Another year, another successful event! The business owners, community leaders, special guests, and community residents came together to recognize and celebrate the very best that Sanford has to offer. This year, Seminole County mayors attended and acknowledged the very first Best of Seminole’s Top Ten. These awards were presented by our special guest hosts, Ybeth Bruzual–Spectrum News 13, Dawn Kraus–President Leadership Seminole, and John Gyllin–Vice President of Resource and Economic Development and Executive Director of the Foundation for Seminole State College. On a stage filled with glitter and glam, Mayor Art Woodruff honored and gave accolades to the one-year anniversary of the declaration that was announced last year, proclaiming this special day as the Best of Sanford Day! Other mayors from different counties across Central Florida came to represent their cities and experience the excitement that exists at this special occasion, an event that creates a sense of togetherness and brings a dynamic group of diversified people together for one purpose—recognition of their hard work and success throughout the year. It was a night to remember. The seventh annual awards show brings communities together to highlight the most prestigious businesses and is a hot topic of conversation for months leading up to the event. Dressed to impress, winners in different categories, such as the best of dining, entertainment, health providers, products, services, and more crossed the stage to accept their trophies and be honored for their achievements. Every seat was occupied at The Ritz Theater, Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, where exceptional hosts Dereck Daniels and Amber Clore highlighted more than 100 nominees. Each year, attendance increases
and the excitement and anticipation grows throughout the community for the Best of Sanford Awards ceremony. Winners of the 2023 Seventh Annual Best of Sanford Awards can be found on pages 1 and 3.
— By Jennifer Luce
SEE ALL PHOTOS FROM BEST OF SANFORD, BEST OF DOWNTOWN SANFORD & BEST OF SEMINOLE GALA AND AFTER PARTY: https://rb.gy/l3s5n
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MY SANFORD SEMINOLE MAGAZINE IS PLEASED TO PRESENT THE SEVENTH ANNUAL BEST OF SANFORD READERS' CHOICE AWARDS
BEST CASUAL DINING
Hollerbach’s German Restaurant
Nominees:
St. Johns River Steak & Seafood
Miller’s Ale House Sanford
BEST FINE DINING
The District in Sanford
Nominees:
The Old Jailhouse
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
BEST BREAKFAST DINING | BEST BRUNCH DINING
Colonial Room Restaurant
Nominees:
Keke’s Breakfast Café-Sanford
Buster Bistro
BEST LUNCH DINING
Christo’s
Nominees:
El Zocalo Mexican Restaurant
Colonial Room Restaurant
BEST SWEETS EXPERIENCE
Simply Homemade 1913
Nominees:
Wondermade
The Sweet Chalet Shoppe
BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Nominees:
Colonial Room Restaurant
Christo’s
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
St. Johns River Steak & Seafood
Nominees:
The Breezeway Restaurant and Bar
The Yardery Sanford
BEST COFFEE EXPERIENCE
Palate Coffee Roasters
Nominees:
Caffe di Riverwalk
Wavelength Coffee Co.
BEST PET FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
The Yardery Sanford
Nominees:
The Breezeway Restaurant and Bar
Colonial Room Restaurant
BEST PET FRIENDLY BAR
Celery City Craft
Nominees:
Buster’s Sanford
West End Trading Co.
BEST CATERER
Christo’s
Nominees:
Chianti’s Pizza and Pasta
River City Catering
BEST CHEF
Nat Russell
Nominees:
Chris Cranias
Ryan J. Cole
BEST NEW RESTAURANT | BAR
Wild Wild West End Saloon
Nominees:
The Wildflower Sanford
La Dolce Vita
BEST MICROBREWERY
Sanford Brewing Company
Nominees:
Dees Brothers Brewery
Deviant Wolfe Brewery
BEST BEER SELECTION
Dees Brothers Brewery
Nominees:
Celery City Craft
Wop's Hops Brewing Company
BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS
Celery City Craft
Nominees:
The Imperial
The Old Jailhouse
BEST PLACE TO HAVE A GLASS OF WINE
Brix & Mortar Urban Winery
Nominees:
Blend & Barrel
Ellen's Wine Room
BEST HAPPY HOUR
West End Trading Co.
Nominees:
The Basin
Buster’s Sanford
BEST BARTENDER
Sean Dunn at Hollerbach’s
Nominees:
Avery Durning at The Old Jailhouse
Melissa Michelle at George’s #1 Liquor Tavern Lounge
BEST SERVER
Jenny Hawk at Christo’s
Nominees:
Mariah Holiday at The Station Bar & Grub
Connie Walls at Colonial Room Restaurant
BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT
The Old Jailhouse
Nominees:
Tennessee Truffle
The District
BEST OVERALL BAR
The Basin
Nominees:
Tuffy's Music Box & Lounge
West End Trading Co.
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT
Deborah Ward-Moran
Nominees:
Nancy Groves
Tammy Agnini
BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Yellow Door Realty
Nominees:
The Cranias Team-Kroll Realty Group
Professional Real Estate Company
BEST ACCOMODATIONS
Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando North
Nominees:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando North
Sanford, The ShedHistoric Downtown Sanford
BEST INSURANCE COMPANY
Alexia Emerson State Farm Agent
Nominees:
Tony Russi Insurance Agency
Insurance Land and Associates
BEST LAW FIRM
Barks Law Firm
Nominees:
The Law Office of Daniel R. Lewis
The Adam Law Firm
BEST FINANCIAL SUPPORT | BANK
Fairwinds Credit Union
Nominees:
The Processing Post
VyStar Credit Union
BEST SCHOOL
PUBLIC | PRIVATE
All Souls Catholic School
Nominees:
Seminole High School
Wicklow Elementary School
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Daniella Hume
Nominees:
Reg Garner
Kelly Clore
BEST LOCAL CHARITY ORGANIZATION
Ladies 327
Nominees:
Melissa's Race Love Missions
BEST LOCAL HUMANITARIAN | VOLUNTEER
Kim Colegrove
Nominees:
Sue Vosburg
Tina Kadolph (Marie)
BEST CAR DEALERSHIP | AUTO SERVICES & REPAIR
Harrell & Beverly Transmissions & Auto Repair
Nominees:
Seminole Toyota
Driver Tire Sanford
BEST SMALL RETAIL BUSINESS
Magpies Modern General
Nominees:
Bicikleta Bike Shop
Spice is Nice
BEST LARGE
RETAIL BUSINESS
Dillard's Nominees:
Ducati Sanford
Target
BEST FAMILY FUN PLACE
Elev8 Fun Sanford
Nominees:
The Yardery Sanford
Altitude Trampoline Park
BEST UNIQUE BUSINESS
Unfurl Collective
Nominees:
Pedal Cruise
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
BEST NEW BUSINESS
Filomena's Pizzeria & Ristorante on the River
Nominees:
Brows By Blair
The Pastry Collection 1913
BEAUTY | HEALTH | WELLNESS
BEST HAIR SALON | BEST BARBER SHOP
Scissori Salon
Nominees:
Flawless Cuts Barbershop
VMZ Barber & Beauty
BEST NAIL SALON
Bellagio Nails & Spa
Nominees:
Lavish Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge
Blossom Nails
BEST WELLNESS SPA
Salty AF Pilates
Nominees:
1Raw Yoga
Body By Roni Fitness & Day Spa
BEST FITNESS FACILITY
Body By Roni Fitness & Day Spa
Nominees:
Esporta Fitness Sanford
RCG Health & Fitness
BEST MEDICAL DOCTOR | MEDICAL FACILITY
Dr. Daniel Monette
Nominees:
AdventHealth Centra Care Sanford
HCA Florida North Seminole Family and Sports Medicine
BEST CHIROPRACTOR | CHIROPRACTIC FACILITY
Dr. Omar Rivera
Nominees:
Spaulding Family
Chiropractic & Wellness
Dr. Taylor Sawyer at Rivera Family Chiropractic Center
BEST DENTIST FACILITY | DENTIST
Dr. George Mitrogogos
Nominees:
Lake Forest Family Dentistry
Dunwoody Dental
BEST OPTICAL FACILITY | OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Dr. Joseph Vo
Nominees:
Frutchey Eye Care, PA
America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses Sanford
BEST PET CARE FACILITY | GROOMING | VETERINARY
Sanford Houndstown
Nominees:
Pet Paradise
Murphy Veterinary Clinic
ARTS AND CULTURE
BEST EVENT VENUE
Tuffy's Music Box & Lounge
Nominees:
Ritz Theater Sanford
Historic Venue 1902
BEST ART GALLERY
Gallery On First
Nominees:
Jeanine Taylor Folk Art
Hollerbach's Art Haus
BEST LOCAL ARTIST
Mark R. Seppala
Nominees:
Jason Hawk
Nancy Blauers
BEST ART FESTIVAL | MUSICAL FESTIVAL
Sanford Porchfest
Nominees:
Sanford Jazz Festival
St. Johns River Festival of the Arts
BEST CHARITY EVENT
Pints n' Paws Craft Beer Fest
Nominees:
Melissa's Race 5k Run/Walk
Sanford Porchfest
Video
Dear Readers,
Creating this special issue of My Sanford Seminole Magazine, the "Best of Sanford Special Edition" has brought me joy and great satisfaction. Thank you to the many collaborators who have supported us throughout these seven years of the awards celebration. Each page and photograph of this edition represents the emotions experienced by the winners, nominees, special guests, and attendees of the gala.
On behalf of myself and my staff, a very special thank you to Rick Scott, Senator of the United States, for honoring us at the award ceremony with his letter, which in one paragraph says "On behalf of all Floridians, it is my honor to join you for the annual My Sanford Seminole Magazine “Best of Sanford Gala.” Thank you for honoring the dedicated and diverse leaders, businesses, and organizations that help to create opportunities for Floridians in the Central Florida community. Congratulations to the Seventh Red Carpet Award winners and thank you for your hard work to make our state the best place to find a job and raise a family."
From my heart, thank you to the Sanford community and Sanford city government, especially our city mayor for being a great host on September 13 at the Ritz Theater, Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, where Sanford Mayor Art Woodruff, proclaimed it Best of Sanford Day!
Happy birthday to My Sanford Seminole Magazine! We’re celebrating our ninth anniversary. Thanks to our loyal readers and advertisers for supporting this reader-friendly and quality publication. Thank you to the government and community of Seminole County for welcoming us with open arms this year as we rebranded My Sanford to include this beautiful county as My Sanford Seminole Magazine Thank you to the City of Sanford for supporting small businesses like us and trusting that we will always present our community with quality content to keep Sanford shining.
Love,
Perla is the founder, Editor In-Chief and publisher of My Sanford Seminole Magazine. Her goal was to produce a local magazine that would foster unity and promote good will in Sanford’s culturally diverse community. This was accomplished and the magazine has been declared a resounding success. Perla also conceived and brought to fruition the Sanford Tourism Office and serves as its first Chairperson. Proceeding her long career as a Diplomat in Rome, Italy, she served as the Director General of Tourism in Italy where she also founded a successful tourist and business magazine.
“Dublin and Sanford both pride themselves on hospitality.”
— ROBBIE KENNERNEY
Robert “Robbie” Kennerney, owner of Buster’s Sanford and Throwbacks Bar and Grill, hasn’t always called Sanford home. As a boy in Dublin, Ireland, he enjoyed watching the TV show Saved by the Bell. His young mind equated the vibrancy of the characters with the United States. “I was enamored with America,” Robbie recalls, “and knew at a young age I wanted to live here.” At the time, he didn’t care where.
At 18, a soccer scholarship to the University of Memphis led to his move to Tennessee. Decades later, on a return flight to Florida from a trip to New York City, he looked out the airplane window and had the overwhelming realization that Sanford was home. “I know a lot about character and community. Sanford has an intangible that nowhere else has.”
An almost tragic accident where his beloved Beagle Murphy was struck by a car first endeared Robbie to the city's people. A customer drove them to the emergency veterinary clinic. Even though Robbie had a broken forearm, Murphy was his priority. The little dog required extensive medical treatment, including having
a leg amputated. Robbie was hesitant about a GoFundMe page that an employee set up to help pay the vet bill. “Irish people don’t like asking for anything,” he explained.
Yet, two thoughts occurred to him: one, his dog meant everything to him, and two, “I was astonished by their generosity. I had only lived here five or six months. It was a galvanizing moment for me.” The experience created a bond between the Irishman and Sanford. In addition to the people’s generosity to a man and his dog, Robbie appreciates how the other business owners want visitors to Sanford to have a good impression. “Dublin and Sanford both pride themselves on hospitality,” he said.
Robbie first came to Central Florida with a plan to do “the nitty gritty” for a startup he invested in with his college roommate. He next purchased the dive bar The Stranded Sailor, when a local brewer convinced him to visit the bar, which was struggling to stay open. The pub–now Throwbacks Bar and Grill— is welcoming to all.
When Paul Buster decided to sell Buster’s, a European beer hall and grill, he knew he
wanted Robbie to be the new owner. “I felt like the opportunity was so rare. The purchase represented my commitment to Sanford.” That commitment has paid off. Busters was recently named to the Top 10 Best of Downtown Sanford list.
When describing Sanford, Robbie speaks with the imagery of an Irish poet. He describes the city as a place with magic: “It’s like lightning in a bottle.” It’s evident that his adopted home is second in his heart. Murphy, of course, is first. n
Mary Boza Crimmins, owner of Crimmins Communications, is a content writer, ghostwriter, and online course creator. She is also the author of Taking the Holy Spirit to Work, which you can find on Amazon.
Carly McLendon (left), co-owner and general manager of Throwbacks Bar and Grill and general manager of Buster’s Sanford, and Robbie Kennerney, owner of Throwbacks Bar and Grill and Buster's Sanford. ANDREW VAN TILBORGH
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The question most asked by clients is, “When is it a good time to buy a home?” My answer: “It is always a good time to buy!”
Your home is truly an investment which can appreciate over time and can be used for future investments or a source of wealth. It also provides you with a sense of stability with the rental market at an all-time high. Your landlord may become unpredictable if he or she sells, increases rent, adds certain rules and regulations, or goes into foreclosure, which may cause you to have to get out quickly.
Even with interest rates on the higher side, lenders have come up with some programs that can assist you with moving into a home with lower down payments, first-time homebuyer programs, buy-down programs, and even down-payment assistance.
The program most frequently used is the buydown. This specific program allows you to temporarily decrease your interest rate and monthly payments for the first few years of the loan, which will make the home more affordable during the initial years, thus assisting homebuyers to minimize their up-front cost or to qualify for a larger loan. This is not a traditional arm that goes up and down.
When you are ready to purchase a home, your local mortgage broker or bank will assist you with the following:
1. Determine your budget: They will assess your financial situation.
2. Check your credit: Soft Pulls are available, so your credit score is not affected.
3. Get pre-approved: Know ahead of time what you can afford.
Lenders also have the ability to do a to-be-determined approval, which means that they can give you conditional approval from the lender directly. This will assist you if you should get into a bidding war for the home you want to purchase.
If you are looking to purchase or refinance your home, contact your local mortgage broker or banker so that they can advise which programs are the best fit for you and your family. n
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The Sanford Fire Department has provided safety and fire-protection services to citizens and businesses of the City of Sanford since 1873. The Sanford Fire Department is proud to be one of the oldest fire departments in the State of Florida. The City of Sanford and its fire department share a rich history of service to our community.
Through the expression of art, we creatively tell a story of the Sanford Fire Department’s 150th anniversary. This mural speaks to the honor and pride that the men and women of the Sanford Fire Department hold for the past, present, and for the Sanford community. Located at 311 E. First St. in historic Downtown Sanford, we invite you to visit this masterpiece of history celebrating 150 years of service to the City of Sanford.
The City of Sanford Fire Department was established in 1873. Hook and Ladder Company #1 and Hose Company #1 were formed by the City Council in 1883. The fire department had 35 firemen at the time. The first fire station was located on South Sanford Avenue and was dedicated with a parade on January 1, 1884.
This scene illustrates the type of equipment that was utilized by Sanford firefighters in the late 1800s.
A catastrophic fire in 1887 destroyed most of Downtown Sanford. The City of Sanford immediately began to rebuild, no longer allowing all-wood construction. Brick buildings soon replaced those that had been lost in the fire. A brand-new Fire Station #1 was built on 109 S. Palmetto Avenue. While no longer in use today as a fire station, the building still stands 136 years later. It has been renovated and is being utilized as a restaurant today.
In the 1870s, the Sanford Fire Department began hosting an Annual Fire Department Banquet. The scene shown here was utilized as the cover art for one of the earliest Fire Department Annual Banquet flyers.
In the mid- to late 1880s, the horse-drawn steam pumpers became popular with the fire departments. These types of pumpers proved to be a more effective tool for fighting structure fires, due to the increase in the amount of water that could be brought and quickly used during structure fires. However, due to the increased weight of the water and advancement in technology in the early 1990s, the use of horse-drawn pumpers began to disappear. In fact, by 1925 most of these types of steam pumpers were replaced by gas-powered motorized vehicles.
Deputy Chief Michael Hoening was instrumental in obtaining and restoring this
antique fire engine. Through his hard work and dedication, he brought together fellow firefighters and members of Seminole High School auto shop class and other business partners to help make this project the success it is today. Since its completion in the mid-1990s, the Sanford Fire Department has been fortunate to attend and participate in community events every year.
The Sanford Fire Department has been fortunate to have had great leaders over these past 150 years. We are proud to be able to share several portraits of some of our past and present Fire Chiefs.
A. Harry M. Papworth served from 1886–1898
B. Mack Cleveland served from 10/21/20–10/01/65
C. George Manning Harriett served from 09/01/42– 01/07/81
The Montezuma Hotel, built between 1890 and 1895, was located at Magnolia and Third Streets. Quickly becoming one of the most popular night spots for the Port of Sanford, the three-story structure housed 50 rooms and two apartments. The City’s first indoor swimming pool was located within the hotel as well. Sadly, over time the hotel fell into disrepair, awaiting an investor to restore it. On September 2, 1994, the Montezuma Hotel, once listed on the National Register of Historic Places, burnt to the ground.
Current Fire Chief (2023): Ronnie McNeil Jr.; Current Deputy Chief: Mark Seiferth
The City of Sanford currently has three fully staffed fire stations. Fire Station #31 (headquarters, pictured here). Built in 2010 and located at 1303 William Clark Avenue, it is located within Sanford’s Police and Fire Public Safety Complex. It currently houses one tower truck, one fire engine, one fire rescue, one battalion chief vehicle, a technical rescue team trailer, and a fire/dive boat that responds to the Marina. Fire Station #32 is located at 300 E. Airport Boulevard. Fire Station #38 is located at 1300 Central Park Drive. Fire Station #40 is currently in the planning stages and is anticipated to be completed in late 2025.
Firefighter
Hezekiah Ross (Bishop) joined the Sanford Fire Department in February of 1969, becoming the City of Sanford’s first African-American firefighter. He attended Seminole Community College and Bethune
Cookman College. In 2000, he graduated from International Seminary with a B.A. Degree in Theology. In 2004, he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Divinity. After retiring from the Sanford Fire Department, he became the first chaplain for the City of Sanford Fire Department. His family remains close to the fire department to this day.
Sanford Fire Tower 31 is easily identified by the large 100-foot ladder located on the top. The duties of the Tower 31 firefighters at a fire scene could include both above- and below-ground rescues, aerial firefighting operations, forcible entry, search and rescue, ground ladders, ventilation, utilities control, salvage and overhaul, special operations, and emergency medical services.
The City of Sanford Fire Department honors our firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty. Three of our brothers have given their lives while performing their duties and protecting the lives and property of our city. In Loving Memory:
• Harry Ashton, age 21, killed in the line of duty August 16, 1888
Hubert Roy Daffron, hired August 9, 1957, killed in the line of duty October 7, 1957
• William Lloyd Price, hired April 14, 1964, killed in the line of duty August 1, 1979
Providing medical care to our citizens is a large part of the many services provided by the Sanford Fire Department.
Chiefs Pictured:
• William Cicero Gailey, served 11/26/51–01/30/85
• Joseph Thomas Hickson, served 12/08/73–12/31/02
• Gerard Thorne Ransom, served 04/06/81–04/26/13
• Craig M. Radzak, served 02/09/92–12/31/21
• Ronnie McNeil Jr., served 2/28/2000–Current
A special thanks to those who have helped make this mural a reality.
• Artist Bruce Merrell
• Building owners Workspace Collective: Ashleigh and Adam Ramsay-Cassandra and Zach Cox
Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency (for fully funding this public art project)
• City of Sanford Public Art Commission
City of Sanford Historic Preservation Board
City of Sanford Development Services
Summit Fire & Security
Ten-8 Fire & Safety
• City of Sanford Museum: Curator Brigitte
Stephenson
Infinite Moon Originals: Owner Lisa Seiferth. n
Lisa Holder is the Chief Communications & Cultural Affairs Administrator for the City of Sanford. Lisa is a Founding Board Member for the Florida League of Cities Municipal Communicators Association. She holds a Master of Public Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Communications, and is a Navy veteran.
Where a dynamic blend of innovation, passion, and exceptional services have propelled local businesses to the forefront of successBY DANIELLA HUME
Step into the thriving business landscape of Seminole County as we unveil the Best of Seminole Top Ten Readers' Choice Awards. From innovative startups to established enterprises, our vibrant region is bursting with businesses making waves and setting new benchmarks.
Enzo's on the Lake is a renowned Italian restaurant serving Seminole County for over four decades. Located in Longwood, the restaurant was opened by Jo Anne and Enzo Perlini, who converted a house into a highend dining establishment. Guests can find everything from homemade pasta and meatballs to aged steaks and fresh seafood. Also known for its breathtaking lake view and sculptured gardens, Enzo's frequently hosts weddings and private events. Co-owner Logan Berkowitz tells us that it means the world to receive this award, which is a testament to his staff and team's hard work and dedication.
Sticking to their commitment to bring only the freshest seafood to your table, in 2003, owners Tim, Heather, and Daniel O'Leary established a seafood market to provide Florida's finest day-boat seafood to their customers. Their approach involved directly sourcing from local fishermen rather than relying on wholesalers. In 2020, after years of listening to customers ask them to open a restaurant, they moved into a larger space next to the original store and opened the Lighthouse Seafood Café. Owner Tim O'Leary says that they feel blessed and overwhelmed to receive such recognition to be up there with so many other good businesses in Seminole County.
An American staple since 1965, Ruth's Chris has been honoring the same recipe for success created by their founder, Ruth Fertel: perfect steaks, warm hospitality, and good times that never stop rolling. This restaurant franchise opened in Lake Mary back in 2007. Ruth's Chris Steak House, Inc. is one of the largest fine-dining companies in the U.S. and specializes in serving USDA Prime steaks, each seared and finished with butter, freshly chopped parsley, and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate.
Customers looking for a well-curated pairing of wine and food can head to The Vineyard Wine Company. Family owned and operated out of Lake Mary since 2008, the wine bar and restaurant was designed to be a comfortable space where locals could drop by to taste wine, enjoy a four-
course dinner, or sample light fare. On the menu, you can find dishes with locally inspired ingredients and fresh seafood flown in daily. Owner Dan Richey says that they are elated to be recognized locally and appreciate the continued support.
Tuffy's Music Box is a live-music concert venue in the heart of Downtown Sanford. Since opening in 2020, Tuffy's has been attracting local favorites, plus regional and national touring acts. With an indoor space large enough to accommodate 400 people and a beer garden big enough to hold up to one thousand guests, Tuffy's has become a destination for music. And while they've become increasingly popular due to their event space, Tuffy's is also known for their Bottle Shop & Lounge. They make cider in-house and have a wide selection of local craft beers to enjoy or take home with you.
Diners can immerse themselves in history while eating dinner in what once was the City of Sanford's jailhouse. The Old Jailhouse Kitchen and Spirits offers seasonal, from-scratch dishes prepared with local ingredients to create Sun-Belt–inspired cuisine. They also offer handcrafted artisanal cocktails, an extensive list of fine spirits, craft beer, and wine. Initially built in 1890, this old jailhouse was restored and renovated in 2019 by the Sirica Family, earning them a Historic Preservation Award. Erika Sirica tells us they are truly humbled, and this recognition is a testament to the dedication of their incredible staff.
For that salty air vibe, Bahama Breeze Island Grille transcends your dining experience into the Caribbean, all the way from Sanford. Guests can enjoy handcrafted tropical drinks and island-inspired cuisine while listening to authentic music. Be sure to check out their calendar for regularly scheduled live-music performances. Bahama Breeze also offers private dining options for your next event.
The taproom offers a variety of handcrafted beer, cider, mead, and specialty soda, located in Downtown Sanford. Sanford Brewing Company first opened in 2016 and prides itself on its in-house brewery, which can be seen in action while dining in. But it's not just about the drinks. Sanford Brewing offers an extensive food menu with locally sourced ingredients. They're also known for weekly entertainment. With over 100+ seats, you can bring your family and your furry friends to soak in some classic Southern hospitality.
Established in 2006, FishBones in Lake Mary is an upscale Key Westinspired seafood, sushi and steak restaurant. Family operated and locally owned, FishBones offers fresh-caught seafood flown in daily, handselected aged steaks, and a unique sushi bar. There are private dining options available to reserve for any occasion. FishBones also takes pride in its decadent raw bar and signature cocktails.
Since opening its doors in 2001, Hollerbach's German Restaurant in Sanford has become famous, making it a must-visit destination. Priding themselves on an authentic German experience, at Hollerbach's, guests can expect a “place where gemütlichkeit happens.” The restaurant features live music daily, beer served in “das boot,” and a menu filled with specialty German recipes from the Hollerbach family. The restaurant's continued success allowed the family to open additional businesses around town, including Magnolia Square Market German Deli and Hollerbach's Outfitters. n
Daniella Hume owns a multimedia business located in the heart of Sanford. Daniella graduated from UCF with her broadcast journalism degree. She worked in local news for many years before leaving and starting her own company. While she isn’t working, Daniella loves to be at home with her son Luca, her husband Jerry, and their dog Luna.
Enjoy 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.
Behind each trophy is a story of a passionate artist who brought the icon into being. This is the story of a very special statuette.
The iconic Best of Sanford statuette (“Sandie”) was brought to life by none other than Mark Seppala, a local artist who creates vibrant artwork from across the spectrum at the Gallery on First in Historic Downtown Sanford. He initially had been turned onto the award through fellow Gallery on First artist, Kevin Abbott, who described the vision of an Oscar-like awards show for local products, services, activities, dining, and unique entertainment experiences, which instantly hooked Seppala.
Mark Seppala was born and raised in Massachusetts, though he spent his formative years between the New England School of Art and Design and the U.S. Navy, where he explored the world, including Iceland, where he resided for a time.
As an art student, Seppala dreamt of working for Disney. His office had a photo of the Florida coastline. He knew he’d move there one day. His dream came true in 1989 when he was hired as the Creative Director for Disney Theme Parks Merchandise, which brought him to Orlando, FL. In my interview with Mark, he said that moving to Florida was “like going from a black-and-white movie to a technicolor movie.” It changed everything.
Google his name, and you will find a community of Disney fans bidding on his Disney-themed artwork and iconic Disney pin designs, shirts, snow globes, and other merchandise. Though regularly inspired by classic Disney artwork styles,
Seppala also prides himself in doing all varieties of art from differing genres to ranging mediums. He has also painted many iconic pop-art pieces, including the Hotchkiss Alley mural bordering Hollerbachs, which was a collaborative effort by the studio artists at Gallery on First where he has a studio in Sanford. His partner, John, directed the painting of the mural.
He could not be put into just one artist category, which made him the perfect fit for this job.
Creating an original statuette was no small feat–especially as a trophy that needed to stand the test of time. With hardly any sculpting background, Seppala had to rely on his vision to lead him to create a perfect trophy.
He knew it had to feel like the Oscar, from the color to the weight, and certainly the extravagance. On a business trip to California, Mark once held a real-life Oscar originally awarded for the film Mary Poppins, so he knew what holding a “Sandie” should feel like.
Seppala referenced some 50+ male photos for inspiration for his stylized statuette, whose arms reached to the heavens bearing the load of a capital “S,” representing Sanford.
Using a wood-block base and coat-hanger armature, Mark Seppala carefully sculpted clay onto his prototype. After a grueling twelve days of perfecting his own work, he showed images of his prototype statuette to Perla Crosby, founder of the Best of Sanford Awards. She was ecstatic, but this was not the end of the journey. Seppala was “in the zone” which practically meant that
he felt like another person. He’d be in that far-off place not only until the job was done, but until the job was done right.
Over the following weeks, Mark Seppala struggled to develop a mold that was just right and would be usable for years to come. His first statue got stuck in the mold, causing him to start from square one. The body grew from a slender physique in his first attempt to a more muscular figure, which Mark felt was much better. Seppala also contracted with Dune Design, an Orlando-based specialty house, to develop an acrylic laser-cut out of the capital “S” which makes the Best of Sanford statuette so easily recognizable.
Finally, the moment had arrived to put it all together. The capital “S” was placed into the hands of the statuette, and the entire structure was spray-painted black to serve as a consistent base for the important next step–a technique he learned from a kindred artist. Once dry, the Best of Sanford statuette was coated in a glistening gold spray paint that was conceived to shimmer under the bright lights of Wayne Dench’s Theater on awards night.
To protect this lavish gold color, Seppala hand-painted each near-finalized piece with a water-based polyacrylic protective finish and screwed the award onto its base. The Best of Sanford statuette was born.
This visual representation of the Best of Sanford Awards not only captures the opulence of a night brushing shoulders with Sanford’s most influential but also serves as a love letter to our collective home and has become a symbol of Sanford pride to all. n
In a stunning achievement, Alexia Emerson has once again secured her position as the reigning champion of the insurance world in Sanford. Voted as the Best Insurance Agent in both 2022 and 2023 by the readers of My Sanford Magazine, Alexia has not only earned this prestigious honor but also has solidified her agency's reputation as a local powerhouse.
When asked about the profound impact of this accolade on her business, Alexia responded with enthusiasm, “The magazine has made a tremendous impact on my business! More people know who we are, where we are, and what we can do for them! This has re-created an amazing referral culture.” What to many is a tedious chore is a passion for Alexia and her agency.
Alexia Emerson State Farm has been an integral part of the Downtown Sanford landscape for two years. The agency burst onto the scene in August 2021 as a “scratch agency,” a testament to Alexia’s determination and vision. She didn’t inherit a book of business from a retiring agent but chose instead to build her agency and reputation from the ground up. Alexia’ s success isn’t just about her expertise; it’s also rooted in her deep connection to the local community. Drawing from her impressive eight years of State Farm experience as a team member and office manager, Alexia embarked on a mission to redefine what an insurance agency could be.
Her vision is to empower consumers by educating them about their insurance policies, ensuring that they know exactly what they're paying for. In a world where insurance can often feel like a labyrinth of complexities, Alexia is a guiding light, sharing her invaluable advice with customers before the unexpected occurs.
Her mission from the beginning has been to make a noticeable and positive impact on the Sanford community. She’s been an unwavering presence at events like Alive After 5, Sanford Food Truck Fiesta, Pro Wrestling Action, and numerous others. Her agency proudly supports organizations like SNAP (Special Needs Advocacy Group), Ladies 327, Inc., and the San-
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ford Kiwanis Club. What sets her apart is the meaningful friendships she’s cultivated with local business owners, who have not only become allies but also dear friends: Ted Cranias, the Cranias family, Chef Michael, Victoria Wilson, and Perla Crosby, to name a few. Their love, support, and fellowship embody her “Good Neighbor” motto.
Basking in the glory of this second consecutive victory, Alexia humbly acknowledges the role of faith and family in her journey. “Nothing happens by mistake, and I’m here serving the community by the grace of God,” she says, attributing her success to a higher power. She’s quick to express her gratitude to her steadfast support system: “I could not be the best at my job without Shawn, Bella, and Liam in my corner.”
In a world where insurance agents are often faceless entities, Alexia Emerson stands out as a beacon of excellence and a true advocate for her community. Her commitment to transparency, education, and genuine care for her customers has not only earned her the title of Best Insurance Agent but also has made her an indispensable asset to Sanford. As she continues to build bridges and break barriers, the sky is the limit for Alexia and her agency. n
For more information, visit AlexiaProtectsFL.com 407.268.6011 • alexia@alexiaprotectsfl.com 109 W 1st Street • Sanford, FL 32771-1201
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