Unfortunately, car accidents are fairly common these days. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is important to seek treatment as quickly as possible after the incident. At Rivera Family Chiropractic Centers, we work with patients who have suffered automobile injuries and are looking for chiropractic treatment to begin the healing process.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN IN CAR ACCIDENT AND HAVE SUFFERED an automobile injury, we strongly suggest that you come in for a chiropractic evaluation as soon as you’re able to, especially if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms: back or neck pain, headaches, muscle spasms, stiffness or insomnia.
Our practice is well versed in treating auto injury victims. Whether an accident was your fault or not, there is medical coverage through one’s auto insurance to make sure you are able to obtain the care you deserve.
At Rivera Family Chiropractic Center, we believe your health should be your top priority after a car accident. Even if there are insurance or lawsuit issues to deal with, the treatment you receive can be an important factor in the outcome of your case. If you need help after an automobile injury, call us today to schedule an appointment for chiropractic evaluation and physical therapy treatment.
Rivera Family Chiropractic Center successfully treats Seminole, Orange and Volusia patients who need pain management. If you are seeking exceptional care, we invite you to Rivera Family Chiropractic Center where you’ll discover pain relief and prevention services that will help you feel better than you ever thought was possible.
Rivera Family Chiropractic Center
www.riverachiro.com
Sanford: 900 W. 25th St. • (407-878-5848)
Casselberry: 3950 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Suite 1000 (407-767-4878)
Deltona: 821 Debary Ave. • (386-860-5448)
Rivera Family Chiropractic
PHOTOGRAPHY @MASTROPIECESPHOTOGRAPHY (BOTTOM)
LETTER FROM THE EDITORDear Readers,
This special edition of the Best of Sanford is my favorite edition. With so many mixed emotions, endless hours of work, and long lists of things to accomplish before the Best of Sanford Awards Ceremony, I am excited to present the nominees, winners, and special guests as well as the com munities who, with great enthusiasm, want to applaud and celebrate such an important day.
which proudly represents Italy in our community. She discusses why the company chose to move to Sanford, Florida.
Also featured is an interview with the CEO and founder of the Dominican airline ARAJET, Víctor M. Pacheco Méndez. I am proud to introduce him to Sanford, Orlando, and Central Florida through our magazine. Please make sure to read how his company will have a positive impact on our Sanford community.
This issue has so much to offer. Don’t forget to check out the list of winners and nominees as well as our cover story which features Susana Minier, who started United Angels Home Care Inc. to serve the seniors in our community.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I recommend that you get your mammograms done. Early detection is best. I am a breast cancer survivor and getting a mammogram on time saved my life.
Enjoy this beautiful fall season!
Love,
HUME,
Yes, an important day because our Mayor Art Woodruff began the event with such a great announcement: August 30th has been designated as the Best of Sanford Day! The moment left me completely paralyzed. While in front of a full auditorium, my heart was overflowing with gratitude. I smiled and thanked Mayor Woodruff, and humbly accepted what I consider to be accolades for my love of this community.
(TOP LEFT);
I want to thank the mayors of Deltona, Kissimmee, and Orange County and a special thank you to the mayor of Sanford for being such an excellent host. I would also like to thank the commissioners from different coun ties, the personalities in attendance, and the outstanding Hispanics who were recognized. Thank you to everyone who was a part of this beautiful and magical evening.
This edition features an interview with engineer Estela Testa, CEO of Pieralisi North America, Inc.,
COMMUNITY & PEOPLE
2 Cover Story: Serving our Sanford Community
5 Best of Sanford Day / Celebrating Sanford’s
6 The 6th Annual Best of Sanford Readers’
ESTABLISHED 2014
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4
FALL 2022 | QUARTERLY
This Issue was published by MY SANFORD MAGAZINE LLC, with project management by:
Editor in Chief & Founder
Perla B. Crosby
Associate Editor Samantha Montgomery
Managing Editor Jennifer Luce
Art Director Renée Blair
Photographers
Jessica Carvajal Photography
Andrew van Tilborgh, Charming Sanford
Daniella Hume, Mastropieces Photography @Mastropiecesphotography
JP Photography
WRITE TO US | ESCRÍBENOS A EDITOR@MYSANFORDMAGAZINE.COM
Perla B. Crosby is the founder, editor in chief, and pub lisher of My Sanford Magazine. Her goal was to produce a local publication that would foster unity in a culturally diverse community like Sanford. This was achieved, and the magazine has been a resounding success.
Perla also conceived and founded the Sanford Tourist Office and served as first chair. She had a long career as a diplomat in Rome and served as director general of tourism in Italy, where she also produced a successful tourism and business magazine.
Susana Minier, owner of United Angels Home Care, Inc.
Photo: Daniella Hume, Mastropieces Photography @Mastropiecesphotography
8 Be Social: Best of Sanford, Best of Downtown Sanford, Industry
10 Getting to Know: Víctor M. Pacheco Méndez, ARAJET’S Founder and CEO
12 Resilient Actions for a Thriving Community
Daniella Hume, Mastropieces Photography @Mastropiecesphotography
Digital Marketing Director
Brian R. Ambrosini
Social Media & Marketing Specialist Daniella Hume
Contributors
Mary Boza Crimmins Perla Bello-Crosby Leon Konieczny
Jennifer Luce
Samantha Montgomery Allison van Tilborgh
My Sanford Magazine disclaims all liability for any and all ad vertisements, promotions, articles, and other affiliated content contained within this publication. The opinions of the authors are those alone. We do not accept any liability for information or advice provided by any advertiser, sponsor, or associated business provided in this magazine.
PROUD PARTNER OF:
FOLLOW US:
ADVERTISING: 407-801-3432 • Advertise@mysanfordmagazine.com
18 Pieralisi North America Sets Sights
on Central Florida
FOOD & DRINK
17 Sanford Foodie: The Gastropubs of Sanford
When Susana Minier began her company, United Angels Home Care, Inc., in 2009, she had a strong desire to help the Sanford community with services such as income tax preparation, applying for food stamp assistance, and healthcare insurance.
In 2019 she noticed that her community outreach program needed to offer more help to senior citizens by assisting them in obtaining their Medicare benefits. She wanted to educate seniors and guide them through the process, which can sometimes be daunting. The help proved to be most beneficial and eventually led to aiding people who were trying to navigate the process of applying for Medicaid as well.
Her outreach efforts expanded beyond the Sanford community and into Seminole, Orange, Brevard, and Osceola Counties. Once again, things expanded even further and now she is providing Medicare and Medicaid services for all of Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Arizona.
Our mission at United Angels Home Care, Inc. is to help alleviate the fear of facing a healthcare crisis because of an insurance situation. ”
— Susana MinierSusana Minier
Susana said, “Our mission at United Angels Home Care, Inc. is to help alleviate the fear of facing a healthcare crisis because of an insurance situation. We also want to provide personalized advice until clients obtain the necessary services that will give them the protection they need today and always.”
Recently United Angels Home Care has partnered with IMA Medical Partner Group, which strives to provide the highest-
quality, patient-centered, cost-effective healthcare to the patients they serve. Susana said, “IMA wishes to be the number one choice for primary care for the communities they serve.”
One of the ways these two companies work in tandem is by providing a food pantry donation once a month for approximately 70 families within the Sanford community. Of this labor of love, Susana said, “It has been satisfying to be able to help so
many families for over ten years. During this past decade, we have received the gratitude of so many people who continue to come back year after year to renew their contracts, assist with food donations, and navigate the healthcare system.” n
To find out more information about United Angels Home Care, Inc., please visit their website at www. unitedangelshc.com
To find out more information about IMA Medical Group, please visit their website at www.imamedicalgroup.com
l-r: Carolina Plaza, Keneth González, and Susana Minier United Angels Home Care and IMA Medical Partner Group provide a monthly food pantry donation within the Sanford community. Susana Minier (far right) with her United Angels Home Care staffEnjoy our large open air taproom with a view into the brew house. Savor handcrafted beers, meads, ciders and specialty sodas. Taste the fresh, locally sourced ingredients, made to order. Relish the sounds of our performing musicians. Soak in the quintessential southern hospitality, make new friends, discover history. Sit outside, enjoy the beautiful Florida weather with your furry friends. Bring you kids for mac ‘n cheese while you sip our handcrafted beer.
7am–2pm
Community leaders, business owners, local and Central Florida politicians, dignitaries, and special guests dressed to the nines and shimmied past one another to find their seats before the house lights grew dim. The venue was Sanford’s historic Wayne Dench Performing Arts Theater, and the glittering tropicalthemed stage welcomed Mayor Art Woodruff, who made a noteworthy announcement to My Sanford Magazine Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Perla B. Crosby: “I hereby declare August 30th , 2022, as Best of Sanford Day.”
The 6 th Annual Best of Sanford Awards Show celebrated Sanford’s products, services, activities, dining, and unique entertainment experiences and their operators, who continue to make Sanford such a vibrant place to live. Annual hosts Amber Clore and Dereck Daniels announced over 75 awards to a room of energetic guests, awaiting their names to be called, and cheering on their friends in the process. Award categories ranged from Best Fine Dining, to Best Musical
Festival, to Top 10 Businesses, and even to Trailblazer of the Year.
The Best of Sanford Awards are based on the votes of fellow Sanfordites who nominated their favorite local institutions. As Sanford grows, interest in such opportunities also grows, with an increased voter turnout of over 40%!
This year’s Best of Sanford Awards Show not only celebrated Sanford’s most voted businesses and local institutions, but also served as a platform to elevate Central Floridian women who have answered the call to create change in their communities. Sanford is just one puzzle piece in a larger economic and social tapestry to which Central Floridians belong.
Closing out the impressive ceremony, a surprise announcement was made: Sanford’s sister-city Deltona will soon be publishing its very own My Deltona Magazine.
To discover the winners of the 2022 6th Annual Best of Sanford Awards, turn the page.
Mayor Art Woodruff
Right: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings
Video by: Matthew Lamont Burgess
Nancy Groves Nominees: Deborah Moran Chris Cranias
Yellow Door Realty Nominees: Porzig Realty Cranias Group
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando North/Sanford Nominees: Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando North Best Western Plus Sanford Airport
BEST ACCOMODATION (Airbnb)
The Shed - in Downtown Sanford Nominees: Famous Tiny Houseboat Tom and Dan Airbnb
Alexia Emerson State Farm Agent Nominees: Tony Russi Insurance National Risk Management & Associates, Inc.
BEST LAW FIRM
Barks Law Firm
Nominees: The Law Office of Daniel R. Lewis The Adam Law Firm, P.A.
Fairwinds Credit Union Nominees: Regions Bank Addition Financial
BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL
All Souls Catholic School Nominees: Wee the People Preschool and Childcare Holy Cross Lutheran Academy
BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL Seminole High School Sanford Nominees: Galileo School for Gifted Learning Wicklow Elementary School
Daniella Hume Nominees: Daniel Morris Ashley Jane photography
Ladies 327, Inc. Nominees: Love Missions Project Sanford, Inc.
BEST LOCAL HUMANITARIAN/ VOLUNTEER Kim Colegrove Nominees: Tina Marie Derrick Daniel
BEST CAR DEALERSHIP Seminole Chevrolet Nominees: Seminole Toyota Mercedes-Benz of North Orlando
BEST AUTO SERVICES & REPAIR
CMC Automotive Repair Nominees: Harrell & Beverly Transmissions & Auto Repair Seminole Chevrolet
BEST FLORIST
Sanford Florist & Flower Delivery Nominees: Sanford Floral Marketing Valley Flower Shop
BEST SMALL RETAIL BUSINESS Magpies Modern General Nominees: Colonial Room Country Store Bicikleta Bike Shop
BEST FAMILY FUN PLACE
The Yardery Sanford Nominees: Escape Artists Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
BEST UNIQUE BUSINESS Pedal Cruise Nominees: Henry's Depot Food Hall The Yardery Sanford
BEST NEW BUSINESS Spice is Nice Nominees: Alebrije Mexican Grill and Tequila Bar The Yardery Sanford
BEST MARKETING AND BRANDING AGENCY Historic Downtown Sanford Nominees: One Source Branding & Media Four Rivers Media
BEST LOCAL INFLUENCER Christina Hollerbach Nominees: Derrick Daniels Paul Williams
BEST HAIR SALON X'spreshun Hair Studio, An AVEDA Exclusive Salon Nominees: VMZ Beauty Studio The Backroom Salon
BEST NAIL SALON Lavish Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge Nominees: Bellagio Nails & Spa Koi Nail Spa
BEST BARBER SHOP Flawless Cutz Barbershop Nominees: Sanford Barber Shop Traditions Barbershop
BEST WELLNESS SPA Nectar Aesthetics Spa Nominees: DM waxing Massage Garage
BEST YOGA STUDIO 1 Raw Yoga Nominees: Hot Yoga Sanford Salty AF Pilates
BEST FITNESS FACILITY Body by Roni Fitness & Day Spa Nominees: RCG Health & Fitness Esporta Fitness Sanford
BEST MEDICAL FACILITY HCA Florida North Seminole Family and Sports Medicine Nominees: AdventHealth Centra Care Sanford HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital
WATCH THE BEST OF SANFORD, BEST OF DOWNTOWN SANFORD & INDUSTRY RECOGNITION AWARD GALA: https://qrco.de/bdLaMA
Video by: One Source Branding & Media
Dr. Daniel Monette
Nominees: Dr. Kristy Magee, MD Dr. Gloria Torrens
Rivera Family Chiropractic Center-Sanford Nominees: Spaulding Family Chiropractic & Wellness Inc. Fulmore Chiropractic Care
Sanford Dental Excellence Nominees: Greenberg Dental & Orthodontics Rinehart Dental
Frutchey Eye Care, PA Nominees: America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses Sanford Optical Outlets
Hounds Town Sanford Nominees: Paw Park Palace Pet Paradise Sanford
Historic Venue 1902 Nominees: Tuffy's Music Box & Lounge 520 on the Water
The Ritz Theater-Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center Nominees: Theater West End Tuffy's Music Box & Lounge
Jason Hawk Nominees: Mark Seppala Nancy Blauers
Sean Holcomb Nominees: Iesha Marie Lopez Rhenn Cahoe
Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery Nominees: Gallery On First Unfurl Collective
Sanford Porchfest Nominees: Sanford Jazz in the Park Hurricane Party Music Festival
St. Johns River Festival of the Arts Nominees: Love Your Shorts Film Festival Sanford Porchfest
BEST LIVE MUSIC PLACE
Tuffy's Music Box & Lounge Nominees: The Alley Sanford Brewing Company
BEST CHARITY EVENT
Sanford Porchfest Nominees: Pints n' Paws Craft Beer Fest Sanford Jazz in the Park
BEST CASUAL DINING
The Station Bar & Grub Nominees: La Famiglia Italiana Colonial Room Restaurant
BEST FINE DINING
The Old Jailhouse Sanford Nominees: The District The Tennessee Truffle
BEST BRUNCH DINING
Buster Bistro Nominees: The Old Jailhouse Sanford Shantell's
BEST BREAKFAST DINING
Keke's Breakfast Cafe-Sanford Nominees: Colonial Room Restaurant Mel's Family Diner
BEST LUNCH DINING
St. Johns River Steak & Seafood Nominees: Hollerbach's German Restaurant Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
BEST SWEETS EXPERIENCE
Simply Homemade 1913 Nominees: Wondermade Christo’s
BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT
Colonial Room Restaurant Nominees: Alebrije Mexican Grill and Tequila Bar The Yardery Sanford
BEST OUTDOOR DINING Bahama Breeze Island Grille Nominees: Hollerbach's German Restaurant The Breezeway Restaurant and Bar
BEST COFFEE EXPERIENCE Palate Coffee Roasters Nominees: Caffé Di Riverwalk Mahogany Coffee
BEST PET FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Sanford Brewing Company Nominees: The Breezeway Restaurant and Bar Christo’s
BEST PET FRIENDLY BAR Celery City Craft Nominees: West End Trading Co. Tuffy's Music Box & Lounge
BEST CATERER Christo’s Nominees: The Corner Cafe - Home of Gourmet2Go Colonial Room Restaurant
BEST CHEF Nat Russell Nominees: Patrick Story Ryan J. Cole - The Old JailHouse
BEST NEW RESTAURANT/ BAR Alebrije Mexican Grill an Tequila Bar Nominees: La Famiglia Italiana The Yardery Sanford
Sanford Brewing Company Nominees: Dees Brothers Brewery WopsHops Brewing Company
Dees Brothers Brewery Nominees: Hollerbach's German Restaurant WopsHops Brewing Company
BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS
The District Nominees: Buster Bistro The Basin
BEST PLACE TO HAVE A GLASS OF WINE Ellen’s Wine Room Nominees: The District Brix & Mortar Urban Winery
BEST HAPPY HOUR West End Trading Co. Nominees: The Basin Buster Bistro
BEST BARTENDER Bella Kelley at the Basin Nominees: Nick Sprysenski Allison Kathryn Perkins
BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT Hollerbach's German Restaurant Nominees: The Old Jailhouse Sanford Carrabba's Italian Grill Sanford
BEST OVERALL BAR The Basin Nominees: Buster Bistro Celery City Craft
BY PERLA BELLO-CROSBY
It is my pleasure to introduce our readers to entrepreneur Víctor M. Pacheco, founder and CEO of Arajet Airlines. I have known Víctor and his family for almost 35 years, from when I was an executive in his grandparents’ company. Víctor was born and raised in a family of influential entrepreneurs who led the way for tourism in the Dominican Republic (DR). The family business, Vimenca, is the exclusive Western Union agent and the first outside of the United States.
Tell us about your exciting plans for Sanford Sanford is an important destination for Arajet. We are working closely with Orlando Sanford International Airport authorities to add it to our destination choices. We will offer residents inexpensive travel options, new planes, and first-class service. Repeat travelers to the Dominican Republic will enjoy the convenience. Sanford, Central Florida, and the DR will all benefit from increased convenience and tourism.
Who inspired you? Víctor Méndez Capellán, my grandfather, introduced me to the world of finance, tourism, and entrepreneurship. More importantly, he taught me essential values for being success ful, like humility, patience, prudence, and loyalty. It is now up to the current generation to follow the path he created to continue promoting those values.
He was the founder and pioneer of the tour-operator indus try in the DR. He was the country’s first International Air Transport Association (IATA) travel agent. Vimenca Tours expanded tourism by bringing Canadian tourists to the Dominican market. Verónica Sención, Sanford lover and Dominican culture expert, who coordinated this interview, was our first vice president in charge of promoting Canadian tourism in the country. Ms. Sención says, “Víctor is not an improviser in the tourist industry. He comes from ‘the best travel and finance school.’”
My grandfather would strongly identify with my Arajet venture because he cared greatly about those affected by the
BY CARLOS PÉREZ Víctor M. Pacheco Méndez l-r: Perla Bello-Crosby, Víctor M. Pacheco Méndez, and Verónica SenciónSanford is an important destination for Arajet. We are working closely with Orlando Sanford International Airport authorities to add it to our destination choices. We will offer residents inexpensive travel options, new planes, and first-class service. Repeat travelers to the Dominican Republic will enjoy the convenience. Sanford, Central Florida, and the DR will all benefit from increased convenience and tourism. ”
— Víctor M. PachecoDominican diaspora. In his lifetime, he saw many emigrate from his homeland, and now his grand son has started an airline to connect Dominicans with their native country at affordable prices.
Tell us about the birth of Arajet Arajet is the first low-fare airline in the Carib bean region and will commence operations in September 2022 from its base at Las Americas Airport in Santo Domingo. The airline has a new fleet of Boeing 737-8 planes, providing safe and affordable travel to and from the DR. Since the beginning of its operations, Arajet's 22 current destinations include 12 countries in the Americas with direct flights to and from the Dominican Republic.
During Arajet’s March 2022 launch ceremony, we announced our strategic partnership with Bain Capital, a leading alternative investment firm, and Griffin Global Asset Management, a commercial aircraft leasing company. These partners support the Arajet team’s growth plans and mission.
How else is Arajet distinctive? First, our name is inspired by the Taíno Indi ans, the first inhabitants of Hispaniola, the Caribbean Island on which the DR is located. The Taino called the macaw “ara,” hence the
name Arajet and the inclusion of the macaw in our logo.
The company has taken extraordinary measures to respect the planet. We have new environmentally friendly aircraft reflecting our commitment. Our fleet saves on fuel, main tenance costs, and operating costs. We can pass these savings on to our passengers while protecting the environment. Also, because the Arajet brand believes in sustainable tourism and in raising awareness, our aircraft are named after natural and ecological parks.
What can passengers expect when flying on Arajet?
Passengers can be assured that Arajet is a safe, efficient airline with caring customer service. The DR is a leader in tourism because of its citizens and the services offered to our visitors, and Arajet will bring that same attention to our airline. We are confident that we will be one of the world’s best low-cost airlines.
What can the Sanford and Central Florida Dominican community expect from your airline?
Because of our reasonable prices, customers can afford to travel several times a year. For those who cannot travel, their families and
friends in the DR can afford to come to Central Florida.
Do you have any final thoughts? Stay tuned, because we will be incorporating new routes. We aspire to grow to 50 routes from the DR, with Sanford being one desti nation that we are optimistically pursuing. For more information about budget-friendly flights with extraordinary service, visit www.Arajet.com n
Sanford has evolved from an agricultural hamlet to a vibrant city. While this evolution poses challenges, the City of Sanford’s Development Services Department is dedicated to protecting the city's residents, history, economy, and natural resources. Each section of the department — Building Division, Code Enforcement, and Planning Development — works together to ensure a resilient and thriving community.
Usually, when we think of resiliency for a community, we think about places on the coast that must survive a hurricane,” explains Tony Raimondo, Director of Development Services. But the department’s view of resilience is more comprehensive.
Resiliency involves revitalization, as is the case with the historically African-American neighborhoods of Georgetown and Goldsboro. Chris Smith, Project Planner and Urban Designer, refers to these areas as San ford’s “prized jewels.” Through the work of the Planning Department, Georgetown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “We’re making strides to preserve the fabric of this historic neighborhood, but it’s not being done in a vacuum. Input from a committee of Georgetown residents is valued,” stated Director of Planning Eileen Hinson.
Sanford is also resilient because it has the right balance of residential, retail, industrial, and recreational amenities. Development Services works to “create a liveable city where people can live, work, and play without having to commute,” stated Smith. The current redevelopment of the Seminole Towne Center is a great example. Plans are underway to transform its 1,000,000 square feet into residential apartment complex es, schools, daycares, or alternative living facilities. Elev8 amusement complex has already opened and offers a bowling alley, laser tag, ropes course, and other indoor recreational activities.
Connectivity is another facet of a resilient community, and Sanford is well-connected. It’s home to the Orlando Sanford International Airport and the southern hub for Amtrak’s autotrain. Interstate 4 and the Sunrail link it to the rest of Central Florida. However, connections within the city are also vital. City urban planners, explains Smith, are gridding streets. Reminiscent of towns in the 1950s, streets run perpendicular to each other. One advantage is walkable neighborhoods with convenient access to retail shops. Grids also create more route options, so traffic doesn’t bottle-neck at one egress. Sidewalks are wider and connect all residential developments. Art-infused crosswalks increase visibility and improve safety for pedestrians while promoting the creative arts.
Part of resilience is continually thinking about how to serve Sanford’s residents and businesses better. One recent accomplishment is digitiz ing city records. City clerks can immediately connect their customers with a requested document. Another service recently added is providing a nighttime Code Enforcement Officer. The officer will assure that all those who work and play Downtown benefit. For example, pleasant outdoor venues like sidewalk cafés are allowed with a permit. At the same time, sidewalk access has to be maintained for wheelchairs. The
City of Sanford's Development Services DepartmentCode Enforcement Officer is committed to establishing relationships while protecting ev eryone’s ability to have a positive experience in this vibrant entertainment destination.
Resilience for a Thriving Community “For the twenty-first century, resilience also means preserving water and other natural resources,” stated Raimondo. Hinson adds, “We’re looking for innovative ways to encour age more environmental sensitivity.” Codes are being updated to encourage innovation and allow flexible options. One business may opt to install solar heat islands with land scaping, while another may opt for an electric vehicle charging station.
Why is resiliency a priority? Resiliency means being able to bounce back quickly. The unfore seen can happen. COVID taught us that. The City of Sanford’s Development Services team
plans for the unexpected by updating regula tions and putting structures in place to protect Sanford’s economy, natural resources, and history. “Just as important to the long-term health of our community is serving our most diverse populations,” stated Raimondo.
Resiliency, as Hinson describes, “means making a better future for Sanford.” The city’s Comprehensive Plan casts the vision. The Development Services Department is dedicat ed to carrying out the vision of a resilient and thriving community. n
BY LEON KONIECZNY
Agastropub is a public house or bar that serves high-quality food, not just your average wings, soup, and sandwiches. In addition to many fine restaurants and cafes, Sanford is fortunate to have several gastropubs. San ford’s gastropubs are drinking establishments with outstanding food, well worth patronizing for the food alone—they are that good.
First and foremost, because they’ve been around the longest, Buster’s Bistro is a Belgian Beer Bar with a superb kitchen and menu. Famous for their Frites (French fries), their menu is an eclectic mix of Belgian-inspired dishes. My favorite menu item is the Tomato Bisque, but there is something for everyone, from steak, chicken, meatloaf, and burgers, to salads and more. Try the Voul au Vent—you can thank me later! They also feature a Sunday brunch with a special brunch menu. And, to top it off, their selection of Belgian beers cannot be beaten. Come for the food, stay for the beer!
Just a block or so away, Wop’s Hops Brewing Company boasts a new sort of “fusion” gastro pub: this recent food truck has moved into the kitchen. Their name, The Knot Spot, makes their signature dish pretty evident—garlic knots but taken to a new level with various garlic knot sliders, including pizza, salads, and much more. All of this is within Wop’s Hops, Sanford’s first microbrewery.
Located on Sanford Avenue and recently cel ebrating their fifth year, is Sanford Brewing Company (SBC as it’s known locally). Though they opened primarily as a microbrewery with food, their kitchen has created culinary delights from day one, and it’s well worth a visit for the food alone. Among my favorites is their Mac ‘n Cheese—which comes in several delicious variations. They also have great burgers, handheld sandwiches, wraps, wings, salads, and some tasty sides.
On the next block, you’ll find Celery City Craft, which boasts over 50 craft brews on tap. Locat ed inside is Sushi & Seoul, which boasts both innovative sushi and Korean-inspired street fare. The Avocado Tower is one of my favorites, but I’ve never had a bad meal there. Their su shi is excellent, but for those who are not fans of sushi, they have several alternatives. Give the Chicken Karaage a try—it’s delicious.
Head up to First Street and visit Sanford’s authentic Irish pub, The Sullivan. Among my favorite menu choices are the Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers & Mash, among others. Their food is excellent, and you can get a proper pour of Guinness as well.
And then there is Henry’s Depot, Sanford’s food hall, offering a compilation of various food venues with a common bar/lounge area. Each of the various food vendors is unique and focuses on a limited menu, from pizza to seafood to sandwiches and more. Sit in the
common area, order from any combination of food venues, and your delicious food will be delivered to your table. So, while not strictly a gastropub in the pure sense of the word, you have various choices of great kitchens.
Wherever you choose to eat in Sanford, I am certain that you will not be disappointed. Downtown Sanford is a food-lovers delight. n
Leon Konieczny is a local Central Florida foodie and food blogger who’s been writing about Sanford and Seminole County area “good eats” restaurants for the past twelve years. He’s big into eating at local mom ‘n’ pop shops where high quality ingredients, love, and a dose of home cooking make all the difference. While he occasionally eats at the big chains, he claims it’s only to remind him where a real quality dining experience lurks — in the small restaurants which are the heart and soul of every neighborhood and community.
Mac 'n Cheese, Sanford Bewing Company (SBC)
— Estela Testa
Estela Testa, a successful executive and prominent business leader, is the current president of the Associ ation of Manufacturers of Sanitation Machines. Estela Testa's professional history shows the executive's pioneering role as one of the first women leaders in the sanitation field. Full of energy, Estela is qualified to contrib ute to the positive results that the sanitation field needs to achieve in the future. Estela graduated in Food Engineering from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), one of the best universities in Latin America.
The challenges and the purpose of participat ing in projects that make the world a better place for everyone have always driven Estela Testa. Convinced that women are increasingly taking a prominent role in the professional market, Estela was a pioneer as one of the first women to work in various fields of the sanitation sector. She built her career working in positions that allowed her to become an expert in all stages of projects in water and sewage treatment—from working inside a treatment plant to occupying administrative positions.
Besides her position as a business leader, holding positions such as the presidency of Sindesam, Estela Testa is an engineer and CEO of the Pieralisi Group for Latin America. She has taken on the challenge of managing Pieralisi North America, which is recognized as one of the key players in the worldwide sanitation market.
My Sanford Magazine interviewed Ms. Testa because we were thrilled to find that Pieralisi is moving its headquarters from West Chester, Ohio to beautiful Sanford, Florida. Estela said, “Sanford was chosen because of its strategic location within the North American economic
Estela Testa
“ Sanford was chosen because of its strategic location within the North American economic sector. Another point that was considered in the choice of Sanford was the cost and benefit of the place, according to our studies in the business plan, in comparison to other North American cities. ”
sector. Another factor that was relevant to the choice was the diversity of ports that facilitate the transit of our equipment. The logistics of the place suits perfectly our busi ness project in the US. Another point that was considered in the choice of Sanford was the cost and benefit of the place, according to our studies in the business plan, in comparison to other North American cities.”
One of Pieralisi’s missions is to spread the benefits of olive oil extraction wherever olive oil is produced. The benefits of olive oil have been known since biblical times. In the Bible, the fruits of the olive tree are described as important food, and olive tree leaves were used as medicine. Another company mission is to provide the market with solutions to treat effluent sludge. Proper effluent treatment directly impacts care for the environment, which means boosting life. In 2019, a report by the U.S. Water Alliance and Dig Deep estimate that over 2.2 million people in the United States did not have access to clean water and sanitation. There is much to do to ensure a better quality of life and to protect nature around the globe.
Pieralisi is a century-old company with ex pertise in all its operational areas. They have
a worldwide network of units that bring the brand closer to global customers. Pieralisi’s equip ment is robust, long-lasting, and requires low maintenance. They provide technical assistance to the entire planet. One more compet itive edge is that the company has the “made in Italy” advantage. Their products are created with plenty of research, technology, sophisti cated design, and high-quality standards that meet ISO 9001 and include high-production accuracy. The goal is to offer the best to their customers. They want to make Italian tech nology and design available to United States sanitation.
Estela has been working at the company for al most 30 years and has witnessed many chang es along her journey to make the business more dynamic and provide the best solutions in the market. Pieralisi went from a familyoperated business to a successful company with investment funds. Their view is focused on results, competence, talent retention, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance). “We are very strong, and success is embedded in our DNA,” Estela proclaims. One of her goals for the next five years is for their subsidiary in the United States to in crease Pieralisi fivefold within North America. The United States and Canadian markets are
significant to the company's overall long-term strategy.
Professionally, Estela sets the pace by making a difference in the business environment for the people who work with her. “Persistence and preparation are two skills that should be a priority for anyone who really wishes to build a path of professional success,” Estela advises. She has a desire to develop her skills even more as a leader and help support professionals that she works with to reach their full potential within their own careers. Estela lives a passionate life full of purpose and puts forth every effort to transform the world, to make it a better place—not only for the moment but also for future generations. n
Jennifer serves as the VP of Global Human Resources at Jeunesse, a wellness company dedicated to redefining youth. She has proven leadership abilities, creating a culture where employees enjoy coming to work. As a dedicated community member, Jennifer sits as a Seminole County Chamber of Commerce Member and serves as the managing editor at My Sanford Magazine. Outside of work, you can find Jennifer on the courts cheering on her son, Austin.
“
Persistence and preparation are two skills that should be a priority for anyone who really wishes to build a path of professional success . ”
107
