Rising to the Top

There’s never a dull moment when you cover the National Football League. Just ask Laura Rutledge, the St. Petersburg native who in recent years has become one of the faces of ESPN’s coverage of the league. In fact, in the middle of discussing how the NFL is never quite out of the news cycle during its offseason, she gets an alert on her phone. “We just got breaking news on... Read More

‘His Book is Still to Be Written’

Most governors don’t have name recognition beyond their state. Sure, some of the more outspoken ones might grab national headlines for a news cycle or two, but those names rarely have staying power, especially when there’s plenty going on closer to home. But everyone seems to know who Florida’s current governor is and whether Gov. Ron DeSantis evokes cheers or jeers depends... Read More

Exceptional Care

Dr. Colleen McCain had a particularly interesting introduction to the world of veterinary medicine. While spending her first few years practicing in rural Michigan, she gained valuable experience learning the industry and treating a number of different animals—including one skunk. But it was an unforgettable experience with an unruly cow chasing her around a stall that convinced... Read More

Feeling the Squeeze

Everywhere you look these days, prices are up. From small essentials such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, gas and clothing to big-ticket items including cars, housing, utilities and home improvements, consumers are experiencing sticker shock that hasn’t been seen in 40 years. Yet while the average person is just now feeling the squeeze of inflation in their everyday lives,... Read More

A Family Affair

It’s no secret that owners think of their beloved pets as true members of their family, showering them with love, attention and care. And just as one would seek out the best pediatric care for their child, choosing the right veterinarian is of the utmost importance for pet parents. Luckily, for the last four decades one area practice has distinguished itself from the rest by providing... Read More

Side Dish

The Yardery, a fast casual outdoor restaurant, recently opened in Sanford. As its name suggests, it is both a yard and an eatery, with many outdoor games for guests of all ages to participate in such as cornhole, table tennis, ladder toss and billiards. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu that includes “backyard food with a twist.” The pet-friendly... Read More

Helping Hands

Life as a mother of seven kids between the ages of 17 and 8 certainly gets hectic, to say the least, but Susanna Gedaro isn’t one to complain. Considering what she went through on the road to parenthood, she makes it a point to appreciate all of the highs and lows that come with the role. Gedaro suffered through multiple miscarriages—the first of which came very late in her... Read More

A Bright Future for Patients Facing Infertility 

Infertility can be one of the most devastating events for patients to endure. There are psychological and emotional ramifications that pile up like hopelessness, guilt, frustration, anxiety, loneliness and even depression. When faced with infertility, having the support of a professional team that is known for high rates of success and—just as important—for their compassion... Read More

The Perfect Fit

Although the patients who visit Dr. George Patounakis at Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) Florida can be described as hopeful parents, often, “hope” is exactly what they are most in need of. Many have been told at other fertility clinics that they cannot use their own eggs or sperm to make an embryo or will not be able to carry a pregnancy, and their dreams of becoming... Read More

For the Thrill of it All

With most COVID restrictions beginning to ease and many people returning to their pre-pandemic activities, the local theme parks and other nearby attractions are more poised than ever to welcome back guests.  Over the past several months, attendance at the area theme parks has soared. Guests from near and far have returned in droves after the parks were temporarily shut down for... Read More

A Rising Star

At just 17 years old, Central Florida’s own Logan Allen already has quite an impressive acting résumé. From television to the big screen, Allen has worked alongside some of the industry’s best. Yet, with the support of his loving family, he remains humble and level-headed. The up-and-coming actor currently stars on the hit Netflix show Sweet Magnolias and will soon appear... Read More

A Bundle of Fun

Everyone is familiar with the phrase, “You can’t please everyone,” and the folks at Dezerland Park Orlando are no exception. They just don’t seem to believe in the tired, old cliché—and upon stepping foot in Florida’s largest indoor attraction, it’s easy to see why. The 850,000-square-foot space was officially unveiled in late 2020 and has quickly established itself... Read More

The Taste of Success

When asked if he embraces being labeled as a “celebrity chef,” Robert Irvine is very diplomatic in his response, saying that while it’s not exactly how he chooses to introduce himself, he also doesn’t reject the term. But, while he may be one of Food Network’s most familiar faces, he’s quick to point out there’s plenty of other ways to describe himself. “The way... Read More

Spring Standouts

Gracie Wallace, Windermere Prep softball A senior pitcher and Florida Gulf Coast University commit, Wallace transferred to Windermere Prep last year as a junior and posted a 25-2 record with a 0.54 ERA and 326 strikeouts. She helped lead the Lakers to their first-ever district and regional titles and a berth in the state final. OFM: Last year was such a special season for you and... Read More

A Future to Bank On

After two years of COVID-19, entire industries have risen, limped along or pivoted as best they could alongside ever-changing and largely unpredictable trends.  Those industries providing a service people need no matter the state of the world had no choice but to adapt as quickly as possible. And some of them, like banking, actually had a little bit of a head start, as the pandemic... Read More

Paying Tribute

The past few months have provided renewed hope in the health care community. COVID-19 vaccines have helped change the tide from anxiety and isolation to relief and liberation. However, variants and vaccine hesitancy have continued to place hardships on medical professionals across the country. Even while all hands were on deck fighting the virus, the health care field hasn’t slowed... Read More

The Continuing Conflicts of COVID-19

Displeased man with cap, blue jeans and sunglasses holding a NO COVID vaccine sign with crowd of people in background. Supporting anti-vaccination movement. Anti-vaxxer activist. By spring of 2020, COVID-19 had begun to affect everyone, in some form or another. The lingering pandemic has not only brought about severe illness, death and financial hardship but the seemingly never-ending... Read More

Caring for the Kids

It’s no secret that pediatric providers play a key role in a child’s growth and development. And certainly every parent wants the very best for their kid, so prioritizing their health during their formative years is of the utmost importance—even more so during the nearly two years since the onset of the pandemic.  And while many of the headlines surrounding pediatric health... Read More

His Best Shot 

After an incredibly successful debut album, Mercury Lane, singer Jimmie Allen’s career continues to soar. His first single, “Best Shot,” landed in the top spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Shortly thereafter, his second single, “Make Me Want To,” was equally as successful, making Allen the first Black artist to launch a country career with two consecutive... Read More

A Summer to Remember

Every day at Camp Rockmont for Boys, a Christian summer camp located in the mountains of Western North Carolina, holds the promise of a different adventure, whether the kids are participating in a favorite activity or trying a new one they never even dreamed was possible.  Before that, however, the mornings start with a tradition that might seem a little unusual at first, but becomes... Read More

Palate

TOP FIVE:  HAMBURGERS A quintet of tasty things to try this month   The Cowfish Has Officially Left the Building At The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar Universal CityWalk  A meal fit for a king, this full-pound beef burger features creamy peanut butter, fried bananas and applewood bacon all on a brioche bun. If you’re not all shook up over this amount of food, opt for the Single... Read More