Featured

by  SHAYLYNN MARKS Ag Angels has been helping children in need for 19 years, and the Highlands County nonprofit’s growth and momentum show no signs of slowing.  The program operates through a simple system: schools identify students in need, shop for them directly, and return itemized receipts and thank-you letters.  Each year, Founder and Chairman […]

Polk County’s Abby Crawford and Samantha Nichols Are Part of the 2025-2027 Class by TIM CRAIG Two women from Polk County were among those selected to be a part of the prestigious 2025-2027 Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership group. Abby Crawford of Winter Haven and Samantha Nichols of Lakeland join 17 other

AI Research Experience Prepares Students for Tomorrow’s Agricultural Workforce by MEREDITH BAUER, UF/IFAS In the heart of Florida’s agri-tech renaissance, students at the University of Florida are not just studying the future of farming – they’re inventing it. With artificial intelligence becoming central to everything from crop management to heat resilience, UF’s Institute of Food

January Event Honors State’s History & Heritage Trade your smartphone for a saddle, your bed for a bedroll, and your daily office grind for a week of dust, sweat, and the rhythmic clatter of hooves. Welcome to the Great Florida Cattle Drive. To outsiders, Florida is often viewed as a state that’s best known for

School Sets a New Standard in Agri-Technology Education by SHAYLYNN MARKS At a time when Florida agriculture faces unprecedented challenges like citrus greening, rapid population growth, and increased development — one Polk County high school is proving that the next generation of agricultural innovators may already be in the making. Lake Gibson High School’s Agriscience

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Cauliflower is one cool vegetable; not only in the sense of its unique appearance or versatility in the kitchen, but also in the sense that it likes it cold! This makes cauliflower a classic winter veggie, and one that’s grown right here in Florida.  Cauliflower

My Tiny Greens Has Steadily Grown Since 2000 to Serve the Community by DEMI GUILLORY As it did for countless others, the COVID-19 pandemic changed Patsy Rogers’ life. Rogers, along with her husband, Wayne, has always been a planner, ready for most any obstacle in her path.  That level of preparedness was challenged during the

Polk’s Hometown Coffeehouses Roasting the National Chains by PAUL CATALA Sponsored by VISIT CENTRAL FLORIDA As a growing number of nationwide chains serve up their latest iteration of coffee, two hometown coffee shops have been making a name for themselves right here in Polk County. Haven Coffee Roasters in Winter Haven and Auburndale and Black

College Says Initiative’s Creation Was ‘Data-Driven’ Decision by DEMI GUILLORY The road to a robust career in agriculture just became more accessible here in Central Florida, where Polk State College recently announced the launch of its AgriPolk initiative. The first of the school’s kind, the program is aimed at students committed to studying all aspects

by SHAYLYNN MARKS Sponsored by Visit Central Florida Even before Walt Disney World opened its gates in 1971, Glen Davidson was already giving travelers a reason to stop and savor the Sunshine State. A World War II veteran and former Sunline Candy Co. employee (creators of Pixy Stix and SweeTARTS), Glen knew candy — but