A Familiar Face
Genuine as ever, David James Elliott returns to the spotlight. Photo Credit: Kailey Schwerman / Hallmark No matter if David James Elliott is travelling in Tuscany, Paris, Vancouver or stateside, he is routinely recognized by fans who are eager to share fond memories watching him command the screen as the star of the TV drama JAG. “People who come up to me, more often than not,... Read More
The More the Merrier
Our annual guide to the plethora of holiday festivities around the region. Gaylord Palms Light Show Everyone celebrates differently, and Central Florida is a destination for an abundance of diverse events to carry on traditions or to try something new. Whether taking part in community happenings, expressing creativity by making meaningful gifts, taking in the arts or engaging in... Read More
Prioritizing Pet Health
As 21st-century pets have enjoyed a rise in status as bona-fide family members, Central Florida’s veterinary professionals care for their animal patients with that same loving compassion. Long gone are the days when cats were exclusively outdoor animals and dogs spent their nights in bare-bones outdoor accommodations. Today’s animal companions are lovingly spoiled with stuffed-full... Read More
Lessons Learned
Central Florida professionals share their experiences and advice for future generations. Central Florida is known for its variety of successful industries: health care, entertainment, education, connectivity and more. That success is rooted in the diverse experiences that amalgamate in The Sunshine State to form communities that thrive with innumerable vocations. Orlando Family... Read More
The Age of Elegance
Iconic actress Michelle Pfeiffer continues to turn heads with her graceful style, her brave movie roles and her clean fragrance line. Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Shutterstock Michelle Pfeiffer has always had that rare combination: timeless glamour with a quiet strength. From her breakout performance in Scarface to her luminous turn in The Fabulous Baker Boys, her ability to disappear... Read More
Education for the Future
Area colleges and universities sound off about how they’re supporting a modern student body’s social, academic and career goals. Ask any college what their most in-demand majors are today, and you’ll get answers as varied as the niches that Florida’s many four-year colleges fill to launch the individual trajectories of not only in-state students but also those drawn in from... Read More
Seeing the Big Picture
Proper eye health starts with routine exams and recognizing issues before symptoms arise. It would seem obvious that having good vision is imperative for our daily routines and living a high quality of life, yet too often proper eye health is an afterthought. With an aging population leading to an increase in vision loss and eye diseases, routine screenings have perhaps never... Read More
In a League of Their Own
Meet some of Central Florida’s standout student-athletes who promise to make this winter sports season a memorable one thanks to their talent and determination. Joe Philon, Montverde Academy boys basketball A 6-foot-8 senior forward, Philon is ranked 38th in the nation by ESPN among 2026 prospects and is being recruited by the likes of Florida State, Minnesota and Texas A&M.... Read More
In Just a Few Words
Several area notables from various walks of life describe Orlando the best they can in five words or less. There is no denying that Orlando and its surrounding area is a wonderful place to live, work and play. From the local neighborhoods where civic pride runs deep to the amusement parks and other attractions that draw crowds from near and far, The City Beautiful has something... Read More
A Quick Study: The 2025 Private High School Report Card
With another school year upon us and children back in the classroom, it’s time for Orlando Family Magazine to take a closer look at how some of the region’s leading private high schools are preparing students for academic success. We worked directly with the schools to obtain key information in areas like average SAT scores, tuition rates, student-to-teacher ratios and more.... Read More
Prioritizing Women’s Health
Central Florida’s dedicated providers are helping local residents enjoy a better quality of life through medical advancements addressing common issues. As the husband-and-wife team behind Svelte Medical Weight Loss, Richard Bragg, MD, and Susie Bragg, RN, BSN, have not only made functional and anti-aging medicine a focus of their practice, but they also embrace those principles... Read More
Grand Getaways
Need a break from it all? These dynamic destinations within a day’s drive offer the perfect escape. While many of us look forward to our summer vacation all year long, the truth is that the fall season is also a wonderful time to get away and recharge the batteries. Whether looking to pamper yourself, relax by the water or take advantage of premier shopping and dining options,... Read More
Better With Age
After more than 50 years together, The Doobie Brothers show no signs of slowing down as they celebrate 2025 with a new album, a world tour and another Hall of Fame induction. Credit: Clay Patrick McBride It’s hard to believe that a band with a history dating back more than half a century could be enjoying one of its greatest years yet, but 2025 just might qualify as such for The... Read More
Supporting the Arts
The arts provide communities an important outlet for self-expression, self-reflection, representation and a chance to escape the world for a little while. This year’s fall arts calendar provides plenty of opportunities to laugh, to cry, to connect, to learn and to enjoy all that the arts have to offer—from visual arts to performing arts and beyond. Central Florida Community... Read More
Top Dentists 2025
Our annual list of the area’s leading dental professionals across several practice areas. From preventative care to restorative repair, there’s no shortage of great dentists in Central Florida who are here to make sure your oral health is in good hands. And thanks to their peers and our readers, we’re proud to present this year’s list that shines a light on some of the... Read More
Course Guide
A roundup of what’s new and notable at the region’s top golf clubs Golf is a game enjoyed by young and old alike, and its popularity seems to only grow with each passing year. With so many players, whether skilled or new to the sport, Central Florida’s top golf clubs are doing their best to accommodate the demand. We once again spoke with clubs from across the region to see... Read More
Top Physicians 2025
Whether you’re looking to treat an injury or illness, in the market for a new physician after a beloved practitioner retired, or need a dedicated specialist to help you manage a tricky diagnosis, this region is chock-full of medical experts delivering the compassion and care you and your loved ones need to restore your quality of life. Our annual Top Physicians list—which... Read More
Higher Learning: The 2025 Public High School Report Card
As students return to the classroom and teachers work on their lesson plans, it’s the time of year when we take our annual look at the area’s public high schools. Using information gleaned from the Florida Department of Education, we obtained key stats in notable areas like average SAT scores and graduation rates. We also spoke to Scott Howat, chief communications officer for... Read More
The Reality of Realty
In the midst of national apprehension about the housing market, Central Florida has emerged as a hotspot for luxury real estate. The Sunshine State, an entertainment hub boasting a beautiful climate, has long been alluring for affluent homebuyers. While retirees, snowbirds and long-term vacationers have popularized the phenomenon of the New York-to-Florida pipeline, the country’s... Read More
Parenting Guide: Special Needs
Embracing the Individual Every child with special needs is unique and it takes a personalized approach to provide the best possible care. Raising a young child with special needs can present a unique set of challenges for many parents who find themselves trying to navigate unknown territory. Whether a child has emotional, behavioral or learning difficulties, special needs require... Read More
Parenting Guide: Senior Living
Facing the Golden Years Without Fear Retirement can be a rewarding chapter, but caring for elderly loved ones can be stressful without adequate support from compassionate, well-trained experts who are here to help with everything from legal advice to memory care so everyone can find some peace of mind. The phenomenon of “the sandwich generation”—individuals from any generational... Read More
