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...

Every year on May 21, a quiet ripple turns into a wave—a movement known as National Legacy Day. For many, it’s simply a date on the...

For those who want to come out and support two local Smusicians with a string to pick, meet David Brimer and Marcus Brixa: the eponymous...

Polk County Moms is a local online resource dedicated to helping families in Polk County stay in the know and on the go. It provides a...

Most of us take for granted the privilege of being able to read. Did you know that an estimated 24% of adults living in Lakeland are...

Andrew Logans Artisan Chocolates & Confections began as a dream rooted in a lifelong passion for baking and a newfound love for...

Meet Me in Mulberry When you think of Mulberry, it’s unlikely that the first thing to cross your mind would be “popular food...