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Hello!
Our cover inspiration for July is the dog days of summer. In this month’s issue we talk about some of the places in Florida where you can take an epic road trip. From one hour to all day, we’ve chosen some of the best places to spend your summer days. Please, if you go on one, share your pics with me! I’d love to see them. And if that wasn’t enough, check out our Top Ten lists for even more ideas for you and your family or friends.
This is the last month to vote for the Best Of LKLD awards. No nominations are needed. Visit our website, write in your answers, we count them, then we celebrate the winners in the September issue. It’s an excellent way to support your favorite local businesses in all of east Polk County.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July! I hope to see you around town.
Amy Sexson Editor/Partner Haven &
LKLD Magazines Destroyer Media & Marketing Winter Haven Farmers Market centralfloridatix.com
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Contributing Writer LkldNow.com Shannon Carnevale
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Graduation season saw Lakeland’s best and brightest receiving their diplomas. LkldNow celebrated the valedictorians from Lakeland schools and those who live in Lakeland: Bartow International Baccalaureate at Bartow High School -- Neil Dave; Central Florida Aerospace Academy/Kathleen High School -- Colby Lee; George Jenkins High School -- Nadia Khalil; Harrison School for the Arts -- Susannah Elizabeth Braswell; Lake Gibson High School -- Cross Gentry Clark; Lakeland Christian School -- Lily Charlotte Harrington; Lakeland High School – Cullen Wyatt; McKeel Academy of Technology -- Evan Tyler Ho; Santa Fe Catholic High School -- Alan Hengesbach; Tenoroc High School -- Daniel Camacho
The United State Post Office in South Lakeland has a new name, one that stands for bravery under fire, valor, honor, and sacrifice: The U.S. Marine Cpl. Ronald Payne, Jr., Post Office. Payne died in combat in Afghanistan on May 7, 2004, as he saved the life of his best friend when they came under fire from the Taliban. U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, R-Lakeland, Payne’s father Ron Payne, Sr., and his platoon commander, Col. John Kinitz, were on hand as a plaque was unveiled at the South Lakeland Post Office off South Florida Avenue at the facility that now bears Payne’s name. “Corporal Payne was a shining example of the best America has to offer,” said Franklin, who sponsored the legislation to honor Payne. On December 27, 2022, President Biden signed Franklin’s bill into law. “The impact of his selfless service on this country and on those who knew him continues to this day,” Franklin said. “It is an honor to rename this post office in his honor, so his legacy and sacrifice lives on for current and future generations in our community.”
Lakelanders in June celebrated the emancipation of slaves, along with LGBTQ Pride at festivals downtown. While rain cancelled the morning Juneteenth festivities in Simpson Park, evening activities on June 17th went off without a hitch in the Coleman Bush Building. In addition, celebrations were rescheduled for June 24th during the Corvette Car Show around Lake Mirror. About 1,000 people gathered in Munn Park for the annual Pride in the Park event, which included vendors, performers, and a bounce house for kids.
An 80-foot-wide sinkhole opened up in a dry retention pond at the corner of Aiden Lane and Scott Lake Road in June, threatening homes in the neighboring Marina Cove subdivision. It happened after a heavy rain, which had followed a long drought, causing a limestone cavern to collapse. In addition, workers had drilled a well on the site of a new, small development. Workers quickly filled in the sinkhole, allowing Scott Lake Road to reopen after several days of closure. No homes or roads were damaged.
U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin has secured a block grant to help Florida’s citrus industry, which was already struggling with a devastating disease and then incurred large losses during the back-to-back Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. More than 90 percent of all Florida citrus production was impacted by the hurricanes in 2022, totaling 375,302 acres. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services expects these devastating losses to cost the industry as much as $675 million. Florida citrus generates $6.8 billion in annual revenue and supports 33,000 jobs.
The Polk County Historical Association honored six inductees as Polk Pioneers in June at its 49th annual meeting and pioneer luncheon. To be named as a pioneer, inductees must be 75 years old or older, a resident of Polk County for at least 50 years, and consent to an on-camera interview. More than 350 people have been named pioneers since the program began in 1981. The 2023 Polk Pioneers are: David Bunch and Jean Hauger Bunch, Arthur Hunter McNeer III, Martha Ann Abbott Post, Victory B. Story, Jr., and Jackie Conroy Summerlin.
Lakeland’s seven downtown four-way stops are so popular that city officials are planning to add four more intersections to the program. Black plastic bags are currently covering stop signs at Kentucky and Tennessee avenues at Lime and Orange streets where there are currently stop lights. Seven downtown intersections were converted from traffic signals to four-way stops with flashing lights in January, a move that city officials say improves traffic flow and focuses driver attention on pedestrians. City Communications Director Kevin Cook said they will be “starting a campaign in the very near future that will outline the next phase of converted four-way stops. Right now we have proposed intersections with traffic lights and nothing is in stone.” He added that they are waiting on final approval, which may also require the Florida Department of Transportation’s blessings.
The Lakeland City Commission unanimously approved transferring a conditional use permit from The Red Door to Peach House Lakeland LLC. The property at 733 East Palmetto Street, which seated 47 people indoors and 43 people on the porch, is a repurposed Craftsman-style home. It is located across Palmetto Street from the Lakeland Public Library’s main branch. Peach House’s operators are Jeannie Weaver Lopez and Ryan Lopez. The building itself was sold to Palmetto Hospitality LLC, whose principals are Ryan Lopez and Wesley Barnett. Weaver Lopez operates the popular bespoke bar Revival in downtown. Red Door owner Richard DeAngelis announced on May 2 that his eclectic, fine-dining establishment had closed its door. It had been open for 15 years. Weaver expects to open the new restaurant in the fall.
The GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida announced the results of a survey of 2,100 residents in Polk County regarding the community’s challenges, with affordable housing, competitive wages, reliable transportation, education and mental healthcare coming in at the top. The report noted that Polk County has 725,046 residents as of the 2020 census. Between 2010 and 2020, the population in Polk County grew by 20.4%, and isn’t slowing down. But more than half (53%) of Lakeland’s 96,174 residents within the city limits are referred to as ALICE -- Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed -- what’s commonly called the working poor. The report shows that someone earning nearly $16 an hour has a maximum affordable rent of $789 a month, but in May 2022, the median rent in Polk was estimated to be $1,503 a month – or $18,036 a year -- an increase of 42.5% from the median rent two years earlier of $1,055.
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse announced at the June 19th City Commission meeting that he had hired a new assistant city manager, Rob Hernandez, 57. “Rob has an impeccable reputation among his colleagues in both the international and the Florida City County Management Association,” Sherrouse told the commission, noting that Hernandez had been the city manager in both Savannah and Cape Coral and had a lengthy career in Broward County, as well. Hernandez said what he loves about his new hometown is that it has a lot of things you find in bigger cities. “There’s public art, lots of festivals, public parks, professional baseball and you’re in a great location,” Hernandez said. “Places that I lived don’t have that.” Hernandez has a 30-year career in city and county government management. He started in 1994 with Broward County, where he held various positions of leadership, including deputy county administrator, during his 17-year tenure.
On Fridays & Saturdays at Peppa Pig Theme Park until Aug. 5. The morning starts with a preschoolerfriendly buffet plus favorites for grown-ups. While enjoying their meal, Peppa and her family will be available for the best tableside hugs and photos.
peppapigthemepark.com/florida
July 1, 11 am – noon at Bok Tower Gardens. Dance and light show celebrating the firefly. Soar, glide, or fly to the Gardens to enjoy this spectacular dance and light show celebrating the magical symbol of summer — the firefly. Registration required. 863-676-1408 boktowergardens.org
July 3, 6 – 9:30 pm at the Francis Langford Promenade. Fireworks begin at 9 pm. Bring a canned food item to benefit Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE). Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, multiple food trucks on-site, all info online. lakelandgov.net/RWK
July 11, 7-9 pm at Bonnet Springs Park. Join the BSP Education team and mingle with other educators as you learn about their new field trip program and explore the exhibits within the Nature Center. This event is open to current 4th-12th grade classroom teachers. Registration required. bonnetspringspark.com
July 14 – 23 at the Lakeland Community Theatre. Escape to Margaritaville is a musical comedy featuring the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “Margaritaville.” This is a musical party! 863-603-7529 lakelandcommunitytheatre.com
July 15 – 23 at the Gem Theater. From The Missing Piece Theatre, the colorful characters will transport you from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. This colorful musical is fun for the entire family. centralfloridatix.com
EUGENE SNOWDEN & BAND
July 22, 7 pm at the Ritz Theatre. Don’t miss this world class musician who has shared the stage with the likes of James Brown, BB King, Al Green, and Sharon Jones. Enjoy specialty drinks, cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks for sale at The Ritz Lounge before and during the concert. centralfloridatix.com
Beginning July 29 at the Polk Museum of Art is Remembering Vilna: The Holocaust and the Art of Samuel Bak. Born in 1933, Samuel Bak is a Jewish Lithuanian American painter born on the eve of the Second World War and whose history as a survivor of the Holocaust is integral to his remarkable, celebrated career as an artist. polkmuseumofart.org
HARRY POTTER
July 29, 10 am – noon at Lakeside Village. Start your adventure by visiting The Lawn for a map that will put your wizarding skills to the test. Guests will enjoy activity stations, games, raffles, and train rides. Free Event, no reservations needed. Firstcome, first-served basis.
FB @LakesideVillage
July 29, 6:30 pm at the Gem Theater. Dinner and a Movie! Watch Caddyshack, directed by Harold Ramis. An exclusive golf course has to deal with a brash new member and a destructive dancing gopher. Admission includes screening of the film and a seated dinner (appetizer, entree, dessert, and tea/water). centralfloridatix.com
Throughout July at the Orlando Science Center. Experience for yourself the extraordinary way that dogs see, hear, and smell the world around them. Visitors can learn first-hand what makes this unique bond between us and our canine cuties one of the most successful interspecies partnerships of all time. osc.org
July 4, 7:30 am at 251 Park Ave. S. in Winter Park. Join friends, family, and neighbors for a morning celebration with plenty of ice-cold watermelon. Run or walk in person, race virtually, and have the kids join the free kids’ run. Register in advance. trackshack.com/event/114
July 4, 8 – 10 am. Everyone is welcome to join the parade of red, white, and blue on a decorated bike, scooter, or by foot. Begin at the Masonic Lodge in Winter Garden at 9:45 am. The Parade kicks off at 10 am and loops around downtown’s West Plant St. Spectators are welcome to line the street to get a good viewing spot. cwgdn.com
July 4, 4 – 10 pm at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. Enjoy live entertainment and family-friendly fun all evening. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Fireworks begin at 9:15 pm. Watch live on News 6 WKMG starting at 8 pm, or stream online at clickorlando.com.
Movie night on July 7, at Leu Gardens. Gates open at 7 pm, movie begins at 9 pm. Kick off Shark Week with a classic film. Pack dinner and seating, alcohol is permitted. This movie is rated PG13, children under 13 years of age require parent or adult guardian. Weather permitting. Tickets only available online. leugardens.org
July 7 – Aug. 6 at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. Three friends embark on a musical roller coaster through the ruthless world of show business. Their relationships will be put to the test by fame, fortune, and romance as the young women discover that their dreams come at a cost. gardentheatre.org
July 16 at 2 pm & 7 pm at Dr. Phillips Center. The junior version of this musical showcases talented performers of all ages. It tells the story of Dorothy’s adventures in Oz with dancing, blues, gospel and soul music. drphillipscenter.org
July 19, 6 – 8:30 pm at the Orlando Museum of Art. July’s theme is “Tiptoe Through the Flytraps: A Night of Botanical Oddities.” Work alongside an art teacher to create your own masterpiece. Class price includes all materials and an adult beverage. Register in advance. omart.org
At EPCOT beginning July 27. Take a tasting tour around the world at marketplaces featuring authentic global cuisine. Explore charming activities that are perfect for kids of all ages. Live music from local and national acts will perform Fridays through Mondays. disneyworld.disney.go.com
July 29, 1 pm at Cheyenne Saloon and Church St. Sample and vote on your favorite tacos among competing food trucks, taco shops and restaurants. There will also be tequila samplings, beer, and live entertainment. VIP available. tacosandtequilaorlando.com
Visit the Lettuce Lake Conservation Park at 6920 E Fletcher Ave. in Tampa. The park features wooded picnic areas and playgrounds, a 1.25-mile paved exercise trail and a 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower and scenic views of the Hillsborough River. Tours available on weekends, as well as canoe and kayaks rentals. hillsboroughcounty.org
Every Saturday from 5 – 11 pm on Market St. at Armature Works. Choose from an assortment of food trucks outside or get something from inside the Heights Public Market. Enjoy live music and seating outside along Market Street, but just until the end of summer. armatureworks.com
This is an 8’ to 12’-wide paved path for walkers, joggers, cyclists and skaters seeking breezes and panoramic views of the Upper Tampa Bay. The path runs along the entire southern side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway, from Tampa to Clearwater. It connects to popular trails like the Pinellas Trail, and the Duke Energy Trail. myclearwaterparks.com
July 4, 6:30 am on the St. Pete Pier. The 4-mile run/walk showcases the amazing pier, as well as St Pete’s waterfront. Each participant in the 4-miler will receive a customdesigned run bib with B-tag timing chip at packet pick-up. visitstpeteclearwater.com
July 4, 4 – 9:15 pm at Sparkman Wharf. Celebrate July 4th with a boat parade, water ski show, a blessing of the fleet, and fireworks as part of the Star-Spangled Banner festivities. Registration is required to participate in the boat parade. Spectators are free. VIP is available for purchase to view the parade with seating, drinks and food. thetampariverwalk.com
July 12 – Aug. 6 at the Straz Center. Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the 1892 ax murders of her stepmother and father, but legends insist on her guilt. Hear the tale of a young Miss Borden by four women fronting a six-piece rock band playing songs with attitude and snarling humor. strazcenter.org
July 13, 6pm at the USF Contemporary Art Museum. Pre-movie popcorn and snacks will be served at 6pm in front of the museum, film starts at 6:30 inside. This 1971 neo-noir film is considered one of the most important films of all time. Starring Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, and Fernando Rey. This event is open to the public. usfcam. usf.edu/CAM/cam_about.html
July 15 & 16 from 9 am – 5 pm at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Visit the stars of the shark world including scientists, speakers, and photographers. Kids will love shark activities, getting up close to specimens, digging for shark teeth, and more. floridastatefair.com
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day on the St. Pete Pier on July 16 from 11 am – 8 pm. Enjoy ice cream and other sweet frozen treats (for purchase) from over a dozen vendors serving their best creations from soft serve, craft scoop ice cream, gelatos, popsicles, and more. Vote for the first ever Best Ice Cream in Tampa Bay award. Free to enter. tampabayicecreamfest.com
July 20 – 23 at the Straz Center. Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and friends as she leaves her world behind to explore the world above. Performed by students ages 8-12, this Disney classic is fun for audiences young and old. strazcenter.org
Sweet summertime! Kids are out of school, and there’s plenty of sunshine (and rain) to go around. Now is the perfect time for a quick vacay to one of the quintessential Florida destinations in our backyard or the ones a road trip away. There are fantastic places to visit in every direction, and we’ve compiled a list of some fun, educational, wacky, relaxing, spooky, and enriching summer trips. Whether you’re looking to camp and kayak, sun and swim, or milk snakes and hunt the elusive Skunk Ape, we’ve got it on the list. Don’t forget to snap a photo and post it on social media with #kindachill or #lkldhaven – you might end up in the next issue. Bon voyage, babe!
The year is 1959. Six-year-old Robert was set on a corner to sell his father’s cucumber crop. As the story goes, “Robert sat all day that Saturday and no one even stopped. That evening, Robert’s father decided that ‘There can’t be that many people who don’t like cucumbers; they must not see this little boy standing here on the corner.’” Determined to sell his crop the next day, Robert’s father placed signs around the little fruit stand with big red letters that said: “Robert is Here.” The signage must have done the trick because, by noon, Robert was walking home after selling out of his father’s cucumbers. A neighboring farmer added produce to his display, and Robert took occasional help from his little sister Rose. His mother arranged for the bus to pick him up and drop him off each day at his fruit stand, which grew with such gusto that by age nine, Robert hired a neighbor to work for him while he attended school. The young fruit-selling mogul bought his first ten acres when he was fourteen, on which he planted an avocado grove and rented out the house.
Today, passers-by are drawn in by the “Robert is Here” signage, now in huge white lettering atop a much larger building than the stand in which he started. What began as a modest fruit stand continues as a family-owned and operated tourist destination specializing in rare and exotic fruits and veggies grown mostly on their Homestead, Florida farms. In addition to produce, guests can indulge in fresh fruit milkshakes and homemade key lime pies. There is also an animal farm, play area, picnic tables, and live music on weekends and holidays.
A barrier island on Florida’s shimmering Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island is a popular beach destination for much of Central Florida. It has an island life vibe and a favorable selection of public beaches on which to sun and swim. Popular beaches include Manatee Public Beach, Anna Maria Public Beach, Bean Point Beach, Coquina Beach, and Bayfront Park.
If a beach day is what you’re after, pack a cooler, a towel, and SPF, and you’ll be good – or take out the boat (or rent one) for saltwater fishing and sea life spotting. A weekend stay in one of the many cheery, beachy-hued condos on the island is preferable to get in all that AMI offers. Take the Island Trolly up and down all 7 miles of the island for free. Something to do, eat, or buy will be within walking distance of one of the trolley’s 35 northbound and 35 southbound stops.
If you’re imbibing during your trip, the island has plenty to choose from. For a Hurricane that won’t make you panic-buy supplies and Sex on the Beach that won’t get you arrested (maybe), stop into Hurricane Hank’s for a fish sandwich and tropical cocktails. A trendy stop to get your medicine is The Doctor’s Office, a craft bar in an actual former doctor’s office. The good doc offers craft cocktails, beer, wine, and small plates to sober up. I believe the saying goes, “A stiff drink a day keeps the doctor away.”
After you’ve dumped the sand from your swimsuit and assessed the sunburn you swore you wouldn’t get, don’t forget to get your photo in the clink at the old Anna Maria City Jail. This is a frequented photo-op on the island with “no roof, no doors, no windows, no bars, no guests for yrs n’ yrs.”
Hey, your best friend deserves a trip this summer, too – life can be ruff when you’re stuck at home all day. Fort De Soto Dog Beach Park southwest of St. Pete has 4.4 out of 5 dog bones on bringfido.com, so you know it’s legit.
Fort De Soto Park itself is over 1,100 acres spanning five interconnected keys. Fort De Soto Dog Beach Park is the only place in the park where dogs are allowed on the beach and not required to wear a leash so you and Fluffy can frolic freely. Leashed pets are welcome anywhere in the park besides public beaches, piers, and buildings. Remember to bring plenty of fresh drinking water for your beach buddy!
Here’s a dog/ human beach activity checklist:
1. Play – frisbee, fetch, swimming, digging, you know the deal
2. Meet new friends, say hello – sniff all the butts (the last part is exclusively for dogs only)
3. Slow-motion Baywatch run together (buy dog sunglasses for full effect)
4. Instagram photo montage (use #lkldhaven and #kindachill, and you might make it in the next issue!)
5. Wash up at the park’s dog wash station and hang your heads out the window all the way home
We hope you and your pet babe have a great day of sand, sun, barks, and belly rubs!
Nostalgic music, classic cars, shops, and rides transplanted from the Main Street USA of yesterday, Old Town is the epitome of Florida roadside attraction kitsch. The park opened in 1986, located on US 192 in Kissimmee just up the road from what would later be Celebration.
The park, open daily from 11 am to 11 pm, has its share of rides like a classic carousel, an arcade, a haunted house, and a five-story roller coaster aptly named the Hurricane. The Ferris wheel will give you a bird’s-eye view of Old Town and all the surrounding neon rides, mini-golf, larger-than-life tourist gift shops, and magic that dots the 192 strip.
Old Town’s weekly classic car shows draw crowds to their brick-lined streets to enjoy cruising classics and hot rods. Friday night is the Muscle Car Show and Cruise, followed by Saturday night’s Classic Car Show. Guests can grab a bite or beverage at the numerous restaurants, bars, and grab-and-go options within the park, from burgers and sushi to pub fare and pizza. Top it off with some Sweet Dreams Ice Cream!
Just about anything kitsch, camp, and beyond can be found in the row of shops up and down its main street – all things leather, sunglasses, Tiki, retro memorabilia, gemstones, crystals, magnets, soap, and more – even beef jerky. Remembering your trip with either a hand-drawn caricature or an old-timey portrait at Old Town Portrait Gallery is an embarrassing right of passage. If you haven’t yet had your fill of fun, walk directly next door to Fun Spot for even more rides and attractions!
Are you brave enough to enter the Devil’s Den? It’s not as dramatic or evil as it sounds, promise. Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring, located in Levy County, is a subterranean spring within a dry cave. The yearround 72-degree waters plunge to a maximum depth of 54 feet, covering 120 feet of surface diameter. According to devilsden.com, the cave “has been home to many extinct animal fossils dating back to the Pleistocene Age, which are on display at The University of Florida’s Museum of Natural History.”
For decades, the spring has attracted divers and snorkelers from near and far. The privately-owned scuba diving training center offers scuba diving seven days a week. Open Water Certification or above and a dive buddy are required for admission. Night dives are available by reservation.
If diving isn’t your thing, perhaps you’ll enjoy snorkeling which does not require any certification to participate. Children under six are not permitted access to Devil’s Den, and parties must make reservations to snorkel. A mask, snorkel, and fins are required for admission. But have no fear if you leave yours at home, you can rent them there.
Make a weekend out of it at the tent campgrounds, R.V. park, or cabins available for rent. Downtown Williston is less than ten minutes from the Prehistoric Spring. You can grab a bite at The Ivy House Restaurant, BubbaQue’s BBQ, Sister’s Place, and more local haunts.
Once you’ve taken a dip at the Devil’s Den, check out their website for a list of other springs as close as two miles away, like Blue Grotto to the south or Silver Springs, 30 minutes to the east, which offers glass-bottom boat tours!
Little Gasparilla Island is an easy-paced coastal getaway. Fishing, lounging, swimming, and sunning should be at the top of your to-do list for this summer trip. This barrier island is about two and a half hours southwest of us, hugging the Gulf.
No paved roads on Little Gasparilla mean personal boats, rentals, or water taxis are the only way to and from the mainland. Beach houses and island bungalows can be rented for your secluded coastal retreat. There are three choices of transportation around the island – walking, bicycle (if you bring yours across to the island), or golf carts available at Little Gasparilla Island Carts. There are no restaurants or grocery stores on LGI. Stock up and bring over your trip’s groceries when you take your boat or water taxi.
Well-loved pastimes on LGI are exploring the island, swimming, snorkeling, shelling, wildlife watching, boating, fishing, and stargazing. If you’re looking for something else to pass the unhurried island time, rent a wave runner, jet ski, or paddleboard for the day.
When was the last time you took a camping trip with friends? Wekiwa Springs State Park with its year-round 72-degree spring waters, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, paddling, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, and more – make for a memorable nature retreat.
The park has 60 campsites with water, electrical hook-up, a fire ring with a grill, and a picnic table, along with two restrooms with showers in the camp area. Some sites also have sewer hook-ups, and a dump station is located at the campground. For a more sequestered experience, try the primitive campgrounds of Camp Cozy or Big Fork. Ten people are comfortably accommodated at each site with a fire pit, grill, benches, and picnic table.
Otter Camp and Big Buck Camp on Rock Springs Run are only reachable by water with no vehicle access. If you don’t have your own, canoes and kayaks can be rented within the park. For these sites, reservations are required 60 days in advance.
Gather your friends, the best spooky stories, s’mores ingredients, and camping gear for a trip to Wekiwa Springs that will doubtless leave you with some funny camping tales of your own.
Known as the “Psychic Capital of the World,” this unincorporated community of Spiritualists was established over 120 years ago and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. According to www.cassadaga.org, after being told during a seance that he would be instrumental in founding a Spiritualist community in the South, a young New Yorker, George Colby, would see that prophecy fulfilled. Colby put roots down in Cassadaga while continuing to travel for work as a medium. In 1894, the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association was formed, and in 1895, Colby deeded over 35 acres to its founders. Today, the Spiritualist camp is sprawled over 57 acres and comprises 55 homes and a community of spiritual folks, including many mediums, psychics, and healers.
Their website defines Spiritualism as “The Science, Philosophy, and Religion based upon the principle of continuous life demonstrated through mediumship. Spiritualism embraces the concept of individual responsibility and the belief that the door to reformation is never closed.” The resident Spiritualists of Cassadaga welcome believers, skeptics, and the curious alike.
Things to check out in addition to visiting the Camp and its bookstore (which has the area’s largest selection of books on Spiritualism, spirituality, and metaphysics) are the historic and allegedly haunted Hotel Cassadaga, The Cassadaga Spiritualist Psychic Center, and the Devil’s Chair. The latter is a brick throne of sorts, sitting graveside at the Lake Helen-Cassadaga Cemetery. Legend has it that if you sit in the Devil’s Chair at midnight, Lucifer himself will communicate with you.
Plan your visit now! I bet they already know you’re coming.
What would a Florida summer trip list even be without rockets? You could say this trip is out of this world – the atmosphere is great. You will need to make space in your calendar to shuttle your kids here.
Your galactic adventure to The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will dive into history and soar towards the future of space exploration with the many exhibits, historic spacecraft and memorabilia, IMAX theaters, Planet Play, and bus tours of the spaceport. Though there’s plenty of fun for adults, this is one trip that could inspire our smallest future astronauts and shuttle engineers.
According to www.kennedyspacecenter.com, “Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is organized into Mission Zones where attractions and tours are grouped by chronological era. From the dawn of space exploration to current and ongoing missions, you can get an up-close, hands-on feel for the story of humans in space. Fuel your quest for inspiration right here.”
If all that space exploration works up an appetite, land at the Orbit Cafe, Red Rock Grill, Moon Rock Cafe, or Space Bowl Bistro. Moonwalk your way to the Milky Way to get some Space Dots for dessert.
If sitting on the boat waiting for a bite isn’t the kind of fishing you like, grab your snorkel and flippers for some scalloping in Steinhatchee. One of the furthest trips on our list up in Big Bend territory, the seagrass beds of Steinhatchee are a treasure trove.
You’re in luck! The Gulf Coast scalloping season is in full swing from June 15 through Labor Day. You can captain your own boat, rent or charter from one of the many local companies like Sea Hag Marina and Florida Saltwater Flats Fishing Charters. Scalloping requires a current Florida recreational saltwater fishing license (available online from the FWC) unless you are scalloping on a chartered trip.
After a day of pluckin’ and shuckin’, we’ve been told the perfect end to a scalloping excursion is to drink in the sunset overlooking the Steinhatchee River with the Gulf just beyond over a bite to eat at Roy’s Restaurant.
Wat Mongkolratanaram of Florida (or Wat Tampa as most people call it) is a Theravada Buddhist Temple for religious ceremonies, meditation, and Dhamma (teachings of Buddha) study. It was established in 1981 and moved to its current location in 1983. The Sunday Market started in 1987 with only two tables and has since grown into a food paradise for thousands of people every Sunday. Volunteers serve authentic Thai food prepared by Temple volunteers from 9 am until about 1 pm, with all proceeds going back to Wat Tampa.
Menu items can include grilled pork or chicken on a stick (my favorite of the day), Pad Thai, various chicken curry dishes with vegetables, egg rolls, Guiteow (beef or pork noodle soup), Som Dom (Thai Papaya salad), and a wide variety of Thai desserts, Thai tea, and Thai coffee made with sweet cream. You can get your food packed to go or stay and eat right there. Just steps away, underneath the shade of mature trees, are plenty of picnic tables where you can sit and eat. Each menu item is usually more than enough for one person, so there’s always plenty for later. This is a family-friendly environment and a fun way to try all kinds of food without spending a lot of money.
While there, you can shop for Thai fruit trees, herbs, orchids, and hanging plants in the delightful outdoor Plant Market next to the picnic tables. Visitors can also go inside Wat Tampa, and see the Buddhist Temple. Please remove your shoes and leave them outside.
This roadside wildlife attraction, open for some 60 years, promises the biggest gators and crocs, along with plenty of thrills and education. Gatorama offers nostalgic (for Florida, that is) gator and croc feeding shows, as well as up-close encounters with tortoises, pythons, and more.
Brave Gatorama guests can opt for the Fast Hands Challenge and feed hungry leaping gators and crocs from the bridge. “Walk out on our bridge and lean over the edge as our hungry Gators and Crocs leap out of the water to grab a snack from your grip. You’ll need nerves of steel to successfully do the Fast Hands Challenge and a bit of showmanship. Don’t worry, if you lose a finger, you’ve got nine more – right?” Not for the faint of heart is the Face to Face Challenge, where you can get up close and personal with these prehistoric monsters ‘with little more than a Gator Stick between you.’ Of course, you’ll need a photo for bragging rights and probably a new pair of shorts.
If you’d prefer less thrill and more education, check out their numerous exhibits of alligators, crocs (including Orinoco, Cuban, and Saltwater), other reptiles, Kinkajou, and bobcats.
No crowds, just tons of fresh air and wild animals! Safari Wilderness Ranch, a Florida agritourism project licensed by the USDA, is a Lakeland oasis of wildlife and adventure! This family-owned, licensed working game ranch, surrounded by The Green Swamp, specializes in wetland exotic species, African Watusi, and Irish Dexter cattle (heritage breeds).
Guests can enjoy a drive-thru safari tour in their own vehicle or be guided by an experienced driver through 260 acres of wilderness in their customized canopied safari vehicles. More adventurous safari-goers can explore with a guide by camelback, ATV, or kayak. They also offer exclusive animal encounters with lemurs, cheetahs, and guinea pigs.
According to safariwilderness.com, the journey is fun and educational. Explorers of the ranch “will learn about Florida’s natural and human history, our conservation programs, and encounter amazing animals that are endangered or extinct in the wild.”
Keep the fun going with a Glamping adventure! Safari Wilderness now hosts a few special people per night in 10 safari tents on the property, complete with a continental breakfast.
Opened in 1972, Reptile World Serpentarium in St. Cloud houses a collection of over 80 species of snakes from around the world. This includes six species of cobra (including an over 13-foot king cobra), a black mamba, an East African green mamba, and 11 kinds of rattlesnakes, in addition to more innocuous non-venomous snakes. Also on display are several species of lizards, a Nile crocodile, an alligator, turtles, and tortoises.
What sets them apart is their regular venom extraction shows performed in front of visitors. According to their website (www.reptileworldserpentarium.com), “Though there may be only fifty snakes on public display at any given time, behind the scenes are hundreds of venomous snakes just waiting to be “milked” for their valuable venom. Reptile World Serpentarium ships this precious commodity worldwide for use in medical and herpetological research.”
Venom shows begin with a verbal presentation about snakes and their venom. Then, behind a glass barrier, owner and Herpetologist George Van Horn handles venomous snakes, which are “coaxed into sinking their fangs through a clear membrane stretched over a collection glass” for medical and herpetological research purposes. “The view can’t be beaten. You are just a few feet away from these fanged wonders and will be thankful for the glass window between you and the snakes.”
Fifteen hours and eleven minutes. That’s how long it takes to fly from Florida to Japan. It’s a trip I one day hope to make, but in the meantime, we Polk Countians are fortunate enough to have a Japanese museum and gardens celebrating their rich and elaborate history mere hours away in Delray Beach.
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens underscore Japanese culture through Japanese art and artifacts exhibitions. Roji-en, the name of their Japanese gardens, means ‘Garden of the Drops of Dew.’ According to their website morikami.org, these gardens were “designed to be a living exhibit as an extension of the museum. Its six distinct gardens are inspired by, but are not replicas of, significant gardens of Japan. Designer Hoichi Kurisu has created a unique garden conceived and constructed in the spirit of the masters.”
Their premier collection of bonsai is worth the visit alone. The Dr. Ron and Arlene Kessler Walk explore the bonsai exhibit and the art which inspired it, including the technique of training and sculpting. Check their website for information on upcoming bonsai classes. Among the peaceful gardens is the museum, which hosts several exhibitions of Japanese art and artifacts throughout the year, showcasing items from the museum’s collection and pieces borrowed from private collectors and other institutions.
Ah, Lake Wales, Crown Jewel of the Ridge, home to Bok Tower Gardens, rows of blossoming citrus trees, the friendliest people, and (wiggles fingers in a menacingly scary way) Spoooooook Hill.
Posted on a sign just before the hill is the legend of Spook Hill. The sign reads:
“Ages ago, an INDIAN TOWN on Lake Wailes Lake was plagued with raids by a HUGE GATOR. The town’s GREAT WARRIOR Chief and the gator were killed in a FINAL BATTLE that created the huge swampy depression nearby. The chief was buried on its north side. Later PIONEER HAULERS coming from the old ARMY TRAIL atop the ridge above found their horses LABORING HERE… at the foot of the ridge and called it Spook Hill. IS THE GATOR SEEKING REVENGE, OR THE CHIEF PROTECTING HIS LAND???”
Then it states simple instructions: Stop car on white line, place in neutral, and let it roll back.
I’ve heard Spook Hill is an optical illusion, but I’m unsure what’s so spooky about it. When I tried it with a group of friends, all we could collectively deduce was that maybe a smaller hill at the bottom produced this trick of the eye.
Though I didn’t see the chief or the giant gator, it was fun to try out. I give Spook Hill three out of five Exorcist head spins since it was not very scary but made for a fun trip with plenty of laughs.
Built without blueprints by inventor and oddities collector Conrad Schuck, The Wonder House sits in grand juxtaposition to the average Bartow neighborhoods surrounding it. Currently a full-time private residence, this Bartow abode is open for historic tours on a limited basis.
As the name implies, the spacious estate is full of wonders. The house is made with a blend of steel-reinforced concrete inlaid with glass and tile mosaics and stands four stories tall with two stories underground. The Wonder House amalgamates an eccentric dreamer’s boundless imagination and vision, from beautiful tile mosaics and hand-painted ceiling panels to hidden rooms and clever inventions.
Some of the home’s notable features include a moat with two bridges spanning it and two pools on the third floor (one of which has since been concreted by a previous owner) used as bathtubs, swimming pools, and then koi ponds. According to their website, “The house featured many time-saving devices like delayed light switches, a laundry chute, and inventions including air conditioning in the 1920s!”
Historic Tours of the Wonder House are available only by booking a reservation online in advance at www.wonderhousebartow.com.
You’ve heard of the Yeti, an abominable snowman-type creature covered in hair as white as the snowy mountainous landscape they’re said to roam. And Bigfoot, the elusive giant ape-man that traverses the backcountry of the Pacific Northwest only to be caught in a blurry photo or two. Florida has its own legendary creature – the Skunk Ape. The Florida Skunk Ape is said to be a tall, bipedal animal with reddish-black fur and a strong odor similar to rotten eggs.
In the heart of the Everglades, about three hours south of Polk County within the Big Cypress Preserve, past a speckling of airboat tours and the tiny Ochopee post office, is The Skunk Ape Headquarters. After a selfie with the Skunk Ape replica or the 28-foot fiberglass cougar statue out front, tourists can enter the small gift shop and purchase a magnet, hat, t-shirt, mug, or their very own copy of the Everglades Skunk Ape Research Field Guide. For a fee, visitors can step through a door in the back to see a collection of animals – different species of snakes, including a massive 24 feet long, approximately 400 lb. Reticulated Python named Goldie, alligators, turtles, and fowl.
Twenty-three million visitors have meandered the stunning garden paths to Bok Tower since it opened in 1929. No summer would be complete without a trip to this Lake Wales gem.
From the 20-room 1930s Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estate to the Visitor Center & Exhibit Hall, which features a museum with permanent exhibits, there’s plenty to take in at the Gardens. The Visitor Center & Exhibit Hall houses the original keyboard for the carillon in the Singing Tower, a miniature replica of the Singing Tower displaying what is behind the walls of the Tower on each level, a topographical map showing a cross-section of Florida which details different habitats found at varying sea levels, and much more.
Those who adventure to Bok Tower Gardens can enjoy photography, birdwatching, geocaching, and hiking. Guests can trek the 1.5mile Preserve Trail or 3/4-mile Pine Ridge Nature Trail and take the kids to the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, featuring nearly three acres of nature play along with art, water features, plantings, a boardwalk, a performance stage, and a music area.
After taking in the lush flora and fauna, and the carillon concert which rings out throughout the Gardens each day at 1 and 3 p.m. with short selections played on the hour and half hour, conclude your visit with a tasty bite at Bok Tower Gardens’ on-site restaurant, Blue Palmetto Cafe. Don’t forget to pick up a memento of your trip at The Shop at Bok or The Plant Shop.
With a history steeped in settlers, soldiers, and restless spirits, St. Augustine is the place in the Sunshine State for history lovers, ghost aficionados, and seekers of everlasting youth. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed near what would eventually become St. Augustine in 1513. He claimed the newly discovered territory, which he dubbed La Florida or “place of flowers” for the Spanish Crown. In September of 1565, Spanish admiral and explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founded the city of St. Augustine, securing its spot as “the oldest permanent European settlement on the North American continent,” according to OldCity.com, predating the establishment of the Jamestown, Virginia colony by 42 years.
Those interested in the city’s history can visit Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park. Guests can even buy a keepsake bottle to fill with water from the Fountain of Youth for agelessness on the go.
Perhaps the most impressive structure in St. Augustine is the massive coquina fort and national monument, Castillo de San Marcos. Virtual tours are available online, and in-person visitors can pay admission to explore the grounds themselves. At certain times on most weekends, spectators can watch soldiers in period garb reenact the firing of cannons from the fort’s gundeck.
An assortment of walking, trolley, and horse and carriage tours of the city are available. Some dive into the depths of St. Augustine’s history, while others focus on Old City specters. Some of St. Augustine’s most notorious haunts are said to linger around St. Augustine’s Old Jail, Castillo de San Marcos, The Spanish Military Hospital, and the Casablanca Inn – just to name a few. Book a room at the Casablanca or the St. Francis Inn Bed & Breakfast for a potential night of frights... if you dare! (Other than the alleged hauntings, they are charming inns, so you’ll have a pleasant stay regardless. Or there’s a Hilton if you’re a chicken.)
“I’ve never had a better cup of coffee.” Those words from a customer bring joy to Jude Coffee owner Jordan Willcox. He and his wife Kelsey started Jude, a mobile coffee cart, in Lakeland last year. They hope to turn their mobile venture into a brick-and-mortar over the next five years, where they can keep serving up those excellent cups of coffee with a side of hospitality. Jude is for all, after all.
Jordan Willcox was born and raised in Seattle. When the couple moved from Seattle to Florida, Kelsey returned to St. Pete, where she’s from, and Jordan moved to Orlando following a design job. On the weekends, the pair commuted halfway to Lakeland to spend time together. “We fell in love with the city. We fell in love with the community,” said Jordan.
The Willcox’s bought a 101-year-old home in the heart of Lakeland where they planned to start a family and their coffee cart, Jude. The idea for Jude actually started back in Seattle. The thought was that it would be a retail accessory for businesses. Jordan was a long-time barista in Seattle to work through design school. “Now that I’ve established myself as a designer, it was time to step back into coffee,” he said.
Putting down roots lit a fire in Jordan to start Jude in Lakeland. “It feels like it truly is my hometown now,” he said. “What’s the next thing we can do legacywise? What are the things that are going to help plant us in this community that we truly love?”
Jude launched in February 2022 as a mobile coffee cart for community pop-ups and private events. “I’ve always thought of coffee shops as the third place,” Willcox said. “You have your home, you have your work, and you have a third place where you have community. Coffee shops are great for that. They anchor neighborhoods. They anchor communities.” Relatively new to the area, Willcox wanted to grow an audience organically. Community pop-ups have allowed the couple to do that. “Those are really intentional to be for the people of Lakeland and the surrounding area,” he said. Jude holds their monthly pop-ups at a third-floor vintage shop in downtown Lakeland, The Curated Collective.
A few months post Jude launch, the Willcox’s found out they were expecting. In January, just a month shy of their first coffee cart anniversary, they welcomed a baby girl named Juniper, Junie for short. Willcox already has plans to bring his daughter in on the family biz when she gets a bit older. He envisions a miniature version of his Jude mobile coffee cart to sell baked goods. They’ll call it Junie. The new father, who works full-time as a designer, described Jude’s first year as ‘exciting’ and ‘stretching.’ Though it can be cumbersome to work two jobs, he’s keeping himself at the forefront of the business. “I want people to know me and know our business.” Kelsey is a senior executive project manager for a tech company. She handles the administration for Jude and crafts recipes for their tasty syrups.
To get Jude off the ground, Jordan has established a sort of subversive marketing strategy. When the couple discovered they were pregnant, he bought a billboard on South Florida Avenue announcing, “Jude is having a baby.” In the spirit of poking fun at his strict neighborhood, he printed flyers of him pouring a cup of coffee in front of a Ring camera that said, “If you see something, say something.” Jordan said, “It’s been a year of no one saying ‘no’ to my bad creative ideas and seeing some success in it.”
Being able to fully express himself through design with no one to reject his ideas has “given me the juice to keep going. […] I think it’s helped curate our voice. I have spent the last year curating the voice of our business to be a little bit of mine and a little bit of what we want to be.”
Leaning further into Jordan’s design background, Jude has branched into merchandise, offering hats, shirts, and stickers. What started as a creative outlet has evolved into a central piece of the business, with items selling out at their monthly pop-ups causing Jordan to shift to pre-orders. “Our brand is taking on its own life,” he said. “It’s becoming something we didn’t expect, and that’s been really fun.”
The company’s mantra is “Jude is for All,” a sentiment that coffee shouldn’t be limited to Americano aficionados and espresso experts. “We never want you to come in and chat with me or chat with somebody who’s working and feel like you don’t understand or you’re less-than,” said Jordan. “Our goal was to structure it in a way where if you love coffee, you can spend the time talking to me about coffee. If you just want a lavender latte, I’m going to whip you up the sickest lavender latte you’ve ever had, and we’re going to keep it moving, and each customer is fulfilled in that way. It’s accepting the person where they are when it comes to coffee knowledge.”
Over their first year, Jude has exclusively served Little Wolf Coffee out of Ipswich, Massachusetts. Now they’re pivoting to include other craft coffee brands. “We love Florida, and we love the roasters here, but we wanted to focus on people in other smaller cities that were similar to us but doing something really important and showing people in Florida something cool,” Willcox said. “I want people to experience something they can’t get anywhere else. I want them to have that through Jude.”
Moving forward, when Jude patrons order a latte, Americano, or cappuccino, it will be from one roaster, drip coffee from another, and cold brew, produced here by hand, from a third. Joining Little Wolf on the Jude roaster roster is Metric out of Chicago and Regalia Coffee out of New York. Jude features standard café offerings with a choice of whole or oat milk and house-made lavender and vanilla syrups developed by Kelsey using locally sourced ingredients. “I’m proud of it and think we could bottle it at some point,” Jordan said of their lavender syrup. They also offer honey simple syrup with locally sourced honey.
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Willcox’s approach to the marriage of hospitality and good coffee means he’ll likely remember your name and coffee order. “There are very few customer interactions where someone remembers you like that. I know that when someone remembers me like that, I really take it to heart.” A standard café interaction lasts about 30 seconds, according to Willcox. You order a coffee, wait another 2-5 minutes, get your coffee, and leave. Not at Jude. “Our conversation ends as I hand you that cup of coffee. […] At the end of our interaction, you get what you paid for. You get your coffee, but in that time, we got to connect.”
Currently, Jude operates at about 70/30 private events to community pop-ups as the couple saves money to purchase a brick-and-mortar. That’s the fiveyear plan. “I would rather have customers celebrate that we’re actually getting to a real location than trying to fight for the customers to understand who we are,” Jordan said. He looks to the path Born & Bread’s Jenn Smurr took from simple beginnings to a cruffin cult following. “She’s incredibly smart, and I love their dedication to craft.”
Once in a physical location, the Willcox’s hope to focus on philanthropy. Jordan has the idea for job training for the unhoused and a program where a percentage of the drip coffee sales go to Gospel Village.
As they expand their merchandise and hone their voice, next year may see an abridged version of Jude with a semi-permanent pop-up.
“You don’t have to live in New York or L.A. to be deemed important anymore because social media has opened up this whole avenue,” Willcox said. “You can drive through the South and really experience coffee at a degree you couldn’t five years ago.” Jordan strives to make sure Jude is one of those experiences.
1 banana, peeled and roughly chopped 1 cup ice 2 ounces white rum 1 ounce lime juice 1 tbsp triple sec cherries and banana slices, to garnish
In a blender, add the banana, ice, rum, lime juice and triple sec, blend until smooth. For a thicker drink, add more ice. Garnish and enjoy! Please drink responsibly, 21+ only.
By Amor Towles
In June of 1954, 18-year-old Emmett Watson, released after serving 15 months for involuntary manslaughter, discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden’s car and have hatched a different plan for Emmett’s future.
By Jade Chang
A wealthy but fractured Chinese family loses everything in the financial crisis before embarking on a haphazard but ultimately redemptive journey across America as part of an effort to reclaim ancestral lands in China.
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
This 25th anniversary edition of the ultimate guide to the classic road trip includes 11 routes through the heart of America, mile-by-mile highlights, and over 125 driving maps and expert advice.
By Alvin Hall
An award-winning broadcaster and educator presents the vivid stories of African-Americans who traveled the country during the age of segregation, using “The Green Book,” a guide which helped black people travel safely.
When fate throws together worldwide adventurer Carla Black and modern-day cartographer Eamon Sullivan, they find a simple drive across Ireland becoming complicated by chemistry-filled detours, unexpected feelings and the possibility of something more.
By Riley Sager
When her best friend is the third victim of a serial killer targeting college students, Charlie, deciding to leave campus, accepts a ride home from Josh Baxter and, realizing his true identity too late, must win a twisted game of cat and mouse by surviving the night.
By John Green
One month before graduating from his Central Florida high school, Quentin “Q” Jacobsen basks in the predictable boringness of his life until the beautiful and exciting Margo Roth Spiegelman, Q’s neighbor and classmate, takes him on a midnight adventure and then mysteriously disappears.
By Dan Gemeinhart
Twelve-year-old Coyote and her father rush to Poplin Springs, Washington, in their old school bus to save a memory box buried in a park that will soon be demolished.
WORDS
ShannonJuly is National Lakes Appreciation Month, and as a UF/IFAS Extension agent, I’m taking this opportunity to shed light on an aspect of our local lakes that’s often overlooked but is incredibly important: the value of aquatic plants.
Many of us might view these plants as pesky water weeds, but if we dive deeper, we’ll discover that they play a critical role in maintaining the health of our lakes and the wildlife that inhabits them.
Let’s start by debunking some misconceptions. Lakefront vegetation often gets a bad rap for being messy, dangerous, or unsightly. However, with thoughtful planning and treating our shorelines as extensions of our landscape plans, lakefront vegetation can be transformed into a picturesque vista that also serves important functional roles for both our families and the environment.
Some of the major benefits of aquatic plants is their contribution to clearer water, improved fish habitat, and their role in deterring problematic algae blooms. A diverse and abundant aquatic plant community is also likely to attract migratory birds and other wildlife, making our lakes teeming ecosystems and not just scenic backdrops.
Aquatic plants are essentially wildlife condos. They supply shelter, food, and space – the three key components of wildlife habitat. Emergent (plants rooted to the lake bottom which emerge out of the water’s surface) and submerged plants (plants that are rooted to the lake bottom and live underwater) provide food for many of our migratory birds and waterfowl. For example, plants like duck potato and eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) serve as nutritious food sources for local waterfowl. Additionally, the seeds of aquatic grasses and sedges are important food sources for these birds.
Beyond serving as a cafeteria for waterfowl, aquatic plants also act as nurseries for young sport fish and valuable aquatic species, like the Florida blue crawfish. Species like the red-wing blackbird, moorhen, and pied-billed grebe find nesting habitats among these plants.
On the practical side, aquatic plants like pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) and duck potato are excellent at controlling shoreline erosion. They anchor the soil, protecting your property from wave action.
Preventing erosion is not only beneficial to maintaining your property line but it also helps you avoid lengthy and challenging processes to secure permits from Florida’s DEP to add soil back to your eroded land.
The connection between aquatic plants and water quality might be complex, but in general terms, a robust and diverse aquatic plant community will safeguard and enhance water quality and clarity over time. Some plants, like eelgrass, have even been correlated with improved water clarity.
When a lake has a healthy population of submerged aquatic plants, it is more likely to have cleaner, clearer water. Having more native plants in our lakes is a win-win situation for both people who enjoy the lakes and the wildlife that depend on them.
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Algae blooms are a natural phenomenon in Florida, especially during summer.
However, due to changes in land use from rural to more urban and agricultural practices, we have added excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to our lakes. This can lead to larger and more frequent algae blooms which can be harmful to our ecosystems and society.
The true remedy lies in reducing excess nutrients through restoration of our lake ecosystems. This means restoring wetlands, encouraging the growth of native plants, and prioritizing lakefront management that helps the ecosystem over personal desires. Unfortunately, it also takes time.
Most algae blooms are merely an annoyance, but sometimes when conditions are right, they become “harmful algae blooms” which are also referred to as HAB’s. These algae blooms look vibrant in color, often bright green and bright blue, and may smell like rotting plants. They tend to be streaky on top of the water, like floating paint. If you think you may have a “harmful algae bloom,” report it to Florida’s Department of Health at floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom.
Even if you don’t reside by the lakeside, there are several ways to join in National Lakes Appreciation Month:
1. Arrange a “Lakes Appreciation Night” at a local eatery, a fun community event that can also raise funds for a local lake association like Lakes Education/Action Drive (www. lakeseducation.com)
2. Embrace the Florida summer with lake activities like boating, swimming, or fishing to build a deeper appreciation for our local lakes.
3. Consider organizing a shoreline cleanup - it not only beautifies but also improves wildlife habitats.
4. If your home is near a water body and your home is on septic, think about having your septic system pumped to prevent potential water contamination.
5. If you’re a nature enthusiast, go birding or photograph a lake or pond. If you’re artistic, draw or paint a lake scene and share your creation with us on social media. I’m on Twitter and Instagram at @PolkNR and would be thrilled to see your works!
These small acts can make an enormous difference in preserving and appreciating our local lakes, today and every day.
This National Lakes Appreciation Month let’s take a moment to appreciate the intricate and invaluable role aquatic plants play in our lakes. They are more than just “weeds” - they are the lifelines of our lake ecosystems. In our roles as stewards of these natural resources, we can start by promoting the value of aquatic plants and by practicing responsible lakefront management.
Together, we can make a difference, not only in appreciation of our lakes but in the action to preserve and protect them. If you live on a lake and want to get involved in water quality sampling, email me at scarnevale@ufl.edu to inquire about becoming a Florida Lakewatch Volunteer (https://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/).
MAIN STREET MONSTERS SCAVENGER HUNT
July 1 - 31, 2023
Downtown, Winter Haven
A month-long scavenger hunt held in Downtown Winter Haven. Main Street Winter Haven invites you to find the hidden friendly monster murals scattered throughout downtown. This exciting event combines art and technology by engaging kids 12 and under in a creative, interactive way while promoting local businesses, and fostering a sense of community. Follow them on Facebook & Instagram as they release more details! FB @ MainStreetWinterHaven
LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET
July 1, 2023, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Downtown Lakeland
Every Saturday in July. Shop local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more. Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays.
WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET
*SUMMER SEASON*
July 1, 2023, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
250 Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven
Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. Across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the old BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com
YOGA IN THE GARDENS
July 1, 2023, 9:00 AM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales
A morning of bending, breathing, and relaxing in the great outdoors. All levels are welcome. Beginners are encouraged to attend. Price $12 members / $17 non-members, registration required. boktowergardens.org
FAMILY NATURE WALK
July 1, 2023, 10:00 AM
Bonnet Springs Park
400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
BSP Staff and Volunteers will lead a one-mile stroll along the accessible boardwalk and help visitors explore the plants and animals that call Bonnet Springs Park their home. bonnetspringspark.com
DANCE OF THE FIREFLY!
July 1, 2023, 11:00 AM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Soar, glide, or fly to the Gardens to enjoy this
spectacular dance and light show celebrating the magical symbol of summer — the firefly. Registration required. 863-676-1408 boktowergardens.org
RED, WHITE & BOOM!
July 2 - 4, 2023, 10:00 AM
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven
Nightly from July 2nd – 4th, families can enjoy special limited-time treats, fun activities, and a DJ Dance party that will have everybody on their feet. End the night with an unforgettable fireworks show that explodes into 3D LEGO® bricks right before your eyes with special viewing glasses! legoland.com/florida
July 4, 2023, 3:00 PM
Lake Wailes Park
499 East Park Avenue, Lake Wales
This event will feature an assortment of fun activities, a glow-in-the-dark foam party, inflatables, food and retail vendors, train rides, live entertainment, face painting, and a firework show! This is a free event and everyone is welcome! The firework show will kick off at about 9pm, bring a blanket or chair.
July 4, 2023, 3:00 PM
Lewis W Mathews Memorial Sports ComplexDavenport
ELVIS BY THE POOL
July 1, 2023, 6:00 PM
Balmoral Bar & Grill
124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City
Get ready for the ultimate poolside extravaganza at Balmoral Water Park. You will be transported back in time to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll. centralfloridatix.com
MERMAID FOAM PARTY
July 2, 2023, 7:00 PM
Balmoral Bar & Grill
124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City
A family foam party full of music, food and fun with Florida Foam Factory. Stop by and meet the Mermaid friends, swim, take photos and play pool games. centralfloridatix.com
RED, WHITE & KABOOM!
July 3, 2023, 6:00 PM
Frances Langford Promenade, Lakeland
This is the annual 4th of July celebration, guests will enjoy food, crafts, live entertainment & more! You do not want to miss the largest fireworks display in Polk County.
July 4, 2023, 4:00 PM
Lake Eva Community Park
555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City
Haines City 4th of July Celebration. One of Polk County’s largest firework displays, bring the whole family. Activities throughout the day include: live entertainment, food trucks, splash zone, yard games, and a beer garden.
CHAIR YOGA
July 5, 2023, 10:00 AM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
SANDY BACK PORCH
July 1, 2023, 7:00 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
One of the best bluegrass bands out of Central Florida who showcases traditional music with lightning lead guitar licks, harmony and lead vocals, hotter than fire banjo licks, and flying fiddle tunes. You’ll be sure to be foot-stomping and clapping along to this downhome band. Doors open at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm. centralfloridatix.com
The Franchise Players featuring Andrew Luv, will entertain the crowd before a fireworks display at 9 pm. Bring a canned food item that will help those in need. All non-perishable items benefit Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE). Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, multiple food trucks on-site, all info online. lakelandgov.net/RWK
July 3, 2023, 6:00 PM
Gram Parsons Derry Down 297 5th St NW, Winter Haven
All Acoustic Open Mic Night happens the first Monday night of the month. Sign up to perform up to 3 songs. No cost to attend. Musicians of all ages are invited to play . *All performances will be acoustic* More info on FB @gramparsonsderrydown
The classes are designed to quiet the mind, move your body, breathe deeply, and practice mindfulness. Practice yoga from your chair. This class is appropriate for beginners, anyone with limited mobility, those recovering from injury, and anyone who has wanted to try yoga but felt intimidated. Registration required.
863-734-1222 boktowergardens.org
COOKIES ‘N CONVOS
July 6, 2023, 6:00 PM
Florida Air Museum
4175 Medulla Rd, Lakeland
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. Content is geared for kids in grades 2-5, but all are welcome to attend! aceedu.org
TRIVIA NIGHT
July 6, 2023, 7:00 PM
Barrel 239, 239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven Trivia every Thursday.
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MAJOR MONSTERS:
GODZILLA VS. MOTHRA (1964)
July 6, 2023, 7:00 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 West Central Ave, Winter Haven
Following a fierce typhoon, an enormous egg washes ashore Japan’s coast. While officials struggle to identify the oddity, two mysterious women appear to plea for the return of the egg to their island god, Mothra. Meanwhile, Godzilla--reawakened by the storm--emerges. centralfloridatix.com
LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB
MARKET
Jul 8, 2023, 8:00 AM - 1 PM
Downtown Lakeland
Local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays. Every Saturday in downtown Lakeland.
WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER SEASON*
July 8, 2023, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
250 Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven
Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. Across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the old BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com
NATURE NARRATOR
July 8, 2023, 10:00 AM
Bonnet Springs Park
400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
Storytime will begin at 10am followed by a fun activity. Seating will be at the Outdoor Classroom and families are encouraged to use our tiered bench seating.
EXPLORE THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF TROPICAL FRUITS
July 8, 2023, 10:30 AM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Learn about some of the many edible plants you can grow in central Florida. Experts will share tips for how to grow these plants in your own backyard. Sample different varieties of favorite fruits like banana, mango, pineapple, and more. Registration required. 863-676-1408 boktowergardens.org
PAINT WITH DIANETT
July 8, 2023, 2:00 PM or 7:00 PM
CO HATCH
211 East Main Street, Lakeland
Unleash your inner artist at an exciting Sip and Paint event! Join this two-hour creative adventure where you’ll enjoy your favorite drink while following step-by-step instructions to create a stunning work of art. No experience necessary! They provide all of the materials, so just bring yourself and get ready for a fun-filled evening of painting, laughter, and great company. Reserve your spot now and get ready to sip, paint, and let your creativity flow! centralfloridatix.com
SUMMER SERENADE: BRASS
July 8, 2023, 6:00 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Part of a 3-part concert series featuring musicians from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. All concerts will feature outstanding OPO Principal Musicians plus a few special surprise guests. Registration required. 863-676-1408 boktowergardens.org
CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH
TRIVIA TUESDAYS
July 11, 2023, 6:30 PM
Grove Roots Brewing Company
302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven
Play trivia every Tuesday with Triviosity! Free to play.
POKER NIGHT
July 11, 2023, 7:00 PM
Barrel 239, 239 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven
Every Tuesday. Players receive 10% off drinks while at the table. Gift card prizes are awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners for each session! This event is 21 & up.
TEACHER NIGHT
July 11, 2023, 7:00 PM
Bonnet Springs Park
400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
Mingle with other educators as you learn about the new field trip program and explore the exhibits within the Nature Center. This event is open to current 4th-12th grade classroom teachers. Registration is required. *Free to attend, but registration is capped at 300. bonnetspringspark.com
MORNING BOOK CLUB
July 12, 2023, 10:00 AM
Winter Haven Public Library
325 Ave A NW, Winter Haven
Discuss “The Orchid Thief” by Susan Orlean. The Morning Book Club meets on the second Wednesday of every month. Titles include a variety of adult fiction, nonfiction and biographies.
GALLERY PERSPECTIVES:
FSC SUMMER INTERNS
July 13, 2023, 12:00 PM
Polk Museum Of Art
800 East Palmetto St, Lakeland
BAD MOON RISING - A CCR TRIBUTE
July 7, 2023, 7:00 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 West Central Ave, Winter Haven
Bad Moon Rising, a Classic Tributes Live band, invites you to take a trip down the Mississippi delta as they pay tribute to arguably the greatest rock band North America ever produced. centralfloridatix.com
IMPROV COMEDY SHOW
July 7, 2023, 7:30 PM
Rec Room
202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland
Two show times, 7:30 PM is the Family Friendly Show and 9:30 PM is the 21+ Show. It is $10 per show or $15 for both. They are a 6-year-old team with the best improvisers in all of Polk County. swancityimprov.com
July 9, 2023, 5:00 PM
Inside Out Yoga
219 5th St. SW, Winter Haven
Join Cosmic Sound Healer, Buffy La Roux. Register online to save your place. Please bring your own mat and equipment. This is a high-vibratory journey of sound through time and space. 863-224-2311 ioyogastudio.com
KNIT & CROCHET NIGHT
July 11, 2023, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The Union Taproom
245 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Every Tuesday! Bring your Knit or Crochet project and join your friends for Hoppy Hour at Union Taproom.
As a culminating experience of their summers at the Museum, undergraduate interns in the Polk Museum Summer Internship Program will lecture in the galleries on specialized topics, offering visitors a unique and fresh perspective on current exhibitions. 863-688-7743 polkmuseumofart.org
WINTER HAVEN WRITERS
July 13, 2023, 12:30 PM
Winter Haven Public Library
325 Ave 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. (only 2nd Thursday in Nov. & Dec.)
SCAN TO ADD YOUR EVENT
July 13, 2023, 7:00 PM
Barrel 239, 239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven Trivia every Thursday.
July 13 - Aug. 6, 2023
Theatre Winter Haven
210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven Days & times vary. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. 863-294-7469 theatrewinterhaven.com
July 14, 2023, 6:00 PM
Lakeland Shuffleboard Club
820 East Robson Street, Lakeland
On the second Friday of every month from 6-8 PM, all equipment will be provided by the Shuffleboard Club, but feel free to bring your own if you have it. Instruction provided. It’s a very simple game to get the hang of, no athletic skills needed! Shuffleboard is a great sport for people of all abilities (suggested age 10 and up). Closed-toe shoes required. Snacks will be available for purchase on-site, cash only. centralfloridatix.com
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
July 14 - 16, 2023, 8:00 AM
Spirit Gymnastics Sports Academy
2830 Recker Highway, Winter Haven
Competitive Gymnastics can be expensive, and year-round training can get tiring for young gymnasts. That’s why we’ve created the Bling it On! Gymnastics Camp! This summer, competitive gymnasts will be rejuvenated, reinvigorated and have amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to train with multiple NCAA gymnasts, nationally-recognized coaches, and respected nutritionists. And, right alongside that, they’ll have the opportunity to fundraise to help cover the costs of their camp and contribute to equipment and programming to support their training year-round. centralfloridatix.com
July 14, 2023, 12:00 PM
Polk Museum Of Art
800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland
As a culminating experience of their summers at the Museum, undergraduate interns in the Polk Museum Summer Internship Program will lecture in the galleries on specialized topics, offering visitors a unique and fresh perspective on current exhibitions. 863-688-7743 polkmuseumofart.org
July 14 - Aug. 6, 2023
Haines City Community Theatre
303 Ledwith Ave, Haines City
Days and times vary. A heartwarming story, based on the real-life story of the Von Trapp Family singers, one of the world’s best-known concert groups in the era immediately preceding World War II. 863-421-1893
hainescitytheatre.com
JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE
July 14 - 23, 2023
Lakeland Community Theatre
121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland
Days and times vary. Escape to Margaritaville is a musical comedy featuring the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “Margaritaville.” This hilarious, heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for!
863-603-7529
lakelandcommunitytheatre.com
THE MISSING PIECE THEATRE PRESENTS
“SEUSSICAL”
July 14 - 23, 2023
Gem Theater, 110 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry
Now one of the most performed shows in America, Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. centralfloridatix.com
LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET
July 15, 2023, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Downtown Lakeland
Every Saturday shop local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays.
WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET
*SUMMER SEASON*
July 15, 2023, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
250 Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven
Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. Across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the old BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com
CAFFEINE & GASOLINE
Jul 15, 2023, 8:00 AM
Bonnet Springs Park
400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
Roll into Bonnet Springs Park on the third Saturday of every month for a new local car meetup. All exotic, classic, luxury, hot rod, and import cars are welcome. Coffee and breakfast items will be available for purchase. If you would like to show off your ride, no registration is required.
July 15, 2023, 9:00 AM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
A morning of bending, breathing, and relaxing in the great outdoors. This inclusive class includes gentle yoga movements that move our spine in all directions, breathing techniques, and extended relaxation infused with a sprinkling of yoga philosophy. All levels are welcome. Registration required. 863-676-1408
boktowergardens.org
July 15, 2023, 10:00 AM
Bonnet Springs Park
400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
Stop by the GiveWell Community Foundation
Nature Center Classroom to check out a Discovery Bag from a BSP representative. Each Discovery Bag is filled with a unique set of books, activity cards, hands-on activities, and extras for all ages! bonnetspringspark.com
FILM MARATHON:
WINTER HAVEN GOES WEST
July 15, 2023, 12:00 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
12 PM – Rio Bravo (1959); 3 PM – Tombstone (1993); 6 PM – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966). Doors open 11AM. Guests are permitted to leave the theatre and come back in throughout the marathon with the purchase of a general admission ticket. centralfloridatix.com
PAINT WITH DIANETT
July 15, 2023, 2:00 PM or 7:00 PM
CO HATCH
211 E Main St, Lakeland
Join this two-hour creative adventure where you’ll enjoy your favorite drink while following step-bystep instructions to create a stunning work of art. No experience necessary! They provide all of the materials. Reserve your spot now and get ready to sip, paint, and Reserve your spot now and get ready to sip, paint, and let your creativity flow! centralfloridatix.com
TUESDAY BOOK CLUB
July 18, 2023, 4:00 PM
Winter Haven Public Library
325 Ave A NW, Winter Haven
Discuss “The Ship of Brides” by JoJo Moyes. The Tuesday Book Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month. Titles include a variety of adult fiction, nonfiction and biographies.
KNIT & CROCHET NIGHT
July 18, 2023, 5:00 PM
The Union Taproom
245 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Every Tuesday! Bring your Knit or Crochet project and join your friends for Hoppy Hour at Union Taproom.
TRIVIA TUESDAYS
July 18, 2023, 6:30 PM
Grove Roots Brewing Company
302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Play trivia every Tuesday with Triviosity! Free to play.
POKER NIGHT
July 18, 2023, 7:00 PM
Barrel 239
239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Every Tuesday. Players receive 10% off drinks while at the table. Gift card prizes are awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners for each session! This event is 21 & up.
CHAIR YOGA
July 19, 2023, 10:00 AM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Now you can practice yoga from your chair. This class is appropriate for beginners, anyone with limited mobility, those recovering from injury, and anyone who has wanted to try yoga but felt intimidated. Registration required. 863-734-1222 boktowergardens.org
TRIVIA NIGHT
July 20, 2023, 7:00 PM
Barrel 239
239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven Trivia every Thursday.
SACRED HARMONY: SOUND & AROMATHERAPY
July 21, 2023, 7:00 PM
Ignite the Fire Inside Wellness Studio
140 SE Plaza Road, Winter Haven
This monthly Sacred Harmony experience is held the 3rd Friday of each month to provide a safe space to rest, tap into our senses & rejuvenate. Specific Essential oils will be used which are aligned with the focus of the session. Do RSVP as space is limited. centralfloridatix.com
WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET
*SUMMER SEASON*
July 22, 2023, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
250 Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven
Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. Across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the old BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com
STEM IN THE PARK
July 22, 2023, 10:00 AM
Bonnet Springs Park
400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
Explore topics in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! Each month will have a new and engaging activity fit for a wide range of learners.
SUMMER SERENADE: WOODWINDS
July 22, 2023, 6:00 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Part of a 3-part concert series featuring musicians from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. All concerts will feature outstanding OPO Principal Musicians plus a few special surprise guests. Registration required. 863-676-1408 boktowergardens.org
MAJOR MONSTERS: KING KONG (1933)
July 20, 2023, 7:00 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
A film crew goes to a tropical island for a location shoot, where they capture a colossal ape who takes a shine to their blonde starlet, and bring him back to New York City. Join us for a special 90th anniversary showing of this iconic film. centralfloridatix.com
OUT OF THE BOX IMPROV
July 21, 2023, 7:00 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
A cast of talented young actors create ‘slice of life’ theatre based on the audience’s script scenarios. centralfloridatix.com
LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET
Jul 22, 2023, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Downtown Lakeland
Shop local, handmade, produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays.
EUGENE SNOWDEN & BAND
July 22, 2023, 7:00 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Slide into a night of soul music with music by the blues master, Eugene Snowden and his band. Don’t miss this world class musician who has shared the stage with the likes of James Brown, BB King, Al Green, and Sharon Jones. Doors open at 6 PM. Show starts at 7 PM. centralfloridatix.com
KNIT & CROCHET NIGHT
July 25, 2023, 5:00 PM
The Union Taproom
245 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Every Tuesday! Bring your Knit or Crochet project and join your friends for Hoppy Hour at Union Taproom.
TRIVIA TUESDAYS
July 25, 2023, 6:30 PM
Grove Roots Brewing Company
302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Play trivia every Tuesday with Triviosity! Free to play.
POKER NIGHT
July 25, 2023, 7:00 PM
Barrel 239
239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Every Tuesday. Players receive 10% off drinks while at the table. Gift card prizes are awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners for each session! This event is 21 & up.
CHESS MEET-UP
July 26, 2023, 1:00 PM
Winter Haven Public Library
325 Ave A NW, Winter Haven 4th Wednesday of every month. All ages and abilities are welcome!
mywinterhaven.com/library
WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS
July 27, 2023, 8:00 AM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Wawa and Bok Tower Gardens are teaming up again to offer Wawa Summer Fun Days featuring complimentary admission on the last Thursday and Friday of May through September. Pre-registration is required for this complimentary offer. Visitors must register at www.boktowergardens. org.
WINTER HAVEN WRITERS
July 27, 2023, 12:30 PM
Winter Haven Public Library
325 Ave 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. (only 2nd Thursday in Nov. & Dec.) mywinterhaven.com.
TRIVIA NIGHT
July 27, 2023, 7:00 PM
Barrel 239
239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Trivia every Thursday
MAJOR MONSTERS: JAWS (1975)
July 27, 2023, 7:00 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
When a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape Cod, it’s up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast. Doors open at 6 PM. Show starts at 7 PM. centralfloridatix.com
WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS
July 28, 2023, 8:00 AM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales Wawa and Bok Tower Gardens are teaming up again to offer Wawa Summer Fun Days featuring complimentary admission on the last Thursday and Friday of May through September. Pre-registration is required for this complimentary offer. Visitors can register at www.boktowergardens.org.
HARRY POTTER’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
July 29, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Lakeside Village
1479 Town Center Dr, Lakeland
Calling all Muggles, Witches, and Wizards! Get ready to be transported to a world of magic and wonder as Lakeside Village and Books-A-Million collaborate to bring you an extraordinary event in honor of Harry Potter’s birthday and Florida Backto-School Tax-Free Week. Join us on The Lawn. No reservations are needed. Free
REMEMBERING VILNA: THE HOLOCAUST AND THE ART OF SAMUEL BAK
July 29, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024
Polk Museum Of Art
800 East Palmetto St, Lakeland
Samuel Bak is a Jewish Lithuanian-American painter born on the eve of the Second World War and whose history as a survivor of the Holocaust is integral to his remarkable, celebrated career as an artist. Remembering Vilna, named for Bak’s birthplace, is an original exhibition that sheds eye-opening light not only on the childhood experiences that have shaped Bak’s life and art but also on the importance of documenting and retaining historical memory.
Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm, Sunday 1pm - 5pm. 863-688-7743 polkmuseumofart.org
DINNER AND A MOVIE: CADDYSHACK
July 29, 2023, 6:30 PM
Gem Theater
110 NW 1st Avenue, Mulberry
Prepare for belly laughs with this installment of Dinner and a Movie: Caddyshack. Directed by Harold Ramis, an exclusive golf course has to deal with a brash new member and a destructive dancing gopher. Admission includes screening of the film and a seated dinner (appetizer, entree, dessert, and tea/water). Tickets are $20.00. This is a popular event and expected to sell out. centralfloridatix.com
IVAN
July 29, 2023, 7:00 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Experience a trip through the Latin countryside with Ivan Garcia’s selections of Spanish Flamenco and Latin jazz for this performance from one of Puerto Rico’s most awarded musicians and guitarists, who will be joined by musician accompaniments with violin and congas. centralfloridatix.com
WALKABLE, BIKEABLE, EATABLE, DRINKABLE
Six/Ten has plans to build additional townhomes and apartments in vibrant downtown Winter Haven.
Interested? Intrigued? Register your interest at ideas@sixtenllc.com
March 21 - April 19
Hey, fiery Aries! This is a month of action and progress. Trust your instincts and take bold steps towards your goals. Your natural leadership abilities shine brightly, inspiring others to follow your lead. However, remember to strike a balance between assertiveness and diplomacy in your interactions. Nurture your physical and mental well-being to sustain your energy. July holds immense potential for success and personal growth.
April 20 - May 20
Hello, grounded Taurus! This is a favorable time for financial planning and taking practical steps towards your long-term goals. Your persistence and determination will yield fruitful results. Embrace your sensual nature and find comfort in the simple pleasures of life. Connect with loved ones and create a harmonious environment. Be open to change and embrace new opportunities that come your way.
May 21 - June 20
Hey, curious Gemini! Embrace opportunities for learning and self-expression. Your communication skills are heightened, making it a great time for networking and building connections. However, be mindful of scattered energy and focus on prioritizing your goals. Nurture your relationships and engage in meaningful conversations. July holds the potential for growth and exciting intellectual discoveries.
June 21 - July 22
Hello, sensitive Cancer! Take time to nurture yourself and create a peaceful sanctuary. Trust your intuition and honor your feelings. This month supports your personal growth and encourages you to set boundaries in relationships. Nurture your creativity and express yourself authentically. Your intuition will guide you towards making wise decisions. Embrace the support of loved ones and seek solace in their presence.
July 23 - August 22
Hey, radiant Leo! July shines a cosmic spotlight on you, highlighting your natural charisma and leadership abilities. This is your time to embrace your authenticity and step into the limelight. Use your creative flair to make a positive impact on the world around you. Nurture your relationships and let your generosity shine through. However, remember to balance your confidence with humility and the needs of others.
August 23 - September 22
Hello, meticulous Virgo! Pay attention to the details and seek perfection in your endeavors. This is a great time for organizing and decluttering your physical and mental spaces. Prioritize your well-being and engage in activities that nourish your body and mind. Trust your analytical skills and rely on practicality in decision-making. July presents opportunities for professional advancement and recognition for your hard work.
September 23 - October 22
Hey, harmonious Libra! Nurture your relationships and seek harmony in your interactions. This is a great time for partnerships and collaborations, both personally and professionally. Embrace your diplomatic nature and find compromises that satisfy all parties involved. Focus on self-care and seek beauty in your surroundings. July presents opportunities for personal growth and finding inner peace.
October 23 - November 21
Hello, mysterious Scorpio! This is a powerful time for self-discovery and shedding old patterns. Engage in introspection and release what no longer serves you. Your intuition will guide you towards meaningful connections and deepened relationships. Embrace vulnerability and allow others to see your authentic self. July holds the potential for profound personal growth and empowerment.
November 22 - December 21
Hey, adventurous Sagittarius! Embrace your wanderlust and seek opportunities for travel and exploration. This is a favorable time for higher learning and expanding your knowledge base. Embrace your optimism and let it guide you through any challenges that come your way. Nurture your relationships with honesty and open communication. July holds the potential for exciting adventures and personal expansion.
December 22 - January 19
Hello, determined Capricorn! Set clear objectives and work diligently towards achieving them. Embrace your practicality and discipline to overcome any obstacles that may arise. This is a favorable time for career advancement and recognition of your hard work. Nurture your personal relationships and find a balance between work and play. Seek support from loved ones and surround yourself with positive influences.
January 20 - February 18
Hey there, Aquarius! Embrace your uniqueness and let your individuality shine. This month encourages you to connect with like-minded individuals who share your vision for positive change. Get involved in social causes and use your voice to make a difference. Trust your instincts and follow your intuition. July holds the potential for exciting breakthroughs and expanding your horizons.
February 19 - March 20
Hello, dreamy Pisces! Take time for self-reflection and connect with your intuition. This month supports your creative endeavors and encourages you to express yourself authentically. Trust your instincts when it comes to relationships and seek harmony in your interactions. Remember to set healthy boundaries and prioritize self-care.
