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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two weeks before the championship game, there is room to reminisce. The Winter Haven Senior High Lady Blue Devils (LBD) of 2023 and 2024 made it to the finals. The conditioning was the same. The practices went as structured. The goal was set. But both years, they lost. Now the 2025 team was headed back with the same goal… on the same floor they graced twice, with the same conditioning, the same amount of practices, and facing the same team that previously beat them. “I went and had a practice with the girls by myself. I saw a lot of good things in them. I felt like the pieces were there and they put in the work... I told them what they needed to do to become that championship team…” remarks Winter Haven Senior High’s Athletic Director, LeDawn Gibson. Former head coach of the LBD, current icon in Polk County basketball, and the reason the legacy of LBD began, Gibson’s assessment of the team is crucial. If anyone can eye the blueprint of a winner, it would be the woman who led the team to be ranked No.1 for nine straight seasons. She believed in this group of girls, and in the man she handed her reins to. Coach Johnnie Lawson is, by many accounts, an incredible head coach, but by more accounts, an incredible person. His LBD career spans nearly three decades, 17 years at the helm, 10 years as assistant to then-Coach Gibson. He is thoughtful, encouraging, and dependable, and according to his senior girls, he is a second dad. “I run my team like I run my house-- discipline, order, and structure.” Coach Johnnie has garnered the respect of all who play for him by offering a consistent work ethic; he has gained adoration as he cultivates a loving and inspiring program. Amaya Shaw, senior power forward, describes the team as “definitely a family.” Senior guard, Azzariah Styles adds, “It’s more than basketball bonds. The coaches are just as close with the players as we are with each other.” “Playing here is different. Everybody can’t play here. Even though we love them hard, we coach them hard,” 11-year assistant coach Billy Washington discloses how the reputation of the LBD is anchored. While endearing, the team runs on toughness. And while Coach Billy doesn’t see himself as the “tough coach” but the “balance to Coach Johnnie,” he prepares the girls to push more than ever as they will engage with an above-average schedule of workouts, conditioning, and teams. Two weeks before the final game, Coach Johnnie doesn’t sleep well. The idea of meeting the standard that LBD teams are held to becomes an “up all-night” engagement. What will he tell his girls if their stringent regimen leaves them without the trophy for a third year in a row? This is where Coach Johnnie admits the weight of legacy, “Is it more pressure to start a program fresh, take it from scratch, or is it tougher following a legend? It’s tougher following a legend… the pressure mounts up.” When you aren’t new to winning, the effort it takes to accomplish the accolade can be ignored. The LBD are not new to winning. They have gone to the finals 24 times, more than any basketball team in the county. The effort has yielded multiple district and regional titles, five state titles. Now, LBD ‘25 wants their effort to make it six. Two weeks before the game the energy has yet to stall. It vibrates amongst the girls one would assume should be nervous, but are instead concentrating on what has been engrained. The girls recalled what that looked like: Dashanique Henry, senior forward asserts “I was feeling good. I felt like we would win off the start of the season. Everybody had a position we needed, everybody had a part.” “Every time we came in the gym, it was ‘practice and play like a champ.’ Our intensity was different than our regular season games,” Dariasia Pitts, a senior power forward, excitedly boasts. “It’s not nerves. The entire team is locked in, focused on the main goal… there’s no playing around, no slacking in practice… we’re excited to play Dr. Phillips to get our get back,” point guard Jaeden Williams imparts with an assured smirk. Team captain and shooting guard, Serenity Hardy, acknowledges her motivation, “Looking at those pictures in the gym it’s also a [reminder] this is the legacy, this is who we’re playing for, this is who is across our chest.” The last practice before the final game… everyone was fully immersed, driven by a collective aspiration. After basic drills and fundamentals to sharpen what was already there, it was time to play each other. The hustle was apparent, the determination is resolute. Coach Billy refused to call fouls, mimicking what the girls may have to play through in the finals. At different points in the scrimmage, juniors Serenity Hardy and Quin’Nya Gray de Sanders were bleeding, then center Victoria Hall’s knee started bothering her. They would have continued to play, but the gym fell silent as the girls were stunned when Coach Johnnie called it a day. They had done enough, and while they were willing to give more, Coach Johnnie knew there was nothing else to do. But win… “Man, I can’t believe I cried…” with a soft laugh and sigh, Coach Johnnie unveils what the masses can easily dismiss. The portions of their life that coaches sacrifice to be present for their team. The portions of life that make girls decide to move counties, cities, schools, all to find environments that accept them, teams that help them grow as a player and a person. Those outside of the locker room do not see the portions of life that include headache and heartbreak, where loss and grief can break you, because the team and staff still show up on game night, to afternoon workouts, and the team meetings. “I cried… when you put everything in [this]… there’s so much that you’re thinking,” Coach Johnnie continues about the moment the final game is done, “a lot came out, a lot of emotions, everything these years have put us through, me and Billy, big grown men, fell into each other’s arms.” The two LBD coaches hugged each other for every trial they and their team experienced and shed tears for a win that felt promised and earned. Legacies only last if the work does, if the love does. Legacies are built in the present steps, not just the end summary of acts. LBD ‘25 forged their legacy with intentional steps. With fervor. In unison. With love and their set goal. And they won the state championship.

Did you know I have heterochromatic eyes? My left eye is a stunning blue, and my right eye is a beautiful brown. My most favorite, best, drool-worthy thing to eat is freeze-dried chicken treats. I also love living the lake life and boating on the Winter Haven Chain to our favorite places like Tanners, Harborside, and the Twisted Prop!! I just love the wind in my fur as we zoom around the lakes. My Mom is named Amanda, and she’s the most fun and best human in my life. She always says that I could be a model when I grow up because she thinks I’m gorgeous. I just love her. #Lakynlife I love doing tricks! In fact, I know over 85 tricks & have my AKC Performer Trick dog title! Some of my favorite foods are chicken, whipped cream, bully sticks, and soft and jerky-style treats. I like to stay pretty active, I love playing frisbee, swimming, chasing airplanes (I am so close to catching one), practicing agility, learning new tricks, and meeting new people. My most favorite human is my Mommy, and her name is Heidy. She’s the best. I’m hoping to one day be a professional frisbee athlete, or an Olympic gymnast or swimmer (Once they allow dogs to enter!) or an actress, a stunt girl, or a model, I just can’t decide. One interesting thing about me is that people request a Christmas card from me every year, and the list keeps getting longer. It’s quite flattering really, but they don’t quite understand the level of sophistication I bring to the table. I am a connoisseur of fine foods. I love steak, but only the prime cuts, no cheap stuff. I have very deep and philosophical thoughts that I often ponder while lounging. My favorite person is the one who brings me the fluffy blanket, they know exactly how to keep me warm and comfortable so I can really think. One day I hope to become a food journalist, sharing my discerning opinions on all things culinary. I’m the fluffiest little orange puffball you’ll ever meet—my mom was rescued and had five of us, but I’m the only one who came out with this purrfectly sunshine fur. I absolutely love kitten kibble (yum!), and my most favorite thing in the whole wide world is snuggling up with my dog bestie— he’s big and warm and lets me nap. My human Mom is my favorite human ever, I love her so much. If I had a job, I’d be a model, paws down. I mean, have you seen my whiskers? I’m a galloping girl who loves belly scratches! My all-time favorite snack? Juicy apple treats... crunchy, sweet, and totally neigh-licious. Nothing gets my hooves flying like running barrels— speed, turns, and feeling the wind in my mane! As for my favorite human? Well, if you’ve got treats, you’re instantly my best friend (no questions asked). And if I had a job? I’d be a swimmer, of course—just imagine me splashing around with my mane flowing. Giddy-up! I’m a big ol’ lovable goofball and proud winner of the “A Face Only a Mother Could Love” award—can you believe it?! I came from the awesome people at the Polk County Bully Project, and surprise! I grew into a 75-pound lap dog (yes, laps are for all sizes, thank you very much). My favorite food? Oh, paws down—anything and everything! If it smells edible, I’m your taste tester. I’m basically a living, drooling weighted blanket who loves to flop on top of my people for snuggles. My favorite human? My Dad, of course! And if I had a job, I’d be a therapist, no doubt—just look into my smooshy face and tell me your troubles. I’m all ears… and jowls! I’m the fluffiest little bunbun around, and my absolute favorite thing to do is snuggle up with my big husky brother and sister—they’re so cozy and warm, like giant fuzzy clouds! When I’m not cuddling, I’m munching on my most favorite treat in the world: fresh, yummy cilantro—mmm, so leafy and delicious! My human Mama is my very favorite person ever; she gives the best cuddles and always knows when I need a snack. One day, I’d like to be the best pet sitter— because who better to take care of furry friends than a sweet little bunny like me? Thank you to everyone that submitted a photo and voted!