Heartland LIVING Oct-Nov 2017 Issue by Heartland LIVING

Heartland LIVING October | November 2017

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Your Lifestyle Community Magazine

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Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Letter From

THE PUBLISHER As we roll into October it has been a whirlwind this

past month to say the least. One thing I’ve learned is the Heartland communities know how to come together to help each and everyone in need, no matter how big or small the need. The many acts of kindness I’ve seen are too many to list and they are still continuing for those that have lost so much. Continued Prayers to Everyone. We are “Florida Strong” and getting through this one day at a time together.

PUBLISHER

Our designer Bridgette Waldau created a special section in this issue to share just a small part of how the Heartland comes together giving back in a time of need. We are so proud to see members of our advertising family going above and beyond to help our communities.

I had the opportunity last week to spend the day with an old friend I grew up with in Sebring. Bobby Dumont took his love for fishing and turned it into a lifestyle that he shared with my Heartland LIVING team. We had a beautiful but breezy day of fishing the waters in Pine Island Sound. He introduced us to Rob Welles, III who was a gracious host at the beautiful Cabbage Key where we enjoyed lunch and learning about the Island. I’m looking forward to taking my family for another fishing trip with Bobby. Speaking of family, my daughter and son in law have a great love for the Peace River and take their family every chance they get whether it be boating or fossil hunting. Jonathan has wanted to cover a story like this for some time now and I was intrigued at the rich history that is right in our back yards. With the change in water levels from Hurricane Irma, it was neat to see the water marks on the trees and how dry land became marshland. The natural beauty of the Peace River is just breathtaking. We have wanted to share with you the story about The Porch Light for some time now but have held off because the topic is a little strong compared to the usual editorial content we choose for the magazine. With human trafficking becoming such an epidemic and we hear more stories about incidents in our community, I felt now was the time that we bring awareness so these situations can be identified. This will also shed some light on how we can help if someone we know has been victimized. Heartland LIVING is humbled and proud to again be the recipient of three Charlie Awards, two golds and one silver. I am so thankful to be able to share this accomplishment with my team at the RitzCarlton in Naples. We strive to continue to bring you the best of the Heartland. It’s because of you, our readers, that we challenge ourselves to bring you the best publication each and every issue. I’m so blessed to live in such a loving community surrounded by great people. Let us continue to Love Thy Neighbor and support one another in our everyday walk of life. God Bless,

Cindy Sebring Adams

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FEATURES 22

A Fishing Adventure in Pine Island By Jessica Pleger

Peace River: A History of Discover, Destruction and Restoration By Katy Fassler

The Porch Light Shining A Light on Human Trafficking By Jennifer Goodson & RJ Walters

Fine Art at the Magnolia By Christy Swift

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

CONTENTS

October | November 2017 Volume VI | Issue 5

Special Section Charlie Awards 18 FMA By Jessica Pleger 98

In the Eye of the Storm

Heartland Community Comes Together During the Hurricanes Photo Essay

Inspired by the South

110

Heartland Scene 110 Okeechobee Main Street Labor Day in the Park

112 Annual Judge Clifton M. Kelly 42

42 Catch of the Day Recipes By Jessica Pleger

Beer Battered Fish & Chips Pan Fried Fish Sandwich Creamy Coleslaw Deep Fried Hush Puppies

of the South 90 Taste By Cindy Sebring Adams

Champion for Children Awards

116 2017 Hardee Athletic Foundation

Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

14 Behind the Scenes 118 Heartland Calendar of Events

Rockin' Beer Oysters Rockefeller

94 Southern Chef By Layne Prescott

Meatloaf Supreme Pizza Soup Fresh Apple Cinnamon Cake Parmesan Ranch Chips

A Fishing Adventure in Pine Island

Heartland LIVING October | November 2017

Heartland LIVING

Photography by Tracy Newlin

October November 2017 Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Your Lifestyle Community Magazine

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Heartland

LIVING

October | November 2017 Volume VI | Issue 5

CEO | Publisher Cindy Sebring Adams Editorial Director Jessica Pleger Creative | Art Director Bridgette Waldau Writers Katy Fassler Jennifer Goodson Jessica Pleger Christy Swift Contributing Writers Layne Prescott RJ Walters

Heartland

Publications & Marketing, Inc.

Photography Director Rafael Pacheco Cover / Feature Photographer Traci Newlin

from concept to design

Branding

Feature Photographers Emily Plank Bill Wight Photographers Sharon Cannon Caroline Maxcy Fox Cynthia Paxton

Logo Design Magazines Catalogs Brochures Publications Flyers Post Cards Business Stationary Ad Designs Graphic Design

Published By Heartland Publications & Marketing, Inc. Contact: 412 Rest Haven Road , Zolfo Springs, FL 33890 863-781-0344 E-mail Cindy@Heartland-Living.com Become a fan on facebook. Visit us at www.HeartlandLivingMagazine.com Heartland Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by Heartland Publications & Marketing, Inc. Copyright 2017, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by expressed written permission of the publisher.

Heartland LIVING

Cindy Sebring Adams President | CEO

October November 2017

Email: Cindy@heartlandpublication.com

863-781-0344

Florida Magazine Association

Winner of 8 FMA Charlie Awards 2014 - 2017

All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Heartland Living Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Heartland Living Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. Heartland Living Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability..

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Behind the Scenes Bridgette Waldau has been a graphic

Art Director

and fine artist for over 30 years. She received her A.A. from the Ft. Lauderdale Institute of Art and a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Stetson University. She moved to Okeechobee in 1994 where she opened her art studio. Bridgette has been creative director for several publications, working with Heartland Publications & Marketing as art director since 2011, winning six Florida Magazine Charlie Awards in 2015 & 2017. She is arts and culture director of Okeechobee Main Street (13 years) and member of the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County. Bridgette is married to James Waldau, a retired firefighter from the City of Hialeah.

Editorial Director

Jessica Pleger is a wife, mother, editor, writer, and caterer. She attended the University of Central Florida where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Finance. Before working full-time at Heartland LIVING, Jessica was a paralegal for over 15 years. She is also the owner and operator of Pink Pineapple Catering. Jessica enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and participating in community events throughout the Heartland. A lifelong resident of Florida, Jessica was raised in Hardee County and now resides in Avon Park with her husband, Jonathan and daughter, Finley Grace. Katy Fassler has been telling stories

Rafael Pacheco I am a Pisces and was

Photography Director

born on the island of Puerto Rico. My dog thinks I am crazy for locking the door so many times in 10 seconds and my cats think I am made of catnip. Everything I wear is black, gray or blue. If I put on something colorful I must have been in a hurry. Photography is how I have let my artistic visions come to life since the early 90’s. Patience, kindness, sharing, sacrifice, love and not to judge I saw my mother practice these and they stayed within me. We are collective energy and all from the same Source. I don’t see the world through my eyes. I see it through my soul.

Writer

Christy Swift is a freelance writer

Layne Prescott Layne was born into

Writer Heartland LIVING October November 2017

a military family, has lived overseas but did most of her growing up in Arcadia. After meeting and marrying Mike Prescott, she moved to Wauchula in 1979 and now calls it her home. She and Mike raised their three children there and now are reaping the benefits of their labor with six sweet, beautiful and perfect grandchildren. Her cooking style is eclectic and best described as “Southern comfort cuisine”. Her greatest joy comes from three things: her faith, loving on her family, and getting in the kitchen and “whipping” up something good.

since she was able to scribble her name in crayon on the wall. Hailing from Akron, Ohio, she moved to Sebring in 2006 to attend the Great Commission Bible Institute. Katy, an avid reader and book collector lives by Dr. Seuss’ advice, “Fill your house with stacks of books, in all the crannies and all the nooks.” Katy and her husband, Sean, live in Sebring with their two daughters, Adia and Emery.

Writer

living in Highlands County. Christy writes feature stories for Heartland LIVING and weekly pieces for a local newspaper, and web-based medical articles. She was recently named the Florida Farm Bureau’s 2014 Newsperson of the Year. Christy enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, and three daughters. She recently ran her first 5K. Says Christy, “The best part of what I do is helping amazing people share their stories.”

October | November 2017

Cynthia Paxton is a stay at home mom

Sharon Cannon Sharon's passion has

Photographer

always been photography. She is an award winning photographer having transitioned from amateur to professional in 2010 when she was contacted by local publications to photograph events. She is a member of Okeechobee Main Street, on the arts and cultural committee. Sharon has lived in Okeechobee for many years, and has one son, Karl. “I love the history of our little town. I want to preserve all of our ‘todays’ through the lens of my camera, for our future ‘tomorrows’.”

Photographer

Emily Plank has a photography business

Caroline Maxcy Fox runs a full service

Photographer

fine art lifestyle photography business based in the heart of Florida. After achieving her Bachelors in Studio Art from Florida State University where she focused on Design and Photography, she practiced in the field of design for six years before pursuing her Masters in Graphic Design at North Carolina State University in 2010. It was through this journey that she honed her artistic craft and developed a "way of seeing" that fuels her photography today. Caroline's images have been featured on wedding and lifestyle blogs worldwide. But the true heart of her work lies in her pursuits to glorify God and "give back" through educational and charitable endeavors.

Photographer

and raised in Arcadia and still live here with husband, Jerry, 4 dogs and 5 horses. She attended SLU and SFU with studies in Biology Education. She trained barrel horses for years and competed across the nation at rodeos. Her passion for art bled over into photography about twelve years ago. She am basically self-taught and loves portrait photography where her goal is to evoke some kind of emotion. She is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and Florida Professional Photographers.

rooted in her hometown of Lakeland, Florida that is celebrating 7 years. She is a graduate from the University of Florida with her Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art where she focused on drawing and painting. She fell in love with photography while at Florida, studying film and digital photography –then started her business while in school. She loves to tell a story, whether it’s that of a person, place or space she is dedicated portraying her subject’s beauty. Personally she loves to give back and serve her community, she loves her Lord Jesus and being with her family and friends.

Bill Wight considers himself a passionate

Photographer Traci Newlin is a native Floridian, born

to two boys. She have spent the last 10 years capturing the precious moments of childhood for families across central Florida. A newborn and child photographer, Paxton loves being able to capture that small moment of time. She has also been a nurse for 15 years and love caring for others. She has lived in Wauchula for over 25 years and is honored to help share our small town community with others.

photographer. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and now lives in Arcadia Florida. He strives to give his clients exactly what they want and If they are not sure, he relies on his instincts. Bill started photography seriously after a motorcycle accident. During his recovery, Bill went to Myakka park, walked around and saw many types of birds and animals. It was there he got an epiphany to get a camera. He was hooked and his life was forever changed. Bill is an award winning photographer and recently won a 2017 Florida Magazine Charlie award for best original photography, that was published in Heartland LIVING Magazine. His studio, located in Arcadia is Wight Zebra Photography.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Dr. Willey and Staff Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Studies Have Shown You May Be 11 Times More Likely To Develop Breast Cancer If You Struggle With Gum Disease And Tooth Loss! Dr. Willey is a proud supporter of Diana Albritton and the Knotty Girl organization, whose mission it is to educate & spread the importance of breast self-exams and breast cancer awareness.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a statistic! Visit your Dentist regularly!

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Proud Heartland LIVING team at the Charlie Awards (L-R) :Bridgette Waldau, Art Director; Cindy Sebring Adams, CEO/Publisher; Bill Wight, Photographer and Jessica Pleger, Editorial Director

or the first time, the Florida Press Association, Florida Society of News Editors, Florida Magazine Association, and the Florida Newspaper Advertising and Marketing Executives came together for the 2017 Florida Media Conference held August 10-11 at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.

Speakers from around the country shared their knowledge and experience with conference attendees and we were offered the opportunity to choose from specialized tracks on revenue-creation, content, and sessions specific to magazines and weekly newspapers, along with combined sessions of interest to the entire industry. On the evening of Friday, August 11, The Florida Magazine Association (FMA) held the 2017 Charlie Awards dinner and Gala honoring winners and special award recipients. Heartland LIVING is humbled and proud to again be the recipient of three Charlie Awards, two golds and one silver. We continue to strive to bring you the best quality publication showcasing your Heartland community.

2017 FMA CHARLIE AWARDS

Heartland

LIVING

BEST DEPARTMENT DESIGN Inspired by the South

Charlie Award

Bridgette Waldau, Art Director

BEST DESIGN: FEATURE

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Heartland LIVING October November 2017

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Heartland LIVING October November 2017

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Tucked away in the tranquil island setting is a beautiful place that many sport fisherman and vacations alike frequent to relax is Pine Island. Â&#x201E;

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Captain Bobby Dumont

was invited down to visit this beautiful piece of paradise by Backcountry Fishing Adventures owner and Sebring native, Bobby Dumont. Publisher Cindy Adams and I were joined by my husband, Jonathan and his best friend, Josh Albritton. We had scheduled our trip down during the first week of September but Hurricane Irma had different plans so we had to reschedule to a later date. Â&#x201E;

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

the waters of Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound for over 25 years, Dumont made Pine Island his permanent residence over 5 years ago, where he turned his love for fishing into a lifestyle. The U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain charters off a beautiful 24-foot Pathfinder Tower Boat that allows him to easily access the surrounding waters, mangroves, beaches and deep sea. He had a variety of fishing poles and fresh bait such white bait, fish and pin fish ready for us and we headed out on a beautiful but breezy morning. The weather conditions werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t desirable for fishing but he put us in a spot where we all immediately started reeling in catches from Spanish Mackerel to Trout. It was a nice way to start filling the keeper cooler.Â&#x201E;

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Heartland LIVING

that the recent hurricane has stirred up the waters and they were unusually dark and murky. From there we headed to a second location but on the way, he took us on somewhat of a scenic tour to see the cool stilt houses that sit off the shore of north captive island. Each house is unique and tells a different story of the history of the location. Dumont offers a variety of trips such as inshore fishing for Snook, Redfish, Trout, Snapper but also sightseeing trips to the beaches of Captiva for shelling and swimming. Heartland LIVING October November 2017

second stop, he took us to a beautiful location next to the mangroves where we caught Snook and watched mullet swirl in schools chasing bait. It was a fun start to the day for us all as the fishing was good and the comradery was equally entertaining. Rob Welles III had graciously invited us to lunch at the Cabbage Key Restaurant so it was time for us to head to the historic island to eat and check out its rich history. Wellesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; parents, Rob and Phyllis have owned Cabbage Key Restaurant and Cottages for over 30 years as well as their sister location, Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island. Rob III and his brother Ken assist in the daily operations and management of both properties and reside on the island with their families.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

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Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Rob Welles III

which is only accessible by boat, Cabbage Key purchased in 1976 for a mere $14,000 was built atop a shelling location where Native Americans would shell oysters for hundreds of years. The 100-acre resort only became powered by underground cable in late 1980s. Prior to that, it was run by generator and an honor system once the bar closed for the night where patrons could pour their own spirits and keep track on a community clip board. The location received an unexpected $750,000 facelift when Hurricane Charley came through the quaint little island town damaging buildings, docks, vegetation, roads, utilities, etc. One thing that remains intact after all these years is the trademark dollar bills that line the walls of the restaurant and bar. It was estimated in 2010 that there were approximately $70,000 dollars on the walls which leads them to believe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s somewhere around $100,000 currently. Each year approximately $10,000 worth of dollar bills falls off the walls. This money is collected and an annual donation is made to local charities including AMIkids. Cabbage Key and its sister location Tarpon Lodge both feature lodging, restaurants and boat docking. Â&#x201E;

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

After a wonderful lunch featuring some of the freshest catch you will ever eat such as the Mahi Mahi and the perfectly tangy Key Lime Pie with fresh whipped cream, we were ready to head back on the water for more fishing. Only problem, the weather had a different plan. This gave us the opportunity to shop the gift shop and converse with the locals about the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, their love of the location and hear fishing stories with Dumont. Most employees of Cabbage Key live on the island but the few that do not are offered a trip to the mainland twice a day, morning and afternoon so they can commute to their jobs.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Advertising Helps You Get to Where You Want to Go. You can advertise in the most widely distributed and read magazine in the Heartland! Your ad will not only be seen in print but also on our website.

Call or email us if you want to become a part of this fast growing publication

863-781-0344 Cindy@Heartland-Living.com

Heartland LIVING www.HeartlandLivingMagazine.com

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

slacked a little, we decided to head back to the boat dock since the rain was set in for the afternoon. Although a little bummed we didn’t get to fish out the rest of our afternoon, it was a day well spent as we had keeper fish in the boat that we enjoyed for dinner and we had plenty of laughs and memories to take home as well. As Dumont said it best, “It’s not about the quantity of the fish, but the quality of time spent together.” We are all looking forward to booking our next fishing trip with Backcountry Fishing Adventures. He has taken many families throughout the years and watched their children grow up and still come back for adventures. Dumont has been friends of my mom’s family for years and it was a pleasure meeting and spending the day with him. I can’t wait to take my kids and start a lifetime of forever memories with Captain Dumont and the beautiful surrounding in Pine Island Sound.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

-Bobby Dumont

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

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why foster homes

are needed in communities

Heartland for Children, Inc. is the lead community based care agency that has been serving Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties since 2003, redesigning the local foster care system. Growing the foster home network so children and teenagers can remain in their communities and reach their full potential continues to be a top priority.

Great progress has been made in recruiting quality foster caregivers, preparing interested individuals and couples to be the best foster caregivers they can be for local children who have experienced trauma, and ensuring that once homes are licensed, support services are offered to foster caregivers when needed. Most recently the training curriculum was redesigned to focus on parenting children who have experienced trauma; the licensing and home study process has been closely examined to see how we could reduce paperwork for all training class participants; and current foster caregivers are engaged to mentor new foster caregivers. Also, current foster caregivers help in the training classes and in our local recruitment efforts. Our current foster caregivers continue to be our best recruiters in Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties. We currently have an engaged network of 186+ foster caregivers that understand that the greatest need Heartland for Children has, is to build our foster home network so that when children from this community need a temporary place to live, we have options for these children. Children that are placed in foster care want to stay in their same schools, near their current neighborhoods, and around their familiar friends and family members. We need to grow our network to 250 homes to meet the local need. Can you help us reach this goal?

Strong Communities need diverse foster caregivers that can meet the unique needs of children and teenagers when a situation arises, and they need to be placed in a safe home where they feel accepted. Please consider learning more about how to become a foster caregiver in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties by calling us at 863-519-8900 ext. 289, visit our website at www.heartlandforchildren.org and like us on Facebook to learn more about upcoming training classes and the local need for foster homes.

what local foster parents say

about their fostering experience

Heartland

“People say ‘He is so lucky to have you’ , but I say I am lucky to have him.” ~ Lisa Myers LIVING (Heartland for Children Foster Caregiver)

October

“You might be temporary in their lives. They might be temporary in yours. But there is nothing November 2017 temporary about the love and lessons shared between both families.” ~ Julie Myers (Heartland for Children Foster Caregiver)

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds baking potatoes, peeled & cut into 2 1/2-by-1/3-inch sticks Peanut oil, for frying 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dredging Kosher salt 1 3/4 cups cold beer 1 3/4 pounds center-cut skinless cod, haddock or fish of your choice, cut into four 6-by-2-inch pieces Freshly ground pepper Malt vinegar and lemons, for serving In a large bowl, cover the potatoes with water; let soak for 1 hour. Drain the potatoes and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Set a rack over a rimmed baking sheet. In a large, wide pot, heat 2 inches of oil to 330°. Add the potatoes and fry until tender, about 12 minutes. Using a longhandled wire scoop, transfer the potatoes to the rack to drain. Let cool for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the 1 1/2 cups of flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Whisk in 1 1/2 cups of the cold beer until the batter is almost smooth; it should be a little lumpy. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of beer. Preheat the oven to 350° and heat the oil to 375°. Add half of the potatoes back to the oil and fry a second time until crisp, 2 minutes; transfer to the rack to drain while you fry the remaining potatoes.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Reduce the oil temperature to 325°. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Working with 2 pieces at a time, dredge the fish in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip the floured fish in the beer batter; allow any excess batter to drip off. Add the battered fish to the hot oil and fry, turning a few times, until richly browned and crunchy and the fish is cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the fish on the rack, lightly blot dry with paper towels and keep warm.

Reheat the fries in the oven. Batter and fry the remaining fish. Serve the fish and chips with malt vinegar and lemon wedges.

12 buttery white crackers (recommended: Ritz or Club) 2 garlic cloves ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves (1 handful) ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs 1 pound fish filets, cut into 4 equal sections 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 Brioche buns lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the crackers, garlic, parsley, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the pepper. Pulse until smooth. Pour the crumbs into a wide, shallow bowl. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 of the filets and cook, undisturbed, until the undersides are crisp and lightly golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the filets and cook for 3 minutes (if using a thicker filet, cook to desired doneness) Transfer to a plate and loosely tent the fish with foil to keep warm. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and cook the remaining 2 filets. To serve, put one fish filet on each of four bun halves, pile each filet with about 3 tablespoons of slaw, and top with the remaining bun halves.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Ingredients 2 cups of shredded green/red cabbage and carrot 2 scallions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sour cream 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 teaspoon sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and scallions. In a small bowl, whisk to combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Add the dressing to the coleslaw and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate the slaw until you’re ready to serve. In another shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Place the bowls of crumbs and eggs side by side to prepare for coating your fish. Dip both sides of 1 filet first in the egg mixture, shaking the fish lightly over the bowl to allow for any excess to drip off, then put the filet into the bowl of crumbs, pressing to coat each filet. Transfer the coated filet to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining 3 filets.

Ingredients 6 cups peanut oil 1 1/2 cups self-rising cornmeal 1/2 cup self-rising flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 small onion, chopped 1 cup buttermilk 1 egg, lightly beaten

Instructions

Using a deep pot, preheat oil for frying to 350 degrees F.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Using a mixing bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the onion. In a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk and egg. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until blended. Drop the batter, 1 teaspoon at a time, into the oil. Dip the spoon in a glass of water after each hushpuppy is dropped in the oil. Fry until golden brown, turning the hushpuppies during the cooking process.

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Heartland LIVING October November 2017

A History of Discovery, Destruction, and Restoration By Katy Fassler Photography by Bill Wight

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

ver the years, the state of Florida has seen tremendous growth. Population is booming, industry has flourished, and millions travel every year to its beautiful beaches, captivating cities and theme parks. But here, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern society are a few sacred sanctuaries where the land has been preserved, sheltered from progress. In the Heartland, we are blessed with an abundance of natural Floridian flora and fauna. Beginning in Bartow and flowing south to the Charlotte Harbor estuary and sprawling out into the Myakka and Caloosahatchee, is the beautiful Peace River. It meanders through 106 miles Heartland of hammocks, swamps, and marshes showcasing the natural beauty of Florida. Â&#x201E;LIVING October November 2017

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

he river carries with it a long history. Thousands of years ago, Florida was covered with water and over time, as the waters rose and fell, the state of Florida, as we know it, was born. Because of its past, being under ocean water, fossils have been made, preserved in Florida’s sediment. Thousands of creatures, mammoths, mastodons, horses, whales, and ancient manatees have been discovered in this incredible area. The earliest known documentation of this expansive river is in the early 1500s as an unknown Spanish cartographer drew the river and fittingly named it the “Rio de la Paz” or the Peace River. La Florida, the first major European land claim during the European Age of Discovery, was established in 1513 by the notable Juan Ponce de Leon. During this time, more explorers from Spain came to expand their borders in search of gold and other riches. Sadly, due to disease brought from Europe, the population of the Florida natives declined tremendously. Over time, vast areas of Florida were completely uninhabited.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

uring the mid-1700s, small groups of Native American tribes, largely derived of Creek, began traveling south into Spanish Florida having been forced off their land by English settlers. These tribes, along with African-Americans fleeing slavery, and possibly remnants of surviving indigenous Florida peoples, united into a new Seminole culture. The Seminoles, or “separatists”, migrating to Florida from the southeastern United States, named the river “Tallackchopo”- “The River of Long Peas” for the abundance of wild peas the grew along the banks. The late 1700s was an unruly and violent time in Florida history. In 1817 a year long war with the United States began. Fighting over land and slaves, in addition to the Indian Removal Act of 1830, added to tensions. Years later, Seminole leaders refused to sign a relocation treaty and were ushered into war with the United States for a second time. In the end, the Peace River Valley was destroyed. During the 1840’s, tension between the Seminole people and settlers arose prompting Federal authorities to intervene. In Bowling Green, an outpost was built to control the Seminole tribe. The outpost was attacked and destroyed. A new fort, Fort Chokonikla, was built but the Seminoles did not want war. The fort was later abandoned and nothing remains today.

he 3rd and final Seminole War began with Army surveyors destroying a banana field belonging to the Seminole chief. Chief Billy Bowlegs eventually surrendered but a small group refused and fled to the Big Cypress Swamp where their descendants live today. After the Seminole Wars, the river was settled by a few farmers, citrus groves, and cattle ranchers. In the late 19th century, phosphorus was discovered and mining soon became a booming industry along its shores. Phosphorus, a nonrenewable resource, was mined for its role in agriculture. Within 10 years, over 200 companies were mining in Central Florida. The price of Peace River land exploded from $1.25 to $300 per acre. The area was soon nicknamed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bone Valleyâ&#x20AC;? due to its vast finds in fossils.

Today, the river and surrounding lands have been conserved and can be experienced by all who travel its waters. Peace River is a popular destination for those looking for fossils, primitive camping, and traveling via canoe. Kayak or boat. Â&#x201E;

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igging through the river gravel you can find shark and megalodon teeth, bones and other fossils. With all the adventure opportunities along its shores, access is easy for those visiting from Bartow, Fort Meade, Bowling Green, Wauchula, Zolfo Springs, and Arcadia. In Lehigh Acres is a Peace River expert, Mark Renz. Mark and his wife, Marisa, have turned a passion for the Peace River into an occupation. Fossil Expeditions and Megalodon Expeditions are available to the public to explore the river and find the treasures hiding under its surface. “Our goal is to tease curious minds. We want you to think about the stories behind the fossils you find— their ages, how each animal evolved, how they thrived and how many of them became extinct.”

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Renz, a photographer, poet, and published author, expertly leads groups through the water to not only find fossils but to experience Florida as never before. “What I envy most about rivers is that when they’re being lazy, nobody seems to notice.” Renz has been featured on the Travel Channel, published 5 books, one published by the University of Florida, and has fantastic fossil displays at local museums.

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In Bowling Green, the location of Fort Chokonikla, is Payne’s Creek Historic State Park. The park offers trails for hiking, biking, primitive camping, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, and an amazing exhibit presenting the history of this beautiful river. The visitor center displays are available to all to educate its viewers on how Floridian pioneers and the Seminole tribe lived during the early to mid1800’s. The Outpost, located in Arcadia, is the oldest and largest outfitter in Florida and offers daily and overnight canoe and kayak rentals, tips on fossil hunting, and safety equipment. Here you can find everything you need to immerse yourself in the world of Peace River. Peace River has a long history, from discovery and war, to invention and restoration. Today the river is a sanctuary to all. Healing has come, the land has been memorialized and now invites all who dream of adventure to experience the beauty of southcentral Florida.

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Heartland LIVING October November 2017

-Mark Renz

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Shining a Light on By Jennifer Goodson and RJ Walters

olaris, an organization committed to eradicating human trafficking and aiding survivors, estimates that 20.9 million individuals have been trafficked globally and 26 percent of those victims are children. “The number is incomprehensible but not unreachable,” stated Dr. Jerry Haag, president of Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, The Porch Light and Orphan’s Heart. “We cannot stand for these despicable acts anymore and we want to use our expertise and experience to help victims of sex trafficking across the globe.” Florida is a hub for this despicable crime, ranking third in nation in 2016 in highest volume of calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Photo courtesy of Dustin Prickett

The Porch Light, which is headquartered in Lakeland, has been shining light on the dark world of sex trafficking since 2014 when it opened a safe home for child victims and started providing training, education and advocacy to help prevent more children and teens from being coerced by manipulative predators. The Porch Light’s journey began with a text message one Sunday evening, when Dr. Haag was enjoying family time with his wife and two sons. The text was from the Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). It read: “Jerry, we need a safe home in the state of Florida. Will you do it?” At Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, The Porch Light and Orphan’s Heart the staff believe that it’s the organization’s role to be the “Compassion of Christ in action,” as Dr. Haag puts it. With that in mind, it’s no surprise how he responded to the text: “Yes, what do we need to do next?”

The Porch Light’s outstanding leadership and expertise continues to be a recognized for its anti-child sex trafficking efforts. Recently, The Porch Light broadened its reach by partnering with the Voices for Florida and Open Doors Outreach Network to serve as a provider to deliver additional “on the ground” support to sex trafficking victims and survivors in Brevard, Orange, Osceola and Polk County. The Open Doors Outreach Network is an innovative publicprivate partnership to improve care, coordination and collective community impact for victims and survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking. The Porch Light will not only continue aiding victims and survivors of child sex trafficking through its safe home, it will also assist male and female young adult victims and survivors of sex trafficking up to the age of 24 years old. Now more than ever, The Porch Light will strengthen care for sex trafficking victims and continue to lead in the areas of awareness, advocacy and training. “We are grateful for this opportunity, and for the diligence of our programs staff, as we continue to provide life-changing services in the state of Florida,” said Dr. Pam Whitaker, vice president of programs. “This expansion enhances The Porch Light’s existing operations, allowing us to provide even more hope for children, and now young adults, who have been coerced into the sex Heartland LIVING trafficking industry.” October November 2017

In 2016, The Porch Light impacted more than 20,000 individuals through education, advocacy and training efforts. The Porch Light also continues to care for victims at its safe home, which was the first safe home in the state to ever be certified by DCF. In 2016, The Porch Light provided 1,121 days of care to victims in the safe home. The Porch Light was a proud sponsor of the 2017 Florida Anti-Human Trafficking Advocacy Awareness Day in Tallahassee in April. The first-ofits kind event focused on connecting lawmakers and the public on key bills and issues that help provide better education to people on trafficking and provide greater justice for victims Dr. Jerry Haag speaking (Photo courtesy of Nina Nicole) and more appropriate punishment for perpetrators. Dr. Haag was honored to emcee a prayer breakfast the day of the event, as well as a press conference on the steps of the Historic Capitol that followed a unity march. The Porch Light will be the lead organizer of Traffick Stop 2018 in Tallahassee on January 11, an even more engaging and educational version of the 2017 gathering.

Orphanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heart is focused on expanding and bolstering its global ministry efforts. As part of our strategy to impact as many children and families as possible, we are strengthening and equipping our global ministry partners to further recognize the signs of sex trafficking and help draw enslaved children and teens out of the unthinkable.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Photo courtesy of Dustin Prickett

Our focal point in Romania is working with ministry partners to bring hope and healing to children in orphanages, Gypsy villages and abandoned babies being cared for through foster care. Per the U.S. Department of State, the Romanian government opened 864 new human trafficking cases in 2016. Of the victims identified by government authorities and nongovernmental organizations (NGO), 47 percent were children. “As reported over the past five years, Romania is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women and children subjected to forced labor and women and children subjected to sex trafficking,” states a 2016 report from the U.S. Department of State. “Romania is a significant source of sex and labor trafficking victims throughout Europe.” Equipping individuals, organizations and churches to be activists in the fight against sex trafficking is crucial because the Romanian government does not provide direct funding to NGOs.

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In October, a group from our Women of Compassion ministry hosted a women’s conference at a local church in Oradea, Romania. As part of the daylong event that was steeped in Biblical ways to engage culture, the topic of sex trafficking was addressed. That portion of the conference focused on facts to know about trafficking, signs to look for and ways to pray in the fight to expose and defeat the despicable crime.

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Heartland LIVING October November 2017

In September, president Dr. Haag and Andrew Tattrie, assistant vice president of Operations for Orphan’s Heart, traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica to meet with ministry partners in the area. In addition to two feeding programs established by Orphan’s Heart, our partner’s mission is to bring hope to individuals involved in sex trafficking in the country. According to the U.S. Department of State, “Costa Rican women and children are subjected to sex trafficking within the country, with those living in the north and central Pacific coastal zones being particularly vulnerable.” Costa Rica is a Tier 2 Watch List country, not meeting TVPA standards but making significant efforts, because Costa Rica’s “absolute number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is very significant or is significantly increasing.” “Education and advocacy are the vehicles to identifying and reporting abuse, ultimately bringing light into the dark world of human trafficking, domestically and globally,” stated Michele Newsome, Director of Community Relations for The Porch Light. “It is through education and awareness trainings and events that many people learn they have been exploited as well as recognize signs of abuse regarding a friend or loved one. Once the abuse has been identified, they are able to report it and begin to seek services and ultimately healing.”

Heartland LIVING

Photo courtesy of Nina Nicole

October November 2017

Photo courtesy of Dustin Prickett

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“Education and advocacy are the vehicles to identifying and reporting abuse, ultimately bringing light into the dark world of human trafficking, domestically and globally,” stated Michele Newsome, Director of Community Relations for The Porch Light. “It is through education and awareness trainings and events that many people learn they have been exploited as well as recognize signs of abuse regarding a friend or loved one. Once the abuse has been identified, they are able to report it and begin to seek services and ultimately healing.”

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Heartland LIVING

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Feelin’ Fine (Art) in Lakeland By Christy Swift Photography by Emily Plank

akeland resident Betsy Bohrer describes herself as a Life Artist, and her paintings capture the gentleness and femininity of motherhood. A womb in a tree. A bird flying free from the hand of a woman tattooed with swirling branches. But her title isn’t only fitting because her art captures life. It’s also because she makes her living as a fine artist, exhibiting and selling her work at shows throughout the year. That can be hard in Florida during the languid summer months when it’s generally considered too hot and slow-paced to have an art show.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Fine Art at the Magnolia show curator Betsy Bohrer shows her art.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

John Kellums' teapots and other forms of raku pottery

“I saw a need,” said Bohrer, curator of the first ever Fine Art at the Magnolia show, which debuted August 19th and 20th at the Magnolia Building in Lakeland. “August is harsh for artists that stay in Florida and don’t travel. They are left with no way to show their work. Galleries can only show one or two pieces.” So, five years ago, Bohrer began researching the possibility of an indoor fine arts show in central Florida. She reached out to Florida artists from all corners of the state and got a positive response. As the pieces fell into place, Bohrer booked 17 fine artists into the historic Magnolia Building with its palladium windows and wood floors overlooking Lake Morton. Gregory A. Jones of Lakeland was one of those artists. His mixed media painting Wind in the Forest #15 was featured on the event’s Facebook page. The tree looks like it’s trembling, surrounded by streaks of white, giving it a supernatural feel. The acrylic painting of the tree was done in three layers, with a painted board at the back, and one painted and one clear piece of plexiglass on top. Faux grass is sandwiched in between the layers, furthering the 3D feel. Jones called it “expressionistic painting in layers.” “It says what I can’t put into words,” said the USF alumnus, whose bio says he has won more than one thousand awards in art competitions across Florida. “It expresses the power of nature, not only the nature that you see, but the nature within.” Tampa native and artist Bruce Ferguson came in from the west coast to display and sell his work. Referred to as the “Painter of Mangroves,” this award-winning artist has been painting for 40 years in a style he calls “abstracting mangroves.”

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

The beautiful glasswork of Sue Ayala

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

“They work well with my style,” said Ferguson, who prefers loose, flowing lines. He starts with a pencil drawing, applies a matte medium over the canvas for texture, then lays on a burnt sienna wash. He uses Q-tips to selectively remove paint in a subtractive style. During this process, elements of the painting begin to pop out--a woman’s figure in one painting, a pair of hands in another. Ferguson discovers these elements as he paints, almost as if the mangroves are whispering their secrets to him. Working in a completely different medium is digital artist Dacota Maphis. She was exhibiting “photo-revised art,” which begins with a photograph which she digitally edits to create something wildly different. A photo of a tree pod turned into the silhouette of a man’s face in Half a Man. A pine tree in bloom morphed into two intense, robotic-looking faces in Conversation. Maphis described her work as “a puzzle” where she works with what’s available to her--the pixels on the screen, without adding anything new. She spent the last 8 years developing the technique and has only brought it to market last November. Maphis also works in a variety of other mediums including paint, interior design and “wearable art.” Her awardwinning creations include outfits as social and political commentary that are made entirely out of recyclables. Local Lakeland artist Marcia Morse Mullins brings the north to the south with her functional and sculptural basket weaving. The Michigan native uses black ash, English willow, gnarly roots, twisted vines and naturally-shed deer antlers to sculpt her unique basketry using a technique she learned from a Potawatomi elder back home. The Aagimaak basketry, as it is referred to in the Anishnaabe language, involves felling and preparing the trees themselves into the fibers she uses to create her basketwork.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Artist Marcia Morse Mullins

Art of Tony Guinn

Artist Diane French

Artist Bruce Ferguson Right: Artist Lorrie Mason

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Above: Artist Victor Prebor

Much of her current work explores complexity, spirals and the intricacies of intertwining fibers while honoring the traditions of the native Americans of her home state. Victor Prebor, award-winning architect and fine artist out of Lakeland, mixes 2D and 3D elements in a unique manner to bring local architecture onto the wall. The Melody Never Ends is a tribute to the Old Federal building in Lakeland, where photos of the building’s rotting floor, peeling paint and overall deterioration are captured and placed together in a way that makes them beautiful. Icehouse is a 3D piece that uses materials from the site of the historic Old Ice House in Lakeland that was recently turned into a bank. Prebor captured the feel of the grid originally used to make ice and estimates that 80 percent of the materials in the piece came from that site. Then there is John Kellum’s striking display of teapots and other forms of raku pottery. They won’t hold liquid, but they are too beautiful to use with their slender, tentacle-like appendages that may or not be handles, and their metallic colors brought out by the rapid cooling of the copper matte glaze. Also a graphic designer, Kellum loves to play with movement, form and shape. “I like to take the classic idea of a teapot and add whimsy to it,” the Orlando artist said. “It’s always a happy surprise,” Kellum said of the colors that emerge from the firing process--anything from golds and sunset oranges to turquoises and greens. Some of the teapots hold hidden surprises as well, such as the tea pot totems made of three separate teapots stacked one on top of another.

They’re the JESS ANDERSON MODELS! All Ages & Types Needed No Experience Necessary Free Training

Abby Sinclair

Sexy Hair Show Featured Presentation Model Ft. Lauderdale, FL $250. a day

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1037 S. Florida Ave. Suite 115 Lakeland, Florida CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! ESTABLISHED 36 YEARS

863-688-9939

FIFTH ANN VERSARY CELEBRATION

Clay Shoot

JOIN US

for a Family Friendly Celebration in Honor of our 5th Anniversary!

Hosted By:

12399 NE 224th St Okeechobee, FL 34972

02.24.18

8:15am Registration 9:00am Start Time 12:30pm Lunch

Sponsorships Available! Raffle Prizes & Silent Auction Awards for each Division Lunch by The Smoke Shack “Pink Bird” Tickets Door Prizes and MORE!

Media Sponsor: LIVING

For sponsorship information or to register, please visit www.knottygirl.org or call (863) 464-1012

To Benefit a Breast Cancer Awareness Non-Profit Organization

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Artwork of Dacota Maphis

Self-described “water person” from Daytona, Sue Ayala, hand-torches glass into magical-looking sea creatures. Delicate hanging sea stars, glistening seaweed and birds reaching upward from a natural coquina stand (all the pieces come apart), even friendly octopi and jellyfish are her creations. St. Augustine artist Diane French uses dry pigment painting with metals and minerals in powder form to create ghostly forms, calming cloudscapes and “images capturing essential connections we share” using only her hands.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Artwork of Stephen Koury

Gabriel Isaac creates award-winning, functional pottery, designing and handcrafting his own custom glazes. Master Painter and Lakeland resident Stephen Koury, named one of the “world’s finest wildlife painters” by Books for Collectors in New York, captures our favorite animals here in the heartland-- turkeys, bobwhites, tortoises and alligators. C a ro l a n n M a n c u s o, m a ste r contemporary realism painter out of Pinellas County; Lyn Novak Hise, Inverness mixed-media artist; metalsmith jewelry maker Lorrie Mason; fine art photographer Tony Guinn; and award-winning printmaking artist Debra Mixon Holliday also participated in the first Fine Art at the Magnolia show. Bohrer said she was overwhelmed and touched by the amount of support from the community for the show, including from partners like the Terrace Hotel, who housed the artists and Platform Art, Inc., who coordinated the Friday night party. The Polk Education Foundation also partnered with the show to offer a scholarship to a young artist. This year’s winner was Alison Kimsey, a new graduate of the Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts in Lakeland. Kimsey’s work was also featured at the show, and she’ll be attending the University of Florida in the fall where her studies will focus on Fine Art and Anthropology.

America First Air Conditioning & Heating Fall is the "PURRFECT" time to have your central air system serviced and maintained by the experts, you can trust!

“Change Out Specialist” With over 30 YEARS experience, you can count on US! We are passionate about our customers!

Serving Highlands, Polk & Hardee Counties

2153 St. Rd. 64 West - Avon Park, FL

www.americafirstac.com

Se Habla Español Drug Free Workplace

Licensed & Insured Lic. No. CAC058656

For larger quantities we’ll deliver to your ranch. All you have to do is contact the Mill. We welcome you to get on one of our delivery routes throughout Florida. Call: MILL OFFICE @

863.763.5586

For smaller quantities of bulk or bagged feed, come into The FeederyTM — our drive up, drive through, drive around facility. Custom blends available. We manufacture feed for beef, poultry, swine, goats, sheep and deer. At The FeederyTM see Jose. He’ll take good care of you! Call Jose at 863.634.6547 FRESH | LOCAL | 3RD GENERATION FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

OPEN | M - F 7:00 - 5:30 SAT 8 - 2

3079 NW 8th St | Okeechobee, FL 34972 | 863.763.5586

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

-Betsy Bohrer Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Budget Bi-Rite Insurance, Inc. Super Low Rates! - We Find Insurance That Meets Every Budget! Mobile Home and Home Owners Auto Insurance

Now Selling Garage Liability - General Liability RV - Motorcycle - ATV Homeowners & Commercial

Call or come by for a Free Estimate for your insurance coverage needs.

863-453-3903

Ashley Bishop, Agent

Licensed by the State of Florida Open Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Open Saturday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Closed Sunday and Monday

Serving all of Florida

www.budgetbirite.com Se Habla EspaĹ&#x201E;ol

In Highlands County since 1982 1500 US Highway 27 South - Avon Park

Waste Management Opens 100th Natural Gas Fueling Station Company Celebrates 6,000 Natural Gas Trucks, the Largest Heavy-Duty Fleet of its Kind in North America

u o Y d i D Know

Last year Waste Management recycled enough paper to save 110.6 million trees!

WM Trains Its Drivers In Waste Watch Program Waste Management vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) emit nearly zero particulate emissions, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and are quieter than diesel trucks. Waste Management operates 100 fueling stations in North America, with 25 open to the public. Florida now has 11 CNG Fueling Stations and 525 CNG trucks on the road every day and plans to add another 150 new units by the end of 2018.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Okeechobee Landfill, Inc.

10800 N.E. 128th Ave. | Okeechobee FL, 34972 www.wm.com 863-357-0824 www.thinkgreen.com Fax: 863-357-0772

WM Corporate Security Director and former FBI Field Agent Allen Mitchell along with Martin County Sheriff William Snyder encourage drivers to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for police, fire department and emergency services and report suspicious activity on their routes. Pictured: WM Director of Security Allen Mitchell, WM Government Relations Director Jeff Sabin, Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder and WM Sr. District Manager Michael DeClerck

Sunset Dining Starting at $12

Includes a Free Drink

Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday from 3:30 -7:00 pm

Feauring New Menu Items!

Planning a Banquet?

Call Michael 863.385.4830 ext. 5

For Reservations Call 863-382-1191 5223 Sun 'n Lake Blvd. Sebring, FL 33872

Heartland LIVING

www.sunlakegolfclub.com www.islandviewrestaurant.com October November 2017

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Taste of the

By Cindy Sebring Adams

Ingredients 48 fresh, unopened oysters 1 1/2 cups beer 2 cloves garlic seasoned salt to taste 7 black peppercorns 1/2 cup butter 1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 (10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed & drained 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 8 ounces fontina cheese, shredded 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/2 cup milk 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons fine bread crumbs Directions Clean oysters, and place in a large stockpot. Pour in beer and enough water to cover oysters; add 2 cloves garlic, seasoned salt, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, drain, and cool. Once oysters are cooled, break off and discard the top shell. Arrange the oysters on a baking sheet. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.) Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic in butter until soft. Reduce heat to low, and stir in spinach, Monterey Jack, fontina, and mozzarella. Cook until cheese melts, stirring frequently. Stir in the milk, and season with salt and pepper. Spoon sauce over each oyster, just filling the shell. Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake until golden and bubbly, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

“You create the Event,.. we’ll create the Menu”

e l p p a e n i P Pink

Sweet & Savory Catering Appetizers, Desserts and Everything in Between

Personal & Private Chefs Fully Prepared Meals Dietary Specific Meals

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Baby & Bridal Showers Weddings | Special Events Business Meeting | Holiday Parties Full Service Catering | We Deliver

(407) 637-4756 info@pinkpineapplecatering.com

Florida Fence Post Co., Inc. Serving Central Florida since 1946.

1-863-735-1361

1-800-580-1019

Whether it is making sure your AC Unit is ready for Fall OR Replacing the whole system, Miller’s has you covered!

“Our Posts Meet The Federal Standards!” CCA .40 Ret.

Sales Service Installation Dryer Vent Cleaning

Cash Discounts F.O.B. Ona, Florida

Passionate About Customer Satisfaction

www.flfencepost.com 25 Year Limited Guarantee “Branded for Your Protection”

5251 State Road 64 West/ P.O. Box 645 Ona, Florida 33865

24 Hour Emergency Service

Set Your Sight on this premier Sporting Clays Facility and Hunting Perserve in South Florida! Quail Hunts • Pheasant Hunts Sporting Clays Private Events Corporate Groups Lodging • Dinners

PLANTATION

Visit Rustic & Lodge Decor at Quail Creek Plantation Florida Western Superstore & Interior Design Services

Buggy Tour Rides! (Available until end of September)

Quail Creek Plantation 12399 NE 224 Street Okeechobee, FL 34972

(863) 763-2529

Email: reservations@quailcreekplantation.com

www.quailcreekplantation.com

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

FRESH APPLE CINNAMON CAKE 3 cups AP flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoon cinnamon 5 large eggs 2 cups sugar 1 ½ cups vegetable oil 3 cups chopped apples 1 cup chopped walnuts 2 teaspoon vanilla extract Topping 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed ¼ cup milk ½ cup butter

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use Baker’s Joy to generously coat Tube pan (or Bundt pan). • Combine dry ingredients, set aside. In mixer cream eggs, sugar and oil until light and fluffy (approximately 3 minutes). Gradually add dry ingredients ½ at a time just until blended. • Fold in apples, walnuts and vanilla. • Batter will be stiff; place in pan. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Before cake is done, combine topping ingredients in saucepan and bring to rolling boil, stirring frequently for 2 minutes. Pour hot topping directly on cake straight from oven. Allow to cool. Invert cake onto plate then again so that topping side is up.

By Layne Prescott Photography by Cynthia Paxton

MEATLOVERS SUPREME PIZZA SOUP 1 package Jimmy Dean Italian Sausage 1 package Jimmy Dean Regular Sausage 1 lb. (small pkg) Lean Hamburger ½ each (diced): Red, Yellow, Orange and Green Bell Pepper 1 Medium Onion – diced 2 cloves garlic - minced 2 cans Mushrooms (drained)

1 large can Diced Tomatoes 1 large can Crushed Tomatoes 1 jar Pizza Sauce 1 large container Chicken Stock 1 tablespoon Oregano Salt & Pepper to taste 1-2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional: Chunky Pasta (1 cup)

•Brown all meat in large Dutch oven (or soup pot), drain. Add bell peppers, onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes to soften vegetables. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to gentle boil, reduce heat, cover and let simmer for 10 minutes. If desired, add uncooked pasta. Turn OFF heat 3 minutes before recommended pasta cook time. •Croutons: In skillet ¼ stick butter, melted. 1 inch rustic bread. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Toss to cover all croutons. Cook in skillet on medium until browned.

PARMESAN RANCH CHIPS WITH CAYENNE 1 bag Kettle Cooked plain potato chips ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoon dry Ranch dip seasoning ½ teaspoon Cayenne ½ teaspoon Oregano Cooking Spray (Plain Flavor) • Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line metal baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick spray. •Open bag of chips and spread evenly in lined baking pan. Spray chips with cooking spray. Sprinkle half of cheese and half of Ranch dip over chips. Also, half cayenne and oregano. •Lightly toss chips. Bake in preheated oven for 9 minutes. •Remove chips, repeat steps above using remaining ingredients. Toss gently-place in oven for additional 9 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to rest for five minutes. •Serve with favorite dip and enjoy!

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Be Your Own Kind of

Beautiful

Botox & Dysport Fillers: Restylane Lyft Restylane Silk Lip Enhancement Micro-Needling and PRP Treatments for Hair Loss Skin Cancer Treatment Laser Hair Removal Latisse™ Kybella Treatments for Neck Rejuvenation Chemical Peels Microdermabrasions Acne Treatment

& All of your

skin care needs

Dr. Rogers and his highly qualified team of Nurse Practitioners and medical staff look forward to keeping your skin healthy for years to come!

Two Locations: 727 US Hwy 27 S

SEBRING (863) 385-7183 Heartland LIVING October November 2017

400 Avenue K SE Suite 3

WINTER HAVEN (863) 293-SKIN

Dr. Michael J. Rogers, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Brooke Rogers, DNP, FNP-C Barbara Ross, ARNP-C | Bobbi J. Hintz, ARNP-C.

www.LakesideDermatology.com

Marching Into Town! November 3 -19

November 3 - 19, 2017

THE MUSIC MAN January 12-18, 2018

THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB March 23- April 8, 2018

ALL SHOOK UP June 1-17, 2018

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE August 17- September 9, 2018

MARY POPPINS

2017-2018 Season Sponsor

ON SALE NOW! RESERVE YOUR SEATS TODAY!

Full Season (all 5 shows) Cabaret $140. - Mezzanine $115. - Gallert $90. Winter Triple Play (first 3 shows) Cabaret $84.- Gallery $54.

"Customize Yours"

863-382-2525

Gift Certificates are available!

356 W. Center Ave - Sebring, FL 33870

863-385-4909 | Fairmount Cinema Square, Sebring www.highlandsjewelers.com –MEMBER AMERICAN GEM SOCIETY– Monday-Friday 10am-5:30pm | Saturday 10am - 2pm | Closed Sunday

Family Owned for 45 Years

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Portion of "Eye of the Storm" Adobe Art by Jeremy Young

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

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Eighteen East ... a restaurant and bar! Best Steaks Around

We’re Just a BIG Time in a Small Town! American

(Traditional)

Sandwiches Steaks - Seafood Full Top Shelf Liquor Beer and Wine Entertainment

863.453.1818 Open Tuesday - Saturday 4 pm - 9 pm

18 East Main Street ~ Avon Park, Florida Like us on www.beststeakaround.com Facebook

Tires Auto Repairs Wheels Truck Accessories Tool Boxes Fuel Tanks

YETI

COOLERS

863-453-3333 1092 Locke Street Avon Park, FL 33825

www.layestire.com

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Heartland LIVING October November 2017

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Save these Dates! SFSC Foundation Upcoming Events Jacaranda Jubilee

Hotel Jacaranda Veranda Monday, November 27, 6:30 p.m. $50 per person

SFSC Foundation Christmas Luncheon Hotel Jacaranda Thursday, December 7, 12:00 Noon $35 per person

For more information or to be added to our invitation mailing list, please contact the SFSC Foundation at 863-453-3133 or e-mail us at foundation@southflorida.edu

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Tom Bryant, CPA Senior Tax Partner owner/operator Overkill Hill Farms,LLC

Ryan Beasley, CPA

Tax & Business Management Partner

Whether you have cattle — beef or dairy, poultry, fish, row crops, botanicals, citrus or timber, our firm delivers full Tax Resources, CPA & CFO services. We can help you with: • Cost analysis of your entire farming operation by income or product groupings. • Critical data needed to make sound strategic, financial & management decisions. • Showing you where you stand in your industry. • Benchmarks to assess your performance. • Tools to protect and grow your investment.

Representing all Agribusiness sectors, including: • Cattle • Citrus • Blueberries • Row Crops • Pines / Timber • Fish

Heartland We Are Your Agricultural Tax and Accounting Professionals! LIVING Call Today - SChedule a meeTing - We Will Come To you

863/ 646.1373

October November 2017

4940 Southfork Drive • Lakeland, Florida 33813

106Licensed by the State of Florida

p 863/646.1373 • f 863/646.8789

Members of Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants

www.beasleybryantcpa.com

Mark Palmer Electric

& Air Conditioning/Heating Sales Service A/C Electric Refrigeration

Service What We Sell

Same Day Service All Brands FREE ESTIMATE - 24 HOUR SERVICE

Residential Commercial

Get Your Home Ready for Fall!

License AC #EC13007135 EL # ER130113672

5% OFF For Veterans Family Owned & Operated since 1965!

People’s Choice Award Recipient.

Se Habla Español

Sebring 863-402-0000 Avon Park 863-453-4444 Hardee 863-773-4447

www.markpalmerelectric.com

Highlands County Oldest & Largest Health Food Store

Wheat Free/Gluten Free • Probiotics • Natural & Organic Food Vitamins • Omega Oils Herbs • Essential Oils • Aroma Therapy Paleo Foods • Raw Foods • Ionized Alkaline Water

Curamin Is Your ANSWER!

20% Everyday Discounts On All Garden of Life & New Chapter Supplements

With CLINICALLY STUDIED BCM-95®

AL NATUR LIEF E PAIN R

Heartland LIVING

301 US 27 N. Sebring, FL 33870

863-385-8995

Now Accepting EBT Open: Mon - Fri 9-6 & Saturday 9-5

October November 2017

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JOIN US FOR THE 51 ST ANNUAL

Nov. 4, 2017 Saturday 10am - 7pm Downtown Sebring

Presented By: “EasN’ Along” by 2016’s Best in Show winner, Hobby Cambell

Additional sponsors include: Bagwell Lumber Heacock Insurance Central Florida Glass & Mirror Millers Central Air Inn on the Lakes The Palms of Sebring Heartland National Bank Palmer Rental Heartland Real Estate Corp.

Visit Historic Downtown Sebring OCTOBER 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

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For more information on events and merchant specials visit:

www.DowntownSebring.org

Heartland

SCENE

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

Annual Judge Clifton M. Kelly Champion for Children Awards Gala

109

Okeechobee MAIN STREET

Labor Day In The Park

Photography by Sharon Cannon

Above: (L-R) OKMS Vice-President Marion Heddesheimer, Volunteer Marilyn Hadley, OKMS Executive Director Jonathan Holt and OKMS President Angie Griffin

City of Okeechobee Firemen Jimmy Pervis and Mike Skipper.

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Cars from the Cruise in the Park Car Show

Okeechobee Main Street's Labor Day in the Park was held on Sept. 3-4. This community 2-day event included vendors with great food, arts & crafts and music. Highlights of the event included a Cruise in the Park Car show, Okeechobee RC Assoc. presentation and lots of fun for the kids provided by Family Fun Entertainment and Attraction. There was also a Labor Day parade presented by the B.R.A.T. Club. It was a fond and fun farewell to summer.

McKinley Fowler

Left: OKMS Volunteer Marilyn Hadley

October November 2017

Plane from the Okeechobee RC Assoc. presentation

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18th Annual Judge Clifton M. Kelly Champion for Children Awards Gala Photography by Caroline Maxcy Fox Highlands County child advocates were honored at the 18th Annual Judge Clifton M. Kelly Champion for Children Awards Gala on September 28, at Grace Bible Church in Sebring. The formal evening included a delicious dinner catered by The Depot, and guest appearances by the Lake Placid High School JROTC color guard, Walker Memorial Academy Fire and Steel Drum Band, Hill-Gustat Middle School Chorus, talented local teenage soloists. Highlands County Veterans Service Officer, Staff Sergeant Denise Williams, was awarded the 2017 Hometown Hero. The Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Rusty Coe in loving memory of his mother, Captain Monica Sauls-Coe.

Lily and Lucy Juliano

Five Highlands County child advocates were honored and presented awards for their service to local children, highlighting their positive impact on the next generation: Christopher Doty, Lisa Kinchen, Holly Parker, Robert Saffold, and Mason Whidden Jr.

Isaac Hernandez and Abigal Smith

Heartland LIVING (Above): Hill-Gustat Middle School Chorus directed by Mrs. Stacey Smehl sing Michael Jackson’s “We Are The World, We Are The Children” in honor of the finalists. (Left): Walker Memorial Academy "Fire & Steet" Drum Band

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Kevin Roberts, Founder/Chairman of the Board

Carissa Marine, Chief Executive Officer

Above (L-R) Eric & Amy Zwayer, Hollie Roberts, Kati Pippin and Debbie & Kevin Roberts

Carissa & Lance Marine

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Right: Nancy & George Hensley

Ansley & Dustin Woods

2017 Champions for Children Award finalists: (L-R) Christopher Doty, Mason Whidden, Robe Saffold, Holly Parker and Lisa Kinchen

Christopher Doty, recipient of the Judge Clifton M. Kelly Champion for Children Award, with wife Karin

The evening’s celebration concluded with the announcement of the 2017 Child Advocate of the Year, Mr. Christopher Doty. Doty currently serves as principal at Hill-Gustat Middle School and was recently awarded Highlands County Principal of the Year. He is a US Air Force veteran, coach, mentor, and educator, who learned early on in his life “that our greatest treasure is our youth.” As an administrator, Doty recognizes and challenges his staff: “what starts here (at school) changes the world.” The theme for the evening came from Michael Jackson’s 1980’s hit, “We Are The World, We Are The Children”. The auditorium was fully adorned with flags from across the world, a large globe rotated on center stage, and the overall feel of the evening amongst the 460 community members present was one of celebration, unity, and community. For more information on the Champion for Children Foundation, how you can become involved in serving our community’s children, and how to donate to help local families in need, visit www.ChampionforChildren.org.

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2017 Hardee Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Photography by Sandy Scott The Hardee Athletic Foundation inducted the 2017 Hardee Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame members on Friday evening Sept. 22, 2017. The dinner was held at Florida's First Assembly Family Life Center with a crowd of over 340 hanging on every word that was spoken about the inductees, Doyle Carlton III and Matt Scott. These men have made immeasurable contributions to Hardee Athletics. They were high school athletes, Doyle played for Hardee High and Matt for Desoto High. They both began their coaching career in Hardee Sports in the seventies with youth leagues. Matt and Doyle coached together in the old Hardee Youth Football League. They continued through the years and coached on several coaching staffs for Hardee High. In addition to coaching they influenced young men through their character. During and after their coaching careers they lead the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Many years they traveled to FCA camp each summer with a bus load of Hardee athletes to encourage their spiritual growth as well as their athletic ability.

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Inductees Doyle Carlton III and Matt Scott

Matt Scott with his family

Matt Scott said, “There is a tremendous responsibility with being a coach.” Doyle Carlton mentioned, “Being inducted into this group was a hard thing to fathom, because these are the people I have looked up to my whole life.” We are excited about these two honorees joining the fourteen other Hall of Fame members on the Hall of Fame Wall at Wildcat Stadium.

Doyle Carlton III with his family.

Hardee Athletic Foundation Board of Directors

Dustin Willis, Alex Hernandez, Matt Tyson and Coach Brian Kemp

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2017

calendar of

events

Desoto County October 21 – 22

4th Annual Fall Rodeo

2 pm | Heard Street | Arcadia

November 3

First Friday

6 pm – 9 pm | Oak Street | Arcadia

October 28

November 4

Antique Fair of Arcadia

Heritage Festival

8 am – 3 pm | Historic Downtown | Arcadia

Highlands County

9 am – 4 pm | Historic Downtown | Arcadia

October 13 - 14

5th Annual Haunted Hammock

Highlands Hammock State Park | Sebring October 23

Free Special Speaker Series

Featuring Speaker/Author Doreen Hanna 7 pm – 8 pm | Circle Theatre | Sebring November 2

Free Special Speaker Series – It’s A Process Featuring Texas Stready & Cathee Poulsen 7 pm | Circle Theatre | Sebring November 3

Music of the Decades Concert - Storyline 7:30 pm | Circle Theatre | Sebring

Hardee County October 20

November 12 -25

Movie In The Park – Ghost Busters

Support Missions Buy Poinsettias

7 pm – 9:30 pm | Heritage Park | Wauchula October 21

Heirlooms & Originals

9am - 1 pm | Heritage Park | Wauchula October 28

Community Fall Festival

4 pm – 7 pm | Heritage Park | Wauchula November 10 - 12

SW Florida Tiny House Expo

Hardee Lakes Park | Bowling Green www.LiveLargeByBuildingSmall.com

November 4

51st Annual Highlands Fine Arts Festival 10 am – 7 pm | Circle Park | Sebring

www.sendmemissons.com November 18

Heirlooms & Originals

9am - 1 pm | Heritage Park | Wauchula November 23

Community Thanksgiving Meal 11 am - 2 pm | First United Methodist Wauchula Contact Send Me Missions to volunteer

November 11

Crazy Pepper Chili Cook Off

11 am | Historic Downtown | Sebring November 18

4th Annual Highway Park Founders Day Celebration

10 am | Community Park | Lake Placid December 1 - 3

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20th Annual Highlands Bike Fest 7:30 am | Civic Center | Sebring

Event listings subject to change. For more information about an event, please contact event organization.

2017

October | November 2017 Okeechobee County

Polk County

October 14-15

Now – December 17

Fast Break Open 1 Man Bass Tournament C. Scott Driver Park | Okeechobee www.okeechobeebassfishingguide.com

Faces in the Crowd: Perspectives on American Figuration Polk Museum of Art | Lakeland

October 20

Hospice of Okeechobee Boots & Pearls Gala 6 pm | KOA Convention Center | Okeechobee

October 28

Family Fall Festival Christ Fellowship Okeechobee Campus 5:30 pm | 701 S. Parrott Ave. | Okeechobee

October 28-29

Florida Bass Nation - Bass Tournament C. Scott Driver Park | Okeechobee www.floridafederationnation.com

November 2

Centennial Speaker Series Sponsored by Okeechobee Main Street A Land Remembered Speaker: Rick Smith 5 pm – 7 pm | Osceola Middle School | Okeechobee

October 13

Oktoberfest 6 pm – 8 pm | Central Park | Winter Haven

October 18

Main Street Farmer’s Market 10 am – 2 pm | Fort Blount Park | Bartow

October 21

ROOTSTOCK Plant & Garden Festival All Day | Bok Tower Gardens | Lake Wales

October 31

Trunk or Treat Fall Festival 6 pm – 8 pm | Trinity Christian | Lakeland

November 4

November 3, 4, 10 & 11

Okeechobee Community Theatre Twelve Angry Men 8 pm also 2 pm matinees on Nov. 4 & 11 610 SW 2nd Avenue | Okeechobee

November 4

Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee Super Heros & Chili Cook-Off 8am | Flagler Park | Okeechobee

November 17-19

Elite Fishing Tournament Toho Marine One Man Series C. Scott Driver Park | Okeechobee www.tohomarine.com

December 2

Okeechobee County Centennial Settlers Celebration 6 pm -11 pm | KOA Convention Center | Okeechobee

Pints for Paws Beer Festival 6 pm | RP Funding Center | Lakeland

November 8-11

22nd Annual Fall Fuel Up 8 am – 5 pm | Florida Flywheelers | Ft. Meade

November 18

Haven Holiday Market 10 am – 4 pm | Central Park | Winter Haven

November 24 - January 7

Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate Bok Tower Gardens | Lake Wales

Want to announce your December 2017 | January 2018 Community Event in our next issue? Email us at jessica@heartland-living.com

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Today.Tommorrow.Together

Join Phillip Statleron WWTK 730am

for the Statler Financial Radio Show Saturday 12 noon-1pm and Sunday 10 am-11am

George A. Hall Devon P. Donaldson GeoDev Pizza, Inc.

863-386-1177

863-382-0037 | 147 S. Ridgewood Drive | Sebring, FL 33870

www.statlerfinancial.com

935 Sebring Square - Sebring, FL

Waldau

Private studio teaching you how to paint step-by-step in a relaxed and fun setting. It's the perfect place to get together and enjoy time painting with friends while sipping your favorite beverage. Small class size promises personalized instruction and a lot of fun! Treat yourself to time away from the stress of the outside world and take a painting home with you!

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Okeechobeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Original Paint & Sip Studio

Give the gift of Art Gift CertiďŹ cates Available

All classes taught by professional artist Bridgette Waldau.

www.bridgette-art.com 863-467-7300

The Little Yellow Cottage on the Corner

111 NE 2nd Street - Suite A

There are

Good reasons to Advertise in Heartland LIVING DeSoto County Glades County Hardee County Hendry County Highlands County Okeechobee County Polk County Advertise in the most widely distributed and read magazine in the Heartland! Your new clients are only a short drive away.

Heartland LIVING Let us help you get more for your advertising cost. You are reading this ad... everyone in seven counties has the same opportunity to read it too.

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863-781-0344

Cindy@Heartland-Living.com

Heartland LIVING October November 2017

www.HeartlandLivingMagazine.com

121

"The Team at Gilbert listened to my needs and found exactly what I needed in their huge inventory. As a business owner, customer service is very important and I found the highest level of customer service at Gilbert Ford.â&#x20AC;? - Lowell Pritchard

500

Over

NEW and Pre-Owned Vehicles to Choose From!

Serving the Heartland Area for over 90 Years! Heartland LIVING October November 2017

122

(863) 763-2121

3175 U.S. Hwy 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974

www.Gilbert-Ford.com

When you purchase a new Honda from McKibben Powersports Honda, it’s a sure bet you’ll have a great experience with the performance and reliability - whether you ride on the dirt, street, or both. Right now, McKibben Powersports Honda is doubling down on new models that normally carry a one-year factory Honda warranty. At McKibben, you’ll get a TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON NEW MODELS, and even get a ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON USED MODELS.

3699 US Hwy 17 N Winter Haven, FL (863) 293-1279

McKibbenPowerSportHonda.com honda.com UTILITY ATVs ARE RECOMMENDED FOR RIDERS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. ALL ATV RIDERS SHOULD TAKE A TRAINING COURSE AND READ THEIR OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. MULTI-PURPOSE UTILITY VEHICLES CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. PIONEER IS ONLY FOR DRIVERS 16 YEARS AND OLDER. DRIVER AND PASSENGER MUST BE TALL ENOUGH FOR SEAT BELT TO FIT PROPERLY AND TO BRACE THEMSELVES WITH BOTH FEET FIRMLY ON THE FLOOR. PASSENGER MUST BE ABLE TO GRASP THE HANDHOLD. NEVER DRIVE WITH MORE THAN ONE PASSENGER. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT, AND KEEP THE SIDE NETS AND DOORS CLOSED. ALL MUV USERS SHOULD WATCH THE SAFETY VIDEO “MULTIPURPOSE UTILITY VEHICLES: A GUIDE TO SAFE OPERATION” AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. FOR BOTH TYPES OF VEHICLES, ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING. AVOID EXCESSIVE SPEEDS, AND BE CAREFUL ON DIFFICULT TERRAIN. FOR YOUR SAFETY BE RESPONSIBLE. NEVER DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, OR ON PUBLIC ROADS. RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN DRIVING. CRF/Fs ARE INTENDED FOR OFF-ROAD OPERATION ONLY. PARENTS NEED TO CONSIDER A RIDER’S AGE, SIZE, ABILITY AND MATURITY BEFORE ALLOWING THEM TO RIDE. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, AND PLEASE RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT. Always stay on established trails in approved riding areas. NEVER USE THE STREET AS A RACETRACK. OBEY THE LAW AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. For rider training information or to locate a rider training course near you, call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 800-446-9227. CBR, CRF, Pioneer and Rubicon are registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co, Inc. (10/17)