LKLD October 2022

Stuart timreP

latsoP

had an ACL surgery and been doing recovery and conditioning with Bond Clinic and I feel stronger everyday. I'm ahead of schedule because of the tremendous work and attention I get from the physical therapists. Bond Clinic is responsible for it and I will be forever grateful.

Letter From the Editor

Hello!

It’s a big month! The International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation World Water Ski Show Tournament will take place October 21-23 in Winter Haven. Teams from Belgium, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and US will compete. Welcome to Polk County, and good luck to all of the teams!

We wanted to celebrate 100 years of waterskiing in this issue. After all, Winter Haven is the Water Ski Capital of the World. Thank you to Dave Dershimer for taking the time to introduce us to original members of Cypress Gardens for our interviews. Thank you to Lynn Novakofski for providing us with a vintage photo of the Cypress Gardens Ski Team for our cover. Thank you to Bob Gernert for opening the Museum of Winter Haven History just for us and allowing us to look around. The vintage skis on the cover of Haven Magazine are from the museum. Thank you!

Have a great month, and I’ll see you around town!

Amy Sexson

Editor/Partner

Haven & LKLD Magazine

Winter Haven Farmers Market Destroyer Media & Marketing centralfloridatix.com

amy@destroyermedia.com

by Terrie Lobb Catering

Marty Higgenbotham

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FMA CHARLIE AWARDS

2022

Best Digital: Podcast

Best Photography: Feature Image

2021

Best Writing: Humor Best Digital: Social Media

Best Special Theme Issue

Best Writing

2020 Best Writing: Humor Best Digital: Social Media

2019

Best Writing: Feature

Best Advertisement: For a Client

Best Photography: Cover

2018

Best Design: Cover

Best Redesign

2017 Best Digital: Social Media

Office: PO Box 1607, Winter Haven, Florida 33881 863-225-8658

LKLD HAVEN is published twelve times a year by Destroyer Media & Marketing. LKLD distributes 11,500 copies a month with 8,100 mailed to homes and 3,400 copies available at select locations throughout Lakeland.

OCTOBER 2022 // VOLUME 6 // ISSUE 1

CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

LOCAL NEWS

TOP 10

WORLD WATER SKI SHOW

BARBARA COOPER CLACK HEDDON

BRENDA MITCHELL

ZANE SCHWENK

COCKTAIL

LOCAL ART = LOCAL LOVE

CHECK ME OUT ;)

POLK FOREVER

CALENDAR

SOLD HOMES

LOCAL NEWS

SOUTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL IS BEING REBUILT

Southwest Middle School is undergoing a $55.2 million reboot, with a complete ly new, two-story enclosed structure to be built in the next two years, with most of the old school scheduled for the wrecking ball once construction is finished. The new structure is being built on what were the school’s playing fields. Heavy machinery has already bulldozed areas, and fill dirt has been brought in. Once construction is complete, every thing except the physical education facility, gymnasium, and a science building will be torn down. This project is being paid for with ½ cent sales tax money and is expected to be complet ed in February 2024. It will encompass more than 183,000 square feet, essen tially creating a totally new campus for the school originally built in 1956.

PHILLIP WALKER WITHDRAWS BID FOR CITY COMMISSION

Incumbent Lakeland City Commis sioner Phillip Walker withdrew his bid to finish out his term in office after an nouncing his resignation earlier this year, effective in November, to run for the Florida House of Representatives. Walker lost that race to Jennifer Canady and later filed to be appointed as inter im commissioner, filling out the remain ing 13 months of the term. However, City Attorney Palmer Davis said Walker appears to be ineligible for another term because of the city’s term limits, and his appointment could subject the city to a legal challenge. Walker’s last day in of fice will be Nov. 6.

THE LAKELAND LIBRARY’S MAIN BRANCH REOPENED

The Lakeland Public Library’s main branch along the east shore of Lake Morton reopened its main reading room after being closed for a massive $1.89 million renovation for the last 18 months. Changes include a new HVAC system, ceilings, lighting, flooring, paint, furniture, a new collection layout — and the addition of the Exhibit Room for the History and Culture Center that features an exhibit area, spaces for his torical and genealogical searches, and donated items. The opening exhibit will feature photographs and displays of Lakeland and its founders from 1880 to 1925. Phase Two of the Main Library construction is slated to start in late September and will close the youth services area and the meeting room for major renovations. Phase Two is scheduled to take approximately three months to complete.

CCDF APPEALS POLK SCHOOLS’ POLICY ON 16 CONTESTED BOOKS

County Citizens Defending Freedom has filed an appeal to Superintendent Frederick Heid’s decision to provide parents with only an opt-out process regarding 16 library books group mem bers have complained are obscene, pornographic, age-inappropriate, or indoctrinate students. Four out of sev en School Board members voiced their preference at a May 10 meeting to keep in place the opt-out process that has been used for decades. That would mean the 16 books would remain in the libraries in which they were found in January, on shelves accessible to the students at those schools. Parents can still log into the PCPS parent portal during two specified periods each year to opt their children out of being able to check out those or any other books they specify. An opt-in process would see the books kept behind librarians’ desks and available only to children whose par ents had consented to allow access to those specific books.

LAKELAND PAYS RESPECTS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Two Lakeland natives were in the Unit ed Kingdom in mid-September and wit nessed firsthand the grief over the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Jane Stephenson Bumar and Courtney Campbell-Reich both graduated from Lakeland High School in 1985. Stephenson Bumar splits her time between Scotland and Central Florida, while Campbell-Reich lives in California and works for United Airlines. Stephenson Bumar saw the queen’s funeral procession in Edinburgh and caught a glimpse of King Charles III. Campbell-Reich left flowers and a note from Lakeland residents near Buckingham Palace thanking the queen for the pair of mute swans she donated to the city in 1957. In addition, Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse had the city’s creative services manager put together a wreath for the queen “to pay homage to the lasting impact her gen erosity has had on our community.” The lavender, gold, and cream wreath was on display in city hall’s lobby.

LAKELAND AUTHOR MAKES CHILD’S WISH COME TRUE

Quinn McBride, 5, has a new favor ite book thanks to Lakeland children’s book author and illustrator Fred Koe hler. The book “Quinn’s Monsters” was her wish through the Make-A-Wish Southern Florida foundation as she successfully battled leukemia. MakeA-Wish grants wishes to children who have or have had life-threatening ill nesses, not necessarily terminal. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators tapped Koehler, who has been a member of the professional organization for about 15 years. He in vited his artist/author friends, and they created a collection of stories for Quinn.

CITY COMMISSION HOLDS MILLAGE RATE, APPROVES

$730 MILLION BUDGET

Lakeland city commissioners voted to levy property taxes at a millage rate no higher than the current rate of 5.4323 to pay for the city’s $730 million bud get, which was also tentatively ap proved during a mid-September meet ing. In the case of the city’s tax rate, a home with a taxable value of $100,000 would pay the city $543 in taxes. The commissioners wanted to keep the millage rate low and still pay for an ad ditional 12 firefighters, a new northside fire station, and an additional 13 Lake land Police Department personnel.

CITY TENTATIVELY APPROVES FEES FOR LIBRARY AND SPORTS

The City Commission unanimously vot ed to replace 10-cents-a-day late fees for library books, replacing them with the book’s purchase price after 30 days. The panel also approved charging youth athletic organizations $10 per child per season for sports participa tion on city fields, beginning in January. Lakeland Parks and Recreation Direc tor Bob Donahay said the youth sports fee was due to the increased cost of fertilizers, agriculture and horticulture chemicals, and pesticides which keep the fields looking nice.

SALVATION ARMY EXPANDING ITS NORTH LAKELAND SHELTER

Salvation Army officials announced in September that it is doubling the amount of temporary shelter and ex tended-stay homes in its George W. Jenkins Community of Hope neighbor hood for families off Kathleen Road in north Lakeland with a $19.5 million ex pansion. Phase 2 includes 20 addition al family shelter units, four additional triplexes, 13 extended-stay Hope Homes (three-bedroom, standalone houses), a community center, and an administra tion facility. The community opened in 2015 and has served more than 2,000 people in the last seven years.

POLK RECEIVING $6.2 MILLION IN STATE GRANTS

Thirteen projects in Polk County will benefit from $6.2 million in federally funded grants that were approved by the Florida Legislative Budget Commit tee, The Ledger reported. The biggest Lakeland projects are $950,000 for the first phase of an education center at the city’s Se7en Wetlands Park and $457,500 for a life skills house at South eastern University’s school for spe cial-needs secondary students.

Patricia Kinsaul Lamb

DeGeorge Custom Frames Devilish Sweets

POLK TOP 10

CYPRESS GARDENS

POLK STATE FALL FEST

Oct. 8, 9am - 3pm at the Polk State Winter Haven campus. The event is free and open to the public with fees from craft booths going to the Polk State College Foundation to benefit the College’s deserving students. The event features family-friendly games, haunted houses, bounce houses, shows, and presentations from local law enforcement and EMS. Polk State College clubs and athletics programs will also participate.

“IT’S NOT OVER”

Talbot House Ministries’ annual fundraiser on Oct. 13, 5:30pm at Sun ‘n Fun. The keynote speaker is Tyler Merritt, actor, comedian, viral sensation, and author of “I Take My Coffee Black.” He will address the guests with “It’s Not Over: Grace, Love, and Being Bigger Than Our Mistakes.” Also includes virtual silent auction and a three-course dinner. Purchase tickets in advance. secure. qgiv.com/event/itsnotover

COMEDY SHOW

Oct. 15 at Just Dance. The Third Saturday Comedy Show is coming to you live on the third Saturday of every month. Swan City Improv will be performing two family-friendly shows, at 7:30pm and 9pm. Come see the funniest evening in Lakeland. Tickets are $10 for one show or $15 for both shows. Purchase tickets online and get ready to laugh! swancityimprov.com/shows

October 17 through Saturday, October 22, 9am to noon each day at the historic Woman’s Club Building, 660 Pope Avenue at Lake Howard Drive in Winter Haven. The Museum of Winter Haven History joins the citywide celebration of water skiing and will share special memories and memorabilia from former Cypress Gardens skiers in an exhibition called “Remembering Cypress Gardens Special Exhibit.” Free and open to the public.

DOG SEES GOD

Oct. 19 & 20 at 7:30pm. The Lakeland Community Theatre performs “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead.” An “unauthorized continuation,” the play reimagines characters from the popular comic strip Peanuts as degenerate teenagers. Drug use, child sexual abuse, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion, sexual relations, and identity are among the issues covered. Rated M. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

WORLD WATER SKI SHOW

The 2022 International Water Ski & Wakeboard Federation World Water Ski Show Tournament will be the largest tournament to date. It will be the first event to combine an Individual and Team competition. It will serve as the capstone event for the 100th anniversary of the invention of the sport of waterskiing.

Oct. 21 - 23 on Lake Silver in Winter Haven. worldwaterskishow.com

BONNET SPRINGS PARK

The Grand Opening celebration of the new Bonnet Springs Park is Oct. 22 & 23 beginning at 9:30am. This free weekend of festivities will enable the entire family to escape and explore the park. Guests will enjoy three stages, local vendors and food trucks, face painting, strolling performers, activities in nature, mascot meet and greet, and more! Check their socials and website for more info, beginning and ending times are subject to change. bonnetspringspark.com

HOCUS POCUS COMICS

Hocus Pocus Comics will be having a special reception at the Unbound Bookery on Oct 22 from 11am - 2pm in Lakeland. Come out and meet the author, buy some books and enjoy wine and light bites to celebrate the third volume’s completion. All of the volumes for “The Imaginary Voyages of Edgar Allan Poe” are available. Volume three is now available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Educators and indie bookstores can order it on Ingram. facebook.com/hocuspocuscomics

POLK AT NITE HALLOWEEN

Oct. 27 from 5-8pm at the Polk Museum of Art. An exclusive Halloween cocktail party while taking a last look at Rodin: Contemplation and Dreams. Costumes are highly encouraged as we bid farewell to this amazing exhibit in style. Enjoy beats all night long by DJ Jenks, small bites, and one beverage ticket for a craft cocktail from Red Door Lakeland. Cash bar available after free drink redemption. Purchase ticket at centralfloridatix.com.

HALLOWEEN BASH

Oct. 29, 7pm. Join Swan Brewing for a night of Halloween Fun! Guests will have no cover charge. Delicious food, spirits, and award-winning craft beer selections are available for purchase. Outdoor Seating. Best Costumes Prizes. The Florida rock band SmokePoint will perform classic and modern rock/pop hits all night. It’s the biggest party in Lakeland!

*Due to the uncertainty of COVID, please double check that the event you’re interested in has not been canceled or rescheduled prior to leaving your house.

ORLANDO TOP 10

PHANTASMAGORIA

FEAST ON THE 50

HOWL-O-SCREAM

Select nights in October at SeaWorld. Test your bravery through five haunted houses, seven scare zones, three live shows, roller coasters at night, and roaming haunts throughout the park. Try to seek refuge from the scares and grab a drink at one of five themed interactive bars. For an additional fee, you can be a VIP and get frontof-the-line access with a tour guide. This is for mature audiences only, no costumes. seaworld.com

Oct. 6-8 at the Dr. Phillips Center. Victorian Horror Troupe Phantasmagoria will bring to life the tales and poetry of Edgar Allan Poe through their storytelling, Phantastical dance, explosive stage combat, puppetry, projections, original music, and more! From the haunted words of “The Raven” to the sheer terror of “The Tell Tale Heart,” along with a selection of other whimsical, macabre, and terrifying stories and poems, you are invited to celebrate an evening of Poe’s works. drphillipscenter.org

Oct. 6, 5:30pm at Camping World Stadium. Attendees will enjoy unlimited food and drink from caterers and restaurants around Orlando. Alumni clubs from schools in the Big Ten, SEC, ACC and Big 12 (as well as B-CU, FAMU and UCF) will compete for the most spirit in the Official Alumni Village. The Kids’ Zone will have inflatable games, face painting, and more. The silent auction will have experiences and sports memorabilia up for bid. Purchase tickets in advance. campingworldstadium.com

ORLANDO MAGIC 5K

Oct. 8, 7:30am at the Amway Center. Celebrate the start of basketball season with a run to benefit the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. After the race, all participants are invited to enjoy the Orlando Magic Fan Fest on Church Street. This is fun for all ages with music, entertainment, activities, and more. The 5k and Kids’ Run also includes a ticket to an Orlando Magic game. Register at orlandoMagic5k.com.

AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL

Oct. 8, 9am-5pm. The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is the only juried fine art festival exclusively featuring Florida artists. Hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. The community-oriented sidewalk show presents visual art and live entertainment the whole family can enjoy. The festival is held in Central Park along the historic Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park. cityofwinterpark.org

“WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC

Oct. 16, 8pm at the Dr. Phillips Center. “The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour” pulls from his back catalog of 14 studio albums. Weird Al promises to deliver a different set list every night, with no two shows the same. The show will feature Yankovic’s non-parody material – the somewhat more obscure songs that are adored by his long-time fans. drphillipscenter.org

GORILLAZ

Oct. 21, 7:30pm at the Amway Center. This is the Gorillaz’s first stateside trip since 2018 and is the band’s only scheduled tour on the horizon. The world’s most successful virtual act will be brought to life by Damon Albarn and the 14-piece Gorillaz live band accompanied by Jungle, supporting the tour as special guests for their Florida dates. Purchase tickets in advance. amwaycenter.com

HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE

Oct. 21-31. The Winter Garden Halloween Experience is a familyfriendly celebration in Downtown Winter Garden. Enjoy seven nights of an outdoor animated Halloween Light Show on City Hall; a hay maze; fall- and spooky-themed photo locations, decorations, and light displays; a Spooky Caboose; a Halloween Celebration at the fall-themed Farmers Market; a Downtown Harvest Sidewalk Sale & Stroll; and more! Costumes are welcome any day. cwgdn.com

MAGIC OPENING NIGHT

Oct. 22, 7pm at the Amway Center. It’s the Orlando Magic’s Opening Night! Watch the Magic kick off their season as they take on the Boston Celtics at home. They have one more home game in October against the Charlotte Hornets on the 28th at 7pm. If you can’t make it to either game, listen to it live on the radio at WYGM 96.9FM or 740AM. Purchase tickets in advance. nba.com/magic

ZOO BOO BASH

Oct. 22, 23, 29, & 30 from 9am - 3 pm at the Central Florida Zoo. This is the perfect way for children and families to safely show off those Halloween costumes and trick-ortreat while enjoying the fun of the Zoo. The Zoo will have plenty of notso-scary decorations and activities, including trick-or-treat stations. Costumes are encouraged for all guests. All activities are included with Zoo admission. Purchase tickets in advance. centralfloridazoo.org

*Due to the uncertainty of COVID, please double check that the event you’re interested in has not been canceled or rescheduled prior to leaving your house.

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT

TAMPA TOP 10

SCREAM-A-GEDDON

UNCORKED

Select nights in Oct. at Zoo Tampa.

Family-friendly fun featuring the Swamp Witch, spooky wildlife, live shows full of magic and laughs, wicked treats, and eerie places to discover throughout the park.

Purchase tickets in advance. Entry is limited. Reservations are the only way to guarantee access. zootampa.org

Open every day in October in Dade City. Six completely terrifying haunted houses in one location. Purchase local craft beer from Chuckles or Bobo at Bonzo’s Beer Garden. Visit the Monster Midway for the food trucks, monsters around every corner, midway games, photo spots, and more. Recommended for adults and teens. You can opt-out of being touched by actors in the haunted houses. screamageddon.com

The Uncorked: Tampa Wine Fest is Oct. 1 from 7 - 11pm at MOSI. Enjoy over 100 wines and champagnes from across the globe, full afterhours access to the museum, including interactive exhibits and planetarium shows, favorite local food trucks, a DJ, and more! Early entrance available for additional fee. Food sold separately. Ages 21+ only. uncorkedwinefestivals.com

OKTOBERFEST

Oct. 7 - 9 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Three full days of a waterfront Biergarten. Festival goers are encouraged to wear their best dirndls and lederhosen! Participate in the outrageous Bavarian games, including Stein Hoisting, Keg stacking, Tug-O-War, Brat Toss, and Carry the Wench. This event supports Are You Safe, a local Tampa non-profit organization that assists domestic violence victims. oktoberfesttampa.com

LIGHTNING

The Tampa Bay Lightning are back three times in October. Watch them play the Florida Panthers at 4pm on Oct. 8. They take on the Philidelphia Flyers at 8pm on Oct. 18. Your last chance is Oct. 22 when they play the New York Islanders at 7pm. All games played at Amalie Arena. Purchase tickets in advance. amaliearena.com

BLOCK PARTY

Oct. 9, 3-6pm at the Straz Center. The Straz Center Block Party is a free, family-friendly celebration of the arts. Watch local musicians perform live music, dance, and circus, with visual art, food and drink for purchase, and more—two stages with music ranging from folk to rock. Opera Tampa will host a variety show featuring drag queens to usher in a new season at the Straz. Weather permitting. strazcenter.org

CRACK UP CANCER

Oct. 13, 7:30pm at the Tampa Theatre. This is the 15th Annual Comedy Benefit, 100 percent of net profits go to the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation. Mike Rivera has been named America’s Most Hilarious Teacher and will serve as Master of Ceremonies, followed by Al Romas. Headlining the event will be Jamie Kennedy of Scream and Malibu’s Most Wanted. fcsf.org/events

DRACULA

Oct. 19 - Nov. 13 at the Straz Center. Story by Bram Stoker, adapted by Steven Dietz. A group of Londoners attempt to stop the wicked Count Dracula as he makes his way through their city. This adaptation takes audiences on a thrilling ride enhanced by humor and daring special effects. Dracula is a sleek tale of suspense, seduction, and spectacle with neo-Victorian flair. strazcenter.org

TACO & MARGARITA

Oct. 22, noon at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Taco & Margarita Festival features tacos, margaritas, live music, live pro wrestling, a taco-eating contest, 60+ vendors to shop, and more. VIP available for additional purchase; this gets you early entry, taco & marg perks, and access to the indoor lounge. Tequila Expo area is available for an additional purchase as well. Purchase tickets in advance. tampabayfest.com

HALLOWEEN RUN

Oct. 30, 7:05am at Fort De Soto Park in St. Pete. The Halloween Distance Classic is a Halfathon, 10K, and 5K that start at North Beach. They are pure out-andback 13.1 mile, 6.2, and 3.1 mile tours of Ft. De Soto Park on paved trails and access roads. You will NOT be running on the sand. Halloween costumes are encouraged but not required. floridahalloweenhalfathon.com

WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

World Water Ski Show Tournament

No sunset or lake silhouette is more fitting than that of “The Water Ski Capital of the World” to honor the 100th anniversary of the sport. The waters of Dick Pope Sr.’s tropical haven and skiing sanctum, Cypress Gardens, were the stage for many shattered records, celebrity guests, and film and television productions throughout the years. The magic lives on as later this month, thousands of spectators and athletes the world over will descend on Winter Haven for the 2022 International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Water Ski Show Tournament.

The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team, City of Winter Haven, and Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing are partnering to host the World Show Ski Championships. International teams and individuals will compete on Lake Silver in the largest tournament to date and the first event to combine an Individual and Team competition. Competitive teams include the USA, Belgium, Germany, Canada, and Sweden, with Mexico joining as an exhibition team.

Preceding the tournament on the evening of October 18, Visit Central Florida and the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team will host a “Night with the Stars of Show Skiing’’ at Nora Mayo Hall. The red carpet dinner will honor professional show skiers.

The Opening Ceremony will be held at the original Cypress Gardens Ski Stadium at LEGOLAND Florida on Wednesday, October 19. Festivities will include a parade of athletes, welcome speeches, live music, skiing demonstrations, and fireworks.

The International Food & Drink Street Festival hosted by Main Street Winter Haven will occur the following day, Thursday, October 20, at 5:30 pm on Central Avenue in Winter Haven. Admission to the family- and dog-friendly festival is free. Attendees can expect drink tents, live music, and international food from local restaurants and vendors.

The tournament will officially kick off on Friday, October 21, at Lake Silver, with the Individual Swivel Ski event followed by Adagio Doubles. Countries new to the WWSST will join in on the Centennial Celebration of the sport of waterskiing by performing their exhibition shows on Friday as well. Saturday, October 22, all competitive teams will compete. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, October 23, with teams placed by their Saturday scores, followed in the late afternoon by the Individual Freestyle jump competition, ending with a Medal Ceremony.

For a full schedule of events and more information about the IWWF World Water Ski Show Tournament, visit worldwaterskishow.com.

CYPRESS GARDENS WATER SKI TEAM PREPARES

Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team president Mark Voisard expects between three and five thousand people at the World Water Ski Show Tournament, and he’s excited to show off the beautiful Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. He and the team have been busy making ready for the event by preparing the site. The ski team will run the Southern Hospitality tent and concession stands at the tournament, and according to Voisard, “We’ll be doing some skiing during breaks in the action at the Worlds.”

Voisard, a former Cypress Gardens show director, was instrumental in forming the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team – and keeping the legacy alive.

Mark Voisard hails from Deerfield, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. His uncle owned a resort several hours north in Eagle River, Wisconsin. When Voisard was six, someone gave his uncle a homemade boat which he outfitted with a 45 horsepower Mercury motor and got out on the water. That’s when he first learned to ski. “I had to put tennis shoes on because they didn’t have any kid’s skis,” Voisard remembered. At 16 years old in 1970, Voisard became a founding member of the Chain Skimmers Water Ski Show Team in Eagle River, Wisconsin. In 1976, the team became the Wisconsin State Champions.

After graduating college, Voisard set his sights on Cypress Gardens. He was hired to ski at the park, and when they called and asked when he could come, Voisard said he’d be there in two weeks. His first day was March 1, 1977. “We had a bunch of our guys from Eagle River come ski with us down here. My brother skied here,” he said.

“When I got here, I was focused on skiing because there was so much to learn,” Voisard said. “They were doing things already that we hadn’t even thought about doing.” Soon after arriving at the Gardens, Voisard started flying the Delta Wing Kite. “We flew two kites every show, and we had four shows a day. So, with eight chances to fly – you get a lot of flying in.” Spectators can still see Voisard fly today during Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team shows. Mark became the Cypress Gardens show director for 15 years and worked at the park for some 30 years.

In 1982, Voisard won the Men 2 National barefoot tricks and starts titles and has officiated over 30 National Show Ski Association tournaments. Voisard has officiated ten national and two world championships.

Another feat Mark and show ski champion, Cheryl Orloff, took on was the first five-tier pyramid. “Nobody had ever done it before. First of all, you have to do a double-top four-tier,” he said. The direction of the pyramid spurred advancements in safety for the skiers, including the Flo-Mo vest and the use of braided handles – both of which have been adopted by the greater water ski community. “There’s a little more safety every time we do something like that,” Voisard said. With one boat pulling another boat and a total of 17 people –they successfully performed the first five-tier pyramid.

Voisard was honored with an award of distinction by the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation in 2016.

Mark Voisard

THE SHOW GOES ON

The former show director relayed the inception story of the original ski team at Cypress Gardens. “The story goes that Dick Pope Sr. was in the army somewhere around the world, so Julie Pope, his wife, was basically running the park. Skiing wasn’t anything they normally did. The kids would come, and they’d go skiing,” he said. According to Voisard, military personnel on leave visited the park and saw the kids skiing. “They went back to Orlando and said, ‘Hey, you guys have to go to Cypress Gardens – they’re doing a ski show.’ It wasn’t actually a ski show.”

People began to ask what time the ski show was. An improvising Julie Pope told them 3 o’clock. “The kids got out of school, they got them all picked up, got them out there, and they started skiing, and that’s how it started.”

In 2011, two years after Cypress Gardens closed, USA Water Ski Hall of Fame inductee and former Cypress Gardens skier Don Thompson was honored. Former professional Gardens skiers got together to perform a ski show on Lake Silver for Thompson. The show sparked talks of starting a ski club and teaching kids to ski. Voisard remembered someone suggesting, “We’ll teach them the way they did it at Cypress Gardens so that they really do it well and continue doing it.”

Mark and his wife, Jean Voisard, began working with the City of Winter Haven in 2012 to secure Martin Luther King, Jr. Park as a home for the emerging Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team. “It took almost a year to get the whole deal worked out,” he said. Waiting on permits and a contract with the City in the works, they began forming the team. “We actually started skiing in our backyard in Eagle Lake. We brought the trailer with all the skis and a couple of boats,” Voisard said. The team started on Lake Silver later that year. “We’re very lucky. The City has been really good to us, and the County has been good to us.”

Today, the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team is a non-profit USAWSsanctioned ski team with approximately 155 members ranging in age from two to skiers in their seventies. The team makes a splash on the third Saturday of each month with their free ski shows at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on Lake Silver. Slalom, tricks, jumping, knee boarding, hydrofoil, barefoot, “In the show ski world, you kind of put all those things together. We barefoot, we hydrofoil, we jump, we fly the kite some, the girls swivel,” Voisard said. The team also offers adaptive ski clinics for those with special needs and disabilities.

There will not be a Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team show on the third Saturday of October because of the World Tournament. But don’t miss their Halloween show! The nighttime show promises tons of spooky fun, from a skeleton pyramid to ghouls, wolfman, and a “Thriller” performance.

The legacy continues as the team carries the Cypress Gardens torch – and its billowing namesake flags. Just as Dick Pope did with his theme park, the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team invites visitors to imbibe sunshine, fresh lake air, and the glamour and athleticism of a sport entering its centennial.

Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team

www.cypressgardensskiteam.com

FB: Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team (est. 2012)

IG @cypress_gardens_ski_team

Free shows on the third Saturday of each month: Lake Silver at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park

275 S Lake Silver Dr., Winter Haven

One Hundred Feet or Bust

Champion Skier Barbara Cooper Clack Heddon

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. You practice hard, you work hard, you give it all you’ve got.” That is what champion competitive water skier Barbara Cooper Clack Heddon learned during her thirty-year career. It was a lesson she first had to learn on Christmas Eve, 1956.

Heddon was 13 when she learned to ski at the Sump on Lake Hollingsworth. “My uncle got a boat and invited us all down to ski,” she remembered. “I told my dad, ‘I want to be good at this one day.’” Her dad, Charles “Charlie” L. Cooper, told her he’d give her every opportunity to succeed at it.

“My parents were extremely supportive of whatever I did,” Heddon said. They became so involved in tournaments that her mother would keep scores and post them from judges after the skiers performed. “My mother also skied in the Lakeland ski shows for a little bit, and my daddy would drive the boats for the shows,” she said.

When her father took her to the lake on December 24, 1956, to learn to jump, Barbara’s initial attempts were a bit choppy. Try after try – 25 tries actually –she would approach the jump and let go of the rope. The twenty-sixth try was the charm as Barbara held onto the rope and landed her first jump. That was the watershed event to what would be a legendary skiing career.

It was at 13 years old that Heddon set two goals: to be the first woman in the world to jump 100 feet and to represent the United States in the World Water Ski Championships. On her life jacket and skis, Heddon would write a reminder of her goal, “100 feet or bust.”

Two years after that tenacious twenty-sixth jump, Heddon would go on to set a new Girl’s record for jumping 84 feet. She excelled at slalom and trick skiing, but jumping was her true passion. “Jumping I just loved because I loved soaring through the air,” she said.

In 1957, Heddon won her first All American Junior Dixie competition at Cypress Gardens. Owner Dick Pope Sr. told her dad that he’d like Barbara to work at the Gardens. Mr. Cooper agreed, contingent that she be chaperoned at all times. Mr. Pope said he’d take good care of Barbara. “And he did,” Heddon said.

The 16-year-old skier started working at Cypress Gardens in 1959 and skied there until 1966. “Mr. Pope Sr. was the ultimate of entertainment. He wanted to always have the best shows and was a fabulous promoter of Cypress Gardens,” Heddon said. The entertainment aspect was her favorite part of working at Cypress Gardens. “To be able to go out and perform and do your best and be applauded for it,” she said. Heddon said her experience at Florida’s first theme park was great and credited it for launching her onto television programs like “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “To Tell the Truth,” “Who Do You Trust?,” and “What’s My Line?”

During her senior year in high school, Barbara entered the Miss Lakeland pageant. Mr. Pope was her sponsor for the contest and even helped produce a video of her waterskiing skills for the talent portion. Following in her mother Evelyn’s footsteps, who won the same pageant in 1936, Barbara was crowned Miss Lakeland. “It was a blast,” she said. She went on to compete in the Miss

Tara Crutchfield

Amy Sexson

Photo provided

Photo provided

Florida pageant. Heddon said, “You would think it would be kind of cutthroat, but it wasn’t. The girls were so cordial and so sweet. I was basically the youngest one in the pageant. We would talk about the future and what’s going on, where are you going, what do you want to do in life?”

Where was Barbara Heddon going in life? The better question would have been, ‘how high?’ She met her first goal and became the first woman to soar 100 feet at the 1964 Florida State Open. “The next week, Dicksie Ann Hoyt jumped 100 feet, so I thought, ‘Whoa, I didn’t make that by much,” she said.

In 1963, only a few months postpartum with her son Scotty, Heddon claimed the women’s national overall title. “It was exciting because I hadn’t been able to train for that year and then got back into skiing for a month or so and went to the Nationals,” she said. She traveled to Long Beach, California, for the competition. “I thought, ‘Okay, I’m back.’”

Two years later was perhaps the most triumphant moment of Heddon’s waterskiing career when she led all three events, winning the Masters Cup. “Winning all three events at the Masters Water Ski Tournament and being the first woman to do that – I was ecstatic about it,” she said.

The second goal that 13-year-old Barbara Heddon had made would be met in 1965 when she earned a place on the United States Water Ski Team. She traveled with them to compete in the World Water Ski Championships in Australia, where she won the women’s slalom title. “It was very exciting. Australia is a beautiful country, and they so welcomed everybody,” she said of her time in the land Down Under.

Their time in Australia wasn’t all waterskiing for the team. Barbara remembers her teammate, Liz Allen, “We bought her first bikini bathing suit because bikinis over here weren’t quite in yet, but they were in Australia.” Asked if she also bought a bikini there, she hesitated, laughed, and said, “I did. […] It covered up a lot more than they do now.”

In 1969, Heddon reached new heights as a flight attendant for United Airlines. Her time on the water wasn’t over yet, though. She set another women’s record by jumping 111 feet in the 1971 Masters and won the slalom and jumping in the National Championships the same year. Barbara Cooper Clack Heddon was inducted into the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.

Heddon obtained her Florida Real Estate License in 1982 and was a broker with her own company, Southern Investment Realty, by 2004. “I fell in love with it the minute I started it,” she said. “I just love seeing people fulfill their dreams and buy their dream homes.” The celebrated water skier is now semiretired from real estate after selling her business three years ago. Though no longer a broker, Heddon continues to help folks fulfill their dreams as an agent for Century 21 Myers Realty.

Of all the records set, competitions won, and homes sold, Heddon notes her proudest moment was the 2007 induction of her son, Scotty Clack, into the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Hall of Fame.

Scotty Clack is credited with developing freestyle jumping into a competitive event. He competed in the freestyle jumping event on the professional tour for 16 years and boasted a 10-0 record in 1985. Like his mother, he began his show skiing career at Cypress Gardens, where he performed for 18 years, serving as show director from 1995-1998. During his career, Clack performed for the president of Beirut, the Queen of England, and King Hussein of Jordan five times. His waterskiing talents took him to Hollywood, where he did stunts on the movies “Meatballs” and “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3.” Clack went on to serve as the director of operations for World Sports & Marketing from 2001-2004.

Heddon and Clack were the first mother and son to both be inducted into the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Hall of Fame.

The champion water skier remains close with her fellow skiers. “It’s a family –waterskiing is just a big family,” she said. “The Cypress Gardens Ski Team has done a wonderful job of keeping the integrity of the sport and skiing like the Gardens used to have.”

Asked if she’d be attending the IWWF World Water Ski Show Tournament, Heddon replied she’d be there. She even signed up as a volunteer for the event. “I wouldn’t miss that for the world – no pun intended,” she smiled.

Photo provided

Accounts of Cypress Gardens

Aquamaid Brenda Mitchell

From charming guests as a Southern Belle to awing audiences as an Aquamaid at Cypress Gardens, Brenda Mitchell sat down with Haven to share stories of an iconic time in Central Florida history. Citrus was booming, “Mr. Florida” Dick Pope Sr. was operating a star-studded theme park, and Winter Haven was forging its designation as the Water Ski Capital of the World. Eclipsed only by “Mr. Florida” himself, images of beguiling Southern Belles and Aquamaids arm-in-arm smiling to the camera remain ambassadors of an era – pre-Disney emissaries of entertainment.

Born in England, Brenda Mitchell considers Australia – where she moved as a child – home. She learned to snow ski before hitting the water. In Melbourne, Australia, there was a snow ski resort with a weir at the bottom. She and her friends would often snow ski and water ski on the same day. “We’d have bonfires there. It was fun,” she said.

During a trip from England to Australia, Mitchell traveled to the sun-drenched skiing sanctuary that was Cypress Gardens. She met the park’s founders, Dick and Julie Pope. They asked if they could photograph her and if she would like to work with them at the Gardens in the future. She took a raincheck and returned to Australia, where she hosted a television program called “The Children’s Adventure Club.”

In 1961, a 21-year-old Mitchell did come back to Winter Haven. Her previous ballet training gave her a leg up working at the Gardens. “If you’ve got some training in something, you know what to expect. It’s going to be hard work until you get it right, and not only are you pleasing yourself – you’re pleasing your director or the people watching the performance,” Mitchell said.

GLITZ AND GLAMOUR AT THE GARDENS

There was a buzz at Cypress Gardens, a hum of excitement – something in the water. The thrill of water ski shows, movie stars, and tourists the world over. Mitchell described it as a fun place to work. Whether shooting a film like “Easy to Love” or a television program like “The Johnny Carson Show” or “The Mike Douglas Show,” “It was evolving continually,” she said. The water skiers were involved with production too. “If you worked on it, you had an edge over someone who had never been involved and didn’t understand you hurry, hurry, hurry, and wait, wait, wait. That’s how it works.”

During one production, Mitchell did a stint with Van Johnson skiing around the islands on Lake Summit. “I was to get into his arms which means I step on his ski, but he has to let go of the rope for me to get over. If they could have heard what he said – he used words normal to our ears now, beginning with ‘F’ about the drivers and the waves. […] I said, ‘Just smile!’”

It wasn’t all dazzling shows and movie shoots at Cypress Gardens. “We had to do everything in those days,” she said. “Sometimes we taught the Southern Belles how to ski.” The summer was when they did most of their training, as winters tended to be prime for tourism in Central Florida.

Brenda and the other Cypress Gardens water skiers also helped prepare for the arrival of special guests. She remembers one of the other girls going to Belk’s to buy bed sheets, Julie Pope going room to room, dropping them off, and Brenda making up the hotel room beds. But if work took too long, Brenda said Mrs. Pope was the kind of person to say, ‘Oh no, you’re going to be late. Call your husband and have him come over for dinner. Sylvester will pick him up.’

A notoriously gracious hostess, Julie Pope would seek Brenda’s English sensibilities when preparing for European guests at Cypress Gardens, asking how they might like their tea and if Brenda could help her set it up. “She was someone who was so warm and made you feel good that you had something to contribute,” Mitchell said.

Brenda was so close with the Cypress Gardens founding family that Dick Pope Sr. gave her away at her wedding. “He was the kindest, kindest person and such a gentleman,” she said. “Julie Pope had a reputation of being the strength behind them.”

In the last years of Mr. Pope’s life, Brenda remained close to him, regularly visiting him at his home. “I could finish a lot of his sentences for him knowing the things that he did and the things that he liked, and that made me feel good as well as him,” she said. “They were just wonderful.”

WORDS Tara Crutchfield PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Photographer Jerry Imber, Cypress Gardens

Brenda Mitchell skiing with Dave Dershimer

SWAN ON THE CHAIN OF LAKES

“We were all so close-knit,” Mitchell remembered. She stayed in supervised housing, as did many other non-Floridian Cypress Gardens water skiers. “It was like being in college and having roommates, and we all had a similar goal.”

Admittedly not much of a gymnast, Mitchell shied away from tricks but shined when it came to swivel skiing. “Everybody had something that they could contribute, and the show staff was bright enough to understand to make use of the talent you have,” she said. “We were the premier ballerina of that show. We called it ‘Swan,’” Mitchell said. And just like any prima ballerina, “The longer your arms are and the longer your legs are, the prettier you look.”

“Was it glamorous? Well, we had to wear more makeup because when you’re on the water, your face would look blank if you didn’t have red lipstick and eyelashes that showed up,” Mitchell said.

The former Aquamaid reflected on the current Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team, which puts on a free show at Lake Silver on the third Saturday of each month. The glamour on the water is more now, she said. “We wore lots of bright colors, but not sequins.” The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team does a whole ballet line in unison. “What I used to do that was special is every day now, but that’s progress — that’s life,” Mitchell said.

While working at Cypress Gardens, the Aussie Aquamaid even got to ski with King Hussein at his seaside estate in the Jordanian city of Aqaba. It was skiing doubles with a hint of danger for Mitchell and her party while they visited the king. “There was a minefield between the hotel in Aqaba – the Gazelle Club – and his property that we had to be walked through when we were staying there,” she said. Mitchell remembers skiing the glittering blue water of the Gulf as jets zoomed overhead.

From Jordan, she went back to Australia and joined a synchronized swimming team. “That was a feat for me because I’m not really a super swimmer at all. I said, ‘Just keep me in the shallow end,’” Mitchell smiled, still glamorous as ever. She noticed that everyone having the same swimsuit and cap lent consistency to their performance. She brought that idea back to Winter Haven and asked if they could start doing something similar with costuming at the Gardens.

The Cypress Gardens water skier wore many costumes throughout her career, from mermaid at Florida’s first theme park to Tinkerbell in a ski show at “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Mitchell remembered that Jantzen sponsored the water skiers at Cypress Gardens for swimwear. The girls’ swimsuits had molded cups. After one wash, the cups were all over the place. “The male skiers would say, ‘You’ve got a little malfunction,” she laughed. “Well, great!” While cleaning out her closet recently, she found her favorite costume – a black number with diamonds and a proper ballerina tutu paired with long white gloves.

Cypress Gardens was home to Brenda Mitchell until 1984 and was the backdrop for many life events, often narrated by the voice of their announcer. The announcer said, “Brenda is a new mother today!” as she took to the water the day she adopted her daughter Mandy. During her later years at the park, Brenda said, “The announcer would sometimes say, ‘And now we have the oldest living Aquamaid,” Brenda laughed. “You can leave the old out! Experienced maybe? But you don’t have to say old.”

Though she no longer water skis, Mitchell still takes to the snow ski slopes. “I think the more you keep skiing, the younger you feel.”

Photo Courtesy of the Museum of Winter Haven History Postcard of Brenda Mitchell as a Southern Belle at Cypress Gardens

WORDS Tara Crutchfield PHOTOGRAPH Photos Provided

Wakeboarding Great Zane Schwenk Passing the Handle

A waterskiing and wakeboarding legend turned towed water sport exponent, Zane Schwenk got his start in a unique after-school program. The Sarasota native said casually, “I was in a circus as a kid, which was weird and fun.” The young adrenaline junkie dove into acrobatics, the flying trapeze, and the teeterboard, and by 12 years old, he had a 12-foot unicycle. Nothing too crazy happened at the circus, Schwenk said, well, except for that one time four lions chased him in South America.

He flipped and flew in the circus from third grade until the tenth. That’s when he told his dad he wanted to join the water ski club. Schwenk started skiing at age three. The sport was a family affair. Blood may be thicker than water, but water seemingly runs in the Schwenks’ veins. Zane’s brother Tripp went on to swim at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, winning a gold medal in the medley relay and a silver in the 200-meter backstroke. “We had a very aquatic upbringing,” Zane said.

By tenth grade, he would ski four to five days a week. “In Sarasota, it’s not easy to do that. It’s an hour and a half of cleanup afterward with the boat and taking care of stuff – but it was good. You learn a lot of responsibility,” he said.

Schwenk began competing and made it to the water ski nationals in Wisconsin. “Mark Jackson interviewed me and gave me my first chance of getting any real notoriety,” he said. That landed the water skier his first sponsorship from Connelly Skis out of Washington state. Shortly after, they asked Schwenk if he wanted to try out their wakeboard. The sport hadn’t yet gained widespread popularity, and Schwenk didn’t know what it was. “They looked like a surfboard. […] This was like a bungee cord over the top of your feet, and then go try to do some flips. It was really crude,” he remembered.

He tried out the wakeboard but continued skiing, improving his freestyle jumps. “Crashes were fun and obscene – that was a cool thing to do,” he said. Schwenk eventually got so good at freestyle jumping that he would become the first and, to this day, only person to land a double front flip ski jumping.

Schwenk joined Cypress Gardens in 1993, where he would then travel on the weekend for tournaments across the country. “One of the coolest things that happened at Cypress Gardens for me was I was encouraged to try new things,” he said. Schwenk remembers attempting that double front flip off the ramp there, a feat he’d hoped to accomplish since the ninth grade. “You get beat hard – it really is painful. You’re going about 110-115 feet, hitting the ramp at 40 plus miles per hour, trying to do two flips and land, and you can’t see the landing. It’s crazy,” he said.

One of the skiers at Cypress Gardens encouraged him to try the jump again as the owner of the park, August Busch, was on the dock. “I came whipping around – I tried it, I made it. I was super excited.” About a week later, he

received a handwritten letter extending a sponsorship from Cypress Gardens. They wanted to help Schwenk achieve his dreams. “I came from a hardworking family. I moved over here with like 300 bucks – that was it,” he said. Now he had a full sponsorship to go out and compete. “It was the break I really needed.”

He continued skiing while ramping up his wakeboarding career, competing in both. “Wakeboarding really didn’t want to identify with waterskiing. It was like two factions happening at the same time, on the same lake, at the same events, but the wakeboarders were kind of the red-headed stepchild for a while,” Schwenk said. “Very much like extreme sports, [wakeboarder’s thought] we’re going to adapt. We’re not going to be the establishment, we’re going to do something different, we’re going to be flexible. […] I’m still very passionate about waterskiing, and I’m so happy to come full circle –waterskiing and wakeboarding coexist really well together now.”

His circus background also lent itself to the stunts Schwenk went on to master and even name. “There was a group of probably five or ten of us all learning these tricks and going, ‘Hey, I learned a new trick! I’m going to bring you a VHS tape of it, and I want to call it this.’ And you’d get that to the magazine as fast as you could because your buddy in Orlando was probably trying the same thing. So, you got to name a few tricks, claim a few tricks.”

Schwenk skied with his buddy Parks Bonifay who he called a wakeboarding “phenom.” At just 14, Bonifay won the inaugural wakeboard competition at the X Games. “I’m 20, and he’s 14, and we’re just learning new tricks left and right, and I’m feeding off this kid who’s six years younger than me who’s going to kick my butt,” Schwenk laughed.

Like Bonifay, Schwenk garnered legendary status as a pro tour wakeboarder, medaling in the X Games and winning the 2000 America’s Cup, Australian X Games, French X Games, and other pro events. The 2000 America’s Cup was a special event for the wakeboarder. “I traveled so much that I didn’t get to see my family a whole lot, but my dad was with me for that one, so that was really cool,” he said.

His record-setting career earned him the title “World’s Greatest Water Skier” in 1999 at Cypress Gardens. Schwenk also worked with high-performance boat manufacturer Mastercraft to design the first wakeboarding boat, the XStar, as well as wake surfing systems. He worked with Mastercraft for over twenty years, even hosting their video series, “Rewind.”

In March of this year, Zane Schwenk, alongside fellow wakeboarder Tara Hamilton-Wynne, was inducted into the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame.

Reflecting on his career, Schwenk said, “As cheesy as it sounds, outside of all that – I had a lot of fun times – but getting to teach people and encouraging the next generation of wakeboarders and kids and skiers to get out there and promote the sport – that to me has been the greatest thing I could have done.”

Schwenk started the Pass the Handle initiative in 2014 with fellow wakeboarding legend Shaun Murray. The program encourages “any towedwater sports enthusiast to get out on the water and extend their arm to people in need of an awesome activity,” according to www.passthehandle.com. “Our goal is to truly engage those already involved to “share the stoke” and teach as many people as they can to ride.”

Schwenk called the initiative his “driving passion” in recent years. “We’ve got a lot of wonderful athletes focused on doing double flips and all these cool things, but you didn’t get to do a double flip if you didn’t learn how to get up.” Pass the Handle promotes accessibility to help more people get out on the water and ‘learn how to get up.’

“We challenged [those already in watersports] to take somebody new. Go to your church, go to your school, go to your neighbor, and get them out on the water and help expose the sport to somebody else. That’s been really successful,” Schwenk said.

Calling the Chain of Lakes our “greatest resource,” Schwenk is also avid about promoting safety on the water. “I don’t sound like the guy from the mid-90s who was doing crazy stuff,” he said, “but we’ve got to promote safe boating.” With more boats on the water, he encourages boaters to keep aware of their surroundings and guard the throttle. “Use common sense – like If you’re on a pontoon boat, don’t sit on the front of the pontoon boat while it’s going and drag your feet in the water. I see that every weekend.”

Schwenk now lives in Winter Haven with his wife Lauren and their kids, five-year-old Stone and eight-year-old Stella, and has taken the marketing skills learned with Mastercraft to work as Director of Marketing and Media at Oakley Transport. Stone and Stella are getting an “aquatic upbringing” similar to his own, already learning to ski and wakeboard. Asked if he sees his kids breaking any of his records in the future, he smiled and said, “I hope they break my school records which will be easy for them to do, I think.”

Numerous knee surgeries and previous wakeboarding injuries keep the Winter Haven wakeboarding great from being on the water as much as he’d like. Schwenk said, “You just can’t keep doing that forever, but if you can leave a lasting mark on a sport, that’s what I wanted to do, and I feel pretty good about that.”

GO Wild IN THE Gardens

Discover a wilder side of Bok Tower Gardens this fall as Florida’s native wildflowers come to full bloom. Explore the biodiversity found along the beautiful trails of the Pine Ridge Preserve or take a comfortable stroll through the historic Olmsted gardens.

FALL WINE WALK

OCTOBER 15 | 2 P.M. - 5 P.M.

Sip, sample and stroll through the Gardens while sampling 12 wines from exciting New World destinations including California, South Africa, Washington, New York, and Argentina.

CONCERT UNDER THE STARS SERIES

A co-production of the Lake Wales Arts Council and Bok Tower Gardens, enjoy amazing music, starlit nights, and the beautiful Oval Lawn for a truly unique concert experience.

HAYES CARLL

NOVEMBER 11

WILLIE WATSON

NOVEMBER 18

TOWER BOULEVARD

863-676-1408

WALES,

Green Ghost

4 ounces gin

1 ounce Chartreuse

1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

In a cocktail shaker add ice, gin, Chartreuse, and lime juice.

Shake until well chilled. Strain into two cocktail glasses.

Optional garnish with lime. Please drink responsibly. 21+

WORDS Daryl Ward

Local Art = Local Love

Perhaps my favorite part of my job as the Executive Director for the Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance is that I get to evangelize about the amazingly diverse arts and cultural opportunities that exist in Polk County. I’ve had numerous conversations over the years in which someone maligns Polk County as a rural “nothing to do here” place - to which I learned to respond, “Nothing to do here? Do you live under a rock?” While we may not have the quantity of arts and cultural offerings as our larger brethren to the east and west, Polk County is far from a cultural wasteland. And since October is National Arts & Humanities Month, it makes sense to make it hyperlocal by zooming in on the cultural offerings right here in our own backyards. We should strive to do more than just appreciate arts and culture. Instead, we should experience it. You can find web links to the places listed below here: polkarts.org/nahm.

TAKE A CLASS

Consider getting out of your comfort zone by learning something new. And don’t worry if you think you won’t be any good at it. Kurt Vonnegut, the renowned American author put it rightly when he said, “Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.” So here are a few local opportunities to grow your soul:

Basket Making - For October, Marcia Morse Mullins of the Bartow Art Guild is offering a three-week course on pine-needle basket making.

The Art of Palm Painting - Learn how to paint on palm fronds down in Frostproof at Florida Wildflower Studios.

Acting and Singing Classes - Think you’re the next Hollywood star? Consider Karissa Barber’s Acting For Film Classes in November. Or how about perfecting your musical theatre chops with a vocal lesson from Broadway Beginnings’ founder, Elizabeth Burton? You can even learn the art of improv with Out of the Box Improv at the Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven.

Beginning Pottery - Ever wanted to “throw a pot?” Then check out the Lake Wales Art Council’s Beginning Pottery Wheel classes.

Acrylic Painting - Get in touch with your inner Van Gogh by taking a painting class from renowned nature painter, Stephen Koury.

PURCHASE A MEMBERSHIP OR SUBSCRIPTION

You can directly support local arts and cultural organizations by buying season subscriptions or membership. When you do this, not only do you have access to their offerings, but if for some reason, you’re unable to attend one of the events, the organization still benefits from your patronage.

The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College - Support Polk’s art museum by becoming a member. You’ll get access to special members’-only events as well as discounts on purchases.

The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra - By purchasing a season subscription, you’ll guarantee yourself a seat to hear Polk’s only professional orchestra.

All The World’s A Stage - Buy a season ticket package from Theatre Winter Haven or Lakeland Community Theatre to experience LIVE local theatre.

Bok Tower Gardens - When you purchase a membership to the historic Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, you’re giving yourself a ticket for year-round beauty.

Festival of Fine Arts - Florida Southern College’s Festival of Fine Arts is an annual event series featuring dance, music, theatre, and visual arts offerings.

TAKE A CULTURAL TOUR

Perhaps less publicized than other arts and cultural offerings, Polk County abounds with intriguing historical or architectural tours - many of which are self-guided so you can move at your own pace.

Old Polk County Courthouse - Visit the Polk History Center which now occupies the site of the iconic Polk County Courthouse, to get an architectural tour of the 1920-era building and learn more about its history.

Citrus Label Tour - Sponsored by the Davenport Historical Society, you can learn more about the art of citrus (and Polk’s past) by checking out Citrus Labels found throughout Polk County.

Frank Lloyd Wright Tour - Check out the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world at Florida Southern College.

Frostproof Heritage Trail - Enjoy a peek into Frostproof’s historical past on this small-group tour.

VISIT A MUSEUM

Florida Air Museum - Visit the Florida Air Museum to see the world’s largest collection of Howard Hughes memorabilia and artifacts.

Lake Wales History Museum - Noting that “every town has an important history to celebrate,” the Lake Wales History Museum offers a glimpse into the past of one of Polk’s oldest communities.

Florida Children’s Museum - Though it doesn’t open at its new location until early November, the Florida Children’s Museum located at the beautiful (and new) Bonnet Springs Park offers our youngest residents engaging opportunities to learn and play.

The Mulberry Phosphate Museum - This museum, which features an actual rail car, will teach you why Mulberry, Florida was once known as the “Phosphate Capital of the World.”

The African American Heritage Museum

- The African American Heritage Museum, located in downtown Bartow, is a place where visitors can learn about the rich and diverse experiences of being a person of African American descent in Central Florida.

BUY LOCAL ART

One of the best ways to celebrate the arts and humanities is to support the artists who create the art - and what better way to do that than by purchasing local art. You can visit these locations to see and purchase artwork.

Mitchell’s Coffee House - This Lakeland landmark eatery fills its walls with rotating exhibits from local artists.

Florida Wildflower Studios - This gallery in downtown Frostproof offers an eclectic variety of local arts and crafts.

Pressed Books - Housed in an independent bookstore in downtown Lakeland, Vakti Gallery offers visitors a rotating selection from Central Florida Artists.

Winter Haven Farmers Market - Taking place every Saturday in Downtown Winter Haven, the market features more than fresh meat and produce. It also has many artisan vendors who offer art and craftwork items.

Mulberry Cultural Center - In addition to offering art classes and exhibitions of artists’ work, the Mulberry Cultural Center also sells the work of the featured artists.

BE A PATRON

Perhaps the most important way to celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month is to just go and get your art on! If there’s one thing we learned during the pandemic, it was that we need art and culture in our lives. The opportunity to gather together and experience live music or live theatre (or live comedy, or live art - you get the picture) is one that we can no longer take for granted. And many of our local arts and cultural opportunities are free or lowcost so there’s no reason not to be a patron of the arts. After all, that’s what October’s all about - that and pumpkin spice everything.

Follow the Polk Arts & Culture Alliance on Facebook and Instagram @polkartsandculture to see more local arts and culture with “31 Days of Local Arts & Culture.”

Check Me Out ;)

THE HACIENDA by Isabel Cañas

In the aftermath of the Mexican War of Independence and the execution of her father, Beatriz accepts Don Rodolfo Solórzano’s proposal of marriage and is whisked away to his remote country estate where she is faced with a malevolent presence linked to his first wife’s death.

WHAT MOVES THE DEAD by T. Kingfisher

When he receives word that his childhood friend Madeline Usher is dying, retired soldier Alex Easton races to the House of Usher. There, after he encounters a nightmare of fungal growths and possessed wildlife, recruits a British mycologist and a baffled American doctor to unravel the truth.

THE DEVIL TAKES YOU HOME by Gabino Iglesias

Agreeing to one final job— hijacking a cartel’s cash shipment before it reaches Mexico, hitman Mario, to salvage what’s left of his family, travels across the border and back. The two other men he’s with have hidden motivations that are laid bare alongside nightmarish encounters that defy explanation.

Compiled by the staff of the Lakeland Public Library 100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland

Larry R. Jackson Branch

1700 N Florida Ave, Lakeland lakelandgov.net

SHUTTER

by Ramona Emerson

A forensic photographer working for the Albuquerque police force, Rita Todacheene, sees the ghosts of crime victims who point her toward the clues the other investigators overlook. She gets caught in the crosshairs of one of Albuquerque’s most dangerous cartels when a furious ghost sets her on a path of vengeance.

SHOCK VALUE

by Jason Zinoman

This book traces the achievements of such influential counter-culture directors as Wes Craven, Roman Polanski and John Carpenter, describing how they incorporated modern politics and gritty realism into such classics as “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” to reinvent the horror film genre in the 1970s.

WAKE THE BONES by Elizabeth Kilcoyne

After dropping out of college, nineteen-year-old Laurel Early returns to her uncle’s tobacco farm. There she encounters a monster as well as her mother’s ghost, and soon Laurel realizes that she must tap into her own innate magic to save everyone she loves.

ALL THE WHITE SPACES by Ally Wilkes

An Antarctic expedition led by James “Australis” Randall must take to the land after disaster strikes and they find themselves fighting a supernatural force in addition to the isolation and freezing darkness of the Polar nights.

SERWA BOATENG’S GUIDE TO VAMPIRE HUNTING by Roseanne A. Brown

Staying with her hippie aunt and cryptic-obsessed cousin in Nowheresville, Maryland, after a witch destroys her family’s home, 12-year-old vampire slayer Serwa must prepare for the biggest battle of her life, while also dealing with mean girls and algebra.

THE PALLBEARERS CLUB by Paul Tremblay

A volunteer pallbearer for poorly attended funerals, Art Barbara, a 17-year-old loner in the 1980s, meets a cool girl who has an obsessive knowledge of strange, terrifying things that he tries to make sense of years later while writing a book that she begins making cuts to.

CREEPY CRAYON by Aaron Reynolds & Peter Brown

In his newest eerie encounter, Jasper Rabbit, who is NOT doing well in school, stumbles upon a pointy, perfect purple crayon who wants to help him. Things take a sinister turn when the purple fiend tries to take over his life.

WORDS Tara Crutchfield PHOTOGRAPH Photos Provided

Polk Forever

Have you ever wandered the boardwalk at Alligator Alley in Circle B Bar Reserve or admired the overhead canopy reflected on the still blackwater during a hike through the Peace River Hammock? If so, you have benefited from the Polk County Environmental Lands Program.

On November 8, 1994, Polk County citizens voted in favor of levying a tax on themselves to fund a local environmental lands program. “The purpose of the Environmental Lands Program is to acquire, preserve, protect, manage and restore endangered and environmentally sensitive lands, water resources and important wildlife habitat. Acquired properties may be used for passive outdoor recreational purposes provided that such uses will not disturb or degrade the environmental quality for which the site was acquired,” according to polknature.com.

Properties protected by the Environmental Lands Program in Polk County include Circle B Bar Reserve, Gator Creek Reserve, Marshall Hampton Reserve, Sherwood L. Stokes Preserve, Crooked Lake Prairie, Hickory Lake Scrub, North Walk-in-Water Creek, SUMICA, Crooked Lake Sandhill, Lakeland Highlands Scrub, and Peace River Hammock.

These preserved wilderness areas have provided the community with rich recreational opportunities, protection of water resources and wildlife habitat, and been a boon for eco-tourism in the county.

Though the initial levy expired in 2015, the issue will be on the ballot again this November thanks to Polk Forever, a nonpartisan political committee of volunteers who share a passion for conservation. The committee’s initial goal was to get a referendum on the ballot this November. With that accomplished, their aim is the passage of the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Referendum on November 8, 2022.

According to Polk Forever, the purpose of this referendum is “To continue the work begun by the 1994 voter-approved referendum that created the Polk County Environmental Lands Program. If approved, funding will be dedicated to purchase and conserve the environmentally sensitive lands needed to protect our county’s water resources and wildlife habitat. Lands can be purchased outright or protected by conservation easements. The goal is to expand, buffer, and connect existing preserves and wildlife corridors and provide citizens with high-quality resource-based outdoor recreation opportunities.”

If passed, four distinct areas have been identified for conservation efforts, including The Green Swamp, The Lake Wales Ridge, The Upper Kissimmee Basin, and The Peace River.

Funding will be provided through a dedicated 0.2 mill ad valorem property tax for 20 years if the referendum is approved. According to Polk Forever, “Monies will be dedicated to the acquisition and management of lands purchased outright or to the purchase of conservation easements that will keep the land in private ownership while protecting important natural resources.”

“The Earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry

Andy Glogower “Never Give Up” on display at ART/ifact in Lakeland

Purchase Tickets

Oktoberfest - Oct. 7th

Featuring over 40 Florida Craft, local and German beers! Buy a tasting ticket and sample as many of the beers as you’d like!

Wine & Cheese Event - Oct. 7th

The Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce’s 5th Annual Wine & Cheese event will be held poolside at Balmoral Resort.

The movie illustrates a teenage girls disappearance which leads a group of friends and family into a chaos.

Salsa Dance Party - Oct. 8th

Salsa Dance Party, Competition and Dinner Show! Learn the dance of passion from professional dance instructor Kevin Rios.

Girls Night Out the Show is designed with your entertainment in-mind, as the men bring down the house with the BEST GIRLS NIGHT EVER!

Its a Diva Take Over! Be a part of the show when the DIVAS take control of the Pool and the Stage at Balmoral.

You wanted the best, you got the best! The Hottest Tribute Band In The World.

Bring your friends for an exclusive Halloween cocktail party while enjoying a last look at Rodin: Contemplation and Dreams at the Polk Museum of Art.

KISS ALIVE THE TRIBUTE - Oct. 22nd

The Darkest Place Movie Premiere - Oct. 8th

Diva Drag Show Poolside - Oct. 20th

Girls Night Out-Male Revue - Oct. 19th

Polk @ Nite Halloween Party - Oct. 27th

“Statewide partners and federal partners are always looking for communities that are willing to invest themselves. So, if we don’t have a funding program in Polk County, other state groups are probably going to look at other areas to match funds with. Matching funds with partners is key,” said Polk Forever board member Suzanne Lindsey. “Our county staff that was so successful with this before are still in place, and they really know how to use those monies to get the biggest bang for your buck. It’s a great investment.”

To raise awareness and support for the Environmental Lands Referendum, Polk Forever is hosting a juried triple art show across the county. The shows will feature paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media pieces from local and regional artists inspired by Polk’s environmental lands purchased through the 1995-2015 citizen referendum.

The first exhibition was held at the Ridge Art Gallery in Winter Haven from September 3 – September 23, 2022.

ART/ifact in Lakeland will display a Polk Forever exhibition from October 1 –28, 2022, with an opening reception on October 1 from 4 – 6 pm. The Lake Wales Art Gallery will feature another exhibition from October 1 – 28, 2022, with a reception on October 15 from 4 – 6 pm.

Polk County kids have submitted pieces inspired by the lands they love and hope to preserve, along with work by professional and emerging artists. “We want to see what people enjoy about the parks and get their view on it,” said Polk Forever board member and artist, Blair Updike. “It’s a good way to show appreciation for the success of the past program and showcase those different lands, the different environments – they’re all over the county.”

Lindsey agreed, adding, “I think people who visit the properties become the best ambassadors to protect it.”

Updike, a celebrated painter from Lake Wales, has submitted work for the Polk Forever exhibition series, and so has her daughter. Other local artists of note include photography from Adam Bass and sculptures by David Price.

“Conservation helps everyone,” Updike said. “You need the clean water. You need all the things provided by having open space. Everyone should care.”

Polk Forever

polkforever.com

FB: Polk Forever

IG @polkforever

YouTube: Polk Forever

Information on the Polk County Environmental Lands Program: polknature.com

Polk Forever Art Exhibitions:

Ridge Art Gallery, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

Showing: September 3rd – 23rd, 2022

Opening Reception: September 3

Lake Wales Art Center, 1099 E State Rd 60 E, Lake Wales

Showing: October 1st – 28th, 2022

Opening Reception: October 15, 2022

ART/ifacts Gallery, 820 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland

Showing: October 1st – 28th, 2022

Opening Reception: October 1, 2022

Sherri Myers Wray “The Ladies Man” on display at ART/ifact in Lakeland

LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Downtown Lakeland downtownlkld.com

Local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays. Every Saturday in downtown Lakeland.

COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION:

SPEAK PEACE IN A WORLD OF CONFLICT

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

Edward Bok’s words and actions from more than 100 years ago continue to resonate. In his book “Successward,” he wrote it is important to start with knowing yourself. This workshop will give you practical tools to turn down the volume and turn within. Explore a way of communicating designed to increase active listening and empathy skills. Learn how to move from blame and shame to curiosity and connection. Compassionate Communication promotes practical tools that can help you transform your relationship with yourself and others. Registration required. 863-734-1222

YOGA

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 9-10 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

Join us for a morning of bending, breathing and relaxing. Registration required. 863-734-1222

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: NE corner of Third St. & Ave. C SW, Winter Haven winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

The Market features a variety of farmers, unusual food trucks, artisan food vendors, plants, and a sprinkling of curated makers. Enjoy a strong selection of “ready-to-eat” foods and freshly picked produce. Live music + tables and chairs to sit and relax at. Located across from Grove Roots in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday.

IT’S A DEAF THING: DEAF EXPO

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland itsadeafthing.com

Come to the Deaf Expo to support your friends and deaf businesses. If you missed 2021, you missed a lot of friends and great vendors!

RODIN: CONTEMPLATION AND DREAMS

When: Oct. 01 - 30, 2022

Where: Polk Museum of Art

800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

Selections from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Collections. Celebrated as the greatest sculptor of the 19th century, Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) revived for the modern world a new appreciation for the ageless beauty of bronze sculpture, mastering and modernizing a technique long associated with ancient Greek art. At the same time, with works like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell, he breathed new emotional and psychic life into the human figure as never seen before in sculpture. The largest installation of sculptures in the Museum’s history — with more than 40 of Rodin’s works filling the Museum’s main galleries — this incredible exhibition brings one of art history’s most famous and most renowned French masters to Florida. 863688-7743

BRICK-OR-TREAT

When: Oct. 01 & 02, 2022 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Where: Legoland Florida

1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven legoland.com

The signature Halloween event is better than ever this year! Brick-or-Treat will bewitch LEGOLAND® Florida Resort with tons of candy, an all-new show line up, never-before-

seen exclusive LEGO® characters, and more! You and your kids will enjoy live entertainment & shows, limited-time attractions, character Meet & Greets, a costume parade, and of course, Trick-or-Treating! Best of all, admission is included with day tickets, hotel packages, and select annual passes.

CIRO’S SWEET TOOTH DESSERT TOUR

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Parking Garage 220 Ave A NW, Winter Haven winterhavenfoodtours.com

Explore the sweeter side of Winter Haven, Florida! Muffins, Cupcakes, Pies, and more! Get ready to taste delicious desserts showcased at our amazing restaurants and stores. This tour is perfect for kids of all ages! Food Restrictions: With advanced notice, we can fulfill most requests. See options at check-out. 48 hours advance ticket purchase is required in order for the tour to run. Tastings are subject to change. Book here: pro.peek. com/join-Amada-B-EYYP769. Private tours are also available. Contact us for more info. info@winterhavenfoodtours.com. Price varies.

DOCENT-LED TOUR

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org Free for everyone. Get a fresh look into the Museum’s featured exhibition through an informative and engaging conversation with one of the passionate docents. Learn the stories behind the work and dive into the world of art. Registration is not required.

OAK HILL CEMETERY TOUR

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 11 a.m. Where: Polk County History Center

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING - RODIN:

THE GATES OF HELL

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

Learn about the creation of Rodin’s masterpiece, The Gates of Hell, his life and artistic career, and more during this hour-long documentary. About the film: Auguste Rodin’s masterpiece The Gates of Hell is an epic achievement: a massive portal to Hades inspired by Dante’s Inferno, its towering doors covered with nearly 200 individual figures. This award-winning film chronicles Rodin’s struggles and sacrifices in creating a monumental work of art -- and the extraordinary modern-day effort to give it the final form he envisioned.Tickets/reservations are not required for the film screening. 863688-7743

GYPSY WIND

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 2-5 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St., Lakeland Gypsy Wind is back and Bad Dog BBQ will be on hand all day starting at noon.

QUEERSPHERE FALL BALL

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 6 p.m.

Where: Theatre Winter Haven 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven rosedynastyfoundationinc.org/ball

An all inclusive fall ball showcasing various sides of fashion in a 1980’s New York ball culture style presented by Rose Dynasty Foundation. A fundraiser to continue to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and families. Ages 13-18 will show case their talents! LGBTQ+ inspired art will also be showcased in a display during the runway style

21 years of age or older to drink alcoholic beverages. Drink responsibly. Price is per couple; please add one ticket per couple to the cart. This is a hands-on class. Master new skills as you work together, side by side, with our chefs to create an amazing meal. Register on eventbrite under Couples Cooking Classes Lakeland

THE DETECTIVES

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 7-10 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St., Lakeland Rock out with The Detectives!

DANIEL PEPIN LIVE

When: Oct. 01, 2022 | 7-10 p.m.

Where: Craft + Kitchen 3234 Florida Ave S, Lakeland danielpepinmusic.com

Join 2 time BEST OF award winner for Best musician Daniel Pepin for a night of great music and more.

MIKE MONTS DE OCA

When: Oct. 02, 2022 | 2-5 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St., Lakeland Mike Monts de Oca will bring the tunes at 2 and please welcome new vendor Angel’s Empanadas from noon-7.

WINTER HAVEN COFFEE, TEA, AND TREATS TOUR

When: Oct. 03, 2022 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Parking Garage 220 Ave A NW, Winter Haven winterhavenfoodtours.com

Our coffee and tea tour features our local coffee shops where you can expect pastries, fresh coffee, teas, and a presentation from our local coffee shop Haven Coffee Roasters. Monday to Friday only starts at 10 AM. All tours are 3 hrs long. Merchandise add on’s available. Food Restrictions: With advanced notice, we can fulfill most requests. Tastings are subject to change. Private tours are also available. Book here: pro.peek.com/joinAmada-B-9ZZ5RP9. Got questions? Feel free to email (info@winterhavenfoodtours.com) or text us (863) 288-0038. Price varies.

AFTERNOON FLAVORS OF WINTER HAVEN FOOD TOUR

When: Oct. 03, 2022 | 2-4:30 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Parking Garage 220 Ave A NW, Winter Haven winterhavenfoodtours.com

Wet those lips and get ready to experience what Winter Haven offers to both locals and tourists alike. Your friendly tour guide will share history of food and the award winning city all while you sample delicious dishes. Get to know why Winter Haven is where we live, work, and play. Tickets must be purchased 48 hours in advance. Food Restrictions: With advanced notice, we can fulfill most requests. Book here: pro.peek.com/join-Amada-B9ZZ588P.Tastings are subject to change. Private tours are also available. Contact us for more info. info@winterhavenfoodtours.com. Price varies.

AFTER SCHOOL ART

When: Oct. 03, 2022 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

After School Art is designed for the parent and child to learn creative new skills together. Come join us for a new lesson each week using different medium and learn about the elements of art. Our activities are easily designed to be recreated at home to further enhance your young artists’ skills - and yours, too! Doors open at 4:20 pm. Space is limited; be sure to arrive early to secure your spot! 863-688-7743

GENERATORS - GENEALOGY LOCATION GUIDE

When: Oct. 03, 2022 | 6-7 p.m. Where: Lakeland Public Library 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland lakelandpl.libcal.com/event/9499638

The Generators is an ad hoc genealogy group that meets monthly to discuss topics, current methodology and helpful hints to keep you going on your family history search with a focused topics each month. Some genealogy knowledge is recommended.We will be meeting in person at the Lakeland Public Library History Room. Registration is required. October topic: Genealogy Location Guide

WINES OF EUROPE TASTING COURSE

When: Oct. 03, 2022 | 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Where: Nutwood 132 Avenue B SW, Winter Haven Classes are from 6:30 - 9:30pm. Attend each session seperately or purchase all together. Email info@nutwoodwh.com for reservations. Oct. 3: Basics of Wine - Tasting, pairing, purchasing, the 8 basic wine types. This course will give you the fundamental knowledge of wine, includes charcuterie and cheese. Oct. 10: Italian Wines - Regions, Varietals, PairingsOct. 17: French Wines - Regions, Varietals, PairingsOct. 24: Spanish Wines - Regions, Varietals, Pairings.

WINTER HAVEN BEER SPIRITS AND GHOST WALKING TOUR

When: Oct. 03, 2022 | 7-10 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Parking Garage 220 Ave A NW, Winter Haven winterhavenfoodtours.com

Enjoy beer, spirits, and spooky stories on this haunted ghost walking tour in downtown Winter Haven. We will visit a Vaudeville theatre, and a few restaurants and bars who’s owners and patrons have unfinished business. Learn about the ghosts of Polk County and enjoy delicious beer/whiskey samples and small plated appetizers. Monday to Friday only starts at 7 PM. All tours are 3 hrs long. Book here: pro.peek.com/join-Amada-B-K445Z9M. Tastings are subject to change. Private tours are also available. Got questions? Feel free to email (info@winterhavenfoodtours.com) or text us (863) 288-0038. Price varies.

CHAMBER MUSIC CELEBRATION

When: Oct. 03, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Where: Anne Mac Gregor Jenkins Recital Hall, FSC, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland

flsouthern.edu/festival-of-fine-arts

In these special concerts, selected students from the FSC and Harrison School of the Arts Orchestras, will dedicate two evenings of intimate chamber music featuring violinist Jose Flores from University of Texas A & M Corpus Christi with FSC guitar professor Jonathan Godfrey. The orchestras will perform iconic repertoire for chamber orchestra by composers such as Vivaldi, Bach, Sibelius and others.

STORY TIME AT THE FLORIDA AIR MUSEUM

When: Oct. 04, 2022 | 10-10:30 a.m. Where: Florida Air Museum 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland

Dive into interactive learning experiences and bring stories to life for your junior ACEs! Everyone is welcome, though the content is targeted towards our younger aviators, ages 2-5. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call 863-904-6833.

BUSY BEES SPORTS EXPLORERS

When: Oct. 04, 2022 | 10-11 a.m. Where: Medulla Resource Center 1049 Parker Rd., Lakeland

Your children can learn a new sport every Tuesday, between 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 am. Admission is free but space is limited. Reserve your spot bee-fore they fill up by emailing cherryalston@polk-county.net.Each month the Polk County Parks & Rec will feature a different sport. Each session focuses on basic drills that will teach the fundamentals of each sport. The sessions end with a short scrimmage to practice the skills they’ve learned that week. Parents will get to participate in the lessons with their children.For Children 3-6 year old. Child must be accompanied by an adult.

YOGA FOR A BETTER LIFE

When: Oct. 04, 2022 | 10:15 a.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com Each session begins with a gentle warmup, please bring your own mat and wear something comfortable. 863-291-5880 Tuesdays, space is limited.

LITTLE SPROUTS STORY TIME

When: Oct. 04, 2022 | 10:30 a.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com

Children enjoy stories, songs, finger plays and puppet shows that develop early literacy skills and promote interaction between parents and children. Ages 5 and under.This program is held on Tuesdays at 10:30 am. 863-291-5880

BOOKS SANDWICHED IN

When: Oct. 04, 2022 | 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Where: Larry R Jackson Branch Library 1700 N Florida Ave, Lakeland lakelandpl.libcal.com/event/9155658

Love to talk about books? Join us for Books Sandwiched In, now at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library. The group meets at Jackson Branch Library Meeting Room on the first Tuesday of each month at 12:15 p.m. Registration for this in-person event is required

and seating is limited to 20 people to allow space for social distancing. October title is “The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner.Print copies will not be available for sale for the book discussion. “The Lost Apothecary” is available for check out in print and in digital format.

CAMEO WRITERS

When: Oct. 04, 2022 | 2-4 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com/library

Cameo Writers welcomes writers of varying ability, genre, and experience. Receive knowledgeable, appreciative support and encouragement. Questions please contact Beverly Lerner at bevlerner@aol.com. CW meets on the first Tuesday of each month. 863-291-5880

LEGO CLUB

When: Oct. 04, 2022 | 4 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven They supply the LEGO blocks, you supply the imagination! Creations will be displayed during the following week. Ages 6-12, every Tuesday.

TAPAS TUESDAY

When: Oct. 04, 2022 | 5:30-9 p.m.

Where: Nutwood 132 Avenue B SW, Winter Haven Chef Steven Rojas invites you to join Nutwood for 8 deliciously curated Spanish small plates, each paired with a selection from their exclusive wine list.The event is one price per person and includes tapas and wine pairing. *Gratuity and tax are not included. Email your preferred time and how many people are in your party to info@nutwoodwh.com to reserve your spot. They will confirm with you if space is available. 863-229-7770

FUN RUN & MUSIC BINGO

When: Oct. 04, 2022 | 5:30 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St., Lakeland Run for Fun with Fleet Feet at 5:30, enjoy free Music Bingo with SG at 6:30.

TRIVIA TUESDAYS

When: Oct. 04, 2022 | 6:30-8 p.m. Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co. 302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven Gather up those teams to test your general knowledge for Trivia Tuesdays at GRB! Triviosity Live Events will host trivia in the Packing House.Teams may range between 1-8 players. All minors must be accompanied and actively supervised by a parent or guardian at all times

TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER

When: Oct. 04, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: Barrel 239 239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven High Stax Poker hosts Poker Night at Barrel239 every Tuesday night! Check Facebook for updates. Come hang out for

some poker and drinks!The first game starts at 7pm and if enough players attended the 7pm session there will also be a 9pm session. Gift card prizes available for 1st and 2nd place winners for each session! This event is 21 & up. More info on FB @Barrel239.

CHAMBER MUSIC CELEBRATION

When: Oct. 04, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Where: Anne Mac Gregor Jenkins Recital Hall, FSC, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland flsouthern.edu/festival-of-fine-arts

In these special concerts, selected students from the FSC and Harrison School of the Arts Orchestras, will dedicate two evenings of intimate chamber music featuring violinist Jose Flores from University of Texas A & M Corpus Christi with FSC guitar professor Jonathan Godfrey. The orchestras will perform iconic repertoire for chamber orchestra by composers such as Vivaldi, Bach, Sibelius and others.

CHAIR YOGA

When: Oct. 05, 2022 | 10-11 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

Practice gentle yoga poses while seated in your chair. This class is appropriate for beginners, those with limited mobility, or anyone who has wanted to try yoga but felt intimidated. The program is designed to assist in quieting the mind, moving our bodies, breathing deeply and practicing mindfulness. Registration required. 863-734-1222

THE FLORIDA GARDENER

When: Oct. 05, 2022 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

A garden can provide a bounty of beautiful and useful plants for wildlife as well as nutrient dense foods for you and your family. Join us to learn about gardening in our unique Central Florida climate. Topics include edible landscaping, growing fruits, vegetables and herbs, planting Florida natives and much more. Registration required. 863-734-1222

KNIT ONE, CROCHET TOO!

When: Oct. 05, 2022 | 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Larry R Jackson Branch Library 1700 N Florida Ave, Lakeland Knit One, Crochet Too! is a knitting/crochet club that meets Wednesday evenings. Some knowledge of either knitting or crocheting recommended. Bring your current yarn project in and chat with other yarn fanatics.

Questions: Phone: 863.834.4281 or Email: lisa.kolesar@lakelandgov.net

COSMIC SOUND CLEANSE

When: Oct. 05, 2022 | 7-8 p.m.

Where: Buffy’s Boutique

301 Third St. NW Suite 216 Winter Haven buffysboutique.com

Come be immersed in a sound bath of crystal bowls, hand-pan, drums and other eclectic instruments facilitated by Buffy LaRoux and

Adam T. Cooke. This weekly event is available online and in person. Registration required. Yoga mats and props provided. 863-969-2315

HAPPY SEAT MEDITATION

When: Oct. 06, 2022 | 10 a.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com

Participants will be comfortably seated and guided through 3 or 4 meditations. Share your experiences after each meditation. Calm your mind. No experience necessary, space is limited. Thursdays at 10:30 am. 863-2915880

THE RESERVE BOOK CLUB

When: Oct. 06, 2022 | 5:30 p.m. Where: Larry R Jackson Branch Library 1700 N Florida Ave, Lakeland lakelandpl.libcal.com/event/9343878

Want to discuss that popular new title you just finished? We’re here for you! Every month we’ll discuss a recent best-selling book. October’s Book: “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia MorenoGarcia. A reimagining of the classic gothic suspense novel follows the experiences of a courageous socialite in 1950s Mexico who is drawn into the treacherous secrets of an isolated mansion.

OLIVER! JR.

When: Oct. 06 - 09, 2022

Where: Lakeland Community Theatre 121 S Lake Avenue, Lakeland lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

Lionel Bart’s classic musical based on Charles Dickens’ novel, Oliver Twist. 863-603-7529

TRIVIA THURSDAYS AT BARREL 239

When: Oct. 06, 2022 | 7-9 p.m.

Where: Barrel 239 239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday is General Knowledge except the 3rd Thursday of the month, which is a themed show/movie series.Teams of no more than 6 players. Check-in starts at 6:30pm. Questions start at 7:00pm. This event is 21 and up.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

When: Oct. 06 - 30, 2022

Where: Theatre Winter Haven 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven theatrewinterhaven.com

Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). Oct. 6-30. 863-2947469

THE LEGENDARY JON CORNEAL AND HIS COMPADRES

When: Oct. 07, 2022 | 12-2:30 p.m.

Where: Hillcrest Coffee

119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland Get your weekend started early. Come on in and enjoy the friendly confines of our Dixieland bungalow in Lakeland, Florida. Offering indoor listening room seating, with additional

outdoor seating on the wraparound porch. Prepare to be regaled by the One-of-a-Kind songs and stories from Polk County’s homegrown country rock legend! If you can’t make it in person, watch it live on Facebook @ hillcrestcoffee.

DANIEL PEPIN LIVE AT THE 19TH HOLE

When: Oct. 07, 2022 | 5-8 p.m. Where: The 19th Hole 102 Polo Park Blvd E, Davenport danielpepinmusic.com

Join 2 time BEST OF award winner for Best musician Daniel Pepin for a night of great music and more.

OKTOBERFEST

When: Oct. 07, 2022 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Downtown Winter Haven centralfloridatix.com

Main Street Winter Haven’s 15th Annual Oktoberfest presented by Victor Smith Law Group will kick off October 7th at 6:00PM in Central park - complete with over 40 Florida Craft, local and German beers! Buy a tasting ticket and sample as many of the beers as you’d like! Brass Heart Band will be performing polka and favorites.

WINE & CHEESE

When: Oct. 07, 2022 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Balmoral Event Center 116 Kenny Blvd, Haines City centralfloridatix.com

The Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce’s 5th Annual Wine & Cheese event will be held poolside. This year’s event will feature an Art Show and Art pieces can be purchased.

Ticket price for wine & cheese tasting - $25.00 (must be 21 or older to purchase - ID’s must be presented at event)Food and additional drinks can be purchased at Balmoral Bar & Grill. Live Music.Visit northeastpolkchamber.com for more info.

LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET

When: Oct. 08, 2022 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket

Local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays. Every Saturday in downtown Lakeland.

POLK STATE FALLFEST

When: Oct. 08, 2022 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Polk State/Winter Haven 999 Avenue H N.E., Winter Haven Upwards of 100 locals, businesses, and College clubs will set up booths all throughout the Winter Haven Campus with exciting, seasonal, and innovative homemade arts, crafts, and products.The event is free and open to the public with fees from craft booths going to the Polk State College Foundation to benefit the College’s deserving students. The event will also feature family-friendly activities such as games, haunted houses, bounce houses, shows, and presentations from local law enforcement and EMS. Polk State College clubs and athletics programs

will also participate in the event to raise money for their organizations by hosting different activities and food sales.There will be live music and other entertainment throughout the day, including Polk State’s Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and the Polk State Choir. Chain O’ Lakes Big Band will also be among the event’s performers.

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

When: Oct. 08, 2022 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: NE corner of Third St. & Ave. C SW, Winter Haven winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

The Market features a variety of farmers, unusual food trucks, artisan food vendors, plants, and a sprinkling of curated makers. Enjoy a strong selection of “ready-to-eat” foods and freshly picked produce. Live music + tables and chairs to sit and relax at.Located across from Grove Roots in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday.

BRICK-OR-TREAT

When: Oct. 08 & 09, 2022 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Where: Legoland Florida 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven legoland.com

The signature Halloween event is better than ever this year! Brick-or-Treat will bewitch LEGOLAND® Florida Resort with tons of candy, an all-new show line up, never-beforeseen exclusive LEGO® characters, and more! You and your kids will enjoy live entertainment & shows, limited-time attractions, character Meet & Greets, a costume parade, and of course, Trick-or-Treating! Best of all, admission is included with day tickets, hotel packages, and select annual passes.

ARTLAB

When: Oct. 08, 2022 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

Each month (September - April), participants will be introduced to one of the Museum’s exhibitions in a fun and interactive way. ArtLabs are led by professional artists and art educators who will engage participants of all ages and skills in their own unique experience relating to an exhibition on display in the Museum. Register online. 863-688-7743

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING - RODIN: THE GATES OF HELL

When: Oct. 08, 2022 | 12-1 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

About the film: Auguste Rodin’s masterpiece The Gates of Hell is an epic achievement: a massive portal to Hades inspired by Dante’s Inferno, its towering doors covered with nearly 200 individual figures. This award-winning film chronicles Rodin’s struggles and sacrifices in creating a monumental work of art -- and the extraordinary modern-day effort to give it the final form he envisioned.Tickets/ reservations are not required for the film screening, approx. one hour. 863-688-7743

CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH WITH BUFFY

When: Oct. 08, 2022 | 12-1 p.m.

Where: Inside Out Yoga (new location) 219 5th St. SW, Winter Haven ioyogastudio.com

Register online to save your place. Please bring your own mat and equipment. Join Cosmic Sound Healer, Buffy La Roux as she facilitates a high vibratory journey of Sound through time and space. During this deeply meditative and transformative experience, Buffy guides us inward through a sound bath of deeply shifting vocal toning, singing, frequencies and quartz crystal singing bowls. Each Crystal Sound Bath is a unique symphony and a dance of the collective energies present for the Well Being of All and the Amplification of Love. 863-2242311

ADULT MIXED MEDIA WORKSHOP

When: Oct. 08, 2022 | 1-3:30 p.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

In this class we will discuss the color wheel and the four principles of color. First, we will walk through the gardens to observe color relationships. Then return to the classroom to do exercises that will build upon our observations and provide a solid foundation for mixing colors using a limited palette. Class is for beginner-intermediate artists. Students should bring paints and brushes they are currently using. Registration required. 863734-1222

HERBAL MOCKTAILS

When: Oct. 08, 2022 | 3:30-5 p.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

Learn to make ancient herbalist hand crafted drinks! These hand-crafted drinks and mocktails use fresh herbs, fruits, honey, vinegars and syrups.These healthy drinks were traditionally prescribed throughout the ages to promote healing and preserve botanical ingredients. They will taste good and boost your immune system. You have the pleasure of tasting the following: Blackberry Thyme Oxymel, Forest floor Shrub or Cherry Balsamic Shrub, Classic molasses Switchel, amd Prickly Pear Ginger Beer Mocarita. Registration required. 863-734-1222

SALSA DANCE PARTY

When: Oct. 08, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: Balmoral Event Center 116 Kenny Blvd, Haines City centralfloridatix.com

Salsa Dance Party, Competition and Dinner Show! Learn the dance of passion from professional dance instructor Kevin Rios while enjoying a delicious dinner prepared by Balmoral’s Executive Chef. Be swept away by the music by Secret Soul and DJ Alian at the perfect romantic evening event.

THE DARKEST PLACE PREMIERE

When: Oct. 08, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: Ritz Theatre 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

centralfloridatix.com

Join us for the premiere of Clear Moon Film’s “The Darkest Place!” The movie illustrates a teenage girl’s disappearance which leads a group of friends and family into a chaos. A killer lurks in the shadows in the small town of West Haven Florida where no one is safe.

Written and Directed locally by : Stephen Styles. Produced locally by Nate Schaller. Presented by Clear Moon Films. All seats for this event are first come first serve. Cocktail hour will begin at 7PM. Film viewing will begin at 8PM. Q&A to follow the viewing of the film.

EDDIE B. TEACHERS ONLY COMEDY TOUR

When: Oct. 08, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland rpfundingcenter.com

Teachers all across the country are gathering to hear former teacher new comedian Eddie B. say what they’re all thinking out loud.

What started with a series of hilarious videos on “what teachers really say” has grown to a worldwide niche market that only teachers will understand. Experience a night of comedy based on the harsh, realistic, and hilariously accurate realities of being a teacher

DANIEL PEPIN LIVE

When: Oct. 08, 2022 | 8-11 p.m.

Where: Social Cocktail Lounge 356 3rd St NW, Winter Haven danielpepinmusic.com

Join 2 time BEST OF award winner for Best musician Daniel Pepin for a night of great music and more.

BEND AND BREATHE INTO BLISS

When: Oct. 09, 2022 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Inside Out Yoga (new location) 219 5th St. SW, Winter Haven ioyogastudio.com

This class will include an all levels physical yoga practice, an introductory session of pranayama (breathing techniques), and a guided meditation. Our meditation can be practiced seated on the floor or in a chair to allow a comfortable seat for all participants. We bend to center the body; we breathe to calm the mind; and we meditate to find a peaceful state of bliss. Then we experience Yoga. 863-224-2311

WALKING FOR WELLNESS

When: Oct. 10, 2022 | 10-11 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

Almost 100 years ago, Edward Bok created Bok Tower Gardens as a place to escape the electrically driven world. Today this invitation is more relevant than ever. Being in nature is not merely nice, it is vital to our wellbeing. The restorative powers of nature are well documented and include making us happier, healthier and more creative. If you have ever noticed feeling calmer after a walk in nature, you know the natural world can be your partner for growth and healing. Walking for Wellness immerses participants in nature through a series of walks built around beauty,

compassion, peace, joy and wonder. Member Exclusive Event. Registration required.

AFTER SCHOOL ART

When: Oct. 10, 2022 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

After School Art is designed for the parent and child to learn creative new skills together. Come join us for a new lesson each week using different medium and learn about the elements of art. Our activities are easily designed to be recreated at home to further enhance your young artists’ skills - and yours, too! Doors open at 4:20 pm. Space is limited; be sure to arrive early to secure your spot! 863-688-7743

WINES OF EUROPE TASTING COURSE

When: Oct. 10, 2022 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Nutwood 132 Avenue B SW, Winter Haven Classes are from 6:30 - 9:30pm. Email info@ nutwoodwh.com for reservations. Oct. 10: Italian Wines - Regions, Varietals, Pairings. Oct. 17: French Wines - Regions, Varietals, Pairings. Oct. 24: Spanish Wines - Regions, Varietals, Pairings.

STORY TIME AT THE FLORIDA AIR MUSEUM

When: Oct. 11, 2022 | 10-10:30 a.m. Where: Florida Air Museum 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland Dive into interactive learning experiences and bring stories to life for your junior ACEs! Everyone is welcome, though the content is targeted towards our younger aviators, ages 2-5. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call 863-904-6833.

BUSY BEES SPORTS EXPLORERS

When: Oct. 11, 2022 | 10-11 a.m. Where: Medulla Resource Center 1049 Parker Rd., Lakeland Your children can learn a new sport every Tuesday, between 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 am. Admission is free but space is limited. Reserve your spot bee-fore they fill up by emailing cherryalston@polk-county.net.Each month the Polk County Parks & Rec will feature a different sport. Each session focuses on basic drills that will teach the fundamentals of each sport. Parents will get to participate in the lessons with their children.For Children 3-6 year old. Child must be accompanied by an adult.

YOGA FOR A BETTER LIFE

When: Oct. 11, 2022 | 10:15 a.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com

Each session begins with a gentle warmup, please bring your own mat and wear something comfortable. 863-291-5880 Tuesdays, space is limited.

LITTLE SPROUTS STORY TIME

When: Oct. 11, 2022 | 10:30 a.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com

Children enjoy stories, songs, finger plays and

puppet shows that develop early literacy skills and promote interaction between parents and children. Ages 5 and under.This program is held on Tuesdays at 10:30 am. 863-291-5880

LEGO CLUB

When: Oct. 11, 2022 | 4 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven They supply the LEGO blocks, you supply the imagination! Creations will be displayed during the following week. Ages 6-12, every Tuesday.

TRIVIA TUESDAYS

When: Oct. 11, 2022 | 6:30-8 p.m.

Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co. 302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven Gather up those teams to test your general knowledge for Trivia Tuesdays at GRB!

Triviosity Live Events will host trivia in the Packing House.Teams may range between 1-8 players. All minors must be accompanied and actively supervised by a parent or guardian at all times

TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER

When: Oct. 11, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: Barrel 239 239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven High Stax Poker hosts Poker Night at Barrel239 every Tuesday night! Check Facebook for updates. Come hang out for some poker and drinks! The first game starts at 7pm and if enough players attended the 7pm session there will also be a 9pm session. Gift card prizes available for 1st and 2nd place winners for each session. This event is 21 & up. More info on FB @Barrel239.

BRIDGES TO PEACE

When: Oct. 11, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Where: Branscomb Auditorium 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland flsouthern.edu/ffa

Chamber Singers Choir Concert, directed by Beth Gibbs.Our world is currently enduring many different challenges, and with the violence and discontent amongst us, the FSC Chamber Singers will present an evening of choral music that is centered on the theme of peace and understanding. To have peace we must first have respect for others, and tonight’s concert highlights the joys of our similarities and the beauty of our differences. Join us as we journey towards peace through the power of music. 863-680-4296

MORNING BOOK CLUB

When: Oct. 12, 2022 | 10 a.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven October book: “The Hamilton Affair” by Elizabeth Cobbs. The Morning Book Club meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. Titles include a variety of adult fiction, nonfiction and biographies. 863-291-5880

KNIT ONE, CROCHET TOO!

When: Oct. 12, 2022 | 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Larry R Jackson Branch Library

1700 N Florida Ave, Lakeland

Knit One, Crochet Too! is a knitting/crochet club that meets Wednesday evenings. Some knowledge of either knitting or crocheting recommended. Bring your current yarn project in and chat with other yarn fanatics. Questions: Phone: 863.834.4281 or Email: lisa.kolesar@ lakelandgov.net

COSMIC SOUND CLEANSE

When: Oct. 12, 2022 | 7-8 p.m.

Where: Buffy’s Boutique

301 Third St. NW Suite 216 Winter Haven buffysboutique.com

Come be immersed in a sound bath of crystal bowls, hand-pan, drums and other eclectic instruments facilitated by Buffy LaRoux and Adam T. Cooke. This weekly event is available online and in person. Registration required. Yoga mats and props provided. 863-969-2315

HAPPY SEAT MEDITATION

When: Oct. 13, 2022 | 10 a.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com

Participants will be comfortably seated and guided through 3 or 4 meditations. Share your experiences after each meditation. Calm your mind. No experience necessary, space is limited. Thursdays at 10:30 am. 863-291-5880

WINTER HAVEN WRITERS

When: Oct. 13, 2022 | 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven

The Winter Haven Writers meet every second and fourth Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, at the Winter Haven library in the large conference room. Interested writers can email ellenedits4u@gmail.com or call 863-456-9831 for more info. This group shares work, writing ideas, and they encourage fellow writers.

“IT’S NOT OVER” TALBOT HOUSE MINISTRIES FUNDRAISER

When: Oct. 13, 2022 | 5:30 p.m.

Where: Sun ‘n Fun 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland secure.qgiv.com/event/itsnotover

Members of the public are invited to join Talbot House Ministries for its annual fundraising banquet, themed “It’s Not Over” this year. Pre-registration is required. It’s Not Over features keynote speaker Tyler Merritt, actor, comedian, viral sensation, and author of “I Take My Coffee Black.” He discusses how we can keep ourselves from falling into the trap of judgment, learn to lean into empathy and understanding, and help ourselves and others view mistakes as valuable lessons that help us move forward in humility and power.The evening will also include musical entertainment by Dylan Dames, a virtual silent auction, a three-course dinner, inspirational client testimonials, and more. Guests should attend with an understanding that an invitation will be presented to financially support the mission of Talbot House Ministries.

TRIVIA THURSDAYS AT BARREL 239

When: Oct. 13, 2022 | 7-9 p.m.

Where: Barrel 239 239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday is General Knowledge except the 3rd Thursday of the month, which is a themed show/movie series.Teams of no more than 6 players. Check-in starts at 6:30pm. Questions start at 7:00pm. This event is 21 and up.

CHILD OF THE SUN NIGHT OF MUSIC

When: Oct. 13, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Where: Branscomb Auditorium

1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland flsouthern.edu/festival-of-fine-arts

Featuring FSC Symphony Band directed by J. Jossim with Jazz Ensemble directed by Jeffrey Benatar. Synonymous with creativity and innovation, famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright proclaimed that the buildings at Florida Southern would “grow out of the ground, and into the light, A Child of the Sun.” Join the FSC Symphony Band and Jazz Ensembles as they explore the elements of color, texture, and beauty in music.

THE LEGENDARY JON CORNEAL AND HIS COMPADRES

When: Oct. 14, 2022 | 12-2:30 p.m.

Where: Hillcrest Coffee

119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland Come on in and enjoy the friendly confines of our Dixieland bungalow in Lakeland, Florida. Offering indoor listening room seating, with additional outdoor seating on the wraparound porch. Prepare to be regaled by the One-ofa-Kind songs and stories from Polk County’s home-grown country rock legend! No cover charge, but feel free to contribute to these incredible musicians - 100% of proceeds goes to the performers. If you can’t make it in person, watch it live on Facebook @ hillcrestcoffee.

MUSICAL HAMMERS CONCERTS

When: Oct. 14, 2022 | 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven Featuring hammered dulcimers and other instruments.

DANIEL PEPIN LIVE

When: Oct. 14, 2022 | 5-8 p.m.

Where: The Wheelhouse 42637 US-27, Davenport danielpepinmusic.com

Join 2 time BEST OF award winner for Best musician Daniel Pepin for a night of great music and more.

STEPPING OUT FOR EDUCATION

When: Oct. 14, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland polkschoolsfl.com/pef/steppingout Funds raised will be used to support the programs of the Polk Education Foundation. This year’s event will include the program and competition followed by a dessert bar and open dancing while votes are tallied.Each couple will perform one dance to be judged by the audience, and, professional judges.

The couple who raises the most funds will be named the People’s Choice Award Winner. The audience at the event will determine the Audience Favorite Award winner and the judges will decide a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner.

LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS

CURB MARKET

When: Oct. 15, 2022 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Downtown Lakeland downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket

Local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays. Every Saturday in downtown Lakeland.

YOGA

When: Oct. 15, 2022 | 9-10 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

Join us for a morning of bending, breathing and relaxing. Registration required.863-734-1222

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

When: Oct. 15, 2022 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: NE corner of Third St. & Ave. C SW, Winter Haven winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

The Market features a variety of farmers, unusual food trucks, artisan food vendors, plants, and a sprinkling of curated makers. Enjoy a strong selection of “ready-to-eat” foods and freshly picked produce. Live music + tables and chairs to sit and relax at.Located across from Grove Roots in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday.

BRICK-OR-TREAT

When: Oct. 15 & 16, 2022 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Where: Legoland Florida 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven legoland.com

The signature Halloween event is better than ever this year! Brick-or-Treat will bewitch LEGOLAND® Florida Resort with tons of candy, an all-new show line up, never-beforeseen exclusive LEGO® characters, and more! You and your kids will enjoy live entertainment & shows, limited-time attractions, character Meet & Greets, a costume parade, and of course, Trick-or-Treating!Best of all, admission is included with day tickets, hotel packages, and select annual passes.

ARCHITECTURAL TOUR

When: Oct. 15, 2022 | 11 a.m.

Where: Polk County History Center 100 E Main St, Bartow polk-county.net

Discover the history behind the founding of the county and the design of the brilliant 1908 Courthouse. With a nod to its two predecessors, this tour explores the design, construction, and function of the courthouse. The tour incorporates cross-curricular themes in history and fine arts.This program is also offered on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING - RODIN:

THE GATES OF HELL

When: Oct. 15, 2022 | 12 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

About the film:Auguste Rodin’s masterpiece The Gates of Hell is an epic achievement: a massive portal to Hades inspired by Dante’s Inferno, its towering doors covered with nearly 200 individual figures. This award-winning film chronicles Rodin’s struggles and sacrifices in creating a monumental work of art -- and the extraordinary modern-day effort to give it the final form he envisioned.Tickets/ reservations are not required for the film screening. 863-688-7743

JACK-O-LANTERN JAMBOREE

When: Oct. 15, 2022 | 12-4 p.m.

Where: Simmers Young Park 339 American Spirit Rd. Winter Haven

Polk County Parks & Recreation’s JackO-Lantern Jamboree returns for a day of Halloween Spooktacular Excitement! This fun kid-friendly Halloween event will feature: Inflatables, Music, Pumpkin patch games, Trick or treat village, Obstacle course, Photo stops, Costume contest- Much more! Admission limited to 2,000 tickets- Tickets will be available day of (cash only)Pre-sale Tickets must be purchased at thePolk County Parks & Recreation Administration OfficeMondayFriday, 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. at 4177 Ben Durrance Rd., Bartow. For more information, please call 863- 534-6911.

WINE WALK

When: Oct. 15, 2022 | 2-5 p.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

Sip, sample and stroll through the Gardens while sampling 12 wines from exciting New World destinations including California, South Africa, Washington, New York, and Argentina. Ticket includes wine samples, nibbles at each stop, and a souvenir tasting glass. Bottles of wine featured on the Wine Walk will also be available for purchase.Registration required. 863-734-1222.

JJ GREY & MOFRO

When: Oct. 15, 2022 | 6 p.m.

Where: Jessie’s, 118 3rd St. SW

Winter Haven tickets.jessieslive.com

JJ Grey & Mofro is heading back to Jessie’s! This show will be outdoors rain or shine, right underneath the water tower in front of Jessie’s.

THIRD SATURDAY COMEDY SHOW

When: Oct. 15, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Where: Just Dance 124 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland swancityimprov.com/shows

Third Saturday Comedy Show is coming to you LIVE! Swan City Improv will be giving you their hilarity at 7:30PM and 9:00PM with two family-friendly shows. Come see the funniest evening in Lakeland for just $10 for one show or $15 for two shows. Purchase tickets online.

EN CONCIERTO

RENOVADO TOUR

When: Oct. 15, 2022 | 8:30 p.m.

Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland rpfundingcenter.com

Edgar Alexander Campos Mora, who goes by the name Alex Campos, is a Colombian singer-songwriter who has released several popular contemporary Christian albums since his debut in 2001 with the concert recording Tiempo de la. His first studio release, Al Taller del Maestro, came out in 2003 followed by another concert release En Vivo, and another studio album, El Sonido del Silencio, in 2006.

BLUES TRAVELER

When: Oct. 16, 2022 | 5 p.m. Where: Jessie’s 118 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven tickets.jessieslive.com

The upbeat pop single “Run-Around” became the group’s first chart hit followed by “Hook.” “Run-Around” won a Grammy Award and broke a record for most weeks on the chart. Watch them play live in Winter Haven outside of Jessie’s.

COLOR OF THE WEEK

When: Oct. 17, 2022 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Salvation Army Family Thrift Store, 927 6th Street NW, Winter Haven salvationarmyflorida.org/winterhaven

Every week a new color!! Get great discounts on already great prices. Even our furniture, antiques, collectables, and rare finds area are included. Week 1 : Red Tag - 50% off entire week for red tag - 75% off red tag on Saturday.

Week 2 : Green Tag - 50% off entire week for green tag - 75% off green tag on Saturday.

Week 3 : Blue Tag - 50% off entire week for blue tag - 75% off blue tag on Saturday.

Week 4 : Yellow Tag - 50% off entire week for yellow tag - 75% off yellow tag on Saturday. Any month that has a 5th week and Saturday is Mystery Week...At the Salvation Army Family Store in Winter Haven, you will find great deals on clothing, furniture, household goods, books, electronics and much more! Your purchase and donations directly funds our programs (Women’s & Children Shelter, Community Feedings, Youth & CharacterBuilding Programs, etc.) We thank you for shopping at the Salvation Army!

WALKING FOR WELLNESS

When: Oct. 17, 2022 | 10-11 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

Almost 100 years ago, Edward Bok created Bok Tower Gardens as a place to escape the electrically driven world. Today this invitation is more relevant than ever. Being in nature is not merely nice, it is vital to our wellbeing. The restorative powers of nature are well documented and include making us happier, healthier and more creative. Walking for Wellness immerses participants in nature through a series of walks built around beauty, compassion, peace, joy and wonder. Member Exclusive Event. Registration required.

AFTER SCHOOL ART

When: Oct. 17, 2022 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

After School Art is designed for the parent and child to learn creative new skills together. Come join us for a new lesson each week using different medium and learn about the elements of art. Our activities are easily designed to be recreated at home to further enhance your young artists’ skills - and yours, too!Doors open at 4:20 pm. Space is limited; be sure to arrive early to secure your spot! 863-688-7743

COUPLE COOKING: PASTA DISHES

When: Oct. 17, 2022 | 6 p.m.

Where: Publix Cooking School 4730 Florida Ave S, Lakeland Join us to learn how to make fresh pasta dough, and a variety of recipes to create with that. What to expect: This class is for adults 18 years of age and older only. No children allowed unless otherwise specified.Wine is sampled with each course, but you must be 21 years of age or older to drink alcoholic beverages. Price is per couple; please add one ticket per couple to the cart. This is a hands-on class. Master new skills as you work together, side by side, with our chefs to create an amazing meal.Register on eventbrite under Couples Cooking Classes Lakeland

WINES OF EUROPE TASTING COURSE

When: Oct. 17, 2022 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Nutwood 132 Avenue B SW, Winter Haven Classes are from 6:30 - 9:30pm. Email info@ nutwoodwh.com for reservations. Oct. 17: French Wines - Regions, Varietals, Pairings. Oct. 24: Spanish Wines - Regions, Varietals, Pairings

HOLLINGSWORTH WIND FREE BAND CONCERT

When: Oct. 17, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Where: Branscomb Auditorium 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland

The Hollingsworth Winds concert band will present a FREE band concert on Monday, October 17 in Branscomb Auditorium on the campus of Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Band members come from the central Florida area. The concert begins at 7:30 pm. The 65 member band only plays the best in concert band literature. Solos and a guest conductor will be featured. The band is directed by Ivan Wansley. Jim parker is the narrator for the concert.

BUSY BEES SPORTS EXPLORERS

When: Oct. 18, 2022 | 10-11 a.m.

Where: Medulla Resource Center 1049 Parker Rd., Lakeland

Your children can learn a new sport every Tuesday, between 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 am. Admission is free but space is limited. Reserve your spot bee-fore they fill up by emailing cherryalston@polk-county.net. Each month the Polk County Parks & Rec will feature a different sport. Each session focuses on basic drills that will teach the fundamentals of each sport. For Children 3-6 year old.Space is limited to 15

children.Child must be accompanied by an adult.

STORY TIME AT THE FLORIDA AIR MUSEUM

When: Oct. 18, 2022 | 10-10:30 a.m. Where: Florida Air Museum 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland

Dive into interactive learning experiences and bring stories to life for your junior ACEs! Everyone is welcome, though the content is targeted towards our younger aviators, ages 2-5. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call 863-904-6833.

YOGA FOR A BETTER LIFE

When: Oct. 18, 2022 | 10:15 a.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com

Each session begins with a gentle warmup, please bring your own mat and wear something comfortable. 863-291-5880 Tuesdays, space is limited.

LITTLE SPROUTS STORY TIME

When: Oct. 18, 2022 | 10:30 a.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com

Children enjoy stories, songs, finger plays and puppet shows that develop early literacy skills and promote interaction between parents and children. Ages 5 and under.This program is held on Tuesdays at 10:30 am. 863-291-5880

LEGO CLUB

When: Oct. 18, 2022 | 4 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven They supply the LEGO blocks, you supply the imagination! Creations will be displayed during the following week. Ages 6-12, every Tuesday.

TUESDAY BOOK CLUB

When: Oct. 18, 2022 | 4 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven The Tuesday Book Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 4 p.m. Titles include a variety of adult fiction, nonfiction and biographies.October book: “South of Broad” by Pat Conroy.

TRIBUTE TUESDAY

When: Oct. 18, 2022 | 5 & 8 p.m. Where: Theatre Winter Haven 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven theatrewinterhaven.com

A Tribute Tuesday Concert featuring the music of the Creedance Clearwater Revival and the Rolling Stones with Classic Tribute Inc. 863294-7469

NIGHT WITH THE STARS OF SHOW SKIING

When: Oct. 18, 2022 | 6 p.m.

Where: Nora Mayo Hall 500 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven

eventbrite.com/e/night-with-the-stars-ofshow-skiing-tickets

Visit Central Florida and the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team are rolling out the red carpet honoring professional show skiers from around the world. Join us in celebrating the glamour and excitement of show skiing through the decades. Cocktail Attire. Purchase tickets on eventbrite.

TRIVIA TUESDAYS

When: Oct. 18, 2022 | 6:30-8 p.m. Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co. 302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven Gather up those teams to test your general knowledge for Trivia Tuesdays at GRB!

Triviosity Live Events will host trivia in the Packing House.Teams may range between 1-8 players. All minors must be accompanied and actively supervised by a parent or guardian at all times

TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER

When: Oct. 18, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: Barrel 239 239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven High Stax Poker hosts Poker Night at Barrel239 every Tuesday night! Check Facebook for updates. Come hang out for some poker and drinks! The first game starts at 7pm and if enough players attended the 7pm session there will also be a 9pm session. Gift card prizes available for 1st and 2nd place winners for each session! This event is 21 & up. More info on FB @Barrel239

CHAIR YOGA

When: Oct. 19, 2022 | 10-11 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

Practice gentle yoga poses while seated in your chair. This class is appropriate for beginners, those with limited mobility, or anyone who has wanted to try yoga but felt intimidated. The program is designed to assist in quieting the mind, moving our bodies, breathing deeply and practicing mindfulness.Registration required. 863-734-1222

REBUILDING A HISTORIC GARDEN: BOK TOWER GARDENS REFLECTION POOL GARDENS

When: Oct. 19, 2022 | 12-1 p.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

Join Bok Tower Gardens Director of Horticulture Brendan Huggins for this monthly series exploring the redesign of a historic Fredrick Law Olmsted, Jr. garden. Learn about the importance of plant materials to create garden rooms. Delve into Olmsted’s original design for a garden planned just for Edward Bok. Learn about the plant materials in this special garden, the peninsula at the Reflection Pool. We will compare the intention of the original design and the evolution away from the original design intent. Registration required. 863-734-1222

WORLD WATER SKI SHOW

TOURNAMENT OPENING CEREMONY

When: Oct. 19, 2022 | 5 p.m.

Where: Legoland Florida

1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven worldwaterskishow.com/schedule/

As part of the 100th year celebration of Water Skiing event, the Opening Ceremony will be at the original Cypress Gardens Ski Stadiums and will include a parade of athletes, welcome speeches, live music, skiing demonstrations and fireworks.

KNIT ONE, CROCHET TOO!

When: Oct. 19, 2022 | 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Larry R Jackson Branch Library 1700 N Florida Ave, Lakeland Knit One, Crochet Too! is a knitting/crochet club that meets Wednesday evenings. Some knowledge of either knitting or crocheting recommended. Bring your current yarn project in and chat with other yarn fanatics. Questions: Phone: 863.834.4281 or Email: lisa.kolesar@lakelandgov.net

PAW PATROL LIVE! THE GREAT PIRATE ADVENTURE

When: Oct. 19, 2022 | 6 p.m.

Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland rpfundingcenter.com

X barks the spot in PAW Patrol Live “The Great Pirate Adventure!” Do not miss this PAWsome opportunity to see the whole pack as they set sail on a pirate-themed live touring stage performance. Join the gang for this adventure-filled high-seas mission aboard the Sea Patroller as they save their mateys, Carlos and Tracker, and find some pirate treasure too!

GIRLS NIGHT OUT MALE REVUE

When: Oct. 19, 2022 | 6:45 p.m.

Where: Balmoral Event Center 116 Kenny Blvd, Haines City centralfloridatix.com

This show will drive you absolutely Wild‚Ķ in the best possible way of course! Girls Night Out the Show is designed with your entertainment in-mind, as the men bring down the house with the BEST GIRLS NIGHT EVER! Whether you’re celebrating a Birthday, Bachelorette, Divorce, Dirty Thirty or your own Sheer Awesome Self. Chiseled Men, Sexy Costumes, Drinks, Appetizers. Must be 18+ to enter! No photo or video allowed during the performance.

COSMIC SOUND CLEANSE

When: Oct. 19, 2022 | 7-8 p.m.

Where: Buffy’s Boutique

301 Third St. NW Suite 216 Winter Haven buffysboutique.com

Come be immersed in a sound bath of crystal bowls, hand-pan, drums and other eclectic instruments facilitated by Buffy LaRoux and Adam T. Cooke. This weekly event is available online and in person. Registration required. Yoga mats and props provided. 863-969-2315

DOG SEES GOD: CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE BLOCKHEAD

When: Oct. 19, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Where: Lakeland Community Theatre 121 S Lake Avenue, Lakeland lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

The Edge Stage Read Series: “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead.”An “unauthorized continuation,” the play reimagines characters from the popular comic strip Peanuts as degenerate teenagers.

Drug use, child sexual abuse, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion, sexual relations and identity are among the issues covered. 863-603-7529. Rated M

NEIGHBORHOOD STORY TIME

When: Oct. 20, 2022 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Medulla Resource Center 1049 Parker Rd., Lakeland

Neighborhood Story Time is a program from Polk County Parks & Recreation designed to promote family literacy among families with pre-school age children up to 6-years old. The free interactive experience takes place the Medulla Resource Center from 10 a.m.Noon. October 20 - “Sparky the Fire Dog” by National Fire Protection Association. For more information, please call the Medulla Resource Center at (863) 647-4035.

HAPPY SEAT MEDITATION

When: Oct. 20, 2022 | 10 a.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com

Participants will be comfortably seated and guided through 3 or 4 meditations. Share your experiences after each meditation. Calm your mind. No experience necessary, space is limited. Thursdays at 10:30 am. 863-2915880

TECH SESSIONS

When: Oct. 20, 2022 | 2-5 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven whpl.libcal.com/appointments

Do you need help with a device or have a general technology question that requires more than a phone call? Book a session to schedule a one-on-one with library staff! Sessions are by appointment only and last 30 minutes.

THIRD THURSDAY MARKET

When: Oct. 20, 2022 | 4-7 p.m.

Where: Lake Wales

The Market will feature a variety of produce, artisan food vendors, plants, a pinch of crafts and a mind blowing food truck. Located in downtown Lake Wales in the parking lot on Stuart Avenue and Scenic Highway. Just look for the bright “orange” mural. Every month on the 3rd Thursday. Presented by Lake Wales Main Street. More info on Facebook @ LakeWales3rdthursdaymarket

SOUND BATH WITH CRYSTAL SINGING BOWLS

When: Oct. 20, 2022 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales

boktowergardens.org

During the session, Himalayan & Crystal Singing Bowls, tuning forks, and other vibrational tools are used to de-stress, restore balance, and bring well-being to your body, mind & soul. Bring your mat or favorite blanket and pillow. Registration required. 863-7341222

DISCOVER YOUR HOUSE’S HISTORY WORKSHOP

When: Oct. 20, 2022 | 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Lakeland Public Library 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland lakelandpl.libcal.com/event/9663619

Research your house’s history with Emily Foster, Senior Planner Historic Preservation and LuAnn Mims, Special Collections Librarian. We have the resources for you to discover more about your house’s history — come find out to use them in this hands-on workshop in the ‘new’ Lakeland History Room at Lakeland Public Library.

MADE @ THE LIBRARY

When: Oct. 20, 2022 | 5:30 p.m.

Where: Larry R Jackson Branch Library 1700 N Florida Ave, Lakeland lakelandpl.libcal.com/event/9431129

Join us for a new, in-person, adult craft program.Made @ the Library will feature a new project every month. All supplies will be provided, all you need to do is register.This program is free for adults 18 and over.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND DRINK STREET FESTIVAL

When: Oct. 20, 2022 | 5:30 p.m. Where: Downtown Winter Haven facebook.com/MainStreetWinterHaven Calling all foodies! You won’t want to miss the International Food and Drink Street Festival on October 20! Take a taste tour through Downtown Winter Haven and experience food and drinks from around the world. Central Avenue and 3rd Street will be closed for this International celebration in the street! This event is in celebration of 100 Years of Waterski and the World Water Ski Show Tournament taking place on Lake Silver in Downtown. Hosted by Main Street Winter Haven. International food from local restaurants and vendors! Drink tents! Live music! Family and dog friendly! Admission is FREE!

THIRD THURSDAY COMEDY IMPROV!

When: Oct. 20, 2022 | 7-8 p.m.

Where: Laugh Out Lounge 19 3rd Street NW, Winter Haven WinterHavenLOL.com

Laugh Out Lounge is proud to present Swan City Improv every Third Thursday of the month at 7pm. Don’t miss a hilarious night of improvised comedy where everything you see is made up in real time, right before your eyes, and is all based on your suggestions. Seating is first come first served unless otherwise noted at the venue. Two item minimum per person. (water does not count towards minimum, additional charge of $6/person will apply if two item minimum is not met).

DIVA DRAG SHOW POOL SIDE

When: Oct. 20, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: Balmoral Bar and Grill 124 Kenny Blvd., Haines City centralfloridatix.com

Its a Diva Take Over! Be a part of the show when the DIVAS take control of the Pool and the Stage at Balmoral. FOUR acts in one BIG Show. Must be 21+ to attend.

TRIVIA THURSDAYS AT BARREL 239

When: Oct. 20, 2022 | 7-9 p.m.

Where: Barrel 239 239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday is General Knowledge except the 3rd Thursday of the month, which is a themed show/movie series.Teams of no more than 6 players. Check-in starts at 6:30pm. Questions start at 7:00pm. This event is 21 and up.

DOG SEES GOD: CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE BLOCKHEAD

When: Oct. 20, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Where: Lakeland Community Theatre 121 S Lake Avenue, Lakeland lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

The Edge Stage Read Series: “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead.”An “unauthorized continuation,” the play reimagines characters from the popular comic strip Peanuts as degenerate teenagers. Drug use, child sexual abuse, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion, sexual relations and identity are among the issues covered. 863-603-7529. Rated M.

WORLD WATER SKI SHOW TOURNAMENT DAY 1

When: Oct. 21, 2022 | 8 a.m.

Where: Lake Silver 871 3rd St NW, Winter Haven worldwaterskishow.com

First official day of Competition starting with Individual Swivel Ski event followed by Adagio Doubles.

UAW MID FLORIDA RETIREE COUNCIL

When: Oct. 21, 2022 | 10 a.m.

Where: Knights of Columbus Hall 3308 Ave W NW, Winter Haven

The UAW Mid Florida Retiree Council monthly meetings are held on the third Friday of every month at the Knights of Columbus hall located in Winter Haven. The meetings will start at 10:00 a.m. We encourage members to come early for some coffee and donuts and to socialize with fellow members. Anyone wishing to wear a mask for safety reasons may do so. At our October meeting a representative from the UAW Trust will be our featured speaker, explaining all the upcoming changes in our medical benefits for 2023.The UAW Mid Florida Retiree Council’s drop in center in Winter Haven is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The office is located in the Hope Plaza strip mall (off Hwy 17 by the WAWA and across the street from Big Lots). Please contact us at (863) 293-5556 or drop by with any problems you have with your benefits. All UAW retired members are welcome to take advantage of this drop in center. Please bring all pertinent

paperwork in order to resolve any problems. Please pass this info along to any UAW retired members you know who may not get this publication.

THE LEGENDARY JON CORNEAL AND HIS COMPADRES

When: Oct. 21, 2022 | 12-2:30 p.m.

Where: Hillcrest Coffee 119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland

Come on in and enjoy the friendly confines of our Dixieland bungalow in Lakeland, Florida. Offering indoor listening room seating, with additional outdoor seating on the wraparound porch. Prepare to be regaled by the One-ofa-Kind songs and stories from Polk County’s home-grown country rock legend! If you can’t make it in person, watch it live on Facebook @ hillcrestcoffee.

NIGHT HIKE AT SE7EN WETLANDS

When: Oct. 21, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Where: Se7en Wetlands (Enter through Loyce E. Harpe Park), 500 West Carter Road, Mulberry

Take a walk on the wild side and get into the spooky season with a night hike at Se7en Wetlands! On this night hike, participants will:~ Experience nature after dark in a safe way~ Learn how nocturnal wildlife use their senses after dark~ and, if we’re lucky, hear some bats and see some fireflies! Register now as space is limited to 25 participants; we expect to sell out quickly! Please check your confirmation email for directions and further instructions. Register on eventbrite at ufifasextension-polk-county-natural-resources

SWAN CITY IMPROV

When: Oct. 21, 2022 | 7:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.

Where: Craft + Kitchen 3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland This is a family-friendly show and everyone is sure to have a great time. About Swan City Improv- Lakeland’s best family-friendly comedy! We are the best comedic Improv team in all of Florida and we have no way of verifying that other than convincing you to come see a show.

DANIEL PEPIN LIVE

When: Oct. 21, 2022 | 8:30-11:30 p.m. Where: The Pink Piano 1015 Florida Ave S, Lakeland danielpepinmusic.com

Join 2 time BEST OF award winner for Best musician Daniel Pepin for a night of great music and more.

BONNET SPRINGS PARK GRAND

OPENING

When: Oct. 22, 2022 | 12 a.m.

Where: Bonnet Springs Park 400 Bonnet Springs Park Blvd, Lakeland bonnetspringspark.com

Join us in celebrating the grand opening of Bonnet Springs Park. This FREE weekend of festivities will allow the entire family to escape, engage, and explore.Each day will have an action-packed itinerary of can’tmiss activities including free concerts, food trucks, dozens of local vendors, face painting,

strolling performers, mascot meet and greets, fireworks and more! Stay tuned to www. bonnetspringspark.com for more information!

WORLD WATER SKI SHOW TOURNAMENT DAY 2

When: Oct. 22, 2022 | 8 a.m.

Where: Lake Silver 871 3rd St NW, Winter Haven worldwaterskishow.com

Day two of Competition where all competitive teams compete. Running order will be determined at the Opening Ceremony.

LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET

When: Oct. 22, 2022 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket

Local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays. Every Saturday in downtown Lakeland.

WARRIOR WALK LAKELAND

When: Oct. 22, 2022 | 9 a.m.

Where: First Presbyterian of Lakeland 175 Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland facebook.com/warriorwalklakeland

The Polk County Veteran’s Council and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps holds a yearly Warrior Walk around beautiful Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland to remember our U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines from Florida who have been killed in action while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. We honor Gold Star Families and Veterans at this event to remind them that we will never forget. More info on their Facebook page.

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

When: Oct. 22, 2022 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: NE corner of Third St. & Ave. C SW, Winter Haven winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

The Market features a variety of farmers, unusual food trucks, artisan food vendors, plants, and a sprinkling of curated makers. Enjoy a strong selection of “ready-to-eat” foods and freshly picked produce. Live music + tables and chairs to sit and relax at.Located across from Grove Roots in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday.

AIR PLANT TERRARIUM WORKSHOP

When: Oct. 22, 2022 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

This workshop will spark your creativity to design a one-of-a-kind air plant terrarium! We’ll supply the air plants, mosses, pebbles and terrariums to help you create your miniature garden. What makes an air plant terrarium unforgettable is often the special touches that personalize each creation, so if you have a terrarium you’d like to fill, please feel free to bring it along. Registration required. 863-734-1222

HOCUS POCUS PARTY

When: Oct. 22, 2022 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Larry R Jackson Branch Library 1700 N Florida Ave, Lakeland lakelandpl.libcal.com/event/9614513

The black flame candle is lit and the Sanderson sisters are back! Join us for a glorious morning of crafts and activities to celebrate the return of Salem’s wickedly spellbinding trio. It’s bound to be a cackling good time! All ages welcome! No registration required. 863-834-4292

LEARNING TO BE ME

When: Oct. 22 - Nov. 13, 2022 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

This exhibition features the work of our youngest Polk County art students.The museum hosts several exhibitions per year in the George Jenkins Gallery that feature artwork by Polk County School District students. From each of these exhibitions, one piece is purchased by the Museum to be added to our Student Collection. This exhibition may be viewed online. 863-6887743

BRICK-OR-TREAT

When: Oct. 22 & 23, 2022 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: Legoland Florida 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven legoland.com The signature Halloween event is better than ever this year! Brick-or-Treat will bewitch LEGOLAND® Florida Resort with tons of candy, an all-new show line up, never-before-seen exclusive LEGO® characters, and more! You and your kids will enjoy live entertainment & shows, limited-time attractions, character Meet & Greets, a costume parade, and of course, Trick-or-Treating!Best of all, admission is included with day tickets, hotel packages, and select annual passes.

WAG YOUR “TAIL”GATE PARTY

When: Oct. 22, 2022 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: The Doggie Bag Back Yard 1702 E. Edgewood Dr., Lakeland Wag Your ‘Tail”gate Party Benefiting Until Such Time Rescue. Get Ready for Some Football!! Who’s going to win the game. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers or The Carolina Panthers?! We’re letting the Dogs decide. For $5 a lick, your Pup picks the winning team. The prized Pup WINS a Furtabulous Gift Basket from The Doggie Bag, valued at over $250!! Meet adoptables on-site, and make a love connection! What’s a Tailgating party without food..Remigio’s Authentic Mexican Food Truck will be on-site offering Tacos, Tortas & Gordita’s. Come Hungry!! Wait there’s more.. FREEBIES! Alex, from KOHA Pet Foods, will have FREE Samples & Goodies! Thank you KOHA for being our Licks Sponsor. Call for more info, 863-683-6220.

HOCUS POCUS BOOK RECEPTION

When: Oct. 22, 2022 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Unbound Bookery 1026 S Florida Ave, Lakeland Hocus Pocus Comics will be having a special reception scheduled at the Unbound Bookery on Oct 22 , 11-2 in Lakeland. Come out and

meet the author, buy some books and enjoy wine and light bites to celebrate the third volume’s completion. All of the volumes for The Imaginary Voyages of Edgar Allan Poe are available now on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Educators and indie bookstores can order it on Ingram.

DANIEL PEPIN LIVE

When: Oct. 22, 2022 | 7-10 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St, Lakeland danielpepinmusic.com

Join 2 time BEST OF award winner for Best musician Daniel Pepin for a night of great music and more.

KISS ALIVE THE TRIBUTE

When: Oct. 22, 2022 | 8 p.m. Where: Ritz Theatre 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven centralfloridatix.com

What initially started off as a tribute to only the music, (no makeup, no costumes, no bells or whistles) has, after 12 yrs evolved into the SE USA premier KISS Tribute. General admission seating is first come first serve. Doors will open at 6:00pm.

WORLD WATER SKI SHOW TOURNAMENT DAY 3

When: Oct. 23, 2022 | 8 a.m.

Where: Lake Silver 871 3rd St NW, Winter Haven worldwaterskishow.com

Day 3 of competition will start with Teams placed by their scores from Saturday. The Individual Freestyle jump competition will follow in the late afternoon. Medal Ceremony will conclude.

BONNET SPRINGS PARK GRAND OPENING

When: Oct. 23, 2022 | 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Bonnet Springs Park 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland bonnetspringspark.com

Join us in celebrating the grand opening of the gates to Bonnet Springs Park. This FREE weekend of festivities will enable the entire family to escape. engage. explore. Each day will have an action-packed itinerary of can’t-miss activity including: 3 StagesDozens of Local Vendors and Food Trucks, Face painting, strolling performers, activities in nature, and mascot meet and greets, and more! Check their socials and website for more info, beginning and ending times are subject to change.

JOHN JORGENSON BLUEGRASS BAND

When: Oct. 23, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: Gram Parsons Derry Down 297 5th St. NW, Winter Haven gpderrydown.com

The John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band is an all-star bluegrass supergroup featuring four legendary, award-winning musicians — John Jorgenson on acoustic guitar, mandolin and vocals; Herb Pedersen on banjo, acoustic guitar and vocals; Mark Fain on bass; and Patrick Sauber on acoustic guitar and vocals — delivering bluegrass like no one has ever heard it before.

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: BILLY JOEL THE STRANGER

When: Oct. 23, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland rpfundingcenter.com

Experience this landmark album as Classic Albums Live performs it, Note For Note & Cut For Cut. Billy Joel’s The Stranger, released in 1977 not only skyrocketed him into worldwide stardom, but remains to many fans, his finest hour. The songs have become radio staples and continue to be forever included in Billy Joel’s live concerts. .”

WALKING FOR WELLNESS

When: Oct. 24, 2022 | 10-11 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

Almost 100 years ago, Edward Bok created Bok Tower Gardens as a place to escape the electrically driven world. Today this invitation is more relevant than ever. Being in nature is not merely nice, it is vital to our wellbeing. The restorative powers of nature are well documented and include making us happier, healthier and more creative. Walking for Wellness immerses participants in nature through a series of walks built around beauty, compassion, peace, joy and wonder. Member Exclusive Event. Registration required.

AFTER SCHOOL ART

When: Oct. 24, 2022 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

After School Art is designed for the parent and child to learn creative new skills together. Come join us for a new lesson each week using different medium and learn about the elements of art. Our activities are easily designed to be recreated at home to further enhance your young artists’ skills - and yours, too!Doors open at 4:20 pm. Space is limited; be sure to arrive early to secure your spot! 863-688-7743

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF LAKELAND

When: Oct. 24, 2022 | 6 p.m. Where: 1515 Williamsburg Square Lakeland dwclakeland.org

The Democratic Women’s Club of Lakeland is a proud, fearless and determined group of Democratic women and men. Our meetings are informative with quality speakers focused on current local, state, and national issues. Our outreach includes having a presence at community events, such as, First Friday, the Martin Luther King Parade, Pride in the Park, and voter registration, to name a few. Members are also involved in Democratic campaigns, supporting or opposing legislative activities, and other opportunities to support the Democratic agenda. Our Club typically meets on the 4th Monday of the month, please check our website for exact dates. Social time begins at 6:00 p.m.- Program begins at 6:30 p.m. and adjourns at 8:00 p.m. Refreshments are provided. The meeting is open to the public. If you are interested in joining our club, you will be able to do so at any meeting. If

you have questions, you can email the club at dwclakeland@gmail.com or visit our website at dwclakeland.org for additional information regarding our meeting protocol.

WINES OF EUROPE TASTING COURSE

When: Oct. 24, 2022 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Nutwood 132 Avenue B SW, Winter Haven Email info@nutwoodwh.com for reservations. October 24: Spanish Wines - Regions, Varietals, Pairings.

BUSY BEES SPORTS EXPLORERS

When: Oct. 25, 2022 | 10-11 a.m. Where: Medulla Resource Center 1049 Parker Rd., Lakeland Admission is free but space is limited. Reserve your spot bee-fore they fill up by emailing cherryalston@polk-county.net. Each month the Polk County Parks & Rec will feature a different sport. Each session focuses on basic drills that will teach the fundamentals of each sport. Parents will get to participate in the lessons with their children. For Children 3-6 year old. Space is limited to 15 children.Child must be accompanied by an adult.

STORY TIME AT THE FLORIDA AIR MUSEUM

When: Oct. 25, 2022 | 10-10:30 a.m. Where: Florida Air Museum 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland Dive into interactive learning experiences and bring stories to life for your junior ACEs! Everyone is welcome, though the content is targeted towards our younger aviators, ages 2-5. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call 863-904-6833.

YOGA FOR A BETTER LIFE

When: Oct. 25, 2022 | 10:15 a.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com

Each session begins with a gentle warmup, please bring your own mat and wear something comfortable. 863-291-5880 Tuesdays, space is limited.

LITTLE SPROUTS STORY TIME

When: Oct. 25, 2022 | 10:30 a.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com

Children enjoy stories, songs, finger plays and puppet shows that develop early literacy skills and promote interaction between parents and children. Ages 5 and under.This program is held on Tuesdays at 10:30 am. 863-291-5880

LEGO CLUB

When: Oct. 25, 2022 | 4 p.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven They supply the LEGO blocks, you supply the imagination! Creations will be displayed during the following week. Ages 6-12, every Tuesday.

BEGINNERS BACKPACKING CLASS

When: Oct. 25, 2022 | 5:30 p.m.

Where: UF/IFAS Extension 1702 S Highway, Bartow bit.ly/102527BP

Join UF/IFAS Extension Natural Resources and Conservation faculty, Shannon Carnevale, for a two-day workshop on backpacking skills.This two-day workshop (Tuesday and Thursday evening) will teach participants all about the basic skills required to go backpacking in Florida’s backcountry. Register in advance. This workshop takes place on Tuesday, October 25th and Thursday, October 27th. Registration includes BOTH sessions and attendance is expected at both sessions. Participation is limited to 15 people.

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF EAST POLK/RIDGE

When: Oct. 25, 2022 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: The R-Place Eatery Restauant 35523 Hwy 27, Haines City

The Democratic Women’s Club of East Polk/ Ridge meets every 4th Tuesday. All Democratic women are welcome to join the club, where we discuss shared political views and volunteer for activities that help elect fellow Democrats. Contact: Anne Huffman, Club President (863242-3230) and annehuffman01@gmail.com

TRIVIA TUESDAYS

When: Oct. 25, 2022 | 6:30-8 p.m.

Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co. 302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven

Gather up those teams to test your general knowledge for Trivia Tuesdays at GRB!

Triviosity Live Events will host trivia in the Packing House.Teams may range between 1-8 players. All minors must be accompanied and actively supervised by a parent or guardian at all times

TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER

When: Oct. 25, 2022 | 7 p.m. Where: Barrel 239 239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

High Stax Poker hosts Poker Night at Barrel239 every Tuesday night! The first game starts at 7pm and if enough players attended the 7pm session there will also be a 9pm session. Gift card prizes available for 1st and 2nd place winners for each session! This event is 21 & up. More info on FB @Barrel239

KNIT ONE, CROCHET TOO!

When: Oct. 26, 2022 | 5:30-7 p.m. Where: Larry R Jackson Branch Library 1700 N Florida Ave, Lakeland Knit One, Crochet Too! is a knitting/crochet club that meets Wednesday evenings. Some knowledge of either knitting or crocheting recommended. Bring your current yarn project in and chat with other yarn fanatics. Questions: Phone: 863.834.4281 or Email: lisa.kolesar@lakelandgov.net

COSMIC SOUND CLEANSE

When: Oct. 26, 2022 | 7-8 p.m. Where: Buffy’s Boutique 301 Third St. NW Suite 216 Winter Haven buffysboutique.com

Come be immersed in a sound bath of crystal bowls, hand-pan, drums and other eclectic instruments facilitated by Buffy LaRoux and Adam T. Cooke. This weekly event is available online and in person. Registration required. Yoga mats and props provided. 863-969-2315

HAPPY SEAT MEDITATION

When: Oct. 27, 2022 | 10 a.m.

Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com

Participants will be comfortably seated and guided through 3 or 4 meditations. Share your experiences after each meditation. Calm your mind. No experience necessary, space is limited. Thursdays at 10:30 am. 863-2915880

WINTER HAVEN WRITERS

When: Oct. 27, 2022 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven The Winter Haven Writers meet every second and fourth Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, at the Winter Haven library in the large conference room. Interested writers can email ellenedits4u@gmail.com or call 863-456-9831 for more info. This group shares work, writing ideas, and they encourage fellow writers.

BEYOND BELL RINGING

When: Oct. 27, 2022 | 2-4 p.m.

Where: Salvation Army Social Services & Shelter, 320 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd NW, Winter Haven salvationarmyflorida.org/winterhaven

Take a tour to see and hear how lives are being changed at The Salvation ArmyPlease call 863-294-7493 ext 101 or email Captain Dominic Blanford at Dominic.Blanford@ uss.salvationarmy.org to reserve your spot! Refreshments will be provided! We hope to see you there.

POLK AT NITE: HALLOWEEN PARTY

When: Oct. 27, 2022 | 5-8 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland centralfloridatix.com

Bring your friends for an exclusive Halloween cocktail party while enjoying a last look at Rodin: Contemplation and Dreams at the Polk Museum of Art. Costumes are highly encouraged as we bid farewell to this amazing exhibit in style.You’ll have access to the exhibit, beats all night long by DJ Jenks‚ small bites and one beverage ticket for a craft cocktail from our friends at Red Door Lakeland, cash bar available after free drink redemption. Interested in becoming a Polk Museum member? Combine your general admission with a membership to enjoy the museum all year long! Check out all ticket options on centralfloridatix.com before purchasing.

DUELING PIANOS

When: Oct. 27, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: Balmoral Bar and Grill 124 Kenny Blvd., Haines City centralfloridatix.com

Dueling Piano’s will be a screaming ghoul time! Come out and watch the charismatic

entertainers behind the keys of Dueling Piano’s.You will sing, laugh and dance the night away. Request your favorite song and drink your favorite cocktails under the stars!

You don’t want to miss this night out. Purchase tickets in advance.

TRIVIA THURSDAYS AT BARREL 239

When: Oct. 27, 2022 | 7-9 p.m.

Where: Barrel 239 239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday is General Knowledge except the 3rd Thursday of the month, which is a themed show/movie series.Teams of no more than 6 players. Check-in starts at 6:30pm. Questions start at 7:00pm. This event is 21 and up.

DEEP BREATHS & BIG SIPS

When: Oct. 28, 2022 | 6:30-8 p.m.

Where: Inside Out Yoga (new location) 219 5th St. SW, Winter Haven

Join us for an all levels yoga class with some great jams. Followed by a glass of wine (non-alcoholic selections available too) and socializing in the rock garden. 863-224-2311

EVIL BILL AND THE STRUGGLE BUS

When: Oct. 28, 2022 | 7-10 p.m.

Where: Grove Roots 302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven danielpepinmusic.com

Join Evil Bill and the Struggle Bus (featuring 2 time BEST OF award winner for Best musician Daniel Pepin) for a night of high energy 80’s rock at Grove Roots!

LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS

CURB MARKET

When: Oct. 29, 2022 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket

Local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays. Every Saturday in downtown Lakeland.

HOLIDAY GIFT AND CRAFT SHOW

When: Oct. 29, 2022 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Del Webb Orlando 500 Del Webb Blvd., Davenport Del Webb Orlando is pleased to present their annual Holiday Gift and Craft Show. Please use the main entrance on Rt 27 to access the community. Come shop from an amazing assortment of talented vendors! This year we are featuring gift baskets being raffled to support The Sunshine Foundation. There will also be a Bake Sale and lunch will be available for purchase!

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

When: Oct. 29, 2022 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: NE corner of Third St. & Ave. C SW, Winter Haven winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

The Market features a variety of farmers, unusual food trucks, artisan food vendors, plants, and a sprinkling of curated makers. Enjoy a strong selection of “ready-to-eat” foods and freshly picked produce. Live music + tables and chairs to sit and relax at.Located

across from Grove Roots in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday.

PIONEER DAYS FESTIVAL

When: Oct. 29 & 30, 2022 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Lake Wailes Park/Gazebo 499 E Park Avenue, Lake Wales lakewalesfl.gov/museum

This free community festival features a heritage village that includes dozens of historical demonstrations of pioneer camps and early American trades. The public is welcome to experience, learn, share and buy hand-crafted goods from these vendors along with more than 60 craft market vendors. The festival honors pioneers from the past and presents an annual recognition award to a notable resident of historical contributions to the community during the festival with community organizations, antique tractors and cars, live music and entertainment, festival food, beer & wine. Families can also enjoy the Pumpkin Patch with pumpkins for sale, fall craft stations, old-fashioned games, a corn crib, hay piles, photo station, and face painting.

BRICK-OR-TREAT

When: Oct. 29 & 30, 2022 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Where: Legoland Florida 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven legoland.com

Brick-or-Treat will bewitch LEGOLAND® Florida Resort with tons of candy, an all-new show line up, never-before-seen exclusive LEGO® characters, and more! You and your kids will enjoy live entertainment & shows, limited-time attractions, character Meet & Greets, a costume parade, and of course, Trick-or-Treating! Best of all, admission is included with day tickets.

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING - RODIN: THE GATES OF HELL

When: Oct. 29, 2022 | 12 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

Rodin: The Gates of Hell. Learn about the creation of Rodin’s masterpiece, The Gates of Hell, his life and artistic career, and more during this hour-long documentary. This award-winning film chronicles Rodin’s struggles and sacrifices in creating a monumental work of art -- and the extraordinary modern-day effort to give it the final form he envisioned.Tickets/reservations are not required for the film screening. 863688-7743

TRUNK OR TREAT

When: Oct. 29, 2022 | 5-8 p.m.

Where: Lake Eva Park 555 Ledwith Ave., Haines City hainescity.com

See all types of vehicles including construction equipment, emergency vehicles, public transportation vehicles, tow trucks, & much more! Enjoy trick-or-treating, music & free hot dogs! Dress up in your Halloween costume to have a spooktacular time.

CINEMA ART HISTORIQUE: CAMILLE

CLAUDEL 1915 (2013)

When: Oct. 29, 2022 | 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

This free-admission film series is designed to explore the connections between art history and cinema. After each screening, enjoy a Q&A and discussion with Dr. Alex Rich, Executive Director and Chief Curator, about how the evening’s film aligns with the histories and stories it strives to tell. October’s film explores the life of Auguste Rodin’s protoge (and later mistress), Camille Claudel, as she struggles to find her identity as an artist and becomes confined to an asylum in the South of France by her family, where she will never sculpt again. Registration is required, space is limited. 863-688-7743

HALLOWEEN BASH

When: Oct. 29, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St., Lakeland

Join Swan Brewing for a Night of Halloween Fun with Best Costume Prizes! No Cover Charge; Delicious Food, Spirits and Craft Beer Selections Available for Purchase; Outdoor Seating. Best Costumes Prizes.Florida Rock Band SmokePoint performs classic and modern rock/pop hits - from Journey to Jonas Brothers, Motley Crue to Maroon 5, Van Halen to Greta Van Fleet, Styx to the Stones, The Cars to The Weeknd.

DANIEL PEPIN LIVE

When: Oct. 29, 2022 | 7-10 p.m. Where: The Union Taproom 245 W Central Ave #102 Winter Haven danielpepinmusic.com

Join 2 time BEST OF award winner for Best musician Daniel Pepin for a night of great music and more.

STAR LIGHT STAR BRIGHT NEON HALLOWEEN

When: Oct. 29, 2022 | 9 p.m. Where: Jessie’s, 118 3rd St. SW Winter Haven

Lilah Rose Productions + Jessies present Winter Haven’s MOST EPIC trippy halloween party & costume contest featuring the areas best electronic/jam music artists hitting the stage at Jessie’s Lounge Oct 29th.Line Up:RANDOM MOVEMENT aka Mike Richards (Drum & Bass), MOON DANCER (Live Electronic w/ live drums), THE BROKE (Psychedelic Jam Band), DIGITAL JR (Bass House), and NESTROGEN (Lofi-Industrial).

DANIEL PEPIN LIVE

When: Oct. 30, 2022 | 12-3 p.m. Where: The Florida Brewery 202 Gandy Rd, Auburndale danielpepinmusic.com

Join 2 time BEST OF award winner for Best musician Daniel Pepin for a night of great music and more.

WALKING FOR WELLNESS

When: Oct. 31, 2022 | 10-11 a.m.

Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales boktowergardens.org

Being in nature is not merely nice, it is vital to our wellbeing. The restorative powers of nature are well documented and include making us happier, healthier and more creative. Walking for Wellness immerses participants in nature through a series of walks built around beauty, compassion, peace, joy and wonder. Member Exclusive Event. Registration required.

A SIREN’S PERIL: AN UNDERWATER PORTRAIT RETROSPECTIVE

When: Oct. 31 - Nov. 11, 2022

Where: ART/ifact 820 N Mass Ave, Lakeland Scott Audette Underwater is pleased to announce the art exhibition, “A Siren’s Peril: An Underwater Portrait Retrospective.” Makeup artist Stephanie Paul and Lakeland Photographer Scott Audette bring their talents together in this incredible show aimed at pushing limits of imagination, light, water, artistry and body. Stunning underwater portraits of 10 talented “zombie” mermaids and mermen, along with the props, behindthe-scenes videos, and costuming, will be on display. The exhibit also will feature underwater maternity, kids, party, individual and couples portraits by Scott Audette Underwater. All prints will be available for purchase. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Admission is free and open to the community.

AFTER SCHOOL ART

When: Oct. 31, 2022 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org

After School Art is designed for the parent and child to learn creative new skills together. Come join us for a new lesson each week using different medium and learn about the elements of art. Our activities are easily designed to be recreated at home to further enhance your young artists’ skills - and yours, too!Doors open at 4:20 pm. Space is limited; be sure to arrive early to secure your spot! 863-688-7743

TRUNK OR TREAT

When: Oct. 31, 2022 | 6-9 p.m.

Where: Lewis Mathews Sports Complex 400 Palm Street, Davenport mydavenport.org

Come join us for the annual Spooky Halloween & Trunk or Treat event! Don’t forget to wear your best costume! Games, Contests, Prizes, & More.

*Due to the uncertainty of COVID, please double check that the event you’re interested in has not been canceled or rescheduled prior to leaving your house.

WHY SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN THE Best RETIREMENT?

From uncompromised senior living and the benefits of Lifecare to an active and engaging lifestyle and abundant choices each day, it’s easy to see why The Estates at Carpenters was voted the Best Retirement Community.

THE Best PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

For 36 years, we’ve provided active older adults with uncompromised retirement living and an unrivaled lifestyle. Here, life revolves around you – allowing you to enjoy an active lifestyle while spending days as you please.

THE Best VALUE

Here you can say goodbye to the hassles of homeownership, including maintenance and housekeeping, cooking, utilities, transportation, taxes, and more. Instead, say hello to a sound retirement plan because Lifecare allows you access to care for life at the same price y ou currently pay for independent living, protecting your assets from future rising health care costs!

THE Best AMENITIES

Situated on over 33 acres, The Estates offers a quiet and peaceful retreat with the amenities and services you desire to keep you active, healthy and happy! Enjoy all that we offer within our community, including our art studio, Carpenter’s Shop, bistro, pool, fitness center with a full-time personal trainer, beauty salon, and more. It’s all waiting for you at The Estates!

YOU FOR VOTING US Best OF THE Best!

We're making changes, branching out to better serve those who choose The Estates for their retirement. Soon you'll see new dining venues, including a wood-fired pizza oven, sports grill, hibachi grill, and formal and private dining rooms. A beautiful chapel and reimagined outdoor spaces add new areas for reflection and activity. It's all for the residents, all at The Estates.

“Moving to The Estates was one of my best decisions. It has everything I need – and want: a beautiful home, a convenient location, friends who share my values, and the promise of Lifecare should my health needs ever change. Each day brings new opportunities for me to enjoy something new and fun … I’ve joined the choir, I volunteer, I go to Bible Study, I work out; I’ve even played beanbag baseball and used a stationary bike to take a road trip ...

“I also appreciate that, like me, The Estates is prepared for the unexpected. No matter what happens, The Estates has a plan that will help the staff deal with anything life throws its way, and that brings me tremendous peace of mind.”

- Gary Mitchell

SOLD HOMES

AUBURNDALE

1011 ENCLAVE LAKE BLVD

AUBURNDALE 7/6/2022 $90,000

1031 ENCLAVE LAKE BLVD AUBURNDALE 7/8/2022 $90,000

1042 TROPEA LN

AUBURNDALE 7/11/2022 $298,700

116 REFLECTION BLVD AUBURNDALE 7/5/2022 $477,700

118 LIGHTER LOG LN

120 PEARL ST

120 PEARL ST

AUBURNDALE 7/8/2022 $300,000

AUBURNDALE 7/1/2022 $224,000

AUBURNDALE 7/1/2022 $234,900

120 REFLECTION BLVD AUBURNDALE 7/5/2022 $443,000

1232 MEZZAVALLE WAY .................................

1280 MEZZAVALLE WAY

131 JULIANA RIDGE WAY ................................

131 LAKEVIEW DR

135 CORY CT ..................................................

1474 LOUISE AVE

2010 LAKE ARIANA BLVD ..............................

212 WALKERS POINT DR

221 WHITE CLIFF BLVD ...................................

2224 GABARONE BLVD

2249 PALMVIEW CIR .....................................

233 LAKE VISTA DR

AUBURNDALE ............7/12/2022 .............. $301,700

AUBURNDALE 7/12/2022 $339,300

AUBURNDALE ........... 7/13/2022 ............ $750,000

AUBURNDALE 7/5/2022 $410,000

AUBURNDALE ............. 7/7/2022 ............ $284,000

AUBURNDALE 7/9/2022 $310,400

AUBURNDALE .............7/8/2022 ............ $700,000

AUBURNDALE 7/1/2022 $386,200

AUBURNDALE ............. 7/6/2022 ............ $405,000

AUBURNDALE 7/1/2022 $245,000

AUBURNDALE ............. 7/6/2022 ............. $315,000

AUBURNDALE 7/8/2022 $520,000

260 CASCARA LN .......................................... AUBURNDALE ............. 7/5/2022 ............ $340,000

3038 LANTANA CIR

305 ARIANA AVE ...........................................

307 GRIMES DR

4277 JULIANA LAKE DR .................................

4289 JULIANA LAKE DR

4325 JULIANA LAKE DR .................................

4331 JULIANA LAKE DR

4337 JULIANA LAKE DR .................................

4347 JULIANA LAKE DR

489 RIDERS LOOP .........................................

4940 TENNESSEE LAKE DR

5497 ORO VALLEY RD ...................................

585 HONEYFARM LN

AUBURNDALE 7/11/2022 $249,900

AUBURNDALE ............7/12/2022 ............. $192,000

AUBURNDALE 7/7/2022 $220,000

AUBURNDALE ............7/12/2022 ............. $285,700

AUBURNDALE 7/11/2022 $140,600

AUBURNDALE ............ 7/11/2022 ............. $140,500

AUBURNDALE 7/11/2022 $145,200

AUBURNDALE ............ 7/11/2022 ............. $145,200

AUBURNDALE 7/12/2022 $285,700

AUBURNDALE .............7/8/2022 ............ $426,400

AUBURNDALE 7/8/2022 $518,800

AUBURNDALE ............. 7/5/2022 .............$339,000

AUBURNDALE 7/1/2022 $400,000

588 DUNCAN CIR

6400 BELLO ROBLE DR .................................

661 DUNCAN CIR

711 SUNSET AVE

BARTOW

1155 HWY 17

1645 VARNER CT

1745 MAGNOLIA ST

1765 MAGNOLIA ST

AUBURNDALE 7/1/2022 $210,000

AUBURNDALE ............. 7/5/2022 ......... $2,550,000

AUBURNDALE 7/6/2022 $75,000

AUBURNDALE .............7/9/2022 ............ $245,000

BARTOW 7/8/2022 $235,000

BARTOW 7/8/2022 $360,000

BARTOW 7/6/2022 $315,000

BARTOW 7/6/2022 $299,000

BARTOW 7/1/2022 $326,000 2042 CHARLESTON LN BARTOW 7/5/2022 $410,000

1824 KINGSMILL DR

2055 FLORAL AVE LOT 214

2055 S FLORAL AVE LOT 30

2205 ALTURAS LOOP RD

2911 WHEELER ST

330 WESTOVER PKWY

BARTOW 7/12/2022 $53,000

BARTOW 7/8/2022 $120,000

BARTOW 7/20/2022 $117,000

BARTOW 7/11/2022 $230,000

BARTOW 7/13/2022 $196,500

414 LAKE MILLSITE RD

BARTOW ............. 7/1/2022 ............. $185,000

BARTOW 7/5/2022 $925,000 5261 WATERWOOD DR BARTOW 7/6/2022 $515,000 585 3RD AVE ..........................................................

6091 WATERWOOD WAY

BARTOW 7/1/2022 $535,000

660 BARTOW BLVD ............................................... BARTOW ............ 7/11/2022 ............. $210,000

7313 W THOMAS JEFFERSON CIR

DAVENPORT

102 FOX LOOP

110 VIA MARIEL EAST DR .................................

115 CORK WAY

BARTOW 7/8/2022 $255,000

DAVENPORT 7/11/2022 $381,800

DAVENPORT ........... 7/10/2022 ............ $436,900

DAVENPORT 7/12/2022 $380,000

115 REDDING ST ............................................... DAVENPORT ............. 7/6/2022 ............. $255,000

117 PAYNE STEWART LN DAVENPORT 7/6/2022 $130,000

130 JACK NICKLAUS DR ................................... DAVENPORT ............. 7/1/2022 ............. $130,000

213 WESTRIDGE RD

DAVENPORT 7/7/2022 $320,000

284 VISTA DR .................................................. DAVENPORT .............7/8/2022 .............$534,900

288 GINA LN

328 TOMELLOSO WAY ....................................

407 LILY LN

DAVENPORT 7/1/2022 $372,500

DAVENPORT ............. 7/1/2022 .............$475,000

DAVENPORT 7/8/2022 $308,500

411 LILY LN ........................................................ DAVENPORT ............. 7/7/2022 ............. $372,800

416 TISONE LN

427 LILY LN ......................................................

443 PALOMA DR

DAVENPORT 7/8/2022 $403,800

DAVENPORT .............7/8/2022 .............$334,300

DAVENPORT 7/11/2022 $525,000 - CONTINUED ON PAGE 56 -

443 PALOMA DR..............................................

4587 TERRASONESTA DR

DAVENPORT .............7/8/2022 ............. $362,500

DAVENPORT 7/5/2022 $537,000

4722 TERRASONESTA DR ................................ DAVENPORT ............. 7/7/2022 ............ $490,000

501 CHELSEA AVE DAVENPORT 7/11/2022 $725,000

521 CHELSEA AVE ............................................ DAVENPORT ............ 7/11/2022 .............$975,000

6000 OAK GREEN LOOP DAVENPORT 7/11/2022 $1,075,000

683 ORISTA DR ................................................ DAVENPORT ............. 7/5/2022 ............ $430,000

7196 OAKMOSS LOOP DAVENPORT 7/8/2022 $675,000

7530 OAK SPRING LN ...................................... DAVENPORT ........... 7/14/2022 .............. $414,100

7574 OAK SPRING LN DAVENPORT 7/6/2022 $438,900

777 GRAZIE LOOP ............................................ DAVENPORT ............. 7/5/2022 ............ $444,000

7825 OAK REFLECTION LOOP DAVENPORT 7/7/2022 $430,000

802 CHINOY RD............................................... DAVENPORT .............7/8/2022 .............. $359,100

815 CHINOY RD DAVENPORT 7/1/2022 $435,000

828 ASTURIAS RD ........................................... DAVENPORT ............. 7/5/2022 ............ $434,900

835 CHINOY RD DAVENPORT 7/7/2022 $405,000

839 CHINOY RD............................................... DAVENPORT ............7/12/2022 ............. $378,500

9 REDWOOD DR

DAVENPORT 7/6/2022 $81,500

133 ALFORD DR ............................................... DAVENPORT ............. 7/6/2022 ............ $356,000

152 VILLA DOMANI CIR DAVENPORT 7/6/2022 $655,000

161 ALFORD DR

162 CAPTIVA DR

1848 SERENO DR

197 ARBOR LAKES DR

289 SIESTA VISTA CT

DAVENPORT 7/1/2022 $425,000

DAVENPORT 7/6/2022 $459,900

DAVENPORT 7/12/2022 $395,000

DAVENPORT 7/11/2022 $330,000

DAVENPORT 7/5/2022 $361,300

341 SIESTA VISTA CT DAVENPORT 7/5/2022 $354,900

373 TANGLEWOOD DR DAVENPORT 7/6/2022 $364,000

1002 CALABRIA AVE

DAVENPORT 7/11/2022 $345,000

1016 NEW PROVIDENCE PROMENADE DAVENPORT 7/11/2022 $295,000

136 BAYSWATER LN DAVENPORT 7/1/2022 $390,000

145 NESBITT PARK AVE DAVENPORT 7/8/2022 $199,000

233 PALERMO ST DAVENPORT 7/1/2022 $315,000

309 LUCAYA LOOP DAVENPORT 7/8/2022 $250,000

313 PLUMOSO LOOP

DAVENPORT 7/6/2022 $430,000

3169 BELLA VISTA DR DAVENPORT 7/1/2022 $432,200

323 HIGHER COMBE DR DAVENPORT 7/6/2022 $395,000

333 MILFORD ST DAVENPORT 7/7/2022 $386,500

343 GLENEAGLES DR....................................... DAVENPORT

............ $565,000

3609 LILY LN DAVENPORT 7/6/2022 $686,800

416 ELGIN BLVD

DAVENPORT ............. 7/7/2022 ............. $341,500

431 MONTARA DR DAVENPORT 7/5/2022 $437,500

435 GLEN EAGLES DR

DAVENPORT ........... 7/15/2022 ............ $550,000

442 HAVERSHAM WAY DAVENPORT 7/1/2022 $380,000

49595 HWY 27

505 ELLA MAE DR

517 CASSIA DR

521 RENA DR

5609 COSTA BLANCA WAY

918 SOLANA CIR

938 ELDERBERRY DR

973 DOWNING CIR

HAINES CITY

109 KENNY BLVD

DAVENPORT ............. 7/7/2022 ............. $514,000

DAVENPORT 7/8/2022 $366,000

DAVENPORT ............. 7/6/2022 ............ $495,000

HAINES CITY ............. 7/7/2022 ............. $215,000

DAVENPORT ............. 7/7/2022 ............ $600,000

DAVENPORT 7/6/2022 $395,000

DAVENPORT ............. 7/7/2022 ............. $447,000

DAVENPORT 7/8/2022 $480,000

DAVENPORT ........... 7/13/2022 ............ $406,400

5626 COSTA BLANCA WAY DAVENPORT 7/11/2022 $416,300

704 NEW PROVIDENCE PROMENADE............. DAVENPORT ............. 7/1/2022 ............. $267,000

854 BLOOMINGDALE DR

861 ORCHID DR

DAVENPORT 7/7/2022 $525,000

DAVENPORT ............. 7/7/2022 ............ $290,000

1095 JACKSON ST

134 GRAHAM PARK DR

152 STRATFORD CT .........................................

1606 FOREST HILL LN

230 MINNIEHAHA CIR .....................................

2360 PAULETTE DR

HAINES CITY ............. 7/6/2022 ............ $300,000

HAINES CITY 7/6/2022 $285,000 1211 AVENUE L ..................................................

HAINES CITY 7/1/2022 $220,000

HAINES CITY ............. 7/1/2022 .............$270,000

HAINES CITY 7/8/2022 $530,000

HAINES CITY ............. 7/1/2022 ............ $495,000

HAINES CITY 7/1/2022 $300,000

240 AIDAN’S LNDG

251 PATTERSON RD B-7

251 PATTERSON RD LOT F-16

255 SUMMERLIN LN

26 COVENTRY DR

26 FAIRVIEW CT

425 HARBORVIEW DR

457 PANARO LN

465 PANARO LN

486 PANARO LN

51 BUCK CIR

HAINES CITY 7/7/2022 $492,000

HAINES CITY 7/13/2022 $420,000 2507 SCENIC HWY

HAINES CITY 7/11/2022 $100,000

HAINES CITY 7/12/2022 $120,000

HAINES CITY 7/11/2022 $318,400

HAINES CITY 7/6/2022 $140,000

HAINES CITY 7/12/2022 $125,000

HAINES CITY 7/8/2022 $265,000

HAINES CITY 7/5/2022 $93,900

HAINES CITY 7/5/2022 $93,900

HAINES CITY 7/7/2022 $345,000

HAINES CITY 8/22/2022 $205,000

HAINES CITY 7/5/2022 $615,000 598 MEADOW POINTE DR HAINES CITY 7/2/2022 $380,400 644 TANARO LN

52 PINE FOREST DR

HAINES CITY 7/6/2022 $382,400 683 TANARO LN

64 PINE FOREST DR

LAKE WALES

HAINES CITY 7/8/2022 $340,100

HAINES CITY 7/5/2022 $464,900

1015 TOWER BLVD

1948 OAKLAND PARK DR

3236 COURTNEY DR

LAKE WALES .............7/8/2022 ............ $260,000

LAKE WALES 7/8/2022 $284,000 1106 S LAKESHORE BLVD

LAKE WALES 7/7/2022 $253,000

LAKE WALES ............. 7/7/2022 ............. $279,000

714 HILLSIDE AVE

LAKE WALES ........... 7/13/2022 ............ $320,000

LAKE WALES 7/8/2022 $250,000 9151 CYPRESSWOOD DR

971 TOWER BLVD

LAKE WALES .............7/8/2022 ............. $120,000

LAKE WALES 7/8/2022 $120,000 981 TOWER BLVD

2848 NURSERY RD

4720 WALES ST

LAKE WALES .............7/8/2022 ......... $3,500,000

LAKE WALES 7/8/2022 $3,500,000 2854 NURSERY

LAKE WALES 7/19/2022 $115,000

LAKE WALES .............7/8/2022 ......... $3,500,000 845 KRIS KROS LN

843 KRIS KROS LN

LAKE WALES 7/8/2022 $3,500,000 847 KRIS KROS LN

915 C F KINNEY RD

LAKE WALES .............7/8/2022 ......... $3,500,000

LAKE WALES 7/1/2022 $340,000

11117 SCHAEFER LN

215 WILDWOOD LN

229 STALLION LN

266 ACACIA WALK

LAKE WALES 7/5/2022 $160,000

LAKE WALES ............. 7/1/2022 ............. $130,000 166 APPALOOSA TRL

LAKE WALES ........... 7/13/2022 ............... $79,900

LAKE WALES 7/1/2022 $135,000

LAKE WALES 7/1/2022 $445,000

5508 ARLINGTON RIVER DR

5615 YATES RD

6001 WHITE TAIL LOOP

6309 SNOW RD ..................................................

6320 TORRINGTON CIR

6340 LUNN WOODS DR .....................................

6364 TORRINGTON CIR

2279 COACHMAN LOOP .....................................

2534 DELPHI WOODS CIR

4025 WINDING VINE DR

5066 SIESTA PL

5242 ST LUCIA DR

6038 EAGLE POINTE DR

6040 CALENDAR CT

6046 EAGLE POINTE DR

1035 CLEARPOINTE WAY

1631 LAKEWOOD DR

1635 DOOLEY LN

2305 FLAMING ARROW DR

2827 CHRISTIE LN

3216 BIG VALLEY DR

363 SWEETBRIAR LN

3668 JOSHUA LN

4420 OLD HIGHWAY 37

509 LAUREL HILL

581 SCOTT LAKE CREEK LN

6322 SILVER LEAF LN ..........................................

6397 GARDNER DR

641 LARK DR

6416 GARDNER DR

LAKELAND 7/1/2022 $460,000

LAKELAND ........... 7/19/2022 ............ $360,000

LAKELAND 7/8/2022 $376,800

LAKELAND .............7/8/2022 .............. $60,000

LAKELAND 7/6/2022 $217,100

LAKELAND ............. 7/1/2022 ............ $260,000

LAKELAND 7/11/2022 $260,000

LAKELAND ........... 7/13/2022 ............ $645,000

LAKELAND 7/6/2022 $1,200,000

LAKELAND 7/14/2022 $255,000

LAKELAND 7/5/2022 $76,000

LAKELAND 7/5/2022 $331,600

LAKELAND 7/1/2022 $305,700

LAKELAND 7/12/2022 $225,000

LAKELAND 7/8/2022 $341,200

LAKELAND 7/8/2022 $330,900

LAKELAND 7/8/2022 $523,000

LAKELAND 7/8/2022 $392,000

LAKELAND 7/7/2022 $590,000

LAKELAND 7/6/2022 $365,000

LAKELAND 7/7/2022 $346,000

LAKELAND 7/6/2022 $195,000

LAKELAND 7/12/2022 $335,000

LAKELAND 7/1/2022 $50,400

LAKELAND 7/5/2022 $425,000

LAKELAND 7/8/2022 $397,600

LAKELAND .............7/8/2022 ............ $405,000

LAKELAND 7/2/2022 $294,700

LAKELAND ............7/12/2022 ............. $229,900

LAKELAND 7/7/2022 $343,900

6432 RUNNING BEAR DR.................................... LAKELAND ............ 7/11/2022 ............ $436,000

6737 BENTRIDGE DR

6986 TREYMONT DR

6986 TREYMONT DR

714 TEXAS AVE

714 TEXAS AVE

719 PLATEAU AVE

WINTER HAVEN

108 PALM DR

116 AVENUE B

118 3RD ST

1403 8TH ST

1432 AXEL CIR

1519 GAINES RD

1532 WALLACE MANOR AVE

1826 WALLACE MANOR LN

187 WATERSIDE CIR

201 5TH ST

2040 SE SAN MARCOS DR 203

2179 CASTLE PT

2508 AVENUE A

304 AVENUE B

307 SW TAYLOR BLVD ................................

3141 SPIRIT LAKE RD

333 W LAKE HOWARD DR 201 B

4139 SPRUCEWOOD ST

415 21ST ST

LAKELAND 7/1/2022 $519,000

LAKELAND ............. 7/5/2022 .............. $86,000

LAKELAND 7/5/2022 $100,000

LAKELAND ............ 7/11/2022 ............ $205,000

LAKELAND 7/6/2022 $236,000

LAKELAND ............. 7/5/2022 ............. $325,000

WINTER HAVEN ............. 7/6/2022 ............. $159,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/8/2022 $225,000

WINTER HAVEN .............7/8/2022 ............ $234,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/5/2022 $305,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/5/2022 $355,100

WINTER HAVEN 7/12/2022 $380,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/8/2022 $279,100

WINTER HAVEN 7/9/2022 $275,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/7/2022 $339,500

WINTER HAVEN 7/12/2022 $210,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/6/2022 $219,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/8/2022 $170,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/1/2022 $180,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/12/2022 $95,000

WINTER HAVEN ............. 7/6/2022 ............. $229,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/1/2022 $223,000

WINTER HAVEN .............7/8/2022 ............. $175,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/6/2022 $129,000

WINTER HAVEN ............. 7/1/2022 ............ $208,000

459 ARCHAIC DR

WINTER HAVEN 7/6/2022 $122,300

WINTER HAVEN 7/5/2022 $485,000 5104 MAGNOLIA PRESERVE BLVD WINTER HAVEN 7/8/2022 $355,500 621 MORGAN RD

841 PIEDMONT DR

WINTER HAVEN 7/6/2022 $435,000

956 SUNSHINE WAY

WINTER HAVEN 7/6/2022 $340,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/1/2022 $267,000 1016 15TH ST

1469 SALISBURY DR

WINTER HAVEN 7/5/2022 $316,000 1728 PEBBLE BEACH ST

WINTER HAVEN 7/6/2022 $388,100 198 SUNFISH DR

2832 NW AVENUE V

330 AVENUE B

3414 HICKORY ST

WINTER HAVEN 7/6/2022 $300,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/5/2022 $214,300

WINTER HAVEN 7/1/2022 $325,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/8/2022 $300,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/11/2022 $480,000 3509 AVENUE U

3509 AVENUE J

WINTER HAVEN 7/8/2022 $219,900 405 HORSESHOE LN

421 HORSESHOE LN

4732 SUMMERFIELD CIR

WINTER HAVEN 7/11/2022 $470,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/6/2022 $505,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/1/2022 $624,400

503 AVENUE O

WINTER HAVEN .............7/8/2022 .............. $84,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/1/2022 $245,000 529 SANCTUARY BLVD ...............................

680 AVENUE R

WINTER HAVEN ............ 7/11/2022 ............. $153,600

WINTER HAVEN 8/30/2022 $72,000 69 WINTER RIDGE RD.................................

100 ELLEN CT

WINTER HAVEN .............7/8/2022 ............. $347,800

WINTER HAVEN 7/6/2022 $248,000 106 LAKE LINK CIR ......................................

114 LAKE RING DR

WINTER HAVEN 7/6/2022 $325,000 116 SHELLEY DR ..........................................

WINTER HAVEN ............. 7/1/2022 ............. $287,500 1213 CYPRESS PT

137 BROWNING CIR ....................................

1830 WOODPOINTE DR

WINTER HAVEN 7/13/2022 $500,000

WINTER HAVEN ............. 7/1/2022 ............ $350,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/5/2022 $650,000

221 SANTA ROSA DR ...................................

2897 WHISPERING TRAILS DR....................

358 LAKE DAISY CIR

4035 CARTERET DR ...................................

WINTER HAVEN 7/1/2022 $238,000

WINTER HAVEN ............ 7/11/2022 ............. $370,300 2824 ATTWATER LOOP

WINTER HAVEN ............ 7/11/2022 ............. $319,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/11/2022 $334,000

WINTER HAVEN .............7/8/2022 ............. $289,900

412 BIRKSDALE CT

WINTER HAVEN ............. 7/4/2022 ..............$251,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/5/2022 $298,800 429 GLENEAGLES CT ..................................

443 LAKE DAISY DR

522 LITTLE LAKE CT

548 TERRANOVA CIR .................................

5709 CYPRESS GARDENS BLVD

5717 CYPRESS GARDENS BLVD ...................

6006 GREENLEAF CIR

6054 SOUTHERN OAKS DR ........................

6113 PEBBLE BEACH BLVD

6117 PEBBLE BEACH BLVD ...........................

WINTER HAVEN ............. 7/5/2022 ............ $360,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/1/2022 $299,900 499 TERRANOVA CIR .................................

WINTER HAVEN 7/7/2022 $400,000

WINTER HAVEN .............7/8/2022 ............ $320,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/11/2022 $5,750,000

WINTER HAVEN ............ 7/11/2022 .......... $5,750,000

WINTER HAVEN 7/7/2022 $480,000

WINTER HAVEN ............. 7/5/2022 ............. $142,500

WINTER HAVEN 7/5/2022 $328,500

WINTER HAVEN .............7/9/2022 ............. $375,900