Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! While our temperatures certainly don't reflect the holiday season just yet, a trip to any local shopping center will let you know that visions of turkeys and family gatherings are at the forefront of everyone's minds. Here in Central Florida though, we have the freedom to celebrate Turkey Day in some unique (and fun) ways! We have some great ideas to help you add some Floridian flair to your Thanksgiving table this year, and give your guests a taste of the Sunshine State.

As you plan your menu, why not try:

A Twist on The Classic Pie

A twist of lime that is! Instead of traditional pumpkin or apple, wow your family and friends with a homemade key lime pie this Thanksgiving! Delicious, cool, and creamy, with just enough tartness to keep things interesting, it is THE classic dessert of Florida. Add some homemade whipped cream on the side (or piled high on top) and it's sure to be a hit!

A Tropical Tan for Your Turkey

A mojo marinade or sweet and spicy orange glaze is never disappointing, especially when it comes out adorning a big, golden turkey fresh from the oven (or the smoker) and placed in the center of the table. Orange, lime, lemon, and other "tropical" flavors reflect all the best of Florida, but blend beautifully with turkey, no matter how you choose to cook it. Recipes for this are nearly endless online. Look up one that calls to you and try something fresh this year!

Keep Your Table Fresh

Fall and Winter are when gardens are dying down across much of the US, but here in Florida, our growing season is still going strong. Many local markets will still have fresh produce of all kinds, so plan your holiday menu around these items! Instead of the typical green bean casserole, why not try sweet and savory roasted brussels sprouts alongside your turkey and mashed potatoes? Add some crunch with a bright salad, or try a fruit salsa to replace canned cranberry sauce. There are SO many ways to bring the freshness of Florida to your Thanksgiving table.

We are ready to make our beautiful home state part of our celebrations this year. How about you? We hope this holiday season is full of all the best for you and the ones you love. EZ Roofing Systems is here to make sure the roof above you this holiday season is secure, and ready to stand up to whatever the weather brings your way. Still dealing with damage from Ian? Our team is dedicated to putting measures in place that will protect your home from further water damage until final repairs can be made. It’s just one more way we make replacing and/or repairing your roof “EZ” and as stress-free as possible. Trust the company that is local, established, and has YOUR best interest at the center of our business.

Happy Thanksgiving from EZ Roofing Systems!

We are quickly approaching the 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Irma here in Florida, and while we might not be along the southern coast of Florida (where the state was hit the hardest), Polk County sustained its fair share of damage from the storm, and there are families and businesses still attempting to rebuild and recover. It was estimated that over 18,000 structures sustained some sort of damage in Polk, with some being completely destroyed altogether. From churches, schools, and local organizations, to people's homes and livelihoods, our county was affected in a big way. However, the heart of Polk County also shined through during this hard time, as neighbors came together to help one another in the biggest time of need. Those with power opened their homes to friends and neighbors, offering AC, a fresh cup of coffee, laundry facilities, and a place to find respite. Restaurants, shelters, churches, and other large-scale spaces also opened their doors, welcoming in those who had nothing left. We saw businesses and individuals out sacrificing their own time and resources to clear trees, repair homes, etc., and selfless actions like these are what make us proud to be part of this community. 

It was during this time that we at EZ Roofing Systems got a firsthand look at just how much suffering was going on in our area, as we headed out to repair overwhelming numbers of homes and buildings, and were able to see just how much individuals and groups had lost in this storm. It sparked our desire to give back in some way, and that's where our cruise giveaway started. We wanted to brighten the year of at least one deserving neighbor, and thank them for supporting our business even during their biggest time of need. This past spring, we were honored to open the giveaway on our social media platforms, and were thrilled to have such a huge response. On April 2nd, we drew our winner's name, and got the joy of announcing to Ashley Haas that she and a guest would be heading to the Bahamas on us! It was wonderful to feel, in some small way, that we were brightening our community with this giveaway. 

EZ Roofing Systems doesn't plan to let our "pay it forward" movement fade. We are brainstorming new ideas and will be planning more giveaways for the future, so make sure you follow us on one (or all!) of our social media pages so you don't miss your chance to participate. We can't wait to spread more joy throughout our own little area of Central Florida by using our business platform to give back to Winter Haven and the surrounding communities. Thank you for supporting EZ Roofing Systems!