Hooray! Back to School

Dear Readers,

We made it to August, and there is much to celebrate as we enter a new season. The return to school and work (for some) season. I remember spending years shopping for new clothes and shoes with my parents and siblings, complaining about earlier bedtimes, and juggling homework and extracurricular activities. The chaos of those times may have seemed like a challenge back then, but now they are nostalgic moments that make me appreciate the joy of being a child.

So, as backpacks and work bags start to eclipse beach bags, this back-to-school issue is brimming with guidance and inspiration to help you leap into the coming school year fully prepared and excited! We’ll explore after-school delights and unlock teacher treasures with innovative programs and field trips at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Strap in for a pleasant reading ride as we share back-to-school shopping tips, design productive work office spaces and determine when to limit social media usage for teens.

Most importantly, we’ll delve into the power of community involvement as we usher in the next generation. So, let’s ride the anticipation and enthusiasm wave together into the new school year. Happy August!

Sincerely,

Alexis George

EDITOR

Alexis George

Alexis.George@lifestylescfl.com

COMMUNITY LIAISON AMBASSADOR

Kristi Gomen

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Michael Feland

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Catie Moore

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Jenna Greaves, Grayson Keglovic, Andrew Montana

WRITERS

Tarre Beach, Candy Cole, Jennifer Couvertier, Melissa Donovan, Jenna Greaves, Kristen Jackson, Grayson Keglovic, Rich Maladecki, Andrew Montana, T. Michele Walker, Amy Vanz

SALES / MARKETING

MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE Riccardo D’Anconia

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Daniel Korentur

DIGITAL MEDIA ASSISTANT

Jennifer Couvertier

DIRECTOR OF PROPOSALS AND

SHARON LAM

Sharon.Lam@lifestylescfl.com 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. August 2023.

Proud Member of:

Features

6 IS YOUR TEEN USING SOCIAL MEDIA TOO MUCH?

Pamela A. Ponce, MD, with Orlando Health Physician Associates - Pediatrics, shares everything you need to know about mental health risks for teens using social media.

16 DECODING WEATHER MYSTERIES AND MORE WITH ZACH COVEY

In this fun Q&A, meteorologist Zach Covey with Spectrum News 13 allows us to explore the essential role of meteorologists in our daily lives and how unpredictable Florida weather shapes his intriguing career.

20 A LEARNING SANCTUARY: HARRY P. LEU GARDENS

Unearth the team’s vision for the upcoming year, the enriching new programs set to launch, and how schools and the broader community can partner with this vibrant education hub.

26 BLENDING INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY TRUST IN SPINE CARE

The Masson Spine Institute (MSI) has been a beacon of hope and recovery for patients grappling with spinal injury for 25 years. Learn how Dr. Robert Masson and his team stand out as global thought leaders.

32 ORANGE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM CONTINUES TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS

The library system reflects on the past and looks to the future. Learn a few fun facts about the library’s history and how you can participate in the celebration of this monumental occasion.

48 AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDA

Central Florida has plenty to offer for residents and visitors alike. Every month, receive our recommendations of places to explore.

Departments

8 SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW Breathing New Life into TFA Football

10 YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED

Navigating Challenges of StateAppointed Guardianship in Florida

12 DANIEL’S CORNER

Bud and Bloom

14 TALK OF THE TOWN

Conversations for Your Community

18 HOMESTYLE

Creating a Productive Workspace at Home

22 DINING

Make it Magical

24 MONEY MATTERS

The Importance of Financial Literacy in Our Schools

28

EDUCATION

Stepping into a New Academic Year with Pam Gould

30 EDUCATION

Study Tips for a Successful School Year

34 SPORTS AND RECREATION

What to Expect from UCF as it Enters the Big XII Conference

36 SPORTS AND RECREATION Swing into National Golf Month’s 30th-Year Celebration

38 SPORTS AND RECREATION

After-School Activities to Keep Your Kids Active and Busy

40 ON TREND

Incoming College Freshman (And Their Parents) Need Facebook

42 ON TREND

Dominate Back-To-School Shopping At Dollar Tree

44 YOUR LOCAL

Lake Nona: Fueling Growth in a Rapidly Changing Community

46 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Black-Owned Businesses Bring Their Passions to Central Florida

50 CALENDAR

He can see his future. So can we.

Many factors will impact his future health, most of which exist outside our walls. Making a difference through programs that will reach him at school, at home and even on the playground is a big part of our mission. We’ll always provide the critical care kids need today, but we’re equally committed to influencing a healthier tomorrow.

Visit Nemours.org to see how we’re creating a healthier future.