WH6

ISSUE 6

Winter Haven’s City Magazine

PIQUANCY / GAME-DAY STYLE / DAVE’S COFFEE MISMATCHED OBJECTS / LEED THE WAY

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Relax!

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54 ON THE COVER In this issue, Chef Rex Harris creates dishes bursting with flavor. Check them out . . .

cover photo by Tina Sargeant

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES

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38

44

SHELTER

CULTURE

STYLE

Historic modern architecture of Gene Leedy

The creative works of Trent Manning

Outfits with a bit of team spirit that you’ll be proud to wear

LEED THE WAY

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MISMATCHED OBJECTS

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GAME-DAY STYLE

Wauchula

Bowling Green Zolfo Springs Sebring Lake Placid www.wauchulastatebank.com

Winter Haven

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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62

TASTE

SPECIAL FEATURE

PIQUANCY A flavorful, masterpiece meal from Chef Rex Harris

STEPPING INTO A YOGA PRACTICE WITH EASE Inside Out Yoga offers a simple and effective yoga for all

DEPARTMENTS 14

EDITOR’S NOTE

16 CONTRIBUTOR BIOS 18 PHOTOGRAPHER BIOS 22

78 EVENTS

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80 OPENINGS

PEOPLE

DAVE'S COFFEE Meet the founder behind the city’s first coffee shop

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METRO

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82 HISTORY

MESSIEH ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC Leader in Anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991 Less invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work

Two Locations 1601 Sixth Street , S.E. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863.419.9301 5 Ryant Blvd.

Sebring, FL 33870 863.471.9700

Curt Patterson

Jason Jacobs • Brandon Patterson

PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS

Brandon Patterson

Kristin Crosby

Daniel Barceló

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Advertising ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ADVERTISING SALES

Curt Patterson; 863.409.2449 Brandon Patterson; 863.409.2447 Jason Jacobs, 863.606.8785

Editorial CONTRIBUTORS

COPY EDITOR

Daniel Barceló, Abdiel Gonzalez, Leigh-Anne Hemenway Pou, Johnny Laderer Laura Burke

Creative

SPECIALIZING IN:

DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS

Collision Repair, Scratch and Dent VP, FINANCE INTERN

Anushka van Huyssteen Dan Austin, John Kazaklis, Tina Sargeant Deb Patterson Emily Johnson

Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR GENERAL COUNSEL

Jason Jacobs Ted W. Weeks IV

Issue 6 - January/February 2018 Published by Patterson Jacobs Publishing, LLC WH 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. WH is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

Contact Patterson Jacobs Publishing, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 863.701.2707 • www.thewhmag.com Customer Service: 863.701.2707

523 RECKER HWY AUBURNDALE, FL 33823 863-967-4959 12

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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Sometimes life seems to be either a feast or famine. Either dull or completely erratic. In the past year, we’ve learned if Florida’s not being evacuated for hurricane warnings, California is for forest fires. It doesn’t tend to serve us in moderate proportions.

It’s funny, when you’re a kid — or I should say, when I was a kid — there were some things in life that were just always dependable. You could count on certain things to not disappoint you. Like Christmas vacations. Even if it didn’t snow at Christmas, or there weren’t snow days into the New Year, at least I knew there was a time I could escape school. Take TGIF, for example (now streaming on HULU, believe it or not). Whether we could afford ordering pizza out or just heating up leftovers, as a child of the ’90s there was always TGIF, and, of course, the dependable

movie night(s). (Obviously I had one clear, solid hobby growing up.)

But, as we grow into adulthood, these things we so eagerly depended on as kids escalate in their level of affordability, likelihood, and altogether dependability. Kind of similar to what my mom always says: “The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.” I (reluctantly) guess this could easily apply to us all.

Life may not always be clear on what it will bring. And many times we can allow the unexpected events to sidetrack us, the undependable individuals to dishearten us, and the unattained dreams to discourage us and ultimately navigate how life is going.

But maybe it’s more about what we bring to life than what it brings to us.

I guess we grow up for a reason, huh?

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Kristin Crosby, Editor

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CONTRIBUTORS

KRISTIN CROSBY SPECIAL FEATURE / PEOPLE

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

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ABDIEL GONZALEZ STYLE

From a young age, Abdiel Gonzalez was inspired by design and art, and influenced by the culture of his native Hawaii. After moving to Florida in his teens, Abdiel formed an award-winning dance company, No Confusion, for which he received national recognition.

His love of fashion developed while earning a bachelor’s in business administration at Florida Southern College. He has managed multimillion-dollar retail establishments, designed stage costumes, and styled highprofile photo shoots. Currently, Abdiel runs Style Instinct by Abdiel, a styling and image consulting business.

LEIGH-ANNE HEMENWAY POU TASTE / CULTURE

JOHNNY LADERER SHELTER

Leigh-Anne Hemenway Pou is a Realtor and native of Winter Haven. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, she credits her time spent in the city of Oxford, MS, for cultivating her love of local cuisine. LeighAnne and her husband are proudly raising their family in Winter Haven.

Johnny Laderer, a Polk County native, lives in Miami and works as a multidisciplinary creative. Starting out studying and showing art, he shifted to fashion, started a line called Algae, and has worked consulting for other fashion brands. His area of focus is now in place-making, landscape design, interior design, and architecture. He has a keen sense of PLACE that reflects a life spent examining the way spatial design affects our world view and identity.

ISSUE 6

WE CAN HELP....BEFORE IT’S GONE.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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DAN AUSTIN

TINA SARGEANT

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

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

Tina Sargeant has been professionally capturing the moments, events, and people of our region for many years.

Her photography is driven by the ability to suspend time and create emotion, and her work embodies a passion for anthropology — people, culture, and stories. tinasargeant.com

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JOHN KAZAKLIS

John Kazaklis was born and raised in the DC Metro Area and came to Polk County to study at Southeastern University in 2007.

After graduating, John decided to make this area his home because of the great quality of life and close-knit community.

His fascination with different cultures and travel made him passionate about visual storytelling and sharing stories that typically go untold. istoria.life

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Commitment to faith and family is fundamental to our culture.

DALE DREYER Regional President | Central Florida MIKE COMPTON Senior Vice President/Winter Haven Area Executive

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METRO

A YEAR YOUNGER We’ve long been told that exercise is key to maintaining optimal wellness. So, it easily tops our list of priorities in stepping into a new year.

When New Year’s resolutions roll around, the majority of us swear off sugar and gluten, and sign up for that gym membership.

In the past decade, fitness trends have escalated, bringing just about every means of activity accessible to anyone. Getting in shape is now promoted to us year-round. And we

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know weekly exercise will help keep our hearts in excellent condition, our bodies in shape, and our brains flowing with good neurotransmitters and the increased production of dopamine.

Matching our keen knowledge of fitness, our awareness of nutrition is indulgent, even borderline overwhelming at times (within recent years producing even a new clinically treated eating disorder known as orthorexia — a condition including symptoms of obsessive behavior in pursuit of a healthy diet).

Granted, weekly exercise and mindful eating are essential for an enriched wellbeing, but it isn’t everything. To keep our brains in tip-top shape, we need to rely on something more than Instagram-worthy spinning classes in order to function at an optimal level.

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.

Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”

In a study from the University of Texas at Dallas, researchers took 221 adults ages 60 to 90 and arranged each group to engage in a mental activity for 15 hours over the course of three months. The first group was asked to try a new activity, requiring them to learn skills such as digital photography or quilting. The second group was to do a familiar activity at home, such as listening to classical music. And the third group did activities based in social settings, like field trips. After three months, researchers found that only the first group actively engaged their minds. New skills, requiring one to learn, stimulated the memory and caused high-level thinking in the brain.

Effects of learning on the brain are actually determined by brain plasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change with receiving new information and learning new skills. Much like exercise is essential for staying in physical shape, mental activity is essential to keep the brain in shape. “Your brain is like a muscle,” says Dr. Amen, a brain-disorder specialist and New York Times best-selling author. “You have to use it or it will get smaller and smaller. When you stop learning, your brain starts dying.”

Not only will playing new instruments, learning new languages, and tackling new skills increase brain growth, simply engaging in new experiences can give the brain a rush of things such as dopamine, and keep one’s wisdom and wit in top shape to make better decisions … like making a salad at home instead of running by the Chick-fil-A drive thru.

As Henry Ford once said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”

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F

ollowing the unexpected visit from Hurricane Irma last year, LEGOLAND Florida Resort donated 18,000 theme park tickets to the UNICEF Kid Power Schools program and 2,000 tickets to Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs.

In conjunction with LEGOLAND global charity Merlin’s Magic Wand, the donation totaled more than $1.8 million in value, representing the largest ticket giveaway in the company’s history.

While the company admits it may have been unable to turn back on power, restore homes, and secure the many immediate needs of

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LEGOLAND® DONATES 20,000 TICKETS TO KIDS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE IRMA After the disaster and devastation of Irma, this Florida resort donates 20,000 tickets and “puts a smile on children’s faces.”

unicefusa.com

surrounding families, “we can at least put a smile on children’s faces.”

With 18,000 tickets donated to the UNICEF Kid Power Schools Program, a teacher-led experience that incorporates lessons and activities with the world’s first Wearable-for-Good™, in addition in the spring of 2017, more than 200 educators participated in Kid Power’s lifesaving journey, making more than 80 percent of students reached with the UNICEF Kid Power program in Florida eligible for free or reduced lunch.

To learn more, go to unicefusa.com, and visit legoland.com for information on the park.

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WINTER HAVEN’S BANKER CUP AWARDS “Well, he’s one of the few people I know that can legally get as high as a kite from time to time,” jokes Bob Gernert of 2017’s male Banker Cup recipient, Mark Voisard.

Considered the highest honor for citizens who’ve made a significant impact or contribution to Winter Haven, this year’s Banker Cups were awarded to Voisard and Chris Nikdel.

Founder of the Cypress Gardens Water Ski team, Voisard’s impact has made Winter Haven the water ski capital of the world. Having introduced the famous delta winged kite flights to the Cypress Gardens Ski show, and with his direction and performance of the first five-

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tiered water ski pyramids, Voisard continues to fuel this successful local water sport.

For over 25 years in Winter Haven, Nikdel has created brand identities for over 30 local nonprofits and numerous other community businesses. Since 2003, Nikdel’s creative business, CNP has provided over a half million dollars in in-kind advertising, marketing, and web development services to nonprofits.

Using her professional creative expertise to empower women, support education, and improve the community, Nikdel’s contributions continue to have a lasting impact on the city.

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SHELTER

LEED THE WAY Written by Johnny Laderer Archival Drawings & Photos provided by the Gene Leedy Estate

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M

ost people do not know Winter Haven, Florida, from Adam — let alone realize that the town was a proving ground for one of the U.S.’s most important 20th-century residential architects. As you near the top of an unassuming hill in the heart of town, on Drexel Avenue, if you are not paying attention, you could cruise right past seven unique housing prototypes set back in the palmetto and oak scrub. Long and low, the clean unpainted concrete homes rest.

This is “Leedyland.” When Gene Leedy, later a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, started out building one-offs for vacationers and wealthy clients in Sarasota, Central Florida was just beginning to see a

boom in affordable tract housing. It was at that point, in the fifties, that he ran up blueprints for local developer Craney Homes for these case studylike houses.

Winter Haven may seem like an unlikely place to practice progressive architecture. But Leedy’s work there goes to show that modernism is actually accessible. “The Craney Homes offer a timeless approach to residential living,” says the Miamibased modernist architect Max Strang, who grew up in Winter Haven in a Leedy-designed residence. He adds, gushing, “They are practical. They are economical. They are flexible. They are brilliant.” They are brilliant in the main because Leedy addressed himself to the particular environment

that we call the Sunshine State, and a half-century later, as a new consumer demand for better, healthier design comes of age, such modular speculative homes are just as relevant as they used to be. And so, Strang believes that such Leedys will be built again.

IN PLACE

Unlike in California, there was no Joseph Eichler. At no point did developers seem to agree on a Florida look — from bungalows to Mediterranean Revival to uninspired vernacular in the form of tract houses or McMansions, a dominant regional style failed to materialize. Florida, however, is dotted with architecture that took its cue from local nature —

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Pamphlet advertising the original spec homes designed by Leedy

namely for the facts of life before air conditioning. The Sarasota School of Architecture was the most important group here. Founded by Ralph Twitchell and Paul Rudolph, who went on to become chair of Yale University’s Department of Architecture for six years, the school also included Mark Hampton and Victor Lundy, besides Gene Leedy.

With roots in the International Style — several members having studied under Walter Gropius, at Bauhaus — homes by these architects were on the front of energy efficiency. The International Style had gone to Florida and, like so many others, transplanted.

Many of the traits and solutions — such as large overhangs, louvered shades, verandas, covered patios, and raised floors — recalled long-known Southern hacks for cooling spaces.

The clean lines, jalousies, and mixes of natural, native materials with concrete and steel produced an aesthetic that uniquely anticipated the landscape. “[W]e were interested in building for the climate with the honest use of local materials and experimental construction concepts,” Leedy recently told Strang. “We incorporated raised floors to offset the dampness of the

ground, concrete blocks and beams, flat roofs, courtyards, sliding glass doors and windows, grillwork and shutters to filter light.” The homes also sought to go beyond the call for “shelter.” They kept you dialed in to the parcel of land you occupied — to what the sky and

WINTER HAVEN MAY SEEM LIKE AN UNLIKELY PLACE TO PRACTICE PROGRESSIVE ARCHITECTURE, BUT LEEDY’S WORK THERE GOES TO SHOW THAT MODERNISM IS ACTUALLY ACCESSIBLE. plants were doing beyond your doors, walls, and windows.

Leedy’s spec homes are characterized by a courtyard and a wall that runs along the courtyard from the front of the house toward the back — an approach to property lines and contained yards that lends itself to compact developments. The courtyard

maximizes usable outdoor space by making it private and creating a microclimate where shade and vegetation work to cool it down. The homes featured the first aluminum sliding glass doors in Central Florida; and rather than limiting sliders as an outlet and view onto the back of a house, Leedy used them throughout as connective tissue between different spaces, playing on transparency, privacy, and territory.

HOMELAND

People will always want to live in a place and space that reflects their value system. Every generation dictates new ideals — and so too will Gen Y and millennials. It has to be said that the homemaking ideas that drive modernism are not out of the general public’s reach, nor do they demand more maintenance or cost upfront. Once millennials break through in the new economy and gain access to reasonable lines of credit, RCLCO suggested in a 2014 report in The Advisory, that “their housing preferences are likely to shift as much as it did for previous generations.”

Already, suburbs across America are becoming more compact, sustainable, and walkable.

In fact, walkability (never a Florida

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Leedy, pictured left, mowing the family’s private subtropical courtyard

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talent) was ranked by the Urban Land Institute as the number-one growing demand. And the question of how walkable a neighborhood is puts other questions into orbit, too — questions about resiliency, public green space, and tree canopy. By building homes that responsively align themselves with the environment, a series of decisions get stacked on one another and add up to a vision of the best possible home life.

Proximity to work, communal haunts like coffee shops, and nonfranchised restaurants also deal primarily with an engaged lifestyle and community. These are values reflected in modernist design because it brings the outdoors closer and encourages people to be thoughtful about how we use finite amounts of space. More compact development means we can build closer to urban centers; and combined with established tree canopy (maintained through structural pruning), compactness activates neighborhoods so that people want to move around

in them. Clearly the way forward is environmental integration and resiliency, rather than this puritanical tack of building solitary iceboxes with yards maintained as gaps between our neighbors (realms to be avoided under strong rays of sun).

RENEWED VISION

Recent interest in Gene Leedy’s spec homes is inspiring in a state that will only have to negotiate harder with nature in the future.

Florida Modernism + Design, based in Miami, for example, is a new organization born out of conversations about home ownership, historic preservation, modernist architecture, and the prospect of design in Florida.

Its goal is not only to preserve architecture, but to apply lessons learned to future building projects and develop best practices. They hope to raise awareness through various media platforms, events, and publications.

Channels like that are how modern architecture got into the hands of everyday folks on the West Coast

(‘white collar homes for blue collar families,’ the situation was described), and took off: “The idea that a middle-class California family could aspire to a custom-built house was extensively and successfully promoted by a number of publications intended for the layperson — the so-called ‘shelter magazines,’” Terence Riley has told the Miami Rail. “The most influential was Arts & Architecture, which was published from 1929 until 1967. These houses were actually built and sold to buyers who had big visions but modest budgets.” Florida Modernism + Design is then working to connect the dots across the state between architectural preservation groups, realtors, home buyers, designers, architects, and developers in hope of unifying and projecting a Florida lifestyle that’s been lost in the shuffle.

The architect Max Strang worked for Leedy before establishing his own offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and now Sarasota. Strang has designed several notable residences and projects

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This is one of the 10 original 1950s Craney spec homes. The car seemed to be Florida Modernism’s perfect accessory — in an era of new highway systems, many homes were built in more remote locations or as seasonal vacation residences.

Leedy once quipped, “The automobile is popular in America because people want to get out of their houses.”

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Rendering by Max Strang of a Craney reissue. For additional information about the project, contact info@strang.design.

Also, sign up for news, coverage, and event invites at floridamodernismanddesign.org.

This reinvigorated interest in Gene Leedy’s spec homes is an inspiring example to the entire state. Florida Modernism + Design, based in Miami, is an organization born out of conversations about home ownership, historic preservation, modernist architecture, and the future of design in Florida. With the goal to not only preserving architecture but also applying their lessons to future building projects and development practices, we hope to raise awareness through various media platforms, events, and publications. “The idea that a middle-class California family could aspire to a custom-built house was extensively and successfully promoted by a number of publications intended for the layperson — the so-called shelter magazines. The most influential was Arts & Architecture, which was published from 1929 until 1967. These houses were actually built and sold to buyers who had big visions but modest budgets,” said Terence Riley, in Miami Rail’s Better Homemaking: Los Angeles and Miami. Florida Modernism + Design is working to connect the dots across the state between architectural preservation groups, realtors, home buyers, designers, architects, and developers with the hopes of unifying and projecting a Florida lifestyle that's been lost in the shuffle.

in Central Florida, among them a fresh look at row housing named Rain Garden in Winter Haven, his hometown. Now, Strang wants to breathe new life into Leedy’s 1956 floor plans.

“I’ve been coordinating with Gene,” says Strang. “He’s very excited about reissuing.” The updates “will unmistakably be derived from the original Craneys,” he adds. As was the case the first go around, buyers will have options for personalizing

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with butterfly roofs, pools, and various layouts — something Leedy encouraged. (Over the years, he also remodeled most of the Drexel Craneys for changing families.) The first phase will see a model, likely built on Drexel Avenue. Their idea is to supply, once again, an attractive alternative to affordable tract housing. The homes would come in within the range of $200k-$400k.

There is even a precedent for putting old floorplans back into production.

THESE HOMES GO BEYOND THE CALL FOR “SHELTER.” THEY KEEP YOU DIALED IN TO THE PARCEL OF LAND YOU OCCUPY — TO WHAT THE SKY AND PLANTS ARE DOING BEYOND YOUR DOORS, WALLS, AND WINDOWS. In California, the demand for midcentury has been so high that developer KUD purchased the rights to iconic Eichler floor plans; building is underway.

Years after Leedy’s concepts and design philosophy were developed, a new, excited generation echoes his concern for lifestyle-conscious design, straightforward structural expression, and honest materials.

They will be the perfect customer for the Florida of the future.

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CULTURE

Title: Vacant A self-expression of an off-beat humor, Manning’s work often contains dark or macabre undertones.

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Mismatched Objects Written by Leigh-Anne Hemenway Pou

. Art by Trent Manning

Painter, sculptor, and mixed-media artist Trent Manning seeks to create the unexpected. Using the most unlikely of pieces, he has made an art of repurposing what would otherwise be considered useless materials.

Downtown Winter Haven is home to the Outer Space Art gallery where resident artist Trent Manning creates his whimsical and delightfully odd pieces. Manning is an awardwinning sculptor and Winter Haven native. He will tell you, “I make stuff out of stuff,” but the pieces he creates are truly unique and almost

always include a note of humor. Manning’s studio and workspace is located in the back portion of Outer Space where he uses found objects and mixed mediums to construct his incomparable works of art. We caught up with him on his way back from the Plaza Art Fair in Kansas City.

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“For as long as I can remember, I always felt the need to create ... when I took my first art class, I realized I wanted to pursue art as a career. ”

WH: When did you realize you were an artist?

Trent Manning: For as long as I can remember, I have always felt the need to create. It wasn’t until high school when I took my first art class that I realized I wanted to pursue art as a career. After I graduated, I worked as a graphic designer for many years, because I was unsure if I could make a living in the fine arts field. It wasn’t until 2004 that I made an effort to do it full time.

Title : Self Propelled Mixed media is artwork in which more than one media has been employed.

TRENT MANNING STUDIO Manning’s works are self-described as a reflection of his own personality: “a somewhat disillusioned cynic, with an odd sense of humor, who still clings tightly to his inner child.”

WH: Who encouraged you?

TM: My high school art teacher, Gayle Londeree, and my amazing wife, Daphne.

She sold my first painting for me to a friend of hers in West Palm Beach. She is definitely the driving force responsible for me becoming the artist and person I am today.

WH: What is your background?

TM: I’m completely self-taught, except for my high school art classes.

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WH: What was your first big sale?

TM: The first painting I sold seemed rather big at the time; it was $300.

WH: Where do you find inspiration?

TM: Nature; history; driving down the street; our daughter, Harlow. I find inspiration in the most unexpected places.

WH: What do you like to listen to when you work?

TM: I always listen to music, but my taste is very eclectic. I have a lot of headaches, so I find myself listening to a lot of mellow stuff lately.

WH: Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve created?

TM: There is a piece I made for Harlow that is pretty special. It’s titled “She’s Got Her Father’s Eyes.” I don’t think it’s technically the best piece I have ever created, but it’s certainly one of my favorites.

WH: How has your work changed over the years?

On behalf of the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, we would like to express our gratitude to the 2017 Gala sponsors.

Special thanks goes to Dinner Sponsor – Sun Central Media Group, Auction Sponsor – Mahalak Auto Group, and Bar Sponsors – A Friend of the Foundation and Today & Tonight Magazine. Thank you again for your continued leadership and investment in this important community initiative which is of such value to Winter Haven Hospital and the patients we serve.

Lance Anastasio, Chairman Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees

Lynn Oakley Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Trustee | Gala Planning Committee Chair

Ben Hill Griffin, Inc. The Cassidy Family Comcar Don and Christine Ingram Lynn and Tommy Oakley Straughn & Turner, P.A. TeamHealth Tucker Paving, Inc.

A & E Auto Body, Inc. – Michael and Vicki Arrington Adamson + CO., P.A. Cerner Henkelman Construction, Inc. Intercoastal Payroll Solutions – John & Beth Dial Radiology & Imaging Specialists Tampa Electric

97 Country WPCV and Max 98.3 Advanced Care Hospitalists Allen & Company of Florida, Inc. BayCare Health System Central Florida Health News Citizens Bank & Trust Doster Construction Company, Inc. Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, P.A. Fidelity Investments Mixon Family Foundation The Scheck / Lewis Group at Morgan Stanley Patterson Jacobs Publishing, LLC Polk State College Publix Super Markets Charities RICOH USA, Inc.

Adams Hall Schieffelin Smith, P.A. Sarah Jane and John Alexander Lance and Sherry Anastasio Howard and Cheryl Beckert Dr. Inder and Angela Bhutiani Bob and Carol Carter Dr. and Mrs. Robert Cassell CenterState Bank Central Florida Development Council, Inc. Gresham, Smith and Partners John H. Gray Alan and Beverly Gustafson MEDNAX Services, Inc. Angie and Steve Nierman OB Hospitalists Group Dr. Jamie and Stephanie Odom RSM US LLP Six / Ten, LLC Dr. Peter and Lenore Verrill Victor Smith Law Group, P.A. Wawa, Inc.

ABC Fine Wine and Spirits A Chair Affair Rentals Arabellas Ristorante Dunkin’ Donuts® East Coast Entertainment The Gardenia Garden Club Holiday Inn Winter Haven Hughes Corporate Printing Huston Cadillac Buick Chevrolet GMC International Diamond Center Kirby Rentals, LLC Jessie’s Girls Obsessive Geek – Clyde Bielss Party Guys, Inc. Mr. David Schall

For more information on how you can help take health care in Polk County to the next level of excellence, call the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation at (863) 291-6732.

Title: Elevated Perspective Manning’s pieces almost always include a note of humor.

THE MATERIALS Working from various techniques, Manning uses mismatched items to create a sense of history to a piece that using new materials wouldn’t convey.

TM: I started off as a painter. After a few years of doing shows with them, I moved to mixed media sculpture. I use primarily found objects.

Today I am using more wood, clay, and fabric in my work but still incorporating a few found objects.

WH: Are you working on any exciting projects?

TM: I’m really excited about my upcoming show at the Appleton Museum (in Ocala, Florida) in February 2019. I’m creating a fictitious tribe called the Multora. It’s definitely my most ambitious project to date.

WH: Could you share a little more about your tribe, Multora? How large is it?

TM: I’m not sure how big the tribe is yet; it’s still developing. They are a nomadic tribe that grows in cultural diversity as people join them.

I’m borrowing from many different influences such as Myan, pagan, Egyptian, and African cultures all incorporated into one tribe. The name, Multora, is Romanian for “of many.”

WH: That exhibition sounds like something not to be missed! One last thing before we leave you: what would you like to see in Winter Haven in the future?

TM: I would love to see a thriving art scene in Winter Haven. More public art, galleries, maybe even a museum. Oh, and the water tower downtown painted as a large, red, alien brain!

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TRENT MANNING’S WORK can currently be seen at Outer Space Art Gallery and Studio in Winter Haven; Ridge Art Association in Winter Haven; Zarks Gallery in Eureka Springs, Arkansas; Graphite Gallery in New Orleans, Louisiana; and at trentmanningstudio.com.

That Exceeds Your Expectations Board-certified OB-GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgeon Tarek G. Garas, MD is proud to offer personalized obstetrics and gynecologic care to residents of the Lakeland and Bartow communities.

In addition to routine gynecologic examinations and contraceptive management, Dr. Garas provides a host of treatments for a number of common conditions, including: • Irregular bleeding • Pelvic pain • Urinary and fecal incontinence • Pelvic organ prolapse

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Extended evening hours available. Select Saturdays available in Bartow! www.WatsonClinic.com/Garas

STYLE

game-day style

Special thanks to POLK STATE COLLEGE BASEBALL TEAM

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Story and Styling by ABDIEL GONZALEZ Photography by DAN AUSTIN

Outf its that won’t embarrass you to show a little team spirit

F

or many of us, the best part of this season’s temperature drop is being outside under the Friday night lights without sitting in dripping sweat — or torrential rain, for that matter. It’s the time of year when sports fanatics dust off their beloved team jerseys and begin to organize their closets with their favorite team colors in preparation of how to best represent their team while in the stands.

However, game-day attire can be a little stressful at times.

Naturally, super fans want to be dressed better than their rivals, to stand out in a crowd. So, of course, you begin with a mix of body paint with an addition of over-the-top accessories and props.

But deciding what to wear doesn’t have to be a theatrical event. On the contrary. American sportswear is a fashion staple that’s currently enjoying a resurgence on many runways and retail stores this season. Don’t shy away from mixing the classics with modern-day sports apparel. Raglan tops and varsity jackets pair easily with your favorite team T-shirt or a pair of dry-fit Nike shorts by staying with the same color palette and keeping fabrications neutral.

The key to successfully suiting up on game day is no different from getting ready for work or play: pick one graphic statement piece of clothing to represent your super-fan side, and let the other articles of clothing serve as complements.

That way, at your next tailgate party you’ll stand out for being the most stylish team enthusiast as opposed to the craziest fanatic. Save that one for next Halloween.

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jacket Macy’s shirt Macy’s jeans 5th and Hall shoes Model’s own

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shirt Belks shorts Marshalls shoes Foot Locker watch TJ Maxx

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March 15-16, 2018 Experience actionable training to raise the leadership bar for yourself, your organization and your community.

ALL-ACCESS ADMISSION $299 | GENERAL ADMISSION $149

Daymond John

Brian Kilmeade

Caitlin Crosby

Kristen Ledlow

CEO, The Shark Group Appears on Shark Tank

Co-host of Fox & Friends NYT bestselling author

Singer/Songwriter Founder of The Giving Keys

NBA TV Sports Broadcaster SEU Alum

Other speakers include:

SCHOLARSHIP GALA

Charles Duhigg Author, The Power of Habit

Scott Harrison Founder, charity:water

Tim Tebow and Jeff Foxworthy will be the featured speakers at the Scholarship Gala fundraising dinner on Friday, March 16, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. For more information about sponsoring a table at the Gala, contact Eunice Hutto at 863.667.5901 or email emhutto@seu.edu.

Danielle Weisberg & Carly Zakin Founders, theSkimm

Julissa Arce Immigrant Rights Advocate

Bill Rancic Entrepreneur/Winner of The Apprentice

Alex Sheen Founder, because I said I would

More speakers to be announced.

REGISTER AT:

SEUforum.com

Tim Tebow

Jeff Foxworthy

Two-time national champion, first round NFL draft pick and Heisman Trophy winner

Largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy Award nominee and bestselling author

FORUM AT SEU | Southeastern University | 1000 Longfellow Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33801 | E: SEUforum@seu.edu | P: 877.FORUM2018

dress 5th and Hall jacket Winner Haven shoes TJ Maxx necklace K. Scott Jewelry

Whether paired with a bomber or casual blazer, for a night out, looks such as these are a home-run year round.

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tank Dick's Sporting Goods trousers and sandals Target necklace K. Scott Jewelry

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why foster homes

are needed in communities

Heartland for Children, Inc. is the lead community based care agency that has been serving Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties since 2003, redesigning the local foster care system. Growing the foster home network so children and teenagers can remain in their communities and reach their full potential continues to be a top priority.

Great progress has been made in recruiting quality foster caregivers, preparing interested individuals and couples to be the best foster caregivers they can be for local children who have experienced trauma, and ensuring that once homes are licensed, support services are offered to foster caregivers when needed.

Most recently the training curriculum was redesigned to focus on parenting children who have experienced trauma; the licensing and home study process has been closely examined to see how we could reduce paperwork for all training class participants; and current foster caregivers are engaged to mentor new foster caregivers. Also, current foster caregivers help in the training classes and in our local recruitment efforts.

Our current foster caregivers continue to be our best recruiters in Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties.

We currently have an engaged network of 186+ foster caregivers that understand that the greatest need Heartland for Children has, is to build our foster home network so that when children from this community need a temporary place to live, we have options for these children.

Children that are placed in foster care want to stay in their same schools, near their current neighborhoods, and around their familiar friends and family members.

We need to grow our network to 250 homes to meet the local need. Can you help us reach this goal?

Strong Communities need diverse foster caregivers that can meet the unique needs of children and teenagers when a situation arises, and they need to be placed in a safe home where they feel accepted.

Please consider learning more about how to become a foster caregiver in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties by calling us at 863-519-8900 ext. 289, visit our website at www.heartlandforchildren.org and like us on Facebook to learn more about upcoming training classes and the local need for foster homes.

what local foster parents say

about their fostering experience

“People say ‘He is so lucky to have you’ , but I say I am lucky to have him.” ~ Lisa Myers (Heartland for Children Foster Caregiver)

“You might be temporary in their lives. They might be temporary in yours. But there is nothing temporary about the love and lessons shared between both families.” ~ Julie Myers (Heartland for Children Foster Caregiver)

TASTE

piquancy Most all of us are at fault for falling back on reliable dishes that have fed us up to now. Chef Rex Harris creates a flavorful menu that makes us reconsider our staple meals. Though not every weekday dinner can be a four-course meal, life needs room for a masterpiece every now and then, no?

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w r it t en b y L E I G H -A N N E H E M E N WAY P O U p ho t o gr a ph y by T I N A S A R G E A N T st yl e d by D A N I EL BA RCEL O

R

ex Harris is undoubtedly one of the pioneers of the food renaissance Winter Haven is currently experiencing.

Best known as the chef of the beloved Seasoned Stone, Harris sat down with WH to share his story and a few recipes we know you have been missing from the Seasoned Stone.

Harris was born and raised in the Caribbean — Grenada, to be exact — where he grew up with his grandmother.

Grenada is known as the “Spice Isle” — fitting, because if you’ve ever tried Harris’ food you know it’s bursting with flavors. He began cooking with his grandmother at a very young age and recalls helping prepare traditional rum cakes for the family’s Christmas celebrations. Harris says each year they began preparing the cakes the week before Christmas, cakes to be enjoyed the following year. They would tend to them once or twice a month (adding more rum!), a good lesson in patience and tradition for the future chef.

When it was time for Harris to begin school, he moved to Trinidad, a neighboring Caribbean island. Trinidad is home to a large Indian population and one of the strongest influencers in Harris’ flavor palate. Trinidad is also the origin of Harris’ famous roti, a traditional filled Indian bread which takes about five hours to make.

After college in Trinidad, Harris taught school back in Grenada for a year and then moved to New York City. He went on to spend 24 years in the Navy and had the opportunity to spend lots of time in Europe.

He credits time in Spain, France, and Italy as major influences in his culinary journey, and the flavors bring a sophistication to traditional island dishes.

Harris is entirely self-taught and has perfected all of his recipes and techniques by reading books and cooking for himself.

His travels and influences are brought to life in his cooking. He speaks passionately of the importance of using fresh, local ingredients and supporting local businesses. He prefers the kind of places where you won’t find salt and pepper on the tables, saying food should be spiced in the kitchen. Harris is excited to see so many new restaurants opening in town, and especially that brunch is available in the Haven. When asked what he would like to see more of, he laughingly says, “Better-quality rum!”

Harris’ first restaurant endeavor was with his brother in Lakeland. It was a Caribbean restaurant that lasted about a year, but it was in an area that was prone to vandalism, so they decided to close up shop. Harris didn’t give up, though. He went on to open The Seasoned Stone in Winter Haven. It was Harris’s most successful endeavor, crediting the collaboration with his wife, Kim. These days, Harris is enjoying a slower pace. He is cooking privately, and he and Kim like to host dinners for family and friends.

We can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

Harris began cooking with his grandmother at a very young age, helping prepare traditional rum cakes for Christmas.

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creole chicken with mushrooms.

Chicken and assembly: 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped in halves 1 tablespoon olive oil

// Caribbean This flavorful dish captures the savory essence of the classic version, with a modern spin.

1 tablespoon brown or white sugar 2 cups chopped mushrooms HEAT OIL IN A LARGE POT (about 4 quarts). Add sugar and simmer until very dark almost to

Creole season mix:

burn. Add chicken and let simmer

1 bunch cilantro

for three minutes before turning. Let

3 sprigs celery

chicken brown for about 10 minutes,

1/2 bunch parsley

then add mushrooms and three

10 sprigs thyme, stem removed

tablespoons of creole mixture. Add

3 shallots

salt to taste. Cook until chicken is

1 head garlic, peeled

tender about 30-40 minutes. Serve

1 habanero, seeds removed

over basmati rice.

5 sprigs scallions 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup water PLACE ALL INGREDIENTS INTO a food processor or blender and mix. This can be stored in the fridge for up to three months and used for other dishes.

C O O K I N G N O T E S THIS TRADITIONAL WEST INDIAN DISH CAN BE MADE WITH A FOOD PROCESSOR, OR BETTER YET, A MORTAR FOR AN AUTHENTIC TASTE

.

“ SAVO RY W I T H JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF KICK”

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“A BRIGHTER PUDDING, WHERE WHITE C H O C O L AT E I S T H E S TA R ”

“CEVICHE IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MESS UP”

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chocolate bread pudding. // Spanish Commonly made with dark chocolate, this bright version of the indulgent dessert stars white chocolate.

1 nutmeg, grated

dish and spread out evenly. Dot

1 teaspoon organic ground

with remaining butter. Bake for 45

cinnamon

minutes.

3 dashes bitters Parchment paper to line baking sheet PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 350 °F. Melt chocolate with one stick of butter. This can be done in a bowl over boiling water.

RECIPE 24 slices of white bread, cubed,

Place bread into a large bowl. In a separate bowl or a mixer blend

without the crust 4 eggs

eggs, milk, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon,

10 ounces Ghirardelli

and bitters. Pour mixture over bread

white-chocolate chips

and toss. Combine chocolate and

2 cups milk

mix with a spatula. Place paper

2 sticks butter

onto a baking dish that’s at least

2 cups sugar

9x13 inches. Pour mixture into the

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B A K I N G N O T E S This pudding can be served warm, room temperature, or cold. To chill, let cool completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate one hour or up to overnight

.

ceviche. // Spanish A seafood dish popular in the coastal region of Latin America and the Caribbean

1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 Hass avocado, diced 1½ cups tomato, diced (seeds removed) COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IN A large bowl, except shrimp and avocado.

Clean and devein shrimp. Bring four

RECIPE

cups of water to a boil. Add shrimp and

2 pounds wild-caught

cook for three minutes. Remove shrimp

large shrimp

and place in ice water bath to stop the

2 lemons, juiced

cooking process. Remove shrimp and

2 limes, juiced

cut into pieces. Add shrimp to other

2 small oranges, juiced

ingredients and toss. Place in fridge

1 seedless cucumber, diced

for at least eight hours or overnight to

2 shallots, diced

marinate.

2 chilis, diced

C O O K I N G N O T E S Nearly impossible to mess up, this easy dish is best made with the best-quality fish. Choose only those with firm, translucent flesh

.

Add avocado before serving.

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MEET THE CHEF A pioneer of the food renaissance in Winter Haven, Chef Rex Harris was the chef of the beloved restaurant The Seasoned Stone. He resides in Winter Haven.

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At LCS, we’ve been intentional about building the best

Character

possible community to ensure that your child will become an intelligent, faithful and successful adult. A community

Community.

that cares deeply for your child. With first-rate academics, athletics, fine arts. Engaged, passionate teachers. Safe and modern facilities. All of it shaped by shared values and immersed in a Christian worldview.

Experience the LCS community today.

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

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

SPECIAL FEATURE

s te p p i n g I N TO A YO GA PRACTICE WITH EASE written by KRISTIN CROSBY photography by JOHN KAZAKLIS

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“For decades, yoga classes have been touted as a remedy for our stressinduced, workaholic culture.”

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When yoga today can mean anything from an intense sport to a graceful dance routine, endless approaches can be overwhelming to an aspiring yogi. Inside Out Yoga creates a practice anyone can easily step into.

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A yoga practice can often seem intimidating, at times even elitist. A spiritually bent discipline for the yogi who’s already deeply set in a steady practice of om’s and ah’s, it tends to be our overall perception that yoga is meant only for a certain crowd.

Granted, if there’s one most-obsessedabout topic in the States, one issue that’s more engaged, published on, and Googled, it’s our health. Never were a people more aware and preoccupied with health that prevents them from actually doing anything about it, than Americans.

Over the years, health and wellness have come to cover more territory than a trim, ripped figure or the perfect BMI. Recently its widened scope has broadened to ancient and modern holistic approaches that seek to consider the wellbeing of the body and mind as part of an overall balanced and healthy lifestyle (whatever balance we can maintain in modern day).

But the difficulty in discovering what can lead us to change for the better is that no change can come until we actually change something.

For decades, yoga classes have been touted as a remedy for our stress-induced, workaholic culture. Only in recent decades has its much

more acceptable and fashionable appeal made it cool to be a bit more zen-ny, if you will, as the rest of the world whirls around us. Printed in endless books, instructed in dozens of apps and dvds (that no doubt remain lost in a pile under the dvd player we now rarely touch), for some of us the most impactful exercise is in the classroom.

JUST DOWNTOWN Downtown, in the center of Winter Haven’s city life, sits Inside Out Yoga Studio. Having recently moved to 52 4th Street NW, the studio’s new location is just a stroll past where locals gather at Richard’s Fine Coffees and restaurant favorites such as Tempo 92 and Arabella’s.

Inside Out’s spacious, industrial-style room remains cool before the sun peeks through the glass studio entrance.

Previously, the place had been an old Goodrich Tire store, until Kerry Wilson discovered something else might be a better fit for such a prime location. “I've lived in Winter Haven all of my life,” says Wilson, owner and founder of Inside Out Yoga Studio. “Six/Ten had purchased the old Goodrich Tire store, and we were brainstorming as to possible uses.

*

*

Basic Yoga classes at Inside Out Yoga focus on the fundamentals of a yoga practice that will propel any student to move on to advanced classes. The class focuses on breath, posture, alignment, and body awareness.

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“Since its opening, the studio has focused on non-competitive practice with a fresh variety of classes ... that hone in on body awareness.”

I walked into the old repair/lift portion of the building one day and saw that it could be a beautiful, open area.

“I had been doing a lot of yoga around that time, and had been observing that many friends my age were getting increasingly inflexible and seemed to be moving with the pain of older age that everyone seems to accept. I thought a place where they could learn some yoga would help immensely.”

Since opening in September of 2013, Inside Out Yoga has offered an expansive selection of style of yoga as well as instructors and guests.

THE CLASSES Basic Yoga classes focus on the fundamental of a practice, with an emphasis on breath, posture, alignment, and body awareness.

They’re considered the classes for the yoga novice or new student who is simply intrigued with learning what frames you up for a productive class.

Complete Yoga, also known as vinyasa, is a flow class that takes students through movements a bit more quickly, following the breath. Vinyasas are often the type of classes practiced by athletes and actors to increase their breathing capacity and body awareness. A Flow Yoga class would tie in close to a vinyasa class, but students are certainly warned to “come prepared to sweat.”

With an extensive variety of classes for practicing and new students, Inside Out also offers courses on Yoga Family, an introductory course for parents and children where kids are encouraged to move and play games to warm up, and is a way for parents to learn to keep their kids active and aware.

To really wind down your kids, a Toddler Yoga Story class takes preschool-age children, five years old and under, where the first half of class walks children through a series of movements to stretch and move, and the second half of class is spent reading out loud to the children, encouraging focus and attention awareness. (You can at least try to start them young, right?)

* At Inside Out Yoga, new participants are encouraged to start at the Basic Yoga classes and move on to more advanced and developed classes such as Complete Yoga. The studio also offers classes for families and children, and often hosts world-renowned teachers in the field as well as special events.

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* The type of classes at Inside Out continue to expand, reaching every age group and level of expertise. Each class is equipped with mats, props, and a patient instructor ready to prepare you for a restorative and invigorating session.

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awareness and increased range of motion, while engaging specialized teaching.

“We’ve been able to increase the number of weekly classes by bringing on a diverse group of teachers that attracts a wide variety of students,” says instructor and studio manager Jody Reece.

“We’ve hosted Leslie Kaminoff, co-author of [the best-seller] Yoga Anatomy. As teachers delve deeper into the practice, they have more to share with our students.”

While Reece coordinates the schedule and the many guests that come through the studio, Wilson still enjoys teaching but graciously claims a new role in these years at Inside Out. “I've had a daily yoga practice for 46 years,” he says. “These days, my chief role is janitor, and I hope that everyone who comes to Inside/Out encounters a well-swept floor!”

*

ROOM TO GROW Since its opening, and with such a positive response to its new downtown location, Inside Out Yoga continues to expand its curriculum and steady influences of local and renowned instructors.

“We immediately offered more than just yoga,” says Wilson. “We were interested in conscious exercise of all sorts, and in bringing passionate teachers together with both beginners and alreadyserious practitioners. Japanese sword has always been part of our offering, and we recently add tai chi.

But we’ve actually focused more on yoga over the last year, adding more classes and special programs related to yoga.”

Since its opening, the studio has maintained a focus on non-competitive practice, with a fresh variety of classes and events that hone in on body

INSIDE OUT YOGA 52 4th Street NW Winter Haven, Florida 33881 863.224.2311 ioyogastudio.com

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lkldrcreative.com | 863.701.2707

PEOPLE

dave's coffee Before Starbucks and coffee shops took up every half mile of town, Richard's Fine Coffees was introduced to the city ... though its founder and owner goes by a different name.

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o

riginally from Schenectady, New York, Dave Tuttle has spent most of his life in Winter Haven. And what Dave brought to Winter Haven has no doubt continued to engage the city for over 20 years.

“After working for Scotty’s,” says Tuttle, (Scotty’s was a home builder supply based out of Winter Haven) that’s where we first got started.”

Scotty’s had been bought out, and Tuttle had left the company, seeking to bring something to Winter Haven that the city didn’t already have.

SEEKING SOMETHING NEW “I was actually looking at the bagel business,” says Tuttle, “because there weren’t any here. We traveled up the East Coast looking for bagel outfits, to try to understand the business, and everywhere we looked we saw espresso. We began looking into espresso and gourmet coffee and realized there wasn’t a single coffeehouse in Polk County. So we started shifting gears and looking at that, and decided that was the direction we wanted to take.”

Of course, since a bit of a coffee revolution has taken place in the nation, the likes of Lakeland and Winter Haven have followed suit. But, just prior to this awakening to a quality, marketable cup of coffee that anyone would be willing to spend more than $1.25 for, Tuttle opened up Richard’s Fine Coffees. “Back in those days there were no true coffeehouses in Polk County.

There were several independents that opened up shortly after. But, of course, now there’s a lot of them everywhere.”

The shop’s first location was on Central Avenue, in what was the old Arcade building right across from Ritz theatre, where a quaint tea shop currently resides.

Tuttle’s first space was a considerably small operation compared to the current offerings and following of Richard’s Fine Coffees. “We selected that particular location in Winter Haven because we didn’t know what we had ahead of us. And it was very inexpensive to open up there.”

THE REAL RICHARD Some may be surprised to discover that the owner of Richard’s Fine Coffees, is in fact, not named Richard.

“Back when we were putting this together, my father in-law came down with Parkinson’s.

And, as we were trying to develop a name for [the coffeehouse], we decided to name it after him as a tribute.”

Over 20 years ago, when finalizing the building and name in their current location, Richard was able to attend the opening without the slightest hint of the recognition he was about to receive.

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“He lived out of town at the time, and we brought him in from Melbourne to come to the grand opening,” says Tuttle.” He had no idea we had named it after him.

So, when he came in and saw his name on the canopy, it brought tears to his eyes.” Richard passed away just a few years after attending the opening. Clearly Tuttle felt the timing was no coincidence. “And ‘Dave’s Coffee’ just doesn’t have the same kind of ring to it,” he plainly states.

When asked if he’d considered his name first for the shop, he replies laughing, “Yeah, for about three seconds!”

AN EDUCATION IN COFFEE At the time, downtown wasn’t quite the place it’s become in recent years. “Downtown at that time was dilapidated,” says Tuttle. “So, when we opened, we received a lot of great fanfare, but what we learned was nobody really understood what a coffeehouse was. They didn’t understand there was quality coffee, lattes, mochas, cappuccinos.”

For products that have yet to be widely marketed by mainstream brands, most local businesses are aware of the risk of convincing customers the quality of a product is worth the listed price. Then again, this is why local business is such a risk. It’s a hurdle few survive. Yet it’s just what Tuttle and Richard’s Fine Coffees have done. Though, he is not shy in admitting it was no walk in the park.

“They didn’t understand that coffeehouses were a social environment where people could sit and meet. So it took several years for us to educate the market about who we were and what we offered. We spent the first few years [doing that], but at that time we didn’t have blended beverages, we didn’t have lunch products, we didn’t have sandwiches and salads, we didn’t have ice cream. It was a much smaller menu.”

In recent years, with the additions of snacks and treats, Richard’s Fine Coffees continues to find ways to expand what the city may want from a local coffeehouse. “We just brought our ice cream in [made in St. Petersburg] because of our proximity to the library — all the moms would bring kids in and we thought it would be a good attraction to have ice cream, which it has been.” No doubt, since ice cream is a hit year-round in any Florida shop.

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“Back when we were putting this together, my father in-law came down with Parkinson’s.

And, as we were trying to develop a name for [the coffeehouse], we decided to name it after him as a tribute.”

- Dave Tuttle

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Serving a variety of flavors and blends, Richard's Fine Coffees has long offered an extensive menu focused on espresso beverages.

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The new waiting room.

Online check-in for urgent care is now available – so you can choose where you wait.

Being sick is hard enough. So we’re making it a little easier to get well, with online check-in for Urgent Care. The next time you experience an illness or injury, visit our website, answer a few quick questions, and pick a time that’s convenient for you. We’ll save your spot in line, before you arrive. It’s that easy. Check in at CypressWalkin.com

7375 Cypress Gardens Blvd. • Winter Haven, FL 33884 Because our Urgent Care staff must treat patients based on the severity of illness or injury, your time is not guaranteed. We will see you as close to your designated time as possible. If your symptoms worsen or you believe you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department as soon as possible. • Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.

RICHARD’S FINE COFFEES 330 Avenue A NW Winter Haven, FL 33881 863.291.3082 richardsfinecoffees.com

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MOVING WITH THE TIMES “Over the years, we’ve had to adapt and change. Everyone does,” says Tuttle. Sourcing from the highest-rated roasters in the country, he confesses, “Considering the fact that when I was growing up I drank Maxwell House and thought that was good coffee until we got into this.... My tastes have changed.”

And clearly so have the tastes of the general public. But, over the years, as mainstream coffee brands have developed flavors, roasts, and blends, Richard’s Fine Coffees has sought to follow the evolution of tastes in the industry.

“We had to start out years ago with more of a lighter roast, because even a lighter roast in our business was much stronger than what people were used to from a restaurant or fast food place.

As the years have gone on, we’ve offered not just a light roast, but a medium roast and dark roast, just to cover the whole gamut of tastes. We also offer a huge variety of flavored coffees that are very popular, including seasonal flavors such as Maple White Chocolate and Pumpkin Spice.”

Currently, most of the buzz is over their latest addition of Nitro Cold Brew. Tuttle says, “It’s a craft coffee that’s taken the country by storm.

We’ve had it for about a year now.”

EVERYDAY REGULARS “Ninety percent of our customers are regulars,” says Tuttle. “We know who they are; we call them by name. We don’t have to ask what they’re having when they walk in.

“This guy Nello,” says Tuttle, pointing to a gentleman situating himself for a morning coffee and newspaper read. “This is his table. We’re sitting at his table. Normally we’d get up so he can have his table. [‘We’re not going to do that now,’ says Tuttle] But that’s what we do. And we know exactly what he drinks. He gets a New York Times every day, and that’s why he comes every day.”

Though the store is flooded with customers from morning through the afternoon, Tuttle is quick to admit the biggest hurdle is to encourage locals to continue to buy local and do business with local independents. “These local merchants employ a lot of their kids, their wives, or their husbands. So that’s we do constantly — exist to encourage people to buy local.”

As for Tuttle’s choice of brew, the founder of Richard’s Fine Coffees admits, “I do change to seasonal beverages from time to time, but overall I stick to black coffee. Strong.”

When something is good, it’s good to know it’s consistent.

SIXTY YEARS *

PROTECTING W H AT M AT T E R S SINCE 195 7

Mulling Insurance Agency 208 East Park Street Auburndale, Florida 33823 mullinginsurance.com 863-967-4454

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EVENTS

RECURRING EVERY MONDAY SAGE-ING PROGRAM 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. mywinterhaven.com EVERY TUESDAY LEGO CLUB 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. mywinterhaven.com 2ND WEDNESDAYS MORNING BOOK CLUB 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. mywinterhaven.com EVERY THURSDAY TECHNOLOGY HELP DESK 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. mywinterhaven.com 2ND FRIDAYS PRAISE IN THE PARK 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

3RD FRIDAYS MINECRAFTERS 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. mywinterhaven.com FIRST SATURDAYS CRUISIN’ WINTER HAVEN 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

2ND & 4TH SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN MARKET 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

2ND & 4TH SATURDAYS SATURDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY MOVIES 2 P.M. - 4 P.M. mywinterhaven.com 2ND & 4TH SATURDAYS TECHNOLOGY HELP DESK 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. mywinterhaven.com

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3RD SATURDAYS WATER SKI SHOW 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. mywinterhaven.com 3RD SATURDAYS LIBRARY BOOK STORE 1/2-PRICE SALE 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. mywinterhaven.com FOURTH SATURDAYS FAMILY FUN AND FITNESS AT THE FOUNTAIN 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 9 THE GATHERING GOOSE 4 P.M. - 9 P.M. MYWINTERHAVEN.COM FEBRUARY 14 ONE BILLION RISING 5 P.M. - 6 P.M. MYWINTERHAVEN.COM FEBRUARY 15 MUSIC FOR THE MASSES 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. MYWINTERHAVEN.COM FEBRUARY 22 LECTURE SERIES: FLORIDA WATER STORIES 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. MYWINTERHAVEN.COM

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We provide clients with a customized business approach, supply them with the best products to fit their needs and offer support throughout the way.

Boring Business Systems (863) 686-3167 | boring.com

MY COMMUNITY. MY NEIGHBORHOOD.

my home.

“When it was time to retire, we decided to stay in Grasslands. Our community offers a wonderful golf course, friendly neighbors and the convenience of an in town location with a country club feel. We love where we live.”

KEITH & DANETTE HENSEL Residents Of Grasslands For Over 10 Years

2945 SANCTUARY CIRCLE, LAKELAND, FL 33803 | 863.647.1100 M - F 9-5; SAT 10-5; SUN 12-5 | PAT JONES 863.581.4699 | DANI MILLER 863.255.2276

OPENINGS

ANCHORED A/C & HEATING 3191 RECKER HIGHWAY 863.618.5355

NUTWOOD 132 AVENUE B SW 863.229.7770

During the hot summer months in Winter Haven, having a strong air conditioning unit is a must. Check out Anchored A/C & Heating’s new location on Recker Highway for all your A/C needs.

Check out this cozy new restaurant inside an old remodeled house. They offer friendly customer service and delicious, locally sourced food.

AQUARIA BLUE 158 SECOND STREET SW 863.229.5055 If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, Aquaria Blue has a fish that’s perfect for you. They sell aquariums, fresh and saltwater fish, and all the supplies needed to care for your scaly creatures.

HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE OF FLORIDA 400 AVE K SE SUITE 9 863.424.3278 The Heart and Vascular Institute of Florida provides advanced treatment plans and care options for their heart patients.

LAKE SHIPP DINER 1518 7TH STREET SW 863.875.5029 For classic food options and big portions, check out Winter Haven’s newest diner.

M.MARIE 337 WEST CENTRAL AVENUE 863.318.9600 M.Marie’s has been a part of Winter Haven since 2009 but recently made the move downtown. The boutique offers fashionable women’s clothing, accessories, and gifts handpicked by owner Meghan Marie Mackie.

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RIDGE SECURITY TITLE 1150 1ST STREET S 863.419.8485 Ridge Security Title provides accurate, efficient, costeffective title and settlement solutions.

ROMERO MEDICAL PLAZA 111 AVENUE A SE 863.294.1999 From certified physicians, to health and beauty technicians, Romero Medical Plaza has all your medical needs covered.

Come see their new location.

COMING SOON THE TAYLOR HOTEL 310 AND 314 WEST CENTRAL AVENUE DATE: ESTIMATED EARLY 2019 A high-end, boutique-style hotel is coming to the heart of downtown Winter Haven. The 75-room hotel will consist of a six-story and a two-story building, and will include conference space, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar.

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Actual K Team Listings

Cathy “K” Kluytenaar and

RELAX. YOU’RE HOME. Cathy “K” and the “K” Team are a family business with deep roots in Polk County. The Kluytenaar family and their team of committed professionals have had the privilege of serving our community’s real estate needs for several decades. Our proven track record includes thousands of local real estate transactions. Thank you Polk County! We look forward to meeting you and assisting you with all your real estate needs.

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Zac Kluytenaar, Cathy "K" and Florrie Kluytenaar

FIND US

CONTACT US

429 1ST ST SOUTH WINTER HAVEN FL. 33880

863.604.6220 INFO@YOURKTEAM.COM

HISTORY

Date: unknown Water skiers at the Cypress Gardens water ski show

Photo courtesy of Lakeland Public Library

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years of

EXPERIENCED MINDS handling

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

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

MAGAZINE ISSUE 6 PETERSONMYERS.COM • 863.683.6511 • LAKELAND | WINTER HAVEN | WH LAKE WALES

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