FOCUS Polk County 08-04

We offer seven convenient locations, Board Certified Physicians, and a wide range of healthcare services for children two years-of-age and older, adolescents and adults.

T H E M O S T A D V A N C E D H E A LT H C A R E I S C O N V E N I E N T .

Auburndale Family Health Center2028 Highway 92 West (863) 965-9327

Bartow Family Health Center1625 N. Carpenter Ave. (863) 533-1448

Dundee Family Health Center5999 Dundee Rd., Suite 750 (863) 292-4656

Haines City Family Health Center36245 Highway 27 (863) 421-9801

Lake Wales Family Health Center201 SR 60 West (863) 679-9644

Southeast Winter Haven Family Health Center6035 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 324-4725

Winter Haven Family Health Center100 Avenue I, N.E. (863) 292-4077

If you are looking for family health care that’s professional, friendly and convenient,

Winter Haven Hospital invites you to visit one of our seven conveniently located

Family Health Centers.

Your local Family Health Center offers a wide range of healthcare services for

children two years-of-age and older, adolescents and adults — including school

physicals, immunizations, basic x-rays and laboratory tests, minor surgery and

routine gynecological exams.

When it’s your family’s health, you want the best doctors, the best nurses and next-door

convenience. Each of our Family Health Center offices is open Monday through Friday,

9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Compassion. Innovation. Trust. We’re your family’s choice.

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FIND A BOARD CERTIFIED DOCTOR CLOSE TO HOME: Call the Winter Haven Hospital Physician Referral Line. 800-416-6705.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY JUNE 2012 3

Bartow863.533.0777

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Zephyrhills813.782.1538

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The Sparkman name has long stood for quality and truly is a name you can trust! We continue to grow in the automotive retail industry and desire for all local members of the community to experience the services we offer. We want to earn your business and we are making it easier than ever before! We will be offering special discounts and incentives exclusively to our hometown friends and neighbors. We have two convenient locations just 15 minutes away in Zephyrhills and Bartow. But to make this even more convenient we will come to you! If you live in Plant City or the near surrounding areas we will bring your vehicle of choice to your home or offi ce for your private inspection. Our certifi ed sales consultants will personally coordinate with you in order to accommodate your schedule. If your present vehicle requires servicing, we will pick up and deliver at your convenience.

The Sparkman name plus outstanding offers for the local community……why go anywhere else?

The announces the PLANT CITY GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY

for the month of June.

inspection. Our certifi ed sales consultants will personally coordinate with you in order to accommodate your schedule. If your present vehicle requires servicing, we will pick up and deliver

* See Dealer for details. Offers and Specials for month of June only, must be Plant City resident. Expires 06/30/2012

1. 20 percent discount on all service and parts purchases for the month of June!

2. $500.00 discount on new and pre-owned vehicle purchases after all manufacturer rebates and incentives!

3. Complimentary maintenance including lubrication, oil changes, oil fi lter and tire rotations on vehicle purchases!*

4. Complimentary car wash and detail on any service visit!5. Free tire rotations for life with the purchase of a set of -4- tires!6. Lifetime service guarantee on any major component replacement!7. Complimentary paint sealant applied to the exterior of every new

and pre-owned vehicle purchased!8. Complimentary loaner vehicle on each service visit!9. All new vehicles sold at Invoice!10. Valet pick up and delivery upon request!

The announces the

JUNE 2012 focuspolkcounty.com4

06-10 LOCALA mission-minded musician, the McKeel Academy student volunteers, and local author April Whitt help our May issue serve as inspiration for this month’s readers.

11-12 FEATURETake a look behind the scenes and along on the grueling journey of the Iron Man Triathlon event as our writer Valerie McCutcheon shares her day of adventure.

14-5 SPOTLIGHTEach year the Relay for Life event gains more support as participants join forces to find a cure for cancer. Strength in numbers will defeat this beast. Just ask the survivors.

17 BUSINESS PROFILEAs an agricultural credit cooperative, Farm Credit of Central Florida is owned by the member-borrowers who purchase stock/participation. This distribution of profits to its members reduces the cost of borrowing money, which makes Farm Credit a win-win for all involved.

20 DINING PROFILEBebo’s Marina, owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Phil Robinson and Christa Morgan, is one of the area’s favorite restaurants. Bebo’s is the perfect place to enjoy the best Florida has to offer, from the weather and scenery to the amazing sandwiches, salads and seafood. It’s fun, friendly and fulfilling. Visit soon! 18 - CITY OF WINTER HAVEN

21 - CLASSIFIEDS22 - EVENT CALENDAR

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

SCOTT ROMANOV & FAMILYCO-CHAIR FOR NORTH POLK COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE

Vol. 8 Issue 4 • june 2012 www.focuspolkcounty.com


Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.Plant City, FL 33563

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

www.thefocusmagazine.com

Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail [email protected]. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and many local venues.

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

Publisher Mike [email protected]

Office Manager Dede [email protected]

Copy Editor Cheryl [email protected]

Credit Manager Angel [email protected]

Sales Julie Hasting | Kelleigh Klein | Aldo Trevino

Production Anthony SassanoTony Cartagena

FOCUSTV Shana Mitchell | Victoria Garren

Distribution Byron SpradlinBelva DeVane

Photographers Kendra Conner

Staff Writers Cheryl JohnstonBrian West | Joe BowlesDerek Maul | Kelleigh Klein Heather Davis

Contributors Al Ruechel | Gil Gott Bruce Rodwell | Jo-An Lusk | Nate Davis

The flu bug stopped in for a visit at the Floyd home two weeks ago. And as many of you know, this is not cause for a party.

Our oldest son Zane and I missed a little school and work as a result - no fun, for sure, and especially not for DeDe, who played nurse.

But just when I thought about complaining for a little extra sympathy, I read some of our local stories in this month’s magazine.

And I re-read the stories about Relay for Life participants and the McKeel Academy student volunteers for the Special Olympics. And I decided after all, that a little flu was only a minor bump in the road of life.

Please don’t miss the articles about Aaron Rios, a musician with a missionary’s heart, and the annual Central Park Stroll.

Read also about the competitors in the Iron Man Triathlon. They made me think, “What’s a little setback from the flu compared to their sacrifices?”

That’s when I determined it was time to get up, give my boys and wife a hug and get moving again.

So, here I write. Thanks, as always, for your response in support of Focus, area businesses, and this great community. It’s our continuing pleasure to serve you.

Mike Floyd - [email protected]

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

LICENSING OPPORTUNITYLicensed territories are available. We are looking to expand the family and are looking for motivated individuals to join our award winning team. If you are interested in owning your own Focus Magazine contact Mike Floyd at 813.707.8783 ext 26.

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CENTRAL PARK STROLLWINNERS OF THE FLORIDA OUTDOOR SCULPTURE COMPETITION ANNOUNCED WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON

The winners of the 12th Annual Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition were announced May 3rd at the 2012 Central

Park Stroll in downtown Winter Haven. A joint project of the Polk Museum of Art and the City of Winter Haven, 10 sculptures are selected by museum staff and community members for display each year. This is the seventh year the event has been held in Winter Haven.

The big winner of the night was Steven Durow of New Orleans, La., as his sculpture “Levee Break” won the Best of Show and the Sponsor’s Award. A Professor of Glass at Tulane University, his piece was inspired by the levee failures that devastated New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. “We all know the story of Katrina and saw the images of the flooded city. As a sculptor, it was important to me to make a piece that captured the moment when the manmade structure began to fail. I wanted to give the sense of being able to hit the pause button on the exact moment it all came crashing down. When the viewer stands under the piece I want them to remember the images that are burned into our collective consciousness

and get a sense of being overwhelmed and overpowered by a force beyond our control.”

Staring up the 17-foot steel wave, viewers can see glass at the top that represents the water topping the levees, which Durow hopes will give viewers a sense of what it must have been like to be in the path of that unstoppable force.

Second Place was presented to Hanna Jubran of Grimesland, N.C. for her steel sculpture “Earth Water Fire,” and the Honorable Mention went to Jorge Blanco of Sarasota for his 15-foot tall aluminum and powder coating sculpture “Easy Run.” The People’s Choice Award went to Ana Lazovsky of Thousand Oaks, Ca., and Israel, for her fiberglass, cast aluminum, paint and steel sculpture “Copacabana Wave.” Lazovsky said she was “overwhelmed” at being chosen the fan favorite. She was inspired to create this piece by two sights at the famous beach in Rio de Janeiro, but you’ll have to visit Central Park to see if you can guess her double meaning. The sculptures will remain on display through early March 2013. Central Park is located at 58 Fourth St. NW in downtown Winter Haven.

“Copacabana Wave” – People’s Choice Award. Artist Ana Lazovsky poses with young fan Vontazia. Photo by Valerie McCutcheon

LOCAL » FOCUS

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AARON RIOS: ARMS AROUND THE WORLD WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON

Aaron Rios is a musician with a mission. The

recording artist who describes himself as a Humanitarian and Developmental/Artistic Entrepreneur has established “Arms Around the World”

so he and others can play a larger role in Mission, Humanitarian and Developmental Work.

Rios departed from his Nashville based record label in 2010 and established a non-profit 501c3 organization to recruit and inspire short-term mission teams to contribute to needs around the world.

Japan’s Tohoku coast will serve as AATW’s initial mission scheduled for June 11-21, 2012. He with a team of 4 will assist C.R.A.S.H Japan (www.crashjapan.com) with tsunami and earthquake relief work (March 2011 victims).

Showing God’s love in practical ways will involve: cleaning structures of sludge/debris; moving residents’ belongings to safety; replanting/restoring gardens; cooking for individuals and large groups of survivors; basic mechanical/construction work; distribution of supplies/donated goods; recovering/cleaning/sorting personal belongings; and sharing musical/dance skills with local communities.

Previous fundraisers have included a dinner at Chopsticks Asian Café, two carwashes, bicycle raffles at Black and Brew Café, Rita’s Italian Ice and a yard sale. Attend another on June 2 (7AM-2PM) at Beef O’Brady’s in North Lakeland.

Musically, Rios has released one album in 2009 with his band Sonnet to Sleep (currently a solo venture); two more albums are in the works with which he “hopes to benefit and raise awareness for organizations doing works with eternal significance.” His music will assist with funding AATW. Rios explained, “I’d like to partner with other artists through music and AATW to assist great causes around the world.”

In addition to pursuing music, Rios has spent the last eight years assisting those who sufferer with persistent-severe mental illness, the homeless and addicts. His family

survived Hurricane Andrew and after losing their home relocated several times throughout the state until his eventual college enrollment. The Southeastern University graduate (B.A. Pastoral Theology, 2003) has also served internationally in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, the nation whose earthquake moved his heart to organize AATW.

Rios shared personally, “In that January 12, 2010 moment of CNN breaking news, I was left with a deep heart-wrenching concern for the Haitian people, which broke me, making me once again aware of the needs surrounding us. The feeling wouldn’t go away… I felt exposed. My brown eyes shot to red, fumbling for a prayer like a beggar for change. I had to help.”

In response, he envisions “the inspirational works of artists contributing to that change.” Rios, a father of three, desires his young daughters “think globally” through exposure to Third-world need. His wife Sarah, a teacher at Dixieland Elementary, and Angelica Corchado Riccio, AATW assistant director will also help in Japan.

After earning a B.S. Pre-Med/Biology degree from Southeastern, Riccio’s heart turned to missions work. Previously a volunteer with the Salvation Army, Lakeland Regional Medical Center and Parker Street Ministries, today she ministers leads a Bible study on Sundays in the Polk County Jail’s faith-based dorm, while working on a Master’s in Nonprofit Management. She explained, “There is such blessing in serving others and sharing your passion for God. I look forward to what lies ahead through AATW outreaches.”

Rios’ passion and call now involves “assisting those who work with the abandoned” and “for the unsung heroes who have devoted their lives to changing this world with the message of hope, healing and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” He prays “AATW will “enable world-changers of tomorrow to begin their good work today.”

Readers can help! Purchase AAtW T-shirts, donate, or join us in our upcoming mission trips. Visit http://aatworg.com or contact [email protected]. Caution: Prepare to be inspired into action.

LOCAL » FOCUS


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These events could not have taken place without a tremendous volunteer system. McKeel students were part of that system. They helped make it happen.Photos by Melissa Brady

Posing in front of the ESPN Wide World of Sports ball was a perk for a very eventful dayPhotos by Melissa Brady

McKeel students in true athletic victory form, created an arch of triumph and cheered for the competitors as they would do a victory run.Photos by Melissa Brady

MCKEEL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CALLED BRILLIANT VOLUNTEERS ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS HOSTS FLORIDA

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

LOCAL » FOCUS

WRITTEN BY: VIVIAN DIPPOLD

The day began early for 26 Juniors of McKeel School of Technology. There was no sleeping in on this Saturday.

After a breakfast at school provided by their English teacher and group liason, Melissa Brady, they boarded the school bus to spend the day assisting and encouraging over 2,000 athletes in six sport categories at the Special Olympics at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports.

Kimberly McHugh, Polk County Coordinator, states, “Our volunteers are the foundation of Special Olympics Polk (SOPC) and the results of their dedication and efforts can be seen in the smiles of our athletes!”

These events could not have taken place without a tremendous volunteer system. McKeel students were part of that system. They helped make it happen.

Donna Rowe, Event Manager, ESPN Wide World of Sports said, “We have two [Disney] leaders who are very accustomed to working with the volunteers for our [Special Needs] athletes. It can be a difficult experience. But this time [the leaders] were unbelievably impressed with the outpouring of [volunteer] spirit from the McKeel Academy students. The students were right there to do whatever was needed to be done. Always insisting that they were there to help. Our leaders were amazed.”

Rowe mentioned that often when young people come to help, they get sidetracked and do not accomplish the needed task. However, the Disney organizers found McKeel students to be focused on every task and always doing more than they were asked to do.

Case in point - without being told, the McKeel students in true athletic victory form, created an arch of triumph and cheered for the competitors as they would do a victory run. Many parents had their child run back through in order to get “just one more picture.”

“This was spontaneous and started with our students from last year,” Brady stated.

Duly impressed, Rowe said, “Our broadcasters were out videotaping and when they noticed [the arch]. They came running to catch the highlight. [The arch and cheerleaders were] brilliant. Just brilliant. We are very impressed with the passion and enthusiasm from McKeel students.”

Last year, Melissa looked for a volunteer opportunity for her students. After searching out the opportunities, she found the Special Olympics of Florida. This is the second year a group has assisted at the Olympics. Disney organizers have encouraged Melissa to bring a group again for the 2013 Olympics.

Brady said, “I teach because I wanted to change the world. I wanted my job to be

more than a paycheck, a fancy car, a big house, and expensive vacations. I wanted it to be a job where I could inspire, motivate, show compassion, show how altruism and humility can be your greatest assets, and feel fulfilled after a day’s work. So, after spending two days with over 60 of my students as they

volunteered at the Special Olympic Summer Games, it was ‘icing on the cake!’ These students are my pride and joy!”

To know more or to become a volunteer at the Special Olympic Summer Games, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.


LAKELAND AUTHOR APRIL M. WHITTPREMIERS FIRST BOOK IN THE ROMEO RILEY SERIES™WRITTEN BY: LAVERNE STEVENS

April M. Whitt has been an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher at Doris Sanders Learning Center for 12

years. She has authored a series of books for ESE students. The first of the series is now on sale. The second book is in the works to come out in the autumn of this year.

Whitt went looking for books that featured an upper elementary person with whom those students could identify. There had to be a main character with special needs that was a super hero - something that would show that these children enjoy adventure, have feelings of joy, caring and expectations. Many of them use wheel chairs and other technological aids to help them get through their days, but they all come with inner talents and love a good mystery story, just like students in conventional classrooms.

She could not find any stories with this topic for this age. She began a class project that included writing funny stories about her students. Many of the books she had read to them featured conventional students with high physical abilities. Nothing was written that would “include” them. The students

really enjoyed Whitt’s stories. She could see how much they identified with her story characters.

So, her writing talent gave birth to Romeo Riley, a young lad with cerebral palsy, a wheel chair and a special voice box to help him communicate with others. This child has an imagination that spurs him on to investigate strange goings on at his school. He becomes a super sleuth and keeps readers on the edge of their seats, as they learn of his adventures. Whitt accompanies the text with delightful drawings created to appeal to the imagination of the reader.

Conventional students in upper elementary grades can enjoy this book as well. They can learn that special needs students have feelings just like they do.

Private Eye Romeo Riley™ The Series, The Mystery of The Boy Who Knew Too Much, can be purchased at The General Store, 125 S. Kentucky Ave. in downtown Lakeland or Teachers’ Exchange next to Dixieland Post office. It can also be purchased through the web site www.romeorileytheseries.com.

Lakeland Author April Witt with her book “Private Eye Romeo Riley”Photo by LaVerne Stevens

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A Triumph for Armstrong, Jacobs and Haines CityFeature By: Valerie McCutcheon

In the weeks leading up to May 20th, 8-foot cardboard cutouts of Ironman athletes greeted me along U.S. 17/92 as I headed into Haines City. I of course knew Lance Armstrong, but didn’t recognize any of the others, and if 70.3 hadn’t been posted on the right on the cutouts, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you the distance. If I hadn’t been covering the event for this issue, I might not have gone, even though it was happening in my own backyard. I certainly wouldn’t have gotten up at 5:15 on a Sunday morning for it! But watching the effort that the workers and residents of Haines City put into creating an Ironman Village at Lake Eva Park, and the spirit and enthusiasm from athletes and volunteers alike left me thoroughly impressed and instilled in me a great sense of pride for Haines City and Polk County.

The Ironman Florida 70.3 race had been held at Walt Disney World for the past nine years, until renovations at the resort forced the World Triathlon Corp., which operates the Ironman brand to look for a different venue. When Polk County Sports Marketing heard the WTC was looking, they proposed four to five locations in Polk County. But, according to Haines City Parks and Recreation Director Kelly Callihan, “once they saw Lake Eva Park, they said they didn’t need to look any further…it was perfect.” Callihan and his staff spent months preparing for this event, and all their hard work paid off, as Callihan said, “Everyone we’ve heard from has said that this is one of the nicest locations they’ve been to, and it didn’t seem at all like a first-time event.”

City Manager Ken Sauer says that’s partly because Haines City is no stranger to high profile, high-traffic events with famous names. “Our Ribs on the Ridge barbecue contest is one of


the largest in Florida and Thunder on the Ridge has the largest fireworks display in Polk County.” This 4th of July annual celebration can draw crowds of 30,000 and features country stars like Joe Diffie, Craig Morgan, and John Michael Montgomery, set to appear this summer. “So while we are used to crowds and big events, we’re very proud that we were able to put this new event together.” City officials estimate that 15,000 spectators, athletes and volunteers attended over the weekend, including nearly 400 IronKids ages 6 - 15 and more than 2,200 triathletes. The event is contracted for five years, and is expected to bring in $5 to $6 million in revenue each year.

The festivities began Friday night with a family night that included live music, vendors, and a chance for athletes to scope out the courses. The IronKids triathlon began early Saturday morning with the weather slightly cool and the sun rising over Lake Eva. Kids in tri-suits, swim caps and goggles were getting numbers written on their arms, timing chips affixed to their ankles, and pep talks from parents. The race started with a 300-yard swim, with the starts separated by age group. The 15-year-old boys were first to run through the inflatable arch into the water filled with rescue personnel on kayaks, surfboards and boats (and not, I hoped, any alligators). Aside from a little hiccup at the beginning where they had to run through a shallow spot, the first heat went smoothly, and they were followed by the 15-year-old girls, then 14-year-old boys, and so on. When finished, the kids ran barefoot through the swim exit on to a stretch of sand and pavement known as “transition” to hop on their bikes for an 8-mile bike ride, followed by a 2-mile run around the lake. John Quintana, a 14-year-old, posted the fastest time of 42:43. A national cycling champ from Costa Rica, he and some other friends traveled here to compete in the hopes of winning a spot at the National Championships in Iowa. Gina Johnson of Illinois was the fastest female finisher with a time of 43:39.

I left the IronKids race thoroughly impressed with the performances and determination of these kids, and couldn’t help but wonder if I’d just seen the next Lance Armstrong or Jessica Jacobs.

Lake Eva Park was packed early Sunday morning for the start of the 70.3. The male pros were first to start the 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run, followed by the female pros, then the age groups, and relays. Lance Armstrong came out of the water in fifth place but quickly closed the gap on the bike, finishing the bike course in 2:01.13. He had spoken before the race about the run being toughest for him, but he finished the half-marathon in 1:15.56, averaging incredible 5.50-minute miles. He finished in first place with a time of 3:45:38, about 11 minutes faster than second-place finisher, Maxim Kriat of Clermont.

This was Armstrong’s first 70.3 win, and first triathlon win since 1990 when he won a sprint triathlon in Aventura at the age of 18. He’d spoken at the press conference of needing to get his nutrition right as it was something he’d struggled with his past three races, but he appeared to have found something that worked. His $3,000 winnings will benefit his

Livestrong foundation for cancer research, and he will have 500 points added to the men’s 70.3 rankings for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii on October 13.

Three-time Ironman champion Jessica Jacobs won her first 70.3, coming from behind on the run to finish with a time of 4:24.30. At the awards ceremony she congratulated Lance and everyone else out there for pushing her. She also asked us to keep her Army Captain husband in our thoughts, as he will be deploying for the fifth time in June.

While it was an incredible feeling to stand at the finish line to witness these amazing feats of athleticism, I was equally impressed with the dedication of the volunteers and supporters who came out to help, watch, and cheer. Nearly 500 volunteers helped pass out water, check bike tires, write numbers on bodies and point athletes in the right direction. As I posted up along the run course to watch Lance run by on one of his three laps, I spoke with a group of women supporting their significant others. They talked of the camaraderie between not just the athletes but also the supporters, as they travel together, cheer each other on, and support each other because they all understand the difficulties of rigorous training schedules and constant travel.

Even after the pros finished, there were still many spectators lining the courses, cheering on friends, family and strangers alike. It was very moving to hear words of encouragement being shouted to each participant that came into view, and everyone crossing the finish line received cheers and applause from those in the surrounding area, even long after Lance had left.

I spoke with a married couple, Belinda and Carsten Rieger from Winter Haven. Belinda, the Rehab Director at Heart of Florida Medical Center, was a first-timer and participated as part of their relay team. She thought it was a great first experience, and being local, loved seeing familiar faces encouraging her as she rode the bike portion of the relay. She has traveled to many different venues with her Ironman 70.3 and 140.6 veteran husband, and they both agreed that Lake Eva Park was one of the best locations they’d seen.

Carsten Rieger, originally from Cape Town, Africa, enjoyed participating in a race featuring Lance Armstrong, saying it’s nice to be able to do the same sport as this remarkable athlete. He thought the caliber of athletes competing was phenomenal, and that this race exceeded his expectations. “This race was one for the history books for Lance Armstrong, and so Haines City will go down in history as well.”

This weekend was a great accomplishment for everyone who participated. City Manager Ken Sauer said he was “so proud of everyone who helped put the event together - commissioners, staff, Polk County Sports Marketing, Ironman staff, and especially all the volunteers. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Plans for next year’s even are already underway and Lance Armstrong has said he’s looking forward to coming back. So am I!


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An Interview with

Husband, Father, Survivor

Scott RomanovNORTH POLK COUNTY

The Relay for Life at Indian Summer Farms on Knights’ Station Road in Lakeland hosted the Cakes…Candles…and Cures celebration. Each person celebrated a birthday, a spe-cial birthday. One more birthday after cancer. It became one more year with the family.

It meant one more additional year to learn how to live a better life. It meant another year to become healthier, stronger and wiser. But now, this kind of wise was the kind that only a cancer survivor can know.

Mary Church, the American Cancer Society representative for Polk County said, “With 11 relays in Polk County, we will raise thousands of dollars. This all makes it possible to provide funds for further research as well as better treatment and services for those with cancer.”

“It’s a year ‘round process,” Dave Regan, co-chair of North Polk County Relay for Life, said. “We look for places to hold the event. We look for people to get involved. And, then we make sure the money goes out to help kids go to R.O.C.K. Camp and see that people get the transportation they need for treatments. Then there is Hope Lodge, a place that offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free, temporary place to stay if their most effective treatment is in another city. Everyone is needed to help us raise the funds needs for this effort.”

Scott Romanov, co-chair for North Polk County Relay for Life has celebrated his 43rd birth-day. At 40, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The news brought with it devastating consequences for Scott and his wife, Laura, an interview with Scott Romanov certainly left me with a new appreciation and understanding of life after cancer. With a family history of cancer, this event is an important part of Scott’s life. Here’s a bit more of his story.

Focus: Scott, tell me a bit about your family history.

Romanov: Both parents were of Eastern European decent - father from Russia and mother from Poland. My mother died from breast and bone cancer and my father from Lymphatic Leukemia.

Focus: You are of European descent but where are you from in the US?

Romanov: I was born in New York in 1969. However, I lived in the South Florida area until 2001, and then I relocated to Central Florida.

Focus: What is your career background?

Romanov: I have been involved in the construction Testing and Inspection industry for 15 years and currently work for Atkins North America (a supporter of the local American Can-cer Society fight against cancer).

Focus: I know you are a cancer survivor. Tell me about your journey and the outcome.

Romanov: I was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer in September of 2009 and underwent surgery shortly after to remove the cancer. A devastating outcome was that we would not be able to have children. But thanks to medical science and God, I am a survivor and a father. God has blessed me more than you could imagine. Our son Eli was born on May 15, 2011. I still undergo tests every six months to verify that the cancer has not returned. Thankfully, at this point, it has not.

INTERVIEW BY: VIVIAN DIPPOLD | PHOTOS BY: OTTO DIPPOLD


Focus: How did you become involved with Relay for Life?

Romanov: Shortly after my surgery in 2009, my wife took part in a Relay team from Kath-leen Elementary School where she is a Special Education Teacher. I attended a meeting for the 2010 Relay with her. She didn’t want to go alone and I was home recovering, so I went with her. That night my life changed forever as I listened to what Relay for Life was all about and I heard stories not much different than mine.

Focus: How long have you been active with Relay for Life?

Romanov: I started as a team member for Kathleen Elementary School where Laura works in 2010. I have been involved ever since. In 2011, I became the Sponsorship Chair and in 2012, I assisted as event Co-Chair.

Focus: What do you enjoy most about Relay for Life?

Romanov: I enjoy the time spent with people all working for a common goal. There are no personal agendas and for the most part, egos are left at the door. It is rewarding to be a part of something larger than you.

Focus: Why would you encourage others to become involved with Relay for Life events?

Romanov: Relay for Life is the one event that recognizes the need to raise funds for cancer research. Not just for one type, but for all types. In one way or another, everyone will eventu-ally be affected by cancer, whether with a loved one, or oneself. We need to take a stand against this disease and it will take all of us working together to find a cure.

Focus: What other organizations have you been involved with?

Romanov: Before my diagnosis, I thought cancer only affected “old people”. At 40 years old, I didn’t consider myself to be a part of that group. Up until then, I had no affiliations with any organization, but it took a traumatic event to make me see the importance. I only hope that others get involved, so perhaps they won’t have to go through what I and many people like me have. In a way, we do this for those that can’t.

Focus: Tell me about an event throughout the Relay of Life that is significant to you.

Romanov: The most significant event at any Relay has got to be the Luminaria Lap, held just after sundown. This is to show our love, support and determination to not let those we have lost, those still fighting and their families think this was in vain. We do this event for them, and they are not alone.

Focus: Who else works on this event with you?

Romanov: There are numerous volunteers just like me that take time to organize and run this event. The event Co-Chair with me was Dave Regan of Walgreens. Additionally, my wife Laura was a huge help to me as the Fundraising Chair.

Focus: Who would you like to acknowledge in this piece?

Romanov: I would like to acknowledge my wife Laura who is not only on the committee but has also had to be my caregiver, as well as Kelly Edwards who has been the Luminaria Chair. Much of the logistical efforts were taken on and handled by Dave Regan and without him, I’m not sure we could have held the event. So that said, a huge thanks to him.

At Relay for Life, there were so many others with situations such as Scott’s. Each survivor has encouraged sponsors and organized teams to support this great effort. Scott pointed out that each one had a story to tell.

Bristol Wells, 14, was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer about three years ago. She ex-plained: “I had many tumors taken out and they were cancerous. I then had the whole thyroid taken out. I was out of school a lot but I am a survivor. Now, I can understand how other people – older people and kids - [with cancer] hurt. [Through this] I know - God has a place for me. He is my strength. This event [Relay for Life] is happiness for me. I have a big sup-port system and they come out, cheer and walk with me. [My hope is that] in this generation we will find a cure, so no one else has to go through this.”

Bristol, team leader for Bristol’s Cancer Kickers, is an energetic young lady who offered an infectious smile as she assisted in carrying the Relay for Life banner to open the relay.

Lureathea Carr is 64. She had breast cancer in 1994. She is a survivor in more ways than one and described her commitment to the cause “The greatest thing I have achieved through this whole thing is that I learned a lot about different cancers, about myself, my faith and my health. I learned a great deal about the importance of a mammogram and self-examination. Because when I found my lump [it was after the mammogram] and it was massive. I thank God every day that I am here. Relay for Life is my mission. This is my 7th relay this year. We are going to find a cure. This event raises money to help find that cure.”

Lureathea and her husband share the good fortune of having another year together and the opportunity to celebrate another birthday – cancer free.

Focus: Thank you, Scott for sharing and increasing our awareness of what can be done to help find the cure. Finally, what can someone do to help in Relay for Life?

Romanov: Simply put……Get involved. Go online and look for a Relay for Life event in your area and volunteer. For information about Relay for Life, you can go to the following websites: www.relayforlife.org or www.cancer.org or call 863-688-2326.

American Cancer Society

250 Williams Street NW

Atlanta, Georgia, 30303

Tax ID Number 13-1788491



INFORMATION

BUSINESS PROFILE » FOCUS

FARM CREDIT OF CENTRAL FLORIDAIt started out as a means for farmers to

get loans. Congress provided seed money initially, but that was quickly repaid,

supplying farmers and others with the funds they needed to run a business.

Farm Credit of Central Florida, a member-owned cooperative, is one of five Florida associations and part of the nationwide Farm Credit System. It has been a stable, reliable source of credit for ranchers, farm-ers, growers, and homeowners since 1916, in 13 central Florida counties from the Gulf to the Atlantic, including Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Sumter, Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Brevard, and Volusia. As a cooperative, Farm Credit puts its profits in its members’ pockets. Since 1988, Farm Credit of Central Florida has paid patronage refunds, or profit-sharing, to its member/borrowers in excess of $139 million, significantly lowering their effective rate of funds.

Farm Credit’s primary function is to provide agricultural loans, including long-term farm and country home loans, intermediate-term

loans for buildings, machinery and other equipment, intermediate-term loans for land and construction and livestock and improvements, short-term production loans for both full-time and part-time farmers, and loans for ag-related businesses.

As a complete financial institution for the agricultural field, Farm Credit also provides a full range of other financial services for its customers, including secondary market financing for homeowners, truck and equipment leasing, and crop insurance.

The team at Farm Credit of Central Florida is staffed with financial professionals pos-sessing the experience and knowledge to provide the expertise people need to close their loans. Farm Credit knows agriculture and country living.

For individuals whose primary business – over 50 percent of assets and income – is the production of agricultural products, Farm Credit can lend for all agricultural and family needs as well as non-agricultural needs. This could include, but is not limited

banks, Farm Credit has a cooperative structure. That means a portion of the profits generated from its lending activity is returned to its borrowers in the form of patronage refunds.

What exactly does that mean? As an agricultural credit cooperative, Farm Credit of Central Florida is owned by the member-borrowers who purchase stock/participation certificates in the cooperative. The distribution of profits to its members effectively reduces the cost of borrowing money. Farm Credit’s members own the bank, so it just makes sense that they will share in the profits.

As a member-owned cooperative, Farm Credit is not operated or funded by the federal government. However, it is regulated by the Farm Credit Administration and is subject to some lending restrictions. Feel free to contact a loan officer to discuss a particular situation or ask questions.

to, automobiles and trucks, educational expenses, home improvements, vacation expenses, and much more.

For individuals who own agricultural land or produce agricultural products and whose income from agricultural products is less than 50 percent of their total income, Farm Credit can lend for all agricultural and family needs. Nonagricultural needs are limited relative to the agricultural income.

Farm Credit can also lend money to businesses that process and/or market agricultural products provided that more than 50 percent of the business is owned by farmers who provide at least some of the “throughput.” Farm Credit can also lend money to businesses that provide services to farmers, such as crop spraying, seed cleaning, cotton ginning, and more. The extent to which financing can be provided is based on the amount of the business’s total income from farm-related services.

With all the talks of lending, Farm Credit sounds like a bank, but unlike commercial

Vonda Fullwood services a loyal customer on the phone, while pulling up information for the client’s needs.

PROVIDING LOANS TO THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY FOR MORE THAN 90 YEARS.

www.farmcreditcfl.com866-245-3637


EXTRA » CITY OF WINTER HAVEN

Most mayors just can’t resist a good challenge, especially when the outcome will benefit their cities.

Recently, when Winter Haven Mayor JP Powell challenged Dade City Mayor Scott Black to see which city can recruit more mentors for local youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mayor Black quickly accepted. At stake is local pride—and produce. Mayor Powell of Winter Haven has promised to send oranges if Dade City wins the challenge. Mayor Black of Dade City will deliver kumquats, if defeated. There really is no loser though. Either way, more kids in both Winter Haven and Dade City will get guidance and support they need to be more successful in school and in life. “It’s all friendly competition to help local boys and girls in Winter Haven and Dade City. Mentoring at-risk youth has proven to help as young people grow and mature,” Winter Haven Mayor JP Powell said. “Anyone who has a good kumquat recipe, please send it my way.”

The challenge is aimed at helping Big Brothers Big Sisters serve more youth by matching more volunteer mentors, one-to-one, with qualified kids who need and want a volunteer mentor. Last year, the agency served 326 youth in Polk County and 237 in Pasco County. Thanks to a grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the agency hopes to serve more kids in those counties this year. The grant provides the agency with new funding to recruit and assign 75 more mentors to at-risk youth, ages 9 and up, in Winter Haven and Dade City collectively. “We see the OJJDP grant as a strong endorsement of the power of mentoring—particularly at a time when funding is so hard to come by—and we’re thrilled to see Mayor Powell and Mayor Black stepping up in a big way to help us recruit more volunteers and serve more kids,” said Stephen Koch, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Competition will end June 30 when the winner, the Mayor who recruits the most

volunteers who become a Big Brother or a Big Sister, will be announced. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is part of the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network. The organization holds that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are in single-parent and low-income families or households where a parent is incarcerated. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay serves children in Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties

and makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). The agency provides a system of ongoing evaluation and support, proven to help families by improving the odds that “Littles” will perform better in school, avoid violence and illegal activities, and have stronger relationships with their parents and others. Learn how you can positively impact a child’s life, donate or volunteer at www.bbbsfl.org. Or, call Winter Haven Mayor JP Powell’s office at 863-291-5600.

WINTER HAVEN CHALLENGES DADE CITYHELP BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS SERVE MORE KIDS IN BOTH CITIES

fit into Regular HoursWhen REGULAR LIFE doesn’t

EXTENDED HOURS CARE

500 E. Central AvenueWinter Haven, Florida 33880

863.293.1191www.bondclinic.com

BONDCLINIC, P.A.

Walk-ins are welcome during these hours:Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. & Sunday 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

No appointments arenecessary for minor illnesses and

minor injuries such as sore throats,ear pain, colds and �u.

Monday - �ursday 5 p.m. - 8 p.m

WRITTEN BY: JOY TOWNSEND

Winter Haven Mayor JP Powell Dade City Mayor Scott Black

http://www.bondclinic.com


BOOTS N BUCKLES SALOON: Nightlife is one of the essential

components of any social arena, in any larger town or city. In Lakeland there

are many well-known bars and clubs, but one that stands out above the rest is Boots N Buckles Saloon.

Boots N Buckles is located on North Highway 98 and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Even though it’s a smaller night club, some of the biggest names in country music have appeared here - names like Craig Campbell, Thompson Square, Colt Ford, Randy Houser, and more.

Boots n Buckles entertains guests with various promotional nights throughout the week, too. Thursday nights is a special one for the ladies. Ladies Night allows women 18 or older free admission from nine to midnight with a valid ID. Those 21 and over received tickets for six free alcoholic beverages.

Brittany Mishoe, a frequent Ladies Night attendee expressed why she visits often. “Boots N Buckles small enough that you get to know a lot of people and the line dancing is fun, too. The great thing about Ladies Night is getting in for free!”

Boots N Buckles is well known for its country music scene, where line dancing is a must activity. One can see dancers performing steps to the Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide, Boot Scootin’ Boogie, and the

Wobble. But don’t think that is all, because those songs just scratch the surface of what they have to offer. If you don’t know how to line dance, don’t worry. Lessons offered for beginners from 7-9 p.m. are also a great way to learn some basic steps and meet new people.

If you aren’t a hardcore country music fan, other styles are played music randomly through the night starting at about eleven. Hip-hop and rap tunes give dancers a chance to express their creativity in other dance forms, too. And just like the mixture of music genres, a mix of people attend - everyone from college students, country men and women, and bachelorette groups come to party until the ugly, bright, white lights go on at 2:00 a.m.

One male attendee said, “Boots N Buckles is the perfect spot for teens 18+ to go out and have a fun time. The music, line dancing and atmosphere is spectacular and you can’t forget about the ladies!”

Don’t forget though, Ladies Night isn’t the only promotional night Boots N Buckles has to offer, so check them out at bootsnbucklessaloon.com or find their business page on Facebook.

Boots N Buckles Saloon is a great place to hang with your friends after work, let loose, and dance until the heels on your boots wear out.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT » BOOTS N BUCKLES

LADIES NIGHT AWAITS WITH FREE DRINKSWRITTEN BY: ASHLEY KREAGER

Cowboys and Girls line dancing to one of the classic Country songs we grew up listening too!Photo by: Ashley Kreager

Come join us at Boots N Buckles Saloon Tuesday through Saturday 9pm-2am on North Highway 98. Photo by: Ashley Kreager

These Ladies came out to have a few free drinks and control the dance floor!Photo by: Ashley Kreager


BEBO’S MARINAIf you enjoy sitting outside by the water

enjoying live music, cold craft beers, fresh oysters and some truly enormous

sandwiches, Bebo’s Marina is the place to be.

The little house covered with bright-colored murals depicting bayou scenes is tucked away on a little canal off the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, although water levels make it impossible to reach by boat these days. The inside is bright and inviting, thanks to sliding glass doors on either side of the establishment allowing you to view the water while enjoying the air-conditioning. They also have a covered patio off to the side for outdoor seating year-round.

The building has been there since 1952 and was once known as the Rainbow Boat Basin until husband and wife Phil Robinson and Christa Morgan opened Bebo’s in April 2010. Phil, originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Austin, TX after being stationed in Louisiana while in the Army, and this Cajun/Creole influence is felt in specials such as the blackened shrimp po’boy or muffaletta po’boy. When asked about how the name came about, Phil wove a fantastic story about his great-grandpa Bebo, a ring and an alligator, before ultimately telling us he thought it just looked like a Bebo’s.

Phil recommended we try the cheesesteak, their best-selling po’ boy. We were shocked to learn that the behemoth of a sandwich he brought out was only the half portion. It consisted of about 8 ounces of shaved rib eye piled on a toasted roll slathered with mayo

and topped with provolone cheese, grilled onions and jalapeno peppers. The flavor of the perfectly cooked steak was allowed to shine through, as the peppers were not overwhelming and the onions added a slight sweetness. The bread, baked fresh daily at a bakery in Wahneta, was perfectly toasted on the inside and soft on the outside.

We also sampled one of the day’s specials, a blackened gator and sausage po’ boy, filled with sizeable chunks of gator, Andouille sausage direct from Louisiana and topped with mayo, lettuce and tomato. Blackening the gator kept the meat tasty and tender, not tough like some fried gator nuggets. Both sandwiches were served with a side of thick cut seasoned steak fries. These half sandwiches (did we mention how huge they are?) range from $7.95-$9.95 ($11.95-$13.95 for a whole).

In addition to an assortment of po’ boys, Bebo’s also serves raw and steamed oysters by the dozen or bucket. The oysters are delivered fresh from Apalachicola every Friday and are shucked in the back, so you don’t have to be seated at the bar to enjoy a bucket.

Bebo’s has a large beer selection, both on tap and in bottles, including many craft beers you won’t often see at other restaurants. They change up their selection regularly, and like to feature many local Florida brews, such as a Cottonmouth Wit from the Swamp Head Brewery in Gainesville and a Jai Alai IPA from Cigar City Brewing in Tampa. In fact, the Cigar City truck made a delivery while we were there, and the delivery guy ordered

a bag of Gator Bites to go. They also have a variety of wine and a frozen margarita and sangria machine.

Winter Haven locals Daryl Thompson and Gary Gwynn walked in while we were still there, and Phil had their beers ready for them almost before they could sit down. Thompson says he likes coming to Bebo’s because of the rustic setting, laid back atmosphere, and drink selections, and says bingo night is “always a blast.” Come on out on Wednesday for 50 cent oysters and bingo, where the pot can get pretty sizeable. They also do themed wine tastings about once a month.

Even with a wide variety of drinks being served, Phil wants you to know that they are a very friendly establishment. “Things don’t get rowdy here. We’ve never had a fight, never had to throw anyone out. People like to come here because they know they can bring their families and relax.”

Kids can even fish off the dock while their parents enjoy some music. Bebo’s features bands every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from five to nine p.m. Phil says Sunday afternoons are their busiest times, because “we’re open when nothing else around here is. You can get off the boat and we’re here with food and live music.” But because they are in a residential area, they do turn the music off at nine every night out of respect for their neighbors.

Bebo’s is the perfect place to enjoy the best that Florida has to offer, from the weather and scenery to the seafood. We’re already looking forward to going back and bringing the whole family!

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT » DINING PROFILE

A PLACE TO KICK BACK AND RELAX OFF THE CHAIN OF LAKES WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON

2600 W. LAKE ELOISE DR., WINTER HAVEN, FL 33884863-875-5646

HOURS: 11 AM-9 PM TUESDAY – THURSDAY11 AM – 9:30 PM FRIDAY – SUNDAYCLOSED MONDAY

INFORMATION

Gator and Sausage Po’ BoyPhoto by: Valerie McCutcheon

Daryl Thompson with owner Phil RobinsonPhoto by: Valerie McCutcheon


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POLK COUNTY CALENDAROF EVENTS

ENTERTAINMENT » EVENT CALENDAR

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our calendar of events please email the information to: [email protected]

FRIDAY, JUNE 1 First Friday - “Taking it to the Streets”6 – 9 pmDowntown LakelandFree admission

SATURDAY, JUNE 2Kaiser University’s Annual Summer Fun Carnival10 am – 1 pmOpen house, tours, prizes, games, refreshments and more2400 Interstate Dr., Lakeland863-682-6020

Art in Motion Academy of Dance Annual Recital6:30 – 8:30 pm139 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland$10863-248-5888

SUNDAY, JUNE 3Lake Region Yacht & Country Club Bridal Showcase1 – 5 pmMeet with local wedding professionals to help you plan the perfect event 4200 Country Club Rd. S., Winter Haven$8/person

THURSDAY, JUNE 7Guest Bartender Bash5:30 to 9 pmFundraiser for the Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs Inc. features bartenders vying for tips which are donated to the Club. 263 W. Central Avenue Winter Haven, FL 33880$75/person or $525/table of 8. 863-651-9580

End of School Bash4 – 6 pm135 Avenue Y N.E., Winter HavenFree admission863-534-6911

School’s Out Fiesta!5 – 7 pm710 Snively Ave., Winter HavenFree admission

FRIDAY, JUNE 8Jars of Clay in Concert7 pmAlso Featuring Jonny Diaz and Letters From Patmos139 S. Florida Ave., LakelandTickets: $21, available at jarsofclay.com 855-223-1008

SATURDAY, JUNE 97th Annual Robin Nabel Wagman “Against All Odds” Golf Scramble8 amProceeds benefit “Against All Odds” Scholarship for Polk County High School Student-Athletes4200 Country Club Rd. S, Winter Havenhttp://www.RobinWagmanAAO.org/863-421-1003

CABI Extravaganza Fashion Show and Luncheon10 amTable modeling, try on time, raffles and door prizes including CABI fashion and Vera Bradley 4200 Country Club Rd. S, Winter Haven$20.00 863-421-1003

Pins 4 Paws Bowling Event6 – 8 pmBenefit for the Humane Society of Polk County. $20/ person includes 2 games, shoe rental, pizza and soda. Imperial Lanes inside the Eagle Ridge Mall451 Eagle Ridge Drive, Lake WalesPurchase advance tickets at 555 Sage Road, Winter Haven or 863-324-5227

La Boutique Fantasque / From Stage to Screen7 pmPresented by Highland School of Dance at Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland$8863-221-8181

SUNDAY, JUNE 10Polk Pride Extravaganza – Miss Polk Pride Pageant8 – 10 pm139 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland$10 justfierceproductionsinc.com863-682-8227

MONDAY, JUNE 11Davenport Historical Society Picnic6:30 pm promptMeet at 1 S. Allapaha Ave. to carpool to the Springs at Devil’s GardenBring a lawn chair and a covered dish to share RSVP to [email protected] or 863-422-4507

MONDAY, JUNE 11 AND THURSDAY, JUNE 14Polk State College Open House5 – 7 pmApply, meet with faculty and financial aid, tour the campus, enter to win a scholarship3425 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland863-297-1010

FRIDAY, JUNE 15 – SATURDAY, JUNE 16Wright Step Dance Annual RecitalFriday: 7 pmSaturday: 11 am, 3 pm. and 7:30 pm139 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland$10863-682-8227thewrightsteponline.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 15 – SUNDAY, JUNE 17The Sunshine State GamesTimes, locations and sports varyVisit flasports.com for details

SATURDAY, JUNE 16Father’s Day Free Putting Contest1 – 4 pmPractice that putting stroke and play for a chance to win a free gift for DadLakeland Square Mall 3800 US Highway 98 N., Lakeland, FL 863-859-5414

THURSDAY, JUNE 21 Classic Albums Live Presents: Led Zeppelin 8-10 pm 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland $20 and $25 Advance, $25 and $30 Day of Show863-834-8111

FRIDAY, JUNE 22 - SUNDAY, JUNE 24Lakeland Miniature Guild’s 27th Annual Dollhouse and Miniatures Show and SaleWorkshops: Friday 9 am – 5 pmPreview: Saturday 5 – 8 pm ($15)Show & Sale: Sunday 10 am – 4 pm3839 Don Emerson Dr., Lakeland$6/adults, $1/childrenlakelandminiatureguild.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 23Team Pouncey Football Camp & Cheerleading Clinic9:30 am – 12:30 pm1125 N. Florida Ave., LakelandFree for children ages 7-16Register online at teampouncey.org

BasicTrueCouponing Workshop10 amOld Navy at the Lakeland Square Mall3800 US Hwy 98 N., LakelandCall 863-853-1485 to register

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 – SUNDAY, JUNE 24 The Sunshine State GamesThe Lakeland Center, 701 W. Lime St., LakelandTimes and sports vary, visit flasports.com for detailsMonday, June 25 – Friday, August 3Summer Frenzy (open recreation)1 – 5 pmFree but registration is required, closed July 4. Days and times vary, contact the center of your choice for complete info:Eloise Resource Center: 863-298-4485 Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center: 863-679-4335 Medulla Resource Center: 863-647-4035 Wabash Community Center: 863-284-4223 Wilfred Smith Resource Center: 863-298-7898


T H E M O S T A D V A N C E D H E A L T H C A R E I S R I G H T H E R E .

He had a stroke last October.Today, they’re leaving on a cruise.

Bon voyage, John and Nancy.

AN AFFILIATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND SHANDS HEALTHCARE

When it’s a stroke, every second counts. That’s why knowing the

symptoms—and having Winter Haven Hospital’s nationally recognized

Stroke Center right here—is so important. Stroke symptoms can

include: severe headache; sudden one-sided numbness or weakness in

the face, arm or leg; slurred speech or inability to understand others;

and loss of vision in one eye or double vision. If you or someone near

you have symptoms, don’t wait. Call 911 immediately.

Recognized by the American Stroke Association as one of the nation’s

top rated stroke centers, Winter Haven Hospital’s Stroke Center combines

the best physicians and nurses with the latest of research-based

protocols and rehabilitation services to provide the best stroke care

possible. All backed by the hospital you trust, Winter Haven Hospital.

Learn more at www.winterhavenhospital.org.

Compassion. Innovation. Trust. We’re your family’s choice.

Watch Uson YouTube

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FIND A BOARD CERTIFIED DOCTOR CLOSE TO HOME: Call the Winter Haven Hospital Physician Referral Line. 800-416-6705.

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