Spring in central Florida is always a welcome sight, even though our region does not experience the harsh winters seen in other parts of the country. However, this year, the effects of winter weather are noticeably evident in our landscapes, and you may have frost/freeze damage on plants that have seen no damage in the past. Whether you are undertaking a major planting project or simply performing routine spring maintenance, there is always something to do in a central Florida yard! If you are doing a springtime spruce up of your yard, consider adding the following items to your to-do list. 1. MULCH REFRESH Replenish mulch to 2-3 inches in all mulched beds. Use recycled or by-product mulch such as oak leaves, pine straw, pine bark, melaleuca, or eucalyptus mulch. This will help keep down weeds and creates a neat and tidy appearance. Take advantage of the fallen oak leaves at this time of year, they make a great (free) option. Don’t forget to pull the mulch away from the base of all shrubs and trees! 2. SPRINKLER SYSTEM CHECK It’s the time of year to do an annual sprinkler system check-up. Turn on your system and check for broken heads, overspray, and other problems. Calibrate (or measure) the output of your system by measuring how much water you are applying to your yard and make sure your time clock is accurate. Follow the instructions on this helpful worksheet: fawn.ifas.ufl.edu/tools/irrigation_ presentation/fawn_app_rate.pdf. *While you are making repairs and checking your irrigation system, don’t forget to make sure your rain sensor is functioning—it’s the law! 3. PRUNE SHRUBS AND TREES Early spring is an excellent time to prune flowering shrubs and trees. Remove any dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth and improve air circulation. For shrubs that bloom in the spring, it’s best to wait until after they have flowered to prune. It is important to wait until all risk of frost and freeze has passed before spring pruning. Many plants that die back to the ground in the winter will return in the next couple of months so just be patient and don’t dig them out! As you prune your plants, consider adding the waste to a compost pile instead of piling it by the curb. This, combined with kitchen scraps, will break down to create a lovely garden amendment. 4. LAWN CARE When it comes to spring lawn maintenance, temperature and application timing are very important. If applying fertilizer, do not apply until the lawn is actively growing. That means April in central Florida. Select a product that contains slow-release nitrogen and no phosphorus. If you are applying a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating, it must be applied before daytime temperatures reach 65-70 degrees for 4 to 5 consecutive days to be effective. If you have missed the window, you can use a postemergence herbicide. Do not apply weed-and-feed products as weed (herbicide) and feed (fertilizer) products are not applied during the same time of year and thus are not effective when applied together. Additionally, these types of products can damage the surrounding landscape plants. Lawncare can be confusing for the central Florida homeowner. Please reach out to our Plant Clinic with any questions so that we can help. 5. INSTALL NEW PLANTS After the winter months, gardeners in central Florida are ready to see color and interest in the landscape, and many are eagerly awaiting all the spring plant sales (FYI, the Polk County Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale is on April 26). Look for Florida-Friendly, native, and lowmaintenance plants to add to your landscape this spring. For plant suggestions and lists, contact the Plant Clinic. By focusing on these tasks, central Florida gardeners can set the stage for a productive and beautiful spring growing season. For more information, 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 - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Visit us in person, give us a call, or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu . The Florida Master Gardener Program is a volunteerdriven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible. An Equal Opportunity Institution.

The audiences who once gathered to witness live feats of escape and illusion, whether in grand theaters or intimate parlor rooms, were the very same who later beheld cinema’s first flickering screens. For some, the experiences might have felt much the same—the same stirring of wonder, the same exhilaration for human possibility, and the same reverence for those fleeting moments when we allow ourselves to be deceived, if only to escape into a world where anything feels within reach. The craft of conjuration, stage illusion, and live performance are connected by more than necessary ingenuity, innovation, and the drive to put on a show. They grew up together and continue to stay in touch. Georges Méliès is often regarded as the “father of special effects” and the first to blend cinema with the art of illusion. His 1901 film, “Excelsior! The Prince of Magicians” demonstrated how cinematic techniques—such as jump cuts, multiple exposures, and stop motion—could create visually magical moments on screen. Méliès established the foundation for magician-centered films by portraying magic not merely as a trick but as a transformative experience, one that could transport audiences beyond reality and into a world of endless possibility. Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz in Budapest, Hungary in 1874, immigrated to the United States with his family in 1878, arriving in Appleton, Wisconsin, and later moving to New York City. At the turn of the 20th century, when Houdini rose to fame, America was experiencing a massive wave of immigration, with millions arriving from Europe—many of whom would shape the future of performance both on and off screen. Houdini’s rise to becoming the world’s most famous escape artist mirrored the broader immigrant experience. His daring escapes from handcuffs, locked trunks, and sealed containers symbolized the struggles of immigrants breaking free from societal constraints. In an era when xenophobia and restrictive immigration laws were on the rise, Houdini’s success sent a powerful message: an immigrant could not only integrate but also dominate popular culture. In 1919, Houdini starred in “The Grim Game,” a film once feared lost to a fire until its recent rediscovery—which featured a dramatic airplane collision that became one of early cinema’s most talked-about stunts. Seeking greater creative and distribution control, Houdini founded his own film company, Houdini Picture Corporation, in 1921. In “The Man from Beyond” (1922), he blended his love for adventure and the supernatural, portraying a man revived after being frozen for 100 years. His films pushed the boundaries of physical realism in cinema and even science fiction. His filmed performances allow future audiences to witness feats that we might have only read about otherwise. The next age of cinema would pay homage to early innovators through the use of effects pioneered by stage and screen magicians, as well as through direct biographical depictions. “Houdini” (1953), directed by George Marshall and produced by George Pal, began a string of loosely based film adaptations of his life on screen. Houdini’s student, Orson Welles, used magic as a lens through which he understood storytelling, deception, and audience engagement. Welles often blended magic with theater, incorporating elements of illusion into his stage productions and later into his filmmaking, manipulating audience perception and bending expectations. In films like “Citizen Kane” (1941) and later “F for Fake” (1973), Welles played with truth and illusion, much like a magician does with an audience. Directed by Christopher Nolan, “The Prestige” (2006), adapted from Christopher Priest’s novel of the same name, became one of my all-time favorite films upon first viewing. The mere sight of a top hat now evokes a visceral sensation in the most imaginative corners of my mind. The story of two rival magicians, portrayed by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, explores the lengths they go to in pursuit of the perfect illusion. Set in an era brimming with the promise of scientific discovery, the film portrays historical truth through sheer curtains, both mysterious and fantastic. It invites the viewer to imagine the impact that real-life innovator Nikola Tesla, played by David Bowie, had on those who witnessed the future of electricity unfold before them. The film’s nonlinear narrative and intricate twists reflect the principles of misdirection and deception that define magic itself. At its core—and subsequently stamped upon my heart—is a breathtaking exploration of what drives one to create the illusion of the impossible. The stage, the illusion, and the trick may have evolved, but the magic never disappeared. It merely changed hands, transformed in form and name, passed down from one generation of artists to the next. We continue to benefit from the ingenuity of those crafters of illusion, from the boldness it took to share their craft, and from the inspiration they provided to those who bring magic to life today. If you watch closely and often, the threads between past and present are no longer invisible. As they materialize, the illusion before you will only become more fantastic, revealing that the art of magic— whether on stage or screen—continues to shape the way we see, believe, and dream.

SUNSET ON THE SERENGETI March 2 & 9 at Busch Gardens. Begin with a safari tour just before sunset, then take a guided walking tour of “Edge of Africa,” sip on a cocktail, and finally enjoy an elegant dinner at the Treetop Kitchen inspired by the rich flavors of Africa. Registration is required. buschgardens.com MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL March 27, 7 pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Direct from Broadway, Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. One day only. rutheckerdhall.com FLORIDA CRAFT BREWERS FEST March 1, 1 – 5 pm at River Tower Park. Every year, the Florida Brewers Guild kicks off Tampa Bay Beer Week by organizing the biggest beer festival in Tampa Bay, bringing over 70 of your favorite Florida craft breweries together with over 200 different beer samples, food & entertainment. floridabrewers.org ST. PADDY’S DAY LUCKY RUN March 15, Al Lopez Park. Dress up in your favorite green gear with shamrocks, leprechaun hats, and everything in between. Participants can walk or run the 5K, 10K, or 13.1. All ages and experiences welcome. Register in advance. runsignup.com DINOS UNEARTHED Throughout March at Zoo Tampa. Take a step back in time during this limited-time event and get up close to colossal dinosaurs of the past. Special food & merch are available for purchase. This event is free to enter with paid admission to the park. zootampa.org INK THE BAY March 13 – 16 at the ESC of Tampa Bay. Four days of tattoos, arts, fashion, and welding. Shop the latest supplies and equipment, meet artists, hear seminars, watch live demonstrations and more. inkthebay.com WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS TRIUMPH March 6 – 9 at the Straz Center. This drama brings to life the courageous stories of individuals who stood up against injustice and fought for equality through sit-ins that led to the desegregation of Tampa lunch counters in the 1960s. strazcenter.org TASTE AT THE STRAZ March 29, in and around the Straz Center. For one all-inclusive price, you’ll enjoy bites from Tampa Bay’s top chefs, sip on cocktails and craft brews, and watch live entertainment while supporting the Straz. strazcenter.org WINEFEST WEEKEND March 7 & 8, this fundraiser for the Tampa Theatre is themed “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Wine.” WineFest guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come in a Harry Potter-inspired costume. All proceeds support Tampa Theatre’s artistic, educational and community programming. tampatheatre.org VETERANS CREATIVE ARTS SHOWCASE March 30 at the Straz Center. The Art Gallery Social Hour begins at 2 pm; performances begin at 3 pm. Highlights the therapeutic use of the arts and the creative endeavors of Veterans. This is a free, nonticketed showcase, but registration is required for entry. strazcenter.org

JAZZ IN THE PARK March 8, 11:30 am - 6:30 pm at Cypress Grove Park. Orange County Parks and Recreation will celebrate the 13th annual Mayor’s Jazz in the Park. This is a free event emceed by jazz personality Yvonne LogginsColeman. Guests should bring lawn chairs and picnics or purchase from food trucks. ocfl.net WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL March 21-23 along Park Avenue in Winter Park. One of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious outdoor art festivals consistently ranked among the top juried fine art festivals in the country. wpsaf.org EPCOT INT’L FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL March 5 – June 2 at EPCOT. See living sculptures, exhibits, gardens, try new food created just for the festival, hear live music in the special concert series, shop special merchandise, plus enjoy everything you love about EPCOT. disneyworld.disney.go.com KRAFTWERK March 19, 8 pm at Dr. Phillips Center. Using innovative techniques, synthetic voices, and computerized rhythms, Kraftwerk has had a major international influence across an entire range of music genres: from electro to hip hop, from techno to synthpop since 1970. drphillipscenter.org BRUNCH IN THE PARK March 1 at noon at Gaston Edwards Park. Graze for hours on limitless delicious brunch bites, bloody marys, beer, mimosas, and cocktails. Hang out and hear live entertainment & eat for one all-inclusive price. This is Orlando’s ultimate brunch extravaganza! unitedwebrunch.com DIARY OF A WIMPY KID THE MUSICAL March 15 – April 20 at Orlando Family Stage. Based on the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series by Jeff Kinney and the 20th Century Fox Films. Middle School is the worst and Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. orlandofamilystage.com GLADYS KNIGHT March 11, 7:30 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center. Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. This seventime GRAMMY Award winner has enjoyed #1 hits in pop, gospel, R&B, and adult contemporary and has triumphed in film, television, and live performance. drphillipscenter.org DOGTOBERFEST March 22, 10 am – 6 pm at Krush Brau Park. Bring your four-legged pals! The day will have vendors, live music, the Florida Wiener Dog Derby Races, a face painter, pups, K9 demonstrations & much more. Enjoy German food, refreshing German beer, and a host of other exciting activities. dogtoberfest.us MIGHTY ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL March 14 – 17 at Raglan Road in Disney Springs. Award-winning imported Irish Bands and the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will perform throughout the festival along with five outside bars, and fun merch available for purchase. Reservations are encouraged for the restaurant. raglanroad.com INSIDIOUS: THE FURTHER YOU FEAR March 25, 7:30 pm at Dr. Phillips Center. This is a live horror experience combining state-of-theart lighting, and special FX. The audience can see, hear, and interact with the paranormal, enjoying a multi-sensory, interactive, and immersive experience just like the movie, reimagined for the theatre. drphillipscenter.org

COMMUNITYFEST March 1, 11 am – 4 pm in Central Park in Winter Haven. Guests can look forward to games, entertainment, character meet & greets, activities, and so much more. Family-friendly fun for the entire day. winterhavenchamber.com TOWERING WITH BROADWAY March 21, 7 pm at Bok Tower Gardens. Experience the magic of Broadway with a night of incredible music and entertainment featuring the talents of Steamin’ Jazz, Carillonneur Geert D’hollander, and special guests. boktowergardens.org LAKE WALES MARDI GRAS March 1 in downtown Lake Wales. Since 1984, this amazing parade and festival has brought excitement to Lake Wales with floats, beads, live music, food, and spirits. The parade is at 3 pm. lwmardigras.com FOREVER ELVIS ‘73 March 16, 7 pm at Polk Theatre in Lakeland. Dwight Icenhower is a five-time World Champion Elvis Presley Tribute Artist. He is considered to be one of the best in the world today. He has mastered the 50s, 60s, and 70s eras of Elvis’s career. polktheatre.org TIGERS SPRING TRAINING All games played at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. Mar 1: Phillies; Mar 3: Blue Jays; Mar 5: Phillies; Mar 7: Orioles; Mar 9: Pirates; Mar 12: Rays; Mar 13: Yankees; Mar 16: Orioles; Mar 17: Pirates; Mar 21: Yankees; Mar 22: Braves. mlb.com/tigers CYPRESS GARDENS SKI SHOW March 15, 3:30 pm at Lake Silver. Pre-show begins at 3:30pm, show begins at 4pm. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and cash for the 50/50 raffle. Concessions available for purchase. cypressgardensskiteam.com FIRST FRIDAY & CAR SHOW March 7, 5 – 8 pm. Centered around the downtown Winter Haven corridor, guests will enjoy specials from restaurants & shops, musicians at several locations, and a car show down Magnolia Ave. Check the socials for monthly specials @whfirstfriday. GREAT GATSBY BRUNCH March 29, 10 am at the Ritz Theatre. Guests will enjoy a brunch buffet and a live show featuring The Theatre Winter Haven Big Band with music taking you back to the Roaring 20s! theatrewinterhaven.com WAITRESS March 13 – 16 at Theatre Winter Haven. Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna fears she may have to abandon the dream of opening her own pie shop. theatrewinterhaven.com LAKELAND PUNK ROCK FLEA March 30, noon – 6 pm at Swan Brewing in downtown Lakeland. Over 70 eclectic market vendors, live music, and food trucks. Totally FREE event open to the public. Bring your kids, your friends, your pets, everyone! FB @lakelandpunkflea

WILD DARK SHORE By Charlotte McConaghy Dominic Salt and his children are the last remaining inhabitants of a tiny island near Antarctica that has been affected by climate change. When a woman washes ashore during a storm and finds a place in their family, their pasts— and secrets—may threaten their future together. THE CAMPING TRIP THAT CHANGED AMERICA By Barb Rosenstock In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt joined naturalist John Muir on a trip to Yosemite. Camping by themselves in the uncharted woods, the two men saw sights and held discussions that would ultimately lead to the establishment of our National Parks. THE LIGHT PIRATE By Lily Brooks-Dalton Born during a powerful hurricane, Wanda, an unusual woman in a rapidly changing world, loses family, gains community and ultimately seeks adventure, love and purpose in a place abandoned by civilization and remade by nature. REVENGE OF THE RACCOONS By Vivek Shraya Raccoons are hitting the streets to finally tell their story. The bushy-tailed bandits take over the town, swinging from cranes, scampering through subway cars, and pestering the police. The raccoons insist they aren’t pests, but survivors of the real invaders: humans. LAND OF MILK AND HONEY By C Pam Zhang Accepting a job at a decadent, mountaintop colony, a young chef, with the help of her enigmatic employer and his visionary daughter, is awakened to the pleasures of taste, touch and her own body until she is pushed beyond her boundaries in a plot to reshape the world far beyond the plate. THE CRAYONS LOVE OUR PLANET By Drew Daywalt The Crayons love our planet and are proud of their contributions. White ice caps, Green trees, Blue oceans and skies, Brown soil... and more! Even Beige is proud of his Wheat! BLUE SKIES By T.C. Boyle A satirical yet ultimately moving take on contemporary American life in the glare of climate change, the novel follows a social media influencer who buys a Burmese python from her local pet shop, setting in motion a series of increasingly dire events that ensnares her entire family. GREEN-EYED MONSTER By Carolyn Keene Nancy and her friends are delighted when they win a vacation at an eco-resort in Costa Rica, but they find their fun and relaxation challenged by a determined saboteur. THE BIG FIX By Hal Harvey and Justin Gillis Sharing first-hand accounts of people already making needed changes, an energy policy advisor and longtime New York Times reporter offers everyday citizens a guide to the seven essential changes our communities must enact to bring our greenhouse gas emissions down to zero. THE TREE AND ME By Deborah Zemke There’s a special 150-year-old oak tree outside the window of Bea’s classroom. When Bea’s nemesis climbs the tree, he gets in a lot of trouble--and that leads to even more trouble for everyone. “Concerned” citizens proclaim the tree a hazard and call for cutting it down. But the class won’t let that happen!

THE OVERSTORY By Richard Powers Spring is a time when the interconnectedness of life becomes vividly apparent, and “The Overstory” masterfully captures this intricate web. Powers weaves together multiple storylines, each rooted in a unique relationship with trees, highlighting the profound impact of the natural world on our lives. As the plot unfolds, we are drawn into a complex web of life that trees sustain and the stark realities of deforestation and climate change. Powers’ prose brings the characters to life and evokes a deep appreciation for the natural world. THE SEED KEEPER By Diane Wilson In this novel, history melds together with fiction that spans generations and showcases the Indigenous ways of being. The story follows Rosalie and her family as she explores the connection to her Dakota heritage and the enduring power of seeds. From a young age, she learns about the sacred relationship between seeds, land, and her family’s history, symbolizing sustenance, the preservation of Indigenous traditions, and a profound link to the past. Much like the seeds that lie dormant in the winter and burst forth with new life in the spring, Rosalie’s journey reminds us of the importance of preserving traditions and knowledge for future generations. THE LIGHT PIRATE By Lily Brooks-Dalton Spring is a time of liminality - suspended between the dormancy of winter and the full bloom of summer, a threshold where the world is in a state of flux. Liminality is the theme of this novel set in a not-too-distant Florida – where climate change and extreme weather claim the land and survival requires decisions and adaptations at every moment. The story explores the way in which we individually react to change we cannot control. The magic comes in the form of light transmitted in a new and powerful way, but is it magic or a natural adaptation? Brooks–Dalton brilliantly captures the changing landscape, complex characters, and the way joy and heartbreak exist together even in dire times. THE LANGUAGE OF TREES By Katie Holten This anthology explores how trees enrich our world, from their vital role in the ecosystem to their profound impact on our culture and spirit. This book is very unusual because it blends essays, poems, and visual art. Through each chapter, contributions from a diverse group of writers, scientists, and artists led us to discover how trees have shaped our history, inspired our creativity, and nourished our souls. This book is a love letter to the natural world and a call to reconnect with the wisdom and beauty of trees. LATE MIGRATIONS By Margaret Renkl In this book, Renkl explores the cycles of life through an interconnecting series of essays on the passage of time that touch on both joy and grief. Paired beautifully with illustrations from her brother, Billy, Renkl’s deep connection to the natural world leaps off the page through her writing. This book is both lyrical and accessible, filled with vivid descriptions of flora and fauna that mirror the themes of growth and change within her own life in the Deep South. Enjoy these short essays on repeat - a springtime ritual you keep returning to savor. MOTHERING SUNDAY By Graham Swift Set in a single day - March 30, 1924, the story centers on Jane Fairchild, a young housemaid who spends this one significant day with her longtime lover, Paul Sheringham, the heir to a wealthy family. This encounter unfolds against the backdrop of societal changes and personal aspirations, creating a tapestry of emotion and reflection. The narrative explores Jane’s memories, the choices that shape her identity, and the impact of the war on the lives of those around her, delving into themes of forbidden love and the search for meaning. THE ENCHANTED APRIL By Elizabeth von Arnim Yes, this book is set in April and not March, but the charming tale, “The Enchanted April,” is the perfect spring read. Four women from very different backgrounds venture to an enchanting Italian castle for a month-long escape from their mundane lives in England. As the women experience the joys of sun-drenched days, they confront their struggles and insecurities, and in the process, each undergoes a transformative journey. This is a bright and sensory read - filled with beautiful descriptions of the natural beauty of the Italian Riviera.

Reading with Rescues is a fun and engaging community program for K-8th grade students to visit Hope Equine Rescue and read to a horse, donkey, or mule supervised, but unassisted, for approximately 30 minutes. Typically held on the second Friday of each month, the February date has been moved a week earlier due to `Valentine’s Day. Students are welcome to bring their own reading material or borrow from the library of donated books. After reading, students will have a “petting experience” where they will pet an equine, view a grooming demonstration, and get to ask a horse handler questions. There is also time for a special craft activity and a snack for the students to enjoy, but please note: it is not permitted to give any treats or food to any horses. Some of them have very strict diets due to allergies or other health conditions. Sorry, carrots are actually considered treats! Why Read to Horses For the students: • Build literacy skills • Strengthen confidence speaking out loud in a non-judgmental atmosphere • Develop a stronger vocabulary • Increase attention span • Promote empathy For the horses: • Introduction to children in a safe, controlled environment • Exposure to multiple people and situations • Builds trust in humans • Attention and love! The Details • All parents/guardians and students are required to sign a waiver, and an adult is required to stay on the property while the student is reading. • This is a working farm. Please wear closed-toed shoes. • A $5 donation per student is requested. • It is recommended to bring a chair for the student to sit in front of the horse stall. • Registration is available on the Facebook page @readingwithrescues. • If you would like to volunteer to assist with this program or have any questions, please email the coordinators, Lisa & Kristen Rice at readingwithrescues@hopeequinerescue.com . More Events The Rescue frequently hosts special educational workshops and fundraising events such as the very popular “Trot or Treat” (October), “Wine at the Barn” (November), and “Christmas at the Barn” (December). These events are organized and operated by an important and dedicated group of volunteers. In fact, the Rescue has no full-time employees! Volunteers (over the age of 14) can submit an application and attend an orientation and then sign up to work these events in addition to regular “barn chores” held throughout the weekdays. There is even a Teen Night for high school students to earn community service hours. Barn chores may include mucking stalls, cleaning water troughs, grooming and bathing horses, applying topical ointments and medications, sweeping, and practicing arena work like obstacle training and even riding. It is rigorous and sometimes physically demanding, and very satisfying! Taylor Clements, a part-time worker and recent graduate of the University of Florida in Equine Science says, “I enjoy working at Hope because of the second opportunities that these equines get. Watching them get their second chance at life is very special. I also enjoy learning from Dani. She puts a lot into this organization, she is superhuman and has taught me so many things that no degree can teach you.” Taylor began to have an interest in horses when she was eight years old and learned to ride from Dani Horton. “She was my foundation and introduction to equine and opened so many doors for my future.” All of this training led to her internship in the summer of 2023 and her current employment. “Horses are highly intelligent, emotional animals with unique personalities. They form strong bonds with humans and other animals, and they deserve respect, care, and kindness. Rescue work is hard. Supporting your local rescue even if you can’t adopt or are not a horse person, makes a difference,” she continued. How to Help While the Rescue was not intended to be a sanctuary, meaning animals live there but are not usually adopted, it is currently home to about 50 equines, some of which are permanent residents due to their health conditions. Think: Retirement Home for Horses! However, some of the equines are in training and available for adoption for a small fee. The Rescue works closely with the Polk County Sheriff’s office to provide a safe haven for abused/neglected and unclaimed equines. The Rescue relies heavily on individual contributions. Consider giving a tax-deductible donation today! Entrepreneurs and business owners are also encouraged to inquire about corporate sponsorship opportunities. Hope Equine Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 2008, founded by Dani Horton and the Horton family when they took in their first rescue that they named Hope. If you would like to volunteer, please email the Volunteer Coordinator, Megan Atkinson, at volunteer@hopeequinerescue.com . Hoofs & Hearts February 7, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm Register on FB @readingwithrescues Hope Equine Rescue 3805 High Street NE, Winter Haven 863-287-7503 hopeequinerescue.com Photos Provided

“Mooo-ve over grocery stores, a new concept for convenient, local ingredients has arrived, fresh from the farm!” What do you get when you mix a love of local, farm fresh produce with a need for convenience? The Harvest Collective, that’s what! I caught up with Mikaela Booth, the owner and operator of Evelyn & Co. (a sustainable refillery based out of Lakeland) to learn more about her new business: The Harvest Collective. The concept was originally pondered as a solution to Mikaela’s want for local, fresh produce and her inability to run every which way in order to obtain those ingredients. She brings up something I often struggle with in my own home shopping habits as well. Who has the time to be able to go out and buy local produce and products with jobs, kids, hobbies, friends, and partners without letting some other aspect of life maintenance slip, even if you really really want to? The Harvest Collective is here to help by delivering those products to you. Through the website, customers are invited to purchase local goods from farms in the area as well as the entire stock of Evelyn & Co products, then have those items delivered to their homes. When asked about her inspiration behind starting The Harvest Collective, Mikaela says, “I have always wanted to be in the agricultural realm. Growing up & even currently, I have a ton of family who raise and show cattle, are in FFA, etc. I have always had the pull in my heart for this but never knew how to be in this profession without feeling like an imposter.” After talking with local farmers and ranchers, she realized she did have plenty of knowledge about marketing and the community connections to facilitate getting their wares out to an adoring public. After all, growing the food is only half the battle, getting it into the hands of the people who will appreciate it is just as important. As a person with connections to the agricultural community in Florida myself, I know how underappreciated our farmer’s work can be, despite being arguably the most important part of our current food chain. Mikaela reminded me of this by stating. “[y]ou know the saying, “No Farmers, No Food”? … I know it’s easier to run to the grocery store and grab what you need, but our farmers get paid pennies on the dollar when selling to a grocery store. If we buy directly from them, it goes straight into their pocket.” If you are curious about how modern-day farmers function and how you can best support them, Mikaela recommended some hands-on ways to be involved and informed of what our farmers and ranchers need from their community. She mentioned that many farms need volunteers to help onsite, specifically naming Meacham Urban Farm, located right next to Perry Harvey Sr. Park in Tampa. cough cough Volunteer hours? Working with their hands? Assisting with a community AND learning a valuable skill in the process? cough cough Parents with teens, I’m looking at you. One of the goals of the Harvest Collective is to help bridge the communication gap between the general public and our agricultural workers by getting people involved and invested in how and what is grown in their communities. They aren’t the only resource dedicated to connecting farmers to Floridians. Florida Farm Finder, an entirely volunteer-run program, connects those looking for fresh produce and products to the farms or ranches that sell them. They often throw special events such as the “Meet Florida Meat” event happening March 22 and 23 in Mount Dora, where anyone can come support Florida agriculture and become familiar with the people putting food on our tables. Building communities that support and listen to each other is more important than ever, especially when it comes to something as universal to the human experience as food, specifically fresh food. Mikaela shared with me some favorite experiences so far, and listening to them, I am just as enamored with our Florida farmers as she is. “Our local farmers and ranchers LOVE to talk about what they do. They LOVE to teach. I mean, they do this for a living. Growing food is their passion. Cows and collard greens only talk back so much, ya know? It’s just been so nice to be welcomed into this community and I can’t wait to see how big we grow!” She also talked about how much she has treasured working with beef and pork ranchers, and learning about their industry from hoof to snout. It really brings into perspective what you are eating when you know the ins and outs of how it was put onto your table. She even went so far as to say the beef and pork products that she offers through The Harvest Collective are her favorite products so far! Mikaela is an avid supporter of shopping locally and sustainably, so starting The Harvest Collective isn’t far out of her wheelhouse. Her other business, Evelyn & Co., began out of love for her daughter and a desire to model responsible decision making for her. “We always want to be a great example for our children, and to me, if she’s raised with these practices, then she’ll know no different!” Through Evelyn & Co., central Floridians are able to refill common household cleaning solutions, such as laundry detergent or cleaning vinegar, and are given options to reduce the trash they create in their homes through reusable paper towels or sustainable alternatives to plastic wrap. Both companies have an emphasis on helping local businesses and supporting local economies, which Mikaela states stems from her own father’s experiences with small business ownership after retiring from another large corporation. “I really got to see the highs and lows of owning your own business. It truly makes such a difference where my dollar goes. Our local businesses don’t have multi-million dollar companies backing them. They don’t have a safety net. You get to build relationships with your customers and these big corporations don’t get to do that.” The future of The Harvest Collective and Evelyn & Co are bright with exciting things in the works for them over the coming year. For now though, I hope you join me in supporting her in 2025 (that Harvest Collective membership is calling my name!) and know that for all your sustainable, fresh, and local favorites The Harvest Collective has everything you might want or need. The Harvest Collective theharvestcollectivefl.com FB @theharvestcolkld IG @_theharvestco Photos Provided

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Winter Haven, Tree Swallow Gallery is a pop-up art destination dedicated to celebrating the unique spirit and creativity of Central Florida’s local artists. Curated by Amanda McCallister, the gallery focuses on hyper-local talent, showcasing carefully selected fine art that reflects the beauty, history, and culture of the Winter Haven community and its surrounding areas. Tree Swallow Gallery embraces its pop-up nature, offering a dynamic experience with curated exhibitions, flexible hours tailored to downtown events and foot traffic, and unique opportunities to connect with both the art and the artists. From stunning landscapes and evocative photography to thought-provoking mixed media, the gallery provides a platform for authentic storytelling through art. With its focus on community engagement and accessible artistry, Tree Swallow Gallery is more than just a space for viewing art—it’s a celebration of the people, places, and stories that make Polk County unique. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a curious visitor, or an art enthusiast, Tree Swallow Gallery invites you to explore the heart of Florida through the lens of its most talented artists. Level Up: Art Boss Academy Level Up: Art Boss Academy is designed for student artists with ambitions and a drive to master the business side of art. This isn’t about creating art—it’s about building a future with art. Gain insider strategies and actionable insights, from growing your online empire to making a lasting impression in real-world spaces. This series is packed with hands-on guidance to help you stand out, connect with your audience, and start seeing real results. The series began in January and continues until March 1. Slide Into Sales: SM Essentials February 1 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm Bag the Merch: POD Basics February 22 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm IRL Vibes: Gallery Cheat Codes March 1 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm On Saturday We Make Art More than just a series of art classes—it’s a creative movement. Rooted in fun, self-expression, and empowerment, this series is all about tapping into your artistic side in a space where they listen, they don’t judge. These sessions are a fearless exploration of creativity for people who are ready to create, connect, and let their imaginations run wild. Whether you’re snapping pics on your phone or diving into hands-on projects, every class is designed to inspire, uplift, and help you embrace your inner artist. Saturdays are for more than just making art— they’re for building confidence, friendships, and a creative community that celebrates your unique vibe. Come as you are and make something unforgettable. Plein Air Sketching with Denise Settles--February 8 from 2 pm to 4 pm Neurogenic Drawing with Sherry Ross--February 15 from 2 pm to 4 pm Get Involved With Tree Swallow Gallery Tree Swallow Gallery offers several ways to engage with our creative community: •ATTEND EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS: Visit the gallery during our curated exhibitions and special events to experience the incredible work of local artists and connect with the community. • BECOME A FEATURED ARTIST: If you’re a local artist with work that reflects the spirit of Winter Haven and Central Florida, reach out to discuss opportunities to showcase your art in one of our upcoming pop-up exhibitions. Contact Amanda at amanda@mccallisterventuresllc.com • VOLUNTEER: We’re always looking for passionate art lovers to help with events, installations, or day-today operations. Your support helps us bring art to life for our community. Contact Amanda at amanda@ mccallisterventuresllc.com • FOLLOW US ONLINE: Stay updated on gallery events, operating hours, and artist features by following us on social media or subscribing to our newsletter. • SPREAD THE WORD: Share the gallery with friends and family! Help us grow by inviting others to explore the art and stories that make Winter Haven unique. Tree Swallow Gallery 337 W Central Ave, Winter Haven treeswallowgallery.com FB & IG @treeswallowgallery Tuesdays & Wednesdays 11 am - 2 pm Thursdays & Fridays 5 pm - 8 pm Saturdays 11 am - 8 pm By special appointment, please call 863-225-0520 Photo by Amy Sexson

From curating the perfect lineup of vendors to swapping stories about rare finds, Jessi Zilka of Jesse Carl Vinyl gives us a glimpse into what makes this record fair more than just another stop for collectors—it’s a full-on celebration of sound. If you’re ready to step up your vinyl game, this is where it starts. TELL US ABOUT IT There’s a magic to being in one room with so many people who share the hobby of record collecting—it promotes camaraderie and acceptance. We knew Lakeland had the potential to provide that exact vibe with its own fair if we could just get one up and running. With the help of our friends at Rec Room, we began hosting the Lakeland Record Fair in the spring of 2023. This coming event will be our fifth volume, marking a change in venue for our event, making it bigger and better for our community! The joy of shopping at a record fair is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for rarities that don’t often hit the shelves of your local record stores, or you’re looking for some bargain prices to get deals on bigger stacks of albums, everyone is capable of enjoying their shopping experience at the Lakeland Record Fair! WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ORGANIZE THIS EVENT? Since the beginning of my own collecting journey almost 20 years ago, record fairs have always been some of my favorite places to shop. I’ve gotten to know folks by continuously showing up to these events, and so these fairs have become more than just buying records for me. They feel like a true family. The Lakeland Record Fair is massively fueled by my relationship with people in the collecting community. People like Dan from Tonevendor in St. Augustine, Keith at Microgroove in Tampa, and Casey at the Clearwater Record Store (among many others) have been constant supporters of Jesse Carl Vinyl—my store as a whole couldn’t have gotten where it is now without people like this in my corner. And since starting our own fair in 2023, I feel like I have even more people in my corner now, wanting to see us succeed. The friends I’ve made with people like the abovementioned are truly what inspired me to organize the Lakeland Record Fair. I wanted others to experience the same feeling of community that I have over the years. GIVE US SOME HISTORY ON THE RECORD FAIR We began the Lakeland Record Fair in February of 2023, and hosted it at Rec Room in downtown Lakeland. For years I wanted to get a record fair into Lakeland, but I didn’t have access to space to get it started. When Rec Room acquired the former Lkld Live space next door to their arcade bar, I reached out to Jason Ellis, one of the coowners of Rec Room and a close friend of mine, and asked if they’d be willing to host a record fair in that empty Lkld Live space. His answer was immediately “yes” and the rest is history! WHAT CAN GUESTS EXPECT? There will be between 20-25 record vendors at this fair. Attendees can expect a wide selection from rare 60s rock and roll to hip-hop to post-punk and electronic, jazz, and more. Some vendors bring CDs, cassette tapes, old posters, t-shirts, and other memorabilia. Shoppers can expect to find a wide range of prices—from valuable collectible records to inexpensive bargain albums. There’s truly something for everyone. CAN GUESTS SELL OR TRADE THEIR OWN VINYL? We don’t allow folks to set up to sell and trade unless they’ve signed up to be an official vendor due to safety reasons, as well as capacity limits on the venue. We do, however, encourage shoppers to have conversations with vendors if they have items they’d like to sell or trade in the future. WILL THERE BE OTHER MERCHANDISE FOR SALE? We’ll definitely have some music memorabilia and music-related art. I will also be setting up a table for my personal loose-leaf tea brand, Half Note Teas—blends inspired by all things jazz! SHOULD GUESTS ARRIVE HUNGRY? Yes! There will be food and drink available from local food vendors, as well as hot and iced coffee! WHO SHOULD COME TO THE RECORD FAIR? Our fair is geared toward anyone who has a love for collecting music media. Whether you’re a new collector or a seasoned veteran, our event is meant to be enjoyed by all. It’s absolutely a family-friendly event! We encourage folks to bring their kiddos along—kids under 18 get in for free! WHAT DO YOU HOPE GUESTS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? I hope attendees of our fair will experience the fun of crate digging alongside so many others from all different walks of life, sharing in their love for physical music media. Of course, I want folks to find what they’re looking for and to be able to mark things off their wishlist, but at the heart of the Lakeland Record Fair is a desire to build community with one another. I hope shoppers at our event walk out with unique experiences and interactions with others they’ve maybe never met before. And who knows, maybe they’ll recognize those same people at the next fair and can become friends! That’s really what this is all about. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE RECORD IN YOUR COLLECTION? I’ve been collecting records since 2009, and I’ve owned Jesse Carl Vinyl for almost 10 years. Records aren’t just a hobby for me—they’re a way of life. Collecting is a passion that’s at the core of who I am, and it’s something that I will likely be involved in for the rest of my life. I’ve met some of my dearest friends through collecting. It has been the joy of my life. I have SO many records in my collection that mean a lot to me. My favorite album of all time is “Ten” by Pearl Jam. But one of my most treasured items would have to be my 2015 translucent blue variant of Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet” soundtrack. It’s seen more rotations on my turntable than any other piece in my collection! WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR THAT DAY? Seeing some of my favorite people and getting to spend the day surrounded by other collectors! It brings me endless joy. Lakeland Record Fair Volume V Lake Mirror Auditorium 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland February 23, 10 am – 4 pm $5 admission, $3 for college students with school ID, kids under 18 get in free Jesse Carl Vinyl 304 N. Kentucky Ave, #1150, Lakeland jessecarlvinyl.com FB @JesseCarlVinyl IG @jessecarlviny

Time is one of the few variables with enough power to end, improve, inspire, and change the memory of love. Whatever its influence, we usually understand its meaning years later, but on the screen, we can live through its passages in hours. Manipulating time lends not only the philosophical and societal questions science fiction asks, but also those of personal reflection, changes in perspective, and a chance to see how our lives might have turned out if we had loved differently or… loved better. A time travel romance can be a comedic romp when lighthearted, or a tragedy capable of bringing us to our knees. In either case, the marriage of the time machine and the love story is one with a special connective ability. “Somewhere in Time” (1980) In the 1800s, the dawn of time travel did not focus on romantic relationships but often relegated love to the B and sometimes C plot, as did films for the majority of their first seventy-five years (with some exceptions). The plot tended to lean more heavily on the mechanics and mystery of time travel itself, placing emphasis on adventure, discovery, and science. However, romance found its way in as a subtle undercurrent, quietly hinting at the human desire for connection amidst the vastness of temporal exploration. In the 1980s, a time travel blockbuster was released almost every other year. Both comedic and serious films leaned into the personal and emotional consequences of traveling through time. The cultural urge to look backward began to make itself seen in a big way on screen, along with future realities speaking to the cultural anxieties of those years. Whether your flavor is the action film, the fantasy, the adventure, or the sugar-sweet period piece, there is an 80s time-traveling romance for everyone. “Somewhere in Time” (1980), based on Richard Matheson’s novel “Bid Time Return,” follows playwright Richard Collier, who becomes enamored with a portrait of a woman and travels back in time to meet her—not with the use of a time machine, but through the power of self-suggestion. Christopher Reeve, who played Richard Collier, and Jane Seymour, starring as Elise McKenna, fell in love during filming but did not pursue a romantic relationship, remaining lifelong friends instead. This connection, while not romantically realized in life, lends an intensity that can be felt in the performances of each, creating a unique believability to the fantastic circumstances. The haunting score by John Barry, who would also score the subsequent time travel romance “Peggy Sue Got Married” (1986), grabs the heartstrings and doesn’t let go until it’s good and ready. In “Peggy Sue Got Married,” time travel becomes a vehicle for self-reflection. The titular character, Peggy Sue, faints at her high school reunion and awakens as her younger self in the 1960s. Armed with hindsight, she revisits her choices, particularly her troubled marriage, gaining a deeper understanding of her life— showcasing how revisiting the past can illuminate and clarify the present. “Back to the Future Part III” (1990) travels into the Wild West, lending a playful tone to the mismatched era romance of time traveling’s favorite Doctor, Emmett Brown. Don’t we all hope to bond with our soulmate over the works of Jules Verne? The last entry in this beloved franchise is the perfect reminder that love can blossom in even the most unexpected of places—or times. “Highlander” (1986) “Highlander” (1986) centers on a Scot named Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert), who meets the love of his life shortly after becoming immortal in 1518. Though he is urged to leave her to avoid the pain of loss, he does not. Connor remains devoted to her, refusing to leave her side until the end of her life. His last moments with her are paired with the musical equivalent of a gutpunch, “Who Wants to Live Forever,” written by Queen for the film. It’s easy to connect with Connor’s struggle to live a lifetime of lives with a heart open to the possibilities of connection. We all know that’s no easy feat. For me, it’s much easier to contemplate the most difficult moments romance has to offer when a sword fight follows. The love story within “The Terminator” (1984) has some of the highest stakes imaginable, creating the kind of passion that impending danger is happy to provide. At its core is the relationship between Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese, a soldier sent from the future to protect her from the relentless Terminator. Kyle’s love for Sarah is predestined, yet deeply personal. He fell in love with her through a photograph given to him by her son, John Connor, the future leader of the resistance. Doomed romance from the future is difficult enough to contend with, let alone summoning the strength necessary to battle a cybernetic assassin at the same time. “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” (1986) hits a science fiction sweet spot, focusing on the playful connection between Captain James T. Kirk and Dr. Gillian Taylor. It’s “fish out of water” meets “mission to save Earth” meets “feel-good romance,” and it’s Star Trek—certified in the art of time traveling and always a good time. The time machine is able to control what we cannot but often wish we could—something closely connected to our hearts. Through this union, we as the audience are invited to explore universal themes of longing, regret, and hope, framed by the idea that time can be bent, rewound, or stretched to serve matters of the heart. At its most valuable, it may inspire us to better serve all of the different types of love that live right here in the present.