The Lakelander - Issue 80

CARING JUST FOR YOU

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.

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.

Find the right provider at myLRH.org/Care or call 863.284.5000 to make an appointment .

118 years

Welcome to retirement that embodies

living the dream.

We would like to honor the founders of Agnini Dental, the ones who started it all, Dr. Mike Agnini and his wife Donna. They came to Lakeland in 1979 with their two small sons to pursue their dreams of opening a dental practice. While nurturing a growing family, and working tirelessly to create a successful business, they poured everything into planting firm roots into Lakeland. They have been married 54 years, and are proof that love and admiration for one another can create a strong foundation for growth and success. This is a legacy they can be proud to leave to all future generations of dentists at Agnini Family Dental.

This Fall Season

K

BY JON SIERRA

30

THE FIRST COVER FEATURE

Ten years after the first issue of The Lakelander hit stands, we go back in time to revisit the first ever cover story, Kelley’s Apiaries. We checked in with its owner Bert to reflect on what it was like to make history in a new publication and discuss what has changed and what has stayed the same with his hometown honey business.

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LAKELAND: THEN AND NOW

The landscape of our city has changed since the inception of The Lakelander, but the heart of the people has stayed the same. We take readers on a visual journey through the past decade of growth and change in Lakeland.

Advanced degrees. Close to home.

20+

degrees to choose from Advance your education with Southeastern University. Whether online or on our Lakeland campus, you can earn your master’s or doctoral degree right here in your own backyard.

What is a Lakelander?

We connect you with people from diverse walks of life who spend their days making an impact on Lakeland and enjoying the distinct privileges that come with living here for many years.

42

58

Best of Taste

Lakelanders love to eat, and we love to help you elevate your game in the kitchen.

Ten years in, we offer you some of our favorite recipes that are timelessly tasty and represent a broad range of culinary traditions you find in Lakeland.

Then and Now Over 90 Years of Premier Banking

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.

MADE

PUBLISHER

Curt Patterson

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jason Jacobs

EDITOR

RJ Walters

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jon Sierra

VP, FINANCE

Deb Patterson

GENERAL COUNSEL

Ted W. Weeks IV

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449

ADVERTISING SALES

Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785

EDITORIAL

STAFF WRITER

Jordan Randall CONTRIBUTORS

Julianne Waller

Diego De Jesus Jason Stephens

Michelle Simanca

Jackie Houghton

CREATIVE

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jon Sierra

Danielle Doughlin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dan Austin Jordan Randall

Tina Sargeant

Adam Novak

CIRCULATION

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Jason Jacobs

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.

“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

Patterson Jacobs Media Group, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 Customer Service: 863.701.2707 • thelakelander.com

LAKELAND MAGAZINE?

urgent correspondence — a cease and desist letter from a large local publisher, explaining they could not use the name. The company, whose primary product was a daily newspaper, abandoned the name years prior and legally our company had a strong case to defend the use of the Lakeland Magazine name.

Thank you for your generous support of what was formerly, or should I say almost, called Lakeland Magazine.

The Lakelander as you know it, and your unofficial nickname as someone who roams the Swan City and gives to and lives to support our city almost didn’t happen.

Go back in time with me to 2011, when our publishers Curt Patterson and Jason Jacobs were producing Mustang Magazine — an award-winning periodical with a strong following. Our leadership recognized the marketplace was shifting, and at the annual Florida Magazine Association conference they were seeking inspiration for what was next.

They became intrigued with the momentum behind the city magazine movement and believed Lakeland had the perfect base to build a city magazine on. The team was inspired by the work of Boca Magazine and started to see impactful publications popping up in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, St. Paul, Minn., etc.

The groundwork was laid to launch the new publication. Staff started sending out promotional materials for “Lakeland Magazine” when they received an especially

Our company sought counsel with Lakeland attorney Ted Weeks, and he said we could fight the cease and desist, but in reality we didn’t want to be confused with an old publication, we wanted to do something completely new.

We did not move forward with any legal action through Mr. Weeks, but he suggested we name our publication something very local and distinctive and he mentioned the prominence of the New Yorker magazine. That day in his office, he birthed The Lakelander name and Curt, Jason and Brandon Patterson smiled in agreement, “That’s it!”

It’s funny to think of all of the creatives and storytellers who have made The Lakelander what it is over the past decade and admit that a family attorney came up with our name. But that’s such a Lakelander move — someone offering encouraging help to a neighbor expecting nothing in return.

We are so grateful for your support in making our company what it is today, and most importantly for being a Lakelander who makes living and doing business in this city a great joy.

Walters

CONTRIBUTORS

DAN AUSTIN

Dan Austin is a Florida native photographer. He specializes in a unique style that combines the spirit of the subject with a detailed attention to lighting. Through this, Dan achieves a unique and well-thought-out aesthetic that has come to be expected of his images. danaustinphotography.com @danaustinphoto

JULIANNE WALLER

Julianne graduated from the University of Tampa with a degree in writing. She currently works as a freelance writer for The Lakelander and other publications. Outside of journalism and creative writing, Julianne is passionate about reading, travel, art and spending time with friends and family. She adores her two beautiful cats!

DIEGO DE JESUS

Diego is a senior English major at Florida Southern College and currently a staff intern at The Lakelander. Originally from New York City, he came down to Lakeland for his education and has made his home here ever since.

He plans on living in Lakeland after graduation to pursue a career in journalism while producing creative prose pieces on the side. The friends and connections that he’s made in Lakeland have truly changed his life for the better, and he is forever grateful for the community accepting him.

OUR FAVORITE COVERS

Photo by Jordan Randall

Experience works here.

Meet Jeffrey Clements. For more than 29 years, this Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor has been helping individuals and families with retirement planning, wealth management, estate planning strategies, by supplying guidance that is based on his clients’ goals.

see experience at work, call our Lakeland branch to schedule a meeting with Jeffrey Clements.

Jeffrey

LETTERS

COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

Check out the spectacular @lakelandermag cover this month! We’re totally in love with the vibrant colors and awesome pics featured in this issue! Inside you will

a food truck article featuring our loaded nachos, along with other great taco truck reviews! @jonsierra We will forever treasure this beautiful magazine

brilliant ideas."

you so much The Lakelander for including us in this month's issue! Check out this wonderful article written by Jenna MacFarlane about the Orange Cup Regatta, my grandfather, and our documentary "Lake of Records."

BEE-HIND THE SCENES

The Story of The Lakelander’s First Cover

WRITTEN BY JULIANNE WALLER

PHOTOS BY TINA SARGEANT

en years ago, The Lakelander was deciding what to cover in its first ever issue. Kelley’s Apiaries, a tiny off-thebeaten-path honey farm, might seem like an obscure choice – but for The Lakelander, it was perfect.

“We wanted [the magazine] to feature grass roots businesses but give them the higher level treatment that they deserved. And we wanted to dig up hidden gems around town and give them their due,” says Jason Jacobs, Associate Publisher of The Lakelander. “Kelley’s Apiaries was perfect for this.”

Owner Robert “Bert” Kelley remembers the day the magazine was released.

“I had no clue that I would be on the cover until it came out,” Bert remembers. “I was like ‘Oh my gosh, I’m a coverboy for the premier issue!’”

The Lakelander wasn’t a known entity like it is now, but Bert’s friends and family were excited. One friend even made a big poster of the cover for Bert’s office. It’s still there today, leaning up against a desk.

“I should’ve mounted that better,” he says. “I’m more proud than what it looks like.”

Since that first article, Kelley’s Apiaries has undergone a few changes. Most significantly, Bert no longer keeps bees. “It’s hard work,” Bert explains. “And I don’t mind hard work, but somebody offered me money for the bees I had left and I decided that was the better option.”

Because of the seasonal nature of the business, it was difficult for Bert to balance beekeeping and managing the store without a full time employee –and the business isn’t busy enough in the summer and winter months to keep one on.

However, one new guest moved in when the bees moved out; the shop cat, a tabby named Target (pronounced ‘Tarjay’).

“She’s got a fan club out here,” Bert says with Target purring away on his lap.

Some things haven’t changed, however. When asked what has stayed the same over the years, Bert laughed and said, “Well, I’m still here!” And, despite the change in beekeeping, so is the same quality honey.

“Since I bought this place I’ve always had to buy honey as well,” he explains. “I pretty much have the same product that I had then, probably more of it because I’m established and have regular customers.”

Because of those loyal customers, the apiary has been successful enough to help local honey distributors as well as the beekeeping community.

“I’ve got a lot of money invested in barrels of honey, which smaller beekeepers can’t store,” Bert says. “So by doing that I’m keeping the supply chain going through the whole rest of the season.”

From the big “Self Service Honey” sign out front to the scrappy tabby cat meowing hello, it’s impossible not to be charmed by Kelley’s Apiaries.

Beyond the delicious honey, the real draw of the business is Bert himself. With so much wisdom, humor, and care for the community, it’s easy to see why Kelley’s Apiaries is such a gem of Lakeland – then and now.

“I HAD NO CLUE THAT I WOULD BE ON THE COVER UNTIL IT CAME OUT,” BERT REMEMBERS. “I WAS LIKE ‘OH MY GOSH, I’M A COVERBOY FOR THE PREMIER ISSUE!’”

Bert no longer houses bees on site, but his business is still a key player in the local honey industry.

A photo of Bert Kelley, owner of Kelley’s Apiaries, from the photo shoot for the inaugural issue of The Lakelander in 2013.

WRITTEN BY DIEGO DE JESUS DESIGNED BY JON SIERRA

he late Queen Elizabeth II gifted the city of Lakeland two of her royal swans in 1958. Their descendants now number roughly 80, nestled around Lake Morton. Their image has become the city’s icon, with the insignia of a swan on what feels like every other Lakeland street and business. Simply put, traditions remain intact throughout our city, but it continues to grow and evolve.

Lakelanders take what’s given to them and make it their own, adding to the collage that morphed into Lakeland’s emerging culture.

The Lakelander has chronicled this growth for the past decade and has been a part of it.

Our Lakeland-based business owned by Lakelanders has made it our job and passion

to tell stories of the people, businesses and culture of Lakeland.

Lakeland has become a mecca of innovation where its residents can succeed on their own merit. As a hub of creativity and innovation, there is much to discover about Lakeland’s streets, named after famous states and those from many places who made their homes here. We are not quite a metropolitan area, but we’re happy to be a growing and thriving city.

Enjoy this journey with us, from the time of the magazine’s inception to present day.

LKLD CITY POPULATION

Performance Gold

From classics to contemporary, the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra’s 57th season features six concerts, a chamber music series, and a fully-staged opera. Tickets start at $26 and students are free.

WHAT IS A LAKELANDER?

WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL DESIGNED BY JON SIERRA & DANIELLE DOUGLIN

At the beginning of this issue we revealed the origins of The Lakelander name, but who exactly is someone talking about when they say the now common moniker?

Instead of showing you data points or crafting an illustrative monologue of what we think a typical Lakeland resident embodies, we found individuals who we find are most characteristic of a Lakelander. Take a peek into their lives and learn what is common and distinctive among our neighbors.

Mrs. Kennedy, as most people know her, deflects the idea that there has been a secret to her success as the longest active tenured teacher in Polk County Schools and instead focuses on why she still loves it.

In her second grade classroom at Scott Lake Elementary, she pulls several file folders with contents from years gone by to showcase what motivates her.

She pulls out a sloppy assignment with words written in a way that only teachers or parents of little ones can navigate, and then she pulls out a piece of paper with neat words assembled into properly ordered, meaningful sentences.

“That first one was at the beginning of the school year…and after many writing workshops, that second one is from the same student in March,” she says. “You show a kid at the end of the year how far they have come and they can’t believe it… that’s the kind of thing that keeps me coming back.”

Her first teaching job in Lakeland was as a special education teacher at Oscar Pope Elementary in the mid-1970s, a time whenever it was the only special education program in the county, and students would be bussed in from as far away as Frostproof.

“YOU SHOW A KID

AT THE END OF THE

YEAR HOW FAR THEY HAVE COME AND THEY CAN’T BELIEVE IT...

THAT’S THE KIND OF THING THAT KEEPS ME COMING BACK.”

KENNEDY

Fast forward to nearly half a century later and Kennedy was thrust into teaching in the middle of a global pandemic using unconventional methods that didn’t even exist when she became a teacher.

She grins when talking about how she transformed the front of her classroom into a hub for virtual teaching that allowed her to follow health safety protocols while educating students who were on iPads, computers and tablets at home. The school’s multimedia staff set her up with several different monitors, a camera for Zoom and all the tools she need to be able to teach from her Smartboard remotely.

“The principal came in that year, and one area I was pretty much always just an ‘effective’ teacher was in technology,” Kennedy says. “But she came in and said, ‘I’ve got to give you highly effective on this one!’”

Just as she has evolved as en educator, South Lakeland was just a pea in a pod that had yet to sprout when Kennedy started at Scott Lake.

“When we first moved here there was nothing, just a few homes...and nothing south of Hallam,” she says. “There were projections that it was going to really grow though.”

And clearly, it did.

Even though Lakeland is now one of the 25 largest cities in Florida, Mrs. Kennedy says that the family-first atmosphere has always made Lakeland attractive to her.

“I remember calling my mom when my son was in kindergarten going, ‘You won’t believe this. They know what he had for lunch and how long his nap was!” she reflects. “He was in school, not private school, but that’s just how family oriented this place is.”

Mrs. Kennedy loves the local restaurants and shops, but not surprisingly she also adores local treasures that provide educational opportunities for kids, mentioning the Mulberry Phosphate Museum as one of her favorites.

She plans on teaching for at least two more years, and then deciding whether to start her next chapter as a Lakelander or retreat to a home she has in New Hampshire.

If history is any indication, she may be saying “hello” to former students for years to come.

Every day Sergeant Hall and his colleagues aren’t just working to ensure the safety of students in Lakeland, they are setting an example of excellence and character for the next generation.

In part because of the rise in school shootings and to offset some of the negative media coverage on law enforcement over the years, Hall says he and his staff are extra diligent to build positive relationships at the schools they serve.

“We are here to help students and see them grow…hopefully to keep them out of trouble,” he says. “We want to keep them on a path that’s going to lead to greater things in their lives.”

Hall is an alum of Combee Elementary, as well as Polk State College, and he is also the father to three grown children, so he takes pride of ownership in Lakeland.

He said being a police officer in 2022 requires being able to assess new information and situations, often involving technology, and quickly make sound determinations.

Prior to working in the schools, Hall was assigned to LPD’s Drug Task Force Groups, where he experienced first-hand the evil and darkness that exists in our community, yet he still has a stellar regard for what a true Lakelander is like.

“The attributes that I most associate with Lakelanders are that they are kind, friendly, giving, engaging and take pride in their community.”

When Sergeant Hall is not donning his uniform he enjoys checking out downtown festivities like car shows and supporting local sports teams including the Lakeland Magic, Florida Tropics and Lakeland Flying Tigers.

“I’m also impressed with the development of the downtown area and some of the specialty shops,” he says. “Now we’re kind of getting a small-scale city skyline!”

“Lakelanders...are kind, friendly, giving, engaging and take pride in their community.”

CHOE

JAE

Jae Choe moved to Lakeland from South Korea in 1981, and his first English words were “McDonald’s,” “french fries” and “ketchup.” No joke.

He honed his English, as well as his social skills, at Oscar J. Pope Elementary, Cleveland Court Elementary, Temple Christian (now Parkway Christian Academy), Southwest Middle School and Lakeland High School before earning a degree from University of Florida.

More than four decades after his family moved to our city, he is a bona fide Lakelander, and a successful businessman who is passionate about pouring back into the community.

Jae says one of the things that excites him most about the future of Lakeland is that many local entrepreneurs are “engaging in bold and daring projects for the people and the city.”

He can locate one of those said entrepreneurs each time he glances in the mirror or takes a photo for his lively social media feeds.

In 2018 he opened Karate Beyond, a modern evolution of traditional martial arts that is less repetitious and more freeform than the environments Jae grew up in as a student of the art. His studio offers classes for kids through adults and includes summer camps and afterschool programs.

His infectious personality plays out well

as the host of the Jae Choe Show, a podcast that recently hit the 150th episode milestone by featuring local leaders and innovators who have stories to tell and ideas to share that can strengthen and build our community.

Choe says in his mind a Lakelander is someone who is staunchly devoted to Publix (everything else is second place, as he puts it) and many Lakelanders leave after graduation, only to come back after they realize what they once took for granted.

“[Lakeland] is like the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” Choe says. “The porridge is not too hot, not too cold, it’s just right.”

CHOE LOVES THAT MANY LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS ARE “ENGAGING IN BOLD AND DARING PROJECTS.”

Kentia’s reassuring smile and kind words have been making a positive impact in the lives of Lakelanders for decades.

She was born in 1975 at Lakeland General Hospital and enjoyed her time as a student at Evangel Christian School and Lime Street Elementary (now called Philip O’Brien Elementary) before her family moved to Tennessee.

To Kentia, a true Lakelander is someone who “appreciates what a wonderful and special place this is to call home.” Thankfully, she was able to convince her husband to move back here in 1999, where they continue to raise their two children.

She started her career at Watson Clinic while earning a degree by taking night classes at Polk State College, and she hasn’t looked back. She calls her colleagues at Watson Clinic — a Lakelandbased medical group with more than 200 physicians practicing more than 40 specialties — her second family.

She appreciates the genuine sense of community that Lakeland offers, and she does not take for granted the beautiful scenery that

makes up the landscape of the city and Polk County.

She loves the fact that Lakelanders strive to preserve charm at historic spots like the Polk Theatre and local entrepreneurs add to that charm by building distinctly Lakeland businesses like Black & Brew and Born & Bread Bakehouse.

“The faces you see and the people you know or meet here make it obvious that we love it here,” she says. “And when you love and take pride in where you live, work and grow, that will show.”

BORN

“WHEN YOU LOVE AND TAKE PRIDE IN WHERE YOU LIVE, WORK AND GROW, THAT WILL SHOW.”

Sara’s dedication and commitment to the Lakeland residents and the community prove her love for the place she calls home.

She has a unique perspective of understanding the challenges and opportunities better than most and has spent most of her adult life helping provide solutions to make Lakeland stronger and more vibrant.

She has served as a Lakeland City Commissioner since 2019, and she was Executive Director of Polk Vision for more than four years.

In those roles, as well as in running The Randy Roberts Foundation — an organization committed to raising up young civic leaders in honor of her late first husband — she has helped develop countless public-private partnerships, and she remarks she has lived

SARA ROBERTS MCCARLEY

in numerous places, but “not a more philanthropic community anywhere.”

“People here give their time and talent to so many things, great and small,” she says. “They love their neighbors, volunteer, care for their co-workers and in turn all those acts of kindness make Lakeland the great city it is.”

The Florida Southern College graduate loves how strangers will hold the door for you and say “hello” and that long-time residents and newcomers alike genuinely love all the city has to offer.

Sara is looking forward to the future of Lakeland in part because of the “great blend of tradition and innovation” that continues to lock arms as established businesses grow and new ones are planted.

BORN IN LAKELAND, LAKELANDER FOR 20+ YEARS LAKELAND CITY COMMISSIONER PRESIDENT OF THE RANDY ROBERTS FOUNDATION

COMMISSIONER ROBERTS MCCARLEY IN FRONT OF LAKELAND CITY HALL

“PEOPLE HERE GIVE THEIR TIME AND TALENT TO SO MANY THINGS, GREAT AND SMALL.”

BILL CASTLE

HE DESCRIBES A LAKELANDER AS “SOMEONE

Coach Castle was inducted in the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2002 - and 20 years later he is still piling up wins and giving locals something to cheer about on Friday nights.

Castle has coached and won more games than all other Dreadnaught coaches combined in the history of the program, and a 60-game win streak and seven state titles are among the most notable achievements by his teams.

He was born and raised in Hendersonville, Tenn. but the special players he has had the opportunity to coach and a community of people he calls “so friendly” have turned him into a Lakelander for life.

“I love going downtown on Saturday’s, after football season, with my wife, taking our two Jack Russell [Terriers] and walking around the farmer’s market and having lunch somewhere downtown,” he says.

He describes a Lakelander as “someone who likes to be active” and who truly enjoys living in-between two large metro areas full of opportunity.

He acknowledges the city of nearly 115,000 people is a different version of the place that was home to around 45,000 residents when he moved here.

“To be honest with you I would like to see it slow down and just keep improving what we have.”

COACH CASTLE HAS BEEN COMING TO WORK AT THE SAME PLACE FOR NEARLY HALF A CENTURY

WHO LIKES TO BE ACTIVE” AND WHO TRULY ENJOYS LIVING IN-BETWEEN TWO LARGE METRO AREAS FULL OF OPPORTUNITY.

JAIRUS RUTHERFORD

Jairus loves when potential is realized, whether it’s the kids and teens he has mentored over the years or the barber shops he has opened and grown.

His latest and most innovative venture to date is the Barber Skate Shop at 717 N. Kentucky Ave., scheduled to open in October. It marries his ability to help people feel better about themselves with his lifelong love of skateboarding.

Thirty-four years ago, as a 12-year-old growing up in Plant City, he started honing his skills cutting hair for local kids out of a neighbor’s shed; he says he could craft a fade his classmates kept coming back for.

Today, he runs Second to None Barbershop on North Florida Avenue, owns a bus he takes to skate tournaments around the country as a literal vehicle for cutting hair, and he’s amped for people to walk into Barber Skate Shop to get a cut while experiencing custom benches built with skateboards, urban metallic wall features and a wide variety of skateboards, roller skates and skating apparel to purchase.

His foray into the local skate scene started years ago when he and his sons by chance ended up at the opening of Lakeland Skatepark at Fletcher Park across from Lakeland High School. For years, Jairus had

sponsored and helped youth sports teams, and with the opening of the park he saw a chance to introduce his sons to his favorite sport and help the community in the process.

He hosted the first official competition at that park, and that caught the eye of professional skater Ryan Clements, who instantly connected with Jairus and invited him to go on tour and cut hair at professional and amateur skating events.

“I started doing that and realized that I had a niche, and I felt like I could grow the business and start selling decks at the shop,” he says.

Jairus has used his platform to help raise money to fight cancer, he has been part of programs where young men learn etiquette and social skills and he pays homage on the walls of his new shop to local athlete’s he’s walked alongside who went on to play Division I sports.

“We’ve got to pour into the young people because they’re going to do it for the next generation.”

He said he loves Lakeland because it’s “like a miniature Tampa” and he’s excited to be part of its ongoing growth. “Lakeland people are friendly and welcoming…and yeah, they are cultivating.”

“We’ve got to pour into the young people because they’re going to do it for the next generation.”

Francisco embodies what it means to see in others what it is most important to you.

The pastor and community leader says a Lakelander “is someone who is willing to go the extra mile to help others. They have a big heart, they are kind, passionate, courageous, and understanding.”

God’s call on Francisco’s life led him and his wife to Lakeland in 2004 and ultimately to open a church that is less about what goes on inside its four walls, and more about how Lakelanders “love their neighbors” by meeting their needs.

He responded to people struggling to put food on their tables and lack of access to everyday essentials by creating what now has become the Nuevo Comienzo (Spanish for Fresh Start) Resource Center.

When he’s not at the church, which is located by the entrance to Southeastern University, you can find him at the 6,200 square foot resource center on Reynolds Rd. that includes pallets of fresh food and home goods, as well as a thrift store where

individuals and ministries can purchase like-new clothes, toys, furniture and more at affordable prices.

On an average month, Nuevo Comienzo provides more than 50,000 pounds of food to families across Florida, via its fleet of trucks and vans, and also through its weekly neighborhood outreach that meets the needs of more than 200 Lakelanders every Tuesday.

“By doing this, the church has grown immensely,” he says. “We go into our church building to worship but we have to go out in the community to show people what we are doing.”

Francisco and his staff recently celebrated the move to the new warehouse, where trucks are frequently going in and out, thanks to sponsorships and partnerships with the likes of Humana, One More Child, Simply and others.

“The people [of Lakeland] are eager to help one another and it gets me excited to know that together we can make our communities better,” he says.

FRANCISCO AYALA A LAKELANDER FOR MORE THAN 18 YEARS PASTOR OF NUEVO COMIENZO CHURCH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NUEVO COMIENZO RESOURCE CENTER

“THE PEOPLE [OF LAKELAND] ARE EAGER TO HELP ONE ANOTHER AND IT GETS ME EXCITED TO KNOW THAT TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES BETTER.”

ODRO

JEFF

Jeff has been a Lakelander so long that when he grew up in South Lakeland he had to commute across town daily to Kathleen High School because George Jenkins High School had not yet been built.

“I remember driving down 540A when it was two lanes and nothing but orange groves on the other side. There was no Valleyview (Elementary School), there was no Jenkins, there were no communities,” he says.

Nearly three decades later, his daughter Chelsea is a junior at George Jenkins High, just minutes from their home.

Jeff, 47, said he’s never really thought specifically about the characteristics of a Lakelander, but he describes Lakeland as “a big town with a small town feel” where people have access to everything they want, but without some of the challenges of a metropolitan area.

He remarked that it’s common for Lakelanders who grow up here to leave for a while and then eventually find their way back, often because their families and social networks are still here and it’s a safe place to raise a family.

Jeff knows that sentiment well because it’s his story. After graduating from

“LAKELAND IS A BIG

TOWN WITH A SMALL TOWN FEEL.”

BORN IN LAKELAND AND HAS LIVED HERE FOR 30+ YEARS

DAY-TO-DAY

AT

HALL

Kathleen (he’s also an alum of Carlton Palmore and Lakeland Highlands Middle School) he went on to earn a history degree from University of Central Florida. He stayed in Orlando for about 15 years as he got married and started a family. Then, in 2010, after working for several Orlando-area home builders and earning his state residential contractor license, he moved back to his hometown, in part because his mom was battling a serious illness.

He settled back into Lakeland, but he still commuted for work.

Last year, he knew he was ready for a major change, and a long-time Lakelander Sam Houghton, attorney at Houghton, P.A. and owner of Union Hall and Lean Spaces, ran an idea by him.

“I came to Sam to open up my own businesses…and then he kind of talked with me about running Union,” Jeff says.

On January 1, 2022 Jeff took over the day-to-day management of Union Hall, a downtown music and entertainment venue that he has been tasked with transforming into a private event space.

He has had success creating a space for business networking gatherings of city entrepreneurs and influencers, and many Friday and Saturdays are booked with weddings and parties.

Jeff said he has enjoyed running into some old high school classmates on occasion in his new role, and he is glad to be part of a downtown scene that has been built and cultivated by familiar names and faces from his childhood.

JEFF IS PART OF LAKELAND’S BOOMING DOWNTOWN THROUGH HIS WORK AT UNION HALL

It’s no secret Johansi Santana makes delectable food, evidenced by the popularity of Divicious Deli and Coffee Shop in downtown Lakeland, but the origin of the name of the New York style deli might be a secret to many Lakelanders.

Nerolie, Johansi and Amaury’s youngest daughter, is glad to share the inside scoop on the name of the family business that strives to make its customers feel like extended family.

When she was about 12 years old her mom made a batch of cookies. “My mom gave me a cookie and I said, ‘Oh mom, it’s divicious!” recalls Nerolie, who is scheduled to graduate from University of Central Florida this fall. “She then looks at me and says, ‘What’s that?’ I then say, ‘Mom, divine and delicious, duh!’”

Within a few years Divicious opened, and Nerolie said it felt like a “Grammy award winning” moment seeing the name come to life.

That passion and excitement is what has helped the family establish themselves as an integral fabric of the Lakeland community over the past eight years.

“It’s exciting to see when everyone comes… and whatever is going on in their life, it is my mission to try to be that extra support just for happiness, just to take a little bit of a load off while providing things that they like,” Johansi says.

The family has its roots in St. Thomas and New York, but Johansi’s contagious smile comes alive when you ask her what it means to be a Lakelander, and how locals have supported her business. She has built such a strong connection with clientele that it gave her confidence to open bodega Market, a soon-to-open 1,500 square foot convenience store in the space next to Divicious.

When asked how she describes a Lakelander, she says they have roots from all over the world but generally share a love for local businesses, as well as show a deep spirit of generosity.

“Unfortunately we have the homeless around here (in Munn Park across from her business)... but [Lakelanders] care for them,” she says. “You know, a lot of my clients come and buy them a sandwich or a drink, and that says a lot about a big city versus Lakeland.”

OWNER OF DIVICIOUS

“IT’S EXCITING TO SEE WHEN EVERYONE COMES… AND WHATEVER IS GOING ON IN THEIR LIFE, IT IS MY MISSION TO TRY TO BE THAT EXTRA SUPPORT JUST FOR HAPPINESS, JUST TO TAKE A LITTLE BIT OF A LOAD OFF WHILE PROVIDING THINGS THAT THEY LIKE.”

SANTANA

BEST OF

t's cliché to say food brings people together, but when's the last time you talked nonstop about a party or get together you went to that didn't have food?

Time and again our readers tell us they love our Taste features and anything that brings to life the food that makes our city interesting, and yes, tasty.

In the past decade we have published dozens of special recipes for our readers. We strive to incorporate recipes for "chefs" of all abilities — from the locals who own more specialty knives than ninjas to people

who simply want to know how to turn bland leftovers into something more exciting.

In Lakeland, we are fortunate to have bakers, chefs and cooks who not only know how to make delicious food, but who make food that points back to stories and experiences from different cultures.

Our goal is start bringing back more brunch favorites, killer cocktails, divine desserts and distinctive dinner dishes to the magazine and to thelakelander.com.

For now, feast on some of our favorite recipes from over the years.

CONTENT AND PHOTOS BY CURRENT AND FORMER LAKELANDER STAFF

Pop’s Cioppino

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 cup red wine

2 cups water

1 cup clam juice

2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 pound mild white flaky fish, cut into

2- to 3-inch pieces

1 pound scallops, cleaned

8 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

18 to 24 littleneck clams, cleaned

8 ounces crab meat (lump or claw)

1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until beginning to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic, bay leaves, oregano, wine, water, clam juice, and tomatoes. (Some would argue that red wine doesn’t pair well with seafood. In this application, it lends a deeper flavor to the broth and pairs wonderfully!)

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Add the fish, scallops, shrimp, clams, and crab meat, in that order. Let cook, covered and undisturbed, until the clams have opened and the scallops, shrimp, and fish are cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the lid and garnish with chopped parsley. Spoon into bowls and serve hot with toasted bread.

Jumbo Shrimp with Cajun Grits and Tasso Gravy

For the shrimp:

4 jumbo shrimp

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon cayenne

1 tablespoon coriander

1 tablespoon granulated garlic

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Salt to taste

For the gravy:

1/4 cup diced Tasso Ham

1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic

2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeños

2 laurel leaves

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole milk

1/4 cup diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

For the grits:

2 cups Carolina Gold Stone ground grits

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cups water

Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the shrimp, combine the smoked paprika, cayenne, granulated coriander garlic, dried thyme, and salt.

Season the shrimp with the ingredients listed above and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the shrimp are done. Remove shrimp and set aside.

For the gravy, in the same pan; add butter Tasso ham, fresh garlic, chopped jalapeños, and Laurel leaves. Singer with flour, add milk and bring to a boil, stir and add diced tomatoes and fresh parsley.

For the grits, add stone-ground grits, butter, salt, and pepper to boiling water. Cook for 1 hour or until grits are soft. Arrange shrimp on top of the Grits, then add gravy. Adjust flavor to desired taste and serve.

Rum Cake

Rum cakes are a Caribbean Christmas staple, and this version is inspired by my mom’s yearly tradition to make rum cake for our friends and family.

Unlike other rum cakes where the liquor evaporates, this recipe calls for adding an extra pour or two (a half cup, to be exact) of rum after it is fully baked––retro, boozy, comfort food at its finest!

Most rum cake recipes call for a combination of boxed cake mix and instant pudding mix, but in an attempt to elevate flavor and quality, I have developed a recipe for Spiced Pineapple Rum Cake “from scratch”. I decided to keep the pudding mix in the batter. It adds flavor, moisture, and density, allowing the cake to withstand any amounts of rum syrup drizzled over the cake.

In addition, my recipe calls for Five Spice powder which isn’t traditionally a part of Rum Cake recipes, but I love the aroma and how it compliments the pineapple offering a fuller flavor.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CAKE:

Butter or nonstick cooking spray, for the pan

1 ½ cups diced pineapple

½ cup chopped pecans, toasted

2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp five spice powder, optional

1 tsp Kosher salt

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 325 degrees.

Grease a 9-inch bundt cake pan with butter or cooking spray. Spread the diced pineapple and pecans evenly over the bottom of the pan; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, pudding mix, baking powder, five spice powder, salt butter, and oil. Mix until well combined using an electric mixer; on a medium speed setting. (Please note: the mixture should look sandy) Pour in the milk and mix together.

Add in the eggs one at a time mixing in between each addition with an electric mixer; on a medium speed setting. Then, using a rubber spatula, scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to break down any remaining flour streaks.

Add in the rum and vanilla extract. Pour the batter into the bundt pan over pineapple and pecans.

½ cup canola oil

½ cup coconut milk

4 large eggs, room temperature

½ cup rum 2 tsp vanilla extract

FOR THE SYRUP:

1 stick unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

½ cup to ¾ cup rum, depending on your desired level of booziness

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan while you prepare the glaze.

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add in sugar and ¼ cup water, stir and bring the mixture to a rolling boil; stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened; stir in the rum.

Using a skewer or a toothpick, create holes all over the bottom side of the cake. Pour half of the rum syrup over the cake (still in the pan) and wait for it to absorb then pour in the rest. Once the cake has cooled completely, flip the cake over onto a cake plate.

This cake will keep fresh for several days when wrapped at room temperature.

Entertaining made

PHOTOS

written by RJ Walters

ight years after becoming the first coffee roaster in Lakeland, Patriot Coffee is looking for ward to what’s next and working to strengthen its brand identity.

Founder and owner Chris McArthur, who also owns Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, admits the journey hasn’t always been easy, especially navigating a pandemic and the explosive growth of the craft coffee industry.

“The challenge for craft coffee is that it’s difficult to differen tiate,” he says. “Basically you’re really differentiating on brand and the relationship you have with your customers.”

He notes that part of the suc cess of the Black & Brew restau

rants is the positive relationships he and his team have built with customers, and he is working to develop ways to create similar rapport with Patriot customers, albeit from a distance.

“We build interactive con tent and social media, but the question remains, ‘How much relationship do people want with the people who are making their coffee?’ or do they really just want great coffee?”

Based on social media and online reviews, and his success getting on “Florida Local” endcaps in Publix stores around the state, Patriot seems to have the “great coffee” aspect covered.

Patriot currently offers 10 roasts that customers can order at patriotcraftcoffee.com or buy at a number of retailers.

One way Patriot is working to energize its brand is through becoming the exclusive licensee of Color Theory Tea, a com pany started by Lakelander Jenna O’Brien. McArthur has aspirations of getting the tea out to market utilizing what he has learned with his coffee products.

“That seems to be a space where there’s more growth potential as a sub-brand of who we are,” he says.

McArthur, a veteran of the Marine Corps, is also eager

to finalize a partnership that gets back to the roots of the company. Patriot will partner with Patriot Service Dogs, and a portion of the proceeds from specially-branded Patriot Coffee will support disabled veterans having access to service dogs free of charge.

“They are doing some great things, and I think it connects really well with my initial vision to have a positive impact on that community,” he says.

When it comes to community — McArthur is not only an in tegral part of it, he is immensely appreciative of the support Lakelanders provide.

“Lakeland is home and it’s always been home,” he says. “I feel like if I had been in Tampa trying to open a coffee shop or roaster, I wouldn’t have been successful maybe…but here I can count on people and I feel like I know what they want.”

10 Different Craft Coffees

MAKER Chris McArthur

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Service

Compromise commitment.

to Move

written by RJ Walters MAKERS Kris Dehnert & Randall Thompson

“We show up being authentic, in flip flops and backwards hats and smacking people on the back (as a sign of camaraderie). ”

The Yankees Hall of Famer has a DugOut Mugs collection that rivals his storied career

t first glance you might call Kris Dehnert and Randall Thompson fairweather fans. It’s easy to find photos of them with Yankees legends like Wade Boggs and Mariano Rivera, but it’s also true they could be seen with David Ortiz, a Hall of Fame slugger of the arch-rival Boston Red Sox. Or you might just call the dynamic duo wildly successful tycoons who have “Hit a $30 Million Home Run” as Entre preneur.com put it in an April article.

When DugOut Mugs was featured in our December 2019 Lakelander MADE issue the business was ascending, with an approximate valuation of $5 million and 22 employees.

Today, its growth continues to be something to marvel at for a company that started when Thompson started the endeavor with 25 bats that he built prototype mugs out of in a 300 square foot apartment.

More than 400,000 customers have made purchases with the 60-plus employee compa ny that produces and fulfills the products at a warehouse in Winter Haven, and Major League teams are making bulk orders of the mugs that baseball fans and players of all ages enjoy.

When we were meeting with Dehnert recently he was on a phone call finalizing the details of getting custom mugs in the hands of St. Louis Cardinals legend Albert Pujols, and Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. Pujols was on the cusp of hitting his 700th career home run, and Judge was nearing Roger Maris’ iconic single season home record, milestones that DugOut Mugs was entrusted to create limited edition mugs for.

The 40-year-old Dehnert, a Polk County native who has invested in numerous business es over the years, says he attributes the brand’s success not only to the consistency and quality of the product, but also how he and Randall are “unapologetically authentic.”

“We show up being authentic, in flip flops

and backwards hats and smacking people on the back (as a sign of camaraderie),” he says. “So we attracted baseball players, veterans… people who were looking to be part of a team.”

Sometimes the people who resonate with the brand are even parts of teams where it’s more common to don suit and tie, such as a Governor Ron DeSantis who said hello to Dehnert at the 2020 Governor’s Dinner at the Atlanta Braves spring training facility. DugOut Mugs products were given as a gift to all VIP attendees.

“When Ron DeSantis saw me at an event he walked up to me and said, ‘Kris, I wanna tell you something,’ and I’m like, ‘What!?’ Dehnert reflects. “And he is like, ‘I’ve got three things on my desk: water from Galilee, a Cannon shell from my inauguration and a DugOut Mug. I wanted to let you know that.”

The success of the company has allowed Dehnert and Thompson to hit remarkable sales numbers, but also successfully hit metrics that matter most to them — being able to be present in the lives of their family’s and provide opportunities for their loved ones that are truly transformational.

Dehnert also said it is awesome to be able to employ a wide range of people, from a “22-year-old printing tickets to a 65-year old cleaning mugs” and help them make a living doing something they enjoy and they can be proud of.

Their signature mugs, which come in steel and wood, generally run $30-$70, and they also sell bat handle bottle openers, bat knob shot glasses and mini bat wine glasses.

The next “big thing” for DugOut Mugs could be a magnetic half baseball bottle opener or a bat handle bottle brush, or it could be a partnership with the NCAA or expanded international sales.

Whatever the future holds, Dehnert said he is extremely grateful to the local business community and a network of individuals from across the country who he and Thompson have been fortunate to have had the support of from the beginning.

Mariano Rivera

MAKER Mark Hall

written by Diego De Jesus

ne year after opening his custom denim jeans and suits shop in Lakeland, Marc Hall continues to kindle one-on-one con nections with his clientele.

Hall tends to both his Knoxville and Lakeland shop on a weekly basis, flying to and from Tennes see and Florida. He says he has experi enced remarkable success at his Lime Street location in downtown Lakeland in a short time.

Hall attributes his success to his product along with his per sonalized approach but also to the city of Lakeland and its citizens. His business was featured in issue 70 of Lakeland MADE in 2021.

“Lakeland is very much a tight-knit community,” Hall said. “Our business, not only through The Lakelander, but through our clients, have been a lot of word-ofmouth and referrals. What we’re doing is we’ve taken those echelon clients like doctors and realtors and helped them with their branding.”

Clients want to look the part for their business or profession, and Hall provides that with a wide range of customization that’s now expanded into women’s clothing. The biggest trouble for Hall is trying to maintain that advertised personalization while also getting more into traditional retail.

“The goal for me would be to get in a space that is a little more retail to get more foot-traffic presence,” Hall said. “But again, our business is based on more customiza tion, so we don’t want the experience to change.”

L a k e l a n d i s v e r y m u c h a t i g h t

Cutting and sewing is the next big endeavor for the Lakeland shop. The idea of taking an appren tice or two under his wing has crossed his mind. He’s looking for someone willing to learn and with a personality to network in Lakeland, so the Lakeland studio can be as successful as Hall’s original location in Knoxville, which he opened in 2011.

“It’s my biggest hurdle here, finding em ployees,” Hall said. ”Because we’re basically building a new business here.”

Hall works at each location for a week at a time, so the employees that manage the studio will keep the business running smoothly in his absence.

716

a.m.

k n i t c o mmunity

ust as it was a revelation to Robert Berganza that his therapeutic hobby of wood working could become a fulltime job, it has been a series of continuous realizations and timely opportunities that have allowed him to evolve his business.

The former Polk County Sheriff’s Office detective made a name for himself and earned Lakelander MADE status in 2019 because of his high-end modern furniture.

In time, he came to appreciate that not everyone has the means to purchase a one-ofkind table for $5,000, and he made the most of other opportunities that he is quick to credit to a strong network of Lakeland professionals.

“(At first), the lead and marketing part of the business was just literally people I met going into the same coffee shop every day,” he says. “It turned out the people I was meeting, just by chance, were also some really well connected people in that space. Some of their connections led me to doing architectural themed installation projects.”

Examples include a massive architectural project that AgAmerica Lending used on its salesfloor and a collaborative project with The Lunz Group and Register Construction to build an eye-catching meeting space for Grindley Williams Engineering.

He admits that being a business owner is both exhilarating and exhausting. He said sometimes he can work 60 hours in a week and most of them are spent writing proposals

and doing paperwork, while other weeks he is in the workshop grinding out unique projects with a couple of assistants.

He says a lot of the work he has done to this point isn’t quite scalable or easily repeat able, but he envisions a future where that is no longer the case.

“I’m getting closer to figuring out how to make things efficiently enough and,you know, hopefully profitably enough to go from coasting to growing.”

Berganza is excited to make his pieces more accessible to a broader audience, and he plans on starting by offering at least three products that will make that a reality.

He is finalizing production details on a small “origami-like” swan ornament that he plans on selling for less than $40, he has crafted a beautiful birdhouse that he plans on scaling and he offers a unique custom gift box for special occasions.

“What would it be like if we had smaller products that were giving us that fuel, the rev enue, to have a little bit more leeway?” he asks.

Berganza said he loves being located between Orlando and Tampa because of future growth possibilities, and he has much gratitude for how Lakelanders have support ed his dream.

“It seems everywhere I turn there’s some one who is just trying to help and...it seems like part of Lakeland’s culture to do that.”

Swan Ornament

On sale soon for holiday gifting

Cube Book End / Shelf $200

“I’m getting closer to figuring out how to make things efficiently enough, and you know, hope fully profitably enough to go from coasting to growing.”

written by RJ Walters

f you run into Jonathan Porter in Polk County he may be greasy and grimy fresh off a job as a farrier, fitting a horse for shoes. Or he might be wearing his Sunday best after a renowned chef rolled out the red carpet to highlight some of his timeless custom knives.

Since DogHouse Forge was highlighted as a Lakelander MADE honoree in 2014 the business has grown, split, shrank and is now growing again in a way that makes the most sense for the industrious Porter, a fourth-generation Polk County’ian.

He and his wife Emily have built a business that has produced more than 15,000 knives and has an Instagram following of more than 80,000 followers. The reality, Porter will tell you, is that the experience has been less like a steady ascent and more like a rollercoaster.

“Some years, it’s been grow ing pains,” he says. “And some years have been just like…’I can’t believe we’re doing this’ and I can’t believe people are buying so many kitchen knives and whatever else!”

Within about five years of launching the company it had grown to a sizable operation with multiple employees, but Porter had a tough time coming to terms with the fact he spent most of his time on management and logistics instead of the metalwork.

“I hadn’t built a knife from

scratch in about two years…it just wasn’t fun.”

So he and his business partner amicably dissolved their partnership and Porter got back to building the tools he loved.

He spent (and still spends) many hours as a farrier to pay the bills, while his CNC machines (essentially digital automated metalwork machines) churn out custom designs to build knives with beautiful handles that are work horses in the kitchen.

Along the way his brand has caught the eye of many restaurants and chefs, includ ing Joe Sasto, a Michelin-star chef who was featured on Top Chef for several seasons.

After Porter was intro duced to him by his friend, and renowned chef, Ferrell Alvarez, Sasto drew up ideas for Porter. Porter would craft

products accordingly and they would send prototypes and notes back and forth through the mail.

This January, the Sasto Tools line is set to officially launch and will include pasta cutters, texture boards and more.

He credits much of his ability to be able to survive leaner years to his unofficial cheerleaders in Lakeland and Polk County.

“It’s my local clientele here that has kept me alive some years…if you don’t have a local following you won’t survive,” he says.

He says his relationship with Bank of Central Florida has helped him through a lot of challenges and he thanks the Ruthven Family for providing him a space to teach black smith classes, which he did for more than 200 students before COVID hit.

Lorem

MAKER Jonathan Porter

ontinuing their family legacy in the jewelry industry, Ryan Wil son and Loren Wilson Fernan dez are keeping their promise to keep traditional watches in an increasingly digital market.

Nacre Watches was featured in issue 46 of Lakelander MADE in 2018, early into the business’s start in Lakeland.

“When we were first featured in The Lake lander, it was right at the time we launched,” Fernandez said. “Nacre was brand new, and it was exciting for us to be recognized early on by Lakelander MADE. Since then, it’s been revealing to see how our community has embraced Nacre.”

Since then, the company has had some exciting developments and expansions.

They’ve released the Mini Lune, the new smaller 28mm version of their Lune time piece. Many customers have both sizes and it has become a very popular model.

“We also released our first jewelry cap sule, inspired by the baroque pearls found in nature,” Fernandez said. “The baroque pearl is yet another one of nature’s mirrors. Layers of Nacre create their organic shape and no two

are alike. [They are] designed and chosen to reflect one’s unique character and beauty.”

Expanding retail is the next step for Nacre Watches. Originally, customers could only order and customize their watches on the website nacrewatches.com.

Wilson and Fernandez plan on making Nacre Watches accessible by selling their product to more retail stores like Gaines Jewelry. With the pandemic restrictions gone, they’ve also taken the initiative to conduct more in-person events around the country for more exposure.

“We are really leaning into what Nacre represents. Staying true to our mission by inspiring the Nacre Circle community to be more present,” Fernandez said. “With that in mind, it is our hope when they glance at their Nacre pieces they will be inspired to live more consciously in a world full of evermore digital distraction. Soak in every moment. We believe that’s how to make the most of time.”

Wilson and Fernandez appreciate the strong community in Lakeland that supports their ever-growing global appeal to those who want that traditional face on their watches while staying true to their familial roots in jewelry.

written by Diego De Jesus

“It is our hope when they glance at their Nacre pieces they will be inspired to live more consciously in a world full of evermore digital distraction.”

MAKERS Ryan Wilson and Loren Wilson Fernandez

Celebrating

written by Diego De Jesus

he piping industry is a market with a very particular niche, and Walt Cannoy con tinues to supply that demand from clients around the globe right from Lakeland.

Cannoy doesn’t get many clients in Lakeland, and even from Florida; most of the pipes are purchased by international clients.

“There’s not a ton of pipe collectors in Lakeland, not even a ton in Central Florida,” Cannoy said. “So, to really be successful in this business, you have to have a global reach, which you build overtime through social media, net working, trade shows, and stuff like that.”

After Cannoy was featured in issue 22 of Lakelander MADE in 2016, generated some business for him locally but it didn’t change the status quo. The people who bought the pipes photographed at the time were given copies of The Lakelander by Cannoy personally.

At the time of being featured, Cannoy was carving his pipes in a small shed in the backyard of an old house over on Cardinal Place off of Cleveland Heights Blvd. which inspired the namesake of his pipes, Cardinal House Pipes.

Since then, he’s moved his workshop into a storage unit studio. It’s a cramped area surround ed by tools covered in sawdust with his pipes freshly carved or just polished with varnish.

“I didn’t like that idea at all. But then I started looking around and found this place,” Cannot said. “They had these little workshop

spaces and they showed me this one, which was more than enough space with water, electricity, and air conditioning. So now I’m here, still do ing the thing out of the Cardinal House name for that line of pipes because establishing a line with that brand recognition isn’t easy.”

Many of the subgroups of Cardinal House are named after Cannoy’s favorite locations in Lakeland like the Hollingsworth Series and the Morton Series which have become recognized in the piping industry.

Despite no longer carving pipes at Cardinal House, he didn’t want to change the brand or how the pipes were made. The business is run by Cannoy and he produces every pipe though he has considered apprentices in the past.

“As far as growth, I’m pretty much where I’m going to be,” he said. “Now that being said, I’m always looking for new ideas — new shapes, new inspirations, and new materials. Always trying to do something no one else has done before.”

Cannoy was born and raised in Lakeland. He’s noticed the immense growth that his hometown has undergone, especially in Down town Lakeland.

“As big as the city is, the community is small er than the city. It’s like seeing your friends, that connection, that socialization,” he said. “I have friends who own businesses locally that are thriving and striving. I support them. They sup port me, maybe not monetarily but by spreading the awareness of the pipe maker.

Cardinal

Family

Bloom

ny gardening or horti culture related clichés to describe Bloom Shakalaka’s exponen tial growth the past few years would fall short of truly symbol izing of just how fast the business has blossomed and how deep its roots have stretched locally.

The company was founded in January 2020, it was featured in the February 2020 Lakelander MADE issue and weeks later the pandemic hit. Yet, Lakelanders sup ported Laura Shannon and her staff, and two-and-a-half years later the business is ascending quickly.

“Thanks to our community [and peo ple’s] encouragement, wisdom and invest ment in our blooms we are still here and thriving beyond anything we imagined,” she says. “We had 18 people at our last staff meeting, and I am incredibly honored to see how Bloom has grown.”

What started as a floral boutique with a brick and mortar location at The Joinery has morphed into a subscription service and event-focused business, which ties neatly into Shannon’s ownership of Haus

820 and Ashton Events.

Bloom Shakalaka staff recently returned from “flowering” a wedding in Tennessee, and they have become one of the local favorite’s to beautify weddings and parties.

This fall, Bloom is rolling out a more comprehensive subscription service, which will be called “Forget Me Not.”

“[It is] aimed to let our customers select a personalized calendar of bloom deliveries that will care for their loved one through out the year,” Shannon says. “Birthdays, an niversaries, holidays — they pick the dates and we make sure the blooms get there!”

Shannon says she also wants to rein vigorate the company’s website to better showcase all of its offerings and inspire people to dream big for upcoming events.

Shannon is clearly grateful that through the ups and downs caused by being a new business navigating a pandemic she was part of a community like Lakeland.

“I had Lakeland business mentors pouring their time and support into both me, personally, and our staff,” she says. “They carried us through some really hard situations and helped us cross bridges that we couldn’t have ourselves.”

MAKER Laura Shannon

afa Natural is constantly showcasing new products and providing more ways and plac es to buy its natural skincare, bath and home products. Since being featured as a Lakelander MADE winner in 2018, Kim Hancock’s company has continued to lure in customers with seasonal specialties like Watermelon Sugar Scrub and by adding new homegrown product lines, including in the baby and pet care categories.

Rafa Natural has also partnered with other like-minded companies to offer items such as men’s beard oil.

Hancock has garnered partnerships for Rafa Natural products to be sold in stores throughout the state and beyond, including at locations in Brandon, Tampa and Senoia, Ga.

he artisan bread and pastry bak ery owned by Benjamin Vickers has evolved and seemingly found a longterm home since being highlighted in the 2019 Lake lander MADE issue.

After establishing the brand as a consistent favorite at local markets, and eventually opening a brick-and-mortar location in Lakeland, Vickers and his team ultimately landed at their current location in downtown Winter Haven. They continue to pride themselves on making the freshest, most delicious bread out of organic and natural ingredients, while continuing to elevate their offerings of savory sandwiches, ethically-sourced coffee and almost anything else someone can imag ine that begins with dough.

Recently, they even came out with their very own handcrafted pure vanilla extract that was sourced from Madagascar and brewed in-house by Honey comb artisans.

140 6th St. SW, Winter Haven

Open Tuesday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. honeycombbread.com

Surface Spray and Antibacterial Spray Eucalyptus & Peppermint

Grapefruit and Sage

rafanatural.com

MAKER Kim Hancock

MAKER Benjamin Vickers

WRITTEN BY CURRENT AND FORMER LAKELANDER STAFF PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL DESIGNED BY JON SIERRA & DANIELLE DOUGHLIN

Can you walk right by our magazine without it catching your eye? If so, we haven't done our job — or at least not at the level we constantly aspire to.

In your hands is the 80th edition of The Lakelander, and the stories and inspirations behind our covers are sometimes just as intriguing as the final product themselves.

What follows are 10 of our favorites with insights from the people who helped bring them to life.

ISSUE #49

& BEAUTY

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER DAN AUSTIN

One of the most fun shoots I have done to date was this health and beauty feature! Our team wanted all of the focus to be on the model’s face and skin, with other elements — sand, water, milk — as the backdrop.

The makeup and hair team that day was phenomenal. It was a great flow.

It felt very much like "America’s Next Top Model" in the studio that day. We unknowingly forgot to heat the water in the kiddie pool we brought into the studio. All three models were fully submerged up to their faces, they were shivering between takes, but they gave 100 percent as you can see in the final images. I shot each model as swiftly as possible. This cover stands out from the lot, in all the right ways.

ISSUE

There were a few challenges I had to work against for this one. One is the fact that we had to shoot this in February, so the air was chilly that morning, and because of that it felt better in the water than out.

Next, the perspective of looking at the skier from the boat can get pretty boring, so I tried to position myself as low in the back of the boat as possible to freshen it up a bit. Last, shooting action early in the morning

with less intense light can make it tough to freeze the action, and focusing can become difficult, so you really need to know your gear and how to make it work for you. But I think when you combine water, a dynamic action, and sunshine, it's a recipe for some beautiful results. And it’s always fun to see your work in printed form, especially in the age of digital media.

ISSUE #78

JON SIERRA

When I saw the cover, I could not believe how stunning that shot came out. That chicken sandwich felt like it was leaping off the page at me.

This idea was birthed by photos I've admired of late, voiced in the tone of LoveBird's brand. I wanted to lean into their neon pink punk aesthetic and tone along with trying a style that I'd seen in Publix store aisles and food & wine magazines where they made objects

appear as though they were falling in air.

The way we shot this was that we ran skewers through every individual piece of LoveBird's GOAT chicken sandwich and shot them against a flamingo-pink backdrop. We held individual pickles, onions and chicken tenders on sticks.

Dan Austin & I collaborated on a plan, executed it with the help of Jordan Randall and then a lot of the magic was done in post production.

ISSUE #69

For this shoot, we wanted the cover image to stand out and be bolder than some of the covers we’ve done for The Lakelander in the past. The shoot had its challenges, but ultimately me and my editorial director felt proud of what we were able to put together. This cover really ended up being something different and striking for The

Lakelander, so much so that I remember mocking it up on my computer and being nervous that the team wouldn’t choose it for the cover image. But ultimately, they did, and I was pretty happy about that. When we finally got to see it in print and hold it in our hands, it was really affirming. Seeing something you put a lot of heart and time into come to life is always super exciting.

ISSUE #43

AUSTIN

When our team was brainstorming for this, I urged everyone to push the envelope with the styling. I had shot editorial wedding dresses before, but wanted to ensure these brides had an edge to them.

The Met Gala theme that year (2018) was "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination." I drew much inspiration from the event. The gold crown worn on the cover was handmade the night before the shoot out of twisty ties and gold spray paint. It was a last minute push, but it worked!

In addition, it stormed on and off the entire day we shot this feature!

We had to relocate and rethink a few details on the fly. Still, it all turned out better than I envisioned!

I wanted to ensure these brides had an edge to them.

ISSUE #61 MUSIC ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER JASON JACOBS

This cover turned out even better than I imagined in my mind, and I give much credit to the Creative Director and photographer.

Personally, it stands out because the old speakers and receivers we used were from my childhood. They were the ones in the living room of the home I grew up in.

I would come home from school and listen to records for hours. I still have that sound system today and still love listening to music through those old speakers.

ISSUE

I remember when The Lakelander let us know that not only would we be featured in the upcoming issue, we’d be the cover shot. This was fairly early on in the life of the magazine and we were so happy just to be featured. When it came time for the shoot, we all thought it

would be great to have Huckleberry be a part of it, since he was such a big part of our lives and he loved going to “papa’s shop.”

Huck made it to 11 years old and went to the big dog park in the sky in September of 2020, and we cherish that cover shot very much.

ISSUE

JASON JACOBS

When we discovered DogHouse Forge we knew had to feature them in our Lakelander MADE Issue.

We had produced 13 issues so far, and when we came out with this issue it was definitely my favorite cover to date, and it solidified in my mind that we were on to something.

After the issue was released I

talked to Jonathan about ordering some knives and he shared with me that he was backlogged with orders.

It shows the power of a positive platform for local businesses to showcase their work to a local audience. I still get excited today when I see DogHouse Forge knives in my friend's homes.

ISSUE #76

One of the greatest resources we have at The Lakelander is our relationships.

When we had the idea to do something that had never been done before at a yet-to-open, much hyped new addition to Lakeland, we turned to local business woman Laura Shannon to help us make it happen. The owner of Ashton Events, Bloom Shakalaka and Haus 820 created floral arrangements, contacted vendors and was a logistical wizard in

setting up a full day of photo shoots.

Coordinating an entire "mock wedding" was not easy, and getting a young set of models to "act like they were in love" was interesting, but the distinct details tied into incredible panoramic views made a gorgeous feature and stunning cover.

ISSUE #11

FORMER EDITOR

JACKIE HOUGHTON

I believe we shot this in the basement of what was the Catapult building at that time. It was Penny and Finn (photographers), Josh Vasquez (hair stylist), Courtney Philpot (style editor), and myself. It was still early on so we were borrowing a lot from our own closets and maybe had one store who would lend us things from time to time.

Our intern, Bea, was our model and I did her makeup, but it was one of my favorite shoots because of our collaboration on set that day.

It was always a small thrill to see any of our issues in print knowing all of the hard work, time, and tremendous talent that everyone on the team contributed to make it come into existence.

One of the most fun shoots I have

done to date was this health and beauty feature! Our team wanted all of the focus to be on the model’s face, and skin, with other elements — sand, water, milk — as the backdrop.

The makeup and hair team that day was phenomenal. It was a great flow.

It felt very "America’s Next Top Model vibes" in the studio that day. We unknowingly forgot to heat the water in the kiddie pool we brought into the studio. All three models were fully submerged up to their faces, they were shivering between takes, but they gave 100 percent as you can see in the final images. I shot each model as swiftly as possible. This cover stands out from the lot, in all the right ways.

thank you for impacting your communityand our business

You are part of a family of locals who have created a product and a community that has made a remarkable impact on businesses and people. We want to celebrate this milestone occasion by inviting you and a guest to join us for the release of our 10th Anniversary Issue. Come reflect on the success, enjoy a special gift from our team and have a great time!

Annalee

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