Super Women
Selfless. Giving. Caring. These are just a few of the many words that could be used to describe this inspiring group of wonderful ladies who are doing big things to help make a difference in our communities. Woman of the Year: Gaby Ortigoni Over the course of her career working in different community organizations, Ortigoni has become a well-recognized advocate for Orlando’s hispanic... Read More
The Ultimate Foodie Guide
Recipes. ★ How Tos. ★ What to Know. Food has a way of bringing people together and we thought what better way to connect with our readers than by putting together our first-ever food lover’s guide. We’ll tell you how to properly make homemade pasta, what you need to know about purchasing fresh seafood and why befriending your local butcher may be in your best interest. We... Read More
Destination: Relaxation
Florida getaways that will give you a new appreciation for the state you call home. As summer approaches and last-minute vacations are being planned, we decided to pack our bags and hit the road in search of the perfect getaways. All of these desirable destinations are within driving distance, allowing you to escape from the Greater Orlando area without the hassle and headaches... Read More
Getting Personal
Orlando Magic play-by-play announcer David Steele on his childhood sports aspirations, his morning reading material and what it was like being inducted into the Magic’s hall of fame. 1. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a Major League Baseball player. I played shortstop for a state runner-up team in Georgia as a high school senior, earned a scholarship to play at Carson-Newman... Read More
Setting the Table
An update on the common neighborhood Italian ristorante, the trendy Tre Bambine Modern Italian Bàcaro is a welcomed addition to the dining scene. Recently opened in Thornton Park, Tre Bambine Modern Italian Bàcaro has completely transformed the space it took over from former occupant Spice Modern Steakhouse. Gone are the dark interior and maze of booths and in their place is a... Read More
Quick on His Feet
Derek Hough dances his way into Orlando with a new tour and plenty of ambition. The world may know Derek Hough as an amazing dancer with lightning quick moves, impeccable timing and a commanding stage presence, but for his latest tour he wanted to kick things up a notch by adding live music as part of the show. The combination of song and dance is a timeless one, and something he... Read More
Tales of Triumph
As the advancements in technology and cutting-edge treatments continue to push modern medicine forward, there are plenty of real-life examples of groundbreaking health care happening right here in our backyard. Each year, Orlando Family Magazine looks to highlight shining examples of how the local medical community consistently rises to the occasion and these wonderful stories will... Read More
Thrill Seeking
A look at what’s new and exciting for Orlando’s theme parks and attractions. Orlando’s slogan is, “Built for families, made for memories.” As eye-roll inducing as that may sound, it rings true as our theme parks have time and time again created experiences enjoyable for all ages. And Orlando knows how to keep the good times rolling with new attractions and experiences... Read More
The Festival with a Heart
The programming director for the 28th annual Florida Film Festival gives us a look behind the curtain. Matthew Curtis’ interest in movies started early. When he was 3 years old, his dad took him to see Pinocchio at the drive-in and, he says, something just clicked. A revelation: this was something he wanted to be a part of. In the 1980s, he cut his teeth at a New York film company... Read More
Getting Personal
Florida House Representative Anna Eskamani on her first job, her love of The Beatles and what got her first interested in politics. 1. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an engineer. My dad is an engineer and worked on Florida’s Space Coast. Once I got to college, I knew there would be a different path for me but I’ve always a held a deep appreciation for the hard sciences and... Read More
To a Tee
A look at what’s new and notable at some of Central Florida’s foremost golf clubs. Golfers from near and far flock to Central Florida for the chance to play some of the country’s top courses, each with their own unique beauty and set of challenges. Orlando Family Magazine reached out to the very best to find out what exciting changes are taking place from the course to the... Read More
Mr. Nice Guy
Tom Hanks has built his career on being the likable everyman and he wouldn’t have it any other way. To say that Tom Hanks has wide-ranging public appeal is a bit of an understatement. In today’s day and age where a portion of the entertainment world’s elite are either embroiled in scandal or viewed as boorish and overly ego-driven, Hanks very much retains his aw-shucks, average... Read More
Ties That Bind
With the growth of at-home DNA testing, more people than ever are finding out what their genetic information can tell them, with some surprises along the way. Ancestry-tracing companies have been offering genealogical DNA testing for years, but it was only around 2007 that a new genetic analysis using autosomal chromosomes brought about a major shift to the industry. Superior to... Read More
Shining Stars
Meet eight standout athletes taking Greater Orlando by storm this spring. Bryce Hubbart, Windermere baseball A senior lefthanded pitcher, Hubbart helped lead Windermere to a district championship and an appearance in the region quarterfinals last spring in its inaugural season. He is looking forward to a big senior year before continuing his career at Florida State. OFM: After the... Read More
Cultural Exchange
Hosting foreign exchange students has allowed some Central Florida families to not only share what life is like in America but to broaden their own horizons as well. Mark Weatherly was listening to the radio when he heard a commercial that seemed to be speaking directly to him. It was an ad seeking families interested in hosting exchange students or young people from other countries... Read More
On the Front Lines
A new wave of legislation and programs taking effect in Orange County will benefit first responders suffering from distress after traumatic events. Gunfire crackled in the air as Orange County firefighter Donovan Reid* and his partner arrived at Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016. Expecting a call for something minor, nothing could have prepared them for the pure chaos they would... Read More
Supplying the Demand
Provisions & Buzz Co. gives discerning foodies something to be excited about. Provisions & Buzz Co. is the brainchild of Lisa and Bob Lacey, the former owners of Jack’s Steakhouse in Baldwin Park. They wanted to honor their son’s vision after he passed in 2014 and create a more modern interior and revamped menu from the aforementioned steakhouse. They kept the hand-cut... Read More
Under the Sea and Over the Moon
Three decades after the release of The Little Mermaid, Jodi Benson feels more connected than ever to the character of Ariel. Jodi Benson admits that while she was very interested in auditioning for the role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid back in the late ’80s, the Broadway star wasn’t as keen on letting it be known to her peers in the industry. “I absolutely had no clue it... Read More
2019 Awesome Attorneys
Greater Orlando’s leading lawyers in 23 specialties chosen by our readers. There’s something to be said about having an attorney you can trust and rely on to put your best interests front and center. Whether your needs are constant or more immediate, Greater Orlando is home to some of the finest legal minds who can assist in personal, commercial or other matters. We tasked... Read More
Taste Test: Golden Fork Awards 2019
We scoured Greater Orlando’s fine dining scene and found 20 dynamite dishes you need to order now. Each year, we take some time to think with our stomachs to bring you the best of Orlando’s fine-dining scene. This time around we decided to mix things up a bit by highlighting a main dish from each featured restaurant that fir into one of four categories: meat and poultry, seafood,... Read More
The Challenges Ahead
Just a month into his term as Florida’s top official, Governor Ron DeSantis seeks to make big changes, but how much of a grace period will constituents grant him before they start demanding results? In January, with his left hand on the Bible, Ron DeSantis swore to support, protect and defend the state of Florida. In doing so, he officially became the Sunshine State’s 46th governor.... Read More
