LKLD April 2019

Page 1

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid FT Myers FL Permit #1092 Postal Customer ECRWSS

April

LKLD


1475 West Main Street, Bartow | 863-804-6291 | www.stingraybartow.com/ServiceApptForm

$200 $140

Mail-in Rebate† on a set of four tires from Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Hankook, and Pirelli when purchased with a GM or BuyPower Card®◊◊◊ OR $100 Mail-in Rebate† with any other form of payment Mail-in Rebate† on a set of four tires from Firestone and Michelin when purchased with a GM or BuyPower Card®◊◊◊ OR $70 Mail-in Rebate† with any other form of payment

$100 $80

Mail-in Rebate† on a set of four tires from BFGoodrich, Dunlop, and General when purchased with a GM or BuyPower Card®◊◊◊ OR $50 Mail-in Rebate† with any other form of payment Mail-in Rebate† on a set of four tires from Uniroyal when purchased with a GM or BuyPower Card®◊◊◊ OR $40 Mail-in Rebate† with any other form of payment

• Offering Price Match Guarantee • †See participating U.S. dealer or mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 5/31/19. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 4/30/19. ◊◊◊Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply



Get Back To Being You Some individuals experience the following benefits* with use of quality CBD products like SunMed: Pain & Inflammation Relief • Reduce Nausea & Anxiety • Lower Incidence of Diabetes • Relief From Seizures & Other • Neurological Disorders Promote Cardiovascular Health • Cancer Fighting Properties • Anti-psychotic Effects •

20% Off (with this ad)

3145 S FL Ave., Lakeland (863) 937-3195 • Lakeland.CBDrx4u.com *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your physician before use. For use by adults 18+.


It’s April and our little team has a temporary office space! We are now in the opposite situation from last month. As I wrote the letter for the March issue, I explained that we were all working out of our living room, and it was a tight fit. Now, we have way too much space. And the funny thing is, as big as the space is, we all moved our desks to one spot in the front. There are only five of us that come in everyday, but we work closely as a team. It’s a very good beginning & I’m forever grateful for our group!

LOCAL TICKETS LOCAL EVENTS LOCALLY LOCAL

This month we have a special guest writer, Janina Freeland. You may remember her from last year’s issue when we talked to families with kids with autism. We’re happy to have Janina tell us in her own voice, what it’s like to be a parent of a child with autism. She’s both brutally honest and hilarious as she talks about her life. We also visit Noah’s Ark, a community built to empower people with special needs to live independently. John Straughn talks about his son Tyler and the big fundraiser, Rockin’ on the River. Each of their stories are inspiring and hopeful. We talk with Jennifer Smurr of Born & Bread. She recently celebrated their fourth anniversary with a big party. We sit down and talk with her about the beginning of B + B as well as the future. We also take a mini-vacay at Cypress Inlet in Winter Haven. Recently remodeled, it will give you a taste of “old Florida.” We have new email addresses now, please take note! And then you can send us a note, or two! There are tons of events happening this month, remember to add #lkldhaven to your Facebook or Instagram post and you might find yourself in the next issue of LKLD! (Just type it in where you write your posts, it’s easy!) Until May, have a very beautiful April! Amy Sexson Owner/Editor LKLD Haven Magazine

CityWorks(X)po Florida 2019

amy@destroyermedia.com (863) 274-2019

Date: Apr 3-4

Accounting LLC Tax Edge

Walter Parks featuring Vivian Sessoms (X)po Wrap UP Concert

Locally Owned & Operated By

Christina Hansen

Date: Apr 4

Reduce the stress

of dealing with the IRS!

When It Comes • IRS ToRepresentation Taxes... • Bookkeeping & Payroll You Need An • Business Taxes & Planning • Personal Income Taxes Edge!

Lotela Gold “Sounds of the 60s, 70s & Beyond” Date: Apr 5

• Quickbooks Services

Lake Wales Chorale: Spring Concert

• Estate Services

Accounting & Tax Edge

Date: Apr 7

RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW

Helping You K eep M oreStreet of WHatSouth You’re MaKing 864 1st

Winter Haven, FL 33880

www.YourTaxEdge.com

863-875-7853 863-617-6107

5

www.YourTaxEdge.com Call Us For An Appointment


LKLD A P R I L

CONTENTS

FEATURES PROFILES.........................................................................26 COVER STORY...............................................................14 RESTAURANT................................................................ 22 TRAVEL.............................................................................44

5.......................................................FROM THE EDITOR 8..................................................................LOCAL NEWS 10............................................................... TOP 10 TO DO 18...................................................................................ARTS 25 ..................................................................... COCKTAIL 32.....................................................................CALENDAR 40.........................................SOLD HOMES LISTINGS 47........................................................................ #lkldhaven

havenmagazines.com

6


APRIL VOLUME 2 ISSUE 7 Publisher Chris Sexson Editor Amy Sexson Managing Editor Tara Crutchfield Contributing Writers Barry Friedman Beth L Koop Lauren Dickman Contributing Photographers Tara Crutchfield Amy Sexson Art & Production Manager Steven Maynard Ad Director Chris Campbell LKLD HAVEN is published twelve times a year by the Sun Central Media Group. Haven distributes 13,500 copies a month with 7,701 mailed to homes and 5,800 copies available at select locations throughout Lakeland. For advertising information please contact: christine@destroyermedia.com For editorial information please contact: amy@destroyermedia.com To submit to our calendar: amy@destroyermedia.com Office: PO Box 1607 Winter Haven, Florida 33881

2017 Digital Excellence for Best Social Media 2018 Best Design: Cover Best Redesign

7


LOCAL NEWS WORDS Barry Friedman/LkldNow.com

April Fools Came CarMax Plans Its They Kept Early This Year First Polk Store Working on The Railroad CarMax, whose no-haggle

Rails Redux: Signs Will Warn Drivers

No Joke: Marchant Wins Stadium Vote

Patience ran short and traffic tie-ups ran long in mid-March when CSX rail repairs blocked four downtown intersections at the same time. Work that was supposed to finish on a Friday stretched into the following Wednesday on two of the intersections and longer on the other two. Florida Avenue remained open and became the funnel for north-south traffic through town.

Drivers heading toward downtown on Florida Avenue will be getting warnings when a downtown train might delay their travels. Fourteen electronic signs installed by the Florida Department of Transportation will alert drivers in time to divert to alternate routes such as Harden Boulevard and U.S. 98. The alerts are triggered when the downtown rail barriers go down.

Two years after a $48 million renovation was completed, Publix Field at Marchant Stadium was voted the best spring training stadium in Florida in bracketed voting conducted by BallparkDigest.com. In the final voting, our grocery-sponsored home of the Detroit Tigers beat out the cable-sponsored Spectrum Field in Clearwater, the training base of the Phillies.

Coming Soon: Projects on Lake Downtown Thai, Mirror Alter the Shaved Ice View

A Few Increases Mar Report On Crime Rate

County Captain Resigns After Rockridge Fire

No Prosecution For Student In Pledge Case

The owners of Orlando’s NeraDeva Thai Restaurant are planning a second restaurant with the same menu in downtown Lakeland. The intended spot is the long-vacant Main Street storefront between Black & Brew and Linksters. In another transition, Pelican’s Snoballs, a New Orleans-style shaved ice chain, is setting up shop in the South Florida Avenue building across from Southgate that used to house Crumb & Get It.

Larcenies in Lakeland dropped by 500 between 2017 and 2018, by far the biggest dip in a new report showing crime down by 550 incidents here last year. However, homicides are up from 1 to 8, robberies are up from 89 to 106, and assaults are up from 144 to 200, according to the new crime report. Overall reported crime is down from 4,328 incidents in 2017 to 3,778 in 2018, the Lakeland Police Department reports.

A firefighter blamed unfair media reporting as he resigned from his job as a captain with Polk County Fire Rescue. He was about to be disciplined for shooting and sending Snapchat videos from the scene of a Rockridge Road house fire that claimed the life of a 76-year-old woman. As the fire burned, she was on the phone with 911 dispatchers who told her help was on the way.

In an incident that received international attention, the case was dropped against a Lawton Chiles Middle School student who was arrested on charges of creating a disturbance after refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The boy’s family says it still intends to pursue a civil rights case with the U.S. Department of Education.

When the Lakeland Magic announced last month they were changing their name to the Lakeland Swans, a lot of people took our G-League basketball team seriously. They didn’t realize the name change was for a single game and helping to promote Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine’s swan-boat races, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on April 26.

havenmagazines.com

policies and broad selection of late-model autos have made it the nation’s top used-car dealer, is planning a store just south of I-4 at U.S. 98 and Pyramid Place. The company got the rezoning it needs to build there and is negotiating with Market Square shopping center on the best way to move shopping center traffic through the car lot.

Around the time that tilt-up walls were lifted into place for the Catapult business incubator on Lake Mirror, word leaked about another project that will alter the lakefront. City officials are negotiating to sell the gravel parking lot at Main and Massachusetts. The prospective buyers are reported to be planning a high-rise office building on the site and a parking garage just south of the Terrace Hotel.

8


ER

E

O F BE

S R E TO

R

A YE A

Come Celebrate Our 1 Year Anniversary APR 19 APR 20 APR 20 7 PM 2 PM 7 PM

• CH

Uncle John’s Band

APR

Spearman Brewers

APR

Munn Park Saints

APR

10

13

27

Game Of Thrones Trivia Night

Micah Shane Band

Southern Legacy Band

7 PM

7 PM

For a list of all of our events visit

www.swanbrewing.com/events 115 W. Pine St, Lakeland • (863) 703-0472

7 PM


LAKELAND TOP 10 CITYWORKS(X)PO FLORIDA April 3 & 4, Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven. A platform for sharing knowledge, stories, ideas, and projects with a focus on strengthening cities of all sizes. Attendees will represent communities from across the state of Florida. (X)po is about connectivity between people, places and the projects that inspire them. Cityworksxpofl.com

TAMPA BAY BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL April 6-14 at Keel & Curley Winery. Family-friendly with U-Pick blueberries, live music, wine tastings, kid’s area, local vendors and more. (813) 752-9100 keelandcurleywinery.com

6-14

havenmagazines.com

5&6 4 LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS OPENING NIGHT April 4, 6:30pm at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Flying Tigers will play the Tampa Tarpons for the first game of the season. www.milb.com

GIRLS NIGHT OUT April 12, 5-8:30pm in downtown Lakeland. Live music, photo booth, giveaways & fun shopping with your friends to support local businesses. Go to DowntownLKLD.com and learn how to pick up your map of participating businesses.

ROCKIN’ ON THE RIVER April 5 & 6 at the FFA Training Center along the shores of Lake Pierce. A fundraising event of live music, great food, and entertainment for the kids benefiting Noah’s Landing, Victory Ridge Academy, Sidestreet Art Beat Inc. & Circle of Friends. Pay to park, free to enter. autismrockinontheriver.com

RECORD STORE DAY April 13 at participating record stores. Visit Jesse Carl Vinyl in downtown Lakeland for exclusive pressings and great deals on pre-loved vinyl.

13

12

6 DIXIELAND SPRING ART FESTIVAL April 6, 9am - 4pm in the historic Dixieland area. Fine Arts, Photography, Painting, Jewelry, Wood, Textiles, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Plants along with food vendors, kids activities, music and more. dixielandna.com

TIGER TROT 5K RUN & WALK April 20, 5pm at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. This USATF Certified course will start in the stadium parking lot, weave its way through beautiful Lake Parker Park and end on the warning track near third base. Register at fitniche.com/ event/tiger-trot-5k-run-walk/

20

10

6 & 13 FLORIDA TROPICS Only 2 games left in the season, April 6 & 13 at the RP Funding Center. A member of the Major Arena Soccer League, it’s a fun night for the entire family. fltropics.com

THE LAKELAND DERBY April 26, 5:30-9:30pm at the Lake Mirror Promenade. Free, family friendly community event, featuring our famous swan boat races, live music presented by Bully for You, local food vendors, youth activities and games, Derby hat contests and fireworks to cap off the evening. Hosted by Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine. www.lvim.net

26


season special moments

MAKE IT A OF

.

Enjoy the beauty of the Gardens this spring season. Explore the meandering gardens, designed to be a contemplative and informal woodland setting offering a series of romantic recesses and tranquil resting spots, picturesque vistas and breathtaking views of the Singing Tower. Acres of ferns, palms, oaks and pines fashion a lush backdrop for flowering foliage and the spectacular seasonal color showcase an ever-changing work of art.

FREE ADMISSION FOR MOM! MOTHER ’S DAY MAY 12

Give Mom a thousand flowers and more for Mother’s Day with a trip to the Gardens, breakfast or lunch at the Blue Palmetto Café and shopping at The Shop at Bok!

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


ORLANDO TOP 10 7 5 ART, WINE & MUSIC STROLL April 5, 5:30-8:30pm, musical performers & artists perform live while you sip wine & shop through downtown Windermere. Purchase your ticket early, proceeds benefit local charities. More info on FB @WindermereArts (407) 808-0665

EMO NIGHT LA April 18, at The Social. Party starts at 9pm with all the Emo music you know and love. Purchase tickets at www.foundation-presents.com

18

HIGH TEA & HATS April 7, 2-5pm at the RitzCarlton Orlando. A proper afternoon luncheon with traditional tea fare. Enjoy scones and jam, fresh fruit and cheeses, delicate finger sandwiches and petite desserts. Strut your stuff in the hat parade and contest, bid on silent auction items and try your luck in grand prize raffles. Seniorsfirstinc.org (407) 292-0177

AUTISM WALK & FAMILY FUN DAY April 20, 8am - noon at the Orange County Convention Center, North Concourse. Hosted by the Autism Society of Greater Orlando. 5k walk, games, prizes, bounce houses, raffles & more for the entire family. More info at asgo.org

20

11 BEST FEST “THE TASTE OF WEST ORANGE” April 11, 5-8:30pm Along the shore of Starke Lake, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive in Ocoee. Unlimited food & beverage samples from 60+ of the best restaurants, bars and caterers in West Orange. $46 in advance, $56 at the door. Wochamber.com (407) 656-1304

UNDERWATER EASTER EGG HUNT DIVE April 21, 11am-4pm at Blue Grotto Springs. Find 100+ eggs hidden at all different depths. Enjoy food, drinks and prizes. Scuba Divers Only! Must be certified and you must present your certification card upon check in. $44, bring your own gear. To reserve your spot please email: rperez@diversdirect.com

21

havenmagazines.com

12

13 CREATE A SPRING MASTERPIECE April 13, 10am - noon at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Learn to create a lush, garden-style floral centerpiece with FarmGal Flowers! Create your own arrangement with blooms from the flower bar! All materials included. Please bring flower snips. Purchase tickets & more info on FB @ farmgalflowersorlando

WHISKEY BUSINESS April 26, 7-10pm at the Cheyenne Saloon. Discover the best in Scotches, bourbons, and whiskeys. Sample dishes from the hottest local restaurants. Enjoy music over a craft beer, samplings of whiskey, or a cigar. VIP experience available for additional charge. orlandoweeklytickets.com

26

16-21 DEAR EVAN HANSEN April 16-21 at the Walt Disney Theater. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. A deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. Winner of six 2017 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical—and the 2018 Grammy Award® for Best Musical Theater Album. www.drphillipscenter.org

ARCADIAN BROAD’S WONDERLAND: MAD TALES OF THE HATTER! Performed by the Orlando Ballet, April 26-29. The Mad Hatter finds himself in 1921 London. Will he make it back to Wonderland in time to save Alice from the Red Queen’s curse? Arcadian Broad is the Artist in Residence. Walt Disney Theater www.drphillipscenter.org (844) 513-2014

26-29


TAMPA TOP 10 THE MOUSETRAP Through April 7 at Stageworks Theatre. A clever, suspenseful 1950’s whodunit, in which everyone becomes a suspect and hidden identities and motives are revealed. Agatha Christie’s play has been mesmerizing audiences for 66 years in London. It is the longest running show of any kind, anywhere. stageworkstheatre. org (813) 374-2416

SPAMILTON: AN AMERICAN PARODY April 9 - 12 at the Straz Center. A parody from the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit Forbidden Broadway. You don’t have to see Hamilton to have fun at Spamilton. strazcenter.org

9-12

6 MOVIES IN THE PARK Every Saturday at Water Works Park, 1710 N. Highland Ave. in Tampa. Free! Concessions available, bring chairs or blankets. For movie schedule & more info visit tampagov.net

KISS April 11, 7:30pm at Amalie Arena. This is the final tour ever appropriately named END OF THE ROAD. Purchase tickets at www.amaliearena.com

11

FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB April 6, 8am at the Bank of America building in Tampa. Raise funds to support the American Lung Association’s mission while climbing the 914 stairs of a skyscraper. That’s 42 floors! Register at action.lung.org

MAVEN MARKET IT’S A SPRING FLING THING MARKET FEST! April 13, 10am-3pm at Maven Market Channel District, 207 N 11th St., Tampa. Named one of the top ten markets in Florida by the Market Mafia. FB @mavenmarketchannelside

13

6

5&7

RUTH ECKERD HALL ARTS ON THE ROAD April 6, 10 am-2 pm on the 400 to 600 blocks in Downtown Clearwater. This free interactive children’s art festival will feature hands on arts experiences, make and take experiences and performances from a wide variety of artists. www.rutheckerdhall.com

NCAA WOMEN’S FINAL FOUR The 2019 Women’s Final Four will be held at Amalie Arena. National semifinals will be held on Friday, April 5, at 7 and 9:30 pm., with the national championship game taking place on Sunday, April 7, at 6:00 pm www.ncaa.com/ womens-final-four/

6TH ANNUAL HUNGER RUN 5K April 20, 7:30-10:30am at Al Lopez Park. They will be collecting non-perishable food items to donate to local charities. Every registered participant will receive a T-shirt, finisher’s medal, and enjoy post race food! www.hungerrun5k.com

TAMPA BAY INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL April 27, Tampa’s Garrison Channel will have paddlers racing to the finish. On land at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park along the beautiful Riverwalk, people of all ages can enjoy food trucks, live music, entertainment, local merchants and fun activities. The event is free. 8am-7:30pm. More info at www.jltampa.org

20

27

13


havenmagazines.com

14


CONFESSIONS

of an Autism Mom Living La Vida Autism

15 WORDS Janina Freeland

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson


“Your child has autism,” said the neurologist. “But with therapy, she may be able to overcome some obstacles.” The day my husband and I were told our daughter had autism, I was paralyzed with shock. I was the mother of a child I did not understand and may never understand. All of those dreams about dance, soccer, first prom, and being a typical kid looked like fog over a lake. At that moment, I felt like my hopes and dreams for my child died that day. It felt like a death. When we got home after hearing our life would never be the same, I bathed Ava, fed her dinner, and got her ready for bed. I put her in her toddler bed and put on lullaby music sung by Celine Dion. When she was a newborn, I would rock her to bed with these sweet lullabies. I needed to hear those lullabies to feel connected to Ava. I needed to feel like Ava knew I was her mommy. I had to tell myself she was the same little girl. Maybe the songs would make her remember when she was a baby. I did not understand this “autism,” but I knew whatever the road looked like ahead, our family would have to learn how to be fighters. Ava is now 13 years old with limited communication. She has extreme anxiety in situations that are unfamiliar to her which can cause her to get aggressive and melt down. Life is not easy for us. Going out in public can be gut wrenching because you never know what will trigger a meltdown. There have been a lot of ups and downs on this journey. Sometimes I just pray for normalcy (if that exists) or just to breathe. As I sit here today and remember those feelings of despair, alienation, loneliness, and sadness, I can say all of those feelings made our family fight for Ava and what quality of life she deserves. I can actually relate to the saying, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I

am still alive and definitely stronger. As the years moved on, the fear that I would never have a conversation with my child became a reality. I would never know what her “favorites” were in life. Every way we communicate with her on a daily basis is based off of body language and being able to read her moods or emotions. I think to myself, I can never die, I have to live for Ava. My biggest fear is what will happen when my husband, Brian, and I are gone. I know she has a loving sister, but I want my younger daughter Kendall to live her life as well. She was born into autism and has never complained about it. She is 9 years old and steps in with Ava like an experienced adult. I know I should focus on the present, but the future scares me. I pray every night that Ava will always be protected and cared for if I am not on this earth. Normal family activities turn into Mission Impossible scenarios for us. Simple, thoughtless activities that a typical family can do are just not possible for us. It requires a babysitter to stay with Ava just for us to watch Kendall’s soccer game. Sometimes we pick who gets to go to an event with Kendall, as the other person stays home to be with Ava. It can be lonely. Just wanting to go to the store, turns into a military operation. Being a parent is hard. Being a parent of a child with autism some days feels impossible. If we go out in public, all eyes are on us. One time I just visited my brother at his apartment complex, Ava had a meltdown and the police were called by a neighbor. Yes, this is a reality that we have anywhere we go. I have learned how to deal with it because if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry, right? Over the years, we have made our own “normalcy.” If you go to Tijuana Flats, you will see our family sitting at the same table, eating the exact same meal every time. Tijuana Flats knows us and is always very kind to Ava.

We have created our own traditions with Ava. We tend to go to the same restaurants and same family outings. We joke about how we live in Groundhog Day. Ava is very routine and thrives on that for her daily living needs. I know things will happen out of the blue, and we can’t create that “day” every day, but if we want quality family time, we make it “Groundhog Day.” Ava has opened many eyes to a world that is hard to understand. I will never know why she lines up every toy in the house or why she listens to the same song on repeat and rewinds to her favorite part of the song a gazillion times. I may never understand why she gets so upset when she sees or hears a cow, but loves to go to Rainforest Cafe where there are a million different animals sounds there. I may never understand, but I do know that she loves me and hugs me all the time. I do know that she loves when I tuck her in and she asks for butterfly kisses. She does know that I am her mommy, and she feels the love from me. We don’t have to use words. Her eyes and laugh are stronger than any words. Over the years I have learned to live. I realized that I can’t sit here and feel sorry for Ava or our family. I consider our family very special. We each play a part in Ava’s world. Teamwork is what keeps our family moving. I probably say, “Are you kidding me?”(or Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot) at least a couple times a day. Yes, because some autism days are like that. You think you are in an alternate universe. One week Ava may be doing fantastic and I think, wow, she’s doing well. Life is good. Then, next week BAM, furniture thrown all over the house, and I feel like I just went to my Cardio Boxing Class at Tiger’s World because I was trying to calm her down using behavioral methods.


Years ago, when I was “Rookie Autism Mom,” I never in my wildest dreams thought I would have to learn different “holds” to restrain my limited communicating daughter who is ten times bigger than me in a battle that you would only see on a YouTube video. Then, go cook dinner as if nothing happened. People wouldn’t believe it, but that is how autism looks in our house some days and we roll with it. She doesn’t mean to act like that when she is upset. As functioning human beings, we complain about every little thing around us or if we have a hangnail. How would you feel not being able to use words to say how you were feeling? I can’t imagine and that is where my heart breaks for her.

I will never give up, stop fighting, or settle when it comes to Ava.

Yes, Autism stinks but my daughter has made me stronger in ways I didn’t know were possible. Would I change her for anything in the world? You bet! Who wants to see their kid not be able to speak and crawl out of her own skin? Recently, I had Ava’s most recent IEP meeting at her school. I sat there with calmness listening to all the goals she has met that I never thought would be possible years ago. She has worked so hard to overcome a lot of obstacles. Even though I thought my dreams and hopes died the day I was told her life would be a lifelong battle, I realized that I just have to make new hopes and dreams for her. Realizing that reality, will help Ava be who she is meant to be in this world. I am a member of Tiger’s World and there is a quote on the wall that I read when I workout. “Don’t pray for an easy life, pray to be a strong person.” I will never give up, stop fighting, or settle when it comes to Ava. I have to believe our family is meant to help others understand what it means Living La Vida Autism.

17


ARTS WORDS Beth L. Koop

PHOTOGRAPH Danne Streets

Kayla Tirrell Successful, Local Indie Author Lakeland author, Kayla Tirrell never imagined she would become a writer when she was child shivering under her bed covers reading spooky books. Today Tirrell has become a successful young adult contemporary romance novelist. When she was a child Tirrell said she vacillated between wanting to be a lawyer or doctor or a stay-at-home mom. Now as the mother of three young sons, she began searching for a way to be that stay-at-home mom. “I wanted the freedom to stay at home so I could go and see them when they have field trips or events at school or a sick day,” she said. “Because I love reading, I thought I really want to try writing. It really started as a practical solution to a real problem.” An avid reader, Tirrell understood plotlines and story structures and character development. She also joined several Facebook writing groups and some writing conferences to begin her writing career. She learned early on that self-publishing is much more lucrative than traditional publishing. Traditional publishers will do everything required to publish a book, including editing, cover design, printing and marketing, but the trick is to first find a publisher to buy the story. With self-publishing or indie publishing, the author has complete control over all of these aspects of publishing. Traditional publishers reap a majority share of the profits, while indie authors bear all of the initial costs but earn a higher share of the profits. Indie publishing has become a $1 billion market over the last two decades. Because of the Internet, writers now have alternatives to traditional publishing. “It’s a big leap of faith when you’re getting started. You are paying a lot of money and hoping you will get some of that back and you’ll make a profit,” Tirrell said. “I have a friend who is a hybrid writer. She does indie and traditional. She was making six figures from her indie stuff and barely a four figure paycheck from a traditional book.” Tirrell’s first book was called All the Things We Lost and her characters in havenmagazines.com

18

the book have the some of the same experiences she had when she moved across country and when her mother passed away. “It was feeding a lot on my own experiences and I wanted to share the pain of loss,” she said. It was soon followed by a second book called, All the Things We Found, and a third book, All the Things We Were. In the third book, the female character from the first two books gets to tell her story. “I felt like she needed a redemption story. She was more than just the mean girl that pushed the plot forward. She was not the person everybody thought she was,” Tirrell explained. Although the books were successful with readers, Tirrell said she felt her first series of books was a learning experience in writing. “They still sell and people still love them, but I’ve had to move on because now I can see all the things I did wrong. I think I could go back and edit them to death. I’ve learned so much since this first book that it’s painful to read sometimes,” she said. “But they’re still reading it and I’m thankful for that and that the characters still resonate with people even if I want to tear it apart.” Her next series of books was written with two other local authors she met through online writing groups. Together with Daphne James Huff and M.F. Lorson, the group wrote the Mountain Creek Drive collection of short stories about young adult relationships in the early 2000s before cell phones and social media. “I thought they were really good writers, but they didn’t necessarily have a big following. I messaged them both and said, ‘How do you feel about writing a series together? We all have our own readership and if we wrote one together we could bring our individual readerships together and give us all more visibility,’” she said. The series did so well that the group of authors has gone on to write several more collections of short stories and plans to write a new series together every year. In February of this year, Courtside Crush was released and has been Tirrell’s best selling book


to date topping young adult charts on Amazon. “My friends have been jokingly calling it Romeo and Juliet in basketball shorts. It’s my favorite one to date. It was my favorite to write. I probably wrote it the fastest out of any of my books. I couldn’t wait to get in front of the computer to write,” she said. “It’s done the best of all of my books, which is what you want. You want each book to progressively do better than the ones before. It’s really exciting.” Courtside Crush is the first in a series again with Lorson and James Huff called, Varsity Girlfriends, which has a high school basketball theme. Lorson’s book, Off Center was released last month and James Huff’s book, Rebound Boyfriend will be released this month. Tirrell is now in the process of writing a fourth book for the series called, Game Plan. She is also now waiting to hear about her recently submitted query letter, synopsis and first chapter of another story to a contest through Harlequin’s Great Love Inspired Author Search. If successful, the opportunity could get her work onto retail shelves. Although Tirrell said she’s not looking for fame through her writing she wants to continue to be profitable so she can continue to be the stay-at-home mom she always wanted to be and to continue to hone her craft. “I want to push myself with each new book and hopefully, I will keep my readers happy.” FB@KaylaTirrellWrites Tirrellblewrites.com

19


WORDS & PHOTOGRAPH Tara Crutchfield

Angels Among Us have brought a once frowned upon creative outlet to the forefront of the arts community – even in Polk County. HAINES CITY GETS ITS WINGS CRA Project Manager Jane Waters dove into the project after receiving a photo of a wings mural at Harvard from City Manager Deric Feacher. The wings spoke to Feacher who said addressing the crowd at the artists’ reception, “How do we transform the very fabric of Haines City? How do we get people to get beyond their borders, beyond their neighborhoods, beyond their own mindset?” His answer to that was art – a true connector of communities and cultures.

It was a warm sunny afternoon on the event patio of the Lake Eva Community Center March, 10. City employees, artists, and admirers gathered for the unveiling celebration and artists’ reception of the Haines City Wings Project. The hum of “Happy Birthday” could be heard from one of the pavilions in the park, kids played basketball in the courts behind us, as L.A. based artist, founder of the Global Angel Wings Project, Colette Miller signed her Haines City wings with her fingertip. The unveiling was the conclusion of a citywide arts enrichment initiative launched by the Haines City CRA modeled after Miller’s global project. “The project started as an eight-mural arts experience, painting vibrancy, and enrichment into pockets of the community in high-traffic areas and on walls tucked away neighborhoods in need of refreshing and beautification,” read a press release detailing the Haines City initiative. Six local artists, a Pennsylvania artist, and Miller have graced the city with eight unique, interactive street art pieces. THE GLOBAL ANGEL WINGS PROJECT In 2012, Colette Miller with the help of a few friends transferred a set of human scale angel wings that she

Waters reached out to the originator of the project and to her surprise, Miller answered her call. The L.A. artist was on board and arranged to add Haines City to her list of global works.

had pre-painted onto an aluminum sided wall in the arts district of L.A. The response that followed was swift, with many posing for selfies, donning the wings behind them as their own. The age of social media burgeoned the project, prompting Miller to paint wings globally.

“Having a globally recognized artist, like Colette Miller, contribute to our arts efforts, is unprecedented,” said the City Manager.

“It’s grown really organically,” said Miller at the Haines City unveiling.

“I really like that Haines City brought me out here...and told the whole story,” said the Global Wings artist, adding that she both respects and appreciates what they are doing in the city that she described as “Zen flatlands”.

“In a way, it’s been a surprising journey and gift because I didn’t [know] that the public or the world would respond the way it has,” she continued. “It has helped me have faith in the world and in humanity.”

ARTISTS AND ANGELS

She recounted her thoughts going into the project – what has since become its essence, inquiring of herself, “What image can be out there that reminds us that we are the divine beings or can be the divine beings – the angels of this earth, even for a moment?”

Spreading the breadth of their creativity and their wings across Haines City, each artist had their own vision. When Waters approached Patricia Miller (no relation to Colette) about the project, she was in.

Brilliant, expansive angel wings came to mind for the artist and so started the global initiative that instated an army of selfie-snapping social media angels.

“It spoke to me because this is a community that needs the revitalization projects that we do,” said Patricia. “We want people to take pride in their city and to love the way their city looks.”

In quiet neighborhoods and rapidpaced cities across the world, the cultural perception of street art has evolved. Miller reasoned that artists like Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Basquiat, and Keith Haring accompanied by the cultural immersion of social media

She designed her wings at the Haines City Chamber of Commerce as a stipple project and dedicated them to a woman who had been diagnosed 20

with cancer as a way to spread hope to anyone who needs it. Artist Carol Hughes from Lakeland drew inspiration from Banksy on her black and white wings at the corner of 6th Street North and Main Street. Elizabeth Irving invested herself personally, emotionally, wholly into the Wings Project. “My Wings, I did on January 2, which was my daughter’s birthday who passed away about twelve years ago. I wanted to do it on a day that was significant for us to remember her,” said Irving. Her daughter Mya, who was also at the reception, helped Irving paint the wings at 801 Ingraham Avenue, in honor of her sister. For Irving, the butterfly wings signified that her daughter has flown away but lives on. HAINES CITY WINGS LOCATIONS: Lake Eva Park: Colette Miller – Event Patio Melissa Hale – Wall closest to the lake on the back side of the public restroom facilities Historic Downtown: Elizabeth Irving – 801 Ingraham Ave. AJ Greene – 131 North 6th Street (Wall between the Library and an attorney’s office) Carol Hughes – 801 Main Street (on the corner of 6th Street North and Main Street) Oakland Community: Katrina FacePaint – 704 Avenue C (on the Haines City Boys and Girls Club) Enos Torres – 915 Avenue E (on the Call Stand at the ball field) Southeast: Patricia Miller – 35610 US Hwy 27, South (Haines City Chamber of Commerce on Hwy 27 next door to Sonny’s BBQ)


WORDS Sally Del Castillo

You Know You Didn’ t Grow Up In Polk County If You Wear One Of These A Raincoat. Well, Actually A Trench Coat. vintage green trench coat to complete my look. Perf! (Or so I thought.) I also grabbed a secondary “Members Only” kelly green-cropped raincoat so that I would have options. I could change up my look throughout the day.

Leave it to me to make the biggest Polk County fashion faux pas… It was St. Patrick’s Day weekend and they were forecasting for rain. I rushed to my wardrobe closet of treasures to prepare a “look” for the festivities/one of my favorite holidays. I have never been clear as to exactly why I love the holiday but… my favorite color is green, I don’t mind drinking beer and everyone seems to be in such a good mood. I love how they close down the streets and there’s a sea of people wearing green, dancing and having a good time. I love all shades of green. Fluorescent and Kelly/Emerald green are my favorite hues. In real life, I pretty much wear camo almost every day. I love the calm before the storm, putting together my outfit and preparing what I will wear for an event. I often “pull” Nando’s look too and if Jordy and Sebastien are there, I usually pick

When Nando dropped me off at the Apple Lounge at 10am (he decided that he wanted to work for the majority of the day and would meet up with us later… typical Nando) He said to me, “Sally… what are you doing?” I said, “What do you mean?” He said, “What’s with the raincoats?” I said, “ There’s a 60% chance of rain.” He said, “First of all… it’s Florida there is always a chance of rain. Second, you’re going to be walking all over town, you’re going to have to carry all that with you while your trying to golf and juggle green beer. Third… you don’t need 2 coats! Sally, its Florida… NO ONE wears raincoats or uses umbrellas. I’ve told you this.” I said, “Well, it’s green and it’s part of my outfit and I WEAR RAINCOATS IN FLORIDA!“ With that, I jumped out of the truck, and immediately got a look from my friends like why do you have luggage to go out for St. Patrick’s Day?

their shirts out. Like when the four of us went out for Valentine’s Day, I had everybody in a shade of pink, purple and red. So dreamy…. Ok, back to this green situation. I was spinning around in my closet realizing that I could only wear one pair of the many green pants that I own and I was for sure wearing the recently thrifted fluorescent green belt. My Chuck Taylors would be perfect because I was going to be playing Putt Putt Golf for the Women’s Resource Center Charity event, and my sparkly high heels needed a break. Plus, I traditionally end up doing my share of dancing on this holiday (which I did) so; I thought I’d go a little more “Sporty Spice” for once. I found my only green Winner Haven Apparel Shirt, French tucked it, and accessorized with my little “Heinz Pickle Pin,” a nod to my hometown of Pittsburgh. Next, I pulled out a

Well… all day, everywhere I went, people were staring at me. Yes I had an excessive amount of green glitter eyeshadow and lip-gloss on and yes I was a dancing machine, but I truly think it was the coat. I know it was. Locals actually walked up to me and said things like… where did you get that? I was like what? The Corn Beef and Cabbage? Right there in Central Tavern. No the guy said, the green tarp that you’re wearing. A woman came up to me and complimented me first on my dance moves and second on my statement piece, “that awesome coat.” It was as if I had pulled something couture off the runway for next season or the opposite that I had

21

no idea how to dress for Florida. I ran into a Pittsburgher that was like, we’re in Florida, what are you doing with that coat on? At one bar, I walked up to order a beer and the bartender said, “Oh my gosh, I thought you were going to pull a shotgun out of that thing!” I chuckled, I know I have a fierce walk and I know I’m wearing a military raincoat but seriously… the only violent thing I was interested in doing was an “Irish Car Bomb.” So, long story short… Nando and Jordy (both had been working all day) managed to join us. It did finally rain. We were all crammed under a tent with “DJ Banz” outside of Central Tavern and convinced him to play, “Purple Rain” during the quickly passing storm. It was an iconic moment. I still got wet because I don’t think that coat was actually waterproof but, in the words of Sebastien, “I wasn’t bothered.” It was another successfully selfstyled look by Sally DC and another successful St. Patrick’s Day for the books. I guess I’ll eventually get used to the Florida “Rules” but when it comes to fashion, I’ll always beat to my own tune. I do own at least 15 raincoats and clearly they’re showstoppers. Xo Sally DC P.S. I don’t know if they Say “April Showers Bring May Flowers” down here like they do up north, but I say April Showers bring opportunities for me to exhibit my raincoat collection. P.P.S. I did end up losing one of my raincoats that day, Nando was right. It was too much to carry around. (And he didn’t even know about the 3 shirt options I had in my purse.) winnerhaven.com


WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Power To The Pastry The past month has been a time of reflection for Born & Bread Bakehouse owner Jenn Smurr. The bakery’s fourth birthday has come and gone, a celebration was had, and the hard-working hands of Jenn and her team are no doubt already preparing for the “organized chaos” that will be next Saturday’s bake. Many in Lakeland know the Born & Bread origin story because they’ve been a part of it. The crowd drawn to 1113 Florida Avenue S. each weekend eagerly waits in a line that sometimes wraps around the corner just to get their hands on the magic that comes out of the bakehouse. Jenn glowed as she began to tell her story. The enticing aroma of fresh baked goods that had drifted beyond the bakery walls, greeting all who walked passed it, hung sweetly in the air. The interview was scored beautifully by the sound of a bustling kitchen – the thud of butter blocks being pounded out for croissants, coffee brewing for a Transcendent Chocolate Cake, a buzzer followed by a helpful call, “Timer!” Walnuts chopped, jam on the stove, white chocolate melting, cream filling churning. We were sitting at Born & Bread, living the ‘American Dream’. THE BEGINNING After an intimate wedding in 2014, Jenn and her husband took three weeks to travel Europe. “I fell in love with the baking and the quality of food they have and came back and almost instantly knew I wanted to do something like that…” said Smurr. Three days after they returned, Jenn was mixing dough in her kitchen. She never imagined her light-hearted baking dream would turn into the glowing red ‘American Dream’ like the sign that hangs on the bakery wall. “It completely took on a different meaning, there was so much purpose for a town like Lakeland and beyond Lakeland. It was greater than I thought it was going to be in responsibility, and in whatever you define as the success Born & Bread has had,” Smurr reflected. Her job in the fashion industry had her making the occasional trip to Miami. During an August 2014 trip, she made her way to meet Zak The Baker. With notepad in hand, Smurr was eager to fill her head with whatever baking words of wisdom Zak offered up. Their conversation turned into a suggestion that Jenn apprentice with Zak. Unpaid, early mornings, hard work – “Anything he could say to make it seem completely awful, he did,” Jenn chuckled. She called her husband, excitedly detailing the exchange she’d just had, and blurted out, “So, I’m going to move to Miami for a time.”

havenmagazines.com

The line fell silent followed by, “You have to,” from her biggest supporter. Jenn brought herself from memory to present moment and said, “I wouldn’t be here without him.” Jenn soaked in every moment, lesson, early morning, mistake and success of her apprenticeship, all the while chronicling the experience on her blog, “Jenn the Apprentice.” She returned to Lakeland, ready to get the business side of things moving. JENN THE APPRENTICE BECOMES JENN THE BAKER Born & Bread made its first appearance at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market in March of 2015. She worked out of the Catapult commissary kitchen for production of her farmers market offerings and continued to do so until December when she moved into B+B’s original space. Christmas Eve was special for Jenn that year. It was her first bake at the new site. Zak the Baker along with another baker friend, Sara, came to help her bake through the night. “It’s probably one of my fondest memories to date,” said Jenn.

taking three days from start to finish to produce. “We’ve never had that moment of a lull to think about opening up on another day,” she said. Until now, that is. Wednesday will be getting a little sweeter in the swan city as B+B opens its doors for Wednesday pop-ups. That means a mid-week cruffin fix to get us through until Saturday! CHEERS TO 4 YEARS A marvelous celebration was planned for the bakery’s fourth birthday. The March 16th party was complete with bread and cruffin giveaways, a Latin band, and wildly decorated exterior celebration space. B+B teamed up with Brew Hub and set up a beer-mosa bar and two new birthday goodies were brought in the B+B Birthday Bash Croissant and a Swan City Cruffin.

They doubled the yield of what she would normally produce for the Farmers Market to 600 pastries along with bread. This first pop-up was tremendous for the bakery, selling out in only 40 minutes with a line of customers still waiting for goods.

Throughout these years of Born & Bread success, Jenn has had many supporters. She first noted her husband who helps in ways small and large from his understanding and uplifting of her passion to helping her with the occasional Instagram caption. The Lakeland community was next on Smurr’s list. “There’s just not a time that they haven’t shown up,” she said. The encouragement, lessons, and hard work of her mom, team, and mentors also couldn’t be understated by the baker.

She continued to sell at the Saturday market, using her Florida Avenue space for production until August 2017, when they tried another pop-up. “The response was incredible,” said Smurr.

When Jenn started Born & Bread, she did what any savvy entrepreneur would do, she made a business plan. She admitted, “By year two I understood that I was not in control of any of that.”

With her recipe of striving for excellence, consistency, and efficiency, the bakery has taken off with no sign of stopping. “It seems like the rest kind of became history after that because it was full force, there’s never been a time where we weren’t way in over our heads,” she laughed.

Though she doesn’t have control over the “wild ride” that has been Born & Bread, Jenn said she couldn’t tell you what the next four years hold because “I never fathomed the first four. But, I hope that we’re still doing this,” she looked around at her bakery and smiled warmly.

SPEAKING OF POP-UP’S

Born & Bread Bakehouse 1113 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803 www.bornandbreadbakehouse.com FB @bornandbreadbakehouse IG @bornandbreadfl

Strong and steady demand for B&B goodies and an expanding team meant more space was a requirement to comfortably grow any further. In January of 2018, the bakery expanded, revealing the newly renovated space to supporters on its third anniversary. With 18 employees, 14 of which are full time, B+B’s Saturday routine has been natural for the bakery which got its start at the Saturday morning market. The made from scratch culinary delights that come out of her kitchen require time and patience, with just one croissant

22


23


Napa Valley Wine Dinner // April 16th

For more infomation and to purchase tickets visit:

FLORIDA SEMINOLES: POSTCARDS AND PERCEPTIONS A traveling exhibit from the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

MARCH 26 - MAY 31

Special Speaker Presentation by ANDREW FRANK Innovation and the Transformation of the Seminole Culture

Thursday, April 25 @ 6 PM

LAKE WALES MUSEUM 325 S Scenic Highway Lake Wales, Florida 863.676.1759 www.lakewalesfl.gov


April Showers 3 ounces vodka 1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1 1/2 tablespoons agave nectar 6 ounces grapefruit juice Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, lemon juice, agave nectar and grapefruit juice, shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour into a coupe or martini glass. Please drink responsibly.


WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

We May Be Different “We may be different but we’ re all the same as anybody else is.” ROCKIN’ ON THE RIVER John Straughn, Bobby Eddy, and Kurt Owens came up with the concept for Rockin’ on The River (ROTR) while talking around the bar at Camp Mack in 2014. Their discussion about throwing a two-day music festival to raise awareness and money for autism and special needs within the county swiftly turned to action with the first event held in 2015. Now on their 5th year, the annual fundraising event has become a heavily anticipated good-time for event goers, and a helping hand to its benefactors. This year, ROTR will be held at the FFA Leadership Training Center on Lake Pierce in Haines City on April 5th and 6th. For more information visit, www.autismrockinontheriver.com or their Facebook page @RockinOnTheRiverforAutism. “People seem to gravitate towards it,” said John. “We’ve gotten a lot of positive response.” Not only a positive response in attendance, but in donations as well. Over the last four years, ROTR has raised over $125K in donations that have gone to support local organizations from Victory Ridge Academy, Sidestreet Art Beat Inc., Circle of Friends, and Noah’s Landing of Central Florida. “We give the money to 501c3 (organizations) that can do something with their program to make it thrive,” he said. With money received from ROTR, Victory Ridge bought a bus and converted it into a food bus that helps teach students culinary skills they’ll need for a future in the workforce. Tinia Clark at Sidestreet uses the money to buy art supplies and sustain her free program providing art classes to individuals with special needs, Alzheimer’s, and dementia, and Circle of Friends was able to buy a hot and cold food cart. “That’s the gift that keeps giving and that’s what it’s all about,” said Straughn. THE MAN BEHIND THE EVENT It undoubtedly takes a village of people, including the ROTR Board to put the event together. Though he’ll be quick to tell you this and credit the heart and hard work others have put into ROTR like that of board members Lora Donley and Tom Rolstad – John Straughn’s contribution of time and voice have been instrumental in the event’s success. Straughn, Financial Advisor and Vice President of Investments for Wells Fargo, was born and raised in Winter Haven. He left to attend college and returned to start a family. In May of 1985, the Straughns’ youngest son Tyler was born. When they began seeing developmental delays like struggling to walk and jump over things, the worried parents took Tyler to the doctor for testing and found out

havenmagazines.com

he had special needs at age six. In the search for an environment that Tyler could get the tailored education and structure he needed, Tyler’s mother Candi found The King’s Daughters’ School, a residential school for individuals with special needs in Columbia, Tennessee. “When I dropped him off the first time, it was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do because he was not behind prison walls or fences…he just needed the structure to get to where he needed to be in today’s world,” relayed Straughn. Tyler lived on campus until he was twenty, returning home for a few years, moving back at twenty-five. “Our ultimate goal was to have him live independently [and] be productive,” said John. Now thirty-three, Tyler lives at Noah’s Landing, an independent special needs community in Lakeland. He’s been there for about eight months and is flourishing. Straughn credited Tyler’s older brother, Ellis Straughn for being, “very understanding and compassionate through this process.” Understanding, patience, and compassion have been central in John’s relationship with Tyler as well. It took understanding, patience, and a little time on the journey to Tyler living independently. For Straughn, every challenging moment past, present, or future – was, is, and will always be worth it. He doesn’t intend to ever give up on Tyler or the special needs community in Polk County. “Before my Dad passed away…” Straughn concluded, pausing for a moment. “Actually, about a week before he died he said, ‘It’s like playing a poker game – you’re dealt a set of cards. There’s only one rule in this game with Tyler – you don’t fold.’” A GOOD HEART Hidden down an unassuming tree-lined neighborhood street in Lakeland sits a complex of attractive apartments, complemented by wellmanicured landscaping, and a teeming community of special needs individuals living independently.

26


Thirty-three-year-old Tyler Straughn and his father took the time to meet with Haven to discuss living with special needs. The biggest adjustment for Tyler when he moved to Noah’s Landing eight months ago was, “Being nervous – coming here, being around new people.” That new-kid feeling dissipated and he’s comfortably settled into life at the Landing. Going from the structure of 24-hour supervision at his school in Tennessee to living independently, Tyler has taken his schedule into his own hands. He has curated his life with a schedule, people, and activities he loves. His average day consists of sleeping in a bit before catching the Citrus Connection bus to his job at

McDonald’s. There he has different duties from manning the grill to constructing sandwiches. He catches the bus home, enjoys his evening and does it all again the next day. Tyler loves music, especially DJing whenever he gets the chance. In his personal mix, you’ll find a little Fall Out Boy, Yellowcard, Lincoln Park, and Tom Petty. Fallout 4 is one of his favorite video games – every day he goes to the common game room at Noah’s Landing for a few games with his friends. Meeting anyone for the first time, you get brief glimpses into what type of person they are, and Tyler’s personality shone through as he played host for the day. He showed us around his community, greeting friends and sharing his sharp sense of humor along the way.

27

When asked what he’d like for people to know about him, Tyler responded, “I have a good heart. I’m always here if you need me to talk to.” It was the same caring nature that drew his attention to girlfriend Laura. He pulled out his phone, proud to show us a picture. “She gets involved,” he said. “She has a really good heart too.” What is it like living with special needs? According to Tyler, “It was hard at first, but then I got used to it as the years went by.” “It’s not hard being special needs,” added Tyler. “We may be different but we’re all the same as anybody else is.”


WORDS Lauren Dickman

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Noah’ s Ark empowers residents Every parent wants what’s best for their child, ensuring that they are safe and equipped with the skills needed to live a fulfilling life. Unfortunately, the world as it is does not always make this easy for individuals living with special needs. In the mid-90’s, five families with children with special needs, founded Noah’s Ark in order to ensure that their children would be taken care of as adults. For these parents, the concern for their child’s wellbeing went further than going to college or getting a job. “They wanted to ensure their children had a quality place to live once they became adults,” said Niki Norris, Operations Manager at Noah’s Ark. At the time, the state of Florida ranked 47th in the country in providing the necessary support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Very little funding was put towards caring for this population of Floridians, and over 6000 of them had no way of getting support due to lack of funds. Because of this, those who experienced developmental disabilities struggled to find employment and would eventually find themselves in group homes once their parents passed. Noah’s Ark was the solution to that problem. “We offer housing, as well as activities and socializing, and an opportunity to learn how to live as independently as possible,” said Norris. Individuals who live here are unable to live on their own without some form of support, and while all residents will need that support their entire lives, the goal is to get them to be as independent as they have the ability to be. Support services are provided either by family or by third-party care services. The way in which each individual will be supported needs to be in place in order to receive approval to move in. “What we have learned is that these adults will naturally help one another, and when you pair that with the family support, the resident learns the independent living skills needed to be successful,” Norris mentioned. Another part of residents’ independence comes from volunteering and employment. Many residents enjoy volunteer opportunities either onsite or elsewhere. Others wish to find employment; many of these residents can be found working at Publix, McDonald’s, and other restaurants around Lakeland.

havenmagazines.com

For those who would like to work in a restaurant, Noah’s Ark provides a training program in their kitchen, allowing residents to obtain ServeSafe certifications. Training classes are also offered to the residents, allowing additional opportunities to become more self-sufficient. Two of the most popular classes offered are the cooking classes and money management classes. The cooking class has become so popular that two are now offered to accommodate everyone. In addition to the social activities offered at Noah’s Ark, shuttles also take residents to several destinations such as Lakeland Square Mall, Publix, and Walmart for shopping. Residents can also be shuttled to various churches each Sunday for worship. “We offer activities that are available to anyone in the community and we offer activities that are specifically for our residents,” explained Norris. Noah’s Ark has two communities available for residents: Noah’s Nest and The Villages at Noah’s Landing, also referred to as the Landing. Noah’s Nest, located in the East Lake Morton Historic District, was constructed in the early 2000’s, the first phase having been completed in 2003, the second in 2007. The Landing, built in 2016, currently houses 126 residents in either 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-bedroom apartments. All apartments are within walking distance to activity centers around the Landing, allowing easy access for all residents. When at capacity, Noah’s Ark can house a total of 146 individuals in all of their properties. “They love living independently and having a true place of their own,” said Norris. “They like making their own decisions and feeling fully responsible for themselves.” These experiences are important to the residents of Noah’s Ark, as they are all a part of living fulfilling lives. A sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency is a part of what makes the residents at Noah’s Ark happy. Because Noah’s Ark is a nonprofit organization, fundraising and donations are important. An upcoming 5k is scheduled for April 6th, all of the proceeds will go towards Noah’s Ark. There are many other events year-round that the public can attend,

28

and information can be found on the Noah’s Ark website, www.noahsarkflorida.org. 500 Inspiration Dr Lakeland, Florida (863) 687-0804 FB@NoahsArkofCentralFlorida


29


WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Ashley Wright

A Mother’ s Love, An Advocate’ s Mission This is the story of a mother’s boundless love, the journey on which it has taken her, and where she is going from here. What would a mother do for her child? Give them love, attention, affection, advice? Maybe provide them opportunities, give a kiss to a scraped knee, a listening ear, kind words, patience, a PB&J with the crust cut off? Would they advocate that their child gets the absolute most they could out of this life? For most mothers reading this, there is surely an instant, instinctual, resounding ‘yes’ to all of the above. For the Polk County mother of a son with special needs, it is ‘yes’ – fiercely. We were first introduced to Holly Rayburn last April when we wrote a feature on her son, TJ, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at two and a half years old. The Auburndale native and her son have both made strides in the last year and aren’t stopping anytime soon. MAKING PROGRESS TJ currently attends Achievement Academy and will be transitioning to elementary school for the 2019-2020 school year. “He has made so much progress in the last year,” said his mother. “He has increased expressive language, is receptive to verbal directions, and has mastered some of his IEP (Individualized Education Program) goals. He has two amazing teachers, Robyn and Patty, and we are so thankful he was able to attend this ESE Pre K program.” TJ’s verbal progress within the last year was astoundingly evident in a video shared on social media of him giddily reciting the alphabet with his dad. “A lot of hard work and repetition goes into it. He gets speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA therapy each week,” said Holly. “We got an “Alexa” for Christmas and after hearing us request several songs, he started to attempt it. Milly, his older sister, interprets for him. You can often hear ‘Alexa, play Baby Shark’ echoing through the house.” Holly explained, “There is expressive language and receptive language so when TJ started to make verbal (expressive) gains, his ability to follow directions (receptive) also improved. As times goes on, the therapy runs, difficult behaviors, and communication issues have become our “normal.” It is hard in the beginning to adjust from typical family to special needs family, but it gets easier as we find our balance.”

havenmagazines.com

CHAMPIONING CHANGE In support of her son and other students with special needs, Holly has leaped headfirst into advocacy. She recently graduated from Partners In Policymaking, a leadership and advocacy training program. The program was brought to her attention by a fellow special needs mom who had attended the training. “She told me it was a life changing experience and would give me the confidence and knowledge to be the best advocate for my son. So of course, I had to do it!” The program has inspired her to live by three principals: “1. Family is the foundation - Families belong together. I believe that students with special needs thrive in an inclusive environment if the right supports are in place. We, as a society, need to move away from separating special needs kids and move towards inclusion. When you separate you create this segregated environment of ‘we belong over here, and since you are different, you belong somewhere else.’ 2. Dignity for all - My son is worthy of honor and respect. Not only do I need for our community to understand this, but it is crucial that he understands it as well. He should be treated as a valued, contributing member of society. He should be set up for success into his adult life because he had a meaningful education that was implemented by a team that understood what was best practices to meet his needs. Every child, no matter their ability, deserves just that. 3. Inclusive community - I’ve been teaching for 11 years and I’ve seen first-hand how kids react when they have grown up with a child who has challenges and it is a beautiful thing. They defend, protect, interpret, and advocate for the child with a disability. Imagine taking that level of acceptance all the way through adulthood. We all have the ability to include others.” Though in the infancy of her advocacy journey, Rayburn has “big plans.” Aside from her work with Partners in Policymaking, she attends an ESE Advisory Council meeting and Polk County School Board Roundtable discussion. “I think it is vital to build a collaborative relationship with community leaders,” she said. She is also active with Special Needs Alliance and Parent Support (SNAPS). “This is a group of knowledgeable parents who meet once a month to share resources,

30

experiences, and fellowship. We have guest speakers from local agencies come and talk about navigating the special needs world. This is a great local organization to join if someone is looking for a local support group.” Holly has also become a resource for other parents regarding their child’s Individualized Education Program. According to Holly, “The IEP is a written education plan that is developed for a public school child that needs special education. This month I will be traveling to Tallahassee to join the Florida’s Developmental Disabilities Council. We are meeting with our representatives to advocate for programs and initiatives that will enhance the lives of people with disabilities.” IT’S THE SMALL THINGS IN LIFE When asked if there was anything she would like the community to know regarding autism, Holly cited a quote from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: “Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society. Improving educational results for children with disabilities is an essential element of our national policy of ensuring equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.” Rayburn particularly loves this quote because “It encompasses how I feel about my son’s autism diagnosis.” She expressed, “Autism and the challenges that accompany it are natural and should not devalue his experience in our community.” Sometimes it’s the small things in life – the single decisions, words, or moments that make the greatest impact. For the special needs community, Holly assures that there are plenty of ways to get involved in Polk County. From showing support by attending an event like Rockin’ on The River to civic action – everyone can do something. For the parents of children with disabilities, Rayburn says to tour area schools to become better informed and to be sure they are, “effectively supporting their special education students.” The possibilities for TJ and children like him are limitless, especially with a mother like Holly and a family like the Rayburns lifting him up.


31


April CALENDAR 2019 1-7 APRIL FOOL’S DAY When: Apr. 01, 2019 Don’t get tricked! KNIT ONE, CROCHET TOO! When: Apr. 01, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Lakeland Public Library 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland. In the Commons at the Lakeland Public Library. Registration is not required, and the club is open to all levels of experience. Questions contact Lisa Kolesar at (863) 834-4281. FESTIVAL TE DEUM When: Apr. 01, 2019 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Branscomb Auditorium 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland. www.flsouthern.edu The historic and sacred Te Deum (Thee, O God) text is a beloved annunciation of praise set by countless composers. In this special evening of choral music spanning the centuries, Beth Gibbs and FSC’s Chamber Singers and Concert Choir share several settings of this well-known laud and celebrate the many ways the praise can be sung. (863) 680-4111 “POSTCARDS AND PERCEPTIONS: FLORIDA SEMINOLES AND TOURISM” BY THE AH-TA-THIKI MUSEUM When: Apr. 02, 2019 – May 31, 2019 Where: Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center 325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales. Postcards serve as guideposts to the changes of early 20th century Florida history. Their simple, yet evocative imagery reveals the adaptive nature of the Seminole people. They reveal the complex pressures and adjustments Seminoles endured to assert their identity. (863) 676-1759

PAINTED PAGES: ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE 13TH TO 18TH CENTURIES When: Apr. 02, 2019 – May 25, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. https://polkmuseumofart.org The show includes examples from medieval European Bibles, prayer books, books of hours, choir books, missals, breviaries, and lectionaries. Examples of the materials — gold leaf, parchment, vellum, and minerals which were ground into pigments — used by artists to create these extraordinary pages are also featured in the exhibit. Most of the works date from the thirteenth through the eighteenth centuries and are ink on parchment (prepared animal skin). French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Flemish, English, Armenian, and German examples will be included in addition to non-Western pages, including seventeenth- and eighteenth-century leaves from the Shahnameh. (863) 688-7743 CREATIVE YOUTH: 15TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT ART COMPETITION When: Apr. 02 – 21, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. https://polkmuseumofart.org 2019 marks the thirty-seventh year that members of the U.S. House of Representatives have recognized the creative spirit of American high school students (grades 9-12) with a national art competition. The Polk Museum of Art conducts the competition and mounts the exhibition for the 15th Congressional District including parts of Polk, Lake, and Hillsborough counties. The Congressional Award from this competition, chosen by 15th Congressional District Representative, travels to Washington, D.C. to be displayed in the year-long nationwide exhibition in the U.S. Capitol. (863) 688-7743 JEAN CORMIER: FACE TO FACE When: Apr. 02 – 14, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. https://polkmuseumofart.org Face to Face presents the work of Jean Cormier, a Florida-based artist whose paintings are aptlydescribed as bold both in their use of color and value and in their honest, thought-provoking, and often witty representations of humans and animals. Exemplifying the artist’s simple motivating credo — “I draw and I paint” -- Face to Face comprises 28 of Cormier’s most recent works in acrylic and oils. (863) 688-7743

WILLIAM SCHAAF: THE WAY OF THE EQUINE When: Apr. 02, 2019 – June 08, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org The horse figure as an iconic metaphor for power, sensuality, transition and beauty has occupied a dominant place in his visual vocabulary. At times, the figures are relatively representational; but more often than not, take on a form that is derived from the idea of a horse, yet defining new ways of interpreting the glorious nature of these animals that have partnered with humankind since virtually the dawn of civilization. (863) 688-7743 SUN + LIGHT When: Apr. 02, 2019 – May 19, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org SUN + LIGHT is a collection of works from the series Everyone Loves the Sunshine by contemporary visual artist Charles Williams. Captured through emotionally charged and compelling imagery, works featured in this exhibition juxtapose Williams’s own personal encounters, past and present, with the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s. In doing so, he attempts to strike a balance between both the peaceful and violent protests of the movement and of varied expressions of power. (863) 688-7743.

BIG ORIENTATION & TRAINING When: Apr. 03, 2019 | 5:30-7 p.m. Where: Women’s Resource Center 165 Ave A NW, Winter Haven. Join us as a defender of potential by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister and together, we can change the world. All it takes is 4-8 hours a month, depending on the program, with a focus on being consistent and spending one-to-one quality time with your Little. Let’s clear a path to a child’s biggest possible future. The first step is to attend a Big Orientation & Training session where you’ll learn about our programs, commitments, expectations and our kids. Get more details about volunteering at https://bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/ Contact: Angie Pattison, 863-220-1116, angiep@bbbstampabay.org

YOGA DANCE When: Apr. 02, 2019 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Experience a unique approach to movement, combining the time-honored traditions of yoga, userfriendly dance, meditation in motion, breath and the energy centers of the body. Class is appropriate for all levels of fitness and physical ability. $15 members/$22 non-member. Participants should bring a yoga mat and bottled water. Participants should wear comfortable aerobic shoes or non-slip socks. Register online. (863) 676-1408

WOMEN OF NOTE II When: Apr. 03, 2019 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Anne Mac Gregor Jenkins Recital Hall 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland. https://www.flsouthern.edu/visitors/festival-of-finearts/ffa-events.aspx To once again celebrate women composers who have made significant contributions to music, Professor Diane Stahl proudly presents Women of Note II. Encompassing different genres, from voice to chamber music, an impressive group of faculty artists will offer you an evening of total joy as they share music composed by such extraordinary women as Clara Schumann and Libby Larsen. (863) 680-4111

CITYWORKS(X)PO FLORIDA When: Apr. 03 & 04, 2019 Where: Ritz Theatre 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. http://cityworksxpofl.com During the day, attendees will be immersed in thoughtprovoking presentations, performances and engaging dialogue. By night, the all-inclusive conference continues with networking opportunities at high energy and (X)citing events. CityWorks(X)po FLorida

FARMERS MARKET AT THE VISITOR CENTER When: Apr. 04, 2019 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center 101 Adventure Ct., Davenport. Join us every Thursday for fresh produce, arts & crafts and specialty gifts. For more info, or to become a vendor, please call our Visitor Center at (863) 420-2586.

WE’RE EASY TO GET TO - WORTH THE DRIVE!

Present this coupon for

Take Polk Parkway > Airport Rd. > east on US 92 W.

Buy 1 Get 1

FREE

863-845-3120 ROOFERS WHO RESPOND CODEREDROOFERS.COM

Limit 1 per car. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 4/30/19.

SilverMoonDriveIn.com 4100 US 92 W • Lakeland SilverMoonDriveIn.com

Swap Shop every Saturday and Sunday

provides a platform for sharing knowledge, stories, ideas, and projects with a focus on strengthening cities of all sizes. Attendees will represent communities from across the state of Florida. (X)po is about connectivity between people, places and the projects that inspire them. Exploring impact topics like: Capital & Social Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Good Government, Arts & Design, Knowledge & New Media, Outdoors & Recreation, Public Health & Social Justice and Food, Drink & Music can have on a community. (X) po’s speakers, panelists, and participants will share what they have learned (successes and failures) about community building.

GROWING AFRICAN VIOLETS FOR THE BEGINNER When: Apr. 04, 2019 | 10-11 a.m. Where: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve 945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/growing-african-violetsfor-the-beginner-tickets-57200487197 Are you new to growing African violets? Join us for tips on growing your best African violet. Learn about the ideal growing conditions, pest management, and even how to propagate. Workshop is presented by the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardeners. Register online at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ If you have any questions, please contact us at (863) 519-1041.


AFTER HOURS AT THE MUSEUM When: Apr. 04, 2019 | 5-8 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org The Polk Museum of Art will be open until 8 p.m. the first Thursday of every month and will host a Curator Tour at 6 p.m. Join Dr. Alex RIch, Curator & Director of Galleries and Exhibitions, for an in-depth tour of the Museum galleries, providing art-historical and curatorial insight about one of our current exhibitions. (863) 688-7743 LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. TAMPA When: Apr. 04, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL When: Apr. 04, 2019 | 7:30 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. https://rpfundingcenter.com Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for 17 years! It’s the Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change! Center Stage Menu available for additional charge. (863) 834-8111 SEE HOW THEY RUN When: Apr. 04 – 14, 2019 Where: Loca Lee Buckner Theatre 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland. https://www.flsouthern.edu/visitors/festival-of-finearts/ffa-events.aspx In a hilarious case of mistaken identity, this play is set in the idyllic English village of Merton-cum-Middlewick during the 1940s. It is World War II, and the village inhabitants are preparing themselves for the imminent threat of Nazi invasion. However, resident spinster, Miss Skillon, becomes convinced that her beloved vicar’s wife is having an affair and she must attempt to expose her. Add an escaped German prisoner of war, a handsome actor, and some meddling neighbors — and hilarious confusion and utter mayhem are bound to result! (863) 680-4111 OPEN MIC WITH MC PATTY KENOLY When: Apr. 04, 2019 | 8 p.m. Where: Pink Piano, 1015 Florida Ave S, Lakeland. https://www.thepinkpiano.club/ (863) 937-8885 JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS When: Apr. 05, 2019 | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. http://lakeland.jbfsale.com/homeView.jsp Save 50-90% off retail on everything you need to raise a child from newborn - teen! Consignors & Volunteers shop FIRST! More info online. BOK AFTER DARK “90S NIGHT” When: Apr. 05, 2019 | 5-8 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens

SWAN CITY IMPROV When: Apr. 05, 2019 | 7 p.m. Where: LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland. http://www.lkldlive.com Lakeland’s finest band of Improv Comedians returns to their home on stage at Lkld Live for another double bill of hilarious hijinks and shenanigans. $10 per show; $15 for both. Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm show, followed by a second show at 9:00pm. Fun for all the family!

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Experience live music on the Terrace from 5pm to 7pm with Acoustic Dose followed by a 7:30pm carillon concert with Geert D’hollander. Enjoy dinner and shopping specials. Included in general admission, members free. (863) 676-1408 4TH ANNUAL AUTISM FAMILY FUN DAY When: Apr. 05, 2019 | 5-9 p.m. Where: Haus 820 820 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland. This is a day to spread awareness and for families to get together and have a great time. Come out and enjoy the fun with music entertainment, food shopping, giveaways and more! Free entry to shop over 50 local vendors! Go to event bright to register your family. More info on Facebook @SpencersSensoryshop

NOISES OFF! When: Apr. 05 – 14, 2019 Where: Lakeland Community Theatre 121 S. Lake Ave, Lakeland www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com A hilarious and classic comic play by Michael Frayn, often called “The funniest farce ever written.” “The most dexterously realized comedy ever about putting on a comedy. A spectacularly funny, peerless backstage farce. This dizzy, well-known romp is festival of delirium.” - The New York Times (863) 603-7529

APRIL 5TH FIRST FRIDAY: FOODIE FEST When: Apr. 05, 2019 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Brittany Melson 117 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland. http://downtownlkld.com/2019/02/april-5th-firstfriday-foodie-fest/ Sample the flavors of Polk’s finest food makers. Enjoy small bites at a small price–$3 or less. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Don’t miss the Makers Market, featuring local artists and creators, on North Kentucky Avenue and the Classy Car Show on Tennessee Avenue. Streets are closed to vehicles, so come prepared to walk about! First Friday is a familyfriendly event held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky and Tennessee Avenues. On-street parking begins to close in the event area at 3pm to allow us to clear the streets and set up the exhibitors and vendors. Parking in all permitted and metered locations is free after 5pm and all day on the weekends. Event parking is limited, so please carpool with friends and neighbors!

SUN ‘N RUN 5K When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 7 a.m. Where: Lakeland Linder Regional Airport 3900 Don Emerson Dr Ste 210, Lakeland. http://www.athlinks.com The race will begin on the Terminal Ramp with the starting line flanked by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. During the run you will be able to witness the launching of over twenty hot air balloons as the course winds its way down Runway 5/23, Taxiway A, and across various other connecting taxiways and ramps to the finish line. Proceeds will be used to provide scholarships for students to attend the Destination Aviation Summer Camps located at the Aerospace Center for Excellence. RED TENT 5K When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 7:30 a.m. Where: First Presbyterian of Lakeland 175 Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland. https://redtentinitiative.org/ Join us at 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., to support the work of Red Tent Initiative: Creating a Culture of Empowerment to End Abuse and Exploitation in our Communities. #AdvocateSupportEmpower $30 Runner Registration includes: Chipped Bib Timing managed by FITniche Lakeland- A Custom Tech Shirt. $15 Kid Fun Run Registration includes a custom cotton t-shirt.

ROCKIN ON THE RIVER When: Apr. 05 & 06, 2019 Where: Florida FFA Leadership Training Center 5000 Firetower Rd, Haines City. http://www.autismrockinontheriver.com Join us at the FFA Training Center along the shores of Lake Pierce for a two-day fundraising event of live music, great food, and entertainment for the kids. We will kick things off Friday at 6pm with music by the The Nathan Baldwin Band and then rock the shores of Lake Pierce when DARRYL WORLEY hits the stage at 7:30!! Worley will be signing autographs while BURN sets up to start their 10pm performance. Saturday’s festivities will start with Opening Ceremonies at Noon with special guest appearance by the Polk County Special Olympics Equestrian Team! After the Presentation of Colors, the music festival will kick off with the Polk County Porch Pickers. The rest of the day will be filled with the music of Southerndipity, Black Water, the TITANS OF ROCK performing a Journey/Bon Jovi tribute and Josh Blevins Band!

DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland 117 N Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland. http://www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org Stretching more than three blocks down North Kentucky Ave, the Downtown Farmers Curb Market brings 70-plus vendors to the heart of Downtown Lakeland every Saturday. Our vendors offer fresh produce, a wide variety of plants, locally handcrafted items, and delicious ready-to-eat food. The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a project of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA).

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. TAMPA When: Apr. 05, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball

TAMPA BAY BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL When: Apr. 06, 07 & 13, 14, 2019 Where: Keel & Curley Winery 5210 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City. http://keelandcurleywinery.com 33

FREE ADMISSION Parking $10 per vehicle Family Friendly, U-Pick Blueberries hosted by Keel Farms with Live Music, Kids Area, 100+ Food & Craft Vendors, Wine Tasting School $10 per person. (813) 752-9100 TAI CHI IN THE GARDENS When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Learn the ancient art of Tai Chi surrounded in the serenity of the Gardens. Individuals of all ages and physical conditions can use the fluid movements to help release tension, increase balance and relax. $10 members/$17 non-member. (863) 734-1222 DIXIELAND SPRING ART FESTIVAL When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Dixieland Mall Ln, Lakeland. http://www.dixielandna.com Fine Arts, Photography, Painting, Jewelry, Wood, Textiles, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Plants, Glass and More! Along with the wonderful art to see and buy there will also be food vendors, kids activities, music and more. EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. Join us for an Easter Extravaganza at the huge JBF Lakeland Childrens Consignment event. Jump house provided by Lakeland Moonwalk, appearance by the Easter Bunny with photo ops, Easter egg hunt every hour for the kids, Parents Easter egg hunt throughout the sale! Find one of the golden eggs hidden around the sale for prizes, coupons and more goodies for mom and dad! Plus, Easter egg decorating station, candy & goodies for all! TOWN & COUNTRY HISTORY BUS TOUR When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Lake Wales. http://www.cityoflakewales.com Join us for a tour through old Florida history, driving through the heart of downtown Lake Wales and stopping at historic building of the Lake Wales Arts Center. Along the way, participants will learn about the historic district, buildings and lakes of Lake Wales. Enjoy an air-conditioned ride on the new History Bus! $15/person. Seating limited. Advanced registration & payment required. (863) 678-4182 INSIDE THE MASTERS’ STUDIOS: RICHARD HAAS DIORAMAS When: Apr. 06 through July 27, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Although best known as a master of trompe l’oeil, illusionistic painting, Richard Haas, a Wisconsin-born painter who now resides in New York City, also began creating diorama boxes in the 1960s as a means of exploring in intimate, three-dimensional scale the inner worlds of the great masters of art history. Haas’ meticulously rendered and deeply-researched dioramas re-imagine the famed creative environments of the most world-famous artists from Vermeer to Corot and Picasso to Pollock and take us back in time to peer into the very rooms in which some of the greatest works of art of all time were made. (863) 688-7743 - CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 -


TOUCH-A-TRUCK & RECYCLING EVENT When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Downtown City Park 200 E Park St., Auburndale. www.auburndalefl.com/park_events/ Kids can touch different types of trucks, tractors and race cars. Free paper shredding & electronics recycling. STEMAPALOOZA 2019 When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Florida Polytechnic University 4700 Research Way, Lakeland. www.gswcf.org Bring your family and friends and come enjoy the fun at our seventh annual STEMapalooza! At STEMapalooza, your Innovator can engineer, design, and code in hands-on activities that expand her knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math! She can fly drones, explore virtual reality, see a supercomputer, go geocaching, learn to code, and more! ACCESS ART: SPECIAL NEEDS When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Participants will create and discuss art with specially trained educator, Tinia Clark. Clark is the Executive Director of Sidestreet Art Beat, Inc., an organization whose mission is to provide awareness for the healing power of the arts through engagement. This program invites individuals with special needs and varying exceptionalities to meet once a month at Polk Museum of Art to engage in viewing and discussing artwork that is exhibited. The program is designed to create social engagement and encourage creativity and self-expression. After the tour the group meets at Kelly Rec. Center to make art inspired by the museum visit. Registration preferred but not required. For registration or questions, please contact Tinia Clark at 863-2248557 or email at sidestreetartbeat@gmail.com. THEATRE WINTER HAVEN CHOIR When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Chamber 401 Ave B NW, Winter Haven. www.theatrewinterhaven.com/winter-havencommunity-singers/ No audition required. Register online. A community choir open to all singers, ages 14 & up. Location: Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Second Floor, 401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881Meets on Saturdays from 11am — 1pm.For more information, please contact Choir Director, Philip King, at TWHchoir@aol.com. OAK HILL CEMETERY TOUR When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Polk County History Center, 100 E Main St, Bartow. http://www.polk-county.net The walking tour of historic Oak Hill Cemetery starts at the History Center with a short walk of approximately one mile to include historic landmarks along the route to the cemetery. Learn about the pioneer families and war veterans interred at the cemetery. The cemetery ground is uneven, and visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear. The cemetery tour is offered at 11 a.m. the first Saturday of every month. (863) 534-6000

havenmagazines.com

8-14

SEU: A NIGHT AT THE OPERA.. SCENES PERFORMANCE When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 7-8 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Enjoy an evening of operatic brilliance as Southeastern’s vocal performance students delight listeners with a wonderful preface into the world of opera. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Polk Museum of Art’s educational programming. General Admission $7 / Students $5(863) 688-7743

TOM TRUPIANO ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT When: Apr. 08, 2019 | 10:30 a.m. Where: Winter Haven Country Club 4200 Country Club Road S Join the East Polk County Association of Realtors® for a day of golf, silent auction, fun & more! Open to the public! This fundraising event benefits the Lake Wales Care Center and EPCAR’s Scholarship Fund. The scholarships go out to four high school seniors in the East Polk County area. Not a golfer? Come out for the afterhours festivities! Please contact EPCAR at 863-294-3163 if you’re interested in participating or sponsoring.

FLORIDA TROPICS VS BALTIMORE BLAST When: Apr. 06, 2019 | 7:05 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. http://www.fltropics.com Pro indoor soccer.

SLINGSHOT POLK When: Apr. 08, 2019 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Crystal Lake Elementary 700 Galvin Dr, Lakeland. www.slingshotpolk.com SlingShot Polk is collaborating with the United Way of Central Florida to identify and solve the biggest problems in Polk County! Our goal is to take United Way’s three impact areas (Education, Income, and Health) and bring them to the forefront for our young entrepreneurs to solve. Winning prototypes may even be implemented at Polk County’s Crystal Lake Elementary, a Community Partnership School. First, second, and third place winners in two contest categories (middle/high & college through age 29) will receive cash prizes! Middle school, high school, and college students and entrepreneurs through age 29 are invited to enter plans outlining a solution to one of Polk’s biggest problems. Ten finalists will be selected to present their plans at a this final event. SlingShot Polk begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception, followed by the main event.

LATER LIFE When: Apr. 06 & 07, 2019 Where: Haines City Theatre 303 Ledwith Ave., Haines City. Haines City Community Theater will be presenting Later Life by A. R. Gurney, a romantic comedy on Saturday evening at 7:30 and Sunday afternoon at 2:30. The story revolves around Austin and Ruth who have the opportunity to rekindle a past romance when they meet at a party many years later. The other guests constantly interrupt their attempt at reconnecting. Come see the cast of quirky characters and find out if Austin and Ruth find a way back to one another. Tickets are $18 and can be reserved by calling the box office at (862) 421-1893 ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE WITH KUNDALINI YOGA When: Apr. 07, 2019 | 1-4 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Revitalize through the practice of Kundalini yoga and learn about the chakra system. The practice of Kundalini yoga balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system and enables you to harness the energy of mind and emotion. $45 members/$52 non-member. (863) 676-1408

KNIT ONE, CROCHET TOO! When: Apr. 08, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Lakeland Public Library 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland. Join us every Monday at 6:30 pm for Knit One, Crochet Too! in the Commons at the Lakeland Public Library. Registration is not required, and the club is open to all levels of experience. Free - Questions? Contact Lisa Kolesar at (863) 834-4281.

WILD WILD WEST COOKIE CONCERT When: Apr. 07, 2019 | 2 p.m. Where: Branscomb Auditorium 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland. http://imperialsymphony.org Round up your family and mosey on down to the FREE Cookie Concert presented by Publix Charities! Harrison String Orchestra side-by-side with the ISO. Arrive by 2 p.m. to participate in activities including a Waveform Demonstration and the favorite Instrument Petting Zoo presented by Carlton Music Centers. The concert begins at 3 p.m. Afterwards, tick around for Publix Bakery cookies and juice after the performance!

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. CLEARWATER When: Apr. 08, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. CLEARWATER When: Apr. 09, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball BLIND TASTING When: Apr. 09, 2019 | 7 p.m. Where: Pink Piano, 1015 Florida Ave S, Lakeland. http://www.thepinkpiano.club (863) 937-8885

LAKE WALES CHORALE: SPRING CONCERT When: Apr. 07, 2019 | 6 p.m. Where: Holy Spirit Catholic Church 644 S. 9th St., Lake Wales. www.lakewalesartscouncil.org The Lake Wales Chorale Concert includes 5 classic English anthems that epitomize the finest of the English choral tradition. It also includes 7 settings of Psalm 119 by Vince Treadway from his larger work that is progress; they are in various styles. The program will be accompanied on piano and organ. 34

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. CLEARWATER When: Apr. 10, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball FARMERS MARKET AT THE VISITOR CENTER When: Apr. 11, 2019 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center 101 Adventure Ct., Davenport. Join us every Thursday for fresh produce, arts & crafts and specialty gifts. For more info, or to become a vendor, please call our Visitor Center at (863) 420-2586. MS. CENTRAL FLORIDA When: Apr. 11, 2019 | 6-10 p.m. Where: Lake Mirror, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland. https://p2p.onecause.com/wocf2019/home For a high energetic, electric and elegant fashion show featuring local influential women in the community competing for the title of, “Ms. Central Florida,” by raising the most money. Every dollar donated to a model’s campaign equals one vote. All proceeds benefit the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center. Heavy Hors D’Oeuvres, Complimentary Beer, Wine & Signature Cocktail, “The Couture!” NEW Mobile Bidding - Silent & Live Auction! Finale Featuring Runway Noir - “The largest traveling runway show event in the country!” Tickets: $75 Lake Mirror Auditorium. DOWNTOWN LAKELAND FOOD TRUCK RALLY When: Apr. 11, 2019 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Munn Park, Lakeland. Pet & kid friendly, on the second Thursday of each month. HEARING LOSS CHAPTER MEETING When: Apr. 11, 2019 | 6-7:30 p.m. Where: First Presbyterian Church 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland. www.hla-lakeland.org Monthly chapter meeting of the Hearing Loss Association - Lakeland Chapter. We will often have presentations by hearing loss professionals, potlucks, holiday dinners, general chat, games, etc. The purpose of these meetings is to bring together folks who have hearing loss and want to learn more about how to better manage their hearing loss. We talk about our advocacy programs and services. Meeting are looped and captioned. Meeting days are the 2nd Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. More information on our website: www.hla-lakeland.org LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. CLEARWATER When: Apr. 11, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball CRYSTAL WILKINSON, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR When: Apr. 11, 2019 | 7-8:30 p.m. Where: Lakeland Public Library 100 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland. Crystal Wilkinson, award-winning author of “The Birds of Opulence”, “Blackberries, Blackberries” and “Water Street”, comes to Lakeland Public Library. The programs and events at the Lakeland Public Library are


free and open to the public. There are no reservations for performances at Lakeland Public Library. It is open seating. Doors open 10 -15 minutes before the program begins. For more information, call Brenda J. Patterson at 863-834-4276 or send e-mail to Brenda.Patterson@ lakelandgov.net. AMY HELM When: Apr. 11, 2019 | 7 p.m. Where: Gram Parsons Derry Down 297 5th St. NW, Winter Haven. www.gpderrydown.com A lifelong musician and music-lover, Helm’s parents — The Band’s legendary drummer and singer Levon Helm and singer/songwriter Libby Titus — guided her training and influences. She later became a founding member of the alt-country collective Ollabelle and served as a backing musician in her father’s Midnight Ramble Band. TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE When: Apr. 11 – 28, 2019 Where: Theatre Winter Haven 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. http://www.theatrewinterhaven.com The autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie’s appearance on a television news program and learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life. (863) 294-7469. CHAT & CHEW MORE PLANTS: ADAM SUD When: Apr. 12, 2019 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. Skype with Adam Sud. He lost 100 pounds in 10 months along with Type 2 Diabetes, ED, HBP, severe depression and drug addiction after diet change. For more info please email 54321health@gmail.com POINT OF VIEW GALLERY TALK When: Apr. 12, 2019 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art, 800 E Palmetto St. http://polkmuseumofart.org Join us for Point of View Gallery talks every second Friday of the month at noon. (863) 688-7743 RELAY FOR LIFE OF WINTER HAVEN When: Apr. 12, 2019 | 5-10:30 p.m. Where: Central Park, 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. http://relayforlife.org/winterhavenfl Star Wars themed fun, food, entertainment and dinner for survivors. May the Cure Be With You! Sign up online. Relay for Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Volunteers give of their time and effort because we believe it’s time to take action against cancer. Please join us in this event to remember loved ones lost and honor the survivors. Survivors please register for your dinner at: 1-800-227-2345 or www.RelayforLife.org/WinterHavenFl GIRLS NIGHT OUT When: Apr. 12, 2019 | 5-8:30 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland 117 N. Kentucky Ave. http://downtownlkld.com/2019/03/girls-night-out-2/ Enjoy live music at various locations on North Kentucky Avenue to create a special ambiance on the street.

Play dress up with fun props and costume options and take a picture with your girlfriends to remember your time together! The free photo booth will be located at Just Dance Academy on 124 S. Kentucky Ave. Win up to $500 worth of Downtown Gift Certificates. First, grab a foldable passport from participating merchants. Second, when you shop at participating stores on Girls Night, ask store clerks to validate your purchases on your passport. Finally, at the end of the night, turn your passports in at the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority Office at 117 N. Kentucky Ave. by 9:00 pm to be entered to win. Don’t forget about Downtown Lakeland’s Universal Valet Program. Drop your car off at the valet stand located in the Munn Park Parking Lot starting at 5pm. When you’re done shopping, have your car delivered to you wherever you’re located. Pick up ends at midnight. Check DowntownLKLD.com for more details.

RECORD STORE DAY When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 8 a.m. Where: Jesse Carl Vinyl 304 N. Kentucky Ave., #1150, Lakeland. Join us for the 12th annual Record Store Day event! Get here early to get your hands on exclusive and limited pressings of some of your favorite artists, as well as a HUGE selection of pre-loved new arrivals curated by us!

spending one-to-one quality time with your Little. Let’s clear a path to a child’s biggest possible future. The first step is to attend a Big Orientation & Training session where you’ll learn about our programs, commitments, expectations and our kids. Get more details about volunteering at https://bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/ Contact: Angie Pattison, 863-220-1116, angiep@bbbstampabay.org

FORTRESS FITNESS When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 9 a.m. Where: Fort Blount Park, W Davidson St., Bartow. Jennie Walker will lead a boot camp workout. Bring a towel. Free fun exercise for the whole family! Fortress Fitness community workouts are the second Saturday of the month through May.

THEATRE WINTER HAVEN CHOIR When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Chamber 401 Ave B NW, Winter Haven. www.theatrewinterhaven.com/winter-havencommunity-singers/ No audition required. Register online. A community choir open to all singers, ages 14 & up. Meets on Saturdays from 11am — 1pm.For more information, please contact Choir Director, Philip King, at TWHchoir@aol.com.

WALK FOR ANIMALS When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 9 a.m. Where: Lake Mirror Frances Langford Promenade 121 S. Lake Avenue, Lakeland. www.spcaflorida.org/walk The Walk for Animals is FREE for the public to attend with their pets and draws about 500 people. There will be lots of family fun for the humans and furbabies food, games, bounce house, music! (food, drinks, and bounce house tickets available at a low price) SPCA Florida greatly appreciates your faith in our mission as we celebrate 40 years of saving the lives of abandoned, neglected, and abused animals! Your support will help us meet this year’s walkathon goal of $125,000 to provide food, shelter, and medical care and find homes for 8,000 animals in 2019 and reach our goal of turning Polk County into a no-kill county by 2025. .For more details and to register, visit: www.spcaflorida. org/walk

HEART FOR WINTER HAVEN PRE-SWING FLING When: Apr. 12, 2019 | 6 p.m. Where: Venue 650 650 6th St. SW, Winter Haven. www.heart4wh.org/golf All tournament participants are also invited to a pre-tournament party “Pre-Swing Fling.”. We’ll have live music, dinner, drinks, raffle items & an auction. RSVP to help us plan for dinner and drinks. If you are participating Monday as a golfer in our tournament, your admission is free and includes a plus one. Additional tickets can be purchased online or at the door. HARSHMELLOW When: Apr. 12, 2019 | 7 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St., Lakeland. www.swanbrewing.com Come on down for a night of unplugged alternative and classic rock favorites, and of course some of the greatest micro-brewed home-crafted beer found anywhere.

17TH ANNUAL MARILYN NEWELL YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Lake Wales Arts Center 1099 SR 60 E, Lake Wales. www.lakewalesartscouncil.org If you have any questions, please call the Arts Center at (863) 676 - 8426 or email us at info@lw-arts. orgParticipants must be between the ages of 11 and 18 on April 13th, 2019.Participants must attend a public, private, or home school who resides in Polk County.

AN EVENING WITH ANI & PATTY When: Apr. 12, 2019 | 8-10:30 p.m. Where: LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland. http://www.lkldlive.com Local favorites Patty Kenoly and Ani Meyer headline a night of original music.

ART LAB When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Each month (September to May), participants will be introduced to one of the Museum’s exhibitions in a fun and accessible, hands-on learning experience for all ages. Labs are led by professional artists or art educators who guide participants in creating their own artwork. Using an array of mediums and techniques, the project will relate to an exhibition on display in the Museum. Registration will open April 1st. (863) 688-7743

LAKE WALES FARMERS MARKET When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Market Place 20 N Market Place, Lake Wales. http://www.cityoflakewales.com DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland 117 N Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland. http://www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org Stretching more than three blocks down North Kentucky Ave, the Downtown Farmers Curb Market brings 70-plus vendors to the heart of Downtown Lakeland every Saturday. Our vendors offer fresh produce, a wide variety of plants, locally handcrafted items, and delicious ready-to-eat food. The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a project of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA).

BIG ORIENTATION & TRAINING When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: BBBS Office, 1231 Orange St., Lakeland. http:// https://bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/ Join us as a defender of potential by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister and together, we can change the world. All it takes is 4-8 hours a month, depending on the program, with a focus on being consistent and 35

SATURDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY MOVIES When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 2-4 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. Enjoy a family friendly movie on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month! Admission is FREE and food and drink are welcome. POLLINATING WITH WORDS POETRY FEST When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 3 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org 3pm-6pm followed by social hour from 6pm-7pm. Join accomplished and aspiring poets as they share their words and insights. $7 members/$14 non-members/ social hour is additional $13 members/$20 nonmember. Complimentary admission for Polk County High School students (show student id). (863) 676-1408 LIGHT IT UP BLUE 4 AFAA When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 3-8:30 p.m. Where: Coleman Landings Campground 1450 Shady Oaks Dr., Lake Wales. www.facebook.com/events/280555979293309/ Food and drinks will be served for any donation. Raffles will be occurring again this year and we will light up the puzzle piece at dark! Hosted by Airboaters for Autism. NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM LIVE! When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 7-10 p.m. Where: Explorations V Children’s Museum 109 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. https://explorationsv.com Live music, dancing & auction. Taste local food and drinks. All while supporting your children’s museum. Cocktail attire. A fun evening celebrating the future of Central Florida’s only children’s museum. Explorations V gives the gift of learning through play to hundreds of children each year. Museum admission covers only a portion of the cost for quality learning that sticks. Night at the Museum helps close this gap and ensure another year of incredible learning experience. Provide playbased learning for hundreds of kids when you purchase tickets or confirm your sponsorship. ROB ICKES AND TREY HENSLEY When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Gram Parsons Derry Down - CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 -


297 5th St. NW, Winter Haven. http://www.gpderrydown.com Based on a mutual love of bluegrass, country, blues, western swing, and other string band music of all kinds, the partnership of dobro player Rob Ickes (who also plays superlative lap steel guitar in the duo on occasion) and acoustic/electric guitarist Trey Hensley continues to delight and astound audiences of traditional American music around the globe. Since the duo decided to join forces and make their collaboration the focus of their touring and recording careers in 2015, after cutting their first album on Compass, Before The Sun Goes Down (nominated for a Grammy), they have continued to bring their music to venues near and far. BUTCH QUEEN & THE BAD HABITS, VAPULA, THE JPP, THE HOLLOWAY TAPE, REVEL IN THE VIEW When: Apr. 13, 2019 | 8-11 p.m. Where: LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland. http://www.lkldlive.com/ Another quality live, alternative line up of local bands. 5 bands = 5 bucks, show starts 7:30pm. IRONMAN 70.3 FLORIDA When: Apr. 14, 2019 | 4:30 a.m. Where: Haines City. http://www.ironman.com Its three-loop course makes it one of the best races on the 70.3 circuit for spectators, who have multiple chances to cheer on their loved ones, all while enjoying two playgrounds, water slides, a kiddie pool, food vendors and the IRONMAN village. For athletes, IRONMAN 70.3 Florida is a popular early-season race, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro getting your legs ready for the year ahead. Expect a beach start, glassy freshwater lake swim, moderately hilly bike course past orange groves and through downtown, and an energetic three-loop run. 17TH ANNUAL MARILYN NEWELL YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL When: Apr. 14, 2019 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Lake Wales Arts Center 1099 SR 60 E, Lake Wales. http://www.lakewalesartscouncil.org If you have any questions, please call the Arts Center at (863) 676 - 8426 or email us at info@lw-arts.orgParticipants. BRUNCH IN THE GARDENS When: Apr. 14, 2019 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Sit back and enjoy the delicious Blue Palmetto Cafe cuisine while surrounded in the beauty of Central Florida’s most picturesque brunch destination. Brunch includes unlimited scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits & gravy, waffles eggs benedict, fresh fruit and bottomless mimosas (available at 12pm) served in Outdoor Kitchen. $40 members/$47 non-member (kids 5 and under free/$15 kids ages 6-12). (863) 676-1408 SEU: AN AFTERNOON MELODY CONCERT When: Apr. 14, 2019 | 2-3 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Surrounded by the beautiful ambiance of the Polk Museum of Art, faculty-selected music majors from havenmagazines.com

Southeastern University’s College of Arts & Media perform solo and chamber works. Free Admission (863) 688-7743

HOMESCHOOL TOUR & LAB When: Apr. 16, 2019 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art, 800 E Palmetto St. http://polkmuseumofart.org Twice each semester, we offer our Homeschool Advocate Member an exclusive docent tour through our current exhibitions followed by a hands-on art lab as a complimentary benefit of membership. During the art lab, participants will be introduced to one of the Museum’s exhibitions in a fun, entertaining and accessible manner through hands-on learning adapted for ages 7 and up . Labs are led by professional artists or art educators whom will engage participants in creating their own piece of artwork or experience their own interaction through a wide array of art mediums, techniques and connecting conversations relating to a specific exhibition on display in the Museum. Teachers are to attend this program with their students. Register online.

15-21 HEART FOR WINTER HAVEN GOLF TOURNAMENT When: Apr. 15, 2019 | 8 a.m. Where: Winter Haven Country Club 4200 Country Club Road S https://www.heart4wh.org/golf The cost is $150/golfer. Register online, sponsorships available. CHOW DOWN FOOD TRUCKS When: Apr. 15, 2019 | 5-9 p.m. Where: Lake Wailes Park/Gazebo 499 E Park Avenue, Lake Wales. http://www.cityoflakewales.com Various food trucks to choose from.

TRIBUTE TUESDAYS: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES When: Apr. 16, 2019 | 5 p.m. & 8 p.m. Where: Theatre Winter Haven 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven. http://www.theatrewinterhaven.com Call (863) 294-7469

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. PALM BEACH When: Apr. 15, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball

DANIEL TIGER NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE! KING FOR A DAY When: Apr. 16, 2019 | 6 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. https://rpfundingcenter.com The grr-ific musical for little tigers and grown-ups alike is back with an all-NEW show for 2018-2019! Daniel and all of his friends invite you for a brand-new adventure in Neighborhood of Make-Believe where Daniel learns just what it takes to be a King. The beloved characters come alive on stage to captivate you with new songs to sing along to, magical moments, and SURPRISE guests along the way! It’s an event filled with tigertastic fun, teaching the valuable lessons of kindness, helping others, and being a friend. (863) 834-8111

KNIT ONE, CROCHET TOO! When: Apr. 15, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Lakeland Public Library 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland. Join us every Monday at 6:30 pm for Knit One, Crochet Too! in the Commons at the Lakeland Public Library. Registration is not required, and the club is open to all levels of experience. Free - Questions? Contact Lisa Kolesar at (863) 834-4281. LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. PALM BEACH When: Apr. 16, 2019 | 10:30 a.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball

ART TO ART: WORDS AND IMAGES When: Apr. 16, 2019 | 6:30-8 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org In the annual Art to Art: Words and Images event, Southeastern University students and professors perform original ekphrastic poems written in response to art on display at the Polk Museum of Art. Light refreshments provided. Free Admission (863) 688-7743.

JOIN US: EARLY STAGE SOCIAL AT LAKE ASHTON When: Apr. 16, 2019 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Lake Ashton (Main clubhouse) 4141 Asthon Club Drive, Lake Wales. http://www.alz.org/crf This Early-Stage Social Engagement Program offers a comfortable way to have fun and socialize with others who are living in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Enjoy the company of others while you participate in a variety of group activities. Program intended for individuals with mild cognitive impairment / early stage dementia and their care partners. Preregistration is required. Please call (800) 272-3900. April 16 Drumming with Tinia.

LANDSCAPING TO MANAGE STORM WATER RUNOFF When: Apr. 17, 2019 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. With summer rains right around the corner, it is important to consider how this affects our landscape and the environment around us. Rain is good for our growing landscapes, but when it leaves our property, that can be problem. Join us for tips on how to keep rainwater in your landscape and not down the storm drain. Lunch is NOT provided, but please feel free to bring your own lunch to eat while you listen. Workshop is presented by the City of Winter Haven Utilities and

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP When: Apr. 16, 2019 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. Where: Side Street Studios, Inc. 110 3rd St SW, Winter Haven. http://www.alz.org/crf Support group is for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.

36

the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County-Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program. Register online. Go to https:// sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ for more information. If you have any questions, please contact us at (863) 519-1041 or j.schelb@ufl.edu. MAKE & TAKE: WORM FARMS “COMPOSTING WITH WORMS” When: Apr. 17, 2019 | 1-3 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Presented by UF IFAS experts, learn how to create and take home a 10-gallon farm complete with worms. Participants will learn how to start their farms, what to feed the worms and what to do with the castings. $50 members/$57 non-members. (863) 676-1408 LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. PALM BEACH When: Apr. 17, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball RED TENT WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS When: Apr. 17, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Catapult Lakeland 331 S Florida Ave, Lakeland. Join us the third Wednesday of each month for a wellness meet up, free and open to all. Donations to Red Tent and/or tips to the featured guest/s will be accepted. Apr 17: Poetry Open Mic/Claudia Iris Bloom THE OPERA GALA: SOIREE AT PRINCE ORLOFSKY’S When: Apr. 17, 2019 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Branscomb Auditorium 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland. www.flsouthern.edu/visitors/festival-of-fine-arts/ffaevents.aspx A masked ball takes place at Prince Orlofsky’s Villa in Vienna, and as guests arrive (including Eisenstein, Adele, Dr. Falke, and Rosalinde), many begin to resemble people or characters from other lands or operas. As the energy builds (and the champagne flows), guests begin performing scenes from various operas and operettas by composers that include Mozart, Puccini, and Gilbert & Sullivan. Finally, the evening comes to a convincing end as they all waltz off into the night, just as Johann Strauss’ Act II of Die Fledermaus concludes. (863) 680-4111 FARMERS MARKET AT THE VISITOR CENTER When: Apr. 18, 2019 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center 101 Adventure Ct., Davenport. Join us every Thursday for fresh produce, arts & crafts and specialty gifts. For more info, or to become a vendor, please call our Visitor Center at (863) 420-2586. HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION CHAPTER MEETING When: Apr. 18, 2019 | 6-7:30 p.m. Where: First Presbyterian of Lakeland 175 Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland. http://www.hla-lakeland.org Multipurpose Room A175. Enjoy frequent guest speakers who cover various hearing-related topics. Some meetings are group discussions, potlucks, etc.


Our goal is to help members and our community to better manage hearing loss. Meeting room is looped and captioned, so everyone can hear and participate. Small membership fee, but visitors are free. If you have questions, call 863-853-3130. 2018-2019 FL LECTURE SERIES: DOUGLAS BRINKLEY - AMERICAN MOONSHOT When: Apr. 18, 2019 | 7-8 p.m. Where: Branscomb Auditorium 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland. Historian Douglas Brinkley will speak on his forthcoming book “American Moonshot.” Seventh and final event in the 2018-2019 Center for FL History Lecture Series at Florida Southern College. CREATIVE YOGA WITH MICHELLE PUGH When: Apr. 19, 2019 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Join our Creative Yoga class every third Friday for a truly inspirational experience. Dedicated yoga practitioner Michelle Pugh will guide you through an hour long hatha-based class that will end with a meditation focused on our current exhibition. Our classes are a community format so that all ages, sizes, and levels of experience will feel comfortable. Practice will vary to increase diversity in your practice. Modifications are always offered. Please arrive early as space is limited and bring your own mat and blanket if possible. Cost: $10 Non-members / $5 MembersIf you have any questions, please call Membership Manager, Diana Smith, at (863) 688-7743 x 249 ACCESS ART: ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE & DEMENTIA When: Apr. 19, 2019 | 2-3 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Participants will create and discuss art with specially trained educator, Tinia Clark. Clark is the Executive Director of Sidestreet Art Beat, Inc., an organization whose mission is to provide awareness for the healing power of the arts through engagement. This free program aims of who will provide an accepting and engaging environment in which the disease is a nonissue. This program is designed for people in the early stages of dementia and their care partners and is open to the public. If you are concerned about your privacy, please speak to the facilitator of the meeting. Space is limited to 12 participants and their caregivers each month. Registration is preferred but not required. For registration, please contact Tinia Clark at 863-2248557 or email at sidestreetartbeat@gmail.com.Access Art is based on the MOMA Alzheimer’s Project and is a collaboration between Polk Museum of Art, Alzheimer’s Association — Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and the Sidestreet Art Beat, Inc. 3RD ANNUAL LAKELAND PAD PARTY When: Apr. 19, 2019 | 6 p.m. Where: The Poor Porker 801 E Main St., Lakeland. It’s time to buy those packs of pads & tampons & join us for a fun evening out doing some good for ladies in our community.We look forward to seeing many smiling faces at the Pad Party where we will accept product and cash donations, all to go toward supporting women & girls in need with those must-have products.

curiosities of nature. Photographer Keith Passaur will teach you about magnification, depth of field, techniques for camera support, lighting, composition and much more. At the end of the 3-hour class, the student will have a better understanding about true macro photography and how to get a sharp photo of items the size of a bee. This workshop is geared for those that have a DSLR camera and know how to use the camera’s manual settings. After the classroom presentation the instructor will be available to assist students in getting better macro photos in the Garden. Register online. (863) 676-1408

A NIGHT WITH TAGUE ZACHARY AND HIS GUITAR When: Apr. 19, 2019 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. Where: LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland. http://www.lkldlive.com Features original comedy songs written and performed by Tague Zachary. This solo show takes you on a journey through Tague’s psyche: The Happy, The Sad, The Cherry Tomatoes, and everything in-between. Directed by Nate Fleming (Swan City Improv), “A Night with Tague Zachary and his Guitar” is a new kind of experience. Doors 7:30pm Show Starts 8pm.

EASTER EGG HUNT When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 10 a.m. Where: Larry Parrish Baseball Fields 2401 E Johnson Ave, Haines City. The City of Haines City’s annual Easter Egg Hunt welcomes kids ages 2-10! Egg hunts will be divided into age groups. The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures, so don’t forget your camera! For more information, contact Haines City Parks & Recreation at (863) 421-3700.

PASSOVER When:Apr. 20, 2019 PHEEL GOOD 5K (3rd Annual Phil Brown Memorial Walk/Run) When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 7:30-9:30 a.m. Where: 1790 N Broadway Ave, Bartow. https://pheelgood5k.vistaprintdigital.com/race-detailsand-registration Join the Easter Bunny on the Fort Fraser Trail on Easter Weekend! The PHEEL GOOD 5k celebrates the life of local Lakeland runner, Phil Brown, who was killed while commuting to work in 2017. Presented by Phil’s former employer, Duke Energy, this meaningful 5k benefits the non-profit organization founded in Phil’s memory (PHEEL GOOD Foundation) as well as Phil’s alma mater (Williamson College of the Trades). A chiptimed, out & back course along a section of the Fort Fraser Trail, this special Easter weekend 5k features: Overall, Masters, GrandMasters & Age Group Awards, Gender Specific Tech Shirts, AND a Finish Line Surprise presented by the Easter Bunny for EVERY finisher! $27 - $35

HOPPIN HUNT 2019 When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: MLK Jr. Park 199 E Lake Silver Dr. NE, Winter Haven. FREE Community Event! It’s that time of year again for Hoppin’ Hunt 2019 at Martin Luther King, Jr Park on Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. Bring your family out for a fun day in the park. BOOK STORE 1/2 PRICE SALE When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Friends of the Winter Haven Library Book Store 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. The Friends of the Library Book Store repeats their 1/2 price sale on the 3rd Saturday of every month.

TIGER TROT 5K RUN & WALK When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 7:30-10:30 a.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.athlinks.com The flat and fast course will start in the stadium parking lot, weave its way through beautiful Lake Parker Park and end on the warning track near third base. All participants will receive a goody bag, free food, shirt (shirts only guaranteed for registrations received by April 5, 2019).

LINDA FINCH When: Apr. 20 through July 20,2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Finch’s work aims to invite more than just a quick glance and immediate response. Instead, it asks the viewer to dive a little deeper and identify the underlying message that can only be discovered through closer examination. From rising sea levels and climate change to the degradation and loss of natural habitats, the paintings focus on current global issues that impact our society both environmentally and socially. (863) 688-7743

DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland, 117 N Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland. http://www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org Stretching more than three blocks down North Kentucky Ave, the Downtown Farmers Curb Market brings 70-plus vendors to the heart of Downtown Lakeland every Saturday. Our vendors offer fresh produce, a wide variety of plants, locally handcrafted items, and delicious ready-to-eat food. The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a project of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA).

DOCENT-LED TOUR (ALL AGES) When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Free for everyone. Join us each month to get a fresh look into the Museum’s main exhibition through connecting conversations with one of our passionate docents. Learn the stories behind the work and talk “art” with ease as we bring people and art together. Registration is not necessary but appreciated. Space is limited. (863) 688-7743

MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org This workshop shows you how to master the amazing world of Macro photography, by allowing you to take a closer look and discover the details and never-ending

THEATRE WINTER HAVEN CHOIR When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Chamber 37

401 Ave B NW, Winter Haven. http://www.theatrewinterhaven.com/winter-havencommunity-singers/ No audition required. Register online. A community choir open to all singers, ages 14 & up.For more information, please contact Choir Director, Philip King, at TWHchoir@aol.com. EASTER EGG HUNT When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 12-2 p.m. Where: Jarrett Gordon Ford of Davenport 2600 Access Road, Davenport. http://www.mydavenport.org City of Davenport and Jarrett Gordon Ford of Davenport Present East Polk County’s Largest Easter Egg Hunt.Age divided hunts - Ages 0-13 - Over 200 prizes up for grabs. Lots of Food. Don’t forget your baskets and camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny. For more information call (863) 419-3300 ext.138 or visit our website www.mydavenport.org SPEARMAN BREWERS LIVE When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 2-5 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St., Lakeland. http://www.swanbrewing.com ARTCADE MONTHLY MEETUP When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 3 p.m. Where: Artcade, 1149 1st St. S, Winter Haven. Join us for our Artcade Monthly Meetup! IFPA Sanctioned Pinball Tournament (www.ifpapinball. com) Doors at 2:00pm. $20 Entry Fee (Includes all games until closing) Cash Prizes, Snacks & Beverages Available (863) 656-1715 SLOW ROLL & SKI SHOW When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 5 p.m. Where: The Bike Shop 249 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven. THIS EVENT IS FREE! thanks to our sponsors Six/ Ten, Bond Clinic, Play it Again Sports, Wauchula State Bank, and Lynn Polston Allstate. What is a Slow roll? Slow Roll will meet at the Bike Shop in Downtown Winter Haven the 3rd Saturday of every month. We will “Slow Roll” through the city of Winter Haven taking a path highlighting cities murals, parks, and new developments. We will then stop mid-roll at Lake Silver to take in the ski show. After the show we will Slow Roll back through town and end at Grove Roots Brewery (located across the street from the Bike Shop). Have Fun - This community is about connecting, sharing, and making friends. Be respectful of the group and make a friend or two. CYPRESS GARDENS WATER SKI TEAM When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 5 p.m. Where: MLK Jr. Park 199 E Lake Silver Dr. NE, Winter Haven. http://www.cypressgardenswaterskiteam.com Free show! Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Concessions available for purchase. LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 6 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 -


CMPNY OF ANMLS, JORDAN ESKER & THE HUNDRED PERCENT, CRAZYMONEY When: Apr. 20, 2019 | 8-11 p.m. Where: LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland. http://www.lkldlive.com 3 Local Bands for less than $5! Doors at 7:30. EASTER When: Apr. 21, 2019 93RD ANNUAL EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE When: Apr. 21, 2019 | 7-8 a.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Free admission offered until 8am. Service begins at 7am. Easter morning worshippers offered complimentary admission to experience the Gardens’ own sunrise service. (863) 676-1408 FIELD EVENTS AND EASTER EGG HUNT When: Apr. 21, 2019 | 3:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Frasier Field Florida Avenue and F Street, Lake Wales. http://www.cityoflakewales.com This event will include an Easter Egg Hunt, field activities, food and grill and bounce houses. (863) 679-3896

22-28 EARTH DAY When: Apr. 22, 2019 LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. ST. LUCIE When: Apr. 22, 2019 | 1 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball KNIT ONE, CROCHET TOO! When: Apr. 22, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Lakeland Public Library 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland. In the Commons at the Lakeland Public Library. Registration is not required, and the club is open to all levels of experience. Free - Questions? Contact Lisa Kolesar at (863) 834-4281. LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. ST. LUCIE When: Apr. 23, 2019 | 10:30 a.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball MEDITATION WITH CRYSTALS AND TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS When: Apr. 23, 2019 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Experience a sound healing with Reiki Master Kristen Tenpenny through the vibrations of the ancient Tibetan and crystal singing bowls that reduce stress, pain and tension while producing a deep, meditative state. $15 members/$22 non-member. Participants should bring mat, blanket and any other materials that will make havenmagazines.com

music. Themes from “Pirates of the Caribbean”, “007: Through the Years” and “Salute to the Cinema” will be featured among others. The Florida Philharmonia Orchestra proudly presents this exhilarating finale to its third season under the baton of Conductor, Dale Lewis.

your meditation experience more comfortable. (863) 676-1408 BIG ORIENTATION & TRAINING When: Apr. 23, 2019 | 5:30-7 p.m. Where: BBBS Office, 1231 Orange St., Lakeland. http:// https://bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/ Join us as a defender of potential by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister and together, we can change the world. All it takes is 4-8 hours a month, depending on the program, with a focus on being consistent and spending one-to-one quality time with your Little. Let’s clear a path to a child’s biggest possible future. The first step is to attend a Big Orientation & Training session where you’ll learn about our programs, commitments, expectations and our kids. Get more details about volunteering ¬ª https://bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/ Contact: Angie Pattison, 863-220-1116, angiep@ bbbstampabay.org

BATONS AND ROPES: COMPARING CARILLONS AND ENGLISH CHANGE RINGING When: Apr. 24, 2019 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Learn the fascinating story of two different bell-ringing traditions with Bok Tower Gardens Carillonneur Geert D’hollander and change ringing expert Kemp Brinson. Live change ringing demonstration. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 676-1408 MOONLIGHT MARKET When: Apr. 24, 2019 | 6 p.m. Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co. 302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven. The Moonlight Market is every 4th Wednesday from 6-9pm! Vendors from all over Central Florida will be setting up shop just for you! Shop, eat, sip, local!

WHAT’S EATING YOUR PLANTS? When: Apr. 23, 2019 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. Tired of seeing your garden chewed on? Looking for ways to determine what’s eating your plants? Join us for tips on pests in your landscape in Central Florida. Workshop is presented by UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardeners. Register online. Go to https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ for more information. If you have any questions, please contact us at (863) 519-1041 or j.schelb@ufl.edu.

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. ST. LUCIE When: Apr. 24, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball SPIRIT OF THE VIOLIN When: Apr. 24, 2019 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Anne Mac Gregor Jenkins Recital Hall 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland. https://www.flsouthern.edu/visitors/festival-of-finearts/ffa-events.aspx How wonderful to have our last Faculty Artist Series performance of the year be given by violinist Rimma Bergeron-Langlois and her formidable partner at the piano, Keiko Andrews! Together, these two remarkable musicians have led us through recitals that have engaged, challenged, and even gently humored us. You will enjoy the surprises they have to offer this year — so PLEASE — mark this date on your calendar for a sublime performance of violin/piano music, designed to soothe and excite your souls.

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF EAST POLK/ RIDGE- MEETS EVERY 4TH TUESDAY IN HAINES CITY When: Apr. 23, 2019 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: The R-PLACE EATERY RESTAURANT 35523 Hwy 27, Haines City. The Democratic Women’s Club of East Polk/Ridge meets every 4th Tuesday @ 5:30 pm. All Democratic women are welcome to join the club, where we discuss shared political views and volunteer for activities that help elect fellow Democrats. Contact: Anne Huffman, Club President (863-242-3230) and annehuffman01@gmail.com REFLECTIONS When: Apr. 23, 2019 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Branscomb Auditorium 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland. https://www.flsouthern.edu/visitors/festival-of-finearts/ffa-events.aspx The year 2019 marks the twentieth FSC spring band concert led by Dr. Jo Jossim! Can you believe it? In this performance, she will pull some musical pieces from previous spring concerts that allow her to look back on past bands and themes, but — because wind band literature is always evolving and changing — she will also program pieces new to her and to this year’s FSC Symphony Band, creating the perfect time for us to look back, reflect, and then plan for the future with this charismatic band conductor. (863) 680-4111

FARMERS MARKET AT THE VISITOR CENTER When: Apr. 25, 2019 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center 101 Adventure Ct., Davenport. Join us every Thursday for fresh produce, arts & crafts and specialty gifts. For more info, or to become a vendor, please call our Visitor Center at (863) 420-2586. LUNCH & LEARN: BACKYARD COMPOSTING When: Apr. 25, 2019 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Haines City Public Library, 111 N 6th St Recycling yard waste is great way to clean your landscape and create less waste. Learn how to provide nutrients to the soil by leaving grass clippings on the lawn, turning fallen leaves into mulch, and composting fallen leaves and pruning waste. This is a free lunch and learn workshop and lunch is provided. Workshop is presented by the Haines City Water Utilities and the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Go to https://sfyl.ifas. ufl.edu/polk/ for more information. If you have any questions, please contact us at (863) 519-1041.

“A NIGHT AT THE CINEMA” FLORIDA PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA When: Apr. 23, 2019 | 7:30 p.m. Where: College Heights Methodist Church 942 South Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.floridaphilharmonia.org Close your eyes and listen as the Florida Philharmonia Orchestra brings the images of the cinema to life with 38

BE ONE WITH ONE HUNDRED When: Apr. 25, 2019 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Jensen’s Corner Bar 100 3rd St SW, Winter Haven. https://www.facebook.com/ events/330533767593477/ “Be One with One Hundred” event is our primary funding source for sustaining free programs at Sidestreet Studio. Sidestreet Art Beat Inc. is a 501c3 organization. Our mission is to provide accessible art opportunities to individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia and to those that have special needs. Our 4th annual event will feature our partnership with Polk State College and Brookdale Memory CareCommunity Based Learning. The event is free to attend, all donations will be greatly appreciated. LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. CHARLOTTE When: Apr. 25, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball LUNCH & LEARN: VEGETABLE GARDENINGWARM SEASON When: Apr. 26, 2019 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Lakeland Electric 501 E Lemon St., Lakeland. Are you interested in learning how to grow warm season vegetables as well as how to harvest, preserve and prepare foods with them? Join us for tips and information for success! This is a free lunch and learn workshop and lunch is provided. Workshop is presented by the City of Lakeland Water Utilities and the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Register online. Go to https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ for more information. If you have any questions, please contact us at (863) 519-1041 or j.schelb@ufl.edu. JOHNNY CASH & CREW When: Apr. 26, 2019 | 5 p.m. & 8 p.m. Where: Lake Ashton Clubhouse 4140 Ashton Club Dr., Lake Wales. http://www.theatrewinterhaven.com A Musical Tribute inspired by famed rock ‘n’ roll icons Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins with the Brass Heart Band. This event takes place at Lake Ashton Clubhouse located at 4140 Ashton Club Dr, Lake Wales, FL 33859.(863) 294-7469 2019 LAKELAND DERBY When: Apr. 26, 2019 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Lake Mirror Frances Langford Promenade 121 S. Lake Avenue, Lakeland. http://www.lvim.net Free, family friendly community event, featuring our famous swan boat races, live music presented by Bully for You, local food vendors, youth activities and games, Derby hat contests and a fantastic firework show to cap off the evening. Come join us in beautiful downtown Lakeland for a night of friendly competition and family fun. This event is to bring awareness to the services of Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine and the mission we serve. (863) 688-5846 10TH ANNUAL LEWIS FAMILY CANCER FUND’S SWING FOR THE CURE KICK-OFF COCKTAIL PARTY When: Apr. 26, 2019 | 5:30 p.m. Where: Nora Mayo Hall 500 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven.


Friday night party is open to the public, so you do not need to play golf to join the fun and a great cause!! This promises to be another great year as we celebrate the 10TH ANNIVERSARY!! Fuzzy Zoeller, Jill’s Cash Box, huge dance floor, oysters, ice sculpted martini bar, shrimp, beef tenderloin and ham carving stations, raffles, silent and live auctions. We welcome The Cassidy Family and Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka as our presenting sponsors for 2019!! More info on Facebook @LewisFamilyCancerFund BREW HUB’S NIGHT MARKET When: Apr. 26, 2019 | 6 p.m. Where: Brew Hub 3900 Frontage Rd S, Lakeland. http://brewhub.com/ We will feature a rotating lineup of artists and makers selling handmade goods, jewelry, art, wood-work, gifts and so much more! This is a family-friendly event! Check out our rotating food truck schedule to see what food will be offered, and we’ll typically have live music! THE FLORIDA RUN When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 7 a.m. Where: Colt Creek State Park 16000 Sr-471, Lakeland. http://www.thefloridarun.com/colt-creek-state-park The course will take you through classic Florida terrain. You will start off on a flat packed trail along Mac Lake. Then you will enter into a narrower trail winding through lush greens, longleaf pines and hardwood hammocks. From there, our courses will split as each distance will get to experience a slightly different scenery and terrain. Our courses are very well marked and runners will be on well-worn footpaths; the paths are mostly grass with some areas of dirt, pebbles, and paved roads. Information at http://www.thefloridarun. com/colt-creek-state-park. GARDENFEST When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: UF/IFAS Extension 1702 S Highway, Bartow. https://2019polkgardenfest.eventbrite.com‚Äã GardenFest will feature a plant sale of a wide variety of plants. Most of the hundreds of plants are propagated by Master Gardener volunteers, who work throughout the year nurturing and caring for them. The sale will include native and Florida-Friendly plants, bromeliads, succulents, orchids, and edibles. Plants that are easy to grow and that attract butterflies and other wildlife will be available. Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand to assist customers in plant selection. GardenFest 2019 will be a “must-schedule” event for all gardeners!**Master Gardeners are volunteers who work through the Polk County Extension Service, as a public outreach of the University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Services (known as IFAS). Their purpose is to educate the public, through volunteer services, about horticultural related topics. Florida scientific research. LAKE WALES FARMERS MARKET When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Market Place 20 N Market Place, Lake Wales. http://www.cityoflakewales.com

THEATRE WINTER HAVEN CHOIR When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Chamber 401 Ave B NW, Winter Haven. http://www.theatrewinterhaven.com/winter-havencommunity-singers/ No audition required. Register online. A community choir open to all singers, ages 14 & up. Meets on Saturdays from 11am — 1pm. For more information, please contact Choir Director, Philip King, at TWHchoir@aol.com.

THE JUDD JOG When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 8 a.m. Where: 1891 Jim Keen Blvd, Winter Haven. http://www.juddjog.org The Judd Jog is an annual 5k presented by Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. with all proceeds benefiting the United Way. The course is paved and begins and ends at the front of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office main office in Winter Haven. There will be additional activities available for your family and friends during the event, including: Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations vehicles on display, K-9 meet and greet, and more!

BONSAI BASICS When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 1-3 p.m. Where Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Learn Japanese techniques to create miniature ‘trees’ and take home a bonsai that you create. $40 members/$47 non-member. (863) 676-1408

PROJECT E.A.G.L.E. When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Winter Haven. Project E.A.G.L.E (Enhancing A Great Living Environment) is a volunteer litter and debris cleanup converging on Winter Haven area lakes. Clean up supplies (gloves, bags, grapplers if available), and lunch at Noon are provided to registered volunteers. After lunch, numerous exhibits and displays of environmental and educational information is available. Entertainment is live band/music, a ski show and children activities (face painting, rock painting) and more! The staging area is at Lake Shipp Park, 1651 Lake Shipp Drive, Winter Haven, Florida 33880 and is a family event. For more information, please call Tracy Mercer, Keep Winter Haven Clean and Beautiful, Inc. at (863) 206-4113

SATURDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY MOVIES When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 2-4 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. Enjoy a family friendly movie on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month! Admission is FREE and food and drink are welcome. LAKE WALES CAR SHOW When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 4-7 p.m. Where: Downtown Lake Wales, Stuart Ave. http://lwmainstreet.com/car-show 4th Saturday of each month.

DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland 117 N Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland. http://www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org Stretching more than three blocks down North Kentucky Ave, the Downtown Farmers Curb Market brings 70-plus vendors to the heart of Downtown Lakeland every Saturday. Our vendors offer fresh produce, a wide variety of plants, locally handcrafted items, and delicious ready-to-eat food. The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a project of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA).

THE ART OF FILM: MEDICINE FOR MELANCHOLY When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 6-8:30 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org The Art of Film presents a forum for appreciating movies as an art form. With audience Q&A and talkback sessions with film directors and faculty from Florida Southern College following each screening, this unique Polk Museum series will entertain, engage, and educate audiences of all ages. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Introduction and Screening at 6:30 pm. The Art of Film is free to attend. Cash bar available. Registration not necessary but appreciated. (863) 688-7743

BONSAI BASICS When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Learn Japanese techniques to create miniature ‘trees’ and take home a bonsai that you create. $40 members/$47 non-member. (863) 676-1408

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. CHARLOTTE When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 6 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball

SWING FOR THE CURE SCRAMBLE GOLF TOURNAMENT When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 9 a.m. Where: Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club 2888 Southern Dunes Blvd., Haines City. All proceeds support the Winter Haven Hospital Cassidy Cancer Center patients. For more info visit Facebook @LewisFamilyCancerFund

2ND ANNUAL FLIP FLOP BALL BENEFITING TALBOT HOUSE MINISTRIES When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 7-10 p.m. Where: 3830 Gaines Ct., Winter Haven. http://talbothouse.org All proceeds from this event will support Talbot House Ministries, Polk County’s most comprehensive provider for the homeless. Talbot House has 40 years of experience providing shelter, meals, medical care, training and job services for individuals who are struggling with homelessness. Simply, Talbot House restores lives. Come be part of this life-changing work by having one of the most fun nights you’ll experience

SCIENCE SATURDAYS When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Explorations V Children’s Museum 109 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. https://explorationsv.com The last Saturday of every month is all about science and the crazy things it explains. Join the Play Masters in discovering science concepts and testing theory. (863) 687-3869

39

all year! You’ll experience fun, food, dancing, drinks, a special auction and more, in a very special setting with some of the most generous people in Polk County. You won’t want to miss this night! (863) 687-8475 RANEY WADE When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 8 p.m. Where: Pink Piano, 1015 Florida Ave S, Lakeland. http://www.thepinkpiano.club (863) 937-8885. Piano & vocals GABRIEL IGLESIAS: BEYOND THE FLUFFY When: Apr. 27, 2019 | 8 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. https://rpfundingcenter.com In addition to being one of America’s most successful stand-up comedians, Iglesias is also one of the most watched comedians on YouTube with over 380,000,000 views and has over 14 million fans across social media. He was recently featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 40 Comedy Players of 2018 issue alongside comedy giants Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Lorne Michaels. (863) 834-8111 LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. CHARLOTTE When: Apr. 28, 2019 | 1 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.milb.com Minor League Baseball

29-30 KNIT ONE, CROCHET TOO! When: Apr. 29, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Lakeland Public Library 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland. Every Monday in the Commons at the Lakeland Public Library. Registration is not required, and the club is open to all levels of experience. Free – Questions? Contact Lisa Kolesar at (863) 834-4281.

POLK COUNTY SPECIAL OLYMPICS PADDLEBOARD TEAM Currently looking for: additional athletes for the sport volunteer coaches If interested, please call (863) 845-5307 Email: letspaddleout@gmail.com.


SOLD HOMES

1922 CHARLESTON LN.................................... BARTOW............ 2/19/2019............ $314,900

DAVENPORT 573 SEATTLE SLEW DR............................. DAVENPORT..............2/5/2019..............$63,500

AUBURNDALE

360 SUMMER SQUALL RD........................ DAVENPORT.............2/12/2019..............$64,200

467 LAKE VIEW WAY..............................AUBURNDALE..............2/8/2019.............. $67,000

248 SAW GRASS ST.................................. DAVENPORT.............2/15/2019............. $68,000

147 JANA CIR...........................................AUBURNDALE.............. 2/7/2019.............. $67,500

216 ROYAL TROON LOOP......................... DAVENPORT...............2/1/2019..............$73,000

603 HAMPTON ST..................................AUBURNDALE..............2/5/2019..............$78,000

2900 ST GEORGE DR................................ DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019..............$95,000

312 OLD WINTER HAVEN RD...................AUBURNDALE............ 2/14/2019............. $85,000

115 MALAGA AVE....................................... DAVENPORT..............2/6/2019............ $159,000

227 E LAKE AVE.......................................AUBURNDALE...............2/1/2019............. $85,000

2942 ST GEORGE DR................................ DAVENPORT..............2/4/2019............ $163,000

425 CENTURY BLVD A............................AUBURNDALE..............2/6/2019..............$92,000

2797 ST GEORGE DR................................. DAVENPORT...............2/1/2019.............$175,000

413 CENTURY BLVD D.............................AUBURNDALE..............2/6/2019............. $94,000

1138 DEER CREEK BLVD............................ DAVENPORT..............2/5/2019.............$182,500

2236 DREXEL BLVD.................................AUBURNDALE............2/28/2019..............$95,000

110 LAUREL OAK PASS.............................. DAVENPORT...............2/1/2019............ $190,000

118 CANAL ST..........................................AUBURNDALE..............2/8/2019............$108,000

239 RIDGE VIEW DR................................. DAVENPORT.............. 2/7/2019............ $195,000

1115 US HIGHWAY 92...............................AUBURNDALE.............. 2/7/2019............ $135,000

720 CITRUS ISLE DR................................. DAVENPORT..............2/4/2019........... $204,000

112 ELAINE DR.........................................AUBURNDALE.............2/15/2019.............$139,900

512 GRANDE DR........................................ DAVENPORT.............2/13/2019........... $205,000

2807 FUSSELL RD...................................AUBURNDALE.............2/12/2019............$140,000

163 ANDALUSIA LOOP.............................. DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019........... $205,000

214 OAKVIEW AVE..................................AUBURNDALE..............2/8/2019............ $144,900

101 HIGHLAND MEADOWS PL.................. DAVENPORT..............2/4/2019........... $206,000

203 CLAYTON RD...................................AUBURNDALE...............2/1/2019.............$173,900

137 HAVERSHAM WAY.............................. DAVENPORT...............2/1/2019.............$210,500

881 AUBURN PRESERVE BLVD................AUBURNDALE............ 2/14/2019............ $188,000

304 CHINA BERRY CIR............................. DAVENPORT.............2/13/2019............. $217,000

1374 WINDWARD OAKS LOOP...............AUBURNDALE..............2/6/2019............ $195,000

1026 DURANGO LOOP............................. DAVENPORT.............2/12/2019............$220,000

206 AMBER BLVD...................................AUBURNDALE..............2/5/2019.............$197,000

379 BUCHANNAN DR............................... DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019............$223,400

1796 VAN GOGH DR................................AUBURNDALE.............2/15/2019............ $198,400

6311 US HIGHWAY 17/92............................ DAVENPORT..............2/5/2019............ $225,000

201 WALKERS POINT DR.........................AUBURNDALE.............2/13/2019............$288,500

912 MYSTERY CT....................................... DAVENPORT.............2/15/2019............$229,000

2094 LAKE ARIANA BLVD.......................AUBURNDALE.............2/12/2019........... $340,000

1943 CHAMPAGNE RD.............................. DAVENPORT............. 2/11/2019............$230,000

4946 TENNESSEE LAKE DR....................AUBURNDALE..............2/6/2019........... $470,000

184 TAFT DR............................................. DAVENPORT..............2/4/2019.............$234,100 191 BELLA DR............................................ DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019............ $237,000

BARTOW

206 FLATWOODS LOOP........................... DAVENPORT..............2/5/2019............$238,000

3921 JOSEPH RD.............................................. BARTOW..............2/8/2019..............$73,000

1530 LEXINGTON AVE............................... DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019........... $240,000

305 LUCILLE ST.............................................. BARTOW..............2/8/2019..............$74,000

352 PLUMOSO LOOP................................ DAVENPORT.............. 2/7/2019............$242,000

3921 JOSEPH RD.............................................. BARTOW..............2/8/2019..............$89,900

1032 SALAMANCA PL............................... DAVENPORT..............2/4/2019............$244,700

925 LUSK PL.................................................... BARTOW..............2/5/2019............. $102,100

622 SAMUEL PL........................................ DAVENPORT............ 2/14/2019.............$245,100

1180 IVY LN..................................................... BARTOW............. 2/11/2019.............$110,000

451 VIOLA DR........................................... DAVENPORT............. 2/11/2019........... $280,000

2912 DUDLEY DR............................................ BARTOW...............2/1/2019............. $121,000

2069 LAKE SIDE AVE................................ DAVENPORT...............2/1/2019............$309,200

2970 CENTRAL AVE........................................ BARTOW.............. 2/7/2019............. $121,000

4602 TERRASONESTA DR........................ DAVENPORT.............2/15/2019............. $317,000

808 AUSTIN CIR............................................. BARTOW............. 2/11/2019............ $130,000

2257 GRANTHAM AVE.............................. DAVENPORT..............2/9/2019............$320,300

315 ETHELENE ST............................................ BARTOW.............2/12/2019............ $134,500

4610 TERRASONESTA DR......................... DAVENPORT.............2/15/2019............$328,000

395 S BROADWAY AVE................................... BARTOW.............2/15/2019............ $144,900

1935 GREENBRIAR TER............................. DAVENPORT..............2/6/2019............$355,000

900 80 FOOT RD............................................ BARTOW...............2/1/2019............ $183,000

5277 OAKBOURNE AVE............................ DAVENPORT.............2/13/2019............$399,000

1820 LAKEPOINT DR...................................... BARTOW.............2/12/2019............ $185,000

5296 OAKBOURNE AVE............................ DAVENPORT............. 2/11/2019........... $405,600

825 TRISH PL.................................................. BARTOW.............2/12/2019............ $199,000

5292 OAKBOURNE AVE............................ DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019.............. $417,100

1615 LAUREL OAKS DR.................................... BARTOW............. 2/11/2019........... $200,000

5288 OAKBOURNE AVE........................... DAVENPORT.............2/15/2019........... $443,600

1242 W LAKE WALES ALTURAS RD................. BARTOW.............2/12/2019........... $200,000

2574 LANCASTER RIDGE DR..................... DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019........... $460,500

1470 S MCADOO AVE..................................... BARTOW.............2/12/2019.............$201,500

512 WESTCHESTER CT.............................. DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019........... $540,900

333 KISSENGEN PARK DR............................... BARTOW...............2/1/2019............ $222,800

219 PRESTON AVE..................................... DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019........... $540,900

835 E MANN RD.............................................. BARTOW..............2/6/2019............$254,500

484 BRUNSWICK DR................................ DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019........... $540,900

CATHY “K” KLUYTENAAR &

The K Team Real Estate Services

RELAX. YOU’RE HOME.

Polk County’s Favorite Real Estate Family

Cathy Kluytenaar Zac Kluytenaar havenmagazines.com

Visit our new website at yourkteam.com

Florrie Kluytenaar 40

863-604-6220


505 RONSHELLE AVE................................ HAINES CITY..............2/5/2019............ $149,000

490 BRUNSWICK DR................................ DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019........... $540,900 500 WESTCHESTER CT............................ DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019........... $540,900

212 S 20TH ST............................................ HAINES CITY..............2/8/2019............ $150,000

506 WESTCHESTER CT............................. DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019........... $540,900

1169 SHADY CV......................................... HAINES CITY............ 2/14/2019............ $150,000

554 WESTCHESTER CT............................. DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019........... $540,900

1158 SHADY CV......................................... HAINES CITY............ 2/14/2019............ $150,000

560 WESTCHESTER CT............................. DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019........... $540,900

105 BREAM ST........................................... HAINES CITY.............2/15/2019............ $155,000

327 HIGHCREST RD.................................. DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019........... $200,000

36 NOTTINGHAM WAY............................. HAINES CITY.............. 2/7/2019............ $170,000

253 ARBOR LAKES DR.............................. DAVENPORT............. 2/11/2019........... $208,000

209 1ST ST................................................. HAINES CITY..............2/8/2019.............$172,000

435 ARBOR LAKES DR.............................. DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019.............$212,000

319 WEATHERBY PL.................................. HAINES CITY............. 2/11/2019.............$174,000

723 THOUSAND OAKS BLVD.................... DAVENPORT.............2/12/2019.............$215,000

16 GRENEWOOD LN................................. HAINES CITY..............2/8/2019.............$175,000

3099 SERENDIPITY WAY.......................... DAVENPORT.............2/15/2019............$226,000

1513 GULF VUE DR.................................... HAINES CITY...............2/1/2019............ $190,000

3079 SERENDIPITY WAY........................... DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019............$234,000

2005 HONEYBELL AVE............................. HAINES CITY...............2/1/2019............ $195,000

3056 SERENDIPITY WAY.......................... DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019............$236,000

929 KENBAR AVE...................................... HAINES CITY.............2/15/2019........... $200,000

3334 SONDER DR..................................... DAVENPORT............ 2/14/2019............$238,500

30 CYPRESS RUN..................................... HAINES CITY.............2/12/2019........... $205,000

3060 SERENDIPITY WAY.......................... DAVENPORT.............2/15/2019............$255,000

306 HIDDEN LAKE LOOP.......................... HAINES CITY..............2/5/2019........... $206,000

177 ALFORD DR......................................... DAVENPORT.............2/15/2019............. $259,100

361 ROOKS LOOP..................................... HAINES CITY.............2/12/2019............ $207,000

248 SAN CARLO RD.................................. DAVENPORT............ 2/14/2019............$269,900

711 GARNETTE AVE................................... HAINES CITY.............2/13/2019............ $210,000

116 ALFORD DR......................................... DAVENPORT.............. 2/7/2019............$285,000

978 CHANLER DR..................................... HAINES CITY..............2/8/2019............. $211,000

194 CAPTIVA DR....................................... DAVENPORT.............2/13/2019.............$291,500

625 ASTOR DR.......................................... HAINES CITY..............2/4/2019............. $211,000

143 CAPTIVA DR....................................... DAVENPORT.............2/13/2019........... $308,500

210 FAIRWAY DR....................................... HAINES CITY..............2/4/2019............ $218,000

174 CAPTIVA DR........................................ DAVENPORT...............2/1/2019............$320,500

644 MEADOW POINTE DR....................... HAINES CITY.............2/15/2019.............$221,400

230 ABERDEEN ST.................................... DAVENPORT..............2/5/2019............$324,000

1421 WOODLARK DR................................ HAINES CITY..............2/4/2019............ $225,000

238 ABERDEEN ST.................................... DAVENPORT..............2/5/2019............$324,000

2960 SANDERLING ST.............................. HAINES CITY............ 2/14/2019............ $225,000

242 ABERDEEN ST.................................... DAVENPORT..............2/5/2019............$324,000

3670 STATE ROAD 17................................ HAINES CITY.............2/13/2019............ $225,000

266 ABERDEEN ST.................................... DAVENPORT..............2/5/2019............$324,000

238 MILESTONE DR.................................. HAINES CITY.............2/13/2019............$230,000

270 ABERDEEN ST.................................... DAVENPORT..............2/5/2019............$324,000

4 RANCH TRAILS RD................................ HAINES CITY.............2/13/2019............$230,000

282 ABERDEEN ST.................................... DAVENPORT..............2/5/2019............$324,000

271 HIDDEN LAKE LOOP........................... HAINES CITY.............. 2/7/2019.............$231,000

210 WATLING WAY 24302......................... DAVENPORT..............2/5/2019..............$131,500

215 TOWERVIEW DR................................. HAINES CITY.............2/12/2019............$239,000

236 BERGAMO DR.................................... DAVENPORT..............2/4/2019............ $135,000

2 NOTTINGHAM WAY............................... HAINES CITY............. 2/11/2019............ $272,000

135 HOLBORN LOOP................................ DAVENPORT..............2/4/2019..............$211,500

69 PINE FOREST DR.................................. HAINES CITY..............2/8/2019............$278,000

339 DURANGO LOOP ST.......................... DAVENPORT.............2/15/2019.............$215,900

643 COPELAND DR.................................. HAINES CITY..............2/8/2019............$283,000

243 WILLOW BEND DR............................. DAVENPORT............ 2/14/2019............$230,000

136 ANGELAS AVE.................................... HAINES CITY..............2/8/2019........... $446,500

360 HOLLY BERRY DR.............................. DAVENPORT..............2/8/2019............$230,000

191 MITCHELL’S MNR................................ HAINES CITY..............2/8/2019............$450,500

826 CASSIA DR......................................... DAVENPORT............. 2/11/2019............$230,000

217 MINNIEHAHA CIR............................... HAINES CITY..............2/6/2019............$206,500

120 OLD BRIDGE CIR................................. DAVENPORT.............2/15/2019............ $232,500

197 MINNIEHAHA CIR............................... HAINES CITY...............2/1/2019............ $214,000

293 WILLOW BEND DR............................. DAVENPORT.............2/15/2019............$235,000

254 TOWER VIEW DR............................... HAINES CITY..............2/4/2019............$220,000

916 WILDFLOWER RD............................... DAVENPORT..............2/5/2019............$238,000

637 COPELAND DR................................... HAINES CITY..............2/5/2019............$223,000

341 BRIDGEWATER DR.............................. DAVENPORT............. 2/11/2019............$239,000 152 MOSCATO DR..................................... DAVENPORT.............2/12/2019............$250,000

LAKE ALFRED

377 HOLLY BERRY DR............................... DAVENPORT............ 2/14/2019............$254,000

202 SUNSET DR.......................................LAKE ALFRED.............. 2/7/2019..............$52,000

260 BELLA VERANO WAY......................... DAVENPORT...............2/1/2019............$292,600

130 E ECHO ST.........................................LAKE ALFRED.............2/13/2019.............. $88,100

169 BELLA VERANO WAY.......................... DAVENPORT.............2/15/2019............$303,900

820 GALLOWAY ST..................................LAKE ALFRED.............2/15/2019.............$205,100

592 OGELTHORPE DR............................... DAVENPORT..............2/2/2019.............$321,000

135 SANDHILL CRANE LN.........................LAKE ALFRED............. 2/11/2019............$205,400 533 INTERLOCK ST..................................LAKE ALFRED..............2/4/2019............$250,900

HAINES CITY 6275 POLK CITY RD.................................. HAINES CITY...............2/1/2019..............$55,000

LAKE WALES

251 PATTERSON RD.................................. HAINES CITY..............2/8/2019..............$56,000

244 E BULLARD........................................ LAKE WALES............. 2/11/2019..............$55,000

332 VICTORIA DR..................................... HAINES CITY..............2/8/2019............. $60,000

726 OSCEOLA AVE.................................... LAKE WALES.............2/15/2019..............$63,400

326 BIRCH WAY........................................ HAINES CITY............. 2/11/2019............. $69,000

1469 THOUSAND ROSES AVE.................. LAKE WALES..............2/6/2019...............$71,500

3556 CAMELOT DR................................... HAINES CITY.............. 2/7/2019..............$79,000

425 KISSIMMEE AVE................................. LAKE WALES...............2/1/2019...............$77,500

1018 BICE GROVE RD................................ HAINES CITY...............2/1/2019............. $83,000

1012 HEATHER LN..................................... LAKE WALES..............2/5/2019.............$139,500

3502 WINDING LN.................................... HAINES CITY............ 2/18/2019............. $84,300

1403 MORNINGSIDE DR........................... LAKE WALES..............2/5/2019............. $151,000

38 ROELS ST............................................. HAINES CITY..............2/5/2019..............$92,000

1029 N TOWER LN..................................... LAKE WALES..............2/8/2019............ $169,900

6016 HEMINGWAY CIR.............................. HAINES CITY..............2/8/2019............. $96,000

753 CAMBRIDGE WAY.............................. LAKE WALES............. 2/11/2019............ $170,000

380 ROOKS LOOP.................................... HAINES CITY............. 2/11/2019............ $106,000

1188 YARNELL AVE.................................... LAKE WALES.............. 2/7/2019............ $183,000

408 ROOKS LOOP.................................... HAINES CITY............. 2/11/2019............ $106,000

981 LANCELOT DR.................................... LAKE WALES..............2/6/2019............ $188,000

15 BUCK CIR.............................................. HAINES CITY............. 2/11/2019.............$107,000

1060 NAES LN........................................... LAKE WALES............. 2/11/2019........... $200,000

4430 POLK CITY RD................................. HAINES CITY...............2/1/2019.............$110,000

243 WALES DR.......................................... LAKE WALES.............2/13/2019............$230,000

112 VICTORIA DR....................................... HAINES CITY............ 2/19/2019.............$110,000

200 S LAKESHORE BLVD.......................... LAKE WALES..............2/8/2019............$245,000

209 YORK COTTAGE DR........................... HAINES CITY..............2/6/2019............. $115,000

264 LAKE SUZANNE DR............................ LAKE WALES..............2/5/2019............ $135,000

141 WINCHESTER LN................................. HAINES CITY............ 2/19/2019............ $144,200

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 41


12234 COUNTRYLAND DR.................. LAKELAND...........2/11/2019.......... $135,000 924 PRINCETON MANOR LN.............. LAKELAND........... 2/5/2019...........$179,300 254 GLENRIDGE LOOP....................... LAKELAND............2/7/2019.......... $189,900 3595 OLD POLK CITY RD.................... LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019........... $197,500 793 BRYSON LOOP............................. LAKELAND........... 2/4/2019..........$239,900 7550 FOLK WAY.................................. LAKELAND............2/7/2019..........$279,000 1032 WALKER RD................................ LAKELAND........... 2/5/2019............$55,000 1730 QUAIL RUN................................. LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019...........$118,000 3831 PRESCOTT LOOP........................ LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019............ $127,100 718 LIMBER LN.................................... LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019..........$148,000 6903 FOX CHASE DR.......................... LAKELAND...........2/11/2019...........$155,500 3765 WOODBURY HILL LOOP............ LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019.......... $175,000 1844 PRAIRIE DUNES CIR................... LAKELAND............2/7/2019.......... $175,000 7249 TWIN CEDAR LN........................ LAKELAND........... 2/4/2019.......... $196,000 7827 SUGAR PINE BLVD...................... LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019.......... $210,000 1998 ALTAVISTA CIR........................... LAKELAND........... 2/5/2019..........$225,000 3403 SUMMIT LN............................... LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019.......... $247,000 5158 SPANISH OAKS DR...................... LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019......... $250,000 6150 SILVER LAKES DR....................... LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019........... $252,757 4120 PRIMA LAGO CIR........................ LAKELAND.......... 2/12/2019..........$263,800 2533 D R BRYANT RD.......................... LAKELAND........... 2/4/2019..........$265,000 2209 LONGLEAF CIR.......................... LAKELAND........... 2/9/2019...........$319,500 6030 ABBEY OAKS DR....................... LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019............$79,900 5317 FORESTBROOK DR..................... LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019........... $126,100 5251 OLD HWY 37............................... LAKELAND............2/7/2019.......... $136,900 5018 FORESTGREEN DR..................... LAKELAND........... 2/6/2019...........$179,900 3836 SERENADE LN............................ LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019.......... $185,000 3245 MERLOT DR............................... LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019...........$187,000 3882 WHITE IBIS RD........................... LAKELAND..........2/14/2019........... $191,900 6443 NEWMAN CIR............................ LAKELAND..........2/14/2019.......... $210,000 4117 E J DEERY CT................................ LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019........... $217,900 3623 PEREGRINE WAY........................ LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019........... $222,100 3752 PEREGRINE WAY........................ LAKELAND............2/7/2019...........$237,200 6303 FORESTWOOD DR.................... LAKELAND........... 2/5/2019.......... $267,000 5814 SPRING LAKE DR........................ LAKELAND........... 2/5/2019.......... $316,800 3516 HAMILTON RD............................ LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019...... $3,302,000 3947 TALON CREST DR...................... LAKELAND...........2/11/2019.......... $215,000 6155 GRACIE PL.................................. LAKELAND.......... 2/12/2019..........$255,600 5679 SUMMERLAND HILLS DR........... LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019..........$325,000 3007 JENNA MAE WAY........................ LAKELAND........... 2/4/2019..........$910,000 5875 CHRISTIANSEN CT..................... LAKELAND........... 2/4/2019..........$910,000 1329 EVERGREEN PARK CIR................ LAKELAND..........2/14/2019........... $59,000 891 ENCLAVE AT HARDEN CIR............ LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019............$59,500 4623 HARDING AVE........................... LAKELAND............2/7/2019........... $70,000 4622 GROVECREST DR....................... LAKELAND...........2/11/2019........... $70,000 6733 HAMPSHIRE BLVD...................... LAKELAND........... 2/4/2019............$70,500 4402 OLD HIGHWAY 37...................... LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019.......... $134,000 5917 JUNE ST....................................... LAKELAND............2/7/2019.......... $155,000 4335 WATKINS LN.............................. LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019.......... $159,900 6542 CREWS VUE LOOP..................... LAKELAND........... 2/5/2019...........$167,000 3845 FEATHERWOOD TRL................. LAKELAND............2/7/2019...........$179,900 5655 FISCHER DR............................... LAKELAND...........2/11/2019..........$180,000 603 TRAVIS CIR.................................. LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019...........$187,900 527 MARKET SQ................................. LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019.......... $198,500 7076 LAKE EAGLEBROOKE WAY........ LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019..........$209,500 5959 CHARLOMA DR......................... LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019......... $245,000 1323 EVERGREEN PARK CIR................ LAKELAND............2/7/2019..........$245,300 4417 ORANGEWOOD LOOP............... LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019......... $249,000 1101 HALLAM DR................................. LAKELAND............2/7/2019..........$259,900 6120 ANDREA DR................................ LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019......... $264,000

4340 GULLANE DR................................... LAKE WALES.............2/13/2019........... $205,000 141 DINNER LAKE AVE............................... LAKE WALES.............. 2/7/2019........... $209,000 3961 STATE ROAD 60................................ LAKE WALES..............2/8/2019............$245,000 0 STATE ROAD 60..................................... LAKE WALES..............2/8/2019............$245,000 24 QUEEN OF WATERS ST........................ LAKE WALES...............2/1/2019............. $60,000 439 WATERWAY DR.................................. LAKE WALES...............2/1/2019..............$70,000 5032 PINEAPPLE ST.................................. LAKE WALES.............2/12/2019.............. $72,500 3579 REAGAN BLVD.................................. LAKE WALES.............2/15/2019...............$81,700 2530 SUNSET CIR..................................... LAKE WALES...............2/1/2019............ $183,000 1060 OLD CUTLER RD.............................. LAKE WALES...............2/1/2019............ $193,000 513 CLUBHOUSE DR................................. LAKE WALES...............2/1/2019........... $240,000

LAKELAND 3032 HEATHER WAY........................... LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019............$50,500 1406 LONG ST..................................... LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019........... $80,000 2625 N CANAL DR............................... LAKELAND..........2/18/2019............ $80,100 2520 WEBER ST.................................. LAKELAND.......... 2/12/2019........... $80,800 707 N LORRI AVE................................ LAKELAND..........2/14/2019........... $90,000 652 CANDYCE AVE............................. LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019.......... $120,000 425 S ELM RD...................................... LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019.......... $123,000 504 WOODLAND AVE........................ LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019.......... $130,000 1622 SHORE ACRES DR....................... LAKELAND........... 2/5/2019.......... $165,000 1610 CRYSTALVIEW TRL...................... LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019.......... $165,000 1720 SENECA AVE............................... LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019.......... $172,000 1064 CLEARVIEW AVE........................ LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019..........$190,000 1221 DUNCAN AVE.............................. LAKELAND............2/7/2019......... $206,000 722 S RUSHING AVE............................ LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019..........$255,000 3135 US HIGHWAY 92......................... LAKELAND........... 2/6/2019..........$325,000 850 ORANGE ST................................. LAKELAND...........2/11/2019........ $1,120,000 2725 MINE AND MILL RD..................... LAKELAND............2/7/2019....... $1,450,000 1920 EDGEWOOD DR L5..................... LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019............$73,500 544 W HANCOCK ST.......................... LAKELAND........... 2/5/2019............$75,000 2925 STANHOPE AVE.......................... LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019............$85,300 523 W PARK ST................................... LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019........... $90,000 474 CAMEO DR................................... LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019...........$110,000 3121 ELLIS AVE..................................... LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019........... $115,500 1516 LINCOLN AVE.............................. LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019...........$125,900 218 EASTWAY DR................................ LAKELAND..........2/18/2019........... $141,600 1511 KING AVE...................................... LAKELAND........... 2/6/2019.......... $165,000 549 CAREY PL..................................... LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019..........$184,000 2811 WOODLAND HILLS AVE.............. LAKELAND............2/7/2019..........$188,000 705 W HANCOCK ST.......................... LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019......... $205,000 1115 AFTON ST..................................... LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019......... $245,000 2120 WOODBINE AVE......................... LAKELAND........... 2/4/2019......... $338,000 1716 LAUREL GLEN PL......................... LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019........... $411,600 10 LAKE HOLLINGSWORTH DR.......... LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019..........$555,000 2810 SECURITY LN............................. LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019......... $585,000 1621 EDGEWOOD DR.......................... LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019......... $870,000 3340 S FLORIDA AVE.......................... LAKELAND..........2/14/2019....... $2,100,000 145 ORANGEVIEW LN......................... LAKELAND..........2/14/2019....... $2,100,000 5312 WOOD CIR.................................. LAKELAND........... 2/5/2019.............$52,100 1013 JEWEL AVE................................... LAKELAND........... 2/5/2019............$55,000 823 6TH ST......................................... LAKELAND.......... 2/15/2019.......... $125,000 839 6TH ST......................................... LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019.......... $125,000 2277 CASPIAN DR............................... LAKELAND...........2/11/2019............$191,329 2455 TAHOE DR.................................. LAKELAND.......... 2/19/2019..........$228,000 12320 COUNTRYLAND DR.................. LAKELAND........... 2/6/2019........... $60,000 246 VILLAGE CREST CT...................... LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019........... $80,000 4711 CASSANDRA LN.......................... LAKELAND..........2/14/2019.......... $120,000 5388 QUARRY ROCK RD.................... LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019........... $121,000 havenmagazines.com

42


1127 HAINES DR.................................... WINTER HAVEN............ 2/19/2019..............$75,000

831 CHRISTINA CHASE DR.................. LAKELAND..........2/14/2019.......... $291,000 2110 BRANDYWINE CT........................ LAKELAND............2/7/2019..........$295,000 5802 COVEVIEW DR........................... LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019......... $384,000 6802 CRESCENT OAKS CIR................ LAKELAND........... 2/2/2019......... $395,000 1220 LAKE POINT DR.......................... LAKELAND........... 2/8/2019......... $635,000 6994 INDIAN CREEK PARK DR........... LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019.......$1,000,000 1239 OAKHILL ST................................ LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019............ $67,000 815 N BRUNNELL PKWY...................... LAKELAND.......... 2/12/2019........... $69,000 530 WABASH AVE............................... LAKELAND..........2/14/2019...........$107,000 2509 CHESTNUT WOODS DR............ LAKELAND.......... 2/12/2019.......... $109,900 414 GALLOWAY RD............................. LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019...........$118,600 1304 OLIVE ST.................................... LAKELAND......... 2/20/2019.......... $145,000 629 W MYRTLE ST.............................. LAKELAND............2/7/2019.......... $155,000 701 W MAGNOLIA ST.......................... LAKELAND............ 2/1/2019.......... $155,000 351 HOWARD AVE............................... LAKELAND.......... 2/13/2019......... $260,400 2435 NEW TAMPA HWY...................... LAKELAND............ 3/1/2019......... $650,000 5185 PEBBLE BEACH BLVD...........WINTER HAVEN...........2/11/2019...........$197,000 3990 JACLYNS JETTY...................WINTER HAVEN........... 2/4/2019........... $217,500 643 AUGUSTA RD........................WINTER HAVEN........... 2/4/2019..........$222,000 448 TERRANOVA ST....................WINTER HAVEN........... 2/8/2019......... $230,000 150 ELOISE OAKS DR...................WINTER HAVEN........... 2/8/2019..........$245,200 4322 MANDOLIN BLVD................WINTER HAVEN...........2/11/2019......... $264,000 4516 BACK NINE DR.....................WINTER HAVEN.......... 2/12/2019..........$274,400 1386 OAKMONT DR.....................WINTER HAVEN.......... 2/12/2019........... $311,800 1507 RIVIERA CT..........................WINTER HAVEN........... 2/6/2019......... $348,200

1133 HAINES DR................................... WINTER HAVEN............ 2/19/2019..............$75,000 693 LUCERNE BLVD............................. WINTER HAVEN............ 2/19/2019..............$75,000 2122 LAKE DR....................................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/4/2019.............. $75,200 1508 NE 6TH CT................................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/5/2019..............$76,900 510 NE 15TH CT.................................... WINTER HAVEN............ 2/19/2019..............$82,800 6717 CANTERBURY DR........................ WINTER HAVEN...............2/1/2019............. $85,000 6364 LOLLY BAY LOOP........................ WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019............. $90,000 1710 TERRY CIR.................................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/6/2019..............$92,000 229 AVENUE B..................................... WINTER HAVEN.............2/13/2019............ $106,000 2623 NW TRINITY CIR.......................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019............ $120,000 2440 HARTRIDGE POINT DR APT 20.. WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019............ $165,000 596 HAINES TRL.................................. WINTER HAVEN.............2/15/2019............ $169,900 23 CASARENA CT................................ WINTER HAVEN...............2/1/2019.............$175,000 999 NE 14TH ST................................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/6/2019.............$179,900 4019 OAK PRESERVE DR..................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019............ $184,900 1211 SOPHIA BLVD................................ WINTER HAVEN............ 2/14/2019............ $195,000 3066 ROYAL TERN DR......................... WINTER HAVEN............. 2/11/2019............ $199,000 3165 KIWI AVE...................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 2/11/2019............$206,300 1828 GALLOWAY TER.......................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019........... $208,400 3170 KIWI AVE...................................... WINTER HAVEN............. 2/11/2019.............$214,500 3025 ROYAL TERN DR......................... WINTER HAVEN.............2/12/2019.............$215,000 3109 ROYAL TERN DR.......................... WINTER HAVEN............ 2/14/2019.............$221,000 567 HIGHFIN DR.................................. WINTER HAVEN...............2/1/2019.............$231,000 135 SUNFISH DR................................... WINTER HAVEN.............. 2/7/2019.............$237,500 6135 GREY HERON DR......................... WINTER HAVEN.............2/15/2019............$239,000

WINTER HAVEN

6659 LUCERNE PARK RD..................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019............$250,000

5144 OLD BARTOW EAGLE LAKE RD.. WINTER HAVEN............ 2/14/2019............. $50,000

3137 ROYAL TERN DR........................... WINTER HAVEN.............. 2/7/2019..............$717,700

4916 ROSEWOOD ST........................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/5/2019..............$52,000

4093 GREAT EGRET DR....................... WINTER HAVEN.............. 2/7/2019..............$717,700

2090 SAN MARCOS DR....................... WINTER HAVEN............ 2/14/2019..............$52,000

9705 LAKE BESS RD LOT 614............... WINTER HAVEN...............2/1/2019............. $50,000

264 TEMPLE CIR.................................. WINTER HAVEN............ 2/14/2019............. $60,000

9705 LAKE BESS RD LOT 237............... WINTER HAVEN..............2/6/2019.............. $81,000

108 COVINGTON CV............................ WINTER HAVEN.............2/15/2019............. $64,000

100 EL CAMINO DR APT 109................ WINTER HAVEN.............2/13/2019............. $85,000

2025 SAN MARCOS DR APT 33............ WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019.............. $67,900

9705 LAKE BESS RD LOT 882............... WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019............. $90,000

861 1ST ST............................................ WINTER HAVEN..............2/4/2019..............$75,000

202 LAUREL COVE WAY...................... WINTER HAVEN.............2/13/2019............$100,000

333 W LAKE HOWARD DR APT 101B.... WINTER HAVEN..............2/5/2019..............$75,000

1101 EAGLE POND DR........................... WINTER HAVEN...............2/1/2019............$104,000

1404 NE 5TH ST................................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/5/2019..............$75,000

618 LAKE DEXTER CIR......................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/4/2019............. $112,000

2185 KNIGHTS RD................................ WINTER HAVEN.............2/15/2019..............$75,000

619 WEXFORD CT................................ WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019............ $135,000

3122 WALNUT ST................................. WINTER HAVEN............ 2/14/2019..............$82,000

2618 RUTLEDGE CT............................. WINTER HAVEN.............2/13/2019............ $140,000

3431 COVE CT...................................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/5/2019..............$99,200

3371 LIVINGSTON WAY........................ WINTER HAVEN.............2/15/2019............ $150,000

1830 AVENUE O................................... WINTER HAVEN.............2/13/2019............ $130,000

218 FRENCHMANS CREEK WAY........... WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019............ $166,600

192 LAKE THOMAS DR......................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/5/2019............. $147,800

617 WEXFORD CT................................ WINTER HAVEN..............2/5/2019............ $168,000

313 COMMERCE CT............................. WINTER HAVEN.............. 2/7/2019............ $150,000

2841 WHISPERING TRAILS DR............. WINTER HAVEN...............2/1/2019..............$171,900

628 AVENUE B SW............................... WINTER HAVEN.............. 2/7/2019............ $150,000

2214 GARDEN LAKE DR....................... WINTER HAVEN.............2/13/2019............. $172,500

375 CLOVERDALE RD.......................... WINTER HAVEN.............2/12/2019.............$165,300

2692 WHISPERING TRAILS DR............. WINTER HAVEN..............2/9/2019.............$175,000

1008 5TH ST........................................ WINTER HAVEN.............2/15/2019.............$174,500

7160 SUMMIT DR................................. WINTER HAVEN...............2/1/2019.............$175,000

2758 ROCHELLE DR............................. WINTER HAVEN............ 2/14/2019............ $180,000

5645 STRUTHERS CT.......................... WINTER HAVEN.............. 2/7/2019.............$192,500

1010 5TH ST......................................... WINTER HAVEN.............2/12/2019............ $190,000

5185 PEBBLE BEACH BLVD................... WINTER HAVEN............. 2/11/2019.............$197,000

393 SQUIRES GROVE DR..................... WINTER HAVEN............. 2/11/2019............ $195,000

3990 JACLYNS JETTY........................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/4/2019............. $217,500

951 SUMMER GLEN DR........................ WINTER HAVEN............ 2/14/2019............ $196,000

643 AUGUSTA RD................................ WINTER HAVEN..............2/4/2019............ $222,000

172 SOLIS DR........................................ WINTER HAVEN.............2/15/2019........... $200,500

448 TERRANOVA ST............................ WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019............$230,000

27 LAKE AVE........................................ WINTER HAVEN............. 2/11/2019............$250,000

150 ELOISE OAKS DR........................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019............ $245,200

400 NW 6TH ST................................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/8/2019.........$3,835,000

4322 MANDOLIN BLVD........................ WINTER HAVEN............. 2/11/2019........... $264,000

1109 HAINES DR................................... WINTER HAVEN.............2/13/2019............. $50,000

4516 BACK NINE DR............................. WINTER HAVEN.............2/12/2019............ $274,400

687 LUCERNE BLVD............................. WINTER HAVEN.............2/13/2019............. $50,000

1386 OAKMONT DR............................. WINTER HAVEN.............2/12/2019............. $311,800

2500 NW 21ST ST 17............................. WINTER HAVEN.............2/15/2019............. $50,000

1507 RIVIERA CT.................................. WINTER HAVEN..............2/6/2019............$348,200

1892 CROSSROADS BLVD.................... WINTER HAVEN............ 2/19/2019.............. $60,100 1550 11TH ST APT C2............................ WINTER HAVEN.............2/15/2019.............. $67,500 2648 TRINITY CIR................................ WINTER HAVEN.............2/13/2019...............$71,000 1508 NE 6TH CT................................... WINTER HAVEN..............2/5/2019.............. $72,900 6762 BRENTWOOD DR........................ WINTER HAVEN............2/20/2019..............$75,000

43


WORDS Tara Crutchfield

Cypress Inlet – It’ s Party Time! A home away from home lake lover’s paradise, Cypress Inlet in Winter Haven opened its doors for business in the summer of 2018. Owners Richard and Janet Hicks purchased a franchise with Freedom Boat Club a few months later, covering all aspects of what it means to vacation on The Chain of Lakes.

Haven. She added, “The nice thing about Freedom Boat Club is there is reciprocity for up to four times at each location across the country.”

The Hicks’, who have been investing in real estate for the better part of twenty years, purchased the property, formerly Rainbow Boat Basin, from a Winter Haven couple they’d had real estate dealings with in the past. The previous units, which had a seedy reputation, were demolished and removed from the property. Utilities were reinstalled, and new units were brought in.

The Winter Haven boat club currently has three boats – The Party Time, a large pontoon, The Serenity, a smaller pontoon with a live fishing well, and The Simplicity, a faster Hurricane Deck Boat. They are in the market for a bass boat and ski boat to add to their club’s menu.

Instead of holding the property and selling or renting out the units as residential spaces, the Hicks’ instead decided to expand Winter Haven’s lodging offerings by opening it as a resort. Cypress Inlet currently consists of seven, 1 to 2-bedroom vacation units, one of which houses the office. The next phase of their plan includes building a combined clubhouse and office space on the property. The clubhouse will be a place where guests can lounge, watch TV, or grab a drink after a day on The Chain. Each of the units has a unique theme planned out and named by their daughter, Amy. From the Ponderosa – a western themed unit to comic book and action hero themed rooms for the kids in some of the units – guests can tailor their vacation experience each time they visit the Inlet. “It’s a great alternative for families or people looking to stay long term,” said Janet. A point of discussion when they bought the property was what to do with all of the boat slips. Of course, guests of the Inlet can bring their own boat and put in the water at their ramp and keep it docked at one of the slips, but the Hicks found another use for them. “We came across Freedom Boat Club and decided it was a great investment opportunity,” said Janet. Freedom Boat Club is a membership-based club in which members pay an initiation fee and monthly price for unlimited access to the club’s boats – “Boating made easy,” as Janet put it. Instead of worrying about the financial burden of purchasing a boat, making payments, maintaining insurance, and upkeep, Freedom Boat Club members can use their app 24/7 to reserve a boat that they can pick up and drop off the same day, providing the boat’s availability.

So, whether you want to boat in Lake Tahoe or off the Pacific coast, there’s likely a boat club nearby.

The resort has hosted everyone from business people training in the area, baseball players here for spring training, snowbirds, couples, and families – to three friends with a bottle of wine and a few card games. The Haven team packed our bags for a Cypress Inlet mini-vacay. When we arrived, Richard took us for a ride on The Party Time. The boat eased along below the lush, mossy overhang of the trees. Around the bend, an opening appeared beyond the jungle canopy and The Party Time made its way onto Lake Eloise. There is nothing like a Chain of Lakes sunset! We returned to our unit, “The Seaside” for a relaxing night in. The unit was tidy and updated, with anything you’d need for a short or prolonged vacation. Its decor had seaside subtleties with the feeling of a modernized beach retreat. Though we opted for pizza, the full kitchen was suitable, with all the necessary appliances to cook a meal if we would have wanted to. Cypress Inlet is definitely a place to get away from it all. The night outside was calm and quiet, only broken occasionally by an eruption of laughter coming from our unit. It’s the kind of place that makes it easy to put your phone down and really hang out with your vacation buddies. Whether you’re itching for a weekend getaway or a month-long retreat, be sure to book in advance. Janet suggests three to six months if possible as the units tend to fill quickly. Cypress Inlet Vacation Rentals Freedom Boat Club 2600 W Lake Eloise Drive, Winter Haven, FL, 33884 easychoicepropertymanagement.com/locations/ cypress-inlet freedomboatclub.com/locations/225-winterhaven-fl/map/ Cypress Inlet: (623) 910-4821 Freedom Boat Club: (888) 781-7363

According to Janet, there are more than 175 Freedom Boat Club locations across the U.S. and Canada, also accessible to members who sign up in Winter

havenmagazines.com

44


45



#lkldhaven



Apr 20 | 5:00 P.M.

FREE TO

RIDE

Info @ FB.com/slowrollskishow

SATURDAY

Meet at the Bike Shop of Winter Haven | 249 3rd St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880 | (863) 299-9907

havenmagazines.com

49


FREE

theritzwinterhaven theatrewinterhaven


KEEPING YOU COOL IS OUR BUSINESS!

FREE ESTIMATES! NO HIDDEN COSTS 100% FINANCING AVAILABLE We Proudly Carry:

Doing business since 1987 as

Michael I Newbern Air Conditioning Contractor, Inc CAC1813758

1139 Berkley Rd • Auburndale, FL 33823 • newbernac.com 863-967-1956 • 863-967-2154


ATTENTION

Realtors and Home Buyers!

Get pre-Approved. Mortgage Options as low as 0% down*

VOTED #1 Mortgage Lender

QUICK CLOSE GREAT RATES

Agents help your clients close fast and save money! Home Solution Lenders, INC. YOUR FLORIDA LENDER

“Making Dreams come True since 2008” Voted Best of the Best 2018

• FHA • VA • USDA • Conventional • Bond • Construction • Refinance

Ricky Peacock, President and CEO

Jayson Durden CFO/Attorney

HSLenders.com 863.607.HOME (4663) 1445 E. Main Street Bartow, Florida 33830

Home Solution Lenders, INC. is offering a 0.375 buyer incentive! Close in as little as 10 days!

100k=$375 • 200k=$750 Home Solution Lenders Inc. *.375% closing cost credit promotion offer is for purchase loan applications with a property identified, and application received between Dec 1st 2018 – March 31st, 2019. The closing cost credit is given on the Final Closing Disclosure and is calculated off the final loan amount. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend and is subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply on all programs. Complete guidelines, loan applications, interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) are available through Home Solution Lenders Inc. Other restrictions or limitations to any program may apply. Not all applicants will qualify. Cannot be combined with any other off

NMLS ID: 327291 • Lic Florida MLD954


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.