Home Blog Page 480

Heart of Florida Physician Group Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Staff Reporter
-
0
Heart of Florida Physician Group Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Heart of Florida Physician Group Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

by James Coulter

Need to see the doctor in Lake Wales but don’t want to drive all the way to the main offices at the Lake Wales Medical Center? Then drop by the Heart of Florida Physician Group office, conveniently located in the Publix Shopping Center along U.S. Highway 27.

This new office offers a wide range of medical care services through same-day and even walk-in appointments. Best of all, it’s location within the shopping center provides quick, quality, and convenient service to residents living within the area.

“Most of our physician offices tend to be more centrally located in and around the hospital, and we are actively looking to change that and expand our outreach to make our care more convenient for the community to get to, and this is the first step in that,” said Maryemma Bachelder, Community Relations Director.

Through its new location, the office will be able to better serve the healthcare needs of local residents, not only by offering quick and expedient service through walk-in and same-day appointments, but through its accessible location near a major highway where most residents work and live.

“It give us a new more convenient access point, it helps us to serve our community better because it is closer to where people tend to live and work,” Bachelder said. “It is right by US Highway 27, a major highway that so many people are on every day, so it is an easy in and out, we are located in a shopping center and it is easy for the community to come and get care at their convenience.”

The physician office celebrated its grand opening on Thursday morning through a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce, which included participants from local city officials as well as members from other chamber of commerce organizations.

Lisa Peto, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), will be the main nurse practitioner overseeing operations within the new office. She is thankful for the opportunity to provide better care for the needs of local residents through her new position, she said.

“I just want to say that it is truly an honor and a privilege to be a part of serving this community,” she said. “We are striving to provide quality timely healthcare in a convenient and caring environment. We are blessed by your presence today, and I am personally so thankful for these wonderful women who have believed in me and carried out our vision with a smile every day. I ask God to continue to bless us and all who come through our door.”

Through their new location, they expect to provide a wider range of care to local residents of all ages, especially those living nearby in Winter Haven, Dundee, and Lake Ashton, said Tiffany Rodriguez, Registered Nurse.

The office has been open since March, and the reception they have received them has more than exceeded initial expectations, and will hopefully continue to exceed expectations into the near future, Bachelder said.

“We look forward to this office becoming even busier with more patients, and as time goes on, we look to establish a location in the community a little further away from the hospital to make it more convenient for our patients,” she said.

Heart of Florida Physician Group is located within the Publix Shopping Plaza at 24165 US-27, Lake Wales, FL 33859. For more information, call 844-634-3627, or visit their website at: https://www.heartoffloridaphysiciangroup.com/

Country Star Bailey Callahan Performing Newest Single At Thunder On The Ridge

Staff Reporter
-
0
Country Star Bailey Callahan Performing Newest Single At Thunder On The Ridge

Country Star Bailey Callahan Performing Newest Single At Thunder On The Ridge

by James Coulter

Born and raised in Orlando, Bailey Callahan moved to Nashville to pursue her dreams of becoming a country music star. For the past nine years, she has been working hard to pursue her heart’s dream, yet there are many times when her heart dreams of Florida.

Feeling homesick, Bailey decided to write her newest song as a tribute to her home state and the community she left behind to pursue her dreams. That song is featured in her newest single, “Home Made”, which will be released on July 11.

“I wanted to write a song about where I am from, about my community and everything,” she said. “I just love that. It feels real homey to me. So I wrote a song saying that you take the girl out of the state, but you cannot take the state out of the girl. That is what Home Made is about.”

Bailey will be performing the titular song of her new single, along with many other cover and original songs, during her performance at Haines City’s Fourth of July celebration, Thunder on the Ridge.

Aside from performing the song, “Home Made”, she will also be filming video footage for the song’s music video at the concert. So not only will attendees be able to listen to her music, but also potentially have a chance to be featured in the music video through the crowd footage.

Bailey was invited to perform at this year’s event almost by total surprise. She considered herself lucky when she received the e-mail, and she did not hesitate to accept the offer. Needless to say, she is excited to attend and perform, and her expectations are as high as they can be.

“I hope that it goes [well],” she said. “As far as expectation goes, I want to play all the songs, interact with fans, let people have a good time, and give America the performance that it deserves on July 4th.”

Bailey’s love of music started with a bet. Her grandmother offered $50 to the first grandchild to learn how to play a musical instrument. Motivated by the prospect of being able to buy ten new Littlest Pet Shop figures, Bailey took to learning to play the guitar.

At first, Bailey was not in love with music. That all changed when her parents gave her Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” album as a birthday gift. Upon listening to it overnight, she went from wanting to play music to wanting to immerse herself in it, she said.

“I started writing songs,” she explained. “It is all I wanted to do, all that I wanted to be. From there, it transformed into…becoming my own artist, but still having at the end of the day the roots where I come from, which is my sound. I have to give a shout out to my grandma and Taylor Swift, I would not be here without them.”

Since then, she has grown up and has been performing music professionally for the past nine years. She moved to Nashville and began touring across the country. Currently, she performs 150 dates per year.

Bailey describes her musical style as the female version of Eric Church, as a performer with a lot of heart and sass. She performs everything from original songs to covers. No matter what she performs, she loves being able to please her fans and have a fun time doing so, she said.

“I just have so much of a love for traveling to different states and meeting different people for the first time and building relationships,” she said. “I love connecting with my fans. It is my favorite thing. I owe everything to them.”

When not performing her music in concert, she loves giving her fans and other people a behind-the-scenes look through her YouTube vlog series, “Nashville or Bust.” Her vlog gives her the opportunity to pull back the curtain and show people what it is like to be an up and coming star in Nashville, she said.

More than simply being yet another star making music for the fame and fortune, Bailey sees her role as a songwriter as a big responsibility, an opportunity to spread an important message to the people.

“I realize as a songwriter that what you have to say is so important, and that is when you really start becoming unique in yourself when you are portrayed as an artist,” she said. “So I learned that through Home Made when I made it, and I feel it is connected with so many people. And at that moment, I realized that what I have to say is so important.”

Interestingly enough, her single releases on the same date as 7-Eleven Day on July 11. Living in Nashville, there are no 7-Eleven gas stations, but there are plenty in Florida. So she hopes people can purchase her single and enjoy a free Slurpee on her behalf, she said.

“Not only can you listen to Home Made when it comes out, but you can also celebrate, to a certain extent, and go get a free Slurpee on 7-Eleven day,” she said. “So you can listen to my single and have a free Slurpee at the same time. So it is a big celebration.”

Thunder on the Ridge will be hosted on July 4, 2019, from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Lake Eva Park, located at 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City, FL 33844. For more information, visit: http://www.thunderontheridge.com/

To learn more about Bailey Callahan, visit her website at: http://baileycallahan.com/

Dundee Woman Killed In Home Invasion Shooting – Suspect & Information Sought

Staff Reporter
-
0
Dundee Woman Killed In Home Invasion Shooting – Suspect & Information Sought

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a home invasion shooting that resulted in the death of a Dundee woman during the late night hours of Thursday/early morning hours of Friday, June 28, 2019.

Preliminary information so far is as follows:

Around 10:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2019, the PCSO ECC received a 911 hang-up call and at the same time a PCSO Lieutenant who was in Dundee heard shots fired in the area of Daniel Street. When PCSO deputies arrived at the apartment complex where the shots were fired, they found a female victim inside of an apartment with a gunshot wound. PCFR treated the victim, and she was airlifted to LRHMC, where she underwent surgery. She succumbed to her injuries on Friday morning, June 28th.

Several shots were fired at two victims during the home invasion – a male and a female. The male victim was not injured. He is being cooperative with detectives at this time. PCSO detectives are serving a search warrant at the apartment.

The home invasion is believed to be drug-related. Both victims have criminal histories.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. Or to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers – call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine Opens New Facility

Staff Reporter
-
0
Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine Opens New Facility

Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine Opens New Facility

by James Coulter

When you enter the new Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine (LVIM) clinic along Peachtree Avenue near Lake Wire, one of the first things you will see will be a mural of a looming oak tree.

The tree has a long extending branch that hangs over the ceiling. From this branch grows 85 leaves. Each leaf represents the original 85 donors who helped start LVIM back in 2001. These donors will likewise be honored with their names on the donor wall to be installed later this year.

“[They] invested in the mission in what we do,” explained Alice Kohler, LVIM Marketing Director. “[They] planted the seeds, planted the roots, that built what grew [and] what we have here.”

The tree mural, painted by local artist Elizabeth Hultz, adorns the clinic lobby of the new facility, which opened earlier this May with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

The new facility has more than doubled the clinical capacity of the former location, and thus has the ability to double their patient population, Kohler said. The old building had 8 clinical rooms, while this new location not only has 15, but also includes rooms for dental and optical care.

The services provided through the dental clinic and its three bays are funded through the half-cent sales tax initiatives from the Polk County Board of County Commissioners through a grant process, which the facility applies for every three years, Kohler said.

The facility also includes a conference room that not only facilitates the LVIM board meetings, but also meetings for its partner agencies and any other local non-profit organizations requiring such services, provided such meeting do not interrupt the facility’s patient flow, Kohler explained.

With the facility more than doubling its patient capacity, it also expects to double the number of patients. Last year, LVIM accepted 374 new patients, and they are expecting to double next year, as well as the size of their volunteer staff, Kohler said.

Opened in Feb. 14, 2001, LVIM is one of 88 other Volunteers in Medicine clinics across the country that provides free, compassionate primary healthcare to the working uninsured, including medical, dental, and mental care. To qualify for their services, patients must be Polk County residents, working, uninsured, and be 200 percent below the federal poverty line, Kohel explained.

Their goal, according to their mission statement: “May we have eyes to see those rendered invisible and excluded, Open arms and hearts to reach out and include them, Healing hands to touch their lives with love, And in the process heal ourselves.”

Helping provide these services to the local community is their core team of more than 19 staff members and 274 active volunteers, not including the 200 students who volunteer. These volunteers allow the organization to provide more than $8 million worth of healthcare services, Kohel said.

Their former location was based out of the old John Cox Elementary School located along North Massachusetts Avenue. One of their major donors, which also serves as a donor to Academy Prep, a non-profit private academy for at-risk students, wanted to move the school’s operations into the building.

As such the donor proposed buying the building from LVIM and offering additional funding to help move their operations to their new facility, Kohel said. Such a bold and generous proposition allowed them to move into the new building debt free, and hopefully will allow them better capacity for future developments.

“We pride ourselves in taking care of our patients holistically,” she said. “We do not want them to feel like they are coming to a free clinic. We want them to feel like they are coming to a professional facility and that they are receiving high-quality care. [Because] they are receiving it.”

LVIM is located at 600 West Peachtree Street, Lakeland, FL 33815. For more information, call 863-688-5846, or visit their website at: https://www.lvim.net.

Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida Joins Costa’s Kick Plastic Ambassador Program Eye Care professionals continue the movement to Kick Plastic in the Optical Industry

Staff Reporter
-
0
Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida Joins Costa’s Kick Plastic Ambassador Program Eye Care professionals continue the movement to Kick Plastic in the Optical Industry

Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida Joins Costa’s Kick Plastic Ambassador Program
Eye Care professionals continue the movement to Kick Plastic in the Optical Industry

June 13, 2019, Winter Haven – Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida has partnered with Costa® Sunglasses in the Kick Plastic® Ambassador Program.  Costa launched the Kick Plastic campaign in 2015 to take action against single-use plastic that is polluting our watery world and we are one of the select Eye Care professionals to be invited to become Ambassadors and support the campaign.  In an effort to address the 420 million plastic lenses disposed by the optical industry every two years*, Costa launched an ambitious new plan, paving the way for Eye Care professionals and the optical industry to tackle the problem.  The Kick Plastic Lens Recycling Program is an innovative program that encourages Eye Care professionals to collect, recycle and repurpose any type or brand of plastic lenses.

As a Kick Plastic Ambassador, Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida has committed to taking steps to reduce our single-use plastic footprint. To name a few initiates, we will begin recycling all plastic lenses through Costa’s program, which offers a second-life for these lenses, cut back on single-use plastic in our offices, and organize a community cleanup.

By 2050 there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish, by weight.  “By joining forces with Costa Sunglasses and their Kick Plastic campaign, we are committed to reducing the amount of plastic we use in our office and sharing that message with our patients.” says Sarah Bryant – Marketing Manager for Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida

“We are excited and pleased to announce that Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida has joined the Kick Plastic Ambassador Program in movement to reduce their single-use plastic use,” said Holly Rush, CEO of Costa. “It will take all of us, working together, to Kick Plastic and ultimately protect our watery worlds.”

By joining the alliance to Kick Plastic, businesses become part of a collective action to reduce single-use plastic, an issue that is at the forefront of public awareness. Others can join by contacting Costa at [email protected]

ABOUT EYE SPECIALISTS OF MID-FLORIDA

Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, P.A. is a multispecialty eye clinic that has provided outstanding eye care for over 50 years. Our five ophthalmologists and 12 optometrists provide services at eight locations ranging from ophthalmology, optometry, glaucoma, Lasik, laser surgery, treatment of cataracts, eyelid lifts, a full range of eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, sunglasses, frame repair, and optical accessories. Eye Specialists’ mission is to provide the highest quality and most technologically advanced eye care with compassion and integrity. Visit us online at eyesFL.com.

ABOUT COSTA
As the first patented color-enhancing, polarized lens in the industry, Costa® offers superior sunglass lens technology and unparalleled frame fit and durability. Since 1983, Costa has created the highest quality, best performing sunglasses and prescription sunglasses (Rx) for outdoor water enthusiasts. Costa’s product portfolio now includes optical frames for men and women, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the optical channel. Costa’s pillars of “Explore, Perform and Protect,” are at the core of its growing cult-brand status, with roots starting among its tribe of dedicated fans who are passionate about spending time outdoors in, on, or around the water.

Honored by the industry as the leader in the 2017 Social Purpose: Company and 2018 & 2017 Eye Vote Social Purpose: Brand categories, Costa works hard to protect the oceans it calls home. Its commitment to sustainability is integral to the company’s vision, and this promise is inherent in every pair of Costas sold. By utilizing the Bio-Resin Raw Material Process, Costa has reduced its carbon footprint and helped to protect our planet’s waters. Additionally, from programs like its Kick Plastic® campaign, where Costa seeks to raise awareness about the growing plastic pollution problem threatening oceans worldwide to serving as a long-term partner to shark research organization OCEARCH®, Costa encourages the protection of the Earth’s aquatic resources in any way it can.

___________________

* The Vision Council Market Analysis Report December 2018. Vision Watch.

Body Found in Canal on Mosaic Property Near Alligator

Staff Reporter
-
0
Body Found in Canal on Mosaic Property Near Alligator

June 27, 2019: The FWC and PCSO are conducting a joint investigation into the death of 45-year-old Michael Ford II of Wauchula, whose body was found floating in water on Mosaic property on Thursday, June 27, 2019. When he was found by a Mosaic employee, a large alligator had a part of Ford’s body in his mouth. When first responders arrived on-scene, the gator had disengaged. The FWC trapped and killed the alligator, and a necropsy was performed. Ford’s hand and foot were found inside the gator’s stomach. An autopsy revealed that Ford had other lacerations and injuries caused by the gator, and his apparent cause of death is drowning, although his final cause and manner of death are pending toxicology. PCSO detectives impounded a truck found at the scene and determined it belonged to a friend of Ford’s who had recently agreed to sell it to Ford. Neither the friend nor Ford’s family had heard from him since Sunday, June 23, 2019.

——– Original Article——-

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation on Mosaic property just off Peeples Road, west of Fort Meade (nearest cross street – CR 630).

At 7:43 a.m. Thursday, June 27, 2019, the PCSO ECC received a call in reference to a human body found in the water and near an alligator.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is assisting PCSO on the scene. A photo from the scene is attached in the link below & we will send out another photo via Twitter.

The body of a deceased adult male was pulled from a canal, and an alligator has been captured. Please contact the FWC for information about the alligator.

At this time, we have no information regarding the cause of death, the man’s identity, or how long the man has been deceased. An autopsy will be conducted to determine that.

The 911 call has been requested and we will send that out later.

More information may be released later today.

Help Winter Haven Police Department Identify Walmart Thief

Staff Reporter
-
0
Help Winter Haven Police Department Identify Walmart Thief

Release by Winter Haven Police Department:

The Shuffling Done Might Make You Dizzy
The woman in our video today took two Rose Gold Galaxy Smart Watches from Walmart after having the clerk pull out numerous boxes.
All of the items were on the counter – shuffle shuffle shuffle – talks on the phone – shuffle shuffle shuffle – and then convinces the clerk to get something else. While the clerk was away from the counter – shuffle shuffle and INTO the purse two of those watches went.
Recognize her? Call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.wA

Polk Sheriff Investigating Early Morning Fatal Crash On Hwy 98

Staff Reporter
-
0
Polk Sheriff Investigating Early Morning Fatal Crash On Hwy 98

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Around 3:10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, the PCSO ECC received a call in reference to a crash involving a 2006 green Hyundai Santa Fe and a blue Freightliner semi tractor-trailer on US Hwy 98 North, near Keen Road.

Preliminary information indicates that the driver of the Hyundai, 44-year-old Jason Faust of Zephyrhills, was seen by witnesses driving southbound and swerving just prior to crossing over the center line where he was struck head-on by the semi that was traveling northbound. He was declared deceased on-scene and he was the sole occupant of his vehicle.

The semi driver, 66-year-old Victor Arriaga, was not injured.

The roadway is still shut down in that area, between Keen Road and Rockridge Road, due to the semi needing to be towed, and a diesel spill. We will advise via Facebook and Twitter when the road is reopened.

Top Ten Reasons Why Meals on Wheels of Polk County Matters to the Community

Staff Reporter
-
0
Top Ten Reasons Why Meals on Wheels of Polk County Matters to the Community

Top Ten Reasons Why Meals on Wheels of Polk County Matters to the Community

Meals on Wheels of Polk County is “more than a meal”. It is our philosophy that volunteers not only greet meal recipients and get to know them, but pay attention to their well-being and the condition of their home and neighborhood. We provide a peace of mind for older individuals who need some level of support.

Here are the top ten reasons why Meals on Wheels of Polk County matters to the our community:

  1. MOW Polk empowers homebound and seniors to remain living independently. Seniors Americans state that they want to remain at home rather than move into a facility or in with family.
  2. MOW Polk provides hot meals year-round. The total cost of meals for 1 year from MOW Polk is less than an average one night stay in a hospital.
  3. Meals consist of a balanced diet to keep individuals healthy. Senior hunger and isolation is a real part of our community.
  4. MOW Polk’s food is prepared fresh daily in our commercial kitchen. Healthy ingredients nourish the body.
  5. MOW Polk cares for our homebound and seniors. Many of our seniors live alone. A visit from a volunteer is the highlight of their day.
  6. MOW Polk’s service is available to anyone who is not able to prepare or shop for food. Also, short-term service can make a big difference to those recovering from an illness or surgery.
  7. MOW Polk provides peace of mind for families. A daily check from a volunteer serves as another set of eyes and ears for many adults caring for their parents.
  8. MOW Polk serves people of all economic backgrounds. Hunger is not confined to the poor. We work with each person to develop an affordable plan to receive meals.
  9. MOW Polk receives no government funds. 40% of our recipients receive a discounted or “Angel Meal”. This number keeps rising. MOW Polk Needs your support!
  10. MOW Polk depends on the generosity of our community. Your gift will make an impact on those who desire to remain living healthy and independent lives.

Some of the people we take meals to have nobody. They look forward to seeing you and talking to you. We are the “eyes on the ground” for our recipients’ health.

Mission: The Meals on Wheels Volunteers and Staff work with our community, businesses, organizations, churches and individuals to provide a hot, nutritious meal and a daily contact to the homebound of Polk County.

Share Your Love!!! Become part of the Meals on Wheels family this spring/summer or all year long. Volunteer in the kitchen, thrift store and/or deliver meals to the homebound. Meals on Wheels of Polk County, 620 6th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 (863) 299-1616, www.mealsonwheelspolk.com; facebook.com/mealsonwheelspolkcounty; [email protected]

Also – stop by for some shopping! Bring this ad into the store this week for a special discount!!

Dr. J. Owens Academy Gala Celebrates Black Music Month

Staff Reporter
-
0
Dr. J. Owens Academy Gala Celebrates Black Music Month

Dr. J. Owens Academy Gala Celebrates Black Music Month

by James Coulter

Melvin McCoy has been singing ever since high school. When he moved back to Polk County seven years ago and learned about Dr. Jessie Owens and her Sankofa Chorale, he leaped at the opportunity to join the choir once more.

What he loves most, aside from being able to warm up his vocal cords and sing alongside other talented singers, is the camaraderie he shares with his fellow choir members. He especially loves being able to perform at functions such as last week’s Dr. J. Owens Academy Gala.

“It gives the community an opportunity to come out and enjoy a variety of music, from the classical to jazz and rhythm and blues,” he said. “I hope to enjoy a wonderful time, hoping that the people who come enjoy themselves.”

Both their performances and their functions would not be possible if not for the hard work and dedication of Dr. Jessie Owens, the founder and director of the Sankofa Chorale, and the Adjunct Professor of Music at Polk State College. McCoy appreciates the hard work she puts into organizing such events, and in turn, it allows the local community to appreciate their own hard work that they put into their music.

“She is a down to earth person, a Christian, a lover of music, always has, and her dedication to what she is doing with the school of the arts and the choir itself,” he said.

The Sankofa Chorale were the star performers among other local musicians who had the opportunity to perform at the annual Dr. J Owens Academy Gala at Polk State Community Theater on Saturday evening.

The event is the “big finale” for the Dr. J. Owens Academy of Fine Arts, a local academy that accommodates musical education for local children, especially those from low-income households.

The event started with a social hour within the theater lobby at 6 p.m. Guests guests could enjoy appetizers while listening to a live jazz musical performance, perusing local art, and partaking in a silent auction.

One hour later, the guests moved into the main auditorium where they could listen to musical tributes of traditional black music ranging from classical spiritual and gospel song to jazz, blues, R&B, and rap.

The Sankofa Chorale, a local choir that specializes in traditional black music, provided the main performance that evening alongside other local talents such as The Mixx, Yvonne Collins, Kenan De, Sherwood Davis, Nikki Gadson, Jevon Falcon, Jayla McCree, Retta Hendry, and Kid Balla.

This year’s event was themed as “Rising—On This Journey—With Love”, paying tribute to the long musical legacy of African Americans from traditional spirituals to modern music such as jazz, Motown, and R&B.

“I just want to celebrate the legacy of all of those who passed before us, who brought us all those soulful, beautiful blues music and spirituals and gospels back in the day, and recognize their contributions to society, which has brought us the popular music of today, and give them credit for it,” she said.

While the annual event serves as a fundraiser for her musical academy, she views it more as an opportunity to share musical talent to the local community, and allow them to better appreciate great music and the local talent who provide it, she said.

“I love to see how many people from our community come out and support us, and appreciate what we are doing,” she said. “We love what we do, but we want to share it with others and not just ourselves.”

This year saw an exceptional turnout, with more people from the community gathering to attend than last year, said Dr. Anita Major, Assistant Director of the Sankofa Chorale.

Having been with the choir since its inception nearly eight years ago, she loves the camaraderie she shares with her fellow choir members and the love they all have for music, especially the music that celebrates their people’s history and heritage.

“[This event] is the culmination, the premiere event, [that shows] how we have all worked together, worked very hard to do things for our community,” she said. “It looks like a larger turnout than previous years. So we have high expectations for this year.”

The Sankofa Chorale meets every Tuesday evening at Jewett School of the Arts for rehearsal. Anyone interested in joining is more than invited to drop by, she said. The school is located at 2250 8th St NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881.

Dr. J. Owens Academy of Fine Arts, Inc. is located at 1708 2nd St NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881. For more information about the school and future events, visit their website at: https://www.drjowensacademyfinearts.com/

1...479480481...839Page 480 of 839