My idea of a perfect morning would start with a cup of coffee as I watch the fog burn off the top of the lake. Eventually, the mist would clear, and water so perfectly flat that you can’t tell where the shore ends, and the water starts would greet me. That right there is true Ski Diva water. If I could trademark that phrase, I’d make millions just from my family members, who make fun of my aunt because she refuses to ski on anything less than perfect water. To be fair, she’s good enough to deserve the acme of conditions, and it’s considered a privilege to go out on the boat with her at 6:30 am to ski before the rest of the lake wakes up. So many weeks out of my childhood and adolescent summers were spent exactly like that, and I’d never trade those memories for anything. Corinne skiing Growing up in Polk County and being a part of a family of avid water skiers, the intricacies of two skiing, dropping a ski, slaloming, and jumping wakes is very nearly in my DNA. I can so clearly remember what it felt like to watch the Cypress Gardens ski show directly after I had achieved a slalom start behind the boat at the ripe old age of 9. You could feel the history and reverence that the stunt skiers in the show had for the sport and how proud they felt to be taking part in a story lasting over half a century at that time. After that visit to the Garden, I held on to the dream of being a barefoot skier in the Cypress Gardens show; sometimes that dream still wakes me up in the middle of the night, the siren song of wind and water singing in my ears. Dreams aside, watersports in Central Florida have a long and storied history, stretching back over a century. Though the sport was originally invented in Minnesota in 1922 by Ralph Samuelson. Florida is where we learned to jump the wake, and you can’t talk about watersports in Central Florida without talking about the Popes. Dick and Julie Pope, the original owners of Cypress Gardens, would later bring the “Water Ski Capital of the World” into the public eye through showmanship and a flair for invention. Cypress Gardens - 1936 Cypress Gardens - 1950 Waterskiing had already been steadily growing in popularity in Central Florida through the early 1930s, as who can blame people for wanting to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and beautiful, calm lakes that Polk County offers year-round? Cultivating the property around Lake Eloise and turning what had once been a swampy mire into a beautiful botanical garden was a start that brought loads of tourists flocking to Florida’s oldest theme park. Then, everything changed when World War II began. Only the Popes, masters of all the elements of entertainment and business, could build a water sporting legend. In 1943, though people had been skiing on Lake Eloise for at least the last 10 years, a formalized ski show still had not made an appearance. At the time, World War II had brought large numbers of soldiers to the area, either on leave or stationed nearby, and just by happenstance- a local paper printed an article featuring water skiers being pulled behind a boat through Cypress Gardens. These soldiers flocked to the Gardens in order to see the “ski show,” and far from turning them away empty-handed, Julie Pope strung together a merry band of skiers from family and friends; thus, a cultural phenomenon was born. Cypress Gardens - 1982 It didn’t take long for people to notice this remarkable attraction, notable icons from Elvis Presley to Johnny Carson and Carol Burnett traveled to Lake Eloise to get their picture taken with the iconic wooden Cypress Gardens skis. Not only that, but Hollywood capitalized on the gorgeous scenery and stunt opportunities that Dick Pope Sr. had so painstakingly created over the course of building the park. Esther Williams is perhaps the most well-known classic actress to star in multiple films set in the park, with my favorite being “Easy To Love” (1953). If you’ve never seen it, I urge you to run, not walk, to your nearest local library and check out a copy. It has music, it has ski stunts I would tremble to perform, it has an aquatic ballet, and of course, the corny romance between Esther and Van Johnson that makes us all fall in love with classic movies. More recently, John Cusack starred in “Grace Is Gone” (2007), a drama involving a dead mom, a road trip to Enchanted Gardens (AKA Cypress Gardens), and two precocious kids. Though there isn’t any skiing in that film, it goes to show how remarkable this Florida feature still is and will hopefully continue to be. Watersports in Winter Haven have certainly left their mark, with over 50 world records being set on Lake Eloise alone, and a plethora of inventions on the water to show for it. As any Polk County history buff knows, the first photo of someone barefoot skiing was taken in 1947 of Dick Pope Jr. I don’t know about you all, but when I think barefooting, I think of that picture. The first woman to barefoot ski also did so behind a Cypress Gardens boat, Charlene Zint Wellborn claimed that honor in 1951, just four short years after Dick Pope Jr. Barefooting became such a staple of the Cypress Gardens ski experience that the world’s first barefoot competition was held on Lake Eloise, with Dick Pope Jr. taking second place internationally, directly beneath Emilio Zamudio from Mexico who managed a full three laps barefoot around the track before dropping. Willa McGuire Cook boasts yet another invention to come out of Cypress Gardens, the swivel ski! The swivel ski allowed skiers to combine balletic movement with the power of skiing, giving the Gardens’ aquatic prima ballerinas the ability to do pirouettes and hick fan kicks unimpeded. Somehow, whenever I tried to do those kinds of moves as a kid, I usually ended up with a nose full of lake water and the worst headache of my life. My gracelessness aside, the swivel ski was still in use as recently as 2024, as LEGOLAND highlighted the style in their rendition of the ski show, with feats of both flexibility and strength to astound the adoring public. Esther Williams - 1950 1976 1976 The first skiing pyramid was also attempted on Lake Eloise in 1948, with the iconic four-to-five tier staple being included in the daily ski show from then on. n Lake Eloise in 1948, with the iconic four-to-five tier staple being included in the daily ski show from then on. Through their elaborate tricks and stunts on the water, Cypress Gardens tied with the Grand Canyon as the United States’ top tourist attraction beginning in 1964. However, all of these firsts have not been left in the past, records have continued to be set every year, especially through organizations like the Chain of Records which brings together avid water skiers from all over the world with the goal of breaking Guiness and national records. During the 2021 Chain of Records event, some notable records were: • The most barefoot water skiing tumble turns in one minute: 34, achieved by Wayne King. • The most water skiers towed behind single boat (shoe skiing): 16. • The largest conventional doubles line: 18 couples. • The most inverts on a hydrofoil by a woman for both one minute and three minutes: 23 and 55 respectively by MJ Buckley. • The most inverts on a hydrofoil by a man for three minutes: 72 by Geno Yauchler. • The largest hydrofoil line behind one boat: 31. • And last but certainly not least, the largest hydrofoil invert line: 9. Polk County brings in world-class talent from all over year after year, but many of our strongest skiing performers are homegrown; with more skiing schools and training facilities than anywhere else in the country. If you’re in the market for a thrilling new hobby, the World Barefoot Center hosts clinics and training all year round for those who are intrigued by the idea of sanding all of the skin off the bottoms of their feet going 40 miles per hour behind a boat. Kidding aside, the team is, “dedicated to the sport of barefoot water skiing, providing a welcoming environment for beginners through to experienced barefooters.” Central Florida Watersports and Boat Rentals teaches not just regular two skiing, but wakesurfing and tubing too. Whether you simply need a boat to drive or full instruction for Florida’s favorite sports, they have it all. Briscoe’s Ride Center offers even more options from kneeboards to shoe skis and wake skates. Perhaps the class that is nearest and dearest to my heart are the adaptive clinics taught through the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team. These clinics allow adults and children 6 and older with disabilities to take to the water and expand their horizons with a new set of skills. Via a sponsorship from Wawa, their clinic is offered free of charge to the public as long as there are still open slots for registration. I spent most of my teenage years working with a theater troupe composed of other such unique individuals with all kinds of abilities, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I can only imagine the joy brought on by flying over the water in a modified ski, or jumping a wake for the first time could bring. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, any of these teachers would bring your skills up to the next level! Of course, some folks may not want to get their hair wet and would prefer to just watch the show from the banks. Never fear, the Cypress Gardens Water Skiers are here! Started in 2011 by past Cypress Gardens water ski performers, the team strives to share the beauty and art of water sports with the public, hoping to inspire all of us to take to the wake. With free shows on Lake Silver in Winter Haven every 3rd Saturday of the month during their season, this group of talented performers wows crowds with stunts, acrobatics, and pyramids. Other notable groups to mention are the Lakeland Water Ski Club which has been performing ski shows on Lake Hollingsworth since 1949 on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Sharing the lake with the Lakeland Water Ski Club are, of course, the Florida Southern College Moccasins ski team, who placed 4th in the National Championships in October of 2024. I know it’s always a good day when I can see them practicing while I walk around the lake! With summer right around the corner, and Floridians looking for ways to beat the heat, maybe try your hand at a watersport that has made a splash in Polk County for over 100 years! If skiing isn’t quite your speed, there are so many other ways to get up behind a boat whether that’s wakeboarding, hydrofoil skiing, wake surfing (my personal favorite), or kneeboarding. Watersports are for everyone. Beat the heat behind a boat this year, I’ll see you out there!

Meet Me in Mulberry When you think of Mulberry, it’s unlikely that the first thing to cross your mind would be “popular food destination.” You might think of phosphate mining, railroads and that it seems far away. The truth is, Mulberry is much easier to get to than you might realize. In fact, the town’s location at the crossroads of State Road 60 and FL-37 make it an ideal meet-up point, around an easy half hour’s drive from Winter Haven, downtown Lakeland, Lake Wales, and Brandon. It’s also a stone’s throw away from developments like Christina, and with more communities popping up, it’s no wonder the City of Mulberry is revamping its downtown area. In addition to other projects (including the newly renovated Gem Theater) the City, with the help of co-founder Jonathan Bucklew, is gearing up to open Depot 303, an exciting and highly anticipated food hall in the heart of this quaint, historic town. Photo by Amy Sexson Bucklew is no stranger to the food hall, having already opened Lakeland and this area’s first, The Joinery. Because of everything that goes into starting something like this, he was the City’s logical choice to help open Depot 303. “Mulberry decided they were going to build a food hall in their community through their CRA, so this project was spawned before I was even a part of it,” explained Bucklew. “They hired the architect who we worked with at The Joinery and they decided to come and tour The Joinery to kind of look at how one of these actually functions and what goes on behind the scenes.” The City of Mulberry asked Bucklew if he’d be willing to work with them on a consulting basis, and then, eventually operate Depot 303. As a foodie and design enthusiast, Bucklew was up for the challenge. Before opening The Joinery in 2020, Bucklew, a musician and furniture maker, first became aware of food halls while traveling the country with his band. “I’ve been to a few [food halls] in my travels with music, and I just thought ‘wow, what a cool concept,’” said Bucklew. “It’s like a mall without all the retail, just the food court, and it has a bar. How fun!” Bucklew also understands the importance of places like these for their communities. “I’m very passionate about Polk County and about our communities here. I think one of the best things you can do in your community is bring about cultivating the things you’re passionate about,” said Bucklew. “I love the opportunity to be a part of bringing something really fun and cool, and a big staple location to Mulberry,” he added. Depot 303 promises just that: a fun, cool, staple location that is sure to bring out multiple communities. The building is light and airy, with copious amounts of indoor seating and plenty of parking. With lots of steel, raw concrete and clean lines, Bucklew described the vibe as “elevated, elegant, industrial modern.” It’s one of those spaces that just feels new and exciting and beckons you to stay a while. Depot 303 will host a full bar, complete with craft cocktails and local beer, as well as seven individual restaurants. While Bucklew could not confirm all seven at press time, the four he was able to share with us are very exciting! Fat Maggie’s has long been a presence in Lakeland and a go-to for mouth-watering comfort food. Think delicious burgers, scrumptious salads, BBQ nachos, and grilled cheese. Their first brick and mortar was located in Dixieland, but they closed in 2015 for family time. Over the last few years, they have re-emerged onto Polk County’s food scene with Fat Maggie’s food truck and recently chose Depot 303 as the site for their second brick and mortar. We can’t wait to see the full menu, but their truffle fries, alone, are worth the trip! The new local heroes of downtown Lakeland, Pizza Odyssey, will add their amazing pizza to the line-up at Depot 303. Located in the Lake Morton area, they have been wowing Lakelanders for just over a year now with their homemade dough and sauces, fresh ingredients, and innovative flavor combinations. They have weekly specials like the Drop It Like It’s Hot, made with red gold tomato sauce, sweet drop peppers, garlic ricotta, basil pesto, sausage, mushrooms, and hot honey, and The Godfather, made with a BBQ sauce base, garlic and black pepper marinated pork tenderloins, and jalapeño cream cheese. You can also try one of their specialty pizzas or build your own for the perfect pie. Next, bringing their delectable dumplings all the way from Armature Works in Tampa, Ling’s Dumplings will fill a foodie void in Mulberry and the surrounding areas. Ling’s will be serving up handmade, perfectly steamed dumplings like pork and beef soup dumplings with black vinegar soy sauce. Their Tampa location offers customers the option to build their own dumpling basket with a choice of dumplings, sauces, and toppings. Guests can choose from dumplings like beef bulgogi and edamame truffle, sauces like gochujang aioli and scallion oil, and toppings like kimchi and fried scallions. Each combination is mouth-watering to be sure, and everything is made in-house, from the dumplings to the dough to the dipping sauces. Rounding out the list of confirmed vendors, Tilaw, will bring Filipino fusion to Mulberrry. The creators of Pinoy Cravings, a Filipino catering and pop-up venture based out of Lakeland, will be opening their first brick and mortar at Depot 303. Pinoy Cravings has delighted Polk County’s food lovers with both sweet and savory Filipino fare since 2020 and will now take the passion for their culinary heritage to the next level with Tilaw. “People will be blown away by how good the Filipino fusion is,” said Bucklew. Bucklew hopes to start soft openings sometime in March with fun events like the Gravity Rally, an exotic sports car meet that raises money for charity. In the meantime, Depot 303 will be participating in Mulberry’s Chili Cookoff on March 1. “If we’re not open to the public, we’re at least going to be open for the community to come and see the space, and if we’re not able to sell food, we’ll be giving out samples,” said Bucklew. As Depot 303 nears its grand opening, one thing is for sure: this location is going to both delight food lovers AND bring communities together. I, for one, can’t wait to tell my friends to meet me in Mulberry! Depot 303 303 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry depot303.com FB Depot303 IG @depot.303

This real life choose-your-own-adventure story opens with a sweet bag of nuts. No scary twists or sad plots, just a story where something small can make the difference. In the first chapter, you randomly attend a festival near your son’s home in your son’s new state. You find a treat for you and your spouse to try. You find nuts. Roasted nuts. Roasted, flavored nuts of a variety. Roasted, flavored nuts that would fit nicely as an addition to your concessions menu at your family-owned event space. You connect with the gentleman that sold you the nuts and he tells you how to make them. You then decide to share your delightful snacks with more than the people who would visit you. You decide to take your bags of nuts around the country. It works. It’s a good time. You’ve mixed recreation with glee and business, gone to a handful of cities, and met lots of new people. You have the idea of expanding the venture. Moving into the next chapter, you ask yourself if you want to remain with a traditional, though still delicious product, or open your spice cabinet and sprinkle a dash of seasoning to see what would happen. You do both. You are happy with tradition and you’re intrigued with possibilities. Now you’re tasked with keeping the new and true recipes in-home or sharing them. Turn the page and the chapter of Heartland Snacks, Co. begins. This is husband and wife, Anthony and Erica Scheipsmeier’s story. “The very first day we got the machine and tested it out, we actually made [nuts] with the regular Everglades seasoning. The next day I called (because their facility is not far from our house), asked if I could bring something I’ve made, and have them taste it,” Erica Scheipsmeier matter-of-factly tells about the experiment that would solidify their first partnership. She concludes with a smile, “And they loved it.” Anthony Scheipsmeier, who has been in business with his wife for 20 years, recalls the moment of confirmation when he knew Heartland Snacks was the right decision, “We bought in, but it’s always good to hear from someone outside of your general circle of people you trust, and have somebody say ‘I want to put my sticker on this and have it on my channels and website and that’s how much I believe in you’… having Everglades say this, said this was a legitimate product.” The couple initially chose to create Heartland Place, which is an umbrella for all of their businesses. Its core being 82 acres of land where public and private events are hosted and simply called Heartland Events. They also have a recently started Heartland Ministries. Then there’s Heartland Snacks, the newest escapade that consists of roasted nuts in 15 different flavors — five of which are collaborations with other companies. They have flavors such as Monkey Nuts (the almond, cashew, pecan, pistachio, and hazelnut mix), Cinnamon, Sugar & Spice, Hot Cajun (the perfect blend of a vanilla and creole seasoning), and Fire In The Hole (the varying spicy blends, together with sea salt, and cane sugar). Heartland Place along with the Scheipsmeiers’ are headquartered in Bowling Green, however, their kitchen and packaging happens to be in Lakeland at an entrepreneurial incubator hub duly donned, Catapult. “We found it by chance, we were here watching the fireworks for the 4th of July and they (Catapult) were having an open house.” Anthony quickly joins with a laugh, “So we walked in and we stayed.” Both Erica and Anthony are genuine and open when asked a question, obviously appreciative of a good conversation. Erica has “the memory for details,” as Anthony states, which presumably can be attributed to her career as a CPA. Anthony appears to revel in the connections, seemingly most eager when discussing the perks of their nut business. They defer to each other when needed and with ease, support the other as the moment calls. They exude a pride in getting to work together. “If we didn’t love doing this, if it were not fun, we wouldn’t be doing it,” Erica emphasizes. Anthony chimes in, in agreement, “It wouldn’t be worth it.” “I spent all my time in my career as a CPA … and I didn’t love it,” Erica adds the reason they are currently enthralled with their nut business — it has the potential to replace her long standing job title. Anthony, formerly in farming and construction, concurs. For the Scheipsmeiers, all they needed was an empty nest and some nuts; already living in the neighborhood of entrepreneurship on the avenue of new quests, the willingness to mix and mingle wherever their camper parked always existed. They enjoy the trips and camaraderie as much as the commerce of their product. As many festivals and shows Heartland Snacks have been to, they have an equal presence locally. Their latest collab is with Whiskey Bent BBQ Supply in Lakeland, they sell to local shops, and breweries. The joint efforts are the highlight of the snacks, given the multitude of flavor options as they dress the nuts in seasonings of various known brands. The couple excitedly plan the near and far chapters of their nut-filled pursuits, but take care to not become too strict while allowing Heartland Snacks to grow. They have another notable collaboration in the works; feeling the success from Catapult’s launch, they’re looking for their own warehouse; they’re talking to a distributor; they’re refining their “secret, special recipe,” to be replicable and scalable; and within a year they’re projecting to be on shelves in a major chain. If you ever have the chance to try Heartland Snacks, know that you’re getting the ambitions and the ideas, the nuts and the fun, the packaged ‘why not’ turned ‘oh wow’ of Anthony and Erica Scheipsmeier all from an adventure they chose. heartlandsnack.com IG & FB @heartlandsnackco Photos by Amy Sexson

Polk County’s population increased by 93 percent between 1900 and 1910. Winter Haven’s population more than tripled from 429 to 1436 residents. Still, 1400 is a relatively small number for the adventures the village pursued between 1910 and 1920. Here are the bold initiatives that marked the decade … Florida Chief BOARD OF TRADE Along about 1910, in fact before Winter Haven formally incorporated, local businesses banded together to form a Board of Trade. Forerunner to the Chamber of Commerce, it existed until 1923 when it transitioned to the Chamber. The group published one of the earliest promotional pieces for the community. We estimate it was published in 1913. It begins, “Winter Haven is the center of the world’s richest citrus-fruit section, and likewise the center of the famous lake region of Polk County. Unlike many cities of southern Florida, Winter Haven is not a mere winter resort — it is a substantial town, with an energetic year-round population …” “Both in winter and summer Winter Haven has ideal climatic conditions. In winter the temperature is mild and free from extremes. In summer, Winter Haven feels none of the discomforts of the so-called semitropical sun … the rainy season checks undue warmth, and the nights are delightfully cool.” (Remember, this was before air-conditioning!) “The air is always pure, the water is bright, clear, and refreshing, and mosquitos seldom are known.” The brochure goes on to tout the local altitude (200 feet above sea level) as a great advantage, both climatic and natural. It noted that at that elevation, there were “no swamps, fevers, malaria or great humidity.” It also notes the lakes are all “the product of overflowing springs,” which we know today is not true. There can be some seepage from the aquifer, but none of the area lakes are “spring-fed.” And lest the lazy become interested the text states, “Winter Haven does not seek, invite, or tolerate the shiftless or the idle. It is not the place for the person who expects to make a fortune without individual effort …” The Board of Trade, while spirited and inclined toward hyperbole, had its ups and downs during the 1910-20 decade. It would transition to the Chamber of Commerce in 1923. WHHS THE VILLAGE INCORPORATES On June 22, 1911, the townspeople elected to officially incorporate the city. A town council was formed, and the town seal (a citrus tree) was adopted. While their numbers were modest, their plans were mighty! NEWS CHIEF BEGINS PUBLICATION M. M. “ Dad” Lee was the founder of Winter Haven’s first newspaper of the twentieth century, The Florida Chief. Volume 1 Page 1 debuted On September 28, 1911, and featured a Native American Chief with a feathered headdress as a part of its “flag” or page design. (History tells of an earlier newspaper published for about one year in the late 1890s, but there are no known copies of The Lake Region Gazette.) Lee had relocated to Winter Haven from Kansas where he had worked both as postmaster and newspaper publisher. His wife was hospitalized in Topeka when he arrived here in Winter Haven with his three daughters and two sons. They purchased a large home on Lake Silver adjacent to the home of J. Walker Pope (a real estate developer and father of the man who would eventually found Cypress Gardens, Richard “Dick” Pope). In that first issue, Lee wrote directly, “To the People of Winter Haven: In presenting this first issue of the Florida Chief we have no apologies to offer, no promises to make. Winter Haven needs a newspaper, the people say so ... Our policy will be to build up and not tear down ... Come in and get acquainted.” The newspaper grew with the community and then, during the height of the Florida real estate boom, Lee expanded the paper from a weekly to a daily on September 15, 1924. The paper was then published every afternoon but Sunday. The Florida Chief continued to serve Winter Haven as the sole provider of news until 1930 when George Burr and his wife Josephine (author of The History of Winter Haven) founded the weekly Winter Haven Herald. The Florida Chief would later merge with a competitor to become the News Chief. FIRST K - 12 SCHOOL In 1915, the community finished construction on its first school, serving kindergarten through grade 12. The building was located on the present site of the downtown Post Office. Prior to its opening, the eighth grade was the highest grade of education attainable in Winter Haven. Due to rapid growth, Winter Haven would build a new High School in 1922 on the present site of Denison Middle School. That 1915 building would become Central Grammar for generations of students and later, briefly as Central Junior High. THE “GRAND” CANAL As early as 1912, M. M. “Dad” Lee, publisher of Winter Haven’s fledgling Florida Chief newspaper was editorializing in favor of creating a “grand canal” to connect area lakes. By 1915, a small group of determined residents moved forward with a vision of connecting many of our lakes by canals. The group was organized as the Twenty Lakes Boat Club. The month the charter was signed, the club had a Savannah engineer plat a proposed course for boats to traverse the south, west, and northern perimeters of Winter Haven and beyond from Lake Winterset to Lake Hamilton. The fledgling citrus industry had made a healthy comeback from the freezes of the mid-1890s. Roads of the day were sand or clay and used to haul the crop. A team of mules would pull a wagon loaded with ten to fifteen field crates of fruit. The crates weighed from 900 to 1400 pounds and proved difficult to move. Some believe the canal concept may have been an idea the growers thought would provide a better means of transportation. Canal Dredge The lakes originally targeted included Winterset, Eloise, Lulu, Shipp, May, Howard, Cannon, Idylewild, Hartridge, Conine, Rochelle, Haines, Smart, Fannie, Buckeye and Hamilton. Of the original twenty lakes to be connected, all but Buckeye eventually became a part of what today is known as the upper and lower chains comprising a total of 25 lakes. These are separated by U.S. 17 between Hartridge and Conine where a lock now exists. The self-funded private group had great determination, but by early 1917 they were bankrupt. The Twenty Lakes Boat Club did not accomplish the entire task before its demise. The ultimate failure of the effort is thought to have involved the group having created responsibilities larger than their budget could maintain. No further progress was made on the canal system until May 20, 1919, when the Winter Haven Lake Region Boat Course District was established by an act of the Florida Legislature. Taxing power was granted by local referendum (78 for and 49 against) in a special election on July 7 of that same year. By September 1919, an engineering company was authorized by the “Canal Commission” to dredge and clean canals. At the time there were no seawalls used in the system. As the system matured, wood and later asbestos panels would be used to secure the canal walls. Today, aluminum sheeting is the canal wall of choice. Today’s system of canals and boat ramps on area lakes are maintained by the Lakes Region Lakes Management District created by citizen referendum more than 105 years ago. Our “Chain of Lakes” is viewed by many citizens as our defining asset, all the more reason to be known as the “Chain of Lakes City.” The decade from 1910 to 1920 is arguably the timeframe where the smallest number of our citizens created some of Winter Haven’s greatest destiny-defining moments. Next Month: “The Roaring Twenties and the Florida Boom!”

Spring in central Florida is always a welcome sight, even though our region does not experience the harsh winters seen in other parts of the country. However, this year, the effects of winter weather are noticeably evident in our landscapes, and you may have frost/freeze damage on plants that have seen no damage in the past. Whether you are undertaking a major planting project or simply performing routine spring maintenance, there is always something to do in a central Florida yard! If you are doing a springtime spruce up of your yard, consider adding the following items to your to-do list. 1. MULCH REFRESH Replenish mulch to 2-3 inches in all mulched beds. Use recycled or by-product mulch such as oak leaves, pine straw, pine bark, melaleuca, or eucalyptus mulch. This will help keep down weeds and creates a neat and tidy appearance. Take advantage of the fallen oak leaves at this time of year, they make a great (free) option. Don’t forget to pull the mulch away from the base of all shrubs and trees! 2. SPRINKLER SYSTEM CHECK It’s the time of year to do an annual sprinkler system check-up. Turn on your system and check for broken heads, overspray, and other problems. Calibrate (or measure) the output of your system by measuring how much water you are applying to your yard and make sure your time clock is accurate. Follow the instructions on this helpful worksheet: fawn.ifas.ufl.edu/tools/irrigation_ presentation/fawn_app_rate.pdf. *While you are making repairs and checking your irrigation system, don’t forget to make sure your rain sensor is functioning—it’s the law! 3. PRUNE SHRUBS AND TREES Early spring is an excellent time to prune flowering shrubs and trees. Remove any dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth and improve air circulation. For shrubs that bloom in the spring, it’s best to wait until after they have flowered to prune. It is important to wait until all risk of frost and freeze has passed before spring pruning. Many plants that die back to the ground in the winter will return in the next couple of months so just be patient and don’t dig them out! As you prune your plants, consider adding the waste to a compost pile instead of piling it by the curb. This, combined with kitchen scraps, will break down to create a lovely garden amendment. 4. LAWN CARE When it comes to spring lawn maintenance, temperature and application timing are very important. If applying fertilizer, do not apply until the lawn is actively growing. That means April in central Florida. Select a product that contains slow-release nitrogen and no phosphorus. If you are applying a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating, it must be applied before daytime temperatures reach 65-70 degrees for 4 to 5 consecutive days to be effective. If you have missed the window, you can use a postemergence herbicide. Do not apply weed-and-feed products as weed (herbicide) and feed (fertilizer) products are not applied during the same time of year and thus are not effective when applied together. Additionally, these types of products can damage the surrounding landscape plants. Lawncare can be confusing for the central Florida homeowner. Please reach out to our Plant Clinic with any questions so that we can help. 5. INSTALL NEW PLANTS After the winter months, gardeners in central Florida are ready to see color and interest in the landscape, and many are eagerly awaiting all the spring plant sales (FYI, the Polk County Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale is on April 26). Look for Florida-Friendly, native, and lowmaintenance plants to add to your landscape this spring. For plant suggestions and lists, contact the Plant Clinic. By focusing on these tasks, central Florida gardeners can set the stage for a productive and beautiful spring growing season. For more information, contact UF/ IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk . The Plant Clinic is open Monday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Visit us in person, give us a call, or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu . The Florida Master Gardener Program is a volunteerdriven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible. An Equal Opportunity Institution.

The audiences who once gathered to witness live feats of escape and illusion, whether in grand theaters or intimate parlor rooms, were the very same who later beheld cinema’s first flickering screens. For some, the experiences might have felt much the same—the same stirring of wonder, the same exhilaration for human possibility, and the same reverence for those fleeting moments when we allow ourselves to be deceived, if only to escape into a world where anything feels within reach. The craft of conjuration, stage illusion, and live performance are connected by more than necessary ingenuity, innovation, and the drive to put on a show. They grew up together and continue to stay in touch. Georges Méliès is often regarded as the “father of special effects” and the first to blend cinema with the art of illusion. His 1901 film, “Excelsior! The Prince of Magicians” demonstrated how cinematic techniques—such as jump cuts, multiple exposures, and stop motion—could create visually magical moments on screen. Méliès established the foundation for magician-centered films by portraying magic not merely as a trick but as a transformative experience, one that could transport audiences beyond reality and into a world of endless possibility. Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz in Budapest, Hungary in 1874, immigrated to the United States with his family in 1878, arriving in Appleton, Wisconsin, and later moving to New York City. At the turn of the 20th century, when Houdini rose to fame, America was experiencing a massive wave of immigration, with millions arriving from Europe—many of whom would shape the future of performance both on and off screen. Houdini’s rise to becoming the world’s most famous escape artist mirrored the broader immigrant experience. His daring escapes from handcuffs, locked trunks, and sealed containers symbolized the struggles of immigrants breaking free from societal constraints. In an era when xenophobia and restrictive immigration laws were on the rise, Houdini’s success sent a powerful message: an immigrant could not only integrate but also dominate popular culture. In 1919, Houdini starred in “The Grim Game,” a film once feared lost to a fire until its recent rediscovery—which featured a dramatic airplane collision that became one of early cinema’s most talked-about stunts. Seeking greater creative and distribution control, Houdini founded his own film company, Houdini Picture Corporation, in 1921. In “The Man from Beyond” (1922), he blended his love for adventure and the supernatural, portraying a man revived after being frozen for 100 years. His films pushed the boundaries of physical realism in cinema and even science fiction. His filmed performances allow future audiences to witness feats that we might have only read about otherwise. The next age of cinema would pay homage to early innovators through the use of effects pioneered by stage and screen magicians, as well as through direct biographical depictions. “Houdini” (1953), directed by George Marshall and produced by George Pal, began a string of loosely based film adaptations of his life on screen. Houdini’s student, Orson Welles, used magic as a lens through which he understood storytelling, deception, and audience engagement. Welles often blended magic with theater, incorporating elements of illusion into his stage productions and later into his filmmaking, manipulating audience perception and bending expectations. In films like “Citizen Kane” (1941) and later “F for Fake” (1973), Welles played with truth and illusion, much like a magician does with an audience. Directed by Christopher Nolan, “The Prestige” (2006), adapted from Christopher Priest’s novel of the same name, became one of my all-time favorite films upon first viewing. The mere sight of a top hat now evokes a visceral sensation in the most imaginative corners of my mind. The story of two rival magicians, portrayed by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, explores the lengths they go to in pursuit of the perfect illusion. Set in an era brimming with the promise of scientific discovery, the film portrays historical truth through sheer curtains, both mysterious and fantastic. It invites the viewer to imagine the impact that real-life innovator Nikola Tesla, played by David Bowie, had on those who witnessed the future of electricity unfold before them. The film’s nonlinear narrative and intricate twists reflect the principles of misdirection and deception that define magic itself. At its core—and subsequently stamped upon my heart—is a breathtaking exploration of what drives one to create the illusion of the impossible. The stage, the illusion, and the trick may have evolved, but the magic never disappeared. It merely changed hands, transformed in form and name, passed down from one generation of artists to the next. We continue to benefit from the ingenuity of those crafters of illusion, from the boldness it took to share their craft, and from the inspiration they provided to those who bring magic to life today. If you watch closely and often, the threads between past and present are no longer invisible. As they materialize, the illusion before you will only become more fantastic, revealing that the art of magic— whether on stage or screen—continues to shape the way we see, believe, and dream.

SUNSET ON THE SERENGETI March 2 & 9 at Busch Gardens. Begin with a safari tour just before sunset, then take a guided walking tour of “Edge of Africa,” sip on a cocktail, and finally enjoy an elegant dinner at the Treetop Kitchen inspired by the rich flavors of Africa. Registration is required. buschgardens.com MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL March 27, 7 pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Direct from Broadway, Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. One day only. rutheckerdhall.com FLORIDA CRAFT BREWERS FEST March 1, 1 – 5 pm at River Tower Park. Every year, the Florida Brewers Guild kicks off Tampa Bay Beer Week by organizing the biggest beer festival in Tampa Bay, bringing over 70 of your favorite Florida craft breweries together with over 200 different beer samples, food & entertainment. floridabrewers.org ST. PADDY’S DAY LUCKY RUN March 15, Al Lopez Park. Dress up in your favorite green gear with shamrocks, leprechaun hats, and everything in between. Participants can walk or run the 5K, 10K, or 13.1. All ages and experiences welcome. Register in advance. runsignup.com DINOS UNEARTHED Throughout March at Zoo Tampa. Take a step back in time during this limited-time event and get up close to colossal dinosaurs of the past. Special food & merch are available for purchase. This event is free to enter with paid admission to the park. zootampa.org INK THE BAY March 13 – 16 at the ESC of Tampa Bay. Four days of tattoos, arts, fashion, and welding. Shop the latest supplies and equipment, meet artists, hear seminars, watch live demonstrations and more. inkthebay.com WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS TRIUMPH March 6 – 9 at the Straz Center. This drama brings to life the courageous stories of individuals who stood up against injustice and fought for equality through sit-ins that led to the desegregation of Tampa lunch counters in the 1960s. strazcenter.org TASTE AT THE STRAZ March 29, in and around the Straz Center. For one all-inclusive price, you’ll enjoy bites from Tampa Bay’s top chefs, sip on cocktails and craft brews, and watch live entertainment while supporting the Straz. strazcenter.org WINEFEST WEEKEND March 7 & 8, this fundraiser for the Tampa Theatre is themed “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Wine.” WineFest guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come in a Harry Potter-inspired costume. All proceeds support Tampa Theatre’s artistic, educational and community programming. tampatheatre.org VETERANS CREATIVE ARTS SHOWCASE March 30 at the Straz Center. The Art Gallery Social Hour begins at 2 pm; performances begin at 3 pm. Highlights the therapeutic use of the arts and the creative endeavors of Veterans. This is a free, nonticketed showcase, but registration is required for entry. strazcenter.org

JAZZ IN THE PARK March 8, 11:30 am - 6:30 pm at Cypress Grove Park. Orange County Parks and Recreation will celebrate the 13th annual Mayor’s Jazz in the Park. This is a free event emceed by jazz personality Yvonne LogginsColeman. Guests should bring lawn chairs and picnics or purchase from food trucks. ocfl.net WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL March 21-23 along Park Avenue in Winter Park. One of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious outdoor art festivals consistently ranked among the top juried fine art festivals in the country. wpsaf.org EPCOT INT’L FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL March 5 – June 2 at EPCOT. See living sculptures, exhibits, gardens, try new food created just for the festival, hear live music in the special concert series, shop special merchandise, plus enjoy everything you love about EPCOT. disneyworld.disney.go.com KRAFTWERK March 19, 8 pm at Dr. Phillips Center. Using innovative techniques, synthetic voices, and computerized rhythms, Kraftwerk has had a major international influence across an entire range of music genres: from electro to hip hop, from techno to synthpop since 1970. drphillipscenter.org BRUNCH IN THE PARK March 1 at noon at Gaston Edwards Park. Graze for hours on limitless delicious brunch bites, bloody marys, beer, mimosas, and cocktails. Hang out and hear live entertainment & eat for one all-inclusive price. This is Orlando’s ultimate brunch extravaganza! unitedwebrunch.com DIARY OF A WIMPY KID THE MUSICAL March 15 – April 20 at Orlando Family Stage. Based on the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series by Jeff Kinney and the 20th Century Fox Films. Middle School is the worst and Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. orlandofamilystage.com GLADYS KNIGHT March 11, 7:30 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center. Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. This seventime GRAMMY Award winner has enjoyed #1 hits in pop, gospel, R&B, and adult contemporary and has triumphed in film, television, and live performance. drphillipscenter.org DOGTOBERFEST March 22, 10 am – 6 pm at Krush Brau Park. Bring your four-legged pals! The day will have vendors, live music, the Florida Wiener Dog Derby Races, a face painter, pups, K9 demonstrations & much more. Enjoy German food, refreshing German beer, and a host of other exciting activities. dogtoberfest.us MIGHTY ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL March 14 – 17 at Raglan Road in Disney Springs. Award-winning imported Irish Bands and the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will perform throughout the festival along with five outside bars, and fun merch available for purchase. Reservations are encouraged for the restaurant. raglanroad.com INSIDIOUS: THE FURTHER YOU FEAR March 25, 7:30 pm at Dr. Phillips Center. This is a live horror experience combining state-of-theart lighting, and special FX. The audience can see, hear, and interact with the paranormal, enjoying a multi-sensory, interactive, and immersive experience just like the movie, reimagined for the theatre. drphillipscenter.org

COMMUNITYFEST March 1, 11 am – 4 pm in Central Park in Winter Haven. Guests can look forward to games, entertainment, character meet & greets, activities, and so much more. Family-friendly fun for the entire day. winterhavenchamber.com TOWERING WITH BROADWAY March 21, 7 pm at Bok Tower Gardens. Experience the magic of Broadway with a night of incredible music and entertainment featuring the talents of Steamin’ Jazz, Carillonneur Geert D’hollander, and special guests. boktowergardens.org LAKE WALES MARDI GRAS March 1 in downtown Lake Wales. Since 1984, this amazing parade and festival has brought excitement to Lake Wales with floats, beads, live music, food, and spirits. The parade is at 3 pm. lwmardigras.com FOREVER ELVIS ‘73 March 16, 7 pm at Polk Theatre in Lakeland. Dwight Icenhower is a five-time World Champion Elvis Presley Tribute Artist. He is considered to be one of the best in the world today. He has mastered the 50s, 60s, and 70s eras of Elvis’s career. polktheatre.org TIGERS SPRING TRAINING All games played at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. Mar 1: Phillies; Mar 3: Blue Jays; Mar 5: Phillies; Mar 7: Orioles; Mar 9: Pirates; Mar 12: Rays; Mar 13: Yankees; Mar 16: Orioles; Mar 17: Pirates; Mar 21: Yankees; Mar 22: Braves. mlb.com/tigers CYPRESS GARDENS SKI SHOW March 15, 3:30 pm at Lake Silver. Pre-show begins at 3:30pm, show begins at 4pm. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and cash for the 50/50 raffle. Concessions available for purchase. cypressgardensskiteam.com FIRST FRIDAY & CAR SHOW March 7, 5 – 8 pm. Centered around the downtown Winter Haven corridor, guests will enjoy specials from restaurants & shops, musicians at several locations, and a car show down Magnolia Ave. Check the socials for monthly specials @whfirstfriday. GREAT GATSBY BRUNCH March 29, 10 am at the Ritz Theatre. Guests will enjoy a brunch buffet and a live show featuring The Theatre Winter Haven Big Band with music taking you back to the Roaring 20s! theatrewinterhaven.com WAITRESS March 13 – 16 at Theatre Winter Haven. Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna fears she may have to abandon the dream of opening her own pie shop. theatrewinterhaven.com LAKELAND PUNK ROCK FLEA March 30, noon – 6 pm at Swan Brewing in downtown Lakeland. Over 70 eclectic market vendors, live music, and food trucks. Totally FREE event open to the public. Bring your kids, your friends, your pets, everyone! FB @lakelandpunkflea

WILD DARK SHORE By Charlotte McConaghy Dominic Salt and his children are the last remaining inhabitants of a tiny island near Antarctica that has been affected by climate change. When a woman washes ashore during a storm and finds a place in their family, their pasts— and secrets—may threaten their future together. THE CAMPING TRIP THAT CHANGED AMERICA By Barb Rosenstock In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt joined naturalist John Muir on a trip to Yosemite. Camping by themselves in the uncharted woods, the two men saw sights and held discussions that would ultimately lead to the establishment of our National Parks. THE LIGHT PIRATE By Lily Brooks-Dalton Born during a powerful hurricane, Wanda, an unusual woman in a rapidly changing world, loses family, gains community and ultimately seeks adventure, love and purpose in a place abandoned by civilization and remade by nature. REVENGE OF THE RACCOONS By Vivek Shraya Raccoons are hitting the streets to finally tell their story. The bushy-tailed bandits take over the town, swinging from cranes, scampering through subway cars, and pestering the police. The raccoons insist they aren’t pests, but survivors of the real invaders: humans. LAND OF MILK AND HONEY By C Pam Zhang Accepting a job at a decadent, mountaintop colony, a young chef, with the help of her enigmatic employer and his visionary daughter, is awakened to the pleasures of taste, touch and her own body until she is pushed beyond her boundaries in a plot to reshape the world far beyond the plate. THE CRAYONS LOVE OUR PLANET By Drew Daywalt The Crayons love our planet and are proud of their contributions. White ice caps, Green trees, Blue oceans and skies, Brown soil... and more! Even Beige is proud of his Wheat! BLUE SKIES By T.C. Boyle A satirical yet ultimately moving take on contemporary American life in the glare of climate change, the novel follows a social media influencer who buys a Burmese python from her local pet shop, setting in motion a series of increasingly dire events that ensnares her entire family. GREEN-EYED MONSTER By Carolyn Keene Nancy and her friends are delighted when they win a vacation at an eco-resort in Costa Rica, but they find their fun and relaxation challenged by a determined saboteur. THE BIG FIX By Hal Harvey and Justin Gillis Sharing first-hand accounts of people already making needed changes, an energy policy advisor and longtime New York Times reporter offers everyday citizens a guide to the seven essential changes our communities must enact to bring our greenhouse gas emissions down to zero. THE TREE AND ME By Deborah Zemke There’s a special 150-year-old oak tree outside the window of Bea’s classroom. When Bea’s nemesis climbs the tree, he gets in a lot of trouble--and that leads to even more trouble for everyone. “Concerned” citizens proclaim the tree a hazard and call for cutting it down. But the class won’t let that happen!

THE OVERSTORY By Richard Powers Spring is a time when the interconnectedness of life becomes vividly apparent, and “The Overstory” masterfully captures this intricate web. Powers weaves together multiple storylines, each rooted in a unique relationship with trees, highlighting the profound impact of the natural world on our lives. As the plot unfolds, we are drawn into a complex web of life that trees sustain and the stark realities of deforestation and climate change. Powers’ prose brings the characters to life and evokes a deep appreciation for the natural world. THE SEED KEEPER By Diane Wilson In this novel, history melds together with fiction that spans generations and showcases the Indigenous ways of being. The story follows Rosalie and her family as she explores the connection to her Dakota heritage and the enduring power of seeds. From a young age, she learns about the sacred relationship between seeds, land, and her family’s history, symbolizing sustenance, the preservation of Indigenous traditions, and a profound link to the past. Much like the seeds that lie dormant in the winter and burst forth with new life in the spring, Rosalie’s journey reminds us of the importance of preserving traditions and knowledge for future generations. THE LIGHT PIRATE By Lily Brooks-Dalton Spring is a time of liminality - suspended between the dormancy of winter and the full bloom of summer, a threshold where the world is in a state of flux. Liminality is the theme of this novel set in a not-too-distant Florida – where climate change and extreme weather claim the land and survival requires decisions and adaptations at every moment. The story explores the way in which we individually react to change we cannot control. The magic comes in the form of light transmitted in a new and powerful way, but is it magic or a natural adaptation? Brooks–Dalton brilliantly captures the changing landscape, complex characters, and the way joy and heartbreak exist together even in dire times. THE LANGUAGE OF TREES By Katie Holten This anthology explores how trees enrich our world, from their vital role in the ecosystem to their profound impact on our culture and spirit. This book is very unusual because it blends essays, poems, and visual art. Through each chapter, contributions from a diverse group of writers, scientists, and artists led us to discover how trees have shaped our history, inspired our creativity, and nourished our souls. This book is a love letter to the natural world and a call to reconnect with the wisdom and beauty of trees. LATE MIGRATIONS By Margaret Renkl In this book, Renkl explores the cycles of life through an interconnecting series of essays on the passage of time that touch on both joy and grief. Paired beautifully with illustrations from her brother, Billy, Renkl’s deep connection to the natural world leaps off the page through her writing. This book is both lyrical and accessible, filled with vivid descriptions of flora and fauna that mirror the themes of growth and change within her own life in the Deep South. Enjoy these short essays on repeat - a springtime ritual you keep returning to savor. MOTHERING SUNDAY By Graham Swift Set in a single day - March 30, 1924, the story centers on Jane Fairchild, a young housemaid who spends this one significant day with her longtime lover, Paul Sheringham, the heir to a wealthy family. This encounter unfolds against the backdrop of societal changes and personal aspirations, creating a tapestry of emotion and reflection. The narrative explores Jane’s memories, the choices that shape her identity, and the impact of the war on the lives of those around her, delving into themes of forbidden love and the search for meaning. THE ENCHANTED APRIL By Elizabeth von Arnim Yes, this book is set in April and not March, but the charming tale, “The Enchanted April,” is the perfect spring read. Four women from very different backgrounds venture to an enchanting Italian castle for a month-long escape from their mundane lives in England. As the women experience the joys of sun-drenched days, they confront their struggles and insecurities, and in the process, each undergoes a transformative journey. This is a bright and sensory read - filled with beautiful descriptions of the natural beauty of the Italian Riviera.

Reading with Rescues is a fun and engaging community program for K-8th grade students to visit Hope Equine Rescue and read to a horse, donkey, or mule supervised, but unassisted, for approximately 30 minutes. Typically held on the second Friday of each month, the February date has been moved a week earlier due to `Valentine’s Day. Students are welcome to bring their own reading material or borrow from the library of donated books. After reading, students will have a “petting experience” where they will pet an equine, view a grooming demonstration, and get to ask a horse handler questions. There is also time for a special craft activity and a snack for the students to enjoy, but please note: it is not permitted to give any treats or food to any horses. Some of them have very strict diets due to allergies or other health conditions. Sorry, carrots are actually considered treats! Why Read to Horses For the students: • Build literacy skills • Strengthen confidence speaking out loud in a non-judgmental atmosphere • Develop a stronger vocabulary • Increase attention span • Promote empathy For the horses: • Introduction to children in a safe, controlled environment • Exposure to multiple people and situations • Builds trust in humans • Attention and love! The Details • All parents/guardians and students are required to sign a waiver, and an adult is required to stay on the property while the student is reading. • This is a working farm. Please wear closed-toed shoes. • A $5 donation per student is requested. • It is recommended to bring a chair for the student to sit in front of the horse stall. • Registration is available on the Facebook page @readingwithrescues. • If you would like to volunteer to assist with this program or have any questions, please email the coordinators, Lisa & Kristen Rice at readingwithrescues@hopeequinerescue.com . More Events The Rescue frequently hosts special educational workshops and fundraising events such as the very popular “Trot or Treat” (October), “Wine at the Barn” (November), and “Christmas at the Barn” (December). These events are organized and operated by an important and dedicated group of volunteers. In fact, the Rescue has no full-time employees! Volunteers (over the age of 14) can submit an application and attend an orientation and then sign up to work these events in addition to regular “barn chores” held throughout the weekdays. There is even a Teen Night for high school students to earn community service hours. Barn chores may include mucking stalls, cleaning water troughs, grooming and bathing horses, applying topical ointments and medications, sweeping, and practicing arena work like obstacle training and even riding. It is rigorous and sometimes physically demanding, and very satisfying! Taylor Clements, a part-time worker and recent graduate of the University of Florida in Equine Science says, “I enjoy working at Hope because of the second opportunities that these equines get. Watching them get their second chance at life is very special. I also enjoy learning from Dani. She puts a lot into this organization, she is superhuman and has taught me so many things that no degree can teach you.” Taylor began to have an interest in horses when she was eight years old and learned to ride from Dani Horton. “She was my foundation and introduction to equine and opened so many doors for my future.” All of this training led to her internship in the summer of 2023 and her current employment. “Horses are highly intelligent, emotional animals with unique personalities. They form strong bonds with humans and other animals, and they deserve respect, care, and kindness. Rescue work is hard. Supporting your local rescue even if you can’t adopt or are not a horse person, makes a difference,” she continued. How to Help While the Rescue was not intended to be a sanctuary, meaning animals live there but are not usually adopted, it is currently home to about 50 equines, some of which are permanent residents due to their health conditions. Think: Retirement Home for Horses! However, some of the equines are in training and available for adoption for a small fee. The Rescue works closely with the Polk County Sheriff’s office to provide a safe haven for abused/neglected and unclaimed equines. The Rescue relies heavily on individual contributions. Consider giving a tax-deductible donation today! Entrepreneurs and business owners are also encouraged to inquire about corporate sponsorship opportunities. Hope Equine Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 2008, founded by Dani Horton and the Horton family when they took in their first rescue that they named Hope. If you would like to volunteer, please email the Volunteer Coordinator, Megan Atkinson, at volunteer@hopeequinerescue.com . Hoofs & Hearts February 7, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm Register on FB @readingwithrescues Hope Equine Rescue 3805 High Street NE, Winter Haven 863-287-7503 hopeequinerescue.com Photos Provided