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Letter From the Editor
This month, we’re highlighting some of the local businesses that help define our community. We visit Noisettes Bakeshop in Winter Haven, where classic French-style baking meets careful craftsmanship, and we spend time with Concord Coffee, the Lakeland-born roaster that has expanded to three locations while continuing to focus on quality and community.
We also sit down with the founder of LKLD Lindy Hop to learn how swing dancing found its footing here, join Good Food Polk at one of our favorite brunch spots, and share our first visit to Grievous Angel, our new favorite smashburger spot. Plus, our Top Ten lists from Orlando to Tampa offer plenty of ideas to keep you and your family having fun.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting local, I hope to see you around town!
The Polk State College District Board of Trustees voted on February 5 to appoint Anne B. Kerr, President Emerita of Florida Southern College, as the interim President of Polk State. Dr. Kerr will guide the institution through its next chapter following Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti’s appointment as interim President at the University of North Florida. “Polk State is poised for continued excellence and innovation under Dr. Kerr’s leadership. Her proven track record assures us that the College is in more-than-capable hands as we build on our strong foundation,” Board Chair Ann Barnhart said. “We also extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Falconetti for her eight years of dedicated service, during which she advanced our mission and strengthened community ties, which will benefit generations to come.” Dr. Kerr holds a doctorate and a master’s degree from Florida State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Mercer University. Prior to her 20-year tenure at Florida Southern, Dr. Kerr held various educational positions in Florida and Virginia.
APP CHALLENGE WINNER
IB Bartow student Tej Desai is among the winners of this year’s Congressional App Challenge! Desai created ReliefNet, a disaster response app that connects people with nearby first responders and relief organizations during natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. He said the app is designed to improve communication and coordination by authorities in the wake of natural disasters, so there’s less disparity in the amount of time it takes citizens to receive help. Congressman Scott Franklin visited IB Bartow this week to officially recognize Desai as the Congressional App Challenge winner for Florida’s 18th District. The App Challenge is an official bipartisan initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives that encourages middle and high school students to learn to code, explore computer science, and build practical technology solutions for their communities. A record 13,830 students across 394 Congress districts participated in this year’s challenge.
WATER RESTRICTIONS
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has issued a Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order for all of Polk County due to recent low levels of rainfall and dry conditions within the region. The Modified Shortage Order will be in effect from February 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026. Residents will begin to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions. The updated irrigation schedule is as follows: addresses ending with a 0 or 1 may water on Monday; addresses ending with a 2 or 3 may water on Tuesday; addresses ending with a 4 or 5 may water on Wednesday; addresses ending with a 6 or 7 may water on Thursday; addresses ending with an 8 or 9 may water on Friday. Properties under two (2) acres in size may only water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. and properties two (2) acres or larger may only water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Find more information at swfwmd.state.fl.us.
MLK ESSAY CHALLENGE
Congratulations to the following winners of Polk County’s 25th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Challenge! Elementary school, grades K-2: First place: Eiden Lopez, Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy; Second place: Laya Kumar, Winston Academy of Engineering; Third place: Riley Siedlecki, Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy. Elementary school, grades 3-5: First place: Mithun Krishnan, Lincoln Avenue Academy; Second place: Gia Sanchez, Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy; Third place: Storm Bryant, Winston Academy of Engineering. Middle school First place: Adalynn Conrad, Davenport School of the Arts; Second place: Catherine Leyte-Vidal, Davenport School of the Arts; Third place: Hailey Goodwin, Jewett Middle Academy. High school First place: Aaliyah Martin, Harrison School for the Arts; Second place: Zanterrian Love Jr., Bartow High; Third place: Nadlie Ferdinand, Haines City High. In addition to a cash prize, winning students read their essays during an awards ceremony dinner at the Bartow Civic Center. This year’s theme was “Mission Possible: Standing Up for Freedom, Justice and Democracy — Peacefully and Powerfully.”
BURN BAN CONTINUES
As Polk County experiences unseasonably dry weather conditions due to a prolonged lack of rainfall, Polk County officials will continue a burn ban that includes unincorporated Polk County and Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland, and Winter Haven. The burn ban prohibits: campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning of yard and household trash, burning of organic debris, igniting of fireworks, and noncommercial burning of materials, other than for religious or ceremonial purposes. Anyone who refuses to comply or violates this burn ban shall be in violation of Polk County Ordinance 08-015 and can be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 or by imprisonment not to exceed 60 days in the county jail or both. Polk County officials may repeal the burn ban when deemed safe. The burn ban has been active since November 25, 2025.
HIGH SCHOOL REZONING
The Polk County School Board approved new attendance boundaries for high school students. Families who are affected by a boundary change will receive direct notification by email and letter/notice from their students’ school. While current high school students may stay at their existing school, parents and guardians may choose to transfer their student(s) to their newly zoned high school if they prefer. Rising freshmen will be enrolled at their zoned school. There will be no sibling priority afforded to incoming freshmen (ninth-grade students). If a student wishes to attend any school other than their zoned high school, families will need to submit an application for one of the district’s high school choice schools and/or career academies. These new boundaries will take effect for the 2026–27 school year. Parents can also verify their zoned high school at any time by visiting polkschoolsfl.com/schoolzones and clicking “Upcoming GeoZone for School Year 2026-2027” and entering their home address.
POLK COUNTY BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
Destroyer Media and Visit Central Florida are teaming up to host the first annual Polk County Blueberry Festival on April 11 at Downtown Auburndale Park. The festival will celebrate one of Florida’s biggest and most delicious crops, blueberries! We will bring blueberry groves, specialty blueberry-inspired foods and vendors, live entertainment, family activities and more to Downtown Auburndale for this new celebration. Guests can expect live entertainment all day long, blueberry food and drink vendors, blueberry history and agricultural exhibits, local vendors with blueberry-themed offerings, a blueberry pancake breakfast, a super fun family zone, an art show, and more to be announced! Sponsorship opportunities are available, please email Christine@destroyermedia.com for more information. If you would like to participate in the art show, visit destroyermediaandmarketing.com/events. The festival will take place from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
NEW DIRECTOR
Florida Southern College has selected Dr. Daryl Ward as executive director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB). Ward has served as interim executive director since June 26, 2025. Following Ward’s interim appointment, Florida Southern conducted a national search to identify the Museum’s next permanent leader. After considering a strong pool of candidates from across the country, the College selected Ward to continue guiding The AGB’s vision. Ward holds a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Florida State University, alongside a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Ph.D. from the University of South Florida. A Polk County native, he spent 32 years with Polk County Public Schools, including seven years as principal of Harrison School for the Arts. After retiring in 2020, he briefly held a post at Southeastern University before becoming executive director of the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance, a role he has held for four years. Ward also serves as an adjunct professor at Florida Southern College and is an accomplished photographer.
LSO COOKIE CONCERT
March 1, 1- 3 p.m. at Branscomb Auditorium in Lakeland. Designed for 5th-grade students, this 45-minute performance by the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra celebrates the wonder of the natural world. Instrument exploration from 1-2 p.m., concert from 2-3 p.m. Free, no ticket required. lkldsymphony.org
RELAY FOR LIFE
March 13, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven. Join this special event and celebrate local survivors, caregivers, and after the sun sets see the luminaria bags lit up. This fundraiser helps fund research and gives free services to local residents currently in treatment. relayforlife.org/polkfl
POLK TOP 10
POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK
March 6 -15 at participating locations throughout Polk County. Your favorite local restaurants will be featuring tacos this week! Try ice cream tacos, cake tacos, hot chicken tacos, and even dog biscuit tacos. Check goodfoodpolk.com/tacoweek for up-to-date participating restaurants, taco specials, and more.
SPRING WINE WALK
March 14, 2 – 5 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Break out the leg warmers because the Totally 80’s Wine Walk is serving up gnarly nostalgia with every sip! Sample 12 wines with Chef Matt’s totally tubular snack pairings designed to elevate every pour. After-Party is from 5 – 7 p.m. Purchase tickets at boktowergardens.org
ROOTSTOCK SPRING SALE
March 7, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Rootstock Plant
Sale is a garden lover’s dream! Shop from the state’s top plant vendors, take a hayride through the Pine Ridge Reserve, and enjoy live music on The Terrace. Celebrate spring with a walk through the gardens during peak bloom! boktowergardens.org
SPRING GARDEN PARTY
March 21, 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. at BowenYard. This is a full day of fun beginning with a free yoga class at 10 a.m., vendor market from 1 – 6 p.m., live music from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Plus, join the plant swap with The Potting Bench, and food and drink specials all day including an ourdoor cocktail bar from Maritime. IG @bowenyard
BLOOMIN’ ARTS FESTIVAL
March 7 & 8, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Downtown Bartow. Featuring over 100 talented artists and craftspeople showcasing their original works. Visitors will enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. The festival will have a car show, a quilt show, and more. Details at bartowbloominarts.org.
BARK IN THE PARK
March 27, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven by Main Street Winter Haven. Shop vendors offering tasty dog treats and dog accessories. Watch the Annual Wiener Dog Race, and more. All dogs welcome, please keep them on a leash. For more information visit mainstreetwh.com.
COMMUNITYFEST
March 7, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven. Visit the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce’s annual event for a full day of free family-friendly fun. Bring the kids for games, live entertainment, character meet & greets, fun activities, food trucks, music, and so much more. winterhavenchamber.com
March 29, noon – 6 p.m. at Swan Brewing. This family-friendly event is free to attend and will have eight bands playing throughout the day, over 50 market vendors from all over Central Florida selling handmade punk rock jewelry, art, clothing, used vinyl, and more. Craft beer and food available for purchase.
FB @lakelandpunkflea
LAKELAND PUNK ROCK FLEA
ORLANDO TOP 10
March 4 – 29 at Orlando Shakes. This Southern-fried take on Hamlet follows Juicy, a Southern college kid. When the ghost of his dead father appears at a family BBQ demanding revenge for his murder, Juicy must grapple with the decision to heed his phantom father’s advice or remain true to himself. Rated PGMA. orlandoshakes.org
March 19 – 22 at the Orange County Convention Center. Attention nerds! MEGACON is the place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph and a photo with your favorite celebrity, go behindthe-scenes with your top movies and TV shows, and show off your best cosplay. fanexpohq.com/ megaconorlando
BREATHE WITH THE TREES
March 5, 10 – 11 a.m. at Mead Botanical Garden. This is an introduction to nature-based relaxation training. Learn about “green immersion” through simple exercises that stimulate the senses, release endorphins, enhance mental clarity, neutralize anxiety, lift the weight of fatigue, and replenish the spirit. meadgarden.org
SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL
March 20 – 22 at Central Park along Park Ave in Winter Park. This is one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious outdoor art festivals. The festival features a wide variety of fine arts and crafts, live music and entertainment, children’s activities, and more. wpsaf.org
ART’S THE SPARK
March 7, 10:30 a.m. - noon at the Orlando Museum of Art. Through interactive tours for those living with memory impairment or any other neurological impairment (such as early stage Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease) and their healthy caregivers. This is an expressive outlet and an opportunity for adult discussions. omart.org
March 21, 11 a.m. at the Enzian Theater. National Theatre Live is the National Theatre’s project to broadcast the best of British theatre from the London stage to cinemas around the world live. Olivier Awardwinner Hiran Abeysekera is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. enzian.org
E.T. IN CONCERT
March 14, 2:30 or 7:30 p.m. at Dr. Phillips Center. “E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial” (1982) follows the story of a lost alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy named Elliott. Experience this beloved movie, complete with John Williams’ score performed live by a full symphony orchestra in sync to the film. drphillipscenter.org
WINTER PARK ROAD RACE
March 28, 7:30 a.m. at Central Park in Winter Park. The 10K course goes through the historic brick streets of Winter Park, featuring slight inclines, tree-canopied roads, historic homes, and views of the lakes. The 2 Mile run benefits the Meridian Club Scholarship Fund. trackshack.com/ events/winter-park-road-race
DIANA ROSS
March 18, 8 p.m. at Dr. Phillips Center. Hear the voice of an icon when the one and only Queen of Motown visits Orlando with a decades-spanning career across music and film. Since her breakout success in the 1960s as the lead singer of The Supremes, the bestcharting female group in history, Diana has led an illustrious solo career. drphillipscenter.org
EVENING AT THE POPS
March 28, 6:30 – 9 p.m. at Newton Park in Winter Garden. The Plant Street Pops Orchestra will perform. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and blanket/chair to enjoy the show. Presented by the Rotary Club of Winter Garden, with co-sponsorship from the City of Winter Garden. Details & tickets at cwgdn.com.
HAMLET
FAT HAM
MEGACON
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TAMPA TOP 10
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
March 1 – 8, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. at 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City. This annual spring celebration is packed with sweet strawberries, live music, rides, a midway with games, agriculture exhibits, fair food, and more. You’ve got to try the famous strawberry shortcake, too. flstrawberryfestival.com
March 13 – 15 at Williams Park in St. Pete. Three days of Irish culture featuring live music and dance performances, a vendor market, traditional Irish food, family-friendly activities, and Irish drinks and tastings. This is fun for all ages. Buy tickets at paddyfeststpete.com.
FOOD, WINE & GARDEN FESTIVAL
March 6 – May 10 at Busch Gardens. Guests can purchase decadent eats and treats created just for this festival. Experience live concert performances every weekend included with your park admission, full schedule online. Upgrade to a VIP experience for an additional charge. buschgardens.com/tampa
JOHN LEGEND
March 18, 8 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall. An Evening of Songs & Stories! Legend’s live show will feature intimate renditions of his greatest hits and fan favorites from throughout his 13-time Grammywinning body of work, built over 20+ years, woven together with stories from his life and career. rutheckerdhall.com
WINEFEST: WINEDERLAND
March 6 & 7 at Tampa Theatre. This Alice in Wonderland-themed fundraiser encourages guests to explore the historic 1926 landmark while sampling boutique wines from around the world and enjoying bites from Tampa’s top independent restaurants, bid on silent auction items, and dress as your favorite character. tampatheatre.org
March 20 – 22 at the Benchmark International Arena. The University of South Florida hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Division Men’s Basketball Championship. Check out the NCAA Fan Experience, designed to bring you closer than ever before. benchmarkintlarena.com
THE SHARK IS BROKEN
March 11 – April 5 at the Straz Center. Step aboard the Orca and celebrate movie history with a peek at the choppy waters behind Hollywood’s first blockbuster. There are short tempers. Short circuits. 95 minutes where the alcohol flows, egos collide, and tempers flare with no intermission. strazcenter.org
PICKLE PARTY
March 11, 6 p.m. at Keel and Curley Winery. Learn the process of making pickled vegetables using different vinegars and spices. Designed for beginners and suitable for everyone, this class covers all the basics. You’ll go home with recipes and four different pickled goodies. Register at keelfarms.com
March 24 – April 4 at the Straz Center. A musical from 16-time Grammy® Award winner Alicia Keys about growing up in N.Y. Rebellious and stifled by an overprotective single mother, Ali is lost until she meets her mentor. Set to the rhythm of the 90s, this is a love story between a mother and a daughter. strazcenter.org
March 27 – April 12 at Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach. Eighteen professional sand sculptors from around the world will work their magic to transform the world-famous sugar sand into breathtaking sculptures. Guests will love the live music, artisan vendors, fireworks, and more. Full schedule at sugarsandfestival.com.
MARCH MADNESS
PATTY FEST
ALICIA KEYS’ HELL’S KITCHEN
PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL
WORDS
Rebecca MacPherson PHOTOGRAPHS
Kamryn Potteiger
THE RISE OF THE LINDY HOP
When was the last time you truly danced the night away? For generations, dance has been woven into the fabric of society. I’m a product of the 80s, and dancing was not only on everyone’s minds and schedules, but it was encoded in our DNA. Your biggest decision on Friday and Saturday night was which club you would go to. The new age of the MTV VJ was in full swing, and country line dancing was still a bit far off on the horizon. In LA, where I was living, there were Goth clubs, Richard Blade’s (Legendary VJ and DJ of LA’s KROQ station) 80’s club, where you could hear and dance to the latest British import. The rockers went to Headbangers Ball-like clubs on the Sunset Strip. The main clubs like FM Station, The Palladium, and Club Lingerie had general admission floors that inevitably turned into dance floors, where we got our exercise, met new friends, and defined an era centered around having fun. Rockabilly was the grandchild of swing dance. Bands like The
Stray Cats mixed 1950s country and blues, which combined 1940s big band dancing with a twist, which then evolved into West Coast Hop. The minute the song “Rock This Town” started playing on the turntable, it was on, and we didn’t stop until the dance hall closed.
Born and raised in California, the Nguyen family moved to Lakeland when Khiem was 10 years old. After graduating from high school, he headed south, where he graduated from the University of Miami. He remembers the first time he attended a steampunk event, where he would meet his future instructor, a short, stocky man with a passion for dance. Khiem fell in love with the music played during that show, a frenetic mix of jazz and swing. He had grown up listening to singers such as Cab Calloway and Frank Sinatra, so it was a natural progression. He delved deep into swing music and learned the history of Lindy Hop—a dance that began in the Black community over a hundred plus years ago and was danced all throughout the
states. It was little known outside the community, and you had to really try to find it.
While down in Miami, his first impression of salsa or swing dance came from “very tall white people.” After being turned away from a local salsa dance club because he was a beginner, he decided to start his own dance classes. His first class in Miami attracted just one curious newcomer. Khiem vividly remembers the man “looking at the sign and walking past the building, only to walk back and ask how much it was for a lesson.” Khiem hasn’t looked back since. Having been involved in the swing dance scene for 14 years, he wanted to bring this type of dance to Polk County. Khiem’s focus would not only be on people who had never tried to swing; he would organically start a new community rooted in oneon-one dance lessons.
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In 2020, Khiem’s friend started hosting dance events on Thursdays at his dancewear store in Downtown Lakeland, right next door to the Revival bar. He remembered that when the lessons were over, they would head next door for drinks.
Khiem started teaching dance on Mondays, and the first class had only one person show up. Eventually, the word got out, and people started coming. That first man who took a chance on class still comes out to dance, and Khiem remembers telling him that it “is going to take you some time to learn, but I like your confidence.”
The man replied, “It’s unearned confidence.” That would strike a tone for the next year and phase for LKLD Lindy Hop.
Weekly classes moved to Artifact, and eventually landed in Union Hall, where the owners were very receptive to letting him host a once-a-month social (The Lindy Ball at Union Hall), and the place was packed to the ceiling with dancers—one social had 150+ Lindy Hoppers swinging their way well into the night. Those events would merge into the current Monday night sessions, with another location on Combee Road that specializes in Salsa on Thursday nights. Khiem says he plans to add Flamenco and Bachata to the mix soon. At Union Hall, lessons start at 7 p.m. and dancing
at 8 p.m. After 10 p.m., Khiem takes the reins as DJ, spinning everything from Montell Jordan to Whitney Houston. Never an introvert, his philosophy is simple:
“It’s about joy, creativity, and expression.”
Khiem’s vision for Lindy Hop in Polk County is rooted in community impact. “We want to create joy and a place where everyone can come and feel comfortable at whatever level they are,” he says. The focus is on building real dance skills while fostering a sense of belonging.
These weekly dance events have steadily grown, and even after horrific events such as Hurricane Milton in 2021 and Helene in 2024, people came to dance. They needed a place of normalcy amongst the chaos and devastation. Khiem thought no one would show up, but they came and never left. Khiem remembers saying, “Guys, I know we just had a hurricane. Let’s just dance it out.” Khiem continued, “For me, I just wanted to provide a positive impact. We very rarely do not have a Monday dance. Just being able to provide that space, our members have the same values, and we want to support each other.” Even as
winter storm Fern was headed our way on the day Khiem and I sat talking, people started coming through the doors to dance.
LKLD Lindy Hop officially launched in 2024. It is lesson-centered and community-driven, offering lessons and two dance floors to practice your moves. Their motto is “Shake a Tail Feather with Us,” and they mean it. They want you to come ready to learn a new step and make a new friend. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned veteran on the dance floor, there is a place and a style for you.
As our conversation drew to an end, one thing stood out: the Lindy Hop community has firmly taken root, and there’s always a spot on the dance floor for anyone eager to join in. If you’re interested in joining the growing swing community, Khiem is ready to welcome you. For more information, visit their website at lkldlindyhop.com or contact them via email: LKLDLindyHop@gmail.com.
Bakeshop, the aroma of toasted, buttery croissants warms your soul and brings a smile to your face. “I was just waiting for that one shot to get my space,” said Wendy Theroulde-Miller, the owner and baker of Noisettes, and after a year of looking for places since leaving her corporate job and several years of saving for that moment—the time finally came. On January 29, 2024, the love for baking she had cultivated while growing up in Trinidad and helping in her mother’s bakeshop finally found a home in
Winter Haven, Florida. Wendy’s “creative juices” began to flourish as she turned her passion into sweet and savory delicacies to share with others.
When you visit Noisettes, a French-inspired bakery named after the French word for hazelnut, a result of Wendy’s love for them, you’ll immediately eye freshly baked, handmade pastries throughout the space. A refrigerated section features slices of carrot cake, chocolate cake, gluten-free items, and cheesecake. Nearby, a snack bar offers housemade granola and biscotti. Behind the glass
counter, flaky croissants, quiches, cinnamon rolls, and seasonal items that have drawn in people since opening day are on display. Each crèmefilled, ham-and-cheese truffle croissant, and Black Forest cake are made fresh each day at the bakery because, “If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it right,” said Wendy. And for her customers, that means using quality ingredients sourced from local vendors and ensuring each pastry is never frozen, and made fresh daily.
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WORDS Alexa Estevez
Amy Sexson
Join
ROOTSTOCK SPRING PLANT SALE
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
SPRING WINE WALK
SATURDAY, MARCH 14 · 2PM - 5PM
ST. PATRICK’S DAY WITH THE MUSICAL HAMMERS TUESDAY, MARCH 17 · 11AM
INTERNATIONAL CARILLON FESTIVAL
OPENING DAY OF ICF · WED, MARCH 18
SINGING BELLS & SINGING BOWL S · THURS, MARCH 19
BLOOMS, BELLS, & BROADWAY · FRI, MARCH 20
GO SWIFTLY TO THE TOWER · SAT, MARCH 21
A DAY OF PEACE IN THE GARDENS · SUN, MARCH 22
TICKET TO THE MOON: THE WORLD’S BEST ELO TRIBUTE FRIDAY, MARCH 27 · 7PM
“If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it right”
Before moving to Winter Haven, Wendy grew up in the Caribbean Island of Trinidad with her parents, where she helped daily with their home businesses. Out of their garage, her father did welding and mechanics. Inside the heart of the home, the kitchen, her mother ran her own bakeshop. Each day before school, as Wendy baked and decorated desserts alongside her mother, she began to grow an interest in pastry making. When she grew older, she moved to Canada with her older siblings and enrolled in culinary school.
Wendy learned everything from cooking to baking, but it wasn’t until she moved to Florida, that her specialized love for croissants came to fruition. After working as a sous chef in Canada and in several Orlando hotel restaurants, she eventually found herself working in a hotel bakery and was placed in charge of it. Because she was a fast learner, the hotel sent her to California to learn from the famous French pastry chef, Johan Martin. Wendy shared how her love for croissants took off and she told herself, “I can do this.” Once she realized she had the skills and passion to create beautiful and delicious French pastries, she began to buy different pastry books, and watched videos about perfecting the croissant.
Fast forward to owning a French bakeshop of her own, Wendy has excelled in her craft and even holds a five-star rating online. Her dedication to sweet indulgences does not go unnoticed. After all, she shares how early she rises each morning to ensure her croissants are proofed to perfection.
Since opening, Wendy has planned to expand her main menu to include breads such as focaccia, bagels, and other softer breads. On weekends, she stocks the bakery with special desserts and pastry items and creates seasonal offerings for holidays throughout the year. During the Christmas season, she crafted intricate croissants shaped like Christmas trees, bells, and bows, finished with pops of green, red, and gold. “I like to do a lot of color,” Wendy shared, “especially intricate stuff with the croissants.”
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Noisettes Bakeshop’s croissant menu includes the classic butter, chocolate, almond, and everyone’s favorite ham and cheese truffle croissant. Wendy also offers cinnamon rolls and rotating “cruffins of the day,” a croissant-muffin hybrid that is perfectly crisp on the outside with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crème-filled center, often finished with glazes such as strawberry or vanilla.
The menu also features a variety of cookies, including chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and white chocolate macadamia, along with different brioches such as blueberry, laminated chocolate, and cookies-and-cream. Another French staple she offers are quiches, with vegetarian options available.
If you’re interested in trying Wendy’s favorite cake at Noisettes, her Black Forest cake features a blend of Amarena cherries — small, dark Italian cherries known for their sweet-and-sour flavor — that she soaks in fresh cherry water. The cake is layered with rich chocolate, filled with white chocolate Chantilly cream and dark chocolate mousse, then finished with whipped cream and topped with cherries. Wendy also occasionally infuses her cakes with alcohol for added depth of flavor.
While dining in Winter Haven, you may find yourself enjoying Noisettes Bakeshop beyond the walls of her shop. Her pastries are featured at local downtown restaurants, including Oyster Bar Winter Haven and Aria’s Steakhouse, which serves her almond chocolate croissants during Sunday brunch. Wendy also caters for a variety of events and accepts pre-orders up to a week in advance, as she operates on a smaller scale as the shop’s sole baker.
More than a bakeshop, Noisettes is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the beauty of turning a lifelong dream into reality.
Noisettes Bakeshop
3027 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven
863-308-3278
Facebook: Noisettes Bakeshop
Instagram: Noisettes_bakeshop
WORDS Alexa V. Estevez
GOOD THINGS HAPPEN OVER COFFEE
PHOTOGRAPH
Kamryn Potteiger
You’ll never know who you’ll meet while working at a summer camp in your twenties. It might be your spouse, your best friend, or a business partner. For the owners of Concord Coffee based out of Lakeland, with expansions into Gainesville and Winter Haven, it happened to be all three. Meet the owners, Andy and Ashley McEntire and TJ and Lindsay Zimmerman, the four best friends with a shared passion for meaningful connections and high-quality coffee, who asked each other, “Why don’t we open a coffee shop?”
When Concord first opened in 2015, the owners had little knowledge about running a coffee shop. However, after a decade of maturing in their craft, Concord embodies their vision. A place where you’re greeted with friendly smiles and conversations that go beyond your order. “It’s not just about selling them coffee,” said the owners, “but, it’s about seeing how they’re doing even when it’s busy.” Whether you’re enjoying delicious, house-roasted coffee made just the way you like it or finding comfort in soulhealing teas sourced from TeaBella, Concord goes the extra mile to create a meaningful experience.
The name Concord, meaning harmony and unity, reflects the shop’s mission. Their logo, inspired by the Enneagram, symbolizes a space where all people are welcomed. “That’s why Concord exists,” Andy shared. “It’s a place where people can be vulnerable and be accepted for who they are.”
Before opening in 2015, Andy and TJ were working full-time jobs. Andy was running his film company, Indie Atlantic Films, and TJ was serving in ministry. During this season of dreaming, they were inspired by coffee everywhere they went. Especially from unique coffee shops Andy discovered with Ashley while visiting Nashville, TN. The owners were also deeply influenced by the Cuban coffee culture from their time living in West Palm. Growing up there, Andy recalls stopping at a Publix counter after school and putting down a quarter for a quick cafecito.
When Concord finally opened, they brought that sense of home to Lakeland’s Dixieland area by offering cafecitos, also known as espresso shots. Though some doubted the location, the owners trusted that a mission centered on serving people and offering quality craft coffee would resonate— and the community proved them right.
Prior to roasting their own beans in 2017, Concord was known as a multi-roaster coffee shop, featuring award-winning coffees from across the country. When TJ joined as a full-time managing partner, he wanted that to change. With the guidance of close family friends Bryan and Emily Ley, TJ learned the craft of coffee roasting. “They approached us and said, ‘We love Concord and what you’re doing—if there’s ever anything we can do to help, we’d love to be part of that,’” TJ shared. Holding themselves to the same high standard as the coffees they featured, the team spent months perfecting their roasts. “We didn’t want to say, ‘Okay, well here’s ours,’ and not be anywhere up to par,” TJ said. After a season of trial and error, Concord launched their own roasts towards the end of that year.
Today, TJ has grown Concord’s coffee inventory through relationships with family-owned farms in Kenya, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Ethiopia. “All of our coffee is single origin, handpicked, so it’s not stripped, and it’s all picked at the right time,” he shared. By working year-round
with just a few trusted partners, Concord can consistently support the same farms and families. “It helps them more than people know,” TJ said. Rather than purchasing mass-produced beans, Concord invests in quality coffee while giving back to the people who grow it. Their roasted beans are sold in-store, with coffee bags displaying their mottos, “Good things happen over coffee” and “together in harmony with all people.”
Well-known for their quality ingredients and taste, Concord offers a variety of house-made syrups that pair perfectly with any order. A local favorite is their vanilla iced latte with honey cinnamon syrup. They also supply guava, coconut, pistachio, rosewater, and seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, made from real pumpkins, and coquito, a nod to Puerto Rican tradition. Other standouts include the smooth matcha and the beloved “Pat Tea,” named after a loyal customer who orders a blend of their orange blossom and mint tea, with a dash of honey. “If we were a giant conglomerate coffee shop, you couldn’t just have fun with that,” shared Andy. Complementing the drinks are a range of artisan baked goods, supplied by local trusted partners. From their jalapeño cheddar bagels to the berry infused pop-tarts everyone adores, people know they can count on Concord to brighten their day.
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When opening their Gainesville location in 2019, the opportunity came through close friends of TJ and Andy who had a space they wanted to fill with purpose. Located across from the University of Florida in the Gator Wesley Foundation building, they recognized the value the spot could hold for college students. “It was a challenge for us to open something two and a half hours away, but what’s really cool is seeing students really step up and lead,” said Andy.
Opening in Winter Haven was a “natural” next step for them. With TJ’s family ties to the area and a growing arts and culture scene, the team saw an opportunity to serve a new community. Conveniently located Downtown, the spot has become a destination for commuters and locals alike. While balancing work between the new location and their headquarters in Lakeland, the team has created a space that feels both familiar and thoughtfully evolved. “We’ve matured as a coffee shop in the best way possible, but we’re still the same Concord.”
A common feature across all Concord locations is the natural light streaming through enormous windows. “When you walk in, you feel like you’re still a part of the city, you’re not isolated,” Andy said. With outlets throughout, fast Wi-Fi, accessible seating, and layouts designed for walkability and bikeability, each location was intentionally designed by Ashley to feel elevated and welcoming. “She definitely enjoys doing it and has a gift for it,” Andy shared. “It’s really about the textures and the colors of the place.” From wood and steel beams to cement floors and neutral tones accented with greenery, every Concord feels warm, inclusive, and consistent across locations. As a small thank-you to the community, Concord also offers 10% off to cyclists and students.
Behind the scenes, Concord runs smoothly thanks to the dedication of its team. Andy leads data and marketing, TJ oversees daily operations, and Lindsay manages accounts and staff paperwork with a sharp eye for detail. Still, the owners emphasize, “The staff is what makes this place.” Across Gainesville, Lakeland, and Winter Haven, they’ve watched employees grow, graduate, and even get married. “It’s been a really neat dynamic to be a part of,” the owners shared. “Because these relationships will still last beyond the cup of coffee.”
Looking ahead, the Concord team remains focused on making their current locations the very best they can be. “We love Lakeland, we love Winter Haven, we love Polk County,” they said. For TJ, Andy, Ashley, Lindsay, and the community that surrounds Concord, each location is a thoughtfully curated space where relationships flourish, milestones are celebrated, and memories are made. As TJ puts it, “Coffee is the vessel for those relationships to begin.”
CONCORD COFFEE 1037 Florida Ave S Lakeland
249 3rd St SW Winter Haven
1380 W University Ave Gainesville (closed during college breaks)
concordcoffee.com
“Oh, but I remembered something you once told me And I’ll be damned if it did not come true Twenty thousand roads I went down, down, down They all lead me straight back home to you”
-from “Return of the Grievous Angel” by Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris
GRIEVOUS ANGEL
From the genius mastermind behind LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken, Jeremy Brumley strikes gold again. Grievous Angel offers “deceptively good burgers + dogs.” They offer five different burgers, pictured is the Peppercorn Saint with white cheddar, sautéed mushrooms, black peppercorn sauce, and arugula. All burgers are doublepatty smash burgers on locally-made potato buns, and they are SO wickedly good. The “dogs” are Snap-O-Razzo maple-smoked beef hot dogs in natural casings, no fillers. The fries come crinkle cut and “angel dusted.” A few but not all of the sides are Cowboy Caviar with black-eyed peas, Ranch Slaw, Chili Cheese Fries, Spicy Fried Pickles, a Texas Chop Wedge, and soft serve or beignets for a sweet ending.
They have a full bar with house cocktails, wine, beer, cider, and mocktails. The barstools are a glorious light pink color and are quite comfy, maybe to stay awhile? The back wall of the bar has a stained glass “window” that may or may not have you feeling like you’re having a drink at church, sort of.
The service was excellent, the food was absolutely amazing, it really is my new favorite place. Maybe I’ll see you there sometime.
801 E Main Street, Lakeland
Tapatio’s | Tacos Asesinos
Grilled corn tortillas filled with cheese and carne asada covered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with onion and cilantro. Served with additional dipping sauce topped with cilantro.
Lucille’s American Cafe
Multiple Specials
Chicken Tortilla Soup, Baja Fish Tacos, Chicken Quesadilla, or Taco Salad. $1 OFF All Margaritas and Modelo
El Zocalo (Haines City) | 3 Tacos
Mexican Chorizo with potatoes onions and cilantro -Or- Choice of Steak Mix grilled onions, jalapeno peppers, cilantro -Or- Chorizo Con Papas. Fountain Drink Included.
Slow-braised beef birria over a reduced consommé sauce with mozzarella and Oaxaca cheese, baked until crisp. Finished with Cilantrolime crema, fresh herbs , crumbled cotija, and a drizzle of rich birria jus.
Taco Riendo | Chica Fresa
A Grilled chicken taco, fresh strawberry pico de gallo, including purple onion, cilantro, jalapeño and fresh strawberries, topped with crumbled cotija cheese and lime on side Pineapple or Hibiscus Salsa.
The Brack Shack | Taco Egg Rolls
2 taco egg rolls served with salsa crema, a side, and a drink.
Las Comadres Restaurante Y Marisqueria | 3 Tacos
Las Comadres Marisqueria Y Taqueria | 5 Tacos
Deal for 5 tacos for $7.50 (Excludes Lengua)
Palace Pizza | Taco Pizza
Loaded, zesty and unforgettable. It pairs perfectly with your favorite margarita!
Topped with pineapple Pico de Gallo and your choice of mango or pineapple sauce
Tanners
Lakeside Restaurant & Bar | Blackened
Mahi Tacos
Blackened Mahi on a soft shell taco with Mango Slaw topped with homemade Po Boy sauce.
Plates on Deck | Multiple Specials
Honey Bourbon Catfish Tacos: Fried catfish, honey bourbon sauce, pineapple pico or onions and cilantro.
Jerk Shrimp Tacos: Jerk shrimp served with your choice of: pineapple pico or onions and cilantro.
J.Burn’s Pizza Shop 7" Signature Taco Pizza
(All 3 Locations) (ground beef, 3-cheese blend, Cholula hot sauce) + 2 garlic knots or a side salad + a drink!
The Playful Pint Smashburger Tacos
Two crispy smash patties smashed into a warm tortilla, topped with melty American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, finely diced onions, and drizzled with our house-made smash sauce.
Gary’s Oyster Bar Cajun Fried Oyster Tacos
3 flour tortillas with lettuce, pico de gallo, fried oysters and creamy remoulade sauce.
Garden Bistro
Southwest Chicken Taco
Warm corn tortilla filled with Chipotle Lime Sauce, Pulled Chicken, Salted Lime Cabbage and topped with Pico de Gallo and cilantro. Comes with one side of choice.
Bistro Pizza | Birria al Forno
Consommé base, Oaxaca / Mozzarella cheese blend, topped with in house stewed Birria meat, garnished with cilantro and white onions. Served with a side of consommé for dipping.
All American Eats Multiple Specials
Taco Street Burger served with french fries or coleslaw | Philly cheesesteak Tacos served with french fries or coleslaw
or chicken) | Taco salad
Port 27 | Multiple Specials
Taco Wagon: Tropical Taco- 3 Tacos, with carnitas infused with pineapple and topped with bacon coleslaw
Ice Cream Shop: Cocosette Taco- Waffle taco, filled with homemade Cocosette ice cream, chocolate syrup and shredded coconut
La Fiesta Mexicana Quesabirria tacos
3 Quesabirria tacos, with a soft drink included.
Polk City BBQ Company + Frostproof BBQ Company | Smokin’ Taco Trio
Includes... 1 Pulled Pork, 1 Pulled Chicken and 1 Brisket Taco on a flour tortilla, topped w/ Pico, sweet sauce, cheese, sour cream and cilantro! Includes black beans, yellow rice, chips + salsa.
Banana Pudding Churros
Cinnamon sugar churros w/ a banana pudding dip, topped w/ fresh sliced bananas, whip cream and caramel drizzle.
Margarita’s Cocina Mexicana Taco Tuesday All Week
$2 street tacos, $3 Mexican Import drafts and $4 House Margaritas and Palomas
Cob & Pen | Chicken Satay Tacos
3 tacos with zesty lime cabbage slaw, peanut sauce, grilled chicken and fresh cilantro. Comes with fries or chips and salsa.
The Tipsy Hen Honey Chicken Tacos
Sticky Honey Chicken Lime Tacos
Arcie’s | Authentic Tacos al Pastor
Marinated pork, with a medley of savory and tangy spices. Served with pico de piña, fresh salsa made from diced pineapple, onion, cilantro, and a hint of lime juice.
Maritime | Ceviche Puffy Taco
Crispy Corn Shell, Mahi & Shrimp Ceviche,
Tempura
Gourmet Goodies
Cake Tacos
Variety of flavors available daily.
Hot Sauce, Fresh Cilantro, served w/Tropical Rice
Mitchell’s Coffee House Chicken Tinga Tacos
Slow braised shredded chicken simmered in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce, tucked inside a soft flour tortilla and finished with fresh onion and cilantro.
Cookie Jar Bakeshop Multiple Specials
Tres Leches Cupcakes, Tres Leches Jars, Mexican Chocolate Brownies and Churro
Kokomo’s Multiple Specials
or
and
Two soft, steamed bao buns filled with caramelized beef bulgogi, crunchy house-made kimchi
Smokin’ Ox Chopped Brisket Tacos
3 Tacos (excludes lengua), rice and beans, and a drink (soda, tea, or lemonade)
onion
Two breakfast tacos on corn tortillas and melted shredded cheese. Filled with your choice of bacon or chorizo, topped with a fried egg and avocado spread.
(beef
Cookies
Taco Flatbread, Taco Salad, Taco Chili,
Chicken Poblano Soup
Slow Smoked Chopped Brisket, Topped with Choice of HouseMade BBQ Sauce, Slaw & Diced Jalapeños on a Flour Tortilla.
Shredded Lettuce,
Avocado,
slaw,
zesty gochujang aioli, finished with toasted sesame.
Short rib birria | Marinated white onions | Micro cilantro | Crispy corn tortilla | Salsa Roja
WORDS
Bob Gernert Jr.
GROWING UP IN INWOOD…
Inwood is a diverse neighborhood located on Winter Haven’s western side on the shore of Lake Cannon. During the real estate boom of the 1920s, Inwood was among several newly created neighborhoods marketed by the Haven Villa Corporation. Though never formally incorporated into Winter Haven’s city limits, it is part and parcel of the city’s rich history.
My family moved to Winter Haven in September of 1960. My maternal grandparents had moved here a year earlier and had purchased a small home on Avenue Q, NW. My father had been hired to operate the warehouse for the Continental Can Company that was in the old Racebilt complex on U. S. 17. Our family bought a practically new home on 26th St. NW one block from Lake Cannon. It was a three-bedroom home with terrazzo floors and ceiling heat. While that type of heat was radiant and toasty in the winter, the lack of air conditioning made July and August memorable for all the wrong reasons.
It was an amazing change for a sixth-grade boy who was accustomed to life in Ohio farm country. Hurricane Donna had just torn through the area and left quite a mess. I remember my father driving us down Cypress Gardens Boulevard (then CG Road) and seeing just the button top of the landmark Garden Court toadstool above the waves on Lake Ina. And to think we had our very own tourist destination — Beautiful Cypress Gardens!
My sister and I were enrolled at Garner Elementary where I would finish sixth grade. I remember we changed classes each day spending half with Mr. Stalvey and half with Mrs. Tyler — she was a force to be reckoned with. I also remember the Blue Horse school supply store in Mr. Stalvey’s room, where our purchases earned premiums the school could use for special purchases. Garner was a relatively new school at the time, and Boy’s Club Road did not exist. The back of the property was a landscape of Florida scrub, and great for exploring and adventure.
Twenty-sixth Street was amazing to me. It was anchored on the north end by a new Burger King restaurant on Havendale Boulevard (then a two-lane road) and Kitts Drug Store on the south end at Avenue G. The Havendale end also had Combee’s Market with a great selection of comic books. The street teemed with young people my age. On the street or within a block were future friends with names like Walker, McIntee, Jensen, Doty, Bryan, Smith, Hardy, Stone, O’Gwynn, Peavy, Saye, Brown, Berry, Carr, Sealy, Allor, Reed, and Carson. There were almost as many kids my age on 26th Street as there were in my entire class in Bloomville, Ohio. Great families. I always envied the O’Gwynns, as their dad drove a Sunbeam Bread truck and they had a refrigerator in the garage that was filled with ice-cold Cokes. Must have been paradise. They had a cool juke box in their garage as well. When my wife and I were newly married (and had better things to spend our money on) we too owned a juke box (which later became a part of Sheriff Lawrence Crow’s collection). Ultimately, a refrigerator in our garage was home to ice-cold Cokes … I just never found a fully stocked bread truck!
It was a whole new adventure for an eleven-year-old baseball fanatic moving into a world dominated by football … a game I knew little about. But it’s an adventure now in its 67th year.
This photograph by Robert Dahlgren shows the Inward Land Sales office of the Haven Villa Corporation. Circa 1925
Many 60s era kids remember stopping at the Dog and Suds for a 5 cent root beer after school. The restaurant has long since been known as Dino’s Drive In.
EARLY 60S INWOOD ESCAPADES…
The northwestern Ohio farm town I came from boasted less than 800 residents. Inwood, as a neighborhood, and Winter Haven as a community were “the big city” by comparison.
As I finished the sixth grade, the neighborhood adventures were many. Within bike riding distance was the brand-new Westwood Junior High School, where early physical education classes amounted to walking shoulder to shoulder, clearing the athletic area of palmetto stumps and other debris. It only took an hour to get completely filthy. To the current enrollment — you’re welcome! And while I have fond memories of many of the Westwood teachers, a favorite was English teacher Hazel Miller. She admitted to loving “Mad Magazine,” earning her cult status immediately!
Down the street the Allor boys raised pigeons as did neighbor friends Frankie and Johnny Carson. We sometimes camped out near a friend’s home and when the “mosquito truck” would come by spewing a cloud of white spray … we ran behind it for fun! Since that cloud contained something like kerosene … this may not have been our best decision.
Just down 28th Street to Havendale, you’d find the “Jump n’ Jiminy” trampoline center (short-lived due to lawsuits, I’m sure) and the nearby “Dog and Suds” drivein (now thriving as Dino’s). Many Biltmore Shores kids remember stopping for 5-cent root beer on the way home from school. Several streets to the west was the Havendale Lanes bowling alley and later LaCarousel Roller Rink.
A block from my home lived a teenager several years older than me. Richard Carr became an amazing friend. A tall, lanky boy, he taught me to swim and to water ski in Lake Cannon. Though Richard was known to approach my mother outside and ask her to guess what was under his shirt … and then produce a snake (much to her dismay), my parents trusted him to look after me. He introduced me to Boy Scout Troop 559. I loved scouting, and I had three amazing Scout Masters in George Hardy, Gene Murrell, and Don Primm. Richard and I would also canoe on the lakes. I remember on one excursion we paddled to the canal between Lake Mirror and Lake Spring. At the time, none of the homes had been built behind Northgate. The Perrin Thompson citrus groves were still in place, and an old map of their property marked the south side of that canal as “The Jungle.” Amazingly we camped there by the shore of the canal (there was no seawall at the time), and you had no idea that a thriving shopping center was a stone’s throw away. Across Lake Spring from our campsite was a large neon sign with a blinking arrow pointing to the Landmark Motor Lodge, then located where Spring Lake Shopping Center is today. The sign rested atop an old boathouse, and the last time I looked, the cement pilings were still there along the shore.
When Richard went off to high school I didn’t see as much of him. His stepfather, Henry Zibelin opened Winter Haven’s first Honda dealership on the southwest corner of Avenue G and 26th Street, NW. Henry sold a gazillion Honda 50s and larger. Before I left Westwood, I owned Richard’s red hand-me-down Honda 50.
These are just a few of the escapades I can record here without fear of legal action. We made our own “excitement” in what I remember as a simpler time with very special friends.
photo of an early 1960s
1960 ushered in a brand new “Burger King” restaurant located on Havendale Boulevard at Idylwild Drive, NW. Expansion pains within the company forced the closing after several years. Now the location of a Dollar Store.
The trampoline park craze of 1960-62 swept the country. Injuries and insurance costs ended the concept but did lead to indoor trampoline recreation centers. This photo is from the era.
A classic
Honda 50 sold by Winter Haven’s first Honda dealer, Henry Zibelin.
Los Comadres Restaurante
Mexicano y Marisqueria
175 E Haines Blvd, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
We’re going to tell you one of our secrets, because we really like you. We’ve been holding on to this for a while, and it’s time to share. One of our most favorite brunch spots of all time is Los Comadres Restaurante Mexicano y Marisqueria in Lake Alfred. This hidden gem serves up authentic Mexican dishes, and we seriously can’t get enough.
First things first, it’s so cute inside, the prices are great, and the service is excellent. It’s casual, it’s comfortable, and we want to come back every weekend.
Let this be your reminder that some of the best meals are tucked away, locally loved, and worth seeking out on a Saturday morning. Trust us.
Check Me Out ;)
THE GUEST
By Emma Cline
When a young woman is cast out of her wealthy boyfriend’s summer home, she drifts through the privileged enclaves of Long Island, surviving on charm and instinct. “The Guest” is emotionally uncomfortable on purpose. It’s not dramatic in a loud way; it unsettles you through anxiety, frustration, and moral discomfort.
BANGKOK WAKES TO RAIN
By Pitchaya Sudbanthad
This debut novel reads as a love letter to a city and its inhabitants. Through a series of interconnected characters, it captures the restless spirit of Bangkok itself. Be warned, the narrative is non-linear, but though the individual lives unfold in separate threads at first, they gradually intersect and converge as the novel deepens.
GARDEN SPELLS
By Sarah Addison Allen
In a small North Carolina town, two sisters reunite in their family home, where an enchanted garden and old wounds both demand tending. There are elements of magical realism - including a cantankerous apple tree - but it is really a story rooted in love and second chances.
BRITT-MARIE WAS HERE
By Fredrik Backman
A fussy, socially awkward woman leaves her unfaithful husband and lands in a struggling small town where she’s unexpectedly tasked with coaching a children’s soccer team. What starts out gently funny slowly becomes something much more tender. Watching these unlikely friendships form is what gives the story its heart. In fact, you may miss them a little once the book is over.
WORDS
Jane Martin, City Librarian
Winter Haven Public Library
325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven
COME & GET IT
By Kiley Reid
Set on a Southern college campus in 2017, this novel follows a resident assistant and a visiting professor who enter into an arrangement that feels harmless—until it isn’t. As boundaries blur, Reid explores desire, money, power, and what we’re willing to trade for a better life.
LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE
By Celeste Ng
Everything looks orderly at first - the planned neighborhoods, the structured lives and the unwritten rules that everyone seems to follow. But soon the carefully curated surface begins to unravel. A custody battle ignites long-buried tensions about motherhood, privilege, race, and identity. There’s also a quiet but pointed look at the pressures of white suburbia — how order and conformity can begin to feel suffocating
THE HIDDEN CITY
By Charles Finch
This classic mystery follows sleuth Charles Lenox as he investigates a cold case tied to cryptic architectural symbols scattered across the city. Finch brings Victorian London to life through rich detail, crafting a puzzle that layers political intrigue and personal tension. Although this book is a part of a larger series, it works well as a stand alone. Simply allow yourself to be drawn in by the likable characters and the well-researched history.
EVERYTHING INSIDE
By Edwidge Danticat
This remarkable collection of eight stories moves between Little Haiti in Florida and Haiti itself, centering primarily on Haitian lives shaped by migration, separation, and survival. Danticat explores the intricate nature of family ties, friendships, love, and grief with restraint and depth. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t overwhelm you while you’re reading it, but deepens once you’ve set it down.
Thanks for coming! See you in 2027
COLD WEATHER RECOVERY FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA YARDS
After the recent cold weather, many central Florida homeowners got a reminder that our plants are not immune to frost and freeze damage. January and February are typically Central Florida’s coldest months, and this year’s extended stretch of temperatures in the 20s caused significant stress to many of our landscapes.
Once the threat of freezing temperatures has passed, it’s time to shift from plant protection to recovery. Knowing when, and how, to help your plants recover is key to maintaining a healthy central Florida yard.
UNDERSTANDING FREEZE DAMAGE
Not all cold damage looks the same. The severity of damage depends on several key factors:
• HOW LOW TEMPERATURES FALL. Some plants, such as orchids, can be damaged at temperatures well above freezing. It’s important to know the hardiness zones that your plants can grow and survive in.
• HOW QUICKLY TEMPERATURES DROP. Sudden cold snaps cause more harm because plants lack time to acclimate. We certainly saw that occur!
• HOW LONG COLD CONDITIONS LAST. Extended freezes increase the likelihood of serious injury, and with prolonged nights in the 20s we are seeing damage that has not been seen in many years.
During freezing weather, ice crystals can form inside plant tissue rupturing cell walls. This often results in browning leaves, wilted stems, and/or mushy foliage. Some damage appears immediately, while other symptoms may take days to develop.
Once the danger of cold temperatures has passed and frost blankets are put away, it’s time to assess your plants and help them recover.
AFTER A COLD SNAP IT’S IMPORTANT TO WATER
One of the most important first steps after a frost/ freeze is watering. Cold weather can leave soil dry or even partially frozen, limiting water uptake. Watering helps:
• Thaw the root zone
• Rehydrate stressed roots
• Support early recovery processes
Resist the urge to fertilize. Fertilizer encourages tender new growth that is highly vulnerable if temperatures dip again. Wait until consistent spring warmth before applying fertilizer and always follow UF/IFAS Extension recommendations.
DON’T PRUNE TOO SOON
After cold weather, many gardeners reach for their pruning shears too quickly. It’s so tempting when everything is brown! In Central Florida, hold off on doing any pruning until March.
Why do we suggest waiting until March?
Damaged leaves and stems serve an important purpose by insulating and protecting plants from late cold snaps, which can still occur in late February.
By March, new growth usually begins to appear, making it easier to see what is truly alive and will help you know where to prune on the plant.
When pruning:
• Scratch the bark lightly with your fingernail
• Green tissue indicates living growth
• Brown or black tissue is likely dead
Some plants may need to be cut back to the ground if all the above-ground tissue is dead. Most plants will recover and sprout back from the ground.
If there is regrowth, you can easily see where to prune, which is back to the new growth. Damage to plants depends on a variety of factors and it’s helpful to wait and see what the plants do on their own before we pull out the pruners.
RECOGNIZING DELAYED DAMAGE
Not all cold injury is immediate. Some plants may look fine at first, then develop browning or leaf drop over the following weeks.
Plants such as bananas, papaya, wild coffee, and firebush often die back to the ground but resprout from healthy roots once temperatures rise. Annual bedding plants, seasonal vegetables, and severely damaged tropicals may not recover.
Spring-blooming plants that flower on the past season’s growth may not bloom this year if that growth was lost. Woody plants like citrus and hibiscus may show weak or uneven regrowth. Patience is the most important tool after a frost/ freeze!
COLD-DAMAGED PALMS: PATIENCE IS KEY!
Palm recovery requires patience! Palms, in general, are slow-growing and recovery from pests, disease, and other stressors is slow. Some palms take up to a year to show meaningful improvement after a hard freeze!
If your palms were damaged, keep these guidelines in mind:
1. DAMAGED FRONDS WILL NOT RECOVER. Yellowed, browned, or spotted fronds will never return to a normal green frond. New growth is only from the spear leaf at the top of the plant.
2. CHECK THE SPEAR LEAF CAREFULLY. Wait several weeks after a freeze, then gently pull on it. If it comes out easily, appears mushy, or smells foul, damage may be present. If the palm is too tall to assess, just wait. Do not prune any damaged fronds and hold out for the new growth to appear.
If you are able to pull the spear leaf out, consider applying a labeled copper fungicide which may help reduce potential fungal issues. Always follow label instructions, the label is the law, and you do not want to cause any further damage to the palm. If the spear remains firm, recovery is likely, though it may be slow.
For gardeners interested in cold-hardy palm options, visit the demonstration garden at UF/IFAS Extension in Bartow.
BE PATIENT BEFORE REMOVING PLANTS
Even when plants look dead, avoid digging them up too quickly. Many shrubs and perennials recover slowly and may not show new growth until late spring or even early summer. Different species recover at different rates, and premature removal can mean losing a plant that would have survived.
PREPARING FOR FUTURE COLD EVENTS … BRRR
Once recovery is underway, it’s wise to begin planning for the next cold season. Simple strategies can significantly reduce damage:
• Water before predicted freezes
• Apply mulch around root zones
• Use breathable fabric covers for protection and make sure they cover the plant to the ground.
Designing your landscape with cold tolerance in mind also helps. Consider your USDA hardiness zone (9b–10a for us here in Central Florida), take advantage of warmer microclimates near buildings or under trees, consider growing tender plants in containers that can be easily moved indoors, and time fertilization and pruning to avoid encouraging winter growth. Thoughtful preparation now will make your landscape more resilient next winter.
Freeze recovery is really about patience. Water wisely, delay pruning, resist fertilization, and give plants time to regrow. With careful observation and informed management, most Central Florida yards will recover. Learn from this cold event and prepare for next winter.
If you have any questions about cold recovery in Central Florida yards, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ polk if you have questions on growing citrus. The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. If you are interested in purchasing a garden journal, contact the Plant Clinic. If you are not in Polk County, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic. To learn more about gardening and landscaping, listen to the “Your Central Florida Yard” podcast. You can find the podcast wherever you listen or find out more on our Substack: substack. com/@yourcentralfloridayard. Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/ IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.edu.
MARCH 2026
HERITAGE HARVEST MARKET
Mar 1, 2026, 9 AM-2 PM
Kathleen Area Historical Society
8950 N. Campbell Rd, Lakeland
Join us for a fun, family-friendly local market featuring 40+ local artisans, makers, bakers, and small businesses! Shop handmade goods, unique gifts, home décor, sweet treats, and more — all while supporting
55TH ANNUAL LAKE WALES ARTS FESTIVAL
Mar 1, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM
Lake Wailes Park
17 S Lakeshore Blvd, Lake Wales
This annual event showcases quality works by over 60 fine artists and artisans from across the region, drawing thousands of art enthusiasts who come to admire and purchase original, one-of-a-kind pieces. lakewalesartscouncil.org
LAKELAND RECORD FAIR
Mar 1, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM
Lake Mirror Center
121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland
Shop from 25+ vendors selling used and new LPs, CDs, cassettes, 7” singles, memorabilia, and more! Plus local food & coffee for purchase. $5 admission at the door. More info on FB @JesseCarlVinyl
STEM CHALLENGE
Mar 1, 2026, 10:30-11 AM
Florida Children’s Museum
600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland Love to build? Interested in how things work? STEM Challenge is designed for children ages 5 and up. Program available in the morning daily and in the afternoon on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
STORY SPROUTS
Mar 1, 2026, 10:30-11 AM
Florida Children’s Museum
600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland
Step into the world of reading with a daily story and fun corresponding activity! Join us in the Watermelon Seeds Gallery, in our Fruit Bowl programming area. Program designed for children 12 months to 5 years old.
LAKELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: COOKIE CONCERT
Mar 1, 2026, 1-3 PM
Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland
Designed for 5th-grade students, this 45-minute performance celebrates the wonder of the natural world through imaginative music. Instrument playground from 1pm-2pm, concert from 2pm-3pm. Free, no ticket required. lkldsymphony.com
THE MEDICI DYNASTY:
RENAISSANCE IN FLORENCE
Mar 1, 2026, 1-5 PM
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland Tracing the trials and tribulations of the legendary Medici dynasty and their influence, power, and patronage over the Italian Renaissance, this evocative exhibition arrives in the United States for the first time, offering visitors to The AGB a rare opportunity to experience over 60 paintings of Renaissance portraiture and artifacts from the Stibbert Museum in Florence, Italy. On view through April 12, 2026. agbmuseum.org
IMAGINATIONS: THE ADVENTURES OF “BOXBOY JR.” AND THE ART OF ALEX LANIER
Mar 1, 2026, 1-5 PM
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland
Travel through the imaginative world of “boxboy Jr.” and the creative mind of award-winning illustrator and multimedia artist Alex Lanier. This interactive exhibition captures the attention of all ages and invites visitors on a multi-sensory journey that explores themes of nostalgia and innocence while celebrating the indomitable spirit of a childhood imagination. On view through April 19, 2026. agbmuseum.org
WARHOL CONDENSED: FROM MARILYN TO SOUP AND BACK AGAIN
Mar 1, 2026, 1-5 PM
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland Andy Warhol selected the world of commercial art, consumer products, and celebrity culture as the foundation for his own art. On view through August 30, 2026. agbmuseum.org
THIS JUST IN! NEW WORKS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION
Mar 1, 2026, 1-5 PM
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland The Museum holds nearly 3,500 works in its collection. See works from recent acquisitions of artists wellknown and under-sung, across media, and many on view at The AGB for the first time. On view until February 28, 2027. agbmuseum.org
HARRISON SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS SENIOR EXHIBITION
Mar 1, 2026, 1-5 PM
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland Harrison School for the Arts annual showcase presents the work of graduating seniors from the visual arts department. This exhibition will be on view through March 22, 2026. agbmuseum.org
DETROIT TIGERS VS TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Mar 1, 2026, 1:05 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Spring Training! mlb.com/tigers/spring-training
THE SUNSHINE BOYS
Mar 1, 2026, 2 PM
Theatre Winter Haven
210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
Al and Willie as “Lewis and Clark” were top-billed vaudevillians for over forty years. Now they aren’t even speaking. When CBS requests them for a “History of Comedy” retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together. theatrewinterhaven.com
MOON OVER BUFFALO
Mar 1, 2026, 2-4 PM
Gem Theater
110 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry
Presented by The Missing Piece Theatre. This madcap comedy centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s. On the brink of a disastrous split-up, they receive word that they might have one last shot at stardom. centralfloridatix.com
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Mar 1, 2026, 2-5 PM
Lakeland Community Theatre
121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland
The first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the
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backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com
BIRDING ON THE BOARDWALK
Mar 2, 2026, 10 AM-12 PM
Bonnet Springs Park
400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
Hone your birding and wildlife sighting skills at the Blanton Family Lagoon at Bonnet Springs Park. BSP Staff and Volunteers will have binoculars and birding guides for guests to use. bonnetspringspark.com
FORT MEADE - FREE TAX RETURN PREP HELP
Mar 2, 2026, 10 AM-3 PM
Fort Meade Public Library
75 E Broadway St, Fort Meade
Get help preparing your tax return at no cost and take the stress out of tax season. This popular program is back, so don’t miss your chance to take advantage of this valuable community service!
DETROIT TIGERS VS ATLANTA BRAVES
Mar 2, 2026, 1:05 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Spring Training! mlb.com/tigers/spring-training
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MAHJONG
Mar 2, 2026, 1:30-3:30 PM
Winter Haven Public Library
325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven
Adults 18+, join us to learn basic rules and instruction, then build your skills each week with open play and meet new friends! All skill levels are welcome. mywinterhaven.com/301/Library
LKLDLINDY HOP SWING DANCE & SOCIAL
Mar 2, 2026, 7-11 PM
Union Hall
1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Every Monday join LKLD Lindy Hop for a fun-filled swing dance workshop! lkldlindyhop.com
ADULT BALLET CLASS - SWAN CITY BALLET
Mar 3, 2026, 10-11 AM
Uno Dos Tres
2940 S Combee Rd, Lakeland
Adult ballet isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, moving with intention, & growing each week. Whether you’re returning to the barre or stepping into class for the first time, Swan City Ballet welcomes you with quality instruction, community, & support! ALL AGES welcome. unodostresstudio.com
BINGO - GFWC WOMAN’S CLUB OF LAKE WALES
Mar 3, 2026, 4-9 PM
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Lake Wales 275 E Park Ave, Lake Wales
Doors open @ 4:00 pm, Bingo starts @ 5:30 pm. Hot food, beverage & snacks available. Call 863-5145638 for more info.
AFTER SCHOOL ART
Mar 3, 2026, 4:30-5:30 PM
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland
After School Art is designed for the parent and child to learn creative new skills together. Activities are easily designed to be recreated at home to further enhance your young artists’ skills - and yours, too! Doors open at 4:20 pm. Space is limited; be sure to arrive early to secure your spot! agbmuseum.org
BREW CREW RUN CLUB
Mar 3, 2026, 5:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
Join the Lakeland Runners Club and their weekly run. Check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco
TRIVIA TUESDAY
Mar 3, 2026, 6:30 PM
Grove Roots Brewery
302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing
LIVE MUSIC BINGO
Mar 3, 2026, 6:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
FREE to play every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco
TRIBUTE TO BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND
Mar 3, 2026, 6:30 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
The Bruce Tribute offers fans a genuine Springsteen experience filled with passion, rich musicianship, and timeless heartland rock anthems. The Arabellas exclusive Pre-Show Four-Course Dinner Special at 4:30 pm is available for pre-purchase. Find info about both at theatrewinterhaven.com.
THE GARDEN CLUB OF LAKELANDGLORIOSA CIRCLE
Mar 3, 2026, 6:30-8 PM
Central FL Speech and Hearing Community Room
3020 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
The Gloriosa Circle of The Lakeland Garden Club meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month from September thru May. The meetings consists of speakers on various plants and environmental issues, nature craft, field trips and refreshments. Green Thumb not required... just Love of Learning and Enjoyment of Nature along with Fellowship. There are 6 circles of the Garden Club of Lakeland, so if a different day and time is better for you, please call or text 863-661-2050 for more information. There are 2 circles that meet in the evening and 4 circles with morning meetings. New members are welcome at any time throughout the year.
1 MILLION CUPS- LAKELAND
Mar 4, 2026, 8:30-9:30 AM
The Well
114 E Parker, Lakeland
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers gather for 1 Million Cups — a free, community-driven program where local founders share their stories over coffee.
HOMESCHOOL DAYS
Mar 4, 2026, 10 AM-2 PM
Bonnet Springs Park
400 Bonnet Springs Boulevard, Lakeland
Designed for homeschooling families of all ages, this event offers a drop-in alternative to field trips with hands-on activities, interactive experiences, and educational opportunities aligned with Florida state standards. This event is free and open to guests of all ages with adult supervision. bonnetspringspark.com
MARCH 2026
COMMUNITY FLOW & WALK
Mar 4, 2026, 10:30 AM
Banana Lake Park
5002 Tillery Road, Lakeland
Join us every other Wednesday for a 45 minute movement led by Gaby and Michelle, and stay to walk around the park or bring a picnic. Bring a mat, water and comfortable shoes. Purchase tickets at centralfloridatix.com
PANAMA VS DETROIT TIGERS
Mar 4, 2026, 1:05 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Spring Training! mlb.com/tigers/spring-training
LINE DANCING LESSONS
Mar 4, 2026, 5-9 PM
Union Hall
1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Join us every Wednesday for beginner-friendly line dancing lessons followed by open dancing! Free entry with the purchase of an $8 drink ticket. unionhallevents.com
FREE BINGO NIGHT
Mar 4, 2026, 6-8 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven Free BINGO every Wednesday! FB @bowenyardwh
WORK IN PROGRESS (WIP) WEDNESDAY
Mar 4, 2026, 6-8 PM
Depot Art Districit
955 E. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland
All are welcome! Bring whatever art or craft you are working on and come join us for a shared time of creativity and creation. lakelandartsassociation.com
TRIVIA NIGHT
Mar 4, 2026, 6:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland Free trivia every Wednesday! FB @swanbrewingco
FREE COMMUNITY DAY AT DAVENPORT
CHRISTIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL!
Mar 5, 2026, 4-6 PM
Davenport Christian Preparatory School 312 South Blvd W, Davenport
Bring the whole family for an afternoon full of fun, learning, and adventure! School Tours Available Meet our amazing teachers and learn more about Christian Prep!
LEADERSHIP LAKE WALES ALUMNI BUSINESS
AFTER HOURS
Mar 5, 2026, 5:30-7 PM
Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Council
340 W Central Ave, Lake Wales
Leadership Alumni are invited to join us to reconnect with fellow alumni, meet new faces and enjoy a relaxed evening of networking and conversation. RSVP at lakewaleschamber.com.
TRIVIA AT SMITH’S AMERICAN TAVERN
Mar 5, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM
Smith’s American Tavern 124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland
Trivia Night happens every Thursday, free to play, prizes for top teams, and great food and drinks while you play!
NATHAN ALAN & FRIENDS!
Mar 5, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge 19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
Nathan Alan is a born and raised Winter Haven native, and he’s making a huge splash in the world of comedy! winterhavenlol.com
WOMEN OF COMPASSION LUNCHEON
HOSTED BY ONE MORE CHILD
Mar 6, 2026, 9 AM-1 PM
Bonnet Springs Park Event Center
900 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland
Tickets must be pre-purchased before the event date. Gather with women to worship, laugh, and reach children and families for good! Women of Compassion is a world-wide women’s movement that is passionate about supporting the mission of One More Child. onemorechild.org
LAKE WALES - CHATTY CRAFTERS
Mar 6, 2026, 1-4 PM
Lake Wales Public Library
290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales Meet in the Schoenoff Meeting Room
POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK
Mar 6, 2026
Polk County
March 6 – 15 at participating locations throughout Polk County. Your favorite local restaurants will be featuring tacos for the entire week! Check goodfoodpolk.com for up-to-date participating restaurants, taco specials, and more.
DETROIT TIGERS VS. BOSTON RED SOX
Mar 6, 2026, 1:05 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Spring Training! mlb.com/tigers/spring-training
FIRST FRIDAY FREE BITES!
Mar 6, 2026, 5 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Every First Friday come to Bowen Yard to try some free samples from the restaurants!
FIRST FRIDAY WINTER HAVEN
Mar 6, 2026, 5-8 PM
Downtown Winter Haven
308 4th St. SW, Winter Haven
Centered around our downtown corridor, patrons can enjoy food and drink specials from downtown restaurants & shop businesses open late. Check out musicians at multiple venues and the car show down Magnolia Ave. Shop the night market in its new location by the Car Show! FB @whfirstfriday
LADIES NIGHT OUT
Mar 6, 2026, 5-8 PM
Union Hall
1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Save the Date! Ladies Night Out is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to uplift and empower Pace girls. Join us for a meaningful evening in honor of International Women’s Day. Tickets available at unionhallevents.com
SLOW JAM FRIDAYS AT CLUB B
Mar 6, 2026, 5 PM-1 AM
Balmoral Bar & Grill
124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City
Slow Jam Fridays at Club B
Get ready for a grown and soulful night of smooth vibes, throwbacks, and timeless energy where we bring you the very best of 90’s & 2000’s R&B and Hip-Hop.
LIVE & LOUD
Mar 6, 2026, 6 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
More than just a showcase, it’s a safe, inclusive space where rising artists and creatives from the local scene break boundaries, own the stage, and make some serious noise. Discover new bands every First Friday with the Live & Loud series. March lineup: Cat Skratch (Tampa); Dolittle (Orlando); Hit The Shark! (Tampa); Twiggy Branches (Tampa). centralfloridatix.com
LIVE SAX & CANDLEWAX
Mar 6, 2026, 6-8 PM
FLAME candlestudios
25 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
FLAME candlestudios will be Grand Opening the candle gallery and experiential space in Downtown Winter Haven for First Friday, featuring nationally renowned saxophonist REGGIEONSAX! Community is Welcome. FLAMEcandlestudios.com
Join us for a time of fun, food, and follies supporting the Ringers & Singers. Tickets on eventbrite.
TURN UP HIP HOP DANCE FITNESS
Mar 6, 2026, 7-8 PM
Uno Dos Tres Studio
2940 S Combee Rd, Lakeland
You just pay per class! More than just a Hip-Hop/R&B/ Rap/Pop dance fitness format; it’ s a movement, to evolve unapologetically, live loudly, dance ruthlessly and OWN our greatness together, while we take our fitness to the next level as we turn all the way up! Spots are limited. talishadancefitness.punchpass.com
INTO THE WOODS
INTEGRITY CHRISTIAN THEATRE
Mar 6, 2026, 7-9:30 PM
Medulla Baptist Church
3930 Old Road 37, Lakeland
Dive into the magical world of Into The Woods with Integrity Christian Theatre-live and full of fun! Tickets on eventbrite.
JAKE KLARK FROM COMIC STRIP LIVE!
Mar 6, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
You might have seen Jake performing on Comic Strip LIVE, he also hosts the bi-monthly “Work Sucks!” winterhavenlol.com
JUST LAUGHS! FIRST FRIDAY COMEDY SHOWCASE
Mar 6, 2026, 9-10:30 PM
Just Dance academy
124 South Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland
Get ready to laugh your socks off at our “Just Laughs! First Friday Comedy Show” Every First Friday!
POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK
Mar 7, 2026, Polk County
March 6 – 15 at participating locations throughout Polk County. Your favorite local restaurants will be featuring tacos for the entire week! Check goodfoodpolk.com for up-to-date participating restaurants, taco specials, and more.
LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH PROMISE RUN
Mar 7, 2026, 6 AM
Lake Mirror Promenade
121 South Lake Avenue, Lakeland
The 10K and 5K courses will begin at Lake Mirror Promenade and continue through the historic streets and around the lakes of Lakeland. The run raises crucial funds that enable our expert physicians to expand our care. Join us as we walk, jog, or run as a Promise to strengthen the health of everyone around us. runsignup.com/Race/FL/Lakeland/PromiseRun
DOWNTOWN LKLD FARMERS CURB MARKET
Mar 7, 2026, 8 AM-2 PM
Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street every Saturday. Local, handmade, homegrown produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket
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MARCH 2026
WELCOME CENTER’S BIRTHDAY BASH!
Mar 7, 2026, 9 AM
Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
101 Adventure Ct, Davenport
This is a free, family friendly event featuring free cookies and light refreshments (while supplies last), free caricatures, giveaways and more! Attendees will have the opportunity to take advantage discount theme park tickets. The first 100 visitors will receive a free gift and vendors will be on site with local good and treats for sale.
WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET
Mar 7, 2026, 9 AM-1 PM
Magnolia Ave , Winter Haven
Visit along Magnolia Ave in Downtown Winter Haven between 2nd St SW & 3rd St SW. We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, artisan food vendors including handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday. FB @winterhavenfarmersmarket
ROOTSTOCK SPRING PLANT SALE
Mar 7, 2026, 9 AM-4 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Shop from the state’s top plant vendors, take a hayride through the Pine Ridge Reserve and enjoy live music on The Terrace. March is the peak of spring bloom and there is no better way to celebrate than a day in the Gardens. boktowergardens.org
BARTOW BLOOMIN ARTS
Mar 7 & 8, 2026, 9 AM-4 PM
Downtown Bartow
The Bloomin’ Arts Festival welcomes families, friends, and art lovers of all ages to explore vibrant exhibits, meet local makers, and enjoy a weekend filled with color, community, and inspiration. Whether you’re an artist ready to share your work or a family looking for a fun day out, we invite you to create, wander, and celebrate with us. Located in historic downtown Bartow near the Polk History Museum. bartowbloominarts.org
FLORIDA REMEMBERED:
THE ART OF DARLENE MELIUS
Mar 7, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM
Momentum Gallery at Bartow Art Guild 1242 E Main Street , Bartow
Darlene Melius’ watercolor paintings preserve the spirit of Old Florida through landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, and rural life. bartowartguild.org
THE OLMSTED DAY TREE FESTIVAL
Mar 7, 2026, 10 AM-5 PM
Downtown Lake Wales
Come enjoy a full day of family fun as we celebrate the beautiful parks, trails and streetscapes that make Lake Wales unique. The Olmsted Day Tree Festival will feature music, scores of vendors, food, presentations plus a storytelling Tree and Police K9 demonstration and much much more! You can also learn about the secret and amazing history of our “City In A Garden” and become a participant to complete the secret landscapes designed just for Lake Wales. More info at lakewalesheritage.org.
COMMUNITYFEST
Mar 7, 2026, 11 AM - 4 PM
Central Park
469 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Join the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce for a day full of free family fun. Guests can look forward to games, entertainment, character meet & greets, activities, and so much more. winterhavenchamber.com
HAINES CITY - BILINGUAL FAMILY TIME
Mar 7, 2026, 11 AM-12 PM
Haines City Public Library
111 N 6th St, Haines City
Family games and bilingual songs, rhymes, crafts and stories. Juegos para toda la familia, canciones bilingues, manualidades y cuentos bilingues.
SATURDAY MATINEE FEATURING:
WICKED: FOR GOOD
Mar 7, 2026, 11 AM-2 PM
Winter Haven Public Library
325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven mywinterhaven.com/301/Library
UTHMPACT’S 2026 PROJECT PROM SHOPPING DATES
Mar 7, 2026, 11 AM-4 PM
Lakeland Square Mall - Project Prom Store
3800 U.S. Highway 98 North, Lakeland InnerAct Alliance and the UthMpact coalition are proud to provide free formal wear to deserving high school students. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits at no cost. inneractalliance.org
863 LIVE!
Mar 7, 2026, 1-8 PM
Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
361 Denton Avenue , Auburndale
Join Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center at Camp Margaritaville for 863 Live!, a community concert and family-friendly celebration supporting life-changing hearing and speech programs. Enjoy an afternoon and evening filled with live music, great food and drinks, and fun activities for all ages.
DETROIT TIGERS VS. PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Mar 7, 2026, 1:05 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Spring Training! mlb.com/tigers/spring-training
CENTRAL FLORIDA FOOD TRUCK RALLY
Mar 7, 2026, 4-9 PM
Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County
George Jenkins Memorial Unit, Haines City
Join us for the ultimate food truck experience! Tickets at eventbrite.
VOICES: MUSIC FOR A CAUSE
Mar 7, 2026, 7 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
A Night with Tony Award–winning Broadway Star
Trista Dollison & Friends: A Benefit for Filling The Lane. This special evening will feature Broadway-level performances, a community celebration, and an unforgettable night of music, all to support the youth and families. theatrewinterhaven.com
LAKELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
CONCERT: RHAPSODY & RADIANCE
Mar 7, 2026, 7-8:30 PM
Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland
Join us for an exhilarating evening that celebrates the fire and finesse of great orchestral showpieces, featuring bold national flavors, dazzling technique, and thrilling musical storytelling. lkldsymphony.org
DEF LEPPARDS JOURNEY
Mar 7, 2026, 8-10 PM
Polk Theatre
121 South Florida Ave, Lakeland
The best double-tribute band in Florida’s best hometown theater! defleppardsjourney.com
LAKELAND COMEDY PRESENTSCAROLINE POST
Mar 7, 2026, 9-10:30 PM
Pink Piano
1015 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Come check out the monthly comedy show!
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Mar 8, 2026
A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
Mar 8, 2026, 2 AM
We lose an hour, change the clocks!
POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK
Mar 8, 2026
Polk County
March 6 – 15 at participating locations throughout Polk County. Your favorite local restaurants will be featuring tacos for the entire week! Check goodfoodpolk.com for up-to-date participating restaurants, taco specials, and more.
PARADISE MARKET
Mar 8, 2026, 9 AM-1 PM
Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
361 Denton Avenue, Auburndale
Visit Camp Margaritaville Auburndale on select Sundays for the Small Business Sunday Paradise Market! Each market features over 40 local vendors with a variety of unique products and services.
ROCKY AND THE ROLLERS
Mar 8, 2026, 5 PM
Solivita Club
395 Village Dr, Kissimmee
Rocky And The Rollers have worked with DICK CLARK on many of his Rock and Roll shows. They are best known as the touring band for Bowzer’s Rock and Roll Party with Jon “Bowzer” Bauman former leader of SHA NA NA. bandsintown.com
POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK
Mar 9, 2026
Polk County
March 6 – 15 at participating locations throughout Polk County. Your favorite local restaurants will be featuring tacos for the entire week! Check goodfoodpolk.com for up-to-date participating restaurants, taco specials, and more.
FORT MEADE - FREE TAX RETURN PREP HELP
Mar 9, 2026, 10 AM-3 PM
Fort Meade Public Library
75 E Broadway St, Fort Meade
Get help preparing your tax return at no cost and take the stress out of tax season. This popular program is back, so don’t miss your chance to take advantage of this valuable community service!
MINDFUL MONDAYS SOUNDBATH WITH LUPITA - DAYTIME SESSIONS
Mar 9, 2026, 11 AM-12 PM or 6 PM - 7 PM
Depot Arts District
955 E. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland
A sound bath it is an immersive relaxation experience where you’re bathed in resonant sounds from instruments like singing bowls, gongs, and chimes, using vibrations to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote deep rest, often while lying comfortably. lakelandartsassociation.com
DETROIT TIGERS VS. TAMPA BAY RAYS
Mar 9, 2026, 1:05 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Spring Training! mlb.com/tigers/spring-training
FLORIDA REMEMBERED: RECEPTION
Mar 9, 2026, 6-8 PM
Momentum Gallery
1242 E Main St, Bartow
Meet the Artist! Darlene Melius’ watercolor paintings preserve the spirit of Old Florida through landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, and rural life. bartowartguild.org
LKLD LINDY HOP SWING DANCE & SOCIAL
Mar 9, 2026, 7-11 PM
Union Hall
1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Every Monday join LKLD Lindy Hop for a fun-filled swing dance workshop! lkldlindyhop.com
POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK
Mar 10, 2026
Polk County
March 6 – 15 at participating locations throughout Polk County. Your favorite local restaurants will be featuring tacos for the entire week! Check goodfoodpolk.com for participating restaurants, taco specials, and more.
OPEN HOUSE
Mar 10, 2026, 9 AM
Roberts Academy at Florida Southern 1140 Frank Lloyd Wright Way, Lakeland
Since 2010, the Roberts Academy at Florida Southern College has helped students with dyslexia in grades 1–8 thrive academically and confidently! We offer free monthly open houses to prospective parents. Come learn about the Orton-Gillingham approach, our summer reading camp, after-school tutoring and more. Contact us at (863)680-3741.
PLANTS AND PEOPLE: AN ETHNOBOTANY WALK
Mar 10, 2026, 10:30-11:30 AM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Join Horticulture Manager Taylor Walker for a walking tour highlighting the diverse uses of native and introduced plants, from culinary delights to medicinal wonders. The walk will begin at the Visitor Center rondel. boktowergardens.org
BINGO - GFWC WOMAN’S CLUB OF LAKE WALES
Mar 10, 2026, 4-9 PM
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Lake Wales
275 E Park Ave, Lake Wales
Doors open @ 4:00 pm, Bingo starts @ 5:30 pm. Hot food, beverage & snacks available. Call 863-514-5638 for more info.
BREW CREW RUN CLUB
Mar 10, 2026, 5:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
Join the Lakeland Runners Club and their weeklyrun. Check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco
TRIVIA TUESDAY
Mar 10, 2026, 6:30 PM
Grove Roots Brewery
302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing
MARCH 2026
LIVE MUSIC BINGO
Mar 10, 2026, 6:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
FREE to play every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco
POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK
Mar 11, 2026
Polk County
March 6 – 15 at participating locations throughout Polk County. Your favorite local restaurants will be featuring tacos for the entire week! Check goodfoodpolk.com for participating restaurants, taco specials, and more.
LAKELAND CITY COMMISSION
SUN ‘N FUN BREAKFAST
Mar 11, 2026, 7:30-9 AM
Florida Air Museum
4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland
Guest speaker: Colonel Mark W. Tillman who served President George W. Bush as pilot and commander of Air Force One from 2001-2009. Gene Conrad, SUN ‘n FUN/ACE CEO talks about plans for the 52nd Annual 2026 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo. The event is held in the Skylight Hangar on the at the Lakeland Linder International Airport. Purchase tickets at aceedu.org.
BINGO NIGHT
Mar 11, 2026, 6-8 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Free BINGO every Wednesday! FB @bowenyardwh
WORK IN PROGRESS (WIP) WEDNESDAY
Mar 11, 2026, 6-8 PM
Depot Art Districit 955 E. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland Bring whatever art or craft you are working on and come join us for a shared time of creativity and creation. There is no instruction or fee, just a chance to gather and encourage each other.
TRIVIA NIGHT
Mar 11, 2026, 6:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland Free trivia every Wednesday! FB @swanbrewingco
STRAIGHT OUTTA FLORIDA
Mar 11, 2026, 7 PM
Theatre Winter Haven/Ghostlight Lounge
210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
Performed in the GhostLight Lounge. Compton & Bennett skewer Floiridians in this 90-minute show. Two actors play six characters. They tell the story of Florida from the inside out, through the eyes of some of C&B’s most popular characters. theatrewinterhaven.com
POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK
Mar 12, 2026 Polk County
March 6 – 15 at participating locations throughout Polk County. Your favorite local restaurants will be featuring tacos for the entire week! Check goodfoodpolk.com for participating restaurants, taco specials, and more.
DETROIT TIGERS VS. NEW YORK YANKEES
Mar 12, 2026, 1:05 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Spring Training! mlb.com/tigers/spring-training
LAKE WALES JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB
MONTHLY MEETING
Mar 12, 2026, 5:30-6:30 PM
Lake Wales Public Library
290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales Lake Wales Public Library Meeting Room. All women of the Greater Lake Wales area are invited.
HONKY TONK ANGELS
Mar 12, 2026, 7:30 PM
Theatre Winter Haven
210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
March 12 - April 5. When three gutsy gals from different backgrounds take charge of their lives, they decide to follow their honky tonk dreams all the way to the city of Nashville. theatrewinterhaven.com
DONALD EVANS & FRIENDS!
Mar 12, 2026, 8-10 PM
19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
Donald Evans is a brutally funny winner of Florida’s Funniest Comedian 2022, and can be seen all over the country. winterhavenlol.com
POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK
Mar 13, 2026
Polk County
March 6 – 15 at participating locations throughout Polk County. Your favorite local restaurants will be featuring tacos for the entire week! Check goodfoodpolk.com for participating restaurants, taco specials, and more.
FSC HOMECOMING 2026
Mar 13, 2026, 9 AM
Jack M. Berry Citrus Building at Florida Southern College
111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland
Whether it’s been a few years or a few decades since your last visit, this is the time to see what’s new at Florida Southern! Come and explore your old stomping grounds while reconnecting with friends, and show the family the campus you once called home!
LAKE WALES - CHATTY CRAFTERS
Mar 13, 2026, 1-4 PM
Lake Wales Public Library
290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales Meet in the Schoenoff Meeting Room
DWIGHT ICENHOWER’S VIP WEEKEND
Mar 13, 2026, 5 PM
Nora Mayo Hall
500 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven
Dwight and the Blue Suede Band will take you to Hawaii for this exciting show, which will feature songs from Elvis‘s Hawaiian movies and songs from the television special Elvis: aloha from Hawaii! Dress up in your best Hawaiian attire! Tickets call (909) 354-0381. March 13 - 15.
RELAY FOR LIFE OF POLK COUNTY
Mar 13, 2026, 6 PM
Central Park
469 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Your donations help fund groundbreaking cancer research, patient care programs, and can make a difference in communities like ours. More info & register at relayforlife.org/polkfl
DIXIELAND NIGHT MARKET
Mar 13, 2026, 6-11 PM
Dixieland Night Market
1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland
Come out to Dixieland on the second Friday each month for the latest works from local artists, fashion designers, jewelry makers and more local entrepreneurs.
DETROIT TIGERS VS. PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Mar 13, 2026, 6:05 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Spring Training! mlb.com/tigers/spring-training
List your event at
TURN UP HIP HOP DANCE FITNESS
Mar 13, 2026, 7-8 PM
Uno Dos Tres Studio
2940 S Combee Rd, Lakeland
More than just a Hip-Hop/R&B/Rap/Pop dance fitness format; it’ s a movement, to evolve unapologetically, live loudly, dance ruthlessly and OWN our greatness together, while we take our fitness to the next level as we turn all the way up! talishadancefitness.punchpass.com
SWAN CITY IMPROV
Mar 13, 2026, 7:30 PM
Success House
1001 Success Ave, Lakeland
We are back with another show series leading up to our grand opening in the Comedy Cathedral. We have a show every two weeks at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM. Our 7:30 PM Show is family friendly as always and will be a short form show! Our 9:30 PM Show is a little more loose and that is 18+ with a longer format more similar to a complete play!
DEAN NAPOLITANO FROM...EVERYTHING!
Mar 13, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
You’ve seen Dean on Army Wives, The Shield, Heroes, Las Vegas, Burn Notice, and so much more. Now you can see him LIVE! winterhavenlol.com
POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK
Mar 14, 2026
Polk County
March 6 – 15 at participating locations throughout Polk County. Check goodfoodpolk.com for participating restaurants, taco specials, and more.
DOWNTOWN LKLD FARMERS CURB MARKET
Mar 14, 2026, 8 AM-2 PM
Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street every Saturday. Local, handmade, homegrown produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket
SPRING OBSESSION 2026
Mar 14, 2026, 8 AM-3 PM
Munn Park
201 E Main St, Lakeland
Shop from 60+ vendors with specialty plants, orchids, food, music, and more! Supporting Partners In Education - specifically Southwest Elementary & Southwest Middle Schools.
WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET
Mar 14, 2026, 9 AM-1 PM
Magnolia Ave , Winter Haven
Visit us along Magnolia Ave in Downtown Winter Haven between 2nd St SW & 3rd St SW. We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, artisan food vendors including handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday.
FB @winterhavenfarmersmarket
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
Mar 14, 2026, 9 AM-1 PM
Winter Haven Farmers Market
Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven
Visit the Polk County Master Gardener Volunteer booth for the latest gardening information and to ask gardening questions.
LAKE REGION VILLAGE
44TH ANNUAL ART SHOW
Mar 14, 2026, 9 AM-2 PM
Lake Region Village
31850 Hwy 27 S, Haines City
Featuring works in oils, acrylics, watercolors, colored
pencils & texture. The Wood Carvers will also be displaying various wood carvings. FREE admission, refreshments. Door Prizes awarded.
NUTS ABOUT NATURE
Mar 14, 2026, 10 AM-12 PM
Bonnet Springs Park
400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
Join us for an exciting morning filled with hands-on activities focused on nature. Stop by the GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center from 10AM –12PM to join in on the fun! These free events are open to guests of all ages with adult supervision.
HAINES CITY - BILINGUAL FAMILY TIME
Mar 14, 2026, 11 AM-12 PM
Haines City Public Library
111 N 6th St, Haines City
Family games and bilingual songs, rhymes, crafts and stories. Juegos para toda la familia, canciones bilingues, manualidades y cuentos bilingues.
STEAM SATURDAY
Mar 14, 2026, 11 AM-12 PM
Mulberry Phosphate Museum
101 S.E. 1st Street, Mulberry
This free monthly program invites elementary-aged students to explore the exciting worlds of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through fun, hands-on activities. Perfect for curious minds and young innovators, no cost to families! mulberryculturalcenter.org
DWIGHT ICENHOWER’S VIP WEEKEND
Mar 14, 2026, NOON
Nora Mayo Hall
500 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven
Fans can hear Dwight talk about past shows plus, Dwight Icenhower and the Blue Suede Band will recreate the iconic 1968 sit down jam session and then take you out west to a time when ELVIS ruled Las Vegas! Tickets call (909) 354-0381. March 13 - 15.
SPRING WINE WALK
Mar 14, 2026, 2-5 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Break out the leg warmers and crank up the synth—our
Totally 80’s Wine Walk is serving up gnarly nostalgia with every sip! Sip, stroll and sample 12 wines with totally tubular snack pairings designed to elevate every pour. boktowergardens.org
SPRING BREAK LINE DANCING PARTY
Mar 14, 2026, 6-10 PM
Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
361 Denton Avenue, Auburndale
Kick off Spring Break Margaritaville-style with a high-energy night of line dancing, sunshine vibes, and nonstop fun. centralfloridatix.com
DEAN NAPOLITANO FROM...EVERYTHING!
Mar 14, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
You’ve seen Dean on Army Wives, The Shield, Heroes, Las Vegas, Burn Notice, and so much more. Now you can see him LIVE! winterhavenlol.com
A NIGHT IN DENIM: ONE MIC STAND
Mar 14, 2026, 9 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Doors open at 8, show begins at 9. Open mic spoken word, singing comedy, live music, and more. theatrewinterhaven.com
COCKTAILPARTY
All proceeds from the 2026 events will go to support the Winter Haven Hospital Cassidy Cancer Center.
ONLINE SILENT AUCTION
April 10 - April 17, 2026
COCKTAIL PARTY, LIVE AUCTION & RAFFLE DRAWINGS
Friday, April 17, 2026 | 5:30 pm | Nora Mayo Hall
SCRAMBLE GOLF TOURNAMENT
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 9:00 am | Country Club of Winter Haven
Join us for fun, fellowship, and celebration!
The Lewis Family Cancer Fund was established to help promote public awareness, patient care and assist in funding research development in the prevention and cure of cancer. Within the past sixteen years, the LFCF “Swing for the Cure” fundraising efforts have raised over $1,087,085 to provide support to local and regional oncology facilities.
More events at
MARCH 2026
POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK * LAST DAY*
Mar 15, 2026
Polk County
Your favorite local restaurants will be featuring tacos! Check goodfoodpolk.com for participating restaurants, taco specials, and more.
SPRING FLING CINEMA:
KPOP DEMON HUNTERS
Mar 16, 2026, 10 AM or 1 PM
Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
101 Adventure Ct, Davenport
The Welcome Center is hosting movies over Spring Break! Each movie is being shown at 10am and then again at 1pm. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a movie with FREE snacks!
FORT MEADE - FREE TAX RETURN PREP HELP
Mar 16, 2026, 10 AM-3 PM
Fort Meade Public Library
75 E Broadway St, Fort Meade
Get help preparing your tax return at no cost and take the stress out of tax season. This popular program is back, so don’t miss your chance to take advantage of this valuable community service!
DWIGHT ICENHOWER’S VIP WEEKEND
Mar 15, 2026, NOON
Nora Mayo Hall
500 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven
Hear Dwight perform Elvis’ gospel songs, plus his favorite songs to perform. Tickets call (909) 354-0381.
TIGERS VS. PHILLIES
Mar 16, 2026, 1:05 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Spring Training! mlb.com/tigers/spring-training
LKLD LINDY HOP SWING DANCE & SOCIAL
Mar 16, 2026, 7-11 PM
Union Hall 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Every Monday join LKLD Lindy Hop for a fun-filled swing dance workshop! lkldlindyhop.com
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!
Mar 17, 2026
MOMMY & ME AT UDC
Mar 17, 2026, 9 AM
2980 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Meesh Made! Dance, sing and play at this Mommy and Me St. Patrick’s Day themed class. $10 for each family includes class and a take home (non-edible) party gift. centralfloridatix.com
SPRING FLING CINEMA: THE WILD ROBOT
Mar 17, 2026, 10 AM or 1 PM
Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
101 Adventure Ct, Davenport
The Welcome Center is hosting movies over Spring Break! Each movie is being shown at 10am and then again at 1pm. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a movie with FREE snacks!
ST. PATRICK’S DAY WITH THE MUSICAL HAMMERS
Mar 17, 2026, 11 AM-1 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
This talented group of hammered dulcimer musicians brings energy and charm to every performance, blending their instruments with guitar, penny whistle, mandolin, banjo, psaltery, and even steel drum. Their lively repertoire spans Celtic jigs and hornpipes, Appalachian fiddle tunes, waltzes, and more. boktowergardens.org
DETROIT TIGERS VS. BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Mar 17, 2026, 1:05 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Spring Training! mlb.com/tigers/spring-training
ART AROUND THE WORLD
Mar 17, 2026, 3:30 PM
Mulberry Cultural Center
103 E Canal St, Mulberry
Each session introduces young artists to the colors, traditions, and cultural expressions of countries across the globe. Through hands-on projects and guided exploration, students will learn, create, and broaden their understanding of the world—one artwork at a time. mulberryculturalcenter.org
BREW CREW RUN CLUB
Mar 17, 2026, 5:30 PM
Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St, Lakeland
Join the Lakeland Runners Club and theirrun. Check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco
TRIVIA TUESDAY
Mar 17, 2026, 6:30 PM
Grove Roots Brewery
302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing
TRIBUTE TO STEVE MILLER & THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
Mar 17, 2026, 6:30 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Performing songs from the early years, Living in the USA and Space Cowboy, all the way thru Steve’s prolific decade of the 70s. The Arabellas exclusive 4:30 pm Pre-Show Four-Course Dinner Special is available for pre-purchase. Find more info for both at theatrewinterhaven.com
1 MILLION CUPS- LAKELAND
Mar 18, 2026, 8:30-9:30 AM
The Well 114 E Parker, Lakeland
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers gather for 1 Million Cups — a free, community-driven program where local founders share their stories over coffee.
SPRING FLING CINEMA:
SPIDERMAN: INTO THE SPIDERVERSE
Mar 18, 2026, 10 AM or 1 PM
Visit Central Florida Welcome Center 101 Adventure Ct, Davenport
The Welcome Center is hosting movies over Spring Break! Each movie is being shown at 10am and then again at 1pm. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a movie with FREE snacks!
OPENING DAY OF THE INTERNATIONAL
CARILLON FESTIVAL
Mar 18, 2026, 10 AM-3:30 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Start your morning at 10 a.m. with Meet the Carillonneurs — a lively Q&A in the theater. From 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., enjoy the sounds of Victoria d’Lissovoy and Jazzfire performing live jazz on the Café Terrace. At 1 p.m., Carillonneur Geert D’hollander performs on the Singing Tower’s 60-bell carillon. The day crescendos to a 3 p.m. finale concert by a distinguished International Carillon Festival guest artist. boktowergardens.org
COMMUNITY FLOW & WALK
Mar 18, 2026, 10:30 AM
Banana Lake Park
5002 Tillery Road, Lakeland
Join us every other Wednesday for a 45 minute movement led by Gaby and Michelle, and stay to walk around the park or bring a picnic. Bring a mat, water and comfortable shoes. Purchase tickets at centralfloridatix.com
LINE DANCING LESSONS
Mar 18, 2026, 5-9 PM
Union Hall
1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Beginner-friendly line dancing lessons followed by open dancing! Free entry with the purchase of an $8 drink ticket. unionhallevents.com
BINGO NIGHT
Mar 18, 2026, 6-8 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven Free BINGO every Wednesday! FB @bowenyardwh
TRIVIA NIGHT
Mar 18, 2026, 6:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland Free trivia every Wednesday! FB @swanbrewingco
SIMPLY STREISAND
Mar 18, 2026, 7 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Starring award-winning artist Carla DelVillaggio!
Experience the magic, the voice, and the unmistakable presence of a legend in a stunning tribute celebrating the music and legacy of Barbra Streisand. theatrewinterhaven.com
EQUUS
Mar 18, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM
Lakeland Community Theatre
121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland
March 18 & 19. Dr. Martin Dysart, a psychiatrist, is confronted with Alan Strang, a boy who has blinded six horses in a violent fit of passion. To the boy’s parents, it is a hideous mystery. To Dysart, it is a psychological puzzle that leads both doctor and patient to a complex and disturbingly dramatic confrontation. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com
INTERNATIONAL CARILLON FESTIVAL: SINGING BELLS AND SINGING BOWLS
Mar 19, 2026, 9:30 AM-4 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
This unique afternoon layers the enchanting melodies of the carillon with the meditative resonance of singing bowls, creating a deeply restorative experience for mind and spirit. Schedule at boktowergardens.org
SPRING FLING CINEMA: ZOOTOPIA
Mar 19, 2026, 10 AM or 1 PM
Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
101 Adventure Ct, Davenport
The Welcome Center is hosting movies over Spring Break! Each movie is being shown at 10am and then again at 1pm. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a movie with FREE snacks!
CRATE LABELS: PROMOTING AND PRESERVING FLORIDA CITRUS INDUSTRY
Mar 19, 2026, 5-7 PM
Lakeland Public Library
100 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland
Crate Labels: Preserving and Promoting the Florida Citrus Industry with Brenda Burnett. A history of the
citrus crate labels and their importance to the citrus industry. No registration required.
MATT VENUTI LIVE
Mar 19, 2026, 6-7:15 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Experience an unforgettable sunset soundscape as Matt Venuti joins the International Carillon Festival for a breathtaking evening of music. As the sun dips below the horizon, let his luminous melodies and inventive textures elevate the beauty of the moment and set the tone for a truly magical concert experience. More info at boktowergardens.org
EQUUS
Mar 19, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM
Lakeland Community Theatre
121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland
March 18 & 19. Dr. Martin Dysart, a psychiatrist, is confronted with Alan Strang, a boy who has blinded six horses in a violent fit of passion. To the boy’s parents, it is a hideous mystery. To Dysart, it is a psychological puzzle that leads both doctor and patient to a complex and disturbingly dramatic confrontation. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com
TRIVIA AT SMITH’S AMERICAN TAVERN
Mar 19, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM
Smith’s American Tavern
124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland
Every Thursday, free to play, prizes for top teams, and great food and drinks while you play!
WORK SUCKS: A COMEDY SHOWCASE!
Mar 19, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
Don’t miss the #1 Rated “Work Sucks” comedy showcase with comedians whose material centers around the everyday struggles of the work force! winterhavenlol.com
SPRING EQUINOX
Mar 20, 2026
First day of spring!
ST. PADDY’S CHARITY GOLF SCRAMBLE
Mar 20, 2026, 7 AM-2 PM
Cleveland Heights Golf Course
2900 Buckingham Ave, Lakeland
Get ready for a shamrockin’ good time to support ROAR FLORIDA and our mission to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Enjoy a festive day of golf, contests, raffles, breakfast, lunch, and community fun—all with a touch of green! Wear your best St. Paddy’s gear for a chance to win BEST dressed team. roarflorida.org
SPRING FLING CINEMA: RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
Mar 20, 2026, 10 AM or 1 PM
Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
101 Adventure Ct, Davenport
The Welcome Center is hosting movies over Spring Break! Each movie is being shown at 10am and then again at 1pm. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a movie with FREE snacks!
BLOOMS, BELLS, AND BROADWAY
Mar 20, 2026, 11 AM-8:30 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Experience the magic of Broadway like never before as the International Carillon Festival fills the Gardens with the sounds of blooms, bells, and show tunes. Enjoy dazzling carillon performances that bring your favorite
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MARCH 2026 List your
Broadway melodies to life in a breathtaking garden setting. boktowergardens.org
LAKE WALES - CHATTY CRAFTERS
Mar 20, 2026, 1-4 PM
Lake Wales Public Library
290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales
Meet in the Schoenoff Meeting Room
MUSICAL HAMMERS CONCERT SERIES
Mar 20, 2026, 1:30-3 PM
Winter Haven Public Library
325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven
This talented group of hammered dulcimer musicians brings energy and charm to every performance, blending their instruments with guitar, penny whistle, mandolin, banjo, and psaltery.
FRIDAY FEST - ST. PADDY’S UNPARADE
Mar 20, 2026, 5:30-9 PM
Downtown Bartow
Put on your green and join us for a fun, free community celebration in Downtown Bartow! Our March Friday Fest kicks off with a Saint Paddy’s Unparade — an informal, just-for-fun march where the community gathers and walks together from Nye Jordan Park to downtown to start the night. Unparade Meet-Up: Nye Jordan Park Lineup Begins: 5 PM. This is not a formally organized parade — no registration, no fees.
RON SEGGI ORCHESTRA FLASHBACK CONCERT
Mar 20, 2026, 7 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Two-time Grammy nominee Ron Seggi leads his Orchestra and tells tales of his old-hollywood friendships with notables including Ed McMahon, Bob Hope, Don Rickles, Andy Williams, and more. theatrewinterhaven.com
TOWERING WITH BROADWAY: PART DEUX
Mar 20, 2026, 7-8:30 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
The 10-piece Silver Bells Big Band and their dazzling soloists will bring the best of Broadway to life, inviting you to sing along to timeless show tunes in a night filled with fun, flair, and a touch of theatrical magic. boktowergardens.org
BEATLES VS STONESA MUSICAL SHOWDOWN
Mar 20, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM
Polk Theatre
Tickets are $45 - $85, plus ticket fees, and may be purchased at the Theater Box Office, by phone at (863) 682-7553 or online at polktheatre.org.
LAKELAND COMEDY UNDERGROUND PRESENTS A CROWD WORK JOINT
Mar 20, 2026, 8-9:30 PM
Stage room Lakeland
310 e lemon Street , Lakeland
Monthly underground comedy show. Stand-up comedy based off of crowd interaction.
EMO PHILIPS FROM UHF!
Mar 20, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
You might know Emo Phillips from UHF with Weird Al, HBO’s “Crashing”, or his thousands of shows around the globe. winterhavenlol.com
POLK COUNTY WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS
INDOOR MARKET
Mar 21, 2026, 8 AM-1 PM
COhatch Lakeland
211 E. Main Street, Lakeland
Polk County Women Mean Business is a communitydriven group where you can discover trusted womenowned businesses right here in Polk County.We host in-person business meetings and now we are the hosts of the monthly Indoor Market at COhatch - Lakeland on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Although we are a women’s business group, we welcome everyone to participate in our market to shop or as a vendor.
DOWNTOWN LKLD FARMERS CURB MARKET
Mar 21, 2026, 8 AM-2 PM
Munn Park
210 E Main Street., Lakeland
Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street every Saturday. Local, handmade, homegrown produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket
CENTRAL PARK ART FEST
Mar 21, 2026, 9 AM - 4 PM
Central Park
469 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Ridge Art Association presents a 2-day art fest with over 80 artists showcasing their work. Open March 22 from 10 am. - 4 pm. ridgeart.org
WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET
Mar 21, 2026, 9 AM-1 PM
Magnolia Ave , Winter Haven
Visit us along Magnolia Ave in Downtown Winter Haven between 2nd St SW & 3rd St SW. We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, artisan food vendors including handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday from 9am-1pm. FB @winterhavenfarmersmarket
WEEKEND WORKSHOP: STAINED GLASS WITH PAIGE MEDLOCK
Mar 21, 2026, 9 AM-5 PM
Lake Wales Arts Council
1099 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales
Elevate your artistic vision in our weekend Stained Glass Workshop, led by experienced artist Paige Medlock. This unique workshop goes beyond traditional techniques, diving deep into the art of design within stained glass. Through engaging presentations, lively discussions, and hands-on creative experiences, you’ll explore how specific factors inherent to stained glass materials and methods contribute to powerful visual communication. lakewalesartscouncil.org
$2 SPRING PLANT STARTS
Mar 21, 2026, 10 AM 2758 Fraizer St, Bartow
Dive into a world of vibrant, healthy organic fruit and veggie starts, perfect for kickstarting your garden dreams. Don’t miss out on the freshest beginnings for your most bountiful garden yet!
SPRING FLING CINEMA: HOP
Mar 21, 2026, 10 AM or 1 PM
Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
101 Adventure Ct, Davenport
Each movie is being shown at 10am and then again at 1pm. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a movie with FREE snacks!
SPRING GARDEN PARTY
Mar 21, 2026, 10 AM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
The day kicks off with free yoga at 10 AM, hosted by Prima Yawa and Yoga Haven. Sip on gin-themed cocktails served throughout the day by your friends at Maritime, then dig into the fun with a plant swap led by The Potting Bench. Shop spring vendors offering vintage items, plants and locally made goodies from 1 - 6 PM. Hear live music from 5:30–8:30 PM. Familyfriendly. FB @ bowenyardwh
HAINES CITY - BILINGUAL FAMILY TIME
Mar 21, 2026, 11 AM-12 PM
Haines City Public Library
111 N 6th St, Haines City
Family games and bilingual songs, rhymes, crafts and stories. Juegos para toda la familia, canciones bilingues, manualidades y cuentos bilingues.
CYANOTYPE WORKSHOP WITH JENNIFER DOUGLAS
Mar 21, 2026, 11 AM-3 PM
Depot Arts District
955 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland
This workshop offers an introduction to the playful art of cyanotype, one of the earliest photographic techniques using the sun to expose images. You will learn the essentials to create captivating artwork, including mixing cyanotype chemicals and coating paper. Register & more details at lakelandartsassociation.com
GO SWIFTLY TO THE TOWER
Mar 21, 2026, 1-4 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Calling all Swifties! Come early and unleash your creativity by crafting garden-inspired beaded friendship bracelets to share and swap. Then settle in for a day filled with music and magic. Details at boktowergardens.org
DETROIT TIGERS VS. NEW YORK YANKEES
Mar 21, 2026, 1:05 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Spring Training! mlb.com/tigers/spring-training
“SPACE INVASION” ART EXHIBITION
Mar 21, 2026, 6 PM
The Depot
955 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland
Avant-garde and experimental art, music, and performance - via innovative techniques and materials, uncommon mediums, or unconventional subject matter. Ages 18+ only. Food & drink available for purchase. Tickets at centralfloridatix.com.
FASHION GALA
Mar 21, 2026, 6:30 PM
Nora Mayo Hall
500 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven
Get ready to strut your stuff and show off your unique style at HELP,INC Annual Fashion Gala. Tickets at eventbrite.
FOREVER ELVIS ‘73
Mar 21, 2026, 7-10 PM
Polk Theatre
121 South Florida Ave, Lakeland
Step back in time as world-renowned Elvis tribute artist Dwight Icenhower brings the King of Rock and Roll’s legendary sound and style to life. A five-time World Champion Elvis Tribute Artist and winner of the prestigious Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, Dwight has performed alongside many of Elvis’ original bandmates, earning praise from fans and industry legends alike. tickets.sunevents.com
EMO PHILIPS FROM UHF!
Mar 21, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
You might know Emo Phillips from UHF with Weird Al, HBO’s “Crashing”, or his thousands of shows around the globe. winterhavenlol.com
INTERNATIONAL CARILLON FESTIVAL PRESENTS A DAY OF PEACE IN THE GARDENS
Mar 22, 2026, 11 AM-3:45 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Close out the International Carillon Festival with a day filled with hope, peace, and love in the beauty of Bok Tower Gardens. Experience the artistry of worldrenowned cellist and Rotary International Ambassador for Peace, Diego Carneiro, as his music carries a message of unity and compassion. The Festival’s grand finale takes place at 3 p.m. with Bok Tower Gardens’ Carillonneur Geert D’hollander, whose masterful performance will bring the week’s symphony in the sky to a soaring conclusion. boktowergardens.org
MARCH 2026
BARBERSHOP BLAST!
Mar 22, 2026, 2-4:35 PM
Calvary Baptist Church
2101 Overlook Dr, Winter Haven
The Winter Haven Chapter’s 16th Annual Show
“Barbershop Blast” features the chapter’s Harmony Central Barbershop Chorus and guest groups including Sunshine District champion “Tribute” and national Next-Gen silver medalist “Suite Life”. See and hear what these top-notch youthful groups can do with the barbershop style of a cappella singing!
2026 ANNUAL CENTRAL FLORIDA HEALTH CARE GOLF TOURNAMENT
Mar 23, 2026, 8 AM-4 PM
The Club at Eaglebrooke
1300 Eaglebrooke Blvd, Lakeland
Proceeds from the Annual Central Florida Health Care Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Tournament will help provide FREE mammograms to women who cannot afford this potentially life-saving exam in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. Tickets on eventbrite.
FORT MEADE - FREE TAX RETURN PREP HELP
Mar 23, 2026, 10 AM-3 PM
Fort Meade Public Library
75 E Broadway St, Fort Meade
Get help preparing your tax return at no cost and take the stress out of tax season. This popular program is back, so don’t miss your chance to take advantage of this valuable community service!
MINDFUL MONDAYS SOUNDBATH WITH LUPITA - DAYTIME SESSIONS
Mar 23, 2026, 11 AM or 6 PM Depot Arts District
955 E. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland
This immersive relaxation experience will bathe you in resonant sounds from instruments like singing bowls, gongs, and chimes, using vibrations to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote deep rest, often while lying comfortably. More details at lakelandartsassociation.com.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MAHJONG
Mar 23, 2026, 1:30-3:30 PM Winter Haven Public Library
325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven Adults 18+, join us to learn basic rules and instruction, then build your skills each week with open play and meet new friends! All skill levels are welcome. mywinterhaven.com/301/Library
LKLD LINDY HOP SWING DANCE & SOCIAL
Mar 23, 2026, 7-11 PM Union Hall
1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Every Monday join LKLD Lindy Hop for a fun-filled swing dance workshop! lkldlindyhop.com
ROCK N LEARN
Mar 24, 2026, 3:30-4:30 PM Mulberry Phosphate Museum
101 S.E. 1st Street, Mulberry
A free monthly program designed for elementary-aged students who are curious about the world beneath their feet! Held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, this hands-on earth science adventure invites young learners to explore rocks, minerals, fossils, and the natural processes that shape our planet.Absolutely free to participate in. mulberryphosphatemuseum.com
BINGO - GFWC WOMAN’S CLUB OF LAKE WALES
Mar 24, 2026, 4-9 PM
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Lake Wales
275 E Park Ave, Lake Wales
Doors open @ 4:00 pm, Bingo starts @ 5:30 pm. Hot food, beverage & snacks available. Call 863-5145638 for more info.
POLK STATE OPEN HOUSE
Mar 24, 2026, 5 PM - 7 PM
Lakeland Campus
Lakeland Tech Building (LTB) 1100 3425 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland
Prospective students and families are invited to tour the campus, meet faculty, learn about academic programs, student life, financial aid, scholarships, and more.
BREW CREW RUN CLUB
Mar 24, 2026, 5:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
Join the Lakeland Runners Club and their weeklyrun. Check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco
TRIVIA TUESDAY
Mar 24, 2026, 6:30 PM
Grove Roots Brewery
302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing
LIVE MUSIC BINGO
Mar 24, 2026, 6:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland FREE to play and win fun prizes every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco
1 MILLION CUPS- LAKELAND
Mar 25, 2026, 8:30-9:30 AM
The Well
114 E Parker, Lakeland
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers gather for 1 Million Cups — a free, community-driven program where local founders share their stories over coffee.
‘THE RISE OF THE HIGHWAYMEN’ TOURS
Mar 25, 2026, 1-2 PM
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland
All ages welcome. Get an up close tour of “The Rise of the Highwaymen.” agbmuseum.org
ART HISTORY FOR KIDS
Mar 25, 2026, 3:30 PM
Mulberry Cultural Center
103 E Canal St, Mulberry
Explore the world of art one masterpiece at a time. Held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, this free program introduces young artists to famous artworks, styles, and creators from across history. Kids will dive into fun, hands-on projects inspired by the masters, sparking creativity while learning about the stories behind iconic art. Perfect for curious kids who love to make, explore, and imagine! mulberryculturalcenter.org
FREE BINGO NIGHT
Mar 25, 2026, 6-8 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven Free BINGO every Wednesday! FB @bowenyardwh
TRIVIA NIGHT
Mar 25, 2026, 6:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
Free trivia every Wednesday! FB @swanbrewingco
WORLD BALLET COMPANY: SWAN LAKE WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA
Mar 25, 2026, 7 PM
RP Funding Center
701 W Lime St, Lakeland
The legendary tale of Swan Lake takes flight in a breathtaking production from World Ballet Company, performing with a live orchestra, and featuring a cast of 50 international dancers. rpfundingcenter.com
STRAIGHT OUTTA FLORIDA
Mar 25, 2026, 7 PM
Theatre Winter Haven
210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
Performed in the GhostLight Lounge. Compton & Bennett skewer the overblown underbelly of the state called Paradise in this 90-minute song and sketch slice-of-life romp. Two actors play six characters. theatrewinterhaven.com
PAUL ANKA TRIBUTE “TIMES OF YOUR LIFE”
Mar 25, 2026, 7 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Step back in time and experience seven decades of unforgettable music with The Paul Anka Songbook Tribute. theatrewinterhaven.com
POLK STATE OPEN HOUSE
Mar 26, 2026, 5 PM - 7 PM
JD Alexander Center (JDA 101)
152 E Central Ave, Lake Wales
Prospective students and families are invited to tour the campus, meet faculty, learn about academic programs, student life, financial aid, scholarships, and more.
THE BUCKET LIST!
Mar 26, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
An improvised comedy show where audience suggestions are pulled from a bucket and turned into jokes on the spot. No scripts. No safety net. winterhavenlol.com
LAKE WALES - CHATTY CRAFTERS
Mar 27, 2026, 1-4 PM
Lake Wales Public Library
290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales Meet in the Schoenoff Meeting Room
BARK IN THE PARK
Mar 27, 2026, 5:30-8:30 PM
Central Park
411 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Vendors, food and lots of tail wagging. This free dogcentric event is for all dogs (on a leash) and their human companions. Sign up for the Annual Wiener Dog Race, where pint-sized pups dash to the finish line in a race for the title of “Fastest Wiener in Town.” mainstreetwh.com
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE: ELI MOSLEY
Mar 27, 2026, 6-9 PM
Munn Park
201 E Main St, Lakeland
Downtown Lakeland’s Free Concert Series. Bring your lawn chairs, your friends, and good vibes—it’s a familyfriendly event. downtownlkld.com
TICKET TO THE MOON:
THE WORLD’S BEST ELO TRIBUTE
Mar 27, 2026, 7-9 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Hailed by fans as one of the world’s best ELO tribute bands, Ticket to the Moon delivers spot-on renditions of the Electric Light Orchestra’s greatest hits—complete with soaring vocals, rich harmonies, and the highenergy spirit that made ELO legendary. From “Mr. Blue Sky” to “Evil Woman,” every note captures the magic of Jeff Lynne’s timeless sound. boktowergardens.org
SWAN CITY IMPROV
Mar 27, 2026, 7:30 PM or 9:30 PM
Success House
1001 Success Ave, Lakeland
The 7:30 PM Show is family friendly as always and will be a short form show! The 9:30 PM Show is a little more loose and that is 18+ with a longer format more similar to a complete play! Both shows are hilarious and guaranteed to make you laugh! swancityimprov.com
THE UNTEACHABLES COMEDY TOUR!
Mar 27, 2026, 7:30-8:45 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
The Unteachables have been featured on NBC, The Breakfast Club, and Roast Battle League! winterhavenlol.com
CARILLON CLASSIC 5K PRESENTED BY ADVENTHEALTH
Mar 28, 2026, 7-9 AM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Popular for its demanding course and beautiful scenery, the race has become an annual tradition for running enthusiasts. One of the race’s most unique aspects is the Singing Tower’s musical encouragement as the bells ring out during the race.
A kid’s fun run will occur post-race, providing junior runners with a shorter course. Register in advance. boktowergardens.org
DOWNTOWN LKLD FARMERS CURB MARKET
Mar 28, 2026, 8 AM-2 PM
Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street every Saturday. Local, handmade, homegrown produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket
EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE WELCOME CENTER!
Mar 28, 2026, 9 AM - NOON
Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
101 Adventure Ct, Davenport
This FREE event features kid-friendly activities, games and egg hunts every hour. Local vendors on site! Kid-friendly activities and games! AGES 0-3: 9AM, 10AM, 11AM; AGES 4-7: 9:20AM, 10:20AM, 11:20AM; AGES 8-12: 9:40AM, 10:40AM, 11:40AM. For more information, call (863) 420-2586.
WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET
Mar 28, 2026, 9 AM-1 PM
Magnolia Ave , Winter Haven
Visit us along Magnolia Ave in Downtown Winter Haven between 2nd St SW & 3rd St SW. We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, artisan food vendors including handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday. FB @winterhavenfarmersmarket
MONTHLY BASKETRY CIRCLE
Mar 28, 2026, 1-4 PM
Momentum Gallery
1242 E Main St, Bartow
March technique: Woven Bird. Marcia Morse Mullins will demonstrate and teach how to make a woven bird with watercolor paper. Materials provided. FREE, but please register for a head count. bartowartguild.org
RECYCLE THE RUNWAY
Mar 28, 2026, 6 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Watch as local designers’ recycled fashions walk the runway! Plus, enjoy a silent auction, music, wine, and food! Proceeds benefit Your Polk County Hub. More info and purchase tickets at yourpolkcountyhub.net
OPEN MIC RENEGADES AT KOKOMO’S
Mar 28, 2026, 7-10 PM
Kokomo’s Cafe
322 4th St NW, Winter Haven
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-timer, this is your chance to shine on stage (poets, musicians, vendors, spoken word, comedy, singers, dancers). All art forms welcome! Grab a drink, food, check out Kokomo’s, relax, and enjoy the show. Set list is first come first serve. You sign up with Shanice when you arrive. Show starts at 7pm Sharp. If you have an instrument, please make sure to come around 6:30PM to tune and have your instrument ready. More info on FB @OMRopenmics
“RELIVE THE MAGIC”
ICONIC LEGENDS GALA
Mar 28, 2026, 7-11 PM
Black Swan Venue
112 East Pine Street, Lakeland
Dress to impress and relive the magic of iconic legends in a night filled with elegance, live entertainment,hors d’oeuvres and wine. Tickets on eventbrite.
LAKELAND PUNK ROCK FLEA MARKET:
VOLUME 12 AT SWAN BREWING
Mar 29, 2026, 12-6 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
Free, family-friendly event featuring everything punk rock! Bands play throughout the day, shop from over 50 punk vendors, food available for purchase, and of course, award-winning local craft beer. More info on FB @ lakelandpunkflea
MOSAIC BUTTERFLY CLASS
SIP & CREATE EVENT
Mar 30, 2026, 5:30-8 PM
Picassoz Art Cafe
4636 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland
Join us for an exciting beginner mosaic butterfly workshop. This is a Sip & Create collab with Tea Largo and includes a complimentary Tea Largo beverage! Price is $35 per butterfly, which includes everything you need to complete your project and your FREE Tea Largo drink! Pre-register, space is limited! placefull.com/mosaic-butterfly-class-85
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SPRING INTO VEGETABLE GARDENING
Mar 31, 2026, 10-11 AM
Lakeland Public Library
100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland
Join UF/IFAS Extension Polk County to learn how to start your warm season vegetable garden. We will talk about vegetable gardening basics, easy ways to start a vegetable garden, and what you can plant now. For details and to register: springvegetablegardening.eventbrite.com
TRIBUTE TO THE BEE GEES
Mar 31, 2026, 6:30 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
The ultimate salute to the Bee Gees in their prime! This Classic Tributes Live band features the precise vocal blend and musicianship. The Arabellas exclusive 4:30 pm Pre-Show Four-Course Dinner Special is available for pre-purchase. Get more info at theatrewinterhaven.com
dine. drink. shop.
food & drink specials, shops open late Every 1st Friday | 5 - 8 pm
Downtown Winter Haven
Night Market & Car Show on Magnolia Ave
Presenting Sponsor: Car Show Sponsored By: Night Market
#whfirstfriday
masterminded by
IT’S WRITTEN IN THE STARS
(March 21 – April 19)
March feels like a personal reset button. Energy builds as the month goes on, pushing you toward bold decisions and fresh starts. You may feel more confident about speaking up or taking initiative at work or in your personal life. Your luck shows up when you act first, opportunities favor bravery, even if the plan isn’t perfect yet.
(April 20 – May 20)
This is a grounding month that rewards patience. You’re focused on stability, comfort, and long-term goals. Small steps add up quickly. Conversations with friends or colleagues could unexpectedly lead somewhere useful. Your luck comes through during networking, from a recommendation, or someone opening a door for you.
GEMINI
(May 21 – June 20)
The first half of March may feel a little foggy, but clarity returns as the month moves along. Once it does, ideas flow faster and decisions feel easier. Old conversations or paused projects may reappear. Your luck comes from revisiting something unfinished and finally giving it your full attention.
(June 21 – July 22)
March encourages emotional growth and trust in your instincts. You may be drawn to home, family, or personal priorities that ground you. When you honor your feelings instead of brushing them aside, things align more smoothly. Your luck appears when you listen to your intuition, especially around timing and relationships.
(July 23 – August 22)
This month puts you in the spotlight in a good way. Recognition, praise, or new opportunities may come from simply being yourself and showing up fully. Social and professional momentum builds quickly. Your luck comes through visibility, the more you share your talents, the more doors will open.
VIRGO
(August 23 – September 22)
March is productive and purposeful. You’re focused on refining plans, solving problems, and getting organized. While it may not feel flashy, progress is steady and satisfying. Your luck shows up through preparation; being ready when opportunity knocks makes all the difference.
(September 23 – October 22)
Relationships and collaborations are highlighted this month. Honest conversations help restore balance and strengthen trust. You may find that working with others brings better results than going it alone. Your luck comes through cooperation, compromise, and well-timed communication.
(October 23 – November 21)
This is a focused, powerful month for you. Motivation increases, and you’re more willing to commit fully to a goal. When you stop second-guessing and lean into your intensity, results follow. Your luck appears when you choose depth over distraction.
SAGITTARIUS
(November 22 – December 21)
March sparks curiosity and forward thinking. You may feel inspired to plan a trip, learn something new, or take a creative risk. Even small changes bring a sense of renewal. Your luck comes when you say yes to growth, especially outside your comfort zone.
(December 22 – January 19)
This is a steady, rewarding month that favors persistence. You may not see instant results, but behind-the-scenes progress is real. Responsibilities feel more manageable as clarity improves. Your luck builds through consistency; showing up every day pays off.
(January 20 – February 18)
Creative energy is strong in March. You’re full of ideas and new perspectives, and others may finally be ready to listen. Innovation is your advantage right now. Your luck comes from originality; the more authentic you are, the more success follows.
PISCES
(February 19 – March 20)
March feels dreamy but surprisingly productive. Creative projects, emotional healing, or spiritual insight come into focus. When you trust your inner voice, the right people and opportunities seem to find you. Your luck flows through creativity and intuition, follow what feels inspired.
Exceptional Care, Right Around the Corner
Lakeland Regional Health Physician Group is proud to grow alongside the Winter Haven community to offer trusted care for the whole family, close to home.
Our dedicated physician and care teams are here to help you live and stay well. From primary care and pediatrics to orthopedics and rehabilitation, our Winter Haven locations make it easy to find the care you need with expert providers. Whether it’s a routine checkup, a visit with your child, or a rehabilitation appointment to help you get back to doing what you love, we’re honored to be a part of your health journey.
WINTER HAVEN LOCATIONS:
Winter Haven Downtown
PRIMARY CARE
199 Ave B NW | Suite 310
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm
To make an appointment: 863.284.5000
This location has a lab on site!
Open Mon-Fri 6am-4:15pm.
Winter Haven Central
PEDIATRICS
430 E Central Ave
Winter Haven, FL 33880
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm • Sat 7:30am-12pm
To make an appointment: 863.284.5000
Padgett Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
250 Third Street NW | Suite 201
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
To make an appointment: 863.318.9696
Our Promise.
Outpatient Therapy & Sports Rehab | Winter Haven 1st Street
295 1st Street S | Suite 2 • Winter Haven, FL 33880
Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm • Fri 8am-2:30pm
To make an appointment: 863.291.8644
Outpatient Therapy & Sports Rehab | Winter Haven
250 Third Street NW | Suite 202
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-5:30pm • Fri 8am-12pm
To make an appointment: 863.291.8644
Find care for your whole family. Visit myLRH.org/LRHPG or scan the QR code.
