Today & Tonight Magazine June 2021

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JUNE 2021 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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­­­­­TODAY & TONIGHT MAGAZINE Volume 17 Issue 12 June 2021 6

10 Calendar of Events

19 Red, White & Kaboom 22 Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant 26 Central Florida Comic Con

COLUMNS: 15 What's Rustling

Jimmy's Jimmies?

19

Red, White & Kaboom Returns

THE FUN & AMUSING: 17 Now Here's A Tip

17 Pets of the Month

25 Kitchen Diva

LISTINGS: 10 Upcoming Events 12 Live Local Music 16 Restaurant Listing 20 Bars & Pubs

Expect More, Get More, We Deliver.

Chris Douglas Publisher/Editor

STAFF

22

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER:

CHRIS DOUGLAS TRACEY GREENE

COLUMNS

Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant

17 Music Trivia

25 Strange But True

As we continue through this pandemic and learn our new way of life, we are going to do our best to keep you up-todate 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.

Richard's Fine Coffees

Richard's Fine Coffees

12 Live Local Music

EDITOR’S NOTE

TRACEY GREENE JAMES COULTER

ERICA SMITH

EDITORIAL

26

ERICA SMITH ELIZABETH MORRISEY

AMY SUMERLIN JAMES COULTER

PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS DOUGLAS

Central Florida Comic Con

MIKE POTTHAST

SALES TRACEY GREENE - VP of Advertising BOB CURTIS - Senior Executive Media Director MELANIE BROWN - Advertising Representative 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.

ON THE COVER Richard's Fine Coffees server Alyssa Drexel serves up delicious hot coffee with a smile.

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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Alyssa Drexel serves up delicious hot coffee with a smile.

Richard's Fine Coffees Celebrates 25th Anniversary

by James Coulter

What better way to start your morning than with a cup of freshly-roasted coffee and a freshly-baked pastry? While most other coffee shops and eateries expect customers to take their items and go, Richard’s Fine Coffees invites their patrons to sit back, relax, and linger awhile. After all, they’re more than customers: they’re family.

“All too often, we found that a visit to a local establishment meant you were expected to dine and depart. Turning tables and herding you through like cattle was their goal,” their website states. “We at Richard’s wanted to create an environment where time was just a distant thought. Where you could get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Drift off, if you wish, into another world.”

For many regular customers, drifting off into 6 JUNE 2021

another world is simple. The overall laid-back environment allows them to take up a seat, either near a window or on the patio. There they can relax while taking a sip of their coffee or bite of their pastry, then tune out the real world through the white noise of the trickling fountain and with a book in hand—preferably from the library next door.

Of course, like any good coffee shop, their coffee is their biggest draw. They source as many of their beans from local roasters as possible for their coffee beverages, which range from traditional drip-coffees to specialty drinks like lattes, mochas, frappes, and kombucha.

Their pastry menu has quadrupled since first opening, and now they offer a diverse selection of sandwiches and salads for breakfast and lunch.

“Today, we continue to maintain the traditional values of hard work and the attention

to detail that are essential to providing coffees of distinction,” Their website states. “Where people can gather to share good conversation, good music, and great coffee, we at Richard’s hope to offer you moments in time that will not be forgotten.”

Twenty-five years ago, David Tuttle was seeking an opportunity to start a business in Polk County. He wanted to open an establishment that was genuinely new and unique to the area, something that wasn’t open or available in the county that could quickly meet high demand. An independent coffee house seemed to be the best candidate, so that’s when he decided to open Richard’s Fine Coffees.

“As we looked around at various types of food and beverage establishments, we found there was nothing that indicated or showed there was a coffee house like it in this market, so we researched coffee houses and felt this

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Left to Right: Emily Herrman, Keliah Canuso, Alyssa Drexel.

was an opportunity to try it out,” he said.

Richard’s opened on June 11, 1996, as the first independent coffee house in Polk County. Their first location was in the Arcade building across the street from the Ritz Theatre. They later moved to their current location in the Winter Haven Public Library when the building first opened in 2005.

Its library location proved ideal, especially since books and coffee go well together. The coffee shop was able to draw in business from library patrons and visitors at Central Park right across the street. For many customers, no day could be more ideal than lounging upon the patio on a sunny day, taking a sip of coffee while reading a book. However, simply more than “location, location, location,” pivotal to the coffee shop’s success has undoubtedly been its customer service.

“Our customer service has been the secret to our success,” Tuttle said.

“Everyone who walks in here is treated like family. Our customer services are far more important than any beverage or food item that we sell. We want you to come back in again. We want to treat you like family.”

Katie Worthington Decker, President/ CEO of the Winter Haven Chamber, visits Richard’s multiple times per week. She prefers to order a tall “dirty” chai tea latte and a pistachio muffin for breakfast or a Cuban sandwich for lunch. She considers it a hometown establishment like Cheers where everybody knows your name.

The Chamber has been associated with Richard’s ever since the coffee shop first opened. The cafe, likewise, has been involved in local events hosted by the Chamber, including Taste of Winter Haven, even when it was previously embedded within the Bankers Cup event.

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tury ago, Richard’s has served as an exemplar for small businesses in Downtown Winter Haven. The coffee house took a real risk when it first opened, and that risk has allowed it to more than prove itself as a proud example for the Chamber, Worthington-Decker said.

“What makes them such an important part of the downtown business core is their engagement in the community,” she said.

“It’s rare, unless he’s on a shopping run, to not get greeted by the owner himself every time you walk in. They take advantage of the active downtown core and leverage events. They also took a chance...when not many would invest in our downtown.

They’ve changed locations and grown, but their goal to provide quality coffee and food remains.”

As for expectations for the future, Tuttle hopes to continue offering the same reliable quality and service with their food and beverages. After the sheer chaos from the past year during these uncertain times, he certainly hopes the world goes back to normal so people can better appreciate their normal services.

Richard’s will be celebrating their 25th year anniversary on its opening date of June 11. The celebration will include an anniversary mug giveaway to the first 100 guests and live music performed on the patio. Patrons old and new are welcomed to drop by and celebrate the occasion.

Then again, customers old and new are simply invited to drop by, period.

“We just recommend that they stop by and enjoy the ambiance and the experience,” Tuttle said.

Richard’s Fine Coffees is located at the Winter Haven Public Library at 330 Avenue A NW Winter Haven, FL 33881.

For more information, call 863-291-3082, or visit their website at: www.richardsfinecoffees.com JUNE 2021 7

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JUNE 2021 9

JUNE/JULY 2021

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 JUN 12 & 13 – Central Florida Comic Con. Comics, Toys, TV, Film, Art, Cosplay, Games and All Things Nerdy! Exhibitors, Panels, and Industry Guests. Located RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 10-6 pm. Sun, 10-4 pm. www.rpfundingcenter.com and www. centralfloridacomiccon.com JUN 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

is Saturday, June 26, 4-6 pm. Miss Florida Finals is Saturday, 8-10 pm.

Located RP Funding Center, Lakeland. www.missflorida.org and www.rpfundingcenter.com for more details.

JUN 26 – Treasure Hunt Downtown.

Hosted by Main Street Winter Haven, in partnership with our Downtown businesses. Children under the age of 12 will search for LEGO® Minifigures in the participating locations Downtown!

Participating downtown businesses will hide a LEGO® Minifigure inside their business. Once you have spotted the LEGO® Minifigure, tell the business owner and they will mark your map.

After all stops have been completed, you will turn in your map to the treasure chest. You must turn in your map to be entered into the drawing for one of several prizes, the grand prize is four (4) LEGOLAND tickets! *All children participating in the event must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Located downtown Winter Haven. Sat, 11-2 pm. www.mainstreetwh.com JUL 1 to JUL 3 – Collectorama Coin Show. The collectorama coin and currency show features many fine dealers from Florida and around the country. Collectorama also features many different neat collectibles such as paper Americana, Columbian exposition, postcards, ephemera and small antiques. 100+ tables. Located RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Thurs & Fri 10-6 pm, Sat 10-3 pm. Cost - $3 admission or $5 per household. www. coinshows-usa.com/Collectorama-CoinShow

JUN 19 – Babes, Bikes and Booze.

Bikini Bikewash by Snazzy Suds.

Craft Spirit tasting by Lugos Craft Spirits. Wench Tickler beard Co. will be On-Site. Free Cookout & Beer. Live music by DJ Billy D. Located Lakeland Harley Davidson, 4202 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. Sat, 11-3 pm. http:// lakelandhd.com/

JUL 2 – July First Friday. Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday; new theme each month. 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

JUN 23 to 26 – Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant. Preliminary competitions are June 24th & 25th. The Miss Florida Outstanding Teens Finals

JUL 10 – Great Florida Bigfoot Conference. Announcing the first annual Great Florida Bigfoot Conference. Featuring an all-star lineup

10 JUNE 2021

of Bigfoot researchers, investigators, and authors ready to interact with fans and discuss their experiences and findings. Headlining this year’s event are Cliff Barackman and James “Bobo” Fay. We are also very excited to have local experts Stacy Brown, Robert Robinson, and David Sidoti rounding out the event. Exhibitors will be set up all day with tons of related merchandise. Located RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Thu, 9-5 pm. Cost - $20 to $50. https://gatherupevents.com/florida-bigfoot-conference/ JUL 30 & 31 – A Country Brocante Fancy Flea Vintage Home and Garden Market. Voted one of the top vintage markets in the country! In-door summer show. 100+ vendors. Located RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri & Sat, 9-4 pm. Cost - $6 Admission, Free Parking. www.FancyFlea.net AUG 8 – Central Florida Toy Expo.

Vintage & Modern Toys, Hot Wheels, Retro Gaming, Comics, Artwork & More Pop Culture Goodness! Giveaways, Raffles, and more. 100+ Tables. Doors Open at 9am! (early bird pricing) Cost: (All prices include PARKING) Early Bird Entry: 9AM-12AM - $15. General Admission: (AFTER 12am) $10. All Kids under 12 FREE. SEPT 4 – Old Man Frank’s 2021 Regatta. Come by boat, canoe, paddleboard or other personal watercrafts.

Enjoy live music and fun on the water.

Hosted on Lake Howard in front of Old Man Frank’s located on the Chain of Lakes. Sat, 2-6 pm. Sept 4 music TBA. Check FB for details.

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.

JUN 12 & 26 – The 2nd & 4th 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.

JUN 13 - 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 JUN 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 JUN 4, 6, 11, 13, 25, 27. JUL 9, 11, 16, 23 – Outdoor Summer Stadium Concert Series. Hosted by Theatre Winter Haven. Sponsored by Visit Central Florida, City of Winter Haven.

Buy single tickets or buy 3 or more to save! Check out online for the shows performed at the stadium this summer.

A SAFE, outdoor venue where we can all social distance in the grass. Bring your lawn chairs, cooler, frisbee or football. Located at the Chain O’ Lakes Stadium, behind Theatre Winter Haven, 588 Cletus Allen Dr, Winter Haven.

Fri, 8 pm. Sun, 6 pm. Gates open 1 hr prior. Cost - $18. TheatreWinterHaven. com JUN 17 to 20 - Disney’s Moana Jr. This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strongwilled Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage.

Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us. Performed at the Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland. Thurs & Fri, 6:30 pm. Sat,

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10:30 am & 6:30 pm. Sun, 2 pm. Cost - $15 Adults, $12 Youth (12 & under) LakelandCommunityTheatre.com JUL 4 - Bartow Adult Concert Band.

This one-hour FREE July 4th concert with Conductor Jon Eckman will be held inside the Bartow Civic Center. The use of masks, social distancing, and proper attention to sanitizing will be encouraged.

Sanitizers and masks will be available.

Located 2250 S. Floral Avenue, Bartow.

Sun, 2:30 pm.

JUL 9 to 25 – Mamma Mia! ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a guaranteed smash hit for any theatre. A mother. A daughter.

Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Performed at the Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland. Fri & Sat, 7:30 pm. Sat & Sun, 2 pm. Sun, 2 pm. Cost - $24 Adults, $22 Seniors (55 & up), $17 Youth (17 & under). LakelandCommunityTheatre.com JUL 14 to AUG 1 – Once On This Island. Winner of 20 Tony-Awards for Best Musical. Ti Moune, a peasant girl, rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love. Unbeknownst to Ti Moune, the pompous gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death, the stakes being Ti Moune’s life. Performed at the Theatre Winter Haven, Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven. Thurs-Sat, 7:30 pm. Sat & Sun, 2:30 pm. Cost - $28 Adults, $25 Youth. TheatreWinterHaven. com

Charity Events & Golf Tournaments JUN 12 – Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation “Fishin’ For A Heart” Tournament. Benefit fishing tournament hosted on the Chain of Lakes. Family friendly event all day from 12-10 pm includes: DJ Redd, BBQ dinner, Raffles, Lotto Hat, 50/50 Raffle, Water Slide, Face painting, Live Auction and After Party with live music with Spankin’ Sadie from 5 to 10 pm. Prizes: 1st Place $1,000, 2nd Place $500, 3rd Place $250. Check-in/registration begins at 5:30 am at Lake Shipp Park, Winter Haven. Weigh-in is 3 pm at Tanner’s Lakeside, Winter Haven. Contact Melanie Brown Culpepper (863) 6622694 or Cheryl Brewer (863) 224-0045 for details.

JUN 13 – 2nd Annual VIRTUAL Pawtastic Splash Bash. A Virtual

Contactless Event featured LIVE on Facebook benefiting the Humane Society of Polk County. Sponsor up to 10 numbered tennis balls for suggested donation of $10 each and receive a chance to win one of three fantastic Prize Packages.

Tune in live to see if you win at 3 pm, Sunday, June 13th. The tennis balls will be chosen by dog ambassadors from the Orchid Springs Animal Hospital pool. This is a closed event. For details or to sponsor balls, PolkNoKill.org JUN 26 – Platform Art: Artful Bowl.

Artful Bowl is an uncommon art party and fundraiser for Platform Art’s annual public art program. Artful Bowl is a non-traditional casual-gala. Experience unexpected non-stop artful entertainment; great food and libations. Each year attendees take home a hand-made original ceramic bowl made by regional artist and entrepreneur, Randy Glotfelty, JenKen Kilns.

Located Mirrorton, a Frameworks Group Development, 600 E Bay St, Lakeland.

Cost - $250 Host Member Admission, $100 Admission. www.PlatformArt.org for more info.

JUN 25 – Flying Tigers vs Tarpons.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Fri, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com

JUL 7 – Flying Tigers vs Cardinals.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Wed, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com

JUN 26 – Flying Tigers vs Tarpons.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Sat, 5 pm.

LakelandFlyingTigers.com

JUL 8 – Flying Tigers vs Cardinals.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Thurs, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com

JUN 27 – Flying Tigers vs Tarpons.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Sun, 1 pm.

LakelandFlyingTigers.com

JUL 9 – Flying Tigers vs Cardinals.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Fri, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com

JUL 6 – Flying Tigers vs Cardinals.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Tues, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com

JUL 10 – Flying Tigers vs Cardinals.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Sat, 6 pm.

LakelandFlyingTigers.com

JUL 6 – Flying Tigers vs Cardinals.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Tues, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com

JUL 11 – Flying Tigers vs Cardinals.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Sun, 1 pm.

LakelandFlyingTigers.com

Sports JUN 6 – Tampa Bay Tornadoes vs Pennsylvania Union. Indoor football.

Located RP Funding Center, Lakeland.

Sunday. RPFundingCenter.com JUN 8 – Flying Tigers vs Blue Jays.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Tues, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com JUN 9 – Flying Tigers vs Blue Jays.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Wed, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com JUN 10 – Flying Tigers vs Blue Jays.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Thurs, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com JUN 11 – Flying Tigers vs Blue Jays.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Fri, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com JUN 12 – Flying Tigers vs Blue Jays.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Sat, 6 pm.

LakelandFlyingTigers.com JUN 13 – Flying Tigers vs Blue Jays.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Sun, 1 pm.

LakelandFlyingTigers.com JUN 22 – Flying Tigers vs Tarpons.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Tues, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com JUN 23 – Flying Tigers vs Tarpons.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Wed, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com JUN 24 – Flying Tigers vs Tarpons.

Baseball located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland. Thurs, 6:30 pm. LakelandFlyingTigers.com

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JUL 3 - Red, White & Kaboom. City of Lakeland’s 4th of July Celebration presented by the T.Mims Corp. Enjoy live music by 60 West Band with a breathtaking fireworks display dazzling the crowd at 9 pm. Volunteers will be collecting canned food items that will be donated to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE). VISTE is a community based non-profit organization serving Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry and Ft. Meade.

Located at Lake Mirror along the Frances Langford Promenade. Sat, July 3rd from 6-9 pm.

JUL 3 – Rockin’ Freedom Fest. A Red, White And Blue Themed Party hosted by the City of Winter Haven! Live music with B. Haven Band. Food Vendors/Trucks.

Come out to enjoy the City’s BEST fireworks show. Fireworks at dusk. Lawn chairs are permitted, and masks are strongly recommended. Located Chain of Lakes Stadium, 500 Cletus Allen Dr, Winter Haven. Sat, 6-9:30 pm.

JUL 3 - Lights on the Lake. Frostproof’s Independence Day Celebration. Join the City of Frostproof to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks on beautiful Clinch Lake! Food, fun and musical entertainment will round out the event. Located Lake Clinch. Sat, July 3rd from 5-10 pm.

JUL 3 & 4 - LEGOLAND Red, White & Boom. 4th of July Fireworks. Celebrate July 4th and summer fun with the only fireworks display that magically transforms into bursts of LEGO® bricks before your eyes! Experience this unique, annual spectacle all included in regular theme park admission. Located LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Winter Haven. Sat & Sun, 10 am to 9 pm.

JUL 4 - City of Davenport’s 4th of July Celebration. Largest fireworks display in Polk County. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Live bands featuring the Josh Blevins Band.

Food and craft vendors. No personal fireworks. Bring lawn chair. Located Lewis Matthews Sports Complex, 400 w Palm St, Davenport. Sun, 3-9:45 pm.

JUL 4 – Dundee 4th of July Firework Celebration. Hosted by Town of Dundee.

Parking opens at 8pm, Fireworks start at 9 pm. Located Lake Marie. Sun, 8 pm.

JUL 4 – Thunder on the Ridge. Hosted

by City of Haines City. Event features BBQ, beer, vendors, and live entertainment, followed by Polk County’s Premier Fireworks display at 9:15 pm. Located Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City. Sun, 3-9:30 pm.

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JUNE/JULY/AUGUST CONCERT CALENDAR *Due to the COVID-19 virus, please check Facebook pages to confirm that these events are still scheduled.

TUESDAY, JUN 1 FOLEY & BURNS (Apple Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, JUN 2 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) DIESEL DAISY (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) DANIEL JOHN PEPIN (The Pink Piano, LKD)

THURSDAY, JUN 3 MICKENZIE PEISHER w/THE LINE UP (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) FOLEY & BURNS (Old Man Frank’s, WH) TONY KNIGHT (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) CARLY TEFFT (Union Taproom, WH) LOVE RAHN (Swan Brewing, LKD) MITCH STEWART (Leo’s Live/Ybor, LKD)

FRIDAY, JUN 4

DARRA AND THE DETOURS (Old Man Frank’s, WH) HUNTER SMITH (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) B. HAVEN (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) LIVE HART (The Brass Tap, LKD) RUNNING RECKLESS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) THEO MOON (1845 Tap House, DVPT) BILLY DICKERSON (Florida Brewery, ADL) BILLLY BUCHANAN (Chain of Lakes Park, WH) ANDY SHREEVE (Patio 850, LKD) SMOKEPOINT (Swan Brewing, LKD) HARELQUINN (Apple Lounge, WH) BADCAMEO (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) ENGINE ZERO (Leo’s Live/Ybor, LKD) MUNN PARK SAINTS (The Yard On Mass, LKD) STEVE HOGIE DUO (Brew Hub, LKD) THE BROKE (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

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SATURDAY, JUN 5

PROPER WEDNESDAY (Old Man Frank’s, WH) BITTERSWEET (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) AGGIE ROAD w/ JOEY FOLEY (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) HARLEQUIN (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) CARLY TEFFT (Front Page Brewing, BTW) DAYGLO RED 2p/ MOONQUAKES 7p (Swan Brewing, LKD) THE QUITTIN TIME BAND (Federal Bar, LKD) TMIKE & DUKE (Grove Roots Brew Co, WH) LESA SILVERMORE (The Pink Piano, LKD) ROUND 2/ THE DETECTIVES (Leo’s Live/Ybor, LKD) WE THREE STRINGS (The Yard On Mass, LKD) GERRY WILLIAMS TRIO (Cypresswood Pub, WH) THE CONSPIRACY BAND (Keel & Curley Winery, PL CTY)

SUNDAY, JUN 6

OAKLEE (Old Man Frank’s, WH) LUBECK (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) TRIBUTE: LED ZEPPELIN (Chain of Lakes Park, WH) JIM THOMAS (Swan Brewing, LKD) QUITTIN’ TIME (The Yard On Mass, LKD)

WEDNESDAY, JUN 9 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) FOLEY & BURNS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH)

THURSDAY, JUN 10 MICKENZIE PEISHER w/THE LINE UP (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) DANIEL PEPIN (Old Man Frank’s, WH) CARLY TEFFT (Grove Roots Brew Co, WH) RAY GURKA (Swan Brewing, LKD) JOSH TAYLOR/SHELDON BENJAMIN/GENE EANETT (The Yard On Mass, LKD)

FRIDAY, JUN 11

FOLEY & BURNS (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) REBEL SOUL (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) RYAN MCVEIGH (1845 Tap House, DVPT) LAURIE & RUSTY WRIGHT (The Pink Piano, LKD) TRIBUTE: CHICAGO (Chain of Lakes Park, WH) CARLY TEFFT (The Twisted Prop, WH) BRETT FOSTER BAND (Swan Brewing, LKD) THE SOUND MACHINES (Federal Bar, LKD) SOUTHERN STARS (Apple Lounge, WH) B. HAVEN (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) MICAH SHANE DUO (The Yard On Mass, LKD) FREE WHISKEY (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

SATURDAY, JUN 12

BLAKE FREE BAND (Old Man Frank’s, WH) BLACKWATER (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) TMIKE & DUKE (Duke’s Brewhouse, WH) JEFF VITOLO & THE QUARTER MILE REBELS (Duke’s Brewhouse, LKD) BLUE COLLAR BAND (Camp Mack, LW) WONDERLAND (Out-n-About Bar, DUN) KAI7EN (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) SG WOOD 2p/ SWAMP RATS 7p (Swan Brewing, LKD) JAMIE FLOYD (Federal Bar, LKD) DISTRICT TITLE (The Yard On Mass, LKD) RED HOT ROOSTER DUO (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

SUNDAY, JUN 13

POLK COUNTY PORCH PICKERS (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) DANIEL PEPIN 2p/ REX BONGO BAND 5p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) ALMOST THERE (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) TRIBUTE: HOOTIE AND THE BLOWFIESH/MATCHBOX 20 (Chain of Lakes Park, WH) SAMUEL ORTIZ (Swan Brewing, LKD)

TUESDAY, JUN 15 ACOUSTIC DOSE (Apple Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, JUN 16 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) RICK GOLD & MICHAEL SCHILLING (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) JADE & DUKE (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)

THURSDAY, JUN 17 MICKENZIE PEISHER w/THE LINE UP (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) TONY KNIGHT (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) LUBECK (Old Man Frank’s, WH) CARLY TEFFT (Swan Brewing, LKD)

FRIDAY, JUN 18

SANDRA HESS (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) FOLEY & BURNS (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) SHANE MEADE & THE SOUND (Brew Hub, LKD) RED HEADED STEPCHILD (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) BILLY DICKERSON (Florida Brewery, ADL) SIXX L SIXX (Swan Brewing, LKD) MIKE MONTS DE OCA (Federal Bar, LKD) RED HOT ROOSTER w/BRADEN CRAWFORD (Apple Lounge, WH) TMIKE & DUKE (Gary’s Roadhouse, LKD) ANI AND THE FLY BOYS (The Pink Piano, LKD) SKIP FRYE (The Yard On Mass, LKD) GERRY WILLIAMS TRIO (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

SATURDAY, JUN 19

THE MIXX (Old Man Frank’s, WH) TONY KNIGHT 2p/ THE BROKE 7p (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) 99 IN THE SHADE (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) JOE REID (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) RYAN MCVEIGH (1845 Tap House, DVPT)

SOUTHBOUND75 (Duke’s Brewhouse, LKD) ANDY SHREEVE (Patio 850, WH) MICAH SHANE (Federal Bar, LKD) B. HAVEN (Cypresswood Pub, WH) THE PICKUP ARTISTS (The Yard On Mass, LKD)

SUNDAY, JUN 20

DANIEL PEPIN 2p AGGIE ROAD 5p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) SHANE LAWLOR (The Yard On Mass, LKD) MARCUS BRIXA & JOSH DAMPIER wsg KESHONDA WALKER, CHUCK FURR AND GRACE BRIXA 2p (Grove Roots Brew Co, WH)

TUESDAY, JUN 22 LUBECK (Apple Lounge, WH) ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE w/RUSSELL MANIA (The Pink Piano, LKD)

WEDNESDAY, JUN 23 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) PRESS PLAY (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH)

THURSDAY, JUN 24 MICKENZIE PEISHER w/THE LINE UP (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) TEMPO BAND (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) THE BROKE Old Man Frank’s, WH)

FRIDAY, JUN 25

THE BYRNE BROTHERS (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) AGGIE ROAD w/ FOLEY & BURNS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) ELIZABETH WARD (1845 Tap House, DVPT) TRIBUTE: HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS (Chain of Lakes Park, WH) HARD CANDY (Apple Lounge, WH) ONE EYED JACK (Leo’s Live/Ybor, LKD) MISSY ZENKER (The Yard On Mass, LKD) B. HAVEN (The Coop, BAB PK)

SATURDAY, JUN 26 SOUTHBOUND (Old Man Frank’s, WH) B. HAVEN (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) JOSH BLEVINS (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) QUICKDRAW PHILLIPS (Lake Eva Park, HC) SPANKIN SADIE (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) BILLY DICKERSON (Swan Brewing, LKD)

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SKIP & NANCY FRYE (Federal Bar, LKD)

SUNDAY, JUN 27

DANIEL PEPIN 2p/ TBA 5p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) ACOUSTIC DOSE (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) HALLEY NEAL DUO (Swan Brewing, LKD) TRIBUTE: JIMMY BUFFETT w/BILL COCKRELL (Chain of Lakes Park, WH) TMIKE & DUKE (Duke’s Brewhouse, WH)

TUESDAY, JUN 29 BRADEN CRAWFORD (Apple Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, JUN 30 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) RICK GRAHAM (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH)

THURSDAY, JUL 1 FOLEY & BURNS (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

FRIDAY, JUL 2

DARRA AND THE DETOURS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) THEO MOON (1845 Tap House, DVPT) DARRA AND THE DETOURS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH)

SATURDAY, JUL 3

BITTERSWEET (Old Man Frank’s, WH) B. HAVEN BAND (Rock n’ Freedom Fest/WH) 60 WEST BAND (Red White Kaboom, Lk Mirror/ LKD) JEFF VITOLO & THE QUARTER MILE REBELS (Out-n-About Bar, DUN) GEORGE MORRIS & THE LARIAT (Camp Mack, LW) CONSPIRACY THEORY (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) SIXX L SIXX (Swan Brewing, LKD)

SUNDAY, JUL 4

BLAKE FREE (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

WEDNESDAY, JUL 7

DIESEL DAISY (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

FRIDAY, JUL 9

WONDERLAND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) RYAN MCVEIGH (1845 Tap House, DVPT)

DARRA AND THE DETOURS TRIBUTE: SOUL TRAIN (Chain of Lakes Park, WH) THE SOUND MACHINES (Federal Bar, LKD) BRAD PAISLEY (Mid FL CU Amphi, TMP)

SATURDAY, JUL 10

OAKLEE (Old Man Frank’s, WH) SOUTHERN BLEND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) SPITFIRE (Swan Brewing, LKD) MICAH SHANE (Federal Bar, LKD)

SUNDAY, JUL 11

SOUTHERN BLEND (Old Man Frank’s, WH) BILLY DICKERSON (Harborside, WH) TRIBUTE: CAROLE KING (Chain of Lakes Park, WH)

WEDNESDAY, JUL 14 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

THURSDAY, JUL 15 THE BROKE (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

FRIDAY, JUL 16

WONDERLAND (Out-n-About Lounge, DUN) RUNNING RECKLESS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) LIVE HART (1845 Tap House, DVPT) SURFIN’ SAFARI w/ ANDY MATCHETT (Chain of Lakes Park, WH)

SATURDAY, 17

THE MIXX (Old Man Frank’s, WH) JAMIE FLOYD (Federal Bar, LKD)

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SUNDAY, JUL 18

AGGIE ROAD (Old Man Frank’s, WH) TRIBUTE: POLICE AND STING (Chain of Lakes Park, WH)

WEDNESDAY, JUL 21 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

FRIDAY, JUL 23

RICK GRAHAM BAND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) TRIBUTE: VAN HALEN (Chain of Lakes Park, WH) BILLY & RICH DUO (Federal Bar, LKD) SIXX L SIXX (Swan Brewing, LKD) INTRACOASTALS (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

SATURDAY, JUL 24

SOUTHERN BLEND (Old Man Frank’s, WH) RUNNING RECKLESS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) MICAH SHANE (Federal Bar, LKD)

SUNDAY, JUL 25 THE BROKE (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

WEDNESDAY, JUL 28 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) RICK GOLD & MICHAEL SCHILLING (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) DAVE MATTHEWS BAND (Mid FL CU Amphi, TMP)

FRIDAY, JUL 30

THE CONSPIRACY BAND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) LIVE HART (The Brass Tap)

SATURDAY, JUL 31

SANDY BACK PORCH (Swan Brewing, LKD) SOUTHBOUND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) PROPER WEDNESDAY (Federal Bar, LKD)

WEDNESDAY, AUG 4 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

THURSDAY, AUG 5 KINGS OF LEON (Mid FL CU Amphi, TMP)

FRIDAY, AUG 6

JETTER (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH)

SATURDAY, AUG 7

SUNDAY, AUG 15 BILLY DICKERSON (Harborside, WH)

WEDNESDAY, AUG 18 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

FRIDAY, AUG 20

RUNNING RECKLESS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH)

SATURDAY, AUG 21

LIVE HART (The Brass Tap, LKD) KAI7EN (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH)

WEDNESDAY, AUG 25 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

THE BLUE ROOSTERS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) KORN & STAIND (Mid FL CU Amphi, TMP)

THURSDAY, AUG 26

SUNDAY, AUG 8

FRIDAY, AUG 27

33 YEARS (Swan Brewing, LKD)

WEDNESDAY, AUG 11 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

FRIDAY, AUG 13

HEART OF DIXIE w/ DON BURNS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) RYAN MCVEIGH (1845 Tap House, DVPT)

SATURDAY, AUG 14 JOE’S GARAGE BAND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH)

CHRIS STAPLETON (Mid FL CU Amphi, TMP)

DARRA AND THE DETOURS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH)

SATURDAY, AUG 28 SEPTEMBER DOGS (Old Man Frank’s, WH) JEFF VITOLO & THE QUARTER MILE REBELS (Out-n-About Bar, DUN) SOUTHBOUND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) PROPER WEDNESDAY (The Yard On Mass, LKD)

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.

JUNE 2021 13

14 JUNE 2021

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Get Vaccinated As I write this column, I have received the second dose of the Moderna vaccine. I have become one of the 128 million and counting Americans to become fully-vaccinated. As such, I am one of many who will be allowed to stop wearing masks in most indoor places and outdoors. (The CDC states that a person is fully-vaccinated two weeks after getting their second dose.)

Even then, I still plan on wearing a mask and physically distancing. This decision is not for my benefit (I’ve already been vaccinated), but rather for the benefit of others who have yet to receive the vaccine or can’t due to medical conditions.

And as I write this column, COVID rates are on the decline while vaccination rates are on the rise. Hopefully, as more and more people become vaccinated, overall herd immunity will increase, allowing more unvaccinated people to become safe from the virus, and the pandemic will inevitably come to an end. Only then will life finally be able to return to normal. Until then, all we have to do is get vaccinated and continue wearing masks.

Oh, I wish it were that simple.

Sadly, it isn’t! And we all know the reason why. Far too many Americans subscribe to misinformation about masks and vaccines due to fake news and conspiracy theories. Many believe being required to wear a simple face covering in public during a deadly pandemic is an infringement upon their “freedom.” They claim wearing a thin paper mask makes it hard for them to breathe. Worse, some think wearing masks retain carbon dioxide and are thus unhealthier than not wearing a mask.

Then there are the anti-vaxxers.

It was bad enough when anti-vaxxers claimed vaccines caused autism.

Now, during a pandemic that has killed more Americans than September 11, they claim the COVID vaccine is worse than COVID itself.

Due to rampant misinfo campaigns and fake news, far too many

Americans believe the vaccine doesn’t work. Or that it actually kills people or gives them the virus. Or that it mutates their DNA, makes them infertile, or secretly implants a microchip.

In fact, one conspiracy theory purports the vaccine causes people to “shed” harmful vaccine particles that can be contracted by non-vaccinated people. So how do people who believe such nonsense plan on protecting themselves? By wearing masks and social distancing. No! I’m not kidding. As reported by Vice, some conspiracy theorists plan to protect themselves against vaccinated people by quarantining, social distancing, and mask-wearing. To quote a popular meme: “I don’t know how, but you used the wrong formula and got the correct answer.”

Usually, at this point, I would repudiate these claims with sound reasoning and evidence. But really, I don’t need to. If you’re reading this, you have access to the internet.

You’re more than capable of performing a simple search and (hopefully!) looking up reliable sources that debunk such nonsense. The science is settled. Masks are safe and effective.

The vaccines are safe and effective.

No one has died from them. No one has caught COVID from them. They do not mutate DNA or cause infertility or implant microchips. And unless you have an allergic reaction or a pre-existing medical condition, the vaccine is perfectly safe.

There’s no reason for you not to get vaccinated, especially since all vaccines are free. The sooner everyone gets vaccinated, the sooner the pandemic will end and life can return to normal. And if you still think vaccines are bad, you’re wrong. You don’t have a different opinion. You’re just stupid. So get vaccinated, stupid!

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

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JUNE 2021 15

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

16 JUNE 2021

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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1. Who released “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves”?

2. Which group had a hit with “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)”?

3. Who wrote and released “Superfly”?

4. Two versions of “Shambala” were released just one week apart in 1973. Who did them?

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Love is what it does and ours is doing nothing, But all the time we spent, It must be good for something.”

Trash” until cooler heads prevailed.

2. The Four Tops, in 1973. It had been previously released in 1972 by Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, best known for “Don’t Pull Your Love.”

3. Curtis Mayfield, on his soundtrack album for the film of the same name. Despite the movie tie-in, the song only reached No. 8 on the Billboard chart.

4. B.W. (“Buckwheat”) Stevenson and Three Dog Night. Shambala is many things: a mythical Himalayan kingdom, a roller coaster, a Tanzanian language and a music festival.

5. “Wait for Me,” by Hall and Oates, 1979. Daryl Hall says he wrote the song to try to hold on to someone at the end of a relationship. It worked.

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.Cher,Name that contains this 1. in 1971. The the originalsong title was “Gypsys, Tramps and White lyric: “There, like a dream, this wonderful night, I gazed at the grotto never know when someone will get in genealogy and really aglow in the light.” involved want to see those birth records, baptism certificates and baby photos.

Answers • You can sharpen knitting needles a pencil sharpener. You also can 1. The Flirtations,with in use an 1968. emery board. Sharp needles work best!

2. inInsane • C.S.R. Florida sends Clown this remind- Posse, in 1997. At er: Pull out the plugs on toasters, • “If you have two pairs of similar the last minute, Disney objected microwaves, etc. Appliances still slacks -- one navy and one black -- to draw a bit of power when not in use you can put a safety pin through the the graphic nature of the lyrics. Just but plugged in. tag on one of them so you can tell apart. I have a pin in the navy weeks earlier, the them Southern Baptist • Fasten buttons, zippers and other slacks. They really do look similar closures before laundering a garment. until you’re out in the light.” -- T.L. in Convention had threatened to boycott This is especially important for any Virginia item that includes a hook-and-loop Disney businesses because of Gay closure. The hooks will catch on other • Make chopping walnuts easier: garments, and best case will be filled some in a bowl, and nest another Days at Disneyland.Put with lint. Worst case: They can tear at bowl into it, then rock the top bowl the threads of other items of clothing. back and forth to crush the walnuts.

3. Inez and Charlie Foxx, the song• If you have a bunch of your famiwriters, in 1963, and Carly Simon and ly’s historical documents, make sure you scan them and preserve them for James Taylor in 1974. future generations. It’s always nice to forward copies to relatives -- you 4. George McCrae, 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 a piece of bread, which picked up all

GRACE

Grace is a white and black female Labrador Retriever mix. She is approximately 1 year. Grace is a super friendly dog and she LOVES attention! Grace is deaf but she does know some hand signals. The signals she knows are to “stop everything”, “come inside”, and “affection”. She would make a great family dog as she gets along well with children.

MARGARET

Margaret is a black and caramel female Domestic Shorthair mix. She is approximately 3 years old and has been spayed. Margaret is a very friendly and engaging cat, she even likes to have full conversations with you and is a great talker. She has been in a home with dogs and gets along well with the dog. She likes the dog so much she has even learned how to play fetch with her toys.

SCOOCH

Scooch is a black and white male Domestic Medium Hair mix. He is approximately 2 years old. He has been neutered. He is good with cats and children. Scooch is an outgoing cat but doesnt enjoy being held for a long period. He loves to sleep up in cat trees or in a bed. Scooch loves friskies treats and catnip toys!

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 Dr. Vargas received her DVM from Tuskegee University 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.

Dr. Vargas

JUNE 2021 17

June 8, 2020

WILLOW

Willow is a black and fawn female Australian Cattle Dog (Heeler) mix.

She is approximately 9 years, 1 month old and has been spayed.

Willow is a bit shy when meeting new people but once she has warmed up, she’ll find her one person and stay as close to them as possible. She loves chin scratches and getting lots of attention.

18 JUNE 2021

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Special to T&T Magazine T.Mims Corp. Red, White & Kaboom Independence Celebration will take place at Lake Mirror along the Frances Langford Promenade on Saturday, July 3rd from 6:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. with the 60 West Band entertaining the crowd before a dazzling fireworks display launches at 9:00 p.m.

We are asking that everyone who is attending to please bring at least one non-perishable food item. There will be volunteers collecting canned food items that will be donated to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE).

VISTE is a community based non-profit organization serving Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry and Ft. Meade. Established in 1983, the primary goal is to enable elderly persons to continue living independently and safely in their own homes.

Red, White & Kaboom festivities will start with a live concert featuring the energetic 60 West Band that will certainly command the crowd playing from their list of popular hits.

The 60 West Band is a professional top 40 cover band based out of Tampa, Florida. They have been developing their unique sound and diverse repertoire of songs since 2016. The band was recently voted Best of the Bay for best vocalist and best local release. They were also voted runner up for the best Bay area cover band. Their music spans decades and includes everything from yesterday’s Beatles to today’s Bruno Mars.

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Tom Mims, President of T. Mims Corporation said, “We are very excited to sponsor Red, White & Kaboom again this year and I know the community is looking forward to an awesome event. It is an excellent opportunity for our community to come together in celebration of our great country with live music and fireworks.” He added, “We ask all those attending to please bring a canned food item that will help those in need. All non-perishable items benefit Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE). We want everyone to have fun and help support a great cause like VISTE.” During Red, White & Kaboom there will be a variety of food trucks around Lake Mirror so bring a blanket, bring your appetite and enjoy

the festivities in celebrating our great nation.

The event will conclude with a dramatic display of fireworks over the lake. The evening is free to the public and everyone attending is encouraged to bring at least one non-perishable food item to benefit VISTE. Those attending can bring their own cooler but no glass bottles please. Also, no pop-up tents or large beach umbrellas are allowed.

A Facebook geofilter has been created for the event, please use the filter and share your experiences through social media using #redwhiteandkaboom2021 and #RWK2021. All City parking garages will be open for T.Mims Corp.

Red, White & Kaboom. For more information go to www.lakelandgov.net.

The 60 West Band, a professional top 40 cover band will start the festivities.

JUNE 2021 19

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 Bottoms Up Sports Bar 419 E. Bridgers Ave (863) 845-2913 Karaoke, Pool Tables Beer & Wine Find Us On Facebook Brew Hounds Sports Lounge 318 Havendale Blvd.

(863) 967-2739 Sun, $4 Capt (All Flavors) Tue, Tito’s $5 Wed, Trivia 6p Pool, Darts, Full Liquor Sunday Ticket/SEC/ACC Smoke-Free/Outside Patio

BABSON PARK Crooked Bass Grill/Tavern 1010 N. Scenic Hwy. (863) 589-5887 Full Liquor Seafood, Steaks & Burgers Live Music Fri & Sat Pool Table & Darts BARTOW Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 120 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.

20 JUNE 2021

DAVENPORT

FROSTPROOF

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

P & J Recreation 33 South Scenic Hwy (863) 635-9825 Home of Famous Slaw Burger!

Full Liquor

Fireside Lounge & Billiards 43356 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

FT. MEADE Pit Stop Package & Lounge 800 N. Charleston Ave (863) 285-8732 Food Avail.

HAINES CITY Amos Tavern 200 US Highway 17 92 N (863) 422-1459 Balmoral Bar & Grill 124 Kenny Blvd (863) 588-3097 Patio Dining & Full Bar Daily Food & Drink Specials Tue, Taco & Trivia Thu-Sat, Music on Patio Sun, Karaoke 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 Specials Daily Drink Specials Live Music

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

LAKELAND 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 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

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Fresco’s Bistro 132 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 683-5267 Happy Hr 5-7 Monthly Pairings Great Bistro Fare Late Menu/Full bar Live Music Gator’s Dockside Highland City 5135 S.R. 98 (863) 619-7627 Food, Full Bar Open late night Hookah Palace 122 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 688-1818 Hrs: Thu-Sat, 4p-2a Thu, Latin Nite w/DJ Fri & Sat, DJ 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 Lakeland Loft 108 South Tennessee Ave (863) 210-5327 Full Liquor Jazz & Cigar Lounge Business Casual Sun –Thu Dress to Impress Fri & Sat 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 Wed, $5 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 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 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 Winner’s Circle 4215 South Florida Ave. (863) 644-9464 Sun, Corn Hole Tues, Poker Wed, Ladies Night 1st Thu, Open Mic, 7-10p 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 Drafts All Star Grill 2019 Hwy. 60 E (863) 679-9689 Sports Bar 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

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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 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

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 Thu Specials at Oyster Bar Thu, Sat & Sun, Live Music 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 NOW OPEN! Mon-Sat, 12 pm-2 am Sun, 12 pm-12 am 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 Union Taproom 245 W Central Ave, ST 102 (863) 268-4921 Open Tue-Thu 4-10p, Fri 4-11p, Sat 12-11p, Sun 12-7p 40 Self Pour Taps; Brews, Wine, Ciders, Cold Coffee & Kombucha Wed-Sun, Brick Oven Pizza 12-close 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

JUNE 2021 21

Special to T&T Magazine Lakeland, FL - Be a part of the grand tradition as the annual Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant and Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Pageant returns to the RP Funding Center’s Youkey Theatre on June 2426, 2021.

The Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant is a preliminary competition to the Miss America Pageant, the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation’s most significant achievement programs. The reigning Miss Florida Michaela McLean won her title in June 2019 when she competed against other young women from throughout the state for the opportunity to represent the Sunshine State at Miss America.

The Miss Florida Outstanding Teen Preliminaries and Miss Florida Preliminaries take place June 24-25, 2021, at 7:00 pm. The Finals for both the Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Pageant and the Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant will be held on June 26, 2021 at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm, respectively.

MISS FLORIDA’S OUTSTANDING TEEN & MISS FLORIDA PRELIMINARIES – 7:00 pm June 24-25 $56

MISS FLORIDA’S OUTSTANDING TEEN PAGEANT FINALS – 3:00 pm MISS FLORIDA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT FINALS – 7:30 pm June 26 $108 (Note: The ticket is good for admission to both Teen and Miss Florida Finals)

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at 9:30 am. Ticket prices are $56 for the Preliminary rounds and $108 for the Finals (other fees may apply) and are available by visiting the RP Funding Center Box Office, 22 JUNE 2021

Friday, 9:30 am-5:30 pm. For ticket information, call the Box Office at (863) 834-8111 or visit our website at www.rpfundingcenter.com.

toll-free 888-397-0100, and online at www. rpfundingcenter.com. All dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

COVID-19 WARNING DISCLAIMER When visiting the RP Funding Center, you must follow all posted instructions throughout the complex. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public area or facility where people are present. Following the CDC face mask policy, it is strongly encouraged to wear a face mask while visiting the RP Funding Center. Please do your part and help each other stay healthy and safe!

The RP Funding Center is conveniently located minutes between Orlando and Tampa in Lakeland, Florida, off I-4 on Lime Street; the RP Funding Center is a short drive from anywhere in Central Florida. Regular box office hours are Monday-

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JUNE 2021 23

24 JUNE 2021

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King Features Weekly Service

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June 8, 2020

Easy Summer Suppers JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES ARE TREASURE We’re CULINARY all starting to slowly ease back into our former home, work and social routines If you’re guided bybored newwith the same vegetable tuber routine, it’s time to healthand and safety restrictions. try something new -- like Jerusalem Many of us also artichokes, also known as sunchokes. are dealing with Think of it as a culinary treasure hunt new challenges to our family budwith a delicious reward for your palget and loss of ate. income. If your pantry and freezer Like many tubers, sunchokes look are stocked a little strange.with But when it comes to canned or frofood, looks can often be deceiving. zen goods, you cansunchoke add seasonal The is the tasty, knobby, fresh to Until recent root of aproduce sunflower. create new, budyears, this native get-friendly vari-of North America ations on your favorite family recipes. was more popular in Europe than in Here are some ways to “shop” in the United States. your pantry or freezer to cook up The sunchoke is a ahardy perennial simple meals with seasonal twist that everyone will enjoy! that can grow in a variety of condiChoose new, interesting or favorite tions and is from not frost tender.

With vegetables a local farmer’s marwater and the growing cost ket toshortages add to your recipes.

Vegetables lots of almost nutrients and fiber in to ofhave agriculture everywhere help you feel full. Have vegetables our country, looking washed, cut farmers and readywere in the refrigerator to add to meals or eat ascrops, snacks. for ecologically sustainable from a fit variety healthy andSelect the sunchoke their of needs.

Sunfoods so that you don’t get bored chokes are same now being comwith the meals.grown Try sandwich wraps with meat and fresh veggies mercially and by home gardeners in inside, and a combination of fresh America. and canned fruits for sweetness and Many small organic farms are nutrition. the foods of summer — bluealsoEnjoy growing sunchokes successfulberries, strawberries, peaches, waterly, so look for them at farm stands melons and fresh garden veggies are and farmers markets.

The crop while does always a treat.

If you eat produce it’s in it typically coststoless and have itsseason, downside.

It tends grow it tastes better, so your family will be wild, cantobe presenting moreand likely eatinvasive, it and enjoy it. challengers for dinner farmers andforbackyard This flavorful recipe Creamy Veggie Tortellini gardeners alike. and Fruit Salad With Spiced Syrup for dessert is an easy way a healthy to our diet, toAs combine freshaddition produce with groceries sunchokes are a low-glycemic food and possess a significant amount of protein, with very little starch.

They also are rich in inulin, a natural fructose type of carbohydrate. Inulin is thought to be better tolerated by those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

When shopping for sunchokes, look for firm, brown-colored tubers.

If they are beginning to darken, they are not fresh. After you get them home, store in paper towels in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for

up to two weeks. Don’t wash your 2. Add the tomatoes and half-andthat you may have stocked up on due to thesunchokes COVID-19until crisis.you are ready to usehalf, stir and bring mixture to a simthem, as moisture lead to spoil- mer, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring CREAMY VEGGIE can TORTELLINI ing. Sunchokes have aathin skin andoccasionally.

This recipe features delicious 3. Add the fresh spinach or Swiss cream with spices that chard in handfuls, stirring until it don’tsauce need packed to be peeled. complement the are tortellini and versatile. fresh wilts down before adding more. If Sunchokes extremely or frozen vegetables. If you don’t using frozen and thawed spinach or Youhalf canand usehalf them the same way have oninhand, you can greens, add to the sauce and stir to substitute 1/2 cup canned evaporated you typically use a potato. They have combine. milk or regular milk.and Justare be delicious sure to 4. Stir in the tortellini. Cover and a crunchy texture stir in 4 1/2 teaspoons of butter after cook for 10 to 15 minutes, gently their nutty flavor allraw. the When other roasted, ingredients have been stirring once or twice, until the torincorporated to add richness to the comes out. Steamed sunchokes can tellini are tender, plump and cooked sauce that the half and half would through. Sprinkle with cheese, if stand alone or can be mixed with have provided. desired. Serves 4. won’t be crispy immediately out of other vegetables, used in a gratin or FRUIT SALAD the fryer. After a few minutes, they to make a delicious soup. If you’re WITH SPICED SYRUP will crisp up. Mound chips in bowl using sunchokes in a creamed soup This syrup-and-spice blend adds a and serve.

8. whethor puree and want to remove the punch of flavor to aServes fruit salad er you’re using fresh or frozen fruits peel for presentation color, pass them both.CHIPS: TO BAKEofTHE through a food mill or a fine mesh or a combination 3/4 cup water 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. strainer.

1/2 cup honey, agave nectar or 2. Line two baking sheets with foil Try this recipe for Sunchoke Chips sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and lightly grease with cooking oil With Parmesan and Parsley as a deli1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Place the slices cious alternative to potato chips. And 1 spray. strip fresh lemon peel in a single layer the two sheets.

Sprayjuice each slice remember, this is just the first step on 2 on tablespoons fresh lemon 6 cups fresh fruit (a mixture with oil, then sprinkle salt on top. your adventure to discover all things of sliced nectarines, plums, 3. Bake forblueberries 10 to 15 minutes. If they Jerusalem artichoke! Enjoy! strawberries, aren’t golden brown crisp, bake and raspberries and/orand frozen 1 SUNCHOKE tablespoon olive oil fruit, thawed) CHIPS WITH them in 3 to 5 minute increments 1/2 yellow onion, chopped 1. Using a small saucepan, combine PARMESAN AND PARSLEY 2 cloves garlic minced the water, honey, agave or sugar, cin2 tablespoons Italian or poultry namon, nutmeg and lemon peel. Heat seasoning 2 pounds unpeeled sunchokes to boiling over medium-high heat, stir1 teaspoon salt ring frequently. Reduce heat to medi(also called Jerusalem artichokes), 1 teaspoon ground black pepper um-low; simmer 3 to 5 minutes to scrubbed 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cloves slightly thicken, stirring occasionally.

1/8Vegetable teaspoonoil cayenne pepper or (for frying) 2. Remove saucepan from heat; stir dash of hot sauce in lemon juice. Cool syrup to room 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 2 (14 ounce) cans fire-roasted temperature. with juice 1/2diced cup tomatoes grated Parmesan 3. In a large bowl, combine fruits 1/21 1/2 cupteaspoons half-and-half minced fresh parsand syrup.

Cover and shape refrigerate • The rarest for a2human 3 cups baby spinach, chopped; hours.

Stir before serving.

Serves 6. ley or Swiss chard, stems nose is the bulbous type, exempli*** U.S. President Bill removed and chopped; or 1 fied by former Angela Shelf (10 ounce) package of frozen Clinton. Medearis is an 1. Fill a large bowl with cold water. award-winning children’s author, spinach, thawed and drained Slice into thintortellini, rounds culinary historian and the author 1 sunchokes (10 ounce) package • Smuggling a cat out of ancient fresh or frozen (about 1/16-inch thick), immediate- of seven cookbooks. Her new cookEgypt was punishable by death. book is “The Kitchen Diva’s Diabetic 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan or ly dropping into bowl of water to Cookbook.” Her website is www.

Romano cheese, optional prevent browning. Rinse and drain divapro.com. see how-to • A To variety of cornvideos, grown in 1.

In a to large skilletsome overofmedium and has much, much so more, Like kernels large that 3 times remove the starchrecipesPeru heat, warm the olive oil, then add the Angelathey’re Shelf Medearis, The Kitchen eaten individually. for aand crisper dry with paper onion sautechip. for Pat 2 minutes.

Add Diva! on Facebook. Recipes may not the garlic, Italian or poultry season- be reprinted without permission from towels.

• After impressionist painter ing, 2. salt, pepper, nutmeg or acloves Shelf Medearis.

Pour enough oil into large, AngelaClaude developed cataracts, and cayenne pepper or hot sauce, and © 2020 KingMonet Features Synd., Inc., deep skillet to reach depth of 1/2 Angela Shelf Medearis heand agreed to have surgery on his cook about 1 minute. inch. Submerge bulb of deep-fry right eye only. It is believed that afterwards he could see and paint a thermometer into the oil; lean top of wide spectrum of colors usually not thermometer against skillet rim. Heat seen by the human eye. oil to 375 F. Mix salt, Parmesan and parsley together in small bowl, blend• Dinosaurs often swallowed ing well, and set aside. large rocks, which stayed in their stomachs and helped them grind up 3. Working in batches, fry sunfood. choke slices until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• One in 23 million people have Using a skimmer, transfer chips to a an allergy to water. wire rack placed over a paper-lined baking pan to drain. While the chips • In 1631, royal printers Robert Barker and Martin Lucas published are hot, sprinkle them with the Para Bible containing the typo “Thou mesan and salt mixture. The chips Shalt Commit Adultery.” As if

until done. Sprinkle with the topping of your choice.

ALTERNATE TOPPINGS: For protein boost and cheese flavor: Sprinkle chips with 1/2 cup nutritional yeast.

For spicy flavor: Sprinkle chips with 1 tablespoon chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

For salt and vinegar chips: Soak sunchokes in vinegar for 2 hours before frying. Drain and pat completely dry. Fry or bake as directed and sprinkle with salt.

STRANGE BUT TRUE

that weren’t embarrassing enough, another misprint, in Deuteronomy, substituted the word “greatnesse” with “great-asse.” Barker and Lucas were fined 300 pounds and lost their printing license. Less than a dozen copies of what came to be known as the “Wicked,” “Sinful” and “Adulterous” Bible are known to exist today and are highly prized by collectors.

• On average, a person’s eyes make 15 to 30 gallons of tears a year.

• A rainbow’s arc is relative to the position of the person observing it, so it is impossible for two people to actually see the exact same one.

• The air around a lightning bolt is five times hotter than the surface of the sun.

• While rare, there have been enough reported cases of strokes triggered by spa massage treatments that the medical community has nicknamed the phenomenon “beauty parlor stroke syndrome.”

JUNE 2021 25

Special to T&T Magazine Lakeland, FL – On the heels of an unprec-

edented global pandemic and the postponement of the original event dates in January, the Central Florida Comic Con will return

to the RP Funding Center on June 12 and 13, 2021. The con will return with the same zeal

for comics, pop culture, cosplay, and celebrity guests as before. Fans can join the fun with Karan Ashley (Power Rangers), Paul Schrier (Power Rangers), Kara Eberle (RWBY), Kyle

Phillips (One Piece, My Hero Academia), Ming

Chen (AMC’s Comic Book Men), George Lowe (Space Ghost), as well as many others!

“It was important to me that we brought

CFCC back to Lakeland in 2021,” said Ben

Penrod, president of Nerd Street LLC, which

operates CFCC. “We weren’t able to have the con on our usual January date, but we had a

few extra months to plan and make sure that this event is even more amazing.”

For those who haven’t attended before,

Central Florida Comic Con is an event for fans of comics, toys, TV, film, art, gaming, and all other things considered ‘nerdy.’ It’s a great

place to meet with actors, comic book creators, and other fans. Alongside the celebrities and

artists, there will be vendors, discussion pan26 JUNE 2021

els, and other related events taking place at the con. CFCC will also feature a costume contest

each day to find the best cosplayers in Central

Florida. Tickets are on sale already and start at only $15.

IMPORTANT DETAILS: Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13, 2021 Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM RP Funding Center 701 West Lime St Lakeland, FL 33815 Website: www.centralfloridacomiccon.com Facebook: facebook.com/ CentralFloridaComicCon Twitter: @CentralFlaCon About Central Florida Comic Con Central Florida Comic Con is a celebration of comics, toys, TV, film, art, cosplay, games, and all things nerdy. CFCC was founded in 2019 and takes place annually at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida.

About Nerd Street Nerd Street is an event production company started and operated by Ben Penrod, founder of Awesome Con, Annapolis Comic-Con, Southern Maryland Comic-Con, Central Florida Comic Con, Alaska ComiCon, Twin Cities Con, Des Moines Con, Nerd Street Wrestling, and Star Con Orlando.

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28 JUNE 2021

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ADD A LITTLE

PEP IN YOUR STEP THIS SUMMER.

summer UP YOUR

AT THE GARDENS

Add a little pep in your step as you enjoy a summer display of pepper plants. Enjoy a spicy stroll through the Gardens as hundreds of edible and ornamental pepper plants add a rainbow of color and texture. Sweet, hot, and terrifically tangy, learn about these vibrant plants and how peppers add a unique look to any landscape.

SPONSORED IN PART BY

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1151 TOWER BOULEVARD | LAKE WALES, FL 33853 | 863-676-1408 | BOKTOWERGARDENS.ORG

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