KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
AUGUST 2022
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
VOLUME 3 EDITION 8
August Brings New Business Openings and Exciting Events Avalon Park is bustling this month with new business openings, heading back to school and several events! Schedules are filling up quickly with preparing to go back to school and squeezing in the last of the summer vacations. While we get back into the swing of things, you are not going to want to miss these new business openings and events happing in Downtown Avalon Park this August.
meet and greet style Meet the Candidates event at the Avalon Park Pavilion, where 25+ local candidates running for office in this district will be available to tell you more about themselves and their campaigns.
The Avalon Park YMCA and Connect 2 Kid have partnered together with Downtown Avalon Park to bring families a new event: Reading at Sunset. All are invited to participate in this children’s reading club that meets Avalon Park is excited to welcome three new businesses the second Tuesday of each month (August 9th) at 6:30 this month! Spoleto, Pho Akaushi, and Dusty Dogz are pm under the trees in front of the Avalon Park YMCA. bringing exciting new flavors to the neighborhood. This month’s featured books, “The Koala Who Could” and “We Are All Connected” are geared Located in the Marketplace at Avalon Park, Spoleto is for elementary ages, but all are invited to attend. known for its build-your-own portion of its menu, specifically pasta, where guests can choose their base, six Thursday, August 11th, 6-9 pm, is the Night Market feaingredients, choice of sauce and garnishes. Additional turing local makers and vendors. Vendors will be set menu items include pizza and salads. Spoleto opened up on Avalon Lake Drive, next the Marketplace and in July 30th and is now serving daily. front of other businesses throughout the Downtown. Join us for an evening of supporting local! Felix and Pho Akaushi Avalon Park is the first location outside Fingers Dueling Pianos will also be performing at the of California for the Pho Akaushi Group. The restau- Avalon Park Arts & Culture Center during the Night rant features American Wagyu Beef Pho, as well as clas- Market. sic and traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Located at 3891 Avalon Park East Blvd., they are scheduled to soft open early this month. Make sure to follow Avalon Park Orlando on social media for up-to-date opening schedules. Dusty Dogz is also scheduled to open up in the Marketplace at Avalon Park this month. The menu brings a gourmet twist to traditional favorite food items, which will be a hit for all ages. Dusty Dogz strives to not only provide top notch food and service to the community, but to create an environment where neighbors can get The monthly Food Truck Night on Sunday, August 21st, involved in giving back to the community by taking 5-9 pm at Town Park will feature new and returning facare of our furry friends. vorites like the Monsta Lobsta truck! Orange County Parks and Recreation Division and District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero invite you to attend the first in-person community meeting for the 20-acre Morgran Property (a future park) on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 6-7 p.m., at the Avalon Park Property Owners Association, 13401 Tanja King Blvd., Orlando. Visit the Morgran Property web page for more information: Tinyurl.com/MorgranProperty. August is also a busy month at the Avalon Park Arts and Culture Center. With cooking classes, Sewing Club, Fun with Paint and Fabric Class, National Vinyl Day Record Swap and DJ Event, and the Artist Reception Stay tuned for Pico de Gallo and Cafe Coqui openings for the new Animal Exhibit, Friday, August 5th, 5-9 pm, there is something for everyone. For more information coming next month! on these events, email Info@AvalonArtsCenter.com While you are Downtown enjoying a great new dining To stay up-to-date on news and events in Downtown experience, check out these great events: Avalon Park, make sure and sign up for our newsletter On August 2nd, the community is invited to attend a here and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Coffee Hour with BEAT
I am cruising over the Atlantic, on my way from Zurich to Chicago, 10-hour flight today, and plenty time to think about our business plan over the last 25 years, and the next 25 years... 25 years ago, in the fall of 1997, Avalon Park Group, broke ground on Avalon Park Orlando, at the time in the middle of nowhere, nobody lived within a 3 miles radius of Downtown Avalon Park. Today there are more than 60,000 people that live, learn work and play within that same 3-mile radius, representing around 5% of Orange County. It was not easy. We had to take out a bridge loan from a bank to build the bridge over the tributary of the Econ River at the entrance of the community. What started out as being just a bridge, turned into what is now Avalon Park Boulevard. When Joe Lambert, the Banker from Regions Bank asked his colleagues to approve the loan, he told them, “Well we are being asked to finance a bridge which is going nowhere.” The loan did get approved and later paid back and plans for the main boulevard through the community began. These days, I am often asked 3 questions: 1. How much profit has Avalon Park made since breaking ground in 1997? 2. When will you retire? 3. Will we have a recession and how does that affect what Avalon Park Group is doing now and what I should be doing now? Here are my answers: 1. I do not think it would be right to measure the profit of the Avalon Park Orlando development in dollars and cents, there is so much more to it. Sometimes I answer the question by taking the
person who wants to know on a tour of Avalon Park. I start at the entrance to Avalon Park from Alafaya Trail. From there I drive around for about 1 hour, where they see the bridge, Founder’s Square, Downtown Avalon Park, Avalon Elementary School, Timber Creek High School, Stone Lakes Elementary school, Avalon Park Middle School, Avalon Pinecrest Elementary Charter School, Live Oak Park, and the community swimming pools. I continue to drive by Encore the Assisted Living and Memory Care community, several thousand single family homes, the 24 Restaurants and so much more. We eventually end up at the entrance again and I explain how twenty-five years ago we started right there with nothing but a cow pasture, so everything you saw is profit. Profit for many stakeholders, homeowners, students, Orange County, business owners, and yes for Avalon Park Group.
2. I am a spiritual man and use the Bible as my guide. You will not find the term retirement in the Bible; therefore, it is not my intention to ever retire. Additionally, you will not find the word retire in an entrepreneur’s vocabulary. There is an ongoing, unwritten “job description” that changes over time. With experience and age I am prouder than ever of my team. I am able to rely on them and do not have to be in the know of everything going on any given time 24/7 around the globe. Avalon Park Group’s main asset is not an asset one can sell in the stock market or through a broker, it is a team. Led by 7 top managers, an executive vice president and senior vice presidents, many other managers around the globe, and all of our team members. Our manager in Kuala Lumpar office in Malaysia, Ravi Kumar just spent 3 months in the APG corporate office in Orlando. He provided a report to me regarding our headquarters, and while he had many great things to say, he felt our senior management team is “too old.” We checked and the average age of the top management is 48 years. Ha, of course if you are 29 years old, somebody like me is really old. I am proud of the diversity in our group, in age, nationality, gender and personality. We consider the team our business family and one does never retire from its Family. 3. On Wednesday of last week the FED Chairman announced another 0.75% interest rate increase. He also said, “In my
opinion the US economy is not yet in a recession.” Just one day later, it was announced that the GDP shrank by 0.9%, annualized in the second quarter and in the first quarter the GDP growth was -1.6%. That means the GDP fell for 2 consecutive quarters, hence we are in technically in a recession. In business for around 4 decades, I have seen a few recessions, interest rates well above 10%, banks going under, companies declaring bankruptcy, and sadly homeowners losing their homes to foreclosure. I think the most important advice would always be: Think long term! I believe most economical turmoil could be spared, if the business, government and private sector would adhere to a long-term thinking mindset. When you look today at your investment portfolio it is likely that it has lost value since the beginning of 2022. Your home may have a lower value than it did 7 months ago. However, it is very likely, even with inflation adjusted (which we all feel is high at present) when you look back 10 years, the value of your home and investments have still grown at a considerable rate in Central Florida over that time. There is the old saying “buy low and sell high,” a rule best practiced by a long-term view and not selling when many want to and buying when few do. The APG group as well has been selling assets over the last 12 month and realizing profits. I learned over the decades; entrepreneurs often are not prepared to sell when times are too good to be true. Quite the opposite in good times they build, buy and acquire more and more. We sold Avex Homes, apartment buildings and stock participations in the last 12 month. Times were good and that is when you can sell at a profit.
When things are not so good it is generally the time to buy. For instance, we bought 3,000+ acres in Daytona Beach in the middle of the worldwide pandemic lock down, exactly 2 years ago. So, what is APG doing now? Short answer: A LOT, but we are being careful. I think it is not the time to sell or yet the time to buy. However, if you think about the next 25 years, and not just for a profit in the next quarter, you will do business and private investments differently. Here are just a few things we are working on: -Last month we broke ground on a $23 million, 73,000 SF mixed use building in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, North of Tampa. Upon completing it will have a Marketplace, similar to the one in Avalon Park Orlando, retailers, offices and apartments. -We continue building lots for single family homes and townhomes in Wesley Chapel, Tavares and the Suburbs of San Antonio Texas. -Several projects are underway in Switzerland, from developing an entire neighborhood in Liestal, near Basel, to building a grocery store in the same area. -We have increased our stake in VOXX International to over 25%. -We manage, supervise, control or co-control a group of companies with over $1.5 billion in assets, with close to 1,500 team members, in 20 countries on 5 continents. It will take us another 25 years, and then I hope there is yet another 25 years to plan after that. However, we never forget that everything started with that bridge from Alafaya Trail into Avalon Park Orlando, 25 years ago.
GET IN TOUCH - Have an inclusion for the Avalon Park Sun? Email: info@AvalonParkSun.com - Editorial Staff: Publisher: Beat Kahli Copy Editor: Stephanie Lerret Graphic & Layout Editor: Kenzie Farrish 407.658.6565 3801 Avalon Park East Blvd. #400 Orlando, FL 32828
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From the Desk of Commissioner
Maribel Gomez Cordero Happy August! Now that August has arrived, we are only a few days away from the return to classrooms on August 10th. In light of this, I would like to invite everyone to the Back to School event that I am hosting on Saturday, August 6th. The event will take place from 11am to 2pm at the Meadow Woods Recreation Center. We will be giving away school supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and pens. We will also have representatives from various Orange County agencies and nonprofits. The event promises to be a good time, so I hope to see you there. Additionally, I will also be a hosting a food drive in partnership with Advance Senior Center and Second Harvest Food Bank. The food drive will be held at CDA Church at 7051 Pershing Ave,
Orlando FL 32822 starting at 9:30am. Another important event occurring in August is the biannual primary election. The election will take place on Tuesday, August 23rd. However, early voting is available at various locations throughout Orange County starting on August 8th and lasting through to August 21st from 9am to 7pm. You can go to https://ocfelections. com/early-voting to find the early voting site closest to you. Voting is one of our most basic civil rights, and I encourage everyone to exercise it by voting on or before August 23rd. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at district4@ocfl.net Blessings, or call my office at 407-836- Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero 5881.
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2022 Real Estate Market Report For Avalon Park and Surrounding Areas, Eastwood, Stoneybrook and Waterford Lakes UNSURE IF YOU SHOULD PURCHASING NOW? If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, there appears to be some relief on the horizon. The number of listings is slowly but surely increasing giving you more choices and less likely to be in a “bidding war.” But don’t expect any kind of “correction,” prices are stable. THINKING OF SELLING? EVEN WITH THE RISE IN INTEREST RATES, HOMES ARE STILL SELLING QUICKLY, AND PRICES ARE HOLDING STRONG. In the first half of this year 2022, the Average Price of Homes sold in our area, the 32828 zip code area increased 14%, from $428,000 to $488,000 and over the past 12 months an astonishing increase of 26.7% from $385,000 to $488,000.
This graphic shows us the Number of New Listings is Increasing Faster than the Number of Homes Being Sold. If this trend continues, we should return to a more normal or balanced real estate market. NOW IS THE TIME WITH 20 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE SELLING HOMES IN AVALON PARK AND SURROUNDING AREAS, EASTWOOD, STONEYBROOK, AND WATERFORD LAKES, NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME TO DISCUSS YOUR REAL ESTATE GOALS WITH ME. JOHN ALEXANDROU, 407-312-4928 (at your service)
John Alexandrou - Broker/Owner since 2003 | Avalon Realty Group: 3925 Peppervine Dr., Orlando, FL 32828 407-312-3928 | AvalonRealty@gmail.com
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The Best Superfoods for Seniors tually help reduce the risk of heart attack in seniors. This is because dark chocolate is rich with antioxidants.
Maintaining a good diet that is rich with superfoods is important for those of any age, but it is especially important for seniors. Here are some of the best superfoods for seniors to keep them feeling healthy, satisfied, and energized. Easy and Accessible Superfoods for Seniors Kale Leafy greens in general are full of health benefits and kale is the king
of leafy greens, making it one of the best superfoods for seniors. Rich with lutein and vitamin K, kale is great for improving eye health, bone health, and lowering blood pressure. Dark Chocolate When we go on diets, we often believe that we have to cut out chocolate. However, did you know that dark chocolate is actually a superfood? Dark chocolate, when eaten in healthy portions, can ac-
Oatmeal Oatmeal is always a great breakfast choice because the superfood contains fiber, protein, and iron, which are all incredibly necessary to a balanced and healthy diet. However, the best part about oatmeal is that it is a great base that you can top with other superfoods, like dark chocolate. Salmon Another great superfood for those conscious about their heart health is salmon. Salmon is rich with omega-3 fatty acids that can help lower blood pressure in addition to
reducing the risk of heart disease in seniors. A Community Full of Healthy Meals and Superfoods for Seniors At Encore at Avalon Park, we understand how important it is for the seniors living in our community to maintain healthy diets. Therefore, we ensure that they are provided with healthy meals that are full of amazing and delicious superfoods. We also keep our seniors engaged and comfortable with social activities and cozy accommodations, but don’t take our word for it; see for yourself what makes Encore at Avalon Park the premium senior living community in the Central Florida area. Schedule a tour with us today by calling 407-270-7500.
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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Celebrates 1 Year in Avalon Park
James Bejer is the founder and head instructor of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu East Orlando. James has been training jiu-jitsu for over 8 years. James started his training at Linxx Academy in Virginia Beach, VA under Frank Cucci where he obtained the rank of Blue Belt. In 2014 he started his own Gracie Garage to teach and train others in the Gracie University system. After starting his Gracie Garage and Belt, Blue Belt, Blue Belt Stripe 1, opening up Gracie Jiu-Jitsu East Orlando he earned his Combatives Blue Belt Stripe 2 and 3rd Stripe. In January 2022 James was promoted to Purple Belt under Ryron and Rener Gracie. James was born and raised in Orlando and attended University H.S. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served for 5 years. Off the mat, James is a devoted husband to his wife, Julie and a dedicated father to his daughters Brooke and Grace.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu East Orlando is celebrating their 1-year anniversary serving the Avalon Park commu-
nity! Avalon Park has treated us so well and we want to give back by giving our best membership special to the first 10 new members in the month August. For the first 10 new members in August, we will be to waiving the registration fee ($155 value) which includes a free gi ($150 value). To be one of those first 10 students to receive this exclusive offer, we invite you to try out our program first by doing a 10 Day free trial. Call or text us to book your free trial today 407–990–2907.
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How The 5th Floor Orlando Can Help You Grow Your Business
Starting a business is expensive. Heck, owning a business is expensive. And neither of these factors are cushioned by the price of renting or building an office space. Depending on the industry, experts say businesses should spend 2–20% of their gross income on rent—but that’s a huge range. And honestly, if you’re just starting out or even if most of the business you do is not in person, spending even 2% on rent can be daunting. Enter coworking spaces. Okay, we know—we’re biased. But seriously! Saving money on rent is what we’re here for. Because when you save more money, you make more money. And we love to see our tenants’ businesses grow.
2. Get a Greater Bang for Your Buck As far as square footage goes, nothing beats coworking as a small business. When you cowork, you’ll get access to a variety of spaces, like conference rooms and kitchen areas, that you may not have been able to budget for in a rental. Plus, most coworking spaces come with other perks too, like free snacks, coffee and office supplies—which not only keep employees happy, but save you money.
5. Enjoy The View Coworking spaces are designed with their tenants in mind. That means chic decor, comfy couches, standing desks, and so much more. Coworking spaces go above and beyond to give small businesses access to those awesome, fun amenities that are usually reserved for tech companies in Silicon Valley. Plus, most spaces come with an amazing location— like our perfectly placed Orlando office.
Make The 5th Floor Orlando Your New Coworking Space 3. Your Work-Life Balance Will Located two floors above the Reach New Levels Working from home is great when Marketplace at Avalon Park food hall, The 5th Floor Orlando has you’re Zooming in your undergot your back when it comes to wear, it’s not so great when you find yourself “finishing up a proj- flexible coworking spaces, concierge-level services, gorgeous ect really quick” at 11 p.m. on a Here are the most impressive Friday night. Creating a real space decor, and access to snacks and ways The 5th Floor Orlando’s for work—one with a different ad- beverages. From lockable cubicles tenants have grown their business- dress than your home—helps keep and hot desks to private offices es by choosing to work from our and high-tech conference rooms your personal and professional coworking spaces. for hosting workshops, meetings, lives separate. and events, we’ve got everything 1. Grow As You Go needed for your business to hit the 4. It’s Not “Networking” When Choosing to set up shop in a coground running. You Actually Like Someone working space is great for busiWe’d say our coworking space is nesses who are experiencing a To join our amazing coworking a great opportunity to network— little growing pain. If you’re sizing and that may be true. But really, space, contact us online or call us up fast, or expect to, coworking it’s a great opportunity to talk and today at 407-730-3493. offices allow you to scale up or collaborate with cool people in scale down as needed. That means other industries. Whether you rewhen your business starts raking ally would like a different profesin loads of dough and you hire sional opinion on a project or you heaps of new hands, you won’t just want someone to grab lunch have to regret signing that five with, coworking is a great opporyear studio office lease. tunity to make those connections.
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Business Expo – Free Tickets for Avalon Sun Readers Whether you are a business owner, sales rep or a resident, the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce Business Expo is the place to meet and learn about EOCC member businesses. This event features over 100 businesses showcasing their products and services which is open to the public. On August 25th from 5PM-8PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Airport Hotel at 5555 Hazeltine National Drive, attend to learn about what our East Orange County business have to offer. This evening event features
restaurants, financial services, trades, transportation, healthcare, entertainment and more. This year we have 5 businesses from South Korea who are showcasing their products and looking for feedback from American consumers. Many of our members had great things to say about last year’s event. Justin Walsh, Branch Manager for TD Bank states he still is getting referrals from last year’s Business Expo. Kentrae Chandler was quoted stating this was one of the most profitable events
they attended all year. Audrey Hochstetter owner of Signarama says, “We got so many leads last year that we are having a double table to showcase more of our products and have more staff help with attendees.” If you are looking for an opportunity to meet our area’s businesses in an afterhours style setting with no pressure, this is the place to be. Once the event is over the networking opportunities continue at Marlow’s Tavern in Lee Vista for the Exhibitor After Party.
ers of the Avalon Sun. Just call the Chamber Office at 407-277-5951 before August 24th and give the promo code AVALON SUN and you will be added to the guest list. We look forward to you joining us the evening of August 25th for the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. If you’d like to learn more about the 2022 Business Expo visit EOCC.org or call the chamber office. For over 75 years, the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce has assisted our members by providing opportunities to grow, stay informed, get connected and succeed in Central Florida. Contact the Chamber office today at 407-277-5951 or visit EOCC.org for more information.
Remember parking for the event will be at the Lee Vista Promenade Shopping Center, next to Marlow’s Tavern and the Epic Movie Theaters. Complimentary shuttles run every 5 minutes to get you to and from the event hassle free. Tickets are $10 and are Join the Movement which is on sale at EOCC.org. We are the East Orlando Chamber of offering free tickets to read- Commerce.
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See What is Happening at Opera Orlando THE MAGIC FLUTE | October 28 & 30 Summary: Mozart’s The Magic Flute is an anime-inspired tale of Prince Tamino’s journey through a world of fantasy in his quest of self-discovery. This all new take on an opera classic is perfect for all ages. Description: Opera Orlando presents one of the greatest operas ever written, Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Bring the family to this enchanting and whimsical fairy tale about love and light, sacrifice and darkness, and finding one’s place in the world. In this sumptuous, spectacular production, journey along with Prince Tamino as he navigates a treacherous brave new world in his quest of self-discovery.
ALL IS CALM: The Christmas Truce of 1914 | December 23 & 24 Summary: Out of the Great War emerges a song, as a soldier crosses into No Man’s Land to sing “Silent Night.” This holiday season, witness a moment of peace told through word and song, by those who lived it.
Description: Opera Orlando shares a message of camaraderie, hope, and peace this holiday season as it remounts its acclaimed 2019 production of All is Calm: the Christmas Truce of 1914. Set along the Western Front during World War I, this poignant and moving work relates the historic events of Christmas Eve in 1914 through actual soldiers’ letters and official military correspondence interwoven with old war songs and carols. Celebrate the The story unfolds in frames like a graphic novel bringing holidays with this intimate and beautiful melding of all of the arts together to tell this fantastical tale. Artistic music and theater as the cast performs a capella in the director Grant Preisser directs this all new production acoustically perfect Steinmetz Hall. inspired by the fine art anime of Yoshitaka Amana, with Written by Peter Rothstein with vocal arrangements by dance choreographed by Maxine Montilus, puppetry by MicheLee Puppets, and music conducted by Chaow- Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach, artistic director en Ting, making her Company debut. She will take the Grant Preisser once again directs this band of brothers podium and lead the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, with Andrew Minear making his Company debut as music director. The troupe of singers welcomes back previalong with a stellar cast including Metropolitan Opera ous cast members, along with new faces coming together soprano Kathryn Bowden as The Queen of the Night, acclaimed tenor Tyler Nelson as Prince Tamino, the in harmony to tell this powerful story: the story of a Gerstunning, up-and-coming soprano Magdalena Kuzma man soldier stepping into No Man’s Land to sing “Stille as Pamina, and renowned baritone Brian James Myer as Nacht (Silent Night),” which began an extraordinary and Papageno. unprecedented night of music, acceptance, and peace. Venue/Time/Date: Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 155 East Anderson Street, Orlando, FL 32801. Friday, October 28, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, October 30, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Venue/Time/Date: Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 155 East Anderson Street, Orlando, FL 32801. Friday, December 23, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, December 24, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Ticketing: Tickets may be purchased through the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office. Phone: (407) 839-0119, ext. 0 Email: info@operaolando.org Website: https://www. drphillipscenter.org/events/tickets/2022/the-magicflute/
Ticketing: Tickets may be purchased through the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office. Phone: 407-839-0119, ext. 0 Email: info@operaolando.org Website: https://www. drphillipscenter.org/events/tickets/2022/all-is-calm/
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Dusty Dogz to Open this Summer in the Marketplace at Avalon Park to a local animal shelter or rescue center.
“I have enjoyed being a part of this family and pet friendly community since the early 2000’s and have been looking for an opportunity to be able to bring a business close to home,” said Sean McCartney, Managing Director and Majority Owner of Dusty Dogz. “The Marketplace felt like a natural fit for this community-minded concept with a great menu.” Dusty Dogz’s menu brings a gourmet twist to traditional favorite food items, which will be a hit for all ages. Dusty Dogz strives to not only provide top notch food and service to the community, but to create an environment where neighbors can get involved in giving back to the community by taking care of our furry friends. A gourmet twist to classic food items coming this August. Avalon Park Group is pleased to announce that Dusty Dogz has signed an agreement for a vendor bay in the Marketplace at Avalon Park. Originating in Michigan, Dusty Dogz offers gourmet options, from hot dogs with unique toppings to smash burgers, there is a fun twist with every menu item. They have made it their mission to not only feed the community, but to support the dogs in it as well. Portions of each purchase will go directly
“Dusty Dogz brings diversity to the Marketplace offerings and adds the menu items we hear requested the most from the community,” said Derek McCracken, General Manager of Marketplace at Avalon Park. “In addition to adding to the diverse Marketplace offerings, we are able to support local animal shelters, which is not only something I think is important to Avalon Park, but also to me personally.” The opening date is slated for early August. For more information about Dusty Dogz you can visit their website here or visit their TikTok account @Dusty_DogzAP.
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Coming together to create a healthy community
LIVE WELL
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LIVE WELL
Beat the Heat: Combating Burnout is only a “temporary fix”. Consider how you may tackle burnout in three steps:
3. Passion projects or novelty – Work is work, but doing something we are passionate about allows our brains to • First, identify the reconnect with positive underlying cause(s) of emotions including joy your exhaustion. For Summer has officialand hope. Rebooting 1. Daily refueling – most people, there is ly arrived in Florida, Identify what helps you can happen by simply not a single cause but which means it’s heatshaking things up. New recharge or refuel and rather a long list of ing up outside. Please incorporate it into your activities have been things contributing to make certain that you daily routine. Self-care shown to boost our exhaustion. Actively are staying hydrated is a critical component. dopaminergic activity naming and acknowlbut also make certain in the brain which is edging the cause is you are monitoring associated with motiva2. Weekly pauses – your internal tempera- important if you want tion and rewards. It can Marking the end of a to put an end to the ture. week to literally exhale provide a temporary “burn” it creates. reset. all that happens can With kids home from allow oneself to not • Second, identify school, work obligaMake sure this summer only breathe and be tions, and the economy what is controllable present but to live fully. you are checking the and what is not. If it making it challenging Breaking life into small external temperature is out of your control, to go on a much-needand your internal one. chunks is part of makyou will need to sured summer vacation, Beat the heat and preing it all less scary or render it, move on, or it isn’t just sunburn vent burnout! learn to live in a health- overwhelming as you and dehydration we ier way with the issue. tackle it. need to worry about The truth is that there but life BURNOUT, is more that we are in too. According to the American Psychological control of than we often Association Dictionary want to admit. Taking of Psychology, burnout control sounds good is defined as “physical, and easy, but if it were easy we wouldn’t be emotional, or mental where we are so we exhaustion accompanied by decreased mo- need to remember to be gentle with ourselves. tivation, lowered performance, and negative attitudes towards one- • And finally, make choices and make self and others.” changes - lasting changes. As I said, some While burnout may things are not “fixnot be a true “medable”, so tough choices ical” condition, it is will need to be made very real. According - but that is where real to psychologist Adam Borland, PsyD, “We’re change begins. Help yourself to make choicliving in an incredibly stressful time and burn- es and give yourself out is incredibly preva- permission to be and lent.” And though you breathe. It’s okay to not may think a three-week take care of everyone or everything else so you vacation on the beach to decompress will fix it can focus on YOU beall, he cautions that that cause you matter. Here are three things to consider to help you turn down the heat as you walk through the steps to combat burnout:
COMMUNITY CORNER
Avalon Park Pickleball
15 year old Timber Creek High School Sophomore and South Village resident Steven Hamley won bronze in the Orange Open Pickleball Tournament Friday against the best Junior players in Orange County. Avalon Park residents the Hamley family and Sheila Harvey, Pam Geronimos, and Ed Lynt were on hand at the Orlando Racket Sports center to cheer him on. Steven trains on the South Village courts and is one of several young players Avalon Park is developing as public schools do not offer
pickleball. Cudos to all our great Avalon Park pickleball players that are competing in tournaments this year! Coming up for our players: The Hertz Professional Pickleball Assocation Orlando Cup Dec.1-4 at the United States Tennis Association National Campus in Lake Nona. Player registration and tickets available at pickleballtournaments.com. If you volunteer for 4 hours you will receive a free grounds pass for the day you volunteer.
Back to School Shopping Inflation Due to decades-high inflation, parents are facing much higher prices than years past. According to Deloitte’s 2022 back-to-school survey, parents plan to spend $661 per child, on average, for back-to-school shopping this year, up 8% from 2021 and 27% from 2019. With back-to-school shopping being the second largest spending event for parents, behind holiday expenditures, the survey also found that nearly three in five parents are concerned about the inflated BTS costs. As many families continue to grapple with the financial effects of the pandemic and face increased costs of other living expenses, Goodwill is offering parents some relief. With more than 30 retail stores across our six-county area, the nonprofit serves as an affordable BTS shopping option. While items are not guaranteed to be in stock, Goodwill is an excellent starting point for
clothes, shoes, backpacks, supplies and more – all priced at an average of 30% below big box retailers. The Deloitte study also showed that BTS shoppers are looking to shop more sustainably this year – a trend that Goodwill is well ahead of. Sustainability is one of Goodwill’s founding principles, as the nonprofit promotes thrifting, reusing, donating and upcycling to reduce one’s environmental impact. In 2021, local Goodwills diverted nearly 19 billion pounds of usable goods from landfills. And if you have clothes, shoes or other potential items that could be used for backto-school, you can drop those off at Goodwill. There are 30 retail stores that accept donations as well as 20 Donation Xpress sites across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, Volusia and Seminole counties. To find the nearest Goodwill to you, visit www.GoodwillCFL.org.
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
OUC General Manager & CEO Elected Vice President of Florida Municipal Electric Association Board of Directors
Today, at their annual conference in Palm Beach, members of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) elected Clint Bullock, General Manager & CEO of OUC— The Reliable One as vice president of the organization’s board of directors.
“Providing affordable, reliable, resilient and sustainable service is what municipal utilities are all about,” said Bullock. “As we continue to be innovative to meet the changing needs of our customers and communities across the state, I’m honored to serve as FMEA’s vice president. I look forward to working together with our members as we advocate on behalf of public power.” An Orlando native and 33-year OUC veteran, Bullock became General Manager & CEO in 2018. Prior to that, he led the utility’s electric and water delivery operations, including engineering, construction, maintenance and operations of the transmission and distribution systems. Under his leadership, OUC has launched a transformative initiative to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with interim CO2 reductions of 50% by 2030 and 75% by 2040. Bullock has helped lower emissions in the transportation sector by encouraging electric vehicle (EV) use, increased OUC’s commitment to solar by more than eight times and committed $90 million in energy storage. He holds an MBA from Rollins College and a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Central Florida.
providing our members with the resources and expertise they need to ensure customers have clean, affordable and reliable power,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “I am grateful to Clint and the other officers for agreeing to serve the association and I look forward to the accomplishments we will achieve together.” Other officers appointed to the FMEA board include President Brian Horton, president and general manager of KUA (Kissimmee Utility Authority), President-Elect Joe Bunch, general manager and CEO of New Smyrna Beach Utilities, and Secretary-Treasurer Ed Liberty, director of the City of Lake Worth Electric Utilities. FMEA is the statewide trade association representing Florida’s Public Power utilities. The association actively represents and advocates for member cities’ interests on a wide variety of state and federal issues, provides education and training for members and serves as a clearinghouse for industry news and information. Municipal electric utilities provide affordable, reliable electric service, and have been doing so for more than a century. As community-owned and locally managed organizations, these utilities are focused on serving local needs and interests while reinvesting back into the communities they serve.
For more information on FMEA and Florida’s Public Pow“Public power not only relies on a strong network of er communities, please visit www.flpublicpower.com. support, but also a leadership team that is dedicated to
Field Day at Stanton Seeks to Inspire Youth Students of the Youth Energy Academy (YEA) took a high-lev- Johnson expressed relief to seeing the YEA resume active, el course in power production at Stanton Energy Center (SEC) hands-on learning again after the last two summer programs on July 8, 2022, highlighting the annual summer program’s were held virtually due to the pandemic. return to in-person, hands-on learning. “This program is so much more effective when we can engage Outfitted with hard hats and protective eyewear, about 50 lo- the kids face-to-face,” he said. cal middle and high school students toured OUC’s flagship power plant where they saw the enormity of energy generat- After touring the main power plant building and ascending to ing machinery and heard the deafening sounds they produce its rooftop where they could see features on SEC’s 3,200-acre while sending hundreds of megawatts of electricity onto the site, such as cooler towers, reservoirs, solar fields and woodgrid. The students also were exposed to the OUC-sponsored ed wildlife sanctuary, the students participated in quizzes folPre-Apprenticeship Training Program and career opportuni- lowing presentations by OUC personnel. Those who answered ties with their hometown utility, given an overview on how questions correctly won prizes. OUC delivers safe drinking water, and introduced to the Tiny Green Home, a portable 200-square-foot showcase of sustain- Interactive sessions included: able living. • SEC safety overview, presented by Sr. Safety Coordinators Jason Drayton and Brad Leininger. Sponsored by the Florida Chapter of the American Associa- • A demonstration on OUC’s water treatment process, pretion of Blacks in Energy (AABE), the YEA is a statewide pro- sented by Christine Misner, Sr. Chemist, and James Houston, gram that seeks to inspire African American youths to study Water System Operator. STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) • The OUC-sponsored Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, courses. Locally, YEA participants split time over two days at presented by Alandus Sims, Strategic Partnership & Projects OUC, Duke Energy and Siemens Energy facilities. OUC has Manager. supported the program for eight consecutive years. • OUC career opportunities, presented by Talent Acquisition Partners Erika De La Rosa and Kerry Kolpin. “We hope this program encourages these kids to realize the “I think the water demonstration was really interesting,” said value of STEM education,” said Corey Johnson, Supervisor of Lasean Scott, who’s entering the eighth grade at Greenwood Meter Operations and chair of the OUC chapter of the AABE. Middle School in Lake Mary. “I didn’t know OUC had any“This is one of the most impactful programs the AABE does.” thing to do with drinking water.”
COMMUNITY
Avalon Park Drivers Questions
News You Can Use - Submitted by Resident First the boring, but important Florida State Statute… 316.085 Limitations on overtaking, passing, changing lanes and changing course.— (1) No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless authorized by the provisions of this chapter and unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction of any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and, in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle.
What about round-abouts? The vehicles in the circle have the right-of-way. Traffic wanting to enter the circle must yield to vehicles already in the circle. Any exceptions? If you see flashing lights or hear sirens from first responders or law enforcement, they will always have right of way. Please be patient when driving. With school starting up again, we need to keep our eyes open for new backpackers excited about starting a new school… or the older students consumed by their phones. Together we will make our neighborhood the best in the nation! Watch for Bicycles when driving!
What does that mean for you as a driver in Avalon Park? Although most neighborhood roads do not have painted lines, the statute still will dictate who has right-of -way. Image you are on Lake Underhill Road with only a painted line between you and oncoming traffic. Then, you want to pass a car (moving or parked) in the lane you are traveling. You would not go around the vehicle and into the incoming traffic expecting the on-coming traffic to stop. Same in our neighborhoods. The oncoming traffic on the left side of the road has right-of-way going in their di-
Please be extra careful as we start the next school year. New bikers and walkers are out on the same roadways as the cars. Please be extra careful and look both ways when exiting a parking lot or crossing a one-way street (like Avalon Park Blvd). Bikers and walkers don’t always go with the flow of traffic. rection.
No oncoming vehicle… OK Oncoming vehicle… YIELD
COMMUNITY
Announcing the Rotary Club of Avalon Park Board (2022-2023)
effort of volunteers and local restaurants who catered a delicious meal: Mejana Mediterranean Grille (Avalon) and Cheese to Share (Marketplace). On July 6, the Rotary Club of Avalon Park held their annual installment ceremony which included the new board members taking oath and the tradition of the club’s awards recognizing members for their outstanding service. First, introducing you to the board: • Jean Zambrano, President • Jim McQueeney, Vice President • Terri Bernhardt, President-Elect • Jim Foulks, Secretary • Jennifer Buckley-Giessler, Treasurer • David Kyle Wideman, Membership Chair • Michael Houlihan Sgt-At-Arms • Maria Rodammer, Service Chair • Thomas Beanland, Foundation Chair The following club members were recognized for their exceptional efforts: • Sara Monk, Rookie of the Year • David Donais, Community Spirit of Service / 20th Anniversary 9/11 Project • Jennifer Buckley-Giessler, Rotarian of the Year • Jim Foulks, Service Above Self Award A special recognition was extended to Tim McKinney, United Global Outreach (UGO), as the club has initiated and provided many service projects at UGO and Orange County Academy for more than 10 years. Tim was inducted as an official Honorary Member. The installation event was a community-wide
Rotary, Opens Opportunities. Rotary Club of Avalon Park is one of the highly recognized clubs in the area and noted by the regional directors for outstanding leadership and innovation. You are invited to join them each week at the Avalon Pavilion @7:30 a.m. located at 13401 Tanya King Blvd. Meet your neighbors, find out what Rotary is about and how you can Serve to change lives. For more information click on this link: Take Me There! Complimentary refreshments and inspiring guest speakers!
COMMUNITY
Sword Masters Club & Fencing Academy to Attend AAU Junior Olympic Games Orlando-based fencing school sends more than 100 or their economic status. With the help of the comyouth athletes to Greensboro, NC to make history munity, industry, and government, I would like to make Florida the fencing capital of America and at the AAU Junior Olympic Games America the fencing capital of the world. I will do Sword Masters Club & Fencing Academy (www. everything in my power to reach this vision.” swordmastersclub.com), a fencing school located in Orlando, FL, is sending over 100 youth athletes, The AAU Junior Olympics will include 19,000 parsome as young as 5 years old, to compete in 32 ticipants in 12 sports representing all 50 states and different fencing events at the Amateur Athletic several U.S. territories. The fencing tournaments Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games. These youth will take place at the Greensboro Coliseum Comfrom Central Florida will be among the first fenc- plex. “The AAU is thrilled to offer fencing for the first time ever at the AAU Junior Olympic Games,” ers in history to compete at the AAU event. said Jennings “Rusty” Buchanan, AAU President Sword Masters was founded in 2018 by Carlos Kuri & CEO. “Our mission statement is “Sports For & Riley Roca. With backgrounds in fencing, the All, Forever” and we pride ourselves on offering arts, and education, they opened their academy in a wide range of different sports for young athletes Orlando as a place to grow young minds through to compete in.” Events are open to public spectaan ancient sport that dates back to the 18th cen- tors, but there is a fee to attend. tury. “Sword Masters became the largest fencing ____________________________________________ academy in Florida because we understand athlete development and we train the whole person,” About Sword Masters Club & Fencing Academy: notes co-founder Riley Roca. “Athletes’ emotional Sword Masters Club & Fencing Academy is the and mental well-being is fundamental to us and premier fencing school in Orlando, FL featuring Olympic fencing classes, Olympic fencing afthat is how we create champions.” ter-school programs, and Olympic fencing camps. Their fencing school on Avalon Park Boulevard It offers an array of classes for fencers of all abilin East Orange County hosts dozens of youth and ities from pre-school to adults, recreational and adult group classes each week, private lessons, and competitive including Historical (HEMA) and numerous local fencing tournaments throughout Parafencing (Wheel Chair fencing). Co-Founder, the year. Sword Masters is the largest and most Carlos Kuri, is also the president of the Fencing prestigious fencing academy in Florida, one of the League of America and the National Sport Direclargest in the country and it is the largest tourna- tor for Fencing for the AAU. For more information ment organizer in the southeast. Just last year the on classes and programs visit www.swordmasteracademy produced many champions including sclub.com. the Y14 champion in 12 states, team USA members for two Panamerican games and was in charge of ABOUT THE AAU: selecting Team USA for the Gymnasiade in France. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the This year the club also won the prestigious award largest, non-profit, volunteer sports organizations for “Best Club” at the Sunshine State Games bring- in the country. As a multi-sport organization, the ing in more than 36 medals. The school’s master AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion coaches and collaborators are an impressive team and development of amateur sports programs. that includes Olympic-level coaches and the for- Founded in 1888 to establish standards and unimer silver medalist at the World Championships. formity in sports, the AAU philosophy of “Sports The school is proud of its work training the next For All, Forever” is now shared by nearly 700,000 members and 150,000 volunteers across 45 sports generation of fencing greats. programs and 55 U.S. districts. For more informaFencing tournaments at the AAU Junior Olympic tion, visit www.aausports.org. Games are scheduled to take place in Greensboro, NC from August 1st - August 3rd, 2022. Fencing will lead the parade during the Celebration of Athletes at 6:00pm on Monday, marking the sport’s addition to the Games. Carlos Kuri, owner and head coach of Sword Masters said, “From recreational fencers to Olympic champions, from 4-year-olds to 80-year-olds, from the able body to special needs, it is my goal to make fencing accessible to every athlete no matter their age, condition
MEET THE CANDIDATE Fred Hawkins
school safety. Running this Bill taught me the value of teamwork with other legislators, and I am happy to report we worked unanimously Public service was something across party lines to pass this that started early in my life. Bill. I remember the thrill of running for Student Council in Being the Sponsor of the FlorHigh School. I really learned ida School Safety Bill was to enjoy expressing myself not easy and I learned much through public speaking and during the process. One of was also thrilled to campaign the reasons I felt so passionduring the process. Serving on ate about this law was I had the Student Council also was to opportunity to speak and gratifying in that I learned the listen to parents and educasatisfaction one could gain tors who had experienced the from public service and serv- Marjorie Stoneman Douglass ing others. I also learned the tragedy. This touched me at value of listening to the needs a deep level and provided of my constituents and being the fuel I needed to work that extra mile to make sure we accessible to them. worked together to make sure Early on in my life I was we could help save lives and taught by both of my parents help our future leaders in the the value of self- improve- State of Florida. Our future is ment through education. I our children and the return believe education, especially on investment we gain from early education is the path- our commitment to education way for people to realize their is a great investment for our full potential and empow- tax dollars. ers them to be able to pursue their version of the American My career path has been Dream. I have a passion for unique. From working in a education especially for those corporate law firm, to operwho may not have a great ating our family business, I family structure. I think it im- also rode on the professionportant that we pursue vigor- al Rodeo Circuit as a Head ous early education especially Team Roper. That’s right a by the Third Grade to make professional rodeo cowboy. If sure young men and women you are not sure, what team are aligned to have the proper roping is I encourage you to reading skills to stay on track google it. I was the guy that throughout their academic roped the head of the steer. This experience taught me career. the value of learning to work One of my greatest honors with others, continuance of and blessings is to serve the training & practice all while constituents of Florida, in the realizing that we are all deFlorida House of Representa- pendent on one another in tives. The area of education, learning to accomplish goals. including the focus on ear- I really enjoyed being a Cowly education and the issue of boy and learned the value of School Safety has been a pri- camaraderie and teamwork. I mary focus of mine. I really have seen this same transition believe that we can make a of fellowship by serving in difference in other people’s the Florida House. It is a great lives when we focus on get- honor to work with my fellow ting children early on to learn legislators and the bonds created from this organization to love reading. are special. Regarding the topic of School Safety, it was my privilege Although I was a real Cowthis past Florida Legislative boy, there are other sports I Session to Sponsor our School follow and hobbies I have. If Safety Bill, recently signed you connect with me on soby Governor Ron DeSantis cial media, you will see my into law. One of my goals of love for the Dallas Cowboys this legislation was to make and Florida Gators. Running, Florida a leader in the area of playing golf, reading and help us on raising awareness on the role Fathers can play in leading their families towards a better future.
I am blessed to have two great parents who from an early age instilled in me values that have served me well and provided the fuel for my current role as a public servant. From my father, I learned how to deliver superior customer service and to set goals. My mother from an early age encouraged me to serve others, especially those less fortunate than myself and she also help spark in me early, a burning desire to learn from reading books, especially historical biographies. From an early age, I was also infused with a strong work ethic. Sleeping in was not allowed. If there were chores that needed to be done, I was taught to get after them. My first real job outside our home at the age of 12 was bailing hay on farms. I wasn’t as big as the older guys but had to lift the same bales. This was tough work but having had the experience it has served me well to this present day. Having been blessed to have active parents in my life also taught me the value of family structure and what it means for Florida on a larger scale. Statistics show that the lack of parental involvement in a child’s life has very negative implications for that young person’s future. Therefore I was so honored to have had the ability to assist on helping pass legislation this past session on strengthening the role that Fathers play in their family’s life. Our focus on assisting Fathers on their abilities to lead and interact with their children will no doubt
of course cooking. My love for cooking comes from my mom. Like many of you I am hooked on the Big Green Egg and trying many recipes. Looking ahead to the immediate future, I have a burning desire to see education in Florida rise further in the national rankings. It has been a pleasure working with Governor Ron DeSantis and watching him really follow through by properly raising teachers’ salaries, increasing school choice for Florida parents and of course helping make Florida schools safer with the signing of the Florida School Safety Bill into law. Another key component of the Florida School Safety Bill was its focus on putting additional resources in the area of mental health. We now will have more mental health screening occurring and this not only will help keep our schools safer, but also provide a way to assist our students who may be struggling in this area to improve their outlook on life at an early age. It really is exciting to do such work and realize the positive impact it will have on the future of Florida. It has been my greatest honor to serve the constituents of Central Florida since 2020 in the Florida House of Representatives. I remain driven to work even harder this next Legislative Session to help build a stronger future for all Floridians regardless of their situation and will do my best to listen and lead on the critical issues facing our great state. I appreciate this opportunity and I pledge to work hard to help make the American Dream a possibility for every Floridian. Please, when you see me out in the Avalon Park area, come up and introduce yourself or connect with me on social media. Twitter @Hawkins4Florida or Facebook Hawkins4Floirda. I hope you and your families have a wonderful and Blessed Summer.
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Angie Gallo A Note from School Board minutes of unstructured play daily) to Baker Act reform (to Member Angie Gallo ensure parents are notified before their students are removed from school campuses). Every 10 years, school boards are required to develop a During the upcoming primary election, all Orange County reapportionment plan. As voters will be asked whether to approve a continuation of the part of this process, school one-mill ad valorem property tax for an additional four years. board residence area bound- The One Mill originally passed in 2010 and was renewed in aries are redrawn to reflect 2014 and 2018. If approved again, the One Mill would be used the population changes that to fund essential operating expenses, compensate teachers and have occurred since the pre- support staff and continue to preserve academic programs, vious Census. On December arts, athletics and student activities. 14, 2021, the Orange County School Board approved a new The deadline to register to vote is July 25. Vote-by-mail ballots map that places Avalon Park and much of the surrounding will be distributed beginning July 20, and early voting takes area into District 1 (previously District 2). place August 8-21. Election day is August 23, 2022, and the One Mill is the last item on the ballot...so be sure to make your So…allow me to introduce myself! My name is Angie Gallo, way to the very end! ALL registered voters are eligible to vote and I am the current elected School Board member for Dis- on the One Mill, because this ballot initiative is non-partisan. trict 1. I was born and raised in Central Florida. My husband For more information on the One Mill, visit ocps.net and look and I raised our girls right here in East Orange County (OCPS for the “Vote” graphic. students, K-12!) and I am a proud graduate of UCF. I have spent the last 18 years advocating for children and for public It is my sincere privilege to represent you and the Avalon Park schools on a wide variety of issues, from the Recess Bill (which community. If you have any questions or concerns, please ensures all elementary students receive at least 20 consecutive email me at angie.gallo@ocps.net.
Mercedes Fonseca Greetings! I am Mercedes Fonseca. I am fluent in both English and Spanish. I am a candidate for Orange County Commissioner District 4, which encompasses the areas of Avalon Park, Waterford Lakes, Lake Nona and Meadow Woods. I was born and raised locally, a graduate of UCF and hold a Master’s in Business Administration. I am the managing partner of Ascension Consulting Partnerships helping small business owners and residents with local governmental issues such as land use, code enforcement, and permitting. I previously served as chief of staff for a few elected officials. I have extensive experience in local government, non-profit, and the private sector. That experience has given me the unique ability to appreciate and take into account the different challenges that each encountered. My reasons for running include improving the quality of life for residents, supporting and enhancing our public safety, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Qualities that set me apart from other candidates are my experience, service, and the relationships I have built throughout the years with the community, nonprofit agencies, elected officials, and executives in the private sector. I invite you to look at my web page www.vote4mercedes.com for additional information. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about Orange County. I hope to earn your vote.
