In the early 1940s Winter Haven was no different than many other U.S. cities as its energies were directed to the World War II effort. Citizens learned what “blackouts” were (keeping lights out and/or shades drawn at night) and how to prevent both homes and businesses from becoming bombing targets at night. Air raid warnings were practiced, and a block system of communication helped individuals and families prepare for the possibility of attack. Children in schools were fingerprinted, and F. E. Brigham (school namesake) championed a new form of physical fitness education for everyone. Air raid “wardens” were appointed and helped to inspect homes to prevent fire hazards. Children collected waste paper. Women collected cans as well as unused pots and pans, as the metal could be used in the war effort. Eight local residents attended a county wide preparedness school in Bartow. Photo depicts the Haven Hotel. During World War II, citizen volunteers atop the building watched for unidentified aircraft. May 1942 brought gas rationing. An air raid warning service was developed, and local volunteers served twenty-fourhour shifts on the roof of the Haven Hotel watching for unidentified aircraft. Photo depicts the Haven Hotel. During World War II, citizen volunteers atop the building watched for unidentified aircraft. Mrs. Frank Holland served as salvage chairman for the community. Mrs. A. G. Hancock was war production chairman for the local Red Cross chapter, and other women worked around the clock to produce garments, bandages, and other items as required by the national headquarters. The Winter Haven Herald (a now defunct weekly paper published by the Burr family) was sent on a complimentary basis to all active service men for whom they had addresses. Another group of women headed by Mrs. Joe Nagel and Mrs. C. E. Wild learned to maintain and repair motors. People registered for sugar rationing. Many local men and women rode bicycles to work in an effort to conserve gas. Festival Hall was one of four buildings that were used for Orange Festival exhibits. They stood on the current site of the City Hall Annex and the Splash Park. During WWII a POW camp was located on that site. George Andrews, associated with the Haven Hotel, gave his 65- foot yacht to the government for the duration of the war. The “Furlough” had entertained many local residents on saltwater fishing expeditions. Early in 1942, Winter Haven completed a civic center ... much of the money coming from citizen donations. It was designed to offer senior citizens a place to play cards, visit, dance, and generally socialize. The building had long been a goal of city fathers. L. H. Recker served as chairman of the building committee, Robert Kramer was treasurer, and Frank Brickman chaired the finance committee. The city had committed $7,500, and the balance of $14,397.48 raised came from donations. Upon completion there was an excess of $23.50. The Chamber of Commerce coordinated the dedication ceremony, and the Tourist and Shuffleboard Club had already moved into the building (known today as the Senior Center on Lake Silver). Later that same year, more than one hundred residents attended a Bartow meeting aimed at establishing a public health unit. A young Dr. Ivan Gessler (clinic founder) had joined Dr. W. T. Simpson in his practice and represented Winter Haven in the public health endeavor. A county referendum was required to establish such a health unit. Dr. Gessler headed an educational effort to inform the voters. On May 5, 1942, the referendum passed by a 2,000-vote margin. Gessler went on to found Gessler Clinic with N. J. Griffith, MD. As noted in a previous column, Winter Haven arranged with the U.S. government to convert the Orange Festival grounds for use as a POW camp from 1944 to 1945. POST-WAR WINTER HAVEN Upon his return from the war in 1945, George Burr (founder of the Winter Haven Herald) began organizing his friends who were members of the Elk’s Lodge to join him in founding a Winter Haven lodge. By late April, 75 members had been initiated into Winter Haven Lodge No. 1972. Ceremonies were held at the Masonic Temple, then located at Fifth St. and Avenue B, SW. Officers of the Winter Haven Lodge included: John A. Lang, Exalted Ruler; Harry E. King, Esteemed Leading Knight; George L. Burr, Esteemed Loyal Knight; Sidney I. Smith, Esteemed Lecturing Knight; C. V. Peterson, Secretary; Roger W. Clapp, Treasurer, and Trustees, O. C. Stanley, George Andrews, and H. B. Snively. Lang appointed Collier Jones as Esquire, James B. Harrington as Tiler, and J. D. Hill as Chaplain. George W. Partin was Inner Guard. The Lodge soon purchased the Roseart Hotel for a clubhouse. The hotel was located on Third Street at Avenue B, NW on the present site of the Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgery Center. The Roseart was built during the 20s boom and once boasted, “The World’s Only Hotel with a Radio in Every Room.” The Roseart Hotel was located on the current site of the Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgery Center and featured “a radio in every room.” It would later become the first Elk’s Lodge. The City Commission ordered 250 parking meters for placement on the downtown business streets. Phil Lucey was hired as manager of the postwar Florida Orange Festival and plans soon developed for a massive new exposition. The festival site stretched from what is now the site of City Hall to Lake Silver. From City Hall to Lake Silver, Third Street NW is much wider than most other downtown streets. That is because prior to the current municipal complex in that area, Third Street became the carnival midway during the Orange Festival. The Lake Silver Amphitheater was completed in 1949. The Buffalo Bisons Baseball Team trained here in the spring of 1946. They were brought to Winter Haven by the Chamber of Commerce Baseball Committee chaired by J. H. Fuller. Frank Sparrow was sent here from Lakeland following three years in the U.S. Navy. Sparrow had managed theaters before the war and came to Winter Haven managing both the Ritz and Grand Theaters. The Grand Theatre stood at the junction of Pope (formerly Grand) Avenue and Fifth Street, NW, just north of what was once known as the Red Cross building. This photo is from “Angel Street” the 1947 production of the Winter Haven Playhouse, forerunner of Theatre Winter Haven. Until the completion of the SW Complex in 1967, live theater was staged in the Woman’s Club Building (now home to the Museum of Winter Haven History). In the summer of ‘46, plans were underway for Winter Haven’s Little Theatre. R. McDonald Brown spearheaded the effort. It was called the Winter Haven Community Playhouse, and the Woman’s Club allowed their Lake Howard building to be used for their productions. Two Race brothers, Austin Jr., and Charles, founded Race & Race, Inc. The company developed an aluminum products plant to manufacture such items as citrus irrigation pipe and picking ladders. The brothers were sons of Austin Race, Sr. The plant was located on Highway 17 North between Winter Haven and Lake Alfred. Portions of the site are now a part of the “Chain of Lakes Trail.” This property is just southeast of the Hartridge/Conine canal. Portions of this information were taken from “The History of Winter Haven” by Josephine Burr, period newspapers, and interviews with area residents.

No other film bridges the sacred and the profane quite like Charles Laughton’s “The Night of the Hunter” (1955), a Depression-era fairy tale that ends one cinematic age and inaugurates another, painted in all the shades of nostalgia Norman Rockwell left out when depicting the past. Part noir, part parable, it is a story of flight and faith, innocence, and inheritance, revealing the uneasy marriage between American piety and spectacle — a theme that would echo throughout postwar cinema. The odds are that it’s a favorite film of your favorite director and most certainly of your film-loving friends. Viewed through the eyes of two children fleeing a “false prophet” of a father figure, “The Night of the Hunter” unfolds like a Grimm’s fairy tale set in the American South. In a time of poverty and want, a corrupt preacher named Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum) marries a widow (Shelley Winters) to find money stolen by her husband, hoping to provide a better life for their children, only to see them hunted. The children, John and Pearl, drift down a moonlit river to escape the murderous “Preacher,” finding refuge with a farm woman, Rachel Cooper (silent-era icon Lillian Gish), who protects strays. One moment, the camera lingers on pastoral calm, frogs and rabbits watching as the children float downstream, and the next, it submerges us in a nightmare; a drowned mother tethered in a sunken Model T, her hair drifting like river grass. It marks the film’s convergence of traditions, Expressionist nightmare meeting American folklore, as Laughton directs with the precision of Murnau and the heart of an American mythmaker. Laughton and cinematographer Stanley Cortez constructed a world where every shot feels remembered rather than filmed. Drawing from silent-era technique, even letting the camera roll until the reel ran out, they built a visual language both archaic and experimental. Cortez filled the screen with inkblack shadows and white-hot light, carving faces into masks, transforming barns, bedrooms, and riverbanks into mythic spaces. He later said he was “using darkness to reveal rather than conceal.” If noir once belonged to the doomed and the desperate, “The Night of the Hunter” marks its archetypal evolution. Powell’s evil thrives not in secrecy but in spectacle; his sermons crafted for those who want belief neatly packaged as truth. “The religion the Almighty and me worked out betwixt us,” he boasts, revealing the private gospel of a self-made prophet. He knows that people prefer the comfort of conviction to the labor of understanding — and it’s in that comfort that his power takes root, flowering beneath the cross he wields like a weapon. The result is hypnotic and horrifying in equal measure, a performance that reverberates through film history — inspiring Robert Englund’s Freddy Krueger and countless others. When Mitchum raised his tattooed hands and delivered the parable of love and hate, he inscribed one of the most enduring gestures in motion-picture history; an image revisited more than thirty years later in Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” (1989), linking two American parables across generations. The “Love” and “Hate” monologue, delivered by Robert Mitchum’s Harry Powell in “The Night of the Hunter,” became one of cinema’s most potent symbols of moral duality. In Lee’s 1989 film, the character Radio Raheem (played by Bill Nunn) pays direct homage to that moment, wearing brass knuckles engraved with the same words and reenacting Powell’s sermon almost wordfor-word, transforming it from a Southern Gothic parable into a street side meditation on violence and survival. The film itself drifts between tones, veering from terror to wonder, often within the same scene. That dynamic range would later become a hallmark of American cinema. You can trace its DNA through the tonal dualities of “The Manchurian Candidate” (1962), “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967), and the suburban surrealism of David Lynch; in 1955, such fluidity between nightmare and lullaby was almost unheard of. For all its poetry, the film remains grounded in distinctly American anxieties. Released in the wake of McCarthyism, it plays as a parable of the enemy within, a false shepherd infiltrating a suffering community and turning piety into panic. In the barn doorway, Mitchum’s silhouette sings to the moon, and noir’s urban shadows spill into the countryside, widening into something older and more mythic. The kind of darkness that feels both moral and divine. When “The Night of the Hunter” premiered, audiences and critics didn’t know what to make of it. Some dismissed it as grotesque, others as confused. It was Laughton’s only film as a director; he never directed again. Yet time clarified its brilliance. By the 1960s, French critics recognized it as visionary, and by 1992, it was preserved in the National Film Registry. Reportedly deeply affected by the film’s reception, Charles Laughton passed away not long after its release. The Temporal Screen reserves a soft spot for those creators who did not live to receive the flowers time would send, especially those who would have benefited from the societal freedoms and identity expression we have only now begun to honor. If the sympathetic vibrations from our celebration of his monumental work adjust the balance, I think we can consider this a Noirvember well spent; better still, if film discoveries by first-time viewers in the present are to follow. Seventy years on, “The Night of the Hunter” endures — knowing the darkness behind the brightest daylight. Between film eras past and those still to come, it stands as a bridge between expressionism and modern myth, handed down, recommended highly, and treasured in each age as both warning and wonder: the hands of love and hate are visible, but seldom are they seen.

Did you know that you can grow bulbs in central Florida? Central Florida gardeners can display bulbs year-round, which is different than the bulbs you may be familiar with if you have gardened up north. There are both tropical and subtropical bulbs that thrive in our landscapes if you install and maintain them following the Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles. WHICH BULBS CAN WE GROW CENTRAL FLORIDA? Plant tropical bulbs in the spring and summer months. This includes caladiums, cannas, and crinum lilies. In the spring, plant once the soil is warm (generally when soil temperatures reach 60–70°F) and they will grow through summer and into the fall. These bulbs can also be started early in containers before temperatures warm if you want a jump-start on your spring landscape. This fall you can plant spring-flowering bulbs such as gladiolus, amaryllis, and society garlic. Caladiums are a garden favorite and can be planted both in the ground or in containers. They die back in the winter but can be left in the ground to reemerge in the spring. Typically, they will not be as showy the following year, so you may need to supplement with additional bulbs. Caladium tubers perform best when planted in April through September. Rain lilies will also grow both in containers and in the ground. If planted in the lawn, be careful not to cut off the leaves as they provide energy for the next bloom. The flowers are triggered by the first rain after a dry period, and they will naturalize freely. Blood lilies are an old pass-along plant, shared from neighbor to neighbor, although they are occasionally sold in stores. They require full shade and multiply freely, dying back in the winter. They provide huge impact when planted in large groupings. There are also bulbs that can be planted year-round such as agapanthus, blackberry lily, society garlic, and both African and walking iris. WHAT DO BULBS NEED TO THRIVE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA YARDS? Most bulbs prefer full sun to partial shade. Caladiums do well in shade or filtered light and are a great option for shady beds but with numerous varieties there are even sun-loving caladiums available. Amaryllis and crinum lily do well in sun to partial shade gardens. They are a nice choice for under the cover of large trees. Grow bulbs in well-drained soil and add compost or organic matter to the landscape beds at the time of planting. Planting depths and spacing are important for successful bulbs. Plant bulbs with the shoulder of the bulb at or slightly above soil level for many tropical bulbs. For example, amaryllis often have the top 1/3 of the bulb above the soil. For smaller bulbs, follow the guideline of roughly 2–3 times the bulb height in depth. For caladiums, plant tubers “eye” up, shallowly (about 2 inches), and 8–12 inches apart. Watering, fertilizing, and maintenance are critical for a healthy bulb display. Newly planted bulbs need consistent moisture until they are established. After growth begins, adjust watering for the species — for example, caladiums like moist but not saturated soil, while many dormant bulbs tolerate drier conditions during dormancy. A balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting and periodic feeding during the growing season will improve bulb vigor and flowering. Incorporating organic matter at planting will get your bulbs off on the right foot. Finally, dividing bulbs is an important maintenance practice. Many bulbs (crinum, agapanthus, amaryllis) multiply and may need division every few years to prevent crowding and encourage larger blooms. Fall is a good time to divide your garden bulbs. Simply separate the “baby bulbs” or cut bulbs into wedges as appropriate for the type of plant. SOME FINAL TIPS Pests and disease can be an issue, but can be minimized with proper maintenance. Warm, wet soils promote bulb rot. Plant bulbs when soil isn’t cold and wet to ensure good drainage. Avoid overwatering dormant bulbs. Slugs, snails, and bulb-feeding insects can be issues for some species; deer and rodents may dig or feed on bulbs. Contact your UF/IFAS Extension Plant Clinic for management solutions. Finally, remember to select region-appropriate varieties. Choose cultivars and species recommended for central Florida to ensure success and a beautiful display of bulbs in your central Florida yard. For more information on bulbs 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. An Equal Opportunity Institution. Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.edu .

As Thanksgiving approaches, turkeys start taking center stage – in grocery store displays, dinner menus, and classroom crafts. But beyond the holiday hustle, wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) roam Florida’s forests, pastures, and wetlands year-round, playing a vital role in our state’s natural ecosystems. A CLOSER LOOK AT THE WILD TURKEY Florida is home to two of the five subspecies of wild turkey found in North America: the Eastern subspecies, which is common across the Panhandle and northern counties, and the Osceola subspecies, found only in peninsular Florida. The Osceola subspecies is slightly smaller and darker in appearance than the Eastern, with less white barring on its wing feathers. Wild turkeys are large, ground-dwelling birds that can weigh up to 20 pounds. Males (toms) sport beards – tufts of hairlike feathers protruding from their chests – and fleshy flaps of skin on their throats (known as wattles) that change color depending on mood or mating season. Though they may look awkward, wild turkeys are surprisingly agile, capable of running up to 25 mph and flying short distances at speeds of 50 mph. In Central Florida, wild turkeys use a mosaic of habitats throughout the year, from thick forests to open, shrubby fields. These birds are omnivores, and their diets encompass a broad spectrum of insects, berries, fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetation. Their habitats must support a similarly broad array of food sources, so a variety of plants that produce or attract each of their diet components is key! MORE THAN JUST A MEAL – WHY WILD TURKEYS MATTER Wild turkeys are more than just an interesting sight – they’re an indicator of healthy, functioning native habitats. Because they require such a diversity of cover and food types to meet their needs throughout the year, the presence of turkeys often signals that a property or landscape supports a balanced, native plant community, with an abundance of insects and other small critters. Additionally, wild turkeys are prey for native predators like bobcats and coyotes, while also helping to balance insect and plant populations. They function as both consumers and prey in our complex food webs, providing support for the entire ecosystem. THE SCIENCE BEHIND THESE STRUTTERS UF/IFAS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continue to support long-term research on wild turkey populations and habitat management. Much of this work focuses on how land use changes – such as fire suppression, urbanization, or invasive plants – impact nesting success and population trends. The wild turkey is actually a conservation success story. Though they may seem common, sometimes even working their way into neighborhoods or urban parks, these birds were once facing extinction. Throughout the 1800s, they were overhunted and experienced intense habitat degradation, and some estimates suggest that by the early 1900s wild turkey populations had declined by 90%. Conservationists realized that something had to be done, and through strict hunting regulations, relocation, and habitat enhancement, the wild turkey population was brought back from the brink across the United States. These birds are now found in every state except Alaska. Yes, that means there are even turkeys in Hawaii, though they are not native to the islands. One major goal in continuing to conserve wild turkey populations is improving habitat quality on both public and private lands. For example, prescribed fire is a valuable tool for encouraging diverse, insect-rich habitats for wild turkeys. Other research examines how roads, fences, and fragmented landscapes may impact turkey movement and survival. Understanding these dynamics is essential not only for sustaining turkey populations, but also for ensuring that private and public land managers have the tools they need to support healthy habitat for turkeys and other wildlife. GOBBLE-WORTHY FUN FACTS · WILD TURKEYS SLEEP IN TREES Wild turkeys roost in tall, mature trees at night to avoid predators, and fly down every morning to begin their day! · COLOR-CHANGING HEADS A tom’s head and wattle can shift between red, white, and blue, typically in response to excitement or during courtship displays. · A SPRINGTIME DISPLAY While male turkeys are often shown in Thanksgiving imagery, their courtship displays actually take place during the spring. In order to attract a mate, toms will puff up their feathers (strutting), gobble, and spin around, putting on the best show they can for the ladies! GIVING BACK THIS THANKSGIVING – WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP Central Floridians can play an important role in protecting these fascinating birds and the habitats they depend on. Here are a few simple ways to make a difference: PRESCRIBED FIRE AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT If you own property, reach out to your local UF/IFAS Extension office or FWC about using fire or other techniques to improve wildlife habitat. LOOK OUT FOR INVASIVE PLANTS Non-native species like cogongrass or Caesarweed can choke out the native plants that turkeys rely on to produce the necessary diversity of food. Reach out to us at UF/IFAS Extension for information on how to manage these plants on your property! DRIVE CAREFULLY IN RURAL AREAS Road crossings are a major cause of turkey mortality. Slowing down and keeping an eye out, especially near dawn or dusk, can help them cross safely! GET INVOLVED IN CITIZEN SCIENCE Each year, FWC conducts a Wild Turkey Summer Survey that helps estimate statewide populations. Anyone can fill out a survey, and you can submit a response any time you see a turkey! This November, take a moment to appreciate the wild turkey not just as a meal, but as a living symbol of Florida’s rich and resilient ecosystems. With mindful stewardship and community support, we can ensure these birds remain part of our landscape – and our holiday traditions – for generations to come. For more information, please reach out to us at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County or directly to our office via email ( scarnevale@ufl.edu ). Looking for ‘learning on the go’? Check out the turkeys episode (Season 4, Episode 12) of Naturally Florida, available on all major podcast platforms.

SPOOKY NIGHT BLOW Nov. 8, 7 p.m. at the Morean Glass Studio. Watch artists create something amazing during this glass-blowing event. Backlit by nothing more than a fiery hot kiln and molten glass, Night Blow mixes glassblowing with synchronized music choreographed by the evening’s DJ. Limited space, reserve in advance. moreanartscenter.org CHARCUTERIE WORKSHOP Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. at Keel & Curley Winery. Follow along as you learn the tricks & techniques to create a beautiful board. From a salami river, provolone roses & fruit cutting techniques, you will create a delicious board to take home and enjoy. A free drink from Keel Farms is included. Register at keelfarms.com . THE SOLDIER’S LENS Throughout November at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. This curated exhibition showcases the original perspectives of active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The work shows the diverse experiences of military life, from quiet moments to the intense. fmopa.org FLAVORS OF SPAIN DINNER Nov. 18, 7 p.m. at The Dali. This 8-course tasting menu and drink pairing invites guests to experience the flavors and inspirations of Spanish cuisine. In partnership with chefs from around Tampa Bay, this is a multi-sensory experience crafted by Chef Chuck Bandel of Café Gala. Reserve in advance. thedali.org SUNKEN GARDENS Visit “St. Pete’s Oldest Living Museum.” This 100-year-old garden is a lush, tropical oasis home to more than 50,000 exotic tropical plants and birds from around the world, including its iconic flamingo flock. Open every day except Thanksgiving. sunkengardens.org CHRISTMAS TOWN Nov. 14 – Jan. 5 at Busch Gardens. The park will be decked out for the holidays! Indulge in holidayinspired culinary delights and meet festive characters like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends. The park is decorated with nearly 70 miles of lights making the park sparkle at night. buschgardens.com SCIENCE AFTER DARK Nov. 14, 6 p.m. at MOSI. This adults-only event includes hands-on science experiments throughout the museum, a curated selection of beer and wine samples, and a variety of delicious appetizers throughout the event. Treat yourself to liquid nitrogen ice cream, too. Reserve in advance at mosi.org . YMCA TURKEY GOBBLE Nov. 27. This family-friendly race starts and ends at Benchmark Int’l Arena. Choose either the 1-mile Fun Run, 5K run/walk, or a virtual 5k from anywhere. Proceeds from this race provide 100% of the funding for the Tampa YMCA’s Thrivers Club for youth who have undergone cancer treatment. runsignup.com THE WIZARD OF OZ Nov. 14 – 23 at the Straz. The Patel Conservatory Theater’s production of the beloved classic featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. This is the timeless story in which the young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz. strazcenter.org ART ON THE SPECTRUM Nov. 30, 9 – 11 a.m. at the Tampa Museum of Art. A special monthly event designed to welcome individuals with sensory sensitivities, developmental differences, and their caregivers. Explore the museum in a calm, low-crowd environment with sensory-friendly tools and supportive assistance available. tampamuseum.org

ORLANDO JAPAN FESTIVAL Nov. 9, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. Celebrating Japanese culture! Enjoy a full day of authentic food, traditional performances, and hands-on cultural experiences for all ages. From music and dance to martial arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone. More info at facebook.com/orlandojapanfestival . TURKEY TROT 5K Nov. 27, 7 a.m. at Lake Eola. Runners, joggers, and walkers, many dressed in full costumes or Thanksgiving-themed hats, hit the course for a “Race to End Senior Hunger” benefiting Meals on Wheels and other programs that support seniors in the community. Costume contest before the race. trackshack.com/event/240 MAKER FAIRE ORLANDO Nov. 8 & 9, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Part science fair, part county fair, this is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, artists, and students featuring innovation and experimentation. makerfaireorlando.com MOANA LIVE-TO-FILM Nov. 25, 8 p.m. at Dr. Phillips Center. A full-length screening of the beloved movie accompanied by live performances of a unique on-stage musical ensemble of top studio musicians, Polynesian rhythm masters, and vocalists, celebrating the music and songs from this award-winning film. drphillipscenter.org FALL FIESTA Nov. 1 & 2, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Lake Eola Park. Bring the family to the heart of Downtown Orlando while exploring hundreds of unique artist and crafter booths, food vendors, the Kids Zone, and live entertainment on the amphitheater stage. Free. fiestainthepark.com FESTIVAL OF TREES Nov. 15 – 23 at the Orlando Museum of Art. See more than 50 designerdecorated trees, festive wreaths, gingerbread creations, holiday vignettes, and tabletop displays. Shop in the Holiday Boutique, enjoy live entertainment daily, and dine in the Festival Café. On weekends, Santa will be on hand for photos and meet-and-greets. omart.org A SALUTE IN SWING Nov. 9, 3 p.m. at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts. A Veterans’ Day afternoon of music and tribute with a jazz group composed entirely of former military musicians. From big band swing to soulful ballads, the music honors veterans and their service. bluebambooartcenter.com FESTIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYS Nov. 28 – Dec. 30 at EPCOT. Celebrate the holidays around the world with seasonal food, visits with Santa, seasonal shows, and the famous Candlelight Processionals with a choir, 50-piece orchestra, and a celebrity narrator. disneyworld.disney.go.com VANS WARPED TOUR Nov. 15 & 16 at Camping World Stadium. It’s two days of pure nostalgia for all millennials. The tour hosts 133 bands along with extreme skate demos, BMX riders, shopping in Sponsor Alley, and don’t miss the “Tour Museum” with 30 years of photos and memories. vanswarpedtourorlando.com HOLIDAYS AT LEU GARDENS Nov. 28 – Jan. 4 at Leu Gardens. This is a holiday floral spectacular with thousands of poinsettias and seasonal flowers in full bloom across 50 acres. Visit the historic Leu House Museum, where every room is decorated for the holidays. As you walk around, be on the lookout for the garden gnomes hidden throughout the garden. leugardens.org

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Nov. 1 at Union Hall in Lakeland. Dance, eat, drink, and honor traditions at the first Dia de Los Muertos Night Market & After Party! Night Market is family-friendly from 6 - 9 p.m., and the After Party is 21+ only from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. FB @latinasprofesionalesinaction JOHN MCEUEN Nov. 21 at Gram Parsons Derry Down. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s John McEuen plays live with co-founder Les Thompson and special guest Muriel Anderson. In 1971, John initiated the landmark “Will the Circle be Unbroken” album. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. gpderrydown.com LAKE TO LAKE 10K Nov. 1, 7:30 a.m. at Lake Mirror Promenade. The 10k is the oldest annual race in Polk County and runs through the Lakeland chain of lakes and historic Lake Morton district, encompassing three lakes during the course. This is run on a certified course, it will be chip timed. lakelandrunnersclub.org SWAN CITY JAZZ JAMS Nov. 16, 5 p.m. at Union Hall. An evening of live, improvised jazz and soulful connection. They also collect donations of new shoes, socks, and hygiene items to support local families through the Blended Family Foundation. More info at facebook. com/swancityjazzfest. US AIR FORCE JAZZ BAND Nov. 10, 7 p.m. at the Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern. Enjoy the energy and excellence of America’s premier military jazz ensemble in a patriotic and swingfilled concert. flsouthern.edu/ffa HEATHERS THE MUSICAL Nov. 7 – 16 at Lakeland Community Theatre. Set in the late 1980s, the story revolves around Veronica Sawyer, a smart teenager who wants to be part of the popular crowd called the Heathers, a trio of beautiful and ruthless girls who rule the social scene. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Nov. 29. Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize small and local brick-andmortar businesses. This day happens every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. ART CRAWL Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Swan Brewing in Lakeland. This free festival celebrates the Arts with over 60 local artists selling their work and competing for prizes alongside live performances, art demonstrations, live art making, and more. Familyfriendly. artcrawlfl.com THE GREATEST SHOWMUTT Nov. 8, 6 p.m. at SPCA Florida. Your ticket helps to support SPCA Florida’s mission to rescue and protect animals. The evening includes dinner, an open bar, live entertainment, auctions, and pets on parade! spcaflorida.org HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR Nov. 29, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Munn Park. The Bazaar will fill the park with 45 holiday craft vendors alongside the Farmers Curb Market for a fun holiday shopping opportunity. Plus, Selfies with Santa is from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. in the center of Munn Park. downtownlkld.com

ART CRAWL Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Swan Brewing in Lakeland. This free festival celebrates the arts with over 60 local artists selling their work and competing for prizes alongside live performances, art demonstrations, live art making, and more. Family-friendly. artcrawlfl.com JOHN MCEUEN Nov. 21 at Gram Parsons Derry Down. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s John McEuen plays live with co-founder Les Thompson and special guest Muriel Anderson. In 1971, John initiated the landmark “Will the Circle be Unbroken” album. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. gpderrydown.com DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Nov. 1 at Union Hall in Lakeland. Dance, eat, drink, and honor traditions at the first Dia de Los Muertos Night Market & After Party! Night Market is family-friendly from 6 - 9 p.m., and the After Party is 21+ only from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. FB @latinasprofesionalesinaction MERGE: AN EXHIBITION BRIDGING CENTURIES OF HISTORY Nov. 15, 4 – 9 p.m. at Grove Roots Brewery. This exhibition invites you on an imaginative journey where past and present converge. The collection is crafted entirely from intricate recycled paper collage, using local publications as the sole medium. RSVP by Nov. 12. More info on IG @gleevams. CONCERT ON THE LOT Nov. 1, 6 p.m. at Bartow Ford. This concert features Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen, with special guests Austin Williams and Trevor Snider for an evening of live music, family fun, delicious food, and a brand-new Ford F-150 giveaway! centralfloridatix.com THE GREATEST SHOWMUTT Nov. 8, 6 p.m. at SPCA Florida. Your ticket helps to support SPCA Florida’s mission to rescue and protect animals. The evening includes dinner, an open bar, live entertainment, auctions, and pets on parade! spcaflorida.org ANGELS AMONG US Nov. 13, 6 – 9 p.m. at Venue 650. Kick off the holiday season and support Girls Inc. of Winter Haven in their mission to empower every girl to be Strong, Smart, & Bold. Enjoy food, drinks, live & silent auctions, and holiday fun. All money raised stays local to help the girls. girlsincwinterhaven.org SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Nov. 29. Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize small and local brick-andmortar businesses. This day happens every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. WINE, CHOCOLATE & CHEESE Nov. 14, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in Downtown Winter Haven, hosted by Main Street Winter Haven. Sample carefully curated pairings of wine and chocolate or wine and cheese pairings at 40+ Downtown businesses. This is a map-based event encouraging attendees to explore small businesses. centralfloridatix.com RUNA: HARK! AN IRISH CHRISTMAS Nov. 29, 6 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Hear this Celtic-American roots group perform the holiday melodies of Ireland and Scotland with the rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco, and blues, creating a fresh and innovative take on timeless folk music. boktowergardens.org

IN THE TIME OF FIVE PUMPKINS By Alexander McCall Smith Botswana detective Precious Ramotswe solves a new case with the help of her loyal associate and proves again that compassion and wisdom are the greatest tools for justice in the twenty-sixth novel of the series following, “The Great Hippopotamus Hotel.” HAPPY FRIENDSGIVING By Marcie Colleen & Laura Sandoval Herrera Learn the familiar traditions of Thanksgiving, and how family takes on many forms, as friends, neighbors, and relatives arrive for a day of celebration. Young readers will also be reminded to remember and honor those who must work on the holiday so that others might celebrate, including transit workers and first responders. WHAT WE CAN KNOW By Ian McEwan In a future drowned by climate disaster, solitary scholar Thomas Metcalfe uncovers a trail to a lost 2014 poem that once stirred scandal, unraveling a centuryold mystery of love, betrayal and artistic legacy in a world longing for what it has lost. HANSEL AND GRETEL By Stephen King & Maurice Sendak Let Stephen King, global bestselling and award-winning author of “The Long Walk,” and Maurice Sendak, beloved creator of the Caldecott Medal– winning “Where the Wild Things Are,” guide you into the most deliciously daring rendition of the classic Grimm fairy tale yet. THE ACADEMY By Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham When a surprise national ranking thrusts underachieving Tiffin Academy into the spotlight, a viral gossip app begins exposing students’ and staff’s secrets, unraveling reputations and relationships as the boarding school’s carefully curated image gives way to scandal. WILL THERE EVER BE ANOTHER YOU By Patricia Lockwood As a mysterious illness warps her memory and perception during a global pandemic, a grieving young woman struggles to care for her family while questioning her identity, her past and whether her fractured mind might offer a strange kind of freedom. AMITY By Nathan Harris In 1866 New Orleans, formerly enslaved siblings Coleman and June are separated, only to embark on perilous, individual journeys through the Mexican desert to reunite and seize the freedom they were promised. THE PUMPKIN SPICE CAFÉ By Laurie Gilmore When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start. Logan is a local farmer who wants nothing to do with the new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Maybe they only knock on some of our doors. Those chosen are as diverse as the reports themselves. Some never share the story. Some never even realize they had company. And some of us— maybe—have our names written in an appointment book in the distant stars. And should my name be nowhere in those books, should no visitor arrive, they will still have given me a gift to be opened slowly, with many smaller surprises inside, and even more questions about each one. This isn’t a story about proving UFOs. It’s a story about the connection, questions, and community. It’s about signals, searches, signs, and the accidental full circles that return us, again and again, to the same skies. TONE ONE: CYPRESS GARDENS On television, Walter Cronkite narrated the story of Apollo like it was a national family album. Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” was released in theaters that May, sending audiences out of the cinema and into silence. And in Winter Haven, Florida, Cypress Gardens staged its daily waterski extravaganzas—-pyramids of sequined skiers forming against manicured gardens and glassy lakes. That summer Johnny Carson himself arrived to film Johnny Carson Discovers Cypress Gardens. JUNE 2, 1968 THE OBJECT IN THE WATER While waterskiing at Cypress Gardens, Raymond Videtto “heard a sudden terrific ‘whoosh’ behind him simultaneous with something striking the water causing geysers of steam and spray.” The noise was “sufficiently loud to scare him,” and when he turned back, he found “the material contained in this package floating on the surface still warm to the touch.” Videtto turned the material over to Dr. Joseph H. Purser of Polk Junior College, who inspected it with his students before sending it forward to the Air Force. The object was shipped through military channels to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, home of Project Blue Book, the Air Force’s official UFO investigation program. On June 12, Lt. Col. Hector Quintanilla, Blue Book’s final chief, reviewed the case. The object was repeatedly described as “light,” “porous,” and filled with “air holes” more like pumice than anything metallic or extraterrestrial. As the last custodian of Blue Book, Quintanilla carried both criticism and legacy. His presence in Winter Haven’s record stands amid fragments and lab sheets that turned spectacle into geology, and local mystery into national paperwork. Lt. Carmon L. Marano consulted Edward Williams of the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center, who confirmed a geological origin. The specimen, he noted, was about 90% silicon dioxide and 10% iron oxide, too light and porous to be a meteorite. Meteorites are dense and metallic; this fragment was fragile, filled with gas bubbles, and could just as easily have floated up from natural springs. Internal memos circulated at Wright-Patterson. Officers like Lt. Matthews and Bill Marley added notes to the file. Marley acknowledged Quintanilla’s oversight but saw no reason to extend the evaluation further: the specimen was neither steel nor extraterrestrial. By the end of July, the case was closed. What remains is not evidence of the extraordinary, but a brief intersection of local history and national investigation. For one summer, Cypress Gardens, better known for water-ski pyramids and television specials, appeared in the ledgers of Project Blue Book, its waters yielding a mystery that settled back into geology. For the Air Force, the matter ended there. I found it nearly sixty years later, in a scanned file stamped Wright-Patterson and marked with the words Cypress Gardens and Polk Junior College. It felt like a relic I had been searching for all along—a grail for the “Winter Haven Goes Weird” exhibit I’d been building in my imagination. I didn’t yet know the trail would lead me backwards, forwards, and to more than one familiar doorstep. AUGUST 9, 1961 THE ORANGE STAR It was late on a summer night in Winter Haven. Cypress Gardens had just finished one of its famous evening water ski shows, and the crowd was dispersing. Among them was a mother with her son and a friend. As they walked back to the parking lot, she noticed something unusual, a small orange point of light hanging in the sky. At first it resembled a star, but it grew steadily brighter and larger, descending toward the horizon. For a moment she believed it to be a meteor, streaking directly at her. She braced for impact. But the object did not fall. Instead, to her astonishment, it banked. The glowing orange ball changed course, left a trailing tail of light, and then climbed back into the night sky. It retraced its path and finally vanished into the dark. The entire episode lasted less than a minute. Four years later, she wrote to the Air Force, still shaken and searching for answers. “A comet burns up or falls,” she explained, “and a rocket from Earth goes up then down. But this … this came down and then went up.” She included a handdrawn diagram of the object’s descent and ascent over the Gardens. Project Blue Book received the letter in 1965. The case was catalogued, analyzed, and explained away: the sighting, officials said, bore “the characteristics of jet aircraft with afterburner.” The file was closed. TONE TWO: THE SKY DOESN’T CLOSE Records indicate the knock had already been reported in Polk County skies before the Cypress Gardens cases, earning multiple mentions in Project Blue Book. On July 7, 1947, Lakeland sign painter and former Navy seaman Hiram Griffin looked up from Highway 92 when he heard a swishing “shrill whine.” Five glittering, turtle-backed objects shot thousands of feet upward in seconds. “Very fast,” he recalled. “No wings. Jet jobs, maybe—one leading, towing the others.” They climbed out of sight, leaving behind a memory so vivid he later built a model of what he had seen. A decade later, on an October night in 1957, the quiet roads of Polk County lit up. Drivers along Highway 60 reported a glowing white light with a bluish edge that hovered over the citrus trucks and then shot skyward at an impossible speed. Several independent calls reached the sheriff’s office at the same time. “It gave me the feeling it was watching us as much as we were watching it,” one witness admitted. Seventeen years after Griffin’s sighting, on November 20, 1964, another Lakeland resident reported a bright object “larger than a star” that hovered, shifted sideways, blinked out, and returned to nearly the same spot. A second witness described “two or three lights together … separating, coming back, and fading out.” Blue Book investigators suggested Venus, but even their notes admitted the motions were “not entirely consistent with planet or star.” Five years later, in July 1969, television audiences turned their eyes skyward for another reason, watching Apollo 11 astronauts step onto the Moon. By the year’s end, physicist Edward Condon’s Air Force– funded study declared further UFO research unnecessary, leading to the official closure of Project Blue Book. But when one door closes, another often opens quietly in the back. TONE THREE: SIGNALS FROM CENTRAL After high school, I stayed in town and attended Polk State College, the receiver of our Blue Book Famous rock. There I encountered professors who would help grow a love for science fiction literature. That love would eventually get a brick-and-mortar location, in a candy shop in downtown Winter Haven called Confection. It was mid-century sci-fithemed, complete with a robot named Zondar from Venus. For Christmas, I had a window painter paint alien-themed windows with saucers and Santa. And then they began to come in. No little green men, but locals with stories. One man sketched diagrams like the tic-tac, various saucers, and the sport model. Others offered memories of sightings years before. The windows had become a signal. I didn’t know it at the time, but decades earlier a similar signal had been sent from the very same street. THE SOUTHEAST PARANORMAL INFORMATION BUREAU In November 1975, the Lakeland Ledger ran a story about a new office in downtown Winter Haven: the Southeast Paranormal Information Bureau (SEPIB). Its director, West Perrine, explained that the bureau existed to provide information on UFO and Bigfoot sightings and the Bermuda Triangle. Its headquarters in the Arcade on Central Avenue were lined with clippings and reports. SEPIB was described as a place where interested residents could stop in, read accounts, and find information that was not easily accessed. The bureau was small, but it connected Winter Haven to a larger grassroots network of UFO archives that had sprouted across the country in the 1970s. It was a local attempt to collect what would otherwise be dismissed. The kind of information the community would need in years to come. TONE FOUR: THE 1979 WAVE By 1979, the knock returned with force. On January 4, Winter Haven police officer Ron Perdue reported seeing a glowing disc above the Polk Community College Student Center at four in the morning. He estimated it at 150 feet across. It hovered for three minutes before gliding away. On Jan. 7, 1979, Jeanette Bagley described an object “larger than a star but smaller than the moon” hanging over the campus before streaking away. April 5, 1979, counselor Jude Macion and student Pat Boss reported two lights “like headlights” gliding silently over the college, repeating the maneuver thirty minutes later. Oct. 11, 1979, freshmen Rick Myers and Mark Cobb, repairing a car near Lake Roy, saw a sudden silver flash. Around the same time, Phil Guthrie and Bill Cheeseman spotted a “bright white elongated light” in the sky on State Road 540 near Thornhill Road. They reported that it vanished without warning around twenty minutes later. The Winter Haven News-Chief covered the sightings below the headline “Monday’s UFO report not an individual phenomenon.” TONE FIVE: THE KNOCK RETURNS In preparation for a Temporal Screen article exploring UFO films, I watched “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” for the first time. There had been no scene before, and there has been no movie moment since, that has reached me as deeply as the one in which François Truffaut, playing a character inspired by the legendary Jacques Vallée, makes his effort to communicate with the visitor whose arrival represents the culmination of a lifetime’s work. His face, upon receiving the reciprocated hand movements (Zoltán Kodály’s hand-sign system, a method of using hand signals to teach music), is an expression beyond joy, beyond thoughts of the moments before and those after; the expression we wear when the wonderful we hoped for but didn’t plan meets us where we stand. That night, I began a journey that would lead me to decades of hallmarks in ufology, speculation, and pure fiction, to days turned around by the connections I would find to people, places, and experiences tracing circles and strange lines back and forth. Among my most treasured memories from my “UFO year” have been evenings spent listening to the archived recordings at the National UFO Reporting Center. I found my favorite call within the humanoid encounter file; in the late eighties a Missouri man described a cigar-shaped craft and beings who pointed at him “like he was in a zoo.” He was indignant, not at their presence, but at their lack of manners. The National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC), founded in 1974 by Ron Gribble, provided the public with a means to report sightings systematically. The Federal Aviation Administration instructed pilots to refer such encounters to NUFORC. Airports, police stations, and the military directed thousands of callers to what was “basically a telephone, tape recorder and desktop computer run in an underground bunker by one man who collects and publishes UFO reports from across the country,” explained Peter Davenport, who took over the one-man 24/7 operation in 1994. Each call provides a window into what was most likely a call the witness had never expected to make after experiencing what they’d likely never forget and perhaps would never speak about again. A single father describing burns after an encounter, asking the operator to call him back because he couldn’t afford the charges. His dog would no longer approach him. In the sadness of his voice, I heard the loss of a world and a desperate attempt to make sense of the new one he’d just found himself in. That there was a voice at the end of the line, one who listened without laughter, with the same reply for the often-asked question: “No, you aren’t crazy”, sends heart and hope to the moon. Within the human record, our highest achievements no doubt include those moments of sympathy in the strange, communion in chaos, and dedication to preserving details in danger of being lost. THE ANSWER Three years ago, I closed a sciencefiction-themed candy store on Central Avenue. It wasn’t until later, in my own searches to gather information for this article, that I discovered the space I’d occupied had once been the SEPIB office—-the same downtown hub described in the Ledger article of 1975. That realization landed like a chord played back across decades. The streets I thought I knew, the buildings I had passed daily, were already carrying the history I’d been chasing in films, in archives, in stories of strange lights over lakes. I have to think that the world holds more for those who go looking, even if they know not what for. We don’t yet know how to make sense of everything we see in the sky. We don’t know who we will meet down the road, or how the story ends, or if it ever really does. But if we can live in a state of companionship with the unknown, we live the known easier. I’m sure someone told me that once, but it was going to take me a year full of alien days to believe it for myself. Much more than that, I find with each passing day more evidence, both in the archives and in the living memories of Polk County residents whose reports continue to this day, that we’ve never been alone.

This month, we talk with the founders of Latinas Profesionales In Action, Yesenia Loor and Lupita Alvarez. These two powerhouse women are uniting the community through culture, connection, and celebration as they prepare for the very first Día de los Muertos Night Market and After Party on November 1 at Union Hall. Their vision is not only to honor tradition but also to create a space where local talent, businesses, and families can come together. Tell us about Latinas Profesionales In Action. LPA: Latinas Profesionales in Action (LPA) was founded in 2024 with one clear vision: to create a safe, empowering space where Latinas in Polk County could connect, celebrate & impact; both professionally and personally. LPA was born out of our own experiences as Latinas navigating business, leadership, and community spaces where representation often felt limited. We longed for a circle where we could be unapologetically ourselves—where culture, language, and professional ambition all belonged in the same room. That’s why we created LPA: to build the community we once wished we had. Our mission is to unite Latina entrepreneurs, seasoned and aspiring leaders, providing a supportive space that empowers women to build connections, celebrate their achievements and elevate their impact in leadership & advance in all areas of business. We believe that when one Latina rises, we all rise—juntas. Explain Dia de los Muertos, and why you decided to do this event. LPA: Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life and remembrance, a time to honor loved ones who have passed while embracing the beauty of culture, art, and tradition. For us, it’s more than a holiday; it’s a way to keep our roots alive and share them with the broader community. We felt called to bring this event to Polk County because our community deserves to see its culture celebrated on a large, inclusive stage. This will be Polk County’s first-ever Día de los Muertos Night Market & After Party, and we’re so proud to host it here in Lakeland, where culture and community are growing in exciting ways. Our goal is to create a space where families, artisans, and neighbors can come together to honor tradition while also making new memories together. What can guests expect? LPA: Guests can expect an authentic celebration filled with the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos. We’ll be incorporating beautiful ofrendas (altars) to honor loved ones, traditional marigold décor, music, and food that highlight the heart of this holiday. Local artisans and vendors will showcase cultural art, crafts, and flavors, bringing the community together in a way that is both festive and meaningful. The Night Market is a free public event from 6 – 9 p.m., open to everyone who wants to experience the beauty of culture, tradition, and community. From there, the celebration continues with the After Party from 9:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. where guests can enjoy live entertainment, dancing, and interactive activities. Tickets for the After Party are $15 per person and available now. This won’t just be an event, it will be an experience. It’s a chance to honor tradition while also creating new memories here in Polk County. What would you like people to leave with? LPA: We hope people leave with two things: a deeper connection to our culture and a stronger sense of comunidad here in Polk County. Whether you carry these traditions in your own family or are experiencing them for the first time, this event is for everyone. At its heart, Día de los Muertos is about love, love for those we’ve lost, love for the stories that shaped us, and love for the community we are building today. We want guests to leave feeling inspired, embraced, and proud to be part of a celebration that reminds us we are never alone. Together, we keep memory alive, and together, we rise. Let’s talk about collaboration. LPA: From the beginning, this has been a community effort. We’ve partnered with local businesses, banks, and organizations that see the value in uplifting Latino culture. Union Hall, our host venue, has been incredibly supportive. Local performers, vendors, and artisans have brought their talents to the table. And our sponsors, both big and small, are helping us make sure this first ever event is unforgettable. Latinas Profesionales in Action is communityfocused at its core, and that spirit has guided every step of this journey. When you see the Night Market come to life on November 1st, you’ll feel the pulse of our city, our county, and our comunidad— all beating together in celebration. Vision for the After Party? LPA: Our vision was to create something Polk County has never seen before: a celebration that bridges tradition with modern community connection. The After Party is a way to keep the night going, an immersive experience with music, dancing, and energy that honors the joy of being alive while still respecting the cultural meaning of Día de los Muertos. Think of the vibrancy and emotion you feel when watching Disney’s “Coco,” that balance of honoring loved ones while celebrating life. That’s the heart of what we want to bring to Lakeland. It’s a tradition, but with a twist that reflects today’s generation and the way our community is growing together. Feeling Grateful! LPA: We are truly filled with gratitude. First and foremost, we thank the Lord for His guidance throughout this journey. We extend our deepest appreciation to our sponsors, vendors, and Union Hall for believing in this vision, as well as to the local media for helping us share it. Most importantly, we thank our comunidad, our families, friends, and supporters, for walking alongside us. We are also grateful to each of our 2025 meetup speakers, venues, and attendees, whose contributions have made every gathering impactful and helped lay the foundation for this milestone event. Día de los Muertos Night Market and After Party November 1, 6 p.m. at Union Hall Find more information at: facebook.com/latinasprofesionalesinaction

Her titles sound like the start to a riddle- a baker and a skydiver. Shayla Hand has been making baked goods and jumping out of planes for three years. Everyday fears don’t seem to apply to her. Originally from Utah, she packed up and moved to Florida on a whim, simply because she was tired of the snow. Hand began her career in ophthalmology, until the day she said she would make her hobby of baking her main gig. Originally not an adrenaline junkie, she’s now licensed to free fall in the sky. “Being extra in general is my norm. Life’s too short to be anything else.” Hand’s got a vibrance in her voice that makes her recalling of stories sound like she’s happily narrating for a crowd. She’s detailed, yet succinct, funny, and frank. She’s imaginative as evident in the various, unique flavors of her breads and sweets. She’s intrigued by adventure whether it looks like plunging through the clouds or learning to adjust the recipe for a sourdough loaf due to the weather. Photo by Kamryn Potteiger Residing in Winter Haven with her husband Jon and son Beckett (who also help out with the cooking and flying activities), Hand runs her cottage bakery called Shay’s Sugar. She has shelf-stable baked goods in the form of cinnamon rolls, bread bowls, artisan bread, focaccias, and so much more. “I’ve been baking for years … since high school, for fun. But when I got married, I was really into Cake Boss and watching baking shows, so I would make decorated cakes. Then I began doing wedding and special occasion cakes, I would sell as a side hustle.” No longer a hustle, but an established brand and staple at the Winter Haven Farmers Market (WHFM) and several other markets throughout Central Florida. “The Farmers Market is my home, I’m never going to not be at the Farmers Market because I love the people there,” Hand dotes and continues to detail what the freedom of not being boxed in a brick and mortar feels like, “Right now I love the flexibility of being able to pop around … I’ve been venturing out to Orlando, sometimes we go to Lakeland, and it’s fun to be able to move around and not be married to one spot.” The suggestion of a storefront is almost stagnating to a personality like Hand, who obviously needs room for creativity. She needs room to fly. “So, this is wild, I had never in my life successfully made bread before. I was like ‘Yeah Lyndsey! I’ll bring you bread.’ I had tried before, and I had failed like every time. I was a cake and cookie girl. But I’m like ‘yeah, count me in’.” Yes, that is the first interaction between Hand and Lyndsey Venrick (with WHFM). Hand saw the area where she was “kneaded” and she rose to the task. She now creates menus full of bread options, many by request (Italian bread and rye from the snowbirds), some according to themes set by the markets she attends, and others based on wherever her imagination lands. “I practiced a lot and figured out a few things before I got to the market, [which] was several weeks later. And then over time, I’ve had people ask for different things, so I’ve learned how to make new things.” Where some live in awe of an idea, Hand embraces the opportunity to experience it. She embraces spontaneity and the willingness to do the far-fetched ideas. Many would deem these as fun traits, where Hand sees a typical week, “I don’t even consider myself a ‘fun’ person, it’s just my life. It’s just the normal for me.” With a normal like Hand’s, it’s no surprise that her grandfather announced he would like to go skydiving for his 80th birthday and Hand actually taking him would toggle her into the competitive side of the sport. “I was terrified. But I wanted to go have this moment with [my PaPa]. I was so scared I was gonna be the reason he died … like, he’s gonna have a heart attack and it’s gonna be my fault. I signed the waiver. I paid for this,” Hand can laugh through the tale now, “But he had the best time. I have the cutest pictures of him grinning ear to ear. And I’m like, ok, he didn’t die. And that was what really motivated me to try a second time.” After a single conversation about a birthday wish and what is certainly now a core memory, Hand and her husband continue to go skydiving. Following the realization that there was a drop zone close to them in Lake Wales, Hand and her husband got their licenses to skydive. On one of their visits, Hand was approached to join a group that needed another body to jump that weekend. She said, “Sure.” No hesitation at all. And now, Shayla Hand, the baker, is Shayla Hand, the competitive skydiver, too. Her team placed second in their most recent competition, and they’re preparing to compete at nationals. Their discipline is four-way RW (relative work), Hand explains, “I jump with a team of three other females plus our camera man and basically we do formations in the sky. We are given things that we need to accomplish by certain points, and we just repeat this formation of the sequence as many times as we can while falling through the sky. And we get scored on how many we can accomplish in 35 seconds.” Photo by Daniel Walley, Hand in pink When Hand describes what she appreciates most about skydiving and baking, the symmetry lands on community, “Skydiving is the coolest sport ever because you get the best in the world and the brand-new baby beginners, and when you compete, you’re all in the same spot. One of my most recent competitions, one of the best in the world, was set up right next to us … and they just talk to you like normal people. When we’re practicing and mocking up our dives, the professionals are watching and will offer their input. And they’re willing to coach you because they’re experienced and know things we don’t know yet. It’s so cool!,” she reports with adoration. Then when speaking about the delights of Shay’s Sugar, Hand is most attuned with being present for the customers’ response. “My favorite part is the sharing and seeing their reactions. My favorite compliment I get from people is when they’re still standing in front of me and they rip open whatever they just bought and start stuffing their face, and then they either start yodeling about how awesome it is or immediately start throwing money at me to buy another one.” In both worlds, Hand gets to connect with people and be supported by people. Whether behind her pastel colored booth surrounded by an array of breads and desserts or skydiving with her team, the baker that flies still sounds like a riddle. However, there’s no questioning who she is or what she will do. Shayla Hand will do and be whatever she wants.