LAND OF MILK AND HONEY By C Pam Zhang A Chinese American chef who, lured to a decadent, enigmatic colony of the superrich in a near future in which food is disappearing, discovers the meaning of pleasure and the ethics of who gets to enjoy it, altering her life and, indirectly, the world. THE FERVOR By Alma Katsu In 1944, Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko, held in an internment camp in the Midwest, discover a mysterious disease spreading among the interned is linked to a demon from the stories of Meiko’s childhood, hellbent on infiltrating their already strange world. GREEK LESSONS By Han Kang A young Korean woman losing her ability to speak befriends a Greek language teacher who is losing his sight, and soon they discover they have even more in common, in the new novel from the International Booker Prizewinning author of “The Vegetarian.” HULA By Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes A young daughter of the legendary Hawaiian Naupaka dynasty dreams of healing the rift in her family by competing in and winning the next Miss Aloha Hula contest and proving herself worthy of carrying on her family’s name. CRYING IN H MART By Michelle Zauner The Japanese Breakfast indie pop star presents a full-length account of her viral New Yorker essay to share poignant reflections on her experiences of growing up Korean-American, becoming a professional musician and caring for her terminally ill mother. THE TRYOUT By Christina Soontornvat When cheerleading tryouts are announced, Christina and her best friend, jump at the chance to join the squad. As two of the only kids of color in school, they have always yearned to fit in. But will the girls survive the terrifying tryouts with their whole grade watching? PUNKY ALOHA By Shar Tuiasoa Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. When her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother’s magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time. MY BINDI By Gita Varadarajan Divya is scared to put on the bindi for the first time. What if she gets made fun of? What will it feel like? But Amma assures her that her bindi will bring protection. After Divya looks inside Amma’s special box to find the perfect bindi to put on, she gazes in the mirror and discovers a new side of herself, and it gives her strength. WHEN YOU TRAP A TIGER By Tae Keller When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni’s Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, her grandmother stole something from the tigers and now the tigers want it back. ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME By Roshani Chokshi Aru Shah lives in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture and has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. When three schoolmates show up at Aru’s doorstep to catch her in a lie, she panics and shows them the cursed Lamp of Bharata. On their urging, she lights the lamp and unwittingly frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon whose duty it is to awaken the God of Destruction.

ANITA DE MONTE LAUGHS LAST By Xochitl Gonzalez New York Times bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez delivers a mesmerizing novel about a firstgeneration Ivy League student who uncovers the genius work of a female artist decades after her suspicious death. DIVA By Daisy Goodwin Describes the scandalous love affair between the legendary opera singer, Maria Callas, and the fabulously rich Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, whose relationship ended suddenly with the shocking news that he was to marry Jacqueline Kennedy. SOMEONE ALWAYS NEARBY By Susan Wittig Albert Based on research into a massive collection of over 700 letters, documents, media reports and historical accounts, this novel, set in 1940, centers around Georgia O’Keeffe and Maria Chabot—a young and naïve would-be writer, exploring the dimensions of friendship and the debts we incur to those who make our lives easier. THE FLAMETHROWERS By Rachel Kushner Arriving in New York to pursue a creative career in the raucous 1970s art scene, Reno joins a group of dreamers and raconteurs before falling in love with the estranged son of an Italian motorcycle scion and succumbing to a radical social movement in 1977 Italy. THE AGE OF LIGHT By Whitney Scharer A novel inspired by the life of the Vogue model-turned-renowned photographer finds Lee Miller relocating to 1929 Paris, where she becomes the muse, then colleague of the mercurial surrealist, Man Ray before transforming into an artist in her own right. WOMEN IN ART By Rachel Ignotofsky Covering a wide array of artistic mediums, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about artistic movements throughout history, statistics about women’s representation in museums, and notable works by women. FRIDA KAHLO AND HER ANIMALITOS By Monica Brown Journey through Frida Kahlo’s life, from her childhood to her rise as one of the world’s most influential painters. Brown’s story recounts Frida’s beloved pets-- two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn--and playfully considers how Frida embodied many characteristics of each animal. MARY BLAIR’S UNIQUE FLAIR By Amy Novesky Even as a child, Mary Blair loved color, and all she wanted to do was to make art. But becoming an artist wasn’t easy. Her parents worked hard to provide her paper and paints, and Mary worked hard to enter contests and earn a spot at a school for the arts. She even had to work hard to find her place at the Walt Disney Studios. TRAILBLAZER: THE STORY OF BALLERINA RAVEN WILKINSON By Leda Schubert When she was five years old, her parents took her to see the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and her passion for dance only grew stronger. No Black ballerina had ever danced with a major touring troupe before. Raven would be the first. Learn the little-known story of Raven Wilkinson, the first African American woman to dance for a major classical ballet company and an inspiration to Misty Copeland. DOLLY! THE STORY OF DOLLY PARTON AND HER BIG DREAM By Robyn McGrath You’ve likely heard of the performer Dolly Parton. But do you know where this dazzling songwriter and musician draws her roots? While balancing farm chores with schoolwork, Dolly never lost sight of her dreams, composing her first song at age five and performing at the Grand Ole Opry at age thirteen.

THE STORM WE MADE By Vanessa Chan “The Storm We Made” immerses readers in the harrowing landscape of World War II-era Malaya (now Malaysia). Against a backdrop of betrayal and courage, the novel resonates with the enduring power of familial bonds. Prepare to be swept away by a tale that echoes with history, both on a grand and personal scale, prompting reflection on the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity. This book addresses all of the complexities of war - nothing is easy or neat. Such a powerful debut novel. THE TURTLE HOUSE By Amanda Churchill “The Turtle House” unfolds as a poignant tapestry of interconnected lives woven across generations and continents. Lia’s journey in 1990’s Texas intertwines with her grand- mother Mineko’s in pre-war Japan. The rich narrative explores themes of hidden histories and the enduring legacy of trauma. This debut novel is perfect for fans of historical fiction and dual timelines. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID By K.T. Nguyen “You Know What You Did” intricately weaves a tale of suspense, ensnaring readers in its enigmatic web until the very last page. This debut thriller follows the journey of a first-generation Vietnamese American artist as she confronts the shadows of her past. By delving into the intricate layers of the refugee experience, the narrative unfolds with a nuanced exploration of legacy and the complicated tapestry of family ties. It is a rollercoaster ride of dizzying twists that chal- lenge perceptions of loyalty and love, leaving you to weigh the depths of human secrets. VICTIM By Andrew Boryga “Victim” is a thought-provoking and fiercely intelligent debut novel. This blistering satire follows Javi, a cunning hustler who sees through the superficial diversity initiatives of the modern world and exploits them for his own gain. With its sharp critique of per- formative allyship and its exploration of the complexities of identity and victimhood, this novel will leave you reevaluating your own attitudes toward identity, privilege, and the meaning of social justice. This book is rare because it is both fun to read and will spark more profound conversations. WELCOME TO THE HYUNAM-DONG BOOKSHOP By Hwang Bo-reum May is the perfect time to try out new things - and debut novels offer new voices to experience. And what a debut it is! Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop! This novel is a tender ode to the transformative magic of literature and community. The story follows Yeongju’s journey from corporate confines to the sanctuary of a bookshop. It resonates with themes of self-discovery and belonging. Amidst the shelves of stories, friendships blossom, and she finds solace in the embrace of kindred spirits. With its focus on finding acceptance and the simple pleasures in life, it felt like the perfect read to jumpstart the summer months. THE OTHER VALLEY By Scott Alexander Howard “The Other Valley” is a debut novel that beckons you into a realm where time bends and boundaries blur. The book invites you to ponder the connections that shape our lives. The story follows the story of Ollie, a shy and intelligent sixteen-year-old who aspires to join the Conseil, the governing body of her isolated town. This surreal place borders its own past and future. This book is like nothing I have read before. Using the lens of speculative fiction, it explores themes of power and destiny and how our choices turn into consequences.

YOU ONLY CALL WHEN YOU’RE IN TROUBLE By: Stephen McCauley An architect Tom, trying to keep his needy family at bay, finds himself answering their demands when his sister and niece need his help, setting him on a journey that changes everyone’s life and shows the beauty or dysfunction of family ties. OUR WIVES UNDER THE SEA By: Julia Armfield When her wife, a marine biologist, returns home after a disastrous deep-sea mission, Miri, knowing that something is wrong, searches for answers, desperate to understand what happened below water and why the woman she loves is drifting away. THE MARS HOUSE By: Natasha Pulley A compulsively readable sci-fi novel about a marriage of convenience between a Mars politician and an Earth refugee. Un-put-downably immersive and utterly timely, Pulley’s new novel is a gripping story about privilege, strength, and life across class divisions. LAVASH AT FIRST SIGHT By: Taleen Voskuni While at PakCon to promote her parents’ food-packaging business and win an ad slot in the Superbowl, 27-year-old Nazeli meets Vanya, with whom she forms an instant connection, but when her parents recognize Vanya as the daughter of their greatest rival, the heat is on. THE GREAT BELIEVERS By: Rebecca Makkai In 1985, Yale Tishman, the development director for an art gallery in Chicago, is about to pull off an amazing coup, bringing in an extraordinary collection of 1920s paintings as a gift to the gallery. Yet as his career begins to flourish, the carnage of the AIDS epidemic grows around him. MRS. EVERYTHING By: Jennifer Weiner Jo and Bethie Kaufman were born into a world full of promise. Growing up in 1950s Detroit, they live in a perfect “Dick and Jane” house, where their roles in the family are clearly defined. But the truth ends up looking different from what the girls imagined. THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA By: TJ Klune Given a curious classified assignment to evaluate the potential risks posed by six supernatural orphans, a caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth bonds with an enigmatic caregiver who hides dangerous secrets. RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE By: Rita Mae Brown Molly Bolt is poor, from the South and she’s adopted, but Molly’s proud of who she is. From a young age, she knew she was smart, didn’t want to get married, and liked girls. She escapes her meager life in Florida with her adoptive parents and heads to New York to find a community that will accept her. THE GUNCLE By: Steven Rowley When tragedy strikes, Patrick takes on the role of primary guardian for his niece and nephew. Despite having a set of “Guncle Rules” ready to go, he has no idea what to expect especially after the loss of his great love, a somewhatstalled career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to a six- and a nine-year-old. THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO By: Taylor Jenkins Reid Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo requests an unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to conduct her first interview in decades. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the star, but as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it’s clear that their lives intersect in tragic and irreversible ways.

THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE By: Amy E. Reichert You’ve Got Mail meets How to Eat a Cupcake in this delightful novel about a talented chef and the food critic who brings down her restaurant—whose chance meeting turns into a delectable romance of mistaken identities. SWEETBITTER By: Stephanie Danler A year in the life of a beguiling young woman in the wild world of a famous downtown New York restaurant follows her burning effort to become someone of importance through a backwaiter job that enables her indulgences in culinary and intellectual interests. SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LAKESIDE SUPPER CLUB By: J. Ryan Stradal In the aftermath of a devastating tragedy, a couple from two very different restaurant families in rustic Minnesota, Mariel Prager and her husband Ned, who’s having an identity crisis, lose almost everything they hold dear and unexpectedly find salvation in their failing business—the Lakeside Supper Club. ARSENIC AND ADOBO By: Mia P. Manansala Returning home to help save her Tita Rosie’s failing restaurant, Lila Macapagal is shocked when her exboyfriend, a notoriously nasty food critic, dies suddenly, moments after they had a confrontation, leaving her the only suspect. THE KITCHEN FRONT By: Jennifer Ryan An indebted young widow, a freedom-seeking kitchen maid, the wife of a wealthy but unkind man and a trained chef navigating sexism compete for a once-in-alifetime spot hosting a BBC cooking program during World War II. THE NASTY BITS By: Anthony Bourdain The best-selling chef and author shares a candid and outrageous collection of his worldwide culinary misadventures, from scrounging for eel in backstreet Hanoi, to quarreling with raw-food activist Woody Harrelson, to revealing the less than glamorous aspects of making television. YOUR TABLE IS READY By: Michael Cecchi-Azzolina In this entertaining, enlightening and edgy memoir, a career maître d’hotel, who has manned the front room at the hottest restaurants in NYC from the 1970s to 2020, breaks down how restaurants really run (and don’t) and how the economics work for owners and staff alike. RADHA & JAI’S RECIPE FOR ROMANCE By: Nisha Sharma To All the Boys I Loved Before meets World of Dance in this delectable love story that combines food, dance, and a hint of drama to cook up the perfect romance. LIGHTS, CAMERA, COOK! By: Charise Mericle Harper It’s “lights, camera, cook!” for four tween contestants who are all about to enter a televised cooking competition. What will the kids cook up? How will they all get along on- and offcamera? Which junior chef will have the grit—and maybe the grits—to make it through each challenge? FOOD TRUCK FEST! By: Alexandra Penfold Join the members of one family as they head to the Food Truck Fest! They gather their things, cross the bridge, and prepare for a fun-filled day. And as they get ready, the workers on the food trucks get ready, too--preparing, tasting, and traveling across the bridge to join all the other kitchens-on-wheels.

BOOM BY THE BAY July 4, 4 – 10 pm at the Julian B Lane Riverfront Park. This free, family-friendly event will have live entertainment, an Apple Pie Throwdown, a fireworks display, and more. Festivities will begin at 4 pm, and end after the fireworks show (at dusk). Pickleball tournament will begin at 2 pm. tampa.gov/BOOM EVENING OF FRUITS & FLORALS MIXOLOGY July 15, 6 – 8 pm at The Dali Museum. You’ll learn about infusing liquors with the flavors and notes of fruits and flowers before creating your own infusion to take home. Plus, enjoy some amazing craft cocktails while you enjoy a grazing board. thedali.org STAR SPANGLED SPARKMAN July 4, 4 – 9 pm at Sparkman Wharf. This free, family-friendly event features live entertainment, game zones, face painting, roaming performers, and prime waterfront views of the fireworks. Guests can enjoy the Blessing of the Fleet, a boat parade, a water ski show, and fireworks at 9 pm. sparkmanwharf.com FLOWER POWER GARDEN FEST July 13, 9 am – 2 pm at Parkesdale Farms Market in Plant City. Families are encouraged to dress up in their best 70s or hippie attire. Shop a curated selection of vendors offering an array of plants, and gardenrelated items, admission is free. More info on FB @Parkesdale. CAPYBARA MEET & GREET July 1 – 7 at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Includes insights into capybaras’ natural history, a chance to feed and interact with them, and a close-up experience where guests may fully appreciate the family of capybaras. This is a separate ticketed event. cmaquarium.org SCIENCE AFTER DARK July 12, 6 – 9 pm at MOSI. Enjoy science with included beer and wine selections, appetizers, and liquid nitrogen ice cream. Each event centers around hands-on science activities, planetarium shows, and demos specific to the theme of “Diggin’ Dinos.” Purchase tickets online. 18+. mosi.org SUMMER CLASSICS Every Sunday at the Tampa Theatre. Watch Apollo 13 on July 7; Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid on July 14; The Wizard of Oz on July 21; Do The Right Thing on July 28. Movies begin at 3 pm, purchase tickets online. tampatheatre.org SHREK THE MUSICAL, JR. July 18 – 21 at the Straz Center. This funny story of love and acceptance will lead you to a big, bright, beautiful world! The Patel Conservatory Theater’s middle school-aged actors in this professionally produced student production will bring Shrek to life. strazcenter.org ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW July 10 – Aug. 4 at the Straz Center. Watch Jobsite’s spin on the kitschy rock ‘n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical. Fans are encouraged to dress up. A kit with approved props for audience participation will be sold in the lobby, so please leave your newspapers, rice, and hot dogs at home. strazcenter.org TAYLOR SHINES: THE LASER SPECTACULAR July 20, 7:30 pm at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete. It’s two hours of non-stop Taylor Swift hits seamlessly blended with the world-famous touring Laser Spectacular & Light Show. The show also features large-screen video projection and 3-D glasses. The Swifties will love it! themahaffey.com

RED, WHITE & BLUES ON THE PLAZA July 5, 7 – 9 pm in Centennial Plaza in downtown Winter Garden. Extend your holiday celebration with the Grimes Alley Blues Band. Grab a nearby swing, dine at a nearby patio, or bring a chair for a front-row seat. Presented by the City of Winter Garden, this is a free community event. cwgdn.com FAIRY NIGHTS July 19, 6:30 – 9:30 pm at Leu Gardens. Explore and find all the Fairy Doors, meet real fairies, make your own creations at the fairy landings, and dress up in your best fairy-inspired attire. Foxtail Coffee with Cholo Dogs and Peak Season Pops will have food and treats available to purchase. Purchase tickets online. leugardens.org JAWS (1975) July 4, 7:30 pm at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. When a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape Cod, it’s up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down. Purchase tickets in advance. gardentheatre.org LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS July 12 – 28 at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. A meek and downon-his-luck floral assistant, Seymour Krelborn, stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” after his co-worker crush. Seymour discovers Audrey II’s extraterrestrial origins and the true drive for world domination. gardentheatre.org FIREWORKS AT THE FOUNTAIN July 4, 4 – 10 pm at Lake Eola Park. Enjoy live entertainment, familyfriendly fun, plus food and beverages available for purchase from a variety of vendors. At 9:10 pm, the sky will light up with a fireworks finale, set to a live patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band. orlando.gov TASTING WITH MASTER SOMMELIER July 7, 1:30 pm with George Miliotes at Judson’s Live. This is an intimate wine-tasting workshop with access to diverse and coveted varietals while learning the art of blind tasting. Guests will get six, 3oz. glasses of wine and a shareable charcuterie board. drphillipscenter.org RED, WHITE & BLUE 5K July 6, 7:30 am at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando. This is a walk or fun run family event you can enjoy while taking in the amazing landscape of the beautiful Grande Lakes Resort. The race takes place on the back 9 of the 18-hole championship course. All ages are welcome. Register online. runsignup.com TACOS & TEQUILA July 27, Sample & vote on your favorite among competing food trucks, taco shops & restaurants. Tacos, 30+ tequilas, beer, live entertainment + more are included in your ticket price. VIP is available for additional purchase. tacosandtequilaorlando.com CREATIVE CONNECTIONS July 7, at the Orlando Museum of Art. This program connects visitors of all ages with developmental and learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum to art. Free, pre-registration is required. Please call 407-896-4231 ext. 262 or email education@omart.org to register. This program is sensory-friendly. BARCELONA VS MANCHESTER CITY July 30 at Camping World Stadium. Three-time reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will face Spanish powerhouse Barcelona. This FC Series friendly match will be one of four Manchester City exhibitions in the United States. campingworldstadium.com

RED, WHITE & BOOM! July 4, 10 am – 9 pm at LEGOLAND. Get in the patriotic spirit with special activities, a DJ Dance Party, and an unforgettable firework display with LEGO® bricks illuminating the sky through special 3D viewing glasses. legoland.com/florida POLK COUNTY BURGER WEEK A burger lover’s dream from July 19 - 28! Enjoy unique and high-value burger experiences at dozens of restaurants throughout Polk County July 19th through the 28th. More info and list of participating restaurants at polkcountyburgerweek.com . RED, WHITE & BREW 5K July 4, 7 am beginning at Swan Brewing in Downtown Lakeland. They will be serving up pancakes, brew specials, and age group awards after the race! This is the ninth year of the race. Register in advance. More info on FB @RedWhiteandBrew5k. SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K July 13, 7 am at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. A race during the hot summer months when it’s hard to stay motivated. It’s popular with both experienced and casual runners alike. Register in advance. runsignup.com/SSWS RED, WHITE & KABOOM July 3, 6 – 9 pm at the Frances Langford Promenade. Watch live entertainment before the fireworks display at 9 pm. All proceeds go to fight hunger in the greater Lakeland area. VISTE (Volunteers in Service of the Elderly) is once again the sole recipient. Please bring a canned good. redwhiteandkaboom.com STEVE HYTNER July 12 – 13 at Laugh Out Lounge in Winter Haven. Hytner received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Kenny Bania on the hit show, Seinfeld. He’s been in 25 films, and more than 50 TV shows. More info on FB @LaughOutLoungeWH. FLYING TIGERS FIREWORKS The Flying Tigers play eight times at home in Lakeland in July. On July 4, they will play the Tampa Tarpons at 5 pm. Stay after the game for a fireworks celebration you can watch from your seat. Popcorn, hot dogs, baseball, & fireworks for a perfect Fourth. milb.com/lakeland DISNEY’S NEWSIES July 19 – 28 at the Gem Theatre in Mulberry. Presented by The Missing Piece Theatre Co. Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story. Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies is the tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy, and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” centralfloridatix.com THE SCHOOL OF ROCK July 12 – 28 at the Lakeland Community Theatre. A wannabe rock star decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bassslapping, mind-blowing rock band. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com BREAKING IN! July 26, 6 – 10 pm at ART/ifact Studios. This is the return of last summer’s infamous emerging artists showcase, featuring over 40 visual artists, food, refreshments, and live performances from TV EXTRA, Movie Props, and Spirit And The Cosmic Heart! Purchase tickets at centralfloridatix.com .

ON OUR STREET By: Dr. Jillian Roberts and Jaime Casap If you have curious kiddos who ask questions about hard topics, this book series is for you. This first book explores topics surrounding poverty, but focuses on the unhoused population, explaining “who,” “why,” and “how” in a person-first, age-appropriate way. Great for kids aged 6 and up. I SEE YOU By: Michael Genhart Told through illustrations, this story follows a year in the life of a young boy who seems to be the only one who notices the older, unhoused woman living by the bus stop. Reading this story with children opens up the floor to ask what they notice about the woman and the child, and how other people are reacting to her. This book is great for ages 4 and up. SOMETHING LIKE HOME By: Andrea Beatriz Arango A Pura Belpré Honor Book from 2023, this middle grade novel explores the foster care system, and how a family can come with two legs or four paws. “Laura Rodríguez Colón has a plan: no matter what the grown-ups say, she will live with her parents again. And while staying at her aunt’s house is okay, it just isn’t the same as being in her own space.” SHELTER By: Christie Matheson A heart-wrenching middle grade debut that considers homelessness from one girl’s perspective and explores deep truths about the resounding impact of empathy. Perfect for fans of “One for the Murphys” and “Paper Things.” A Junior Library Guild selection from 2021. ON THE COME UP By: Angie Thomas Sixteen-year-old Bri begins to go viral after releasing her first song online but for all the wrong reasons. With her family facing homelessness, how far will one teen go to make it to the top of the charts? Bri’s story will make you want to fight for your dreams, even as the odds are stacked against you. GATHER By: Kenneth M. Cadow Ian Gray isn’t supposed to have a dog, but a lot of things that shouldn’t happen end up happening anyway. And Gather, Ian’s adopted pup, is good company now that Ian has to quit the basketball team, find a job, and take care of his mom as she tries to overcome her opioid addiction. EVICTED By: Matthew Desmond “Evicted” transforms our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving one of twentyfirst-century America’s most devastating problems. Its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible. IF YOU SEE THEM By: Vicki Sokolik When Vicki Sokolik’s son brought home a classmate who was living on her own and was dropping out of school to support herself, Vicki stepped in to help. As she learned more about the invisible population of young people navigating life alone, she discovered the ways they are overlooked and impeded by the system. She founded a nonprofit and worked to change legislation in her home state of Florida to give these kids agency over their lives. LITTLE FAMILY By: Ishmael Beah We meet Beah’s protagonists as an unnamed narrator glimpses a boy in a Zimbabwean forest before the boy slips away. The child has heard an elaborate whistle and answered it, the all-clear of four adolescents and one small girl surviving by their wits. The four have come together to shelter in the remains of a crashed airplane covered with foliage. PARABLE OF THE SOWER By: Octavia E. Butler This graphic novel adaptation of the 1993 dystopian science fiction saga brings the story of Olamina to life like never before. Winner of the 2021 Hugo award and 2021 Ignyte award, this novel follows the life of Olamina, a young woman ousted from her home, but convinced of bringing radical empathy to her deteriorating society as a means for deliverance.

Good. Vibes. Only. These words are illuminated in neon on the wall inside Lucille’s American Café and is exactly what you feel when you enter this cozy, mid-century modern space. Warm wood tones, deep blue, and retro lighting beckon you in, but for those inclined towards al fresco dining, their beautiful patio is just as inviting. While this classic comfort-food restaurant specializes in meals that conjure nostalgia for grandma’s cooking, they also offer modern dishes to please every palate and a carefully cultivated list of craft cocktails. From the décor to the menu, every detail was specifically chosen by husband and wife owners Beth and Paul Nunez to create a space that welcomes locals and visitors alike to relax, dine, share stories, and feel the love. STARTING FROM “SCRATCH” Lucille’s in Winter Haven celebrates its one-year anniversary this month, but the story behind this restaurant goes back decades. The couple met in ‘91 at a Ruby Tuesday in Miami, where Beth was a top server and trainer, and in the process of earning her BS in Hospitality Management. Paul was a new manager and had recently graduated with the same degree. Initially, the two didn’t really like each other, butting heads as an established server working her way up and a new, career-driven manager. Still, both admit there was a definite attraction. Paul said, “She stood up to me, tough, and I think I respected her a lot for that.” When asked about Paul, Beth laughed, “He is cute and he smelled good!” One night, after a party, Beth asked Paul for a ride home, and the rest, as they say, is history. After dating for only a year, they married in 1992 and have a 27-year-old daughter, Alyssa, and a 30-year-old son, Nicholas. Paul was born in California and lived in many different places throughout his childhood due to his father’s job. He almost always held positions in the food service industry and eventually ended up in Miami. Beth was born and raised in Miami and, like Paul, worked for various restaurants and catering companies. Both graduated from FIU in Miami, Paul in ‘91, and Beth in ‘92. Their shared love of the industry would eventually lead them to help open the first Lucille’s American Café in Weston, FL in 1999 with a gentleman named Craig Larson. “[Larson] owned a company called Crazy From The Heat Restaurants, and I had helped him open and run a few of his restaurants,” explained Paul. “He had a restaurant called Lucille’s Bad to the Bone BBQ, so that’s actually where this concept came from. It started with that.” The original plan was to open the BBQ restaurant in Weston, but the aesthetic didn’t seem to fit the neighborhood. “We knew comfort food was going to be making a comeback, and we just thought it would be the right concept,” said Paul. They began to get excited at the idea of offering home-style meals made from scratch in a comfortable and welcoming environment. They wanted to create a place that made “mealtime a time for friends and family to share the stories that unite us while enjoying classic comfort food favorites like mom and grandma have always made,” explains Beth. Paul helped to open the restaurant as General Manager, and it was a success. “After about a year of operating with him (Larson), we got an investor, and we bought him out,” said Paul. The couple has since bought out their investor and are 100% owners. LOCATION IS EVERYTHING Beth and Paul had been interested in opening a second location for years, but in 2019, the idea finally came to fruition. “Colleagues thought that we should look in Central Florida, specifically by Legoland,” said Beth. After researching the demographics, they began looking in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and surrounding areas for the perfect spot. “We did not want to get lost in a plaza, so we were looking for something stand-alone [and] we kept coming back to this great building on 3rd street,” explained Beth. “We really wanted to be a part of downtown and be a spot where both locals and visitors could enjoy what we have to offer.” She added, “We really fell in love with the small-town charm present in Winter Haven. Every time we visited, we knew we were making the right choice for our business.” Once deciding on 205 3rd street as their new location, the couple embraced Winter Haven. An entire wall in Lucille’s is adorned with photos that celebrate the town’s rich water-ski and citrus industry history. Paul, an admitted historophile, spent hours in local museums learning about the town’s past. “We worked closely with Bob Gernert from the Museum of Winter Haven History and wanted to showcase the culture and history of Winter Haven,” said Paul. “What is really fun about our image wall is that most people know the people in the pictures, either a relative or friend. It is such a great community feeling,” Beth added. In addition to celebrating the town’s past, the duo have put major stock into Winter Haven’s present and future by partnering with several local businesses, including Grove Roots, Haven Coffee Roasters, The Treasured Olive, and Obscure Wine Company. Beth said, “We are all independents, and we feel very strongly about supporting each other to make downtown Winter Haven a great place to dine, shop and enjoy!” THE FARE The food at Lucille’s is like a warm hug, designed to make folks feel comforted and nourished while dining and connecting with friends and family. Everything is made from scratch, with love, from the hearty meatloaf and the scrumptious chicken pot pie to the decadent three-cheese baked macaroni. The salad dressings and sauces are made in-house, and you can even request homemade ketchup for your burger or fries. In addition to the classics, Lucille’s offers modern dishes. There’s the Macadamia Chicken with a citrus beurre blanc and the Marinated Skirt Steak with chimichurri sauce. There are sweet potato sticks served with marshmallow dipping sauce, and let’s not forget Lucille’s Famous Tomato Blue Cheese Soup! With a plentiful selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees, both the lunch and dinner menus offer something for everyone. On the weekends, guests can enjoy the brunch menu boasting everything from eggs benedict and shrimp and grits to avocado toast and biscuits and gravy. For dessert, there are offerings such as Aunt Betsy’s Carrot Cake and bread pudding with homemade bourbon sauce, alongside an array of sundaes, malted shakes, and floats. The libations at Lucille’s are in a league of their own and showcase the Nunez’s support for local businesses. “Wellie [Liao] with Obscure Wine Company assisted with our wine list, and we have many of the same clients who enjoy wines here at Lucille’s and there at OWC,” said Beth. Lucille’s proudly reserves their draft lines for brews from Grove Roots. “Joe [Dunham] and his team have such a great product, we wanted to support them and carry their beer on tap,” explained Beth. Even the coffee is from local roasters. “We met Jon and Lynsey Lane [from Haven Coffee Roasters] at the farmer’s market before we even opened and before they even opened. Jon offered to roast us a special blend, and we have been partners ever since,” said Beth. She added, “We also met Nathan and Cassie [Briggs] from the Treasured Olive at the farmer’s market [and] we use some of their products in our cocktails.” This brings us to one of my favorite things about Lucille’s: the craft cocktail menu. “In the bar, we wanted to offer unique cocktails made with the best ingredients that we could source,” said Beth. “We fresh-squeeze local oranges for juice, as well as lemons and limes for our sour mix and margaritas, and we also use fresh produce, fresh herbs, and infused liquors.” Beth and Paul wanted to be sure there was something for all palates, so their daughter Alyssa, an experienced bartender, worked for six months to create a diverse selection of cocktails. “It is frustrating to go somewhere, and all the cocktails are only vodka or tequila, so we have something for everyone; different liquors, sweet, spicy, fruity, as well as non-alcoholic options,” said Beth. Take it from this self-proclaimed cocktail connoisseur, they knocked it out of the park! THE LOVE As much as the Nunezes are committed to delighting every diner, they recognize it all starts with a great staff, and they are as passionate about their employees as they are their guests. “Our people are the face and backbone of our business. We believe if we take care of our people, our people will take care of our customers,” said Beth. “Everyone deserves a chance to earn a living while being treated with respect as well as enjoying healthcare and vacation benefits.” A small but sweet detail you’ll notice inside Lucille’s is that the salt and pepper grinders have custom labels with “ Paul & Beth ” printed at the bottom. It perfectly sums up the couple’s dedication: Paul and Beth Nunez have literally put their hearts into this restaurant. They love what they do, and it shows. Photography by Amy Sexson Lucille’s American Café 205 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven, FL (863) 875-5005 FB: Lucille’s American Cafe - Winter Haven IG @lucillescafewh www.lucillescafe.com

Pride Month is a time to celebrate our LGBT+ friends, family, and neighbors, and love in all its forms. Founder of Polk Pride, Scott Guira, held the first Polk Pride event in 2015. The annual celebration of community diversity and love has grown year over year. In 2020, like many gatherings, Polk Pride was canceled. This year, the festivities will move from June to October. Lakeland resident Scott Guira started working with the Lakeland Youth Alliance (LYA) in 2011. This organization serves LGBT+ youth ages 13 to 20. “The organization sets up a safe space environment where LGBT+ kids can come and meet other kids like themselves, build relationships with mentors, and it also gives them an opportunity to ask questions that maybe they don’t have anywhere to ask those questions in a safe environment. They’re able to come and be themselves,” said Guira. Though the mission of LYA was to create that safe space for LGBT+ young people, Guira said, “I never really felt like we were providing a safe community.” They could come to LYA and be themselves, but outside of that? “A lot of them didn’t feel like they were able to be themselves and live in the community that we’re in,” he said. Pride was an effort to create a community in Polk County that not only LGBT+ youth but LGBT+ of all ages could feel welcome. Guira is assisted in his efforts by the Polk Pride Board, including Kerri McCoy, Kristine Lally, Patrick Patterson, Dustin Shay, Nick Sotolongo, Gina Bullock, Megan Hawkes, Ed Torres, and Austin Briggs. Guira believes Pride sets Polk County in line with some of the larger communities that surround us. He says that being open and welcoming changes the perception of what people think of when they think of a smaller city like Lakeland. “I know this community has grown. I know that it is an outstanding place to live, to work, to play. I grew up here, and I’ve seen the community change. I want to make sure that the next generation of young people coming up and people moving to the area see that this is a place for them, this is a place for everybody,” said Guira. “There is value to these organizations [Polk Pride, LYA, and PFLAG] because we offer support to young people. We offer support to parents and family members, and friends who are having trouble accepting or understanding the situation that their family member might be going through with the coming out process. What makes Pride so important is it shows the diversity out in the center of town. We do this in Munn Park so that everybody, whatever their background, can come and be part of Polk Pride. You don’t have to be any of the letters in the acronym. You can be any member of the community that wants to be part of celebrating everybody and their differences and their similarities.” A CHALLENGING YEAR When Kerri McCoy’s eldest son came out in high school, she began advocating that he and other members of the LGBT+ community be treated equally to everyone else. Three years after joining the PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) of Polk County, she became the chapter’s president. “I feel like everyone should be treated equally. Having a gay son and knowing that the laws don’t treat him like everybody else because he doesn’t fit in that box, that’s what keeps me going,” she said. “I absolutely love the youth. I know they struggle, and I don’t want them to. I want them to know that there are people out there that are just like them, and there are people out there that they can talk to. There are people who have struggled before them. I feel like that’s so important that they know they are not alone, [...] that there is somebody always willing to stand beside and stand up for them, and I just happen to be one of those people.” McCoy expressed that the last year has been challenging for the LGBT+ community. “I think for a while there, some people may have felt very alone,” she said. She received quite a few phone calls from folks eager to know when they could finally meet again for their usual activities and meetings. PFLAG began socially distant outdoor meetings around six months ago and began meeting indoors with masks in the last two months. LYA has yet to resume meeting in person, according to McCoy. Their first gathering will be an outdoor downtown scavenger hunt scheduled for August. “They are ready to get back together. I think the kids really need this group,” she said. To stay connected and maintain a sense of togetherness, they did hold remote meetings online. “I think they like meeting in-person better,” McCoy said. “I think it’s easier for some of them to come out of their shells and be themselves rather than on a computer screen.” Last year would have marked the sixth Polk Pride. Since its inception in 2015, the series of events that make up Polk Pride has expanded annually. Guira said to put a pause on such a meaningful gathering was disappointing. “But we also knew it was the right thing to do for our community and for everybody that was involved. It was a challenging year, but we’re excited to move forward,” he said. Typically Pride is held in June in honor of Pride Month. This year, the series of events, including Pride for Youth, Pride in Faith, Pride in the Park, and Pride After Dark, have been moved to late September and early October. Though the events are moving to the Fall this year, proclamations are still being sought for June. The LGBT+ community has received two proclamations recognizing June as Pride Month with more on the way from cities around the county. The first proclamation this year was from Haines City on May 20 and the second from The City of Lakeland scheduled for June 7. TOGETHER WE RISE “With the uncertainty of COVID-19 and the concerns that everybody has, we wanted to allow enough time to put the world in a better situation where we can start having these large gatherings,” said Guira. “It looks like with increased vaccination and things getting a little more back to normal – hopefully, in October, we will be in a much better position than we are in June.” In addition to their caution surrounding the pandemic, the Polk Pride board chose October as it is National Coming Out Month, according to McCoy. National Coming Out Day is celebrated on October 11. “Our goal this year is to bring people back together. To rise up from a difficult year that we’ve all experienced worldwide and to bring people together from all different backgrounds to celebrate Pride and to celebrate one another and the differences that we all have,” said Guira. Kicking off the festivities is Pride for Youth on September 29 at 6:30 pm. The location is to be determined. McCoy described this Lakeland Youth Alliance Pride party as an occasion for youth ages 13 to 20 to gather and celebrate Pride while participating in fun activities. The next evening, September 30 at 7 pm, will be Pride in Faith – an interfaith celebration of Pride at Beacon Hill Fellowship Church in Lakeland. “Several churches participate from around the Polk County area, and they are all open and affirming churches who welcome the LGBT.” During the service, McCoy said, “We get together and let people know who might be struggling that they don’t belong in a church – that they actually do – and there is a place for them in one of the churches that come and celebrate Pride in Faith.” Pride in the Park is Polk Pride’s largest event, drawing several thousand annually to Munn Park in downtown Lakeland. This year, Pride in the Park will be on Saturday, October 2, from 10 am to 3 pm. The event is family-friendly, appropriate for all ages, and open to the public. That Saturday, Munn Park will be packed with vendors, food offerings, live entertainment, and folks of all ages and backgrounds. Headlining Pride in the Park this year is Ginger Minj of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame. Pride After Dark will conclude Polk Pride 2021 that evening at The Parrot at 9 pm. “It is basically a big party to end our whole Pride celebration,” said McCoy of the 21 and up, indoor/outdoor gathering. “I’m looking forward to hugs. I think we’re all looking forward to hugs,” said Guira of the upcoming Pride celebration. “I think everybody has lacked that physical connection with other people. Celebrating Pride, if you’ve ever been to a Pride before, there is just love everywhere. Everyone is hugging and friendly and taking care of one another and happy to see one another and engaged. This is an opportunity to bring our Polk County LGBT+ family back together, and I foresee there being lots and lots of hugs.” The first year throwing Pride was perhaps most impactful on Guira. He remembers stepping on stage and looking out at a sea of tents and people. “This started as such a small idea to show young people that this is a community that welcomes them. To see thousands of people show up as evidence of that was absolutely the most memorable moment I’ve ever had. And it hits me every single year,” he said. BE AN ALLY McCoy encourages anyone looking to make a positive difference for others or themselves to get involved. She and her husband have met many people they now consider family working with PFLAG, LYA, and Polk Pride. “At the end of the day, making a difference feels so good,” she said. To support Polk Pride, PFLAG, or the Lakeland Youth Alliance, folks can become a sponsor, volunteer, donate, or join their initiatives. Guira noted they are always looking for volunteers to work with youth, at Pride events, and in other ways. Those interested in volunteering or joining their boards can contact the organizations on their website or through social media. “Outside of specifically helping the organizations, it’s being an ally,” said Guira. “It’s speaking up when somebody says something that’s not right. It’s reaching out to somebody in need. It’s taking care of one another. That’s probably the most important way everybody in the community can get involved.” Polk Pride polkpridefl.com FB @PolkPrideFL IG @polkpridefl Lakeland Youth Alliance lakelandyouthalliance.org FB @LakelandYouthAlliance PFLAG of Polk County pflagofpolkcounty.org FB @PFLAGofPolkCounty

“My first memory of food was when I made rice with my grandmother back in the Dominican Republic. I was five years old,” Morena Mazorra said, smiling. “I made it in this little, tiny pot.” Grounded by her Dominican roots, Mazorra unofficially started baking in 2009. She and her husband had both lost their jobs. “We were newlyweds with a newborn baby,” she said. Mazorra majored in culinary arts in New York, so cooking for others was a no-brainer. She started selling food and desserts from her West Palm Beach home the following year. Years later, Mazorra worked at Advent Health in Davenport and baked part-time from home. When the pandemic started, she quit the hospital and went full-time with her business, Morena’s Cakes & More. “We were trying to open up a bakery in Lake Alfred, but that didn’t work out,” she said. When the brick-and-mortar fell through, “I didn’t want to cook. I didn’t want to bake. I didn’t want to leave the house.” Encouraged by her customers to persist, Mazorra began selling her treats at the Winter Haven Farmers Market. “Little by little, Winter Haven became our home.” She grew a cult-like following, with a constant line at her farmers market tent. “That’s when I started introducing the ‘more’ in Morena’s Cakes and More.” She began offering empanadas, which are now one of her best sellers. She eventually rented a small space inside the Hippie Suitcase on 1st Street S in Winter Haven. Mazorra started with coffee and empanadas, but customers asked for other delights like white rice and Cuban sandwiches. “It just got too big, and I couldn’t work from that place,” she said. “I wasn’t looking for a place. I wanted to stay working from the farmers market,” Mazorra said. “And then, we found this.” “Once we came in here and I actually had the keys, I couldn’t believe it,” she said. That was three months ago, and it hasn’t yet fully hit her that she owns her own Winter Haven Bakery. Morena’s Restaurant Cafe, situated on Avenue C SE, is a family business. Mazorra works with husband Jose and daughters Belle and Eliana. The two girls love spending time with their mom in the kitchen. Jose is originally from Cuba and was raised in Miami. Morena was raised between New York and the Dominican Republic. “I’m bringing our roots – the Cuban and Dominican flavors together,” she said. “I want to give everyone that comes a sense of belonging like they’re back home. […] That first bite or cup of coffee takes you back to your roots.” The flavors that most remind her of home are white rice, beans, and chicken stew, one of her top sellers. “I used to always see my grandmother make that, and she would cook for the whole neighborhood,” she said. Everyone in the neighborhood knew that if they were hungry, they could go to Mama Juana’s house. “She would cook this big pot, and everyone would come.” Walking into the humble space, one is greeted with the savory aroma of freshly baked and fried goods accompanied by a comfortable feeling. “We make everything fresh,” she said. There can sometimes be a bit of a wait, but be patient because Mazorra is busy making magic in her modest kitchen. She does all the cooking and baking herself, working seven days a week. “I feel like this is my home, everyone’s home.” Just like her grandmother, Mazorra serves generous portions. Ever the gracious hostess, she brought out a platter of all her most popular menu items, some regular size and some minis, which she offers with catering. The plate was arranged with chicken empanadas, beef empanadas, potato balls stuffed with seasoned ground beef, ham croquetas, yuca fries, and housemade cilantro garlic sauce and mayo ketchup. Each item was savory and satisfying. The beef empanadas were crispy pockets filled with generous portions of meat, hints of red and green peppers, and onions. Mazorra slow-cooks and shreds the chicken for her empanadas, too. The house-made cilantro garlic sauce was good on everything and could easily be eaten by the spoonful. If she sold it by the bottle, I’d buy it. “I like to go by what customers say,” Mazorra noted. “They say that they come here and feel like they’ve walked into their family’s house.” One customer sat down to enjoy the beef stew and, after the first bite, remarked, “This reminds me of my grandmother’s food, who passed.” In addition to her out-of-this-world fusion lunch offerings, Morena’s serves breakfast. Choices of ham, bacon, cheese, and eggs on a tostada, bagel, freshly baked croissant, and Puerto Rican Mallorca make it hard to choose. When she’s on a roll in the kitchen, Mazorra will whip up a Dominican breakfast with the three ‘golpes’ or punches, as they like to call it. Mazorra called it ‘the breakfast of champions,’ with mashed plantains, fried salami, fried cheese, and fried eggs. The Morena’s Restaurant Cafe owner envisions having a larger space to bring more folks together in the future. She also hopes to grow the business to the point that she will one day be able to step away from time to time to be with her family. “If I want to spend time with my kids, they’re here. If not, they don’t see me,” she said of her currently demanding schedule. With teary eyes, Mazorra thanked God, her family, sister, customers, and the Winter Haven Farmers Market. “Everyone since day one, since the Lake Alfred bakery didn’t happen – I went into a horrific depression – and they kept me going.” They would tell her, ‘Keep your head up. One day, it’s going to happen.’ “And here we are.” Morena’s Restaurant Cafe 586 Avenue C SE, Winter Haven (561) 729-1764 FB: Morena’s Cakes & More Bakery Cafe, LLC (Morena) IG @morenascakesandmore Photography by Amy Sexson