LKLD May 2024

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Hello!

This month’s cover photo is of a homeless encampment here in Polk County. I want to thank Andrea Anderson for taking us through and introducing us to the people that live there. Thank you to Talbot House, Gospel Inc., and Polk for Recovery for their guidance. Homelessness is a complex situation, and I hope Tara’s story will challenge your views on it, help you to understand some of the root causes, and start to change the stigma. If anything, I hope this issue will start conversations like it did here in the office.

Welcome Anne Yasalonis, Residential Horticulture Master Gardener Volunteer Program at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Anne is our newest contributing writer and will write a gardening story for us monthly. We’re very excited to have her join us.

Check out our Top Ten lists and calendar for exciting events happening around Central Florida. Thank you to the Winter Haven Public Library for the book selections this month. Shannon Carnevale writes about mosquitos, and we’ve got a cocktail with a caffeine kick.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms and mom-like people in your life!

Amy Sexson Editor/Partner Haven & LKLD Magazines Destroyer Media & Marketing Winter Haven Farmers Market

centralfloridaTiX.com

First Friday Winter Haven

Email me: amy@destroyermedia.com

LOCAL NEWS

ALAIN DOUGE TAPPED TO LEAD LAKELAND HIGH SCHOOL

Alain Douge, 45, has been appointed principal of Lakeland Senior High School, effective this summer when current Principal Arthur Martinez retires. Douge, (pronounced doo-JAY), grew up in Naples and arrived in Polk County as a student at Florida Southern College, graduating in 2001. He began his teaching career as a special education teacher at Lake Gibson High, along with teaching mathematics and algebra. He was principal at Lake Gibson Middle before being chosen to help design and open Polk County’s newest high school, Davenport High, in 2021. He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

STUDENTS TRIUMPH IN STATE ACADEMIC COMPETITION

WORDS

Kimberly C. Moore/LkldNow.com

Team Polk students won first place for the second year in a row in the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge in Orlando in March. Team Polk is: Juan Landaeta and Kim-Linh Vo from Lakeland; Abraham Medina from Winter Haven. They all attend International Baccalaureate at Bartow High School. Abrar Amin attends International Baccalaureate at Haines City High School and lives in Winter Haven. James Lovely of Lakeland and Liam Moraczewski of Winter Haven attend All Saints Academy in Winter Haven. Sarah McKinney, from Lakeland, is an alternate from Harrison School for the Arts. Farrell Dugazon lives in Winter Haven and is an alternate from Chain of Lakes Collegiate High. Peggy Frisbie and Chris Guice coach the team. Both are from Bartow High School.

LAKELAND UNVEILS DESIGNS FOR S. FLORIDA AVE ROAD DIET

Four years ago, concrete barriers were installed along S Florida Ave between Lime and Ariana streets, converting that mile from five narrow lanes to three standard-sized ones. The Lakeland’s City Commission voted to make the three-lanes permanent — clearing the way for a longer-term transformation into a pedestrian-friendly destination with wide sidewalks, shade trees, and charm. Construction should start in 2027 and be completed in 2029, according to city officials. But statements from FDOT District 1 Secretary L.K. Nandam in April raised concerns about the state’s willingness to pay for reconstruction of the road it owns. Some commissioners were shocked to learn that the state expects the city to pay a significant part of the project — possibly as much as 50% of the final $22 million bill. And that caused some commissioners to wonder if they were initially misled about the bill.

LHS CHEERLEADERS HONORED BY CITY COMMISSION

It wasn’t a pep rally, but it was an honor for the Lakeland High School cheerleaders when they were recognized at a recent City Commission meeting for winning state and national championship titles in February. At the Florida High School Athletic Association’s competition, the team won first place in the 2A extralarge non-tumbling varsity division — a title they earned for the sixth year in a row. At the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships, they won first place in the super non-tumbling division. Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Madden read the proclamation, declaring Monday, March 18 to be “Lakeland Senior High School Varsity Cheerleader State Champion Day” in the city of Lakeland.

FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC

NAMES NEW PRESIDENT

Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Trustees chose G. Devin Stephenson, 71, as the university’s new president. Stephenson is currently Northwest Florida State College president. His appointment and final contract require approval by the state board of governors, which oversees Florida’s 12 public universities. Stephenson holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Alabama. He has extensive experience in community college executive administration and was one of five finalists selected by the university’s Presidential Search Committee. Stephenson wrote in an email to LkldNow, “I want to extend my gratitude to the entire university community and all stakeholders for their active engagement and support throughout the search. I look forward to building relationships, advancing the mission, and strengthening the

CITY COMMISSION

EMBRACES LAKELAND’S ‘DOWNTOWN WEST’

Lakeland’s City Commission voted unanimously on Monday to adopt the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Downtown West Action Plan — an ambitious outline of short- and longterm actions to nurture and uplift the area west of Florida Avenue, south of Memorial Boulevard, north of Lime Street and east of Lake Beulah Drive. The plan was a year and a half in the making and aims to better connect portions of the city, revitalize struggling neighborhoods, and provide incentives for infill development. Its adoption makes it easier for the CRA to apply for grants to complete or begin projects. A poll of residents showed they wanted safe ways to walk or bike through the area, easier access to Bonnet Springs Park and downtown, more and affordable housing, and better use of city-owned property.

LAKELAND NATIVE WHO GREW UP GOING TO SUN ‘N FUN GOT TO FLY IN IT

Maj. Chad Smith, 40, grew up going to Lakeland’s SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In and received his private pilot license at Lakeland Linder International Airport when he was just 17 years old. Last month, he turned to his old stomping grounds as a member of Fairchild Air Force Base’s 92nd Air Refueling Wing, located near Spokane, Washington. He performed on the KC135 Stratotanker team, doing an air refueling demonstration. “I always had a dream to fly at SUN’n FUN. It’s nice to get that chance,” Smith said. “SUN’n FUN is kind of what inspired aviation for me. “ Smith, the son of Jennifer Smith, graduated from Lakeland High School in 2002. He began flying when he was 15. The war veteran has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. His team performed in Lakeland last year, but he was unable to attend because he was deployed in Europe.

LDDA DISMANTLES FACIAL RECOGNITION FEATURE ON CAMERAS

Facial recognition software in downtown Lakeland’s newly installed cameras was disabled after an unexpected outcry from the public and a possible lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union. The Lakeland Downtown Development Agency’s governing body voted to purchase the 13 cameras. City commissioners and business owners endorsed the plan when it was first announced. The software allows business owners to upload pictures of individuals and receive emailed alerts if that person is detected. The LDDA was transparent about the feature at its March meeting. In an emailed statement, Townsend wrote in April that in lieu of facial recognition, “(We) will continue with our long-standing, unofficial neighborhood watch program of notifying each other when there are threats to people or property. The cameras without facial recognition are helpful in that effort.”

LARGEST-EVER LAND DONATION WITH GIFT OF HOLLOWAY PARK

Lakeland received a very large and valuable gift in April — nearly 380 acres of prime park land valued at $12.9 million. It is the biggest single land donation in city history, according to Bob Donahay, director of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts. Holloway Park is the legacy of land developer Ed Holloway, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 91, and his wife Mary Ann, who died a year later, also at 91. In 2010, the couple decided to preserve the land as a park and formed the Holloway Park Foundation, Inc. The foundation gave it to Lakeland to manage in perpetuity on two conditions: Deed restrictions requiring that the property be used solely for park and recreational purposes to benefit Lakeland residents and the public at large; and the park must continue to be known by the name “Holloway Park.” Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the gift.

LAKELAND MAKES

JUNETEENTH A PAID HOLIDAY

Juneteenth will be a paid holiday for city workers starting this year. Lakeland’s City Commission unanimously approved a resolution April 1, adding June 19 to the 10 federal and state holidays along with a “floating holiday” of each worker’s choosing. Community activists Harlem Turner and Doris Moore Bailey advocated for several years for the elevated recognition of Juneteenth — a holiday that marks when the last group of enslaved people in Texas finally learned in 1865 that they were free, more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. However, it was resident Virginia Robinson who moved commissioners at their meeting on Feb. 6. “Think of the Fourth of July — that’s what Juneteenth is to people who look like me,” Robinson said at that meeting. “That’s when we become Americans, free Americans. That’s when we began the road to equality. That’s our beginning.”

TEN STORY CHALLENGE

May 3, noon – 10 pm at Lakeland Electric. Proceeds benefit the Pace Center for Girls. This is a peer-topeer fundraising event where people raise a minimum of $500 and then rappel from the Lakeland Electric building. There will also be food trucks, Little Bus Books, a DJ, a photo booth, and more pacecenter.org

MOTHER’S DAY

May 12. Don’t forget to make a reservation at one of our local restaurants for you and your mom! (or mom-like person in your life). Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year for restaurants. Or visit one of our local boutiques and buy her something nice.

POLK TOP 10

PACA ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING

May 7, 6 pm at the Florida Children’s Museum. The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance Executive Director, Daryl Ward, will share updated info regarding PACA initiatives. This event is free for PACA members or anyone wishing to join. Registration is required on eventbrite at Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance.

RADIUM GIRLS

May 15 & 16 at Lakeland Community Theatre. Based on the true story of the women and men who worked for the U.S. Radium Corporation in Orange, N.J. Radium Girls is a fast-paced stage play. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

CITYWORKSXPO

May 9 & 10 at the Ritz Theatre. This is a gathering focused on sharing knowledge from around the country to build stronger communities here. Attendees will be immersed in thought-provoking presentations, performances, and engaging dialogue. At night, network at highenergy gatherings. cityworksxpofl.com

LES DUDEK

May 18, 7:30 pm at Gram Parsons

Derry Down. Recording artist, Les Dudek, is known in the music world as a Guitar Legend whose contributions have influenced the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Les Dudek is best remembered for his radio hits, “Old Judge Jones,” and “Deja-Vu.” Purchase tickets at gpderrydown.com

KIDS MUSEUM DAY

May 11, 10 am – 4 pm at the Florida Air Museum. Your FREE admission will give you access to explore the wonderful galleries and aircraft assets the Florida Air Museum has to offer. In addition to the tour, you can enjoy bounce houses, local exhibitors, and more! aceedu.org

UNITED WAY ANNUAL CELEBRATION

May 23, 5 pm at the Polk Theatre. Join United Way of Central Florida for their 2024 Annual Celebration! This 80th Anniversary year will feature a look-back from the founding years to the present. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and cocktails. liveuwcf.org

MAYFAIRE BY-THE-LAKE

Mayfaire is a free, two-day juried fine art festival held in Downtown Lakeland on Lake Morton on May 11 & 12 from 9 am – 4 pm. Stroll through 145 artist booths plus enjoy a new Mayfaire Kid Zone, food vendors, performances, and a 50th Anniversary exhibition at the Polk Museum of Art! mayfairebythelake.org

RUN FOR THEIR LIVES 5K

May 25, 7:30 am at Peterson Park in Lakeland. Runners will not only enjoy a chip-timed 5K race but will be saving lives with every step they take. Walkers, and leashed dogs are welcome. Proceeds benefit SPCA Florida. The course will run most of the 3 Parks Trail. spcaflorida.org

ORLANDO TOP 10

ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE

Through May 19 at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961 and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. gardentheatre.org

SHREK

May 9, 8 pm at Central Park in Winter Park. This movie is free and open to the public. This film is presented with open captions. Bring a blanket, picnic or snacks, and enjoy a beautiful night out. enzian.org

KAYAKING

Kayak in a clear kayak through Emerald Cut starting from Kings Landing with a relaxing drift back to the launch site on crystal clear water. Go through the protected waters where you might see fish, turtles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. All skill levels, book online. getupandgokayaking.com

MOTHER’S DAY

May 11, 9 am – 5 pm at Leu Gardens. Enjoy this special day with your mom in the beautiful 50-acre gardens. Explore the amazing art of Alex Heveri’s Glass in Flight 2, an outdoor exhibit of larger-than-life flying insects and birds. Moms receive free admission. leugardens.org

THE MORSE MUSEUM

The Morse Museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933), including jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass lamps, and windows; his chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago; and art and objects from Laurelton Hall. morsemuseum.org

BEER ‘MERICA

May 18, 3 – 6 pm. Featuring 100 different craft brews, seltzers, and more to sample from. Lakeside in the park at Ivanhoe Village, you’ll love the live music, food trucks, game zone, and more! Dog-friendly, 21+, VIP available. Purchase tickets online. beermericaorlando.com

SHOP, DINE, & STROLL

May 4, all day in historic downtown Winter Garden. This day features live entertainment, a downtownwide Raffle “May”nia, unique dining & shopping options, blooming spring scenery, and so much more. cwgdn.com

MILK MART’S BIRTHDAY BASH

May 26, noon – 6 pm at The Nook on Robinson at 2432 E Robinson St. in Orlando. Shop a market full of handmade and local goods, food trucks, enjoy music, and fun to celebrate 8 years of incredible markets. milkmartorlando.com

STAR WARS NIGHT

May 4 with Orlando City and May 5 with Orlando Pride. Watch professional soccer on Star Wars weekend, complete with costumed characters, themed merchandise, and more! Purchase tickets for either game at orlandocitysc.com.

LIONEL RICHIE & EARTH, WIND, & FIRE

May 31, 7:30 pm at the Kia Center. You’re invited to a party that will have you dancing all night long! Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire together on the same stage. VIP packages available. kiacenter.com

Where Central Florida Fun Is Found.

New to Florida’s Sweetest Spot? Swing by the Welcome Center. Home of the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame Museum.

1-800-828-7655 | VisitCentralFlorida.com.

TAMPA TOP 10

RIVERFEST

May 3, 5 – 10 pm and May 4, 11 am – 10 pm along the Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This is a free, family-friendly festival that includes Taste of Riverwalk, Taco Fest, hot air balloons & more. See a full concert series of local bands on the main stage. thetampariverwalk.com

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

May 10 – 18 by the Carrollwood Players. A vanished father. A pill-popping mother. Three sisters harboring shady little secrets. When the Weston family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes. carrollwoodplayers.org

SHAMROCK DISTANCE CLASSIC

May 4, 7 am at Fort De Soto Park. Half marathon, 10k, and 5k, or choose the Leprechaun Mile. All donations and a portion of the net proceeds will go to Tampa Bay Watch to help restore Tampa Bay. Shamrocks, craft beer, and live music at the awards ceremony. runsignup.com

STUDIO 55

Every Sunday beginning May 12, 1 – 4 pm at the Tampa Museum of Art. Take the Mixed Media Collage eight-week course full of artistic experimentation, mixed techniques and embellishment for adults 55 and older. tampamuseum.org

STAR WARS DAY CELEBRATION

May 4 at Tampa Theatre. Watch the trilogy in one day. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) at 1:15. The Empire Strikes Back (1980) at 4:30. Return of the Jedi (1983) at 7:45. Purchase tickets online. tampatheatre.org

MARGARITA WARS

May 17, 7 pm at the James Museum of Western Art in Downtown St. Pete. Sample margaritas created by the area’s best mixologists and try your hand at tipsy judging as you help award the best. Plus, live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and other fun surprises. margaritawarstampabay.com

TAMPA TARPONS

May 7, 6:30 pm at the George Steinbrenner Field. Enjoy Tarpons Baseball with your favorite fourlegged friend during Tail Waggin’ Tuesday. $2 tickets (dogs & humans) & $2 select concession items through the 2nd inning. milb.com/tampa

CUBAN SANDWICH FESTIVAL

May 26, noon – 4 pm at Centennial Park in Ybor City. Enjoy live music, cultural entertainment, and the BEST Cuban Sandwiches in the world; featuring contestants and chefs from all over the world. Watch as they attempt to make a 350-foot sandwich. cubansandwichfestival.com

DIANA ROSS

May 9, 8 pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. The one-and-only Motown legend Diana Ross sings her countless chart-topping hits including “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” rutheckerdhall.com

CLUE

May 28 – June 2 at the Straz Center. Based on the cult 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, CLUE is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist. strazcenter.org

Tent City

Tribulation

WORDS

Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH

Amy Sexson

A sandy path of broken glass lined on either side by discarded children’s toys, shopping carts, tires, and other refuse leads to a hovel hamlet. To get there, you must cross a bridge overlooking a canal that jet skiers and boaters take every day, unaware that yards away is a homeless camp with dozens of people who can’t secure affordable housing, earn a living wage, are without family, struggling through mental illness, or in active addiction. Though ramshackle, this tent city displays an amount of resourcefulness born out of desperation – desperation for identity, for something of one’s own. Old signs and headboards are turned into make-shift gates to separate one residence from the next. Multiple tents or tarps are strung together to create individual living spaces for families. Though best efforts are made to create a ‘home,’ these dwellings are a portrait of depression.

This is one of Polk County’s five to six known homeless encampments. According to Talbot House Ministries Executive Director Maria Cruz, the amount of people experiencing homelessness has increased by almost 65% in the last three years. However, identifying the number of unsheltered individuals is a difficult task. Cruz notes that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Pointin-Time Count is a baseline but is not entirely reliable. The HUD 2023 Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs Homeless Populations and Subpopulations counted 776 homeless persons in Polk County. This number doesn’t reflect those who choose not to disclose their housing status or those in unknown encampments, among other discrepancies. “Single individuals are falling through the cracks because they have not been counted correctly,” Cruz said.

All federal funding assigned to counties follows HUD’s Point-inTime Count. “We are not receiving the amount of funding that we should be receiving. Who is advocating in Congress for that to change nationwide? Not too many people,” said Cruz, who noted little to no County or City support. “The majority of our programs and services exist due to the community’s support.”

McKinney-Vento is another metric to consider when estimating the unhoused population. According to the National Center for Homeless Education, “Each year, the states submit information regarding the education of students who experienced homelessness to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) as a part of the EDFacts Initiative. Using the most recently available data, this brief examines the number of students who experienced homelessness, the type of housing they used when first identified by school districts, and subgroups of students who experienced homelessness.” During the 2020-21 school year, approximately 62,971 students experienced homelessness in the state of Florida, making up 2.3 percent of all students in the state.

Andrea Anderson is the Director of Community Outreach for Polk for Recovery, an organization “led by and for those in recovery from substance use, mental health, or other obstacles to wellness.”

Each week, she and her team walk the dusty, rubbish-lined trails to check on folks in the camp – and extend help. They hand out clothes, food, water, hygiene kits, and offer treatment or safe housing.

“I encourage everybody to visit the encampments [accompanied by Talbot House Ministries] so you can see in real-time the things that many people don’t want to be

presented,” said Cruz. “Higher levels in the community don’t want that to be out there because, of course, they want to look good. Of course, they want the CRA to clean all this and present the best face. We want them to see the reality and not to forget that they are human beings.”

While walking through the encampment with Anderson, we came across a young man who was shirtless and unkempt. Twenty-seven-year-old Nicholas has been homeless for a year and a half. After a family disagreement, he was kicked out of his house. His daily life consists of cleaning up around camp, cutting firewood for meals, and collecting water jugs to cook, bathe, and give to his dogs.

Nicholas lives in a tent with his significant other, his mother, and her boyfriend. “There’s no real plan to it. You just kind of make the best of every day,” he said. He’s been at his current homestead for six months. Asked about his ideal life, Nicholas said, “I honestly couldn’t tell you. I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.” Anderson, as is her job and purpose in life, offered him hope in the form of her business card.

Andrea Anderson

From Heroin to Heroine

Andrea Anderson is the kind of person who effuses genuineness. She cares about everyone in the camps and knows many of them by name, including pets. As we made our way through a vein of footpaths that trickled off to this tent or that one, she’d call out to folks, asking how they were and if they needed anything. She, herself, is a woman renewed. This life is all too familiar to Anderson. As Lorree from Gospel Village would say, it’s one of her taproots. But, you’ll read about her later.

“I started using from a young age. My addiction progressed throughout the years,” Anderson said. Heroin and crack were her drugs of choice. By the time she ended up homeless, she’d been in and out of prison. “Getting out of prison, I had nothing left. I had to do things that I’m not proud of to support a habit that I had to use every day to stay well.”

She hustled to make money to afford a motel room each night. “It was terrible. It was degrading,” she said. “I couldn’t look at cars that passed me on the street—I felt less than. Stores wouldn’t let me in to use the restroom.”

Anderson said that her addiction kept her in bondage. She was ready to break free. “I went to jail the last time and was headed to prison for the second time. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired,” she said. “I gave my heart to Christ and asked for help. Immediately, I was changed. I knew that I never had to do that again.”

When Anderson was released from prison, she entered a sober living facility in Polk County. She went through a treatment program, learned life skills to stay sober, and worked at a restaurant for seven years. She went on to work for Tri-County and eventually, along with her colleagues, helped to start Polk for Recovery with Executive Director Craig Pickos. Anderson is still involved in a 12-step program, keeps multiple service commitments, and gives back through her job in community outreach. “It helps keep me sober.”

Having suffered through addiction, hustling to make money to have somewhere to rest her head at night must have been spiritually burdensome. To see it now through sober eyes can’t be easy. But Anderson has a different outlook on it. “I never personalize it. This is all God’s business. We’re out here planting seeds,” she said. “We’re meeting them where they are and offering them help. When they’re ready, they know us and might call us.”

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A Not-So-Simple Life

Darlene is a special woman. Tough and sincere. Beaten down by circumstance, she was guarded but honest as she talked about life on the streets. While holding a newborn puppy she called Sweetie, she told us about the plants she tends. Darlene has a small garden of rosemary (for mosquitoes, she said), cacti, an Easter lily, and a plant she called ‘earache medicine.’

She does her best to keep her space and herself clean, which is a daily task. Darlene has been homeless for the better part of 20 years and has been in her current space for over 10. “My mother died. My father kicked me out after four years of taking care of her. I miss her,” she said. Darlene cared for her ailing mother 24/7, “But I’m okay with that. She was my mom.” Her mother had terminal throat cancer. “I fed her every four hours and made her gain weight. I took her to her treatments. I took care of the house, took care of the bills for Daddy.” Then, she was kicked out. Her father died six years later. With no brothers or sisters, “I don’t have anyone in my life,” she said. “We don’t know where we would go if we lost this,” she said of the property on which she lives. Her entire life is this cobbled-together homestead. She doesn’t want to enter a facility like Talbot House or Gospel Village because she’s worried she’d have to give up her animals. “I don’t think I could give my babies up,” she said of her five dogs. “They’re the only thing I’ve got to talk to.”

“There’s a lot of depression. There are a couple of girls that want out of here,” Darlene said of the encampment. “The guys out here give us a hard time. We have a lot of stealing going on. I’ve lost my hatchet. I’ve lost my machete.” Being a single woman on the streets is demanding. It’s a lot of “taking up for yourself. The guys try to run over us a lot, and I won’t let them. You’re not telling me what I can and can’t do.”

Meth and alcohol are the specific blights on Darlene’s community. “Everybody around here, they’re either on drugs or they trick.”

“Every time we leave here, the cops pull us over and search us constantly,” she said, calling drugs an occasional temptation. “But I can’t afford it, so I don’t mess with it. I’d rather spend money on my dogs.”

“I isolate myself from people,” said Darlene. Other than her puppies, Ms. Smith is her only friend and confidant. “She’s 85 years old and got more brains than I do,” Darlene said. “She sees me every day. She tells me when I need to go home and take a shower, when I need a haircut.”

Deterioration of the backbone, skin cancer, and essential tremors slow Darlene – but they don’t stop her. Each morning, she wakes up to the mess outside her abode and does her best to clean it up. “The garbage around here wouldn’t be that bad if they would just set up a dumpster because all of us would put our trash in it.” Instead, she’s forced to burn and bury her garbage.

“I cook me some breakfast, and then I get to work,” she said. Darlene collects water, washes dishes, scrubs laundry, rakes the yard, and cuts the grass with scissors under the merciless Florida sun. “It takes me all day to do what I need to do out here.”

“Mentally, I’m burnt out,” Darlene admitted. “Talking to a psychiatrist don’t work and the medicine they give you don’t work. […] I don’t know what to say. I’ll be 58 years old in July. My body’s wearing out early.”

“People just look at you like you’re nothing, and we do feel it. It’s like the rich men get it, and the poor people get nothing,” said Darlene as she shielded her eyes from the beating midday beams. “Let’s trade for 24 hours. Do what I do.”

Asked how people could help her situation, her eyes brimmed with tears, “I don’t know,” she said, dejected. “I’ve had the Census Bureau out here several times. They

keep saying they’re going to do something, but they don’t. It don’t get better. Grady Judd comes out here – it don’t help. They just throw us away.”

In response, Sheriff Grady Judd called himself and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office advocates for the unhoused. “We spend an inordinate amount of time and resources in our homeless communities county-wide. We do that because we want to make sure they have the basic necessities – food, clothing, and shelter,” he said. Sheriff Judd noted he personally visits the homeless communities, inquiring about their needs. “We can’t control if someone lives in a homeless environment, but we certainly look out for them in that homeless environment. We can’t live their life for them, but we do our best to take care of them.”

Talbot House Ministries Executive Director Maria Cruz called the Lakeland Police Department a great support to their efforts. “I do believe that the police department, either county or local, are not equipped to handle the homelessness crisis. I don’t believe the police were designed to be the first responders in homelessness intervention because they don’t have the resources; they don’t have the contacts. They are trying to do the best they can.” Cruz suggests coming together as a county to develop a task force of clinical and homelessness service providers that can work with law enforcement to address the crisis. “As providers, we are working scattered, trying to do the best we can. But we don’t have an integrated approach towards tackling the issue.”

“I’m not a bad person. I don’t steal things, I don’t do drugs, I’m just stuck in a bad place,” Darlene said through misty eyelashes. “I’m not with all the drama and stuff that goes on. I don’t fit in out here.”

“You need to know their stories. You need to know what caused their situation. Most of the time, it’s not drugs or mental health – it’s life happening,” said Cruz.

Darlene

Darlene hopes to escape the poverty that holds her underwater. Her life is a struggle for air. Weighed down by trauma, loss of family, and circumstance, all she craves is a deep breath – a gasp from her tired spirit. There’s no such thing as perfect, she said, but the closest thing to it would be “a little quiet small house. That’s all. And a little piece of property – just me.”

Solutions to a Complex Issue

Anderson, who checks on the encampments weekly, has an idea to mitigate homelessness – a housing-first initiative. This approach has proven successful in cities across the nation. Community First! Village is a master-planned neighborhood in Austin, Texas, that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women who are coming out of chronic homelessness. Today, it occupies 51 acres and is a respite for more than 370 formerly homeless folks. In 2021, the Reseda Tiny Home Village opened in LA County. The Village consists of 52 units and 101 beds, helping unhoused Angelenos get off the streets, into a space of their own, and on a path to finding permanent housing.

Housing-first initiatives can be seen locally in places like Talbot House Ministries and Gospel Village in Lakeland. On February 3, 2021, property on E. Lemon Street, formerly Royal Oak Estates, was purchased, and renovations began for what was to become Gospel Village. Today, Gospel Village has 34 units and 43 residents.

Anderson imagines repurposing abandoned hotels. “Put the homeless in there, have them work for the hotel. Have them work for their daily wages and food and start feeling like productive members of society,” she said.

Giving this dignified income – this purpose – could be an incentive to stay clean. “Right now, they don’t have a purpose, and they’re stuck in this addiction. [...] Small changes over a period of time make a difference,” Anderson said.

Winter Haven City Manager T. Michael Stavres called homelessness and contributing issues “complex.” According to the City Manager, addressing it within any community requires a multifaceted approach utilizing multiple agencies. In Winter Haven, this includes entities such as the City, Polk County, Heart For Winter Haven, The Mission, Central Florida Health Care, Polk County Public Schools, and countless faith-based organizations.

“The easy answer to how best to support the unhoused population is to provide housing, but that is no easy task, nor is it necessarily a cure-all solution. While having access to a greater inventory of affordable housing helps, it will not be sustainable without the wrap-around services that seek to address financial literacy, workforce skill development, mental and physical health support, and transportation,” said Stavres.

The City of Winter Haven has established an Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help financially support new developments specifically aligned with affordable housing. According to Stavres, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has also established incentive programs to help offset the development costs for projects within the CRA geographic areas. Additionally, the City’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) annually evaluates strategies to enhance and increase affordable housing availability as part of the State Housing Initiative Partnership Program (SHIP).

We reached out to Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz for a comment about how best to serve the unhoused population and any plans the City has for the issue, but we did not receive a response. According to their website, the City of Lakeland’s Housing Office works to preserve and develop affordable housing within city limits.

“Homelessness can be reduced if we implement and work with tangible, evidencebased solutions,” said Maria Cruz. “Housing-focused programs work to reduce and

resolve homelessness, so let us invest in those evidence-based practices.” According to the Talbot House Ministries executive director, Polk County takes a reactive approach to homelessness. “We need to work and invest more in preventing homelessness in the first place,” she said. Allocated crisis assistance dollars could prevent someone at risk of experiencing homelessness from losing their job or housing and help them get back on their feet.

Regardless of the many possible solutions to the issue of homelessness, one plight remains – how we treat our unsheltered brothers and sisters. Often, those experiencing homelessness are said to be ‘on the fringes’ of society. But it’s more insidious than that. We exclude them from society altogether. We avert our eyes when we pass them on the street. We lock our car doors when they stand with a sign at the intersection. We deny them personhood as if lack of housing is a moral failure. Housing is growing more unaffordable by the day. Loss of family is devastating. Mental health struggles are debilitating. Addiction isn’t a choice. Darlene could be your mother, Nicholas your son. It could be you. If you have nothing else to give, be unsparing with your kindness.

WORDS

Tara Crutchfield PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Lorree The Light in a Dark Place

Lorree’s faith is a gleam of sunlight hitting the water and reflecting in a million directions. Bright enough to catch and hold your attention. Brilliant enough with its aqua echoes to make you want to go for a swim. There’s just something compelling about this woman. She threads wisdom and tenderness throughout each sentence, sewing together the narrative of her life – a tapestry of good times and hard ones. Her’s is the story of a life lived in quiet reverberation – resonance of grace and grace and grace. “I am a little nervous, but the humbleness that I have in my spirit for all that He’s done for me in 59 years. I have no one to praise and give the honor to but Him,” she said.

A prayer and a song – that’s how Gospel Village resident Lorree began. Her eyes glinted like polished pearls as tears welled, and she sang softly, “He’s been my fourth man in the fire, time after time.”

“I just wanted to put that in the atmosphere because that’s where I am right now,” she said of the hymn.

She’d been up cooking the night before for a weekly feeding at church. If she was tired, it didn’t show. “The joy of doing that and seeing their expressions of thankfulness is just beyond words,” she said.

Lorree grew up in North Carolina during the 1960s. Her first memories are of being on the swings, making up songs, and singing to God. “Good memories,” she said.

Another good memory was at her father’s and uncle’s convenience store. She’d ask her Uncle Stanley for a Coca-Cola. She remembers the Coke-themed bottle opener on the wall. The top would pop off, “To hear the ‘chhhh’ and my daddy is standing on the corner with a cigar, half smoked.”

The only girl of three children, Lorree was spoiled by her father, and she watched her mother with curious eyes. Her father was born in 1919, and her mother in 1929, “They were products of the Great Depression, so they both were very frugal,” she said.

Lorree learned how to make jellies and jams and to can vegetables. Her neighbor across the street taught the little girl how to crochet, which she still does today. “That’s my glass of wine, once or twice a week,” she said.

Her love of sewing stems from her mother, who made most of her clothes until high school. “The last thing she did make for

me was my debutant gown.” It was made of white taffeta with a netted underskirt. It had lace and sparkles around the top with mid-length sleeves. Escorted by a cousin, Lorree was the belle of the ball, no doubt.

During a Home Ec class in high school, Lorree remembers, with a smile, making a halter top that turned out too long on one side.

“I heard many stories of my grandmother sewing by candlelight, her doing a lot of hand stitching,” Lorree said. Her grandmother made an apron out of old tobacco bags and twine, which she’d wear over one of her only two dresses working in the fields during the week.

In 2018, Lorree was called to Florida with a group of people. “They were instruments for me to get out of that state.” She lived with several families, totaling five folks, in one mobile home. On Christmas Eve of the same year, they kicked Lorree out.

With nowhere else to turn, she lived out of her SUV from December through April. “My grandmother was the only child out of three in the late 1800s that went to finishing school, and that was unheard of then. That was post-slavery. The values that she instilled in us were to be very independent. It was very difficult for me to let my family know that I lived in my vehicle.”

“Fear was the first emotion I felt,” she said. “At that time, I lived in my vehicle, I felt that was pivotal because it showed me how to really trust God. I remember so many mornings I woke up singing the song “Hallelujah” because I knew he kept me safe. [...] I might hear something in my sleep, and I might open my eyes, and I would hear the peace of God saying, ‘It’s okay, I’ve got you.’”

When her car broke down at the Lakeland Public Library, she caught the bus to the Talbot House. Her first night there she met two women who told her about Gospel Inc. and their women’s program, Repurpose Art Studio. Gospel Inc. is a Lakeland nonprofit that provides resources, fosters community, and helps find purposeful employment for homeless folks across the city.

“The first morning I went there, Miss Connie said, ‘Lorree, you’re really serious about doing better.’ I said, ‘Yes, ma’am.’” Within that week, she was accepted into the Gospel Inc. sewing internship. It was a 16-week beginner’s course, at the end of which students received their own sewing machine. On Sundays, she would go home with one of the church moms and fix desserts to bring to the sewing program every Monday.

During the program, Lorree was hit by an SUV while crossing the street. After getting out of the hospital, she stayed with a church sister. Though she couldn’t finish the program because of the accident, Gospel Inc. still awarded her a KitchenAid mixer. “God worked it out,” she said.

Post-accident, Lorree earned a dignified income working ten hours for Gospel Inc. each week. She worked mainly in the outreach center on Plum Street, writing ‘thank you’ cards, helping with payroll, miscellaneous office tasks, and daily devotionals.

Eventually, Lorree got a spot at Gospel Village, a sustainable and affordable long-term housing community for the chronically homeless. On her first night in her own space, Lorree felt slightly nervous but excited.

“Homelessness is like an oak tree. It has many, many branches and many, many roots. The branches we can see,” she said. Those could be mental, emotional, or physical issues. “As far out as the branches go, there are taproots that go out just as far under the ground.” That could be a trauma from childhood, loss of family, or a series of unforeseen events.

Someone may not look clean and be carrying four or five bags, but “if you could see the heart of that person, it would really make this world different,” she said.

Lorree says kindness to those who are currently without a place to live can look like asking if you can take them out for a meal or buying them a new pair of shoes. “I’ve had times in the last month that I see people on the bus, and I hear the Holy Spirit say, ‘Give them what you bought for yourself because you can make something when you get home.’”

The Gospel Village resident has plenty of plans for the future. She’d like to get her driver’s license, get involved with the children’s ministry at church, and perfect her trade of sewing – venturing out into more clothing.

But what does Lorree’s ideal life look like? “What it is now.”

“I feel like that God puts us all on this Earth for a specific thing,” she said. “He means for us to use those [talents] to help one another but having Him at the center of everything. […] I am a part of light that’s in a dark place.”

Speaking to the unhoused community, Lorree said, “Keep pushing forward. Change the people that you’re around. Make sure that they’re positive and that they want to do better for themselves. [...] I’m promising that it will not be easy — rest assured. But it is so worth it.”

WORDS

Tara Crutchfield PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

RussellMania

Twenty-nine-year-old Russell was born in Fort Lauderdale. He was an only child for nine years before his little brother came along. The siblings didn’t exactly get along, but that’s changing now. “It was good at first, then it got bad, and it’s slowly working itself to where we’re starting to get along again,” he said.

As a kid, he was into Hot Wheels, sports cards, and the WWE. As he got older, things got harder. Life no longer revolved around toy cars and favorite wrestlers. “I’ve went through a lot,” he said.

In his early twenties, Russell, his mother, and his brother were homeless, staying in someone else’s house.

After a disagreement at the home, Russell was dropped off at Lighthouse Ministries. He’s been homeless on and off since April 2017. “It really hurt knowing that I had nobody there for me at that time,” he said. “But the City of Lakeland is so great. I’ve had a small community around me.”

Russell had a few jobs that didn’t pay well, but “I was trying to find my way,” he said. Eventually, he moved to the Talbot House. “There were nights that I couldn’t sleep, or when I’d try to go check in, they were full,” he said. “It was hard on me, being autistic and having nowhere to lay my head down at night sometimes.”

“It was rough,” he said of his experience. When he stopped working, he could finally get a bed and a shower each day at Talbot House. From there, he found his way to New Life, an outreach ministry that helped him get off the streets. He was there for 18 months. “Once I started living with them, I started getting better. I felt like I was climbing the ladder to get out of homelessness.”

Russell was eventually kicked out of the program after an incident he didn’t want to discuss. He leaned on his good friend, Travis Doodles, YouTuber and founder of Worth and Purpose ministries. His friend put him up at the Paramount for six months until Russell expressed an interest in a home of his own. Travis helped Russell get into Gospel Village. “I literally found out two months ago that I was moving in,” Russell said. He’d only been there for six weeks when we spoke.

He described the feeling of having his own space. “Good. I’m like, ‘Finally, I can just be myself and not have to worry about what’s going on with other people. I can just focus on myself.’”

“I can lay in my bed all day without having to get up,” he said. “I’ve got a pretty nice bed in there.”

Russell helps out around Gospel Village whenever he can and attends classes at the Peace River Center. According to Russell, they discuss topics like emotions, stress, and disability. “I can learn from them as much as possible,” he said. Now, at a steady place

in life, Russell regularly talks to his mom and brother, who are no longer homeless.

The Gospel Village resident dreams of becoming a YouTuber. He often appears in Travis Doodles’ videos and says he’s trying to build his fan base. Russell pulled out his phone to show us the latest video he’d made with Travis Doodles. “We entered into the Slim Jim competition to go to WrestleMania,” he said excitedly.

He said his videos would focus on autism awareness. “Seeing people on the spectrum, like myself, I’m a lot smarter than people give me credit for,” he said in a YouTube interview with Travis Doodles. “Don’t let your disability get the best of you. If you have a dream – chase it!”

Mainly, Russell wishes people would be more upfront with him as a person with autism. “Yes, we may be autistic, but we’re people too,” he said. “Autistic people don’t get treated the greatest. [...] We may be different in a lot of ways, but if there’s a way that we can share what we like with other people in the world, maybe they’ll understand you need to treat these people better.”

Along with dreams of YouTube stardom, home ownership may be in Russell’s future. “I’ve got to save up money to buy my own place,” he said.

The young man had advice for other people experiencing homelessness. “Be in God, keep praying. Don’t give up because if I would have given up, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today,” he said. “I’ve been one of His for 15 years. […] Because of Him, I got to do probably some of the coolest stuff that other people don’t get to do.” Some of that ‘cool stuff’ includes attending a Miami Heat game the season they won the NBA championship. He’s been to Orlando Magic games, Monster Jam, and the WWE Royal Rumble. “If you don’t experience it in person, you won’t know what it’s like,” he said.

“We’re humans, and we do make mistakes, but don’t judge us for the mistakes we made,” Russell said of being unsheltered. “Don’t treat us like we’re nothing. They have a life, too. It’s just that life for them is different from everybody else’s.”

Following the interview, Russell invited us to see his place. A smile spread across his face as he retrieved the Championship Belt that Logan Paul sent him. He even had a wrestling-themed bedspread. The Serenity Prayer is posted on the door of his home.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

It’s a celebration of his recovery journey. “It means so much,” he said.

The magic of nature is always present in the historic Olmsted Gardens. Join us for beautiful blooms, fantastical fairies, melodic music, tasty treats, and quality time with friends and family!

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND FREE ADMISSION FOR MOMS ON MAY 11 & 12

FAIRY FESTIVAL SATURDAY, JUNE 8

CLASSICALLY SUMMER CONCERT: OPO BRASS SATURDAY, JUNE 15 | 6 P.M.

CENTRAL FLORIDA TROPICAL FRUIT FESTIVAL SATURDAY, JULY 13

Talbot House Ministries

Talbot House Ministries has been serving the homeless since 1979. The organization offers food, shelter, free medical and dental care, residential recovery programs, employment training and placement, and affordable housing opportunities to those in need. Its aim is to empower the unhoused men and women of our community with purpose and self-sufficiency. Talbot House is the most comprehensive provider of homeless services in Polk County.

“I believe we have the best, knowledgeable, professionally trained team in the entire Polk County area,” said Maria Cruz, Executive Director of Talbot House Ministries. Cruz has been working in the homeless field for over 24 years. She previously worked for the Coalition for the Homeless as the director of housing programs for nine years before joining the Talbot House two years ago. Cruz comes from a family that stayed engaged in the community. She grew up giving to others, calling it an ‘innate’ part of herself. “I believe we are here in this life, on this Earth, to serve others,” she said.

A PLACE OF PURPOSE

Talbot House is most known for its emergency shelter. At 4 pm, some 140 folks come to the House to shower, wash laundry, have a meal, and sleep for the night. After breakfast, they go back into the community. Talbot House proposed a Day Center to the City

of Lakeland last year and is waiting to hear back. They also act as a safe haven for vulnerable individuals and victims of domestic violence in which they can stay for the night and are evaluated the following day by a case manager to determine what avenue would best serve them.

The organization offers two short-term residential programs. These initiatives provide case management and educational opportunities for adults experiencing homelessness. The programs last six to 24 months and take place within a structured, sober-living environment.

In addition to emergency shelter and residential programs, they have outreach initiatives. “We visit the encampments in the community and provide them with water, clothing, shoes, food, hygiene kits, health-related kits,” said Cruz. “We bring a medical licensed counselor to talk to them and case managers to talk to them. We partner with drug and recovery programs, and they come with us to the communities as well.”

These outreach programs are expanding. What started with a small grant from the City of Winter Haven became a sizable grant from Direct Relief. “We are going to be hiring an outreach coordinator to impact all encampments in Polk County,” Cruz said. They also plan to buy a new vehicle with a portable shower to bring to the encampments.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 -

Over the last year, Talbot House has piloted a diversion program, which is a best practice from Housing First. As people enter their doors, “We assess individuals and let them know if there is anything we can help them with that could prevent them from entering the emergency system.” Talbot House has successfully diverted 129 individuals from homelessness in the first year with the seed of $40K from a private donor.

“What we wanted to do with this – with the first pilot data – was to prove to and show the community that these approaches work,” said Cruz. She envisions investing money in these proven approaches to reduce police intervention, emergency service intervention, and hospitalization. “How much will we save if you invest this little amount compared to spending $14K in an emergency intervention?” she said.

Talbot House Ministries offers affordable housing as well. The ministry owns and operates 46 units of affordable housing and partners with Plateau Village to provide referrals and wraparound services to an additional 36 households. The organization partners with Homeless Coalition of Polk County and receives federal grants for housing, including rapid rehousing, permanent supportive programs, and housing vouchers.

Their employment solution program, with job skills coordinators and employment specialists, connects the unsheltered with employment opportunities and helps train them in skills like building a resume, getting dressed for interviews, communicating professionally, and financial literacy and planning. These programs aren’t only for their residents but the entire homeless community.

The on-site Good Samaritan Clinic offers free medical, dental, and mental healthcare to uninsured, low-income individuals in Polk County.

The Talbot House food pantry is open to the community every Tuesday and Thursday and serves 525 households monthly.

“Talbot House is expanding. We are going to be opening another location in the Polk County area,” said Cruz. Though they haven’t disclosed the location, the vision is a center for women and children. “It will be the first time in history that Talbot House will provide emergency shelter and a residential program for women and children. It’s an important milestone that we are very proud of.”

Talbot House is a low-barrier shelter, meaning drug tests aren’t required for those it serves. “We need to be better at showing our God loves by actions,” said Cruz, adding that folks shouldn’t have to fit into a box to receive care. “We have been training our staff towards a more trauma-informed care intervention – crisis de-escalation, harm reduction, trying to see the individuals through the eyes of trauma. If someone is here under stress or pressure, do not expect that they are going to respond to you in a certain way. They don’t trust us. They are here, oppressed by the different stressors of their lives. We are the professionals. We must be prepared to handle that.”

The Talbot House is a place of refuge for many, a hand up, a new start. Cara has been coming to Talbot House for nine months and has been a resident for seven. She first became homeless when her husband left her. He said he’d paid

Cara

two months of the rent, but five days later, law enforcement told her she had 15 minutes to get out of the home. After getting out of the hospital, Talbot House was the only place with availability for Cara. “It’s given me stability. It gives me purpose – helping people. It fills me up and makes me feel better,” she said.

EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY

There are a multitude of factors causing homelessness nationwide. The most prevalent issues are the lack of affordable housing and living wages. According to Cruz, they used to see people without income, with severe mental health issues, or struggling with addiction come through their doors. That narrative is shifting. “Now we’re having working families that cannot afford to pay their rent, that are sleeping in their cars,” she said.

“There’s a lot of ignorance surrounding the topic of homelessness,” Cruz said. “We need to unify forces to be able to do an effective job because it is huge, and we are not able to do it alone.” It all starts with understanding the causes and finding evidence-based solutions. People need to understand that it can happen to anyone. We are all one catastrophic life event away from becoming homeless. “Many people believe they’re untouchable,” she said.

Cruz noted the lack of healthcare, mental healthcare, programs for recovery, hunger, and poverty as other causes for people experiencing homelessness. Policymakers must work within these systematic issues and understand the realities of homelessness at the national level. There is a lack of programs locally, too, she said. Though help can be found through organizations like Lighthouse Ministries, the Salvation Army, and Gospel Inc., they each have a set capacity to serve. Each organization has limited resources to help the community.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 33 -

We must educate our politicians and those in positions of influence about the realities of homelessness and push back on the judgment surrounding it. “We are not going to address the homelessness crisis by ignoring it or […] criminalizing them for being homeless and not having enough programs for them,” said Cruz. “There is a belief that we don’t invest a penny in more homelessness programs. But think about it. We are trying to do the best we can with the resources we have to help you with a community issue.”

According to Cruz, “Ninety-two percent of the people we are seeing in programs are local.” These are our neighbors, our family, and our friends. “We have a huge project as advocates. We are the experts in the matter. We need to raise our voices and continue speaking out for people who can’t speak for themselves.”

Cruz is planning a town hall to discuss the topic and educate the community. Representatives from Lighthouse Ministries, Salvation Army, Gospel Inc., and Worth and Purpose founder Travis Doodles will join Cruz. “We’ll start having these conversations nobody wants to have,” she said. The town hall is slated for August.

Though Talbot House Ministries serves about 500 individuals daily through its many programs and resources, “I feel frustrated sometimes as a leader because I cannot do more,” Cruz said. “I try to focus on the transformation of the life of each individual.”

Talbot House Ministries

814 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland (863) 687-8475

FB: Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland IG @talbothouseministries talbothouse.org

Agency for Community Treatment Services actsfl.org (813) 246-4899

Career Source Polk careersourcepolk.com (863) 508-1100

Caring Emergency Housing Guidance for Elderly caring.com/resources/emergencyhousing-guide (800) 558-0653

CARRFOUR carrfour.org (305) 371-8300

Catholic Charities of Central Florida cflcc.org (407) 658-1818

Central Florida Behavioral Health Network

cfbhn.org (813) 740-4811

City of Lakeland Community Assisted & Supported Living lakelandgov.net (863) 834-6000

Florida Baptist Children’s Homes fbchomes.org (863) 687-8811

RESOURCES

GiveWell givecf.org (863) 683-3131

Gospel Inc. gospelinc.org (863) 940-4069

Heart for Winter Haven heart4wh.org (863) 291-6270

Heartland for Children heartlandforchildren.org (863) 519-8900

Homeless Coalition of Polk County polkhomeless.org (863) 687-8386

Help for Fort Meade helpoffortmeade.com (863) 285-6600

KIDSpack kidspack.org (863) 272-7927

Lake Wales Care Center lakewalescarecenter.com (863) 676-6678

Lighthouse Ministries lighthousemin.org (863) 687-4076

Mulberry Community Service Center mulberrycsc.org (863) 425-1523

Neighbor to Family neighbortofamily.org (386) 523-1440

New Life Ministries newlifelakeland.org (863) 510-5696

Pace Center for Girls pacecenter.org/locations/florida/polk (863) 688-5596

Peace River Center peacerivercenter.org

Main Business Line: (863) 519-0575 Crisis Line: (863) 519-3744

Polk for Recovery polkforrecovery.org (863) 288-6522

Salvation Army West Polk lakeland.salvationarmyflorida.org (863) 853-2214

Salvation Army Winter Haven winterhaven.salvationarmyflorida.org (863) 294-7493

Society of St. Vincent de Paul South Pinellas svdpsp.org (727) 823-2516

Talbot House Ministries talbothouse.org (863) 687-8475

The Mission of Winter Haven themissionwh.org (863) 299-2348

Tri-County Human Services, Inc. tchsonline.org (863) 709-9392

United Way of Central Florida uwcf.org (863) 648-1500

VA

(800)va.gov698-2411

VOA FL

(703)voa.org341-5000

Wilson House wilsonhouserecovery.org (863) 859-7503

Women and Youth Center (The Way) thewaycenter.org (863) 422-2309

Women’s Resource Center wrcfl.org

863-294-5318

Youth & Family Alternatives yfainc.org (727) 835-4166

Excutive Director Maria Cruz - Photo Credit Glorimar Photography

the wideawake

1 cup Licor 43

4 cups cold brew coffee

½ cup oat milk

In a large jar or pitcher with a lid, add all ingredients and shake. Pour over ice, add an optional garnish of whipped cream. Please drink responsibly, ages 21+ only.

We’re All Stardust

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

This month, Aries, your enthusiasm is like a sparkler on a summer night—bright, vibrant, and impossible to ignore. Embrace your fiery spirit and let it light up the world around you. Just remember to take a moment to cool off when things get too heated.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

Taurus, May is your time to bloom like the flowers in a sun-kissed garden. Embrace the beauty of nature and take pleasure in life’s simple joys. Remember to stop and smell the roses along the way—you never know what delightful surprises await.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

This month, Gemini, your social calendar is filling up faster than a 1980s dance floor! Embrace the whirlwind of invitations and revel in the joy of connecting with others. Just be sure to pace yourself—you don’t want to burn out before the party really gets started.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

Home is where the heart is, Cancer, and this month, yours is overflowing with love and warmth. Take comfort in the cozy embrace of your loved ones and create lasting memories together. Whether it’s a family barbecue or a movie night in, cherish these moments of togetherness.

LEO

July 23 - August 22

Your creative energy is off the charts this month, Leo! Channel your inner artist and let your imagination run wild. Whether you’re painting a masterpiece or writing a heartfelt letter, your passion and talent shine through. Embrace your artistic vision and watch as it inspires those around you.

VIRGO

August 23 - September 22

Organization is your middle name this month, Virgo! Channel your inner Marie Kondo and declutter your life with ruthless efficiency. Whether it’s tidying up your space or streamlining your schedule, your attention to detail will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

LIBRA

September 23 - October 22

Balance is key, Libra, and this month, you’re walking the tightrope with grace and poise. Trust your intuition to guide you in making decisions that honor both your needs and the needs of others. Remember to take time for self-care too—you deserve it.

SCORPIO

October 23 - November 21

Your magnetic charm is irresistible this month, Scorpio! Embrace your inner flirt and let your charisma dazzle those around you. Whether you’re turning heads at a party or making eyes across the room, your confidence is sure to leave a lasting impression.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 - December 21

Adventure awaits, Sagittarius! This month, embrace the spirit of exploration and embark on a journey of discovery. Whether you’re traveling to far-off lands or simply trying something new in your own backyard, your adventurous nature knows no bounds.

CAPRICORN

December 22 - January 19

Hard work pays off this month, Capricorn! Channel your ambitious spirit and tackle your goals with determination and drive. Whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder or mastering a new skill, your persistence will lead you to success.

AQUARIUS

January 20 - February 18

This month, embrace your individuality, Aquarius, and let your true colors shine brightly. Whether you’re marching to the beat of your own drum or standing up for what you believe in, your unique perspective adds a splash of color to the world around you.

PISCES

February 19 - March 20

Your intuition is your superpower this month, Pisces! Trust your inner voice to guide you in making decisions that align with your heart’s desires. Whether it’s following your dreams or listening to your gut instincts, your intuition will never lead you astray.

Check Me Out ;)

LAND OF MILK AND HONEY

By C Pam Zhang

A Chinese American chef who, lured to a decadent, enigmatic colony of the superrich in a near future in which food is disappearing, discovers the meaning of pleasure and the ethics of who gets to enjoy it, altering her life and, indirectly, the world.

THE TRYOUT

By Christina Soontornvat

When cheerleading tryouts are announced, Christina and her best friend, jump at the chance to join the squad. As two of the only kids of color in school, they have always yearned to fit in. But will the girls survive the terrifying tryouts with their whole grade watching?

THE FERVOR

By Alma Katsu

In 1944, Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko, held in an internment camp in the Midwest, discover a mysterious disease spreading among the interned is linked to a demon from the stories of Meiko’s childhood, hellbent on infiltrating their already strange world.

PUNKY ALOHA

By Shar Tuiasoa

Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. When her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother’s magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time.

GREEK LESSONS

By Han Kang

A young Korean woman losing her ability to speak befriends a Greek language teacher who is losing his sight, and soon they discover they have even more in common, in the new novel from the International Booker Prizewinning author of “The Vegetarian.”

MY BINDI

By Gita Varadarajan

Divya is scared to put on the bindi for the first time. What if she gets made fun of? What will it feel like? But Amma assures her that her bindi will bring protection. After Divya looks inside Amma’s special box to find the perfect bindi to put on, she gazes in the mirror and discovers a new side of herself, and it gives her strength.

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

Larry R. Jackson Branch 1700 N Florida Ave, Lakeland lakelandgov.net

HULA

By Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes

A young daughter of the legendary Hawaiian Naupaka dynasty dreams of healing the rift in her family by competing in and winning the next Miss Aloha Hula contest and proving herself worthy of carrying on her family’s name.

WHEN YOU TRAP A TIGER

By Tae Keller

When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni’s Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, her grandmother stole something from the tigers and now the tigers want it back.

CRYING IN H MART

By Michelle Zauner

The Japanese Breakfast indie pop star presents a full-length account of her viral New Yorker essay to share poignant reflections on her experiences of growing up Korean-American, becoming a professional musician and caring for her terminally ill mother.

ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME

By Roshani Chokshi

Aru Shah lives in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture and has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. When three schoolmates show up at Aru’s doorstep to catch her in a lie, she panics and shows them the cursed Lamp of Bharata. On their urging, she lights the lamp and unwittingly frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon whose duty it is to awaken the God of Destruction.

WORDS

Anne Yasalonis

Residential Horticulture

Master Gardener Volunteer Program

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

PHOTOGRAPH

Anne Yasalonis

Incorporating Edible Plants into your Ornamental Landscape

Did you know that you can plant your vegetables and herbs alongside your ornamental perennials, shrubs, and trees? Most people think vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers are the only places to grow edible plants. But vegetables and herbs can make great additions to the landscape without the expense or effort of a special place of their own. Adding edible plants to your ornamental landscape can enhance the yard in so many ways—visually with ornamental quality, fragrance from aromatic leaves and flowers, and seasonal food production.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START?

Remember, as you select vegetables, fruits, and herbs for ornamental quality, stick to your overall design theme, follow the recommended Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles, and think about how you can eat from your landscape year-round. Many edible plants have a short growing span, so it is important to learn how to rotate edible plants for seasonality as well as design quality.

Design is important in any landscape and edible plants can enhance design in many ways. Here are a few tips to getting started.

1. Select varieties that grow well in central Florida. Use the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide and other local resources to find varieties that will grow locally. Know your hardiness zone and planting dates. Edible plants can be annuals, lasting only one growing season, perennials that span multiple seasons, or even long-lived shrubs and trees.

2. Group plants by their water needs. This is important in all landscapes to ensure that plants are getting what they need to be healthy and pest-free. Plants of all types should be grouped according to their water needs, light requirements, and maintenance needs. Select edible plants that match the site conditions where they will be planted to ensure success. For example: Rosemary is an herb that thrives in dry, well-drained soils. If you have a spot in the landscape that matches those conditions, rosemary will thrive!

3. Use support structures, containers, and hardscapes to add visual appeal. Many edible plants have an informal quality and at times could look a bit unruly. Consider using structures such as arbors, pergolas, containers, and even statuary to both support and contain your edible plants. This may also be necessary if you are growing vining plants. Small groupings of containers can add visual interest and may make it easier to grow and maintain some edible plants. Great examples of how to incorporate these items into your landscape can be found at our local botanical gardens.

4. Plant trees. Trees are such an integral part of the landscape. They provide structure and shade, and if you select a fruit-bearing plant, can also provide you with food! Small trees such as a bay tree, small citrus (such as Sugar Belle), peach, or dwarf mulberry can be grown in small urban and suburban landscapes.

NEW TO GROWING EDIBLE PLANTS?

Herbs are a great place to start. They can be planted directly in the ground or in containers. The fragrance from the herbs can also be an asset to the landscape. Brushing against a mint plant while walking in the yard can add to an already pleasant experience.

Shrubs such as bananas lend a tropical look to the garden and are a way to enjoy some of the many lesser-known varieties of the fruit. With care, a generous harvest can be had!

Blueberries produce a harvest in the spring, but their foliage provides interest in the landscape year-round. The fall foliage on blueberries is orange to red and is beautiful when combined with native saw palmetto and coontie cycads.

Plant cool-season annuals such as lettuces and greens (collards, mustard, Swiss chard, kale, cabbage) for the texture and color in the landscape. They can be used to fill a garden space and can be continually harvested throughout the growing season.

If you are ready to start adding edible plants to your landscape, use the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/VH021) to determine what plants to grow now. Additionally, our monthly newsletter gives tips on what edibles to plant, general maintenance, and where to find helpful workshops in the area. Read and subscribe to our newsletter at substack.com/@yourcentralfloridayard.

For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk or on social media @PolkGardening. The Plant Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Give us a call or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu. Tune in to our podcast Your Central Florida Yard, to listen to tips that will help you live your best gardening life in central Florida.

Mosquitoes: The Buzz on Florida’s Most Notorious Insects

Mosquitoes are a familiar nuisance in Florida, heralding the warmer months with their unwelcome presence. Beyond their itchy bites, these insects play complex roles in our ecosystem and public health. This article delves into the life cycle of mosquitoes, their ecological impact, and practical tips for coexisting with them while minimizing their bothersome and sometimes dangerous impacts.

THE ECOLOGICAL ROLE OF MOSQUITOES

Despite their notoriety, mosquitoes serve vital functions in ecosystems. They act as pollinators and are a key food source for various animals, including fish, birds, and some bats. If you like to fish in Polk County’s many lakes, then you appreciate the important protein source provided to young sport fish by mosquito larvae.

The male mosquitoes, which do not bite, primarily feed on plant nectar and can serve as important pollinator species. However, the female mosquitoes of certain species seek blood meals to support egg production.

UNDERSTANDING MOSQUITOES: A PRIMER

Mosquitoes, members of the insect family Culicidae, are true flies with a distinct life cycle that includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Of the roughly 90 mosquito species in Florida, they can be categorized into floodwater, standing water, and container mosquitoes based on their breeding habitats.

Floodwater mosquitoes, for example, lay eggs in moist soil that must dry out completely, then they will hatch and emerge after the rainy season returns. This phenomenon can lead to massive emergences in March, April, or May –depending on the year.

Standing water and container mosquitoes, on the other hand, lay eggs directly on water surfaces, with container mosquitoes adapting to breed in minuscule volumes of water, such as those found in bottle caps or tree cavities. Understanding where mosquitoes breed is critical to effective mosquito management and which actions you can take to reduce their numbers near your home!

MOSQUITO CONTROL AND DISEASE PREVENTION

When it comes to mosquito-borne disease, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the mosquito species we are most concerned about. These containerbreeding species are found almost statewide and can spread diseases such as dengue, yellow-fever, zika, and chikungunya.

Effective mosquito management is crucial for minimizing their impact on public health and your quality of life. Local mosquito control districts employ integrated mosquito management techniques, including setting traps to monitor populations and deploying environmentally-friendly larvicides. Once adult mosquitoes emerge from the water, they are a lot more challenging to manage due to their ability to fly.

Container mosquitoes, like A. aegypti and A. albopictus, are thought to stay close to the area where they hatch – often travelling less than a quarter mile during their lifetime.

This means that if you and your neighbors commit to dumping any containers that can catch water, weekly, throughout the mosquito season, you can drastically reduce the number of mosquitoes in the neighborhood. For areas where draining water isn’t feasible, like in a landscaping bed of bromeliads, consider using a granule product containing Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis) and sprinkling those granules into the pockets of water every 30 days. There are several brand names that use this natural mosquito larvicide.

MYTH-BUSTING MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT

Bug zappers, while satisfying to hear, do little to curb mosquito populations and they tend to kill more beneficial insects than mosquitoes. Similarly, plants marketed as mosquito repellents, such as those containing citronella, have limited effectiveness. These plants only release mosquito-repelling compounds when their leaves are crushed, and even then, the area of protection is minimal and fleeting. Eating garlic or taking vitamin B supplements has also been touted as a way to repel mosquitoes from the inside out, yet scientific evidence supporting these claims is scant.

Sadly, bat houses do little to reduce mosquito populations as most bats prefer larger prey. Bats will eat some mosquitoes, but the majority of their diet is made up of moths, beetles, and flies.

PERSONAL DEFENSE

When it comes to personal protection, not all mosquito repellents are created equal. Mosquito repellents function by making humans less attractive to mosquitoes, essentially camouflaging us from their keen senses. It’s important to note that repellents do not harm mosquitoes; they deter them. The efficacy of a repellent is often measured by its Complete Protection Time (CPT), which indicates how long you can expect to be protected from bites after a single application.

Research by the University of Florida has evaluated various repellents, finding that products containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus all offer effective protection. These ingredients vary in protection duration and concentration, allowing for choices tailored to individual needs and activity levels.

To learn which product is best suited for the duration of your outdoor activities, based on University of Florida trials and research, consult this IFAS document: go.ufl.edu/mosquito-repellent or by scanning the QR Code.

A UNIQUELY FLORIDA PROBLEM: SUNSCREEN FIRST? OR BUGSPRAY?

When using mosquito repellent in conjunction with sunscreen, the order of application is crucial for effectiveness. The CDC advises applying sunscreen first, allowing it to absorb into the skin, followed by mosquito repellent.

This sequence ensures optimal efficacy of both products. Importantly, products combining sunscreen and repellent are not recommended, as sunscreen requires more frequent application than repellent. Over-applying a combination product could lead to unnecessary exposure to repellent chemicals.

MOSQUITO SEASON IS HERE

As we navigate life in Florida alongside mosquitoes, understanding their behavior, ecological role, and how to mitigate their impacts is essential. Through community efforts and informed personal practices, we can coexist with these persistent insects while safeguarding our health and enjoying the beauty of our state.

For more insights and resources on mosquito management, connect with Polk County Mosquito Control at their website, www.polk-county.net/services/mosquito-control/ or contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Office in Bartow.

BARTOW

MAY 2024 ADD YOUR EVENT

COMMUNITY CRAFTERS

May 1, 2024, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven,

Bring your own craft project to work on and meet other crafters. Adults 18 and over. mywinterhaven.com

CHAIR YOGA

May 1, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Beginners welcome. The classes are designed to assist in quieting the mind, moving our bodies, breathing deeply and practicing mindfulness. You can use a provided chair or your own chair and wheelchairs are always welcome. Register at boktowergardens.org

FAMILY GAME NIGHT

May 1, 2024, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

Bring the whole crew for an evening of FREE fun from 5 - 8PM. We will have family-friendly games, and we encourage you to bring your favorite family-friendly games to share with others. Happy Hour specials will also be available from 5 - 7PM as well as food options. bonnetspringspark.com

FLYING TIGERS VS CLEARWATER THRESHERS

May 1, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

HATHA YOGA AT YOGA HAVEN

May 2, 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Yoga Haven

1511 6th Street SE, Winter Haven

Through a blend of gentle stretches, intentional breathing techniques, and meditative practices, Hatha Yoga guides students on a journey of holistic wellbeing. Offered every Tuesday & Thursday. All levels. Sign up www.winterhavenyoga.com.

ACCESS ART: SPECIAL NEEDS

May 2, 2024, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Polk Museum Of Art

800 E Palmetto Street, Lakeland

Participants will create and discuss art with specially trained educator and artist, Tinia Clark. The program is designed to create social engagement and encourage creativity and self expression. Following the tour, the group creates an art activity inspired by the visit in the Museum’s education classrooms. Registration preferred but not required. For registration or questions, please text Tinia Clark at 863-224-8557 or register online. polkmuseumofart.org

OWLS AND WOOD DUCKS: NESTBOX BUILDING WORKSHOP

May 2, 2024, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

1702 S Holland Pkwy, Bartow

In this workshop, you will learn about “cavitynesters,” the category of bird most likely to move into a birdhouse. You will also learn about their real estate preferences and how to choose a good spot for a birdhouse. Then, participants will build an owl house or duck box to install at home. One nestbox per household, maximum! Register & find more info at FB @PolkExtension.

AFTER HOURS AT THE MUSEUM

May 2, 2024, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Polk Museum Of Art

800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland

During the evening, Dr. H. Alexander Rich, Executive Director and Chief Curator, will host a Curator Tour at 6 pm, providing in-depth art-historical and curatorial insight into one of our current exhibitions. polkmuseumofart.org

“TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT” PREP TALK

May 2, 2024, 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM

Suites on Central

331 W Central Avenue, Winter Haven

This class was designed to provide education about what to expect prior to a total knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty). If you are scheduled for a total knee replacement, or are considering one in the future, please join! Dr. Cassie Cook, a physical therapist with 10 years of experience, specializing in orthopedic rehabilitation will be the speaker at this concise talk. Cassie has treated hundreds of people before and after knee replacement, including currently practicing at Bespoke Physical Therapy. centralfloridatix.com

8-COURSE PREVIEW DINNER AT BOWEN YARD

May 2, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Bowen Yard

326 Avenue C SW, Winter Haven

Chef Jason Boniface from Maritime and Chef Blake Jones from SoCe Market will be preparing an eightcourse tasting menu on Thursday, May 2nd, and Friday, May 3rd. Beer & wine will be included, and dessert to be provided by Benjamin Vickers (Honeycomb Bakery) new Ripples Hand Crafted Ice Cream. centralfloridatix.com

FLYING TIGERS VS CLEARWATER THRESHERS

May 2, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

TRIVIA THURSDAY

May 2, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Barrel 239

239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday at 7 pm. Play trivia with Triviosity. Themed nights on the 3rd Thursdays. Free to play. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

AN EVENING WITH MATT VENUTI

May 2, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Matt Venuti is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist composer/performer and music video artist who is known for introducing rare and expressive acoustic and electronic instruments to the world through his concerts and videos. boktowergardens.org

DIVA’S OF THE 70S & 80S DANCE PARTY

May 3, 2024, 7:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Balmoral Event Center

116 Kenny Boulevard, Haines City

The DIVAS of the 70s & 80s Show has been playing to rave reviews! What is all the excitement about? The definitive musical tribute to the greatest female artists of the 70s & 80s and their greatest hits! centralfloridiatix.com

NICE CREAM WITH BRITTNEY KIEFFER

May 3, 2024, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Come join plant-based specialist Brittney Kieffer in the Outdoor Kitchen. Brittney will teach you how to make your own cashew milk and use it in a frozen treat combined with fruits, for you to try. There will be a banana-free option as well. Reserve online. boxtowergardens.org

TEN STORY CHALLENGE

May 3, 2024, 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Lakeland Electric

501 E Lemon Street, Lakeland

Proceeds benefit the Pace Center for Girls. The Ten Story Challenge is a peer-to-peer fundraising event where community members raise a minimum of $500 and then rappel from the Lakeland Electric building.

We will have food trucks, Little Bus Books, a DJ, a photo booth, and more! Visit here to learn more: pacecenter. org

FIRST FRIDAY

May 3, 2024, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Downtown, Winter Haven

First Friday is a monthly can’t-miss event in downtown Winter Haven for dinner, drinks, vibes and shopping! Guests can enjoy food and drink specials from downtown bars and restaurants, shop with downtown businesses that stay open late for the event, and catch live musicians and other entertainment at multiple venues. Find all the details on our website: winterhavenfirstfriday.com.

FIRST FRIDAY: TRES DE MAYO

May 3, 2024, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Downtown, Lakeland

Just Dance Academy will be providing DJing and dance lessons in Munn Park at 6:30, 7:15, and 8pm. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, adults can enjoy an adult beverage “to go” while walking around the event. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Don’t miss the Makers Market, featuring local artists and creators, on North Kentucky Avenue, Food Trucks on Pine St., and the Classy Car Show on Tennessee Ave. Streets are closed to vehicles, so come prepared to walk about! More info on FB @DowntownLKLD.com.

FLYING TIGERS VS CLEARWATER THRESHERS

May 3, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET

May 4, 2024, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

North Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland

Every Saturday in downtown Lakeland. Shop local, handmade, homegrown, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays. downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org

CAFFEINE & GASOLINE

May 4, 2024, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

All exotic, classic, luxury, hot rod, and import cars are welcome! Spend your Saturday morning scoping out and showcasing cars at BSP! Coffee and breakfast items will be available for purchase. If you would like to show off your ride, no registration is required. bonnetspringspark.com

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

May 4, 2024, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

250 Magnolia Avenue, Winter Haven

Shop local! Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. We are across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the old BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

ADD YOUR EVENT MAY 2024

BIRDING ON THE BOARDWALK

May 4, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

Start each month with an opportunity to hone your birding and wildlife sighting skills at the Blanton Family Lagoon. Binoculars and birding guides are provided for guests to use during the program while you explore the plants and animals that call Bonnet Springs Park home! bonnetspringspark.com

FREE TO BE ME

May 4, 2024, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Polk Museum Of Art

800 E Palmetto Street, Lakeland

Exhibition on view from May 4 - June 9. Artwork by Polk County Students Grades 3 through 5. Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm and Sunday 1 - 5 pm. polkmuseumofart.org

POINTE TO THE STARS

May 4, 2024, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Ridge Community High School

500 Orchid Drive, Davenport

Join A New Pointe Dance Co. for their Spring Showcase. Enjoy watching these talented dancers showcase the many techniques & performances they have learned this year. centralfloridatix.com

FLYING TIGERS VS CLEARWATER THRESHERS

May 4, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

LOVE CONNECTIONS WITH LAKELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

May 4, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Branscomb Memorial Auditorium

1100 Johnson Ave, Lakeland

Make plans on May 4th to join the LSO for the last Anne Jenkins Memorial Symphony Series concert of the 2023/24 season! What You’ll Hear: von Webber, Overture to “Oberon”; Ferlendis, Concerto for English Horn feat. Dawn Hardy; Bernstein, Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story.” lkldsymphony.org

THE HEADBANG - 80’S HARD ROCK SHOW

May 4, 2024, 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Balmoral Bar & Grill

124 Kenny Boulevard, Haines City

Let’s celebrate the glory days of hard rock and hair metal; the golden era when this type of music ruled

MTV and pop culture was dominated by big hair and leather jackets. centralfloridatix.com

FLYING TIGERS VS CLEARWATER THRESHERS

May 5, 2024, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

CINCO DE MAYO POOL PARTY

May 5, 2024, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Balmoral Bar & Grill

124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City

Join us at Balmoral Bar & Grill to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style! Our festive atmosphere and delicious food and drinks are the perfect way to honor Mexican culture and traditions. centralfloridatix.com

ORCHIDS: GROWING AND NURTURNING

YOUR BLOOMS WITH EXPERT CARE

May 6, 2024, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Lake Wales Public Library

290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales

More info on FB @PolkExtension. Join UF/IFAS

Extension Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers to learn how to grow and care for orchids including tips on types, propagation, repotting, and problems.

CORE FLOW YOGA AT YOGA HAVEN- EVERY MONDAY

May 6, 2024, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Yoga Haven

1511 6th Street SE, Winter Haven

Prepare to elevate your yoga practice with our “Core Flow” class. This unique fusion combines the precision of isometric poses, the power of core-strengthening movements, and the serenity of traditional standing and kneeling yoga postures. Join our welcoming community of fellow practitioners and embark on a holistic journey that harmonizes isometric strength, dynamic core engagement, and the wisdom of yoga. Sign up at winterhavenyoga.com.

TRIVIA NIGHT

May 6, 2024, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Cob & Pen, 1221 Florida Ave S, Lakeland Every Monday at 7:30 pm. Play trivia hosted by Triviosity every Monday. Free to play. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

HATHA YOGA AT YOGA HAVEN

May 7, 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Yoga Haven

1511 6th Street SE, Winter Haven

Through a blend of gentle stretches, intentional breathing techniques, and meditative practices, Hatha Yoga guides students on a journey of holistic wellbeing. Offered every Tuesday & Thursday. Sign up www.winterhavenyoga.com

2024 PACA ANNUAL MEMBERS’ MEETING

May 7, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Florida Children’s Museum

600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

The 2024 Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance Annual Members’ Meeting. PACA Executive Director, Daryl Ward, will share updated info regarding PACA initiatives and invite attending members to provide feedback for the benefit of the organization. This event is FREE for PACA members or anyone wishing to join

PACA - however registration is required on eventbrite at Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance.

TRIVIA TUESDAYS

May 7, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Grove Roots Brewing Company

302 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven

Every Tuesday at 6:30pm. Play trivia hosted by Triviosity. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM

May 7, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Barrel 239

239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven

Poker and whiskey every Tuesday night!! Players receive 10% off drinks while at the table. Sign up early at the bar for more chips! Extra 500 chips for 30 minutes early, and 1,000 chips for 1hr early. Gift card prizes are awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners for each session!

*This event is 21 & up. More info on FB @barrel239

MORNING BOOK CLUB

May 8, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven

May book: “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead. The Morning Book Club meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. Titles include a variety of adult fiction, nonfiction and biographies. mywinterhaven.com

PRESCRIBED BURN PRESENTATION

May 8, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Have you ever thought about how ecological succession can work in the absence of natural controls?

Join us as we examine the science and art behind Bok Tower Garden’s work to restore sandhill habitat and the central role fire plays in that mission. Register online. boktowergardens.org

CITYWORKSXPO FLORIDA 2024

May 9, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Avenue, Winter Haven CityWorksXpo Florida is a gathering focused on sharing knowledge to build stronger communities. During the day, attendees will be immersed in thoughtprovoking presentations, performances and engaging dialogue. At night, the all inclusive conference continues with networking opportunities at high energy gatherings. CityWorksXpo FLorida 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. cityworksxpofl.com. 863-295-9422

TRIVIA THURSDAY

May 9, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Barrel 239, 239 3rd Street Southwest, Winter Haven, 33880, United States

Every Thursday at 7 pm.

Play trivia with Triviosity. Themed nights on the 3rd Thursdays. Free to play. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

LATIN DANCE NIGHT

May 10, 2024, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Johnny and Freda Brooks Eloise Resource Center 710 Snively Avenue, Eloise

Led by instructor Al Lewis, this monthly class for adults 18 and older is an opportunity for dancers of all experience levels to learn different styles of latin dancing like bachata, merengue, cha-cha, salsa and more. So come out, practice your steps and dance the night away! More info on FB @PolkCoFLParksAndRec

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE: THE BIG CHILL BAND

May 10, 2024, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Munn Park

210 East Main Street, Lakeland

Live music in the park. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and grab a TO GO dinner and adult beverage from a Downtown Business! More info on FB @ DowntownLKLD

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

May 11, 2024, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

250 Magnolia Avenue, Winter Haven

Shop local! Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. We are across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the old BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday.

MAYFAIRE-BY-THE-LAKE

May 11, 2024, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Lake Morton, Lakeland, Lakeland

On the shores of Lake Morton on May 11 & 12, 2023. A staple of the Florida art scene, Mayfaire is a free, twoday juried fine art festival held in Downtown Lakeland. Enjoy a stroll around the lake while you admire and shop through 145 artist booths with art of all media, ranging from painting and sculpture to jewelry and photography and everything in between! In addition, enjoy a new Mayfaire Kid Zone, food vendors, performances, and a 50th Anniversary exhibition at the Polk Museum of Art! polkmuseumofart.org

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

May 11, 2024, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

This inclusive class includes gentle yoga movements that move our spine in all directions, breathing techniques, and extended relaxation infused with a sprinkling of yoga philosophy. All levels are welcome. Beginners are encouraged to attend. Registration required. boktowergardens.org

FRENCH LINK STITCHED JOURNAL

May 11, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales

Create a garden themed, softcover journal with a beautiful exposed stitched spine. Claire Formilan from Beyond the Fold Paperie will give step-by-step instructions to walk you through the whole process. boktowergardens.org

KIDS MUSEUM DAY

May 11, 2024, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Aerospace Center for Excellence

4075 James C. Ray Drive, Lakeland

Your FREE admission will give you access to explore the wonderful galleries and aircraft assets the Florida Air Museum has to offer. In addition to the tour, you can enjoy bounce houses, local exhibitors, and more! aceedu.org

NUTS ABOUT NATURE

May 11, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

Stop by the GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center Classroom from 10AM-12PM for a familyfriendly nature activity. bonnetspringspark.com

SHERYL’S BREASTFEST MUSIC FESTIVAL & CANCER BENEFIT - SPONSORED BY THE LAKELAND ELKS LODGE #1291

May 11, 2024, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

4529 Harden Blvd, Lakeland

Sheryl’s BreastFest is a Free Event. It’s a full day of Live Music on two stages, Food Trucks, Kids Activities, Silent Auctions, Raffles, and Games of Chance, all to help a family that is going through cancer.

DINNER AND A MOVIE: STEEL MAGNOLIAS

May 11, 2024, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Gem Theater

110 NW 1st Avenue, Mulberry

Admission is $20 and includes the screening and themed (Southern) seated meal with appetizer, entree, dessert, and iced tea. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Screening begins at 7:00 p.m. centralfloridatix.com

MAYFAIRE 5K

May 11, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Lake Mirror, Lakeland

Join the Lakeland Runners Club for an evening 5k road race and walk around Lake Mirror and Lake Morton. This course is scenic, passing through Lakeland’s

historic district and views of the city’s beautiful lakes. The course is USATF certified and the race will be chiptimed. lakelandrunnersclub.org

MAYFAIRE-BY-THE-LAKE

May 12, 2024, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Lake Morton, Lakeland

Enjoy a stroll around the lake while you admire and shop through 145 artist booths with art of all media, ranging from painting and sculpture to jewelry and photography and everything in between! In addition, enjoy a new Mayfaire Kid Zone, food vendors, performances, and a 50th Anniversary exhibition at the Polk Museum of Art! polkmuseumofart.org

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

May 12, 2024, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Camp Margaritaville Auburndale

361 Denton Ave, Auburndale

We will honor the incredible moms with an array of pampering treats and heartfelt gestures. Families will enjoy a delicious brunch. We will have Benjamin Peacock Photography here to take beautiful photos of your family. Each mom will be welcomed with a complimentary drink, a beautiful flower, and will have the chance to unwind with a soothing mini massage. Children will have the opportunity to create a gift to express their love and appreciation for their mom on this special day. centralfloridatix.com

MOTHERS DAY BRUNCH

May 12, 2024, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Balmoral Event Center

116 Kenny Blvd, Haines City

Treat your mom to an unforgettable experience

ADD YOUR EVENT

filled with delectable cuisine, charming ambiance, and cherished moments shared together. To ensure an intimate and enjoyable experience for all, tickets will be offered based on entry time, allowing you to select the perfect slot for you and your loved ones. centralfloridatix.com

SECOND SUNDAY MARKET

May 12, 2024, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Lakeside Village

1479 Town Center Drive, Lakeland

Treat Mom to a visit to our vibrant marketplace, featuring over 90 local and curated vendors with unique and handcrafted treasures. Capture precious moments with Mom at our Mother’s Day photo op, creating lasting memories together. Enjoy live music by the talented Wade Slater from 1pm to 3pm, adding to the festive atmosphere with delightful melodies.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH: BRUNCH, MIMOSA, AND FAIRY GARDENS

May 12, 2024, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Agape Agora

254 W Central Avenue, Winter Haven

Treat Mom to a scrumptious brunch and sip on mimosas while you get creative at our fairy garden workshop, hosted by “Potting Bench” a local plant shop in Winter Haven. Bring your loved ones and celebrate the beauty of motherhood with us! centralfloridatix.com

KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND TRIBUTE SHOW

May 12, 2024, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Balmoral Bar & Grill

124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City

Join us at Balmoral Bar & Grill for an unforgettable Mother’s Day celebration featuring KC and The Sunshine Band Tribute Show! Get ready to groove to the iconic sounds of the disco era as we dance the afternoon away in honor of all the incredible mothers out there. Buy a pool pass for the day and make it extra special. centralfloridatix.com

MONTHLY SACRED STILLNESS: MEDITATION + PRAYER

May 12, 2024, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Ignite the Fire Inside Wellness Studio

140 SE Plaza Road, Winter Haven

This monthly Sacred Stillness experience is held the 2nd Sunday of each month to provide a safe space to reflect, meditate, pray + encourage one another. centralfloridatix.com

CORE FLOW YOGA AT YOGA HAVEN- EVERY MONDAY

May 13, 2024, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Yoga Haven

1511 6th Street SE, Winter Haven

Ignite your inner strength and balance in our invigorating Yoga Core Flow class. Designed to sculpt and strengthen your core muscles while enhancing flexibility and stability.

ow practitioners and embark on a holistic journey that harmonizes isometric strength, dynamic core engagement, and the wisdom of yoga. Core Flow will leave you feeling empowered, rejuvenated, and connected to your inner strength. More classes listed on our website winterhavenyoga.com.

TRIVIA NIGHT

May 13, 2024, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Cob & Pen

1221 Florida Avenue S, Lakeland

Every Monday at 7:30 pm. Play trivia hosted by Triviosity every Monday. Free to play. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

LUNCH & LEARN: WHAT’S BUGGING YOUR GARDEN?

May 14, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Haines City Public Library

111 N 6th Street, Haines City

Join UF/IFAS Extension Polk County and Haines City Water Utilities for a class on insects in the garden and landscape! Discover how to correctly identify pests along with tips on keeping your landscape healthy and thriving with Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices! Registration is required and seating is limited. Lunch is included for pre-registered, in-person participants that are registered by May 9, 2024. Anyone registering after that is welcome to attend, but may not be provided lunch. More info on FB @PolkExtension

FLYING TIGERS VS FORT MYERS MUSSELS

May 14, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

TRIVIA TUESDAYS

May 14, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Grove Roots Brewing Company

302 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven

Every Tuesday at 6:30pm. Play trivia hosted by Triviosity. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM

May 14, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Barrel 239

239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven

Poker and whiskey every Tuesday night!! Players receive 10% off drinks while at the table. Sign up early at the bar for more chips! Extra 500 chips for 30 minutes early, and 1,000 chips for 1hr early. Gift card prizes are awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners for each session!

*This event is 21 & up. More info on FB @barrel239

TINY TOTS BILINGUAL STORYTIME

May 15, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Johnny and Freda Brooks Eloise Resource Center

710 Snively Avenue, Eloise

This new program introduces youth to new books

MAY 2024

shared in English and Spanish monthly along with snacks and themed educational activities. This program is for children 3-6 with accompanying adults. Admission is free. For more information, please call (863) 298-4485 or contact Nancy Rodriguez at (863) 519-7958. More info on Facebook at PolkCoFLParksAndRec.

CHAIR YOGA

May 15, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Beginners welcome. The classes are designed to assist in quieting the mind, moving our bodies, breathing deeply and practicing mindfulness. You can use a provided chair or your own chair and wheelchairs are always welcome. Register at boktowergardens.org

FLYING TIGERS VS FORT MYERS MUSSELS

May 15, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

RADIUM GIRLS

May 15, 2024, 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Lakeland Community Theatre

121 S Lake Avenue, Lakeland

May 15 & 16, Rated PG13. 1926. Radium is a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage. Until the girls who paint those watch dials begin to die. Based on the true story of the women and men who worked for the U.S. Radium Corporation in Orange, N.J. Radium Girls is a fast-paced stage play. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

THURSDAY MORNING BALANCE | MINI SOUND BATH SESSIONS

May 16, 2024, 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Ignite the Fire Inside Wellness Studio

140 SE Plaza Road, Winter Haven

A 30-minute mini-sound bath session designed to set a peaceful tone for your day. Immerse yourself in the soothing vibrations of our sound bath, a perfect blend of tranquility and rejuvenation.

NATIVE PLANTS FOR LANDSCAPING YOUR CENTRAL FLORIDA YARD

May 16, 2024, 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM

Winter Haven Public Library

325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven

More info on FB @PolkExtension. Join UF/IFAS

Extension Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers at the Winter Haven Library to learn about native plants. Learn how to select and maintain native plants and have a Florida-Florida yard!

EVENING SOUND BATH WITH CRYSTAL SINGING BOWLS

May 16, 2024, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

During this experience, Meditation Teacher & singing bowl specialist, Anthony Profeta will use Himalayan Singing bowls, Crystal Singing Bowls, tuning forks, and other vibrational tools to de-stress, restore balance, and bring well-being to your body, mind, & soul. Register online at boktowergardens.org

FLYING TIGERS VS FORT MYERS MUSSELS

May 16, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

TRIVIA THURSDAY

May 16, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Barrel 239

239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday at 7 pm. Play trivia with Triviosity. Themed nights on the 3rd Thursdays. Free to play. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

PACES SPRING 2024 CONFERENCE: USING

THE SCIENCE OF POSITIVE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF TRAUMA AND ADVERSITY

May 17, 2024, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Hillsborough Community College Trinkle Center

1206 N Park Road, Plant City

PACES Hillsborough is focused on creating a traumainformed community using the science related to the health impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in combination with the hope and resiliency that comes from research based on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). We welcome anyone with an interest in decreasing the exposure and impact of trauma and adversity in the lives of children. The Spring 2024 Conference is our 2nd annual conference and will host multiple sessions with a focus on PACES.

FRIDAY MORNING BALANCE | MINI SOUND

BATH SESSIONS

May 17, 2024, 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Ignite the Fire Inside Wellness Studio

140 SE Plaza Road, Winter Haven

Join us every Friday at 9:30 am for “Friday Morning Balance,” a 30-minute mini-sound bath session designed to set a peaceful tone for your day. Immerse yourself in the soothing vibrations of our sound bath, a perfect blend of tranquility and rejuvenation. centralfloridatix.com

UAW MID FLORIDA RETIREE COUNCIL

May 17, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Knights of Columbus 1500/4726

3308 Avenue W Northwest, Winter Haven

Come early for coffee and donuts and to socialize. Anyone wishing to wear a mask for safety reasons may do so. The May meeting will have vendors from Blue Cross and United Healthcare, Delta Dental and Optum Rx. If you have any problems, bring your

paperwork. Our May meeting is the last one until September. The drop in center in Winter Haven is open every Tuesday & Thursday from 9am - 1pm located in the Hope Plaza strip mall (off Hwy 17 by the WAWA and across the street from Big Lots). Please Call (863) 293-5556 or drop by with any problems you have with your benefits. All auto UAW retired members are welcome. Please bring all pertinent paperwork to resolve any problems. Pass this info along to any UAW retired members you know who may not get this publication.

OLIVER! JR.

May 17, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Theatre Winter Haven

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

May 17 -19. Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. theatrewinterhaven.com

FLYING TIGERS VS FORT MYERS MUSSELS

May 17, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

BEER BUBBLES & LOWCOUNTRY BOIL

May 11, 2024, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

White Horse Venue

5718 Yates Road, Lakeland

It is time for another Notorious Event! This time we’re going to pop some bubbles, crack some beers, and kick off the summer Lowcountry style! For this one we are bringing down some Charleston tastes and tradition with a Lowcountry boil. A favorite Charlestonian summertime affair consisting mainly of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes boiled and presented over a covered tabletop for everyone to gather around and celebrate good food and great community. centralfloridatix.com

FALLEN HEROES MEMORIAL 5K

May 18, 2024, 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM

3 Parks Trail, Lakeland

Event by the Lakeland Police Foundation. The 2024 Fallen Heroes Memorial 5K, on the familiar ThreeParks Trail starting just north of the Lakeland YMCA and ending at Peterson Park. On site registration will open at 6:00 a.m. and the race will start promptly at 7:00 a.m. lakelandpolicefoundation.com

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

May 18, 2024, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

250 Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

Shop local! Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. We are across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the old BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

ALL LEVEL YOGA & SOUND BATH

May 18, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

From beginner to experienced, all are welcome.This is a flow-style yoga class, linking movement with breath, and includes gentle warm-ups and cool-downs. Breath techniques may be used to balance the mind and bring relaxation to the body. Bring your mat or favorite blanket and pillow and leave feeling spacious, peaceful, refreshed, and relaxed. boktowergardens.org

DOCENT-LED TOUR

May 18, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Polk Museum Of Art

800 EPalmetto Street, Lakeland

Free for everyone. Join us for a docent-led tour to get a fresh look into the Museum’s featured exhibition through an informative and engaging conversation with one of our passionate docents. Learn the stories behind the work and dive into the world of art with ease as we bring people and art together. polkmuseumofart.org

FLYING TIGERS VS FORT MYERS MUSSELS

May 18, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

CINEMA ART HISTORIQUE: THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR (1999)

May 18, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Polk Museum Of Art

800 E Palmetto Street, Lakeland

This free-admission film series is designed to explore the connections between art history and cinema. After each screening, enjoy a Q&A and discussion with Dr. Alex Rich, Executive Director and Chief Curator, about how the evening’s film aligns with the histories and stories it strives to tell. In our final film in the series, Pierce Brosnan stars as Thomas Crown, a billionaire who stages an elaborate heist to steal Monet’s San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Registration is required, and space is limited. polkmuseumofart.org

ADD YOUR EVENT

ELVIS MOVIE HITS! TRIBUTE SHOW

May 18, 2024, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Balmoral Event Center

116 Kenny Blvd, Haines City

Back by popular demand, the incomparable Austin Irby returns to the stage to channel the spirit and charisma of the one and only King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. With his uncanny resemblance and powerhouse vocals, Irby captures the essence of Elvis in a mesmerizing performance that will have you all shook up! centralfloridatix.com

LES DUDEK ACOUSTIC SHOW

May 18, 2024, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Gram Parsons Derry Down

297 5th Street NW, Winter Haven

One of Polk’s Counties own, you won’t want to miss this event! Recording artist, Les Dudek, is known in the music world as a Guitar Legend whose contributions have influenced the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll. With Columbia Records, Les Dudek released four highly acclaimed solo albums; the self-titled debut “Les Dudek” (1976), “Say No More” (1977), and “Ghost Town Parade” (1978). Purchase tickets at gpderrydown.com

FLYING TIGERS VS FORT MYERS MUSSELS

May 19, 2024, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

ELVIS GOSPEL SUNDAY TRIBUTE SHOW BY THE POOL

May 19, 2024, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Balmoral Bar & Grill

124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to be transported back in time as we celebrate the soul-stirring sounds of Elvis’s Gospel music! Join us on May 19th for an unforgettable Elvis Gospel Sunday Tribute Show By The Pool at the picturesque Balmoral Bar & Grill. centralfloridatix.com

ALIGN THE BODY & ATTUNE TO DIVINE ENERGY

May 19, 2024, 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM

Yoga Haven

1511 6th Street SE, Winter Haven

Ever wonder why you just can’t get comfortable in certain Yoga poses? Find out why as we explore how to find the best physical alignment for your unique body. Let energy flow through body alignment. winterhavenyoga.com

TRIVIA NIGHT

May 20, 2024, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Cob & Pen

1221 Florida Avenue S, Lakeland

Every Monday at 7:30 pm. Play trivia hosted by Triviosity every Monday. Free to play. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

BARRY MANILOW AND NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE SHOW

May 21, 2024, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Theatre Winter Haven

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven 5 pm and again at 8 pm on the same day.

Tribute Tuesday with Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond! theatrewinterhaven.com

FLYING TIGERS VS PALM BEACH CARDINALS

May 21, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

TRIVIA TUESDAYS

May 21, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Grove Roots Brewing Company, 302 3rd Street

Southwest, Winter Haven, 33880, United States

Every Tuesday at 6:30pm.

Play trivia hosted by Triviosity. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM

May 21, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Barrel 239

239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven

Poker and whiskey every Tuesday night!! Players receive 10% off drinks while at the table. Sign up early at the bar for more chips! Extra 500 chips for 30 minutes early, and 1,000 chips for 1hr early. Gift card prizes are awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners for each session!

*This event is 21 & up. More info on FB @barrel239

BOOK & BIRD CLUB

May 22, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lake Wales History Museum

325 S Scenic Highway, Lake Wales

May book: “The Wager” by David Grann.

Looking to engage with thought-provoking ideas and connect with fellow curious minds? Join our lively book club dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of nonfiction! More info on FB @LakeWalesHistoryMuseum

OWLS AND WOOD DUCKS: NESTBOX BUILDING WORKSHOP

May 22, 2024, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

1702 S Holland Pkwy, Bartow

Join UF/IFAS Extension’s Natural Resources Agent, Shannon, to learn about cavity nesting birds and build a nestbox for your property! You will also learn about their real estate preferences and how to choose a good spot for a birdhouse. Then, participants will build an owl house or duck box to install at home. One nestbox per household, maximum! Register & find more info at FB @PolkExtension.

FLYING TIGERS VS PALM BEACH CARDINALS

May 22, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Boulevard, Lakeland Cheer on the hometown team!

Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/ lakeland

GIRL’S INC. SHE KNOWS WHERE SHE’S GOING LUNCHEON

May 23, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Polk State College

999 Avenue H NE, Winter Haven

Girls Inc. of Winter Haven will honor local women for their dedication and contributions to the Greater Winter Haven community. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit Girls Inc. of Winter Haven in support of their after-school program that promotes girls being Strong, Smart, and Bold! The Honorees: Tiffani Gozdur –George Jenkins Award; Suzie Nelson – Julie Pope Award; Kris Newman-Lake – Virginia Snively Award; Kim Hulverson – Ralph & Alice Thompson Award. Purchase tickets at girlsincwinterhaven.org.

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA ANNUAL CELEBRATION

May 23, 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Polk Theatre

121 Florida Avenue S, Lakeland

This 80th Anniversary year will feature a special lookback from the founding years to present.

FLYING TIGERS VS PALM BEACH CARDINALS

May 23, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

TRIVIA THURSDAY

May 23, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Barrel 239

239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday at 7 pm. Play trivia with Triviosity. Themed nights on the 3rd Thursdays. Free to play. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

ASSISTED LIVING THE MUSICAL

May 23, 2024, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Theatre Winter Haven

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

May 23 - 26. These Boomers are partying at Pelican

Roost, the very active retirement community that is home to the 18-different characters played by the show’s two actors. Pelican Roost is where 70-something is the new 20-something…only with looser skin. theatrewinterhaven.com

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE: VINTAGE V BAND

May 24, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Munn Park

210 East Main Street, Lakeland

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and grab a TO GO dinner and adult beverage from a Downtown Business! This event has a state liquor license, so you can leave a bar or restaurant with a TO GO drink to enjoy in Munn Park while you listen to the band.

FLYING TIGERS VS PALM BEACH CARDINALS

May 24, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

SPCA FLORIDA “ RUN FOR THEIR LIVES “ 5K

May 25, 2024, 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Peterson Park

3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland

Runners will not only enjoy a chip timed 5K race, but will be saving lives with every step they take. Walkers, and leashed dogs are welcome! Complimentary continental breakfast will be provided. Award ceremony will be conducted after the race. Course will run most of the 3 Parks Trail. spcaflorida.org/run2024

LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET

May 25, 2024, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

North Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland

Every Saturday in downtown Lakeland. Shop local, handmade, homegrown, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays. downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

May 25, 2024, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

250 Magnolia Avenue, Winter Haven

Shop local! Shop artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks, and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. We are across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the old BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven every Saturday. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

May 25, 2024, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

This inclusive class includes gentle yoga movements that move our spine in all directions, breathing techniques, and extended relaxation infused with a sprinkling of yoga philosophy. All levels are welcome. Beginners are encouraged to attend. Registration required. boktowergardens.org

STEM IN THE PARK

May 25, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

FLYING TIGERS VS PALM BEACH CARDINALS

May 25, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

FLYING TIGERS VS PALM BEACH CARDINALS

May 26, 2024, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

Cheer on the hometown team! Single A-Affiliate. Purchase tickets at milb.com/lakeland

TRIVIA NIGHT

May 27, 2024, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Cob & Pen

1221 Florida Avenue S, Lakeland

Every Monday at 7:30 pm. Play trivia hosted by Triviosity every Monday. Free to play. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

TRIVIA TUESDAYS

May 28, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Grove Roots Brewing Company

302 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven

Every Tuesday at 6:30pm. Play trivia hosted by Triviosity. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM

May 28, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Barrel 239

239 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven

Poker and whiskey every Tuesday night!! Players receive 10% off drinks while at the table. Sign up early at the bar for more chips! Extra 500 chips for 30 minutes early, and 1,000 chips for 1hr early. Gift card prizes are awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners for each session!

*This event is 21 & up. More info on FB @barrel239

THURSDAY MORNING BALANCE | MINI SOUND

BATH SESSIONS

May 30, 2024, 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Ignite the Fire Inside Wellness Studio

140 SE Plaza Road, Winter Haven

Designed to set a peaceful tone for your day. Immerse yourself in the soothing vibrations of our sound bath, a perfect blend of tranquility and rejuvenation. centralfloridatix.com

EXPLORATION STATION

May 30, 2024, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

These events occur from 2 – 4PM and follow the Polk County Public Schools early dismissal schedule. Visit Bonnet Springs Park with your family to escape, engage, and explore a wide range of environmental science topics through our Exploration Station program. bonnetspringspark.com

BSP TRIVIA NIGHT

May 30, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

On the last Thursday of every month. Stop by and enjoy ½ off draft beer, house wine, and select liquor brands. bonnetspringspark.com

TRIVIA THURSDAY

May 30, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Barrel 239

239 3rd Street Southwest, Winter Haven

Every Thursday at 7 pm. Play trivia with Triviosity.

Themed nights on the 3rd Thursdays. Free to play. More info on FB @TriviosityLive

NOCHE DE MERENGUE, SALSA Y BACHATA CON RIKA RUMBA

May 31, 2024, 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Balmoral Bar & Grill

124 Kenny Boulevard, Haines City

¡VEN A BAILAR CON Rika Rumba! El grupo viene ready para ponerlos a gozar en la Noche Latina. Entrada gratis. centralfloridatix.com

Where Faith is the Heart of Our Home.

The Estates builds new chapel in 2024. Come learn more about our community, call 863-853-5505 and request a private tour