The Lakelander - Issue 50 / Outdoors

ISSU E 50

The Outdoors OUTDOOR MOVEMENT PICNIC BY THE LAKE OUT OF OFFICE AT HOME IN THE WILD

In Search of Uncompromised Retirement Living?

FIND IT AT THE ESTATES.

Join Us for Upcoming Events!

THE TRUE COST OF STAYING IN YOUR HOME Wednesday, May 1 • 11 a.m.

Many retirees believe staying home is the best way to save during retirement. Join retirement expert and Certified Financial Planner® Nick Toadvine to gain valuable insight into the tangible and intangible costs of staying home and how it compares to a retirement living community.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Wednesday, May 15 • 11 a.m.

Join us as Darek Smith, Investment Advisor Representative at Burgos & Brein, discusses ways you can take the stress out of planning for your financial future. He’ll cover retirement planning, tax strategies, estate conservation, Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits and more.

We Provide the FRIENDSHIP. You Have All the Fun.

We Provide the FREEDOM. You Take the Lead.

We Provide the Future Security.

LIFECARE Guarantees You Have It.

We Provide the SPACE. You Make It Yours.

At The Estates, we give you everything you need to create the uncompromised lifestyle you want: • • • • • •

A full social calendar – focused on active, healthy living The choice and convenience of a wide array of services, amenities and programs Peace of mind knowing your future care needs will be met – without the fear of rising costs The ability to protect your assets and live a worry-free lifestyle Updated floor plans to meet your needs – and customizable options with our Signature Series plans Dining options and flexible dining plans to suit your lifestyle

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How Do You Define Uncompromised Retirement Living?

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863-588-7284 | EstatesAtCarpenters.com

1001 Carpenters Way | Lakeland, FL 33809

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ELEVEN POLK COUNTY LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! Lakeland-Lake Gibson 6625 US 98 North (863) 858-3866 Lake Wales 126 Hwy. 60 W. (863) 676-6515

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

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

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

Auburndale 521 Hughes Rd. (863) 967-6602

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

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

TAYLOR TYSON MISS FLORIDA 2019

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

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C O N T E N T S ISSUE 50

ON THE COVER Getting outside can facilitate the quality time we so often sacrifice to our calendars, and can help us reconnect with the people and places that surround us.

Photo by Dan Austin

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

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444 W. Pipkin Rd.

W. Pipkin Rd.

444 W. Pipkin Road | Lakeland, FL 33813 37

CONTENTS

58 FEATURES

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46 • SPORT

58 • ENVIRONMENT

66 • TASTE

Outdoor Movement

The Business of Bees

Picnic By the Lake

We’ve compiled a list of the best local spots to suit any outdoor activity

Local beekeepers combine conservation with business

The perfect summer picnic menu for your family and friends

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

ReEnergize Lakeland focuses on solar, tree, and energy efficiency programs so customers can save energy, save money, and improve the environment all at the same time. Together we can help create a sustainable future for everyone.

lakelandelectric.com/reenergizelakeland

CONTENTS

76 • STYLE

Out of Office Gear up for warmer weather with these fresh looks for the upcoming season

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90 • PEOPLE

At Home in the Wild Cody O’Gorman is passionate about conserving the beauty of our land

100 • EDUCATION

Florida’s Growing Tradition Florida Southern College has the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program that specifically focuses on citrus

112 • URBAN DEVELOPMENT

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An Open Space As our city grows, our connection to the outdoors is more important than ever

100 DEPARTMENTS

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18 • MASTHEAD

22 • CONTRIBUTORS

26 • METRO

20 • EDITOR’S NOTE

24 • LETTERS

122 • HISTORY

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

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 • Obstetric & Prenatal Services • High Risk Pregnancy Care

• • • •

Irregular Bleeding Pelvic Organ Prolapse Sexual Dysfunction Osteoporosis

• Urinary and Fecal Incontinence • Menopausal Medicine • Laser Hair Removal

SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE!

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 or visit WatsonClinic.com/Portal for an Appointment!

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

Curt Patterson Jason Jacobs • Brandon Patterson PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS

Brandon Patterson

Annalee Mutz

Daniel Barceló

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

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

COPY EDITOR EDITORIAL INTERN

Daniel Barceló, Joe Hepler, Sam Hepler, Abby Jarvis, Annalee Mutz, Adam Spafford, Benjamin Vickers Laura Burke Sam Hepler

Creative DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS

STYLISTS

Michelle Simanca Dan Austin, Drew Blaser, Jason Stephens, Naomi Lynn Vacaro Sally Ibarra Barceló, Giselle Oliveras, Patricia Uiterwyk

Digital DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sally Ibarra Barceló

Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR VP, FINANCE GENERAL COUNSEL

Jason Jacobs Deb Patterson Ted W. Weeks IV

Issue 50 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.

Patterson Jacobs

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

Customer Service: 863.701.2707 “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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My parents’ dreams were realized when I became a first-time home owner.

- Suly Daniel, Southern Homes Warranty Manager and Home Owner For the Daniel Family’s full story, visit our website at MySouthernHome.com

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E DITO R ’ S N OTE WILD CHILD

Your First Workout is FREE!

Children have a natural affinity for nature. I have fond memories from my youth climbing trees in my backyard, observing ants build hills, and laying in the grass watching the clouds pass by.

After a long day playing outside with my friends, I remember coming home feeling a deep sense of rejuvenation, as if being outside had activated all my senses and immersed me in something bigger than myself — yes, I am sure as a kid I would not articulate in this exact way.

That same fascination and attraction exists today, too. Nature has this unique way of slowing us down and drawing our attention to the beauty that surrounds us. Being outside often prompts us toward solitude and reflection, and it can also bring about many activities that encourage uninterrupted time with those we care about most. Nature can even refresh us and give us inspiration that can trickle back into our everyday lives.

This issue of The Lakelander reminds us of the gift we have in the great outdoors, regardless of our age. These pages are filled with little reminders of the beauty of nature and how our city offers plenty of opportunities to engage with it and be inspired by it. This issue also explores various conservation efforts and our responsibility to the outdoors.

As Henry David Thoreau said in his classic book Walden (which is greatly credited to starting the modern conservation movement), “We need the tonic of wildness ... at the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”

Our affinity with nature does not have to end with our youth. The tonic of wildness is more important now than ever.

• 30 Minute Full Body Workout • No Class Times, We Work on Your Schedule • Certified Trainers with You From Start to Finish • Workouts Change Every Day • Access to BOTH Lakeland Clubs, Plus 800 Worldwide

“We need the tonic of wildness ... at the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”

• Voted Best Health Club in Polk County 2018 by the Lakeland Ledger

– Henry David Thoreau

Visit 9ROUND.COM for more information 2153 E. County Road 540A | 863.606.5742 3604 Harden Blvd | 863.608.7790

Annalee Mutz

MANAGING EDITOR

Q E @9RoundLakelandFL

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Be

A place to { challenged }

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

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

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

lcsonline.org

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

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

JOE HEPLER

“The Business of Bees” written by Abby Jarvis, pg. 58

ABBY JARVIS Abby Jarvis is a Lakeland-based writer who, at her day job, writes marketing and educational materials for Qgiv, a local tech company, and, after work hours, writes fairy tales and the occasional Lakelander article. She lives in Dixieland with her husband, Dave; her cat, Llewyn; and several thousand bees.

What has been your favorite piece to write to date?

I wrote about the community that worships at the Shree Swaminarayan mandir on new New Tampa Highway in “A Place of Peace.” They were so kind! Asking people questions about their culture and religion should be handled delicately — there’s a fine line between appreciating another culture and reducing it to something to be gawked at — but the people I spoke to made it feel so easy. It was a great opportunity to learn about a Lakeland community that doesn’t get a lot of recognition, and I think that’s beautiful.

She’s smart, she’s brave, and she can do magic.

I’m also married to a redhead, so her ending up with Ron suits the situation nicely.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

I should probably talk about an intricate process and seeking inspiration in daily life and taking long walks, but, honestly, it’s mostly caffeine and panic.

Where is your favorite spot to enjoy the outdoors in Lakeland?

I really enjoy my backyard, honestly. I’ve been working hard to get fruit trees and vegetables established, and we’ve got all kinds of interesting birds and pollinators. If I’m looking for a place where other people can enjoy the outdoors in Lakeland (dear Lakelanders: please don’t invade my backyard), I really enjoy the Highlands Scrub.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

Hermione Granger, for pretty obvious reasons.

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What inspired you to write this issue’s Environmental feature, “The Business of Bees”?

I really enjoy beekeeping. But it’s more than a hobby; it’s part of a global conversation that’s taking place around climate change, agriculture, pollinators, and mankind’s impact on our environment. It’s fascinating to me that Polk County, Florida, is a player in that global conversation. It affects everything we do here.

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

Joe Hepler works full-time at Southeastern University and does freelance content research for churches.

He and his wife, Hollie, have two dogs, Bruno and Bastian, who Joe spends an inordinate amount of time with. They are also expecting their first child in June. When Joe isn’t spending time with his family, he enjoys listening to podcasts, reading, watching TV and movies, and supporting his beloved Miami Hurricanes.

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

Through this, Dan achieves a unique and well-thoughtout aesthetic that can be seen in his images danaustinphotography.com See the masthead on p. 18 for a list of all contributing writers and photographers.

PHOTO BY: BRANDON CRUZ

Our products are locally made and range from skincare to bath and home items. All are freshly crafted from natural and organic ingredients.

RafaNatural.com • 863.712.7620 Find us on Instagram @RafaNatural

LOCATIONS Rafa Natural 244 North Kentucky Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801

Saltair AMI 5508 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217

The Preppy Pineapple 229 East Stuart Avenue Lake Wales, FL 33853

Rafa Natural 175 South Central Avenue Bartow, FL 33830

The Shop 329 West Central Avenue Winter Haven, FL 33880

The Salt Room 6030 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33813

The Atelier by Scout & Tag 1214 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803

Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Boulevard Lake Wales, FL 33853

The Farmhouse 5 South Hunter Street Senoia, GA 30276

L E T T E R S COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

“FEELING THE LOVE THIS WEEK. THANKS TO @LAKELANDERMAG FOR THE SHARE!” @YardOnMass // Twitter

“PROUD OF MY GUY @LIAMHUNTERFITZ DOING SOME COOL THINGS, THIS ONE IN THE @LAKELANDERMAG” @crusaderball23 // Twitter

“WE ARE SO PROUD TO BE A SPONSOR FOR MISS FLORIDA TAYLOR TYSON AND TO HAVE HER IN THE SALON TODAY! WE CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE THE LAKELANDER TO COME OUT.”

YOUR ANYTIME PLACE COFFEE HOUSE & CASUAL EATERY

Venue Salon // Facebook

DOWNTOWN 205 EAST MAIN STREET 863.682.1210 LAKE MORTON 100 LAKE MORTON DRIVE 863.500.9500

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

legacy securing your

Since 1988 Clark, Campbell, Lancaster & Munson, P.A. has been committed to protecting business and family assets through the work of dedicated, caring attorneys. Experience the difference that Lakeland’s most trusted legal team can make.

Real Estate Corporate Law Land Use Estate Planning Tax Law Commercial Litigation Elder Law Medicaid Planning

500 Florida Ave S #800 Lakeland, FL 33801 cclmlaw.com

M E T R O NEW AND NOTABLE IN LAKELAND

Nature Is Calling Fresh air, warmer days, and some real benefits to stepping away from our computers. It’s time to heed the call of the great outdoors.

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“TIME IN N AT U R E I S NOT LEISURE TIME; IT’S AN

The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and summertime is beckoning us to get outside.

However, in today’s world, the average American is spending their time indoors.

In fact, recent studies show that children eight years and younger spend over two hours per day staring at a screen. Adults typically spend even more time than that in front of their computers, indoors, and working under fluorescent lights most of their days. As we get older, we become even less inclined to venture out.

So if being outside is not as big of a priority today, then why should we care?

There are still a number of great benefits to unplugging and getting outside. We are so clued into technology and less observant to the world around us that it is affecting our physical and mental health. Without being intentional to get outside, we perhaps become more detached, less active, and experience more negative moods.

ESSENTIAL INVESTMENT IN OUR CHILDREN’S H E A LT H ( A N D ALSO, BY THE W AY, I N O U R O W N ) .”

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In 2008, Richard Louv coined the term “nature-deficit disorder” in his book Last Child in the Woods. Louv says in his book, “Time in nature is not leisure time; it’s an essential investment in our children’s health (and also, by the way, in our own).”

Since the release of this book, this medical jargon that plays on attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become a buzzword of sorts. However, it has and does continue to raise important insights regarding our disconnection from the outdoors and how getting outside is important to our overall well-being.

A study published in 2008 found that children who took a walk through a park scored higher on a concentration test than children who walked through a residential neighborhood prior to taking the test. Other studies have also shown that exercising outdoors could have positive effects on ADHD. Although all this research was done predominantly on children, adults struggling to focus might also benefit from outdoor activity.

In addition to helping with concentration, getting outside can also help with lessening anxiety, improving memory, increasing physical activity, improving mood, practicing mindfulness, and experiencing less pain. While research is just now truly understanding the impacts of outdoor deficit, it is clear that it won’t hurt us any by just putting down our devices and getting outside more often.

So, heed the call of summer (or, honestly, any season, although those are limited here in Florida), because our daily dose of the outdoors is essential.

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METRO

THE

CHILL LIST CURATED BY

THE LAKELANDER WE ARE CURIO

Whether you’re road tripping to the beach or relaxing at the pool, we’ve got you covered with the ideal summer soundtrack!

The Lakelander teamed up with We Are Curio to curate a playlist to help you dance your way through the dog days of summer. Listen along with us on Spotify.

LISTEN NOW ON SPOTIFY

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Launching Local Entrepreneurs

photo by Catapult

Florida Polytechnic University hosted this year’s LAUNCH pitch night.

Catapult’s 2019 Micro-Grant Winners From local coffee shops, to clothing designers, to artists, Lakeland loves small businesses. Bringing an idea to life requires money — more money than most upand-coming entrepreneurs have access to. This is why Catapult started their Launch Micro-Grant.

“Launch” is a communitybased effort led and funded by local financial institutions that aim to enable entrepreneurs to make their ideas a reality.

Launch provides micro-grants up to $10,000 to eligible applicants who successfully pitch their concepts to the investment team. Since the beginning of the grant, there have been six pitch nights, $123,521 funded, and 13 grants awarded. This year’s winners featured a wide range of ideas, from handcrafted bread and pastries to mental health solutions.

Jordan Douglass, a Florida Polytech student, was awarded for his concept

of a cloud-based platform, SynapCare, designed to track a user’s brain waves to make detection and monitoring of mental illnesses readily available to both patients and mental health professionals.

Bruce Hicks, another Florida Polytech student, was awarded for his idea for combat innovation. Hicks wants to create automatic release tourniquet technology sewn into the uniforms of military personnel upon detection of an injury.

Andre Ripley and Jordan Sarnecky, also from Florida Polytech, were awarded for their creation of Instalist, a device that captures, scans, and lists items for digital selling in under 30 seconds.

Arguably the sweetest of them all, Benjamin Vickers was awarded for his creation of Honeycomb Bread, a bakery focused on providing Lakelanders with a local source of handcrafted bread and pastry.

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

SPCA FLORIDA RECEIVES $25,000 PETCO FOUNDATION GRANT

Petco recently donated $25,000 to SPCA Florida.

In addition to the years of support, the Petco Foundation will also be a sponsor for SPCA Florida’s upcoming Adopt-a-Thon event.

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METRO

FARM-TO-SCHOOL Since its creation in 2017, the Everette Taylor Urban Farm at Mass Market has served as an educational tool for Pre-K to12th-grade students at Lakeland Christian School.

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he Everette Taylor Urban Farm teaches LCS students about food production and has become a venue for community workshops. The construction of the Everette Taylor Urban Farm was originally funded by the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency as a way to maximize the vacant space at Mass Market. The Farm was named in honor of a Department of Citrus auditor, Everette Taylor, who died in July 2015 and who was passionate about gardening and making connections across generations. His son, Ahmad, is the artist who painted the mural with Lakeland landmarks at the Urban Farm.

The vision of the Farm is to inspire, educate, and connect the community to fresh, delicious food and to each other. A part of the RISE Institute at LCS, the Farm’s perennial goal is to help students discover the solutions to real-world problems that exceed the community and extend nationwide. RISE students have been passionate about the issue of nutrition for

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Model Shown

METRO

years. The hope is that teaching kids to grow delicious, fresh food will make it more likely they will also eat healthy food. The Farm also provides a way for students to create positive childhood memories with growing and tasting fresh food in an art-integrated space. By integrating science, art, history, and productoriented activities, the program aims to allow students to become investigators and problem solvers.

Before moving their main operation over to the Everette Taylor Urban Farm at Mass Market, students had been taught how to grow crops for years through their own student-run gardens at LCS where they were able to develop their own solutions to agricultural problems. The RISE Institute homeschool program also had opportunities for middle and high school students who do not actively participate in the on-campus gardens. Some of the students’ favorite plants include amaranth, Aztec Sweet (stevia), Everglades Sweet Tomatoes, green beans, heirloom kale, broccoli, sunflowers, and a wide variety of culinary herbs.

The high school students in RISE Institute Entrepreneurial Leadership and Experimental Science classes have used the Farm as a learning lab through event planning and education, scientific research

projects, and building community partnerships. The partnerships that have emerged through the creation of the Farm have provided support for a variety of activities at the Farm, including hosting field trips, farm dinners, chef tasting, and special events for the community, in addition to collaborating with the community groups that serve local residents and selling products to make the Farm sustainable and distributing it through community organizations to benefit those in need.

In addition to providing LCS students with positive experiences, the Farm has allowed students from other schools to visit, tour, and harvest fruits and vegetables to cultivate positive memories associated with food. Student groups are encouraged to book tours at the Farm to get involved. RISE Institute is also able to utilize the farm to provide workshops, resources and education for teachers. If you’d like to be a part of this initiative to make the Lakeland community a better place, contact the RISE Institute for more information on how to get involved. lcsrise.com/farm • 863.688.2771

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METRO

An Alleyway Makeover Redevelopment to take place in Dixieland area

wo developers and an architect have teamed to revitalize the Dixieland area to bridge the gap between businesses and the historic homes that make up the neighborhood. The project is also intended to add the urban density sought by city planners.

The alleyway, designed for low vehicle traffic, would include two-story apartment buildings throughout the pathway. Local investors, Gregory Fancelli and Cory Petcoff, are the developers behind this project, in addition to Steve Boyington, the architect behind this concept.

By demolishing a deteriorating home on the corner of West Park Street, space would be created for the placement of the new apartments that would add fresh value to the community. They hope to attract younger professionals who work in the downtown and Dixieland areas and are attracted to walkable spaces. Any construction of the apartments is likely at least two years away. During that time, the developers hope to work with city planners, neighborhood residents, the Historic Preservation Board, and the Community Redevelopment Agency to ensure that they are doing what is best for the community.

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Look forward to an easier commute to your favorite Dixieland shops

JAYLENS CHALLENGE Nationally recognized anti-bullying advocate commits to SEU Jaylen Arnold, founder of Jaylens Challenge, has committed to attend Southeastern University this upcoming fall.

As a kid, Arnold faced tremendous hurdles after being diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. After being bullied at school, Arnold was motivated to educate people about respect and bullying.

He founded Jaylens Challenge at eight years old in hopes of spreading his antibullying message nationwide.

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Arnold’s work has gained the attention of various celebrities and news outlets such as Ellen Degeneres, CNN, and Katie Couric, to name a few.

Arnold dual-enrolled at Southeastern for two years, earning 18 college credits. While at SEU, he plans to pursue a degree in film production with hopes of studying at the LA Film School his senior year. Arnold will also continue to advocate for Jaylens Challenge while at school.

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

METRO

The Lakelander’s Guide to DogFriendly Places It’s no surprise that Lakeland was rated “Best Dog-Friendly Small City” by National Geographic Traveler magazine.

From quality pet stores to dozen of dog-friendly restaurants (some even have their own menu!), Lakeland offers the perfect variety of activities to treat you and your canine to the ideal day out — there’s no need to leave your four-legged companion at home again. So, grab your dog(s), family, and friends, and follow The Lakelander’s guide to dog-friendly places!

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

DOG PARKS DiOgi Park at Loyce E. Harpe Park Dog Leg Woods Lake Crago Dog Park

PROVIDING HEALTHY, HOME-BAKED PET TREATS SINCE 1997 Benson’s is a full service pet boutique for dogs and cats. We bake cookies daily in assorted flavors using only the freshest Grade A ingredients purchased locally.

PET SUPPLY STORES

SHOP ONLINE AT BENSONSCANINECOOKIES.COM

Benson’s Canine Cookies The Doggie Bag - A Pet Boutique

OR BRING YOUR PETS IN FOR A FREE TREAT! 2928 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33803 863-688-9249

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Circle B Bar Reserve Colt Creek State Park Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture at Florida Southern College Lake Hollingsworth Lake Mirror Lake Morton

E D

FOR OFFERS & DISCOUNTS TEXT TREATS2 TO 51660 I SS U E 5 0

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METRO

RESTAURANTS For dog owners, it is fun and convenient to bring along your pup while grabbing a bite to eat or visiting a brewery. Just be sure to take along your own bowls (although most of these places provide water bowls, it is better to be safe than sorry), feed and walk your dog beforehand, and don’t forget the leash.

FOR BREAKFAST Black & Brew Concord Coffee Cozy Oaks Divicious Hillcrest Coffee Mitchell’s Coffeehouse FOR LUNCH Chipotle Crisper’s Frescos

Lakeland was rated America’s Best Dog-Friendly Small City by National Geographic’s Traveler magazine. The ranking was based on pet shops, dog parks, groomers and pet-friendly eateries per capita.

Garden Bistro Nineteen61 Palace Pizza Purple Onion Tea Largo Tropical Smoothie Cafe FOR DINNER: Abuelo’s Burger 21 Cafe Roti Dona Julia’s Mexican Restaurant Fish City Grill Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Grillsmith Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille Louis Pappas Cafe New Moon Sushi

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Patio 850 Red Door Taco Bus Texas Cattle Company The Juice Box FOR DRINKS: Cob & Pen Mojo Federal The Brass Tap Winner’s Circle Sports Bar and Grill FOR DESSERT: Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Cold Stone Creamery Gelati Joe’s Twistee Treat

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

All Creatures Animal Clinic

Enjoy the comfort of keeping your furry family members at home, knowing they’re in good hands.

LAKELAND’S PREMIER PET SITTER

All Types of Pets • Overnight Stay Daily Visits • Weekends • Dog Walking

Compassionate Lakeland Veterinarians AAHA Accreditation - Top 12-15% in the USA! Chiropractic care offered Yes...we are cat friendly too!

Gina Bullock 863-797-3136 | thepetnannylakeland.com

(863) 646 - 5683

Since 1972 We’ve treated them like family.

Q E A

Preventative Wellness Plans • Boarding Laser Surgical Services Professional Grooming • Acupuncture Chinese Medicine • Exotic Pet Care Rehabilitative Services Puppy and Kitten Care • Playtime Pups Daycare In-House Lab Services and Pharmacy

Small Business Award Winner 2019

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

2225 Drane Field Road Lakeland (close to the airport!)

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METRO

Home Team Advantage

BEHIND THE ANNUAL ROUNDUP How Lakeland’s iconic birds stay healthy

You don’t have to travel to a big city for your dose of America’s passtime. Lakeland is home to the Flying Tigers who are sure to keep you cheering at the ball fied all summer long

Mark your calendars

June 10, July 8, August 5

BARK IN THE PARK Bring your furry friends out to the park. Canine tickets are $1. Water bowls will be distributed throughout the park to help keep your dog hydrated.

June 27

WING DING The Flying Tigers annual Wing Ding fundraiser, where every wing you eat benefits a cause.

June 29

SEASON RECAP The Tigers finished their 2019 spring training with a record of 15 wins and 15 losses. The team started spring training on a high note, defeating Southeastern University during their annual college exhibition game, with a final score of 13-2.

Shortly after, the Tigers celebrated a 6-5 win over the Yankees with a home run from Daz Cameron.

Although the season had its highs and lows, the Tigers were still just as fun to watch. We continue to show our local support by cheering on their minor league team, the Flying Tigers, through the summer. mlb.com/tigers

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BIKERS IN THE OUTFIELD The Flying Tigers team up with Lakeland HarleyDavidson to benefit Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc. July 11

TACO ’BOUT HUNGER An annual taco tasting and competition. The event will feature taco samplings from local restaurants, and proceeds will benefit a local organization.

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

As the symbol of our city, the majestic swans that surround Lake Morton were originally donated by Queen Elizabeth in 1957.

As the flock continued to grow, it became increasingly important to better care for these beloved swans. In 1980, Lakeland established the Swan Roundup and has continued this annual health checkup every year since then.

It’s important to conduct these regular checkups “to establish, monitor, and maintain overall health of the flock,” says Dr. Patricia Mattson, veterinarian at Companion Animal Hospital.

Mattson graduated from Auburn University and then went on to open Companion Animal Hospital in 2009. She has over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine and donates her time as Lakeland’s official swan veterinarian.

The annual checkup consists of a variety of health exams. Mattson and her staff weigh the swans, perform a physical exam, and vaccinate against Botulism Toxoid. They enter the physical stats into each swan’s files and conduct further examination if there are any abnormalities in their physical condition. “Every swan is equipped with a unique microchip that enables us to monitor the statistical data from year to year,” says Mattson.

In addition to the annual health check, Mattson and her team worked with the City to develop an awareness program that addressed the swans’ over-consumption of bread and the negative health effects caused by that. As a result, there are now five coin-operated pellet machines around Lake Morton that provide the public with a healthier feeding option. “Our flock is healthy, and we are honored to be part of the team taking care of Lakeland’s beloved swans,” says Mattson.

Full-Service Animal Hospital Annual Wellness Packages Onsite Laboratory Laser Surgery Digital Radiography Dental Cleanings Overnight Accommodations Microchipping In-house Pharmacy Full Line of Food/Flea Products

(863) 688-7000 www.cahospital.com 3003 Bartow Road Lakeland, FL 33803

DR. PATRICIA MATTSON

METRO ART CENTRIC STUDIO SUMMER ART CAMP For the fifth year in a row, the Art Centric Studio will be launching their Summer Art Camps. The camp has a variety of custom projects and unique themes guaranteed to keep your kids entertained all summer. For more information, contact info@artcentricstudio.com.

Date: May 27 - August 2 Age: 4 - 12 Cost: $160 per week, siblings get $30 off second seat, and $50 off the third seat

summer camp THE LAKELANDER’S

CAMP BLAST Camp BLAST is one of the city’s most popular summer recreation program for kids. Children are offered endless opportunities for enrichment, including weekly trips, onsite games, and activities at Camp BLAST. Camps will be held at six campuses across Lakeland. For more information, visit lakelandgov.net.

Date: June 10 - July 26; 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Age: K - 5th grade Cost: $450 for Camp Explore for the entire summer; $550 for Camp Adventure for the entire summer

GUIDE

Not all summer camps are created equal. Here’s a roundup of the wide variety of summer camps offered so children can continue exploring new ideas and making new friends even while out of school.

CENTRAL FLORIDA ATHLETICS SUMMER CAMPS The Central Florida Athletics Summer Camp is designed for the working parent trying to entertain their children during those summer days.

The program provides day care for young athletes with a family-friendly environment for children ages 5 - 12. A variety of indoor and outdoor activities will be offered to keep kids entertained all summer long.

Visit centralfloridaathletics.com for more information.

Date: June 3 - August 9; 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Age: 5 - 12 Cost: Weekly session $110, Daily rate $35

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FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL CAMPS Florida Southern’s Volleyball Camps are a great opportunity for athletes of all ages to develop a love for sports in addition to strengthening their skills and gaining college exposure. The camp is also open to beginners. For more information about pricing and registration, contact fscvbcamps@gmail.com.

POLK MUSEUM OF ART SUMMER ART CAMP Polk Museum’s Summer Art Camp gives children access to a fun, creative, and open atmosphere. The classes will provide the freedom to explore various creative interests with Certified Art Teachers. Camps are offered on a two-week schedule. For more information about registration, contact echastain@ polkmusemofart.org.

Date: June 19 - 20, June 25 - 27, June 29 - 30 Age: 8 - 18 Cost: varies by camp

To find out more about camps offered in Lakeland this summer, check out lakelandmom.com

Date: June 3 - 14, June 17 - 28, July 1 - 12, July 15 - 26 Age: 7 - 13 Cost: $285 for Members, $345 for Non-Members

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

YMCA OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA SUMMER CAMPS As one of the nation’s largest providers of out-of-school programming, the YMCA has a wide variety of top-notch summer camps available nationwide. There are camp activities available for every kind of child. For more information about pricing and locations, email stacey.walsh@ymcawcf.org.

Date: June 3 - August 7; 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Age: 4 - 15 (varies by camp) Cost: varies by camp

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

$86,850

Median DPT Salary in 2017* *According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

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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The Angel Selfie Wall is located in Dixieland. Snap a selfie with your smile and tag @angelselfiewall & @agninifamilydental. Artist: Aaron Corbitt

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

#NoFilterNeeded We’ll help you get your picture-perfect smile.

South Lakeland Office

North Lakeland Office

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

1805 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

Lakeland, FL 33805 863-682-1500

AgniniDental.com We accept CareCredit

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SPORT

outdoor

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

Written by Adam Spafford / Photography by Dan Austin Models: Chris Anderson / Aaron Anderson

It’s time to get outside and get moving. We compiled a list of the best local spots to suit any outdoor activity.

AT

the end of a long day or week, staying inside is easy, especially with the draw of technology, entertainment, or just simple inertia. But disconnecting ourselves from screens that often separate us and getting outside can help us reconnect with people and places that surround us.

With so many ways to enjoy the city’s outdoor spaces and a climate that accommodates them year round, the reasons we thought we had for staying indoors start to dwindle. You can quite literally participate in a different activity all across Lakeland every day of the week.

That’s why we’ve curated a list of all the ways and places you can be outdoors in our great city. It might not be quite an exhaustive guide, but it can get you thinking, planning, and even dreaming about spending some time enjoying the fresh (if quite warm!) air.

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Perhaps the best part: you can invite all of your friends. Your house, apartment, or dorm room probably can’t accommodate everyone, but we’re willing to bet that the outside can! You don’t need any other reason than that to meet a group to grill or bring lunch to one of the city’s several park pavilions.

Or, consider getting some friends together for a round of golf at one of Lakeland’s many courses. Catch up on life while you laugh at how much each others’ short games haven’t improved. Maybe some fishing is more your speed. There’s no shortage of places in town to cast a line even for an hour or so.

And that might be the greatest revelation we had while creating this story: you don’t need to set aside a lot of time to enjoy Lakeland’s fresh air.

In our busy, heavily scheduled lives, finding a day (or even half a day) to spend outdoors might be quite rare.

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That’s OK. From virtually anywhere in the city, you can make a quick escape to recharge outdoors and get back to your schedule. Take a walk through Lake Parker Park or around Lake Hollingsworth. Go for a quick swim at Kelly Rec Center, spin the pedals for 30 minutes on miles of bike paths, or play fetch with the pooch at Dog Leg Woods.

Then again, there are plenty of places to spend the whole day if you have the luxury of time. There are softball fields at Christina Park and Southwest Complex, to name just a couple. Check out some wildlife while walking through Circle B or Colt Creek. Or just get a lot of fresh air at Holloway Park or Lakeland Highlands Scrub.

But the true aim of all of this shouldn’t be missed: getting outside can facilitate the quality time we so often sacrifice to our calendars.

Perhaps someone needs you to listen, a weight could be lifted by laughter, or you could just stand to goof off a little. Sometimes all it takes is some time well “wasted.”

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO GET YOU THERE. GOLFING

A LITTLE STROLL

Lone Palm Cleveland Heights Sanlan, Big Cypress Wedgewood YMCA Par 3 Eaglebrook Sandpiper Shalamar Creek Huntington Hills Grasslands Highland Fairways Imperial Lakes Cypresswood

Munn Park Kryger Park Lake Mirror Amphitheater Hollis Garden Veterans Memorial Park

KID-FRIENDLY Common Ground Barnett Family Park Hernando’s Landing Lake Parker Park Christina Park Fletcher Park Dobbins Park Horney Park Banana Lake Park

PARKS WITH WILDLIFE Circle B Safari Wilderness Colt Creek State Park Saddle Creek Park Tenoroc Fish Management Loyce E. Harpe A WALK, A JOG, A RUN Lake Hollingsworth Lake Morton Lake Mirror Fort Fraser Lake Parker Lake Bonny Park Banana Lake Park Loyce E. Harpe Holloway Park

PA D D L I N G Lake Hollingsworth, Lake Bonny, Colt Creek State Park

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

CYCLING

SKATEBOARDING

Fort Fraser Lake Hollingsworth Lake to Lake

Fletcher Park

WATER SKIING Lake Hollingsworth Lake Gibson Lake Cannon Lake Shipp FOR THE DOGS Off leash at Loyce E. Harpe Dog Leg Woods Lake Crago

S T AY H Y D R A T E D

TENNIS

Hydration is so important when participating in outdoor activities.

What better way than with a limited-edition Lakelander Corkcicle.

Available for purchase at thelakelander.com.

Kelly Recreation Center Beerman Family Complex Lake Parker Park Woodlake Park PARK PAVILIONS Lake Parker Barnett Family Park Christina Park Common Ground Peterson Park

HIKING Lakeland Highlands Scrub, Loyce E. Harpe, Se7en Wetlands, Holloway Park, Colt Creek

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From virtually anywhere in the city, you can make a quick escape to recharge outdoors and get back to your schedule.

GEAR UP Be sure to check out local stores (like Road & Trail Bicycles) to gear up with the right cycling gear to get you a little bit faster and a lot more comfortable while out on the roads and trails.

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BIKES & HELMETS FROM ROAD & TRAIL BICYCLES 5113 U.S. Hwy. 98 S. Lakeland, FL 33812 863.937.8058 roadandtrailbicycles.com

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

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SWIMMING

SOFTBALL FIELDS

Gandy Pool at Kelly Recreation Center Simpson Pool

Christina Park Westside Park Walker Road Complex Southwest Complex Lake Bonny Park Loyce E. Harpe

FISHING Saddle Creek Tenoroc Fish Management Area Lake Parker Park Colt Creek State Park Banana Lake Loyce E. Harpe Park VOLLEYBALL Lake Parker Park SOCCER FIELDS Lake Bonny Park Cypress Youth Sports Complex Southwest Complex Walker Road Complex Lake Parker Park Loyce E. Harpe BASEBALL FIELDS Lake Bonny Park Loyce E. Harpe

M O U N TA I N B I K I N G Loyce E. Harpe, Colt Creek

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FOOTBALL FIELDS Lake Parker Park Cypress Youth Sports Complex Walker Road Complex Loyce E. Harpe BOATING Lake Hollingsworth Lake Parker Colt Creek Lake Bonny

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The Lakelander

Lakeland’s City Magazine thelakelander.com

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Patterson Jacobs

PATTERSONJACOBSMEDIA.COM

thewhmag.com

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Getting outside can facilitate the quality time we so often sacrifice to our calendars.

MORE ONLINE For a more interactive guide of the city’s best outdoors spots, check out this article at thelakelander.com.

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

shelter

The beauty and privilege of making Lakeland home

Vol II

Issue #51

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Ad Placement On Sale Now

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ENVIRONMENT

The Business of

1.

Bees

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

( H O NEY

apis mellifera

BE E )

Written by Abby Jarvis

Local beekeepers combine conservation with business

You know honey bees make honey. You even know, at least in the back of your mind, that they’re important pollinators. And you probably know that bee populations are declining and that it’s something we should care about.

What we don’t often think about is how important bees are to the local economy here in Polk County and how many livelihoods depend on those little bees. Small business owners all over Polk County have built their livelihoods on honey bees, and declining bee populations have made tangible impacts on their businesses.

2.

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Honey from Bee-Haven’s hives contribute to other businesses, too.

They’re stocked mostly in smaller shops that emphasize local foods.

Chamberlin’s, a health-food store with two locations in Lakeland; Lucky’s Market, which will open in Lakeland soon; and Harvest Meat Market all stock Bee-Haven honey.

LOCAL FARMERS DEPEND ON BEES FOR POLLINATION

HONEY BEES ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF A FAMILY BUSINESS Forty years ago, Clay Sadler’s grandfather started keeping bees as a hobby. The scope of his hobby grew and grew, and, 15 years ago, Bee-Haven Honey Farm was born.

Today, Bee-Haven is a thriving family business that manages around 2,000 beehives. From the gallberry bushes of North Florida to the orange groves of Polk County, Bee-Haven employees move their hives from place to place, following flowers that will make the best honey. Moving the hives is arduous work — they must be transported at night, while the population of the hive is all home from their foraging — and driven from one location to another.

The result is honey that, in many ways, is a much higher-quality than what you’ll find in grocery stores.

“Most of the honey you see on grocery store shelves is imported,” says Clay Sadler, one of BeeHaven’s owners. That imported honey may come from bees that are fed with high-fructose corn

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syrup or sugar instead of feeding on nectar from flowers.

Producing high-quality honey is increasingly challenging. Sadler, like many others, is concerned about the world’s bee population, which is declining due to colony collapse disorder, pesticides, and other issues. He also worries about other issues that make it harder for his bees to make honey. One of those factors is citrus greening, a disease that affects citrus trees’ ability to flower and fruit.

“It’s hard to find pure orange blossom honey,” explains Sadler.

“To call it ‘orange blossom’ honey, it only needs to be 51 percent orange blossom. The rest can be a blend.”

But, because Bee-Haven focuses on producing high-quality honey that exceeds that standard, greening is an increasingly worrisome problem. For now, though, Bee-Haven’s bees are still stationed throughout orange groves every season, gathering pollen and nectar from the trees.

Bee-Haven’s honey is important to other businesses, too. One of the businesses that depends on high-quality, local honey is

Garagiste, a meadery in Tampa.

“We’ve always believed our product should be anchored in using only the best ingredients and, to the extent possible, always locally produced,” says Chad Wiltz, president and CEO of Garagiste Meadery. “Bee-Haven was an easy choice which perfectly reflects our commitment to putting our local community first.” It also doesn’t hurt that, in Wiltz’s words, “Their product is consistently above the industry standard.”

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

Honey bees aren’t only good for honey; they are also important to the vast majority of fruits and vegetables we eat every day. Keeping bees for pollinating crops is a big business in the United States, including here in Polk County.

For Nelson Kirkland, owner and manager of Kirkland Farms in South Lakeland, bees are an absolute necessity. He depends on honey bees to pollinate his blueberry bushes; without them, the bushes would never produce fruit. “Everything that is a fruit or a vegetable requires pollination,” explains Kirkland.

His farm, which includes 43,000 blueberry plants on about 15 acres, depends specifically on honey bees for fruit production. To ensure

Small business owners all over Polk County have built their livelihoods on honey bees, and declining bee populations have made tangible impacts on their businesses.

cyanococcus vaccinium

(BLU EBER RY)

Honey bees are also important to the vast majority of fruits and vegetables we eat every day. Keeping bees for pollinating crops is a big business in the United States, including Polk County.

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the best-possible blueberry crop, Kirkland rents bees that pollinate his blueberry bushes when they’re blooming. “The bees are present for the entire bloom,” Kirkland says. He notes that the bees work for four to six weeks pollinating blueberry flowers. A few weeks later, his bushes are loaded with fruit.

Kirkland rents his bees from Robbie Bell, who has been a beekeeper for nearly 40 years and who owns Bell Apiaries. Bell works with thousands of hives and hundreds of millions of bees, which he uses as agricultural pollinators all over the United States. From Kirkland’s small farm in South Lakeland to Polk County’s orange groves to the almond orchards of California, Bell’s bees pollinate plants that produce fruits and vegetables that are exported all over the country and the world.

LOCAL APIARIES HELP FEED THE WORLD The bees at Bell Apiaries pollinate other plants, too. Recently, Bell supervised transporting thousands of hives to California’s San Joaquin valley, where bees will spend several days pollinating the area’s vast almond groves.

Transporting bees for pollination is a relatively recent phenomenon. “Twenty years ago, you weren’t hauling bees up and down the highway,” says Bell. “It’s a stressor for them.”

Bell explains that a rising demand for fruits and vegetables and declining local pollinator populations result in a desperate need for honey bees. “There are no more natural pollinators because of the insecticides and pesticides they use in farming,” Bell explains.

He cites almonds as one example for sky-high demand for bees: the California almond crop requires

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(Pictured Above): Robbie Bell, owner of Bell Apiaries, has been a beekeeper for nearly 40 years.

2.6 million commercial bee hives for pollination. California only has about 16,000.

While Bell’s bees are in high demand, he does worry about them. To meet high demands for fruits and vegetables, farmers must rely on insecticides, fungicides, and other chemicals to keep their crops healthy. Those chemicals harm local pollinators, so farmers depend upon beekeepers and their honey bees. But the sprays harm the honey bees, too. Bell says that he loses many bees to sickness and disease because of the chemicals they encounter while they’re working. But, without those sprays, crops are more vulnerable to devastating losses.

“It’s just a vicious cycle,” says Bell.

He knows that his bees play a vital role in feeding America and the rest of the world. While he worries about environmental hazards that affect bees and other pollinators, he does see some hope that the tide is turning. “With all the farm-to-table stuff that’s popping up, people are getting interested,” he says. He encourages people to support local farmers, think hard about the chemicals they introduce to our landscapes and waterways, and get educated about beekeeping and how they can help make the world a friendlier place for pollinators.

“We’re all in this together,” he says.

BEYOND FOOD AND AGRICULTURE Honey bee conservation doesn’t have to be limited to large-scale beekeeping, commercial honey production, or agriculture. Some important conservation efforts are done on a much more personal, one-on-one scale.

Patrick Gaudin is one such

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

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However you choose to help, every effort is important in the fight to preserve honey bees, local agriculture, and the small businesses that depend upon healthy, happy honey bees to thrive.

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BEE-HAVEN HONEY FARM

KIRKLAND FARMS

BELL APIARIES

5212 North U.S. Hwy. 98 Lakeland, FL 33809 863.825.5245 beehavenfl.com

2632 Old Medulla Road Lakeland, FL 33811 863.248.8351 kirklandfarms.net

412 North Lanier Ave. Fort Meade, FL 33841 863.698.9525 honeybellbee.com

conservationist. He’s a bee removal expert who specializes in removing colonies that have settled a little too close to human activity for comfort. When someone finds a hive in their walls, ceilings, motorhomes, or other locations, they call him.

Gaudin has become passionate about honey bee conservation.

Like Sadler and Bell, he worries about environmental factors and disease. But he turns his talents to a unique form of conservation — rescuing bees that have built colonies in locations that are unsafe for humans and bees alike.

When someone calls Gaudin about a colony that’s too near humans for comfort, he works with the property owner to remove the bees safely. Gaudin notes that, while many people may be tempted to call an exterminator, hiring a bee removal specialist is, in many instances, less expensive than hiring someone to spray them. Removal is also better for the environment.

Just as commercial spraying can have a broad environmental impact, residential spraying and killing bees can result in what Gaudin calls an “environmental nightmare in the home.” On top of the fact that there can be thousands of dead bees to manage after spraying, Gaudin notes that homeowners still have to address the hive itself. The wax, honey, brood, and other materials can cause problems like mold or attract other pests. He also notes that people have encountered wax and honey melting into drywall, seeping into living areas, and

causing structural damage. All of that can be avoided, he says, if hives are carefully removed.

While Gaudin emphasizes that bees should be removed, not sprayed, he does caution that homeowners shouldn’t try to remove hives themselves. “The colonies in your walls are much larger than you’d think!” he says. “We’re not talking about a wasp’s nest.”

Each bee colony is different, and Gaudin’s specialized skills help him determine the most safe, effective way to remove bees. Methods vary from simple swarm removals to “trap outs,” which involve special tools that prevent bees from returning to a hive, to “cut outs,” that require him to actively cut away large sections of hive. In every removal, Gaudin removes all the bees, comb, and hive contents. He then relocates the bees and helps them shore up their numbers and build healthy hives.

Gaudin estimates he’s done approximately 200 removals since he started his bee removal business in late 2011. Each removal — each “rescue” — is another victory for bee conservation.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP Aside from removing bees instead of killing them, there are other steps you can take to make the world a better place for bees.

Simple steps include planting flowers in your yard or supporting

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

PATRICK GAUDIN, “THE HONEYBEE RESCUER” 904.424.6662 savebeesflorida.com

local beekeepers. Cutting back on or eliminating pesticides, herbicides, and other poisons in your lawn or landscaping is another major step.

If your interest extends to beekeeping, there are plenty of local options available to you. Bee-Haven sells beginner beekeeping supplies, and Gaudin sells starter hives called “nucleus colonies.” Organizations like the Ridge Beekeeping Society can offer hands-on experience, and there are hundreds of blogs, videos, and articles online that can get you started.

However you choose to help, every effort is important in the fight to preserve honey bees, local agriculture, and the small businesses that depend upon healthy, happy honey bees to thrive.

So plant some flowers, buy local honey, and explore beekeeping.

People like Sadler, Kirkland, Bell, and Gaudin will thank you!

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TASTE

Written by Benjamin Vickers Photography by Naomi Lynn Vacaro Styled by Daniel Barcelรณ

Pack your baskets, get outside, and enjoy some of our favorite summer recipes

Remember the youthful joys of summer break? Campfires, pool parties, summer sports, and picnics. This season not only offers the most bountiful array of local produce but also the most reasons to get outside.

This month in Taste: the perfect summer picnic menu for your family and friends. The recipes can all be made the day before, highlight summer’s flavors, and will travel well in your picnic basket. As fun as cooking can be, I think we can all agree, eating it with your loved ones is even better!

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SUMMER SALAD 4 cups rocket arugula or spring mix 1/2 cup parsley 1/2 cup mint Watermelon, cut into small cubes, as much as you like!

1 cup or more of Kalamata olives 1/2 red onion, sliced very thin and soaked in cold water for 30 minutes About 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles 2 tablespoons olive oil Fresh juice from 2 limes Salt and pepper to taste Toss together the greens and herbs, and set aside.

Toss together remaining ingredients and then dress with olive oil and lime juice. Top off the greens with the watermelon-olive mixture and season with salt and pepper.

CAU L I F LOW E R P E S TO PAS TA One head of cauliflower 1/2 pound mini shell pasta 1/2 cup parmesan 1 cup fresh basil About 3 tablespoons olive oil Fresh juice from 1 lemon 1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts Salt and pepper to taste Break and chop the cauliflower into small florets. When you’re left with the main stalk, peel and shop into small dices. Cook the stalk in boiling salted water for about 3 minutes. Add the florets and continue to cook about 3 more minutes and tender. Use a mesh spider to lift all the cauliflower out, then transfer to ice water to stop the cooking process. The boiling water can now be used to cook the pasta.

While it’s cooking, set aside a few florets for garnish.

The remaining cauliflower, basil, oil, lemon juice, and nuts can be combined in a food processor and pureed. When the pasta is finished cooking, drain and toss with the pesto. A little dash of pasta water can be folded in so that the pesto coats everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Cool and store covered.

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PICNIC CHEESE BOARDS It boggles my mind that cheese and charcuterie are not commonplace in American homes. If the last time you saw a composed cheese board was at your cousin’s wedding, it’s time to take back these salty delicacies. Cheese boards celebrate variety and adventurousness. There are no rules; they’re easy to throw together for guests and always impress!

1. First-time connoisseurs should start with just three cheese selections (mild, medium, and strong). Look for a variety of textures such a soft, creamy, and savory brie on the mild end; a crumbly salty aged cheddar for the medium; and perhaps an adventurous stilton or fun strong cranberry goat cheese.

2. If you have some extra room on your board, splurge on a little prosciutto; fold each thin slice and layer across the board. If your cheeses can be sliced, arrange them in a similar way. Extra soft or crumbly items can be cut and displayed as a wedge (just don’t forget to pack the cheese knife for your picnic).

3. Is your cheese board looking fancy yet?

Time to show off your homemade multigrain crackers and fill in empty spots with fresh fruits such as Florida strawberries, grapes, oranges, and sweet noshes such as honey or preserves.

Congratulations, you have curated fromage fit for a picnic in the gardens of Versaille!

A NOTE ON SELECTING WINES FOR THIS MENU Supposing you’ll be enjoying an elegant and refreshing summer lunch outside using the menu above, the ideal accompaniment will be a cooler full of perfectly matched wines. Due to the summer heat and light nature of the meal, a sparkling white or rosé will do nicely. Ask your wine seller for a rosé from Province or Sancerre from the Loire Valley. Something with a lingering fruity finish and refreshing acidity. Stick with very dry wines, which will pair much better with the savory and salty recipes we’ve included here.

Alternatively, a mimosa or Bloody Mary is appropriate any day of the year!

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M U LT I G R A I N C R A C K E R S 1 1/4 cups cornmeal 1/2 cup sesame seeds 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/4 cup canola oil 1/2 cup flaxseed 1 cup boiling water Salt and pepper to taste Preheat the oven to 350°F. Stir all the seeds and oil together in a bowl, and stream in the boiling water. Keep stirring until a thick, chunky paste forms. Using a greased spatula, spread the paste over the surface of a parchment-lined baking sheet (if you have a silicone mat, this is a great opportunity to use it).

Garnish with salt and pepper and bake at 350°F until golden and crisp, about 40 minutes. The crackers can be broken into portions after cooling fully. Store in an airtight container or Ziplock bag.

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BREAKFAST COOKIES At Honeycomb, we make hundreds of these cookies each week, and they sell faster than the chocolate chunk! If you plan ahead and chill the cookie dough overnight, the fruity, citrus flavors marry into a truly special and unique flavor. Sliced almonds lend a wonderful crunch to a typically ultra-soft oat cookie.

76 grams sugar 154 grams brown sugar 170 grams softened butter The zest from 1 orange 5 grams vanilla extract 2 large eggs 160 grams all-purpose flour 4 grams salt 8 grams ground cinnamon 8 grams baking soda 173 grams old-fashioned oats 86 grams sliced almonds 86 grams dried cranberries Use the paddle attachment of a mixer to cream the sugars and butter until light and creamy. Add the zest, eggs, and vanilla, and stir until evenly chunky but not smooth. Add remaining ingredients, and stir gently until the cookie batter forms and no dry flour or wet batter remains. Scoop into cookie portions. For best flavor, wrap the dough and let rest in the fridge overnight.

When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange the chilled cookie portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake about 14 minutes or until the cookies are mostly golden with a pale center. Let cool fully before gobbling down. Seriously, let them cool first!

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We are truly fortunate to live in Central Florida: a land of sun, of stately oaks, cool breezes drifting off the lakes, of local farms and fresh produce. The purpose of these recipes is not for you to toil away over a hot stove in your kitchen. We hope you will be inspired to get outside with your friends, share a drink and a bite to eat, and live your best life in this beautiful world of ours.

Benjamin Vickers is founder of Honeycomb, an artisan bread bakery. For more information, visit honeycombbread.com.

FIND MORE RECIPES, KITCHEN TIPS, AND FOOD EXPLAINERS O N L I N E I N T H E TAS T E S EC T IO N O F THELAKELANDER.COM.

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STYLE

OUT The Lakelander is gearing up for warmer weather, and we’ve put together some fresh looks to help you step up your getaway style this season

OF Written by Daniel Barceló Photography by Dan Austin / Styled by Sally Ibarra Barceló, Daniel Barceló, and Dan Austin

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shirt Massimo Dutti Cremieux shorts Dillard’s socks model’s own Steve Madden shoes Dillard’s Tiffany watch Munchel’s Fine Jewelry Ray-Ban sunglasses Dillard’s

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W Hair & Makeup by Patricia Uiterwyk and Giselle Oliveras of Venue Salon Models: Melody Morales Timi Oyedeji - Modern Muse Nathan Waters - Modern Muse

W hen you live where other people vacation, resort style is a way of life. As residents of a subtropical paradise, it is our privilege — nay, our responsibility — to wear it well. Spring is the all-too-brief stretch before the marathon of summer. We don’t have time to waste on boring pastels, the same old board shorts, or another tired sundress.

The world’s best weather is here. Now. And we are implored to spend every moment we can enjoying it. It is your duty to arrive at every poolside cocktail party, three-hour patio brunch, and weekend staycation flexing spring style as only a Floridian can.

The Lakelander’s spring edit is anchored by preppy staples offset by rich tropical patterns and colors that won’t be seen north of Jacksonville until mid-July. Gentlemen, start with the classics. Light and bright checks and stripes in tailored silhouettes are a must. Then, elevate your look with a little irony by incorporating sporty layers and shoes. Ladies, refresh your spring looks by pairing more conservative pieces with glamorous details.

Seriously, have fun. Both: complete your statement with elegant jewelry and maybe throw in a bold accessory that will turn heads as you reach for another glass of the world’s best mojito (or mimosa, if it’s Sunday).

Every day is sunny, no one is a stranger, and the right pair of shades is all the introduction you need anyway. So be inspired to live like you’re on holiday while you let a winsome and timely spring wardrobe do the work.

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suit J.Crew necklace stylist’s own tank Topman Puma sneakers Urban Appeal

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WE DON’T HAVE TIME TO WASTE ON BORING PASTELS, THE SAME OLD BOARD SHORTS, OR ANOTHER TIRED SUNDRESS.

scarf Vince Camuto pants ASOS Gianni Bini shoes Dillard’s earrings Dillard’s necklace, watch Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

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bikini top 5th & Hall Deverobe robe 5th & Hall pants Dillard’s sunglasses Dillard’s David Yurman necklace Munchel’s Fine Jewelry Steve Madden shoes Dillard’s

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shirt Zara belt stylist’s own trousers Dillard’s Steve Madden shoes Dillard’s necklace, watch, rings Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

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dress ASOS hat ASOS shoes Dillard’s bag Dillard’s earrings, ring Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

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AS RESIDENTS OF A SUBTROPICAL PARADISE, IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE — NAY, OUR RESPONSIBILITY — TO WEAR IT WELL.

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sunglasses Dillard’s sweater Abercrombie & Fitch swim truks 2(x)ist necklace Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

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PEOPLE

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Written by Joe Hepler Photography by Jason Stephens

AT

H O M E

I N

At a young age, Cody O’Gorman was surrounded by influencers who instilled in him an appreciation for the outdoors.

Today, this passion is evident in both his personal and professional endeavors as he aims to conserve the beauty of our land.

In the early morning hours, well before sunlight has begun creeping across the horizon, Cody O’Gorman is already up and preparing to start his day. Most mornings, O’Gorman moves quietly throughout his South Lakeland home so as not to stir his wife, Sabrina, or his dog, Beau, on his way out the door. Where exactly O’Gorman might be headed and what he’ll be doing is a matter of day and time, but you can be sure it’s not a climatecontrolled cubicle. He’s not built that way. No, his calloused hands and tanned skin tell of a person made for the soil and sun. His slight Southern accent, impeccable manners, and cup of sweet tea on the table in front of us tell of a person who has lived most of his life under the Lakeland sky.

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O’Gorman spent much of his youth outdoors.

His mom, Shannan, works for Polk County Public Schools. She would often enlist O’Gorman to help her with school beautification projects.

“Growing up, I remember going with my mom to a bunch of different nurseries, loading up her vehicle with all sorts of different plants, and taking them over to whatever school she was working on at the time,” O’Gorman laughs as he thinks back on those summers spent doing landscaping projects with his mom. “It’s funny because as a kid you’re like, ‘Mom, I don’t want to be doing this! It’s my summer break!’ But now when I drive around town and pass by one of her old schools and see some of the plants we planted still growing and thriving, it definitely gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction.”

While O’Gorman’s mother cultivated his passion for plants and landscaping, his grandfather was the one who gave him a love for the water.

“My grandfather was the one who introduced me to fishing and being out on the water. Looking back, it seems like he took me out fishing every weekend. Whenever we were on the boat, he would always be teaching me about the different species of plants and wildlife. He was also really good about explaining to me the importance of

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the different rules and regulations when it comes to fishing and wildlife preservation.

That’s where my love and appreciation for the outdoors and for being out on the water really began.”

Now in his early 30s, the effects of O’Gorman’s time spent planting and fishing as a kid are undeniable. If you were to look up Cody O’Gorman on Instagram, you would find his feed dominated almost exclusively by pictures of scenic landscapes, somewhere he and Sabrina are off exploring, and videos of his dog, Beau, a fouryear-old German Shorthaired Pointer (who Cody tucks into bed on the couch every night) staring off the edge of his airboat.

While some couples might enjoy date days eating at food trucks in Tampa or exploring the outlets in Orlando, the O’Gormans often prefer to hitch the boat trailer to the back of Cody’s truck and head off towards the lake. “For Sabrina and [me], it’s not this thing where I like to go out on the boat and I either have to talk her into going out with me or she’s always trying to get me to do something else. We really enjoy that time together and try to block out as much of it as we can, especially when the weather’s really nice.” He laughs, “Sabrina definitely prefers it when the weather’s nice.” However, O’Gorman’s affinity for the outdoors extends well beyond his free time.

He works for the City of Lakeland in the Lakes and Stormwater Division. He and his team are tasked with monitoring the health and quality of the city’s waterways, facilitating the removal of harmful

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plant life, and educating people about how the water system works and how to better care for our environment. The Lakes and Stormwater team even has a mascot, Toby the Turtle, as a part of their environmental education initiative, “Toby’s Water Warriors.” O’Gorman and his team hope educational tools like Toby can begin to instill an awareness and appreciation for the city’s ecosystem in the next generation of Lakelanders.

At the same time, he and his team are constantly at work managing the presentday issues the lakes are facing. “Our goal is to allow the lakes to exist as naturally as possible. Unfortunately, here in Florida, we face a lot of invasive species. Plants and animals that aren’t native to the ecosystem can have devastating impacts on our lake system,” says O’Gorman.

In October, the team took on a massive

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(Pictured Above): Cody O’Gorman with his wife, Sabrina, and their German Shorthaired Pointer, Beau

“THESE LAKES ARE WHAT I CARE ABOUT, THEY’RE WHERE I SPEND MY FREE TIME. WE TAKE A LOT OF PRIDE IN WHAT WE DO, AND WE SEE THE IMPORTANCE IN IT.”

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“WHENEVER I TAKE THE LIFE OF AN ANIMAL, I’M DOING SO WITH THE UTMOST CARE AND RESPECT I POSSIBLY CAN, BECAUSE I LOVE OUR WILDLIFE AND I WANT TO DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO MAINTAIN THEM.”

project, harvesting an overgrowth of hydrilla plants from Lake Wire. Hydrilla is part of the “Big Three” according to O’Gorman — the other two being water lettuce and water hyacinth. The Big Three are fast-growing aquatic plants that can choke out a lake’s natural aquatic life and create a ripple effect that could take years to reverse. Combating these invasive plants also requires the Lake Management team to stay current on the latest scientific advances.

To do so, O’Gorman and his team attend conferences throughout the year to learn the latest tools and techniques from various scientists and water management experts.

The work involved in maintaining Lakeland’s waters is both extensive and intensive, but if you ask O’Gorman, it’s the best job he could ever have. “The people in our field of work care so much about what they’re doing because these habitats are what we’re passionate about. I tell people all the time, ‘Hey, I have the best job in the world!’ These lakes are what I care about, they’re where I spend my free time. We take a lot of pride in what we do, and we see the importance in it.”

In addition to taking the boat out fishing and caring for our waterways, O’Gorman is also a bow hunter. To some, this might appear to be contradictory to his caring attitude toward the lake system. O’Gorman, however, would politely disagree.

“For myself, and the people I know who hunt, we care deeply about the environment and about the animal populations we’re harvesting — and I say ‘harvesting’ because I’m benefiting from this animal.

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“OUR GOAL IS TO ALLOW THE LAKES TO EXIST AS NATURALLY AS POSSIBLE. UNFORTUNATELY, HERE IN FLORIDA, WE FACE A LOT OF INVASIVE SPECIES. PLANTS AND ANIMALS THAT AREN’T NATIVE TO THE ECOSYSTEM CAN HAVE DEVASTATING IMPACTS ON OUR LAKE SYSTEM.”

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Whenever I take the life of an animal, I’m doing so with the utmost care and respect I possibly can, because I love our wildlife and I want to do everything I can to maintain them. My approach is always: if I’m not going to eat the animal, I’m not going to take it. And if I’m going to take it, I’m going to make sure I do so in the most ethically responsible way possible.” To that end, O’Gorman spends hours assembling his arrows by hand and practicing his technique from a deer stand he assembled in the tree in his backyard.

O’Gorman understands his life has been shaped by the beautiful habitats so common to Central Florida. They can often go overlooked or taken for granted. Not by him, though. No, Lakeland and all of her lakes and swamps and nature preserves are his home. They raised him, after all, and he’s determined to make sure they’re maintained so many more young kids like him can grow up planting trees with their mom and taking the boat out fishing with their grandpa. In turn, perhaps many more young people will grow up to look at the world and all its creatures with the same care and compassion as O’Gorman.

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THE ART OF INTELLIGENT BANKING

BANK LOCAL• For more than a decade, Bank of Central Florida has been committed to this community and our clients. Our bankers are local. In fact, we’re probably beside you at weekend soccer games, volunteering at local nonprofits or attending community events. We’re the hometown experts with a vested interest in your success.

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PEOPLE EDUCATION

F L O R I DA’ S

GROWING TRADITION

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As the only horticultural science program in the nation that specifically emphasizes citrus,

Written by Annalee Mutz Photography by Drew Blaser

Florida Southern College has cultivated a program that not only equips students to later thrive in their careers, but also to give back to an industry that plays an important role in the life of a Floridian.

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lthough citrus trees are not indigenous to Florida, they are intimately tied to its identity today. From the moment you cross into the Sunshine State, visitors are warmly greeted with billboards encouraging them to stop by the Official Florida Welcome Centers for a free sample of Florida citrus juice. Along with tall palm trees, orange groves are the iconic image that often comes to mind when imagining the beauty that makes up Florida.

There’s no denying that citrus is Florida’s staple crop.

Yet, citrus first arrived to the state in the 16th century when European explorers established themselves in Florida. The early settlers planted the first orange trees around St. Augustine, and Florida’s unique subtropical climate proved an ideal environment to flourish. In the 19th century, the citrus industry truly began to boom as the expansion of railroads throughout the state made it easier to commercialize.

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During World War II, scientists were able to develop techniques to create a frozen concentrated orange juice in order to provide adequate Vitamin C to American troops.

With the ability to ship orange juice now accessible, the citrus industries’ production increased greatly. After the war ended, many former military people under the G.I. Bill were seeking education, and Florida Southern College (FSC) perceived a growing need for training in the citrus industry.

“There was no specific training available at the undergraduate level, and the industry needed management-level people,” says Dr. Malcolm Manners, chair of the Citrus and Horticultural Science program at FSC. “At first it was strictly citrus, then in the 1970s, broader aspects of horticulture were added.”

Due to this need, FSC would begin a program that continues to equip its students for viable career paths that foster Florida’s citrus and horticulture identity. Since its initial inception in the ’70s, the program has evolved based on the careers needed. Some of the current core program courses consist of the basics, such as crop production, soils, plant nutrition, and pest and disease management.

Today, FSC has the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program that specifically focuses on citrus. This program is known throughout Florida’s citrus industry for its quality.

From there, students choose one of the many offered career tracks. “Most students do at

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least two of the career tracks,” says Manners.

Among these tracks include Citrus, which focuses on commercial citrus production, harvesting, processing, and marketing; Business, which equates to a minor in business management; Biotechnology, which has an emphasis on laboratory skills for new variety development; and pre-graduate studies, which includes extra coursework in chemistry, mathematics, and biology in order to prepare students for admission into graduate programs and, potentially, research careers.

Horticulture programs are not uncommon. However, they are usually offered at large land-grant universities, so it is unique to have such a program exist at a small, private school like FSC. “To have a program that emphasizes citrus specifically is unique. Unlike a

large state school where the primary emphasis may be to prepare students for graduate school, we’ve emphasized preparing students for careers in the industry with the bachelor’s degree — although, certainly numerous of our alumni have gone to grad school and done quite well there,” says Manners.

FSC’s location in Central Florida puts students at the heart of citrus productions.

The campus is in close proximity to the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, allowing industry experts to often guest lecture to these students. The program allows those pursuing careers in citrus and horticulture invaluable connections in multiple

It is estimated that over half of all management positions in the Florida citrus industry are held by FSC graduates.

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“WE WANT TO PROVIDE TO THE GREATER CITRUS AND HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRIES PEOPLE WELLTRAINED AND COMPETENT TO ENTER AT A MANAGERIAL LEVEL, AND TO QUICKLY BECOME LEADERS IN THEIR FIELD.”

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ways. “Each student does a summer-long internship, usually between the junior and senior years, with a business of their choice, to gain real-world experience in a specific niche of the industry that interests them,” says Manners.

Along with an emphasis on career development, what makes FSC’s program stand out, compared to other programs throughout the country, are the opportunities available for hands-on experiences. “Nearly all classes have a laboratory component,” says Manners. These labs offer students the ability to learn all aspects of plant propagation, planting and cultivation techniques, soil testing, environmentally responsible irrigation and fertilizer programming, pest and disease identification and management, and

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The James dePass Citrus Grove, located on FSC’s campus, offers students valuable hands-on experiences.

safe and responsible handling of agricultural chemicals.

The natural beauty that surrounds FSC’s campus only adds value to these out-ofclassroom, hands-on experiences. FSC’s campus has a collection of citrus trees. For example, the James dePass Citrus Grove’s layout and variety were designed to mirror

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“TO HAVE A PROGRAM THAT EMPHASIZES CITRUS SPECIFICALLY IS UNIQUE. UNLIKE A LARGE STATE SCHOOL, WHERE THE PRIMARY EMPHASIS MAY BE TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL, WE’VE EMPHASIZED PREPARING FOR CAREERS IN THE INDUSTRY WITH THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE.”

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FSC’s program is known throughout Florida’s citrus industry for its quality.

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that of modern commercial groves. It includes an irrigation system and gives students the opportunity to experiment with grove management operations, pest and disease management, and post-harvest practices.

In addition, there are beautiful rose gardens throughout the campus, two of which contain roses propagated by Manners himself. Ruth’s Rose Garden is one of the most genetically diverse rose gardens in the Southeast and specializes in rare roses from throughout history. Students of the Citrus and Horticulture classes have the opportunity to participate in a service-learning project, propagating plants from this garden and then relocating them to New York each spring to help beautify gardens in Harlem. This project teaches children how to propagate and grow their own gardens.

“We want to provide to the greater citrus and horticultural industries people well-trained and competent to enter at a managerial level, and to quickly become leaders in their field,” says Manners. It’s safe to say FSC is accomplishing just that as many students who complete this degree go on to an array of needed professions in the citrus and

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horticulture industry. “We estimate that well over half of all management positions in the Florida citrus industry are held by our graduates,” says Manners. Others go on to work for the State Department of Agriculture, government programs, teaching, or graduate school to pursue professional research careers.

However, as baby boomers are nearing retirement and mid-management looks to step down from their lifetime careers, a new generation of leaders are needed to rise up and fill these positions. “The industry needs well-educated people, and there is currently a shortage of people,” says Manners. As viable solutions are being developed to combat greening (a disease that affects citrus trees’ ability to flower and fruit) and other diseases, the job market will grow even larger than the program’s beginnings. “There are excellent positions available,” says Manners.

Florida Southern College has created a leading program to best equip its students not only to fill these positions but excel in them in order to continue cultivating the beauty that covers our Sunshine State. As Manners says, “A career in horticulture is varied and fascinating. The industry’s future is bright.”

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Two of the campus’s gardens contain roses propagated by FSC Professor and Chair, Dr. Malcom Manners.

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URBAN DEVELOPMENT

As our city grows, our

AN OPEN S PA C E

connection to the outdoors is more important than ever.

Written by Annalee Mutz

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ublic outdoor spaces play an important role in a city’s design. But they are far more than charming parks, green roofs, and pretty plants — although all those contribute to them, too. It’s a thoughtful consideration of a city’s infrastructure and environment in order to better shape its look, functionality, and overall culture.

As our city continues to grow, property development that includes the use of public outdoor spaces should also be taken into consideration.

There are multiple benefits of urban planning and designing outdoor spaces that merge with the landscapes they exist within and around them. These spaces give us a place to breathe, pause, share ideas, gather, and become a connected city.

Proposed rendering of Bonnet Springs Park

ENVISIONING A BETTER DOWNTOWN

In January 2019, the City of Lakeland released a plan that outlines what Lakeland could look like in the next 10 years.The concept, titled “Envisioning a Better Downtown,” includes geographic data and architect renderings that imagine the redevelopment and expansion of what already makes up the downtown area.

There are a number of highlights detailed out in this plan, including bringing in new businesses, an urban corporate park, expanded entertainment areas, and resolved parking plans. Many of the plans would work toward increasing density in the downtown area of the city.

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“A vibrant downtown has to have a mix of uses that will attract residents and employees to the area,” says Pam Page, deputy director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Lakeland. In order to bring in this mix, new development must be made to accommodate residences and businesses. However, parking remains an ongoing problem to accommodate this growth. “Envisioning a Better Downtown” looks to solve this problem by building vertical, adding parking upwards in several-story buildings. Additional parking would make downtown more accessible for all.

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However, as density increases in the city, it has become increasingly important to create small pocket parks that encourage us to get outside, too. “Green spaces, large or small, provide respite from the hubbub of city life,” says Page. The added vitality of our city comes from increased expenditure from thriving businesses, but it also comes from the connectivity made as people gather in public spaces as well. “It is easy as we develop to maximize the return of investment. However, thought should be given to designate public outdoor space threaded throughout the downtown,” says Page.

Smaller urban spaces, like pocket parks, are easy solutions for utilizing vacant space amidst city buildings. An example of a pocket park would be the Fallen Heroes Garden located at the front of the Lakeland Police Department. “These parks can be tucked amongst the building and should be designated as such with proposed new development,” says Page. As Lakeland looks to the future, ideas for how to add these pocket parks in the

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Central Bark is an urban dog park that will be located across from the fire station north of Lake Mirror.

midst of rising development is also in the discussion.

“These areas need to attract multigenerational users and our pets,” adds Page.

A notable outdoor space being added to downtown is Central Bark, an urban dog park planned for construction later this year. The park will be located across from the fire station north of Lake Mirror.

“We will have public art in the dog park, water fountains for dogs, benches for people, and shade trees. The scale of the park is small in comparison to other Lakeland dog parks.

However, it will be in keeping with urban dog parks in other cities where land is extremely valuable,” says Page.

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

Although Page does not dismiss the great benefits that will come from addressing the parking concerns in the downtown area, she also believes that we have to balance out such development with places where our community can get outside and socialize.

“A downtown is successful at the street level, not because cars are accommodated but because pedestrians are comfortable getting to where they want to go,” says Page. “Social interaction on the street occurs as pedestrians greet one another and share an open space.

Connectivity of a walkable community is key to the success of linking open space areas.”

“A downtown is successful at the street level, not because cars are accommodated but because pedestrians are comfortable getting to where they want to go. Social interaction on the street occurs as pedestrians greet one another and share an open space.”

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The plans for “Envisioning a Better Downtown” show a public plaza which offers multiple layers of public space for pedestrian engagement.

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A PLACE TO PLAY

Explorations V Children’s Museum will be the central cultural and scientific partner at Bonnet Springs Park, referred to as its anchor institution.

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West of downtown Lakeland is another development that will add to the urban landscape of our community. Bonnet Springs Park, a 180-acre privately developed public park, has plans to open in 2020. The land for the park is nestled near the shores of Lake Bonnet and spans across a now-vacant area on Kathleen Road between Memorial Boulevard and George Jenkins Boulevard. This park will make use of a once underutilized piece of land to create a valuable public space for the Lakeland community.

Sasaki Associates, developers from a Boston-based planning firm with extensive experience with urban parks, have helped design the privately funded park and transform the environmentally damaged area into a thriving urban landscape.

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

Bonnet Springs Park has a goal to be an asset for our community. Along with amenities like a canopy walk, nature center, event lawn, walking and biking trails, water activities, and a sculpture garden, the park will offer practical solutions for conservation, health and wellness, and social equity. It will be a park that offers additional space to play outdoors and connect us to the people of our community in active and engaging ways.

There are many exciting amenities to look forward to from this park. One area in particular is the park’s approach to play. The team behind the park has created a comprehensive approach to the park’s play scene by utilizing four types of play — functional, constructive, dramatic, and games play.

According the Bonnet Springs Park January 2019 newsletter, “The park’s playgrounds will have the ability to reinforce shared experiences and forge new connections amongst its visitors.”

Nature playgrounds will expose visitors to natural elements and encourage them to explore the world around them. There will be various play elements scattered throughout the park. The areas will have play elements that use fast motion, height, exploration, exposure to natural elements, and use of functional tools all with the purpose of building creativity, imagination, and environmental stewardship.

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“Connectivity of a walkable community is key to the success of linking open space areas.�

Bonnet Springs Park is a privately developed public park that depends solely on public support. If you’re interested in donating or learning more about the park, visit bonnetspringspark.com.

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ART MATTERS, TOO In 2001, the city began to invest in outdoor public art with the city commission agreeing to fund the Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition on Lemon Street. Since then, the City of Lakeland has issued an international call to artists every fall. After submissions have been juried, 10 sculptures are chosen every year to line Lemon Street. “The competition has been a huge success and is very popular with sculptors,” says Page.

Similar to most art, public art provides a pathway for engagement, which in turn has the ability to create community attachment.

Along with providing a way for pedestrians to slow down and enjoy the outdoor space it occupies, public art enhances meaning in our civic places and adds culture to our community.

Over the past 18 years, the city has continued to see the cultural, social, and economic value of public art.

“The City has recently begun to allow local artists to display work in the business districts, and the CRA is investing in venues for local artists to produce and show work,” says Cynthia Haffey, executive director of Platform Art, Inc. Today, people are able to step outside and enjoy various forms of art on streets and alleyways throughout these business districts. Large-scale murals and tapestry artwork cover the walls of our city and have sparked significant dialogue. “It is important to us to raise awareness to the public concerning art and to provide a venue for our citizens and visitors to reap the benefits of seeing great art free of charge,” says Page.

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The City allows local artists to display original artwork in the business district, from large-scale murals to removable pieces from Tapestries Lakeland.

“It is important to us to raise the awareness of the public concerning art and to provide a venue for our citizens and visitors to reap the benefits of seeing great art free of charge.”

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

A SENSE OF PLACE In ways both large and small, the city invests in infrastructure and development that is committed to the connectivity of our community. As new buildings continue to go up and add to the growth of our city, Lakeland is also paying attention to the spaces that lie between these permanent fixtures. Our landscape is far more than new buildings and residencies, and the city sees that. Lakeland gives us many opportunities to breathe in the fresh air, dip our feet in the water, and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us, because it is through this type of connection that we develop a sense of place.

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HISTORY

The Lynchburg Grove in the Lakeland Highlands area was one of dozens of groves in Lakeland in the 1920s.

The abundance of citrus-growing operations prompted the city to bill itself as the “World’s Citrus Capital.”

Date: Unknown Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library.

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

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