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

In the early 1940s Winter Haven was no different than many other U.S. cities as its energies were directed to the World War II effort. Citizens learned what “blackouts” were (keeping lights out and/or shades drawn at night) and how to prevent both homes and businesses from becoming bombing targets at night. Air raid warnings were practiced, and a block system of communication helped individuals and families prepare for the possibility of attack. Children in schools were finge