A Rewarding Journey
To understand the power of adoption is to know the story of one local young boy named “Jake.” After experiencing separation from his biological family at age 5, he spent time in multiple foster homes, two group homes and went through two failed adoptions before being placed in yet another foster home. Prone to angry outbursts as a result of all this childhood trauma, Jake was... Read More
Filling the Void
The long and arduous road to adopting a child can be a difficult one to navigate, full of twists and turns and cause for a range of emotions. But the process can be even more daunting for same-sex couples and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who often incur other obstacles that can further complicate matters. Here in Central Florida, 26Health is an organization easing... Read More
Sandwich Supremacy
It’s no secret that our region is full of expert sandwich makers, folks who understand that everything from the quality of the bread to ingredients used inside are of the utmost importance when constructing a memorable handheld. And so now that it’s been a few years since our last expedition to find the best sandwiches in the area, we decided it was a fine time to once again... Read More
Larger Than Life
Idris Elba has a powerful and visceral screen presence. This is most likely one of the many reasons that Elba is an A-list Hollywood actor who climbed from poverty in an East London canning town. He was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2018, a title that he called “a nice surprise and an ego boost.” But his brilliant career, and easy-going attitude, show that he has not... Read More
Raising the Bar
Meet some of Central Florida’s top-level varsity athletes Sean Stewart, Montverde Academy boys basketball A 6-foot-8 forward, Stewart averaged 20.5 points, 13.6 rebounds and 4.6 blocks last year at Windermere and was part of the U.S. team that won the gold medal at the FIBA World Cup in Spain this past summer. He transferred to Montverde Academy for his senior season before moving... Read More
To Infinity and Beyond
Looking up to contemplate the heavens and all the wonders of the starry skies unites humanity across millennia. For thousands of years, marveling at the infinite mysteries beyond our pale blue dot has challenged the greatest minds of every generation, rewarded awestruck onlookers with dazzling celestial displays and inspired billions of wishes made upon a skyful of stars—and,... Read More
The Best is Yet to Come
Best known as a founding member and lead guitarist for accomplished bands such as Creed and Alter Bridge, as well as lead vocalist and guitarist for his own band, Tremonti, with whom he has released five successful albums, it’s easy to see that Mark Tremonti rocks. Now, with his latest album, a collection of Frank Sinatra cover songs, Tremonti is not only showing a different side... Read More
The Doctor Is In
Friends’ social media confessions, celebrities opening up about their troubles conceiving and popular entertainment increasingly addressing the very real struggles of trying to get pregnant have all, in recent years, helped diminish the taboo of talking about infertility. But as helpful as it is to have more resources and avenues for connecting with others who understand that... Read More
Pushing the Envelope
It’s been a complete whirlwind of a ride for Jessica Chastain in the past decade: Three personal Oscar nominations, one win, a marriage and having two children with her husband. But nothing has helped keep her feet on the ground more than her saying that she remembers how fortunate she is to be where she has gotten—regardless of the speed with which it has happened—every day... Read More
Get the Party Started
There have long been rumblings about a rumored sequel to the hit movie Wedding Crashers, and now just might be the perfect time to reunite Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson on screen. That’s because, after several years of last-minute postponements, mask requirements and limited guest lists due to COVID, large, extravagant weddings are back—and better than ever. With a focus on... Read More
Leading the Charge
It happens every October. Across the country, pink ribbons are prominently displayed, survivors gather in support of one another and millions of dollars are raised all in the name of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And while there is considerable momentum built up during these 31 days on the calendar, the truth of the matter is the battle against the disease is very much... Read More
Class is in Session
As students are in the midst of another exciting school year, it’s time for our annual look at how some of the region’s leading private high schools are paving the way for students to grow in and out of the classroom. We worked directly with area schools to glean information in key areas like average SAT scores, percentage of graduates attending four-year colleges, tuition rates,... Read More
Love Your Skin
Florida has always been an attractive place to call home, but during the course of the pandemic the Sunshine State has welcomed hundreds of thousands of new residents in one of the biggest population increases seen across the entire country. And while there are undoubtedly several things these new Floridians find alluring, the favorable weather conditions are certainly at the top... Read More
The Heartbeat of the Neighborhood
Residents of College Park, Pine Hills and the surrounding areas are eagerly awaiting the opening of the new Leonard & Marjorie Williams Family YMCA. Slated to open later this year, the facility hopes to cater to the needs of all in the community. Executive Director Sonya Crider, known affectionately as “Coach,” took on her new role in the fall of last year. Since that... Read More
Wise Beyond Their Years
There is no question that our children have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, from remote school to canceled activities. The fact that they have still managed to thrive is nothing short of remarkable, and many are even finding ways to go above and beyond by volunteering at local charities or starting their own initiatives to help others. Orlando Family Magazine is... Read More
Tackling a Social Injustice
Human trafficking, and more specifically, commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), is a large and growing concern around the world. Florida is ranked third in the nation for the most calls to the national hotline for trafficking cases. This is happening globally and domestically, in urban and suburban areas. Children, adolescents and adult survivors of human trafficking... Read More
One of a Kind
Whether they are limiting their big day to a few special guests or hoping to spend it with 100 of their closest friends and family members, there is no question that most couples beginning their life together want it to start with an unforgettable wedding. No site in Central Florida is better suited to deliver that experience than Gallery J, a one-of-a-kind venue in Winter Springs... Read More
Animal Instincts
When Marcia Gay Harden thinks about joyous family vacations, her mind immediately goes to the time spent in Orlando in the legendary Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. The Tony- and Academy Award-winning actress feels a strong tie to Orlando because of her family’s enormous attachment to “all things Harry Potter.” So much so that her three children cajoled her into going... Read More
Growing a Community
When Green Source FL held its grand opening last month, owner Tony Burrows estimates that nearly 200 people came out for a day filled with family fun and warm introductions. It’s exactly the kind of positive response and promising turnout Burrows was hoping would greet Downtown Orlando’s new medical marijuana health center. “The purpose of the grand opening was to introduce... Read More
An Eye on the Future
Diabetes is said to be one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases in the world, and in the United States alone there are 1.5 million new cases each year. The numbers for hypertension are even more alarming, with nearly half of all American adults experiencing high blood pressure and being in jeopardy of heart disease or stroke. What, exactly, does this have to do with the eyes?... Read More
Strides in Women’s Health Care
From new contraception options to minimally invasive robotic technology, the world of medicine has made great strides in improving the way health care workers treat women. This demographic of patients requires specialized surgical techniques and tools to ensure that it receives the best quality of care, and according to local experts, there are tons of new innovations being used... Read More
