FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lisa Baker events@humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org

Smoke OFF The Water

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.

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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-

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.

The Ritz Theatre is proud to present the RON SEGGI Show on January 9th as part of The Ritz Theatre’s

“This is Your Life” Music Series brought to you in part by Visit Central Florida and the Ritz Theatre
Benefactors.

Beginning his career at the age of fourteen in radio, his “love” for radio began when his father took
him to visit a station when he was seven. With that as his inspiration, he built his own studio (which could be
heard for several blocks) in the basement of his home when he was eleven. Three years later, he got his first
deejay’s job at a commercial station and was eventually named its music director.
In the 70’s he launched his career, put together a nightclub act, and performed warm-ups for several
nationally-known entertainers. The Erie, PA native opened his own advertising agency, bought his first radio
station, at the age of twenty-nine.
In the 1990’s, The Ron Seggi Show, referred to as the “Tonight Show” of radio is broadcast live via
satellite from Universal Studios in Orlando. In 2000, Ron Seggi was been tapped as the announcer for Ed
McMahon’s “The Next Big Star” syndicated TV talent show.
Ron sold his radio stations and today continues do live entertainment as well as host his radio show
each weekend over the USA Radio Network, Armed Forces Radio, and Cable Radio Network.
The Gannon University graduate holds a BA in business administration he spends much of his time
aiding causes like the American Heart Association, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, United Way, American
Cancer Society, March of Dimes, and Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs.
The Ritz Theatre is proud to welcome the RON SEGGI SHOW to our stage along with its orchestra and
lovely singers to perform great sounds of the BIG BAND ERA with rendentions from Dean Martin, Ray
Charles, Bobby Darin, and Frank Sinatra.
RON SEGGI LIVE AT THE RITZ
JANUARY 9TH 6PM SHOWTIME
For tickets visit us at www.ritzoncentral.com or Call 863-295-9900
ADVANCE TICKET PRICES Balcony $15, Tier A, B, C - $20 Increase Day of Show
Give the Gift of Music for the Holidays - Gift Certificates Available
Group Rates Available