What exactly is the Ultimate Fishing Town? The World Fishing Network has opened a contest for voters to select their pick for the town they feel is most passionate about fishing and a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and Lakeland, Lake Wales and Winter Haven are among the nominees.

Aside from the “Ultimate Fishing Town” title and honors, the town receiving the most votes will earn $25,000 to be donated to a cause benefiting local anglers. In addition to the contribution, the World Fishing Network will produce a television feature about the region, which will be broadcast on-air and online throughout the year. Second and third place winners will also receive community donations with $5,000 being awarded to second place and $2,500 to third.

The voting has already begun, so don’t wait to participate and help your community win! Cast your votes at World Fishing Network or click: Lakeland, Lake Wales or Winter Haven. The contest opened on Tuesday, May 1 and will close Thursday, May 31. The three winning cities will be announced around June 6.
Vote up to a maximum of four times per day per email address, with one vote every six hours.

Voting is limited to one vote cast during each of the following blocks:

Voting Block One 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Voting Block Two 6:01 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
Voting Block Three 12:01 p.m. ET to 6:00 p.m. ET
Voting Block Four 6:01 p.m.ET to 12:00 a.m. ET

You can also earn up to eight additional votes by referring friends, adding local business listings or sharing your vote on Facebook or Twitter.

Don’t wait to help your county win! Recognized as the Largemouth Bass Capital of the World, it seems only fitting for Polk County to be the home of the “Ultimate Fishing Town”.

Since I arrived a little early, I decided to grab lunch at Fantasy of Flight’s restaurant, The Compass Rose (open daily from 11am-3pm). I went for the turkey wrap, but you can also enjoy burgers, salads, chili dogs, and more – all made to order. My food was affordable (under $10), arrived quickly, and was served by a very friendly waitress. The ingredients were fresh, and I was impressed with the quality of the side salad (no iceberg lettuce!).

At 2pm, our guide, Daisy Mae, took our “boarding passes” as we stepped onto the old-fashioned trolley car. From there, she  took us on a trip back in time, pointing out examples of “Florida cracker” architecture before taking us into some groves. There may not be fruit on the branches, but the lines of neatly hedged orange trees are a sight all their own. Even as a Florida native, I learned a few things myself. Did you know that orange trees used to stand 40 feet tall? The workers would balance on a wooden ladder while filling their bags with up to 90 pounds of oranges! Trivia like that gives you a whole new appreciation for your morning glass of O.J. 

The trip continued through open fields and cow pastures (look out for the  baby calves!) before reaching the private grove on Fantasy of Flight’s property. This is a great opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy a gentle breeze while taking in some beautiful scenery! After offering us a sample of a juicy Florida orange, she escorted us out of the trolley to talk about more about agriculture. Remember, there is more to Florida than just oranges. We grow strawberries, blueberries, and even peaches! Bring your camera, you’ll have a chance to take a photo with an old ladder and orange sack.

Our journey concluded in a beautiful piece of Florida wetland, one of our most important and treasured ecosystems. Daisy Mae stopped the trolley and allowed us to listen to the natural sounds of “real Florida” – you won’t hear “It’s a Small World” here!  Keep your eyes open, you might spot birds, butterflies, snakes, or even a bald eagle! 

Afterwards, I stopped by the Fantasy of Flight gift shop, where you can buy aviation related merchandise (clothing, mugs, etc.), citrus themed gifts and other goodies (local honey, jams, etc.). How about some orange flavored bubblegum for the orange lover in your life? If you’re missing those orange blossoms, why not buy some orange blossom perfume?

Fine print:

Cost: $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-12

Tour length: Approximately one hour

Tour times: Currently departs at 10:30am and 2:00pm. Tours are expected to be offered year round, but departure times may change, so please call ahead. Walk-ups are accepted, but reservations are recommended.

Notes: You do not have to purchase Fantasy of Flight admission to take the Orlampa Express tour or have lunch at The Compass Rose. Just take I-4 to exit #44. Open daily with free parking. For reservations and more information, call 863-984-3500.

National Military Appreciation Month at Fantasy of Flight
May 1-31

May marks National Military Appreciation Month and Fantasy of Flight is pleased to honor the brave individuals of our armed forces with free admission to all U.S active-duty, retired and reserve military.
To qualify for free general admission, guests must present a valid ID.

Legends & Legacies

Fantasy of Flight also hosts their Legends & Legacies Symposium Series year-round which honors American heroes whose personal contributions became part of our country’s rich history and helped shape our society. This series provides the audience with the rare opportunity to hear personal struggles, challenges and accomplishments first-hand.

Upcoming dates: June 8-9: Reflections of Vietnam
                                   October 12-13: Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival

Armed Forces Day Carillon Concerts at Bok Tower Gardens
Saturday, May 19

Bok Tower Gardens will honor the brave men and women of our Armed Forces with special carillon concerts on Saturday, May 19 and free admission to all branches of the military (active, retired and disabled veterans) with valid ID.

Armed Forces Day at Joker Marchant Stadium
Saturday, May 19

Operation Tiger Trot:

-The annual Tiger Trot 5k & Fun Walk will take place at Joker Marchant Stadium Saturday. Registration will begin at 7 a.m., and the race will start at 8 a.m.
-Participants will receive a run shirt, dog tags, yellow ribbon and participation certification – “I SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS,” and prizes include gift certificates, awards, and trophies for 15 age divisions.
-Trophies will be awarded to the Overall Male/Female, Masters Male/Female as well as age group winners. There will also be special military team awards.
-The Tiger Trot benefits the Detroit Tigers Foundation of Florida, Polk County ROTC programs and The Ledger’s Newspaper in Education Program.

Baseball:

The Lakeland Flying Tigers will honor current and retired members of the military for their service to the country with free admission to the game where they take on the St. Lucie Mets at 6:00 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Following the game will be a patriotic fireworks extravaganza (weather permitting).

Pre-game:

Prior to the game, Roy Powers and the Last Exit Blues Band will perform in the concourse.

The Tigers will also host the North Lakeland Little League’s team party before and during the game where each team will parade onto the field prior to the game.

Memorial Day:

All White Memorial Day Weekend Comedy Jam at Polk Theatre:
Sunday, May 27

IV the Soul presents the 1st Annual All White Memorial Day Comedy Jam featuring Marvin Dixon, Shawty Shawty, Ray Lipowski, Vanessa Fraction, & Goldiee on Sunday, May 27 at Polk Theatre.

Tickets are on sale for $25 General Admission.

Memorial Day Concerts at Bok Tower Gardens:
Monday, May 28

Bok Tower will host a musical salute of gratitude on Monday, May 28 with the Armed Forces Day Carillon Concerts. All branches of the military (active, retired and disabled veterans) will receive free admission with valid ID.

Over 2,300 competitors from across the county, state, nation and even world will make their way to Haines City this weekend for the start of Ironman 70.3 Florida. Here, these triathletes will test their athletic abilities, stamina and competitive drive on the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run.

Area residents will be able to take in the experience as the triathletes make their way through the course that includes a one-loop swim around Lake Eva, a bike route along one of Florida’s scenic highways and a three-loop run around Lake Eva. Among the triathletes will be seven-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong whose foundation recently partnered with Ironman in an effort to raise more than $1 million for those affected by cancer.

Previously held at Disney, this year’s Ironman event has relocated to Lake Eva Park in Haines City, just 30 minutes outside of Orlando, and will be held annually at this great setting through 2016.

Beginning at noon on Friday, May 18, the Ironman Village and the Lake Eva Park Bandshell will serve as the hub of all activities for the weekend. The Official Ironman Store will also open, and the public will be able to hear live music until 10:00 p.m.

Also part of the weekend will be the IronKids Florida event, which takes place the morning of Saturday, May 19. Young triathletes ages 6-15 will assemble at the starting line for a 7:00 a.m. start to a shortened version of the adult course.

The Ironman 70.3 Florida race officially begins Sunday at 6:30 a.m. As with previous days, live performances are scheduled throughout the day. The event wraps up Sunday evening and will conclude with an awards ceremony at 4:00 p.m.

Spectator Schedule of Events:

Friday 5/18
Noon – Ironman Village & Official Ironman Store Opens
Noon – 4 p.m. – Live Performance – Eli
6 – 10 p.m. – Live Performance – Spit Fire
7 p.m. – Ironman Village & Official Ironman Store Closes

 Saturday 5/19
7 a.m. – IronKids Race Starts
9 a.m. – Ironman Village & Official Ironman Store Opens
Noon – 1 p.m. – Live performance – Joey Foley and the Midnight Clogging Express
5 p.m. – Ironman Village & Official Ironman Store Closes
5-9 p.m. – Live Performance – Un4giv’n

 Sunday 5/20
6:30 a.m. – Ironman 70.3 Florida Race Starts
7 a.m. – Ironman Village & Official Ironman Store Opens
9 – 10 a.m. – Live performance – Jeff “Bull” Ferguson
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Live Performance – Steel Horse
3 p.m. – Ironman Village & Official Ironman Store Closes
4 p.m. – Awards Ceremony

Ironman Visitor Information

Located next to the Winter Haven Public Library, Richard’s offers guests a hometown feel in a tranquil setting. Flavorful origins and blends along with fresh scents and aromas are some of the things you can experience, here, while gazing out at the scenery of the sculptures and fountains of Central Park.

This local coffee shop has its own flair and a flavor to suit your every mood, taste or craving. Don’t believe us? Test it out for yourself while choosing from the many origins, blends and flavors. Prefer a tangy aroma and a smooth rich flavor? Select the Costa Rica Reserve SHB origin. Desiring a smokier taste? The Guatemala Antigua SHB origin may be just what you’re looking for. What about a craving for chocolate? Then the Java “Dutch Estate” is a must-try. Feel free to add your own twist by mixing in flavors to create an entirely new taste suited just to your liking.

While coffee is the obvious specialty, it isn’t the only thing you will find here. Tasty pastries, sweets, sandwiches, salads and specialty beverages such as espresso, frozen coolers, teas, smoothies and ciders are also on the menu at Richard’s.

Guests who stop into the coffee shop will have access to free WiFi along with Richard’s loyalty program, saving both time and money. If you don’t have the time to stay awhile, but still need a coffee fix, just call ahead to create your own flavor or take advantage of the café’s online ordering.

With café hours seven days a week, this fine coffee shop makes a great place to break up your monotonous schedule and getaway from life for a bit.

Annual Juried Art Show
Dates: Monday, May 7 – Friday, May 18
Venue: Florida Southern College – Lakeland
-Lakeland Art Guild’s 41st Annual Juried Art Show takes place at the Melvin Gallery at FSC.

Lakeland Flying Tigers
Dates: Now – September 1
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium
-The Lakeland Flying Tigers have returned to Lakeland for the 2012 season.
-This week’s home games are:
May 8 vs. Palm Beach Cardinals, 6:30 PM
May 9 vs. Palm Beach Cardinals, 10:30 AM
May 10 vs. Palm Beach Cardinals, 6:30 PM
May 11 vs. Palm Beach Cardinals, 7:11 PM

Benefit for Bailee
Dates: Friday, May 11 – Sunday, May 13
Venue: Triple Canopy Ranch – Lake Wales
-Sky Powersports and Triple Canopy Ranch are holding an ATV weekend fundraiser to help with Bailee Kent’s medical expenses.
-The three-day event will feature live entertainment from several artists, a corn-hole tournament,  activities, bonfires, raffles, prizes, and an auction along with swamp buggy rides, monster truck rides and ATV Demo rides.
-All proceeds will be donated to Bailee Kent, 18 year old Webber student who recently suffered a massive stroke.

Legends & Legacies: D-Day Invasion of Normandy
Dates: Friday, May 11 – Saturday, May 12
Venue: Fantasy of Flight – Polk City
-This event features D-Day heroes in an open-forum/question-and-answer session as well as meet/greet and autograph signings.

National Public Gardens Day at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Friday, May 11
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-This national event is sponsored by the American Public Gardens Association and designed to raise awareness about the role America’s public gardens play in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation and education in communities nationwide.
-Present a current membership card to any public garden at the entrance gate to receive free admission to the Gardens.

The Real Thing
Dates: Friday, May 11 – Saturday, May 12
Venue: Lakeland Community Theatre
-Lakeland Community Theatre brings Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing, Winner of the 1984 Tony Award for Best Play, to the stage.

Mayfaire by-the-Lake
Dates: Saturday, May 12 – Sunday, May 13
Venue: Lakeland
-The 41st annual Polk Museum of Art MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2012.
-Mayfaire is a free community weekend that features children’s art activities, musical performances and food, all centered around beautiful, award-winning art.

Mayfaire Saturday Night
Date: Saturday, May 12
Venue: Lake Mirror Promenade – Lakeland
-A free street party at the Lake Mirror Promenade featuring live music and fireworks.

The Firebird
Date: Saturday, May 12
Venue: Polk Theatre – Lakeland
-A spin on the classic Firebird story by Artistic Director Carol Erkes and Associate Director Ferdinand De Jesus, along with new contemporary works by guest choreographers including Earl Mosely.

Mother’s Day Carillon Concerts
Date: Sunday, May 13
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-Bok Tower Gardens celebrates Mother’s Day with Carillon concerts and free admission for all mothers.

Upcoming Events:

Ironman 70.3 Florida – May 19-May 20 (Lake Eva Park-Haines City)

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Florida’s Sunshine State Games: Polk County Festival – June 15-17 & 23-24

Red, Brick & Boom – July 4 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Polk NatureFest – October 4-7 (locations across Polk County)

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

For all runners, walkers and those just looking to get into shape, the A-C-T Carillon Classic 5k Run & Walk on May 26 is your opportunity to run a course that’s never been ran before! Held at the beautiful and historical Bok Tower Gardens, the A-C-T Carillon Classic is an experience like no other. With a tranquil setting on 157-acres of garden woodland and home to the magnificent bell tower housing one of the world’s greatest carillons, Bok Tower makes an ideal location for a picturesque 5k.

Runners and walkers will trek the natural rolling hills of the course and navigate through the gardens while carillon music, the tower and gorgeous views serve as the backdrop.

Participants will receive a dri-fit t-shirt and post-race refreshments, and the top three winners from standard age divisions will receive a trophy. Following the race, all participants and spectators are invited to enjoy the gardens for the day free-of-charge making it a great way to spend Memorial weekend with the family.

This inaugural event will be hosted by the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, and proceeds will benefit its educational and professional initiatives, as well as the George W. Harris, Jr. Runaway and Youth Crisis Shelter.

The A-C-T Carillon Classic will take place rain or shine on Saturday, May 26, and the entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for students (1st-12th Grade) who are registered by Friday, May 11. Registering after May 11 will incur an additional $5 charge. Race day registration will begin at 6:30 a.m., while the 5k Run & Walk gun time is scheduled for 7:30 a.m.

For more information, please contact Danny Kushmer, FPRA Chapter President, at 863-559-8062 or by email. You can also contact Cindy Rodriguez or Jim DeGennaro .

Register online

This semi-annual flea market is one of the Top 10 in the country and was the biggest show to date. Vendors from all over set up shop at this event, and shoppers strolled the streets of Lakeland browsing through the vintage clothing, fabulous furniture, hand-made jewelry, original art, shabby chic decor, and antiques that were on display.

If you missed out on this shabby chic, vintage affair, check out some of our photos we took while perusing for ourselves:

Polk County’s 19th Platform Art party will be held on April 28, 2012 from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. in downtown Lakeland. Next weekend’s progressive art party will feature visual art, short film, fashion, sound and performance with a focus on agricultural heritage. Tickets will be $15.00 in advance, $20.00 the day of the event, and $10.00 for students with a valid id at the door.

For an even more exciting twist there will be a public art piece funded by Platform Art that will be unveiled during the event, which is a celebration of Earth Month and Polk County’s agricultural heritage. Art Party #19: Art in AgriCulture will be an event no one will want to miss!