ISSUE 79 PlanesCarsBoats,&PILOTING PROGRESS ORANGE CUP REGATTA FORDLARRYHEACOCKDOBBS
We are always ready to provide exceptional care. Need an appointment soon? Some of our convenient locations are accepting new patients with same-day appointments.
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Find the right provider at myLRH.org/Care or call 863.284.5000 to make an appointment .
Worried about fitting an appointment into your busy schedule? Being ready for you is one of our top priorities. With nearly 20 locations and more than 270 providers, Lakeland Regional Health makes booking visits easy for the whole family.
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Whether it’s a Friday night movie, sleeping in Saturday morning, or Sunday dinner at grandma’s, we have what you need when it comes to each: sofa collections, bedroom suites, and dining sets that can seat the entire family. Stop by your local Badcock Home Furniture & more and find something that’s just right for you. 521AuburndaleHughes Rd. (863) 967-6602 b b b 1350BartowN. Broadway (US 98) (863) 533-1611 b b b Eagle Lake 1515 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 294-7749 500FrostproofN.Scenic Hwy. (863) 635-2645 b b b Ft. 1401MeadeHwy. 17 N. (863) 285-9757 b b b Haines City 35495 Hwy. 27 (863) 422-3144 Lakeland - Christina 6100 S. Florida Ave. (863) 646-2921 b b b Lakeland - Combee 1225 N. Combee Rd. (863) 665-3111 b b b Lakeland - Lake Gibson 6625 US 98 N. (863) 858-3866 Lakeland - North 1409 N. Florida Ave. (863) 682-8107 b b b Lake Wales 126 Hwy. 60 W. (863) 676-6515 b b b Winter Haven - North 1399 6th St. NW (863) www.badcock.com251-2039
Imagine waking each day surrounded by friendship and with endless activities to choose from: Grab coffee in the bistro, take a class in the fitness center, create in the art studio, shoot pool or swim in the pool, or let us spoil you in the salon. Oh my, how the good life shines on active older adults at our community.
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THE LAKELANDER10
ISSUE 79
ON THE COVER
Photo by Adam Novak
CONTENTS
34
64 • PEOPLE
Lakeland’s Own Original Ford Ford Heacock owns cars that make people’s heads turn, but his story is even more interesting.
THE LAKELANDER12CONTENTS
90 • GREATER LAKELAND All Roads Lead to Home?
Driven by Passion
FEATURES
When purchasing a vehicle, don’t forget to consider looking local. The benefits of buying from your neighbors might be more substantial than you think.
Lake of Records
79
52
Flying Higher to Help Kids Soar to New Heights
CONTENTS
28 • METRO
24 • METRO
Most Lakelanders know the basics about the annual Sun ‘n Fun Expo, but do you know how the proceeds from the event benefit the next generation?
16 • MASTHEAD 18 • EDITOR’S NOTE 20 • CONTRIBUTORS 22 • LETTERS 24 • METRO 34 • COVER STORY 52 • ORANGE CUP REGATTA 64 • VINTAGE CARS 79 • LARRY DOBBS PROFILE 90 • GREATER LAKELAND
Vintage cars and modern day beauties return to downtown with the 21st rendition of the Lake Mirror Classic.
DEPARTMENTS
THE LAKELANDER14
A European mogul and established chef have teamed up to bring an unique spin on fine dining to an overhauled space overlooking the airport hangar.
METRO
A Classic Returns
31 • METRO
New LakelandTakesRestaurantFlightatLinder
Jon AdamSierraNovak, Paul Bostrom, Ray Kriegbaum, Jajuan Lyons
Jason Jacobs
Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785
Advertising ADVERTISINGADVERTISINGDIRECTORSALES
The Lakelander is published twelve times annually by Patterson Jacobs Media Group, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.
PattersonContact: Jacobs Media Group, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 863.701.2707 • thelakelander.com Service: 863.701.2707
Deb Patterson
GENERALVP,DIRECTORFINANCECOUNSEL
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Creative GRAPHICPHOTOGRAPHERSDESIGNER Circulation
Jon Sierra CREATIVE DIRECTOR
RJ Walters EDITOR
Issue 79
Jordan Randall
Ted W. Weeks IV
Curt Patterson PUBLISHER Jason Jacobs ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Editorial STAFF CONTRIBUTORSWRITER
Jenna MacFarlane, Adam Spafford, Donald Farr
w e a r e h e r e t o h e l p Empowering Women with Medical Services, Options and Compassionate Support W h e n h e r c h o i c e m a t t e r s m o s t 1 2 3 4 E . L i m e S t L a k e l a n d 3 3 8 0 1 8 6 3 6 8 3 2 3 4 1 Y o u r C h o i c e L a k e l a n d . c o m
Customer
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16 THE LAKELANDER
“Just like I am local, I want to do business with a local bank, and Wauchula being a institution that’s family-owned, that’s local, I get the best of both worlds - the personal service that I want for my business, but I also am supporting a local bank, that in turn, is supporting me.”
Trust + Transparency
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World class service with a community touch builds lifetime relationships. Wauchula State Bank’s dedication to serving local businesses began in 1929 and continues today in its fourth generation of family leadership. Experience the difference of banking with Wauchula State Bank. Come by the bank’s newest location in the historic Nathan’s Men’s Store building in the heart of Downtown Lakeland.
Residential Real Estate Agent, pictured with Business Banking Officer Amy Thompson
It’s not so much about what your boat, car or plane (if you have one, give me a call and maybe we can be friends) looks like or how much it’s worth, it’s about who you share them with and the adventures they makeThepossible.adventures might be familial like the ones Ford Heacock recounts as he talks about his collection of vintage cars.
18 THE
It was a new level of artificial intelligence — or so I thought.
It was the early 2000s, so innovations included the iPod Touch, minidisc players and “underground” music streaming that eventually caught the eye and ire of the federal government.
I stated another command and the same twitch of his finger.
I remember road tripping with vehicles that had drop down screens whenever my friends were excited to have clunky DVD players they could sit on their lap.
I thought we had the coolest cars growing up. My dad worked at American Honda for more than two decades, and as you can imagine, that had its perks.
I was fascinated by some of the first in-dash navigation systems, but my dad kept it real by telling me that if he had to purchase a vehicle he would hold off on such high-end technology because it was so new and would be costly to fix if and when it had issues.
The journeys might be planned, yet full of surprises like the ones NOAA Corps ensign Sarah Cozart takes with her fellow pilots and expert scientists.
Or your passion for powerful toys that make adrenaline-inducing noise might turn into business endeavors like Larry Dobbs and GeneWhetherEngle.you are revving the engine of your new hotrod or playing DJ, chauffeur and game show host like I do in our Ford Transit, just remember that it’s most enjoyable to make memories that artificial intelligence cannot even compute.
Rides to Remember in Vehicles You’ll Forget
But our car stood out. One night my dad told me, “Say music up or music down.” For the next several minutes I tried to keep the system on its toes by firing off commands, and it executed them with perfection. Then I told the vehicle to change the station and it did!
LAKELANDEREDITOR’S
And I especially recall, in a preBluetooth era before people spoke to their phones and expected them to confer or comply with them, my dad had this ride that had a distinctive feature I had never before seen or even heard about.
A few weeks later, riding in the vehicle in broad daylight, I spoke my musical preference into existence and the system obliged, but I noticed a slight movement of my dad’s hands.
I started snickering and my dad couldn’t help but laugh as he unveiled to me the new technology that most of us take for granted nowadays: multimedia controls on the steering wheel.
RJ Walters EDITOR
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Donald is an author and Mustang enthusiast. He has been writing about cars, especially Mustangs for nearly 50 years.
ADAM SPAFFORD
See the masthead on pg. 16 for a list of all contributing writers and photographers.
Adam came to Lakeland in 1999 to attend Florida Southern College and, except for a 20-month graduate school stint in Massachusetts, has been here since.
paulbostrom.com
He received a Lifetime Appreciation Award from Ford’s Team Mustang in 2011 and the Lee Iacocca Award in 2012. He was inducted into the Mustang Club of America’s Mustang Hall of Fame in 2012.
Lakeland's Own Vintage Ford photographed by Paul Bostrom, pg. 64
Paul is a commercial and editorial photographer based in Lakeland.
donaldfarr.com
When he’s not writing pageturners for The Lakelander, he trades stock and index options.
20 THE
PAUL BOSTROM
If you're still reading this, send him a picture of your dog on Instagram (@paulbostrom). That would be hilarious and likely be the highlight of his day.
THE CREATIVES AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO MAKE THE LAKELANDER
CONTRIBUTORSLAKELANDER
DONALD FARR
He wrote for a number of established national publications and he also authored three books on Mustangs.
His happy place is in the studio, snacks on his desk, doing meticulous stuff no one else wants to take on.
32 THE LAKELANDER C o n t a c t J u l i e R i c e , D i r e c t o r o f E n r o l l m e n t j r i c e @ l c s o n l i n e . o r g | 8 6 3 . 6 8 8 . 2 7 7 1 F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t l c s o n l i n e . o r g / a d m i s s i o n s Schedule your campus tour today to discover what makes Lakeland Christian School unique. WE'RE DIFFERENT. L E A R N I N G , L E A D E R S H I P , S E R V I C E & W O R S H I P . Lakeland Christian School equips students for a lifetime of
22 THE LAKELANDERLETTERS
ACCIDENT?AUTO For ChiropracticexceptionalCareafter a vehicle accident, contact Dr. Abraham and the professional team at New Hope Chiropractic in the
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Written by Jordan Randall
METRO NEW AND NOTABLE IN LAKELAND
Flying Higher to Help Kids Soar to New Heights
Conrad is just six months out from overseeing his first expo, and the following year, in 2024, the air show will
turn a whopping 50 years old. SUN ‘n FUN has curated a massive following over the course of that time and continues to deliver on a yearly basis, a feat Conrad credits directly to the people who freely give their time and effort, year after year.
ACE has awarded 150 private pilot certificates to kids that have finished their program, and just this past spring
“Sun ‘n Fun has always been great,” Conrad says. “Anything that we ever did when I was director of the airport, our first thought was, ‘How does this impact SUN ‘n FUN?’ because it’s a very important event. What has made it special is the people. So this event is really all about them and what they’ve accomplished over the last 50 years.”
“I’ve been around airports and air shows my entire life,” says Conrad. “That’s how I grew up. It’s part of my background, you know? And so I made the transition back in March and here we are now just six months later having really hit the ground running.”
“THAT’S HOW I GREW UP. IT’S PART OF MY INTRANSITIONYOUBACKGROUND,KNOW?ANDSOIMADETHEBACKMARCHANDHEREWEARENOWJUSTSIXMONTHSLATERHAVINGREALLYHITTHEGROUNDRUNNING.”
The event involves nearly 2,500 volunteers, some of whom have volunteered at the event for 40+ years.
Most people know SUN ‘n FUN is an aviation event, but did you know the event serves as the annual fundraiser for The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE)? A general admission ticket to SUN ‘n FUN will run you $45. With that ticket, you’ll get to see incredible airplanes on display as well as exhilarating airshows and flying exhibitions, along with various seminars and workshops. Have you ever wanted to feel closer to the world of Top Gun? SUN ‘n FUN surrounds you with aviation exhibits and fellow aviation lovers, ensuring you an energized and invigorating experience.
ince 1974, SUN ‘n FUN has grown into one of the largest and most recognizable aviation events in the world. As the event approaches its 50th year, new President/ CEO Gene Conrad is preparing to take it to even greater heights.
But when the event has come and gone, what difference has your attendance made, aside from some cool memories and photos on your phone? Once the costs of putting on the event are paid for, the proceeds go directly toward operating ACE’s youth educational programs.
25ISSUE 79
Each year, more than 200,000 visitors from around the world flock to central Florida to celebrate the world of aviation through the events of SUN ‘n FUN. You would be hard pressed to find someone more qualified than Conrad to take on the task of carrying this event toward its 50th year.
Conrad was born in and grew up in Oshkosh, Wisc., where his dad ran the airport, and he has volunteered at the EAA AirVenture fly-in convention for 34 years. Before becoming President/ CEO of The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) and SUN ‘n FUN earlier this year, he was the Director of Lakeland Linder International Airport for more than a decade.
“Our goal is to make sure that kids in our community at all levels, including the kids that are underrepresented, know what’s available to them for a career,” says Conrad. “You may not want to be a pilot, but we need
Learn more about the SUN ‘n FUN Expo, as well as the future of aviation opportunities in Lakeland and Polk County at flysnf.org
26 THE LAKELANDER
And it doesn’t stop there. CFA: Lakeland has more than 400 students this year, and Polk County schools are gearing up to cut the ribbon for CFA: Winter Haven, which plans to have 150 to 200 students in its program.
“OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE THAT KIDS IN OUR COMMUNITY AT ALL LEVELS, INCLUDING THE KIDS THAT UNDERREPRESENTED,AREKNOWWHAT’SAVAILABLETOTHEMFORACAREER.”
they handed out $80,000 in scholarships for the kids at Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFA) to go to college. This summer, ACE put on three summer camps to help get young people involved in aviation. Next summer, they’re preparing to put on 18 summer camps.
One of the more recent ways ACE is helping provide opportunities to the local community is through Elevate: Aerospace and Logistics Incubator. Having opened its doors in June 2022, Elevate exists to assist the community in developing their business concepts into fully functioning business ventures. At ACE, their mission has always been to engage, educate, and accelerate the next generation of aerospace professionals. By offering office space, mentorship opportunities, and multiple collaboration spaces to its members, Elevate enables ACE to deliver on the “accelerate” part of their mission.
Every room in Elevate is meant to facilitate ideation. In fact, that’s why many of the walls are painted with dry-erase paint.
mechanics, we need airport managers, we need air traffic controllers and aircraft technicians. We just need people in the industry. We want to make sure that everyone knows that these opportunities are available to them.”
“At Elevate, we actually encourage people to write on the walls,” says Conrad. “We are excited about the positive impact Elevate can make in advancing innovative technologies and opportunities in the aerospace and logistics business sectors.”
Learn more about the SUN ‘n FUN Expo, as well as the future of aviation opportunities in Lakeland and Polk County at flysnf.org.
“This event started in 1999 and went on to run for 20 years,” said D’Angelo. “It became recognized as one of the absolute elite and most enjoyable events in the state of Florida. All the credit goes to Ford Heacock and the folks who built upon his vision. We stand on their shoulders as we prepare for its return.”
About 20 years ago, thanks to the vision of Ford Heacock and his work alongside many volunteers, the Lake Mirror classic arrived on the scene with a clear mission in mind: bring automobile enthusiasts together. And not only bring them together, but to do so in a way that enriches the Lakeland-Central Florida region through support for numerous nonprofit
“THIS IS A BUCKET LIST LEVEL SHOW THAT REGULARBEYONDGOESACARSHOW.” In
The Return of the Lake Mirror Classic
28 THE LAKELANDER
Written by Jordan Randall Photos by Ray Kriegbaum
2020, it seemed like Covid had possible dealt the final blow to the legendary Lake Mirror Classic Autofestival. That was until Robert D’Angelo picked up the baton and decided to carry it forth. Now D’Angelo, organizing director of the revived festival, is racing toward a legendary return in October for the city of Lakeland.
When the Lake Mirror Classic kicks off on October 14, hundreds of show cars will be on display on and around the historic Lake Mirror promenade to an audience D’Angelo is estimating to be more than 35,000 attendees throughout the weekend — a weekend that is only made possible by the work of countless volunteers.
organizations. Today, D’Angelo is as ready as ever to once again enrich the lives and the culture of Lakelanders through the autofestival.
“WHETHER PEOPLE COME JUST SUNDAY,SATURDAY,FRIDAY,FORORORIWANTTHEMTOLEAVETHEEVENTSAYING‘ICAN’TWAITTILLWEGETBACKHERENEXTYEAR.’”
The event is scheduled for October 14-16. There is no cost to attend the car show, and concessions will be available for purchase.
“Whether people come just for Friday, or Saturday, or Sunday, I want them to leave the event saying ‘I can’t wait till we get back here next year.’”
The event is scheduled for October 14-16. There is no cost to attend the car show, and concessions will be available for purchase.
“This is a bucket list level show that goes beyond a regular car show,” says D’Angelo. “And there’s people who have been a part of it and are willing to continue being a part of it, even though they may have retired or changed their life in certain ways over the years. It’s really special to be able to bring such a momentous event to downtown Lakeland, while also benefiting local businesses along with various charities and nonprofits.”
Some of the charities the event aims to benefit include: Guardian ad Litem of Polk County, Friends of Lake Mirror and Lakeland JuniorOverROTC.thecourse of the weekend you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of cars like a 1931 Lincoln Model K and the legendary 1924 Ford Model T Roadster. There will be Cadillacs and Porsches
29ISSUE 79
“We’ll have everything from 100 year old vehicles to new, exotic cars,” says D’Angelo. “I mean, we’re gonna have everything. You’re gonna see new McLarens and Ferraris. You’re going to see everything from old model T stuff to everything in-between. So there’s something there for everybody’s taste in automobiles, but there’s also just gonna be so much more to the weekend than just going to a car show and seeing cars. It will be an eventful weekend with a beautiful setting around the historical Lake Mirror.”
from the 1950s along with a plethora of other models from various eras. No matter what automobiles you’re into, D’Angelo is betting you’ll leave satisfied.
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When you sit down to dine or enjoy a drink, with the panoramic view of the airport hangar as the backdrop, you will find a unique mix of American and European cuisine.
The restaurant is named after WACO Aircraft, the custom line of planes built by Morszeck’s company, and it is the second
Bartenders are ready to serve customers craft cocktails, and there are six beers on tap to choose from and a wide selection of Portuguese wine from Quinta do Paral, Morszeck’s vineyard.
LINDERATTAKESRESTAURANTNEWFLIGHTLAKELAND
WACO Kitchen he is opening, an effort to emulate the success of WACO Kitchen at Battle Creek Executive Airport.
Currently WACO Kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday
All pastry items, aside from the brioche buns, are made from scratch in-house by a veteran baker. Her specialties include chocolate ganache cake, a southern rendition of strawberry shortcake that includes layered biscuits, and chocolate tarts with graham cracker crust.
At one-time he was CEO of RIMOWA, one of the most renowned handbag companies in the world, he owns a large vineyard in Portugal, and the aviation enthusiast is the head of a distinctive aircraft company that specializes in handcrafted small planes that are vintage in look and modern in features.
Some of intriguing appetizers include homemade Bavarian pretzels and French
Seafood lovers have ample options to try, including a grouper sandwich, grilled swordfish, and salmon pasta topped with a sweet and creamy carrotStandardsauce. American fare with a twist is also on the menu. Based on social media responses since the restaurant opened, one of the early favorites are the WACO Tacos which are crispy chicken, pickled vegetables and a secret sauce on flour tortillas.
ieter Morszeck has wined and dined in places and with people that most of us can only imagine from following celebrities on social media.
D
gougerès — pillowy layered cheese puff pastries.
Now Morszeck can add Lakeland business owner to his list of accomplishments, because in August he and his staff celebrated the opening of WACO Kitchen (pronounced wok-o, think “taco”) at Lakeland Linder International Airport.
What patrons will experience when they walk into the restaurant is the result of a comprehensive modern renovation that cost more than $3 million to overhaul a space that has been largely the same
Written by RJ Walters
aesthetic for more than two decades. It also has potential to be further proof of the airport’s ascension as a key cog in the city’s development, which is currently most apparent because of Amazon Prime planes departing and arriving daily and the annual SUN ’n FUN Expo.
Promotional space sponsored by:
lakeland symphony orchestra LKLDSYMPHONY.COM | (863) 688-3743
32 THE LAKELANDER
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Written by RJ Walters Photos by Adam Novak Designed by Jon Sierra
34 THE LAKELANDER PILOTING PROGRESS
Surveying leatherback sea turtles. Garnering data on oceanic conditions in the arctic.
A brief glance at Sarah Cozart’s last year in the field makes perfect sense for an environmental studies graduate.
Tracking endangered North Atlantic Right Whales. Coastal mapping.
35ISSUE 79
The twist in the narrative arrives when you realize Cozart is doing those things while living out her childhood dream of being a pilot, and is also serving her country — all part of the vigorous, uncommon and, as she puts it, “gratifying” experience of being a member of the NOAA Corps.
MORE HUNTERSHURRICANETHAN
OAA, the acronym for the National Oceanic and hunters”employsasknownAdministration,Atmosphericisbymostpeopletheorganizationthat“hurricanewhoflydirectly
When Cozart jumps into a Twin Otter aircraft (as shown on the cover and pgs. 39-40) to embark on another adventure that has been meticulously planned alongside her colleagues, mechanics and scientists, she is weaving another thread of an organizational legacy that dates back to 1807 when President Thomas Jefferson founded the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey to provide nautical charts to the maritime community. The reach of the organization, which consists of civilians as well as sworn
N 36 THE LAKELANDER PILOTING PROGRESS
In 2020, President Donald Trump signed legislation that authorized NOAA Corps to be provided the resources and funding to expand from 321 officers to a maximum of 500, while also enhancing officer benefits to better align them with other services members.
into the eye of the storm. Cozart has her sights set on that and is on track to fly a Herculean P3 Orion or King Air in the future, but her ascent to that milestone is just as fascinating, and the 28 yearold’s current mission schedule portrays the critical work being done by NOAA that often goes unnoticed.
in Corps service members like Cozart, stretches from the bottom of the ocean floor to beyond the clouds. NOAA’s work is essential to weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, fisheries management, coastal restoration and so much more. With climate change, population growth and access to new cutting-edge technology that reads and analyzes data about Earth, the work of NOAA and its Corps have been deemed more important than ever.
The NOAA Aircraft Operations Center moved from MacDill Air Force Base to a brand new facility in south Lakeland in 2017. The expansive 156,000 foot headquarters is home to more than 100 staff, including 30-40 pilots as well as civilian workers that include everything from mechanics and IT professionals to finance and communications employees.
“My wife and I just purchased our second home using Brian again. This time it was a whole new animal because we were buying and selling. But Brian treats us and I am sure anyone as the most important client. Him and his team are super efficient, always super kind, and make what could be a stressful and chaotic experience feel like floating down the river on a tube. I will always be grateful to Brian, I see him as a friend now and will recommend him to anyone I know. As a bonus we get to see his smiling face on a bench while driving down Florida Ave. Whether you’re selling or buying, you should definitely call Brian. Thanks again Brian.”
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She was attending a Women in Aviation conference in Orlando when she got a glimpse into the possibility of a career with NOAA by talking to a couple of Corps pilots.
A DREAMWORKINGWORTHFOR
Cozart decided at age 9 she wanted to be a pilot because “it was the most exciting thing she could think of,” but it wasn’t until she was already living that out as a captain for commercial airline Cape Air that she saw a career path that could marry her technical prowess and her love for the natural world.
What followed would be considered bold for most, but just another marker on an adventurous course for Cozart and her husband Chaquille who she met at Liberty University, where she graduated from in 2016 with a degree in aeronautical science.
As part of the program at Liberty, Cozart earned her private, commercial and multiengine instrument ratings. She also spent a year doing grueling hands-on work at maintenance school.
“I think what really drew me to it was just that humble servitude attitude of, ‘Yes, we’re going to be these bad a-- pilots, going into whatever mission NOAA has for us, but we’re doing it because we want to serve and we want to help science,’” Cozart says.
She went on to enroll at Montana State University in Billings, Mont. where she concurrently landed a gig as a mechanic for Cape Air.
She worked alongside mechanics who had been working in the field north of 40 years and who could recite exact nut and bolt part numbers for specific planes.
“YES, WE’RE GOING TO BE THESE BAD A-PILOTS, GOING INTO WHATEVER MISSION
NOAA HAS FOR US, BUT WE’RE DOING IT BECAUSE WE WANT TO SERVE AND WE WANT TO HELP SCIENCE”
“I just remember at my interview, they were like, ‘How much do you know about sheet metal?’ So I’m like, ‘Well, I did like one class, like last year, you know? And they’re like, ‘Okay, you’ll learn real quick!’”
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“ I KIND OF WENT INTO IT BLIND, AND IT WAS A GREAT AWAKENING OF LIKE, OKAY, THIS IS A SERVICE BRANCH, THIS IS REAL.”
awakening of like, okay, this is a service branch, this is real.”
She then earned an incredible wealth of itsheupsideyouathefirefighting…havehowthetherouteforLondon,afterlearnedresponsiblelearnedflightswhengrayexperience,professionalaswellassomehairsasshetellsthestory,shepilotedcommercialforthreeyearsandwhatit’sliketobeforsoulsonboard.ItwasatthatpointsheaboutNOAA,andsoonshewaswakingupinNewConn.everymorning20weeks,thenecessarytobecomeanensigninNOAACorps.“WithourpartnersatCoastGuard…welearntodriveships,wedoyouseendunkertraining,likewhenhelicoptergoesdownandhavetogetoutwhileit’sdownunderwater?”says.“Ikindofwentintoblind,anditwasagreat
Cozart said she wants more people to understand the real opportunity they have to make a difference. NOAA is currently accepting applications for its next session of basic officer training classes. Applications can be completed at missionsvarietytheofficersandlikeservicecamp,candidatesNovemberjoin/applying,noaa.gov/learn/noaa-corps/omao.andaredueby11.NOAAusuallyselects16-17toenrollinbootwhothenstarttheironaship,orasapilotCozartiftheyarequalifiedtrained.NOAACorpsdirect15shipsaroundworld,andthereisawideofair,landandseaforassignment.
PILOTING PROGRESS
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“The missions are really cool, and we know that having the planes in great working shape, ready to go, makes a big impact.” DAY, NEW ADVENTURE
month or more in advance.”
Cozart showed us around and inside the spotless twin otter plane that she was set to share with several scientists who could plug their specialized equipment into an array of ports inside the plane. The camaraderie between pilots and the mechanics was evident as they joked with each other and showed a reverence for their shared devotion to the work at hand.
NEW
“We go through everything that could possibly be a risk, and we try to mitigate it,” Cozart says. “It’s a pretty extensive process, and we start that a
PILOTING PROGRESS
“There’s definitely a bond, and the co-workers are the best part of the job,” says David McGee, a mechanic who works on the twin otters and the King Air planes.
When The Lakelander visited with Cozart in August, it was T minus 18 hours before she and a colleague took off for a multiweek mission in Sacramento California to fly into a scorched region devastated by wildfires to collect air samples and data that could potentially help prevent future fires.
The preparation for missions is meticulous. A comprehensive self-evaluation is done, the logistics are checked and double checked and a pilot’s strategically devised plan is approved by a supervisor.
One day the team spotted the whale in the ocean, and the team started circling the giant specimen at a 45-degree angle to prepare for action.
“It’s just super emotional when you see a whale struggling in fishing gear... this is what we came up there to find,” CozartWhatsays.happened next evoked a different kind of emotion. A strong storm developed in the area and the
Cozart was on a mission in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada where they were working to locate a whale that had been entangled in fishing gear, as well as teaming up with authorities to prevent future entanglements.
Once that Twin Otter disappears into the Central Florida sky, what’s ahead of Cozart and her fellow NOAA pilots is planned, yet as unpredictable as the Earlierweather.thisyear
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Cozart said it stung to not be able to have to fly home without freeing the whale, but it’s comforting to know hope still remained.
threat of strong winds and lightning was imminent. The team had to make a swift and necessary decision to abort the mission for the time being. The whale disappeared and NOAA Corps eventually handed off the mission to its Canadian counterparts, Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
“That’s the thing — weather and animals and coastal mapping and all of these things, like natural disasters — they don’t see borders,” she says with a laugh. “That’s why it’s so important to be working together with people all over the world, whether in Canada or in Africa where the Corps was recently on a mission.”
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Cozart said she hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow officers like Admiral Nancy Hann who was a Mariner as well as pilot.
Jonathan Shannon, Public Affairs Specialist for NOAA, said they are scheduled to receive their third King Air plane in Lakeland by 2023, and have hopes of adding a Gulfstream G550 by 2024.
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“I’ll keep flying these really cool missions…and I’ll go to a land assignment in a couple of years,” Cozart estimates. “I’m not sure exactly where that will take me… but I’m excited to see.”
The future is equally promising for NOAA.
Next up for Cozart is a pro motion to Aircraft Commander, meaning she will be primarily re sponsible for building and execut ing the blueprints for missions, as well as working with and support ing up-and-coming co-pilots.
ASCENTCONTINUAL
She is also looking forward to one day soon piloting aircraft like the P3 Orions, where she will have the opportunity to fly into potentially life-altering, devastat ing storms to provide real-time information that can enact safety protocols and save lives in re al-time and in the future.
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READY TO FLY? NOAA is recruiting for its next class of NOAA Corps officers for water, land and sky. Apply through Nov. 11 at www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/noaa-corps/join PILOTING PROGRESS
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Lake Silver, Winter Haven
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October 19-23, 2022
A history of powerful boats parlayed into an award-winningdocumentary
Founded by Walter Eugene Engle in 1934, the regatta’s legacy is carried on by his son, Gene Engle. “Some of my first memories from childhood are from the Orange Cup Regatta,” Gene reflected, noting that he worked in the race pit as a young boy. “The races have continued every year since then.”
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Let’s set the scene. If you’ve never been to a power boat race before, think of it as any other motorsport (like NASCAR or Formula 1) except instead of sitting next to a noisy track, you’re enjoying the sunshine, the breeze and a lakeside view.
the “Lake of Records” opening scene, you see 354above,haveaHollingsworthLakefromperspectivefewviewed—fromspanningallacres.“LakeofRecords”
He worked with friends and collaborators to pull it all together, spending many hours editing to make the film a success.
To see it in action, “Lake of Records” shows us a behind-the-scenes perspective of the 2021 race. We see Bobby King break a world record, and the other racers hit another world record: an average speed of 94mph.
"IT FORYOURSATISFIESNEEDSPEED!"
GENE E A GLE
The Orange Cup Regatta has long lived in the Engle’s family legacy, with love of powersports passed down through generations. “Lake of Records” creator and producer Will Engle — Gene’s grandson — remembers holding “official” paper boat races every year as a kid at family gatherings.Willfirst thought to document the races in March 2021. He wanted to honor his family’s legacy, capturing the event in its true form, following the racers as they reached record-breaking speeds.
written by Jenna MacFarlane photos by Jason Stephens & Jajuan Lyons designed by Jon Sierra
is a documentary that covers The Orange Cup Regatta: an annual power boat race that has been drawing racers and spectators for 88 years.
“It satisfies your need for speed,” says Gene, pointing out that most drivers are hitting well over 100mph throughout much of the race.
The endeavor evolved into a full-blown documentary with interviews, drone shots and an award-winning score. “The doc took a year to create, start-to-finish,” Will says.
He noted one exception: the races paused for two years during World War II.
“Lake of Records” offers a behind-the-scenes look into racing’s practices and processes. You see the drivers strap into their harnesses, deploy oxygen masks and listen as radios broadcast from the shore, telling them where to turn as they glide across the water.
Preparation for the race is intense. Racers take dunk tests to ensure, in the worst-case scenario, they know what to do if the boat flips. Gene is proud of the historical record of safety at the Orange Cup Regatta; an ambulance is always present, with medics and trained diving professionals ready to jump in if a race goes awry.
The economic impact of the races is palpable. Competitors are bringing their families and friends with them. “Many of them will stay out here for a week and make it their vacation,” Gene continues, “It’s almost like a family reunion when everyone gets down here. It’s a tight-knit community.”
"POWER BOAT RACING HAS ALWAYS BRIGHT."THEWEANDBACK,IT’SRESPECTED,BEENBUTCOMINGBIGGERBETTER.BELIEVEFUTUREIS
Gene’s experience and expertise coordinating the event has made the Orange Cup Regatta one of the premiere boat races in the country. His consistency has paid off: racers are now traveling from across the nation to join the race. “Most of them are transporting boats from the northeast and Canada, sometimes as
“Will brought an element to the Regatta that I’ve never been able to do, to get the story out,” Gene says about his grandson. “Power boat racing has always been respected, but it’s coming back, bigger and better. We believe the future is bright.”
The Orange Cup Regatta is an event, simply put, where competitors come to break records. New ones are being set nearly every year, right here in Lakeland.
The community is growing so much that the American Power Boat Association — boat racing’s national sanctioning body — is soon relocating from Detroit to Central Florida.
Gene resists any inclination to retire from his role as Race Director. It’s in his blood. One day, he hopes to pass down the baton to his son and grandson, Walt and Will.
far as Seattle,” Gene said.
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Better weather + better water = more records get broken.
Since the race is in October, the Orange Cup Regatta is one of the last races of the year. High-skill racers are trying to get their points in for the year — meaning higher attendance (and greater competition) right here on Lake Hollingsworth.
ORANGE CUP REGATTA
The Orange Cup Regatta is a two-day race, which means competitors have the opportunity to earn double points.
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Watch “Lake of Records” on YouTube or engledigital.com, and follow
The Orange Cup Regatta’s long legacy continues this year on October 15-16. Mark your calendar to join Gene and his wife, Pat, out by the lake and witness more records broken!
“Lake of Records” has won an Outstanding Achievement Award at the Los Angeles International Indie Short Fest, won Best Composer for its score by Luke Wilmoth in the Chicago Film Festival and has been nominated as Best Film by the International Motor Film Awards held in London.
Will’s other work via his media company @engledigital
“I had ‘behind-the-ropes’ access to the cars, drivers, and the entire race operation,” Ford says. “As a teenager, I memorized everything about the race each year.”
written by Adam Spafford photos by Paul Bostrom designed by Jon Sierra
His great-grandfather brought the family to Sebring in 1922 and helped Ford Sr. establish Heacock Insurance. As Ford explains, “Sebring residents dealt with traveling insurance salesmen in those days; if you had a claim it was a two-day wagon trip to Tampa!”FordSr. soon had a flourishing business and was a city council member. When the City of Sebring contracted to host an international sports car race in 1950, Ford Sr. was appointed to chair the newly created Sebring Race Committee. It was a major undertaking which involved converting the decommissioned Hendricks Field, a WWII aircraft training base, into a racing circuit for the world’s top sports cars.
Ford had been around automobiles all his life. When he was born in 1950, his grandfather, Ford Sr., was the chairman of the inaugural endurance race at Sebring International Raceway — a position he’d hold for five years. His son, Ford Jr, served as the race’s financial officer in the late 1950s. The young Ford spent much of his formative years around racing and, as far back as he can remember, wanted to be a race car driver.
The Lake Mirror Classic returns to Downtown Lakeland this October after a two-year hiatus. It was Ford Heacock’s passion for vintage race cars that started it all. He tells us about what drives him - and shares a few favorite vehicles from his own collection.
Less than a year earlier, Ford had been in San Bernardino, Calif. to experience the final Route 66 Rendezvous car cruise in the city’s downtown. It was a vintage car lover’s dream — and it made an indelible impression on
him. Now, at the top of the Terrace Hotel, the Lake Mirror Classic vision was born.
He’s the owner of Heacock Insurance, a vintage motorsports racing enthusiast, and at this moment serving as chairmen of the Downtown Lakeland Partnership – an organization tasked with bringing the heart of the city to life. The group has just broken from their meeting to assess the refurbishment’s progress. At the top he catches the view over Lake Mirror Promenade, the long-neglected park itself in the middle of a revitalization project. Imagining its completion he thinks: this would be a great place for a car show.
is 1999 and Ford Heacock climbs the stairs of the Terrace Hotel because the elevators.reachedprojectrefurbishmenthasn’tyetthe
64 THE LAKELANDER FORD HEACOCK
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“Sebring residents dealt with traveling insurance salesmen in those days; if you had a claim it was a twoday wagon trip to Tampa!”
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Vintage cars have afforded Ford one-ofa-kind opportunities, including sharing a ride with iconic late night personality and car guru Jay Leno.
Ford has seen and raced a wide variety of vintage race cars – and even acquired a few of them. He was kind enough to show us and tell us about a few of his favorites that will be on display at the Lake Mirror Classic.
Because Sebring didn’t have enough hotel capacity for the influx of drivers and crew each year, racing professionals would stay in the homes of families like the Heacocks’. And the insurance agency doubled as race headquarters during the off-season.Although the teenaged Ford’s notion of becoming a champion driver was diverted by a racing accident, it didn’t kill his passion for the sport. In the mid-1970s he volunteered with the race promoter, organizing a six-lap demonstration race called the Kendall Vintage Grand Prix. He founded the Southeast Vintage Race Association, renaming it the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) when it grew to be national. It’s the largest and longest-standing organization of its kind. The SVRA’s companion newsletter also grew into a national magazine which still exists today. Through it he developed the rich contacts that built the vintage car insurance arm of Heacock Insurance and laid the foundation of the first Lake Mirror Classic in 1999.
Ford had no plans for a second Lake Mirror Classic. But in the fall of 2000, his phone rang with overwhelming interest so he knew he had to resurrect it in 2001. He was at the helm of the event – and Heacock Insurance – through 2016. Mid-Florida Credit Union presented it for the next three. It hasn’t been held since but there’s great news for vintage car enthusiasts – the Lake Mirror Classic takes place again this year, (see page 28) courtesy of Robert D’Angelo, from October 15-17.
FORD HEACOCK 68 THE LAKELANDER 1960
SPECIAL FEATURES
Engine: 4 cylinder 1600cc air cooled Transmission: 4 speed
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Horsepower: 110
Original drum brakes changed to disc brakes for safety
a word from Ford
I bought this car from a retired Air Force general in Savannah. It started life as a regular 365 Super 90 but he had it converted to a race car in the early 80s with a new fuel cell and roll cage modified for the vintage racing circuit. It has been raced around the country and is just a wonderful car to drive – it’s my active vintage racer. It seems all I have to do is check the tires and put gas in it – doesn’t require much maintenance at all.
In the car there’s a cooler of ice and a pump that pushes water through the suit.
Because the heat in the car can become so extreme during a race, I wear a cool suit when I drive it.
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shows. Engine: 4 cylinder 1100cc Transmission: 4-speed manual transmissionXSP”experimental race engine Hood windscreen bug deflector Horsepower: 110 hp Illuminated number for timing and scoring judges Two low lights: one on left is a long range light beam for Sebring’s long straightaways and the one on the right is low to illuminate the curves as Sebring has more right turns than left 1964 a word from FordSPECIAL FEATURES ISSUE 79
I recognized this car as a Sebring Sprite when it appeared on www.bringatrailer.com five years ago. Austin Healey built Sprites specifically for the 12 Hours of Sebring. It’s truly one-of-akind as is its connection to the race: a handbuilt factory prototype driven by Donna Mae Mims, the first female driver to win a nationals sports car championship. It’s unrestored, completely original with less than 1,100 miles. It has magnesium wheels which become brittle with age so I take them off to drive it but put them back on for
FORD HEACOCK 72 THE LAKELANDER
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FORD HEACOCK 74 THE LAKELANDER
Engine: cylinder 1600 speed
Transmission: 4
Ferrari added a larger seat and fuel tank
Finished the race in 1962 and 1963 FEATURESSPECIAL a word from Ford auction.”bidThenyouworld'Whatandcamemyhadconversation“Theawokenwife.Sheoutasked,inthearedoing?!'mylastwontheSunbeam 1961 75ISSUE 79
I had already gone to bed when a message came to my phone; this car was at auction at Sotheby’s in Arizona. I assumed it had already sold but sent the link along to another friend who I thought would be interested. Immediately I got a message back: Call me. I got out of bed, walked into the living room, and for some reason put the phone on speaker. My friend was able to participate in the auction and, with my approval, he started bidding forTheme!conversation had awoken my wife. She came out and asked, “What in the world are you doing?!” Then my last bid won the auction. This car was built in 1961 for an Italian nobleman named Theodoli – a member of an ancient Italian family who immigrated to the US. He was in the advertising business and had Alitalia and Ferrari as clients. Because of his connections, he entered the Sunbeam with Ferrari and it became the only British race car to ever bear the Ferrari badge.
4
Horsepower: 115 hp
77ISSUE 79 Check upbeautiestheseoutcloseOct.LakeMirrorCarShow.com14-16
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DOBBSLARRY MAPPUBLISHINGAUTOMOTIVEONLAKELANDPUTTHE
written by Donald Farr photos by Paul Bostrom & Jordan Randall designed by Jon Sierra
“I had run across thousands of old Mustangs in Florida junkyards,” Larry says. “You could buy parts for a song,
The son of a Georgia sharecropper, Dobbs was employed at a Sears store in Albany, Georgia in 1970 when he requested a transfer to Florida and landed at Lakeland’s Searstown, where he met Judy. By 1974, Dobbs was selling display advertising at The Ledger, an experience that would loom large in future endeavors. Another piece of the puzzle slipped into place when he purchased a co-worker’s well-used 1965 Mustang for $225. To make needed repairs, Larry scoured local junkyards for parts and, by the time he and Judy departed for their Stone Mountain trip, the convertible was reliable and attractive.
Dobbs returned to Lakeland and started picking up Mustang parts at local salvage yards, then cleaning and refurbishing for resale and extra cash. Judy complained when she found old wheel-covers in her dishwasher.
1976, Larry Dobbs was in the right place at the right time—and driving the right car—when he and wife Judy drove their recently-acquired and self-refurbished 1965 Mustang convertible from Lakeland to Stone Mountain, Georgia. By coincidence, and perhaps fate, their vacation trip delivered the couple smack in the middle of the newly-formed Mustang Club of America’s first car-show. The pony-car encounter sparked an idea in Dobbs’ entrepreneurial mind, one that would launch a successful business and put Lakeland on the map as the home for one of America’s top automotive publishing companies.
Eleven years after producing his first magazine on his dining room table, Dobbs was featured on the cover of Successful Magazine Publishing.
yet these guys were selling stuff for five or ten times that amount!”
Within months, Dobbs’ home-based sideline business, named Mustang Supply Company, gained momentum as classic Mustangs grew in popularity. Through a client of The Ledger, Douglas Screen Printing, Dobbs began offering reproduction stripe kits and other decals for restorers.
Although surrounded by Mustangs and like-minded owners at Stone Mountain, Dobbs was more intrigued by the vendors selling used Mustang parts.
Chasing his entrepreneurial instincts, Dobbs put it all on the line in early 1978.
Spurred by the success of Mustang Monthly, Dobbs pursued additional niche automotive magazines. Car Review (later Musclecar Review) launched in 1984, followed by the purchases of Super Ford and Corvette Fever along with start-up Mopar Muscle. In need of more office space, Larry built a 10,000 square-foot building on Industry Boulevard near Lakeland Linder International Airport. In 1989, just 11 years after mailing his first quickprint publication, Dobbs was featured on the cover of Successful Magazine Publishing magazine. By then, the newly named Dobbs Publishing Group boasted more than 40 employees and total magazine circulation of more than 250,000 via subscriptions and newsstand sales.
Dobbs enjoyed the wheeling-anddealing at automotive swap meets. But he also realized that Mustang Supply Company’s reach was limited to weekend road-trips in the southeast. His advertising and publishing experience at The Ledger sparked an idea—a nationwide newsletter focused on the buy, sale and swap market.
A week after stapling together the first Mustang Exchange Letter on his dining room table for a mere 92 subscribers — and with Judy expecting the couple’s first child — Dobbs resigned from The Ledger and secured a second mortgage to fund future issues.
Putting it
All on the Line
During the 1990s, DPG added more magazines, including non-automotive Down Memory Lane and Toy Collector, both appealing to Larry’s interest in nostalgia. At its high point in the mid 1990s, DPG’s stable included nine magazines with a staff of 75. As a pioneer of niche automotive publishing, Larry’s Lakeland-based company competed with Los Angeles-based automotive publishers for readers and advertisers. The world’s largest automotive publisher, Petersen Publishing, publisher of Hot Rod and Motor Trend, even launched its own niche titles as direct competition.
“The bank thought I wanted to publish a magazine about horses,” Dobbs laughs. “They really thought I was crazy when I told them it was about the car.”
By the third issue, the magazine had a new name, Mustang Monthly, a revision that opened up the new publication to editorial content, a move that proved quiteTheprofitable.fourthissue was mailed to 500 subscribers; a year later after purchasing a rival in California, the mailing list topped 5,000. Then Dobbs gambled on an expensive display ad in Hot Rod magazine; it netted another 5,000 subscribers. During the early 1980s, Dobbs hired a full-time editor (your author), expanded into book publishing with “How to Restore Your Mustang,” moved into a 1,000 squarefoot office in south Lakeland, and began surrounding himself with staff for editorial, production and advertising. Suddenly, the son of Georgia sharecropper had merged two of his passions — cars and publishing — into a viable business. He sold Mustang Supply Company and put his heart, soul and mind into magazines.
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Of the hundreds of people employed by DPG over the years, the majority rate the experience as the best of their careers. A devout Christian, Dobbs guided his company with kindness, compassion, generosity and humor.
In Search of Passion
Moving on up. Larry Dobbs (seated) in 1982 with his company’s growing staff. Standing L-R: Del Sellers, Branda Summerlin, Donald Farr, Lynn Summerlin, Bob Parker, Glenn Romberger, Howard Buck, Rhonda Norton, and Barbara Kent.
Most DPG employees came from outside the publishing field — feed store clerk, Pepsi truck driver, TV repairman, and car-wash manager, for example. For editorial in particular, Dobbs hired car enthusiasts, then provided training to teach them how to write and edit.
“To be successful, I needed to surround myself with people smarter than me,” he explained recently from his home in the Grasslands neighborhood in South Lakeland. “I also tried to create a place where people enjoyed working and being rewarded.”
A strong believer in delegation, his philosophy was, “Give them the training and resources to succeed, then get out of their way.” It worked, with many promoted to manager positions.
“I tried to hire employees with three traits: passion, integrity, and savvy,” Dobbs says.
86 THE LAKELANDER Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076 © 2021 GEICO James Boley 3615863-400-7460SFlorida Ave, geico.com/lakeland-boleyLakeland ¡Hablamos Español! OVER 17 YEARS OF HAIR STYLING TRAINED IN NEW YORK CITY TOP HAIR COLORIST IN LAKELAND, FL NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! Located at: The Strand Salon 2537 S. F lorida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803 Carrie Jara Hair PROFESSIONAL STYLIST 863.604.7776m @car riejarahairQ
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A new owner, Primedia, eventually closed the Lakeland office and moved operations to Tampa in 2006. However, the Dobbs automotive publishing legacy continued. Inspired by Larry, former employees would launch their own publishing ventures, including several Mustang titles. In fact, the last remaining Mustang print magazine, Mustang Times from the Mustang Club of America, is based in Lakeland, coincidentally adjacent to the building that Dobbs built.
Legacy is a difficult word to live up to. Larry Dobbs’ legacy is still recognized, not only by the people who worked for him or attended his church classes, but also by automotive enthusiasts around the world who remember reading the car magazines produced by Dobbs’ publishing company in Lakeland, Florida.
In late 1980, Dobbs’ utilized his Mustang restoration skills to pub lish his first book, How to Restore Your Mustang, which reached the top of Motorbooks’ best-seller list and helped fund growth for the young company. Here, Larry and technical advisor Butch Hennecy discuss the finer points of painting.
Over the nearly 25 years since selling DPG, Dobbs has settled into retirement. His wife Judy passed away from cancer in 2006, and he is now happily remarried. Both sons are nearby, Jason in Lakeland and Josh in St. Pete.
After 20 years of building and overseeing his successful company, Dobbs sold DPG for a sizable sum to Petersen in 1998. Always supportive of his staff, it’s no surprise that he shared a percentage of the proceeds with employees. Also part of the deal was a clause stating that Petersen would maintain the Lakeland offices for five years. Although Petersen did not retain all DPG employees, they brought in others when they shifted several of their Los Angeles titles to Lakeland.
For several years, Dobbs continued teaching Life Skills and Leadership Skills classes at Victory Church, seminars that drew up to 300 attendees and expanded Larry’s life-changing influence throughout the community.
buying local
ALL ROADS LEAD TO
AND BEYOND purchasing a vehicle, to consider the benefits of
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Greater Lakeland
don’t forget
Written by RJ Walters Designed by Jon Sierra
REGIONAL NEWS & STORIES – CURATED FOR LAKELANDERS
uying a new (or new to you) car can be exhilarating, but data shows it’s more expensive than ever before and it can be exhausting to separate fact from fiction in a timely enough fashion to get the vehicle you want at an affordable price.
Bartow Ford is just down the road from Lakeland, but you can’t turn on local radio without hearing owner Benny Robles Jr. trying to pump you up about your next vehicle
It’s OK to be anxious, and even skeptical, as you embark on spending thousands of dollars on a modern-day necessity (for most people, especially in Lakeland) that can break down, has features and specs that most of us don’t really know if we need and are promoted through slick marketing that puts dealerships in the driver’s seat.
That’s the case with many local car dealerships, including a trio who recently took time to share their wisdom on the car buying process and the benefits of buying from the place you drive your current vehicle past on a regular basis.
But in a consumer landscape where dealers understand the weary buyer mentality, many car selling entities have stepped up their customer service and are working harder than ever to earn a person’s trust — and business.
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IN A ANDPERSON’SEVERHARDERANDCUSTOMERSTEPPEDENTITIESCARMENTALITY,WEARYUNDERSTANDWHERELANDSCAPECONSUMERDEALERSTHEBUYERMANYSELLINGHAVEUPTHEIRSERVICEAREWORKINGTHANTOEARNATRUST—BUSINESS.”
You may not be familiar with the SBC Lakeland name, but the Subaru, Buick and Cadillac dealership off South Florida Ave. that was sold by the Cannon family last year, is still the same family-focused, community-involved dealer the Cannon’s started in 1964.
SBC Lakeland operations director Dan Cannon is passionate about treating customers fairly and with integrity, and he’s excited about the trajectory of a company he’s been a part of for decades.
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He’spurchase.justasexcited though about the fact that every purchase helps support one of the nearly 300 local employees at his dealership who call Polk County home.
And, in the world of local luxury car dealers, Gary Gordon, general manager of Fields BMW, loves seeing people have their dreams come true, and he believes that nothing compares to a good test drive “come and see” approach to car buying.
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Where should someone start their car buying process?
Cannon says every potential buyer should come to the table with settled answers to these two questions: “What do you need in a vehicle?” and “What is your budget to purchase it?”
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A place modern technology comes in handy for Fields BMW is once potential buyers have determined what they want, the team at the dealership is ready to help them purchase it from other locations if the vehicle they want is unavailable on the lot.
He explained that people need to find a dealership built on a foundation of people they can trust because “vehicles are more complex than ever…they are like a walking“Whocomputer.”isgoingto be there for you if there’s an issue?” he asks. “You can inspect a used car as much as you want, but if you buy it from Joe Blow, they aren’t invested in what happens after you buy it.”
“COVID has changed [society] and we are ordering a lot more cars than we used to, and you know, all of the supply line problems and chip challenges and everything else… either you’re backing up or moving forward, and right now we’re growing.”
Gordon says he recommends people use a mix of digital and in-person methods to determine exactly what they want.
“We feel most people want to come in and touch and drive this kind of car,” Gordon says. “We are not in just the ‘transportation business’, nobody needs anything we sell…everything we sell is about want, and people want to come in and touch and see.”
He says most people start their carbuying process by scouring the deep and wide corners of the internet, but there is still a great benefit to the intangibles that can only be realized by visiting a dealership.
“From there, there is so much information online, as far as ratings and quality,” he says. “For example, Subaru is known as one of the safest cars ever…so we have our daughters in Crosstreks because if I’m paying for it, I want ’em safe.”
“If the car has gone off a lot today, it’s not like they’ve got 10 others right behind it to replace it with,” he says. “It may be months before they can get a replacement for that vehicle.”
He acknowledges the prices of vehicles have skyrocketed, and he wants consumers to know that his dealership has a vested interest in people being able to afford the vehicles they purchase.
“To start the process, find out what size and type of vehicle you and your family need,” says Robles Jr. “Sit down with one of our sales people and together we can figure out if you really need 4-wheel drive or certain features, and what makes sense for your budget.”
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“If I sell you a car you can’t afford I could really destroy your life,” he says, mentioning how someone could lose their job and not be able to afford high payments, ultimately leaving them without the transportation necessary to find and take on a new job.
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In all of Cannon’s years in the automotive industry he has never seen such an unusual market — where at times slightly used cars are as or more expensive than new ones due to the factors mentioned by Gordon. Because of that, he says buyers need to be willing to act quickly when they find what they want at a price they can afford.
Customers can also enjoy an on-site shuttle service, access to loaner vehicles and the benefit that comes from purchasing from a dealership with a highly reputable service
What benefits does the dealer provide local buyers that separates them competitors?from
He says that type of service contributes to the fact that roughly 60 percent of customers are repeat or referred by friends or family.
He said the list of everyday amenities customers can expect is long, but includes: a hand wash car wash and vacuum service, a loaner fleet of between 50 and 60 vehicles, concessions at the lounge and more.
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Bartow Ford Fields BMW Benefits of NeighborsfromBuyingYour
“We do a lot of business in the greater Lakeland and Tampa area,” he says. “We valet service our customers, we pick up and deliver their cars, we wash them, we fix them right the first time and take good care of them.”
“Recently, we had a customer who was having an issue with a shock,” he says. “The warranty only covered the one shock, but we understood that before it was replaced it may have had a negative impact on the other shock, so we went ahead and gave the person another shock.”
With that in mind, Bartow Ford focuses on offering individuals and families “reliable vehicles at an affordable price.”
“We have one of the best service departments in the country…they’re just the best of the best,” he says.
Cannon said one of the things that sets SBC apart is its highly qualified technicians.
The dealership offers amenities such as free car washes, valet service and a cafe.
“Two things - it’s the product and the people. One of them is us, Fields Auto Group, and the other is the brand,” Gordon says. “It’s a different experience. People walk in here, they know everybody, they’re friendly with everybody…people always say, ‘It’s the best car buying experience we’ve ever had.’”
Roblesdepartment.Jr.saidat the end of the day he wants people to be fully satisfied and know they can trust his team.
Gordon says Fields BMW understands that customer experience extends from the lobby of the dealership to the ethers of the world wide web.
“(Customers) want to know when they ask what’s the “out the door price”... they wanna know the out the door price, without having gimmicks and, you know, ads that show $10,000 worth of discounts and, you don’t know if they qualify for any of ‘em,” Cannon said. “Our goal isn’t to necessarily be the cheapest ever out there, our goal is to be honest, give our customers a fair price and to give them a great experience and to know that if they have a problem with their car, then we’re gonna take care of it.”:
Robles Jr. is in the business of selling cars, but he said he’s more interested in building long-term relationships with people than utilizing some “magic phrase” that convinces them to buy a vehicle on-the-spot because he wants to have customers for life.
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96 THE LAKELANDER athatMoneySpendingEarnsReturn GREATER LAKELAND How is the dealership involved in the community and how does it give back?
Some of the organizations Bartow Ford supports are: VISTE, Achievement Academy, Wounded Warrior Project and Talbot
Each Christmas the Subaru dealership participates in the company-wide Share the Love event, where Subaru donates $250 for every car sold to the charity of the dealership’s choice. Recently that nonprofit has been kidsPACK, and the kicker is that SBC Lakeland has matched that donation
The proof that backs up that statement can be found in the fact that in 2021 the auto group’s foundation supported nearly 80 nonprofits and organizations.
He also lights up when talking about the special events his dealership has put on in the community. They have hosted several Winter Wonderland events where they brought in 80 tons of snow, had Santa on hand and served up a festive brunch for attendees.
“Whatdollar-for-dollar.weloveaboutkidsPACK is it allows our employees to become involved,” Cannon said. When a company writes a check and makes a donation to a charity that’s great, but the employees don’t necessarily get to see it and feel it. kidsPACK is something some of our employees can be involved with once a month, you know, getting there and getting on the assembly line and packing the lunches.”
“I’mHouse.mostproud of supporting a spectrum of different charities,” Robles Jr. says.
Bartow Ford Fields BMW
The dealership group raised money for Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine at last year’s Swan Derby, support the Alliance for Independence Wine Festival of Central Florida and have plans to partner with SPCA for an upcoming pet adoption initiative.
“Bartowconcert.Ford matches up with the hard working, care-about-people culture of our community…and we love to serve them well,” he said.
On Nov. 5 the dealership is welcoming country star Michael Ray to its lot for a live
The Myers Auto Group is continuing the Cannon family’s longstanding local philanthropic impact through the dealership.
“John Fields and the Fields family are great people,” Gordon says. “They actually care about their employees, they care about their customers, they care about their communities.”
Locally, Fields BMW has given back through a variety of entities including: Noah’s Ark of Central Florida, Orlando Magic Youth Foundation and Make-aWish Central and Northern Florida.
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A crowd gathers around a National Airlines DC3 on display at the Lakeland Municipal Airport in Lakeland, Florida.
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Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library
HISTORY
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