade from the state to a “B” during the 2017-18 school year, and maintaining it for the 2018-19 school year. “The district had been a ‘C’ for eight years,” says Byrd. “Moving the grade was only possible through teamwork and sheer hard work on the part of every school district stakeholder. It was a huge victory for Polk County Public Schools. It was a message to our community that this is a district on the rise. I am very proud to have been part of achieving the ‘B’, and I look forward to even greater things to come for our district.”

As superintendent, Byrd’s top priorities have been academic achievement, school safety, and improving the learning and working environment in the schools. “We’ve made great progress in all three areas,” says Byrd. “In terms of academic

achievement, we’ve raised the district grade to a ‘B’ for the first time in eight years. We continue to increase the percentage of third-grade students who are proficient in reading. We have zero traditional schools with a grade of ‘F’. We have more than 20 nationally-certified career academies.

We are on an upward trajectory academically. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved, and I am certain we have only just begun.”

“In the area of school safety, everyone in education was shaken by the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, [where 17 people were killed and 17 injured by a teen gunman in Parkland, FL],” recalls Byrd. “Following that incident, and the legislation that resulted, my team and I collaborated with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd to create the School Safety Guardian program, which has since been replicated by districts across the state. The School

Safety Guardian program is a testament to the commitment to student safety that the school district and our law enforcement partners share.”

With regard to improving the learning and working environment, Byrd points to the comprehensive student behavior and discipline plan that went into effect at the beginning of this school year. According to Byrd, “the plan includes new protocol for schools to request behavioral support, a system to log and track behavior support requests, five regional behavior support teams, and a full continuum of instructional settings, which will include therapeutic sites for elementary and secondary students, day treatment settings and residential settings.”

For Byrd, the student behavior and discipline plan is a great example of how the district can support schoolbased personnel, and is a direct

response to their concerns. “I am proud of the collaboration that went into this plan,” says Byrd, “and I fully expect it will improve the experience of both students and employees.”

To accomplish these goals, and look ahead to the future, Byrd believes that collaboration is key. “My team and I are constantly in the schools.

This is where we see the effects of our work. This is where we see firsthand the challenges facing our schoolbased personnel and students. The knowledge and experiences we gather from being in the schools allows us to help develop more effective solutions, and to adjust where needed.” One of the specific things Byrd and her team have learned from work in the schools is that staffing is a persistent issue districtwide. “We talk about raising academic achievement,” says Byrd, “but we can’t do that without a stable and effective teaching force.”

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“I have no doubt that if we are consistent and intentional in everything we do, the best is yet to come for this district.”

Since becoming Superintendent, Byrd says that the position, “has taught me much about myself as a leader.

I had never previously served as a superintendent. I am very hands-on.

I like to be in the schools, working alongside teachers and students.” But with more than 14,000 employees and more than 100,000 students, Byrd has learned that it is imperative that she empower her leadership team. “It is crucial that district and school-based leaders share the same goals, values, and commitment to students because the only way we’re going to move forward as a district is together. I have learned that investing in my leadership structure will reap great dividends for the entire district.”

While the Superintendent position does not allow for much free time, any she does have is spent with her husband, Jason, and two children.

“Family always comes first for me,” says Byrd. “Without my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Jason and I both enjoy dining at the local restaurants.

You will also often find us enjoying school plays, athletic events, concerts, etc. — there is such great talent within our school district!”

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AN INVITATION FROM SUPERINTENDENT BYRD: “I encourage members of the public to visit or volunteer for one of our schools to see for themselves the great things that are happening within our district. Once they get into our schools, I think members of the public will be surprised by all we have to offer, including our many valuable career programs for students. We truly are a leading district and Polk County should be very proud.�

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FLORIDAPOLY.EDU

CODING THE NEXT EPIC UNIVERSE Academics, research, and internships go hand-in-hand at Florida Poly. Our students intern at prestigious institutions across the country. Computer Science senior Celeste Ramirez interned at animation powerhouse Steamroller Studios in Eustis, Fl. While there, she worked alongside some of the nation’s leading animators to develop video games. The hands-on experience allowed her to blend her passion for the arts and her love of coding.

Our students are making the world a better place. |floridapoly.edu|

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“My leadership team and I spend a great deal of time in the schools, connecting with teachers, staff, school-based administrators, students, parents and volunteers. Through the relationships we forge, we’re able to better understand the challenges facing our schools, and we’re better able to help them develop solutions.”

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As part of her role in the district, Byrd is a member of the Board of Directors of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Polk Vision, and Polk Education Foundation. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS), and serves with FADSS’ Mental Health Initiative. She is also a member of Leadership Polk Class X. “All of these organizations help me to better understand the economic and educational landscape of Polk County, and how the public school district can best serve its community,” says Byrd.

Personally, Byrd is also a bone marrow donor, and once served as a spokesperson for the Be the Match Foundation. Although she is no longer a spokesperson, she remains active with the organization, and assists with local bone marrow drives. “My experience as a donor and with Be the Match has had a big impact on me; donating bone marrow saves lives.”

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I SS U E 5 5 Nemours.org/lakeland

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Looking ahead for the district, Byrd’s goal is to “continue on the path we’ve set for Polk County Public Schools. We’ll continue raising the bar of academic achievement, keep doing everything we can to ensure student safety, and continue to address issues related to student behavior and discipline. We truly are headed in the right direction as a district. We must stay the course. I have no doubt that if we are consistent and intentional in everything we do, the best is yet to come for this district.”

When asked what she wishes people knew about her, Byrd replied, “The most important thing to know about me as the Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools is that I am driven to serve the students of Polk County. Every decision I make, every action I take is with their best interest at heart.” Byrd believes that working in education is the greatest calling, and she is determined to fulfill her calling to the best of her ability. “The people of Polk County have entrusted me with their most precious assets — their children,” says Byrd. “I work every day to ensure their children excel, are safe, and can go on to lead happy, successful lives. It is an honor and a pleasure to serve as Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools, and I do not take it lightly.”

FIND OUT MORE: To really know Polk County Public Schools, follow them on social media, visit their website, polkschoolsfl.com, and email goodnews@polk-fl.net and ask to be added to their newsletter distribution list.

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

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BUSINESS

THE ECONOMY OF How everyday individuals have changed the scope of digital marketing

Written by Sally I. Barcelo

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Influencer in·​flu·​enc·​er | \ ‘in- flü-ən(t)-sər noun A person or thing that influences another. “he was a champion of the arts and a huge influencer of taste” Marketing; A person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media.

The term Influencer is defined as someone (or something) with the power to affect the buying habits or quantifiable actions of others – in particular, their audience or following.

Traditionally, we considered celebrities such as models, actors, actresses, and athletes the influencers of society. But today bloggers and digital content creators have transitioned into the same level of influence, if not higher. The modern “influencer” is an individual who has a dedicated social following, which often includes a large number of followers on social media platforms and are viewed as experts within a particular industry or subject.

Data and analytics prove that digital influencers are more relatable and have highly engaged audiences, making influencer marketing a major part of marketing budgets and marketing strategy amongst various industries.

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In a recent case study, wearesocial.com reports that 45% of the world’s population (3.5 billion people) are now social media users.

Influencer Marketing is a type of social media marketing strategy that uses both traditional and new marketing methods. This hybrid takes the celebrity endorsement concept and modernizes it into a contentdriven campaign using “influencers” instead.

RETAIL INFLUENCE In the late 2000s, influencer marketing began to shift the way consumers interacted with products and brands started to notice, especially within the retail industry.

RewardStyle is one of the world’s leading influencer monetization platforms and one of the first in the industry to connect bloggers with brands and retailers.

Amber Venz Box started her blog, venzedits.com, as a marketing tool for her personal styling and shopping business in 2010. As she published content for her blog, she began to realize she was cutting herself out of the equation of her own business. Her readers were using her recommendations on her blog to shop online instead of booking an in-person session with her.

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A case study by wearesocial. com reports that 45% of the world’s population (3.5 billion people) are now social media users.

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In the late 2000s, influencer marketing began to shift the way consumers interacted with products and brands started to notice, especially within the retail industry.

Vianney Le Caer/​Shutterstock

Amber Box (pictured above) and her husband Baxter Box launched a monetization platform for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle influencers that drives more than $1 billion in annual retail sales.

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In 2011 Amber and her then-boyfriend, nowhusband, Baxter Box, brainstormed ways to monetize venzedits.com and potentially turn it into her full-time job.That year they created a technology platform that took something retailers and sales associates understood — commission for sales — and made it work digitally.

They launched their company RewardStyle in 2011.

When a reader clicks an affiliate link in a blog post, the link stores a cookie on that person’s computer for up to 30 days. If they purchase anything based on that affiliate link within 30 days or before, and they click another affiliate link to that retailer, the blogger makes a commission off the entire purchase. RewardStyle takes a cut of each sale.

In 2017, the RewardStyle team launched the LIKEtoKNOW.it mobile app. The LIKEtoKNOW.it app allows influencers to monetize their social media channels by linking to products from their Instagram feed.

According to their company page, “The app has played a key role in transforming how consumers shop by offering convenience, accessibility and data-driven personalization to drive discovery, curation and retail sales.” Today the RewardStyle team website says they work with more than one million brands and 50,000 influencers in more than 100 countries and drive more than $1 billion in annual retail sales.

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@JENNY CIPOLETTI

DEFINING A GOOD INFLUENCER A good influencer builds a strong personal brand, regardless of whether they endorse or sell anything.

They spend time building an authentic brand image that represents them and their interests or field of expertise. Influencers who are loyal to their followers want to make sure they can align the work they do to promote other brands with their personal brand.

Influencers serve a purpose to both brands and consumers alike. Consumers align themselves with certain influencers to help narrow down options in products and services, and receive recommendations. This culture can be easily tied to the rise of technology and access to immediate information and infinite options.

An influencer is categorized by their ability to engage with their audience, the number of followers, and conversions in their industry of choice. @JennyCipoletti is one of the bigger influencers on social media with a focus on beauty and high-end fashion. With over 460k followers on Instagram, @ JennyCipoletti is considered a high-profile influencer and the perfect fit for luxury brands.

Writer and content creator Jenny Cipoletti launched her site Margo & Me in 2014, along with her husband Freddie who is both a creative and photographer.Margo & Me has since gained a serious online following, with millions of views across her multiple platforms.

Jenny and Freddie have been working as creative directors, filmmakers, designers, writers, and photographers in the luxury fashion and lifestyle industry for more than ten years. Jenny creates content for Margo & Me across various social media platforms, including her dedicated YouTube channel and most importantly, through her website.

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460K FOLLOWERS

BRAND C O L L A B O R AT I O N S WITH: TO M FO R D TO RY B U R C H CARTIER MICHAEL KORS RALPH LAUREN DIOR LANCÔME MOËT & CHANDON N E T- A - P O R T E R NEIMAN MARCUS NORDSTROM AMAZON

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Be

A place to { challenged }

{ innovative } { mission-minded } { inspired } { compassionate }

Learning and innovation go hand in hand. That’s why LCS applies 21st Century instructional methods to equip students with not only knowledge, but with critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. The LCS experience also inspires students with a vision for Christian influence as they pursue their passion.

Visit our website, then call Julie Rice, Director of Enrollment, for a tour.

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2 1 1 7 H A R DE N B O U L E VA R D • L A K E L A N D , F L OR I DA 3 3 8 0 3 • 8 6 3 . 8 0 2 . 5 0 0 0 Photo Courtesy of Special Collections, Lakeland Public Library

The Yarnall Building is located on East Pine Street in Lakeland, Florida. It was built in 1920 to house the Yarnall Storage and Transfer Company. The building was restored in 1989.

When looking at the different types of social media influencers, marketers should consider more than just the number of followers and metrics an influencer can provide.

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Our goal is to help you pursue yours.

It’s that simple.

At Merrill, we’ll help you get ready for the future with a financial strategy that’s just for you.

Jeffrey Clements, CFP® Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor Portfolio Manager

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863.680.5471 jeffrey_clements@ml.com

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She has also collaborated creatively with national and international brands such as Tom Ford, Tory Burch, Cartier, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Dior, Lancôme, and Moët & Chandon, and is also a top converter for luxury and mass retailers Net-A-Porter, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Amazon and smaller brands like Pixie Market and Reformation.

However, when looking at the different types of social media influencers, marketers should consider more than just the number of followers and metrics an influencer can provide.

A good example comes from a Dunkin Donuts case study, “Sipping is Believing”, a campaign aimed to to win over espresso drinkers after Dunkin debuted a new handcrafted espresso experience.

The campaign features several “micro” influencers with 50,000 followers or less. “Micro” influencers can have a greater return and value from engaging with smaller, niche influencers who are able to have more impact on their audiences and are more cost-effective.

For a brand like Dunkin, where the product can appeal to people with a variety of interests, it was very important to spread the influencer budget amongst “micro” influencers for best results.

THE CONTINUED IMPACT From entertainment, retail, and travel, to beauty and experiences, these markets are directly impacted by the evolving wave of influencer marketing. Brands are set to spend up to $15 billion on influencer marketing by 2022.

In a recent Forbes.com article, they predict a rise in more high-profile ad campaigns featuring influencers in the next year, such as the Super Bowl commercials in 2020.

Social media influencers have established relationships with their audience and most of it has to do with the ability to develop human connections and communicate with their audience through audio, video, and photography. Influencers have proven that they have incredible power to affect consumer decisionmaking by setting trends that determine what products and/or services society buys into.

Now more than ever the world feels so small and attainable. That being said, brands will continue to establish meaningful relationships that lead to long-term collaborations, impacting ever-evolving marketing trends.

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TASTE

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Written by Britnai Shipe Photography by Amy Kate Anderson Styling by Lisa Malott

How food influences us and recipes to fuel your body for optimal health

For the last five years, I have been on a medical journey toward healing. At first, I was unsure of the cause of the debilitating symptoms, so I immersed myself fully in the nutrition world in an attempt to try and heal my body from the inside out.

With undiagnosed illness comes a trial-and-error period. I dove into health and wellness – in a nutritional aspect – to fine tune what worked for my body. I tried vegetarianism, veganism, a pescatarian diet, cutting out sugar, dairy, and any other foods that didn’t make me feel 100%. I challenge you to do the same. Spend time listening to your body and its emotional connection with food to understand what makes you feel your best.

“We are what we eat,” is a common phrase we have all heard throughout our lifetime, but we may often fail to grasp the truth behind it. We function based on what we put inside our body, and food often influences us in ways that we may not even realize. For starters, the food you eat affects your body physically by providing an increase or decrease in the amount of energy available. Studies have shown a connection between an increase in sugar consumption with reduced brain performance, specifically in parts of the brain that deal with memory. Furthermore, increased sugar consumption can lead to chronic and detrimental diseases like cancer, kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

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AUTUMN GRAIN BOWL 30 minutes | Serves 4

1 c brussels sprouts, stems removed and cut in half 1 tbsp maple syrup 1 chipotle pepper 1 tsp adobo sauce from can of chipotles 1 small sweet potato, peeled and sliced in rounds ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper 2 tbsp coconut oil 1 tbsp grass-fed butter ½ c chickpeas 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil ½ tsp paprika ¼ tsp garlic powder 1 c cooked quinoa 1 c cooked pearled couscous 1 c kale, chopped 2 tsp toasted sesame oil 1 roasted red pepper, sliced 2 tbsp feta cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Toss the Brussels sprouts with maple syrup, chipotle, and adobo. Spread on the sheet. Toss the sweet potatoes with coconut oil, butter, salt, and pepper. Spread on the sheet.

Toss the chickpeas with the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on the sheet. Roast everything for 20 to 25 minutes.

To make the grain bowls, combine couscous and quinoa in the bottom of the bowl. Massage the kale with the sesame oil and let it sit for five minutes, then toss with the grains. Add the Brussels sprouts, sweet potato rounds, and roasted red pepper. Top with chickpeas and feta. Drizzle with chipotle crema to finish.

Chipotle Crema: 3 tbsp Greek yogurt 1/3 c coconut milk 1 tbsp adobo sauce from can of chipotles Juice of ½ lime Zest of ½ lime ¼ tsp salt

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“TAKE A STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE TO DIVE INTO WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL WHOLE IN ALL FACETS OF LIFE.”

The primary function of the body’s system is to carry out specific functions for everyday living. Think of the body like a car. In order to run, a car needs fuel, oil, starter fluid, and so on. When the “Check Engine” light illuminates, you immediately start to ask questions like: “Am I fueling my car with the proper fuel?” “Does it have oil?” “Is there starter fluid?” In the same way, understanding what our bodies need in order to run will give us more insight into how food can influence the human body.

Without proper nutrition people cannot reach their healthiest potential.

Feeling tired, sick, or anxious are all considered “check engine” lights for our bodies. Are you drinking enough water? Have you eaten enough fats?

Are you eliminating foods and toxins properly? The right food can be excellent preventative maintenance for our bodies.

What you feed your body matters for a number of different reasons, including high and low energy levels, growth and development of muscles, bones, and teeth, immune system strength, repairing injuries, brain function, and proper development of organs. All of these factors are dependent upon the nutrition we are supplying for our bodies.

Physical ailments and inflammatory diseases, like Lyme disease and rheumatoid arthritis, can often be cured with proper nutrition. Immune boosting foods include citrus fruits, packed with vitamin C to fight infections; bell peppers, a rich source of beta carotene to help keep your eyes and skin health; garlic, to lower blood pressure and fight infection; and turmeric, a key ingredient in treating inflammation. Variety is key to proper nutrition. There is a direct link between nutrients and emotional well-being. So, the healthier you eat, the happier you feel.

As you begin your health journey, I would encourage you to experiment in the kitchen, and surround yourself with loving, warm family and friends. Take a step out of your comfort zone to dive into what makes you feel whole in all facets of life. I’m sure you may be perplexed over whether to believe the claims you read about health and wellness. You’ve probably thought about whether you’re supposed to drink that glass of orange juice because the Vitamin C can help fight infection or push it aside due to the sugar content which might feed the virus.

(Hint: Drink the orange juice.)

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WARM KALE SALAD: 30 .inutes | Serves 4

Dressing: 1 egg 1 cup avocado oil 2 cloves garlic, diced Zest of ½ lime Juice of 2 limes (about 2 tbsp) 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar ½ c cilantro leaves, roughly chopped ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper Salad: Kale, chopped Small butternut squash Heirloom tomatoes Mandarin orange slices Pecorino Romano cheese, grated Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds Chopped walnuts Emulsify dressing and store in a glass jar.

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“SPEND TIME LISTENING TO YOUR BODY AND ITS EMOTIONAL CONNECTION WITH FOOD TO UNDERSTAND WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL YOUR BEST.”

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The role nutrition plays in our lives relies solely on how we utilize it. What we put in our bodies can either feed disease or prevent it. Often times, food can be associated with a negative connotation instead of seeing it as something that can fuel our bodies. Food acts as medicine to maintain health and prevent disease. If we are giving our bodies fat-dense and sugar-filled foods, we put ourselves at risk for malnourishment and lower our guard for disease to strike. What we choose to eat determines the quality of nutrients we allow our bodies to receive. We learn to honor ourselves and support our growth by choosing food, relationships, experiences, thoughts, and behavior that nourish and heal our bodies.Â

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I encourage you to do your research, connect with yourself, and seek guidance from health coaches and nutrition experts. Pay attention to what feels good and allow your body the freedom to make small lifestyle choices that lead to a path of sustainable wellness. Hone in on fueling the body with clean, whole foods that promote optimal fulfillment and learn to use nutrition as a source of health restoration.

As you begin this journey toward healing, allow a change in perspective to follow. Learn how to eat and live in a harmonious way that aligns you with the natural ecology of your body. Your overall health and wellbeing will prosper. Take the dive, your body will thank you.Â

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Simply put...we care.

For more than fifty years, we have had the pleasure of caring for the vision of our community. Our highlytrained staff is committed to offering unrivaled vision care with the kind of service our patients deserve.

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Bring 2 tbsp olive oil up to medium heat in a saucepan or pot. Sauté diced onion and garlic with all seasonings until translucent and fragrant. Chop chicken into bite-size pieces, season with salt and pepper. Brown chicken in a separate pan for 7-8 min until cooked through. When onions and garlic are cooked through, add tomato paste and broth. Stir to combine. Add can of whole coconut milk (be sure to shake to combine before opening the can). Bring to a simmer and add 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot flour. Stir until dissolved. Finish with salt and pepper and juice of 1/2 lemon. Add in cooked chicken to sauce. Serve over a bed of cauliflower rice or jasmine rice.Top with a squeeze of lemon juice and cilantro.

VEGETABLE LENTIL SOUP

45 minutes - 1 hour | Serves 4 - 6 2 tbsp oil, such as avocado or olive 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh parsley, for garnish ½ white onion, diced 4 large carrots, thinly sliced 4 stalks celery, thinly sliced 1/4 tsp sea salt ¼ tsp black pepper 3 cups red baby potatoes, roughly chopped into bite-size pieces 6 cups vegetable broth (can sub chicken or bone broth) 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme 1 cup uncooked lentils, thoroughly rinsed and drained 2 cups chopped collard greens

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add oil, garlic, onion, carrots, and celery. Season with a bit of salt and pepper and stir. Sauté for four to five minutes or until slightly tender. Be careful not to burn the garlic (turn heat down if it’s cooking too quickly). Add potatoes and season with a bit more salt and pepper. Stir and cook for two minutes more. Add vegetable broth and rosemary or thyme and increase heat to medium high. Bring to a rolling simmer, then add lentils and stir. Once simmering again, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until lentils and potatoes are tender. Add collard greens, stir, and cover. Cook for three to four minutes more to wilt. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more salt and pepper for overall flavor, vegetable broth if it’s become too thick, or herbs for earthy flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).

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CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA 30 minutes | Serves 4

2 lbs. chicken breast, cubed or sub-cooked lentils for a vegetarian option 1 tbsp garam masala 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp paprika 12 oz can full fat coconut milk 1 tsp red curry paste 1 tube of tomato paste, or 16-oz can Small yellow onion, diced 3 cloves fresh garlic, chopped 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot flour 3/4 cup chicken broth Juice of 1/2 lemon Salt and pepper Cilantro, for garnish

Bring 2 tbsp olive oil up to medium heat in a saucepan or pot. Sauté diced onion and garlic with all seasonings until translucent and fragrant. Chop chicken into bite-size pieces, season with salt and pepper. Brown chicken in a separate pan for 7-8 min until cooked through. When onions and garlic are cooked through, add tomato paste and broth. Stir to combine. Add can of whole coconut milk (be sure to shake to combine before opening the can). Bring to a simmer and add 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot flour. Stir until dissolved. Finish with salt and pepper and juice of 1/2 lemon. Add in cooked chicken to sauce. Serve over a bed of cauliflower rice or jasmine rice.Top with a squeeze of lemon juice and cilantro.

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HISTORY

Lakeland, Florida Mayor, Lois Searl (center) raises her glass of orange juice in a toast with Publix Supermarket chain founder George Jenkins (right).

Date: Circa 1965 Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library

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70 years of

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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.

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A healthy tomorrow begins today.

Watson Clinic has empowered generations to live their lives to the fullest. In our Ear, Nose and Throat department, we provide patients of all ages with routine hearing evaluations, the latest technologies like cochlear implants, and services that address speech and balance issues.

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For all your Otolaryngology (ENT) needs, call 863-680-7486 or visit www.WatsonClinic.com/ENT.