Calling all art lovers, this one’s for you! I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with two artists in Polk County who are hoping to make a “splash” on the art scene come November. Gillian Fazio and Katerina Santos have a festival in the works running from November 6 through November 14, 2026, that is sure to knock your socks off. Coming from a shared love of each others’ work and a serendipitous meeting through murals at Disney Springs, Gillian and Katerina are the geniuses behind Color Wave Walls, Lakeland’s first-ever mural festival, featuring live mural paintings across 10 different locations in Downtown Lakeland, along with artist talks, community events, and so much more! RIPPLES How it all began: It’s 2024, and Gillian and Katerina are both working on murals for Disney Springs’ “Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression” exhibition. Each has admired the other’s work for years. The stage is set for the professional meet-cute of the century. For Katerina, one of her favorite murals in town is off of Massachusetts … and one of Gillian’s, “your butterfly wall is our family’s favorite. When we moved here, we went there to take my maternity photos, and we used [it] like a backdrop. We didn’t know each other yet, but I’ve always been a fan.” Katerina and her family had just recently moved from Miami to Lakeland. She and her husband Juan Travieso are both artists and together they form a company called TRATOS. Meanwhile, Gillian had a fangirl moment after finding out from the Disney Springs mural representatives that Katerina and her family lived in Lakeland and not Miami like she had previously thought. “What Katerina is not gonna tell you, because she’s very humble, is the caliber of walls that [she and her husband] were doing before they moved to Lakeland were bananas. They were working for international companies! There was definitely a level of mutual respect, but I felt like Kobe Bryant was moving to Lakeland. I felt like some titans of the mural industry were coming here,” says Fazio. After Disney Springs, the pieces all fell into place for the two artists, and Color Wave Walls felt its first ripple. MAKING WAVES Polk County is in for a treat this fall, since Gillian and Katerina will be pulling off a festival of “tidal” proportions. With 10 new murals going up on businesses across downtown Lakeland, at no cost to the building’s owners, all within two weeks, the Swan City is about to be drenched in new art! Gillian talked about one of the reasons murals are important. “When you have people come to visit in town, you’re not just taking them to your favorite restaurant, you’re taking them to see things that are visually exciting or that you take ownership of. So the murals really become part of the landscape. They become another point of uniqueness and what makes Lakeland stand out and feel like its own thing.” Festival goers will be able to watch the murals go up, stroke by stroke, color by color, and at the same time, be able to ask the artists questions while they’re working. The muralists will also be hosting talks delving into topics like how to scale art from gallery pieces to paintings on the sides of buildings; the intricacies and banalities of the job; and how to make art more accessible to the general public, something Gillian is a huge champion of. “Accessibility has always been a really big thing for me. I really want to make sure that I’m catering to where I come from, meaning, some people may never step foot into a gallery. So I’m going to bring the art to them and make it digestible,” she said. Both women went on the record to say that there will be community painting zones during the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market on November 7 and November 14, as well as a public artist talk on the evening of November 12. Heads up, they’re planning a celebration on the final day of the festival (with the full details to be announced soon!). Encouraging our arts community to thrive is at the heart of every decision that Gillian and Kat are making, as Gillian stated, “[the festival] wouldn’t be able to happen if it was just me or just Kat. It’s a partnership that has the intricate, local knowledge that I bring to the table and then exponential industry knowledge that we both have, but mostly [Kat] from the national exposure that TRATOS has.” The two were quick to point out that what sets Color Wave Walls apart from other mural festivals in Central Florida is the pair’s intimate knowledge of what muralists need on the job. While most mural festivals are run by creative directors, who know their stuff for sure, they aren’t up on the walls with their artists. Gillian and Kat have an innate understanding of what these high flying creatives need. “We’ve been so lucky and fortunate to have the applications we’ve been receiving (record scratch: 438 applications submitted from 33 states and 21 countries) because people trust that we’re going to take care of the muralists, we’re going to take care of the business owners. We’re going to make sure that basically, the needs that we wish to be met when we’re working in other festivals, are accommodated,” Gillian states. Of course, you can’t have an art’s festival without a little healthy competition, so this year’s slate of judges will include, as of now, “Lakeland Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley; former Publix executive and current Expert in Residence at Catapult, Tim Cox; Vice President of GiveWell Community Foundation, Lori Martini; LDDA Vice Chair and Senior Project Manager at Summit Holdings, Donna DeStefano; Campbell Rice of Indie Atlantic Films; and of course, Gillian, Katerina, and Juan (the other half of TRATOS). THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT Art matters, and having art at such a large scale does nothing but uplift communities. “It’s really funny what happens when paint goes up on a wall, right? It’s as simple as a design and paint, but people gather, and you start creating, and there’s suddenly an arts district happening. And when there’s an arts district, more people are willing to invest in an area, more people are willing to travel to the area, are willing to walk through an area. That’s ultimately our goal for Lakeland, to have more people come here, to have more people appreciate its uniqueness, its beauty. This is a gem of a place, you know? Why not attract more people?” Kat said. She even went on to reference the Polk Arts and Health Collaborative, an offshoot of Watson Clinic that aims to research, educate, and integrate best practices for incorporating the arts into holistic health, as one of the reasons they want to put on the festival. There are some benefits for the artists participating as well, since Kat pointed out that being a muralist often means walking a lonely road … I mean, lift. “We get to bring together 10 artists who might have never crossed paths because muralists tend to work after hours, at night, or when places are closed. As a highlight for all of these artists, we’ll bring them together at the same time and they’ll get to meet each other,” she said. The two women are hopeful that not only will the festival uplift the community’s mood and the artists’ networks, but it will uplift our local economy too! “It’s going to invigorate our city and make everyone feel this sense of pride, but it’s also going to boost local businesses. People are going to think, ‘ooh, let’s walk over to this mural, grab a coffee, then stay for dinner, then, maybe we’ll go to a couple of different murals tomorrow. Maybe we stay at the Terrace,’” imagines Gillian. Their goal is for approximately half a million people to interact with the festival via social media, and 25,000 in-person participants in the inaugural year of Color Wave Walls. Gillian warns, “Don’t travel during that week, because things are going to be popping off here!” While looking at the broad strokes of what this festival could mean for the community is definitely on Gillian’s and Kat’s minds, they’re also looking at the smaller, more individual impacts too, especially when it comes to being an inspiration for a younger generation of artists. Gillian lamented over the feeling her younger self had that, “there was nothing that I could do in a creative capacity if I lived near family. If I stayed in Lakeland, I was gonna have to get a ‘real job.’” Though she was also quick to elaborate that she had very supportive parents who knew she would never be happy in a 9-5 without some creative capacity. Fazio and Santos both reminisced on how seeing their first muralist impacted their younger selves. Kat describes growing up in Miami, “There were a lot of male muralists because it still is a male-dominated career. And I was like, ‘amazing, that’s something I wish I could do,’ but it wasn’t until I saw that first woman on the street painting these incredible bees 50 feet up in the air that I just lost my mind. Seeing that, I thought, ‘that is what I have to do.’” They hope that a festival like this can show kids living here that a creative career doesn’t have to be far away from home and that Polk County has a thriving visual arts community that is always hungry for new artists and perspectives. Gillian shared, “The feeling that Katerina and I both shared when we saw a muralist for the first time, we can actively be that for somebody.” The impact of seeing someone who looks like you doing the thing that lights you up inside CANNOT be overstated. TIDES OF FESTIVALS FUTURE Gillian and Katerina are planning for this festival to be a biannual event. Additionally, you can look out for TRATOS’ home base in Lakeland, called Emerald Arts, which is planning to open at the end of 2027. Located in what was formerly the Thom Downs Antique Store, Katerina and Juan will be hosting workshops, teaching classes, and creating space for artist studios. Gillian’s (totally unbiased) review: “If I was somebody that was looking to get into art, I would want to learn from these people. If I could gift that to my younger self, [Katerina and Juan] are who I would have been so, so excited to learn from when I was just getting into art.” In future festival years, Emerald Arts will host even more events, specifically catering to the crowds around town. Now, if you’re like me and are now chomping at the bit for November to JUST GET HERE ALREADY, there’s good news! A new mural collaboration between Gillian and TRATOS is available for the public to view on the outside of the Summit building. Tour tip: start outside of the building and look at that stunning new mural, then ask about coming inside the building to see the internal mural walls, completed by various local artists and muralists for Summit. The excitement and passion that both Gillian and Kat shared about this festival were of tidal proportions. They are committed to not only make this year’s Color Wave Walls festival a “splash” but to also set the stage for even bigger, more involved festivals biannually. After all, a wave always creates more ripples with its passing. HOW TO HELP Wanting to have a more hands-on approach to experiencing this arts festival? Never fear, they are going to need a lot of hands to pull this off and will be opening applications for volunteers in the months closer to the event, so keep checking the Color Wave Walls socials and their website at colorwavewalls.com for more information. Additionally, sponsors of the event can know their money is going to a good cause, with the 501c3 certification that the two women are pursuing. Perhaps the easiest way to donate would be through their partnership with the LDDA and GiveWell, the link to access that is givecf.org/color-wave-fund. Keep your eyes peeled on their socials and website for more updates about the festival, and get ready Polk County … to make a splash! COLOR WAVE WALLS November 6 –14, 2026 Various locations in Downtown Lakeland IG @colorwavewalls colorwavewalls.com emeraldarts.com

Vampire Penguin: Polk County’s Enchanted Parlor of Impossible Flavors This is the story of a magical shaved snow shop where each spoonful transports customers into the world the flavor was inspired by, a feast for the eyes and even better for your soul. When I walked into Vampire Penguin on a steamy Saturday afternoon, the dark brownish brick walls enveloped me in a cool, celestial, adventurous hug. I had stopped by the shop before it opened earlier in the year, so it was a delight to finally experience firsthand the buzz around town for this remarkable culinary destination. The place was packed, I counted 17 seats inside with a few café tables outside, and I found myself gazing from wall to wall at the original oil paintings and bookshelves that cocooned the space. I felt as though I had been transported back to Scotland; the interiors recalled a corner tavern where students from Hogwarts School of Wizardry might gather between classes. But it’s much more than that. Gideon’s Bakery at Disney Springs may have its spooky gothic feel down, but Vampire Penguin takes dark academia to another level. Chamber music drifted through the air, mingling with mouthwatering aromas, and flickering golden candles nestled among dusty tomes with titles like “The Popular History of England” and “Nerve Cells and Insect Behavior.” Altogether, the atmosphere invites you to order one of their famous shaved snow creations and linger for a good long while. The shaved snow is a combination of the fine texture of Hawaiian ice with the creaminess of Taiwanese ice, and the nostalgia of an American snow cone, resulting in something totally new: a light, fluffy, and creamy dessert. The idea of bringing Vampire Penguin to Lakeland was a family affair. Ken and Keni Parks, Natalie’s parents, acquired the license for all of Polk County. The family also gave Natalie and her husband, Caleb Leonard, free rein with the creative side of the business. While there are many Vampire Penguin locations, most lean toward a more childlike atmosphere. For Lakeland, Natalie decided to go in the exact opposite direction. After a Facebook Marketplace haul of seven hundred books, she literally sat on the stack of books and built the vision that would become the dessert shop you are now lucky enough to visit. I asked Natalie who her target audience was in this city. “I am my own target audience as I created it around what I would like. I had the ability to create something around things that I cherish, and I was hoping people would stop by and give us a chance and they did. It was a risk but so far people really enjoy it. I figured if I am going to be spending hours at a place, I wanted to make that place somewhere I really want to be and so far, it’s worked.” She continued, “I have families, college students, tons of repeat customers, all kinds of people come here and that is just what I wanted for the shop. It means a lot to us when people come back.” Her mantra of creating a place in Lakeland where “everyone could come and escape the world” was fueled by her deep love of books and all things literary. Transforming a historic building in downtown Lakeland was no easy feat. The family encountered hurdle after hurdle, from construction setbacks to the rigid demands of historic preservation, where, as Natalie put it, “something always had to be done a certain way.” Still, they endured, and the process only made them stronger. “There was roadblock after roadblock, and it felt like it was never going to end. You have to make one decision after another, all the while wondering, Is this the right one? After six months, it feels so small now, but back then it was incredibly stressful.” Despite the innumerable challenges of opening a small business, Natalie said Lakeland was patient with them, and the family remains grateful for all the help they received throughout the lengthy renovation. Natalie oversaw the interiors and also named the menu items, choosing eclectic titles such as Me Before Ube, Edgar Allan Snow, Oliver Twix, Nevermore, A Tale of Blue Cities, War and Reese’s, Lord of the Pies, and my personal favorite, Platform 9 ¾, a divine blend of butterbeer-like flavor, whipped cream, and salted caramel. Natalie is especially proud to have dreamed up a Harry Potter–inspired dish. I tried very hard not to stop the interview and devour the whole thing in less than five minutes. I did manage to save a bit for my husband, Dwight, though he polished off his portion in under two minutes! Desserts are not the only treats they offer. Their in-house coffee brand, Bat Brew Coffee, serves up creations like the Smocha, Autumn Rose Mitchell Dot Cake, and Butter Brew Latte. Don’t overlook the flavored drinks. The signature “melted” beverages, made from liquid “snow,” are irresistibly good. For something a bit lighter, there are boba teas in Oolong, Jasmine Green, and Thai, along with Colada Crush and Banana Nut Bread blended smoothies that delight the taste buds and leave you craving just one more sip. Not content to stop at desserts, Caleb and Natalie are also enthusiastic supporters of local authors, and visitors can pick up a copy of “The Sacred Vine” by Victoria M. Sorenson or “Terra” by Sophia Simpson while they’re there. Their Lakeland shop is only the beginning of Vampire Penguin’s journey; they also plan to open a new location in Winter Haven. Natalie already has big dreams for the new space: “I’d love to have a stained-glass window in the hallway and a secret entrance via a bookcase, like they do in speakeasies.” Something tells me the next location will be just as enchanting, if not more so. The bar has already been set high, and the sky truly seems to be the limit. The best part of this journey for Natalie, she said, has been all the new people she has met through the shop. “We’ve made some really cool connections that we wouldn’t have made otherwise. Some of the people who come here, we get to hang out with outside the store, so that has been a lot of fun. I love Lakeland so much. Because I’m not from here, my hometown is Lexington, Kentucky, I see this city with fresh eyes, and I wish more people could see it that way, because this is a truly special place.” We wrapped up our conversation, and I slowly made my way to the door, taking in one last look at a place I have a feeling I’ll return to often. It may take me another six months to work my way through the entire menu, but I am more than ready for the challenge. “Love at Frost Bite?” You bet! VAMPIRE PENGUIN 216 E. Pine Street, Lakeland, FL 863-337-5715 Instagram @vampirepenguincafe vampirepenquin.com Photos by Kamryn Potteiger

Kokomo’s Cafe is the perfect lounge space for avid readers looking for their next page-turner while sipping away on a beverage of their choosing or eating lunch. The dreamy cafe offers a variety of drinks like tea, coffee, wine, and beer, and a carefully curated food menu with clean-sourced ingredients. The place was dreamt up by the owner herself, Chloe Shreeve, who has a passion for creating a space for people to unwind, be loved, and feel welcomed like a warm hug. Named after her own nickname “Coco” and her love for the Beach Boys’ classic hit, “Kokomo,” she wanted everyone to find their own local paradise within the creative walls of Kokomo’s Cafe. With a background in the service industry, Chloe was very familiar with the scene. When she was 17, she started to wonder what it would be like to manage her own restaurant. As she continued to work at her previous job, she would often tell herself, “This is cool, but I would do it this way instead.” Once that thought captured her attention, she began to envision her perfect place. “I thought it would be super cool if I had this place that was jazzy, and during the day you could have coffee. Then at night you could have wine, and if you still wanted coffee at night you could have it!” Chloe shared that her idea was to have a 24-hour jazz-themed coffee shop but quickly realized the importance of work-life balance. As her dream began to take shape five years ago, Chloe worked to create a space that combined her passions for art, reading, and community. That vision became a reality when Kokomo’s Cafe officially opened in January. “The most important thing that you can do is break bread with somebody,” Chloe shared, “and so what better place to do it than a place surrounded by art, books, and mixed media.” From the moment you step into Kokomo’s, you’re immersed in a world of color, texture, and art. Each room is uniquely layered with vibrant walls, shelves lined with records you can play, and books to read and take home. Local artists’ work is regularly rotated and available for purchase, adding a constantly evolving artistic presence throughout the cafe. While deciding where to sit, choose from eclectic seats and antique tables layered over colorful patterned rugs. The space comes together to create a cozy coffeehouse atmosphere. Every piece of decor was hand-selected by Chloe and her business partner, Chris Barton, who curated the cafe with thrifted treasures rich in history, character, and beauty. Everything on their menu also comes with a gluten- or allergy-free option, and nearly all of their dishes and drink syrups are homemade. “We try to make basically everything that we can make in-house and with clean ingredients,” said Chloe. “I like to know where my food’s coming from, and I like to know what’s in my food.” A few favorites among the staff and locals are the Lunch Club; Rowdy Roni, a pressed sandwich featuring pesto aioli with pepperoni, turkey, cheese, and spinach on ciabatta bread, and the Hot Honey Flatbread. They have a rotation of weekly soups, with the chicken poblano and tomato bisque coming out on top. Their drink menu offers a variety of creative flavors to mix into your selected beverage, with seasonal options rotated throughout the year. The drinks that always steal the show are the matcha topped with strawberry cold foam and toasted coconut syrup and their beloved banana bread lattes. When choosing a drink, don’t be shy to ask the baristas for recommendations and have fun experimenting with flavors. That creativity and warmth extend beyond the menu and into the heart of Kokomo’s culture. Chloe shared that one of her greatest joys is seeing her staff express themselves through making beautiful and delicious housemade specialties. “They give their 100%, and I like seeing them be creative,” Chloe said. “Food is an art, drinks are an art, it’s a creation, and it’s amazing what they’re able to do and what they’ve created.” Sophia, one of the cafe’s employees, says much of that atmosphere comes from owner Chloe’s leadership and willingness to encourage collaboration among the staff. “I’ve never had a better boss,” Sophia said. “She’s worked in the service industry for so long that she really understands people. On top of that, she leaves a lot of room for us to put our own creativity into the place as well. One time, I asked if I could start making syrups, and now we have house-made syrups and are coming up with specials.” Chloe is quick to return the praise to her team. “I have the best staff,” she said. “They are so dedicated, and they care about this place. Everything they do is done with love, appreciation, and respect.” At Kokomo’s, that collaborative environment is what sets it apart. As for the baristas, they love seeing when their coffee brightens someone’s day. “Coffee is the best part of my day, and I want to make it the best part of someone else’s day,” said Sophia. “And the library doesn’t hurt. I love a library.” Beyond the delicious drinks and food, the cafe’s communitycentered atmosphere is further reflected in one of its most unique features: a lending library where guests can browse, keep, and share the books they’re reading while they enjoy their drinks. Although Chloe started the book collection herself with around 75 books, the community has jumped in, and the lending library now totals 2,000 books and counting. “I really wanted there to be open access to books, and as long as we are open, we’re definitely having the free lending library because it is important,” expressed Chloe. The staff encourages everyone who walks through the cafe to grab a book or two or three without feeling pressured to return it or only read it while visiting. Abbie, one of the baristas, even treats borrowing a book like a requirement, saying, “You have to eat and you have to take a book home. It’s a homework assignment.” The staff’s excitement about their library doesn’t end there. Sophia even added, “And then come back and tell us about it—we want to talk about your book.” This wholesomeness highlights the cafe’s goal of creating conversations and connecting beyond a cup of coffee. Not sure which book to pick? The staff actually have their own book club and display their favorite reads on a shelf in the backroom. Simply ask them about their recommendations and choose from a variety of genres available throughout the café. Since the owner, Chloe, grew up as the daughter of an English and language arts teacher, she recalls her own household book club and shared she “didn’t really have a choice but to read.” Through her mom’s inspiration of diving into the real meaning behind literature, it helped Chloe grow her appreciation of books and made her want others to experience that feeling too. Throughout the month, they host a variety of events that give customers a chance to connect with one another and support local artists. Open Mic Renegades, held on the last Saturday of every month, invites guests to share their talents through poetry, music, storytelling, and other forms of creative expression. The cafe also hosts Sip and Stitch gatherings, as well as True Crime Tuesdays for fans of mysteries and crime stories. Through its events, support of local creatives, and appreciation for books, Kokomo’s has become more than a cafe; it’s a hub for community, creativity, and connection. More than anything, Chloe wants people to know they can come and enjoy a meal or a drink and simply be present. KOKOMO’S CAFE 322 4th St NW, Winter Haven, FL kokomoswh.com IG @kokomoswh Facebook: Kokomo’s Photos by Kamryn Potteiger

AFTER THE GOLD RUSH Neil Young, 1970 The words ontological shock are the only ones I can take from their usual contexts and place before the sight that greeted me when I landed in Palm Springs and beheld the desert for the first time. After some long moments committing the sight to permanent memory storage, I grabbed my bag, got in a cab, and made my way to my final destination: Contact in the Desert. My first UFO conference. The roots of American UFO culture stretch across the Southwest and into California’s aerospace industry, emerging alongside the development of rockets, radar, nuclear technology, intelligence operations, and experimental flight. It is inexorably tied to the government programs, projects, and tests whose histories—known, hidden, or standing somewhere between the two— continue to shape the myth, the mystery, and, for a few days in Palm Springs, the reality surrounding the phenomenon. Founded in 2014, Contact in the Desert has grown into one of the largest gatherings devoted to UFOs, unexplained phenomena, consciousness studies, ancient mysteries, and speculative science. Its speakers include physicists, military personnel, intelligence officials, religious thinkers, filmmakers, experiencers, and authors. Nearby stands Giant Rock, site of the Giant Rock Interplanetary Spacecraft Conventions, where thousands of believers, skeptics, researchers, and contactees gathered during the 1950s and 1960s. Long before podcasts, livestreams, and YouTube channels, Giant Rock was one of the centers of American UFO culture. What has changed since those conversations began is considerable, but even more so, the synchronous nature of the similarities remains endlessly fascinating to me as a great admirer of the patterns woven by time. The subject of disclosure—the promise hanging like a piñata we can’t see but hit with enough accuracy to know it’s still above—that government might finally reveal what they know—was once again being debated in real time, though I’ll bet that I’m not alone in the expectation of candy falling all over the floor. LOVE WALKS IN Van Halen, 1986 I’ve seen enough and heard enough to imagine that the best conversations happen outside the lecture halls. They happen when people can talk about everything except the topic and, somehow, everything inside the topic at the same time. So I go down to the bar. Words like retrieval drift through the room. Acronyms bounce between tables. I hear familiar voices belonging to people I don’t know. Supporters of extraterrestrial visitation sit beside advocates of interdimensional theories. Those waiting for a glimpse share tables with experiencers. Mystics mingle with nuts-and-bolts materialists. I drink a cocktail and attempt to first be present in, and then enjoy, the moment. A SPACEMAN CAME TRAVELING Chris de Burgh, 1975 The panels serve as sermons to those who read the book at home. Something closer to communion, and sometimes with its author on stage. I look up at Whitley Strieber, author of the book largely responsible for mass cultural interest in the abductee experience, but also the writer who inspired me to put pen to paper. Around him, the conference continues its endless exchange of testimony, theory, and revelation. A filmmaker speaks. A researcher speaks. An experiencer speaks. Chris Bledsoe, a crowd favorite, emerged publicly after a series of experiences he describes as encounters with anomalous intelligences and luminous aerial phenomena. His story attracted attention not only from UFO researchers but also from individuals connected to government, intelligence, and scientific institutions. Over time, his account evolved into something larger than a conventional contact narrative. It became a story about prophecy, consciousness, religion, and the possibility that whatever humanity encounters in the skies may be inseparable from the oldest questions it asks about God. This is not the first time that we, as a country, have lived through a reckoning—a collective, furtive gaze at our shadow, with our necks turned upward to watch the sky. In 1951, Jesus walked out of a spaceship to sounds only Bernard Herrmann could create and was shot upon arrival. In “The Day the Earth Stood Still”, Michael Rennie’s Klaatu takes the name “Carpenter” to become the kind of stranger who is allowed to look, who is allowed to visit, and to remain. Someone from somewhere else, as all are before the agreement of belonging. Across ufology, popular culture, and even parts of the national security apparatus, conversations once framed strictly in terms of extraterrestrial visitors increasingly drift toward questions of consciousness, spirituality, and metaphysics. This shift materializes in real time on my second day of the conference during a panel discussion when Chris Bledsoe announces that a peer-reviewed paper by MIT researchers will emerge within the next few years that will confirm the universe was created by a non-material God, according to his source. People clap. This is a community capable of applauding material science, spirituality, government whistleblowers, ancient mysteries, consciousness studies, and extraterrestrial hypotheses all within the same afternoon. There is more clapping than I ever thought possible. But sitting among thousands of people who have devoted years, and sometimes entire lifetimes, to questions that once provoked the American laugh track instead of hands coming together in support—or, if not support, respectful acknowledgment—I find the force between my hands doubled, and I hear a new world. I Hear a New World — Joe Meek & The Blue Men, 1960

The Haven Hotel opened in 1924. It was converted to 55 condominiums in 1982. Photograph by Robert Dahlgren In December 2023, a six-story hotel opened its doors at 305 Fifth Street NW, overlooking Lake Howard in the heart of downtown Winter Haven. The Staybridge Suites, 108 rooms, modern apartments, the full amenities of a twentyfirst century extended-stay property, was welcomed as something genuinely new. It was, in fact, the first hotel to open in the downtown core in more than a century. That the milestone felt remarkable says something about the arc of the city’s story. Because once, Winter Haven was very much a town that knew how to put a traveler up for the night. The earliest record of lodging in Winter Haven appears in the “Florida State Gazetteer & Business Directory” of 1886–87, which listed the town’s population at one hundred souls, its amenities at two stores, a public school, a Baptist church, and a hotel. That establishment, the Central Hotel, was run by a proprietor named C. A. Boyce and is believed to have stood at the intersection of Central Avenue and Sixth Street SW, on the northwest corner of what is now a Bank of America parking lot. No clear photograph survives, though the oldest known image of Winter Haven, taken around 1890, shows a building in The Haven Hotel opened in 1924. It was converted to 55 condominiums in 1982. Photograph by Robert Dahlgren The Seminole Hotel was created when two original school buildings were moved to allow construction of Winter Haven’s first K-12 school building. The Seminole was located on the NE corner of First Street at Central Avenue. that location with a sign reading simply “Hotel.” The Winter Haven Museum holds a placard from the Central Hotel listing room rates at fifty cents, meals included. The Seminole Hotel was created when two original school buildings were moved to allow construction of Winter Haven’s first K-12 school building. The Seminole was located on the NE corner of First Street at Central Avenue. Across the intersection of what was then called Grand Avenue and Avenue A NW stood Mrs. Crook’s Boarding House, at the site now occupied by the Rickworth Building. In a town of one hundred, a boarding house and a hotel likely constituted the full range of options for the weary visitor. By 1910, Winter Haven was growing, and growing more ambitious. That year, the J. N. Ackley family constructed the city’s first brick hotel, the Plaza, diagonally across US 17 from the present Bank of America. It opened with carbide lights, a modern touch for its moment; within a year, however, William Boyd brought electric generation to Winter Haven, and the Plaza was rewired accordingly. In 1910, it was estimated that there were fifteen automobiles in the entire city. Mr. Ackley was said to own one of them. By 1914 or so, the city was preparing to build its first combined K–12 school on the site of what is now the downtown post office, a $30,000 project that would finally allow Winter Haven students to complete their education without traveling to Orlando or DeLand. As construction got underway, two older wooden school buildings were relocated across First Street to the east, where they were converted into the Seminole Hotel, operated by Ella Johnston. The most celebrated of Winter Haven’s early hotels, however, was still to come. In 1921, two prominent residents, R. H. Ross and J. Walker Pope, father of the man who would one day found Cypress Gardens, decided the growing city deserved a proper hotel. They sold stock to local residents and broke ground, but funds ran short before the walls were even up. For a time, only the iron framework stood, a skeleton of ambition over an empty lot. Bonds were sold to complete the financing, and construction resumed. By late October 1924, the building was ready. On a sunny autumn day, 350 of Winter Haven’s then 1,600 residents gathered to celebrate the opening of a six-story structure built of coquina shell, looking out over Lake Howard. The “Florida Chief,” forerunner of the “News Chief,” called it “one of the most magnificent in the country.” They called it The Haven Hotel. The Plaza Hotel on the NW corner of the intersection of Central Avenue and 6th Street, N.W. It was the city’s first brick structure. T. L. Hobart and Harry P. Dye held the major interest in the hotel at its completion. Dye, who had previously managed a hotel in Birmingham, Alabama, took charge of operations from the start. He would have had little trouble filling rooms. The Florida land boom was in full cry, and trainloads of northern speculators arrived regularly as guests of the Haven-Villa Corporation, an enterprise managed by a man named George Dick, who traveled the country delivering testimonials about the paradise that awaited in Winter Haven. Those who came at his invitation were lodged at The Haven, wined and dined, and for a time, at least, many purchased their own small piece of Florida sunshine. The boom years brought a proliferation of lodging options throughout the city. By the mid-1920s, Winter Haven could boast fourteen hotels in all. Downtown alone offered several notable establishments. The Roseart Hotel stood on Third Street NW at Avenue B NW, on the site now occupied by the Ambulatory Surgery Center, and advertised itself as “the first hotel in the world with a radio in every room.” The Lake Region Hotel opened in 1926 and, after decades of use, was repurposed during the 1980s as a downtown office building by developer William “Bill” Raley. At the northern edge of downtown, Henry G. McCutcheon, who had arrived in 1919 and would serve as Winter Haven’s mayor from 1924 to 1927, built the Ridgeland Hotel around 1925. It stood diagonally across from what is now the Sixth Street McDonald’s well into the 1960s; the site today is home to a CVS Pharmacy. The Lake Region Hotel is now home to downtown offices. The boom, of course, did not last. The collapse of the Florida land market in the late 1920s, followed by the Great Depression and then the disruptions of World War II, reshaped the city’s economy and its hospitality landscape alike. As Cypress Gardens drew tourists to Winter Haven in the postwar years, smaller motor courts and roadside motels multiplied along the approaches to the attraction, and the grand old downtown establishments gradually faded. The Haven Hotel itself endured longer than most, serving guests for decades before being remodeled into condominiums in 1982. The handsome old coquina shell building still stands above Lake Howard today, now home to fifty-five residences, a quiet testament to the ambitions of those 350 residents who gathered on a warm October afternoon a century ago to celebrate something they believed their city deserved. In December 2023, Winter Haven once again had a hotel in its downtown core. The Staybridge Suites rose on Fifth Street NW where, not far away, Mrs. Crook once ran her boarding house and C. A. Boyce offered a room and a meal for fifty cents. The names have changed, and the rates considerably more so. But the impulse, to welcome the traveler, to offer a place to rest, to say this city is worth a stay, is as old as the town itself.

Mona steps out the back door of the Hotdish Diner absolutely swimming in Carl the Line Cook’s coat and digs out his pack of smokes. She pats around the pockets and digs in her apron and looks up. Sticks her tongue out. It’s supposed to snow tonight. It was all anyone could talk about. All day long. Every trucker on every stool at the counter, every gaggle of bluehairs in every booth: Did you hear it’s supposed to snow tonight? Gonna get some snow, can you believe it? Oh, it’s only flurries, if that! That’s not what I heard. Oh really? What’d you hear? I heard two to four inches. From who?! I’m just sayin. It’s not even gonna stick. I’m just saying what I heard. You can’t hear shit, Gail. What’d you say? Exactly. Everybody had a Once Upon a Time it Snowed in Florida story. Everybody except for Mona. Coldest she can recall was just a few years back when all the lizards froze stiff and fell out of the trees like old fruit. She can’t remember the “white” Christmas of ’87, when everyone in town woke to a light dusting on their car hoods and porch decks and rooftops, all stamped through with strange, three-toed footprints. And she wasn’t alive for the “Barlow Blizzard” of ’58, which would be remembered more for the three, unsolved, grisly murders discovered in its wake, than for the— admittedly unprecedented—six-inch blanket of snow it laid over the town. She can’t find a lighter, so she takes a long drag on the unlit cigarette and play-acts exhaling smoke with a plume of frosted breath and imagines she’s anywhere else. She plays a game in her head during these little breaks from work. Closes her eyes and thinks back to all the customers she’s served over the long shift, and wonders what her life would be like if she went with any one of them when they left. The sad single dad. The day drunk. The quiet guy with the book. The girl with the pink hair and black fingernails. The longhauler who ate everything with his hands. Even his eggs. Carl bangs out the back door and jars her from her fantasy. “You got one.” “Who is it?” “Who do you think it is? It’s your man. I took care of him.” “He’s not my man.” She flicks away the cigarette and puts her hair up. “Did you even smoke that? Those things ain’t cheap.” “Couldn’t find a lighter.” When she steps back behind the counter, Big Zud is nearly finished with his double slice of pie. He starts singing when he sees her, the way he always does, that old Neil Young song: “She used to work at a diner. Never seen a woman look finer.” She smiles. She can’t help it. “I used to order just to watch her float across the floor…” “You know the only people come in here this time of night drinking high-test are truckers and cops.” “Good to see you too, Mona?” She tops up his mug. “What’s keeping you up nights, Dean?” “You mean, besides the coffee?” She laughs and watches as he drags an enormous finger around his empty plate, picking up every last crumb of pie crust and licking it clean. “Okay,” he says, “now you can take it.” “You sure?” She smiles. Hands on her hips. “That’s good pie.” She drops the dish into a bus tub under the counter with a clatter. “You know I made that pie.” “Is that right?” “That’s right.” “Well then I’ve got another question.” “Okay…” “Will you marry me?” “Ha!” She snorts a laugh and quickly turns around and fusses with the coffee maker to hide a flush on her cheeks. “Is that a no, then?” She stutters, flustered, and changes the subject. “You know we have a lot of other things here, not just pie.” “Really?” He cuts a look at his watch, and then, at the clock on the wall behind her. “I had no idea.” She playfully throws a stack of napkins at him. He casually starts sweeping them up with his huge paws like playing cards. “Don’t you ever get tired of having the same thing all the time?” He sits up at this and stares at her. Grins big and says, “My grandfather came over from Poland, in the thirties. Just in the nick of time, ya know?” “Wow. No kidding.” “Went through Ellis Island, the tired, the poor, the huddled masses, the whole deal. His brother was already here with his wife and kids, so he stayed with them in the Bronx. Now, he didn’t know a lick of English right? So, he asks his brother to teach him how to order at this little diner down the street. Something simple, something American. So he says to him, just say “Apple pie and coffee.” Apple pie and coffee. Okay. All right. So, he goes and he does, he sits down at the counter, the lovely waitress comes over—I imagine not too dissimilar from you—and she says “What can I getya hon’?” and he says, “Apple pie and coffee.” And he sits there, my grandfather, looking around at all the different faces, and hearing all the different languages and accents, and the hustle and bustle on the streets outside and he eats his pie and he drinks his coffee and it’s the best damn thing he’s ever had in his life. Because he’s here, ya know? Fresh start. New life. And so he does this all the time, two three times a week, goes to the diner, sits at the counter, “Apple pie and coffee.” And then one day he says to his brother, in Polish of course, that he’s kinda getting sick of apple pie and coffee and he wants to try something different. So his brother—my great uncle I guess—tells him, “Say, ‘Ham and cheese sandwich.’” Right? So the next time he goes to the diner he’s strutting down the street, probably whistling a tune, and he goes in and sits down and the waitress comes over and says, “The usual?” and he says “No no no. Ham and cheese sandwich please.” Big shit-eating-grin on his face. And she smiles and flips out her little order pad and says “Oh, switching it up are we? Okay then, what kinda bread would you like?” And my dziadek he shakes his head and says, “Ham and cheese sandwich.” And the waitress says, “Sure thing. White bread? Rye?” And do you know what he says to her?” Mona crosses her arms and smiles and says, “Apple pie and coffee.” Dean’s mouth falls open. “Apple pie and coffee that’s right. How’d you know that?” “Because I’ve heard that one before.” “I told you that story?” “No, it’s not—That didn’t really happen.” “What are you talking about it didn’t really happen?” “Come on, Dean.” “Come on, what?” She arches her eyebrows and shakes her head. “That’s not an anecdote. That’s a joke. I knew the punchline because I’ve heard it before. It’s an old immigrant’s joke.” “The hell are you talking about?” “Only when I heard it, it was an Italian guy in Brooklyn.” Dean puts his two big mitts on either side of his head, shocked, or at least feigning it. “I can’t believe this.” “Oh come on, I can’t be the first girl who didn’t fall for that.” “My whole life has been a lie.” “It is a good joke though.” “Why’d you let me tell the whole thing if you knew it already?” She smiles. Shrugs. “You just told it so good.” He glances at his wristwatch again, and then again above and behind her to the clock on the wall. “You got somewhere to be?” “I’m sorry?” “You expecting someone?” In lieu of an answer he gulps the rest of his coffee and then covers the top with his huge palm to stop her filling it back up. “Dean can I ask you a question?” “I wish you would.” “We’ve gotten to be sorta friends right?” “Is that what you wanted to ask me?” “No.” “Okay come on let’s have it.” “Were you really taken?” He chuckles. “Was I taken?” “Yeah, you know…” “You mean like,” he points to the sky.“Is that what everybody says?” “That’s what everybody says you say.” He smiles and looks down and begins anxiously stirring the spoon around and around in his empty mug, clinking it on the ceramic. She gently stays his hand with her own. “No. I wasn’t taken.” Mona straightens up, hands on her hips. “Well okay then. Good enough for me.” She swipes his mug and spoon and saucer into the bus bin and shakes her head. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that. I feel so silly—” “It wasn’t for lack of trying though.” He stares into her eyes and she feels her cheeks flush again. Her heart flutters a little. Whenever she plays that game in her head on the days that Dean comes in, she always picks him. The one she’d run away with. “You ever think about just going with them? Seeing whatever it is they want to show you?” He nods. “It sounds like such an adventure.” “Maybe.” “Why didn’t you?” “Same reason you never left this place I imagine.” Her eyes well up. “Why’s that?” He shrugs. Smiles. “I got kids.” Mona cries. She isn’t entirely sure why and she doesn’t bother trying to hide it. “Yeah. And they’re all grown up and gone now, and I’ve never even seen a mountain.” “Would you like to?” A long silence stretches out between them while she considers his question. Invitation? Then the phone rings. She yelps. Shocked. Dean doesn’t flinch. He cuts his eyes to the clock again. “Why do you keep checking the time?” RINNNNG! She turns toward the phone. “Don’t answer that?” “What? Why—?” Suddenly the coffee machine gurgles and starts spitting onto the empty hot plate. She fumbles a pot under the hissing stream. The jukebox whirs and lights up at the far end of the room. A song starts blaring. She used to work at a diner… “What’s going on?” An oven timer dings. And dings and dings. The phone rings. Never seen a woman look finer… “Whattaya say, Mona?” “What about Carl?” “They’re not here for Carl.” “Are you serious?” “Purse, coat, keys. Now or never.” As they tear out of the parking lot she looks out at the Hotdish and swears she sees something crouched on the roof. In the sky above them, a jet-black spade the size of a football field follows them silently north. It begins to snow. Colliding with the very air she breathes… The air she breathes.

Native wildflowers can bring color and beauty to your landscape during the summer months in Central Florida. Whether planted in a dedicated garden space, mixed into existing landscape beds, or incorporated into a naturalized area of the yard, native wildflowers are an excellent addition to a Florida-Friendly Landscape. But maintenance is a bit different for wildflowers, so learning as much as you can about the plants before you install them is recommended. Florida’s native wildflowers are best grown in their native soil type and preferred climate conditions. Because they are adapted to Central Florida’s environment, many species require less supplemental irrigation and fertilizer once established than non-native ornamental plants. Native plants also provide valuable nectar, seeds, and habitat for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial wildlife. That doesn’t mean all native plants are easy to grow wherever they are planted. Make sure you follow the Florida-Friendly Landscaping principle of Right Plant, Right Place when selecting native plants. Consider the amount of sunlight, soil type, and moisture available. Many native wildflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soils, while others are adapted to wetter locations. A mixture of species that bloom at different times throughout the year will provide a continuous source of nectar and pollen for pollinators as well as a continual show of color in the landscape. One of the greatest benefits of adding native wildflowers is their ability to attract pollinators. Bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinating insects depend on flowering plants for food. Research has indicated that native wildflower plantings can increase pollinator activity and provide important habitat for beneficial insects that help manage pests naturally. Consider adding these plants in and around your vegetable plants as they tend to have pest issues. There are several native wildflowers that perform well in Central Florida landscapes that we encourage you to try: • Florida’s state wildflower, tickseed (Coreopsis species), produces cheerful yellow blooms and is attractive to butterflies and native bees. It self-seeds around the landscape and likes full sun and sandy soils. • Tropical sage (Salvia coccinea, pictured above) provides red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. As soon as the weather warms, it will bloom constantly until the weather turns cold. • Blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella) offers long-lasting blooms and excellent drought tolerance. It has red, orange, and yellow flowers and its foliage is blue gray. Plant it where you need a tough plant! • Beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis) can cover a sandy, sunny spot in the landscape in a matter of weeks. Its sunny yellow flowers are prolific and it likes very dry soils. • Blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis), not to be confused with its much larger lookalike (S. cayennensis and S. urticifolia), is a very versatile wildflower and grows like a groundcover. It works well along a pathway, driveway, or to edge a landscape bed. • Starry rosinweed (Silphium asteriscus) is another yellow flower, but it has a yellow center. It grows much taller than Coreopsis or beach sunflower. Preparation is one of the most important steps for establishing a successful wildflower planting. Start by controlling existing weeds before planting. Wildflowers often struggle to compete with established weeds during the first year. Good site preparation improves seed-to-soil contact and helps young plants become established more quickly. Mulch can also help suppress weeds while conserving soil moisture, but many wildflowers like dry, sandy soils, so you may want to mulch less in wildflower beds than in other landscape beds. In the summer, we suggest that you start native wildflowers from containerized plants. Wildflowers can be direct-seeded in the fall. As your wildflower garden matures, you may notice an increase in butterflies, native bees, birds, and other beneficial wildlife. These visitors are signs that your landscape is becoming part of a larger network that supports Florida’s natural ecosystem. Even a small planting can provide meaningful habitat while adding seasonal color and interest to your yard. Adding native wildflowers is a simple step that can make a big impact. By choosing species adapted to Central Florida conditions, homeowners can create attractive landscapes that are beautiful, low-maintenance, and beneficial to pollinators and wildlife. If you have any questions about growing native wildflowers in your Central Florida yard, 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. To learn more about gardening and landscaping in Central Florida, listen to the “Your Central Florida Yard” podcast. You can find out more on our Substack: substack.com/@ yourcentralfloridayard. An Equal Opportunity Institution. Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/ IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ ufl.edu

ST. PETE PIER RUN July 4, 6:15 a.m. at the St. Pete Pier. Celebrate our country’s 250th birthday and join the 4-mile walk or run. There are two races, first one at 6:15 a.m., second at 7:45 am. The event also features old-fashioned holiday fun like a pie-eating competition, ice cream, pizza, popsicles, and fireworks. Register at runtampa.com. FREE MOVIES! The Tampa Theatre is offering a free movie screening three times in July at various locations, no tickets required. July 12: “The Princess Bride” (1987) at 2 p.m. at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. July 26: “Little Women” (2019) at 2 p.m. at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. July 26: “The Little Mermaid” (2023) at 6:30 p.m. Sing-a-long at Sparkman Wharf. tampatheatre.org AQUAGLOW Fridays & Saturdays, 8 – 11 p.m. at Adventure Island. Family-friendly event and open to all ages. This is an after-hours, separate ticketed event offering limited capacity and reduced wait times for attractions. Experience the slides and pools at night in neon light. Guests will love the electric atmosphere filled with colorful lights, music, and immersive surprises around every corner. adventureisland.com CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR July 12, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Oxford Exchange. Come out for a fun-filled day celebrating children’s literature! Get ready to explore a wide selection of books for kids of all ages. Meet your new favorite local author, enjoy storytelling sessions, and participate in a book-themed scavenger hunt. RSVP at oxfordexchange.com. LINE DANCING Free line dancing every Thursday from 7 – 9 p.m. at Keel Farms in Plant City. Grab your boots for line dancing lessons on the Patio. Go early and enjoy dinner from their farm-fresh menu before heading outside to dance the night away under the stars. No ticket is required. keelfarms.com DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE July 9 – 26 at the Straz. A heartfelt and funny love story from one of America’s most celebrated playwrights, Ken Ludwig. The Tony Award–winning author of “Lend Me a Tenor” and “Moon Over Buffalo” shares the true story of his parents, two strangers who fall in love through letters during World War II. It’s witty, romantic, and full of charm. strazcenter.org LIBERTY BY THE BAY July 4, 4 – 9:30 p.m. at Julian B. Lane Park. This free, family-friendly waterfront celebration will feature a 250-drone light show honoring America’s 250th birthday, followed by a fireworks finale. During the day, enjoy a kids’ fun zone, beer garden, patriotic pet show, water ski show, live music, food trucks, and more. tampa.gov CRAFTY HAPPY HOUR July 20, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Sparkman Wharf. Get crafty! Bring your friends or meet new ones every third Monday of the month on the lawn for Crafty Happy Hour with Birdette’s. Bring your own craft or purchase a craft kit. While you’re there, ask about the Happy Hour specials at Birdette’s! sparkmanwharf.com POST MALONE WITH JELLY ROLL July 8, 7 p.m. at the Raymond James Stadium. The Big Ass Stadium Tour part 2! Post Malone performs from his catalog, including the country-leaning material from “F-1 Trillion.” Jelly Roll should perform his breakout songs like “Need a Favor,” “Save Me,” and “I Am Not Okay.” Carter Faith will open for them. raymondjamesstadium.com BOLTS BREW FEST July 25, 7 p.m. at Benchmark Int’l Arena. Enjoy craft beers from a variety of local craft breweries, liquor distilleries, plus oversized games, ThunderBug, photo ops, and more. VIP ticket allows early access, food, a Tampa Bay Lightning locker room tour, and an offer code for a BOGO ticket for one Lightning pre-season game. benchmarkintlarena.com

BITE 30 Through July 13 at participating restaurants. Choose from almost 50 restaurants offering a special prix fixe menu that includes a multicourse dinner at a set price of $38. Visit bite30.com to see the full list of restaurants. No tickets or coupons needed. Just ask to see the Bite 30 menu. Tax and gratuity not included. ORLANDO CITY PASTA CLASS July 16, 6 p.m. in Winter Park. Get hands-on instruction to make cappelletti pasta with dough to take home. You will also receive a three-course dinner that highlights the flavor and texture of scratch-made cappelletti pasta. Space is limited, register online at fitlivingeatswinterpark.com. GO-KART RACING Experience the adrenaline rush of electric go-kart races with instant acceleration around hairpin turns, elevation changes, and long straightaways on these indoor climate-controlled tracks at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. The karts are powerful, ergonomic, and safe. Mini Mario karts available for drivers 4-7 years old. andrettikarting.com ART NIGHT OUT July 8, 6 p.m. at the Orlando Museum of Art. July’s theme: Serpentine Studio: Uncoiling the Secrets of Snakes with Xavier Moss. This session invites participants to slow down and observe these reptiles, their flowing movement, and intricate patterns, while illustrating studies revealing their design. Space is limited, registration required. omart.org FAIRY DOORS EXHIBIT Every day from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Leu Gardens, featuring 20 magical doors tucked away throughout the gardens. Each fairy door is crafted by a different fairy and invites young dreamers (and the young at heart) into a realm of secret gardens, whispering woods, and sparkling imagination. A special map will guide your journey. leugardens.org SUMMER FLIX AT THE GARDEN Every Tuesday at Garden Theatre on Plant in Downtown Winter Garden. Features kids’ matinees (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and evening screenings (7 p.m.) of classic and contemporary hits. Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, all tickets are $5.00 (no added fees or tax). Tickets are assigned seating and available for online purchase only (no box office). cwgdn.com WATERMELON 5K July 4, 7:30 a.m. This race begins on Park Ave in Winter Park, and winds through their prettiest streets. Run or walk, then cool off with refreshing ice-cold watermelon. You can also participate in the watermelon eating contest! Proceeds benefit the Track Shack Youth Foundation. Register at trackshack.com LIONEL RICHIE + EARTH, WIND & FIRE July 25, 7:30 p.m. at the Kia Center. Richie is a true music icon known for his soulful voice, and he will be here “All Night Long (All Night)” and “Dancing on the Ceiling.” Earth, Wind & Fire’s unique fusion of R&B, funk, soul, jazz, and rock elements has made them one of the most influential and beloved bands in history. kiacenter.com FIREWORKS AT THE FOUNTAIN July 4, 4 p.m. at Lake Eola Park. Celebrate 250 years with the City of Orlando! Festivities include live music, a dedicated kids’ play zone, and a premier selection of local food and beverage vendors. The monumental fireworks spectacular begins at 9:10 p.m. perfectly synchronized with a live performance by the Orlando Concert Band. orlando.gov INTO THE WOODS July 31 – Aug. 2 at Dr. Phillips Center. This musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine brings together classic fairy tales, including “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Rapunzel,” into a richly layered story about wishes, consequences, and the meaning of happily ever after. drphillipscenter.org

BLOOMS & BRUSHES Every Thursday at Bok Tower Gardens. This is a hands-on crafting experience for all ages! Step inside the Alexander Discovery Center and enjoy nature-inspired art activities designed for curious kids, families, and adults alike. Each session is a make-and-take experience—so you’ll leave with your own handmade creation to remember your visit. boktowergardens.org MAURICE BENARD July 17, 7 p.m. at The Ritz. Join Maurice Benard, star of ABC’s “General Hospital,” a New York Times best-selling author, and the host of YouTube’s “State of Mind” for an afternoon of inspiration and reflection, as well as “General Hospital” fun and a Q and A. Limited space, purchase tickets in advance. theatrewinterhaven.com TEEN PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP July 1, 8, 15, and 22 at the new Winter Haven Recreation & Cultural Center. Kids ages 13 – 18 will learn how to take, process, and develop their own film. Materials will be provided. Space is limited, registration is required. mywinterhaven.com POLK COUNTY BURGER WEEK July 17 – 26 at select restaurants. Polk County Burger Week is an opportunity to support local restaurants and try as many delicious, mouth-watering burger specials as you can! From a burger pizza to the “Cowboy” burger, there’s something for everyone. You can find a list of participating restaurants and their specials at polkcountyburgerweek.com. MAIN STREET MONSTERS July 1 – 31 in Downtown Winter Haven. This is a family-friendly month-long scavenger hunt! Look for the friendly monsters & scan their QR code to learn more about them. Once you’ve “checked in” eight monsters, you’re eligible to win the grand prize! More info at mainstreetwh.com. PUPPY CUDDLES July 11, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center in Davenport. Come meet adorable, adoptable puppies, enjoy some cuddles, and support a wonderful cause. Cuddles are $5 for 5 minutes, all proceeds benefit SPCA Florida. Adoptions begin after 1 p.m. Every cuddle helps support animals in need. Other dogs are not permitted during this event. More info on FB @VisitCentralFlorida. ROCKIN’ FREEDOM FEST July 3, 5 p.m. at MLK Park in Winter Haven. Celebrate America’s birthday with live music from the Bay Kings Band; a spectacular Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show; food vendors; and family-friendly activities. Watch one of Central Florida’s largest fireworks displays to end the night! Bring your lawn chairs & blankets. Admission is free, all ages welcome. mywinterhaven.com TIKI TAKEOVER July 18, 4 – 9 p.m. at Bowen Yard. Experience an evening of island vibes featuring the incredible Fire & Ice Hawaiian Dancers at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy specialty Hawaiian-inspired cocktails and food specials from all six Bowen Yard restaurants. Free show, no tickets required. Feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets for additional seating. FB @bowenyardwh YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronken-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. July 9 - August 2 at Theatre Winter Haven. theatrewinterhaven.com LEGO FESTIVAL July 20 - August 16 at LEGOLAND. LEGO® Festival returns with all-new exciting headliners and returning fan favorites in the Music, Creativity, and Chill Out play zones - each packed with awesome family fun. Check out the brand new F1 exhibit only during this festival! legoland.com/florida

BIG FISH July 10 – 26 at Lakeland Community Theatre. Edward Bloom has lived a full and fantastical life, populated by witches, giants, and mermaids, marked by true love that stops time in its tracks, and framed by heroics that push the limits of believability. His adult son, Will, is no longer amused by his father’s fantastical tales, insisting on a rational rather than a fantastical account of one’s life. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com LEGO FESTIVAL July 20 - August 16 at LEGOLAND. LEGO® Festival returns with all-new exciting headliners and returning fan favorites in the Music, Creativity, and Chill Out play zones - each packed with awesome family fun. Check out the brand new F1 exhibit only during this festival! legoland.com/florida FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL July 10 – 19 at Harrison School for the Arts. With Love Productions presents this high-energy show celebrating the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind. This show includes dynamic new songs you’re going to instantly love. centralfloridatix.com TIKI TAKEOVER July 18, 4 – 9 p.m. at Bowen Yard. Experience an evening of island vibes featuring the incredible Fire & Ice Hawaiian Dancers at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy: Specialty Hawaiian-inspired cocktails, food specials from all six Bowen Yard restaurants. No tickets required. Feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets for additional seating. FB @bowenyardwh RED, WHITE & KABOOM! July 3, 6 p.m. at Lake Mirror. This evening includes live music, local food vendors, and family-friendly fun. The evening ends with a fireworks display over Lake Mirror at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring at least one non-perishable food item to support Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE). lakelandGov.net/RWK MAURICE BENARD July 17, 7 p.m. at The Ritz. Join Maurice Benard, star of ABC’s “General Hospital,” a New York Times best-selling author, and the host of YouTube’s “State of Mind” for an afternoon of inspiration and reflection, as well as “General Hospital” fun and a Q and A. Limited space, purchase tickets in advance. theatrewinterhaven.com SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K July 11, 7 a.m. at Lake Hollingsworth Park. Proceeds go towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Summer Watermelon 5k is run on a certified course, all races are chip timed. Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results. This is the second of three races. lakelandrunnersclub.org SUNSET DANCE SERIES July 23 at Bonnet Springs Park. Doors open for lessons at 7 p.m. and dancing goes from 8 – 10 p.m. Enjoy a special drink & snack menu. The venue is carpeted, please skip the high heels or metal-soled shoes. They recommend flats, sneakers, or smooth soles so you can spin with ease. Free to attend, indoors at Bonnet Springs Park’s Kirby Center. bonnetspringspark.com POLK COUNTY BURGER WEEK July 17 – 26 at select restaurants. Polk County Burger Week is an opportunity to support local restaurants and try as many delicious, mouth-watering burger specials as you can! From a burger pizza to the “Cowboy” burger, there’s something for everyone. You can find a list of participating restaurants and their specials at polkcountyburgerweek.com. RED BY JOHN LOGAN July 30, 6 p.m. at The AGB. This 2-person play explores the intense dynamic between renowned abstract expressionist Mark Rothko and his young assistant, Ken, as Rothko wrestles with the conflict between artistic integrity and commercialism during the Seagram murals commission. Tickets available at agbmuseum.org

THE REST OF OUR LIVES By Ben Markovits When Tom Layward drops his daughter off at college, he finds himself facing a question familiar to many parents: what comes next? An unexpected road trip sends him across the country and into a period of reflection about marriage, family, aging, and the life he has built. This novel focuses on a stage of life that is rarely the center of the story. There are no dramatic twists or grand adventures here, rather there is just an honest examination of the choices we make and the people we become because of them. Thoughtful, funny, and quietly moving, it is a reminder that self-discovery does not end in our twenties. YOU, WITH A VIEW By Jessica Joyce After her grandmother’s death, Noelle discovers a long-forgotten love story and the road trip that never happened. When she gets the chance to retrace that journey, she finds herself traveling with a longtime rival whose company she would rather avoid. There is a lot of romance complete with plenty of banter and chemistry, however, it was the exploration of grief, family, and second chances that made this book shine. The road trip itself - from national parks to small-town stops - provides the perfect backdrop for healing and self-discovery. Funny, heartwarming, and hopeful, this was one of those books that is simply a pleasure to spend time with. THE ROAD TO TENDER HEARTS By Annie Hartnett These are the kinds of characters that should not work on paper, yet somehow become completely unforgettable. A grieving retiree, a granddaughter, a cat, and a collection of fellow travelers embark on a journey that is equal parts absurd and moving. This story celebrates second chances - in parenting, in love, and in life itself. Like the best road trips, the joy comes less from the destination than from the people gathered in the car along the way. THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY By Amor Towles This is a great read to pick up if you’re looking for a nostalgic adventure and are ready to fall in love with some incredible characters. Emmett plans to start a new life in California with his younger brother, but fate has other plans when two unexpected companions join the journey. They take unplanned detours along the route and meet a cast of memorable characters. Filled with both sorrow and light, friendship and heartbreak, “The Lincoln Highway” is an exploration of human nature. THE LAST AMERICAN ROAD TRIP By Sarah Kendzior This book follows Kendzior and her family as they crisscross the country, visiting both iconic attractions and places many travelers overlook. What I appreciated most was the openness in which she approached the people and places she encountered. She embraces both the beauty and the quirks of the communities she visits while also acknowledging the complicated histories that shaped them. Reading it reminded me that travel is often most rewarding when we approach it with curiosity rather than judgment. THE RIDE OF HER LIFE By Elizabeth Letts In 1954, sixty-three-year-old Annie Wilkins left Maine on horseback with a simple goal: to see the Pacific Ocean before she died. So, she set out on an epic journey that carried her across the country and into the lives of countless strangers. The thing that makes this book so unique and wonderful to read is the kindness Annie encountered along the way. The generosity of the people she met—and the loyalty of her animal companions - left me just as captivated as the journey itself. A road trip with a twist, this remarkable true story captures the adventurous spirit of America at its best. THE 10 By E.A. Hanks I am always drawn to books that explore America beyond the major tourist destinations, and “The 10” does exactly that. Following the route of historic Highway 10, Hanks shares stories of the people and communities she encounters while also trying to better understand her own family history and a trip her mother once took her on as a child. This book is part travel memoir and part search for her own history, and it was easy to become invested in both journeys. And yes, for those wondering, this is written by Tom Hanks’s daughter. RUN FOR THE HILLS By Kevin Wilson A group of half-siblings who barely know one another set off in search of their absent father. Wilson excels at writing about families that are a little dysfunctional but entirely relatable, and the conversations between the siblings are both funny and heartfelt. Beneath the humor is a thoughtful exploration of family, belonging, and the