Heartland LIVING Magazine April-May 2026

Heartland LIVING

“This was my first time purchasing a vehicle on my own, and my experience with Gilbert Ford was amazing. The team was incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the entire process, especially as a first-time buyer. They made everything easy to understand and ensured I felt confident in my decision. I was matched with the perfect and safest vehicle for my needs, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Since then, I’ve been recommending Gilbert Ford to everyone I talk to!”

- Justice Kent

From milestone birthdays and holiday parties to meetings and networking, The Grove at 2100 offers the perfect backdrop for gatherings of every kind. Our spaces are designed to be flexible, polished, and welcoming so your event can be everything you envision and more. To

Whether your dental needs are an exam and cleaning, full-mouth restoration, or anything in between, we promise to provide you with exceptional care as we enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Please call or visit us today for your reservation! We look forward to meeting you.

FEATURES

By Rebecca Maglischo

Through History:

Great Florida Cattle Drive of 2026 By Audra

Clemons

Roots of Resilience Notable Women Fighting for the Future of Heartland Citrus

By R. Michael Brown 20

10 Years of Caring for Young Minds Kids’ Minds Matter Flourishes

By Addyson McCullough

Abby Duke

Heartland LIVING

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Have you ever had Spring Fever as much as this year? I know this Florida girl was so tired of the cold, the brown grass and when I looked outside, a lot of dead plants. Thank you March for bringing the spring weather. As I sit here early this morning writing to my readers, our goal is for us to finish the magazine for press. Then I’m going to go buy all the beautiful spring flowers and plant my heart away… We are almost done and can’t wait for you to have the April & May Issue in your hand and hope you enjoy.

Check out all the Spring we bring you in this issue, and don’t miss the Mother’s Day breakfast/brunch recipes. Let’s get creative and set a beautiful table either inside or outside in this beautiful weather. Remember those spring flowers I was just talking about? They will be gorgeous on the table you set for Mom. If your choice is dining out to brunch, we have so many restaurants to choose from in this issue. Please support one of them and let us know where you decided to dine.

We also bring you outdoors in this issue that my writers and photographers have worked hard to share with you. We welcome back Audra Clemons. She shares the feature on the Great Florida Cattle Drive that came through Okeechobee recently. It might be a little long, but we couldn’t decide with all the gorgeous photography.

Rebecca has interviewed and written a story about a family that has been close to my heart for about 45 years now. Wesley and Yvonne Redding have raised 10 children in the country—“Farm Life”. When I approached Yvonne, she was happy to share her daily life with her family, farm duties and especially Emma, her first jersey cow. Thank you Katelyn for the photoshoot and gorgeous photography.

Michael is bringing you three notable women fighting for the future of Heartland Citrus. We all know what is going on with our citrus and agriculture, and these ladies are fighting to keep it alive. If you’ve seen a young lady on the carton of Florida’s Natural, it might have been Emma Reynolds!

We are blessed to add Abby Duke to our team. Abby reached out to me, and after hearing her ideas of what she would like to share with our readers, I asked her to join us, and I’m so thankful to have her. Check out her first story on Spring Gardening. She also has big ideas for the June & July Issue.

Now find that cozy place and start turning the pages. Thank you to all my advertisers for trusting us to share your business in Heartland LIVING. We wouldn’t still be publishing in our 15th year without you.

God Bless,

Cindy Sebring Adams

Paul Giles, M.D.

support staff.

Look & Feel Your Best

Blue Ocean Dermatology stands as a beacon of excellence in skincare. This state-ofthe-art dermatology clinic is dedicated to providing top-notch care to residents and visitors alike, ensuring their skin remains healthy, radiant and protected from the sun’s harsh rays.

The name “Blue Ocean” reflects the practice’s commitment to innovation and differentiation in the field of dermatology. It signifies their desire to venture beyond the boundaries of traditional dermatological practices and create a new, unexplored space where patients can receive the highest quality care and experience.

With Seven Locations in

Florida

New Smyrna Beach | Port Orange | Daytona Beach | Palm Coast Ormond Beach | Sebring | Winter Park | Okeechobee

Blue Ocean Dermatology is renowned for its expertise in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. With a passion for helping patients achieve their skincare goals, the staff at Blue Ocean Dermatology are a highly trained team that offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to address various skin concerns. Blue Ocean Dermatology was founded with a vision to provide exceptional dermatological care and create a unique patient experience.

Medical Services | Medical Dermatology

Cosmetic Dermatology

Blue Ocean Dermatology prides itself on staying at the forefront of dermatological advancements. From acne and eczema to psoriasis and Mohs surgery for skin cancer, their dermatologists have the expertise to deliver the highest standard of care. In addition to medical dermatology, they offer an array of cosmetic services to help patients look and feel their best. Whether it’s rejuvenating treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, laser hair removal or chemical peels, the clinic’s skilled professionals tailor each procedure to meet the unique needs of every individual.

As a patient, you’ll have a close, personal relationship with your community dermatology providers, who have the training, experience, and expertise necessary to meet all your skincare needs

Non invasive skin

Heartland

Publications & Marketing, Inc.

EDITORIAL

Christy Swift | Editor, Writer

Cindy Sebring Adams | Writer

Kimberly Blaker | Writer

R. Michael Brown | Writer

Audra Clemons | Writer

Abby Duke | Writer

Rebecca Maglischo | Writer

Bridgette Waldau | Creative

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Katelyn Baker

Antonio Corona

Cheyanne White -With Diamond C Livestock

OFFICE TEAM

Cindy Houtz | Website

Kristan Baker | Distribution

Lisa Griffin | Distribution

Offering a variety of Hip & Knee Replacement procedures including Direct Anterior Approach to the Hip. The Anterior Hip Replacement Approach causes less trauma than traditional techniques, making recovery easier for the patient.

WRITING & DESIGN BEHIND THE SCENES

Cindy Sebring Adams is Founder/ Publisher of Heartland LIVING Magazine. Born and raised in Sebring, FL, she is fourth generation of the founding family of Sebring. She brings personal and inspirational stories to the community through Heartland LIVING Magazine. Besides overseeing the development of the magazine, she also contributes through writing and photography.

Christy Swift is an award-winning author, editor and technical writer. She recently scored a 2-book deal with a major publisher, Hachette Forever. Her debut romcom, Celebrity Crush, launched in 2025 and her second book, Hollywood Hookup , just came out February 10, 2026. She also writes science fiction and fantasy. Find her at www.christyswift. com

Audra Clemons After earning a BA in English Literature from the University of Missouri, Audra began her career in LA in the entertainment industry, as a writer and producer on an syndicated television show. She brings more than two decades of published writing experience, as well as brand journalism and freelance work. Currently she resides in Okeechobee, Florida where she enjoys spending time with her family.

Rebecca Maglischo is a wife and mother of two boys. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood & Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Human Movement with an emphasis on Corrective Modalities. She has completed a study in Full Body Systems through the Holistic Nutrition Lab and a certification in Functional Range Condition through the Functional Anatomy Systems

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance lifestyle and licensed real estate agent. She's also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an Internet marketing agency, at kbcreativedigital.com.

Editor | Writer

April & May 2026

Bridgette Waldau has been a graphic and fine artist for over 40 years. She received her A.A. from the Ft. Lauderdale Institute of Art and a BFA degree from Stetson University. Bridgette has been creative director for Heartland Publications & Marketing since 2011, winning 11 Florida Magazine Charlie Awards (2015- 2021). Bridgette is married to James, a retired firefighter from the City of Hialeah

Katelyn Baker is a Florida-based photographer and entrepreneur with a passion for capturing timeless imagery. She is the owner of Katelyn Baker Photography and Eden Salon. Whether behind the camera or leading her salon team, Katelyn’s work is rooted in authenticity and service. She strives to use her gifts to glorify Christ and reflect His light through every space she enters.

R. Michael Brown is an award-winning writer, producer and marketing consultant with bylines in major market newspapers and magazines as well as credits with network broadcasting and Discovery Channel. He earned a New York Film Festival Award, authored You Are the Media Now, and teaches college-level communication. He helps brands, organizations and communities tell stories that connect and drive impact Writer

Writer Writer Writer

Abby Duke is a Florida native from Bowling Green, working as a social media manager with a passion for storytelling, creativity and intentional living. She always had a love for the little things, finding beauty in thrifted pieces, growing plants and the rhythms of Florida life. Through writing and creating, she aims to capture the quiet moments that make life feel meaningful and connected.

Every GREAT design begins with an even BETTER story.

- Lorinda Mamo,

designer

Heartland Living's Art Director Bridgette Waldau Honored

Bridgette Waldau, was honored by Okeechobee Main Street [OKMS] with the naming of their Arts & Culture Alliance Art Center's main gallery, as the Bridgette Waldau Gallery.

On February 2, 2026 OKMS hosted a grand re-opening at their new office and art center location. The event also included an artist’s reception for a juried art show.

During the reception OKMS President Angie Griffin made the presentation and mentioned Bridgette’s years of volunteering and her dedication to the arts. Stating, “It is through her dedication, we honor her with the naming of this gallery as the Bridgette Waldau Gallery."

In 1999 Bridgette began volunteering for OKMS and was asked to chair the newly formed Arts & Culture Committee, designed to develope art programs in Okeechobee. In 2018, the Board of Okeechobee County Commissioners designated OKMS as a Florida Local Art Agency for Okeechobee County, and Bridgette continued as art director for the new OKMS Arts and Culture Alliance of Okeechboee County [ACA].

For over 25 years Bridgette's dedicated leadership brought an abundance of art programs. With the help of the community, local government and grants, she led in designing well-rounded art experiences that focus on the lifestyle and culture of Okeechobee, including a Mural Program, Top of the Lake Art Festival, Taste of Okeechobee, Art & Wine Walk, art exhibits, and much more. Her efforts also brought in outdoor public art. The Butterfly Sculpture Garden and the Cattle Drive Sculpture Project in Flagler Park are popular art installations. Her most fulfilling accomplishment was the development of the the ACA Arts Center. In 2019, Bridgette was awarded the Florida Main Street Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Local Program Supporter.

Bridgette and her husband James moved to Venice, FL in 2023. As OKMS Arts & Culture Alliance Director Emeritus, she continues to support Okeechobee Main Street.

Scenic Tour of O’ahu’s North Shore and South Shore Polynesian Cultural Center Pearl Harbor Tour including: Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, USS Bowlin, USS Missouri, Pacific Aviation Museum, and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific Kualoa Ranch Tour Transfer to the Pride of America in Honolulu Harbor 7 Night Pride of America Hawaiian Islands Cruise with all meals, entertainment and port charges, including daily trips to Honolulu, Kahului Maui, Kahului Maui, Hilo, Kona, Nawiliwili Kauai, Nawiliwili Kauai, Cruise Napali Coast, and Honolulu!

The Great Florida Cattle Drive of 2026

By Audra Clemons

Photography by Cheyanne White and Antonio Corona

t sunrise on January 26, 2026, the stillness of the Florida air gave way to creaking leather, pounding hooves, and the low calls of trail riders guiding their herds south. The Great Florida Cattle Drive had begun. Riders gathered at the historic IFAS DeLuca Preserve, where Florida’s ranching past meets its present across stretches of native rangeland. From this storied landscape, horses and cattle began a six-day journey through the heart of cow country, ultimately arriving at the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena along routes echoing centuries of ranching tradition.

The trail crossed working ranches, protected state lands, and properties now transformed into sod farms and solar fields — a powerful reminder of Florida’s rapid change. Each mile reflected an industry woven deeply into the state’s identity.

This was more than a trail ride. It was a living tribute to Florida’s ranching legacy and the families determined to preserve it — a reminder that long before theme parks and skyscrapers, cattle and cowhunters shaped the state’s economy, culture, and land. ▶

articipants arrived the afternoon before departure to prepare for a week designed to mirror the challenges faced by early cowhunters.

“When we checked in, they handed us a bag with a bowl, plate, cup and silverware,” recalled rancher Antonio Corona. “That was yours all week. After every meal, you washed your own dishes at camp.”

Chuck wagons welcomed riders each evening with hearty meals before participants cleaned up and settled in. It was communal living at its most authentic.

By 6 a.m. Monday, riders were mounted. The first day covered 17 miles on horseback and involved pushing roughly 300 head of cattle across varied terrain.

“We were horseback from six in the morning until late afternoon,” Antonio said. “By the time we counted cattle and rode through them, it was four o’clock before we got off.” Unlike modern ranch work, there were no fences or cattle lanes. “We truly had to hold the cattle and drive them,” Antonio explained.

Driving cattle requires patience and teamwork. Among the team of riders was Antonio’s son, nine-year-old Kase, officially recognized as the youngest cowhunter ever to participate in the drive.

When Kase first heard about it, he knew instantly he wanted to go. So when Cow Boss Travis Brown invited him and his dad to join the team, he was overjoyed.

Each cowhunter wore a purple bandana to signify their role, and Kase wore his with unmistakable pride. ▶

reparing for the drive took months. Antonio worked with the crew to map routes and secure permission from ranch owners to cross private land. Some fences had to be temporarily opened, with crews following behind to restore them once the herd passed.

Though Antonio and Kase are no strangers to ranch work, the drive presented a different challenge. “It was a whole lot different,” Kase said. “At home you might have six people working cattle. Here we had about 350 people riding.”

The scale was immense. Roughly 30 cowhunters managed the herd while hundreds of trail riders followed, many traveling from across the country — and even internationally — to witness Florida ranching history.

Responsibility often extended beyond the cattle. “During a rainstorm we had to help other riders,” Antonio said. “Some weren’t used to handling horses in bad weather. I even had to calm down one lady’s horse.”

Kase proved himself early. On the first day, a yearling broke from the herd. “I roped him and got him back into the bunch,” he said proudly.

One of the drive’s most meaningful moments came at the Osceola–Okeechobee county line. “Because of how land ownership has changed, cattle haven’t crossed that line on foot in decades,” Antonio explained.

Later, the herd moved through six miles of protected state land where cattle had not intentionally grazed in nearly 70 years. “You could feel the history in it,” he said. ▶

he drive tested riders with Florida’s unpredictable weather. “We got all four seasons in a week,” Antonio laughed.

Heavy rain soaked riders mid-drive. Temperatures dropped sharply at night. One morning, ice coated saddles and water buckets. “We had to chip ice off our saddles, but we camped the entire time.” Kase took it in stride. “The worst part was getting out of bed when it was cold,” he admitted. “But once we started a fire, it helped.”

At dawn, campfires crackled as riders shared stories while chuck wagons served biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, stew and chicken-fried steak — most of it donated by Cheney Brothers.

Sleeping arrangements blended authenticity with comfort: canvas tarps wrapped around bedrolls, memory foam mattresses, and zerodegree sleeping bags.

“I think we had the best beds out of everybody there,” Kase joked.

Despite the hardships, the beauty never faded. From horseback, riders witnessed golden sunrises and painted sunsets that will remain lifelong memories.

Nights brought different sounds — coyotes howling, cattle shifting and occasionally loose horses thundering through camp. Each evening, Kase and Antonio carefully hobbled and secured their horses — a routine they had practiced for months. For Antonio, the most meaningful part was sharing it with his son.

“It was special to experience this with Kase at his age,” he said. “He’s old enough to do the work but young enough to take it all in.” Seeing Kase endure freezing mornings and long days affirmed something deeper. “I was proud of his love for the ranching lifestyle — his passion and strength.” Kase’s enthusiasm never faded. “I loved it,” he said. “I’d do it all the time if I could.” ▶

s riders neared Okeechobee, they passed a historic ranch recently transformed into sod fields. “Seeing tractors where cattle once grazed was different,” Antonio reflected. “That land holds a lot of history.” The contrast underscored the tension between development and conservation shaping Florida’s agricultural future.

“Most people don’t even realize Florida has cattle,” Antonio said. “They don’t know this is where Spanish explorers first introduced cattle to America.” Classrooms across the state followed the drive through livestreams, connecting students to Florida’s ranching roots. Kase was interviewed during one broadcast and is currently reading A Land Remembered, the beloved novel that mirrors much of what riders experienced. “It really makes you think about how people used to live,” he said.

When riders entered the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena on January 31, cheers welcomed a journey that bridged centuries. Residents lined the roads and gathered to celebrate both the accomplishment and the heritage it represented. ▶

he Great Florida Cattle Drive was more than a commemorative ride. It highlighted the vital role ranchers play in conservation, wildlife habitat preservation and food production — often while facing mounting development pressures. As Florida grows, events like this remind communities that ranchlands are living landscapes rich with culture and purpose. They also give younger generations the chance to trade screens for saddles and experience the rewards of hard work, teamwork and outdoor life.

When the trailers pulled away, participants carried home more than memories. They carried stories of endurance, shared heritage, and traditions kept alive by families committed to preserving Florida’s ranching soul.

For young riders like Kase Corona, the drive marked not just a milestone but a beginning — the first chapter in a lifelong journey shaped by life in the saddle and the untamed beauty of Florida’s backcountry.

In a state defined by change, the Great Florida Cattle Drive proved one thing remains steady: Florida’s cowhunter legacy still rides strong.

THIS WAS MORE THAN A

IT WAS A LIVING TRIBUTE TO FLORIDA’S

Tired of your outdated pool? Artistic Pools and Spas specializes in expert renovations that breathe new life into any pool—big changes or small updates. We blend modern style, smart functionality, and real luxury to create a stunning backyard oasis you’ll love using. Our team guides you through every decision, helping you choose the perfect finishes and features for your lifestyle. The result? A beautiful pool that looks amazing today and performs reliably for years, while boosting your home’s value.

Highlands, Hardee,

In-ground Concrete Pools and Spas

Pool Renovations | Pool Maintenance

Outdoor Kitchen Building

OF HOPE

By Rebecca Maglischo

Photography by Katelyn Baker

vonne Redding walks out into the crisp morning air. The light is just breaking through and the fog is hanging perfectly in that special Florida way. She lifts up a little breath of gratitude and walks from the house the way she does every morning. This is cow time, milking time…. her time. She greets Emma with a little nuzzle, taking in the texture of her fur, the wetness of her nose, and breathing in the scent that’s earthy and animal. Yvonne pulls out the pail and the stool and dons her gloves. Gentle at first, she begins to tug on the udder, relieving the pressure one pull at a time until it falls into a rhythmic sequence. The prayers fall from her lips in time to the beat of milk against pail. As the pail fills and threatens to overflow, she stops to avoid a mess. This is the picture of farm life: The cup overflows with blessing… and sometimes that’s a little messy. ▶

es and Yvonne Redding live on a small 17-acre farm in the College Hill community of Bowling Green, Florida. Native Floridians, the Reddings are intimately connected to Hardee County; it’s the place of their childhood memories, their love story and the legacy they are continuing to build. “How neat is it that our small farm is just down the road from the strawberry school my grandmother attended as a girl?” Yvonne shares. Strawberry schools were oneroom, seasonal schools that revolved around strawberry harvest when the crop was prevalent in the area. Today, the preserved schoolhouse is still used for meetings and events.

It was on a trip home from college that Yvonne got the call from Wes. “He was persistent!” she laughs. But she needed some convincing. Wes prevailed because Yvonne never returned to college in Arkansas, choosing instead to stay home and begin to build her life on these familiar grounds. Married in 2001, they had their first son soon after. He would be the oldest of 10 children that now range in age from 24 yrs to 3 yrs old. Yvonne returned to nursing school in the early years of their marriage but ultimately chose to stay home when she began homeschooling their children. ▶

es Redding built a business in landscaping and expanded into a plant nursery. Yvonne felt her own “ravenous entrepreneurial spirit” chewing on ideas for how she might be able to generate some income herself. When her raw milk co-op came up short on milk a few years ago, a wild idea entered her mind: What if we just had our own dairy cow? It was a common-sense solution to a recurring problem, and with a large family, it could prove practical, as well. Yvonne mulled the idea over, crunched numbers and researched many hours. As it became clear that this seemingly crazy idea was actually an answer to her prayers for income generation and her own entrepreneurial endeavor, excitement surged!

The search for the perfect cow was Yvonne’s first giant hurdle. She didn’t want just any dairy cow, she wanted a disease-free Jersey cow that was healthy and robust. “Emma” became a member of the family and was immediately loved by everyone. Like all small businesses, College Hill Farm had a lot of learning in the beginning. But in the way only God can weave the intricate chapters of a life, Yvonne found her nursing skills coming back to the forefront. She was once again maintaining a sterile environment, concerning herself with cross-contamination, drawing blood for testing and more. From Emma, the herd has grown to five—a bull, a heifer, and three cows. Yvonne raves about her cows, “We LOVE the cows! They are such a joy to steward, and it is amazing how much even just one cow can contribute to a family or community.” . ▶

The simplicity of chores and farm life keep the Redding family grounded in a world that can feel chaotic. Twice a day, the cows must be fed and milked. Chickens, hay, fences, feed bags, homeschool assignments, laundry and cooking—it’s as simple as it is tiring. Yet, this type of life is a legacy mindset, a bigger picture of contribution, effort, skills and giftings. Each member of the Redding family has their passion and their purpose, and together they see the fruits of the labors that created College Hill Farm. Currently, they sell whole raw milk on the farm and at the Avon Park farmers market. Additionally, they are a mini Jersey cow breeder. The cows are 100% grass fed with no corn or soy in their diet. The farm chooses not to vaccinate, use hormones or practice the use of regular antibiotics. Instead, the focus is on maintaining the natural health of the cows and regular testing for BLV and Johne’s disease. “I never want to sacrifice quality for higher production,” Yvonne insists. “Our customers trust us to provide a product that is excellent. We are loyal to that promise.” . ▶

mall farm life creates a lasting legacy through stewardship, hard work and connection to the land. The small family farmer is a profession of hope that builds a sustainable future by fostering humility and stepping into a side-by-side role with The Creator as a steward of His handiwork. The chores and tasks set a rhythmic flow to everyday that is both predictable and everchanging. But it is the fruits of these labors that weave through the hearts of small farm families and stretch into the community. Producers and consumers are tied together into a trusted relationship that has long been the tapestry of the human experience.

LIVING

Be Your Own Kind Beautiful of

Dr. Rogers and his highly qualified team of Nurse Practitioners and medical staff look forward to keeping your skin healthy for years to come!

Dr. Michael J. Rogers, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist

Dr. Alexander W. Kennon, M.D

Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon

Dr. Brooke Rogers, DNP, FNP-C | Barbara Ross, ARNP-C

10% Off

Botox and Fillers

From 5/1/26 to 6/30/26

Cosmetic Dermatology:

Ÿ Botox

Ÿ Dysport

Ÿ Fillers:

Ÿ Restylane Lyft, Restylane Kysse and Lip Enhancement

Ÿ Micro-Needling with PRP

Ÿ PRP Treatment for Hair Loss

Ÿ Sculptra

Ÿ Kybella

Ÿ Hydrafacial

Ÿ NEW! ViPeel

General Dermatology:

Ÿ MOHS Micrographic Surgery

Ÿ Skin Cancer Screening & Treatment

Ÿ Mole Removal

& All of your Skin care needs

Gift Certificates Available

SEBRING (863) 385-7183

727 US Hwy 27 S

WINTER HAVEN (863) 293-SKIN

400 Avenue K SE, Ste. 3

Locally Sourced Southern Inspired

Prime Steaks | Fresh Seafood

Local Sourced Vegetables

Seasonal Menus

Wine & Beer

Private Event Venue

Restaurant and Event Venue on the Circle in the Historic Highland’s Bank Building

OF RESILIENCE

Notable Women Fighting for the Future of Heartland Citrus

By R. Michael Brown

At sunrise in a Florida citrus grove, the air carries a faint sweetness — the scent of orange blossoms warming in the first light of day — like that glass of OJ you’re enjoying for breakfast.

Rows of trees stretch toward the horizon, their branches heavy with fruit that must still be picked by hand, just as they have been for generations.

Walking those groves today are growers like Morgan McKenna Porter, Emma Reynolds Ezell, and Katie Bevilacqua — women helping guide Florida citrus through one of the most challenging chapters in its history. Disease and this season of drought and freezes are reshaping the landscape of the industry, but in groves across the state, growers continue tending the trees with the same patience and optimism that built Florida citrus in the first place.

Their stories reflect a truth long understood by those who work the land: citrus has always required grit and resilience. And in the hands of growers like Porter, Ezell and Bevilacqua, the future of Florida citrus is still being written — one season, and one tree, at a time. ▶

Growing Optimism in the Groves

In Florida’s citrus industry these days, optimism may be the rarest crop of all. Yet Morgan McKenna Porter insists it’s the defining trait of anyone still standing in the groves.

That optimism took root early in Porter’s life, long before she became operations manager for McKenna Brothers and a leader in citrus research. Her earliest memories involve riding a pink bicycle down a dirt road toward the grove shop.

“That bike would make it to the shop, but it tended to never make it back to my house,” she says with a laugh. “I wanted to be down there… in the mix of it all.”

Today Porter helps oversee over 2,000 acres of citrus across Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties through McKenna Brothers, the family business founded by her father and uncle. The company grows fruit, caretakes groves, harvests oranges and helps market crops to processors and fresh markets.

long-running battle against citrus greening disease, which has drastically reduced production over the past two decades.

Still, Porter believes the growers who remain share a defining quality. “If you are a citrus grower in the state of Florida… you are an optimist,” she says.

Now she’s President of Citrus Research & Development Foundation and sits on the Polk Citrus Advisory Committee and UF’s AEC Advisory Council.

“Operations manager is just a fancy way to say, ‘catchall,’” she explains. “You show up and be whatever the family needs you to be that day.”

Porter’s path to leadership included time away from the grove. After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in agricultural education and communication, she joined Syngenta, working with growers across multiple crops and regions. The experience broadened her understanding of agriculture and introduced her to farmers facing many of the same pressures seen in Florida citrus.

But in 2020, she felt pulled back home. “I had the opportunity to learn a lot of wonderful skills and meet a lot of wonderful growers,” she says. “But my heart and passion are with Florida citrus.”

That passion is tested daily. Growers across the state contend with drought, freezes, hurricanes and the

Morgan (1996)

Part of her work involves navigating the industry’s expanding research efforts. Programs such as CRAFT — Citrus Research and Field Trials — allow growers to replant trees, test new rootstocks and evaluate treatments in real-world conditions.

For Porter, innovation is essential to survival; but, it takes time. It takes three to five years to grow an orange tree in field trials to see if it will be a producer. Years eight to fifteen are optimal years to produce the most fruit.

“If you keep doing the same thing and expect different results,” she says, “you are spinning your wheels and will eventually one day not exist.”

Yet for all the science shaping citrus’s future, she still enjoys sharing one simple fact that surprises many consumers.

“Every orange is harvested by hand still,” she says. “If you are drinking a glass of Florida orange juice, somebody put a lot of labor and love into growing that orange. It may look different than it does today, but I’m confident I’ll have a future in Florida citrus.”

While Porter represents a new generation carrying the citrus industry forward through research, growers like Emma Reynolds Ezell show how deeply rooted family traditions continue to shape the future of Florida citrus. ▶

The Tree Whisperer of Lake Placid

Emma Reynolds Ezell didn’t plan to build a career in citrus. After earning a master’s degree in finance, she expected to work in banking. But when the economy faltered during the recession of 2009, she returned to the place that had shaped her childhood — the family groves outside Lake Placid.

“I asked my dad for a job,” Ezell recalls. “And he said, ‘All I have is manual labor.’ And I said, ‘I’ll take it.’”

Ezell began by fertilizing young trees, driving through the rows on a small utility vehicle and tending the next generation of citrus as they grew toward production.

Today she works across multiple parts of the family operation. Through Renzel Ag Company, she helps oversee harvesting and hauling, while also remaining involved in caretaking through Triple R Ag, the business she shares with her siblings.

active in his 90s — continues to drive a tractor in the

The family legacy stretches back to her grandfather, who began the operation in the 1950s.

“Family is everything,” Ezell says. “Business can go away. The trees can go away. At the end of the day, you still have to come home and still have family.”

Along the way, she earned a nickname that now follows her across the citrus community: “The Tree Whisperer.”

The phrase began during an interview when she described the quiet rhythm of working in the grove.

“I said, ‘I enjoy being with the trees, and I like talking to them because they don’t talk back,’” she says with a laugh. “And they said, ‘Oh, like a tree whisperer.’ And I said, ‘Yeah, like a tree whisperer.’ And then it just stuck.”

Family remains at the center of everything Ezell does. The citrus operation is a collaborative effort spanning generations. Her sister manages the business side, her brother oversees field crews and her father — still

Growing up in citrus also taught her patience — a lesson she says applies just as much to people as it does to trees.

“When you plant a tree, it takes time to get it where it needs to be,” she explains. “What you put into it is what you’ll get out of it.”

The challenges facing Florida citrus today are significant, but Ezell approaches them with steady determination.

“One of my favorite sayings is, ‘You do the best you can at the time with what you’ve got,’” she says. “Each day is a challenge, but you just keep moving forward.”

For her, the groves provide more than a livelihood. They offer peace and perspective.

“Nature keeps you grounded,” she says. “Being in the groves… you can be with God and your thoughts. Nature is good for the soul.”

While Ezell’s story reflects the strength of multigenerational citrus families, growers like Katie Bevilacqua are demonstrating how innovation and new ideas can help secure the industry’s next chapter. ▶

Growing the Future of Citrus

For Katie Bevilacqua, citrus is more than a crop — it’s a legacy rooted in Florida soil.

As co-founder of Golden Ridge Groves in Polk County, she represents a new generation of growers determined to preserve and reinvent the state’s citrus heritage.

Bevilacqua grew up in a family connected to Florida agriculture, where she learned early that farming demands patience, adaptability and faith in the long term.

“Agriculture teaches you patience,” she says. “You learn quickly that you can’t control everything — weather, markets, disease — but you can control your commitment to the trees and to doing things the right way.”

Inside these structures, trees grow in a carefully managed environment protected from pests while still benefiting from Florida’s natural sunlight and climate.

The approach allows growers to produce healthier fruit while dramatically reducing exposure to the insect responsible for spreading the disease.

That mindset shapes the work she and her husband Shane are doing at Golden Ridge Groves.

Like many growers across the state, they face the ongoing challenge of citrus greening disease. But rather than retreat from the industry, they have embraced innovative approaches to growing fruit.

Their grove is among those adopting Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) technology — a system that encloses citrus trees within large-screened structures designed to keep out the tiny psyllid insect that spreads greening.

For Bevilacqua, the technology represents more than a scientific solution. It represents hope.

“We’re constantly learning,” she says. “But what excites me is that there are solutions out there. We’re not just watching citrus disappear. We’re fighting for it.”

Her vision extends beyond the grove itself.

Golden Ridge Groves is developing agritourism experiences, including U-pick opportunities and a farm market designed to connect visitors with the story behind their fruit. For Bevilacqua, educating consumers about modern agriculture is just as important as growing oranges.

“People don’t realize how much science and technology are involved in farming today,” she says.

As one of the emerging women leaders in Florida citrus, Bevilacqua represents a bridge between generations — honoring the traditions that built the industry while exploring new ideas that may secure its future. ▶

Worth the Fight

Though their paths into citrus are different, Porter, Ezell and Bevilacqua share something essential: a belief that Florida citrus is still worth fighting for.

Porter pushes the industry forward through research and innovation, Ezell protects the traditions rooted in family groves and Bevilacqua explores new ideas that may shape the next era of citrus production.

Together, their stories remind us that the future of Florida citrus won’t be written by one solution or one generation alone — but by the growers willing to keep planting, learning and believing in the land.

If you are drinking a glass of Florida orange juice, somebody put a lot of labor and love into growing that orange."

-Morgan McKenna Porter

At Central Florida Health Care, we believe everyone deserves quality, compassionate care, no matter what. From routine checkups to pharmacy and specialty services, we’re here for your health journey, every step of the way.

And if your insurance changes? Don’t worry, we’ll still be here for you. Our team helps navigate coverage transitions so you can keep the same trusted providers and the care you depend on.

With 17 convenient locations across Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties, and a full range of services under one roof, CFHC makes care simple, supportive, and centered on you.

We give you more for your advertising cost!

Most widely distributed and read magazine in the Heartland!

Free Publication for our Readers

Unlike some publications, no one has to pay to see your ad.

Subscriptions offered to our readers, but not required.

Heartland Living Magazine is available to view online at no charge.

We care about our advertisers and make it simple and free for our readers to see your ad!

10 YEARS OF CARING FOR YOUNG MINDS: Kids’ Minds Matter Flourishes

SUPPORTING YOUTH’S

MENTAL

HEALTH TO CREATE LONG-TERM COMMUNITY IMPACT

By Addyson McCullough

Photos Courtesy Priority Marketing

Scott Spiezle knows firsthand the emotional and physical turmoil of supporting a child with mental health challenges. When his daughter was in elementary and middle school, she reached a point where her life was at risk. During those early years, her dad slept on the floor of her room to shield her from what the night brought.

Living in Philadelphia at the time and being near some of the best medical professionals in the country, they sought help. A highly respected psychiatrist prescribed medication, and they hoped she would respond positively and have a sense of normalcy in her last few years of childhood.

“Adult psychiatrists or psychiatrists in general don’t realize that you cannot give that medication to a child – it has a paradoxical effect,” Spiezle said.

The medication she received wasn’t intended for a child’s brain. She experienced an adverse reaction that caused unusual erratic behavior that landed her in the office of a pediatric psychiatrist who was able to tailor treatment to her symptoms and developmental stage. Because of the pediatric expertise of her psychiatrist, she thrives today as an adult.

“She’s married and has two great kids, and she’s a great mom,” said Susan Goldy, Spiezle’s wife and stepmother to his daughter. Goldy went through her own mental health challenges. Of her stepdaughter, she said, “Her life is completely different from what she thought it would be and what we feared it would be.”

In 2016, after moving to Southwest Florida, Spiezle and Goldy witnessed the need for pediatric mental health care in the region. As local medical infrastructure grew, creating mental health treatment spaces specifically for children and teens became non-negotiable. ▶

After learning about the vision behind Golisano’s Children’s Hospital, and the lack of pediatric mental health services, action weighed heavily on their hearts.

“We got in the car and looked at each other, Scott having gone through his own family experience and I having gone through mine. We said, how can they not have any?” Goldy said.

By the time they pulled in their driveway, Kids’ Minds Matter was born.

Ten years ago, the mental health care landscape in Southwest Florida was primarily positioned to assist adults. With an arsenal of equipped mental health professionals prepared to treat adults –psychologists, psychiatrists, behavioral therapists and more – there was a gap in care for youth. Families with children battling mental health challenges had few places to turn, most of which were private practices that were inaccessible for limited income families.

“We actually didn’t have any [providers employed by Lee Health] before Kids’ Minds Matter,” said Dr. Jason Sabo, site supervisor and clinical psychologist at Lee Health’s Pediatric Behavioral Health Practice.

Spiezle and Goldy now had a full-time job on their hands. Mornings, afternoons and evenings were filled with meetings and brainstorming sessions all trying to pave a path for families in Southwest Florida to get the pediatric mental health care they need.

“When we first started, there were some local psychology groups who said this will never succeed, you’ll never be able to get a pediatric psychiatrist to stay, because they had tried,” Goldy said. “But Kids’ Minds Matter has, through the generosity of the community.”

Local psychology groups weren’t the only opposition they faced in the early years of Kids’ Minds Matter. The couple had friends who are experts in the field that discouraged their initiative.

But Lee Health backed Kids’ Minds Matter and embraced it as a philanthropic arm of the health system, establishing a financial and operational partnership that has only grown stronger over the past decade. ▶

“

We do credit Dr. Larry Antonucci with stepping up and supporting us by committing the hospital to participate financially,” Spiezle said.

Sabo transitioned from co-owning a private mental health practice to supporting families under Lee Health and Kids’ Minds Matter around 2017.

“When I started, there were three providers. Eight months after I’d started, we had five providers in the entire system at one location,” Sabo said. “Now we have 45 mental health professionals.”

The growth in providers has made way for more and more families to have access to mental and behavioral health care.

“Because of Kids Minds Matter we’re able to hire all those positions – mental health navigators, autism navigators, social work team,” Sabo said. “It’s absolutely amazing.”

In 2025, Kids’ Minds Matter and Lee Health received roughly 250 referrals a week and facilitated 24,500 pediatric behavior health visits, which was an increase from 1,000 since 2017. In 2016, the wait time for testing within the school system was 10 years, and schools had no mental health professionals. In 2025, families were waiting six to nine months for psychology appointments, 18 months for play therapy, roughly seven months for psychiatry appointments and 12 weeks for urgent psychiatry appointments.

Since 2020, Kids’ Minds Matter’s Mental Health Navigators have served children and families within the community and schools while navigating what care is most beneficial. Because of the Mental Health Navigator program, school absences have decreased 41.2%, there has been a 52.3% reduction in hospitalizations and 114 families have been served.

Over the past 10 years, Kids’ Minds Matter and Lee Health have grown the pediatric mental and behavioral health department, created programs like the Mental Health Navigators, Normal is Overrated youth groups, parenting classes, mental health first aid classes and parent support groups. ▶

Kids’ Minds Matter is ensuring that children in Southwest Florida receive the mental and behavioral health care they need for a successful future. Through health care tailored to their developing brains, they’re better positioned to encounter what the world has for them.

“Whenever I make an intervention, I’m always trying to think of: How’s this going to impact family functioning? How’s this going to impact school functioning? How’s this going to impact social functioning? Because if I don’t think about all those things, I might be setting a kid up for failure,” Sabo said.

For Spiezle and Goldy, seeing local kids and teens flourish as they step into their role as the future of society is the purpose behind Kids’ Minds Matter. Goldy was an elementary school teacher. She says children’s mental health impacts every aspect of their success in and out of school.

“For me, the life-changing medicine didn’t happen until I was 52 years old. I want [treatment] for kids, so they don’t have to go through 50 years of agony,” Goldy said. “I look back and I think, wow. How did I ever make it all this time and have a job and function in the outside world without this help?”

The next 10 years won’t come without their own sets of hardship, but they’ll also come with exponential growth. Kids’ Minds Matter hopes to have a Mental Health Navigator in every local school and expand its reach further into the community, as well as connecting youth to specific specialists who are experts in trauma, eating disorders and more.

It will continue to pave the way for programming like accessible group therapy and mental health education for parents and kids and for spaces that will provide safe places for children to heal and stabilize without having to worry about insurance or health care coverage.

“I would love to see us continue to open clinics directly in the communities that have the greatest need to provide really close access for kids,” Goldy said. “And I would love to see so many more donors for endowments and long-term funding so that we know it can be sustainable.”

Spiezle and Goldy’s personal experiences with mental health keep them advocating for accessible pediatric mental health care every day, and Kids’ Minds Matter’s efforts will only continue to grow.

RisingTogether

FOR CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH

A Season for Renewal in the Garden

By Abby Duke

The effects of winter often show up in the garden first. The once-vibrant green that covered the yard fades to brown. Late-season vegetables come and go, and the bite of 40-degree mornings leaves its mark on even the hardiest plants. Beds that were once overflowing with herbs and blooms begin to look tired, and the landscape feels quieter than it did only a few months before.

But winter in Florida never lasts forever.

As the days begin to warm, and the sun lingers a little longer in the afternoon sky, something shifts. The picture of spring slowly returns to mind, fresh herbs growing just outside the kitchen window, bright flowers lining the walkway and seeds soon to be tucked into warm soil.

For many Floridians, spring gardening marks the return of color, growth and momentum after a long season of dormancy. ▶

any gardeners across Central Florida begin preparing their spring beds as early as March, and by April and May the landscape is already beginning to fill with new growth. For those still planting, spring remains one of the best opportunities to establish vegetables, herbs and flowering plants that will thrive in the months ahead.

One of the first tasks of spring gardening is clearing away what winter has left behind. Remove spent vegetable plants, trim back any cold-damaged perennials and clean out garden beds to make room for new growth. Once beds are cleared, loosening and amending the soil helps prepare it for planting. Adding compost or fertilizer enriches the ground and gives young plants the nutrients they need to establish strong roots.

any gardeners also use a technique known as sheet mulching to prepare beds while reducing weeds. This method involves laying cardboard directly over the soil and covering with mulch or compost. As the cardboard gradually decomposes, it suppresses weeds while improving soil structure and moisture retention.

With the beds prepared, it is time to begin planting warm-season crops. Central Florida falls within USDA Zone 9b, allowing gardeners to grow a wide variety of vegetables throughout the spring months. Crops that thrive this time of year include beans, sweet corn, squash, okra, southern peas and sweet potatoes.

Seeds can be started indoors or directly sown into prepared beds once soil temperatures warm. Simple containers such as recycled egg cartons can work well for starting seedlings before transplanting them into the garden. ▶

erbs are another reliable addition to spring gardens and grow well in raised beds, containers or porch planters. Heat-tolerant herbs such as basil, rosemary and Mexican tarragon flourish in Florida’s spring conditions and offer both culinary use and garden benefits.

Many gardeners incorporate herbs and flowers as companion plants alongside vegetables. Basil planted near tomatoes can help repel flies and mosquitoes, while rosemary and mint discourage certain pests. `, which are both edible and ornamental, are often added to vegetable beds because they attract beneficial insects and can help draw pests away from crops.

Companion planting not only adds color and fragrance to the garden but also helps create a healthier environment for vegetables to grow.

pring is also an ideal time to introduce both ornamental and native plants into the landscape. For gardeners looking for lasting color, plants such as coleus, salvia, torenia and wax begonias tolerate Florida’s warming temperatures and perform well in garden beds and containers.

Florida native wildflowers can also be excellent additions to spring landscapes. Species such as coreopsis , blanketflower and black-eyed susan are well adapted to local conditions and require less water once established. Native plants support wildlife while providing vibrant color for porches, walkways and garden borders.

Beyond their beauty, many flowering plants play an important role in supporting pollinators.

Creating a small pollinator garden is one of the most beneficial additions homeowners can make to their landscape. Butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects rely on nectar-producing plants, and Florida gardens can provide valuable habitat for these important visitors.

Native milkweed is especially important because it serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies. When combined with native wildflowers and flowering herbs, pollinator gardens attract insects that support both natural ecosystems and backyard vegetable production.

Encouraging these beneficial insects not only supports the environment but also improves the health and productivity of garden crops. ▶

s plants begin establishing themselves in the warming soil, consistent watering becomes important, especially during Florida’s typically dry spring months. Newly planted flowers and vegetables should be watered regularly during their first few weeks to help roots establish. Once plants are settled, watering two to three times a week is usually sufficient unless rainfall becomes scarce.

Applying mulch around plants can also help retain moisture, reduce weeds and regulate soil temperature as temperatures continue rising into summer.

For gardeners, these small acts of care, sowing seeds, watering young plants and watching the first blooms appear, bring a quiet sense of progress. Growth does not happen all at once. Instead, it unfolds gradually. A seed sprouts. A vine stretches along a trellis. Butterflies begin returning to the flowers.

Over time, the garden becomes something more than soil and plants. It becomes a reminder that renewal is always possible.

Even after the seasons that feel long and dry, new life begins to emerge when the soil is tended and the sun returns. With each seed planted and each flower that blooms, the landscape slowly fills with color again, steady, growing and full of life.

And sometimes, that same renewal finds its way back into us as well.

Mother's Day Celebrations and Gifts She'll Treasure

By Kimberly Blaker

The role of mothers in shaping their daughters' and sons' lives is unsurpassed. Mothers teach us to love, be strong, be confident, persist, live life to its fullest and be the best we can be.

Mother's Day is just around the corner. So, this year give her a gift from your heart and your undivided time to make it a special day she'll treasure.

Mother’s Day Brunch – Serve your mom a scrumptious breakfast or take her out for Mother's Day brunch. If you prepare it yourself, the following menu will be sure to please: fruit salad, juice, waffles or pancakes with her favorite blueberry or strawberry topping, Canadian bacon or fresh sausage, omelets or eggs benedict, homemade hash browns and coffee cake or Danishes. Also, don't forget the fresh cut flowers for the table centerpiece.

Spring Blooms - What better way to spend a spring day than together in your mother's garden? Pick up her favorite annuals and perennials: begonias, petunias, violets, morning glories, poppies, marigolds, snapdragons or mums. Then enjoy a relaxing day together, planting and sprucing up her flower garden and catching up on old times. ▶

Mother/Daughter or Mother/Son Memories – Give your mom a keepsake that'll be dear to her heart. Purchase Mothers & Daughters: A Record Book About Us to fill out and share with her. Or create your own memory book with a scrapbook or journal. Include photos and memories about special times the two of you have had together, the most important things you remember about your mother from your childhood, how she has inspired you and the times you look forward to in the future.

The Main Event – Surprise your mother with tickets to an event she's been dying to see: the ballet, a concert, play or musical, the opera, a favorite sporting event, a comedy showor dinner theater. Be sure to tell her you have something special planned (but not what), so she'll be all yours for the day.

Family Portrait – If your family is like most, you're well overdue for an updated family portrait. What better time to have it done than on Mother's Day? Schedule to have your family's picture taken at a studio or hire a photographer for a photoshoot in the park. Coordinate with family members in advance on the formality and color scheme so outfits don't clash. Inform your mother how to dress for her special day but keep the specific reason a surprise.

A Little Pampering – Mothers spend many years pampering their children giving bubble baths, washing hair and caring for them when they're ill. Give your mother a special treat, a gift certificate for pampering at the spa where she can enjoy a Swedish massage, hair design, a sea spa manicure and pedicure or a soothing facial.

Keep it Simple – Plan a relaxing day together, enjoying the outdoors. Head to a nearby park where you can meander along nature trails reminiscing or take a scenic bike ride.

Especially for MothersBuy a book for and about moms. Consider one of the following:

Mother: A Cradle to Hold Me by Maya Angelou

I Love You, Mom by Amylee Weeks

Why a Daughter Needs a Mom by Gregory E. Lang

Why a Son Needs a Mom by Gregory E. Lang

Mothersongs: Poems For, By, and About Mothers by Sandra M. Gilbert et al.

Mom, I Wrote a Book About You by M.H. Clark

“I realized when you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know.”

-Mitch Albom

Monica Collier MSN, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 30 year’s experience in healthcare will be providing: Concierge Primary Medical Services, IV Hydration and Vitamin Therapy, Injections including Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12, House Lab Draws and Personalized Weight Loss and Wellness Services. Also...Men’s & Women’s Sexual Health

 Joint Replacement

 Quadriceps Sparing Computer Navigated Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement

 Bikini Anterior Total Hip Replacement

 Partial Knee Replacement  Hand, Wrist, Elbows & Shoulder  Foot & Ankle

Sports Medicine

Interventional Spine

Regenerative Medicine (PRP)

Spine Cord Stimulator

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Epidural Cortisone Injection (ESI)

OUR BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH RECIPES

You don’t need a reservation to pull off a special Mother’s Day brunch, just a couple recipes, the perfect coffee and maybe a mimosa or mocktail. These easy Mother’s Day recipes are simple enough for even beginner cooks but still delicious and thoughtful. Whether you’re setting a beautiful table inside or outside, here’s a full breakfast spread of ideas. There’s something here to help you pull it off, no stress, no fuss.▶

By Cindy Sebring Adams

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

These muffins are just the thing to make for a special occasion brunch or to make for a friend who could use a pick-me-up, but honestly, you won’t need any excuse to make these again and again.

INGREDIENTS

Paper muffin liners or cooking spray

2/3 cup plus 2 tbsp. granulated sugar

3 medium lemons

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 cup whole or 2% milk

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, do not thaw frozen

INSTRUCTIONS

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Line a standard 12-well muffin pan with paper liners or coat the wells with cooking spray. Place 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Finely grate the zest from 3 medium lemons into the bowl (about 3 tablespoons). Rub the sugar and zest together with your fingertips until the sugar is moist and the mixture is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the lemon sugar into a small bowl and reserve for topping. Juice the lemons into a small bowl until you have 1/4 cup juice.

Cut 1 stick unsalted butter into 4 pieces and place in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until mostly melted and only a few small pieces remain (they will melt from the residual heat), 40 to 60 seconds total. (Alternatively, melt in a small saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, then pour into a medium bowl.)

Place 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

Add the lemon sugar to the butter and whisk to combine. Add the lemon juice, 1 cup whole or 2% milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and whisk until well-combined.

Add to the flour mixture and mix with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined and no dry flour remains; some lumps are fine. Add 1 1/2 cups blueberries and gently fold to combine. The batter will be thick.

Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin wells, filling each one to dome over the top (about 1/2 cup per well). Sprinkle each muffin with 1/2 teaspoon of the reserved lemon sugar.

Bake until the muffins are domed, light brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing the muffins from the pan.

Spinach Cheese Quiche

This quiche is a creamy custard, savory cheese, and vibrant green spinach baked in a flaky, golden crust, every slice promises comfort and satisfaction. Perfect for Mom!

INGREDIENTS

PIE CRUST

9-inch pie crust, using store bought to make it easier for you.

FILLING

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

5 oz. fresh spinach, chopped

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.

Sauté Onion and Spinach, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and spinach, cook until wilted. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in cheeses. Add spinach mixture and combine well.

Bake: Pour filling into the pie crust. Bake for 40-45 minutes until set and golden ▶

Blueberry Sour Cream Pancakes

What’s better than light, fluffy melt-in-your-mouth buttery pancakes with fresh blueberries?

INGREDIENTS

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tbsp. sugar

2 1/4 tsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. kosher salt

1 cup whole milk

1 cup sour cream

2 large eggs

3 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

2 tbsp. unsalted butter, cold

1 cup fresh blueberries

1/4 cup maple syrup

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Place a cooling rack on a baking sheet; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In a large glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk together milk, sour cream, eggs and melted butter. Pour mixture over dry ingredients and stir using a rubber spatula just until moist.

Lightly coat a griddle or nonstick skillet with cold butter.

Working in batches, scoop 1/4 cup batter for each pancake and sprinkle with blueberries.

Cook until bubbles appear on top and underside is nicely browned, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook pancakes on the other side, about 1-2 minutes longer.

Place into oven in a single layer onthe prepared baking sheet and keep warm; if desired.

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is the most impressive makeahead breakfast, with easy and short prep time. Just pop it right in the oven before serving! Make ahead to save time for Mom! She will love you for it!

INGREDIENTS

1 16-oz. loaf brioche bread, cubed

1 8-oz. package cream cheese, cubed

1 pound strawberries, diced and divided

12 large eggs, beaten

2 cups whole milk

1/3 cup maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

½ tsp. kosher salt

1 tbsp. confectioners’ sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

Lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Place a layer of bread cubes evenly into the baking dish. Top with cream cheese and half the strawberries in an even layer. Top with remaining bread cubes to completely cover the filling.

In a bowl whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla and salt. Pour mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove baking dish from the refrigerator; let stand 30 minutes.

Place into oven and bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover; continue to bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and center is firm. Serve immediately, sprinkled with remaining strawberries and confectioners’ sugar. ▶

INGREDIENTS

3 cups frozen strawberries

1 cup lemonade

1 750-mL bottle Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled

4 strawberries, halved

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine strawberries and lemonade in blender until smooth.

Pour strawberry mixture into champagne flutes until half full. Fill glasses with Prosecco.

Serve immediately, garnished with strawberry halves, if desired.

Strawberry Lemonade Bellini

Indulge in a refreshing and flavorful cocktail with this easy strawberry lemonade recipe. This sassy and romantic Strawberry Bellini is the perfect sparkling cocktail to keep the sparkle going.

Perfect for Mother's Day!