Today & Tonight Magazine February 2022 by Today & Tonight Magazine

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FEBRUARY 2022 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE

TODAY & TONIGHT MAGAZINE Volume 18 Issue 7 February 2022 4

Lake Wales Eats

Lake Wales Mardi Gras

Concert Under The Stars

COLUMNS: 23

What's Rustling Jimmy's Jimmies?

THE FUN & AMUSING: 13

General Trivia

Strange But True

Now Here's A Tip

Music Trivia

Pets of the Month

As we continue through this pandemic and learn our new way of life, we are going to do our best to keep you up-to-date on what is happening in our county in regards to dining, events and entertainment. Please see our Facebook page for updates and information. These are trying times let's get Polk County back going strong. Some events and functions are starting to reschedule for us to enjoy. Please contact the venues to confirm dates and times.

Lake Wales Eats

Expect More, Get More, We Deliver. Chris Douglas Publisher/Editor

Upcoming Events

STAFF

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER:

CHRIS DOUGLAS TRACEY GREENE

COLUMNS

Lake Wales Mardi Gras

TRACEY GREENE JAMES COULTER

ERICA SMITH

EDITORIAL

LISTINGS: 14

Upcoming Events

Live Local Music

Restaurant Listing

ERICA SMITH ELIZABETH MORRISEY

AMY SUMERLIN JAMES COULTER

PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS DOUGLAS

Concert Under The Stars

MIKE POTTHAST

SALES TRACEY GREENE - VP of Advertising BOB CURTIS - Senior Executive Media Director WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR NEW SALES REPS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE SEND INFO TO TRACEY@TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM

Tell Us What You Think

SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO: Today & Tonight Magazine, PO BOX 2612, Winter Haven, FL 33883 Email: chris@todayandtonight.com. Letters must be signed, please include your town and phone number.

Happy Valentine's Month Polk County! 2 FEBRUARY 2022

PUBLISHED BY: Today & Tonight, Inc. PO Box 2612 Winter Haven, FL 33883 Phone: 863.401.8001 email: chris@todayandtonight.com Reproduction in whole or in part of this magazine is prohibited without written permission from Today & Tonight, Inc. Copyright, 2021 by Today & Tonight, Inc. Submissions: Today & Tonight Magazine welcomes unsolicited manuscripts.

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FEBRUARY 2022 3

Eats WALES LAKE Pictured: Manager's Special; Shrimp & Clam Pasta. Made to order at Melanie's Seafood Company.

ecently, several new eateries have opened in Lake Wales. Whether you want big city flavors and music, or small town home cooking, or northern meats and cheeses you can’t find anywhere else, this sleepy little town has something for everyone. Let's Go. . . . .

4 FEBRUARY 2022

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Melanie's Seafood Company True to its name, Melanie's pack so much flavor into their Seafood Company serves a food - one of my favorites, and I wide selection of seafood. From don't even like seafood!" grilled salmon and gulf flounManwell has high expectader, to beer battered shrimp and tions moving forward. He plans fish, to lobster mac and cheese, on opening an ice cream parlor clam chowder, fish tacos, and right across the street from his mahi-mahi fish Reuben, you can eatery. Lake Wales is growing, "see food" a plenty with their and he hopes to grow his busimany seafood options. ness right alongside it. However, Melanie's has more "I just want people to be than simply seafood: burgers, happy and get good food and sandwiches, soups, salads, apservice and enjoy their meals," petizers, steak, duck, and even he said. "I treat everyone like beer and wine. Whether you'd family...I just want people to be prefer to have the catch of the happy when they come in." day, or catch something else for lunch, Melanie's has a little bit TOP MENU ITEMS of everything. "People have asked me for CLAM CHOWDER - THE RED ONE many years what I would recom- House-made Manhattan Clam mend," said owner Steve ManChowder served with bread. - $6 well. "I recommend everything. I am not privy to one particular MEL'S BELLE BURGER item or certain items. I try to Burger topped with Pimento cook everything on the menu to Cheese and a Fried Green Tomato the best of my ability...I would - $12 offer them anything, nothing specific." BEER BATTERED SHRIMP Manwell brings with him Six piece Shrimp dipped in our more than 34 years of cooking beer batter served with French experience, with 20 years of loFries. - $14 cal experience in the Lake Wales area. Initally, he hoped to retire, FISH REUBEN but with such strong support Mahi-Mahi with Slaw, Swiss from the community, he and his Cheese, house-made Thousand wife, Allison, were inspired to Island Dressing, toasted Rye open another venture. Bread - $15 Despite opening their new eatery at the start of the pan120 E Park Ave demic in March 2020 (around Lake Wales the same time eateries and other Reservations Encouraged businesses were forced to go un- 863-949-6879 der lockdown), Manwell and his FB@MelaniesSeafoodCo wife managed to overcome these uncertain times and weather the storm to strong success, which he owes to his community support. "The community in this town has supported me for over 20 years," he said. "We offer 34 years of cooking experience, consistency, quality, atmosphere. We treat our customers like family." Customers reviews rave about the quality of their food. One Facebook reviewer glowed about how their food was "absoEXPECT MORE... GET MORE... WE DELIVER! lutely delicious", writing: "They

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Wales Pointe Restaurant & Bar Whether you feel like sipping mimosas and nibbling away at an eggs benedict for Sunday brunch, or you want to bite into a Reuben sandwich while enjoying the soothing melody of live jazz music for a late weekday lunch, Wales Pointe offers big city flavors in a small town setting. Wales Pointe offers a diverse menu for any meal of the day. For breakfast or brunch, try their savory shrimp and grits or eggs benedict with shrimp or Canadian bacon. For lunch, bite into a traditional Reuben, or a less than traditional grilled mahi-mahi or fried grouper sandwich. And if you drop by for dinner on Wednesday, be sure to order their lamb chop, a truly rare delicacy. "I have a love of lamb, [and] there are a lot of places that do not sell lamb, so I decided to add lamb to dinner," explained owner Tiffany Davis. Whether you prefer soup and sandwiches, burgers and fries, or omelets and pancakes, this new eatery in scenic downtown offers a little bit of anything and everything. Best of all, their live music accentuates any dining experience, be it smooth jazz for Sunday brunch or something slightly more upbeat for Monday lunch. (Yes, Wales Pointe is one of the few local eateries open for lunch on Monday!) Tiffany Davis is a US Army retired veteran who has been living in Lake Wales for the past four years. As a Chicago native, she wanted to introduce big-city metropolitan flavor to the small town she now calls home. After being open for nearly a month, her big portions, diverse menu, and live music have attracted customers from far and wide. "I started...with the intent of bringing jazz and blues to Lake Wales along with good food," she said. "Our weekends, when they advertise for live music, 6 FEBRUARY 2022

they come and they have been loving it, everybody has been enjoying it, I have people come from Lakeland to enjoy the live music along with other places in the county. It was pretty exciting the amount of people looking for live music. And also the large portions. That is what people love most, aside from the live music." Having only been open for a month, Davis has big expectations moving forward. She hopes to expand her menu, draw in more musical talent, and hopefully offer dinner on more days other than Wednesday. Hopefully, enough people will want to enjoy a big city meal without having to leave their small town. "My expectations are for more people to come out," she said. "Come and try out the variety of food that we have on our menu, as well as enjoy live music on the weekend, and just give us a try for breakfast and lunch." TOP MENU ITEMS EGGS BENEDICT With Shrimp, Served with two Poached Eggs served on an English Muffin and covered with Hollandaise Sauce - $11.99

Owner, Tiffany Davis

SHRIMP & GRITS Creamy Grits covered with Shrimp - $12.95 RUEBEN SANDWICH Toasted marbled Rye Bread, tender Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut and Thousand Island Dressing and choice of one side $9.99 FRIED GROUPER SANDWICH Served with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, and side of Tartar Sauce and choice of one side - $12.95 225 E Park Ave Lake Wales 863-223-8785 http://www.walespointe.com FB@walespointe

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The Ranch

Taproom & Coffeehouse From the time you wake up Bok Tower in the background to until the time you return home the cows and the 1988 Ford truck for bed, The Ranch Taproom & from their family ranch. The cattle Coffeehouse is open for as long themselves showcase hidden as your hometown is awake. In easter eggs, with one cow sporting the morning, they serve batch an ear tag with 1968, and several brew coffee, lattes, and espresso branded with The Ranch logo. alongside fresh baked pastries Even the sign out front is a nod to like banana nut bread, lemon loaf, the sign that hung outside their blueberry muffins, and oatmeal family ranch. cream pies that, according to ownSince starting last April, their er Jessica Garrett, "are to die for." taproom and coffeehouse has For lunch, they serve diverse quickly become a community selection of fresh salads and favorite. The community itself has sandwiches, from their Cuban been the key to their success. Evprepared from slow-cooked pork erything in their eatery, from their cooked in homemade Mojo sauce, plumbing and air conditioning, to to their chicken salad sandwich their very building, was constructwith four bean salad prepared ed by local contractors, and their "like grandma used to make", or food and beer is supplied from their chicken southwest salad with local vendors like Bernie Little tortilla strips, chicken breasts, and Distributors. fresh cut romaine lettuce. "We try to do our best to see "All of it is cut fresh so we do what we can do for them," Jessica not have bags of romaine, we have said. "It has been incredible for fresh heads of romaine, washing friends and family. Without the them, cutting them, making sure community and their support, it we have the best products," she would be hard to see where we said. would be." Personally, Garrett recommends "If you want to come down the gilled pimento cheese on jaand try something local from two lapeño corn bread with four bean women that love this community, salad. And, of course, there's their just love this county and love the fresh brews prepared from Onyx state of Florida, and [if you] want Coffee, shipped from Arkansas good food and atmosphere, come near Walmart's home office, where check us out," Jessica said. she used to work, "so it's near and dear to my heart." TOP MENU ITEMS Jessica and her mother, Kathy, were both born and raised in Lake CUBAN SANDWICH Wales. Her mother worked most of Slow Roasted Pork, Glazed Ham, her life as a postmaster in Winter homemade Dijon Mustard, Dill Haven, while she worked in the Pickles, Swiss Cheese, pressed on corporate world, having recently authentic Cuban Bread. Served left an advertising gig at Clark with a side of chips. - $12 Nikdel in Winter Haven. Both of them wanted to start PIMENTO GRILLED CHEESE their own business out of the love Homemade Pimento Cheese just of their hometown and its herithe way Grandma Becton liked tage. After discussing ideas with it. Grilled to a melty perfection. the local Chamber of Commerce Served with a side of four Bean and Lake Wales Main Street, they Salad. - $11 started a taproom and coffeehouse to serve their community from SOUTHWEST SALAD sunrise to sunset. Fresh Romaine Lettuce, Heirloom The Ranch was named after Jes- Tomatoes, Cheddar Jack Cheese, sica's family ranch, opened by her Cowboy Caviar, Roasted Pepitas, grandparents in 1968. Both she and served with an Ancho Chipotle her mother were born and raised Dressing. - $9 there, so naming their business after it was the best way for them 247 E Park Ave to pay respect to their hometown. Lake Wales The hand-painted mural in 863-589-5100 their eatery showcases everything FB@theranchtaproomandcoffeehouse EXPECT MORE... GET MORE... WE DELIVER! they love about Lake Wales, from

Owners, Kathy & Jessica Garrett

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Lake Wales Cheese Shoppe & Deli You can order a sandwich with fresh-cut meats and cheeses at any sandwich shop. But, Lake Wales Cheese Shop & Deli is the only local full-service deli operation that sells Amish meats and cheeses, along with many specialty grocery items, soft drinks, jams and jellies. Troyer brand meat, cheeses are imported from an Amish town in Millersburg, Ohio. Not only can you eat their brand meats in your own sandwich, you can even order it custom sliced by the pound. Their most popular deli meat is the Amish bologna, something especially popular with many snowbirds. But highly recommended is their fall-off-the-bone ham, which is especially good with their Cuban sandwiches. Their most popular cheese is green onion, which has proven to be a real fan favorite. If you like your food with an added kick of spice, then try their hot cheeses like ghost pepper and scorpion. By far, Cooper-brand cheese, shipped from Philadelphia, has proven exceedingly popular. "People will come and buy a couple pounds of that from all over the county," said owner Tim Johnson. Many of their meats and cheeses can be ordered to-go, and they can also be prepared in sandwiches from the sandwich shop. You can never go wrong with a Reuben or Cuban, the latter of which is made from slow-roasted fall-of-the-bone pork. Or try their Rachel, a pastrami sandwich with Thousand Island dressing, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and marble rye bread. Their Italian melt has also proven popular, with salami, pepperoni, and ham pressed on sourdough with your choice of cheese. And why settle for a regular hot dog when you can have a footlong with your choice of toppings, including chili, cheese, and sauerkraut? "I was telling my customers, when they were saying how good the sandwiches are, Troyer [brand] makes it easy," Johnson said. "All you have to do is put the meat on the bread, and the meat and cheeses do the talking." Lake Wales Cheese Shoppe & Deli has been open since October. 8 FEBRUARY 2022

Johnson was inspired to open the store to introduce many meats, cheeses, and other food items that were popular up north but hard to find in Florida. The closest store that even sells Amish meats and cheeses is more than 50 miles away in the Sarasota area, Johnson said. As such, they carry an assortment of grocery items from states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio, including the ever-popular cheese curds. For many snowbirds, the store offers them a little piece of home away from home, Johnson said. The store hopes to eventually expand with extra seating and delivery options. Currently, they are utilizing Door Dash to provide at-home deliveries, but they hope to create their own on-line ordering service to allow people to order their food from the convenience of their own computer or phone. Either way, they hope to maintain the same level of customer service that has benefited them thus far. "We know...many people have moved here, and now they feel what they can get back home is coming back to them," he said. "A lot of customers, they say when they go home, they will put in truckloads because they cannot get this stuff down here, but now they do, and they appreciate it." TOP MENU ITEMS THE REUBEN Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut with Thousand Island Dressing on Marble Rye Bread. THE RACHEL Pastrami, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut with Thousand Island Dressing on Marble Rye Bread. THE "LW" CUBAN Ham and shredded Roast Pork, Swiss Cheese, Garlic Aioli Mayo, Mustard, and Dill Pickle, pressed on an 8-inch hoagie. 224 E Bullard Ave Lake Wales 863-223-8880 www.lwcheeseshoppe.com FB@cheeseandmeats4u FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND WWW.TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM

Ashley Marston Croley 863-676-2718

OOD AF

C O M PA

MICHELE OUELLETTE

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Click Here For The Humane Society of Polk County's Donation Wish List 10 FEBRUARY 2022

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12 FEBRUARY 2022

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STRANGE BUT TRUE

• In 2016, KFC released edible nail polishes in Hong Kong. They came in Hot & Spicy and Original flavor. • The main reason why Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pinocchio and other early Disney characters wore gloves is because it was easier to animate them and helped the characters appear to be more humanlike. • It is illegal to name your pig Napoleon in France. • Eighty-year-old Tatsuo Horiuchi has created paintings in Microsoft Excel for over 15 years, using vector drawing tools developed primarily for graphs and simple shapes to make panoramic scenes of life in rural Japan. • More salt is used to remove ice from roads than for eating. • A Tennessee judge ordered a name change for a baby named

“Messiah.” She was later fired after the decision was found unconstitutional on appeal. • Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia is the fear of the number 666. • There was a tree in Glastonbury, England, that was known to flower on Christmas Day. Locals were disappointed that it did not obey the switch to the Gregorian calendar in 1752. • George H.W. Bush’s hatred of broccoli was so intense that he mentioned it 70 times during his presidency, banned it from the White House, and blamed the extinction of the dinosaurs on it. • Speaking of those famous reptiles, in 1992 after paying for entry to the “Dinosaurs Live!” exhibition at the Memphis Zoo, six visitors demanded a refund. Their grounds? It didn’t contain live dinosaurs.

TRIVIA TEST By Fifi Rodriguez

3. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a gastropoda? 4. HISTORY: In what city was the United States’ Declaration of Independence signed?

9. TELEVISION: What is the family’s last name in drama series “Blue Bloods”? 10. U.S. STATES: Which state goes by the nickname “Green Mountain State”?

5. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What word does the “R” movie rating stand for? 6. MUSIC: How old was Mozart when he began composing music? 7. MOVIES: Who voiced Mufasa in the animated movie “The Lion King”? EXPECT MORE... GET MORE... WE DELIVER!

Answers

2. MEDICAL: What is the common name for the condition called aphonia?

8. ASTRONOMY: What is the largest moon orbiting a planet in our solar system?

1. Rice 2. Complete loss of voice 3. A snail 4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 5. Restricted 6. 5 years old 7. James Earl Jones 8. Ganymede 9. Reagan 10. Vermont

1. FOOD & DRINK: What grain is the Japanese wine sake made from?

FEBRUARY 2022 13

FEB/MAR 2022

Adults - $40. Youth (12 & under) $20. Call (863) 688-8551 for more info.

FEB 25

C A L E N D A R Get Your Listing in the Calendar Email Listings to: tracey@todayandtonight.com Info must be received by the 23rd of the Month Prior to Publication. Events will be included as space allows.

Arts, Crafts, Festivals & Expos

FEB 4

& 5 – Annual Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition. Benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of Polk County. Enjoy live music, a Saturday ski show, some great food and fun! More than 80 teams across the country competing to win the awards for best chicken, ribs, pork and brisket, which will be announced Sat, 5:30 pm. The Official Sanctioning Body for the event is the Florida BBQ Association. Located Boys & Girls Club, 2400 Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven. Fri, 5-10 pm and Sat, 10-10 pm. Fri, $10 admission. Sat, $2 admission; 10 and younger free.

FEB 4

to 6 – 26th Annual Spirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow. Native American Festival at the International Market World Flea and Farmers Market in Auburndale. The event features crafts, intertribal dance competitions, historic village displays, workshops and over 60 exhibitors. The event is held in the Big Top circus tent over two big weekends - rain or shine. Located International Market World, 1052 US Hwy 92 W, Adale. Fri to Sun, 10-6 pm. www.spiritofthebuffalopowwow.com

FEB 10

– Lakeland Food Truck Rally. Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally brings food trucks to Munn Park on the 2nd Thursday of every

14 FEBRUARY 2022

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, 6-9 pm. (next events: Feb 10, Mar 10)

FEB 12

– Valentine’s Block Party in Downtown Lakeland. Enjoy an art walk and night market in downtown. The streets are filled with vendors, artists, and food. Co-hosted by Buena Market & Downtown Lakeland benefiting Lakeland Art Guild. Located Kentucky Ave/Main Street, Lakeland. Sat, 5-9 pm.

FEB 15

– Tasty Tuesday. Third Tuesday of every month. 10 tastes from downtown bars, restaurants and sweet shops. New offerings every month. Tasty Tuesdays are a super 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. Tickets come in packets of 10 for $25. (additional packs may be purchased in increments of $5 which is 2 tickets). Tues, 4:30-9 pm. Cost - $25 for 10 tastes. https://ldda.square.site/product/ tasty-tuesday-tickets/31?cs=true&cst=custom

FEB 17

– Taste of Winter Haven. Hosted by the Winter Haven Chamber. Taste of Winter Haven is an evening event focused on giving the community an opportunity to taste local cuisine, beer, and wine while enjoying live music. Taste of Winter Haven will take place at Venue 650. You must be 21 or older to attend. Early bird tickets are $35. Price will increase on January 17th and the day of. Located Venue 650, 650 6th St SW, Winter Haven. Thurs, 6-9 pm.

FEB 18

& 19 – 5th Annual Chain of Lakes Eggfest. Hosted by Mannix Pools & Grills. EGGHeads

from all over the country are coming to show off their talents on the Big Green Egg. Come on out for live music, delicious food, live demonstrations, and more, all for a great cause! Fri Music: Justin Grimes 6-9 pm. Sat Music: Andrew Williams 11-12:15 pm, The Broke 12:30-2 pm, Jill’s Cashbox 2:30-4 pm. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Polk County and Girls, Inc. Located at the Boys & Girls Club, 2400 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven. Fri, 6-9 pm (VIP Party). Sat, 10-3 pm. Tickets $25 per day. www. ChainOfLakesEggfest.com

FEB 18

to 29 – Strawberry Classic Dog Show. Hosted by the Lakeland Winter Haven Kennel Club which is based in Polk County where they are dedicated to the education, welfare and betterment of Purebred dogs. Located at Sun ’n Fun, Medulla Rd, Lakeland.

– Lake Wales Mardi Gras 5k Glow Run. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Get back to running and join the MOST FUN AND FESTIVE 5K in town! Light up the night with us at the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Glow Run 5K presented by Forni Dental. Join us for a celebration at Lake Wailes Park with food & drinks, kid’s zone, entertainment, fun post-race party, and much more! Register at: https://www. athlinks.com/event/lake-wales-mardi-gras-5k-302306?fbclid=IwAR0rF7gRrAE-RjV0QbAnrlS-z2t94p1gH_ lamxOTrTOK9z8P9nNNswD7048

FEB 25

& 26 – 37th Lake Wales Mardi Gras. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Enjoy live music, children’s zone, food trucks and parade is Saturday at 3 pm. Located on the shores of Lake Wailes, Lake Wales. Fri, 6-11 pm. Sat, 10 am-11 pm. www.LWMardiGras.com

FEB 25

– Ribs on the Ridge. Hosted by the City of Haines City. Located Lk Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City. Sat, 10-7 pm.

& 26 – Carlisle Winter Florida AutoFest. The auction starts at 10:30 a.m. daily and includes 400+ classic and collector car vehicles. There are three great ways to bid too, in person, on the phone and online! Call 717-960-6400 or visit CarlisleAuctions.com Located at Sun ’n Fun, Medulla Rd, Lakeland. www.flysnf.org

FEB 19

FEB 25

FEB 23

FEB 26

FEB 19

– SYFY Bartow. A free, family-friendly festival featuring costume contests, an art show, superhero karaoke, food, live music, science fiction vendors, large size props including Doctor Who’s Tardis, a movie and television car show, a play area for kids, local authors and stars, cosplayers, face painting, steampunk themed activities and many more surprises. Located downtown Bartow, Main Street. Sat, 11-6 pm. – 75th Annual Tiger BBQ. Presented by Rodda Construction, Inc. Join us in welcoming back our Detroit Tigers for a record 85 years of Spring Training in Lakeland! Be a part of the tradition! Ticket includes an exceptional menu and a souvenir mug. (no take-out orders and no autographs) Located Publix Field Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. Wed, 6-8 pm. Tickets:

& 26 – 24th Annual Mustangs & Mustangs. Hosted by the Imperial Mustangs of Polk County. “Mustangs & Mustangs… Legends Havin’ Fun 2022” is a Mustang & All Ford show. All Ford Powered vehicles are welcome. Dash Plaques to the first 150 registered cars. Admission includes the driver and one passenger. Children under the age of 12 are free. Located at Sun ’n Fun, Medulla Rd, Lakeland. www.flysnf.org – 3rd Annual Lake Alfred Heritage Festival. The Lake Alfred Historical Society, Inc. and the City of Lake Alfred have joined forces to present another fantastic diversified and informative festival. A unique blend of Lake Alfred’s history combined with our rich American Heritage over decades and centuries.Located corner of E Pomelo and N Seminole Ave. Sat, 10-5pm. www.lakealfredheritagefestival.com

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FEB 26

– Plantopia Garden Festival. Free event where a number of vendors will be selling Orchids, Bromeliads, Tillandsias, Aroids, Caudiciforms, Tropical Plants, Bamboo, Grasses, Exotic Fruit Trees, Native Plants, Succulents, Carnivorous Plants, Butterfly Attractants, Spices, Herbs and much more! Located Hollis Garden, 614 E Orange St, Lakeland. Sat, 10-2:30 pm. For more info, www.lakelandgov. net/hollisgarden

FEB 26

to MAR 12 – 2022 Polk Senior Games. An annual two-week series of Olympic-style sports and games for men and women 50 years of age and over. Variety of twenty events. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each event and age division. The individual entry fee is $10 for the first event and $3 for each additional event up to a maximum of $28. Fee for Softball team is $150. There are also facility fees for a few events $25 for Golf Singles, $25 for Golf Mixed Doubles, $12 for Archery and $10-25 for Shooting events. Everyone receives a T-shirt. Events are held at various locations throughout Polk County. www.PolkSeniorGames.org

MAR 4

– March First Friday. Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday; new theme each month. This month is the “Sun n' Fun Flight Night” Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Enjoy goodies, giveaways, and discounts from local business exhibitors. 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-friendly event held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky Ave. and Main St. Downtown Lakeland, Fri 6-9 pm. DowntownLKLD.com

MAR 5

– 8th Annual CommunityFest Winter Haven. A family fun festival with games, activities, entertainment, character meet & greets, bounce houses and so much more. This free event is a great way to spend your day and meet the local businesses hosting this community event. Located in Central Park in downtown Winter Haven. Sat, 11-4 pm. Contact the Winter Haven Chamber for details. www.WinterHavenChamber.com

MAR 5

& 6 – 51st Annual Bloomin’ Arts Festival. Over 100 artists from near and far, gather in Bartow the first full weekend of March every year.

Painters, sculptors, jewelers, wood workers, metal artists, clay artists, mixed media, and fiber are some of the beautiful artwork on hand to view and buy. Enjoy fine art, a Saturday car show, quilt show, student art, entertainment, food and fun. Located Main Street, Downtown Bartow. Sat & Sun, 9-4 pm. www.bartowartguild.com

MAR 12

– 19th Annual Spring Obsession 2022. Presented by the Lakeland Rotary Club. A family celebration of Garden, Art, and Music for the whole family. Dog friendly too. There will be plants galore, garden art, children’s area, prize drawings, plant seminars, and delicious BBQ! Proceeds will support the new “Know and Grow” program for Polk Public schools. The program is to teach tech skills and healthy eating for students. Located at Lake Crago Park, Lakeland. Sat, 8-3 pm. www. SpringObsession.org

MAR 19

& 20 – Central Park Art Festival. Presented by Victor Smith Law Group. The festival, which has become a cultural mainstay for the community, is a juried competition festival featuring fine art from accomplished artists hailing from both within Central Florida and beyond. This 2-day event showcases paintings, sculptures, mixed media art work, hand crafted jewelry, artisan glass crafts, wood carving and more. Located in Central Park in downtown Winter Haven. Sat & Sun, 10-5pm. For more info, www.ridgeart.org

Markets, Antique Fairs & Car Shows Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market – Saturdays. We have an exceptional variety of local vendors who offer fresh produce, seafood, pastries, breads, desserts, local honey, artisans, and crafts, to name a few. We are part of the FAB (Fresh Access Bucks) program that assists those in the SNAP/EBT program by encouraging healthy behaviors by making fresh, local produce more affordable and accessible to SNAP customers. Stop by the Market Information Booth for more details! Located N. Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 8 am-1 pm. 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 9-1 pm.

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FEB 12

& 26 – Winter Haven Saturday Markets. Free Community Event; family and pet-friendly! Fresh produce and veggies, local pure raw honey, arts, crafts, jewelry, apparel, CBD products, coffee, baked goods, sauces, gourmet, wooden furniture, MLN products, food trucks, kettle corn, live music, non-profit organizations, and much more! Located downtown Winter Haven in Central Park. Sat, 9-3 pm. WinterHavenSaturdayMarkets.com

FEB 13

- 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, 12-5 pm. www.shoplakesidevillage.net

FEB 16

– GRB’s Moonlight Market. Every third Wednesday. Community, Crafts & Beer! The Moonlight Market is comprised of vendors from all over Central Florida, local food trucks, and live music! Wed, 6-9 pm. Located at Grove Roots Brewing Co., 302 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven. Check FB for details.

FEB 17

- Lake Wales 3rd Thursday Market. The boutique market will feature a variety of produce, artisan food vendors, plants, a pinch of crafts and a mind-blowing food truck. This market is within walking distance of restaurants, shops and incoming restaurants and The Ranch Taproom & Coffee House. Located Stuart Avenue in the parking lot near downtown’s new Gillian Fazio mural in Lk Wales. Thurs, 4-7 pm.

Concerts & Theatre

FEB 3

to 13 – Always, Patsy Cline. Based on the true story of Patsy Cline’s friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger. The musical play, complete with down home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy’ unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight, 27 songs in all. Located Theatre Winter Haven. www.TheatreWinterHaven.com for tickets.

FEB 10

& APR 21 – The Gallery Concert Series at Polk Museum of Art. Presented by The Polk Museum of Art and Lakeland Symphony Orchestra. A special set of ensemble performances, live in our galleries and inspired by our upcoming partner exhibition, Pictures at an Exhibition. Feb 10, Baroque Strings. Apr 21, Opera in Concert. www.PolkMuseumOfArt.org/

galleryconcert

FEB 24

– Classic Albums Live Concert Series. Note for Note and Cut for Cut. Performances of classic rock’s best albums and artists with original music performed live on stage. Feb 24: The Beatles ‘Let It Be’. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 8 pm. Tickets - $44, $33 plus parking. www. RPFundingCenter.com

Charity Events & Golf Tournaments

FEB 25

to 27 – Jeepin’ With Judd. A three-day family Jeep festival that offers obstacle and trail rides at Clear Springs Ranch (Cox Rd and Ledley Ware Rd in Bartow). It is also a fundraiser for Polk Sheriff’s Charities. Cost - $60-$80 per jeep. For more info: https://jeepinwithjudd.com/

MAR 12

– 26th Annual Champagne & Shamrocks. Benefit for the Symphony Guild of Winter Haven. Social Hour with Butler Passed Hors d’oeuvres from 5:30-6:30 pm. Catering by Terrie Lobb. Dinner served at 6:30 pm with Complimentary Champagne. Concert by the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 pm. Black tie optional. Masks required. For more info and tickets: (863) 294-7213, (863) 206-7167, www. SymphonyGuildOfWinterHaven.org

APR 9

- 5th Annual Putt Putt Pub Crawl. Putt putt style golf tournament with a 4-some. Nine participating locations. Meet at the Apple Lounge at 8:30 am for kick off. Free shot or drink at each location. Awards and After Party following at Tanners Lakeside at 6 pm. Locations: Barrel 239, Brew Hounds Sports Lounge, Jessie’s Lounge, Old Man Frank’s, Patty Wagon Irish Pub, Somewhere Sports Bar, Tanners Lakeside, Caribbean Bay, The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille. All proceeds benefit Leopard Legacy. Deadline is Apr 1st. Sat, 9 am-6 pm. Cost - $200 per team. 21+ event. For more info, call/ text Reva (863) 206-8478 or info.leopardlegacy@gmail.com

Sports

FEB 25

to MAR 28 – Detroit Tigers Spring Training. Located at Publix Field Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. www.mlb.com/tigers FEBRUARY 2022 15

by James Coulter

fter a yearlong absence, the Lake Wales Mardi Gras, presented by Weikert Ford of Lake Wales, is set to make its epic return. With plenty of purple, green. and gold beads, live music, and good food, Lake Wales’s most beloved event will “let the good times roll” once again! The festivities will kick off on the evening of Friday, February 25th with the Glow Run 5K presented by Forni Dental & Associates. Participants will adorn themselves with glowsticks and other glow-in-thedark apparel and race from Lake Wailes Park through the scenic downtown area. The good times will continue through the evening with the Kickoff Party in Lake Wailes Park. Enjoy live music from local bands like Almost There and B. Haven, with other musical acts the following day including Mitch Stewart, Outta Hand Band, Blake Free Band, Letters from Lucy, Blue Rooster Band, Free Whiskey Band, and Chas Kincaid. The main event, by far, is the parade on Saturday, February 26th. Starting a 3 p.m., several dozen brightly-colored floats will travel through the downtown district to greet thousands of excited spectators and toss them colorful beads as the floats make their way to the main event scenic area in Lake Wailes Park. There, the festivities will continue well into the evening with live music, food trucks, and vendors. Lake Wales Mardi Gras received its humble beginnings several decades ago as the celebration of the life of a local resturant owner. Vinton Davis, owner and operator of the former Vinton’s New Orleans Restaurant, loved all things New Orleans. His upscale eatery served Cajun-style food, he had an affinity for the French Quarter jazz scene, and his favorite holiday was Mardi Gras! So, when he passed away in 1984, his friends and fami16 FEBRUARY 2022

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ly wanted to honor him in the most apropos way possible through a New Orleans-style funeral procession. As they were unable to host such a procession, they opted instead to host a Mardi Gras parade in his honor. What started as a small parade has since grown into the largest Mardi Gras celebration in Central Florida. The annual event draws in thousands of attendees each year. Since its start, Lake Wales Mardi Gras has been hosted for nearly 36 years. However, its consecutive run was interrupted last year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Now that current times are becoming less uncertain, the annual event is set to make its annual return with a turnout hopefully larger than its last event in 2020, explained Josh Curchy, president of the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Committee. Curchy has been attending Lake Wales Mardi Gras since he was young. He has been both an attendee and an active participant, riding in the parade and even performing live music. After a year hiatus, he misses being able to see so many happy, smiling people from the top of a float or on stage. To be able

to experience and participate in such collective joy is what he is looking forward to the most. “This is our 37th year, and we are stoked to keep it going on for as long as possible,” he said. “When people think of Lake Wales, they think of many things, and Mardi Gras is one of the things they talk about a lot... [and] it is really quite a site to pull through downtown and see all the people who line up along it.” Aside from offering Lake Wales residents and visitors a good time to roll, Lake Wales Mardi Gras also serves as a fundraiser event that generates proceeds towards many local causes. Its main benefactor is Victory Ridge Academy, a local school for children with special needs, as well as the local police department. “Our expectations, number one, is to support the community that supports us,” Curchy said. “That is the most important thing. We all pull together, and it is great to give back to them... They [the Lake Wales police] have been big supporters and have kept our event safe.” The Lake Wales community has long supported the event,

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and the event, in turn, has supported the community. So, after being postponed for nearly a year, everyone involved is super excited to have their most beloved local event make an epic comeback and allow the good times to roll on once again. “It is not going to be a whole lot different from what they saw in 2020,” he said. “It will be a lot of fun, and we expect the crowds to be receptive and ready. Our expectation is to have safe fun event for our community and raise enough money for our causes…We need fun again. [It’s been] a rough couple years of being confined...so to give some normalcy back to this town [is much needed]. People love this event, [and] it is fun for everyone.” Lake Wales Mardi Gras will be hosted at Fri. Feb. 25 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sat. Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The event will be hosted at Lake Wailes Park, located at 33 N Lake Shore Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853. The parade will be hosted at 3 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit our website at: http://www.lwmardigras.com/ FEBRUARY 2022 17

PATTY & CRAIG (Swan Brewing, LKD)

TMIKE & DUKE (Flip Flops&Art/Schalamar Crk, LKD) DANNY BROOKS 2p/ DAYGLO RED DUO 7p (Swan Brewing, LKD) BULLY FOR YOU (The Yard on Mass, LKD) DARRA & THE DETOURS (Out-n-About Bar, DUN) ANDREW WILLIAMS (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) JIMMY JOSLIN (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH) BILLY DICKERSON (Fresco’s, LKD)

WEDNESDAY, FEB 16

SUNDAY, FEB 20

JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) JADE & DUKE (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) JW GRIFFIN (Union Hall, LKD)

CHASE DIXON 2p/ PBR BAND 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) MUSIC OF JULIE ANDREWS (Theatre Winter Haven, WH) DAN PEPIN (Swan Brewing, LKD)

THURSDAY, FEB 17

WEDNESDAY, FEB 23

FEBRUARY - APRIL CONCERT CALENDAR *Due to the COVID-19 virus, please check Facebook pages to confirm that these events are still scheduled.

WEDNESDAY, FEB 2 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) JW GRIFFIN (Union Hall, LKD)

THURSDAY, FEB 3 CORBIN (Old Man Frank’s, WH) TONY KNIGHT (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) LUBECK (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) ACOUSTIC DOSE (Swan Brewing, LKD)

FRIDAY, FEB 4 THEM SWEENEY BOYS DINNER SHOW (Balmoral Event Center, HC) FREE WHISKEY BAND (Old Man Frank’s, WH) FOLEY & BURNS (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) BEN MEYER/ TMIKE & DUKE 6p/ 1969 BAND 8p (Smoke On The Water BBQ, WH) DARRA & THE DETOURS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) BILLY & RICH DUO (Federal Bar, LKD) BUZZ FACTOR (The Yard On Mass, LKD) SIRSY (Swan Brewing, LKD) SILVERBACK (Apple Lounge, WH) BEN LEWIS (1845 Tap House, DVPT) SPITFIRE (Twisted Prop, WH) LOVE PIT, 48 STATES, SOUTHERN LIGHTS (Union Hall, LKD) GOOD COMPANY (Pink Piano, LKD) ANDY SHREEVE (Patio 850, LKD)

SATURDAY, FEB 5 BLAKE FREE, AGGIE ROAD, SOUTHERN STARS (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) DARRA & THE DETOURS (Old Man Frank’s, WH) JOSH BLEVINS (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH)

18 FEBRUARY 2022

BEN MEYER/ BLACKWATER BAND 10a/ LIVERPOOL LIVE 12:45p/ SOUL2EARTH 2:45p/ B. HAVEN 4:45p & 6:45p (Smoke On The Water BBQ, WH) BRETT FOSTER (Swan Brewing, LKD) LIVE HART (The Brass Tap, LKD) FIFTH GEAR BAND (Caribbean Bay, WH) SIGHD EFFEX (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) SOFA KINGS (The Yard on Mass, LKD) SHANE MEADE (Brew Hub, LKD) SPANKIN’ SADIE (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) CHINA GROVE; DOOBIE BROTHERS TRIB. (Ramon Theater, FRSTPF) COMIN’ HOME (Federal Bar, LKD) L.A.X. w/ LARUE ALEXANDER (Music Ranch, LKD)

SUNDAY, FEB 6

OAKLEE MUSIC 2p/ JOSH BLEVINS BAND 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) LUBECK (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) DUANE ANDERSON (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) NATHAN ALLEN (Swan Brewing, LKD) SHORTY SLIM (Pink Piano, LKD)

MONDAY, FEB 7

CASPER (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH)

TUESDAY, FEB 8 TOOL (Amway Center, ORL)

WEDNESDAY, FEB 9 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) JW GRIFFIN (Union Hall, LKD) TOOL wsg BLONDE REDHEAD (Amalie Arena, TMP)

THURSDAY, FEB 10 SCOT BRUCE; ELVIS PRESLEY TRIB (RP Funding Center, LKD) CHASE DIXON (Old Man Frank’s, WH) TOURIST BOB (Swan Brewing, LKD)

FRIDAY, FEB 11

DUELING PIANOS (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) BLAKE FREE BAND (Old Man Frank’s, WH) LIVE HART (Brew Hub, LKD) THE HILLBENDERS (Lake Ashton Clubhouse, LW) SPANKIN’ SADIE (Apple Lounge, WH) TMIKE & DUKE (Twisted Prop, WH) CONSPIRACY BAND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) THE SUBHARMONICS (Swan Brewing, LKD) GENE EANETT (The Yard on Mass, LKD) RYAN MCVEIGH (1845 Tap House, DVPT) SIRENS 5 (Pink Piano, LKD) MIKE MONTS DE OCA (Federal Bar, LKD) ANDY SHREEVE (Patio 850, LKD) THE HILLBENDERS (Lk Ashton Clubhouse, LW) DUA LIPA wsgs CAROLINE POLACHECK/ LOLO ZOUAI (Amway Center, ORL) RICK ROSS, JEEZY, GUCCI MANE, 2 CHAINZ, TRINA wsg FABOLOUS (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SATURDAY, FEB 12

SOUTHERN BLEND (Old Man Frank’s, WH) B. HAVEN (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) CLASSICAL SERIES: BAROQUE STRINGS (Lake Wales Arts Council, LW) STEVEN GREEN BAND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) SG WOOD SOLO 2p/ SPITFIRE 7p (Swan Brewing, LKD) SPANKIN’ SADIE (The Yard on Mass, LKD) PICKUP ARTIST DUO (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) QUITTIN’ TIME (Federal Bar, LKD) ANDY SHREEVE (Patio 850, LKD)

SUNDAY, FEB 13

PATRICK RENNEY 2p/ BIG TIME JUKEBOX 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) B. HAVEN (Twisted Prop, WH)

CORBIN (Old Man Frank’s, WH) TONY KNIGHT (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) TMIKE & DUKE (Taste of W. Haven/Venue 650, WH) BRETT FOSTER (Swan Brewing, LKD) AGENT ORANGE (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

FRIDAY, FEB 18

53x (Old Man Frank’s, WH) RED HEADED STEPCHILD (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) MUSIC OF JULIE ANDREWS (Theatre Winter Haven, WH) OFF WHITE BETTIES (Wheelhouse Bar 19th Hole, DVPT) SOUTHBOUND (Apple Lounge, WH) TMIKE & DUKE (Cypresswood Pub, WH) SILVERBACK (Swan Brewing, LKD) BRETT FOSTER & CO (The Yard on Mass, LKD) THEO MOON (1845 Tap House, DVPT) RUNNING RECKLESS (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) DANIEL PEPIN (Pink Piano, LKD) LUBECK (Hurricane Wings & Gr, WH) ANDY SHREEVE (Patio 850, LKD)

SATURDAY, FEB 19

OAKLEE MUSIC 2p/ CONSPIRACY THEORY 7p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) HARPER & MIDWEST KIND (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) MUSIC OF JULIE ANDREWS 2:30p/7:30p (Theatre Winter Haven, WH) PINK FLOYD LASER SPECTACULAR (Polk Theatre, LKD)

JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) JW GRIFFIN (Union Hall, LKD) BEN PLATT wsg JAKE WESLEY ROGERS (Amway Center, ORL)

THURSDAY, FEB 24 CAL: THE BEATLES, LET IT BE (RP Funding Center, LKD) FREE WHISKEY (Old Man Frank’s, WH) SILVERBACK (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) JADE & DUKE (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) CLAIRE VANDIVER DUO (Swan Brewing, LKD) EAGLES (Amway Center, ORL)

FRIDAY, FEB 25

SPANKIN’ SADIE (Old Man Frank’s, WH) THE BROKE/ ALMOST THERE/ B. HAVEN 9:30p (Lk Wales Mardi Gras, LW) REBEL SOUL (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) FOLEY & BURNS (Apple Lounge, WH) MUNN PARK SAINTS (Swan Brewing, LKD) DANIEL PEPIN (Federal Bar, LKD)

SATURDAY, FEB 26 TRAVIS WILLIAMS 2p/ SOUTHERN BLEND 7p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) SOUTHBOUND (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) MITCH STEWART/ OUTTA HAND BAND/ BLAKE FREE/ DARRA & THE DETOURS/ BLUE ROOSTER/ FREE WHISKEY BAND/ CHAS KINCAID (Lk Wales Mardi Gras, LW)

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JOE REID (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) BRYAN RIVERS 2p/ SMOKEPOINT 7p (Swan Brewing, LKD) WE THREE STRINGS (The Yard on Mass, LKD) SKIP & NANCY FRYE (Federal Bar, LKD) THE MOTOWNERS; MOTOWN TRIB. (Ramon Theater, FRSTPF) BEN PLATT wsg JAKE WESLEY ROGERS (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SUNDAY, FEB 27

THE BROKE 2p/ DARRA & THE DETOURS 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) CIRCUS MUTT (Swan Brewing, LKD)

ALMOST THERE

MONDAY, FEB 28 THE EAGLES (Amalie Arena, TMP)

WEDNESDAY, MAR 2 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

THURSDAY, MAR 3

DAVID BRIMER (Old Man Frank’s, WH) JIMMY STURR & HIS ORCH 10:30a/ THE OAKRIDGE BOYS 3:30p/ LADY A 7:30p (Strawberry Festival, PL CTY) NICKY JAM (Amway Center, ORL)

FRIDAY, MAR 4

BIG TIME JUKEBOX (Old Man Frank’s, WH) ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL (Bok Tower Gardens, LW) HARD CANDY (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) BILLY DICKERSON (Federal Bar, LKD) THE BEACH BOYS 3:30p/ BOYZ II MEN 7:30p (Strawberry Festival, PL CTY) ERIC CHURCH (Amway Center, ORL)

SATURDAY, MAR 5

TRAVIS WILLIAMS 2p/ RED HOT ROOSTER 8p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) RUSTIC REUNION (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) SOUTHBOUND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) RODNEY CROWELL (Gram Parsons Derry Down, WH) JOHN GONZALEZ BAND (Federal Bar, LKD) LIVE HART (Brass Tap, LKD) CELTIC CONUNDRUM (Swan Brewing, LKD) HOME FREE 3:30p/ LAUREN DAIGLE 7:30p (Strawberry Festival, PL CTY) ERIC CHURCH (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SUNDAY, MAR 6

OAKLEE MUSIC 2p/ SOUTHERN BLEND 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) TERRI CLARK, PAM TILLIS & SUZY BOGGUSS 3:30p/ SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE 7:30p (Strawberry Festival, PL CTY) JOJ SIWA wsg BELLES (Amalie Arena, TMP)

WEDNESDAY, MAR 9 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

THURSDAY, MAR 10

CHASE DIXON (Old Man Frank’s, WH) MARK ANTHONY, PIANO MAN; BILLY JOEL TRIB. (Dntn Lake Wales Marketplace, LW)

FRIDAY, MAR 11

STEFANO COLLETTI; FL CARILLON FEST (Bok Tower Gardens, LW) FREE WHISKEY DUO (Old Man Frank’s, WH) COMIN’ HOME (Front Page Brewing, BTW) AGGIE ROAD (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH)

SATURDAY, MAR 12

KEYSOUNDSOUL (Swan Brewing, LKD) PATRICK RENNEY 2p/ DARRA & THE DETOURS 7p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) 99 IN THE SHADE (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) FLORIDA LAKES SYMPHONY (Champagne & Shamrocks, WH) THE BLUE ROOSTERS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) PROPER WEDNESDAY (The Yard On Mass, LKD) NY ROCKABILLY ROCKETS (Ramon Theater, FRSTPF)

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SEAN CHAMBERS (Music Ranch, LKD) ANDRÉ RIEU AND HIS JOHANN STRAUSS ORCH (Amway Center, ORL) BILLY JOEL (Camping World Stadium, ORL)

SUNDAY, MAR 13

JOEY FOLEY 2p/ ACOUSTIC DOSE 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) ABBA REVISITED TRIB. (Polk Theatre, LKD) KIRSTIE KRAUS (Keel & Curley Winery, PL CTY)

MONDAY, MAR 14

BLUE MAN GROUP (RP Funding Center, LKD) ANDRÉ RIEU AND HIS JOHANN STRAUSS ORCH (Amway Center, ORL)

TUESDAY, MAR 15

PAUL THORN (Gram Parsons Derry Down, WH)

WEDNESDAY, MAR 16 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

THURSDAY, MAR 17 THE BROKE DUO (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

FRIDAY, MAR 18

CONSPIRACY THEORY (Old Man Frank’s, WH) RUNNING RECKLESS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) JAMES CAROTHERS (Polk Theatre, LKD) TYLER, THE CREATOR wsg KALI UCHIS, VINCE STAPLES AND TEEZO TOUCHDOWN (Amway Center, ORL)

SATURDAY, MAR 19 J PAUL BRITTAIN 2p/ BLAKE FREE BAND 7p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

DANIEL PEPIN (Front Page Brewing, BTW) THE MASONS (Winter Haven Farmers Mkt, WH)

SUNDAY, MAR 20 CHASE DIXON 2p/ SOUTHERN BLEND 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

WEDNESDAY, MAR 23 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

THURSDAY, MAR 24 ADRIENNE RICHARDS (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

FRIDAY, MAR 25

SPANKIN’ SADIE (Old Man Frank’s, WH) SIERRA HULL (Bok Tower Gardens, LW) STEVEN GREEN BAND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) CIRCUS MUTT (Swan Brewing, LKD)

SATURDAY, MAR 26

PATRICK RENNEY 2p/ BIG TIME JUKEBOX 7p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) DARRA & THE DETOURS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) GARTH BROOKS (Camping World Stadium, ORL)

SUNDAY, MAR 27

TRAVIS WILLIAMS 2p/ JOSH BLEVINS BAND 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) WOLF-FACE, THE PUNK SERVICE, KICK DICKER, BULLY FOR YOU, SUCK BRICK KID (Swan Brewing, LKD)

TUESDAY, MAR 29 BAD BUNNY (Amway Center, ORL)

WEDNESDAY, MAR 30 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) BAD BUNNY (Amway Center, ORL)

THURSDAY, MAR 31 ACOUSTIC DOSE (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

FRIDAY, APR 1

DARRA & THE DETOURS (Old Man Frank’s, WH) JACK TRIPPER (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH)

SATURDAY, APR 2 ALMOST THERE (Old Man Frank’s, WH) JAZZ SERIES FEAT. CANNONBALL & NAT ADDERLEY (Lake Wales Arts Council, LW)

SUNDAY, APR 3 OAKLEE MUSIC (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

TUESDAY, APR 5 JOHN MAYER (Amalie Arena, TMP)

WEDNESDAY, APR 6 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) MUSIC OF CREAM FEAT. KOFI BAKER & WILL JOHNS (RP Funding Center, LKD)

THURSDAY, APR 7 DAVID BRIMER (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

ATTENTION BANDS & VENUES Keep us up to date. Send live music info to tracey@todayandtonight.com Deadline is the 23rd of each month prior to publication. FEBRUARY 2022 19

20 FEBRUARY 2022

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FEBRUARY 2022 21

22 FEBRUARY 2022

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A Bond For Every Newborn “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” — Matt. 25:40 (KJV) In the original opening sequence to The Simpsons, while Marge is checking out her groceries, Maggie is rung up at $847.63, the price of raising a child in 1989. More than 30 years later, and not only is The Simpsons still airing, but sadly, the cost of raising a child has risen to more than $1,000 per month, according to the USDA. With child care costs going

up, is it any wonder birth rates have gone down? As MarketWatch reports, “birth rates in the U.S. have steadily declined since the 2008 recession, and the birth rate in 2020 hit another record low, falling 4% from the previous year.” In half a century, America has gone from a “Baby Boom” to a “Baby Bust”! But what if having a baby was less expensive? In fact, what if every parent was guaranteed a return investment on their newborn? What if every baby in America was born with a $1,000 nest egg that grew at the rate of inflation until that child turned 18? That child would be able

to use that money to go to college, buy a home, or even start a business. This idea is known as “baby bonds”, and it’s recently become popular. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced such a policy last year in his American Opportunity Accounts Act. His proposal would have created federally-funded savings accounts for every child at birth. According to his website, each newborn would have received $1,000 “with additional deposits of up to $2,000 each year, depending on household income.” Other politicans and pundits have pushed similar proposals. University professor William Darity Jr. and his partner, Darrick Hamilton of the New School in New York City, as NPR reports, would have provided trust funds between $500 and $50,000, which were guaranteed to grow at the rate of inflation plus one percent a year. His proposal would have cost $80 billion a year, while Booker’s plan would cost $60 billion. Admittedly, $60 to $80 billion would be a lot of money for our government to spend, but it’s a paltry sum when compared to our military spending. Forbes reports that our military has spent over $100 billion on contracts in Afghanistan. Even more egregious, it has “wasted $32 billion on doomed weapons projects

since 1995.” America spends more on its national defense than the next 11 countries combined. Surely, we could afford to make every newborn a millionaire by retirement if we cut back a little on our bloated military budget. And it’s not like baby bonds are an untested idea. Hungary has been providing tax-free savings bonds since 2006. Those bonds have since increased in value to more than $100,000, as reported by Hungary Today. Baby bonds are some of the policies the country have passed to help reverse its declining birth rates. Perhaps America can emulate them. America claims to be a land of opportunity, yet how much opportunity do most children have at birth? Nearly 1 in 7 children in America are born poor, which is nearly one-third of people living in poverty, according to the Center of American Progress. We insist the poor lift themselves up by their bootstraps, but would it help if they could afford to buy the bootstraps to pull themselves up with? Why not give them a hand lifting themselves up with a financial boost at birth? The views and opinions expressed in columns are not necessarily the views and opinions of Today & Tonight Magazine or Today & Tonight, Inc.

Carillon Classic 5K presented by AdventHealth

Returns Saturday, March 12

Offering one of the most picturesque routes in the country, the Carillon Classic 5K presented by AdventHealth returns to Bok Tower Gardens.

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Lake Wales, FL - Offering one of the most picturesque routes in the country, the Carillon Classic 5K presented by AdventHealth returns to Bok Tower Gardens, Saturday, March 12 at 7:30 a.m. Registration for the event begins Friday, January 28, and is available at www.boktowergardens.org. The cost for participation is $40 per participant and includes an event t-shirt, medal, and post-race refreshments. Prizes will be awarded for the top three runners in each age category. A virtual option is also available. Post run, participants can relax and recharge with whole health activities provided by AdventHealth. A kid's fun run will occur later in the morning, providing junior runners with a shorter course.

The event is a partnership of Bok Tower Gardens and Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing. Race logistics and operations are under the direction of Raelynn Dessart of Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing. Popular for its demanding course and beautiful scenery, the Carillon Classic 5K has become an annual tradition for running enthusiasts. The event was established in 2012 and has grown in popularity over the years as many runners consider it Florida's most challenging 5K course. Runners experience elevation changes and various running surfaces, including paved roads plus grass, gravel, and mulch trails. One of the race's most unique aspects is the Singing Tower's musical encouragement as the bells ring out during the race. FEBRUARY 2022 23

POLK COUNTY’S

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT DUE TO COVID-19, PLEASE CONTACT RESTAURANTS FOR DETAILS.

AUBURNDALE TANTRUMS LAKESIDE GRILL

This is a one of a kind, waterfront, casual dining experience where you can enjoy well-prepared food, water sports in action and a beautiful sunset on our multi-level covered deck overlooking Lake Myrtle in Auburndale. Delicious Seafood and more . . . featuring Oyster and Shrimp Po'Boys.We also have a large selection of Hand-dipped Ice cream, beer, wine and specialty beverages. Hours - Open Everyday at 11:00 am Must try: Gator Bites, Oyster Nachos, and Shrimp & Grit Cakes 330 Denton Avenue, Auburndale 863-875-3974

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

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on Thursdays from 8-10 pm. Must Try: Hot & Fresh Fajitas - Everyday! Chicken wings! 1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464 www.beefobradys.com

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S SOUTH LAKELAND

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 Mondays-Fridays 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! Must Try: Award Winning Wings and Burgers 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 293-9464 • www.beefobradys.com

HARRY’S OLD PLACE

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! 3751 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven 863-324-0301 www.harrysoldplace.com

SOMEWHERE SPORTS BAR

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

THE TWISTED PROP BAR & GRILLE

Winter Haven's newest casual bar & grill nestled on Lake May. Enjoy burgers, wings, wraps, sandwiches and cold beer in a picturesque setting on the Chain of Lakes. Happy hour on beer & wine is Monday to Friday from 2-7 pm. Indoor dining, Patio dining, Outdoor dining and Pet Friendly. Boat dock with multiple slips available. Stop in by car or by boat to enjoy! Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11-9 pm. Fri & Sat, 11-10 pm. Sun 12-8 pm. Facebook for more info. Must Try: Chicken Wings & Burgers 615 7th ST SW (863) 293-1937

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LADYBUG

1. Name the first group that had a hit with “Dedicated to the One I Love.” 2. Who released “Crystal Blue Persuasion”? 3. Name the two hits by The Cyrkle. 4. Which Neil Sedaka song was released twice, once as a slow ballad (1976) and once as a faster pop song (1962)? 5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “My love must be a kind of blind love, I can’t see anyone but you.”

who took the song to No. 2 in 1967. 2. Tommy James and the Shondells. The story was that the song was written as James was reading the Bible and a blue light was mentioned. However, many thought he was referring to the blue LSD tablets that were in vogue. 3. “Red Rubber Ball” and “TurnDown Day,” both in 1966. 4. “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.” 5. “I Only Have Eyes For You,” by the Flamingos, in 1959. The song was written for a 1934 film (“Dames”), but it was the Flamingos’ doo-wop version that brought the song attention. Rolling Stone ranked it No. 158 on their list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

June 8, 2020

King Features Weekly Service

1. Name the girl group that released “Nothing But a Heartache.” 2. Which group had their album pulled by Disney on release day? 3. Two duos released “Mockingbird” a decade apart. Who were they? 4. Which artist had his only No. 1 hit with “Rock Your Baby”? ANSWERS 5.TheName the that contains this 1. Shirelles in 1959. Theysong were followed by the Mamas & the Papas lyric: “There, like a dream, this wonderful night, I gazed at the grotto aglow in the light.” separate e-mail address for bill-paying and one for shopping. Be sure to Answers report spam to your e-mail provider. Up your filter and add everyone you your address book. 1. The Flirtations,know in to1968. • To keep thread straight when 2. Insane Clown Posse, in 1997. At threading needles, I run the end • To soften food that is stuck on a across a cheap glue stick. It works the last minute, Disney objected to pan, try soaking it overnight with very well, and the glue washes right fabric softener. Just fill the pan with thread. Or, if you are afraid the graphic nature outofof thethe lyrics. Just enough water to cover the burned-on it will be sticky, you can just clip the food, then lay a dryer sheet of fabric off before you start sewing. weeks earlier, the endSouthern Baptist softener in the pan (poke it down so it will stay under the water). The next • To make butter easier to spread on Convention had threatened to boycott morning, you should be able to wipe bread or toast, we keep a stick in a the food right off. You can even use plastic sandwich baggie.of We just hanDisney businesses because Gay the fabric softener sheet as a scrubber. dle the butter a bit through the bag. It but doesn‚Äôt overmelt, like Days at Disneyland.softens, • I installed rivet rings in the corner when you put it in the microwave. of my Now,Charlie when I You can just reseal the baggie and put 3.bathroom Ineztowels. and Foxx, the songhang a towel up, it stays hung up. it back in the fridge. writers, in 1963, and• ToCarly Simon and • Ways to avoid spam, that nuisance make your carpets look clean in e-mail that comes to fill your in e-mail a hurry, like if you are having comJames Taylor 1974. box in droves: Use a name that has pany over, just sweep them with your both and numbers.McCrae, Keep a broom. 4.words George in 1974. McCrae EXPECTonly MORE... GET MORE... WE DELIVER! not had a No. 1 hit, but it also netted him a Grammy nom for Best Male • Window frames can be tricky to clean. And they are a magnet for dust and dirt, or worse — condensation that can lead to mold. To get into the crevices, employ a toothbrush sprayed with a tiny spritz of furniture polish. It works! • “Firing up the grill? Don’t get hasty. Preheat. Cooking times are based on an even cooking temperature, and you’ll get that good sear on your steaks or chicken. Use a grill thermometer and you’ll know when just the right time is to put dinner on the grill!” — T.E. in South Carolina • Ever wonder how long your peanut butter will last? On the pantry shelf, you can expect it to hold for 7-12 months if stored in a cool dark place. After opening, it will last 3-4 months in the fridge. • Smudged mascara? Remove it on the fly with a little bit of lip balm. Simply run your finger over the lip balm, then carefully remove the smudge. You also can put a bit of the lip balm on a tissue and use that instead. • “I dropped a glass in the kitchen, and there were a ton of small pieces. After I swept up, I wiped the area with

Meet Ladybug, a 5 yr old tan and black female Boxer mix. She is a total sweetheart and should have been named Snuggle Bug, as she has many years of snuggle experience. Because she craves the attention, she would be best in a family with no other pets.

BLUE

Blue is a black and white male Domestic Short Hair mix. He is approximately 2 years old. He has been neutered. He is good with cats and children. Blue is an outgoing cat but doesn't enjoy being held for a long period. He loves to sleep up in cat trees or in a bed. Blue loves Temptations treats. He really likes to be out on the screened porch.

SAMMY

Sammy is a black and white female Domestic Short hair mix. She is approximately 1 year, 1 month old and has been spayed. This beautiful mama came in with her 3 babies and is as lovable as can be! She loves relaxing on the cat trees and taking naps. Sammy is a sweet girl that loves attention and would love to go to a home where she will be spoiled!

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.

Veterinarian of the Month When Loren Nations graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1981 his dreams of becoming an influential veterinarian in a big city would follow many paths. After graduating from UF with his veterinary degree in 1991 he completed a medical and surgical internship at the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, NY considered the Johns Hopkins of veterinary medicine. Instead of remaining in New York City he returned home to practice “big city” medicine with his mentor Dr. John Maxwell. Dr. Nations’ desire to help animals and commitment to practice at the highest level led to specialty board certification in canine and feline practice, one of only 425 ABVP diplomats in the country and 27 in the state. With this expertise, the practice has flourished into a seven doctor 24 hour emergency and critical care hospital, specialty referral center, and general practice. Dr. Nations has devoted his life to creating a center that will improve our pet’s lives for years to come. The completion of a state-of-the-art 10,000 square foot veterinary center is only the beginning of the medical advancements Dr. Nations hopes to bring to Central Florida. “My life revolves around my family and animals. They are one and the same, that is who I am and why I am so passionate about being a veterinarian.”

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June 8, 2020

TORAH

Meet, Torah! A 7 month old, female, whippet mix. This beauty is a high energy dog that would need active adopters who are able to keep up with her crazy antics. Though she is timid with new faces, she warms up pretty quickly! Torah has been around children of all ages and does exceptionally well with them! Torah's favorite pastime is running around the yard.

BARS&PUBS *Please check Facebook pages to confirm business schedules, events and promos. Call your favorite bar For more information!

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 Daily/Weekly Specials Pool, Darts, Full Liquor Sunday Ticket/SEC/ACC Smoke-Free/Outside Patio Feb 12, Chili Cook-off Feb 13, Big Game Party

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 East Van Fleet Drive (863) 534-3111 Full Liquor Sports Bar 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 Stable 150 S. Broadway (863) 533-9463 Full Bar Live Music Food Avail.

DAVENPORT Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 45653 US Hwy 27 (863) 420-3350 Full Liquor Great Wings, Sandwiches, Burgers, Wraps

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Fireside Lounge & Billiards 43356 Hwy 27 (863) 420-0100 Pool Hall; 7 Pro Tables Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 2-7p Live Music

HAINES CITY

LAKELAND

Amos Tavern 200 US Highway 17 92 N (863) 422-1459

The Wheelhouse Bar 42637 US Hwy 27 (863) 353-6880 TVs, Pool Table Darts, Jukebox Wed & Sat, Karaoke 9p

Balmoral Bar & Grill 124 Kenny Blvd (863) 588-3097 Patio Dining & Full Bar Daily Food & Drink Specials Live Music Mon, Jukebox Bingo 6-8p Feb 4 & 5, Country Music Fest

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s North 1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464 Full Liquor Sports Bar 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday 40+ HD TVs w/sports pkgs

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 Wed & Sun, Karaoke Thu, Ladies Night

FROSTPROOF P & J Recreation 33 South 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.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 902 Polk City Rd (863) 419-4848 Full Liquor Sports Bar Big Screen TVs Rudy’s Liquorup Lounge 600 Ingraham Ave (863) 422-8585 Karaoke, Darts, Billiards Live Bands Happy Hour 12-7p Shady Cove Bar & Grill 7140 State Road 544 E. (863) 421-6800 Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 4-7p Open Daily 12p Daily Food/Drink Specials

LAKE ALFRED LA’s Midway Saloon (Across from WH Airport) 3900 Lynchburg Rd (863) 875-7966 Hpy Hr 11-3p; Specials M-F

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s South 4810 S FL Ave (863) 646-7757 Full Liquor Sports Bar 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday 40+ HD TVs w/sports pkgs Brewlands Bar & Billiards N. 5161 US Hwy 98 N (863) 940-2038 Smoke-Free Billiards/Sports Bar 20 Pool Tables, Dart Boards Game Room, Full Kitchen Open Daily, Full Liquor Brewlands Bar & Billiards S. 5733 S FL Ave (863) 646-2600 Pool & Billiard Sports Hall Full Liquor Bar Open Daily Sun & Wed, S.I.N. Night Thu, Ladies Night Champs Sports Bar & Grill 6645 S Florida Ave (863) 647-5900 Open Daily, 11a-10p Daily Specials 2-10p Tue, Ladies Night 4p-cl Tue/Thu, BOGO Bud/Bud Light Btls Thu, Free Trivia 8p

Cob & Pen 1221 S. Florida Ave (863) 937-8126 Craft Beer & Wine Full Liquor Bar Food/Light Food Decisions Grill & Bar 1621 E. Edgewood Dr Suite G (863) 686-6441 Duke’s Brewhouse 4960 S Florida Ave (863) 647-9464 Wings, Sports, Spirits Live Music Even Par Sports Bar Oak Plaza North 5100 US Hwy 98 N (863) 816-7995 Happy Hr 4-6p Daily Sports Packages $12 Buckets Fresco’s Bistro 132 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 683-5267 Happy Hr 5-7 Monthly Pairings Great Bistro Fare Full Bar/Crafted Cocktails Gator’s Dockside Highland City 5135 S.R. 98 (863) 619-7627 Food, Full Bar Open late night

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BARS&PUBS Hookah Palace 122 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 688-1818 Hrs: Thu-Sat, 4p-2a Thu, Latin Nite w/DJ Fri & Sat, DJ

T-Bows 33 Lounge 4106 Lakeland Hills Blvd (863) 683-1201 Happy Hr 4-6p; $2.75 Wells, $2.25 20oz Drafts Wed-Sat, Karaoke 9p

Isle of Capri 541 S Combee Rd (863) 665-6246 Food, Beer/Wine Hpy Hr 3-6p; $1.50 Drft Wed, Ladies Night 7p Pool Tourn, Karaoke

Wally’s Pool Hall 1136 E. Main St (863) 688-4460 Hpy Hr, Mon-Sat 11-7p Mon, 9-Ball Tourn Tue & Thu, APA 8 & 9-Ball Thu, Ladies Nite w/free pool

Lakeland Loft 108 South Tennessee Ave (863) 210-5327 Full Liquor Jazz & Cigar Lounge Business Casual Sun –Thu Dress to Impress Fri & Sat

Winner’s Circle 4215 South Florida Ave. (863) 644-9464 Sun, Corn Hole Tues, Poker Wed, Ladies Night 1st Thu, Open Mic, 7-10p

Lucky’s Sports, Oyster & Tiki Bar (Orange Bowl) 4318 US Hwy 98 N (863) 858-3878 Mon, Poker 7p Wed, Poker 11a 1st Thu, Karaoke Contest 1st/3rd Sat, Live Bands Mojo’s Wings, Burgers, Beer 1853 E. Memorial Blvd (863) 583-9119 Hpy Hr 2-7p Tue, Karaoke 6:30p Wed, $6 Burgers Fri, Ladies/Latin Night Sun, 50 cent Wings Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub 111 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 686-6231 Darts, Pool Tables Live Music, Fri The Pink Piano 1015 S. Florida Ave (863) 937-8885 Tue-Sat, Live Music Wine, Beer, Tapas Revival Bar 119 S Kentucky Ave (863) 606-6090 Open 12p Daily/Smoke-Free Craft Cocktail Bar Vintage Cocktails, Beers Relaxed Seating Areas Southside Package & Lounge 1122 S. Florida Ave (863) 683-4703 Happy Hr 10-7p & 12-2a; Full Liquor T A Slammers 1011 S. Florida Ave (863) 682-4178 Full Liquor Nightly Specials

Ybor Cigars & Spirits 5263 S. Florida Ave (863) 619-6799 Happy Hr 4-7p Darts/Pool Table/TVs Tue-Sat, Live Music

LAKE WALES Al’s Place 1530 N Scenic Hwy (863) 241-3070 Sat, $1 Days: Drafts, Sodas, Fries, Sliders, Chili Dogs Open Daily 11-4; Wed & Fri, 11-7p All Star Grill 2019 Hwy. 60 E (863) 679-9689 Sports Bar Open Daily 11a-11p Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 19598 US Hwy 27 (863) 679-1975 Full Liquor Sports Bar Big Screen TVs Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak 3100 Canal Rd (863) 439-2031 Seafood, Full Liquor Mon-Fri, Hpy Hr 11-4p Thu, Fri & Sat, Music 6-10p Gator Mack’s Sports Bar Camp Mack River Resort 14143 Camp Mack Rd (863) 696-3863 Open 7 Days Tue-Sat, 4-10p Food Avail. Full Bar, Music Darts, Pool Tables Outdoor Patio

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The Good Spot 3825 N. Scenic Hwy (863) 949-4243 Sat, Ladies Night 7p-cl Sun, Karaoke 3p Darts, Pool Table Food Avail. Y’all Come Back Saloon 3230 State Rd 60 E (863) 676-5759 Taco Tues, $1 Live Music/Pool

RIVER RANCH Westgate River Ranch Saloon 3200 River Ranch Blvd. Restaurant/Saloon General/Western Store (863) 692-1321 ext 40013 Fri, DJ 6p-12a Sat, Live Band 6p-1a

WINTER HAVEN AJ Slammers 508 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 875 5623 Pub, Pool Hall, Karaoke Darts, Full Liquor Apple Lounge 2803 Recker Hwy (863) 291-0340 Happy Hr, Mon-Fri 11-7p Food Avail./Daily Specials Mon, Pool Tourn Poker, Karaoke, Bands Ave. Bar by Arabellas 328 West Central Ave (863) 229-8142 Open Mon-Sat, 4p Mon-Fri, Hpy Hr 4:30-6:30p Sat, Hpy Hr 5-6:30p Full Menu/Full Bar Smoke-Free Barrel239 239 3rd St SW (863) 229-7740 Whiskey Bar Open Daily Drink Specials 1-4p Smoke-Free Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd (863) 293-9464 Full Liquor Sports Pub 30 Big HD TVs Mon Burger Special Central Tavern 273 W Central Ave (863) 229-5027 Open Daily 12p Full Bar Smoke-Free Outside Patio

Duke’s Brewhouse 1708 6th Street SE (863) 576-9464 Wings, Sports, Spirits Live Music Fire Restaurant 325 W. Central Ave (863) 875-5544 Wed, Fire Jass Trio Sun, Brunch Gary’s Grove 2995 Cypress Gardens Rd (863) 325-0001 Mon, Live Music Fri, Karaoke Pizza/Hot Dogs Avail Grape Expectations 535 Cypress Gardens Blvd (863) 318-8800 Wine Bar Smoke-Free Grove Roots Brewing Co. 302 3rd Street SW (863) 291-0700 Food Truck & Live Music Wed-Fri 4p, Sat-Sun 12p 2nd Wed, Moonlight Mrkt Craft Beer & Wine Smoke-Free Harborside Restaurant 2435 7th Street SW (863) 293-7070 Daily, Hpy Hr 3-6p Mon-Thu, Early Bird 3-5:30p Waterfront Dining High Seas Lounge 7000 State Rd 544 (863) 299-2233 Great Food/Drink Specials Live Music Jensen’s Corner Bar 100 3rd Street SW (863) 298-6755 Outdoor Patio Thu, Live Music Smoke-Free Jessie’s Lounge 118 3rd Street SW (863) 298-9815 Hpy Hr Mon-Fri, 4-7p Mon, Free Pool Wed, Big Ass Jam Night Live Music Weekly Smoke-Free Laugh Out Lounge 19 3rd Street NW Wed, Thu, Sun 5-10p Fri & Sat 5-11p Comedy Club/Bar Beer/Wine FB@LaughOutLoungeWH 21+ Office Pub & Lounge 1243 1st Street S (863) 293-4767 Happy Hr 12-7 Mon & Thu, Karaoke Tue, Fri, Sat - Poker Pool Tables, Darts & Food Avail.

Old Man Frank’s 1005 S. Lake Howard Dr (863) 294-9179 Happy Hour M-F, 11-7p Daily Specials, Oyster Bar Fiesta Wed w/$1.50 Tacos Wed, Karaoke Thu-Sun, Live Music Feb 13, Big Game Party Mar 12, Regatta 2-6p Past Time Lounge 1605 1st St S (863) 293-0027 Tue, Ladies Night Darts/Pool Table Slate 8 Family Billiards 20 4th Street NW (863) 247-8899 Smoke-Free Pool Hall Open Daily, Outdoor Patio Full Bar, Food Available Wed - Dart Tourn 7p FB@Slate8Pool The Social Lounge 356 3rd St NW Mon-Fri, 4p-2a Sat, 2p-2a; Sun, 2p-12a Piano Bar Speakeasy-style Lounge Classic and Craft Cocktails Wine and Beer Somewhere Sports Bar 5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 324-7524 Mon-Sat, Hpy Hr 3-6p w/Daily Beer Specials/Sports Packages Lunch Specials Mon-Fri Tanner’s Lakeside 1006 S Lake Howard Dr (863) 662-5948 Happy Hr Wed-Sun, 4-6p Wed, 1/2 Price Wines Wed, Bingo Live Music Thu-Sun Feb 13, Big Game Party Mar 12, Crawlin’ On The Chain Union Taproom 245 W Central Ave, ST 102 (863) 268-4921 Hrs: Tue-Thu 4-10p, Fri 4-11p, Sat 12-11p, Sun 12-7p 40 Self Pour Taps; Brews & More Pizza: Wed-Fri, 4-cl/Fri & Sat,12cl Wed, Trivia 7p Fri & Sat, Live Music 7-10p 1st Thu, Night Market 6-9p Winter Haven’s Bar Off The Chain 1560 Havendale Blvd NW (863) 299-5515 Mon-Fri, Hpy Hr 4-7p Mon, Free Pool 6-8p Wed, Karaoke 6p Fri, Bike Night 6-8p Fri & Sat, Bands 8p

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28 FEBRUARY 2022

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FEBRUARY 2022 29

CONCERT UNDER THE STARS SERIES RETURNS TO BOK TOWER GARDENS Special To T&T The Concert Under the Stars Series returns to Bok Tower Gardens with four top Americana artists, featuring Asleep at the Wheel, Paul Thorn, Pokey LaFarge, and Molly Tuttle. Tickets for the series go on sale to the public Friday, January 7. A co-production of the Lake Wales Arts Council and Bok Tower Gardens, the concert series was re-launched in 2021. After several successful performances, Bok Tower Gardens is quickly becoming the premier destination for fans of American roots music in Central Florida. Advance tickets are $36 for Bok Tower Gardens and the Lake Wales Arts Council members and $40 for non-members. Ticket price increases day of show. Admission to Bok Tower Gardens is included in the ticket price. The series pass for all four performances is $136 for members and $144 for non-members. All performances begin at 7 p.m.

30 FEBRUARY 2022

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL Friday, March 4 Founded in 1970, Asleep at the Wheel has been part of the American roots music landscape for more than 50 years. Inspired by Western swing and honky-tonk country, the band has accrued 10 Grammy Awards. SIERRA HULL Friday, March 25, 2021 In her first 25 years alone, singer/songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist Sierra Hull hit more milestones than many musicians accomplish in a lifetime. After making her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 10, the Tennessee-bred virtuoso mandolinist played Carnegie Hall at age 12, then landed a deal with Rounder Records just a year later. Now 28-years-old, Hull is set to deliver her fourth fulllength for Rounder: an elegantly inventive and endlessly captivating album called 25 Trips. POKEY LAFARGE Friday, April 8 Throughout his career, nine albums to date including a stint on Jack White’s Third Man Records,

the singer-songwriter has never been one to look back in anger or disappointment. LaFarge is an artist who refuses to rest on his laurels and compromise. MOLLY TUTTLE & GOLDEN HIGHWAY Friday, April 22 An award-winning guitarist and songwriter, native Californian, Molly Tuttle continues to push her songwriting in new directions and transcend musical boundaries. She has worked with many of her peers and heroes in the Americana, folk, and bluegrass communities, winning Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2018 Americana Music Awards. The outdoor performances occur on the Oval Lawn at Bok Tower Gardens providing ample room for safe distancing and a beautiful concert experience for attendees. Ticket holders must bring chairs and blankets. Purchasing in advance is recommended as the capacity is limited to 600 tickets. Concert Under the Stars Series is supported by Visit Central Florida. More Information: http://www.boktowergardens.org

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FEBRUARY 2022 31

32 FEBRUARY 2022

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FEBRUARY 2022 33

An annual rite of passage, Spring Bloom presented by AdventHealth is the most colorful time of the year as thousands of azaleas, camellias, and annuals signal a new season. The festival celebrates the majesty of Mother Nature, now through April 30.

CONCERT UNDER THE STARS SERIES A partnership of the Lake Wales Arts Council and Bok Tower Gardens, enjoy amazing music, starlit nights, and the beautiful setting for a truly unique concert experience.

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL

POKEY LAFARGE

SIERRA HULL

MOLLY TUTTLE & GOLDEN HIGHWAY

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

Today & Tonight Magazine February 2022

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Concert Under The Stars