focus polk county 08-07
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FOCUS Magazine Polk County Edition Issue 08-07, September 2012TRANSCRIPT
T H E M O S T A D VA N C E D H E A LT H C A R E I S I N N O VAT I V E.
A Fair for Baby to Be & Up to Three!September 29, 2012 • 9:00 am - 1:00 pmat the Regency Center for Women and Infants • 101 Avenue O Southeast, Winter Haven
Free Bike Helmets with fitting, while supplies last
ID Child Fingerprinting
Safety Village
Car Seat Checks
SMART MOVES Injury Prevention
Lactation Center
Numerous health professionals on hand to
answer questions
Games, prizes, cookie decorating, fun learning
activities for parents and young children
Watch Uson YouTube
Like Uson Facebook
To get more details on this exciting event, call the Regency Library at (863) 294-7020.
Follow us onTwitter
AN AFFILIATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND SHANDS HEALTHCARE
FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY SEPTEMBER 2012 3
SEPTEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com4
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11 Feature:Dog Days of Summer
16 Business Profile
18 Winter HavenChamber of Commerce
19 Dining Profile
20 Entertainment
22 Event Calendar
06-09 Local
ONTHECOVERPhotography by Nate Rundell Photography
Tiffany Logan, Executive Director for the Downtown Lakeland Partnership
FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY SEPTEMBER 2012 5
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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.
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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]
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Sales Kelleigh Klein | Aldo Trevino | Susan Nieves Joseph Roberts | Cindy Cutting
Production Anthony SassanoTony Cartagena
FOCUSTV Shana Mitchell | Victoria Garren
Distribution Byron SpradlinBelva DeVane
Photographers Aldo Trevino Photography
Staff Writers Cheryl JohnstonBrian West | Joe BowlesDerek Maul | Kelleigh Klein Heather Davis
Contributors Al Ruechel | Gil Gott Bruce Rodwell | Jo-An Lusk | Nate Davis
Our youngest son Zy started kindergarten this month. How can that be?
Seems just yesterday DeDe was pregnant with him - and now he’s wearing a backpack.
Like most of you, we took photos of Zane and Zy together on that first day of school. And like most of you, we couldn’t wait to pick them up and hear how things went - you know the questions: “Did you like your teacher?” “How was lunch?” “Did you make some new friends or see any of your old ones?” “What did you like best?” “Were you nervous?”
Things went well for our boys and the homework has already begun. Now we’re into the school routine - earlier bedtimes, earlier breakfast, packing healthy lunches and helping with the studies. It’s exciting to think about all they will learn this year.
Just like our kids, we grownups have to keep growing our minds, increasing our awareness and getting involved in community efforts. In other words, we’ll never stop “going to the school of life.”
This month we hope you’ll enjoy reading about the Dog Days of Summer event and the Spotlight interview with Teri Saunders, CEO of Heartland for Children. This local not-for-profit agency promotes the prevention of child abuse and provides services for abused and/or neglected children in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. The agency provides in-home family strengthening and assistance with adoption, case management, foster care and independent living.
A huge hats off goes out this month to Nick Spagnola, 87, who is closing People’s Furniture, the store he founded 44 years ago. He will retire to golfing, tennis, bike riding and a little traveling. Spagnola fought in the Battle of the Bulge and spent five months in a Prisoner of War camp in Germany. The Past President of the Florida Furniture Dealers Association, member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War and Knights of Columbus supporter looks forward to spending the rest of his life in Winter Haven, and in his words, “This is a wonderful city and I am proud to call it home.”
Once again, as school has resumed, we’re reminded about what’s important - reaching out to each other. We’re proud to be a part of a community that does this so well.
Thanks once again for reading and thanks for focusing local. There’s will always be plenty to learn and plenty to put our hands to, right here where we live.
Mike Floyd - [email protected]
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
floyd publications, inc.
SEPTEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com6
ART SHOW AND FOOD TRUCK RALLY FOR A GOOD CAUSEWRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON
The FIAT of Winter Haven showroom will be temporarily transformed into an art gallery on September 15th for the
first Annual FiArt Festival benefitting the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Fund for Women and Children. Held from noon to six p.m., be sure to come hungry, as the parking lot will also be filled with 19 food trucks offering tasty to-go treats at Winter Haven’s first food truck rally.
Artists of all ages are invited to participate in the art show, with categories ranging from the ‘Under 3’ to adult professionals. Any medium and style will be accepted, and all entry fees benefit the Fund for Women and Children. The artwork will be exhibited in the showroom studio during the event, and the top three pieces from each category will remain on display all year. There is also a Bonus Category – the Fiat Feature, where artists can submit an original interpretation of a FIAT, in addition to work submitted in another category.
FIAT of Winter Haven has been open at its Avenue K location for about a year, and marketing coordinator Katrina Hill spoke of the owners and employees wanting to put on a unique event that would benefit
the community. The idea was sparked while taking their cars to different art shows throughout the area and seeing their popularity, and they thought that their beautiful new showroom would be the perfect space to convert into their own art gallery. The food truck rally was incorporated in an effort to draw in visitors from all over. While the rallies are extremely popular in areas like Orlando and Tampa, there had never been a food truck rally in Polk County at the time of planning, making this event Polk County’s first rally of this size, and an all-around first for Winter Haven.
Additional activities and entertainment, including “Paint the Parking Lot” with sidewalk chalk event and raffles will be held, and local community vendors will be present to sell their products, with part of their proceeds being donated to the hospital foundation.
You don’t want to miss the chance to browse local art while sampling an assortment of great food and supporting a worthy cause!
FIAT of Winter Haven is located at 190 Avenue K Southwest. For more information, call 863-837-3110 or visit fiArtfestival.com.
LOCAL » FOCUS
Michelle Faedo’s On the Go TruckPhoto Courtesy of Michelle Faedo’s On the Go
Whatever PopsPhoto Courtesy of Whatever Pops
The Flattery Food TruckPhoto Courtesy of The Flattery
The FlatteryPhoto Courtesy of The Flattery
FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY SEPTEMBER 2012 7
SEPTEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com8
MICHAEL MCARTHUR DEBUTS FIRST ALBUM“THE YEAR OF YOU AND ME”
LOCAL » FOCUS
WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON
Encouraged by a crowd of excited fans, local musician Michael McArthur released his debut EP in a show on
August 18, 2012 at downtown Lakeland’s Preservation Hall.
To show his appreciation, McArthur included a copy of “The Year of You and Me” in the $10 ticket price.
This appearance was the singer/songwriter’s first time accompanied by a full band. The highly regarded music educator and talented vocalist Nancye Blair opened the show.
The album fulfills the dream McArthur started last fall with a Kickstarter fundraising project, a process he describes as “very humbling.” He credits “six weeks of 12-hour days of hard work and determination, people who believe in me, and the expertise represented in The Vanguard Room studio” for driving his dream to fruition.
The Lakeland native has always been a music fan. “I loved it all, and still do,” offered McArthur. His grandfather bought him his first guitar when he was 16, a made in Korea Fender acoustic. His father taught him a few chords and thus began a passion for strumming, singing and songwriting. Not until five years later when he discovered a defining moment quote by Mark Twain did he overcome a fear of failure and determine that making music a career was what he was destined to do.
Authentic humility endears McArthur to his fans. As much as this first project has meant to him, what’s even more important is maintaining the relationships he enjoys building. He explained, “I’m humbled and so grateful for how free people have been with their love. My hope is that, from now on, I can spend my time trying to live up to how good they’ve made me feel.”
Looking ahead, McArthur plans to continue writing lyrics, building his fan base of “people who like to sing my songs,” and eventually explore musical venues outside of Florida.
To stay connected as his career influence grows, McArthur hopes fans will communicate and interact with him through social media. Be sure to visit www.michaelmcarthurmusic, YouTube, https://www.facebook.com/McArthurMusic and follow his tweets on Twitter.
McArthur’s words penned to his supportive fans the day after the show on a Facebook post express his gratitude best. He wrote, “Thank you all so much for the biggest rush of my life. I couldn’t sleep last night, thinking about how beautiful you were.”BOX OFFICE HOURS
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FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY SEPTEMBER 2012 9
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SEPTEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com10
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FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY SEPTEMBER 2012 11
DOG DAYSsummerof
By Amanda Furmage
Photos by Nate Rundell Photography
The 2012-13 school year has just begun, which means weekly beach trips and afternoons at the pool are no longer a top priority among Polk County families. In addition, many Florida residents are looking forward to the cooler temperatures hovering on the horizon, when continual exposure to air conditioning is not a necessity and a much-needed escape from the steamy, sultry air. Therefore, one could believe the dog days of summer are coming to a close.
SEPTEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com12
Yet according to the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, they have yet to arrive. On Friday, Sept. 7, the DLP will host its annual Dog Days of Summer event from 6-9 p.m. around the Munn Park area.
Sponsored by the Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital, the Dog Days of Summer is devoted specifically to man’s furry four-legged best friends and continues to be the most popular First Friday event as approximately 6,000-8,000 visitors attend each year—and that’s not including their lovable pets.
The Dog Days of Summer is one First Friday event General Store proprietor and dog lover Terisa Glover enjoys year after year: “It’s always fun to see everyone come out with their best four-legged pals. It’s a fun and relaxed atmosphere.”
One of the most popular features of the Dog Days of Summer is the pooch parade, where area residents dress up their dogs in outrageous costumes and proudly exhibit them along the streets of downtown Lakeland. However, some lucky canines receive the royal treatment and ride on their own “mobile thrones,” or floats, constructed by their owners.
The pooch parade isn’t the only exciting element planned for the evening. Attendees can enter in a pet costume contest, experience thrilling demonstrations featuring Lakeland Police Department’s award-winning K-9 unit, listen to live music played by the Birch Tree Brothers, check out the always-popular Wells Fargo Classy Car Show on Tennessee Ave., and enter the raffle ticket drawing for a Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital goodie basket valued at $250. They can also visit the many dog-themed vendor booths and educational tables.
“We have vendors from Invisible Fence, area obedience schools, and local groomers,” said Tiffany Logan, executive director of the DLP. “Vendors will be handing out product samples, free dog treats, and all sorts of valuable information on pet health and nutrition. Vendors can’t sell, but they can get the word out about their organization through fun giveaways, activities, and kids games.”
The downtown businesses around the Munn Park area will also be joining in on the festivities as most shops are open late and will have special, one-night-only promotions. In addition, for the first time ever, many restaurants, including Fresco’s Bakery and Bistro, will feature outdoor seating to accommodate the thousands of visitors and their pets. Furthermore, some shops, such as the General Store, will be accepting donations for animal shelters.
“We always host Lisa Moehring’s group of volunteers from Save Our Homeless Pets,” said Glover. “These folks work diligently to help find homes for the animals at Polk County Animal Control as well as to help make those [animals] at PCAC have a more comfortable stay. We accept donations on their behalf such as food, collars and leashes, metal bowls, toys, and bedding…We promote the ‘Adopt Don’t Shop’ thought that there are so many out there who need ‘FURever’ homes, so we do what we can to help.”
FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY SEPTEMBER 2012 13
Also assisting Glover and Moehring will be Sparky. Not only is she THE downtown pup and CFO (Chief Fuzzy Officer) of the General Store, but she has close ties to the PCAC.
“We especially focus on PCAC not only because of their heavy needs, but because that is where my Sparky and I found each other,” said Glover. “She is an ‘alum’ of Polk County Animal Control…and a suc-cess story. The more of those [stories] we can get out there, the better chance of saving more lives.”
Other local shelters and rescue teams will also be in attendance at Dog Days of Summer, presenting dogs of various breeds for guests to adopt on the spot, from beagles to pit bulls, big dogs to little pups.
“If you don’t have a four-legged friend, you can get one by the end of the night,” commented Logan.
According to Logan, even if area residents don’t have a dog and aren’t interested in adopting a new friend right away, Dog Days of Sum-mer will still have a little something for everyone, including college students, families with children, and retirees.
“So many people in Lakeland don’t venture downtown and they never know all the cool stuff the downtown area has to offer. That’s why First Fridays are so important. They bring in a whole different crowd and encourage people to make the decision to support their commu-nity and buy local…If downtown is not thriving, the rest of the city suffers as well.”
Glover agrees that First Fridays are very important to her business: “They bring in a whole different group of customers. The majority of my ‘regulars’ are folks who work downtown; they buy mostly snacks and drinks as well as some necessity items. The First Friday crowd is comprised of folks from all over who buy a little of everything. On average, we see approximately as much sales from 6-9 p.m. on a First Friday as we see in two, 7:30 a.m to 6 p.m regular days.”
Dog Days of Summer is even vital to its sponsor.
“It helps our business grow by meeting new clients through educating them on pet health,” said Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital Client Services Coordinator Billi Jo Hendry.
And the most exciting Dog Days of Summer feature of all—admis-sion is free.
“Even if you attended Dog Days of Summer in previous years, there are always a different mix of people and a different mix of vendors with new products and great samples,” said Logan. “Why sit at home bored or go to a movie and spend money when you can go to a fun and unique event for free? This is something people look forward to every year. It’s a good, warm, fuzzy event.”
So grab your pups, suit them up, and head downtown on the first Friday in September. The Dog Days of Summer will be sure to leave everyone—especially the dogs—barking for more.
Remaining 2012 First Friday Schedule:October 5:
“Strut Your Stuff Art Walk”
November 2: City of Lakeland Employee Talent Show sponsored by
Polk County Builders Association and Inneract Alliance
December 7: “Cookies and Carols,” a Christmas-themed event
SEPTEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com14
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BUSINESS PROFILE » FOCUS
PEOPLE’S FURNITUREFor more than 44 years, People’s Furniture
owner Nick Spagnola has looked out the windows of his store, located on the
corner of Central Avenue and 4th Street, at passersby strolling through Central Park and downtown Winter Haven. He has seen the views and people change many times over during his tenure at this same location, and soon it will be his building changing hands as he will close his doors for good to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
“There have been a lot of changes here. People come and go. There aren’t many oldtimers like me left around here. Some people down the street have been around for 10 years or so, but we’ve been here for nearly half a century!”
Sale signs dot the store, and price tags on chairs, tables, beds, and couches have all been
slashed as Spagnola is trying to sell his entire remaining inventory. “This building used to be three stories,” he says, showing off an old black and white framed photograph. “We’ve emptied everything out except for what you see here on this floor, and once it’s gone, that’s it.”
Slim and soft-spoken, Spagnola looks much younger than his 87 years. Born in 1925 in New Haven, Connecticut, he was raised an only child by his Italian immigrant father after his mother died young. Drafted into the Army at age 18 in the thick of World War II, Spagnola fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the largest and bloodiest battle of the war. 90,000 Americans soldiers were killed, wounded, or classified as missing in action. Spagnola was one of those 23,000 and spent five months in a Prisoner of War camp in Germany. “I was one of the lucky ones. I was
American Ex-Prisoners of War, and supporter of the Knights of Columbus, Spagnola is looking forward to retirement and spending time on the golf course in the community where he resides. He also enjoys tennis and riding his bike for an hour every day after work. He says that aside from some traveling he may do, he is looking forward to spending the rest of his life in Winter Haven. “This is a wonderful city and I am proud to call it my home.”
Mr. Spagnola, Winter Haven is proud to call you our own. Thank you for your service to our country and for being an integral part of the downtown landscape for so many years. Best of luck to you in your retirement!
People’s Furniture, located at 347 W. Central Avenue, has new summer hours from 10 am – 3 pm until all the furniture is gone.
young and in good shape, so it was easier for me than it was for the older ones.” He says it’s hard to describe his internment, but credits it for making him appreciate even more the good things in his life today.
After the war, he returned to Connecticut where he worked in a furniture store. He married a Florida girl named Betty and moved to Lakeland, where he managed another furniture store. “I always wanted to own my own business, and by then I figured that I knew furniture pretty well, so I bought this property and have been here ever since.” Betty passed away 15 years ago, but his son Frank is still in Winter Haven with two sons, and his daughter Mary, who has three children, lives in Indiana.
A Past President of the Florida Furniture Dealers Association, member of the
DOWNTOWN LANDMARK CLOSING AFTER 44 YEARSWRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON
FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY SEPTEMBER 2012 17
DOWNTOWN LANDMARK CLOSING AFTER 44 YEARS
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BOOTS N BUCKLES WELCOMES DUSTIN LYNCHSold out show, pumped up crowd, free
gifts, and rocking opening acts couldn’t be better for a new and upcoming artist
in Lakeland’s premier country spot: Boots N Buckles Saloon.
Dental Associates of Florida sponsored the show. While the atmosphere at Boots N Buckles is always a rowdy good time, the air held extra special excitement on the 24th of August. That night, country’s new heartthrob Dustin Lynch took the stage while on his new album release tour!
Opening up the show was Jason Miller, former lead singer of Crossin Dixon, the group he founded, and Clemons Road, a Plant City band also growing in popularity.Miller, who was born and raised in Sturgis, Mississippi, always knew he was going to be country singer. In March of 2012 he announced he’d begun work on a solo album. The Boots N Buckles regulars were glad he took a short break from his new project to rock out with them in Lakeland in honor of Dustin’s new album.
Next up was Clemons Road, for their first appearance at Boots N Buckles. This group of fun-loving, Florida boys all grew up
together on Clemons Road, and thus the band’s name. They entertained the crowd with She Still Turns Me On, Forever, the song Clemons Road, and many more.
Dustin Lynch performed from 10 p.m. on, starting the set with She Cranks My Tractor, which could barely be heard over the roar of the excited crowd. This night was more than just another concert. It was party that shook the house with drinks, dancing, and more drinks.
Obviously from his performance and popularity, Dustin has invested plenty of hard work and dedication into his career. While growing up in Tennessee, he developed his songwriting skills at the Bluebird Cafe, a well-known spot where many big time country hits were dreamed up and recorded on paper before they ever hit the studio.
Dustin moved to within walking distance of Bluebird, where he learned his skills from some of the top songwriters in country music, such as Don Schlitz, Tony Arata, and Paul Overstreet. He eventually became a paid writer and then signed to Broken Bow Records as an actual artist. Now you can find Dustin touring the country to promote his
self named album - Dustin Lynch.
“Cowboys and Angels” is his big hit on the country radio stream at the moment - and rightly so. His intelligent lyrics and impressively crafted score brings you back to the days of Alan Jackson, Clint Black, and Garth Brooks, who is one of Dustin’s biggest heroes. Even Dustin’s cowboy hat reminds fans of the good old days when that was the only hat country singers wore.
Dustin performed not only his originals, such as “Wild in Your Smile,” “Sittin’ Pretty,” “Hurricane,” and of course, “Cowboys and Angels,” but some covers as well - songs like “A Little Dust on the Bottle” and “Friends in Low Places.” This was definitely a party fans didn’t want to miss.
Boots N Buckles keeps folks returning because it is the premier place to party with the best country artists and enjoy the best country concerts! Bookmark the website (www.bootsnbucklesaloon.com) and Facebook pages (facebook.com/bootsnbucklessaloon) so your calendar stays synced and you never miss another great party in Lakeland.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT » BOOTS N BUCKLES
DUSTIN LYNCH PERFORMS IN SOLD-OUT SHOW AT BOOTS N BUCKLES SALOON WRITTEN BY: ASHLEY KREAGER
Entertaining the crowd with one of his new songs off his new album Dustin Lynch.”Photo by Ashley Kreager
Clemons Road taking the stage for the first time at Boots N Buckles Saloon, preparing for the big Texaco Country Showdown on the 31st of August. Photo by Ashley Kreager
SEPTEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com20
THE END ZONESome places are known for their
breakfasts. Others are famous for their wings, some have great happy hours,
and some are a great place to watch the game. Polk County boasts not one but two great spots to enjoy all these things, plus a variety of other menu options at great prices, including daily all you can eat specials.
Doris and Paul VanSickle bought The End Zone Family Restaurants in Lakeland and Davenport in June of 2010. Originally from Maryland, they moved here about five years ago. They knew that they wanted to open a restaurant and found the perfect location after searching for over a year.
“This was the perfect fit,” says Doris. “Purchasing an existing restaurant allowed us to keep some of the staff. We have one server who has been here nine years and always has a line of regulars waiting to sit in her section. We have regulars who come in weekly, daily, or sometimes even twice a day!”
At the Lakeland location, the walls of the restaurant are lined with flat-screen televisions and peppered with sports memorabilia. The bar sports a fishing motif, complete with part of a large boat mounted on the wall and a hand-painted mural with a unique real wood dock.
Glancing around, we noticed the servers seemed to be texting while taking orders. Doris explained that they were actually utilizing a new system called POSLavu to take orders using their iPods or iPhones
instead of the traditional pad and paper. The system is set up with all the tables and the menu, and servers input number of guests and their orders, including any special instructions. The kitchen gets the order immediately, and can start working on it before the server even leaves the table.
“It’s made things so much easier, faster and more accurate,” raves Doris. And so, with the press of a button, our order for Honey Cajun and House Hot wings was placed.
Their award winning wing menu features 27 different sauces, and the handy Temp Gauge ranks them in heat. We weren’t brave enough to try the Scorpion wings, which have five plus signs over the hottest ranking, but the House Hot were a perfect temperature: spicy, flavorful and not overwhelming.
The Honey Cajun were deliciously different. With Cajun spices providing just a slight kick, the honey taste permeated without being too sweet. We chose breaded, but they are also available naked or boneless.
Doris recommended another customer favorite: a Turkey Bacon Avocado sandwich. Served on a flaky, toasted croissant, the combination of smoked turkey, Swiss cheese, and ripe avocado is a real winner. Other popular sandwich offerings include the Reuben and fish tacos, and of course, burgers. The Create-a-Burger starts with a half-pound of juicy beef on a grilled bun, and you choose the toppings. The really hungry can try the Big Mouth Double Burger: a full
pound topped with double cheese and grilled onions.
The extensive menu at the End Zone also includes soups, salads, steaks, seafood, chicken and ribs. Their full breakfast menu is served until noon on weekdays and 1 pm on weekends.
The End Zone’s nightly specials include All-U-Can-Eat Wings Mondays and Thursdays,
Fish Fry Tuesdays and Fridays, Peel-n-Eat Shrimp on Wednesdays, and 20 Wings & Pitcher Specials Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy 2-for-1 Draft Beers and Wines all day, every day, and Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays.
You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy The End Zone. The prices, great food, friendly service and two convenient locations can’t be beat!
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT » DINING PROFILE
FOOD AND SERVICE SCORES IN LAKELAND AND DAVENPORT WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON
Morning crew at the End ZonePhoto by: Valerie McCutcheon
The End Zone interiorPhoto by: Valerie McCutcheon
Davenport:42605 U.S. 27
Davenport, FL 33837863-420-6569
Lakeland:6206 Us Highway 98 N
Lakeland, Florida 33809 863-858-7226
6:30 am – 9 pm Monday – Wednesday
6:30 am – 10 pm Thursday – Friday
7 am – 10 pm Saturday7 am – 9 pm Sunday
Endzone.homestead.com
Credit Cards Accepted. Kids Menu Available.
Price Range: $2.09 - $11.99 (Breakfast)
Lunch and Dinner: $5.99 – $15.99 ($34.99 for 50 wings)
INFORMATION
Honey Cajun wingsPhoto by: Valerie McCutcheon
SEPTEMBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com22
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]
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4» WineDown Town – Progressive Complimentary Wine Tasting6 – 8 pmSample fine wines, appetizers and shop specials in Downtown Bartow863-533-6807
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5» Low Vision Support Group3:30 – 4:30 pmFree information and support group 250 Ave. K SW, Ste. 200, Winter Haven 863-297-5400 ext. 2020
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7» First Friday - “Dog Days of Summer” 6 – 9 pmSponsored by Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital - Pooch Parade, costumes, prizes, vendors and rescue dogs available Downtown Lakeland
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9» Just Between Friends Children’s Consignment Sale9 am – 7 pmSave 50-90% on everything you need for babies to tweens! 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland$2 on Friday, Free Saturday & Sundaywww.lakeland.jbfsale.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8» Bartow Antiques Fair8 am – 2 pm100 E. Main St., Bartow863-519-0508mainstreetbartow.com
» “Bark” Tower Gardens’ Dog Day of Summer9 am – 12 pmStroll the Gardens with your leashed dogs as Bok supports the Humane Society of Polk County1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales$5/dog; $12/Adults, $3/Children 5-12863-676-1408 boktowergardens.org
» A Day in the Park10 am – 4 pmFree family fun including live entertainment, a Kid Zone, food, games, Touch a Truck event, and more905 Lake Myrtle Park Rd., Auburndale863-965-5545
» 2012 Margarita Run - 5K Run & 1 Mile WalkRegistration: 4 pm, Race Begins at 5 pm, Awards Ceremony and Party at 6 pmChallenging urban route ends with a sunset party with food, live music and Margaritas Register at www.hainescitymainstreet.com and www.active.com$20 through September 3, $25 September 4 – September 7, 2011
$20 – 1 Mile Fun Walk, $30.00 – Day of race for Run and Walk participants 6th St., Haines City863-421-4100
» Regal Swan Foundation Reception5 pm Diamond Jubliee presentation from Queen Elizabeth II’s Swan Marker, appetizers, wine tasting, and cash bar90 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland Tickets: $42 - purchase at lakelandchamber.comBusiness Attire863- 288-0317
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15» Family Day Open House and Art Carnival at Polk Museum of ArtFree family fun - first 900 students get a goodie bag of art supplies800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland863-688-7743 polkmuseumofart.org
» 9th Annual Lakeland Cardboard Boat Challenge and Lake Festival, 8:30 am – noon Five divisions, including one for prebuilt boatsLake Hollingsworth boat ramp$40/boat863-221-5323
» fiART Festival and Food Truck Rally Benefiting Winter Haven Hospital Foundation’s Fund for Women and Children12 – 6 pmThe FIAT of Winter Haven studio will be transformed into an art gallery with 20 food trucks present 190 Ave K S.W., Winter HavenFree admission 863-837-3110 fiatusaofwinterhaven.com/first-annual-fiart-festival-.htm
» Classic Albums Live presents: U2’s The Joshua Tree8 – 10 pm701 W. Lime St., Lakeland863-834-8111 thelakelandcenter.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16» Ridge Orchid Society 50th Annual ShowOrchid displays, vendors, repotting table, speakers, and rafflesHollis Garden, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland$2863-838-1396 www.ridgeorchidsociety.org
» The Lakeland Gun Show9 am – 5 pm Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm SundayLargest gun show in the Southeast, concealed weapons classes available701 W. Lime St., Lakeland$11/person over 17lakelandgunshow.comConcealed weapons class registration: equip2conceal.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 » Women Of Power In Motion – An Unceasing Harvest Continues7 am – 3 pmAn epic time of an unleashing of Unceasing Harvest upon the lives of each attendee4141 S. Florida Ave., Lakelandwomen-of-power.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22» Highland City Farmers Market8 am - 1 pm5410 Yarborough Ln., Lakeland, FL863-646-5570
» SPCA Florida Family Day and Open House 10 am – 4 pmFree, dog-friendly event with demonstrations, tours, kids activities, doggie games and contests, food vendors, and door prizes at the renovated McClurg Animal Medical Center5850 Brannen Road S., Lakeland863-646-7722
» Hispanic Heritage Festival12 – 4 pmCelebrate Hispanic culture with food, entertainment, vendors, and more710 Snively Ave., Winter HavenFree admission863-298-4485
» Live at the Gardens: Summer Music Series7:30 – 9:30 pmJuniper – Celtic & Appalachian Folk concert - includes all-day admission to the Gardens and optional dinner at the Blue Palmetto Café1151 Tower Blvd., Lake WalesReservations Required. Dinner & Concert: $40Concert Only: $20863-676-1408 boktowergardens.org/live-at-the-gardens
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 » 2012 Read Polk Spelling Bee6 pmLive entertainment, silent auction and 2012 Spelling Bee champion will be crowned to support literacy services in Polk County500 3rd St N.W., Winter Haven863-797-6253
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27» The Price is Right Live in Lakeland7:30 – 9:30 pmHit interactive stage show comes to Lakeland701 W. Lime St., Lakeland863-834-8111thelakelandcenter.com
» Breaking Free Banquet6 pmAnnual fundraising banquet and silent auction to support Zoe’s Journey, an organiztion assisting women and children coming out of life altering situations1401 Griffin Rd., Lakeland863-816-4072zoesjourney.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29» Wing Fling Tour 201210 am – 10 pmOne-Of-A-Kind Chicken Wing Tasting Event Around Polk County, a benefit for the Humane Society of Polk County401 Ave. B N.W., Winter Haven. $50/person863-401-8001 dontbechicken.net
» Ramon Theater 6th Annual Gala6:30 – 9:30 pmAn evening of dancing competition, fun, entertainment & more at the Annual Fundraiser with hors d’oeuvres included and cash bar available15 E. Wall St., Frostproof$35/person863-635-7222 ramontheater.com
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 » Lakeland Kiwanis Peanut AuctionFund-raising dinner, silent and live auctions1401 Griffin Rd., Lakelandlakelandkiwanis.org
ONGOING EVENTS:TUESDAYSFree Clogging Lessons8:30 pm Lessons by Mary Lou Bradley, former Grand Old Opera clogging champion with the Bluegrass BuddiesAcropoli Italian Bistro, 28087 US Hwy 27, Dundee863-421-0334
THURSDAYSDowntown Farmers’ Market8 am – 5 pmDowntown Trailhead Park, Winter Haven
Parkour and Freerunning Training4:30 pmBarnett Park, Lakeland 863- 808-9516
2nd and 4th SATURDAYSaturday Afternoon Movie2 p.m.Winter Haven Public Library Multi-purpose RoomFree admission863-291-5880
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 State Road 60 West (863) 679-9644
Southeast Winter Haven Family Health Center6035 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 324-4725
Winter Haven Family Health Center100 Avenue I Northeast (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. Our Family Health Center offices are 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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