The Lakelander - Issue 46 / Lakelander Made

ISSU E 46

NACRE WATCHES WIMBI SURF & SKATE RAFA NATURAL

made

PATRIOT COFFEE

We are grateful and excited to announce the creation of the

JACK AND TINA HARRELL FAMILY

INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE

The Jack and Tina Harrell Family Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Medicine will encompass life-saving cardiovascular healthcare services offered through established and future Centers of Excellence formed to provide the most advanced therapies and care possible to the patients and families we serve.

The six Centers of Excellence are: • The Harrell Heart Center • Chest Pain Center • Comprehensive Stroke Center • Center for Personalized and Preventive Cardiovascular Health (future center) • Heart Failure Center (future center) • Women’s Heart Disease Center (future center) “We are overwhelmed by the longstanding leadership and inspiring generosity shown to Lakeland Regional Health by Jack Harrell, Jr., his wife Tina, and the Harrell Family.”

Elaine C. Thompson, PhD, FACHE Lakeland Regional Health President and CEO

Lakeland Regional Health’s more than 30 years of experience providing advanced cardiovascular care is unmatched in Polk County.

Placing people at the heart of all we do.

We are home to Polk County’s only Hybrid Operating Rooms and Hybrid Catheterization Lab and were the first in the County to offer leading advances in treatment like the MitraClip®, WATCHMAN™ and Amulet devices.

We have also successfully performed more than 700 atrial fibrillation ablations and inserted thousands of pacemakers.

Our Chest Pain Center coordinates the timeliest acute heart attack care possible with Polk County’s Emergency Management Services. We consistently treat patients in 40 to 45 minutes, half the Society for Cardiovascular Patient Care’s national benchmark.

To learn more about the leading edge cardiovascular services we offer or this transformational gift, visit myLRH.org.

www.badcock.com

R

Eleven Polk County locations to serve you!

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 Christina Lakeland North 1409 N. Florida Ave. 6100 S. Florida Ave. (863) 646-2921 (863) 682-8107

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

Auburndale 521 Hughes Rd. (863) 967-6602

Haines City 35495 Hwy. 27 (863) 422-3144

1350 N. Broadway Eagle Lake (US 98) Bartow 1515 Hwy. 17 S. (863) 533-1611 (863) 294-7749

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We accept most major medical insurances as well as HMOs & Medicaid.

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I SS U E 44

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C O N T E N T S ISSUE 46

ON THE COVER In this issue, learn how Nacre Watches continues to build on a family legacy of timepiece industry experts.

Photo by Dan Austin

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Call 863.825.3258 to purchase

CONTENTS

82 FEATURES

42 • TASTE

56 • STYLE

70 • SHELTER

82 • PEOPLE

Reinventing the Classics

Body Armor

The Weaving Residence

Heading Home

Sidekicks: Our favorite Thanksgiving recipes

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Power suiting, the season’s color trends, and a Q&A with Miss Florida

Guest House: The Lakelander’s firstever design-curated experience

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

Dennis Ross leaves Congress and begins a new chapter in his life

Be

A place to { challenged }

{ innovative } { mission-minded } { inspired } { compassionate }

At LCS, we teach students that challenges are not roadblocks, but rather moments for lifelong learning and transformation. That’s why an engaging curriculum is a priority. Sharpening minds while shepherding hearts – the proven LCS approach for your child’s success.

Visit our website, then call Julie Rice, Director of Enrollment, for a tour.

lcsonline.org

1111 Forest Park Street, Lakeland | 863-688-2771 1111 Forest Park Street, Lakeland • 863-688-2771 • lcsonline.org

CONTENTS

94 • L I F E S T Y L E

Nacre Watches Standing the test of time

104 • F O O D & D R I N K

Patriot Coffee

Paying tribute to those who serve

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114 • A R T

WIMBI Surf & Skate Riding the wave

124 • H O M E

Rafa Natural

Freshly crafted skincare and bath products

134 • T E C H

114

Giftful.co

The joy of giving ... made easy

143 • T E C H

Sharp Wall Technologies

A unique twist to the traditional brick-and-mortar model of building

DEPARTMENTS

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16 • MASTHEAD

20 • CONTRIBUTORS

24 • METRO

18 • EDITOR’S NOTE

22 • LETTERS

146 • HISTORY

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

POWERING

PUBLIC SAFETY Beyond providing affordable, dependable, and sustainable electric service, Lakeland Electric’s story is about strengthening and connecting the communities throughout the Lakeland Electric territory. We are proud to support the Lakeland Fire Department.

I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H

lakelandelectric.com

Another Great Brand in One Convenient Location

Curt Patterson Jason Jacobs • Brandon Patterson PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS

Brandon Patterson EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Annalee Mutz

Daniel Barceló

MANAGING EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Advertising ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ADVERTISING SALES

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449 Brandon Patterson | 863.409.2447 Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785 Aubreigh Kennedy | 863.712.1545

Editorial CONTRIBUTORS RETAILER INFO

COPY EDITOR

CARPET • RUGS • HARDWOOD • andersontuftex.com

Sally Ibarra Barceló, Victoria Bardega, Priscilla Burr, Lenore Devore, Abdiel Gonzalez, Joe Hepler, Anastasia Jones, Johnny Laderer, Andy Osborn, Benjamin Vickers Laura Burke

AA804 FACTORY | 05051 DRAWING TABLE

Creative DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michelle Simanca Dan Austin, Sally Ibarra Barceló, Rob Christian Crosby, Brandon Cruz, Jenna Neal, Richard Om, Tina Sargeant, Myles and Sarah Shank, Jason Stephens, Naomi Lynn Vacaro

Digital DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR VP, FINANCE GENERAL COUNSEL

Sally Ibarra Barceló Jason Jacobs Deb Patterson Ted W. Weeks IV

Issue 46 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.

RETAILER INFO

CARPET • RUGS • HARDWOOD • andersontuftex.com

2810 Drane Field Road Lakeland, FL 33811 Phone: (863) 644-5500 Fax: (863) 648-4668

Patterson Jacobs

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

Customer Service: 863.701.2707

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“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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E DITO R ’ S N OTE TRY, FAIL, LEARN — REPEAT! As a student at Southeastern University, something new from their mistakes I remember sitting through many in order to develop a better solution. leadership sessions where the emphasis And many of these respectable business would be on the age-old saying: “Try, owners sit among us here in Lakeland, fail, learn.” Much of my experience as a creating products that better our lives in young leader has followed this sequence, a multitude of ways. although I don’t know if I was really fully Although we cannot erase the prepared for the sting mistakes of our past, we can that followed failure and the motivation choose to learn from them it takes to not only in order to build a stronger move past it, but to foundation moving forward. take away valuable and transformative insight from it.

In this issue of The Lakelander, we’re The more I hear about the stories of celebrating the many businesses that put successful businesses, I also hear about themselves out there and risked it for their failures. It seems that it is rare for one something they believed in. Some have to not follow the other. Even businesses done so more than once, only to come like Amazon, Netflix, and Coca-Cola out on the other side with even better have not been immune to the sting of products than before. We commend them failure. Small-business owners risk a lot for their innovation, and we admire them when putting themselves out there in a for their resilience through the process. competitive world where we’re all eager Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The to solve the next problem and create the greatest glory in living lies not in never most innovative solution. falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Like bigger companies, many small With any great reward comes great risk. businesses have risked, lost, and built Although we cannot erase the mistakes something even greater from their of our past, we can choose to learn failures. It says a lot about those who from them in order to build a stronger can take responsibility, reflect, and learn foundation moving forward.

Annalee Mutz

MANAGING EDITOR

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Healthy Teeth and Gums F O R T H E W H O L E FA M I LY !

Now your entire family can enjoy the comprehensive treatment from dentists who truly care. And it isn’t just their gentle manner that makes patients smile, its also the extensive menu of outstanding services – from cleanings to dental implants – all available under one convenient roof. Call today! (863) 226-0986 • • • • • •

Same Day Emergency Service Advanced-level treatment for everyday needs Now Open 7am-6pm & on Saturdays Sedation dentistry for total relaxation Caring and friendly team of professionals Heated massage chairs, hot towels, and neck pillows.

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863-226-0986 • MyMidtownDental.com WE TAKE YOUR INSURANCE • 0% INTEREST FINANCING DENTAL SAVINGS PLAN • VETERANS & MILITARY DISCOUNTS FOR A FEE ADVERTISED MINIMUM FEE ONLY’ OR A FEE SERVICE. THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY. CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY SERVICE. EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

C O N T R I B U T O R S THE WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS THAT MAKE THE LAKELANDER

LENORE DEVORE

“Reinventing the Classics” photographed by Dan Austin, pg. 42

Lenore Devore stumbled into her rhyming name when she met Bill Devore in 2000. They’ve called Lakeland home ever since, raising two children here.

She’s a fierce fan, cheering for her daughter as she runs marathons and her son as he makes movies. The Gator grad holds a state record in the bench press, which she does so she can pursue her second love — cooking, followed by eating. @lenoredevore

BENJAMIN VICKERS Benjamin Vickers is a native of Lakeland. After studying literature in college, he moved to New York for formal culinary training at the Culinary Institute of America. After working in numerous prestigious bakeries, restaurants, and resorts along the East Coast, he returned to Lakeland and founded Honeycomb, the local artisan bread bakery specializing in sourdough. When writing about food, he brings a professional’s focus on technique with a unique and playful writing style. honeycombbread.com How did you first get into baking?

Like so many others, baking began for me as a hobby. In college I was determined to become a writer, but bread and pastry was something I couldn’t put down. Eventually, baking became my entire career, and writing is now something I do for enjoyment.

How do you draw inspiration as a writer?

Research is the best source of inspiration. I’m always looking for a deeper understanding about the topics we write about at The Lakelander.

You’ve contributed to many issues of The Lakelander. What has been your favorite article to write so far?

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Hands-down it would be March 2018’s Passover feature, “The Seder Plate.” The content has such a specific emotional and historical context that was important to communicate. It was a real joy bringing something from my personal background to the public.

What does the ideal Lakeland weekend look like?

Sleep in because you deserve it! During the day, peruse the Downtown Farmers Curb Market (maybe pick up a loaf of Honeycomb bread), and then finish up any chores or errands that you’ve been putting off. In the evening, reward yourself with a fancy drink at Revival downtown with your compadres.

Sunday you should take your parents out to breakfast or give them a call.

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

TINA SARGEANT Tina Sargeant has been professionally capturing the moments, events, and people of our region for years, and photographing for The Lakelander since issue one.

Tina’s photography is driven by the ability to suspend time and create emotion, and her work embodies a passion for anthropology: people, culture, and stories. sargeantstudios.com See the masthead on p. 16 for a list of all contributing writers and photographers.

S at u r d ay, D e c e m b e r 8 , 2 0 1 8 2:30 & 7:30 pm • Branscomb Auditorium Adults: $8 • Students: $4

Festival of F I N E A R T S

BOX OFFICE: 863.680.4296 | flsouthern.edu/ffa

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L E T T E R S COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

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In the Hustle and the Bustle Life can be chaotic and so can be finding the balance between our work and personal lives.

Develop a plan to better manage your stress and keep a healthy perspective.

I

t’s often said that eight out of every 10 businesses will fail (a debatable statistic but one that still floats out there often) — a sobering thought, jumping into an issue about Lakeland-made businesses.

Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart.

Running a business isn’t easy (so I’ve been told).

Regardless whether your business is big or small, the responsibility of being a business owner can sure be a heavy load to carry.

Dreaming, launching, and running a business requires hard work and dedication, both of which are key to building a thriving and successful company. Hard work and those dedicated to their craft are also greatly to be

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admired and often major inspirations for contributing even more innovation to our world today.

However, I’m sure the short lifespan of many businesses is not the byproduct of lack of hard work. Many small-business owners have gone in with big dreams, strategic business plans, and the financial backing that would indicate a path to success, only to close up shop years (or even months) later. So perhaps the demise of some promising business ventures has less to do with the externals and more do with the internals.

The long-term success of your organization may not come down to how much you can produce but perhaps your ability to set boundaries for yourself, put aside your ego, and empower those around you.

There are only so many hours in a day. Between the busy schedules, varying

responsibilities, and constant influx of decisions to navigate, the simple truth is that there is too much to get done at once. Some may call it trying to navigate work-life balance; some may call it avoiding burnout.

But no matter if you’re a business owner, employee, or stay-at-home parent, many times our personal lives suffer when we’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of our work routines.

You don’t have to journey through this life navigating the balance alone. Loosen the reins a bit and let in others to the process; you don’t need to micromanage every aspect of your life to reap success. It’s easy to get caught up and feel like relying on others makes you less than. But the more you work on a project, the more your focus can narrow in solely on your own perspective alone — a dangerous territory to cross.

Take a step back and

I SS U E 46

THE LONGTERM SUCCESS OF YOUR ORGANIZATION MAY NOT COME DOWN TO HOW MUCH YOU CAN PRODUCE BUT PERHAPS YOUR ABILITY TO SET BOUNDARIES FOR YOURSELF, PUT ASIDE YOUR EGO, AND EMPOWER THOSE AROUND YOU.

allow the voices of your business partners and co-workers to carry their own weight, too. This will empower those around you to thrive in their areas and give you the confidence to continue to grow as a leader by learning to let go. Maybe allowing others to speak into the process can become your business’s competitive advantage as well — as long as you choose those voices wisely.

However, at the end of the day, there will still be work to get done. No amount of delegating, team building, and boundary setting will get you past this hard truth.

So as you continue to grow your business or dream of its future, just remember to do what you can today, reminding yourself that it’s enough. Perhaps taking a step back and resting is what we need in order to generate our next great idea.

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METRO

New Music THE LATEST NEWS ON SOME LOCAL ARTISTS AND THEIR MOST RECENT MUSIC RELEASES

“POPE”

by Copeland

With the anticipated release of their sixth album — mixed in NYC

by Michael Brauer who has also mixed records for John Mayer, Coldplay, Bob Dylan, and Hall & Oates) — Copeland has released their newest single, “Pope.”

SEU Worship is Southeastern University’s staff and student-led music ministry. On November 2, they released their sixth album, titled Heaven Life.

HEAVEN LIFE

by SEU Worship

Sophomore Year Basketball is back and so is the Lakeland Magic Last year, the Lakeland Magic had its inaugural year in the city. Formerly the Erie BayHawks, the Orlando Magic purchased and relocated the team to Lakeland. The NBA G League affiliate opened up its first season in a newly renovated arena at the RP Funding Center. The venue rolled out last year with an improved court, including new baskets and locker rooms, and new video displays and sound system.

The new sporting venue created opportunities for fans to locally experience NBA basketball.

Along with the game-day experience came plenty of entertainment for the whole family. The Lakeland Magic also offers a VIP experience with all-inclusive food and beverage.

On Saturday, November 10, the Lakeland Magic welcomed their second season at home at the RP Funding Center against the NBA G League affiliate of the New York Knicks, the Westchester Knicks. This year, the overall fan experience will be elevated even more with Phase Two of a $14-million renovation completed.

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The Lakeland Magic will play a 50-game regular season which consists of 24 home, 24 away, and two neutral site games at the annual G League Showcase. Fifteen of the 24 home games will take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and the season will also feature six back-to-back contests. A part of the Eastern Conference’s Southeast division, the Lakeland G League team will play 40 games against Eastern Conference teams, including the Greensboro Swarm, Erie BayHawks, and Capital City Go-Go. So now that the season has started up, consider adding a few, if not all, the games into your schedule.

With tickets as low as $10 a game (and season tickets starting at $8.63 per game), an evening spent with the Lakeland Magic is an affordable and ideal night out. lakelandmagic.com 863.825.3258

METRO

GET OUTDOORS

In style, of course

Who said camping means sacrificing form for the sake of function?

As the cooler months grace our presence (yes, even for us Floridians), there’s something about the great outdoors that starts calling. Maybe this takes the form of a good ol’ fashion camping trip, filled with bonfires, hiking trails, and being surrounded by the beauty of nature.

And although sweat, dirt, and sun don’t always say, “Hey, look at me!” there are still ways to embrace the outdoors while looking good doing it. So, whether you’re lounging by the fire or gearing up for a hike, there are little ways to add some flare to your essential outdoorsy gear.

THE BASICS

An Enamel Mug

The Classic Flannel The Lakelander Pick: 5th & Hall Momentum Woven Banks Shirt Because what equates more to outdoor fashion than the classic flannel?

117 S. Kentucky Ave 5thandhall.com

Sporty Graphic Tee The Lakelander Pick: Oldskoolwear Graphic Tee The perfect loungewear to keep you ready for whatever the great outdoors throws your way next

THE ESSENTIALS

Warm enough to bring on out-of-state adventures, too!

The Lakelander Pick: Happy Camper Mug There are few things that compare to sipping a hot cup of coffee (or other warm beverage of your liking) while sitting around a bonfire sharing stories. campbrandgoods.com

Reusable Water Bottle The Lakelander Pick: Stationery Loft’s Corkcicle or Swell Bottle Staying hydrated (and environmentally friendly) has never looked so good. stationeryloft.com

Marshmallow Roasting Skewers

@OldSkoolWear on instagram The Lakelander Pick: Target’s Sunnydaze Roasting Marshmallow Skewer Set Yeah, we get that sticks work, too. But add a fun twist (and a more sanitary option) for those classic s’mores. target.com

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TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME

LIDAY

MAGIC

It’s the season of giving, so give yourself the gift of self-confidence!

Calling upon 17 years of experience, board-certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Faeza Kazmier offers a range of surgical and nonsurgical treatments that can help you achieve the look of your dreams.

• Facial Rejuvenation (Facelifts, Eyelifts and Minimally Invasive Browlifts) • BOTOX®, Dysport® and fillers for the face and hands • Breast enlargement, breast implant revision, lifts and reductions • Drain-free tummy tucks and liposuction Certified nurse practitioner D.J. Nelson works alongside Dr. Kazmier and offers a host of highly effective laser treatments that are performed in-office with no downtime, including Clear + Brilliant for healthy, youthful looking skin, and diVa® vaginal therapy for improved laxity and lubrication.

Call today to schedule your appointment and ask about the great Holiday Specials being offered!

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Model Shown

METRO

A Dedication to the Call Written by Victoria Bardega

Pastor Mike Loudon has played a pivotal role in the Lakeland community since first becoming pastor of First Presbyterian Church in 1999. After serving in ministry for 47 years, Pastor Loudon officially retired from preaching on November 2, leaving behind a great legacy of commitment and leadership. lmost 20 years ago, Dr. John B. “Mike” Loudon and his loving wife of 48 years, Joyce, came to Lakeland with a deep desire to know and to serve the surrounding community. Originally from New Castle, Pennsylvania, Loudon felt a call into fulltime ministry around the age of 10 years old.

“A lot of kids wanted to be firefighters, nurses, policemen, but I had this strong desire to preach,” Loudon recalls of his childhood. After growing up in a large, thriving church environment and making an intentional commitment to the faith, he began his career as a youth director at his

A

home church of Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church before attending and graduating from full-time seminary in Massachusetts in 1973.

Eventually, Loudon moved on to happily serve as the lead pastor of Eastridge Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, for 12 years. After the 12-year mark, he felt it was time to transition into something completely new. When he heard about the open pastoral position at First Presbyterian Church, Loudon connected with a pastor from the nominating committee and flew down with Joyce in January of 1999 to run as candidate for the position. When the church congregation officially voted him in to be pastor/head of staff, Loudon and his wife were incredibly excited to join our city’s community in hopes of making a huge difference. “[We] hit the ground running that April when I stepped into the role to raise funding for the addition of a new building for FPC,” Loudon says. He and his family were welcomed with open arms into the city of Lakeland — an aspect of their transition Loudon always admired about the people in our community. Loudon shares, “Here we were — a couple of Midwesterners — as the new people in town, but the locals here embraced us with their warmth and Southern hospitality in a

Dr. John B. “Mike” Loudon and his wife, Joyce, look forward to spending more time with their children and grandchildren.

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“Here we were — a couple of Midwesterners — as the new people in town, but the locals here embraced us with their warmth and Southern hospitality in a way that made us feel right at home.”

way that made us feel right at home.”

He recalls the last 20 years serving in his role as incredibly busy and exciting — all at once. “In ministry, you walk with so many people through some very important times in their lives and enter into their lives in ways that other people aren’t invited in,” Loudon admits. He also expresses that during his 20 years of service, some of the most memorable moments are these shared experiences with congregants — from cheerful, elaborate wedding days to sorrowful, sometimes unexpected funerals. “One of the aspects of ministry you will always remember are the times where you have to walk with someone through the valley of the shadow of death,” he acknowledges.

In October of this year, Loudon announced his official retirement and looks forward to embarking into this new season of life with Joyce, who also served for 10 years as a musical instructor at All Saints Academy and teaching children with dyslexia at Roberts Academy. They are excited to spend time together traveling and visiting their three children and nine grandchildren. “We definitely want to make more time for family outings, go to our grandchildren’s concerts and ballgames,” Loudon says. While he moves into this new season of transition, his message for our tight-knit community is that we “continue to be the welcoming and diverse community that [we] are.”

METRO

THE SAVINGS AND THE SPENDING MINDSETS

According to the National Retail Federation, Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Over the five-day period from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, the average spending-per-person was $335.47 in 2017. The biggest spenders were older millennials (25-34 years old) at $419.52.

According to a 2017 National Retail Federation survey: “From Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, more than 174 million Americans shopped in stores and online during the holiday weekend, beating

Written by Andy Osborn

A little financial guidance for savvier holiday spending

THE SPENDING MINDSET This puts the value on spending your disposable income over saving your disposable income. Time is money, so know the value of your time as it relates to the cost of a gift: “This new jacket cost 30 hours of my time.”

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the 164 million estimated shoppers from an earlier survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.”

Are you ready to spend that kind of money?

It’s been said that the only thing better than getting the perfect gift is giving the perfect gift.

Holiday savings, like any savings goal, requires a little guidance and lots of self-restraint. One tool to help with this is budgeting.

Budgeting is a process of creating a plan to spend your money.

My college Accounting

Professor, Dr. William Hahn, would always say, “Proper planning prevents pathetically poor performance.” Given he would use this in reference to studying for a test, I have found ways to implement his advice into most areas of my life, including budgeting. By combining the saving and spending mindset, hopefully these hints can alleviate some of the holiday stress around purchasing gifts. If we can train our mind and behavior to align with our goals, we can meet them with less resistance and a little more change.

Here are a few tips that will make holiday savings easier and holiday spending savvier.

Compare Prices – 80 percent of shoppers used a mobile phone inside of a physical store to either look up product reviews, compare prices, or find alternative store locations, according to an Outerbox article from September 4, 2018. To incentivize consumers, some brick-and-mortar stores will price match websites to better compete with the online marketplace. It can be as simple as asking the sales representative if they would price match the item you found online.

PRICE COMPARISON WEBSITES & APPS:

BizRate.com is a user-friendly website that allows customers to view and compare product prices and reviews. In addition, you can enter your email and a price threshold, and get notified when your specified product falls below your price point.

Shopsavvy App is an app that allows you to scan barcodes in the store and see prices for online and in-stores.

2.

Promotional Codes – Promo Codes will help you save money by reducing the price of shipping or the cost of the product. Websites like retailmenot.com, allow you to search for any active or recently used codes. Printable and paper coupons are also available from the manufacturer (Nike) and the retailer (Dick’s Sporting Goods).

3.

Order Early – Shipping can get expensive the longer you wait to order a gift from an online retailer. Some stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot even offer free, in-store pickup.

“PROPER PLANNING PREVENTS PATHETICALLY POOR PERFORMANCE.”

Read the full article on thelakelander.com.

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Our location may have changed.

But our promise never will.

Nemours made a commitment to give kids the best chance of growing up healthy. Which is why Nemours Children’s Specialty Care has moved to Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children on the campus of Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center to continue providing expert pediatric specialty care. Because kids do better when we work together.

Specialty care services include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

audiology cardiology endocrinology ENT gastroenterology general surgery maternal-fetal medicine nephrology neurosurgery ophthalmology orthopedics rheumatology ultrasound urology X-ray

© 2018. The Nemours Foundation. ® Nemours is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation.

Nemours.org/lakeland

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up

the secret staircase Written by Joe Hepler Photography by Sally Ibarra Barceló

Ever wondered what Cob & Pen’s 65-foot bell-less bell tower mysteriously houses?

Venture with us behind the locked door that leads to the secret staircase.

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L A K E L A N D IS A C U RIOU S P L ACE. It’s not a small town, but it’s also not a big city. Most people probably think of it as only an exit they pass on I-4 on their way to Tampa or Orlando. At best, someone might know Lakeland as the home of Publix or where the Detroit Tigers have Spring Training, but I doubt it. It’s not particularly well known, despite being home to movie sets, alt-rock icons, and future NFL and MLB stars.

That’s the thing about Lakeland: At first glance it is horribly ordinary and, yet, the stuff of legend could be

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existing behind any door. You just have to know where to look.

There’s one door in particular I want to tell you about.

It’s a door you’ve probably walked by if you’ve ever darkened the doors of the restaurant Cob & Pen. Locked behind this ordinary door is a secret staircase that spirals up into the bell-less bell tower, which was added to the historic Tudor house after it arrived at its current location. The 65-foot tower offers a truly beautiful 360-degree view of the city. It’s an awe-inspiring sight; so much so, that people like Chase Wagner, creative pastor at Grace City Church, have frequently been granted access up into the tower to song write. But when

The historic Tudor house, once located on Lake Hollingsworth, was moved to its current location to preserve its history and the stories that live within it.

I asked him why he finds the Cob & Pen tower to be so appealing for his creative sessions, his answer had nothing to do with the view.

Wagner tells me, almost cryptically, “The tower houses the mysterious and toogood-to-be-true history of Gene Holloway.

It’s Gregory [Fancelli’s] personal shrine to his friend Gene’s legacy.”

Like I said, in Lakeland, things are rarely as simple as they seem.

Gene Holloway, the man whose likeness lines the walls of the tower, built and lived in the Tudor home. He was the owner of the famous Sea Wolf restaurant in Tampa. He also made headlines with his large collection of exotic cats and a bizarre incident in the early 1980s when he was thought to have fallen overboard and drowned, only to be found three years later alive and well in Toronto, Canada. Now in his 80s, Holloway has devoted his life to treasure hunting and developing the right equipment to locate a hydrogen bomb that was lost off the east coast of the U.S. How do I know? Well, because he told me himself.

When I spoke to Holloway on the phone to ask about his time in the Tudor home, he didn’t regale me with the same sordid tales that you’ll hear from people around the city who think they know Holloway and his story.

telling me, “I come from a very poor start in life. Growing up, when my family was in Naples, we lived out of an old yellow school bus, and I had this one friend there who had a big home on the Gulf that I would go and visit. I always remembered thinking how neat it was, and I guess it sort of stuck with me as I was building my home in Lakeland.”

While he resided in Lakeland, Holloway enjoyed spending time out on Lake Hollingsworth, often towing water skiers behind his boat. Despite feeling like his work kept him so busy that he didn’t get to enjoy it as much as he should have, Holloway tells me, “One of the real, real

“THE TOWER HOUSES THE MYSTERIOUS AND TOO-GOOD-TO-BE-TRUE HISTORY OF GENE HOLLOWAY. IT’S GREGORY [FANCELLI’S] PERSONAL SHRINE TO HIS FRIEND GENE’S LEGACY.”

Instead he talked at length, and in great detail, about things like the particular type of “pecky cypress” wood he used to build the home. He also shared why he was inspired to build such a lavish home,

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pleasures of my life was meeting George Jenkins and having him over to my home there in Lakeland.”

Before we finished our call, Holloway made sure to tell me, “You know, I am so indebted to Gregory [Fancelli, a grandson of Jenkins] for spending the money that it cost him to move and preserve the biggest portion of that home. I haven’t been able to go over and see it since it was moved. But one day I’m going to go.” When that day

comes, Holloway will undoubtedly get to enter behind the locked door that leads up the tower’s secret staircase. And when he does, he will find the walls lined with old paintings bearing his likeness and enlarged photographs of his restaurant’s old menu — mementos and tributes to a man who so perfectly captures the enigmatic spirit of the curious city where he once lived.

Gene Holloway was the owner of the popular Sea Wolf restaurant in Tampa.

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

Your life. Your career. Your MBA.

In the ever-evolving business world, professionals with in-depth knowledge are increasingly in demand. When you earn your MBA at Southeastern University, you’ll sharpen your business acumen, increase your management knowledge, and strengthen your employability.

Learn more at SEU.edu/MBA MBA CONCENTRATIONS AVAILABLE IN: Executive Leadership | Healthcare Administration | Missional Leadership | Sport Management Classes are available online or on-campus, and financial aid is available.

Follow us @seuniversity

SEU.edu

Lakeland Florida 800.500.8760 | 863.667.5018

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CELEBRATE THE SEASON With the arrival of the holiday season, the City of Lakeland has made a few changes to its traditional event line-up. After listening to local merchants, the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) carefully assessed their annual events and found a way to condense while adding in new traditions.

Among those new traditions includes this year’s Holiday Open House, an event that will not only kick off the holiday season, but also Lakeland holiday shopping. During this time, Lakelanders can enjoy live music while perusing through local shops and taking advantage of special holiday deals. Visitors can also enjoy downtown dining options and other activities such as carriage rides. The Holiday Open House will take place on Thursday, November 15, from 5 pm to 8 pm.

downtownlkld.com For a full line-up of upcoming holiday events, check out “Celebrate the Season in Downtown Lakeland” at thelakelander.com.

THE STRAWBRIDGE UPDATE

trek2650.com @strawbridgetreks

Where are they now?

It’s been about five months since the Strawbridge family set out on Trek2650 — a 2,650-mile journey southbound along the Pacific Crest Trail. Traveling across the Canadian border to Mexico, this family made it possible for others to follow along on their adventure through GPS, blog, and vlog. Others have also been able to be a part of the journey by partnering with them to support one of the six specific causes each family member dedicated the walk toward.

Before setting out on their journey in late summer 2018, the family had aspired to continue out of the southern Sierras by October and complete their travels along Mexico’s border. Of course, hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is no small feat. There have been some unexpected setbacks, and, according to their blog, the Strawbridge Trek has not come without its trail oddities, exhaustion, and lots of blisters. But even in the midst of such struggles, the family seems to be filled with joy and treasuring tons of beautiful memories.

And if you’re asking yourself, “But where are they now?” Well, thanks to their well-documented blog and social media, you can see for yourself, too.

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OUR FAMILY TAKING CARE OF YOUR FAMILY “Did you know that at Agnini Family Dental, we offer orthodontics for children and adults, as well as TMJ treatment?

In addition, our doctors provide a full range of dental procedures with the highest technology available. As my son Dr. Drew touched on in the last edition, our primary mission is to listen to your needs and help you make the best decision for your oral health. Each team member and doctor truly believe in ‘putting you first.’ It’s not just a tag line, it is our passion. We are always accepting new patients and we would love to meet you!”

- Dr. Mike

South Lakeland Office

North Lakeland Office

2410 S. Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 863-682-1500

1805 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

Lakeland, FL 33805 863-682-1500

AgniniDental.com We accept CareCredit 40

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TASTE

REINVENTING

the classics Written by Benjamin Vickers Photography by Dan Austin Styled by Lisa Malott

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Last year, pastry chef and founder of Honeycomb Bread Bakers, Benjamin Vickers, gave us the essentials needed to master the roast.

Now, we’re taking a look into some of our favorite side dishes to accompany this classic recipe and giving them a reinventive twist.

m

uch attention is paid to the main course of a meal, especially for grand feasts such as a Thanksgiving spread. Last year, that’s all we talked about!

Let’s shine a new light on the often overlooked and undercooked side dishes. The Bonnie to your Clyde; the baby’s breath to your bouquet;

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the Snoopy to your Charlie Brown. The recipes included in this Taste feature represent both traditional and unique culinary perspectives ranging from the comfort food-craver to the sweet-toothed chef. Mix and match as you see fit for endless combinations that will keep your family well-fed for many meals beyond Thanksgiving.

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Mix and match these reinventive holiday classics to create the perfect Thanksgiving combination for your family.

CORNBREAD 1 cup yellow cornmeal, preferably organic stone-ground 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 eggs 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt or buttermilk 1/2 cup milk 1 tablespoon mild honey 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter (to taste) 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Also, heat a 9-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven while you prepare the batter.

2. In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda with a whisk. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, milk, and honey. Whisk the cornmeal mixture into the liquid mixture and stir until just combined.

3. Carefully take the hot cast iron from the oven and swirl around the butter so that it melts quickly but doesn’t get too brown, then quickly whisk the butter into the cornbread batter. Quickly pour all of the batter into the hot pan and place in the oven. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It will be quite brown on the edges. Allow the bread to cool in the pan.

U S E T H E C O R NB R EA D F O R

DRESSING 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, minced Salt to taste Pecan pieces 4 stalks celery, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons sage 1 tablespoon thyme 1/2 cup parsley, minced Freshly ground pepper A double batch of the above cornbread, crumbled About 1/2 cup milk 1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large nonstick pan, and add the onion. Stir often until the onion begins to soften, then add a pinch of salt, celery, and pecans. Cook together for another few minutes until the onion is tender. Add the garlic, and stir together for about 60 seconds, until fragrant. Transfer to a large bowl and fold in the remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Moisten as desired with the milk.

2. Transfer to a greased baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. This dish can be made ahead and reserved until you’re ready to heat through in a 325°F oven for about 30 minutes.

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After baking the cornbread, use it to make the dressing which can made ahead of time and reserved to reheat when ready.

Let’s shine a new light on the often overlooked and undercooked side dishes.

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LAKELAND’S PREMIER COFFEE HOUSE & CASUAL EATERY

205 E MAIN ST

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863.682.1210

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CLASSIC FLUFFY PUMPKIN COOKIES 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt Pumpkin or sunflower seeds (lightly toasted) 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 stick butter, softened 1 cup pumpkin puree 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in medium bowl.

2. Using a mixer on medium speed with paddle attachment, cream the sugar and butter until pale and fluffy.

3. Add the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla, stirring on low speed. Add the flour mixture and toasted seeds and stir on low speed until just combined. Portion onto the baking sheet.

4. These cookies can be baked same-day, but flavor is best when chilled overnight and transferred directly from the fridge to a hot oven.

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Find “Mastering the Roast” on thelakelander.com for step-bystep roasting techniques for a perfect Thanksgiving turkey.

WILD RICE AND ROASTED VEGETABLES PICTURED ON P. 4 2

2 cups vegetable broth 1/2 cup uncooked wild rice 1 teaspoon rosemary 1 teaspoon thyme 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 yellow onion, diced 2 red or golden beets, peeled and cubed A handful of dried cranberries or golden raisins Olive oil, as needed Salt and pepper to taste 1. In a medium-size pot, bring wild rice, vegetable stock, and rosemary to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and let simmer, covered, for about 45 minutes, until all liquid has absorbed.

2. Remove cover and let cool for about 10 minutes. Add thyme and balsamic vinegar, and toss together until well mixed.

3. Preheat oven to 375°F

4. Toss the peeled veggie cubes and onion with a little olive to coat, and lay out in a single layer on an aluminum-lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until veggies are tender and fragrant.

5. In a serving bowl, toss the rice and veggies and cranberries together.

Serve hot.

GOOEY MAC AND CHEESE 2 cups macaroni noodles Salt for the pasta water 1/3 cup heavy cream 5 ounces hand-grated sharp cheddar cheese (not preshredded) 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon onion powder Tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce 1. Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Add the noodles and some salt.

Cook until the pasta is al dente. In the meantime, make sure all of your ingredients are measured and ready.

2. Drain the pasta and leave it in the colander for now. Return the empty pasta pot to medium heat and bring the cream to a boil for one minute.

3. Add all of the cheese and spices, and stir until the cheese has fully melted to produce a creamy sauce. Add the pasta, stir until the pasta is evenly coated in cheese sauce, and remove the pot from the heat.

4. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if necessary. Reserve, cover, and reheat with a little milk in the pot when you’re ready to serve.

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SPICY-SWEET GLAZED EDAMAME

2 cups frozen edamame in the shell 1 teaspoon oil 1 clove garlic grated 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1. Cook or steam the edamame according to package directions.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce,

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water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.

3. H eat the canola oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Once heated, add the garlic and ginger. SautĂŠ for about 60 seconds, until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.

4. Stream in the soy sauce mixture and raise the heat to medium. Let cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce reduces to a glaze, about 5-7 minutes. Once you reach the desired glaze consistency, add in the cooked edamame and toss well.

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

Thank You

to all attendees of Wine for Wisdom for making a difference in the lives of Polk State College students.

THE WORLD TOUR CONTINUES

Sponsors Who Make a Difference

The Wine for Wisdom Host Committee, Polk State College Foundation Board of Directors, Polk State College District Board of Trustees and the students who benefit from your generosity express their sincere gratitude to the following sponsors whose philanthropy is helping to elevate lives through the power of a Polk State College education.

999 Avenue H, Northeast • Winter Haven, FL 338 863.297.1071 • foundation.polk.edu

PRESENTING SPONSOR

BOYER BUILDING CORPORATION SOLOMON SPONSORS

CITIZENS BANK & TRUST • DUKE ENERGY • TAMPA ELECTRIC / PEOPLES GAS – AN EMERA COMPANY METHUSELAH SPONSORS THE A.D. MORGAN CORPORATION • ADVANCED EYECARE ASSOCIATES BAYCARE|BARTOW REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER & WINTER HAVEN HOSPITAL • CNP • CLARK/NIKDEL/POWELL FURR & WEGMAN ARCHITECTS, P.A. • THE LEDGER • LEGOLAND® FLORIDA RESORT • OAKLEY RHINEHART CASSIDY, LLC OAKLEY TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. • PETERSON & MYERS, P.A. • POBJECKY & POBJECKY, LLP GLOBAL IMMIGRATION LAW DR. & MRS. BILL & SUMMER ROTH • SUNTRUST FOUNDATION

J E ROBOAM SPONSORS A • C • T ENVIRONMENTAL & INFRASTRUCTURE, INC. • ADAMS COLD STORAGE, LLC • ADAMSON + CO., P.A. • ASAP PRINTS • BAGLEY • ASHLEY & WESLEY BARNETT BORING BUSINESS SYSTEMS • MARK & PATTI BOSTICK • BOSWELL & DUNLAP, LLP • CAPTRUST ADVISORS, LLC • CENTER FOR RETINA & MACULAR DISEASE CLIFTONLARSONALLEN LLP • DIXIE SIGNS, INC. • EYE SPECIALISTS OF MID-FLORIDA, P.A. • ANGELA & ROBERT FALCONETTI • THE LAKELANDER | WH MAGAZINE MAHALAK AUTO GROUP • THE MOSAIC COMPANY • MYEYEDR. • PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS CHARITIES • STATE FARM • STRAUGHN & TURNER, P.A. UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. – ERIC E. JOHNSON • WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

MAGNUM SPONSORS SARAH JANE & JOHN R. ALEXANDER • ARABELLAS ITALIAN RISTORANTE • AT&T • BANK OF CENTRAL FLORIDA • BB&T BANK • HOWARD & CHERYL BECKERT THE HONORABLE COLLEEN BURTON • CEMEX • CENTERSTATE • CENTRAL BUICK GMC • CENTRAL FLORIDA DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL • CENTRAL FLORIDA HEALTH CARE CROSSROADS CONSTRUCTION CO. • CUTRALE CITRUS JUICES USA, INC. • DAN & SUE DORRELL • EVA & JERRY DRUM • DSM • FLORIDA’S NATURAL GROWERS AMY HARRIS - DREAM REALTY GROUP • HEART OF FLORIDA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER • CINDY & CHARLES HENRY • EILEEN & AL HOLDEN • HUGHES CORPORATE PRINTING, LLC THE HYMAN FAMILY • INTERNAL MEDICINE GROUP OF WINTER HAVEN – ROBIN A. BAKER, MD • EILEEN & SAM KILLEBREW • LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER • LIPSON PAIN INSTITUTE DR. & MRS. GEORGE LYLE • TAMARA SAKAGAWA & BRUCE LYON • TERESA & CARLOS MARTINEZ • PETER & KATHLEEN MUNSON • ORANGE INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LLC KAREN & JIM PHILLIPS • CINDY & PERRY PRICE • REGAL LAKELAND • SADDLE CREEK LOGISTICS SERVICES • SEMCO CONSTRUCTION, INC. • SIX/TEN, LLC VICTOR SMITH LAW GROUP, P.A. • SS DESIGNS • TAYLOR & ASSOCIATES, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, PL • TINSLEY FAMILY CONCESSIONS, INC. • WEBB’S CANDY • TRACY & DAVID WHITE

CRANBERRY SAUCE 12-ounce bag of frozen cranberries 1 cup raw sugar 2 tablespoons water Zest of 1 orange Cinnamon stick Pinch of salt and pepper Place the cranberries in a pot, reserving about 1/2 cup in a small bowl for later. Add sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and water.

Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries are soft, about 10 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and cook until the cranberries burst, about 12 more minutes. Reduce the heat to low again and stir in the reserved cranberries. Taste the sauce, and adjust the sweetness and spiciness as needed.

Serve hot, or cool before serving.

WILL OUR WEALTH BE A CURSE OR A GIFT? GenSpring exists to be a collaborative community of individuals, families and committed professionals focused on growing wealth in support of the family’s enduring values. Our purpose is to objectively manage the issues that keep members awake at night so they can enjoy the moments in life that matter.

WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU? J. Michael Hall, Client Advisor 863.284.4820 or Mike.Hall@SunTrust.com 210 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, Florida

J.Michael Hall, Registered Representative, SunTrust Investment Services, Inc. Investment Adviser Representative, SunTrust Advisory Services, Inc.

Investment and Insurance Products: Are not FDIC or any other Government Agency Insured • Are not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose Value SunTrust Private Wealth Management is a marketing name used by SunTrust Bank, SunTrust Banks Trust Company (Cayman) Limited, SunTrust Delaware Trust Company, SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., SunTrust Advisory Services, Inc., and GFO Advisory Services, LLC which are each affiliates of SunTrust Banks, Inc. Banking and trust products and services, including investment management products and services, are provided by SunTrust Bank and SunTrust Delaware Trust Company. Securities and insurance (including annuities) are offered by SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., a SEC registered broker-dealer, member FINRA, SIPC, and a licensed insurance agency. Investment advisory services are offered by SunTrust Advisory Services, Inc., a SEC registered investment adviser. GFO Advisory Services, LLC is a SEC registered investment adviser that provides investment advisory services to a group of private investment funds and other non-investment advisory services to affiliates. ©2018 SunTrust Banks, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Body Armor

STYLE

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Styled by Abdiel Gonzalez Written by Abdiel Gonzalez and Annalee Mutz Photography by Dan Austin Hair and Makeup by Amanda Fernandez of Reborn Blowdry Bar and Barber Locations: The Terrace and Cob & Pen

Power suiting, the season’s color trends, and a Q&A with Miss Florida

There’s a certain aura that a suit puts into the air. Intentional or not, it either says “fear me” or evokes the same butterflies you get when you see your favorite superhero suit up. From the beginning, this wardrobe must-have was reserved for men and seen as the ultimate show of dominance and masculinity.

It took the iconic Coco Chanel, a pioneer in fashion and business in the 1920s, to liberate women from the societal constraints of corsets and dresses, and gave them the everyday women’s uniform: a lightweight blazer and skirt.

The emergence of the power suit in the workplace was originally intended as a gender neutralizer for career women in the 1940s made popular on the silver screen by Hollywood stars like Katharine Hepburn. As women entering the corporate world began to boom in the 1980s, it became less of a blend-in moment and more about making a statement of capability and authority. This professional staple quickly evolved from the linebacker shoulder pads and knee-length skirts to lighter-weight fabrics, body-conscious silhouettes, and statement prints.

Today, the idea of the power suit is just that: an idea of the past. Women don’t need to mold into a “masculine” silhouette to assert authority and success, but can play with this androgynous style for fun and variety. For a while, the suit was off limits everywhere else but the four walls of the office. Now we’re seeing pop stars like Rihanna performing regularly in menswear, making the power suit a fun and desirable streetwear option for modern-day sartorialists.

In this Style feature, we thought it would be fun to style the beautiful Miss Florida, Taylor Tyson, in modern-day suiting and menswear to juxtapose her usual dresses and pageant glam. So take a peek of some of this season’s color and silhouette trends as we get to know a bit more about Miss Florida herself, too.

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blazer Asos tank Top Buttons trousers Asos shoes Asos necklace TJ Maxx clutch Top Buttons

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TAY L O R T Y S O N Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

I’m from Jupiter and graduated summa cum laude from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in political science. Before winning the title of Miss Florida, I was accepted to seven law schools where I planned on studying criminal law.

How did you first get involved with the Miss America organization? What piqued your interest?

I became involved in this organization when I was 12 years old. As a classically trained pianist, I was searching for more opportunities to share my passion for performing. When I realized that I could showcase my training in the arts while earning scholarship money, I was hooked!

What were your thoughts on the Miss America revamp this past year?

I love that the message behind Miss America 2.0 is substance, not superficiality; impact, not image. As a woman who strives to empower other women, it’s vital that we place priority on the right kind of assets.

Education, hard work, selflessness, and good values are virtues that we should all emphasize over the pressure to meet beauty standards.

Tell us a bit about your Social Impact Initiative and why you decided to dedicate your time to this cause.

My social impact initiative, “Rise Up: Empowering Women to Lead and Succeed,” is all about equipping girls with the tools they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. I’ve spent years working closely with youth, whether it’s through tutoring, volunteering, or mentorship.

In a world where social media is rampant and women still face discrimination, I feel it’s crucial that girls have empowered role models to look up to.

2018 Cadillac CTS courtesy of Cannon Automotive

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What was one of your most memorable moments while participating in Miss America?

During the final show on ABC, I walked onstage to perform my talent in front of millions watching on television, feet away from celebrity judges like Randy Jackson.

Adrenaline was rushing through my body as Ellery Jones, Miss Colorado, finished her spoken-word performance. As we passed each other onstage, she smiled and whispered, “Love you, Taylor” and I said, “Love you, Ellery.” In those few seconds, I was able to focus my energy on the emotion I felt stronger than all others — gratitude. I will never forget that moment, because in all the chaos of a live telecast, what mattered most was the friendships that were made.

What was your favorite outfit from this shoot?

I am obsessed with the red power suit.

The silk blouse gave me major ’70s vibes, and the oversized belt always makes a waist look snatched! Aside from the individual pieces, I love that it makes a strong statement and commands attention.

How would you describe your personal style?

I like to wear classic pieces that have vintage inspiration. My childhood obsession with Marlo Thomas in That Girl is responsible for my love of mod. As Miss Florida, I strive to present an image of strength and capability while still embracing my femininity.

What are the best and worst purchases you’ve ever made?

My best purchase ever is a book of Stevie Smith’s poetry I take with me almost everywhere — that and an Arcade Fire album could keep me happy all day. The worst purchase was one I made recently: a pair of magnetic eyelashes. Let me save you eight dollars; they don’t work.

Where do you draw fashion inspiration?

A mixture of music, movies, and Instagram. I admire women like Monica Bellucci and Sophia Loren whose style is romantic and feminine, along with Kristen Stewart and Emma Watson who both dress with an edge and command authority. The cool style of models like Elsa Hosk and Bella Hadid are the reason I spend way too much time scrolling through Instagram!

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“In a world where social media is rampant and women still face discrimination, I feel it’s crucial that girls have empowered role models to look up to.”

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blazer Zara top Zara trousers Zara shoes Dillard’s earrings Dillard’s

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Licensed Insurance Agent? Join us.

Advocate Health Advisors is a Veteran owned and Veteran operated health and well-being advisory company who provides the means for local agents to serve as trusted advisors within their community. Our unmatched knowledge and experience give agents an advantage to help individuals, families, and employers make informed and confident healthcare decisions. Our Agents are different because they make a difference.

Call Advocate Health Advisors today to discuss this exciting opportunity.

Mitch Berg, Regional Manager C:  (727) 243-8361 T: (800) 709-5513 mitch.berg@advocatehealthllc.com I SS U E 46

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“As Miss Florida, I strive to present an image of strength and capability while still embracing my femininity.”

Where are your go-to Lakeland spots?

I can’t get through the day without a good cup of coffee (or two), and my favorite spot for a latte is Black & Brew. For one-of-a-kind jewelry and gifts, I love Gaines Jewelers. At Miss Florida, my mom surprised me with a beautiful pair of periwinkle earrings from Gaines.

For good luck, I wore them in my Miss America interview.

And since I’m a sucker for good cornbread, one of my favorite spots to eat is MOJO Federal.

If you could travel back in time, what would you tell 12-year-old Taylor?

I would tell her that a lot of life is a long-term game, and that the hard work and sacrifices I made when I was younger (practicing piano seven hours a day, for example) would one day pay off. Sometimes sacrifice is a difficult concept to understand when you’re young, but I believe that God uses our gifts in amazing ways we can’t foresee when we work diligently towards our potential.

What are some of your future goals?

I am eager to begin law school and receive my JD/LLM in criminal or international law. My father is an attorney, and I watched him constantly represent people who needed a hero. For that reason, I view law as a tool to give a voice to the unheard. Combining my passions for law, politics, and entertainment, I hope to one day be a legal analyst on broadcast news.

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What would be on the gag reel of your life?

Thankfully, Instagram has allowed me to actually keep a running gag reel of my life, on my story highlights @officiallytaylortyson. But one moment that you won’t find on there is having an awkward conversation with someone at a recent appearance. I was wearing my crown and banner, and a woman approached me and told me I wasn’t the real Miss Florida. Since I didn’t have my phone with me, I found myself having a hard time proving that I did, in fact, just return home from Miss America. Upon Googling me, she held up a photo of me next to my face to compare. She eventually ceded that I was probably Miss Florida and took a selfie with me!

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PRESENTS

Guest House

THE WEAVING RESIDENCE Written by Johnny Laderer Photography by Tina Sargeant and Robert Christian Crosby

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An iconic modern home situated near Lake Hollingsworth became the ideal spot for The Lakelander’s first-ever design-curated experience, Guest House. Florida Modernism + Design founders, Johnny Laderer and Lina Hargrett, guide us through the exploration of The Weaving Residence.

first learned about The Weaving Residence when a friend showed me where she and friends were thinking of staying during their Hurricane Irma evacuation route. I recognized the architect’s name and realized the owner was the author of Sarasota Modern, a book that highlights architectural gems from the Sarasota School and Florida’s regional postwar modernism. I knew the architect, Mark Hampton, because I knew of the Jordan Residence which is on Crooked Lake just a few doors down from my family place there.

Growing up visiting Crooked Lake, I knew the Jordan House well. My first memory is riding by it slowly from the water on family cruises in which we would always have a running commentary about each house we passed making sure any

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criticisms were spoken low enough so the wind wouldn’t carry our words ashore.

We always sort of took an extra second to look at that one.

The old man who lived there would skull around the lake in the still of the morning or evening. I seem to remember him having a grape arbor (perhaps they were muscadines or just his rowboat rack), but I could just be inflating the idea that I had, that whomever lived there was cultured. His name was Stanley Jordan, but everyone called him Stan.

In speaking recently with Emil Jahna, the current owner who befriended Stan and fell in love with the house before his passing, I learned that Hampton came to see the Jordan House as a work of art; and, perhaps, his masterpiece as well, as he did not much like the idea of Jahna adding on to it even under the direction of Hampton himself.

“Stan and Mark were pretty

good friends. Stan had the money at the time to allow Mark to sort of freewheel and do whatever he wanted,” as Jahna explains the way the house came to be so unique.

When I saw another house by the same architect in the same area code was available to rent, I immediately contacted the owner, Andrew Weaving.

I had already been in contact with Weaving by doing research on Gene Leedy’s

Craney Spec Homes.

“When Johnny mentioned the Weaving Residence was available to rent for the weekend, I was immediately interested in having the experience of staying in this mid-century time capsule,” says Lina Hargrett, co-founder for Florida Modernism + Design.

“The Weaving Residence is not only a historic home designed and built by Hampton in 1957, but also its contents have been

One of the most charming features of this living room is the television compartment which tastefully disappears behind a wooden pannel, leaving a neat fireplace and the art above to be appeciated.

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This home features many rare and collectible furniture pieces, notable of which is this walnut stool designed by Charles and Ray Eames. Its shape is often referred to as an abstact chess piece.

carefully selected and preserved by writer, design historian, and collector, Andrew Weaving, in order to recreate an authentic mid-century home experience,” says Hargrett.

I have yet to meet Weaving, but from conversations over the phone, he seems like a colorful character. But what strikes me most is that he seems to be a collector’s collector. He’s a collector of homes, furniture, art, and basenjis. Before owning and restoring the Hampton house in Lakeland and dubbing it with his last name, he owned the Thomasson/Weaving residence on Drexel in Winter Haven by Gene Leedy. “[Gene Leedy] gave us drawings for various addition options for the house,” Weaving says. Similarly, Weaving was able to work with Hampton before his passing in adding a swimming pool in the backyard. The pool was designed and poured in a signature style which the reflecting pond off the master bedroom was done in as well.

Weaving’s timing on

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both was rather remarkable.

Early in the spike of interest surrounding mid-century and modernism, he was able to identify these sort of obscure (yet crucial) examples of regionalism modernism, buy them, and work with the original architects to update them. The updates or renovations to both were very minimal and in keeping with the original ethos. To that point, the Weaving house has the original (nonworking) appliances in the kitchen. He has worked out a system using several mini-fridges rather than replace or renovate —not that he wouldn’t know how to.

Weaving has written several books besides Sarasota Modern in which he talks about home “modernization”, designing for children, and mid-century furniture. He really sort of lucked out in that the house had been preserved well by its original owners. Originally built in 1958, the home is archived in the UF library under the name Perry residence for the original owners. To their testament, the

day Weaving closed, Hampton visited and was amazed at its original condition.

Besides collecting houses, Weaving has quite the collection of original furniture pieces. Some of the pieces I noticed in a book at a flat or home in London, so it would seem he is a collector and preserver of things.

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“As a guest at the house, and design collector myself, it was a real treat to enjoy original furnishings designed by George Nelson and Charles Eames for Herman Miller, artworks in the style of Ruth Asawa, and even outdoor lounge chairs by design duo Van Keppel-Green that complete every corner with a modernist style,” says Hargrett.

Mornings in this home are particularly gorgeous with plenty of sunlight pouring in from the pool deck and veranda.

This simple but elegant dining room features a beautiful collection of ceramic glazed dinnerware called Fiestaware. This colorful productline has been produced by the Homer Laughlin China Company since 1936.

WITH ONLY SLIVERS OF LIGHT SEEN FROM THE STREET, GUESTS TRICKLED IN AND THE HOUSE CAME ALIVE WITH ENTHUSIASTIC CHATTER ALL SEEMINGLY EXCITED ABOUT WHAT WOULD APPEAR TO MANY AS MERELY A SIMPLE OLD HOUSE.

The Lakelander was privileged to collaborate with Florida Modernism + Design to host this lovely evening. A special thanks to all who attended.

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Our first-ever Guest House event took place at the Weaving Residence. This was a night filled with conversations centered around the architectural design of the home. Situated as a quaint home party, guests were welcomed to take a self-guided tour of this stunning home designed by Mark Hampton.

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“The house’s bathrooms are beautifully preserved, and getting ready in the morning took me back to another era. The original light fixtures everywhere are very modern; you can tell no detail was overlooked. The kitchen, I enjoyed the most.

Its appliances were ahead of their time when the house was built; the mid-century General Electric wall refrigerator [and] freezer is still in place.

Unfortunately, these are no longer in production due to the refrigerator revolution, but surely it’s a detail any design aficionado will appreciate,” adds Hargrett.

The first night our group arrived, neither Lina nor I could sleep right away, despite having driven from Miami after getting off work, fighting our way through traffic, and then trudging up Highway 27.

While I was geeking out over unique architectural features like the sunken “Roman baths” (which Leedy also did in the Ellison residence), full-height pocket doors, and curtain wall system, Hargrett was looking under every chair at the labels and discovering the original catalogues featuring some of the pieces Weaving had stored with them.

This house is humble from the street. It is long and low, the entrance is obscured by a porte-cochère, and while both the front and rear of the house is all glass, the streetside glass curtain wall is set back under the roof overhang and shielded by a wooden louvered wall.

Like the Jordan house, The Weaving Residence is comprised of a steel frame with glass curtain where the bulk of the load bearing is done by a system of columns spaced in a grid. The exterior walls are then able to be non-load bearing which frees them up to be fixed glass, sliding glass doors, or louvers.

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The house deviates from a total glass block as it is bookended by concrete “C”shaped walls which house storage, kitchens, closets, and utilities. The entire facade and rear of the house is sliding or fixed-pane glass set back and protected by a flat overhanging roof. The front of the house is predominantly glass as well.

Like the rear, the glass is set back, the steel beams and roof overhanging. Only on the front there is a wooden brise soleil, or a wall made of dimensional lumber meant to protect from the sun and prying eyes. Unlike louvers, this screen is not just slanted wood, but rather

The bedrooms’ unique ensuite design keeps the home’s floorplan compact and efficient.

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Although not part of the original construction, the pool was carefuly added and maintains the home’s clean lines.

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vertical pieces of dimensional lumber spaced out by shorter sections effectively creating a geometric lattice work. The porte-cochère and the bris soleil make it so from the street you would never know what the inhabitants of the interior were experiencing.

Professor Jacob Brillhart of the University of Miami, explains in a presentation of his research, “The Toolkit for the Florida Modern Architect,” the organization and brilliance of the Jordan Residence: “These drawings demonstrate Hampton’s rigorous structural module. Divisible by 4, it begins with 4-foot sliding glass doors and windows, directly set into the 16-foot structural bays.

Once this grid was established, Hampton was able to surgically go in and compose the placement and geometries of his cast brick walls … the foundation is slab on grade that literally rests on the ground as if it were one with the earth. …[T]he long glass walls are set in to protect them from the sun.”

Besides the wonderful openness that the steel frame organization provides, there are some very distinctive details built into the Weaving house. Both the concrete

“THE WEAVING RESIDENCE IS NOT ONLY A HISTORIC HOME DESIGNED AND BUILT BY HAMPTON IN 1957, BUT ALSO ITS CONTENTS HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY SELECTED AND PRESERVED

BY WRITER, DESIGN HISTORIAN, AND COLLECTOR, ANDREW WEAVING, IN ORDER TO RECREATE AN AUTHENTIC MIDCENTURY HOME EXPERIENCE.” – Lina Hargrett

detailing that was carried into the pool and the sunken Roman baths, as previously mentioned, are the types of simple customization that make the home feel tailored to individual experience at the human scale. There are three exhaust fans built into the house: one in the kitchen and one in each bath. They double as skylights, which has a totally dreamy effect, especially in the all tile and terrazzo bathrooms. Overhead natural light seems to bring a calming effect to any space.

On the second night we stayed there, we invited The Lakelander and some friends to come see the house. As the sun set, the house began to glow from within. With only slivers of light seen from the street, guests trickled in and the house came alive with enthusiastic chatter all seemingly excited

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about what would appear to many as merely a simple old house. It was wonderful to see people’s expressions as they explored. I distinctly remember sliding back the full-height pocket door to reveal the guest bath and bedroom with Marc Salm, one of the evening’s guests, and the playful excitement on his face as he turned to me to confirm: “This is reeeally cool, isn’t it?!”

Lina Hargrett may summarize the weekend best: “The weekend was spent having many conversations on architecture, lifestyle, and discovering The Weaving Residence design details throughout the time we spent there. For anyone who enjoys architecture and mid-century design, staying at a midcentury built vacation home is definitely an experience to be had.”

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PEOPLE

H E A D I N G

H O M E

Written by Lenore Devore Photography by Myles and Sarah Shank

Dennis Ross sold his law firm and headed to Washington, D.C., to represent his hometown and surrounding areas in Congress. Involved in politics since high school, he was looking forward to making a difference, to crossing the divide to work with members of other parties. As Congressman Dennis Ross heads home, he plans to continue to do the same.

He arrives in shorts, a shirt, and khaki boat shoes, his perfectly trimmed graying hair bobbing as he walks in, looking relaxed. He knows he has only two months left. And he’s grateful.

It’s not that he hasn’t enjoyed the last eight years, but times they are a-changing, and Washington, D.C. isn’t the same place it was when Dennis Ross first left Lakeland to serve as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2011.

He’s deeply concerned about the lack of civility in the country today, a subject he’ll tackle as an educational leader in the next phase of his life (more on that later).

“The focus should always be to make sure due process is preserved. The sanctity of this country depends on that process,” he says. “That doesn’t always happen. The centralization of power in leadership has somewhat closed the door on that inclusion.”

Having announced in April that he would not seek re-election to a fifth twoyear term, Ross has advice for his successor, Republican state Representative Ross Spano: “Be anchored to something such as your faith or your family, not to your politics. Politics is what we do; it should

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not be who we are. This job requires a lot of time away from the district. If you start feeling you’re a stranger in your own hometown, heed the warning and reacquaint yourself to the people who got you there.”

Ross has remained in touch with his community, returning here on weekends and breaks. When not working, he’s often seen walking through Peterson Park and lifting weights at the YMCA. Cindy Ross says she’s ready to have Dennis back full time, although admits she will miss giving tours in Washington. In return, though, she will have time to reconnect with friends, pay attention to personal things, and develop her own corporate etiquette business. Together, the Rosses will do more entertaining at Heaven’s Gate, their 14-acre homestead.

“It will be nice to be back involved with the community, be a friend to my friends, and have the flexibility to travel and do the things we want to do,” she says. “Right now when we come home, we just want to be home. We’ll have eight, 10, 30 people over on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Dennis loves to cook and I love to entertain.

Our rule is: You have to bring wine.”

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ROOTED IN LAKELAND Dennis Alan Ross was born in Lakeland on October 18, 1959, to Bill and Loyola Ross, the youngest of their four sons and one daughter. He met Cindy Hartley at Lakeland High School.

“She was running for sophomore class secretary. I told her she should run for president. She said that was a guy’s job and said no. I said, ‘If you run for president, I will run your campaign.’

She won.”

They married on August 6, 1983, and he clearly considers her partnership as a reason for his success. “We’ve always had a foundation as a couple in the political process. She’s been the better half of the team and has been

phenomenal in D.C. She truly is a first lady of the district.”

Cindy says she admired Dennis because he was a Christian, and their faith has grown through the last eight years.

“We both learned how to lean on God and to be more prayerful, to trust our faith, to expect an answer, and to expect that God will be there with us. It’s a lonely world out there in politics, and God has really been there for us,” she says. “That’s a change we’ve both gone through. To see him grow — and I know I have, too — but to see it in someone else is a really special experience.”

A special moment was when

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their pastor, Mike Loudon of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, performed the prayer to open session, Cindy says. “It was a real honor for us to get to have someone we truly love and admire do that.”

Ross is expected to be voted in as an elder at the church. As the couple prepares to live in South Lakeland permanently again, they are also helping plan a wedding. Oldest son Shane, who lives next door, is marrying Haley Murray in February. He and the Rosses’ youngest son, Travis, who lives with his parents, help manage the house and the dogs — the Rosses own Jack and Cider, 11-year-old Mastiff/lab rescue dogs.

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“THE FOCUS SHOULD ALWAYS BE TO MAKE SURE DUE PROCESS IS PRESERVED. THE SANCTITY OF THIS COUNTRY DEPENDS ON THAT PROCESS.”

FLORIDA HOUSE OR U.S. HOUSE? Ross was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2001 to 2009 before being term limited, then elected to Congress. So which level does he prefer?

“In the Florida House you get things done.

It’s a 60-day session with a balanced budget requirement,” he says. “You got to a conclusion much quicker. [Issues] in the U.S. House perpetuate themselves.”

He admires Don Brown, a Florida House member from DeFuniak Springs, more than anyone, stemming from encounters when they held opposing views on high-speed rail. Then, in 2007, Ross and Brown were the only two representatives to vote against an expansion of Citizens Insurance in Florida. “He was a very principled person who taught me a lot. It’s OK if everyone doesn’t agree with you.” That landed both in the legislative doghouse, stripped of key positions. “Every elected official should endure something like that.

It helps you build confidence in yourself.”

He’s continued working on insurance issues in Congress, especially trying to get government out of the flood insurance business. But he likes the things that hit home the most, like helping officials navigate the federal process so they could break ground on time, allowing Citrus Ridge Elementary — a civics-based school — to open on schedule. “That was amazing.”

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“THEY WANT TO START A CONSERVATIVE THINKTANK AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAM. WE WILL DO ONE-DAY LEADERSHIP SEMINARS THAT WILL INSTILL A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND MOTIVATION TO GET INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS IN A POSITIVE FASHION. IT’S NOT ONLY AN OPPORTUNITY TO TEACH THE NEXT GENERATION, BUT TO TEACH EXISTING LEADERS HOW TO REACH ACROSS THE AISLE, TO

There are also individual cases that have touched him, like helping get Korean War veteran Grady Halcomb the Distinguished Service Cross medal 65 years after he was a prisoner of war.

“Being at the ceremony, watching the humility he exhibited,” Ross says, “you see the greater good in people when you see that.”

Ross credits his district staff with things like that. “Those are the silent ones you don't read about.”

Shelee Meeker, who has worked with Ross for almost 22 years, starting as his paralegal at Ross Vecchio, says Ross and his staff have been able to help constituents navigate federal systems.

“His district has always been his top priority.”

Ross continues to work toward goals not yet achieved, like filing a bill to decrease the debt and deficit. “We have to grow the economy. Once you pay those bills that are due, set aside some money

COMPROMISE.”

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to pay off the debt. It is one (issue) we’re not addressing, and it is what could be the silent killer of our country.”

Meeker says Ross hasn’t changed since he’s been in Congress. “He really hasn’t, well except for maybe his hair color,” she says with a smile. “The person I started working for all those years ago remains humble, generous, and kind. Those qualities are rooted in him.”

Cindy Ross agrees, saying his honesty and integrity make her proud — along with how smart he is. “He will stand up for things when someone else won’t. But he does it in a politically correct way; he considers how what he’s going to do might affect others, from his leadership to other members. He knows that some members can’t vote for a particular issue because of where they live; they would lose the next election or have a hard time with their constituents. He understands the process and the proper way to do it without hurting other people.”

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“BE ANCHORED TO SOMETHING SUCH AS YOUR FAITH OR YOUR FAMILY, NOT TO YOUR POLITICS. POLITICS IS WHAT WE DO; IT SHOULD NOT BE WHO WE ARE. THIS JOB REQUIRES A LOT

NEXT UP? Civics, civility, process, leadership — all will coalesce as Ross assumes his role as a teacher at Southeastern University, which is creating a center for civic engagement. The university offers a bachelor’s degree in political science and is considering offering a master’s degree.

“They want to start a conservative think-tank and leadership program. We will do one-day leadership seminars that will instill a sense of responsibility and motivation to get involved in the process in a positive fashion. It’s not only an opportunity to teach the next generation, but to teach existing leaders how to reach across the aisle, to compromise.”

Ross says he advocates for less government; others have different views. “But we can resolve that and hopefully agree that we don’t want bad government. The pendulum is going to swing, and right now we are polarizing ourselves for every issue being the be-all, end-all.”

He’s looking forward to working with former state Senator Rick Dantzler, a Democrat. “We want to do some bipartisan issue advocacy. He gets it, too. This process of cooperation is lacking.”

Ross reflects on his childhood as an example of how tolerant people can be. “My mom was a lifelong Democrat and Dad a lifelong Republican. We joked that their votes would cancel each other out, but we never argued over the dinner table. The differences didn’t divide the family. It intrigued our family.”

Ross also plans to return to the practice of law.

And the answer to the question everyone is asking?

“I’m never going to say no to elected office again.”

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OF TIME AWAY FROM THE DISTRICT. IF YOU START FEELING YOU’RE A STRANGER IN YOUR OWN HOMETOWN, HEED THE WARNING AND REACQUAINT YOURSELF TO THE PEOPLE WHO GOT YOU THERE.”

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n standing the test of time N AC R E

WAT C H E S

WRITTEN BY SALLY IBARRA BARCELÓ PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN AUSTIN

In today’s ever-evolving digital age, Nacre Watches proves that the classic wristwatch is here to stay and that thoughtful design, quality materials, and skillful construct are cornerstones to a timeless product.

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Inspired by pearls.

Born of the water.

Moved by the moon.

Quality materials are an important part of Nacre’s principles. The leather used is sourced from a family tannery outside of Florence, Italy, and is 100-percent vegetabletanned organic leather which takes on a very unique patina over time.

The latest technological advancement in timepieces can easily be equated to a small computer on your wrist — interactive screens that deliver a multitude of efficiencies, from email notifications and text messages to counting steps. But while tech companies are disrupting the market, brands like Nacre Watches understand and value the classic timepiece, believing that the wristwatch continues to be a captivating work of art.

A luxury watch signifies a person’s appreciation for style, class, and most importantly, tradition.

For over a century, brands such as Rolex have led the timepiece industry with innovations in time measurement along with refined craftsmanship.

Today, Nacre, a Lakeland-based watch company,

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has joined the industry as they continue to build on a family legacy of jewelry and timepiece industry experts that dates back to 1949.

Born and raised Lakelanders, brother and sister, Ryan Wilson and Loren Wilson Fernandez, started developing Nacre about four years ago along with their father, Alvin Wilson, as the chairman.

“We wanted to design a watch that is built to last and gets better the more you wear it. We traveled the world to source the highest-quality materials we could find while still making a watch at an attainable price — a watch that we would be proud to wear ourselves,” says Ryan.

Along with Nacre Watches, Ryan, Loren, and Alvin own an international online retail company

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for luxury-brand watches. Owning that company for the past 10 years has allowed Loren to build relationships with luxury brands and gain further knowledge and understanding of the watch and fashion industry, which was an essential part when developing the Nacre watch brand and its first collection: Lune, Lune 8, and Lune 48.

Nacre (pronounced ney•ker) means “mother of pearl.” The name describes the inspiration behind the brand and the design of the watch: inspired by pearls, born of the water, and moved by the moon. The moon’s ability to move the tides and mark time inspired Nacre’s beautifully designed Lune, Lune 8, and Lune 48. The word “Lune” is a reference to the moon. “We felt like the pearl was a nice fitting symbol to represent the moon. The pearl, born of water, transcends both time and season. We believe in making a watch that does the same,” says Ryan.

Lune has a subtle, soft-white pearlized dial that is emblematic of a full moon. The doubledomed mineral crystal refracts light across the watch face throughout the day in a beautiful interplay of light and shadow. Lune 8 has eight cabochon pearls handset on a tone-on-tone,

LAKELANDER MADE

Ryan and Loren are the third generation of watchmakers in the Wilson family. Below is their grandfather's original document certifying him as a licensed watchmaker in 1951.

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create a look personal to your style on the Nacre website. “As a direct-to-consumer startup, we were very focused on a great user experience for the customer. We designed the build-a-watch feature to create a unique look, from classic or minimal to something edgier or street-style,” says Ryan.

As brands are known to quickly come and go in today’s digital age, Nacre is here to stay.

sandblasted dial inspired by the eight lunar phases. The number 48 in Lune 48 represents the actual amount of handset Nacre pearls placed around the bezel of the watch. The pearls symbolize the moon’s constant orbit around the earth.

Each watch has a quick-release attachment feature which allows you to change the strap of your watch and choose from any of their 24 band styles. “Personal style is important to us, so we wanted to make it simple to change the look of the watch. With a wide selection of bands, it’s easy to take your watch from day to night or simply create a new look,” says Loren.

In addition to their collections, Nacre offers a personalized build-a-watch feature. This feature allows you to combine your favorite elements to

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"My sister Loren has a great style and creative vision for the future of Nacre, and that is really exciting. We have a long roadmap for our product, but for now we are focusing on watches."

- Ryan Wilson

Shop the magazine!

SATURDAY

Nov. 24

8am - 2pm TRADERS ALLEY DOWNTOWN Showcasing the finest locally made products featured in this and past issues of Lakelander Made

Ryan and Loren are third-generation jewelry and watch industry experts who have carefully crafted Nacre with principles that reflect thoughtful design, quality materials, and skillful construct to celebrate personal style.

This local company ships worldwide but has given Lakeland first access to the brand’s launch and looks forward to building a local community here.

NACRE WATCHES 5151 South Lakeland Drive Suite 4 Lakeland, FL 33813 877.234.8870 nacrewatches.com @nacrewatches

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NACRE WATCHES nacrewatches.com

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

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LITTLE REMI Blue Poppy Swaddle Little Remi is run by super parents Chase and Shannon Webber.

This duo creates unique swaddles, clothing, and accessories that are hand-crafted by local artists. Their swaddles are made from 100-percent bamboo fiber giving them a soft touch while still being durable and absorbent. The Blue Poppy design pops with vibrant and radiant colors as it showcases a bouquet of hand-painted flowers. You can count on each of Little Remi’s premium textiles to be thoughtfully designed and environmentally friendly. littleremi.com | @littleremi

BARREL BAND Classic Barrel Band

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Wanting to create a wedding band that represents who they are, Barrel Band owners Jesse Larson and Jonathan Wilson thought about things they love to do: fish, hunt, and camp. Considering all these beloved hobbies, a shotgun barrel is what came to mind when trying to figure out how to design their one-of-a-kind rings.

The two figured out a way to cut the ring directly from the shotgun barrel without compromising the integrity of the ring. With a 5mm width, their Classic Barrel Band is their original design and comes in four different inserts — white, gold, rose gold, and silver platinum. barrelband.com | @barrelband

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COTTONWOOD APPAREL Signature Sunglass Straps Fed up with spending money on poor-quality straps that frequently had to be replaced, Cottonwood Apparel owner Chad Kennedy set out to design a high-quality sunglass strap that had the perfect blend of performance and style. Cottonwood’s signature straps are made with a premium fabric that won’t fade and a real wood bead for adjusting the strap length. They also come in an array of original prints and include Cottonwood’s original stainless steel bottle opener. cottonwoodstore.com | @cottonwoodapparel

LOCAL CUFF Hand-stamped, Personalized Cuff It’s the cuff that goes beyond an ordinary bracelet. Each of Local Cuff’s modern pieces are handmade and personalized to fit your style. With an eye for detail and meticulous craftsmanship, Local Cuff owner, Kari Drolshagen, metal stamps every piece of jewelry herself. Cuffs come in a variety of sizes and font options, and are personalized with text and patterns of your choice. You can even opt for a hidden message inside the cuff, too. made

@localcuff

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As Lakeland’s first commercial roastery, Patriot Coffee has extended its reach to more than 500 Publix stores in the state of Florida, and overseas through Operation Hero Salute.

WRITTEN BY PRISCILLA BURR PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA NEAL

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In March of 2015, Chris McArthur rolled his handcrafted wooden cart filled with the first batches of Patriot Coffee onto Kentucky Avenue in downtown Lakeland. Within an hour, he sold out of the locally roasted coffee. As an owner of Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, McArthur took on the endeavor of learning the craft of roasting coffee. “For the longest time our most important ingredient was being sourced from outside of the Lakeland area. We had been hoping and waiting for a roaster to come onto the scene. One of our core values at Black & Brew is to continue to be looking for ways to raise the bar, whether it be a level of service or a level of quality we have been providing,� McArthur says.

After years of waiting for a roaster to come along, McArthur decided to venture into learning the art and science behind roasting coffee. He started by taking courses in San Francisco, eventually purchasing a small half-pound sample roaster. On his back porch, McArthur invested

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p countless hours into perfecting the roast. From there, Patriot Coffee was born. One year later, McArthur opened the first commercial roastery in the city of Lakeland.

The coffee selected for roasting is purchased from importers in New York and Minnesota.

Patriot sources coffee from some of the topproducing coffee countries in the world, including Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Colombia. The coffee is then roasted locally in Dixieland and produced in small batches. “It’s really important for us that we work with people who are respecting the farmers.

They’re often not looked out for. We try to work with importers that are sourcing that product with sustainability,” says McArthur.

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“Patriot was kind of a homage to people who are currently serving or have served in the armed forces.”

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As the only organic certified coffee in Lakeland, Patriot was chosen this year to be included in more than 500 Publix stores across Florida. “It was really a special opportunity. I feel really blessed to have been selected,” says McArthur.

Patriot’s reach extends beyond Florida.

Every month, the company sends out coffee care packages to all armed services personnel.

“Patriot was kind of a homage to people who are currently serving or have served in the armed forces,” says McArthur.

As a veteran, McArthur served in the Marine Corp Reserves from 2001 to 2007 and was mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

Fee Only Fiduciary Advisors specializing in: Personal Financial Planning Retirement Planning Estate Planning Tax Strategies

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PATRIOT COFFEE ROASTERS 1113 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 863.232.5577 patriotcraftcoffee.com

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He has used coffee as a way to pay tribute to those who serve or have served through starting Operation Hero Salute.

“It’s a taste of something familiar, a taste from home. It’s just a small way for us to honor their service, show our appreciation and gratitude. I know it meant a lot to get stuff from strangers who would give their hearts to show appreciation for what you were doing.”

McArthur shares their future goals, include seeing their coffee in Publix continuing to be a success, as well as “getting better and better at what we are doing. We’re fortunate to have the two Black & Brews that enable us to showcase the coffee locally.”

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HONEYCOMB BREAD BAKERS Challah Loaf and Baguette Benjamin Vickers uses the purest ingredients and simplest techniques to bake delectable, fresh artisan bread. Honeycomb Bread Bakers’ hand-crafted bread (like their gorgeous challah loaves and baguettes), pastries, and desserts are prepared fresh every day of the week and can be found in various locations across town, including Concord Coffee and Red Door. honeycombbread.com | @honeycombbread

NOOK BAKEY White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

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Nook Bakery specializes in an array of homemade baked goods.

Using recipes made from scratch, Kandace Crosby crafts unique and memorable cakes and cupcakes to be enjoyed for any occasion. Her white chocolate raspberry cupcakes combine the perfect combination of decadent flavors and thoughtful design. facebook.com/nookbakery | @nook.bakery

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BREW HUB + CONCORD COFFEE Matte Black Brew Hub and Concord Coffee have teamed up to create Matte Black — a black lager infused with Concord cold brew. With the combination of German-based dark malts and a Guatemalan coffee, the two brews create a rich flavor that’s balanced with a smooth, velvety texture. brewhub.com | @brewhub concordcoffee.com | @concordcoffee

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w Photo courtesy of Wimbi

From eclectic longboards to oldschool style surfboards, Reed and Priscilla Burr introduce an intentional brand of craftsmanship to the Lakeland community. Growing up in the vibrant East African culture, this husband and wife duo created WIMBI Surf and Skate from a personal place of passion and advocacy for positive change.

Learn more about how this longtime dream turned into their people-oriented business venture.

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“You need to stop talking about it and just do it.” These were the words WIMBI founder, Reed Burr, heard from his wife (and cofounder), Priscilla Burr, that changed absolutely everything for them. In 2017, the couple found themselves at a crossroads before deciding whether to launch their surf and skate business in the community of Lakeland. After losing a full-time job, Reed took the pivotal initiative to officially register WIMBI — which translates to “wave” in Swahili — as a business on the same day. With Priscilla running logistics and Reed utilizing his woodworking skills, the passionate couple began to embark on this new journey that has, in return, brought a huge connection with people from all walks of life.

The creative husband and wife duo originally met in Kenya as missionary kids — a time both of them deeply cherish and attribute their business model to. “We both grew up in Kenya, where there were no skate or surf shops. At a very young age, my dad put tools in my hands, and we started to create boards of our own,” says Reed. Even after marrying Priscilla, Reed kept up with his craftsmanship by repurposing and building from recycled materials, such as old bed frames made from oak and natural hardwoods.

When the Lakeland couple decided to dive into the world of entrepreneurship, they began their unique offering of custom-built boards detailed with the eclectic and nostalgic design of authentic Kenyan kanga fabric. This fabric not only showcases the artisanal talent of East African tradition, but it pays homage to Reed and Priscilla’s adventurous upbringing.

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One signature element on WIMBI’s surf and skate boards is the use of Kanga fabric imported from the vibrant marketplaces in Kenya adding a personal touch to every board.

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Photo courtesy of WIMBI

“We want the skate community to be a voice for positive change.”

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WIMBI’s inventory also features a variety of materials that are purchased from the same local marketplace craftsmen who the Burrs grew up around in Africa. “We want the skate community to be a voice for positive change,” says Priscilla.

One of the ways the business has lived out this desire is through the art of giving back.

Burr’s parents are still missionaries in Africa and work through an organization by the name of Convoy of Hope to invest in local communities.

“With the concept story being tethered into our business, we leverage the profits from our boards to give back to the communities where we grew up,” shares Reed. A portion of the proceeds made from WIMBI sales go toward investing in others.

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Within the last year, WIMBI has set up booths at several of our local marketplaces — such as Concord Coffee’s Night Markets, Haus MRKT, and First Fridays — to meet new faces and connect further with clients.

They feature a wide variety of high-quality retro-inspired longboards, penny boards, and surfboards. Along with their custom-made boards, they also have a vibrant selection of T-shirts and tank tops including remnants of their traditional Kenyan fabrics.

When it comes to the response of the community, the Burrs have been overwhelmed by the amount of support received from new customers and fellow entrepreneurs. Reed and Priscilla agree, “[WIMBI] wouldn’t be here today without the people in Lakeland who believed in us and partnered with us along the way.”

WIMBI utilizes all natural and locally based products to produce their boards. Many boards have been recycled and repurposed from everyday materials in an effort to be environmentally conscious.

Photo courtesy of WIMBI

WIMBISURFANDSKATE.COM @wimbiofficial

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TWENTY SEVEN DESIGNS “You Are Enough and Not Too Much” Print Jenna Cherry creates whimsical, hand-drawn illustrations that are inspired by retro and mid-century styles. Each piece is completely handmade, sketched, and then digitally finished. In addition to selling her one-of-a-kind pieces online, Twenty Seven Designs is also physically set up in a corner of The Shop Across the Street located in Dixieland. twentysevenlkld.com | @twentysevenlkld

FRED KOEHLER Garbage Island Book Author-illustrator Fred Koehler has created multiple books and been awarded a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award for his illustrations for One Day, The End. Other books by Koehler include How to Cheer Up Dad, and he has also illustrated This Book is Not About Dragons; Puppy, Puppy, Puppy; and Flashlight Night. His newest book is an adventurous tale that promotes environmental awareness through an imagined world of courageous animals.

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ilikefred.com | @fred_koehler

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BUMP GALLETTA Florida Orange Print Josh “Bump” Galletta is a freelance illustrator who specializes in creating dynamic and original designs. He has been creating in the Lakeland community for years, and many of his pieces highlight iconic landmarks of our city. In addition to hand-drawn prints, Galletta also creates designs for pennants, stickers, stationery, and apparel. bumpgalletta.com | @bumpgalletta

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WRITTEN BY PRISCILLA BURR PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAOMI LYNN VACARO AND BRANDON CRUZ

Rafa Natural products are locally made and range from skincare to bath and home items. All are freshly crafted from natural and organic materials.

Rafa's best-selling skin products include the Intensive Overnight Oil, Vitamin C Cream, and Revitalizing Eye Cream.

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From the salty smells of a beach breeze to the sweet fragrance of white coconut, Rafa Natural products immerse you into a new setting. The freshly made organic and natural products are manufactured locally and include an assortment of bath, body, and home items.

Rafa, meaning to heal naturally, was originally founded in July of 2010 by Kim Williams. “She did an incredible job of getting it started. It was based on bath bombs. She was doing gifts for family and it just took off,” says Kim Hancock, CEO and owner of Rafa Natural.

A frequent customer of Rafa, Hancock purchased the business from Williams in January of 2017. “I fell in love with what she was doing.

She had a really loyal following. We just grew the platform that she already had,” says Hancock.

Following Williams’ recipes and creating her own, Hancock has seen the company experience exponential growth.

In the less than two years, Hancock has expanded the business to two stores in Lakeland and Bartow, in addition to selling products wholesale in Anna Maria Island, Winter Haven, and Lake Wales. Starting as the only employee and running the business full time, Hancock has since hired nine employees and one intern.

The business recently opened a manufacturing warehouse in Bartow where all of the products are made by staff handcrafters.

Ranging from skincare, bath and body products, and candles, Rafa’s top-selling product is skincare. Their best-selling skin products are the Intensive Overnight Oil, Vitamin C Cream, and Revitalizing Eye Cream. “It’s a big deal to

Rafa's popular, highly scented candles are made from soy, so there's no burning paraffiin smell.

“We have been loved by the community. They have really reached out and made us feel special.

That’s how we have been able to grow.”

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us for people to take care of their skin. It’s one of the reasons we keep everything reasonable and affordable. If it’s not affordable, it’s not sustainable,” says Hancock.

What makes Rafa unique is its ability to make people feel at home in the store. “We want it to feel like people are in our home — for us that includes kids, drinks, and dogs,” says Hancock. The mix of modern and traditional style is intertwined throughout the Bartow store with the inclusion of an early 1900s bathtub, a large elk named Logan perched on the wall, and branded natural products placed on refinished furniture.

In October of 2018, Hancock was selected as the 2018 Emerging Business of the Year by the city of Bartow. Hancock credits much of their growth to the generosity of the communities they work in. “We have been loved by the community.

They have really reached out and made us feel special. That’s how we have been able to grow.

We’ve been treated exceptionally well. Also, I have an incredible team, and that has been one of the biggest things,” says Hancock.

Due to the community’s contribution, Rafa Natural has been able to give back to other local nonprofits, including Top Buttons and VISTE. Rafa has also helped local entrepreneurs, such as Mason Danger Beards, by carrying their products in the stores.

Rafa Natural has no plans of slowing down in the near future. They will soon be launching a baby line as well as pet-care products.

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NO BORING CONCRETE Custom Concrete Counters and Light Pendants Featured on multiple HGTV shows, No Boring Concrete creates decorative concrete finishes for both outdoor and indoor spaces. Taking into consideration the overall design, owner Riko Ramos creates creative and artistic concrete solutions. In addition to custom countertops, floors, and outdoor living spaces, No Boring Concrete also creates smaller decorative pieces like concrete light pendants. noboringconcrete.com | @noboringconcrete

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Seventeen20 uses responsibly sourced materials to create handcrafted, industrial modern furniture with a simple aesthetic.

Each item is handmade to order, adding to the unique character of individual pieces. Seventeen20 has a wide range of furniture offerings, including bedding, seating, and dining, with different wood and steel finishing options. Their Molly Stools are clean, minimal, and light, and capture much of Seventeen20’s overall aesthetic. seventeen20.com | @seventeen20

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GOOD MORNING WOODS Starburst Side Table Good Morning Woods creates a variety of furniture that highlights the natural process of wood. From epoxy to a more natural poly finish, Good Morning Woods applies many different methods to finish their furniture, making each piece unique. Along with creating custom woodwork, they also create macramĂŠ plant hangers, banners, rugs, curtains, and more. goodmorningwoods.com | @gmorningwoods

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It’s been said that it is better to give than to receive. But this holiday season, Giftful has people feeling great about doing both. Cono and Hannah Onorato, founders of giftful.co, are entrepreneurs who turned a casual conversation over dinner into a thriving online business that shares the joy of giftgiving year-round.

WRITTEN BY ANASTASIA JONES PHOTOGRAPHY BY SALLY IBARRA BARCELÓ PHOTOGRAPHED AT LEAN SPACES

Finding the right gifts for friends and family can be difficult and sometimes downright stressful. Oftentimes, gift-giving can be overshadowed by the excessive time spent searching store after store for items the receiver might find useful, in the exact size, and preferred style and color. Not to mention, the odds of accidentally purchasing duplicate gifts and furiously rummaging through return receipts.

Giftful makes it easier to make and manage gift lists, so you don’t have to check them twice.

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g Giftful's simple and intuitive user inerface makes it easy for users to add, edit, and claim wishes and wishlists, making it a one-stop shop for giving and receiving.

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Leveraging their passions for design, innovation, and computer engineering, giftful.co founders, Cono and Hannah Onorato, have created an easy-to-use interface for all kinds of users to window-shop their favorite items from across the web and view wishlists curated by friends and family. Now gift-givers and receivers can shop peacefully, remaining organized by seamlessly tracking shopping lists for birthdays, baby showers, housewarming parties, and holiday festivities.

The best part? Shopping is anonymous so those presents still remain a surprise!

The idea for Giftful began as a casual conversation at Saigon Bistro in Lakeland. While Cono and Hannah were attempting to plan Christmas gifts for their loved ones, Cono said, “I wish there was a tool to help us organize our gift giving and alleviate all of this pressure and confusion!�

Presented with a pervasive problem and armed

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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 A rural school house on the Lakeland-Auburndale line in Florida. It was a fairly large structure for such relatively small community.

Photo Courtesy of Special Collections, Lakeland Public Library

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with the skills necessary to craft a custom solution, this driven couple set out to develop a powerful yet simple platform that met a great need.

“The day that we recognized our need for Giftful, we canceled the plans we had for the night and went straight to the drawing board — literally,” says Hannah. After buying a whiteboard and markers, the two started planning out the brand, and then set up their database structure and logistics. “It’s already what we do as a profession — computer programming and interface design. So it wasn’t a matter of, ‘Can we

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“Start small, be positive, and celebrate the small wins.” do it?’ but ‘Can we do it in time?” Hannah adds.

Much to their surprise, when Christmas 2017 arrived, just a month after their launch and in the midst of Amazon’s largest holiday season on record, Giftful reached over 200 users.

Goal setting, user feedback, and continual innovation has been pivotal to Giftful’s success.

“We thought it would be crazy if we could get 500 wishes posted to Giftful in the first three weeks, and really celebrated when we crossed over 1,000 wishes a couple weeks later!” says Cono. In the midst of this success, they are still

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firm believers in not hitting it out of the park, but rather are advocates for just going for it.

“Start small, be positive, and celebrate the small wins,” says Cono.

Cono and Hannah have exciting plans to expand Giftful and release a variety of new features, including an official gift guide and a mobile app for users to access Giftful on the go. “Ultimately, we’ve seen Giftful used in a lot of different ways throughout the last year,” says Cono. “We are really interested to see how [Giftful] can expand in the world of gift giving, gift receiving, and overall benevolence.”

Users from around the world are now accepting the Onoratos’ gift of a hassle-free holiday and choosing to spend the time saved where it matters most.

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Marshall Jewelers New Location!

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imperiallakeland.com “Comfort food with a Latin twist�

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WRITTEN BY ANNALEE MUTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD OM

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Sharp Wall Technologies takes a unique twist to the traditional brickand-mortar model of building and utilizes a technology that simplifies the process without compromising structural integrity.

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It was 2010 and Lazaro Martinez was preparing for his family to come from Cuba to his home in Miami. “I was responsible to provide food, guidance, and shelter for them until they could find their path in their new country,” says Martinez. During that time, space was limited in his home. To compensate, Martinez decided to convert the existing garage into a new bedroom to accommodate the family members who would eventually travel from the island over the next three years thanks to the Cuban Family Reunification Program. Although Martinez had experience in building custom homes in Miami, the process was very revealing. It helped him better understand the complexities involved with building a brick wall, and keeping the quality and look of the original brick facade of his home. “It was then when I realized how skillful a master mason must be to build a great-looking, perfectly aligned brick wall.”

This would become the initial spark to his future business endeavor.

In 2011, Martinez moved to Lakeland to continue his career as a public servant by working for the City of Lakeland. “It was a great experience. I was given a lot of opportunities,” he says. While working full-time, Martinez began to dedicate his nights and weekends to furthering his education and creating new cloud-based software products for the private sector. It was also during this time when he began the initial engineering for a dry-stack technology that would allow both professionals and novices alike to build real brick structures. On April 20, 2018, Sharp Wall Technologies was officially created.

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“Simplify. This is the word we had in mind when we designed and patented a unique, symmetrical interlocking technology that replaces the need to use mortar to assemble a brick wall or any other brick structure,” says Martinez.

Sharp Wall Technologies uses real concrete or glass bricks and engineered joints in order to simply and effectively create an array of structures, including interior and exterior walls, columns, fences, tables, stools, and benches. Through improved precision, stronger joints, affordability, and an efficient system, Sharp Wall Technologies makes it possible for anyone to conceptualize any structure and make it a reality.

The technology makes it possible for users to install approximately 300 bricks per hour, and the joints are designed to withstand about 5,000 pounds per square inch (with joints also available to support 7,000 pounds per square inch). In addition, recent lab tests have shown that the supportive function of the joints increases the

“Simplify. This is the word we had in mind when we designed and patented a unique, symmetrical interlocking technology that replaces the need to use mortar to assemble a brick wall or any other brick structure.”

SHARP WALL TECHNOLOGIES sharpwall.com info@sharpwall.com

LAKELANDER MADE

overall strength of the bricks by 20 percent in comparison to the traditional brick-and-mortar construction.

With Lakeland being home to a successful concrete block production plant, Martinez continues to work to make everything about this technology Lakeland made. Overall, these blocks create a simplified way to assemble brick walls without compromising the integrity of structures and the quality of its product. “Our goal is to continuously develop new technologies to further enable professionals, DIYs (Do it Yourself ), organizations, communities, and nations as they plan and execute construction projects,” says Martinez.

As Sharp Wall Technologies continues to grow and improve its products, they still look to that initial word that became the foundation to their design today: simplify. Looking to the future of Sharp Wall Technologies, Martinez says they aim to continue “working to make this construction technology accessible and affordable to all.”

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HISTORY

A view of Kentucky Avenue looking south to the intersection with Main Street in Lakeland. The trees of Munn Park are visible to the right.

Date: circa 1940s Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library.

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70 years of

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