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Best Pizza BISTRO PIZZA 326 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 875-4894 FB @bistropizza326 arabellas.us/bistro-pizza What kind of person doesn’t like Bistro Pizza? A weirdough that’s who. Bistro’s brick oven pizzas are hand-tossed and made with the freshest ingredients. You can choose a classic variety like the Pizza Italia, made with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, or the Pizza Rustica with mozzarella and ricotta cheese, ham, bacon, garlic, and olive oil. Or, you can create your own! This Central Ave pizzeria also features a full menu of calzones, strombolis, antipasti, baked pasta, ovenbaked subs, and salads – not to mention a full wine list and bar are available. 2nd: J. Burns’ Pizza Shop 3rd: Floridino’s Italian Kitchen Best Burgers ADLER’S BURGERS 113 Ambersweet Way, Davenport (863) 438-4324 543 Ave B SW, Winter Haven (863) 875-6615 FB @Adlers.TCB IG @adlerstcb adlersburgers.com Meat your heart out other burger joints, Adler’s is burger goals! These all-American lettuce-on-top legends just don’t stop “takin’ care of burgers” – they’ve claimed the top spot for Best Burger two years running. It all starts with Midwest, high-fat content ground beef, smashed to perfection on the grill and dressed up with an artisan bun. Get it with a side of hand-cut fries and a craft soda (or Jalapeno Fire Crackers mmmm….). The Adler’s Classic is a no-frills feast topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, American cheese, mayo, ketchup, and mustard. Try something new with the Italian, Bad Hombre, or Bourbon BBQ burgers, and follow their socials for the tasty and campily named specials! 2nd: Tempo 1930 3rd: Andy’s Igloo Best Tacos TACOS MY FRIEND 3899 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven (863) 837-7416 FB @tacosmyfriend IG tacos_my_friend Forget about Taco Tuesday, it’s Taco Everyday at Tacos My Friend. This Recker Highway foodie respite serves authentic Mexican fare from tacos (of course) to sopes, tamales, tostadas, and more. Again they take the top taco spot on our Best Of Haven list and no wonder because there is nothing like one of their warm tortillas hugging steak, onion, and cilantro with a squeeze of lime and a drizzle of salsa verde. One bite from Tacos My Friend and you’ll be taco besties! 2nd: Angel’s Kitchen 3rd: Azteca D’ Oro Best Wings BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 293-9464 FB @MyBeefs beefobradys.com/winterhaven With beef in the name, you might not think they’d knock it out of the park with their wings – but you’d be wrong. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Award-Winning Jumbo Wings are always made fresh to order and tossed in one of their dry rubs or famous sauces. They come traditional or boneless and can be made into a combo or a basket. From Garlic Parmesan to Atomic, there’s a heat level and flavor for everyone. The best bet is to just ‘wing’ it and try out a variety of their sauces and dry rubs. Beef’s Signature Buffalo, Nashville Hot, Boom Boom, and Sweet Thai Chili anyone? 2nd: Hurricane Grill & Wings 3rd: Floridino’s Italian Kitchen Best Cuban sandwich SOUP’R CUBANS SANDWICH SHOP 1500 42nd St NW, Winter Haven (863) 967-6277 FB: Soup’R Cubans The named Soup’R Cubans may be a play on words for the six soups they offer daily, but Best Of Haven voters think they make Super Cubans! “Making it fresh since 2000,” this Winter Haven soup and sandwich shop offers fresh subs, soups, salads, specials, and more. But we’re here for the Cubans, baby! They pile their Cuban sandwich with ham, pork, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, with a mustard and mayo mix spread over fresh Cuban bread. It’s then pressed on a hot grill for a perfectly crispy Cuban. Soup’R Cubans’ Best Of Haven-winning sandwich is available as a 10-inch Super Cuban or a 7-inch Regular. 2nd: Richard’s Fine Coffees 3rd: Chef Neil’s Bistro Best Italian ARABELLAS RISTORANTE 346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 293-1797 FB @ArabellasRistorante arabellas.us If you’re craving Linguine Ai Gamberi for lunch or Steak Lady Diana for dinner, consider Arabellas Ristorante, the superlative for Italian cuisine in Winter Haven. Arabellas was established in 2004 and is open for lunch and dinner. Pair your meal of Trancio di Salmone Arrosto con Carciofi, roasted salmon filet with artichoke in a white wine and lemon butter sauce, with a glass or bottle from Arabellas’ extensive wine list or a nightcap at Ave Bar next door. The Downtown Times Square bistro prides itself in excellent food, service, and atmosphere. 2nd: Olive Garden 3rd: Carrabba’s Italian Grill Best Sushi TSUNAMI SUSHI 5937 Cypress Gardens Blvd #300, Winter Haven (863) 324-6777 (Second location in Lakeland) FB @TsunamiSushi2013 IG @tsunamisushiwh tsunamisushi.net Tsunami is a sushi spot we can roll with! Year after year Best Of Haven voters make waves in the ballots for their favorite sushi restaurant. Tsunami boasts a menu of dishes that look as fantastic as they taste from sashimi and makimono, to tempura, miso, and more. You can’t go wrong with any of their special rolls like the Godzilla Roll, Sweet Heart Roll, or Tuna on Fire Roll. Tsunami, you’re our sushi soymate, we’ll never let you gyoza. 2nd: Sakura Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi 3rd: Royal Asian Fusion Best BBQ BLACKBURN’S BBQ 169 5th St, Eagle Lake (863) 287-9975 FB @BlackburnsBBQ IG @blackburnsbbq Blackburn’s BBQ is quintessential south in your mouth. Their oak-smoked BBQ is fall-off-the-bone delicious. This Eagle Lake eatery features favorites like pulled pork sandwiches, dinner plates including brisket, turkey, smoked sausage, meat by the pound, and family meal deals. Blackburn’s southern sides like sweet coleslaw, southern potato salad, fresh collard greens, and Mimi’s corn casserole are made from scratch. Finish off your meal with homemade banana pudding or a slice of fresh apple or pecan pie. Not to be too forward, but Blackburn’s, we think you’re smokin’! 2nd: Gaskins Barbecue & Lobster 3rd: Sonny’s BBQ Best Donuts THE DONUT MAN 1290 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 293-4031 FB @thedonutmanWH The Donut Man does what he can! Thankfully for Winter Haven that means the best sugary and sprinkle-topped treats around. Their Amazing Apple Fritters draw foodies far and wide but I don’t want to glaze over their other offerings of assorted cake donuts, filled donuts, and raised donuts along with sandwiches, bagels, muffins, croissants, coffee, and more. Congrats on another donut hole-in-one in the Best Of Haven Donut category! Donut Man, thanks for the sugarhigh, we donut know what we’d do without you. 2nd: Dunkin’ 3rd: Donut Palace Best Subs PUBLIX FB @publix IG @publix publix.com Pub Subs or bust! Best Of Haven voters like their subs like they like their groceries – from Publix. This iconic sandwich has become the envy of the nation with an array of options to try from the Boar’s Head Jerk Turkey & Gouda Sub to the Publix Philly Cheese Sub. The tried-and-true Pub Sub is of course the Chicken Tender Sub made with Publix Deli’s famous double hand-breaded chicken tenders. Enjoying these supreme sammys on the regular is obligatory to keep your Florida card. 2nd: Firehouse Subs 3rd: Jersey Mike’s Subs Best Mexican AZTECA D’ORO 5860 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (Multiple locations in Orlando, Lakeland, and New Smyrna) (863) 295-9080 FB @AztecaDoroWinterHaven IG @aztecadorowh aztecadoro.com Azteca D’Oro is known for authentic food, friendly service, and an encha-lot-of flavorful Mexican cuisine! Their lunch and dinner menus feature ceviche, nachos, elotes Mexicanos, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, tortas, tacos, signature dishes, desserts, and more. According to Azteca D’Oro, “As authentic ambassadors of our culture and culinary arts, we want to offer our guests the best of our cuisine, keeping alive the legendary Mexican flavor because our food is a labor of love stemming from the most authentic and traditional recipes.” 2nd: El Olivo Mexican Restaurant 3rd: San Diego’s Mexican Grill and Sport Bar Best Breakfast EGG HAVEN 301 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 268-8269 FB: Egg Haven egghavenwinterhaven.com Egg Haven has been voted Best Breakfast AGAIN? You butter believe it. This 3rd Street diner which opened in 2013, serves its eggcellent breakfast all day. Drive by (or drive-thru) any morning and you’ll see patrons enjoying their Egg Haven Benedict, biscuits and gravy, chocolate chip pancakes, and blueberry French toast on the sunny patio. Congratulations, Egg Haven, here’s a (butter and jam) toast to you! 2nd: First Watch 3rd: Big Tom’s Diner Best Seafood HARBORSIDE 2435 7th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-7070 FB @HarborsideFL IG @harborsiderestaurant harborsidefl.com Seafood with a waterfront view! Harborside offers premium Lake Shipp scenery, steaks, seafood, and other upscale casual fares. A variety of seafood dishes line the menu both fresh and fried like Ahi Tuna and Smoked Salmon Dip appetizers, Lobster and Crab Alfredo, Gulf Oysters on the half shell, Snow Crab, Stuffed Flounder, and Grouper Sandwich entrees. One Harborside review reads in part, “Always the best place in the Winter Haven area for seafood. The fish and seafood dishes are spot-on for flavor and freshness.” 2nd: Harry’s Old Place 3rd: Crazy Fish Bar And Grill Best Thai THAI HAVEN 309 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 291-8085 FB @ThaiHaven IG @thaihaven_fl thaihaven.com Thai Haven is a family-owned and operated Downtown dining destination. They offer authentic made-to-order Thai cuisine in an intimate setting overlooking Central Avenue. Their menu of appetizers, soups, salads, curries, specials, noodle dishes, fried rice dishes and more is extensive, offering levels of spice to suit any palate. A hot cup of coconut milk soup is perfect for a fall afternoon and their curry is a great pick-me-up to Thai you over anytime! 2nd: Spice Thai & Sushi 3rd: Royal Asian Fusion Best Mediterranean MEDITERRANEAN FRESH GRILL 6035 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (833) 633-4745 FB @MediterraneanFreshGrillWinterHaven IG @freshgrillmediterranean mediterraneanfreshgrill.com Mediterranean Fresh Grill is well-loved for its beautiful presentation and flavors alike. Chef Chadi Mokbel makes Mediterranean magic in the kitchen with authentic Lebanese cuisine. On the menu you’ll find food that is prepared fresh daily and cooked to order, accommodating many dietary needs and choices including vegetarian, vegan, low carb, Keto, and gluten-free options. A few menu faves include garlic whip, tabbouleh, spicy feta dip, kabobs, and shawarma. 2nd: The Krazy Greek 3rd: Cafe Zuppina Best Chinese CHINA GARDEN 6027 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 318-1900 chinagardenwinterhaven.com “This is absolutely a five-star for me. I haven’t tasted all their food, but the ones I’ve had are very tasty and enjoyable,” wrote one China Garden patron. Their menu offers all the Chinese food staples you can think of from sweet and sour chicken and crab rangoons to vegetable lo mein and moo shu pork. Customers rave about tasty takeout, fair prices, and friendly, family-run service. 2nd: Beijing Restaurant 3rd: Evergreen Best Oysters GARY’S OYSTER BAR & SEAFOOD HOUSE 660 E Alfred St, Lake Alfred (863) 956-5055 FB: Garys Oyster Bar garysoysterbar.com Gary’s, “the oldest oyster bar in Polk County,” is a not-so-hidden gem offering a cozy, casual atmosphere and “a true Florida seafood experience.” Their Char-Grilled Parmesan Oysters and the Jalapeño Bacon Oysters compete for guest favorite. Gary’s oysters, steamed or raw, will leave you in half-shell heaven, thinking ‘Why the shuck did I wait so long to try this place?’ 2nd: Harborside 3rd: Tempo 1930 Best Ice Cream ANDY’S IGLOO 703 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-0019 FB: ANDY’S IGLOO Andysigloo.com Their Americana diner vibe and sign are iconic, their burgers are noteworthy, but their ice cream is the cherry on top! You may have to exercise a little self-‘cone’trol as Andy’s Igloo boasts homemade sherbets, milkshakes, and over 30 flavors of hard ice cream as well as Royal Treats like their Banana Split, SpinThe-Wheel, Banana Bonanza, and Parfait (plus, the toppings and sherbets are made in-house). There’s nothing a little whipped cream and sprinkles can’t fix. Andy’s, Best Of Haven voters are melting for you! 2nd: Dairy Queen 3rd: Culver’s Best Food Truck TALLULAH’S TABLE BY THE SEA (863) 289-6255 FB @tallulahstable IG @tallulahstable Tallulah’s Table by the Sea swims to the top for Best Food Truck again this year! Maybe you’ve had their grouper fingers at Grove Roots or a Lobster Bahn Mi at the Lakeland Food Truck Rally, that’s the beauty of this mobile bistro – they travel far and wide serving up delicious seafood along the way. Tallulah’s is available for public or private events and offers succulent seafood bites like Mermaid Shrimp (fried shrimp tossed in homemade sweet and spicy sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and cilantro), Mahi Tacos for Two, Tropical Shrimp Ceviche, and more. Float on over to their Facebook to see where they’ll be next! 2nd: Happy Ending Food Truck 3rd: Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Express Best Diner ANDY’S IGLOO 703 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-0019 FB: ANDY’S IGLOO Andysigloo.com There’s no better place for a burger, crinklecut fries, and a shake! Andy’s is an old-school Americana eatery boasting the BEST ice cream, and diner vibes that can’t be beat. The Igloo opened in 1951 and now serves diner fare from burgers, BBQ, and chicken baskets to hotdogs, seafood baskets, sandwiches, and more. Oh, and did someone say banana split? 2nd: Big Tom’s Diner 3rd: Egg Haven Best Fine Dining ARABELLAS RISTORANTE 346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 293-1797 FB @ArabellasRistorante arabellas.us Drenched in ambient lighting, with exposed brick walls, and billowy window treatments framing palatial windows, Arabellas is where Winter Havenites go for a fine dining night on the town. Guests can expect a premier dining experience from food to atmosphere and everything in-between as Arabelles was also voted Best Italian Food and Best Romantic Restaurant. One patron wrote, “One of our favourite restaurants in the area. Service and food we will always give top marks for. It’s a great place to go for special occasions. It’s nice to dress up a bit too.” 2nd: Nutwood 3rd: Fire Restaurant Best Patio TEMPO 1930 58 4th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 875-5323 FB @Tempo1930 IG @tempowh1930 tempo1930.com Enjoy first-rate cocktails with a breeze downtown! Tempo 1930 remains the Best Of Haven for patio dining again this year. Expansive (open when the weather is nice) front windows overlooking Central Park, exposed brick, and warm decor make for an enjoyable indoor dining experience. But patrons particularly love the back patio strung with little lights for ambiance complete with a jazz-inspired mural. 2nd: Nutwood 3rd: Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar Best Waterfront HARBORSIDE 2435 7th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-7070 FB @HarborsideFL IG @harborsiderestaurant harborsidefl.com Harborside’s wave-lapping, sunsetting views of Lake Shipp make for an idyllic respite to enjoy surf and turf and a beachy cocktail. In a landslide again this year, Best Of Haven voters singled out Harborside as the premier place for waterfront dining across the county. It is a top destination by car, boat, even seaplane for fresh seafood, steaks, and other casual bites. Their Chain of Lakes views are unmatched! 2nd: Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar 3rd: The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille Best Bar TEMPO 1930 58 4th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 875-5323 FB @Tempo1930 IG @tempowh1930 tempo1930.com A historically significant building in Downtown Winter Haven, Tempo 1930 has the vibes and the cocktails to easily take the top bar spot. Tempo refers to the live music played throughout the weekend, and 1930 pays homage to George Jenkins and the very first Publix store he opened in that location on September 6, 1930. Whether you like it shaken or stirred, Tempo 1930 can make it for you. Pick your poison and head out back to the patio – Maple Walnut Old Fashioned anyone? 2nd: Ave Bar 3rd: Grove Roots Brewing Company Best Cocktails TEMPO 1930 58 4th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 875-5323 FB @Tempo1930 IG @tempowh1930 tempo1930.com Best Patio, Bar, and Cocktails – is there anything Tempo 1930 can’t do? A Central Park breeze and a warm jazzy atmosphere make for a supreme cocktail spot. Tempo 1930’s cocktail list incorporates the flavors of the season with a seasonal cocktail menu. Tempo’s signature cocktails include a Grapefruit Basil Martini, Lavender Vanilla Martini, Key Lime Martini, and Maple Walnut Old Fashioned. Cheers to so many Best Of Haven wins, Tempo! 2nd: The Social Cocktail Lounge 3rd: Ave Bar Best Wine Menu GRAPE EXPECTATIONS WINE BAR 5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd #150, Winter Haven (863) 318-8800 FB @GrapeExpectationsWineBar IG @grapeexpectationswinebar “I stole her heart away and put wine in its place.” – Charles Dickens, Grape Expectations (that’s not the real quote or book title of course). Grape Expectations Wine Bar is a repeat winner! Boasting the largest selection of wines by the glass in Winter Haven, two for one daily wine specials, and an expensive selection of California and international wines, Grape Expectations is the Best place in Winter Haven to un‘wine’ from a hard day. Sip your Sauvignon Blanc there or buy a bottle to go. Follow their Facebook to find out the next Yappy Hour when you can bring your furry little booze hounds on the patio with you. The next time you’re there, be sure to congratulate them on 13 years in business! 2nd: Arabellas Ristorante 3rd: Nutwood Best Coffeehouse HAVEN COFFEE ROASTERS 140 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 251-9619 FB @HavenCoffeeRoaster IG @thehavencoffeeroasters havencoffeeroaster.com The new kid on the block has quickly become everyone’s favorite cup of joe pick-me-up. Haven Coffee Roasters was opened in March of this year by Jonathan and Lynsey Lane. The only roastery on this side of the county, Haven has taken the local coffee scene by storm, one Americano, cold brew, and chai latte at a time. A family-owned and faith-based shop, Haven is the kind of community coffeehouse where the baristas know your name and you’re bound to run into someone you know. They regularly host live music, yoga, and other community events. Congratulations Haven Coffee Roasters, Best Of Haven voters love you a latte! 2nd: Richard’s Fine Coffees 3rd: N+1 Coffee Best Beer List GROVE ROOTS BREWING COMPANY 302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 291-0700 FB @groverootsbrewing IG @groverootsbrewing groveroots.com Cheers to the Best Beer List! Grove Roots, “where hops meet heritage,” is a favorite Winter Haven hangout not only for the relaxed community atmosphere and friendly service but of course, the beer. Grove Roots has something for casual beer drinkers and craft brew purists alike with their flagship beers – Slanted Ladders, Wakes of Grain, Rind & Shine, and 6am Pickers. Owner Joe Dunham and his team are always coming up with an inspired rotating selection of seasonal and special-release beers to add to the tasting room board. 2nd: Union Taproom 3rd: Jessie’s Lounge Best Florida Wine LAKERIDGE WINERY & VINEYARDS 19239 US-27, Clermont 1-800-768-WINE (9463) FB @LakeridgeWines IG @lakeridgewinery lakeridgewinery.com Lakeridge Winery, opened in 1989, sits on a sprawling 127-acre estate in the rolling hills of Clermont. On a complimentary self-guided walking winery tour and wine tasting, guests can taste a selection of Lakeridge wines. The winery itself overlooks 80 acres of planted vineyards, “pioneering the production of native muscadine grapes.” Lakeridge Winery produces over 100,000 cases (over 1 million bottles) of wine and is so popular that an estimated 160,000 people visit the winery annually. Under their Lakeridge and Lakeridge Reserve brand wines, the labels have won more than 600 awards for excellence in winemaking. 2nd: Island Grove Wine Company 3rd: Keel + Curley Winery Best Polk County Beer TROPICAL DILEMMA | GROVE ROOTS BREWING COMPANY 302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 291-0700 FB @groverootsbrewing IG @groverootsbrewing groveroots.com There Grove Roots ‘gose’ again! The only dilemma you’ll run into with this tropical delight is having only one. Tropical Dilemma is a crisp sour 4.4% ABV beer with fruity tropical and strawberry notes. Available by the growler or the glass, one Untappd user described it as, “Juicy, natural tasting strawberry. Some saltiness and tartness. Wellbalanced gose.” 2nd: The Florida Brewery 3rd: Swan Brewing Best U-Pick WHITEHEAD’S BLUEBERRY FARM 1024 Macon Rd, Winter Haven (863) 860-4575 FB @whiteheadsblueberryfarm IG @whiteheadfarm Best Of Haven voters love this U-pick farm berry much. Whitehead’s Blueberry Farm takes the top U-Pick spot again this year! During the blueberry season which typically runs from the first Wednesday of April through mid-May, guests can grab a basket and pick as many blueberries they want for $4 per pound (or $6 if you want them to pick for you). The family farm has over 30,000 blueberry plants across 15 acres. 2nd: Ridge Island Groves 3rd: Lonesome Oak Blueberry Farms Best New Restaurant THE RANCH TAPROOM & COFFEEHOUSE 247 E Park Ave, Lake Wales (863) 589-5100 FB @theranchtaproomandcoffeehouse IG @the_ranch_taproomcoffeehouse Since opening in Downtown Lake Wales in April, The Ranch Taproom & Coffeehouse has become a new Polk County must-try. They offer coffee drinks, an extensive selection of craft beer, and wine by the glass or bottle. The Ranch menu features lighter lunch and dinner offerings like the Pimento Grilled Cheese and a Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad, as well as small bites including Pretzels & Beer Cheese or a Charcuterie Board. One Ranch Taproom reviewer wrote, “Coffee, craft beer, tasty food, and southern hospitality right in Downtown Lake Wales. This is such a welcomed change to the community and I can’t wait for what’s to come! Plus, the female founders and their families have been in Lake Wales for generations. It’s great to see locals invest in the community they’ve called home for such a long time.” 2nd: Charm City 3rd: The Lokale Eatery Best Catering THE CATERING COMPANY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 2090 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven (863) 207-7057 FB @thecateringcompanyofcentralfl IG @cateringco.ofcentralflorida thecateringcompanyofcentralfl.com With The Catering Company, clients can customize their event menu to their palate and budget. Brunch, corporate, charcuterie, rehearsal dinner – no matter the size or scope of the event – The Catering Company will use fresh ingredients and work to “provide flavor-forward dishes, custom to each event menu to fit any budget!” One review of The Catering Company reads in part, “The Catering Company of Central Florida is the ABSOLUTE BEST! Not only was the food incredible but the service matched perfectly!” 2nd: Blackburn’s BBQ 3rd: Catering Oasis Best Romantic Restaurant ARABELLAS RISTORANTE 346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 293-1797 FB @ArabellasRistorante arabellas.us A fine dining date night in Downtown Winter Haven, what could be better? Established in 2004, Arabellas also takes the top spot for Best Fine Dining and Best Italian. The ambient atmosphere in the restaurant and dreamy string lights cascading along Central Avenue make for a romantic evening out. Continue your night out with a bottle of wine or cocktail from the adjacent Ave Bar. 2nd: Nutwood 3rd: Harborside Best Vegan VICTOR & MIKA’S BAKERY 3106 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven (863) 734-9148 FB @VictorMikaBakery IG @vandmbakery victormikabakery.com You don’t have to be vegan to know Victor & Mika’s Bakery is the BEST! Victor & Mika’s Bakery prepares high-quality plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free foods. “Being vegan has changed our lives and has also saved Mika’s life ever since her diagnosis of fibroid tumors,” according to the bakery. V&M regularly attend events and markets around the county like the Winter Haven Farmers Market and Downtown Lakeland First Friday. In addition to catering services, they offer goodies like donuts, cannolis, gluten-free bagels, churros, cakes, pastries, and more. To try Victor & Mika’s tasty vegan recipes at home, pick up their cookbook, “Chasing Vegan: Baking Vegan Fun.” 2nd: Bambu Cafe 3rd: Thai Haven Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant THE TWISTED PROP BAR & GRILLE 615 7th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-1937 FB: The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille IG @thetwistedprop The Twisted Prop’s regulars love their waterfront views of Lake May, tasty pub food, and good-time, dog-friendly atmosphere. Chill out on The Chain with your fourlegged best buddy while enjoying drinks and casual bar fare including wings, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and more. The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille is the ‘ultimutt’ dog-friendly restaurant according to Best Of Haven voters! 2nd: Tempo 1930 3rd: Union Pizza (Inside Union Taproom) Best Bakery GOURMET GOODIES BAKE SHOP 68 4th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 318-1400 FB @GourmetGoodies IG @gourmetgoodieswinterhaven ggcupcake.com Year after year, Best Of Haven voters let us know just how sweet Gourmet Goodies Bake Shop is. They are sugar and spice and everything nice in a charming Central Park facing bakery. Gourmet Goodies offers a selection of gourmet baked goods including incredible custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cheesecake, French macarons, and more. In need of a last-minute birthday pick-me-up or treat for a special occasion? GG has you covered with its selection of beautiful and tasty cakes. If you’re having a rough day, just walk into the shop. The oh-so-sweet sites, smells, and tastes in their display case will cheer you right up! 2nd: Publix 3rd: Sugar & Slice Bakery

Best Realtor OMAR ANDREASEN | THE ANDREASEN GROUP (407) 883-2989 FB @AndreasenTelesRealEstateGroup IG @theandreasengrouprealty theandreasengroup.com Honesty, customer service, and communication are paramount to Omar Andreasen and his team. Primarily serving Central Florida, Andreason has gone as far as Miami for a client and says he’ll go anywhere in the state if it means meeting his clients’ needs. He handles residential and commercial real estate as well as building and loves the challenges that come with the job. With customer satisfaction at the forefront, he hopes to see The Andreasen Group become the dominating real estate team in Polk County. 2nd: Michael Webb | Trade Winds Realty 3rd: Jenna Henderson | Century 21 Myers Realty Best Realty Company CENTURY 21 MYERS REALTY 304 E. Park St Auburndale (Additional locations in Polk County) (863) 875-5656 FB @c21myers century21myersrealty.com Century 21 Myers Realty is a full-service realty and property management company specializing in single-family and commercial properties. Their team pride themselves in being highly motivated, committed to their clients and investors, honest, and professional. One Century 21 Myers Realty client wrote last year, “Excellent customer service and viewing properties followed all CDC health and safety guidelines. Great experience with knowledgeable local Realtors.” 2nd: The Andreasen Group 3rd: Trade Winds Realty Best Mortgage Broker COMPASS MORTGAGE LLC 2015 S Florida Ave, Lakeland (863) 802-1242 FB @compassmortgagellc IG @compassmortgagelkld compassmortgagellc.com Helping clients navigate residential mortgages and refinancing, Compass Mortgage LLC is a locally-owned and operated Broker offering mortgage and loan products including FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional. They’ve got the “Broker Advantage” of thousands of different loan products, which affords them the ability to find the right loan product for a specific client. “Compass Mortgage LLC offers you the latest in financial tools and expert advice, which makes the loan process easy. We can help you make sound financial choices.” 2nd: Citizens Bank & Trust 3rd: Carlos Unzueta | CrossCountry Mortgage Best Home Remodeling ALAN L. ULCH 343 Ave C SW, Winter Haven (863) 294-7240 FB @AlanLUlchInc alanulch.com Established on September 9, 1971, Alan L. Ulch, Inc. entered the commercial market in 1974, building restaurants for Burger King, Ponderosa, and Steak & Shake. Since then, the company has taken on more complex projects for the Polk County School Board, the National Guard, Mountain Lake, and industrial clients. They have received numerous accolades for craftsmanship, exceeding sales volume, “Flatness of Concrete” by the National Concrete Association, and a Building of Distinction Award. Today, Alan L. Ulch offers services including Commercial, Residential, and Industrial Construction, Pre Engineered Metal Buildings, Design Build Services, Construction Management, Industrial Maintenance, Kitchen & Bath Design Services, Remodel and Renovation, and Historical Renovation. The Polk County-based construction firm focuses on communication, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. 2nd: Black Marlin Construction 3rd: EMC Home Remodeling Best Painting GATOR INDUSTRIES OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 1115 6th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 294-7917 FB @GatorIndustries86 IG @gatorindustries86 gator-industries.com Is it time for your home exterior to get a facelift? Gator Industries started as a pressure cleaning business with just one truck and a dog in 1986. Not only has their employee base grown, so too have the services they offer. Custom painting, pressure washing, commercial roofing, custom pavers, decorative concrete, and more – Gator’s got you! One customer wrote in part, “Our house was in need of a paint job and Gator’s company came highly recommended. I understand why. They did a great job from the beginning to the end. I own multiple rental properties and have used many painting contractors over the years. I will only be using Gator from here on out.” 2nd: Bill’s Painting 3rd: Kok’s Custom Painting and Coatings llc. Best Home Inspector HOME SWEET HOME INSPECTION SERVICES LLC 6039 Cypress Gardens Blvd #199, Winter Haven (863) 324-5349 hshinspect.com Inspector and Managing Member of Home Sweet Home Inspection Services, Thomas Wells, has over 25 years of industry experience in residential remodeling and new construction. Wells has extensive training through InterNachi, PHII, AHIT, and has completed the National Home Inspector Examination. Their inspection services include Standard Inspections, Wind Mitigations, 4 Point Inspection, and Roof Certification. Of the locally-owned family business, one customer reviewed, “Cannot rate this company highly enough. Home Sweet Inspections did an extremely detailed report and were able to complete the inspection the day after calling to inquire. The owners of the company made themselves available to answer any questions regarding the inspection report the same day the report was issued - highly efficient company!” 2nd: Ryan Bataille | White Inspection Services 3rd: Chimera Homes Best AC Repair RIDGE ENERGY SAVERS 135 S Acuff Rd, Lake Wales (863) 676-2665 FB @RidgeEnergySavers ridgeenergy.com Did your AC give out? Don’t sweat it! Ridge Energy Savers to the rescue! Tom and Judy Harmeling established the AC and heating installation and maintenance company in 1974. Serving Polk County customers for some 47 years, Ridge Energy Savers grew from just a few employees, to now over 25 full-time employees. They offer an extensive list of residential and commercial heating and cooling services in addition to indoor air quality, duct repair and cleaning, and generators. Many reviews of the Lake Wales-based business rave about their professionalism, punctuality, quality, responsiveness, and value. 2nd: Springer Bros. Air Conditioning & Heating 3rd: United Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Best Roofing Company EZ ROOFING SYSTEMS 120 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 875-1033 FB @EZroofingsystems IG @ezroofingsystems ezroofingsystems.com Roofing made EZ! The name of this 2021 Best Of Haven Roofing Company is actually in honor of beloved family dog, EZ. This familyowned and operated business backs its work with years of experience. Their family roofing legacy spans over 60 years, but EZ Roofing has been serving Florida since 2007. Best Of Haven voters trust EZ Roofing Systems with all their roofing needs including roof replacement, repairs, flat roof restoration, and insurance inspections. Call for a free estimate today! 2nd: R.I.G. Construction and Roofing 3rd: Taylor’s Roofing Best Plumbing CYPRESS PLUMBING INC. 1776 Executive Rd, Winter Haven (863) 294-7319 FB @CypressPlumbingFL Whether you’re haunted by a phantom running toilet or a mysterious clog in your pipes, Cypress Plumbing will take a crack at it (plumber crack joke). Cypress Plumbing has been serving Polk County for over 29 years offering plumbing services in installation, repairs, repipes, and backflows for residential, commercial, and new construction. “Excellent! I called this morning to have my faucet and drain repaired and they dispatched someone later in the afternoon. He fixed both issues and did an excellent job! I would certainly use Cypress Plumbing again. Very pleased,” reviewed a Cypress Plumbing customer. 2nd: Daughtry Plumbing, Inc. 3rd: Dickens Plumbing Inc. Best Patio Screening MID-FLORIDA ALUMINUM & RESCREENS (863) 289-2368 FB @Midfloridaaluminumrescreens Voted Best Patio Screening Company again! Mid-Florida Aluminum & Rescreens are a Licensed and Insured full-service aluminum, vinyl and screen company specializing in screen rooms, seamless gutter, vinyl siding, soffit/fascia, sliding garage screens and more. Based out of Polk County and serving all of Central Florida, Mid-Florida Aluminum is a certified dealer for LifeStyle Screens, Genius Retractable, and Rollaround Screens. This allows them to offer more than the standard type of screen enclosure for any home or business. Call or message them for more information or a free quote today! 2nd: Bobby Kelton Aluminum 3rd: Cool Screens Florida Best Construction WHITEHEAD CONSTRUCTION 601 6th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-6473 FB @whiteheadconstruction whiteheadconstruction.com Whitehead Construction has been “Building Florida since 1954.” You’ve seen the handprint of their superior workmanship and “commitment to excellence from concept to completion” on many buildings, churches, commercial, industrial, and municipality projects around Polk County and beyond including the likes of Bond Clinic, Grove Roots, RainGarden Apartments, and Heartland Church. Whitehead Construction is one of the most respected names in large-scale contracting and takes pride in three generations of family ownership. The community and clients alike give Whitehead Construction five stars across the board. 2nd: A.O. Construction Company Inc. 3rd: Alan L. Ulch Best Retirement Community LAKE ASHTON 4140 Ashton Club Dr, Lake Wales (863) 324-8664 FB: Lake Ashton IG @lakeashtonresales lakeashton.com Set on over 1,200 acres including three lakes and nature preserves, Lake Ashton is an idyllic and secure setting to relax and enjoy retirement. Lake Ashton boasts an unending list of amenities and activities for its residents including a 26,000-square-foot clubhouse, Grand Ballroom, movie theater, bowling alley, two pet parks, a library, indoor basketball, 30,000 square foot health and fitness center, and two 18-hole privately owned golf courses – just to name a few. “Lake Ashton sets the standards of excellence in design, construction, amenities, lifestyle, location, security and affordability for Florida retirement communities.” 2nd: Four Lakes Golf Club 3rd: Traditions at Lake Ruby Best Hotel COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT WINTER HAVEN 6225 Cypress Gardens Blvd SE, Winter Haven (863) 292-3000 FB @CourtyardWinterHaven marriott.com Best Of Haven voters choose Courtyard by Marriott Winter Haven when they need lodging for visiting family or a not-so-faraway get-away. This Cypress Gardens Boulevard hotel is located centrally to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Bok Tower Gardens, and all the dining and retail Winter Haven has to offer. In their comfortable rooms and suites, Courtyard by Marriott features free Wi-Fi, flat-panel Smart TVs, mini-refrigerators, and microwaves. Their onsite Bistro offers breakfast and dinner options for purchase, a bar, and specialty beverages made with Starbucks coffee. Or, guests can pick up a snack from the 24-hour Market! 2nd: LEGOLAND Resort Hotel 3rd: Holiday Inn Winter Haven, an IHG Hotel Best Apartment CARLTON ARMS OF WINTER HAVEN 7676 Carlton Arms Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 875-1700 FB @CarltonArmsofWinterHaven carltonarmsofwinterhaven.com Lakefront views, a fitness center, lakeside pools, pet-friendly, 24/7 emergency maintenance – what more could you want in an apartment community? Carlton Arms of Winter Haven is located on 122 acres with 23 spacious floor plans to fit your needs. Apartment features include valet trash removal, high-speed internet access, private patios/ balconies, Spectrum Select Cable TV, and more. Residents enjoy the community luxuries of two lakeside pools, a heated pool, social lounge, car care center, and more. “With its cascading fountains, beautifully landscaped grounds, peaceful woods and 5 freshwater lakes, this resortstyle community provides every resident with professional management and maintenance that are trademarks of all Mahaffey planned properties.” 2nd: RainGarden Apartments 3rd: 20 on Second Apartments Best Moving Company TWO MEN AND A TRUCK 3220 Atlantic Ave, Lakeland (863) 594-1002 FB @TwoMenandaTruckPolkCounty twomenandatruck.com/movers/fl/lakeland Two Men and a Truck have been shouldering boxes, lugging couches, and taking the stress out of moving for Polk County residents since 2007. Over the years, these “Movers Who Care” completed more than 30,000 moves offering local moving, junk removal, longdistance moving, parking services, loading and unloading services, and boxes and supplies. With no minimum charges, you only pay for the actual time Two Men and a Truck professionals spend on your move! 2nd: Daryle and Sons Moving Service 3rd: Wink’s Moving Best Residential Cleaning ALL ABOUT THE GRIME CLEANING SERVICE (863) 855-0546 FB @allaboutthegrime Your vacation rental will be spotless in no time with All About The Grime Cleaning Service! This professional cleaning company doesn’t mind getting dirty so their clients’ properties can be clean. All About The Grime is licensed, bonded, and insured, serving realtors, property management companies, and vacation rentals. You might say they’re mopping the floor with the competition! 2nd: Orchid Cleaning Service 3rd: On The Spot Cleaning Solutions LLC

Best Clothing Boutique MICHELLE’S RESALE CLOSET 253 Ave A SW, Winter Haven (863) 662-4029 FB @MichellesResaleCloset IG @michellesresalecloset michelles-resale-closet.myshopify.com On the hunt for a refreshed work wardrobe, girls night out dress, or a new pair of sunnies? Step into Michelle’s Resale Closet! This Downtown Winter Haven boutique offers a varied selection of pre-owned and new clothing across many sizes and styles. According to Michelle’s Resale, “Our goal is to build style, confidence, and relationships through clothing.” The team at this Best Of Haven Clothing Boutique is focused on customer service and will assist you in searching their racks for the perfect outfit! 2nd: The Red Geranium 3rd: 417 Boutique by Cate Best Gift Shop/ Boutique THE RED GERANIUM 605 E Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 291-8585 FB @TheRedGeraniumwh IG @theredgeranium_wh The Red Geranium carries gifts that everyone can enjoy! This ‘affordable gift market and boutique’ specializes in home and garden decor, kitchen specialties, jewelry, women’s clothing, and more. Shop The Red Geranium SHE SHED for vintage and estate sale furniture too! Follow their social media to see exciting new finds in stock. What are you in the market for – a comfy throw blanket, Winter Haven-themed decor, or a shabby chic farmhouse table? 2nd: Amy’s Cards, Party & Gifts 3rd: Love Lindie Boutique Best Jewelry J.C. JEWELERS 504 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 294-5221 FB: JC Jewelers Their reputation with customers shines as brightly as their jewelry selection! J.C. Jewelers is a family-owned and operated shop that has served Winter Haven for 40 years. They offer jewelry and watch repair, custom work, an array of gold and silver jewelry, and pre-owned Rolex products. All repairs are done in-house at J.C. with some repairs available for pick up the same day! One J.C. customer raved, “Excellent selection, helpful knowledgeable staff. They even sized the ring while I waited. Highly recommend these folks!” 2nd: Tally-Ho Jewelers 3rd: Griner’s Jewelers Best Antique Store TREASURE HOUSE ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES 232 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 875-7921 FB @treasurehousetwo treasurehouseone.wixsite.com/ treasurehouseantique Treasure House Antiques & Collectibles is every antiquer’s wildest dream! The over 10,000-square-foot antique mall opened in 2000, and features an ever-changing inventory of hand-selected, gently used clothing, furniture, and home goods including second-hand items from top brands. Enjoy these tasteful, upcycled antiques and collectibles at affordable prices. Their team is dedicated to providing a satisfactory donation, sales, or consignment experience for their customers. One such second-hand shopper reviewed, “The name ‘Treasure House…’ isn’t a lie. This is a great antique and collectibles shop. They have a lot of quality treasures to choose from. We’ll be back!” 2nd: Bless This Mess 3rd: The Barn Antiques Best Bike Shop THE BIKE SHOP OF WINTER HAVEN 249 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 299-9907 FB @bikeshopwh IG @thebikeshopwh bikeshopofwinterhaven.com The Bike Shop rolled into the number one spot again this year! The shop has been in business for 30 years and was purchased in 2017 by husband and wife (and avid cyclists), Stewart and Meghan Mackie who relocated to Downtown Winter Haven. The Bike Shop carries a vast selection of new bikes and gear, used bikes, and has a service department to handle tune-ups and repairs for your ride. While you’re there, pop in next door for a latte at N+1 Coffee. 2nd: David’s World Cycle 3rd: Play It Again Sports Lakeland Best Thrift Store ST. JOHN’S THRIFT STORE FOR MISSIONS 130 Desoto Rd, Winter Haven (863) 875-5703 FB: St. John’s Thrift store Enjoy the thrill of the thrift with a wide selection of inventory and plenty of deals to delight in at St. John’s Thrift Store For Missions. Shoppers will find clothing for all ages and sizes, books, household items, and furniture at this Winter Haven second-hand wonderland. One customer wrote, “The most beloved and cared for thrift I have ever entered. They serve their community very well!!!” 2nd: Top Buttons 3rd: The Salvation Army Best Florist LASATER FLOWERS 254 W Central Ave Suite A, Winter Haven (863) 294-3213 FB @lasaterflowers IG @lasaterflowers lasaterflowers.net You grow girl – Lasater Flowers was voted Best Florist again! Best Of Haven voters were ‘root’ing for you. Established in 1958, this Downtown Winter Haven floral design studio and market offers on-trend arrangements and plants for any occasion. Every day is a good day for flowers. No matter if you’re planning for a wedding, want to treat yourself, or brighten someone’s day with a fresh bloom, voters agree Lasater Flowers is the place to go. They now offer a fresh flower subscription with personalized plans to fit your style, budget, and delivery frequency. 2nd: Golden Petal Designs 3rd: Carlton’s Flowers Best Pool Supply PINCH A PENNY Multiple Locations FB @PinchAPennyPool IG @pinchapennypool Pinchapenny.com Cool off this summer without breaking the bank! There’s a reason Pinch A Penny is known as ‘the perfect people for a perfect pool.’ Get ready to lounge poolside and let them do the work. Pinch A Penny offers pool cleaning and maintenance, equipment installation and repair, renovations, and leak detection and repair. They offer additional services to beautify your whole outdoor space including pressure washing, home landscape lighting and design, outdoor living design, screen repair, and rescreening services. Plus, you can shop all the pool, spa, and patio accessories, equipment, and supplies you need! 2nd: Mannix Pools and Grills 3rd: Pool and Patio Center Best Dispensary SURTERRA WELLNESS 514 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (850) 391-5455 FB @surterrawellness IG @surterrawellness surterra.com Giving the saying “laughter is the best medicine” a run for its money, Surterra Wellness provides safe, high-quality cannabis to Winter Haven and surrounding communities. Surterra brand products are cultivated naturally in the largest greenhouse on the East Coast without harmful chemicals and ingredients. They are working to make cannabis accessible through their online marketplace, storefronts (with plenty of product choices), and ongoing advocacy. Surterra Wellness customers regularly comment on how friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable the staff are. 2nd: Liberty Health Sciences 3rd: Trulieve Winter Haven Best Wellness Store HEALTHY HABITS 362 3rd St NW, Winter Haven (863) 875-4826 FB @healthyhabitsforyou IG @healthyhabitswinterhaven 509 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (Third location in Lakeland) (863) 875-6551 FB @healthyhabitsblvd IG @healthyhabitsontheboulevard Healthy Habits serves the needs of its healthconscious customers with two locations in Winter Haven and one in Lakeland. They offer a selection of vitamins, supplements, nutrition, and other health-related products. “It is our belief that implementing positive changes in our daily routines can have a profound effect on our future health and well-being. We truly care and are here to help you with these healthy habits,” according to their social media. Healthy Habits customers praise them for their vast selection of goods and helpful customer service! 2nd: Home Remedy Winter Haven 3rd: Your CBD Store Best Furniture Store BADCOCK HOME FURNITURE & MORE (Multiple locations) 1399 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 251-2039 FB @badcockfurniture IG @badcockfurniture badcock.com Furniture for every room of your house (&more). Best Of Haven voters trust Badcock when redecorating their home not only for furniture but mattresses, appliances, and electronics too! On their website, Badcock offers a Room Planner where you first select the room that fits your home, style the space using the hundreds of Badcock items to choose from, and shop those items by checking out online or save it for in-store purchase. A review of the 1399 6th St NW, Winter Haven location reads, “We are very pleased with the service and friendliness we received at our local Badcock Home Furniture store. Our sales associate, Melissa, was helpful and made our purchase super easy. Perfect shopping experience.” 2nd: Love Lindie Boutique 3rd: Brooks Furniture Best BookStore THE BOOK SHELTER 907 Dundee Rd, Dundee (785) 577-4284 FB @TheBookShelterFL IG @thebookshelterfl The Book Shelter is chock full of lonely books looking for a good home. In March of 2018, husband and wife Sam and Jacqui Terry opened a small used bookstore in Downtown Lake Wales. Their name, The Book Shelter, pays homage to their mission – to save used books. Their Lake Wales location closed in August this year, but there are still plenty of page-turners at the Dundee store looking to take up space on your shelf. Whether you love classics, nonfiction, textbooks, kids’ books, or something different, you’re sure to find a good read at The Book Shelter. Follow their social media to see what programs, sales, and giveaways they’re up to! 2nd: Friends of the Winter Haven Public Library 3rd: Books-A-Million Best Golf Course CYPRESSWOOD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 1099 Clubhouse Rd, Winter Haven (863) 324-6174 FB @cypresswoodcc IG @cypresswoodgolfcourse cypresswoodcc.com Best Of Haven voters agree Cypresswood Golf & Country Club is the best by par! This 18-hole championship golf course was designed by award-winning designer Ron Garl. The course is open to the public every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. In addition to the course itself, Cypresswood offers a putting green, chipping green, and driving range. After a round or two of golf, you’re in ‘fore’ a good time at their Pro Shop, wellness center, lounge, dining rooms, swimming pool, and tennis courts. 2nd: The Country Club of Winter Haven 3rd: Willowbrook Golf Course Best Auto Dealer JARRETT-GORDON FORD WINTER HAVEN 3015 Lake Alfred Rd, Winter Haven (863) 294-8539 FB @JarrettGordonFordLincoln jarrettgordonfordwinterhaven.com Jarrett-Gordon Ford Winter Haven is part of The Jarrett Ford Automotive Group which was founded in 1978 by William Richard Jarrett in Dade City. Customers of JarrettGordon Winter Haven can expect a wide selection of new Ford and Lincoln cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as pre-owned inventory. Their knowledgeable staff will work with you to find the best vehicle to suit your needs. After you’ve found the car for you, JarrettGordon’s finance department will help you secure used vehicle financing or assist you in taking out a new auto loan. According to them, “Once you’ve driven that new vehicle all over Winter Haven, you can bring it back into our service and parts departments for a tune-up.” 2nd: Winter Haven Honda 3rd: Hill Nissan Best Boat Dealer MARINE SUPPLY 717 6th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-1156 1491 3rd St SW, Winter Haven FB @marinesupplyboats IG @marinesupplytheboatingcenter marinesupplyboats.com Marine Supply The Boating Center has new and used boat inventory as well as all the services you’ll need to float your boat! Need a rental, battery replacement, oil change, tune-up, electrical repair and installation, or storage? Then it’s a-boat time you stop into Marine Supply. Best Of Haven voters know working with Marine Supply’s knowledgeable and friendly staff is always a pleasant ‘oar’ deal. 2nd: Hoppy’s Marine 3rd: Freedom Boat Club

Best Family Doctor CELESTINO VEGA, MD | LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH AUBURNDALE 208 Main Street, Auburndale (863) 284-5000 FB @LakelandRegionalHealth IG @lakelandregionalhealth Dr. Celestino Vega has been practicing Family Medicine since 1995 and joined the staff at Lakeland Regional Health, where he currently practices, in 2016. He attended medical school at Universidad Central del Este, completed his residency at the University of Louisville, and is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Medicine. Working as a Family Medicine Physician in LRH’s Auburndale primary care location, Dr. Vega sees patients ages two years and older. He often works with families, treating multiple generations which he says is special to him. His patient care philosophy is, “I believe prevention is the key to good health. We want to be proactive and not wait till there’s a problem. I aim to be compassionate and very caring with my patients.” 2nd: Eduardo Torres, MD | Bond Clinic 3rd: Kyle Pochcial, MD | Gessler Clinic Best Hospital WINTER HAVEN HOSPITAL 200 Ave F NE, Winter Haven (863) 293-1121 FB @WinterHavenHospital IG @baycare baycare.org/whh Founded in 1926, Winter Haven Hospital has an outstanding reputation for superior, patient-centered care. Their mission statement is “to improve the health of the people we serve, by providing the highest quality and most effective care and services -- and to return value to the people in our communities.” By upholding this standard of excellence, in all that they do, they are able to provide patients throughout Central Florida with customized, state-of-the-art treatments in a comfortable environment. 2nd: Lakeland Regional Health 3rd: AdventHealth Heart of Florida Best Urgent Care BOND CLINIC URGENT CARE 325 1st St N, Winter Haven (863) 293-1191 ext. 3693 FB @BondClinic IG @bondclinic_fl bondclinic.com/urgent-care-emergency-room/ If your primary care doctor is booked up and you have a non life-threatening injury or illness, consider Bond Clinic Urgent Care – no appointment necessary. Experienced providers at their First Street Campus can treat you for ailments like cold and flu, minor cuts, ear pain, fever, and mild burns. Open to established patients and the general public, anyone can get premium medical treatment at Bond Clinic Urgent Care with bright waiting areas and new exam rooms with toptier equipment and x-ray. They even offer flu shots and COVID testing too. 2nd: Owl Now Urgent Care 3rd: Watson Clinic Urgent Care Best Pediatric Doctor RAUL ALVAREZ, MD | LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH WINTER HAVEN 430 E Central Avenue, Winter Haven (863) 284-5000 FB @LakelandRegionalHealth IG @lakelandregionalhealth Dr. Raul Alvarez attended medical school at the University of Puerto Rico/Medical Science Campus and completed his residency at Keesler Medical Center USAF Medical Center - Pediatrics. Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Alvarez has practiced Pediatrics for almost thirty years and joined the Lakeland Regional Health team in 2013 where he practices general pediatric care, as well as adolescent and young adult care. His patient care philosophy is, “I listen and observe patients’ needs before dispensing care or advice.” 2nd: Josef S. Kleine, MD | Kleine Pediatrics 3rd: Heather Sammons Whitworth, MD | Nemours Children’s Primary Care, Kinder Clinic Best Eye Specialist/ Optometrist EYE SPECIALISTS OF MID-FLORIDA, P.A. 407 Ave K SE, Winter Haven (863) 294-3504 FB @EyesFL IG @eyespecialistsmidfl eyesfl.com What started as a modest ophthalmology/ optometry practice in Downtown Winter Haven in the early 1960s, Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, P.A. has grown into multiple locations offering specialized treatment throughout Central Florida. You don’t need glasses to see what makes Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida the Best Of Haven (and LKLD). They focus on personalized, high-quality eye care including ophthalmology, optometry, glaucoma, Lasik, laser surgery, treatment of cataracts, and eyelid lifts. Additionally, they carry a full range of eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, sunglasses, frame repair, and optical accessories. 2nd: Kevin L. Henne, OD | Family Eye Care 3rd: Edward J. Attaway, OD | Eye Specialists of Mid Florida Best Orthopedic Doctor LARRY R. PADGETT, MD | ADVANCED ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY AND SPORTS MEDICINE 250 3rd St NW #201, Winter Haven (863) 318-9696 larrypadgettmd.com Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Larry Padgett practices in the areas of Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine. Dr. Padgett was a Team Physician for the Cleveland Indians from 1998 through 2008 and is currently the Florida Team physician for the Atlanta Braves and Team Physician for Florida Southern College, Webber International University, and Warner University. He previously worked as the physician for the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team, Assistant Team Physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Event Physician for the Women’s World Pro Ski Tour, and was the Major League Physician for the World Baseball Classic in 2006. According to his bio, “Dr. Padgett enjoys caring for athletes of all ages. He consults as the team physician for many local high schools and Advanced Orthopedic Surgery provides athletic trainers for many of the high schools and their football programs.” 2nd: Paul Morin, MD | Bond Clinic, P.A. 3rd: Samuel Messieh, MD | Messieh Orthopedic Clinic Best Dentist/ Orthodontist JAMES A. TRUITT, DMD, PA 144 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven (863) 294-2128 jamesatruittdmd.com Dr. Truitt has provided dental care for the whole family since 1989. He and his staff place an emphasis on patient relationships and delivering compassionate care. Teddy from Winter Haven writes in a patient testimonial, “The staff is always professional and courteous. They are very considerate of my schedule. Dr. Truitt explains all procedures. I always feel confident and comfortable in the chair.” Best Of Haven voters agree year after year that Dr. Truitt and his team make them smile. Congratulations Dr. Truitt, we think you deserve an award for this… maybe a little plaque? 2nd: Jamie W. Odom, DMD | Polk Dentistry 3rd: Dr. Viet Ho | Viet Ho Prosthodontics & Implant Dentistry Best Rehabilitation Services POLK THERAPY 295 1st St S #2, Winter Haven (863) 291-8644 FB @PolkTherapy polktherapy.com Polk Therapy provides Winter Haven with comprehensive physical and speech therapies and rehabilitation. Care at Polk Therapy always includes flexible hours to accommodate their patient’s lifestyle, aftercare and wellness programs, prompt appointment scheduling, direct billing to insurance carriers, and frequent communication with your physician. Patients value Polk Therapy’s personalized rehabilitation programs and friendly, quality care. One patient wrote, “I am getting great results at Polk Therapy. Everyone there is really nice and professional and really interested in helping you improve.” 2nd: CORA Physical Therapy Winter Haven 3rd: Bond Clinic Physical Therapy Best Chiropractor THE NEWBERRY CLINIC 1619 6th St SE, Winter Haven (863) 293-3893 FB @TheNewberryClinic chirowinterhaven.com Headaches, back pain, neck pain, work or auto injury? Sounds like you need The Newberry Clinic. The clinic offers services and techniques from chiropractic and spinal decompression to physical therapy modalities and therapeutic massage. According to The Newberry Clinic, “Unlike conventional medicine, which focuses on attempting to treat disease once it occurs, Newberry Clinic emphasizes improving your health in an effort to reduce the risk of pain and illness in the first place.” Patients of The Newberry Clinic can expect three general phases of chiropractic care – Phase 1: Relief Care, Phase 2: Corrective/ Restorative Care, and Phase 3: Wellness Care. Whatever your ailment, don’t worry, The Newberry Clinic has your back! 2nd: Smith Chiropractic 3rd: Trueheart Chiropractic Best Wedding Venue VENUE 650 650 6th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 287-3814 FB @venue650 IG @venue650 venue650.com Soaring ceilings and oversized windows make this space seem somehow larger than the plenteous 10,500-square-feet that it offers. Its style is described as “Modern, vintage, industrial yet with an elegant balance of chic creating a versatile space for any occasion.” A star of this venue is a stunning courtyard garden space, perfect for a wedding under the twinkly night sky. Additional Venue650 features include high speed internet, ample well-lit parking, a catering kitchen, and dressing suites. One review reads in part, “Venue 650 is an incredible location for your wedding! The staff are super friendly and helpful, and really go the extra mile to make sure you have everything you need.” 2nd: Adams Estate 3rd: Garden Ballroom Best Gym JUST MOVE 5636 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 291-4653 FB @JustMoveWH IG @justmovewh justmovewinterhaven.com 1164 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven (863) 294-4653 FB @JustMoveHD IG @justmovehd justmovehavendale.com It’s time to achieve your goals – Just Move! “The beauty of Just Move is that it embraces the idea that every person can get one step closer to feeling fit by just moving forward.” Just Move creates a custom fitness experience featuring weight machines, circuit training, a women’s only area, personal training, group fitness, boxing, racquetball, and more. 2nd: Habitat Health and Fitness 3rd: Planet Fitness Best Dance Studio THE WRIGHT STEP SCHOOL OF DANCE 316 Ave C SW, Winter Haven (863) 294-5300 FB: The Wright Step School of Dance IG @thewrightstepschoolofdance thewrightsteponline.com If you’re going to learn dance, do it Wright! The Wright Step has sashayed its way to the Best Dance Studio spot! The multi-genre dance studio was opened in 2001 by Amy and Kevin Wright. The Wright Step has three studios spanning 5000 square feet complete with specialized wood flooring to “act as a shock absorber to prevent strain and injury to the muscles and joints.” The Wright Step employs instructors who are trained in all dance styles, and “know how to make a class challenging and also fun.” 2nd: Barbara’s Centre’ For Dance 3rd: Ballet Conservatory Dance Centre Best Dry Cleaners TOP HAT CLEANERS 212 N Main St, Auburndale (863) 967-2287 FB @TopHatDryCleaners2013 Stubborn stain on your new shirt? Top Hat can handle that! Top Hat Cleaners is owned and operated by Michelle Womble and has over 20 years of clean laundry and happy customers. This Polk County laundromat has four convenient locations and uses ecofriendly GreenEarth technology. Customers often remark on the value of their services and friendly, professional staff. 2nd: Dry Clean America 3rd: Long’s Dry Cleaners Best Doggy Daycare LITTLE WOLFE’S PET RESORT 555 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 293-7327 FB: Little Wolfes Pet Resort IG @littlewolfespetresort littlewolfes.com Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort is a pawsome place for all your doggy grooming, boarding, and daycare needs. Opened in 1986 by Anne E. Wolfe, Little Wolfe’s doggie daycare, ‘Camp Little Wolfe’s’ has substantial play areas for pups of all sizes. Being a dog can be ruff, so size and disposition are taken into account to place pups into a group that’s best for them. During daycare, these groups are supervised so the dogs can sniff and play and make fur friends. “Been taking my dog here for about a year now. And she just can’t live without it. Highly recommended!!” writes one dog mom. 2nd: Paw Printz 3rd: Orchid Springs Animal Hospital Best Auto Repair STEWART AUTO REPAIR 1990 42nd St NW, Winter Haven (863) 965-2526 FB @stewartautorepair IG @stewartautorepair stewartautorepair.com Stewart Auto Repair is a NAPA Gold Certified Shop with quality work, NAPA EasyPay financing options, professionalism, local labor coverage extended to 3 years/ 36,000 miles, and more to back it up. Their extensive list of services covers everything from A/C repair and brakes to maintenance, collision repair, tire/ wheels, and everything in between. The reasons to choose Stewart are endless – 24-hour vehicle drop-off, online appointments, play area for the kids, free local shuttle, roadside assistance – need we say more? One Stewart customer wrote, “Brought in my elderly parents car for general service. My parents trust this business and I can see why. Very attentive, honest and professional. Thanks for serving us and the community so well!” 2nd: M & D Auto Repair 3rd: Tires Unlimited Best Vehicle Customization JC’S CUSTOMS 515 5th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-5555 FB @jcscustoms IG @jcscustoms jcscustoms.com It’s time to deck out your vehicle the way you’ve always wanted to and become a JC’s Custom-er. JC’s Customs has been making Polk County look cooler since 1979. In addition to vehicle customization and accessories (including audio and video systems), this year-over-year Best Of Haven winner can even tint your car, home, and office windows. One JC’s patron said, “They did a great job with my truck! Kevin really took the time to help me make sure that I was getting exactly what I wanted. Their shop is very clean and professional. Their customer service is outstanding!” 2nd: TruckMasters USA 3rd: Mild 2 Wild Custom Accessories Best Oil Change TAKE 5 OIL CHANGE 1530 1st St S, Winter Haven (863) 658-6075 FB @Take5OilChange IG @take5oilchange take5oilchange.com Boasting “the quickest oil change in Winter Haven,” Take 5 Oil Change offers drive-thru service with no appointment necessary. Home of the 10-minute oil change, all you have to do is pick your oil from the technicians’ options, sit back and get your oil changed. Take 5’s expert technicians will change your oil and filter, replenish under-hood fluids, and check your air filter and wiper blades. One enthusiastic oil change recipient wrote in part, “The guys working here are great! Great service, friendly staff, clean and organized environment. Best oil change I ever had!” 2nd: Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center 3rd: Tires Unlimited Best Storage Facility THE EXTRA CLOSET 231 5th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 877-1876 FB @ExtraCloset winterhavenflstorage.com Instead of your ‘home away from home,’ The Extra Closet is your ‘closet away from closet!’ Keep your belongings safe with The Extra Closet’s climate-controlled units, portable storage, and more. They even have a spot for your boat, offering small 3x4 units up to large 11x15 units, as well as vehicle, RV, and boat storage. Customers of The Extra Closet appreciate their pricing, cleanliness, and customer service. Congratulations on winning Best Storage Facility AGAIN this year! 2nd: StoreRight Self Storage 3rd: Century Storage Best Yoga Studio INSIDE OUT YOGA (863) 224-2311 FB @ioyogastudio IG @insideoutyogawh ioyogastudio.com Winter Haven yogis agree Inside Out is the Best! Inside Out Yoga was opened by Kerry Wilson in 2013 in the former B.F. Goodrich Tire Store (where The Bike Shop is today) and relocated to a studio facing Central Park in 2017. (New location coming soon, please contact them for details.) Find your inner peace at their daily group yoga classes, private instruction, corporate yoga & mindfulness (a Haven Magazine staff favorite), workshops and specialty classes, or yoga teacher training and CEU’s. Whether you’re into Baptiste Power Yoga, Flow Yoga, Crystal Bowl Sound Bath, or have never done yoga, this Winter Haven yoga studio has something for you! 2nd: Yoga Bliss Studio 3rd: Peaceful Yoga Counselor (Pieces to Peace Counseling) Best Yoga Instructor JODY REECE | INSIDE OUT YOGA (863) 224-2311 FB @ioyogastudio IG @insideoutyogawh ioyogastudio.com Anyone who has ever done yoga with Jody Reece can be thankful that she listened to her curiosity which brought her to the practice in 2000. Hooked from her very first class at a Rec Center and inspired by her own teacher, Reece thought, “If I can share even a little bit of the bliss experienced on the mat with others. Well, that’s what I want to do.” Upon completing her 200-hour training through FlFIYS in Tampa, Reece began teaching in 2005. According to her bio, she holds certifications in yin, Divine Sleep yoga nidra®, prenatal yoga, and graduated with a 500- hour certification from the Kripalu affiliated yoga center, Lotus Pond in Tampa. Jody Reece makes yoga an accessible activity, even for beginners. Her compassion and music playlists for class make yoga enjoyable from the first class (perhaps inspiring future yoga teachers)! 2nd: Prima Burney | Inside Out Yoga 3rd: Jhoanna Mukai | Inside Out Yoga Best CPA CONNER & ASSOCIATES LLC 20 3rd St SW Suite 306, Winter Haven (863) 268-4374 FB @ConnerCPA IG @connerandassociatesllc conner-cpa.com Serving Winter Haven and the surrounding areas, Conner & Associates LLC offers tax, accounting, payroll, and business consulting services. The accounting firm’s mission is “to ease the burden of entrepreneurship on small business owners.” Clients value Conner & Associates’ reliability and consistency in providing proactive consulting. One client raved, “Conner & Associates is knowledgeable and proficient in providing accounting services to the Polk County area. We’ve been with them since their inception and I wouldn’t go to anyone with our accounting needs. Honest and trustworthy, we appreciate their work!” 2nd: Jacob Burton, CPA | Wiggins, Smit, Burby, Reineke & Company, P.A. 3rd: Christina Hansen, CPA | Accounting & Tax Edge Best Attorney WEAVER LOVELESS LAW 240 E Park Ave, Lake Wales (863) 657-0770 FB: Weaver Loveless Law lakewaleslaw.net Weaver Loveless Law has over 40 years of experience backing their personalized and effective legal services. Their areas of practice include estate planning, probate, real estate law, elder law, business and commercial law. A Lake Wales-based law firm, Weaver Loveless Law attorneys are personally and professionally engaged in the community through civic organizations and legal associations. They are committed to the clients and community they serve. One of their clients reviewed, “A truly professional firm. Handled my family’s needs with class and dignity. Would highly recommend the firm for your estate planning needs. Thanks for the prompt service.” 2nd: The Law Offices of Carter J. Adams 3rd: Brooks Law Group Best Bank MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION Multiple Locations FB @MIDFLORIDA IG @midflorida_creditunion midflorida.com What began as Polk County Teachers Credit Union in 1954, MIDFLORIDA has become Central Florida’s community credit union with nearly 65 branches. MIDFLORIDA is not-forprofit and member-owned, offering banking products and services from personal and business banking to loans, mortgages, and investing. MIDFLORIDA places importance on personal attention and competitive rates, “Because your money isn’t just a string of numbers on an account statement. It’s personal—and we think the way you bank should reflect that.” 2nd: Citizens Bank & Trust 3rd: SouthState Bank Best Insurance Agent KAREN BRYAN | STATE FARM INSURANCE 5937 Cypress Gardens Blvd Ste 200, Winter Haven (863) 268-2800 FB @chooseKaren IG @choosekaren choosekaren.com Need assistance with Auto, Home, Liability, Jewelry and other valuables, Small Business, Commercial, Workers Comp, or Life and Health products? Choose Karen! Karen Bryan is a repeat winner in this category and has over 30 years of experience with State Farm, serving customers in Winter Haven and across the state of Florida. One customer who highly rated Karen Bryan for professionalism, quality, responsiveness, and value, wrote, “Best customer service in the insurance industry!” 2nd: Fred Simons | Farmers Insurance 3rd: Lynn Polston | Allstate Insurance Best Veterinarian ORCHID SPRINGS ANIMAL HOSPITAL 615 Overlook Dr, Winter Haven (863) 324-6964 FB @OrchidSpringsAnimalHospital IG @orchidspringsanimalhospital osahvets.com Fur babe not feeling well? This Winter Haven-based animal clinic was established in 1996 by Dr. Mitsie Vargas. What was once a small clinic grew into a five thousand square foot building with a bone-shaped pool (used for exercise, rehabilitation therapy, and entertainment). In 2008, Dr. Vargas made room for a larger treatment area and luxury boarding rooms called “The World Suites.” OSAH has plenty of services to offer pooch (or cat) parents including medical services, acupuncture therapy, boarding, daycare, grooming, training, dental services, veterinary medical manipulation, canine massage, canine rehabilitation, and Chinese herbal medicine. 2nd: Cypress Animal Hospital 3rd: Garden Grove Animal Hospital Best Spa SPA HAVEN 634 1st St S, Winter Haven (863) 514-0667 FB @spahaven IG @spahaven634 spa-haven.com Welcome to your Winter Haven relaxation respite. Esthetician, Lash Artist, and Nail Technician, Megan Gillis offers nail, facial, and skincare services. The Spa Haven service menu includes facials (even for gentlemen), microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, chemical peels, enzymatic peels, and more. Best Of Haven voters continue to choose Spa Haven when they need a wax, lash lift, tan, or other beauty treatment. 2nd: Massage and Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven 3rd: Luna Esthetics Studio Best Hair Salon POSH SALON AND DAY SPA 3210 Cypress Gardens Rd (863) 325-8700 FB @poshsaloninc IG @poshsalonwinterhaven Poshsaloninc.com Babe, it’s time for a new do! Treat yourself to a luxury beauty experience at Posh Salon and Day Spa. Posh’s pampering services include hair, body waxing, lash extensions, and permanent makeup. Once Posh’s skilled staff have your locks looking lovely, book an appointment upstairs at their private day spa for a massage or facial. Reading through their reviews, one thing that stands out is how much Posh stylists seem to click with their customers. 2nd: U Salon 3rd: Diosa Hair Studio Best Barber STEPHEN STYLES | DIOSA HAIR STUDIO 160 2nd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 875-6226 FB @Cstudiowh IG @stephen.styles Stephenstyles.square.site With a name like Stephen Styles it makes sense he’d be the Best Barber around. Styles and his wife MJ own the recently renovated Diosa Hair Studio in Downtown Winter Haven. He has been a licensed barber for four years and does everything from traditional haircuts to modern skin fades. His customers appreciate his style-driven, detail oriented service with one client writing succinctly, “Been going to Stephen for over 4 years. Best haircuts ever.” 2nd: Ringside Cuts 3rd: Mr. Clippers Barber Shop Best Nail Salon OASIS SPA & NAILS WINTER HAVEN 5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd #140, Winter Haven (863) 875-8869 FB: Oasis Spa & Nails IG @ oasis.spa .nails oasisspanails.com Oasis Spa & Nails – you nailed it! “Our priority is to make our clients feel pampered and relaxed while getting beautified here at our salon,” says this Best Of Haven Nail Salon winner. In need of a mani/ pedi, gel, or acrylics? Oasis is on it! In addition to their nail services, Oasis offers facials, massage, waxing, and eyelash extensions. 2nd: Spa Haven 3rd: Talk of the Town Nails & Co. Best Dog Groomer LITTLE WOLFE’S PET RESORT 555 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 293-7327 FB: Little Wolfes Pet Resort IG @littlewolfespetresort littlewolfes.com If Big Tony needs his toenails clipped or Buster is begging for a bath, Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort is the place to go! This Best Of Haven winner for Dog Groomer and Doggie Daycare offers haircuts, full grooming services, nail trimming, baths, and even show-quality trims by appointment only, Monday through Saturday. Expect your pup’s bath or grooming appointment to take between two and a half to three hours. One Little Wolfe’s client wrote, “The rates are the best in the area for grooming and boarding. They always smell amazing when back from being groomed. They also have weekend hours which are convenient.” 2nd: Grooming Deals 3rd: Paw Printz Best Wedding Planner BE TRU EVENTS (863) 632-2790 FB @betruevents IG @betruevents Have a stunning event, but Be Tru to who you are! Shanna Trudell with Be Tru Events pours her heart into making the smallest details of her clients’ weddings – from eye-catching centerpieces to oh so sweet dessert tables and everything in between – a ‘tru’ reflection of the bride and groom. According to Be Tru Events, “Your wedding is about you and your love, and Be Tru Events is here to execute the vision you have for your big day, including insight and support along the way to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable planning experience! ” 2nd: Lorraine Nevot | Events by Lorraine 3rd: Honey Belle Events Best Wedding Photographer GONZALEZ LUGO PHOTOGRAPHY 5603 Struthers Ct, Winter Haven (863) 589-8438 FB: Gonzalez Lugo Photography, LLC IG @gonzalezlugophoto gonzalezlugophoto.com Gonzalez Lugo Photography’s Maryel and Alfredo sparked and grew their love through capturing it for others. This creative couple has a knack for catching just the right moments to immortalize their subjects. A sweet first kiss, dancing bride, a groom’s smile while straightening his bowtie – all timeless testaments to Maryel and Alfredo’s craft. One Gonzalez Lugo Photography client wrote in part, “They are two of the sweetest and professional photographers I have met. They are humble, kind, and truly know what they are doing. You show them your vision and they make it come true.” 2nd: Lindsey Cassidy Photography 3rd: Danielle Owens Photography Best Event Entertainment NEXT LEVEL ENTERTAINMENT LLC 770 Ave B SW, Winter Haven (727) 614-3652 FB @nextlevelent1djs wedding-and-events-by-dj-melvin.business.site Weed out those wallflowers with Best Of Haven Event Entertainment at your next party! One client of Next Level Entertainment reviewed in part, “Best DJ I ever hired, hands down! DJ Melvin just did my daughter’s quinceañera this past weekend. Not only did he keep the crowd going, he made sure my daughter’s playlist was perfect. This company is great!” If you need DJ services, a photo booth, lighting, or special effects for your upcoming wedding, birthday, or corporate party – take it to the Next Level. 2nd: Triviosity Live Events 3rd: DJ MINi C Productions

Best Park CIRCLE B BAR RESERVE 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland (863) 668-4673 polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve This former cattle ranch sits on the northwest shore of Lake Hancock with several ecosystems over 1,267 acres. Circle B Bar Reserve’s many maintained, marked trails are perfect for hiking (you’ll probably see an alligator or two). Nature photographers and painters alike also set up on the reserve to capture the wildlife and stunning Central Florida scenery. Have a Circle B picnic at one of their five first-come, first-serve covered picnic areas with grills. 2nd: Central Park Winter Haven 3rd: Bok Tower Gardens Best Live Music Venue GROVE ROOTS BREWING COMPANY 302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 291-0700 FB @groverootsbrewing IG @groverootsbrewing groveroots.com Grove Roots has the beers AND the bands! Best Of Haven voters love to sip a Jammy Sammy and jam out to local musicians at this laid-back community brewery. Grove Roots Brewing Co. was also voted number one for Best Beer List and Best Polk County Beer for their crisp, fruity sour, Tropical Dilemma. One Grove Roots groupie wrote in part, “This is a local spot. We come here for live music, food truck vendors, new beer offerings, and the all-inclusive vibe. Great outdoor seating that offers a wide variety of comfortable options. Lots to do outside that will keep the kids and puppies happy as well.” 2nd: Jensen’s Corner Bar 3rd: Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar Best Art Gallery MICHAEL CREWS GALLERY AT LAKE WALES ARTS CENTER 1099 FL-60 E, Lake Wales (863) 676-8426 FB @LakeWalesArtsCouncil IG @lakewalesartscouncil lakewalesartscouncil.org Polk County art aficionados appreciate the world-class work exhibited at the Michael Crews Gallery. The gallery is housed in a former church that was built in 1927 and named for Michael Crews, founder of the Lake Wales Chorale, as well as President of the Community Concert Association, and an instrumental force in merging that organization and the Lake Wales Arts Council. According to the Lake Wales Arts Council, “Lake Waleans who had known Mike Crews and his love for arts, suggested that the new building be named in his honor and memory. The Lake Wales Arts Council unanimously agreed.” 2nd: Ridge Art Association 3rd: Polk Museum of Art Best Public Art ALLIGATOR MURAL BY NICOLE HOLDERBAUM “NICO” 435 6th St SW, Winter Haven Could there be anything more Polk County appropriate than a giant alligator and a dreamy burnt orange sunset? This vibrant prehistoric beauty adorns the north side of the Refrigeration & Electric Service building. The alligator was painted by Nicole Holderbaum aka “Nico,” a Florida-based visual artist, muralist, creative director, and designer. 2nd: Slice of Happiness Mural by Gillian Fazio 3rd: The Calm Mural by David De La Mano & Pablo S. Herrero Best Visual Artist GILLIAN FAZIO FB @gfazioart IG @gfazioart gfazioart.com Whether you’ve been inspired by her Create mural in Lakeland, or snapped a selfie in front of the oranges and monarchs that grace Slice of Happiness in Lake Wales – Gillian Fazio has probably brightened your day at some point. A Lakeland native, Fazio grew up attending art schools and found a love of painting very young. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors’ Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Florida in 2017. Fazio shifted from canvas to large-scale public art when she returned home and has since created over 20 murals across Central Florida. As a “new age flora and fauna artist” Fazio says her interest is in “using natural elements such as animals’ divinely designed patterns that serve a function and purpose, combined with purely aesthetic cultural patterns. [...] As the artist, my goal is to create an encounter for the audience, appreciating the intricacy of both senses of artistic intelligence.” 2nd: Trent Manning 3rd: Cathy Hall Best Photographer POTTHAST STUDIOS 234 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 294-4920 FB @PotthastStudios IG @potthaststudios potthaststudios.com Located in Downtown Winter Haven, Potthast Studios offers professional photography services including portraits, commercial photography, video production, photo restorations, digitizing services, and photography classes. Their spacious studio facilities boast flash strobe, constant and natural light studio capabilities, concrete cycloramic for seamless white/blue/green screen projects, and more. According to Potthast Studios, “Putting together a great photoshoot is about much more than just lights, camera, action. We understand it takes coordination, communication, talented design, and styling before the shoot, and talent behind the camera, to make it all come together. After the shoot, we aim for consistent and dependable delivery of client work.” 2nd: Lindsey Cassidy Photography 3rd: Paris Scott Photography Best Musician DANIEL PEPIN FB @DanPepinMusic YouTube: Daniel Pepin SoundCloud: Daniel John Pepin danielpepinmusic.com Daniel Pepin has played “everything from stadiums to little tiny dive bars.” His love of music ignited when he listened to his grandmother’s “Eight Days a Week” record as a kid. Many guitar lessons and tons of natural talent later, Pepin would attend music school, give music lessons, and start a band called The Letdown (now The Mighty Letdown) that would go on to open for top names at the time, like Godsmack and Disturbed. These days he’s serenading audiences across Polk County and beyond with his Spanish guitar skills ranging from melodic to pick-on-fire. Catch him regularly at venues across the county like the Winter Haven Farmers Market, Haven Coffee Roasters, The Pink Piano, and Swan Brewing. 2nd: B.Haven 3rd: Coastal Acoustic Barefoot Music Best DJ DJ MINI C PRODUCTIONS (863) 812-7035 FB @DJMINiCpro IG @djminic djminic.com They may specialize in weddings, but they can get the crowd moving at corporate events, school dances, sporting events, anniversary parties, fashion shows, birthdays, class reunions, proms – any event. DJ MIni C Productions has been serving Lakeland and surrounding areas since 2010 with their DJ and entertainment services including photo booths, wedding coordinating, wedding planning, lighting, and beyond. Platform Art said in their review of DJ MIni C, “We hired DJ Mini C to DJ for our PlatformKids art event and we were very happy with the result! They arrived early to set up and were also very friendly, professional, and easy to work with. DJ Mini C had some good music mixes and kept our audience entertained in between our performances.” 2nd: DJ Bracken Entertainment & Lighting 3rd: Triviosity Live Events Best Maker KORTLYN DOUGHERTY | ROGUE’S RELICS Etsy: RoguesRelicsJewelry FB @roguesrelicsjewelry IG @roguesrelicsjewelry Around the beginning of 2020, Kortlyn Dougherty started her Etsy shop, Rogue’s Relics (named after her Miniature Australian Shepherd, Rogue), selling wire-wrapped stones, earrings, bracelets, pendants, and the like. She began experimenting with a process called electroforming, making one-of-a-kind jewelry and decor with everything from snake, frog, and lizard skeletons, to rat skulls, ginkgo leaves, oak leaves, dragonflies, and butterflies that are coated in copper and given an antique finish. You can pick up a stunning Rogue’s Relics piece at one of the many markets Dougherty attends like the Winter Haven Farmers Market and Buena Market, or online at her Etsy shop! 2nd: Lyndsey Venrick | Pin + Needle 3rd: Jessica Garrett | Modish Collection Best Tattoo Studio ACES INK 1132 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 875-3798 FB @acesinktattoo IG @acesinktattoo Best Of Haven voters think this tattoo shop is dealing all Aces! The shop says its mission is “to provide you with quality tattoos/ piercings in an amazing and sterile environment.” A look through the Aces Ink online portfolio – a lifelike black and white portrait of JAY-Z, Wranglers jeans patch on a buttcheek, colorful cartoon caricatures – is a testament to the clean, creative, quality tattoos their artists consistently produce. One client wrote, “Everyone at the shop is so friendly! Scheduling appointments is easy. Choosing which artist to use is a bit more difficult, as all their work is amazing!” 2nd: Skinfinity Tattoo Company 3rd: Angry Elephant Tattoos and Piercings Best Piercing DAKOTA LARUE | ACES INK 1132 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 875-3798 FB @acesinktattoo IG @acesinktattoo Professional Body Piercer Dakota LaRue is so good at what she does, many clients say it doesn’t even hurt! You could say she’s pretty sharp. In the “amazing and sterile environment” at Aces Ink, LaRue offers an array of piercing services that her clients rave about. One pleased and freshly pierced patron said, “Dakota the piercer was AMAZING!! Very gentle and had a lot of knowledge on how to make sure they heal properly. She did an amazing job!” 2nd: Atomic Tattoos 3rd: Piercings by Pinky Pierce

A little love, a dash of southern hospitality, and good old-fashioned fried chicken are at the center of Lakeland’s newest chicken shack, LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken. The couple responsible for turning up the heat on the pickme-up dining scene is Leah and Jeremy Brumley. You can get in on the Almost Famous action now, too! A lifelong Lakelander, Jeremy 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 and attending 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 going to 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 the 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, which is owned by the same company as Outback. When the founder of the down under steakhouse broke off and started the fast-casual chicken chain, PDQ, Brumley hopped on board. 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. THE CONCEPT 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 last September when they secured their building, the former South Florida Starbucks, for their southern fried chicken concept – LoveBird. Designed to offer hospitable service and tasty tenders to-go, this neighborhood pick-me-up chicken joint anticipates roughly 80 percent of sales to be off-premise through their drive-thru, catering, pick-up, and food delivery services. The LoveBird site, snuggled against South Florida Avenue, doesn’t offer much parking, an intentional layout decision for Brumley. There will always be restaurants where people can come to sit down and share a casual meal with friends and family. Brumley suspects that won’t be the norm, though. “The convenience of ordering food whenever you want it – I don’t know if that will ever go away.” THE FOOD “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 restaurant. “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, Chef Rocco Taliani, helped to develop the LoveBird menu. “He had a love for food and had 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. Scratch side offerings include slaw, bourbon baked beans, cheesy potatoes, 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 fire-roasted apple cobbler and banana pudding. THE FUTURE Could we see more LoveBird locations in time? Brumley said, “We have to get one right. […] I think that we have a good shot as long as we continue with our strategic plan and that’s the highest quality food, the best service we can provide, at a price that people can actually afford to eat more than once a month. […] If we can keep those three things in line and establish a brand culture that people want to do business with and feel proud to be a part of, then I think the sky’s the limit.” LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken 2101 S Florida Ave, Lakeland www.lovebirdeats.com FB @lovebirdeats IG @lovebird.eats Photography: grainandglass.com

For cocktails: 8 ounces apple cider 4 ounces bourbon 4 tablespoons honey-thyme simple syrup 4 teaspoons lemon juice For the simple syrup: ½ cup sugar ½ cup honey 1 cup water 10 sprigs fresh thyme In a small saucepan, combine syrup ingredients. Heat over mediumhigh heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Take off the heat and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve to remove any thyme leaves. Store in refrigerator until cooled. To make the cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add syrup, bourbon & apple cider to shaker and shake until well mixed. Add lemon juice and shake again. Pour over ice and garnish with thyme sprigs and apple slices. Serves 2. Please drink responsibly, 21+ only. Recipe adapted from Camillestyles.com

4 ounces vodka 4 ounces green juice* 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Crushed ice In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, green juice, lime juice, and crushed ice. Shake to combine. Pour into glasses, dividing evenly. Serves 2, please drink responsibly. If you have too many of these, you might start seeing things that aren’t really there... 2I+ *We used Naked Juice Green Machine

1-ounce vodka Club soda Any combo of citrus, cucumber or mint Ice Fill your glass with ice, fruit, vodka and top with club soda. Make it without vodka and drink all day for relaxation. Citrus fruits—including lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, pomelos, tangerines, and kumquats—are excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, folate and potassium. The aroma of citrus has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. If using vodka, please drink responsibly, ages 21+.

5 cups frozen pineapple ¾ cup coconut milk ½ cup coconut rum ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk Blend all ingredients until thick and creamy. Pour into glasses and garnish with a cherry. It tastes like the Dole Whip at Disney, only better! Add rum and subtract the crowds, what’s better than that? 21+ Please don’t drink and drive.

10 large basil leaves 3 strawberries 1 cup lemonade ½ cup vodka ice Put 10 basil leaves and strawberries in a cocktail shaker and muddle. Add the vodka and lemonade. Fill with ice, shake vigorously and strain into a chilled coupe or other small glass. Garnish with basil and lemon. Serves one. 21+ Please drink responsibly.

1 cup mint chocolate chip ice cream ½ cup Scotch 4 ice cubes Green food coloring (optional) Whipped cream & sprinkles for garnish In a blender, add ice cream, Scotch, green coloring (if using) and ice. Blend until smooth, pour into glass, top with whipped cream and sprinkles. Recipe makes one shake. 21+ please drink responsibly