Central Florida Lifestyle January 2022 Lake Nona

Lake Nona AVA LO N PA RK | WATE RFORD L AKE S | OVI ED O | W I NT ER S P R I N G S

JANUARY 2022

LIFESTYLE

®

MEET DR. MITCHELL SUPLER:

A Pioneer in Sports Spine Surgery

INSIDE

STAY

MOTIVATED! HEALTHY WEST ORANGE

KICKING OFF 2022

FUN FASHION TRENDS

FOR THE YEAR AHEAD! www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ LETTER From the Publisher

It is Not TWO Late!

Welcome 2022!! We are thrilled to greet you! There is no need to look back, 2021 is now in our rear-view mirror and we have TWICE as much to look forward to and be grateful for in 2022!

As I sit down to write this, I realize that this year, this publication will turn 20! In 2002, when the concept and birth of these publications happened, I was much younger, and had A LOT to learn!

One of my biggest lessons and a major inspiration in which I have based our content on in all our publications and social media platforms was the lesson that continues to be the same today---Central Florida communities are strong and the acts of kindness in my hometown never cease to amaze me!

As we stood together after the tragedy of 9/11 and celebrated 2002 saying goodbye to 2001, we now go into 2022 and I feel that the same sense of strength and kindness among those in Central Florida continues to work its magic now, much like it did 20 years ago.

So, let us all DOUBLE our GRATITUDE in 2022, let’s DOUBLE our commitment to community, let’s DOUBLE our random acts of kindness and let’s realize that it is NEVER TWO LATE to make a difference in your community and our world.

CEO/PUBLISHER Kristi Gomen Kristi@KarstMediaGroup.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Kaitlyn Fusco Kaitlyn@KarstMediaGroup.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Alexis George Alexis@KarstMediaGroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michael Feland EDITORIAL CONTENT COORDINATOR Gabriella Dedmore INTERN Kendall Beebe WRITERS Tarre Beach, Kendall Beebe, Kimberly Blaker, Michael Brehne, Marissa Burns, Stina D’Uva, Kristen Jackson, Marc Jablon, Don Long, Rich Maladecki, Dr. Andre F. Teixeira

CONTACT US

FOR ADVERTISING INFO

407-449-2022

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

Kristi Karst Gomen Publisher

Lifestyle® publications comprises multiple monthly editions, each mailed directly to homes and businesses throughout Central Florida. Lifestyle® publications are published monthly by Karst Media Group. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. ALTAMONTE LIFESTYLE®, COLLEGE PARK LIFESTYLE®, HORIZON WEST LIFESTYLE®, LAKE NONA LIFESTYLE®, METROWEST LIFESTYLE®, OAKLAND LIFESTYLE®, WINDERMERE LIFESTYLE®, WINTER GARDEN LIFESTYLE®, WINTER PARK LIFESTYLE® and CENTRAL FLORIDA LIFESTYLE® are federally registered trademarks. Reproduction or use, in whole or in part, of the contents of this magazine or of the trademarks of Lifestyle® publications without written permission of the Publisher is prohibited. Lifestyle® publications makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published. Neither the publishers nor advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found herein, and the publishers accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in ads and/or in paid promotional features. January 2022.

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Follow us: • facebook.com/centralfloridalifestyle • instagram.com/central_florida_lifestyle • twitter.com/cflifestylemag A Product of Karst Media

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+ WHAT’S Inside

Contents | January 2022 Departments 8

10

12

14

Features 6

26

BEER GARDEN

18

34

24

WINE AND SPIRITS

Glorious Game Day Cocktails

TECH TRENDS

5 Apps to Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

28 HOMESTYLE

Maximizing Your Storage Space

FLORIDA WINTER GETAWAYS

36

Top 3 Fashion Trends of 2022

Find out how Mid Florida Dermatology & Plastic Surgery remains their commitment to excellence within the Orlando community.

WESTLY’S 5TH ANNUAL VIRTUAL 5K READY. SET. GO!

Get ready for a fresh start with Healthy West Orange as residents are encouraged to get active and stay healthy in 2022.

DON’T LET PAIN AFFECT YOUR GAME

38

40

42

Dr. Mitchell Supler of the Masson Spine Institute helps patients get back into an active, pain-free life after an injury.

44

14 SELF-EMPLOYMENT IDEAS TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR DESTINY

46

Thinking about starting your own business? Here are 14 companies you can start from home with minimal to no startup costs.

Web Life Go to CentralFloridaLifestyle.com to see what’s happening near you!

Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

EXPERT ADVICE LAW ON TREND

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Staying Motivated in 2022

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

A Different Way to Think About Weight Loss

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Using Your Talents to Help Others

YOUR LOCAL

Make Your Goals a Reality in 2022

YOUR LOCAL

The Refreshed Brand

48

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW

4

SPORTS AND RECREATION

Super Bowl 2022: SoFi Stadium

Maintaining a Standard of Excellence

CONFIDENCE AT ANY AGE

30

DID YOU KNOW?

Human Trafficking: Warning Signs and What You Can Do

20

22

DANIEL’S CORNER

The Student Becomes the Teacher

32

Looking to enjoy some sun, sand, and sea during your winter vacation?

Check out these locations for a lovely in-state holiday!

26

YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED

Inventory of an Estate for Probate Purposes

Waylon Krush, a veteran of the US army, combines German influence with American flair by opening Krush Brau Park.

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CREATIVE CORNER

How To: Digital Vision Board

50

Putting First Responders First

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW Continuing the Legacy

Happy New Year!

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-Tina Le

Dr. Phan earned the prestigious Mastership Award from The Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), placing him among the 2% of general dentists throughout the United States and Canada that hold this title.

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Beer Garden Combining German influence with American flair!

By Alexis George

W

aylon Krush, a veteran of the US Army, enlisted at the ripe age of 18 like his father and grandfather before him. It was “meant to be”. During his service he was stationed at Bad Aibling, Germany for 3 years. In that time, he delighted in attending Oktoberfest every single year. He fell in love with the festival and all it had to offer. So, it quickly became his dream to bring that feeling back home to America.

“I always knew that when I was in a position to do so that I wanted to recreate Oktoberfest,” Waylon says.

In September 2020 that dream came true. Waylon discovered an opportunity to purchase 7 acres of land once occupied by Jungleland Zoo in Kissimmee. He went on to acquire the land and driven by his vision and passion, Waylon began to develop Krush Brau Park.

Krush Brau Park is a Germaninspired beer garden and park. The 9,000+ square foot main building along with several container buildings will help support the brewery, eateries, live music and attractions, playgrounds, outdoor theater, and petting zoo available to guests.

According to Waylon, keeping the petting zoo at the park was vital because of the history of the property.

“The animatronic animals will be an ode to the old zoo if you will,” Waylon says.

The inclusion of animatronic animals and other park features highlight

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

his expansive technology background.

Waylon has over 20 years of experience in areas including cyber security, critical infrastructure protection, security operations, information operations, signals intelligence, system and telecommunication exploitation, and assessment and authorization. He also holds a BS in Computer Information Science from the University of Maryland University College.

“When people come to the park, they will see someone who has a strong technology background then add on the fact that I’m a huge fan of the parks, so I see the things we do good, bad, and ugly,” Waylon says.

“Overall, I’m really trying to differentiate us from the other parks because they provide so much.”

A part of that differentiation comes with placing a high priority on making the park family friendly. Waylon explains that having his own family and having previously lived in other areas that weren’t as family-oriented highly influence his decision making.

“It’s kind of a two-sided piece. I have a family so if you build something you want to ensure your family is going to love it because if your own family doesn’t love it then probably no one else is going to,” Waylon says. “The other piece is Orlando is a family city. If you’re going to build something and it’s not family oriented-good luck.”

Waylon also stresses the importance of making sure the park is a place

of escape and relaxation for families.

“I wanted to build a place where when they weren’t in the parks they could come and enjoy and kind of rest and just have a more relaxed day, have good entertainment, have a fun time without feeling what I’ll call the ‘marathon stress’ that comes with coming to the parks.” Waylon says. “I’ve noticed from my family and business too, just like everyone else they try to do 8-16 hours a day in the park even though the kids are falling asleep and falling down they’re still pushing them because they want to make sure they get the full experience.”

Currently, guests can relax and have fun as they experience Festplatz, an outdoor festival tent that provides an authentic German festival atmosphere. Here families can enjoy Oktoberfest, Herbfest (Autumn festival), Weihnachten Fest (Christmas/Winter Fest) and Silvester Fest (New Year’s Fest).

Due to covid-19 construction of other areas of the park has taken longer than anticipated. However, Waylon’s team continues to find ways to come up with creative solutions to roadblocks. He is proud to have a world class team to help bring his vision to life.

“We’re based on the parks here and that’s really helped me a lot,” Waylon says. “I come from a technology background and talent’s always the most important piece and it’s very difficult to find. Luckily here we’ve

been finding great talent and building a great team.”

In 2022 Waylon’s plan with the help of his team is to continue to expand the park.

“The goal is to have another part of the park open and at least another one of the countries and to do so on a higher velocity meaning hopefully we’ll have a new place open every couple of months,” Waylon says. “So, a new restaurant, bar, shop or entertainment area/ playground so that every few months when a person comes, they’ll see something completely different, and they’ll be able to interact with a new part of the park.”

The facility and garden will continue to be broken up into different countries around the world that will feature each country’s cuisine, beers, and more.

“I want interaction and excitement,” Waylon says. “I want something that people will remember and that families will want to come back to.”

To learn more about Krush Brau Park and upcoming events visit https://krushbraupark.com/

Waylon Krush has been featured as a cyber security SME on CNBC, Fox News, AP, NPR, and William Shatner’s Moving America Forward. Mr. Krush has also been called to testify as a Subject Matter Expert on topics of cyber security before the Committee on Homeland Security U.S. House of Representatives and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

He is a recipient of the Knowlton Award, the DOT CyberSecurity Excellence Award, AFCEA Honor Award, CWFI Cyber Training Award, US Marine Corps.

Scholastic Award, Smart CEO Cyber Warrior Award 2013, Future 50 Award 2014, 2015, 2016 and the American Legion Award (2 years) along with several military awards related to cyber and mission impact.

He was named NSA Professional of the Quarter, 718th Military Intelligence Soldier of the Year, and the 20 Most Admired Tech Leaders in Business 2017 by Insight Success.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ CREATIVE Corner

How To:

Digital Vision Board In this digital age everything from bills to socializing is done electronically. That is why digital vision boards are important.

By Kendall Beebe

A

traditional vision board, or dream board, is a collection of images that inspire, motivate, and illustrate an individual's specific goals. A digital board consists of these same elements, but it is created using digital media.

The power behind the board is manifestation. Seeing your dreams in front of you, whether it be a vacation, new job, or house, makes it feel more obtainable. To have the reminder of what you are working toward keeps you on track to achieve your goals.

According to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 31% of U.S. adults report that they are almost constantly online. The survey also found that 85% of adults go online several times per day, and only six percent go online once a day.

Being able to have access to a phone, tablet or laptop means the world (wide web) is at your fingertips.

Having a digital vision board allows you to take your dreams with you, wherever you go.

Start creating your board by picking a few different categories of things you like and would like to do. The saying goes, no dream is too big, no dreamer too small.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

Here are some of our fancy ideas: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

An exotic vacation, like the Maldives, Budapest, or Australia An electric car Fantasy home Big or small family Ideal job

There are lots of free and userfriendly sites out there to help you. These are the ones we recommend starting with: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Here are some of our smaller items or ideas: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

New shoes A pet Candles Gym equipment Healthy recipes

Pick out words that incentivize you. A few examples include: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Ambition Believe Aspire Clarity Confidence Value Mindfulness Improve Focus

Then, find images that you can use to illustrate your goals. These can be images you have either taken or found on social media or other apps/ websites.

Canva.com https://visuapp.github.io Picmonkey.com Designwizard.com iwishbucketlist.com

Once you have created your digital media masterpiece, you will need to decide where and how you will display it.

For maximum effect, we suggest setting it as your lock screen on your cell phone. This way every time you check the time or answer a text, you are also reminding yourself what is in the process.

Maybe you want to keep your dreams a little more private and saving your board as an image on your phone and setting a reminder to look at it once a day is more your style. You can also set it to be your laptop desktop screen, cell phone or iPad home screen, or any combination of these displays.

The best part of having a digital vision board is being able to easily change or add what is on it! So, take a moment, find what inspires you and get to dreamin’.

January is human trafficking awareness month. Learn more about resources available for parents and caregivers to prevent the risk of exploitation.

Devereux provides trauma informed and evidenced-based treatment for survivors of exploitation through a continuum of programs and services, including; prevention services telehealth counseling community-based counseling treatment family homes residential treatment programs parent and caregiver support

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida

UNDERSTAND THE SIGNS. SEEK SUPPORT. Join our parent and caregiver support network, available at no cost.

WWW.DEVEREUXFL.ORG

FLCOUNSELING@DEVEREUX.ORG www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ YOU ASKED We Answered

Inventory of an Estate

for Probate Purposes

Learn why an inventory of an estate matters and how to prepare one to ensure all estate assets are smoothly transferred after a loved one’s death.

By Kristen Jackson, Jackson Law P.A.

Q:

Four years ago, following my mother’s death, within weeks of filing probate through my attorney, I was successful in obtaining access to my mother’s bank accounts, insurance policies and other liquid assets. Once I had access to these accounts a dispute erupted between me and my attorney and I refused to pay him any further fees. Later I learned that a mortgage free home worth $350,000, remained in the estate of my mother and was never transferred into my name.

Six months after discharging my attorney, I received a notice from the probate court stating that I failed to provide an inventory of assets and the court closed my probate case. Two years thereafter court took possession of my real estate and auctioned it off on the courthouse steps. The family renting from me at the time was evicted. I thought the house was mine. Another year passed when I learned that assets remaining from the sale at auction were deposited into Florida’s Unclaimed Property in my mother’s name and that I would need to file probate to obtain these assets. How on earth is it legal for attorneys and courts to simply steal family property from the rightful heirs?

A:

A personal representative must file a verified inventory of the estate property with reasonable detail of each asset, including the estimated date of death value of each. This includes property subject to Florida’s homestead exemption. Although such property may not be part of the probate estate, it must be listed for informational purposes and expressly identified as exempt homestead property, otherwise, it may not be transferred to heirs of the estate.

Simply because you are authorized to access certain assets shortly

after being appointed by a court as personal representative of an estate doesn’t mean your case has concluded. The probate process itself takes months and inventories must be complied with otherwise the court can close the case. Not paying your attorney doesn’t help you either.

There must be more you haven’t disclosed otherwise the court would not have auctioned the house. One example: You may not have paid annual property taxes whereby notices were mailed and received by your renters who failed to inform you of such tax notices. Subsequently, a tax lien may have been filed subjecting the property to legal foreclosure and auction by the court because you failed to pay the back taxes.

Stealing it is not. Failure to cooperate with the probate court or your attorney can result in closure of probate prior to its conclusion. Simply because you may have immediate access to certain assets during probate, don’t presume all other property is yours. Ignoring the responsibility to file an inventory can result in the denial of petitions for discharge and determination of homestead and exempt property leaving assets in the decedent’s name.

Any problem with attorney fees or actions by the court you don’t understand should be resolved with the judge administering your case. To just walk away from your personal representative obligations could cost more time and money to resolve later on.

Kristen Jackson is the founding partner of Jackson Law P.A. (407-363-9020). She is experienced in estate planning, real estate law, business and contract law. Her firm has earned an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell signifying the highest level of professional excellence as obtained through opinions from members of the bar and judiciary. For more information, visit www.JacksonFloridaRealtor.com

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

+ DANIEL’S Corner

The Student Becomes the Teacher This University of Central Florida student wants to teach theater and help children tap into their creativity.

By Tarre Beach

N

ineteen-year-old University of Central Florida (UCF) sophomore Hilary Pardey-Hernandez is double majoring in theater and early childhood development.

You might not think those two fields of study go together, but they do.

“You have to get up in front of a class and not just talk about a subject but get students interested in it.

How do you do that? By performing,” Pardey-Hernandez says.

Pardey-Hernandez has been involved in several UCF virtual shows and readings including “Mojada,” a modern retelling of the Greek tragedy “Medea” through the lens of the Mexican immigrant experience; “Dear Helena,” a loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s “All’s Well That Ends Well,” and “Remnant of the Imposter,” an original one-act virtual play. She’s also a Daniel Mills Apprentice at the Garden Theatre where she educates kids about theater.

Recently she worked with firstthrough third graders on the “Island of Misfit Toys” and with high schoolers in an improv class. She says part of what attracted her to the apprenticeship’s educational track is that at the Garden Theatre she helps kids get out of their comfort zone. To her theater isn’t just

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

about singing, dancing, or acting. It’s a useful therapeutic tool that can help kids improve their social skills, reduce some of their shyness, and connect with their creativity.

While there is a whole academic discipline focused on therapeutic theater or drama therapy and PardeyHernandez is taking courses in it, she says her dream is to open her own performance studio. She hopes to combine the social and psychological components of theater with the pure enjoyment of performance as art.

Growing up in the Westchester section of Miami, a well-known Cuban neighborhood, Pardey-Hernandez says becoming a teacher has always been something she’s felt called to do.

Maybe it’s because she herself came out of her shell when she danced salsa, reggaeton, or other Latin dances. “It was fun, and I didn’t feel so alone when I danced. I felt like I fit in.”

Then when Pardey-Hernandez came to understand that theater could be a combination of movement/dance, music, and storytelling she knew she’d found her career. “For me, it’s not about getting attention. It’s more about being a part of something bigger. It’s about being included and feeling like you matter,” she says.

Pardey-Hernandez lives in Davie, Florida and takes most of her college classes online. She says one of the things she really enjoys the most about teaching kids in person at the Garden Theatre is helping them adjust to the changing and challenging environment they have been thrust into. “The pandemic has certainly changed how kids learn and play. It’s changed everything really. I think getting to move around on a stage and become different characters helps them feel safe in a world that has been perceived as anything but safe for a while now.”

Garden Theatre Education Director Nick Bazo is mentoring PardeyHernandez and she says it’s been a wonderful educational experience.

Bazo reminds her that being a theater educator is more than just teaching kids about plays or performing.

“In acting you’re told to get out of your head,” Pardey-Hernandez says.

“Sometimes in life you need to do that too. Even if a student never goes into the performing arts, they will have a great tool available to them: Explore and let go.”

+ DID YOU Know?

Human Trafficking: Warning Signs and What You Can Do

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida shares information about how the community can join the fight against modern-day slavery.

M

any believe human trafficking only happens in other countries, or in certain areas and among certain classes, but the threat is even scarier than you know. Florida ranks as one of the top three states in the U.S. for human trafficking, and a significant amount of reports to the human trafficking hotline are attributed to cases right here in Central Florida.

Children of all ages and races are at risk. Predators lure innocent youth – both girls and boys – using social media and other methods of persuasion, whether they live in a rundown apartment in a bad part of town or in a beautiful home in the suburbs. Befriended with promises of something more – money, a relationship or a sense of belonging – the trafficker gains the child’s trust before eventually subjecting him or her to a horrible existence.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida, a statewide organization providing specialized clinical services for trafficked youth, has worked with hundreds of children and adolescents throughout the state. Many of those served by Devereux have been foster youth who have experienced repeated trauma throughout their young lives.

While you may think you would recognize the signs of human trafficking, would you truly know it

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

if you saw it? Some warning signs in youth include: • Repeated runaways, gone or "working" for excessively long hours • Having extra money or unexplainable access to new possessions • Frequent school absences and/ or a sudden change in academic performance • Questionable friends or the presence of a controlling friend/ boyfriend • Fearful, submissive, depressed or anxious behavior • Avoiding eye contact, social interaction and authority figures • Withdrawn or lack of interest in preferred activities • Showing signs of physical injuries or abuse • Increased time spent on social media • Numerous inconsistencies in his/ her story • Lost sense of time and whereabouts • Gang involvement • Tattoos, "branding" When the public gets involved with efforts put in place by community leaders and organizations like Devereux, we get a little bit closer to the goal of ending human trafficking.

What Can I Do? REPORT ABUSE. If you suspect a child or teen is a victim, please call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE. If you believe you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect an adult is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-800-373-7888.

BECOME A FOSTER PARENT. Devereux’s foster parents receive training and strategies that will help them deal with any issues that arise when dealing with children who have been abused and neglected.

This allows them to create a safe and stable environment for children to heal. To become a foster parent or for more information, email FLFosterCare@DevereuxFL.org.

GET INVOLVED. Learn more about the organizations dedicated to providing a path of healing for survivors of sexual exploitation.

For more information, visit www.DevereuxFL.org.

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+ SPORTS & Recreation

Super Bowl 2022:

SoFi Stadium

The cities that host the Super Bowl are part of an ongoing tradition. This year, the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California gets to blow the whistle on how they welcome the major event.

By Kendall Beebe

T

he Super Bowl has always been played on the second Sunday of February since 2004. This year is the first time the game is being played at SoFi Sadium since it opened in 2020. Some people may not be familiar with Inglewood, CA but the city is in the Los Angeles area. LA has held the major match up seven times, at both the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Rose Bowl.

One major factor in deciding where the game is played is based on weather, which is why locations in California and the South come up so often. If the National Football League decides your city is worthy enough to host the most watched sporting event, your city leaders will need to put together a pitch that explains why they should play the Superbowl there.

SoFi stadium can hold up to 100,000 people. According to their website, it is located where the Hollywood Park racetrack once stood. The stadium itself is part of a 298-acre plot of land that also offers homes, hotels, and businesses.

The indoor-outdoor stadium is the biggest and most expensive one to date and cost a total of $5 billion. Construction began in 2016 and the stadium opened its doors in September of 2020. The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers both call SoFi their home turf.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

The name comes from SoFi, an online financing company. The company pays roughly $30 million every year to own the name of the stadium.

The stadium itself is not very tall, as there are a lot of planes passing overhead due to the proximity of the LAX airport. In fact, the stadium is built 100-feet below street level. There is a canopy-style roof which covers guests from the rain but also allows a breeze in to cool them off.

The builders brought fans closer to the field by making some seats 50-feet closer to the field than at the LA Coliseum. They really were thinking of their fans and even brought the beach to the field by placing their cabanas behind one of the endzones.

Part of what makes this stadium so special is that there is an enormous double-sided oval video board that hangs from the center of the stadium. This will come in handy for this year’s Super Bowl halftime performance where Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and Snoop Dogg will perform.

Florida Getaways Snowbirds may come to Florida to get away from the cold but Central Floridians can also enjoy some sun, sand, and sea during their winter vacation.

By Tarre Beach

Even though neither snow nor sleet bother us here in the Sunshine State, sometimes it’s nice to take a break for a little rest and relaxation during the winter months. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious vacation, spa retreat, awardwinning golf getaway or just a casual family poolside weekend, check out these locations for a lovely in-state holiday.

Family Fun

Pet Paradise

Sarasota Surf and Racquet Club 5900 Midnight Pass Road Sarasota, FL 34242 (800) 237-5671 www.sarasotasurf.com

Tradewinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach 5500 & 6000 Gulf Boulevard St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 (800) 360-4016 www.tradewindsresort.com

If you want a low-key family Gulf vacation, you can’t go wrong with Sarasota Surf and Racquet Club. Enjoy a fun winter break in any of the club’s privately owned spacious one- and two-bedroom units. You can frolic in one of the two heated pools, pick up the fun sport of pickleball or tennis and still get a good workout in at the fitness center. Get your barbeque on and grill up your favorite meal at the beachside or poolside grills.

Beach canopies and umbrellas are available to rent so you can relax in the shade. Take your pick of units from the cozy Tennis Court Villas to the 12 stories of Gulf views at Tower Building. Fully equipped kitchenettes and screened-in lanais will make your visit spectacular. Save 20% if you book now for a stay from January 3-31, 2022.

Check out availability. You don’t want to miss out.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

Including Rover in your vacay is easy when you visit St. Pete Beach. With 48 pet-friendly suites, a Pet Play Zone and doggie drinking fountains, you and your furry family member will receive the best in hospitality at Tradewinds Island Grand. At RumFish Beach Resort, right next door, you can also receive room service for your cuddly buddy at any of the 10 petfriendly suites. Fort De Soto Park Campground is just a 15-minute drive from the resorts and although the 1,136-acre county park is not an off-leash dog park, it does welcome six-foot-leashed canines.

For your doggie’s delight there is Paw Playground also known as Fort De Soto Dog Park and Beach, St. Pete’s best dog-friendly beach.

Here four-legged beachgoers can catch some waves in a specially fenced-in doggie beach area.

Legendary Leisure

Want to live in the lap of luxury during your winter getaway?

The iconic Mediterranean Revival-style Biltmore Miami & Coral Gables has what you’re looking for. Famous past guests include Al Capon, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Upgrade to a suite and feel like royalty. A terrace suite includes one bedroom, separate living space, and incredible views of the city, pool, and golf course from your balcony.

Originally designed in 1925, the 18-hole, 71-par championship golf course boasts 419 emerald-green Bermuda grass fairways and 84 bunkers. The world-famous Biltmore pool is also a gem in this historic crown jewel. At 23,000 square feet and 600,000 gallons of water, it is one of the largest hotel swimming pools in the continental United States. There are nine private cabanas to lounge in poolside. Large suite cabanas include HD TVs, teakwood chaises, banana leaf ceiling fans and a personal server to take care of your every need.

The Biltmore Hotel & Golf Club Miami & Coral Gables 1200 Anastasia Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 445-1926 www.biltmorehotel.com

Golf Getaway

Restore and Rejuvenate

Ritz-Carlton Sarasota 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr. Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 309-2000 www.ritzcarlton.com/sarasota

Mondrian South Beach and The Spa at Baia Beach Club 1100 West Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 514-1500 www.sbe.com/hotels/mondrian/ south-beach

If you’re a duffer who’s ready for a challenge, make a beeline to Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, which offers three of the hardest consecutive holes in Florida. Incorporating 315 acres, 12 lakes and plenty of native flora, this 18-hole, Tom Fazio-designed golf course has been named one of Golf Digest’s best courses in Florida. Transportation to and from the golf course, which is a short 13 miles away, lets you easily enjoy a few “adult beverages” after (or during) your game. You may see some of the area’s herons, egrets, and if you’re lucky the rarer pink roseate spoonbill on this Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary-certified golf course.

After (or instead of) golfing, check out the resort’s spa, which offers massages, facials, a whirlpool, dry sauna, and steam room to help you revitalize. Specialty treatments including skin exfoliation and hydration, as well as deep hair conditioning are a great way to top off your winter vacation.

Let the holistic healing begin.

At Mondrian South Beach and The Spa at Baia Beach Club you can relax and unwind with moonlight yoga, guided meditation, aromatherapy and even CBD skin treatments. The modern 4,100-squarefoot spa is your oasis for organic and nurturing therapies that will revitalize your body and soul. The Mondrian’s recent multi-milliondollar renovation maintains Marcel Anders expansive interior design, making the rooms and suites stylish, yet cozy. Once you finish your spa experience, you can enjoy a delicious chef-created meal at one of the hotel’s three premiere waterfront dining destinations: The Deck, The Terrace, or The Greenhouse. Ask about Roadtrip to South Beach promotion where Florida and Georgia guests can receive 20% off the hotel’s Best Available Rate and complimentary overnight parking.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Confidence at Any Age

M

id Florida Dermatology & Plastic Surgery has been a proud member of the Orlando medical community for more than 30 years and has been previously voted Orlando’s #1 Medical Group!

Originally founded by Orlando resident, Dr. Michael Gutierrez, the practice has grown to include more than 30 locations, and over 20 board certified medical doctors. Their talented staff creates a comprehensive approach that allows patients to experience a seamless transition between diagnosis, treatment and prevention which provides a continuity of care from a team they know and trust. An exceptional level of consideration for the safety and care of their patients is a standard carried across all of Mid Florida Dermatology & Plastic Surgery. As a patient, you’ll find that every contact made is meaningful. Always respectful of your time and attuned to your health, their staff provides essential care without being excessive.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

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Amidst all of this achievement, the most defining characteristic of Mid Florida Dermatology & Plastic Surgery remains their commitment to excellence within the Orlando community. Beyond the consultations and procedures they provide, this extends to the support and care given to each patient they treat. From minor procedures to life-changing moments, their team is invested in your health, happiness and confidence.

We are incredibly excited to introduce Dr. Jason Crespo, a board certified plastic and hand surgeon and native to the Central Florida community. Dr. Crespo was raised in Orlando, FL, by two strong women who worked their entire lives to provide for him and his siblings - his mother and his grandmother. Dr. Crespo’s humble beginnings helped foster his integrity, compassion, and humility. These innate traits allow him to listen to his patients’ needs and focus on their surgical goals.

Dr. Crespo wants his patients to feel comfortable during the entire process - from consultation, surgery, and throughout their post-

operative care. “My goal is to build a relationship with my patients, produce desired results - with an emphasis on quality and safety, and provide an overall exceptional experience.”

Dr. Crespo discovered his love and passion for plastic surgery during a surgical rotation at UConn and decided to apply for this highly competitive residency.

With only 48 integrated plastic surgery openings, Dr. Crespo acquired a highly coveted spot in the well-respected Plastic Surgery Program at UMass Medical School.

Here, he spent the next six years, gaining invaluable experience in facial, breast, and lower extremity reconstruction. While at UConn, Dr. Crespo was presented with membership to The Gold Humanism Honor Society Award. This peer and educator nominated accolade is given to medical students who are role models and future leaders.

After completing his plastic surgery residency, Dr. Crespo decided to broaden his skills and subsequently completed an Orthopedic Hand Fellowship at UMass. Hand surgery involves many attributes

of many surgical specialties such as microsurgery, vascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, and plastic surgery. This additional training allows Dr. Crespo to provide his patients with functionality along with a keen attention to detail. Dr. Crespo is a well-talented surgeon that will exceed your general plastic surgery needs such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, mommy makeover, surgical and non surgical facial rejuvenation, body contouring (arm lifts, thigh lifts), laser needs and buttock augmentation. He is driven to contribute excellent care to patients within the growing Central Florida community.

With great gratitude, Mid Florida Dermatology & Plastic Surgery would like to thank their patients and community for partnering with them on their health and wellness needs.

Please call us at (407) 299-7333 to book your appointment today!

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ WINE & Spirits

GLORIOUS Game Day Cocktails With the Superbowl just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of your game day menu!

By Kendall Beebe

Did you know?

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The Super Bowl has been played since 1967, and the iconic Super Bowl rings have been made since the very first one.

Tom Brady, quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is the most decorated quarterback in NFL history.

Roman numerals are used to name the Super Bowl to avoid confusion.

Now that you’ve freshened up on your Superbowl history, here is our list of delicious drinks for cheering on your Superbowl pick!

The Blitz Spritz This is a twist on a classic cocktail that is light, fresh, and citrusy. The Aperol Spritz combines four simple ingredients: Aperol, Prosecco, Club Soda, and fresh orange slices. We suggest squeezing your oranges into the drink for a slightly sweeter cocktail.

What You Will Need: • 1½ ounces of Aperol • 3 ounces of Prosecco • ¾ ounce of Club Soda • Orange Slice for garnish • Wine glass filled with ice

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

Dirty Rita Receiver

Touchdown Tini

This drink will surely catch your attention when you take a sip! It cuts down on the sweetness of a traditional margarita and satisfies you with a salty-sweet finish. You can use margarita mix or squeeze your own limes to create this masterpiece. If tequila is not your thing, try substituting it for vodka!

Players will not be the only thing subbing during the game. This drink leaves room for different substitutions depending on your preference. You can use different flavors of vodka like lemon, strawberry, or raspberry. You can also use gin for a more traditional drink.

What You Will Need: • 1½ ounces of tequila of your choice • ½ ounce of Triple Sec • 1 ounce margarita mix • ¼ ounce olive juice

What You Will Need: • 1½ ounces Citron Vodka • ¼ ounce simple syrup • ¼ ounce lemon juice • Lemon wedges • Cane sugar

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, then strain and pour into a cup with ice. You can garnish the drink with a lime, lemon, orange slice or even a few olives.

Rim a martini glass with the lemon and sugar. Use a cocktail shaker filled with ice to combine the vodka, simple sugar, and lemon juice. Strain the mix into the glass and garnish with a lemon.

Bump-and-Rum This drink is for those who like beer but are looking for something a little fresher and fruitier. Grab your favorite orange-beer and flavored rum for a tropical twist. The combination of the citrus beer and sweet coconut rum will leave your palette refreshed and ready for the second half of the game!

What You Will Need: • 1 ounce Malibu Rum • 12 ounces Shock Top • 1 orange slice

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ TECH Trends

5

Apps to Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

By Alexis George

W

e’ve officially made it to 2022 and now it’s time to follow through with our new year’s resolutions. While set with the best intentions, every year our resolutions naturally fall off as the year progresses.

Luckily, there are apps that can help hold us accountable.

Whether your new year’s resolution is to volunteer or get active, there’s something for you.

Here are 5 apps you can use to keep your new year’s resolutions this year.

3. Headspace

1. Way of Life

Need help managing your finances this year? This budget and expense tracking app is the perfect resource. From budget planning to credit monitoring, Mint is full of free features that will allow you to take charge of all aspects of your money. You will even receive personalized insights to make your money go further.

Way of Life is a habit tracking app that is used to help you build better habits. The unique color-coded system will allow you to track your routines and the powerful reminders will make sure you form new habits or break bad ones.

If you need to see your progress in written form, take advantage of the diary function. It allows you to jot down the cause of bad habits. If you are more of a visual learner, use the available charts to help you track positive and negative trends over time.

2. MyfitnessPal

Sometimes we forget that fitness goals include watching what we eat. But don’t fret! MyfitnessPal can help you take control of this goal by tracking your diet and exercise.

The apps large food database gives you the opportunity to monitor macro-nutrients. Both nutrients and calories can be entered manually or by scanning the barcodes of food items. You may also opt to set weight goals, create an exercise plan, or let the app make one for you.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

If one of your resolutions is to be more mindful, then this is the app for you. Headspace is an app that focuses on “improving health and happiness in the world”. In the app, experts provide meditation and mindfulness tools that will help improve your focus and relax your mind. Overall, it is a great app to create habits that will reduce stress and support your mental health.

4. Mint

5. Plant Nanny

Getting enough water daily is important for your health. If your goal is to drink more water, Plant Nanny is your go-to app. It will remind you of how many cups of water you need each day. The app will also keep track of your water intake in a cute and creative way. For every glass of water you drink, the app’s plants will receive some hydration too! Therefore, as you continue to drink, the plant will continue to grow.

Westly’s 5th Annual Virtual 5K

S . y d ea

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

Get Ready for a Fresh Start!

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e’re Healthy West Orange, a grassroots movement to make west Orange County the healthiest community in the nation. We provide important tools and social connections to help you eat well, stay active, and enjoy life.

Want to move more in 2022? Now is the time to crush those goals! Westly’s 5th Annual Virtual 5K is a great way to start. Let’s get moving together – virtually or in person!

Here’s how the virtual 5K works:

Need a reward to make it sweeter? Registrants can earn a FREE race T-shirt and medal to show off that healthy victory!

No matter how you choose to get active and stay healthy in 2022, Healthy West Orange will be with you every step of the way.

Visit www.HealthyWestOrange.org for more information, and don’t forget to join the conversation by following Healthy West Orange on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Step 1: Register online at HWOEvents.org.

Step 2: Complete 3.1 miles between January 1 and 31

at your own pace, wherever you like, whenever you like.

Want to bike the West Orange Trail? Sweet. Want to hike at Oakland Nature Preserve? Do it. Want to rollerblade around your neighborhood? We support you. If you want to break it up into segments, by all means – go for it! Tell your family and friends to join you because it’s open to all ages.

Step 3: Share your finish line photo or video with

us via social media with #HealthyWestOrange, #WestlysVirtual5K and tag @healthywestorange, or email westly@healthywestorange.org.

January 29th - 9am to 12-noon Fun Activities w 5K Run/Walk w Fitness & Cooking Demos

Want to complete the 5K with an awesome group of friends?

Join us at the Fresh Start Festival at the Town of Oakland on Saturday, January 29th, and have a blast at the Festival!

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ HOMESTYLE

Maximizing Your Storage Space Tips to help you best utilize the space in your home

By Alexis George

D

o you feel like no matter how hard you try you can never find enough space in your home? Do you become frustrated when looking at items crammed any and everywhere? Are you tired of running out of ways to fix this problem?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, here’s a list of tips and tools to help you maximize the storage space in your home.

1. Assess

First, determine which areas of your home are the most crowded and could use more open space. From there, come up with a vision for how you would like each of these spaces to look. Once that vision is in mind, create a plan to help you achieve said goal.

2. Get rid of things

One of the easiest ways to make more space is to throw or give things away. Go through each of the spaces in your home and get rid of all the things you no longer use or need.

This will allow you to instantly reassess how much space is available. You might just find that getting rid of things is all you need to solve the problem.

3. Use Plastic Storage Bins

Plastic storage bins will come in handy as you try and neatly organize your remaining items. The bins are a way to group a decent number of like items together in one location. Consider labeling the bins to make it easier to identify where to begin your search when retrieving items from storage. This can be especially helpful when storing décor that you plan on using for future holidays.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

4. Use Folding Clothes Hangers

Closets can become packed as you purchase or receive clothing items. These hangers allow you to preserve and organize your clothes while freeing up space. This is made possible as the connected hangers can be hung vertically or horizontally based on the design of the hook.

5. Purchase a hanging pot rack

A hanging pot rack is an inexpensive way to free up your kitchen cabinet and drawer space. It can be used to store the pots, pans, and utensils you cook with the most. A bonus is you have easy access to them, cutting down on the time spent searching for cooking tools.

6. Take advantage of your ottoman

An ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture, and guess what it can be used for? Storage! No matter the size, ottomans are a great option for storing everyday essentials or items such as magazines and toys that eventually add to the clutter of a space.

7. Invest in stackable units

Stackable units can be helpful when transforming dead space into storage space. One way to achieve this is to add shelves to spaces like closets or bathrooms. The shelves can be used to store things such as baskets and shoes or towels and toilet paper.

Don’t Let Pain Affect Your Game Dr. Mitchell Supler of the Masson Spine Institute helps patients get back into an active, pain-free life after an injury.

D

r. Mitchell Supler, pioneer in neurosurgery specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery and sports spine medicine, is an advocate for providing patients who suffered a spinal injury with a holistic treatment plan focused on prevention, wellness, fitness, treatment and full recovery.

At the Masson Spine Institute, where he works alongside Dr. Robert Masson, internationally recognized sports spine neurosurgeon, he ensures injured patients get back to doing what they love without risk of repeat injury.

After being properly treated for spinal injuries, his patients come out on the other side ready to get back to an active, pain-free life, doing what they enjoy – whether that means getting back on the golf course, running a marathon, or walking Walt Disney World.

For the Love of Neurosurgery and Golf

While attending the University of Florida School of Medicine, Dr. Supler learned he loved neuroscience.

“I was just absolutely enamored with nervous systems, the brain, the

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

spinal cord, and I just thought this was the coolest thing, and from that point on, I knew I had to do something in the neurological field, and with neurosurgery, I felt I was making a difference in people’s lives,” says Dr. Supler.

A true Floridian, Dr. Supler is a fan of the sunshine and when not in the office or operating room, his diet is largely filled with greens – the green on the golf course that is. He was just 10-years-old when he picked up his first golf club.

“My dad came into the living room and said ‘son, would you like to learn how to play golf’, and as a 10-year-old, the first thing I said was ‘no,’” says Dr. Supler with a chuckle.

“He asked me again, and I thought, I guess I gave the wrong answer, and I said ‘yes,’ and I’m so glad I did.”

He continued to enjoy the game and played on his high school team.

Once he got to college and medical school, he didn’t have too much time for it, but later on he was able to rededicate himself to it.

“There is just something about the game. It’s not a group sport. You’re playing against yourself. Always trying to improve yourself, which is also

a good metaphor for how I live my life,” says Dr. Supler.

It wasn’t until in about his 40s that he realized he could combine his passion for golf with his profession.

“Today, I am able to incorporate my love for golf with my passion for neurosurgery and really helping people, while living in Florida where the weather is fantastic and golf is enjoyed by many,” says Dr. Supler.

A Holistic Approach to Recovery

While a properly executed golf swing may not appear particularly stressful, it requires proper hip movement to not cause injury. Because the hip joint is a ball –and-socket joint, the hip has a lot of range of motion.

This large range of motion is a key component of a proper golf swing.

The spine was never meant to rotate. It can bend and extend, but it was not designed to turn. So, if you’re trying to swing a golf club, and if your hips don’t move properly, you can start to make your lumbar spine rotate. As a result, you can become injured.

“As a surgeon, if you just treat the spine and send a patient to go back to

playing golf without identifying why and how they got injured in the first place and making a plan to correct that, you’re just setting them up for injury again,” says Dr. Supler.

This is why Dr. Supler looks at the whole person, how they’re moving, and whether or not they have other issues such as their hip movement that would need to be improved, or if they need their thoracic spine (the middle section of the back) to be more mobile.

“It’s really a holistic approach for me to help people who want to play any rotary sport, but particularly golf. To be able to succeed at what they want to do and enjoy out of life, we have to look at everything,” Dr. Supler says.

Making a Difference, One Case at a Time

For 25 years, Dr. Supler has been caring for patients and providing his expertise as a pioneer in spine surgery.

While he excels in the treatment of recreational and professional golfers with spinal disorders, he also treats other conditions that affect the spine.

“My main goal is to get you back to doing what you love – whatever that means to you. If you have pain when you play pickle ball, let’s get you back on the court. If you want to be able to roam Walt Disney World, let’s get you back out there,” says Dr. Supler.

Dr. Supler’s first priority is to understand the nature of the problem, its consequences, the goals of the patient, the pattern of aggravation, the mechanics of the problem and its compensation pattern, and ultimately how these all play into the role of surgery and the type of surgery that can be offered.

“What I do for a living is extremely rewarding. I had a patient who had instability in her lower back / lumbar spine. She had previously received a lot of different treatments that just didn’t work. I identified the problem and treated it with a minimally invasive surgery. This patient had a dramatic recovery. She walked the Disney Princess Half Marathon shortly after treatment. She came back to my office and gave me her medal. It now hangs proudly in my office,” says Dr. Supler.

He successfully performed a cervical disc replacement on Dr. Masson who, within 8 months, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. Dr. Masson was also able to compete in the grueling Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona without a concern for his neck impeding his driving.

Dr. Supler’s knowledge, training and experience make him an asset to the Masson Spine Institute. He is dedicated to using the latest, proven technology and applying it to each individual patient.

Dr. Mitchell Supler brings over 20 years of neurosurgical experience to the Masson Spine Institute.

He graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Medicine, receiving the Lyerly Award for Excellence in Neurosurgery. He completed his residency in Neurosurgery (7 years of rigorous training) at the University of Florida in 1996, training alongside Dr. Robert Masson. He has been certified by of the American Board of Neurological Surgery since 1999.

He is certified by the Titleist Performance Institute, the world’s leading educational organization dedicated to the study of how the human body functions in relation to the golf swing. He is certified with K-Motion, the industry leader in wireless, human motion learning for the sports, fitness and medical industries. Dr. Supler was a featured speaker at The World Golf Fitness Summit and has been a regular guest on the Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio show “Inside the Ropes”.

He is also the Director of the Neurospine Center of Excellence at Orlando Health Central Hospital.

2706 Rew Circle | Orlando, FL 34761 407.649.8585 | MassonSI.com Dr. Robert Masson is an internationally recognized neurosurgeon who specializes in micro-reconstructive spine surgery and sports spine surgery.

He also serves as director of the Orlando Health Health Central Hospital JCAHO accredited Spine Center of Excellence.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ EXPERT ADVICE Law |

Maintaining a Standard of Excellence

By Michael B. Brehne, Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A

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n my 25 years of practicing civil litigation, I have developed a triedand-true method of prosecuting our client’s claims. Our firm concentrates on representing injured people who are victims of other’s negligence as well as victims of insurance companies’ wrongful conduct. Over the years, we have filed claims for and litigated thousands of lawsuits throughout the State of Florida.

Most of our success is attributable to our case preparation from the outset. From the moment a client comes to our office, we begin our interview with trial in mind. We seek out the details of each case so that we can formulate a plan to present it in the most favorable light for our client.

Our office has an organized method of case preparation and movement which means each employee is aware of their responsibility for the progression of each claim. Our employees are trained to be responsive to our client’s individual needs and to pay close attention to litigation requirements and deadlines. Each of our files are maintained in the same manner so that any employee can access the information they require quickly and easily. In addition, we have a paperless automated system

that can allow employees to access files from anywhere in the world.

As a successful and experienced litigator, I can quickly and easily mold new hires into fierce defenders of justice. New attorneys are given an overview of case progression, expectations for outcome and taught our philosophy of “clients first.” I personally supervise each new attorney to gauge their knowledge and lawyering skills before I allow them to assume responsibility for a client’s case. I also encourage each new attorney to attend depositions and hearings with me so they can see how I present my cases in court or how I strategically depose witnesses and defendants. In this way, newly hired attorneys gain skills and confidence much quicker than if they were to venture on their own. This also helps me ensure that our newly hired attorneys maintain the standard of excellence that we have demonstrated in court for over 25 years.

We understand that clients who seek our representation are either in pain from an injury or feel confused and lost because of a wrongful insurance denial. Because of this, we strive to keep our clients informed of the progression of each claim by sending them copies of correspondence that

we generate and forward them important information that we receive from insurance companies and defense attorneys. We give each client a folder to maintain the paperwork that they receive and encourage them to call us if they have questions or concerns.

Our clients make the final decision regarding the settlement of their case. We will not settle the case until our client fully understands the settlement terms and conditions and ramifications of accepting it. Our attorneys are trained to speak to our clients in an understandable fashion. We will not ask a client to sign anything that they do not fully understand and will spend as much time as necessary to help them comprehend any of the paperwork we present.

To be sure this methodology works, our firm’s referrals come from former clients, local physicians and public adjusters and roofing consultants. We are not asking for every case because we do not believe that we can give excellent service to thousands of clients a year, but we know we have given excellent service to thousands of clients over the years.

Michael Brehne has dedicated his 24-year career to representing injured people in motorcycle and car accidents, and represents people when their insurance claims have been denied. He has earned a reputation as a tenacious and skilled trial lawyer when representing his clients against large corporate defendants and insurance companies. He is also the author of “Watching Out for Florida Motorcyclists: Legal Rights of Injured Bikers.”

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

M

Y

Y

Y

50%

UP TO 8 ATTRACTIONS ONE LOW PRICE! Plus SHOPPING & DINING DISCOUNTS!

Get your PLAY PASS today at ICONParkOrlando.com THE ICON PARK PLAY PASS INCLUDES (1) ADMISSION TO: The Wheel at ICON Park, Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Orlando StarFlyer, Museum of Illusions, Pearl Express Train, 7D Dark Ride & $5 In The Game Play Card.

8375 International Drive | Orlando, FL 32819 | 407-601-7907

14 Self-Employment Ideas to Take Charge of Your Destiny

By Kimberly Blaker

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During the pandemic, more and more people found ways to use their skillsets and turn their passions into businesses.

As a result, there is a significant increase in self-employment.

Event Planner

So, if you’ve contemplated selfemployment but didn’t think you’d be successful because of the initial cost and overhead, there’s good news. You can do it!

Home Staging Consultant

Here are 14 companies you can start from home, most of which require minimal to no investment to get started.

For animal lovers, this has become a particularly popular form of self-employment. Between the rising cost of pet boarding and pet owners’ desire to reduce the stress their pets experience during owners’ absences, many hire sitters and are willing to pay good money for the service.

Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

If you have excellent organizational and time management skills along with business acumen, this might be the perfect fit. Event planners coordinate every aspect of a meeting or convention, and sometimes social events as well. Planners arrange the logistics of an event including location, catering, speakers, printed materials and more.

According to the real estate industry, well-staged homes sell faster and for more money. If you like home decorating and rearranging furniture, this might be up your alley. You can either offer consulting services or do the staging yourself.

Pet Sitting

Tour Company

Do you live in a big city, historical town, or scenic area with state parks and national monuments? If so, there’s likely a need or demand for tour guides. You can provide walking or driving tours to visitors and residents while sharing your knowledge of the area with them. Just be sure set up good safety measures before you meet alone with strangers.

Social Media Management

If you’re savvy with social media, companies large and small require your service. Social media management includes setting up social media accounts and writing engaging and shareable posts. You’ll also respond to social media messages and comments to build and maintain the company’s relationship with its followers.

Blogging

If you love writing and have the skill to write ongoing, engaging posts, you’ll discover every type of business imaginable either has or needs a blog. Just look for companies related to your area of expertise.

If you’re an expert researcher, that’s all the better, and the sky’s the limit.

Content Writing

This is another high demand writing job. Businesses of all kinds need well-written website content that will describe their products and services and increase targeted traffic. For most companies, search engine optimized (SEO) content is a must. So, if you have this skill, you already have the edge over many writers.

Travel Agency

Despite the ease and cost-effectiveness of buying and scheduling travel online, there’s still a good demand for travel agents. Many people prefer using an agent because of the advice they can offer. Travel agents are also capable of simplifying complicated travel plans. So, if you love to travel and help people, this might be just the right business for you.

Website Design

Have you built a website for yourself or someone in the past? If so and you have a knack for design along with excellent computer skills, this might be just the home-based career you’ve been waiting for. Especially with platforms like WordPress, website design is relatively simple yet offers designers unlimited options.

Bookkeeping

Small businesses often have only a few hours of accounting per week or month. So it isn’t feasible or necessary for them to hire an employee for the task.

This is where you can step in and offer your services.

Landing just a few business accounts could quickly provide you a full-time income working from home.

Personal Trainer

If you’re a fitness buff and enjoy motivating others, this career option is for you. Personal trainer certification programs run between $400 to $1,000. Upon completion, you can either work as a personal trainer for a fitness corporation or work independently.

Recruiting Agency

Because of the challenges and time involved in finding qualified applicants to fill high-level positions, many companies now use recruiters to help fill the roles. With the current low unemployment rate, businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified candidates on their own. So why not step in and help them?

Catering

Do you live for making delicious and eye-appealing food? If you’ve got excellent culinary skills, then offer your catering services. Think wedding receptions, corporate events, graduation parties, bar mitzvahs, luncheons, anniversary parties, and a host of other occasions.

Life Coach

If you enjoy helping people better themselves, here’s the perfect opportunity to make the most of your skill. Depending on where you live, there may be educational requirements for this career. So do your research. But if you’re good at setting goals and developing personal plans, solving problems, understanding people and what motivates them, and offering sound advice, this career is worth considering.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ ON Trend

3

TOP Fashion Trends of 2022 Local stylist extraordinaire shares her thoughts on the hottest fashion trends of the New Year.

By Marissa Burns, CEO and Stylist, The Cheap Chic Life

A new year. We made it! And nothing gives a new routine an ‘atta girl, quite like a wardrobe refresh. So what’s on the list of hottest trends you’ll see this season?

1

Comfort. Comfort is undoubtedly the new queen in fashion. Athleisure is here to stay, team. So you can keep rockin’ those sweatpants. Your biker shorts and leggings can stick around as well. (Cue a sigh of relief from moms everywhere). This season, expect to see new shapes and hues that feel updated and super fresh.

2

Y2K love. Your eyes are not deceiving you. Yes, you in fact did wear that very dress a solid two decades ago. You’ll continue to see nostalgic pieces from your youth dressed up and disguised as now. Think ribbed tops and relaxed jeans, skater dresses, trucker jackets and chunky boots. Basically all the things the cool girls wore when you were a teen are back again.

3

Here comes the sun. Bold is back when it comes to color this year. We’re welcoming a new dawn by channeling all her very best shades. You’ll notice yellows, golds, ambers, rusts and oranges all find their place in the sun this new year. And what better way to breathe life back into a dreary winter than with a sunny style update?

And if you’re looking for inspo to update your workwear, incorporating these trends is easier than ever thanks to a more casual workplace dress code.

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Your favorite pair of sweats have been reimagined for the office! Find sophisticated, slim-cut sweats from retailers like Spanx and Lululemon. Their workwear lines help you achieve the ultimate balance of comfort and style. Pair with a sleek shoe to give them the most polish.

Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

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■

You can proudly proclaim your Y2K fashion love through workwear separates. We are loving the knit suit which you can find in skirts, pants, tanks and cardis. Wear three pieces in monochromatic tones for no-hassle, easy chic. You can also top your ribbed dress with an oversized blazer. Try a double-breasted style in a fun, feminine color.

Brighten up your office wear by choosing more saturated versions of the sunshine color trend. Stick to deeper hues of mustard, rust and amber for the most appropriate professional looks.

To stay up-to-date with 2022 fashion, you’ll want to update those sweats, channel your inner 2000 fangirl and catch some color rays. But remember, choosing clothes that fit and flatter your unique tastes and shape will always inspire confidence no matter the trend. So have fun and be true to your individual style. Because after all, confidence is truly the most stylish thing you can wear this year!

BACK-To-School

Anxiety?

It’s normal to experience some anxiety while getting back in the swing of school. New classes, new routines, new responsibilities, and new faces. It can be overwhelming at times! Here are a few tips for calming down when everything is a bit much.

Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique Use your senses to ground you to the present and stop those racing thoughts!

Find 5 things you see around you

sec on for 3

Find 3 things you hear around you

Bre

ds

on sec

in

3 for

ath e

ld

H

Find 4 things you can touch around you

Ho

ds

Try the Breathing Triangle

Find 2 things you can smell around you

Exhale for 3 seconds

Start at the star and follow the lines around the triangle.

Deep breathing exercises give your nervous system the “all clear” signal that the danger has passed and it’s okay to rest.

Find 1 thing you can taste around you

Want extra support? Give counseling a try!

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+ HEALTH & Wellness

Staying Motivated in 2022 The new year brings about a new sense of self, ideas, and resolutions. Staying motivated after the initial buzz wears off can be difficult, so here are some tips to staying on track.

By Kendall Beebe

W

ith the new year upon us, we have researched some of the most try-worthy wellness trends of 2022.

Boosting Immune system

In the age of COVID-19 and all its different strains, boosting your immune system is at the top of everyone’s list for self-care. You can help strengthen your immune system by eating a balanced diet that provides nutrients from the five food groups, getting enough rest, and washing your hands.

Keilah Rios is the owner of OG Fitness in St. Cloud. She says that going outside is a great way to help get your daily dose of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps strengthen your bones and muscles, while also supporting the immune, brain and nervous system.

Being mindful

Mindfulness is simply being aware of yourself while doing, well anything. Rios says that recently her clients want to have a healthier lifestyle. She says that to achieve a healthy lifestyle you must be active

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and eat the right foods.

“Being mindful about food portions is a huge part of it. It can make a huge difference just being mindful of what you eat and how much of it you are eating,” Rios says.

Daily Affirmations

Talking to yourself in a positive way is extremely important towards self-care and wellness. Rios recommends doing daily affirmations, which are simple positive statements that encourage your personal goals.

“When you are intentionally doing daily affirmations, it really sets you up for success, even if you don’t believe it at first. “If you tell yourself, ‘Okay here are my daily affirmations, this is what I am going to tell myself every day until I believe it’, it can set you up for success, change your outlook and really keep you going if you are kind to yourself first,” Rios says.

Find an Accountability Partner

Sharing your goal with someone you trust can help keep you accountable. Your goal can be to go workout a specific number of times per week, eat healthier or try a new hobby.

“Something that is really key is finding a support system and someone who will help keep you accountable and consistent,” Rios says. “In fitness this can be a personal trainer or in the form of a group class, where you get to know the other people and have a support system there.”

Having someone who knows your goals can help when you start to experience what Rios calls burnout.

Once the initial exciting resolution wears off, your accountability partner can help encourage you when you start to lose motivation.

Some other mindfulness trends worth mentioning:

Face Yoga - using massage therapy to stimulate the skin and muscles in the face, like a jade roller.

Manifesting Journals - like daily affirmations, but instead of just saying them out loud to yourself, you write it down in your journal.

Sleep Tracking Devices - using a device like a phone, watch or other piece of jewelry to track the quality and quantity of sleep.

+ HEALTH & Wellness

A Different Way to Think About Weight Loss With these helpful tips, losing weight can be a healthy reality.

By Dr. Andre F. Teixeira, MD

A

nother New Year, another resolution. And sadly, for most people they don’t work, especially when the resolution focuses on losing weight, which according to a recent survey, accounts for over 40 percent of all New Year’s resolutions. And the success rate of New Year’s resolutions? Only about 35 percent say they have made and successfully kept them.

Obesity is an important health issue, and possibly the most debilitating health problem in the U.S. In fact, with over 40% of all U.S. adults qualifying as obese, the U.S. is the most overweight country in the world. Obesity-related medical conditions include type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and some types of cancer. The medical costs of obesity in our country are estimated as high as $190.2 billion per year.

Fortunately, obesity is also preventable in most cases, but losing weight takes more than simply making a resolution. You have to think differently about food and exercise, as well as self-discipline and motivation.

That leads us to the first of three strategies to help you lose weight.

1. Don’t judge results based on appearance.

When you improve your diet and start exercising, your health improves steadily, even if your weight continues to fluctuate, and that’s something you can feel good about.

For example, you might find that you are less likely to get winded when you walk up a flight of stairs or have to walk across a parking lot.

Also, when you go to the doctor, don’t just look at the number that comes up when you step on the scale.

Compare your blood pressure, heart rate and lab results to the previous check-up, too. If you’ve improved your diet and you’re exercising, those numbers are almost certain to improve.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

2. Make peace with the foods you know you should avoid.

If you’re completely honest with yourself, you know that banning all the foods you love won’t work. In fact, you’ve probably tried that already, right? You can only limit yourself to smoked turkey and alfalfa sprouts for so long before you fall off the wagon. Instead, allow yourself an occasional indulgence. Just make sure you don’t overdo it.

After all, when people follow an unhealthy diet, the problem is not the chocolate or the ice cream or the bacon cheeseburgers. It’s how much of these things you eat. It’s okay to have a slice of pepperoni pizza every now and then as long as you don’t have it every day or eat half the pizza in one sitting.

3. Understand how exercise and calories work

People sometimes think calories measure how fattening food is, but there’s more to it than that. Technically, a calorie is a measure of heat energy. When you see on a label that a certain food has 100 calories, it means that your body has to generate 100 calories of energy to keep it from eventually converting to body fat. So for example, if you eat a large fast-food double cheeseburger that has 770 calories, you might have to walk five or six miles to work it off.

If you start to understand and think about the relationship between exercise and food, you’ll find that you’re more motivated to go for a daily walk and better able to resist the temptation of high-calorie foods.

So this year, give these strategies a try and ditch the New Year’s Resolutions. Instead, think of it as a different way of understanding food and exercise, in a way that’s lasting and permanent.

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+ HOW YOU Can Help

Using Your Talents to Help Others

By Marc Jablon

W

e often thank God when something fortunate happens for us. However, being thankful for the blessings we receive is just a small part in how God uses us to help the homeless men, women, and children in our community.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret that I tell all my clients in business: "Good Business is Good Business".

What that means is that it is perfectly acceptable for businesses to market themselves as supporters of Matthew's Hope.

This is how God uses you. He knows your talents and hopes you will use them to support those who are less fortunate. When creating Matthew's Hope, Scott Billue’s goal was to help the homeless build a life of independence and self-sustainability. That is why Matthew's Hope focuses so much on "Help Us, Help Them, Help Themselves".

When you take a deep look at what causes someone to become homeless, you realize that just handing them a few dollars will not solve the problem. The truth is that many homeless guests at Matthew's Hope require medical attention, housing, transportation, education, career support, and money management skills.

This was the case with Miguel. Thanks to the financial support from people in the community, Miguel was able to regain his independence back through eye surgery which gave him his sight, dental work that gave him back his confidence to smile, and education which helped him reinstate his driver's license.

Another homeless guest, Shannon, last OD’d from heroin in December 2019. Thanks to your generosity, Shannon is now clean and sober. She has reclaimed her smile through dental surgeries and is in the process of healing her relationship with her children. Shannon is a valued member of the Matthew's Hope team and is currently working towards an education goal to become an addiction

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

counselor. Shannon was moved into transitional housing and graduated from the Moving Forward Program.

The Moving Forward Program starts with helping the homeless guests meet their basic needs and ends with them matching $1000 that their guest has put into savings so they can achieve independent living. The program includes rewards for homeless guests as they achieve certain goals.

Matthew's Hope also provides work opportunities at both the wood shop and Matthew's Hope Chest Store.

"Anyone who wants to work at Matthew's Hope, can," Billue says.

Less than 12 years ago Matthew's Hope was just socks and underwear. Today Matthew's Hope includes medical, dental, optical, mental health care, transitional housing, custom wood shop, a boutique store, legal and financial assistance, and much more. The growth of Matthew's Hope is due to the tremendous support that they have received from the community. They do not accept any government funding.

"Do what you can, not what you can't,” Billue says. “If you don't see God's hand on this place, then you're missing something incredible. He used YOU, to help us, help them, help themselves.”

So, I ask, what talents has God given you which will allow you to contribute? For me personally, I believe God is telling me to write. This is my opportunity to share my talents and tell Matthew's Hope story from a different perspective. I believe there are thousands of us out there who want to help, but just don't know how. As Scott says, "Do what you can, not what you can't". We all have something to offer. What's your gift?

+ YOUR Local

The Refreshed Brand Looking forward to the next 50 years.

(L to R) Paul McNamara of Reed Nissan – Director of HR, John McReynolds of Universal Orlando Resort – Chairman 2023, J.T. McWalters of the Orlando Magic and WOCC 2022 Chairman, Dr. Kim Hardy of UCF and Treasurer and Camille Evans of Virtus Law, Immediate Past Chairwoman of the WOCC.

By Stina D’Uva

B

ack in 2010, the chamber Board of Directors gathered to determine a clear path for our chamber to advance us through the next decade. The result was a 10-year vision statement focused on the chamber being recognized as an advocate for business and created a simple, yet powerful purpose statement for the chamber. That purpose has been known as facilitating opportunity and has been wildly successful.

Yet, we realized as we reached 2020 and with the pandemic lingering into 2021, that we needed to re-evaluate our purpose and vision to stay relevant for the future; our next 50 years as we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2022.

What we do know is that for the past 50 years, we have been a voice of and for business. While we recognize that we have no authority over any one entity, municipality, governing body, or business, when we learn of issues needing resolutions, we can bring leaders together to develop resolutions to improve the economic climate in our community. We can do this because our Chamber is made up of leaders representing every industry sector from education to manufacturing to theme parks to commercial construction and more. We have the determination and might because of our size and we have the knowledge because of our industry leaders.

So, we are moving on from simply facilitating opportunities to “Advancing. Community. Collaboration. Leadership.” This refined purpose will enable us to be recognized as the collective voice for business leadership and community partnerships that advances a positive ecosystem for the West Orange community.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

We are retiring a logo that has served us well for over 20 years and retiring the facilitating opportunity logo of the past 10 years. Our new logo features the cross-sectioned orange talk word bubble. The wedges of the orange preserve our past and demonstrate that they are pointed inward and together in a sense of community. The wedges can represent our cities, towns, and county. They can represent major industry sectors or much more, as our imaginations allow.

Overall, they represent people working collaboratively to be the collective voice and to advance our community, West Orange County.

Our 50th anniversary year will also be commemorated with a special logo demonstrating our birth in 1972 to 2022. This was made possible by our community Engagement Partners; AdventHealth, Orlando Health and Valencia College. To see more, join us at our Big Orange Awards celebration in February at Walt Disney World® where we will be honoring distinguished members of our Chamber who have advanced our community through collaboration and leadership. At that time, you will be able to meet the 2022 Executive Committee of our Chamber, as well as other board and community leaders.

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+ YOUR Local

Make Your Goals a Reality in 2022

By Don Long, Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce

A

s one year ends and a new year arrives people tend to reflect on the past and start planning and establishing goals for the next year. Though it would seem natural to follow routes to success many people will propose goals without following through with the most vital component of reaching a goal, the plan.

French laureate and author of “The Little Prince”, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, published one of the most famous quotes pertaining to planning.

His quote, “A goal without a plan is just a wish”, provides direct encouragement to plan.

Among the significant values of chamber of commerce membership is the availability of assistance within the membership structure for everything one needs to complete a plan.

The chamber membership directory is an ideal source of services and items needed to support a plan.

As a retired Marine and now CEO/President of a chamber of commerce, I am intimately familiar with the need to plan to reach a goal or accomplish a mission. Though there are innumerable planning tools available, my favorite is the five-paragraph order exercised by virtually every successful Marine Corps leader. Planners using the Situation, Mission, Execution,

Administration and Logistics, Command and Signal (SMEAC) method have led Marines into combat while also applying the system to successful missions during peace time. Effectively completing each paragraph provides a map to success and should leave no stone unturned in the planning process.

The SMEAC information shared here is commonly found in Marine training manuals in which the paragraphs are developed in much more detail. Readers can think of chamber sources of help while reviewing these condensed specifics: ■

■

Situation – This paragraph presents the state of existence, location, available resources, and workforce along with other possible supporting organizations or resources that can be called on.

The situation must also include challenges, strength of the opposition, opposition location, and the opposition’s supporting organizations and resources. This paragraph is frequently compared to benchmarking.

Mission – This is the goal. It should be no longer than one sentence that states a clear and concise goal.

■

■

■

Execution – Execution classifies the who, when, what, and how of the process. It can also contain the overall concept and processes, identify the intent, and any other requirements for coordination internally and externally.

Administration and Logistics – This paragraph designates the necessary administrative supplies and processes while also pinpointing sources for revenue and supporting supplies.

Command and Signal – As persons work toward plan completion, they need to know who to report to, the levels where decisions are authorized, and how to communicate requirements and task accomplishments.

SMEAC may not suit everyone, but planners will be surprised how using an established and proven planning method can speed up the process to reach a goal. Plus, using chamber resources can increase the planners’ influence in the community. Start planning now.

LNRCC is a membership not-for-profit organization with offices located in Lake Nona at 6555 Sanger Rd, Orlando, FL 32827.

It is not affiliated with, or sponsored by, Lake Nona Property Holdings, LLC, or its affiliated entities. Comments or requests for information are encouraged at Administration@LakeNonaCC.org.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

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+ SOMEONE You Should Know

Putting First Responders First A retired firefighter and his educator wife give respite to those who put others first.

By Tarre Beach

C

incinnati residents Mike and Jennifer Wilcox had recently bought a vacation home in Anna Maria Island when the pandemic shut down all vacation rentals in the state of Florida. Mike says the change squeezed their finances, but thankfully they were able to ride out the storm.

Unable to rent out their vacation home, the Wilcoxes came up with a great way to give back instead.

Mike, a firefighter for 17 years himself, emailed and called several fire, paramedic, and police departments in the area to offer their vacation home as a place for first responders exposed to COVID to quarantine. The deputy chief of South Manatee Fire Rescue gratefully accepted the offer.

At first the chief misunderstood and started to give Mike a credit card to pay for a member of his team to stay at the 2-bedroom, 1-bath beach house. Mike declined. “You don’t need to pay a penny. We want to do this to help,” Mike says.

According to Mike, his wife Jennifer, an educator for over 20 years, was a big part of the plan. “She’s always so optimistic. When the idea started to form, she was all fired up about it.”

The first person to stay at the Wilcoxes’ vacation rental needed to quarantine away from home due to a member of their family being medically fragile. “It felt good to be able to do this small thing for those who put it all on the line,” Mike says.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

The couple, who planned to retire in Florida in a few years, ended up retiring sooner than they expected due to the pandemic. Now they live in Bradenton full-time and have been able to rent out their Anna Maria Island vacation home once again.

Vrbo, the vacation rental online marketplace that the Wilcoxes partner with caught wind of their generosity. As a result, Mike was put on a short list to be the coin tosser at this year’s Vrbo Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium on New Year’s Day. And now guess who’s been studying tape on coin tossing and practicing his heads-or-tails skills every opportunity he gets? Mike Wilcox.

Mike is excited to be getting the opportunity to toss the coin to see if University of Iowa or University of Kentucky will kick or receive at the Vrbo Citrus Bowl.

For the last several years Vrbo has put a spotlight on vacation owners who have gone above and beyond to help their community by selecting them to do the coin toss at the Citrus Bowl. Vrbo’s vice president of partner success Kevin Locraft called what the Wilcoxes did inspiring.

“Jennifer and I just wanted to pay it forward any way we could. We’re humbled by this honor,” Mike says.

e t a t s E l a e R n i d n e i r F t s e B r u o Y

Alicia Spears

BSBA-Real Estate, Lic. Real Estate Broker, Realtor® GRI, ABR

407-963-9141 www.aliciaspears.com

+ SOMEONE You Should Know

Continuing

the Legacy Welcome the new CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Derrick Chubbs!

A

fter a nationwide search, Derrick Chubbs has been chosen to lead the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Effective January 1, 2022, Chubbs succeeds Dave Krepcho, who retired at the end of 2021 after leading Second Harvest since 2004.

Chubbs first joined the Food Bank Network in 2016 and has been leading the Central Texas Food Bank in Austin for the past five years. Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is the largest hunger relief agency in Central Texas. The organization provides more than 64 million pounds of food and grocery items to over 300,000 residents across 21 counties.

In addition to guiding the food bank during an unprecedented time due to covid-19, he has helped to lay a strong financial and strategic foundation for the future success of the CTFB. Now, he will bring his expertise to Central Florida.

“Derrick is an accomplished business leader who is driven by a passion to help others, making him the ideal leader for Second Harvest,” says Jeff Lutes, Board Chairman. “With thousands of families working to regain stable financial footing amid the pandemic, our work to feed hope has never been more important than it is right now. Derrick will further Dave’s legacy while positioning Second Harvest for the future.”

Under Krepcho’s leadership Second Harvest focused on delivering hunger solutions. The food bank expanded distribution capabilities, reduced food waste, and introduced its Culinary Training Program. The organization also launched several social enterprise initiatives to provide a sustainable revenue stream, including a catering division and signature food product line.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | January 2022

“Second Harvest has established itself as a national leader advocating for those experiencing food insecurity,” says Chubbs. “It is my honor and privilege to join this team as we continue with our relentless pursuit towards eliminating hunger in Central Florida.”

Chubbs is a graduate of the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University and is nearing completion of his Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Texas.

Prior to joining the Food Bank Network, he worked with the American Red Cross for nearly 10 years and held both regional and national executive roles. In his professional career, he held senior leadership positions with companies such as IBM, Pervasive Software, and Dell.

After an almost 20-year career in the for-profit technology sector, Chubbs chose to follow his passion for community service. He serves on the Board of Directors for Feeding Texas, Emergency Food and Shelter Program, Bancorp South Corporate Community Advisory Council, Texas Capital Bank Austin Market Community Council, and Austin Community College Management Department Advisory Board, and is a member of the Austin Area Research Organization.

Chubbs and his family are looking forward to making the wonderful community that is Central Florida their new home!

For more information about Second Harvest and the different ways to support hunger relief efforts, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.

THE COVID-19 VACCINE:

As essential as you are.

I GOT MY COVID-19 VACCINE!

Add one more layer of protection to keep you and your family safe.

Learn how you can get a COVID-19 vaccine. cdc.gov/coronavirus/vaccines www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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