With more than 50,000 square feet of galleries, interactive labs, and learning spaces, plus a growing permanent collection of over 3,400 objects, The AGB Museum of Art is a vibrant hub where Lakeland connects through art, education, and community. Come see art from a whole new perspective, right in the heart of Lakeland, FL.
Hello!
This month is our photo issue, and I want to thank everyone who submitted a photo. We received 147 photos, and choosing only 30 photos to use in the magazine was difficult, to say the least. There were so many great ones, we had quite the debate here. I’m extending an invitation to all of you to make a visit to our office on June 5 during First Friday, from 5-8 p.m. to meet the photographers and see their work displayed. It’s going to be a fun night.
In this issue, you will also see the winners from The Great Polk Pet Showdown! Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo of their pet and to everyone who voted. Again, we received so many submissions, and they were all so cute!
Remember, hurricane season begins June 1, please get your house prepared in advance! (Nobody likes to stand in line for water and food at the last minute, am I right?)
Enjoy this month’s magazine, it’s hard to believe 2026 is half over now. Have a very Happy Father’s Day to all who celebrate, and I’ll see you around town!
Amy Sexson Editor/Partner
Haven & LKLD Magazines
Destroyer Media & Marketing
Winter Haven Farmers Market
BG’S INDIAN KITCHEN | ATO SUSHI | MARITIME RIPPLES ICE CREAM | LAKE HOUSE KITCHEN | FULLY LOADED
Talbot House Ministries has withdrawn its proposal to build a large homeless shelter and social services campus on Memorial Boulevard after weeks of neighborhood opposition and signs of limited support from city leaders. The nonprofit announced April 18 that it would no longer pursue a scheduled “de novo” hearing before the City Commission. The hearing had been set after commissioners voted 5-2 to reconsider the proposal following a Planning & Zoning Board denial. Talbot House had proposed a roughly 72,000-square-foot facility with up to 390 beds, a free health clinic, and jobtraining services on donated land near Memorial Boulevard and Ingraham Avenue. Residents raised concerns about crime, traffic, nearby schools, and the future of Memorial Boulevard’s revitalization. In a statement, Talbot House said it would collaborate with community partners and “explore future opportunities” to expand and enhance services for vulnerable residents.
Dixieland’s often-overlooked alleys could become a centerpiece of the neighborhood’s future under a new redevelopment vision presented to Lakeland officials. Consultants working with the Dixieland Community Redevelopment Agency recommended transforming the alleys into pedestrian-friendly spaces with lighting, landscaping, public art, outdoor seating, and connections between businesses. The goal is to create walkable gathering spaces while improving parking access and neighborhood character. The recommendations are part of a broader CRA “Restore the Core” initiative to guide redevelopment over the next decade. The plan prioritizes preserving Dixieland’s historic identity while encouraging business growth through streetscape improvements, parking solutions, historic preservation, and recruiting new businesses. CRA manager Valerie Vaught said the vision is intended to build on Dixieland’s existing character rather than replace it. However, consultants noted that major projects could take years to complete because of planning, design, permitting, and construction timelines.
Cindy Glover/LkldNow
Lakeland officials are paying close attention to a controversial proposal to build one of the nation’s largest data centers about 20 miles south of the city. Maryland-based developer Stonebridge wants to build a $2.6 billion, 4.4 million-square-foot facility in northwest Fort Meade on former phosphate land. Fort Meade commissioners approved a development agreement in a 5-0 vote despite public opposition. The project is expected to use at least 50,000 gallons of water daily from the Upper Floridan Aquifer, though state officials warned that estimate may be too low. Florida Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly called the proposal “fundamentally flawed” and said questions about water, electricity, roads, and economic benefits remain unanswered. Lakeland commissioners voiced mixed reactions, acknowledging the economic potential of data centers while warning Central Florida’s water supply is already strained by growth and drought.
Polk County’s outdoor burn ban was reinstated May 6, less than two weeks after officials lifted it following spring rain. County leaders had ended the burn ban April 25 after rainfall and improving drought conditions lowered wildfire risk. But dry weather quickly returned, along with worsening drought conditions and rising fire danger across Central Florida. The renewed ban prohibits outdoor burning in unincorporated Polk County, including campfires, yard debris burning, and unauthorized bonfires. Cooking on grills and approved barbecue equipment is still allowed. County officials said drought conditions remain severe despite scattered rain. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which measures wildfire risk, climbed back above the threshold used to trigger burn restrictions. The original burn ban had been in place since Nov. 25. Polk County officials urged residents to remain cautious outdoors as vegetation across the area continues drying out.
Demand for skilled trades workers is growing faster than Polk County’s pipeline of trained employees, pushing schools and employers to expand career programs. Local educators and business leaders say jobs in welding, electrical work, HVAC, machining, and construction remain difficult to fill as the region grows. Construction alone accounts for about 8.5% of Polk County’s workforce. Polk State College plans to launch a welding technology program later this year, while Traviss Technical College continues expanding programs designed to move students into careers within about a year. Lakeland-based GMF Steel Group also operates a paid ironworker apprenticeship program combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Starting pay is about $20 an hour, with some apprentices earning up to $32 hourly before completing the program. Educators say earlier exposure to trade careers could help students pursue stable, well-paying jobs without four-year college debt.
Lakeland commissioners approved a compromise stormwater rate increase on May 4 to help fund $69 million in overdue flood-protection, drainage, and lake-restoration projects. The 6-1 vote will raise the monthly residential stormwater fee by $1.17 a year for the next decade. A typical singlefamily customer now paying $9.72 a month will pay $10.89 starting Jan. 1, 2027. The charge will continue rising annually until it reaches $21.42 in January 2036. The final plan is more gradual than the original proposal, which would have raised rates faster and reduced the credit for businesses with qualifying private drainage systems. The compromise keeps the 75% credit in place after pushback from the Lakeland Economic Development Council. Commissioner Guy LaLonde Jr. cast the lone no vote, arguing the city should raise the rates over five or eight years instead.
A Lakeland man known for appearing locally as Santa Claus was arrested in a Polk County Sheriff’s Office sting targeting people accused of using the internet to sexually exploit children. According to an affidavit, 68-year-old Thomas Allen Hicks communicated with an undercover Marion County detective posing as a father advertising his 13-year-old daughter. The detective confirmed multiple times that Hicks knew the girl’s age. Hicks first played Santa in the Lakeland Christmas Parade in 2017 and appeared at many local events, including some with his wife as Mrs. Claus. The Junior League of Greater Lakeland said he did not have direct contact with children during the parade. Sheriff Grady Judd said Hicks had no criminal history but showed “zero remorse” when arrested. Hicks faces charges including human trafficking, traveling to meet a minor, and using a computer to seduce a child.
Polk State College’s Presidential Search Committee recommended Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as the sole finalist to become the college’s sixth president. Kamoutsas has served as Florida’s commissioner of education since July 2025, after Gov. Ron DeSantis recommended him for the role. He is a former assistant state attorney from Miami with experience in education policy and public service. The singlecandidate recommendation came as a surprise because earlier search documents called for the committee to recommend a final group of applicants for interviews and public forums. Polk State received more than 100 applications through a national search led by Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. Kamoutsas is scheduled to visit campus on June 3 for meetings and forums with students, faculty, staff, and community members. The college’s trustees are expected to consider the recommendation that afternoon during a public meeting on campus.
A new exhibition inspired by folklore, mythology, and childhood imagination opened May 2 at The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art. “Folklore & Fairytales: The Fantastical World of Andrea Dezsö” features blown glass sculpture, embroidery, prints, tunnel books, ceramic dinnerware, and large vinyl wall installations. Dezsö, a Romanian-born artist and professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, draws inspiration from Transylvanian folklore, world travel, and indigenous art traditions. Museum director Daryl Ward said her work explores mythology shared across cultures. The exhibit includes rare lithographs created in Hawaii and China using traditional printmaking techniques. Dezsö said she often chooses materials and methods based on the story she wants each piece to tell. The exhibition also features large-scale installations wrapping around parts of the museum’s interior walls, creating an immersive, storybook-like environment for visitors. The free exhibition runs through Sept. 6.
Lakeland’s free downtown shuttle service, The Squeeze, is switching to an app-based, on-demand model similar to Uber beginning Oct. 1. Instead of flagging down roaming golf cart-style shuttles, riders will request trips through an app and be picked up at one of 15 designated stops in downtown and Dixieland. Citrus Connection officials said the new system should reduce wait times and improve efficiency as ridership grows. The agency had previously discussed expanding fixedroute service into Dixieland, but officials decided the on-demand model would work better without adding more vehicles. CEO Tom Phillips said riders may wait slightly longer for pickups, but they will know exactly when their shuttle will arrive. Trips may also include multiple passengers heading in the same direction. The Squeeze launched in 2022 and has become popular for short trips between restaurants, bars, shops, and downtown events.
BLOOMS & BRUSHES
EVERY THURSDAY THIS SUMMER · 10:30AM - 12:00PM
JUNE 4 · FLYING PAPER BUTTERFLY JULY 2 · PAPER PLATE WATER LILY
JUNE 11 · FLOWER PRESS JULY 9 · WANDS & BUBBLES
JUNE 18 ·
JUNE 25 · COTTON
MOBILE JULY 16 · GARDEN FINGER PUPPETS
FAIRY FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS FREE ADMISSION ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED JUNE 25-26, JULY 30-31, AUGUST 27-28
SWIFTIE SUMMER SOIREE
SATURDAY, JUNE 13 · ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
NATURAL FAIRY HOUSE BUILDING CLASS
SATURDAY, JUNE 19 · ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
FOSSIL FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
June 1! It’s recommended that you have a seven-day supply of food and water at the ready for everyone in your household. Do it now before a storm comes and you’re waiting in line to buy the last bottles of water. Learn more about emergency preparedness (alerts), including how to plan and prepare for a disaster at polkfl.gov/public-safety/hurricanepreparedness.
June 12 – 21 at Lakeland Community Theatre. This musical chronicles the journey of the famously perky Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy UCLA sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down when she is dumped by her boyfriend Warner. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com
June 4 – 6 at the Bartow Civic Center. Cady Heron is the new girl at North Shore High School in Chicago. Janis and Damian befriend the new girl and convince naive Cady to be their “friend” in order to bring down Queen Bee Regina George’s reign. This musical is based on the 2004 film. centralfloridatix.com
June 12, 7 p.m. at Gram Parsons Derry Down with special guest, Cat Ridgeway. Shawn Mullins’ critical and commercial breakthrough came when 1998 “Soul’s Core” shot him to fame on the strength of Grammy-nominated No. 1 hit, “Lullaby.” His song, “Shimmer” was used to promote the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and was included on the Dawson’s Creek soundtrack. gpderrydown.com
June 5, 5 – 8 p.m. at Destroyer Media at 326 Ave C SW, Winter Haven at Bowen Yard. Let’s get together at our office during First Friday! At this art exhibition, you can meet the photographers and view the photos chosen for the June issues of Haven & LKLD Magazines. Support local artists and drop by to visit. Some photos available for purchase.
June 13, 7 a.m. at Lake Hollingsworth Park in Lakeland. Proceeds go towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. Certified course, chip timed. Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results. lakelandrunnersclub.org
June 6, 2 p.m. at The Ritz Theatre. Known for his masterful guitar work and quick-witted charm, Jim brings audiences behind the scenes of his career, sharing personal anecdotes from his rise to fame, his time in television, and his decades performing for fans across the country. Purchase tickets at theatrewinterhaven.com.
June 13 – 20 at various locations. It begins with the Pride Kick Off Party, and then Pride for Youth, Pride in Faith, Friday Night Pride, Pride in the Park, and finally the Pride After Dark Party. For a full schedule of events please visit polkpridefl.org.
June 11, 6 p.m. at The AGB. Dr. Daryl Ward offers guests a sneak peek into the upcoming season. Be one of the first to find out about the newest exhibits, programs, and community events the Museum has planned for ‘26 - ‘27! This is a free event, but space is limited, so please reserve your seat today at agbmuseum.org.
June 13, 6 p.m. at Adams Estate in Lake Alfred. Help raise needed funds for the Polk County Bully Project. Masquerade masks are highly encouraged! Dance (or fakegamble) the night away. Includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, silent auctions, and a few casino tables to try your luck on. Cash bar. More info on FB @polkcountybullyproject.
Throughout June at Orlando Tree Trek. Ticket includes the giant 425’ zipline, 97 aerial challenges, 2 kids courses with 21 challenges, climbing and safety instruction, and all necessary safety equipment. Kids ages 6+ (at least 47 inches) can swing on Tarzan ropes, climb ladders 50-feet up, leap into hanging nets, cross wobbly suspended bridges, navigate swinging logs, and more. Reservations required. orlandotreetrek.com
June 6, 6:30 – 10 p.m. at the Central Florida Zoo. This is for kids only, ages 5-12. The evening will be full of hands-on activities, games, and animal encounters, as they explore the zoo after dark. They’ll discover how animals survive in the night and learn what glows in the dark. Then they’ll make a cool craft and enjoy a snack, all before the grownups come back! Ticket required. centralfloridazoo.org
June 4 – 8 at Disney World. One of the most anticipated LGBTQ+ multi-day events in the U.S. Held during the first weekend of June each year, it brings together thousands of guests from around the world for curated night events, parties, and after-hours. This celebration of pride has evolved into a beloved tradition that continues to expand with world-class DJ lineups and immersive entertainment. mw2026.com
June 11, 8 p.m. at Central Park in Winter Park. “Popcorn Flicks in the Park” is a free event, just bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. “Houston, we have a problem.” An oxygen tank explosion turns what was expected to be a routine lunar mission in 1970 into a race for survival in this real-life drama starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton. enzian.org
June 5, 12, 18, & 25 at Volcano Bay at Universal. Get exclusive access to all attractions from 7 - 11 p.m. This event includes the Beach Bash with live DJ, games and activities for the whole family, specialty-themed island treats and beverages, DreamWorks character meet and greets, and more. Reservations required, limited ticket sales. universalorlando.com
June 13, 6 p.m. at the Central Florida Zoo. Step back into 1975 for a night celebrating 50 years of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens at its current location. Join for an evening of disco, dinner, and dancing, where guests are invited to dress in their best ‘70s style for a one-night-only celebration at the Zoo! Purchase tickets in advance. centralfloridazoo.org
June 6, 7 a.m. at City Hall Plaza in Orlando. This 4.9k race was started by UCF graduate students in 2017 to mark the one-year anniversary of the Pulse tragedy. Their vision was to help the community navigate the healing process, recognizing that running, walking, and spending time with others can foster connection and collective strength. Register at pulseorlando.org.
June 19 – 21 at Rosen Plaza. Guests from across the anime and gaming industries will be there to meet fans, present panels, sign autographs, & give performances. Visit the allweekend-long Game Show Theater to test your anime knowledge and game show skills. The cosplay contest will show the best in Central Florida, plus there will be the most fun vendors to shop from. animefestivalorlando.com
June 6, 8 a.m. - noon at Orlando Festival Park. This is a community gathering where participants give away usable items, skills, food, entertainment, games, and many other things that a community can share. This is a 100 percent free and non-commercial event (no bartering or advertising), created by all the participants that show up each month. More info on Instagram @reallyfreeorlando.
June 23, 7 p.m. at Judson’s Live at the Dr. Phillips Center. LA-based pianist Paul Cornish and his trio blend piano jazz with the rhythms of soul, R&B and hip-hop influences. A prolific and sought-after jazz prodigy, Paul placed as a finalist in the prestigious Herbie Hancock International Jazz Competition. drphillipscenter.org
Experience Tampa’s waterways with a 9.9HP mini powerboat from the Riverwalk Boating Company. The user-friendly mini-powerboats make it easy for everyone to navigate the scenic Hillsborough River and beyond, no prior boating experience necessary. Sail past Davis Islands mansions, or see Tampa’s skyline from a fresh perspective. Details at riverwalkboating.com.
June 5 & 6 on the St. Pete Pier. For the first time, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series comes to Florida. This is one of six stops for these world-class divers competing for the championship title. Fans can watch from various vantage points across the pier’s expansive public spaces, elevated walkways, and open decks, or from boats anchored in the bay for a front-row view from the water. redbull.com
Throughout June at Busch Gardens. Enjoy world-class coasters, entertainment and more during extended summer hours. Stick around for nightly excitement at the Boom Box Dance Party in Stanleyville, and rock out with Beach Bash in Gwazi Plaza. Try delicious seasonal bites all night long. This event is included with park admission. buschgardens.com
June 11 – 28 at The Straz. The Tony Award–winning musical that turns an extraordinary true story into an unforgettable celebration of hope and humanity. Set in the days after 9/11, this vibrant, fast-paced show follows the surprising friendships and heartfelt moments that unfold when 7,000 stranded passengers are welcomed into the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. strazcenter.org
One of only three fully-operational Victory Class WWII ships remaining. Visitors can come aboard a fullyfunctioning 1940s era steamship and relive history by visiting cavernous three-level cargo holds, radio and gyro rooms, hospital, galley, weaponry, steering stations, flying bridge, mess halls, engine room, crew cabins, and more. This boat served in WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. americanvictory.org
June 15 – 20 at the Raymond James Stadium. This week-long festival creates inclusive spaces that educate, entertain, and uplift. There is a Youth Summit, Health & Wellness Conference, Community Symposium, Cultural Couture Ball, Family Fun Day, and the Juneteenth Festival Day. Find a complete schedule at roctheblockinc.com.
June 4, 7 – 9 p.m. at Armature Works. Step into the rhythm for one unforgettable evening of salsa dancing. The night begins with a guided lesson to get you moving with confidence, followed by a live DJ and an open dance floor to keep the energy going. All levels welcome, no partner needed. Register in advance at armatureworks.com.
June 27 & 28, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Keel Farms in Plant City. Enjoy a full weekend of watermelon-themed fun, including: kids fun zones, bounce houses & water slides, watermelon eating contests, seasonal wines & ciders, food trucks, vendor market, and all things watermelon! Free admission, $10 parking. More info on FB @keelfarmsfl.
June 5, 6:30 p.m. at The Dali. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Dalí at an exclusive one-night art event featuring 12 local artists selected by the Zodiac Membership Committee, who will share their talents. Guests will have the opportunity to explore a variety of works by featured artists, light hors d’oeuvres, and cash bars. Purchase tickets in advance. thedali.org
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (2006)
June 28, 6:30 p.m. at Sparkman Wharf. This is a free outdoor singalong screening for the whole family. Join Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, and Ryan for a nostalgic night of sweet teenage angst. The first 100 guests will also receive a free LED fan and a free bag of Tampa Theatre’s famous popcorn. No ticket required, limited seating. tampatheatre.org
The second annual Haven & LKLD Magazine Photo Contest developed into quite the picture-perfect conundrum. We received an incredible 142 photo submissions, and choosing just 28 to feature inside this issue was no easy decision. We got silly photos, so much nature, kids, architecture, and the iconic landmarks we all love. Thank you to everyone who shared their talent with us and helped make this year’s contest better than ever!
You’re invited!
Meet the photographers and see the photos up close June 5, 5-8 pm Destroyer Media 326 Ave C SW, Winter Haven
It all started with a Show and Tell session gone spectacularly off script. Five-year-old Dwight L. MacPherson marched to the front of his elementary school classroom ready to share his latest outdoor adventure—and share he did. But when his tale took a sudden left turn involving “a gorilla coming over to talk to his sisters and tell them how to get back home,” his teacher froze, blinked twice, and promptly scheduled a parentteacher conference. Several conferences later, the verdict was unanimous: Dwight wasn’t troubled—he was imaginative to a fault. “I was born to entertain!” he told me the first time we met. And honestly, he hasn’t stopped entertaining me since.
Dwight is pure Michigan. Born in Traverse City (TC to locals), he spent his early years in Rapid City, Applegate, St. Louis, and Kalkaska. But it was the summers at his grandparents’ modest home on Clam Lake that truly shaped him. There’s something unique about growing up around lakes. The sound of water lapping against the shore, the rich earthy scent of the woods, the stillness, and the endless horizon all work their way into your bones. Those places never really leave you. They become part of your creative DNA. For Dwight, those northern waters, quiet roads, and small-town rhythms became the emotional and atmospheric blueprint for so much of the storytelling he would one day create.
He is the son of a preacher, whose father was also a preacher, and like J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote, we are all sub-creators, designed by God to create reflections of truth through story. That sacred drive has always been alive in Dwight. Though he has spent most of his life in the South, he remains a Michigander through and through—right down to the University of Michigan “Block M” tattoo on his right arm, honoring the Fab Five, those legendary freshmen who forever changed college basketball culture and left a permanent mark on an entire generation.
His storytelling extends far beyond books. I hate seeing dead animals by the side of the road, and Dwight never misses an opportunity to soften the sadness with humor. “Now how did Mr. Racoonski not make it home last night? I told him to go straight home and not stop for milk. Nothing good happens after 11 PM.” That’s Dwight. Equal parts humorist, storyteller, and eternal observer of the strange little narratives hidden inside everyday life.
His imagination works on frequencies most people don’t even realize exist. Someone once described his writing as “what would happen if Rod Serling and Shirley Jackson collaborated,” and honestly, that may be one of the most accurate descriptions I’ve ever heard. His mind moves in different dimensions, but he never loses sight of what matters most: unforgettable characters, compelling mysteries, and meaningful truths. He has never been interested in hollow spectacle. For him, the heart of every story lies in what it reveals about humanity, morality, fear, and redemption.
Fast forward to Clearwater-Largo Christian School in Clearwater, Florida. There, Dwight and his friend Jeff Earls created a comic called “MECHAEGIS.“ They printed copies locally and approached Geppi’s Comic World—a comic shop
owned by Steve Geppi, who would later found Diamond Comic Distributors. Steve bought every copy and placed them on the shelves. They sold out. And just like that, Dwight knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life: become a comic book writer. The 1980s fueled that dream perfectly—”Star Wars”, MTV, “The Goonies”, Michael Jackson, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” It was an era overflowing with imagination, practical effects, larger-than-life adventures, and stories that weren’t afraid to be bold. Every corner of pop culture seemed to whisper the same thing: create something unforgettable. Dwight listened.
But life, as it often does, took him on a different journey first. Dwight served 14 years in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic, with assignments across the United States, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. Military life gave him discipline, resilience, and a deeper understanding of humanity under pressure. It exposed him to hardship, sacrifice, and the realities of life and death in ways that profoundly shaped his perspective. Those experiences didn’t diminish his imagination, they sharpened it.
It was near the DMZ in Korea where the seeds for “Dead Men Tell No Tales” began to grow—a historical pirate epic bringing together Captain Kidd, Blackbeard, and Black Bart Roberts. The scope was ambitious, requiring intense historical research and narrative precision. Years of artistic and publishing challenges delayed the project, but thankfully it was published… because that graphic novel is what ultimately brought us together.
In 2007, while I was working on various studio lots in Los Angeles by day and at Meltdown Comics by night, I stumbled upon “Dead Men Tell No Tales” in the pirate section. I bought it. Read it. Loved it. Then I contacted the publisher to ask whether the rights were available. Instead, they connected me directly to the writer.
Two years—and roughly a million Google chats—later, we were married. In one extraordinary day, I became a wife and mother to three incredible boys. Our partnership has always been rooted in creativity, faith, resilience, and a shared belief that stories matter.
Dwight would go on to create the award-winning series “SIDEWISE” for DC Comics, write for publishers across the U.S. and UK, and earn both Harvey and Eisner nominations. But perhaps his most cherished recognition is the Saturday Visiter Award from the Poe Society of Baltimore for “The Imaginary Voyages of Edgar Allan Poe”—a deeply personal love letter to one of his greatest literary inspirations. To receive the same award once won by Edgar Allan Poe himself was something truly extraordinary. For a writer whose work so often explores shadow, mystery, and the fragile line between reality and nightmare, it felt less like an award and more like a fullcircle moment.
In 2014, we relocated to Lakeland, Florida, a place that, fittingly enough, was filled with lakes. In 2017, we co-founded Hocus Pocus Comics, creating a home for stories told on our terms, free from the suffocating constraints of traditional publishing. Over
eight years, we produced nine graphic novels, each one bending genres and expectations while proving that independent creators could still build something meaningful and lasting.
But I always knew there was something even larger waiting. Comics are wonderful, but they are also, as I often describe them, like herding cats. Coordinating artists, deadlines, layouts, and production pipelines can sometimes overshadow pure storytelling. And deep down, I knew Dwight had novels inside him. Bigger worlds. Deeper mysteries. Stories that needed room to breathe without limitation.
I told him to write what he knew. And from that simple truth, “Welcome to Waadizi, Michigan!” was born. A small Northern Michigan town. A lake with secrets. A place where charm and menace exist side by side. The idea of hidden darkness beneath idyllic places isn’t new—but Dwight has always had a gift for taking familiar concepts and making them feel wholly original, unsettling, and unforgettable. Waadizi is more than a setting. It feels alive. It breathes. It watches.
For me, Waadizi also evokes memories of my own time in Plymouth, New Hampshire, a quintessential small town with lakes, rivers, and postcard-perfect beauty. Small towns are comforting. Until they aren’t. Because sometimes what you don’t see can be the most dangerous thing of all. That duality is where Dwight thrives creatively: the beautiful and the terrifying, the nostalgic and the sinister, the sacred and the corrupted. He understands that true horror often works best not when it shouts, but when it quietly unsettles something deep inside us.
Dwight is already hard at work on the next chapter of “The Waadizi Cycle.” And if there is one thing I know for certain, it’s this: You may think you know where Dwight’s stories are going … but he will always surprise you. He doesn’t simply tell stories. He builds worlds, invites readers inside, and then quietly locks the door behind them.
As Jack Black said while portraying R.L. Stine: “Every story ever told can be broken down into three parts: The beginning, the middle, and the twist.”
Dwight has mastered the twist.
Whether through comics, novels, or the ever-expanding creative ventures we continue building together, his work has always been driven by one simple goal: tell unforgettable stories that matter. And trust me—he’s only getting started.
“Welcome to Waadizi, Michigan!” is available now in paperback, hardcover, and eBook on Amazon, with the eBook also available through Kindle Unlimited.
Go Blue!
madscot.net
Instagram @dwight.macpherson
TikTok: @dwightmacphersonauthor
“I will wear whatever anyone wants to put on me! I will also eat anything crunchy. My favorite thing to do is to be around my people, I love them. Christian Slater will play me when Hollywood decides to make a film about my life.”
“I’m named after Phineas from the cartoon Phineas and Ferb! And probably just like you, I love to eat algae pellets. They’re my fave. In fact, I like to suction upside down under the plants in my tank and eat ALL the algae I can find. The answer to the last question, who would play me in a movie? Tom Holland. Fins down, he’s the best choice.”
“I may have the best hair, but I also have a really great bunny slipper that I take everywhere with me. I love, love, LOVE to play fetch, and when I have chicken for dinner, I’m so happy. If I had to guess, I’d say Jackie Chan would play me in a movie about my life.”
“This is what I won? I was born this way. My face always looks angry. I’m actually very sweet! Trust me! I’m pretty easy to take care of. I’ll eat anything my humans give me, and my favorite activity is sleeping! Don’t laugh, but if they made a movie about my life, Bea Arthur would play me.”
MOO. Moo mooo mooooo. Moo moooooo moo, moo mer mer moo. Moo moo moooo. Moooooooo, and moo. MOO!
PATTIE GONIA III aka LOIS
Best Cat
“I will yell at you for belly rubs. All. The. Time. Every time I see you, belly rubs will be demanded ... unless there are churus around. I need more churus! You know what makes me happy? Attacking that darn TV. Even when it’s not turned on, I want to attack it. When they make a movie about me, Winnie Harlow will play me.”
“Interesting fact about me: my breed was bred to hunt small animals, but I get scared when lizards chase me. My favorite treat to eat is blueberries, and I really love to play with my other doggie friends, they make me so happy. If I had to guess who would play me in a movie, it would be Kevin Hart - big personality in a small package.”
“I love to take my bed everywhere, I love to hide under curtains, and I live for tummy rubs. I’m also a mommy’s boy, a little bit of a troublemaker, and I take my cozy naps very seriously. If you have chicken, I want it. My most favorite activity is running. I just love it, I’ll run anywhere, anytime. Adam Sandler would be the best choice to play me in a movie. Did I mention that I love running? I love to run.”
By Jeremy Gardner
The widow swan had followed him.
Tinker was sure of it. Forget the fact that birds didn’t do that. Stalk people. Hold grudges. Seek vengeance. They couldn’t do that. Birds had little gumball brains. It was an absurd idea to even consider, and yet, there it was. Waiting for him at the end of the little dock that swayed in the chop of the lake like a huge loose tooth. Three hundred miles from where he’d left it, honking and flapping around the lifeless pile of its partner.
Tink had been a hero once. He hit four homeruns and plowed straight through the right field wall to clinch a state championship when he was seventeen. He’d been dining out on that catch for a decade. He loved the attention, always had. On her deathbed, his mother had said to him, “Tink, baby, I love you, but if you woke up alone in the desert tomorrow, you’d die from lack of attention before you died of thirst.”
“Yeah, well, if you woke up in the desert tomorrow, you’d die of bone cancer before you died of thirst.” He wished he could take it back. Three days later she did just that.
After his playing career stalled out in single-A ball, he crawled back home and took a job at his family’s sprawling
auto mart. He made commercials where he smashed high prices with his baseball bat. He knocked hidden fees “out of the park.” His nose still looked like a garlic bulb. His blood-stained jersey still hung in a big shadowbox in the halls of Barlow High. At least it did before the thing with the swan.
It all happened so fast. The way most things did when he was shitfaced. He had sniffed out a party and crashed it. High school kids. There were keg stands and whisky shots and bong rips and at some point, someone handed him a baseball bat. It felt good in his hands. A security blanket. In the backyard, on the edge of a pond, there was a swan. He crept down to the shoreline, giggling. No one thought he would actually do it.
When he swung, it sounded like a rock hitting a windshield. Stupid bird never even moved. Its little round head just sat there on its long white neck in the moonlight like a brand new ball on a tee. He hadn’t seen the second swan, sleeping in the reeds, until it started shrieking.
Everyone gasped and screamed and some hotshot varsity football asshole hauled off and socked him in the face.
Broke his nose like a fortune cookie.
At the Car Farm the next day someone had written in blood across the windshields of four showcase cars on the edge of the lot, SWANS. MATE. FOR. LIFE. The letters were all stuck through with feathers.
There was a video from the party. It was getting around. When his brother told him he couldn’t be associated with the business anymore, at least not for a while, Tinker grabbed a set of the showcase keys and tore out of the lot in the MATE car. Everybody knew where he was going. Nobody stopped him.
Years earlier, Tinker’s father went missing during a weekend fishing trip to his little cabin on Lake Misty. The night of his disappearance he made three phone calls, starting at one in the morning, one after the other, to each of his kids. All three went unanswered.
Shortly thereafter, depending on who you asked, Big Zud had either made his way to the Hotdish Diner and run off with the waitress or caught a ride out of town with a long haul trucker like some goddamned hippy drifter, or; he got drunk, pulled a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and went fishin’ in the dark and drowned.
There was, of course, a third theory:
That the things that had always haunted the lake, that chirped and chittered in the woods at night and flooded the windows of the cabin with strange pulsing lights suggesting a code he couldn’t crack; and that compelled the disconnected phone and the unplugged stereo and TV to ring and whine and buzz with static, had actually, finally, taken him.
This was, predictably, a scenario to which no one afforded any real weight or consideration. The squat, stupid local cops laughed at the suggestion. Their ruddy cheeks flapping like fat, slapped asses. The yokels whispered and rolled their eyes and shook their heads.
Tinker, however, knew it to be true to the marrow in his bones. His father would never just disappear. He wasn’t stupid enough to fall off his boat, nor had he ever been too drunk to kick his feet if he did.
Zud wasn’t in the lake.
And until he fished his skeleton up off the bottom or out of the cattails with his own two hands, or cut him out of the guts of a gator with his own damned knife, Tinker would swear to it, on his dead dad’s grave, that his dad wasn’t actually dead.
It was the reason he had come to the cabin in the first place. To find proof.
Certainly not because he’d been run out of Barlow for killing some stupid bird.
For three days at the cabin the swan tormented him. It followed him around the property, close enough to pester him, but a safe enough distance away to alight any time Tinker charged after it. It honked incessantly, day and night. It roosted on the eaves of the cabin and shit on his head when he stepped outside in the morning.
It seemed to be getting bigger, too. On the fourth day, he was sure of it. He awoke to a cannonade on the aluminum jetty. The swan was stomping up and down the length of it. The size of a mastiff. Tinker screamed at it. Bluff-charged it with his baseball bat. It stormed up the hill toward him and he ducked inside.
At night, he rifled through his father’s things, looking for clues. Big Zud had more stuffed fish on the walls than pictures of his kids. Tinker drank his dad’s whisky, finished the chess game he’d abandoned halfway. Somehow, he lost. Outside, the bird sounded like a storm siren.
By day five the swan was the size of a horse. The dock was sunk. There were feathers everywhere as big as Chinese hand fans. Tinker threw rocks at it from the porch. He still had a hell of an arm.
Just after midnight he’d had to barricade the front door with a chest of drawers and the living room couch. The swan seemed to be outside every window at once, sounding its trumpet like Gabriel. Windows shattered, hinges creaked.
Then the phone rang. The old one on the wall with curly cord. It wasn’t plugged in. It rang again. Tinker answered. He listened as his father told him he never should have come here. That there was a reason he always called it Lake Mistake. They followed you up here, and they got bigger and bigger, until they were big enough to eat you alive.
Just then, an orange beak the size of a car hood peeled the roof off the cabin and plucked him up like a worm from the wet earth.
WORDS
Shannon Carnevale
Natural Resources and Conservation Extension Agent
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
In Florida, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a plant that simply grows aggressively and one that truly threatens local ecosystems. But for land managers, conservation groups, and scientists across Central Florida, invasive species are one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the region today.
In April 2026, residents and biologists across the five-county Heartland Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (Heartland CISMA) recognized a major milestone: more than 25,000 observations of introduced species had been documented through iNaturalist. The project, which includes Polk County and surrounding areas, highlights just how widespread nonnative species have become and how valuable public participation can be in tracking them.
This milestone is important because tracking all introduced species, also known as nonnative species, is our best early warning system. There is an important distinction to make here: an invasive species is more than simply a species from somewhere else. While a species is considered nonnative simply because it was brought here from another part of the world, to be considered “invasive,” the following must be true.
• The species must be nonnative to the area of consideration.
• The species must have been introduced, intentionally or unintentionally.
• The species causes, or is likely to cause, environmental harm, economic harm, and/or harm to humans.
Florida’s warm climate, abundant rainfall, and extensive trade and travel networks make the state especially vulnerable to invasive plants and animals. By logging nonnative species, community scientists help professionals catch the disruptive species before they get out of hand.
Invasive species can be plants, animals, viruses, bacteria, or any other kind of living thing. Two invasive species familiar to many Central Florida residents are cogongrass and the Cuban treefrog. While one spreads silently through fields, roadsides, and yards, the other frequently pops up around our homes, clinging to porches and outdoor lights. Both can disrupt native ecosystems in significant ways.
Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is one of the Southeast’s most aggressive invasive plants, and it is practically everywhere in Florida. Spotting it is easy once you know what to look for. Unmanaged, it covers fields, roadsides, pastures, and more. It’s 2-4 ft tall spring-green grass with fluffy white seed heads.
In fall, it can get a bronzed look. Up close, the leaves feature a prominent, off-center white mid-vein and serrated edges reminiscent of native sawgrass.
Polk County land managers actively treat it across the county, but you are just as likely to find it in yards, along lakes, and on fencelines. It can withstand routine mowing for years, slowly expanding outward in a circular pattern until it covers a property. The real giveaway happens if you go out of town for a week or two during the summer. Without constant maintenance, cogongrass shoots up so fast and grows so densely that standard residential lawnmowers can’t easily cut through it … turning a manicured lawn into an exceptionally difficult weed-control battle.
If you think you have cogongrass growing in your yard or on your lakefront, call us at the extension office for recommendations. Treatment is complex and becomes more challenging the larger the patch gets, so don’t wait. Call us at 863-519-1051.
Another species many Floridians encounter and are usually more familiar with is the Cuban treefrog. Larger than most native treefrogs, Cuban treefrogs are often found around porch lights, garages, outdoor plumbing fixtures, and hiding inside patio umbrellas.
Unlike native treefrogs, Cuban treefrogs prey heavily on smaller frogs and lizards. They also compete with native species for shelter and food. In some cases, they can even clog plumbing or cause failure to electrical equipment. Because they thrive around developed areas, they provide an example of how urban and suburban environments can unintentionally support invasive species. Many communities in Polk County are overrun with this species, and it may be the only treefrog species residents are seeing in their area.
You can recognize Cuban treefrog adults by the color and immense size. These frogs can be over 4 inches in length and are often a light tan or cement grey color with a textured skin. They have very large eyes and toepads. As young frogs, they have reddish eyes and may have an eye band or mask. For information on identifying and removing Cuban treefrogs from your community, visit: ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW259
One reason invasive species is confusing is that not all nonnative species are harmful. In fact, biologists often point to a general “Tens Rule”: it is estimated that only 10% of introduced species successfully establish themselves in the wild, and only 10% of those become invasive. Ultimately, that means only about 1% of all newly introduced species ever cause problems. When speaking of landscaping plants, this leaves homeowners with a massive variety of safe, beautiful landscaping options that will never threaten our ecosystems.
But for land managers, finding that disruptive 1% requires keeping an eye on the other 99%. That is exactly why the Heartland CISMA project tracks all introduced species, rather than just known invaders. Through iNaturalist and other community science platforms like EDDMapS, Central Florida residents photograph and upload observations from places like Tiger Creek Preserve, Colt Creek State Park, Circle B Bar Preserve, or the Van Fleet Trail. Experts then help identify the species reported which builds a database that supports local management decisions.
Residents can help protect our native species and ecosystems in three major ways:
• Report unusual species sightings through platforms like iNaturalist.
• Remove invasive species from your yard, if found
• Prevent their spread by choosing native or Florida-Friendly landscaping.
As Central Florida grows, public participation is more important than ever. Those 25,000 logged observations are proof that local residents are paying attention and helping protect Polk County’s ecosystems for the future.
For more information about nonnative and invasive species, including recommendations for management, visit my article notes page at https://go.ufl.edu/havenlkld
JUNE 1 - JULY 26 JUNE 1 - JULY 26
WORDS
Anne Yasalonis
Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Residential Horticulture
With summer approaching, it’s a good time to talk about palms. Planting palms in the summer months allows them time to develop a solid root system and take advantage of summer rainfall. Palms are different than many plants in your landscape and require special care. Proper selection, planting, watering, and fertilization are key to healthy palms in central Florida yards.
Your Central Florida yard falls within USDA Zones 9b–10a, meaning palms must tolerate occasional cold temperatures and winter cold snaps. Many tropical palms that thrive in south Florida may struggle during and after cold weather, as we found out in 2025.
Cold-hardy palms for Central Florida landscapes include:
• Sabal Palm
• Needle Palm
• Carnaday Wax Palm
• Pindo Palm
• European Fan Palm
• Seashore Palm
• Chinese Fan Palm
These palms are all featured in the Florida-Friendly demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow in the Water Wise Garden. They are labeled and we encourage you to visit to see these palms, how they grow, and what they look like after a cold winter.
Now is the time to plant palms! Planting palms is recommended during the summer months when the soil is warm, and roots can establish quickly.
Proper palm planting includes:
• Dig a hole only as deep, or slightly shallower than the root ball. The hole should be twice as wide.
• Water frequently after planting until the palm becomes established.
• Apply mulch (2-3 inches deep) around the base but keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk.
• Do not apply fertilizer when planting.
• Stake the palm as needed. Staking palms is different than staking trees.
Palms generally prefer well-drained soil. In poorly drained sites, roots may decline, leading to nutrient deficiency symptoms and reduced growth.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is using turf fertilizer on palms. Palms have very different nutritional needs from lawns and shrubs. Additionally, palms in Florida are often nutrient deficient when grown in, or near, a fertilized lawn, which can lead to an unsightly appearance such as yellow fronds, brown and abnormal frond tips, streaking, spotting and other presentations.
Use a specialized palm fertilizer with a fertilizer analysis of 8-0-12+4Mg. The first three numbers represent the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and the fourth number is for magnesium (Mg). The fertilizer should also contain micronutrients. It is also important to look for a palm fertilizer that has nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium in slow-release form and that most of the micronutrients are in water soluble form. Correcting nutrient deficiencies can take up to 2 to 3 years.
The application and timing method are also important. Palm fertilizer should be applied evenly under the canopy of the palm. Bands of fertilizer or spikes are not recommended since these concentrations may burn the palm roots. In Central Florida, you can fertilize palms three times during the year, skipping a winter fertilizer application.
It is also important to remember that if you are correcting existing nutrient deficiencies, the affected palm fronds will not recover to their preferred appearance. The new fronds will emerge with no symptoms. And, while it is tempting to cut off the unsightly fronds, it is not recommended. These fronds (until fully brown) continue to provide nutrients to the palm. Visually, it can be months to see recovery from a nutrient deficiency once corrected.
Palms should not be over-pruned, only remove completely dead fronds. Over-pruning weakens palms and may make nutrient deficiencies worse. Avoid “hurricane pruning,” where too many green fronds are removed. This practice stresses the palm and can reduce its health over time.
Avoid injuring palm trunks with nails, climbing spikes, or lawn equipment, as damage can open the door to disease and insect issues. Palms do not heal like our hardwood trees.
Some palm issues resemble nutrient deficiencies but may actually be caused by disease, insects, poor drainage, improper maintenance, or improper planting depth. Symptoms such as spear leaf collapse, trunk rot, or severe decline should be evaluated carefully. Our Plant Clinic is always here to help with palm questions.
If you have any questions about growing palms 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 it wherever you listen or visit our Substack: substack. com/@yourcentralfloridayard for more information. Episode 3 is on palm fertilizer and is helpful to anyone growing palms in Florida. An Equal Opportunity Institution.
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
By Douglas Stuart
John-Calum Macleod is a penniless Edinburgh art school graduate when his overbearing, violent father calls him home to their Isle of Harris croft one August in the ‘90s to help with the sheep and tweed weaving. As lambing season turns to shearing season, the threads holding together the community together become increasingly frayed, and nothing will remain as it was before.
By Emily Austin
It’s Darcy’s first day back at the local public library following a two-month mental health leave, and she is met by unrest in her community and protests surrounding intellectual freedom, resulting in a call for book bans and a second look at the branch’s upcoming DEI programs.
By Thrity Umrigar
A tense and twisty story of a woman who goes missing on a morning run and her wife’s determination to both find her and clear her own name. A provocative examination of suburban mores, “Missing Sam” captures the terror manifested in today’s political climate, and the real dangers, both physical and psychological, of being brown and queer in America.
By Cameron Sullivan
Debut author Cameron Sullivan tears the heart out of history with this darkly entertaining retelling of the hunt for the Beast of Gévaudan. Lifting the veil on the hidden world behind our own, it reimagines the story of Europe, from Imperial Rome to Saint Jehanne d’Arc, the madness of Gilles de Rais and the first flickers of the French Revolution.
By Portia Elan
It’s 1983, Becks is nineteen and hiding from the fact that her beloved uncle is dead. He left her a halffinished game to complete--one last collaboration to find her way out of loneliness. Little does she know what Becks is making will echo far into the future and shape the lives of a scientist, a sentient automaton, and a flinty sea captain in ways she cannot imagine.
By Rob Osler
Twenty-one-year-old junior detective Harriet Morrow is determined to prove she’s more than a lucky hire as the Prescott Agency’s first woman operative. But her latest challenge--a murder case steeped in scandal-could become a deadly setback.
By T. Kira Madden
A portrait of three women connected through one man in the aftermath of his murder. “Whidbey” explores the long reach of violence and our flawed systems of incarceration and rehabilitation, and asks the crucial questions about the pursuit of justice and who has real power over a story: the one who lives it, or the one who tells it?
By Cat Sebastian
Simon and Charlie, actors on a long-running sci-fi show, can’t stand each other and everybody in the industry knows it. With his contract ending, Simon agrees to rehabilitate his image by staging a very public friendship with Charlie. As the two men let their guards down, they find their fake-friendship turning into something very real.
By Steven Rowley
Jesse’s husband has disappeared in a beam of light from the sky. Now what? In “Take Me With You,” Steven Rowley brings his resonant wit and emotional insight into an epic love story--an exploration of the forces that draw two people into the same orbit and the gravity that threatens to pull them apart.
By Ashley Herring Blake
A summer job teaching art at a lake-town resort brings together two women with an unlikely connection: the same ex. As April and Daphne untangle their complicated feelings towards each other, their attraction grows, and they find they might have more in common than just the same ex.
“Dear Art, had to fax when I heard other time travelers calling in from any time past the year 2500 AD. Please let me explain. Time travel was invented in 2034. Off-shoots of certain successful fusion reactor research allowed scientists at CERN to produce the world’s first contained singularity engine. The basic design involves rotating singularities inside a magnetic field. By altering the speed and direction of rotation, you can travel both forward and backward in time.
Time itself can be understood in terms of connected lines. When you go back in time, you travel on your original timeline. When you turn your singularity engine off, a new timeline is created due to the fact that you and your time machine are now there. In other words, a new universe is created.
To get back to your original line, you must travel a split second farther back and immediately throw the engine into forward without turning it off.”
— The first fax attributed to John Titor, sent to Art Bell on Coast to Coast AM, July 29, 1998
This month, the strange behind our sunshine will take us into the events of a more recent past and toward the possible future described by a soldier based in Tampa, Florida, from the year 2036 — or the fictional future featured within a fantastic Florida-based hoax. Let me urge you, dear reader, to employ the view which I believe provides the best framework for enjoying this variety of unbelievable.
In the unraveling of an outrageous claim to reality, a new picture emerges: a work of fantasy, a story living in both the real and fictional worlds. Even as we begin to see the strings, as the truth emerges and the curtain slips back to reveal the creators, we are still left with the strange story of someone telling a strange story. A hoax is a creative work, the best leaving behind a loophole to challenge the eventual debunking.
The story of John Titor arrived during a moment already in the midst of a time-centric phenomenon characterized by uncertainty about the future. In the years approaching the Year 2000 — Y2K — widespread anxiety developed around the possibility of technological collapse. Many feared that older computer systems, which often stored years using only the final two digits, would interpret “00” as 1900 rather than 2000. Predictions ranged from harmless software glitches to catastrophic infrastructure failure. Some believed airplanes could fall from the sky, banks could lose financial records, power grids could shut down, or nuclear defense systems could malfunction.
At the same time, night creatures all over the country spent their evenings listening to a late-night talk radio show, one that has provided me with my own treasured method of time travel.
Broadcast to listeners across the country during the quiet hours after midnight, Coast to Coast AM, hosted by Art Bell, blended paranormal speculation, conspiracy theories, UFO encounters, fringe science, prophecy, ghost stories, government secrecy, and open-line callers who claimed firsthand experience with the unexplained, including, but not limited to, callers who suspected they’d married an alien, those who’d experienced visitation by shadow people, vampires and vampire hunters, those who’d worked at Area 51, and, as the subject was one of
Art’s favorites, many nights featured “time lines,” accepting only callers who’d traveled in time. It was on one of these nights in July of 1998 that a fax was sent to Art Bell’s studio and read aloud on-air to listeners across the country. The sender claimed to be a time traveler from the year 2036, stating that time travel would be developed in 2034 as a result of research conducted at CERN, and described a machine using controlled singularities contained within magnetic fields. The message also warned of severe consequences stemming from Y2K, including infrastructure collapse and the eventual breakdown of the United States government.
Between 1998 and 2001, an unidentified individual using the names John Titor and TimeTravel_0 posted messages online claiming to be a U.S. military time traveler from the year 2036. In October 2000, TimeTravel_0 appeared in an IRC chat — a form of real-time internet communication popular in the 1990s, in which users joined shared text channels to converse live — claiming to be a 38-year-old American soldier stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. He stated that his mission was to travel to 1975 to retrieve an IBM 5100 computer and warned of future civil unrest and nuclear conflict.
Later, lengthy explanations of time travel mechanics were posted, reaffirming prior claims that time travel had been invented in 2034. During this period, he revised the target computer from the IBM 5110 to the IBM 5100, even mailing a fragment of an IBM 5110 label to a fellow Time Travel Institute forum member named Pamela, postmarked from Orlando, Florida. Titor claimed the IBM 5100 was required because of its little-known ability to emulate IBM System/370 mainframes and debug legacy systems in 2036 — a capability later confirmed by engineers familiar with the machine. He further stated that his grandfather had worked on the IBM 5100 project, making him a natural choice for the mission.
He claimed he remained temporarily in the year 2000 for personal reasons, including visiting family, as well as spending time with his younger self, a toddler at the time. Throughout his posts, he warned readers about disease outbreaks, internal conflict, and social fragmentation.
In January 2001, he began using the name John Titor and posting on the Coast to Coast AM Post-to-Post forums. Titor described his time machine as operating through dual microsingularities, magnetic containment systems, gravity sensors, cesium clocks, and onboard computer systems. According to his posts, the device was first installed in a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette for travel to 1975 and later mounted within a 1987 four-wheeldrive truck during his stay in 2000.
To explain inconsistencies between his predictions and observable reality, Titor invoked the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, arguing that traveling through time created divergent timelines in which events unfolded differently from his own history.
After his farewell post in 2001, the chat logs were archived and circulated widely online. By 2003, they had been compiled into books and dedicated websites. Researchers identified the existence of the John Titor Foundation, a Florida-based entity created by entertainment lawyer Larry Haber, who represented John Titor’s mother living in the “00’s timeline.” While other theories about the authorship were entertained, most point back to Larry Haber and his brother Morey Haber, who are said to have collaborated on the project.
Many of John Titor’s predictions never truly came to pass. Y2K did not unfold the way he described, but perfect outcomes are rarely the point of prophecy. The words of a time traveler mattered less for their accuracy than for the thoughts they inspired in those following along. Born from one of the internet’s earliest mysteries, shared among late-night radio listeners, or traced — in both fantasy and reality — with red string between Florida pushpins, the story of John Titor belongs alongside all those tales of travelers who journeyed far in the hope that they might remind us our moment matters and, as the final message attributed to John Titor reads:
“Bring a gas can with you when the car dies on the side of the road.
Farewell.
John.”
HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS
Jun 1, 2026
Floridians are encouraged to have at least 7 days of supplies. These supplies include food, water, medicine, batteries, etc. Find everything you need to know at: polkfl.gov/public-safety/hurricane-preparedness
HURRICANE PREP WEEK
Jun 1, 2026, 8 AM-5 PM
Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
101 Adventure Ct, Davenport
Receive a FREE hurricane preparedness bag that includes a hurricane shelter map, hurricane prep checklists, and other helpful information for storms, plus, a presentation brought to you by the Red Cross, WFLA, and Polk County Emergency Management.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
Jun 1, 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 from 9:00-11:30AM at Mackay Gardens.
ROAMING READERS
Jun 1, 2026, 9:30-10:30 AM
Mulberry Public Library 905 NE 5th St, Mulberry Group will meet at the Mulberry Library. Adult (18+) walking book club. A focus on audiobooks, but all reader conversations are welcome. The walk is approximately 1 mile. Remember your water and comfortable shoes. cityofmulberryfl.org
KIDCHELLA
Jun 1, 2026, 10-11:30 AM
Lakeside Village
1479 Town Center Dr, Lakeland
Kick off summer with the ultimate kid-friendly festival at Kidchella, part of our Lakeside Village Kid Club Summer Series! Bring the kids for a high-energy morning filled with music, movement, and sparkle. Dance along with our live DJ, be amazed by an incredible hula hoop performer, and add some festival glam with colorful tinsel hair.
BIRDING ON THE BOARDWALK
Jun 1, 2026, 10 AM-12 PM
Bonnet Springs Park
400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
Hone your birding and wildlife sighting skills at the Blanton Family Lagoon. BSP Staff and Volunteers will have binoculars and birding guides for guests to use while visitors explore the plants and animals that call Bonnet Springs Park their home! Participants are encouraged to dress based on seasonal weather and bring a water bottle. bonnetspringspark.com
STORY SPROUTS
Jun 1, 2026, 10:30-11 AM
Florida Children’s Museum
600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland
Join us in the Watermelon Seeds Gallery, in our Fruit Bowl programming area. Program designed for children 12 months to 5 years old. Focus on early literacy and communication skills. explorefcm.org
STEM CHALLENGE
Jun 1, 2026, 10:30-11 AM
Florida Children’s Museum
600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland
Love to build? Interested in how things work? Visit our Design Park Gallery on the first floor and check out the project of the day. Can you beat the challenge? Designed for children ages 5 and up. Program available in the morning daily and in the afternoon on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
PAWS FOR READING
Jun 1, 2026, 3:30-4:30 PM
Auburndale Public Library
100 W Bridgers Ave, Auburndale Relax and read stories to Sophie, our friendly library dog. She loves to listen! Ages 5+.
THIS JUST IN! NEW WORKS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION
Jun 2, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland
The Museum holds nearly 3,500 works in its collection, adding exciting new art for visitors to enjoy, while building on the strengths of and filling gaps in representation of their collection. See works that are new to the audience — and feature recent acquisitions of artists well-known and under-sung, across media, and many on view at The AGB for the first time. On view until February 28, 2027.
WARHOL CONDENSED: FROM MARILYN TO SOUP AND BACK AGAIN
Jun 2, 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. On view through August 30, 2026.
INDUSTRY AND EDUCATORS NIGHT
Jun 2, 2026, 4-7:03 PM
Front Page Bewing
190 S Fla Ave, Bartow
Industry & Educators Night every Tuesday! If you work in hospitality or education, enjoy 25% off your tab from open to close. That means teachers, support staff, bartenders, servers, kitchen crews, admins, district employees—this night is for YOU.
PUZZLE MANIA FOR MIDDLESCHOOLERS
Jun 2, 2026, 4:15-5 PM
Mulberry Public Library
905 NE 5th St, Mulberry
Puzzle Mania meets every first Tuesday at 4:15 pm. Puzzle Mania is an interactive puzzle program for middle school students. cityofmulberryfl.org
BREW CREW RUN CLUB
Jun 2, 2026, 5:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
Join the Lakeland Runners Club for this weekly run. Check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco
CLAY CLASS - FRIEND SHAPED FLOWER POT
Jun 2, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM
Picassoz Art Cafe
4636 Cleveland Heights, Lakeland
Come create an adorable new planter friend from clay using the pinchpot method. Allow two weeks for drying time and bisque firing, then return to give your new friend even more personality using our large assortment of decorative glazes. This workshop is recommended for ages 5+. $35 includes clay flower pot creation, plant, and a FREE drink from Tea Largo.
FREE COMMUNITY LECTUREELECTROPHYSIOLOGIST DR. RAY CUTRO
Jun 2, 2026, 6-7 PM
Watson Clinic Main Library
1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd.,, Lakeland FREE educational seminar! Watson Clinic Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Ray Cutro will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis and management of abnormal heart rhythm disorders, including arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, and more. watsonclinic.com/events
TRIVIA TUESDAY
Jun 2, 2026, 6:30 PM
Grove Roots Brewery
302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing
LIVE MUSIC BINGO
Jun 2, 2026, 6:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
FREE to play and win fun prizes every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco
LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS
Jun 2, 2026, 6:30 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Baseball Bingo night! milb.com/lakeland
TRIVIA NIGHT
Jun 2, 2026, 7-8 PM
Duke’s Brewhouse
4960 Florida Ave S, Lakeland Join Us Every Tuesday For Our Trivia Night!!
KARAOKE
Jun 2, 2026, 8 PM
Union Hall
1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Get ready to sing your heart out every Tuesday!
Whether you’re a shower singer or a stage pro, this is the perfect spot to show off your skills and have a blast with friends. Ages 21+ Featuring the full KaraFun catalog
1 MILLION CUPS- LAKELAND
Jun 3, 2026, 8:30-9:30 AM
The Well
114 E Parker, Lakeland
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers gather for 1 Million Cups — a free, community-driven program where local founders share their stories over coffee.
CREATIVE CHAOS
Jun 3, 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
Jun 3, 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.
WATSON CLINIC PARKWAY MEDICAL CENTER
OPEN HOUSE & RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
Jun 3, 2026, 4-7 PM
Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center
4060 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland
Be among the first to tour Watson Clinic’s newest location in south Lakeland! RSVP now for an Open House & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the opening of Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center. watsonclinic.com/events
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF GREATER LAKELAND PROSPECTIVE MEMBER MIXER
Jun 3, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM
The Joinery
640 E Main St, Lakeland
Curious about getting involved, giving back, and connecting with an inspiring group of women in our community? Come mix, mingle, and learn more about how you can make a meaningful impact while building lasting friendships. Drop in when you can or stay the whole time. We’d love to meet you either way! Bring a friend, grab a drink, and see what makes our League so special.
FLEET FEET RUN CLUB
Jun 3, 2026, 5:30-8 PM
The Joinery
640 E Main St, Lakeland
Run. Sip. Repeat. Check in at 5:30 pm, run at 6:00 pm. All runners get 20% off at the bar.
FREE BINGO AT BOWEN YARD
Jun 3, 2026, 6-9 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Free BINGO every Wednesday! Grab your friends, enjoy delicious food from six amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes!
TRIVIA NIGHT WITH TRIVIOSITY LIVE
Jun 3, 2026, 6-9:03 PM
Front Page Bewing
190 S Fla Ave, Bartow
Frree trivia! Grab your smartest (or most competitive) friends and form your team!
LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS
Jun 3, 2026, 6:30 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland milb.com/lakeland
BLOOMS & BRUSHES: FLYING TISSUE PAPER BUTTERFLY
Jun 4, 2026, 10:30 AM-12 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
A hands-on crafting experience for all ages! Step inside the Alexander Discovery Center and enjoy natureinspired art activities designed for curious kids, families, and adults alike. Each session is a make-and-take experience—so you’ll leave with your own handmade creation to remember your visit. boktowergardens.org
TRAVEL CLUB
Jun 4, 2026, 3:30-4:30 PM
Mulberry Public Library
905 NE 5th St, Mulberry
A program for our elementary friends. Explore the world with books, snacks, trivia and crafts.
NITRO BINGO
Jun 4, 2026, 6 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Nitro Bingo isn’t your grandma’s Bingo! This event blends strobe lights, upbeat music, big prizes, and a social atmosphere perfect for groups, girls’ nights out, or anyone looking for electrifying midweek fun. Doors open 5PM – Games begin 6PM. $30 to play all 15 games! theatrewinterhaven.com
LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS
Jun 4, 2026, 6:30 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland milb.com/lakeland
BINGO NIGHT WITH WILL
Jun 4, 2026, 6:30-9:33 PM
Front Page Bewing
190 S Fla Ave, Bartow
Everyone can play, but remember—you must be 21+ to claim your prize, and prizes include FREE drinks!
TRIVIA NIGHT!
Jun 4, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM
Smith’s American Tavern
124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland
Every Thursday! Free to play, prizes for top teams, and great food and drinks while you play!
JASON HEDDEN & FRIENDS!
Jun 4, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven
Jason Hedden has performed at clubs and campuses across the country. Now he brings his clean humor to Laugh Out Lounge! winterhavenlol.com
MEAN GIRLS - BACKSTAGE THEATER
Jun 4 - 6, 2026
Bartow Civic Center
2250 S Floral Ave, Bartow
Cady Heron is the new girl at North Shore High School in Chicago. Janis and Damian befriend the new girl and convince naive Cady to be their “friend” in order to bring down Queen Bee Regina George’s reign. This musical is based on the 2004 film. centralfloridatix.com
NEEDLEWORKS ART GROUP
Jun 5, 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
Jun 5, 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. Group meets in the library. No Registration Required! FREE program!
CHATTY CRAFTERS
Jun 5, 2026, 1-4 PM
Lake Wales Public Library
290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales Meet in the Schoenoff Meeting Room
FIRST FRIDAY FREE BITES!
Jun 5, 2026, 5 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Every First Friday come to Bowen Yard to try some free samples from our restaurants!
FIRST FRIDAY WINTER HAVEN & CAR SHOW
Jun 5, 2026, 5-8 PM
Downtown Winter Haven
First Friday is a monthly can’t-miss event in downtown Winter Haven for dinner, drinks, vibes and shopping! Guests can enjoy food and drink specials from downtown bars and restaurants. Catch live musicians at multiple venues, and hang out at the First Friday Car Show along Magnolia Ave!
destroyermediaandmarketing.com/firstfriday
SUMMER YOUTH MAKER MARKET SERIES
Jun 5, 2026, 5-8 PM
1479 Town Center Dr, Lakeland
Do you have a child or teen who loves to create? We’re looking for youth makers to be part of our Summer Youth Maker Market Series on June 5, July 10, and August 7. Ages 10–19 Limited to 14 vendors per event Free to register: forms.gle/G6K7CqR92PWsscP2A
Please note: Submission does not guarantee participation. Selected vendors will receive a confirmation from Lakeside Village.
PEOPLE & PLACES OF POLK COUNTY, VOL II
Jun 5, 2026, 5-8 PM
Destroyer Media
326 Ave C SW, Winter Haven (Bowen Yard)
Let’s get together at our office during First Friday! Meet the photographers and view the photos chosen for the June issues of Haven & LKLD Magazines.
LIVE MUSIC: T. MICHAEL
Jun 5, 2026, 5:30-8 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven Free music every Friday & Saturday!
LIVE & LOUD
Jun 5, 2026, 6 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Four bands for only $5, cash bar available. More info at centralfloridatix.com. This month’s lineup: Jewett School of the Arts Rock Band (Winter Haven), The Disorderly (Cape Coral), Cherry 2000 (Daytona) , and Twiggy Branches (Lakeland/Tampa).
NOTTA ART BATTLE
Jun 5, 2026, 6-9 PM
Notta Gallery
125 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
Once a month, we clear the floor and turn the gallery into an arena. This event is FREE to the public. All ages welcome. Three artists. Two hours. One unforgettable night. Selected artists create brand new work live inside the gallery while a DJ sets the energy and the crowd watches it unfold in real time.
FIRST FRIDAY: FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Jun 5, 2026, 6-9 PM
Downtown Lakeland
June First Friday: Family Fun Night
Bring the kids, bring your friends, and bring your inner child as the streets come alive with interactive activities, live entertainment, and family-friendly experiences around every corner.
LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS
Jun 5, 2026, 6:30 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland milb.com/lakeland
ADULT ONLY PLANT-BASED HAND-ROLL MASTERCLASS
Jun 5, 2026, 6:30-8:30 PM
Plant Batter Bakery + Kitchen
6935 S Carter Rd ste 6, Lakeland Adults Only (21+) This adults-only masterclass strips away the complexity of traditional sushi and focuses on the elegant, minimalist art of the Temaki (hand-roll). Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a complete beginner, you’ll leave with the confidence to host your own sushi night. Space is limited for this exclusive culinary experience! plantbatterlkld.com
TURN UP HIP HOP DANCE FITNESS
Jun 5, 2026, 7-8 PM
Uno Dos Tres Studio
2940 S Combee Rd, Lakeland
No membership required, you just pay per class!
*Turn Up* is 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! All classes tickets are available online, but spots are limited. unodostresstudio.com
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT OPEN DRAG SHOW
Jun 5, 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. Hosted by the fantastic Memento Mori. Cozy cat café atmosphere Drinks & treats available.
CHAD ZUMOCK FROM HULU!
Jun 5, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven
Chad Zumock’s standup comedy has appeared on HBO, HULU, Comedy Central and more! winterhavenlol.com
CARS & COFFEE
Jun 6, 2026, 8-10 AM
Bonnet Springs Park
400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland
Calling all car fanatics! Roll into Bonnet Springs Park on the first Saturday of every month. All exotic, classic, luxury, hot rod, and import cars are welcome! This meet up will be held in the parking lot across from the Welcome Center. Coffee and breakfast items will be available for purchase. No registration is required.
DOWNTOWN LKLD FARMERS CURB MARKET
Jun 6, 2026, 8 AM-1 PM
Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street every Saturday. Local, handmade, homegrown produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket
WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET
*SUMMER HOURS*
Jun 6, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM
Magnolia Ave, Downtown Winter Haven
We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours June - August. It’s so hot!!! winterhavenfarmersmarket.com
ELC POLK FAMILY FUN DAY
Jun 6, 2026, 9 AM-1 PM
115 S Missouri Ave, Lakeland
This FREE event will have fun for the whole family including activities, games, music, food, and free gifts for children while supplies last! More info on FB @ELCPolk.
FAIRY FESTIVAL
Jun 6, 2026, 9 AM-5 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Come dressed in your fairy best! See a fairy godmother take flight from the Singing Tower as she dances amongst the trees, meet fantastical fairies and awesome animals, discover hidden Fairy Doors, and delight your senses with art, music, and plenty of bubbles! Event is free for members and included in general admission. All ages. boktowergardens.org
EXPLOR-A-STORY (BILINGUAL)
Jun 6, 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.
BILINGUAL FAMILY TIME
Jun 6, 2026, 11 AM-12 PM
Haines City Public Library
111 N 6th St, Haines City
Family games and bilingual songs, rhymes, crafts and stories. Juegos para toda la familia, canciones bilingues, manualidades y cuentos bilingues.
JUNIOR CHEF HAND-ROLL SUSHI PARTY
Jun 6, 2026, 12-1:30 PM
Plant Batter Bakery + Kitchen
6935 S Carter Rd ste 6, Lakeland
Ages 5+. A hands-on, colorful journey into the world of sushi making. This class is designed to be high-energy, educational, and—most importantly—delicious.
We’ve swapped the fish for vibrant, kid-friendly plants to create “Sushi Adventures” that are as fun to look at as they are to eat. Limited spots, register at plantbatterlkld.com
AN AFTERNOON WITH JIM STAFFORD
Jun 6, 2026, 2 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Known for his masterful guitar work and quick-witted charm, Jim brings audiences behind the scenes of his career, sharing personal anecdotes from his rise to fame, his time in television, and his decades performing for fans across the country. Purchase tickets at theatrewinterhaven.com
AT IT AGAIN
Jun 6, 2026, 4 PM & 6 PM
The Twisted Prop Bar and Grille 615 7th St SW, Winter Haven
We’re Gonna Get Twizted! Bring out a friend or two, grab some brews, and enjoy the show!
LIVE MUSIC: HUNTER MCNEER
Jun 6, 2026, 5:30-8 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven Live music every Friday & Saturday!
BOOTS, BEATS, & ISLAND VIBES
Jun 6, 2026, 6 PM
Camp Margaritaville Auburndale 361 Denton Ave, Auburndale
From 7:00–9:00 PM, local line dance instructor Felicia Jones will lead dancers through fun, easy-to-follow routines for all skill levels. Then DJ Gonzo closes out the night with an hour of free dancing to keep the good times rolling! centralfloridatix.com
LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS
Jun 6, 2026, 6:30 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland milb.com/lakeland
ULTIMATE FLOYD: TRIBUTE TO PINK FLOYD
Jun 6, 2026, 8 PM
Union Hall
1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with classic hits and mesmerizing performances with Ultimate Floyd: Tribute to Pink Floyd. Ages 18+. unionhallevents.com
CHAD ZUMOCK FROM HULU!
Jun 6, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven
Chad Zumock’s standup comedy has appeared on HBO, HULU, Comedy Central and more! winterhavenlol.com
RHYTHM & SUPPER
Jun 7, 2026, 5:30-8:30 PM
Black Swan Venue
112 East Pine Street, Lakeland Lakeland’s intimate R&B dinner experience—live music, wine, dessert, and a romantic night designed for couples. Tickets at eventbrite.
NITRO BINGO
Jun 7, 2026, 6 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Nitro Bingo isn’t your grandma’s Bingo! This event blends strobe lights, upbeat music, big prizes, and a social atmosphere perfect for groups, girls’ nights out, or anyone looking for electrifying midweek fun. Doors open 5PM – Games begin 6PM. $30 to play all 15 games! theatrewinterhaven.com
LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS
Jun 7, 2026, Noon
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Brunch available for purchase. milb.com/lakeland
VESSEL & FORM: PUBLIC RECEPTION
Jun 8, 2026, 6-8 PM
Momentum Gallery
1242 E Main St, Bartow
Meet and mingle with 10 artists who specialize in ceramics and fiber art. Public reception, all are welcome. momentumgallery.com
TRANS AND NON-BINARY MAKEUP CLASS
Jun 8, 2026, 6:30 PM
Rose Dynasty Center
1253 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland
Join us for an everyday Eye and Lip make up class with Jessica Davis. The class is for anyone in our Transgender community that wants to learn basic eye and lip makeup techniques. Please Register for this event. rosedynastyfoundationinc.org
WATER SKI & WAKE SPORTS
HALL OF FAME TOURS
Jun 9, 2026, 10-11 AM
Visit Central Florida Welcome Center 101 Adventure Ct, Davenport
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 at 10AM.
THE ART OF THE SEED PACKET
Jun 9, 2026, 10-11:30 AM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Explore what is really inside a seed packet. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to read a seed packet by looking at common terms, symbols, and planting information that help gardeners grow successfully. This one-hour class is designed
with children in mind, but all ages are welcome. boktowergardens.org
BETTER TOGETHER SECOND CHANCE JOB FAIR
Jun 9, 2026, 11 AM-2 PM RidgePoint Church
100 Hatfield Road, Winter Haven
Second-chance job fairs promote the power of second chances for neighbors who face barriers to employment. These can include past incarceration, homelessness, lack of transportation or child care, or gaps in employment. With a spirit of hope and celebration, the church-based job fairs empower job seekers by connecting them with local employers who are ready to hire. Free one-on-one job coaching sessions are available to job seekers to review resumes, and additional services will be available onsite. Job seekers and employers can register at BetterTogetherUS.org/RidgePoint or by texting “JOBS” to 844-987-3949.
ARABELLAS PRE-SHOW DINNER
Jun 9, 2026, 4:30 PM
Arabellas Ristorante
346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Arabellas Pre-Show Dinner Special Make your Tribute Tuesday a full Italian night out with Arabellas exclusive Pre-Show Four-Course Dinner Special. Reserve your spot and make it dinner and a show to remember! theatrewinterhaven.com
BREW CREW RUN CLUB
Jun 9, 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
Jun 9, 2026, 6:30 PM
Grove Roots Brewery
302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing
LIVE MUSIC BINGO
Jun 9, 2026, 6:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland FREE to play and win fun prizes every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco
TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC
Jun 9, 2026, 6:30 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven Fleetwood Max covers the entire career! They also do Stevie Nicks solo classics like Edge of Seventeen and Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around. theatrewinterhaven.com
HAINES CITY - WRITER’S GUILD
Jun 10, 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
Jun 10, 2026, 6-9 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!
BLOOMS & BRUSHES: FLOWER PRESS
Jun 11, 2026, 10:30 AM-12 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
A hands-on crafting experience for all ages! Step inside the Alexander Discovery Center and enjoy natureinspired art activities designed for curious kids, families, and adults alike. Each session is a make-and-take experience—so you’ll leave with your own handmade creation to remember your visit. boktowergardens.org
LAKE WALES JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB MONTHLY MEETING
Jun 11, 2026, 5:30-6:30 PM
Lake Wales Public Library
290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales Lake Wales Public Library Meeting Room.
All women of the Greater Lake Wales area are invited to attend.
LA GUNS VIP
Jun 11, 2026, 5:30-6:30 PM
Lakeland Center
701 W Lime St, Lakeland
Join LA Guns for an exclusive VIP Experience during their Lucky MF’r Tour for your chance to meet the band! rpfundingcenter.com
THE GREAT AMERICAN BEER & WINE TASTING WH
Jun 11, 2026, 5:30-8:30 PM
Downtown Winter Haven
Main Street Winter Haven is hosting. We are rebranding our annual Beer & Bubbles event this year to honor our nations 250th birthday. Our downtown participating businesses will serve a pairing of an American beer, or wine with a classic American bite. centralfloridatix.com
DRINKS WITH THE “STILL NEW” DIRECTOR
Jun 11, 2026, 6-7:15 PM
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland
Dr. Daryl Ward offers guests a sneak peek into The AGB’s upcoming season! Be one of the first to find out
about the newest exhibits, programs, and community events the Museum has planned for ‘26 - ‘27! This is a free event, but space is limited. agbmuseum.org
BINGO NIGHT WITH WILL
Jun 11, 2026, 6:30-9:33 PM
Front Page Bewing
190 S Fla Ave, Bartow
Everyone can play, but remember—you must be 21+ to claim your prize, and prizes include FREE drinks!
CINDERELLA’S TOM KEIFER
FEATURES LA GUNS
Jun 11, 2026, 7:30 PM
RP Funding Center
701 W Lime St, Lakeland
The RP Funding Center is thrilled to announce that rock legend Tom Keifer will be taking the stage for an unforgettable night of bluesy, stage-shaking rock and roll. The band ‘s high energy rock show combines all the classic, chart topping hits of Cinderella with new faves. rpfundingcenter.com
JOE LEMONDS & FRIENDS!
Jun 11, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
You’ve likely seen Joe at Laugh Out Lounge before, but never headlining his own showcase of hilarious comics. winterhavenlol.com
NEEDLEWORKS ART GROUP
Jun 12, 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
BARTOW UNCORKED
Jun 12, 2026, 5-9 PM
Downtown Bartow
180 S Central Ave, Bartow
Get ready to sip, stroll, and shop your way through Downtown Bartow! Join us for an unforgettable evening as local businesses open their doors for a wine walk experience filled with delicious sips and tasty bites along the way. FB @mainstreetbartow
LIVE MUSIC: MICAH MADORE
Jun 12, 2026, 5:30-8 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Live music every Friday & Saturday!
LEGALLY BLONDE JR.
Jun 12, 2026, 6:30-8 PM
Lakeland Community Theatre
121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland
Jun 12 - 21. Legally Blonde: the Musical JR chronicles the journey of the famously perky Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy, UCLA sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down when she is dumped by her boyfriend Warner. Ultimately, she defies expectations and manages to stay true to her delightfully pink personality. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com
SHAWN MULLINS
Jun 12, 2026, 7 PM
Gram Parsons Derry Down
297 5th St NW, Winter Haven
With special guest Cat Ridgeway. After a series of indie
releases and growing buzz in the Atlanta music scene, Shawn Mullins’ critical and commercial breakthrough came when 1998 Soul’s Core shot him to fame on the strength of Grammy-nominated No. 1 hit, “Lullaby” followed by AAA/Americana No. 1 hit “Beautiful Wreck” from 2006’s 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor. gpderrydown.com
SWAN CITY PIANO FESTIVAL
JASMIN ARAKAWA SOLO RECITAL
Jun 12, 2026, 7-9 PM
Harrison School For the Arts
3828 Laurel Branch Drive, Lakeland
The 6th season of the Swan City Piano Festival opens with the amazing Jasmin Arakawa. Hailed by Gramophone for her “characterful sparkle,” pianist Jasmin Arakawa has captivated audiences across the globe—from Carnegie Hall to major stages in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
THE WIZARD OF OZ - PRESENTED BY THE MISSING PIECE THEATRE
Jun 12 - 21, 2026
Gem Theater
118 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860, Mulberry
Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the classic film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide. centralfloridatix.com
MITCH FATEL FROM COMEDY CENTRAL!
Jun 12, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven
You might have seen Mitch Fatel on Comedy Central, Just for Laughs, or any of the late night comedy shows. winterhavenlol.com
31ST SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON
5K SERIES
Jun 13, 2026, 5 AM
Lake Hollingsworth Park
929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland
Proceeds go towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. Certified course, chip timed. Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results. lakelandrunnersclub.org
DOWNTOWN LKLD FARMERS CURB MARKET
Jun 13, 2026, 8 AM-1 PM
Munn Park
210 E Main Street., Lakeland
Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street every Saturday. Local, handmade, homegrown produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket
WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET
*SUMMER HOURS*
Jun 13, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM
Magnolia Ave, Downtown Winter Haven
We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours June - August. It’s so hot!!! winterhavenfarmersmarket.com
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
Jun 13, 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.
POLK PRIDE 2026: PRIDE KICK-OFF PARTY
Jun 13, 2026, 11 AM-3 PM
Union Hall
1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
An electrifying afternoon of drag and drinks! Purchase tickets at polkpridefl.org. 21+ only.
SUMMERFEST: CELEBRATE 2 YEARS OF BOWEN YARD!
Jun 13, 2026, 11 AM-10 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Celebrate all day with a bounce house, live music from 3-6, outdoor games, and food & drink specials! More info on FB @bowenyardwh
THE DANIEL PEPIN BAND
Jun 13, 2026, 3-6 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Celebrate Bowen Yard’s birthday with this special midday concert!
SWIFTIE SUMMER SOIREE
Jun 13, 2026, 5-8 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Calling all Swifties! Step into your favorite era and join us for a magical Swiftie Summer Soirée set in enchanting garden surroundings. Indulge in delicious appetizers and sip on a themed cocktail or mocktail that will have you feeling bejeweled. Then hit the dance floor as our DJ spins iconic hits from every Era! Grab your friends, dress like your favorite Era, and get ready for a night of endless style. Purchase tickets at boktowergardens.org
SWAN CITY PIANO FESTIVAL,
PER DANIELSSON JAZZ PIANIST
Jun 13, 2026, 6-9 PM
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street , Lakeland
From Stockholm to the global jazz stage—Per Danielsson is a powerhouse pianist, composer, and educator whose artistry spans continents. After studying with legends like Bengt Hallberg and training in the U.S., Per has built an international career as a performer, clinician, and collaborator with icons including Louis Bellson, Clark Terry, and Randy Brecker.Now Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at UCF and Artistic Director of the American Jazz Pianist Competition, he continues shaping the next generation while performing worldwide. swancitypianofestival.com
PITTIES & PEARLS
Jun 13, 2026, 6-9 PM
Adam’s Estate
2222 W. Pierce St, Lake Alfred
This years theme - THE MASQUERADE EDITION!
Dress to impress for a night of fun benefitting our dogs. Dress as you see fit, but masquerade masks are highly encouraged! Dance (or fake-gamble) the night away for a cause in your finest cocktail attire or your finest jeans and boots! The night will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, silent auctions and a few casino tables to try your luck on. A cash bar will be available. FB@ polkcountybullyproject
SMARTMOUTH LIVE
Jun 13, 2026, 7 PM Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven Doors open at 6pm, Show starts at 7pm. A clean night of entertainment for all ages. Tickets available at theatrewinterhaven.com
MITCH FATEL FROM COMEDY CENTRAL!
Jun 13, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven
You might have seen Mitch Fatel on Comedy Central, Just for Laughs, or any of the late night comedy shows. winterhavenlol.com
SWAN CITY PIANO FESTIVAL, VICTOR
SANTIAGO ASUNCIÓN SOLO RECITAL
Jun 14, 2026, 3-5 PM
First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland
175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland
Praised by The Washington Post for his “poised and imaginative playing,” Filipino-American pianist Victor Santiago Asunción has captivated audiences around the world—from New York’s Carnegie Hall to concert
stages across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. A dynamic soloist and passionate chamber musician, he has collaborated with legendary artists and performed at renowned festivals including Aspen, Santa Fe, and Music in the Vineyards. swancitypianofestival.com
THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS
Jun 16, 2026, 11 AM-1 PM
Gem Theater
118 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860, Mulberry
Part of the $2.00 Tuesdays series, bringing a heartwarming island adventure to the big screen in Mulberry. Tickets are just $2.00, making it a fun and affordable summer movie outing for families.
TRIVIA TUESDAY
Jun 16, 2026, 6:30 PM
Grove Roots Brewery 302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing
KARAOKE
Jun 16, 2026, 8 PM Union Hall
1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland Tuesday nights! Whether you’re a shower singer or a stage pro, this is the perfect spot to show off your skills. Ages 21+ Featuring the full KaraFun catalog. unionhallevents.com
LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS
Jun 16, 2026, 6:30 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland milb.com/lakeland
1 MILLION CUPS- LAKELAND
Jun 17, 2026, 8:30-9:30 AM
The Well
114 E Parker, Lakeland
Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers gather for 1 Million Cups — a free, community-driven program where local founders share their stories over coffee.
HAINES CITY - WRITER’S GUILD
Jun 17, 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.
FLEET FEET RUN CLUB
Jun 17, 2026, 5:30-8 PM
The Joinery
640 E Main St, Lakeland Run. Sip. Repeat. Check in at 5:30 pm, run at 6:00 pm. All runners get 20% off at the bar.
FREE BINGO AT BOWEN YARD
Jun 17, 2026, 6-9 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Join us for an exciting night of FREE Bingo at Bowen Yard, every Wednesday!
TRIVIA NIGHT WITH TRIVIOSITY LIVE
Jun 17, 2026, 6-9:03 PM
Front Page Bewing
190 S Fla Ave, Bartow Free trivia every Wednesday!
POLK PRIDE 2016: PRIDE FOR YOUTH
Jun 17, 2026, 6:30-9 PM
United Women’s Club of Lakeland 1515 Williamsburg Sq., Lakeland
Lakeland Youth Alliance’s annual Pride Party is designed for youth ages 11–17 to connect, celebrate, and be fully themselves in a welcoming community space. Expect music, activities, and plenty of Pride energy! This event is FREE to attend! polkpridefl.org
TALENT NIGHT
Jun 17, 2026, 7 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, poets, variety acts, and more will compete live on stage, while the audience votes for their favorite using their smartphones. Each monthly winner receives a trophy, a $100 cash prize, and a chance to return at the end of the season to compete for a grand prize. theatrewinterhaven.com
LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS
Jun 17, 2026, 6 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland milb.com/lakeland
BLOOMS & BRUSHES: NATURE MOBILE
Jun 18, 2026, 10:30 AM-12 PM
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
A hands-on crafting experience for all ages! Step inside the Alexander Discovery Center and enjoy natureinspired art activities designed for curious kids, families, and adults alike. Each session is a make-and-take experience—so you’ll leave with your own handmade creation to remember your visit. boktowergardens.org
LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS
Jun 18, 2026, 11 AM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland
NITRO BINGO
Jun 18, 2026, 6 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Nitro Bingo isn’t your grandma’s Bingo! This event blends strobe lights, upbeat music, big prizes, and a social atmosphere perfect for groups, girls’ nights out, or anyone looking for electrifying midweek fun. Doors open 5PM – Games begin 6PM. $30 to play all 15 games! theatrewinterhaven.com
POLK PRIDE 2026: PRIDE IN FAITH
Jun 18, 2026, 7 PM
Beacon Hill Fellowship
220 W Beacon Rd, Lakeland
Pride in Faith brings together leaders from diverse faith traditions across our community to share messages of love, inclusion, and unity. Following the program,
all are invited to stay for fellowship and refreshments. This event is free and open to all ages—come as you are and celebrate faith, community, and Pride together. polkpridefl.org
THE BUCKET LIST!
Jun 18, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven
An improvised comedy show where audience suggestions are pulled from a bucket and turned into jokes on the spot. No scripts. No safety net.
JUNETEENTH
Jun 19, 2026
This federal holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans across the United States, specifically marking the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation made on January 1, 1863.
NEEDLEWORKS ART GROUP
Jun 19, 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
NATURAL FAIRY HOUSE BUILDING CLASS
Jun 19, 2026, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to create your own whimsical fairy dwelling using natural materials like bark, moss, twigs, stones, and seed pods. No experience is necessary – just a love of nature and imagination. You’ll be guided step-by-step. Ages 18+, Registration required.boktowergardens.org
LIVE MUSIC: ROBERT GHASTIN
Jun 19, 2026, 5:30-8 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Live music every Friday & Saturday night!
POLK PRIDE 2026: FRIDAY NIGHT PRIDE
Jun 19, 2026, 6 PM
Rec Room
202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland
This is a laid-back Pride night full of fun for everyone. Challenge your friends to arcade games, sing your heart out in our reserved karaoke room, and grab a custom portrait from the on-site caricature artist. This event is FREE to attend and open to ALL AGES (21+ after 9pm). polkpridefl.org
FATHER’S DAY SUPERHERO PIZZA PARTY
Jun 19, 2026, 6-7:30 PM
Enchanted Fairytale Hollow
818 E Lemon St, Lakeland
Celebrate the heroes in your headquarters with a pizza party! Fun refreshments, amazing superhero activity time, and a heroic meet & greet. Tickets at enchantedfairytalehollow.com.
SUNSET SHOWTIME OPEN VARIETY SHOW
Jun 19, 2026, 6-8 PM
Kitty Cat Lounge
946 East Orange St,, Lakeland
This All-Ages Variety Show brings together performers of all kinds for an evening packed with talent and entertainment.Come support local performers, enjoy the show, and spend a lively evening surrounded by great people and adorable cats!
“I’M A SOUL MAN” FEATURING
BILLY BUCHANAN & BAND
Jun 19, 2026, 7 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Billy performs many of the great soul classics from Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, The Drifters, James Brown, Motown superstars, and many more, with his full band, the Rock ‘n Soul Revue! Tickets at theatrewinterhaven.com.
JB BALL FROM COMEDY CENTRAL!
Jun 19, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven
JB Ball has appeared on Comedy Central, MTV, Peacock, and Kevin Hart’s LOL Network! winterhavenlol.com
LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS
Jun 19, 2026, 6:30 PM
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland
DOWNTOWN LKLD FARMERS CURB MARKET
Jun 20, 2026, 8 AM-1 PM
Munn Park
210 E Main Street., Lakeland
Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street every Saturday. Local, handmade, homegrown produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket
WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET
*SUMMER HOURS*
Jun 20, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM
Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven
We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours June - August. It’s so hot!!! winterhavenfarmersmarket.com
POLK PRIDE 2026: PRIDE IN THE PARK
Jun 20, 2026, 9 AM-2 PM
Munn Park
201 E Main St, Lakeland
For one unforgettable day, downtown Lakeland’s Munn Park transforms into a vibrant Pride festival filled with community, celebration, and fun for the whole family. Explore dozens of local vendors, enjoy live entertainment throughout the day, connect with community organizations, and celebrate Pride in the heart of Polk County. This event is FREE and open to all ages. More info at polkpridefl.org.
BILINGUAL FAMILY TIME
Jun 20, 2026, 11 AM-12 PM
Haines City Public Library
111 N 6th St, Haines City
Family games and bilingual songs, rhymes, crafts and stories. Juegos para toda la familia, canciones bilingues, manualidades y cuentos bilingues.
2026 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Jun 20, 2026, 11 AM-4 PM
Winter Haven Recreational And Cultural Center 847 Avenue I NE, Winter Haven
The City of Winter Haven invites you to the Annual Juneteenth Celebration! This community-wide event honors the historical significance of Juneteenth while celebrating culture, heritage, and achievements. Attendees can look forward to: Live music and performances, Local food and retail vendors, Family-friendly activities, and educational exhibits. mywinterhaven.com
SOURDOUGH MADE SAVORY CLASS W. BAKING BAYERS
Jun 20, 2026, 1-3 PM
Plant Batter Bakery + Kitchen
6935 S Carter Rd ste 6, Lakeland
Learn how to make soft classic sourdough dinner rolls! Limited space, register at plantbatterlkld.com
CYPRESS GARDENS WATER SKI TEAM SHOW
Jun 20, 2026, 4:15 PM
MLK Park
199 Lake Silver Dr, Winter Haven
This free, family-friendly ski show is the hidden gem of Polk County. Pre-show begins at 4:15, show starts at 5. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, cash for the 50/50 raffle, concessions available for purchase.
JAZZ HAMILTON TIMELESS AMERICA TOUR
Jun 20, 2026, 5:30 PM
RP Funding Center
701 W Lime St, Lakeland
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with an unforgettable evening of music & patriotism. At the heart of this historic event is the TIMELESS Suite, an original nine movement orchestral concert piece composed and arranged by world renowned saxophonist and Concertista Jazz Hamilton. rpfundingcenter.com
LIVE MUSIC: HUNTER MCNEER
Jun 20, 2026, 5:30-8 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Live music every Friday & Saturday!
NCS FLORIDA SPORTS AWARD CEREMONY
Jun 20, 2026, 7:30 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
This special evening will honor the outstanding achievements of Florida’s top athletes, coaches, and sports ambassadors in a night filled with recognition, inspiration, and celebration. Purchase tickets at theatrewinterhaven.com
POLK PRIDE 2026: PRIDE AFTER DARK
Jun 20, 2026, 9 PM
Eala’s Speakeasy (Below Fresco’s)
310 E Lemon St., Lakeland
Visit Eala’s Speakeasy (Below Fresco’s) for an
electrifying evening of music, dancing, and DRAG. This event is 21+ and ticketed. Advance purchase is highly encouraged, as tickets are expected to sell out. Tickets available at polkpridefl.org.
FIRST DAY OF SUMMER
Jun 21, 2026
FATHER’S DAY!
Jun 21, 2026
Celebrate your dad!
INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY: FREE OUTDOOR YOGA CLASS
Jun 21, 2026, 9:30-11 AM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Yoga Haven will offer a free yoga class to be held outdoors at Bowen Yard. If we get rained out, the class will be held at Yoga Haven, 1511 6th St. SE, Winter Haven. Everyone who attends will receive a class pass for one FREE yoga class at Yoga Haven. Bring your mat and be sure to hydrate! Class led by Prima Yawa.
NITRO BINGO
Jun 21, 2026, 6 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Nitro Bingo isn’t your grandma’s Bingo! This event blends strobe lights, upbeat music, big prizes, and a social atmosphere perfect for groups, girls’ nights out, or anyone looking for electrifying midweek fun. Doors open 5PM – Games begin 6PM. $30 to play all 15 games! theatrewinterhaven.com
ZOOTOPIA 2 SCREENING
Jun 23, 2026, 11 AM-1 PM
Gem Theater
118 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860, Mulberry
Part of the $2.00 Tuesdays series, bringing another wild adventure to the big screen in Mulberry. Tickets are just $2.00, making it a fun and affordable summer outing for families.
INDUSTRY AND EDUCATORS NIGHT
Jun 23, 2026, 4-7:03 PM
Front Page Bewing
190 S Fla Ave, Bartow
Every Tuesday we’re raising a glass to the people who keep things running—both in the classroom and behind the scenes. If you work in hospitality or education, enjoy 25% off your tab from open to close. That means teachers, support staff, bartenders, servers, kitchen crews, admins, district employees—this night is for YOU.
BREW CREW RUN CLUB
Jun 23, 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
ALZHEIMER ASSOCIATION’S IN-PERSON CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP.
Jun 23, 2026, 6-7 PM
Advent Health - Lake Wales
410 South 11th Street, Lake Wales
Support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive environment or community and a chance for
participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems.To register please call the Alzheimer Association’s 24/7 Helpline at: 800.272.3900.
TRIVIA TUESDAY
Jun 23, 2026, 6:30 PM
Grove Roots Brewery
302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing
LIVE MUSIC BINGO
Jun 23, 2026, 6:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
Every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco
TRIBUTE TO JIMMY BUFFETT
Jun 23, 2026, 6:30 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
A Classic Tributes Live Band brings the island vibe, tropical energy, and singalong classics with a Tribute to Jimmy Buffett. From “Margaritaville” to “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” they deliver an authentic beach-party experience packed with laid-back fun, crowd favorites, and nonstop good times. Purchase tickets at theatrewinterhaven.com
MANGA CLUB
Jun 24, 2026, 2:30-3:30 PM
Mulberry Public Library
905 NE 5th St, Mulberry
Every fourth Wednesday, high school students can explore Manga through discussions, book tastings, drawings, and more!
FREE BINGO AT BOWEN YARD
Jun 24, 2026, 6-9 PM
Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Every Wednesday! Win prizes!
BLOOMS & BRUSHES:
COTTON BALL RAINBOW
Jun 25, 2026, 10:30 AM-12 PM Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
A hands-on crafting experience for all ages! Step inside the Alexander Discovery Center and enjoy natureinspired art activities designed for curious kids, families, and adults alike. Each session is a make-and-take experience—so you’ll leave with your own handmade creation to remember your visit. boktowergardens.org
LEGO CLUB
Jun 25, 2026, 3:30-4:30 PM
Mulberry Public Library
905 NE 5th St, Mulberry
Every fourth Thursday at 3:30 PM we welcome to our elementary friends to build Lego with us.
SMILE CITY COMEDY SHOW!
Jun 25, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven
This showcase highlights some of the best up-andcoming comedians in Central Florida. winterhavenlol.com
2026 WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS
Jun 25, 2026, Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
This complimentary offer is limited to four visitors per registration, and admission for the day is limited to assist with capacity issues. All members of the party visiting on Wawa Summer Fun Days will need to have a ticket to enter. boktowergardens.org
NEEDLEWORKS ART GROUP
Jun 26, 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
Jun 26, 2026, 10-11 AM
Mulberry Public Library
905 NE 5th St, Mulberry
This adult book club will focus on various types of nonfiction. Memoir & Biography, History, Science, Travel and more! No Registration Required! FREE
BITES AT SUNSET
Jun 26, 2026, 4-8 PM
Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
101 Adventure Ct, Davenport
It’s a Food Truck Rally with good eats from all over Central Florida! Bring the family to enjoy great food and a beautiful sunset! Questions or interested in becoming a vendor? Contact us at (863) 420-2586.
YOUTH MUSIC NIGHT
Jun 26, 2026, 5:30-8 PM Bowen Yard
308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Come out and support the kids!
OPEN MIC AT THE KITTY CAT LOUNGE
Jun 26, 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. Sign up when you arrive to perform — and come ready for a night full of creativity and fun!
Live SAX & Candleway
Jun 27, 2026, 7-9 PM
FLAME candlestudios
25 3rd St NW., Winter Haven, FL
ALONG THE WAY
Jun 26 & 27, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM
Gem Theater
118 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry
In a quiet park where strangers cross paths each day, a mysterious old man shares his wisdom of life with whomever will listen. But one unexpected encounter will alter their destinies forever.
BEAR CLARKE WEBB FROM OPEN BAR COMEDY!
Jun 26, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven
What some might call the “lovechild” of Ron White and Sam Kinison, Bear Clarke Webb brings her hilarious style! winterhavenlol.com
2026 WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS
Jun 26, 2026, Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
This complimentary offer is limited to four visitors per registration, and admission for the day is limited to assist with capacity issues. All members of the party visiting on Wawa Summer Fun Days will need to have a ticket to enter. boktowergardens.org
DOWNTOWN LKLD FARMERS CURB MARKET
Jun 27, 2026, 8 AM-1 PM
Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street every Saturday. Local, handmade, homegrown produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket
WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET
*SUMMER HOURS*
Jun 27, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM
Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven
We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours June - August. It’s so hot!!! winterhavenfarmersmarket.com
SOUTHERN REGIONAL SHOW SKI TOURNAMENT
Jun 27, 2026, 10 AM-12 PM
Martin Luther King Jr. Park 275 S Lake Silver Dr NW, Winter Haven 2026 Regional tournament
OPEN MIC RENEGADES
Jun 27, 2026, 7-10 PM
Kokomo’s Cafe 322 4th St NW, Winter Haven
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-timer, this is your chance to shine on stage (poets, musicians, vendors, spoken word, comedy, singers, dancers). ALL ART FORMS ARE WELCOMED!
We will have a combo ticket of $20 which includes food buffet of finger sandwiches, charcuterie, and flat breads, along with one drink ticket and your admission. More info on FB @OMRopenmics
MULBERRY - ASISTENCIA TECNOLGICA DROP-IN (BILINGUAL)
Jun 27, 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.
SOUTHERN REGIONAL SHOW SKI TOURNAMENT
Jun 28, 2026, 10 AM-12 PM
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
275 S Lake Silver Dr NW, Winter Haven 2026 Regional tournament
NITRO BINGO
Jun 28, 2026, 6 PM
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Nitro Bingo isn’t your grandma’s Bingo! This event blends strobe lights, upbeat music, big prizes, and a social atmosphere perfect for groups, girls’ nights out, or anyone looking for electrifying midweek fun. Doors open 5PM – Games begin 6PM. $30 to play all 15 games! theatrewinterhaven.com
YANG FROM KILL TONY!
Jun 28, 2026, 8-10 PM
Laugh Out Lounge
19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven
You might recognize Yaquiao Yang as a recent Golden Ticket winner on the hit podcast Kill Tony. winterhavenlol.com
LILO & STITCH (2025)
Jun 30, 2026, 11 AM-1 PM
Gem Theater
118 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860, Mulberry
Part of the $2.00 Tuesdays series, bringing a heartwarming island adventure to the big screen in Mulberry. Tickets are just $2.00, making it a fun and affordable summer movie outing for families.
BREW CREW RUN CLUB
Jun 30, 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
Jun 30, 2026, 6:30 PM
Grove Roots Brewery
302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing
LIVE MUSIC BINGO
Jun 30, 2026, 6:30 PM
Swan Brewing
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
Every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco
(March 21 – April 19)
June pushes you to slow down. Home, family, and emotional security become surprisingly important, especially around June 21. Career momentum builds late in the month, but Mercury retrograde near June 29 means double-checking texts, travel plans, and “reply all” emails. Romance feels playful again by mid-June. Best day: June 17. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Top Gun: Maverick,” because you’re operating at full chaotic pilot energy this month.
(April 20 – May 20)
Communication is your superpower in June. Networking, writing, and reconnecting with people from the past can unexpectedly open doors. Jupiter’s supportive energy boosts confidence, especially financially, but avoid stubborn spending sprees after June 21. You’re learning that “treat yourself” has limits. Best day: June 25. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Jurassic Park,” comfort movie vibes with just enough stress to keep you awake.
(June 21 – July 22)
This is a powerful reset month for you. Jupiter’s influence boosts confidence and helps you feel more emotionally grounded. By Cancer season, you’ll feel like the main character again. Relationships improve through honest conversations, but nostalgia may hit hard near the end of June. Don’t text the ex just because it’s raining. Best day: June 21. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Titanic,” dramatic, emotional, iconic. Basically, your aesthetic.
(July 23 – August 22)
You’re preparing for a huge glow-up phase as Jupiter edges closer to Leo energy later this summer. June feels quieter than usual, but that’s intentional. Rest now before life gets loud again. Venus entering Leo mid-month boosts charm, creativity, and your ability to accidentally become the center of attention at every event. Best day: June 13. Summer blockbuster to watch: “The Devil Wears Prada,” glamorous, dramatic, and filled with elite Leo-level entrances.
(September 23 – October 22)
Career matters take center stage this month. You’re being noticed, and people are paying attention to your ideas more than usual. Relationships feel warmer after Venus enters Leo, making June excellent for dating, friendships, and dramatic rooftop conversations at sunset. Avoid people-pleasing around the Full Moon. Best day: June 18. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Mamma Mia!” with beautiful people making emotional decisions in fabulous outfits.
(October 23 – November 21)
June wants you to think bigger. Travel, education, creativity, and future planning all get a cosmic boost. Emotionally, you’re lighter than you’ve been in months. Still, Mercury retrograde near month’s end could create mixed signals in relationships, so ask questions before assuming the worst. Best day: June 9. Summer blockbuster to watch: “The Dark Knight,” intense, strategic, and emotionally complicated. Your specialty.
(December 22 – January 19)
Relationships become impossible to ignore this month. Partnerships, romantic, business, or otherwise, need clearer communication and stronger boundaries. Work stays busy, but June reminds you that success means nothing if you never leave your desk. Best day: June 30. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” disciplined competence under pressure. Extremely Capricorn-coded.
(January 20 – February 18)
Your routines, health, and work-life balance need attention. June rewards consistency more than genius-level last-minute improvising. Mid-month is excellent for creative projects and unexpected friendships. Mercury retrograde could scramble technology and scheduling, which honestly feels personal for Aquarius. Best day: June 15. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Guardians of the Galaxy,” weird, funny, emotional, and full of lovable outsiders.
(May 21 – June 20)
June start your season, so naturally you’re booked, busy, and somehow in three group chats at once. The New Moon in Gemini mid-month is ideal for reinvention, fresh ideas, and finally starting the thing you keep talking about. Late June asks you to slow down and organize your money before Mercury retrograde causes “Where did my paycheck go?” confusion. Best day: June 14. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Barbie,” colorful, clever, funny, and moving at Gemini speed.
(August 23 – September 22)
June is social in the best way. Friends, collaborations, and community become important, and networking could genuinely help your future goals. Mercury retrograde at the end of the month may bring scheduling chaos, so keep backup plans for everything. Best day: June 24. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Ocean’s Eleven,” organized teamwork with enough perfectionism to satisfy you.
(November 22 – December 21)
Big emotional breakthroughs happen in June, especially regarding finances, trust, and relationships. The full moon late in the month highlights what needs to change permanently. You’re craving honesty over surface-level interactions now. Adventure still calls, but your emotional world matters more than usual. Best day: June 29. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” adventurous chaos with philosophical undertones.
(February 19 – March 20)
June is romantic, creative, and emotionally rich for you. Hobbies, dating, art, and fun all get a boost, especially around the Gemini New Moon. You’re reconnecting with joy after a heavy stretch. Just avoid overcommitting financially when your heart says “yes” but your bank account says “absolutely not.” Best day: June 11. Summer blockbuster to watch: “La La Land,” dreamy, emotional, and aesthetically devastating.
For a full list of locations, please visit myLRH.org/Locations.
* This emergency department is part of Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. This is not an urgent care center. Its services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates.
Discover personalized healthcare with Lakeland Regional Health — caring for patients and families since 1916! We’ve been advancing, innovating, and growing across Polk County and beyond to deliver world-class care to you and your loved ones.
With Lakeland Regional Health Physician Group’s 450+ expert providers offering personalized care in 40+ specialties available at 35+ locations — we are here just for you!
Scan the code or visit myLRH.org to learn more. Ready to book an appointment? Call 863.284.5000.
