LKLD August 2026

LKLD

August

Same-Day Appointments with our Orthopedic Specialists

You deserve orthopedic care that seems more than just an injury. At AdventHealth Medical Group, our experts care for your body, mind and spirit to help you get back to the moments that matter most. Whether you’re ready to walk pain-free or return to your favorite hobby, we provide the personalized support you need to feel whole again.

Our Winter Haven Orthopedic Providers

Schedule your same-day appointment at 863-350-7504.

BondClinicIsNowAHMG.com

EVERYONE

Winter Haven Hospital is BayCare.

One connected network of high-quality care.

BayCare Winter Haven Hospital is celebrating 100 years of caring for the community. You’ve trusted us to keep you healthy for generations and we’ll continue giving you outstanding care for years to come. You get fast, convenient access to what you and your family need, from emergency care for children and adults, to urgent care, primary care and more. And we belong to the BayCare family, which means you get seamless care from the region’s largest academic health system. Your health care records are available across BayCare, your care teams work together and managing your health is easier.

To learn more, go to BayCare.org/WHH100.

Letter From the Editor

LKLD

August

Hello!

This month, Bob Gernert writes about Gene Leedy and the influence he’s had on architecture, especially here in Polk County. It was an honor to share his story this month and to learn more about his life. I want to give a huge thank you to Zack and Max Strang for help with photos.

We also talk with the husband and wife team that bakes the best rum cakes around, Bang Bang Bakehouse. We also visit with Island Dreaming, a clothing boutique in Winter Haven that will make you feel like you’re on the beach all day.

Jeremy Gardner gives us another short story, it’s my favorite so far. IV Horn talks about the tabloids, which all happen to be from Florida. Who knew? Shannon Carnevale teaches us about Florida lightning, and Anne Yasalonis gives us a plan for our fall gardens.

By the time you read this, the voting will have ended for the Best Of LKLD awards, and we are off counting the votes. Be sure to pick up the September issue so you can see who won! At this point, we’ve received over 20,000 votes, thank you to everyone who took the time to vote.

One last thing. Our Haven Magazine turns 10 this year. We decided it was time for a refresh, so we’ve got a new look for LKLD this October. We’re excited to share it with you.

Thanks for picking us up!

Amy Sexson Editor/Partner Destroyer Media & Marketing

LOCAL NEWS

FSC TACKLES CITRUS RESTORATION

Florida Southern College is reestablishing two historic campus citrus groves to help prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders. The groves will serve as living laboratories where students can test strategies to combat citrus greening, the disease that has devastated Florida’s signature industry. The project also supports FSC’s redesigned Horticulture, Land, and Resource Management Program, launched in 2024 through the Barney Barnett School of Business & Free Enterprise. The program reflects a changing vision of agriculture. Along with horticultural science, students study finance, supply chains, analytics, technology, entrepreneurship, and environmental law, preparing them to manage agricultural businesses rather than simply grow crops. The effort comes as Florida’s citrus industry continues to struggle. State orange production has fallen by more than 90% since the mid-2000s. Polk County remains Florida’s leading citrus-producing county despite steep acreage losses from citrus greening.

POLK SCORES RISE, BUT GAP REMAINS

Polk County students posted higher standardized test scores this year, but they continue to trail the statewide average by about 10 percentage points despite several years of steady improvement. Results released in late June show 52% of Polk students scored at or above grade level in English language arts, and 48% did so in mathematics. Those figures are up from 40% in both subjects when Florida introduced its new progress-monitoring testing system in 2023. Statewide, however, 61% of students met gradelevel expectations in English language arts, and 62% did so in mathematics, meaning Polk has made gains without narrowing the gap. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the statewide results during a Lakeland press conference, crediting Florida’s progress-monitoring system with boosting achievement. Polk County Public Schools maintained its B district grade, with more individual schools earning higher marks this year.

Cindy Glover/LkldNow

GREAT SOUTHERN BETS ON COMEBACK

CLUB KEEPS LAKELAND SENIORS DANCING

For nearly 25 years, the Lakeland Seniors Dance & Social Club has given older residents a place to stay active, make friends, and keep dancing. The group meets every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Magnolia Building near Hollis Garden, welcoming adults 50 and older for ballroom, line dancing, swing, and Latin dances. Admission is $5, with live music provided by local entertainers. Members say the club offers much more than exercise. For many, it provides companionship, purpose, and a welcoming community after retirement or the loss of a spouse. Several participants credit the group with helping them overcome loneliness while improving their physical and mental health. The club, founded in 2001, has grown through word of mouth and continues to attract newcomers looking for fun, friendship, and a reason to get out of the house each week.

GOVERNOR CUTS LAKELAND BUDGET ITEMS

Before signing Florida’s new state budget, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed three of Lakeland’s four funding requests, leaving the city with just $1 million of the $3.115 million that state lawmakers had approved. DeSantis eliminated $1 million for public safety radio replacement, $1 million for a Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project, and $115,000 for a Se7en Wetlands Water Education Center. The lone survivor was $1 million for the San Gully Drainage Stabilization Project, which will help stabilize a severely eroded creek that threatens nearby homes and infrastructure. The outcome reflected a mixed year for Polk County. While Lakeland’s relatively modest list of municipal priorities took a hit, Florida Polytechnic University, Polk State College, Florida Southern College, the Sixth District Court of Appeal, and several local nonprofits all secured state funding. Several other Polk County education and infrastructure projects also survived the governor’s vetoes.

After sitting idle for nearly a month, Lakeland’s Great Southern Beverages — formerly known as Brew Hub — has restarted production in a bold comeback attempt. But surviving will require overcoming both immediate financial problems and a fundamentally changed market. Production resumed in late June after a shutdown that furloughed employees and raised questions about the future of the sprawling brewery near Lakeland Linder International Airport. Company leaders say they’re seeking additional working capital while continuing to produce beverages for customers and expanding into nonalcoholic drinks and contract manufacturing. The road ahead remains steep. Great Southern is still navigating cash-flow problems and a pending eviction lawsuit from its landlord. The company also faces a beverage industry very different from the one Brew Hub entered in 2012. Craft beer’s explosive growth has slowed, and consumers are increasingly choosing cocktails, hard seltzers, and alcohol-free beverages instead.

ORLANDO HEALTH WATSON CLINIC HOSPITAL OPENS

Lakeland’s second hospital, and the first to open in the city in more than a century, welcomed its first patients on July 8, expanding access to health care on the city’s fast-growing south side. The Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital also celebrated its first birth the following day, awarding the newborn a full Polk State College scholarship covering tuition, fees, and required books. The seven-story, $166 million hospital includes 124 private patient rooms, a 22-bed emergency department, eight operating rooms, labor and delivery services, intensive care, and advanced imaging. It is part of a broader transformation of Lakeland’s health care landscape. After generations with a single hospital, the city is due to get its third next year when AdventHealth opens a 10-story, 400-bed hospital at the southeast corner of Harden Boulevard and the Polk Parkway.

MIDTOWN’S NEXT CHAPTER

A new redevelopment plan imagines a Midtown where more people live near Lakeland Regional Health, TigerTown attracts visitors year-round, Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue becomes a stronger business corridor, and trails connect Bonnet Springs Park to a new nature preserve. The draft “Restore the Core” plan recommends extending Lakeland’s Midtown Community Redevelopment Area through 2056 while shifting its focus from fighting blight to building on more than $20 million of public and private investment over the past two decades. It calls for more workforce housing, redevelopment of vacant and underused properties, improved walkability, expanded parks, and preservation of the area’s history. The plan also encourages mixed-use development, better connections between neighborhoods, and support for locally owned businesses while identifying opportunities to assemble land for larger redevelopment projects. City commissioners are expected to consider the proposal after a public review process.

CRACKS SPARK CONCERNS ABOUT PROMENADE

Lakeland is investigating cracks, leaks, and possible movement at the Frances Langford Promenade, one of the city’s best-known historic landmarks. It was completed in 1928 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city received a $79,827 National Park Service grant to determine what is causing the deterioration and whether the Lake Mirror structure remains sound. Staff documented water intrusion, exposed rebar, cracked columns, deteriorating concrete, and separation between portions of the wall and walkway. Hurricane Milton may have worsened the problems after floodwaters covered the promenade in October 2024. The roughly 120day study will review past construction records, use ground-penetrating radar and other imaging technology, and test the soil beneath the structure. Investigators will also examine whether construction of the nearby Summit Building in 2022 may have contributed to the promenade’s deterioration.

DATA CENTER MORATORIUM VOTE AUG. 3

Lakeland commissioners are expected to vote Aug. 3 on whether to halt new large-scale data center proposals for one year while the city develops regulations for the fastgrowing industry. The proposal gained momentum after the Project Swan data center proposed for west Lakeland galvanized neighborhood opposition. On July 6, dozens of residents packed the City Commission Chambers expecting the ordinance’s first reading. Instead, a legal notice error forced the city to postpone the hearing, though commissioners still spent more than four hours hearing public comment. If approved, the oneyear moratorium would temporarily pause applications for large-scale data centers and other projects with exceptionally high electricity demands while city staff develops permanent regulations addressing issues such as water and electric demand, noise, traffic and compatibility with nearby neighborhoods. Commissioners say Lakeland’s land development code lacks standards tailored to the industry’s unique impacts.

LRH NAMED LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CENTER

Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center has been designated a Level I trauma center, making it one of just 12 hospitals in Florida certified to provide the state’s highest level of trauma care for adults and children. The designation means patients with the most severe injuries can receive advanced care close to home instead of being transferred to hospitals in Tampa, Orlando, or Gainesville. Lakeland Regional treated more than 4,400 trauma patients last year and has operated as a provisional Level I trauma center since May 2025 while completing the state’s rigorous review process. Hospital leaders say the designation strengthens care not only for Polk County but also for Highlands and Hardee counties. Level I trauma centers must provide around-theclock access to specialized surgeons and other experts while meeting strict standards for research, education, and community outreach in addition to patient care.

DIGGING INTO SOIL

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 · 10AM · ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

TRAVELERS FLOWER PRESS BOOKMAKING

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 · 10AM · ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

ORCHID FEVER

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15

THE MAGIC OF MICROGREENS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 · 10AM · ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS

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AUGUST 27-28

HERB BASKET BY CJ’S BASKETS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 · 10AM · ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

LABOR DAY WEEKEND AT THE GARDENS

SEPTEMBER 5-7

FREE ADMISSION TO MILITARY VETERANS WITH ID

PAINTING PARADISE

“Painting Paradise: The Rise of the Highwaymen” will be on view at The AGB Museum of Art all month. A group of African-American artists painted Florida’s landscapes and sold their work from the trunks of their cars. With landscapes laced with nostalgia, the Highwaymen produced an estimated 200,000 works. agbmuseum.org

FOUNDATIONS IN CLAY

Beginning Aug. 6 at the Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio in Lakeland. This four-week class is an introduction to handbuilding techniques of pinching, slabbing, coiling, wheel throwing, and glazing. Included: all clay and glazes, use of tools and equipment, kiln firings, and guided instruction. Registration required at marvelousmudpotterystudio.com.

POLK TOP 10

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

Every Saturday in August from 9 a.m. to noon along Magnolia Ave between 2nd St SW & 3rd St SW in Downtown Winter Haven. The market features a variety of produce, food trucks, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, honey, pickles, artisan food, and local makers. Pick up a free market bag at the info tent, while supplies last. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

ORCHID FEVER + HAVANA HEAT

Aug. 15, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. A celebration of one of nature’s most exotic and captivating blooms, combined with music and delight in the flavors of Cuba! This event invites you to experience exotic orchid varieties from around the world and much more. Visit boktowergardens.org for more information.

FINDING NEMO JR.

Aug. 1 – 9 at the Gem Theater in Mulberry. The Missing Piece Theatre presents this 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie “Finding Nemo.” Marlin, an anxious and overprotective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his son Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. centralfloridatix.com

CYPRESS GARDENS WATER SKI SHOW

Aug. 15 at MLK Park at Lake Silver in Winter Haven. Watch the world-famous ski team perform for free! Pre-show begins at 4:15 p.m., and the show begins at 5 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and cash for the 50/50 raffle. Concessions available for purchase. Fun for the entire family! cypressgardensskiteam.com

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS

Head over to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium to watch the Lakeland Flying Tigers play! The Single-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers plays 18 times in August. Visit milb.com/lakeland to see the full schedule of games, purchase tickets, and check for promotions like the “$2 hot dog,” “All-You-Can-Eat” nights, Baseball BINGO, and more.

THE POLK YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AWARDS

Aug. 19, 5:30 p.m. at Idlewood in Bartow. This will be an evening to celebrate the work of young professionals’ groups throughout the year and the people making a difference in Polk County. A finalist representing each of the young professional groups from Lakeland, Bartow, and Winter Haven will be recognized before honoring one county-wide young professional. emergelakeland.org

STUFF THE BUS

Aug. 5, 7 a.m. at the RP Funding Center. For 25 years, the Lakeland & Citrus Center Kiwanis Club has delivered school supplies to nearly 10,000 students across 29 Lakeland elementary schools. So many families here are stretched thin, and supplies are often out of reach. Your support gets kids ready to learn and takes the burden off teachers. Learn how you can help: kiwanisoflakeland.com/stuff-thebus.

FINE ART AT THE MAGNOLIA

Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Magnolia Building at 702 E Orange St. in Lakeland. This show exhibits 19 highly accomplished artists and craftsmen from across the state in a variety of media. Don’t miss the awarding of the “Rising Star Scholarship” to college-bound art students. thebohrergallery.com

The hospital Polk County has been waiting for is now open. Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital brings together advanced heart and stroke care, a full labor and delivery unit, emergency care for all adults and children and much more — combining the trusted care this community knows with the strength and expertise of one of the Southeast’s highest-rated health systems. OrlandoHealth.com/Lakeland

ORLANDO TOP 10

TAI CHI IN THE GARDEN

Every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park. This is a gentle exercise program composed of slow, deliberate movements, meditation, and deep breathing to enhance health and well-being. Purchase tickets in advance; all proceeds benefit Mead Botanical Garden. meadgarden.org

CELEBRATION OF RUNNING 5K

Aug. 15, 7:30 a.m. The 3.1-mile USATF-certified route starts at Orlando Cultural Park, passes by two lakes, and runs through the eclectic Mills50 neighborhood, finishing on the Orlando Urban Trail. Kids’ runs are free and recommended for children 12 and under. Distances range from 100 yards to one mile, and children will be placed in age-appropriate groups. Register at trackshack.com

SIDEWALK SALE

Aug. 1 in Downtown Winter Garden. Stroll through the historic streets and shop the sale racks for bargains along West Plant Street from Woodland Street to Central Avenue plus Main Street and Boyd Street. Live music from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the Centennial Plaza Gazebo. This is also during a Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday! cwgdn.com

SENSORY SUNDAYS

Aug. 16, 10 a.m. - noon at the Crayola Experience. Designed for kids and families who would like to experience the attraction adapted for sensory needs including low lighting, music and sounds turned off, quiet room available, paper towels in the restrooms, and sensoryfriendly Crayola products. Enjoy a special character appearance at 11 a.m. crayolaexperience.com

FREE DAY!

Aug. 3, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Leu Gardens. Did you know that you can visit Leu Gardens for free on the first Monday of every month? Take a few hours and explore the 50 acres and 15,500 botanical specimens in the Florida Native Plant Garden, the Edible Plant Garden, Rose Garden, the Camellia Collection, and so much more. leugardens.org

HIREPALOOZA

Aug. 20, 10 a.m. at the Kia Center. Attendees can explore hundreds of open positions, meet recruiters faceto-face, attend free career sessions, receive professional resume reviews, take free headshots, and access support from community partners dedicated to helping people take the next step in their careers. Free admission. orlandojobs.com

ORLANDO STORY CLUB

Aug. 5, 7 p.m. at CityArts Orlando. This is a live storytelling competition, the August theme is “Salty.” Anyone with a story that fits this theme can enter by putting their name in the story hat. Ten names are drawn at random. Each storyteller is given five minutes to impress the audience, and the top three tellers take home prizes. Tickets at downtownartsdistrict.com.

SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE

Aug. 22, 8 – 11:30 p.m. at the Orlando Science Center. Adults will enjoy signature cocktails & mocktails, live demonstrations, hands-on activities, an up-close experience with animals from the Life exhibit, see works by talented local creators, and finally stargaze under the night sky with a telescope tour of the stars. 18+ only. Purchase tickets at osc.org.

MICKEY’S NOT SO SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY

Select nights at Magic Kingdom from Aug. 7 through Oct. 31. This separately-ticketed event includes the Boo-To-You Halloween parade, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show, the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show, seasonal food, Trick or Treating throughout the park, character Meet & Greets, and more. disneyworld.disney.go.com

LOVE & BOSSA NOVA

Aug. 22, 9 p.m. at Judson’s Live.

An intimate showcase of classic bossa nova featuring Daniela Soledade’s vocals accompanied by Nate Najar on guitar. Together, they paint a sunny portrait of 1960s Rio de Janeiro. Love & Bossa Nova returns with songs from Daniela’s latest album, “Deco Tropical,” alongside classic bossa nova hits. drphillipscenter.org

A BETTER VISIT STARTS HERE

TAMPA TOP 10

FIRED UP!

A raku pottery experience with Nina Samuels. In this two-hour workshop, your instructor will supply bisquefired pieces of pottery for you to glaze. While the kiln is heating up, you will learn about the process and prepare the flame pit for this Japanese-style of firing. You will take home two pieces of personalized pottery. Held at the Morean Arts Center, the day and time will be scheduled at registration. More info at moreanartscenter.org.

Aug. 14, 9 p.m. at The Orpheum. This is not your standard 80s night! At this dance party you’ll hear music like Sisters of Mercy, Soft Cell, Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Depeche Mode, The Cure, The Damned, Gary Numan, Front 242, Malaria, Xmal Deutschland, Joy Division, Skinny Puppy and so much more. Pull out those Docs, eyeliner, and everything black in your closet. Tickets at theorpheum.com. 21+

U-PICK ZINNIAS

Every day from 11 a.m. to sunset at Keel Farms in Plant City. For just $6 per container, you can pick as many flowers as you can fit into that container. All supplies are provided, just come ready to explore and enjoy the season of zinnias. While you’re there, grab a bite to eat and try their locally made wines, agrarian ales, and ciders. keelfarms.com

WICKED SING-A-LONG

Aug. 23, 6:30 p.m. at Sparkman Wharf. Now you can finally belt out “Defying Gravity” at the volume it deserves. Join Tampa Theatre for this special free sing-along outdoor presentation of “Wicked” (2024). Limited area to sit; no ticket required. First 100 guests receive a free fan and a free bag of popcorn. tampatheatre.org

BIER FEST BREWS & BBQ

Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to park closing at Busch Gardens. Featuring over 70 craft brews and cocktails, including 40 local Florida favorites, and an all-new menu with over 20 beer-inspired BBQ dishes. This summer celebration includes live entertainment, Oktoberfest-style games, and more. Included with park admission. buschgardens.com

DEVO: MUTATE DON’T STAGNATE

Aug. 27, 7 p.m. at The Baycare Sound in Clearwater. Co-founder Mark Mothersbaugh said in a statement, “from those who’ve been with us since the beginning more than 50 years ago to a whole new generation discovering Devo for the first time. This tour is a celebration for everyone who’s been part of our journey.” Purchase tickets at rutheckerdhall.com.

SECOND SATURDAY ART WALK

Aug. 8 in St. Pete. The Central Arts District, Grand Central District, Warehouse Arts District, Uptown Arts District, Deuces Live District, Edge District, and Waterfront Arts District come together as one arts destination with many venues hosting the opening night of their latest exhibit. Galleries and studios are open from 5-9 p.m. View the map at stpeteartsalliance.org.

LASER LIGHT SHOW: RUSH

Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m. Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium at MOSI and experience vivid laser visuals and special effects. Designed for all ages, before each performance an astronomer will guide you through a live star show, taking you on a journey into the night sky before the music begins. Purchase tickets in advance at mosi.org.

MONSTER JAM: FREESTYLE MANIA

Aug. 14 – 16 at Benchmark International Arena. Monster Jam trucks have teamed up with Freestyle Motocross bikes to deliver gravity-defying skills and thrills. The one-of-a-kind FMX bikes for this epic team competition will each have the iconic look of your favorite trucks like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Sparkle Smash, and more. monsterjam.com

Aug. 29, 8 a.m. at Al Lopez Park. A 5K chip-timed run, and a 1K dash for kids. Proceeds benefit Celebrate Birthdays, a 501c3 charity non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that every foster child and all children, regardless of personal or financial circumstances, have the opportunity to celebrate their birthday and receive a present! Register at runtampa.com.

THE ARCHITECT WHO SHAPED WINTER HAVEN

Gene Leedy’s bold mid-century vision turned a citrus town into a quiet capital of modern design.

On a crest of land between an old grapefruit grove and the gentle shoreline of Lake Elbert, eleven low-slung homes sit beneath flat roofs and sliding glass walls, looking very much as they did the day Gene Leedy drew them. Locals call them the Craney Spec Homes. The rest of the world, increasingly, calls them a treasure. Decades after Leedy first set up his drafting table in town, Winter Haven remains the indisputable epicenter of one of the most original architects Florida has ever produced.

BEGINNINGS

Gene Robert Leedy was born on February 6, 1928, in Isaban, West Virginia, but the design world claims him as a Floridian. His family settled in Gainesville while he was still a boy, and by sixteen, he was enrolled at the University of Florida’s College of Architecture. He graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1950, headed straight for Sarasota, and walked into the office of a young Paul Rudolph as Rudolph’s first employee. Working under Rudolph—and earlier for Ralph and William Zimmerman—Leedy joined a small group of designers who were quietly reinventing how Floridians could live in their climate. That group came to be known as the Sarasota School of Architecture. Leedy was one of its founders.

A CITRUS TOWN FINDS ITS ARCHITECT

In 1954, a commission to design the Sparrow House brought Leedy to Winter Haven. He never left. The town was a citrus hub then, modest and unassuming, and at first glance an unlikely

setting for radical modern design. Leedy saw it differently. The lakes, the light, the openness, he believed Florida living deserved an architecture that answered the climate honestly, with crossventilation, deep overhangs, courtyards that pulled the outdoors in, and walls of glass that erased the line between living room and lawn.

THE DOUBLE-TEE SIGNATURE

What made Leedy’s work unmistakable was his audacious use of pre-cast concrete. While most residential architects of his era reached for wood and brick, Leedy embraced industrial structural systems, most famously, the long-span “doubletee” concrete beams more typically seen in parking garages and warehouses. In his hands, they became poetry. Exposed overhead, the twin ribs of the double-tee cast crisp shadows across courtyards and ceilings, providing both structure and ornament in a single, honest gesture. Combined with locally quarried “Ocala Block,” sliding glass doors, and clean postand-beam framing, the look was unmistakable: low, horizontal, calm, and very Florida.

THE CRANEY HOMES AND A LIFE LIVED IN HIS OWN DESIGN

Among Leedy’s earliest Winter Haven projects, none became more beloved than the Craney Spec Homes. Begun in the late 1950s on a parcel between a grapefruit grove and Lake Elbert, the eleven modular houses ranged from roughly 1,200 to 1,500 square feet, modest by spec-builder standards then or now.

Leedy’s goal was to prove that an inexpensive home could carry the charm and dignity of a custom-designed one. The prototype was the home he designed for himself, where he lived for sixty-five years until his death. The Craney Homes have since been recognized as a National Historic District, and Leedy’s own residence has been carefully restored as a public landmark, opened for tours and a designer-in-residence program.

PRESTIGIOUS COMMISSIONS

Leedy’s reach extended far beyond his neighborhood. Among his prestigious commissions were the President’s House at the University of South Florida, the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house at his alma mater in Gainesville, the First National Bank of Cape Canaveral, Brentwood Elementary School in Sarasota, and the Syd Solomon Residence on Siesta Key. Closer to home, his fingerprints are on much of civic Winter Haven—City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, the Country Club, and the Garden Center—and a long roster of houses including the Strang, Dormon, Sands, Ellison, Brogden, and Sparrow residences that read like a directory of mid-century Florida design.

The profession noticed. Leedy was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects in 1992, and in 2014 the Florida Chapter of the AIA awarded him its Medal of Honor.

A PROTÉGÉ’S DEVOTION

Few have done more to keep that legacy visible than architect Max Strang, FAIA, who grew up in a Leedy-designed home and went on to apprentice in Leedy’s Winter Haven office before founding his own firm. After his mentor’s death in 2018, Strang acquired both the architect’s residence and adjoining studio, buildings that had served their owner for 58 and 62 years respectively, and led a meticulous restoration that earned a 2021 AIA Florida Award for Historic Preservation.

“The boldness of his personality comes through in the boldness of his structures,” Strang has said of his mentor. “He evolved this very signature, identifiable style and it was bold, like him.” Asked once to sum up Leedy’s reach in their shared hometown, Strang put it more colorfully: “Gene Leedy designed damn near the entire city of Winter Haven.”

A LEGACY ETCHED IN CONCRETE AND GLASS

Gene Leedy died on November 24, 2018, at the age of 90. But step out into Winter Haven on almost any morning, past a Leedy bank on the way to a Leedy city hall, past a Leedy home with its courtyard fountain catching the light, and his presence is impossible to miss. He gave a small Florida town an architectural identity that designers from around the world now travel to study. For his neighbors, the legacy is more personal: the quiet conviction, embedded in concrete and glass, that even the most ordinary day deserves a beautiful place to live it.

by

WORDS

Shari’ Wright-Richard

WHAT DOES YOUR CAKE SOUND LIKE

It’s something about the words ‘bang bang,’ it’s so fun to say. It’s so easy to remember. And people always remember our name. Cake with a bang. We wanted [our] name to reflect what you’re feeling when you’re eating our cake. - Raquel Figueroa

It’s a bang in every bite, in every jar, or plate waiting for the next customer to encounter the onomatopoeia of it all. One part idea, one part cake, one part icing, one part rum. And not the essence of rum … or rum extract … or rum flavoring … it’s rum from your favorite cocktail rum. And that is just the start of this ideal rum cake. To make it the perfect adult treat, you need key ingredients from creators Raquel Figueroa & Christian Rosario, and then you have the perfect Bang Bang Bakehouse surprise.

Figueroa and Rosario are graphic designers by day and rum cake extraordinaires by morning, noon, evening, and on very special nights. The “more than a bakery” brand, Bang Bang Bakehouse, created and solely run by this husband and wife team, is centered around individualized, specialty flavored rum cakes. One part idea. One part rum. One part topping. One part unique. Figueroa and Rosario aren’t making your average rum cake. They incorporate elements from traditional and non-traditional craft cocktails into cake form. They do the same with snacks and cultural staples from their childhood. Figueroa describes a favorite of hers, “... one of the most fun flavors that I love is the Thai Tea rum cake. We do a Thai tea cake, and we do a cereal milk frosting, which we actually use the Fruity Pebbles cereal to soak in the cream, and then a funfetti crumble on top. Super fun flavor!” and along with Rosario, they continue to share other cakes that represent how invested

the duo is in knocking on nostalgic doors, “Our Hottie cake, which is Mexican hot chocolate inspired. It’s a dark chocolate rum cake and then we put a little bit of cayenne pepper in it so it’s a little spicy like Mexican hot chocolate. It has a dulce de leche icing and cinnamon sugar churro crumbles on top.”

Of course, many of the flavors come from things they had growing up in their Latino households. Rosario, being Puerto Rican, and Figueroa, who is Cuban and Nicaraguan, have plenty to pull from. “We have a guava and queso flavor which is inspired by guava and cheese pastelitos,” adds Figueroa, before exclaiming how they’re always wondering what more they can do. “I like cocktails, so obviously I get a lot of inspiration from [them], and I’m always asking myself, ‘How can I turn this into a cake?’ And now I go crazy with flavors. I like to throw in something fun, something you’re not expecting in a cake, like we’ve thrown stuff in with cereal milk, and we have our own version of Twinkies now, too, called Bangies!”

The cakes are decadent and made with care and intention. Imagine a vanilla rum cake with toasted pecan crumbles, that’s The O.G. Imagine a take on bananas foster, with a caramelized banana rum cake, espresso tahini icing, and salted dark chocolate crumbles. Imagine a PB&J rum cake, topped with smooth peanut

butter, strawberry preserves, and brown sugar peanut crumbles that are toasted and finished with classic rum icing. Using toppings to make the cakes interesting, like pistachio buttercream, toasted crunchy crumble with pistachio and black sesame, and variations to make the cakes unexpected like matcha olive oil, pina colada cake, and even cornbread rum cake. The flare of Figueroa and Rosario‘s enjoyment in their recipes is more than evident.

We like to consider ourselves a brand, not just a bakery. Our brand is built on creativity and community.

One part wholesale. One part shipping. One part catering. One part pop-up. Bang Bang began when the couple decided during the pandemic to turn a hobby into a business. Figueroa had been making rum cake since she was a teenager. And she thought that it would be cool if they could make them into personalized sizes. She started with her best friend as a birthday gift, only to then open up orders to family, friends, and neighbors. As word spread and internet posts were shared, they found themselves delivering door to door around Miami until they packed up the bakery and headed to Polk County. Now, as members of Catapult (Lakeland), they have an industrial kitchen where they are doing their best to handle the expansion of the brand.

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The vision of Bang Bang Bakehouse is to be the one you call for catering needs as well as collaborations between small businesses, for small batch jars to groups having ‘make your own’ Bang Bang parties and workshops. Bang Bang cakes are at restaurants in Orlando, The Gnarly Cuban, Diablicos Coffee, and Aguila Coffee. They can be found across Lakeland at stores such as Bodega Market, dining establishments like Sabu Ramen, and Hakucho (where you can even experience the delicious rum cakes as a plated dessert following your entree). They’re currently in Concord Coffee, both the Winter Haven and Lakeland locations, where the featured Cortadito rum cake is an espresso martini that uses Concord’s classic coffee.

Of course, for these confectionery imagineers, the greatest pleasure is meeting the customers in person. They want to do intimate parties, be a part of pop-ups, and events that they organize. Their two big events they are looking forward to are a festival for Hispanic Heritage Month in October and The Central Florida Food Festival in November at Bonnet Springs.

The chance to personally grab a bite of Bang is but an Instagram scroll away. The digital duo updates their page @bangbangbakehouse to include all new products and partnerships, but also where in Central Florida they will be.

Click their profile and look for the cool yellow pickup truck that screams Bang Bang.

Alexa Estevez

PHOTOGRAPHS

Kamryn Tutiven

ON ISLAND TIME

Amidst the ocean breeze and tropical climate of Key West, high schooler Selina had fallen in love with the Sunshine State and told herself, “I would never live in the cold again.” Originally from Michigan, Selina was introduced to her newfound fashion style of lightweight and breathable clothing while living the island life. Years later, her high school outfits would become the inspiration behind her brand’s identity. Today, she calls Winter Haven, Florida, home and is the owner of Island Dreaming, a boutique dedicated to natural, sustainable clothing inspired by the easygoing spirit of the Keys.

Founded in 2017, Island Dreaming began as Selina’s creative clothing line featuring naturally tie-dyed yoga wear and beach wraps. In partnership with a woman-owned yoga apparel company in California, Selina personally handdyed each piece, making every item one of a kind.

“I used bamboo fabrics and I did a whole collection,” she said. “It was a lot of fun, but a lot of work.”

Although she discontinued making handmade clothing, Selina kept her business name to open her own bohemian, chic, and classy-wear boutique. With the intention of selling thoughtfully made clothing, Selina fills her shop with items that will make her customers look and feel great.

With a wide range of styles, Island Dreaming offers effortless everyday outfits, chic date-night looks, and versatile athleisure that can be dressed up or down. From breezy dresses and fashionable tops to skirts, shoes, and statement pieces, the boutique adapts to your lifestyle.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 29WORDS

“This is my happy place,” shared Selina. “With every price point, every style, and every age range of clothing, I want others to feel like it’s their happy place too.”

When customers step inside Island Dreaming, they’re greeted by natural light, vintage islandinspired décor, and a calming atmosphere that reflects Selina’s personality.

In addition to clothes, you’ll also find a variety of natural self-care products, from candles and perfumes to essential oils and botanical-driven fragrances—items Selina found to be her favorite and wanted to share with the community she calls home.

“Everything on the walls are fun little collectives that are almost all from my first house,” Selina said. “It’s my little vibe here. It’s islandy and easygoing, and I want people to walk in and not feel overwhelmed by colors or scents, just aesthetically calm.”

While Selina has made Island Dreaming her own style, she credits much of its foundation to her college boss turned lifelong friend, Gina Fox, owner of Down to Earth Boutique in Gainesville.

The two first met with an unforgettable first impression during Selina’s freshman year of college, where she was dressed head-to-toe as Cinderella at a Project Princess fundraiser. Laughing about their first interaction, Selina recalls telling Gina, “This isn’t what I look like on a regular day.”

Once Gina met Selina outside of the fundraiser, the two quickly connected. What followed was a decade-long mentorship that introduced Selina to natural living, sustainable fashion, and smallbusiness ownership.

“She is like my family, and it’s really funny to think about that first meeting,” said Selina. “We are so close now.”

More importantly, it showed her how clothing could help people feel confident.

“I watched her perspective, and then I grew my own,” said Selina. “I fell in love with helping people feel good about themselves, and I learned about the ways to help others dress with confidence.”

Even as a child, Selina loved fashion. She styled friends, made clothes for her Barbie dolls, and hand-sewed her own clothes. “The inspiration was there,” Selina said. “And my mom always told me, ‘You’re going to do something with fashion one day; I just know it.’”

Two decades later, Selina has created Island Dreaming with the hope that everyone who walks in leaves feeling beautiful and confident. Since opening the boutique, exceptional customer service has remained at the heart of it, with every customer receiving the care and attention they deserve.

“Whenever someone walks in, everything in the world stops, and what they need becomes my first priority,” Selina said.

Whether it’s someone’s first time in or they’re a regular, Selina strives to create an experience for all her customers to feel welcomed, valued, and never overwhelmed.

“I really try to focus on my customers, and although I love fashion, I love them even more,” said Selina. “We have a lot of fun, and it’s created a sense of community here.”

After years in the fashion industry, Selina’s developed what she calls her “superpower.” Her instinctive ability to remember every piece in the store, visualize how it fits on different body types, and quickly pull together outfits for any occasion. “When someone needs help matching pieces together, it becomes a fun puzzle for the day,” Selina said, “especially when people say, ‘Can you just pull me a room?’”

To Selina, fashion is more than just styling someone—it’s about helping them discover how to confidently dress themselves. Rather than simply picking out an outfit for her customers, she guides them through the process of discovering styles, colors, and sizing that complement both their personality and body type.

“One of my favorite things is when someone comes in and says, ‘I don’t know how to dress myself,’” Selina said. “And

I’m like, ‘Okay, we’re going to learn because we’re going to do it together.”

She also believes brick-and-mortar boutiques will always have a place because of the personalized experience they offer—something online shopping can’t replicate.

“The white-glove service of walking in and having someone actually see you, help you find what you need, and encourage you along the way—that’s something you just can’t get online,” Selina said. “That’s why places like this are still important, especially in our little communities.”

For Selina, Island Dreaming is more than a boutique—it’s a welcoming space where women are encouraged to slow down, discover clothing that makes them feel confident, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves.

ISLAND DREAMING BOUTIQUE

337 W Central Ave, Winter Haven islanddreamingboutique.com

IG @islanddreamingboutique

FB: Island Dreaming Boutique by Selina Gaudette

The Night Birds

A Short Story By Jeremy Gardner

“I don’t believe in ghosts. I don’t believe in ghosts.” Evers laughs at himself. In part because of how absurd it is to say that out loud. To feel compelled to remind himself he’s a rational person. Mostly though, he laughs because it calls to mind the Cowardly Lion’s timorous refrain: I do believe in spooks. I do believe in spooks. I do, I do, I do, I do, I do believe in spooks.

“I don’t believe in spooks,” he says, trying on the impression. Then—as if to convince himself—he screams it, from the bottom of the staircase, up into the darkness. “I don’t believe in spooks!”

His voice caroms off the walls of the old cracker house. A bleat of defiance that fills him with a confidence as durable and enduring as a chewing gum bubble. Because if he truly does believe that he doesn’t believe in spooks, why is he so convinced his dead girlfriend from thirty years ago is in his bedroom upstairs?

Probably because of the dream he had last night. His first night back home in years. In his old bedroom, in his old bed. Of course he dreamed of her.

She was covered in black plumage and perched on the hood of his truck. A line of dried clay split her face like a horizon, across the bridge of her nose. Above that line, she was as she was. The way he tried to remember her. Milk-white skin with just a touch of freckles. Those huge, wet, green eyes. Below that line, everything was caked and cracked and gray. Like sunbaked mud. Like a molting statue. She opened her mouth to speak, but instead she let loose a string of low, chittering hisses and croaks. A staccato of chirps and squawks.

The sounds of carrion birds fighting over scraps. Then he woke up, impossibly, to the overwhelming scent of her. A cheap, department store body spray called Meadow Rain that she used to mask the musty smell of her dad’s old Army jacket. The same jacket she wore every day, over everything she wore, regardless of whether it clashed. For a moment, he was convinced the fragrance was simply a sliver of the nightmare that he had yet to fully slay; but it only seemed to deepen the longer he laid there.

Laura had been the new girl in school. In town. In the country, really. She was an Army brat. A title she wore with pride. Like a gaudy epaulet on the shoulder of that damned

giant jacket. She had stick straight, straw-blonde hair that swished around her shoulders and she cursed like a Wild West madam. Her eyes—if you could catch them before they rolled at nearly anything anyone said—were a paralyzing grass-green; and when she smiled, it looked like she had too many teeth. But in a good way.

She had seen him play Bo, the lovesick rodeo cowboy in the school production of Bus Stop. It was a caricature of a performance. Shit-kickers and a secondhand Stetson, a big belt buckle and an over-the-top southern drawl. After the show, she elbowed past all the gushing moms and aunts and grandmas to tell him how great she thought he was. She’d seen him around and never would have guessed he had it in him.

“You were really, really, funny. Honestly. And so sweet.”

“Wow, thank you. So much, I—”

“Wait, what happened to your accent?”

“What accent?”

“From the stage. Before. The Oklahoma thing you were doing.”

“Well, that’s just… That’s the character. I don’t really talk like that.”

“Oh really?” She frowned. “Damn. Oh well, never mind.”

And then she turned and walked away. Left him standing there stammering, bewildered and bewitched, until finally she spun around and stuck her tongue out and laughed.

“I’m kidding!”

“Oh, okay, that’s good. That’s funny.”

“My name’s Laura by the way.”

“I’m Evers.”

“Nice to meet you, Evers.

“Likewise.”

“Likewise? What are you, forty?”

“People say likewise. It’s a real word.”

“Okay. Well, the next time you see me you should ask me out.”

“Maybe I will.”

“Well maybe I’ll say yes.”

“If I do, should I use the accent?”

“It can’t hurt.”

By the start of that summer, he was as big a fool in love as ever there was. A full foot taller from floating. They were seventeen. He spent every last nickel he made at the car lot on presents and flowers and burgers and fries, movie tickets and Twizzlers. They held hands and made up silly songs and she painted his fingernails. He met her parents. Had dinner with her family. Afterward, her father insisted on showing him all of his guns.

For his birthday, Evers’s dad gave him a stubby little Japanese pickup with a quarter-million miles on the odometer. He and Laura would watch the Tuesday night softball games and afterward sit there in the truck and make out. She kissed him a different way every time. Like she was practicing for some future, worthier boy. Like she was trying out all the styles she’d seen in movies to find the one that worked best with her mouth. When the timer finally turned off the big outfield lights they would fumble through their own awkward baseball game, right there in the cramped cab of his Toyota. Usually, they pulled up at second base. A few times, they managed to leg out a triple.

Most nights, before he dropped her off at curfew, they would stop at the video store and rent two copies of the same movie. One for each of them. When he got home, he would plug the extra-long cord he kept in his sock drawer into the telephone at the end of the hall and quietly drag it all the way to his room and wait for her to call. They tried as best they could to sync the two videos over the phone. Play, then pause, then play, then pause, until the sound mostly matched up. Then they would talk over the movies the whole time anyway, only occasionally referencing what was happening on screen. The big hair, or the big boobs, or some gratuitous axe murder. There were a few mornings he only realized he’d fallen asleep talking to her when his mother yanked the wire outside his door and tore the phone out from under his cheek. “Sorry,” he’d say, “sorry, sorry,” and scramble to collect the cradle and receiver. The first time it happened, she just shook her head and said, “Honey, I want you to remember something, for later on, when it feels like you’re gonna die: If it was supposed to last forever, they wouldn’t call it First Love.” Then she unclipped his not-sosecret extra-long cord and handed it back to him.

It was sometime in late July, during one of their witchinghour phone calls, that Laura first mentioned the Night Birds. It would be easy, in retrospect, to call it a portent. They were the reason, she said, that she’d been so tired all the time lately.

“The night birds?”

“Yes.”

“What night birds?”

“I don’t know. They’re in the trees outside my window or on the roof maybe, but they wake me up, over and over, all night. They never stop.”

“It’s probably just a mockingbird. They’re night singers.”

“No, it isn’t a song. It’s not birdsong, it’s like… a screeching.”

“A screeching—?”

“THERE! THERE IT IS! Right there, do you hear that?”

“No, I don’t—”

“Here listen…” He heard the bed springs groan and the snap of a latch. He heard the window being wrenched open. But he didn’t hear any birds. “You hear that?”

“I’m sorry I—”

“SHUT UPPPP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!” The window slammed and the bed squealed again and there was silence for a long time. Then, softly, she said, “I wasn’t telling you to shut up.”

“Oh I know. I know, it’s okay.”

“I think I’m just homesick.”

“But you always say you aren’t from anywhere.”

“I know!” She laughed a little. “That’s why I feel so crazy.”

“You’re not crazy.”

“I miss the mountains.”

The next night he packed a cooler with snacks and contraband beers and drove her out to the Wekseth phosphate mine on Barlow’s southernmost frontier. The truck wound its way along a service road flanked by massive settling ponds filled with a milky, blue-grey, slurry of water and clay. The entire place looked like an abandoned moon colony. Monotone and pocked with craters. On a ridge in the distance, a dragline crane the size of a gymnasium sat like the carapace of some enormous, ancient spider being uncovered in the sand. And then there it was, towering ahead of them, so tall she had to stick her head

out the window to see the whole of it: Barlow Gypstack 3. A colossal, four-hundred-foot-tall pyramid of slightly radioactive phosphogypsum waste.

The tallest mountain in Florida.

“That’s not a mountain.”

“I know. But it’s the thought that counts, right?”

She smiled and kissed him. He spread a blanket out in the bed of his truck and they lay there for a while. He stared at her. She stared at the stars. There were three words in his mouth and he was working up the nerve to finally spit them out when she said, “Ev, we need to talk.”

It had been one of the best summers of her life, she said. But she didn’t want to get too attached. It was always too hard when she had to leave. She thought it would be best, for both of them, if they went into senior year without any obligations to anyone else. No hurt feelings, no titles or commitments. It was their last chance to be reckless and free and have fun and she didn’t want to resent him. She hoped they could still be friends.

He said it anyway, “I love you.”

“Likewise,” she said. Then she asked if she could stay the night, one last time, so she didn’t have to hear the birds.

Three months later, a worker at the Wekseth mine found her body in one of the giant clay settling ponds. At first, he thought an osprey or a buzzard had fallen in and drowned. Until he saw her bright green eyes. Open. Peeking out, just above the still, murky surface of the water. Her hair had been meticulously threaded through with vulture feathers. Dozens of them, all knitted into a strange, black headdress.

Her new boyfriend confessed a few weeks later. Some soccer player with a ponytail. He said she insisted they drive out there because she wanted to see the mountain. They had an argument. He pushed her, she hit her head. He panicked and dumped her in the slurry pond. He thought the sludge might keep her under.

He was insistent and emphatic, that he had nothing to do with the feathers.

“Did you hear me?!” Evers takes two quiet steps up the stairs and says it one more time, louder, “I said I don’t believe in spooks!”

Somewhere on the second floor, a phone rings. He yelps and retreats to the relative safety of the dogtrot. An exit at either end. He has half a mind to take one, right then, hit the turnpike and be back in Mobile by breakfast. Call his brother on the way out of town and tell him whatever is left he can keep it, or junk it, or sell it, or let it rot. Hell, he can burn it for all he cares. The house along with it. He swore when he left the last time, that it would be the last time. That he was never coming back. And yet here he is. Barlow sets its hooks in people. It might let you run for a while, but it always reels you back in. Hauls you up by your lip and has a good long look at you. Sometimes it throws you back. Sometimes it eats you up.

The phone rings again. An analog, metallic trill that somehow proves nearly as transportive as the smell of Meadow Rain. The sound triggers a long-dormant Pavlovian response in him. He has to answer it.

On the second floor landing he sees that the wall phone is missing. In its place, his super-secret, extra-long, sock drawer cord snakes around the corner and down the long hallway. He follows it, and the shrill, relentless ringing, to his bedroom, where he finds the old phone on his bedside table. He closes the door and sits and stares at it.

He picks it up. A muffled hum of white noise crackles on the other end.

“Hello?” he asks. And then, somehow, from somewhere, her voice:

“Evers?”

“Laura?... Is that really you?

“Evers…”

“How is this possible?”

Then, she asks him, one last time:

“Do you hear the night birds?”

The cord snaking into his room suddenly pulls taut. The phone is torn from his hand. It clatters and smashes in a heap at the base of the door. And then, from the hallway, and the rooftop, and the trees outside his window, he finally hears them.

Anne Yasalonis

Horticulture

PLANNING YOUR FALL VEGETABLE GARDEN

It’s hard to think about a fall vegetable garden when temperatures are soaring into the 90s, but now is the perfect time to begin planning your fall vegetable garden. In Central Florida, July and August are ideal months to prepare your garden and start seeds for cool-season vegetables. Taking time to plan before planting will help you grow a productive garden and avoid many common gardening challenges.

Whether you are planting your very first vegetable garden or preparing an established one for another growing season, these three simple steps will help set you up for success.

1. START WITH A GARDEN PLAN

A successful vegetable garden begins with thoughtful planning. Before purchasing seeds or plants, decide how much space you want to dedicate to your garden and choose the growing method that best fits your landscape and lifestyle. Vegetables can be grown directly in the ground, in raised beds, in containers, or using a combination of these methods.

Select a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day, has access to irrigation, and is convenient for regular maintenance and harvesting. Sketching a simple garden layout before planting can help you determine how many plants your space will accommodate and prevent overcrowding.

If you have limited space, consider incorporating edible plants into your ornamental landscape. Many vegetables and herbs provide colorful foliage, attractive flowers, and interesting textures while also producing fresh food.

For new gardeners, it is tempting to plant everything at once. However, starting with a smaller garden allows you to gain experience and establish a routine for watering, fertilizing, scouting for pests, and harvesting. You can always expand your garden in future seasons.

2. PREPARE YOUR GARDEN FOR PLANTING

Proper site preparation is one of the most important steps toward a productive fall garden. If you are replanting an existing garden, begin by removing weeds and any dead or diseased plant material. Cleaning the garden helps reduce insects and plant diseases that can carry over from previous seasons.

Next, test your soil. A soil test provides valuable information about soil pH and

nutrient levels, allowing you to make amendments only when needed. Most vegetables grow best in soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Soil tests are provided for a small fee at most UF/ IFAS Extension Service offices. Improve the soil by incorporating organic matter such as finished compost before planting. Organic matter increases water-holding capacity, improves drainage, and supports healthy root development. Follow UF/IFAS recommendations for compost and manure applications and avoid applying excessive amounts as this can damage your new plants.

If you are growing vegetables in raised beds or containers, use a high-quality, well-drained potting mix rather than garden soil. Gardeners interested in making their own potting mix can find a recipe at: sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/homemade-pottingmix. Soil will need to be replaced and/or amended each season. Your soil test will guide you as to what you need to add to help the soil support your fall vegetable garden.

3. PLANT COOL-SEASON VEGETABLES AND HERBS

Central Florida’s fall growing season offers an excellent opportunity to grow many vegetables and herbs that struggle during the heat of summer. Depending on the crop, you can plant seeds directly in the garden or start with healthy transplants. Find free seeds at the Seed Library located at the UF/IFAS Polk County Extension office or local libraries around Polk County.

Popular fall vegetables include:

• Arugula

• Beets

• Broccoli

• Brussels sprouts

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Collards

• Kale

• Lettuce

• Mustard greens

• Onions

• Radishes

• Spinach

• Swiss chard

• Sweet potatoes

Many herbs also thrive during the fall growing season, including:

• Cilantro

• Dill

• Fennel

• Garlic • Mint • Parsley

Planting dates vary by crop, so consult the UF/IFAS Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide at ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ VH021 for recommended planting windows, varieties that grow best in Central Florida, fertilization guidelines, and pest management recommendations.

One of the best habits gardeners can develop is keeping a garden journal. Use a journal to record where each crop is planted, planting dates, varieties grown, harvest yields, pest problems, and notes about what worked well throughout the season. These records make crop rotation much easier. Rotating crops means avoiding planting vegetables from the same plant family in the same location season after season. Crop rotation helps reduce insect issues and diseases while promoting healthier plants and better harvests over time. Contact the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Plant Clinic for a handy guide on crop rotation.

If you have any questions about fall vegetable gardening in your Central Florida yard, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk. 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 not in Polk County, Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic.

To learn more about gardening and landscaping in Central Florida, 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.

An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Check Me Out ;)

THE DUTCH HOUSE

By Ann Patchett

From Ann Patchett, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “Commonwealth,” comes a powerful, richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go. This is the story of a paradise lost, a tour de force that digs deeply into questions of inheritance, love, and forgiveness, of how we want to see ourselves, and of who we really are.

THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH

By Ken Follett

A spellbinding epic tale of ambition, anarchy, and absolute power set against the sprawling medieval canvas of twelfth-century England. This is Ken Follett’s historical masterpiece, following a devout monk driven to build the greatest Gothic cathedral the world has known.

FREE FALLING

By Jill Shalvis

College rivals become workplace frenemies-turned-lovers in this warm, sexy contemporary romance from New York Times bestseller Jill Shalvis. First, they were rivals… Now they’re stuck with each other, restoring a beautiful historic building.

THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE

By Shirley Jackson

First published in 1959, this book has been hailed as a perfect work of unnerving terror. It is the story of four seekers who arrive at a notoriously unfriendly pile called Hill House. At first, their stay seems destined to be merely a spooky encounter with inexplicable phenomena. But Hill House is gathering its powers, and soon it will choose one of them to make its own.

MAN OF MY DREAMS

By Olivia Worley

A romance author is shocked when one of her characters-in-progress seemingly comes to life … but is he too good to be true? This dramatic and twisty thriller is perfect for fans of Ashley Winstead and Kate Alice Marshall, where the truth really is stranger than fiction.

THE INVISIBLE BRIDGE

By Julie Orringer

Paris, 1937. Andras Lévi, a Hungarian-Jewish architecture student, arrives from Budapest with a scholarship, a single suitcase, and a mysterious letter he promised to deliver. But when he falls into a complicated relationship with the letter’s recipient, he becomes privy to a secret that will alter the course of his and his family’s history.

LOVING FRANK

By Nancy Horan

From the author of “The House of Lincoln,” an enthralling novel that brings the buried truths of the ill-starred relationship of Mamah Borthwick Cheney and Frank Lloyd Wright to light. Elegantly written and remarkably rich in detail, “Loving Frank” is a fitting tribute to a courageous woman, a national icon, and their timeless love story.

MID-CENTURY MODERN

By Judith Miller

From the ‘soft modernism’ of Scandinavian furniture to the sleek, clean lines of the lighting created by the Castiglioni brothers in Italy, Judith Miller’s “Mid-century Modern” takes an in-depth look at the artifacts and designers that shaped one of the most exciting periods of design history.

THE PARIS ARCHITECT

By Charles Belfoure

In 1942 Paris, architect Lucien Bernard accepts a commission that will bring him a great deal of money, and maybe get him killed. All he has to do is design a secret hiding place for a Jewish man, a space so invisible that even the most determined German officer won’t find it.

GREAT HOUSES OF FLORIDA

By Beth Dunlop

“Great Houses of Florida” presents the greatest and most intriguing houses in the state, including John and Mabel Ringling’s fabulous Venetian Palazzo Ca d’Zan, James Deering’s spectacular Italianate Villa Vizcaya in Miami, and the Audubon and Hemingway houses in Key West.

WORDS

Shannon Carnevale

Natural Resources and Conservation Extension Agent

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

WATCHING SUMMER LIGHTNING SHOWS … SAFELY

August is the heart of Florida’s rainy season. On a typical summer afternoon, towering puffy clouds build on the horizon before producing the thunder, lightning, and rain that many of us associate with summer.

For lifelong Floridians, these daily storms are familiar and almost comforting. For newcomers and visitors, they can be surprising. Either way, lightning is one of nature’s most fascinating (and dangerous) phenomena.

WHY DOES FLORIDA GET SO MUCH LIGHTNING?

Florida is often called the lightning capital of the United States. The highest frequency of cloud-to-ground lightning in Florida occurs in the stretch of land between Tampa and Orlando … which includes us, here in Polk County!

Florida is surrounded by warm water and receives intense sunshine throughout the summer. As the land heats up, warm air rises and cooler air from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean moves inland. These sea breezes help fuel the afternoon thunderstorms that are so common across the state. In Central Florida, where sea breezes from both coasts often meet, thunderstorms can become especially active.

WHAT IS LIGHTNING?

Lightning is a giant electrical discharge in the atmosphere.

Inside a thunderstorm cloud, water droplets, ice crystals, and hail collide, creating areas of positive and negative electrical charge. When the difference becomes large enough, electricity suddenly moves between clouds or between the clouds and the ground.

The air around a lightning channel can briefly become hotter than the surface of the sun. This intense heating causes the surrounding air to expand rapidly, producing the sound we know as thunder.

Put simply, lightning is a massive electrical discharge that occurs within a storm cloud, between clouds, or between a cloud and the ground. Thunder is the sound created by that spark. Without lightning, there is no thunder.

LIGHTNING’S ROLE IN NATURE

Although lightning can be dangerous, it also plays an important role in Florida’s ecosystems.

For thousands of years, lightning has been one of Florida’s primary natural sources of fire ignition in our ecosystems. These natural fires help recycle nutrients, reduce accumulated vegetation, and maintain habitats such as longleaf pine forests, sandhills, and pine flatwoods.

STAYING SAFE

Lightning can cause serious injury, damage buildings, and destroy electronics. One of the biggest misconceptions is that danger only exists when it is raining overhead. In reality, lightning can strike 8-10 miles away from a storm and even when the skies above you are blue and sunny!

It’s also worth remembering that lightning does not need to strike you directly to cause injury. A nearby strike can send electrical current through the ground, especially in wet soil or water.

A note about counting “Mississippi”: Many of us learned to count the seconds between lightning and thunder to estimate a storm’s distance. That’s fine for satisfying your curiosity, but I often see people use those calculations to justify staying outside longer. Remember, every five seconds equals roughly one mile. If you can hear thunder, you can continue debating the math … after you head inside.

ALWAYS REMEMBER: WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS.

If you hear thunder, move to a substantial building or a fully enclosed vehicle. Avoid pavilions, tents, dugouts, boats, and isolated trees. If you’re fishing, hiking, camping, participating in or coaching youth sports, or spending time at the beach, watch for warning signs that a thunderstorm is developing:

• Darkening clouds

• Shifting winds

• A drop in temperature

• Distant thunder

Before heading outdoors, have a lightning plan. Know where the nearest safe shelter is and how quickly you can reach it.

Florida’s weather has a reputation for being fickle and changing every five minutes. That may be the case but remember lightning can strike well away from the heaviest rain and even beyond the edge of the storm. Once in a safe lightning location, remain there until at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.

A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Living in Florida means learning to live with thunderstorms. By paying attention to changing weather conditions and planning ahead, we can safely enjoy Florida’s lakes, trails, parks, and natural areas throughout the summer.

If you’ve been here a while, I hope you learned something new about lightning that you can share with friends and family next time you’re watching nature’s fireworks during the next summer storm.

If you’re new – well, you’ll get used to the rain, the lightning, the frequently changing weather, and believe it or not I truly believe you’ll come to love our rainy season in Florida.

As we move through the peak of storm season here in Polk County, please take a few minutes to talk with your family about lightning safety. Consider your usual outdoor activities and discuss what a ‘safe shelter’ location looks like with kids. A simple plan today could prevent a tragedy tomorrow.

For more information about lightning safety, including a link to the Naturally Florida podcast’s All About Lightning episode, visit my webpage at go.ufl.edu/HAVENLKLD.

As we all know, Florida occupies that peculiar borderland where the unusual settles down, raises a family, and retires. It seems fitting that America’s strangest fictional newspaper was born and raised here.

Weekly World News began in Lantana, Palm Beach County, Florida, in 1979 for an entirely ordinary reason. When the National Enquirer switched to color printing, its black-andwhite presses suddenly became available. Rather than retire them, publisher Generoso Pope Jr.’s company created a new weekly newspaper. In its earliest years, the paper resembled countless other supermarket tabloids, but under editor Eddie Clontz, it evolved into something wholly unique from its South Florida offices, which it shared with the National Enquirer in Boca Raton.

For twenty-eight years, with peak circulation reaching 1.2 million copies per issue, Weekly World News insisted it was “The World’s Only Reliable Newspaper.” It was certainly the world’s only interesting newspaper, in my childhood opinion. Among my sharpest memories are those of standing in the checkout aisle at Publix with my eyes glued to the fantastic claims on the cover. I felt what I can now only describe as sideshow fear: a curiosity charged by the human condition, capable of making the desire to peek between our fingers at an oddity impossible to resist.

Weekly World News was unlike anything else on the newsstand: a peculiar blend of pulp science fiction, urban legend, religious allegory, and parody journalism. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, its pages became home to alien abductions, time travelers, government coverups, miraculous births, supernatural phenomena, and just enough recognizable reality to connect readers to the parallel world it designed.

Though it welcomed freelance submissions, breaking into its pages was not easy. As former writer Bob Lind recalled, “We had brilliant journalists like Joe Berger and Jack Alexander. One came from The Washington Post; one was from The New York Times. Berger was a White House correspondent.”

The publication’s influence spread far beyond the supermarket checkout line. Bat Boy became something of a folklore figure, inspiring an acclaimed off-Broadway musical and countless references in film, television, and advertising.

Although its print run ended in 2007, Weekly World News found a new life online, where it continues to publish and adapt its style to the digital attention economy. Its headlines now circulate widely across social media, increasingly divorced from their original context and often shared alongside genuine conspiracy theories, creating the curious spectacle of satire becoming nearly indistinguishable from the culture it once parodied.

The X-Files, Men in Black, and countless later works drew upon the same ecosystem of conspiracies, cryptids, UFOs, and impossible headlines that Weekly World News helped popularize for a mass audience. Some UFO researchers have even suggested that the paper unintentionally—or perhaps conveniently—trained the public to associate flying saucers, extraterrestrials, and paranormal claims with obvious absurdity. Whether or not there is any truth to that idea, the effect is difficult to deny: genuine mysteries and obvious jokes increasingly occupied the same cultural shelf, making it easier to dismiss one by laughing at the other.

Weekly World News parodied, in exaggerated black and white, the style of newspapers that once reported astonishing accounts with surprising sincerity. Strange creatures, unexplained lights, prophetic dreams, haunted houses, and impossible inventions routinely appeared in local papers throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Previous generations were not uniquely gullible, but their relationship with newspapers, rumors, folklore, and speculation was more complicated than that.

There is a kind of mental play that develops differently according to the shared cultural moment. Traditions such as Dadaism, Absurdism, Discordianism, and even Forteana invite us to examine culture by exaggerating it. Some of history’s most influential artists and thinkers deliberately blurred the line between sincerity and satire, provoking

reflection precisely because audiences could never be entirely certain where the joke ended. Too often, these traditions are dismissed as nonsense by those unwilling to engage with ideas they have already decided belong to the realm of people “not quite right in the head.” It seems more appropriate to contextualize pre-internet ridiculousness and crude Photoshopping as the creation of proto-meme imagery shared in print rather than online, revealing not simply a different sense of humor but a different way of collectively playing with truth, fiction, and possibility.

Instead of black-and-white tabloids beside the grocery checkout, we now scroll through endless feeds populated by AI-generated photographs, fabricated videos, cloned voices, and synthetic articles that can be nearly indistinguishable from authentic reporting. Unlike the gleeful fabrications of Weekly World News, today’s content is engineered to maximize engagement, influence opinion, manufacture outrage, and harvest data.

Weekly World News invited readers to laugh at the impossible while quietly reminding us that the world remains full of genuine mysteries. Absurdity, in an absurd moment, can be a comfort, or at least a moment’s respite from the ache induced by the weight of a heavy world. I have always experienced an uptick in awareness of the bizarre occurrences dancing just behind everyday curtains during my seasons of sadness; it seems to me that the ridiculous is the only member of the family that pain is still willing to sit down with, the conversation between them creating an atmosphere that is just a little easier to breathe in.

In that spirit, I’ll end with a prediction: in a December 2001 issue, self-proclaimed time traveler Hyram Trowbridge revealed to government officials that Bat Boy would become president in 2028.

His campaign slogan: “HE BITES FOR YOUR RIGHTS!”

AUGUST 2026

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER*

Aug 1, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM

Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours JuneAugust. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

Aug 1, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM

Visit Central Florida Welcome Center

101 Adventure Ct, Davenport

Open to local residents and visitors, we’ll be giving away backpacks, school supplies, and the chance to have your picture drawn by a caricature artist! Free Backpacks For the first 500 students (child must be present to receive the backpack) School Supplies Vendors will be on site giving away additional school supplies and other kid-friendly items. For more information please call the Welcome Center at 863-420-2586!

U-PICK ZINNIAS

Aug 1, 2026, 9 AM-2 PM

Sow Exotic

6405 Thornhill Rd , Winter Haven

Stop by the shop, grab a pair of snips, choose your favorite colors, and create a fresh bouquet to take home during your nursery visit. Available all summer long while the flowers keep blooming. Visit us Monday–Saturday, 9am–2pm.

BECOMING: THE SEASON OF YOU (THE LION’S GATE EDITION)

Aug 1, 2026, 9 AM-3 PM

Davenport

A One-Day Embodiment Experience for the Woman Ready to Claim Her Time. Are you tired of shrinking into the corners of your own life? Have you spent the last season just surviving the storm, waiting for “one day” to finally feel like yourself again? Under the highfrequency energy of the Lion’s Gate Portal, we invite you to join us for day focused on becoming you while we hold space for your expansion. Join Lorinthian, Prima, and Veronyka for an intentional curated experience to move you from Outer Radiance to Inner Embodiment and, ultimately, Empowered Expansion. More info at centralfloridatix.com

EXPLOR-A-STORY (BILINGUAL)

Aug 1, 2026, 10-11 AM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

Sumérgete en un libro participando en juegos y actividades dirigidos y basados en un libro de cuentos. Cada primer Sábado del mes a las 10:00 AM. Take a deep dive into a book by participating in games and activities based on a story book. Every first Saturday at 10 AM.

THIS JUST IN! NEW WORKS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION

Aug 1, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

See works that are new to the audience — and feature recent acquisitions of artists well-known and undersung, across media, and many on view at The AGB for the first time. On view until February 28, 2027. agbmuseum.org

WARHOL CONDENSED: FROM MARILYN TO SOUP AND BACK AGAIN

Aug 1, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

As a counter to the seeming unapproachability of “fine art,” Warhol selected the world of mass manufacturing, commercial art, consumer products, and celebrity culture as the foundation for his own art. Through August 30, 2026. agbmuseum.org

FOLKLORE & FAIRYTALES: THE FANTASTICAL WORLD OF ANDREA DEZSÖ

Aug 1, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

This solo exhibition showcases the extraordinary vision of contemporary, multi-disciplinary artist Andrea Dezsö (b. 1968). Born in Transylvania, Romania during the communist era where travel and outside information were strictly limited, a young Dezsö relied heavily on her own imagination as an escape. Dezsö invites viewers to explore alternate realities where the boundaries between the real and the imagined are blurred. On view through September 6, 2026. agbmuseum.org

PAINTING PARADISE: THE RISE OF THE HIGHWAYMEN

Aug 1, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

A prodigious group of African-American artists who plied their trade painting Florida’s landscapes and sold their work from the trunks of their cars, the Highwaymen discovered success in simplicity. With landscapes that read today like a land remembered, laced with nostalgia, the Highwaymen found a niche to call their own, producing an estimated 200,000 works that have become beloved features of local homes, hotels, restaurants, and museum collections across the region today. On view all month. agbmuseum.org

HERE & NOW: FSC STUDENT PERSPECTIVES ON THE PERMANENT COLLECTION

Aug 1, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

This exhibition brings together works from the

More events at

AGB’s permanent collection acquired since 2000, reinterpreted by Florida Southern College students in Contemporary Art History (Spring 2026). Exhibition on until Nov. 6, 2026. agbmuseum.org

YOGA AND SOUND BATH

Aug 1, 2026, 10:30 AM-12 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Students enjoy yoga and the soothing sounds of the crystal singing bowls in this all levels yoga class. Register required at boktowergardens.org.

THE SAVORY & SWEET HAND PIE WORKSHOP

Aug 1, 2026, 12-2 PM

Plant Batter Bakery + Kitchen

6935 S Carter Rd ste 6, Lakeland

Learn how to fill, seal, and crimp your very own plant-based hand pies. We’ll provide the dough, and together we’ll scratch-cook our two most famous fillings: sweet, spiced Apple and hearty, savory Lentil. Register at plantbatterlkld.com

FINDING NEMO JR. - PRESENTED BY THE MISSING PIECE THEATRE

Aug 1 - 9, 2026

Gem Theater

118 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860, Mulberry

Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo. Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. centralfloridatix.com

AGB CENTER STAGE PRESENTS: RED BY JOHN LOGAN

Aug 1, 2026, 2-3:45 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland Live theatre! This 2-person play explores the intense dynamic between renowned abstract expressionist Mark Rothko and his brash young assistant, Ken, as Rothko wrestles with the conflict between artistic integrity and commercialism during the Seagram murals commission. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Museum galleries will also be open to the public. agbmuseum.org

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

Aug 1, 2026, 2:30 PM -and- 7:30 PM

Theatre Winter Haven

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eyegore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. theatrewinterhaven.com

LIVE MUSIC: STEPHANIE VALENTINA

Aug 1, 2026, 5:30 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Live music every weekend! FB @bowenyardwh

TRISH KEATING FROM NBC!

Aug 1, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

You may recognize Trish from NBC, FOX, or CBS as well as her multiple appearances in TV and Film. winterhavenlol.com

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (LAST PERFORMANCE)

Aug 2, 2026, 2:30 PM

Theatre Winter Haven

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eyegore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. theatrewinterhaven.com

ASK A MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER

Aug 3, 2026, 9-11:30 AM

Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve 945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred Gardening and landscaping questions? We’ve got answers. Stop by to chat with UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers on the first Monday of each month.

ROAMING READERS

Aug 3, 2026, 9:30-10:30 AM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

Adult walking book club. Adults 18+ A focus on audiobooks, but all reader conversations are welcome. The walk is approximately 1 mile. Remember your water and comfortable shoes. First Monday of the month.

KIDS CLUB AT LAKESIDE VILLAGE: MERMAIDS VS PIRATES

Aug 3, 2026, 10-11:30 AM

Lakeside Village

1479 Town Center Dr, Lakeland

Bring the kids for a magical morning filled with music, imagination, and interactive fun. Little ones can sing along with Ariel, train like true buccaneers at Pirate Academy, and capture unforgettable photo opportunities with mermaids and pirates. This free family-friendly event is perfect for kids of all ages.

AUGUST 2026

POUR CHOICES | HALF-PRICE WINE BOTTLES

Aug 3, 2026, 4 PM

The Terrace Grille Lakeland

329 East Main Street, Lakeland

Join us at Terrace Grille every Monday and Tuesday for POUR CHOICES, featuring half-price wine bottles with dinner. Dine with us every Monday or Tuesday starting at 4pm. Choose a wine bottle under $150. Enjoy your bottle half-price with your meal. *Can’t finish the bottle? Ask your server about Cork & Carry.* *We’ll cork, seal, and package the rest for you!*

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Aug 3, 2026, 6 PM

Gram Parsons Derry Down

297 5th St NW, Winter Haven

Musicians of all ages are invited to play in this historic venue, just come in and sign your name to perform up to 3 songs. This is an all acoustic Open Mic, please keep that in mind. Beginners, veteran performers, singer-songwriters, and anyone who wants to work on their craft in a supportive environment are welcome. For those of you who enjoy listening, please join us as well. There is no cost to attend. Doors open 5:30 PM.

DIGGING INTO SOIL

Aug 4, 2026, 10-11:30 AM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Get your hands dirty and explore what makes soil so important. In this hands-on workshop, participants will take a closer look at the three main types of soil: sand, silt, and clay. This one-hour class is designed for adult learners, but all are welcome. No prior experience is needed. Registration required boktowergardens.org

THE LEGACY OF JULIA CHILD’S KITCHEN WITH AUTHOR PAULA J JOHNSON (ONLINE)

Aug 4, 2026, 2 PM

Winter Haven Public Library

325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven

Delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson, author of “Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space.” The book includes interviews with chefs who knew Julia well, commentary on her favorite culinary tools and kitchen gadgets, and a stunning array of photos. Register in advance at libraryc.org/mywinterhaven.

PUZZLE MANIA FOR MIDDLESCHOOLERS

Aug 4, 2026, 4:15-5 PM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

Puzzle Mania meets every first Tuesday at 4:15 pm. This is an interactive puzzle program for middle school students.

BREW CREW RUN CLUB

Aug 4, 2026, 5:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland

Join the Lakeland Runners Club, check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco

SWEET & SPICY BOOK CLUB

Aug 4, 2026, 5:30-6:30 PM

Lakeland Public Library

100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland

This is NOT your Mother’s Book Club! Join your favorite

librarians to discuss a different romance book each month. The Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month. 18+. No registration required. August’s Book: “Fall of Ruin and Wrath” by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

ZUMBA WITH LIV

Aug 4, 2026, 6:15 PM

Studio 37

400 N Church Ave, Mulberry

All Are Welcome: Zero dance experience required. Total Body Joy: Burn calories while smiling your way through. Friendly Space: A warm, judgment-free zone just for you. cityofmulberryfl.org

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Aug 4, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven Free every Tuesday night! FB @groverootsbrewing

LIVE MUSIC BINGO

Aug 4, 2026, 6:30 PM

Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St, Lakeland Free every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

Aug 4, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland mlb.com/milb/lakeland

TRIVIA NIGHT

Aug 4, 2026, 7 PM-2 AM

Duke’s Brewhouse 4960 Florida Ave S, Lakeland Every Tuesday!

BINGO!

Aug 4, 2026, 7:30-9 PM

Smith’s American Tavern 124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland Every Tuesday! Reservations highly recommended on Open Table.

25TH ANNUAL STUFF THE BUS SCHOOL

SUPPLIES CAMPAIGN

Aug 5, 2026, 7-8:30 AM RP Funding Center -Purple Lot (Next to Hall Communications)

701 W Lime St, Lakeland

For 25 years, Kiwanis Club of Lakeland & Citrus Center Kiwanis Club have delivered school supplies to nearly 10,000 students across 29 Lakeland elementary schools. So many families here are stretched thin, and supplies are often out of reach. Your support takes the burden off teachers. Volunteer on distribution day! Email collrwalsh@gmail.com or visit kiwanisoflakeland.com/stuff-the-bus.

CREATIVE CHAOS

Aug 5, 2026, 2:30-3:30 PM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

This group is filled with writing activities for high school students and there is a new theme each month. They meet every first Wednesday.

WRITER’S GUILD

Aug 5, 2026, 4-5 PM

Haines City Public Library

111 N 6th St, Haines City

Ages 18+ Hang out with local aspiring authors to brainstorm, write prompts and overall enjoy yourself while working on your writing.

FREE BINGO

Aug 5, 2026, 6 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Grab your friends, enjoy delicious food from six amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes! Free to play.

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

Aug 5, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland mlb.com/milb/lakeland

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

Aug 6, 2026, 10-10:30 AM

Lakeland Public Library - Larry R. Jackson Branch 1700 N Florida Ave, Lakeland

TRAVEL CLUB

Aug 6, 2026, 3:30-4:30 PM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

A travel focused program for our elementary friends. Explore the world with books, snacks, trivia and crafts.

2026 SUMMER BASIC BACKYARD CHICKEN WORKSHOP

Aug 6, 2026, 5:30-8 PM

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County 1702 South Holland Parkway, Bartow

Learn how to raise chickens in Florida, laws and regulations, chicken basics, and other important factors. Dinner included. Register on eventbrite.

AGB THURSDAYS: CURATOR’S TOUR

Aug 6, 2026, 6-7:45 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

Join Curator of Exhibitions, Laura Putnam, as she provides an up-close and intimate look at an AGB Exhibition. This event is FREE and no registration is required. Museum galleries will also be open for viewing. agbmuseum.org

RUN CLUB

Aug 6, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday, join the Run Club for a 1.5-mile loop or a 3-mile walk or run. All levels welcome!

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

Aug 6, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland mlb.com/milb/lakeland

TRIVIA

Aug 6, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM

Smith’s American Tavern

124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland Every Thursday!

LANCE WEISS FROM CMT!

Aug 6, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

You might recognize Lance from his multiple appearances on television including CMT, FOX, and NBC! winterhavenlol.com

NEEDLEWORKS ART GROUP

Aug 7, 2026, 9:30-11:30 AM

Lake Wales Public Library

290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales

Come work on your fiber arts projects with other crafty people, every Friday! lakewalesfl.gov

TITLES WITH TEA

Aug 7, 2026, 10-11 AM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

Adults age 18 and up are welcome. No required reading! Read your picks at your pace!

Bring your favorite mug for tea & a relaxed discussion. Share your love of reading with others in the community. Group meets in the library. No Registration Required! Free.

PARENT INTERNET SAFETY WITH POLK COUNTY’S SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Aug 7, 2026, 3-4 PM

Lakeland Public Library

100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland

Join the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for an informative session to learn about internet safety, including situations children may be exposed to, and tips on how to keep them safe. No registration required. This event is for ages 18+

WINTER HAVEN FIRST FRIDAY

Aug 7, 2026, 5-8 PM

Downtown Winter Haven

Centered around the Downtown corridor, guests can enjoy food and drink specials from restaurants, shop with downtown businesses, and hear live musicians at multiple venues. Check out the car show on Magnolia Ave. FB @whfirstfriday

FIRST FRIDAY CAR SHOW

Aug 7, 2026, 5 PM

Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

Check out the car show on Magnolia Ave. between 2nd St SW & 3rd St SW in Downtown Winter Haven! Want to participate? Bring your classic or exotic car & park, no registration necessary.

FB @whfirstfriday

LIVE MUSIC: T. MICHAEL

Aug 7, 2026, 5:30 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Live music every weekend! FB @bowenyardwh

FIRST FRIDAY

DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES!

Aug 7, 2026, 6-9 PM

This month’s event brings the party to Munn Park, where DJ Willie will be spinning dance music from the birth of rock and roll all the way through today’s hits. From sock hop classics to disco, pop, hip-hop, boy bands, dance floor favorites, and everything in between, we’re turning Downtown Lakeland into one big timeline of music and movement. First Friday is hosted by the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority.

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

Aug 7, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland mlb.com/milb/lakeland

THE SAVORY & SWEET HAND PIE WORKSHOP

Aug 7, 2026, 6:30-8:30 PM

Plant Batter Bakery + Kitchen 6935 S Carter Rd ste 6, Lakeland

Learn how to fill, seal, and crimp your very own plant-based hand pies. We’ll provide the dough, and together we’ll scratch-cook our two most famous fillings: sweet, spiced Apple and hearty, savory Lentil. Register at plantbatterlkld.com

TURN UP HIP HOP DANCE FITNESS

Aug 7, 2026, 7-8 PM

Uno Dos Tres Studio 2940 S Combee Rd, Lakeland

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, register at unodostresstudio.com

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT OPEN DRAG SHOW

Aug 7, 2026, 8-10 PM

Kitty Cat Lounge

946 East Orange St,, Lakeland

Join us for an unforgettable evening where talented performers light up the stage with style, personality, and show-stopping energy. Bring your energy, and come celebrate a night full of sparkle, creativity, and fabulous fun!

ANDY GUNNIN FROM NETFLIX!

Aug 7, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

You might have seen Andy on Netflix in the hit show “Ozarks”, or along Kelsey Grammar in “High Expecations”. winterhavenlol.com

31ST SUMMER SUNRISE

WATERMELON 5K SERIES

Aug 8, 2026, 7 AM

Lake Hollingsworth Park

929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland

Whether you’re an elite runner chasing a personal best or a walker soaking in the morning sunshine, this threerace 5K series welcomes everyone. Run a single 5k or sign up for the three race series. lakelandrunnersclub.org

WINGS ‘N WAFFLES BUEHLER BUILD

Aug 8, 2026, 9-10 AM

Florida Air Museum

4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland

Enjoy breakfast and a short presentation on “The History of Model Making.” Then after breakfast, we head over to the Buehler Restoration Building to assemble your own airplane model! This activity is appropriate for ages 7-99+ More info at aceedu.org

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER*

Aug 8, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM

Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours JuneAugust. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

ASK A MASTER GARDENER

Aug 8, 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.

TRAVELERS FLOWER PRESS BOOKMAKING WITH CLAIRE FORMILAN

Aug 8, 2026, 10 AM-12:30 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Join us for a laid-back beginner bookbinding class where you’ll craft your very own Traveler’s Flower Press Book. This book features sturdy wooden covers adorned with fine papers from around the world, a bookcloth spine, and six pages dedicated to pressing your flowers. Its compact size and ribbon closure make it the ideal addition to your pack or purse for a scenic walk or hike. Registration required. boktowergardens.org

MISS ETERNITY PAGEANT SHOWCASE 2026

Aug 8, 2026, 4-7 PM

Victory Church

1401 Griffin Road, Lakeland

Christ-centered pageant honoring Proverbs 31 women. Witness modest elegance, purpose-driven talents & the crowning of Miss Eternity 2026!

List your event at

LIVE MUSIC: PERRIN IVEY

Aug 8, 2026, 5:30 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Live music every weekend! FB @bowenyardwh

SIP&PAINT AT PRESSED25

Aug 8, 2026, 6-8 PM

Pressed25

1201 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Join us for our monthly Wine&paint event. Come meet some new friends and enjoy this creative gathering. All levels welcome! Ticket price includes wine, food, art and a coupon to redeem a future guilt-free smoothie! Register at jinwilliams.com

CREATIVE TOGETHER MARKET

Aug 9, 2026, 1-5 PM

Lake Eva Event Center

799 Johns Ave, Haines City

Step into a world where creativity, imagination, and community come to life! Creative Together Market is Central Florida’s first and only true immersive themed market experience, bringing together artists, makers, performers, storytellers, small shops, and dreamers for a one of a kind events the whole family can enjoy. creativetogethermarket.com

WATER SKI & WAKE SPORTS

HALL OF FAME TOURS

Aug 11, 2026, 10-11 AM

Visit Central Florida Welcome Center 101 Adventure Ct, Davenport

Explore the last century of water skiing and wake sports with an expert in the field! See highlights from all nine disciplines, starting with the skis that started it all in the Water Ski Capital of the World! FREE tours every second Tuesday of the month.

LUNCH & LEARN:

WHAT’S BUGGING YOUR GARDEN?

Aug 11, 2026, 12-1 PM

Haines City Public Library 111 N 6th St, Haines City

Join UF/IFAS Extension Polk County and Haines City Water Utilities for a class on insects in the garden and landscape! Discover how to correctly identify pests along with tips on keeping your landscape healthy and thriving with Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices! For details and register visit eventbrite.

2026 POLK POLITICS CANDIDATE RALLY

Aug 11, 2026, 5-8 PM

Bartow Civic Center

2250 S Floral Ave, Bartow

Held by the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce in election years to provide the community the opportunity for those in attendance to get up-front and personal with candidates for office before the primary election. For more information about the Political Rally or Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce’s busy year, please call Virginia Condello at (863) 533-7125 or email her at virginia@bartowchamber.com.

BREW CREW RUN CLUB

Aug 11, 2026, 5:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland

Join the Lakeland Runners Club, check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Aug 11, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven Every Tuesday night! FB @groverootsbrewing

LIVE MUSIC BINGO

Aug 11, 2026, 6:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland Every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. BRADENTON MARAUDERS

Aug 11, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland mlb.com/milb/lakeland

TRIVIA NIGHT

Aug 11, 2026, 7 PM-2 AM

Duke’s Brewhouse 4960 Florida Ave S, Lakeland Every Tuesday!

BINGO!

Aug 11, 2026, 7:30-9 PM

Smith’s American Tavern 124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland Every Tuesday!

HAINES CITY - WRITER’S GUILD

Aug 12, 2026, 4-5 PM

Haines City Public Library

111 N 6th St, Haines City

Ages 18+ | Located in the Teen Room Hang out with local aspiring authors to brainstorm, write prompts and overall enjoy yourself while working on your writing.

FREE BINGO

Aug 12, 2026, 6 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Grab your friends, enjoy delicious food from six amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes! Free to play.

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. BRADENTON MARAUDERS

Aug 12, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland mlb.com/milb/lakeland

WHISTLESTOP CANDIDATE HOBNOB

Aug 13, 2026, 5 PM

Nora Mayo Hall

500 Third St NW, Winter Haven

Enjoy live entertainment, BBQ, drinks, and the opportunity to meet local candidates running for office in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Representatives from the Supervisor of Elections Office will also be on-site, hosting an interactive straw poll vote, giving attendees a chance to make their voices heard. winterhavenchamber.com

AUGUST 2026

AGB THURSDAYS: AGBEATS:

MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM

Aug 13, 2026, 6-7:45 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art

800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

Visit the Museum and hear the swingin’ sounds of the Swan City Jazz Project. Starting at 6pm, the group will play in the Museum lobby - grab a drink and listen to some great jazz. Museum galleries will also be open to the public.

GROVE ROOTS RUN CLUB

Aug 13, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday, join the Run Club for a 1.5-mile loop or a 3-mile walk or run. All levels welcome!

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. BRADENTON MARAUDERS

Aug 13, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland mlb.com/milb/lakeland

TRIVIA

Aug 13, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM

Smith’s American Tavern 124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland Every Thursday!

PSYCH! A DIAGNOSTIC STAND UP THERAPY COMEDY SHOW!

Aug 13, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

Comedians take the stage, followed by engaging sessions with a licensed mental health therapist! winterhavenlol.co,

NEEDLEWORKS ART GROUP

Aug 14, 2026, 9:30-11:30 AM

Lake Wales Public Library

290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales Come work on your fiber arts projects with other crafty people, every Friday! lakewalesfl.gov

GALLERY PERSPECTIVES

Aug 14, 2026, 12 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

Join us every second Friday of the month for Gallery Perspectives! Every second Friday of each month, we invite special guests to offer unique takes on a current exhibition at the Museum, as interpreted through their individual lenses and disciplines. This program is free and open to the public. No registration is required. agbmuseum.org

LIVE MUSIC: JO ESTRADA

Aug 14, 2026, 5:30 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Live music every weekend! FB @bowenyardwh

HEARTS & CRAFTS CLUB: GLASS ETCHING

Aug 14, 2026, 6-7:30 PM

Second Story Books

160 S Broadway Ave, Bartow

You will be provided with etching cream, several stencils to choose from, and a provided jar/cup/glass of

your choice. You are welcome to bring your own glass as well. You can expect to make friends, learn a new skill, and take home a frosted glass creation. This class is geared for adults but younger students are free to reach out. Located upstairs at Unfiltered Coffee. Register at secondstorybartow.com.

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. BRADENTON MARAUDERS

Aug 14, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland mlb.com/milb/lakeland

TURN UP HIP HOP DANCE FITNESS

Aug 14, 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! By combining dance with elements of fitness in a culture that fosters teamwork, community and energy we are able to connect and use our workout as therapy, a release, happy hour for that matter, as well as a way to stay active, healthy, and get physical results! unodostresstudio.com

RON FEINGOLD’S COMEDY A CAPELLA!

Aug 14, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

Ron Feingold is a crowd favorite who perfectly blends music and comedy using only his voice for instruments and vocals. winterhavenlol.com

POLK COUNTY WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS

INDOOR MARKET

Aug 15, 2026, 8 AM-1 PM

COhatch Lakeland

211 E. Main Street, Lakeland

A community-driven group where you can discover trusted women-owned 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.

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER*

Aug 15, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM

Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours JuneAugust. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

ORCHID FEVER X HAVANA HEAT

Aug 15, 2026, 9 AM-4 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Step into a tropical dream at Orchid Fever x Havana

Heat, a celebration of one of nature’s most exotic and captivating blooms combined with music and delight in the flavors of Cuba! This event invites flower lovers and curious wanderers alike to experience exotic orchid varieties from around the world and much more. boktowergardens.org

NUGGETCON FLORIDA BOOKS

Aug 15, 2026, 9 AM-5 PM

RP Funding Center

4228 Deeson Rd, Lakeland

A one-day book convention bringing together authors, vendors, and book lovers for signings, shopping, and community. The event features a variety of genres and opportunities to meet both bestselling and indie authors. rpfundingcenter.com

READY, SET, CONSERVE: RAIN BARRELS

Aug 15, 2026, 9:30-10:30 AM

Winter Haven Public Library

325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven

Join UF/IFAS Extension Polk County and the FloridaFriendly Landscaping program for tips to save water and reduce stormwater runoff by incorporating a rain barrel in your Florida-Friendly landscape. Learn how to create, install, and maintain a rain barrel. The ticket option with a registration fee includes one pre-assembled rain barrel. There is a free ticket option for those not wanting a rain barrel. More info on Eventbrite. 863-519-1041.

CYPRESS GARDENS WATER SKI SHOW

Aug 15, 2026, 4:15 PM

MLK Park

199 Lake Silver Drive, Winter Haven

Pre-show begins at 4:15, show begins at 5. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and cash for the 50/50 raffle. Concessions available for purchase.

LIVE MUSIC: MICAH MADORE

Aug 15, 2026, 5:30 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Live music every weekend! FB @bowenyardwh

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. BRADENTON MARAUDERS

Aug 15, 2026, 6 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland mlb.com/milb/lakeland

GIVEN TO FLY - THE PEARL JAM EXPERIENCE

Aug 15, 2026, 8 PM

Union Hall

1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Experience the energy, passion, and iconic hits of Pearl Jam in a live setting that will transport you back to the golden era of grunge rock. Doors open at 7pm Ages 18+ unionhallevents.com

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

Aug 16, 2026, 9-10 AM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Students enjoy yoga and the soothing sounds of the crystal singing bowls in this all levels yoga class. From beginner to experienced, all are welcome. boktowergardens.org

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. BRADENTON MARAUDERS

Aug 16, 2026, 12 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland mlb.com/milb/lakeland

POTTERY WHEEL THROWING6-WEEK CLASS

Aug 16, 2026, 1-4 PM

Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio

4035 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland

Instruction focuses on introduction to wheel throwing techniques of centering, forming cylinders of varying sizes, and trimming with intentions to make a mug, bowl, and more! This course (or our 4-Week Dig Deep course) is a prerequisite to possibly gaining an invite to membership at  Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio. Included: clay and studio glazes, dedicated use of pottery wheel, kiln firings, guided instruction. marvelousmudpotterystudio.com

LEGO® FESTIVAL

Aug 16, 2026, Legoland Florida

One Legoland Way, Winter Haven

All-new exciting headliners and returning fan favorites in the Music, Creativity, and Chill Out play zones - each packed with awesome family fun. legoland.com

BREW CREW RUN CLUB

Aug 18, 2026, 5:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland

Join the Lakeland Runners Club, check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Aug 18, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven Every Tuesday night! FB @groverootsbrewing

LIVE MUSIC BINGO

Aug 18, 2026, 6:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland Every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco

BINGO!

Aug 18, 2026, 7:30-9 PM

Smith’s American Tavern

124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland Every Tuesday!

WRITER’S GUILD

Aug 19, 2026, 4-5 PM

Haines City Public Library

111 N 6th St, Haines City Ages 18+ Hang out with local aspiring authors to brainstorm, write prompts and overall enjoy yourself while working on your writing.

POLK YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AWARDS

Aug 19, 2026, 5:30 PM

Idlewood

150 Idlewood Ave, Bartow

The Polk Young Professionals Awards (formerly Polk Emerging Leaders) is a Celebration of Polk County Young Professionals. A finalist representing each of the young professional groups’ geographic locations will be recognized before honoring one county-wide young professional. winterhavenchamber.com

More events at

BINGO

Aug 19, 2026, 6 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Grab your friends, enjoy delicious food from six amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes!

THE MAGIC OF MICROGREENS

Aug 20, 2026, 10 AM-12 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Discover the magic of microgreens with Ferpher Farms in this hands-on workshop designed for beginners, families, gardeners, and curious learners of all ages. Participants will learn what microgreens are, how they differ from sprouts and mature vegetables, why they are valued as nutrient-dense foods, and how they can be grown year-round in a small space. Registration required. boktowergardens.org

GROVE ROOTS RUN CLUB

Aug 20, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday, join the Run Club for a 1.5-mile loop or a 3-mile walk or run. All levels welcome!

TRIVIA

Aug 20, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM

Smith’s American Tavern

124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland

Every Thursday starting at 7:30 PM. Free to play, prizes for top teams, and great food and drinks while you play!

ANTOINE P & FRIENDS!

Aug 20, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

He’s bringing some of his funny friends to Laugh Out Lounge! winterhavenlol.com

NEEDLEWORKS ART GROUP

Aug 21, 2026, 9:30-11:30 AM

Lake Wales Public Library

290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales

Come work on your fiber arts projects with other crafty people, every Friday! lakewalesfl.gov

THE COCKTAIL CLASSIC WINTER HAVEN

Aug 21 - 29, 2026, 5-11:30 PM

Historic Downtown Winter Haven

Main Street Winter Haven is hosting a week-long tasting experience designed to showcase Downtown Winter Haven’s cocktail and dining offerings. Venues will offer specialty cocktails & mocktails, a creative appetizer menu, and educational mixology experiences. Sample them all and vote for your “Best Cocktail Bar” & “Best Cocktail.” mainstreetwh.com

YOUTH MUSIC NIGHT

Aug 21, 2026, 5:30 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Check out the young musicians in this super fun live show! Find the full lineup on FB @bowenyardwh

SUNSET SHOWTIME OPEN VARIETY SHOW

Aug 21, 2026, 6-8 PM

Kitty Cat Lounge

946 East Orange St,, Lakeland

An all-ages variety show that brings together performers of all kinds for an evening packed with talent and entertainment.

SOUTHERN COMFORT & SKILLETS: PLANTBASED DATE NIGHT WORKSHOP

Aug 21, 2026, 6:30-8:30 PM

Plant Batter Bakery + Kitchen

6935 S Carter Rd ste 6, Lakeland

Sink into the ultimate American comfort food experience—completely plant-based. In this hands-on evening class, we’re cracking the code on deep, savory Southern flavors and perfect textures without dairy or eggs. You’ll learn the art of a flawless, crispy crunch on our signature Fried Oyster Mushrooms, whip up ultracreamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and simmer smoky Collard Greens. To top it off, we’ll master the chemistry of flaky, golden, yeast-free scratch biscuits. Register at plantbatterlkld.com

TURN UP HIP HOP DANCE FITNESS

Aug 21, 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! By combining dance with elements of fitness in a culture that fosters teamwork, community and energy we are able to connect and use our workout as therapy, a release, happy hour for that matter, as well as a way to stay active, healthy, and get physical results! unodostresstudio.com

JOE LEMONDS FROM ROAST BATTLE LEAGUE!

Aug 21, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

A local favorite and roast battle veteran, Joe Lemonds is headlining Laugh Out Lounge for the first time. winterhavenlol.com

MINDFUL MOVEMENT: FLOW, WALK, & CONNECT

Aug 22, 2026, 8:30-10:30 AM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

The class begins with a breath-to-movement mindful yoga practice designed to create rhythmic and grounding experience for all levels. Following the yoga session, participants are guided though a mindful walk through the gardens to encourage presence, reflection, and connection with nature. Register at boktowergardens.org

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER*

Aug 22, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM

Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours JuneAugust. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

SMART CLASS

Aug 22, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM

Florida Air Museum

4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland

The Art of Composites

In this fun art class, we will explore the process engineers use to create brand new materials. Then we will combine the individual qualities of fabric, glue, paint and spackle, cause some chemical reactions, and leave with a textured moonscape. We will also explore painting frescoes, another type of composite art. Online registration is required, and payment will be made at the door. aceedu.org

FINE ART AT THE MAGNOLIA

Aug 22, 2026, 10 AM-5 PM

Magnolia Building

702 E. Orange Street, Lakeland

Saturday (10am – 5pm) & Sunday (10am – 4pm)

This elegant indoor Fine Art Show features 19 highly accomplished artists & craftsmen from Florida!   FB @FineArtMagnolia

THE DANIEL BURNS BAND

Aug 22, 2026, 6-9 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Live music every weekend! FB @bowenyardwh

ASISTENCIA TECNOLGICA DROP-IN (BILINGUAL)

Aug 22, 2026, Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

Technology assistance provided in English and Spanish.Stop by every fourth Saturday of the month for assistance. Aquí para ayudarle a navegar por las aplicaciones de la biblioteca y a utilizar su dispositivo. Pase cada cuarto Sábadodel mes para recibir asistencia.

FINE ART AT THE MAGNOLIA

Aug 23, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM

Magnolia Building

702 E. Orange Street, Lakeland

This elegant indoor Fine Art Show features 19 highly accomplished artists & craftsmen from Florida!   FB @FineArtMagnolia

WEDDING EXPO

Aug 23, 2026, 11 AM-4 PM

Camp Margaritaville Auburndale

361 Denton Avenue, Auburndale

Whether you’re newly engaged or putting the finishing touches on your big day, this exciting event brings everything you need to plan your dream wedding together in one beautiful destination.

PEACE TRAIN KARAOKE

Aug 23, 2026, 9 PM

Jenson’s Corner Bar

100 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Hop on the Peace Train and belt your heart out

Whether you’re a shower singer, karaoke king, or firsttimer, there’s a spot on the mic for you.

PERENNIALS THAT PACK A PUNCH

Aug 25, 2026, 10-11 AM

Lakeland Public Library

100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland

Perennials provide a punch of color and add visual

interest to a landscape. Learn what perennials to grow in your central Florida yard. Workshop is presented by UF/IFAS Extension Polk County and the City of Lakeland Library. For details and to register: perennials.eventbrite.com

WHEN TREES TESTIFY WITH BERONDA MONTGOMERY

Aug 25, 2026, 2 PM

Winter Haven Public Library

325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven

A conversation with award-winning biologist Beronda Montgomery as we discuss her book, “When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy.” The histories of trees in America are also the histories of Black Americans. Pecan trees were domesticated by an enslaved African named Antoine; sycamore trees were both havens and signposts for people trying to escape enslavement; poplar trees are historically associated with lynching; and willow bark has offered the gift of medicine. These trees, and others, testify not only to the complexity of the Black American narrative but also to a heritage of Black botanical expertise that, like Native American traditions, predates the United States entirely. Register at libraryc.org/mywinterhaven.

BREW CREW RUN CLUB

Aug 25, 2026, 5:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland

Join the Lakeland Runners Club, check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco

READY, SET, CONSERVE: RAIN BARRELS

Aug 25, 2026, 5:30-6:30 PM

Lake Crago Recreational Center

525 Lake Crago Dr, Lakeland

Join UF/IFAS Extension Polk County and the City of Lakeland Water Utilities for tips to save water and reduce stormwater runoff by incorporating a rain barrel in your Florida-Friendly landscape. Learn how to create, install, and maintain a rain barrel. The ticket option with a registration fee includes one preassembled rain barrel. There is a free ticket option for those not wanting a rain barrel. Register on Eventbrite. 863-519-1041.

ROOTED IN LEARNING: AN EVENING OF TEACHER APPRECIATION

Aug 25, 2026, 6-8 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Join us for a special evening dedicated to the educators who inspire curiosity, cultivate growth, and make a lasting impact on the lives of their students. Stroll through the Gardens, connect with fellow educators, meet our Education Team, and get an exclusive first look at our newly designed field trip experiences. Discover how Bok Tower Gardens can serve as an extension of your classroom through hands-on learning, environmental education, and unforgettable student experiences. Registration required. boktowergardens.org

AUGUST 2026

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Aug 25, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Tuesday night! FB @groverootsbrewing

LIVE MUSIC BINGO

Aug 25, 2026, 6:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland

Eevery Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco

BINGO!

Aug 25, 2026, 7:30-9 PM

Smith’s American Tavern

124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland Every Tuesday night!

CITYWORKSXPO 2026

Aug 26 & 27, 2026, 8 AM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Main Street Winter Haven hosts CityWorksXpo 2026

CityWorksXpo Florida is a gathering designed to spark ideas, share knowledge, and strengthen communities across the state. Bringing together leaders, creatives, and change makers. Xpo creates a space to exchange stories, showcase innovative projects, and explore what it takes to build thriving cities of all sizes. Attendees from across Florida will come together to explore the people, places, and ideas shaping their communities. The experience will highlight themes like Innovation & Emerging Technologies, Health & Wellbeing, Civic Engagement & Public Policy, and Cultural, Culinary & Recreation, and how they contribute to thriving, resilient communities. Throughout the day, speakers, panelists, and participants will share real-world insights—from successes to lessons learned—through engaging presentations and meaningful dialogue. The experience continues with curated networking opportunities and lively wrap-up events to foster connection and collaboration between attendees and speakers. cityworksxpofl.com

WRITER’S GUILD

Aug 26, 2026, 4-5 PM

Haines City Public Library

111 N 6th St, Haines City

Ages 18+ Hang out with local aspiring authors to brainstorm, write prompts and overall enjoy yourself while working on your writing.

FREE BINGO

Aug 26, 2026, 6 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Grab your friends, enjoy delicious food from six amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes! Free to play.

A MISS MARPLE MYSTERY WITH AUTHOR LUCY FOLEY

Aug 27, 2026, 2 PM

Winter Haven Public Library

325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven

Join us for a thrilling conversation with acclaimed author Lucy Foley as we delve into her brand-new Miss Marple mystery, “Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel.”  Register at mywinterhaven.com

LEGO CLUB

Aug 27, 2026, 3:30-4:30 PM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

Every fourth Thursday we welcome to our elementary friends to build Lego with us.

GROVE ROOTS RUN CLUB

Aug 27, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Every Thursday, join the Run Club for a 1.5-mile loop or a 3-mile walk or run. All levels welcome!

TRIVIA AT SMITH’S AMERICAN TAVERN

Aug 27, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM

Smith’s American Tavern

124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland Every Thursday!

NEEDLEWORKS ART GROUP

Aug 28, 2026, 9:30-11:30 AM

Lake Wales Public Library

290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales

Come work on your fiber arts projects with other crafty people, every Friday! lakewalesfl.gov

NONFICTION BOOK CLUB

Aug 28, 2026, 10-11 AM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

This adult book club will focus on various types of nonfiction. No Registration Required!

2026 TASTE OF BARTOW

Aug 28, 2026, 5-10 PM

Bartow Civic Center

2250 S Floral Ave, Bartow

Get ready to savor the best of Bartow’s culinary scene at our Taste of Bartow event! This exciting community gathering is designed to highlight the incredible diversity of our local restaurants and catering businesses, offering a unique opportunity to sample a wide array of delicious dishes.

FB @BartowChamberofCommerce

LIVE MUSIC: WILLIAM DICKERSON

Aug 28, 2026, 5:30 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Live music every weekend! Find the full lineup on FB @bowenyardwh

OPEN MIC

Aug 28, 2026, 6:30 PM

Kitty Cat Lounge

946 East Orange St,, Lakeland

Got a song, a poem, a story, or a joke to share?

Take the stage at our Open Mic Night and show off your creativity in a cozy, welcoming space — with a few curious cats in the audience. Whether you’re performing or just enjoying the show, it’s the perfect night for good vibes, great talent, and plenty of purrs.

TURN UP HIP HOP DANCE FITNESS

Aug 28, 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

More events at

together, while we take our fitness to the next level as we turn all the way up! By combining dance with elements of fitness in a culture that fosters teamwork, community and energy we are able to connect and use our workout as therapy, a release, happy hour for that matter, as well as a way to stay active, healthy, and get physical results! unodostresstudio.com

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER*

Aug 29, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM

Winter Haven Farmers Market

Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours JuneAugust. winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

HERB BASKET BY CJ’S BASKETS

Aug 29, 2026, 9 AM-2 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

In this class, you’ll weave a charming basket made from natural rattan reed, finished with a sturdy oak handle. Designed to be both practical and decorative, your basket can be used for gathering fresh herbs, flowers, or other treasures or simply displayed as a unique handmade piece in your home. Registration required: boktowergardens.org

LIVE MUSIC: THREE THIEVES

Aug 29, 2026, 5:30 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Live music every weekend! FB @bowenyardwh

OPEN MIC RENEGADES AT KOKOMO’S

Aug 29, 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). Grab a drink, food, check out Kokomo’s, relax, and enjoy the show as local artists and musicians take the spotlight. More info on FB @ OMRopenmics

IT’S WRITTEN IN THE STARS

(March 21 – April 19)

August turns your attention toward fun, romance, and creativity. If you’ve been waiting for inspiration, it arrives after the solar eclipse on August 12. Toward month’s end, don’t ignore your body’s signals; rest is just as productive as action. A work project may take an unexpected but positive turn.

ARIES CANCER

(June 21 – July 22)

Financial confidence grows throughout August. The eclipse energy encourages a fresh approach to earning, saving, or investing. By the end of the month, an unexpected conversation could open a surprising opportunity. Trust your instincts, they’re especially sharp now.

(April 20 – May 20)

Home and family become your foundation this month. You may redecorate, host loved ones, or finally resolve an ongoing household issue. The Full Moon highlights friendships, reminding you that it’s okay to outgrow certain social circles while making room for new ones.

GEMINI

(May 21 – June 20)

Your calendar fills quickly with invitations, conversations, and short adventures. Networking works in your favor, especially after August 12. By month’s end, balancing career responsibilities with home life becomes your biggest challenge, but you’ll find the right rhythm.

(July 23 – August 22)

This is your month to shine. The New Moon and solar eclipse in your sign signal the beginning of a significant personal chapter. Whether you’re changing careers, refreshing your style, or simply embracing greater confidence, people notice. Celebrate your birthday by saying yes to something that excites you.

VIRGO

(August 23 – September 22)

Before your birthday season begins, take time to recharge. Quiet moments reveal important answers. Once the Sun enters Virgo on August 21, momentum builds quickly. The Pisces Full Moon shines a light on partnerships, helping you strengthen healthy relationships while releasing unhealthy ones.

(September 23 – October 22)

Venus gives you an extra dose of charm this month, making August excellent for friendships, romance, and creative collaborations. A long-term goal you’ve quietly nurtured begins showing real progress. Don’t underestimate the power of simply asking for what you want.

(October 23 – November 21)

Career ambitions receive a boost, and others recognize your leadership. The eclipse asks you to balance professional success with personal happiness. A creative hobby, or even a spontaneous weekend getaway, could become more meaningful than expected.

SAGITTARIUS

(November 22 – December 21)

Adventure calls. Whether through travel, education, or a new perspective, August encourages you to expand your horizons. The Leo energy fuels optimism, while the Pisces Full Moon reminds you that true growth starts at home.

(December 22 – January 19)

Shared finances, investments, or important commitments may require attention, but solutions arrive more easily than expected. Emotionally, you’re letting go of an old fear that’s been holding you back. By month’s end, you’ll feel noticeably lighter.

(January 20 – February 18)

Relationships take center stage. Whether you’re deepening a romance, strengthening a friendship, or entering a new partnership, August favors honest conversations. The eclipse encourages balance between independence and connection.

PISCES

(February 19 – March 20)

Healthy routines become the secret to your success. Small improvements create big results over time. The Full Moon and lunar eclipse in your sign marks a powerful personal milestone, helping you release old emotional baggage and step confidently into your next chapter.

When Every Second Matters, Choose the Care Team That’s Ready for Anything.

Emergencies don’t wait. That’s why having access to the highest level of care close to home makes all the difference.

As Polk County’s only Level I Trauma Center, Lakeland Regional Health provides comprehensive trauma care for adults and children.

Expert trauma surgeons, pediatric specialists, and critical care teams work together with advanced technology to provide coordinated care when your family needs it most.

Learn more about what Level I Trauma care means for you and your family. myLRH.org/ Trauma-Services