FOCUS Polk County 08-10 by Floyd Publications

T H E M O S T A D V A N C E D H E A LT H C A R E I S B A S E D R I G H T H E R E .

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TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY DEC. 3, 8:00 am • www.flstrawberryfestival.com FEB. 28 - MAR. 10, 2013 • PLANT CITY, FLORIDA

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

SCOTTY McCREERY

BLAKE SHELTON

TRACE ADKINS

MARTINA McBRIDE

DWIGHT YOAKAM

BRET MICHAELS

Artists Appearing on the Soundstage: Order: www.ﬂstrawberryfestival.com or 813-754-1996

Thu. Feb. 28 10:30 Thu. Feb. 28 3:30 Thu. Feb. 28 7:30

Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra FREE Chubby Checker $15 & $20 FOREIGNER $25

Fri. Fri.

Mar. 1 Mar. 1

3:30 7:30

Gene Watson Casting Crowns

Sat. Sat. Sat.

Mar. 2 Mar. 2 Mar. 2

1:00 3:30 7:30

Caroline Kole FREE COMING SOON Justin Moore $15 & $20

Sun. Mar. 3 Sun. Mar. 3

3:30 7:30

Randy Houser $15 & $20 COMING SOON

Mon. Mar. 4

3:30

Mon. Mar. 4

7:30

Grits & Glamour Tour with Lorrie Morgan/Pam Tillis Dwight Yoakam

$15 & $20 $20 & $25

Tues. Mar. 5 Tues. Mar. 5

3:30 7:30

Bobby Vinton Martina McBride

$15 & $20 $30

Wed. Mar. 6 Wed. Mar. 6

3:30 7:30

Neal McCoy Trace Adkins

$15 & $20 $30 FREE $15 & $20 $35

Thu. Mar. 7 10:30

$15 & $20 $20 & $25

Thu. Mar. 7 Thu. Mar. 7

3:30 7:30

Steve Hall & the Shotgun Red Show Mel Tillis Brantley Gilbert

Fri. Fri.

Mar. 8 Mar. 8

3:30 7:30

T.G. Sheppard/Janie Fricke Scotty McCreery

$15 & $20 $25 & $30

Sat. Sat.

Mar. 9 Mar. 9

3:30 7:30

Gaither Vocal Band Bret Michaels

$20 & $25 $25 & $30

3:30 7:30

COMING SOON Blake Shelton

Sun. Mar. 10 Sun. Mar. 10

FOREIGNER

LORRIE MORGAN

PAM TILLIS

BRANTLEY GILBERT

Grits and Glamour Tour

JUSTIN MOORE

NEAL McCOY

T.G. SHEPPARD

JANIE FRICKE

GENE WATSON

CAROLINE KOLE

GAITHER VOCAL BAND

MEL TILLIS

CHUBBY CHECKER

BOBBY VINTON

JIMMY STURR AND HIS ORCHESTRA

CASTING CROWNS

$55

Concert dates and times are subject to change

Limited Free Grandstand Seating Times are 3:30 & 7:30 pm. and are on a first come, first seated basis.

FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY DECEMBER 2012

CONTENTS | December 2012 | Volume 8 Issue 10

06-10 Local 12 Feature:

Holiday Shopping Guide

14 Spotlight:

SantaCon 2013

16 Business Profile 20 Dining Profile 21 Downtown Directory 22 Event Calendar

ONTHECOVER Photography by David Dickey Jr.

SantaCon

DECEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

DECEMBER 7, 8 PM

Welcome to the month of Christmas and Gratitude. Are you thankful the elections are over? Whether your candidate won or lost, our country is working to move forward. No matter the results, life goes on … and now we can all get back to being grateful for everyday things like family, work, food and shelter, and faith in the future.

DECEMBER 5, 7:30 PM

NOVEMBER 18, 2:30 PM

DeDe and I had great fun reading the unique daily thanks expressed by so many on Facebook posts this past month - the challenge was to offer one a day throughout November.

DECEMBER 12 7:30 PM DECEMBER 15 7:30 PM

DEC. 27, 7:30 PM

If you haven’t yet read the book, A Simple Act of Gratitude by John Kralik, I highly recommend you do. His true story, subtitled, “How Learning to Say Thank You Changed My Life” contains some powerful life lessons. One was a simple spelling lesson. During the process of writing one thank you note a day for a whole year, Kralik discovered he’d been misspelling grateful all his life. He writes, “I had been spelling it as if a ‘greatful’ person was a person full of greatness, rather than a person full of gratitude.” It’s a quick read and I promise, one you’ll never forget. You might even want to consider it for those on your Christmas list.

JANUARY 11, 8 PM DECEMBER 28, 8 PM

JAN. 16, 7:30 PM

In addition to the Buyer’s Guide feature focused on local shopping ideas, you won’t want to miss the story of Mosaic’s annual golf tournament that raised more than $45,000 for Christmas Angels and Heartland for Children. The proceeds will make the holidays a little more special for at least 1,000 children. The county also just celebrated its 15th Annual Hispanic Festival with 20,000-plus attendees. The 350-member Club Hispano de Lakeland, established in 1987, helps to foster unity among families from several Latin American countries and share their culture with the public. Thank you, Polk County readers, for sharing your lives with us and for supporting these and other local efforts. You’re great encouragers and for that, we are especially grateful.

JAN. 25 8 PM JAN. 18-19, 8 PM

JANUARY 22, 7:30 PM

FEB. 5, 7:30 PM

May this season of lights and gift-giving be your best ever.

FEBRUARY 7 7:30 PM

FEBRUARY 14, 8 PM FEB. 20, 7:30 PM

FEBRUARY 18, 7:30 PM

Mike Floyd - Publisher mike@floydpublications.com Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

Publisher Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com

Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563

Office Manager Dede Floyd dede@floydpublications.com

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

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www.thefocusmagazine.com Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

Credit Manager Angel Carter acarter@floydpublications.com Sales Aldo Trevino | Susan Nieves | Joseph Roberts Cindy Cutting | A.J. Johnson | Ernest Hargett

FEB. 21, 7:30 PM

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MARCH 14, 7:30 PM

Art Director Anthony Sassano So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail editorial@ floydpublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner. FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and many local venues.

Production Intern Abby Born FOCUSTV Shana Mitchell | Victoria Garren Distribution Byron Spradlin Belva DeVane Photographers Nate Mundell Photography

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

MARCH 20, 8 PM

Production Tony Cartagena

floyd publications, inc.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY DECEMBER 2012

LOCAL » FOCUS in Lakeland and will be awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a male and female domestic violence essay contest winner to be judged by the foundation’s board of directors. One of the biggest goals of the Heather’s Hope Foundation is to help teens recognize early signs of domestic abuse in order to help prevent teen dating violence. Evident in the organization’s slogan, “Domestic Violence … Nip it in the Bud,” one of their most powerful tools is a one-woman-play called “The Yellow

THIRD ANNUAL HEATHER’S HOPE 5K RUNNING TO STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON

The annual race is a fundraiser for the Heather’s Hope Foundation whose mission is to promote awareness and prevention of domestic violence through education and public service. The foundation’s namesake, 37-year-old teacher Heather Rimmer, was killed by her estranged husband in 2008, leaving behind two daughters, Paige and Jordyn, now 16 and 11. The foundation

DECEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

For more information on the foundation or links to victim support websites, visit heathershope.net. The local domestic abuse hotline in Polk County is 863-4132700, and the teen dating abuse hotline is 866-331-9474.

Lissette Campos with Bob and Bonnie Roebuck Photo by Bonnie Roebuck

Heather’s daughters Paige and Jordyn Photo by Bonnie Roebuck

hree hundred forty-eight participants clad in purple and yellow T-shirts crossed the finish line at the Third Annual Heather’s Hope Purple Ribbon 5K Run/Walk held Saturday, October 13 at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. The male overall age group winner was 19-year-old Gary Solomon of Winter Haven with a time of 16:53, and the overall female age group winner was Susie Green, 52, of Lakeland, with a time of 23:11.

Dress.” Performed at many area high schools, the show portrays the increasing cycle of domestic abuse in the life of a fictional woman. The funds raised from this 5K help stage more showings of this play.

was established in April 2009 by Heather’s parents, Bob and Bonnie Roebuck, and they raise funds through golf tournaments, wine festivals, and this 5K run, which featured guest speakers Captain Jim Elansky with the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office and Lissette Campos, Community Affairs Director at ABC Action News in Tampa. Heather’s Hope Foundation uses the funds raised at these events, nearly $10,000 this year, to help promote awareness of domestic violence in the community and to provide resources to victims who may be in abusive situations. The foundation plans to use some of these funds to purchase bunk beds for the Peace River Women’s Shelter, an organization that provides free, confidential shelter, counseling and other supportive services to survivors of domestic abuse and their dependents. They also purchased $1,000 worth of items for Lighthouse Ministries

Female Age 60-66 Winner Joy Poteet Photo by Bonnie Roebuck

A great turnout Photo by Bonnie Roebuck

Sewing Machines Modern Fabrics Notions Books Patterns Classes

www.inspirequiltingandsewing.com 101 N. Collins Street, Plant City, FL 33563 813.704.4867 FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY DECEMBER 2012

LOCAL » FOCUS

Runner up, Miss Polk Latina Alexandria Betances with President of The Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Ana Rivera Photo by Valerie McCutcheon

COUNTY CELEBRATES THE 15TH ANNUAL HISPANIC FESTIVAL O

WRITTEN BY: CHERYL KUCK

n Saturday, October 27, the Lake Mirror Promenade—along with its new bronze swan statue—created a beautiful backdrop for the 15th Annual Hispanic Festival of Polk County, which had over 20,000 attendees.

The event is sponsored yearly by the Club Hispano de Lakeland, established in 1987 to foster unity among families from several Latin American countries. Currently, the club has over 350 members with representation from various Latin countries. Adopting a new logo in 2009, using the City of Lakeland logo as inspiration, Hispano Club President Eduardo Tapia explained, “It is fitting we hold our event at the lake famous for its swans or ‘cisne’ (the Spanish term).” The private club is a not-for-profit 501-C3 organization that seeks to help Hispanics in need and preserve the Hispanic heritage. “We are not a milkshake; we are each unique in our own cultures, whether Mexican, Puerto Rican, Spanish, Colombian, Cuban or other countries represented in the United States that have a Latino background,” a club representative noted.

DECEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

Face Painter at festival. Photo by Cheryl Kuck

The family-oriented event featured diverse Latin foods, music, and dance. Businesses, churches and even politicians running for office all participated in the effort to promote the growing Hispanic population and raise funds for scholarships to assist students living in Polk County. During the celebration, hundreds of families picnicked throughout Barnett Family Park and had the opportunity to meet Miss Polk Latina Kristel Pabon and runner-up Alexandria Betances. “This will be one of their last appearances before a new Polk Latina queen and court will be crowned on November 24,” said Ana Rivera, president of the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Polk County. Attendees were wowed by a group of children from the Juanita Elementary School of Winter Haven who performed a variety of Mexican dances. “The children have been diligently practicing since September for this event, and we have been participating here since the first festival,” proudly announced Juanita music teacher Lois Gould. Students from Juanita Elementary in Winter Haven perform Mexican dances. Photo by Cheryl Kuck

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FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY DECEMBER 2012

LOCAL » FOCUS

MOSAIC SUPPORTS POLK COUNTY ANNUAL GOLF FUNDRAISER BENEFITS FOSTER CHILDREN CHRISTMAS ANGELS F WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON

oster care children in Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties have had their Christmases brightened for many years thanks to the Polk County Christmas Angels Foundation, and this year should be the brightest one yet, thanks to the 16th annual charity golf tournament held September 29 at Orlando’s Reunion Golf Resort.

Christmas Angels was originally established in Bartow in 1969 to bring a joyful Christmas to children in foster care and/or living in shelters. That year, thanks to the collaboration of local churches, corporations, and organizations, 100 children experienced the joy of opening a present on Christmas morning. Since then, Christmas Angels has expanded to meet the ever increasing needs of children in the foster care system throughout the years.

years. She can’t say enough about the great job Mosaic does planning the tournament. “They really work year round to get this golf tournament going. They dedicate their time and it’s always a great function that raises so much money.” This year’s tournament was the most profitable yet, raising over $45,000 for Christmas Angels and Heartland for Children. Donations earned from the tournament can help buy presents for at least 1,000 children. “We wrap all the gifts and give everything from clothing and toys, to what they’ve put

on their wish lists. Some might think that we tend to go a little overboard, but these might be the only gifts some children get for the whole year,” said Toledo.

Christmas Angels also provides gifts for children in relative or non-relative care. “Heartland for Children does a really good job trying to place children with relatives or non-relative caregivers, whether a family friend or neighbor, or someone who doesn’t want the children to be placed in a strange foster home,” continued Toledo. “So these might be families who are already stretched taking care of their own children, but have taken in additional children and don’t receive

In 1979, The Mosaic Company, located in Bartow, became involved with Christmas Angels when the facility was known as Green Bay. Previously, employees participated in a Christmas gift exchange, but at the suggestion of an employee they decided to fulfill the wish lists of children through Christmas Angels instead of exchanging gifts with each other. To raise even more money for Christmas Angels, Green Bay created a golf tournament in 1996. The inaugural tournament raised $6,500, which brought Christmas to even more children in the area. When Cargill Fertilizer and IMC Agrico merged to form Mosaic and the Green Bay facility shut down, organizers continued the fundraiser and support of Christmas Angels. “When we became Mosaic, the company asked us if we would consider adopting this tradition, and we didn’t hesitate,” says Mosaic employee Pat Copponex. “We’ve all embraced it and ran with it, and it’s basically doubled in size.” Christmas Angels Director Sandy Toledo took over the foundation in 1983 after volunteering with the organization for 12

Two weeks before Christmas, a band of volunteers jumped at the opportunity to assist a call for help! They put together 20+ bicycles and a very small Mini Cooper motorized car for the Christmas Angels group. Pictured are Sandi Toledo, her son and Chuck Jenkins. Photo by Pat Copponex

DECEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

any money from the state for doing so. We don’t want their own children to miss out on Christmas because they’re stretched financially due to the new additions, so we tell these people to spend their money on their children, and we use the funds to take care of the foster children. That way everyone has a great Christmas!” If you are interested in becoming a Christmas Angel this holiday season, you can send gifts or donations to Polk County Christmas Angels, P.O. Box 4, Lakeland, FL 33802, or contact Sandy at 863-602-1665.

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2012 Holiday Shopping Guide

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DECEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

2012 Holiday Shopping Guide

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FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY DECEMBER 2012

SantaCon

Is Coming To Town!

For the last few years, downtown Lakeland has experienced a unique event— Santacon. If you’re someone who really enjoys the Christmas season and

just having a great time with friends, this event may be for you. I recently spent some time with the organizers, Troy Covey, Krista Hakes, Jen Lysak and David Dickey, Jr. They’re a fun group to say the least. Interview by Brian West Photos Courtesy of David Dickey

DECEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

FOCUS Magazine: Tell me about Santacon. Krista Hakes: Santacon started four years ago. We were sitting in Natalie’s watching a football game and someone had heard of Santacon. Santacon is short for Santa Convention. It’s basically a fun group that gets together to spread holiday cheer in different cities all over the world. We went to our phones and started looking at photos from Santacon in places like Norway and New York. It just looked like a lot of fun with a million Santas running around the streets. So we thought it would be a great idea to have our own Santacon here in Lakeland to spread some holiday cheer. That’s where the idea came from. So we decided that in a couple of weeks we’d dress like Santa and meet downtown, grab a couple of drinks and have fun like Santa.

move to through the evening, as far as the pub crawl portion goes. Then we had to contact each of the businesses involved: Linksters, Molly’s, Hurricane Alley, etc. Hakes: I want to mention that at the first event we had about 30 people. We started playing Flip Cup. Everyone had fun, so it’s been something that we’ve kept as part of the Lakeland event. That’s where a lot of the planning comes in because everyone wants to be part of playing Flip Cup. So we have to make sure that we have the right permits in place. Jen Lysak: And the first time we played Flip Cup, we never expected it would grow to a game of 100 vs. 100. This year, it may be 400 vs. 400 if the event continues to grown like it has.

FOCUS: I know that you’ve been having regular committee meetings on Sunday afternoons for a few months now. What kind of planning goes into an event like this? Troy Covey: This year, we had to start with determining our location for the event—where we would kick it off—and then where we’d

FOCUS: Maybe it would be a good idea to explain Flip Cup. Lysak: Flip Cup is a drinking game that is ridiculously fun. There are two teams playing against each other, one team on each side of a long table facing each other. Whichever team finishes their beer and flips their cup first is the winner. We have a naughty team and a nice team.

This year, there will be so many people playing that the game will be spread out on the street. Hakes: It’s a relay game. Each person has a Solo cup with beer. The two people facing each other at one end of the table will start the game. They must drink their beer, set their cup down on the table, and then try to flip the cup using the tip of their finger until the cup lands on the table upside down. As soon as the cup lands upside down, the next person on their team must drink their beer, set their cup down on the table and then try to flip the cup. Meanwhile, everyone else is cheering them on. It’s just a lot of fun. Covey: This year, we’ll probably have thirty 8’ fold-up tables in one long row down the middle of Pine Street. There will be 400 people on one side and another 400 people on the other side. Everyone will be cheering, “Go!, Go!, Go!” It’s a lot of fun. Lysak: The Lakeland Santacon is unique this way. Instead of just doing a pub crawl, we’ve incorporated Flip Cup into it, and it draws a lot of people to the event. FOCUS: Tell me how the attendance has grown since you began. Hakes: The first year we had about 30. The year after that we had about 150. Last year we had about 350, and this year, we’re expecting at least 700-800, maybe more. FOCUS: Does the event serve as any type of fundraiser? Covey: Santacon is strickly for fun. There are so many things going on in December, and we all love charities, and we’re all involved in our community throughout the year. Around this time of year, there are so many different charity functions: Margarita Ball, the Black and White Ball, etc. We just wanted to do a fun event that was free, and everyone could just come and have fun. Lysak: And it’s nice to do something in downtown Lakeland to grow downtown. We love doing events that draw people downtown. It’s just always great to do something that will draw more people. And now we’re getting people from New Port Richey, Tampa and Orlando to attend. FOCUS: Earlier you mentioned making contact with some of the downtown businesses for the event. Covey: Last year, we held the event in Preservation Alley. Any business that touched Preservation Alley had to sign off on the event. This year, we’ve moved the event to Pine Street. Mikey Mike from The Social Life has basically pulled all of the permits, extending the insurance for us. The entire street is blocked off and will be contained with a fence going around it. Lysak: In order to shut down any street downtown, the businesses must sign off on it. It shows they’re in support of the event, and they can better prepare for the number of people we’re expecting.

of the years. Hakes: I have to say that the cowgirl costume was pretty awesome. Covey: Yeah, there was also the Redneck Santa, Polk County Chapter 863. He wears camouflage hunting pants and boots, with his jolly red jacket that has the Polk County Chapter 863 in a patch on the back of the jacket. Hakes: And he had a mullet. Covey: Yes, and he had a duck call around his neck. Lysak: There is every kind of Santa you could imagine. Hakes: We even had some Spartan 300 Santas. Covey: There was also a Roller Girl Santa. FOCUS: attireSo there really is no limit to the traditional Santa Clausea? Covey: No. Absolutely not. Everyone should feel free to be as creative as possible. Last year, we even had a Sell Your Gold Here Santa. FOCUS: So aside from the Flip Cup game and the pub crawl, is there anything else you do as part of the event? Hakes: Yes. We do a group picture around Munn Park. That’s fun. Covey: We have a 25’ inflatable slide that we used last year for each Santa to enter the event. This year, we have a really cool band, Homeland Insecurity. And we’ll be doing Christmas Caroloke. Hakes: We have someone doing caricatures. Lysak: We also have a costume contest. Hakes: The costume contest will be at Linksters. We’ll get everyone lined up and the winner will be chosen by the crowd, basically the one who gets the loudest cheers. We also have some gifts and gift certificates for the winners. The group really wanted to say thanks to Mikey Mike for all his support. They will be selling commemorative Flip Cups this year with the Santacon logo. If you’ve never attended this event, it certainly sounds like a lot of fun. Party City has recognized the event and is giving a 15% discount for items for Santacon. The event will take place on Sat., Dec. 15 from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, you can visit the Facebook event page, Lakeland Santacon 2012.

FOCUS: I understand you have a Facebook page for the event? Hakes: Oh yeah! It’s Lakeland Santacon. We actually have a fan page and an event page. The fan page is Lakeland Santacon and the event page is Lakeland Santacon 2012. The event page is where everyone gives their RSVP for the event and shows all the action, where the event is going to be and the timeline. FOCUS: Aside from Facebook, how are you getting the information out about the event? Lysak: The event has been promoted on 97 Country, 98.3, 102.5 The Bone and also The Ledger. FOCUS: Tell me about some of the more memorable costumes FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY DECEMBER 2012

BUSINESS PROFILE » FOCUS

CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES T WRITTEN BY: AMANDA FURMAGE-DECK

he most successful leaders are consistently searching for new challenges, always willing to take a risk rather than staying stagnant. It was apparent Larry Ploof felt comfortable working as Citibank’s Central Florida District Manager. For instance, while at Citibank, Ploof was a five time Chairman’s Forum Award Winner, an honor based on sales and profit bestowed upon the top 10 percent of company management. In addition, Citibank presented Ploof with the “Manager of the Year” title 10 out of his 15 years with the financial institution. Yet in 2012, the highly decorated leader was ready to confront a new test. This summer, Ploof was hired as branch manager of the new Carrington Mortgage Services office in Lakeland. “I came to Carrington because it’s a growing organization,” said Ploof. “I wanted to build a business from the ground up and learn new skills, and this gave me that opportunity. I came for the challenge.” Although Carrington has been serving the Lakeland area since 2009 from its Tampa branch, this new location allows the company to assist even more current and future homeowners in Polk County. However, the company’s mission remains the same. “We work as a team to provide home financing solutions for our customers to make the dream of home ownership a reality,” said Ploof. “As part of the Carrington family of companies, we combine the strength and stability of a national company with the personal touch of a local lender.” Led by Ploof, the team of experts at Carrington Mortgage Services can help clients apply for a loan, purchase a home, and lower rates and payments. The company offers a variety of products including conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, HomePath, Streamlined 203K, and Down Payment Assistance home loans.

DECEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

In addition to these competitively priced options, the Carrington staff believes in fast, convenient, customer-centric service. As a direct mortgage lender, Carrington erases the need for a middle man. Therefore, clients are able to interact with the same employees

INFORMATION

Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC 206 Easton Drive, Suite 104 Lakeland, Florida 33803 Direct Line: 802-310-9235 Cell: 863-680-3506 Email: larry.ploof@carringtonms.com Web: www.carringtonhomeloans.com Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

from the same company throughout the entire mortgage process, from application to close. “I believe we have the best and fastest processing and operations team, which makes mortgage transactions go smoothly,” said Ploof. “The mortgage process is usually long and horrific, but we make it manageable since we can help the customer through each and every step of the process. Our speed, availability, and communication make mortgage easy.” Apart from possessing an experienced leader and employees devoted to customer service, successful businesses engage with the community. Since its inception, Lakeland’s Carrington branch has joined the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and Lakeland Association of Realtors. Through these two organizations, Carrington has participated in several community and charity events. In addition, the branch is dedicated to educating Polk County residents. “We have been working with local colleges like Polk State and Southeastern University by participating in career orientations,” said Ploof. “Next year, we will be doing home buying seminars to educate the public on the home buying process from start to finish.” Because of the extensive product knowledge and valuable experience he gained from his time at Citibank, Ploof believes the future of Carrington Mortgage Services is bright. His goal is to expand into as many Florida counties as possible. “I hope to open more Carrington satellites and place ourselves as an industry leader in the community we serve,” said Ploof. “I have a passion for customer service, business, and providing services that help customers…This career has given me the chance to meet a lot of people, to sell good products, and to be an important part of people’s lives.”

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FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY DECEMBER 2012

a p V a N a l e l e h t y e O c n f e i T r e a p m x p E a e Bay m o C Our Tasting Room & Gift Shop is open daily until 6PM Sample all our wines for just $6. Host Your Next Special Moment at Keel & Curley Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions Showers, Parties, & Corporate Events

DECEMBER 7th Late Night Brass Christmas Don’t miss this Christmas spectacular! Late Night Brass is a High-Energy 10-piece Horn Band Specializing in Corporate Parties, Fundraisers, Weddings and Music Festivals. Providing party / dance music is the band\’s primary objective. Based out of Tampa Florida, the group takes pride in performing \”The Greatest Horn Band Hits of All Time\”. Featuring upfront a powerful 4-piece Horn Section: Saxophone, 2 Trumpets and Trombone. Back by a driving 4-piece Rhythm Section: Keyboard, Guitar, Bass and Drums. The band is led by a dynamic Male Vocalist and a fabulous Female Vocalist. Each musician is an exciting soloist with the ability to ignite the crowd. For this Christmas event the group will be adorned by lights and decorations to create a unique festival atmosphere. All ages show. Seating will be at tables and tickets will go on sale soon.

Holiday Friday Evening After Hours Wine Bar Happy Hour 6PM - 7PM Wine Tasting until 9PM Live Music 6:30PM - 10:30PM

DECEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

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A Wide Variety of Home Loans with flexible solutions for YOUR borrowing needs FHA Purchase Program Highlights

• Down payments as low as 3.5% • Credit scores as low as 600 may quality • Finance up to 96.5% of your home purchase Additional Home Loan Programs

Lawrence A. Ploof LAKELAND BRANCH MANAGER NMLS #284701, FL

802-310-9235

• Fixed 30, 20 and 15 year loans • Adjustable rate loans • FHA 203K renovation loan • VA Loans • USDA rural loans • Home refinance options • Jumbo Loans

Lakeland Branch 206 Easton Dr., Suite 104 Lakeland, FL 33803

CarringtonHomeLoans.com

© Copyright 2007-2012 Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC. headquartered at 1610 E. Saint Andrew Place, Suite B-150, Santa Ana, CA 92705. Toll Free # (800) 561-4567. NMLS Unique Identifier # 2600. Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access Web Site: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. AZ: Mortgage Banker BK-0910745; 2159 McCulloch Blvd #4, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403. CA: Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, File No. 413 0904. CO: Mortgage Company Registration # 2600 and Supervised Lender’s Licenses # 989668 and # 989668-001. To check the license status of your mortgage loan originator, visit www.dora.state.co.us/ real-estate/index.htm. GA: Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #22721. IL: Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee. KS: Kansas Supervised Loan License # SL.0000313. MN: This is not an offer to enter into an interest rate lock agreement under Minnesota Law. MS: Licensed by the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance. NJ: Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance. NY: Licensed Mortgage Banker—NYS Department of Financial Services. New York Mortgage Banker License #B500980/107664. NC: Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC is licensed under the North Carolina Agency Permit No. 102107 & 103455 and North Carolina Secure and Fair Enforcement Mortgage Licensing Act. OR: Mortgage Lender License #ML-4886. PA: Licensed by the Department of Banking. RI: Rhode Island Licensed Lender and Broker. VA: Licensed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission # MC-5382. WA: Consumer Loan License # CL-2600 & Mortgage Broker License # MB-2600. Also licensed in CT, DC, FL, ID, IN, KY, MD, ME, MI, NE, OK, SC, SD, TN, WI, WV, WY. NOTICE: All loans are subject to credit, underwriting, and property approval guidelines. Offered loan products may vary by state. There is no guarantee that all borrowers will qualify. Restrictions may apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Terms, conditions, and programs are subject to change without notice. Carrington Mortgage Services is not acting on behalf of or at the direction of HUD/FHA or the federal government. All rights reserved.

Farm Credit finances dreams large or small. Whether large or small, Farm Credit can help you achieve the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. We’ve been financing dreams for more than 90 years. Call us, we’re the experts. We provide: • Rapid turnaround • Financing or refinancing • Loans for large or small acreage • Loans on second residences

Vonda Fulwood 800-713-7550 vfulwood@farmcreditcfl.com

Loans for land, homes, & agriculture. FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY DECEMBER 2012

INFORMATION

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT » DINING PROFILE

Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 10 pm Friday and Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm Breakfast Hours Monday – Friday: 7 – 11 am Saturday and Sunday: 7 am – 12 pm Price Range: $2.99-$19.99 ($36.95 for 48 wings) Kids Menu Available Credit Cards accepted Dine In or Take Out 863-293-0077 1919 6th St NW, Winter Haven FloridinosItalianKitchen.com

Michael II and Michael Floridino Photo by: Valerie McCutcheon

FLORIDINO’S ITALIAN KITCHEN FAMILY STYLE ITALIAN IN WINTER HAVEN F WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON

loridino’s, located in Winter Haven’s Spring Lake Square, is everything an Italian restaurant should be. The owners, Michael Floridino, Sr. and his son Michael II, serve up Italian specialties from a menu they’ve spent years inventing and perfecting, and dish out generous portions to diners they treat as part of their own family. Michael Floridino, Sr. emigrated from Italy in 1971 at the age 13. He opened his first restaurant in Polk County in 1988, which operated until 2000. He later opened a Floridino’s location in downtown Winter Haven in 2008, which moved to its present Spring Lake Square spot in August 2009.

The spacious dining room has lots of windows, plenty of parking, is close to the movie theater, and has a beautiful water view from the patio, which will have an awning added soon. As is true in any Italian family, you won’t leave the Floridinos’ table hungry. We started off with two salads: the popular Antipasto Salad with chunks of ham, salami, provolone cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, pepperoncinis and black olives, and an Artichoke Chicken Salad with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and grilled chicken topped with feta cheese and house dressing (both $7.95). Every ingredient in both these salads was fresh and tasty—and with generous servings of meat in each, they’re easily a meal by themselves. The Tuscan Pasta Bowl filled with penne,

DECEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

chicken, tomatoes, mushrooms and broccoli was covered in an alfredo sauce that was the perfect combination of light and rich, providing flavor without masking the taste of the fresh veggies. This large bowl provides enough pasta for a filling meal, plus leftovers, for only $9.95. After trying some warm, pillowy, cheesy breadsticks, a generous portion for just $3.99, we sampled their number one seller, a mouthwatering treat we’ve seen nowhere else: Signature Pizza Muffins. Dreamed up by Michael II in 1988, a dozen fresh rolls are stuffed with pizza toppings and baked until the cheese is perfectly browned on top and the rolls are light and fluffy. We tried the White Pizza Muffins, filled with chicken, spinach, garlic, ricotta cheese and white sauce. Although there are enough to share, you’ll probably want to down the whole tray by yourself! Michael II is constantly experimenting with different muffin-filling combinations like spaghetti and meatballs and buffalo chicken ($8.95 to $9.95)

five months perfecting. Somehow, we made room! Covered with powdered sugar and filled with a homemade blueberry streusel, this warm treat was not too sweet and not too tart, but just right! We know it will be a great addition to their dessert menu. Their menu is extensive but not expensive. With salads, sandwiches, pastas, calzones, wings, and a variety of pizza, including a Chicago style double crust stuffed option, everything is made fresh daily.

Also not to be missed are their famous wings. Floridino’s signature sauce is a blend of sweet and hot, and their special double-fry method leaves the wings crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Wings are served traditional or boneless, and also come in hot garlic parmigiano, honey BBQ, blackened, buffalo, and HOT! HOT! HOT! Although our feast left us stuffed, Michael brought out a special sneak peek of some Blueberry Streusel Dessert Muffins he’s spent

Plenty of food at Floridino’s! Photo by: Valerie McCutcheon

Floridino’s is also home to the World’s Largest Calzone. Although not certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, Michael says that’s not what he was aiming for. “We did it three times, and always for charity. Every business needs to create a story, and this was ours.” The last record-breaking calzone they rolled out was 409’1” in 1991. With an actual kitchen set up in the streets and over 100 people putting it together, it was baked using rollers, boards, and brackets for quite the production. They plan to concoct a final record calzone soon, and their goal is around 800 feet! The Floridinos say the best part of their business is seeing the same faces visiting their restaurant. “Kids would come in with their parents 25 years ago, and now they’re grown up, married, and bringing their own children in here. We’ve been so blessed,” says Michael. Stop in any day for some filling Italian fare served in a family setting!

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175 Avenue A NW Winter Haven, FL, 33880 863-294-2300

Call 863.602.8118 and ask about our Downtown Directory.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY DECEMBER 2012

ENTERTAINMENT » EVENT CALENDAR

POLK COUNTY

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Email your upcoming event to: editorial@floydpublications.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

10 am Christmas Arts and Crafts show, tree lighting, food, music and more Central Park, Winter Haven

Lakeland’s 32nd Annual “Tis the Season” Christmas Parade 7 – 9 pm Begins at 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland 863-682-2112

» Carols in the Park

» Haines City Christmas Parade

10 am Publix Plaza East to 6th St. S. to Lake Eva Park ci.haines-city.fl.us » Glitter, Glisten and Snow

1 – 9 pm Music, games, food, Santa and snow. Fireworks at 8:30 Lake Eva Park, Haines City ci.haines-city.fl.us » When Pigs Fly South

11 am – 6 pm BBQ Contest at SUN ‘N FUN 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland sun-n-fun.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2

» Community Health Weekend –

Harvest to Home 11 am – 4 pm Art walk, silent auctions, live music, local food to raise awareness for Loving Care Fund 559 Lake Hunter Dr., Lakeland 863-409-3273 » Radio Disney Holiday Experience

1 – 3 pm Kid’s event with music, games and prizes at Lakeland Square Mall 3800 US 98 N., Lakeland 863-859-5414

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 » Sykes Job Fair

9 am – 1 pm 1144 Griffin Rd., Lakeland sykes.com » 1st Annual Meals on Wheels Golf Tournament

Registration and lunch: 11 am Shotgun start: 12:30 pm Dinner and Awards: 6 pm Raffles and live benefit auction. Individual player ticket: $90 1099 Clubhouse Rd., Winter Haven 863-299-1616

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4

» Posh Purse Party for PACE

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza benefits PACE Center for Girls in Lakeland 2525 Shepard Rd., Lakeland 863-284-2633

DECEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

» Junior League of Greater

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7

» First Friday: Cookies and Carols

6 – 9 pm Free event in downtown Lakeland downtownlakelandfl.com » Jingle Bell Rock Party

6 – 9 pm Free community fun night 1230 Southern Ave., Lakeland 863-284-4223

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9

» Victorian Christmas at Kingscliff

6 – 9 pm Friday and Saturday 2 pm Sunday Experience the holiday as it was in the 1850s $15/adults, $10/students 987 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland genevaclassicalacademy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 » Breakfast with Santa

9 – 11 am $7/kids, $6/adults 115 W. Park St., Auburndale » Lake Wales Kiwanis Christmas Parade

6 pm Historic Downtown Lake Wales lakewaleschamber.com 863-676-7278

» Lake Alfred Christmas Parade

6:30 pm Participants line up at 5:30 pm at the corner of Pomelo and Rochelle mylakealfred.com » Vincente Fernandez

8 pm King of Mexico’s traditional ranchera music 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland thelakelandcenter.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9

» 2nd Annual Art and Soul Festival

10 am – 4 pm Alternative handmade arts, crafts, music, food, and more 151 Second St. SW, Winter Haven 863-662-0968

» Lake Region YCC Winter Bridal Showcase

1 – 5 pm Meet with local leading wedding professionals $4/person online, $8 at the door 4200 Country Club Road S., Winter Haven spectacularbridesofflorida.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11

» Toys for Tots Drive and 97 Country Remote

6 – 8 pm Lakeland Square Mall Food Court Parking Lot 3800 US 98 N., Lakeland 863-859-5414 » McKeel Academy Choral Concert

6 – 8:30 pm 139 S. Florida Avenue, Lakeland 863-682-7553

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15

» Mistletoe Marketplace of Eagle Lake

Weekdays 6 – 9 pm Saturday 4 – 9 pm Arts and crafts, Santa, entertainment, food, hay rides and more 75 S. 7th St., Eagle Lake 863-293-4141

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

» Mark Forrest, International Irish Tenor, In

Concert 7 pm $15/adults, $10/children 210 W. Lemon St., Lakeland 863-682-0555

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 » Music of the Season

7:30 pm $5/students and seniors, $7/adults Harrison School for the Arts 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland harrisonarts.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 » A Lakeland Holiday

12 – 6 pm Magical experience for all ages 3800 S 98 N., Lakeland 863-859-5414 » Christmas Notes

5 – 8 pm Free music, kids’ activities and more 249 E. Church St., Bartow 863-534-3766 » Live at the Gardens Concert Series:

Wintersong by Tammerlin 7:30 pm Carols, poems, readings and songs set to the season $25 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18

» Harrison School for the Arts Winter Guitar

Concert 7:30 pm $5/students and seniors, $7/adults 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland harrisonarts.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23

» Shop ‘Til U Drop – Holiday Experience

9 am – 6 pm Free breakfast and coffee, giftbags, giveaways, live radio and more 3800 US 98 N., Lakeland 863-859-5414

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27

» Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

7:30 pm 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland thelakelandcenter.com

COMMUNITY THEATER:

A Seussified Christmas Carol December 1, 8 and 15: 7 pm December 2, 9 and 16: 2 pm Haines City Community Theater 801 Ledwith Avenue, Haines City $5/kids, $8/adults hainescitytheater.com The Nutcracker December 6: 10 am | December 8: 7 pm December 9: 2 pm Polk Theatre Lakeland 139 S. Florida Avenue, Lakeland 863-682-7553

ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS:

DECEMBER 1 – 31 Walking Winter Tours at Bok Tower Gardens Monday – Saturday: 11:45 am and 1:45 pm Sunday: 1:45 pm 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org THROUGH DECEMBER 14 9 am – 9 pm Festival of Wreaths at the Polk County History Center 100 E. Main St., Bartow 863-534-4386 DECEMBER 15 – DECEMBER 21 Lighthouse Ministries Winter Wonderland 6 – 9 pm Bounce houses, carnival games, petting zoo, live nativity Santa, arts and crafts, and more 215 E. Magnolia St., Lakeland lighthousemin.org THROUGH JANUARY 6 Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate 10 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday 12 – 5 pm Sunday $20/adults, $9/kids 5 – 12, $7/members, $6/ member kids 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

DATE AND LOCATION

Friday, February 1, 2013

FishHawk Sporting Clays 13505 Hobson Simmons Road Lithia, Florida 33547

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

Presenting Sponsor - $10,000 Lunch Sponsor - $5,000 Ammo Sponsor - $2,500 Team Sponsor - $1,000

For more information or to reserve a team, please contact the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation at (863) 292-4138 or Foundation@winterhavenhospital.org. FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY DECEMBER 2012

500 Unique Gifts Under $ 50