ABOUT THE CHINABERRY TREE In the beginning years of Winter Haven’s history, the early 1900s, a Chinaberry tree grew in the east-bound lane of what is now Central Avenue in downtown Winter Haven. The Southern Railway Station was located just to the southwest in what is now South Central Park. In those days the tree was a shady spot where residents tied their horses while they took care of personal business downtown. It was there under the Chinaberry tree where neighbor met neighbor and shared news, information and more than a little gossip … sort of a Face-to-Facebook before automobiles. This column is using that communication legacy to retell vignettes from our city’s history -- some portions of which were surely shared beneath its branches. STATEHOOD, SECESSION AND SETTLERS Much of the earliest Winter Haven History is lost to the ages. Specific accounts of early settlers are extremely rare, though some were captured in early newspapers. Florida, a territory belonging to the U.S. since 1822 became a state in 1845. The onset of the Civil War saw Florida secede in 1861, repeal the action in 1865 and adopt a new constitution in 1868. Ulysses S. Grant was president during the years 1869 to 1877. It was during this period that settlers began coming to Florida and Polk County … some near the present site of Winter Haven. Up until this time, Native Americans had traditionally occupied the interior of the state as white settlers migrated to the coastal areas. The movement of settlers to this area led to friction between the Native Americans and homesteaders. Forts were developed and soldiers grew to appreciate the area’s beauty, later returning with their families. In 1865, Columbus Lafayette Thornhill relocated to this area living first at Carters Corners (about four miles east of Lakeland) and several years later purchasing the Math King homestead near Eagle Lake. Present day Thornhill Road intersects Spirit Lake Road near this property. Thornhill and his wife Carolyn Glover raised ten children on their land. Many descendants of this early family reside in the area today. THE LAKE COUNTRY, BEAUTIFUL YET DANGEROUS Early accounts tell of a rich land that could be darkly brutal. The following recollections paint pictures from the earliest settlers through their descriptions of the time. These were contained in The History of Winter Haven by Josephine Burr and newspaper archives. John Thornhill (son of Columbus Thornhill) “My father … had some cattle and pigs but everyone merely notched the pigs’ ears and branded the cattle and turned them loose in the woods. There was nothing but woods then … big pines mostly with here and there an oak grove and spots called hammocks where blackberries and big bush huckleberries grew. These woods were a tangle of all sorts, and a good many bears were killed in them. Wild game was abundant – everyone had a gun and knew how to use it.” Traveling in a covered wagon drawn by oxen, the Joseph J. Sikes family came to the area in 1878. They homesteaded on high ground southwest of Lake Howard near Lake Shipp. The Sikes had six children, the youngest a daughter named Matilda. She would later recall “the washing was done by batting the clothes on a wooden chopping block at the end of the horse trough where laundry was soaked. The clothes were then boiled in a large iron pot with homemade soap. This soap was made by pouring water through wood ashes over a hopper which made lye. This was added to a pot of fat, cooked over a fire and strained. It was guaranteed to remove dirt … and skin.” Sara Maude Jackson moved to this area in 1881 at the age of four. Jackson recalled in a News Chief series published in the 1940s, “I saw Winter Haven grow from a trackless forest to a hustling young community in its first four years. My father, George G. Jackson, a Methodist preacher and school teacher, brought his wife and six small children to Florida in November 1881. My father went to Bartow and arranged to purchase the Carpenter orange grove on the west shore of Lake Howard. He also bought 100 acres of government land to the west of the grove for a dollar twenty-five an acre. There were 38 acres in the grove and clearing all enclosed by split-rail fences. Deer roamed the forest under the pines which were enormous … 40-50 feet to the first limbs … and grew so close together we could see only a short distance.” Jackson continued, “The Seminole Indians brought us venison and made us moccasins. Once Chief Tallahassee came when I was alone at the house. He indicated I was to sit down and he would put the moccasins on my feet. The rawhide laces were too long and after he had tied them he reached behind and drew a huge knife to cut the ends of the laces.” Frightened, Sara immediately ran from the house and off in the direction her family had gone to pick wild blackberries. In perhaps her most poignant recollection she notes, “When my parents came to Florida their children were all healthy. But the mosquitoes were very bad and they soon had malaria.” Four of the Jacksons’ children died in 1885 and 1886. In 1887, the Jacksons sold their property and left for Seattle. A rich land of plenty greeted these first settlers, but the environment was harsh and disease took its toll. Nevertheless, the Eycleshimer, Harris and Inman families would join these determined pioneers. The 1880s would bring the railroad and the platting of what would become the village of Winter Haven. Next month: The village is platted and F.A.K. Harris comes to town. Bob Gernert is a student of Winter Haven history and founded the Museum of Winter Haven History at the historic Women’s Civic League building on Lake Howard. If you have questions or information to share, please email bobgernert@gmail.com or telephone 863-206-6855.

BEST FLORIST GOLDEN PETAL DESIGNS 390 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 293-1900 FB @goldenpetaldesigns IG @goldenpetaldesigns goldenpetaldesigns.com Winter Haven is in full bloom thanks to Golden Petal Designs! This family-owned shop offers engraving, fine jewelry and repair, and contemporary florals. Husband and wife team of 25 years, Shelly and David Braswell, offer various custom design concepts for your wedding day, floral events, handcrafted jewelry, and glass or metal engraving. One customer raved, “Golden Petal Designs were amazing creating our floral wedding dreams! Shelly was so kind and really informative about what kind of flowers would be best to use to achieve our floral look. When the flowers were delivered, Shelly made sure I was happy with the flowers and went over how to hold the bouquets. The arrangements were absolutely gorgeous.” 2nd: Lasater Flowers 3rd: Pretty Odd Flower Cart BEST WEDDING VENUE VENUE 650 650 6th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 287-3814 FB @venue650 IG @venue650 venue650.com Venue 650 really ties the knot! The adaptable event space, featuring stylish exposed brick walls and a polished concrete floor, is ideal for bringing any event vision to life and can comfortably host up to 400 guests. Venue 650 also offers highspeed internet, ample well-lit parking, a catering kitchen, and dressing suites. As one testimonial puts it, “We are so thankful that Venue 650 was our choice for our wedding day. It was the perfect place for our friends and family to celebrate together! The entire venue is such a beautiful space. It was big enough to accommodate a large wedding, but it still felt so intimate! And that was really important to us.” 2nd: Adams Estate 3rd: The Barn at Azalea Oaks BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER MIKE POTTHAST | POTTHAST STUDIOS 234 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 294-4920 FB @PotthastStudios IG @potthaststudios potthaststudios.com Picture-perfect moments are available in downtown Winter Haven! Mike Potthast and his team provide top-notch photography services, including portraits, commercial shoots, video production, photo restorations, digitizing services, passport photos, and photography classes at their spacious Central Avenue studio. Potthast Studios highlights, “A great photo shoot involves much more than just lights, camera, action. It requires coordination, communication, skilled design, and styling before the shoot, along with talent behind the camera to bring it all together.” Glowing reviews echo this sentiment. Guests think Potthast is the absolute best photographer around for personal or professional shots. The quality is exceptional! 2nd: Gonzalez Lugo Photography 3rd: Beth Carter Photography BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT 99 IN THE SHADE FB @99intheshadeband Best of Haven voters are rocking out to this highenergy variety and dance band. In addition to gigs at clubs, weddings, corporate, and private events, you can catch this rockin’ quartet regularly at Somewhere Sports Bar & Grill and Tanners Lakeside. Since 2015, 99 in the Shade has been getting crowds on their feet with classic to current music – everything from Journey to Bruno Mars! 2nd: Hunter Smith 3rd: Daniel Burns Band BEST DRY CLEANER TOP HAT CLEANERS LAUNDRY CENTER 150 2nd St NW Winter Haven (863) 293-2627 Pressing matters? They’ve got you covered! Top Hat Cleaners is a premier dry cleaning service with over 20 years of spotless reputation. With its convenient locations and eco-friendly GreenEarth technology, it’s hard not to appreciate their service. As Top Hat Cleaners puts it, “Our friendly staff takes particular care with each and every order and proudly provides customers with professional workmanship.” 2nd: Dry Clean America 3rd: Executive Dry Cleaners BEST AUTO REPAIR STEWART AUTO REPAIR 1990 42nd St NW, Winter Haven (863) 965-2526 FB @stewartautorepair IG @stewartautorepair stewartautorepair.com Stewart’s is tire-lessly committed to great auto service! Since 1998, Stewart Auto Repair has been the go-to for a variety of makes and models across Central Florida. Their expert technicians use high-quality parts for collision and auto body repairs, and they back their work with a warranty. Stewart Auto Repair also invests in the latest tools and diagnostic software tailored to your vehicle’s needs. Customers agree that they have a friendly and professional staff with excellent communication about the issues and needed repairs. 2nd: A&E Auto Body, Inc. 3rd: Adkins Automotive BEST AUTO DEALER LOW PAYMENT KINGS Locations throughout Polk County FB @LowPaymentKings low-payment-kings.com Don’t drive yourself crazy going somewhere else! Since 1966, their mission has been to surpass expectations through exceptional customer service, top-quality products, and cost-effective solutions for all automotive needs. The Low Payment Kings are dedicated to helping drivers find their dream vehicle at any of their seven convenient locations. As one satisfied customer from the LPK Used Vehicle Outlet and Buying Center notes, “We had an outstanding customer service experience purchasing a vehicle. They were excellent at answering questions and helping us find the perfect Jeep.” 2nd: Hill Nissan 3rd: Bartow Ford BEST CAR WASH MISTER CAR WASH Multiple Locations mistercarwash.com Rev up your ride with a shine that’s sublime! Whether you’re after a single wash or interested in joining the Ultimate Wash Club, Mister Car Wash ensures a high-quality experience with every visit. A customer from the Mister Car Wash 3rd Street location shared, “Love this place!! Always a quick wash... in and out, even with a line! My car always comes out super shiny! I love the free vacuums and the unlimited wash membership!” 2nd: Pat’s Nustar Car Wash 3rd: Zips Car Wash BEST OIL CHANGE TAKE 5 OIL CHANGE 1530 1st St S, Winter Haven (863) 658-6075 take5oilchange.com Don’t let your engine run dry - come get a fast oil change! Take 5 Oil Change provides a quick, drive-thru oil change service in just 10 minutes, no appointment needed. Choose your oil from the selection offered by the technicians, then relax while they handle the oil and filter change, top off under-hood fluids, and check your air filter and wiper blades. Customers love the friendly and swift service and say they will definitely come back. 2nd: Johnny’s Automotive BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR AUSTIN THARP | AVENTAIL WEALTH MANAGEMENT 353 Ave C SW, Winter Haven (863) 333-1927 FB @aventailwm100 aventailwm.com Time to make ‘cents’ of your finances! Austin Tharp serves as the Vice President & Investment Adviser Representative at Aventail Wealth Management, where he has been a part of the team since 2016. He is dedicated to providing topnotch, personalized service to his clients. Beyond his professional role, Tharp actively contributes to his community through involvement with nonprofit organizations. Austin’s clients think he is a delight to work with. They trust he will address all questions and concerns with the best possible advice, giving them peace of mind. 2nd: Joshua Chase | Edward Jones 3rd: Mark L. Barber | Edward Jones BEST CPA CONNER & ASSOCIATES LLC 20 3rd St SW Suite 306, Winter Haven (863) 268-4374 FB @ConnerCPA IG @connerandassociatesllc conner-cpa.com Taxing times? Connor will deduct your stress! Serving Winter Haven and the surrounding areas, Conner & Associates LLC provides friendly tax, accounting, payroll, and business consulting services. Their mission is “to ease the burden of entrepreneurship on small business owners.” Committed to delivering prompt and dependable tax and accounting support for both personal and business needs, Conner & Associates is dedicated to their clients’ success. One client noted, “Mr. Conner filed tax returns for our family. He is professional, informative, and efficient. His staff is top-notch also. I’ll be back next year.” 2nd: Turner Wiggins | Wiggins, Smit, Burby, Reineke & CO P.A. 3rd: Karen Clark | Surrency, Clark & Colyer, CPAs, PL BEST ATTORNEY SOUTHERN ATLANTIC LAW GROUP, PLLC 520 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 656-6672 FB @WinterHavenbusinesslaw IG @southernatlanlawgroup southernatlanticlaw.com When it comes to legal matters, they’re the best in the court (room)! The Southern Atlantic Law Group is a leading statewide civil litigation and appellate firm with attorneys skilled in handling cases in both state and federal courts. Based in Winter Haven, this firm is known for its clientfocused approach and successful outcomes. Their areas of expertise include appellate law, business litigation, class actions, contract disputes, corporate and general counsel, hurricane damage claims, insurance claims, and personal injury. Clients report having an outstanding experience with Southern Atlantic Law Group. The team is incredibly respectful and professional. 2nd: Howell & Thornhill 3rd: Mark Turner | Straughn & Turner, P.A. BEST BANK MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION Multiple Locations FB @MIDFLORIDA IG @midflorida_creditunion midflorida.com Banking on a brighter future? MIDFLORIDA, a consistent Best Bank winner, is a not-forprofit, member-owned institution providing a range of banking services from personal and business accounts to loans, mortgages, and investment options. Originally founded in 1954 as Polk County Teachers Credit Union, it has grown to nearly 65 branches, serving as Central Florida’s community credit union. MIDFLORIDA emphasizes personalized service and competitive rates. They hope to equip their members with the tools and resources necessary for making informed financial decisions and achieving their financial goals. 2nd: SouthState Bank 3rd: Crews Bank & Trust BEST INSURANCE AGENT DAN MANN | STATE FARM INSURANCE 6380 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 318-8881 FB @DanMannInsurance danmanninsurance.com Whether you’re looking for coverage on auto, homeowners, renters, personal liability umbrella insurance, business, life, health, or pets – Dan is the Mann! Dan Mann and his State Farm team are committed to offering you a great policy at a great price for your unique needs. They share a love for community and are involved in everything from youth sports like soccer, baseball, and volleyball to nonprofit organizations like Meals on Wheels, Boy Scouts, and The Mission. One client writes in part, “Spoke with three different reps while I was working on adding a new car. Each rep was polite, very professional, and willing to help. I have been doing business here with Dan for about eight years and here’s to many more!!!” 2nd: Karen Bryan | State Farm Insurance 3rd: David Dershimer | Dershimer Insurance Agency BEST PRINT AND SIGN SHOP STACY’S PRINTING 6320 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 662-3163 FB: Stacy’s Printing & Services IG @stacys_printing stacysprinting.com Looking for an excellent print shop – here’s your sign – Stacy’s is it! Inspired by her mother, Stacy’s Printing was established in 2017 with one machine and a countertop and has grown into a fullfunctioning print shop that offers many services, including blueprints, signs and banners, business cards, digital full-color printing, books and booklets, and finishing. One customer raved, “I recently had the pleasure of working with Stacy’s Printing, and I couldn’t be more impressed with their services. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with friendly and professional staff who were eager to help with my printing needs. The quality of the prints exceeded my expectations – the colors were vibrant, and the details were crisp. They handled my order with exceptional care and delivered it on time, which was crucial for my project.” 2nd: Cypress Signs 3rd: RayGraphics BEST TECH REPAIR TECHMATE COMPUTER SALES & SERVICE 1107 3rd St SW Suite 4, Winter Haven (863) 293-3800 FB @TechMateFL techmatefl.com TechMate is your computer store for top-level computer sales and service. Located in Winter Haven, TechMate serves all of Polk County and Central Florida. They are CompTIA A+ and Network+ Certified with over 14 years of hands-on computer experience. They are experts on all of the current Windows Operating Systems (10, 8, 7), Windows Server Systems, and MacOS and specialize in building and repairing desktops and laptops, setting up networks (wired or wireless), and offering enterprise-grade secure offsite cloud backups. 2nd: Affordable Computer Geeks 3rd: CPR Cell Phone Repair Winter Haven BEST DAYCARE PARKLAND PRESCHOOL 1800 8th St SE, Winter Haven 863-293-1207 parklandbaptistchurchfl.com From ABCs to 123s, Parkland makes learning a breeze! Parkland Preschool at Parkland Baptist Church is a top choice among voters. Catering to children from twelve months to four years old, Parkland also provides an after-school program for K-4th graders from Brigham Academy, Garden Grove Elementary, Chain of Lakes Elementary, and Jewett School of the Arts. Parkland emphasizes its focus on biblical teachings and spiritual values. They aim to extend the ministry of Parkland Baptist Church by offering exceptional care and education for children. 2nd: Florida Leaders Academy 3rd: Cypress Academy Preschool BEST AFTER SCHOOL CARE RO’S TAEKWONDO 775 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 293-8584 FB @rostaekwondo1 IG @rostaekwondo rostaekwondo.us Looking for something to occupy your young ones after school lets out? Let Ro’s Taekwondo teach them about respect, discipline, and fitness in their martial arts after-school program. According to Ro’s, “Learning martial arts helps kids in many ways. It teaches them to respect themselves and others and to persist when they have a goal in mind. It emphasizes the mindbody connection and helps them to discipline themselves without being reminded.” Parent testimonials rave that the Ro’s staff are friendly to work with and that their kids enjoy the classes and friends they’ve made there. 2nd: Excel Athletics 3rd: Girls Inc. of Winter Haven BEST SPA MASSAGE AND SPINAL THERAPY OF WINTER HAVEN, INC. 546 Avenue A NE, Winter Haven (863) 294-2000 FB @ MassageandSpinalTherapyofWinterHavenInc IG @massageofwinterhaven massageandspinaltherapy.com Established in 1990, Massage and Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven is committed to excellence in personal healthcare. According to Massage and Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven, “Through many new and innovative forms of treatments available, your chronic pain related to body structure and function can be relieved and the underlying causes permanently corrected.” One relaxed client writes, “Had the best deep tissue massage EVER yesterday! I love a superrrr deep massage to work out any tension in my muscles and Brooke did just that. Will definitely come back, I have found my new favorite massage place!” 2nd: Salt Room Winter Haven 3rd: SPAscape BEST MED SPA ETERNAL YOUTH AESTHETICS 400 Ave K SE Suite 1, Winter Haven (239) 383-7625 FB @eternalyouthaestheticsllc IG @eternalyouthaestheticsllc eternalyouthaesthetic.com Eternal Youth Aesthetics, led by owner Jodi DeVries, a Certified Cosmetic Injector, MS, APRN, CRNA, delivers rejuvenating transformations that make you feel younger, refreshed, and confident— where everyone notices, but no one knows. This med spa specializes in cosmetic injections, iS Clinical Skincare, and facial and body treatments. Clients rave that the staff is welcoming and warm. Jodi patiently answers all questions and it’s clear they’re dedicated to enhancing natural beauty, not creating an artificial look. Get ready to inject some youth into your routine! 2nd: The New You 3rd: CaraMia Medical Aesthetics BEST PERMANENT MAKEUP GREAT BROWS My Salon, 4000 US Hwy 98 N Suite 106, Lakeland (863) 888-2443 FB @greatbrows IG @greatbrows greatbrows.com From nano brows to ombre brows, permanent eyeliner and lip blushing, and everything in between – this Lakeland studio is the place for GREAT BROWS! Their studio specializes in creating beautiful, natural-looking brows through cutting-edge techniques. One beautified customer writes, “I had a very positive experience with Kate. It was my first time getting my brows done, and she made me feel comfortable. Her precision, meticulousness and attention to detail is commendable. I was very impressed with the results. I would definitely recommend her to my friends and family!” 2nd: The U Salon BEST HAIR SALON SPECTRUM STUDIO 219 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 307-7500 IG @spectrumstudio There is shear-magic happening in Spectrum! For over 20 years, Spectrum Studio has been a landmark salon in Winter Haven. This iconic studio provides a range of services, including hair cuts, nail treatments, facials, massage, and brow waxing, all available by appointment. Their expertise has ‘cut’ through the competition, leaving clients looking fabulous and feeling beautiful with every visit. Come early to shop the attached men’s & women’s boutique, Seven Anchors. 2nd: The Room Hair Salon 3rd: PhD Salon BEST HAIRSTYLIST DANIELA AGUILAR The Room Hair Salon 55 3rd St NW, Winter Haven (863) 808-8599 IG @_danielaaguilar._ FB: Hair By Daniela Daniela Aguilar started doing hair in 2009 after she had her firstborn. She worked at PhD Salon in Winter Haven for almost seven years, saying she worked with some “amazing stylists” and that she “will be forever grateful to them.” Nine years ago, she and partner Mandy Homman worked together to open The Room Hair Salon in downtown Winter Haven. Aguilar specializes in hair extensions and ‘lived-in’ color for her clients but loves doing it all – haircuts, blowouts, balayage, highlights, hair extensions, and custom colors. “I honestly love what I do, I love making women feel beautiful and empowered even if it’s for that two plus hours in my chair. I love that they trust me to do their hair and allow me to express myself! I’m seriously so thankful for each of them because of them is why I get to enjoy my profession!” says Aguilar. 2nd: Lindsey Meeks | Spectrum Studio 3rd: Michelle Blastic | PhD Salon BEST BARBER BEST CUTS BARBER SHOP 213 Ave O SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-9433 FB @BestCutsWinterHaven IG @bestcutswinterhaven bestcutswinterhaven.com We are buzzing with excitement for Best Cuts Barber Shop! Located in Winter Haven, the Best Cuts team caters to men, women, and kids with services including haircuts, beard trims, washes, hot towel shaves, and massages. One satisfied client shares, “Absolutely incredible barber shop. The barbers are top-tier and incredibly talented. The atmosphere is so much more than a barbershop. The team there makes you laugh, the music is great, and such a fun vibe. Highly recommended. I will not go anywhere else.” 2nd: Mr. Clippers Barber Shop 3rd: The Vintage Barber Lounge BEST NAIL SALON LUNA ESTHETICS STUDIO 170 2nd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 852-5882 FB @lunaestheticsstudio IG @lunaestheticsstudio lunaestheticsstudio.square.site Luna Esthetics Studio really nailed it this year! Luna offers lash extensions, facials, waxing, teeth whitening, body sculpting and more by appointment only. But it’s the nails we’re here for! Luna offers acrylic, Gel-X, and structured gel manicures. Leslie Ramirez also known as @monas.manis_ on IG, specializes in structured gel manicures, and Abby Rodriguez, @abbysacrylix on IG, specializes in acrylic nail art designs that last. Luna Esthetics Studio clients love to recommend them for their retention and successful nail growth. “We are not a typical walkin nail salon. We are appointment based only which allows us to focus all our attention only on our clients. We also offer complimentary wine for all our clients over 21 of course!” says Luna. 2nd: Tips & Toes Nail Spa 3rd: Oasis Spa & Nails BEST TATTOO STUDIO SKINFINITY TATTOO COMPANY 5654 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 401-8288 FB @skinfinitytattoocompany IG @skinfinitytattoocompany skinfinitytattoocompany.com Skinfinity has been inking Polk County since 2005. Skinfinity is a family-owned and operated small business that has forged a trusted name for safety, cleanliness, artistry, and customer service. They are home to several award-winning artists with a variety of styles of tattoo artwork. One client raved, “Such a professional and friendly shop! I just completed my second piece with Terri. She is such a talented artist. She was able to take my vision and turn it into something that exceeded my expectations.” 2nd: Aces Ink 3rd: Angry Elephant Tattoos BEST FUNERAL SERVICES KERSEY FUNERAL HOME 108 Lake Stella Dr, Auburndale (863) 401-4086 FB @kerseyfuneralhome Kersey Funeral Home has been offering compassionate care since 1950. Their historic funeral home sits on over seven acres of land in the heart of Auburndale. Kersey offers complete endof-life care for burial, cremation, and coordination with local cemeteries, all designed to provide peace of mind during difficult times. One client writes in part, “The care given to my wife and the continued care and support given to myself and my children was/is nothing short of amazing. They really care for the departed, and for the ones left behind, it is truly special.” 2nd: Oak Ridge Funeral Care 3rd: Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home

Over six thousand miles, an ocean, and the Sahara Desert separate Lakeland, Florida, from Egypt. Thanks to twenty-year Swan City resident Marianne Garas, you don’t have to travel so far for a taste of the Middle East. “The inspiration came really from our home,” said Garas, owner of Lakeland’s only Egyptian restaurant. “We have a large family, and we love to gather around food.” This celebration of family and food evolved into a desire to share that with her community. With the encouragement of her three daughters, Michaela, Daniella, and Gabriella, Marianne approached the owners of Charlie’s Mini Donuts and Coffee about sharing their space for her Egyptian café. The owners were happy to share their bakery space, and Marianne began preparations to open. “We thought perhaps small beginnings could lead to something bigger,” Garas said. Street Cafe first shared a taste of the Middle East with Lakeland in mid-September. Fresh whole foods and flavors including coriander, garlic, and onion, are a hallmark in Middle Eastern fare, with a distinctly Egyptian ‘little kick’ of extra flavor. “Here, we tried to keep a palate that’s universal in the Middle East so that people would be familiar,” Garas said. Hence their name, ‘Street Cafe,’ an homage to delectable street food. The Egyptian kitchen has become a family affair – a happy surprise for Marianne. Her two oldest, Daniella and Gabriella, now in college, opted to help their mom realize her dream, even rearranging their class schedules to work at the cafe. “That was a bonus,” Marianne said. “I wasn’t expecting this.” Both daughters love seeing their mother thrive in her new role. “She’s happy with every meal she makes. It’s not work for her because she enjoyed it so much, and she’s wanted to do it for so long,” Daniella said. “You can see the love and care in her eyes. When she serves, it’s from her heart.” For Gabriella, sharing their culture with Lakeland has been a joy. She said, “Growing up, we were the only Egyptians we’d ever met in Lakeland, so we get to share that with a city that doesn’t get to see or taste that a lot – and food’s a great way to do that.” Marianne smiled and said, “They are every bit a part of it as I am. I’m just so pleased that they’re here.” Nothing ‘Bedah’ Than This For those uninitiated to Middle Eastern cuisine, Marianne recommends starting with the Shawarma. “It caters to every palate,” she said. “Together, all the flavors come alive.” The dish, put simply, is well-spiced minced meat encased in warm dough. At Street Cafe, guests can order it with a choice of beef and lamb or chicken. The tang of yogurt sauce and red onions with the savory meat balance the dish, which is paired with tomato and pomegranate bulgar pilaf and Salata Baladi, a cucumber, onion, and tomato side salad dressed with lemon juice and salt. “It is our staple salad in Egypt,” said the Street Cafe owner.  A unique dish to Street Cafe you’d be hard-pressed to find locally is Shakshuka. “You could find that in Egypt. Every country has its version,” Marianne said. This dish shines among an already scintillating menu. Served in a cast iron skillet with fresh pita bread, a delightfully acidic tomato and onion sauce is the plinth elevating well-spiced meat (choice of beef and lamb or chicken – we had both) and cracked eggs. The meal is topped with a creamy yogurt sauce, cilantro, chives, and toasted sesame. Its flavors were sharp, rich, and soft. Street Cafe’s Shakshuka was a small luxury I felt grateful to indulge in on an otherwise lusterless Tuesday. While the food may taste and present opulently, there’s no great cost to your diet to enjoy it. “That’s one good thing about Middle Eastern food – it’s all whole foods. There’s no processed anything.” In fact, Marianne does not stock a single bottle of oil in her Street Cafe kitchen. I’ll spare you a novel on the delights that were Mish with Cucumber, Bedah, and their holiday special of Hawawshi, minced lamb pressed in a pita with a pleasant heat, which Marianne described aptly as “crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.” Honestly, I recommend everything on the menu. What I will carry on about is my love affair with dates that started over their Bellah. Savory toasted pita hugs fresh dates that have been slowly simmered and caramelized overnight and tossed with almonds. Marianne described it as having a buttery sweet taste. The warm Egyptian dessert sandwich almost echoed the filling in a slice of pecan pie, and I was shocked to hear the toothsome treat contained no added sugar. I’ve eaten no less than 50 dates – dreaming of Bellah – since that day. To wash down your meal, the Lakeland café offers Shay, a traditional loose-leaf black tea steeped with fresh mint, and Limonatta, a fresh lemon and mint drink served by the glass. The café will add falafel to the menu, a nod to their vegan and vegetarian patrons. Meat on any menu item can be substituted with falafel. Takeout and catering are available as well.  Hostess with the Mostess If not for the praiseworthy food, visit Street Cafe for the earnestness and hospitality – an intentional aspect of the dining experience. “My whole desire for this – and it’s kind of the atmosphere in our home – come and eat, be comfortable. Come as you are and eat as much as you want,” Marianne Garas said. “Hospitality is very important in our culture and if you traveled to Egypt, you would find that the least, give everything.” The entire meal – from conversations with Marianne and her daughters to the last bite of Shakshuka can be summed up as comfortable. If you told me their food was seasoned with sincerity as if it were a tangible spice, a secret ingredient in a little jar tucked away in the cabinet – I’d believe you.   Photography by Amy Sexson   Street Cafe Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. – 1:30 (ish) p.m. 1023 E County Rd 540A, Lakeland (863) 329-8575 FB @ street.cafe .lakeland IG @ street.cafe .lakeland www.streetcafelakeland.com

“My entire life, my mom has been the family cook,” Arthur White said. Thankfully, the community can regularly delight in his mother, Betty Coleman Bent’s scratch cooking at the family’s Lake Wales eatery, Orgen D’nal Cafe.  “My great grandmother, Gladys Coleman was an indentured slave from South Carolina,” White began. Coleman eventually moved her family to Frostproof, and White was born and raised in neighboring Lake Wales. Cooking has been a common thread amongst the family, from White’s great-grandmother to his grandmother Betty Watkins and his mother, Betty Coleman Bent.  White has a background in Health Science. He went to school for Pre-Occupational Therapy and then grad school for Public Health. He worked in a hospital for a time before opening his training studio, Kingdom Fitness and Nutrition. White was also a teacher for five years before leaving the school system to help his mother start Orgen D’nal. The matriarch in a family of educators, Betty Coleman Bent, is the owner and director of the Higher Learning Academy of Central Florida and has been an educator for over 30 years. White’s wife and older sister are teachers as well. ORGEN D’NAL ORIGINS The family started making juices during the pandemic, prompted by a health scare. “My entire family changed the way we ate,” White said. He was making cold-pressed juices for his gym clients when his mom asked him to bottle some for her. She’d choose what produce she wanted, and White would make it for her. “My mom and all of her siblings picked citrus their entire life,” White said. “We always were a fruit family.” He added, “That’s what really pushed it – my mom’s health. I think that’s what drives us and keeps us going, knowing that it’s benefitting her too.” Eventually, there was so much juice traffic at the gym it was interfering with training. Teaching and operating his gym, a family café was the farthest thing from White’s mind. “I don’t know how it became this, but I know it’s from God. It had to be,” he said. “I heard my mom growing up, my entire life, saying that she wanted to have a restaurant.” When Coleman Bent approached him about opening a Lake Wales café, his initial reaction was, “You’re crazy. Why would you want to do that? And who’s going to work it?” They decided to go for it and signed the lease for a restaurant space. Coleman Bent already had a culinary background, and White described customer service as her number one priority. “Before we even thought about the kitchen, we thought about the atmosphere first,” he said. “Her mission was to create something that represented us. We wanted something that would embody, for one, our original background. […] We wanted to have a place where everyone could come and eat something healthy and also embrace a culture of people.” The name was a foundational part of the brand. “We came up with the name because of the original name of Africa. It was known as ‘Negroland,’” White said. Orgen D’nal is ‘Negro Land’ spelled backward. He gives credit to God and his mom for finalizing the moniker. “The name means a lot to us. We identify as Hebrew, and we’ve been doing a lot of studying about that particular coast of Africa.” White and Coleman Bent plan to travel to East Africa in June for a nine-day trip and say Orgen D’nal à la Africa isn’t out of the question. The Orgen D’nal owners spared no expense in getting their dining room up to par. The space is inviting and comfortable, complemented by lush outdoor seating on their “Back to Eden” patio, which White noted is the perfect place to enjoy Sunday brunch. “We definitely focused on art first,” he said. The space is furnished with framed paintings by Sherelle White (Lakeland, FL), Kwaku Ntow (Ghana), and Uzo Njoku (Lagos, Nigeria). Partitioned areas with couches and monkeypod wood coffee tables flank the entrance. As you walk in, the eye is captivated by a large mural of a beautiful woman crowned with a flower and foliage afro wearing an earring with the Orgen D’nal emblem. Their tables, crafted out of cypress and maple trees by a retired veteran, have a small butterfly carved into each one. “We wanted somewhere that you feel at home – you feel relaxed when you come in,” White said. Even the music – a curated playlist of lo-fi, jazz, and reggae – plays a role in creating that ambiance. Orgen D’nal’s inaugural event was an art show for the books. Florida Highwaymen artist Al Black and second-generation Florida Highwaymen Kelvin Hair were in attendance, as well as several local artists and an artist from Kenya. “We didn’t even know how big that would be for us. That really gave us a name,” White said. Orgen D’nal opened in October 2020 and had an official ribbon cutting with the Chamber last year. FROM SCRATCH, WITH LOVE Betty Coleman Bent is the author of Orgen D’nal’s recipes and the head chef. Her son considers himself her sous chef. “Everything we make is from scratch,” he said. “We don’t buy anything prepared.” Alongside their popular cold-pressed juices, Coleman Bent whips up fresh wraps, salads, and smoothies for lunch Tuesday through Friday. The café hosts an evening dinner service with live music one Saturday each month. This dinner offers changing chef specials like sauteed salmon, chicken masala, curry chicken, and jerk chicken. The latter pays homage to the family’s Caribbean ties. “We make it the way my grandfather made it,” White said, which is rubbed and marinated overnight. The lunch menu’s  Island Chicken Wrap is another Jamaican flare with homemade curry and sauteed chicken thighs. “We make it just like you’d get a pot of curry chicken,” White said. The wrap comes with the option of grilled or curry chicken, mixed greens, peppers, and onions dressed with a pineapple sauce so good, customers have begged them to sell it by the jar. White suggested pairing the wrap with a Citrus Glow juice made with orange or grapefruit, lemon, red apple, ginger, and spring water. But you can’t ‘beet’ the Beet Love or Queen & Slim juices. Orgen D’nal juices are made with fresh ingredients, so customers get the live enzymes from the produce, and the only preservative used is lemon juice. Bella, White’s 8-year-old daughter, lends a hand with the juice biz. Father and daughter held a juicing class at Bok Tower Gardens and have been asked back to lead more. Bella is a hit when they set up shop at markets.  Bella isn’t the only one lending her talents to the team. Orgen D’nal is a family operation with Betty, Arthur, his wife Stephanie, nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, and whatever family is around to help out. One of White’s nieces, who was an integral part of the team, recently left for nursing school. “I’m going to miss her a lot,” he said. “When we call on our other family members to help us, they will.” White’s favorite meal, without hesitation, is his mom’s sauteed salmon. No one holds a candle to Coleman Bent’s version of the dish. “I don’t even like making it at home because it doesn’t taste like hers,” he said. “I guarantee all the people that come here have never had sauteed salmon like that.” Sunday Brunch is another treat drawing crowds from Lakeland and Tampa. Orgen D’nal serves upscale scratch southern-style chef specials, including shrimp and gouda grits, smothered chicken, and salmon croquettes. “You know when you’re getting food – some love was put in,” White said. Orgen D’nal has been approached several times about recreating their magic elsewhere. White said, “We have considered it more than ever now because we know we have something.” Photography by Amy Sexson   Orgen D’nal Cafe and Juice Bar 1429 Resmondo Drive, Lake Wales (863) 456-4086 FB: Orgen D’nal Cafe IG @orgendnalcafe www.orgendnal.com

Three Winter Haven women have joined their visions and talents to open a unique concept off Central Avenue. Gourmet ingredients, local produce, and an open kitchen provide an intimate hospitable experience at Agape Agora Trattoria and Marketplace. Light spilling into the arcade onto tables a shade lighter than lapis and painted lemons along the window are evocative of an Italian coastline. The scene is a calm, deep breath. And the meals? Hearty, wholesome, and made with love – the highest form. Co-founders of Agape Agora Prima Burney, Wellie Liao, and Sheila Flecha navigate life and business with a deep-seated purpose. Intentionality is at the heart of the trattoria, from the color scheme, ingredients used and offered in the marketplace, and the reason for its opening. Prima Burney put it best. “It’s culture, it’s community, and it’s culinary.” THE TRATTORIA TRIFECTA Wellie Liao is the owner and sommelier of Obscure Wine Company, which opened in Winter Haven last summer. From a family of generational restaurateurs, Wellie has worked in every facet of the hospitality industry, from food trucks and fast-casual to Michelin Star restaurants. An affinity for wines the world over led her to pursue a winemaking and viticulture certification and eventually become a level 3 sommelier with credentials through the Court of Master Sommeliers, the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, 3iC Italian Specialist, and U.C. Davis Certified in Winemaking and Viticulture. Liao was mentored by renowned wine expert and journalist Ian D’Agata. After a stint in the corporate world and a successful run with the Hawaiian and Taiwanese-inspired food truck, Happy Ending, Liao started her popular Central Avenue wine bar. Open Door Wellness founder and yoga teacher Prima Burney started her business to help others navigate life and healing through wellness and herbal alchemy. The Winter Haven native and mother of three is a Polk State College and Le Cordon Bleu graduate and worked in the culinary industry for 15 years. She attended shamanism training, including Ayurveda, in 2019, which led her to begin testing spice blends for teas and tinctures. In 2020, Burney completed Yoga Teacher Training at Inside Out Yoga. That same year, the Slow Flow master made Open Door Wellness official and began offering certified organic herbal products, yoga, energetic work, and herbal wellness sessions. Burney joined Liao and the Obscure Wine Co. team last year. Liao described Burney as “an employee that was no longer an employee but somebody that was a confidante, someone I could trust, somebody who could take my vision and have it as their own.” She continued, “That gave me the ability to let go so I could start creating again because that’s what I like to do.” Sheila Flecha was born and raised in Puerto Rico. The military wife left to travel with her husband in 2005. While stationed in Guam, Flecha joined a program for culinary arts. She graduated with honors and became a mentor for other military spouses interested in the program. Flecha worked as a freelance personal chef upon returning to the States. Following a divorce, Flecha moved to Texas, which led her to a career as a corporate-level chef. Then the pandemic descended, and everything changed. Flecha had always loved Florida and had family here. She moved to the Sunshine State with no plan, waiting tables and getting side gigs to pay the bills. “I came to Winter Haven because, on Facebook, I saw the farmers market. I thought, ‘Oh my God, how cute.’ And here I am. I just fell in love with Winter Haven that day,” she said. She described the town as a “Hallmark movie” and joked that she’s still waiting for the handsome small town farmer to sweep her off her feet. After that, life fell into place. She even found a charming cottage overlooking Lake Howard in 2021. “I fell in love with this place,” Flecha said. “As much as I love home, and I want to go back home and sit on the beach drinking whiskey from a coconut, this feels like home to me. I don’t have any intentions to go anywhere because this is growing, it’s developing, and I’m excited.” Flecha took her vision for a meal prep concept to Catapult in Lakeland, where she again met Prima, whom she’d already connected with over her teas at various markets. It wasn’t yet the right time to start her business, so Flecha entered sales for gourmet food products. Obscure became a client, and soon Liao became a friend. Out of the blue, Liao asked Flecha, ‘What do you want to do?’ “She just picked my mind,” Flecha said. “I shared my vision for the meal prep and the community kitchen and all of these things.” “In listening to Sheila’s story, she had a vision of what does a single mom do when she has three-day-old vegetables that are about to go bad, and she has no idea what to do with them? She wanted a space where a person could walk in and ask, ‘What can I do with this? Can you show me? Can you do something for me?’ Being a place where it’s not just a restaurant, it’s a resource. It’s an intentional space where you can feel safe to be vulnerable and heal yourself,” Liao said. When Liao approached her later about a new project she was working on, Flecha, unfulfilled by the ‘just another number’ slog of corporate work, said, “I wanted to be a partner. I wanted to invest money, time, blood, sweat, and tears. […] I’m turning 50 this year. I need something for my future. I need something to build for myself, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do here.” The Obscure owner discovered a higher calling. “I really found that my calling wasn’t to make a wine bar. It wasn’t to make a trattoria. It was to help people have access to their goals because that’s what’s fulfilled me more,” Liao said. Prima Burney noted that stepping into Obscure and working with Liao was also a “moment of alignment” for her. She, too, wanted to be involved with this new concept which echoed her culinary yearnings. Coming out of culinary school, being in a traditional restaurant was never Burney’s goal. She was inspired by a place in Asheville that served as a kitchen, gourmet deli, and a place where intentional ingredients were used to make meals one could pick up. “You could get off work, and there was this responsibly sourced [food] that you could pick up for your family and know that you were feeding them in a way that was intentional. That was always what my vision was,” Burney said. She envisioned picking up cheese and crackers, a great bottle of wine, and olives, all in one place for a picnic overlooking one of our beautiful lakes. “When [Wellie] said she wanted to do that, I told her I wanted in. She said, ‘That’s a partnership; that’s not just you coming to work.’ That’s when you know somebody sees you,” Burney said. Born and raised in Winter Haven, downtown has been a destination for Burney since she was young. “Seeing it go docile to seeing the renaissance that’s happening, and walking through these iron gates and having a set of keys to a door off of Central Avenue was more than I could have ever dreamed. To get that with these two beautiful ladies is a dream come true.” LOVE AND GATHERING Choosing a name for the trattoria and marketplace was as deliberate as the ingredients sourced for the food. “‘Agape’ is the highest form of love, and ‘Agora’ is a gathering space and also a place of assemblies,” Liao said. She sees the eatery as a space for connections, solutions, creativity, inspiration, love, food, and healing. “It makes complete sense to me,” Flecha said of the name. “To me, Agape is the conversation starter to talk to people about it. This is not just another restaurant.” As with the Obscure Wine Company concept, lighting, music, interior design, and aroma, “Everything is chosen for a reason,” Liao said. “There are studies that what you say to your water and what you say out loud vibrates into the 70 percent water we are composed of. When you speak ‘I love you’ to your water, you’re ingesting that. […] It’s the same thing as preparing food with love.” A WARM HUG Purposefully-sourced gourmet ingredients line the shelves of the marketplace and the menu. Agape Agora’s offerings are ever-changing and, above all else, “prepared with love,” Burney said. The trio aims to utilize produce grown by local farmers to join their cultural backgrounds and world travels and create meals to be shared with the community. Folks have expressed to the Agape co-founders the desire for better options for their health and well-being – and they intend to fill that need. Soups, salads, sandwiches, and daily specials are the menu’s backbone. “The concept of soup is so dear to my heart because it’s one of the first things I learned to do with my grandma,” Flecha said, describing a spoonful of hearty soup as a “warm hug.” The specials are crafted with fresh produce and gourmet/local products from their market to offer guests a taste and ideas for utilizing them. Flecha, Burney, and Liao plan for a demo kitchen with classes and meal prep eventually. Partnerships within the community are vital to the owners. Cold pressed juices from Orgen D’nal, small batch gourmet jams made with real fruit from Heirloom Jams, sourdough from Born and Bread Bakehouse, pastries from Bandidas and Honeycomb, and produce from Farmer Will in Lakeland and Thorpe’s Organic Farm in Lake Wales are only some of the local partnerships Agape Agora has so far fostered. NOW OPEN Following a soft opening in January, one piece of feedback that especially pleased Burney was that the Agape Agora experience felt like pulling up a chair to a friend’s kitchen table. “I couldn’t think of anything better to do with my day,” she beamed. Flecha agreed. Though she’d been at the trattoria until midnight the night before, the work remains unburdensome. “It feels like home,” she said. Excitement swelled for the Central Avenue trattoria long before it opened. “People saw the connections – it’s what we all lack,” Liao said. “You don’t die tomorrow thinking, ‘I should have had a nicer car.’ You leave this world thinking, ‘Who would I have spent more time with?’ […] This concept is the energy of love.” The work is passion, the customers are a community, but above all else, the three women have become soul sisters. Wellie Liao grew up with a large, tight-knit stepfamily of many cultural backgrounds. Get-togethers were a “melding of it all.” “It feels so comfortable because I have those same cultures around me now,” she said. “Our partnership is basically what I grew up in. For me, it’s a comfort.” Burney’s passion has been culinary since she attended school. She walked away from that for a time to start her business, Open Door Wellness, and then had to decide if she could move forward with that along with Agape Agora. The two women at her side cheered her on and told her constantly, ‘Don’t let that go. We’re going to figure this out, and on top of that, we’re going to build even more.’ “It gives you a place to plant the seeds and grow what you want,” Burney said. “It’s just easy.” “We have found a common link between our purpose,” Flecha said. “I cannot wait for the future to see other projects coming together and keep building for this community.” Photography by Amy Sexson   Agape Agora 254 W Central Ave B, Winter Haven (863) 370-7037 FB: Agápe  Agorá IG @agapeagora www.agapeagora.com

Amadeo Fiore may be credited with bringing pizza to St. Louis, but Jerry Burns and Bernie Jackson brought the thin, crispy, cut-intosquares pie to Polk County. But first, a slice of history on St. Louis-style pizza. Fiore opened Melrose Pizzeria in the basement of the apartments by the same name at 204 North Sarah near the end of World War II. His pizza created such fanfare that the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote about it. A caption from the article reads, “With scissors Amadeo [sic] Fiore, proprietor-chef of the Melrose Pizzeria, cuts pizza into squares for serving. The squares, held with a paper napkin, are eaten from the hand.” Decades later, in 1964, Ed and Margie Imo opened their namesake pizzeria on Thurman Avenue in St. Louis. With $75, Ed purchased a used oven, two refrigerators, and a stove. He continued working as a tile setter, “slicing squares of linoleum by day and pizza by night.” Imo’s is credited as the creator of the “original St. Louis style pizza” and was the first to popularize Provel cheese in place of mozzarella. The modest shop grew, popularizing delivery, and by 1985 had 30 locations across the city. Today, there are nearly 100 Imo’s franchise locations across Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. In the 1950s, over 300 miles away in Dayton, Ohio, a young Jerry Burns was making the same kind of pizza at his job at Cassano’s. In 1965, Burns and buddy Bernie Jackson opened the first J. Burns’ Pizza Shop location in Winter Haven. By the mid-80s, they grew to 11 locations. The pizzeria had a cult-like following, and many folks today could tell you a memory they have around the thin, crispy pizza. From birthday parties to Little League game celebrations, everybody loved J. Burns’. By 1993, the last J. Burns’ location closed, and in 2008, Matt Wade and his son, Hunter Wade, bought the rights to the name. J. Burns’ and the company was officially revived in 2011. “He grew up next door neighbors next to Bernie Jackson. My father’s first job at 14 was with J. Burns’,” said Hunter Wade. Wade says he and his father were lucky to have connections to the founding families to recreate the original magic. “The dough is the exact recipe that Jerry started with back in the ‘60s,” he said. Describing Dayton’s Cassano’s as their ‘north star’ to St. Louis-style pizza, Wade said of J. Burns’ pie, “It’s thin, crispy, cut into squares all the way to the edges, so there’s no crust. The dough doesn’t rise, so it’s really thin.” A trade secret… Instead of coating the bottom of the dough with flour before it goes into the oven like a traditional New York style, they coat it with cornmeal. Another difference? J. Burns’ uses provolone cheese to top their pizza to make it Ohio-style, rather than the Provel used in the St. Louis-style. They don’t slack when it comes to quality, either. The pizza shop only uses fresh produce and dough (including a gluten-free option). Today, J. Burns’ has three locations across Lakeland and Winter Haven. Wade credits that success to what Jerry Burns did back in the day. “We’re just doing something that someone else had already done well and trying to capture that essence of what J. Burns’ was – a staple in the community.” Wade says they hope to “tug on [people’s] heartstrings through pizza.” Hunter bought out his father for a majority stake six years ago. The pair still work together along with Hunter’s wife, Cali, and their six-year-old daughter, Payton, who has her own little J. Burns’ uniform. Wade notes that they hope to open more locations soon. PIZZA PRO TIP: The best way to reheat a J. Burns’ pizza? Turn the oven up as high as it will go – I’m talkin’ 475-500 degrees. Preheat your pan and bake your pie for two to three minutes. According to Wade, that will get it close to that cracker crispy crust without getting rubbery.

Arabellas has been a Winter Haven fine dining fixture for a decade, and Ave Bar is the perfect place for a craft cocktail downtown. But where do passionate pizza fans get their pie? Bistro, of course. Bistro Pizza, the sister restaurant to Arabellas and Ave Bar, is a repeat Best of Haven winner in the pizza category. The Neapolitan-style pizza makes for the perfect slice. “I love making pizza. It was my first job out of high school,” said Bistro co-owner Nikolas Chan. He started at a little pizza shop in Texas. Ray Sykes, a fellow owner, partnered initially with Chan’s father, Yan. Sykes doesn’t hail from a restaurateur background but started bartending at an early age. He moved to Orlando for college and started working at Landry’s Seafood House, where he met the General Manager, Yan Chan. Nikolas Chan got into the business after seeing his father’s success. “Growing up, I used to go see him at the restaurant at Landry’s, and seeing the way he interacted with people and seeing the lifestyle he was able to accomplish because of the hard work he put in really attracted me to the industry,” Chan said. Bistro’s gas brick oven pizzas are hand-tossed and made with only the freshest ingredients. What makes a good pie? The cheese and the sauce, according to Chan. Bistro uses a simple homemade tomato sauce and tops their pizza with Bacio cheese – a combination of mozzarella trademarked as having a “Kiss of Buffalo Milk.” In addition to best sellers like the cheese and supreme pizzas, this Central Avenue pizzeria offers unique varieties like the Pizza Rustica with mozzarella and ricotta cheese, ham, bacon, garlic, and olive oil, and classics like the Pizza Italia with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Or, you can create your own – and they mean it. One gentleman even ordered a shrimp alfredo pizza. Bistro also features a full menu of calzones, strombolis, antipasti, baked pasta, oven-baked subs, and salads. (Pro tip: Chan says not to sleep on the salads. They are generously portioned and made with the freshest produce.) The creative pizza connoisseurs also do a ‘Pizza of the Day’ with out-of-the-box flavors like Philly Cheesesteak and Cuban. If you’re gluten-free, don’t worry; they have a cauliflower crust to die for. Everything at Bistro is made from scratch (including the ranch dressing – if you’re a pizza dipper), and you can taste the difference. First-timers are encouraged to try the garlic knots with house-made marinara. As for the pizza? Opt for a rustica or supreme. “Another allure that we have that other pizza places don’t, is we offer a white pizza,” said Arabella’s General Manager, Jeffrey Tuttle. Guests can pair their pizza with a cocktail from Ave Bar, a local craft brew, or wine from their extensive wine list. Tuttle worked with the original owners of Arabellas when they had Antonio’s. After leaving for a while, he returned and worked his way up from server to GM. “I love this industry. I’ve always enjoyed the culinary side of it and being able to provide people with memories and experiences,” Tuttle said. He enjoys making birthdays and anniversaries extra special. “It feels like you’re giving something to somebody.” “We enjoy all of our customers,” said Sykes. “The locals are what built this business. That’s my favorite part of the business is meeting the locals. Sometimes, you’ll see people here four to five times a week.” PIZZA PRO TIP: The best way to reheat a Bistro Pizza is to add it to a pan with a bit of water on the stovetop and place a lid over it. The steam will bring it back to life! Don’t use too much water, though. No one likes a soggy bottom.

A nostalgic coffee shop sits tucked into the Shoppes at Hallam. Its retro vibes and damn good coffee are all the reasons needed to add Pour Bear Coffee to your morning routine. “I’ve just got a love for coffee, so we decided to open this place,” said co-owner Jordan Bjorn. He and partner Rob Winters previously worked together at an engineering firm in Lakeland. The two were often on the road for work together. “We always liked trying different coffee spots,” Bjorn said. The pair loved trying different shops, roasts, and beans. Coffee runs in the family for Bjorn, who is joined in the business by his brother Jeb Bjorn. Their mother had a coffee shop in Wildwood, Florida. She had a roaster in her shop and would roast their own coffee. Bjorn enjoyed it and would buy for himself, Winters, and others in the office. “We loved making good coffee and providing it to people in our office,” he said. When a spot in the Shoppes at Hallam opened up, Bjorn and Winters jumped on the opportunity to create a coffee shop. They got into the space in July 2022. After doing much of the carpentry, painting, and décor themselves, Pour Bear opened for business in April of this year. The name, in part, comes from Bjorn’s last name, which means ‘bear’ in Norwegian. With various shades of greens, yellows, and oranges, interspersed with groovy patterns and nostalgic nic-nacs, “We wanted a different vibe,” Bjorn said of their vintage motif. “If you walked into my house, it would be very similar to this.” The retro logo and bear pouring coffee mural were painted by Lakeland muralist, illustrator, and graphic designer, Maegan (Mae) Carroll-Simmons. From funky furniture to a functional bright orange rotary phone, the space feels like stepping into the 70s. The elements of woodsy and nostalgia give retro summer camp vibes. The shop is perfect for a cup of tea with a friend or a business meeting over coffee. They even have board games for a lazy afternoon indoors. I can picture myself sitting in one of the plush chairs and reading a book for hours while sipping a Sweetwater cold brew. “We get compared to Grandma’s house quite a bit,” Bjorn said. “We wanted something cozy where you could come in, pop down on a couch, and enjoy a good cup of coffee.” Pour Bear offers two coffee wholesalers in their shop, Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co. out of Atlanta, Georgia, and Sweetwater Organic Coffee Co. out of Gainesville, Florida. These two roasters provide fresh, ethically sourced, sustainable coffee. Their espresso beans are from Kaldi’s, and drip coffee and cold brew are from Sweetwater. You can even grab a bag of ground or wholebean coffee while you’re there. “We wanted to keep it kind of local, but at the same time, not offering the same coffee that everyone else in Lakeland does,” Bjorn said. In addition to the usual suspects, patrons can opt for a Honey Bear Latte, Raspberry Lemon Espresso Tonic, Peach Matcha Latte, or Lavender Lemonade. Pour Bear makes delicious Jar Bars with chocolate chips and cranberries, sausage and cheese muffins, bacon and cheddar muffins, and more for sustenance. All of their goodies made in-house are gluten-free. Pour Bear patrons can also enjoy a variety of seasonal and perennial locally crafted baked goods from Bandidas Bake Shop and Meraki Bakehouse. They also offer wholesale honey from a local apiary and mushroom tinctures from Florida Mushroom Company out of Lake Wales. Bjorn says he hopes to create a relaxed environment where people can be energized by their coffee. They hope to add Sunday to their schedule in the future, along with evening events. The Pour Bear owners would love to expand and perhaps roast their own coffee eventually. Pour Bear Coffee 4608 Cleveland Heights Blvd (863) 450-4180 FB: Pour Bear Coffee IG @pourbearcoffee pourbearcoffee.com Photography by Amy Sexson

Here’s the scoop on Winter Haven’s newest ice cream shop: Ripples Handcrafted Ice Cream is the brainchild of Honeycomb Bread Bakers owner Benjamin Vickers and partner Ethos Coffee Roasters owner Lisbeth Pacheco. The elevated ice cream shop will feature a coffee bar with Ethos Coffee and 13 flavors of ice cream to choose from. Having had formal culinary training at CIA in New York as a pastry chef, much of Vickers’ early career was in resorts and fine dining restaurants composing desserts. “Ice cream is a key component of many fine dining plated desserts. It was always a fun element for me. I associate it very closely with the fun, playful aspect of being a pastry chef,” said Vickers. “It’s less constrained by the physics of baking. Ice cream is very open-ended in comparison. There are few rules to ice cream.” Vickers noted that Ripples isn’t necessarily a Honeycomb 2.0 but more of a sibling. He and Pacheco are committed to the same handcrafted quality as their other businesses, but with a more exploratory mood. “I was very honored by the opportunity,” said Pacheco. “We’ve become friends through the Lakeland Farmers Market. We’ve been next to each other for a few years now.” Pacheco called Ripples an opportunity to do something different with something she’s passionate about. “Ice cream has been my favorite dessert since I was a very small child. So owning an ice cream company was kind of that kid’s dream that I thought was never going to happen,” she said. “I do have some experience that I think is going to translate,” Pacheco said. While completing her bachelor’s degree in food engineering, she was a dairy processing manager in Honduras. “I feel like Ethos is such an impact-driven company, and it’s all about the farmers,” said Vickers. “I’m excited to see how she interacts with Ripples, which is really just a fun passion project.” “Any business is and can be impactful,” Pacheco noted. Ripples is the answer to a much-needed dessert concept in the new al fresco food hall, Bowen Yard. “You need something to compliment a lot of the other savory culinary concepts. Dessert is its own category in the culinary world and in culture in general. It’s the last opportunity to give your guests a good impression. It’s often the one that lingers on your palate and in your mind,” Vickers said. Coffee is another critical component. After a beautiful meal, what’s better than a hot cup of coffee to round out the journey? “A lot of the creative direction for Ripples so far has been resolving my long-standing grudges against regular ice cream,” Vickers said. “I have a lot of beef with conventional ice cream. It tends to be very same-same.” To keep from blending in, Ripples is making all of the ice cream and culinary creations in-house. If Pacheco is the risk-averse planner, Vickers is the improviser, making up an ice cream dream team. “I think I take a bit of an unconventional approach to formulating ideas,” Vickers said. “I rarely say ‘no’ to anything until I’ve tried it. I’m trying to have a very ‘Why not? Let’s go for it,’ kind of approach.” The pair do not want to limit themselves to the safety of flavors like salted caramel, cookies and cream, or mint chocolate chip. “We may dabble in some of those concepts, but there’s no way we would have it as simple as what you can already find at the grocery store,” Vickers said. According to Pacheco, they plan to champion simplicity. “There’s going to be a big difference in terms of quality – quality of ingredients,” she said. “I’ve always thought of that as the ultimate challenge. Coming from a food science background, it’s easier if you formulate something with many different things – gums and stabilizers and preservatives. If I include all these things, I can make something that lasts a few years, and it’s going to taste pretty good to most people. It’s going to have a great texture, but it’s not going to have the quality.” But a product like that can’t stand next to something made with natural, wholesome, high-quality ingredients like milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. Though the Ripples vibe is elevated fun, “This is not going to be dumbed down and made infantile,” Vickers said. “This is going to be a place where grown-ups don’t have to feel embarrassed by walking in. They’re going to be challenged by some of the flavors.” The sweet and astringent Ruby Red Grapefruit was emblematic of that challenge. “I want to cultivate a brand that relishes in that. I don’t want it to be a mindless experience at all.” “It’s a place where people can have a culinary experience with ice cream,” said Pacheco. “[The kind of place] where you can see creativity, but you can also see great quality ingredients made from scratch.” Something Vickers prides Honeycomb on is that their baked goods are made of a few simple ingredients, and in the end, the product tastes like those ingredients. “The strawberry ice cream should taste like you’re eating a strawberry, and we should have the transparency and knowledge of the process enough that we can say, ‘This strawberry that I’m holding here became this scoop of ice cream here,’” he said. The Ripples case has 13 slots – that’s limited real estate. They plan to have a set of approachable, perennial flavors along with thoughtful small batches like fig and goat cheese, toasted sourdough, chicken and waffle, or barley and parsnip. Push pops, parfaits, and composed frozen desserts aren’t out of the question either. Don’t expect soda or sprinkles but do anticipate a coffee bar. Instead of a root beer float, you could indulge in a cold brew, matcha, or chai float. “I’m highly invested in the city of Winter Haven’s success. Having a strong anchor like Bowen Yard is hugely important for Honeycomb as a business and for me personally as a Winter Haven resident. I feel so strongly that we have to be proactive about giving young people a reason to have local pride and give them a reason to stay after they graduate college. We shouldn’t be giving them reasons to leave Winter Haven,” Vickers said. “This is going to continue on this path to setting us up for success. A lot of that I give credit to Six/Ten. They have this big master plan of developing downtown with culinary, retail, and residential. I feel excited to be putting one brick in the wall.” Ripples Handcrafted Ice Cream 312 4th St SW, Winter Haven FB: Ripples Handcrafted Ice Cream IG @rippleshandcrafted rippleshandcrafted.com

Lakeland couple Jeremy and Leah Brumley are bringing their rockstar chicken concept to Winter Haven this summer. Maybe you’ve wondered what that hot pink sign on 17 would be or what the cow atop the building beckoning you to eat more chicken meant. The former filling station at 199 6th Street NW will be a 2,200-square-foot chicken joint serving up Southern scratch cuisine. LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken is expected to open their Winter Haven location in early August. The Brumleys opened LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken in Lakeland just over three years ago. “The community has been great. We’re very grateful for all the support,” said Jeremy. “They’ve been fantastic. They’re the reason why we’re open.” They opened dealing with supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic. They struggled to get the ingredients they needed, most importantly, chicken. Because of this, they were open six days a week for dinner only. “As of six months ago, we are now seven days a week, lunch and dinner,” Brumley said. “Everyone has been very supportive and patient.” Now it’s time to expand the Almost Famous Chicken brand. But first, a little LoveBird backstory. A lifelong Lakelander, Brumley opened his first business, Woodpecker Records, right out of high school in 1993. His mother ran the record store for a year while he attended college and played soccer in Alabama before returning to enroll at Florida Southern University. Ten years into owning Woodpecker Records, Brumley sold the business and started Rockstar Moms, a maternity clothing company, with his wife, Leah. Interested in dental school, Brumley moved to Gainesville for a time. There, he would frequent Hogan’s 83, a local sandwich shop. “It was just a hoagie shop with beer, and it was packed all the time,” he said. He liked the hoagie concept and talked with the owner about bringing it to Lakeland. Instead, Brumley connected with Jim Pollard, owner of some 63 Outback Steakhouses, who offered him a job. Coming from small business ownership and with a baby on the way, the idea of a steady paycheck was attractive to Brumley. “I fell in love with it and worked my way through it from $2.13 an hour all the way to executive,” he said. Brumley worked to learn every position he could, from server and bartender to line cook, host, and eventually executive. “Even to this day, I’m most proud about that,” he said of working his way up through the industry. He also worked at Bonefish, owned by the same company as Outback. Brumley hopped on board when the founder of the down-under steakhouse broke off and started the fast-casual chicken chain PDQ. He opened the Lakeland location and worked as regional vice president, VP of operations, and eventually COO. From offering lawn services as a kid to starting a record store and a clothing company, Brumley said, “We’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit in my family.” Despite his corporate gig, Brumley kept focused on his long-term goal to start something of his own again. Even before the pandemic, Brumley recognized the rapidly changing restaurant industry over his 20 years working within it. With the onslaught of online ordering, delivery, smaller square footage, food trucks, and the like, he saw an opportunity in the ever-evolving industry. Though the optics and delivery methods may change, “I do believe the future of the restaurant [industry] is still fresh food and great service,” he said. So, he and Leah set out to meet the changing restaurant industry’s needs when they secured their building, the former South Florida Starbucks, for their southern fried chicken concept – LoveBird. “My first introduction to Nashville hot [chicken] was going to Nashville, seeing shows and music, going to breweries,” said Brumley. He tried hot chicken at a brewery food truck and was hooked. Anytime he makes his way to the Music City, he always craves Nashville hot chicken. There is a hot chicken sandwich on the menu, but LoveBird isn’t exclusively a hot chicken joint. “The core of our business is Southern fried chicken,” said Brumley. “It’s great Southern fried chicken and great Southern scratch sides. Think about if a barbecue place and a fried chicken shack had a baby – that’s kind of what we are.” Former Bonefish colleague turned chef Rocco Taliani helped to develop the LoveBird menu. “He had a love for food and a path that took him from that to being a private chef,” Brumley said. “When I was doing the concept,” I thought it would be fun to get him involved.” The star of the show – delicious fried chicken – is fresh, never frozen, has no added hormones, and is served in quarters. Each chicken gets a little TLC every step along the way to keep it tender and tasty, starting with an up to 24-hour brine. “It’s a process where every level of the chicken is seasoned from its raw state with the brine, our flour, and it gets a dry rub when it comes out. It’s a premium chicken,” said Brumley. The LoveBird team keeps things traditional with the Nashville hot chicken sandwich, offering escalating heat levels depending on how spicy you feel. The chicken goes through a spicy chili-infused oil followed by a dry rub. A nod to Nashville, the hot chicken is served with white Wonder bread, sweet pickles, two scratch sides, and a sauce if you opt for a plate. For all the flavor and none of the heat, Brumley recommends their Southern-fried Almost Famous Chicken. Some of the scratch side offerings include slaw, bourbon baked beans, jalapeño bacon corn, tomato cucumber salad, and fries. Guests can opt for dirty fries seasoned and topped with cheese sauce, bacon, green onion, and buttermilk ranch. Round out your meal with Southern desserts like banana pudding. Now, LoveBird is flying east and bringing its old-fashioned country fried chicken with it. Of the new space, Brumley said, “I really like to keep everything compact, get the company to grow one restaurant at a time, and keep it people-focused more than it is the brand. Winter Haven completely makes sense.” As the company grows, the Brumleys want to avoid creating carbon copies. Though the soul of LoveBird will remain the same wherever you go, some elements will change. Without specifics, Brumley noted there will be a few tweaks and additions to the Winter Haven menu. Be on the lookout for the Brumleys’ next concept in Lakeland, a burger and hotdog spot with a full liquor bar at the former Poor Porker turned Unfiltered. We’ll fill you in on that tasty endeavor as it gets closer to opening. LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken 2101 S Florida Ave, Lakeland 199 6th St NW, Winter Haven lovebirdeats.com FB: LoveBird - Almost Famous Chicken IG @lovebird.eats

Maritime, an oyster bar and coastal cuisine concept, just dropped anchor in downtown Winter Haven. Partners Jason Ellis, Conn O’Leary, and Corey Ripley are the masterminds behind Lakeland’s Cob and Pen, Good Thyme, and Rec Room. The three partnered with Miguel Barcelo to start Winter Haven’s newest pearl. “I think we’d always talked about a raw bar concept,” O’Leary said. When they were approached by Six/Ten, the investors behind the new open-air food hall, Bowen Yard, things began to fall into place. “Doing a concept that we loved, in a space that made sense, which we thought was Winter Haven – it just naturally evolved with the Bowen Yard concept,” said O’Leary. When you hear ‘seafood in Central Florida,’ you might think of all things fried. That’s been done, and it’s been done well here already. The Maritime partners hoped to set sail towards slightly different horizons. “We have a little more adventurous culinary tastes,” O’Leary said. “We thought about doing something more aggressive concept-wise.” “We wanted to make a place that’s comfortable for everybody,” Ellis added. “But we would also like to stretch our creative legs and bring people on an experience, a journey.” The oyster program at this Bowen Yard mainstay is worth the community chatter it inspired even before opening its doors. Maritime has chosen to sustainably source year-round from cold waters up the northeastern coast into Canada. “That’s the style that we really like, and felt like that was a way to push the envelope away from the typical Gulf oyster you find around here,” Ellis said. These include the likes of the less briney James River oysters from Virginia with a mild and meaty flavor and a hint of stone. Other options include the Irish Point oyster from Rustico, PEI, which has a tender texture, sweet brine, and smooth mineral finish. Among their offerings will be Summerside, Standish Shore, and Beavertail oysters. Maritime oysters are available raw or steamed in a rotating house selection served with Travis’s Hot Sauce, house cocktail sauce, grilled lemon, and saltines. Charbroiled oysters, available in garlic butter and parmesan or oysters Rockefeller, also make an appearance on the starter menu. Aside from a rock-star raw bar, Maritime has focused on an elevated, eclectic menu featuring the best in coastal cuisine. Popular during their ‘friends and family’ meals have been the crispy fish and chips made with beer-battered haddock, housemade tartare sauce, and lemon, and the lobster roll served Maine-style (cold salad) or Rhode Island-style (hot and butter poached). Innovation has been the name of the game with Chef Jason Boniface. After opening as the chef at the Red Door in Lakeland, Boniface joined Ellis, O’Leary, and Ripley at Cob and Pen, where he’s been for the last four years. From the Boston area, Boniface has plenty of experience in coastal cuisine. “He’s been helping us take the next step on our menu,” Ellis said. “He’s worked so hard with us at Cob and Pen that it was a no-brainer to allow him to remain there in an oversight capacity to keep standards where they need to be but to come over here and get to do something new as well.” The dining room is done up in taupes, corals, and blues, lending to its seaside vibe. The aesthetic is clean and minimal, with mid-century modern elements tied to the ocean. Sunbeams glint through a wall of windows, illuminating the spirits behind the bar, drenching the space in buttercream daylight during lunch hours. Much like a moody beach vista, Maritime’s mercurial nature takes over as the sun sets and lights come down, taking on a much sexier mood. No matter the time of day, all eyes are on the 50-foot bar made of quartz, sea glass, and oyster shells constructed by a company in South Carolina. Maritime murals are courtesy of local commercial artist and illustrator Josh ‘Bump’ Galletta. The bar is a focal point visually and in spirit. “One of the things we wanted to focus on in the inception of the idea was having a longer, more cocktail, cool-driven bar,” O’Leary said. The concept was a tiki-themed cocktail list with cool, tropical flavors bolstered by a solid wine program to pair with the oysters. “We’ll be super spirit and wine heavy, a little bit lighter on the beer, but we’ll still play the favorites,” O’Leary said. A few Maritime originals include the Paid Vacation with 4 Roses Bourbon, Pimm’s, blackberry basil syrup, and fresh lemon, and the Florida Man with Kraken Black Spiced Rum, Select Aperitivo, mango puree, passion fruit puree, and fresh lemon. Another crowd-pleaser is the Siren’s Song with tequila blanco, Italicus, prickly pear puree, fresh lime juice, and jalapeno. If you’d like to imbibe without the buzz, they also offer a mocktail called the False Idol with hibiscus tea, pineapple juice, mint, and ginger beer. The bar also features a pass-through window so Bowen Yard patrons can grab bites and cocktails to enjoy on the yard or pick a meal from one of the other on-site establishments and imbibe in a drink from Maritime. “With that kind of rising tide, we can all help each other out. I think that would be fantastic,” Ellis said of his neighbors. With three booming Lakeland concepts, why the move to the Chain of Lakes city? “We’ve been coming over here quite a bit, and it’s been cool to see it go from a couple of places we like to go, to five or six places we like to go, to seven or eight places we like to go. We’ve experienced that a lot as the town has grown,” Ellis said. “There seems to be an undercurrent of cool here that we really gravitate towards. They seem to be super supportive of the local restaurant, the local bar, the local spot. We wanted to be a part of that.” Maritime soft launched on June 13 with abbreviated hours and has added days and hours each week. They plan to celebrate with Bowen Yard in their grand opening on July 25. Maritime 302 4th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 229-7167 FB: Maritime - Winter Haven IG @maritime_wh maritimewh.com

BEST GYM/ FITNESS STUDIO ADRENALINE BODY WORKS 202 Lake Miriam Dr Suite 126, Lakeland (863) 712-1653 FB: Adrenaline Body Works IG @adrenalinebodyworks adrenalinebodyworks.com Adrenaline Body Works is an exclusive 100-members-only fitness studio offering group fitness, private training, and therapeutic exercise. Members can also enjoy the benefits of a cold plunge, sauna, and recovery equipment. With a five-star rating across the board, one member writes in part, “I’ve been working out at ABW with Adam, on and off for about 7+ years. Routinely, I come back to meet new fitness goals. In 2023, I decided I’m back for good - focusing on consistency for my mental wellness. The atmosphere in the gym is always electric! It makes me want to keep showing up, be aggressive, and better myself every day.” 2nd: The Balance Culture 3rd: Just Move BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO KARATE BEYOND BY MASTER CHOE 4124 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 354-5467 FB @karatebeyond IG @karatebeyond karatebeyond.com The well-structured classes at Karate Beyond are a black belt in child psychology and development. Designed to boost coordination, physical fitness, and mental toughness, they also sharpen social skills. From pre-K ninjas to kids, teens, and adults, they offer martial arts training, summer camp, and after-school pick-up. One parent writes, “Master Jae is amazing with his students. Since starting at Karate Beyond a couple months ago, my son has had a boost in his confidence. Master Jae is kind, patient, and very encouraging. My son looks forward to coming to karate every week. I highly recommend this dojo.” 2nd: Sifu Och Wing Chun Kung Fu 3rd: Champions Mixed Martial Arts BEST MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY SURTERRA WELLNESS 1222 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (850) 391-5455 FB: Surterra surterra.com/dispensaries/lakeland I’ll be blunt, Surterra has weeded out the competition. Their products are nurtured in their cutting-edge facility, the largest greenhouse on the East Coast, where they steer clear of harmful chemicals. With a full menu of medical cannabis offerings—prerolls, edibles, vaporizers, concentrates, oral and sublingual options, flower, topicals, and more—they’ve got all your needs covered for a highly enjoyable experience. 2nd: Trulieve Lakeland Dispensary 3rd: MÜV Dispensary Lakeland BEST WELLNESS STORE ANTHONY’S HEALTH HUT & RESTAURANT 5329 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 644-5330 FB @anthonyshealthhut IG @anthonyshealthhut anthonyshealthhut.com Looking for an extensive selection of health foods and products from herbs and spices to vitamins and supplements? Anthony’s Health Hut has it! This healthy haven has served Lakeland for over 30 years with tasty, feel-good food, including homemade soups and juices. The Restaurant boasts a menu brimming with bright bites, including salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, juices, and more. “This place is amazing, their expertise on their products along with their customer service is second to none. Their food is delicious and well priced, this is the place to go for an inexpensive lunch that is healthy and flavorful. Anthony, Joey and Penny are some of the sweetest people I’ve ever met and they have my business for life,” wrote one customer. 2nd: Chamberlin’s Natural Foods 3rd: Your CBD Store | SUNMED BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP ACCESS CHURCH 4303 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 688-8100 2620 Kathleen Rd, Lakeland FB @AccessChurch IG @accesschurch access.tv Dr. Jason and Lis Burns are the founding and lead pastors of Access Church. In 2007, Jason and Lis started Access as a college Bible study in their living room with 15 friends. Today, thousands of people in Central Florida call Access Church their home. Access Church says, “We help people take the next step in their relationship with Jesus. That’s how we’re going to make a difference, and it’s the motivation behind everything we do.” One Access Church congregant writes in part, “I can’t say enough good things about Access Church. From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed with open arms and a genuine sense of community. The worship experience is uplifting, the sermons are both inspiring and relatable, and the leadership is truly committed to making a positive impact on people’s lives.” 2nd: Lakes Church 3rd: First United Methodist Church BEST FAMILY DOCTOR JAMES G. HARDIGAN, DO | WATSON CLINIC 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland (863) 680-7190 FB @watsonclinicfl IG @watson_clinic watsonclinic.com Dr. James G. Hardigan joined Watson Clinic in 2007 and specializes in Family Medicine. He earned his DO at Nova-Southeastern University and did his internship and residency at St. Joseph Community Hospital in Mishawaka, IN. Dr. Hardigan is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Medicine and has his American Osteopathic Board of Family Medicine Certification. One patient writes, “I would give 10 Stars if possible. Doc Hardigan is beyond PHENOMENAL!!!! He is always upbeat, with one of the best bedside manners I have ever seen. And considering some of the hospitals I have dealt with, and exposure to the medical community, it says quite a lot. He is always aware of what is going on, and his care and concern is top notch, knowledgeable, involved, and compassionate.” 2nd: Ayesha Jafri, MD | Robinson Family Clinic 3rd: Dr. Celestino Vega BEST PEDIATRICIAN CARA CANNON, MD | LAKESIDE PEDIATRICS (Multiple locations) FB @lakesidepeds IG @lakesidepeds lakesidepeds.com Dr. Cara Cannon was raised in Canada and moved to the States in 1996. She has an undergraduate degree from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, both in aerospace engineering. She attended medical school at the University of Colorado School of Medicine before moving to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where she completed her general pediatric residency. She returned to Colorado for two years of additional Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology training before joining Lakeside Pediatrics in 2015. Dr. Cannon is passionate about breastfeeding and is dedicated to improving breastfeeding rates in the Lakeland community. She treats ADHD, anxiety, and depression and works with patients with a history of trauma. She is board–certified in pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the AAP Section on Breastfeeding. Dr. Cannon maintains active medical staff status at Lakeland Regional Health. 2nd: Wilson Cornett, MD | Watson Clinic 3rd: Nicole A. Hinds, MD | Lakeland Regional Health BEST EYE SPECIALIST/ OPTOMETRIST EYE SPECIALISTS OF MID-FLORIDA, P.A. 3350 Harden Blvd, Lakeland (863) 662-3010 2004 CR 540 A, Lakeland (863) 937-4515 IG @eyespecialistsmidfl eyesfl.com What started as a modest eye-opener of an ophthalmology and optometry practice in downtown Winter Haven in the early 1960s, Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, P.A. has now grown into a visionary network with multiple locations throughout Central Florida. You don’t need a magnifying glass to see why Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida is the Best of LKLD. They focus on personalized, high-quality eye care, including ophthalmology, optometry, glaucoma, LASIK, laser surgery, cataract treatment, and eyelid lifts. Plus, they offer a full range of eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, sunglasses, frame repair, and optical accessories to keep your vision sharp and stylish! 2nd: Eyes on Lakeland 3rd: MyEyeDr. BEST ORTHOPEDIC DOCTOR ERIC DOUGLAS WICKS, MD | LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH GRASSLANDS CAMPUS 3030 Harden Blvd, Lakeland (863) 687-1250 FB @LakelandRegionalHealth IG @lakelandregionalhealth mylrh.org Dr. Wicks brings extensive experience in Orthopedic Surgery, Athletic Training, and Chiropractic care to both his Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine practice, where he specializes in the evaluation, prevention, and nonsurgical and surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. He currently serves as a Team Physician for Florida Southern College and previously served as a Team Physician for the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Villanova University. Prior to earning his medical degree, Dr. Wicks worked as a Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Athletic Trainer, and Personal Trainer. Certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Dr. Wicks sees patients ages 12 years and older. 2nd: Phuc Vo, MD | Watson Clinic 3rd: Timothy Evans, MD | Lakeland Regional Health BEST OB-GYN TAREK G. GARAS, MD | WATSON CLINIC 1755 N Florida Ave, Lakeland (863) 680-7312 FB @watsonclinicfl IG @watson_clinic watsonclinic.com We’re here to ‘deliver’ the good news. Dr. Tarek Garas is board-certified in OB-GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology). He specializes in general gynecology, advanced gynecologic surgery, bladder incontinence, bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, robotic surgery, and diVa® laser vaginal therapy. Dr. Garas is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of several prestigious medical organizations, including the American Urogynecologic Society, Physicians for Women’s Health, American College of Surgeons, Florida Obstetric and Gynecology Society. He is bilingual in English and Spanish. What accomplishment is Dr. Garas most proud of? “I am most proud of each patient I am able to help restore to health and of every baby I assisted with entering this world safely.” 2nd: Samantha J. Curtis, MD | Watson Clinic 3rd: J. Brian Hopper, MD | Watson Clinic BEST PLASTIC SURGEON FAEZA R. KAZMIER, MD | WATSON CLINIC WOMEN’S CENTER 1400 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland (863) 680-7676 FB @watsonclinicfl IG @watson_clinic watsonclinic.com When it comes time for a little nip and tuck, we know where you can smooth out all of the wrinkles. Dr. Faeza R. Kazmier provides a variety of plastic surgery services, ranging from cosmetic procedures to reconstructive care, from her office at the Watson Clinic Women’s Center. Having completed dedicated training focused on plastic surgery, along with 18 years of experience, Dr. Kazmier seeks to help her patients achieve real, natural-looking results from head to toe. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Medical Society while at Albany Medical College. Dr. Kazmier, who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2nd: Jacob Gerzenshtein, MD 3rd: J. Scott Ferguson, DO | Watson Clinic BEST DENTIST/ ORTHODONTIST SCOTT ORTHODONTICS 5030 S Lakeland Dr, Lakeland (863) 709-1941 211 6th St SE, Winter Haven (863) 299-1261 FB @DrScottSmiles IG @scottortho scottsmiles.com Now, here’s a win that’ll make you grin! Voters continue to trust their pearly whites to the Smile Specialists at Scott Orthodontics year after year. The board-certified orthodontists provide a full range of orthodontic options for children, teens, and adults. Whether you’re looking for traditional metal braces, clear ceramic options, or advanced choices like Invisalign, Damon Smile, Incognito hidden lingual braces, and In-Ovation C, they’ve got your smile covered! One patient wrote, “The staff here at the Lakeland location are fantastic. Everyone is always smiling, courteous, and helpful. Appointments were always quick and timely, but they always made sure any and all questions were answered for me. Dr. Scott and Dr. Patel are SO friendly and knowledgeable in their specialty. I had such a positive experience here with everyone through my Invisalign treatment and would definitely recommend this location for children or adults for all orthodontic needs.” 2nd: Agnini Family Dental 3rd: Kawveh Nofallah, DMD BEST CHIROPRACTOR LOVE CHIROPRACTIC CENTER 5227 US Hwy 98 S, Lakeland (863) 709-1600 FB @LoveChiropracticCenterFL IG @love_chiropractic lovechiropracticcenter.com Drs. Steve and Tiffany Love, Erika Love, and Chris Terry strive to address your problems quickly and effectively. “Many of our patients will notice a substantial difference in just a few visits. In most cases, we will set up a short-term regimen to make sure you are progressing as anticipated. If, by any chance, we are not seeing progress, we will refer you to a specialist in the area whom we trust. As always, we give you the treatment you need. No more. No Less,” says Love Chiropractic. One patient writes in part, “We are both patients at Love Chiropractic and couldn’t be more pleased with our individual treatment and care. This “Award Winning Facility” offers top-shelf treatment, efficient expert care, along with state-of-the-art equipment, procedures, and treatment.” 2nd: David Choate, DC 3rd: Kern Chiropractic Clinic BEST HOSPITAL LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH Multiple Locations FB @LakelandRegionalHealth IG @lakelandregionalhealth mylrh.org Congratulations to Lakeland Regional Health for once again taking the crown as the Best Hospital! With a legacy that’s been going strong for over 100 years, this hospital continues to “deliver” outstanding outcomes and top-notch care by putting people at the heart of everything they do. They’re all about boosting lives through wellness, education, and discovery. The LRH Physician Group features over 340 doctors and providers across more than 40 specialties at over 20 locations. As one of Florida’s largest hospitals with 910 beds, Lakeland Regional Health also scores big as the second-largest private employer in Polk County, with over 7,000 staff members and a medical team of more than 700. 2nd: AdventHealth 3rd: BayCare BEST URGENT CARE WATSON CLINIC URGENT CARE MAIN 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland (863) 680-7271 Watson Clinic Urgent Care South 1033 North Parkway Frontage Road, Lakeland 863-647-4047 FB @watsonclinicfl IG @watson_clinic watsonclinic.com For those minor emergencies, illnesses, and accidents, you don’t need to rush to the emergency room. Watson Clinic Urgent Care is staffed with board-certified specialists and a highly trained team ready to tackle earaches, minor cuts and fractures, upper respiratory infections, and more. No appointment is needed, and new patients are always welcome. With on-site x-ray, laboratory, CT, and other diagnostic testing, plus medical support from skilled professionals, it’s a smart and cost-effective alternative to an emergency room visit. At Watson Clinic Urgent Care, “We Make You Feel Better Quicker.” 2nd: Lakeland Regional Urgent Care 3rd: AdventHealth Centra Care Lakeland BEST REHABILITATION SERVICES BANNASCH INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED REHABILITATION MEDICINE | LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH FB @LakelandRegionalHealth IG @lakelandregionalhealth mylrh.org Nestled within Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, the Bannasch Institute was crafted with insights from industry experts, care providers, and community members to ensure top-notch, coordinated, and cuttingedge services for patients and their families. Highlights of their facility include a 32-bed unit with all private rooms, a spacious 2,300+ square foot physical therapy gym, and a cozy family area, among other features. For those seeking outpatient care, Lakeland Regional Health offers services at their award-winning Grasslands Campus and North Lakeland YMCA, including one of Polk County’s premier Pelvic Rehabilitation programs for men and women dealing with pelvic pain or urinary issues. 2nd: Leading Edge Physical Therapy 3rd: Watson Clinic BEST MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES WALK WITH HOPE 215 E Bay St #4, Lakeland (863) 777-9184 IG @walkwithhopetherapy walkwithhope.net Walk with Hope is a team of Licensed Mental Health Counselors who provide quality therapy to individuals, couples, and families. “Using empathy and honesty, our goal is to create a safe space for you to explore your feelings. Connect with us now and take a step towards feeling better,” says Walk with Hope. They are committed to supporting those in the LGBTQ+ community and are proud to provide safe, respectful, and culturally informed therapy. One Walk with Hope client writes in part, “Natalie is an excellent counselor. She creates a safe space and, with each session, helps unpack layer by layer what’s on your heart. She listens with empathy, asks thoughtful questions, and provides a high-level overview to help put things in perspective. In addition, she equips you with the tools (new skills) to help you navigate your way to a better place.” 2nd: Peace River Center 3rd: Atala Counseling BEST DOGGY DAYCARE HOLLYWOOF PET RESORT 5845 Brannen Rd S, Lakeland (863) 644-8152 FB @hollywoofpetresort IG @hollywoofpetresort hollywoofpetresort.com Your dog is the star of your household—so give them the Hollywood treatment! Hollywoof Pet Resort, previously known as Sunny Days Pet Resort, has been rolling out the red carpet for pets since 2001. Located in a tranquil spot away from traffic but close to the SPCA Adoption Center and S. Florida Avenue in South Lakeland, Hollywoof continues to expand its star-studded services, including boarding, grooming, and doggy daycare. They believe every dog deserves their time in the spotlight. This resort ensures a safe environment, with playgroups carefully created to avoid overcrowding and large dogs kept separate from the smaller pups. 2nd: Four Paws Only 3rd: Das Hund Haus BEST DOG GROOMER DOGGIE DIVAS GROOMING SALON 1633 Shepherd Rd, Lakeland (863) 337-4999 FB @Doggiedivasgrooming IG @ doggiedivasgrooming Is your pup a total diva? Then pamper them at Doggie Divas Grooming Salon! Doggie Divas offers blueberry facials, natural skin care products, PlaqClnz dental care, and a professional grooming experience in a calm spa atmosphere. One pet dad writes, “Always a pleasure talking with them to make the appointment and pick up the doggo Niko. Niko always looks like so sparkly & clean, they do a fantastic job getting out his Australian shepherd undercoat. Need a groomer? Doggie Divas is the only name you need!” 2nd: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming 3rd: Lucky Puppy Nail Specialists BEST VETERINARIAN DR. BOB IRELAN’S VETERINARY SERVICES 6804 N Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland (863) 859-9485 FB @robertirelandvm robertirelandvm.com “Our exceptional team at Dr. Bob Irelan’s Veterinary Services in Lakeland, FL, is dedicated to providing the best possible veterinary care for your pets. Your concerns are our concerns, and together, we embark on a journey to ensure the health and happiness of your furry companions throughout every stage of life.” This Lakeland vet is your complete source for pet vaccinations and a wide variety of veterinary services, including wellness care, pharmacy, dentistry, euthanasia guidance and services, geriatrics, general surgery, preventive medicine, laboratory testing and diagnostics, chronic disease and pain management, and nutrition. One client raves, “Thank you so much! We are very happy with all the care Dr. Tony and the staff, our doggies were taken care of with great compassion, and professionalism. Lilly and Scrappy’s surgeries were a success, and I really appreciate all they did for our babies! Dr. Bob’s Vet is the only one we would go to. He is the best in the area!” 2nd: All Creatures Animal Clinic 3rd: Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital