The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Family Eye Center South as the Small Business of the Month for April.

Have you ever really stopped to think about what your life would be like without your eyesight?  Many of us tend to take some of the most precious gifts in life for granted and, unfortunately, our vision often falls into that category. Too many times though, it’s not until something threatens our eyesight that we think about the potential ramifications of losing it.  Dr. Anthony Trawick and his dedicated staff take the responsibility of maintaining vision quite seriously and believe strongly that helping people preserve or enhance their eyesight makes a significant difference in their overall quality of life.

Born and raised in Alabama, Dr. Trawick came to Lakeland in 1983 after receiving his B.S. degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and his Doctor of Optometry degree from UAB School of Optometry in the Medical Center. After working as an associate and partner in a group practice in Lakeland for a little over three years, Dr. Trawick opened his own practice, Family Eye Center South, in 1987.  The mission statement of the practice is “To provide the very highest quality eye care to every patient we see and to provide this care in a genuinely caring and personalized manner, giving each patient the individual time and attention they deserve.” Some of the services they provide include examination, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, injuries, infections, and vision disorders.  Areas of specialization include contact lenses, pediatric eye care and sports vision.  They also maintain a large selection of eyeglasses and sunglasses and stock thousands of contact lenses in the most popular brands.  In addition, they provide surgical consultations and perioperative care for Lasik, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and other surgical treatments.

Recently, Family Eye Center South expanded into a beautiful new facility located in Town Square Office Park near Outback Steakhouse. The move gave them the extra space needed to add additional diagnostic testing capabilities, examination rooms and expand their optical dispensary. It also provided more parking and easier access which has allowed them to serve their patients more conveniently and efficiently.

In addition to serving the Lakeland community in his practice, Dr.Trawick is quite active in other civic and professional organizations. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, Southern Council of Optometrists, Florida Optometric Association, International Academy of Sports Vision, and the Lake Region Optometric Association. He is also active in the Lakeland Rotary Club and at First Baptist Church at the Mall. He has previously served on the board of directors for Polk County Legal Aid Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, LROA and the Lakeland Rotary Club. In his free time, Dr. Trawick enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, sports activities and watching Alabama football. He is married to Kathy, his wife of 28 years and has two children, Ryan, age 24 and Brittany, age 21.

Family Eye Center South LLC

Dr.  Anthony B. Trawick, O.D.

5125 S Lakeland Dr, Suite 1 & 2

Lakeland, FL  33813-2578

(863) 644-7773 Phone

(863) 646-2809 Fax

FamilyEyeCtr.com

Some of the world’s best young talent in robotics will gather in Polk County in May to compete in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League World Invitational Open Championship, hosted by the University of South Florida Lakeland and presented by All Saints’ Academy, Legoland Florida, and the technology sponsor AT&T Inc.

Scheduled May 3 to 6, the event will showcase robots designed, built and operated by 9- to 14-year-old students.  The event will include 66 teams from around the world, including 28 states, 19 countries, and five continents.  Anticipated attendance includes approximately 550 competitors and 2500 spectators.

FIRST has sponsored robotics competitions for 14 years and is considered the premier robotics event. It created the FLL (FIRST Lego League) competition to inspire 9 to 14 year olds. Combining the various levels of competition across the year, more than 200,000 students compete.

The annual events draw technology fans from all walks of life, including Bill Gates, who has identified robotics as the area of technology that will see the greatest advances in the coming years. At a 2010 FLL event, Gates encouraged the competitors and shared with them his experience with supportive teachers and programs in his youth (link to view: http://www.evoluir21.org/first-lego-league-videos/2010/6/26/bill-gates-congratulates-first.html).

In Winter Haven, the event will feature students from as far away as Japan with robots that translate this year’s theme: Food Factor, a real-world challenge that shows children how scientists, engineers, government agencies, and food producers work together to find solutions in keeping our food safe.

The competition will encourage children to use their imaginations and creativity in combination with science and technology to make food safer to eat, tackling issues from exposure to insects and creatures, to unsterile processing and transportation, to unsanitary preparation and storage.

Only qualifying tournaments and championship teams get to go to the Invitational Open Championship, and hosting an Invitational Open Championship is by invitation only. USF Polytechnic applied to host the event and teamed up with All Saints’ Academy to house the competition.

Beyond providing a competition for building the best Lego robot, the FLL program aims to show kids how exciting science, technology and engineering can be.

“Research and problem solving are integral parts of these fields and keys to the success of any real-world engineering team,” says David Touchton, USF Lakeland’s interim regional chancellor. “This event allows participants to have a firsthand opportunity in proposing a solution to a problem they selected. “

The FIRST Championship is normally held in conjunction with the FIRST Robotics Conference, which covers a wide variety of topics in science, technology, engineering, and robotics fields. Teams for each program compete in tournaments at state and regional levels. The winning teams from those tournaments join the global competition at FIRST Championship.

“The FIRST Lego League World Invitational Open Championship being hosted by USF Polytechnic is a momentous event for Central Florida.” said Marshall Criser, III, AT&T Florida president. “One of only three unique robotics competitions in the world, these events creatively connect students to critical science, technology, engineering and math curriculum in a applied and interactive ways”

For more information about the event, including a link to frequently asked questions, visit www.poly.usf.edu/robotsinparadise/ and for more information about FIRST Lego League visit www.firstlegoleague.org.

Schedule of events:

May 3 – Paradise Gala (Open to participants and media only)
5:30 p.m.

Lake Mirror Complex
Lakeland

Participants will complete a scavenger hunt, festival games and educational activities, and then end the night watching a performance by the local band Pop Glow. An educational building will include representation from Legoland Florida, NASA, and other educational activities offered by local companies.
May 4 – Opening Ceremony and Competition (Open to the public)
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

All Saints’ Academy
Winter Haven

Ceremonies will include a parade entrance of all 66 teams with team flags; a welcome from David Touchton, interim chancellor, USF Polytechnic; a check presentation from AT&T; and remarks from Hortense Burt, NASA’s educational coordinator, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.

May 5 – Competition and Medal Ceremony Fiesta (Open to the public)
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

All Saints’ Academy
Winter Haven

Competition each day will include judging sessions in the areas of robot design, core values, and project, as well as autonomous robotic competition rounds. The fiesta (for teams and families only) will include a ceremony to give each team member a medal for participation, and a dance party with DJ.

May 6 – Award Ceremony (Open to participants and media only. Reporters who wish to attend must get prior approval from Legoland.)
9:30 a.m.

Legoland® Florida
Winter Haven

Speakers include David Touchton, interim chancellor, USF Polytechnic; Adrian Jones, general manager, Legoland Florida; and Marshal Criser, president of AT&T Florida. Highlights include a presentation of the grand champion’s trophy built out of Legos by Legoland Florida’s master builder, and a private ski show.  Following the ceremonies, teams will finish their day enjoying Legoland Florida’s attractions.

The Downtown Lakeland Chapter of American Business Women’s Association hosts Tina Gandy, owner of Twinz Co. Marketing and National President of the American Business Women’s Association. The event takes place May 9, 2012 at the Lakeland Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tina Gandy began her career as a creative designer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Sam Houston State University.  She worked with several world-renowned brands including Walt Disney, ESPN, Frito-Lay, NFL, NBA and more.  Later, she progressed into the banking market where she designed and launched promotional campaigns state-wide for First American Bank in Texas.  Tina is now an Executive Marketing Specialist which together with her twin sister, Lina Lawson, owns and operates the marketing firm, Twinz Co. Marketing.

Tina is more widely recognized as the National President for the American Business Women’s Association of which she is a 12 year member. She is also a wonderful ambassador for the association in the community with her involvement in the Leading Women Express Network, Bryan/College Station Charter Chapter and Houston Area Council.

Member cost is $20, non-members are welcome! $25  Please RSVP to Gina at lakelandabwa@yahoo.com. If you have any questions visit lakelandabwa.com

Polk State College on Monday announced an innovative partnership with the Polk Transit Authority — one that benefits more than 20,000 and has garnered national attention.

In a pair of events, Polk State College President Eileen Holden announced that effective immediately all College students and employees may ride for free on any bus route served by Lakeland Area Mass Transit or Winter Haven Area Transit, a program that has been hailed as the most important progress in Polk County public transportation in 30 years.

The three-year agreement puts no restrictions on Polk State students and employees. They may ride any route, at any time, for any purpose — all at no charge as long as they show their College-issued photo ID.

“Whether you are headed to one of the College’s many campuses and centers around Polk County, venturing out to shop, visit museums, attend to healthcare needs, if you have a valid Polk State student or staff ID — you soar for free,” Holden said to crowds of several hundred on both the Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses.

The agreement between the College and the Polk Transit Authority comes as gasoline hovers near $4 a gallon, putting increased financial strain on many Polk County residents. Also, the announcement comes just after Earth Day, perfect timing as the use of mass transit is one of the easiest ways people can help the environment.

Citrus Connection Executive Director Tom Phillips hailed the agreement as one that will improve not only individual lives but also the county as a whole. He gave the example of students using their gas savings to offset their tuition. With their financial burden eased, students can focus on graduating and entering the work force.

“Although we will likely never know the names of these Eagles, they will soar to new and previously unreachable heights because Dr. Holden and the Polk State team had the courage and forethought to lead us into a new era of public transportation in Polk County,” he said.

Because of the agreement with the Polk Transit Authority, Polk State has received the national Best Workplaces for Commuters award.

The award is a program of the National Center for Transit Research at the University of South Florida. NCTR is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation, and aims to make public transportation and alternative forms of transportation safe, effective, efficient, desirable, and secure.

Best Workplaces for Commuters recognizes organizations that take exemplary steps to offer transportation options to their employees, encouraging sustainable transportation innovation. Lakeland Mayor Gow Fields, also an alumnus of the College, was on hand to present the award to Holden. Also in attendance were County Commissioner Bob English, chairman of Lakeland Area Mass Transit, and Winter Haven City Commissioner Jamie Beckett, as well as Christine Diaz-Pagan of the FDOT.

Polk State’s efforts have also earned it the Gold Level Partner Rating from the FDOT’s District 1 Commuter Assistance Program.

Polk State’s announcement complements its participation in Taking it to the Streets, a regional campaign spanning 12 counties in Central and Southwest Florida. Taking it to the Streets encourages people to rethink their driving habits and try things like walking, biking, carpooling or using mass transit, and offers resources such as information on bus routes and biking trails. The campaign is organized by Commuter Services, an FDOT program.

The Lakeland Flying Tigers return home for a four-game homestand beginning Tuesday, April 24 at Joker Marchant Stadium.  Lakeland will host the Daytona Cubs April 24 and the Dunedin Blue Jays April 25-27.  Tickets for all home games are available by calling the Flying Tigers at (863) 686-8075.  Box seats are $6 and reserved seats are $5 and seniors 55 and over and children 14 and under receive a $1.00 discount.  Saturday tickets are an additional $1.  Wednesday All-You-Can-Eat tickets are $10.  Monday tickets are $1.  Parking is FREE.

Tuesday, April 24 vs. Daytona Cubs @ 6:30 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
The Ledger 2-1 Ticket Offer
·        Check The Ledger for a special two-for-one ticket offer compliments of The Ledger Media Group.
Baseball Wingo Sponsored by Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grille
·        Fans can play Baseball Bingo during the game for a chance to win wings from Natalie’s and prizes from the Flying Tigers.
Silver Sluggers
·        Flying Tigers Silver Sluggers Tuesday presented by Humana.  Silver Sluggers members will receive free admission to the game as well as a complimentary soda.  For more
information on the Silver Sluggers program please contact the Flying Tigers at (863) 686-8075 or visit LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

Wednesday, April 25 vs. Dunedin Blue Jays @ 6:30 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
All-You-Can-Eat Night
Wednesday is All-You-Can-Eat Night sponsored by Outback Steakhouse Lakeland – North.  Tickets are just $10 and includes admission to the game and all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, Little Caesars pizza, peanuts, popcorn, pretzels and chips as well as food from Outback from 5:30-8:30 p.m. or while supplies last.

Thursday, April 26 vs. Dunedin Blue Jays @ 6:30 p.m. (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.)
Chili Throwdown at Tigertown presented by Lakeland Fire Department
·        Chili competition begins at 5:00 p.m. and will conclude at 6:30 p.m.  There will be live music and 2 for 1 beer specials beginning at 5:00 pm until the end of the 7^th inning.
·        Fire Departments from Lakeland and Polk County will compete for the opportunity to be the Flying Tigers Chili Throwdown Champion.  Fire Departments will be judged in two categories; best chili as voted by the judges and the people’s choice award which will be judged by the fans.  Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third in each category.
·        Advance tickets to the Chili Throwdown are $10 and include free chili samples and live music and a ticket to the Flying Tigers game. Parking is free.  Proceeds
from the event will benefit the Polk County Veterans Council Hero’s Park.  $5 tickets are available the day of the game but do not include a game ticket.

2-1 Beer Night
Fans can enjoy 2 for 1 draft beer and $1 soda every Thursday home game.  Beer sales will begin at 5:00 p.m. and end at the conclusion of the 7^th inning.

Friday, April 27 vs. Dunedin Blue Jays @ 7:11 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
7-11 Friday’s Presented by 7-11 Socrum Loop

Tigers Rope Necklace Giveaway
The Flying Tigers will be giving away rope necklaces to the first 750 paid kids (ages 14 and under).

Pre-Game
Tattoo and balloon artists from Twisted Artz will be in the main concourse beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Lawton Chiles Academy’s “A Knight with the Tigers” Spirit Night
Lawton Chiles Academy students, teachers and parents will be participating in fun promotions throughout the game.

Relay for Life Fundraiser
The American Cancer Society will be raising money and awareness for the North Lakeland Relay for Life Event.  They will have a table display in the main concourse.

The Flying Tigers are a Class A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.  For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com or call (863) 686-8075.