Andrew Logans Artisan Chocolates & Confections began as a dream rooted in a lifelong passion for baking and a newfound love for chocolate-making. “I’ve had a passion for cooking and baking since middle school, and that passion has only grown over the years,” Mark Sutton, the founder of Andrew Logans explains. “I always knew I wanted to start a business but wasn’t sure what direction to take. About six years ago, I began experimenting with chocolate-making and quickly discovered a deep passion for both its challenges and its beauty.” The journey from passion to business required careful planning and perseverance. “After months of planning and many prayers, I looked into Catapult as a way to launch my small business. From there, it grew into the amazing business I own today!” Naming the company was a deeply personal decision. “Many chocolate shops are named after their owners, but that always felt a bit self-indulgent to me,” Sutton shares. “Instead, I chose to honor two people who constantly inspire me: my father, Andrew, and my son, Logan.” Despite a background in cooking and baking, working with chocolate was an entirely new endeavor. “I never worked with chocolate until about six years ago. Everything I know now comes from books, YouTube videos, and a lot of trial and error,” Sutton explained. Starting the company came with its challenges. “To minimize risk, I started by selling at the Lakeland Farmers Market. This presented many challenges, the biggest being the unpredictable outdoor conditions. We had to continuously adapt—figuring out how to properly store, display, and keep chocolates cool for customers. Each challenge required careful planning, but we never gave up, always finding creative solutions.” The rewards have made the effort worthwhile. Sutton continues, “There’s nothing more fulfilling than crafting something that complete strangers not only want to buy but keep coming back for. That alone makes all the hard work worthwhile.” What sets Andrew Logans apart from massproduced brands is the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each product. Sutton explains, “We don’t use assembly lines or large machinery— everything is done by hand, including painting the bonbons. We use fresh ingredients and make all of our bonbon fillings completely from scratch. We take immense pride in our work and in offering something truly unique to our customers.” Sourcing ingredients with sustainability in mind is also a key priority. “We source our chocolate from a leading Belgian manufacturer known for its commitment to sustainability and end-to-end traceability.” The process of creating the chocolates is precise and time-intensive. We get a glimpse from Sutton, “Making our signature bonbons is a multi-day process. It begins with preparing the chocolate molds, which involves thorough cleaning and polishing. Next, we apply colored cocoa butter to create vibrant designs. Then, we temper the chocolate—a precise process of heating and cooling to ensure the cocoa butter crystals form correctly. Once the chocolate is tempered, we pour it into the molds and then pour out the excess, forming a delicate shell. Afterward, we fill the shells with ganache, caramel, or another scratch-made filling. Finally, we seal the bonbons with another layer of tempered chocolate, called the ‘cap.’ Once set, the bonbons are chilled to help them contract from the mold. When ready, we flip the mold, releasing the finished chocolates.” One of the company’s proudest moments came with a new retail opportunity, Sutton explained, “One of our biggest milestones came last year when Market on Kentucky invited us to sell our products in their new store. On January 9, 2025, the store officially opened, marking a significant turning point for our business. Now, with increased visibility and access to more customers, we’re taking steps toward one day having a store of our own.” Experimentation has led to unique flavors. “One of our most unique bonbons is our Salt & Pepper flavor, which features salted caramel paired with a dark chocolate and white pepper ganache. It’s become a favorite among adventurous chocolate lovers! Other unusual flavors we’ve experimented with include Lemon Basil and Blackberry Thyme—my seasonal favorite.” As for personal favorites, one stands out. Sutton continues, “One of my favorites is a bonbon flavor we’ve had since we first opened in June 2023—PB&J! It features a peanut butter ganache and fresh raspberry jam, all encased in a thin milk chocolate shell.” Looking ahead, there are ambitious plans for expansion. “In five years, I hope to have a storefront in Downtown Lakeland, along with nationwide—and possibly international—shipping. We’re always working on new bonbon flavors and plan to expand our product offerings as well,” Sutton said. Additionally, there are exciting pairing possibilities for chocolate lovers. Sutton ended with, “Several of our customers have paired our chocolates with bourbon tastings and beer flights. In the future, we hope to offer wine-pairing classes and even hands-on chocolatemaking workshops—potentially in 2026.” With dedication, craftsmanship, and a growing community of loyal customers, Andrew Logans Chocolates continues to make its mark, offering handmade confections that combine artistry with passion. For those looking to try these creations, Andrew Logans chocolates can be found at the Market on Kentucky, located at 126 S. Kentucky Ave, in Lakeland. andrewlogans.com FB Andrew Logans IG @andrewlogansconfections Photos by Amy Sexson

Polk County… it’s time to ROCK OUT!! This year’s Battle of the Bands High School Edition is coming to Union Hall with a lineup of musicians from Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Osceola, Orange, and, of course, good ol’ Polk County. I had the honor of talking with Holly Cordero, the founder and CEO of Cordero Music, a local music and performance-centered nonprofit, and the event coordinator for this month’s shred fest to get some details about the gig and the mission behind her nonprofit: “To provide music experiences to all young musicians, despite barriers to entry, through live performance opportunities, sponsored private music lessons, and sponsored quality music instruments.” Battle of the Bands started small, with the only two schools offering rock band programs to students in the area. Holly and the teacher for the other school wanted to provide an opportunity for their students to meet and to have the benefits of a community centered on music. “We wanted a chance to have our kids play for each other and network with each other, so they knew that they weren’t the only kids playing popular music in school.” The rock programs of the Davenport School of the Arts and Ridgeview Global Studies Academy combined forces to give their kids that chance! The event has drawn in more rock programs every year, growing the community of young musicians who love to rock out and rock on in Central Florida. Holly tries to reach out to as many schools and programs that she knows about, by contacting music program directors and extracurricular organizers personally to make them aware of these performance opportunities for their groups. Out of all of the auditionees, only five bands have been chosen to compete for the crowd under three distinct categories: Best in Show (a combination of covers and original songs), Best Original Act (all original songs), and Best Cover Band (all cover songs). Not only will the bands be competing for the bragging rights of being one of the best central Florida rock bands, some awesome prizes have been provided, including five hours of studio recording time in Orlando, D’Addario merch and items, instruments, a paying gig at Bowen Yard, and even an electric scooter donated by Winter Haven’s own Bike Shop! If only I could go back to being a teen again, I would have loved to rock out and participate in such an incredible event with a team behind it that clearly cares so much. I asked Holly what the most rewarding part of working with and for the local youth rock community is, and it’s all about picking up good vibrations! “I really enjoy seeing the students connect with each other, or the musicians, as they’re not all students, but the musicians connect with each other because they’ve actually created projects outside of our concerts on their own [as well as] collaborations and that’s really what the whole community is about. They are finding new musicians to work with and building connections among their peers.” Connections and support can mean the difference between a young musician making it through the rough parts of a career in the arts and thriving or falling away from their dreams. “It’s funny, relationships have formed after some of our festivals. [Everyone loves a good showmance!]. They end up also playing on shows together, so I know when there was a breakup for a band that performed in a prior year, they reached out to me and I got to recommend a whole bunch of different guitarists for them and bassists from people they’ve already met. So, it just helps build up a community and a network so that everyone feels supported in whatever part of their journey they’re on.” The amount of care and passion that Holly shows for these performers is incredible, and I for one am excited to see how far they will all go! Cafe T42 Cafe T42 Planet Phoenix Valguero Princess Cupcake and the Sprinkles Face the Fence For high school students who are interested in vying for glory with their band in the 2026 Battle, registration for auditions is already open on the Cordero Music Inc. website, with auditions occurring in February of 2026! On the other hand, those who are looking for a less competitive style of performance can register to perform in Cordero Music Inc.’s summer and winter music festivals, which gives youth bands and performers an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of music executives, theme park representatives, and the general public or just to get some good old fashioned stage time! For those of us lame adults who are forever shunned from participating in cool high school Battle of the Bands (no, I’m definitely not bitter, why do you ask?) the best way to support this awesome program and these spectacular artists is by showing up to the events. Cordero Music wants to make performance accessible, especially to those who have been underserved and missed out on opportunities to explore the arts because of finances, so all events are free to the public. The nonprofit relies on at-will donations to keep afloat and provide their kids with equipment, instruction, and performance spaces, so if you are a member of the public who has the ability to provide a donation to support their work, please consider it! But wait… there’s more! You’re not only supporting arts initiatives and young artists in Central Florida, a portion of the money raised from Cordero Music’s events is also donated to Project No Labels, a Central Florida mental health and community building organization which offers free and/or discounted mental health services to residents of Florida. This organization has been in action since 2015 changing the lives of marginalized communities and providing mental health resources to those who need it. Cordero Music partners with them throughout the year to fundraise for their mental health services and promote events happening between the two organizations! So, music lovers unite on April 13, 5 pm to 10 pm at Union Hall in Lakeland. Be there or be square Polk County! Battle of the Bands April 13, 5 pm Union Hall 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland corderomusic.org FB Cordero Music IG @corderomusicf

Known as “The Man of a Thousand Faces,” Lon Chaney Sr.—silent film actor and pioneering makeup artist—is revered for his transformative performances and groundbreaking prosthetic work. He starred in more than 150 films and was an audience favorite, earning him the kind of immortality the screen seldom grants. Through both purpose and ability, he chose to embody characters existing outside the realm of conventional beauty and normalcy, giving depth to figures often relegated to monstrosity. This month, on April 1st, we celebrate his birthday. This year, we mark multiple film anniversaries in Chaney’s legacy: the 100th anniversary of “The Phantom of the Opera” (1925) and “The Unholy Three” (1925), as well as his final and only talking film, “The Unholy Three” (1930)—capturing Chaney’s voice on screen for the first and last time. Born Leonidas Frank Chaney on April 1, 1883, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Chaney grew up in a household of silent communication—both of his parents were deaf. His fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and mastery of pantomime shaped his ability to tell stories visually. He developed an acute sensitivity to physical expression, a skill that would define his career and allow him to portray deeply human emotions without a single spoken word. Film was new. Watching a visual story unfold on screen was new. In a time before sound, audiences had to feel a performance, and Chaney was a master at making them do just that. Through dedicated research and pioneering use of makeup, he developed new techniques in an era before professional special effects, informing the art of movie makeup and inspiring its artists a century later. He used wire to pull back his nose, fish skin for texture, and painfully tight harnesses to contort his body. His self-applied prosthetics for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1923) required him to wear a 15-pound hump, while his makeup for “The Phantom of the Opera” (1925) created an unforgettable, skull-like visage that remains one of cinema’s most haunting images. His expertise was so profound that he wrote the 1929 Encyclopedia Britannica entry on makeup. Though Chaney was famous for the faces he wore on screen, the true power of his performances came from his deep empathy for the characters he played. He once said: “I wanted to remind people that the lowest types of humanity may have within them the capacity for supreme self-sacrifice. The dwarfed, misshapen beggar of the streets may have the noblest ideals. Most of my roles have carried the theme of self-sacrifice or renunciation. These are the stories I wish to do.” This belief shaped his greatest performances— characters like Quasimodo in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1923) and Erik, the Phantom, who were defined by their suffering but also by their capacity for love and sacrifice. It was his depiction of the more commonplace outsider that endeared him to my heart in my first viewings of his films. Those outside the law, those who found and failed to find a return in love, but most of all his clown with a brave face. In 1925, Chaney and director Tod Browning—a creative partnership that would later produce the notorious lost film ”London After Midnight” (1927)— released “The Unholy Three,” a crime thriller that blended humor and suspense. Chaney played Professor Echo, a ventriloquist who, along with his criminal accomplices, used his skills to orchestrate elaborate heists. Five years later, as Hollywood transitioned to sound, Chaney reprised his role in a remake of “The Unholy Three” (1930)—his first and only talking film. His ability to alter his voice for different characters— something he had perfected on stage years before—astounded audiences. He seamlessly shifted between multiple voices, proving that his mastery of performance was not confined to silent film. Not long after completing “The Unholy Three,” Chaney was diagnosed with throat cancer. He died on August 26, 1930, at the age of 47, just as a new era of cinema was beginning. I have spent an adult lifetime in Chaney fandom avoiding the last scene of “The Unholy Three” a train station platform farewell that would unknowingly serve as Lon Chaney’s own goodbye to cinema. In this final moment, his character, Professor Echo, delivers a line that would become his last spoken words on film: “That’s all there is to life, friends, … a little laughter … a little tear.” In preparing to write this article, I decided that an opportunity such as this deserved an author willing to risk heart-sting to share the story. I felt, in every frame, a reminder that my apprehension was born out of the kind of reverence we only find in our heroes—and gratitude that I was able to find mine, despite the almost hundred years between us. Chaney played the grotesque, the outcast, the forgotten—and in doing so, he encouraged audiences to empathize with them. His performances gave those roles depth, dignity, and humanity in ways that had rarely been seen before and are still far too scarce. The beauty of empathy is that it does not require exact sameness to create a bond; its connection is born from the attempt to recognize experiences that, while different in circumstance, are universal in emotion. In its purest essence, the value of film will always be the ability it grants us to see ourselves where we are not. The further our connection reaches, the more we gain by moments we spend imagining. Famed portrayers of movie monsters have always held a special standing with me, but the one who taught me to feel with them … I call hero. Lon Chaney’s death did not mark the end of his influence. His films continued to captivate new audiences, particularly during the rise of “monster kid” culture in the 1960s. Forrest J Ackerman, creator of “Famous Monsters of Filmland,” ensured that Chaney’s image would never fade from memory. Many issues of “Famous Monsters” featured a full-page photograph of Chaney, accompanied by this declaration: “Born in 1886, Lon Chaney is now 75 years old—kept alive in the hearts of Robert Bloch, Jerome Bixby, Ray Bradbury, Forrest Ackerman, and all those who loved him. As long as there’s a FAMOUS MONSTERS , we have decided that there will always be one full-page foto devoted to the memory of Mr. Monster himself. Here he is in the climax of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA . END” “LON CHANEY SHALL NOT DIE.” And he hasn’t. As we mark the 100th anniversary of “The Phantom of the Opera” and “The Unholy Three” his work continues to inspire filmmakers, actors, and special effects artists. Chaney’s legacy proves that the language of cinema—of movement, expression, and transformation—needs no words to endure. Even so, here I offer around a thousand words to the Man of a Thousand Faces, so that I may join the efforts of countless others before me.

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH INATURALIST AND THE CITY NATURE CHALLENGE Earth Day is a reminder of our deep connection to the natural world. Here in Polk County, we’re surrounded by wild beauty, from the pines of the Green Swamp to the wind-swept ridges of the Lake Wales Ridge. But how often do we pause to notice the tracks in the sand, the flutter of a butterfly, or the call of a bird overhead? This year, go beyond enjoying nature and help conserve it. With just a smartphone and a little curiosity, you can become a citizen scientist by using iNaturalist, a free app that allows anyone to document plants, animals, and fungi in their local environment. From April 25-28, Polk County will join the City Nature Challenge, a worldwide event where people compete to document the most species in their communities. It’s a chance to explore, sharpen your wildlife-spotting skills, and contribute valuable data all while having fun in our wild spaces. JOIN THE CITY NATURE CHALLENGE The challenge events this year include guided hikes, scavenger hunts, and BioBlitzes, which are timed events where volunteers work together to catalog as many species as possible. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just enjoy a walk in the woods, there’s an event for you. One highlight is the Bellini Preserve BioBlitz on Saturday, April 26, where nature lovers will gather to document species in one of Polk County’s newest nature preserves. You can find more information and RSVP by scanning the QR Code, below. OTHER EVENTS INCLUDE: · Sunset BioBlitz at Se7en Wetlands – April 25 · Colt Creek State Park iNaturalist Scavenger Hunt – April 26 • Wetland Bioblitz at Tiger Creek Preserve – April 26 · Lake Wales Ridge Guided Hike – April 27 Find the full event list at is.gd/Azkkfk . WHY DOES BIODIVERSITY DATA MATTER? Biodiversity is the foundation of a healthy environment. It affects everything from the pollination of crops to clean water filtration in wetlands to the balance of predator and prey in an ecosystem. The greater the variety of species in an area, the more resilient it is to change and damage. Unfortunately, Florida is losing biodiversity at an alarming rate. Habitat loss due to construction and development, pollution, climate change, and invasive species threaten native plants and animals, often before we fully understand their role in the ecosystem. Even small changes, such as the disappearance of a single pollinator species, can have cascading effects on the plants and wildlife that depend on it. Traditionally, we have relied on academic research to monitor these changes, but scientific studies take time and are expensive to conduct. Advances in citizen science (like iNaturalist and the City Nature Challenge) help researchers gather data faster and at a larger scale, reducing costs while expanding our understanding of biodiversity. The observations collected by everyday nature enthusiasts provide real-time insights that scientists and land managers use to make informed conservation decisions. That’s why efforts like the City Nature Challenge are critical. By documenting species with iNaturalist, everyday people can help scientists track population changes, monitor the spread of invasive species, and identify areas in need of conservation efforts. At a time when research funding is increasingly limited, citizen science helps bridge the gap—ensuring we have the data needed to protect and manage our ecosystems. THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING RARE PLANTS Polk County sits at the heart of the Lake Wales Ridge, an ancient sandy highland that was once a chain of islands when much of Florida was underwater. This isolation allowed plants and animals to evolve here that exist nowhere else on Earth. However, many of these species are endangered. Take sandhill lupine (Lupinus cumulicola), a rare wildflower found only in Florida’s dry, sandy habitats. Endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge and surrounding sandhills, this species thrives in scrubby flatwoods and longleaf pine ecosystems. Its seeds germinate best in open, sunlit areas created by periodic fires. Without fire, taller vegetation crowds it out, making it difficult to survive. Though rare, it can still be locally abundant in Polk County, making it an excellent species to document during the City Nature Challenge. Other rare plants, like the Florida perforate reindeer lichen (Cladonia perforate), help stabilize sandy soils, while yellow butterworts (Pinguicula lutea) rely on trapping insects for nutrients in nutrient-poor wetlands. Many of these species are increasingly at risk due to habitat loss and development. One of the most effective ways to protect these species is through land conservation. Here in Polk County, residents recently took a bold step for conservation. A voter-approved ballot initiative set aside funding to purchase and protect natural areas, ensuring they remain wild for future generations. Bellini Preserve is one of the first properties acquired through this initiative, meaning it will be permanently protected rather than lost to development. CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH ACTION So how can you make the most of Earth Day this year? · STEP OUTSIDE. Visit a state park, nature preserve, or even your own backyard. Look closely at the wild plants and animals around you. What flowers are blooming? What insects are buzzing by? · DOCUMENT WHAT YOU SEE. Download iNaturalist, take photos of wildlife, and upload your observations. Every bit of data helps scientists understand and protect Florida’s ecosystems. · JOIN AN EVENT. Sign up for a City Nature Challenge BioBlitz and experience the thrill of discovering new species with fellow nature lovers. Conservation isn’t just something scientists do; it’s something we all play a role in. Every observation, every effort to appreciate Florida’s wild spaces, adds to the bigger picture. This Earth Day, let’s come together as a community to explore, observe, and protect the incredible biodiversity that makes Polk County special. If you have questions or want to learn more about natural resources in Polk County, contact scarnevale@ufl.edu . You can also find upcoming workshops and events at polkcountyextension.eventbrite.com .

Many homeowners have mature, established landscapes that require updates and changes. Mature landscapes present unique opportunities and challenges for homeowners as maintenance needs shift. Plants can outgrow their space, homeowners make alterations to property and landscapes, and plant health can decline over time. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if your landscape needs an update: 1. Do you have a hedge that you are constantly pruning? It may be time to remove it and select a shrub that will not grow as large. 2. Do you have plants that are severely affected by drought conditions? If you have plants that really struggle during periods of drought, consider finding a more drought-tolerant alternative. 3. Do you have plants that just don’t look good? It may be that they are in the wrong place or that they are past their prime. It’s okay to replace struggling plants if you aren’t happy with their appearance! Landscaping updates and maintenance can be easy if you have a plan. Follow these tips to before making modifications to your landscape. 1. RETAIN VS. REMOVE: CREATE A PLAN How do you determine what plants to keep and which ones to remove? Plants that are high maintenance, planted in the wrong place, susceptible to pests, or not to your liking might be a reason to remove. Before removing plants, create a plan. Analyze your landscape and figure out what goes and what stays. Working with a plan will help you when you are ready to make changes to your landscape. Remember to retain and protect native plant material and remove plants listed as invasive on the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas: assessment.ifas.ufl.edu . 2. TIME TO REPLANT: RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE When you finally decide to make that first trip to the nursery (with your plan in hand), you should have some idea of what you are going to purchase. Having a plan will help you pick out that shrub, perennial, or tree that will work with the site conditions in your yard. Ensuring that you find the right plant for the right place in your yard is critical to a low-maintenance and sustainable landscape. Is the plant going to be in a sunny or shady location? Is the soil sandy or does it retain water? Are there structural limitations you must take into consideration (such as power lines or roof overhangs)? Your plan should address all of these obstacles before your trip to the nursery, making shopping and selection a lot easier. It is also important to know the plant’s maintenance requirements prior to purchase. Drought tolerance, low maintenance, and minimal fertilizer and pesticide needs are some things you may want to take into consideration. Just how much time and money do you want to spend on that plant? Utilize UF/ IFAS Extension landscaping and gardening resources to help in selection: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Plant Guide: ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/plant-guide Gardening Solutions: gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu 3. ESTABLISHED TREES AND SHRUBS Working with a mature, established landscape is great because the framework is already there. If you are a new homeowner and aren’t sure where to start, live with your landscape for a few months and then you will realize the changes you want to make. Managing Tree Canopies Properly: Mature trees provide essential benefits, including cooling shade and erosion control. However, they require periodic evaluation for structural integrity and proper pruning is critical. Certified arborists can assess tree health and recommend necessary interventions. Lawn and Groundcover Adaptations: As landscapes mature, changes in sun exposure due to tree growth can affect lawn health. Shaded areas may experience thinning grass, necessitating a transition to shade-tolerant groundcovers and plants. Water Conservation Strategies: Mature landscapes require less irrigation than newly established plantings, but efficient water management remains critical. Adjust irrigation schedules based on seasonal rainfall and plant needs, transition planting beds to microirrigation, and cap or cut use to zones that no longer need regular irrigation. Landscaping a mature, established landscape requires a balance between preservation and adaptation. By following UF/IFAS Extension recommendations, homeowners can maintain healthy, sustainable, and visually appealing outdoor spaces. Regular assessments, proper pruning, and water conservation ensure that mature landscapes continue to thrive for years to come. 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, 9:00 am-4:00 pm to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Visit us in person, give us a call, or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu . Stay up to date with our monthly gardening and landscaping newsletter substack.com/@ yourcentralfloridayard and the podcast, “Your Central Florida Yard” (on Apple and Spotify). 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.

As Winter Haven entered the1920s the U.S. Census listed the population at 1597 people - a small but motivated populace that had embarked on big projects like connecting the areas lakes by canals. Armed with “can do” optimism, they welcomed the “roaring twenties” with gusto. Winter Haven’s City Hall circa 1923. It was torn down in the late 1960s to make way for a Royal Castle restaurant. Currently Popeye’s location. NEW CITY HALL: In 1920, a bond issue was approved to build a new City Hall on the SW corner of Sixth St. and Central Ave, SW. It would literally replace a substandard corrugated structure that had served that purpose on the site. The building was a bold statement for the fledgling community and housed both the Police and Fire Departments on the first floor, with rooms for the city administration, Chamber of Commerce, a courtroom and jail on the upper level. It would open in 1923. HAVEN HOTEL: The year was 1921 and Winter Haven residents R. H. Ross and J. Walker Pope (father of Cypress Gardens founder Richard “Dick” Pope) decided the city needed a good hotel. They sold stock to local residents and construction was soon started. However, it only got as far as the iron framework “skeleton” before the project ran short on funds. To resume work, bonds were sold to raise the needed funds and construction soon resumed. By late October 1924 the hotel was what the Florida Chief (forerunner of the News Chief) called “one of the most magnificent in the country,” The Haven Hotel was ready to open and a sunny late October day found 350 of Winter Haven’s then 1600 residents gathered to celebrate the opening of the six-story coquina shell building overlooking Lake Howard. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: In September of 1923 the Board of Trade transitioned to become the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce with offices in the new City Hall. CITY COMMISSION: On January 1, 1924, the village implemented a City Commission/City Manager form of government having outgrown the town council format. Originally there were three commissioners, and today there are five. Television star Garry Moore (with back to camera) speaks to thousands gathered in the Lake Silver Amphitheatre during the 1957 Citrus Exposition. Double ferris wheel in background was the northern terminus of the midway on Third St. NW THE ORANGE FESTIVAL IS BORN: A significant agricultural celebration was born in 1924 as the Polk County Orange Festival. The Orange Festival was the brainchild of Dr. R. A. Nichols, pastor of the Christian Church in Winter Haven. He had been a lecturer for several years on the Chautauqua Circuit (a traveling tent show in the early 1900s that brought cultural programs such as lectures, music and plays to remote areas of the country). He had witnessed the crowds that were attracted to many county fairs and was reminded of their popularity when he happened across an article about the Portland, Oregon Rose Show. Dr. Nichols took his idea to the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce that at the time had a considerable membership for a town of 2,000 people. The Chamber immediately embraced the concept and four months later the first Orange Festival was held on January 22, 23 and 24, 1924. The Festival would grow to become the Florida Orange Festival, later the Florida Citrus Exposition and finally the Florida Citrus Showcase. From humble beginnings in 1924, the festival brought millions of people to Winter Haven to celebrate citrus with fresh fruit displays, popular television and radio shows, and spectacular midways. But as the industry moved away from fresh fruit, major theme parks opened and disease ravaged what was left of our once proud groves, the festival folded in 2008. THE BANKER’S CUP AWARD: The Banker’s Cup Award is considered our community’s highest honor. The first award in 1923 was sponsored by the Winter Haven Clearing House Association (serving the three local banks at the time) and presented at the last annual meeting of the Board of Trade. The tradition continued with the exception of war years 1943-45 (and more recently 2020 due to Covid) honoring one individual each year. In 1965 the award was expanded to honor both a man and woman annually. From 1923 through 1996, a person was required to win the honor three times to take permanent possession of the large loving cup, with most receiving a smaller token cup as a permanent memento at the end of their year. In 1997, the award committee changed the process and now permanently awards the cup to each year’s recipients. The 2024 recipients are Jane McGinnis and T. Michael Stavres. Land agents in Central Park await the charter train bringing land speculators from northern states to Winter Haven during the 1920s Florida land boom. THE BOOM BEGINS: Many factors contributed to Florida’s land boom of the 1920s but none more than World War I. During the war, wealthy U.S. families could not travel to such places as the French Riviera and had to find alternate tourism destinations. The east coast railroad had been completed to the Miami area and the tropical landscape, ocean beaches and breeze opened the door to what would become Miami’s primary economic engine at the time — tourism. The influx of tourists and money created excitement, optimism, and land sales. Construction of homes and accommodations grew to a fever pitch, and a gridlock of building supplies developed among the railways. The blockage was so acute that the railroads declared a moratorium on construction freight and only allowed essential shipments such as food and medical supplies. Ironically, an accidental sinking of a ship in the mouth of Miami’s harbor prevented the last viable delivery point from accepting construction materials. That fact, plus the Hurricane of 1926, coupled with poor construction standards, meant that by the end of that year, the boom was a bust. Real estate values in Florida evaporated, and many individuals, companies, and municipalities defaulted on loans and bonds. Winter Haven would be among them. This would foreshadow the Great Depression. Central Avenue looking west. Williamson Theater (now Ritz) is on the right. WILLIAMSON/RITZ THEATER: January 28, 1925, the Williamson (now The Ritz) Theater opened to great fanfare. Originally equipped for silent movies and Vaudeville, the theater transitioned to “talkies” and was renamed the “Ritz” in 1932. POSTSCRIPT Of note during a tumultuous decade is the founding of the Winter Haven Rotary Club, which celebrates its centennial in 2025. And in 2027 the Garden Club of Winter Haven will mark its 100th Anniversary. Both plan special commemorations. Next Month: The 1930s: Winter Haven Defies the Great Depression

You can find more pictures and more information about each of these spots at goodfoodpolk.com or visit us on our socials @goodfoodpolk. Louise’s Cafe Louise’s Cafe serves soul-warming, flavor-packed Soul food and breakfast all day. We had the wings smothered in two sauces, the cheesesteak on a toasted bun, and the fried okra. Louise’s Cafe is located at Dewdney Plaza, 1654 First Street N, Winter Haven. Brake Burger Garage The crispy waffle fries, smash burgers, and chicken tenders are from Brake Burger Garage in Lake Wales. With a brand-new Beer Garden out back, this is a great place to hang out with friends and grab a bite to eat. Located at 206 E State Rd 60, Lake Wales. TigerTown We went to a Detroit Tigers Spring Training game and had more than peanuts. Pictured are the chicken tenders and a cheeseburger with fries. Now that the Tigers are gone, we’re heading to a Flying Tigers game with the same great food. Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium is located at 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland. Cheryl’s Cakes We celebrated National Pound Cake Day with a couple of slices from Cheryl’s Cakes located next to Louise’s Cafe.

NCAA WOMENS FINAL FOUR April 3 – 6 throughout Tampa beginning with a festival jam packed with special appearances, interactive games, giveaways, basketball contests, food, licensed merch and more! Watch an open practice with two participating teams, attend a free concert by GloRilla, and more. ncaa.com/womens-final-four . SPRING EDITION: PAINT & SIP April 7, 6:30 pm at Armature works. Get step-by-step instructions on how to paint a seasonal inspired wine glass – the perfect addition to your next event or to give as a gift. Guests 21+ are invited to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine. Supplies included, purchase tickets in advance. armatureworks.com DOME NIGHT: PINK FLOYD April 3, 5:30 pm at The Dalí Dome at The Dali. Celebrate and experience “Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon” while encompassed in 360 degrees of sight, sound and sensation. This experience offers a glimpse into creative worlds that are both remarkably insightful and fantastically unconventional. Purchase tickets in advance. thedali.org YBOR CITY INDIE FLEA April 6, noon – 4 pm at The Cuban Club. Find artisanal and handmade goods, plants, vintage collectors, jewelry, gifts, art, and more. Beyond vendors, you’ll find local food and drink, music and good vibes. This is family/pet friendly and an ecoconscious event. theindieflea.com TAMPA BAY RAYS Rays Up! You have 17 chances to watch the Rays play in April at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Rays stadium, Tropicana Field in St. Pete, was significantly damaged by Hurricane Milton. They will go up against the Pirates, Angels, Braves, Red Sox, Yankees, and the Royals. raysbaseball.com MAINSAIL ART FESTIVAL April 5 & 6 at Vinoy Park in St. Pete. One of the premier cultural events, where more than 100,000 visitors attend the festival to enjoy and purchase quality art. They will also have live music, a kid’s activity tent, food, a student show and more. Artists will compete for $60,000 in prize money. mainsailart.org FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at Busch Gardens. Guests can purchase culinary delights, craft brews, wine, and cocktails for an additional charge through May 18. Park guests can also experience free, live concert performances with park admission. buschgardens.com EASTER COOKIE DECORATING CLASS April 18, 6 pm at Armature Works. Join Ellie Mae’s Bakery for a fun and creative Easter-themed cookie decorating class! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to decorate a beautiful set of Easter Cookies to take home while sipping on wine. Purchase tickets in advance. armatureworks.com FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB April 5, 7 am at the Bank of America Plaza in Tampa. Climb 42 flights of stairs (914 steps) to the top. Proceeds go to the American Lung Association. Every type of climber is welcome, whether competitive, or taking it at your own pace. The Climb team will be there for support. action.lung.org MUSIC FEST April 26 & 27 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival Music Fest will feature: Full Force Brothers, Eric Darius, Brick featuring Jimmy Brown, Boney James, Jeffrey Bradshaw and Friends, Morris Day and the Time, and more. Family-friendly, bring chairs, kids 12 and under are free. tampablackheritage.org

BEER ‘MERICA April 5, 6 – 9 pm at Gaston Edwards Park at Lake Ivanhoe. In celebration of American Craft Beer Week, Beer ‘Merica will feature 100 different American craft brews to sample plus food trucks, live entertainment and a fireworks show. VIP available for an additional charge. beermericaorlando.com DISNEY’S THE LION KING April 23 – May 18 at Dr. Phillips Center. The Serengeti comes to life as never before. As the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. More than 100 million people have experienced the visual artistry, the music, and the theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular and winner of six Tony Awards. This is a must-see. drphillipscenter.org FIESTA IN THE PARK April 5 & 6 from 10 am – 5 pm. Bring the family and stroll around Lake Eola while browsing hundreds of unique artist and craft booths, food vendors, and a beer garden. They will also have live entertainment and a kids’ zone for the whole family. fiestainthepark.com WINTER PARK PAINT OUT April 20 – 26. Twenty-two professionally acclaimed plein air artists will paint outside at the Polasek Museum and at other locations throughout Winter Park and Orlando. All are invited to watch the painting demonstrations. Artwork will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds going to the Museum. winterparkpaintout.org SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL Throughout April at Sea World. Family-friendly and foodie approved, purchase food from over 190 mouthwatering dishes inspired by global cuisines. Watch live concerts every Saturday, and additional performances on select Fridays and Sundays. Admission to Seven Seas is included with admission to Sea World. seaworld.com JAZZ & BLUES CONCERT April 12, 7 pm at Leu Gardens. Hear the Dave Capp Project featuring France Neil, Betty Fox Band, and Velvet 45 performing in three locations in the 50-acre gardens. Bring chairs or a blanket and sit wherever you’d like on any lawn area or find a nice spot in a gazebo. Bring a picnic and relax. leugardens.org FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL April 11 – 20. An Oscar-qualifying festival with 170+ films, 27 world premieres, representing 41 countries. Through 10 days of films and first-class events, film lovers mingle with filmmakers and celebrities over hand-crafted cocktails and a delicious menu at Eden Bar and inside Enzian Theater. floridafilmfestival.com RUN FOR THE TREES April 26, 7:30 am at Ward Park in Winter Park. The last mile of the 5k race is on the tree-canopied, wilderness dirt road of Genius Drive. This privately owned glimpse of old Florida is opened to the public only once a year, for this event. All inperson finishers receive a young tree! Walkers welcome. trackshack.com/event/108 BREWS AROUND THE ZOO April 12, 5 – 9 pm at the Central Florida Zoo. Features beer tasting stations with more than 35 different craft beers to choose from. They also offer wine & seltzer for those who aren’t a fan of beer. Buy the Tasting Trail Pass in addition to your ticket and eat. Must be 21+. VIP available for an additional charge. centralfloridazoo.org SCIENCE AND WINE April 26, 7 pm at the Orlando Science Center. Enjoy an evening of live music, food, and wine tastings from diverse regions and meet sommeliers while experiencing all that the Center has to offer. Guests can participate in a silent auction, all proceeds benefit the Center. osc.org

CARILLON CLASSIC 5K April 5, 7 am at Bok Tower Gardens. With beautiful scenery and a challenging course, the race has become an annual tradition for running enthusiasts. This race is unique, the Singing Tower’s bells are musical encouragement as you run. A kid’s fun run with a shorter course will begin after the 5k. boktowergardens.org SEUSSICAL JR. April 18 at 6:30 pm and April 19 at 2:30 pm at Theatre Winter Haven. The Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers. theatrewinterhaven.com ROCKIN’ ON THE CHAIN A three-day event benefiting Autism and Special Needs on April 4 – 6 at Tanners Lakeside. Over 25 bands will perform, plus food trucks, raffles, 50/50 raffle, and live auctions. Win big while supporting a great cause! FB @Rockinonthechainbenefitingautismspecialneeds BATTLE OF THE BANDS April 13, 5 pm at Union Hall in Lakeland. High School garage bands from Polk, Orange, Osceola, Hillsborough, and Pinellas join together to face off in this amazing concert experience. Musicians will be competing in three different categories: Best Cover Band, Best Original Band, and Best in Show. Free to watch! FB Cordero Music SUN ‘N FUN AEROSPACE EXPO April 1 – 6 at SUN ‘n FUN. The Expo will include a daily airshow, two night airshows, the US Navy Blue Angels, fireworks, acres of aircraft to explore, hands-on activities for kids, a new aviation playground, 500 exhibitors, an opening night concert with Tyler Hubbard, and more. Find the full schedule and tickets at flysnf.org . WINE DOWNTOWN April 10, 4 – 8 pm. Explore Lake Wales businesses with Lake Wales Main Street. Your ticket includes a swag bag, map of participating locations, and assorted wines/craft beers paired with food items at each location. Purchase tickets at centralfloridatix.com SONGKRAN THAI FESTIVAL April 6, noon – 6 pm at Grove Roots Brewing. Celebrate the Thai New Year with a full cultural immersion. There will be tons of Thai food vendors creating a food market across the entire beer garden, Thai dancing exhibitions, karaoke, water guns, and more! FB @groverootsbrewing EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE April 20 at Bok Tower Gardens. Experience Easter as the sun rises across Iron Mountain. The service will include carillon music, sacred hymns, and inspirational messages from a local reverend. Gates open at 6 am, free admission to all until 8 am. Breakfast buffet for purchase at 7:30 am. boktowergardens.org BINGO April 9 & 23 at Bowen Yard. FREE BINGO! Grab your friends, find a table outside, enjoy delicious food from SIX amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes! Second and fourth Wednesday of every month. More info on FB @ bowenyardwh. LAKELAND BOOK CRAWL April 24-26. Seven participating bookstores will offer Book Crawl specials every day of the event from 10 am – 5 pm. Start at Bookends in North Lakeland to get your official Book Crawl passport. Visit lakelandbookcrawl.com for participating bookstores and more info about the ending party.

THIS IS WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE By Susan Rogers & Ogi Ogas Have you ever been moved by a piece of music? So much so that you danced like no one was watching, sang at the top of your lungs, or were possibly even brought to tears? Award-winning professor of cognitive neuroscience, Susan Rogers (also one of the most successful female record producers of all time) explains the science of music that reveals the secrets of why your favorite songs move you. Rogers also pulls from her insider knowledge to illuminate the music of Prince, Kanye West and many others. A mustread for any musicophile. THE ROAD TO WOODSTOCK By Michael Lang In August 1969, four inexperienced promoters gave music lovers something they didn’t even know they wanted, the Woodstock Music & Art Fair. The event got off to a shaky start but ended as one of the most significant moments in music history with an unexpected 460,000 people attending what ended up being a free concert. Michael Lang, one of the more experienced promoters, provides his backstage pass account of the hectic road to that historic weekend. THE JAZZ MEN By Larry Tye The kings of jazz – Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie – share their path of becoming the most popular entertainers on the planet by way of a history lesson of Black America in the early-to-mid 1900s. Breaking boundaries of race and discrimination, they singlehandedly wrote the soundtrack for the civil rights movement using the techniques that have come to define the genre, including improvisation and complex chords. IT’S A LONG STORY: MY LIFE By Willie Nelson Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993, Willie Nelson has lived anything but a boring life. Here, the nonconformist shares his journey from Texas to Nashville to Hawaii and back. His eight-decade career and life journey include songwriting, marriages, selling vacuum cleaners, and fires all while laying the groundwork for what would explode into country music’s Outlaw movement – blending country, rock, and folk. ABSOLUTELY ON MUSIC By Haruki Murakami Crack open this conversation between bestselling author Haruki Murakami and his friend Seiji Ozawa, former conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The two share a passion for music and over the course of two years discuss everything from Brahms to Leonard Bernstein, to Murakami’s ten-day visit to the banks of Lake Geneva to observe Ozawa’s retreat for young musicians. Full of insight, this read will delight fans of classical music. TUPAC SHAKUR By Staci Robinson Controversial? Yes. Misunderstood? Yes. Influential? Yes. Nearly thirty years after his death in 1996 at the age of just twenty-five, Tupac Shakur continues to be one of the most influential figures in modern music history. Author Staci Robinson, who personally knew Tupac, unravels the myths and complexities that shadowed his life and career, and reveals the man that was unafraid to tell the raw truths about race in America through song. GIRLS LIKE US By Sheila Weller Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon blazed a trail, collectively impacting a generation of girls who came of age in the late 1960s. Confessing their lives through songwriting and becoming rock superstars, this triple biography that reads like fiction, shares their three distinct stories. With beginnings that range from Canadian farmers to the Manhattan intellectual upper crust, their life stories provide the rare glimpse into the female version of the mythic sixties’ generation. ME By Elton John By the age of twenty-three, the shy boy from the London suburbs was performing his first show in America and the music world would never be the same. Through vivid storytelling, Elton John shares his struggles with addiction, his journey of acceptance and finding his true self, and countless anecdotes with stars from across the decades. One of the top-selling solo artists of all time (and also one of the most philanthropic), Sir Elton John does not disappoint.

THE GARDEN By Clare Beams In 1948, pregnant Irene Willard, who’s had five previous miscarriages, stays with a husbandand-wife team of doctors who are pioneering a cure for her condition, where she discovers a long-forgotten garden, a place imbued with its own powers and pulls, making a desperate bid to harness the garden’s power despite the consequences. SECRETLY YOURS By Tessa Bailey Returning home to his family’s winery, Professor Julian Vos, on sabbatical from his ivy league job, finds himself distracted from his plans to write a novel by eccentric, chronically late, unbelievably beautiful gardener Hallie Welch, who is a burst of color in his grayscale life. THE GARDENER’S PLOT By Deborah J. Benoit Maggie Walker has always loved gardening, so it’s only natural to sign on to help Violet Bloom set up a community garden. But when Maggie finds a boot buried in one of the plots… and there’s a body attached to it, suddenly the police are looking for a killer. Maggie doesn’t believe her friend could do this, and she’s going to prove it. THE SPELLSHOP By Sarah Beth Durst When the Great Library of Alyssium goes up in flames, introverted librarian Kiela and her sentient spider plant flee to the faraway island of her childhood where she opens a spellshop to restore the island’s power, coming out of her shell to make a new life for herself. THE GARDEN AGAINST TIME By Olivia Laing Inspired by the restoration of her own 18th-century walled garden in Suffolk, the widely acclaimed writer and critic, moving between real and imagined gardens, interrogates the sometimes-shocking cost of making paradise on earth, resulting in an intricately woven tapestry of the many possibilities gardens can hold. THIS POISON HEART By Kalynn Bayron While learning to control her gift, the ability to grow plants from tiny seeds to rich blooms, Briseis must use her powers to save her family from a centuries-old curse as dark forces surround her. MIA MAYHEM AND THE WILD GARDEN By Kara West Tasked to grow her own plant with super seeds collected from all corners of the Earth and beyond, Mia finds herself in a unbe-LEAFable situation when it won’t stop growing until it takes over the world! PLANT THE TINY SEED By Christie Matheson Rhyming text and illustrations invite young readers to follow the stages of flower growth as a tiny seed matures and blooms into a beautiful flower.