I. Amid the chaos of a malfunctioning shark and blockbuster ambition, it was the stillness of a story—told low and slow in the belly of a boat—that gave “Jaws” (1975) an inexorable sense of reality, serving to heighten fears imagined. Robert Shaw’s portrayal of Quint, recounting the horrors of the USS Indianapolis, etched itself into film legend. Shaw seemed to summon the performance from his marrow— something personal, something primal. It evoked the late-night tales told by weathered elders beside dwindling fires—stories of horror and survival, laced with gallows humor and told with such directness they left an impression long after memory let go of the details. Tales that felt too harrowing to be true, yet too vivid to be false. The monologue would serve as proof that blockbuster spectacle could pause for something as intimate as personal testimony. I’d argue that it still serves to remind film viewers and film makers alike of the character development necessary to leverage bombast with believability creating the pathway for our connection to the story. II. Born in Westhoughton, England, in 1927 and raised amid the rugged coastlines of the Orkney Islands, Robert Shaw’s early life contained the vivid shades and central characters that oftentimes make society’s storytellers. In a biography released last month by Christopher Shaw Myers, titled “Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life on the Set of ‘JAWS’ and Beyond,” a chapter detailing his audition for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art reveals a young Robert Shaw eschewing traditional performance pieces, instead reciting the poem “As I Walked One Evening” by W.H. Autumn. When his choice was questioned, he offered a critical analysis to his judges. Only after they’d heard his explanation of his first selection did he perform Marc Antony’s soliloquy from “Julius Caesar,” gaining him admittance to the academy. It was an early glimpse of a mind equally at home in interpretation and creation—a dual gift that would inform his later screen work, including his most iconic. He began his theatrical career with the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, performing in “Macbeth,” “Cymbeline,” and “Henry VIII,” and later toured Australia and joined the Old Vic company. His career expanded—moving from Shakespeare to modern drama and television, and eventually across the Atlantic. Shaw’s versatility extended beyond performance: he was a novelist and playwright, publishing works like “The Hiding Place” and “The Sun Doctor,” which won the Hawthornden Prize, as well as “The Man in the Glass Booth,” later adapted for the stage and screen. III. The USS Indianapolis monologue isn’t just a standout moment in “Jaws,” it’s the scene where the film stops breathing. In just a few minutes, a summer blockbuster pivots into something more intimate and literary. The speech anchors Quint’s worldview in lived history, giving shape to his sense of fatalism and the eternal battle with the most tangible element in the series of events that informed the rest of his life. Though the authorship has long been debated, most agree the idea was first introduced by Howard Sackler, the uncredited writer who adapted the Peter Benchley novel and screenplay. He used his naval background to further develop the character of Quint through historical weight and lived experience. His initial version, reportedly two pages long, was a bump in a road that had many. By Spielberg’s account, the scene went through a number of drafts, with contributions solicited from writers like John Milius, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, and Paul Schrader. Still, none of the versions fully captured the tone Spielberg wanted—until Robert Shaw stepped in. As a novelist and playwright in his own right, Shaw received the many drafts, revised them, and returned one night to dinner with a handful of pages, announcing, “I think I’ve got that pesky speech licked.” Spielberg agreed. Screenwriter Carl Gottlieb later credited Shaw with not just editing the piece, but transforming it—crafting the speech that now lives on in cinematic memory. Shaw synthesized the raw material into something singular, structured with a novelist’s instinct and performed with perfect restraint. IV. The postwar cultural landscape was saturated with stories of loss, heroism, and stoicism—all of which informed Shaw’s interpretive choices. Quint is a product of that world—a figure whose bravado is laced with unresolved trauma. Shaw’s understanding informed the tone of his performance: measured, weighted, and deeply aware of what wasn’t being said. His story unfolds like a long-rehearsed truth—raw, rhythmically composed, and impossible to dismiss. In that moment, the machinery of the film yields to the gravity of the human voice. The world on screen and the one off it stand still, listening. Shaw’s performance is unhurried. He builds tension through repetition—“Sometimes the shark would go away, sometimes he wouldn’t.” He paints pictures with restraint—“Black eyes. Like a doll’s eyes.” The rhythm mimics waves. The tone mimics testimony. And the silence that follows it mimics reverence. V. Fifty years later, the scene remains an apex of characterdriven cinema. It is cited in screenwriting manuals, dissected in classrooms, and remembered not merely as a standout movie moment living in our cultural consciousness, but as a story we all heard once—some sitting behind a screen fifty years ago, some as a film ritual every Fourth of July, and some only in the form of parody. Yes, there are those among us who haven’t yet seen “Jaws”—but tease not, for it is they who are within reach of a first viewing we’d all love a chance to live again. So, raise a glass of apricot brandy. Let the screen dim and celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of a scene crewed by the talents of many but captained by one.

Gardening is a fun hobby for many people, but when it feels like there is a lot of work to do and the weather is hot, landscape maintenance can start to feel overwhelming. With a few simple strategies, you can make routine garden chores a bit easier and maybe even a little more fun. Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers have some “gardening hacks” to help make your time in the yard both productive and pleasant. REDUCE PHYSICAL STRAIN 1. RAISE YOUR WORKSPACE Do you have plants to divide or seeds to start? Dividing or propagating plants doesn’t have to mean kneeling on the ground. Set up a sturdy table near your landscape bed. A folding card table works well—top it with an old cutting board and keep your favorite hand tools nearby. Working at table height can reduce back and knee strain, particularly for those with mobility concerns. 2. CREATE A POTTING STATION Designate a shady area in your yard for a simple potting table using concrete blocks and wooden boards. A potting table does not have to be elaborate or expensive. A dedicated space makes it easier to repot plants, start cuttings, and keep tools organized. Creating an ergonomic workspace can reduce fatigue and improve gardening enjoyment. 3. DON’T OVERDO IT Central Florida is hot and humid in the summer, and it is important to stop working before you are tired. Pace yourself. Plan time to clean and store tools at the end of your gardening session. Regular maintenance not only extends tool life but also keeps your yard tidy and reduces the burden of unfinished tasks. Take an few minutes to view the results of all your hard work at the end…with a glass of water in hand! GARDEN TOOL TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS 1. USE A BUCKET FOR TOOLS Do you often lose tools if you are doing a lot of work around your yard? Instead of setting them down in the grass, consider using a bucket. Keep a 5-gallon bucket nearby to carry your hand tools. As you work, return tools to the bucket instead of setting them down in the grass. This reduces the chance of misplacing them and keeps them clean. 2. MAINTAIN YOUR TOOLS After working in the yard, take time to clean your tools. Sharp, clean tools make garden work significantly easier. After each use, clean off soil, sharpen blades as needed, and lightly oil metal parts. Inexpensive pruner sharpeners are widely available and make a noticeable difference. A well-maintained tool lasts longer and performs better. 3. WEEDING MADE EASIER Many Master Gardener Volunteers find that bending down to pull weeds can really be a pain and suggest using a “scuffle” or “strap” hoe. These hoes are easy on the back and ideal for maintaining mulched beds. USDA has a free tutorial to make a hoe out of materials that are typically thrown away, check it out here: youtube/woHNgHkbWzA. 4. REMOVE ROOTS EASILY When digging up large, established plants, use loppers or a reciprocating saw to cut through tough roots. This technique can save time and reduce physical effort compared to struggling with a shovel alone. 5. USE A SHORT-HANDLED SHOVEL Planting annuals and perennials and feel that a garden shovel is too big for the task? A short-handled shovel offers more precision than a traditional spade while still being large enough to dig appropriately sized holes. There are many gardening hacks that can make yard maintenance a bit easier as the weather heats up. Remember, our growing conditions in central Florida are different than other locations, and UF/IFAS Extension Polk County and the Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers can help guide you and answer questions you have about landscape maintenance. 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 through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. If you are interested in purchasing a garden journal, contact the Plant Clinic. If you are not in Polk County, contact your local UF/ IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic. To learn more about gardening and landscaping in central Florida, listen to the “Your Central Florida Yard” podcast, or find out more on our Substack: substack.com/@yourcentralfloridayard . An Equal Opportunity Institution. Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.edu

As we dive into Lakes Appreciation Month, let’s take a look at one of Polk County’s most distinctive water bodies, Lake Hancock. Nestled between Bartow, Lakeland, and Winter Haven, Lake Hancock is one of the largest lakes in the county, covering 4,583 acres. It is second only to Lake Weohyakapka (“Walk in Water”) for the title of the largest lake fully within Polk County’s border. However, size is just one of the lake’s attributes; Lake Hancock also plays a vital role in the Peace River Basin watershed and in linking Florida’s green spaces, supporting water resources and habitat connectivity throughout Polk County and beyond! HANCOCK’S HEADWATERS One of Florida’s key water systems is the watershed—an area of land that channels rainfall and groundwater into creeks, streams, and rivers, eventually reaching bays, harbors, and the ocean. Lake Hancock is a headwaters lake, meaning it’s one of the starting points for the Peace River Basin watershed. Water that flows out of the Lake Hancock outlet travels to the Peace River, then south through several counties before finally making its way to Charlotte Harbor on the Gulf Coast. This direct connection to the Peace River, coastal estuaries, and the Gulf makes what happens in and around Lake Hancock especially important—not just for Polk County, but for the entire watershed and its downstream communities. Supporting the ecosystems of Lake Hancock in turn supports the Peace River and everyone who depends on it–animals and humans alike. BUT LAKE HANCOCK IS SO … GREEN? The Florida Department of Environmental Protection considers Lake Hancock an “impaired” lake, meaning that its water quality isn’t as good as we would like it to be. But the green water you might notice in Lake Hancock is not necessarily a bad thing. You may hear biologists refer to green lakes as “eutrophic” or “biologically productive,” which simply means that they produce a lot of life from the excess nutrients in the water column. Think about it this way–the algae that grow in these lakes support a ton of small fish, which then support larger fish, which then support alligators and birds, and so on! WILDLIFE CORRIDOR CONNECTIONS Lake Hancock and its surrounding green spaces don’t just facilitate the movement of water—these natural areas create what is known as a wildlife corridor, forming linkages between larger habitats and allowing animals to move safely across the landscape. For wide-ranging species like bears, deer, and the Florida panther, connected habitats are crucial for finding food, mates, and shelter. As development continues to expand, preserving and linking natural areas becomes increasingly important to prevent habitat fragmentation, which can isolate wildlife populations and limit their chances of survival. LAKE HANCOCK AND HURRICANE RESILIENCE One of the many important functions of Lake Hancock during and after major weather events is its ability to collect and store amazing amounts of excess rainwater and help prevent flooding. Unfortunately, high water combined with strong winds can cause damage to the shoreline around the lake, as seen after Hurricanes Irma and Milton, with the closure of Alligator Alley. Fortunately, following each of these storms, important restoration work around Lake Hancock helped showcase hurricane resilience and lake rehabilitation. Thanks to efforts by Polk County Parks and Natural Resources, the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP), and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), parts of the lake’s shoreline were restored with native plants and stronger barriers to protect against future erosion. Shoreline vegetation stabilizes sediments and slows runoff, helping to reduce flooding and keep water clearer during heavy periods of rain and wave action. It also gives fish, birds, turtles, and other aquatic wildlife places to feed and reproduce. Continued shoreline restoration results in increased wildlife habitat, cleaner headwaters for the Peace River, and a more pristine natural area! HOW YOU CAN HELP LAKE HANCOCK THRIVE Everyone can play a role in the continued health and improvement of Lake Hancock and its surrounding green spaces, even with seemingly small actions. Here are a few simple ways to help: · Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste, redirect gutters from the driveway to the yard, and keep grass clippings on your lawn. · Adopt Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles or add native Florida plants to your yard. · Learn about local conservation efforts and get involved! · Spread the word! Share this article or something you learned with a friend! To learn more about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and how they can help lower pollution levels in the Peace River watershed, contact our Master Gardener Plant Clinic at 863-519-1067 or via text at (838) 868-0066. If you’re interested in getting more involved in local conservation efforts, check out these local groups: Florida Native Plant Society’s Heartland Chapter, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, Lakes Region Audubon Society, Ancient Islands Sierra Club, All Florida, and Polk Forever. As we celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month, remember how lucky we are to have natural spaces like this right in our backyards—and how much power we have to keep them healthy! Lake Hancock is much more than just one of Polk County’s lakes; it’s a lifeline for downstream waters, a pathway for wildlife, and an everyday reminder of hurricane recovery and habitat restoration. For more information, please reach out to us at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County or directly to our office via email ( scarnevale@ufl.edu ). Looking for ‘learning on the go’? Check out the “Naturally Florida” podcast, available on all major podcast platforms.

Parlor Doughnuts We couldn’t let National Doughnut Day pass without treating ourselves to something special, so we made our way to Parlor Doughnuts in Downtown Lakeland. Known for their signature layered doughnuts, this spot offers a unique take on the classic pastry. They also offer breakfast sandwiches and delightful drinks. This place should definitely be on your list to visit if you haven’t already. Read more about Parlor Doughnuts at goodfoodpolk.com . Parlor Doughnuts 351 E Bay St, Lakeland Read more at GOODFOODPOLK.COM FB & IG @goodfoodpolk

JULY 4 CELEBRATION July 4, 4 – 10 p.m. at Armature Works. This family-friendly fun includes a boat parade, a hot dog eating contest, a Kids Zone with bounce houses, live music by Michael Ray, and fireworks over the water, of course. Benefits K9s for Warriors. armatureworks.com CHRISTMAS IN JULY July 24, 6:30 p.m. at the Oxford Exchange. This event is filled with holiday cheer and shopping! From handmade crafts to fashion, they will have it. Support local artisans and small businesses while enjoying a festive atmosphere. Grab a glass of champagne, mingle with fellow shoppers, and discover your new favorite place in Tampa. bookstore.oxfordexchange.com JULY 4 BOAT PARADE July 4th parade, plus a Water Ski Show, the Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks! Join everyone as they celebrate military heroes with a patriotic display on the water. Boats will be decorated in red, white, and blue and will compete for the most patriotic boat. Registration is required to participate in the boat parade. Spectators are free. thetampariverwalk.com ICE CREAM FESTIVAL July 20, Celebrate National Ice Cream Day on the St. Pete Pier with the Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival. Enjoy ice cream and other sweet frozen treats (for purchase) from over a dozen vendors serving their best creations. Be the judge and vote for the Best Ice Cream Award in Tampa Bay. Free to enter. visitstpeteclearwater.com BUSCH GARDENS VIP TOUR You’re the guest of honor in this private, guided tour. From front-ofthe-line access on your favorite rides to up-close animal encounters and feeding opportunities, plus lunch at your favorite restaurant, this tour will provide the elite experience. Advance reservations are preferred and can be booked online at buschgardens.com or by phone at (813) 884-4FUN. SCIENCE AFTER DARK July 11, 6 – 9 p.m. at MOSI. This is an adults-only event! Enjoy beer and wine samples, appetizers, liquid nitrogen ice cream, and handson science experiments with new technologies, exploring scientific principles, and more. Head over to the all-new Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre for a journey through the cosmos. mosi.org PUFFS July 9 – Aug. 3 at the Straz. For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain school and conquered evil. You Know Who He Is. This is not his story, sorry, but that of those who also happened to be there, too. This is a new look at a familiar adventure at a very dangerous magic school for kids. strazcenter.org ART ON THE SPECTRUM July 27, 9 – 11 a.m. at the Tampa Museum of Art. Enjoy the museum in a calm, low-crowd environment with sensory-friendly tools and supportive assistance available. You can borrow noise-canceling headphones or other sensory items from the front desk as well. tampamuseum.org VOICES OF COLOR July 11 – 19 at the Carrollwood Players Mainstage. Featuring eight original short plays in one theatrical experience. Audiences will enjoy an eclectic mix of short plays telling Black stories, featuring comedy, drama, and everything in between. This exciting event provides Black playwrights with an opportunity to see their work produced. carrollwoodplayers.org FLAVORS OF SPAIN DINNER July 29, 7 pm at The Dali. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully designed evening with Chef Chris Artrip of The Black Pearl. This exclusive event offers an opportunity to indulge in a carefully crafted menu honoring Dalí’s homeland, paired with specially selected drinks, all set against the backdrop of the museum. thedali.org

FIREWORKS AT THE FOUNTAIN July 4, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Lake Eola Park. Enjoy live entertainment, family-friendly fun, and food & beverages will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors. At 9:10 p.m., the sky will illuminate with fireworks set to a live patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band. orlando.gov DIARY OF A WIMPY KID July 18 – 27 at Orlando Family Stage by the Youth Academy. Grab a hall pass, and don’t be late for an adventure familiar to anyone who survived middle school with this hilarious and heartfelt musical. orlandofamilystage.com DISNEY H20 GLOW Select nights throughout July at Typhoon Lagoon at WDW. This is a limited capacity ticketed event. Experience the water park illuminated at night. Enjoy complimentary treats, lower wait times, and a DJ dance party! disneyworld.disney.go.com ACCESS TO ALL AT OMA July 17, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Orlando Museum of Art. Free admission for all visitors! Enjoy live performances, educational experiences, and more. Sketching materials will be available between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Plus, take a docent-led tour that will begin at 7 p.m. omart.org WICKED THE EXPERIENCE Throughout July at Universal Orlando. Step into the world of “Wicked” with film costumes, prop replicas, and Elphaba and Glindathemed photo ops. Legendary artists have also collaborated on a collection featuring Wicked-inspired prints on apparel, accessories, home goods, and treats. Located inside Hollywood. universalorlando.com JAZZ COMMON GROUND July 16, 7 p.m. at Judson’s Live at Dr. Phillips Center. The next generation of jazz. Brothers Jack and Jacob Kaiser are young musicians playing an integral part in the viral jazz renaissance of the post-internet age. They’ll sync up with rising talent Gerald Law II on drums and Will Patrick on guitar. drphillipscenter.org RUN, WHITE & BLUE 5K July 5, 7:30 a.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando. This is a family-friendly walk or fun run. The race takes place on the back 9 of the 18-hole championship course. After the race, have some champagne or a mimosa and healthy snack options. Register in advance at runsignup.com/Race/FL/Orlando/runwhiteandblue5k . MERMAID EXTRAVAGANZA July 26, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Dr. James R. Smith Pool. This event features music, dancing, food, a photobooth, vendors, meditation, games & activities, CPR demonstrations, a swim lesson for all ages, and more! Purchase tickets in advance at orlando.gov . BEGINNER WATERCOLORS July 11, 1 p.m. at Leu Gardens. Learn to paint a picture of watermelon. All supplies are included, ages 12 and up. You will get a step-by-step instruction for painting your own creation. No previous experience required. Registration includes admission to the gardens before or after class. Register on eventbrite under Harry P. Leu Gardens. FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING July 29, 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. This virtual webinar will focus on sustainable landscaping practices that are intended to reduce water, fertilizer, and pesticides by properly selecting and maintaining plants that thrive, provide nutrients and habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife, and help keep pollution out of our waterways. Register in advance at orlando.gov .

SUMMER STORYTIME July 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 at the Florida Air Museum. Listen as they bring stories to life and create amazing, interactive learning experiences for your Junior ACE’s – exploring the universe, one adventure at a time! StoryTime is free and access to the Aviation Playground is included. aceedu.org RED, WHITE & BOOM! At LEGOLAND Florida Resort on July 4 from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Get in the patriotic spirit with special activities, a DJ Dance Party, and an unforgettable fireworks display with LEGO® bricks illuminating the sky through special 3D viewing glasses. legoland.com/florida TIKI TAKEOVER! July 19, 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Bowen Yard. Hula dancers, fire dancers, tiki cocktails by Maritime, and luau-inspired food for purchase. A ticket includes a souvenir cup and two tiki cocktails. Drinks available for purchase on-site without a ticket at $12/each. centralfloridatix.com RED, WHITE & KABOOM The Red, White & Kaboom Independence Celebration will take place at Lake Mirror along the Frances Langford Promenade on Thursday, July 3, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Live music will entertain the crowd before a spectacular fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. downtownlkld.com POLK COUNTY BURGER WEEK July 18 – 27. A county-wide celebration of all things burger, where you can find unique burgers and special pricing at dozens of restaurants all over Polk County! Check out polkcountyburgerweek. com for participating locations. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN July 11 – 27 at the Lakeland Community Theatre. Based on the hit film and true story, “Catch Me If You Can” is the high-flying musical comedy about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com CHRISTMAS IN JULY July 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Lake Mirror Auditorium. A fun, free indoor event the whole family can enjoy! The Christmas in July Celebration features free photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, face painting, arts & crafts, and more. Food, drinks, and local vendors will be on site. Hosted by Tri-County Human Services. FB @TriCountyHumanServicesInc SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K July 12, 7 a.m. at Lake Hollingsworth. Race two of three summer races by the Lakeland Runners Club. This series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. lakelandrunnersclub.org LITTLE MERMAID JR. July 26 – Aug. 3 at the Gem Theatre. Presented by The Missing Piece Theatre. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home and her fins behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, and make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula. centralfloridatix.com JAWS VIEWING PARTY July 17, 6 p.m. at Grove Roots Brewing. Visit the Packing House for a themed watch party that includes Jaws trivia, exclusive merch, and a special intro by Jeremy Gardner. Narragansett will be served! More info on FB @groverootsbrewing.

MAIN STREET MONSTERS Throughout the month of July, hosted by Main Street Winter Haven. The not-so-scary monsters will be taking over the streets of Downtown Winter Haven, and they want you to find them! Kids will love trying to find all of the “monsters” and taking a pic with them. Play along for prizes & fun! FB @MainStreetWinterHaven POLK COUNTY BURGER WEEK July 18 – 27. A county-wide celebration of all things burger! Find unique burgers and special pricing at dozens of restaurants all over Polk County. Check out polkcountyburgerweek.com for participating locations. RED, WHITE & BOOM! LEGOLAND Florida Resort on July 4 from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Get in the patriotic spirit with special activities, a DJ Dance Party, and an unforgettable fireworks display with LEGO® bricks illuminating the sky through special 3D viewing glasses. legoland.com/florida SUMMER SPLASH BASH July 18, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Larry Parrish Baseball Complex in Haines City. Join the City of Haines City staff for water slides, a foam party, and other activities! Free & everyone is welcome. Visit facebook.com/ hainescity or contact the Parks & Recreation office at 863-421-3700. ROCKIN’ FREEDOM FEST July 3, 6 p.m. at MLK Park. Enjoy live music by the Bay Kings Band, a ski show by the Cypress Gardens Ski Team, food trucks, and a rockin’ fireworks show at sundown! Bring your chairs or blankets, this free event is open to the entire community. FB @winterhavenflorida THE MOTOWNERS July 15, 5 p.m. or 8 p.m. at The Ritz in downtown Winter Haven. This is the ultimate tribute show to Motown music. Listen and watch as your favorite songs are performed live. This show is a journey that pays loving tribute to the fantastic history of Motown Music with the look, moves, and amazing vocal harmonies. theatrewinterhaven.com SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K July 12, 7 a.m. at Lake Hollingsworth. Race two of three summer races by the Lakeland Runners Club. This series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. lakelandrunnersclub.org TIKI TAKEOVER! July 19, 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Bowen Yard. Hula dancers, fire dancers, tiki cocktails by Maritime, and luau-inspired food for purchase. A ticket includes a souvenir cup and two tiki cocktails. Drinks available for purchase on-site without a ticket at $12/each. centralfloridatix.com JAWS VIEWING PARTY July 17, 6 p.m. at Grove Roots Brewing. Visit the Packing House for a themed watch party that includes Jaws trivia, exclusive merch, and a special intro by Jeremy Gardner. Narragansett will be served! More info on FB @groverootsbrewing. FRUIT FEST July 12, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Discover the world of tropical fruit! Start your morning with plant lectures by leading horticulture experts. The fun continues as you sip, sample, and delight in an assortment of fruits and gourmet dishes from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. boktowergardens.org

FEVER BEACH By Carl Hiaasen A dim-witted Proud Boys reject becomes entangled in a bizarre web of corruption and intrigue involving a hitchhiker, a con artist, an eccentric millionaire and a power-hungry politician in the new novel by the best-selling author. MURDER TAKES A VACATION By Laura Lippman Former private investigator and middle-aged widow Muriel Blossom’s vacation on a Parisian river cruise turns into a deadly international mystery … that only she can solve. THE SUMMER THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING By Brenda Novak A disgraced prodigal daughter returns to her beach town home to delve into its deadly past. The problem is, there are plenty of people in this small coastal town who would prefer things to stay quiet. BEACH HOUSE RULES By Kristy Woodson Harvey When Charlotte’s husband is jailed for fraud, she and her daughter, Iris, are shunned by their town. An invitation from the enigmatic Alice to stay at her infamous “mommune” offers a chance at redemption. BEACH READS AND DEADLY DEEDS By Allison Brennan A risk-averse bibliophile gets in over her head when strange notes in a book draw her into a real-life investigation. TOTAL DREAMBOAT By Katelyn Doyle A rom-com about what happens when a cruise ship romance goes … overboard. When Hope and Felix go from shipboard fling to stranded in paradise, they must work together to make their way home. MY FRIENDS By Fredrik Backman New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later. A MARRIAGE AT SEA By Sophie Elmhirst A couple seeking escape sells everything to sail the world, but after a whale sinks their boat, they endure months adrift in a raft, battling starvation, inner demons and the ultimate test of their relationship in this true-life survival struggle. HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION By Mark Teague Most kids go to camp, or Grandma’s house, or maybe they’re stuck at home all summer, but not Wallace. Instead, he was carried off by cowboys and taught the ways of the West--from riding buckin’ broncos to roping cattle. Lucky for Aunt Fern, he showed up at her house just in time to divert a stampede from her barbecue party! MR. SUNNY IS FUNNY By Dan Gutman Second grader A.J. is taking a much-needed summer vacation with his family. But all bets are off when Andrea and her family rent the beach house next door. Not even the funny beach lifeguard Mr. Sunny can save them from this weird summer!

CLOSE TO SHORE BY MICHAEL CAPUZZO The real-life inspiration behind the Jaws mythos— this gripping narrative of the 1916 Jersey Shore shark attacks reads like a thriller. Capuzzo paints a vivid picture of the period while building just the right amount of dread. If you’ve ever wondered how a single shark changed everything, this is the place to start. SHARK HEART BY EMILY HABECK A genre-bender: part magical realism, part quiet love story, told in prose, poetry, and script. A man slowly transforms into a great white shark. It’s weird, symbolic, and surprisingly moving—a deep dive into love, loss, and what it means to change when change is unavoidable. JAWS: MEMORIES FROM MARTHA’S VINEYARD BY MATT TAYLOR Packed with behind-thescenes photographs, local stories, and insider insight, this detailed account brings the summer of 1974 vividly to life. With newly added material and neverbefore-seen images, this is a heartfelt tribute to the islanders who helped shape movie history. THE SHARK CLUB BY ANN KIDD TAYLOR Bitten by a shark as a child, the main character grows up to be a marine biologist— and that early encounter shapes everything. There’s romance, mystery, and a strong sense of place (hello, Florida Keys). Less Jaws, more saltwater-soaked second chances. JAWS BY PETER BENCHLEY This is the classic. It’s lean, mean, and still delivers that creeping dread of something circling just out of sight. The book is pulpier than the movie—more brutal, more adult, and a bit more cynical. The shark’s scary, sure, but so are the humans. It’s a beach read that still bites. AN OCEAN LIFE BY T.R. COTWELL This one’s for readers looking for a twist. After a diver is attacked by a great white, he wakes to find himself seeing through the shark’s eyes. What unfolds is part survival story, part family drama, and part metaphysical puzzle—a fresh, visceral journey into the deep. MEG BY STEVE ALTEN Take Jaws, pump it full of prehistoric steroids, and drop it into the Mariana Trench. The Meg is overthe-top in all the best ways— perfect for readers who want their shark stories bigger, louder, and packed with bite. Just suspend disbelief and enjoy the chaos. SHARKS DON’T SINK BY JASMIN GRAHAM Marine biologist Jasmin Graham invites readers into the world of shark science, sharing fascinating insights into behavior, conservation, and the realities of fieldwork. As a woman of color in a space that hasn’t always welcomed her, she blends science with deeply personal reflection. Bold, clear-eyed, and essential. WHALEFALL BY DANIEL KRAUS A surreal survival story where a diver ends up trapped inside a sperm whale after a dive goes wrong. Yes, inside. Strange, poetic, and tense, this novel explores fear, grief, and awe in equal measure. Not a shark story exactly, but it swims in the same deep waters of wonder and terror.

We teamed up with the very talented James Huffstutler at the Central Florida Photo Club and invited our amazing readers to snap and share their best shots with the theme “People and Places of Polk County”— and wow, did you deliver. From February 28 to April 27, we received over 180 stunning submissions! Choosing which ones to feature in the magazine was no easy task (seriously, can we get more pages next time?!). If we could, we’d show off every single photo—because they were all that good. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who shared a slice of Polk through their lens. Keep clicking, keep capturing, and keep showing us the beauty all around you! “When in Doubt, Air It Out” by Whiskey Roller (chosen as cover of Haven Magazine) “Southgate Bug” by April Moser (chosen as cover of LKLD Magazine) “Hot Air Over Posner” Jenni Gregory “Dreams Slipped Away” Scott Audette “A Taste of Summer Love” Braylee Pardue “JJ from Lucille’s” Tyler Meadows “Sun and Field” Keith McCullough “Home Run Hitter” Cassidy Lovato “Market Day” Giovanna Favilli-Vigoreaux “Potting Bench” Tyler Meadows “Lady Bird” Valerie Morrow “On the Berm” David Stanick “Senior Games” Leticia Yglesias “Polk Princess” Natalie Stover “Hay Day Y’all!” Sally DC “Bone Valley Witness” Sarah Brewington Baarns “Imagine” Katy Walters “Ballet on Water” Lynn Novakowski “Scrub Scavengers” Garnet Bailey “Lake Wales Downtown” Keith McCullough “FLW at FSC” Kimberly C. Moore “The Last in Town” Alex Lawrence “Leedy” Austin Tharp “On the Corner of Super Way and Recker Hwy” Elaine Santibáñez “The Ascent” Jeremy McGuire “The Rotosphere” D. Buckner Photography “Harmony in Reflection” Heather Earl “Born on the Bayou” Amanda McCallister “Cruising Down Orange St.” Matt Fitz “Sandmine Road” Jenni Gregory “The Red Building” Levi Houston “Polk Theater Marquee” Alexander McLendon “Breaking Barriers” Andy Glowgower “Duck Tower” Julian Torres “Bovine Vista” Lisette Ramos “1, 2, 3, 4... I Declare a Thumb War” Susan Pasquale “Brew Pup at Grove Roots” Tyler Meadows “Lake Hollingsworth Otter” Echoes of Motion “Fleece Frame” Lisette Ramos “Lurking Gator” by Franky Porcaro

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF My name is James Huffstutler. I am a hobbyist photographer living in Winter Haven, Florida, with my wife and kids. My father was in the Air Force growing up, but we settled in Winter Haven around 2003. I graduated from Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School in 2011 and Florida Southern College in 2014. WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN PHOTOGRAPHY? I have been interested in photography since I was a young child. I remember spending hours poring over old family photos, asking my parents for a disposable camera any chance I got, and posing my toys in elaborate scenes and using our camera to take photos of them. In 2014, I picked up an old film camera at a yard sale and shot a roll of film. It really reignited my interest in photography, and I found a vibrant active community of other photographers still shooting film all over the world. WHAT WAS THE FIRST PHOTO YOU WERE REALLY PROUD OF? My most memorable photo was taking my daughter’s first photos in the hospital right after she was born. This was mid-2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic, which meant no one was allowed to visit the hospitals, including outside photographers. I packed up my medium format film camera and a few weeks later, when I developed the film, I was very happy to have beautiful, high-quality, and very precious photos of our newborn. SELF-TAUGHT, TUTORIALS, WORKSHOPS? Photography for me has mainly been self-taught with a lot of trial and error. I took a film class in high school that taught me a lot of the basics of visual language, but YouTube and online blogs have been my main source of technical photographic knowledge. I am always still learning. Every time I go out and take photos is an opportunity to learn and improve. WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU SHOOT WITH? I enjoy using a wide variety of cameras, both film and digital. I like the saying that the best camera is the one you have with you. My preference is for easy-to-carry mirrorless digital cameras, rangefinder film cameras and vintage twin lens reflex cameras. WHAT’S YOUR STYLE? INSPIRATION? I would describe my style as a mix of observational, documentary, and architectural. I enjoy taking photos around downtown historic districts or urban environments. One of my favorite subjects is the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at my alma mater Florida Southern College. More recently, I have been enjoying photographing around the Disney World theme parks. I enjoy taking photos anywhere there is interesting light and subjects. One of my main sources of inspiration is the photographic community and my photographer friends who are doing incredible work all the time. They inspire me to keep getting out there, making more work, and pushing myself to become a better photographer. TELL US ABOUT THE CENTRAL FLORIDA PHOTO CLUB Central Florida Photo Club was born out of my desire to attend local photography meetups and events. For a long time, I would see these events happening in cities all around the world, but when I looked for anything similar happening locally, I came up empty. Three years ago, I decided to start my own group to host meetups and try to grow a community here in Central Florida. With a little bit of optimism, I called it Central Florida Photo Club. It started out small, but now we get photographers and creatives from all over Central Florida. My goal with the club is to organize relaxed events where local creatives can come out, share ideas, and create together. One of my favorite things about the photographic community is the number of experienced photographers willing to share their knowledge and advice to those just starting the hobby without charge or expectation of anything in return. WHAT’S YOUR EDITING STYLE? My editing style is pretty simple, with usually only some minor exposure adjustments, cropping, and color grading. I enjoy shooting black and white film, and I find myself gravitating toward monochrome for certain subjects even when shooting digital. For select shots, I will get into more advanced lighting and masking techniques in Lightroom. Whether dealing with film or digital files, my thought is that each negative, positive, or raw image is the starting point that will require post-processing to reach the desired final image ready to share. BIGGEST CHALLENGE? BIGGEST REWARD? What I always struggle with is finding the time to get out and take photos. With a family and a full-time job, photography often takes a back seat to the rest of life. However, I try to keep a camera with me almost always, and that way, I’m able to make time for it when possible. One of the most rewarding parts of photography recently has been seeing the photography community in Central Florida growing. Being even a small part of that is highly rewarding. CURRENT WORK? DREAM PROJECTS? Lately, I’ve been putting out some long-form videos exploring my photography process. For me, it’s a new way to share my work. Social media can put a lot of pressure on photographers to keep creating and putting out content, so having a variety of projects that are more than just making a social media post is important for me. One of my current long-term goals is to produce a new photography book within the next couple of years. ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS? Get out and take photos. There is a lot of advice out there, and not all of it is good. Find what works for you and your workflow. And be sure to consume the work of others, including photographers currently active as well as influential photographers from the past. Study the looks and styles of others while you work to develop your own unique voice. Don’t get caught up on what is the best gear; use what you have and practice a lot. Also, bring a camera with you everywhere. If you see something that catches your eye, take a photo. Every bad photo is an opportunity to learn. THANK YOU I would like to thank my wife Amy and my kids for putting up with me every time I stop to take photos when we are out. Central Florida Photo Club centralflorida.photo IG @centralfloridaphoto