Every now and then you hear about a school that has a spark, a niche that makes it stand out amongst other institutions; one that wants to serve a particular purpose, which makes you smile and have hope for the students that get to attend. Other times you will hear about that one cool teacher featured on the local news for going full Ms. Frizzle meets Mr. Roger’s neighborhood leaving an impact as they dared to push the norm. This time you will hear about both. A spectacular s

We talked with Timothy Collette from Clean Pirate Life to learn about the fifth annual Foot the Chain Music & Waterski Festival happening in February. With a new sober living facility as the end goal, find out about the fun happening along the way to get there. HOW DID FOOT THE CHAIN COME ABOUT AND WHY? TC: Foot the Chain (FTC) started with a group of guys who came to Winter Haven every year after the holiday season, to warm up and barefoot waterski our beautiful chain of la

Dwight Icenhower, the legendary Elvis tribute artist, along with his wife, Vicky, who he proclaims to be a “rockstar that does everything but get on stage and perform,” have crafted a three-day, very intimate, multi- faceted experience for those who loved The King and Icenhower’s ultimate tribute to him. “When my wife and I first designed the weekend, we wanted it to be like a ‘Dwight Fan Retreat’ for the die-hard fans that have been with me for years and years,” explained Ic

Jack Spengler was born in Buffalo, New York in 1930. He shares his decades with a lightness that feels almost subversive in a climate that so often feels like rain on the day you planned the picnic—even testing the dispositions of those who keep the glass a quarter full and steady eyes on the silver linings behind unexpected clouds. Jack carries a pragmatic joy, as if he shook hands with what he couldn’t control, making friends with both rain and sunshine. He jokes about skip

Bringing back a citrus festival isn’t just about celebrating oranges and grapefruits—it’s about honoring the generations who helped shape it. Citrus built this region. Reviving a citrus festival reconnects us to that shared history and creates new memories for today’s families while supporting local growers and businesses. It’s a little nostalgia, a lot of community pride, and proof that some traditions are simply too sweet to let fade away. We sat down with Event Director Ly

Photo by Alexa King Stone Released independently on September 13, 1999, Mary Gauthier’s “Drag Queens in Limousines” introduced the world to a singular songwriter whose character-driven narratives centered on outsiders, those not considered the “normal” members of society. Like many of her musical heroes, including John Prine, Lucinda Williams, and Tom Waits, Gauthier used thoughtful lyrics and an unvarnished voice to illuminate the humanity within her characters, reminding li

If you had to choose, which would you pick: teaching an entire class of T. Rexes how to paint (reminder about the big heads and little arms) or participate in a figure drawing class of Lady Gaga in her meat suit, but you’re blindfolded, so you have to rely on touch and smell? For Sara Jones, Director of SPACE Art Collective, there is no choice. “T-Rex art class. Easy. Literally the same as teaching art to Kindergarteners, which I do on the regular.” Maybe one day T. Rex art c

The Black and White Photography class at Polk State College is far more than its name suggests. This foundational film course is a gateway to mastering the art and science of photography, offering students hands-on experience with 35-mm cameras, film processing and darkroom techniques that are unique in Polk County. Under the guidance of Professor Sarah Brewington, students like Candace Knoebel, Michael Comings, and Ean Pennypacker are discovering the timeless craft of film p

As evident by the many construction sites all across the city, Winter Haven is changing. New stores, new housing developments, and new recreational centers are being built and will result in the physical representation of the area’s growth. However, the ideals that permeate special pockets remain constant, such as those held by the 75-year staple that is the Ridge Art Association (RAA). RAA’s objective is to provide an open door for all to appreciate art, the literal creation

WHAT NOTTA? If Lakeland were the “small” town setting for a budding film festival romcom and the main characters met up for a day date, they would meet at Notta Gallery. With the farmers market in the background, they would stroll up the incline of N. Kentucky Ave. knowing Downtown was the perfect choice. There are just enough people around to not feel either secluded or overwhelmed. There is just enough happening to provide options just in case the date goes stale. They woul

Mary Correa is the vice president of the Lakeland Arts Association and was kind enough to answer a few questions about the new Depot Art District in Lakeland. Learn about their vision for making art more accessible, their passion for community, and how they’re turning inspiration into impact. WHERE DID THE IDEA FOR THE DEPOT ARTS DISTRICT ORIGINATE? The Lakeland Arts Association (LAA) had long had a dream of having a physical location to host workshops and gallery space. Ove

Dwight Icenhower is bringing a blue suede Christmas to Winter Haven! The only tribute artist to snag five Ultimate Elvis awards at Graceland, Dwight’s been rockin’ around the Christmas tree since his Ohio days, when his mom got him hooked on the King’s movies and tunes. By 16, he was hunk-a-hunk-a burning love on the high school stage and even scored his first paid gig at a teacher’s wedding. What started as a little less conversation and a lot of rock ‘n’ roll soon became a

Thank you to Jane McGinnis, president of the Woman’s Club of Winter Haven (WCWH), for sharing their latest and most exciting project with us. Find out how they are supporting 172 female veterans on a trip to Washington D.C. in 2026 below. TELL US ABOUT THE WOMAN’S CLUB OF WINTER HAVEN. WCWH: The Woman’s Club of Winter Haven is the oldest civic organization in the city of Winter Haven. It was organized in 1913 and was chartered as the Women’s Civic League. The motto “Not for

This month, we talk with the founders of Latinas Profesionales In Action, Yesenia Loor and Lupita Alvarez. These two powerhouse women are...

Her titles sound like the start to a riddle- a baker and a skydiver. Shayla Hand has been making baked goods and jumping out of planes...

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, tell me, which is the fairest festival of them all? The very first Rainbow Roots Festival, of course!...

The sounds of the weight room meet you before you reach the door. Thumps, clashing, and clangs are heard steps away and are accompanied...

Melanie Brown-Culpepper-Beilke has spent her whole life in Polk County. At 17, she had her first child. By 19, she was in cosmetology...

For many, college can mean the beginning of independence. Independence meaning the start of making your own decisions. It may mean your...

The Polk Training Center Inc. is in a new season of growth as they celebrate their first year at their new location at 90 N. 4th Street...

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF My name is James Huffstutler. I am a hobbyist photographer living in Winter Haven, Florida, with my wife and kids....

Two weeks before the championship game, there is room to reminisce. The Winter Haven Senior High Lady Blue Devils (LBD) of 2023 and 2024...

Did you know I have heterochromatic eyes? My left eye is a stunning blue, and my right eye is a beautiful brown. My most favorite, best,...

As the healthcare community learns more about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how to improve healthcare for autistic individuals, an...