July is National Lakes Appreciation Month, and as a UF/IFAS Extension agent, I’m taking this opportunity to shed light on an aspect of our local lakes that’s often overlooked but is incredibly important: the value of aquatic plants. Many of us might view these plants as pesky water weeds, but if we dive deeper, we’ll discover that they play a critical role in maintaining the health of our lakes and the wildlife that inhabits them. Let’s start by debunking some misconceptions. Lakefront vegetation often gets a bad rap for being messy, dangerous, or unsightly. However, with thoughtful planning and treating our shorelines as extensions of our landscape plans, lakefront vegetation can be transformed into a picturesque vista that also serves important functional roles for both our families and the environment. Some of the major benefits of aquatic plants is their contribution to clearer water, improved fish habitat, and their role in deterring problematic algae blooms. A diverse and abundant aquatic plant community is also likely to attract migratory birds and other wildlife, making our lakes teeming ecosystems and not just scenic backdrops. WILDLIFE HABITAT Aquatic plants are essentially wildlife condos. They supply shelter, food, and space – the three key components of wildlife habitat. Emergent (plants rooted to the lake bottom which emerge out of the water’s surface) and submerged plants (plants that are rooted to the lake bottom and live underwater) provide food for many of our migratory birds and waterfowl. For example, plants like duck potato and eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) serve as nutritious food sources for local waterfowl. Additionally, the seeds of aquatic grasses and sedges are important food sources for these birds. Beyond serving as a cafeteria for waterfowl, aquatic plants also act as nurseries for young sport fish and valuable aquatic species, like the Florida blue crawfish. Species like the red-wing blackbird, moorhen, and pied-billed grebe find nesting habitats among these plants. EROSION CONTROL On the practical side, aquatic plants like pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) and duck potato are excellent at controlling shoreline erosion. They anchor the soil, protecting your property from wave action. Preventing erosion is not only beneficial to maintaining your property line but it also helps you avoid lengthy and challenging processes to secure permits from Florida’s DEP to add soil back to your eroded land. WATER QUALITY AND CLARITY The connection between aquatic plants and water quality might be complex, but in general terms, a robust and diverse aquatic plant community will safeguard and enhance water quality and clarity over time. Some plants, like eelgrass, have even been correlated with improved water clarity. When a lake has a healthy population of submerged aquatic plants, it is more likely to have cleaner, clearer water. Having more native plants in our lakes is a win-win situation for both people who enjoy the lakes and the wildlife that depend on them. ALGAE BLOOMS Algae blooms are a natural phenomenon in Florida, especially during summer. However, due to changes in land use from rural to more urban and agricultural practices, we have added excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to our lakes. This can lead to larger and more frequent algae blooms which can be harmful to our ecosystems and society. The true remedy lies in reducing excess nutrients through restoration of our lake ecosystems. This means restoring wetlands, encouraging the growth of native plants, and prioritizing lakefront management that helps the ecosystem over personal desires. Unfortunately, it also takes time. Most algae blooms are merely an annoyance, but sometimes when conditions are right, they become “harmful algae blooms” which are also referred to as HAB’s. These algae blooms look vibrant in color, often bright green and bright blue, and may smell like rotting plants. They tend to be streaky on top of the water, like floating paint. If you think you may have a “harmful algae bloom,” report it to Florida’s Department of Health at floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom. “BUT, I DON’T LIVE ON A LAKE?” Even if you don’t reside by the lakeside, there are several ways to join in National Lakes Appreciation Month: Arrange a “Lakes Appreciation Night” at a local eatery, a fun community event that can also raise funds for a local lake association like Lakes Education/Action Drive (www.lakeseducation.com) Embrace the Florida summer with lake activities like boating, swimming, or fishing to build a deeper appreciation for our local lakes. Consider organizing a shoreline cleanup - it not only beautifies but also improves wildlife habitats. If your home is near a water body and your home is on septic, think about having your septic system pumped to prevent potential water contamination. If you’re a nature enthusiast, go birding or photograph a lake or pond. If you’re artistic, draw or paint a lake scene and share your creation with us on social media. I’m on Twitter and Instagram at @PolkNR and would be thrilled to see your works! These small acts can make an enormous difference in preserving and appreciating our local lakes, today and every day. This National Lakes Appreciation Month let’s take a moment to appreciate the intricate and invaluable role aquatic plants play in our lakes. They are more than just “weeds” - they are the lifelines of our lake ecosystems. In our roles as stewards of these natural resources, we can start by promoting the value of aquatic plants and by practicing responsible lakefront management. Together, we can make a difference, not only in appreciation of our lakes but in the action to preserve and protect them. If you live on a lake and want to get involved in water quality sampling, email me at scarnevale@ufl.edu to inquire about becoming a Florida Lakewatch Volunteer (https://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/). Photography by Tyler Jones

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

When pondering the grassroots potential of the bake sale, it’s hard not to think of Georgia Gilmore, the woman who fed and funded the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. Gilmore formed The Club From Nowhere, a secret civil rights kitchen where she sold pies and pound cakes to raise funds for the 381-day resistance. It’s also hard to not think of Paola Velez, the DC chef who co-founded Bakers Against Racism, a massive bake sale movement that began as a pop-up in 2020 and has raised over 2.5 million dollars for social justice causes worldwide. Bake sales are nostalgic, collaborative by design, cheap to produce, and, as proven by Gilmore and Velez, can be true conduits for social change. This is what inspired us to start the Big Love Bake Sale. With minimal fundraising experience, we figured the best place to start was by choosing a cause that was timely and personal to us, ideally in our own neighborhood. With Pride month upon us, we are reminded of the Stonewall Riots of 1969. We are reminded that it was the drag community and trans people of color who led the rebellion that spawned the Gay Rights Movement. In recent weeks, we’ve seen a major rise in anti-drag legislation in our home state. We’ve seen how this has caused a surge in transphobia and opened more doors for harassment and hateful speech against the LGBTQ+ community. It’s tough to ignore in general, but especially as a Queer-owned business operating in a state where things like that are happening. Gio and I started our pop-up bakery, Bandidas, a couple years ago and it’s been a rollercoaster to say the least. Food trends come and go, but one thing that hasn’t changed is our mantra of “community as a compass.” How can we create a safe space for the Queer community without a physical location to call our own? For us, the answer is to hold more events like Big Love Bake Sale where we can raise awareness, drive donations and share valuable information. With the safety and livelihood of the drag community at stake, it seemed like a no-brainer to choose The Rose Dynasty Foundation as the organization we wanted to benefit from with the bake sale. Not only do they provide mentoring for LGBTQ+ youth, but they are committed to creating safe spaces for our Queer community, all while spreading their positive mantra that everyone is “loved, accepted and wanted.” They work nonstop to raise funds for numerous organizations like the Polk County Bully Project and The Rent Tent Initiative, by producing family-friendly drag and variety shows, proving that drag can be, and IS, safe for people of all ages. Once we chose an organization, our next step was to secure the dough, quite literally. We emailed and reached out to a bunch of local bakers and businesses on Instagram for pastry donations. Our ask was 25 to 50 pastries, whatever they felt comfortable with. An overwhelming majority agreed to participate, and it was really heartening to see how the cause resonated with so many people. It was important to us that we included a mix of bakers and businesses we knew, as well as some new friends we’d been pining to work with. Some have a brick-and-mortar; most are pop-ups, and a few are avid home-bakers who are passionate about the cause. A huge driving force behind the bake sale was our desire to meet other people in our industry and collaborate with them on something meaningful. Many of us operate as pop-ups, and it’s rare that we get the chance to participate in the same markets, since most of them have quotas for how many pastry vendors can participate in a single event. Our goal is to make the Big Love Bake Sale a regular occurrence and to get it down to a science so we can replicate it to raise funds for other local organizations that matter to us. Creating community around food is our love language and sometimes that message gets lost in the chaos of running a small food business. Many fundraisers are centered around fancy galas or benefit dinners, which are great, but we wanted something small scale and accessible to everyone in the community. You can come to our bake sale with five dollars and walk away with something delicious, knowing you supported an amazing cause. What can you expect to eat at the bake sale? To name a few: Pinoy Cravings will be serving up their signature Filipino bibingka, a chewy coconut rice cake. Winter Haven’s Honeycomb bakery will be providing classic croissants and pain au chocolate and Lakeland’s Born + Bread Bakehouse will have “Love Is Love” twice-baked croissants stuffed with cake batter frangipane and rainbow sprinkles. Citrus lovers will swoon for the mojito and key lime pie cupcakes by From Beverly Bakery (the latter is GF and vegan!). Vegetation Plant Food, who recently opened their brick-and-mortar in Lakeland, will also be serving vegan delights. DOU Bakehouse will be bringing their financier cake pops (that’s an almond and brown butter cake dipped in chocolate!) and Baking Brewer will be on site with her beloved beer-infused triple chocolate brownies. Beyond baked goods, there will also be some fun beverages from Lakeland pop-ups Glizzy Gal and La Sirena who will be serving vegan cold brew creations and agua frescas, respectively. There will be ice cream and popsicles from Purple Panda to cool down on what will surely be a June scorcher (don’t worry, the event is indoors). Last but not least, there will be raffles and live performances from The Rose Dynasty Foundation and friends! If you made it this far, we hope you are hungry and as excited as we are for this event. Big Love Bake Sale is family-friendly and free to attend. It will take place on June 4th at ART/ifact Studio in Lakeland from 12 to 3pm. Tickets will be available at the door to redeem for baked goods and beverages. Each ticket is $5 and is good for one item of your choosing. We can’t thank our participating bakers and makers enough for offering up their talents. Special thanks to ART/ifact for providing us with a space to hold all this love (and sugar) and of course to the Rose Dynasty Foundation for everything they do for our community. See you all on the 4th! Photography by Amy Sexson Big Love Bake Sale June 4, 12 pm – 3 pm ART/ifact 820 N. Massachusetts Ave. Lakeland, Florida 33801

Eight years ago, Jason DeShazo sat in the crowd of a Dixie Longate drag show. “I don’t think I laughed and cried so much in one sitting outside of church ever,” he said. In her affected southern drawl, Dixie, America’s own Tupperware queen, told a simple story about “bumping a duck.” It goes something like this. There’s a duck in the middle of a calm lake. If you throw a stone into the lake, it ripples and bumps the duck. “If you can just be one stone to bump a duck, to cause a reaction, what kind of difference could you make in the world,” DeShazo said. “It immediately changed my life.” That’s when DeShazo, who performs as Momma Ashley Rose, moved forward with starting the charitable organization, Rose Dynasty Foundation. Born in Plant City and raised in Okeechobee, “I grew up in a very conservative home,” DeShazo said. The family attended church several days a week. “I’ve always known I was gay.” Coming out in the early 80s amid the AIDS epidemic was a dangerous time for anyone, he said. “There was a lot of fear instilled already.” In his teens, DeShazo endured conversion therapy. “It just wasn’t going to work,” he said. “I did everything I knew I could do to try to change what I thought, and what I was being told, was not right.” In true Momma Ashley Rose fashion, DeShazo found humor in the midst of pain, joking, “It gave me three things: It gave me my therapist, it made me gayer, and it made me a drag queen.” DeShazo was involved in both mainstream and LGBTQ+ churches for many years. After serving in the ministry, he found something to be missing. “There was more to what I believed in my life that needed to be done,” he said. Loved, Accepted, and Wanted For the duration of this story, I will refer to DeShazo as she and her because, really, my interview wasn’t with DeShazo – it was with Momma. A dynasty, by definition, is a family, and the Rose Dynasty Foundation is no different. Momma started the organization with her husband, Scott DeShazo. Rose Dynasty Vice President Scott DeShazo, who performs as Amanduh Rose, said, “Every great person needs a good backbone.” Together for 15 years, Scott also makes all of Momma’s costumes, including the patchwork dress she wore that day, made with her great-grandmother’s hand-stitched material. She completed the look with a pair of rhinestone sneakers. Momma Ashley Rose started experimenting with drag in 2000 when a local drag queen painted her for a Halloween Party. “I loved it. I absolutely loved it,” she said. This persona was someone she wanted to bring to the world. “I never wanted to be the stereotypical queen.” When she first started performing as Momma, she was a bit “churchy” and even did a few gospel shows. Her drag changed and sometimes stopped entirely for a year or two before finding her way back to it. “Every time I evolved and really made a change of growing into what ‘Momma’ and this organization is now.” “I believed that what I needed to do was establish a safe space for all people,” Momma said. More important than the flashy costumes, elaborate makeup, and side-splitting one-liners is her message, “You are loved, accepted, and wanted,” something she intones at every event. “We’ve all felt that, whether you’re Queer or not. We’ve all felt unloved, unwanted, or unaccepted at some point in our life. Any human being has felt that way. I knew it was a message that people needed to hear, including myself.” The organization has been a safe space for folks like 19-year-old Florida Southern College student Adam Reuther. Reuther, who performs as Mistah Aphrodite, started doing drag two years ago. Their first performance was at a charity event with Rose Dynasty. The versatility and art – horror, camp, glamour, across the gender spectrum – drew them to performing. “There’s so much to explore,” they said. “Doing good while performing, raising money, is a very satisfying feeling because I’m doing something I love, and I’m making the world better.” Working with the organization has given the music education major a new understanding of how the world works “in both good ways and bad.” They said, “It’s disheartening to see that there are people out there trying to crush someone’s individual spirit for just existing.” Locally, Mistah Aphrodite says they’ve been surrounded by support for their art from family, friends, and fellow students. “What’s most shocking about Polk County is the love is so much more outspoken than the hate.” Rose Dynasty Foundation provides a safe space and entertainment for all ages while raising money for charities across Polk County, Central Florida, and beyond. They host events to raise funds for organizations like CampOUT, Florida’s first LGBTQ+ summer camp, and the FitzLane Project, which provides funding to underprivileged transgender youth for LGBTQIA+ specialized therapeutic services at the mental health provider of their choice. “We focus on the small charities that don’t get the government funding that are still making a difference,” Momma said. The Polk County Bully Project, Red Tent Initiative, It Takes a Village feeding families during Covid, Art Crawl, domestic violence shelters, autism, children’s hospitals, and cancer research are just some of the 70 charitable efforts for which they’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. The organization’s primary fundraiser is Miss Rose Dynasty, the world’s only family-friendly charity-based drag pageant. This year they raised $28K for five charities. Their goal is to one day have a community center in town. Momma envisions a space that offers food, life skills classes, therapy, a venue for events, and a safe space for the Queer community. Some oppose their family-friendly philanthropic events, calling them ‘adult’ and ‘inappropriate.’ “I encourage people to come to our events and see what’s happening. If you don’t leave with your mind changed, that’s something that you need to deal with,” Momma said. She cited classic movies and television shows like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “I Love Lucy,” in which drag was predominantly featured as comedic relief for the whole family. While there are undoubtedly adult drag performers, that is not what Rose Dynasty promotes. “This has been around for a long time, and if it’s being sexualized, it’s not by the drag queens. It’s by the people that are closed-minded looking in,” Momma said. “A child, when they walk up to me, they see the same thing as when they see Cinderella. They see any other princess, any other character. They just see someone that they feel safe with that has a positive message that’s sparkly, and glittery, and shiny.” Hate Won’t Win On December 3rd last year, at a family-friendly drag and art show, a hate group protested the event. Some dozen Neo-Nazis, covering their faces, turned up at ART/ifact Studio in Lakeland to disrupt the fundraising efforts. Momma Ashley Rose noted they’d held events for six years at the venue and never once had a protestor make a scene. “I knew one day it was coming,” she said. “But I had no clue it was going to be Nazis.” About an hour before the event, as Queer artists from around the county geared up to sell their artwork to raise money for CampOUT, Momma got a phone call. A concerned parent contacted her from a parking lot down the road to say they were scared because they’d seen protestors with Nazi signs outside the gallery. They immediately locked down the venue to make sure everyone was safe, and the Lakeland Police Department arrived on the scene. “Lakeland Police Department did really well. I believe they did the best of their ability,” Momma said. “They made sure we were protected, that the doors were sealed, that no one came in unless we let them. They stayed until we were done.” Mistah Aphrodite was there that day too. “I was angry. I was pissed off because I’m here dedicating my time and energy to raise money for people in need. We have children here who want to showcase their art, who want to do something they love, and there are people outside screaming curse words, screaming slurs,” they said. The protesters blocked the window with a 20-foot sign and projected offensive things onto the side of the building. They held antisemitic signs and yelled “things that no child should have to hear” at kids as they walked with their parents into the event. “Rose Dynasty has helped me manage my own reactions,” Mistah Aphrodite said. “It’s taught me to be composed on the outside, so I didn’t do anything rash. I stayed inside and made sure everyone else was doing okay, everyone else was safe.” Despite the disruption, the event went on. “We’re not going to let hate win,” Momma said. The incident did shake the organization, though. They now have to spend hundreds of dollars for security at every event. It’s another weight on the philanthropist’s shoulders. “We’re working on active shooter training, on how to handle protestors. We’re trying to get as prepared as we can for the ‘what ifs,’” Momma said. She lost several friends in the Pulse nightclub shooting. This hits close to home. “It’s scary,” she said. “Drag queens are supposedly causing harm to children when our children are having to do active shooter drills in school,” Momma added. “And here we are raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity, helping the community, and we’re having to think about active shooter training. […] We shouldn’t have to think about that, and it all stems from the hate that we have allowed to come into our country in the last several years.” Speaking Out Momma Ashley Rose spoke both in and out of drag against SB 1438. The Florida chapter of the ACLU described SB 1438 as “a bill that grants state agencies the power to target LGBTQ+ friendly businesses by giving the Department of Business and Professional Regulation discretionary authority to fine, revoke liquor licenses, and even shut down establishments. Additionally, it makes it a crime to admit young people to any performance, exhibit, play, or show that the state deems inappropriate, even if the child’s parents think it is appropriate for their family.” The bill, introduced by Florida Republican Senators Clay Yarborough and Keith Perry, passed 82 to 32 on April 19. “At face value, it shouldn’t affect us,” Momma said. But it has given them pause to consider how they run the organization. “Do we rename it? Do I stop doing drag? I don’t want to, and I’m not planning on it. It’s going to cost legal services. It’s going to risk going to jail. It’s going to risk losing venues – which we have already.” “It’s a blatant attack on the Queer community,” she went on. “It’s a blatant attack on the drag community. It’s a distraction from something else, from something bigger. […] When you look at the people making these accusations, they’re deflecting something, and it’s sad. […] Our suicide rate in our LGBTQ+ community is skyrocketing again, and it’s because of this fear-mongering that’s happening.” Out of the emotions Mistah Aphrodite feels about the bill, fear is not one of them. “I think the bill is just a thinly veiled attack on the Queer community as a whole because people have been entertained by drag for centuries, if not eons,” they said. “Dating back to ancient Greece, you would have men playing female roles on stage. You have all these classic TV shows and cartoons of characters in drag, and it was never a problem then. There are photos of past political leaders doing drag, and I’ve heard the excuse, ‘It was just in good fun.’ Well, what are we doing? Are we not having fun?” Rose Dynasty may now have to find more creative ways to raise funds for charity. They’ve already lost thousands of dollars a month in donations from businesses having to choose between continuing to host their drag events or risk losing their business. “It puts fear and more stress on entertainers. Not just myself but my brothers and sisters who are drag performers. What are they going to do? The restaurants are already canceling. The brunches are already closing. It not only puts a damper on the entertainment industry, it puts a damper on people’s income and for the charities we raise money for.” “The people backing these laws will never set foot in one of our events, and I’ve invited them,” Momma said. “They want to believe the hate they believe.” To counter the hate and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation, “Be an action ally,” Momma urges. “People claim to be allies, but if you’re sitting and not doing anything and you’re not helping, you’re not being an ally. If you’re being quiet and not having conversations, not donating, you’re not an action ally. We really need action allies.” “Use your voice to amplify ours,” said Mistah Aphrodite. A Ripple Momma is a fighter. Sitting for dozens of interviews, speaking in front of the Florida senate, and continuing to be outspoken on Queer issues have garnered her hateful messages and death threats. Asked why she carries on, her husband spoke up, “Who else is going to do it?” Momma’s eyes welled up with tears as she said, “Who else? I wish I had somebody like me when I was young. We all wish we had somebody like ourselves. Who else is going to fight? Who else is going to stand up for these people? Who else is going to stand up for the community?” She hopes, if not a multitude, at least one person will be changed by her words. “If nothing else, it’s shown us that people are watching, and people are listening, and it’s giving people hope. That’s why I do what I do. That’s why I spread this message of love and acceptance,” she said. “If it stops somebody from ending their life. If it stops somebody from feeling hurt, distraught – it would be worth it.” Scott DeShazo added in a hopeful tone, “It just takes a ripple.” Photographs by Amy Sexson Rose Dynasty Foundation FB @rosedynastyfoundation IG @rosedynastyfoundation www.rosedynastyfoundationinc.org

The art of drag has a long history. It is nothing new to society, dating back centuries when men often dressed as women for entertainment and other events. The term “drag” itself is thought to have originated in the theater world in the early 20th century, when male actors would wear women’s clothing to play female roles. For a time in history, it was illegal for women to perform on stage. While “art” is subjective and can vary from person to person, drag can certainly be considered an art form. Drag involves using costume, makeup, and performance to create a persona that is often exaggerated or larger-than-life. Drag performers often use their art to explore issues related to gender identity, sexuality, social norms, and beyond. Drag can consist of Kings, Queens, and anything in between. It can be an expression of gender, gender-bending, cosplay, and more. Whether you are a male dressing as a female, a female dressing as a male, or even expressing your own gender or none at all, this is one of the amazing parts of the art form. Many drag performers also use their art to express themselves creatively and entertain audiences. Whether through lip-syncing, dance, comedy, singing live, playing musical instruments, or drama, drag performers often use their talents to create a memorable and impactful performance that leaves a lasting impression on their audience. Drag is a form of performance and visual art. As I stated before, the term “larger-than-life” is a good way to explain the look. Whether it’s a drag Queen, King, or anything in between, everyone has a chance to show off their art in a creative way. Utilizing makeup, wigs, costumes, and props, drag performers often spend time getting into character before a performance. This may involve practicing their mannerisms and movements to create a convincing and entertaining performance. Like any performance, drag requires a lot of practice and preparation. Drag performers may rehearse their lip-syncing, live singing, dance moves, comedy routines, and more to ensure their performance is polished and entertaining. Drag can have the power to challenge societal norms and provoke thought about issues related to gender identity and expression. This can open up so much for people to understand and even provide a safe space for others. There can be so much inspiration and empowerment for others through art. The drag transformation for me can be a lot of work – shaving my facial hair off to have a smooth face to create the look of a female and using stage makeup of all sorts. My base is a thick cream foundation used in many theaters and television shows, along with special effects makeup and large amounts of setting powder. Bright colors for my eyes and contour to change the look of the shape of my face. False lashes that are huge! Wearing a big-styled wig, large rhinestone jewelry, and elaborate dresses covered in rhinestones, it can take me up to two hours to become Momma. Over the last 23 years, my makeup and costumes have evolved, as do many artists. I have had the chance to learn and grow in my skills. I have learned from other makeup artists, makeup classes, YouTube, and more. In my over two decades of doing drag, I have had the chance to watch so many lives change. I have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities. I have spread the message that everyone is loved, accepted, and wanted, no matter who they are. I have seen families come together to celebrate so many things, including the love they have for their children, family, and friends. To me, the power behind drag is and can be life changing. On days when I am tired or don’t feel like taking the time to “transform” into Momma, I look in the mirror and think of the lives we have helped change through this art. I think of the kids whose smiles light up the room when I walk out and sing or read them stories. I think of the families I see come together to celebrate each other. I think of the community we built by raising money and awareness for so many charities. That is the reason I do what I do. That is the reason I believe drag is an art and drag is life-changing and brings joy and love! While not everyone may consider drag an art form, it certainly has many elements of traditional art forms. Executing successfully requires a great deal of skill, creativity, and talent. There has been a lot of talk about drag being harmful to people. There are no proven facts that drag has harmed anyone. In fact, history has shown drag performers have always created a safe space for people and helped raise money and awareness for many social and political issues. There are many types of drag, as there are different types of TV, music, and stage shows. You have adult TV, radio, and entertainment, and you have those that are safe for all ages. Drag is and can be the same. Not all drag is for adults only. As with any art form, the show and entertainer can adjust the content to make it safer for all ages. Drag is not a crime; Drag is NOT harmful; Drag is love; Drag is community; Drag is art, and we are not going anywhere.

As an Extension Agent, a significant part of my daily work involves talking about our environment with folks from all walks of life. A topic that has recently been on everyone’s lips in the realm of urban forestry and community health is the urban heat island effect. It’s an issue that has far-reaching implications for our cities and the people who live in them. Now that summer feels like it is officially here, and hurricane season is upon us, I feel like everyone’s conversation has turned to how hot the weather has been. And while the season’s hottest weather is yet to come, you may have noticed it doesn’t feel equally hot everywhere in Polk County. This is especially true when you compare the evening temperatures in our more rural or natural areas to our cities like Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, and Lake Wales. We can all thank the urban heat island effect for this heat disparity. So, what is the urban heat island effect? Essentially, it refers to urban or metropolitan areas that are significantly warmer than their surrounding rural regions. This temperature difference is primarily due to human activities. Cities and towns are full of buildings, roads, parking lots, and other structures made of materials like asphalt and concrete that absorb sunlight during the day and release it slowly at night, leading to an overall increase in temperature. However, the heat island effect isn’t just a daytime phenomenon. Unlike rural areas, which cool down considerably after sunset, urban areas don’t experience the same temperature drop. The heat stored in buildings and roads keep cities warm even after the sun goes down, creating a 24/7 cycle of increased temperatures. In winter, this can feel a bit nice. While the countryside in Polk may experience freezing temperatures, it will likely stay a few degrees warmer in the cities. In areas with a lot of water, like Lakeland and Winter Haven, this effect can be compounded by the insulating effect large waterbodies have on the surrounding lands. Even at a statewide level, this is noticeable. It’s why Florida will look bright orange on the weather map when every other state is experiencing freezing temperatures. And, although it may seem counterintuitive, the water can have the same insulating effect in summer. When states to the north are experiencing heat waves into the triple digits, it is rarer to see those temperatures in Florida. There isn’t a lot of research about how the urban heat island effect and the insulating effects of large waterbodies work in cities with both phenomena, but hopefully, there will be in the future. Unfortunately, the implications of the urban heat island effect are complex, and wide-ranging, and go beyond simple discomfort. For instance, as temperatures rise, so does our reliance on air conditioning, leading to increased energy consumption. Furthermore, hotter temperatures elevate the emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. From a human health perspective, heat islands can lead to heat stress and other heat-related illnesses. Even our wildlife isn’t spared, as some creatures are drawn to the warmth of the roads, leading to an unfortunate increase in roadkill incidents. As Polk County continues to urbanize, we must tackle the heat island effect head-on. But what can we do on an individual level? There are several strategies we can all take part in. First and foremost, plant more trees. Trees are nature’s air conditioners. They absorb sunlight, provide shade, and cool the air through a process called transpiration. Additionally, trees provide a multitude of other benefits, from filtering pollutants out of the air to capturing stormwater runoff. However, planting a tree isn’t as simple as just digging a hole and dropping in a seedling. You need to consider where to plant it for maximum shading effect. For instance, planting a tree on the east, west, or south sides of your house can provide the most shade. If you’re unsure what type of tree to plant or how to plant it, call our office in Bartow. Your local Polk County extension office is staffed with trained master gardener volunteers who are always ready to provide personalized advice for your yard. Beyond planting trees, we can also turn to green infrastructure. This includes initiatives like green roofs, cool pavements, and strategically planned city growth. These mimic natural systems and bring the benefits of nature into our built environments. These projects can be more expensive up front but are often less expensive in the long run when we consider energy efficiency, stormwater management, and mitigation of traditional capital projects. Last, but by no means least, is the power of civic engagement. Let your local government know you value trees and support measures that protect and enhance our urban forests (also known as community forests). You can do this by sending an email, making a call, or attending community meetings. Every voice counts and public support for these less-traditional solutions is critical. As we work to mitigate the urban heat island effect, it’s essential to remember that community trees and forest canopy aren’t just about cooling our cities. There’s a growing body of research showing that being around trees can lower stress levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. In short, trees make us happier and healthier. And, as new research continues to be released, I’m confident that this relationship with community trees will only get stronger. In conclusion, combating the urban heat island effect is a complex and collective effort. We all have a part to play in planting trees, supporting green infrastructure, and championing urban and community forestry. By doing so, we can help make our cities more livable, improve public health, and protect Florida’s natural beauty. If you’re interested in learning more about the urban heat island effect, consider listening to the Naturally Florida podcast episode on this topic at https://link.chtbl.com/HAVENreaders. It’s episode one of season two, “Is It Getting Hotter in Our Cities? It’s the Urban Heat Island Effect!” If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at scarnevale@ufl.edu.

It’s time to celebrate, affirm, and stand beside our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and community members in the week-long celebration, Polk Pride. Asked if there was anything new or exciting with Pride this year, founder Scott Guira replied, “The most exciting thing is that we’re going to continue to have it despite the things going on out there.” Guira created Polk Pride in 2015 to foster a community in Polk County where LGBTQ+ folks of all ages could feel welcome. Discussing the organization in 2021, Guira said, “I know this community has grown. I know that it is an outstanding place to live, to work, to play. I grew up here, and I’ve seen the community change. I want to make sure that the next generation of young people coming up and people moving to the area see that this is a place for them, this is a place for everybody.” Despite a slew of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Guira, and his team are moving forward to create the same safe, loving space he sought to forge in 2015. “We think that at a time like this, it’s more important than ever that we be out, we be vocal, and that our allies are part of our events,” he said. Polk Pride isn’t just being vocal. In April, the organization donated to the Drag2Talle initiative. “Drag2Talle was an opportunity for not only drag queens but trans people and our allies to go up to Tallahassee and make our voice heard that drag is not a crime. Drag is an art,” Guira said. “This is considered an attack on the entire LGBTQ+ community, and it was important for us to be part of a larger contingency of people from across the state who went to make sure our legislators, and so the public could see, that LGBTQ+ people are everywhere and that we are just as much a part of the community as they are.” Also under the Polk Pride umbrella are Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and the Lakeland Youth Alliance (LYA), and they, too, are raising their voices. On November 4, students participated in the state-wide “Don’t Say Gay’’ walkout as the Florida Board of Education unanimously voted to expand the “Don’t Say Gay” law. On March 31, they held an LGBTQ+ rights protest at the entrance of Lake Bonny Park. The bills they protested included HB 999, HB 254, and HB 1223. “I don’t know that they make much of an impact on the people in Tallahassee, but I know it makes a huge impact to the kids. It’s important that their voices be heard,” said LYA and Polk PFLAG President Kerri McCoy. Most LYA students are middle school-aged and have used words like “unfair” and “government control” to describe the bills. Of HB 999, McCoy said, “Some of them will now have to reshape what they’re thinking as far as their future goes, as far as what they’re going to study.” Trans youth have asked, “What’s going to happen to us?” McCoy said, “We have seen the tides turn before. It’s going to be a matter of electing the right people, and we can see change again. If we all just stick together, eventually, we will get through this. I feel like there’s a rainbow at the end.” To support Polk Pride, folks can become a sponsor, volunteer, donate, or join their initiatives. Those interested in volunteering or donating can do so on their website. “It’s important that we have our allies as part of our Pride celebration,” Guira said. “If people can share our events [on social media] […] or by word of mouth, whatever they need to do to get the word out that this event is happening and that it is important to everyone in Polk County.” As an ally, Kerri McCoy advised finding LGBTQ+ resources in the community and becoming part of a group. “If you know someone who is LGBTQ+, ask, ‘What can I do to support you? How can I help? What can I do to make a difference?’” “Pride was born out of a necessity,” Guira said. “We celebrate Pride now, but when Pride started, it began as a protest against people who were holding LGBTQ+ people back from living safe lives. Now, it’s just as important, if not more important than it’s been the last several years because of our legislation and the changing political climate, to make sure our voice is heard and let people know we’re not going to stand by and let this decision be made without our speaking up.” Photography by Amy Sexson Polk Pride polkpridefl.com FB @PolkPrideFL IG @polkpridefl Lakeland Youth Alliance lakelandyouthalliance.org FB @LakelandYouthAlliance PFLAG of Polk County pflagofpolkcounty.org FB @PFLAGofPolkCounty PRIDEONTAP Polk Pride 2023 Begins Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St, Lakeland Saturday 6/10 2-5 pm PRIDEFORYOUTH Lakeland Youth Alliance Pride Party Ages 11-17 Location TBD Wednesday 6/14 6:30 pm PRIDEINFAITH An Interfaith Celebration of Pride Beacon Hill Fellowship 220 W Beacon Rd, Lakeland Thursday 6/15 7 pm PRIDEKICKOFF Drinks, Dancing, and Drag The Parrot 1030 E Main St, Lakeland Friday 6/16 9 pm - 2 am PRIDEINTHEPARK Celebration of Pride for the Whole Family Munn Park | Downtown 201 E Main St, Lakeland Saturday 6/17 10 am - 3 pm PRIDEAFTER DARK Pride After Party | Drag Show LKLD Live @ Rec Room 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland Saturday 6/17 9 pm - 2 am

The Florida Dance Theatre, founded in 1993 by Carol Krajacic Erkes, is a “home and a community rather than a program,” according to Artistic Director Stefan Dolbashian and Board Chair Tiffany Van Wieren. Florida Dance Theatre (FDT) is Lakeland’s only nonprofit professional dance company and a hub for dance education, excellence, and outreach. The studio’s inclusion and community outreach are  what drew Stefan Dolbashian to the dance company. Dolbashian was born and raised in New York City. He grew up surrounded by artists – his mother, a classical singer and vocal coach; his father, a percussionist who played for Earth, Wind & Fire; and his brother, a dancer and choreographer. Dolbashian, his father, and his grandfather are all alumni of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, known ubiquitously as the “Fame School.” At 19, he auditioned with the Florida Dance Theatre at the Alvin Ailey School in New York, where he trained. Offered an apprenticeship with the company, Dolbashian moved to Lakeland. He left for several years on contract with Peridance Contemporary Dance Company and spent that time touring the U.S. and Europe. “After the touring was over, I found that I really missed Lakeland and FDT,” Dolbashian said. As soon as his contract was up, he called Erkes, who gave him an opportunity to return to the company he loved as a resident choreographer until she retired in 2019 and Dolbashian took over as artistic director. Board Chair for Florida Dance Theatre, Tiffany Van Wieren, is the Arts and Medicine coordinator for Watson Clinic Foundation. After meeting Erkes, Van Wieren was impressed with the company she’d created. “I thought this was a beautiful blend of having professional dancers and education and outreach,” Van Wieren said. As a former art teacher, the emphasis on arts and education was important to her. She later met Executive Director Jermaine Thornton, appreciated his vision, and decided to sign onto the Board last year. “I am very committed to Florida Dance Theatre being the first thing that pops to mind when you think of arts impact in our community,” she said. A DANCE COMPANY FOR EVERYONE Florida Dance Theatre started as Lakeland Ballet, a training school in a modest warehouse in Lakeland. “[Erkes] never originally designed it to have a professional company. She just wanted to be able to teach dance and have that available to the youth here in Lakeland,” Dolbashian said. “Over time, belief in the organization continued to grow, as well as the student body.” As her first students graduated, they didn’t want to leave her school. That, Dolbashian said, was the birth of the professional dance company. “That has only empowered the school further because these wonderful current professional dancers are the children’s educators,” he said. “I think that’s powerful.” According to FDT, “Ms. Erkes was impressed by the talent available in the Polk County region; and while recognizing a lack of dance programming in the area, she formed Polk County’s first, and to this date, only professional dance company.” The dance company has seen dancers from around the country and the world, including Russia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. These professional dancers make up the faculty of the auxiliary training academy, which offers instruction in classical ballet, jazz, modern, and more. “Several Academy students have gone on to pursue their professional careers with other companies, including the Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Met, Memphis Ballet, Ballet Magnificat, the Smuin Company, and Hartford Ballet,” according to FDT. “Many students have also received scholarships to college dance programs, including Florida State, Southern Methodist University, and Goucher College.” The company serves as a nonprofit professional dance company, training academy, and hub for community outreach. Florida Dance Theatre has had educational partnerships with organizations such as Family Fundamentals, Salvation Army, and the Lakeland Housing Authority, summer camps, scholarship programs, and in-school Arts in Education performance series. A vested interest in creating awareness and exposure to arts education has led the organization to do many large-scale productions, including original full-length ballets. “We’ve been able to combine the professional academy as well as the students to do full-length professional productions,” Dolbashian said. “This group of individuals that dance and teach here, I always refer to them as the most beautiful band of misfits I’ve ever seen,” said the artistic director. Where many dance companies require one standard body type, “That’s not a vision that we see here. We believe dance is for everyone. There’s no such thing as too tall, too short, too thick – that doesn’t exist here. We do want you to be technically strong. [...] But as long as you have that hard work and drive, this is a dance company for everyone.” A REBIRTH Florida Dance Theatre will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. With this milestone comes a restructuring and revitalization for the company. Board Chair Tiffany Van Wieren noted that they look to other arts organizations, like Polk Museum of Art and Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, who have undergone similar growth and rebirth in recent years. “That’s what we’re looking to do,” she said. A part of that process will be moving to a new location and revamping the company’s infrastructure. “The three directors here have done amazing things with very limited resources,” Van Wieren said. As Board Chair, she is tasked with giving them better resources and helping them to flesh out the behind-the-scenes systems to keep things running smoothly and “do the most good in our community.” The move means bringing their facilities to an even higher standard. The dance theatre looks to have a prominent building with more space. Van Wieren called the move “part of a bigger picture” to inspire awareness and support to build or purchase their own building. “If you look at similar cities where they are now, they typically have three strong arts organizations. They have a very strong nonprofit dance organization, arts, and symphony,” Van Wieren said. “Here in Lakeland, we have two out of the three. This organization has amazing, wonderful quality, […] but there’s still not a lot of awareness of what FDT does, and I think that’s the missing piece, truly.” “Lakeland deserves this,” Van Wieren added. “We are fully nonprofit; we belong to Polk County. […] We belong to our citizens.” OUTREACH PROGRAMS Community outreach isn’t an afterthought for FDT; it’s at the dance company’s core. “The way they do it is very personal,” Dolbashian said. “Our executive director, Jermaine, is a fantastic grant writer and is fantastic at implementing these programs.” Van Wieren said, “Dance is integral to who we are as human beings, and it’s so important that we move our bodies.” The company’s outreach is inclusive of all ages and tends to fall into three categories – Arts and Education, Arts and Health, and Passport to the Arts. Under Arts and Education, FDT has partnered with other arts organizations like the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra to tie in performances for Polk County Schools. They also host annual summer camps and have created year-round after-school programs in local public schools. “We were able to have the kids from Crystal Lake in our “Nutcracker” this year,” Dolbashian said of the after-school program. Another workshop involved a partnership with the Robotics and Engineering department at Florida Poly Tech. “We were able to marry dance and engineering together in a summer program where the students learned aspects of robotics and created costumes that would light up,” Dolbashian said. “Dance is so expensive to participate in. There are so many children who want to do it whose families don’t have the accessibility to do so,” said the artistic director. FDT provides education, studio space, and dance clothes through its outreach programs. “My parents went through a lot and sacrificed a lot to make sure I was able to do what I wanted to. I would love to make it easier on our Polk County families if we can.” For Arts and Health, FDT partners with the Watson Clinic Foundation to integrate arts and aging programs. Florida Dance Theatre has also established relationships with local assisted care facilities for their Passport to the Arts. The program utilizes sponsors to provide tickets for those in partnering assisted care homes to see FDT productions like “The Nutcracker” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Passport to the Arts is modeled after a nationwide ‘social prescription’ program that pairs seniors with a social prescription for something they’re interested in, like dance, music, and art. BE PART OF THE POSSIBLE Those interested in supporting Florida Dance Theatre can patronize the 30th anniversary season and ‘Be pART of the Possible’ by donating to their 30th Anniversary Giving Campaign. Donors can choose where their funds go, like towards moving expenses and build-out for the new space or to sponsor a dancer. In-kind donations are welcome, as well as time, as they look to expand and diversify their Board. Florida Dance Theatre 305 W Main St, Lakeland (863) 802-0399 FB: Florida Dance Theatre www.floridadancetheatre.org

In a small tidy kitchen off Highway 17 in Lake Alfred, Calogero “Charlie” Restivo makes the best pizza in Polk County. Over piping hot espressos, Charlie dished about his background, to-die-for dough, and the joy he gets creating a memorable guest experience. A thirty-year culinary veteran and first-generation Italian American, Restivo hails from Queens, New York. He grew up in a predominantly Italian neighborhood. “That’s where I started working in pizzerias and delis as a young man,” Restivo said. He worked his way up the food chain, eventually cheffing for upscale restaurants in Manhattan before moving to Florida in 2007. Working for Patina Restaurants, Restivo was one of the opening executive chefs at Disney’s Tutto Italia Ristorante and also opened with Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria in EPCOT. THE BEST PIZZERIA IN POLK President’s Day marked one year since Restivo opened his namesake restaurant in Lake Alfred. “I like Lake Alfred,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of potential in this town. I think it could grow.” Calogero’s pizza is unique from anything in the area and worth the drive from any corner of the county. “They’re my recipes,” he said of his cuisine. “I learned over the years and traveled to Italy back and forth. I adopted some recipes and made them in my own way.” The pizza style is best described as wood-fired Neapolitan-ish. Made with imported tomatoes and 00 flour (double-zero flour), Restivo said, “I refuse to buy something inferior. If you start with good ingredients and a good product, you’re going to end up with a better experience.” Restivo even sources the water for his dough – no tap touches his pizzas. “I think it makes a difference,” he said. Calogero’s dough contains no added fats, oils, or sugar – just twice-milled flour, water, salt, and yeast. It’s not only the ingredients but the cooking method that matters too. Calogero’s Pizzeria utilizes an Acunto oven made by one of the oldest manufacturers in Italy. The oven uses no gas, no electricity, just red oak at 800-850 degrees to give the pizzas their signature pillowy, full-bodied crust in about 60 seconds. Restivo had to remove the front wall of the building, dig down to level the floor, and rent a forklift capable of lifting 10,000 lbs. to get the behemoth into place. Why go to all that trouble for pizza? “I want [customers] to experience a wood-fired pizza and Italian products. There’s nothing wrong with other pizzas,” he said, “but we’re different.” ESPRESSOS AND EXCELLENCE “Cooking is always a passion,” Restivo said. “When I come in and see a customer, and I ask, ‘How’s the pizza?’ and they say, ‘Good.’ I think, ‘Oh, okay, what’s wrong? Why just good?’ I want it to be excellent.” And excellent it is. A few Haven favorites are his garlic cheese bread made with fresh chopped organic American garlic, the Hot Honey pie, and the pepperoni pizza, with added ricotta. “I do use what they call a cup and char pepperoni,” Restivo said. The fat stays in the cup and doesn’t bleed over the pizza. “When you eat it, it’s like little bursts of flavor.” A pro-tip is to get a pie for there and one (or two) to go. Calogero’s pizza reheats like a dream, giving it new life and a crispier bottom. Whether inside the charming dining room to the right of the parking lot or outside on the deck beneath a canopy of trees in sight of the Italian flag billowing in the wind, guests can enjoy a selection of wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, salads, cannoli, gelato, espresso, and more. Calogero’s offers Kimbo Napoli coffee, Italy’s most famous coffee brand. In December, they added beer and wine to their offerings, a compliment to their exceptional fare. For pizza patrons unsure of what to try first, Restivo recommends the Queens. Named in honor of his birthplace, the Queens is a meld of Neapolitan and New York pizza made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, Sicilian oregano, and parmesan. His favorite, though, is the Margherita. “I like it because it’s not that cheesy. It’s a little bit more sauce than cheese.” “There’s no such thing as bad pizza,” Restivo said. “Pizza is an interpretation of the person making it. So if you like my pizza, this is what I like. This is how I like to do it. This is how I interpret it.” Photography by Amy Sexson Calogero’s Pizzeria (863) 268-8352 148A W Haines Blvd, Lake Alfred FB: Calogero’s pizzeria calogerospizzeria.godaddysites.com

On the breezy front porch of the Fort Meade Historical Museum, Founder & Executive Director of Dorothy Jean’s Dream Initiative, Jaret Landon, began to tell his story. He chose the setting for its connection to the rich history of the oldest city in Polk County, a city he loves dearly. “This place has my heart,” he said. Landon is an NAACP Award Winning Composer and Music Director with work on Broadway, film, and television. He returned to Fort Meade ten months ago in the throes of his career to ignite the foundation he started in his mother’s honor. Since age five, Landon could hear a song once and play it on the piano. He said, “I actually started playing because my brother got all the attention.” Landon hails from a musical family with his grandmother, mother, and brother playing piano. “My grandparents and mother nurtured that gift,” he said. That gift eventually landed him at Harrison School for the Arts. He’d wake up each day at 4:30 a.m. to catch the bus to school. Before he went off to college, Landon promised his grandparents that as he grew his career, he would always come home to give back. He intends to keep that promise. “There is a pump inside of me that pumps into my veins, the belief that you can be great, you will be great, and with this greatness, it is not for you. It is to serve and help others. […] And I believe it deeply.” “I wanted to be an artist,” Landon said. He comes from an honest, hard-working family. His grandfather was a pastor and worked for the U.S. Steel Corporation, and his grandmother worked at the canning plant. “The idea of being an artist and making a living was a little bit foreign… or a lot a bit foreign, and they wanted to make sure I had something to fall back on.” They continued encouraging his abilities and trusted he would figure it out as he attended Florida State University for Music Performance. Landon’s foundation is family and faith. He grew up singing hymns in church just a mile from the Historical Museum. His grandfather pastored Beulah Baptist Church for some 45 years, and Landon grew up there playing the piano, drums, and organ. He ushered, was a choir member, maintenance man, and whatever else the Lord and his grandfather called on him to do. “Beulah Baptist Church is my home church,” he said. “It’s where they allowed me to explore, allowed me to grow. The patience and the love that they gave me while I was there is the foundation of who I am, of who I became in my journey, and it really gave me wings to fly.” At age 11, Landon became the music director of the church’s youth, adult, and men’s choirs. By 13, he was planning Christmas cantatas and Easter concerts, laying the bedrock for his career to come. That role validated Landon in ways he wouldn’t understand until years later. It made him feel loved and appreciated. Because of his early experiences at his grandfather’s church, Landon could go off to FSU, lead the big jazz band and combos, and music direct the Florida State gospel choir for the first two years. During his freshman year at FSU, Landon put out his first record and live DVD recording. As the backdrop for the project, he returned to the flock that gave him wings to fly. Landon and twenty college friends loaded into his mom’s station wagon and the church bus and road-tripped from Tallahassee to Fort Meade. He hired a film crew and recorded at Beulah Baptist. He reflected on that first of many milestones. From a young age, he was told, “You are going to do well.” Landon said, “Sometimes when someone’s belief in you is so far greater than what you can see, when they say it enough, you believe it.” Upon graduating from Florida State, Landon had a decision to make. Was he to move to New York for theatre or LA for film and television? Both felt overwhelming at the time. He was the first in his large extended family to leave the state. One of his teachers, an alumnus of Northwestern University in Chicago, suggested the Windy City as the best move for Landon. He applied, was accepted, and he and his mother loaded up his two-door Toyota Solara and drove from Tallahassee to Chicago. He eventually transferred from Northwestern to VanderCook College of Music, where he earned his master’s in education. In Chicago, Landon’s whole life changed. In 2008 he found himself with the unexpected opportunity to work on the musical “Black Nativity” by Langston Hughes. It was the first show he’d ever been the musical director on, and though he’d never done it before and didn’t know exactly how everything worked, he had solid footing. “What I did have is I was the music director at my granddad’s church at 11 and 12.” Since then, Landon has directed a show regionally, off-Broadway, or on Broadway every year. In 2010, Landon was called to Chicago’s Goodman Theatre to work on a show. Denzel Washington’s wife, Pauletta, was coming out of retirement for the production “Crowns” by Regina Taylor. Unfortunately, Landon was passed up for the role of music director. According to Landon, a nervous Pauletta requested an accompanist for a photo shoot, and they tapped him for the gig. He played the piano while she was photographed. “She was raised in a church where they sang a lot of hymns,” he said. Landon knew all the hymns from his time at Beulah Baptist. “As she’s going from hymn to hymn to hymn, I am following her no matter what key she was in. I knew all of them. She said, ‘Who is this little boy?’” “She took me in under her wing, and from that time, they have been like parents to me,” Landon said of Denzel and Pauletta. The show hired him as assistant music director at Washington’s behest. He went on to write original music for the project just one day before its premiere. Through Pauletta’s music director, Landon was hired to work on American Idol, and from 2013-2016 he flew back and forth from Chicago to LA during filming. “Denzel comes to Chicago a handful of times, and they give me tough love. ‘If you want to do this, you have to move to Los Angeles,’” Landon said. “I was scared. My family was here. Chicago was already far enough.” When Idol ended, Landon took Washington’s advice and decided to move. His mother’s health was already failing, and her doctor advised her not to go to Chicago to help with the move. She told her doctor, ‘Okay.’ “The next week, she says, ‘Make sure you book my ticket to Chicago,’” Landon said, laughing. Ravaged by chemo and radiation, Williams wasn’t well, but she willed her ailing body to fly to Chicago and drive with Landon to Los Angeles. “I could tell she was in pain but smiled through it,” he said. That was the last car trip they took together. “It was the most beautiful time that led me to Los Angeles.” Within a month, he was working on the film “Fences” with Viola Davis and Denzel Washington. He later worked on the LEGO Batman Movie and ramped up his work on Broadway. His five-year project in the making, “The Pursuit of Happiness,” is set to premiere on Broadway soon. DOROTHY JEAN “My mom was my best friend,” Landon said. Everyone thinks they have the best mother in the world, as they should, but Landon said, “I truly feel I have the best mother in the world for me and my journey. The biggest supporter, defender. She had a fierce love and protection over me. [She was my] corrector, guide, my heartbeat. We talked on the phone ten times a day.” The eldest of eight children, Dorothy Jean Williams was a hard worker who helped raise her seven siblings while her parents worked. She was the first to go to college and to graduate. Her siblings followed her lead. “They all lived with my mother in Miami, every last one of them. They had children, and all of them lived with my mother.” In the late 60s and early 70s, anyone from Polk County who went to school in Miami sought out Williams, who worked in the financial aid office. She helped secure scholarships for students, one of many ways she helped others. Many students, unrelated to Williams, stayed in her small Miami home for a time while they attended school. “Mom’s life inspired me to do what I do because I watched her help so many,” Landon said. “I wanted to mirror her heart. The way that I first knew how to do that was through music.” She was a good daughter and best friend to her parents. Dorothy Jean took care of them both. She cared for her father even while she battled stage 4 colon cancer. “We didn’t argue much. We did there,” Landon said. “She would tell me, ‘As fierce as your love is for me, is the same for my father.’ It was a battle I knew I couldn’t win.” Piano keys, his mother’s heartbeat from her EKG during her cancer journey, and a heart with a cross are tattooed on Landon’s arm. “She is a part of everything that I am, of who I desire to be in the world.” When his mother was diagnosed with cancer, Landon would fly down from Chicago every weekend to be with her. In the last months of her life, Landon worked on “Born for This: The BeBe Winans Story” with iconic names like Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, and BeBe Winans. Knowing his mother’s health was declining, Landon came home that April and told her he would pull out of the project. Williams’s strength was waning – she could hardly walk by this time, but “She pulled herself out of the bed and started packing my suitcase. She said, ‘You have to go. You have to go.’” Growing up, we think of soulmates as the singular person you’ll grow old with — a romantic, once-in-a-lifetime love. “As I grew in both a spiritual sense and an understanding of the world, I learned your soulmate can be someone who connects in your life with your purpose, who you are in the core of your being. That’s what my mom was.” Landon flew home on July 3, 2022, and his mother passed away the following day. Before she passed, she told Landon three things: ‘Get my purse (Landon laughed at this), I love you, and be strong.’ “That’s who she was. Her love was so great, and it was sacrificial in a way.” A DREAM FOR FORT MEADE Landon built a home in Los Angeles in 2020 and was ready to enjoy the fruits of his labor, “and God redirects my path two years in.” With little outside help and plenty of obstacles, Landon was honest in sharing that the journey has been challenging. He’s shed tears and questioned his decisions, but he said, “I’m still here.” His initial goals were to start the foundation and create events until they could drum up funding to put infrastructure in place for their long-term vision of lessons, masterclasses, and performance opportunities. “Dorothy Jean’s Dream Initiative exists to bring arts and cultural opportunities to all of Polk County,” Landon said. They have started with underserved communities, but the goal is to bring those opportunities to the entire county. “This town of less than 6,000 people is in desperate need of arts and cultural opportunities. I came back home to be a part of that,” he said. During a time when cattle and citrus were booming industries, and Fort Meade had a Coca-Cola bottling plant and a commuter train ran through the town, “There was much more life here, much more commerce. It’s just dried up.” Now that the mines have left, Landon described it as a veritable “ghost town” after 5 o’clock. “I come [to the historical museum] often to be reminded of what was and what can be with heart, tenacity, money, and a steadfastness to make it happen,” he said. Landon hopes to change the perception of the town for outsiders and the reality of its residents. “My ideal Fort Meade looks like a place that is welcoming for all,” Landon said. “There are some racial challenges that still exist in Fort Meade, and I’ve encountered a lot of them in the last ten months.” Landon envisions a Fort Meade beyond racial divides with thriving restaurants, retail, and activities for all citizens. The Dorothy Jean’s Dream Initiative founder is taking an intergenerational approach to community development with dreams of a theatre on Main Street as there once was, farmer’s markets, and food trucks. He looks to the downtown park in Wauchula for inspiration on a beer and wine garden that’s already underway. “That’s a lofty ideal of what Fort Meade could be, but that’s what exists in my head.” The foundation is a team of two, Landon and his business partner Ramel Ford. Ford is an Entrepreneur and CEO at RFI Group Inc. “providing resources and opportunities to underserved communities throughout Polk County, FL and abroad.” From Winter Haven, Ford is connected to Fort Meade through Landon’s family. He works in New York and has flown to Florida every Friday for the past ten months to work on the initiative with Landon. The pair have invested time, blood, sweat, tears, and money into the city. They’ve purchased buildings and land downtown and on the southside. Landon and Ford created the Fort Meade Soul Music Festival last year. Knowing the town was in sore need of arts and cultural opportunities, they thought if 200 people showed up, it was a win. They walked almost every block in Fort Meade handing out flyers for the event and were turned away by more than one person, yet they persisted. “We put that same sweat equity into getting people out here,” he said. In their hope of 200 people, 2,000 showed up. The street was closed off with food trucks and a community choir which Landon called “one of the most beautiful experiences.” When they hosted the event again this year, they thought perhaps the 2,000 from the year prior was a fluke. This February, about 3,000 people flocked downtown for Soul Fest 2023. Dorothy Jean’s Dream Initiative also hosted a 2022 Scholarship Gala at Streamsong Resort called Stars Under the Stars. In the empty lot downtown, where Western Auto previously stood, landscaping is already underway for Landon’s planned civic space, Paz Garden. “Paz in English means ‘peace,’” Landon said. “There’s a large Hispanic population here in Fort Meade that feels like they aren’t seen. I am making an effort to include them in all of our plans so they can see identity in what we’re doing.” A nucleus for community gatherings, Paz Garden will house a stage for entertainment, a beer and wine bar, murals along the walls, a fountain, and ample seating. Next door to the soon-to-be Paz Garden, Landon opened Bella Vita Salon and Spa. In another building he purchased, the Dorothy Jean’s Dream Initiative founder envisions a performing arts theatre and, across the street, restaurants and retail. “If you can endure the trials, I know the blessings are on the other side,” he said. Dorothy Jean Williams lives on in legacy. A woman of strong character, service, and drive, she raised a son who is changing the world – one song, one event, one opportunity at a time. “Mom will continue to live,” Landon said. “Because if I go into the bathroom, and I smile, and I look long enough, she shows up in a spiritual way.” Photography by Amy Sexson Dorothy Jean’s Dream Initiative www.dorothyjeansdream.com FB: Dorothy Jean’s Dream Initiative

Plutarch said, “Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.” Nicole Nikdel speaks volumes through themes of grief and growth, time and transition, with a visual aspect that paints the finishing touches onto her words. Her Instagram handle, @extroverted_introspection, is an ode to the beautiful contradiction that is Nicole Nikdel. She’s as highly extroverted as they come, but said, “I do find myself trying to stay grounded, and very insightful, thoughtful and self-aware.” In middle school, she was in an exploratory class that had her take right brain/left brain tests. Hers was always dead even – analytical and creative. She’s a spreadsheet whiz with a creative spirit. We love her for it. You probably do, too, if you’ve been reading her poetry in our magazine over the last year. Nikdel grew up in Orlando, where she lived until college. She attended the University of Florida, earning an Industrial and Systems Engineering degree. Winter Haven became home to Haven’s secret poet 11 years ago. When she isn’t the Organizer of Destruction for Destroyer Media, Nikdel is working on her small craft business, you crazy child, which she started as a creative outlet during the pandemic. The name comes from a lyric in the song “Vienna” by her favorite musician, Billy Joel. The song, about not moving too fast through life, resonated with Nikdel. “And I also have a crazy child,” she said of her seven-year-old son Tucker. “So it was very fitting.” The clock on her you crazy child logo shows the time Tucker was born. MELDING MUSICAL EXPRESSION In her middle school Gifted English class, with teacher Mrs. Yenisch, Nikdel first dove into her poetic well. “It was those lessons that really stuck with me and made me fall in love with it,” she said. A music lover and musically inclined, Nikdel started piano at age five and played bassoon throughout middle and high school. She grew up jamming out to whatever her dad flicked onto the car radio. Plenty of 50s, 60s, and 70s – though she’s an 80s fanatic. Another of her favorite artists are Simon and Garfunkel. “We learned in her class how lyrical and poetic a lot of Simon and Garfunkel’s songs are,” she said. The students poured over their lyrics on paper. “It is such true poetry,” Nikdel said. “That was definitely a big part of it – melding that musical expression. [...] Poetry was my way of getting that thought process out in a form I enjoyed.” So much did poetry call to Nikdel that she began writing outside of the classroom and even submitted her work to contests and books. “I loved it. I would just jot in little notebooks everywhere, all the time.” She was an early fan of lyrics, poetry, and stories. “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allen Poe are two of her favorite works. She particularly enjoys the intensity and introspection in his work. Some of the scrawlings in those ‘little notebooks’ surely dealt with boys and BFFs, but it was deeper topics that she often drifted to. “I had three significant deaths that occurred in my life between seventh and eighth grade. A lot of my poetry was about life and learning, and some of that darkness – how life can be fleeting.” Those losses ranged from a school friend to her best friend’s 50-year-old mother and her own grandmother. The scope of that sadness impacted her writing. It became an exercise in expression and processing for the pre-teen. “It was a way to get those feelings out without feeling like I was draining on friends and family.” Since high school, her writing has ebbed and flowed. “I’ve led objectively a really good life,” she reflected. “I was raised in a great family and had a good upbringing and don’t have a lot of complaints. But I’ve found that most of my writings have come from times in my life when I’m in down periods. I find that when I’m happy, I don’t need to express it, and I find that when I’m sad, I do more.” Her life is now in a period of flux, and she’s again returned to pen and paper. “That’s me being a high-happy-extrovert person, finding an outlet for my sadness and my emotions.” A PUBLISHED POET Nikdel doesn’t readily share this part of herself with others, and she was nervous about having her words published. “I don’t even know if my parents would know I’m this big into poetry,” she said. She’d begun writing again and took note of Haven’s first secret poet, Austin Tharp. “I loved that he could do it anonymously, and it gave me the courage to do it myself.” Now felt like the right time to reveal herself as the secret poet. “I’m in a period of transition and regrowth and grounding myself in a lot of ways,” she said. For Nikdel’s published poetry, she prefers to focus on the events and ethos of her life. In January, she wrote about new beginnings and last month she wrote “birthday” because her birthday is on Earth Day. “I’ve always been a little hippie at heart,” she said. If not prompted by the time itself, her son Tucker is often her muse. “He is a little spitball of fun and light and intelligence. He’s just my whole world.” She discussed a poem she wrote for Tucker entitled “roller coaster.” Through your eyes Fresh new and curious I watch your spirit as it flies With curiosity and amazement you move Each day anew Nothing yet to prove You’re now on life’s roster Up and onward you go A sense of wonder it will foster My hope for you is this A life worth living One full of pure bliss When trouble does arise Struggle in the journey But reach for clear skies Journey on, little one Go forth with no fear The ride has only just begun It’s one of her favorite poems. Her life is mid-metamorphosis, and so is his. “I was trying to look at the bright side and think through him, how he’s going to see the world. A lot of my focus has shifted to him. I’ve spent the last several years going to therapy and learning who I am and why I am the way I am, and that’s helped me want to get back into writing.” The secret poet finds inspiration online as well. “Given this time in life and all the things that are going on in the world, I’ve been trying to avoid the doom scroll as everyone collectively does. […] Part of that was trying to find accounts and people that I find inspiring for one reason or another. I’ve been trying to follow more makers and artists on Instagram.” One such artist is Morgan Harper Nichols (@morganharpernichols). Nikdel appreciates the daily joy and encouragement she gets from Nichols’ vignettes, poems, affirmations, and artwork. “Every day, she sends out more to the poem or the reason behind it, or she’ll describe why she made it,” Nikdel said. “I get those every morning, and I can’t tell you how many of those I’ve saved in my phone that relate to various things in my life.” The presentation, too, has been a fun, creative piece to her poetic puzzle. “I’ve tried to find things in nature or life that have reflected what I’m feeling in my poem without giving too much away.” Her poem ‘coolest’ about the city she loves is photographed in a bed of bright yellow peanut flowers that grow in the city’s rain gardens along Avenue A. Her work ‘cadence.’, an introspection on time, lies beneath the hour and minute hands of the clock at her house, and ‘radiance’ is only right to be before the lovely “Lady on the Wall” mural. Her poem, ‘lost,’ is printed on a map between where she’s been and where she is now. This artistic approach to presenting her poetry has become central to her process. YOU’RE NOT ALONE Nikdel had advice for other poets looking to get started or share their work. “I think back to how many stanzas there are, should I be writing in a certain form, should it be a limerick, should I follow as a sonnet…No. I learned all that, which helped me figure out the style I like to write in. I prefer that spoken from the heart – no true rhyme or reason [poetry]. […] I think that eludes more to the emotion behind it and how I’m feeling about it,” she said. “Just do what feels right for you. Especially if you’re doing it for yourself, there is no right or wrong. If it feels good, it is good. If it makes you happy, who is anyone else to judge you for it?” Asked what she hopes readers glean from her poetry, Nikdel said, “Much like music and poems have done for me, I hope somebody can find something in it that makes them feel good or feel like they’re not alone for feeling those feelings. It’s big to feel validated. People just want to be heard and know they’re not alone.” Photograph by Amy Sexson IG @extroverted_introspection

May is American Wetlands Month, and with one-fifth of the nation’s wetlands, Florida is the perfect place to appreciate the beauty and importance of these ecosystems. Home to various types of wetlands, these areas provide crucial habitats for threatened and endangered species, help maintain water quality, and protect our communities from flooding while contributing to the state’s rich biodiversity. Wetlands are unique and complex transitional areas between dry upland ecosystems and waterways. They can take many forms, including saltwater marshes, mangrove forests, inland wetlands connected to lakes and rivers, or even seasonal wetlands that fill up during summer rains. The duration a wetland remains wet, called its hydroperiod, dictates the species found there and shapes the intricate balance of life within these ecosystems. Florida has a distinct dry season (November – April) and rainy season (May – October), which further adds to the dynamic nature of wetlands. Wetlands serve as natural buffers against stormwater and flooding, acting as vital components of our landscape. The dark, organic matter in wetland soils swells when filled with water, helping to store floodwaters and keeping them away from our residential areas. By restoring wetlands on the edges of our communities and reconnecting them to existing water bodies, we can enhance natural surface water storage capacity and improve water quality, reducing the impact of summer storms and even hurricanes. These benefits extend beyond protecting human settlements and help preserve vital ecosystems. The Green Swamp is a prime example of Polk County’s large historical wetland areas, showcasing the incredible diversity of these ecosystems. It provides flood protection and serves as a crucial recharge area for the Floridan aquifer and several area rivers. Polk County also has successful municipal wetland restoration projects, such as Lake Gwen, Lake Hancock, and Lake Conine. These projects aimed to restore natural wetlands or add engineered wetlands to improve water quality and provide storage capacity for the surrounding areas, while also fostering vibrant habitats for local wildlife. Wetlands play a critical role in maintaining water quality, acting as Earth’s natural filtration system. Disconnected from their natural wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas often experience higher nutrient loading and more frequent algae blooms, which can have disastrous effects on water quality and aquatic life. The tannic waters and soil microbiota in wetlands help filter and process nutrient contamination, highlighting the essential role these ecosystems play in maintaining a healthy environment. And so, if you care about healthy lakes and rivers, then you should also care about healthy wetlands. Circle B Bar Reserve and the Lake Hancock Wetlands projects are great examples of engineered wetlands that improve water quality for their neighboring lake and river. Circle B’s wetland areas clean the water flowing from Saddle Creek before the water continues into Lake Hancock, protecting the floodplain and restoring the Banana Creek marsh system. Then, before the water leaves Lake Hancock for the Peace River, the water flows through the  constructed wetlands of the Lake Hancock project to clean up the water before it is released into the Peace River. Eventually, this water makes it all the way down to Charlotte Harbor. These successful initiatives demonstrate the effectiveness of well-designed wetland restoration projects in achieving multiple environmental goals. Another example of a constructed wetland treatment facility is the Se7en Wetlands Park in Lakeland. Se7en Wetlands park has been an engineered water treatment wetland for decades but recently re-opened as a recreational area. There are, appropriately, seven wetland treatment cells that the City of Lakeland’s cleaned wastewater travels through before connecting to the North Prong of the Alafia River, which flows directly to Tampa Bay. Se7en Wetlands also provides water for Tampa Electric Company’s Polk Power Station. Florida’s wetlands are home to a diverse range of wildlife, from our state reptile, the American alligator, to the roseate spoonbill (state-listed threatened) and federally endangered wood stork. They provide habitats for mammals like marsh rabbits and raccoons and host numerous small fish species that help reduce mosquito-borne illnesses. These vibrant ecosystems are also crucial for migratory birds, which rely on wetlands as stopover points during their seasonal journeys. A local initiative that underscores the importance of wetland restoration is the City of Winter Haven’s “Sapphire Necklace” project. This ambitious long-term initiative aims to create a network of restored wetlands encircling the city, providing both ecological benefits and recreational opportunities for residents. The project, part of a 50 year effort, demonstrates a commitment to preserving and enhancing wetlands for future generations, showcasing the dedication required to protect these valuable ecosystems. Despite their many benefits, Florida’s wetlands face threats from development and outdated public opinion. People once believed that wetlands harbored disease and dangerous wildlife, but we now understand their vital importance to Florida’s future, economy, and the enjoyment of the state’s water resources. Current policy protects many wetlands from the threat of true development within their borders. However, there are some ways around this, if the profitability is estimated to be high enough. One such way in Florida involves something called mitigation banks. Theoretically, if you are causing harm to a wetland and you get approval from the managing agency, you can spend money to restore wetlands somewhere else in an existing mitigation bank. Essentially, you are moving that wetland’s benefits away from wherever you’re developing into wherever you buy mitigation bank credits. It’s a bit abstract, but the end result is that the area developed loses the wetland area, and wherever the mitigation bank happens to be, they may see some restoration benefits for their wetlands. Being at the top of the watershed, Polk County does not typically benefit from mitigation bank credits. If we want improved water quality in our region and the many other benefits from wetlands, such as flood protection and wildlife habitat, we need to ensure that wetlands here are protected here, and not where a mitigation bank may be located. This calls for a renewed commitment from local communities, businesses, and policymakers to prioritize wetland conservation and restoration. By protecting and restoring our wetlands, we can help ensure a healthier and more sustainable Florida for generations to come. A heightened awareness of the importance of wetlands and support for initiatives like the many upcoming municiapl wetland restoration projects will enable us to work together in maintaining these crucial ecosystems, safeguarding the many benefits they provide for our communities and environment. To find out about wetland resotration projects near you, reach out to your city hall and ask! As we celebrate American Wetlands Month, let us remember the immense value of these ecosystems and commit to preserving them for the health of our planet and the well-being of future generations. The best thing you can do for American Wetlands Month is to build your connection to these amazing ecosystems! Visit one of the parks discussed here. Look for wetlands while you visit any of our State and National Parks and take a moment to appreciate all they do for us. Tell your friends and family all about wetlands and the amazing services they perform. Help us spread the word that wetlands are wonderful and we need them. By fostering a greater appreciation for wetlands and advocating for their conservation, we can create a lasting legacy that benefits both people and wildlife. Photograph by Amy Sexson Learn more about the projects discussed here: Se7en Wetlands Park:lakelandgov.net/departments/water-utilities/se7en-wetlands/about Winter Haven’s Sapphire Necklace Project:storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/73ea131e01ec4baa9baf982238aa77f7 Circle B Bar & Polk’s Nature Discovery Center:polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve Lake Hancock Constructed Wetlands Project:swfwmd.state.fl.us/projects/lake-hancock-outfall-treatment-project