Thrill Ride
As Central Florida looks into a future brimming with innovation and expansion, its theme parks are no exception. Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern People travel from around the world to experience all that the Orlando area has to offer. In addition to vibrant cultural scenes and bountiful beaches, Florida is home to many state-of-the-art theme parks and entertainment centers. Eager... Read More
Working Toward Inclusion
Autism awareness is an every-day, year-round undertaking for advocates and allies alike, and a month of awareness offers an introduction to how a more accessible world is possible—and being built every day. Since the 1970s, April’s designation as World Autism Month has presented an annual opportunity to improve understanding of a diagnosis that, despite increased visibility... Read More
A Life-Changing Experience
For both exchange students and their host families, the opportunity to learn about new cultures and traditions while forming lasting relationships is one they will never forget. Opening one’s home to a complete stranger for anywhere from five months to a year as the host of a foreign exchange student is certainly a commitment, and people choose to take it on for a variety of... Read More
Top Vets
Local veterinarians providing comprehensive and compassionate care to beloved animal companions Whether you own a cat, dog, bird or otherwise, being a pet parent can be an overly enjoyable experience as they become beloved members of the family. So, it’s no surprise how important it is to have a veterinarian you can rely upon when medical needs arise—no matter how big or small.... Read More
Cause to Celebrate
Orlando’s 150th anniversary gives the community the chance to explore its past while also embracing its evolution. Those who call Orlando home know firsthand just how truly special this community is. With its many charming neighborhoods where civic pride runs deep, the area is a wonderful place to live, work and play. And so while residents routinely get the chance to embrace... Read More
Timeless
Having recently wrapped up Broadway’s reimagining of the classic Our Town, Richard Thomas looks forward to wherever his far-ranging career takes him next. Richard Thomas’s name has been hitched to many “classics.” Naturally, he felt compelled to be part of the iconic play Our Town, which recently graced a Broadway stage for the first time in more than 20 years. Published... Read More
Best of Pets 2025
Places, services and more ways to pamper your pet DOG DAYCARE & BOARDING Central Bark Orlando Dogtopia Multiple locations Happy Pups Playhouse Orlando Winter Park Paws Daycare & Suites Winter Park DOG TRAINERS The Bark Stop Orlando Beyond the Leash Orlando Elite Professional Dog Training Multiple locations DOG TRAINING FACILITIES Kamp K9 Orlando (321)... Read More
The Turn of a City’s Century
The City of Ocoee is celebrating 100 years of history and advancement with exciting centennial events throughout the year. In the spring of 1925, The City of Ocoee was a small, agricultural township of 820 settlers; now, 100 years later, it is a vibrant community of 51,186 residents. To commemorate the transition from Ocoee’s origins in citrus cultivation to an urbanized downtown,... Read More
The Magic Touch
As the leader of a young and talented nucleus, Paolo Banchero has Orlando basketball fans eyeing the future with excitement. Orlando might not have the rich basketball history of cities like Boston or Philadelphia, but in just 36 seasons with an NBA franchise, our town has been blessed with some of the biggest stars of their generation, from Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway... Read More
Your Vets for 70 Years
Winter Park Veterinary Hospital prioritizes a team approach in caring for pets ranging from dogs and cats to iguanas and rats, all while building great relationships with their families. Veterinary medicine has seen some incredible advancements since the original incarnation of Winter Park Veterinary Hospital opened its doors in 1955. But its current owners have remained steadfast... Read More
Exceeding Expectations
Fiorella Preparatory School blends curriculum with community so that well-rounded students are on track to become cultured, fulfilled and empathetic individuals. Today it’s commonly recognized that education should not take a one-size-fits-all approach. While research demonstrates that different individuals can respond better to alternative learning styles and environments, not... Read More
Giving it the Old College Try
For many prospective students, the final decision on where to attend college comes down to their experiences during a campus visit. With an average yearly college cost of $38,270 nationally, choosing the right place to spend the next four years (and possibly beyond) is a very important decision. On-campus visits often play a big part in admission decisions for a reason—they’re... Read More
Preserving Vision
When it comes to pediatric retina care, the highly skilled and experienced team at Florida Retina Institute leads the way with cutting-edge treatments and advanced solutions. For over 45 years, Florida Retina Institute has been a trusted leader in the diagnosis and treatment of vitreo-retinal diseases and surgery. With 15 vitreo-retinal surgeons across 20 locations in Florida and... Read More
Fostering a Love for Learning and Community
For over three decades, the Rosen JCC Learning Center has made a lasting impact on young students through its innovative and engaging curriculum. For over 30 years, the Learning Center at the Rosen JCC has been a cornerstone of high-quality early childhood education, inspiring young minds and laying a strong foundation for future success. With a commitment to fostering creativity,... Read More
Keeping Up with the Kids
Children’s health providers offer insight into how to best care for your little ones. Raising children is a beautiful journey, but the road traveled is certainly not without its challenges. While every parent wants to see their child grow to become happy and healthy individuals, no one can predict the future and what unexpected issues may arise. Restless nights spent worrying... Read More
The Present State
Central Florida’s population of unhoused individuals are affected by not only the challenges that have prevailed for decades, but also new ones that subvert recent progress and lack a humanistic perspective. Lately, it seems as though the struggle to make ends meet intensifies every day for the average American: Between surging grocery prices and inaccessible health care, legislation... Read More
Destiny Fulfilled
From the Virgin Islands to Orlando to Hollywood, Mekia Cox’s journey and rise to stardom is the result of years of dedication and determination. Long before she was a star on a hit primetime television show on a major network, Mekia Cox was a wide-eyed 2-year-old living in Saint Croix getting ready to perform her first solo song-and-dance routine. While many in the audience... Read More
A Natural Part of Life
While the stigma and discomfort associated with discussions about death have diminished to some degree in recent years, it’s still a tough conversation for many to initiate. But having those difficult conversations sooner rather than later yields the preparedness, presence and peace of mind that make facing one’s mortality an easier reality for everyone. In the past few years,... Read More
A Safe, Supportive Space
At Children’s Lighthouse in Winter Garden, research-based curriculum and a family environment give children the tools to succeed for years to come. As the longtime director of Children’s Lighthouse in Winter Garden, Deanna Gustafson gets to witness firsthand the noticeable impact that the faith-based early learning school has on helping young minds develop and grow. By championing... Read More
Prime-Time Performers
Central Florida is gearing up for another spring sports season, and these talented student-athletes are sure to make it a memorable one. Halle Zimlich, Seminole Girls Water Polo Zimlich is coming off a remarkable sophomore season in which she led the state with 159 goals, including five in a 10-6 win over West Orange that secured the program’s first-ever state championship.... Read More
Polished Plates
When it comes to main courses, these 20 dynamic dishes leave us hungry for more. Il Mulino We’ve all been there. You sit down at the table at one of your favorite restaurants, begin to peruse the menu and find yourself stuck on what to order because there are just too many enticing entrées demanding your attention. To help ease the burden, we visited some of our favorite restaurants... Read More
