The Local—January/February 2025

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Tri Angles

A local couple nds their lane: A triathlon love story.

Jessica Villegas turns a shattered past into a blueprint for transformation.

Well Don

From the shadows to stability, Don Salmon’s journey from homelessness to hope.

KYLE MARTIN

For Starters

Every year, we’re bombarded with

the same hollow battle cry: New Year, New You! It’s plastered on planners, whispered in tness ads, and promised by in uencers with perfect lighting. Transformation is sold to us like it’s a product—like we can buy it, unwrap it, and be shiny and new by February.

But anyone who’s lived through real transformation knows it doesn’t come in a neat package. It’s messy, slow, and often feels more like falling apart before falling together.

It’s not a montage set to upbeat music. It’s crying in the middle of the night when no one is around to cheer you on. It’s fumbling through awkward, tiny steps forward. It’s doubting yourself so completely that you want to quit—but choosing, stubbornly, not to. It’s one imperceptible shift at a time, until one day, you look back and whisper, Wow. Look how far I’ve come

Jessica Villegas knows that kind of transformation. Her story of surviving abuse and neglect is a testament to strength born in the rubble. Don Salmon knows it too—he climbed out of homelessness and mental illness because one person believed in him, and he decided to believe a little too.

Transformation isn’t always about scaling towering, dramatic hurdles. Often, it’s found in the quiet, persistent moments—the kind no one applauds. Maybe this year, it’s as simple and profound as lacing up your sneakers and walking, like Jason O’Neil, who found his way to health 30 minutes at a time.Or maybe, this is the year you decide to push the edges of what you thought possible. If so, let Andy and Stephanie Clark inspire you. This powerhouse duo has guided countless beginners from the couch to the nish line of a triathlon—not in one leap, but in steady, determined strides.

The stories on these pages are messy and real. They’re about showing up, getting lost, and showing up again anyway. They’re about doing the daily work even when the results don’t arrive on time or in the package you imagined.

The new year doesn’t hand you transformation wrapped in glitter. It hands you raw material: days, hours, minutes, messy starts and stops. And if you’re brave—or desperate, or stubborn—you pick up the pieces and begin.

And it starts with the smallest yes. One wobbly step toward the life you want, even if you don’t fully believe you’ll get there yet. It’s slow, sacred work. And it’s never, ever too late.

Here’s to the miracle of beginning again.

Heather Anne Lee, Editor heather@emagency.com

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Ocoee Taco Company

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WINTER GARDEN

January/February 2025 Vol. 4 No. 1

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One Man’s Band

Bernard Hendricks Jr. is turning rhythm into lifechanging lessons.

Bernard Hendricks Jr.’s journey as a Grammynominated music educator is deeply intertwined with his roots and his father’s passion for music. Growing up, Bernard’s father—a tuba player in a traditional German oom-pah band during his military service in Germany—would bring him along to practices.

“He’d put on his lederhosen, and I’d get to tag along,” Bernard remembers with a warm laugh.

“For me, it was just about spending time with my dad while he played. Those moments left a mark on me that I carry to this day.”

Over the past 28 years, Bernard has inspired more than 15,000 students, sharing the transformative magic of music. His teaching career began with a middle school band of 120 students, which grew

to more than 400 under his guidance. Today, as a high school band director at Ocoee High School, he runs a thriving program that gives every student—from beginners to seasoned players—a chance to nd their rhythm and discover their love of music.

When he’s not in the classroom, Bernard unwinds with “Old School Funk” on iHeart Radio.

“For me, it’s real music— the horns, the drums. It just speaks to me as a percussionist,” he says. “I guess you could call me a noise maker,” he adds with a grin. His playlist is a mix of jazz, funk, and worship music, all bound by the powerful rhythms he loves.

After the pandemic reshaped education, Bernard made it his mission to create a space of unity and collaboration

in his classroom. To his students, it’s more than a band room—it’s a family. “It’s not just about learning notes. It’s about teamwork, leadership, and the joy of creating something together,” he explains. He also makes a point of introducing his students to underrepresented voices in music, like minority and female composers. “I want to expose my students to diverse talents and perspectives,” he says. “It’s about broadening their horizons.”

As for the Grammy nod? Bernard humbly defers.

students who inspire me every day, the mentors who shaped my journey, and the power of music to bring people together. It’s a privilege to share this art form and watch it transform lives.”

Ocoee High School band director Bernard Hendricks Jr. has been named a GRAMMY Finalist! He’s one of 10 announced for the 2025 Music Educator Award.

Watch Mr. Hendricks in action with his students as they work through a practice session.

KATE KESTER FRED LOPEZ

Cultivating Love

Sara Samuels & Marty O’Connor say I do in a celebration brimming with local charm.

CARLE REED

Sara Samuels and Marty O’Connor’s story could have been scripted by fate. Both hailed from the same area near Scranton, Pennsylvania, grew up just 20 miles apart, and even attended the University of Scranton—a small college of fewer than 4,000 students. Yet their paths never crossed.

“We were always in each other’s orbit,” Sara re ects, “but it wasn’t our time yet.” Even after both moved to Florida to work at the same company and lived only miles apart, their lives remained separate—until one night at The Attic Door. Marty mentioned Scranton in conversation

with a bartender. Sara, sitting nearby, overheard and couldn’t believe her ears.

“‘Scranton, Pennsylvania? No way!’” Sara recalls saying, laughing at the memory. “We started talking, and suddenly all these connections came to light.”

Winter Garden became the perfect backdrop for their budding relationship. Its historic charm and warm atmosphere made it feel like home. Their rst o cial date at Light Up Winter Garden solidi ed their bond.

“Walking those glowing streets together felt like a scene from a movie,” Sara shares. “It’s a tradition we’ve kept alive every year since.”

After seven wonderful years together, Marty proposed during a dreamy getaway in Barbados. While the couple once imagined a tropical elopement, fate—and

Sara’s mom,Jeanne Yazinski—had other plans. So when Sara and Marty married last October, they turned their wedding into a celebration of Winter Garden.

Guests stayed at the historic Edgewater Hotel, enjoyed local cuisine, and joined a guided historical tour led by Jim from the Heritage Foundation. “We wanted our families to experience everything we love about this town,” Sara says. From orals by Plant Street Flower Cart to desserts from DG Donuts and Southern Home Bakery, every detail showcased local businesses.

Their ceremony took place in Sara’s family’s pollinator garden, alive with butter ies

symbolizing new beginnings. Later, they returned to The Attic Door for a heartfelt reception. Sitting in their original meeting spots, now labeled “Bride” and “Groom,” they danced to “Sarah Smile” by Hall & Oates, closing a perfect chapter in their story.

While the adventure of saying “I do” has drawn to a close, a new chapter begins. Together, they’re embracing what’s next: more travel, new memories, and even cultivating a garden of their own.

“Walking those glowing streets together felt like a scene from a movie. It’s a tradition we’ve kept alive every year since.”

Local History

Then & Now

The Garden Theater

Ravings!

Jamie Mark flexes his publisher privilege to grab the mace from Sean to rave about a great local experience.

We lost power, like many others, when Hurricane Milton swept through Central Florida. Unfortunately, days later, we were still without power when most people had theirs restored. After toughing it out, my family decided it was time for a hot meal at our favorite taco spot, Ocoee Taco Company. It’s not fancy, but locals know the food is amazing!

As we dug into our comfort food, owner Francisco Enamorado— “Taco Frank,” as everyone calls him—stopped by to say hello. We don’t know each other well, but Frank is friendly with everyone. When we mentioned we were still without power, he immediately o ered us a generator. Not wanting to impose and realizing we couldn’t t it in our

Honda, we thanked him and declined. Frank insisted, even o ering to deliver it himself in his truck—and he did. That generator powered us through two more days before our power came back. And when it did, Frank was there with his truck and a smile to pick it up.

This is what being a local is all about. Despite

managing his own life and business, Frank dropped everything to help a family in need. I’m so grateful for his generosity. Frank is thoughtful, community-minded, and makes some of the best Mexican food around. So a huge shoutout to Frank and Ocoee Taco Company! Next time you’re hungry, go support Frank and his wonderful local business.

Market Watch

With Kate McDonald Kester

Kate cruises the Winter Garden Farmer’s Market and shares her fave finds

Click here to join Kate on a stroll through our favorite morning market—where every table holds a treasure.

Just K’s Kandles With classic scents and boozy inspired cocktail candles, elevate your senses with these candles!

What’s New

There’s always good news in the Garden

Sauce Man Turn up the heat, savor the sweet, and embrace the smoke—The Sauce Man is here to level up your flavor game!

Ruby & Rust Green Plants New year, new leaves—let green be your guiding color with a little help from Ruby and Rust.

Foodies, get ready to indulge. Grand Central Pizza has o icially opened in Ocoee, serving up pies that are already making waves, while Wine O’Clock Bistro, also in Ocoee, is your new go-to for sipping and savoring in style. Downtown Winter Garden welcomed Soulshi, a fresh and flavorful sushi spot that already has a slew of raving fans. Big news for pizza fans: AJ’s Pizza Joint recently opened its doors in the old Winter Garden Pizza location, promising a delicious comeback. Meanwhile, Italian food lovers will rejoice when Spoleto Italian Kitchen joins the Main Street dining scene, bringing its signature pasta creations to the area. Speaking of great eats, Matthew’s Steakhouse just upped its game by securing a liquor license. Their new cocktail menu, with drink names inspired by local personalities, is as creative as it is delicious. Beyond the bites, Winter Garden is expanding with exciting additions. Aquamania Aquarium Store has opened on Colonial, o ering everything you need to make a splash in your aquatic adventures. Cannabis enthusiasts are fired up about the grand opening of RISE Dispensary, while fitness fans are gearing up for D1 Training Winter Garden, which just debuted its cutting-edge facility. Last, but not least, Erika Krivenko of Hive Boutique took to social media to share the news of her shop’s closing—but don’t worry, it’s not the last we’ll see of her. New plans are already buzzing!

Good news to share?

Send to: heather@emagency.com

Paris Rose

Sheepadoodle

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Scenes of South Lake

In a Pickle

How pickles gave Liv Sain a second chance

M c WATERS FRED LOPEZ

Liv Sain doesn’t just make pickles. She makes pickles that matter. You can almost hear her say it, capital “M” on Matter, like they’re the secret ingredient to surviving this messy, ridiculous, beautiful life.

And maybe they are.

“Pickles matter because they literally saved me,” she says. And she’s not being dramatic. Not even a little. “It was a time when my life was not going so well. I was 23 years old when my father passed away, and that loss rocked me. Hard. I started drinking and got lost in alcohol addiction that lasted through a couple detoxes.”

We all know the cliché: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But Liv didn’t have lemons.

She had cucumbers.

“I didn’t start out making pickles with any lofty thoughts. I made pickles one day because my mom had too many cucumbers in her fridge,” she laughs. “I had always liked to cook, and I used to post what I cooked up in the kitchen on Facebook. So that day, I posted a picture saying, ‘I love pickles and pickling,’ and I sold 40 jars of my pickles that next week. The biggest response I ever got from Facebook!”

But because this is real life and not a feel-good TV movie, it didn’t immediately click. Liv didn’t wake up the next day with her life magically sorted out. “It still didn’t sink in,” she says. “I didn’t take it seriously. I went to detox for a second time.

Then I came out and remembered those 40 jars of pickles.”

What came next wasn’t a big epiphany. It was quieter than that, like most good things. She did her research, got her jars, and hauled her pickles to the Conway Community Market. “It was a horrible day,” she says. “Cold, windy, rainy. But people stood in line for my pickles.”

And there it was. The beginning of a life Liv hadn’t dared to imagine.

Liv’s pickles aren’t like other pickles. Of course they’re not. “I use only fresh onion, coriander, and dill—nothing dried. And I use English cucumbers because they’re tastier, a more vibrant green, and easier on acid re ux. Stores call them ‘burpless,’ which sounds

terrible, but they’re great. A better snap, a sweeter taste, and a brighter green. They just make better pickles.”

But what makes Liv’s pickles extraordinary isn’t just what’s in them—it’s what they’ve done for her.

“Pickles have given me meaningful, purposeful work,” she says. “They embody renewal and transformation beyond just consumption. They re ect the challenge of going through adversity and coming out the other side. I share my pro ts every year with a variety of charities to celebrate that. To give back. They turned my despair into prosperity.”

Her voice softens, but it doesn’t lose its conviction. “And so, yeah, my pickles taste amazing. But they matter even more.”

MARK

Ravings!

Sean O’Neill, the man behind the area’s rowdiest Facebook groups, shares about South Lake.

Burger: Tiki Bar & Grill

Mexican: San Jose’s

Hair Salon: Mark Douglas Hairdressing

Breakfast: Keke’s

Pizza: Piesanos

New Business: Everything Local Co. (pick up The Local here!)

Gym: National Training Center

The votes are tallied, the group has spoken, and the winners of the 2024 Clermont–Rants, Raves and Reviews People’s Choice Awards are here! From the best burger to the top spot for date night, these businesses and individuals have earned their place as community favorites. Whether you’re craving barbecue, need a fresh haircut, or want to know where to take the kids for some creative fun, this list has you covered.

Subs/Sandwiches: Jersey Mike’s

Bartender: Brandi Taylor, Crown

Restaurant & Lounge

Server: Nikki Gordon, Roasted Spirit

Nail Salon: Sun City Nails

Barber: Nick Guerra, Sly Barbershop

BBQ: Black Bear Kitchen

Chinese: Dim Sum House

Bakery: Sweet vs Sinful

Wings: Tiki Bar & Grill

Ice Cream: Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Food Truck: Uncle Kenny’s Take-Away

Chicken: Chick- l-A

Steak: Texas Roadhouse

Date Night: The View

Kids Activities: The Plaster Cottage

Tropical Impressions

Get ready, Clermont, because the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation’s Bras for the Cause is coming in hot— literally.

This year’s theme, "Tropic Like It’s Hot," is bringing all the island vibes you didn’t know you needed on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Expect outrageously decorated bras, tropical cocktails, live entertainment, and serious feel-good energy.

It’s all near and dear to The Local's heart as a proud annual sponsor of this beloved event. Every dollar raised helps local cancer patients and their families. It’s a party with a purpose.

Scenes of South Lake

Hole Lotta Love

A local family mixes tradition and love to create a rising star.

MARK MCWATERS FRED LOPEZ

New York bagels: Pu y, with their signature chew and barely-there holes. Montreal bagels: Smaller, sweeter, denser, with a loyal fan base north of the border. But what happens when you blend the two?

“Mont Royal Bagels brings the best of both ba-

gel worlds together,” says Randy Grossman.

Of course, Randy might be a little biased.

“My mother was from a Montreal suburb that was a sort of hub for bagels,” he explains. “I used to ride the bus as a kid in the ’60s and see people lined up— old ladies in fur coats brav-

ing snowstorms—just to get these bagels. Montreal bagels were my world until I moved to the U.S.”

Randy discovered that bagels inspire erce loyalties. “People are so passionate about their bagels. In Montreal, you’re either a Fairmont or St-Viateur person. And in New York,

Scenes of South Lake

their process. “We use

happily talk your ear off.”

—Randy Grossman

gels a unique texture. Randy handles the dough, and I take care of avoring and dressing them. We boil

them in honey water and are always experimenting with new recipes. But our signature Mont Royal Bagel is consistent—distinct from anything else out there—and if we do say so, it’s pretty delicious.”

But for the Grossmans, the best part isn’t the taste; it’s the transformation they’ve seen in their son. “Colin is thriving,” Randy says. “He’s more con dent, more outgoing. The business has been a game changer. Stop by our booth at the Clermont Farmer’s Market and say hi—he’ll happily talk your ear o .”

The Grossman family isn’t just about blending bagel traditions; it’s about creating something that truly rises to the occasion.

Scenes of South Lake

Market Watch

With Britt Robles

Britt cruises the Clermont Farmer’s Market and shares her fave finds

Click here to join Britt as she makes her way through the Downtown Clermont Farmer’s Market.

Soulsprout Farm uses regenerative, chemical-free farming practices to ensure the food we’re eating is good for us and the planet!

What’s New

Good things are always happening in South Lake

The buzz around town is as sharp as an axe. Whether you’re a pro or just aiming for fun Ax-Caliber and their Blade & Barrel Bar are now open downtown. Coralheads are geeking out over Reefez Aquarium opening soon on S.R. 50 in Clermont. Meanwhile, over in Groveland, E-GO Depot is pedaling good vibes with their friendly rental and bicycle repair services, perfect for exploring scenic routes nearby. And yes, the rumors are true! White Castle has confirmed plans to open a Clermont location! Speaking of indulgence, Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café has landed in South Lake, bringing French-inspired treats that are almost too beautiful to eat. Over at The Bell Pub, beer lovers are in for a treat with the addition of a beer garden and patio seating in the adjacent alley, o ering the perfect outdoor spot to unwind with a drink. And let’s not forget to toast to Mouthfeel, celebrating its one-year anniversary and marking a delicious milestone in our local catering scene.

Good news to share?

Send to: heather@emagency.com

Luce Del Sole Candle Co. your premier destination for handcrafted soy wax candles.

UpBucha committed to crafting delicious and healthy kombucha, made with love and care.

The Scene: Highway 27 just south of the Citrus Tower in the late 1950s

Dance Numbers

Numbers

Denise Calderon, CPA never falls out of step with her clients, and is especially on her toes during tax season.

Denise Calderon, Certified Public Accountant, stays up-to-date on the ever-changing tax code. She studies and reads constantly. She takes two weeks o at the envd of every year to prepare herself for the upcoming tax season and she dances. Ballroom dances!

“I was asked to participate in a New Beginnings Dancing Under the Stars charity event in 2017. I simply got hooked. I never ballroom danced before. They gave me eight to ten lessons to get started and I absolutely loved it! I have been taking lessons and dancing in competitions ever since. It is a great stress reliever. I get on the dance floor and the rest of the world does not exist.”

How did this dancing CPA get started?

“Well, form is everything in ballroom dancing and the

IRS has all their forms… no, just kidding. I really love numbers. I was eighteen, doing the books on my daddy’s dairy farm. I fell in love with it. It was like solving a puzzle. I worked in other accounting jobs. One of my favorite jobs was working with a nonprofit organization. I got my Certified Public Accountant license in 2006. Then I received my Master’s Degree in Taxation. I opened Denise Calderon, Certified Public Accountant in 2015.”

“I get such a charge out of helping people. They come in stressed out, scared, and worried because they are behind in their taxes. For example, I had a client come into the o ice in tears and to see them sit back in their chair relieved as if I just took the weight of the world o their shoulders. It is the greatest feeling in the world.”

With the tax laws constantly changing the way they do; you do not know

“I get such a charge out of helping people. It is the greatest feeling in the world.”

what you do not know. That is why I recommend hiring a tax professional such as myself or others. I get my clients every deduction they are entitled to. The IRS website has a section on how to choose a tax professional. Actually, I picked up a client that way.”

What other services do you offer?

“We o er an array of services, such as, accounting services, nonprofit, payroll

and sales tax, tax planning, individual and business tax filings, IRS resolution, notary service, opening and dissolving businesses.”

Now, about those ballroom dances…?

“I love the Foxtrot. I sometimes tell people that I Foxtrot through tax season. There is the Bolero, Viennese Waltz, Salsa, and Mambo. I cannot pick a favorite. I dance about fifteen di erent ballroom dance styles. It depends on my mood, but I do not know if anything can top the Salsa.”

For more information

127 W. Washington St Minneola, FL 34715 407-559-1047 denisecalderon.com

A childhood marked by trauma shaped Jessica Villegas into a mentor who helps teens and families find hope, resilience and purpose.

Beaufort, South Carolina, a town where the air tastes of salt and the oaks bow under the weight of moss, isn’t where you’d expect a story of heartbreak and transformation to begin. But this is where Jessica Villegas’ life began, the daughter of teenagers barely older than the secrets they kept. Her mother, “15, maybe 16 already,” and her 21-year-old father approached parenthood not with joy, but with the weary detachment of people too young to carry such a heavy load.

HEATHER

ANNE

LEE

FRED LOPEZ

“They liked the idea when it was easy,” Jessica says, her voice steady despite the ache in her words. “But mostly, they didn’t want the responsibility.”

Her childhood was a series of disjointed scenes—each more haunting than the last. Roach-infested e ciency apartments. Her mom homeless, sleeping in cars. Moving in the middle of the night. Drugs. Alcohol. Prostitution. Sexual abuse. Violence. An empty fridge. A father gone most of the time. The air heavy with absence.

By age 6, Jessica was a latchkey kid, walking herself across a busy street to an apartment that o ered more loneliness than shelter. “I had to take care of myself. And them,” she explains. “I was the one who cleaned up after parties, nursed hangovers, or soothed bruises when they got hurt. I was more of a parent than they were.”

Jessica envied the other kids at school, with their new clothes, cupcake-laden birthdays, and moms who came to parent-teacher meetings. “I was a very sad child,” she remembers, tears welling in her eyes. “I just wanted to be normal.”

In ninth grade, the chaos shifted yet again. One

morning, her father, who had no custodial rights, announced they were moving. No calls. No goodbyes. Just pack. They left South Carolina for Orlando, Florida, and for two weeks, things were as close to normal as they’d ever been. Jessica dared to hope things might improve.

Then the federal agents showed up.

Her father was arrested for arson—pouring gasoline over federal property in a t of rage and setting it on re. Her mother drove down to whisk Jessica back to Beaufort, where the details of her father’s crime splashed across newspapers. That summer, her mother admitted to a crack addiction and announced she was heading to rehab.

In the span of three months, both of Jessica’s parents were gone— not through death, but through the small, su ocating absence of addiction and incarceration—and she had become the kid other parents didn’t want their children around. She carried the weight of those judgments every day. “Nobody ever said, ‘Can I help you? Can we talk? I want to see you succeed,’” she says. “They just looked away.”

Jessica moved in with her grandmother, a devout Christian who replaced

“I was the one who cleaned up after parties, nursed hangovers... I was more of a parent than they were.”

chaos with strict rules and rigid expectations. The sudden shift was too much. Jessica, overwhelmed by the weight of everything, attempted to take her own life. When she awoke 18 hours later, no one asked her why. Her grandmother grounded her instead, assuming she had snuck out the night before.

Building Her Own Foundation

Somewhere in those chaotic years—whether it was ninth or tenth grade is hazy now—Jessica found a sanctuary in the form of ballet. She’d taken a few

5- year-old Jessica and her father

classes as a kid, but back then, it hadn’t carried the weight of salvation. Now, with its ruthless precision and the demand for grace under pressure, ballet was a shield, a structure to contain the chaos.

“I just needed a way to not go home,” she says, marveling at the desperate ingenuity of her teenage self. Anything that kept her out of the house was fair game: school improvement councils, Students Against Drunk Driving, the African dance team (though, in the late-’90s in South Carolina, she was allowed to practice but never perform),

“Nobody ever said,

‘Can I help you? Can we talk?’ They just looked away.”

and endless ballet classes. She worked at the studio, scrubbing mirrors and oors, teaching beginner classes, just to o set the cost of lessons her family couldn’t fully a ord. Her grandmother paid what she could, and Jessica hustled for the rest.

It wasn’t just the physicality of dance that drew her in—it was the clarity. “It gave me something to control,” she explained. When everything else was unraveling, she could always fall back on pliés, on counting beats, on focusing her energy into mastering just one more move. In the studio, she wasn’t the girl whose home life was a mess. She was disciplined. She was worthy.

By the time Jessica nished high school, she had moved 27 times. College was meant to be her clean slate, a chance to start over. Her ambitions were bold, even if they lacked precision. “I wanted to be a news anchor,” she recalls. “Live in San Francisco. Walk to the grocery store. Have this sleek, urban life.”

A life that was worlds away from Beaufort. So, she saved up for a year and, in 2001, moved to Orlando. It was a sprawling, sunsoaked city that felt like a good compromise.

Her new Orlando life was a balancing act with no safety net. She took classes at Valencia, then transferred to UCF, working multiple jobs to stay a oat. She partied, married young, and had two kids by her early 30s. She switched majors endlessly—business, early childhood education, organizational communications—accumulating 365 credits before nally graduating in 2013. She was 32. Her daughters were there to witness the climb. They watched her work late shifts, study at the kitchen table, and, nally, walk across the stage in her cap and gown. “That was important to me,” she says, her voice steady with pride. “I wanted them to see that life isn’t over because of setbacks. It’s about resilience.”

Sparking a Revolution

Jessica’s transformation wasn’t a roaring re igniting in an instant. It was a stubborn ember, smoldering deep in the ashes. “I was lost for a decade,” she admits. “I didn’t know who I was or how to get where I wanted to go.”

But it caught— nally— at a bedside in North Carolina. Her grandmother was dying of lung cancer, frail and rasping but still full of something

2-year-old Jessica and her mom at Marineland in Florida

erce. In one last gift, she spoke, her voice hoarse and deliberate: “Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something,” she said. “And don’t ever let anybody hold you down.”

That was the tipping point.

Jessica had heard her grandmother’s words before—versions of them anyway, sandwiched between half-truths and judgmental platitudes. The woman who taught her how to fold laundry just so, how to stretch a dollar until it nearly broke, was the same woman who allowed terrible things to happen. She hadn’t been an advocate, not for herself, and certainly not for her granddaughter.

And yet, those parting words landed with Jessica, at once a balm and a torch. The kind of paradox that sparks a revolution.

The beginning of Jessica’s revolution was the end of her rst marriage.“He was abusive,” Jessica admits of the man who spent years trying to shrink her, hold her in place. When she left him, it was like stepping out of a shadow she hadn’t realized she’d been living in. “One of my nal words to him before I left was, ‘I’m gonna do big things one day, and you aren’t gonna be part of that.’” She laughs now at the boldness

of it, but back then, it felt like prophecy.

She talks about this new determination with a kind of reverence, not for herself but for the process. It’s not magic, she insists. It’s discipline and clarity and a refusal to let anybody hold her down. “I gured out who I am, who I am not, and where I want to go. And then I made it happen.”

Life had improved, but it wasn’t without its challenges. There were still bills to pay, a new marriage to navigate, a third daughter to raise, and a corporate job that o ered stability but little satisfaction. “It wasn’t ful lling,” she says with a shrug. “But it was safe. And for a while, safe felt like enough.”

What she didn’t expect was her “safe” logistics job becoming her masterclass in understanding people and systems. She found herself hiring young people fresh out of college, brimming with ambition but unsteady on their feet. Their backgrounds were impressive —premed, pre-law, MBAs—yet here they were, interviewing for entry-level roles. “It ba ed me,” she says. “Their handshakes were timid, their resumes sold them short, and they couldn’t look me in the eye during an interview. It

wasn’t just that they didn’t know how to advocate for themselves. They didn’t know themselves.”

“Life isn’t over because of setbacks. It’s about resilience. It’s about deciding to move forward, no matter what.”

So, she mentored them. She taught them to negotiate salaries, polish their resumes, and take ownership of their work. In doing so, she stumbled upon a truth about herself. The system frustrated her—its failure to prepare young people for the real world—but it also lit a re within her.

By 2019, Jessica had risen to Director of Logistics and Procurement, managing complex events like corporate conferences and concert tours. On paper, it was the pinnacle of her career. She had the paycheck, the prestige, and a team she loved. But her soul felt starved.

“I remember sitting at lunch with my COO,” she recalls, “talking about this idea I had: a program to teach young people the basics of life. How to write a check, build a resume, nail a job interview. Things that seem so simple but are taught nowhere.” He encouraged her, but she knew the corporate world wouldn’t nurture her idea. Then came 2020. The pandemic decimated the events industry and left Jessica without a job for the rst time in her life—but the real blow was the loss

Dance was the one constant in Jessica’s youth.

Shown here with her 2nd grade recital dress.

of her team. “They weren’t just employees,” she says softly. “They were people I had mentored and protected. And suddenly, that was gone.”

During those grim months, the news from her community felt unbearable. Teenagers, overwhelmed, trapped in their own minds, ending their own lives. Each story punched her in the gut three times over; as a teenager who tried to take her own life, she understood that feeling of

hopelessness; as a mother, she couldn’t fathom the devastation of that kind of loss; as a human being, she felt a rising urgency, a need to act.

She wanted to reach out, to grab these kids by the shoulders and tell them, “This pain isn’t forever. It doesn’t have to end this way. We can create a plan. You matter. You’re important. Let me show you.” Her past and present were colliding, creating a call she couldn’t ignore, an ache she had to answer.

“This pain isn’t forever. We can create a plan. You matter. You’re important. Let me show you.”

An old idea began to whisper to her again. The life skills program.

Speaking

Jessica started reading about ikigai—the Japanese concept of purpose—and found herself up late at night scribbling questions: What do I love? What am I good at? What does the world need? What can I be paid for? “What came out of it,” she says, “was that my purpose in life is to work with young people, one-on-one, to help them see who they are, how they can succeed, and how they can nd happiness that’s truly aligned with who they are as people.”

Highlighting the Future

By the end of 2020, she was laying the groundwork for the program that would ful ll her purpose. She called her program HILITE. “I’d spent so much of my life transforming myself,” she re ects. “I wanted to help others transform too.”

For 15 months, she juggled her job and her growing obsession. By the end of it, she couldn’t stop thinking about what she was building. It consumed her, in the best way. “I knew the world needed this. And when you know something that deeply, setbacks don’t hit as hard. You just keep going.”

at UCF’s Spring 2024 commencement

“My purpose in life, my ikigai, is to work with young people, to help them see who they are, how they can succeed, and how they can find happiness that’s truly aligned with who they are.”

And on Jan. 3, 2022, Jessica stepped away from her steady paycheck and into the unknown. “I had two clients,” she says with a laugh, “but I believed.” That belief, along with her alignment with ikigai, became her anchor.

What she built wasn’t just a program; it was a lifeline for teens, young adults, and families oundering in the chaos of modern life. Parents called in desperation, their teens paralyzed by fear and selfdoubt. And Jessica would meet them there—in the messy, imperfect middle of it all—and guide them toward something better.

“There’s a moment,” she says, “when a teenager realizes they’re not stuck. That they have choices. Watching that light come on—it’s magic.”

This isn’t some o -theshelf curriculum cobbled together from a certi cation course. It’s hers—born out of her own hard-won experiences, shaped with care, and delivered with an undeniable sense of purpose. “Nobody does what we do, the way we do it,” she says. “And that’s why it works.”

And it does work. The impact has rippled outward like an earthquake, shaking loose old ways of

“There’s a moment when a teenager realizes they’re not stuck. That they have choices. Watching that light come on— it’s magic.”

thinking and making space for something new. Teens are learning to see themselves as more than their mistakes, more than their pain. Parents are nding hope in conversations they once thought impossible, learning to listen and be heard. Schools and studios began reaching out, eager to partner with her, to bring her work to their communities. And in a unique twist of fate, she nds herself speaking at both alma maters—in Beaufort and at UCF— standing in front of a room she once sat in, hoping to plant seeds of change in the next generation.

Jessica, delivering her first keynote in 2023—empowering teens and young adults to uncover their passion and purpose.

Rising Up

“Young me needed the me I am today,” she says. “And maybe if more people step up, fewer kids will have to wait so long to nd their way.”

The sacri ces—both nancial and emotional— were enormous, no question about it. Building HILITE meant walking away from nancial security, going into debt, and working long hours for little or no pay. It meant doing pro bono work and facing rejection after rejection.

But Jessica’s re never dimmed. The grit and resilience forged from her chaotic childhood was given a new purpose. She thinks back to her teenage years—constant moving, endless instability, the heavy silence of feeling unseen. No one had stepped in then.

Now, Jessica steps in, pouring those hard-earned lessons into the kids and families she works with, o ering not just tools but hope.

“I tell them to write it down: What do you want? What do you need to do to get there? How does this align with your values?” She pauses. “The thing is, most of them don’t even know their values yet. Nobody’s asked them.”

She wishes someone had asked her. Maybe her path would have been different. But she doesn’t dwell on regret.

“Life isn’t over because of setbacks,” she says. “It’s about resilience.

It’s about deciding to move forward, no matter what.”

That’s the re she carries, the one her grandmother lit with those nal words. It’s not just about nding her own way anymore—it’s about showing others that the power to change is already in their hands.

“Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t,” she says, her voice con dent and steady. “Don’t let anyone hold you down.”

Jessica with her three daughters: “I want them to see that life isn’t over because of setbacks.”

Earning Your Trust

The First National Bank of Mount Dora is bringing their unique brand of community banking to Winter Garden.

When was the last time a financial advisor answered your phone call with “Hello” from a real live person??

The First National Bank of Mount Dora (FNBMD) has been answering their phone that way for almost 100 years—and they have no intention of changing that personal approach any time soon. They are, however,

bringing their unique brand of community trust and financial services to Winter Garden with an o ice slated for opening in the first quarter of 2025. Look for it at 504 Plant Street.

After a century serving the Mount Dora community, their wide-ranging and diverse client base has already grown to include many Winter Garden residents. Additionally, many of their

own sta members make their homes there, so the move makes perfect sense.

Alice Taft, Vice President and Trust O icer of The First National Bank of Mount Dora, is one of those residents. “Winter Garden is very much a community where people exhibit strong charitable intent,” she says. “We want to help grow that even more. Through services such as investment

management, trust administration, and estate planning, we help residents manage and grow their money so that they can give to the organizations they care about and do the things they want to do.”

There are so many banks out there in the world, how does FNBMD compete with all that? According to Regina Lewis, Marketing Coordinator for the bank,

it’s simple: “We don’t try to compete. Our goal is not to compete with the larger wealth advisors out there. We are a mid-sized community bank committed to helping our communities thrive. We started out that way back in 1925 and will remain committed to that. Because of our size and the

way that we’re structured, we can do things other banks simply cannot.”

A significant part of what they can do involves investment management and wealth building. And Pete Baksh, Vice President and Chief Investment O icer, tells us they handle all that in a very di erent way. “We have a unique approach to investing. No one can predict the future, so our meth-

and make decisions right here, not somewhere in San Francisco, Chicago, or New York. And we’ve out-performed our benchmarks over long periods of time.”

The First National Bank of Mount Dora plans to o er wealth management, estate planning, financial planning, and trust services at its new Winter Garden location. And if you have questions, you can call them up and ask. They’ll answer the phone themselves and connect you with anyone in the bank you need. You’ll get your questions answered right then and there, without hearing, “Please wait, our menu has changed.”

Trust and Investment Services are: FDIC Insured Deposits of the Bank Guaranteed by the Bank Insured by any government agency lose value

ods revolve around risk management. We build specific platforms for each client, hand-picking individual securities and personally managing their portfolios to help them reach their goals with as little risk as possible. Mutual funds, for example, have their own managers whom you will never meet, which is why we rarely use them. Instead, we insource investment management

For more information 504 W Plant Street, Winter Garden 352-383-2140 fnbmd.com

(Left) Alice Taft, Vice President and Trust O icer and (Right) Pete Baksh, Vice President and Chief Investment O icer.

(below) Find us at our new space in the Regus building on Plant St.

TFrom the

here’s no refuge when you’re homeless.

Every morning brings an unsettled feeling and a quest to nd a safe place to sleep that night,” Don Salmon explains.

“You have to push on, but you don’t know where you’re going,” says Don, who spent six homeless years between Atlanta and Orlando.

KYLE MARTIN FRED LOPEZ

Today, Don has a place to call home, a bank account, and a job— things he once thought impossible. It’s been three years since he last slept on the streets, a stability made possible through the unwavering support of Matthew’s Hope Ministries.

“It’s not a guarantee I made it, but I’m making it,” he says.

It’s small things like clean socks and a hot shower that keep Don grateful for how far he’s come.

Don was in his 30s when he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but he didn’t get the treatment he needed in time to stop a cycle of manic episodes. Twice he walked away from stable jobs and into homelessness in a moment of self-destructive behavior.

“You end up in your own world, your own reality,” he says.

Days were spent wandering the streets, followed by nights sleeping in a stairwell or the post o ce as protection from the cold. Trust in others was hard won in an environment rampant with scams and cons and prostitution. Malnutrition and exhaustion could convert a common cold into a serious illness. There was physical danger, too. Don was beaten with a fence

post and spent a winter with sutures in his head and hand. The brain injury only compounded his existing mental haze.

“There are so many dangers you can run across,” Don says.

A stranger’s kindness bought him a bus ticket to Orlando. It was the rst time in a long time someone saw Don as a person, and he was surprised and hesitant.

“Sometimes there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s not a train,” he says.

Don wasn’t sure what he would nd here, but he reasoned it would be warmer than north Georgia. His initial hope it would be a new beginning proved false. When the bus dropped him o in downtown Orlando, Don sat for hours beside Lake Eola, wishing someone would tell him “hello.”  The family and connections who would occasionally let him crash on a couch were left behind in Atlanta, leaving him totally alone.

“It was like being dropped o on the moon,” he says.

Days of wandering recommenced, constantly moving to avoid arrest for trespassing. He found a big box store where he could sleep in the stairwell. But there was no certainty, no stability.

“You’re just in transition on a daily basis,” he says.

Don was beaten with a fence post and spent a winter with sutures in his head and hand. The brain injury only compounded his existing mental haze.

About three years ago he connected with the Matthew’s Hope outreach team doing an event in Pine Hills. Matthew’s Hope Founder and CEO Scott Billue remembers that day well. He initially o ered Don a Bible, which he turned down. But he did accept a pair of reading glasses, and a Bible after that. As Scott drove away that day, he caught a nal glimpse of Don sitting on a wall reading the Bible.

The Matthew’s Hope team returned days later with the pair of jeans Don requested, which often surprises the people they serve.

“When we come back day after day, week after week, it builds up trust,” Scott says.

The more Scott interacted with Don, the harder it was to understand why Don lived on the streets. He was intelligent and articulate, with a strong work background and character. Now Scott knows it was the untreated bipolar disorder holding Don back.

“He’s the same sweet soul today that he was then. But now he can operate independently,” Scott says.

Scott invited Don to Matthew’s Hope for breakfast and eventually an opportunity to join the Moving Forward program. The program o ers incremental rewards as participants work toward self su ciency and independence.

Don took to the program with enthusiasm and completed any tasks given to him by Matthew’s Hope. Occasionally, though, Scott would catch Don frozen like a statue pointing at the sky, or talking with people only he could see. It was a tough situation because as much as they loved Don, nothing was working, and it wouldn’t be long before he would have to leave the program.

Then the bipolar diagnosis came to light, and together they were able to secure the medication Don needs to manage his symptoms.

Scott describes it as “night and day.”  “Suddenly this amazing person was there who could talk about anything,” Scott says.

That newfound stability helped Don advance through the Moving Forward Program and even

Don Salmon, shown here with Scott Billue, o icially joined the Matthew’s Hope team full-time last December. A true jack-of-all-trades, Don will assist and support wherever he’s needed

“As a society we throw these people away every day,” he says. “We give up too early on people.”

land a job as a spotlight operator at Winter Garden Theatre before it closed.

For Scott, it’s evidence that mental health treatment needs more focus in the United States.

“As a society, we throw these people away every day,” he says. “We give up too early on people.”

Don is e usive with his praise for the organization that empowered him to turn his life around. “If we don’t support institutions like Matthew’s Hope, who’s going to catch people when they need to be caught?” he says.

Don encourages the public to show grace and kindness toward the

homeless. He was college-educated, working for a Fortune 500 company before mental illness pushed him into homelessness.

“You never know when things will fall apart. So just be careful how rough you are on people,” he says.

Don continues to build his future one day at a time. A place of his own, some savings, and maybe even a tee time are all on his wish list. Whatever tomorrow holds, Don is committed to paying forward the goodwill others invested in him.

“I have some good left in me to help others,” he says.

Passing It On

“Our goal is to inspire students to love learning and lead with purpose.”

Relationships are the foundation of success for students inside and out of the classroom.

In today’s ever-changing world, education must go beyond memorization and tests.

Employers and communities increasingly value collaboration, adaptability, and critical thinking. At Foundation Academy, relational learning has emerged as a transformative approach to meet these demands by prioritizing meaningful connections between students, educators, and the content.

At Foundation Academy, they aim to recognize each student’s unique strengths and challenges. Chief Academic O icer Jacquelyn Conover explains, “We believe that connections— with teachers, mentors, and the community—foster spiritual, academic, and personal growth. Our goal is to develop the skills our students need for the future in a classroom where they are known and loved.”

Adaptability, e ective communication, and creative problem-solving are just some of the skills that Foundation Academy believes will help set their students apart. By promoting teamwork and collab-

oration among students and educators, they aim to link academic content to real-world applications. Collaboration allows students to develop empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills that will make them highly e ective in their chosen career field,

At Foundation Academy, a Christ-centered approach uniquely enhances this relational learning. Rooted in biblical principles, this framework emphasizes each student’s relationship with God, their purpose, and the importance of serving others. This purpose-driven education integrates faith with learning, inspiring students to use their gifts for a greater purpose.

In a world often motivated by self-promotion, Foundation Academy wants its students to exhibit humility, integrity, and compassion. As strong leaders anchored in their faith, Foundation Academy’s students will be ready for the challenges the future holds.

As Conover stated, “Our world is about relationships. We can teach concepts and train students in

many fields, but if we can inspire students to love God and others, they can take this dynamic education and change the world.”

As technology and innovation reshape the world, it prepares students not only for careers but also for lives of purpose and significance. Combining knowledge with values equips students to navigate the complexity of this world with faith, wisdom, and compassion.

At Foundation Academy, education is more than preparation for the workforce; it is a journey of transformation, enabling students to thrive and make a lasting impact on the world.

A local couple finds their lane: A triathlon love story

Tri Angles

If you were to ask Andy and Stephanie Clark about the rst time they met, you might expect a story lled with romantic ourishes—a mutual appreciation for the same obscure hobby or a spark of instant connection. Instead, it goes something like this:

HEATHER ANNE LEE FRED LOPEZ

Andy was minding his business in a Miami bike shop one afternoon, engaged in what he later describes as a “perfectly unremarkable” conversation with the shop owner. Enter Steph, a tiny, determined blonde with an unshakable focus on her bike. She breezed past him without so much as a glance.

“I was mid-conversation,” Andy recalls, laughing. “And she acted like I wasn’t even there.”

“He’s right. I wasn’t there to meet people,” Steph quips. “I needed my bike xed.”

Weeks later, they crossed paths again at one of Andy’s triathlon training sessions. Steph, nervous but determined, introduced herself to the group: “I’m Stephanie, and I’m doing Ironman Brazil— and I’m terri ed.”

Everyone laughed because, honestly, they were all terri ed. It was (and is!) a massive, overwhelming challenge. But Andy? He was drawn to her raw honesty and drive.

“That’s what the sport is about,” Andy re ects. “Facing your fears and discovering what you’re made of.”

The two didn’t really hit it o right away. The romantic meet-cute was more of a slow burn. But in retrospect, perhaps it

was inevitable. They both found themselves drawn to triathlon, a sport that, as it turns out, has a peculiar way of creeping up on you when you least expect it.

Why Triathlon? Why Now?

If you’ve never dabbled in triathlon, the idea of swimming, biking, and running all in one event might seem a bit … well, mad. You might also be wondering: Why would anyone in their right mind take it up, especially in their late 20s or 30s?

For Andy and Steph, the answer is simple: It just seemed like the right thing to do at the time—when life was settling down a bit, when the “wild” days of youth were rmly behind them. Andy was in his late 20s when he rst tried a duathlon, the cousin of triathlon that doesn’t involve swimming. Steph, on the other hand, found herself drawn to triathlon at age 25, but it wasn’t until her rst Ironman at 28 that she truly committed.

“It wasn’t just about getting t,” says Steph, looking back. “It was about nding something that would shift my entire lifestyle. I was tired of all the late-night parties. I wanted purpose.”

And Andy? “My younger brother told me I couldn’t

do it,” he says with a grin. “So, naturally, I had to prove him wrong.”

Before triathlon took over his weekends and wardrobe, Andy was already deeply immersed in the world of tness. As a personal trainer and studio owner, he spent his days guiding clients through their own transformations. Little did he know that a dare would lead him to his own—and eventually to coaching a whole new kind of athlete full time.

After his rst race, he became hooked on endurance sports, which led to training more endurance athletes. And when clients at his personal training studio began asking for help with triathlon prep, he designed a 12-week program.

“It was simple—weekly workouts and Saturday meetups,” he says. “But 27 people signed up, and every single one of them nished their race. Seeing that success was addictive. It made me want to help more people crush their goals.”

Andy’s natural ability to break down the overwhelming task of triathlon turned him into a full-time coach. “It’s not just about telling people what to do,” he says. “It’s about giving them a path through the unknown. Triathlon can be terrifying. It’s not like

hopping on a treadmill. But with the right guidance, people can conquer the unknown.”

For Steph, who initially described herself as “just a spin class girl,” triathlon was equally life-changing. “It’s not just about swimming, biking, and running,” she says. “It’s about managing fear and proving to yourself you can do hard things. Andy was able to do that for me as my coach, and now I get to share that myself with people new to the sport.”

The Social Side of Triathlon

There’s an old saying that triathletes are just regular athletes who like to suffer. It’s not entirely untrue. The training is relentless, the races are long, and the rewards—well, they’re not exactly instantaneous. But despite (or perhaps because of) the hardships, triathlon has a unique way of creating lasting bonds.

Andy and Steph know this rsthand. “All of our closest friends came from our triathlon club. When you spend weekend after weekend together, those people become family.”

When Andy and Steph moved to Winter Garden to raise their family in 2021, they quickly realized something was missing: the deep sense of connection

“It’s not just about swimming, biking, and running. It’s about managing fear and proving to yourself you can do hard things.”

and camaraderie they’d built through their tri community. Determined to recreate that bond—and to inspire others to discover the life-changing power of the sport—they decided to start a triathlon club right in their new hometown.

Clermont, just down the road, is already celebrated as a triathlon hotspot, drawing athletes from

around the world to train and compete. But Winter Garden? “It’s a blank slate,” says Andy. In fact, Andy and Steph believe their club might just be the town’s very rst triathlon club—”we think,” they say with a laugh.

Either way, the purpose is simple: make the sport more accessible and bring people together.

“You don’t need fancy gear,” Steph says. “When I did my rst race, I had a basic road bike, ve-dollar goggles, and running shoes. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.”

That philosophy is central to their coaching. “Start small,” Andy emphasizes. “You don’t need to be perfect from the beginning. It’s about

consistency and showing up. Everything else will fall into place.”

To help newcomers get started, Andy and Steph created a 12-week beginner-friendly training program launching in February. “We focus on the essentials,” Andy explains. “What gear do you really need? How do you manage open-water swim

“Our closest friends came from our triathlon club... When you spend weekend after weekend together, they become family.”

Hamlin

Tri Angles

anxiety? What’s the right way to pace yourself on the bike? We take what feels overwhelming and make it manageable.”

Their o erings include open-water swim clinics, nutrition workshops, and plenty of encouragement, all delivered with their signature blend of expertise and fun. All of which will

lead to the group’s rst triathlon at Sommer Sports on June 15.

Their training group will most certainly blend rst-timers with seasoned athletes, each tackling their own goals but united by shared experiences.

“There’s something magical about it,” Andy says.

“It pushes you physically,

mentally, and emotionally. It forces you to get uncomfortable—and that’s exactly what many people are looking for as they get older. They want to see what they’re made of.”

Still, for beginners, middle aged or otherwise, the process can seem daunting. “The biggest hurdle is fear,” Andy admits.

“But when I

crossed

the finish line? It felt like Christmas morning. All that fear, all that hard work—it was worth it.”

“The swim, the bike, the run—all of it feels overwhelming. But when you break it down and help someone through that rst step, it’s magical.”

Steph still remembers her rst race vividly. “I was so nervous before the swim I threw up,” she admits.

“But when I crossed the nish line? It felt like

• SCREENED ENCLOSURES

• POOL CAGES

• PANEL ROOFS

• RESCREEN PROJECTS

• MOTORIZED SCREENS

• PERGOLAS

Christmas morning. All that fear, all that hard work—it was worth it.”

But let’s not romanticize it too much. Triathlon is not for the faint of heart. It’s one thing to look at the glistening, well-groomed

nishing, but of the journey. But she still feels nervous when she walks up to the start line.

“I have to remind myself that the race isn’t the end. It’s the start of the next journey,” she says. “Every step of the way is a victory. You don’t just cross that nish line; you look back at everything that got you there.”

For Andy, the real reward isn’t crossing his

own nish line—it’s watching others cross theirs. “Triathlon is a mirror,” he says. “It re ects who you are at your core. It shows you what you’re made of and forces you to confront your doubts and fears. It’s about pushing past your limits, challenging yourself in ways you never thought possible, and coming out on the other side stronger, more con dent, and more

resilient. Seeing someone go through that transformation—watching them realize they can do something they once thought was impossible—is what makes it all worth it.”

If you’re wondering whether you can do it too, the answer is simple. “You can,” says Andy. “It’s not about perfection— it’s about showing up and taking it one step at a time.”

SEMARevolution

How Jason O’Neil transformed his life one step at a time.

HEATHER LEE

For most of us, transformations begin with a single step—or, in Jason O’Neil’s case, a referral. When the 48-year-old embarked on his health journey in June 2023, his goal wasn’t just to lose weight. He wanted to reclaim his health, energy, and life. Now, after shedding more than 65 pounds and walking 423 consecutive days, Jason re ects on how semaglutide, discipline, and a newfound love for movement reshaped his life.

“I

Needed a Jumpstart.”

Jason’s wake-up call came during a routine doctor’s visit. His A1C levels had crept into the borderline-high range, putting him on the precipice of a diabetes diagnosis. “Once you cross that line, you can’t go back,” Jason explains. “That scared the heck out of me.”

Jason’s doctor referred him to Heather Sheldon, MSN, APRN, NP-C, a weight

management specialist. Together, they decided to incorporate compounded semaglutide—a medication initially developed for diabetes but e ective for weight loss—into his plan.

Heather, who has been using GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide in her practice for more than ve years, emphasizes its role as a tool, not a quick x. “Patients aren’t just losing weight,” she explains. “They’re overcoming challenges like plateaus, hormonal imbalances, stress, morbid obesity, and unhealthy habits.”

She’s quick to clarify that the medication isn’t about rapid results but sustainable progress. “It’s not just about the number on the scale,” Heather says. “We measure success through improved bloodwork, healthier body composition, and e ective lifestyle management. By addressing the root causes of obesity, we’re setting patients up for long-term health improvement.”

“This medication is a tool, but it has to be used thoughtfully, pairing it with a high-protein diet, strength training, and addressing unhealthy patterns.”

Jason was determined to make the most of this opportunity. “Some people use semaglutide long-term, and that’s OK, but I wanted it to be a jumpstart,” he says. “I needed to change the habits that got me here—stress eating, super-sized meals, and being sedentary during the pandemic.”

Within months, Jason saw signi cant changes. By August 2023, he had lost more than 20 pounds, and his A1C was back to normal. It was the momentum he needed to take charge of his health.

Building Healthy Habits

In October 2023, Jason added another cornerstone to his transformation: walking. Inspired by a YouTube video, he set a goal to walk 10,000 steps daily for a month.

“I started by walking the perimeter of my neighborhood—just 1.5 miles at my own pace,” Jason explains. “It felt great, so I kept going.”

What began as a monthlong experiment became a daily ritual. Rain or shine, Jason committed to walking at least 30 minutes a day. Today, he’s on day 423 of his streak, having covered more miles than he ever thought possible.

The bene ts for Jason were immediate and

Heather Sheldon, MSN, APRN, NP-C

transformative. His weight steadily dropped, his energy levels surged, and even everyday tasks became more manageable. “My knees don’t hurt anymore, I can play soccer with my kids, and I feel stronger overall,” he says.

While semaglutide initially helped curb Jason’s appetite, it was his commitment to healthier habits that truly made the di erence. “I don’t crave fast food like I used to,” he shares. “I’m much more aware of how food a ects me now.”

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Early on, Jason experienced mild nausea after each dose increase, but the side e ects subsided as his body adjusted. Over time, the

appetite-suppressing e ects of semaglutide lessened, but by then, Jason had established sustainable habits that kept him on track.

Heather underscores the importance of understanding the risks and limitations of semaglutide. “This isn’t a one-size- ts-all solution,” she explains. “Some patients face side e ects like nausea, fatigue, or digestive issues that can be discouraging, even debilitating in some cases. And when patients stop taking semaglutide, there’s a signi cant risk of rapid weight regain if they haven’t built a strong foundation of healthy habits. That’s why close monitoring and personalized adjustments are critical.”

Heather believes that semaglutide is most e ective when combined with meaningful lifestyle changes. “This medication is a tool, but it has to be used thoughtfully,” she says. “Pairing it with a high-protein diet, strength training, and addressing unhealthy patterns through behavioral counseling is what creates lasting results.”

Inspiring a New Lifestyle

Jason’s transformation didn’t just impact him— it inspired his family. His sons, both soccer players, began adopting healthier habits. “My older son is more mindful of his eating, and my younger son

is following suit,” Jason says proudly.

On the one-year anniversary of his walking streak, Jason celebrated by walking 25.5 miles and 65,000 steps in a single day, joined by friends and family. He’s even started an Instagram page to document his journey and encourage others.

“It’s not about fame or money,” Jason says. “I want people to know that semaglutide can help, but it’s not the whole story. You have to pair it with movement and healthy habits.”

When asked for advice, Jason keeps it simple: “I always refer people to Heather, but the key is working with some-

For Jason, this journey has been about more than just weight loss—it’s about reclaiming his health, confidence, and joy. Starting semaglutide gave him the boost he needed to initiate a lifestyle shift, paving the way for lasting transformation.

success. And, as simple as it sounds, go for a walk. Even if you’re tired or busy, carve out 30 minutes. It doesn’t have to be all at once. Walking may seem

simple, but it can make a world of di erence.”

For Jason, this journey has been about more than just weight loss—it’s about reclaiming his health,

The Pros & Cons of Using Semaglutide for Weight Loss

The buzz around medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and compounded semaglutide is hard to ignore. These GLP-1 receptor agonists have become prominent players in the weight-loss world. But are they right for you? Here’s a breakdown of the benefits, drawbacks, and what to consider before making a decision.

How They Work

con dence, and joy. His story serves as a powerful reminder that transformation is possible with the right tools, a supportive team, and a commitment to taking that rst step.

GLP-1 medications mimic a hormone in your body that regulates appetite and blood sugar. They:

• suppress hunger and reduce food cravings.

• slow digestion, helping you feel full longer.

• support insulin production and lower sugar release from the liver.

In addition to controlling blood sugar for people with diabetes, these mechanisms can promote significant weight loss—up to 15–20% of body weight over 16 months when paired with healthy habits.

The Benefits

• E ective Weight Loss

Clinical trials show these medications outperform traditional weight-loss drugs. On average, users lose 16% of their body weight, with higher success rates for those embracing lifestyle changes.

• Improved Metabolic Health

Beyond weight loss, many patients see better blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and enhanced liver function. Early studies even hint at a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The Challenges

• Gastrointestinal Side E ects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are common, especially during the first weeks of treatment. Symptoms usually subside with time and can be managed with small meals and hydration.

• Weight Regain Without Continued Use

Discontinuing the medication often leads to weight regain—studies show patients may regain two-thirds of lost weight within a year.

• Cost and Availability

Without insurance, brand name medications like Ozempic can cost upwards of $1,000 per month. Compounded semaglutide is less expensive, but most people can expect to pay up to $500 per month.

• Rare but Serious Risks

There’s a slight risk of pancreatitis and thyroid cancer, particularly for individuals with a family history of these conditions.

Is It Right for You?

If you’re considering GLP-1 medications, work closely with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks for your specific situation. While these drugs are powerful tools, long-term success ultimately depends on pairing them with sustainable lifestyle changes.

MassageLuXe believes everyone deserves a healthier, rejuvenated, and stress-free new

Winter Garden is improving their self-care thanks to MassageLuXe! From soothing Swedish massages to deep tissue, prenatal, hot stone, reflexology, sports, and trigger point therapies, their services are becoming a vital part of many wellness routines each month. Their rejuvenat-

ing facials and professional waxing services complete a comprehensive menu of stress-relief and self-care options. Discover the transformative power of regular massages—o ering pain relief, enhanced clarity, better focus, and ultimate relaxation. It’s not an overstatement to call it life-changing. You deserve to feel your best!”

more information

FITting In

FIT 407’s fresh take on pilates gives your ordinary workout a workout.

When you first walk through its doors, you may think you’ve walked into a nightclub instead of a gym. But make no mistake, FIT 407 means business. Those neon lights are illuminating rows upon rows of spring-loaded machines, each custombuilt for an innovative totalbody workout you can only get at FIT 407. Its name? Modern Pilates.

Developed by owners Mark and Michele Nelson, Modern Pilates blends the strength, flexibility, and balance work of pilates with the methodical intensity of Slow Resistance Training (SRT). The combination ignites your entire body

all at once, bringing the slow-twitch fibers in your muscles to failure more quickly and raising your heart rate to optimal fatburning levels. In other words, Modern Pilates burns more calories, builds more muscle, and puts you on the fast track to peak fitness.

“Our members continually tell us that after they started coming to FIT 407, their energy and motivation to work out changed for the better,” says Mark. “The results they see in a threeto-four day per week regimen is something they don’t want to be without.”

Not sure if this workout is for you? Mark invites you to give it a try. “For anyone new to FIT 407, we always

recommend taking an intro class to see what the workout is all about.”

Modern Pilates classes are 45-minute sessions led by a FIT 407 instructor with 100+ hours of training in the SRT method. Once you’ve taken the Introductory class, you have the option to try Level One, or to move right on to Full Body Sculpt classes. Or, you can keep coming back to the intro class, if that’s the best fit for you.

“All of our classes provide challenging workouts and can be modified to an individual’s level of fitness,” Mark says. “Once you try the FIT Method, it will become your new obsession—and the results will speak for themselves.”

For more information

All locations: Winter Garden Windermere Dr. Phillips Winter Park Oviedo Lake Nona 407-775-0130 fit407.com

Dreaming

Tri Out!

Ever wonder if you have what it takes to complete a triathlon? Or maybe you’re already a triathlete looking to improve your performance or find training partners? Well, 2025 is going to be your year for: Swim. Bike. Run. Fun! in Winter Garden.

Triathlon coach Andy Clark and his wife, Stephanie, are bringing their successful Miami program to Winter Garden. Winter Garden Tri Club o icially launches in late February, but early sign-ups on the website come with some great swag.

“Our program is for all abilities,” says Andy.

“We o er a comprehensive beginner program and performance-based options for advanced athletes. Members can expect weekly group workouts, clinics on sport-specific topics, detailed online training plans for events, and team races. We’ll also host beginner-focused clinics on topics like open-water swimming, basic bike handling, running form, training nutrition, and more. Our first team race will be the Cool Sommer Mornings Triathlon in Clermont on June 15. This gives new athletes roughly 12 to 16 weeks to prepare, depending on when they join us.”

Where will coaching and training activities be held?

“The majority of our activities will take place in the greater Winter Garden and Clermont area,” Andy explains. “There are plenty of resources here to get you race-ready!”

Do you have it in you to compete in a triathlon? According to Andy, the answer is yes: “We’ll show you how. Stephanie and I have more than 30 years of combined coaching and racing experience. Together, we’ve completed nearly 50 full IRONMAN races and qualified for multiple world championships. Most importantly, we’ve helped hundreds cross their first triathlon finish line—and seen

countless personal records and podium finishes. We can help you achieve your goals too. You’ll get in great shape and make friends along the way.”

For more information

305-807-2896

info@wintergardentriclub.com wintergardentriclub.com

Precision Care

From treating gum disease to crafting transformative solutions, it all starts with Precision Periodontics and Dental Implants

Precision Periodontics opened in 2008 to help people with more than just their teeth and gums. As Dr. Ryan Mendro puts it, “To me, dentistry, and periodontics in particular, form the perfect combination of art and science. Not only do I get to treat disease and restore periodontal health, I am also able to help patients restore their confidence, health and well being.

It all starts with the gums. Periodontal disease is a serious infection of the tissues that surround and support our teeth. Unfortunately, people who exhibit the early stages of the disease, gingivitis, often have no idea they are even at risk.

By the time the disease has progressed enough that people begin to feel discomfort, they may have irreversable bone loss, also known as periodontitis. Gums recede, teeth go missing, bone loss in upper and lower jaws can make teeth replacement problematic. And that’s only the mouth. Periodontitis may also increase your risk of heart disease, respiratory infections, and diabetes.

Specializing in periodontics requires three

years of advanced training beyond dental school. Additionally, Dr. Mendro and Dr. Lucia Roca Mendro are proud to be Diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology, a prestigious designation that reflects their commitment to staying at the forefront of periodontal advancements. Together, they deliver the latest technologies and solutions to help achieve optimum oral health. Their services include everything from extractions and dental implants to cosmetic recontouring for correcting gummy smiles or addressing receding gums. Whatever it takes to reset the clock on your dental health, the dedicated specialists at Precision Periodontics and Dental Implants can help. Start with a simple consultation to rediscover your health and your smile.

For more information

12100 Stoneybrook W Pkwy Winter Garden 407-905-6777 perioprecision.com

Become Yourself

ime marches on and there’s nothing we can do about it.

Michelle Fletcher, the Board-certified APRN

Injection Specialist at Vado Plastic Surgery, is passionate about o ering non-invasive treatments to help patients age gracefully.

“All of us are aging every single day, and no one can turn that clock back,” says Michelle. “But we can certainly slow it down a bit. That’s why we are here and why I do what I do.”

“My patients come to me for all kinds of reasons. Often, it’s an upcoming event, like my daughter’s getting married in June and I want to look good for it. Maybe, it’s a looming job interview. Or, I’ve heard this one more than once, ‘I’m dating again.’ One lady said to me, ‘I’m a happy person

but my friends tell me I look angry all the time!’”

All of those are really personal commentaries on the passage of time. As Michelle explains, we wear the evidence of aging on our faces, necks, and hands. Our skin sags. Jowls appear. We get lines on our faces. Wrinkles become more pronounced. Fine. We’re aging. But we don’t have to look like it.

“People sometimes have a funny idea about aesthetic medicine; that it’s somehow superficial or beneath them. Until they find out what we can do—and we can do so much these days with non-invasive techniques. No surgery involved.

“My treatment approach is conservative. We’ll build slowly. Start with neuromodulators to slow the aging process. Use fillers to harmonize the facial features so one feature does

not stand out or look unnatural. I want my patients to look refreshed and rejuvenated, like better versions of themselves.

For a personal evaluation and to discuss what Michelle can do for you, simply request a consultation. Mention The Local and save $50, too!

offers non-invasive solutions to help patients age gracefully and confidently.

For more information

17085 Porter Rd, Ste 120 Winter Garden 407-449-1757 vadoplasticsurgery.com Vado Plastic Surgery

To schedule your consultation scan the QR code below. Mention this story to get $50 o your appointment!

Connecting

the Dots

Dments. Everything is physician-performed and tailored to the patient. By understanding both internal and external needs, we help our patients achieve the best short- and long-term health outcomes for themselves and our community.” At Sookdeo Family

r. Trishanna Sookdeo, a Family Medicine physician with a holistic approach to care, has shaped her practice, Sookdeo Family Medicine, to reflect her unique perspective. She is board certified in two disciplines—Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine— holds a Master of Public Health, and has specialized training in aesthetic laser and injectable treatments for skin, nails, and hair.

“As early as my medical student days, I viewed optimal health as the integration of three factors: physical, mental, and social well-being,” Dr. Sookdeo explains. “For my patients to achieve optimal health, all of these areas must be addressed because they’re interconnected. That’s what we do here: we connect the dots.”

When asked to elaborate, she says: “A simple way to understand it is by integrating one’s internal health with their exter-

nal appearance. At first, this might sound superficial, but it makes perfect sense. When you’re healthy inside, it shows on the outside. And when you feel beautiful, you take better care of yourself. Confidence is key—it motivates people to maintain their health through regular checkups, blood tests, cancer screenings, a balanced diet, exercise, hydration, and even skin treatments.”

Dr. Sookdeo acknowledges that this approach may seem surface-level to some, but she counters with a crucial point: “Your skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it tells me a lot about your overall health. Many patients initially consult me because of concerns like wrinkles, blemishes, or loose skin. They’re looking for renewal and rejuvenation tailored to their needs. That’s why we o er a range of aesthetic services, from injectables to laser treatments for skin, hair, and nails. These services complement our pri-

mary care and weight loss programs. Our ultimate goal is to help patients feel good about themselves while bridging the gap between health and beauty—regardless of age or skin tone.”

As a Caribbean-born physician, Dr. Sookdeo has a unique perspective on the challenges that people of color face with their skin. “Having cared for diverse, multi-ethnic populations, I’m well-equipped to treat all skin types,” she shares.

Dr. Sookdeo emphasizes that aesthetic medicine is never pushed on patients. “Most people come to us for primary care—whether it’s to address an illness, injury, or chronic condition—and we focus on that first. But if they have questions about skin health, graceful aging, or specific concerns, we explore those options, too.”

So, how does her practice stand out? Dr. Sookdeo concludes: “We’re a full-service primary care clinic that integrates medical weight loss and aesthetic treat-

For more information

14101 West Colonial Drive Winter Garden, 34787 407-395-2004 sookdeofamilymed.com

At Gentle Touch, we’re here to brighten your days, inspire confidence, and help you find joy in your skincare journey while achieving the results you deserve.

Recognized as one of the nation’s top providers of Botox®, Dysport®, and dermal fillers, our expert team is the heart and soul of what we do. They deliver safe, e ective, and medically-proven treatments that prioritize both your well-being and your aesthetic goals.

With over 13 years of excellence, Gentle Touch

Elevate your skincare journey at Gentle Touch.

has become a premier destination for advanced aesthetic services.

Combining the luxury of a spa with the precision of medical expertise, we o er a full suite of treatments—including facials, injectables, lasers, body sculpting, and more— all designed to deliver natural-looking results.

We continually innovate to stay at the forefront of the industry, setting the bar for excellence in aesthetic care.

At Gentle Touch, relationships come first. Our expert providers take the time to listen to your unique

needs, crafting customized treatment plans tailored to your goals. We use cutting-edge technology and industry-leading techniques to ensure every client receives the highest standard of care and truly personalized, caring solutions.

In an exciting milestone, Gentle Touch MediSpa was named an exclusive SkinCeuticals Flagship— one of only 150 in the nation. This partnership combines SkinCeuticals’ globally acclaimed, clinically proven products with our advanced aesthetic treatments, o ering

the ultimate skincare experience to enhance your natural beauty.

Great skin health and confidence starts at Gentle Touch. Get your new client welcome o er and schedule your complimentary consultation today!

It’s go time!

Ordinary folks go out of their way to avoid taxes until tax season. Go-getters know now is the best time to talk with your accounting team to maximize your deductions and minimize your tax burden. go boldly. wisely.

6 Salads That Don’t Suck

With these local options, there’s no reason to settle for wimpy iceberg, soggy croutons, or bottled ranch.

TARIN SCARBROUGH FRED LOPEZ

2. Farmhouse Salad

Where: 4 Rivers

When a barbecue joint takes a stab at salad, you expect bold avors, and the Farmhouse Salad is anything but meek. Smoky tri-tip steak crowns a base of kale, spring mix, and romaine, while roasted chickpeas provide an unexpected crunch. There’s also a medley of veggies—cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and corn—layered with shredded cheddar cheese. A smoky tomato vinaigrette ties the whole thing together, adding a touch of barbecue nostalgia without overwhelming the greens. But the pièce de résistance? Texas Cornbread croutons. C’mon! If you’re going to put croutons in a salad, they might as well be the most indulgent ones possible.

Why It Doesn’t Suck

This salad leans into its roots—it’s smoky, hearty, and unapologetically Texan. And those cornbread croutons? They’re worth the price of admission. Also, you have the ability to add a protein, which makes this the ultimate meal.

1. Ahi Tuna Salad

Where: Sizzlin’ Greens

This bowl isn’t your standard greens situation—it’s a riot of color and texture. Ruby-red ahi tuna pairs with crunchy romaine and velvety spinach, while shreds of red cabbage and slivers of carrot bring crunch and sweetness. Bell peppers, green onions, and cilantro inject fresh, herbaceous vibes, but the real MVP here is the crispy wonton strips—they’re the perfect counterpoint to the tender tuna. Everything is tied together with a sesame-soy-ginger dressing that’s equal parts tangy and nutty, and a nal drizzle of soy glaze ups the umami ante.

Why It Doesn’t Suck

It’s essentially sushi in salad form—light but lling, with enough punchy avors to keep every bite interesting. I ate it every day for a week straight and still frequently desire it.

3. Dill or No Dill

Where: Rusteak

Salmon lovers, rejoice: The Dill or No Dill is here to rede ne grilled sh on greens. The star is Faroe Island salmon, seared to perfection and laid atop a base of arugula and spring mix. Shaved red onion and cucumber lend a fresh bite, while crispy chickpeas ground it with a satisfying crunch. The feta and herb ranch dressing strike a perfect balance between creamy and tangy, but it’s the fresh dill that gives this salad its distinctive identity. Love it or hate it, dill packs a avor punch that transforms every forkful into an herby, briny delight.

Why It Doesn’t Suck

This salad is proof that dill deserves a spot in the herb pantheon. Plus, the combination of crispy chickpeas and tender salmon create an unbeatable textural contrast.

I’m home to live

4.

Earth Bowl

Where: Just Salad

The Earth Bowl is for anyone who believes salads should be as lling as they are nourishing. This vegan-friendly option starts with a hearty mix of arugula and shredded kale, which serves as the perfect backdrop for roasted beets, sweet potatoes, and apples. Regenerative organic quinoa boosts the protein count, while Violife® vegan feta adds a salty, tangy bite. Chopped almonds contribute crunch, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette keeps things classic and balanced.

Why

It Doesn’t Suck

It’s a salad that eats like a meal—packed with nutrient-dense ingredients and bold avors. Bonus: It’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious.

5. Mezze Crunch

Where: Just Salad

If you’ve ever wished a salad could channel the avors of your favorite mezze platter, the Mezze Crunch is here to answer your prayers. This bowl combines extra-crisp romaine, shredded kale, and cabbage for a sturdy base that won’t wilt under its toppings. Crumbled feta, hemp hearts, and chickpeas bring Mediterranean air, while grape tomatoes, cucumbers, and pepperoncini add brightness and tang. The spicy harissa pita chips? Chef’s kiss. But the real showstopper is the homemade cucumber tzatziki— it’s creamy, garlicky, and perfect for drizzling (or dunking). A squeeze of fresh lemon and it’s the perfect combination of avor.

Why It Doesn’t Suck

This salad is basically a deconstructed gyro in bowl form— lling, avorful, and totally satisfying.

6. Roasted Beet Salad

Where: Hangry Bison

Beets are having a moment, and the Roasted Beet Salad takes full advantage. With a base of peppery arugula, this salad layers earthy roasted red and gold beets alongside smoky roasted peppers and meaty portobello mushrooms. Creamy feta cheese adds richness, while a house vinaigrette delivers a zippy balance that brings all the avors together. It’s colorful, textural, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat without veering into “this-isn’t -a-salad” territory.

Why It Doesn’t Suck

It’s the kind of salad that convinces beet skeptics to hop on the bandwagon. The roasted mushrooms add umami heft, making it a perfect choice for meatless eaters—or anyone craving something with sustenance but still light.

Dining Guide

Beth’s Burger Bar

15502 Stoneybrook W. Pkwy #120, Winter Garden 407-395-3005 / bethsburgerbar.com

Build the burger your taste buds have been begging for at Beth’s Burger Bar. Let your inner child add any (or all!) of our dozens of of cheeses, toppings, sauces and sides piled onto your choice of protein. Or see of one of our signature burgers becomes your new favorite. And if burgers aren’t your bag, you can still stop by Beth’s for beer, board games, and unbeatable sweets and specials.

Cilantro Indian Cuisine

360 West Plant St, Ste 103, Winter Garden 407-395-3400 / cilantrowg.com

“Oh, I don’t like Indian,” you might be saying. “I can’t do spicy food.” But true Indian cuisine is about so much more than spice, and Cilantro is here to prove it. Every entree on Cilantro’s diverse menu can be served mild (as well as medium, hot, and Indian hot), with your choice of meat and a wide selection of vegetarian options. Savor the warmth and richness of Indian cuisine, as mild or as spicy as you like it.

11a-10p 11a-10p 11a-10p 11a-10p 11a-10p 11a-10p 11a-10p Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Hours

11a-3p / 4:30-9p 11a-3p / 4:30-9p 11a-3p / 4:30-9p 11a-3p / 4:30-9p 11a-3p / 4:30-9p 11a-3p / 4:30-9p Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Hours

Happy Hour

Tue All Day Wed+Fri 4:30-6:30p

Mouthfeel

Privé

Private chef available up to 24 guests

Ispirazione Italian Sandwiches

1711 Amazing Way Ste 107, Ocoee 407-988-9499 / ispirazionesandwiches.com

Taste the di erence! Ispirazione sandwich shop specializes in tigelles, baking the bread and slicing the meats right when you order. Fresh, quality ingredients make each sandwich a masterpiece of avor. Let Ispirazione be your guide to an authentic Italian culinary journey.

Mouthfeel

352-782-6378 / mouthfeelllc.com

Voted Best Caterer, Best Tapas, Best Chef: Chef Britt, Best Sushi: Chef Colon, in Lake County Reader’s Choice Awards 2024. Our meticulous craftsmanship and fresh, exquisite ingredients ensure an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Specializing in grand grazing tables, luxurious hors d’oeuvres, and decadent desserts, we elevate your events with style and avor. Our Passion, Your Experience.

Pammie’s Sammies

11a-7p

11a-7p

11a-7p

11a-7p

11a-8p

10a-7p

Home of Boyd Street Radio

121 S. Boyd St, Winter Garden 407-730-3212 / pammiesammies.com

Feed the Soul. Craft with Love. Serve from the Heart. That’s the record-setting recipe behind Pammie’s Sammies, a fun sandwich space with funk woven into its atmosphere and baked into every dish. With food that is thoughtfully sourced, earth-friendly, and tastefully adventurous, our menu pairs old family recipes with tasty trends, all to the soundtrack of classic tunes and conversation among friends.

Taste I Dining Guide

Peach Cobbler Factory

13848 Tilden Rd Suite 172, Winter Garden peachcobblerfactory.com

It’s a classic dessert dilemma: no one can agree. Your son wants brownies. Your daughter wants pudding. And you, you’re craving a fresh cobbler with ice cream. Good thing you can get it all under one roof! Satisfy every sweet tooth with cinnamon rolls, puddings, cookies, churro sticks, wa es and so much more — while you get our 12 varieties of warm, delicious cobbler all to yourself. Dessert is solved!

STK Steakhouse

1580 Buena Vista Drive, Orlando 407-917-7440 stksteakhouse.com/venues/orlando

STK is “not your daddy’s steakhouse”—it’s a highenergy ne dining experience, where delectable cuisine and upscale cocktails meet chic décor and an in-house DJ. The menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner, with traceable, ethically sourced beef that produces quality craveable steaks.

Thai Blossom

99 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 407-905-9917 / mythaiblossom.com

Your love of Thai will blossom among fragrant curries, silky noodles, stir fries, and grilled meats. Authentic, avorful and always cooked to order Thai Blossom o ers some of the tastiest cuisine in central Florida, right on Plant Street. And plenty of options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals make it the perfect choice for workday lunch, dinner dates, and special celebrations.

12p-10p 12p-10p 12p-10p 12p-10p 12p-10p 12p-10p 12p-10p Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Hours

3p-10:45p 11a-10:45p 11a-10:45p 11a-10:45p 11a-10:45p 11a-11:15p 3p-11:15p Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Bloody Marys at Weekend Brunch 9:30a-3p

Rhetoric

Rheya Tanner muses on life as a local

Baptism by Fire

There is no fresher start than a flesh-rending shower.

Heat. Energy in its purest form. Heat is power. Heat is action. Heat is what transforms wheat into bread, iron into tools, oil into fuel. It is an essential element of creation.

It stands to reason, therefore, that there is a direct correlation between how hot my last shower was and how good I am at my job.

Case in point: Yes, I did come up with this topic in the shower. But in a way, it came up with itself. Today sucked, and I still have this very article to gure out before I can go to bed tonight. (No, I wasn’t procrastinating. I was, uh, drafted.) But I knew whatever I came up with in that state wouldn’t be very funny. I needed a reset. What is that reset? It depends. For men, it’s the simple act of taking your sweaty socks o . But for women, it’s almost unanimously a searing,

scorching hot shower. I’m talking, like, OSHA noncompliance hot. Like war ashbacks for lobsters hot. Hot enough to deglaze a hard day o your bones, along with whatever skin you’re not using.

Why this is such a distinctly woman thing, I’m not sure. Maybe it’s our genetic predisposition to being burned at the stake? That would explain our mystical ability to gently tweak the shower knob to that perfect spot where you no longer know the di erence between steam and sweat, where the water can scour your very thoughts. If you know, you know. If you don’t, you’ve likely been the victim of someone who does.

My partner is one such victim. He takes “normal” showers with “tolerable” temperatures like a “welladjusted” human being. “Hot water is too painful,” he says, as if that’s not the

point. “This is just going to make you feel colder when you get out,” he says, as if I didn’t make it so hot that stepping out into the cold world is a relief. And of course, when his back hurts, the tune changes; now the water can’t be hot enough. On some level, he knows the truth.

I think that’s part of why he wanted to replace our old water heater (sometimes called a hot water heater by people who are wrong) with a tankless one, a so-called “on demand” water heater—a bit of a gamble considering the numerous negative reviews we heard about them. But all those negatives were from up north, where ground water is

cold. Here in Florida, where there’s no such thing as cold, we thought it stood a better chance. Anyway, long story short, this article is secretly a love letter to my tankless water heater. It’s about the size of a medicine cabinet, and it produces truly in nite, truly hot water. Hot enough that I have to occasionally turn it down If my creative tools, things like paper and electronics, weren’t so incompatible with showers, it might be impossible to get me out. But you can’t rightly say you’ve “started fresh” if you never got started, can you? That’s the funny thing—the healing power of the shower can only begin once it ends.

Provo, UT