The Lakelander | Issue 35 | 2017

JULY - AUGUST 2017

ON THE ROAD AGAIN / VOICES OF US / EN LA CASA THE ART OF COLLABORATION / ON KILTER

Do what you love.

Don’t let an injury or illness keep you from enjoying life.

Quality orthopedic care can make all the difference.

Lakeland Regional Health’s orthopedic team provides expert care for your hands, knees, shoulders and hips - and is there for you when emergencies arise.

Our state-of-the-art Grasslands Campus and award-winning Medical Center are outfitted with the latest equipment to make orthopedic treatment, surgery and recovery as effective as possible.

Let us help you return to what really matters.

Call today to make an appointment.

863.687.1250

Richard Crank, DO

Norele Cutrera, MD

Olukemi Fajolu, MD

Todd Hall, MD

Benjamin Miller, MD

Daphne Pinkas, MD

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Lakeland-Lake Gibson 6625 US 98 North (863) 858-3866 Lake Wales 126 Hwy. 60 W. (863) 676-6515

Lakeland Combee 1225 N. Combee Rd. (863) 665-3111

Lakeland North 1409 N. Florida Ave. (863) 682-8107

Frostproof Ft. Meade 500 N. Scenic Hwy. 1401 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 635-2645 (863) 285-9757

Lakeland Christina 6100 S. Florida Ave. (863) 646-2921

Auburndale 521 Hughes Rd. (863) 967-6602

Eagle Lake 1515 Hwy. 17 S. (863) 294-7749

Haines City 35495 Hwy. 27 (863) 422-3144 1350 N. Broadway (US 98) Bartow (863) 533-1611

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C

R B AT E S E L E

30 Years

Watson Clinic South Linwood D. Bond, Jr., MD

Zully A. Calvo, DPM

Robert B. Eanett, MD

Varsha Ghayal, MD

Cynthia H. Hutto, MD

Audrey E. Jain, DO

Maha A. Jalab, MD

Catherine B. Marcum, MD

Tamara T. Pistoria, DO

G. Weyman Price, MD

Patricia A. Schmaedeke, MD

Dona C. Stone, MD

For three decades, we’ve garnered the trust and loyalty of generations by offering a one-stop destination for comprehensive healthcare. Patients of all ages benefit from a diversity of specialties – including Family Medicine & Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Dermatology, Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Podiatric Surgery, and Psychiatry, as well as x-ray capabilities, laboratory services and ample parking.

Thank you for welcoming us into your family, and for becoming such a meaningful part of ours.

Stephen G. Swengros, MD

Agustin R. Tavares, MD

Karen R. Teston, MD

863-647-8011

1033 N. Parkway Frontage Rd. • Lakeland, FL 33803 www.WatsonClinic.com/South Sheena H. Tonkin, MD

Guillermo O. Vasquez, MD

Brett J. Widick, MD

Emily N. Luis A. Berrios, Georgette D. Beriswill, ARNP-C ARNP-C Farmer, ARNP-C

Jean M. Jason A. Kanidis, ARNP-C Kumlien, PA-C

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

40 JULY - AUGUST 2017

DEPARTMENTS 20 NOTE FROM THE EDITOR 22 CONTRIBUTORS 24 PHOTOGRAPHERS 28 METRO 122 OPENINGS 126 EVENTS 130 HISTORY

JULY 2017

ON THE COVER

ON THE ROAD AGAIN / VOICES OF US / EN LA CASA THE ART OF COLLABORATION / ON KILTER

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THE LAKELANDER

There’s no better time of year than summer to hit the road for spontaneous getaways. Our cover story, “On the Road Again,” is your trusty guide to effortless, easy, and classic styles for those last-minute road trips. Photo by Dan Austin

Crafted with precision, each and every time.

Mary Bassham, Jewelry Artist

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

STYLE 40 ON THE ROAD AGAIN Fresh looks for those last-minute getaways

PHILANTHROPY 54 ON KILTER Leah Casciano uses physical fitness to help others overcome addictions and mental-health issues

SPECIAL FEATURE 62 VOICES OF US The candidates of Lakeland’s 2017 City Elections

FEEL YOUR BEST. LOOK YOUR BEST. INSPIRING SUMMER CONFIDENCE IN YOU.

SERVICES

Surgical Procedures of the Body, Breast & Face Non-Surgical facial rejuvenation with Botox, Juvederm, Voluma, Volbello, Belotero and Laser Treatments

Dr. Jacob Gerzenshtein is a leading Lakeland, FL plastic surgeon who is dedicated to the pursuit of surgical perfection and complete patient satisfaction. Jacob Gerzenshtein, MD, is a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon who is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He takes great pride in his reputation as one of the most highly skilled plastic surgeons in Central Florida. Dr. G treats each patient seeking cosmetic surgery with the utmost attentiveness and dedication, an approach that consistently delivers outstanding aesthetic results.

Call to Schedule your appointment (863) 647-2200 or visit our website fineryou.com Finer You PA, Dr. Gerzenshtein 4429 Florida National Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813

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PEOPLE 82 BY THE MANGO TREE Joshua Robinson uncovers the making of his latest EP tu

TASTE 92 EMBER

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Fiery flavors from Brasa Latina

CULTURE 102 THE ART OF COLLABORATION What happens when artists create together

SHELTER 112 EN LA CASA Details that make a house a home

92 16

THE LAKELANDER

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PUBLISHER Curt Patterson ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS Jason Jacobs, Brandon Patterson

Shop ‘til you drop!

Advertising ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Curt Patterson; 863.409.2449 ADVERTISING SALES Jason Jacobs; 863.606.8785 ADVERTISING SALES Brandon Patterson; 863.409.2447 ADVERTISING SALES Dale Kimsey; 863.640.1129

Private Label Products when you spend $50 or more.

COPY EDITOR Laura Burke VP, FINANCE Deb Patterson

$10 OFF* 5850 Brannen Road S. Lakeland • 863.646.7722

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Editorial EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

EDITOR

Brandon Patterson Kristin Crosby

CONTRIBUTORS

Logan Crumpton, Abdiel Gonzalez, Elizabeth Hults, Rebecca Knowles,

Adam Spafford, Gina Terry, Paige Wagner

Design CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Barceló DESIGNER Anushka van Huyssteen Photography PHOTOGRAPHERS Dan Austin, Daniel Barceló, Rob Crosby, John Kazaklis, Monica Winters INTERNS

Nicole Curtis, Christine Tran

Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Jason Jacobs

General Counsel

Ted W. Weeks IV

Published by Patterson Jacobs Publishing, LLC The Lakelander is published bimonthly by Patterson Jacobs Publishing, 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.

Contact Patterson Jacobs Publishing, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 863.701.2707 www.thelakelander.com

SPCA Florida operates Polk County’s largest private non-profit animal medical and adoption center. *Offer is only valid for SPCA Florida Private Label Products. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase.

Not to be combined with any other offer. This coupon has no cash value. Offer valid 8/1/17-8/31/17.

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THE LAKELANDER

Customer Service: 863.701.2707 Subscription Help: jason@pattersonpublishing.com “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

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FROM THE EDITOR

STOCKING UP ON SCHOOL SUPPLIES WE ARE “COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE”.

We hold ourselves accountable by making sure these practices are used daily: • Honesty, Integrity, Excellence and Accountability in All We Do. • Having Respect for Self and Others.

• Having Open & Honest Communications/Dialogue with Clients and Employees.

• Serving Others First.

• Having an Industrious & Strong Work Ethic.

• Always Exceed Expectations.

• Be an Industry Advocate and Supporter.

• Using Technology to Improve Human Performance.

Some mourn the summer months slipping away, while others rejoice for the more cool — well brisk, shall we say — fall season soon approaching. Though in actuality there is little change in the course of the weather until at least November, summers have a strange way of feeling like the close of a year. Maybe it’s why Home Alone manages to find its way on cable every July. (Though personally I reject the idea of Christmas-anything before the month of November. It’s just too hot for a season that should be relished with big, slouchy sweaters and hot cocoa.)

It could be some educational clock still in me, but as the summer winds down, approaching September feels more like a new year — a new start. That, or it’s the new pencils, notebooks, and desk accessories filling the office aisles in Target. Granted I’ve come to appreciate school supplies on a different level than I ever did in school.

Notebook options today are not near what they once were. Essentially one could say the progression of organizational tools and supplies has followed the evolution of coffee in the past decade. Opening up a freshly bound Moleskin magically makes one document better notes.

As a kid the thought of school supplies was honestly depressing ... the sight of calculators, binders, college-ruled Five Star notebooks (though I typically wound up with Brandless brands well before it was a brand — yes, this is now an actual brand). I can still remember the Staples ad that would begin playing months before the school year when I was in high school. The scene is set in a well-stocked aisle of the office supply retailer. Not long after the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” begins to swell, a dad strolling a cart dances down the aisle, mouthing along the words, arms in the air, frolicking from Post-its to pencil sharpeners, stocking up the cart as his two children mundanely drag behind his tracks.

My parents used to love this commercial. I hated it. They would watch it, laughing out loud, in near tears, as if it was Will Ferrel ‘s SNL cowbell sketch. I was very much that kid dragging their feet into school the first day.

Granted, I’m not a parent. So I may not be able to understand “the most wonderful time of the year” as some do. But I certainly have a new appreciation for September now.

And school supplies as well. Thank God all seasons come and go ...

KRISTIN CROSBY, EDITOR

Serving All of Lakeland for 36 Years www.thorpeac.com 863-858-2577

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THE LAKELANDER

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CONTRIBUTORS KRISTIN CROSBY EDITOR Originally from the North, Kristin Crosby first came to Lakeland to study at Southeastern University. Prior to Patterson Publishing, she worked at Relevant Magazine and as a grant writer for the nonprofit organization LifeNet International, and previous contributor at LifeZette.com, an American news and opinion site based in Washington D.C. As editor, Kristin endeavors to uncover and give voice to the untold stories of this city. kristincrosby.com.

ADAM SPAFFORD Adam Spafford 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. When he’s not writing page-turners for The Lakelander, he trades stock and index options.

LOGAN CRUMPTON Logan Crumpton has been employed with the United States Postal Service for the last 14 years. Although he has lived nearly his entire life in the Lakeland area, he seeks out a world of food culture with the mindset of sharing it on a local level. Like many who have developed a love of food, he honed his skills in his grandmother’s kitchen, learning traditional Cuban and Italian classics.

Pursuing more of a life in food has afforded him the opportunity of co-creating the food blog Eataduck, guest writing for online publications, as well as trying his hand as a caterer and private chef.

ABDIEL GONZALEZ From a young age, Abdiel Gonzalez was inspired by design and art, and influenced by the colorful culture of his native Hawaii. After moving to Florida in his teens, Abdiel formed an award-winning dance company, No Confusion, for which he received national recognition. His love of fashion developed while earning a bachelor’s in business administration at Florida Southern College.

He has managed multimillion-dollar retail establishments, designed stage costumes, and styled high-profile photo shoots. Currently, Abdiel runs Style Instinct by Abdiel, a styling and image consulting business. As a longtime Lakelander, Abdiel gives back by volunteering his talent to local production companies and teaches weekly dance classes at studios here in Lakeland.

PAIGE WAGNER Paige Wagner made Lakeland home five years ago from Southern California.

Leading the Paige Wagner Homes real estate team at Olive Branch Realty, she loves assisting people through the process of buying or selling homes in our wonderful city. With experience in remodeling historic bungalows and sitting on the board for Historic Lakeland, Paige is enamored with historic homes and feels that charm and character is an experience everyone should have at least once. Paige and her husband, Chase, also serve as the creative pastors at Grace City Church. To learn more about Paige, visit paigewagnerhomes. com or follow her on Instagram @paigewagnerhomes.

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THE LAKELANDER

CONTRIBUTORS ELIZABETH HULTS Elizabeth Hults is a graphic designer and visual artist. Her love of Lakeland was born during her undergraduate studies at Florida Southern College. In her sparingly spare time, she founded ART/ifact, a collection of art studios and a gallery space in the freshly minted Mass Market. When she’s not at the studios, you can almost always find her somewhere outside, digging or adventuring.

REBECCA KNOWLES Rebecca Knowles moved to Lakeland when she was two and is a graduate of Lakeland High School. After earning a BA in psychology from Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, she returned to Lakeland, where she enjoys being involved in the Citrus Center Kiwanis Club and other civic and community organizations.

Rebecca is the director of the Center for Learning and Community Engagement at All Saints Academy, where she is responsible for developing partnerships within the community, and innovative learning opportunities for students. She is also a partner in Baum and Knowles College Advising, which specializes in personalized college advising services for students and families. Rebecca previously taught English at Lakeland High School and was an academic advisor with the Educational Talent Search program at Polk State College.

She enjoys travel, sushi, and spending time with her family and friends.

PHOTOGRAPHERS DAN AUSTIN Dan Austin is a Florida native photographer. He specializes in a unique style that combines the spirit of his subject with a detailed attention to lighting.

Through this, Dan achieves a unique and well thought out aesthetic that can be seen in his images. danaustinphotography.com

MONICA WINTERS

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THE LAKELANDER

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Monica Winters is a restless and roaming photographer from the suburbs of Chicago currently studying graphic design at Southeastern University. In the past three years she has been the official photographer of Southeastern’s student magazine and head digital marketer for its exciting and well-populated chapels. Driven by the spirit of adventure, she aims to capture life around her through balance, light, and movement. moniwinters.com

We believe

relationships are more valuable than transactions.

Guided by Our Core Values: Local Market Driven A Long Term Horizon World Class Service Relationship Banking Faith and Family

DALE DREYER Regional President Central Florida

KEN ELY Senior Vice President Lakeland Area Executive

500 S. Florida Ave. | Ste. 100 | Lakeland | 863-683-2300 | CenterStateBank.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS JOHN KAZAKLIS John Kazaklis was born and raised in the DC Metro Area and came to Lakeland to study at Southeastern University in 2007. After graduating, John decided to make Lakeland his home because of the great quality of life and close-knit community. His fascination with different cultures and travel made him passionate about visual storytelling and sharing stories that typically go untold. He is currently the program director at Catapult Lakeland. istoria.life

ROB CROSBY Rob Crosby (Rob Cros Photography) is a commercial and editorial photographer based out of Nashville and Central Florida. He works primarily with musicians and organizations helping develop their brands visually. His work has appeared in publications such Spin Magazine and The Wall Street Journal. robcros.com

DANIEL BARCELÓ Daniel Barceló is a multidisciplinary creative professional leading the design and photography teams as The Lakelander‘s creative director. As a graduate of both Lakeland Christian School and Southeastern University, Daniel is excited for the opportunity to work and invest in the city that he has called home for many years. He endeavors to grow the magazine’s brand and influence as it continues to empower and inspire Lakeland’s creatives and the community at large.

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THE LAKELANDER

METRO NEW AND NOTABLE IN LAKELAND

with some summer lovin’, these months tend to be a vivid reflection of our current state of life. The brick walls we’re continually hitting in our jobs, our complicated relationships (or lack thereof ), or simply solidifying that home upgrade we’ve been dreaming of.

In many ways it is these aspirations that make us the thriving, visionary individuals that we are. Expectations are what drive us, differentiate us, and evolve us, no doubt.

In life we’re often told to expect the best, to anticipate it. Because, somehow, we deserve it. We are a culture that continually seeks the great things in life, the unique,

IT ’S OFTEN MIDSUMMER WHEN OUR REALITIES SEEM, WELL, A LITTLE MORE REAL

IN THE STILLNESS OF SUMMER As if moments in life are ever still

W

hen January comes, the season of resolutions, of reimagining, reinventing, and reviving ourselves, our vision for the near and coming future is often larger than life. What can and could be appears, in that early season, to be so much within reach: Our habits will be better. Our bodies will be better. And inevitably our life and all its gray matter that doesn’t quite fit into our picturesque version of self, will soon, hopefully, be better. Come July, a mere six months later, the realities of real life can seem to pale in comparison.

Suddenly life can look really small. Maybe even feel smaller. Its weak spots appear more broken and uncertain, our overall level of contentment with life can somehow easily find itself in a reverse funk no matter how lively our Instagram feed of vacation posts may seem.

By the mindbending humidity of midsummer we are often left thinking, What happened?

Why was I thinking I could make such a drastic change in a matter of months? How is my life still right here?

Whether it be a season of lull or an overwhelming calendar of events, it’s often midsummer when our realities seem, well, a little more real. Unless you’re in the midst of a fling, intoxicated

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THE LAKELANDER

Insta-spotlight-worthy things. On the flip side, the funny thing about expectations is what it can easily create for us if we’re not careful. They can have a unique ripple effect on us even when we don’t realize it. If you place your expectations up there, but your currently realities are down here, there is a large span of space in between.

And what sits within those two elements is stress. The stress you feel when you don’t meet your sales quota. The stress you feel when your kids can’t sit still through dinner.

The stress you feel when your Airbnb rental is subpar compared to its images online. To reduce this stress in life you must change something. You must alter your realities or alter your expectations. Without ever changing either, that space of stress in between will remain.

In many ways, maybe without being aware of it, we set out to create and pursue expectations in life to differentiate ourselves from the rest. Yet often it is this pursuit of being so different, of meeting these expectations that causes us to create this climate of reaching, of wanting, of stressing.

Which can feel oddly present even in moments when nothing we expect to happen is happening. In life’s moments of stillness.

In a recent interview with Malcolm Gladwell on Meet the Press, native-Canadian Gladwell says, “As an outsider, the thing about American society that has always baffled me is that Americans love nothing more than accentuating their differences. I come from a culture (Canada) where all we do is celebrate what we have in common, even when we don’t have anything in common. ... Americans are all the same in the end, but you guys like to pretend you’re not.”

Sure, vacations can easily sweep us away into a bit of a fantasy land for a brief while. But all the time in between, all the moments of stillness, may be the best time to reevaluate what you really want in life, why you want it, and discover a way for your expectations and realities to find a common ground. Or at least get a little closer. So that, in the moments of stillness, you can enjoy a bit more of your realities for the rest of the year.

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METRO

AUCTION TO BENEFIT THE DREAM CENTER OF LAKELAND

A NEW NAME FOR THE LAKELAND CENTER

Kiwanis Clubs of Lakeland will host a dinner auction at Victory Church in late August to benefit the Dream Center of Lakeland. Hosting the event for over 600 guests, the Kiwanis set a goal to raise enough money for a pavilion and stage for the Dream Center.

“Organizations like the Dream Center and people like Pastor Mike Cooper (executive director of the center) are special,” says Lakeland Police Chief Larry Giddens. “Their tireless work is making an impact in our community, and for us at the Lakeland Police Department, they are helping us open the lines of communication in a variety of areas in our city.”

The Kiwanis-hosted banquet and auction plans on raising in excess of $75,000 for the Center. “I am continually amazed at how the Lakeland community has come together and work hand in hand to make Lakeland the great city that it is,” says Cooper. “Whether it’s the faith-based community, city government, or local businesses, these partnerships reach into every corner of the city where the needs are.”

The banquet and auction will be held on August 31 (auction preview from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the dinner and auction from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.). Tickets for the event are $25. Contact Dennis Harrison at dennis@sunshineinterior.com.

A new partnership for this central entertainment venue, that has long held the city’s name, may mean a new name. But that’s just the beginning.

In recent months, The Lakeland Center announced the renaming of its building.

Long holding the name of the city, it has been officially named the RP Funding Center. Known first as The Lakeland Civic Center, in 1996 it was renamed The Lakeland Center. Hosting over 500 events highlighting nationally renowned artists, athletic events, and tradeshows each year, the multipurpose entertainment complex, 8,000seat George Jenkins Arena, and 2,200-seat Youkey Theatre is known as a central site in town.

The building and its many influences were readily anticipating the name change with the recent addition of NBA Lakeland Magic D-League’s five-year agreement with the city. The contract adds up to over $1 million a year for a five-year period, split among the city, the Lakeland Magic, and the Orlando Magic.

This fall, the Orlando Magic’s D-League team, the Lakeland Magic, will host games in the RP Funding Center. Robert Palmer,

owner and founder of the direct-mortgage lender based in Orlando, is also a Lakeland native. “Nineteen years ago, I graduated high school in this building,” said Palmer, the day the Magic made the announcement of the rebranding. A multimillion-dollar contract was arranged between the RP Funding Center, the NBA Lakeland Magic, and the Orlando Magic. The agreement for the building name change also includes TV, radio, print, and social media promotion for the new RP Funding Center. Already reinstalled with the RP Funding Center logo, the building’s new sign is just the first of the many renovations and changes to soon come.

Palmer’s additional brand, HomeValue. com, will also be represented with the Lakeland Magic games on players uniforms and within the George Jenkins arena.

With a $14 million renovation plan, RP Funding, the Magic, and the city all anticipate an elevated level of entertainment experiences that the Center will soon provide.

9ROUND LAKELAND This 30-minute kickboxing fitness spot highlights streamlined workouts with personal training. The routine consists of nine three-minute exercises, including cardio, weight training, abdominal exercises, and kicks and punches in various styles. • 2153 East County Road 540A, Lakeland, FL 338129; 9round.com.

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THE LAKELANDER

THE FEDERAL BUILDING WELCOMES MOJO BBQ In 1919, Lakeland’s first free-standing post office was opened, better known as the Federal Building. Since 2005, under the city’s ownership, many have anticipated the potential use of this Georgian Revival Style building for the future.

Broadway Real Estate Services recently announced that Jacksonville-based Mojo BBQ will place its eighth restaurant in the Federal Building on Tennessee Avenue in downtown Lakeland. The building allows space for additional businesses and vendors, to be revealed later this year.

ROTARY PLAYGROUND IN HERNANDO’S LANDING Presented by the Rotary Club, this new playground, inspired by the Spanish explorer of Florida, Hernando de Soto, officially opened on Lake Parker in July.

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[

Back-to-School Preparedness

[

Yes, believe it or not — the season has arrived. Whether you’re psyched to escape back to your college campus, or you (the parent of a rather unenthused third-grader) are frantically pulling together what you can for a bearable start to the new year, there is no better time to plan than now. That’s why we’re here to make sure your back-to-school preparedness is up to par.

1 LABEL ITEMS

COOL KICKS

Avoid having all your child’s new school items ending up in the lost-and-found bin (backpacks, books, notebooks, lunch bag), and label items in simple or fun designs. Check out Stationery Loft or Hobby Lobby for a variety of options.

Sneakers are nearly necessities for any age and no longer just for P.E. They may be the best investment to get your kids up and at ’em. Shop fresh pairs at FITnitche and Belk for the fall.

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EASY WHOLEFOOD LUNCHES

A simple surprise note in a school lunchbox or backpack is one small but significant way to encourage your kids and send them off with your love.

Use leftovers from dinner, pack well-rounded simple meals, avoid sugar or processed foods with items your third-grader can’t pronounce. For learning simple, healthy meals, Publix Aprons is a great starting point.

THE LAKELANDER

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Keep healthy snacks and treats prepped and ready to pack before school. Shop Home Essentials downtown for unique and convenient food storage.

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From party planning to grocery lists to managing collaborative work projects, this is the app to keep your life in sync.

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Your kids may not always remember everything they learned in school, but they’ll easily recall any fun family traditions before the school year begins. Plan a pizza night out at J.Burns or a trip to LEGOLAND.

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A fun, easy, digital approach to flashcards, this free tool offers a whole new way of learning and memorizing.

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Your kids are never too young to learn what makes them tick. Pick up the bestseller Smart but Scattered on Amazon.

8 SLEEP SCHEDULES SLEEP HABITS

If your little ones are still in grade school, do them and yourself a favor by getting back on timely sleep habits two weeks before the first day of school.

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COCKTAIL CRAWL

It’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy here in Lakeland. Our city’s talented and innovative bartenders have created some remarkable cocktails perfect for a variety of occasions. Here is your local tasting guide to the area’s finest treats in liquid form.

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1. FRESCOS

Mixologist: Sean Passauer

The first stop on our lap of libations brings us a patriotic take on the classic French 75. A bubbly combination of London dry gin, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, elder flower, and champagne, we assure you it’s as refreshing as it looks. Dubbed the ‘Red, White, and Blueberry,’ this cocktail is an elegant presentaion of summer in a glass.

Perfect for: Saturday afternoon sipping on Frescos’ shaded patio

3. HARRY’S Munn Park

This tropical storm of flavor will be available at Lakeland’s beloved cajun eatery all summer long.

‘Harry’s Hurricane’ is a sweet combination of dark and light rums with orange, pinapple, and passion-fruit juices.

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Mixologist: Nichole Brown Perfect for: Sipping on during Harry’s weekly happy hour on Tuesdays Lake Morton PALM

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2. POSTO 9 Named from the iconic Bossanova tune, “The Girl From Ipanema” is a delicious gin-based drink. Its refreshing flavors of cucumber and lemon pair perfectly with the sunniest of days.

Mixologist: Emerson Bamaca Perfect for: Enjoying with a savory appetizer at Posto 9’s Ipanema rooftop bar.

4. THE TERRACE As classy as the cloth cocktail napkin on which it’s served, the ‘New York Sour’ is stylish and sophisticated.

Juicy Argentinean malbec floats atop a combinition of smooth bourbon and lemon juice for an unexpected but intriguing flavor.

Mixologist: Erin Ireland Perfect for: A nightcap that hits the spot after a fine meal from the Terrace Grille.

5. RED DOOR In the inaugural summer of their new cocktail bar, Red Door makes a strong first impression with the ‘La Fage.’ Strawberry, ginger, lemon, and gin mingle with Spanish wine for a flavorful treat.

Mixologist: Joshua Jackson Perfect for: Anytime.

This writer’s new summertime go-to.

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BY THE MID-YEAR THE ROAD SEEMS TO CALL OUR NAME. SOMETHING IN THE DEAD HEAT OF THE SUMMER DRAWS US TO EXPLORE THE LONG, WINDING TRAILS TO WHEREVER THEY MAY LEAD. NO MATTER WHERE YOUR TRAVELS TAKE YOU THIS SEASON, IMPROMPTU OR NOT, HERE'S YOUR GUIDE TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE IN PROPER FORM TO HIT THE ROAD.

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I woke up this morning with no real plans for the weekend, only a desire to hit the open road with my wife, pack a small overnighter bag, and blindly chase the wind. Like a band of gypsies we went down the highway: windows down, one hand out high-fiving the wind, while the music of Journey filled the back seat.

These moments are what unforgettable summers are made of.

Not the planned, out-of-state, big family getaways, but those spontaneous adventures that force you out of your rigid box. For most, the scariest part of these impulsive trips is keeping your looks confined to one duffle bag while making sure your ensembles say, “I have style” and not “I’m lazy, so I only packed this one outfit.” This is a feat that doesn’t require a magic wand, although it would be helpful. It simply takes a few interchangeable wardrobe staples, accessories for a little pop, and three minutes of visual planning.

On your Florida summer adventure,

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you’ll be surrounded with the richness of our American history and culture, so let your wardrobe be influenced by that. Classic gingham prints, worn-in denim, mix perfectly with a biker tee and turquoise jewelry for a modern dose of Americana.

First, take your prized jeans, the ones you haven’t washed in a while for fear of losing that perfect fit. Yep, those ones. They will take you from day to night with the right top options, which should also naturally pair with your favorite shorts or skirt. Now just throw in your choice of swimwear, versatile footwear (I recommend a good, rugged boot or leather sandal), and fill the inner pocket of your carryall with some of your beloved jewelry, and voilà, your impromptu weekend warrior look is complete. With so many unique destinations and landmarks in our back yard, these unplanned trips are not only easy, but a necessary part of a stylish Florida summer.

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HER BATHING SUIT Urban Outfitters

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THE LAKELANDER

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TURBAN K.Scott Jewelry

OVERALLS Lucky Brand

METALLIC TANK Urban Outfitters

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Special thanks to Dixieland Relics and Lloyd's of Lakeland for providing props.

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ON KILTER Written by Adam Spafford Photography by John Kazaklis

THE ATHLETES OF MENTAL KILTER KNOW THAT MUCH OF LIFE’S HEAVY LIFTING IS DONE IN THE MIND. THE LAKELANDER CATCHES UP WITH FOUNDER LEAH CASCIANO TO SEE HOW PHYSICAL FITNESS STRENGTHENS MENTAL HEALTH AND HOW CHALLENGES ARE BEST MET NOT IN A BAR BUT UNDER ONE.

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The Lakelander: What first led you to begin Mental Kilter?

Leah Casciano: I’ve been sober for 3½ years. I’ve always been an athlete, but it wasn’t until I found the sports I was passionate about that I was able to manage generalized anxiety disorder and overcome a family history of addiction, depression, and bipolar disorder. Physical fitness helped me become — and stay — substance-free.

Mental Kilter all started with the idea of having a Saturday evening class and lifting session followed by a meeting. It was something people could do on the weekend that didn't involve going to the bar. Attendance to both the workout and the meeting is not necessary but encouraged.

The only stipulation is you must be substancefree for 24 hours prior. This keeps everyone on the honor system while simultaneously keeping people sober for Friday night as well.

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TL: How did MK evolve from a group for individuals recovering from substance abuse and addictions to fully encompass all mental health?

LC: Mental health disorders and substance abuse tend to go hand in hand. Some people cope with things like depression, anxiety, bipolar, eating disorders, and so on with alcohol and/or drugs. It only seemed natural to include everything together.

TL: What does a Mental Kilter workout look like?

LC: A Mental Kilter workout can be anything that involves any type of fitness, like going on a walk, hitting a CrossFit workout, lifting weights, yoga, biking, and so on. We also like to focus on training our minds by doing things like reading and learning. Strong body, stronger mind.

"PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE HELP BOOST CRITICAL BRAIN CHEMICALS SUCH AS DOPAMINE, NORADRENALINE, AND SEROTONIN. INCIDENTALLY, THESE ARE THE SAME CHEMICALS SPARKED BY MOST DRUGS OF ADDICTION."

- LEAH CASCIANO

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TL: That might sound intense to some people. What do you suggest to someone looking for this kind of support and lifechange who’s never been active before?

LC: When someone who has zero physical activity wants to get into a fitness routine, my advice is to start small. That can mean taking your dog on a walk after dinner each night. Do this until it becomes a habit, something you look forward to. Then grow from there.

TL: How does the mind-body connection help heal the mind through physical activity?

LC: Physical activity and exercise help boost critical brain chemicals such as dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. Incidentally, these are the same chemicals sparked by most drugs of addiction. Instead of worrying about

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relapse, withdrawal, or breakdown, you can focus on the positive by improving your health and getting in better shape.

TL: Why do you think our brains can fall prey to unhealthy or destructive habits? How do lifestyle or cognitive pitfalls lead us to addictive behavior?

LC: I think those who suffer from addictive behaviors and lifestyles can sometimes come from an uncontrolled spiral or a gradual habit that becomes “normal.” Both turn into a dependency. There are many case studies that have shown family history predisposes individuals to addiction. Because of lifestyle choices, some may never find that they hold this brain chemistry, while others figure it out through experience.

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TL: How do you replace unhealthy behaviors with healthy and constructive ones?

LC: Choice. We all have choices. You first have to recognize the issue, set some goals, big or small, and forge a path to get there. Have a support system to hold you accountable, and have patience with yourself. It’s not always an easy path and some will get sidetracked on the way, but having the mental kilter to want a better life for yourself can help you get there.

TL: What are some of the results that your clients have experienced at Mental Kilter?

LC: Through our group, people have come out about their addictions and/or mental health

disorders to loved ones. Some have gained a grasp on their eating disorders. A few have taken control over a substance that had its chains locked down for too long. We’ve also provided a safe place for some who have been in recovery for years but who had lost their support groups.

TL: What does the future look like for Mental Kilter? Is it currently active beyond Lakeland?

LC: We are in the process of booking Mental Kilter Workshops all around the country. The workshops will be a full day of fitness, technique clinics, and sharing of our stories. It will be a day of community and positivity.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

JORGE FONSECA Candidate for City Commissioner Southwest District

Voices of us.

ELECTION SEASONS COME AND GO. BUT SOME SEASONS BRING A WHIRLWIND OF NEW VISION AND NEW POSSIBILITIES, OPENING OUR EYES TO WHAT SHOULD BE AND WHAT COULD BE. IN LIGHT OF THE POTENTIAL CHANGE FOR THE CITY'S GOVERNMENT, THE LAKELANDER INVITES YOU TO MEET THE CANDIDATES OF LAKELAND'S 2017 ELECTION.

Written by Rebecca Knowles Photography by Daniel Barcelo

SANDY TOLEDO Candidate for City Commissioner Southeast District

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Though still months away, the Lakeland City Commission and Mayoral races are already heating up. With the qualifying period for the November 7, 2017, election not ending until late September, at press time for this issue, there are already 12 candidates who have submitted their paperwork to the clerk of courts. If the three city commission seats and the race for mayor weren’t enough, a change to the city charter will also be on the November ballot.

Commonly known as the Strong Mayor initiative, if passed, it would change the structure of Lakeland’s government. Awaiting, we present a Q&A with the candidates for mayor and city commission.

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SOUTHEAST DISTRICT

SCOTT FRANKLIN Age: 52

Family members: Wife, Amy, and three children: Amanda (23), Will (21), and Sarah (18).

CANDIDATES AT A GLANCE MAYOR Patrick Shawn Jones Bill Mutz SOUTHEAST DISTRICT Scott Franklin Sandy Toledo SOUTHWEST DISTRICT Michael Dunn Larry Durrence Jorge Fonseca Pablo Sologaistoa AT LARGE-SEAT 1 Kathy Smith Barsotti Stephanie Madden Jim Malless (incumbent) Laurel Pullo

Occupation: President & CEO of Lanier Upshaw, Inc., Lakeland’s largest and one of its oldest Insurance and Risk Management firms Memberships/Leadership Positions/ Notable Awards: Past president of the Lakeland Rotary Club, past chairman of the Lakeland Economic Development Council and the Florida Young Presidents Organization, treasurer of Sun ‘n Fun, past director of the Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center and Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, and past Commodore of the Lakeland Yacht & Country Club. Graduate of Leadership Lakeland and Leadership Polk.

A Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow.

Numerous military decorations and awards, including the Sea Control Wing’s Senior Pilot of the Year for the Atlantic Fleet

What is your position on the proposed strong mayor changes to the city charter?

I am opposed to the strong mayor

proposal. I believe a group of engaged and decisive leaders creates betterinformed decisions and outcomes than an individual can.

What policies would you put in place to support Lakeland’s growing culture of small businesses?

We must create simpler and more predictable processes that make it easier for entrepreneurs to shoulder the risks associated with starting and operating small businesses. There’s far too much bureaucracy and red tape.

In your opinion, what are the three biggest challenges facing our community?

1. Protecting and preserving Lakeland’s special qualities while managing the explosive growth we will continue to experience.

2. Providing the quality education our children must have to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.

3. Maintaining reasonable tax rates while meeting the ever-increasing unfunded mandates handed down from Washington and Tallahassee.

What would be your top priority as a city commissioner?

Foster a more user-friendly relationship between city hall and the citizens of Lakeland.

SANDY TOLEDO Age: 69

Family members: three grown children, two grandchildren Occupation: Retired Teacher Memberships/Leadership Positions/ Notable Awards: Chairperson City of Lakeland Mayor’s Neighborhood Task Force, Current Secretary/Treasurer of the Polk County Chapter 32 Citrus WWII Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge Association, Flight To Honor Volunteer, Volunteer SPCA, Retired School Teacher, Volunteer Reading Tutor, Retired Social Worker, President of Lake Bonny Neighborhood Association, Member of the City of Lakeland Neighborhood Association Coalition, Member of LPD Citizen Alumni Academy Association, 2013 recipient of the LPD Volunteer of The Year Award, Recipient of Oprah Winfrey’s Community Heroes Award (received gifts & Car), Graduate of The City of Lakeland Citizen’s Academy, Graduate of The Polk County BOCC Citizen’s Academy, Graduate of Lakeland Electric Citizen’s Academy, Director Polk County Christmas Angels, a charity dedicated to Children in Foster Care, Former Member of United Nations Rights of the Women & Children International Taskforce, Volunteer at Sun n Fun Veteran’s Plaza, Founder Club Sib (a camp to reunite separated siblings), Volunteer with Risk Club (a youth leadership program), Member Polk County Adoptive Parent Association, Member Polk County Grants Alliance, Former Member Homeless Coalition, Member of University of Miami Alumni Association, Member Gateway Lion’s Club

What is your position on the proposed strong mayor changes to the city charter?

I am not in favor of a strong mayor. I have concerns regarding the cost of an increased mayor’s salary, the addition of a city manager who would answer only to the mayor, and the expense of adding a seventh commissioner.

I have concern with absolute power at one person’s discretion. With the right commissioners, a strong mayor is unnecessary.

What policies would you put in place to support Lakeland’s growing culture of small businesses?

We need to provide triage services for small business owners who are not blessed with office staff designated to navigate the city system. I know the city is trying to make the process easier, but it still needs improvement.

In your opinion, what are the three biggest challenges facing our community?

1. The lack of passenger air service.

It is a challenge we should prioritize.

2. A growing number of citizens who feel their voices often go unheeded 3. The need to continue and sustain new industry and grow our tax base.

What would be your top priority as a city commissioner?

I would like to work in collaboration with my fellow commissioners and build rapport between the commission and the community.

Though still months away, the Lakeland City Commission and Mayoral races are already heating up.

SCOTT FRANKLIN Candidate for City Commissioner Southeast District

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sent into this world with a heart. I feel it is time to create something worth believing in.

What is your core motivation to run for this position?

I love Lakeland. From childhood going to Dixieland Elementary, Southwest Junior High, to Kathleen High School, I take pride in the city of my birth. Now, 52 years later, I foresee fundamental challenges facing our future. Challenges that have to be grounded in reality, interwoven with humanity. For this reason I have decided to [run] for office in Lakeland. For way too long we have endured those that could talk the talk, but not walk the walk.

I feel this has to change.

What is your position on the proposed strong mayor changes to the city charter?

First, and foremost, I feel the residents of Lakeland deserve the right of choice. Each side has their own pros and cons on this issue. As for myself, I think our current mayor, the honorable Howard Wiggs, would have benefited our city’s future if the change in our charter had been in place.

PATRICK SHAWN JONES Candidate for Mayor City of Lakeland

MAYOR City managercommission government: Lakeland's current governing body, consisting of 6 commissioners and 1 mayor

PATRICK SHAWN JONES Age: 52

Family: Married to Johnathan Scott Freeman at Polk County Valentine's Day Wedding in Bartow 2/14/2015. Also have two other small legged family members: Izabella (Chiwawa) and Axel (Chiweenie).

What is your vision for Lakeland?

In order to seek a city’s future vision, we must simplify the operations of everyday life: clean water, air, and a new path to safe energy production. Each of us was

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What policies would you put in place to support Lakeland’s growing culture of small businesses?

Time, framework, strategic planning, and budgeting are paramount to the success of any small business. Survival, for too many owners, is still synonymous with many small businesses. One simple policy is making business services and resources more accessible to the public. This could be solved simply by extending our city’s mass transit (the Citrus Connection) times.

Another policy is Advancement of Attractions. The present tactic of “We are an hour away from everything” outsources many of our hard-earned revenues to other locations and venues. A need to attract annual to seasonal family-friendly activities that last longer than a day or week

are valued to reach this goal. Such [things] as a municipal zoo, water park, or planetarium could be a Florida destination of choice.

In your opinion, what are the three best things about living in Lakeland?

1. The Lakeland lifestyle and the chance to know your neighbor.

“Sometimes you like to live where everyone knows your name.”

2. Lakeland is blessed with its own unique art and music scene.

From Mayfair to First Fridays downtown, there is always something to entertain your family on a budget.

3. Lakeland’s raw beauty. Stark and powerfully impressive, nothing is more wonderful than sunrise along the shore of one of Lakeland’s lakes divine.

In your opinion, what are the three biggest challenges facing our community?

1. Technology and Education Drought. We need to focus on solutions we envision today, focused to foster upward mobility to our youth.

We need to keep our brightest students rather than losing them to other cities.

2. Energy vs. Environment.

Answer our obligation for clean energy, which is necessary to the health of our planet.

3. Housing and the Homeless.

Develop a plan, such as used by Habitat for Humanity. Using sweat equity to work with helping those who ask for help. No one grows up with the American dream, “Daddy, I want to be homeless.”

What would be your top priority as mayor?

Sustainable living; advancement of the city’s system biome; and setting a new path on energy creation Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work for the future of Lakeland. It is true I am a nontraditional candidate, and I don’t

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have a silver bullet for all our challenges. Throughout my career of service, I have been blessed with the insight that many will never experience. Working as a certified nursing assistant, I served the elderly.

Working as a certified surgical sterilization technician, I saved lives every day. Working as a radio host, I had the privilege to serve the community and travel the world, meeting many without leaving the studio. And yes, even as a Psychic Readers Network associate for those who searched exoterically outward for something that was always within. All I can do now is ask to serve you. And, together, we can face today what we build in our reality of tomorrow. Peace.

H. WILLIAM “BILL” MUTZ Age: 63

Family: PAMela (wife) and children: Cari, Jonathan, Jacob, Lori, Ozzie, Kelli, Michael, Eric, Mark, Kirsti, Stephen, and Emma, and seven inlaws (which we call in-loves married to them), and 18 grandchildren (the 19th cooking) Occupation: Former President and Co-Owner of Lakeland Automall – Lakeland Ford, Lakeland Mazda, and Lakeland Hyundai; Currently Semi-Retired Consultant Memberships: The Lakeland Rotary Club Leadership Positions – Served on Board of Directors Member and/or Former Chairman: Allen & Company, Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center, Citrus & Chemical Bank, City of, Lakeland Mid-town CRA, First Baptist Church at the Mall – Personnel Chairman & Executive Committee, Florida Family Policy Council, Grace City Church, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland Christian School, Lakeland Economic Development Council, Lakeland Institute for Learning, Lakeland Regional Health, Lakeland Vision, Leadership Lakeland & Class Chair, Leadership Polk, Learning Resource Center, People Like Us, Salvation Army, Security Group, Southeastern University, United Way, VISTE Served as Fundraising Campaign Chairman for: American Heart Association, Girls, Inc., Lakeland Christian School, United Way Campaign, VISTE Notable Awards: Living Legacy Award from Word Alive Ministries, Jere Annis Award Winner from Leadership Lakeland Alumni, Servant Leadership Award from Southeastern University, Wilbur Dungy

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All-Pro Dad Award presented by his son, Tony Dungy, for the AllPro Dad Father of the Year, Four Way Test Award from Rotary International

A vote for strong mayor: allows the executive decisions of city government to be made by the elected mayor

What is your vision for Lakeland?

Build community partnerships through collaboration to increase citizen involvement and provide desired amenities in a warm, people-centric environment. Attract businesses that enhance workforce opportunities through wise planning, valuing people, and expanding employment options. Attract at least one commercial airline carrier and dramatically boost broadband capability which will attract new businesses. Support Catapult and the Chamber to genesis small businesses and help them thrive.

Enhance the downtown master plan to create venues yet to be conceived.

Confidently attract entities who want to grow their futures in a supportive, service-oriented city.

What is your core motivation to run for this position?

I love this city and believe it can become “Wowsville!” My desire is to collaborate with community partners from across all sectors to help make that happen. Furthermore, I want to provide strong leadership to a decisive city commission and help to further empower our already effective city manager to expeditiously accomplish this reality.

What is your position on the proposed strong mayor changes to the city charter?

No. The strong mayor initiative, although thoughtfully and conscientiously conceived, is illtimed and has inherent flaws; one in particular is its immediate implementation without time for cost-effective planning transitions.

I encourage every voting citizen to oppose the initiative. We have an effective city manager who supports our valuable city employees and they support him! We need strong leadership from the commission and

not a strong mayor charter change. I am confident I can help provide that leadership strength and have worked with our city manager on many other initiatives over the years. I have high respect for City Manager, Tony Delgado, and we communicate with one another well.

What policies would you put in place to support Lakeland's growing culture of small businesses?

I serve, teach, and helped to conceive Catapult and continue to believe it is one of the most effective ways we can grow small businesses in Lakeland.The creativity of millennials and almost unlimited outside-thebox thinking requires us to be as nimble as possible to continually look for broadening effective ways to bolster growing businesses. The Chamber and Lakeland Business Leaders are exploring other examples of more effective ways to accomplish support of small businesses.

In your opinion, what are the three best things about living in Lakeland?

1. Its People – this is a city of “can-doers,” and we don’t focus on the hurdles, we focus on winning the race. We must believe in one another, listen to one another, and support one another as much as possible to keep this positive value alive.

2. Our Heritage – the notfor-profit organizations, our faith community, the extraordinary educational institutions, the businesses that generously support them, all richly enhance our daily lives. Sometimes, it is easy to take these rich entities for granted. They are incredible difference-makers and require our continuing support.

3. Our Location – what a great place to live! The Florida beauty and weather, the location within our state, and being near the regional spot where 120+ million visitors are traveling to this year alone, ought to remind us all the more of why we must capitalize on the upcoming opportunities.

BILL MUTZ Candidate for Mayor City of Lakeland

THE LAKELANDER

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In your opinion, what are the three biggest challenges facing our community?

1. Not being nimble. We must study well and execute decisions expeditiously.

2. Not being a gigabit city. We need data speed and the partnerships to make this happen as soon as possible.

3. Not believing the best of each other. To make things happen smoothly, we have to build on trust.

Trust requires us to listen well to each other over time. We need to be a city in which our citizens feel well “heard.”

What would be your top priority as mayor?

To serve our citizens by providing the best leadership skills possible through listening well, collaborating, and making effective plans and decisions. The desired result is that Lakeland becomes a place people increasingly want to visit and in which its citizens love to live.

STEPHANIE MADDEN Candidate for City Commissioner At Large

AT-LARGE SEAT

STEPHANIE REED MADDEN Age: 47

Family: Husband, Steve Madden; Children: John-Michael-24, and his wife, Ashley Lopez Madden, Amelia-21, student at Ole Miss; George-19, United States Military Academy; Robert-17, senior Lakeland High School; Thomas-15, freshman Lakeland High School; Ben-12, sixth-grader Magnolia Montessori School.

Occupation: Small Business Owner, Madden Branded Goods Memberships/Leadership Positions Notable Awards: Leadership Lakeland Class XXII, 22 year member and Past President of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, responsible for relocation of headquarters including sale of warehouse and purchase of the Sorosis Building on Lake Morton.

Education/Literacy focus: Read to Succeed Co-chair, JLGL Education VP, Success by 6 and Polk Vision’s Literacy Council member; LHS’s parent teacher partnership, Young Life of Polk County, and Lakeland Assemblies Cotillion Club board member.

Other Community Service: Lighthouse Ministries Board of Directors, SEU’s

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No boss mayor: A vote for this initiative supports continuation of the current system

What is your position on the proposed strong mayor changes to the city charter?

I like that we have the opportunity to elect seven different commissioners from a variety of life experiences to represent our constituents and make decisions for our city, and I do not believe that Lakeland needs a strong mayor to keep us moving forward.

leadership at the tax collector’s office as an example of using a customerservice approach to government.

I hear a lot of business owners say they have felt like Lakeland is a city of “No” when it comes to starting or expanding their businesses. I do think we can remove some of the red tape. The first place to start is with a customer-centric leadership style.

I would not be in business 22 years later without streamlining processes and adopting best practices to better serve our clients, and that is what Joe Tedder did.

What policies would you put in place to support Lakeland’s growing culture of small businesses?

I would highlight Joe Tedder’s

In your opinion, what are the three biggest challenges facing our community?

1. Becoming a city of “YES.” It

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was so cool to hear that the Orlando Magic followed our success story with the Detroit Tigers, when looking for a new home for their development team. They admired our long-standing partnership, and when they approached our city, they said we “welcomed them with open arms.” I would like to hear that from more of our residents and business owners who do business with the city.

2. Dispelling the myth about the quality of Lakeland’s educational options. Because our schools are lumped in with the entire county, many businesses and employees do not give us a second glance after Googling our school grades; instead they locate somewhere else. I have had my children in private, charter, magnet, Montessori, virtual school, and now they are all in good oldfashioned public school, and we have found amazing teachers and administrators at each one.

3. Growing pains associated with our downtown development efforts.

I am encouraged by the proposed parking solutions, the potential road diet on South Florida, which could provide safety and economic development along that corridor, and the propositions for more residential options on the acreage behind the police department. Developing our downtown area is a priority that comes with challenges. We need wisdom going forward as we strategize on each unique area of our expanding downtown.

What would be your top priority as a city commissioner?

I would like to attract more high-skill, high-wage jobs, so our college students and millennials have opportunities to develop their careers right here in Lakeland. I think one of the best things we can do to position us for growth and attract businesses to Lakeland is to leverage our infrastructure of fiber and become a gigabit city. I believe that it could become a catalyst for economic growth, educational opportunities, and governmental innovation. Affordable, abundant

bandwidth is a necessity to thrive in the decades to come. Our strategic location on the I-4 corridor is such an asset, but businesses and residents alike often consider high-speed internet capacity one of the most important factors when evaluating potential neighborhoods. Bandwidth affects economic development, public safety, education, job training, e-government, job creation, entrepreneurship, everything!

Whether we attract a partner to lease our fiber (like Google) or light up our dark fiber utilizing new millimeter wave fixed radios to finish a fiber-tothe-premises solution, I would love to accelerate the deployment of a nextgeneration network in Lakeland.

JAMES (JIM) MALLESS Age: 61

Family: Karen Seggerman, my wife. My mom, Francis, three brothers, and a sister all live in Indianapolis Occupation: Owner Wireless Planning Services, LLC Memberships/Leadership Positions/ Notable Awards: Kiwanis Club of Lakeland, Past President, Leadership Lakeland Class 24, PMOA Board of Governors. Member of Historic Lakeland Inc., and two-term president. Represented my neighborhood in the master planning processes with FUMC and FSC

What is your position on the proposed strong mayor changes to the city charter?

I do not support the Citizen’s Committee charter changes. I believe that the proposed changes do not allow for the proper balance of power between the city commission and the mayor.

What policies would you put in place to support Lakeland’s growing culture of small businesses?

Simplify the Land Development Regulations so you do not have to hire a planner and an attorney to understand the rules and go through the process gauntlet. There are two important caveats: The first is the city cannot reduce health and safety rules, such as the building codes, as they

JIM MALLESS Candidate for City Commissioner At Large

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serve a real purpose. The second is to maintain Lakeland’s famous quality of life.

There may be some cases where the city can help small businesses, making sure owners know the rules and that the rules are only in place to protect the public. We can do this with pamphlets and partnering with the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce on small business training.

In your opinion, what are the three biggest challenges facing our community 1. Making Lakeland work for everyone. A recent United Way ALICE report stated that, “As a result, 51 percent of Polk households, or nearly 116,000 families and individuals, are living below the ALICE threshold and are struggling to afford basic needs.” The city needs to create an environment for the formation and growth of small and large businesses. This requires that we continue to develop and support our tourism, healthcare, the arts/ cultural organizations, educational, and aviation-related industries. We need to find ways to help the Polk County School Board to improve the educational outcomes of students, and we need to welcome and value teachers.

2. Both a challenge and an opportunity is the fact that 402 of the approximately 2,500 +/- city employees are eligible to retire right now. We also know that 196 employees will exit via the Drop program by 2020. This represents over 12,500 years of service to Lakeland residents that will be lost.

The challenge is the number of people we need to hire, and do we build internal talent or do we buy it on the open market? Clearly we will do some of both.

3. What to do with Lakeland Electric? Units 2 and 3 are old generation units and will need to be replaced in the next seven to 10 years.

There are many issues in replacing these units. What fuel source for diversity and what technology?

When to retire the units? How to

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replace the generating capacity? Do we partner with someone to build a new unit? Do we buy capacity from the Power Pool? What role will renewables play in the generation mix? Big issues and big opportunity.

What would be your top priority as a city commissioner?

The city’s focus needs to be to elevate the economic opportunity for all Lakeland citizens. This means making Lakeland work for everyone.

I will continue to work to simplify the Land Development Regulations and improve the code-enforcement process. The city’s LDRs have become so complex and burdensome. The city needs to rewrite the LDRs to protect Lakeland’s unique attributes while making it easier to develop in the city. These are not mutually exclusive goals. This will help both small and large businesses be successful.

LAUREL PULLO Age: 42

Family: None in Lakeland Occupation: Supervisor/Server

What is your position on the proposed strong mayor changes to the city charter?

Lakeland has survived well to date with the current organization of its government. Strong mayor gives too much power to one person and lends itself to manipulation by politically motivated donors.

What policies would you put in place to support Lakeland’s growing culture of small businesses?

Streamline requirements (licensing, codes); incentives for new businesses (tax breaks for x amount of time); appoint liaison to help new business owners get answers and pointed in the right directions quickly In your opinion, what are the three biggest challenges facing our community?

1. Lack of diversity within our

LAUREL PULLO Candidate for City Commissioner At Large

government 2. Support for small businesses to encourage long-term economic growth 3. Lack of access to our government (meetings are during “normal business hours” when most residents are unable to attend).

Meeting schedules should vary to allow an opportunity for more people to attend/be heard in person without having to take time off from work.

This creates a disconnect between the people and the government, and fails to foster a true sense of community.

What would be your top priority as a city commissioner?

Listening to the residents of the city and being able to set aside my own beliefs if they don’t agree with the majority.

KATHY SMITH BARSOTTI Age: 58

Family members: Too many to count. Family and extended family.

Occupation: Co-owner (with my husband, Larry Barsotti) of Django & Friends Dixieland Emporium Memberships/Leadership Positions/ Notable Awards: I have been a member of

the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce off and on for 25 years. Central FL Bureau Chief for Southeast Travel, Chaired the SE Women in Travel Bureau, winner of the Lowell Thomas Travel Award, a twice time also ran for a news Pulitzer

What is your position on the proposed strong mayor changes to the city charter?

I will support whatever the voting majority decides.

What policies would you put in place to support Lakeland’s growing culture of small businesses?

Our city needs to look first to locals before contracting outof-county or out-of-state work and supplies. We have some great suppliers here in Lakeland alone.

Amazing artists, creative geniuses, and musicians. Support our “city taxpayers.” My, that’s a concept. I would also like to see some things streamlined to knock down some of the hurdles in a startup business. It is true that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. But, then again, what continually confounds us makes us crazy and broke.

In your opinion, what are the three biggest challenges facing our

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community?

1. Managing growth that allows our city to prosper yet not lose the “hometown” feeling.

2. Maintaining an equitable tax base for all of our citizens that still allows us to enjoy the quality of life we have become accustomed to as well as ensuring our “responsibilities” are engaged.

3. Protecting our children (our future) in what has become an everchanging educational shootout for political gain.

What would be your top priority as a city commissioner?

To listen and act upon the concerns of our citizens.

KATHY SMITH BARSOTTI Candidate for City Commissioner At Large

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

JORGE FONSECA Age: 44

Family members: four children: 17, 16, and twins 14 years old. Dr. Lingamallu (wife) Occupation: Chief Administrative Officer (Romero Medical Plaza) Memberships/Leadership Positions/ Notable Awards: Lakeland Leadership 2017, IBEW member City commissioners: A group of 7 elected officials to set policies and select or replace the city manager and attorney

What is your position on the proposed strong mayor changes to the city charter?

The proposal is on the ballot. I believe this issue is for residents to decide and for elected officials to support, regardless of the outcome.

What policies would you put in place to support Lakeland’s growing culture of small businesses?

We need to cut regulations and make it easier for businesses to expand. I believe in supporting entrepreneurs who want to start their own business but are unable due to financial circumstances. The city can create small business loans with low interest rates in exchange for an agreement to hire local residents.

In your opinion, what are the three biggest challenges facing our community?

1. Our education system. We need to be able to provide our kids with the opportunity to succeed.

2. Small Businesses. They are the backbone of any economy. We need to be able to attract new small businesses and entrepreneurs to create goodpaying jobs, so residents don’t have to leave our city to find a job.

3. Safety. As a city we need to support our first responders. Our police department and fire department deserve the support of the city.

What would be your top priority as a city commissioner?

The people of Lakeland. I want to make sure that the city doesn’t add to their struggles.

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PABLO SOLOGAISTOA Candidate for City Commissioner Southwest District

PABLO SOLOGAISTOA Age: 28

Family members: I was born to two incredible parents: Fernando and Astrid Vivian Sologaistoa. My father, who has been a truck driver for over 25 years, has been married to my mother, his wife of 29 years.

I have two amazing younger siblings: Astrid Selene and Ana Sologaistoa.

Occupation: From October 2014 to November 2016, I had the privilege of serving and working at Anchor House as part of the development team. In October of last year, I resigned from Anchor House partly due to the fact that I knew I was going to be running for office. If elected, I intend to serve as a city commissioner on a full-time basis.

Memberships/Leadership Positions/ Notable Awards: Currently, I attend and serve at a local church here in town called Grace City. I also have the privilege to serve on the Committee for a Strong Lakeland.

As time allows, I volunteer at Gospel, Inc., a local non-profit organization that serves the homeless.

What is your position on the proposed strong mayor changes to the city charter?

Stay tuned. There is more to come on this issue.

What policies would you put in

place to support Lakeland’s growing culture of small businesses?

We must continue to develop an environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and small business growth in our community.

In order to do so, a serious conversation needs to be had regarding the Community Development Department. We must look to streamline and standardize the permitting and zoning processes, and foster interdepartmental communication so that we don’t delay permits and approvals. When an entrepreneur comes to city hall, we must come alongside them and show how we can work together in order to help bring their dream into realization. From a construction, architectural, and business sign point of view, we must revisit the building codes and remove any regulations that stifle innovation and creativity. I would also like to encourage reduced taxes for the first three years of any new small business.

In your opinion, what are the three biggest challenges facing our community?

1. As we grow and continue to build, we cannot ignore the black community within the Northwest District. We must invite the black community to be a part of our journey in developing as a city. Like so many other people in Lakeland, there are people in the Northwest District that have deep roots in this area that have waited a long time to see development within their community. It is time they see the fruits of their labor as well.

2. One of the greatest challenges that we currently face is the retention of the up-and-coming professionals from my generation: the millennials. Personally, I know way too many young professionals that have left Lakeland in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Like many of them, I too had the same opportunity. However, I decided to stay because I love this city and her people. We need to become a part of the solution and help bring more jobs to our city.

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LARRY DURRENCE Candidate for City Commissioner Southwest District

3. The greatest challenge that we face is upgrading and improving the infrastructure of our city. Lakeland Electric itself faces the challenge of upgrading and replacing old equipment. Undertaking a project of this magnitude will alone cost several millions of dollars. We must also take a look at our transit system.

Buses run on an hourly basis in Lakeland, and we face the challenge of providing additional services as well as upgrading our fleet.

What would be your top priority as a city commissioner?

The success of any organization depends on two major factors: having a thorough understanding of its vision, mission, and strategic plan, and the organization’s culture. The city has a strategic plan that was developed in 2012. We must revisit the plan and make any changes necessary. As for

the culture? Servant leadership all the way. At Southeastern, my alma mater, I studied leadership and organizational behavior. History has shown us that the most successful organizations are those that have servant leadership and team spirit at the core of who they are. I plan to do the same. Lakeland City Hall will be known for being the servant leader of all.

J. LARRY DURRENCE Age: 77

Family members: Wife - Connie, attorney; Children: April - North Carolina State Library system, Jeff - U. S. Air Force (retired), Aviation Technician, Stephanie - Assistant State Attorney, Florida 10th Judicial Circuit, in and for Polk County, Ralph - Electrical Contractor, commercial & industrial; 11 grandchildren Occupation: retired President of Polk State College, Higher Education Consultant, part-time

Memberships/Leadership Positions/ Notable Awards: First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, The Lakeland Rotary Club, Historic Lakeland, Inc., Polk Museum of Arts, Friends of Colt Creek State Park, Lakeland Planning & Zoning Board Leadership positions held: First Methodist Usher; Church Council; Missions Committee, Historic Lakeland, Inc. - Board; former President (2), Polk Museum of Art - Former Second Vice President,Trustee Board of Governors, Friends of Colt Creek State Park - Board member, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce - Chairman of the Board, Board of Directors; United Way of Central Florida - Chairman of the Board, Campaign Chair, Board of Directors; Volunteers in Service to the Elderly - Board of Directors; Advisory Board; Girls, Inc. - Board of Directors; Lakeland Economic Development Council - served on Founding Board; Sun ’n Fun - Board of Directors; Served on the Boards of three banks which have been absorbed by bigger banks; Served on the Board of Directors of Chambers of Commerce in three other cities - Lexington, Kentucky; Winter Haven; and Texas City, Texas; Served on economic development agencies in three other cities - Greater Bay Area-Houston (TX) Economic Partnership; East Polk Committee of 100; Galveston County Economic Development Agency; Heart of Florida Hospital - Advisory Board (Chair and member); President, Polk Community College (Polk State is new name); Chairman, Operations Committee for the Florida Community Colleges Risk; Management Consortium; Interim President, Bluegrass Community & Technical College, Lexington, KY; Interim President, College of the Mainland (2 times), Texas City, TX; Interim President, Owensboro Community & Technical College (2 times), Owensboro, KY; Taxpayer Rights Advocate for Florida - Florida Department of Revenue; Executive Director, Florida’s Constitutional Commission on Tax & Budget Reform; City Commissioner & Mayor, City of Lakeland; President, Florida League of Cities; George Jenkins Award, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce; Jere Annis Award, Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association; George Jenkins Volunteer Award, United Way of Central Florida; (Honorary) Doctor of Public Service Degree, Florida Southern College; Hall of Fame, Polk County Public Schools

What is your position on the proposed strong mayor changes to the city charter?

I oppose it. The proposed amendment would grant the mayor almost all power over city employees, finances, contracting, and policy with no effective checks and balances left for the commission. The mayor could make decisions out of the sunshine, and costs of government would increase with less accountability to citizens.

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What policies would you put in place to support Lakeland’s growing culture of small businesses?

One commissioner alone cannot enact policies; however, I would work to build consensus for the commission to work closely with the LEDC and aspiring entrepreneurs to identify issues. With a consensus, city processes could be simplified, departmental silos broken down, customer service improved, and parking issues addressed, for example.

In your opinion, what are the three biggest challenges facing our community?

1. Maintaining essential services without a big tax increase when Lakeland loses $1 million after the legislature’s new homestead exemption is approved.

2. Increasing median household income which is 10% less than Polk County. Polk is 10% below Florida, and Florida is 10% below the nation.

3. Improving schools by using innovative partnerships.

What would be your top priority as a city commissioner?

To use my broad experience to serve the best interests of all segments of our community by listening, educating myself on issues, identifying best practices in cities, collaborating with private and public organizations, making decisions based on facts, and seeking consensus on the commission.

MICHAEL DUNN Candidate for City Commissioner Southwest District

Out Lakeland, Lakeland Downtown Kiwanis In the city's current system, the mayor serves as figurehead and policy leader, holding no managerial responsibility

MICHAEL DUNN Age: 45

Family: Wife - Brandi Dunn (married 23 years), Son - Lance Dunn Occupation: Owner, Vet’s Surplus, Inc. Memberships/Leadership Positions Notable Awards: (Currently) Vice Chairman of the City of Lakeland Code Enforcement Board, (Previously) City of Lakeland Nuisance Abatement Board, City of Lakeland Citizens Advisory Committee, City of Lakeland Citizens Police Academy, Heartland Crime Stoppers, Paint Your Heart

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For continuing election coverage, visit Lkldnow.com.

What is your position on the proposed strong mayor changes to the city charter?

There was a time that I was in favor of the strong mayor initiative, however, after more thought on the matter, I am no longer in favor of the strong mayor.

What policies would you put in place to support Lakeland’s growing culture of small businesses?

A longtime small businessman myself, owning commercial and retail space I lease to small businesses, I have a good grasp of what owners of small businesses need. First, we need to ensure that the regulations, directives, and codes are not hindering the ability for small businesses to flourish in our city. Second, we need to readdress the 2012 sign ordinance which has posed some issues to small business.

I would also continue to support the grant program that has existed in the Dixieland area and to some extent in the midtown area.

In your opinion, what are the three biggest challenges facing our community?

These three things are big on my to-do list: 1. Maintaining and improving upon the small business environment that exists in the city.

2. Building up our enterprise funds to be able to maintain and if possible reduce our tax rate.

3. Making the right choices when it comes to replacing some of our aging equipment at Lakeland Electric.

What would be your top priority as a city commissioner?

The City of Lakeland and its citizens. I will be a true representative of the people of Lakeland when it comes to making the best decisions for our future.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the candidates do not necessarily reflect those of The Lakelander or its publisher, Patterson Jacobs Media Group.

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PEOPLE

By the Mango Tree Written by Kristin Crosby

Photography by Rob Crosby

BORN AND RAISED IN LAKELAND, JOSHUA MICHAEL ROBINSON STARTED MAKING MUSIC AT A YOUNG AGE. SINCE MOVING TO NASHVILLE THREE YEARS AGO, THE ARTIST, KNOWN AS JMR, HAS RECENTLY RELEASED HIS SECOND ALBUM, ITS SOULFUL MELODIES MAKING WAVES THROUGHOUT THE MUSIC SCENE. JMR SHARES THE MANY INFLUENCES THAT IMPACT HIM STILL AND THE REFLECTIVE MAKINGS OF HIS LATEST EP BOYISH. OR WHAT ROBINSON WOULD CALL A KIND OF CONVERSATION WITH HIS 20-YEAR-OLD SELF.

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Do you still sing when you don't know you are? Do you smile just the same?

An acoustic guitar in one hand and a handheld phone in the other, the dated photo appears to be of a boy coyly caught in the midst of delivering an earnest serenade.

The boy is 13-year-old Joshua Michael Robinson, and the cover of his sophomore EP release, Boyish. “A photo of preteen me, attempting to woo some unfortunate girl over the phone with my acoustic guitar, felt fitting for the cover,” says the singersongwriter Robinson, now 26.

Independently released in May, Boyish is a broad body of work — some songs complex and dark, some emotive and atmospheric, while others take a soft and eerie tone, each woven together by Robinson’s rich soulful voice.

Since moving to Nashville three years ago, Robinson, creating music under the moniker JMR, has released two records. His debut EP, Ritual, was released by Republic Records in 2015 to critical acclaim, including a feature on the popular music review site, SPIN. He has now returned with seven new songs, in his self-produced EP, Boyish.

Delivering rich vocals and raw lyrics, Boyish features both collaborative endeavors birthed from the artist’s wealth of music influences and Robinson’s emerging ingenuity as a songwriter.

One highlight from the EP, the song “Harbinger” was written at Salaam Remi’s house (Amy Winehouse, Miguel, Estelle) and features the piano work of Robert Glasper (winner of the 2012 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album).

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THERE THERE THERE THERE THERE THERE THERE

AR E ARE ARE ARE ARE ARE ARE

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

RULES RULES RULES RULES RULES RULES RULES

Do you still sing when you don't know you are? Do you smile just the same?

E E E E E E E

“Robert is arguably the best piano player alive,” says Robinson.

“I’ll never forget jamming with him and getting interrupted by a phone call from Erykah Badu on speaker. Definitely don’t deserve to know that guy and am forever grateful for his influence on me.

“That song [‘Harbinger’] in particular stemmed from a conversation I had with Salaam at his house. We had been talking about Amy [Winehouse] and the way she wrote songs. Salaam suggested I go outside and pull from the deep, and I decided I wouldn’t come back until I had a song. I sat by one of his mango trees and tried to face some of my personal darkness head-on.

When I returned inside, Salaam told me that’s where Amy would sit when she wrote. That song was an experience. Salaam has been a source of wisdom for me. His talks have informed a lot of my recent work.”

Robinson had been developing other songs from the EP for some time. “To be honest, some of those songs were many years old, ‘Not Said Enough’ being one of the first songs I ever began to record. I looked back at a younger me with those songs and tried to make this EP a sort of conversation with who I once was.

Boyish is like my 20-year-old story.”

Another of Robinson’s most featured songs is the second single released from the project. “June Carter,” a brooding R&B ballad with sharp percussion, has been referred to as his ode to strong women. “A few years ago, I began writing a handful of role-play type songs about women in history whose story may have been

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overshadowed by their significant other,” says Robinson. “I’ve always been obsessed with Johnny Cash and the dark magic attributed to him. The song is a playful love song to June.”

Robinson moved to Nashville prior to the release of his first EP, Ritual, in 2015, and credits much of his initial exposure and opportunities to his A&R, Nate Albert (lead guitarist from The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.) “He’s the reason I went to that label,” says Robinson.

Before the release of this latest project, Robinson had to regroup when Albert (now executive vice president of A&R at Capitol Records) transitioned to another state. For most any recording musician under a label, they understand a deal is a deal, often hard to get out of and easily stifling for an artist if not well-represented. “With the label [Republic Records], I’m not sure they understand me,” says Robinson. “Nate understood me as a musician. But when your A&R leaves, you’re kind of stuck in the broom closet.” Knowing the many ways the change could affect his work, Robinson sought to record independently. “Half the battle was I had to write a radio song. A radio hit is what really makes the record sales happen. I’m just more interested in good songs. I didn’t want to be a part of the machine.”

So Robinson worked some Southern charm into the situation.

“I sent flowers to their headquarters, with the appropriate ‘thank you’ and ‘please.’ I asked to get out of the deal.” Which he did.

Setting out to record independently may have been an unexpected hurdle in the way, but it gave Robinson the freedom to record the songs he wanted to make.

Now with a home studio, the freedom of an independent artist lends itself not only to the songs he can write, but even the way he writes. “For the last EP, we recorded the music at a cabin on the cliffs of Pigeon Forge,” Robinson says. “Lately, I’ve been writing in more of a natural way — sitting at the piano or with my guitar and will probably weird the songs out later. Who knows; there are no rules. I started one of those songs [‘Elephant’] with audio I ripped from an elephant-poaching video I found on the internet.

The song began to lend itself to themes of love, loss, and memory (for which elephants are known).”

Robinson says the songwriting hub of Nashville has allowed him the opportunity to create the songs he’s most interested in writing. “Sometimes when you are writing so much, it may be difficult to become attached to a song or to know when a song is good enough. Nashville allows me to write for other people and work on other artist’s music so I can step back and assess what I want to say for myself when the time comes.”

Throughout a bellowing tone and fresh-versed narrative,

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“AT TIMES I HAVE TO GET BACK TO THAT BLISS OF BEING A KID IN THE BACK SEAT WITH HIS HAND OUT THE WINDOW HUMMING ALONG. I STILL CAN.” Robinson’s natural way with both singing and songwriting is crystal clear. “I’ve been writing music since I was 14, though I tend to only like the music I’m writing at the current period of my life.”

The artist was the seventh in a family of eight kids. “Definitely a special way to grow up,” says Robinson. Lakeland born and raised, while not necessarily surrounded by the sounds that first drew him to music in his own home, it still managed to find its way to him. “I sort of stumbled upon music. I had little formal training growing up, that didn’t teach me music per se, but rather the language.”

Next door lived a family where music was a way of communicating. “They were cool, spirited people,” says Robinson.

“I’d hear them playing Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton… The father, Patrick, played blues guitar on a 1970s’ stratocaster, which started my affinity for stratocasters.

He really impacted my introduction to a lot of music: rhythm, blues, jazz. Seeing how important music was to his everyday life was inspiring.” Soon Robinson’s parents recognized a skilled obsession and gifted it with the coveted instrument. “I remember a particular Christmas day,’” he recalls, “when I brought over my new stratocaster to Patrick and finally attempted to keep up with him on guitar.”

Continuing to develop his sound in Lakeland, playing at coffee shops and some of the many local churches, a few local musicians became very influential. Aaron Marsh (producer, lead singer from Copeland and owner of The Vanguard Room recording studio) has been one of the many who’ve encouraged Robinson on his songwriting career. “Aaron has had a huge influence on me,” says Robinson. He’s one of the only reasons I take music seriously.

When my mom passed, I’d sleep on his couch and we’d eat ice cream. He’s been an influential figure in my life.”

Robinson went on to attend Trevecca University in Nashville, later transferring to Southeastern University in Lakeland for the remaining two years to study theology. After college, he worked a few part-time jobs, dabbling a bit in sales while talking to a different recording label most every morning. But at times he dealt with an uncertainty of whether to pursue music head-on.

At Grace Manor, my dad is treated like family. The experienced caregivers and a community of friends have helped to make his transition to assisted living a graceful one. He stays active and lives independently, with help when he needs it. I have peace of mind knowing my dad is loved and cared for.

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“ L A K E L A N D I N S O M E W AY S H AS B E E N A CO M PAS S FO R ME. EVERY TIME I RETURN I T ’ S C H A N G E D , B U T M AY B E N OT A S M U C H A S I H AV E .”

“When I was younger, I wanted to quit music,” says Robinson. “People like Aaron Marsh, Ryan Bates, Sean York, and more kept convincing me that this is what I’m supposed to be doing. Good Lakelanders.

“Singing, for me, can be a natural response to the surprise of joy in my life. It doesn’t have to be so deliberate even though my work requires a lot of it from me.” He says the song “Coke Can Motorcyle” presents a conversation between his mother and God. In one line, his mother asks, “Do you still sing when you don’t know you are?”

Later on, the line follows, “I’m still that kid.”

Robinson says, “That particular line references the times when I catch myself singing involuntarily during my day. It also doesn’t take a long time in the industry to start picking apart any song you hear with its various writers/ publishers/labels/producers — so at times I have to get back to that bliss of being a kid in the back

seat with his hand out the window humming along. I still can.”

If Robinson has any advice for the next wave of musicians coming out of Lakeland, it would be, “Think of the craziest thing you could possibly do; that’s your best idea.” Maintaining the thrill of the music and still progressing forward as an artist can be treading a tightrope, but Robinson credits much of his influences from his childhood and home as sources that continually keep him grounded. “Lakeland in some ways has been a compass for me. Every time I return it’s changed, but maybe not as much as I have. It provides for me a contrast for my self-realization, I think, and there’s a lot of inspiration in that.”

Robinson’s next project is much in the works over this season. Venturing beyond realms of romance, he seeks to engage some current political issues the nation faces with an upcoming single.

“I wrote a song with a friend named Math Times

Joy during the immigration ban,” says Robinson.

“I really enjoy it, and it should be out soon. It’s currently titled 'Sojourner Within Your Gates,’ but that could change. Additionally, I’m writing an album with a short film. I’ve been writing some of the music for the last year or so. Some friends and I are taking a trip out West this summer to get some inspiration for the short film. It’s a new creative realm for me, but I’ve been able to meet some amazing people in the process.”

Moving forward, Robinson’s work progresses to cover even more territory. “I’ve written two or three different records coming out. I’m trying to buy time and get enough support to do this bigger idea, a film/album. The last few years I had shut off my love for theology and philosophy with making art. I used to be obsessed with philosophy. But recently I’ve opened up that door again — merging theology with art. The best art leaves you with questions.”

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97

TASTE

WRITTEN BY LOGAN CRUMPTON

ember THE FLAVORS OF FIRE P H O T O G R A P H Y BY DA N AU S T I N STYLED BY LISA MALOTT

SEAFOOD MOFONGO

> green plantain mash with chicken stock, butter, bacon bits, shrimp, octopus, and conch

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THE HOMEY TRADITIONAL DISH IS WHAT WE CRAVE. REGARDLESS OF WHAT ETHNIC PLATTER WE ARE PARTAKING, WE WANT THAT COMFORT FOOD. THOSE TASTES THAT SOMEHOW EMBODY ALL THINGS REMARKABLE, DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT FROM OUR OWN ORIGINS, YET MAKE US FEEL AT HOME ALL THE SAME. ONE WOULD THINK SUCH A DISH WOULD BE EASY TO TRACK DOWN. OFTEN IT'S THE UNDERSTATED PLACES, THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, THAT HAVE SOMEHOW MASTERED THE ART OF CULTIVATING SUCH FLAVOR.

>

BBQ RIBS & YUCCA FRIES grilled spare ribs with guava BBQ sauce, alongside the unique root-vegetable, fried yucca

THE LAKELANDER

95

B

rasa Latina has been open nearly two years and has remained, for the most part, unknown. Location may have played a part in that. You’ve likely passed this shopping center a thousand times, but you’d need a keen eye to spot the red sign that says "Brasa," and if you’re lucky, “open.” If you’re one of the fortunate few to have stumbled on their door, it was likely through word of mouth, as there is no large marketing budget or online presence. But sometimes you don’t need all that.

I know what Brasa means, so when I caught site of their frontage, I pulled a 180 for a closer look. On my first visit, I walked in to find a diner making quick work of a half chicken.

His bare hands were slicked with chicken grease, and he had the confident look of a man who’s dealt with a chicken or two in his time. I sat down solo, faced with a menu with the heading, “Feed your senses …” A bold tagline to be sure, but as I browsed the menu, reviewing the Puerto Rican and Western Caribbean favorites, I noticed the nontraditional flavor profiles. I gave the man at the bar another glance, admiring his passion, hoping someone in this world loves me as much as he

CHICKEN "A LA BRASA"

>

As chef and co-owner of Brasa Latina, José Vicente draws inspiration from his Puerto Rican roots. He has served as executive chef for numerous restaurants, including the Soleil Beach Club, and Uvva Restaurant Hosteria Del Mar in Ocean Park.

roasted half chicken marinated in Brasa Latina spices

loves his glistening rotisserie chicken in front of him.

As my waiter appeared, I noticed the chicken had been picked clean. The waiter doesn’t even speak before the man says, “It was worth every dime, man!” which led me to believe he took issue with the price point. Everything looked reasonable to me, but everyone has their financial limitations.

You’d think after witnessing my neighbor feast with such gusto that I’d order the specialty of the house, and that’s what I recommend you do, but this is me, and when I can’t recognize a dish or ingredient on the menu, it’s like gravity. I go with the unknown and leave the safety choice for later.

I sampled my side of arroz mamposteao, which was technically perfect: incredibly moist, pillowy rice, cooked in a rich chicken broth and colored a vibrant orange from saffron.

There were also creamy pinto beans with diced hunks of roast pork and cured ham. I had also never heard of a sandwich called “choripan.” It came on soft, sweet egg bread, similar to a medianoche, with added sweetness from red onion, red wine chimichurri. Sharp spice from the chorizo and nutty Swiss cheese kept the whole assembly savory. The sandwich

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COMPOSITION WAS A TESTAMENT TO THE SKILL AND THOUGHTFULNESS BEHIND THE STOVE.

>

A LA BRASA GRILLED PLATTER a generous plate of grilled shrimp, chorizo, skirt steak, and chicken

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> ALIMENTOS BÁSICOS S TA P LE FO O D S O F P U ER T O R I C A N C U IS IN E

Plantains a sweet cooking banana, plantains are commonly prepared in a large heated skillet with oil and served alongside rice and beans.

Sofrito this traditional base is used in endless dishes, created with a combination of pepper, garlic, onions, and cilantro.

Gandules pigeon peas are a staple legume, most often used to create the beloved Arroz con gandules, rice and peas.

100 THE LAKELANDER

CHORIPAN a sandwich richly stacked with grilled chorizo on a buttered baguette

composition, or construction if you will, was a testament to the skill and thoughtfulness behind the stove.

Some might not think twice, but for a sandwich-o-phile, the way a hero, sub, butty, grinder, or sando is stacked, really makes a difference.

After my last bite, I felt the familiar coating of hand-made garlic mayo on my lips. At my fry cart, The Root, we make our own mayo, so when I notice a restaurant taking the time to construct their own condiments by hand, it means a lot. It’s an easy way to determine how much care is put into the food. Unfortunately, most are satisfied with buying a half-gallon of restaurant-supply mayo and calling it a day, but that won’t bring me back.

Attention to detail and passionate cooking is what I’m about. As the waiting staff cleared my clean plate, he asked how it was. I honestly didn’t

want to speak; I wanted another sandwich! I just paused, composed my thoughts, and echoed the sentiment of my chicken-destroying friend, “Really, really good man. Worth every dime!”

I know it’s just a sandwich, but skill is skill, and can be appreciated in a sandwich as much as anything else. Do you realize how long I’ve been waiting for a restaurant I can be proud of on the north side of town?

The next day, you’d better believe I was back to make amends and order the Chicken A la Brasa at the bar just like my nameless poultry-wrecking friend. I asked for sweet plantains and pigeon peas with rice as my sides. After devouring the entire plate, sans bones and cartilage, the waiter came to check on me again. This time, I couldn’t speak. All I could offer him was my sincerest be-schmaltzed high-five, which he happily accepted.

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CULTURE

art

/t h e written by

Elizabeth Hults /

of p h o t o g ra p h y b y

Mo n i ca W i n t e r s /

collaboration / IN RECENT YEARS WE HAVE SEEN AN EMERGENCE OF ARTISTS IN OUR CITY, IN BOTH THE NOVICE AND PROFESSIONAL REALM. NO DOUBT, ONE PAINTING CAN INSPIRE A STORY. ONE POEM MAY SPARK A SONG. AS ARTISTS WE INEVITABLY FEED OFF OF EACH OTHER. YET, IT IS THE ARTIST THAT OFTEN WORKS ALONE, IN PRIVATE, PULLING FROM THE DEEP FOR THE INSPIRATION TO MATERIALIZE THE NEXT MASTERPIECE. IT IS A SACRED PROCESS. NOT ONE WE ARTISANS ARE EAGER TO INVITE OTHERS TO JOIN. COLLABORATION IS DEFINED AS: THE ACT OF WORKING, ONE WITH ANOTHER; COOPERATE, AS ON A LITERARY WORK. IN THIS CONVERSATION, A PANEL OF LOCAL ARTISTS AND INFLUENCERS DISCUSSES THE POSSIBILITIES, AND MANY PRESENT RESULTS, FOR BOTH THE ARTIST AND THE COMMUNITY, WHEN THE PROCESS UNFOLDS WITH ONE ANOTHER.

THE LAKELANDER 103

T

rue art isn’t created in a vacuum.

It can’t even exist without some form of collaborative effort.

Artists absorb their surroundings, digest influences, and build upon culture and atmosphere to produce (commonly) visual concepts. The artist is always in collaboration — with their surroundings, other artists, and so on. Truth be told, our best work is done alongside other critical thinkers. Collaboration is an art form unto itself. It fuels creative exploration and expression, and ultimately transcends the individual.

What better way to discuss collaboration in the arts than to gather a group of ambitious citizens, all currently engaged in creative endeavors? The very act of sitting down in a group format allows us the opportunity to respond and build onto what each is saying — or in other words, to collaborate [wink.]

Allow me to set the stage: We gather in the recently rehabbed ART/ifact on an oppressively hot June afternoon. Music plays softly in the background of the expansive warehouse. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow light to pour into the space, exposing its industrial brick and concrete bones. Gathered at the far end of the 3,000-square-foot gallery sit four unassuming white chairs, nearly invisible against the whitewashed walls save their occupants. From left to right: Greg Francis, author; Nicole Travis, Community Redevelopment Agency

CURIO

SOCIETY

OF

KNOWLEDGE

02

Hosted monthly by Posto 9 and Curio Society, to initiate dialogue centured on culture, art, and philosophy, featuring a new speaker at each event

LAKELAND

CRA

Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency, committed to grow businesses and rebuild neighborhoods within three redevelopment districts

104 THE LAKELANDER

Elizabeth Hults: Let’s dive straight in and kick it off with you, Greg. You’re an author, husband, soonto-be father, and self-proclaimed “think-too-hard, feel-too-soon, love-too-deep, junk-food-eating, coffee-drinking, stare-too-long-at-pictures-I-takefor-Instagram kinda guy.” You recently published a book called Bro. which illustrates your experiences growing up in Brooklyn during a massive cultural shift.

Can you tell us a little bit more about that?

Greg Francis: I started out wanting to write the book because the story was important to me. Growing up in Brooklyn, I started to realize that it was changing so much and felt I had a story to tell about displacement.

Along the way, I found that people either had a similar story or wanted to take part in getting the story out.

Where I come from, there is no such thing as free help or collaborating — not without strings attached. That concept was foreign to me. But, people found passion in my passion. You’ve heard sayings like “better together” — I didn’t understand that concept until I put pen to paper and began sharing with my friends and artists around me, who then said, “Hey, I can draw something like that,” or “I’d like to speak on that.” Collaboration was key during a time in my life (even my generation) where it’s popular to be isolated. Having other artists around me to expand what I thought was a small idea has been phenomenally helpful.

Elizabeth: So your book is, in its entirety, a byproduct of collaboration.

Greg: Exactly.

01

A collaborative space for pioneers, contrarians, and change-makers to learn, connect, and be inspired; existing to expand the possible

HOUSE

manager; Josh “Bump” Galletta, pastor/illustrator; and myself. We exchange pleasantries before discussing how our collaboration in the arts has benefited us both individually and impacted our community. I clear my throat, pause the music, and hit “record” on my phone.

03

Elizabeth: Tell me about your recent collaboration with House of Knowledge. It’s almost metacollaboration — collaborating on a collaboration within a collaboration. I mean, what is House of Knowledge?

Greg: [Laughs] Almost like collaboration inception, right? House of Knowledge is hosted by Posto 9 and Curio Society (a facet of We Are Curio) to initiate thoughtful dialogue revolving around art, philosophy, etc.

This month I’ll be talking about my book, Bro., tackling the concept of gentrification, even just progress in terms of communities: what that looks like and how the two

THE

04

PANEL

Each person at the discussion not only brings an artistic point of view to the topic, but is instrumental to the many creative and collaborative developements throughout the city. from left to right: Greg Francis author Recently published his first novel, Bro., just released this year Nicole Barry Travis manager of Lakeland CRA Travis’ work enables new developments that spark and inspire creativity, such as Mass Market, to exist.

Josh “Bump” Galletta commercial artist and illustrator based Youth and Community Pastor at Oasis, Bump’s beloved illustration’s have quickly captured the heart of Lakeland.

Elizabeth Hults graphic designer and visual artist Founder of ART/ifact, a gallery space and collection of art studios in Mass Market

BRO.

05

This novel by Greg Francis explores the gentrification of urban cities and its ripple effect into the lives that surround.

Set in Brooklyn, on the cusp of a hipster, coffee shop culture shift, two brothers must face the fact that their city will never be the same. >

THE LAKELANDER 105

may clash. In Brooklyn, I was being pushed out. Now, here in Lakeland, with the new development happening, I could become the pusher if I’m not careful.

Elizabeth: What is blight, exactly?

Nicole: Blight can be crime, decreased property values, lack of public transportation, but it’s ultimately caused by disinvestment. My primary job is to eliminate blight by increasing your taxes.

[Group laughter and cringing] Nicole: [Laughs] But, if I’m increasing the tax space and getting private-sector dollars to come in, then it’s making the area interesting, right? We actually talk about gentrification in some of the projects that we’re working on and ask ourselves, “Is this a bad thing?” It’s often labeled a stigma, and it certainly can be bad but also really good.

Elizabeth: Speaking of success, the Lakeland CRA recently collaborated on a pretty big project in one of your target areas. Can you tell us a bit about the Design District Competition and its subsequent gateway installation?

Nicole: Transitioning that idea of collaboration over to the art component, art is one of the most inexpensive ways to transform a community. It brings people together, whether through paint, brainstorming, design thinking, or other mediums. Art has the ability to unite and move beyond socioeconomic disparities. I think it’s underestimated, underutilized, and I’m extremely grateful that Lakeland is

Elizabeth: There’s a delicate threshold — a fine line in the sand. How much is too much, and how do we protect and preserve our communities?

Nicole: Which is where collaboration is key. I can’t do my job alone. I have to collaborate with the community to figure out what’s needed, what’s wanted, and what people will embrace in the area. I can sit at my desk and dream up ideas, but unless I find others who can help figure out

EAST

MAIN

DESIGN

STREET

DISTRICT

06

An area with industrial and artisan businesses, identified by the CRA as a potential place of development, using art to transform culture REPURPOSE

ART

STUDIO

07

Repurpose Art Studio aims to empower the women of the community through artistic and productive outlets, such as furniture restoration and jewelry making, to produce skill sets that strengthen their economic stability.

JOSH

“BUMP”

GALLETTA Commercial artist and illustrator, Josh is better known as Bump. Bump Galletta, that is.

His creations, which range from business to personal, can be seen locally and nationally, and includes works for Orange, Jon Acuff, and East Lick Coffee. >

106 THE LAKELANDER

08

COLLABORATION IS AN ART FORM UNTO ITSELF. IT FUELS CREATIVE EXPLORATION AND EXPRESSION, AND ULTIMATELY TRANSCENDS THE INDIVIDUAL.

Elizabeth: I think this is the perfect segue to introduce Nicole Travis, a CRA manager for the City of Lakeland. Tell us about what you do for the Community Redevelopment Agency.

Nicole Travis: My primary job is to take three defined boundaries where we’ve seen disinvestment, and try to raise property values and eliminate blight.

how to overcome disinvestment together, those ideas won’t succeed.

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MAKERS A collection of local artists who meet the first Monday of every month to offer a time to collaborate, network, and inspire hope for the artistic community of the city

the paint even dried, we’d identified the next project. That was exciting.

Greg: When you shine a spotlight on that and tell the creators, “Hey, I want to endorse this. I don’t want to take away from it; I just want to take the instruments I have and call attention to what is already great.” People want that! That’s why it was such a home run for Lakeland.

Nicole: Everyone felt a sense of pride and ownership.

ART/iFACT

10

A non-profit art studio located at Mass Market, this modern gallery and workspace showcases the works of up-and-coming local contemporary artists.

108 THE LAKELANDER

embracing the arts for this reason. Art is transformational, not just in the physical sense with property, but in the community as well, in the way that people begin to see themselves and others around them.

Greg: Yeah, collaboration says, “Hey, you can come along. Join the ride!”

Nicole: In that spirit, the East Main Street Design District was born out of collaboration. We did a study that showed the area had some great bones for artisan-type businesses that make it really eclectic and desirable, so we had to ask ourselves, “How do we draw attention to this area?” The obvious solution was art. Believe it or not, when the idea of painting the intersection came about, I didn’t get an immediate “yes” from the city manager’s office.

[Group laughter] Nicole: Instead of taking that “no” as a pushback, I tried to figure out how to make it a “yes.” Turns out, the collaboration was the missing component. I contacted Harrison School of the Arts and Rochelle School of the Arts, and when I proposed that the CRA would be collaborating with those partners, it was immediately approved. What’s more, it started the conversation about what we’re doing for the arts in the community. Before

Elizabeth: Exactly, and what’s more, that project paves the way for future collaborations. Artists feel empowered when they see their city backing them. This brings me to Josh Galletta, or the artist most commonly known as “Bump.” You’re a bit of a Lakeland treasure.

Why don’t you tell us a little bit about some of your recent collaborations.

Josh “Bump” Galletta: Well, I work full time at Oasis Community Church. I’m a youth pastor and do community outreach. I teach our community how to volunteer and serve at a different charitable organization each month.

One outcome of that outreach was connecting with Gospel, Inc. which led to my most recent collaboration.

Giving back to your community is so important, and I try to do it as often as possible, so I created a mural for Gospel Inc.’s sister organization, RePurpose Art Studios.

The mural expresses the heart of what they do and makes their facilities feel more like home for the people who come through their doors. On the side, I freelance as an illustrator.

Nicole: You’ve got skills, man!

Bump: It hasn’t always come easily though. I went through a time where I felt I needed to up my game, so I went to a conference in Memphis for illustrators and was so inspired by all of the great stories I heard and lessons I learned. It got me amped to start a baby version of it here in Lakeland. After a few conversations with other artist friends, we got the ball rolling with Lakeland Creative Makers, which has been so phenomenal, hearing everyone’s passions, endeavors, tears, and frustrations.

Creative folks in any capacity get together on the first Monday of every month (different locations and keynote speakers each time) to meet, hang, and be encouraged.

Elizabeth: And I know those meetings have sparked other collaborations that I’m sure we don’t even know about yet. To speak broadly, I’d love to hear more about what collaboration means to you, and how it has

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2 1 1 7 H A R DE N B O U L E VA R D • L A K E L A N D , F L OR I DA 3 3 8 0 3 • 8 6 3 . 8 0 2 . 5 0 0 0 Photo Courtesy of Special Collections, Lakeland Public Library

The Yarnall Building is located on East Pine Street in Lakeland, Florida. It was built in 1920 to house the Yarnall Storage and Transfer Company. The building was restored in 1989.

“ART IS ONE OF THE MOST INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO TRANSFORM A COMMUNITY.” / NICOLE TRAVIS

CONTACT 11

If you’re interested in renting space at ART/ifact, contact Elizabeth Hults at info@artifactstudios.org, or visit 820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801.

benefitted you both professionally and personally.

Greg: Completing my book would’ve been impossible without collaboration. In the process of writing, I realized everything I’ve ever loved — every movie, work of art, meal, etc. — involved collaboration. Growing up, I was told, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” As a 27 year old, with all due respect to my elders, I’ve gotta disagree. We first have to define what is right. Everything right I’ve been a part of has been just that — a part, a conveyor belt of ideas passed down the line. I can’t even think of dinner without my wife! When brains come together, awesome things happen.

Nicole: When it came time to approach developers for Mass Market, no one wanted to partner with us. The project came to be by brainstorming over coffee with others, thinking and dreaming of what we want to see happen in Lakeland. By nature I’m a very introverted person, but those initial awkward meetings laid the groundwork for the new connections who are now tenants of Mass Market. This project far exceeds anything I could’ve come up with on my own. When I just talked to people and got the ideas moving and interacting with other ideas, it started to grow and take shape.

Elizabeth: As if you’re speaking things into existence through the power of manifestation, by thoughtfully and intentionally creative problem solving alongside other individuals who share your love for Lakeland, and hope for its continued growth and improvement.

110 THE LAKELANDER

Don’t tackle tax season by yourself.

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Call today for an appointment 863.686.7330 Or visit our office in the Lake Aston Sales Center Tuesdays & Thursdays beginning February 3

SHELTER

En La Casa WRITTEN BY PAIGE WAGNER • PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA WINTERS

A HOME IS MORE THAN JUST A LOT OF LAND WE OCCUPY. IT IS A PLACE TO OFFER SECURITY. A PLACE TO AWAKEN THE SENSES AND INSPIRE. IT IS SOMETHING WE ALL SEEK OUT. AND, REGARDLESS OF INCOME, IT IS SOMETHING WE CAN ALL CREATE: A PLACE TO CALL OUR OWN. OUR DAILY GETAWAY.

I've

always had a thing for Spanish casitas.

Maybe it’s my personal Spanish heritage coming to the surface or my aesthetic draw to bright, colorful, terracotta tiles, but I’ve been swooned by the architectural style my whole life.

Historic Spanish homes are few and far between, hidden amongst the shadows of oak trees in our Southern town. Frederick Trimble, a prominent American architect in the early 1900s, is credited for pioneering the Spanish Colonial Revival style in Central Florida. With the rich history of Spanish influence in Florida, Trimble wanted to create an architectural design that incorporated that stylistic history with a functional Florida-style home — la casita.

Seen as gems amongst the everpopular Craftsman bungalows, if you have the opportunity to own one of the few Lakeland Spanish casitas, you should consider yourself blessed.

I had the opportunity to sell Andy and Haley Osborn their Spanish casita in 2015 and have always admired their home. With its flat roof line and stuccoed exterior, this home screams bungalow characteristics, charming features, and Central Florida history. I sat down with my friends two years later to chat about how they’ve put their own mark on making this historic charmer their home.

Spanish Colonial Revival The historic casita has long been a treasured Florida home style. Some aging nearly 100 years old, owning one of these Spanish Colonial homes is like owning a bit of Lakeland history.

114 THE LAKELANDER

cocina To preserve the 1920s' allure of the home, the couple removed the 1970s' residue from the kitchen and livened up the space with a fresh coat of paint.

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sala Streamlined furniture, with added personal touches, capture the essence of warm minimalism.

“It is a special thing to be part of something you are constantly learning about.”

- Andy

116 THE LAKELANDER

Paige Wagner: What first drew you to this home?

Haley: When I stop and think about our home being almost 100 years old, I think about how many families have called this place home before us. There are not only our memories that are made in this home, but memories before us and memories after us. It’s truly special playing a small part in Lakeland history by owning this home.

PW: Having lived in the home, what is your favorite part about it?

Andy: Not the office, because who ever uses the home office?! I love my kitchen built-in bar, because I built it myself and that’s pretty cool.

Haley: All the natural light! People think it’s creepy that we have very limited window treatments because the norm is to always close up your house, but we love exposing the 150+ original window panes this home still holds and allowing it to breathe.

PW: What is the most charming feature of the home?

Haley: The thick stucco walls. When people come over for the first time, they always tell us that our walls look like “icing on a birthday cake,” and I always joke that that’s exactly what we were going for!

Andy: For me it’s the original hardwood floors. I appreciate that these are the same floors that were laid when the home was built, and that so many people have walked on them adds a deep history to the home.

PW: With the house being just shy of 1,200 square feet, does it ever seem too small? Or does the character and richness of the home make up for it?

Andy: The house is proportioned really well. With only having six rooms, each room is allocated a healthy portion of space.

The home only feels small when you visit a friend’s house on the south side of town and you’re reminded that 1,800 square feet is the

Publix Super Markets founder George Jenkins was once asked how much he thought he’d be worth, had he not given so much away. He responded without hesitation.

Why do we support organizations dedicated to our children’s futures, or those that provide meals or shelter for our neighbors in need? Because it is, as George Jenkins believed long before and long after he established Publix Charities, a privilege. It has been our privilege to touch so many lives over the past 50 years, and we are committed to moving forward with the same vital purpose: to nourish our communities.

Learn more at publixcharities.org/50years.

50 YEARS NOURISHING COMMUNITIES

new normal. So my advice is stay amongst the historic districts and you’ll think your house is huge!

Haley: When you understand why the home is small and proportioned different from what we think is normal, you appreciate it more. When we purchased the home, [Paige] explained to us that the closets are small not because people didn’t have a lot of clothes in the 1920s, but that homeowners were taxed on closet size. So they built smaller closets to keep taxes low but then would have large wardrobes to store their clothes. I now don’t despise my small closets because I understand the history in its purpose.

When I walked into Andy and Haley’s home, I felt a sense of individuality. In the same way that their Spanish casita is one-of-a-kind, I "felt" one-of-a-kind in the home. There is not one ounce of cookie-cutter stigma to this Spanish casita, including the people in it. Everyone holds a uniqueness and design that is unmatched, including the 93-year-old brick and mortar that truly lifts this feeling of individuality.

A huge attribute to the emotional and spiritual feeling of this home is the interior design. The Osborns have done a flawless job maximizing the use of smaller space while adding a modern flair to the home’s historic accents.

PW: Do you feel a part of the history of this home? If so, how are you leaving your mark?

Haley: We want to preserve the historic 1920s’ features while also stripping the home of the decades of decor that do not blend with the original style. We felt our calling was to remove all 1970s’ residue from our kitchen.

We painted all the brown paneling floor to ceiling and brightened up the space, making it feel airy and light again like it would have been in the 1920s.

Andy: The exterior paint started chipping on our back door, and you can see layers of paint from years past. We love that we can leave our mark by being another layer of paint added to the history of this home. Even if it’s small changes like paint or adding a breakfast bar, it’s our piece of legacy we get to add to the history book of the home.

PW: What is the vision of your interior design?

Haley: We like the mid-century modern feel with the straighter lines and tapered furniture legs. The more streamline the furniture, the less space it takes up in our home. If you go around the house, there are different pieces and decor from all around the world. This platter dish on our dining room table is from Egypt, and our rug in the living room is from Morocco. I travel a bit more than Andy for work, but he brought a candle back from Key West, and it’s the best candle ever! We love adding a part of our life story to the design of the home.

Andy: We also prefer repurposing furniture or buying local as much as possible. We love local artist Juliet Lapham’s Lakeland prints and have them scattered around the home, and we also have a few locally crafted pillows from Rane Made.

Aside from the casita’s beautiful hardwood floors that flow throughout the home and the large original windows that allow natural light into the space, the interior design of this home significantly adds to the charm and feel of the space. Distinguished designer John Saladino writes, “A house is much more than a shelter, it should lift us emotionally and spiritually.”

Owning a house and making it your own can be intimidating with a brand-new home let alone a 93-year-old historic home with its original wood frame and heavy stucco-clad walls. Andy and Haley jumped feet first into the historic home experience, making their first home this Spanish casita with all its charm and challenges.

alfombra Adding a vibrant statement, like this bright rug from Morroco, to a clean styled room brings depth and easy conversation pieces.

118 THE LAKELANDER

quality Only the finest meats, cheeses and vegetables are used to make our delicious classic italian dishes.

Come enjoy.

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R E S TAU R A N T

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PW: How did you come across your furnishings?

Haley: We are suckers for West Elm furniture and love their take on modern design. Like most people though, we can’t always afford all West Elm furniture, so our house is an honest mix of 40 percent West Elm and 60 percent Target (West Elm copy cat)!

PW: If your house could speak, what would it say?

Andy: Well, I’m not sure what the Spanish translation would be … I think of a house as protection and safety, but this house is also fun, so I think our house would be the “Cool Dad.” I really do see our home as a part of our family. Homes are human in a way because as they get old, they wear like people. The beauty of a home, especially a historic home, is that as you age with them, they age with you.

As you care for them, they care for you.

120 THE LAKELANDER

Haley: I think the house said, “Thanks for painting me; I really needed it!”

PW: What advice would you give someone thinking about living in a historic home, or specifically a Spanish casita?

Haley: DO IT. One of my favorite things about living in our historic home is no one’s house looks like mine. I love explaining my house as the “bright pink Spanish house half way down the street.

Not everyone can describe their home like that.

Andy: I think I like newer-construction homes more then historic homes (Haley sucked me into this). But as I’ve realized through the process of living here, it is a special thing to be part of something you are constantly learning about. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and this home keeps me learning and growing as a person and a homeowner.

cuarto Unexpected touches, such as hats on the wall or a bike rack, add both flavor and practicality. Following in the good taste of modern design.

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OPENINGS & COMING SOON

OPEN COB & PEN

Location: 1221 South Florida Avenue The stately Tudor house in Dixieland is a gathering place for the city. Serving craft beers and fine food, this smoke-free bar is all about keeping good company.

CONCORD COFFEE Location: 1037 South Florida Avenue Concord Coffee has expanded their shop to roast their own coffee, giving locals a look into the roasting process.

EXPLORATIONS V CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Location: 109 North Kentucky Avenue With their brand-new music and soundstudio exhibit, Explorations V Children’s Museum is the perfect place to bring your kids.

FLORIDINO’S

Location: 804 East Memorial Boulevard In addition to delicious pizzas and wings, Floridino’s offers a variety of Italian favorites, including pasta, calzones, salads, and more.

HAUS 820

Location: 820 North Massachusetts Avenue HAUS 820 stands as a unique venue capturing the diversity of Lakeland by hosting a variety of events, including weddings, corporate parties, and markets.

HILLCREST COFFEE

Location: 119 Hillcrest Street In this beautiful, remodeled Dixieland historic home, order your favorite drink and enjoy live music performed by local artists.

JERSEY MIKE’S

Location: 3801 U.S. 98 North Jersey Mike’s is known nationally for its tasty subs and quality service. If you’re looking for an affordable and delicious lunch spot, check it out.

124 THE LAKELANDER

LAKELAND ESCAPE ROOM Location: 308 East Pine Street If you’re an avid gamer, always up for a challenge, this latest entertainment destination just might be the thrill you’re seeking. Part game, part story-telling, part team-building, the Escape Room is a logic-based, real-life game. Solve mysteries and escape a room in a set timeframe. Sure to liven up your next date night or family outing.

LITTLE GREEK FRESH GRILL

Location: 4756 South Florida Avenue Tampa-based, fast and casual, this Greek restaurant serves a variety of authentic Mediterranean appetizers and entrees.

LKLD LIVE

Location: 202 North Massachusetts Avenue LKLDLive is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to enhance and engage local artists.

Come out and enjoy the diverse styles and performances hosted by the new venue.

POSTO 9’S ROOFTOP LOUNGE

Location: 215 East Main Street Enjoy live music, cocktails, and delicious food while overlooking the beautiful city of Lakeland on Posto 9’s rooftop lounge.

PREMIER REALTY NETWORK INC.

Location: 1301 Grasslands Boulevard, Building 100 Premier Realty Network has expanded to a second office in the Grasslands area. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to sell, or wanting to relocate, they can help.

PUBLIX FIELD AT JOKER MERCHANT STADIUM

Location: 2301 Lakeland Hills Boulevard The Detroit Tigers have been an important part of Lakeland for years. Holding their Spring Training here has added to our city’s economy, but seeing them play at this worldclass facility is more exciting than ever. With a $40-million renovation that took over 15 months to complete, it is sure to be a great experience for the team’s fans.

TOP BUTTONS UPSCALE THRIFT BOUTIQUE Location: 236 North Kentucky Avenue A nonprofit organization purposed to promote positive body image, healthy selfesteem, and modesty among young women.

Top Buttons programs offers styling services, confidence-boosting educational sessions, and a wardrobe of properly fitted attire to at-risk girls in our community. All of the proceeds from the boutique go back into this nonprofit organization. Open for public shopping EVERY SATURDAY from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donations may be dropped off at the boutique during public shopping hours.

ZARZA LATIN FOOD & GRILL

Location: 4648 Cleveland Heights Boulevard Located in the Shoppes at Hallam plaza, Zarza specializes in grilled chicken, steak, and seafood, as well as arepas, black beans and rice, fajitas, and yucca fries.

COMING SOON BEYA

Location: Lakeland Square Mall Date: early June 2017 Lakeland’s newest accessory haven. With walls lined with color-coordinated accessories ranging from earrings to scarves, adding elegance or color to your wardrobe at an affordable price has never been easier.

CRANE’S CROSSING

Location: 1037 Florida Ave S. Lakeland, FL 33803 Date: to be announced Chef Michiyo Crane will be serving international cuisine from all over the world, working with a chef from France to create an incredible menu.

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EVENTS CALENDAR

RECURRING EVENTS EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT PUB RUN @ RED DOOR LAKELAND 6:15 p.m. - 7 p.m. lakelandrunnersclub.org/othercommunity-runs/

AUGUST 7 LKLD CREATIVE MAKERS facebook.com/ArtCentricStudio 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

EVERY WEDNESDAY DIXIELAND TWILIGHT MARKET 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

AUGUST 8 COFFEE WITH THE CANDIDATES 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. business.lakelandchamber.com

EVERY SATURDAY MORNING MITCHELL’S COFFEE HOUSE RUN Long Run 6 a.m. lakelandrunnersclub.org/othercommunity-runs/

AUGUST 10 THURSDAY SQUARED FOOD TRUCK RALLY AT MUNN PARK 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. downtownlakelandfl.com7 p.m. - 8 p.m. instagram.com/lkldcreative

EVERY SATURDAY MORNING BLACK & BREW FUN RUN 8 a.m. lakelandrunnersclub.org/othercommunity-runs/

AUGUST 12 DBMK LIVE 7:30 p.m. facebook.com/pg/lkldlive

EVERY SATURDAY DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Closed for August.)

AUGUST 17 CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PRESENTS: SUPERTRAMP BREAKFAST IN AMERICA 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. rpfundingcenter.com

AUGUST AUGUST 1 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT ylakeland.com/calendar AUGUST 2 - 26 ADULT ART CLASSES artcentricstudio.com AUGUST 4 HOLD ON I KNOW THIS! JUSTINO ZOPPE 7 p.m. - 9: 30 p.m. facebook.com/pg/lkldlive AUGUST 5 END OF SUMMER BRAWL 7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. rpfundingcenter.com

126 THE LAKELANDER

Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally at Munn Park

RE/MAX Paramount Properties www.PolkCountyHomes.com 863-680-3322 Each office independently owned and operated.

Since 1972 We’ve treated them like family.

• Comprehensive Medical Services • Professionsal Grooming & Stying • Comfortable & Spacious Lodging • AAHA Accredited 3710 Cleveland Heights Boulevard 863.646.2995 pethospital.com

All Creatures Animal Clinic NOW ACCEPTING PATIENTS!

Welcome to your “other” family doctor!

All Creatures Animal Clinic has worked hard to not only gain the reputation of being an exceptional medical facility, but also to become an integral part of the families we serve. We are committed to always making time for our clients and providing compassionate care in a cutting-edge medical environment. In addition, we also offer alternative medicine options which include chiropractic care, laser, and a hydrotherapy pool. Our clinic recently earned AAHA accreditation, a distinction awarded to the top 12-15% of animal hospitals in the United States and Canada. We are also a certified Cat Friendly Practice. Pets are our passion, and keeping them healthy is our #1 priority.

HOURS: Mon & Thurs - 7am - 7pm / Tues, Wed, Fri - 7am - 5:30pm / Sat - 8am - Noon

(863) 646 - 5683

1019 W PIPKIN RD LAKELAND, FL 33811

EVENTS CALENDAR

AUGUST 19 ALMONDY BROWN, HOSS, POLAR SUMMER 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. facebook.com/pg/lkldlive AUGUST 24 SUMMER BLOCK PARTY AT HAUS 820 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. facebook.com/haus820 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 8 SUMMERTIME SWINGTIME REVUE SHOW 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. facebook.com/pg/lkldlive SEPTEMBER 9 JUSTINO ZOPPE - COMEDY MAGIC SHOW 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. facebook.com/pg/lkldlive SEPTEMBER 30 THE DARK SIDE OF THE SPOON A SPECIAL PINK FLOYD-THEMED THREE-COURSE DINNER 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. facebook.com/pg/lkldlive

Downtown Farmers Curb Market

They deserve the best, because they’re family too.

• Pet Sitting • Pet Taxi Service • Mid-Day Dog Walking • House Sitting / Overnight Stays

863.450.4770 Bonded/Insured/References

PromisePetcare.com

Everything You Expect From Your Auto Dealership For Almost Half the Cost.

We Service All Vehicles! American & Imports Brakes • Tune-Ups • Power Windows Computer Diagnostics • Full Transmission Services

FREE A/C by appointment only 10% off Brake Job 4231 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland FL 33813

newmoonsushi.com (863) 647-1212

Lunch Hours Tuesday - Friday:11:30am - 2:00pm Dinner Hours Tuesday - Thursday, Sunday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm

HISTORY

Date: 1948 On South Kentucky Avenue, a crowd lines up for a double feature at Palace Theatre, where Palace Pizza now exists.

Photo courtesy of Lakeland Public Library 130 THE LAKELANDER

69

years of

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COMPLEX MATTERS Since 1948, Peterson & Myers has provided experienced legal advice to help our clients’ innovative ideas become a reality.

We believe each client deserves attorneys who create learned, practical, individualized solutions in a constantly changing and complex environment. Please call us or visit our website today for more information about our time-tested legal experience.

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