Your Lifestyle Community Magazine

February | March 2015

LIVING

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Heartland LIVING

FebruaryMarch2015

When youre sick or injured, every minute counts. And you can count on the skill and compassion of

the emergency care specialists at Highlands Regional Medical Center 24 hours a day. Find out more at HighlandsRegional.com.

3600 South Highlands Ave. Sebring, FL 33870

Rediscover Highlands Regional Medical Center.

E.R. Its one of our

specialties.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

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Heartland LIVING

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In Business Since 1933

www.GilbertChevrolet.com (863) 763-31543550 U.S. Highway 441 South

Okeechobee, FL 34974

Over500NEW and Pre-OwnedVehicles to Choose From!

Small Town Values...Big City Inventory!

When youre sick or injured, every minute counts. And you can count on the skill and compassion of

the emergency care specialists at Highlands Regional Medical Center 24 hours a day. Find out more at HighlandsRegional.com.

3600 South Highlands Ave. Sebring, FL 33870

Rediscover Highlands Regional Medical Center.

E.R. Its one of our

specialties.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

82248_HIGH_ER_9x12c.indd 1 1/5/15 11:17 AM

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Letter From

THE PUBLISHER

Cindy Sebring Adams

I am so excited to share with you our first issue of Heart-land LIVING for 2015. Last year was amazing and I feel I have grown so much with you and the magazine in so many ways. Thank you for sharing all your thoughts, ideas and compliments. As I enter into this new year laced with ex-citement of new beginnings, a fresh start, new goals set and endless possibilities, I feel very blessed and ready to take on all the challenges life has to offer with you.

As for a challenge, the team of Conservationist Mallory Dimmitt, Biologist Joe Guthrie and Photographer & National Geographic Explorer Carlton Ward Jr. is conquering a journey from Glades to Gulf. It is an honor to share with you this

journey with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition team that is hiking, biking, canoeing and paddling their way more than 1000 miles across the heart of Florida on a 70-day long journey. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is devoted to advancing a statewide network of wildlife corridors in order to ensure the long-term survival of wildlife, the health of life-sustaining freshwater flows and the continued vibrancy of Floridas rural way of life.

This team started their journey on Jan. 10 at Creek Ranch in Haines City with a send-off brunch and was joined by family, friends and Senator Bill Nelson. Heartland LIVING was honored to be a part of the start of this amazing expedition. The journey began from Everglades Headwaters, going across the Panhandle and will be ending at the Alabama border. We know you will enjoy reading about their journey and we hope to follow up with the end of the expedition. I want to say thank you to the team for interviewing with Audra Clemons while on your journey and to Carlton Ward Jr. and his gallery manager, Lisa Baylor for staying in contact and sending us your gorgeous photos along the way.

I hope you enjoy reading about and get the opportunity to explore some of the hidden treasures Florida has to offer in the Insiders Top 10 Things To Do In Florida. These places offer unique experiences to enjoy with your family and friends and you might even be able to mark something off your bucket list.

Speaking of special places to visit, the Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation not only has the Brighton Casino but is also hosting their annual 77th Field Day Festival & Rodeo this month. Upon reading about their culture and celebration, this would be an exciting event to attend. The event gets larger and more exciting each year and this year is no exception. Adding to the guest list will be Britney, Kasey and Chelsea Brooks from the new GAC show Growing up Gator along with the performance of the blues-rock band Osceola Brothers.

What a blessing Im gifted with for a profession I love. It amazes me how many times people come up to me and comment about their appreciation for Heartland LIVING and what we are bringing to the communities. I am truly grateful for the support and encouragement of all our advertisers and readers. Thank you!

God Bless,

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FebruaryMarch2015

Heartland LIVING

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Heartland LIVING

FebruaryMarch2015

Dentistry from Infancy to Adolescence

863-357-7338 FAX: 863-357-7342

Your childs health is important and finding a positive relationshipbetween kids and their dentist is a good way to build lifelong healthy habits.

Melissa Kindell, DMD, makes every child who visits feel welcome ancomfortable and is dedicated to educating and providing quality treatment to maintain your child's oral health.

Everglades Pediatric Dentistry, provides dental carefor children in the Greater Lake Okeechobee

area and surrounding counties.

Service with a Smile, for a Smile 2029 Hwy 441 NorthOkeechobee, FL 34972

Preventative Care Restorative Dentistry In-Office Sedation Interceptive Orthodonic Treatment Extractions Emergency Dental Treatment New Patient Exams

Most insurances are accepted andemergencies are welcome.

www.evergladespedodent.com

Dental care for special needs andmedically compromised patients.

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Heartland LIVING

FebruaryMarch2015

CEREC - Permanent Crowns in One Hour Galileo Xray/CT Machine - 3D X-rays for Implant Perfection Orthodontics Sedation Dentistry Root Canals Lifetime Guaranteed Crowns Partials/Dentures Oral Surgery Cleaning and Prevention Cosmetic Dentistry

Inlays and Onlays Veneers for Chipped or Discolored Front Teeth New Fillings Replacing Old Amalgam Fillings

www.dentalcareofmidorida.com

Creating Beautiful Smiles 863-382-90901735 US Hwy 27 South Sebring, FL 33870

Dr. Ronald L. Owen, D.D.S.Dr. Christopher B. Forsee, D.M.D

Great Smiles to Last a Lifetime!

Full Ceramic Restorationdone in ONE Oce Visit!

No impressions, no temporaries, no metal!

State of the Art Technology Dentistry

Central Floridas Premier Dental Center

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Heartland LIVING

FebruaryMarch2015

CEREC - Permanent Crowns in One Hour Galileo Xray/CT Machine - 3D X-rays for Implant Perfection Orthodontics Sedation Dentistry Root Canals Lifetime Guaranteed Crowns Partials/Dentures Oral Surgery Cleaning and Prevention Cosmetic Dentistry

Inlays and Onlays Veneers for Chipped or Discolored Front Teeth New Fillings Replacing Old Amalgam Fillings

www.dentalcareofmidorida.com

Creating Beautiful Smiles 863-382-90901735 US Hwy 27 South Sebring, FL 33870

Dr. Ronald L. Owen, D.D.S.Dr. Christopher B. Forsee, D.M.D

Great Smiles to Last a Lifetime!

Full Ceramic Restorationdone in ONE Oce Visit!

No impressions, no temporaries, no metal!

State of the Art Technology Dentistry

Central Floridas Premier Dental Center

Heartland LIVING

FebruaryMarch2015

FEATURESThe Florida Wildlife ExpeditionA Journey ContinuesBy Audra Clemons

Insiders Top 10 Things To DoIn FloridaBy Audra Clemons

Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation77th Field Day Festival & RodeoBy Pam Glinski

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CONTENTS

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Heartland LIVING

FebruaryMarch2015

Heartland LIVING Contents

ColumnsShowcasing The Arts Understanding Art Subjects

Healthy LivingBecoming Healthy Through Diet and Exercise

Agriculture in the HeartlandMeet Mrs. Rodeo Okeechobee

Southern ChefRecipes by Layne Prescott

Your Lifestyle Community Magazine

February | March 2015

LIVING

Heartland Scene & Community Guide84

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Florida WildlifeExpedition

Photo byCarlton Ward Jr.

Story on page 161276

Behind the ScenesDining Guide

54 City of Okeechobee Celebrates100 Year AnniversaryBy Sharie Turgeon

Special Section

February | March 2015

54 86 90 9883

DeSoto CountyDeSoto County Fair and Livestock Show

Hardee CountyHardee County Class Reunion 50s & 60sPeace River Pro Rodeo Classic

Highlands County Central Florida Pig Fest BBQ FestivalU.S. Sports Aviation Expo

Okeechobee CountyOkeechobee Bridal ExpoTop of the Lake Day of the Cowboy & Cattle Drive

Polk CountyPolk County Central FL Rum & Food Experience

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Heartland LIVING

FebruaryMarch2015

Bring Comfort Home.

www.turnerfurnitureonline.com2900 U.S. 27 S.

Avon Park, Florida

863-402-1688Monday - Saturday

10 am - 6 pmSunday

11 am - 4 pm

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Heartland LIVING

FebruaryMarch2015

Be Your Own KindBeautifulof

Botox Chemical Peels Microdermabrasions Facial Filler: Restylane Juvderm Perlane Latisse Permanent Make-up Acne Treatment Skin Resurfacing Photofacial Spider Vein Therapy

& All of yourskin care needs

Two Locations:727 US Hwy 27 S

SEBRING(863) 385-7183

400 Avenue K SESuite 3

WINTER HAVEN(863) 293-SKIN

www.LakesideDermatology.com

Dr. Michael J. RogersBoard Certified Dermatologist

Dr. Rogers and his highly qualified team ofNur