BEST PARK BOK TOWER GARDENS 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales (863) 676-1408 FB: Bok Tower Gardens IG @boktowergardens boktowergardens.org Twenty-three million visitors have meandered the stunning garden paths to Bok Tower since it opened in 1929. From the 1930s Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estate to the Visitor Center & Exhibit Hall, there’s plenty to take in at the Gardens. Those who adventure to Bok Tower Gardens can enjoy photography, birdwatching, geocaching, and hiking. Guests can trek the 1.5- mile Preserve Trail or 3/4-mile Pine Ridge Nature Trail and take the kids to the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden. After taking in the flora and fauna and the carillon concert, which rings out throughout the Gardens each day at 1 and 3 p.m. with short selections played on the hour and half hour, conclude your visit with a tasty bite at the onsite restaurant, Blue Palmetto Cafe. Don’t forget to pick up a memento of your trip at The Shop at Bok or The Plant Shop. 2nd: Bonnet Springs Park 3rd: Central Park, Downtown Winter Haven BEST DATE NIGHT GROVE ROOTS BREWING CO. 302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 291-0700 FB @groverootsbrewing IG @groverootsbrewing groveroots.com It would be hard to think of a better date night than the laid-back atmosphere at Grove Roots, with the Best Beer and Best Live Music. There’s plenty to do whether it’s your first date or your twentieth. The brewery offers a selection of local craft beers, unique food trucks, live music, and plenty of seating inside and outside to be in the heart of it all or tucked away by yourselves. They offer free trivia every Tuesday, and fun events throughout the year. Check their socials for the daily food truck. 2nd: (tie) Obscure Wine Company 2nd: (tie) Laugh Out Lounge 3rd: Nutwood BEST GOLF COURSE CYPRESSWOOD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 1099 Clubhouse Rd, Winter Haven (863) 324-6174 FB @cypresswoodcc IG @cypresswoodgolfcourse cypresswoodcc.com Why did the golfer wear two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole-in-one. Tee-hee. Another win FORE! Cypresswood Golf & Country Club! This repeat Best Of Haven winner is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by award-winning designer Ron Garl. In addition to the course, Cypresswood has a putting green, chipping green, and driving range and is open to the public yearround from sunrise to sunset. After a day on the course, grab lunch at Cypresswood Pub and make a trip to the pro shop. 2nd: The Country Club of Winter Haven 3rd: Willowbrook Golf Course BEST DANCE STUDIO THE WRIGHT STEP SCHOOL OF DANCE 316 Ave C SW, Winter Haven (863) 294-5300 FB: The Wright Step School of Dance IG @thewrightstepschoolofdance thewrightsteponline.com Our readers think The Wright Step School of Dance is the best. And they’ve got a pointe! With three studios spanning 5000 square feet, specialized wood flooring, and instructors trained in all dance styles, you know this Winter Haven dance studio is doing it Wright! The Wright Step School of Dance is a multi-genre dance studio opened in 2001 by Amy and Kevin Wright. “Faculty are industry professionals with a heart for sharing their love of our art!” The Wright Step Xtreme Team, founded in 2004, comprises about 70 dancers aged 5-18. In addition to their community outreach, the Xtreme Team has won numerous “Entertainment” awards, “Judges Choice” awards, and national overall placements. 2nd: Barbara’s Centre’ For Dance 3rd: The Ballet Conservatory BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE GROVE ROOTS BREWING CO. 302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 291-0700 FB @groverootsbrewing IG @groverootsbrewing groveroots.com Beers. Bands. Big-time Best Of Haven winners. This Winter Haven hangout is the place to enjoy a variety of locally brewed craft beers while listening to local talent. Grove Roots guests can imbibe the Best Polk County Beer (Tropical Dilemma) and hear live music ranging from solo acts to full bands every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon. Check their online calendar to see who’s playing this week! Pint-loving patrons can expect unique food trucks and ample places to hang out inside and out. 2nd: Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar 3rd: Jessie’s Lounge BEST MUSEUM POLK MUSEUM OF ART AT FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland (863) 688-7743 FB: Polk Museum of Art IG @polkmuseumofart polkmuseumofart.org Some 140,000 visitors come to the Polk Museum of Art annually. Admission to the Museum is free, and exhibits typically change every few months. PMA patrons can enjoy their diverse collection of more than 2,800 objects with a focus on collecting and exhibiting contemporary art, Asian art, Pre-Columbian art, African art, and decorative art. Some exhibitions are from their collection, but many are from local, nationally, and internationally known artists such as Pablo Picasso, Albert Paley, Miriam Schapiro, Donald Sultan, James Rosenquist, Andy Warhol, and many others. In 2022, the Museum announced plans for a $6 million expansion and renovation project slated for completion in the summer of 2024. 2nd: Florida Children’s Museum 3rd: Museum of Winter Haven History BEST MURAL HAVEN BY GILLIAN FAZIO 343 Ave. C SW, Winter Haven FB: Gillian Fazio Art IG @gfazioart gfazioart.com The Haven mural located on the back wall of the Alan L. Ulch building depicts the word “HAVEN” in crisp white letters with a butterfly atop the “A.” It is backdropped by mirror-still water dotted with lily pads and pink and white water lilies. In an interview with WFTS Tampa Bay, artist Gillian Fazio said, “I just wanted to make something that makes everybody feel happy and uplifted whenever they see the wall. So all my work tends to have bright colors, fun patterns, and some aspect of nature.” The mural is dedicated, “In loving memory of Mary Lou Ulch.” 2nd: Lady on the Wall by Kenneth Treister and William Larence 3rd: (tie) Falling Man by Paul O’Neill 3rd: (tie) Jensen’s Guitar BEST VISUAL ARTIST GILLIAN FAZIO 343 Ave. C SW, Winter Haven FB: Gillian Fazio Art IG @gfazioart gfazioart.com Gillian Fazio is no stranger to the Best Of Haven winners list. Her Haven mural took first place again this year for Best Mural, and she’s won Best Visual Artist multiple years in a row. Her talent can be seen in colorful, nature-inspired pieces around Polk County, like in the Create mural at Catapult in Lakeland or the oranges and butterflies in Slice of Happiness in Lake Wales. A Lakeland native, Fazio graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Florida in 2017. Fazio has painted over 20 murals across Central Florida from Tampa to Anna Maria Island and describes herself as a “new age flora and fauna artist.” 2nd: William Larence 3rd: Paul O’Neill BEST BAND 99 IN THE SHADE FB: 99 in the Shade Best Of Haven voters are rocking out to this high-energy variety and dance band. In addition to gigs at clubs, weddings, corporate, and private events, you can catch this rockin’ quartet regularly at Somewhere Sports Bar & Grill and Tanners Lakeside. Since 2015, 99 in the Shade has been getting crowds on their feet with classic to current music – everything from Journey to Bruno Mars! 2nd: B.Haven 3rd: Daniel Pepin BEST DRAG QUEEN TRISHELLE MICHAELS FB: Trishelle Michaels IG @trishellemichaels Polk County drag performer Trishelle Michaels is dynamite on stage with killer costumes and fun lip-syncing solos. “When I’m on the mic, I try to make people laugh. I think that’s one of my attributes, and what draws people into me is my personality,” said Michaels. She regularly performs across the county. In her own words, “Trishelle is a role model. Trishelle is a promoter. Trishelle is someone that you could come and talk to. [...]” If you’re looking for plenty of laughs and to be awed by a top-rate performer – you’ve got to see Trishelle! 2nd: Momma Ashley Rose BEST ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENT CAROLS IN THE PARK Kick off the holiday season with community and caroling! Winter Haven is dazzled by local choral groups during the annual Carols in the Park. Main Street Winter Haven presents this downtown holiday event, bringing artisans and specialty food vendors to Central Park for over 30 years. There are activities for children of all ages, pictures with Santa Claus, live music and plenty of the holiday spirit! 2nd: Bark in the Park 3rd: Bandit Market BEST LOCAL MAKER THE PIN + NEEDLE FB @thepinandneedle IG @ pin.needle.shop thepinandneedle.etsy.com Based in Winter Haven, Pin + Needle’s Lyndsey Venrick makes funny and subversive cross stitch and embroidery. Some of our favorites from her shop are cross-stitch minis. These cute framed minis have funny phrases with an adorable cross stitch flower or rainbow to soften them up. Grab your friends a “bitch please,” “Treat yo self,” or “mind your business,” framed mini cross stitch today! Or, order a cross stitch kit from Pin + Needle to create for yourself. Send Lyndsey a message, and she can get a pet or family portrait started for a future birthday or housewarming gift. “Our motto is ‘We don’t ask questions, and we don’t judge,’” so don’t be afraid to really ask for what you want! 2nd: Reservations4five Crafts 3rd: Rosemary’s Garden Florals BEST HIDDEN GEM CIRCLE B BAR RESERVE 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland (863) 534-7377 polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve Circle B Bar Reserve is one of the county’s finest hidden gems. It can be a quiet respite away from it all and an adventure full of nature and wildlife. Located on the northwest shore of Lake Hancock, Circle B is a former cattle ranch consisting of several distinct ecosystems across its 1,267 acres. This nature oasis offers activities like hiking, photography, and painting and has picnic shelters, restrooms, and paved parking with handicapped-accessible and grassy areas. According to the Polk County Environmental Lands Program, “You’re almost guaranteed to see alligators in Lake Hancock, often considered the headwaters of the Peace River, which flows more than 100 miles from Polk County southwest to the Gulf of Mexico.” 2nd: Artcade 3rd: Friends of the Winter Haven Public Library Bookstore

BEST PIZZA BISTRO PIZZA 326 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 875-4894 FB @bistropizza326 arabellas.us/bistro-pizza Not to be cheesy, but Bistro is the best! Nestled next to Ave Bar, this Winter Haven pizzeria serves up hand-tossed, brick oven pizzas made with fresh ingredients. Create your own, or keep it classic. Bistro offers varieties, including the Pizza Italia, made with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, and the Pizza Rustica, with mozzarella and ricotta cheese, ham, bacon, garlic, and olive oil. Pair your pizza with a calzone, stromboli, antipasti, baked pasta, oven-baked sub, or salad. Cheers with a glass of pinot from their full wine list or a cocktail from the bar. And don’t forget to ask your server about the “Pizza of the Day.” 2nd: J. Burns’ Pizza Shop 3rd: Pizza Connection Editor’s Pick: Calogero’s Pizzeria BEST BURGERS ADLER’S 543 Ave B SW, Winter Haven (863) 875-6615 113 Ambersweet Way, Davenport (863) 438-4324 FB @Adlers.TCB IG @adlerstcb adlersburgers.com If you already know ‘em, you love ‘em. These burger baddies just can’t be stopped! They’ve been takin’ care of burgers at their Avenue B, Winter Haven location for two years, where they serve up the best smash patties around. Voters love their menu lined with mouthwatering options like the Classic with LTOP, American cheese, mayo, ketchup, and mustard on an artisan bun. Others on Adler’s badass burger roster include the Italian, Bad Hombre, Twitty, Bourbon BBQ, and limited specials (if you follow their socials). Order it with hand-cut fries or jalapeno firecrackers and a craft soda from the fountain or beer on tap. Tell them Haven sent you! 2nd: Andy’s Igloo 3rd: Five Guys BEST TACOS TACOS MY FRIEND 3899 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven (863) 837-7416 FB @tacosmyfriend IG @tacos_my_friend These are the kind of friends you want to have! This top taco contender dominates this category year after year, beating out the competition with their authentic, tasty tacos. It’s hard to beat their succulent carne asada, cradled by warm tortillas topped with onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of salsa verde. If steak doesn’t suit you, they have plenty of meat options, including pollo, pastor, chorizo, lengua, tripas, and cabeza. Their full menu boasts burritos, tamales, nachos, fajitas, and more. Taco-bout fantastic fare! 2nd: Angel’s Kitchen 3rd: Azteca D’ Oro BEST WINGS BLACKBURN’S BBQ 169 5th St, Eagle Lake (863) 287-9975 FB @BlackburnsBBQ IG @blackburnsbbq Have you tried Pop’s wings yet? Best Of voters say Blackburn’s isn’t just wingin’ it when it comes to their yard bird. Blackburn’s mouthwatering meats are oak-smoked and fall off the bone. You can get your wings dry, hot, mild, or blackened with other succulent flavors like honey mustard, lemon pepper, garlic parmesan, and sweet, original, or spicy BBQ. If you aren’t totally stuffed, you’ll want to pick up a few made-from-scratch sides like sweet coleslaw, Southern potato salad, fresh collard greens, or Mimi’s corn casserole. If you need a good wingman, Blackburn’s is your guy! 2nd: Apple Lounge & Grill 3rd: Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Editor’s Pick: Adler’s BEST CUBAN SANDWICH SOUP’R CUBANS SANDWICH SHOP 1502 42nd St NW, Winter Haven (863) 967-6277 FB: Soup’R Cubans We hear this Cuban sandwich is Soup’R good! So good, they just keep winning! “Over 20 years and still pressin’!” Since 2000, Soup’R Cubans Sandwich Shop has perfected their pressed Cuban craft. They load up their Cubans with ham, pork, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a mustard and mayo mix on fresh Cuban bread. You can get your hot pressed sammie as a 7-inch Regular or 10-inch Super. Enjoy this award-winning sandwich with a salad, or one of six daily soups. 2nd: Richard’s Fine Coffees 3rd: SoCe Market BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT ARABELLAS RISTORANTE 346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 293-1797 FB @ArabellasRistorante arabellas.us Arabellas Ristorante is no impasta when it comes to standout Italian fare. This Times Square bistro prides itself on excellent food, service, and atmosphere. Since opening in 2004, Arabellas has been the ravi-only place for a romantic dinner for two or an upscale lunch date with friends. Enjoy your Trancio di Salmone Arrosto con Carciofi or Fettuccine Alfredo with a glass or bottle from Arabellas’ extensive wine list or a cocktail at Ave Bar next door. Their standout Italian cuisine will have you saying, ‘Holy cannoli, that’s good!’ 2nd: Carrabba’s Italian Grill 3rd: Floridino’s Italian Kitchen BEST SUSHI RESTAURANT TSUNAMI SUSHI 5937 Cypress Gardens Blvd #300, Winter Haven (863) 324-6777 114 N Tennessee Ave #101, Lakeland (863) 940-2112 FB @TsunamiSushi2013 IG @tsunamisushiwh tsunamisushi.net If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re going to gyoza crazy for Tsunami Sushi. This Cypress Gardens sushi spot is really on a roll, winning multiple years in a row. There is plenty to choose from on Tsunami’s menu, including sushi rolls, sashimi, makimono, tempura, miso, and more. Their sushi list is full of fresh flavors like the Red Dragon roll with sweet shrimp, cream cheese, and scallions, topped with spicy tuna, tobiko, eel sauce, and asparagus, or the Tigers Eye roll with salmon, tuna, krab, cream cheese, and avocado, wrapped in cucumber and topped with ginger tataki sauce. Congrats to the best sushi restaurant in the tuna-verse! 2nd: Sakura Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 3rd: Tsukiyomi Sushi Bar & Grill BEST BBQ RESTAURANT BLACKBURN’S BBQ 169 5th St, Eagle Lake (863) 287-9975 FB @BlackburnsBBQ IG @blackburnsbbq Blackburn’s ain’t slackin’ when it comes to their oak-smoked, fall-off-the-bone BBQ. They keep smoking the competition! This Eagle Lake eatery features favorites like pulled pork and rib bone-in sandwiches, dinner plates including brisket, turkey, smoked sausage, meat by the pound, and family meal deals. Best Of voters love their wings so much that they won that category, too! Their madefrom-scratch Southern sides include the likes of sweet coleslaw, Southern potato salad, fresh collard greens, and Mimi’s corn casserole. Finish your meal with homemade banana pudding or a slice of fresh apple or pecan pie. 2nd: The Smokin’OX Premium BBQ 3rd: Smokin’ Jim’s House of Bar-B-Q Editor’s Pick: Blue Dog Craft Barbecue BEST DONUTS THE DONUT MAN 1290 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 293-4031 FB @thedonutmanWH Looking to sprinkle some joy on your day? There’s a ‘hole’ lot to rave about the Donut Man! Their Amazing Apple Fritters draw folks far and wide, but I donut want to glaze over their other offerings of assorted cake donuts, filled donuts, and raised donuts, along with sandwiches, bagels, muffins, croissants, coffee, and more. One customer wrote, “BEST donuts I’ve ever had! Their employees always know how to treat their customers right! Always friendly and accommodating! My favorite donut is the Vanilla Cream!” Donut Man, we think you’re pretty sweet. 2nd: Baking Donuts Plus 3rd: Dunkin’ BEST SUB SANDWICH PUBLIX FB @publix IG @publix publix.com Pub Subs are pretty deli-ghtful! This iconic sandwich has become the nation’s envy, with an array of subs to savor, from the Boar’s Head Italian Sub to the Publix Ultimate Sub. The options are ‘sub’stantial, but the tried-and-true sammy is the Chicken Tender Sub made with Publix Deli’s famous double-hand-breaded chicken tenders. Little known fact, if you don’t have a Pub Sub every so often, they’ll revoke your Florida card. I’m due for mine soon! 2nd: Firehouse Subs 3rd: Mama Dilo’s Deli BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT AZTECA D’ORO 5860 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (Multiple locations in Orlando, Lakeland, Winter Garden, and New Smyrna) (863) 295-9080 FB @Aztecawinterhaven IG @aztecadorowh aztecadoro.com Azteca D’Oro has won Best Mexican Restaurant a whole encha-lot-of times! Nothing is better than margaritas and tasty Mexican food at this Winter Haven mainstay. Their lunch and dinner menus feature ceviche, nachos, elotes Mexicanos, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, tortas, tacos, signature dishes, desserts, and more. “I was first amazed at the bar selection here. There is great tequila and a nice selection of bourbon. Then I was blown away with how good the food was. Service was very good. I have been here a few times now and every time the food is fantastic! I will go here again and again,” wrote one Azteca D’Oro patron. 2nd: El Olivo Mexican Restaurant 3rd: San Diego’s Mexican Grill BEST LATIN RESTAURANT SANTIAGO’S MARKET 898 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven (863) 293-9659 FB: Santiago’s Market IG @santiagosrestaurantfl Latin food heaven on Havendale! Santiago’s Market is a family-owned, full grocery store offering Caribbean and North and South American products. In addition to fresh-packed meat and a sizable selection of fresh produce, they feature a Latin buffet that customers flock to. One customer raved, “Puerto Rican food and culture celebrated here! Great selections in the market, and also in the hot & ready cafeteria style dining area. Good prices. Clean and easy access location.” 2nd: Nineteen61 3rd: El Pilón Loko Restaurant BEST SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT B.D. SOUTHERN HOME COOKING 1518 7th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 247-8375 FB: BD Southern Home Cooking IG @bdsouthern Nothing says soul food like Southern home cooking, and nobody does it better than B.D. In addition to house burgers, specialty salads, sandwiches, and platters, B.D. Southern Home Cooking offers Deep South Dinners. These include delights like chitterlings, oxtail, chop steak, and more. Sliced tomatoes, fried corn on the cob, hush puppies, and fried okra are only some of their soul food side dishes. One customer wrote, “Love the food here! I had some fried pork chops, fried okra with mashed potatoes, and gravy. It was wonderful! They also have really good banana pudding and red velvet cake!” 2nd: Big Daddy’s Barbecue 3rd: Our Noire Kitchen BEST BREAKFAST RESTAURANT EGG HAVEN 301 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 268-8269 FB: Egg Haven egghavenwinterhaven.com You butter believe Egg Haven is the best! This 3rd Street diner opened in 2013 and serves their egg-stensive breakfast all day. Drive by (or drive-thru) any morning, and you’ll see patrons enjoying their Egg Haven Benedict, chocolate chip pancakes, and blueberry french toast on the sunny patio. Some call it a hidden gem in Winter Haven, and many praise them for fast, friendly service, good food, and fair prices. Egg Haven, you’re our butter half, the biscuits to our gravy, and an eggcellent choice for breakfast! 2nd: First Watch 3rd: Honeycomb Bread Bakers BEST BRUNCH LUCILLE’S AMERICAN CAFE 205 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 875-5005 FB @lucillescafe IG @lucillescafewh lucillescafe.com Shrimp and grits calling your name? How about a Hangover Waffle Sandwich? By a landslide, Lucille’s American Cafe, winner of the ‘Best New Restaurant’ category in 2022, beat out their brunch competition this year. Their weekend brunch is beloved, and we totally see why. This retro Winter Haven cafe offers made-from-scratch homestyle meals with plenty of options to choose from. Sit on the sunny patio and enjoy Bananas Fosters French Toast with a sparkling bellini mimosa. Lucille’s, Best Of Haven voters love you a brunch! 2nd: The Fire Restaurant 3rd: First Watch Editor’s Pick: Nutwood BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT HARBORSIDE 2435 7th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-7070 FB @HarborsideFL IG @harborsiderestaurant harborsidefl.com Delicious seafood with unmatched Lake Shipp views. Harborside offers premium scenery, steaks, seafood, and other upscale casual fare. A variety of seafood dishes line the menu, both fresh and fried, like Ahi Tuna and Smoked Salmon Dip appetizers, Gulf Oysters on the half shell, Snow Crab, Stuffed Flounder, and Grouper Sandwich entrees. One Harborside review reads in part, “[...] Great place to dock the boat for lunch and continue on the water. The fish sandwich is a large, fried flaky fish, which tasted fresh (not frozen). Shrimp trio was excellent as well. The staff was friendly.” Go at sunset and thank me later! 2nd: Harry’s Old Place 3rd: Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar BEST THAI RESTAURANT THAI HAVEN 309 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 291-8085 FB @ThaiHaven IG @thaihaven_fl thaihaven.com Need something to Thai you over? Try this cozy Central Avenue respite. Family-owned and operated, Thai Haven offers authentic made-to-order appe-thai-zing cuisine in an intimate setting in Downtown Winter Haven. Their menu of appetizers, soups, salads, curries, noodle dishes, fried rice dishes, and more is extensive, offering spice levels to suit any palate. A hot cup of coconut milk soup is perfect for a fall afternoon, and their curry is a great pick-me-up anytime! 2nd: Saigon Garden 3rd: Gin Khao Food Truck BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT MEDITERRANEAN FRESH GRILL 6035 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (833) 633-4745 FB @MediterraneanFreshGrillWinterHaven IG @mediterraneanfresh mediterraneanfreshgrill.com It’s all in the name! Mediterranean Fresh Grill’s Chef Chadi Mokbel creates beautiful Lebanese dishes that taste even better than they look. “Our menu is inspired by the bold, fresh flavors found in the street foods of the Eastern Mediterranean. Our food contains only high quality, wholesome ingredients like organic fruits and vegetables sourced mainly from local and regional farmers as well as antibiotic-free chicken, lamb, and beef,” notes Med Fresh Grill. On the menu, you’ll find food prepared fresh daily and cooked to order, accommodating many dietary needs and choices, including vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, Keto, and gluten-free options. A few menu faves include garlic whip, tabbouleh, spicy feta dip, kabobs, and shawarma. 2nd: The Krazy Greek 3rd: Agape Agora BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT BEIJING RESTAURANT 3005 Cypress Gardens Rd SE, Winter Haven (863) 318-0226 beijingfl.com Beijing Restaurant offers a substantial menu and friendly service. Dine in or take out all the Chinese favorites, from sweet and sour chicken to beef chop suey and beyond. Or have it delivered! Beijing says, “We pick ingredients carefully and use only the freshest and natural ones to prepare every dish, and have been trying to cook them in a healthier way to provide the most nutritious food.” One customer wrote, “Beijing Chinese Restaurant has amazing tasting food! The service is very fast and always accurate! High-quality Chinese food at its best! I absolutely recommend everyone to try it for yourself! You won’t be disappointed!” 2nd: China Park 3rd: (tie) Evergreen 3rd: (tie) China Wok BEST RESTAURANT FOR OYSTERS GARY’S OYSTER BAR & SEAFOOD HOUSE 660 E Alfred St, Lake Alfred (863) 956-5055 FB: Garys Oyster Bar garysoysterbar.com Aw shucks, the oldest oyster bar in Polk County won again! Gary’s has been pluckin’ and shuckin’ oysters in their cozy, casual dining space for over 43 years. Their Char-Grilled Parmesan and Jalapeño Bacon Oysters compete for guest favorite. Their fresh oysters, steamed or raw, will leave you in half-shell heaven. Wash it down with a cocktail from their full-service bar! According to Gary’s Oyster Bar, “We pride ourselves as a true Florida seafood experience that the entire family will enjoy.” 2nd: Old Man Frank’s 3rd: Harborside BEST ICE CREAM ANDY’S IGLOO 703 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-0019 FB: ANDY’S IGLOO andysigloo.com Another Best Ice Cream win for Andy’s Igloo! Ice cream parlor patrons love Andy’s burgers and Americana vibe, but their ice cream is the cherry on top. Their neon namesake sign is a beacon to Banana Bonanza lovers and those with a sundae sweet tooth. Andy’s offers homemade sherberts, milkshakes, freezes, floats, and hand-dipped ice cream, as well as Royal Treats like their Banana Split, Spin-The-Wheel, and Parfait (and, all their sherberts are made in-house). Get what you want, no self’cone’trol needed! 2nd: Dairy Queen 3rd: Cabana Boy Ice Cream BEST FOOD TRUCK CRAVIN’ HAVEN (863) 604-9432 FB: Cravin’ Haven IG @cravinhavenfl cravinhavenfl.com Whatever you’re cravin’, they’re makin’! Cravin’ Haven food truck may be the new kid on the block (open for a year in September), but Best Of Haven voters are already singing their praises. This mouthwatering mobile bistro serves a diverse rotating menu of dishes using high-quality ingredients. Foodies can indulge in everything from a chili cheese dog and a Cuban sandwich to a fried fish basket and ahi tuna tacos. They’ve got five finger-licking stars on Google with customers raving, “Delicious and great prices, the fries were the best I’ve had in a long time, the brisket was juicy and flavorful with a good BBQ sauce, definitely check this place out!” 2nd: Gin Khao Food Truck 3rd: Tallulah’s Table by the Sea BEST DINER ANDY’S IGLOO 703 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-0019 FB: ANDY’S IGLOO andysigloo.com Not only did they cream the competition in the Ice Cream category, but Best Of Voters are also digging Andy’s diner vibes. Andy’s is the place for old-school diner bites, from burgers and crinkle-cut fries to hot dogs and fried catfish. The Igloo opened in 1951 and has since solidified itself as a Winter Haven institution. Just follow the neon sign to the best diner fare around. Don’t forget to order an ice cream float to wash it down! One review reads in part, “Love the old style of Andy’s, the mom and pop feel. Always a fun place to visit. [...]” 2nd: Lucille’s American Cafe 3rd: Big Tom’s Diner BEST FINE DINING ARABELLAS RISTORANTE 346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 293-1797 FB @ArabellasRistorante arabellas.us Exposed brick walls, white linen tablecloths and billowy window treatments framing palatial windows form a second-to-none fine dining experience in Winter Haven. From their pianist to their premium service and fare, guests rave that Arabellas is the place to go for the Best Italian Food and Fine Dining. One customer wrote, “Great Manager and team, servers are attentive and caring. Entertainer is extremely talented and his cheerfulness sets the tone for the upbeat atmosphere. The food is exceptionally delicious. Reservations are recommended but if they can get a table for you, they will. Great fine dining experience. Highly recommend.” 2nd: Nutwood 3rd: The Fire Restaurant BEST PATIO DINING LUCILLE’S AMERICAN CAFE 205 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 875-5005 FB @lucillescafe IG @lucillescafewh lucillescafe.com Lucille’s American Cafe offers a shaded respite right off 3rd Street. Not only are they total brunch baddies, taking home first in that category this year, guests love their premier patio space. It is truly the perfect spot to take in the hustle and bustle of Downtown Winter Haven while enjoying a from-scratch homestyle meal. One customer raved, “Great service, atmosphere, and food. Lovely to hear they source locally and make most things from scratch. They also have a large nicely decorated dog-friendly covered patio.” 2nd: The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille 3rd: Nutwood BEST CASUAL DINING LUCILLE’S AMERICAN CAFE 205 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 875-5005 FB @lucillescafe IG @lucillescafewh lucillescafe.com They just can’t be stopped! Congratulations, Lucielle’s, on having the Best Brunch, Best Cocktails, Best Patio, and Best Casual Dining. No pretense, only positive vibes here. Though they’ve only been open a few years, this Americana cafe already feels like a Winter Haven mainstay. Owners Beth and Paul Nunez have worked tirelessly to make the words in neon on Lucille’s wall, ‘Good. Vibes. Only.’ come true for guests. Of the mid-century modern space featuring photos of Winter Haven’s history, Kelly Sanford wrote in a Haven Magazine article that the owners “welcome locals and visitors alike to relax, dine, share stories, and feel the love.” 2nd: The Fire Restaurant 3rd: The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille BEST WATERFRONT DINING HARBORSIDE 2435 7th St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 293-7070 FB @HarborsideFL IG @harborsiderestaurant harborsidefl.com Panoramic windows frame the wave-lapping beauty of Lake Shipp. Enjoy the Best Seafood while watching the sun dip behind The Chain. In a landslide again this year, Best Of Haven voters singled out Harborside as the premier place for waterfront dining across the county. It is a top destination by car, boat, or even seaplane for fresh seafood, steaks, and other casual fare. Nearly every review makes a note of the stunning views. One patron wrote in part, “The lake view seating was exceptional. [...]” While another said, “The views are so beautiful, a great backdrop for pictures. [...]” 2nd: The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille 3rd: Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar BEST BAR AVE BAR 340 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 297-1797 FB: Ave Bar by Arabellas arabellas.us This cozy, upscale bar is a repeat winner in this category. Nestled between Arabellas Ristorante and Bistro Pizza, a small plate menu and menus from both sister establishments are provided, making it the perfect spot for spirits and spaghetti. The picture of downtown sophistication, one guest wrote of the bar, “Great little bar in Winter Haven with some fantastic food options. It is connected to both Arabella’s for finer dining and also a pizza place, so there is plenty of food to choose from. Very great bar menu during happy hour. [...]” 2nd: Barrel 239 3rd: Jensen’s Corner Bar BEST COCKTAILS LUCILLE’S AMERICAN CAFE 205 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 875-5005 FB @lucillescafe IG @lucillescafewh lucillescafe.com Another win for Lucille’s?! You’ve vodka be kiddin’ me! Cheers to Lucille’s American Cafe! A voter favorite this year, Lucille’s offers a mid-century modern vibe and plenty of tasty, made-from-scratch homestyle fare. But it’s their cocktails that voters are raving about this time. They offer a variety of craft and classics that include the Orange Blossom Special, Caffeine Fiend, You Give Me Butterflies, and the Mighty Bold of You. One guest wrote of the cocktail, Sincerely, Lucille, “It had Kettle One vodka, a sour liquor, and fresh strawberries and basil. It was freaking awesome and refreshing. Great one to have for summer in the daytime.” 2nd: Barrel 239 3rd: Ave Bar BEST WINE MENU OBSCURE WINE COMPANY 276 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 268-6555 FB: Obscure Wine Company IG @obscurewine obscurewine.com Cheers to another wine win! Obscure Wine Company has become a darling of Downtown Winter Haven. This woman-owned Central Avenue wine bar and shoppe offers a sprawling menu of wines from around the world by the bottle and the glass. Owner and sommelier Wellie Liao offers her services to assist patrons in finding the perfect wine for their palate or meal pairing. They regularly host fun events from Wine Down Wednesday to a bright pink Barbie party. Guests can order food from the Obscure menu, Agape Agora, or on the weekends from their secret ghost kitchen, A Little Duck Fat. Sip, sip, hooray! 2nd: Grape Expectations 3rd: Arabellas Ristorante BEST COFFEE SHOP HAVEN COFFEE ROASTERS 140 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 251-9619 FB @HavenCoffeeRoaster IG @thehavencoffeeroasters havencoffeeroaster.com Best coffee shop three years running! Best Of Haven voters must love this coffee shop, a latte! This family-operated, faith-based coffeehouse regularly hosts live music on the weekends and drink specials every month. The cozy atmosphere, friendly baristas, and darn good coffee have earned Winter Haven’s only coffee roaster a spot in the community’s heart (and their morning routine). 2nd: Richard’s Fine Coffees 3rd: Honeycomb Bread Bakers BEST BEER LIST GROVE ROOTS BREWING CO 302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 291-0700 FB @groverootsbrewing IG @groverootsbrewing groveroots.com Beauty may be in the eye of the beer holder, but winners are in the hands of Best Of Haven voters. Grove Roots has been a Beer List darling year after year. The brewery has an extensive selection of tasty beers (Tropical Dilemma is this year’s Best Beer). Along with their flagship beers – Slanted Ladders, Wakes of Grain, Rind & Shine, and 6AM Pickers – the Toast Brown Ale won gold at the Best Florida Beer Competition this year. The Grove Roots team is constantly concocting a selection of seasonal and special-release brews. Their spacious Tasting Room offers ample seating along with their outdoor picnic tables, and upscale lawn furniture. Enjoy weekly live music and food truck offerings. Cheers! 2nd: Union Taproom 3rd: Crave & Copper BEST POLK COUNTY BEER TROPICAL DILEMMA GROVE ROOTS BREWING CO. 302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 291-0700 FB @groverootsbrewing IG @groverootsbrewing groveroots.com Number one on the Grove Roots sign board, this sour beer has a 4.4% ABV. Tropical Dilemma has notes of strawberry with the crisp, refreshing taste of a sour. When the temperatures climb north of 90 (which seems to be every day in the Sunshine State), try this ice-cold refresher. Tropical Dilemma won bronze at the Best Florida Beer Competition in March. One Untappd user said Tropical Dilemma gave them strawberry shortcake vibes. 2nd: Rind & Shine | Grove Roots Brewing Co 3rd: Beach Me Up | The Florida Brewery BEST U-PICK FARM WHITEHEAD’S BLUEBERRY FARM 1024 Macon Rd, Winter Haven (863) 860-4575 FB @whiteheadsblueberryfarm IG @whiteheadfarm Whitehead’s is yet again the berry best U-Pick farm! What started as a plant nursery in 1979 became a blueberry farm in 2000. Next blueberry season (which typically runs from the first Wednesday in April through mid-May), grab your friends and a few baskets for a day of blueberry picking at Whitehead’s Blueberry Farm. This 33-acre family-owned farm boasts over 30,000 blueberry plants across 15 acres. On Saturdays and Sundays, they offer wagon rides to reach all areas of the farm. “Please bring your family and friends and join us for a fun-packed day on the farm. From grandparents to toddlers, we will have something for everyone. [...] We love to see blue smiles leaving the field.” 2nd: Ridge Island Groves 3rd: Late Bloom Blueberry Farm BEST NEW RESTAURANT AGAPE AGORA 254 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 370-7037 FB: Agápe Agorá IG @agapeagora agapeagora.com There’s something magical about an open kitchen serving fresh, hearty food. Since opening, Agape Agora has earned a spot in the hearts (and bellies) of the community. This minority, women-owned trattoria and marketplace is “hyper-focused on intentional selections from local organic producers, like-minded small business owners, and holding space for those who seek healing through shared community, culture, and culinary arts.” Not only can you indulge in tasty meals from salads and soups to sandwiches and pastries, the marketplace offers unique foodie sundries. An office favorite is the muffuletta with Havarti, spicy capicola, salami, pepperoni, Giardiniera, and olive tapenade. Check their socials for special events and catering info. 2nd: SoCe Market 3rd: Chilly Masala Indian Cuisine BEST CATERING COMPANY BLACKBURN’S BBQ 169 5th St, Eagle Lake (863) 287-9975 FB @BlackburnsBBQ IG @blackburnsbbq Need some oak-smoked fall-off-the-bone BBQ for your next event? Not only are they the best in the southern food game, taking home Best BBQ Restaurant, but they also offer guests the Best Service. Combine delicious BBQ and standout service, and you have a match made in catering heaven. One guest raved in part, “Literally the best bbq place in Polk County hands down. I have been following them since they were just a food truck and saw this beautiful business blossom into one of the best restaurants in the county.” 2nd: The Catering Company of Central Florida 3rd: Catering Oasis BEST VEGAN FOOD VEGAN MONARCH BAKERY & CAFÉ 371 Ave D NW, Winter Haven (863) 734-9148 FB: Vegan Monarch Bakery & Café IG @veganmonarchbakery victormikabakery.com Vegan Monarch Bakery & Cafe, formerly Victor and Mika’s Bakery, takes the (vegan) cake again this year! The bakery and cafe are well-loved for their delicious, high-quality, plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free foods. They offer hearty, savory options, including gluten-free lasagna, chik’n and waffles, “Better Than Meatloaf,” as well as baked treats. According to Vegan Monarch Bakery & Cafe, “We pride ourselves on specifically addressing the needs of those who are still sometimes overlooked: people with food intolerances such as dairy, eggs, gluten, and soy, those seeking healthy food alternatives, and also those with allergies who end up missing out on the tasty treats that their peers can enjoy.” 2nd: Agape Agora 3rd: Chilly Masala Indian Cuisine BEST BAKERY HONEYCOMB BREAD BAKERS 140 6th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 662-5513 FB @honeycombbread IG @honeycombbread honeycombbread.com Honeycomb won again?! You bread-er believe it. We hear they buttered up the voters. Benjamin Vickers “first lit the hearth” in February 2018 and opened his Winter Haven storefront two years ago (I remember it like it was yeast-erday) in a renovated 1960s gas station. Honeycomb has become a choice breakfast and lunch destination offering a selection of coffee and tea and sought-after sustenance like truffle fries, baked brie and apple butter, bagels and schmear, salads, and sandwiches on their freshly baked bread. Grab a loaf of sourdough to go! 2nd: Gourmet Goodies Bake Shop 3rd: Publix Bakery BEST HIDDEN GEM NUTWOOD 132 Ave B SW, Winter Haven (863) 229-7770 FB: Nutwood IG @nutwoodwh nutwoodwh.com This tucked-away restaurant offers fine dining fare in a tranquil space – truly a hidden gem. From the charming, brick-lined outdoor patio shaded by a sprawling oak tree and hemmed with lush greenery to the straightforward, sophisticated indoor dining rooms, it’s an apt atmosphere for an exceptional meal. Since opening in 2017, foodies have traveled across the Sunshine State to indulge in cuisine prepared by Nutwood’s Michelin Star Chef Steven Rojas. Trend magazine even awarded this Winter Haven hidden gem the Golden Spoon Award. 2nd: Agape Agora 3rd: The Apple Lounge & Grill Editor’s Pick: A Little Duck Fat ghost kitchen, weekend evenings at Obscure BEST SERVICE BLACKBURN’S BBQ 169 5th St, Eagle Lake (863) 287-9975 FB @BlackburnsBBQ IG @blackburnsbbq Customers crave Blackburn’s finger-licking fare, from the BBQ to the banana pudding. But it’s their standout service they’re raving about now. One customer wrote, “Had a fabulous dinner tonight. Outstanding service, Michelle was our server and she was super friendly and focused on making sure we had everything we wanted. Every staff member we encountered was friendly and wanted to make sure we were happy. Great value. Definitely recommending it to friends and family.” Another happy (and full) patron said, “[...] The staff is all awesome. Brandon, the owner, stops by every table every night. Great food, great staff and great prices. It’s a win win.” 2nd: (tie) Honeycomb Bread Bakers 2nd: (tie) Lucille’s American Cafe 3rd: Arabellas Ristorante

BEST GYM OR FITNESS STUDIO JUST MOVE WINTER HAVEN 5636 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 291-4653 FB @JustMoveWH IG @justmovewh justmovewinterhaven.com JUST MOVE HAVENDALE 1164 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven (863) 294-4653 FB @JustMoveHD IG @justmovehd justmovehavendale.com Love handles have a little too much love lately? Don’t sweat it – Just Move! With their premier facilities and programming, Just Move can help you achieve your individual health and wellness goals. According to the gym, “The beauty of Just Move is that it embraces the idea that every person can get one step closer to feeling fit by just moving forward.” Just Move has curated a space that offers custom fitness experiences to its members, from weight machines, cross training, a women’s only area, group classes, and circuit training to boxing, racquetball, basketball, and cable training. 2nd: The Balance Culture 3rd: Habitat Health and Fitness BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO TKO MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY 6284 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 213-5131 FB: TKO Martial Arts Academy IG @tkomartialartsacademy tkotaekwondoacademy.com It wasn’t even close for the winner of this category – it was a TKO! TKO Taekwondo was founded in 2012 by Grandmaster Hwang, a two-time world Champion, and participant in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In 2017, they opened their first 3000-square-foot training facility (Dojang) called TKO Martial Arts Academy. “Providing a challenging and motivational introduction to the Korean art of self-defense by one of the world’s most highly sought-after masters and competitors. Grandmaster Hwang’s program was specifically designed by her to build a strong foundation in children that, in addition to physical fitness, develops discipline, honor, self-control, respect, focus, perseverance, confidence, and knowledge.” 2nd: Ro’s Taekwondo 3rd: Carlson Gracie Winter Haven BEST MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY TRULIEVE 749 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (407) 606-6109 6000 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 208-6370 FB @Trulieve IG @trulieve_ trulieve.com It’s true, and you better believe it, Trulieve has the best medical green. Best Of Haven voters “highly” recommend Trulieve in Winter Haven for their medical cannabis needs. “At Trulieve, we believe in the power of cannabis for all. We take great pride in building community, offering innovative products, and advocating for our industry.” This medical cannabis dispensary offers a curated collection of products, including flower, concentrates, vape carts, edibles, oral, topicals & nebulizers, and accessories. One five-star Winter Haven Trulieve review reads, “They are the best when it comes to customer service. Very knowledgeable and so understanding. Amazing services, amazing products, amazing prices. And so many amazing deals every day.” 2nd: MÜV Dispensary 3rd: Liberty Health Sciences BEST MEDICAL SUPPLY GARRETT’S MEDICAL SUPPLY 485 1st St N, Winter Haven (863) 293-9747 FB @garrettsmedical garrettsmedical.com Garrett’s Medical Supply has been family-owned and operated since 1986, and owner Jeannine Russell brings with her over 30 years of experience in the medical supply industry. The store carries medical supplies, uniforms, and miscellaneous items for medical care at home or in the field, and if they don’t currently have what you’re looking for, they can order it or inform you where to find it. One satisfied customer wrote of Garrett’s Medical Supply, “I have been a customer of Garrett’s Medical Supply for 30 years. The excellent hometown family professionalism has not changed.” 2nd: QualiMed 3rd: Meg’s Medical Scrubs & Boutique BEST WELLNESS STORE HEALTHY HABITS 509 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (863) 875-6551 FB @healthyhabitsblvd IG @healthyhabitsontheboulevard “Change your habits, change your life” that’s the Healthy Habits motto. “It is our belief that implementing positive changes in our daily routines can have a profound effect on our future health and well being.” Whether you have special dietary needs or want to gain a few ‘healthy habits,’ Healthy Habits carries antioxidants, anti-aging products, blood pressure products, digestive enzymes, gluten-free foods, immune support, vitamins, organic hair, skin, beauty products, and much more! 2nd: Your CBD Store | SUNMED 3rd: My Nature’s Delight BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP HEARTLAND CHURCH 225 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven (863) 299-7797 FB: Heartland Church IG @heartlandchurchwh heartchurch.org Heartland Church’s mission is to “Love Jesus, love each other, and love our world.” Led by Pastor Ed Kendrick, the church has grown from 14 people in 2002 to more than 2,500. “His true passion is to see people come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and to grow in their relationship with Him until they themselves are reaching others for Christ.” Over the years, Heartland has grown to include campuses in the Dundee, Auburndale, and Eloise communities that resulted in individual church plant ‘launches’ – becoming RiverHills Fellowship, Connect Church, and Thrive Church. One congregant wrote of Heartland, “Contemporary worship music is great and the pastor is awesome. Can’t ask for more from a community church. Very welcoming and friendly.” 2nd: Haven Worship Center 3rd: Kairos Church BEST FAMILY DOCTOR CELESTINO VEGA, MD Lakeland Regional Health Auburndale 208 Main Street, Auburndale (863) 284-5000 FB @LakelandRegionalHealth IG @lakelandregionalhealth Dr. Celestino Vega has been practicing Family Medicine since 1995 and joined the staff at Lakeland Regional Health, where he currently practices, in 2016. He attended medical school at Univercidad Central del Este, completed his residency at the University of Louisville, and is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Medicine. Working as a Family Medicine Physician in LRH’s Auburndale primary care location, Dr. Vega sees patients ages two years and older. He often works with families, treating multiple generations, which he says is special to him. Dr. Vega loves science and medicine and has a passion for helping others. His patient care philosophy is, “I believe prevention is the key to good health. We want to be proactive and not wait till there’s a problem. I aim to be compassionate and very caring with my patients.” 2nd: Eduardo Torres, MD Bond Clinic 3rd: Raul Alvarez, MD Lakeland Regional Health Winter Haven BEST PEDIATRICIAN JOSEF S. KLEINE, MD Kleine Pediatrics 375 E Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 656-1111 Many families in Winter Haven and surrounding areas have received generational care from Dr. Josef Kleine. His board-certified care comes highly recommended, with patient parents often describing him as attentive and professional. Dr. Kleine sees patients from birth through adolescence. One parent wrote, “Dr. Kleine is a dedicated, compassionate, experienced professional that I feel goes above and beyond with his services. Both of my kids really enjoy his calming personality and so do I. Thank you Dr. Kleine and thanks to all your supporting staff.” 2nd: Raul Alvarez, MD Lakeland Regional Health Winter Haven 3rd: Heather Sammons Whitworth, MD Nemours Children’s Health BEST EYE SPECIALIST OR OPTOMETRIST FAMILY EYE CARE 410 E Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 293-0276 FB @DrHenne IG @familyeyecarewh drhenne.com You don’t need 20/20 to see that Family Eye Care is the best! According to Family Eye Care, “Whether it’s a general eye exam or treating a condition that requires an in-depth diagnosis, our team provides undivided attention to each patient so we can evaluate a plan based on your needs and our professional opinion.” One patient writes, “Dr. Henne was wonderful during my visit. I suffer from anxiety and he put me at ease with his calm voice. My 2 kids saw Dr. Beissinger and she was super sweet with them. My kids said they loved the eye doctor and wanna go back again! I highly recommend this place to others nearby.” 2nd: Eye Specialists of Mid Florida 3rd: Salomon Eye Care BEST ORTHOPEDIC DOCTOR LARRY R. PADGETT, MD Advanced Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine 250 3rd St NW #201, Winter Haven (863) 318-9696 larrypadgettmd.com Dr. Larry Padgett is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon practicing in the areas of Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine. This repeat Best Of Haven winner and his team at Advanced Orthopedic Surgery treat athletes playing at the high school, college, and professional levels, as well as recreational athletes from every age group. Dr. Padgett was a Team Physician for the Cleveland Indians from 1998 through 2008 and is currently the Florida Team physician for the Atlanta Braves and Team Physician for Florida Southern College, Webber International University, and Warner University. He previously worked as the physician for the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team, Assistant Team Physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Event Physician for the Women’s World Pro Ski Tour, and was the Major League Physician for the World Baseball Classic in 2006. 2nd: Samuel Messieh, MD Messieh Orthopedic Clinic 3rd: Paul M. Morin, MD Bond Clinic, P.A. BEST OB-GYN LISA JARDINE, MD Gessler Clinic - Women’s Division 450 E Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 294-0670 FB @GesslerClinic IG @gesslerclinic gesslerclinic.com Dr. Lisa Jardine – at your cervix! Dr. Lisa Jardine practices Obstetrics & Gynecology in Gessler Clinic’s Women’s Division. She obtained her medical degree in Philadelphia from Jefferson Medical College and completed her residency in Obstetrics/ Gynecology at Temple Hospital. Patients laud Dr. Jardine for her thoroughness, knowledgeability, and personability. 2nd: Ashley Lopez, MD Winter Haven Obstetrics and Gynecology 3rd: James J. Booker, MD Winter Haven Obstetrics and Gynecology BEST PLASTIC SURGEON RICHARD RADOCHA, MD Gessler Clinic 635 1st St N, Winter Haven (863) 294-0670 FB @GesslerClinic IG @gesslerclinic gesslerclinic.com Dr. Richard Radocha practices Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Gessler Clinic. He obtained his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia and completed an internship in surgery and his residency at the University of South Florida. One patient noted a smooth breast augmentation surgery with minimal pain and added, “Anyone looking for a good professional plastic surgeon needs to see Dr. Radocha.” 2nd: Faeza R. Kazmier, MD | Watson Clinic BEST DENTIST OR ORTHODONTIST JAMES A. TRUITT, DMD, PA 144 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven (863) 294-2128 jamesatruittdmd.com Best Of Haven voters trust their pearly whites to Dr. James A. Truitt! Providing dental care for the whole family since 1989, Dr. Truitt and his staff focus on patient relationships and compassionate care. “My experience with Dr. Truitt and his staff has always been positive since I began seeing him years ago. He is very skilled and competent and his office is state of the art. All of the people who are part of the staff, from receptionist to hygienist, are professional, competent and friendly. I would give them all an extremely high efficiency rating!” writes Susan in a patient testimonial. 2nd: Steven G. Wang, DMD, PA KianS Dental Studio 3rd: Jamie W. Odom, DMD, PA BEST CHIROPRACTOR TRUEHEART CHIROPRACTIC 589 Ave K SE, Winter Haven (863) 293-8686 FB: Trueheart Chiropractic trueheartchiropractic.com Back giving you trouble? Let Trueheart take a crack at it! Trueheart Chiropractic offers a clean, comfortable, cutting-edge facility where they treat various conditions, including auto, sports, and personal injuries, as well as subluxations and headaches. One five-star patient review reads in part, “Me and my husband both see Dr. TrueHeart, he knows exactly what needs adjusted and performs professionally. The pain I had for many years in my lower back and hips is gone now. We both feel amazing after each appointment. [...]” 2nd: Newberry Clinic 3rd: Smith Chiropractic BEST HOSPITAL WINTER HAVEN HOSPITAL 200 Ave F NE, Winter Haven (863) 293-1121 FB @WinterHavenHospital IG @baycare baycare.org/whh Founded in 1926, Winter Haven Hospital has an outstanding reputation for superior, patient-centered care. Their mission statement is “to improve the health of the people we serve, by providing the highest quality and most effective care and services – and to return value to the people in our communities.” By upholding this standard of excellence in all they do, they can provide patients throughout central Florida with customized, state-of-the-art treatments in a comfortable environment. 2nd: Lakeland Regional Health 3rd: AdventHealth BEST URGENT CARE BOND CLINIC URGENT CARE 325 1st St N, Winter Haven (863) 293-1191 ext. 3693 FB @BondClinic IG @bondclinic_fl bondclinic.com/urgent-care-emergency-room There’s no need for the drama and cost of the emergency room when you’ve got a non-life-threatening injury or illness. You can visit Bond Clinic Urgent Care with no appointment necessary! “According to the Urgent Care Association of America, the average Urgent Care visitor waits 30 minutes or less to be seen by their provider, while a patient could potentially wait more than a couple hours. The cost can also vary greatly where patients could spend seven times as much in the ER versus the Urgent.” Bond Clinic Urgent Care is open to established patients and the general public with experienced providers able to treat ailments like cold and flu, minor cuts, ear pain, fever, and mild burns (it’s also a good option if your primary doctor is all booked up). 2nd: AdventHealth Centra Care 3rd: BayCare Urgent Care BEST REHABILITATION SERVICES POLK THERAPY 295 1st St S #2, Winter Haven (863) 291-8644 polktherapy.com Polk Therapy offers a comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation program. They provide a welcoming atmosphere and deliver quality of care, striving to satisfy each patient by individualizing services. “Our team is committed to offering you the highest level of health care. We maintain a friendly, helpful attitude while we design personalized rehabilitation programs intended to enhance or restore your quality of life and safely return you to a normal work, recreational, and sporting lifestyle as soon as possible.” 2nd: Optimal Performance and Physical Therapies Winter Haven 3rd: Spring Lake Rehabilitation Center BEST MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BAYCARE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 1501 1st St S, Winter Haven (863) 294-7062 FB: BayCare IG @baycare baycare.org The largest full-service, community-based healthcare system in the Tampa Bay area, Baycare Behavioral Health offers a full range of comprehensive services for mental health and addiction issues tailored to meet the needs of children, adults, and families. BayCare notes, “Wellness is more than just your physical health. It’s also about being ‘mentally well.’” From anxiety and substance use disorders to depression and schizophrenia, BayCare can help you navigate care and reclaim your mental well-being. 2nd: Heartland Counseling Center 3rd: The Sweet Center BEST DOGGY DAYCARE LITTLE WOLFE’S PET RESORT 555 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 293-7327 FB: Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort IG @littlewolfespetresort littlewolfes.com Where dogs can bark and sniff and play all day! Best Of Haven voters give five dog bones across the board for this pawsitively fantastic doggy daycare. Sweet pup Nola is barking their praises with her mom, saying, “Huge thank you to everyone at Little Wolfe’s! Our Nola loves going there, and we know that she is cared for and loved the same way we do. Happy Dog! I would give 10 stars if I could.” Camp Little Wolfe’s is a supervised doggy daycare where groups are established by size and disposition, and pups can play and pant to their heart’s content. Pet parents can rest assured their dogs are in good company at daycare as Camp Little Wolfe’s require attendees to be spayed/ neutered, clean, well groomed, and free of parasites. 2nd: Paw Printz 3rd: Orchid Springs Animal Hospital BEST DOG GROOMER LITTLE WOLFE’S PET RESORT 555 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 293-7327 FB: Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort IG @littlewolfespetresort littlewolfes.com When your pup looks ruff, take them to Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort! Opened in 1986 by Anne E. Wolfe, this Winter Haven pet resort is a repeat Best Of Haven winner in the Doggy Daycare and Dog Groomer categories. Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort is a full-service groomer offering haircuts, nail trimming, baths, and even show-quality trims by appointment. One happy dog dad raved, “Bruno’s looking handsome after his bath and nail trim. Everybody I’ve talked to here is great, and the owner is passionate about caring for the pets they’re entrusted with. Can’t recommend them enough.” 2nd: Grooming Deals Pet Spa & Salon 3rd: Paw Printz BEST VETERINARIAN GARDEN GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL 3033 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven (863) 324-0623 FB: Garden Grove Animal Hospital ggahvet.com This full-service animal hospital takes great pride in providing a personalized veterinary experience and thorough evaluations. One happy pup parent writes, “Dr Beatty is the best! He really takes time to talk to us every time we are there with our dogs. We never feel rushed and always know that he cares. He is the most dedicated veterinarian we have seen.” Independently owned, Garden Grove Animal Hospital offers a range of pet care services, including dental, surgeries, and more. “We take time to build a relationship with every human and pet that comes through our doors to lessen the stress and make the visit to the vet a positive one.” 2nd: Orchid Springs Animal Hospital 3rd: Veterinary Healthcare Associates

BEST PIZZA PALACE PIZZA DOWNTOWN 114 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland (863) 688-0045 FB @palacepizzadowntown IG @palacepizzadtwn palacepizzadowntown.com This pizza shop reigns supreme! Palace Pizza Downtown is royalty in the Best Pizza category year after year. They bring over 25 years of experience to the table, along with fresh dough, quality tomatoes, and 100% whole milk mozzarella cheese. The Palace Pizza fam follows traditional recipes to give guests authentic Italian flavor. You can get pizza by the slice or pan with options like Neapolitan, Sicilian, and supreme. Or, build your own! (They even have gluten-free pizza.) 2nd: J. Burns’ Pizza Shop 3rd: Jet’s Pizza BEST BURGER BURGER 21 1601 Town Center Dr, Lakeland (863) 937-8002 FB @b21lakeland IG @myburger21 burger21.com/locations/lakeland These guys are bun in a million, according to Best Of LKLD voters! Now lettuce tell you why. Burger 21 chefs hand-cut and hand-patty each burger in the kitchen for every order. Their juicy Angus beef is a fan favorite, with plenty of other options, like chicken and veggie burgers (which are free of hormones and antibiotics). Polish your burger off with a shake and fries! “Our goal is to create a neighborhood spot where friends, families, and coworkers can come together and eat delicious quality burgers. With more than 21 burger varieties featuring chicken, seafood, veggie, and beef, a Burger 21 burger is like nothing you’ve ever tasted.” 2nd: The Chop Shop 3rd: Ford’s Garage BEST TACOS TAPATIO’S RESTAURANT MEXICANO 734 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland (863) 686-6958 FB @Tapatios tapatiosmemorial.com 6645 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 646-2199 FB @tapatiostiendasfl IG @tapatios2 tapatiostogo.com Tapatio’s is totally spec-taco-lar! “We always cook from scratch, using the freshest meats, produce, and ingredients, according to tradition and what our family has handed down through the generations,” says Tapatio’s. Best Of LKLD voters love their traditional tacos with options including al pastor, de carne asada, chorizo, and more! These top-tier tacos are served on a soft corn tortilla and garnished with onion and cilantro. Tapatio’s, you are the chips to our salsa – we think you’re fantas-taco! 2nd: Mega Mercado 3rd: Taco Bus BEST WINGS WINNERS CIRCLE SPORTSBAR AND GRILL 4215 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 644-9464 FB @winnerscirclelkld IG @wcsportsbar winnerscirclesportsbar.com This is the wingman you need in your life. Tasty American-style bar food, done right. Since 2002, this family-owned sports bar has offered good drinks and good times with weekly events like karaoke, free-play poker night, corn-hole, beer pong, buzz time trivia, live DJs, and comedy shows. This repeat wing winner is a three-time “King of the Wing” Championship Title holder. Winners Circle Championship Wings are available bone-in (breaded or naked) or boneless (grilled or fried) with over 46 flavors to toss them in, from mild to hot, sweet to tangy, and everything in between. Some of their unique wing flavors include Syracuse Hot, Coconut Lime, Sour Creme & Onion, PB&J, Cinnamon Chipotle, Smokehouse Maple, and many more! 2nd: Decisions Grill & Bar 3rd: Beef O’Brady’s BEST CUBAN SANDWICH OLE’ TAMPA CUBANS Alamo Plaza, 4525 Florida Ave S STE 31, Lakeland (863) 583-4733 FB: Ole’ Tampa Cubans Lakeland IG @oletampacubans oletampacuban.com 713 N Church Ave, Mulberry (863) 943-5556 FB: Ole’ Tampa Cubans Welcome to Polk County’s taste of Tampa! These must-try Cuban sandwiches are made with slow-roasted garlic pork, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles pressed to perfection on authentic La Segunda Cuban bread straight from Ybor City. “Whether you prefer a traditional Cuban, enjoy it a little sweet or a little spicy, we have the perfect sandwich to satisfy your cravings.” One Ole’ Tampa Cubans customer raved in part, “WOW! Best place in Lakeland for an authentic-tasting Cuban sandwich! [...]” 2nd: Elena’s Cuban Cafe 3rd: Divicious Deli & Coffee Shop BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT SCARPA’S ITALIAN 1833 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland (863) 937-8940 FB: Scarpa’s Italian IG @scarpasitalian scarpasitalian.com Scarpa’s surpasses the competition yet again for Best Italian Restaurant! Since opening in 2013, Scarpa’s has cemented itself as a Lakeland Italian food institution. The restaurant is family-owned and operated by Glenn, former chef at Mario’s for twelve years, and Ashley Scarpa. Their menu boasts housemade pastas, and they’ve even had a visit from chef Emeril Lagassé for his show, Emeril’s Florida, in 2016. Scarpa’s award-winning Italian dishes are made fresh daily and prepared to order, so be sure to call ahead for a sought-after Scarpa’s table. Enjoy your penne bolognese or veal cannelloni with a glass or bottle of wine from their substantial wine menu. 2nd: Il Forno Italian Restaurant 3rd: Palace Pizza Downtown BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT CURRY MANGO 6625 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 940-2275 FB @mycurrymango IG @mycurrymango mycurrymango.com These guys just keep winning, naan stop! At Curry Mango, guests can indulge in authentic Indian flavors like butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, and chicken tikka masala. Patrons appreciate their bright, flavorful dishes, authenticity, and service. One Curry Mango convert wrote, “My first time enjoying Indian food, and it didn’t disappoint. Fell in love with the fresh garlic naan and the dipping sauces. I had the mango curry chicken and my husband had Tikka Masala. Both were delicious. Staff was very attentive and nice. Loved the experience and food! Hidden little gem in Lakeland, worth the drive from Lithia.” 2nd: Chilly Masala Indian Cuisine BEST SUSHI RESTAURANT NEW MOON SUSHI 4231 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 647-1212 FB @newmoonsushi IG @newmoonsushi newmoonsushi.com If we’re getting sushi, New Moon is who we’re rollin’ with. Best Of LKLD voters say its soy good! Their vast selection of traditional Japanese dishes, sushi and sashimi rolls, ramen, tempura, teriyaki dishes, and more have guests singing their sushi praises. Wash your South Florida roll down with a glass of hot sake, wine, or one of New Moon’s 20 signature cocktails. One sushi-satiated patron wrote in part, “We had a great experience at New Moon Sushi! Their rolls were very creative with great flavor combinations. Our favorite was the Fuji Apple roll! We had the pork shumai for an appetizer and they were fresh and flavorful. [...]” 2nd: Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi 3rd: Fancy Q Japanese Restaurant BEST BBQ RESTAURANT MISSION BBQ 4014 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 225-8433 FB @missionbbqtheamericanway IG @missionbbq mission-bbq.com Another MISSION accomplished for this Lakeland BBQ Restaurant winner. Meat your heart out with Texas-inspired, oak-smoked brisket, slow-smoked hand-pulled pork, or try a bit of everything with a sampler. Along with Smokehouse Signatures, sandwiches, and salads, enjoy made-from-scratch sides like Maggie’s Mac-N-Cheese, green beans with bacon, or baked beans with brisket. According to MISSION BBQ, “We believe there is nothing more American than BBQ. And nobody is more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve Our Communities and Our Country. We do what we do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders—all our loved ones in service.” 2nd: Mojo Federal Swine & Spirits 3rd: Blue Dog Craft Barbecue BEST DONUTS HOLE IN ONE DONUTS Multiple Locations in Central Florida 2076 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland (863) 665-8385 Hole In One Donuts are like a par-tee in your mouth! You’re going to want to make some time FORE! this Lakeland donut shop. Glazed, sprinkled, cream-filled, and powdered sugar goodness are par for the course at this Lakeland bake shop. Hole In One Donut devotees often rave about their freshness and how friendly the staff is. One happy Hole In One customer wrote, “This is the best place! Family run for many years, we always see the same people when we come in. Their donuts are SO good. The blueberry cake is the best I’ve tried. Everything tastes so fresh! We love getting their special which is a breakfast sandwich, donut and a drink for a very reasonable price. It’s just good simple food from a lovely little shop. Don’t skip on the blueberry cake donut!” 2nd: Charlie’s Mini Donuts & Coffee 3rd: Krispy Kreme BEST SUB SANDWICH PUBLIX FB @publix IG @publix publix.com Pub Subs are pretty deli-ghtful! This iconic sandwich has become the nation’s envy, with an array of subs to savor, from the Boar’s Head Italian Sub to the Publix Ultimate Sub. The options are ‘sub’stantial, but the tried-and-true sammy is the Chicken Tender Sub made with Publix Deli’s famous double-hand-breaded chicken tenders. Little known fact, if you don’t have a Pub Sub every so often, they’ll revoke your Florida card. I’m due for mine soon! 2nd: Subs ‘n Such 3rd: Firehouse Subs BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT TAPATIO’S RESTAURANT MEXICANO 734 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland (863) 686-6958 FB @Tapatios tapatiosmemorial.com 6645 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 646-2199 FB @tapatiostiendasfl IG @tapatios2 tapatiostogo.com Not only are they taco titans, but this restaurant also boasts the best Mexican fare. Fresh meats, produce, and ingredients are used to make authentic family recipes that have been handed down through generations. Tapatio’s has a sprawling menu offering everything from flautas, guac, and chips and salsa, to burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, and of course, Tapatio’s Best Of LKLD-winning tacos. End your meal with churros and ice cream or a piece of toothsome tres leches cake. “Favorite authentic Mexican restaurant in Lakeland. Their food tastes amazing like it’s homemade and portion sizes are huge. The food is always hot for takeout and tastes fresh. [...]” reads part of one Tapatio’s five-star review. 2nd Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant 3rd: Azteca D’ Oro Mexican Restaurant BEST LATIN RESTAURANT NINETEEN61 215 E Main St, Lakeland (863) 688-1961 FB @nineteen61 IG @nineteen61_ nineteen61.com Passionate and creative chefs use fresh ingredients to craft authentic and modern Latin cuisine. Nineteen61’s Owner and Chef Marcos Fernandez has “traveled to where the food takes him. This unrestricted approach translates into a diversified career of industry experience, spanning over 16 years and several countries.” These travels have broadened Chef Marcos’ culinary creations from the native Cuban cuisine of his youth to Peruvian, Italian, French, Spanish, and the American South. Hundreds of five-star reviews laud Nineteen61 for its exceptional Latin fare, upscale atmosphere, and unmatched service. 2nd: Zarza Latin Food & Grill 3rd: Tapatio’s Restaurant Mexicano BEST SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT FRED’S MARKET RESTAURANT 2120 Harden Blvd, Lakeland (863) 603-7080 FB: Fred’s Market Restaurant IG @freds_market fredsmarket.com Family dining and southern hospitality are at the heart of this Lakeland eatery. Fred’s Market Restaurant was started in a gas station where Evelyn Johnson would cook family meals for her husband, Elton, and their children. Over the years, it grew into three restaurants offering farm-to-plate fresh dishes with the same southern hospitality it started with. “Our food is slowly cooked in a natural and unprocessed way, served in a cozy atmosphere full of warmth and fun. We don’t compromise on quality or character, whether it’s the ingredients in our dishes or the attitudes of our people. It’s southern comfort that’s pure and hearty all the way to the core, and it’s all found at Fred’s Market Restaurant.” 2nd: Country Chicken & Fish 3rd: Plates on Deck BEST BREAKFAST RESTAURANT KEKE’S BREAKFAST CAFE 3615 Florida Ave S #110, Lakeland (863) 937-9666 4115 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland (863) 937-7395 FB: Keke’s Breakfast Cafe IG @kekesbreakfastcafe kekes.com “It’s like your hometown diner grew up and went to the city.” Keke’s serves up an eggcellent handmade breakfast using the best ingredients available, with fresh fruits and vegetables delivered daily and the highest quality bread and dairy products. Their menu includes waffles, pancakes, omelets, French toast, create-your-own combos, and more. One Keke’s patron writes, “Everything was perfect, fresh strawberries, eggs seasoned/cooked right. No wait on the weekend around 10 am and we didn’t have to wait long for our food. Definitely would come back.” 2nd: Fat Jacks Deli & Pub 3rd: First Watch BEST BRUNCH FRESCOS SOUTHERN KITCHEN & BAR 132 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland (863) 683-5267 FB: Frescos IG @frescoslakeland frescoslakeland.com Bottomless blood orange mimosas and sweet buttermilk pancakes, anyone? Frescos Owner and Chef Tina Calhoon believes that “with good food comes comfort and happiness. THAT is the Frescos’ philosophy and tradition that she continues to build on – offering warm, southern hospitality and creating an experience through food that brings joy to others.” And that’s just what you get with Frescos’ fabulous brunch – pure joy. Some of the southern goodness includes fried green tomatoes, apple bourbon monkey bread, shrimp and grits, and spicy chicken and waffles. Imbibe in a bellini or Bloody Mary and end things sweetly with butter pecan cake or creme brulee. I could keep going… Their brunch is just that good! 2nd: First Watch 3rd: Momma and Friends Brunch Show BEST SEAFOOD HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE 101 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland (863) 686-2228 FB @harrys.seafood.lakeland IG @hookedonharrys hookedonharrys.com Voters are hooked on Harry’s! “We’ve taken the best of Cajun, Creole, and Southern flavors and infused them with a modern twist to create some truly unique and award-winning dishes.” Award-winning indeed! You can’t go wrong with Southern seafood staples like shrimp-n-grits, blackened redfish, Harry’s Signature Crab Cakes, and shrimp po’boys. One customer reviewed in part, “Harry’s is an amazing place for some great seafood, drinks, and atmosphere. Very authentic New Orleans cuisine. [...]” 2nd: Fish City Grill 3rd: Mr. & Mrs. Crab BEST THAI RESTAURANT THAI OISHI 1535 Town Center Dr, Lakeland (863) 333-0657 FB: Thai Oishi Restaurant thaioishirestaurant.com Looking for great-tasting Japanese and Thai dishes? If you haven’t been, it’s about Pad Thai-me you try out Thai Oishi! From Drunken Noodles to Panang Curry, they have all you’d need to Thai you over in a cozy atmosphere. Traditional Thai dishes may be ordered mild, medium, hot, or Thai hot, and most dishes can be made vegetarian upon request. One Thai Oishi patron wrote, “My absolute favorite Thai restaurant in Lakeland. Their duck dishes are superb and their sushi is always fantastic and fresh.” 2nd: Spice Thai & Sushi 3rd: Fancy Q Sushi & Thai BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT CAFÉ ZUPPINA 4417 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 644-5144 FB @CafeZuppina IG @cafezuppina cafezuppina.com A taste of the Mediterranean, not too far from home. Cafe Zuppina owners Berna and Erkan Nar have shared their Turkish culture with the Lakeland community for over a decade through fresh, healthy Mediterranean food. The dishes at Cafe Zuppina are made from scratch with fresh ingredients, which the owners shop locally for each day. Everything on the menu, from the Veggie Moussaka and the Aegean Salad to Zuppina’s Lamb Chops, are as stunning visually as they are to taste. In 2019, Cafe Zuppina opened The Market next door, which serves as a coffeehouse and curated collection of international goods. 2nd: Louis Pappas Fresh Greek Lakeside 3rd: Street Cafe BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT PEKING HOUSE 2411 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 688-9022 thepekinghouse.com This award-winning Chinese restaurant is praised for its tasty cuisine made to order using fresh ingredients. Peking House offers an extensive menu with familiar dishes like sweet and sour chicken, lo mein, chop suey, and dumplings, along with house specials like spicy crispy shrimp and Mandarin seafood delight. End your meal with some tasty Chinese doughnuts! “Best traditional Chinese food in Lakeland. Love the hole in the wall aspect of this place that has stayed true to its roots. Large portions, quality ingredients and nice friendly people!” wrote one customer. 2nd: China Wok 3rd: Ling’s Buffet BEST RESTAURANT FOR OYSTERS FISH CITY GRILL 1485 Town Center Dr., Suite D112, Lakeland (863) 683-1243 FB @fishcitygrill IG @fishcitygrill fishcitygrill.com The best shuckin’ place for oysters in Lakeland! Fish City Grill offers oyster nachos made with fried oysters, chipotle tartar sauce, and fresh pico de gallo, or guests can keep it classic with oysters on the half shell with a varying selection from Fresh Gulf Oysters and East Coast Oysters from small farms. For an entree, you can make it a Pick 2 or Pick 3 combo with beer-battered cod, catfish, shrimp, and oysters. Yum! One customer writes, “I have only been here twice, and let me tell you I will keep coming back! I’ve tried different dishes and have loved everything I’ve had so far. The Mango Margarita was refreshing and so good. The Chargrilled Oysters and Calamari are a must every time. Love this place! Money well spent!!” 2nd: Lucky’s Sports, Oyster, & Tiki Bar 3rd: Gary’s Oyster Bar & Seafood House BEST ICE CREAM MAYDAY ICE CREAM 640 E Main St, Lakeland (Inside The Joinery) FB @maydayicecream IG @maydayicecream maydayicecream.com Sprinkle some Mayday goodness on your day! Cancel your plans immediately and head for a scoop of handcrafted ice cream. Based in The Joinery, Mayday Ice Cream dishes out tasty cold treats topped with homemade sprinkles, served in homemade waffle cones. Their cones smell so good you might just cartoon float your way to their shop when you walk into the food hall. Enjoy it there or grab a to-go pint of flavors like Blueberry Toast Crunch, Cloud 9, Parent Trap, Ice Box Lemon, Key Lime Pie, Coffee + Donuts, Gillespie’s Bourbon Pecan, and more. 2nd: Andy’s Frozen Custard 3rd: Bruster’s Ice Cream BEST FOOD TRUCK JIMMY’S FAMOUS SEAFOOD EXPRESS FB @Jimmysflexpress IG @jimmysseafood jimmysfamousseafood.com If you know any good seafood jokes, let minnow! Maybe you’ve had their steamed crab at Swan Brewing or their grouper sandwich at Grove Roots? You’ve definitely heard of them – they are famous, after all! According to Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Express, “We are a food truck bringing you the amazing tastes of Jimmy’s famous seafood from Baltimore to the streets of Florida!” Jimmy’s is well-known for fresh, delicious seafood bites on the go, like their award-winning Jumbo Lump Maryland Crab Cakes, The Crabby Patty (an 8 oz hamburger patty smothered in house crab dip and topped with fresh crab meat), and Kung Pao Shrimp Tacos (hand-breaded shrimp fried to perfection served with homemade coleslaw on flour tortillas). Swim over to their social media to see where they’ll be next. 2nd: Fat Maggie’s 3rd: Omusubee BEST DINER REECECLIFF FAMILY DINER 940 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 686-6661 IG @reececliff.diner reececliff.com Reececliff Family Diner is the longest-running restaurant in Lakeland, serving Americana diner fare since 1934. They pride themselves on consistency and a down-home atmosphere. The diner offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner Southern classics from their Ranchers Breakfast to Reececliff Honey Chicken. Guests rave about their food, portion sizes, ambiance, and customer service. We’ve heard the pie, which has been “crafted by the same expert for more than 50 years,” is worth a visit alone! 2nd: Fat Jacks Deli & Pub 3rd: Cozy Oaks Restaurant BEST FINE DINING NINETEEN61 215 E Main St, Lakeland (863) 688-1961 FB @nineteen61 IG @nineteen61_ nineteen61.com “Phenomenal dining experience. The service was superb, the food was exceptional, and the white sangria was perfect. The Grand Marnier creme brulee was absolutely divine. The perfect upscale spot for a special occasion,” writes one Nineteen61 patron. Nineteen61, opened in 2015 by Chef Marcos Fernandez, continues to be a Best Of LKLD voter darling. This posh downtown restaurant prides itself on authentic cuisine with menus that are “both authentic and modern in Latin culture,” fresh ingredients, and creative chefs. “At Nineteen61, we position ourselves as a benchmark for Lakeland dining. A new standard that shows what is possible – what Lakeland diners should expect from their restaurants.” 2nd: Scarpa’s Italian 3rd: The Terrace Grille BEST PATIO DINING THE PATIO - LAKELAND 850 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland (863) 816-3101 FB: The Patio-Lakeland IG @thepatiolakeland finediningrestaurantlakeland.com String lights and lush greenery abound in this centrally located oasis. The Patio - Lakeland offers an intimate hideaway dining experience with sophisticated brunch and dinner menus. This locally owned and operated fine dining establishment specializes in outdoor dining and features a substantial selection of dishes, including seafood, pizza, and wine. According to The Patio, “Our chefs use the highest-quality ingredients in our dishes and prepare them with care to ensure every bite is full of flavor.” This restaurant is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged BFF! Enjoy refined fare with your friends and family amid an upscale, cozy ambiance at The Patio. 2nd: Nineteen61 3rd: Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar BEST CASUAL DINING THE BACK NINE 124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland (863) 603-3700 FB: The Back Nine Lakeland IG @thebackninelakeland thebackninelakeland.com The Back Nine owners, Ethan and Jenna Smith, “had a desire to create a place of togetherness, where you can just be and enjoy the people around you.” According to Best Of LKLD voters, that’s just what they created. The Back Nine is a relaxed pub offering exceptional hospitality, tasty drinks, craft food, and state-of-the-art golf simulators. One Back Nine patron writes, “A wonderful family dining and virtual sports entertainment venue. An outstanding addition to our downtown choices. I know where the golfers are going to be when the rains come. Pet Friendly dining outside with easy access from the street for your furry children. Nice menu line up with lots of unique offerings. Two words, ‘Cuban Eggrolls.’ Will definitely be regulars.” 2nd: Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar 3rd: (TIE) LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken 3rd: (TIE) Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro BEST BAR REVIVAL 119 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland (863) 606-6090 FB: Revival IG @revivallakeland revivallakeland.com Our ‘spirited’ voters say Revival is the Best Bar around! “You may have guessed that we’re quite passionate about our cocktails and the experience they leave you with. No gimmicks, no snazz, just the belief that a beverage program can challenge you to enjoy the marriage of some of Earth’s finest pleasures. Fine Spirits & Fine Company.” Innovative bespoke beverages and unmatched service in a speakeasy atmosphere – what’s not to love? An excerpt from one review reads, “One of my absolute favorite cocktail bars. They deliver high-quality, creative, and rotating cocktails as well as exceptional and personable service. [...]” 2nd: The Back Nine 3rd: Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub BEST COCKTAILS REVIVAL 119 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland (863) 606-6090 FB: Revival IG @revivallakeland revivallakeland.com Good cocktails have been revived in the Swan City. Revival patrons can sip specialty cocktails, a full page of Old Fashioneds, seasonal offerings, beer, wine, Tiki drinks, Spritz, or any of the Revival Classics like a Faux-Spresso Martini, Jack Rose, or Savoy Swizzle. “Our master mixologist, Jeannie, a detail-obsessed creative force, is constantly creating unique handmade cocktails that are unparalleled. Driven by passion, you can find her experimenting weekly with new spirits and ingredients, defining the Lakeland cocktail scene.” 2nd: Nineteen61 3rd: The Back Nine BEST WINE MENU NINETEEN61 215 E Main St, Lakeland (863) 688-1961 FB @nineteen61 IG @nineteen61_ nineteen61.com With unparalleled service and the Best Fine Dining atmosphere, there’s nowhere better to relax with a glass of pinot than Nineteen61. The establishment prides itself on authentic cuisine, fresh ingredients, and creative chefs, but they should add ‘impressive wine menu’ to that list. According to Nineteen61, “What started as a beer and wine bar has blossomed into a comprehensive and compelling bar program with the support of the community, and under the direction of Nineteen61 partner, Emerson Bamaca.” Join Nineteen61 for Happy Hour, including $6 glasses of wine Monday - Saturday, 3-5 pm, and Sunday, 3-4 pm (drinks only). 2nd: Scarpa’s Italian 3rd: The Pink Piano BEST COFFEE SHOP BLACK & BREW COFFEE HOUSE & BISTRO 205 E Main St, Lakeland (863) 682-1210 4209 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 250-8554 100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland (863) 500-9500 FB @blackandbrew IG @blackandbrew blackandbrew.com The community’s favorite coffee shop, Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro, now serves Lakeland with three locations. Started in 2006 by brothers Chris and Michael McArthur, B&B is the perfect place to enjoy “community over locally roasted coffee and fresh fare.” They offer a menu of drinks, including traditional espresso beverages, coffee, tea, hot (or frozen) chocolate, frappes, and even featured wines and craft beer, along with sustenance for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One customer wrote of Black & Brew’s newest Florida Ave. location, “Love this new location! The decor is very cool and the staff is so sweet. They make you feel like a regular and you can tell they enjoy working together and serving their community. I come in about once a week to have breakfast, coffee, and get some work done.” 2nd: Concord Coffee 3rd: Mitchell’s Coffee House BEST BEER LIST SWAN BREWING 115 W Pine St, Lakeland (863) 703-0472 FB @swanbrewingco IG @swanbrewing swanbrewing.com “We believe traditional beer styles are a vital part of any taproom, and new world beers highlight our spirit of innovation.” And with almost 40 years of combined brewing experience backing their beers, you know it’s good. Swan’s brews pay homage to the community they love with names like Poke County Pils and Straight Outta Lakeland. Enjoy cold craft beers made with only the finest (locally sourced when possible) ingredients in a family and pet-friendly atmosphere. Craft beer connoisseurs appreciate Swan’s array of brews across 30 taps. Cheers to Swan Brewing for another year atop the Best Beer List! 2nd: The Brass Tap 3rd: Cob & Pen BEST POLK COUNTY BEER ROME CITY, IPA BREW HUB 3900 S Frontage Rd, Lakeland (863) 698-7600 FB: Brew Hub IG @brewhub brewhub.com Did you know at its founding, Lakeland was almost named Rome City? It’s true! And that’s where Brew Hub’s 5.8% ABV, 70 IBU American IPA gets its name. Rome City is a GABF 2017 Gold-medal and US Beer Open 2022 Silver-medal-winning IPA, “packed with the juicy goodness of hops, [and] an homage to our flagship brewery in Lakeland, Florida.” One Untappd user said, “I can see why this is award-winning,” and another noted, “Have to travel over 1500 miles to get this … worth every single mile!!!” 2nd: Straight Outta Lakeland, IPA - American Swan Brewing 3rd: The Bean – Coconut and Coffee Blonde Swan Brewing BEST U-PICK FARM FANCY FARMS MARKET 5204 Drane Field Rd, Lakeland (813) 478-3486 FB @fancyfarmsinc IG @fancyfarmsmarket fancyfarmsmarket.com Carl and Dee Dee Grooms started this family-owned strawberry farm and market in 1974 with just 15 acres of strawberries. Son Dustin and daughter Kristi eventually joined the family farm. Today, Fancy Farms operates seasonally from December to June on nearly 125 acres. They offer local produce, fresh flowers (mid-May through the end of June), and seasonal desserts like Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry, Peach, and Blackberry Cobbler, Hand-Spun Strawberry, Blueberry, and Peach Milkshakes, Strawberry, Blueberry, and Peach Lemonade, and more! “Once you have a taste of our berries – you’ll see just how fancy they are!” 2nd: Keel Farms 3rd: Whitehead’s Blueberry Farm BEST NEW RESTAURANT VEGETATION CAFE & KITCHEN 1439 E Gary Rd, Lakeland (863) 216-8534 FB: Vegetation Plant Food IG @vegetationplantfood vegetationplantfood.com “I want to nourish you and your family in the most healthful way possible and I want you to love this way of eating as much as I do,” says owner Rima. And patrons do love Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen’s fresh, tasty meals like Sausage Rigatoni & Ricotta and Tuscan Kale & Bean Soup. Visit the cafe to pick up freshly made, ready-to-go plant-based meals, snacks, and sweets or stay and enjoy them there. Vegetation is a 100% vegan cafe focused on fresh, minimally processed food. One customer writes, “We are so lucky to have this healthy gem in Polk! The dishes are creative & delicious, the employees are all friendly, and the space is perfect for a relaxing lunch. And the espresso drinks are an added bonus!” 2nd: Fresh Kitchen 3rd: 4 Rivers Smokehouse BEST CASUAL DINING THE BACK NINE 124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland (863) 603-3700 FB: The Back Nine Lakeland IG @thebackninelakeland thebackninelakeland.com The Back Nine owners, Ethan and Jenna Smith, “had a desire to create a place of togetherness, where you can just be and enjoy the people around you.” According to Best Of LKLD voters, that’s just what they created. The Back Nine is a relaxed pub offering exceptional hospitality, tasty drinks, craft food, and state-of-the-art golf simulators. One Back Nine patron writes, “A wonderful family dining and virtual sports entertainment venue. An outstanding addition to our downtown choices. I know where the golfers are going to be when the rains come. Pet Friendly dining outside with easy access from the street for your furry children. Nice menu line up with lots of unique offerings. Two words, ‘Cuban Eggrolls.’ Will definitely be regulars.” 2nd: Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar 3rd: (TIE) LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken 3rd: (TIE) Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro BEST CATERING COMPANY TERRIE LOBB CATERING 1239 E Main Street, Bartow (863) 533-6483 FB: Terrie Lobb Catering, Inc. IG @terrielobbcatering terrielobbcatering.com “Terrie Lobb Catering offers an excellent menu, professional and courteous staff, and some of the best food that you could have catered in, [...]” writes one client. Terrie Lobb Catering, a repeat winner in this category, has forged a reputation of excellence. They have menus for every occasion, including breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, cold lunch, hot lunch, dinner, wedding, and corporate lunch specials. After attending The American Culinary Academy, Terrie Lobb opened the Bartow-based cafe, The Docket. She catered on the side and found it was suited to her culinary and hospitality abilities. In 2000, she started Catering by Chef Terrie Lobb out of her home, preparing, delivering, and serving each dish herself. Over twenty years later, Terrie Lobb Catering, Inc. employs a kitchen staff with full-time chefs and professional servers to create tailored client experiences that exceed expectations. 2nd: Essential Catering Solutions 3rd: Lakeland BBQ Company BEST VEGAN FOOD VEGETATION CAFE & KITCHEN 1439 E Gary Rd, Lakeland (863) 216-8534 FB: Vegetation Plant Food IG @vegetationplantfood vegetationplantfood.com Offering fresh, minimally processed, 100% vegan food, Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen has become a Lakeland darling, taking home Best New Restaurant, Best Vegan Food, and Best Hidden Gem. Guests can visit the cafe to pick up freshly made, ready-to-go plant-based meals, snacks, and sweets or stay and enjoy them there. One patron raves, “Fantastic food. We tried several things and everything was excellent. The Sesame Tempeh Noodle Bowl was my favorite, but the Smoothie Bowl and the Chimichurri vegetable plate were excellent as well. Most of the dishes are “grab and go” so you pick them up without any wait. A couple are made to order. Definitely recommended!” 2nd: The Juice Box 3rd: Street Cafe BEST BAKERY BORN & BREAD BAKEHOUSE 1113 Florida Ave S, Lakeland (863) 450-4513 FB @bornandbreadbakehouse IG @bornandbreadfl bornandbreadbakehouse.com “Each day, our lifework is to make the highest quality product, to maintain excellence, to serve our community with our hands and our hearts and to work as a team with love and empathy. Together we will create, learn, and travel through life. We were made for greatness,” says Born & Bread Bakehouse. Each Saturday, resident baking badass, owner Jenn Smurr and her team make fresh bread, cookies, pastries, breakfast sammies, and other handcrafted treats that the community craves. On Wednesdays, Born & Bread is a hub for hungry patrons seeking bread, pastries, breakfast, and lunch. We recommend, well, everything… But to be more specific, you haven’t lived until you’ve had a B+B baked pot pie (which you can order hot or get a take + bake) or their Benton’s BLT finished with a scallion cream cheese, crisp butter lettuce, and fresh tomatoes. 2nd: Publix 3rd: Meraki Bakehouse BEST HIDDEN GEM VEGETATION CAFE & KITCHEN 1439 E Gary Rd, Lakeland (863) 216-8534 FB: Vegetation Plant Food IG @vegetationplantfood vegetationplantfood.com This vegan cafe and kitchen has five stars across the board. Guests can visit the cafe to pick up freshly made, ready-to-go plant-based meals, snacks, and sweets or stay and enjoy them there. “Vegan, in Lakeland? I am so happy. We have visited her booth at events. So glad to see a store front to visit anytime we want, [...]” writes one satisfied customer. This is a sentiment we can get behind as well. The community is so glad to see Rima and her team set up shop at a brick and mortar so we can have exceptional, 100% vegan fare anytime we want! This ‘hidden gem’ is sure not to stay hidden for long, with so many singing their praises. 2nd: (TIE) Street Cafe 2nd: (TIE) Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli, Bagels and Catering 3rd: Krazy Kombucha BEST SERVICE NINETEEN61 215 E Main St, Lakeland (863) 688-1961 FB @nineteen61 IG @nineteen61_ nineteen61.com This Best Fine Dining and Best Wine List winner also has exceptional service. Guests rave that it’s the perfect place for a special occasion, with world-class fare and unmatched attention to detail that make for an incredible evening. Displaying Nineteen61’s commitment to service to a T, one patron writes, “Hands down best customer service and food I’ve had probably ever! Zach F. was our server and went out of his way to make sure we had an incredible experience! My friend and I were celebrating graduation and they made me a custom menu, free mimosa for the first time visit, and had the entire team sign a card for me!!! Blown away. 10/10 recommend!” This is just one of hundreds of glowing reviews for this Main Street mainstay. 2nd: The Back Nine 3rd: (TIE) Krazy Kombucha 3rd: (TIE) Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen

BEST FLORIST LASATER FLOWERS 254 W Central Ave Ste A, Winter Haven (863) 294-3213 FB @lasaterflowers IG @lasaterflowers lasaterflowers.net Lasater, if you were a flower, we’d pick you! “Want to make a great impression? We can arrange that!” This flower power boutique floral design studio, established in 1958, offers arrangements for every occasion with a freshness guarantee. Lasater Flowers also extends gift sets, seasonal blooms, and subscriptions with personalized plans to fit your style, budget, and delivery frequency. A Lasater Flowers customer raved, “Lasater Flowers has yet again exceeded my expectations. I know I can always count on them to create the most beautiful arrangements. I know I can always put my full trust in letting them create a one-of-a-kind arrangement and this last one is no exception. I will always order from them and will always recommend anyone else too.” 2nd: Golden Petal Designs 3rd: Pretty Odd Flower Cart BEST WEDDING VENUE VENUE 650 650 6th St SW, Winter Haven (863) 287-3814 FB @venue650 IG @venue650 venue650.com Industrial and elegant, Venue 650 is Winter Haven’s premier wedding venue and a Best Of Haven voter favorite. Its lofty ceilings, sprawling windows, and adjoining open-sky courtyard visually lend even more space to the building’s 10,500 square feet. The versatile event venue, with exposed brick walls and concrete floor, can see any event vision realized and comfortably accommodate up to 400 guests. Additional Venue 650 features include high-speed internet, ample well-lit parking, a catering kitchen, and dressing suites. One Venue 650 testimonial reads, “I had my wedding here in March 2023. It was truly the best day ever. The staff at Venue 650 were always very responsive to emails and questions, friendly on the tour, and did wonders on the day of! I provided a floor plan and they had set up the room exactly how I envisioned. They even left us a gift in the bridal suite!” 2nd: Adams Estate 3rd: Bok Tower Gardens BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER MIKE POTTHAST POTTHAST STUDIOS 234 W Central Ave, Winter Haven (863) 294-4920 FB: Potthast Studios IG @potthaststudios potthaststudios.com Mike Potthast and his team offer professional photography services, including portraits, commercial photography, video production, photo restorations, digitizing services, passport photos, and photography classes in his spacious Central Avenue studio. According to Potthast Studios, “Putting together a great photo shoot is about much more than just lights, camera, action. We understand it takes coordination, communication, talented design, and styling before the shoot, and talent behind the camera, to make it all come together.” One five-star review confirms their commitment to exceptional photography: “Mike is an awesome, talented photographer. He has taken my last 4 professional headshots, and all have been great. I highly recommend Mike for all your photography needs.” 2nd: Gonzalez Lugo Photography, LLC 3rd: April Spaulding Photography BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT NEXT LEVEL ENTERTAINMENT LLC 770 Ave B SW, Winter Haven (727) 614-3652 FB @nextlevelent1djs wedding-and-events-by-dj-melvin.business.site This DJ service will have everybody on the dance floor at your upcoming wedding, birthday, or corporate party. They can take your party to the next level with a photo booth, lighting, and special effects. DJ Melvin’s clients continually sing his praises, like this five-star review reading, “We had our daughters quince this past Saturday. Melvin helped us so much in keeping order and structure with ceremonies and his introductions were very special. Melvin took time to make sure that all my requests were discussed and secured before the party. He helped to move through any schedule issues we had and fix them. Thank you Next Level Entertainment for making our girl’s special day spectacular!” 2nd: Triviosity Live Events 3rd: Dream Chaser Events FUNERAL SERVICES OAK RIDGE FUNERAL CARE 2425 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven (863) 216-2669 1001 E Grace Ave, Haines City (863) 215-6929 FB: Oak Ridge Funeral Care oakridgefuneralcare.com Oak Ridge Funeral Care has served the Haines City and Winter Haven communities since 1933. Ninety years later, they continue to provide professional and compassionate care to families. Services include life celebrations, burial services, cremation, veteran services, shipping, and pre-planning. Oak Ridge Funeral Care offers tailored services to accommodate your preference. “A meaningful and beautiful service is a powerful experience that celebrates your loved one’s life while serving as an important step in the grieving process. When it comes to planning, you can trust us to respect your wishes and design a service that feels special.” 2nd: Marion Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory 3rd: Kersey Funeral Home BEST DRY CLEANER TOP HAT CLEANERS LAUNDRY CENTER 150 2nd St NW Winter Haven (863) 293-2627 A tip of the hat to Top Hat Cleaners for another year atop the Best Dry Cleaner category! This top tier dry cleaner owned and operated by Michelle Womble offers over 20 years of clean laundry backing up their good reputation. With convenient locations and eco-friendly GreenEarth technology, what’s not to love? According to Top Hat Cleaners, “Our friendly staff takes particular care with each and every order and proudly provides customers with professional workmanship.” 2nd: Dry Clean America 3rd: Executive Dry Cleaners BEST AUTO REPAIR STEWART AUTO REPAIR 1990 42nd St NW, Winter Haven (863) 965-2526 FB @stewartautorepair IG @stewartautorepair stewartautorepair.com Phantom squeak in your car? Check engine light haunting you? Who you gonna call? Stewart Auto! Since 1998 Stewart Auto Repair has been servicing a wide range of makes and models for their Central Florida customers. Their skilled service technicians use quality parts to repair collision and auto body damage and back up their work with warranty. Stewart even invests in the latest auto repair tools and diagnostic software specifically tailored to your vehicle’s software. One customer wrote, “They got me in same day on short notice, figured out my problem, fixed it, and had me out in no time! They kept me updated with what was going on as well. All the staff are super nice! Also another plus, they have a play area with toys for kids! Was a huge help with my little one, she played the whole time! Highly recommend!!” 2nd: Johnny’s Auto 3rd: Tuffy Tires BEST AUTO DEALER LOW PAYMENT KINGS Locations in Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Davenport FB: Low Payment Kings IG: lowpaymentking low-payment-kings.com The Low Payment Kings reign supreme in this year’s Best Auto Dealer category! Since 1966, their mission has been to exceed expectations with excellent customer service, the best products and services, and to save customers money on all their automotive needs. The Low Payment Kings help drivers find the vehicle of their dreams across their seven convenient locations. One Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Winter Haven customer writes in part, “Absolutely great service every time I lease or purchase a car there. From my salesman, management and finance start to finish was fantastic! I’m on my third car from there and I don’t plan on leaving. [...]” 2nd: Huston Cadillac Buick GMC 3rd: Hill Nissan BEST CAR WASH MISTER CAR WASH Multiple Locations FB: Mister Car Wash IG @mistercarwashhq mistercarwash.com Mister Car Wash – “Inspiring people to shine!” Since opening their first Houston, Texas location in 1969, Mister Car Wash has become a premier car wash company, committed to offering customers a clean, dry, shiny car every time using their patented Unity Chemistry system. Whether you’re looking for a single wash or to become a member of the Ultimate Wash Club, Mister Car Wash’s team members are committed to a quality experience. One Mister Car Wash Cypress Gardens location customer wrote, “Great car wash, staff are friendly and they pay attention to detail. They even have free vacuums.” 2nd: Pat’s Car Wash 3rd: Radiant Express Car Wash BEST RV DEALER CAMPING WORLD 7400 E State Rd 60, Bartow (866) 906-9517 FB: Camping World IG @campingworld rv.campingworld.com/dealer/tampa-florida-bartow Camping World is the nation’s largest retailer of RVs, RV accessories, and RV-related services, with over 185 Camping World SuperCenters nationwide. Not only do they offer a full-service call center, but their comprehensive website also features thousands of quality products for RVs, camping, towing, and outdoor living. One Bartow Camping World customer raved, “Super experience in all respects! Staff is friendly, knowledgeable & ready to serve your needs. I purchased a new premium camper & the selection process was facilitated by Rhonda, a great sales associate. Took delivery today and am looking forward to my first expedition!” 2nd: Ridge Quality Motors 3rd: Winter Haven RV BEST RV PARK CAMP MARGARITAVILLE AUBURNDALE 361 Denton Ave, Auburndale (863) 455-7335 FB: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale IG @campmargaritavilleauburndale margaritavilleresorts.com/camp-margaritaville-rv-re-sort-auburndale Chill at Camp Margaritaville! This Auburndale luxury RV resort offers 326 RV sites, including 11 Super Premium RV Sites, along with 75 Cabana Cabins. Guests can enjoy a tiki bar, fire pits, resort pool, entertainment stage, playground, dog parks, and putting course, or plan a day with the crew hiking, biking, or sightseeing. One happy camper noted, “First time stay and will definitely come back! The resort is very clean and organized. The staff is friendly, helpful and FUN! There are plenty of activities all day long for kids and adults! Our boys loved Gaga ball! Our adult group loved the License to Chill bar and Name That Tune! Our dogs loved the dog park!! Thank you for a great ending to our summer!!” 2nd: Southern Pines Resort 3rd: Cypress Campground & RV Park BEST POWERSPORTS DEALER MCKIBBEN POWERSPORTS LAKE WALES 20769 US Hwy 27, Lake Wales (863) 676-2245 FB: McKibben Powersports of Lake Wales IG @mckibben_ps_lw mckibbenpowersportslakewales.com Pssst. Want a jetski? I know a guy. This Lake Wales powersports dealer offers a diverse range of powersports vehicles, including ATVs, personal watercraft, scooters, UTVs, and more. Their authorized dealer status for many top brands means McKibben customers can be confident in the product quality they offer. “For over 30 years, we’ve been the trusted source for powersports enthusiasts in Central Florida, and we’re proud of the reputation we’ve built,” notes McKibben Powersports. Stop by their sprawling showroom to check out a selection of powersports vehicles, OEM parts, and accessories. Plus, McKibben’s service department is staffed by certified technicians who are trained to handle all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair. 2nd: Sky Powersports 3rd: Cyclemycle’s Motorcycle Shop BEST OIL CHANGE TAKE 5 OIL CHANGE 1530 1st St S, Winter Haven (863) 658-6075 FB @Take5OilChange IG @take5oilchange take5oilchange.com Take 5 Oil Change, home of “the quickest oil change in Winter Haven,” offers a drive-thru 10-minute oil change service with no appointment necessary. Just pick your oil from the technicians’ options, sit back, and relax while expert technicians change your oil and filter, replenish under-hood fluids, and check your air filter and wiper blades. One customer’s five-star review reads in part, “The perfect oil change from the comfort of your car. I really enjoyed the experience and the efficiency and professionalism of a clearly well-tuned process.” 2nd: Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center 3rd: Johnny’s Automotive FINANCIAL ADVISOR AUSTIN THARP AVENTAIL WEALTH MANAGEMENT 353 Ave C SW, Winter Haven (863) 333-1927 FB: Aventail Wealth Management, LLC aventailwm.com Making money moves? Austin Tharp is your guy. Tharp is Vice President & Investment Adviser Representative for Aventail Wealth Management. He joined the firm in 2016 and prides himself “in always giving his clients the highest level of service in a very personal way.” Tharp is heavily involved in his community, serving on nonprofit boards, including Main Street Winter Haven and The Historic Ritz Theatre. One client wrote of Tharp, “Austin is an absolute pleasure to deal with, very responsive and is always happy to discuss questions or concerns.” 2nd: Michael Maddox | Primerica 3rd: Ryan Conley | Edward Jones BEST CPA CONNER & ASSOCIATES LLC 20 3rd St SW Suite 306, Winter Haven (863) 268-4374 FB: Conner & Associates LLC IG @connerandassociatesllc conner-cpa.com Serving Winter Haven and the surrounding areas, Conner & Associates LLC offers personable tax, accounting, payroll, and business consulting services. The accounting firm’s mission is “to ease the burden of entrepreneurship on small business owners.” Conner & Associates are committed to providing timely, reliable tax and accounting services for their client’s personal and business needs. One client wrote, “Prompt, professional service. Positive experience from my initial inquiry phone call to the office. Windy was informative and efficient and Josh eased our concerns regarding a stressful tax situation. Highly recommend Connor & Associates!” 2nd: Wiggins, Smit, Burby, Reineke & CO P.A. 3rd: Campbell & Associates BEST ATTORNEY SOUTHERN ATLANTIC LAW GROUP, PLLC 520 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 656-6672 FB @WinterHavenbusinesslaw IG @southernatlanlawgroup southernatlanticlaw.com The Southern Atlantic Law Group is a statewide civil litigation and appellate firm whose attorneys have extensive litigation experience in state and federal courts. This Winter Haven-based law firm prides itself on providing client-focused representation and positive results. Their practice areas include appellate law, business litigations, class action, contract disputes, corporate/ general counsel, hurricane damage, insurance claims, and personal injury. One five-star review reads in part, “Outstanding team, results-oriented professionals, proactive communication, highly intelligent, nonstop attention and strategic decisions to best represent our case. [...]” 2nd: The Law Offices of Carter J. Adams 3rd: Mark Turner | Straughn & Turner, P.A. BEST BANK MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION Multiple Locations FB @MIDFLORIDA IG @midflorida_creditunion midflorida.com MIDFLORIDA, a repeat Best Of Haven winner for Best Bank, is not-for-profit and member-owned, offering banking products and services from personal and business banking to loans, mortgages, and investing. It began in 1954 as Polk County Teachers Credit Union and now has nearly 65 branches as Central Florida’s community credit union. MIDFLORIDA places importance on personal attention and competitive rates. “At MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, we strive to provide our members with the tools and resources they need to make informed financial decisions and achieve their financial goals. We are dedicated to helping our members build a secure financial future and to creating a more financially stable community.” 2nd: Citizens Bank & Trust 3rd: SouthState Bank BEST INSURANCE AGENT ERIK SEALY | SEALY INSURANCE 3395 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven (863) 324-3100 FB: Sealy Insurance Serving the Winter Haven community for almost 20 years, Erik Sealy is an independent insurance agent representing over 30 home companies, 13 auto carriers, as well as commercial and financial markets to serve his clients. Whether you need home, life, auto, or business coverage, Best Of Haven voters agree you should seal the deal with Erik Sealy. One client wrote, “Erik Sealy is so knowledgeable when it comes to any and everything insurance related. He is very well experienced with this industry and will help with all your insurance needs, even if just for advice. He is your go to!” 2nd: Zinsmeister Insurance 3rd: Barfield Insurance & Financial Services BEST PRINT OR SIGN SHOP ASAP PRINTS 1606 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven (863) 291-6807 FB: ASAP Prints IG @asapprints asapprints.com When you need a print job done right and ASAP, choose ASAP Prints! “Our passion is coming up with unique printing solutions for each individual client. We utilize creative design, innovative solutions and custom fabrication every time.” Services include paper printing, wall art and signs, and specialty products, including sunglasses, mugs, promo flags, and more. An excerpt from one client testimonial reads, “ASAP has been a trusted printing partner for Safety Products Inc since they opened their doors. We receive personal attention, immediate response, expert advice and quality finished products. Everyone at ASAP goes above and beyond what is expected and over time we have formed a trusted relationship that cannot be broken. [...]” 2nd: RayGraphics 3rd: Stacy’s Printing BEST DAYCARE PARKLAND PRESCHOOL 1800 8th St SE, Winter Haven 863-293-1207 FB: Parkland Baptist Church parkland-baptist-church.websrvcs.com/parkland-preschool Who do you trust your tots with? Best Of Haven voters rave about Parkland Preschool at Parkland Baptist Church. Parkland serves ages twelve months to four years old. They also offer an after-school program for K-4th grade serving Brigham Academy, Garden Grove Elementary, Chain of Lakes Elementary, and Jewett School of the Arts. Parkland notes, “The school teaches biblical truths and spiritual values. The purpose of our program is to extend the ministry of Parkland Baptist Church providing the best possible care and education for children.” 2nd: Dreamers Bilingual Academy 3rd: Winter Haven Montessori BEST SPA SPA HAVEN 634 1st St S, Winter Haven (863) 514-0667 FB: SPA HAVEN IG @spahaven634 spa-haven.com Spa Haven is the respite you need to “Rejuvenate. Revitalize. Restore.” Owner, Esthetician, Nail Technician, and Lash Artist Megan Gillis notes, “We strive to make every experience the best it can be and want you to walk out of here feeling confident.” This Winter Haven oasis offers facials, manicures, lash extensions, waxing, and tint and lash lift services. One beautified client writes in part, “I must say, Spa Haven should be named Spa Heaven. Because that is where my tech took me too! I was so comfortable and relaxed. I Highly Recommend coming here!! This was my first facial ever! And I will be returning. [...]” 2nd: Massage and Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven, Inc. 3rd: SPAscape BEST MEDICAL SPA ETERNAL YOUTH AESTHETICS 400 Ave K SE Suite 1, Winter Haven (239) 383-7625 FB: Eternal Youth Aesthetics, LLC IG @eternalyouthaestheticsllc eternalyouthaesthetic.com Superior service, superior results. Eternal Youth Aesthetics Owner Jodi DeVries, Certified Cosmetic Injector, MS, APRN, CRNA, says, “I want you to look and feel younger, refreshed, and more confident. I want everyone to notice, but no one to know!” This med spa offers cosmetic injections, iS Clinical Skincare, and facial and body treatments, with clients raving things like, “Love this place! Get all your needs taken care of at one location. The staff is absolutely wonderful, and I can’t say enough about their customer service and response to any questions you might have via text, email, or a phone call.” 2nd: Massage and Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven, Inc. 3rd: Salt Room Winter Haven BEST HAIR SALON SPECTRUM STUDIO 219 3rd St SW, Winter Haven (863) 307-7500 IG @spectrumstudio In business for 20 years, Spectrum Studio is an iconic Winter Haven salon next to the “Lady on the Wall” mural. The studio offers an array of services, including hair design, nail and facial services, massage, and brow waxing. All services are by appointment only. Spectrum recently partnered with 7 Anchors, a modern boutique offering men’s and women’s casual wear and surf-style apparel. Fused with the white studio walls, a special art collection is permanently displayed by world-renowned artist Kenneth Treister from Miami. “Rainbow in the Clouds,” a large installation made up of 19 painted panels that blend the entire spectrum, greets guests immediately upon entry, starting a visit to the studio with an uplifting, positive and feel-good energy. 2nd: The U Salon 3rd: Posh Salon and Day Spa BEST BARBER BEST CUTS BARBER SHOP 213 Ave O SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-9433 FB @BestCutsWinterHaven IG @bestcutswinterhaven bestcutswinterhaven.com “Where the latest styles meet tradition. Our Barbers utilize techniques that have stood the test of time to create the Best Cuts around.” The team at Best Cuts Barber Shop offers services for men, women, and kids, including haircuts, beard trims, washes, hot towel shaves, and massages. One client writes, “Definitely recommend Best Cuts Barber Shop. Been going for several years now and have never been disappointed. Always friendly with great conversations. Great quality and great prices. You should check them out the next time you need a haircut.” 2nd: The Barber Bros. Hairstyling 3rd: The B Shop BEST NAIL SALON OASIS SPA AND NAILS 5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd #140, Winter Haven (863) 875-8869 FB: Oasis Spa & Nails IG @oasis.spa.nails oasisspanails.com Are you thinking of doing a powder pink or maybe a glitzy gold? Go to Oasis – they’ll nail it! Services include a full menu of manicures (including gel), pedicures, acrylic, and even kid services so you can have a spa day with your mini-me! According to Oasis, “Our priority is to make our clients feel pampered and relaxed while getting beautified here at our salon. We will maintain our progressiveness and edginess by creating the latest trends and offering an unforgettable experience throughout your stay with us. You belong here, you belong in luxury, you deserve pampering and excellence.” While you’re there, check out their facial, waxing, and eyelash extension services! 2nd: Spa Haven 3rd: Lucky Nails and Spa BEST TATTOO STUDIO ACES INK 838 6th St NW, Winter Haven (863) 875-3798 FB @acesinktattoo IG @acesinktattoo This repeat Best Of Haven tattoo studio winner must have a few aces up their sleeve! The shop’s mission is “to provide you with quality tattoos/ piercings in an amazing and sterile environment.” Aces Ink has a portfolio of clean, cool, creative tattoos – and numerous five-star ratings to back it up. The following excerpt is only one of hundreds of glowing reviews for the shop. “Absolutely love Aces Ink! All the artists’ work is phenomenal and they are all very friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere in the shop is comfortable as well. [...]” 2nd: Skinfinity Tattoo Company 3rd: Angry Elephant

Jacki Walston, of Adler’s Burgers fame, opened downtown Winter Haven’s only bodega earlier this year. The “Market South of Central” offers healthy and decadent options, “cuisine across cultures,” grab-and-go bites, beer, wine, and more. The chill, modern space, a former garage on Avenue C S.W., opened on January 31. Walston hails from a hospitality background. She studied culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu and bartended for Linksters and The Wheelhouse. Walston, husband Wade, and partner Jeremiah Waters opened the Adler’s Burgers food truck in 2016. The beloved burger chain now has brick-and-mortar restaurants in Davenport and Winter Haven. Walston is the creative genius behind Adler’s pun-laden, mouth-watering weekly specials. That combo of food, spirits, and hospitality is what Walston hopes to create across all of her concepts. She looks to foster “a nice environment for people to come and hang out, drink, and be merry.” Drinking or not, grab-and-go or sit and relax, “We wanted a place that everybody felt comfortable to come to,” Walston said. As an owner of Adler’s, Walston saw the need for folks who work downtown to be able to grab lunch and get back to work quickly as well as a place where friends could share pita and hummus over a glass of wine – somewhere they could “take as much time or as little time as you want,” she said. When the bodega isn’t busy busting out killer Cubans and Chimi Cherry Coke-o Pops, they’re in the back getting creative. They even have a shelf full of ingredients Walston calls their “Chopped” shelf. “We want to forever be changing,” Walston said. She always tells her team, “We can do whatever we want – whatever is fun and exciting or an ingredient that excites us.” The menu the team has crafted and continually revamps has lighter and indulgent options and tasty signatures like the St. Larry made with roasted turkey, white American cheese, bacon, Thousand Island dressing, hoagie peppers, lettuce, tomato, and onion served baked or cold. The St. Larry is an ode to Walston’s Saint Lawrence, NY roots. “That’s how I always ordered my own sub,” she said. The Bump & Grind, a deli delight – made with ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, Swiss cheese, baked and topped with a NYC deli-style salad, banana peppers, tomato, and onion – was inspired by the famous TikTok grinder. “I felt like I was being bombarded with how delicious that looked,” Walston said. Putting it on the menu was team member Jack’s idea, along with other creations like the Bacon Me Jam with Jack’s own bacon onion jam and spicy pepper goat cheese on toasted brioche bread. “They have been doing a lot with pushing the envelope of rad and fun and exciting, and it makes me feel a little more confident being weird with food,” Walston said. The SoCe owner bragged on her other team members, too, like Jess from Maui (who introduced Jacki to her husband, Wade). Jess has worked alongside Wolfgang Puck’s sous chef, and Walston noted, “She has an amazing palate.” Another team member, A.J., came to the bodega after working at Adler’s for several years. He even came up with some of their crave-worthy burger creations, so she was thrilled to bring him on at SoCe. SoCe’s grab-and-go area offers options like adult ‘lunchables,’ hummus and pita, dips, pasta salad, chicken salad, and more. This is where the “cuisine across cultures” comes in with varying flavors from Mediterranean and Indian to Asian and Hawaiian. “Mainly, we want to see what the community wants,” Walston said. In addition to tasty treats and grab-and-go goodness, the bodega offers cold brew coffee, wine, mix-and-match beer six-packs for $15, and beer on tap from local breweries Grove Roots and the Florida Brewery. “We’ll have more of the bodega items coming soon,” Walston said. The bodega recently introduced its Friday and Saturday late-night hours. “In upstate New York, there are lots of college towns, and there was always that one late-night spot that everyone congregated to for munchies, and I would like to be that here,” said Walston. “I feel like every little city needs that. I would like to be one of the first within walking distance of downtown.” Sunday brunch is another recent addition to SoCe’s repertoire. The plan is to have sangria and brunch cocktails along with a changing menu of breakfast sandwiches, deviled eggs, and more. “We just need people to find us,” Walston said. “We’re kind of in an undiscovered nook of the town.” This section of town won’t be undiscovered for long though. Six/Ten LLC began construction on their new food and beverage concept, Bowen Yard, over the summer. The project will feature multiple buildings with six on-site dining options and a large recreational yard for outdoor seating. “I am over the moon,” said the SoCe owner. “It’s the start of something new, and to work alongside all these amazing chefs and entrepreneurs is very exciting and humbling.” Photography by Amy Sexson and Nate Schaller SoCe Market 380 Ave C SW, Winter Haven Facebook @SoCeMarket Instagram @socemarket

Marco Fazzini’s office is littered with stories and posters of his boxers’ successes. “I like to fix the cars to race them. I don’t just like to fix them,” he said. He looked around and added, “A lot of hard work.” Winter Haven Boxing has a winning tradition. With a coach like Marco Fazzini, and fighters like Brandon Moore and Tristan Gallichan, that tradition looks to continue. Coach Fazzini will indeed have more to add to his office wall. Fazzini, who owns the gym, has been immersed in the sport his whole life. The Frostproof native comes from a boxing family. “My grandfather was a prizefighter. We always had a gym in our house,” he said. In 1992, Fazzini’s dad brought him to Jack Leonard, who started the Winter Haven gym in 1984. “This is actually the original ring that a lot of people learned in,” Fazzini said. Leonard first boxed as an amateur at age 14 and turned professional as a welterweight. His legacy is honored with his cornerman’s jacket and photo on the wall. “He had a lot of world champions and a lot of quality fighters.” From there, Fazzini worked with Tony Morgan, who notoriously trained Andre Berto. Fazzini described Morgan as a mentor when he took over the gym in 2012. “They were big shoes to fill – I’m not going to lie. We do have a winning tradition here.” Fazzini has worked tirelessly, keeping up that tradition with a competitive roster of 12 amateurs and seven professional boxers. “It’s a serious place. If someone wants their kid to compete, this is usually where they’ll take them. People will shy away from this gym because they know they’re going to have to work a lot.” Two local Boxing pros who have put in the work, Brandon Moore and Tristan Gallichan, came to Fazzini with zero experience. “They are both products of Polk County. I started them from scratch,” Fazzini said. The pair have done their part to bring in big wins for the boxing gym, nabbing national titles on the amateur level and sweeping up gold medals at the Eastern Qualifiers and multiple Sugar Bert tournaments. “I feel really proud,” Coach Fazzini said of his fighters. “I try not to get too excited because with the highs come the lows, and in boxing, those two feelings come a lot.” TRISTAN GALLICHAN Tristan Gallichan, competing in the junior welterweight division, stands 5’8” and weighs in at 140 lbs. The 27-year-old got into boxing at age 18 and turned pro in June. He thought back to his first amateur fight at 20 years old. “Twenty fights later, I’m fighting one of the best guys in the state. Thirty fights later, I’m fighting the top tenth guy in the world. It’s been a long, crazy journey,” he said. Gallichan, who works as a sushi chef when he isn’t in the ring, says he endeavors to grow daily. He’s won numerous state, national, and Sugar Bert titles and was a semifinalist in the Golden Gloves two years ago. “I wouldn’t be anywhere without my coach,” Gallichan said. “I started out as a nobody, and now I’m a somebody.” When he first came to Winter Haven Boxing, he lacked motivation and discipline. Coach Fazzini changed all that. “He is a hard ass, but it’s with love. It’s tough love. […] If we listen to him, we know we’re going to go far in life. He’s taught me more than just boxing. He’s taught me how to be a man, how to carry myself, how to take care of other people. […] Thank God I have a coach that takes me seriously, takes the sport seriously, and takes the gym seriously. As long as I’m with him, I can’t go wrong.” The Winter Haven Boxing champ has advice for anyone looking to get into the sport. “Stay focused, stay in the gym, stay dedicated. Find yourself a good coach, find yourself good friends that are part of the gym, and keep grinding,” he said. “Because at the end of the day, you never know how far you can take yourself with this sport.” Gallichan’s goals are to see how far he can take his career and to be a positive influence in the community, especially to the kids in the gym. “The kids motivate me and make me want to stay in the gym,” he said. “As long as the kids look at me as the best in their eyes – I’m good, I’m chillin’.” Reflecting on his boxing journey, Gallichan said his biggest accomplishment has been making his parents proud. BRANDON MOORE “Brandon is on his way to probably be one of the best heavyweights in the world,” Fazzini said of Moore. The professional heavyweight from Lakeland towers at 6’6” and weighs in at 238 lbs. He played basketball at Southeastern University, where he was named Freshman of the Year, made All-Conference, and got into the Final Four. After graduating with his accounting and finance degree, Moore traveled the world as a flight attendant. Putting his accounting background to good use, Moore crunched the numbers on what sports one could play and make it to the top the fastest. Six years ago, after getting off work, he made his way to Winter Haven Boxing. “Coach told me he didn’t believe I wanted to really box,” Moore remembers. “I came to the gym, and I never left.” Growing up in Polk County, Moore said, “Sometimes I didn’t have the right guidance. […] When I came to the gym, I really was a little boy.” He was 24, just getting out of college, and trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. “The gym really honed it in for me.” Coach Fazzini encouraged Moore to buy his first home and even helped him build his backyard fence. That led to Moore finishing the fence and starting his own fencing and lawn companies. “Me starting those businesses made me realize how to treat boxing – as a business. You have to take all those little things seriously,” he said. The journey to pro has been arduous, but having played college basketball, Moore was used to training hard. “I knew what I was getting into when I started,” he said. He committed himself to training 300 out of the 365 days a year. “Hard work pays off,” he said. “Playing basketball, those values and that hard work, it shows you that if you apply that work to other things, it’ll be the same. If I would have put my mind to something else with the same amount of tenacity, I think I would have been as good at that as well.” Moore has gone on to the Olympic qualifiers and won a national championship, with some of his title belts on display at the gym. He’s also won several Florida Golden Gloves titles and placed in the final eight at the Golden Gloves National Championship. In 2021, Moore won the WBC Silver Title in Mexico. “This is what really broke him into the rankings,” Fazzini said. Moore’s biggest fan? His six-year-old daughter, Marley. “I really take pride in my daughter,” he said. Marley has been going to the gym with him since she was a baby. “I want her to know what hard work looks like.” Moore showed off a video of his daughter erupting in cheers from the crowd for her dad. “I only want her to see me in the capacity of winning.” While his daughter and kids at the gym look up to Moore, the professional boxer admires his coach. “He saved me when I had nothing. […] He showed me how to be a man, how to be serious. He saved my life,” Moore said of Fazzini. “When I first started boxing, I wanted to put myself into a position where I could speak to people,” Moore said. “I’m good at it, and I know I can motivate. I want to show the community that you can be from here and still be a positive influence.” Moore’s long-term goals don’t end with boxing. “Boxing is a step to put me in the right direction. I’m a big Polk County product,” he said. “You never know, I could become the mayor.” Photographs by Amy Sexson Winter Haven Boxing Gym 2510 Avenue G NW, Winter Haven (863) 207-7460 Facebook @Winter Haven Boxing Instagram @winterhavenboxing1

In the bustling heart of Florida, Polk County stands out for its abundant agricultural lands, plentiful wildlife, and alluring landscapes. An integral part of this charm is the space we have for a community tree canopy and urban forests, and the sum of all the trees beautifying our homes, streets, parks, and schools. But our trees aren’t just for show - urban forests are our front line against urbanization’s side effects. They help curb air pollution, enhance water quality, minimize soil erosion, and provide habitats for wildlife. As mentioned in my June column, “The Urban Heat Island Effect: A Growing Challenge in Florida’s Urban Areas,” trees can also help fight the urban heat island effect and lower ambient temperatures around town. However, tree benefits come with a vulnerability to Florida’s frequent hurricanes, causing extensive tree loss in yards and parks. It’s crucial to consider planting wind-resistant species in our efforts to restore and sustain these green spaces. WIND-RESISTANT TREES: LESSONS FROM HURRICANES Learning from the significant damage inflicted by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, University of Florida scientists embarked on a journey to understand which trees best withstand hurricane-force winds. Their findings provided a list of recommended species for replanting in hurricane-prone areas. While no tree is entirely “wind-proof,” some species have shown a higher resistance to wind-related damage. These include the sand live oak (Quercus germinata), southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), live oak (Quercus virginiana), crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), and sabal or cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto). Pruned trees demonstrated higher survival rates in this study than unpruned ones, highlighting the importance of proper tree care and maintenance. Did you know? Shade trees and palm trees have very specific recommendations for pruning. For shade trees, pruning practices change based on the size and age of the tree. For palm trees, you should only ever cut off the brown fronds. “Hurricane pruning” or “toothpick-pruning” of palm trees, which removes all but just a couple green fronds, can make the palm trees less healthy and so, less able to resist strong winds. Environmental factors like soil conditions, water availability, and exposure to sunlight also play a vital role in a tree’s wind-resistance. PREPARING FOR THE HURRICANE SEASON With the Atlantic hurricane season usually intensifying in August, now is the time to prep your yard. Hire a certified arborist to prune your trees, increasing their wind resistance and overall structure. A good arborist will clear all the pruned materials from your property, preventing any potential storm debris. You can find a certified arborist by visiting the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) website: treesaregood.org/findanarborist. Remember, the worst time to prune your trees is right before a storm. City and County solid waste operators often don’t have time to collect recent tree pruning debris before a hurricane, leaving piles of debris that can become hazardous in strong winds. So, do your part by pruning your trees now and ensuring the waste is removed promptly. If there is already a named storm on the way, it’s often better to leave the trees unpruned than risk flying debris. If you’ve already pruned your trees and have a debris pile or have a tree that simply must be pruned because it is threatening your home, be sure you have rope and ground anchors available to secure the pile of debris before winds intensify. PLANTING WISELY: MAXIMIZING WIND-RESISTANCE After the storm, consider replanting wisely. In addition to choosing strong, wind-resistant trees, there are several steps you can take to boost your tree’s storm resilience: Root Space: Ensure your trees have ample root space, allowing them to anchor more firmly and grow healthily. UF/IFAS Extension has recommendations for the proper amount of root space for different species of trees. More info can be found at: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP592 Pruning: Regular pruning is essential not just for tree health but also for increasing wind resistance. Group Planting: Trees planted in groups tend to withstand winds better than individual trees. Native Trees: Native trees often survive better than exotic species. Some species are best avoided due to their weak wind resistance. These include sand pine (Pinus clausa), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), water oak (Quercus nigra), and laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia). If you have any questions about these recommendations, reach out to our Plant Clinic at 863-519-1057 or by email at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu BE PREPARED THIS HURRICANE SEASON Hurricanes are a reality in Florida, but we can mitigate their impact on our community trees. By planting wisely, pruning regularly, and maintaining our trees’ health, we can cultivate trees that are not only a sight to behold but also strongholds against storms. As a reminder, you can always find me on social media with the handle @PolkNR on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads. Or, you can email me with any questions at scarnevale@ufl.edu. Looking for more information on urban forestry? Consider listening to our Naturally Florida podcast episode, “Trees and People: An intro to urban forestry” on all the major podcast platforms. To learn more about hurricane prep topics from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, consider our blog collection on the subject: blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/tag/hurricane/. It includes topics such as preparing your boat for hurricane season, emergency water sources for your family, and proper pruning before and after storms. This article is informed by the scientific study “Wind and Trees: A Survey of Homeowners After Hurricane Andrew” by M. Duryea et al. (1996). The full study can be accessed here: dx.doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1996.006

This Winter Haven home, nestled on a scenic canal on the Chain of Lakes, was once owned by Andy Thornal. Built in 1938, the house saw several additions throughout the years, including that of a ballroom by Thornal. The home hadn’t been touched in the last decade and needed some tender, loving care. The current homeowners put in that TLC, updating the upper floor and some of the main living areas, refinishing the wood floors, painting the walls and the exterior. For the spacious kitchen and laundry room, they enlisted the help of Nicole Roe with R. Nickson Interiors. Roe, who founded the Central Florida-based firm, has ten years of experience in the design field, including a degree in construction. She offers a full scope of renovation and interior design. “They knew they needed an expert to come in and help them rework and make the kitchen an elevated experience that the house deserved,” said Roe. For a home with lavish features like a ballroom, “You need a kitchen that can entertain and host dozens of people comfortably. That was one of our main goals.” Putting the fun in functionality, Roe was able to strike the perfect balance between style and substance in the space. She designed it for socializing and accommodating the homeowners’ and their guests’ needs. This included dedicated areas for cocktails and beverages, food prep, and ample seating. “We wanted the kitchen to be timeless,” Roe said. “The goal wasn’t to be a trendsetter. It was to design a kitchen that stood at the same level as the house. Something that when people walked in, they expected it to be there, but it still took their breath away.” The homeowners were inspired by natural materials, makers, and handcrafted details. “They wanted everything to have a story, and they were willing to pay the elevated price for that,” said the designer. Even the retailers they used were selected with intention, like Rejuvenation, from whom they sourced lighting, plumbing, and hardware. The Portland, Oregon-based company began as a small architectural salvage shop and boasts over 40 years of craftsmanship and ten locations across the country. The thinking was the same when it came to the cabinets. Roe teamed up with A Ward Design in Winter Haven for fully customized locally handcrafted cabinetry, complete with brass grates in the upper cabinets. Of Eric Ward, owner of A Ward Design, Roe said, “He allows me to be as creative as I want, but he has that eighth-of-an-inch detail where he knows how to make it function.” The designer also worked with Scott Taylor and Taylor Building Elements for the project. “He is a luxury contractor in Polk County who specializes in the projects that need that expert eye and attention to detail,” said Roe. “And when you have an older home that’s had additions and could have a lot of question marks when you go through – you need someone willing to go the extra mile, but who also has the expertise and knowledge to do it right.” Roe said, “The first day I walked in, I realized they weren’t fully settled in the home.” There was the occasional moving box here and there. “But what they had everywhere already were plants.” In addition to the botanical daydream inside, every window lent views of lush greenery, which Roe wanted to pull through and continue in the kitchen with her color palette. Roe and the homeowners decided on an opulent green – Isle of Pine by Sherwin-Williams. “We really leaned into the greens, various shades. But the brass was what pulled it together – brass lighting, brass plumbing, and brass hardware, as well as brass screens in the upper cabinets,” she said. “We repeated materials so it wasn’t overwhelming,” said Roe. “We continued the wooden floors that had been refinished through the kitchen.” Joe Volpe Custom Floors did the flooring and color-matched them with the ceiling beams to tie the look together. The countertops are black leathered quartzite complimented by a hand-poured backsplash by Fireclay Tile out of California. “Thirty years from now, if I go to that house, I would love for that kitchen to still be shining,” Roe said. The laundry room wasn’t in Roe’s original scope of work for the project, but as the kitchen came along, the homeowners wanted to continue. “The clients love wallpaper, so between them and myself, we looked at dozens, and dozens, and dozens of papers, until we settled on the one that we used,” said Roe of the Milton and King paper. The client felt pink was an apt shade for the laundry room, with Roe calling it “a sunny space” and the color Smokey Salmon by Sherwin-Williams “calming and flattering.” She noted, “When that light comes in, it’s such a nice glow.” Roe wanted to play off the kitchen but ensure the laundry room remained a separate space, so she pivoted from the brass and went with black for the details and hardware. Like the kitchen, the laundry room needed to be a working space. Roe designed a drop zone with a bench, drawers, cabinets and a sink zone with two drying racks and a hanging bar. They even lifted the front load washer and dryer to allow space for laundry baskets beneath. The homeowners allowed Roe to continue her vision into the living room, which has a direct line of sight from the kitchen through the dining room. Again, Roe tapped Fireclay for a custom tile fireplace in deep emerald with soft seafoam green along the side. “It’s kind of that business in the front, party in the back mentality,” she joked. They again played off that emerald with a velvet sectional. “We continued those shades, so it told a story from the laundry room all the way through to the fireplace.” Photography by Michael Holden, Holden 2 Media Rnicksoninteriors.com Facebook @rnicksoninteriors Instagram @rnicksoninteriors

Diners at WACO Kitchen overlook the Lakeland Linder International Airport runway as planes taxi in and take off. A comfortable space to enjoy an exceptional meal, the restaurant offers plush low-back booths and light spilling in through sprawling second-story panoramic windows. What it provides in views, the restaurant matches, if not surpasses, with its menu. WACO Kitchen was started in Battle Creek, Michigan, in January 2021, by aviation enthusiast Dieter Morszeck as a restaurant extension of WACO Aircraft. The aircraft company is the world’s only FAA & EASA-Certified manufacturer of sport biplanes produced today based on the original type certificates from the 1920s and ‘30s. “WACO is an aircraft company that’s grown into a restaurant because they wanted to feed the ladies and gentlemen that build the planes,” said WACO Kitchen Restaurant Manager Todd Kercher, a 30-year hospitality industry veteran who has been with WACO for a little over two years. The biplane bistro did so well that Morszeck decided to open it to the public. Less than a year after opening the Battle Creek eatery, Morszeck extended WACO’s offerings to Lakeland in the terminal building on the second floor of the Lakeland Linder International Airport. “We began as American-European fare, and it’s blending now,” Kercher said. “We’re making it local to Lakeland, whereas Battle Creek is doing the same. It gives our chef the freedom to create dishes and go with what the desires in Lakeland are.” Kercher bragged on Chef Bret Pelaggi for his ability to craft visually and appetizingly sumptuous dishes. Pelaggi is from Boston, where he worked for Sibling Rivalry and the English Hospitality Group. In 2012, he and his wife moved to Miami, where he was cast to be on season 11 of Food Network’s “Top Chef.” He went on to open Uvaggio in Miami, which won best wine bar and was nominated for best new restaurant. In 2017, Pelaggi left the restaurant business for four years to work in food service manufacturing and recipe development. When he was recruited for WACO, “It was a good fit,” he said. The chef started in February, just before the annual SUN ‘n FUN event. “I’m still learning what Lakeland likes and doesn’t like,” he said. “The whole thing is starting to come together.” Their menu – in a realm between fast-casual and fine dining – boasts fresh and decadent lunch and dinner offerings unlike anything in Lakeland. The Bavarian pretzel with gruyere fondue and pickled veggies is a must-order for the table. For a lighter bite, opt for the watermelon salad. If summertime had a signature dish, this would be it. The salad has sweet, crisp watermelon, feta, kalamata olives, Suman, mint, cucumber, arugula, and almonds. The duck leg confit will call your name for dinner. Tender duck is served over white grits with ricotta, pecan Swiss chard, plum, and port syrup. Locally sourced grouper is used in one of their most popular dishes, the fried grouper sandwich topped with smoked paprika aioli, tomato jam, pickled shallots, lettuce, and tomato. “We just want a menu of really good food. You can categorize it how you want,” said Pelaggi. He described their offerings as “good food with different cultural influences.” A handful of menu items, including the WACO tacos and the Biplane Burger, can be found at both locations. Their beverage options boast local craft beer and Lakeland-brewed Ethos Coffee. All their bread, flatbreads, and desserts are made in-house from scratch by WACO’s pastry chef, Patty M. Along with a full cocktail menu soaring with spirits with fun aviation-themed names like the Paper Plane Martini and the Rumway Mule, WACO’s wine menu features nine varietals of owner Dieter Morszeck’s Portuguese wine. The olive oil used in-house also hails from his own brand in Portugal. Fly (or drive) over to WACO Kitchen to check out their new menu, revamped in July. We previewed the three-grain power bowl with organic raw apple cider vinaigrette, farrow, buckwheat, barley, Portuguese olive oil, ube, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, spinach, apple, and blueberry. It was a refreshing and filling glimpse into their seasonal menu. Photography by Amy Sexson WACO Kitchen (WACO rhymes with taco) 3900 Don Emerson Dr, Lakeland (863) 583-4004 wacokitchen.com Facebook @Waco Kitchen Lakeland Instagram @wacokitchenfl

“I’ve never had a better cup of coffee.” Those words from a customer bring joy to Jude Coffee owner Jordan Willcox. He and his wife Kelsey started Jude, a mobile coffee cart, in Lakeland last year. They hope to turn their mobile venture into a brick-and-mortar over the next five years, where they can keep serving up those excellent cups of coffee with a side of hospitality. Jude is for all, after all. Jordan Willcox was born and raised in Seattle. When the couple moved from Seattle to Florida, Kelsey returned to St. Pete, where she’s from, and Jordan moved to Orlando following a design job. On the weekends, the pair commuted halfway to Lakeland to spend time together. “We fell in love with the city. We fell in love with the community,” said Jordan. The Willcox’s bought a 101-year-old home in the heart of Lakeland where they planned to start a family and their coffee cart, Jude. The idea for Jude actually started back in Seattle. The thought was that it would be a retail accessory for businesses. Jordan was a long-time barista in Seattle to work through design school. “Now that I’ve established myself as a designer, it was time to step back into coffee,” he said. Putting down roots lit a fire in Jordan to start Jude in Lakeland. “It feels like it truly is my hometown now,” he said. “What’s the next thing we can do legacy-wise? What are the things that are going to help plant us in this community that we truly love?” Jude launched in February 2022 as a mobile coffee cart for community pop-ups and private events. “I’ve always thought of coffee shops as the third place,” Willcox said. “You have your home, you have your work, and you have a third place where you have community. Coffee shops are great for that. They anchor neighborhoods. They anchor communities.” Relatively new to the area, Willcox wanted to grow an audience organically. Community pop-ups have allowed the couple to do that. “Those are really intentional to be for the people of Lakeland and the surrounding area,” he said. Jude holds their monthly pop-ups at a third-floor vintage shop in downtown Lakeland, The Curated Collective. A few months post Jude launch, the Willcox’s found out they were expecting. In January, just a month shy of their first coffee cart anniversary, they welcomed a baby girl named Juniper, Junie for short. Willcox already has plans to bring his daughter in on the family biz when she gets a bit older. He envisions a miniature version of his Jude mobile coffee cart to sell baked goods. They’ll call it Junie. The new father, who works full-time as a designer, described Jude’s first year as ‘exciting’ and ‘stretching.’ Though it can be cumbersome to work two jobs, he’s keeping himself at the forefront of the business. “I want people to know me and know our business.” Kelsey is a senior executive project manager for a tech company. She handles the administration for Jude and crafts recipes for their tasty syrups. MARKETING & MERCH To get Jude off the ground, Jordan has established a sort of subversive marketing strategy. When the couple discovered they were pregnant, he bought a billboard on South Florida Avenue announcing, “Jude is having a baby.” In the spirit of poking fun at his strict neighborhood, he printed flyers of him pouring a cup of coffee in front of a Ring camera that said, “If you see something, say something.” Jordan said, “It’s been a year of no one saying ‘no’ to my bad creative ideas and seeing some success in it.” Being able to fully express himself through design with no one to reject his ideas has “given me the juice to keep going. […] I think it’s helped curate our voice. I have spent the last year curating the voice of our business to be a little bit of mine and a little bit of what we want to be.” Leaning further into Jordan’s design background, Jude has branched into merchandise, offering hats, shirts, and stickers. What started as a creative outlet has evolved into a central piece of the business, with items selling out at their monthly pop-ups causing Jordan to shift to pre-orders. “Our brand is taking on its own life,” he said. “It’s becoming something we didn’t expect, and that’s been really fun.” COFFEE & CONNECTION The company’s mantra is “Jude is for All,” a sentiment that coffee shouldn’t be limited to Americano aficionados and espresso experts. “We never want you to come in and chat with me or chat with somebody who’s working and feel like you don’t understand or you’re less-than,” said Jordan. “Our goal was to structure it in a way where if you love coffee, you can spend the time talking to me about coffee. If you just want a lavender latte, I’m going to whip you up the sickest lavender latte you’ve ever had, and we’re going to keep it moving, and each customer is fulfilled in that way. It’s accepting the person where they are when it comes to coffee knowledge.” Over their first year, Jude has exclusively served Little Wolf Coffee out of Ipswich, Massachusetts. Now they’re pivoting to include other craft coffee brands. “We love Florida, and we love the roasters here, but we wanted to focus on people in other smaller cities that were similar to us but doing something really important and showing people in Florida something cool,” Willcox said. “I want people to experience something they can’t get anywhere else. I want them to have that through Jude.” Moving forward, when Jude patrons order a latte, Americano, or cappuccino, it will be from one roaster, drip coffee from another, and cold brew, produced here by hand, from a third. Joining Little Wolf on the Jude roaster roster is Metric out of Chicago and Regalia Coffee out of New York. Jude features standard café offerings with a choice of whole or oat milk and house-made lavender and vanilla syrups developed by Kelsey using locally sourced ingredients. “I’m proud of it and think we could bottle it at some point,” Jordan said of their lavender syrup. They also offer honey simple syrup with locally sourced honey. Willcox’s approach to the marriage of hospitality and good coffee means he’ll likely remember your name and coffee order. “There are very few customer interactions where someone remembers you like that. I know that when someone remembers me like that, I really take it to heart.” A standard café interaction lasts about 30 seconds, according to Willcox. You order a coffee, wait another 2-5 minutes, get your coffee, and leave. Not at Jude. “Our conversation ends as I hand you that cup of coffee. […] At the end of our interaction, you get what you paid for. You get your coffee, but in that time, we got to connect.” THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN Currently, Jude operates at about 70/30 private events to community pop-ups as the couple saves money to purchase a brick-and-mortar. That’s the five-year plan. “I would rather have customers celebrate that we’re actually getting to a real location than trying to fight for the customers to understand who we are,” Jordan said. He looks to the path Born & Bread’s Jenn Smurr took from simple beginnings to a cruffin cult following. “She’s incredibly smart, and I love their dedication to craft.” Once in a physical location, the Willcox’s hope to focus on philanthropy. Jordan has the idea for job training for the unhoused and a program where a percentage of the drip coffee sales go to Gospel Village. As they expand their merchandise and hone their voice, next year may see an abridged version of Jude with a semi-permanent pop-up. “You don’t have to live in New York or L.A. to be deemed important anymore because social media has opened up this whole avenue,” Willcox said. “You can drive through the South and really experience coffee at a degree you couldn’t five years ago.” Jordan strives to make sure Jude is one of those experiences. Photography by Noble Photo Co. Jude Coffee www.judeforall.com IG @judeforall

Did you know Winter Haven is an official Trail Town? That designation is thanks partly to the efforts of the Parks Planning and Strategic Initiatives Manager for the City of Winter Haven, Andy Palmer. The Maryland native grew up enjoying the outdoors, hiking, biking, and running cross country. He moved to Polk County 21 years ago and has been with the City of Winter Haven for 18 and a half years. “As I’ve gotten into planning parks and capital projects, a lot of my professional and personal interests have really lined up,” Palmer said. “I try to take the community’s interest in new playgrounds, new trails, new parks, and develop them.” The Trail Town program is through the Greenways and Trails state office, housed in the Department of Environmental Protection. “We work with them very well,” said Palmer. The FDEP defines a Trail Town as “a vibrant destination where people come together. It is a place where trail users can venture off a hiking, biking, equestrian, or paddling trail to enjoy the amenities and unique heritage of the community, benefitting the town economically and socially.” The self-assessment for a Trail Town lists attributes including a presence of trails, access to food, lodging, support facilities/trail amenities and entertainment, social and physical infrastructure, community events, community and business support, and a shared vision. Winter Haven has over 14 miles of interconnecting trails and connections, including complete streets, major sidewalks, and loop trails that link into our downtown with access to amenities like parks, restaurants, shops, ski shows, playgrounds, picnic facilities, tennis courts, a brewery, the Ritz Theatre, Gram Parsons’ Derry Down, apartments, and a soon to open hotel. “It’s how all those items work together, the synergy,” said Palmer. When holding public meetings and community outreach, the City often hears that people want trails and sidewalks. “They want to have those connections between their house and schools and parks and be able to walk to work,” said Palmer. “The City, the Chamber, Main Street, a lot of the community, and our private sector all want a walkable downtown and to have all these amenities. […] One of the things that the Greenways and Trails staff and council were impressed with were our great partnerships locally.” To further fulfill the community’s interests, the City continues to work with the Department of Transportation to go after grant dollars. Avenue C, Third Street, and South Lake Silver Drive were all projects funded through DOT. “We benefit locally from State and Federal grant dollars with a fraction of the overall costs being local investment,” said Palmer. A COMMITMENT TO TRAIL DEVELOPMENT Winter Haven was officially designated a Trail Town in 2022. “I was super excited,” Palmer said. “It was a culmination of a lot of the City’s efforts, and it showed great partnership with the State.” He called the distinction “another feather in our cap” as a city and noted that it shows the City of Winter Haven’s continued commitment to trail development and maintenance. A celebration for the Trail Town designation kicked off at the February Slow Roll and Ski Show. A group of 100 or more residents gathered with elected officials from Tallahassee to celebrate. They participated in a “slow roll” ride through downtown, where they stopped to watch the monthly Cypress Garden Water Ski Team perform on Lake Silver and ended the ride at Grove Roots Brewery. The Lake Elbert Trail is one example of that commitment to trail development. The 8-foot path on the south side of Dundee Road was improved about two years ago. The City spent two years working with 46 property owners around the lake to purchase the right of way and is currently finishing up another 1.8 miles to connect the west, north, and east sides for a completely paved 2.4-mile loop around Lake Elbert. The project will include a sidewalk connection to Rotary Park, some on-street parking, and a trailhead and boardwalk. In step with their One Water initiative, there will be a rain garden on Polk State College’s campus. The City is also assisting in championing an effort by the DOT to connect Winter Haven to the many vibrant cities bridging Florida’s Coast-to-Coast Trail (C2C). The C2C is an approximately 80 percent complete paved multi-use trail running east and west across the state from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Spanning some 250 miles, the trail connects St. Petersburg and Titusville. According to Palmer, our trail system is only six miles from connecting to the C2C. “Our vision is that you’d be able to go to downtown Winter Haven on that trail,” he said. The Old Dixie Trail would connect Winter Haven to the Auburndale/Van Fleet Trail and the Coast-to-Coast system. THE SAPPHIRE NECKLACE Winter Haven’s Sapphire Necklace, a vision of the City’s One Water Project centered around conservation, education, and long-term water storage, ties into the Trail Town ethos. Winter Haven forecasts continued long-term growth. “As responsible growth, one of the biggest resources we have to manage and plan for is water,” said Palmer. For years water would go into our Chain of Lakes and channel into Charlotte Harbor, Peace Creek, and then the Peace River. Very little water was stored locally. The Sapphire Necklace Project will feature properties around the city that catch and reserve rain while recharging the aquifer. These areas are envisioned to become nature parks with a linked trail system to alternative water sites. According to storymaps.arcgis.com, “The Sapphire Necklace is a connected network of water resources to guide the most suitable areas for development and conservation, while mindful of water storage, reuse, and recharge. The path is guided by Winter Haven’s lakes, aquifer recharge, and water storage to promote the best water strategy. Water strategy ‘looks’ different than you may think. Ultimately, water recharge and retention efforts often result in new parks and recreational areas for our families and tourists to enjoy. The Sapphire Necklace will also be home to a trail network to connect the many nature parks, neighborhood communities, and urban destinations.” This twenty-plus year project “will help replenish much of the estimated 27 billion gallons of water lost from the past century, yielding benefits locally and across a 13-county region. “The trail runs over 40 miles to connect nature zones, neighborhoods, and urban areas. “The potential alignment interacts with twelve lakes and helps guide water runoff to recharge zones through its emphasis on nature-based design.” “The Sapphire Necklace passes the Lake Conine Wetland Restoration Project, a great example of a water quality enhancement project happening in Winter Haven,” according to storymaps.arcgis.com. “This project is Winter Haven’s 4th wetland treatment nature park to improve water quality and reduce flooding, while adding trails and other recreational amenities in a disadvantaged neighborhood.” Roughly 32 acres were developed from overgrowth and muck into wetland pockets and plantings. Water is channeled through this wetland system and cleaned before entering the lake. Phase II of the project, expected to start construction in early 2024, will include developing a park and trail with picnic areas, a dock, restrooms, and a boardwalk. The City also purchased land adjacent to the South Lake Howard Nature Park several years ago. They are working towards expanding the Nature Park, which would include additional stormwater treatment to improve Lake Howard’s water quality. There will be additional trail network, a frisbee golf area, a picnic area, and an outdoor classroom. Along with City investment, The Lake Conine and Lake Howard Nature Park Projects were ranked first and second among close to 100 applications from across the state to the Florida Recreation Development Assistant Program (FRDAP). Photograph by Amy Sexson