Today & Tonight Magazine February 2023

Tell Us What You Think

6 12 Lake Wales Mardi Gras

EDITOR’S NOTE

As we continue move forward and learn our new way of life, we will keep doing 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 and website for updates and information.

Polk County is back and is strong as ever.

Events and functions are continuing to be scheduled for us to enjoy. Please contact the venues to confirm dates and times.

Expect More, Get More, We Deliver.

Chris Douglas Publisher/Editor

STAFF

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: CHRIS DOUGLAS ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: TRACEY GREENE

COLUMNS

TRACEY GREENE ERICA SMITH JAMES COULTER

EDITORIAL

ERICA SMITH AMY SUMERLIN ELIZABETH MORRISEY JAMES COULTER

PHOTOGRAPHY SALES

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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, February 1 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.

AN EVENING WITH ALISON BROWN

Friday, March 3

AN EVENING WITH THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS

Friday, March 24 AN EVENING WITH THE STEELDRIVERS

Friday, April 21 AN EVENING WITH TRAVELIN’ MCCOURYS

Friday, April 28

Lake Wales Mardi Gras is back for it’s 39th annual family friendly celebration on February 17th and 18th, 2023. Since 1984, the annual Mardi Gras parade and festival has entertained thousands of residents and visitors to Lake Wales with floats, beads, live music, food and spirits. Lake Wales Mardi Gras draws estimated crowds of 20,000 people to Lake Wales over the 2-day event. Lake Wales Mardi Gras is one of the largest events of it’s kind outside of New Orleans!

Mardi Gras starts on Friday evening at 6PM for the annual 5K run around the beautiful Shores of Lake Wailes, sponsored by Southstate Bank. The Mardi Gras festival also begins Friday evening at 6PM - 10PM with live music, children’s activities, local food vendors as well as beer and wine sales. The Festival takes place at the picturesque Lake Wailes Park, on the shores of Lake Wailes.

The Festivities pick back up on Saturday at 11AM -10PM at Lake Wales Park with more live music, food, and activities for the entire family.

The Mardi Gras parade starts at 3PM in the Historic Downtown District of Lake Wales and winds it’s way through the streets and down Central Ave. to it’s dramatic close at Lake Wailes Park. The

parade boasts dozens of floats from the local Mardi Gras Krewes, media personalities, County Commissioners and the Polk County Sheriff Dept. including Sheriff Grady Judd. For the first time, Saturday evening, there will be a fireworks show, sponsored by Duke Energy.

For more information: lwmardigras.com

Facebook: facebook.com/lwmardigras/

For 5k Glow Run Signup: bit.ly/3Qjcj9o

LIVE MUSIC ON THE WEIKERT FORD STAGE:

FRIDAY 2.17

Tone Smashers - 6:00

B Haven - 7:30

Soul to Earth - 9:15

SATURDAY 2.18

Red Headed Stepchild - 12:00

Micah Madore Band - 1:15

Evil Bill & the Strugglebus - 2:30

- PARADERusty Wright Band - 4:30

Black Eyed Soozie - 5:45

Free Whiskey Band - 7:00

- FIREWORKSAlmost There - 8:30

Ashley Marston Croley 863-676-2718 MICHELE OUELLETTE

J.C. Alexandre & The Light Prince

by James Coulter

Amber faces many of the typical problems of a teenager. She moved to a new town. She is attending a new school. She’s still grieving the loss of her mother. And now she must rescue a fantasy world from a great evil. Okay. Her problems aren’t that typical. But she’ll have to learn to have faith in herself and her new friends to overcome her many challenges.

In The Light Prince: Grail, a young girl named Amber stumbles into Arden, a magical world of fairies, pegasi, and other fantasy creatures. She must learn to wield the legendary sword Grail to defeat a dark army led by an evil wizard seeking to resurrect the ancient Dark Dragon. Will she learn to have the faith necessary to save this new world?

The Light Prince: Grail is the debut fantasy novel by local author, J.C. Alexandre. Like many aspiring authors of speculative fiction,

Amber and Fiona Find Grail

he draws inspiration from the great works of fantasy like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. However, despite being a writer, his influences aren’t merely literary.

“I’m not just inspired by the books I read,” he said. “I’m also inspired by the movies and TV shows I watch, the video games I play, and the music I listen to. I’m just as inspired by Shigeru Miyamoto (Legend of Zelda) and Tetsuya Nomura (Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts) as I am by Tolkien and Lewis.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J.C. Alexandre was born on Jan. 26, 1987. Ever since he could pick up a pen and put it to paper, he has been a writer. As a young child, he owned a green writing desk where he often created his own storybooks stapled together from pieces of notebook and construction paper, illustrated with crayons and markers, and written with a pencil. During middle school, he even published his own magazine called “Totally Kids Only” for family and friends, and in high school, he ran his own personal website.

This passion for writing led him to seek a formal education as a writer. He graduated high school, having been homeschooled through Landmark Christian Academy in Haines City. He attended Pensacola Christian College, where he graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in journalism.

Since then, he has gained more than a decade’s experience as a freelance journalist, writing feature articles for many local publications in Central Florida. His articles won awards from the Better Weekly Newspaper Contest through the Florida Press Association.

By day, he writes non-fiction in his career as a journalist. By night, he follows his passion for writing fiction. He has attended many local writer’s groups including Writers for All Seasons and Winter Haven Writers, and he is currently a member of Speculative Fiction Writers.

ABOUT HIS NOVEL

Through high school and college, J.C. Alexandre wanted to write his own fantasy series. He ruminated on the idea until his sophomore year of college in 2007 when he started the first draft of what is now The Light Prince. He finished that initial draft shortly after graduation in 2009.

His story underwent multiple revisions until 2018, when he decided to dust off the manuscript and submit it for publication. He mailed countless queries to

Continued -->

The Light Prince Grail alternate cover.

Author J.C. Alexandre

potential publishers and received just as many rejection letters back. By 2020, he decided to self-publish.

“It was 2020, the pandemic had hit, and I thought to myself, ‘well, the world is falling apart around me, so I might as well bite the bullet and self-publish,’” he quipped.

He set up an Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) account, purchased an ISBN, commissioned a cover, and, on March 2021, after more than a decade, he finally published his debut novel, The Light Prince: Grail

The book is currently on sale in e-book and paperback on Amazon. So far, it has received positive feedback with an average rating of 4.8 and several glowing customer reviews. One reviewer called it a “comfortable family story” with a “distinct Christian compass” whose female protagonists allow it to pass “both the Mako Mori and Bechdel tests with flying colors.”

“This charming fantasy novel explores the Christian faith’s covenants within an imaginary land of Arden,” they wrote. “It is a wholesome book with traditional teachings couched in a Scripture-forward allegory that frequently nods to CS Lewis and Tolkien

before circling back to the Bible.”

“I’m really loving this brand-new book,” another reviewer wrote. “This is keeping me engaged and on the edge of my seat! It’s entertaining and thoughtful.”

HIS FUTURE PLANS

Only a few months after the debut of his first novel, J.C. Alexandre wrote a follow-up book, Tyler’s Journey. A novella that serves as a side-story to Grail, it follows the side character of Tyler, Amber’s new friend from her world who struggles to find success in a family of success stories. He desperately wants to make the team and grade, but can he do so with Amber’s help? Through events that end where Grail begins, this side story further fleshes out Tyler’s character and helps explain the motivation for his actions in the main story.

In addition, J.C. Alexandre is currently planning a series of short stories. Tentatively titled Prelude to Destiny, it follows the character who eventually becomes the titular Light Prince as he ventures on a quest to gain companions to defend Arden from an encroaching evil. These stories will be published in an episodic format with an overarching narrative. They are

planned to be posted in regular installments on J.C. Alexandre’s website and the Daily Ridge J.C. Alexandre has many more novels planned for his Light Prince series. His next big installment is currently in development and will be published sometime after his series of short stories.

Last month, J.C. Alexandre celebrated his 36th birthday with a private book-signing event and birthday party at Tanners Lakeside. He celebrated with family, friends, and colleagues, and sold and signed nearly 20 copies of his book.

“I was feeling rather cruddy until that evening. The past year, I was in a real funk, like a grey rain cloud hanging over my head in a perpetual downpour,” he wrote on Facebook. “I experienced such an outpouring of love and joy in that room that evening, and from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you all so much for cheering me up during my time of need.”

The Light Prince: Grail is available on Amazon in e-book and paperback. For more information, visit his author website at: jcalexandre.com. Also, follow him on Facebook (@ jcalexandrewrites), Twitter (@jcalexandre87), and Instagram (@jcalexandre_writes).

Amber And Tyler Meet Fiona In Arden

• In the 1800s, popcorn was often eaten as a cereal with milk and sugar.

• Players of the video game “Call of Duty” have spent more hours thus engaged than the entire course of human existence.

• There are more than 400 Scottish words for snow.

• The longest surgical procedure in history, in which doctors separated a pair of Nepalese conjoined twins who were born with a shared brain cavity, took place in Singapore in 2001 and lasted 103 hours.

• Cats born in May were once thought to be not just poor rodent killers, but prone to bringing home snakes.

• Valentine’s Day weddings are apparently 18-36% more likely to end in divorce.

• A Harvard study found that a person’s IQ can drop by as much as 13 points when they are under financial stress, due in part to the

amount of brain power used to think about such burdens that causes distraction.

• Alexander the Great loved his horse, Bucephalus, so much that when it died in 326 B.C., he named the town of Bucephala for it.

• “Guerrilla grafting” is the illegal process of turning city-maintained sterile fruit trees into fruit producers by splicing compatible branches onto the sterile trees with branches from the fruiting trees.

• When Indian police caught a thief who allegedly stole a gold chain from a woman on the street in Mumbai, the miscreant swallowed the object. An enema was subsequently administered at a hospital, but no results were achieved, until the man was forcefed over 40 bananas -- one of the best digestive food aids -- after which he was made to clean and disinfect the chain before relinquishing it.

A Happy Birthday After A Bad Year

Last month was my 36th birthday. (Only four years from 40? Yeesh!) I celebrated it with a birthday party at Tanners Lakeside. The celebration, without hyperbole, was the happiest occasion of my life, second only to my college graduation. To explain why it was the absolute best, I must explain how the past year was the absolute worst.

Likewise, without hyperbole, the past year proved to be the worst of my life. It felt as though everything bad was piling on me and weighing me down real heavy. I gained at least 40 pounds. My health and car insurance rates increased, and I had to buy a new car, straining my finances, and draining my bank account. My best friend dumped me like last week’s leftovers. My mother, who had been recovering from cancer, was in and out of the hospital for weeks.

with my invitations with the expectation that very few would attend. At the most, I expected as many people to attend as fingers on my hand, maybe even fewer. So, when my mother was taken to the hospital the week before, I considered postponing the event. It would not feel right to host it without her.

However, I received a pleasant surprise. My family from up north in Virginia called to inform me that they were coming to visit. They had planned to attend my event, and they convinced me to move forward with my party. It’s what mom would have wanted.

1. GEOGRAPHY: Where is Mount Fuji located?

2. MOVIES: What is the material used in Captain America’s shield?

3. MUSIC: Who wrote the lyrics to the 1961 “West Side Story” movie?

4. SCIENCE: Which color has the longest wavelength?

5. HISTORY: When did the United States outlaw child labor?

6. TELEVISION: Who played the leading role in the legal series “Ally McBeal”?

7. AD SLOGANS: Which fastfood chain tells customers that “We have the meats”?

8. LITERATURE: What is the setting for the “Divergent” novel series?

9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which animal represents the 2023 Chinese zodiac year?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of butterflies called?

Things took a turn for the worst near the end of January when my mother went to the hospital for the last time. After a week in the ICU in critical condition, she passed away the night before my birthday. The best thing I can say about that moment is that she is in a much better place now, and that she clung to life long enough for her entire family to be with her in her final moments

So, I’ve been feeling rather depressed this past year. I was in a really bad place. It felt like a gray rain cloud was hanging over my head in a perpetual downpour. There were mornings when I wondered if there was a point in bothering to get out of bed. I share all that to explain how bad I felt the day before my birthday, and how my big party that evening turned my mood around for the better.

I planned my birthday party a month in advance. I cast a wide net

I am so glad it did! More than 20 people attended my big birthday bash. We had cake and refreshments. They shared their best wishes and condolences. Moreover, the event doubled as an author event and book signing, and I sold and signed more than 20 copies of my novel. I even received a few gifts.

Honestly, the best gift of all was seeing so many people in the same room celebrating with me. Friends. Family. Work colleagues. Church family. Fellow writers. After a bad year and my mother’s recent passing, seeing everyone come to support me, celebrate my big day, and buy my book - performed a 180 for my mood.

To everyone who attended, thank you for your moral support, for buying my books and giving me gifts, for being there for me when I needed you all the most. I experienced such an outpouring of love and joy in that room that evening, and from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you all for cheering me up. Thank you all so much, and I appreciate you all!

The views and opinions expressed in columns are not necessarily the views and opinions of Today & Tonight Magazine or Today & Tonight, Inc.

Answers

1. Japan.

2. Vibranium.

3. Stephen Sondheim. 4. Red.

5. 1938.

6. Calista Flockhart.

7. Arby’s. 8. Chicago.

9. The rabbit. 10. A kaleidoscope.

C A L E N D A R

live music and more! Find great gifts for your Valentines. Plus, enjoy adult beverages and a roaming cupid for Valentine selfies! Downtown Lakeland, Sat 4-9 pm. DowntownLKLD.com

FEB 21– Tasty

Email Listings to: tracey@todayandtonight.com

Info must be received by the 23rd of the Month Prior to Publication.

Arts, Crafts, Festivals & Expos

FEB 9– 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, 6-9 pm. (next events: Mar 9, Apr 13)

FEB 11– OMF’s Customer Appreciation Party & Oyster Eating Contest. Enjoy drink specials, tastings, giveaways, live music. Register by 1 pm, Contest starts at 2 pm. Located at Old Man Frank’s, 1005 S Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven 33880.

FEB 11– Valentine Night Market. An evening under the stars for Downtown shopping, dining and live music. Great for date night, girls’ night or family night out! Downtown retail shops will be open late, and Kentucky Ave will be filled with food, artisan vendors, crafters,

FEB 16– Taste of Winter Haven. Hosted by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. 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. 21 or older event. Located at Venue 650, 650 6th St SW, Winter Haven. Thurs, 6-9 pm. For tickets: https://centralfloridatix.com/events/taste-of-winter-haven-2023-2-16-2023

FEB 17& 18 – 39th Annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras. Live Music, Children’s Zone, Food Trucks, Crafts, 5K Run (Friday night), Fireworks (Saturday night). Parade at 3 pm. Located on the Shores of Lake Wailes, downtown Lake Wales. Fri, 6-10 pm and Sat, 11 am-10 pm. www.LWMardiGras.com and FB@LWMardiGras

FEB 18– Ribs on the Ridge Brews & BBQ. Sanctioned through the Florida BBQ Association, this event will bring professional and backyard BBQ competition teams from across Florida and the southeast to compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights for the best BBQ in town. Enjoy entertainment, live music, beer garden, vendors and great BBQ. Located at Lk Eva Park, Haines City. Sat, 10-7 pm.

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. Tues, 4:30-9 pm. Cost - $25 for 10 tastes. https://ldda.square.site/ product/tasty-tuesday-tickets/31?cs=true&cst=custom

FEB 22– Tiger BBQ. The 76th Annual Tiger BBQ presented by Rodda Construction, will feature everything you’d find in an old-fashioned barbecue, from pork, ribs and chicken to potato salad, coleslaw and more. Located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Wed, 6-8 pm. Cost$40. https://www.eventeny.com/ events/2023-tiger-bbq-4849/

FEB 24to 26 –Jeepin’

With Judd. Jeepin’ with Judd is 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. Located Clear Springs Ranch, Bartow. $100 per jeep for the weekend. More info: JeepinWithJudd.com

FEB 25to MAR 11 – Polk Senior Games. If you are 50 or over, come join in the fun

and friendly competition at various sites throughout Polk County. Events include: Archery, Basketball Shooting, Basketball 3 on 3, Billiards, Bocce, Bowling including Team Bowling, Bridge, Chess, Cribbage, Ballroom and Social Dancing, Darts, Euchre, Field Events, Fishing, Golf 18 Hole Singles, Mixed Doubles & Putt & Chip, Horseshoes, Lawn Bowling, Pepper, Pickleball, Punt Pass Kick, Racquetball, Road Race 5K, Scrabble, Senior Smarts, Shooting –Pistol, Rifle, Skeet, Sporting Clays & Trap, Shuffleboard, Softball, Sudoku, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track, and Walking. $10 for first event; $5 for each event.

PolkSeniorGames.org

MAR 3– March First Friday. Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday; new theme each month. This month is Foodie Fest in Munn Park. 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 4& 5 –F.I.R.Expo. Repticon reptile and exotic animal show. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 9-4 pm and Sun, 10-4 pm. Cost - $10-$15 Adults, $6 Youth (5-12), Ages 4 and under free. RPFundingCenter.com and Repticon.com

MAR 4& 5 – 52nd Annual Bloomin’ Arts Festival. From antique cars to paintings and restored violins, arts of all kinds will be celebrated, appreciated, purchased, and even raffled at this two-day festival. Located E

Main Street, Downtown Bartow. Sat & Sun, 9-4 pm. More info at BartowChamber.com/bloomin-arts/

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 am-1 pm.

FEB 12-

Second Sunday

Artisan Market. Every second Sunday of the month, enjoy a variety of Florida based businesses selling a variety of handmade items. Located Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center, Lakeland, Sun, 12-5 pm. www. shoplakesidevillage.net

FEB 16-

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 and shops. Located Stuart Avenue in the parking lot near downtown’s new Gillian Fazio mural in Lk Wales. Thurs, 4-7 pm.

Concerts & Theatre

FEB

13–

Fiddler On The

Roof. Tony®-winning director Bartlett Sher brings his fresh take on a beloved masterpiece to life. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Mon, 7:30 pm (doors at 6:30 pm). Cost - $66, $75, $86 plus parking. RPFundingCenter.com

FEB 21–

5th Annual

Concert for the Kids.

Presented by WPCV 97.5 and Window World of Polk County. This concert raises money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Featuring Brothers Osborne, Joe Nichols, Easton Corbin and Hailey Whitters. Located at RP Funding Center in the Youkey Theatre, Lakeland. Tues, 7:30 pm (doors at 6:30 pm). Cost - $22 plus parking. RPFundingCenter.com

MAR 3& 24 –Spring

Concert Under The Stars at Bok. Join us live on the Oval Lawn this March and April and experience four amazing concerts from top award-winning Americana artists: Mar 3 Alison Brown, Mar 24 Steep Canyon Rangers, Apr 21 The SteelDrivers, and Apr 28 Travelin’ McCourys. Concerts begin at 7 pm. boktowergardens.org/event/concert-under-the-stars-alison-brown/

Charity Events & Golf Tournaments

FEB 17– 2023 Lake

Wales Mardi Gras 5K Glow Run. A fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds for local charities. Put on your favorite neon get up and crack the glow sticks! Bring a team of friends, family

and co-workers to run or walk, spread smiles and good cheer … and Let The Good Times Roll! The event is at beautiful Lake Wailes Park, in Lake Wales. Day of registration will be available. Plenty of parking is available at the lake. https:// www.athlinks.com/event/lakewales-mardi-gras-5k-302306

MAR 11–

27th Annual

Champagne & Shamrocks. Enjoy this annual Black Tie

Optional Event hosted by the Symphony Guild of Winter Haven. Doors open at 5:30 pm with a social (cash bar) hour and passed hors d’oeuvres. A Champagne Dinner is served by Terrie Lobb Catering at 6:30 pm with the concert by the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra beginning at 7:30 pm. Located at Nora Mayo Hall, 500 3rd St NW, Winter Haven. Sat, 5:30-9 pm. For tickets, please call 863294-7213 or 863-206-7167 or go online to purchase at www. SymphonyGuildofWinterHaven. org

Sports

FEB 10– Lakeland Magic vs Salt Lake City Stars. Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

FEB 11– Lakeland Magic vs Salt Lake City Stars. Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

FEB 18– Girls FHSAA

Weightlifting. Florida High School girls state championships. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 8 am to 11 pm (doors at 7 am) RPFundingCenter.com

FEB 19– Florida Tropics vs Kansas City Comets. Indoor Soccer. Located at RP

Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 3 pm (doors at 2 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

FEB 22to 25 – Girls

FHSAA Basketball. Florida High School girls’ basketball state championships. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Wed to Sat, 10 am to 9:30 pm (doors at 9:30 am) RPFundingCenter.com

FEB 25to MAR 26 – Detroit Tigers Spring Training. Pro baseball. Located at Publix Field Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. DetroitTigers.com

FEB 26– Florida Tropics vs Tacoma Stars. Indoor Soccer. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 3 pm (doors at 2 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

MAR 1to 4 – Boys FHSAA

Basketball. Florida High School boys’ basketball state championships. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Wed to Sat, 10 am to 9:30 pm (doors at 9:30 am) RPFundingCenter.com

MAR 5– Lakeland Magic vs Grand Rapids Gold. Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 3 pm (doors at 2 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

MAR 12–

Lakeland Magic vs Capital City Go-Go. Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 3 pm (doors at 2 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

MAR 13–

Lakeland Magic vs Capital City Go-Go. Basketball. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Mon, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm) RPFundingCenter.com

FEBRUARY/MARCH CONCERT CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, FEB 1

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

THURSDAY, FEB 2

DARA TANNER (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

TONY KNIGHT (Tanners Lakeside, WH)

BLIND AMBITION (Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

BRIMER ACOUSTIC (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

FRIDAY, FEB 3

CONSPIRACY THEORY (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

TMIKE & DUKE 6p,

BLAKE LIVE BAND 8p, THE BLACK HONKEYS 9p (Smoke On The Water, WH)

BLIND AMBITION (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

SCOTT HOOKER (Crave & Copper, ADL)

BILLY DICKERSON (Yard On Mass, LKD)

SMOKEPOINT (Swan Brewing, LKD)

TOBY MAC wsg

CROWDER, COCHREN & CO, TASHA LAYTON, JON REDDICK, TERRIAN (Amway Center, ORL)

SATURDAY, FEB 4

FREE WHISKEY BAND (Bok Tower Wine Walk, LW)

BLACK SATIN DUO 2p/ THE WANTED 7p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

BLACKWATER BAND (Tanners Lakeside, WH)

RED HOT ROOSTER (Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

B. HAVEN (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

JEFF HOWELL (Crave & Copper, ADL)

RAY GURKA 2p/

MUNN PARK SAINTS 7p (Swan Brewing, LKD)

CARRIE UNDERWOOD wsg JIMMIE ALLEN (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SUNDAY, FEB 5

A CHUNKA SUMTHIN’ 2p/ SOUTHERN BLEND 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

LUBECK (Tanners Lakeside, WH)

JIM THOMAS (Swan Brewing, LKD)

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND (Amway Center, ORL)

MONDAY, FEB 6

TOBY MAC wsg

CROWDER, COCHREN & CO, TASHA LAYTON, JON REDDICK, TERRIAN (Amalie Arena, TMP)

TUESDAY, FEB 7

MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, FEB 8

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

ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

JENNIFER WESTWOOD & THE HANDSOME DEVILS (Keel & Curley Winery, PL CTY)

THURSDAY, FEB 9

BRIMER ACOUSTIC (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

DENNIS O’HAGAN (Swan Brewing, LKD)

MICAH MADORE DUO (Council Oak Lounge, TMP)

FRIDAY, FEB 10

JOSH BLEVINS (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

FLORIDA CARILLON

FEST feat LISA LONIE

(Bok Tower Gardens, LW)

RUNNING RECKLESS (Tanners Lakeside, WH)

PRIME COUNTRY DUO (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

B. HAVEN

(Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)

RYAN JOYCE

(Crave & Copper, ADL)

MICAH SHANE (Twisted Prop, WH)

RICK GRAHAM BAND

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

SATURDAY, FEB 11

CHASE DIXON 2p/

BLACK SATIN 7p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

KOREY KETCHUM

(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

RUSTY & LAURIE WRIGHT

(Cypresswood Pub, WH)

DREW LEBLANC 2p/ AV PROJECT 6p

(Crave & Copper, ADL)

BILLY DICKERSON

(Sandpipers Golf & CC, LKD)

DAYGLO RED 2p/

GATOR TOOTH BAND 7p

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

SUNDAY, FEB 12

PATRICK RENNEY 2p/

OAKLEE MUSIC 6p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

JOEY FOLEY

(Tanners Lakeside, WH)

TMIKE & DUKE

(Grove Roots, WH)

FORREST MCCURREN

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

TUESDAY, FEB 14

ADRIENNE RICHARDS

(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

JAY WHEELER

(Amway Center, ORL)

WEDNESDAY, FEB 15

JIM & JUDY’S

BIG ASS JAM

(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

JADE & DUKE

(Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)

THURSDAY, FEB 16

JOEY FOLEY

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

B. HAVEN

(LW Mardi Gras, LW)

TONY KNIGHT

(Tanners Lakeside, WH)

JIM & JUDY TAYLOR

(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

CIRCUS MUTT

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

BRIMER ACOUSTIC

(Cypresswood Pub, WH)

ANDREA BOCELLI

(Amalie Arena, TMP)

ROD STEWART

(Hard Rock Event Center, TMP)

FRIDAY, FEB 17

A CHUNKA SUMTHIN’

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

TONE SMASHERS,

B. HAVEN, SOUL 2 EARTH

(LW Mardi Gras, LW)

FEVER BAND

(Cypresswood Pub, WH)

B & R DUO

(Crave & Copper, ADL)

SIXX L SIXX

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

SATURDAY, FEB 18

PATRICK RENNEY 2p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

BOBBY LONG

(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

RED HEADED STEPCHILD, MACAH MADORE BAND, EVIL BILL & THE STRUGGLEBUS, RUSTY WRIGHT BAND, BLACK EYED SOOZIE, FREE WHISKEY BAND, ALMOST THERE

(LW Mardi Gras, LW)

GB SAX PLAYER (Crave & Copper, ADL)

SOUTHERN BLEND (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

TOURIST BOB 2p/ GARY LOVE & THE MOONLIGHTERS 7p (Swan Brewing, LKD)

SUNDAY, FEB 19

BLACK SATIN DUO 2p/ SOUTHERN BLEND 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

ACOUSTIC DOSE (Tanners Lakeside, WH)

SIRSY (Swan Brewing, LKD)

TUESDAY, FEB 21

97.5 WPCV CONCERT FOR THE KIDS feat: BROTHERS OSBORNE, JOE NICHOLS, EASTON CORBIN, HAILEY WHITTERS (RP Funding Center, LKD)

MICKENZIE PEISHER

(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

GLADYS KNIGHT (Hard Rock Event Center, TMP)

FREE WHISKEY BAND (Council Oak Lounge, TMP)

WEDNESDAY, FEB 22

TINA TURNER TRIB (Balmoral Event Center, HC)

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

ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

THURSDAY, FEB 23

BLUE COLLAR BAND (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

BRIMER ACOUSTIC (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

SHAWN RAHN

(Swan Brewing, LKD) KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND (Hard Rock Event Center, TMP)

FRIDAY, FEB 24

JOSH BLEVINS

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

ALMOST THERE TRIO (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

B. HAVEN (Resort @ Canopy Oaks, LW)

JACK SPROUSE (Crave & Copper, ADL)

BRETT FOSTER (Swan Brewing, LKD) THE JUDDS featuring WYNONNA wsg

ASHLEY MCBRYDE, BRANDI CARLILE, KELSEA BALLERINI, LITTLE BIG TOWN AND MARTINA MCBRIDE (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SATURDAY, FEB 25

JIM & JUDY TAYLOR 2p/ SOUTH OF THE BLUES 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

SPANKIN’ SADIE (Tanners Lakeside, WH)

CHASE DIXON (Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

TMIKE & DUKE (Cypresswood Pub, WH) SIDE PROJECT DUO 2p/ 33 YEARS 7p (Swan Brewing, LKD)

GB SAX PLAYER (Crave & Copper, ADL) BOUNTY HUNTER (Music Ranch, LKD)

SUNDAY, FEB 26

BLACK SATIN DUO 2p/ SPANKIN SADIE 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

B. HAVEN (Twisted Prop, WH)

LIVE HART (Swan Brewing, LKD)

TUESDAY, FEB 28

ADRIENNE RICHARDS (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, MAR 1

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

THURSDAY, MAR 2

DARRA TANNER (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

BRIMER ACOUSTIC (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

OAK RIDGE BOYS 3:30p/

WALKER HAYES 7:30p

(Strawberry Festival, PL CTY)

FRIDAY, MAR 3

ALISON BROWN

(Bok Tower Gardens, LW)

KAT & MICAH

(Cypresswood Pub, WH)

HALESTORM 7:30p

(Strawberry Festival, PL CTY)

BLAKE SHELTON wsg

CARLY PEARCE AND JACKSON DEAN (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SATURDAY, MAR 4

A CHUNKA SUMTHIN’ 2p/

AGGIE ROAD 7p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

SEAN CHAMBERS wsg

SAVOY BROWN

(Music Ranch, LKD)

KEYSOUNDSOUL

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

SARA EVANS 3:30p/

CHRIS “LUDACRIS”

BRIDGES 7:30p

(Strawberry Festival, PL CTY)

BLAKE SHELTON wsg

CARLY PEARCE AND JACKSON DEAN (Amway Center, ORL)

RAUW ALEJANDRO wsg JABBAWOCKEEZ (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SUNDAY, MAR 5

CHASE DIXON 2p/

SOUTHERN BLEND 6p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

GATLIN BROTHERS 3:30p/

CHRIS YOUNG 7:30p (Strawberry Festival, PL CTY)

MONDAY, MAR 6

UNITED STATES ARMY FOELD BAND & SOLDIERS’ CHORUS (RP Funding Center, LKD)

NEAL MCCOY 3:30p/

JOSH TURNER 7:30p

(Strawberry Festival, PL CTY)

TUESDAY, MAR 7

MOTOWN WITH A TWIST (RP Funding Center, LKD)

MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

AARON TIPPIN/COLLIN

RAYE/SAMMY KERSHAW 3:30p

CECE WINANS 7:30p

(Strawberry Festival, PL CTY)

CHEAP TRICK (Hard Rock Event Center, TMP)

WEDNESDAY, MAR 8

LISA MCCLOWRY; CHER TRIBUTE

(RP Funding Center, LKD)

JIM & JUDY’S

BIG ASS JAM

(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

ACOUSTIC STAGE

(Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

TANYA TUCKER 3:30p/ THE JACKSONS 7:30p

(Strawberry Festival, PL CTY)

RAUW ALEJANDRO wsg JABBAWOCKEEZ (Amway Center, ORL)

THURSDAY, MAR 9

BRIMER ACOUSTIC (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS 3:30p

FOR KING + COUNTRY 7:30p

(Strawberry Festival, PL CTY)

FRIDAY, MAR 10

JOSH BLEVINS (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

TMIKE & DUKE (Twisted Prop, WH)

ANDY SHREEVE (Patio 850, LKD)

WAYNE NEWTON 3:30p/ TRAIN 7:30p

(Strawberry Festival, PL CTY)

GRETA VAN FLEET (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SATURDAY, MAR 11

PATRICK RENNEY 2p/

CONSPIRACY THEORY 8p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH) 99 IN THE SHADE

(Tanners Lakeside, WH)

FLORIDA LAKES

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (Nora Mayo Hall, WH)

B. HAVEN

(Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)

TRYONE VAUGHAN, RJ

HOWSON & FRIENDS

(Music Ranch, LKD)

SAWYER BROWN 3:30p/

ISLEY BROTHERS 7:30p

(Strawberry Festival, PL CTY)

SUNDAY, MAR 12

BLACK SATIN 6p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

LEROY VAN DYKE,

T.G. SHEPPARD,

MNADY BARNETT, T. GRAHAM BROWN 3:30p LYNYRD SKYNYRD 7:30p (Strawberry Festival, PL CTY)

TUESDAY, MAR 14

ADRIENNE RICHARDS (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, MAR 15

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

THURSDAY, MAR 16

JOEY FOLEY

(Old Man Frank’s, WH) BRIMER ACOUSTIC (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

CIRCUS MUTT (Swan Brewing, LKD)

FRIDAY, MAR 17

FLORIDA CARILLON FEST feat JOHN WIDMANN (Bok Tower Gardens, LW)

SOUTH OF THE BLUES (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

SATURDAY, MAR 18

JIM & JUDY TAYLOR 2p/ A CHUNKA SUMTHIN’ 7p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

SUNDAY, MAR 19

SPANKIN SADIE 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

BOURBON BROTHERS (Tanners Lakeside, WH)

MONDAY, MAR 20

AARON LEWIS (Hard Rock Event Center, TMP)

TUESDAY, MAR 21

MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, MAR 22

THE GUESS WHO (RP Funding Center, LKD)

JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM

(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

THURSDAY, MAR 23

BRIMER ACOUSTIC (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

MICHAEL BOLTON (Hard Rock Event Center, TMP)

FRIDAY, MAR 24

STEEP CANYON RANGERS (Bok Tower Gardens, LW)

JOSH BLEVINS

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

MANFREDI ROCKS (The Wheelhouse Bar, DVPT) ANDY SHREEVE (Yard On Mass, LKD)

SATURDAY, MAR 25

BLACK SATIN 7p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

KEYSOUNDSOUL (Brew Hounds Sports Lounge, ADL)

33 YEARS (Swan Brewing, LKD) ANA GABRIEL (Amway Center, ORL)

SUNDAY, MAR 26

PATRICK RENNEY 2p/ SOUTHERN BLEND 6p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

BILLY DICKERSON (Harborside, LKD)

RATH & THE WISE GUYS, THE BUTCHER CABAL, WOLF-FACE, THE KUTOFFS, OCEANS END, BULLY FOR YOU (Swan Brewing, LKD)

TUESDAY, MAR 28

ADRIENNE RICHARDS (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

EAGLES (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SKID ROW & BUCKCHERRY (Hard Rock Event Center, TMP)

WEDNESDAY, MAR 29

THE KINGSTON TRIO (RP Funding Center, LKD)

JIM & JUDY’S

BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

THURSDAY, MAR 30

BRIMER ACOUSTIC (Cypresswood Pub, WH) POP EVIL (Hard Rock Event Center, TMP)

FRIDAY, MAR 31

BIG TIME JUKEBOX (Old Man Frank’s, WH) TWINKLE AND ROCKSOULRADIO (Leo’s Live, LKD) WREKING CRUE; MOTLEY CRUE TRIB. (Ritz Theatre, WH) MARCO ANTONIO SOLIS (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SUNDAY, APR 2

LAURA THURSTON (Swan Brewing, LKD)

TUESDAY, APR 4

MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

Concert Under the Stars Series Returns to Bok Tower Gardens

Lake Wales, FL - The Concert Under the Stars Series returns to Bok Tower Gardens this spring with four top Americana artists, featuring Alison Brown, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Steeldrivers and Travelin’ McCourys. Tickets for all performances are on sale now at www.boktowergardens.org.

A co-production of the Lake Wales Arts Council and Bok Tower Gardens, the concert series was re-launched in 2021 and 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.

Concert Under the Stars Series is supported by Visit Central Florida.

All performances begin at 7 p.m.

ALISON BROWN

Friday, March 3

Alison Brown is acclaimed as one of today’s finest progressive banjo players, but you rarely find her in a conventional bluegrass setting. Instead, she is known for leading an ensemble that successfully marries a broad array of roots-influenced music: folk, jazz, Celtic and Latin.

STEEP CANYON RANGERS

Friday, March 24

The Steep Canyon Rangers are Asheville, North Carolina’s GRAMMY winners, perennial Billboard chart-toppers, and frequent collaborators of the renowned banjoist (and occasional comedian) Steve Martin.

THE STEELDRIVERS

Friday, April 21

Specializing in a unique mix of what might be called bluegrass soul, the SteelDrivers have become one of the biggest names in progressive bluegrass after making their debut in 2005. The SteelDrivers have been nominated for four Grammys, the Americana Music Association’s New Artist of the Year and was IBMA’s 2009 Emerging Artist of The Year. In 2015, “The Muscle Shoals Recordings” won the Grammy award for Best Bluegrass Recording.

TRAVELIN' MCCOURYS

Friday, April 28

The McCoury brothers- Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob (banjo) - were born into the bluegrass tradition. Talk about a source abundant and pure: their father, Del, is among the most influential and successful musicians in the history of the genre. Years on the road with Dad in the Del McCoury Band honed their knife-edge chops, and encouraged the duo to imagine how traditional bluegrass could cut innovative pathways into 21st century music.

The outdoor performances occur on the Oval Lawn at Bok Tower Gardens providing ample room and a beautiful concert experience for attendees. Ticket holders must bring chairs and blankets.

POLK COUNTY’S RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

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 Handdipped 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 863-8753974

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

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 atmo-

sphere. 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) 6766361

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!

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

1. Who wrote and released “Never Surrender”?

2. “Caribbean Queen” was also known under what other titles?

3. Which group released “Won’t Get Fooled Again”?

4. Name the hit instrumental by the Surfaris.

5. Name the song that contains these lyrics: “Livin’ alone, I think of all the friends I’ve known, But when I dial the telephone nobody’s home.”

Answers

1. Corey Hart, in 1985. The song won numerous awards and was used in both “Future Man” and “Stranger Things” television episodes.

2. Depending on where it was released, the 1984 song was also titled “African Queen” and “European Queen.”

3. The Who, in 1971. The song

• To store asparagus, trim the ends and wrap them in a few paper towels that you have dampened. Keep it in the fridge for two days max. This will keep it very fresh and tasty.

• “To stretch your food dollar -- especially now that the weather is colder, and soups and stews are daily fare -- substitute peas, beans and lentils for meats whenever possible. Not only will this semi-vegetarian diet keep your food dollars down, it will make you healthier and it’s a more eco-friendly diet.” -- K.F. in Connecticut

• If you add dried fruit or raisins to your batter for cakes or muffins,

was written by band member Peter Townsend. Over the years he penned over 100 songs for the group.

4. “Wipe Out,” released in 1963. The song started as the B-side to “Surfer Joe,” a song that never got much attention. “Wipe Out,” on the other hand, has been used in 20 television shows and movies.

5. “All By Myself,” by Eric Carmen in 1975. Singer-songwriter Carmen modeled the song after Rachmaninoff’s second piano concerto (1901), which he mistakenly thought was free for the taking, in the public domain. The Rachmaninoff family let him know that, no, the song was legally protected and he had to pay them royalties.

roll them or shake them in flour first. This will prevent them from sinking down to the bottom of the pan.

• Bathroom fan reminder: When you leave your bathroom fan running excessively, you are pumping heat out of your house. Set a timer for 10 minutes maximum, and then turn it off.

• “Old pantyhose can be washed and cut up to use as stuffing for a toy. The same is true for other light materials. This can be a good way to get one more use out of something rather than putting it in the trash bin.” -- P.L. in Pennsylvania

• If your bathtub has a grainy or rough texture, try soaking the bath in vinegar, either by adding a large bottle to some water and plugging it up, or by laying down a towel and soaking it in vinegar. Scrub and remove.

GWEN

Gwen is a brown and orange female Domestic Shorthair mix. She is approximately 3 months old. Gwen was found as a stray with her brother. They were taken in by a sweet couple who could no longer care for them. Gwen is a sweet girl who is a little lover once she knows you. She gets along well with other cats and likes to play with any toy you give her.

EDDIE

Eddie is a brown and black male Domestic Shorthair mix. He is approximately 8 months old. Eddie is a very playful boy who enjoys playing in the kitten room with all of his friends. He likes climbing on and taking naps on his cat tree. He has been neutered. If you are looking for a young energetic cat who loves to play and will entertain you this is your boy!

LEMONADE

Lemonade is an apricot male Pomeranian mix. He is approximately 9 months old.

Lemonade is a very sweet boy who is eager to please and learning his basic commands and crate training. He is energetic and loves to play. Lemonade is good with children. Being a friendly little lover he enjoys being with you.

ROCKY

Meet Rocky! This sweet boy is a 6 month old hound mix. He is gonna be a big dog when he gets older and will require alot of space to run and expend his energy. He is a very outgoing baby who loves to meet knew friends whether is a person, cat, or dog. He loves to go on morning runs with you and play with his toys.

Tues-Sat

Veterinarian of the Month

in 1994. In 1996, she established her AAHA accredited Orchid Springs Animal Hospital in Winter Haven, FL. In 2009, she began her studies at Chi Institute, eventually garnering certifications in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Food therapy and Tui Na. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupunture. Dr. Vargas is pursuing her Master’s Degree in TCVM at Chi Institute, where she works as a Teacher Assistant and as a Lecturer for the Chi Latin America. She has also worked as a consultant for Disney Animal Kingdom.

Dr. Vargas is also a Certified Veterinary Journalist and a prolific author of both scientific and motivational articles. Dr. Vargas has lectured at the World TCVM Congress (2015, 2016, 2017), AAVA Conference (2017), AVMA (2011), and the CbVMA (2017). She is a guest blogger for www. allthingshealing.com and a writer for Woman to Woman magazine and the Lakeland Ledger newspaper. Last year she contributed a chapter for Jack Canfield’s Amazon Best seller book “The Soul of Success”. She served as an AVMA Spokesperson for Hispanic market and has recorded many PSA’s and radio interviews promoting responsible

pet ownership.

Her love for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine manifested in her book: Alt-Vet: The Revolutionary Pet Care and Longevity Solution.

Her passion for helping animals and her voluntarism has awarded her state and national recognition including the Purina National Pet Care Award, Bay News 9 Medical Hero Award, and The FVMA Gold Award. She was honored by the American Veterinary Foundation as “America’s Favorite Veterinarian” in 2015.

She lives in sunny Winter Haven, Florida, with her husband, two daughters and a menagerie of pets.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Dr. Vargas loves the community of Winter Haven and she is involved in a number of local organizations, including: Ridge Veterinary Medical Society where she was the 2008-2009 president Junior League of Greater Winter Haven Board Humane Society of Polk County Board Women’s Resource Center and Girls, Inc.

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 11, Chili Cookoff

Feb 12, Big Game Party

Crave & Copper

117 East Lake Ave

(863) 968-2971

Local Microbrewery

Patio Bar/Restaurant

Wed-Sun, Open at 11a

Fri-Sun, Live Music

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

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

Stanford Wines

165 S Central Ave

(863) 800-3395

Open Daily 4-10 pm

Fine Wine & Charcuterie

StanfordWines.com

FB@stanfordwines

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

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

Wed & Sun, Karaoke

Thu, Ladies Night

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

Live Music

Mon, Jukebox Bingo 6-8p

Tue, Trivia 6-8p

Wed, Karaoke 6-9p

Fri, DJ/Latin Nights 7-10p

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

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

LAKELAND

1916 Irish Pub

Cleveland Heights Golf Course 2900 Buckingham Ave

(863) 834-2384

Daily, 11a-10p

Thu, Ladies Night 5-9p

Sat/Sun, Brunch 10-3p

Food, Full Bar

Ax-Caliber 204 E Orange St, Ste 102 (863) 592-3500

Tue-Wed 11a-10p/Thu-Fri 11a-11p

Sat 10a-11p, Sun 10a-7p

Axe Throwing, Virtual Gun Range

Coffee House, Restaurant Beer & Wine

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

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s South 4810 S Florida Ave (863) 646-7757

Full Liquor Sports Bar

2-4-1 All Day, Everyday 40+ HD TVs w/sports pkgs

The Brass Tap 1515 Town Center Dr

Lakeside Village

(863) 680-9994

Daily, Open at 12p

Martini Wed, $5

Craft Beers, Full Bar Food, Live Music

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 Florida 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 Beer

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

Frescos 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