As our holiday seasons come to a close, Polk County residents and visitors are treated to a spectacular natural event: the arrival of American white pelicans. These majestic birds, easily distinguishable from their coastal cousin the brown pelican, are a remarkable sight as they gracefully navigate the skies above Polk County’s many lakes. These large water birds, protected under the Migratory Bird Act, are here for a winter respite and do not breed during their stay in Florida. A SEASONAL SPECTACLE American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) are migratory, visiting Florida during the winter months. They are usually found along the coast but can also been seen around Florida’s inland lakes, rivers, and wetlands. In Polk County, you’ll see them soaring in the sky, at Circle B Bar Reserve, around the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, and in lakes all around Lakeland, Lake Wales, and more. The earliest American White Pelicans often arrive by late November or mid-December, with their presence peaking January through March, locally. This timing is easy to remember, like many of our friends and family who live up north in the summer, the white pelicans can be thought of as Florida’s other snowbirds! SILENT VISITORS IN OUR MIDST One of the most notable characteristics of these winter visitors is their almost complete silence, a stark contrast to the more vocal cormorants and anhinga often seen in their company. This silent demeanor adds to the serene beauty of the lakes they inhabit. IDENTIFICATION AND RESPECTFUL OBSERVATION American white pelicans are one of our largest water birds in North America. Their bodies are thick, with short square tails, large bills, and short legs. Mostly white, they have a distinctive yellow-orange bill and black flight feathers on the underside and tips of their wings, making them easily identifiable from afar or while in flight . When in flight, you’ll often see them in a “flying V” pattern, soaring in large circles looking for suitable areas to feed. Unlike the brown pelicans we’re all familiar with, who are known for their dramatic diving feeding technique, American white pelicans employ a more cooperative hunting strategy. Together in large groups, they herd fish into shallow areas of the lake where they will take turns rowdily dipping their large bills in to scoop up some fish. This makes for an impressive display of teamwork and grace. You may notice a vertical plate or “horn” on the top of some of the pelicans’ bills. This is called a “breeding plate” and it is thought to be a visual indicator of a healthy male pelican, like how we think a larger rack of antlers signifies a better breeder in deer. While we’ll never fully understand some physical traits present during the breeding season in many species, one thing is clear: The plate is not a deformity, and the pelican is healthy; there is no need to be alarmed or to contact an animal rescue or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission if you see one. MIGRATION AND HABITAT When American white pelicans leave Florida, they embark on a northward migration that leads them primarily to the northern Great Plains. Their summer breeding grounds are generally on isolated islands in freshwater lakes and on ephemeral islands in shallow wetlands. These pelicans typically breed in states such as North Dakota, South Dakota, Northern California, Nevada, Wyoming, Minnesota, and parts of Canada, favoring remote areas away from human disturbance. The habitat types ideal for their breeding include large, open landscapes like prairies and marshes next to lakes and rivers. If you’re planning a summer vacation in the northern Great Plains, particularly in areas like the Dakotas or Minnesota, you might be fortunate enough to see these majestic birds in their natural breeding habitat. Here, they engage in their unique life cycle amidst the vast and scenic backdrop of America’s heartland. Keep in mind though, these are shy birds and will often abandon their nests if disturbed. GRAB SOME BINOCULARS This January, take the time to visit local natural areas or waterways to see the American White Pelicans. They will start heading north in March and have often completely left us by the end of April. But remember, nature doesn’t always abide by our rules! The pelicans may leave early or stay late – so enjoy them when you see them. You can help both American white pelicans and our resident brown pelican by keeping a close eye on fishing tackle when you’re out fishing. Entanglement in fishing line and bill or pouch disfigurement from errant hooks and lures are some of the greatest threats facing pelicans and water birds of all species in Florida. Protection and restoration of area lakes and wetlands is important to both the American white pelican and our other water birds and wildlife. As I have mentioned in earlier articles, prioritizing our wetlands and lakes takes a village. When enjoying recreational activities like boating, be mindful not to disturb these graceful and shy visitors. They scare easily and you may prevent their return to an area lake if they are disturbed often. By protecting our lakes and respecting wildlife, we ensure that future generations will also enjoy the stunning spectacle of the American White Pelicans in Florida. For more information on American white pelicans consider listening to the podcast episode, “American White Pelicans, Florida’s Other Snowbird” here: https://link.chtbl.com/white_pelican And, if you enjoy the episode, share it with a friend. As a reminder, you can always find me on social media with the handle @PolkNR on Twitter/X and Instagram or you can email me with any questions at scarnevale@ufl.edu. UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Winter Haven Public Safety is unrolling a comprehensive and holistic mental health program in the new year. The City of Winter Haven Mental Health Coordinator, Morgan Volpe, and Lieutenant Garett Boyd spearhead this flagship program. We spoke with Volpe about the program’s inception and what they aim to accomplish. Volpe, who recently finished her master’s degree in clinical mental health from Stetson University, has been in her role since April. Hers is a new position for the City. Along with Lieutenant Boyd, Volpe is working to revamp the department’s peer support system and unfurl a comprehensive mental health program for all Public Safety personnel, sworn and civilian. They can utilize an app that will link anyone in dire crisis to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988, mindfulness activities, and many others. According to Volpe, there’s a unique stigma associated with talking about mental health in law enforcement. “A lot of them have that inherent thought of, ‘If I say I’m not doing okay mentally, my job is jeopardized. Because if my superior doesn’t trust me with a gun on my hip, how is the community going to trust me?’” she said. “We’re trying to get down to the core fundamentals of that thought process and reduce that stigma as much as possible.” She continued, “There’s also a culture of self-reliance and toughness. Many times officers may feel pressure to handle stress and trauma independently, without seeking help. [...] Having someone in their corner that understands exactly what they’re going through is really beneficial.” About 20 first responders are currently enlisted in the program for peer support. First responders regularly witness traumatizing situations. In addition to psychological first aid and secondary traumatic stress training, the peer support system utilizes the University of Central Florida’s REACT program for first responders. REACT (Recognize. Evaluate. Advocate. Coordinate. Track.) “provides all participants with mastery experiences, designed to give them challenges at which they can succeed, bolstering confidence in their ability to provide effective support to their peers,” according to UCF. “Through this program, participants learn how to recognize “stress injuries” and evaluate the mental health of their peers, offer peer-level support, and effectively coordinate necessary follow-up in the event professional intervention is warranted.” “It’s going to take time, but I’m hopeful that having that peer support will enable them to start to open up and eventually feel more comfortable with the entire program,” said Volpe. Hand in hand with peer support will be the mental health program rolling out this month. The program will ensure mental health is regarded with the same importance as physical health. “Those two coincide,” Volpe said. “Mental health and physical health are both health.” The goal is to approach first responder mental health holistically – to talk about a problem before it becomes critical. The program guarantees confidentiality except in certain circumstances, such as cases where a judge summons Volpe, there’s an indication of child or elder abuse, or if the first responder is having suicidal or homicidal ideations. “And if I do have to say something, it’s through the proper chain of command, and no one else will ever know.” Volpe also notes that in the event that confidentiality had to be broken, the information that she has to share would be extremely specific to the issue at hand in an effort to uphold as much confidentiality as ethically and legally possible in difficult situations like these. The program will be counseling-focused with the biological, psychological, and social factors of the individual in mind. This will encompass the entirety of their life, from educational background to family dynamics and support networks. This gives Volpe a mental health baseline. The mental health coordinator will help officers and firefighters work through issues like anxiety and depression while being able to refer out to a licensed professional as necessary. Preferably one with the cultural competency of first responders. “These are human beings. They go through the exact same emotions, maybe even more so than your typical civilian, because they don’t necessarily have an outlet,” she said. “There aren’t a lot of individuals in this profession that are culturally competent to be able to serve the first responder population.” This is the gap Volpe hopes to fill in her new position. The last thing most law enforcement officers and firefighters want to do is talk to someone who sees civilians about anxiety or depression. While the experiences of civilians are valid, “It’s a different type of trauma,” Volpe said. Compounded stress is one of the most significant issues she sees in first responders. “Without that outlet to get rid of the pressure, the stress, all of the baggage that goes along with seeing all this trauma – it compounds,” she said. “I always equate it to your junk closet,” Volpe explained. You can only put so much stuff into a junk closet and close the door. Eventually, if you don’t organize or purge it, you won’t be able to close the door. “It’s the same thing with compounded stress.” While working off stress with a run is great, first responders require a healthy mechanism to discuss their stress and trauma. “Having that neurotransmitter enhancement is extremely beneficial, but narrative therapy is crucial for any healing.” In addition to creating a mental health program for first responders, Volpe keeps track of statistics for Baker and Marchman Acted individuals in the community. “The information I gather helps with the overall goal for community mental health and provides a way for us to specifically target areas of the community that may need more assistance due to intersectionality and a laundry list of other potential factors,” she said. “I track gender, gender assigned at birth, age, race, and many other items. Our crime analyst prepares hot spot maps for me on a monthly basis, which allows me to geographically depict where we can implement high resources in the future.” “I am aiming at training officers and firefighters more in-depth,” said Volpe. This trauma-informed training will assist first responders during any interaction with the public, from a traffic stop to an arrest, Baker Act, fire, or medical emergency. “Mental health plays a big role in why and how people act.” Being trauma-informed will have officers and firefighters consider many aspects while upholding their duties, ensuring a comprehensive approach to crisis management and public safety is upheld. An assessment officers can make when Baker or Marchman Acting someone is MINDS, taking into consideration if the individual is on medication, has suicidal or homicidal ideations, is on narcotics, has any previous diagnoses, or is exhibiting self-injurious behavior. The mental health coordinator noted exceptional leadership at the City, calling out City Manager T. Michael Stavres, Deputy City Manager MJ Carnevale, Assistant City Manager – Public Safety Charlie Bird, Police Chief David Brannan, and Fire Chief Sonny Emery. “They care,” she said. “They are very humanistic. They have a lot of empathy. They have a lot of emotional intelligence, which is needed and speaks volumes about why this program is even here.” “I’m excited to spearhead mental health. To reduce the stigma and be a frontrunner in talking about it and not making it so taboo,” Volpe said. “I’m excited to see where mental health, and specifically first responders, transform to because it’s such new territory.” Volpe noted that her goal is to bring on more clinicians to the department. “I would love to see this program grow and flourish. Maybe not even solely focused on mental health but for wellness – wraparound wellness.” Photography by Amy Sexson

It’s been four years since Crave & Copper first opened their doors in downtown Auburndale. The concept was born from the Florida Brewery. Established in the 70s, the Florida Brewery is the second oldest brewery still in operation in the state. Primarily a manufacturing facility, the brewery opened its doors to the public for a time, introducing a Beer Garden and Taproom at 202 Gandy Road. The brewery became a popular hangout, and when the opportunity came up to open an eatery downtown, they partnered with restaurant industry veterans to be sure their cuisine mirrored their “crave-able” beer. Executive Chef Matt Oakley partnered with his wife, the CFO of the Florida Brewery, Stacey Oakley, and the COO of the brewery, Julie Williams, for the restaurant. Crave & Copper is situated in the former Hudson Hotel, built in the 1920s. The hotel’s rooms were upstairs, now office space, and Crave & Copper is in place of its original restaurant. Stacey Oakley explained that Auburndale was a stop along the railroad back in the day. As a significant part of the town’s history, they wanted to pay homage. “It ties into the brewery because the copper kettle that sits at the beer garden was also brought down by the railroad in the 1970s,” she said. They spent a year turning the historic building into a rustic, modern-industrial dining space. Railroad imagery and large sliding barn doors, which can be closed to partition the restaurant, fit well within their rustic vibe. Many of the hotel’s original details have been left intact but modernized – like the ceiling, painted copper to suit their color scheme, the rehabbed bar, and the exposed brick on one of the walls. Spanning an entire restaurant wall just beyond the barn doors is a mural by Central Florida-based muralist Joe Starks. According to Stacey and Julie, Starks worked off a photo of the building from the 1920s. The image peers into a scene straight from Lake Ave. in the roaring 20s, the only detail bringing it back to the present is the ‘Crave & Copper’ sign. Images of Prohibition, their brewery roots, and Auburndale’s iconic water tower also appear in the piece. Starks finished the monochromatic mural with spray paint in just one weekend, finishing it with copper accents. Stacey Oakley said the Hudson Hotel was a gathering space. They would broadcast fights on their radio outside, and people would gather around to listen. The hotel’s restaurant would host $1 Thanksgiving dinner nights for the community. “The whole basis for what they did is similar to why we wanted to do this here. It was all focused around having a community destination,” she said. “We wanted something that was going to put Auburndale on the map,” said Executive Chef Matt Oakley. In the same way that Winter Haven and Lakeland have built up their downtown with exceptional dining, shopping, and recreation – the Crave & Copper owners want to see the same thing for downtown Auburndale. Folks shouldn’t have to drive out of town for a good meal and good beer, he explained. “We spent an entire year inside this place before we opened, getting it ready,” Matt Oakley said. Crave & Copper opened in October 2019 and operated for just six weeks.  “And then the fire happened,” Stacey said. On Friday, December 13, 2019, a state trooper driving through Auburndale saw smoke billowing from the former hotel and called the fire department. The inferno, deemed an electrical fire that started in the wall, decimated their kitchen. Matt and Stacey were in Virginia to attend a concert when the fire occurred. “At 5 in the morning, we get a call saying, ‘Chef, your kitchen burned down,’” Matt said. “It didn’t really hit us until we walked into this place and saw the destruction.” The fire was so intense the metal shelving had melted. “We got so extremely lucky because the fire got cut essentially,” said Stacey. The CO2 tank for their soda machine is much larger than one would find in a typical restaurant as it feeds their brewery side. That CO2 line was severed, creating a curtain that held the fire from the dining room. Sorting through insurance was quite the process. When it was finally approved, the pandemic hit, and prices skyrocketed, causing even more trouble for the restaurateurs. “In hindsight, the fact that we were closed during COVID was somewhat a blessing,” Stacey said.  In September 2022, Crave & Copper opened for the second time. Because of the two-year difference, they were able to apply for the Community Redevelopment Grant again and utilize it for their new outdoor patio area. “We had our followers from the original opening that had been waiting in anticipation for us to get back open, and then once we did, they, of course, showed all their support. It was almost like we never left,” said the chef. Stacey agreed, adding, “Being a small town, they are so behind new things coming and love supporting it. Our regulars are amazing, and they’re spreading the word to everybody.” The menu hasn’t changed drastically since C&C’s inception. It boasts the same elevated pub fare as before. Chef Oakley wanted the food to be approachable while introducing folks to foods they might not have had in the area. “We try to source as much as we can from local purveyors,” he said. From local microgreens to fresh organic eggs, “We just want to do fresh, quality food.” “It’s really about giving our community the best possible food we can at the gastropub level for this area and being able to teach these young kids who are interested in culinary and enabling them an opportunity that they probably wouldn’t get unless they were working in Orlando or Tampa,” Oakley said of his kitchen team. “My goal as a chef is to teach and share my craft. I’m not one of those chefs that like to hold all my secrets in. I’m open with my recipes. I’ll tell anyone what they are. I want people to cook and to learn how to do it right so that we have more chefs and great food in town.” Oakley is joined by Sous Chef Nick Roberts. This family-friendly American brewpub features up to 20 craft beers on tap, live entertainment on the weekends, and weekly lunch and dinner specials that keep guests coming back. One Crave & Copper staple is their fish dip, ideally served with a frosty glass of Polar Pilsner. Made with locally caught Lane Snapper smoked in-house with pecan wood, Chef Matt says, “It’s a traditional Florida fish dip but with my twist on it.” There are no frills, it is just plain good – like, really really good. It is served with hot sauce, lemon, and copper-dusted tortilla chips. Their proprietary copper dust is made with a spice blend from a chef-owned and operated company out of Spokane, Washington. Matt Oakley wanted to highlight the quality of the spices. He created a dry rub using garlic powder, onion powder, chili lime powder, white pepper, kosher salt, and honey granules. Other guest favorites include the hearty Cobb Salad, and the Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich made with buttermilk brined chicken breast topped with house-made pickles and Nashville hot honey sauce. Crave & Copper recently rolled out their fall menu with seasonal offerings like an oven-roasted turkey sandwich with thinly sliced challah, cheddar cheese, onion jam, herb mayo, and arugula. Another autumnal addition is the beer-braised bratwurst with sauteed peppers and onions and beer-infused whole-grain mustard. Chef Matt noted that they revamped their signature garbage plate to be less messy. Tots are drizzled with copper sauce and topped with candied bacon, scallions, and TFB beer cheese sauce. In addition to crave-worthy bites, C&C has more than a few drinks to imbibe. Florida Brewery COO Julie Williams discussed their five-barrel brew system at Crave & Copper. Three fermenters turn yeast into alcohol, and one bright beer tank holds finished product ready to be kegged. “This is what we consider our research and development. The big brewery down the street, one batch is 300 barrels,” she said. “This gives us the chance to use a little more creativity on a small batch.” Crave & Copper has up to twenty rotating beers on tap. Stacey Oakley said that their beers cater to the traditional lager style and are made intentionally drinkable for Florida – whether you’re boating, fishing, or backyard barbequing. They added 863 Light, their version of an American Standard Lager, and 863 Ultra, which she described as a more “calorie-conscious American lager” to the menu. Their best-selling beer, Beach Me Up, started as a seasonal brew. The crisp grapefruit shandy earned a fixed spot on the menu due to demand. Post-fire, Crave, and Copper honored the brave firefighters with a beer of their own called Engine 421, a light American lager. Photography by Amy Sexson Crave & Copper 117 E Lake Ave, Auburndale (863) 968-2971 craveandcopper.com IG @craveandcopper FB: Crave and Copper

In 1972, two women interested in helping stray animals were introduced to each other by a veterinarian. This kismet meeting would mean better lives for thousands of animals in Polk County for decades to come. Francis Gerrard and Peggy Harwick joined forces to establish what is now the Humane Society of Polk County. The nonprofit is dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals, the relief of suffering among animals, and the extension of humane education. Typically, with 30 dogs and 75 cats in residence at any given time, the Humane Society of Polk County took in more than 1700 animals in their last fiscal year. According to the shelter, “All accepted animals are spayed or neutered, provided with shots, tested for heartworms or feline leukemia/aids, de-wormed, micro-chipped, provided a physical exam by a local veterinarian and given comfortable shelter, food, and water.” In 1980, they built the original shelter on Sage Road. “It was just a little concrete building with cats in the front and kennels in the back,” said Humane Society Executive Director Lisa Baker. Originally from Cincinnati, Baker moved to Florida in 1987 to be closer to family. Her mother was a former water skier for Cypress Gardens. It wasn’t just family that beckoned Baker to the Sunshine State. “It’s a lot better weather,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade one foot of Florida for the whole state of Ohio.” She started bookkeeping for the Humane Society and eventually came on part-time – though there was nothing ‘part-time’ about it. She often pulled 40-hour weeks. “You just get so involved. It’s a passion,” she said. Many tail wags and puppy kisses later, in 1991, Lisa Baker became the executive director. “In 2004, Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne all swept through and plowed right over that shelter. We had to evacuate, and we worked out of a little 8x10 room out of a vet’s office on Avenue F,” she said. They worked there for six months while renovating the storm-battered shelter. In the same year, the Humane Society of Polk County decided to become the county’s first no-kill shelter, meaning they do not euthanize animals to make space. “If a veterinarian determines it is in the best interest of the animal, we do follow their advice to euthanize,” according to their website. “The other circumstance when we would euthanize an animal is if it is deemed by our veterinarian and our animal behavioral specialist that the animal would be a danger to the public to adopt.” In June 2015, their staff of thirteen employees moved to the current shelter on Dundee Road, the former Winter Haven Furniture Warehouse. The building is 12,000 square feet on five acres of land. “The board was very forward-thinking at that time, and they allowed me to go and look at other shelters,” said the executive director. Baker visited 40 kennels in locations as far away as Georgia to investigate what equipment and methods others were using. She brought back a trove of good information that they incorporated into the design of their new space. (During our interview, two senior cats got into a small tiff. She stopped and smiled. “We’re having a bit of cattitude today.” We laughed, and the interview resumed.) When entering the shelter, one will notice separate cat rooms – one for seniors, adults, adolescents, and kittens. They have a plethora of playthings and plenty of pals to pad around with. The senior and adult rooms have cat doors accessing an outdoor screened-in room called the “catio.” “That’s why we designed these like this,” Baker said. “It’s a home environment, so you can see how they might react in your home. You can sit and spend some time with them.” On the other side of the lobby are individual cat rooms for felines who think they single-handedly rule the world. “We try to do as much green technology as we can,” Baker said, pointing out their LED lighting throughout the building and solar panels on the parking lot side of the roof. Water for cleaning the kennels and floors comes from a well, while their kitchen is on City water. The well-thought-out shelter features sound absorption and a high-tech wet/dry vacuum cleaning system in place of trenches. Everything is cleaned using accelerated hydrogen peroxide for sterilization. Each area has its own air system to avoid cross-contamination. The Humane Society didn’t sound or smell like a typical space housing that many animals. Along with adoption services, the Humane Society of Polk County provides low-cost spaying and neutering in their on-site surgery suite through SNIP, their Spay Neuter Inoculation Program. The program started for cats only, as they are the most euthanized animals in the county. Slowly, they incorporated smaller dogs and will now take dogs up to 100 pounds. “We weren’t designed to be a big spay/neuter clinic.[...] We decided we would try to build our system up to give people on the east side of Polk County a way to get their animals spayed and neutered at an affordable price without having to go all the way over to Lakeland,” said Baker. Through their adoption services, spay/neuter program, and by providing 35,000 pounds of pet food to low-income pet owners annually, the Humane Society of Polk County prevents more than 4,000 animals from being surrendered to Polk County Animal Control each year. This saves taxpayers an estimated $650,000 yearly through their public and private partnership with the Polk County Government. Another initiative of the Humane Society is their WAG University, led by Animal Behaviorist Diann Andress CPDT-KA, DN-DTC, CTDI, DN-WTWI. The pup school has classes ranging from basic manners and tricks to a Canine Good Citizen certification. The shelter also works with the dogs currently in their care. The first thing they learn is a game called Ready, Ready. Staff use 100% chicken hotdog pieces to train the dogs. “That gets them conditioned to people coming into the kennel because then they’re not as afraid of new people,” Baker said. They also work with them on staying at doors. Any dog owner knows the struggle of an escape artist every time the door opens. They teach them to wait at the door before exiting to mitigate that. “All this is instrumental to helping you when you get your pet adopted so that it’s going to be a better pet for you. That is our goal.” If you’d like to help out the four-legged friends at the Humane Society, consider a cash donation. This helps keep the shelter running and affords them resources, including new equipment like anesthesia machines and renovations. Animal food, kitty litter, old towels or bedclothes, paper towels, and cleaning supplies are also a big help. “We can always use volunteers,” Baker said. “That’s another way to give, is to give of yourself.” Show your support on December 5 at Jensen’s Corner Bar for the Humane Society of Polk County’s 9th annual Santa Paws event. The event runs from 6-9:30 pm and will feature live music by KeySoundSoul, appetizers by Arabellas, a hot chocolate station, and a specialty holiday cocktail featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Each guest also receives one entry to their premium prize package raffles as a thank you. Enjoy a silent auction, and a cash bar while supporting a wag-worthy cause. Photographs by Amy Sexson The Humane Society of Polk County 3195 Dundee Rd, Winter Haven (863) 324-5227 humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org FB: The Humane Society of Polk County, Inc.

December is the perfect time to learn about the fascinating world of our cavity-nesting birds in Central Florida. These birds, including the enchanting Eastern screech owl, play a vital role in our ecosystem at both the local and regional scale. This holiday season, consider thinking about giving a gift to our local cavity-nesting bird species! UNDERSTANDING CAVITY-NESTING BIRDS IN FLORIDA Cavity-nesting birds, such as various owl species, woodpeckers, and small songbirds, seek out natural cavities in trees or in some cases, create their own cavities for their nesting. These birds are crucial for maintaining ecological balance, acting as natural pest controllers, and contributing to biodiversity. Florida’s cavity nesters include the downy woodpecker, wood duck, Carolina wren, and Eastern screech owl, among others. The American kestrel and the red-cockaded woodpecker are two cavity nesters in Florida which are listed as federally endangered. Woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, and brown-headed nuthatches are examples of what’s known as “primary” cavity-nesters which means they prefer to excavate their own cavities and will not readily take to human-supplied nestboxes. If you’d like to support these species, consider leaving a snag (another word for standing dead tree) in your yard if you have one. You can keep safety in mind by cutting off the top of the tree, if necessary, and leaving at least 12-15 ft of snag standing. Most of our cavity nesting species are “secondary” cavity nesters, meaning they cannot excavate their own nesting cavity and will use an abandoned one from a primary cavity nester or, if available, will use human-supplied nestboxes. SPECIES HIGHLIGHT: THE EASTERN SCREECH OWL The Eastern Screech Owl, Florida’s smallest owl, is an efficient predator, despite its diminutive size of 6-9 inches. With a large head, ear tufts, and varying colorations of red, brown, or grey, these owls are a common sight in forested areas, city parks, and residential neighborhoods. They are generalists, meaning they have a varied diet and can survive and thrive in a variety of habitats. Data suggests that suburban Eastern screech owls may have higher survival rates than their rural counterparts due to more food availability and fewer predators. According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, their numbers have decreased annually by close to 1% for a cumulative decline of about 37% between 1966 and 2019, making them a “species in decline” in the Southeastern USA. Now, for the good news! Eastern screech owls readily adopt artificial habitat in the form of nestboxes and quickly become beloved family members of the residential areas in which they are found. These charismatic little owls keep watch from the nestbox’s opening and can be easily observed by neighbors, friends, and family. They tolerate the hustle and bustle of active families if we respect their boundaries and observe them from a distance. Never intentionally annoy or harass your local owls … or they may leave for other accommodations! THE IMPORTANCE OF ARTIFICIAL NESTING HABITATS Habitat loss and environmental changes have made it increasingly challenging for many bird species to find safe nesting areas. Providing artificial nesting sites in the form of nestboxes is a proactive step towards supporting bird populations that may struggle to find natural nesting sites. By installing a nest box, you’re not just adding a feature to your garden; you’re actively participating in the conservation of our local avian biodiversity. When it comes to nest boxes, one size does not fit all. Different bird species have distinct preferences for their nesting sites – from the size of the box to the diameter of the entrance and the height at which the box is placed. To truly cater to the needs of specific bird species you wish to attract, it’s crucial to follow detailed guidelines. A fantastic resource for species-specific nest box plans and guidelines is www.NestWatch.org. This platform offers a wealth of information to help you create the perfect nesting environment for your targeted bird species. Check out the, “All About Birdhouses” and “Right Bird, Right House” sections to find free plans for constructing the perfect nestbox for your yard! JOIN OUR NEST BOX BUILDING CLASS! Looking for an easier way to support the Eastern Screech Owl? Join us for a nestbox building workshop just after the new year, in January or February. You’ll learn a bit more about Florida’s cavity nesting species and build-your-own nestbox to take home. We’ve taken all the guesswork out of it! For class dates and information, visit PolkCountyExtension.Eventbrite.com or scan the QR code provided. These workshops are provided at no cost to the participant thanks to a generous grant from the Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Program. You can learn more about them at, chnep.org. IN SUMMARY Our cavity-nesting birds, from the silent hunters like the Eastern screech owl to the industrious woodpeckers, are integral parts of our ecosystem. By providing them with safe nesting habitats, we not only aid their conservation but also enrich our natural surroundings. Remember, your efforts in creating these artificial habitats are a step toward preserving the delicate balance of our local ecosystem. For more information on cavity-nesting birds and how to support them, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter/X and Instagram at @PolkNR. Happy Holidays, everyone!

According to the CDC, in the United States, in 2020, 1,603,844 new cancer cases were reported, and 602,347 people died of cancer. For every 100,000 people, 403 new cancer cases were reported, and 144 people died of cancer. In Florida, 115,000 were diagnosed, and 132,614 have died. In Polk County, 4,489 people have been diagnosed in one year. The far-reaching hand of this terrible disease has unfortunately gripped us all either directly or through friends and family. Winter Haven couple and cancer survivors Chris and Hap Hazelwood decided to do something to provide resources and support to those going through this harrowing experience. Hap was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996. Chris was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer in 2008. She went through chemotherapy and radiation and went into remission. “Thirteen years later, it came back,” she said. Chris underwent a mastectomy and is currently fighting Stage 4 cancer. In 2010, the Hazelwoods converted their former flower shop building into Your Polk County HUB, a co-working office space for non-profit organizations. Hap called it an incubator for not-for-profits predating similar spaces like the Lodge and Catapult. After selling the building, the mission of the HUB shifted to helping people going through cancer. “No one should ever be going through this alone,” Chris said. Her first time going through treatment, she attended support groups at Winter Haven Hospital. “It was good for the moment,” she said. “It was good. I needed that.” Though she appreciated these groups, she thought she could do something more. The mission of Your Polk County HUB is to enhance the quality of cancer survivors’ lives by providing support, resources, and healing that is whole-person-centered and provides for the mind, body, and soul. This environment will be away from the hospital and treatment centers, providing a comforting place of wellness. “The other reason it’s grown into this is Chris knows so many people in the community from all her years of volunteering,” Hap said. There isn’t a week that goes by that Chris doesn’t get a call from someone in her network who either has cancer or has a friend or family member going through it. According to the HUB, “Coping with cancer affects your mind, body, emotions, and spirit. These stressors cause headaches, body aches, confusion, frustration, guilt, and depression and [impacts] your relationships. When you receive support for these signs and symptoms, it helps your overall mental health and relationships. These interventions can be used alongside medical treatment and increase their wellness.” The HUB hosts monthly get-togethers called ROSE (Ribbons of Strength and Empowerment) Gatherings at the Lodge in Winter Haven. “It’s nothing clinical. It’s mainly for them to talk to other people, and we do fun things,” Chris said. Here, folks can join other cancer survivors in a welcoming, supportive space run by survivors with classes for relaxation, sharing, art activities, and beyond. The next ROSE Gathering will be December 12, 2023, from 6-7 pm. Hap said, “It helps people realize other people are going through the same thing and that there is support out there.” “The groups have gone very well,” Chris said. “They’re very excited about it. […] We’re progressing. We’re moving forward, and we need more people to come.” In addition to their monthly ROSE Gatherings, Your Polk County HUB offers cancer patients a HUG in a Box. “With my A-Team, we make a bunch of them for free and give them out to chemo patients that need them,” Chris said. “People don’t know what to get them. I got that question a lot.” These boxes contain helpful items for those undergoing treatment, including knitted caps, socks, lavender essential oil for calming, coloring materials, sea bands for nausea, a water bottle, ginger tea, a notebook, and a thermometer. The HUB has given them out at hospitals including BayCare, Bond Clinic, Moffitt, and Central Florida Healthcare. You can help support Your Polk County HUB’s mission to provide aid to cancer survivors by donating money or HUG in a Box supplies and by simply getting the word out. If you or someone you know would like a HUG in a Box, contact Chris Hazelwood at yourpolkcountyhub.net. Chris also chairs the board of Relay For Life of Polk County. Started by the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life of Polk County will be on March 15, 2024, at South Central Park in Winter Haven. According to the ACS, “Relay For Life is more than a walk – it’s a chance to come together in your local community to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against every cancer as we come together for every life.” At the relay, teams gather to celebrate survivors and caregivers with a walk. They’ll create a human ribbon in the Andy Thornal lot this year. Hap said, “It’s an opportunity for each not-for-profit to raise money and, just like the original HUB concept, have the comradery of coming together for an event, help support Relay, which is a great thing, but also meet a lot of other non-profits.” The Hazelwoods, holding hands, had tearful words of encouragement for those going through cancer. Chris said, “You’re not alone. Reach out, hang in there. Things are getting better. There are new drugs all the time.” Hap added, “One thing that has been so important for both of us is our faith. We know that God has a plan for us, and we know we’ve been given this challenge for a reason. So, we embrace and try to share it and help other people because it’s a tough thing to go through.” Photography by Amy Sexson Your Polk County HUB yourpolkcountyhub.net

One doesn’t have to travel to the neon sign-lit, casino-lined streets of Las Vegas to see world-class Elvis Presley tribute artists. Lake Otis in Winter Haven is home to the best there is. Dwight Icenhower is the only tribute artist in history to win five Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist awards at Graceland. Aside from that, he’s taken first place in 75 contests throughout his tenure as “The Cool Cat” from Tennessee. When it comes to impersonating Elvis, Icenhower is the King. “This all happened through my mother,” Icenhower said. “I grew up, and she’d be playing his movies and his Christmas album at Christmas time.” The kid from Pomeroy, Ohio, grew into a young man obsessed with music. “I’ve always been involved in music. Mostly, my interests were to teach music.” Now 42, Icenhower started his tribute career at 16 years old. “It was kind of a fluke how it all got started,” he said. The self-described “band geek” starred as the King of Rock and Roll in a variety show during his sophomore year of high school. “The band director knew that I was a huge Elvis fan and that I loved that genre of old-school rock and roll music,” said Icenhower. He asked him if he could sing. Icenhower wasn’t sure – he’d never tried before. His Elvis routine went on so famously that the varsity high school coach hired him to perform at his wedding. “I didn’t even know I could make money doing this,” he said. “That was my first gig, at his wedding.” He laughed thinking back on it – a kid in a pink jacket and drawn-on sideburns gyrating to Elvis backing tracks. He aspired to be a high school band director and attended college for a time before his career as a full-time tribute artist began to snowball. “I thought if I’m really going to give this a go, I’m going to have to do it now while I’m young.” It was now or never for the artist. Since then, life on the road is the only one he’s known, performing 150-200 nights a year worldwide. Audiences from the United States and Australia to Europe and Japan “Just Can’t Help Falling in Love” with Dwight Icenhower. “My most die-hard fans are here in Florida, Holland, Japan, and Ohio,” he revealed. Donning a $3K wig specially made in Canada, stage makeup, and the whole Elvis getup – Icenhower is an uncanny King of Rock and Roll. When lifelong Presley fans see him perform for the first time, “You can tell that they get lost in it,” he said. “They’re kind of reliving, I guess, their youth. You can see it on their faces when you walk out.” “It’s a long transformation, and it took me years to learn about contour makeup and all the shading,” Icenhower said. His wife, Vicky Icenhower, a mixed multi-media sculpture artist from LA, has helped him perfect the look. Well, Vicky and everyone’s favorite queens on “Ru Paul’s Drag Race.” “I’ve learned so much watching these guys do their makeup,” he said. “There are guys who naturally wake up and look like Elvis. With me, I’ve learned how to make that whole package by learning the makeup tips.” It used to take him two hours to transform into Elvis, but now he can get out the door in his blue suede shoes in about 20 minutes. “The music part of it, the singing, that all came natural.” There’s always a hint of Elvis in his voice, even when covering another artist. Icenhower, like Elvis, is a natural baritone with a four-octave range. “I lucked out with that,” he said. “I like the singing part of it. I like the big, emotional ballads.” “My Way,” “An American Trilogy,” and “It’s Now or Never” are some of his favorite songs to perform. Icenhower’s life has lined up with Presley’s in more than just his on-stage persona. He’s shared the stage with personal friends of the King including D.J. Fontana, The Jordanaires, The Sweet Inspirations, Cynthia Pepper, Julie Parrish, Charlie Hodge, Duke Bardwell, Eddie Miles, and Joe Esposito. He had the opportunity to meet Lisa Marie Presley several times before her passing earlier this year. As if he couldn’t get any more Memphis street-cred, Icenhower hung out with the first lady of rock and roll. “My wife and I were at this club on Beale Street in Memphis. We got a booth upstairs, and there was another booth right beside us. We saw another group coming in. It was Priscilla Presley, her grandson Benjamin, and the Memphis Mafia.” By the night’s end, the group was sharing stories and drinks. Many of Icenhower’s die-hard fans were original fans of Elvis, now in their seventies and eighties. The breakaway success of Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 “Elvis” biopic introduced a new generation to the King. “He put this movie out, and Elvis became number one again on all the charts,” said Icenhower. “I started seeing, at all my shows, a lot of younger people.” He continues to get multi-generational audiences “All Shook Up.” Asked how he landed on the Chain of Lakes of all the places he’s performed, Icenhower noted that he’d lived in Florida since 2005. “I’ve never known where I was going to plant my roots,” he said. “We were looking for a historic home. An old house that had charm to it.” They found that home in Winter Haven, where they’ve been for a year. Outside of keeping Elvis’s legacy alive, Icenhower loves concerts. “We go to concerts all the time. I’m a huge Elton John fan. I’ve seen him 116 times in concert.” Icenhower also does an Elton John tribute show, though the King comes more naturally. “Elvis is like breathing to me,” he said. “I love doing those [Elton John] shows because it’s a challenge.” A fan of other tribute artists, including Absolute Queen and Absolute Bowie, Icenhower produced a festival for them in Sarasota ten years running. Shake, Rattle, and Soul, which concluded earlier this year, was hosted in the 5,000-seat Robarts Arena with tributes to Rod Stewart, the Beatles, and, of course, Elvis. Don’t miss Dwight Icenhower’s December 9 performance at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Downtown Winter Haven. He’ll be crooning like Elvis at 2 pm and 7 pm. On December 7 join him for “An Evening with Elton” at the Gem Theater. You won’t want to miss “Such a Night!” Follow his social media for the upcoming Dwight Icenhower’s VIP Weekend at Nora Mayo Hall on January 5, 6, and 7. “It’s basically a cruise on land,” he said. The event will feature tribute shows, fan-generated events, and a screening of the documentary “Dwight Icenhower: A Mile in My Shoes,” followed by a Q&A with the director. FB: Dwight Icenhower IG @dwight_icenhower_eta Purchase tickets to upcoming shows at CentralFloridaTiX.com

As we bid farewell to the hurricane season and the wetter months, November brings a refreshing change to Polk County. You might have noticed the air getting a bit crisper and the skies clearer. That’s right—November marks the beginning of Florida’s dry season, a period that lasts until April. But what does this mean for our local environment, wildlife, and even our gardens? Let’s dive in! THE DRY SEASON: WHAT IS IT? In Florida, we experience two primary seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season is characterized by daily afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, and a general abundance of water. Also, hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30th… which means, we’re not out of the woods, yet! Come November, the weather takes a turn. The dry season brings lower humidity, less frequent rainfall, and cooler temperatures, especially during the night. This shift is not just a relief for us humans but also has significant impacts on our local ecology. WILDLIFE WONDERS One of the most exciting aspects of November is the change in wildlife behavior. During the dry season, you might notice that we are starting to see some of our over-wintering bird species. Later in Fall and into Winter, we start to see American White Pelicans. These dramatic water birds are almost entirely silent! We see them on area lakes and ponds, fishing in large floating flocks. These hunting pelicans are often followed around by a cacophony of fellow water birds like osprey, herons, cormorants, anhinga, and grebes. Animals like raccoons and opossums may be more visible as they prepare for the cooler months and enjoy the cooler weather. If you live in an area, or nearby an area, with a lot of Florida black bear activity – be sure to keep an eye out for them in the Fall. Bears enter a period of extreme eating (called hyperphagia, pronounced hy-per-fay-gee-ah) and may be prone to exploring loose garbage cans and overflowing birdfeeders. Be “BearWise” and follow Florida Fish and Wildlife’s best practices: myfwc.com/bears. If you would like to learn more about preventing wildlife issues, feel free to email me. I’m here to help.

Drew Wales has a photo circa 1970s of him and his brother Justin selling peanuts for five cents a bag. Before 1985, five-cent peanuts were all the sustenance one could get visiting The Barn. And let’s be honest, shopping can work up quite the appetite. “People were coming from all over, and Dad figured they needed a place to eat,” Drew said. So, Tom and Jan opened the Back Porch Restaurant with a picnic lunch theme, harkening to the ranch’s Lazy W roots. The perfect accompaniment to all of the shopping offered at the Barn and gift shops, folks travel to Lake Alfred just for lunch at the Back Porch. The Back Porch offers indoor seating with tables painted by Jan, each with a different flower – birds-foot trefoil, saffron crocus, juniper, honeysuckle. Outside is a spacious tree-shaded deck overlooking a small pond with plenty of seating. They offer two separate indoor dining spaces for private events like bridal and baby showers. Most people opt for their picnic-style lunch with soup, salad, a sandwich, and dessert. Sandwiches include classics like ham and Swiss, chicken salad, breast of turkey, and even a vegan garden burger. In addition to the house salad and side salad of the day, a guest favorite is the porch swing salad where diners can choose their style and ingredients and select a soup and dessert. Opt for the Back Porch lemonade or frozen peach bellini to cool off during the summer months or enjoy wine and beer on tap. They have local Grove Roots Brewing Co. beer and Wine Stream on tap as well as wines imported from Italy. We sat at the honeysuckle table and enjoyed a chicken salad croissant with refreshing spiced raspberry tea, followed by ‘The Back Porch Favorite’ made with strawberries, custard, cake, and whipped cream. We filled out the menu with our table number and checked the boxes of each item we wanted. It arrived in adorably packed picnic baskets with each item neatly tucked in. The picnic baskets add an extra touch to an already exceptional dining experience. The meal was filling but light, and the atmosphere was eclectic and joyful. Everything felt fresh with generous portions that weren’t too much. “It’s the mom-and-pop part that we like the best, and I think our customers appreciate that too,” said Adrianna Wales. Drew added, “We have great customers – it’s a happy place.” Photography by Amy Sexson The Back Porch Restaurant 115 Co Rd 557A, Lake Alfred (863) 956-2227

If you’ve enjoyed a fresh bagel at your local coffee shop, there’s a good chance it’s from this Lakeland deli. Off Old Road 37 is a little slice of the Big Apple – a deli and bodega featuring freshly baked bread, meals made with family recipes, and a whole lot of passion. “Uncle Nick” DeBellis was born and raised in the Bronx. He started working in the food industry at 14 and owned his deli, Mountain Top, in New York for 25 years. “He was so famous in such a small town,” said his great-nephew, Sam DeBellis. “He never cut down on the value of his products. He always gave the best service, the best products that he possibly could.” According to DeBellis, Uncle Nick would wake at 4 a.m. each morning and head to work at the deli. He was admired for his work ethic, uncompromising quality, and customer service. Ever the family man, Uncle Nick passed these methods for longevity and success down through generations. Along with Mountain Top, the family owned an eatery called DeBellis Brothers with Sam’s father, Ken, his brothers, and grandfather. “We’ve been in the deli business pretty much our whole lives,” DeBellis said. Originally from the Bronx, the family sold their deli and moved to Florida from upstate New York 12 years ago. The DeBellis’s brought their 30 years of food service experience to the Sunshine State along with a New York feel. “Uncle Nick” DeBellis passed away 11 years ago, but his legacy lives on through his family and namesake Lakeland deli. In October 2015, Sam partnered with his father, Ken, and opened Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli & Bagels off Shepherd Road. Who better to pay homage to than the man, the myth, the legend? “He was a humongous mentor to my father,” DeBellis said of Uncle Nick. “Just was an amazing person. […] He pretty much started it all.” “We’re a New York Italian deli,” DeBellis said. Almost everything in the deli is made from scratch, including fresh daily bagels, sub rolls, New York Kaiser rolls, and mozzarella. “We have 25 varieties of bagels made fresh every day. There’s never a single bagel in our store that’s used the next day,” he said. They supplement their house-made offerings with imported Italian goods and New York favorites like Junior’s Cheesecake and Kimbo Coffee. In addition to a fully operating bakery serving fresh bread, cookies, and ‘mozz,’ Uncle Nick’s offers a variety of Boar’s Head deli meat cheaper than you’d find at the supermarket. And, if you don’t feel like cooking dinner, grab a take-and-bake entrée from the case. Uncle Nick’s has three full-time employees making meals to fill the case with dishes like antipasti salad, and chicken, or meatball parmesan. Almost everything on the menu is homemade, but Sam’s favorite is the meatball parm. “Everything on the meatball parm is made from scratch. We make all our own meatballs, the fresh mozz is made in-house, and the sauce is made in-house,” he said. The recipes have all been passed down through the family, from his great-grandmother to Uncle Nick. And don’t skip out on breakfast and a hot cup of Kimbo coffee. “If you come in the morning, you’re not going to have a better breakfast sandwich anywhere around.” Uncle Nick’s is lauded for their fresh deli sandwiches, along with bagels and breakfast, soups, salads, and entrees. The ‘Vincenzo’ aka the Italian, is piled high with Boar’s Head ham, genoa salami, pepperoni, mortadella, mild provolone, and fresh mozz on a fresh ciabatta roll topped with lettuce, tomato, red peppers, and Italian dressing. We tried this big beauty during our visit. The portion was so generous we had to share it. There’s no comparison to a regular sammy when your base is fresh bread – it might be the perfect sandwich. Uncle Nick’s is a family-owned and operated deli with Sam, his parents, his wife, and several cousins all working to bring that New York feel to the Swan City. His 77-year-old grandfather recently retired from Uncle Nick’s, too. Trying to gain footing in an area with ample ‘New York Style’ restaurants, the first three years of business was tough. “You see it so much that it’s just a burnt-out saying,” DeBellis said. Then, like magic, in year four, business took off. “Lakeland has been amazing to us,” he said. “It’s been a blessing for the last eight years, for sure. Love being here.” Aside from fresh deli delights, what sets Uncle Nick’s apart? “The number one thing is probably our customer service,” he said. “You walk in, and we just give you that home feel. A lot of our customers become family. When you come to work, you expect your regulars every day.” “We have so many people who view us as their daily tradition,” he said. “It makes us so happy.” Uncle Nick’s had four locations at one time: three in Lakeland and one in Bradenton. Now, they’re focused on their Old Road 37 Lakeland locale. “We want to make this as legendary as we possibly can. We want it to be a destination location,” DeBellis said. “We want to be here forever, for sure.” Uncle Nick’s also offers flexible catering and wholesales to many businesses around the city. He and his wife have a seven-year-old and another on the way, with DeBellis remarking, “I want to make it here for them. [I want my kids] to be able to grow up here and run this place the way we run it now.” “We’re good at what we do, but we can always be better, and I think that’s what we focus on every day is giving the best quality products, the best service we can to every customer that comes through the door,” DeBellis said. “We love it here. We want to take care of the people. We want to take care of the community – that’s all we really care about.” Photography by Amy Sexson Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli & Bagels 6955 Old Rd 37, Lakeland (863) 333-4917 FB: Uncle Nicks’s Italian Deli Bagels and Catering Lakeland IG @unclenicksitaliandeli unclenicksitaliandeli.com

Edward and Ednamay Wales bought a 120-acre property in Lake Alfred during the 1950s. They moved their family from Winter Haven to live among the massive pines and sprawling pastures of the country. Around 1960, Ednamay, described by her great-granddaughter, Ansley Wales, as “a force of nature,” decided the local children needed something fun to do during the summertime. Edward, a citrus broker by day, built a lodge and locker rooms to start a day camp called the Lazy W Ranch. At its height, the camp hosted 450 elementary-aged kids each summer, busing them in from all over the county for activities like horseback riding, swimming, arts and crafts, archery, fishing, and riflery. One camper turned counselor was Winter Haven Mayor Brad Dantzler. He attended the Lazy W as a camper in the mid-70s and returned after high school for a summer job. Asked about fond and funny memories, Dantzler remembered, “Me and another girl were the horseback leaders, we would teach horseback riding.” They would put eight kids on horses in each ring to ride. “On Fridays, we had trail rides. Susanne Lindsey would be in the front, and I’d be in the back, and we’d have 16 children on horses between us.” They would ride all over the swamp and through the woods. “One particular bog we went down had a stream through it. We had this one horse, his name was Shortstop, and every time we went in that bog, he would roll over and try to roll in the water.” He laughed, “We had a running thing all week about what kid we were going to put on Shortstop.” “I will tell you, the counselors enjoyed nap time more than the kids did because we all wanted to take a nap, and the kids never did,” he recalled. At the end of each day, they had a fishing session at the pond, and Dantzler was the fishing guide. “I think they must have stocked it because everybody always caught a fish. All the kids wanted to keep their fish and take them home. We would catch these little fish […] and wrap them up in newspapers, and they would take them home to their parents. I just know they got home and had these little smelly fish wrapped up in newspaper they didn’t know what to do with.” You likely know someone who went to camp at the Lazy W. They’ll tell you all about crafts, camp songs, and competitions along with Backwards Day, Dessert Feast, and Watermelon Day. “Kids would eat watermelon as fast as they could and see how many pieces they could eat. It became a big competition to eat 42 pieces of watermelon in five minutes,” said Drew Wales, grandson of Ed and Ednamay. A high honor at the Lazy W was earning your sheepskin branded with the camp insignia and camper’s name. “If you came all seven years, you earned your sheepskin,” said Drew. After about a decade of running the camp (which ran for 35 years), Ednamay passed it down to her son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Jan Wales. “It was like the end of an era when that thing closed,” said Mayor Dantzler of the Lazy W. “It was such a moment in time that they could never recapture again.” Then Ednamay set her sights on the subsequent ranch venture – an antiques shop. THE BARN ANTIQUES “I can remember when my grandfather built the antique shop. I have memories of the beams going up,” said Drew. Just as he’d done with the camp, Edward built The Barn with his bare hands for Ednamay. “It was basically one room of antiques in the middle of orange groves and cow pastures with nothing else around.” The Barn Antiques opened for business in 1969. “She always wanted to do antiques – that was her passion after she retired,” said Ansley Wales, who runs The Barn with her parents, Dick and Susan Wales. Ansley is a procurer of all things beautiful and a generational antique dealer. She’s been in the family biz since she was two. “She was as driven as could be,” said Ansley. She took a moment to think of how best to describe Ednamay. “She had high expectations for herself and other people and was generous and fair with everything she did. […] She set the precedent for our business to be ‘what you see is what you get.’” Church, family, and running her business the right way were all of the utmost importance to Ednamay. Well, that, and fishing from her dock in the pond every day after work. When she was 88, she broke her arm, reeling in a big catch. “That does direct how we do things. I want it to remain the way she would have run it because we all respect how well she did things,” Ansley said of her great-grandmother. Ansley remembers traveling to England with her father and Ednamay each summer to collect antiques to ship back to Lake Alfred. “She would give my brother and me a pound each, and she’d say, ‘Go look for something you can buy, and when you bring it back, we’ll talk about what it is and if I think you could sell it.’” After attending school in South Carolina, Ansley returned to work in the antiques shop with her family. “I go to England about every six weeks and buy from people whose grandparents my grandmother bought from,” she said. Pieces in the store hail from England and some continental European antiques, including French, Dutch, Belgian, and Italian. Most items at The Barn date back to the early 1800s through the 1940s. Ansley has a knack for curation. She gets it from her great-grandmother. When considering a piece for procurement, Ansley thinks of her taste and that of her customers. “I’ve been working here for 10-15 years now, so you see what people like and what they gravitate towards,” she said. Ansley has recently branched into Mid-Century Modern furniture, a new style to the shop. When the hand-picked pieces arrive from across the pond, they’re inspected, cleaned, polished, and restored as needed to ensure the quality of their original condition. “We aren’t going to sell anything that isn’t ready for your home,” Ansley said. “We try not to do too much stripping and full refinishing, but if we need to, to make it usable, we will.” Walking through the four showrooms spanning 7,500 square feet is a curated labyrinth of handsome pieces from centuries past. Beyond writing desks and couches, wardrobes, and chests is a navy door. Through this door is a sun-drenched room sparkling with rows of hundreds of stained glass windows, also hand-picked by Ansley. Outside this stained glass sanctuary, dogs Henry and Ruth keep The Barn’s craftsmen company as they sand, polish, and tighten. The Barn closes every year for the summer and reopens at the beginning of October. October 7 marked the opening of their 54th season. “Our opening day is always really big,” Ansley said. Folks travel from across the country to visit The Barn both for its vast and stunning selection and its prices. “Our prices are such that we have dealers who are able to buy from us, and they pay the same price as everyone else.” Because of Ansley’s regular travels to the English countryside, “Each week you come in, you’ll see a lot of different pieces and different styles.” Over the pandemic, Ansley worked to introduce an online shop for those uncomfortable shopping in person. “It’s been the best form of growing while staying true to the initial concept,” she said. “Our customers are amazing, so it’s fun,” said Ansley. Some even say, “I was there the first day Ednamay opened.” “I think to the people who come here, it’s important too,” she said. “It’s a neat feeling that there’s a lot of years behind this and that the family has kept it the same.” The Barn Antiques 167 Co Rd 557A, Lake Alfred (863) 956-1362 FB: The Barn Antiques IG @thebarnantiques barnantiques.biz THE STABLE, SEASONS, & THE BACK YARD GARDEN SHOP Over the decades, The Barn became much more than an antiques haven. It’s grown to include several boutique gift shops and an on-site restaurant. When Ednamay opened The Barn, Tom and Jan started making Christmas ornaments and handcrafts to sell there. “That grew into all the gift shops,” Drew said. That includes The Stable Home Décor, the Seasons Gift Shop, and the Back Yard Garden Shop. Drew’s brother, Justin Wales, and husband, Matthew Rudman, run The Stable and Seasons. Drew and his wife, Adrianna, orchestrate the Back Yard Garden Shop and the Back Porch Restaurant. The Garden Shop, draped in flowers at every turn, offers yard flags, statement pieces for the yard, concrete urns and benches, as well as seasonal plants like mums in the fall and poinsettias during the holidays. Justin Wales described The Stable as a seasonal decoration shop with home accents and a home accents store with seasonal decorations. Table linens and floral arrangements are big sellers. “We have an in-house floral design staff that makes grape vine wreaths, table arrangements, all from scratch,” Justin said. Aside from being surrounded by beautiful things all day, Justin’s favorite aspect of the whole operation is the people. “We enjoy coming to work every day,” he said. “To count those people as friends, as well as hard-working wonderful decorators, is great. Then you throw that in with the customers that have been coming by for sometimes 40 years, makes the day go by so much better.” Retail may be challenging work, but Justin says the folks on both sides of the counter make it enjoyable. Many of the family, including Tom and Jan, Drew and Adrianna, Ansley, and her parents, still live on the ranch. “Mom and Dad are still involved. Dad is more involved in cheering for the Florida Gators, but Mom is still coming in whenever she can and decorating. That is her passion,” said Drew. Aside from the Wales family, the establishment is staffed with folks who are happy to be there, some of whom have worked there for 25-30 years. “We’ve got a lot of creative, talented people that work for us, and we consider them part of our family,” Drew said. Photographs by Amy Sexson The Stable Home Decor 101 Co Rd 557A, Lake Alfred (863) 956-1363 FB: The Stable Home Decor IG @thestablehomedecor stablehomedecor.com

After paying his way through medical school working in the shipyard and serving as a flight surgeon on the Yorktown during World War II, Dr. Benjamin J. Bond envisioned a “one-stop” medical clinic in Winter Haven. He selected pediatrician Dr. Rita Marotti, OB/GYN, Dr. T.C. Karamidas, and primary care physician Dr. William Steele to help him realize this vision. They opened Bond Clinic in the New Coker Building on June 1, 1949. By 1954, the clinic had expanded to six physicians and opened a new facility across from Winter Haven Hospital on First Street. They later outgrew this location and moved to their current main campus on Central Avenue in 1978. Today, Bond Clinic is a professional association comprising over 100 providers encompassing 28 specialties. Dr. Panagiotis Iakovidis, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, joined the clinic in 1996 and became the president and CEO of Bond Clinic in 2009. The first challenge Dr. Iakovidis faced in 2009 was the operations of the clinic. Once they were able to streamline and develop efficiencies within the operational part of the clinic, they looked to where healthcare was going in the future with the technology that existed at that time. “At that point, it was pretty clear to us that value-based care would be the best option for healthcare, not just for Bond Clinic but our society. And that’s what we embraced,” Dr. Iakovidis said. “We spent a significant amount of time learning about it, searching for partners, and developing a program and a plan that would be implemented over the following five to 10 years.” Discussing the legacy Bond Clinic has forged throughout its 75 years in operation, the CEO said, “I think the legacy of the Bond Clinic that has been established has been quality care and commitment to the community.” He noted that their physicians are leaders in the local healthcare community who bring with them new ideas learned through their training and residencies. “We took initiatives where physicians of the Bond Clinic started unique programs that helped Winter Haven Hospital.” A testament to this legacy was Bond Clinic’s acceptance of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Large Business of the Year award several years ago. More recently, the Winter Haven City Commission proclaimed September 2023 ‘Bond Clinic Month’ in celebration of its 75th anniversary. “This is a huge honor for us, for this organization that has been here for 75 years,” said Dr. Iakovidis. “I think that’s a reflection on this change that we’ve made as a quality organization, but now we’re focused on a significantly higher level to what we were doing before.” Asked how they’ve celebrated this milestone anniversary, Dr. Iakovidis remarked, “At Bond Clinic, we celebrate every day that we’re in the Bond Clinic. It’s an honor and responsibility for us to be part of this organization, and we’re looking forward to the future, but at the same time, we enjoy the precious time we spend within the organization and all the challenges that healthcare has today.” Dr. Iakovidis’ most impactful memory over his tenure with the clinic has been their ability to adjust to value-based care. “I think the team put forth a tremendous effort and continues to do so to accomplish the goals. The best competition that we’ve created is ourselves,” he said. “Those three things (quality, access, and affordable care) we want to be the legacy of the Bond Clinic that not only is part of the past but becomes a future goal as we elevate the care that we deliver.” Proud to be a part of the Winter Haven and its surrounding areas, Bond Clinic dedicates time and resources throughout the community. They regularly participate in community events and health fairs, partner with area colleges/trade schools to offer clinical training for students, and support many local sports clubs and organizations through donations and sponsorships. “That’s why this organization exists,” said Dr. Iakovidis. “It’s not only the healthcare delivery that we are proud of. The majority of our doctors live in Winter Haven. Our goal is to have our physicians and members of this medical community be part of the community.” Bond Clinic Marketing Director Ashley Scanlan agreed, adding, “This is our home. What can we do to make this the best it can be?” Dr. Iakovidis reflected on the organization’s roots and its founding physicians. “I think they would be very proud. They were individuals that had a unique view. Winter Haven was very different then. They had different backgrounds. From what we heard and saw, the care that they delivered was at the highest level at the time. I think they also took great pride in what they did.” Not only proud but perhaps they would even be surprised at the level that Bond Clinic has raised. “I think we are representing them well, and we hope that the next generation of doctors that join the Bond Clinic and become the leaders in this community will also do the same.” Scanlan noted, “The family members of those physicians are still around, and some of them are still patients here. To be able to hear those stories is incredible. It started with [four] physicians, and now we have over 100 providers covering 28 specialties. Dr. Bond’s idea was to have healthcare for the whole family, and I think we have more than accomplished that.” A look through photos in the lobby at the main campus gives a glimpse into how important this history is to Dr. Iakovidis. Given these pictures by family members of the founding doctors, it was at his direction to put them in the lobby for all to see. A look at provider photos outside the boardroom wall on the second floor is a testament to the clinic’s lasting relationship with its providers. “We want physicians that will stay here for their whole career,” said Dr. Iakovidis. “That’s what we take pride in, that doctors come here and stay for the rest of their lives.” A photo that may one day join that wall alongside his father is Dr. Triantafilos Iakovidis, the CEO’s son (the first father and son team at the clinic). Aside from quality healthcare, steadfast community engagement, and provider retention, Bond Clinic has focused on expanding its reach. “Until 2014, Bond Clinic had never had a successful clinic outside of Winter Haven,” said the CEO. A part of their future success relied on creating satellite clinics – extensions of Bond – throughout the community. They’ve been successful in this endeavor with primary care physicians and specialists in Davenport, an orthopedic building with physical therapy in front of LEGOLAND, and their Lakeland office. “We’re very thankful that with the support of this community and many partners we’re able to continue our efforts every day and in the future,” Dr. Iakovidis said. “Our doctors have helped create the healthcare experience in our neighborhood now,” said Ashley Scanlan. From cardiology to OB/GYN, Bond Clinic has paved the way for community healthcare. “Our doctors were part of bringing that and ensuring our community had the best.” The clinic’s future looks to continue partnerships with similar-minded entities, according to Dr. Iakovidis. This will ensure they continue to meet their goals and differentiate them from other healthcare organizations. “Quality, access, and affordable care to our community at large are the three pillars for our success, but at the same time, the three pillars that will connect us even closer to our community.” Bond Clinic, P.A. 500 E Central Ave, Winter Haven (Main Campus) (863) 293-1191 IG @bondclinic_fl FB: Bond Clinic, PA Bondclinic.com