As we continue into 2026, Polk County is buzzing with more events, dining options, and entertainment than ever before. Our county is growing rapidly, bringing fresh opportunities for enjoyment and community connection right before our eyes.

To keep you in the loop, we’re here to share the latest updates on local happenings. Whether you’re looking for a new restaurant to try, concerts to enjoy, or family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.

Be sure to check our Facebook page and website regularly for the most current information. Since event schedules can change, we encourage you to contact venues directly to confirm dates and times before you go. Let’s make 2026 a year full of fun and memorable experiences in our wonderful county!

Expect More, Get More, We Deliver.

Chris Douglas

Publisher/Editor 

Bok Tower Gardens Receives 100th AED from Culpepper Cardiac Foundation; Community Invited to Heart Health & AED Awareness Presentation

Special to T&T Magazine

Bok Tower Gardens is honored to receive the 100th Automated External Defibrillator (AED) donated by the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation during a special community event on Sunday, July 19, at 2:00 p.m. The presentation will be led by foundation founder Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke, whose personal journey has inspired a growing movement dedicated to saving lives through public access to AEDs.

The public is invited to attend the event and learn more about AEDs, cardiac emergency response, and the critical role these life-saving devices play in improving public health outcomes. The program will include an educational presentation and demonstration designed to empower community members with knowledge that could one day help save a life.

To commemorate this milestone and recognize those who serve on the front lines of public safety, Bok Tower Gardens will offer complimentary admission to all Florida first responders on July 19.First responders are encouraged to present valid work identification at the entrance gate to receive free admission.

The donation marks a significant achievement for the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, which has worked tirelessly to place AEDs in schools, churches, businesses, nonprofit organizations, community centers, and public gathering spaces throughout Florida. The AED being installed at Bok Tower Gardens represents the foundation's 100th placement and another step toward its mission of ensuring that life-saving equipment is readily available when every second counts.

The foundation was established by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke following the tragic loss of her fiancé, Michael Culpepper, to sudden cardiac arrest in 2020. During the emergency, Melanie was asked whether an AED was available. The answer was no. Determined to turn her grief into action, she founded the nonprofit organization to increase access to AEDs and educate communities about cardiac emergency preparedness. Since then, she has become a passionate advocate for heart health awareness, AED accessibility, and first responder support.

Through community partnerships, fundraising events, educational outreach, and a growing network of volunteers and supporters, Melanie has transformed a personal tragedy into a life-saving mission. Under her leadership, the foundation has donated dozens of AEDs across Central Florida while also supporting future first responders through scholarships and public education initiatives. Her commitment has inspired countless individuals and organizations to join the effort to create safer, more prepared communities.

"Receiving the 100th AED from the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is both an honor and a meaningful investment in the safety of our guests, staff, volunteers, and community," said Erica Smith, Director of Business Development. "We are grateful to Melanie and her foundation for their dedication to saving lives and raising awareness about the importance of AED access and emergency preparedness."

"The goal has always been simple: to make sure more people have a chance to survive a cardiac emergency," said Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke. "Every AED we place represents hope, preparedness, and the possibility of saving someone's loved one. Reaching our 100th AED is an incredible milestone, and I am honored to share it with Bok Tower Gardens and the community."

The July 19 event is free with Gardens admission and is open to all guests interested in learning more about cardiac health, emergency response, and the importance of AED accessibility. The AED installation and the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is supported in part by Daily Ridge. 

About Culpepper Cardiac Foundation

The Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is a Florida-based nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about cardiac arrest, expanding access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), supporting first responders, and educating communities about life-saving emergency response. Founded by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke in memory of Michael Culpepper, the organization has placed AEDs throughout Central Florida and continues to advocate for heart health and preparedness.

About Bok Tower Gardens:

Voted one of America’s best gardens, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located in Central Florida near Lake Wales. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Visitor Center, Blue Palmetto Café and The Shop at Bok are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for ages 6-17. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. For more information contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales FL 33853; 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org.

Rededication and Festivities at Circle B Bar Reserve

Special T&T Magazine

To celebrate America 250 and Polk County’s 165th anniversary, Polk County staff and the Polk County Cattleman’s Association will host a special cattle drive and Cow Camp rededication ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1 at Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland.

This is family-friendly, free event will highlight Polk County’s ranching heritage and recognize the cattlemen and women whose work helped shape this region’s history and landscape. Following the cattle drive, visitors will have the opportunity to watch a live-podcast panel hosted by Mason Gravley, host of “Florida Uncut”, and participate in cattle-themed Nature Fun Day activities until 1 p.m.

Visitors planning to attend are strongly encouraged to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. to secure parking and viewing locations before road closures take effect. Access to the park via Discovery Drive and Windmill Whisper will be limited from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to accommodate cattle movement and event activities.

“We invite our community to join us in honoring the cultural and agricultural history of Polk County and the 250th anniversary of the country,” said Parks and Natural Resources Director Tabitha Biehl. “Florida has one of the longest histories of ranching in the United States, and with this event we’re able to celebrate the connection between that early way of life and preservation of our natural lands.”

For a location map and additional information on Circle B Bar Reserve, visit https://www.polk-county.net/park/circle-b-bar-reserve/. Those interested in obtaining additional information on trail closures should contact Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division at (863) 668-4673.

Polk County Government owns and manages many environmental land sites throughout Polk County. The primary purpose of acquiring environmental land is to protect the water, wildlife, and wilderness and to manage these resources. Circle B Bar Reserve is a 1,267-acre property owned by Polk County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The site is located on the northwest shores of Lake Hancock in Central Polk County. Nature-based recreation opportunities are available on many of these sites and trails are an important amenity for visitors to environmental lands. Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division staff monitor trails regularly and may periodically close them for management and safety reasons.

Wawa and Bok Tower Gardens are teaming up again to offer Wawa Summer Fun Days featuring complimentary admission on the last Thursday and Friday of May through August.

The 2025 Wawa Summer Fun Days will continue June 25-26, July 30-31, and August 27-28.

Pre-registration is requested for this complimentary offer. Visitors can register at https://boktowergardens.org/wawa-summer-fun-days-2026/

The extremely popular seek & find game "Where's Wally" will be back again adding another level of fun to this family day in the Gardnes.

The partnership began in 2021 with the launch of Wawa Summer Fun Days, and the offer was expanded in 2022. Since the program began, nearly 100,000 participants have received complimentary admission.

Committed to the communities they serve, Wawa is keeping Bok Tower Gardens growing with their generous support.

About Wawa, Inc.

Wawa, Inc., a privately held company, began in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. Toward the end of the 19th Century, owner George Wood took an interest in dairy farming and the family began a small processing plant in Wawa, PA in 1902. The milk business was a huge success, due to its quality, cleanliness and “certified” process. As home delivery of milk declined in the early 1960s, Grahame Wood, George’s grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 in Pennsylvania as an outlet for dairy products. Today, Wawa is your all day, every day stop for freshly prepared foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services and surcharge-free ATMs. Wawa stores are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. with 1,200 locations to date. The stores offer a large fresh foodservice selection, including Wawa brands such as custom prepared hoagies, freshly-brewed coffee, Sizzli hot breakfast sandwiches, hand-crafted specialty beverages, a dinner menu including burgers and an assortment of soups, sides and snacks.

About Bok Tower Gardens

Voted one of America’s best gardens, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida, 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa near Lake Wales in Central Florida’s rolling hills of citrus. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Visitor Center, Blue Palmetto Café and The Shop at Bok are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for ages 6-17. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. For more information contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales FL 33853; 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org.

Special to T&T Magazine

As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, the City of Lakeland invites residents and visitors to gather for the annual T. Mims Corp. Red, White, and Kaboom Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Lake Mirror along the Frances Langford Promenade from 6:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.  

This free patriotic celebration will feature live music, local food vendors, patriotic entertainment, and family-friendly fun as our community joins others across the nation in commemorating 250 years of American history. The celebration will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Mirror at 9:00 p.m. 

In recognition of this historic milestone, attendees will also witness the unveiling of a statue honoring Mary Katharine Goddard, the printer and publisher of the Declaration of Independence whose name appeared on the first publicly distributed copies of the historic document. The unveiling serves as a unique tribute to an influential figure whose contributions helped shape the story of American independence. 

Red, White, and Kaboom provides an opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to come together to celebrate our nation's history, honor those who helped build it, and reflect on the shared values that continue to unite us today. 

The evening will begin with a special performance by The Sing Out Crew, a talented local youth singing group comprised of grade school students under the direction of Renard Hayes Jr. Their patriotic performance will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Following the opening performance, Lakeland-based band Bully For You will take the stage as the event's featured musical act, bringing their high-energy mix of rock, pop, and dance favorites to the waterfront. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/BullyForYouBand. 

Admission to Red, White, and Kaboom is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring at least one non-perishable food item to support Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE), a local nonprofit organization that helps seniors throughout Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, and Fort Meade maintain their independence and quality of life.

T. Mims Corp. President Tom Mims shared, "Our family has proudly sponsored Red, White and Kaboom since 2009. This event represents the very best of our community—neighbors coming together to celebrate our country, support one another, and create lasting memories. As we mark America's 250th Anniversary, we encourage everyone to join us and help make this year's food drive for VISTE our most successful yet." 

This year food vendors will be located in the Lakeland Magnolia Building parking lot. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food vendors throughout the evening.

Join us as Lakeland celebrates America's 250th Anniversary with history, music, fireworks, community spirit, and one of the nation's most cherished traditions—Independence Day. 

Share your experience on social media using #RedWhiteAndKaboom2026 and #RWK2026.

There’s something special about celebrating Independence Day in a hometown area like Polk County. It’s a time when neighbors become friends, families gather, and our community comes alive with the sights and sounds of summer—waving flags, children playing, live music filling the air, and memories being made under the Florida sky.
During the Fourth of July, we proudly celebrate the birth of our nation and the freedoms that have united Americans for nearly 250 years. As we join communities across the country in recognizing America250, we honor the generations who have helped shape our nation while looking ahead to the future with hope and pride.
Our community is built on the same values that have strengthened America for centuries: hard work, service, faith, perseverance, and a commitment to helping one another. Whether your family has called this area home for generations, you’re a northern friend or you are celebrating with us for the very first time, today is a reminder that what makes our nation strong begins right here in communities like ours.
As you enjoy the festivities, the food, the fireworks, and time spent with family and friends, we hope you take a moment to reflect on the blessings of living in this great country and the privilege of sharing this day together as a community.
Thank you for being part of these cherished hometown celebrations. May your holiday be filled with joy, patriotism, and lasting memories as we celebrate our nation's past, present, and bright future.
Happy Independence Day, God Bless our community, and God Bless the United States of America!

Red, White & Kaboom Independence Celebration
JUL 3 - Presented by the T. Mims Corp, the event beings at 6 pm with live music by “Bully For You”. A variety of food trucks will be parked along Lake Mirror during the event. Bring a blanket and chairs enjoy the evening’s festivities. A breathtaking fireworks display will dazzle the crowd at 9 pm. City of Lakeland asks everyone attending to bring at least one non-perishable food item that will be donated to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE). Located downtown Lakeland, Frances Langford Promenade, Lake Mirror. Fri, 6-9:30 pm. www.lakelandgov.net/RWK

Rockin’ Freedom Fest
JUL 3 - Presented by City of Winter Haven. Live music by Bay Kings Band, Cypress Gardens Ski Show, Food Trucks and Fireworks at Sunset. Bring your own towels and chairs. Located Martin Luther King Jr Park, 275 S Lk Silver Dr, Winter Haven. Fri, 5-9:30 pm.

Stars, Stripes & Sparkles
JUL 3 - Town of Lake Hamilton’s Independence Day Celebration. Come out for music, food, fun games and activities, specialty vendors, and Fireworks! Downtown Lake Hamilton, Bruce Martin Park, 100 Smith Ave. Fri, 4-9:30 pm.

Auburndale
4th of July Celebration
JUL 4 –Festivities will include live music, games, cornhole tournament, ski show (Cypress Gardens Ski Team), food trucks magic shows, and fireworks at 9 pm. Located at Lake Ariana Park & Civic Center, 2220 Lake Ariana Blvd., Auburndale. Sat, 11-9:30 pm.

Bartow’s Independence Day Celebration
JUL 4 - There will be live music, children’s activities, food trucks, and, of course, fireworks – all to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday! Fireworks at 9:10 pm. Located at Mosaic Park, Bartow. Sat, 5-10 pm.

4th of July Celebration
in Davenport
JUL 4 – Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in
Davenport. This year’s celebration features a ribbon cutting at 7 pm for our brand-new, state-of-the-art sports complex, live music from the Josh Blevins Band, food vendors, a kid zone, and the largest fireworks display in Polk County to close out the night. Fireworks at 9:15 pm. Bring your lawn chair (no personal fireworks). Located Lewis Mathews Sports Complex, 400 E Palm St, Davenport. Sat, 4-9:30 pm.

Town of Dundee
4th of July Fireworks
JUL 4 – Live Music by the Sensational Vibez, Bounce Houses, Crafts/Vendors, Food Trucks, Fireworks at 9 pm. Located at Lake Marie and Dundee Community Center, 603 Lake Marie Blvd, Dundee. Sat, 5–9 pm (parking opens at 4 pm).

Lakeland Flying Tigers 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
JUL 4 – Enjoy a baseball game at 5 pm; Lakeland Flying Tigers vs Palm Beach Cardinals, live music and fireworks. Celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday with the BEST fireworks show in town! Sat, 5-9 pm. Tickets available online or at gate: lakelandflyingtigers.com

Red, White & Boom at LEGOLAND
JUL 4 – Celebrate America’s independence with us! ​ Watch the sky fill with stunning fireworks spectacular to end your day at the Park. Find your seat early to catch the sunset over beautiful Lake Eloise before the show begins! Make sure to grab a pair of specialty viewing glasses on your way to your seat for an additional brick-tastic experience, as these glasses turn fireworks into what appears to be LEGO bricks!​ Located LEGOLAND Florida, Winter Haven. Extended park hours for Sat, July 4th. Legoland.com/Florida

Plant City 4th of July Celebration
JUL 4 – A community, family-friendly celebration. Free admission- $5 per car for parking (cash only). Free kid activities, live music, food and vendors, 50/50 raffle. Spectacular fireworks show to close the evening at 9:15 pm. Located at Plant City Stadium. Sat, 5-9:30 pm (gates open at 4:30 pm).

Rockin’ The Ridge
JUL 4 – Hosted by the Lake Wales Parks & Recreation. Join the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with an unforgettable evening of family fun, community spirit, and patriotic celebration! This year’s event features local vendors, live entertainment, rock climbing, train rides, bull riding, activities/contests, a beer garden, and so much more for all ages to enjoy. Bring your lawn chairs, your family, and your patriotic spirit as we celebrate together and honor this historic milestone. Fireworks at 9 pm. Located at Lake Wailes Park, Lk Wales. Sat, 3-9:30 pm.

Thunder on the Ridge
JUL 4 – Celebrate Independence Day in Haines City during Thunder on the Ridge, which is one the City’s signature events. Enjoy live music, vendors, beer garden and fireworks at 9:15 pm. Located at Lake Eva Park, Haines City. Sat, 4-9:30 pm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lisa Baker events@humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org

The Humane Society of Polk County Announces "Smoke OFF the Water": A New Food & Music Festival to Support Local Pets in Need.

Winter Haven, FL (January 19, 2024) -

The Humane Society of Polk County is thrilled to unveil a new community event, "Smoke OFF the Water," a Food & Music Festival designed to bring together the best of local cuisine, talent, and family fun—all in support of a noble cause. Scheduled to take place on February 2nd and February 3rd, located at 2400 Dundee Road, Winter Haven, Florida 33884. Just right down the road from our facility on Dundee Road. This festival promises a day of delectable eats, rhythmic beats, and engaging activities for all ages, with proceeds directly benefiting the animals cared for by the Humane Society of Polk County.

"We are very excited to introduce Smoke OFF the Water, a new Food and Music Festival for people of all ages to enjoy in our community," says Lisa Baker, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Polk County. "This event will help us to increase awareness of the many services the Humane Society offers for Polk's Pets!"

Smoke OFF the Water will feature an array of local food vendors offering smoky delights to tantalize the taste buds, while several area bands set the soundtrack for a day filled with joy and community spirit. In addition to the feast for the senses, the festival will host a variety of games and activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Tickets are priced at an affordable $5 per person, with children 10 and under enjoying free admission. A $5 cash donation is requested for parking at the event, ensuring that every aspect of the festival contributes to the Humane Society's mission.

In the heart of Polk County, this festival represents more than just a day of enjoyment; it's a chance for the community to rally behind the Humane Society's ongoing efforts to provide shelter, low cost spay/neuters and shot clinics, and loving homes for pets in need. The Humane Society of Polk County, a no-kill shelter, has been a beacon of hope for animals since its establishment in 1972, and events like Smoke OFF the Water are essential in continuing their vital work.

Local businesses and individuals looking to support the festival and the Humane Society of Polk County can explore various sponsorship opportunities available on the nonprofit's website. Such contributions are invaluable to both the success of the event and the welfare of Polk's pets.

For more information about Smoke OFF the Water, to purchase tickets, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org/ or contact Lisa Baker at events@humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org.

Join us in making a difference—one bite, one beat, one game at a time—at Smoke OFF the Water!

About The Humane Society of Polk County: The Humane Society of Polk County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the wellbeing of animals in Polk County. As the area's first established no-kill shelter, the Humane Society provides a sanctuary for animals in need, adoption services, low cost spay/neuter and low cost shot clinics, and educational programs to promote responsible pet ownership. For more information, please visit www.polknokill.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact: Hannah Holjes

                Tinsley Creative

                863.583.0081 

                hannah@tinsleycreative.com   

Lakeland REALTORS^® to Celebrate Centennial Milestone

Lakeland, FL — Lakeland REALTORS^® - a professional trade organization chartered by the National Association of REALTORS^® who has continually served its members and community for ten decades – is poised to celebrate its 100^th year in 2023.

Chartered on April 14, 1923, Lakeland REALTORS^® will commemorate this centennial anniversary with a 1920’s-themed gala hosted at Bonnet Springs Park for its members.

“We are looking forward to celebrating the past 100 years - and the next 100 years - with our members,” said Lakeland REALTORS^®CEO Barbara Barnes. “There is so much history to cherish, and even more great things to come for this organization as we move into the future.”

Lakeland REALTORS^® will bring its celebration to the community throughout the year as well, beginning with banners on the Downtown Lakeland lamp posts.

A new initiative, 100 Acts of Service, has also been initiated to celebrate the organization’s 100^th year. This program encourages and recognizes the members of Lakeland REALTORS^® for engagement in and service to the Lakeland community. The initiative highlights the organization’s history of serving its community in addition to efforts to fight for private property rights, and low taxes and utility fees for residents. 

“I have learned the importance of our association for not only my business and educational opportunities, but also for the support for individual homeowners’ rights as well,” said Lakeland REALTORS^® Member and Immediate Past Board President Shannon Cornell.

The past 100 years have provided opportunities for Lakeland REALTORS^® to make strides, but there is a lot to look forward to for Lakeland REALTORS® and its members as well. As the Lakeland community grows, the organization continues to look ahead at the next 100 years in service to Lakeland residents. 

“This year marks our organization’s incredible achievement of 100 years of dedication to advocating for our REALTORS^®’ best interests in the policy-making process for our industry,” said current Lakeland REALTORS^® Board President Jana Lutz. “Lakeland REALTORS^®will continue to do the necessary work of addressing our community’s concerns by being a voice at the top of the decision-making process.”  

Lakeland REALTORS^® is a professional trade organization chartered by the National Association of REALTORS^®. We have been serving our members and community for 100 years and continue to fight for private property rights, low taxes, keeping utility fees to a minimum and affordable housing opportunities in our area. Our leadership objectives are to unite those engaged in the recognized branches of the real estate profession for the purpose of exerting a beneficial influence upon the profession and related interests. To promote and maintain high standards of conduct in the real estate profession as expressed in the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS^®.

For more information on Lakeland REALTORS^®, visit www.lakelandrealtors.org; or contact Hannah Holjes at Tinsley Creative, email: hannah@tinsleycreative.com; phone: 863.583.0081.

###

For immediate release:  May 3, 2022    

SPCA Florida Rock for Paws

Lakeland FL – SPCA Florida invites you to ROCK FOR PAWS!  A fabulous concert to raise funds for homeless dogs and cats. Saturday, May 14, at Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven. Doors open at 7pm. 

Everyone’s favorite rock band SMOKEPOINT will perform live classic and modern pop/rock hits. From Journey to Jonas Brothers, Motley Crue to Maroon 5, Van Halen to Greta Van Fleet, The Cars to The Weekend.

A large dance floor, great food selections, concession snacks, beverages, spirits, and an amazing raffle where you can win a drum set, a guitar package, or an electric piano/keyboard. 

Food trucks, cash bar and concert t-shirts available!  Tickets are fifteen dollars and all proceeds go directly to support FL SARC!  

Get your ROCK FOR PAWS tickets today, at https://www.spcaflorida.org/rock-for-paws or call SPCA Florida for more information.

Join the most musical fundraiser of the year!  Together we Rock for the Animals!

Saturday, May 14, 2022

7 PM to 10 PM

Nora Mayo Hall

500 3rd St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

About SPCA Florida

Founded in 1979, SPCA Florida exists to eliminate animal suffering and engage the entire community in the welfare and well-being of animals. SPCA Florida will help and heal 20,000 dogs and cats through its SPCA Florida Animal Medical Center and provide direct care for 6,500 animals through its Adoption Center this year. Ani-Meals and Food Assistance Programs, provide food and medical care for animals of homebound families and families who need supplemental food for thousands of dogs and cats each year.

- end -

Soaring your way April 13th-18th 2021, the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is back and better than ever! Coming off the heels of 2020's unfortunate cancellation due to COVID-19 restrictions, aviation enthusiasts can look forward to 6 exciting days of SUN 'n FUN's world-famous aviation spectacle, including hundreds of exhibitors, dozens of forums and workshops, plus breathtaking aerial displays by some of the best airshow performers in the business. The Lakeland Linder International Airport has a brand-new runway and improved taxiways, ready to become the world’s busiest airport and welcome thousands of aircraft with their pilots and passengers for an exciting week in beautiful Central Florida!

Since 1974, SUN 'n FUN has attracted millions of plane spotters and pilots alike from around the globe to share their collective passion for slipping Earth’s surly bonds. This 2021 Aerospace Expo is eagerly anticipated by aviation enthusiasts and fans everywhere as they look forward to this open-spaced, action-packed outdoor event. 

Following recommended CDC guidelines, safety procedures for public health have been put into place for this year’s show so that fans can get back to safely enjoying magnificent airshows again in 2021 at Lakeland Linder International Airport. 

“Our event certainly suffered alongside the rest of the world when the pandemic forced us to cancel last year,” said Greg Gibson, Chief Marketing Officer and Airshow Director for SUN ‘n FUN, “but we are coming back better than ever in 2021 with new and exciting things for our guests in a COVID-responsible venue that has their safety and enjoyment as top priorities. We’re ready to welcome our flying family back to SUN ‘n FUN!”

Headlining the show's exclusive lineup are the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, who are celebrating their 75th Anniversary with all-new F-18 Super Hornets and the return of “Fat Albert”. An Ex-Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules recently retired from "across the pond" has taken on the role of the fan-favorite affectionately known as “Bert”. With a paint refresh and improved logistics support, SUN ‘n FUN 2021 is the very first time the public will get to see the new Super Hornets and Fat Albert's sleek new look in-person. Performing thrilling combat and aerobatic maneuvers for over 500 million fans since 1946, their newest season is sure to make history alongside the F-22 Raptor Demo Team, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, and many, many more daring aerial artists across the week-long event.

Adding to the festivities, SUN ‘n FUN will be commemorating the 75^th anniversary of the end of WWII with several special programs, including expanded warbird flyovers, aerobatic demos, and live interviews on the famous Warbird Ramp with several WWII veterans. Fans will thrill to incredible displays of amazing aerobatic skill as World Aerobatic Champion Rob Holland returns to SUN ‘n FUN. Rob, along with many more aerobatic performers will be visiting the new Aerobatic HQ area, expanded and redesigned this year to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the Pitts Special, and the 50^th anniversary of the Super Decathlon.

Camping, forums, workshops, and of course hundreds of exhibitors are all back, ready to kick off “Spring Break for Pilots”. Careful attention has been taken to put protocols in place that ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal COVID guidelines. It’s a great time to get your airplane back in the air and down to Lakeland!

SUN 'n FUN will honor 2020 ticket purchases at the 2021 SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo as long as no refunds have been made. Just bring your 2020 ticket with you and you are all set. Please contact SUN 'n FUN if a change is required for a scheduled ticket (i.e. 9/27 Club or Preferred Airshow Seating). For additional information and 2021 ticket purchases, please visit SUN 'n FUN's website: https://flysnf.org/aerospace-expo/purchase-tickets

About SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc.

The SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events, inspiring and educating people of all ages. Year-round events, including the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo, which is one of the world’s largest aviation events, raise funds for the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE). SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In annually raises funds for ACE enabling the delivery of STEM-related and aerospace education programs engaging over 50,000 local youth each year. Additionally, ACE manages and allocates local aerospace scholarships. For more information, www.flysnf.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Kevin Cook

Director of Communications

City of Lakeland

863/834-6264

Social Media @lakelandgov

CITY OF LAKELAND WILL HOST RACE RELATIONS COMMUNITY FORUM

JUNE 29^TH AT RP FUNDING CENTER

LAKELAND, FL (June 25, 2020) - The Lakeland City Commission will host a community forum on race relations on Monday, June 29^th at the RP Funding Center Youkey Theater from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  The forum will be set-up to allow the community to share their views on issues of race and equality. Commissioner Phillip Walker will open the event sharing his views and experiences before handing the mic to Mayor Bill Mutz who will be the moderator for the evening. Mayor Mutz said, “We want the forum to be a time of listening and it is important for the community to know that we will not have solutions on the night of the event. However, solutions will come after we hear from the community.” He added, “Empathy and understanding are the first steps in creating solutions and the first steps toward improving relationships.”

City Manager Tony Delgado elaborated, “The event is a critical starting point for the community to come together and learn from one another. The best solutions come from working in unity so we want to hear from people in the community in a listening and learning session. We are reaching out to the representative groups on the issue asking them to join us for the event.”  He added, “We may not be directly experiencing some of the same issues as those communities that we see in the news but it is important that we do the very best we can to promote equality and fair treatment no matter the color of our skin.”

The City Commission will hear from four stakeholder groups that include:

1. Black Lives Matter Polk – Jarvis Washington
2. NAACP Lakeland Branch – Jackie Vickers
3. BRIDGE Local – Chrissanne Long
4. Parker Street Ministries – Tim Mitchell

After the four stakeholder groups give an overview, the City Commission will then ask to hear from the public.  Each person addressing the mic will get three minutes to share their views with the Lakeland City Commission.  Those wishing to address the Commission will sign-up and be given a number. Mayor Mutz will call on the speakers by number and direct the audience member to the one of the four strategically placed microphone positions. Each microphone location will have a que with social distancing marks on the floor as part of the safety protocols in place for the event.

Those attending the event in person are encouraged to park in the Green Lot at the RP Funding Center and enter through Entrance One (see attached map). Coronavirus safety protocols will be in place including social distancing and the use of a face covering is mandatory.  All visitors will be screened upon entry to the RP Funding Center. Visitors must have a temperature below 100.4 degrees and they must not have travelled to a known out of state COVID-19 hotspot. Visitors will be asked if they have experienced a cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or problems breathing, chills, muscle pain and/or loss of taste or smell within the last 12-hours. The nation is still grappling with the impact of a pandemic and Florida recently has experienced a spike in positive COVID-19 cases with a steady rise since Memorial Day.

The City of Lakeland was incorporated January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida.  Lakeland continues to grow with the current population over 100,000. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years.  With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland capitalizes on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor.  The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State 115 years ago. For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net.  Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor.  Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.

-END-

January 25, 2020 - 9AM to 1 PM. - Lake Region Village, 31850 Highway 27 South, Haines City.  Beautiful quilts, knitted and crocheted  items, handmade cards, furniture, home decor, wood crafts, jewelry, yard and garden pieces all made by local residents.  Early birds will find breakfast items for sale.  Lunch available starting at 11 AM.

Featuring Postcards and Perceptions: Seminole Culture and Tourism

LAKE WALES, Florida – Now on display at the Lake Wales Museum is the traveling exhibit, “Postcards and Perceptions: Florida Seminoles and Tourism,” on display through June 1, 2019, from the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum which is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. 

Postcards serve as guidepost to the changes of early 20^th century Florida history. Their simple, yet evocative imagery reveals the adaptive nature of the Seminole people and attest to the complex pressures and adjustments Seminoles endured to assert their identity.

“The Seminole Tribe is alive and well in Florida, and this exhibit shows us the modern side of the Seminole people today,” states Jennifer D’hollander, director of the museum.  “We imagine native people as they were in our childhood history books, but they are a thriving part of Florida’s tourist economy, cattle industry and stewards of the environment.”

The Seminoles, like many Native American groups, became integral to the tourist trade in the early 1900s. As their traditional lifestyle of hunting and canoeing faded away under Florida land development, tourism offered an alternate source of income. Many traditions, like patchwork and alligator wrestling, blossomed under the tourist trade. Over time, important Seminole leaders and entrepreneurs learned vital skills as shop owners. These skills remain relevant today as the modern Seminole Tribe of Florida navigates its ever increasing role in international business and as key voice in Indian Country. 

This exhibition features pop up banners about the history, crafts, and significant figures of Seminole tourism, dating from the 1900s to the 1950s. There is an interactive true/false station and an oral history station that shares stories from seven tribal members.

The exhibit is made possible by the City of Lake Wales and sponsored by Visit Central Florida.  It will be on display now through Saturday, June 1, 2019.  The Lake Wales Museum is free and open to the public Tuesday – Saturday from 9 AM – 5 PM.

About the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Situated in the Everglades on a 66-acre cypress dome on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, the Museum offers more than 5,000 square feet of gallery space. Exhibits feature rare artifacts and lifelike dioramas that depict Seminole life at the turn of the century. In 2009, the Museum became the first tribally governed museum to be accredited by the American Association of Museums. Open seven days a week from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the museum is located 18 miles north of Interstate 75 at Exit 49. For more information, visit www.ahtahthiki.com or call 877-902-1113.

About the Lake Wales Museum

The Lake Wales Museum features historical exhibits, train cars, educational programs and group tours, and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free.  Parking is free and the first floor is accessible for persons with disabilities, wheelchairs and strollers.  For more information contact the Lake Wales Museum, 325 S Scenic Highway, Lake Wales, Florida 33853; 863-676-1759 or visitwww.lakewalesfl.gov.

LAKE WALES, Florida –  The Lake Wales Museum will celebrate Black History Month with three programs throughout February 2019.  Join us for a unique exhibit, non-fiction book discussion and stirring speaker series. 

Featured Exhibit - “Freedom Riders”

February 20 thru March 20

This exhibition was created in partnership with WGBH Boston / The American Experience. The self-proclaimed "Freedom Riders" challenged the habits of a racially segregated society by performing a disarmingly simple act—traveling together in small interracial groups, and sitting where they pleased on buses and trains. Demanding unrestricted access to terminal restaurants and waiting rooms, they were met with bitter racism, mob violence, and imprisonment along the way. But their courage and sacrifice over eight months in 1961 changed America forever.

(Freedom Riders Exhibit)

Featured Humanities Speaker

Dr. Tameka Hobbs - “Strange Fruit In Florida”

February 21 @ 6 pm

Despite its reputation as the “Sunshine State” and a tourist destination, Florida harbors a lengthy and painful history of racial violence. Dr. Tameka Hobbs examines the history of lynching and racial violence in Florida, outlining the overall arc of the “lynching era” in the United States, normal dated between 1882 and 1930, as these instances of extralegal violence became more sporadic in the 1940s. She also highlights to role of Harry T. Moore’s advocacy against lynching and in favor of civil rights for African Americans in Florida.  Tameka Bradley Hobbs is an Assistant Professor of History and University Historian for Florida Memorial University. Dr. Hobbs is founding president of the South Florida Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Inc. (ASALH).

(Dr. Tameka Hobbs)

Featured Book Club Book - Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin

February 27 @ 12 pm

Dedicated to non-fiction, you'll discover the truth can be much stranger than fiction. Join us every month to discuss new book! Read the book and come ready to discuss the best non-fiction books. Free to the public and all the books are available to check out free of charge at the Museum while supplies last.

“We are pleased to include the history of African Americans in the museum and with special programming.  The museum strives to practice the inclusion of all Lake Waleans in our programs and history – to fill in important gaps were we are lacking ethnic history – we can continue to infuse diversity in our collective history,” said Jennifer D’hollander, director for the Lake Wales Museum.  “We hope this presentation will help our community and visitors gain a deeper understanding of the African-American experience in the U.S.  Lake Wales has a diverse population including 35% African-American residents.  Many events from the past century’s civil rights experience were playing out right here in Lake Wales.  It’s important to discuss these events, even though the talk by Dr. Hobbs will include some unsettling topics, we must remember how far we’ve come.” 

(First African American Schoolhouse in Lake Wales)

These programs are made possible through the City of Lake Wales, Visit Central Florida, and the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the Florida Department State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.  These programs are free to the public.  To RSVP, please visit the museum website at www.lakewalesfl.gov. 

About the Florida’s Humanities Council

The Florida Humanities Council sponsors community based projects, facilitates important conversations among Floridians, and shines a spotlight on Florida’s history, art, and culture.  Established in 1973, we are an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For over forty years we have developed and funded public programs that tell the stories of both Florida and those unique individuals that call this state their home.  For more information, visit www.floridahumanities.org.

About the Lake Wales Museum

The Lake Wales Museum features historical exhibits, train cars, educational programs and group tours, and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free.  Parking is free and the first floor is accessible for persons with disabilities, wheelchairs and strollers.  For more information contact the Lake Wales Museum, 325 S Scenic Highway, Lake Wales, Florida 33853; 863-676-1759 or visit www.lakewalesfl.gov.

No Man is An Island, the new single by the Rusty Wright Band, was inspired, in part, by an autistic child but was written for everyone who has ever felt set apart from others - physically or mentally marooned. Shipwrecked, if you will.

"It's not a three-minute pop song. It's a powerful piece of music and I felt it important to follow where the music was taking me, rather than me trying to compress the song into a cookie cutter format," said Rusty Wright, front man and primary songwriter for the group.  "That being said, it's longer than most radio hits but only because it has so much to say. The lyrics speak of sadness, of feeling apart, and longing for a place where you feel like you belong, like a castaway on an island who through no act or fault of their own has been placed apart from the rest of the world. From that description you'd think it would be a depressing song but the music builds to a soaring organ and guitar crescendo as the song progresses and at every show people have leapt to their feet at the end. That's what prompted us to make this the first single."

"We knew we had something special when we performed it at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago in June. We had just started performing it live. We hit the last note and heard this wave of sound roll at us from the audience as the entire place stood and roared their approval. You always dream of moments like that. Buddy was in the audience that night and later, as we got a photo with him he told me "You're great, man. Don't you take **** from anybody." At that moment I felt my life was complete," laughs Wright.

The second single, slated for release in late October, is a rendition of the rock classic Mississippi Queen. The song was originally included in the band's 2013 This, That & the Other Thing album but was originally recorded with an extended spoken delta blues intro, rendering the song too lengthy for airplay at most radio stations.

"Laurie actually suggested that we re-release the song in a shorter format," said Wright. "I revisited the raw tracks, cut off the intro and the fade-out ending, and took that mix into Clear Track Studios in Clearwater, Florida where we are recording the rest of the album, and we remixed and re-mastered it".

The song stays mostly faithful to the original Mountain tune except for the insertion of a bridge section with additional lyrics. 

"I always loved the song but I always heard something additional in my head so I added it. I'm very happy with the remix and think it will do quite well," said Wright.

The Rusty Wright Band is a Billboard Top 10 recording/touring act formed in 2004 by Rusty and Laurie Wright. Originally hailing from Michigan, the Wrights relocated to Florida three years ago and reconfigured their band, enlisting bassist Nic Allen of Winter Haven, drummer Chris America of Clearwater, and B3 organ player Dennis Toerpe of New Port Richey.

Band leader Rusty Wright describes the group's sound as aggressive, progressive, electric roots rock with a blues edge.

"We're doing things a little differently this time," explains Laurie Wright. "In the past, our releases have been full albums but the industry is moving back toward a focus on singles so this time around we're going to experiment with releasing a string of singles every six or eight weeks, culminating with the full album release just in time for the start of our spring and summer tours."

Currently, the group has five albums to their credit, with album number six slated for release in early 2019. The band's most recent release, "Wonder Man" [Sadson Music 2015] reached #8 on the Billboard Blues Chart, #4 on the Billboard Heatseeker chart, #3 on the Hit Tracks Top 100, #5 on Relix Magazine's Jam Bands chart and was nominated for Album of the Year in the Vintage Guitar Magazine Reader's Choice Awards. In 2014 the group was inducted into the Michigan Blues Hall of Fame® as a Master Blues Band.

The Rusty Wright Band performs at Lkld Live 8 pm Friday, November 9, 2018. Admission is $5/advance, $7/door for row seating, or $15/VIP table seating.  Buy Tickets: https://squareup.com/store/lkldlive

LAKELAND, FL – Young women from across the state will compete for the right to wear the Miss Florida tiara during the Miss Florida Pageant and Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Pageant.

The 83rd Annual Miss Florida Pageant and Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Pageant will take place from Tuesday, June 25 to Saturday, June 30 at the RP Funding Center's Youkey Theater, formerly known as the Lakeland Center, 701 Lime St. The event is open to the public. 

A unique spin on this year’s event is the participation of Miss Lakeland and Miss Winter Haven. The title of Miss Lakeland was revived by local entrepreneur Christine Boring, the nonprofit organization held their first pageant March 18 at the Lake Mirror Theater. The Miss Winter Haven title was added this year as well.

In total, five titles from the Polk County area will be represented, including Miss Polk County, Aaliyah Manning; Miss Swan City, Madison Zavitz; and Miss Lakeland, Isabel Skormin; as well as Miss Florida Citrus, Megan Price and Miss Winter Haven, Megan Boykin. 

Titleholders from around the state will gather in Lakeland to compete for the title of Miss Florida. The Miss Florida titleholder will then take part in the Miss America Pageant, the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation's largest achievement programs.

Miss Florida Sara Zeng won the title in July 2017 when she competed with 46 other young women for the opportunity to represent the Sunshine State.

And while getting a shot to win the title of Miss America is the ultimate goal of Miss Florida, if, for some reason she isn’t chosen, she’s still busy. Zeng, for example, has represented the pageant at various events around the state, from opening days and first pitches to pageants and ribbon cuttings. Additionally, she’s used her skills as a talented musician to connect to students in classrooms from Tampa to Tallahassee and beyond.

Besides the title of Miss Florida, there is also the Miss Florida Outstanding Teen competition. Held during the same timespan as the Miss Florida Contest – June 27-30 – the winners of the teen competition are more than just forerunners for Miss Florida. They also appear at various events around the state. Locally, Miss Lakeland’s Outstanding Teen, Jaiden Lagarino, as well as Miss Swan City's Outstanding Teen, Grace Craichy, will be competing. 

The Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Pageant and the Miss Florida Pageant will take place on June 30 at 4 p.m. and 7: 30 p.m. respectively. Preliminary competition is from June 26 to 28. The Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Preliminary will be held June 29 at 6 p.m. The Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Finals are June 30 at 4 p.m. The Miss Florida Finals and the crowning of the next Miss Florida start June 30 at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.missflorida.org.

The Symetra Tour brings tomorrows LPGA stars to Polk County

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Once again, the Country Club of Winter Haven serves as the starting point on the “Road to the LPGA” in 2018, hosting the 10th annual Florida’s Natural Charity Classic to open the Symetra Tour season.

A field of 132 players is set and they will compete for a purse size of $125,000 from Friday, March 16 to Sunday, March 18. Of the individuals comprising the field, a total of 27 countries will be represented. In addition, 20 total states boast at least one competitor. 

First and second round action at the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic gets underway at 8:15 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Following 36 holes of play, the field will be cut to the top 60 players and ties. Then on Sunday, the final round tees off at 8:30 a.m., with a trophy presentation to follow on No. 18 green. 

The tournament also marks the first of 21 events in the season-long Race for the Card, where the top-10 players on the money list at the end of the year will earn a LPGA Tour card for 2019. 

The Symetra Tour is the official qualifying tour of the LPGA Tour and enters its 38th competitive season in 2018. With the support of its umbrella partner Symetra, the Tour’s mission is to prepare the world’s best young women professional golfers for a successful career on the LPGA Tour. Since Symetra’s inaugural sponsorship year in 2012, the Symetra Tour has grown from 16 tournaments and $1.7M in prize money to $3M in prize money awarded over the course of 22 tournaments. With more than 600 alumnae moving on to the LPGA, former Symetra Tour players have won a total of 427 LPGA titles.

NEWELL, SIMS PART OF LOCAL TALENT IN FIELD

When play gets underway on Friday for the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic, 12 total players that call the Sunshine State home will be part of the competition, a group that also features three from Tampa, including AJ Newell and Sierra Sims. 

While many of their counterparts will be flying then driving to get to Winter Haven, it’s essentially a home match for these individuals, nearly in their backyard.

“I certainly love the travel that comes with playing golf as a professional, but it generally means no family or friends can come watch you play,” said Newell. “Having this event so close to home means my parents will be able to come watch, and that means the world to me. Golf has given me a very tight knit family.”

Newell was homeschooled in high school before attending the University of Tennessee. Born and raised in Tampa, her parents still live in the same house she grew up in.

Reflecting on 24 years of memories from across the state, Newell points out just how much golf has given her.

“To think back to all the clinics, lessons, practices, and tournaments that my parents sat through to get me to this point really amazes me,” said Newell, a former Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-American Honorable Mention performer. “I remember all the tough practices and swing changes my dad and I worked through together, the workouts my sister motivated me to get through, and the pep talks my mom would give me when I was away from home. Playing so close to home makes me proud to be able to compete in front of them.”

Sims, on the other hand, attended Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, but her family moved to Tampa when she started at Wake Forest University in 2013. No matter the path, Sims still finds comfort in the Tampa area, where she now lives and trains. 

“Growing up, we moved around a lot. Since I've been in college, I've called Tampa my home,” said Sims. “I will be able to sleep in my own bed during the practice round days and on a day where I have a late tee time. It will also mean that my family will be able to come watch me play and cheer me on.”

Representing their home state is important to both players, as well as each individual from Florida playing in the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic. There’s a sense of pride that comes with the territory of a tournament being contested where you’re from. 

Just as the path to how they got where they are today is unique, so is how they will approach the first event of the 2018 Symetra Tour season.

“My game plan for Florida's Natural is to go out there and have a great time competing,” Sims said. “My plan is to leave everything out on the course and walk away on Sunday saying I gave it my all, while staying true to my game.”

On the other hand, Newell looks to simply ease into the flow. 

“My first and main goal for this entire year, and especially Florida’s Natural, is to stay positive. I want to make it a priority to stay positive and be my own best friend,” said Newell. “For Florida’s Natural, my goal is to get back into competing as smoothly as possible. You can't truly know what you need to work on until you play under the pressure of a tournament.”