Amidst the ocean breeze and tropical climate of Key West, high schooler Selina had fallen in love with the Sunshine State and told herself, “I would never live in the cold again.” Originally from Michigan, Selina was introduced to her newfound fashion style of lightweight and breathable clothing while living the island life. Years later, her high school outfits would become the inspiration behind her brand’s identity. Today, she calls Winter Haven, Florida, home and is the ow

Edward and Ednamay Wales bought a 120-acre property in Lake Alfred during the 1950s. They moved their family from Winter Haven to live among the massive pines and sprawling pastures of the country. Around 1960, Ednamay, described by her great-granddaughter, Ansley Wales, as “a force of nature,” decided the local children needed something fun to do during the summertime. Edward, a citrus broker by day, built a lodge and locker rooms to start a day camp called the Lazy W Ranch

It has been over six months since faith-based nonprofit, Top Buttons opened a store in downtown Winter Haven. The community excitedly welcomed Top Buttons, both for its mission to “provide confidence-building education and proper fitting attire to young women in need,” according to founder and CEO, Sarah Powers – and for the chance to shop its top-tier thrift selection. “The moment we have the opportunity to share about our mission, the customers perk up and excitedly look fo

The proprietor of Confection and self-described Candyman of Winter Haven Ivy Horn just opened what might be the coolest little candy shop anywhere across deep space. The sci-fi themed Confection Candy Shop, had its grand opening was July 17. A vision in silver, Ivy was surrounded by friends, family and excited community members, all there to celebrate this delicious addition to downtown. “I love candy as much as all kids do I think,” said Ivy. “In the last five or six years,

The proof was in the pudding, or CBD rather, for Areli and Tony Bryan of Lakeland. Their personal experiences with CBD impassioned them to open a store in efforts to extend to others the CBD benefits that changed their lives. “I was dealing with a lot of anxiety and my friend told me about CBD,” said Areli. She did some research and with promising results, decided to give it a try. She said, “It helped me tremendously.” At the time, she was taking one medication for heart pal

Tim Bryant has given himself the freedom to pursue everything that interests him. This decision took him from an industry he didn’t enjoy, to living the life he wants, at a place where he likes the person he has become. From Dayton, Ohio, Bryant’s family moved to Haines City when he was six to develop Grenelefe. Starting as a sophomore in high school in the DCT program, his first profession was in finance. This career took him from Haines City to Tampa, Orlando, and Miami in