This month, we look back to 1915 when a small group of determined residents had a vision of connecting many of our lakes by canals. The group organized as the Twenty Lakes Boat Club. At the time, some of the lakes had small “runs” or swampy places that connected them. This club wanted to create canals there. Pleasure boat in Howard/Cannon canal, one the Chain’s most scenic. Foot bridge spanning the canal behind boat was originally installed to connect the properties of Dick and Malcom Pope of Cypress Garden’s fame. The fledgling citrus industry had made a healthy comeback from the freezes of the mid-1890s. Roads of the day were sand or clay and used to haul the crops to the rail line between Lake Alfred and Bartow. The automobile was a luxury, and it would be several more years before the growers could afford trucks. Therefore, a team of mules would pull a wagon loaded with ten to fifteen field crates of fruit. The crates weighed from 900 to 1400 pounds and proved difficult to move. Some believe the canal concept may have been an idea the growers thought would provide a better means of transportation. The Florence Villa Fruit Company was the major stockholder in the boat club. While the idea may have been to haul the crops to market using the lakes, others speculate the fruit company may have acted as much from a civic interest. Other investors included: H. A Miller, Lorenz & Lorenz, E. C. Linger, H. Warehausen, H. W. Ambrose, Worden & Son, M. Engleson, L. P. Gum, Mercantile Co., H. E. Miller, R. Starr, J. Snively, C. L. Turner, and H. E. Cornell. The early canal effort was backbreaking work with the most basic of equipment. This crew is using a small bucket scoop to pull sand up and onto a barge. The month the charter was signed, the club had an engineer plat a proposed course for boats to traverse the south, west, and northern perimeters of Winter Haven and beyond, all the way from Lake Winterset to Dundee. The lakes originally targeted included Winterset, Eloise, Lulu, Shipp, May, Howard, Cannon, Idylewild, Hartridge, Conine, Rochelle, Haines, Smart, Fannie, Buckeye, and Hamilton. The original corporation had no intention of changing lake levels and instead was anticipating a system of locks. Of the original twenty lakes to be connected, all but Buckeye eventually became a part of what today is known as the upper and lower chains, comprising a total of 25 lakes. These are separated by U.S. 17 between Hartridge and Conine where a lock now exists. (The Twenty Lakes Club did not accomplish the entire task before its demise.) The club’s cash balance in April 1916 was $265.05. By April 1917, the balance had grown to $9,689.91 by the sale of stock to 69 people or businesses. The last meeting of the Twenty Lakes Boat Course Club was held on April 23, 1917. Two weeks earlier, there had been a meeting to discuss the problem of damage to the canals from speeding boats - a problem that persists today. The demise of the club is thought to have involved the group having created responsibilities larger than their budget could maintain. Prep work in advance of actual dredging involved removing as much sand and soil as possible by hand. This is believed to be prep for the Winterset/Eloise canal. No further progress was made on the canal system until May 20, 1919, when the Winter Haven Lake Region Boat Course District was established by an act of the Florida Legislature. Taxing power was granted by referendum (78 for and 49 against) in a special election on July 7 that same year. By September 1919, an engineering company was authorized by the “Canal Commission” to dredge and clean canals. At the time, there were no seawalls used in the system. Early commissioners served as stump pullers, free boat towers, insecticide sprayers, and any other tasks that may have been required. FACTS ABOUT OUR CHAIN OF LAKES: Some say there are fourteen lakes in the chain ... some say sixteen. What’s correct? If you count Little Lake Eloise and Little Lake Winterset, there are sixteen lakes in the southern or “upper” chain. Before canals were constructed, as much as 75 percent more land was covered with water than now. The Dundee Marsh between Winter Haven and Dundee (adjacent to what is now Cypresswood) was strictly marsh and wet 99 percent of the time. A crossing route through the marsh to Waverly was known as Buffalo Ford. This dredge was used to complete the canals in the early 1920s, It is one of two believed to have been brought here after use in finishing the Panama Canal. Harry Miller (a charter canal commissioner) noted that when he came here in 1912 (before any canals) he tied his rowboat to an oak tree at the foot of Central Avenue on Lake Howard. To go to Lake Eloise, he could row and push his boat through weeds and grass in the shallows (or runs) between Lakes Howard, May, Shipp, Lulu, and Eloise. Based upon water marks found on Cypress trees, water levels at the turn of the century were four to five feet higher than we see today. Official records show a July 16, 1915 notation regarding landowners paid in stock for canal rights. Names included: Apple, Wolf, and Garrard. These are believed to have been in the Winterset area. Prior to the creation of our chain of canals, this steam-powered launch sailed guests from the Florence Villa Hotel on Lake Spring through a shallow run and into Lake Mirror. Acreages of some of the lakes in the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes: Cannon (336) Conine (236) Eloise (1,160) Fannie (829) Haines (716) Hamilton (2162) Hartridge (434) Howard (628) Idylwild (102) Lulu (301) May (44) Rochelle (578) Shipp (283) Smart (275) Winterset (548) Length of our canals (feet): Jessie-Idylwild 135 Idylwild-Hartridge 810 Idylwild-Cannon 1,200 Cannon-Mirror 320 Mirror-Spring 120 Cannon-Howard 590 Howard-May 420 May-Shipp 975 Shipp-Lulu 2,260 Lulu-Roy 1,760 Lulu-Eloise 265 Eloise-Summit 400 Eloise-Winterset 1,525 Water Level (as determined by Southwest Florida Water Management District): Maximum desirable level 131.50 High water mark 133.19 100 year flood 133.40 10 year warning 132.60 Minimum flood 131.98 Maximum operational 132.00 Minimum level 129.70 Extreme low management 129.20 Portions of this information are contained in a book compiled by Kenneth Recker and Marcia Ford.

Jack Spengler was born in Buffalo, New York in 1930. He shares his decades with a lightness that feels almost subversive in a climate that so often feels like rain on the day you planned the picnic—even testing the dispositions of those who keep the glass a quarter full and steady eyes on the silver linings behind unexpected clouds. Jack carries a pragmatic joy, as if he shook hands with what he couldn’t control, making friends with both rain and sunshine. He jokes about skipping school with the sparkle all young rebels should take instead of tarnishing in the years to follow. Those memories sit on the shelf next to tales of hitchhiking with a group of friends, all making sense as he lists the names of adventure stories he liked to read. Jack is a movie guy. He remembered seeing movies for ten cents, his brother always making sure it was a special experience. The smile on his face as we gushed over one of his favorite films, “King Kong,” was as big as the Eighth Wonder of the World himself on the Empire State Building, planes circling, cinematic history being invented in black and white. He danced, too. Lindy Hop, Charleston, jitterbug—dances that seemed more like musical, magic tricks to me. I don’t think Jack ever second- guessed his place on the dance floor; this itself a kind of magic, even winning a waltz contest once (second place, he’ll clarify). By the 1950s, Jack trained as a welder and spent thirty years with Ford Motor Company, working in construction rather than assembling cars. He and his wife, Mary Jane, raised three children—Kim, Jill, and John. “Don’t get married too early,” he advises without bitterness. Jack spent the after work & weekend hours gardening— planting corn, tomatoes, beans—raising chickens, dachshunds, and Maltese dogs. He taught himself French and then Spanish after reading that there would be more Spanish speakers in the America ahead, walking past meeting halfway in the language of his neighbors to come. When asked about the world now, Jack doesn’t make a sweeping statement, diagnosis, or a past-to-present comparison. He doesn’t use new technology much. He exercises, eats simply, likes chicken for dinner, spumoni ice cream, and a hot mocha when his daughter Kim takes him to Richard’s Coffee. He believes young people today are smarter than he was, and he says it without irony. His advice is spare: be tolerant and keep a sense of humor. To answer my favorite little doorway to the unknown… “Have you ever witnessed anything you couldn’t explain?” Once, driving in daylight, he saw what he thought was a meteor, bright, unmistakable, gone. He doesn’t feel the need to explain everything. He does believe there’s life beyond this planet. “There would have to be,” he shrugs, noting that the universe is too big to be certain. At ninety-five, Jack Spengler doesn’t offer advice by way of word-to-the-wise warnings or definitive conclusions on how life is best lived. What he offers instead is something rare: proof that placing value in learning, a premium on humor, and a willingness to arrive fully—again and again—can carry a person all the way to the smile I’ll bet he is wearing right now.

Have an insect on a plant and you don’t know what to do? Moved to a new home and looking for advice on how to maintain your lawn? Looking to install native plants but don’t know where to start? Look no further than the UF/IFAS Extension Plant Clinic! Homeowners in Florida know that maintaining a healthy landscape can be both rewarding and challenging. From mysterious spots on leaves to declining trees or pests in the garden, plant problems can arise quickly. Additionally, many homeowners are new to the area and are not familiar with the types of plants grown in central Florida. That’s where the UF/IFAS Extension Plant Clinic comes in! We are a trusted, research-based resource that helps you find solutions to your lawn and landscape questions. The Plant Clinic is staffed by trained Master Gardener Volunteers under the supervision of UF/IFAS faculty that can accurately diagnose plant problems and answer your questions. Whether you bring in a leaf sample, a damaged branch, or email a photo of your yard, the Plant Clinic will use science-based methods to identify pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. When necessary, samples can even be sent to the UF/IFAS diagnostic labs for specialized testing, or to a specialist, ensuring you get the most accurate information possible. All recommendations from the Plant Clinic are grounded in university research, and this means you’ll receive management options that are effective, environmentally responsible, and specific to Central Florida. Whether you’re looking for advice on fertilizers, pest control, or pruning techniques, you can feel confident that the guidance supports long-term plant health and sustainability. Guessing what’s wrong with your plants can lead to wasted money on unnecessary products and treatments that may not solve the problem or could even make it worse. Contact the Plant Clinic early, so you can catch issues before they spread. This can save time and money and can help your landscape recover quickly. The right diagnosis and management plan also prevent the need for repeated treatments, reducing costs and keeping your plants healthier overall. Plant Clinic services are available for anyone managing plants in the home landscape. Whether you maintain a few potted herbs on a patio, a small butterfly garden, or a full landscape we are there to help. The Plant Clinic can also assist with turfgrass concerns, vegetable gardens, palms, and native plantings. The UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Plant Clinic is open daily and homeowners are welcome to stop in, send a text or email, or even give us a phone call. Diagnosing an issue can sometimes take a bit of back and forth and require further investigation that may take some time. There are no fees associated with utilizing the services at our Plant Clinic although sending samples to labs may require them. UF/IFAS Extension Plant Clinics are located throughout the state, making it easy to find one near you. By using your local clinic, you support a statewide mission to protect Florida’s natural resources and promote sustainable landscaping practices. Every visit helps you become a more informed, environmentally conscious homeowner. If your plants aren’t thriving, or you just want expert advice on a landscape or garden query, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Plant Clinic. You’ll gain the confidence to care for your landscape the right way and know that if you run into any issues that help is just a phone call (or text, email, or office visit) away. 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 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 in central Florida, 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 . The January episode is a great listen for anyone interested in learning more about garden journaling. Find the episode here: bit.ly/4hzCrth . 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 .

Florida’s state tree, the cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), is one of the most recognizable native plants in our landscape. It grows along highways, in neighborhoods, and throughout Florida’s natural areas, from pine flatwoods to wetlands and prairies. Because it is so common, it is easy to overlook. But the cabbage palm is more than a familiar backdrop. It is a native species that plays an important role in supporting Florida’s wildlife, especially in landscapes that are increasingly managed for people rather than nature. The cabbage palm became Florida’s state tree in 1953, and in 1970 it was added to the Great Seal of Florida and the State Flag, clarifying the species depicted, which had previously been referred to only as a “cocoa palm.” CABBAGE PALMS PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN FLORIDA ECOSYSTEMS Unlike many palms found in Florida landscapes, cabbage palms evolved here. They are adapted to our soils, seasonal rainfall patterns, fire cycles, and wildlife communities. In Polk County and across central Florida, cabbage palms often persist where other trees struggle, providing long-term structure in both natural and developed areas. From an ecological perspective, that structure matters. Wildlife habitat is not defined by food alone. Animals also need shelter, protection from predators, and places to rest and reproduce. Cabbage palms provide all three, particularly when they are allowed to grow naturally in clusters across the landscape. One of the most important habitat features of a cabbage palm is its skirt of older, dead fronds. While these brown fronds are often removed for aesthetic reasons, they serve a critical ecological function. The value of cabbage palms becomes especially clear in late winter and early spring. February is a challenging time for wildlife. Floral resources are limited, temperatures can fluctuate quickly, and animals are conserving energy ahead of the breeding season. During this time, palms provide thermal refuge and shelter when other vegetation may be sparse. Another important habitat feature is easily overlooked. Where the fronds attach to the stem, there are large Y-shaped attachments with fibrous material along the trunk, called “boots.” The boots of the cabbage palm create sheltered spaces for insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. These small organisms form the base of local food webs and support birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals throughout the year. These areas can also support a host of smaller plants. One species that relies heavily on cabbage palms is the Florida yellow bat (Lasiurus intermedius). This native bat prefers to roost in cabbage palms, using dead fronds for cover and protection. When suitable palm habitat is unavailable, yellow bats may also roost in Spanish moss. Generally speaking, bat maternity season takes place from April through August, when pups are born and reared. Stable roosting sites become increasingly important in the weeks leading up to maternity season, so late winter and early spring are a critical period for habitat availability. Removing dead palm fronds during this time can unintentionally eliminate roosting habitat just as females are preparing for maternity season, increasing stress on a species that already depends on limited roosting options. If you’d like to read more about Florida bats and their preferred roosting habitats, check out the Florida Bat Conservancy’s Florida Bat Habitat webpage at floridabats.org/bat-habitat . CABBAGE PALMS AND OUR LANDSCAPES Cabbage palms are also well adapted to Florida’s natural disturbance cycles. They tolerate flooding, drought, salt exposure, and strong winds, and they are adapted to survive low-intensity fire. These traits allow them to remain standing after storms and prescribed burns, maintaining habitat structure when other vegetation may be damaged or lost. In this way, cabbage palms contribute to ecosystem resilience and continuity. Thankfully, most of these disturbances don’t occur in our residential and commercial landscaping. Their drought tolerance and cold-hardy adaptations are still valuable in developed areas, allowing cabbage palms to persist where other species may fail. Despite these benefits, cabbage palms are often overmanaged. Routine removal of dead fronds removes critical habitat and reduces shelter for wildlife. From a conservation standpoint, leaving brown fronds in place is one of the simplest ways residents can support many native species. Florida’s state tree has earned its designation not only for its resilience, but for its role in our ecosystems. By viewing cabbage palms as functional habitat rather than landscape features to be routinely “cleaned up,” we can make small changes that have meaningful conservation benefits. When pruning is truly necessary due to safety concerns rather than aesthetic preference, it should be done carefully and professionally. You can locate a certified arborist or check an arborist’s credentials at treesaregood.org . Poor pruning techniques can also affect palm health. Producing a new frond is energy-intensive for a cabbage palm, requiring significant nutrients. To meet this demand, palms withdraw nutrients from older fronds before they turn brown. Removing fronds that still contain green tissue interrupts this process and deprives the tree of stored resources. When pruning cannot be avoided, only fully brown fronds should be removed. If you are interested in learning more about native trees, wildlife habitat, or conservation practices in Polk County, the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Bartow is a great place to start. You can ask for the Master Gardener Plant Clinic, if you have palm-health or landscaping questions or email me, Shannon, at scarnevale@ufl.edu if you have any questions about cabbage palms or other habitat in our native ecosystems. Sometimes conservation does not require planting something new or adding complexity. Sometimes, it simply means allowing native species to do what they have done here for generations.

BLACK LOVE CLASSICS SERIES Celebrate the intersection of Valentine’s Day and Black History Month with stories of romance as told by Black filmmakers and diverse casts at the Tampa Theatre at 3 p.m. Feb. 1: “If Beale Street Could Talk” (2018); Feb. 8: “The Photograph” (2020); Feb. 15: “Boomerang” (1992); Feb. 22: “Carmen Jones” (1954). tampatheatre.org NHL STADIUM SERIES Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Lightning face off against the Boston Bruins in a one-of-a-kind hockey spectacle outside under the lights. The Bruins will wear sunshine inspired jerseys, and the Lightning will wear pirate- inspired jerseys. Purchase tickets at nhl.com/stadiumseries FLORIDA STATE FAIR Feb. 5 – 16 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Guests will love the food eating contests, games, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, rides, art shows, and of course, the crazy fair food. floridastatefair.com ROCK THE PARK Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Free music event! February is EMO with Bad Bad Things, BILL, and Pet Lizard. Food for purchase by JAM DISH (authentic Jamaican) & Boy Named Sous. More info on Facebook at RockThePark. WILLY WONKA KIDS Feb. 19 – 22 at the Straz Center. See the delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory featuring songs from the 1971 film. The younger Patel Conservatory Theater students will bring this Roald Dahl classic to life. strazcenter.org PARENTS’ TIME OFF Feb. 20, 5:30 – 10 p.m. at the Florida Aquarium. Give yourself a well-earned break while your kids enjoy aquatic fun, pizza, hands- on activities, and adventures in a safe space designed just for them. For kids aged 5 – 12, reservations required. flaquarium.org ST. PETE SEAFOOD & MUSIC FEST Feb. 20 – 22 at Vinoy Park. This family-friendly event has amazing seafood, live music, and beautiful views of downtown St. Pete. Plus, explore a marketplace of arts and crafts between performances. Visit Facebook at stpeteseafoodfestival for more info. YANKEES SPRING TRAINING Games played at the George M. Steinbrenner Field. Feb. 21 at 1:05 p.m. vs Tigers; Feb. 22 at 1:05 p.m. vs Mets; Feb. 25 at 6:35 p.m. vs Nationals; Feb. 26 at 1:05 p.m. vs Braves; Feb. 28 at 1:05 p.m. vs Blue Jays. Purchase tickets at mlb.com/yankees/spring-training . GASPARILLA DISTANCE CLASSIC Feb. 21 & 22 in Tampa. Race Weekend will include four distances plus four challenges: the 15K, 5K, the Half Marathon (13.1 miles), and the 8K. The weekend also includes several multi-race challenges. This flat and fast course takes runners on an out-and-back course along Bayshore Boulevard. rungasparilla.com GASPARILLA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Feb. 28, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and March 1 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. This is one of the top outdoor, juried fine arts shows in the US, showcasing a wide variety of art mediums and price points. This family-friendly event has live music and food for purchase. Admission is free. gasparillaarts.com

ORLANDO MAGIC Home games are played at the Kia Center. The Magic will play five times in February. Feb. 5, 7 p.m. vs Nets; Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. vs Jazz; Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. vs Bucks; Feb. 11 at 7p.m. vs Bucks; Feb. 26 at 7:30p.m. vs Rockets. Purchase tickets at nba.com/magic . TIARA’S HAT PARADE Feb. 7 – 22 at Orlando Family Stage. Based on the book by author Kelly Starling Lyons, “Tiara’s Hat Parade” is a celebration of creativity, community, and the bond between a mother and daughter. See what happens when a child sees someone she loves losing hope and steps in to lift them up. orlandofamilystage.com ART IN THE PARK Feb. 7, noon – 3 p.m. in Central Park in Winter Park. This free, family-friendly event includes live stage performances and interactive arts activities, including weaving a community tapestry, portraits, learning to play a few chords on instruments, and so much more. cityofwinterpark.org MARDI GRAS Feb. 7 – April 4 at Universal Orlando. On select nights, watch the parade with outrageous street performers, music, costumes, and beads flying through the air! Purchase authentic Cajun specialties along with food from around the world. Purchase tickets at universalorlando.com THESE GO TO 11: THE FILMS OF ROB REINER Celebrate Rob Reiner, one of Hollywood’s most versatile and influential directors Feb. 13 – 19 at the Enzian. Watch “A Few Good Men” (1992), “Misery” (1990), “The Princess Bride” (1987), “This is Spinal Tap” (1984), and “When Harry Met Sally…” (1989). Schedule at enzian.org . VALENTINE’S DAY CONCERT Feb. 14, 7 p.m. at Leu Gardens. Celebrate with an enchanting evening concert under the stars. Bring a picnic and a blanket or chairs. Hear: Ricky & the Buzzcatz, Alma Skye Trio, and Nova Classica. Purchase tickets in advance. leugardens.org WINTER GARDEN MUSIC FESTIVAL Feb. 21 in Downtown Winter Garden. Brought to you by the City of Winter Garden, this FREE multi-stage outdoor concert features a variety of live entertainment and music genres performing continuously and simultaneously for 11 hours throughout historic downtown. cwgdn.com BREWS AROUND THE ZOO Feb. 21 & 22 at the Central Florida Zoo. On Saturday, enjoy craft beers under the night sky with live music and a high-energy atmosphere. On Sunday, it’s a more relaxed vibe with music, sunshine, and great views of the animals while you sip and stroll. centralfloridazoo.org MLK GOSPEL CONCERT Feb. 22, 7 p.m. at Dr. Phillips Center. Produced and directed by Grammy Award winner Dr. Jeffrey Redding. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for local charities. Get your free tickets in advance at drphillipscenter.org . THE SECOND CITY Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. at Dr. Phillips Center. This interactive show features an array of classic sketch comedy and songs from the company’s 65 years, including new favorites, and the signature brand of irreverent improv that The Second City is famous for. drphillipscenter.org

JOE PUG Feb. 1, 7 p.m. at the Derry Down. A singer-songwriter known for his lyrical acumen and plaintive harmonica style, he has toured with Steve Earle, Levon Helm, The Killers, Justin Townes Earle, Sturgill Simpson, and many others. He has appeared at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and The Newport Folk Festival. gpderrydown.com LAKE WALES MARDI GRAS Feb. 13, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m., join the Glow Run at 6 p.m. The fun continues on Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. with live music, food and the parade at 3 p.m. The celebration is at Lake Wailes Park. The parade route goes through downtown. More info at lwmardigras.com . UNNECESSARY FARCE Feb. 1, 6, 7, & 8 at Lake Wales Little Theatre. Two cops. Three crooks. Eight doors. A cheap motel room, an embezzling mayor, and two undercover cops waiting to catch the meeting on videotape. Add an accountant and some confusion, and you’ve got a fun night ahead of you. lwlt.org SMOKE OFF THE WATER Feb. 6 from 6 - 10 p.m. and Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at 2400 Dundee Rd. This outdoor BBQ & music festival brings together incredible bands, award-winning BBQ, kids activities, and an unbeatable community vibe, all for a good cause! centralfloridatix.com THE BLACK MARKET Feb. 7, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at MLK Park on Lake Silver. Support and uplift Black-owned businesses in our community. Explore a diverse range of products, from fashion and art to delicious treats. Honor the richness of Black history and entrepreneurship. Facebook: The Black Market; A Melanin Cultural Festival. FAT TUESDAY Feb. 17, 6 p.m. at Bowen Yard. Spend Fat Tuesday at Bowen Yard with HBJazz playing live from 6-8 pm. Visit Maritime for food and drink specials and beads, of course! Find more info about this family-friendly event at FB @bowenyardwh. MATT JOHNSON Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre. Matt Johnson is a master magician and escapologist. Every performance incorporates magic, mind-reading, the power of suggestion, stunts, comedy, and audience participation. theatrewinterhaven.com SPRING TRAINING Watch the Detroit Tigers play at Publix Field in Lakeland. All February home games begin at 1:05 p.m. Schedule: Feb. 22 vs Orioles; Feb. 23 vs Twins; Feb. 25 vs Blue Jays; Feb. 27 vs Phillies. Purchase tickets in advance at mlb.com/tigers/spring-training . THE SUNSHINE BOYS Feb. 12 – March 1 at Theatre Winter Haven. Two top-billed vaudevillians for over forty years aren’t even speaking. When CBS requests them for a “History of Comedy” retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together. theatrewinterhaven.com LW ARTS FESTIVAL Feb. 28 & March 1 from 10 a.m. - 4p.m. on the shores of Lake Wailes. This annual event showcases quality works by over 60 fine artists and artisans from across the region with original, one-of-a-kind pieces. Hosted by the Lake Wales Arts Council. lakewalesartscouncil.org

JOE PUG Feb. 1, 7 p.m. at the Derry Down. A singer-songwriter known for his lyrical acumen and plaintive harmonica style. He has toured with Steve Earle, Levon Helm, The Killers, Justin Townes Earle, Sturgill Simpson, and many others. He has appeared at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and The Newport Folk Festival. gpderrydown.com VALENTINE NIGHT MARKET Feb. 14, 5 – 9 p.m. in Downtown Lakeland. Great for date night, girls night, or family night out. Downtown retail shops will be open late, and Kentucky Ave will be filled with 150+ food vendors, artisans, crafters, live music, and more. downtownLKLD.com . ROTARY TWILIGHT 5K Feb. 6, 7 p.m. at Lake Hollingsworth Park. Run a scenic twilight run around beautiful Lake Hollingsworth and then up Buckingham Avenue to finish next to the Common Ground Playground. Proceeds benefit the playground. lakelandrunnersclub.org NINJAGO WEEKEND Feb. 7, 14, and 15 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at LEGOLAND. Release your inner Ninja with new live shows, action-packed activities, exclusive meet-and-greets with your favorite LEGO Ninjas, try new food, and more! Included with admission. legoland.com/florida A TRIBUTE TO BOB MARLEY Feb. 13, 7 p.m. at Union Hall. Watch and listen as Firelight pays homage to the reggae legend. With their soulful renditions and infectious energy, Firelight will transport you to the sun-soaked beaches of Jamaica to hear the iconic sounds of Bob Marley. unionhallevents.com LKLD INDIE WOMEN’S BASH Feb. 15, noon at Union Hall. An entire day of music, art, and fun celebrating local women in music & art. Get ready for a lineup of amazing indie bands, local artists showcasing their work, and delicious food and drinks. unionhallevents.com CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL Feb. 21, 3 p.m. - 9p.m. at Bonnet Springs Park. A free family-friendly evening of fun and island vibes. Enjoy cultural showcases, a Black & Caribbean-owned pop-up market, an expanded food vendor lineup, and kids’ activities, headlined by the Grammy-winning Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers. bonnetspringspark.com SPRING TRAINING Watch the Detroit Tigers play at Publix Field in Lakeland. All February home games begin at 1:05 p.m. Schedule: Feb. 22 vs Orioles; Feb. 23 vs Twins; Feb. 25 vs Blue Jays; Feb. 27 vs Phillies. Purchase tickets in advance at mlb.com/tigers/spring-training . JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Feb. 13 – March 1 at Lakeland Community Theatre. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The story, told entirely through the iconic 70s rock score, explores the relationships between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com TOP CHEF OF POLK COUNTY Feb. 23, 6 – 9 p.m. at Bonnet Springs Park Event Center. Ten of Polk County’s most talented Chefs will wow you with their signature creations, each paired with a wine or libation for you to sample. Guests will enjoy a cash bar, live music, and silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit the Achievement Academy.

REMAIN By Nicholas Sparks New York architect Tate Donovan arrives in Cape Cod, still grieving the death of his sister who could see spirits. In a historic bed-and-breakfast, he meets a young woman named Wren who will challenge every assumption he has about his logical and controlled world. CONSIDER YOURSELF KISSED By Jessica Stanley A literary love story told through ten years in the life of one woman as she tries to build a longed-for family without also losing herself. An entertaining portrayal of the true, grown-up meaning of “happily ever after.” FIRST-TIME CALLER By B.K. Borison Aiden Valentine has a secret: he’s fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, that’s a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom, the jaded radio host finds he’s not quite ready to hang up on love. CAN’T GET ENOUGH By Kennedy Ryan Hendrix lives a fabulous life. Great friends, a thriving business, even if caring for her aging parent is a challenge. Who has time for romance? When tech mogul Maverick Bell makes her feel seen and desired, Hendrix needs to decide if it’s time to let herself have it all. STORY OF MY LIFE By Lucy Score Desperate to escape her writer’s block, Hazel leaves her Upper East Side apartment for a house in rural Pennsylvania she bought sight unseen. Nothing goes to plan, but at least she finds swoon-worthy inspiration in her hot, grumpy contractor Cam. It’s all just research. What could go wrong? THE GEOGRAPHER’S MAP TO ROMANCE By India Holton Geography professors in a failed marriage of convenience inconveniently reconnect when both are sent on an emergency mission to a small Welsh village that has suffered a magical disaster in this swoony historical-fantasy rom-com. SOUNDS LIKE LOVE By Ashley Poston A hitmaking songwriter and a bitter musician share a startling and inexplicable connection that they’ll do anything to shake, but that song stuck in their heads? Maybe it’s there for a reason. FAKE SKATING By Lynn Painter This latest love story from YA and romance specialist Lynn Painter finds childhood friends reuniting as teenagers in their hockey-loving Minnesota hometown. It turns out that teenage relationships are a bit more complicated.

HEART THE LOVER By Lily King “Heart the Lover” examines that particular ache of a relationship that didn’t end because of a lack of love, but because of timing and youthful mistakes. Moving through time, the story evolves years later to address the shifting concept of love, adopting a more reflective tone as the narrator reconciles her stable present with the “one that got away.” It is a story about the kind of first love that never truly leaves you, and how the person you were with them still exists somewhere inside the person you are now. AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE By Tayari Jones Told through multiple perspectives, the narrative shifts between characters to offer a 360-degree view of the emotional fallout. Rather than centering on the tragic event at the center of the novel, the story turns inward, focusing on the intimate, human struggle of trying to stay connected. In the end, it becomes a powerful examination of whether a marriage can survive a profound injustice, or if some bonds are irrevocably changed by time and circumstance. ONE TRUE LOVES By Taylor Jenkins Reid An emotional love triangle - one where you know someone is going to get emotionally crushed - including the reader! The story follows Emma as she grapples with an impossible choice between two different lives and two different loves, ultimately exploring whether it’s possible to have more than one “true love” in a lifetime. OUR SOULS AT NIGHT By Kent Haruf This novel is a tender look at love that isn’t about grand gestures, but about the simple need for another person’s presence. Two elderly neighbors, both long widowed and living alone, decide to embark on an unusual arrangement to combat their shared loneliness. It is a gentle, sparely written story about the courage it takes to seek happiness late in life and the external pressures that can threaten even the quietest of bonds. BROKEN COUNTRY By Clare Leslie Hall A clever blend of thriller and psychological drama. Moving between past and present, the story builds toward a high-stakes turning point where secrets can no longer stay hidden. It is a slow-burn exploration of how a first love can haunt a person’s future, offering a raw look at the jagged, often desperate lengths one will go to protect their version of happiness. THE REST OF OUR LIVES By Ben Markovits Our narrator, Tom, drops his youngest daughter off at college, triggering the memory of the secret pact he made years earlier to leave his wife after her affair. Instead of returning home, he keeps driving west on a solo trip, seeking out people from his past to help him sort out his present. It’s a small, intimate story that focuses on the slow erosion and complex endurance of a long-term marriage, and the subtle ways people hurt each other over decades of proximity. NORMAL PEOPLE By Sally Rooney This novel is proof that not all love stories are happy. The story follows Connell and Marianne, who remain connected over many years, despite repeatedly misunderstanding each other. Rooney writes with restraint and emotional precision, capturing how two people who love each other can still hurt each other. Issues of class and social status complicate their dynamic even further. THE TIME HOP COFFEE SHOP By Phaedra Patrick This novel offers a grounded look at how long-term relationships can lose their spark and what it takes to find it again. This is a classic “feel-good” story about appreciating the beauty in life’s imperfections. Greta Perks is given the chance to step back into the idealized, scripted world of her past and escape the current struggles of her current life. Ultimately, she must decide whether true love is found in a flawless fantasy or in the difficult, honest work of choosing each other in the real world.

Bringing back a citrus festival isn’t just about celebrating oranges and grapefruits—it’s about honoring the generations who helped shape it. Citrus built this region. Reviving a citrus festival reconnects us to that shared history and creates new memories for today’s families while supporting local growers and businesses. It’s a little nostalgia, a lot of community pride, and proof that some traditions are simply too sweet to let fade away. We sat down with Event Director Lyndsey Venrick from Destroyer Media to find out more about Florida’s Citrus Festival happening on January 31. WHAT INSPIRED FLORIDA’S CITRUS FESTIVAL? (FCF) FCF: The Citrus Festival was a long-standing tradition in Winter Haven for dozens of years. Citrus crops are coming back, and it’s time we honor our local beloved citrus again. Our growing population also means that a lot of residents have no idea about the agricultural history that surrounds them. We hope to educate them on the importance of citrus in our community. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HIGHLIGHT OUR CITRUS ROOTS? FCF: It’s easy to forget about agriculture when you don’t see it every day. You buy your produce at the store and don’t think about the journey it took to get there. But agriculture is still a major financial contributor to this region; it creates hundreds of jobs and improves our local economy. It’s critical that we support our local growers whenever we can to highlight this industry. Science has helped the citrus industry bounce back from greening, and it’s important that we keep it going into the future. HOW WILL FCF BRING OUR CITRUS LEGACY TO LIFE? FCF: If you’ve lived here for any length of time, you’ve undoubtedly heard from someone, “This all used to be orange groves.” It’s hard to imagine that when you are driving in traffic past shopping centers and large buildings, but citrus really was the core of Polk County. It’s what brought people to this region for decades. You’ll be able to take a look back and realize, wow! This really was all orange groves! We encourage visitors to stop by the Polk County Farm Bureau History Exhibit to learn about the Citrus Label Trail and start an exciting scavenger hunt, too. TELL US HOW FCF WILL BALANCE FUN, EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION? FCF: We’ve got some amazing local partners providing engaging booths throughout the event that not only teach you about the history of citrus in our area, but also the future! The Polk County History Center and the Lake Wales History Museum will have interactive educational exhibits, Florida Coast Equipment is bringing a line of agricultural tractors and vehicles that the kids can explore, and other community partners will be set up to offer crafts, activities, and more! We’ll have a large market full of vendors offering citrus treats, handmade gifts, and more. We’re bringing back some of the kitschy favorites from past Citrus Festivals including the Blue Ribbon Art Show, Grove Showcases, and even a citrus pie-eating contest! To keep the kids entertained, we’ll have a Touch-A-Tractor experience, KidZone activities, and craft booths. For the adults, we’ve got live music, a beer and wine tent, a market, and more. Plus, local groves are still thriving in our community. Visitors can meet the grove owners, sample their fruit, and learn about our agricultural community. WHAT’S ONE DETAIL ABOUT THE EVENT THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT EXPECT? FCF: We’ll be having a juicing contest on the stage! Imagine a hot dog-eating contest, but we’ll see who can fill a pitcher with orange juice the fastest! Visit our social media to sign up to participate and maybe you’ll take home the trophy! WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT FROM THE FOOD & DRINK VENDORS? FCF: Every vendor on-site will offer at least one citrus themed specialty item. Vendors are bringing orange sorrel drinks, lemon-glazed empanadas, orange Julius, orange baklava, citrus chicken skewers, citrus-infused baked treats, and more! We will have numerous tables and chairs scattered throughout the park so you can sit back and enjoy the event all day. Everyone loves a mimosa, but being a citrus festival, we know that the OJ is really the star of the show. At our Reverse Mimosa Bar, you’ll get to pick the specific grove and fruit juice to mix with your bubbles. WHAT’S THE ENTERTAINMENT PLANNED FOR THAT DAY? FCF: We will have live music performances by Coastal Acoustic Barefoot Music, “Ace” Jackson and the Jump Kings, and Phoenix 5. Plus, we will have on-stage competitions like the pie-eating and juicing contests. TELL US ABOUT THE BLUE RIBBON ART SHOWCASE. FCF: The Blue Ribbon Art Showcase will be reminiscent of art shows that you’d find at a state fair – think traditional mediums plus fun things like quilts, needlepoint, and more! Professional and novice artists alike can apply and have their work seen by the community. We even have a youth category for any young artists wanting to participate. A panel of local judges will award prizes to each category, including a Best in Show. The art will be on view in the Blue Ribbon Art Showcase tent during the festival. HOW DO YOU HOPE FCF STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY PRIDE? FCF: Polk County residents like to get hung up on traffic, overpopulation, and other issues, but we really are so fortunate to live here. We’re surrounded by local farms, fresh and delicious produce, and unbelievable nature and wildlife. I’m hopeful this event can remind our citizens of the magic of our area. This is the festival version of touching grass. WHAT’S YOUR LONG-TERM VISION FOR FCF? FCF: We would love to grow this event into a full weekend of fun. This would allow us to add on more attractions, more live entertainment… and who knows? We might even bring back the Citrus Parade! FLORIDA’S CITRUS FESTIVAL January 31, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Central Park, Winter Haven FB @floridascitrusfestival floridascitrusfestival.com

ORIGINS & EARLY GROWTH (1500S–LATE 1800S) Oranges were first planted in Florida by early Spanish explorers (near St. Augustine) and over centuries citrus spread across the peninsula; commercial-scale production expanded after the Civil War when railroads enabled shipping to northern markets. Central Florida — including Polk County — became a major citrus-growing region in the late 19th century as settlers planted groves and rail links allowed crate shipments (many of the decorative crate labels you still see were part of that marketing era). CATASTROPHE AND RESILIENCE: THE GREAT FREEZE (1894–1895) The Great Freeze (December 1894 and February 1895) devastated citrus across much of Florida, killing fruit and trees and forcing many growers to move south. Polk County was hard hit, but the region and the industry gradually recovered and re-planted in lower-risk areas while retaining a large citrus presence in Central Florida. INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (1910S ONWARD) Polk County growers helped establish the University of Florida’s Citrus Experiment Station in Lake Alfred in 1917 (today the Citrus Research and Education Center, CREC). CREC became — and remains — one of the world’s largest citrus research facilities, central to disease, breeding, and production research for Florida citrus. 20TH-CENTURY EXPANSION AND MID-CENTURY PEAK Through the mid-1900s, Florida citrus production expanded dramatically (hundreds of millions of boxes by mid-century), with Polk County often among the top producing counties due to its favorable soils and infrastructure. Marketing, processing (juice plants), packinghouses, and an entire local economy grew up around citrus. DISEASE OUTBREAKS, REGULATION, AND NEW THREATS (1910S–2000S) Citrus canker: an early-introduced bacterial disease (first recorded introductions in the early 1900s, with later outbreaks in the late 20th century) led to eradication and regulatory programs that sometimes required removal of healthy trees near infected sites — a major social and economic issue when outbreaks recurred. Hurricanes: repeated hurricanes (notably in the 2000s and 2010s) periodically damaged groves, packinghouses and infrastructure in Polk and surrounding counties, compounding stresses on growers. THE CITRUS-GREENING (HLB) ERA AND DECLINE (2005–PRESENT) HLB (Huanglongbing/citrus greening) was first detected in Florida in the mid-2000s and is now the single greatest biological threat the industry has faced. The bacterium (spread by the Asian citrus psyllid) causes progressive tree decline and very poor fruit; there is no simple cure at scale. Polk County, historically one of the largest citrus counties, has seen dramatic reductions in productive acreage and yields because of HLB plus storm losses and land-use change. Acreage and production numbers have fallen sharply since the early 2000s; many groves have been abandoned, converted to development, or consolidated by remaining growers. This contraction has affected local employment, processing infrastructure, and ancillary businesses. Sources stated that statewide, the industry that used to produce as many as 220 million boxes of citrus will realize less than 15 million boxes in 2025. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS & RESPONSES (RESEARCH, BIOTECH, LAND USE) Research & mitigation: CREC, UF/IFAS, and federal/ state programs have focused on HLB research (vector control, resistant/rootstock breeding, tree injections, and novel approaches like gene-editing). Some growers are experimenting with protected (screened) production, intensive vector control, or testing new rootstocks/varieties. Land-use change: rapid population growth and development pressure in Polk County mean some former groves are being sold for housing and commercial uses; this accelerates the reduction in citrus acreage even when disease impact is managed locally. Primary sources for this summary: • 1 University of Florida / CREC — history and research updates on citrus and HLB. • 2 Florida Citrus Industry historical overview (Florida Citrus Federation / state archives). Recent reporting on industry decline, weather impacts and development pressures (AP, The Guardian, regional outlets)