After the recent cold weather, many central Florida homeowners got a reminder that our plants are not immune to frost and freeze damage. January and February are typically Central Florida’s coldest months, and this year’s extended stretch of temperatures in the 20s caused significant stress to many of our landscapes. Once the threat of freezing temperatures has passed, it’s time to shift from plant protection to recovery. Knowing when, and how, to help your plants recover is key to maintaining a healthy central Florida yard. UNDERSTANDING FREEZE DAMAGE Not all cold damage looks the same. The severity of damage depends on several key factors: • HOW LOW TEMPERATURES FALL. Some plants, such as orchids, can be damaged at temperatures well above freezing. It’s important to know the hardiness zones that your plants can grow and survive in. • HOW QUICKLY TEMPERATURES DROP. Sudden cold snaps cause more harm because plants lack time to acclimate. We certainly saw that occur! • HOW LONG COLD CONDITIONS LAST. Extended freezes increase the likelihood of serious injury, and with prolonged nights in the 20s we are seeing damage that has not been seen in many years. During freezing weather, ice crystals can form inside plant tissue rupturing cell walls. This often results in browning leaves, wilted stems, and/or mushy foliage. Some damage appears immediately, while other symptoms may take days to develop. Once the danger of cold temperatures has passed and frost blankets are put away, it’s time to assess your plants and help them recover. AFTER A COLD SNAP IT’S IMPORTANT TO WATER One of the most important first steps after a frost/ freeze is watering. Cold weather can leave soil dry or even partially frozen, limiting water uptake. Watering helps: • Thaw the root zone • Rehydrate stressed roots • Support early recovery processes Resist the urge to fertilize. Fertilizer encourages tender new growth that is highly vulnerable if temperatures dip again. Wait until consistent spring warmth before applying fertilizer and always follow UF/IFAS Extension recommendations. DON’T PRUNE TOO SOON After cold weather, many gardeners reach for their pruning shears too quickly. It’s so tempting when everything is brown! In Central Florida, hold off on doing any pruning until March. Why do we suggest waiting until March? Damaged leaves and stems serve an important purpose by insulating and protecting plants from late cold snaps, which can still occur in late February. By March, new growth usually begins to appear, making it easier to see what is truly alive and will help you know where to prune on the plant. When pruning: • Scratch the bark lightly with your fingernail • Green tissue indicates living growth • Brown or black tissue is likely dead Some plants may need to be cut back to the ground if all the above-ground tissue is dead. Most plants will recover and sprout back from the ground. If there is regrowth, you can easily see where to prune, which is back to the new growth. Damage to plants depends on a variety of factors and it’s helpful to wait and see what the plants do on their own before we pull out the pruners. RECOGNIZING DELAYED DAMAGE Not all cold injury is immediate. Some plants may look fine at first, then develop browning or leaf drop over the following weeks. Plants such as bananas, papaya, wild coffee, and firebush often die back to the ground but resprout from healthy roots once temperatures rise. Annual bedding plants, seasonal vegetables, and severely damaged tropicals may not recover. Spring-blooming plants that flower on the past season’s growth may not bloom this year if that growth was lost. Woody plants like citrus and hibiscus may show weak or uneven regrowth. Patience is the most important tool after a frost/ freeze! COLD-DAMAGED PALMS: PATIENCE IS KEY! Palm recovery requires patience! Palms, in general, are slow-growing and recovery from pests, disease, and other stressors is slow. Some palms take up to a year to show meaningful improvement after a hard freeze! If your palms were damaged, keep these guidelines in mind: 1. DAMAGED FRONDS WILL NOT RECOVER. Yellowed, browned, or spotted fronds will never return to a normal green frond. New growth is only from the spear leaf at the top of the plant. 2. CHECK THE SPEAR LEAF CAREFULLY. Wait several weeks after a freeze, then gently pull on it. If it comes out easily, appears mushy, or smells foul, damage may be present. If the palm is too tall to assess, just wait. Do not prune any damaged fronds and hold out for the new growth to appear. If you are able to pull the spear leaf out, consider applying a labeled copper fungicide which may help reduce potential fungal issues. Always follow label instructions, the label is the law, and you do not want to cause any further damage to the palm. If the spear remains firm, recovery is likely, though it may be slow. For gardeners interested in cold-hardy palm options, visit the demonstration garden at UF/IFAS Extension in Bartow. BE PATIENT BEFORE REMOVING PLANTS Even when plants look dead, avoid digging them up too quickly. Many shrubs and perennials recover slowly and may not show new growth until late spring or even early summer. Different species recover at different rates, and premature removal can mean losing a plant that would have survived. PREPARING FOR FUTURE COLD EVENTS … BRRR Once recovery is underway, it’s wise to begin planning for the next cold season. Simple strategies can significantly reduce damage: • Water before predicted freezes • Apply mulch around root zones • Use breathable fabric covers for protection and make sure they cover the plant to the ground. Designing your landscape with cold tolerance in mind also helps. Consider your USDA hardiness zone (9b–10a for us here in Central Florida), take advantage of warmer microclimates near buildings or under trees, consider growing tender plants in containers that can be easily moved indoors, and time fertilization and pruning to avoid encouraging winter growth. Thoughtful preparation now will make your landscape more resilient next winter. Freeze recovery is really about patience. Water wisely, delay pruning, resist fertilization, and give plants time to regrow. With careful observation and informed management, most Central Florida yards will recover. Learn from this cold event and prepare for next winter. If you have any questions about cold recovery in Central Florida yards, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ polk if you have questions on growing citrus. The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. If you are interested in purchasing a garden journal, contact the Plant Clinic. If you are not in Polk County, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic. To learn more about gardening and landscaping, listen to the “Your Central Florida Yard” podcast. You can find the podcast wherever you listen or find out more on our Substack: substack. com/@yourcentralfloridayard. Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/ IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.edu .

Los Comadres Restaurante Mexicano y Marisqueria We’re going to tell you one of our secrets, because we really like you. We’ve been holding on to this for a while, and it’s time to share. One of our most favorite brunch spots of all time is Los Comadres Restaurante Mexicano y Marisqueria in Lake Alfred. This hidden gem serves up authentic Mexican dishes, and we seriously can’t get enough. First things first, it’s so cute inside, the prices are great, and the service is excellent. It’s casual, it’s comfortable, and we want to come back every weekend. Let this be your reminder that some of the best meals are tucked away, locally loved, and worth seeking out on a Saturday morning. Trust us. Read more at goodfoodpolk.com

WINEFEST: WINEDERLAND March 6 & 7 at Tampa Theatre. This Alice in Wonderland-themed fundraiser encourages guests to explore the historic 1926 landmark while sampling boutique wines from around the world and enjoying bites from Tampa’s top independent restaurants, bid on silent auction items, and dress as your favorite character. tampatheatre.org MARCH MADNESS March 20 – 22 at the Benchmark International Arena. The University of South Florida hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Division Men’s Basketball Championship. Check out the NCAA Fan Experience, designed to bring you closer than ever before. benchmarkintlarena.com FOOD, WINE & GARDEN FESTIVAL March 6 – May 10 at Busch Gardens. Guests can purchase decadent eats and treats created just for this festival. Experience live concert performances every weekend included with your park admission, full schedule online. Upgrade to a VIP experience for an additional charge. buschgardens.com/tampa JOHN LEGEND March 18, 8 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall. An Evening of Songs & Stories! Legend’s live show will feature intimate renditions of his greatest hits and fan favorites from throughout his 13-time Grammywinning body of work, built over 20+ years, woven together with stories from his life and career. rutheckerdhall.com FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL March 1 – 8, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. at 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City. This annual spring celebration is packed with sweet strawberries, live music, rides, a midway with games, agriculture exhibits, fair food, and more. You’ve got to try the famous strawberry shortcake, too. flstrawberryfestival.com PATTY FEST March 13 – 15 at Williams Park in St. Pete. Three days of Irish culture featuring live music and dance performances, a vendor market, traditional Irish food, family-friendly activities, and Irish drinks and tastings. This is fun for all ages. Buy tickets at paddyfeststpete.com . THE SHARK IS BROKEN March 11 – April 5 at the Straz Center. Step aboard the Orca and celebrate movie history with a peek at the choppy waters behind Hollywood’s first blockbuster. There are short tempers. Short circuits. 95 minutes where the alcohol flows, egos collide, and tempers flare with no intermission. strazcenter.org ALICIA KEYS’ HELL’S KITCHEN March 24 – April 4 at the Straz Center. A musical from 16-time Grammy® Award winner Alicia Keys about growing up in N.Y. Rebellious and stifled by an overprotective single mother, Ali is lost until she meets her mentor. Set to the rhythm of the 90s, this is a love story between a mother and a daughter. strazcenter.org PICKLE PARTY March 11, 6 p.m. at Keel and Curley Winery. Learn the process of making pickled vegetables using different vinegars and spices. Designed for beginners and suitable for everyone, this class covers all the basics. You’ll go home with recipes and four different pickled goodies. Register at keelfarms.com PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL March 27 – April 12 at Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach. Eighteen professional sand sculptors from around the world will work their magic to transform the world-famous sugar sand into breathtaking sculptures. Guests will love the live music, artisan vendors, fireworks, and more. Full schedule at sugarsandfestival.com .

ART’S THE SPARK March 7, 10:30 a.m. - noon at the Orlando Museum of Art. Through interactive tours for those living with memory impairment or any other neurological impairment (such as early stage Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease) and their healthy caregivers. This is an expressive outlet and an opportunity for adult discussions. omart.org HAMLET March 21, 11 a.m. at the Enzian Theater. National Theatre Live is the National Theatre’s project to broadcast the best of British theatre from the London stage to cinemas around the world live. Olivier Awardwinner Hiran Abeysekera is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. enzian.org BREATHE WITH THE TREES March 5, 10 – 11 a.m. at Mead Botanical Garden. This is an introduction to nature-based relaxation training. Learn about “green immersion” through simple exercises that stimulate the senses, release endorphins, enhance mental clarity, neutralize anxiety, lift the weight of fatigue, and replenish the spirit. meadgarden.org SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL March 20 – 22 at Central Park along Park Ave in Winter Park. This is one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious outdoor art festivals. The festival features a wide variety of fine arts and crafts, live music and entertainment, children’s activities, and more. wpsaf.org FAT HAM March 4 – 29 at Orlando Shakes. This Southern-fried take on Hamlet follows Juicy, a Southern college kid. When the ghost of his dead father appears at a family BBQ demanding revenge for his murder, Juicy must grapple with the decision to heed his phantom father’s advice or remain true to himself. Rated PGMA. orlandoshakes.org MEGACON March 19 – 22 at the Orange County Convention Center. Attention nerds! MEGACON is the place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph and a photo with your favorite celebrity, go behindthe-scenes with your top movies and TV shows, and show off your best cosplay. fanexpohq.com/ megaconorlando E.T. IN CONCERT March 14, 2:30 or 7:30 p.m. at Dr. Phillips Center. “E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial” (1982) follows the story of a lost alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy named Elliott. Experience this beloved movie, complete with John Williams’ score performed live by a full symphony orchestra in sync to the film. drphillipscenter.org WINTER PARK ROAD RACE March 28, 7:30 a.m. at Central Park in Winter Park. The 10K course goes through the historic brick streets of Winter Park, featuring slight inclines, tree-canopied roads, historic homes, and views of the lakes. The 2 Mile run benefits the Meridian Club Scholarship Fund. trackshack.com/ events/winter-park-road-race DIANA ROSS March 18, 8 p.m. at Dr. Phillips Center. Hear the voice of an icon when the one and only Queen of Motown visits Orlando with a decades-spanning career across music and film. Since her breakout success in the 1960s as the lead singer of The Supremes, the bestcharting female group in history, Diana has led an illustrious solo career. drphillipscenter.org EVENING AT THE POPS March 28, 6:30 – 9 p.m. at Newton Park in Winter Garden. The Plant Street Pops Orchestra will perform. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and blanket/chair to enjoy the show. Presented by the Rotary Club of Winter Garden, with co-sponsorship from the City of Winter Garden. Details & tickets at cwgdn.com .

ROOTSTOCK SPRING SALE March 7, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Rootstock Plant Sale is a garden lover’s dream! Shop from the state’s top plant vendors, take a hayride through the Pine Ridge Reserve, and enjoy live music on The Terrace. Celebrate spring with a walk through the gardens during peak bloom! boktowergardens.org SPRING GARDEN PARTY March 21, 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. at BowenYard. This is a full day of fun beginning with a free yoga class at 10 a.m., vendor market from 1 – 6 p.m., live music from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Plus, join the plant swap with The Potting Bench, and food and drink specials all day including an ourdoor cocktail bar from Maritime. IG @bowenyard POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK March 6 -15 at participating locations throughout Polk County. Your favorite local restaurants will be featuring tacos this week! Try ice cream tacos, cake tacos, hot chicken tacos, and even dog biscuit tacos. Check goodfoodpolk.com/tacoweek for up-to-date participating restaurants, taco specials, and more. SPRING WINE WALK March 14, 2 – 5 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Break out the leg warmers because the Totally 80’s Wine Walk is serving up gnarly nostalgia with every sip! Sample 12 wines with Chef Matt’s totally tubular snack pairings designed to elevate every pour. After-Party is from 5 – 7 p.m. Purchase tickets at boktowergardens.org LSO COOKIE CONCERT March 1, 1- 3 p.m. at Branscomb Auditorium in Lakeland. Designed for 5th-grade students, this 45-minute performance by the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra celebrates the wonder of the natural world. Instrument exploration from 1-2 p.m., concert from 2-3 p.m. Free, no ticket required. lkldsymphony.org RELAY FOR LIFE March 13, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven. Join this special event and celebrate local survivors, caregivers, and after the sun sets see the luminaria bags lit up. This fundraiser helps fund research and gives free services to local residents currently in treatment. relayforlife.org/polkfl BLOOMIN’ ARTS FESTIVAL March 7 & 8, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Downtown Bartow. Featuring over 100 talented artists and craftspeople showcasing their original works. Visitors will enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. The festival will have a car show, a quilt show, and more. Details at bartowbloominarts.org . BARK IN THE PARK March 27, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven by Main Street Winter Haven. Shop vendors offering tasty dog treats and dog accessories. Watch the Annual Wiener Dog Race, and more. All dogs welcome, please keep them on a leash. For more information visit mainstreetwh.com . COMMUNITYFEST March 7, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven. Visit the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce’s annual event for a full day of free family-friendly fun. Bring the kids for games, live entertainment, character meet & greets, fun activities, food trucks, music, and so much more. winterhavenchamber.com LAKELAND PUNK ROCK FLEA March 29, noon – 6 p.m. at Swan Brewing. This family-friendly event is free to attend and will have eight bands playing throughout the day, over 50 market vendors from all over Central Florida selling handmade punk rock jewelry, art, clothing, used vinyl, and more. Craft beer and food available for purchase. FB @lakelandpunkflea

LSO COOKIE CONCERT March 1, 1- 3 p.m. at Branscomb Auditorium in Lakeland. Designed for 5th-grade students, this 45-minute performance by the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra celebrates the wonder of the natural world. Instrument petting zoo and musical storytime from 1-2 p.m., concert from 2-3 p.m. Free, no ticket required. lkldsymphony.org BLOOMIN’ ARTS FESTIVAL March 7 & 8, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Downtown Bartow. Featuring over 100 talented artists and craftspeople showcasing their original works. Visitors will enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. The festival will have a car show, a quilt show, and more. Details at bartowbloominarts.org . LAKELAND RECORD FAIR March 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Lake Mirror Auditorium. Join Jesse Carl Vinyl for VOLUME VII of the Lakeland Record Fair! Shop from 25+ vendors selling used and new LPs, CDs, cassettes, 7” singles, memorabilia, and more! Local food & coffee for purchase. $5 admission at the door. FB @JesseCarlVinyl ROOTSTOCK SPRING SALE March 7, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Rootstock Plant Sale is a garden lover’s dream! Shop from the state’s top plant vendors, take a hayride through the Pine Ridge Reserve, and enjoy live music on The Terrace. Celebrate spring with a walk through the gardens during peak bloom! boktowergardens.org POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK March 6 -15 at participating locations throughout Polk County. Your favorite local restaurants will be featuring tacos this week! Try ice cream tacos, cake tacos, hot chicken tacos, and even dog biscuit tacos. Check goodfoodpolk.com for up-todate participating restaurants, taco specials, and more. RISE OF THE HIGHWAYMEN TOUR March 25, 1 – 2 p.m. at the AGB Museum. Join the museum for a docent-led tour of art triumphing over adversity. Delve into the art, and learn about the lives of Harold Newton and Alfred Hair, the founding figures of the Florida Highwaymen, whose work is featured in this special exhibition. Free, no registration required. agbmuseum.org LRH PROMISE RUN March 7, 6 a.m. at the Lake Mirror Promenade. The Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center Promise Run is a10k and a 5k. Run, walk, or jog with your community and raise money to conquer cancer. Honor your friends and neighbors who have been touched by cancer. Registration info on FB @LakelandRegionalHealth. LAKELAND PUNK ROCK FLEA March 29, noon – 6 p.m. at Swan Brewing. This family-friendly event is free to attend and will have eight bands playing throughout the day, over 50 market vendors from all over Central Florida selling handmade punk rock jewelry, art, clothing, used vinyl, and more. Craft beer and food available for purchase. FB @lakelandpunkflea LKLD LINDY HOP Learn to do the Lindy Hop! Join every Monday from 6:30 – 11 p.m. at Union Hall for a fun, welcoming swing dance workshop night, no partner or experience required. Every Thursday you can level up your skills from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Uno Dos Tres Dance Studio. For more information visit lkldlindyhop.com . SPRING OBSESSION March 14, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Munn Park. Celebrate all things spring, gardening, and outdoor living with plant lovers from across Polk County. Visitors can shop for plants & flowers, garden décor & accessories, handmade spring-themed goods, and nature-inspired art & gifts. springobsession.org

THE GUEST By Emma Cline When a young woman is cast out of her wealthy boyfriend’s summer home, she drifts through the privileged enclaves of Long Island, surviving on charm and instinct. “The Guest” is emotionally uncomfortable on purpose. It’s not dramatic in a loud way; it unsettles you through anxiety, frustration, and moral discomfort. GARDEN SPELLS By Sarah Addison Allen In a small North Carolina town, two sisters reunite in their family home, where an enchanted garden and old wounds both demand tending. There are elements of magical realism - including a cantankerous apple tree - but it is really a story rooted in love and second chances. COME & GET IT By Kiley Reid Set on a Southern college campus in 2017, this novel follows a resident assistant and a visiting professor who enter into an arrangement that feels harmless—until it isn’t. As boundaries blur, Reid explores desire, money, power, and what we’re willing to trade for a better life. EVERYTHING INSIDE By Edwidge Danticat This remarkable collection of eight stories moves between Little Haiti in Florida and Haiti itself, centering primarily on Haitian lives shaped by migration, separation, and survival. Danticat explores the intricate nature of family ties, friendships, love, and grief with restraint and depth. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t overwhelm you while you’re reading it, but deepens once you’ve set it down. BANGKOK WAKES TO RAIN By Pitchaya Sudbanthad This debut novel reads as a love letter to a city and its inhabitants. Through a series of interconnected characters, it captures the restless spirit of Bangkok itself. Be warned, the narrative is non-linear, but though the individual lives unfold in separate threads at first, they gradually intersect and converge as the novel deepens. BRITT-MARIE WAS HERE By Fredrik Backman A fussy, socially awkward woman leaves her unfaithful husband and lands in a struggling small town where she’s unexpectedly tasked with coaching a children’s soccer team. What starts out gently funny slowly becomes something much more tender. Watching these unlikely friendships form is what gives the story its heart. In fact, you may miss them a little once the book is over. LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE By Celeste Ng Everything looks orderly at first - the planned neighborhoods, the structured lives and the unwritten rules that everyone seems to follow. But soon the carefully curated surface begins to unravel. A custody battle ignites long-buried tensions about motherhood, privilege, race, and identity. There’s also a quiet but pointed look at the pressures of white suburbia — how order and conformity can begin to feel suffocating THE HIDDEN CITY By Charles Finch This classic mystery follows sleuth Charles Lenox as he investigates a cold case tied to cryptic architectural symbols scattered across the city. Finch brings Victorian London to life through rich detail, crafting a puzzle that layers political intrigue and personal tension. Although this book is a part of a larger series, it works well as a stand alone. Simply allow yourself to be drawn in by the likable characters and the well-researched history

THE ASTRAL LIBRARY By Kate Quinn From New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn comes a gorgeously written fantastical adventure that poses the question: Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Welcome to the Astral Library, where books are not just objects, but doors to new worlds, new lives, and new futures. KEEPER OF LOST CHILDREN By Sadeqa Johnson In this new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of “The House of Eve,” one American woman’s quest to help abandoned mixed-race children in post WWII Germany will tie together three people in an unexpected way. GOOD PEOPLE By Patmeena Sabit When an unthinkable tragedy strikes, an immigrant family is left reeling as they are thrust into the court of public opinion. Told through a kaleidoscope of perspectives, it is a riveting, provocative, and haunting story of family – sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, and the communities that claim us as family in difficult times. AGNES AUBERT’S MYSTICAL CAT SHELTER By Heather Fawcett A woman who runs a cat rescue in 1920s Montréal turns to a grouchy but charming magician to help save her shelter. When a rival magician puts the shelter in jeopardy, she must team up with the magician who nearly ended the world ... and may now be trying to steal her heart. TRUST NO ONE By James Rollins From the #1 New York Times bestselling master of international intrigue comes a shocking new stand-alone thriller that thrusts a group of university students, falsely accused of murder, into a treacherous hunt across Europe. They unlock the secrets buried within a centuries-old book that could change humankind forever. SO OLD, SO YOUNG By Grant Ginder From Grant Ginder, the bestselling author of “The People We Hate at the Wedding,” comes a generation-defining novel that is part love story, part tragic comedy. Five parties over the course of twenty years bring six college friends together, exploring the ways we run from and cling to our friends in love, life, and death. WOLF HOUR By Jo Nesbo Down-and-out suspended police officer Bob Oz becomes obsessed by the case of killer Tomas Gomez, a man with a mysterious past-and deep connections to a notorious gang. He is overcome by the notion of hunting down a serial killer who only he can understand, a killer with a story as tragic as his own. THIS BOOK MADE ME THINK OF YOU By Libby Page Tilly Nightingale receives an unexpected gift from her husband Joe, who died of cancer five months ago: a year of books he picked out for her, one for every month, launching a reading-inspired journey through loss, healing, and the enduring connections that books create.

Photo by Kamryn Potteiger You don’t have to stroll the neon-lit Strip in Las Vegas to find a world-class Elvis Presley tribute artist. One of the very best calls Lake Otis in Winter Haven home. Dwight Icenhower holds a distinction no one else can claim: he is the only tribute artist in history to win five Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist awards at Graceland. Add to that more than 75 first-place finishes across competitions. When it comes to channeling Elvis, Icenhower is the King. “This all happened through my mother,” Icenhower said. “I grew up, and she’d be playing his movies and his Christmas album at Christmas time.” Raised in Pomeroy, Ohio, he developed a deep love for music early on. “I’ve always been involved in music. Mostly, my interests were to teach music.” Icenhower began his tribute journey at just 16. “It was kind of a fluke how it all got started,” he said. A self- proclaimed “band geek,” he portrayed Elvis in a high school variety show during his sophomore year. “The band director knew that I was a huge Elvis fan and that I loved that genre of old-school rock and roll music,” said Icenhower. The performance was such a hit that the school’s varsity coach hired him to sing at his wedding. “That was my first gig, at his wedding.” He still laughs at the memory: a teenager in a pink jacket, sideburns penciled on, dancing like Elvis. Though he once envisioned himself as a high school band director, his tribute career quickly gained momentum. “I thought if I’m really going to give this a go, I’m going to have to do it now while I’m young.” It was a now-or-never moment. Since then, life on the road has become his norm, with 150–200 performances each year around the globe. Fans from the United States and Australia to Europe and Japan “Just Can’t Help Falling in Love” with Icenhower. “My most die-hard fans are here in Florida, Holland, Japan, and Ohio,” he revealed. Outfitted with a $3,000 custom-made wig from Canada, stage makeup, and the full Elvis wardrobe, Icenhower’s transformation is striking. For lifelong Presley fans seeing him for the first time, “You can tell that they get lost in it,” he said. “They’re kind of reliving, I guess, their youth. You can see it on their faces when you walk out.” “It’s a long transformation, and it took me years to learn about contour makeup and all the shading,” Icenhower said. His wife, Vicky Icenhower, has helped refine the look, along with inspiration from an unexpected source: “Ru Paul’s Drag Race.” “I’ve learned so much watching these guys do their makeup,” he said. “There are guys who naturally wake up and look like Elvis. With me, I’ve learned how to make that whole package by learning the makeup tips.” “The music part of it, the singing, that all came natural.” Even when covering other artists, there’s a trace of Elvis in his voice. Like Presley, Icenhower is a natural baritone with a four-octave range. “I lucked out with that,” he said. “I like the singing part of it. I like the big, emotional ballads.” Among his favorites to perform are “My Way,” “An American Trilogy,” and “It’s Now or Never.” Beyond the stage, Icenhower’s life has intersected with Elvis’s inner circle. He has performed alongside close friends of Presley, including D.J. Fontana, The Jordanaires, The Sweet Inspirations, Cynthia Pepper, Julie Parrish, Charlie Hodge, Duke Bardwell, Eddie Miles, and Joe Esposito. He also met Lisa Marie Presley several times before her passing. One memorable night unfolded on Beale Street in Memphis. “My wife and I were at this club on Beale Street in Memphis. We got a booth upstairs, and there was another booth right beside us. We saw another group coming in. It was Priscilla Presley, her grandson Benjamin, and the Memphis Mafia.” By evening’s end, stories and drinks were shared among rock and roll royalty. As for how he ended up on the Chain of Lakes, Icenhower said Florida has been home since 2005. “I’ve never known where I was going to plant my roots,” he said. “We were looking for a historic home. An old house that had charm to it.” That search led them to Winter Haven. When he’s not keeping Elvis’s legacy alive, Icenhower is an avid concertgoer. “We go to concerts all the time. I’m a huge Elton John fan. I’ve seen him 116 times in concert.” He also performs an Elton John tribute show, though Elvis remains second nature. “Elvis is like breathing to me,” he said.

Every now and then you hear about a school that has a spark, a niche that makes it stand out amongst other institutions; one that wants to serve a particular purpose, which makes you smile and have hope for the students that get to attend. Other times you will hear about that one cool teacher featured on the local news for going full Ms. Frizzle meets Mr. Roger’s neighborhood leaving an impact as they dared to push the norm. This time you will hear about both. A spectacular school with spectacular teachers to match. A school with a non-traditional mission, classroom set ups, and curriculum. A school with teachers whose lessons have a strengthened appeal due to creative, individualized engagement, and daily excitement for work not stifled by benchmarks. A spectacular school indeed, The Cygnet School. In a sit-down over Zoom with Sara Jones, Arts and Programs Administrator, and Dr. Wendy Bradshaw, Founder and Director of Cygnet, the notes of unified ideals carry across the screen. Their voices are harmonious in the stories and anecdotes they share. Their personalities feel like a happy tune as they impart how the intentions of Cygnet are realized. It is immediately obvious that the students at their school are in capable, caring hands. Aptly named after baby swans(cygnets), the official bird of Lakeland (where the school is located), it has spent the better of its eight years recognizing that it required constant growth. Cygnet went from an early elementary school with two rooms and 24 kids, to now a K-12 with nearly 140 students and a waitlist totaling more than the entire student body. “We started as K-5, and the students wouldn’t leave, so we added middle school. And then, they wouldn’t leave, so we added high school,” Bradshaw laughingly shares how they were forced to enlarge to accommodate kids enjoying school. Jones joins and they both continue a song of highlights any parent or child would be intrigued by: The school is inclusive and open to those of all abilities. The classes are multi- grade, with emphasis on small group work, capped at 16 students. There’s project- based learning throughout math and science. They have two self-contained spaces dedicated to their autistic students. The students of Cygnet get their choice of electives. The different classes are inspired by the hobbies/talents of the teachers and ambitions of the students, like cooking, ceramics, mixed media, film, photography, beekeeping, organic gardening, kitchen chemistry, electrical engineering, an “adulting” class for the high schoolers, coding, sign language, and even jewelry making. The school values social and emotional growth on par with intellectual growth. All of the English Language Arts instructors are trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach (so any student with dyslexia won’t have to be pulled into another class, since their teacher is equipped with the tools to meet their challenges). The staff is given the freedom to differentiate and pursue the varied interests of their students. They see their students as people. They understand they require guidance on how to best grow into themselves, not to be treated as projects to be molded. “If ‘No Child Left Behind’ went by actual definition, [it’d be Cygnet],” adds Jones. The Cygnet School is a remarkable space you construct when you are interested in what children want to do and fervidly can do, versus the stringent thoughts of what they should do, often blanketed under standard metrics unattainable for the majority. “When people ask me, are we a special needs school, I tell them, not really,” Jones explains the demographic of the private school that shares space with the United Methodist Temple. “We have two classrooms with kids that have significant disabilities, but they also often have a more typically developing sibling [and at Cygnet] those kids can go [through] school together,” adds Bradshaw. Across the campus, in all the corners of each classroom, students who no longer have to face being bullied or ostracized, students who once struggled to be on grade level, and students who acted out as a diversion when their learning styles were not acknowledged, have found a place where they are fully engrossed and seen fully. “You appreciate them … you find out who they are … and you help them be that person,” Bradshaw explains the importance of having the needs of the child dictate the goals of the school. Theoretically, learning should always be fun. Maybe not in a giddy, carefree sense, but stimulating. School should be a place where kids are eager to go and have their minds shaped with varying subjects of the world. In theory, adolescence should be consistently shaped by encouragement and excitement as new concepts are embraced. In reality, however, for the education systems in America, is patterned by monotonous coursework, unenthused students, and fraught instructors. But under the unique structure imploring unconventional approaches, paired with strategic resources and a supportive cast, the school of baby swans has its own pattern and is getting to live out the best of theories. All they need now is a bigger pond. Swans are known to build substantially large nests, which they defend fiercely in order to protect their young; it’s here they teach their cygnets essential skills to survive in the wild, including what to do to remain buoyant in order to swim. The Cygnet School is currently in need of its larger nest, a more spacious campus to continue to support its students. “Where we are now, we are at capacity, but we know there’s a need for this. We can’t accept any more students or teachers,” Jones asserts before continuing to detail what a bigger school would mean, “We have music therapists, occupational therapists …we have speech therapists that come to work with our students, and we want to expand that. We want to expand our art program and music. We would like a better field for [the kids] to play on.” Bradshaw then talks about what she believes a bigger school means, “We want to be able to open up to others that need us. We know we are needed. To those on the waitlist and others in the community. We try to ensure our populous reflects what our community looks like. And I want this to be a community school, where everybody is invited.” For those who are willing to help, the ask is to visit thecygnetschool.org/cygnet360 to donate and/or share with someone willing, so the walls of The Cygnet School will be as big as their hearts. THE CYGNET SCHOOL 2700 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL thecygnetschool.org

We talked with Timothy Collette from Clean Pirate Life to learn about the fifth annual Foot the Chain Music & Waterski Festival happening in February. With a new sober living facility as the end goal, find out about the fun happening along the way to get there. HOW DID FOOT THE CHAIN COME ABOUT AND WHY? TC: Foot the Chain (FTC) started with a group of guys who came to Winter Haven every year after the holiday season, to warm up and barefoot waterski our beautiful chain of lakes. This group of guys is part of the barefoot waterski race circuit, and they are very competitive. Because I live here, they asked if I could figure out some sort of “race.” So, in 2021, four boats were towed down from out of state, as far as Indiana, Texas, and Pennsylvania, and we tested my concept of Foot the Chain. We had 30 skiers who, through random draw from a hat, formed teams, and with wetsuits on, we loaded up into boats, and the Foot the Chain Barefoot Shootout was born. The first year, though not really an official event, was such a great success that we knew we had to do it again. Escaping to Winter Haven, getting to barefoot waterski with some of the greats in the sport, being put in a boat through random selection and throwing darts to determine the winner has made FTC Barefoot Shootout one of the most talked about events in the sport. It’s competitive, yes, but it’s FUN! There is no other format like this in our sport. As year two approached, we learned that some of the other barefoot waterski races across the country raised money for a local charity. LIGHTBULB moment! As I am in recovery, I had wanted to do something to give back to that community as well as put together a community event for Winter Haven. Foot the Chain Waterski and Music Festival was born and benefits the Clean Cause Foundation. Why not bring more waterskiing, live music, a festival type atmosphere and raise awareness for addiction by supporting a foundation helping those in recovery? Done! FTC II had 5 bands, 10 boats, 60 barefooters, 2 waterski shows, and a Flyboard Fireworks show like no other! FTC III was bigger yet, and we switched our benefiting foundation to CleanPirateLife, a Local Addiction Awareness foundation. Because the weather has been chilly for past events, FTC V will take place on February 20 and 21 this year. All I want out of this event is to bring community, waterskiing, and waterfront live music together to raise money for a great cause. WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT THIS YEAR? TC: Better Weather! At least that’s the hope. We have some of the most sought-after local live music, the Flyboard Fireworks show is returning, our friends at Animal Aqua Watersports have stepped in to organize our waterski show and waterski exhibitions with former Team USA Waterski show team members, and registration is already up for the Barefoot Shootout. We have fostered a stronger connection to our small local businesses, who have donated more for our raffles, and we have 14 local market vendors coming. WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENT? TC: The goal every year is to bring the community out to an amazing experience of waterfront music and waterski entertainment on our beautiful chain of lakes, while raising awareness that recovery is possible. My hope is that every year at this event I can reach just one person to make the personal decision to do better with their life. At the end of the day, recovery isn’t just about substance abuse. We all have or experience something in life that we need to recover from. Recovery is about learning to live a new way of life. WHY DO YOU FEEL IT’S IMPORTANT TO CREATE A SOBER LIVING EXPERIENCE? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REALITY? TC: There are several things about living free of substances and the journey to get there that are hard. Some of those things become nearly impossible without the right support and tools. Sober living houses offer just that. However, I learned that nothing in life is free, and most people who make the commitment of learning a new way to live have hit rock bottom, where money is scarce, work is scary, and temptation is around every corner. Staying free from addictive behavior and substances is not a solo adventure if there is to be success. Sober living houses continue to provide tools, support and accountability necessary to live a life in recovery. CleanPirateLife has raised about 30% of the funds needed to be able to start an affordable sober living house here in Winter Haven. FOOT THE CHAIN WATERSKI & MUSIC FESTIVAL February 20 & 21 Tanners Lakeside 1006 Lake Howard Dr SW, Winter Haven footthechain.com FB @footthechain

Dwight Icenhower, the legendary Elvis tribute artist, along with his wife, Vicky, who he proclaims to be a “rockstar that does everything but get on stage and perform,” have crafted a three-day, very intimate, multi- faceted experience for those who loved The King and Icenhower’s ultimate tribute to him. “When my wife and I first designed the weekend, we wanted it to be like a ‘Dwight Fan Retreat’ for the die-hard fans that have been with me for years and years,” explained Icenhower. The vision happens for a third time on March 13-15, at Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven, where Icenhower calls home. And while the VIP weekend has been an annual event, this year features an all-new set list. Each day will have its own theme and activities for the purpose of the enthusiast having greater proximity with the artist. “It will just be me and my band … having a whole weekend strictly dedicated to the fans. They can enjoy my music and get that experience you’re not getting at a regular concert.” Icenhower continued, “We play a lot of venues where it’s 1000 seats, 1500, 2000-seat places … and when you play to that many people you don’t get to walk around and say hello to every single person … but this event, we’re all hanging out together, all weekend long.” In an incredible showing of gratitude that Icenhower has for his supporters, the weekend will give fans in person, literal thank-yous with special activities like behind-the-scenes storytelling in between sets, autograph signing, meet and greets, photo ops, question and answer sessions, and specially curated performances. Icenhower will be in complete Elvis Presley regalia, including the signature costumes, perfectly coiffed hair, popped collars, oversized accessories, and embodied persona. A quick tip for fans unable to make it the entire weekend, Icenhower suggests that if you had to choose only one day to go, Sunday would be the best. He explained, “You get more bang for your buck on Sunday because [it’ll] actually be two full concerts.” The most important tip: You can only acquire tickets through the ticket hotline (909) 354-0381. There are 3-Day passes, General Admission, and while everyone is a VIP during this lovely affair, you can also buy the Ultimate Passholder, which will allow a little more one-on-one time with Dwight. VIP WEEKEND VIEW: FRIDAY, MARCH 13 “Dwight: Aloha from Winter Haven.” This is a salute to Elvis’s big concert in the 70s called “Aloha from Hawaii.” Guests will hear songs from that iconic television special, plus songs from his Hawaiian movies. It’s a whole aloha theme. Icenhower is encouraging people to dress in their best Hawaiian attire and get in the Aloha spirit. SATURDAY, MARCH 14 “Conversations with Dwight” and “From Comeback to King of Vegas.” “We have the autograph signing and conversations … where fans can get to know me, personally. Doing this for 30 years, you’ve got a ton of unbelievable stories. They’ll hear about the tours we do … I play a two-month tour, spread out over April and November, over in Europe where sometimes we play 22, 23 shows in 25 days … so, we’re gonna talk about that and different stories from the road,” Icenhower explained. SUNDAY, MARCH 15 “How Great Thou Art: The Gospel Music of Elvis” and “Dwight’s Favorites.” “Anyone who knows anything about Elvis, knows he recorded a lot of great gospel albums … so we do a full concert at 12:30 of all of Elvis’ gospel material, and I tell stories to go along with that. At 5:30, I’m going to be singing all my personal favorite Elvis songs, ranging from the 1950s rock & roll clear through the 70s.” DWIGHT ICENHOWER’S VIP WEEKEND 2026 March 13 – 15, 2026 Nora Mayo Hall 500 3rd St NW, Winter Haven, FL dwighticenhower.com Tickets: (909)354-0381