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New Storybook Series “Let’s Go Dreaming” Takes Children On Bedtime Adventures

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New Storybook Series “Let’s Go Dreaming” Takes Children On Bedtime Adventures

by James Coulter

“Sleep, tiny dreamer. Where will you go tonight? Will you swim across the ocean? Or will you take a flight?”

Nothing prepares children for bed like a good bedtime story. Even after their storybook adventure is over, a new journey only begins once they drift off to sleep.

Just where will your little one go in their dreams? That’s a question that a new children’s storybook series, written by a local author, poses and hopes to answer.

“Sleep, Tiny Dreamer” is the first in a 7-part children’s storybook series that helps little children learn about what they will discover when they dream.

Each story has little Ary and her talking dog Pepper go on amazing journeys every night when they fall asleep. Sometimes they’re uncovering the mystery of a missing caterpillar; other times, they’re helping out a person who speaks a jumbled-up language.

The very first book in the series, “Sleep, Tiny Dreamer”, helps prepare children for a good night’s sleeping by discussing the countless possibilities they will experience while dreaming.

“Sweet Tiny Dreamer is a very inspirational story about where your little one will go when they go to sleep, what will they be, what do they want to see, where they will want to go; so it is a story filled with hope and innocence, just inspiring young minds to dream big,” explained Shanita Allen, the author of the series.

Currently residing in Lakeland, Allen is a behavior analyst with more than 16 years of experience serving individuals with developmental disabilities in the Hillsborough County area.

Last year, she was inspired to follow her childhood dream of becoming an author and writing and publishing her own children’s book series. As a child, she loved to read, and she wants to encourage other children to read.

Growing up, there were very few children’s books that featured young female African American characters. So as an African American woman herself, she wanted to write a story to help provide better representation for young black girls, she explained. She also wants to encourage more children to read, and more parents to read to their children, especially in this growing age dominated and obsessed with technology.

“I would like to encourage [kids] to get back to reading because I feel like in today’s time there is a lot of focus on technology like cell phones and tablets and social media, and I want to bring it back home and encourage children and parents to read,” she explained.

As a behavioral consultant, Allen utilized her experiencing working with young children, especially those with developmental disabilities, when writing her stories. One upcoming story will involve a character who has difficulty talking with others, serving as a metaphor for individuals whose conditions inhibit communication skills.

Allen had written several manuscripts for her book series over the past year, receiving feedback and support from a local writer’s group, Writer’s At Unity, at Unity Church in Lakeland. There she was encouraged by the group’s leader, Evelyn Rainey, a local author and former agent and publisher, to self-publish her storybooks.

Since publishing her first book nearly a month ago, Allen has had her expectations—or rather, what little she had—more than exceeded with glowing first reviews on Amazon.

“Great children’s story that captures the imagination and is entertaining to the little one,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “The illustrations are great. This book will be a classic in our nightly rotation of bed time reading.”

Allen has hosted many book readings and signings throughout the Polk and Hillsborough County area. Recently, she hosted a special presentation at New River Library in Wesley Chapel which included a puppet show. Currently, she is working to get her books into the Polk County Library System.

Currently, she is planning on publishing the reaming six storybooks within the series. She would also love to start a non-profit organization to donate her books and others to schools in under-privileged areas all around the country and world. She had big expectations for her dreams, and she hopes to encourage young children to likewise follow their own dreams.

“I want them to reach for the stars and do what they set their mind to,” she said.

“Sleep, Tiny Dreamer” is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Tiny-Dreamer-Shanita-Allen/dp/173337390X/

For more information, visit the official website at: https://www.letsgodreaming.com/ Or visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/letsgodreaming11/

Immigration Lawyer Renee Pobjecky Named Winter Haven Chamber Chair

Immigration Lawyer Renee Pobjecky Named Winter Haven Chamber Chair

by James Coulter

Photos courtesy of Mike Potthast

Over the past few years, Winter Haven has become more diverse and inclusive. As such, the community needs someone who has helped make it more diverse and inclusive to help push it forward into the future with further economic growth and development.

Renee Pobjecky, global immigration and compliance attorney, received the honor of having the ceremonial gavel passed to her as the new chairperson of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce during its annual dinner on Thursday evening.

“Celebrate Winter Haven: An Annual Tradition” was hosted at Nora Mayo Hall on Thursday evening to help commemorate the Chamber’s new chairman for the year, allowing attendees to look forward to the community’s future and look back at its accomplishments within the past year.

Since receiving her Juris Doctorate from Baylor University School of Law, Pobjecky has practiced law in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Florida. She has been recognized for her contributions to immigration law through her local law firm. She has also been recognized as a speaker and author on immigration issues.

During her remarks on Thursday evening, she mentioned how the local community has become more diverse and inclusive, and how she is looking forward to helping the Chamber push the community even further through economic development and growth.

“Today, it is time to look toward the future,” she said. “We are focused on the next ten years. Today, we are ready to deploy you, our leaders, into the community. As chamber members, it is time to rally behind our schools, our businesses, and our residents. I look forward to working with each and every one of you over the next 12 months. It is the only time this attorney is waving her hourly fee.”

Pobjecky was one of many local individuals and businesses honored that evening during “Celebrate Winter Haven: An Annual Tradition”, the annual dinner and meeting hosted by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce.

The event that evening helped showcase some of the highlights from the past year, as well as the vision for the future. Part of that vision included proposed renovations to the Chamber of Commerce building, which will include a refurbished lobby, second floor, and third floor.

Local individuals and businesses were honored that evening for their achievements. Here are a few of those awards:

Banker’s Cup – Man Of The Year:Bud Strang

Through his active involvement as the CEO of Six/Ten, a privately held investment company, Carl J. “Bud” Strang III has helped Winter Haven transform from a sleepy yet dilapidated town to a bustling center of activity.

His company collectively owns an estimated $60 to $70 million’s worth of downtown properties, many of which have been put to good use through the development of new businesses within real estate, agriculture, and software, according to an interview by The Ledger.

Aside from being active through his company, this lifelong resident of Winter Haven remains active within his own community serving within local organizations and boards such as the Chamber of Commerce, Winter Haven Hospital Foundation, and Winter Haven Economic Development Council.

When he accepted the award, he was at a loss of words. He was honored and humbled to be recognized, but in the end, he attributes his success to the support from the local community.

“This is really a team effort,” he said. “We you get a bunch of us on the same [page], it is amazing what can happen.”

Banker Cup Woman Of The Year:Debbie Harsh

Debbie Harsh started her banking career at CenterState Bank as a teller. She eventually moved up the career ladder, and now serves many roles within the bank exclusive of bookkeeping and accounting, according to an article by Profile Magazine.

Harsh currently serves as the CenterState Bank Senior Vice President and Chief Culture Officer. When not serving at the bank, she serves throughout the community within countless organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Polk, Polk County School Board, and United Way of Central Florida.

Even when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in December, she went through her health struggle with dignity through the help of her local community and especially of her personal faith. Such endurance in time of hardship makes her a viable female role model.

“I love the community, I always have,” she said. “Somebody asked me…what keeps [me] in Winter Haven. It’s you. It’s the community.”

Industry Award (Less Than 100 Employees):Moore & Associates

Les Moore started Moore & Associates in 2004 with two employees. Today, it has grown to six employees. Since then, his business has impacted the community both from inside and outside its office walls.

Giving back to the local community has been a core value of their firm. They have donated time and resources to many local organizations and causes such as academic fundraisers, the local health board, and the Rotary Club of Winter Haven.

Their biggest achievement thus far has been with youth soccer. Les Moore currently serves as the President and Competitive Director of Winter Haven Youth Soccer Association, or Winter Haven Kicks. His involvement has allowed more than 800 children to become enrolled with the opportunity to play the sport.

“This is truly a surprise,” he said upon receiving the award that evening. “I want to thank everyone for this award, and I will continue to serve the children of this community.”

Industry Award (More Than 100 Employees):Winter Haven Hospital

Employing more than 2,000 people, and helping create even more jobs within the surrounding community, Winter Haven Hospital is the largest employer within the Winter Haven area. Aside from creating jobs within the local community, the hospital has also invested millions of dollars into it over the past five years, helping Winter Haven become the fastest growing in the country.

Currently, the hospital seeks to expand its services, and likewise, its job opportunities, through an additional two floors that will be added over its emergency care center. The second floor with provide additional cardiovascular services, while the third floor will have additional intensive care units.

Through its core value of involvement within the community, the hospital and the surrounding community has experienced great growth within its 93 year history. Their secret, according to Dr. Steven Newman, has been to be different and personal.

“What does that mean?” he said. “It means that we do not take care of patients. We take care of your server at McDonalds, your son or daughter’s school teacher, your local elected officials, we take care of your mother and your father. It is different, and it is personal. That motivates [us] to deliver the highest quality healthcare and make that healthcare accessible to everybody in our community.”

Meals On Wheels 12th Annual Fundraiser Goes Back To The 80s

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Meals On Wheels 12th Annual Fundraiser Goes Back To The 80s

by James Coulter

If you want to go back to the 80s, you’ll need to locate a DeLorean powered by plutonium that can travel up to 88 miles per hour and generate 1.21 gigawatts. Or you could have attended the 12th Annual Meals On Wheels Fundraiser on Saturday.

Fans of the 1980s could have “totally tubular to the max” fun with an 80s theme event hosted Thursday evening at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse in Lake Wales. Tables were decorated with neon colors and rubix cubes. Favorite 80s hit songs were performed by the Brass Hearts Band. Some guests even dressed up as 80s icons such as Marty McFly from “Back To The Future”, Mongoose from “Top Gun”, and E.T.

Earlier that evening, they could enjoy a dinner as catered by Olive Garden. Throughout the event, they could donate their money to Meals on Wheels by bidding on many items through silent auction and participating in raffles.

The annual fundraiser is hosted every year to raise proceeds for Meals on Wheels Polk County, a local non-profit organization that provides hot meals to senior citizens and other homebound residents. The fundraiser helps cover a third of their budget, explained president Carmen Santiago.

This year received an especially large turnout. Their event sold out all 300 seats, and even by the start of the evening, the event venue was packed and busy with many attendees gathering, she said.

“I have been attending for 12 years,” she said. “I enjoy that it is a lot of fun, very relaxed, and a lot of good items to bid on. Everyone seems to be happy.”

The fundraiser has been hosted for the past 12 years. Every year not only sees a greater turnout, but also greater proceeds. The event first started in Cypress Woods and raised $15 to $20 thousand; since then, they have not only outgrown their original location and moved to Lake Ashton, but last year, they raised more than $75 thousand, explained treasurer Dan Mann.

Mann has been associated with Meals on Wheels for the past 22 years. He has attended the event every year since it first started. He helps out anyway he can along with 20 other employees. Each year he keeps coming back to see everyone happily attending.

“Our former director used to say that it was the happiest place in town because everyone enjoyed being there,” he said. “And it is the same way, it is a blast to be here. We appreciate the community support.”

Susan Eldritch, Director of Meals on Wheels, has seen the event grow by leaps and bounds since it first started 12 years ago. What keeps it successful is the people. Everyone enjoys coming, and they keep telling other about it and inviting them to come, she said.

“I like seeing the guests have a good time, and then I also would like to help provide meals. So that is our main goal,” she said.

Help Winter Haven Police Department Identify Dollar General Thief

Release by Winter Haven Police Department:

Paying for some things and not others still doesn’t make stealing right!
The woman in these photos stopped at the Dollar General located at 2340 8th St in Winter Haven. Before going into the store, she perused the clothing items outside and chose some that suited her fancy. She placed them aside and went in the store. She proceeded to select other items and actually paid for those items.
After exiting, she proceeded to pick up the items she didn’t pay for an carry them to her 1995 – 1999 maroon Ford Ranger.
Do you recognize her? The truck has a damaged tailgate and quite a bit of items in the bed of the truck.
Unfortunately, when a photo was obtained, the flash completely washed out the characters due to the reflection.
If you know who she is, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

One Injured in Plane Crash near Mulberry Monday Morning

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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call this morning, Monday, September 23, 2019, at 11:42 a.m. that a small fixed-wing airplane crash landed in in a partially wooded area near the west end of Thompson Road in Mulberry. Polk County Fire Rescue and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded. Two men were in the plane24-year-old Luke Fraiser of Wisconsin, the owner of the plane, and 78-year-old John Ducey of Brooksville, a flight instructor. Mr. Fraiser said Mr. Ducey was flying the plane at the time of the crash. The plane is described as 1995 Vans RV-6 fixed wing single engine 2 seat airplane (#N12033).  Mr. Fraiser was not injured and declined to be transported to the hospital. Mr. Ducey was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. The aircraft left from the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. The FAA will investigate the crash and the NTSB will determine probable cause of the crash.

Lakeland Police Officer Arrested for Making False Report with the Department of Children and Families

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On Monday, September 23, 2019, Will Long was terminated from employment with the Lakeland Police Department for violating the General Orders of Unlawful Conduct and Conduct Unbecoming.

Original Release:

LAKELAND, FL (September 20, 2019) – On Friday, September 20, 2019, a warrant was issued for the arrest of 47-year-old William Long, who was hired as a Lakeland police officer in 2001, for one count of making a false report (F-3) with the Department of Children and Families. Long turned himself in to the Polk County Jail without incident.

On May 28, 2019, the Lakeland Police Department received a complaint involving Officer William Long. The complaint surrounded a pattern of conduct by Officer Long that was related to an on-going child custody issue he was involved in. Allegations made in the complaint led to a criminal investigation that was conducted by members of the Lakeland Police Department Criminal Investigations Section.

Upon review of the initial investigation, it was determined that on May 20, 2019, Officer William Long contacted the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Abuse Hotline to report concerns of child abuse/child neglect while his child was in the care of a babysitter utilized by the child’s mother. Officer Long used his personal cellular telephone to place the call, and a recording of the call was obtained by detectives who are familiar with Long and recognized his voice. Officer Long stated on the recording that he wished to be anonymous and did not report his name and status as a Law Enforcement Officer as required by Florida Statute 39.201. He stated he observed unexplained scratches on the child’s back and a puncture wound on his hand.

On May 21, 2019, an investigator from the Department of Children and Families responded to the babysitter’s residence where the alleged abuse took place. The DCF investigator met with the child, and the babysitter, and observed no evidence or indications of child abuse. As part of normal investigative protocol, the investigator contacted Officer Long by telephone and it was determined to be the same number as the one used to make the anonymous complaint. Officer Long told the investigator at that time that he had no concerns about the child’s welfare while the child was in the care of the babysitter.

It was determined that Officer Long contacted the DCF Abuse Hotline with a high level of concern about the well-being of the child while in the care of the babysitter. Less than 24 hours later when contacted by the Child Protection Investigator he stated he had no concerns regarding the safety of his child while being cared for by the babysitter.

Officer William Long was charged with one count of making a false report of child abuse, abandon or neglect to the Department of Children and Families. This is a violation of Florida Statute 39.205, which is a 3rd Degree Felony. Through his attorney, he chose not to speak with detectives.

Long has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. He is currently paid an annual salary of $70,898.

Lakeland Police Officer Responded to a Fatal Motorcycle Crash On Saturday Night

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LAKELAND, FL (September 22, 2019) – On September 21, 2019, at approximately 8:39 p.m., Lakeland Police officers responded to a serious traffic crash at 5000 US Highway 98 North. Prior to the crash, a blue Suzuki GSX-R motorcycle was traveling southbound on US 98 N., in the inside lane, and a red Ford Escape was traveling north on US 98 N., in the left turn lane. As the motorcycle approached the 5000 block of US 98 N., it began accelerating at a high rate of speed, lifting the front wheel off the roadway and merging into the center lane, according to witnesses. At the same time, the driver of the Ford began making a u-turn and traveled into the outside southbound lane. As the Suzuki’s front wheel landed on the roadway, the operator, 31-year-old Valentine Dasent, lost control and the motorcycle struck the left rear of the Ford. Dasent was ejected, and the Suzuki was disabled on impact, sliding to final rest in the center lane. The driver of the Ford, 74-year-old Linda Halifax, slowed to a controlled stop just off the west side of the roadway.

The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Unit, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived on scene and began to provide life-saving measures. Valentine Dasent was pronounced deceased on scene at approximately 8:50 p.m.

Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately 3 1/2 hours while the scene was photographed, measured, and marked for any follow-up investigation. This remains an open and active investigation.

The operator of the Suzuki was identified as:

 

Valentine Dasent

DOB: 2/26/1988

Lakeland, Florida

The operator of the Ford was identified as:

 

Linda Diane Halifax

DOB: 2/8/1945

Lakeland, FL

The passengers of the Ford were identified as:

 

Brian Donald Halifax

DOB: 2/7/1967

Lakeland, FL

 

Richard Eugene Halifax

DOB: 7/6/1939

Lakeland, FL

2019 Lake Wales High School Homecoming Parade

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It was seemingly the perfect day for the 2019 homecoming parade there was a pleasant crisp breeze blowing across the Lake Wailes lake. The crowd was anxiously awaiting the parade to start it seemed like it was never going to come down the road. Then finally the LWPD Explorer came over the horizon looking up Central Avenue. Everyone held their breath wondering if in fact the parade was going to get underway. Slowly the cruiser approached the intersection of Central and Lakeshore, you could hear the marching band in the distance.

Kids started smiling and heading for the edge of the road just to catch a glimpse of the band. The band didn’t disappoint you could feel the drums beating in your chest as they stopped at the intersection. The tone had been set for the rest of the parade, it was electric.  Children ran up anxiously awaiting those on floats, and in vehicles to throw out candy. As soon as the candy hit the ground the frenzy began.

Parade spectators were in high spirits as the participants waved and smiled.  There were smiles on everyone’s faces, it was a moment of hometown pride.  My heart leaped when the ROTC walked by, to think that any of these kids could go on the serve our country from our very own town. The cheerleaders from each school shouted and brought their best school spirit and proudly represented Lake Wales. The floats were magnificently done you could see the time and effort that went into each float.

The dancers twirled eloquently in their well-rehearsed routine. The homecoming court was well represented riding in the back of convertibles sitting high up so all the spectators could see them smiling, waving, and enjoying the moment.  The highlight of the parade was when the football players rode in on the big fire truck. I have no doubt that if the we keep the electricity going, we can bring home a victory.

Pictures from the Parade:

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Cancer Survivors Strut Stuff At 12th Annual Pampering Event At Belk’s Winter Haven

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Cancer Survivors Strut Stuff At 12th Annual Pampering Event At Belk’s Winter Haven

by James Coulter

Chris Hazelwood, Chair of the Winter Haven chapter of the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, fought the battle against cancer and won. In 2008, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, but had long since become cancer-free.

Having been a cancer survivor for nearly a decade, she has used her time since then to help aid others in their personal battles against cancer. She accomplishes this through her organization and through events throughout the city, including the annual Pampering Event at Belk’s Winter Haven.

Hazelwood started the event back in 2008 when she was first diagnosed with cancer. Several other of her closest friends were also diagnosed with the disease. She wanted to do something to help them, so she convinced the manager at Belk’s in Winter Haven to start the event.

For the past 12 years, the annual pampering event has brought in vendors from local organizations within the community to provide care items and other services to help people in their personal fight against cancer, whether they or a loved one are diagnosed.

“We give back to the community,” Hazelwood said. “All these vendors are here just for them, all the people who are going through the challenge of battling cancer, they pick up tips and pamper them and help them along the way.”

The big finale of the event is the fashion show, where cancer survivors throughout the community celebrate their victory against the disease by modeling their best outfits on the runway. This year’s theme was Hollywood, with many outfits based on movie stars and popular movies.

Aside from offering helpful items and services to cancer patients and their families, the event also offers a cheerful atmosphere where they can uplift their spirits during a very challenging moment in their lives, Hazelwood said.

“They enjoy it is an upbeat event that gives back to everyone and anybody, and everyone feels like we are one here,” she said. “Everyone here has a really big heart. Everyone knows someone who has gone through cancer, is going through cancer, or knows someone who has cancer. They have a big heart, and they show up each year.”

The proceeds raised from the fashion show go directly towards benefiting the Winter Haven chapter of the American Cancer Society (ACS), which has been associated with the event since its inception, explained Cassandra Fridovich, Community Development Manager.

Hazelwood herself is the chair of the Winter Haven ACS’s annual event, Relay for Life, and has been associated with the organization for many years. As such, she is considered to be a highly valuable asset of the organization, especially with her pampering event raising proceeds for them, Fridovich said.

“I love coming and seeing all the cancer survivors and hearing their story,” she said. “I love seeing them come together for a good cause.”

Jen Wells of Cameo Split Ends Salon attended the event for the very first time this year. She helped cut hair to collect donations to help create wigs for cancer patients, as well as cut the hair for many patients going through cancer treatment.

“We collected two samples,” she said. “The people and that it is good for the community…I think it turned out amazing.”

SolarColorDust Celebrates Grand Re-Opening At Eagle Ridge Mall

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SolarColorDust Celebrates Grand Re-Opening At Eagle Ridge Mall

by James Coulter

Want something, anything, that can glow, glimmer, or change to any color of the rainbow? Then come on down to Eagle Ridge Mall, because SolarColorDust is open—or rather, re-opened—for business.

SolarColorDust celebrated its grand re-opening at Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales on Saturday after nearly a year of lengthy renovations and refurbishments.

The grand re-opening celebration allowed customers to take a look at the newly refurbished store and its wide array of new products. They could also enjoy other activities such as a slime station, temporary tattoos, and free cotton candy.

SolarColorDust opened last year, but later underwent extensive renovations to its storefront. Prior to that, the production area took up most of the area with a small retail space.

Now that the store has re-opened, not only has many of the old fixtures and carpet been removed and replaced, but the retail area has been largely expanded, allowing customers more room to see what the store has to offer, explained Wolf Voight, Manager

“When we first moved into the spot, we had a small place for people to walk in, while we had our production area take up the majority of the store,” he said. “So we have consolidated a lot of the production for more walk-in space.[and] we wanted people to know we had more to offer than we did last time so we can make sure we had more products for people to check out.”

Though it now has a new physical location within the mall, Solar Color Dust mostly serves as an online retail store that sells its special color-changing paint and glitter to customers all over the world.

The signature material, Solar Color Dust, is a light-sensitive powder that changes pigment under UV or black light, or through the radiation of the sun. Other special pigments include thermal dust that changes colors with heat, glow dust that glows in the dust, and even holographic pigments and liquid crystals.

Liquid crystal is especially a popular item, as its a mood ring material that changes color with heat and other changes in temperature. The new store also offers more options with holographic material and color-changing powders.

Voight hopes to see more growth and expansion in the near future, not only at his current storefront, but potentially in other areas with different subsites throughout Florida.

“We would like to see nothing but growth,” he said. “We want people to see the products that we have to offer that are color changing and interactive…We have more things to see, more examples and products and stuff like that, so we want people to know that things are more hands-on when they come into the store.”

Solar Color Dust is located down the way from Regal Cinemas and First Frame Bowling in Eagle Ridge Mall, located at 451 Eagle Ridge Drive in Lake Wales. For more information, visit their website at: https://solarcolordust.com/