Opening Acts
While we may enjoy cooking in the comforts of our own kitchen or having our favorite takeout delivered to the front door, the truth is nothing can replace the ambiance of going out to eat. As we settle into our seats and take the first sip of our drink, we’re asked the question we’ve been waiting for: “Would you like to start off with any appetizers?” The answer is always... Read More
Tax Talk
Whether it’s the looming tax season or a formidable letter from the IRS, taxpayers should never go through such daunting circumstances alone. That’s why Kimberely Bates, EA, is committed to supplying her clients with the results and professionalism of a large-scale corporation while supporting them with the intimate attention and care found in small businesses. After years of... Read More
In Perfect Harmony
Michelle Jones wears many musical hats. She is a renowned instrumentalist, composer, recording artist and educator. After years of studying violin, viola and piano, the versatile instrumentalist decided to form a top strings rock ensemble, Violectric, in 2008. Since then, the world’s only string rock band of its kind has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique sound. Jones... Read More
What’s Trending?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, college enrollment plummeted to record lows in 2020. The drastic drop was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and marked the lowest enrollment rate in about 15 years. Now, two years later and in the end stages of the pandemic, this trend has yet to shift gears. In fact, from the spring of 2020 to the spring of 2022, there was a 7.4%... Read More
A Changing Economy
When the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season officially ended Nov. 30, what was assessed as a season of overall average activity also emerged as one of the costliest on record, a pain that Floridians throughout the state still keenly feel. But while those in the massive Hurricane Nicole’s path largely bounced back faster than those in the aftermath of the Category 4 Hurricane Ian’s... Read More
Oral Report
While February is most associated with sending flowers and chocolates on Valentine’s Day and whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow or not, the shortest month on the calendar also has another important meaning. Every year at this time, the American Dental Association sponsors Children’s Dental Health Month, bringing together doctors, other health care providers and educators... Read More
Preventing a Tragedy
According to the U.S. Department of State, there are an estimated 24.9 million victims of human trafficking at any given time worldwide. Those children and adults of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities are exploited for others’ profit and nefarious intent, robbed of the safety, security and autonomy that every human being ought to be guaranteed. In recent years, forced labor,... Read More
A Lot on Her Plate
Anya Taylor-Joy has a hearty appetite, both on and off the screen. At 26, when many actors are just getting their footing, the charming Taylor-Joy is winning awards, leaving her indelible mark on movies in a variety of genres and making lifelong friends in the entertainment world. Most recently she portrayed a young woman in The Menu, a dark comedy about a couple, Margot and Tyler... Read More
An Eye Opener
Women are often expected to wear many hats during a typical day, from wife and mother to busy professional and everything in between, all while holding themselves to impossibly high standards. Self-care and beauty regimens can sometimes take a backseat to the other demands they face, but that’s where a national brand with a growing presence in Central Florida can help. The Lash... Read More
Season’s Greetings
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, now is the time to make your plans to celebrate the season in style. Across Central Florida, there are a number of festive events taking place, from longtime traditions to new events sure to put a smile on your face. Check out this guide to see what’s going on in the local communities and at the theme parks. Now through Dec. 5 Pet... Read More
Giving the Gift of a Smile
Although Fravel Brewer Orthodontics has been a fixture in the Central Florida community for more than three decades, and has been able to restore the self-esteem for countless teens and young adults during that time, the feeling of helping a child never grows old. In fact, the orthodontists’ love for coming to work is shared by the entire team, especially on those days when they... Read More
‘A Genuine Passion’
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the most comprehensive nonprofit behavioral health care organizations in the country, offering services in 13 states. Founded in 1912 by one of the first pioneers in the field—Helena Devereux—it launched operations in Florida 35 years ago to meet the emotional and behavioral needs of local youth who have experienced significant trauma.... Read More
Building a Strong Foundation
Education isn’t just about academics: It’s about guiding and supporting children as they grow while showing them how to become conscientious community members, and Foundation Academy approaches that tremendous responsibility with the respect it deserves. The private Christian school for children from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade also ensures that faith-based fellowship... Read More
Prioritizing Pet Health
From developed biologic treatments to intricately designed food, the latest advancements in pet health are tangible evidence of just how much people care about and love the animals in their lives. Orlando Family Magazine talked to experts in the area to discuss these recent progressions, as well as what we can expect in future pet care. Ample Advancements Dr. James Ebner, a veterinarian... Read More
Picking up the Pieces
Meredith Koonts loves the fact that holiday traditions still mean so much to her 15-year-old daughter, Molly. She has quite a few favorites, whether it’s decorating the house for Halloween, gathering as a family to watch festive movies together or, of course, having a Christmas tree filled with ornaments. This holiday season may be a little different for the Koonts family and... Read More
Always an Underdog
Whether Hilary Swank is getting into shape for her role as a boxer in Million Dollar Baby or stepping in the shoes of an investigative crime reporter on the new ABC drama Alaska Daily, the two-time Oscar winner is all about the details. The extremely grateful 48-year-old actress recently announced that she and her husband of four years, Philip Schneider, who she calls “the... Read More
Call to Action
Even at the tender age of nine, actor and activist Leo Abelo Perry knows how to make an indelible mark on the world. The Doylestown native stars with Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union as fraternal twin Luca Baker in the hilarious remake of the 2003 family comedy, Cheaper by The Dozen, currently available on Disney+. The uplifting story follows the Bakers, a multicultural family of... Read More
A Global Impact
From the moment it was founded in 1912, Montverde Academy (MVA) has been devoted to enriching the lives of students both inside and outside the classroom, and has established itself as a forward-thinking academic institution that inspires every child to reach their full potential. Of the school’s many unique aspects, perhaps none is more impactful than its incredible diversity,... Read More
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
