Inspired visual storytelling capturing the human spirit and beauty that surrounds us.
URGENT CARE just for you.
Don’t let flu season keep you from enjoying family dinners, game nights, and all of life’s special moments. Our four Urgent Care locations offer you and your family comprehensive services like diagnostic testing, relief from flu symptoms, and more.
Even better? We’re open after work until 8PM during the week and until 5PM on the weekends!
Not an LRH patient? Not a problem. We welcome all patients ages 2+ to receive care even if they are not established with LRH. So come on in, we’ll take care of the rest!
HOURS: Monday - Friday 8am to 8pm I Saturday - Sunday 8am to 5pm
COMMON CONDITIONS WE TREAT: OUR URGENT CARE LOCATIONS:
Lake Gibson (N. Lakeland) Kathleen Campus (N. Lakeland) 2400 Kathleen Road, Lakeland, FL
Lake Miriam (S. Lakeland) 930 Marcum Road Lakeland, FL
Pablo Campus (Near Southgate) 130 Pablo Street, Lakeland, FL 4710 Florida Avenue South, Lakeland, FL
How to use a QR code:
1. Open your smartphone’s camera.
2. Hold it over the QR code.
3. Click on the link that pops up.
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Cough & cold symptoms
• Earaches
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• Minor back & shoulder pain
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• Seasonal allergies
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Tampa Bay’s only exclusive Genesis showroom…is NOW OPEN in Lakeland on Memorial Boulevard!
With our 20,000 square foot showroom and 12 state of the art service bays, Lakeland Genesis welcomes you to a new level of luxury here in Lakeland.
and service.
Glogower
Photo by Jordan Randall
38 TAKE YOUR MARK
Jack Portune captured the journey of an Australian swimmer who came to the U.S. to prove his mettle by collecting medals. Dive into the story of one Florida Southern College swimmer’s quest to become a national champion.
67 WE CALL THEM LAKELANDERS
Tina Sargeant is known for producing some of the finest commercial and editorial photography in Lakeland. Enjoy a look back at some of the memorable ways she has captured people in a wide array of settings.
54 THE ART OF PERFORMING
Whether it’s dance showcases, Disney productions or classic theatre performances, Andy Glogower has fortuitously served as historian for the growth and pursuit of excellence of the performing arts in Polk County.
74 COME AND WADE AWHILE Zooming in on an order of birds that can perch on ledges for hours, be found quietly foraging for food or instantaneously capture and devour its prey, Dewey Hamblin gives the audience a distinctive look inside Circle B Bar Reserve.
WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET W
hat is Lakeland? A place? A community? A shared history? A geographical location with a ton of lakes but very few that people would ever dare swim in?
It is all of those things—including the things we are so well known for, and a million little things that get overlooked but are all part of who we are and what we are becoming.
For our staff at The Lakelander, that’s what this issue is all about.
Yes, we’re aware there’s a place in our neck of the woods where the circle of life is on full Technicolor display at all times, and the word Circle is even in its name. In fact, we love to stand in awe of God’s work in that ecosystem and couldn’t put this magazine to print without including it.
But we’re also fascinated and stirred by the talent we are surrounded by, the collective success that you can see coming to fruition all over the place, and simply put, the people who are the building blocks of the DNA for our city.
If you try swiping on a page of the magazine, it won’t move you to the next photo, and none of this content will disappear in 24 hours or be deleted when your inbox is full.
You’ll find unity, and you’ll also find those who have separated themselves from the pack with their unwavering commitment to their craft. You’ll see people in the midst of storms yet smiling and people so intensely engrossed in a moment that they dare not blink.
The thrill of victory, the artistry of the universe and the appreciation of the mundane but meaningful all rank high on my list—and all that and more is so very Lakeland.
Try not to take any of it for granted.
We collaborated with four local photographers who use different equipment and are at vastly different stages of life and their careers to take you into moments and chapters that were deeply meaningful to them. I encourage you to take the time to absorb the people, the places and the scenery that are strokes of the Lakeland canvas.
RJ Walters EDITOR
THE BUZZ
CONTRIBUTORS
ANDY GLOGOWER
Residing in Polk County for nearly 50 years, Andy had the honor of being chosen to go to Singapore to represent Team United States in the 2023 World Photographic Cup that 35 Countries compete in for the 10th Annual photographic competition in which he took home the bronze medal in the Wildlife Category. Some of his many achievements include: being named the Nature Photographer of the Year in 2022 and 2024 for Master Photographers International (MPI) and named a Top 10 Photographer for four consecutive years by Florida Professional Photographers. In 2024 he hosted a photo gallery exhibit called “Wings, Wonders and Wonderscapes” at the Mulberry Cultural Center.
DEWEY HAMBLIN
Dewey has enjoyed the challenge of composing great shots from behind the lens for more than 50 years. He has a passion for photographing wildlife and vintage cars, and has used his hobby as a way to serve local churches as well.
JACK PORTUNE
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, I discovered my passion for photography early on. My journey took me to Florida Southern College, where I pursued a degree in graphic design. During my freshman year, I began working as an athletic photographer for the college, eventually becoming the primary photographer for both the college and the Sunshine State Conference over four incredible years.
Currently, I work as a graphic designer while continuing to explore my love for photography. I specialize in capturing the intensity and camaraderie of athletic events, striving to tell stories through my lens. Outside of sports, I enjoy shooting wildlife and landscapes for fun and freelancing as an event and product photographer.
TINA SARGEANT
Tina Sargeant is a longtime Lakelander and local commercial and editorial photographer. She enjoys raising her three amazing kids in the town where her husband grew up.
New
Co-Create
space helps musicians go beyond just recording
WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL
DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOUND HOUSE STUDIOS
or years, Jonathan Gautier has helped musicians experience the euphoria that comes with taking an idea locked inside their mind and crafting it into music that represents the fruit of that idea fully bloomed through the taxing technical work of recording, mixing, editing and mastering.
Hugs and fist bumps are in order, a feeling of accomplishment is earned, and then what?
That question is the precise dilemma that Jon—a Grammy awardwinning producer who has been a collaborator with the likes of Taylor Swift, Florence & the Machine and The 1975, to name a few—and his songwriting friend and now business partner, Jordan Burks, are looking to resolve with the launch of the Co-Create space at Sound House Studios.
“We always talk about completing the circle for an artist,” says Jordan, a music teacher at Lakeland Christian School, who has written more than 500 songs to date, many of which have been published and even graced the airwaves of Christian and country radio stations. “Our Co-Create space is like Catapult for musicians...and the closest thing like this is in Nashville. The music industry is so gate kept. We are changing the game with this.”
The “this” he’s referring to is the comprehensive approach to supporting artists that begins with recording stations for artists to track demos on, access to Sound House’s state-of-the art studio, a co-writing collaborative space to connect with others, and the post-production marketing and networking expertise that artists desperately need, but don’t know how to find.
At last, Jon and Jordan will tell you, there’s a place for artists to brainstorm, write, record, produce and market themselves all in the context of a community of professionals that in some ways replaces the old and narrow record label path that provided opportunities but also could be greatly restrictive and frustrating to many bands and artists.
“We’re an anti-label label,” Jon says with a smile inside the recording studio located at 113 S. Florida Ave., just east of the historic Polk Theatre that can be seen from Sound House’s second story windows.
Jordan Burks (left) and Jon Gautier (right) have developed a collaborative environment through Sound House Studios Co-Create space for artists to collaboratively brainstorm, write, record, produce and market themselves.
“We are a ‘for the artist’ label,” Jordan says to clarify Jon’s remark. “Our goal is we want to develop artists, and I have a passion for teaching and seeing people succeed.”
He and Gautier both. Burks, a Florida Southern graduate was at one-time an elementary school music teacher in the public school system and is now the Elementary Music and Upper School A/V Teacher at LCS. Gautier, a Rochelle School for the Arts and Harrison School for the Arts alum, spent seven years teaching music at North Lakeland Elementary and he now serves as an adjunct professor for music management at Burks’ alma mater, FSC.
It makes sense then, that the duo is big on a comprehensive education process for members of the Co-Create space. They will offer artists social media training, set up meet and greets with industry professionals, and lean into a songwriting network that Burks says stretches from New York to Nashville to Texas.
“When you see the songwriters who are making it big, almost all of them are collaborating,” Gautier says, with his business partner nodding alongside him, suggesting people take a closer look at the bylines on the Billboard Chart’s top songs over the past decade.
Gautier might jokingly call Sound House an anti-label label, but the truth is the 40-year-old father of two has actually found immense success recording for some of the largest labels in the world.
With encouragement and support from his late father, Jorge, Jon moved out of his home studio in 2011 into a
space once desperately in need of recon and renovation just a stone’s throw away from a theatre where Elvis and Smokey Robinson once performed.
You may never have heard Gautier’s name, and he’s OK with that, but at the top of the stairs at Sound House you’ll see his name in plain sight on a GRAMMY Award Certificate, honoring him for his work recording violin tracks on Taylor Swift’s “Folklore,” an album that has since reached 6x Platinum status.
“This is about who you are,” Burks says. “This is not a cookie cutter approach at all.”
For many years, Jon has leaned into the grind required to make a career in the music industry, and during the pandemic that commitment paid off in an unexpected fashion.
He received a call from violinist Bobby Hawk, a New Yorker who was temporarily quarantining with his parents in Polk County, requesting studio time to record an unknown project. Files would come in with music arrangements labeled as “Project X” and other hard to decode names, but the truth of what Gautier was recording revealed itself in late July 2020 when he and Hawk found out Swift had included their strings arrangement on several tracks.
For many, that would be a once-in-alifetime experience to cling to for the rest of their lives. For Gautier, he is fortunate it has become a repeat experience, having worked with Hawk and other well respected musicians to record tracks for some of the industry’s biggest names.
“I remember I was driving to the [YMCA], and I thought this new song was pretty good,” he recalled, “and it sounded very familiar…and it was Anti-Hero (another Taylor Swift track), and I realized we had recorded for it.”
Every artist loves the idea of being the next
global superstar (or at least earning a spot in their album credits), but most aspiring musicians would be pleased to simply be under the tutelage of industry veterans on a path toward finding sustained success— exactly what Southeastern University graduate Jessica Jarvis was doing in the Sound House studio on a recent afternoon.
Check out Jarvis on social media at @jessicajarvismusic and you’ll find a behindthe-scenes look at her journey alongside Gautier (and Hawk), including the recent release of her first single “Shakespeare Street.”
It’s clear that the art of “doing” is the practical step for those often stuck in the “dreaming” phase, and Burks knows that as well as anyone. He recently found out Dolly Parton was listening to a demo he recorded—but as is often true, he doesn’t know what that means for the life of that song. He said about three and a half years ago he wrote a song that he believed had all of the makings of a real hit, especially for Contemporary Christian Music icon Michael W. Smith. He never heard anything back, until earlier this year when he got word that Smith was tracking the song for his upcoming record.
Burks and Gautier are excited to share all they have learned about the music
industry with other budding stars and established artists alike. They are offering consultations and tours of the Co-Create space, ready to connect with artists looking to not only record a track or an album, but those seeking to answer the question, ‘What next?’
“This is about who you are,” Burks says. “This is not a cookie cutter approach at all.”
Co-Create
soundhousefl.com (863) 944-3560
@cocreate.soundhouse
ducators are focused on meeting state requirements, constantly monitoring test scores that dictate their annual School Grade and are trying to keep up with ever changing technology that requires staff to adapt more quickly than ever. Industry leaders are locked in on finding career-ready new hires who can sustain and propel their businesses forward.
Sometimes, in what often feels like a survival of the fittest, the part that becomes blurry is honestly assessing how effectively high school and college graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact for businesses that are eagerly awaiting their help.
A 2024 study conducted by the national nonprofit Jobs for the Future revealed 62 percent of young people (ages 16-24) don’t feel empowered or in control of their career path.
That’s where ConnectED Polk—a non-profit that fosters collaboration among educational institutions, students, community stakeholders and industry partners—comes to the table as a connector and solutions provider that puts student development at the forefront of strengthening our community.
“They (industry leaders and educators) both want the same thing—they want what’s best for the students,” said ConnectED Polk President Melody Rider who has been a changemaker in the education sector for nearly three decades, including serving as President of Keiser University for four years. “But it’s colliding those two ecosystems together to create opportunities with their limited bandwidth that we are working to create sustainable, scalable systems of engagement.”
What began as Lakeland Leads in 2019 has morphed into ConnectED Polk, a name that symbolizes its true purpose. Lakeland Leads started with the intent of focusing on economic development, but as Rider and her board of directors dove into the work, they discovered the importance of the business sector getting intimately involved in helping create opportunities for students, who eventually become their employees.
That’s why the past several years have consisted of hundreds of conversations and presentations that built relationships with people with “shared goals and different perspectives,” as Rider puts it, that can create viable wins for the community.
WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL
DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CONNECTED POLK
Polk County Public Schools is proud to partner with ConnectED and Junior Achievement to support the development of the JA Polk Discovery Center, an innovative program that will provide real-world learning experiences for students.
Rider has developed a deep understanding of the current challenges and opportunities of Polk County Public Schools (and its 117,000+ students and 13,000+ staff) by building a relationship with Superintendent Fred Heid where she says, “I see through his perspective and he sees through mine, which is representative of the local business community.”
When it comes to engaging with industry stakeholders, Rider has developed an impressive team that serves as ConnectED Polk’s Executive Board and Advisory Board. The Executive Board is chaired by David Hallock Jr., Shareholder of GrayRobinson, P.A. and is a dynamic team that includes the likes of Saddle Creek Logistics CEO Mark Cabrera, Lakeland Regional Health President & CEO Danielle Drummond and Superintendent Heid, among others. The Advisory Board has 11 established leaders, including Mayor Bill Mutz, Watson Clinic CEO Jason Hirsbrunner and Callie Neslund, President and CEO of GiveWell Community Foundation.
“Fostering partnerships with key industries and curating targeted curricula has become essential for preparing students to excel in specialized fields,” Mutz said. “ConnectedED Polk serves as a vital conduit, creating opportunities that connect classrooms with workplaces.”
Craig Collins, an educator for more than 40 years who is known in part for his leadership in K-12 and higher education, serves as a consultant for ConnectED Polk through Sterling Creative Consultants. He says industry leaders want to find permanent hires with relevant skills, and that Melody and her team are working diligently to create a system that helps K-12 schools be “current and industry driven.”
One way ConnectED Polk is narrowing the gap is through the implementation of career exploration programs at seven local high schools, where businesses come in to provide hands-on activities in school and work-based learning, externships, and internship opportunities outside of the classroom.
Rider says stakeholders need to commit to more than just “visiting a classroom a few times a year” to create awareness about their business or industry, they need to develop partnerships with schools that are lasting and that give students the skills to become informed graduates who can pursue careers in fields that are short on skilled laborers.
“They (industry leaders and educators) both want the same thing—they want what’s best for students.”
-Melody Rider
“We have had great success working with the District to connect business with students,” Hallock Jr. said. “For many students, the interaction with business turns the light on to show them the relevance and importance of their academic work.”
An example of this in action is the pipeline of talent being developed by PCPS in partnership with Lakeland Regional Health at Lake Gibson High School and Kathleen High School. In an effort to bring healthcare professionals like RNs and LPNs into classrooms fulltime, LRH provides annual stipends to supplement the standard teacher salary.
Drummond said ConnectED Polk plays an instrumental role in furthering partnerships between businesses and K-12 schools in the community.
“We are excited about the innovative programs that support our local students and school district, while also helping to meet the workforce needs for area businesses in the years ahead.”
Outside of the medical arena, Rider says other sectors of great opportunity in Central Florida include supply chain/manufacturing/logistics, skills trades, finance and careers in information and cyber technology.
Superintendent Heid is grateful for the district’s partnership with ConnectED Polk.
“By aligning educational practices with real-world needs, we are creating pathways for student success while fostering a robust economy,” he said. “Together, we are making Polk County a model community where families, businesses, and future leaders can thrive, supported by a strong foundation of educational excellence and opportunity.”
Last year the school district made a commitment to provide the technological capabilities to make it simpler and more convenient to connect students, care givers, counselors and the local business community by signing a contract with SchoolLinks, a digital platform that supports a student’s journey from classroom to career.
“This burgeoning partnership can build upon Superintendent Heid’s efforts to provide the skills and knowledge needed to ensure the success of our students and community.”
-Jeff Chamberlin
It will take time to implement district-wide, but it has the potential to eventually provide dynamic personalized dashboards that include everything from career fairs to local businesses students could job shadow or intern with to universal processes related to the education and career development process.
ConnectED Polk is leveraging its relationships and understanding of the educational and business landscape to stir up change that addresses the challenges that keep industry leaders and educators from establishing a clearer line of communication.
“We create the opportunities, we manage the process to execute and keep that connectivity going between industry and educators,” Rider said.
The organization does not have capital restraints or direct political ties, but as a non-profit its impact will only go as far as collaborators and donors help take it.
Rider said the question she has for every business and corporation in Polk County is simple: “Are you willing to come to the table of collaboration and bring your time, talent and treasure to provide opportunities for our students?” To Rider—and for all students in Polk County, whether at public schools, charter or private schools—it is how the compass of the future will be recalibrated for generations to come.
“It is more of a moral imperative for the children in our community to have accountability on both sides of the table, in industry and education,” she said.
ConnectED Polk Executive Board Member Jeff Chamberlin, who worked at Publix for 47 years, including as Vice President of Real Estate and Sr. Vice President of Real Estate and Facilities, says he sees a great purpose being fulfilled with so many like-minded people coming together for a distinctive purpose.
“I’m confident that ConnectEd’s efforts to foster collaboration between the business and education communities will better assist our students in creating and accomplishing their goals. This burgeoning partnership can build upon Superintendent Heid’s efforts to provide the skills and knowledge needed to ensure the success of our students and community.”
Left to right: ConnectED Polk President Melody Rider, Lakeland Regional Health President and CEO Danielle Drummond, ConnectED Polk Executive Board Chairman David Hallack Jr., Polk State College President Dr. Angela Falconetti and Saddle Creek Logistics Services CEO Mark Cabrera.
Left to right: Former Publix Sr. VP Jeff Chamberlin, ConnectED Polk President Melody Rider, Mayor Bill Mutz, Congressional District 18 District Director Alice Hunt and Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Fred Heid.
ometimes timing is everything. During my freshman year, I began working as an athletic photographer for Florida Southern College—the same year Australian-born Kyle Micallef began swimming for the Mocassins.
I love the intensity and devotion and camraderie of athletics, and over the course of four years, I had the privilege of chronicling the success of the FSC swimming program, including Kyle who was on a mission to win an NCAA Division II national championship.
Look back at the journey that was, and experience Kyle’s college career through a small portion of the thousands of moments I captured along the way.
PHOTOS AND STORY BY JACK PORTUNE
Freshman year, the start of a new era for Kyle—and unexpectedly, the entire globe. Masks were mandatory, even on deck, symbolizing the challenges and adjustments of competing during a pandemic.
Kyle dives off the blocks at the start of a race, and in this moment, he’s already showcasing his speed. His hands are the first to break the water’s surface, and he’s the furthest from the block when doing so—a testament to his natural talent since day one.
During his sophomore year, Kyle injured his foot diving off the block at the start of a race. Despite the pain, he pushed through and won the race, a testament to his unwavering dedication to winning. However, the injury left him sidelined for a large portion of that season. Even though he couldn’t compete, Kyle continued to support his team, showing that setbacks don’t stop his commitment to the sport.
Kyle stands shirtless at an FSC volleyball game, showing support for his fellow Moccasins. With an ‘S’ written across his chest to represent the water moccasin mascot, he raises a finger in the air after our team blocks a spike. This was a fun photo to take; the swim team was always one of the most supportive groups at other sporting events during my time at FSC, and they never failed to make games more memorable. Kyle’s energy here shows they didn’t come to mess around, and he was ready to back up his teammates in every way.
During a practice session, Kyle pulls ahead of his teammates, a reminder of his constant drive to push himself. Even in the midst of training, he’s always striving to be the best, showing that hard work and dedication never take a break. Kyle is always challenging himself to go faster, even when the race isn’t on the line.
Still in the water, Kyle extends his hand to a teammate who leans down to shake it after they win a relay during a regular season meet. As team captain during his senior year, Kyle’s leadership was on full display. This moment captures both the victory and the mutual respect between teammates, symbolizing his role in guiding the team to success.
As Kyle begins his junior year, he stands at the pool’s edge, gazing into the water. In this quiet moment, it’s as if he’s contemplating what lies ahead— wondering how far he can push himself over the next two years. The uncertainty of the future is clear, but so is his determination to make the most of every opportunity and take his swimming career to new heights.
2023
six
and four
At the
Sunshine State Conference Championships, Kyle took home a medal in
races; two individually
relays. This podium finish was in the 400 Medley Relay, with teammates Cameron Lai-Harris, Matteo Zampese and Brandon Wilson.
Sail Through
As Kyle walks out before the 2024 Sunshine State Conference meet, his confidence is unmistakable. With his head held high, there’s no need for headphones to keep him in the zone—his energy is enough to fuel him. It’s a moment where his leadership, confidence, and even a bit of ego are on full display, setting the tone for what’s to come.
On deck after another relay win, Kyle stands with his arms outstretched, soaking in the glory of their victory. This shot captures the culmination of years of hard work, showing a swimmer who knows how to perform—and celebrate—when it counts.
As Kyle stands on the block at the 2024 NCAA Championships in Geneva, Ohio, his expression while waiting for the relay exchange is almost emotionless—a clear sign of his unwavering focus. This is the moment where he’s fully locked in, ready to give everything he has for his team. At the most prestigious meet of the season, his seriousness speaks to the level of intensity and commitment required to compete at this elite level. And then, in a split second, he’s off the block, ready to leave the competition in his wake.
Kyle’s season culminated with a NCAA Division II championship in the 50 Freestyle with a school record time of 19.28 seconds. Kyle stands proudly with teammates Allie Brinton and Ludwig Mueller, along with coach Andy Robins. This moment marks the perfect conclusion to an incredible career at FSC. During his time as a Moccasin, Kyle helped secure a conference championship, earned a national title, and was one of only three swimmers of the 2024 class—along with Allie and Ludwig—to attend nationals all four years. It’s a testament to not just Kyle’s hard work and determination, but to the incredible bond between an athlete and coach, and the legacy of success they built together.
The top of the podium at the national championship meet was not the end for Kyle.
He went on to represent Malta in the 2024 Olympics, finishing 41st in the world in the Men’s 50m Freestyle. He is seen here with former Mocs teammate Ludovico Viberti who represented Italy at the Games.
Kyle now swims for the Univerity of Alabama where he is working to earn a Master’s degree in accounting.
For the past 20 years, I have had the joy of photographing live performances here in Lakeland—something I don’t think I’ll ever tire of.
I became interested in photography while watching my three young daughters participate in dance and gymnastics.
My oldest daughter, Meghan, enrolled in the dance department at Harrison School for the Arts and transitioned into the musical theatre program her senior year. Her dance teacher Susan Olson and Principal Craig Collins requested that I start photographing the performances for the school.
Meghan has long since graduated, and since my first shoot at Harrison, I’ve seen the dance and theater department perform outstanding productions on par with some major theater productions on bigger stages in Tampa and Orlando. Lakeland has a gem in its hand with Harrison’s staff and students.
I was blown away recently by the level of excellence achieved by 170 students coming together to pull off the all-school musical production of Shrek. Laura Jordan directed the production, Nick Folkes along with the students created the incredible dragon, set, props, lighting, and costumes. These elements made for some dramatic photographic opportunities portraying the astonishing talent and effort that become the standard at Harrison.
Choosing a favorite show or production is impossible, as each has its stand-out moments and visually stunning elements...and thankfully I don’t have to.
I am thrilled to share a handful of photographs that capture the magic regularly created by HSA students and faculty. Enjoy the show!
PHOTOS AND STORY BY ANDY GLOGOWER
“Cinderella,” directed by Suzi Lambert
“Thoroughly Modern Millie,” directed by Joe Sniegocki
“Mary Poppins,” directed by Danelle Cauley
“Once Upon a Mattress,” directed by Joe Sniegocki
This magnificent dragon, which extended up to 20 feet long and 12 feet tall with a nearly 16 foot wingspan, was a massive undertaking led by Nick Folkes. Students learned how to shape PVC for the skeleton, sew the skin, mold foam and more. They incorporated electronics in the eyes and mouth that helped bring the dragon to life, and Folkes built a mouth mechanism using bike brakes, as well as a miniature smoke machine inside the head that could blow smoke with a synchronized set of LED lights to simulate fire. The fully assembled dragon weighed roughly 200 pounds, and it was a team of young women from the Harrison dance and theatre departments who were puppeteers of the larger than life character.
2024 Spring Dance Concert, “Pulse,” choreographed by Shelley Bourgeois
2024 Spring Dance Concert, “Gamzatti Act II,” choreographed by Marius Petipa, staged by Susan Olson. Dancer: Emma Wuitschick
“Shrek,” Directed by Laura Jordan. A young Shrek that evolved into an older version of the Disney icon during the production.
2023 Winter Dance, “In a Quiet Space,” choreographed by Shelley Bourgeois. Dancers: Justine Brock & Liliann Tant
“The Nutcracker” featuring Prima Ballerina Puloma Herrera, choreographed by Susan Olson. The fourth dancer from the bottom right is Meghan Glogower.
2024 Winter Dance, “Hand in Hand” Choreography by Shelley Bourgeois
2024 Winter Dance, “Paquita,” with choreography adapted by Marion Tonner, Dancer: Katelynn Roubal
Her talent was often on display in The Lakelander in its early years, and she is well known for her outstanding photography of places, portions (food), people and products.
This collection of shots proves we live someplace with plenty of spaces to have fun, share intimate moments and grow up together.
PHOTOS BY TINA SARGEANT
Tina Sargeant has been an editorial and commercial photographer for 15+ years and owns her own photo studio right here in Lakeland.
Couples have so many gems to choose from for fun and memorable photo shoots in Central Florida, including places like Hidden Creek Farms.
Jecht Vislay strikes just the right chord during this fun pose.
This photo of Mckenzie, Elliot, and Josie Gill proves that sometimes the perfect shot occurs when people are simply just being themselves.
Pastors Jason and Lis Burns have been faithfully serving Lakelanders for more than 15 years. This beautiful family portrait in front of Lakeland City Hall from years ago shows how a special spot can take a shoot to the next level.
love affair with photography started way back—more than 50 years ago. It might be hard to believe, but it all began with a simple Kodak Brownie. From there, I went through a Polaroid phase before finally diving headfirst into the magic of 35mm film cameras.
My time at the University of South Florida was where my photography really blossomed. Taking several photography courses and working as a lab technician helped me develop my eye for composition.
Moving to Lakeland years ago was a game-changer. The natural beauty here is incredible, especially Circle B Bar Reserve. It’s my happy place for taking photos. The challenge in photographing wading birds or any wildlife is always timing. Having all the components like lighting, subject, and action all match up is magical. What I love most about these birds is how quietly and gently they move through the water. The old saying of being at the right place at the right time always rings true—especially at Circle B.
And of course having the right equipment always helps. My gear of choice includes Nikon D850 and Nikon Z8 bodies with a Nikon 300 2.8 prime lens with a Nikon 2 X converter.
PHOTOS AND STORY BY DEWEY HAMBLIN
Our Great Blue heron pictured here with his beautiful orange bill backlit by the morning sunrise.
The Great Blue, pictured here, has caught a large eel and is prepping it for breakfast.
The small Purple heron was perched on a railing on the Lake Hancock pier / gazebo.
The Tri-Colored heron is moving toward a vantage point to hunt for small minnows.
A mature Great Blue heron doing what he does best, catching fish. However, these fellows will eat just about anything from small alligators to baby ducks. They are voracious eaters.
The GBH or Great Blue heron is one of my favorite wading birds. They are one the largest wading birds at Circle B. This photo was taken on a foggy morning on Lake Hancock.
This large Great Egret is landing in one his favorite perches along the north side of Lake Hancock.
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A self portrait of Lakeland and Tampa, Florida photographer Earl Morgan Savage. Savage depicts himself with the tools of his trade, a camera and tripod.
Self Portrait Earl Morgan Savage
1925
