The past ten years have seen many highs and lows for the LGBTQ community. On the one hand, gay marriage was legalized on the federal level in 2016, granting LGBTQ folks the freedom to marry whom they love.
On the other hand, the LGBTQ community has also experienced a backlash to the progress they have made, especially in recent years. Countless bills across the country have been introduced and passed targeting the rights of transgender individuals, restricting their access to healthcare, sports, and bathrooms.
However, even in the darkest of storms, light still shines through the silver lining in the clouds. And through that light shines a rainbow that promises a brighter day will someday come. Thus it is only fitting that the rainbow serves as the proud symbol of the LGBTQ community.
POLK PRIDE WEEK
For the past ten years, Polk Pride FL, in collaboration with other local LGBTQ organizations, has been hosting its annual Polk Pride Week. This weeklong celebration allows people within the local LGBTQ community, along with their friends, family, and allies, to come together to celebrate their identities.
This year’s celebration is themed as “Intentionally Proud: Celebrating a Decade of Pride in Polk County.” As the name implies, the theme exonerates the event’s decade-long legacy, celebrating its past, present, and future.
Festivities kick-off with its Kick-Off Party on Sat. June 7 at Union Hall with fierce drag events. Then, on Wed. June 11, the United Women’s Club will be hosting a Pride for Youth event open to young LGBTQ people and their families and friends.
On Thurs. June 12, LGBTQ people of all
faiths are invited to Beacon Hill Fellowship for Pride in Faith, an interfaith worship service. Then, on Friday, June 13, Lakeland’s local gay bar, The Parrot, will be Friday Night Pride with drinks, dancing, and drag.
The weeklong celebration culminates at Munn Park with the grand event, Pride in the Park, on Sat. June 14. A pride celebration for the whole family, guests of all ages can enjoy live music, food trucks, and even drag contests.
For the older LGBTQ community members who are single and ready to mingle, the Pride After Dark party will be hosted later that evening at Union Hall with drinks and a drag show.
REMEMBERING THE PAST
Kerri McCoy started attending meetings with PFLAG of Polk County 15 years ago. The group is a local chapter of a nationwide organization that provides support for parents, family, friends, and allies of LGBTQ individuals.
Kerri started attending around the same time that her son started identifying as LGBTQ. So,
a way to give back to the LGBTQ community. She would eventually become president of the organization.
PFLAG of Polk County, in collaboration with Polk Pride FL and Lakeland Youth Alliance, started Polk Pride Week ten years ago. Initially, Kerri and her fellow board members assumed they would be the only ones to attend the event.
However, not only did their inaugural event attract a good hundred visitors or so, but the ensuing decade would see those attendance numbers grow by the thousands.
“We had no idea if anyone would show up,” Kerri explained. “And we [the board] stood on that stage the whole time and waited. And we had a couple of hundred people come out our first year. It was very exciting. We couldn’t
believe we did it. And now we have grown tremendously into the thousands.”
As word has spread, the annual celebration has grown in attendance and participation. Not only does the family-friendly atmosphere provide a safe environment for LGBTQ community members of all ages, but the centralized location in Polk County makes it accessible to people from all over the county and even Central Florida.
“And I think that is why we have been able to grow,” she said. “Because we are still doing it. And people are still coming. And more people are coming. And the word gets out every year more and more...I am hoping that more people come out, and there is always room for more. We would love to see more and more people come out.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Scott Guira has been involved with the local LGBTQ community since he started identifying as LGBTQ in his late teens and early 20s. He initially started volunteering with the Lakeland Youth Alliance. Later, he founded Polk Pride Fl.
Aside from helping organize Polk Pride Week, his organization also hosts a monthly meetup for local LGBTQ members, providing them with a safe and friendly environment to connect with others in their local community.
Since helping start Polk Pride Week ten years ago, Scott has seen the annual event grow in leaps and bounds, especially with all of the progress the LGBTQ community has made during that time.
“We have made a lot of progress over the years,” he said. “And unfortunately as things have shifted, people have become more and more emboldened to say and do things that they otherwise wouldn’t. So it is a challenge in that space.”
Although the future seems bleak, especially in the current political climate, Scott remains hopeful that Polk Pride Week will continue to grow and thrive. It has remained successful for ten years, and he hopes it will continue to do so for another ten years.
“We are in our tenth year and we have grown each year,” he said. “We will continue to grow and we will continue to do to make sure this is a safe space for everybody and that we are pushing forward to more and more progress ahead helping LGBTQ+ people live their truth and live safely and happily in this community.”
To learn more about Polk Pride Week, visit their website at: https://polkpridefl.org/
EVENTS AND FIREWORKS
JUN 29
City of Eagle Lake Patriotic Celebration. The City of Eagle Lake is hosting a Patriotic Celebration the Saturday before 4th of July. Food, games, bounce houses, live music, and fireworks at 9pm. Located Eagle Lake Park. Sat, 5-9 pm.
JUL 3
Frostproof’s Lights on the Lake Independence Day Celebration with fireworks on beautiful Clinch Lake. Food, fun, boat parade, DJ JMoney and live music by Ember Road. Boat ramp closes at 5 pm and will reopen at 10 pm for those on the lake. Clinch Lake Blvd will be closed between 7th Street and Lauterbach beginning around 3 pm. This is the area where the band and food vendors will be located. Fireworks at 9:15 pm. Thurs, 6-10 pm.
JUL
3
Red, White & Kaboom Independence Celebration. The event beings at 6 pm with live music by Gary Love and the Moonlighters. A variety of food trucks will be parked along Lake Mirror during the event. Bring a blanket and chairs enjoy the evening’s festivities. A breathtaking fireworks display will dazzle the crowd at 9 pm. City of Lakeland asks everyone attending to bring at least one non-perishable food item that will be donated to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE). Located downtown Lakeland, Frances Langford Promenade, Lake Mirror. Thurs, 6-9:15 pm. www.lakelandgov.net/RWK
JUL 3
Rockin’ Freedom Fest. Presented by City of Winter Haven. Live music by Bay Kings Band, Cypress Gardens Ski Show, Food Trucks and
Fireworks at Sunset. Bring your own towels and chairs. Located Martin Luther King Jr Park, 275 S Lk Silver Dr, Winter Haven. Thurs, 6-9:30 pm.
JUL 3
Stars, Stripes & Sparkles. Town of Lake Hamilton’s Independence Day Celebration in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary. Come out for music, food, fun games and activities, specialty vendors, and Fireworks! Downtown Lake Hamilton, near 100 Smith Ave. Thurs, 4-9:30pm.
JUL
4
Auburndale 4th of July Fireworks. Enjoy a dazzling display of fireworks over Lake Ariana Park. Fri, 9-10 pm.
JUL
4
Bartow’s Independence Day Celebration. An afternoon of family fun will include a moon bounce, inflatable games, a rock wall, a balloon artist, face painting and a roving magician. Live music all day: George Morris & the Lariat Band 3pm, Ray Nichols Band 4:15pm, Daniel Burns Band 5:30pm with headliner Eli Mosley 6:45pm, pack a picnic or enjoy food trucks, activities/games and, Fireworks at 9:10 pm! Located at Mosaic Park, Bartow. Fri, 2:3010pm.
JUL
4
4th of July Celebration in Davenport. Largest fireworks display in Polk County. Live Music, Food, Craft Vendors and Fireworks at 9:15 pm. Bring your lawn chair. Located Lewis Mathews Sports Complex, 400 E Palm St, Davenport. Fri, 3-9:45 pm
JUL 4
Town of Dundee 4th of July Fireworks. Live Music by the Summit Kings, Bounce Houses, Crafts/Vendors, Food Trucks, Fireworks at 9 pm. Located at Lake Marie and Dundee Community Center, 603 Lake Marie Blvd, Dundee. Fri, 6–9pm.
JUL
4
Lakeland Flying Tigers 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. Enjoy a baseball game at 5 pm; Lakeland Flying Tigers vs Dunedin Blue Jays, live music and fireworks. Fri, 5-9 pm. Tickets available online or at gate: lakelandflyingtigers.com
JUL 4
Red, White & Boom at LEGOLAND. Celebrate America’s independence with us! Watch the sky fill with stunning fireworks spectacular to end your day at the Park. Find your seat early to catch the sunset over beautiful Lake Eloise before the show begins! Make sure to grab a pair of specialty viewing glasses on your way to your seat for an additional brick-tastic experience, as these glasses turn fireworks into what appears to be LEGO bricks! Located LEGOLAND Florida, Winter Haven. Extended park hours for Fri, July 4th. Legoland.com/Florida
JUL 4
Plant City 4th of July Celebration. A community, family-friendly, alcohol-free event. Free admission- $5 per car for parking (cash only). Free kid activities, live music, food and vendors, 50/50 raffle. Spectacular fireworks show by Zambelli Fireworks to close the evening at 9:15 pm. Located at Plant City Stadium. Fri, 6-9:30 pm.
2025 Hurricane Season
NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE
Special to T&T Magazine
NOAA’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an above-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
The agency is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.
“NOAA and the National Weather Service are using the most advanced weather models and cutting-edge hurricane tracking systems to provide Americans with real-time storm forecasts and warnings,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “With these models and forecasting tools, we have never been more prepared for hurricane season.”
“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” said Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm. “NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings, and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property.”
FACTORS INFLUENCING NOAA’S PREDICTIONS
The season is expected to be above normal – due to a confluence of factors, including continued ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear, and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes. All of these elements tend to favor tropical storm formation.
The high activity era continues in the Atlantic Basin, featuring high-heat content in the ocean and reduced trade winds. The higher-heat content provides more energy to fuel storm development, while weaker winds allow the storms to develop without disruption.
This hurricane season also features the potential for a northward shift of the West African monsoon, producing tropical waves that seed some of the strongest and most long-lived Atlantic storms.
“In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we’ve never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “This outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens."
ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
Each year hurricane season begins on June 1st and lasts 5 months, with storms typically peaking in August and September. As with every hurricane season regardless of forecast, knowing the essentials of how to prepare could truly be a life saver.
HURRICANE KNOWLEDGE
First, know your hurricane facts and understand common terms used during hurricane forecasts. Storm conditions can vary on the intensity, size and even the angle which the tropical cyclone approaches your area, so it is vital you understand what the forecasters and news reporters are telling you.
Tropical Depressions are cyclones with winds of 38 mph. Tropical Storms vary in wind speeds from 39-73 mph while Hurricanes have winds 74 mph and greater.
Typically the upper right quadrant of the storm (the center wrapping around the eye) is the most intense portion of the storm. The greatest threats are damaging winds, storm surge and flooding. This is in part why Hurricane Katrina was so catastrophic when bringing up to 28 foot storm surges onto the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines.
HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT
TERMS YOU MAY HEAR:
Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the area.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area.
Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the area.
Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.
Eye: Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions.
Eye Wall: Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe
Hurricane Kits
It is important to create a kit of supplies that you could take with you if you are forced to evacuate. This kit will also be useful if you are able to stay in your home, but are still affected by the storm, such as through the loss of power. If you prepare your kit ahead of time, you can alleviate a lot of the potential stress of a very chaotic situation. You should create your kit in a bag that you can easily take with you.
n Non-perishable food (enough to last at least 3 days)
n Water (enough to last at least 3 days)
n First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)
n Personal Hygiene items and sanitation items
n Flashlights (have extra batteries on hand)
n Battery operated radio (again, have extra batteries)
n Waterproof container with cash and important documents
n Manual can opener
n Lighter or matches
n Books, magazines, games for recreation
n Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable
n Cooler and ice packs
n A plan for evacuation and for if family members are separated
Securing Your Home
weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.
Rain Bands: Bands coming off the cyclone that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and tornadoes.
Storm Surge: An often underestimated and deadly result of ocean water swelling as a result of a landfalling storm, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.
During a watch, prepare your home and evacuation plan in case a warning is issued. During a warning, carefully follow the directions of officials, and immediately leave the area if they advise it. In the event of an Extreme Wind Warning/Advisory, which means that extreme sustained winds of 115 mph or greater are expected to begin within an hour, immediately take shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.
n Cover all of your windows, either with hurricane shutters or wood. Although tape can prevent glass from shattering everywhere, be warned that tape does not prevent the window from breaking.
n If possible, secure straps or clips to securely fasten your roof to the structure of your home.
n Make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed and clear rain gutters.
n Reinforce your garage doors.
n Bring in all outdoor furniture, garbage cans, decorations, and anything else that is not tied down. If winds become strong, stay away from windows and doors and close, secure and brace internal doors.
Power Outages
In the event a storm should leave you without power, there are a few things to consider and help you be ready and stay safe outside of your normal hurricane preparedness.
n Gas: Make sure your tank is full far in advance of an approaching storm. Most people wait until the last minute, rush to get extra gas for cars and generators, and gas stations can run out early.
n ATMS: Have extra cash on hand in the event no ATMS in your area are accessible or working.
n Cell Phones: Charge your cell phone and limit use after power is out.
n A/C: This can be the most uncomfortable side effect of losing power during a storm. Try to prevent as much light from entering the house by covering up your windows on the inside. Fans create a difference in perceived temperature but do not cool the room; instead they create a cooling effect by dispersing the heat off your skin. It is said they can actually add heat to a room just by running.
Water: Fill bathtub and large containers with water for washing and flushing only.
Food: Turn your fridge temperature down and/or freeze any food or drinking water that can be frozen if you expect a power outage.
Special to T&T Magazine
The legendary Southern rock pioneers, The Marshall Tucker Band, are set to perform at the RP Funding Center on Friday, September 13, 2025. Join them to celebrate the 50 years of music and memories of the former Lakeland Civic Center. Fans can look forward to a night of timeless music and unforgettable memories as this iconic band brings decades of hits
Heard It in a Love Song, Fire on the Mountain, Can’t You See
— Get ready for the hits that defined a generation!
and musical mastery to the heart of Central Florida.
From their humble beginnings in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to stages around the world, The Marshall Tucker Band has been blending rock, country, and blues with a signature style all their own. Known for smash hits like “Can’t You See,” “Heard It in a Love Song,” and “Fire on the Mountain,” this band has earned its place as one of the most influential groups in Southern rock history.
More than just a concert, this is a musical experience packed with soul, storytelling, and the kind of energy that only comes from over 50 years on the road. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering their music, The Marshall Tucker Band promises an evening of unforgettable tunes and classic rock spirit.
Formed in the early 70s, and performing at the Lakeland Civic Center in 1974 the band’s
current lineup continues to honor the legacy of original lead singer Doug Gray and his bandmates with every powerful performance. The Marshall Tucker Band’s sound is as strong as ever, captivating audiences across the country with its Southern charm and gritty, heartfelt performances.
Don’t miss this night of authentic Southern rock and roll at its finest.
The RP Funding Center is conveniently located minutes between Orlando and Tampa in Lakeland, Florida off I-4 on Lime Street; the RP Funding Center is a short drive from anywhere in Central Florida. Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. For ticket information, call the Box Office at (863) 834-8111 or visit our website at www.rpfundingcenter.com
FAIRY FESTIVAL At
Bok Tower Gardens
Special to T&T Mag
Come dressed in your fairy best as Bok Tower Gardens presents a summer Fairy Festival like none other! This magical day is perfect for fairies and fauns of all ages, with activities and entertainment throughout the Gardens
A magical flight for the second time in Bok Tower Gardens history, experience the magic of Fairy Godmother Paula Blackwelder as she glides across the Moat on Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.
After her flight, she will be joined by a host of fairies performing aerial artistry acts suspended from the branches of the Singing Tower's majestic oak trees.
Fairy Festival features activities and entertainment throughout the Gardens for fans of all ages and is included in general admission.
Blackwelder will fly from The Singing Tower at approximately 40 feet. Her highest flight was performed at Kennywood Park, near Pittsburgh, PA, at 120 feet in the air underneath a motorcycle dangling from an inclined high-wire.
ABOUT
PAULA BLACKWELDER
Aside from her fairy persona, Paula Blackwelder is a Professional Circus Aerialist with disciplines in Flying Trapeze, Single Trapeze, Web, Lyra, Silks, Hammock, Perch, and Cradle. She has performed in various venues, theme parks, and resort attractions throughout the United States and Mexico. She is also an Aerial Arts Instructor, creating courageous confidence in her students at her Haines City studio.
EVENT DATE & TIME
Saturday, June 14, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION
Bok Tower Gardens Lake Wales Florida
PRICE
Free for members / $20 for non-member adults / $10 for non-member children ages 6-17 (Includes admission for the day) Free for children 5 and under. Activities are included in general admission – some activities are available while supplies last.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
HAMMOCK HOLLOW FAIRY
DOOR HUNT
Hammock Hollow 9 am – 4 pm
FANTASY TEMPORARY
TATTOO STATION
Visitor Center 9 am – 2 pm
FAIRIES IN TRAINING
Hammock Hollow Sabal Stage
9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Morning Stretches with Buffy
10 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. Story and Musical Play
11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Story and Musical Play
Bring your little ones and join Hammock Hollow Fairy
Queen Buffy as she takes the stage in Hammock Hollow. Begin your fairies in training session with morning stretches from 9-9:30am. There will also be a story and musical play from 10-10:30am and again at 11-11:30am. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to spend time with Buffy in Ham-
mock Hollow as she meanders through the garden, communing with Mother Nature’s creatures. This program is perfect for children of all ages!
FAIRY CROWN MAKING
(While Supplies Last)
Outdoor Kitchen
10 am – 12 pm
Make a beautiful fresh flower crown perfect for fairies and fauns of all ages. Activity is free but space and supplies are limited.
FAIRY GODMOTHER FLY-IN AND AERIAL ARTISTRY
The Singing Tower 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm
FAIRY MEET AND GREET WITH DREAMS COME TRUE ENTERTAINMENT
Hammock Hollow Fairy Garden 10 am – 2 pm
FAIRY MEET AND GREET WITH CIRCUS ARTS PLACE
Singing Tower and Great Lawn 10 am – 2 pm
AWESOME ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Visitor Center Theater 11 am – 1 pm
BUBBLE FUN
East Glade (Olmsted Gardens) 11 am – 1 pm
• According to legend, and the official story from Nathan’s, four immigrants held the first hot dog eating contest at Nathan’s Famous stand on Coney Island on July 4, 1916, to prove who was the most patriotic.
• Koala bears have no sweat glands, so they cool themselves by licking their arms and stretching out as they rest in trees.
• Asbestos used to be a common sight on film sets. The carcinogenic mineral was a common substitute for snowflakes in film-making until shortly after World War II.
• No matter how hot your summer day feels, you won’t actually be able to cook an egg on a sidewalk. That’s because you’d need a temperature of at least 158 F, and the highest recorded only reached 131 F. Besides that, concrete isn’t a good heat conductor.
• When it comes to wine, and Sauvignon Blanc in particular, a cat pee-like aroma is often indica-
tive of a high-quality vintage.
• Inazawa Grand Bowl bowling center in Japan is the world’s largest bowling alley, with 116 lanes.
• Mars’ dust storms, the planet’s defining weather feature, are the largest in the solar system and can last for months.
• Despite producing 95% of the world’s bourbon supply, Kentucky’s official drink is milk.
• A museum in Helsinki, Finland, has been infested with Loxosceles laeta, venomous recluse spiders, that originally came from South America. The spiders are extremely resistant to attempts to kill them, and no one knows who imported them.
• The average person can only hear sounds up to 20 kHz, but a violin string can vibrate at frequencies of up to 100 kHz.
• A male cheetah can cause a female cheetah to ovulate by barking at her.
Why I Celebrate the 4th of July, Juneteenth, and Pride Month
This month is Pride Month and Juneteenth. Next month will be the Fourth of July. Every year, I celebrate all three occasions. Then again, any occasion that allows you to enjoy good food and fun is good in my book.
However, many folks don’t agree. Many celebrate Independence Day as the only real “patriotic” holiday. They dismiss Pride Month as a celebration of “sexual immorality” and “degeneracy.” And some fear Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday as part of some radical conspiracy to “replace the Fourth of July.”
This is all nonsense, of course. There’s nothing “un-American” about celebrating Pride or Juneteenth. In fact, both are equally “patriotic” as the Fourth of July. That’s because all three occasions celebrate the American value of freedom.
promise of recognizing all men as created equal, with Juneteenth. That day is when black Americans were freed from slavery and recognized as citizens worthy of experiencing freedom.
Of course, black Americans still had a long way to go to achieve freedom and equality. But as Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “The moral arc of the universe is long but it bends toward justice.” And that arc would inevitably bend a century later when the Civil Rights Act ended segregation and recognized black Americans as being equal under the law.
Around that same time, another group of people were fighting for their right to be treated equally. For the longest time, people within the LGBTQ community were forced to remain “in the closet” and keep their identities private.
1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What are male bees called?
2. TELEVISION: Which TV streaming network plans to host a new series based on the “Harry Potter” books?
3. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How many months have 31 days?
4. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the first president to appear on television?
5. MATH: What is the Roman numeral MMXXV in Arabic numbers?
6. MOVIES: What is the name of the spaceship in the movie “Alien”?
7. LITERATURE: “Nicholas Nickleby” is a novel written by which author?
8. AD SLOGANS: Which airline uses the slogan “Fly the Friendly Skies”?
9. ACRONYMS: What phrase does the real estate acronym DTI stand for?
10. FOOD & DRINK: What are the seeds of a pomegranate called?
The Fourth of July, of course, is the day we celebrate our freedom from Great Britain. It’s the day our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, whose words set our country’s founding ideals: “All men are created equal.”
With those words, our country was founded as a nation of ideas, united by the belief that everyone has the right to live their life freely. It’s that very idea that makes our country great.
Unfortunately, despite our founding document declaring “all men are created equal”, not all people were considered “equal” when that document was signed. Many people were slaves—and ironically enough, many of the signers of that document owned slaves themselves.
It would take an entire civil war to rid our country of that scourge of slavery. At the height of that bloody war, President Abraham Lincoln passed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring slavery to be abolished and all enslaved people to be set free.
We celebrate that momentous occasion, when our country lived up to its
However, following the Stonewall Riots, a spark was created, igniting a movement that demanded that people with LGBTQ identities have the same rights as other people, including the right to marry the people they love.
That demand was inevitably answered less than a decade ago when the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage. And while the LGBTQ community still has a long way to go to achieve true equality, they are one step closer to living as freely as everyone else. And for that reason, we celebrate Pride Month every June.
The Fourth of July celebrates our country’s freedom from Great Britain. Juneteenth celebrates black American’s freedom from slavery. Pride Month celebrates the LGBTQ community’s freedom to live their lives and love who they love. All three occasions celebrate freedom. And there’s nothing more American than freedom.
The views and opinions expressed in columns are not necessarily the views and opinions of Today & Tonight Magazine or Today & Tonight, Inc.
James Madison.
Valentina Tereshkova.
A platypup or puggle.
C A L E N D A R
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Arts, Crafts, Festivals & Expos
JUN 6
June First Friday. Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday; new theme each month. This month is Family Fun Night with free kids’ activities and live music. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Shop in the Makers Market, which features local artists and creators, and check out the Classy Car Show on Main St. Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky Ave. and Main St. Downtown Lakeland, Fri 6-9pm. DowntownLKLD.com (next event: Aug 1, Sept 5)
JUN 7
to 14 – Polk Pride 2025. Celebrating 10 years in Polk County. For a list of events check out: www.polkpridefl.org
JUN 12
Lakeland Food Truck Rally. Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally brings food trucks to Munn Park on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Come on out to Downtown Lakeland and enjoy a variety of Florida food trucks
and their delicious cuisine. 20 plus food trucks come together each month and park on the streets surrounding beautiful Munn Park. Thurs, 6-9pm. (next events: Jul 10, Aug 14)
JUN 14
Fairy Festival at Bok. Come dressed in your fairy best as Bok Tower Gardens presents a summer Fairy Festival like none other! This magical day is perfect for fairies and fauns of all ages, with activities and entertainment throughout the Gardens. See a fairy godmother take flight from the Singing Tower as she dances amongst the trees, meet fantastical fairies and awesome animals, discover hidden Fairy Doors, and delight your senses with art, music, and plenty of bubbles! Located Bok Tower Gardens, Lk Wales. Sat, 9-4 pm. Admission required; free to members. www.boktowergardens.org
JUN 15
Father’s Day at Bok Tower Gardens. Bok Tower Gardens is offering free admission to all fathers in celebration of Father’s Day. Celebrate Dad with quality time in the Gardens. The Shop at Bok has extraordinary gifts to make his day special. Treat Dad to lunch or ice cream at The Blue Palmetto Cafe. Enjoy live carillon concerts at 1 & 3 pm. Special menu selections available in the Blue Palmetto Café. Located Bok Tower Gardens, Lk Wales. Sun, 8-5 pm. www. BokTowerGardens.org
JUN 17
Tasty Tuesday + Tunes. Third Tuesday of every month in Munn Park. 10 tastes from downtown bars, restaurants,
and sweet shops. New offerings every month. A fun way to experience multiple Downtown restaurants all in one night! You get hearty sample sizes with each ticket and move from place to place at your own pace! Tastings begin at 4:30pm and end at 9pm. Purchase your ticket package from LDDA. Tues, 4:30-9pm. Cost - $25 for 10 tastes. (next events: Jul 15, Aug 19) https://ldda.square. site/product/tasty-tuesday-tickets/31?cs=true&cst=custom
JUN 20
Bartow Wine Walk. Hosted by Main Street Bartow. Enjoy music, wine samples and tiny bites at participating downtown shops, businesses and restaurants. Located 180 S Central Ave, Bartow. Fri, 5-9 pm. Tickets are $35 (while supplies last). 21+ event Tickets available online: www.eventbrite. com/e/1303082056509
JUN
21
Summer Survivor Plant Sale. Shop with a variety of local plant vendors and purchase a new plant friend that can survive the harsh Florida summer. This Downtown Lakeland event will be taking place in conjunction with the Downtown Farmers Curb Market on Kentucky Ave. Both the Summer Survivors Plant Sale and the Downtown Farmers Curb Market are owned and operated by the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority. Located at Munn Park, Lakeland. Sat, 9-2 pm.
JUN 24
to 28 – 89th Annual Miss Florida Scholarship Competition. Located at RP
Funding Center, Lakeland. www. rpfundingcenter.com www.missflorida.org
JUN 26
& 27 – 2025 Wawa Summer Fun Days at Bok. Enjoy free admission on the last Thursday and Friday of the month from May through August. Preregistration is required. Located Bok Tower Gardens, Lk Wales. Thurs & Fri, 8-5 pm. www.boktowergardens.org (Jul 24 & 25, Aug 28 & 29)
JUN 26t
to 28 – Collectorama Show. Coins, Paper Money, Gold, Silver, Jewelry, and Collectables of All Kinds! Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Click to get free admission ticket. www.thecollectoramashow.com
JUN 27
to 29 – Summer StampFest 2025. Card Making, Stamping, Scrapbooking, and Paper Crafting Show. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri Classes. Sat, 9-5 pm and Sun, 9-3 pm. $15 Cash at door or get tickets online (12 & under free) www.StampFest.com
JUL 12
Fruit Fest at Bok Tower Gardens. Discover the delicious world of tropical fruit. Start your morning with excellent plant lectures by leading horticulture experts. The fun continues as you sip, sample, and delight in a bounty of fruits and gourmet dishes from 12-2 pm. During the Fruit Festival, purchase “Bok Bucks” to sample gourmet small plates in the Magnolia Room, a variety of fresh, exotic tropical fruit in the Alexander Discovery Center, and more.
Fruit Fest lectures are at 9am, 10 am & 11 am; included in general admission and are first come / first served. Also enjoy festive steel drums from 11-2 pm. Bok Bucks are required for small plates and samples. Bok Bucks are only available on the day of the event, for purchase at the Visitor Center and Alexander Discovery Center. Located Bok Tower Gardens, Lk Wales. Sat,
9-4 pm. Admission is required; included with membership. www.BokTowerGardens.org
JUL 12
Summer Sidewalk Sale. Hosted by Main Street Bartow and the Bartow Chamber of Commerce. Our City-Wide Summer Sidewalk Sale is featuring deep discounts, shop till you drop fever, and patriotic pride from your favorite local businesses. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, a cute outfit, or just want to support your hometown shops, this is your golden opportunity. Sat, 10-3 pm.
JUL 18
& 19 – Fancy Flea Vintage Home & Garden Show. Vintage marketplace. Voted one of the top vintage markets. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri & Sat, 9-4 pm. $8 admission includes parking. www.rpfundingcenter.com www.fancyflea. net
JUL 26
Lakeland Anime-Fest. An anime collectors’ mecca convention in Lakeland. Striving to be Florida’s best truest anime convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres. As a long-time collector of anime, manga and pop culture items the promoter brings an event that will satisfy all anime fandom! Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 10-5 pm. $20 admission, kids 10 & under free w/adult ticket, additional kids are $10, parking free. www.rpfundingcenter.com www.lakelandanimefest.com
AUG 1
August First Friday. Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday; new theme each month. This month is Dos de Mayo sponsored by RP Funding Center. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Shop in the Makers Market, which features local artists and creators, and check out the Classy Car Show on Main St. First Friday is a family-friend-
ly event held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky Ave. and Main St. Downtown Lakeland, Fri 6-9pm. DowntownLKLD.com (next event: Sept 5, Oct 3)
Markets, Antique Fairs & Car Shows
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market – Saturdays. An exceptional variety of local vendors who offer fresh produce, seafood, pastries, breads, desserts, local honey, artisans, and crafts, to name a few. Stop by the Market Information Booth for more details on the F.A.B. program! Located N. Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 8am-2pm; Sept to May and 8am-1pm; Jun & Jul. (closed in August)
Winter Haven Farmers Market – Saturdays. Shop locally grown food, artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. Located across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven. Sat 9am-1pm.
JUN 8
Second Sunday Artisan Market. Every second Sunday of the month, enjoy a variety of Florida based businesses selling a variety of hand-made items. Located Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center, Lakeland, Sun, 12-5pm. www.shoplakesidevillage.net (next event: Jul 13, Aug 10)
JUN
19
Lake Wales 3rd Thursday Market. The boutique market will feature a variety of produce, artisan food vendors, plants, crafts and a food truck. This market is within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Located Stuart Ave in the parking lot near the new Gillian Fazio mural in downtown Lk Wales. Thurs, 4-7pm. (Next Dates: Jul 17, Aug 21)
JUN 20
Bartow Friday Fest. The Bartow Friday Fest is a fun open-air event in Downtown Bartow featuring live music, classic cars and plenty of family fun. This month it’s Magic on Main a holiday themed event. Friday Fest is held the third Friday of every month 6-9pm. (except December; Jul 18, Aug 15). For more info, visit www. mainstreetbartowfl.com
JUN
21
Cypress Gardens Ski Show. Members of the original Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team continue to wow central Florida audiences, and work to pass on their water-skiing skills to the next generation. Enjoy a free ski show the third Saturday of each month. e. Located on Lake Silver at MLK Jr Park, Winter Haven. Sat, pre-show 4:30pm, ski show 5pm. www. cypressgardensskiteam.com
JUN 28
Summer Kids Market at Munn Park. Downtown Lakeland and Downtown Curb Market are hosting a kids’ market. Does your talented child (ages 17 and under) have a product they’d like to sell at the Farmers Market this summer? Kid vendors need to be able to commit to attending at least two of the dates. What kinds of products are allowed? Cottage food items like cookies, cakes, brownies. Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Art & Jewelry, Fabric Crafts (hand sewn or upcycled), Cards/Paper Crafts, Crochet/ Knit, Slime, Handmade Toys, and more. Market Days will be June 28, July 12 and 19, 9am-1pm. Located Munn Park, Downtown Lakeland. Cost is $20 for the series paid before June 8. (Please be aware that we do not provide a tent, tables, or chairs.) For full details and online application: https:// downtownlkld.com/event/kidsmarket/
Concerts & Theatre
JUN 21
Classic Albums Live: Stevie Ray Vaughan. Performing Texas Flood. Note for Note, Cut
for Cut. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 7:30 pm. Doors at 6:30 pm. Tickets $39$51. www.rpfundingcenter.com (Next CAL Dates: Jul 19 Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aug 22 Bob Marley, Oct 10 Bon Jovi)
JUL 10
to AUG 3 – Memphis the Musical. Hockadoo! Memphis is the story of Huey Calhoun (loosely based on real-life 1950s disc jockey Dewey Phillips) and his mission to bring blues and soul music to a white southern audience. In a time of segregation, Huey optimistically believes that music can transcend race, and with him on his journey is aspiring singer Felicia Farrell. The two fall in love, but must contend with social barriers, a prejudiced mother, and an overprotective brother. With a soulful score and vibrant dance numbers, Located at Theatre Winter Haven, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven. Thurs-Sat, 7:30 pm. Sat & Sun, 2:30 pm. Adults $36, Students $33. www. theatrewinterhaven.com
AUG 8
Girls Night The Musical. A hilarious and touching musical that follows five friends in their 30s and 40s during a wild girls’ night out reminiscing about the past, celebrating the present, and looking to the future while belting out classic anthems. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 8 pm. Doors at 7 pm. Tickets $61-$92. www. rpfundingcenter.com
The LOL Podcast Show Hits the Stage in Lakeland! The beloved Comedy group will bring their Worldwide Tour to RP Funding Center.
LIVE AT THE RP FUNDING CENTER
June 15th 12pm Limited Availability Hangout. 3:30pm Show with Meet and Greet to follow.
GET READY TO LAUGH OUT LOUD
The internet sensation and top-charting comedy group behind The LOL Podcast Show is hitting the road—and they’re bringing their high-energy, wildly entertaining live show to the RP Funding Center for one unforgettable night of chaos, comedy, and connection.
Catch this amazing group: Cash & Kate, Maverick & Kenzie, along with fan-favorite Harper Zilmer, as they deliver their signature unfiltered takes, hilarious pranks, and viral moments LIVE on stage. From laughout-loud confessions to spontaneous games and behind-the-scenes podcast stories, this tour stop is set to be one of Lakeland’s biggest live entertainment events of the year. With over 2.2 million YouTube subscribers and a billion+ views, The LOL Podcast Show has redefined what it means to be a podcast in the digital age. Their live performances have sold out across the country, and this Lakeland date marks a major stop on their worldwide tour. Whether you’re a longtime listener or a newcomer ready for a good time, you won’t want to miss the group that’s making comedy cool again.
The RP Funding Center is conveniently located minutes between Orlando and Tampa in Lakeland, Florida off I-4 on Lime Street; the RP Funding Center is a short drive from anywhere in Central Florida.
Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. For ticket information, call the Box Office at (863) 834-8111 or visit our website at www.rpfundingcenter.com
BARS&PUBS
*Please check Facebook pages to confirm business schedules, events, and promos.
AUBURNDALE
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
102 W Polk Street (863) 968-0010
Full Liquor Sports Bar
TVs for the Games
Brew Hounds Sports Lounge
318 Havendale Blvd (863) 967-2739
Wed, Trivia 6p
Thu, S.I.N. 20% off Fri, Poker 7p
Pool, Darts, Full Liquor
Sunday Ticket/SEC/ACC
Smoke-Free/Outside Patio
BABSON PARK
Crooked Bass Grill/Tavern 1010 N Scenic Hwy (863) 589-5887
Full Liquor
Seafood, Steaks & Burgers
Live Music Fri & Sat
Pool Table & Darts
BARTOW
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
120 E Van Fleet Dr (863) 534-3111
Full Liquor Sports Bar
Front Page Brewing Co
190 S FL Ave (863) 537-7249
Hrs: Open Wed-Fri 4p, Sat & Sun 12p
Taproom, Full Bar Self-pour Wines
Wed, Trivia Thu, Bingo Weekends, Live Music
Fun Bar
3379 US Hwy 17N (863) 800-3400
Karaoke
Pool Table & Darts
Mulligan’s Sports Bar
Bartow Golf Club
150 N Idlewood (863) 533-1668 Fri, Karaoke 7-10p
The Wine Library Bartow
165 S Central Ave (813) 796-0477
Wine, Sangria, Beer
Charcuterie
Wed & Thu, Hpy Hr 4-7p Sat, 25% off Wine Btls
The Wine Stable
150 S Broadway (863) 533-9463
Full Bar
Live Music
Karaoke
DAVENPORT
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 45653 US Hwy 27 (863) 420-3350
Full Liquor Great Wings, Sandwiches, Burgers, Wraps
Fireside Lounge & Billiards 43356 US Hwy 27 (863) 420-0100
Pool Hall; 7 Pro Tables
Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 2-7p Live Music
The Wheelhouse Bar 42637 US Hwy 27 (863) 353-6880 TVs, Pool Table Darts, Jukebox Wed & Sat, Karaoke 9p
The Wheelhouse/19th Hole 102 Polo Park East (863) 424-4560
Tue & Fri, Karaoke 9p Thu, Trivia 8-10p
DUNDEE
Out-n-About Bar (1/4 m north of Dundee Rd) 28390 US Hwy 27 (863) 439-1537
Tue, Fri, Sat & Sun, Live Music Sun, Karaoke Thu, Ladies Night Mon & Wed, Closed
FROSTPROOF
P & J Recreation 33 S Scenic Hwy (863) 635-9825
Home of Famous Slaw Burger!
Full Liquor
FT. MEADE
Pit Stop Package & Lounge
800 N Charleston Ave (863) 285-8732 Food Avail.
HAINES CITY
Amos Tavern 200 US Hwy 17 92 N (863) 422-1459
Balmoral Bar & Grill
124 Kenny Blvd (863) 588-3097
Patio Dining & Full Bar Mon, Poker 6-8p Tue, Trivia 6-8p Wed, Karaoke 6-9p Thu, Bingo 6-8p Fri & Sat, Live Music 6-9p
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 902 Polk City Rd (863) 419-4848 Full Liquor Sports Bar Big Screen TVs
Ducky’s Dockside Bar & Grill 1090 Shady Cove Rd E (863) 353-5295 Thu, Acoustic Jam 6p Fri, Karaoke 6p Sat & Sun, Live Music
CASEY HOWELL (Old Man Frank’s, WH) CAL STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN; TEXAS FLOOD (RP Funding Center, LKD)
SOUND THEORY BAND (Leo’s Live, LKD)
SISTER MISTER (Apple Lounge, WH)
MICKENZIE PEISHER (Twisted Prop, WH) KAI7EN (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) ATEEZ (Kia Center, ORL)
SUNDAY, JUN 22
RYAN JOYCE 1p/ WILLIAM WILLIAMS 5:30p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) FREE WHISKEY DUO (Tanners Lakeside, WH) REDHEADED STEPCHILD (Twisted Prop, WH) JIM THOMAS (Swan Brewing, LKD) ATEEZ (Kia Center, ORL) PARKWAY DRIVE, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, I PREVAIL, BEARTOOTH (MidFlorida CU Amph, TMP)
TUESDAY, JUN 24
MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
WEDNESDAY, JUN 25
FANCY REAGAN (Ritz Theatre, WH)
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
BLAKE FREE (Cherry Pocket, LW) JIM N JUDY DUO (American Legion, WH) RED HOT ROOSTER & FRIENDS (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)
THURSDAY, JUN 26
PABLITO SWAY (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH) ADO (Kia Center, ORL)
FRIDAY, JUN 27
BLAKE FREE BAND
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
LOS DPR AND RIKA RUMBA
(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)
LAURA THE SINGER
(The Social Lounge, WH)
JOEY FOLEY DUO
(Dade City Brew House, D CTY)
HUNTER SMITH
(Cypresswood Pub, WH)
REDHEADED STEPCHILD
(Apple Lounge, WH)
RYAN JOYCE
(Twisted Prop, WH)
DIRTY VEGAS BOYZ
(Lucky’s Sports Bar, LKD)
ROBIM BROOKE, ANISETTE
MAYER, NOAN PARTLY; WOMEN OF 90S TRIB. (Union Hall, LKD)
HEART (Kia Center, ORL)
SATURDAY, JUN 28
99 IN THE SHADE
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
JIM N JUDY DUO
(Old Man Frank’s, WH)
BLAKE FREE BAND
(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)
RAZORS EDGE;
AC/DC TRIB
(Union Hall, LKD)
TWIZTED
(Duke’s Brewhouse, LKD)
RYAN JOYCE
(Apple Lounge, WH)
DANIEL BURNS BAND
(Twisted Prop, WH)
SOULSHINE PREACHERS
(Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)
SUNDAY, JUN 29
CONSPIRACY THEORY
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
CASEY HOWELL
(Old Man Frank’s, WH)
AGGIE ROAD (Twisted Prop, WH)
TUESDAY, JUL 1
AEROSMITH
TRIB 5 & 8p (Ritz Theatre, WH)
MICAH MADORE (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
WEDNESDAY, JUL 2
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME
(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
THURSDAY, JUL 3
PABLITO SWAY
(Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)
GARY LOVE & THE MOONLIGHTERS
(Red, White & Kaboom, LKD)
BAY KINGS BAND (Rockin’ Freedom Fest, WH)
EMBER ROAD
(Lights on the Lake, FRSTPF) STICK FIGURE wsg STEPHEN MARLEY, THE HIP ABDUCTION (MidFlorida CU Amph, TMP)
FRIDAY, JUL 4
RYAN JOYCE 1p
(Old Man Frank’s, WH) LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH)
B. HAVEN 5p
(Thunder on Ridge/Lk Eva, HC)
GEORGE MORRIS & THE LARIAT 3p/RAY NICHOLS BAND 4:15p/DANIEL BURNS BAND 5:30p/ELI MOSLEY 6:45p (4th of July/Mosaic Pk, BTW) SUMMIT KINGS (4th of July/Lk Marie, DUN) BLUE ÖYSTER CULT (Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)
FIRST MONDAY JAM; MICKENZIE PEISHER, MIKE RICHARDS, CHASE DIXON, MARCUS MCCANTS (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)
TUESDAY, JUL 8
MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
WEDNESDAY, JUL 9
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
THURSDAY, JUL 10
PABLITO SWAY (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH) ANDY SHREEVE (Swan Brewing, LKD)
FRIDAY, JUL 11
LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH) B. HAVEN (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)
SATURDAY, JUL 12
JIM N JUDY DUO (Old Man Frank’s, WH) TWIZTED (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) CARIBBEAN CREW STEEL DRUM BAND (Bok Tower, LW) MIRAGE; OASIS TRIB (Union Hall, LKD) REX FLOYD; PINK FLOYD TRIB (Music Ranch, LKD) GHOST (Amalie Arena, TMP) THE OFFSPRING wsg JIMMY EAT WORLD AND NEW FOUND GLORY (MidFlorida CU Amph, TMP)
SUNDAY, JUL 13
RYAN JOYCE 1p/ MICKENZIE PEISHER (Old Man Frank’s, WH)
BIG TIME RUSH wsg KATELYN TARVER AND STEPHEN KRAMER GLICKMAN (MidFlorida CU Amph, TMP) GLADYS KNIGHT (Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)
TUESDAY, JUL 15
MICAH MADORE (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
WEDNESDAY, JUL 16
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) JADE & DUKE (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)
THURSDAY, JUL 17
PABLITO SWAY (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)
FRIDAY, JUL 18
LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH) B. HAVEN (Cypresswood Pub, WH)
SATURDAY, JUL 19
BEFORE ARCADIA wsg HARLOWGOLD, DRIVER UNKNOWN, LOVE SONGS FOR JUNKIES (Leo’s Live, LKD) KEYSHIA COLE wsg TINK, AMERIE AND ELIJAH BLAKE (Amalie Arena, TMP) TOTO, MEN AT WORK, CHRISTOPHER CROSS (MidFlorida CU Amph, TMP)
SUNDAY, JUL 20
DARIUS RUCKER (Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)
MONDAY, JUL 21
ATEEZ (Kia Center, ORL)
TUESDAY, JUL 22
MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) ATEEZ (Kia Center, ORL)
THURSDAY, JUL 24
PABLITO SWAY (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)
FRIDAY, JUL 25
LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH) KEITH SWEAT wsg SWV, JOE, DRU HILL, AND GINUWINE (Amalie Arena, TMP) RUSS wsg BIG SEAN AND SABRINA CLAUDIO (MidFlorida CU Amph, TMP)
SATURDAY, JUL 26
JIM N JUDY DUO 2p/ CASEY HOWELL 5:30p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) TWIZTED (Duke’s Brewhouse, LKD) ADO (Kia Center, ORL) JIN (Amalie Arena, TMP)
SUNDAY, JUL 27
MICKENZIE PEISHER (Old Man Frank’s, WH) JIN (Amalie Arena, TMP)
POLK COUNTY’S
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
BEEF ‘O’
BRADY’S SOUTH LAKELAND
HAINES CITY
BALMORAL BAR & GRILL
AT BALMORAL RESORT
Offering a casual dining environment complete with poolside outdoor seating, the Balmoral Bar & Grill serves up poolside lunches, afternoon drinks and evening meals. Popular among resort guests and locals alike, our poolside bar in Haines City offers a full bar with TVs and features a menu of shareable appetizers, fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, and more. Live music also offered on the patio most Saturday nights. Check our Facebook for schedule. Bar & Grill is open to the public and is located within Balmoral Resort Florida in Haines City, minutes from Winter Haven and Davenport.
Must Try: Flatbreads and Club Sandwich.
124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City (off Hwy 27) (863) 588-3097
BalmoralBarandGrill.com
LAKELAND
BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S NORTH LAKELAND
Lakeland’s Best Family Sports Pub. 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Gameplan Saturdays. Happy Hour 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday. Bingo Mondays from 5-6 pm. Kids Eat Free Wednesday from 4-8 pm. Trivia Night on Thursdays from 8-10 pm.
Must Try: Hot & Fresh Fajitas - Everyday! Chicken wings!
1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464
www.beefobradys.com
Great Food! Great Sports! Great Family Fun! 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Game Plan Saturdays. 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday. Coldest Beer In Town. Kids Eat Free Tuesdays & Sundays 4-8 pm. Now Featuring A Full Liquor Bar. Must Try: Our Delicious Fajitas and Awesome Burgers 4810 South Florida Ave (863) 646-7757 www.beefobradys.com
CHAMPS SPORTS BAR
Serving Polk County for over 20 years!
Cold Beer • Great Food • Family Fun
• Best Wings in Town Independently delicious! Daily specials from 2-10 pm: Monday 60¢Tacos, Tuesday $5 Buffalo
Shrimp, Wednesday 45¢ Boneless Wings, Tuesday & Thursday BOGO Bud & Bud Light Bottles, Friday, $9 Grouper Sandwich (All Day), Saturday 75¢ Wings (All Day).Hours: Mon.-Thurs, Sat. & Sun. 11 am to 10 pm. Fri. 11 am to midnight. Follow us on Facebook. FB@ChampsGrill 6645 S. Florida Ave. 863-647-5900 www.champstogo.com
MISTER FISH
Family owned and operated since 1968 offering the best fish sandwich around! Seafood, chicken and much more using only the best quality food and excellent service! Easily the best homemade food you’ll try! Hours Monday through Saturday 11am to 7pm and closed Sundays. Must Try: Famous Fish Sandwich 715 E Palmetto St, Lakeland (863) 688-4280
LAKE WALES
CRAZY FISH
Land mark eatery in Lake Wales. Fresh fish never frozen. Fun and casual atmosphere. Lunch and dinner menu with daily specials. Mon. 4pm to 9pm. Tues.Saturday 11:30am to 9pm. Closed Sun.
Must Try: Shrimp or Fresh Grouper
802 Henry St., Lake Wales (863) 676-6361
JAY BEES RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
We take pride in our welcoming environment, friendly service and famous burgers. Come in and check our daily lunch and dinner specials. Weekend specials. Prime rib, frog legs, fried shrimp and catfish.
Must Try: Homemade Pies 8675 Hwy 60 East, Lake Wales 863-696-1901, Find us on Facebook
WINTER HAVEN
326 BISTRO PIZZERIA
Bistro Pizzeria shares the art of perfectly rendered simplicity. Wood burning oven, pizza by the slice, made to order specialty pizzas. Lunch & dinner menu. Warm & casual dining atmosphere.
Must Try: Classic Pizza Napoli
326 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven 863-875-4894 www.arabellas.us/bistro
APPLE LOUNGE & GRILL
#1 Happy Hour Monday-Friday 11am-7pm.
$1 Taco Tuesdays! Wings, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads, Fried Pickles, Chicken Fingers, Nachos and much more!
Open Mic Night every Tuesday. Winner of the people’s choice Wing Fling 2011 Wing Champs! Come try em’ yourself.
Must Try: Famous Wings 2803 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven 863-291-0340
ARABELLA’S
We offer the best Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, created from the freshest ingredients.
Enjoy a cocktail before or after dinner in our chic Ave Bar. At Arabellas, our dedicated service and inviting ambiance makes us the premier choice for your lunch or dinner destination.
Must Try: Bananas Foster prepared table side
346 W. Central Ave. Winter Haven
863-293-1797 • www.arabellas.us
BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S
Locally owned sports pub with 30 TVs and full bar. Lunch value combos MondaysFridays until 3pm. Award winning jumbo wings with famous sauces and dry rubs. Fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, tacos and dinner entrees available. Weekday Values: Mon. Burgers, Tues. Tacos, Wed. Wings, Thurs. Fajitas, Fri. Surf & Turf. See ya at Beefs!
Serving up a large selection of fresh fish for over 27 years! Where the fish is always de-lish! Open for lunch and dinner. Great seafood menu also includes shrimp, scallops, mussels, oysters, crab legs, "fish of the day" board, steaks, chicken, pasta dishes, sandwiches, soups/chowders. Restaurant is located on the shores of Lake Ned in beautiful Winter Haven with a quaint pet friendly outdoor patio. Full bar available. Less than a mile from LEGOLAND. Kid's menu also available.
Must Try: Grouper in a Bag, the Broiled Seafood Combo and award winning Key Lime Pie!
Enjoy great food, great games and great times in a family-friendly atmosphere. As your sports headquarters, ESPN, NFL & MLB ticket available on 14 flat screen TV’s. Daily lunch specials Mon-Fri from 11-2 pm only $5.99. Open 7 days a week. Appetizers, Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads, Burgers, Pizza & Wings. Full liquor with Happy Hour Mon-Sat from 3-6 pm
Must Try: Jumbo Wings & Pizza
5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 324-7524
1. Where did the melody for The Toys’ “A Lover’s Concerto” come from?
2. Name the Chicago song that includes the lyric “Eh, cumpari, ci vo sunari.”
3. Which group released “Nightshift”?
4. Name the artist who wrote and released “Young Turks.”
5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Here we come, walking down the street, We get the funniest looks from everyone we meet.”
ANSWERS
1. The melody is Minuet in G Major by Christian Petzold, in 1725. For a long time it was believed that it had been written by Johann Sebastian Bach because the song was
• When cooking meat, you have to take care. Here are two tips straight from my local butcher: First, let meats come to room temperature before cooking. It allows the meat to cook more evenly and you won’t end up with a cold center and a burnt outside. Secondly, when your meat comes off the grill or out of the oven, give it time to rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the cut of meat, and you’ll end up with juicy goodness in every bite.
• “Depending on how you scoop it, you can end up with too much or too little flour. Here is a tip about getting the best amount every time. Give the flour a stir with a spoon and then lightly spoon it into a measuring cup. When it is heaped over,
found in a compilation by Bach’s sister.
2. “Saturday in the Park,” in 1972. The Italian lyric comes from “Eh, Cumpari” by Julius La Rosa, in 1953.
3. The Commodores, in 1985. The song charted around the globe.
4. Rod Stewart, in 1981.
5. Theme song from “The Monkees” television show, 1966-1968, starring Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and Davy Jones. The show was canceled after the second season due to a dispute: The band wanted more guest stars and the TV network didn’t. Meanwhile, the show’s exposure did make the group very successful.
use a knife to level out the measure without tamping down.” -- Y.E. in Arkansas
• “Baking is a science as well as an art. It’s about interaction of ingredients and what happens when they mix in certain ways. So this is not so much a tip as a caution. Make sure of your substitutions, and use the right amounts of things. Then your cakes will be light and fluffy and your pastry will be flaky and moist.” -- B.G. in Pennsylvania
• Berries are in season and there’s no greater time to stock up. But don’t feel like you have to make jam out of all the berries. Freeze in a single layer and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be popped into muffins and quick breads, as well as eaten straight out of the bag for a delicious treat.
• When searing meat on a stovetop, be sure your pan is oiled (if called for) and at temperature. Otherwise, it’ll stick.
LADYBUG
Meet Ladybug, a 8 yr old tan and black female Boxer mix. She is a total sweetheart & should have been named Snuggle bug, as she has many years of snuggle experience. She craves all the attention and she does do better with dogs smaller than her. While she isn't aggressive, she does play rough and would do best in a home with children over the age of 16, but she is okay with kids.
BULLET
Meet Bullet, a 2-year-old Beagle Hound mix who is the epitome of sweet and outgoing! He is incredibly friendly with both people and other dogs, making him a great companion for any family. However, he’s not a fan of cats, so a cat-free home would be best. Bullet has boundless energy and is looking for a home with a fenced-in yard where he can run amd play.
PERCY
Percy is a brown and white male Domestic Shorthair mix. He is approximately 5 years old and has been neutered. He is very, very friendly to new people, very playful, and loves to watch birds and animals through windows. Percy has been around other cats but can be a bit nervous when first meeting them. He is a really sweet and cuddly boy.
JOE DIRT
This handsome 2-year-old tabby with striking hazel eyes is full of personality and charm. With his beautiful brown and black striped coat, Joe is as easy on the eyes as he is fun to be around. He’s a playful guy who adores all kinds of toys—but wand toys and bell balls are his absolute favorites! Joe Dirt is a social sweetheart who thrives on human attention and loves spending time with people of all ages.
The Humane Society of Polk County 3195 Dundee Road • Winter Haven, FL 33884 www.PolkNoKill.org • (863) 324-5227 Tues-Sat 10:30-6pm. Closed 1-2 pm for lunch.
DR. TERESA YODER
Dr. Yoder has been volunteering her services to the Humane Society of Polk County since 1989. Back in the “old days” when she did farm calls we would often have her out all over the county assisting with our animal cruelty investigations. Doc has been a vital part of our S.N.I.P. program as well, helping us get this program organized and running smoothly. Dr. Yoder and her staff continue their commitment to the Humane Society by making a difference in the lives of Polk’s pets. Dr. Yoder’s office is located at Ridge Veterinary Hospital, 23992 HWY 27, Lake Wales, FL 863-676-8240
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