Issuu

Heartland LIVING August & September 2026

Still Making Waves How Alisa Piper Helped Save the Sport of Kneeboarding

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FEATURES 6 | Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

The Little Town That Built Big Baseball Dreams By R. Michael Brown

CONTENTS

Heartland L I V I N G

August & September 2026 Volume 15  Issue 4

Avon Park Youth Baseball Players Are Off to the World Series By Frank Branca

Alisa Piper Still Making Waves By Christy Swift

On Their Own Terms By Abby Duke

A Weekend in Historic Downtown Stuart By Bridgette Waldau

August & September 2026 |

August & September 2026

CONTENTS

Volume 15  Issue 4

Intuitive Eating Learning to Trust Your Body Again By Cindy Sebring Adams

Delicious Recipes for Mindful Munching By Cindy Sebring Adams

Heartland LIVING

COVER

August & September 2026

Kneeboarder Alisa Piper and Mason Piper

DEPARTMENTS 10 Letter from the Publisher 16 Behind the Scenes

8 | Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

Still Making Waves How Alisa Piper Helped Save the Sport of Kneeboarding

Cover Art Design by Bridgette Waldau

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Heartland L I V I N G LETTER FROM THE

PUBLISHER

s summer begins to give way (just a little) to the first hints of fall, we are delighted to welcome you to another inspiring issue of Heartland LIVING. There is something special about this time of year in Florida's Heartland, and we want to share it with you in this August & September Issue. We hope you enjoy all the features my team has brought you, and please support all our agriculture and farmers that continue to save our land. Since 2012, Heartland LIVING has been honored to serve as the only regional magazine dedicated exclusively to all seven counties of Florida’s Heartland. My goal and dreams were simple: to create a magazine that celebrated our region and the remarkable people who make it extraordinary. I wanted a publication that would shine a light on local businesses, recognize community leaders and volunteers, showcase our rich agricultural heritage, and inspire readers to discover the beauty that exists right here in our own backyard. Today, that vision continues to grow because of you. Whether you've been reading Heartland LIVING since our very first issue or you've just discovered us, thank you for inviting us into your home. Your support, kind words, story suggestions, and encouragement mean more than you know. They remind me why our team works so hard to produce every issue with care, creativity and a genuine love for our communities. Our heartfelt thanks go to our advertisers. Your investment not only supports local journalism but also strengthens the economic vitality of our communities. We encourage our readers to support the businesses featured throughout these pages—they are neighbors, friends and partners who help keep the Heartland thriving. Thank you for allowing me to do what I love. It is an honor to tell the stories of our neighbors and to celebrate the people, places and traditions that make the Heartland unlike anywhere else. As we enjoy these final weeks of summer and look ahead to a new season, we hope you'll take time to explore your local communities, attend hometown events, support local businesses and create lasting memories with those you love. From myself and my amazing team, thank you for being part of our journey. We are honored to continue serving the Heartland Communities and look forward to bringing you even more stories that celebrate remarkable people and the places we proudly call home.

God Bless,

Cindy Sebring Adams 10

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Heartland

Publications & Marketing, Inc. August & September 2026 Volume 15  Issue 4

Award Winning Regional Magazine Celebrating 15 Years! CEO | Publisher Cindy Sebring Adams EDITORIAL Christy Swift | Editor, Writer

ART Bridgette Waldau | Creative Director

Cindy Sebring Adams | Writer

Kristan Baker | Distribution

COVER DESIGN Bridgette Waldau

R. Michael Brown | Writer Frank Branca | Writer Abby Duke | Writer

PHOTOGRAPHERS Frank Branca

Bridgette Waldau | Writer

Abby Duke

OFFICE TEAM Cindy Houtz | Website

Lisa Griffin | Distribution

Heartland LIVING August & September 2026

Published bi-monthly by

Heartland

Publications & Marketing, Inc. from concept to design

Heartland Publications & Marketing, Inc. Copyright 2026, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by expressed written permission of the publisher.

Still Making Waves How Alisa Piper Helped Save the Sport of Kneeboarding

Phone: 863-781-0344 Email: Cindy@Heartland-Living.com Mailing Address: 412 Rest Haven Road | Zolfo Springs, FL 33890

www.HeartlandLivingMagazine.com

Proud Recipient of 18 Charlie Awards

Ranked #16 out of Top 60 Florida Magazines on the web by FeedSpot

Florida Magazine Association All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Heartland Living Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Heartland Living Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. Heartland Living Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability.

12 | Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

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14 | Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

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August & September 2026

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.

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

Creative Director Writer

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.

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. Editor | Writer

Writer

Writer |Photographer

Writer | Photographer

Frank Branca III is a professional videographer and photographer from Avon Park, FL. He holds a bachelor’s degree in film and leads creative production for Infinity Reflections Weddings & Events and Branca Media. Frank specializes in event storytelling, bringing a cinematic style to every project. He enjoys traveling, being involved in the skateboarding community and spending quality time with family. His career is rooted in passion and community engagement.

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Inside Avon Park’s extraordinary baseball legacy - from Babe Ruth to Hal McRae By R. Michael Brown Photography by Frank Branca

Babe Ruth

ong before spring training became synonymous with Florida’s coastline, before televised games and million-dollar contracts, baseball found a home in a little town along the railroad tracks in Highlands County.

Lou G

ehrig

The legends came here: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Dizzy Dean, Frankie Frisch. Generations later, another young man would grow up only a few blocks away, dreaming of following them. His name was Hal McRae. Today, visitors can stand where all of them once stood. The newly opened Baseball Museum wing at the Avon Park Historical Society’s Museum and Depot doesn’t simply display baseball memorabilia, it tells the remarkable story of how one small Florida town became one of the state’s most unlikely baseball capitals, and how that passion continues nearly a century later.▶

Dizzy Dean

ie Frank

h Frisc

1923 St. Louis Cardinals postcard

President Sam Breadon, of the St. Louis Cardinals, signing to bring the world's champions to Avon Park for spring training.

More Than a Game In the late 1920s, the St. Louis Cardinals selected Avon Park as their spring training home after businessman Charles R. Head convinced Cardinals owner Sam Breadon that the community could support Major League Baseball. A new ballpark, then known as Cardinal Field and later renamed Charles R. Head Field, became the center of town life. That made Avon Park the birthplace of the Farm League for the major leagues. The pro teams stayed at Hotel Jacaranda. Babe Ruth exhibits includes the giant 54” bat the town presented to him.

Excitement reached its peak in March 1928, when the New York Yankees arrived for an exhibition game. Before the first pitch, local residents presented Babe Ruth with a custom bat measuring more than four feet long. Then came the swing, still talked about nearly 100 years later. Ruth launched a towering home run beyond the outfield and onto a nearby road now known as Ruth Street. The name remains one of Florida’s most unusual historical landmarks. “It still amazes people,” said museum committee chairman Dr. Ron Sevigny. “Most visitors have no idea that so much Major League Baseball happened in such a small town.” Ruth and his NY Yankees came to Avon Park three spring training seasons in a row and lost every time to the Cardinals. Game attendance exceeded the town’s population. Even after the Cardinals eventually moved their spring training elsewhere, baseball never really left Avon Park. Instead, it became part of the community’s identity. ▶

Grover Cleveland Alexander in Avon Park, 1927

August & September 2026 | 23

Hal McRae

Growing Up Baseball For Hal McRae, born in Avon Park and winner of two World Series rings, one as a player (Cincinnati Reds, 1975) and one as a hitting coach (St. Louis Cardinals, 2006), baseball wasn’t something you scheduled. It was simply what everyone did. “Avon Park was really a baseball community,” McRae said. “All of the adults played baseball. Everybody played. That was sort of your dream—to play baseball and make it to the major leagues.” His earliest baseball memory wasn’t wearing a Major League uniform. It was carrying bats. McRae served as batboy at 7 and 8 years old for his father’s team, the Avon Park Black Tigers. “I really looked forward to going to Head Field on Sundays,” he recalled. “Being the batboy… with a uniform and everything, that was the highlight.” Soon he was playing against adults at just 14 years old. He remembers hitting his first home run off a breaking ball and realizing he could compete with grown men. Much of that development happened not on manicured diamonds but in neighborhood streets playing stickball. Castle Street (today Hal McRae Boulevard) became his first training ground. “There were houses on both sides,” McRae laughed. “You couldn’t hit it this way… there was a bad dog over there; you couldn’t hit it that way… there was an old lady that would yell at us if we hit her windows. We had to come up with rules.” Those games taught him something many young players rarely learn today. “You learn to use the whole field. We got millions of ‘at-bats’ out on the street early in the morning, took a break for lunch during the heat of the day, and then started again around 4 p.m. until dark.” All that stickball paid off. That ability later became one of his greatest strengths during a 23-year Major League career. When asked what he hopes people remember most, McRae didn’t mention All-Star appearances or World Series games. “I hope they remember my passion for the game,” he said. “I was always doing something to get better.” ▶

Hal McRae

The Coach Who Built Champions No discussion of Avon Park baseball is complete without Ronnie Jackson Sr. Player. Teacher. Coach. Mentor. For nearly four decades, Jackson helped shape one of Florida’s premier high school baseball programs, winning three state championships as head coach after playing on two championship teams himself. He became coach at the age of 22. Ask him what he remembers first, and it isn’t a trophy. “I see Head Field,” Jackson said. “All the great players I’ve seen there… and all the things I’ve done to improve Head Field. That’s my first vision of Avon Park baseball.” Jackson insists his greatest success wasn’t producing professional athletes. It was developing better people. “If you work hard and have a passion for what you’re doing, good things are going to happen,” he said. “You’re going to become a better person and have a better life.” His philosophy emphasized discipline over shortcuts. “Nobody got a pass,” he said. “The better players had to work harder.” Even painful losses became lessons. After a heartbreaking state championship loss on a controversial call, Jackson told his players, “Life’s not always fair,” he said. “You pick up and move on.” Perhaps his deepest concern today is preserving the spirit that makes Avon Park special. “I want future generations to soak up this history,” Jackson said. “Understand you weren’t the first one here. A whole lot of people came before you and built this.” ▶

Ronnie Jackson

August & September 2026 | 27

Museum mural by Keith Goodson

28 | Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

Preserving the Story That desire inspired the Historical Society’s newest undertaking. Opened in February 2026 inside the restored Seaboard Air Line Depot, the approximately 1,600-square-foot baseball museum combines interactive exhibits, historic photographs, uniforms, trophies, championship memorabilia, oral histories and digital presentations spanning more than a century of local baseball. Historical Society President Nancy Fisk believes visitors often arrive expecting a small-town museum and leave surprised. “It covers 100 years of baseball history,” she said. “It’s a wonderful introduction to the community and the amazing things that happened here.” Dr. Sevigny spent years researching baseball archives and visiting museums around the country searching for ideas. The goal wasn’t simply to display artifacts. It was to create memorable moments. ▶

August & September 2026 | 29

Thomas "Flash" Gordon

Dr. Ron Sevigny

Marva Turner and Dr. Sevigny Brian McRae

30 | Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

Nick Gordon

Keith Goodson

isitors can hear oral histories from championship teams, see Hal McRae’s World Series rings, stand before Keith Goodson’s dramatic baseball mural, view Babe Ruth exhibits including the giant 54” bat the town presented to Ruth, and experience interactive displays designed to make history come alive. “Our goal is to become a recognized baseball museum,” Sevigny said. “People think of Sebring because of the races. Lake Placid has caladiums and murals. We wanted people to think of Avon Park because of its unique baseball history.” For Ronnie Jackson, the museum means something even deeper. “When people come here,” he said, “I want them to feel the same way I do about Avon Park baseball, what it did for people, what it did for this community, and why so many of us still love this game.” Walk through the museum today and you’ll certainly find Babe Ruth. You’ll meet Hal McRae. You’ll discover Tom “Flash” Gordon. But perhaps the greatest exhibit isn’t any single player. It’s a community that proved greatness doesn’t always begin in a big city.

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AVON PARK

Are Off to the

MORE THAN A SEND-OFF A Community Rallying Behind the Next Chapter of Avon Park Baseball Story and Photography by Frank Branca

There are moments that remind you why a small town feels like home, and Avon Park’s Dixie Youth Baseball send-off was one of them. Families, friends, and neighbors packed into the Avon Park Baseball Museum wearing red, carrying homemade signs, and gathering to celebrate three teams preparing to represent Team Florida on the World Series stage. The excitement in the room was contagious. Parents smiled with pride, young players soaked in every moment and the entire community seemed united behind one goal—letting these kids know they weren’t making this journey alone. For me, though, this evening meant something more. ▶

38 | Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

Growing up in Avon Park, I loved baseball. Like a lot of kids, countless afternoons were spent on local ball fields before my interests eventually shifted toward skateboarding, photography and filmmaking. I was asked to photograph the future home of the Avon Park Baseball Museum. I had no idea that simple assignment would reconnect me with the game in a way I never expected. It became one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever worked on. As I interviewed players and coaches from the past championship teams, I expected stories about winning baseball games. Instead, I heard stories about life. They spoke about discipline, teamwork, leadership, perseverance and friendships that have lasted decades. The championships were remarkable, but it became clear that the greatest victories weren’t always measured on a scoreboard. Baseball had helped shape the people they became. That’s why youth sports matter so much. They’re about learning how to work hard, support your teammates, handle adversity and strive to be your best. Those lessons reach far beyond the baseball field. That perspective made the Dixie Youth send-off even more meaningful. First, the players gathered inside the museum to watch those championship stories. Seeing this new generation learning about the players who came before them was something special. History wasn’t sitting behind glass—it was alive in the room. Watching those young athletes see what previous Avon Park teams had accomplished, I couldn’t help but wonder if one day another video would be added to the museum. Maybe 2026 will host the next state championship team! After the videos ended, the celebration spilled outdoors as the community formed a fan tunnel outside the museum. Hands reached out for high-fives as players walked through, smiling from ear to ear. From there, the teams climbed aboard a float and made their way down Main Street to Head Field, connecting Avon Park’s baseball history with its future. ▶ 39

40 | Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

One of my favorite moments from the send off wasn’t watching the players. It was watching the coaches. While the kids enjoyed every second in the spotlight, the coaches stood just off to the side, smiling as they watched their players soak it all in. They rarely receive the recognition they deserve. After long days at work, they spend countless evenings and weekends teaching these young athletes far more than baseball. They teach accountability, character, respect and confidence. They’re some of the true unsung heroes of our community. Another thing that stood out was the incredible support from local businesses. Throughout the week leading up to the send-off, Avon Park baseball inc Facebook page posted photos with each business that wrote a check for these teams. Those are the businesses that help make Avon Park special. They’re investing in young people and strengthening the community that supports them. Events like this don’t happen because of one person. They happen because parents, volunteers, coaches, city leaders, businesses, museum supporters and community members all decide to show up. One image I’ll never forget is seeing Dr. Ron Sevigny quietly taking it all in. After pouring so much of himself into preserving Avon Park’s baseball history and helping bring the museum to life, seeing the smiles on those young players’ faces felt like everything had come full circle. The City of Avon Park’s $10,000 contribution and the overwhelming community support showed these players just how much their hometown believes in them. ▶

42 | Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

As I drove home that evening, I realized this wasn’t simply a send-off. It was a reminder that baseball still has the power to bring an entire town together. In Avon Park, baseball is more than wins and losses. It’s history. It’s tradition. It’s mentors investing in the next generation. It’s a community showing up for its kids. And if the excitement inside the Avon Park Baseball Museum was any indication, history just might be in the making once again.

August & September 2026 | 43

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Alisa Piper

How Alisa Piper Helped Save the Sport of Kneeboarding By Christy Swift Photography courtesy of Alisa Piper

How many thirty-somethings do you know who already have their legacy locked in? Well, Alisa Piper is one of them. The 36-year-old has brought the sport of kneeboarding back from the brink of extinction, quite literally, and she did it right here in Lake Placid. ▶

A former pro-kneeboarder who still loves skiing recreationally, Alisa has a resume that spans pages. She is a Member of Team USA, a multi-time National Champion, multi-time American Kneeboard Association Athlete of the Year, and she holds a women's flip out record with 5 flips in 21.84 seconds. She was named 2025 American Kneeboard Association Ambassador of the Year and has been featured on the cover of Waterski Magazine.

Alisa grew up in Lake Placid in a skiing family. She began kneeboarding at two years old, started competing at age 11, and moved into the Pro Division at 17. Her grandparents, Chuck Piper, Sr. and Theresa Piper, were a part of the very first kneeboarding club in the eighties, before Alisa was even born. Her dad, Chuck Piper, a kneeboarder as well, and her mom, Jamie Klemm, were always on the family boat. Her brother, Chuck W. Piper, now captain of the City of Sebring Fire Department, taught her all the tricks he knew, including the Invert Front (back to front roll). Alisa is currently the only female in the world who has landed it. “My family would put three and four ropes behind the boat. My cousins, dad, brother—we would kneeboard together as a family,” Alisa recalls. These fond memories have been the foundation of Alisa’s life, so when she learned that the kneeboarding club she’d belonged to since she was 10 years old was about to be dissolved in 2024, she couldn’t stand by. Not only that, but the Skionee Board Team of Lake Placid, Florida was the very last kneeboarding club in the nation. It wasn’t just the club that was in danger, it was the entire sport. “I love kneeboarding because it’s such a family and community sport. It’s what I know, and I’m passionate about it,” Alisa says. “To watch it die was killing me. It shaped me. It made me understand wanting something and working toward a goal and working towards being the best.” Alisa used those skills of resilience and persistence throughout her adult life, including in her studies and achieving a job as an x-ray tech. She wanted to make sure the sport, which had taught her so much, stayed alive to be able to inspire others. Immediately she reached out to fellow kneeboarder and childhood friend, Dan Sauls. They joined with club founders, George and Doris Rohner, to breathe new life into the club. With help from volunteers including Ed Sauls (Dan’s father), local pharmacist Jerry Nunn, David Morris, and Ron Franklin, and with the support of the community, they were able to grow the club from 56 to 80 riders between the 2024 and 2025 seasons. “The Skionee club saved the sport,” Alisa says matter-of-factly. ▶ 48

Alisa with coach George Rohner, founder of Skionee Kneeboard Team

Dan Sauls and Alisa meeting with the kids before training.

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It took some creativity to jumpstart the movement. Alisa and Dan designed the “Learn 2 Ride/Advance Your Skills” series, a goal-oriented clinic consisting of three “stops” held at the Rohners’ beach on Lake Redwater. If you were to show up for one of Alisa’s “stops”, it would look a little bit like this: “I break (the participants) up into two groups—those who have never kneeboarded before and those who have. I take the group that’s never kneeboarded, and we practice at the tree,” she explains. With ropes tied to a tree and boards on the ground, students learn about rope placement and where to put their arms and legs. After that, it’s right to the boat! “You’re gonna pretty much get up instantly,” Alisa says. “I have a pretty good success rate.” Alisa added that her young students are either going to immediately respond positively to the adrenaline rush or start crying. Either way, she’s always there riding beside them, holding onto a second rope. “I talk to you. I make you wave to the boat. I make you wave to me. You don’t know it, but you’re already demonstrating a skill you didn’t know you had—you’re only holding on with one hand!” ▶

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By the end of the clinic, students are doing 360s. “Across the board, that’s pretty standard,” she says. Students who complete the skill earn a raffle ticket, and at the end of the series, one winning ticket is selected to win a free kneeboard from the club’s sponsor, O’Brien Watersports. While the series isn’t limited to children, it was mostly kids who showed up. “It’s incredible how well it worked,” Alisa remarks. “It kept those kids hungry, and it kept them interested and returning.” The Skionee Board Team’s fall season practice dates are TBD. For more information, visit www.kneeboardusa. org or contact Alisa through the American Kneeboard Association’s social media sites. ▶

August & September 2026 | 53

After two successful seasons in 2024 and 2025, the Skionee Board Team has plans to continue growing the sport by hosting the Pro Am (Pro + Amateur) Freestyle Kneeboarding Competition on Champion’s Lake in Auburndale on August 21st and 22nd, 2026. While there are still six or seven pro-kneeboarders in the country who are consistently riding, Alisa says that there have been no competitive kneeboarding events since COVID. The club is in the process of reaching out to pros who want to team up with amateurs to celebrate the sport of kneeboarding at the event. So far, they’ve got commitments from well-known out-of-town athletes Tom Kohl, Ben Klein, Jordan Adcock, and Spencer Leggett. John Haile, a local celebrity, has signed on as well. Of course, Alisa will participate, and so far she’s the only female on the pro docket. For amateur kneeboarders, the fee to participate is $150. Friday will consist of preliminary rounds and practices. Friday night, a draft party will be held at Camp Margaritaville in Auburndale where the amateurs will draw a playing card that will randomly match them with a pro. Saturday will involve skiing from 8AM until dusk with an awards event scheduled for 7PM at Camp Margaritaville. 54

The event is free and open to the public for spectators who want to show their support for the sport while also having a great day on the beach. Facilities and food trucks will be available. Champions Lake is located just across the street from Camp Margaritaville. In case of rain on Saturday, the event will be held Sunday, August 23rd. “We encourage everyone to bring a blanket, chair, umbrella and their loud cheering voices,” Alisa says. Alisa sees the event as the next logical step in bringing the sport she loves back into the spotlight and continuing her legacy.

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“(The participants) are gonna compete with me alongside the other pros,” Alisa says excitedly. “We’re essentially trying to grow the club and grow kneeboarding. Here’s the next step. Let’s get competitive!”

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August & September 2026 | 55

I love kneeboarding because it’s such a family and community sport. It’s what I know, and I’m passionate about it. - Alisa Piper

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Mason Piper August & September 2026 | 57

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Story and Photography by Abby Duke

As development creeps toward Fort Green, one family fights to shape Hardee County's future instead of losing it. ▶

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itting on the northwest edge of Hardee County, Bayleigh Short’s family cattle operation, Albritton Citrus and Cattle, runs on nearly 2,000 acres of owned and leased property in Fort Green. Her son, Jackson, 6, already holds the heart of a farmer with the determined goal to one day farm for a living. "He eats, sleeps and breathes it," Short said. "He wants nothing more than to farm… and as his mother, I hope that I can make that happen for him." If he chooses it, he'll be the sixth generation of his family to work this ground, following his great-grandfather, his grandmother and now his mother, who came home nine years ago to help run the operation her family has carried for generations. Short said that kind of commitment isn't optional in agriculture. It's the price of admission. "You either love it or you don't," she said, "because the money is not always good, it's hard work, and you need the heart for stewardship — wanting to take care of what a gift it is that God lets us live this life and take care of his land and his creatures." That generational succession is what's on the line a few miles away in Bowling Green. Payne Creek Preserve, a proposed master-planned development on 1,286 acres of reclaimed phosphate land, calls for 7,602 homes restricted to residents 55 and older — half the size of the current housing in Hardee County. ▶

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(L-R): Bayleigh Short with sons Colson, Jackson and Grandfather Franklin Albritton

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rom Pool Road, the land holds scattered oaks and pines, ponds where cattle and wildlife drink, and Little Payne Creek, cutting through the proposed development site and meandering down to Payne Creek. Sandhill cranes stand in the field beside the Paynes Creek Primitive Baptist Church, which the residential and commercial development would encompass. Short first learned of the proposal on Facebook, weeks before the county's public hearing was ever advertised in print. What she read conflicted with what she knew about the roads, the water table and the community it would reshape. "We knew right where they were talking about," Short said, "because we have some lease pastures, probably as the crow flies less than a mile from it. It's kind of right on our back door." Short's worry isn't only about the land, it's about who would move onto it. “They're not going to come from rural areas,” Short said. “They're not going to understand what we're trying to do here … it's just our whole way of life that's at stake.” For years, Short said she would never sell the land her family has worked. That certainty has started to slip. "I don't feel like I can make that promise anymore," she said. Her sons are where she draws a line. "I don't want them to have to worry about the subdivision," she said. "Chances are they will; development's just going to keep happening. But I want them to be raised rural." ▶

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er grandfather, Franklin Albritton, has farmed and ranched in Fort Green his entire life. The first real upheaval he remembers was losing his citrus grove to disease, a loss that reshaped his family's entire operation and pushed them fully into cattle and hay. Albritton, 85, said he doesn't oppose growth on principle. He opposes what it does to a working farmer's ability to keep working. "I am not against growth, but it's that type of growth," he said. "The land's being so restricted for the farmer's success in it.” He's watched land change hands before, and he doesn't expect it to come back once concreted over. "When you do that — that land's gone," he said. "You'll never get it back." Albritton said he expects the pressure on the family's operation will fall hardest on the generation after his own. "I think Bayleigh is going to have a hard time holding onto this thing," he said. "It's gonna be a struggle for her. And if that [development] comes in, it'd be even worse." He added that holding onto the farm means keeping it "in the forefront of your mind" enough to pass on the same conservative thinking that built it. When speaking to the preservation of their operation and the land they run cattle on, Albritton fiercely stated, "I love this land.” His overarching goal is to preserve the lifestyle he’s always known. "We put money back, and when land came close to us that we could acquire, we'd acquire it. I didn't want to destroy everything, push it off, make money. That was never in my mind." ▶

Cookie and Kenny Sanders

L-R: (Standing) Ethan, Kevin, Kat and Erin (Seated): Cookie and Kenny

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n the opposite end of Hardee County, in Lemon Grove, sit vacant 5-acre lots prime for development that once held an abundance of orange groves. Kenny Sanders runs his orange grove operation adjacent to these lots. He has spent his life in Hardee County agriculture and real estate, building his career selling orange groves while also maintaining his own. He's watched firsthand as land values outpaced what farming alone can support. He doesn't believe growth is optional. He believes it can be shaped. "If you put restrictions on it, deeded restrictions, it makes it more valuable," Sanders said. He'd like to see those restrictions set real standards on lots like the ones in Lemon Grove — a minimum square footage, a required home style — so growth adds value instead of chipping away at it. To Sanders, the county's best defense isn't refusal. It's building through entrepreneurship. "There's just so many different things when you're thinking about what you could do to make this land more valuable than selling it for development," Sanders said. His hope, plainly stated, is simple. "We'd love to stay agriculture," he said. "That's what we are. That's what we know."

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Sanders has made his own peace with an industry, and a landscape, that no longer resembles the one he grew up in. "Things change, our attitudes change, we go in different directions and make different choices," he said. "You keep moving forward… I can't live in the past." However, for Short, the fight isn't about stopping change altogether — it's about who gets a say in shaping the future of Hardee County and the preservation of a lifestyle. "It's okay to be unshakable," Short said. "You've got to have people that fight like hell for it." As of July 2026, Payne Creek Preserve remains under review in Hardee County's Planned Unit Development process, with full PUD approval and a final Board of County Commissioners decision still ahead.

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You either LOVE IT or you don't... It's HARD WORK, and you need the HEART for stewardship... wanting to take care of what a GIFT it is that GOD lets us live this life and take care of his LAND and his CREATURES. -Bayleigh Short

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By Bridgette Waldau

Over Memorial Day weekend, my husband, Jim, and I attended a graduation celebration in Stuart, FL. The event took place in the vibrant area of downtown Stuart, a Florida Main Street community established in 1987 by Joan Jefferson, who led the revitalization of the City of Stuart’s historic core by expanding the footprint of the downtown area. I looked forward to the celebration but also exploring the downtown area. In 2016, as a board member of Okeechobee Main Street, I attended a Florida Main Street Conference held in Stuart. The change from that time to now is amazing. Stuart is full of rich history, local shops, the Lyric Theatre, restaurants and a waterfront atmosphere that captures the charm of Old Florida. ▶

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graduation celebration took place at the Boathouse Restaurant located on the Riverwalk. Traveling from Venice, FL, we decided to get a room for the weekend at the Old Colorado Inn in the heart of downtown. Little did we know what a great experience the weekend would be. The Old Colorado Inn is one of downtown Stuart's most treasured landmarks. Originally built in 1914 as the Coventry Hotel, it was the city's first brick hotel and was constructed during the same year Stuart was incorporated. Over the decades, the property became an important part of the community's history and was carefully restored by the Steven Vitale family. Vitale, a real estate attorney, first laid eyes on downtown Stuart in the 1990s on a visit from Miami to see his father, Otto Vitale. Soon after that, Vitale and his wife, Ashley, relocated to Stuart, seeking a quiet hometown. Inspired by his father, who taught Steven what was worth preserving and how to bring the beauty out of something, his plan for the hotel was to start small and renovate only a handful of rooms at a time, preserving its classic character while transforming it into a boutique hotel. Checking in at the Old Colorado Inn was nothing like what I’d expected. It was like stepping back in time. The Inn has a vintage ambiance mixed with the convenience of modern upgrades. We walked into an inviting lobby filled with historic character, antique furnishings and details that reflect the Inn's timeless style. Our room was on the second floor, and there was only one way up to get to it—by way of a beautiful long, creaky staircase. There are no elevators, but many rooms are available on the first floor. The Inn is like a mini museum. Vintage pictures of Martin County are displayed throughout the hotel. The restored architecture set the tone for a memorable stay. The Inn’s Mai Tiki Restaurant and Bar on the ground floor was an added plus! ▶

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Jim and I explored Downtown Stuart, we discovered not only restaurants and shops but also vintage homes that had been turned into coastal cottages. The renovated properties are painted outside with bright or pastel colors reflecting the subtropical feel of South Florida and are all conveniently located in the heart of downtown. Steven and Ashley Vitale with their children.

We learned that Vitale became a leader of historical preservation in downtown Stuart. Following the initial success of the Old Colorado Inn, the Vitale family expanded the property by acquiring various additional historical buildings in the vicinity, including the Old Colorado Inn, Post Office Arcade, Ernie Lyons' home, Blue House, Owl House and Clifton Guest and Fishing Lodge. Rather than allowing these buildings to fade into disrepair or be replaced by new development, he invested in their restoration, demonstrating that historic preservation and economic vitality can work hand in hand. His renovations provide unique accommodations for visitors. ▶

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historical site that Vitale owns has its own special personality and story to tell. Vitale also enjoys giving tours to his guests and educating them about local history. For example, The Old Coventry Hotel was built by John Coventry whose son, Frank, made a name for himself when he drove the getaway car for the Ashley Gang after they robbed a Stuart bank. Around the corner is the home of Ernie Lyons, author of My Florida and The Last Cracker Barrel. The home, built in 1890, is the oldest in Stuart. Next door is the Clifton Guest and Fishing Lodge. In 2018, Vitale rescued the building that was slated for demolition and barged the 2,500-square-foot home down the St. Lucie River in one piece to its current location. The Blue House is a Sears, Roebuck Co. kit house, built in 1915. This home was owned by Lyndon "Doc" Barnes who ran the drug store and soda fountain in the Post Office Arcade. The Owl House, built in 1904, was designed by a sea captain.

Clifton Guest and Fishing Lodge. Top photo shows the building being moved on a barge to its current location.

Owl House

By preserving landmarks that tell Stuart's story, Vitale has helped strengthen community pride and inspired others to recognize the value of protecting local history. His efforts earned him the Martin County Historic Preservation Award in 2019, recognizing his outstanding contributions to preserving the area's historic resources. ▶

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Downtown Stuart Riverwalk

(Below): Old Colorado Inn’s Mai Tiki bar

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history of Stuart is evident but there are also contemporary things to do in Downtown Stuart. On our first day out, we met up with our friends, Karen and Denis Wyssbrod—the proud grandparents of the celebrated graduate, Hayden. They stayed a short walk away at the historic Ernest Lyons’ House. We started the evening by walking on the Stuart Riverwalk along the St. Lucie River. Stuart's scenic Riverwalk is the heart of the city's downtown. We experienced not only the waterfront view, but discovered many dining places with inviting outdoor patios and entertainment. Since it was Memorial Day weekend, there was a lot happening, including performances at the Riverwalk Waterfront Stage. We stopped at Hudson on the River, located underneath the Historic Roosevelt Bridge. We sat at the patio bar, enjoying drinks and the view of the bridge and river. Then we walked to the downtown district, ate dinner at Duffy’s Sports Grille and ended with a nightcap and music at the Old Colorado Inn’s Mai Tiki bar.

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It was so enjoyable walking up and down the streets. No need for a car—walking is the best way to explore. Karen, whose sons Kurt and Reid live in Stuart, visits often and is a walking encyclopedia of the history and growth of Stuart. On our walks, she became our private historical guide. ▶

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Private room on the second floor of the Boathouse

Hayden with his dad., Kurt Hanawalt

Concert at the Riverwalk Stage

was the celebration! We began the morning eating at a popular breakfast restaurant, Maria’s Café, exploring more of downtown and relaxing until the event. Karen chose the Stuart Boathouse Restaurant to hold the celebration, and it was a fantastic venue. The Boathouse also has an interesting history. The building was the St. Lucie Hotel in the mid1920s and was physically moved to its current location, where it suffered extensive hurricane damage in 1949. The building has been home to a variety of businesses before settling on its current incarnation. Stuart Boathouse has been lovingly restored. Overlooking the St. Lucie River, every single seat in the house gets a view of the water, and with the graduation party held in a private room on the second floor, the water view was spectacular. We could also look down on the Riverwalk Stage, and it was a nice surprise to see a festival and concert.

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After the celebration, we were invited to spend our last night in our friend’s suite. Without hesitation, we moved from the Old Colorado Inn to the Ernest Lyons’ House. In the same fashion as the Old Colorado Inn, the house was roomy and exhibited the same history and charm. On our final night in Stuart, we all walked to the Inn’s Mai Tiki to reminisce about the great weekend, the history and the celebration of Hayden with his family and friends. Rediscovering Downtown Stuart was more than I could have imagined. It really is a special place and worth the visit. I would recommend an extended stay to experience the historical overnight accommodations; however, you can still enjoy the area on a fascinating day trip.

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Stuart Riverwalk and the Roosevelt Bridge along the St. Lucie River

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Intuitive Learning to Trust Your Body Again By Cindy Sebring Adams

For years, we've been surrounded by messages telling us what to eat, what not to eat, when to eat, and how much is "too much." From fad diets and calorie counting to social media trends, it's easy to lose touch with the one voice that matters most—our own body's wisdom. That's where intuitive eating comes in. Rather than following restrictive food rules, intuitive eating encourages us to reconnect with our natural hunger and fullness cues, enjoy food without guilt, and build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with eating. Developed by registered dietitians Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, intuitive eating is an evidence-based approach that focuses on long-term well-being rather than quick-fix dieting.

WHAT IS INTUITIVE EATING? Think back to childhood. Most young children naturally eat when they're hungry and stop when they're satisfied. They don't count calories or label foods as "good" or "bad." Over time, however, many of us learn to ignore those internal signals in favor of diet rules, busy schedules, or emotional eating. Intuitive eating helps restore that connection. Instead of asking, "Am I allowed to eat this?" you begin asking:  Am I truly hungry?  What food sounds satisfying?  Am I comfortably full?  How does this food make me feel? This shift replaces guilt and restriction with awareness, balance, and self-care. ▶

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IT’S NOT A DIET One of the biggest misconceptions is that intuitive eating means eating anything and everything without considering nutrition. In reality, it is quite the opposite. Intuitive eating promotes gentle nutrition—making food choices that nourish your body while still allowing room for enjoyment. There are no forbidden foods, but there is an emphasis on paying attention to how different foods affect your energy, mood, digestion, and overall health.

BENEFITS BEYOND THE SCALE While intuitive eating isn't designed as a weight-loss program, research has linked it to a variety of health benefits, including:  Reduced stress around food  Less binge and emotional eating  Improved body image and self-confidence  Better awareness of hunger and fullness cues  A healthier relationship with exercise  More consistent, sustainable eating habits For many people, the greatest reward isn't a number on the scale—it's the freedom from constantly thinking about food.

SIMPLE WAYS TO BEGIN You don't have to master intuitive eating overnight. Small changes can make a big difference. Pause before eating. Ask yourself if you're physically hungry or responding to boredom, stress, or habit. Slow down. Enjoy your meal without distractions whenever possible. Notice flavors, textures, and how your body feels as you eat. Let go of food guilt. One meal doesn't define your health. Every eating experience is simply another opportunity to learn about your body's needs. Honor satisfaction. Eating should be enjoyable. Choosing foods you truly enjoy often leaves you feeling more satisfied than eating something simply because it's labeled "healthy." Move because it feels good. Physical activity becomes more enjoyable when it's about feeling stronger, energized, and healthier—not earning your next meal. 92 | Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

FINDING BALANCE Healthy living isn't about perfection. It's about consistency, flexibility, and learning to trust yourself. Whether you're enjoying fresh Florida citrus, locally grown vegetables, a family barbecue, or a slice of homemade pie at a community gathering, intuitive eating reminds us that food is more than fuel. It's part of our culture, our celebrations, and our connections with family and friends. In the Florida Heartland, we're fortunate to have access to fresh produce, local farms, and communities that value gathering around the table. By embracing intuitive eating, we can appreciate those traditions while honoring our health in a way that feels natural—not restrictive. Perhaps the greatest lesson intuitive eating teaches is this: Your body has been communicating with you all along. Sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is simply start listening. This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace personalized medical or nutritional advice. Individuals with diabetes, eating disorders, or other medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to their eating habits.

August & September 2026 | 93

By Cindy Sebring Adams

INTUITIVE EATING Delicious Recipes for Mindful Munching

VEGAN BURRITO This vegan burrito recipe is a delicious lunch or dinner. It has a flavorful filling made from Spanish rice, seasoned black beans, guacamole, pickled onions, and fresh veggies. Feel free to prep the components ahead of time for quick and easy assembly!

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE BEANS 1½ cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice 2 tsp. Taco Seasoning 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 tsp. sea salt FOR THE PEPPERS 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and sliced into thin strips Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper FOR THE BURRITOS 6 large flour tortillas Spinach or lettuce Spanish Rice, or Cilantro Lime Rice Guacamole Pickled Red Onions Fresh cilantro leaves Jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced Homemade Salsa, Tomatillo Salsa, or Corn Salsa, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

Make the beans: In a medium bowl, stir together the black beans, lime juice, taco seasoning, olive oil, and salt. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the other components. Make the peppers: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peppers, a pinch of salt, and several grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the peppers are soft and browned in places. Remove from the heat and season to taste. Assemble the burritos: Fill the centers of the tortillas with a layer of spinach, a scoop of rice, some of the beans, the peppers, guacamole, pickled red onions, cilantro, and jalapeños. Tuck and roll closed. Serve with salsa. ▶

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl This Mediterranean quinoa bowl features fresh veggies, creamy avocado, spiced chickpeas, and protein-packed quinoa. A garlic yogurt sauce ties it all together, and fresh herbs and pickled onions take it over the top. It's a delicious weeknight dinner or healthy lunch!

INGREDIENTS

3 cups cooked quinoa, from 1 cup uncooked 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 2 avocados, diced Pickled Red Onions Fresh mint and/or parsley leaves Aleppo pepper Garlic Yogurt Sauce SMOKY CHICKPEAS 1½ cups cooked chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling 1 tsp. smoked paprika 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 tsp. sea salt Pinch of cayenne pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook the quinoa according to recipe on the box. Meanwhile, make the smoky chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chickpeas on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and cayenne. Toss to coat and spread evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Assemble bowls with the quinoa, smoky chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocado. Top with pickled onions, mint, and pinches of Aleppo pepper. Drizzle with garlic yogurt sauce and serve.

Garlic Yogurt Sauce Ingredients

1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 garlic clove, grated 1/2 tsp. sea salt 1 tbsp. water, plus more as needed

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Stir in the water. If the sauce is too thick, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to thin it to your desired consistency. Season to taste. Store the sauce for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Yield: about 1¼ cups 96

Sweet Potato Hash This sweet potato hash recipe is a delicious healthy breakfast or great for lunch or dinner too. I love how the veggies get nice and crispy on the bottom of the skillet as the eggs cook. Add to the top avocado, hot sauce, and fresh cilantro for flavor and spice.

INGREDIENTS

4 tsp. avocado oil 1/2 small red onion, chopped 1 poblano pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 large sweet potato, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1 tsp. chili powder 4 leaves lacinato kale, stemmed and torn 4 large eggs 1 avocado, sliced Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish, optional Hot sauce, for serving Lime wedges, for squeezing Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat 2 tsp. of the avocado oil in a large, lidded skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, poblano, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon sea salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened. Remove from the pan and set aside. Heat the remaining avocado oil in the skillet. Add the sweet potatoes and ¼ teaspoon sea salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender. Add the sautéed veggies back to the pan and stir in the chili powder and kale. Make 4 shallow wells in the hash and crack in the eggs. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the eggs are just set. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with the avocado slices and garnish with cilantro, if using. Serve with hot sauce and lime wedges for squeezing. ▶ 97

Best Broccoli Salad This broccoli salad recipe is a delicious cookout side dish! It features fresh broccoli, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts and seeds in a lighter creamy dressing. I also have added bacon to this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound broccoli crowns 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 3 tbsp. mayonnaise 1½ tbsp. apple cider vinegar 2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. maple syrup or honey 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 tsp. sea salt, plus more to taste 1/3 cup diced red onion 1/3 cup dried cranberries SMOKY TAMARI ALMONDS 1/2 cup almonds 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or pepitas 1 tbsp. tamari 1/2 tsp. maple syrup 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika, more to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Chop the broccoli florets into ½-inch pieces and any remaining stems into a ¼-inch dice. Peel any woody or coarse parts from the stem first. In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mayo, apple cider vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, garlic, and salt. Add the broccoli, onions, and cranberries and toss to coat. Place the almonds and sunflower seeds on the baking sheet, toss with the tamari, maple syrup, and smoked paprika and spread into a thin layer. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes (they’ll get crispier as they sit). Toss the nuts and seeds into the salad, reserving a few to sprinkle on top. Season to taste and serve.

Healthy Zucchini Bread This recipe is packed with zucchini and cinnamon. It’s easy to make, super moist, warmly spiced, with crunchy walnuts. It's the perfect breakfast, brunch or snack.

You will need 2 loaf pans for the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. sea salt 1½ cups cane sugar 1 cup vegetable oil, plus more for the pans 3 large eggs 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 3 cups grated zucchini, about 2 medium, don’t press or squeeze 1 cup chopped walnuts, plus more for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease two 8x4 or 9x5-inch loaf pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add the grated zucchini and fold to combine. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the walnuts. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and sprinkle with walnuts. Bake for 40 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the tops of the loaves spring back to the touch.

Agua Fresca Refreshing Drinks This recipe is the best way to cool off on a hot day!

Agua fresca is a cold drink made by blending water and sugar with fruit, grains, seeds, or flowers like hibiscus. In Spanish, the name means “cool water” or “fresh water.” They’re also popular throughout Central America and parts of the US as well.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup chopped fresh fruit, such as watermelon, cantaloupe or other melon, mango, pineapple, strawberries or even cucumber 1 cup water 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice 2 tsp. agave nectar or sugar Ice, for serving Fresh fruit, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish 100

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the fruit, water, lime juice, and agave in a blender. Blend until smooth, then taste, adding more agave if desired. Set a fine mesh strainer over a large jar or medium bowl and pour the agua fresca through it to remove the fruit pulp. Pour into a glass with ice and garnish with fruit and mint leaves, if desired.

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