People & Places of Polk County 2026

The second annual photo contest developed into quite the picture-perfect conundrum. We received an incredible 142 photo submissions, and choosing which ones to feature inside this issue was no easy decision. We got silly photos, so much nature, kids, architecture, and the iconic landmarks we all love. Thank you to everyone who shared their talent with us and helped make this year’s contest better than ever! Thanks to the Central Florida Photo Club for helping to organize.

You’re invited! Meet the photographers and see the photos up close June 5, 5-8 pm Destroyer Media 326 Ave C SW, Winter Haven

On the Cover of LKLD Magazine: LITTLE SPEED RIDER By Sarah Lindley Farnsworth

On the Cover of HAVEN Magazine: GOLDEN EAGLES By James Vanvakas

ALONG THE ESPLANADE By J. Chris

BEACH PRINCESS By Natalie Stover

BLUE IF IT’S TRUE By WhiskeyRoller

CAR WASH By Keith McCullough

CIRCLE B WILDLIFE AT BEAK PERFORMANCE By Garrison Christian

COUNTLESS STORIES By Elaine Santibanez

DANCING GIRL By Chris Elrod

FOREST SENTINEL By Melissa Gilmore

HONEY WE’RE HOME By Patricia Arvizu

GIRL WITH HER DALMATION By Isabella Franz

ECHOES OF JOY AT LAKE MIRROR By Cassidy Lovato

HOT CHICKEN By April Toole Framing Florida Photography

GLASS CIRCUIT REVERIE By Echoes of Motion

A MOCCASIN ON THE MOVE By Gregory Corbo

IN LINE FOR CAKE By Keith McCullough

JAC’S CORNER By Tyler Meadows

JUST KIDS By Lynn Hemp

KID MC TWIST By Lavonte Vickers

GOLDEN TREE By Julian Torres

LAST CALL ON KENTUCKY AVE By Ruben Colon Velazquez

REFLECTIONS OF POLYTECHNIC By Jennifer Mitchell

EVERYDAY UNSUNG HERO By Kevin Pagan

SHOW AND TELL DAY AT SCHOOL By Sally Del Castillo

STILL STANDING By Wild Grace Photography

THE GARDEN STEPS By Jenni Gregory

SWIFT’S ON S FLORIDA AVE By Ruben Colon Velazquez

THE GIFT OF LIGHT By Alexander McLendon

TAX COLLECTOR By Rebecca Juliano