As the healthcare community learns more about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how to improve healthcare for autistic individuals, an Autism Spectrum Community Education Series was launched this spring, via a partnership between the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation, the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) School of Behavior Science Analysis, and Rockin’ On The Chain. Three FIT professors are teaching the series. We caught up with one of the busy professors to get a bird’s eye view of how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts and techniques, used in a clinical setting, may benefit ASD individuals. Dr. Jonathan Fernand, Assistant Professor with the School of Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology’s College of Psychology and Liberal Arts, is heavily involved in providing therapy and resources to the autistic community through his work at The Scott Center for Autism Treatment. For the healthcare community who provides care for those with ASD, Dr. Fernand says that understanding has grown beyond the “simple awareness” of the definition of autism, to applied behavior approaches that facilitate a more comfortable clinical experience. “I learn from each and every single patient and family,” says Dr. Fernand. It is his hope that the Autism Spectrum Community Education Series is just the beginning of a long-term partnership to help those in the Autism community advocate for themselves, as well as equip medical facilities and teams with the tools necessary to foster that growth. He says every individual’s needs are unique. Those in the world of behavior analysis look at the environment and how that can either help or hinder experiences for autistic individuals. “So we can arrange the environment in such a way that fulfills the needs for those people,” he says. Those who attend the series, which comprises both caregivers as well as healthcare professionals, learn more about ASD and other intellectual and developmental abilities, the basics of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts and techniques, communication strategies, sensory challenges, and creating a sensory-friendly environment. ABA techniques can be useful to equip ASD individuals with skills to better articulate pain and discomfort, voice preferences, and improve tolerance for medical procedures, Dr. Fernand notes. Other takeaway nuggets include managing aggression and increasing patient safety during medical procedures such as exams or vaccinations. The discussion of what creates a therapeutic environment, says Dr. Fernand, is “assisting somebody to be successful in their natural environment.” BARRIERS FACED The Scott Center offers behavioral health assistance to those autistic children who need it. Families face great challenges when it comes to healthcare – as well as accessing and navigating those services. Waiting lists are long for treatment, and the necessary appointments to get the initial diagnosis can be difficult, according to Dr. Fernand. Parents may forgo the needed doctor’s checkups because they are afraid of how the child is going to act out while they are there. That doesn’t stop at adulthood. Adult ASD individuals may avoid appointments out of fear of the medical environment. “Families often feel they don’t know what to do,” Fernand says. “It’s not common knowledge.” He adds there is a “knowledge learning curve,” for example, when a person is not only learning what it means to be a new parent, but also the complexities of having a child on the spectrum. “Most behavior analysts are working with individuals who need substantial support,” Fernand says. Some ASD individuals do not engage in any communication at all, whether vocally or by sign language. The deficits in communication then display in behaviors such as selfinjuring, tantrums, or disruption, he notes. Parents may say, “Now I have an atypical development occurring that I need assistance for,” he says, and find that they now must learn how to advocate for their child to be seen at a healthcare facility. Fernand adds that not every person with ASD needs services to help them communicate or navigate. However, as ASD individuals age, services tend to decline. Services for all individuals with autism beyond age 23 drop off, due to availability. Quality of life becomes an issue, and both caregivers and healthcare advocates are hopeful that as the individual with ASD grows, they can learn to “fulfill a quality of life for themselves.” Tying the behavior analyst into the healthcare team for ASD individuals is growing, Fernand says, adding that many hospitals keep one on staff as they collaborate their understanding with other medical disciplines. The hope is that by altering the clinical environment, it may assist the ASD individuals gain helpful skills so they can navigate their world in a productive way for them, Dr. Fernand adds. A GREAT PARTNERSHIP Florida Institute of Technology Dean Lisa Steelman notes that the partnership started when Florida Tech, assisted by Winter Haven Hospital Foundation and its president and CEO Joel Thomas, began offering mental health services to patients at Winter Haven Hospital. “Florida Tech clinical psychologists in training work in collaboration with the hospital residents to help treat the whole patient, in this case through psychological services. We have now partnered in this way for five years and provided needed mental health services to a multitude of patients,” Steelman said. “Helping children with ASD and their families through the health care system (health check-ups, vaccines, etc.) was a logical next step.” Dr. Fernand is teaching the last series meeting. Dr. David Wilder and Dr. Kimberly Sloman facilitated the first two meetings. A strong supporter of the program is Rockin’ On The Chain, which holds an annual fundraiser to help with autism awareness, and the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation is the recipient of it. “It has been very well received,” says John Straughn, founder of Rockin’ On The Chain. “Our goal is to have a fundraising event to help raise awareness to the autism and special needs community and I think the hospital is doing a great job by helping to promote that,” he adds. HISTORY In 2020, the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation started the FIT Clinical Psychology Training Program. The Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Program and BayCare Health System are likewise intertwined to provide mental health care services. Benefitting patients at Winter Haven Hospital’s Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation Clinic and BayCare Medical Group’s Family Health Center in Winter Haven, the program hopes to draw more students to both train and remain in the Winter Haven community. The series, which began May 29, will see two more meetings on Thursday June 5 and June 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1201 1st Street South, Suite 100A, Winter Haven. For more information, email whhfoundation@baycare.org .

Dick and Julie Pope are remembered (respectively) by many Havenites as the flamboyant and gracious founders of Cypress Gardens. Their story and its impact on our community are both rich and colorful. This month we take a look at Dick Pope long before he created Cypress Gardens ... up to the time that he met his lifelong personal and professional partner, Julie Downing. Richard Pope was born April 19, 1900, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of J. Walker Pope and his wife, Lily May. The family would relocate to Winter Haven in 1910. Richard D. Pope & Julie Downing Pope c. 1920s At the age of 12, he joined his father at his Winter Haven real estate office and learned to help out when Richard D. Pope c. 1920s Julie Downing Pope c. 1920s J. Walker Pope was out of town. Following one particular trip, his father returned to learn that young Richard had shown a property and arranged the deal for the sale. It was definitely a sign of things to come and “an idea a minute” became his trademark. While other youngsters were involved with traditional childhood pursuits, Dick Pope was beginning a career in sales and promotion. As a teenager, Pope enjoyed golf, skiing, and photography. He also served as vice president of the 1918 graduating class of Winter Haven High School. Following a brief attempt at college, he returned to Winter Haven. He managed to find plenty of time to play golf ... fast becoming Florida’s Amateur Champion. He traveled the country for tournaments. Ultimately, in North Carolina for the National Amateur Championship, he accomplished two major feats: he came in second in the tournament, and he met the perfect business partner ... his future wife, Julie Downing. Dick and Julie married and by 1931 found themselves living in New York City as he worked in public relations. As young parents, they evaluated the potential for success if they remained in New York. Dick felt “you could make more money” there, but didn’t enjoy what you had to endure to do it. Both longed to return to the south. Dick and Julie continued to refine their idea of a garden so beautiful, that people would pay admission to see it. Due to his boating expertise, Dick was asked to serve on the Canal Commission. He believed the canals connecting Winter Haven’s lakes were the community’s greatest asset. Times were very tough in Florida. The stock market crash came directly on the devastating collapse of the Florida land boom. The Florida Emergency Relief Association (FERA) paid a dollar a day to many who otherwise would have no work. The work involved odd jobs such as raking leaves. Soon, Pope advanced an idea to use FERA funds and financial support from the Canal District to build a garden that would be owned publicly but charge an admission fee. He would serve as administrator (and promoter). He sold the idea to the Chamber of Commerce, and before long, excitement was growing throughout Winter Haven. This photo of the young Dick and Julie Pope family on an early Garden’s bridge was taken at or before the park’s opening. Left to right Dick, Adrienne, Dick Jr., and Julie. Pope picked the location for Cypress Gardens based on his memories of camping there as a boy of 13, having traveled to the site by a horse drawn wagon. During the land boom, a country club was built on the site overlooking Lake Eloise. In the early 30s, it sat boarded up. Citrus grower John Snively, Sr., agreed to permit the use of this building for ticket sales and a small gift shop. His greatest challenge at the time was convincing others to join in the mission. He needed $1200 or more from several sources ... a lot of money for the time. John Snively, Sr., George Andrews (Haven Hotel), M.M. “Dad” Lee (Florida Chief) and George Burr (Winter Haven Herald) ultimately believed in Pope’s dream enough to provide some backing. In addition, the Canal Commission had spent $6500 in an arrangement worked out by Pope and Ray Bice. With a budget of 3500 “man-days” at a dollar a day, FERA crews started digging canals and working on the property in September of 1932. It didn’t look particularly good as a work in progress, and doubts began to surface. City and canal officials began to doubt its viability. FERA representatives visited the site and announced they were pulling out of the process. The Canal Commission insisted that they be relieved of the responsibility of the “disaster.” Pope and John Snively decided to take over the project and struck a deal with the Canal Commission to repay the money invested. They would pay $500 down and the balance over a period of three years. It was 1933, and Pope would eventually be derided as “Swami of the Swamp.” Julie and Dick formed “Florida Cypress Gardens Association, Inc.” and both were owners. Pope later noted, “It was a little rough going for a while because 30 men worked six days a week for $1 a day and when I didn’t have the money I’d call (Publix Founder) George Jenkins - the Pope family grocer - tell him I was a little short and ask to give out chits for $1.25 each to the workers.” Jenkins agreed, and Pope reportedly offered him stock, but Jenkins replied, “No, I’ll stay in the business I know best.” Early photo of the Eloise Woods Country Club built during the 1920s Florida Boom. John Snively would make an agreement with Dick Pope for its use as the Cypress Garden’s entrance and gift shop. Julie Pope brought her “green thumb” to the initial landscaping for the Gardens. She and friends traveled the area gathering plants that residents were willing to share. From bougainvillea to flame vines and azaleas to camellias, those first sprigs and sprouts brought the Gardens to life. Pope was a master promoter. As he and Julie designed the Gardens, he developed a plan to make every path beautiful and photogenic from every angle. Each plant, flower, and tree that was added was placed in position after Pope had viewed the location through a camera viewfinder. Composition, color, beauty, and lighting were important considerations for each pathway. Working with his good friend and legendary photographer, Robert “Bob” Dahlgren, Cypress Gardens was planned to photographic perfection. On January 2, 1936, Cypress Gardens officially opened to the public. In the midst of the Great Depression, the Popes had created the foundation of a park that would eventually welcome 45 million visitors with Winter Haven tagging along for the ride. Next month: The “Swami of the Swamp” has the Last Laugh

James Whale (Left) - Boris Karloff (Right) The Motion Picture Production Code—enforced from 1930 and reaching its most stringent application from 1934 until its decline in the late 1960s—represented one of the most aggressive regulatory frameworks in American cinematic history. Known commonly as the Hays Code, it functioned as both a moral compass and a tool of censorship, explicitly forbidding depictions of what it termed “sexual perversion.” The Hays Code was never just about censorship— it was about erasure. It imposed not only moral strictures on American cinema but sought to dictate what could be seen, said, and even imagined. For those of us who grew up watching films that came long after the Code’s collapse, it is easy to forget how effectively it rewrote the representation within what was already seen as one of the most powerful tools in cultural messaging—especially for queer people. Of course, queerness never truly disappeared from the screen. It lived within allegory, in genre, in monsters, and metaphors. The Code tried to shut the door, but filmmakers—bold, passionate, imaginative—stepped into shadow to be seen. They invented new languages, new symbols, and new ways to tell stories lived, feared, and dreamed. This is not only a snapshot of cinema under suppression but also of innovation, resistance, and connections across decades. GOLDEN AGE OF HORROR In the 1930s and 1940s, the horror genre functioned as a critical space for the exploration of otherness, desire, and identity under the regulatory pressures of the Production Code. James Whale, operating as one of the few openly gay directors within the studio system, leveraged the figure of the monster as both a mirror for societal exclusion and a vessel for nuanced expressions of alienation and longing. His films, “Frankenstein” (1931) and “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935), reconceptualize the creature not as a simplistic embodiment of terror, but as a figure of complex humanity, whose constructed body becomes a site of empathy rather than fear. Whale’s personal experiences of marginalization inform his aesthetic choices—his use of camp, excess, and gothic spectacle destabilizes conventional horror narratives. Nowhere is this more apparent than in “Bride of Frankenstein,” where the flamboyant Dr. Pretorius transforms scenes into carnivalesque celebrations of perversity and theatricality, highlighting the film’s defiance of traditional genre expectations. The Old Dark House (1932) - Directed by James Whale “The Old Dark House” (1932) further reveals Whale’s distinct capacity to blend horror, satire, and camp into a gleefully subversive critique of societal and familial repression. Often overshadowed by his Frankenstein films, “The Old Dark House” stands as perhaps his most overtly comedic and anarchic work—a film in which the gothic trappings of haunted houses and decaying aristocracy are gleefully undercut by absurdity, wit, and knowing exaggeration. Whale populates the isolated Femm household with a gallery of grotesques and misfits, their exaggerated performances exposing the thin veneer of civility that masks dysfunction and desire. Whale transforms the haunted house into a carnival of social breakdown. “The Old Dark House” may masquerade as a tale of horror, but beneath its creaking doors and flickering candles lies a mischievous celebration of theatricality, with characters twice as engaging as they appear at first glance and three times as funny—I mean it—still very funny. At RKO, producer Val Lewton pioneered a more introspective and psychological form of horror that foregrounded atmosphere, ambiguity, and internalized fear. Rejecting the visual bombast of earlier Universal horror cycles, Lewton’s productions emphasized restraint, minimalism, and suggestion— deploying darkness, off-screen space, and sound to activate the viewer’s imagination. Nowhere is this approach more fully realized than in “Cat People” (1942), directed by Jacques Tourneur. Rather than offering audiences a visible monster, the film immerses them in a carefully constructed world of shadows, ambiguity, and suppressed tension, where the line between human and monster, desire and danger, remains deliberately blurred. The narrative follows Irena, a woman whose fear of sexual awakening is intricately tied to an inherited curse, which may—or may not—transform her into a predatory cat. Lewton’s insistence on withholding the spectacle of transformation is itself a radical gesture, forcing the horror to reside within psychological suggestion and the dread of uncertainty. Through the manipulation of cinematic form—lighting, sound design, and framing—Lewton and Tourneur created an atmosphere of repression, where fear becomes internalized, and the monstrous exists as much within the character’s psyche as in any external threat. This aesthetic choice allowed for a more nuanced engagement with themes of identity, desire, and repression, transforming Cat People into a meditation on the instability of self and the psychological consequences of living within a society that demands containment, control, and conformity. Lewton built horror from what was unseen, from the dread of what might live inside us, creating cinematic worlds capable of visceral connection despite time passed and lives lived—a connection between the leopard man, the cat people. Night Tide (1961) THE AGE OF EXPERIMENT Curtis Harrington’s “Night Tide” (1961) stands as a liminal work, bridging the gothic studio horror aesthetics of James Whale and Val Lewton with the emerging queer underground cinema of the 1960s. Harrington was a key figure in the West Coast experimental scene and one of the few openly gay directors to navigate the Hollywood system. He began his career in the avant-garde, creating trance films that explored desire, identity, and psychological fragmentation—modes of storytelling that would carry into his later studio work. In “Night Tide,” Harrington infuses these sensibilities into a deceptively conventional horror narrative. His young sailor drifts through fog, carnival lights, and shadowy piers, entering the orbit of Mora, a woman who performs as a sideshow mermaid—her presence tinged with the ambiguous allure of a siren hiding in plain sight. The film refuses to clarify whether Mora is truly a creature of myth or simply a woman burdened by longing, grief, and outsider status. This ambiguity is essential. Rather than indulging in spectacle, “Night Tide” weaves its uncanny elements into the everyday, creating a form of cinematic magic realism where the strange and the real coexist, indistinguishable from one another. In his youth, Harrington found a mentor in James Whale—a figure of mythic proportions in his personal pantheon. Years later, fate allowed him to return the gift. Harrington was instrumental in recovering and restoring Whale’s long-lost “The Old Dark House,” using his position within the studio system to ensure its preservation at the George Eastman House. His legacy, then, is not only as director but as guardian of what once inspired him. It’s stories like these that remind me why I linger in the yellowed pages of old film journals—where no imagined secondhand account rivals the quiet glow of someone stepping fully into the history they once only dreamed of. Val Lewton- novelist, film producer and screenwriter PRIDE By the time the 1960s faded, the world had changed. The collapse of the studio system was nigh, and the wheels of cinema could turn with a little more speed. The New Queer Cinema of the 1990s did not forget. Its filmmakers carried the ghosts of Whale, Lewton, and Harrington with them, weaving their coded legacies into multifaceted new tapestries. Yet more than fifty years after the fall of the Hays Code, cinema remains an incomplete archive. Our screens continue to wait—for stories still untold, identities still marginalized, and futures that reject tokenism and assimilation, that move beyond visibility alone, that challenge cinema’s complicity in erasure, and demand stories that reflect lived complexity while opening space for narratives where the shadows are optional, never mandatory.

Many homeowners in Central Florida turn to native wildflowers as an option for seasonal color in their landscapes. Summer-blooming wildflowers are colorful, eye-catching, and a great way to enhance your summer landscape. With proper selection and placement, summer wildflowers can thrive in your Central Florida yard. Native wildflowers are well-adapted to the sandy soils, high humidity, and frequent rainfall associated with summers in central Florida. Many native species are drought-tolerant once established and require little maintenance, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Native wildflowers contribute to ecosystem health by supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while also offering habitat and food sources for beneficial insects and birds. SELECTING THE RIGHT WILDFLOWER FOR THE RIGHT PLACE When selecting wildflowers for your yard, it’s important to follow the right plant, right place principle of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™. This means selecting a plant based on the conditions of your landscape. Consider sun exposure, soil moisture, available space, and desired bloom times. Summerblooming varieties can fill in gaps left by spring flowers and provide color throughout the hottest months. WILDFLOWERS FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA: There are many native wildflowers that thrive in central Florida. Utilize local plant nurseries, plant lists, and the UF/ IFAS Extension Service for information on local plants. Here are a few that grow well in most central Florida yards: • Coreopsis spp. (Tickseed): Florida’s state wildflower, Coreopsis, is a cheerful and prolific bloomer. Species like Coreopsis lanceolata and Coreopsis leavenworthii produce small, yellow, daisy-like flowers that attract butterflies and bees. They thrive in full sun and tolerate drought once established. These happy summer-bloomers will pop up and spread in the landscape. • Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage): This wildflower produces bright red tubular flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. Scarlet Sage can grow in both sun and partial shade and readily reseed, making them easy pass-along plants for friends interested in starting wildflowers in their own yards. • Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan): With its yellow petals and dark centers, Black-eyed Susan offers a classic look. It does well in full sun and tolerates a range of soil conditions. For maximum impact, plant in masses. • Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed): A native milkweed with vibrant orange flowers, this is the milkweed that we promote for anyone interested in attracting monarch butterflies to their yards. It is one of the most popular native milkweed species and is attractive to many types of pollinators. ESTABLISHING WILDFLOWERS IN THE LANDSCAPE Site preparation is key to the successful establishment of wildflowers—particularly if you are starting from seed. While some wildflowers can be started from transplants, many species are readily available as seed. Sow seeds for summer wildflowers in October or November for summer blooms. Water new plantings regularly until established. After establishment, most native wildflowers will not need supplemental irrigation (in fact, some may not thrive with additional irrigation). Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides in or near wildflowers, as these can harm pollinators. If pest control is needed, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Service for management options. MAINTENANCE AND LONG-TERM CARE Once established, wildflowers require less maintenance. Occasional deadheading or trimming can encourage additional blooms and prevent aggressive reseeding by certain species. Mulch should be maintained at 2-3 inches in landscape beds, with mulch pulled away from the base of the plants. For a natural look, group wildflowers with other native perennials, ornamental grasses, and groundcovers. This layered approach mimics Florida’s native ecosystems and fosters greater habitat diversity. Additionally, you can just substitute any colorful perennial or annual plant for native wildflowers for a colorful impact in the landscape. With so many bloom colors and plant sizes, there are sure to be wildflowers to fit your landscape aesthetic. For more information on summer wildflowers, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk . The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. If you are not in Polk County, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic.. To learn more about gardening and landscaping in central Florida, listen to the “Your Central Florida Yard” podcast. The June episode is all about summer wildflowers. Find more information here: centralfloridayard.substack.com . An Equal Opportunity Institution. Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/ IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.ed

MOOTOWN SCOOPS Mootown Scoops offers premium ice cream, including a couple of dairy-free choices, milkshakes, floats, affogatos, ice cream flights, croque glaces, and some very classic toppings. We tried the croque glace, which is a brioche bun filled with your choice of ice cream and topping and then cooked in a little machine that looks like a waffle maker. The outside is warm and a little crispy, but the ice cream is still cold in the middle. We also tried a scoop of the Gator Trail ice cream with hot fudge swirls & peanut butter cups. It was so good in one of the house-made waffle cones. The chocolate milkshake was very good, such a classic, and topped with a cherry. We loved everything we ordered and will definitely be back! The Grand Opening was May 8. MOOTOWN SCOOPS 723 E Palmetto St, Lakeland IG @mootownscoops See more posts at Goodfoodpolk.com

METALLICA M72 TOUR June 6 & 8 at Raymond James Stadium. Two different setlists with two different bands opening each night. Played in the round on the 50-yard line. Purchase a one-day or two-day ticket. June 6 with Limp Bizkit and Ice Nine Kills. June 8 with Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies. raymondjamesstadium.com 2ND SATURDAY ARTWALK June 14 from 5 – 9 p.m. On the second Saturday of every month, the Central Arts District, Grand Central District, Warehouse Arts District, Uptown Arts District, Deuces Live District, Edge District, and Waterfront Arts District come together as one arts destination with many venues hosting their latest exhibit. stpeteartsalliance.org SHUCKED June 3 – 8 at the Straz Center. This musical comedy follows Maizy, a young woman who leaves Cob County to find help to save her hometown’s corn. She encounters a “corn doctor” in the big city who has a plan to exploit the desperate farmers. “Shucked” is the Tony Award–winning musical comedy that The Wall Street Journal calls, “flat out hilarious!” strazcenter.org WU-TANG CLAN With Run The Jewels on June 10, 8 p.m. at Amalie Arena. This is the “Wu-Tang Forever – The Final Chamber” tour. The band developed East Coast hip hop and hardcore hip hop styles. Their lyrics “contain a mix of kung fu, comic book, and mafioso pop culture references, along with a dose of mystical 5% teachings.” amaliearena.com GIANTS, DRAGONS, & UNICORNS Throughout June at MOSI. Through amazing displays and interactive experiences, you’ll discover how narwhal tusks became unicorn horns and how dinosaur fossils inspired the creation of griffins. You’ll also uncover the mysteries of sea serpents, fire-breathing dragons, and towering giants from cultures across the globe. mosi.org SURREAL PET PORTRAITS June 10, 6 – 9 p.m. at the Dali Museum. Memorialize your furry friend with a colorful portrait. Learn how to use a value scale and “paint by numbers” to create a unique and colorful pet portrait. Tickets must be purchased in advance along with pet photos sent to the instructor before class. thedali.org LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL June 6 – 29 at Stageworks Theatre. This show will make you feel like you’re front and center, witnessing Billie Holiday, the jazz legend herself. The play takes place in March of 1959 at a run-down bar in South Philadelphia, where Holiday performs her songs while charming the audience. stageworkstheatre.org JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL June 21, 3 – 9 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. This festival is a family-friendly, educational, and empowering experience for the community! Enjoy live DJs, dance performances, musical guests, a KidZone, and so much more! Shop from retail vendors, community resource booths, and a variety of food vendors. roctheblockinc.com PAINTING WITH ORANGUTANS Sundays in June at 8:30 a.m. at ZooTampa. This behind-the-scenes experience features the iconic Bornean Orangutan. Collaborate on a painting with an orangutan and take home your one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Open to ages five and up. All participants require a ticket, Zoo admission is included. zootampa.org ST. PETE PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL June 28, North & South Straub Park. The largest Pride Festival in Florida brings together members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to enjoy the parade, national and local entertainers on the main stage, and hundreds of local vendors, food purveyors, artists, and community partners. stpetepride.org

LATE NIGHT THURSDAYS Visit Leu Gardens 5 – 8 p.m. Bring a picnic, seating, and wine if you’d like! June 5 hear John Olearchick, a solo jazz, classical, and pop pianist. June 12 will be Tony Wynn and Cameron Brown, a saxophone and trumpet smooth jazz duo. Finally, on June 19 you can hear the Cigano Swing Duo, with gypsy jazz guitar. $15 admission. leugardens.org JAZZ & JUBILEE June 19, 5 – 10 p.m. in Shady Park in Winter Park. This is the Third Annual “A Night Under the Stars: Jazz & Jubilee.” An evening celebrating Juneteenth with live jazz, incredible food, and a vibrant night of community under the stars. This event honors history, culture, and community in a spectacular way. equitycouncilcorp.org BOB ROSS + METAL Every Sunday at 8 p.m. at The Falcon, drink & draw with Bob Ross on the screen! Unleash your inner demons and create your own happy little trees masterpiece. No cover charge, art supplies provided. Reserve your spot and find more information at linktr.ee/thefalconbar . FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP June 17, 6 p.m. Ulsan HD v. Mamelodi Sundowns FC at Inter&Co Stadium. June 20, noon, SL Benfica v. Auckland City FC at Inter&Co Stadium. June 24, 9 p.m. Club Leon v. CR Flamengo at Camping World Stadium. June 26, 3 p.m. Juventus FC v. Manchester City at Camping World Stadium. fifa.com BITE30 June 1 – July 13. Participating restaurants throughout Orlando will offer special prix fixe menus that have multi-course dinners set at a low price. Diners get the opportunity to try multiple restaurants without emptying their bank account. Visit bite30.com to see participating restaurants. THE RETURN OF THE KING June 13 & 14 at Dr. Phillips Center. Voyage to Middle-earth as the final chapter of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga comes alive in symphonic sound. In this special film in concert, watch “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” on the big screen while a symphony orchestra, chorus and soloists perform Howard Shore’s award-winning score live. drphillipscenter.org AQUATICA AQUAGLOW Most Fridays & Saturdays in June at Aquatica. A nighttime splash party with high-energy dance parties, laser light shows, neon foam party, and low wait times during this exclusive, limited-capacity, family-friendly event. For an additional cost, add a cabana rental or the meal service. Purchase tickets in advance at aquatica.com . TWILIGHT: THE ULTIMATE FINALE June 24, 8 p.m. at Enzian Theater. A one-night-only double feature event. Watch Breaking Dawn – Part 1 and Breaking Dawn – Part 2 back-to-back, as Bella and Edward’s love story reaches its unforgettable climax. Experience the epic conclusion of The Twilight Saga like never before. enzian.org PANCAKES & BOOZE June 7, 8 p.m. at The Abbey. This LA-based event originated in 2009 and has since popped up more than 500 times in 35+ cities around the world. This show features up-andcoming artists, a DJ, drinks, and unlimited pancakes. Yes, pancakes, art, and booze, hence the name. More info and tickets online at pancakesandbooze.com . SUNSET AT THE ZOO June 27, 5 – 8 p.m. at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride. Guests are invited to explore the zoo at night with live music, DJs, food trucks, vendors, fun activities, and more until the sun goes down! Online exclusive: Purchase a $44 Family 4-Pack and get four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas. centralfloridazoo.org

BANDIT MARKET SUMMER PARTY June 7, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Nora Mayo Hall. Bandit Market an alternative shopping event. Thousands of attendees can shop from over 70 local artists, makers, and vintage curators while enjoying delicious snacks, sweet treats, and the famous cocktails and mocktails! It’s the coolest event of the summer! FB & IG @thebanditmarket PRIDE IN THE PARK June 14, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Munn Park in Lakeland. The main event of Polk Pride Week from June 7 - 14. This is a family-friendly celebration of love, diversity, and community! Enjoy dozens of vendors, fabulous entertainment, and the iconic Pride Flag March as everyone comes together to celebrate 10 years of Polk Pride. polkpridefl.org JIM LAUDERDALE June 6 at Gram Parsons Derry Down. Brett Statska opens at 7:30 p.m., Lauderdale at 8 p.m. This two-time Grammy winner with 34 albums released and the coveted Wagonmaster Award from the Americana Music Association, plays his new album “My Favorite Place” proving that the North Carolina native is always perfecting his talent. gpderrydown.com FAIRY FESTIVAL June 14, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Come dressed in your fairy best! This magical day is perfect for fairies and fauns of all ages. See a fairy godmother take flight from the Singing Tower as she dances amongst the trees, meet fantastical fairies and animals, discover hidden Fairy Doors, enjoy music, and plenty of bubbles! boktowergardens.org PEOPLE & PLACES OF POLK COUNTY June 6, 5 – 8 p.m. Meet the photographers and view the winning photographs chosen for the June issues of Haven and LKLD Magazines. This photo contest was a collaboration between the Central Florida Photo Club and Destroyer Media to showcase local talent and to see the world through others’ eyes. The theme was “People and Places of Polk County.” More info on IG @haven_magazine SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K June 14, 7 a.m. at Lake Hollingsworth Park in Lakeland. Proceeds from the run go towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Lakeland Runners Club created this race out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. lakelandrunnersclub.org STROKES FOR HOPE June 13, 8 a.m. at Cleveland Heights Golf Course. Enjoy a great day of golf, food, and fun, all to support individuals and families facing homelessness. Proceeds benefit the Talbot House Ministries shelter, healthcare, and support programs. More info on FB @TalbotHouseMinistries ANYTHING GOES! June 14 – 22 at Gem Theatre in Mulberry. Performed by the Missing Piece Theatre with music, dance, laughs, and the age-old tale of boy meets girl. This is Cole Porter at his absolute best. This revised version is fresh off Broadway and has twice as much dance music as the 1962 version. centralfloridatix.com DISNEY’S NEWSIES JR June 13 – 22 at Lakeland Community Theatre. Inspired by the true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City. When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com BARTOW UNCORKED June 20, 5 p.m. in Downtown Bartow. The Bartow Uncorked Wine Walk is bigger and better than ever! Stroll through downtown Bartow, explore 27+ local shops and restaurants, and enjoy delicious wine samples paired with bite-sized treats. ️ Every ticket purchased is entered to win a prize! More info on FB @MainStreetBartow.

FIRST FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET June 6, 5 – 8 p.m. in Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven. Shop from local artists, makers, bakers, and more at this pop-up market all around Central Park. Afterwards, stroll through Downtown for live music, restaurant specials, shops open late, and more! Find more info on FB @whfirstfriday. JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION June 14, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Rueben Williams Sports Complex. Join the City of Winter Haven as they honor Juneteenth with a day full of culture, community, and celebration. Enjoy live performances by local artists, vendors & nonprofits, a fun Kids Zone, food, and more! mywinterhaven.com PEOPLE & PLACES OF POLK COUNTY June 6, 5 – 8 p.m. Meet the photographers and view the winning photographs chosen for the June issues of Haven and LKLD Magazines. This photo contest was a collaboration between the Central Florida Photo Club and Destroyer Media to showcase local talent and to see the world through others’ eyes. The theme was “People and Places of Polk County.” More info on IG @haven_magazine. PRIDE IN THE PARK June 14, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Munn Park in Lakeland. The main event of Polk Pride Week from June 7 - 14. This is a family-friendly celebration of love, diversity, and community! Enjoy dozens of vendors, fabulous entertainment, and the iconic Pride Flag March as everyone comes together to celebrate 10 years of Polk Pride. polkpridefl.org SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K June 14, 7 a.m. at Lake Hollingsworth Park in Lakeland. Proceeds from the run go towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Lakeland Runners Club created this race out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. lakelandrunnersclub.org BARTOW UNCORKED June 20, 5 p.m. in Downtown Bartow. The Bartow Uncorked Wine Walk is bigger and better than ever! Stroll through downtown Bartow, explore 27+ local shops and restaurants, and enjoy delicious wine samples paired with bite-sized treats. ️ Every ticket purchased is entered to win a prize! More info on FB @MainStreetBartow. FAIRY FESTIVAL June 14, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Come dressed in your fairy best! This magical day is perfect for fairies and fauns of all ages. See a fairy godmother take flight from the Singing Tower as she dances amongst the trees, meet fantastical fairies and animals, discover hidden Fairy Doors, enjoy music, and plenty of bubbles! boktowergardens.org WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS June 26 & 27 at Bok Tower Gardens. Free admission on the last Thursday and Friday of the month through August. This complimentary offer is limited to four visitors per registration, and admission for the day is limited to assist with capacity issues. All members of the party will need to have a ticket reserved in advance to enter. boktowergardens.org BANDIT MARKET SUMMER PARTY June 7, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Nora Mayo Hall. Bandit Market is Winter Haven’s only alternative shopping event. Thousands of attendees can shop from over 70 local artists, makers, and vintage curators while enjoying delicious snacks, sweet treats, and our famous cocktails and mocktails! It’s the coolest event of the summer! FB & IG @thebanditmarket TODAY, TOMORROW, AND FOREVER June 17, 5 p.m. or 8 p.m. at The Ritz. Step back in time and experience the magic of Patsy Cline! This heartfelt tribute show includes beloved classics like “Crazy,” “Lovesick Blues,” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Choose from two show times on the same day. theatrewinterhaven.com

THE EMPEROR OF GLADNESS By Ocean Vuong In the struggling town of East Gladness, Connecticut, nineteen-year-old Hai is saved from despair by Grazina, an elderly widow with dementia, forging an unexpected bond that reshapes their lives and reveals dynamics of love, memory, and resilience on the margins of society. THE THREE LIVES OF CATE KAY By Kate Fagan Cate Kay, a reclusive bestselling author, has concealed her identity for years, but when a devastating tragedy from her past resurfaces, she’s forced to confront the secrets that derailed her dreams and return to the place she’s been running from. THE IN-BETWEEN BOOKSTORE By Edward Underhill When Darby, a nearly 30-year-old trans man, returns to his Illinois hometown after losing his job, he steps into his old high school bookstore and slips back in time, coming face-to-face with his pre-transition teenage self, offering him a chance to change the past and confront old wounds. MOTHERS AND SONS By Adam Haslett Forty-year-old New York City asylum lawyer Peter, estranged from his mother, Ann, for years, must grapple with the shared secret that drove their lives apart in this enthralling story about family, forgiveness, and how a fleeting act of violence can change a life forever. KILLER POTENTIAL By Hannah Deitch Discovering a brutal murder at her wealthy clients’ home, scholarship student Evie becomes a fugitive with a mysterious woman, embarking on a cross-country journey to clear her name and uncover the real killer amidst national media frenzy. I LEAVE IT UP TO YOU By Jinwoo Chong Jack Jr. awakens from a coma to an unfamiliar world, so he returns to Korean American enclave Fort Lee, New Jersey, to work at his parents’ restaurant, spar with alcoholic brother James, connect with the male nurse who cared for him, and become an underqualified sage to his teenage nephew. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? By Paul Rudnick A diverse cast of eccentric characters—including a tech billionaire, a flight attendant, a disgraced book editor, and a TikTok rapping Wall Street bro—collide at a lavish private island wedding, where love, chaos and self-discovery intertwine in unexpected ways. THE GILDED CROWN By Marianne Gordon Gifted with the ability to raise the dead, Hellevir, after bringing the Queen’s granddaughter, Princess Sullivain, back to life, must remain by the princess’s side, but with the threat of war looming, she must trade more and more of herself to keep Sullivain alive, but Death will always take what he’s owed.

THE GARDEN OF SMALL BEGINNINGS By Abbi Waxman Gardening might be serious business for some, but here it’s the backdrop for a warm and funny story about starting over. Lilian, a widowed illustrator with two young kids, signs up for a gardening class and slowly finds herself growing more than just vegetables. Waxman brings humor and heart to the everyday messiness of life with characters who feel refreshingly real. SECOND NATURE: A GARDENER’S EDUCATION By Michael Pollan Pollan approaches gardening with curiosity and care, reflecting on it not as a way to control nature but as a conversation with it. This thoughtful memoir explores the balance between wildness and cultivation, tradition and change. It’s part personal story and part reflection on how we live alongside the natural world. THE RED GARDEN By Alice Hoffman A small town in Massachusetts is the setting for this collection of linked stories, all connected by a mysterious garden where red plants grow no matter the season. Hoffman blends everyday life with a touch of magic, exploring how a place— and its soil—can hold the stories of generations. THE LITTLE STRANGER By Sarah Waters Set in post-war England, this gothic novel takes place at Hundreds Hall, a once-grand estate now slipping into decay. As strange events unfold, the house—and its overgrown garden—becomes a character in its own right. It’s a slow-burn ghost story that weaves in class tension, memory, and the unsettling pull of the past. THE BROTHER GARDENERS By Andrea Wulf This engaging history introduces the men who helped shape Britain’s gardening culture in the 18th century. Through letters, plant shipments, and big botanical dreams, Wulf tells a story about science, empire, and the passion for collecting and cataloging the natural world. It’s both informative and surprisingly lively. GARDEN OF LAMENTATIONS By Deborah Crombie In a tucked-away London garden, a young woman is found murdered, and what first appears to be an isolated crime soon reveals deeper connections. Crombie’s mystery is layered and patient, with a strong sense of place and a cast of characters shaped by grief, secrets, and quiet resilience. THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS By Elizabeth Gilbert Alma Whittaker grows up surrounded by plants, books, and questions. As a botanist in the 18th and 19th centuries, her life unfolds at the pace of moss—slow, steady, and deeply observant. Gilbert’s novel follows Alma’s personal and scientific journey in a way that’s thoughtful and richly detailed. LITTLE GREAT ISLAND By Kate Woodworth On a small island off the coast of Maine, Mari McGavin returns to her childhood home with her young son. As she reconnects with the land and its community, Mari collaborates with a widowed neighbor to cultivate a vegetable garden, finding healing and purpose along the way. The island’s changing ecosystem serves as a backdrop to this story of resilience, community, and the enduring bond between people and the land.

Every year on May 21, a quiet ripple turns into a wave—a movement known as National Legacy Day. For many, it’s simply a date on the calendar. But for Jill Thompson, Director of Legacy of Hope , it’s a living, breathing tribute to something much deeper. “National Legacy Day is May 21, and that is Inheritance of Hope’s Founder’s Day,” Jill shares. “It’s the day we started—May 21, 2007.”  It all began with love. And loss. And the kind of strength that blooms in the face of unimaginable odds.  Jill’s best friend, Kristen Milligan, was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer on her 30th birthday. At the time, her children were only six months, two, and four. Jill and Kristen were young mothers walking side-by-side into motherhood… and now, into the unknown.    “Kristen lived for nine years with that diagnosis,” Jill says. “She passed away at 39. But she lived those years intentionally —planning, loving, and creating a legacy that still echoes through thousands of lives today.”    Kristen’s legacy is Inheritance of Hope, a nonprofit walking towards   families facing terminal illness when so many instinctively step away. “We serve families in lots of ways,” Jill explains, “but in May, on National Legacy Day, we ask everyone —not just those facing illness—to think about legacy. To consider living intentionally , today.”    The challenge is simple, but profound: What is your legacy? Does it matter? Are you making an impact? Jill and her team invite people across the country to join two intentional acts during May:    1.      Honor someone who has made a meaningful impact on your life.  “You can post on social media and tag Inheritance of Hope, or do something that would matter to that person—donate to a cause they loved, volunteer, or even just share their story with someone new,” Jill says. “We want to know . We want to celebrate with you.”    2.      Live today in a way that builds your legacy.  “Don’t wait,” Jill urges. “Legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind when you're gone. It’s the impact you make while you’re here —in everyday moments, in the way you love, serve, and show up.”    This year, Inheritance of Hope’s reach extends further thanks to local initiatives like Hope Hub in the Lakeland-Tampa area. It’s a cozy, heartful space for families to connect, grieve, laugh, and support one another—especially those walking through the wilderness of terminal illness.    “When one person is diagnosed, the entire family is affected,” Jill says. “Roles shift. A spouse becomes a caregiver. A child has to grow up faster. And there’s so much grief—anticipatory grief. But in community, there’s strength.”  That community fosters something Inheritance of Hope calls " jorrow " —a blend of joy  and sorrow .    “It may sound impossible, but it’s not,” Jill says with a soft smile. “We see it every day. Families laughing together even while holding deep grief. You can feel joy and sorrow at the same time. It’s powerful.”    It’s also a sacred reminder that love and loss are inseparable.    “I’ve learned that grief is part of love,” Jill reflects. “The deeper the love, the deeper the grief. That pain—it’s proof that you loved deeply. That you were  loved.”    And so, on May 21, Jill honors Kristen’s legacy the best way she knows how: by helping others build their own. “The work I do every day is how I honor her. It’s my legacy too. And I hope that, just like Kristen, I’ll still be making an impact long after I’m gone.”    That’s the heartbeat of National Legacy Day. It’s not about grand gestures or dramatic goodbyes. It’s about waking up and saying, Today matters. I can do something with it.     So, what will your legacy be?    Who will you honor?    And how will you live— today —to make it count?  https://inheritanceofhope.org/