The Lakelander - Issue 47

ISSU E 47

Year in Review 2018

FLORIDA DANCE THEATRE HOLIDAY COCKTAILS THE LAKELANDER’S GIFT GUIDE BRUCE SPENCER’S MODERN HOME

Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children

Exceptional care when: You’re expecting.

As your premier destination for childbirth, the Pavilion offers spacious private suites where both parents can stay overnight, technology that lets expectant mothers remain active until delivery and many special touches, all designed to make sure your family’s experience is one to remember.

You have a high-risk pregnancy.

Our Center for Fetal Care, led by Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physicians, helps mothers with a high-risk pregnancy or other underlying condition achieve the best possible outcome for both mother and baby. The Center for Fetal Care provides specialized evaluation and consultation, advanced technology, testing and genetic counseling.

Your child is hurt or ill and needs emergency care.

At our George W. Jenkins Children’s Emergency Department, your child can expect to receive prompt, award-winning emergency care from round-the-clock board-certified physicians and nurses specially trained in pediatric emergency medicine, all in a friendly and interactive environment that is separate from adult emergency care.

You need obstetric or gynecologic care.

Whether you are pregnant, trying to conceive or simply needing obstetric/gynecologic care, our specially trained OBGYN physicians and providers are here for you. Our compassionate care team offers comprehensive healthcare to meet your unique needs.

1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd + Lakeland, FL 33805 + myLRH.org

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS from our home to yours!

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Eleven Polk County locations to serve you

Lakeland-Lake Gibson 6625 US 98 North (863) 858-3866 Lakeland North 1409 N. Florida Ave. (863) 682-8107 Haines City 35495 Hwy. 27 (863) 422-3144

Lakeland Combee 1225 N. Combee Rd. (863) 665-3111 Lakeland Christina 6100 S. Florida Ave. (863) 646-2921 Lake Wales 126 Hwy. 60 W. (863) 676-6515

Frostproof 500 N. Scenic Hwy. (863) 635-2645

Ft. Meade 1401 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 285-9757

Auburndale 521 Hughes Rd. (863) 967-6602

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

Bartow 1350 N. Broadway (US 98) (863) 533-1611

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TO GET YOUR BUSINESS INVOLVED W W W. M I S S F L O R I D A . O R G

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TAYLOR TYSON MISS FLORIDA 2019 AT COB & PEN

LAKELAND â&#x20AC;¢ 2019

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C O N T E N T S ISSUE 47

ON THE COVER Celebrating 25 years of Polk Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier professional dance company: the Florida Dance Theatre.

Photo by Paul Bostrom

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COMPREHENSive

Board-certified OB-GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Tarek Garas and his team of certified nurse practitioners provide comprehensive services for women of all ages.

Tarek G. Garas, MD

Alicia Belisle, APRN

Wendi Johnson, APRN

Nicole K. Rule, APRN

PROVIDING TREATMENTS FOR A NUMBER OF COMMON CONDITIONS, INCLUDING: • Gynecologic Exams & Treatments • Obstetrics & Prenatal Services • High Risk Pregnancy Care

• Irregular Bleeding • Pelvic Organ Prolapse • Sexual Dysfunction

• Urinary and Fecal Incontinence • Osteoporosis • Menopausal Medicine

TWO convenient LOCATIONS Watson Clinic Bella Vista Building 1755 N. Florida Avenue • Lakeland

Watson Clinic Bartow Obstetrics & Gynecology 2000 Osprey Boulevard • Suite 201 • Bartow

Call 863-680-7243 for an Appointment!

Extended Evening Hours and Select Saturdays Available • www.WatsonClinic.com/Garas

CONTENTS

48 FEATURES

48 • TASTE

60 • SHELTER

72 • CULTURE

86 • SPECIAL FEATURE

Making Spirits Bright

A Sprinkling of Light

Florida Dance Theatre

Festive cocktails for your next holiday gathering

Jason and Hillary DeMeo’s home employs glass in fantastic ways

Founding Director Carol KrajacicErkes reflects on key moments that shaped the company

The Lakelander’s Gift Guide

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Our team of writers and photographers curate a gift guide filled with some of the best local picks

In partnership with Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Lakeland Electric is pleased to offer a program that assists low-income seniors and disabled members of our community with their utility bill.

WAYS TO GIVE

ONE-TIME DONATION MONTHLY DONATION

Fixed amount

Fixed amount

Project Care is about neighbors helping neighbors. The program provides emergency relief for temporary financial hardships. Project Care has helped thousands of local families through difficult times, and with your help we can continue to assist those in need.

ROUND-UP FOR PROJECT CARE Amount varies

Customers may choose to contribute by automatically rounding-up their utility bill to the next whole dollar. Each month the donation will vary between $0.01 and $0.99, depending on the amount of your bill.

Visit lakelandelectric.com/projectcare or call 863.834.9535 to donate!

96 • CITY

100 • SPORTS

108 • FOOD

114 • SHELTER

120 • CULTURE

A year filled with change, growth, and expectancy for the city’s new developments

A history-making year for sports and celebrating our local comradery

Showcasing our favorite 2018 restaurants, recipes, and taste offerings

All the elements that make up our nationally recognized housing market

Spotlighting the music, art, and media that continue to enrich our city

DEPARTMENTS

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18 • MASTHEAD

22 • CONTRIBUTORS

26 • METRO

20 • EDITOR’S NOTE

24 • LETTERS

130 • HISTORY

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Call 863.825.3258 to purchase

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

Sally Ibarra Barceló, Priscilla Burr, Anastasia Jones-Downing, Johnny Laderer, Annalee Mutz, Victoria Sgro Laura Burke

CARPET • RUGS • HARDWOOD • andersontuftex.com AA804 FACTORY | 05051 DRAWING TABLE

Creative DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michelle Simanca Dan Austin, Daniel Barceló, Paul Bostrom, Philip Pietri

Digital DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sally Ibarra Barceló

Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR VP, FINANCE GENERAL COUNSEL

Jason Jacobs Deb Patterson Ted W. Weeks IV

Issue 47 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 A YEARBOOK, OF SORTS I have long sustained a fascination toward all things nostalgia. Reminiscing over past experiences and memories is one of my all-time favorite past times; I can’t get enough of all the sweet memories of yesteryears. To this day, I often still rummage through a box of old photos and letters, and frequently flip through my high school yearbooks and college essays.

However, this nostalgia often feels much deeper than a simple yearning for the past. There’s just something about nostalgia that brings us together.

There’s something special about how a quiet room can quickly fill with chatter when recounting a shared experience, especially when adding in all the unique perspectives. Remembering our past also helps us draw meaning from our stories.

Reflecting on hard times can cause us to remember our ability to overcome and persevere. The painful events of our past become reshaped and reworked

Melissa A. Gravitt Annalee Mutz

MANAGING EDITOR

Lakeland Of�ice Available by Appointment

Brandon Of�ice 20

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to become a narrative that makes us stronger and better people.

Yearbooks have become history books that reflect the people and events that filled our lives and remind us of the blank spaces whose gaps are now occupied with life stories.

Reflecting on hard times can cause us to remember our ability to overcome and persevere.

As The Lakelander presents to you our first-ever “Year in Review” issue, we hope revisiting stories ultimately leaves you with similar sentiments. May reflecting on this year leave with you with a distinct fondness and thankfulness for the city you call home and give you an anticipation for all the memories to be made in the year ahead.

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

PRISCILLA BURR “Making Spirits Bright” photographed by Dan Austin, pg. 48

VICTORIA SGRO Victoria Sgro is a food blogger, wife, and full-time mama. She has a passion for giving her favorite foods a healthier twist but vows to never give up Mexican food and French fries. Victoria’s blog “A Hint of Garlic” is filled with innovative takes on healthy recipes. ahintofgarlic.com

What inspired your blog, “A Hint of Garlic”?

A Hint of Garlic actually began as an organic meal service. Every week I would create a new menu and deliver fully prepared meals to customers in Plant City and Lakeland. When that adventure ended, I still wanted to share my food with those clients that I had grown so close to.

The blog was the perfect way to do that. The name itself is actually kind of a joke between my husband and me, because he always used to tell me that I use too much garlic (it’s one of my favorite ingredients!).

How do you draw inspiration as writer?

I’m always inspired by incredible fiction authors like Diana Gabaldon. Even as a kid, I would read a book and get totally wrapped up in the characters.

It was like they became a part of my life, and I felt connected to the story. When I write, I try to tap into the emotions surrounding my memories and let that shape the details of the story. It helps me to stay authentic and hopefully create a connection with the readers so they feel like they are getting to know me through my writing.

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What is your favorite dish to cook?

I really love pushing myself to make things I’ve never made before, so it’s always something new ... although, homemade enchilada sauce has a special place in my heart. Sure, you can grab the canned stuff at the store. But there’s something about making sauces and dressings from scratch that can transform an entire dish and fill it with love.

What does your ideal day in Lakeland look like?

Any magical day involves a happy stomach and a full heart. First stop: Concord Coffee for a caramel latte. It’s the perfect fuel for that long line at Born & Bread. My favorites include Jenn’s amazing cheddar biscuits and a dark chocolate cruffin. On sunny days, Anthony and I love taking Leon (our son) to Lake Morton to feed the ducks. Naturally, I’m hungry again at this point and need a Greek tartine from the new Black & Brew location at the Lakeland Public Library. If I’m really lucky, I’ll catch a nap or read a book in the sunshine. And nothing wraps up a day in Lakeland like a beautiful meal at Cafe Zuppina.

It’s my favorite restaurant in the city, and you’ll no doubt feel like family by the time you leave.

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Priscilla Burr is the director of communications at Southeastern University.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations and a master’s degree in journalism. After spending the first 18 years of her life in East Africa, Priscilla moved to the U.S. in 2011 and soon fell in love with Lakeland.

PHILIP AND JESSICA PIETRI Pietri Photography is run by husband-and-wife duo Philip and Jessica Pietri.

Both photographers are established creative professionals from the Tampa Bay area who inject a clean, modernist aesthetic into their work.

See the masthead on p. 18 for a list of all contributing writers and photographers.

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L E T T E R S COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

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M E T R O NEW AND NOTABLE IN LAKELAND

Heavy and Light Now is the time to embrace an honest self-reflection in order to give 2018 the closure it truly deserves

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t’s not a revolutionary idea to reflect on the past as the New Year nears. To most, this time of year often represents newness and a fresh start. “New Year, new you,” am I right? But to truly start fresh and off on the right foot, we may need to do some heavy lifting and cast some light in the dark, too — in the form of honest self-reflection.

Most of our lives may feel like balancing between the heavy and the light emotions. But if this year felt heavier than it did light, then now may be the time to pause and remember what we’re grateful for, while also examining what may have added a little extra weight this past year, too.

Our lives are full of such rich history that’s demanding the attention it deserves in order to create a more abundant future.

Looking back on our past helps us to get there. The discipline of doing such reflection helps us to better understand ourselves and recognize why we do what we do.

With the New Year approaching, we may have already considered some goals

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and resolutions for 2019. But in order to get to where we want, we must also know where we are right now. We cannot fully understand the values and goals we set for ourselves if we do not take that time to reflect on where we are today, how we got there, and how it will affect where we are going next.

It can also help us see how far we’ve come and acknowledge any negative life cycles that have crept into the mix. But, in order for this to be a productive self-reflection, it may mean the daunting task of looking at our mistakes, too.

Although mistakes are normal, in order to truly overcome them, we need to face them instead of sweeping them under the rug. Because, the thing is, they never truly stay there for long.

As author and researcher Brené Brown says, “The dark does not destroy the light; it

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WITH THE NEW YEAR APPROACHING, WE MAY HAVE ALREADY CONSIDERED SOME GOALS AND RESOLUTIONS FOR 2019. BUT IN ORDER TO GET TO WHERE WE WANT, WE MUST ALSO KNOW WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW.

defines it. It’s our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows.” If this year felt heavier than it did light, and you’re having difficulty getting unstuck, take some extra time to reflect why that may be, knowing that you’re only helping your future self by doing the heavy lifting now.

This may mean just taking some time for ourselves in order to process through our inner self critic. Perhaps, it may even mean taking some action like writing a letter to someone we have wronged.

So, instead of pretending that the bad times didn’t exist, let’s take some time to pause and acknowledge that the darker days do not defeat our lighter ones. We may need to give ourselves some extra time before the New Year rolls around so 2018 can get the closure it truly deserves.

Because it’s important to honor our past and then pass it on.

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METRO

MICHAEL MCARTHUR AT THE POLK THEATRE In celebration of the debut of his newest full-length album Ever Green, Ever Rain, Michael McArthur will be hosting a concert at the historic Polk Theatre. The concert is on January 26.

Tickets are $10 and doors open at 7 p.m.

The Sky’s the Limit Southeastern announces new aviation program On November 15, Southeastern University President Dr. Kent Ingle led off a press conference at Lakeland Linder International Airport to announce the launch of an innovative new aviation program. Partnering with International Aero Academy, the two schools are working together to create an innovative and cost-effective aviation degree program to fill the need for professional pilots during a time of national shortage.

“We are excited about what this new partnership between Southeastern University and International Aero Academy will bring to our airport and aviation community,” said Gene Conrad, director of Lakeland Linder International Airport. “The aviation industry as a whole is struggling to develop skilled aviation professionals, and innovative partnerships like this are imperative to enhancing the future of our industry.”

The program will be the first of its kind by offering students the ability to accelerate their training by completing their private pilot license and commercial multi-engine and flight instructor ratings while in their initial eight months of the program. Trans State Airlines will also be partnering with the program to provide a career pathway that gives students a chance to interview with the airline before beginning any training.

Between these innovative partnerships and

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the fast-track approach for students that allows them to work as flight instructors and build flight hours early on in their studies, SEU students will have more of a competitive advantage in the aviation market.

PROGRAM LAUNCH FA S T FA C T S Graduates will spend less on total tuition and flight costs for an accredited degree.

Graduates will enter the workforce sooner than those of most other institutions.

Qualified students will be paid for their work as instructors as they complete their remaining degree credits online.

While at SEU, students may train in a fleet of new, state-of-the-art Tecnam P2008 aircraft that were recently acquired by IAA. The aircraft are equipped with the latest in glass panel cockpit technology

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RECREATED PUBLIX MURAL Originally created for a Publix store in Fort Lauderdale, a tile mural titled The Goddess has been recreated by artist Tim Pitzen and given a new home in Lakeland. Gregory Fancelli spearheaded the recreation of the ceramic-tile mural that now resides at the Polk County Tax Collector’s office (a former Publix store).

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METRO

thelakelander.com WHAT YOU’VE BEEN MISSING

Sign up for our weekly newsletters and receive our top weekly stories with our popular curated lists of “What to Do After Work” and “What to Do This Weekend.” Our email includes links to the top trending stories of the week and your weekly business calendar.

THE LAKELANDER 24/7

Check in with us weekly, or even daily, for exclusive web content, including recipes, interviews, and musical perfomances.

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COMING SOON We are also excited to announce the launch of our online interactive directory. The directory will be the go-to place where you will find the best goods and professional services in the city.

Love a feature you saw in the magazine? Good news: It’s all online, too! Plus, see unprinted photos, behindthe-scenes, and bonus content.

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The Lakelander has evolved to live both on and off the page. On thelakelander.com you will find all of our magazine content and exclusive custom digital content to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest Lakeland has to offer.

5 recommended restaurants in South Lakeland

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A NEW YEAR’S EVE FOR ALL No matter your personality, there’s a way to ring in the New Year that stays true to you

FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T MISS THE PARTY There are plenty of parties throughout Central Florida, but you won’t want to miss THE party right here in Lakeland.

Join the rest of Lakeland at Haus 820 as they throw their second annual New Year’s Eve Party on Monday, December 31. This year’s theme encompasses the spirit of the event: “Experience a Kaleidoscope of Our City.”

Haus 820’s NYE experience features DJ Cory Barron, full bar (beer provided by Brew Hub), food trucks, photo booth, balloon drop with a champagne toast, and a trolley service running from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Beginning at 6 p.m., the night kicks off with complimentary trolley service for a special New Year’s Eve transit route, creating a giant, connected pub crawl through Dixieland and downtown Lakeland. Partners offering exclusive discounts to Haus 820 guests from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. include Cob & Pen, Nineteen61, Red Door, Swan Brewing, Tsunami Sushi, Taco Bus, Pita Pit, and Palace Pizza.

The NYE Party at Haus 820 begins at

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10 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m., with trolley service available until 3 a.m. With your event wristband, you’ll receive access to the trolleys, which will connect from the downtown and Dixieland route to Haus 820, so you can arrive as the party starts at 10 p.m.

Haus 820 has partnered with Brew Hub to provide guests with local brews, and Cob & Pen will provide full-bar service. All party guests will receive one free drink on the Haus as well as a complimentary midnight champagne toast and balloon drop sponsored by the Lakeland Magic. All guests also will receive a free ticket to the first Lakeland Magic game of 2019.

Pre-sale general admission tickets start at $45, and VIP tickets (which include unlimited drinks at Haus 820) are $110. Reserve your ticket today at haus820nye.com. Must be 21+ to attend.

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FOR THE HOMEBODY There’s no shame in wanting to stay home on New Year’s Eve. Although society might say that New Year’s Eve must be a huge party, you can make the night whatever you want it to be. Invite over a smaller group of friends and bring the party home for a festive yet chill night away from the crowds.

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Host a Dinner Party: Maybe even consider making it a potluck. Because the restaurants will be packed, and we’re all burnt out from slaving away in the kitchen after all that holiday cooking. Consider asking guests to bring a dish they’d like to share. This guarantees variety — and means less of a mess for you as well.

FOR THOSE WHO WON’T MAKE IT TO MIDNIGHT Whether you’re a part of a family with a few little ones or you’re just simply not the night owl, New Year’s Eve festivities don’t have to be exclusively reserved for those who witness the ball drop at the stroke of midnight. You can still party it up and make it to bed at a reasonable time this New Year’s, too.

Hold a Mock Countdown Who said you had to ring in the New Year at midnight? Try ringing in the “Noon” Year by holding your celebration while the sun is still up. Create your own countdown, pop some bubbly (sparkling juice is considered in such category), and switch up things by ringing in the New Year once the clock strikes noon.

Create a Time Capsule

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The perfect way to reflect on all your family experienced this past year. Create a time capsule filled with memorabilia from your fondest 2018 memories, and store it somewhere where your future self can unpack it and then celebrate the past you.

BYOB: It seems almost customary to have bottles of champagne on hand to pop for the midnight toast. However, providing drinks for a party can be pricey and add up fast. If you’re hosting, consider asking guests to bring their own booze. You’ll provide mixers and glasses.

It’s the perfect compromise to be sure everyone has their favorite drink in hand.

Makeshift Ball Drop For a festive activity that the whole family can be a part of, consider making a quick trip to the craft store and gather some materials to create your own custom ball to drop at whatever hour you decide!

Create a Soundtrack for Your Soiree: Even though you’re bringing the party home, there’s no need to skimp out on some good tunes.

Create a group playlist and encourage your friends to send you over their top songs from 2018, and queue up a playlist that has everyone looking back over this past year with fondness.

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METRO

An Open Seat With a vacated city commission seat, three candidates have qualified for the upcoming special election On January 15, a special election will be held to fill the currently vacated Lakeland City Commission seat previously held by Michael Dunn. After the November 30 application deadline, three candidates were qualified to run for the open city commission seat: Patrick Shawn Jones, Sara Roberts McCarley, and Bill Watts.

Although the open seat is for the city’s southwest quadrant, all registered voters are eligible to vote in the upcoming election. If no candidate gets a majority vote, a runoff election will be held on February 12. After the election, the winner will serve the nearly three years the currently remains in the city commission term.

A City’s New Color New wall art can now be found throughout Lakeland Artwork from “Tapestries — Lakeland, an Un-Mural Art Experience” spread across Lakeland after the 60+ pieces were showcased at a VIP Opening event at ART/ ifact on November 2. The exhibit is part of a project that is publicly funded by generous citizens, businesses, and local agencies like the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency, the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority, and the Lakeland Area Mass Transit District. This art initiative

aims to promote quality street art while enhancing the value of urban areas of the city.

An interactive map is available to help locate the 60+ outdoor tapestries that are now located on buildings in downtown, Dixieland, and midtown for the next year.

The app allows others to view the artwork from the convenience of their smartphone while gathering information like the location of each piece and more information on the commissioned artists.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATES Shawn Jones previously ran for Lakeland mayor in the most recent election.

He currently works as a surgical sterilization technician at Lakeland Regional Health and as a heavy-metal disc jockey for WMNF in Tampa.

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Sara Roberts McCarley is the founder of the Randy Roberts Foundation, which aims to resource students who demonstrate strong civic engagement and leadership.

She has also previously served as the executive director of Polk Vision.

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Bills Watts has lived in Lakeland since 1995 and serves as the vice president for market outreach at Fintech Mortgage. He also owns two local businesses: Watts for Dinner and Antiquarian Restaurant.

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METRO

How to Jumpstart Your New Year’s Resolutions Written by Anastasia Jones-Downing

Get into gear by jumpstarting your New Year’s resolutions in 2018 with these tips The year 2019 is fast approaching, carrying with it the hope of a fresh start and a blank page. Oftentimes, the anticipation of a new year leads us to reflect on the past and resolve to focus more time and energy on building habits that will guide us to a brighter future.

New Year’s resolutions are a great way to reset and establish new rhythms that will lead to a fuller, happier life. However, according to the U.S. News, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. This holiday season, don’t stall on your resolutions before you even have a chance to start!

HEALTH AND WELLNESS Finish 2018 strong by partnering healthy eating habits with a consistent workout schedule. Jumpstart your 2019 health and wellness routine by visiting local studios and gyms such as The Balance Culture, Just Move, Yoga Pointe, and Haka Fitness.

Lakeland is home to a variety of workout classes and fitness equipment, so you can choose a local membership that works best for you. Why not capitalize on the last few weeks of the year to experiment with subtle lifestyle changes in diet and exercise? Find out what classes are fun for you and then slowly begin to integrate the health and wellness habits into your holiday schedule. A lot of these local businesses even offer special deals at the start of the new year to make it even easier for you.

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PRODUCTIVITY Planning is paramount to productivity.

Take time to make time by setting your intentions for the year to come. Stop by Stationery Loft for a unique 2019 planner that fits your lifestyle, and then find creative ways to weave new resolutions into your work/life balance.

Looking for a creative space to plan your year? Coffee-shop vibes may be all you need to schedule projects, appointments, and vacations for the weeks ahead. Cater to your caffeine levels by visiting local coffee shops like Hillcrest, Concord, Mitchell’s, or either of Black & Brew’s locations.

STYLE Forming new habits can be difficult, but refreshing your personal style can put some pep in your step, creating the extra confidence needed to take on your new year’s resolutions with enthusiasm. Switch up your wardrobe by adding fun pieces from Fifth & Hall, and find bargain deals on designer brands at Top Buttons Upscale Thrift Boutique. Then, freshen up your home with custom pieces from Scout & Tag and Curated Interiors.

You can also create a digital wishlist using Giftful.co, save your favorite items there, and then use items from the wishlist as rewards throughout the year for meeting and exceeding New Year’s resolutions. You can also share your wishlist with anyone excited to support your personal development endeavors.

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FORECASTING 2019 As 2018 fades away and the new year arrives, it is time to focus on what 2019 has to offer. From long-awaited new eats around town, to sports, city developments, and the arts and culture scene, we’ve done the research, made some phone calls, and sent e-mails and text messages to know what’s awaiting you in the year ahead.

Berna’s Turkish Coffee House

FOOD

Berna, owner of The Market at Cafe Zuppina, is adding in a few extra additions to the shop and expanding. The new additions of serving traditional Turkish coffee and gelato will be named Berna’s Turkish Coffee House.

Scheduled to open January 2019.

Food Hall Jonathan and Sarah Bucklew, owners of Seventeen20, are transforming and converting the former Lakeland Brewing Co. building on Lake Mirror into an artisan food hall with about seven eateries and a brewery/tasting room.

Scheduled to open May 2019.

SPORTS Rugby In the Summer of 2019, Ted Koontz, owner of Reds Teamsports of Lakeland, will be launching the Lakeland Renegades, with two co-partners, player Vert Stephens and USA player and coach David Ulch. The Lakeland Renegades will be USA Rugby League (USARL) team competing in the South Conference which includes Atlanta, Jacksonville, South Florida, and Tampa teams. The USARL hosts a playoff between its two conferences, the North and South, which then gives players an opportunity to play for the HAWKS (USA National Team) and represent the United States at a national level.

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EDUCATION Academy Prep of Lakeland Academy Prep of Lakeland is a rigorous, private, middle-school program dedicated to educating economically disadvantaged students by providing an academically challenging, enriching, and structured environment followed by eight years of support and guidance through high school and college.

Opening June 2019.

Florida Southern College - New School of Physical Therapy Florida Southernâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Physical Therapy is expected to supply highly trained physical therapists to healthcare facilities in Central Florida and beyond. Graduates of the program will be considered clinical doctors similar to physicians, dentists, and podiatrists and provide services in a variety of settings, including hospitals and private practices.

Opening August 2019.

DEVELOPMENT Catapult Plans for Catapult 3.0 will quadruple the square footage compared to its current facility. The new facility will increase the capacity of Catapult members from 140 to 400. It will provide space for private office users, coworkers, and kitchen users, and a fully functional 10,000-square-foot maker-space workshop and temporary retail space for those makers to test their concepts.

Scheduled to open in 2019.

ARTS & CULTURE Union Hall Greenwise A local performance and event venue is set to open on the corner of South Florida Avenue and Hunter Street.

Sheduled to open in 2019.

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Greenwise Market by Publix Supermarkets is scheduled to open its third location in Lakeland.

Scheduled to open in 2019.

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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!”

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Festive cocktails for your next holiday gathering

Written by Victoria Sgro Photography by Dan Austin

took me a long time I T to understand the conflicting feelings that I have around the holidays. Part of me wishes they could stretch on forever, filling my days with Thanksgiving turkeys and blinking Christmas lights. But each year when November rolls around, another part of me feels the pang of sadness from memories past.

When I was a kid, my family had all sorts of traditions. Relatives would

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gather together at our house for Thanksgiving lunch, and my dad always made a ridiculous amount of deviled eggs. On Christmas Eve, we would bake cookies for Santa and put carrots out on the driveway for his reindeer.

And I will forever remember jumping up and down at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning, waiting for my mom to tell us that it was time to come down to open gifts. We had a big family: five kids in total, but my parents worked really hard and always made it incredibly magical.

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Then suddenly, I was an adult. I married my soulmate and moved halfway across the country to El Paso, Texas.

Anthony was serving in the Army, and we were two baby-faced 18-year-olds who had never been away from home. Everything was new, and it didn’t take long before we yearned for our family traditions.

Little did we know, God was already planting people in our lives to help fill the void. In a place like El Paso, there is a beautiful mix of cultures. We met people from all over the world, and many of Anthony’s NCOs were from Puerto Rico. All of them were older than us, and some even had kids that were teenagers. But they immediately welcomed us into their homes like family, inviting us to every party and holiday gathering they had.

We would play dominoes and watch football while the young kids ran around.

There was a constant chatter of Spanglish and sarcasm as they yelled at each other from across the room. They would prepare fragrant meals in these giant pans and send us home with leftovers. And one thing they did really well was drink.

The holidays were loud and crazy, and I couldn’t understand half of what was going on, but it was home. It was the warmth and the love that we had been missing, and those relationships became like family. It didn’t matter that we all came from different places and were in

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far different stages in life. We were all missing someone, and gathering together to share traditions became my new favorite ritual.

Each one of these recipes is inspired by someone who has made me feel loved like they did. Those who make me wish I could go back in time and relive the memories. I hope that this holiday season, you see the changes in your life as an opportunity to welcome new traditions and pass on traditions of your own.

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2 ounces of Crown Royal Apple 1/4 of a large lime 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 3 ounces ginger beer 1 ounce Perrier Cinnamon sugar and cinnamon sticks for serving

Whisk together the whiskey, the juice from 1/4 of a lime, and the ground cinnamon. Rub the rim of the glass with the squeezed lime, and dip in cinnamon sugar. Pour the whiskey mixture in the glass and fill with ice. Top with the ginger beer and Perrier, and give it a stir to mix the alcohol throughout. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and sip slowly for all those holiday feelings.

The combination of apple, ginger, and cinnamon make this the perfect drink for relaxing by the fire.

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THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT WAYS TO MAKE COQUITO, BUT THIS IS THE WAY I WAS TAUGHT FROM OUR PUERTO RICAN FRIENDS IN EL PASO.

1 can full-fat coconut milk 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 can evaporated milk 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract 750 ml white rum

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Whisk together the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, spices, and vanilla in a pitcher. Add the rum, and whisk again. Chill in the refrigerator, and serve over ice.

Drink responsibly; this sweet and creamy drink can sneak up on you!

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This sweet, tangy, and bubbly cocktail is sure to be a favorite at any Christmas or New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve party.

1/2 cup heavy cream 1 cup cranberry juice blend *(see notes) 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 bottle of champagne Whipped cream, straws, and cinnamon sticks for serving Whisk together the heavy cream, cranberry juice, and spices. Fill each champagne glass halfway with bubbly.

Fill to the rim with the juice mixture. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Stick in a straw and a cinnamon stick for garnish. *Do not use cranberry juice cocktail for this recipe, which includes added sugar. For the best flavor, find a blend that is primarily cranberry juice, and is not from concentrate.

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FOR THE POTATOES 1 long and thin sweet potato 3 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon FOR THE PECANS 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon brown sugar FOR THE MARSHMALLOW 1 large egg white 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

CARAMELIZED SWEET POTATO SLICES, TOPPED WITH LIGHTLY CANDIED PECANS AND A BRULEED MARSHMALLOW CRÈME

1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Melt the butter in a large bowl and set aside. Wash and dry the sweet potato, and slice it into pieces that are slightly thicker than 1/4 inch. Toss the sweet potato slices in the melted butter.

Sprinkle over the cinnamon and toss again, until all the slices are lightly coated. Bake in the oven on a lower rack for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, place a cooling rack over some paper towels. Once the sweet potatoes are done cooking, remove them from the baking sheet and place them on the cooling rack.

While the potatoes are cooking, make the lightly candied pecans. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set aside. Melt the butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Stir in the pecans, and then mix in the brown sugar. Stir constantly for 2 minutes, until the pecans are lightly toasted and the sugar has started to caramelize. Once done, spread them out on the lined baking sheet to cool.

Place a glass bowl over a small pot to make a double boiler. Fill the pot with a few inches of water; it should come right below the bowl but not touch it. Whisk together the egg white, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt in the glass bowl. Place it on the pot and set on high heat to bring the water to a boil. Beat the mixture with a hand mixer for 5-7 minutes, until stiff peaks have formed.

Carefully remove the bowl from the heat and beat in the vanilla, for about 1 minute.

Place a little pile of candied pecans on each sweet potato slice. If needed, place the slices on a lined baking sheet and keep in the oven at 200°F to keep warm. Fill a small zip-top bag with the marshmallow crème. Cut the corner of the bag to make a small hole. Pipe the marshmallow crème on top of the pecans. Using a small hand torch, brulee the marshmallow crème until golden brown. Alternatively, broil the bites in the oven until the marshmallow crème is lightly toasted, about 1 minute.

Serve warm.

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Crostini with mushrooms and cheese are a savory accompaniment for any holiday gathering.

2 shallots, diced 1 clove garlic, minced 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms 3 ounces fontina cheese, freshly shredded 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan 1/2 of a French baguette Extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper

Drizzle a pan with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil and place it over medium heat.

Add the shallots, and sautĂŠ until softened and translucent. Meanwhile, gently rinse and dry the mushrooms. Cut into a small dice and set aside. Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook until they are softened.

Stir in the shredded fontina cheese until melted. Sprinkle the mixture with a little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Cut the French bread lengthwise and place on a lined baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle the bread with a little olive oil and place in the oven on the middle rack.

Broil for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the bread. (Alternatively, you can slice the French bread into thin rounds, drizzle with olive oil, and toast the same way.) Remove the bread from the oven and spread the mushroom mixture evenly onto each piece. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan and broil for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve up warm for a light and tasty appetizer!

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SHELTER

A SPRINKLING OF LIGHT In 1963, architect Bruce Spencer designed a home that was greatly influenced by the modernist movement of its time. Over 50 years later, current homeowners Jason and Hillary DeMeo, pay homage to the same house that continues to deliver a compelling â&#x20AC;&#x153;sprinkling of light.â&#x20AC;?

Written by Johnny Laderer Photography by Philip Pietri

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lass is everywhere now.

But it hasn’t always been.

In a modern world full of skyscrapers, we may not think of glass as a semiprecious material. It wasn’t until the 15th century that transparent glass was created and, even then, it was still made by hand.

Glass was blown into balloons and then cut and unfurled, or it was blown and spun into discs, known as crown glass. This process leaves behind a visible source mark.

It is a quite a beautiful process, however slow and costly. Just imagine the first time people had the ability to use glass in buildings. Before glass, buildings were either opened or closed — open to the elements or shuttered and dark. With glass, we can create a building envelope that is closed and secure, yet allows light in. This blurs the line between inside and outside.

In medieval times, glass was used in churches and stained glass; it took on a

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spiritual connotation. I think there’s a connection to that idea that is still true today. Glass serves as a transferer of light.

It dissolves the realm between indoor and outdoor, the realm between man and God. SIMILAR YET DIFFERENT Built in 1963 by Bruce Spencer, the home to current owners Jason and Hillary DeMeo employs glass in fantastic ways. The house, in many ways, draws on principles from the Sarasota School of Architecture.

The Sarasota School, while not an actual school, is a term coined for a movement of regional modernism, also referred to as Florida Modernism. It is essentially founded in organic architecture, and inspired by its natural place and international style. Two similar and yet different architectural styles converged in a post-war Florida.

We had Frank Lloyd Wright in Central Florida influencing many architects, including Bruce Spencer. In addition, there was Paul

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Rudolph, who came to work under Ralph Twitchell after studying under Walter Gropius at Harvard. Gropius was the head of Bauhaus and came to America after facing pressure from Nazi Germany. These two different schools of thought converged all across America. The result being a modernist movement with unique traits for various locales.

“WITH GLASS, W E CA N C R E AT E A BUILDING ENVELOPE T H AT I S C LO S E D A N D SECURE, YET ALLOWS LIGHT IN. THIS BLURS THE LINE BETWEEN INSIDE A N D O U T S I D E .”

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Ocala block of varying dimensions form the exterior walls, exterior and interior columns, and the fireplace.

Current homeowners Jason and Hillary DeMeo with their daughter Ellie and dog Kennedy

The home provides a heavenly glow; a calm light that floods the space, but the light is not direct.

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IT’S ALL IN THE DESIGN Lots of clerestory windows provide top lighting to this space. Let’s think about what other buildings feature toplit spaces: chapels, naves, and art galleries use top lighting. The home provides a heavenly glow; a calm light that floods the space, but the light is not direct.

In 2005, Bruce Spencer told The Ledger newspaper he was proud of the way the house delivers a “sprinkling of light.” The multi-level roofline provides height in places of drama, and the glass between the roof creates a sense of floating plates — as if the roof is floating above the house.

Several rooms are cornerless, featuring glass corners in its place. The effect is that the building dissolves into the large yard. Corner windows allow the building to feel like it is merging with the site. It’s a subtle effect that plays out on everyone whether they realize it or not. Glass is used expertly to dissolve the house upward and outward.

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Adding to the drama of height and dissolving views, the central sunken living room is surrounded by an internal masonry colonnade with a commanding Ocala block fireplace. It’s the most formal space in the house. The house is constructed of materials that feel holistic to the space. Ocala block (which Frank Lloyd Wright also used) is a special block. It is created using a specific mix of aggregates and sand that give it a distinctive warm tone. The block is then left unpainted which garners a negative response because it feels cold. But when you put care into the materials and leave them in their raw state, a certain honesty resonates with people. The house also features wood and terrazzo floors throughout. The kitchen also has a narrow second-height ceiling. From the outside, these protrusions begin to feel like decks of a ship.

The house, having been built before air conditioning, has been retrofitted with

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T H E G L AS S S E RV E S AS A T R A N S F E R E R O F L IG H T. I T D I S S O LV E S T H E R E A L M B E T W E E N I N D O O R A N D OUTDOOR, THE REALM BETWEEN MAN AND GOD.

DOCTOR of PHYSICAL THERAPY Florida Southern College is launching a new doctor of physical therapy program in Fall 2019 that will supply highly trained physical therapists to healthcare facilities in Florida each year. Graduates of this new program will complete their course of study in 2½ years, including 36 weeks of clinical experiences.

Over the next eight years the number of physical therapists nationwide is projected to increase 28 percent.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Physical therapist positions take longer to fill than any other health-related field with 60% of positions requiring at least 61 days to fill.

Florida Hospital Association

For more information, visit flsouthern.edu/DPT

Accreditation Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Contact: 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org Florida Southern College is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the Pre-accreditation stage, on December 1, 2018. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

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several units to service its rambling floor plan. The owners have found this to be very efficient as they can micro-control zones based on their use. This is an interesting lesson that can be applied today. Besides employing passive cooling, perhaps we should also be segmenting the home by use â&#x20AC;&#x201D; like airlocks of a ship. The kitchen often needs not be connected to the home.

In fact, early Florida pioneers knew this.

The kitchen is hot and smelly when in use.

Bedrooms are kept cooler but only need be during sleeping hours.

A HOMEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ESSENCE In regards to thinking about specificity of place, a term I love is genius loci. In ancient Roman times, genius loci referred to a protective spirit of a place. In contemporary use, it can simply be thought of as the essence or the spirit of the place. Through architecture we can capture that. Or, perhaps, a better way to think of it rather than containing is to pay homage to. But maybe successful architecture is doing more than just paying homage, which feels superficial. Good architecture is allowing that genius loci to flow through the site.

Successful architecture, or architecture that resonates with people the most, is of, for, and by the place.

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CULTURE

For the past 25 years, Polk Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier professional dance company, the Florida Dance Theatre, has continued to inspire audiences and invest in the next generation. As the company looks ahead to celebrating its 25 years in the county, Carol Krajacic-Erkes, the founding director, reflects on key moments that shaped the company.

Written by Priscilla Burr Photography by Paul Bostrom

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AS Carol Krajacic-Erkes, the founding director of Florida Dance Theatre, reflects on the past 25 years and anticipates the future of the company, she can’t help but share how the community rallied behind her since the beginning. “I can’t believe how wonderful all the people are who have helped make the organization what it is. It’s amazing how so many people have helped because they saw my vision.

We still have so many people who are pushing for us,” says Erkes.

In April of 2019, the theatre will host its 25th Gala Celebration at the Polk Theatre in honor of Erkes. The beginning of next season, 2019-20, will also mark Erkes passing the directorship over to Stefan Dolbashian and Jermaine Thornton as she sets to retire. Dolbashian, has been with Erkes for more than 10 years and Thornton for the past 8 years.

“They know my vision and they know where I want this company to go. I want to see it perform more around Polk County and increase performances and residencies around the country,” says Erkes.

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and apprentices. The training academy provides classes from the beginner to the professional level in ballet, modern, jazz, tap and hiphop. Students from the academy have successfully gone on to receive scholarships to college dance programs, including Florida State, as well as followed professional careers with companies such as the Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Met, and Memphis Ballet. Florida Dance Theatre is also the professional dance company in residence at Florida Southern College.

A full-fledge dance company wasn’t always in the cards for Erkes.

She originally opened a ballet studio but soon noticed the talent available in Polk County. When she opened her doors for the first season, she had over 60 students. From there it has continued to grow.

“I didn’t plan to have a professional dance company. It was never in my mind. It just kind of happened. I realized there was no outlet for them to perform. And some of them were just too good to let go,” says Erkes. “After a year, I

The Florida Dance Theatre is the only professional dance company in Polk County and consists of 11 professional dancers.

In celebration of a quarter of a century, the 2018-19 year will be filled with professional performances in the Branscomb Auditorium, from The Nutcracker to the Fit n’ Fierce Festival. The company commenced the anniversary season in September, with retelling the beloved childhood story of Peter Pan, which Erkes characterizes as a historic event for the company.

“It was a brand-new ballet. It was the first time that we have been accompanied by the Imperial Symphony for a full-length program. That was really cool. I didn’t have anything to do with the production. Stefan created all of the choreography, and Jermaine was in charge behind the scenes.

Along with all of that, they still performed in the production. I think the Peter Pan performance really opened people’s eyes to what we really do as professionals.”

As the only professional dance company in Polk County, the company boasts 11 professional dancers from around the country who are all salaried, in addition to offering opportunities for trainees

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“ I H AV E S U C H A N E M O T I O N A L B O N D W I T H S O M A N Y P E O P L E OV E R T H E PAST In April of 2019, the theatre will host its 25th Gala Celebration at the Polk Theatre in honor of their founding director.

2 5 Y E A R S . I T ’ S A M A Z I N G . A N D N OW, SO MANY OF THE STUDENTS I RAISED ARE BRINGING THEIR KIDS TO ME.”

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realized that the students I had were in need of some kind of performance outlet, so I started Lakeland Ballet.

I changed it to Florida Dance Theatre and changed it to a 501(C3) nonprofit organization. I wanted to provide scholarship for kids. I went from a company of just teenagers to a full-fledged professional company with salaried dancers from all over the country.”

The essential ingredient for Erkes at the organization is creating an atmosphere where everyone feels included. “It’s all about attitude. People walk in and they feel welcome. It’s got to be a place, whether you want to be a dancer or not, you are relaxed.

You’re having fun and you’re learning all at the same time.”

Erkes says one of the company’s proudest moments is its involvement in the community through its summer programs and providing scholarships for students

to attend the academy. The local summer camp outreach is a fivedays-a-week program held for two weeks for children who might not usually be able to afford the opportunity of dance training.

“For 17 years, we have done a free summer camp for the economically disadvantaged. The program is not only the camp. We choose kids to receive a scholarship to attend the school for a whole season,” says Erkes.

The future of the company promises more involvement within the community. This year, the organization was able to partner with Lake Parker Ministries to hold an after-school program with hopes of expanding that program to area schools. Erkes adds that the most rewarding part of the outreach programs has been the kids who came to them through their free summer programs and Publix scholarship program.

“BEING AN ARTIST IS VERY P E R S O N A L , B U T YO U H AV E T O LEARN TO MAKE SACRIFICES AND WORK WHEN YOU ARE EXHAUSTED. IT’S LIFE T R A I N I N G . W E H AV E H A D

The training academy provides classes from the beginner to the professional level in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and hip-hop.

SOME OF THOSE KIDS WHO WERE IN THE FREE PROGRAM COME BACK AND VOLUNTEER WITH US FOR SOME OF OUR SUMMER CAMPS OVER THE YEARS BECAUSE THEY CAME TO THE CAMP AND IT CHANGED THEIR LIFE.”

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Students from the academy have successfully gone on to receive scholarships to college dance programs.

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Florida Dance Theatre is the professional dance company in residence at Florida Southern College.

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TCHAIKOVSKY’S THE NUTCRACKER

Erkes aims for the organization to create an atmosphere where everyone feels included.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary, they are bringing the classic holiday tradition of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to the Festival of Fine Arts.

SATUR DAY December 15 at 7:30pm

SUN DAY December 16 at 2:30 pm

B R AN SCOMB AUDI TORI UM floridasouthern.edu/festival-of-fine-arts 863.680.4296

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“It wasn’t so much about the dancing, although some of them really excelled and really loved it.

It was about how it changed their lives. It gave them an opportunity to explore themselves artistically and see that dance is very personal.

That training was not only about dance, it was about life, and how to get along with people and work with a team. That’s why the arts are so special,” she says.

Erkes also notes how rigorous dancing can be and how it has taught individuals, who might not even continue in the field, how to be disciplined and work hard.

“Being an artist is very personal, but you have to learn to make sacrifices and work when you are exhausted.

It’s life training. We have had some of those kids who were in the free program come back and volunteer with us for some of our summer camps over the years because they came to the camp and it changed their life.”

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

Investing in others is something Erkes takes from one of her former dance teachers she had in her home state of Ohio. “She focused more on the emotional part of dancing and all of the work involved because she cared about us whether we continued to dance or just did it for pleasure. She really cared about us as people. Dance was almost secondary.”

Erkes became a professional ballet dancer at the age of 17.

She began her career dancing at a school in Cleveland at the age of 10, and from there pursued a professional career after graduating from high school. It was while she was dancing for the Cincinnati Ballet that she met her husband.

She danced for the company for five years, before they moved to Houston, where she continued to dance. When her husband decided to pursue a path in medicine, they moved to Galveston, Texas, where she started a local ballet school.

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“ I D I D N ’ T P L A N T O H AV E A P R O F E S S I O N A L D A N C E C O M P A N Y. I T WA S N E V E R I N M Y M I N D. I T JUST KIND OF HAPPENED. I R E A L I Z E D T H E R E WA S N O O U T L E T FOR THEM TO PERFORM. AND SOME OF THEM WERE JUST TOO GOOD TO LET GO.”

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The future of the company promises more involvement within the community.

After her husband’s residency, the couple looked for a warmer climate to live in and settled on Florida. They moved to Winter Haven, where Erkes continued to dance for two different companies in Orlando. The commute wore on her, and that’s when she decided to start the Florida Dance Theatre. She recalls the countless people who supported her along the way and the generations of families that have been a part of the organization since its inception. “I have such

an emotional bond with so many people over the past 25 years. It’s amazing. And now, so many of the students I raised are bringing their kids to me,” says Erkes.

While she looks to her future in retirement, Erkes plans to continue to guest teach and choreograph.

“Everybody has done so much. It’s a love. It’s not work. It’s going to be difficult to be away. My hope is that they continue to reach more kids and a bigger audience that really appreciates what they do and how hard they work.”

Florida Dance Theatre 305 W. Main Sreet Lakeland, FL 33815 863.802.0399 floridadancetheatre.org

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GIFT GUIDE

Written by The Lakelander Team

THE LAKELANDER’S HOLIDAY

Gift Guide It’s the most wonderful time of the year — until you find yourself frantically shopping for last-minute gifts. Don’t worry, The Lakelander team has you covered. We once again reached out to our team of writers and photographers to curate a gift guide filled with some of the best local picks. Between items found on their own wish lists to gifts they’ve given to others, this comprehensive guide will help you not sacrifice quality gift giving, even if you’re in the midst of last-minute holiday shopping.

Lakeland Pillow Priscilla Burr $36

It is a beautiful representation of all the places, organizations, and things that make Lakeland unique.

Scout & Tag 244 N. Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 863.225.2426 | scoutingvintage.com

Temperature Control Ceramic Mug by Ember Joe Hepler $79.95

I’m a notoriously slow and forgetful coffee drinker. I also don’t like my coffee piping hot. This temperature-controlled mug allows you to keep your drink at precisely the right temperature for hours.

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Holiday Jam Set

Mandalina Eco Towels & Blankets

Urban Canning Company makes the best homemade jams and pickled products using local and seasonal produce. They also offer classes at their flagship store in St. Pete — a great gift idea for friends and family that love cooking!

Luxuriously lightweight but highly absorbent. They wash extremely well and dry quickly (a plus in Florida!).

Tara Campbell $25

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Laura Helm $15-$55

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Madras Dog Scarf

Lush Bath Bombs

I have two dogs whom I love more than most humans. So of course I buy them way too much gear. This Madras dog scarf is handcrafted and comes with the option to add your pup’s name on a leather tag fastened to the scarf.

I’m a sucker for a hot bath and a good book! It’s one of my favorite forms of self-care, and lush bath bombs just make it feel luxurious. I love all the beautiful colors and scents, and that their products are made by hand by real people.

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Cuyana Travel Set

AirPods

Colorful, quality, personalized. They are incredibly well made and eye-catching, which keeps me from leaving it behind.

How wonderful would wireless listening be?

Joe Hepler $20

Laura Helm $110

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Victoria Sgro $3.25

Anastasia Jones $159

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Nigeria World Cup Jersey Priscilla Burr $40

Since I grew up in Africa, I always cheer for the African teams during the World Cup. Four years ago, we watched Nigeria play the U.S. in a pre-World Cup game. They have become one of my favorite African teams to cheer for. I also thought they had the coolest jerseys at the World Cup this past summer.

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University of Miami 1958 College Ballcap Joe Hepler $49

Binge Mode: Tough Look Tee Joe Hepler $24.99

I grew up loving Harry Potter. Now, as an adult, Binge Mode, a podcast by The Ringer, has allowed me to return back to this beloved story. This tee depicts an iconic line from hosts Mallory Rubin and Jason Concepcion as they journey through the entire series. A perfect gift for the “Binge Head” in your life.

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Sand Chelsea Boots from Nisolo Victoria Bardega $228

Ebbets has a vast collection of vintage sports memorabilia ranging from hats to jerseys and sweaters. It’s a great gift for the fan who wants to sport a vintage look.

Tethered with authentic, silky leather, this pair of Chelsea Boots

by Nisolo caught my eye with its minimalistic design and durable heel. They are ethically handcrafted and the perfect shoes to wear during our seasons of cooler weather.

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Lamy Safari Fountain Pen by Lamy

Dead Sea Mud Masque

Matthew Wenger from A Fine Press put me on to this fountain pen. A fountain pen is a must for the “pen-and-paper” traditionalist in your life, and the simple and sleek Lamy Safari is the ideal place to start.

I love that all of Rafa Natural’s products are natural, organic, and made locally. Masks are one of my favorite facial cleansing routines and they’re perfect for a girls’ night.

Joe Hepler $20.88

Sationery Loft 230 N. Kentucky Avenue Lakeland, Florida 33801 863.248.4438

Priscilla Burr $20

Rafa Natural 244 N. Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 863.712.7620 | Rafanatural.com

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Blue Lune in Rose Gold Watch from Nacre Victoria Bardega $170

With its minimal strap, this leather-crafted watch offers a contemporary style of accessory for the everyday working woman.

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Facial

Victoria Sgro My skin has gone through so many changes, and I’m constantly having to tweak my skincare routine to keep up. Getting a facial from Summer at Refined Esthetics would be an amazing refresh and give me a chance to ask some questions about the best care for my skin. I also love that she uses Rafa Natural products!

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IN OUR YEAR IN REVIEW, WE CELEBRATE SOME NOTABLE 2018 MEMORIES BY HIGHLIGHTING THE PEOPLE, PLACES, AND DEVELOPMENTS THAT MADE UP OUR BEST YEAR YET.

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CITY

A year filled with change, growth, and expectancy as the city underwent exciting new developments

Launching Businesses

Catapult 3.0 Continuing to equip entrepreneurs in our community in new and innovative ways.

Catapult announced a partnership with TheShop.build to build and operate the future Maker Space within Catapultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new facility. TheShop.build is based out of San Francisco and is a hybrid of a maker space, startup incubator, innovation hub, and membershipbased workshop facility for makers, engineers, entrepreneurs, students, and artists to create and have access to high-tech tools. They will operate the 9,000-square-foot maker space which will include laser cutters, computer-controlled equipment, and 3D printers.

After Hurricane Irma severely damaged the initial planned renovations to the 1924 Cash Feed Building which overlooks Lake Mirror, Catapult is breaking ground on the construction of their new 38,000-square-foot facility in September 2019. The Lakeland Economic Development Council (LEDC), GiveWell Community Foundation, and the City of Lakeland are also all working alongside Catapult to open the new space. The rest of the space will consist of coworking and private offices as well as a commissary kitchen.

Catapult exists to equip entrepreneurs, and this expansion will be a continued effort to do just that in an even greater capacity.

New Leadership, Renewed Vision

Mayor Bill Mutz Takes Office In Issue 41, we interviewed newly elected Mayor Mutz as he stepped into the role eager to lead the city to a brighter future but prepared to pause at the beginning of his term, ready to listen and to see the real needs of the city.

Community Redevelopment

Lincoln Square Neighborhood Project The CRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to increase the quality of life in the blighted areas of the community.

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Photographer Dustin Barrow captured an optimistic and eager Bill Mutz last spring for issue 41.

Like everything in Bill Mutz’s life, deciding to run for mayor of Lakeland came down to two things: God, and Mutz’s wife, Pam. Several years ago, then-Mayor Howard Wiggs approached Mutz about running.

Though Mutz had served the city for many years through non-profits, committees, CRAs, and other organizations, he had never considered running for a government position and had no interest in getting involved in

After buying the property in 2011 and demolishing blighted apartments in an effort to increase the quality of life in the area, the Lakeland Redevelopment Agency (CRA) began a four-phase project that would rebuild the Lincoln Square neighborhood, located at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and W. 7th street.

The five-acre site will have 21

politics. He relayed the encounter to Pam, who, about eight months later, came home from her devotion time and asked, “Are you praying about running for mayor at all?”

“No, I’m not praying about running for mayor at all,” replied Mutz.

“I just think you should,” said Pam, “because I’ve been praying about it, and I really think I’m fine with it if you want to run.”

With that, Mutz did start to pray about it, at least to open his heart to it, and once he did, he was able to be more receptive to the possibility. But doubts still remained, and Mutz decided that he wanted someone else to talk to about it. That encounter came shortly after, when he was invited to a lunch with some business people who came with a request: that he would think about running for mayor. With Pam and his friends in the business community supporting him, his candidacy was a done deal, and the campaign was underway.

“Having the support of people

during the campaign, spending time campaigning across the city I already love, getting to love it even more in that process as I got to see neighborhoods whose problems and challenges are so different, and always have with it their champions — people who care, people who are world-changers in their own neighborhoods across the city — made me love it even further,” says Mutz.

In his office overlooking Lake Mirror, Mutz reflects on his first months as mayor. “For me, today, the fact that I can serve in this capacity and have the opportunity to help move the city to the next level is an unbelievable privilege... If you ask me what my biggest delight has been in it all, it has been that the quality of the people in the city, the effectiveness of processes — it’s well-run.”

Read the full feature “An Interview with Mayor Bill Mutz”

by Rebecca Knowles in issue 41 or on thelakelander.com.

single-family detached houses on quarter-acre lots, and four of them have already been completed. In an effort to make the homes affordable, the CRA has offered down-payment assistance for homeowners who live in the home for 10 years.

On September 29, the Lakeland CRA held an open house event to celebrate the opening of their first completed home.

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Lakeland Linder can now be referred to as an international

airport after opening its U.S. customs office in late 2017. office.

Politics

Munn Park Statue Last December, the city commissioners voted in favor of the relocation of the Confederate statue that currently stands in Munn Park. After an earlier decision this year limited the funding of the relocation to private funds, the commission then made the decision on November 19 to use red-light camera citation revenues to move the monument.

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Public Service

Healthcare

Dennis Ross Heads Home Civics, civility, process, leadership — all will coalesce as Dennis 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,” Ross says. “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.”

Read the full feature “Heading Home” by Lenore Devore in issue 46 or on thelakelander.com.

Lakeland’s Newest Healthcare Destination Lakeland Regional Health welcomed the addition of a new building for women and children, focused on providing a family-friendly atmosphere and specialized pediatric care.

Development

Dog Leg Woods Park A true dog leg now exists on Cleveland Heights Golf Course as a beautifully shaded area on the corner of the course is now home to a three-acre dog park.

Dog Leg Woods, the city’s second dog park, officially opened on Saturday, March 10, and furry four-legged friends across Lakeland have since been able to take advantage of its many amenities including a long green for playing catch and a washing station to clean your dog’s paws before heading home.

The new pavilion houses stateof-the-art equipment.

On June 2, 2018, Lakeland Regional Health held a grand opening for the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children. A partnership with Nemours Children’s Hospital of Orlando, the new facility provides expanded pediatric specialty care to the children and adolescents in the communities it serves.

“The pavilion was built by the community for the community, meaning that community members’ input was utilized in the design phase of the pavilion,” said Joyce Arand, the associate vice president for Women’s and Children’s Services.

In addition, the community helped “make the vision a reality,” Arand said.

Barnett, the daughter of Publix Founder George Jenkins, contributed millions to the project, but many other people also donated, and the hospital recently kicked off a public campaign to raise $5 million to “accomplish all its goals,” LRH President Elaine Thompson said.

Read “Lakeland’s Newest Healthcare Destination” by Lenore Devore on thelakelander.com.

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Looking along Pine Street from the intersection with Kentucky Avenue in Lakeland, Florida. On the right of the photo is Bob’s Pawn Shop housed in the iconic Clonts Building, one of the city’s oldest commercial buildings. 1959

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SPORTS A history-making year for Lakeland sports and the teams that continue to build our local comradery

When the G League was developed, Lakeland stood as the front-runner of cities to call home.

Local Champs

Bill Castle has been the head coach for Lakeland High School’s football team, the Dreadnaughts, since 1976. Castle won his first title in 1986, and his 2005 and 2006 championship teams were named national champions by USA Today. In 2007, Castle was selected coach of the century at FHSAA’s 100th anniversary.

Bill Castle ended his 43rd season as head of Lakeland High School’s football program on Friday, December 7 with a total of 431 wins after defeating St. Thomas Aquinas 33-20 in the 7A Championship at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. – the first time since 2006.

With Lakeland High School.

Dreadnaughts’ seventh state title, this accomplishment also makes Bill Castle one of the top coaches in FHSAA history.

LHS 7 Time State Champs Dreadnaughts end an unbeaten season with a state title win over St. Thomas Aquinas, the first 7A State Champinonship win since 2006.

Read “Friday Night Lights” by Joe Hepler on thelakelander.com to learn more about the Dreadnaughts’ storied history of success and Coach Bill Castle’s significant role in their story.

Photo by Joe Freeman

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Basketball

Baseball

A New Home Team for Lakelanders

Lakeland Wins the World Series In this year’s series, Lakeland native Steve Pearce was named World Series’ Most Valuable Player, and fellow Lakelander Chris Sale pitches a perfect final inning to secure the big win for the Red Sox — and Lakeland, too.

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.

History Makers In early December 2016, the Orlando Magic selected Lakeland as home of their new NBA Development League affiliate. That same day, the organization would also announce the promotion of the League’s first and only female president, Shelly Wilkes.

The Lakelander: We understand the G League has a vision of being a similar system as the Minor League system for baseball. So, what is the numberone goal for the Lakeland Magic?

Shelly Wilkes: The number-one goal of the G League team is to develop your players. It’s a great opportunity to grow those people for the next level.

And though you don’t want them to leave, you do want them to leave, right? You want to give them as much opportunity as possible to take their skills to the next level.

For instance, we used our team as an opportunity to give Wes Iwundu and Khem Birch, who are both Orlando Magic rostered players — they were assigned to the G League team for quite a bit of the early season — a lot of playing time, a lot of confidence, a lot of wins here for Lakeland, and now they are both getting playing time in Orlando. That’s your ultimate goal.

The Lakelander: Why should someone come out to see the Lakeland Magic?

Shelly Wilkes: The Lakeland Magic is an opportunity for fans here locally to experience NBA basketball. You’re going to have the game entertainment of an NBA arena. There’s something for everyone.

It’s a family-friendly experience. We have bounce houses and pop-a-shots during the game. We have a VIP experience with all-inclusive food and beverage.

We have great timeout entertainment and halftime entertainment. We allow local groups to perform on court, so if you have a dance company or a choir, there are opportunities for them to come perform.

SEU Women Take #1 On February 2, Southeastern Women’s Basketball became the first local college basketball team to be ranked No. 1 since the Florida Southern men won the NCAA Division II championship in 2015. For the first time in program and school history, Southeastern University’s Women’s Basketball has earned the ranking as No. 1 team in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national poll.

Joining the NAIA during the 2009-2010 school year, the Fire is in its ninth year competing at this level. They have been undefeated for the last two regular seasons.

Steve Pearce (left) and Chris Sale (right) both played for LHS

They’re two very different players with two very different paths, yet — and here’s where it gets weird — they have one thing in common: they both played for Lakeland High school. Pearce graduated in 2001, and Sale in 2007.

And when Boston’s Championship hopes were hanging in the balance, who would provide the heroics for the Sox? The Lakeland boys, of course.

In Game 4, Pearce hit a game-tying home run in the eighth inning and followed it up in the ninth by driving in the eventual winning run on a three-run double. The following night, Pearce stepped up to the plate in the first inning against Dodger ace Clayton Kershaw and promptly launched the first pitch he saw, 405 feet into the outfield bleachers, to give the Red Sox a 2-0 lead. The former Dreadnaught would add another homer to his eventual World Series MVP resume in the eighth, putting Boston up 5-1.

Read the full article “How Lakeland Won the World Series” by Joe Hepler on thelakelander.com.

Read the full feature “Game Changer” by Joel Helm in issue 40 or on the lakelander.com.

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The Florida Southern College Water Ski Team is the oldest of its kind in the country.

From the Magazine

Get to Know a Uniquely Local Team Even when the waters are a tad choppy, skiers are ready to jump in. At first light, if conditions are favorable, Florida Southern College Water Ski athletes are ready to make some waves.

For a Division II school to have made their way to competing in Division I, clearly this team is wellversed in handling the water … though much credit may be due to its full-time coach, something few ski teams have the luxury of. Since the arrival of Coach Curtis Rabe, the team has gained immense traction in the sport. While it may not garner the limelight of collegiate sports as some do, it certainly takes skill, never mind some guts, to ride the water.

The Lakelander: Water skiing must be the quintessential Florida college sport, but it flies under the radar compared to other college sports. Tell us about its size and impact.

Curtis Rabe: Collegiate skiing is huge. But, you’re right. It doesn’t garner the attention of other college sports. Even [senior skier] Cole McCormick — who started skiing

when he was just six or seven — says that he wasn’t familiar with collegiate skiing when he was in high school. That’s actually normal.

But our Collegiate Nationals is an enormous event. Schools come out of the woodwork to compete.

Even though we’re a Division II school, we compete in Division I against Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Ohio State, Texas State, Washington, and Arizona State, to name a few.

We’re happy to say that FSC is one of the top collegiate water skiing schools in the country. We’ve recently placed third in regional championships.

In 2015, my first year at FSC, we placed second in Division 1. That’s the highest level of competition available, so we were the second best team in the country. We continue to be quite competitive. All that to say: we have a really good ski team!

Read the full article “Deepwater Start” by Adam Spafford in issue 40 or on thelakelander.com.

2 018 Y EAR IN REVIEW

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Creative Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Picks

Best Sports Shots of the Year

Reed Burr Issue 46

Jason Stephens Issue 40

Loree Rowland Issue 40

Paul Bostrom Issue 40

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FOOD Showcasing our favorite restaurants, recipes, and food and drink offerings of 2018

From the Magazine

Spotlight on Latin Cuisine Lakeland’s abundance and caliber of Latin cuisine is one of our city’s greatest assets. From street tacos to capachas, there’s an array of diverse food offerings to help satisfy any Latin food craving.

Holding tacos up outside of La Michoacana on US 92 at 9 p.m. on Wednesday night, I wonder how I, Tara Campbell, a white former baker, have landed writing the Latin Food Tour for The Lakelander.

John Kazaklis is helping photograph these tacos. Half Bolivian, a Spanish speaker, and well traveled, John is my good friend and guide. I suggested the restaurants because they’re some of my favorites, and John helps me order because my Spanish is functional at best. I can understand more than I speak (at one restaurant, I knocked something over with my elbow and John told some ladies nearby that I was drunk already at 9:30 a.m. — I heard you, John), and he is a big help by making sure that we get the best representation of authentic and popular dishes.

As I hold up these carnitas and Al Pastor street tacos, I remember that I’m doing this because I suggested it.

We have an incredibly diverse Latin food community in Lakeland, and it’s something I really appreciate about living in Florida.

Originally from Arizona, and now Central Florida, I’ve always been used

to having good Mexican food nearby.

Currently, my next-door neighbors are from Mexico, and they love to throw parties. Tamales abound and life is good. Living in Central Florida though, it’s not just Mexican food.

Puerto Rican food, Cuban food, Peruvian food, and other choices from the Caribbean, Central America, and South America can all be found within a few miles of each other.

We often take for granted how lucky we are to have this type of culture nearby. In my travels, I’ve tried to find good tacos in other parts of the world.

Other places seem to believe that they know good Latin food, but it’s always just … wrong.

If living in Florida has affected my life in any way, it’s that I’m used to the heat, not used to the cold; I eat tacos once a week; and I have a strong opinion on what makes a good Cuban sandwich. There are so many restaurants in town that we had to create a sidebar to name all the ones we think you should visit.

Read the full feature “Variety in Similarity” by Tara Campbell in issue 44 or on thelakelander.com

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Our first-ever Cultura Hispana issue highlighted Lakeland’s Hispanic/ Latino culure.

2 018 Y EAR IN REVIEW

Lakeland Makes Shopping a Pleasure

Delivery and Local Products Arrive at Publix A big year of innovations and additions to the Publix experience On June 28, Publix rolled out their Publix Delivery App powered by Instacart which allows customers an efficient delivery option for their grocery needs. In addition, Publix also added local products to their inventory, including Patriot Coffee beans and Brew Hubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Matte Black, a black lager infused with Concord cold brew.

Eat Up

New Food in Lakeland New Eats

Revival

Offering a wide range of craft cocktails presented speakeasy-style

The Market at Zuppina Next door to the restaurant and adding to the Turkish delights

New Digs

Tsunami

Federal Bar

Black & Brew Lake Morton

The newest sushi and hibachi spot to open its doors in downtown

The Federal Buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly occupied Prohibition-themed bar

The newest location opened at the Lakeland Public Library

Swan Brewing

The latest premier craft brewery in the heart of downtown

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La Imperial Bakery

Cafe Roti

A family-owned bakery specializing in Puerto Rican and Cuban cuisine

New offerings at the opening of their new downtown location

2 018 Y EAR IN REVIEW

From the Magazine

Our Favorite Recipes

Issue 44

Issue 39

Issue 46

Tricolor Tostadas

Orange-Tarragon Baked Haddock

Gooey Mac & Cheese

Corn tortillas topped with assortment of offerings such as a roasted tomato salsa guacamole, and refried beans

Utilizing the simple technique of baking fish to seal in all the flavors of this recipe

Issue 44’s Taste feature “Hecho Con Amor” featured unique and diverse Nicaraguan dishes influenced from other cultural cuisines.

The creative fusion of the meals offered in this feature aim to showcase how the thoughtfulness taken with each dish not only creates a delectable meal, but an experience that reminds us why meals are meant to be shared with those we love.

Issue 39’s Taste feature “Salt & Scale” was a part of our Kitchen Skills series where we honed in on the often underrated techniques that can create a masterpiece out of simplicity. This story showcased how to purchase and prepare seafood along with sharing the nutritional benefits of a steady diet of seafood.

Story and recipes by Giovanna Favilli

Story and recipes by Benjamin Vickers

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The classic Mac & Cheese reinvented with some unlikely added ingredients Issue 46’s Taste feature “Reinventing the Classics” was a continuation of last November’s taste feature where we learned to master the roast. The recipes in this feature highlight some of our favorite side dishes to accompany this classic recipe and gave them a reinventive twist.

Story and recipes by Benjamin Vickers

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Creative Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Picks

Best Taste Shots of the Year

Tina Sargeant Issue 39

Dan Austin Issue 46

Dan Austin Issue 47

Tina Sargeant Issue 45

Jordan Weiland Issue 43

Tiffani Jones Issue 40

Tina Sargeant Issue 43

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2 018 Y EAR IN REVIEW

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2 018 Y EAR IN REVIEW

Living History

SHELTER Character, charm, and impeccable design make up Lakeland’s nationally recognized housing market

Market

Lakeland Real Estate: Making National Headlines Even beyond just our housing market, the city’s current and projected growth are being noted across the nation.

The Paige Wagner Realty Historic Home Tour A glimpse into the founding neighborhoods first developed throughout our city.

No doubt big businesses are elevating our job climate and boosting our economy.

Universities are expanding our demographic of young people, pooling in students from across the nation and globe, and streamlining working opportunities for them right in the city. And local businesses are learning to evolve with the times, enticing more young professionals and families to travel and plant themselves as official Lakelanders.

The aftermath of a larger, more appealing city only seems a natural progression.

Especially when we see the day-in and day-out subtleties of developments, expansions, and innovations within what we, often naturally, simply refer to as our small, quaint city — if not hometown.

And yet, across the country, beyond the borders of Florida, Lakeland is being noted not only as an ideal small U.S. city in which to live, but currently acknowledged among nationally recognized business sources and publications as one of the fastestgrowing metropolitan cities in the nation. Yes, a metropolis.

In addition, in recent months Lakeland has been highlighted for its rich quality of life (including our neighborly grocers and dog-friendly restaurants), job growth, and exceptional job market.

While many continue to refer to our little home of Lakeland, it continues to make headlines for the “very large and densely populated industrial and commercial city” it has become.

Highlighted for its proximity to LEGOLAND® and ideal weather, Lakeland makes Forbes’ list of top of the fastest-growing U.S. metro-areas list.

Read “A Metropolis Making Headlines” in issue 42 or online on thelakelander.com.

2 018 Y EAR IN REVIEW

For the past few years, Paige Wagner, founder and owner of Paige Wagner Homes Realty, has held the Annual Historic Home Tour, introducing many to the luxury of historic homes. While this year’s tour was held on March 17, readers were offered their own tour of these homes.

Lake Hollingsworth

South Lakeland

Built 1920

Built 1963

East Lake Morton Built 1952

Read the full feature “The Historic Home Tour / .06 HOUSES TO SEE” in issue 41 or on thelakelander.com.

This modern home became the ideal spot for The Lakelander’s first-ever design curated experience, Guest House.

The Lakelander Presents

Guest House Our first-ever Guest House event took place in our issue 46 Shelter feature as we explored The Weaving Residence. As Florida Modernism + Design founders, Johnny Laderer and Lina Hargrett, guided readers through the exploration of The Weaving Residence, this iconic modern home situated near Lake Hollingsworth became the ideal spot for The Lakelander’s first-ever design-curated experience that coupled this editorial.

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.

Stay tuned for future Guest House events — a unique interactive experience that brings our Shelter features to life. Each event will be intentionally curated to go along with the aesthetic of the featured home and gives guests the opportunity to engage with impeccable design.

Read the full feature “The Weaving Residence” by Johnny Laderer in issue 46 or online at thelakelander.com.

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Creative Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Picks

Best Shelter Shots of the Year

Tina Sargeant Issue 40

Tina Sargeant Issue 46

Dan Austin Issue 45

Philip Pietri Issue 47

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CULTURE Spotlighting the music, art, and media that continue to enrich our city and give it a greater voice

Lakeland on the Silver Screen

Disney Shoots on Location with Bryan Cranston Southgate Shopping Center got, yet again, another movie close up as Disney filmed The One and Only Ivan in Lakeland this past summer.

In 1990, the Southgate arch was featured in Tim Burton’s film, Edward Scissorhands.

This year, another movie production took

advantage of the unique architecture of the Southgate arch. In June, Disney announced that a portion of the filming of The One and Only Ivan, an adaptation of the beloved children’s book written by Katherine Applegate, would shoot in Lakeland. Shortly after this announcement, Southgate began a full transformation to Big Top Shopping Mall and Video Arcade, and the parking lot filled with vintage cars and cranes as the local shopping center prepared for its movie closeup. Other shoot locations included Dobbins Park and Silver Moon Drive-in. Angelina Jolie, Danny DeVito, and many other A-list actors are confirmed to play in the film.

Local Favorites Collaborate

Copeland and the Symphony With the nearing release of their sixth album, Copeland collaborated with the Imperial Symhony Orchestra to lead a memorable symphony orchestra in the Youkey Theatre at the RP Funding Center.

The Sound of Lakeland

New Music from Local Artists From live shows, album releases, and new record labels, 2018 had us celebrating local talent and reminded us that the Lakeland music scene is alive and well.

Michael McArthur

Copeland

Grace City Music

Singles “Save Me from the Fire” and “Elaine” were debuted ahead of the album

Singles “Pope,” “Night Figures,” and “On Your Worst Day” were released

Grace City released their first full-length and selftitled album

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Since this concert, Copeland has released three singles from their upcoming album.

of the individual parts. Also, producing has taught me about songwriting in general. A great song is a great song. A recording doesn’t need to be super Hi-Fi and polished if the song is great.

A bad performance of a good song is still a good song. I always think of Bob Dylan in that way.

His voice wasn’t amazing, but his songwriting impacted the world.

The Lakelander: Between all of this, you’re running and producing at your studio when in Lakeland. How has producing others’ music helped you as an artist?

Aaron Marsh: As a producer I’ve gotten great perspective on developing projects as a whole.

Usually with bands, the guitar wants his part louder in the mix, the drummer wants to be turned up, the vocalist wants to shine, etc.

I think it’s helped to think about the project as a whole instead

The Lakelander: In this season of your life, why base your music out of Lakeland?

Aaron Marsh: In this season, the answer is family. My two boys.

My parents, my brother and sister and their kids are all here. I’m happiest here. I love the town. I’ve always thought that it’s better to create opportunities than to go where someone else has created the opportunities.

The Lakelander Presents

Soundcheck

Check out the full interview in “What Lies Beneath” by Chase Wagner in issue 45 or on thelakelander.com

For our our first-ever SOUNDCHECK event, we turned Tim and Julie Czernek’s midcentury remodel into a house concert. SOUNDCHECK is a newly branded music section of The Lakelander that will focus on highlighting the local sounds of our community. In print, this may look like featuring past events like issue 45’s event (featured above) or profiles on up-and-coming artists. In digital, this may look like music reviews, behind-the-scenes videos and photos, or exclusives with local artists.

LEX LEO

SEU Worship

LKLD Playlist

Chantel Munsey’s debut album Installment I was released

Heaven Life is Southeastern University’s sixth studentled album

Aaron Marsh curated the ultimate local music playlist availalbe on Spotify

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Read the full article “Living Room Live” and check out exclusive footage of Bela Pierce and Day Bit’s performance on thelakelander.com

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Listen Up

Low Down With Bump Podcast New podcast features local voices

Season 1 of the podcast “Low Down with Bump” launched this past year and featured interviews from Lakeland Magic’s President Shelly Wilkes; Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz; and local musicians.

Season 2 began this past September and features Lkldnow’s Founder Barry Friedman; Publix’s Director of Creative Services Tim Cox; and many more. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, and bumpgalletta.com

Charity in Style Tyson’s social impact initiative was “Rise Up: Empowering Women to Lead and Succeed.”

The Junior League Fashion Show A spotlight on style and giving back On October 25, The Junior League of Greater Lakeland hosted its third annual Spotlight on Style and highlighted styles from many local vendors, including Gaines Jewelers, Haley Michelle Boutique, Top Buttons, and more. This fashion show aims to raise funds for community projects like Reading Is Fundamental, Ready to Read, World of Reading, and a variety of women’s-focused leadership and wellness initiatives.

More than Beauty

Miss Florida Takes the National Stage Miss Florida’s Taylor Tyson took the Miss America stage this year — and we styled her in our issue 45 Style feature in modern-day suiting and menswear to juxtapose her usual dresses and pageant glam while getting to know a little bit more about Miss Florida herself, too.

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

Taylor Tyson: 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.

Read the full feature “Body Armor” in issue 46 or on thelakelander.com

Photo by David Dickey

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HISTORY

A float carrying Miss Santa Claus Bowl and her court passes through the intersection of Main Street and Florida Avenue during the annual Santa Claus Bowl parade in Lakeland. The Santa Claus Bowl was an annual event held in Lakeland the weekend after Christmas. It brought together four youth league football teams from around the country for a sort of youth league national championship. In addition to four football games, the young men enjoyed a weekend of activities ranging from a Santa Claus Bowl parade to trips to local attractions, to the awards banquet.

Date: Unknown Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library.

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