From the Front Lines
We recognize the local health care heroes that have gone above and beyond in the fight of their lives. The word hero holds a special meaning when you are talking about the countless health care workers locally and across the globe that have risen to the occasion and worked tirelessly to try and combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The unprecedented nature of this crisis has thrust these... Read More
Family Matters
A look at issues of interest for parents and their children. For our annual parenting guide, we wanted to explore some of the topics of discussion that frequently arise for families in the area. From caring for aging loved ones as well as children with special needs to educational concerns and the latest health and wellness trends, we draw on expert advice and insight to find out... Read More
A Precocious Performer
At just 7 years old, actress Mykal-Michelle Harris is stealing scenes on ABC’s Mixed-ish and harboring ambitions to step behind the camera. It’s hard not to conflate Mykal-Michelle Harris with the character she plays on ABC’s Mixed-ish, a spinoff of the network’s critically acclaimed Black-ish, which follows the trials and tribulations of a mixed-race family living in the... Read More
Leading the Way
The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida is helping to address new challenges facing the homeless population as a result of the pandemic. In the spring, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to grip the country and there were great fears about potentially overwhelming America’s health care system, Florida joined several other states by issuing a stay-at-home order. For many,... Read More
Getting Personal
Winter Park author Owl Goingback on joining the military at 17 years old, weaving indigenous culture into his writing and his award-winning novel. 1. When I was a kid, I wanted to be in the Air Force more than anything else. I knew the military would give me an opportunity to travel and see the world. I joined when I was 17 and was living in Spain a month after my 18th birthday.... Read More
Family First
Despite a demanding career that requires him to wear many hats, Mario Lopez knows how important it is to make the most out of his time with loved ones. A year before the COVID-19 pandemic began to take over our daily existence, Mario Lopez was in Orlando enjoying dinner and drinks with some friends when he was recognized and asked to do a favor. Such is life for a celebrity in the... Read More
Super Men 2020
These 15 gentlemen are setting the example for how to make Central Florida a better place. Each year we spotlight some of the men who are helping to improve Orlando. And this year’s group of 15 are doing just that through leadership positions in local organizations and initiatives that range from making sure all kids get to play sports to alleviating poverty in Central Florida.... Read More
Around the Neighborhood
A look at what’s new around the area and what local leaders of some of Greater Orlando’s most favored communities say is needed to move forward from the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a challenge for Central Florida’s cities and localities. For one thing, public officials must balance the health and safety of residents with the need to keep the local economy... Read More
Visitors Welcome
Orlando’s tourism industry looks to bounce back from the pandemic. For just about everyone who walks through the gates at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom—whether 5 years old or 50, a first-time visitor or an annual pass holder—there is something special about turning the corner on Main Street U.S.A. and approaching Cinderella’s Castle. For more than two months, however,... Read More
Lifting the Burden
Central Florida’s mental health providers aim to improve our well-being, especially in times of crisis. Dialogue about mental health has increasingly been encouraged in society over the past few years as the stigma surrounding the topic lessens. History has shown more people seek resources after traumatic events occur, and this current pandemic experience will be no different,... Read More
Storm Watch
Hurricane season is here and meteorologists are expecting a busy one. Here in the Sunshine State, hurricane season has begun and forecasters are predicting that we’re going to see an above average number of storms—from tropical cyclones to possibly a few hurricanes—form in the Atlantic basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. One... Read More
Highlight Your Graduating Senior!
Cutest Babies Photo Contest
Is your newborn so darn cute that you can’t help but spend your days filling up your phone with adorable pictures? We’d love to see them! Share your favorite photos in our Cutest Babies contest below and you could be featured in an upcoming issue of Orlando Family Magazine. This form has expired. Read More
Rising to the Occasion
Gal Gadot proves she’s a Wonder Woman in more ways than one. You won’t find many movie stars with the following credentials: army soldier, martial arts expert and national beauty pageant winner. But upon meeting Gal Gadot, it’s easy to see how the pieces of the puzzle all fit. A former Miss Israel, her ebullient personality and charismatic nature immediately convince you... Read More
The Pandemic Puzzle
Now in the thick of the COVID-19 outbreak, Central Floridians are beginning to put together the pieces that will give them a clearer picture of what lies ahead. For many under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ stay-at-home order, life over the past month has been made up of social distancing, restaurant takeout, closed down schools and businesses, and anxiousness over what happens next. Unfortunately,... Read More
Super Women
Each year we highlight some of the women who are helping to make Orlando a better place. This year’s group of 15 ladies are doing just that. Chosen for their tenacity, kindness and charitable contributions, these ladies inspire us and we hope they inspire you too. Catherine Steck Mcmanus As president and CEO for Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County, McManus... Read More
Getting Personal
Newspaper columnist Scott Maxwell on cutting his teeth as a city hall reporter, meeting his wife at a hoedown and the issue he thinks deserves the attention of Central Floridians. When I was a kid I wanted to be a newspaperman. I don’t know why, but I always found the profession intoxicating. When I was little, I’d go to my father’s office and churn out mimeographed copies... Read More
Taste Test
De La Vega’s array of tantalizing tapas takes you on a culinary journey through Latin America. Mano De La Vega and his sister, Nora, moved to the United States from Mexico City to open their first eponymous restaurant in Deland about 15 years ago. According to the restaurant’s website, the siblings’ desire for creating Latin American inspired dishes further grew through marriage—Nora... Read More
Leading the Way
The housing marketplace can be tricky to navigate, whether you are a buyer or a seller. Luckily, Central Florida is replete with trusted real estate professionals who can guide you through the process with valuable expertise and experience. The names of the agents, attorneys, brokers and more on this list are known for their track record of producing favorable results for their... Read More
Special Deliveries
Heart 2 Heart Birth Center offers women the opportunity to give birth naturally in a warm, comfortable setting. Expectant mothers understandably run the gamut of emotions during their pregnancies—from excitement to nervousness to trepidation—and all of those feelings are perfectly normal whether they are preparing to deliver their first baby or their fifth. Along with the support... Read More
Be Featured! Photo Call for Entries
Whether it was a family dinner, a trip to the park, or an endearing childhood moment, we’d like you to share your best photos taken in Greater Orlando! These can simply be photos of your family and friends having fun locally. Selected pictures will appear in an upcoming issue of Orlando Family Magazine. * Submit Your Image Max... Read More
