It Just Takes One Storm
A disturbance with the potential to become the year’s first named tropical storm developed in the Atlantic Ocean days before the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) formally issued its predictions for the 2021 hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Florida-based division of NOAA/National Weather Service dedicated to tracking and predicting... Read More
Special Guest
Billed as the largest humanitarian event in Florida history, the Special Olympics USA Games will arrive in Orlando 13 months from now and are expected to bring over 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers and 125,000 spectators to the City Beautiful. Sanford’s own Brittany Tagliareni will almost certainly be one of the stars of the show, wowing fans both with her dominance on the tennis... Read More
Short and Sweet
Whether you’re looking for a quick family getaway that’ll please everyone without busting your budget, an outdoor excursion beyond the beach, a romantic day trip that spares no expenses or anything in between, there’s a wealth of options to choose from throughout The Sunshine State—all within a few hours of the Greater Orlando area. Boca Raton Situated on Florida’s southeastern... Read More
Palate & Side Dish
TOP FIVE: TACOS SWEET POTATO TACO At Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food Universal CityWalk This unique taco has a crispy shell, filled with roasted sweet potatoes, almond chile salsa, fried corn and scallions. It’s topped with non-dairy cheese, making it an excellent vegan alternative. TACOS AL PASTOR At La Fiesta Mexican Grill Crystal Lake Shopping Center A customer favorite,... Read More
Power Trip
It’s a Saturday evening in Orlando in March and one of the Power Rangers is checking in from the future via Zoom. OK, so it’s actually Hunter Deno, who only plays a Power Ranger on TV, and she’s not really from the future, but it is already Sunday morning where she is on the other side of the globe. Since September, the Windermere native has been living in New Zealand... Read More
A Teaching Moment
When the pandemic first struck in March 2020, Central Florida school districts had little time to waste as they quickly adapted to the new reality of remote learning. After spending the summer months fine-tuning plans for how to better approach the uncertainty surrounding this school year, there are still challenges to deal with even as schools slowly start to creep back to normal.... Read More
The Queen of Latin Cuisine
Over the years, world-renowned chef Lorena Garcia has worn many hats. Born in Venezuela, she first started her career in law. It was not long, though, before her true passion for cooking took over and propelled her into becoming one of today’s most recognized and celebrated chefs. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University,... Read More
On the Home Front
It’s no secret that the housing marketplace has been hotter than ever during the pandemic. Record-low interest rates and limited inventory have homes moving from “for sale” to “sold” in no time. That’s great news if you’re listing your property, but a little trickier when you’re looking for a new place to call home. But there’s help out there and this list of Central... Read More
Reaching for Resources
Spring has brought much hope to the country. More than 200 million vaccine doses have been administered, an increasing number of schools are reopening for in-person learning and families are reuniting after too many months apart. However, just as the COVID-19 pandemic seems as if it’s under control, there is another wave to be aware of, according to mental health professionals. In... Read More
True to Life
Photo by Casey Curry/Invision/AP/Shutterstock When Kate Winslet first considered playing a detective in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, she knew the role would pose more than a few potential stumbling blocks. To start, she would need to learn how to speak “Delco,” a peculiar accent native to the suburban Philadelphia county. She would also have to go makeup free, walk with a... Read More
Newfound Hope: Advancements in Reproductive Medicine
For those who dream of becoming parents, there is no obstacle too big to overcome in the quest to bring forth their very own bundle of joy. As writer Eda LeShan once said, “A new baby is like the beginning of all things—wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” However, for many individuals and couples, infertility issues can add major physical, emotional and financial roadblocks... Read More
Let the Good Times Roll
Every spring in our April issue, we love to take a tour of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and the rest of the amazing amusement parks and attractions that make Central Florida one of the entertainment capitals of the world to shine a light on the latest rides, exhibits and events coming to each one in the months ahead. Following the unprecedented closures and changed park... Read More
Prime Performer
From life on Broadway to her iconic performance as the voice of Elsa in Frozen, Idina Menzel has always looked for the next challenge in her career and the multi-talented performer has checked off plenty of boxes along the way. After bursting onto the scene as Maureen in the original cast of Rent, Menzel has gone on to give several memorable stage performances, including a star... Read More
Money Matters
The term “unprecedented times” has been thrown around often in reference to the COVID-19 pandemic. As it relates to the economic crisis that struck early last year as a result of the coronavirus, and which the United States continues to fight its way through, it is true that we are facing unique conditions. “It’s completely different because of the circumstances. We’ve... Read More
The Man of the Hour
Blake Shelton talks new music, The Voice, getting engaged during the pandemic and why the party never stops at his new Orlando restaurant. The pandemic may have brought the world around Blake Shelton to a screeching halt, but the country superstar and television personality has still found plenty of ways to occupy his time over the course of the past year. This month, he’s returning... Read More
Seizing the Moment
After the spring season was cut short last year due to the pandemic, these standout student-athletes from Central Florida are making the most of their opportunities in 2021. When the coronavirus pandemic first struck last year, one of the first casualties was the scholastic spring sports season. Instead of chasing championships or personal milestones, student-athletes were faced... Read More
Warm Welcome
While most NBA teams have not yet allowed fans back into their arenas, the Orlando Magic have rolled out the red carpet. Local residents are thrilled to be seeing live basketball again in a safe environment. Jan. 11, 2021 will not go down as a significant date in the history of the Orlando Magic. Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the visiting Milwaukee Bucks pinned a 121-99... Read More
Pandemic Academics
Whether learning in the classroom or online, students have faced a variety of obstacles caused by COVID-19. When Central Florida schools began to shut their doors last March due to COVID-19, many believed it was only for a matter of weeks. However, weeks turned into months and soon it became evident that the entire 2020-2021 school year would be altered altogether. Over the last... Read More
A Long Shot
While employers may encourage or incentivize vaccinations, they are unlikely to make them mandatory. As the COVID-19 vaccine rolls out to more people as they become eligible, many are wondering if the shot could become a requirement in the workplace, but the bigger question is: Should it? By law, employers are permitted to mandate a vaccine, and it’s common in professions where... Read More
Whole Hearted
Leslie Odom Jr. has learned many lessons along the way to starring in Hamilton, One Night in Miami and other heights he could never have imagined. The pandemic has had a major impact on so many industries, and the entertainment business certainly has seen its share of challenges. Yet, one could make the case that the past year has been quite good to Leslie Odom Jr., the multi-talented... Read More
Fully Focused
A star actress, successful entrepreneur and doting mother of three, Kate Hudson isn’t letting the world pass her by. Photo by Action Press In her various guises as movie star, retail entrepreneur and wellness advocate, Kate Hudson leads a very active life. She’s the kind of woman whose indomitable spirit is both empowering and engaging. Drawing on the life lessons handed... Read More
