TOP 10 TO DO

POLK TOP 10

“QUEST: PIERRE AND CATHY DUTERTRE”

For the past decade, Pierre and Cathy Dutertre have created compelling artwork as a photographic duo, integrating their individual and collective experiences into a thoughtprovoking and moving body of work that forms the centerpiece of this exhibition. On view through March 28 at the Polk Museum of Art. Schedule visit online at PolkMuseumofArt.org/Quest

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

March 4 - 14 at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds in Plant City. Enjoy 11 full days of strawberries, shortcake, concerts, rides, stage shows, attractions, food, exhibits, displays, contests, competitions, and fun for the whole family. 10am-10pm, more info at flstrawberryfestival.com

AVENUE Q

Select days through March 14 at Theatre Winter Haven. The laugh-out-loud musical tells the story of a recent college grad named Princeton, who moves into a shabby New York apartment. He soon discovers that, although the residents seem nice, it’s clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Purchase tickets in advance at theatrewinterhaven.com

ART AFTER DARK

March 6, 6-8pm at the Lake Wales Arts Center. Enjoy craft beer from Grove Roots, music from Lakeland Lofi, and all of the beautiful artwork of David Price and Jeff Ripple. Food will be available for purchase. Ages 21+. Tickets are $5/ members and $10/non-members, book your tickets today, space is limited. centralfloridatix.com

SPRING BLOOM BRUNCH

Select Sundays at Bok Tower Gardens. The number of brunch packages are limited, advance purchase highly recommended. Brunch is packaged “to go” and purchasers may enjoy their meal on the Blue Palmetto Cafe terrace or anywhere in the Gardens. Add a mimosa for an additional price. More info at Boktowergardens.org

DANIELA SOLEDADE & NATE NAJAR FROM BRAZIL WITH LOVE

March 12, 7pm at Bok Tower Gardens. Experience a bossa nova experience for all ages. Enjoy the lush vocals of Daniela Soledade and the masterful guitar stylings of Nate Najar. The CenterState Bank Concerts Under the Stars series is a co-production of Lake Wales Arts Council and Bok Tower Gardens. $36 members/$40 non-members, and $48 day of the concert more info online. boktowergardens.org

SPRING OBSESSION

March 13, 8am-3pm at Lake Crago Park in Lakeland. The Lakeland Rotary Club’s 18th Annual “Spring Obsession” with plants galore, music, BBQ, children’s tent, outdoor decor, prize drawings! This is the 18th year for this family-friendly event. www. springobsesson.org

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

March 17. “May the winds of fortune sail you, May you sail a gentle sea. May it always be the other guy who says, ‘this drink’s on me.’” Don’t drink and drive, be safe my friends, celebrate wisely.

CENTRAL PARK ART FESTIVAL

March 20 from 10am-5pm and March 21st from 10am-4pm in Central Park in downtown Winter Haven. Presented by Ridge Art Association and Victor Smith Law Group. Visit Winter Haven for a large collection of fine art and fine crafts, music, food, and even children’s hands-on art by Polk State College. Ridgeart.org

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED: MY LOVE LETTER TO LOVE SONGS

March 20, 4pm at the Chain O’ Lakes Stadium. Part of the Theatre Winter Haven Stadium Series. Bring your lawn chair, cooler and enjoy a great show under the stars! An evening of love songs with Katie Pinder Brown. Gates open at 3pm, show starts at 4pm, purchase tickets online. centralfloridatix.com

ORLANDO TOP 10

JOSEPHINE

This critically acclaimed, offBroadway musical combines cabaret, theater, and dance to tell the story of Josephine Baker, the first African American superstar and one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century. This show takes place outdoors under the tented Darden Foundation Courtyard with socially distanced cabaret tables, select days through March 21 at Orlando Shakes. For mature audiences only. orlandoshakes.org

ORLANDO SOLAR BEARS

The Orlando Solar Bears return to the Amway Center for the 2021 season. Watch them go head-to-head with teams in the ECHL. Attendance will be limited, tickets available. Prices, days, and times vary. Purchase your tickets in advance at orlandosolarbearshockey.com The Orlando Solar Bears are part of the ECHL Premier “AA” Hockey League.

EPCOT INT’L FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

March 3 - July 5 at Epcot in Disney World. Stroll through beautifully manicured gardens with topiary sculptures of Disney characters. Purchase food at outdoor kitchens, watch live entertainment, and more. Must reserve tickets in advance and adhere to CDC guidelines while in the park. disneyworld.disney.go.com

SUNDAY BRUNCH & STRING ENSEMBLE

March 7, 1pm. Pick your own socially distant, outdoor box for 2–5 people at the Mainstage at Seneff Arts Plaza in front of the Dr. Phillips Center, the entry gates are on Orange Ave. Join Orlando Philharmonic Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois and her colleagues for an afternoon of beautiful music for string instruments. Purchase ticket in advance. 407-358-6603 drphillipscenter.org

THORNTON 2ND THURSDAY

March 11, 6:30-9:30pm. This wine and art stroll takes place in the Thornton Park District on the 2nd Thursday of the month. With over 25 places to stop for a tasty libation along with art vendors, live music, DJs and fun. The Thornton Park District Neighborhood is at North Summerlin Avenue in Orlando. $10 orlando.gov

WILD ZOO ART

March 13, 10am-noon at the Central Florida Zoo. Meet an animal up close and paint its portrait. An art instructor will guide everyone to create their own masterpiece as both kids and adults meet some amazing animals at the zoo! Supplies will be provided. Space is limited, ages 5–13, must register in advance. centralfloridazoo.org

JOHN WILLIAMS: BIG SCREEN BLOCKBUSTERS

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents the music of John Williams. Enjoy highlights of the scores from Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Hook, Saving Private Ryan, and more! March 13 at 3:30 and 7:30 at Calvary Orlando in Winter Park. Purchase tickets in advance. Orlandophil.org

ORLANDO CRITICAL MASS

March 26. Orlando’s largest on-going group bicycle ride takes place the last Friday of every month. Ride meets at Loch Haven Park at 6:30pm and leaves at 7pm sharp, rain or shine. The route is 9-10 miles long and is fun for all riders, from beginner to expert! Lights are required. Helmets are required for riders 16 and under but recommended for all. More info on FB @OrlandoCriticalMass

FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB ORLANDO

March 27, 8am. Join lung health and clean air advocates, first responders, and athletes of all abilities as they conquer the stairs of Exploria Stadium. The Fight For Air Climb is one of the American Lung Association’s signature fundraising events that supports the mission of the organization - to save lives by improving lung health. Registration is open at FightForAirClimb.org/Orlando.

ART NIGHT OUT

March 31, 6-8:30pm. Join the Orlando Museum of Art for a fun night out! You will work alongside an art teacher to create your very own masterpiece. Students are asked to wear a face covering and will be spaced out throughout the classroom. Due to health concerns, beverages will not be served. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For any questions, please call 407.896.4231 ext. 261. omart.org

TAMPA TOP 10

DIGITAL ART COLLECTION

Explore over 100 pieces of the Tampa Museum of Art’s permanent collection of art and artifacts with their new searchable object database. Learn about the works and the artists in new detail from the comfort of your home. Visit tampamuseum.org and you’ll find the Collections Database under the Collections tab. The museum is open, if you’d like to visit in person, register in advance.

MOONLIGHT ZIP LINE

Experience the nocturnal life of Tampa Bay. For the duration of this 2-hour tour, you’ll traverse all 5 zip lines as well as walk the 200foot suspension bridge called the “Flight of the Osprey” bridge by the light of the moon. Reserve your spot in advance, only on select nights in March. Ages 7+ 813-448-5635 zipontampabay.com

NEW YORK YANKEES SPRING TRAINING

The 2021 Grapefruit League schedule is up, however no physical tickets available at the time of print. Select games will be broadcast via the YES Network and MLB.TV. WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM and WADO 1280 AM (Spanish) will also carry select games. Under a revised GL schedule intended to limit travel, the Yankees will only play exhibition games against the Blue Jays, Orioles, Phillies, and Tigers. www.mlb.com/yankees/

FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

Every weekend throughout March at Busch Gardens. Guests will have over 110 items to sample, including 20+ new dishes, 50+ wine, beer, and seltzers, and 20+ refreshing cocktails. Food and beverage samples are not included with park admission and are available for an extra fee. Enjoy live music on the festival stage, must reserve your day at the park in advance. buschgardens.com

FREE TUESDAY

The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County proudly presents Free Tuesdays held on the first Tuesday of every month, with Free Glazer Children’s Museum admission from 10am-5pm. Due to the high attendance volume on Free Tuesday, group reservations are not allowed and groups of ten or more will not be permitted entry during Free Tuesday. Registration is highly encouraged. 813-443-3861 glazermuseum.org/ freetuesdays

LIGHTS ON TAMPA

On the evenings of March 5 & 6, Lights on Tampa will offer self-guided tours of the artwork, and cultural pop-ups around the Tampa Convention Center. Start at the convention center, Sparkman Wharf, or the Riverwalk. You’ll encounter new installations and other significant works of art in downtown. Lightsontampa.org

TAMPA BAY SCREAMS

March 19 & 20 at the Ramada Westshore in Tampa. This Horror convention celebrates all things horror! Special guests this year include, Mark Patton (A Nightmare on Elm Street 2), Jack Shoulder, director (A Nightmare on Elm Street 2), Joel D. Wynkoop, King of the B Movies, and more. Purchase your favorite horror products and watch special horror film festival selections from around the world. gatorbladefilms.com/ tampa-bay-screams

TROUBADOUR’S TALE

March 19-21 on the Straz Riverwalk. Watch Opera Tampa live, outside on the Riverwalk. This abridged take on Verdi’s Il Trovatore promises blood-andthunder drama soaked in revenge and regret with the hopes of everlasting love. 813-229-7827 Purchase tickets in advance strazcenter.org

DOWNTOWN TAMPA WALKING TOUR

March 20, 10-11:30am at Lykes Gaslight Park. This guided tour highlights the iconic landmarks, characters, and groundbreaking events behind what was once the entire city of Tampa, the first economic hub on Florida’s west coast. Participants will walk a total of one mile along public sidewalks and brick streets. $20 register in advance. 813-228-0097 tampabayhistorycenter.org

VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY

March 25, 8pm at The Straz. Tampa has benefited from the staunch determination and hard work of visionary African American women who raised the bar for all residents. Celebrate these change-makers who advanced civil rights and inspired generations while shaping the city. Register in advance strazcenter.org

May28th

Downtown

LOCALLoyaltyByKatieWorthingtonDecker,President/CEOoftheGreaterWinter HavenChamberofCommerce Everymonthagroupofvolunteer'ambassadors'withthe GreaterWinterHavenChamberofCommerceselectone WinterHavenareabusinessasthe BusinessoftheMonth.Learnaboutthesebusinesseswhohavebeen recognizedoverthelastfivemonthsandconsiderdoingbusinesswiththemtosay,"ThankYou"forinvestinginus!

Dewdney'sPlaza 16541stStN Cheryl&Terrywere recognizedforthe investmentmade convertingthecarwash baysintoindividual businessesmadeavailable toentrepreneursto increaselocallygrown businessesinNortheast WinterHaven.Itjustso happenedthatalloftheir tenantsareyoung,female businessowners!

SmoothieSquad

319CypressGardensBlvd Thisfamilyowned& operatedrestaurantopened in2019andimmediately formedcommunity partnerships.Fromblood drivesforWinterHaven Hospitaltocollecting Christmasgiftsforseniors forHomeInsteadSenior Care,they'recreatinga bettercommunity,one healthyanddeliciousmeal atatime!

MechanicalDynamics

11165thStSW Jeff&theteamat MechanicalDynamicswere recognizedfortheir contributiontoMainStreet WinterHavenbyfabricating metalframesforthe massiveStarlightNights decorationsindowntown.I thinkeveryoneneededa littlesparkleattheendof 2020andwehavetheir dedicatedteamofmetal fabricatorstothankforit!

ThomasR.OldtInvestment Services 340WCentralAve TomOldtInvestmentServices TomOldtwasrecognizedforhisrole inleadingacommunityefforttosave theHistoricRitzTheatre.TheRitzis onitswaytoonceagainbeingan activeanchorofdowntowntothe benefitofthesurrounding businesses,theartscommunityand ourqualityoflife! Jensen'sCornerBar 1003rdStSW Jensen'sCornerBar Jessie&Robbiehavepartneredwith numerousnon-profitsovertheyears, butthesetwohaveleftalegacyin thecommunitythatgoeswellbeyond theirgenerosity.Theirpersistent advocacyonbehalfofthe skateboardingcommunityiswhywe nowhavethebeautiful(and incrediblyactive)newskateparkon LakeSilver!

LOWPAYMENTKINGSPRESENTS

DiningPassport

Inanormalyear,theWinterHavenChamberwouldbeplanningourin-person2021TasteofWinter Havenone-nightdiningextravaganza.ButIthinkwecanallagreethatover500peopleinanindoor spaceinearly2021wouldbeachallenge.However,thereisnomoreimportanttimeforustodrive traffictoourlocalrestaurants,barsandcaterersthannowastheyweresomeofthebusinesses mostaffectedbypandemicmitigationregulations. Thatiswhyweareproudtopresenttoyouour 2021TasteofWinterHaven"EatOuttoHelpOut" DiningPassport. Forjust$50,youcanreceiveabookletfilledwith$10offcouponstoarearestaurants,barsand caterers.CouponswillbegooduntilDecember31,2021.Thelistofparticipatingrestaurantsasof thispublicationis: Arabella'sRistorante Culver's Duke'sBrewhouseWinterHaven EliteCateringCompany FireEatery+Bar KFCAuburndale MediterraneanFreshGrill OldManFrank's Richard'sFineCoffees SmoothieSquad Tanner'sLakeside Tempo1930 TheCateringCoofCentralFlorida

Purchaseyourdiningpassportatwinterhavenchamber.com

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