Central FL 2023

Sun, Sand, and Bliss: Unveiling Florida’s Best Beaches

When it comes to beach destinations, Florida undoubtedly stands tall among the rest. With its year-round sunshine, pristine shores, and sparkling turquoise waters, the Sunshine State offers an array of breathtaking beaches that captivate the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Join us on an exciting journey as we explore the best beaches in Florida, each possessing its own unique charm, and discover what makes them truly exceptional.

Siesta Beach - Sarasota: Let’s kick off our coastal adventure with Siesta Beach, an enchanting gem

Restaurants

Maxine’s On Shine

Imaginative eatery with regular live music, plus an eclectic comfort food menu & weekend brunch.

337 Shine Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Phone: (407) 674-6841 | Web: maxinesonshine.com

Harry’s Seafood,Bar & Grille

Hip spot fixing up New Orleans-inspired fare, from jambalaya to signature cocktails.

24 SE 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

Phone: (352) 840-0900 | Web: hookedonharrys.com

The Leaning Pig

Chill restaurant dishing up breakfast staples, salads & sandwiches, plus coffee & weekend brunch.

11 SE 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601

Phone:(352) 353-6929 | Web: theleaningpig.com

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Ipanema Brazilian Steak House

Churrascaria with a salad bar & all-you-can-eat roasted meats served tableside by gaucho waiters.

2023 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

La Cuisine Restaurant

Red walls surround diners in this cozy bistro with dishes inspired by France, Italy & the U.S.

48 SW 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

Sonny’s BBQ

Long-standing barbecue restaurant chain specializing in meats smoked over oak, plus sides & salads.

3635 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608

Sababa

Snug counter-service Israeli cafe with a patio serving kosher favorites like falafel & shakshuka.

101 SE 2nd Pl #108, Gainesville, FL 32601

Reyes Mezcaleria

Regional Mexican dishes & a broad tequila-mezcal selection in a lively setting with a patio.

821 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Formaggio Pizza and Italian Restaurant

Casual spot for specialty pizzas, subs, pasta & other Italian standards, plus beer & wine.

1053 NE 14th St, Ocala, FL 34470

Santiago’s Bodega | Orlando

Charming tapas bar pairing global small plates with housespecialty sangria in a warm room.

802 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

Wolfy’s Restaurant

Diner classics are on the menu at this comfy joint serving breakfast all day in simple digs.

2159 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470

Jun 24

Pride of Color

Pride of Color is a collectively organized space, to celebrate Queer Black, Indigenous, Asian American, Latinx, Pacific Islander, (etc) communities and our joy. We will have food, local organizations, artists, performances, and most importantly, culture! Join us as we honor the LGBTQ+ communities of color in the Orlando area and beyond, our voices both past and present, and our rich history. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Details at eventbrite.com.

JUL 4

Fireworks at the Fountain

From 4 to 10 p.m., enjoy live entertainment, family friendly fun, and food and beverages available for purchase from a variety of vendors. At 9:15 p.m., the sky will illuminate with a spectacular fireworks finale, set to a live patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band. Learn more at orlando.gov.

Jul 7

Thornebrook Food Truck Festival

Come hang out and enjoy a variety of food trucks, live music, and retail pop-ups at our Food Truck Festival! Seating will be provided but feel free to bring your own comfy chairs and blankets. Details at visitgainesville.com.

AUG 5

Summertoberfest

Celebrate German culture at Summertoberfest: a lively event with music, food, and beer. Enjoy traditional tunes, dance, and modern performances. Indulge in bratwurst, pretzels, and more. Sip on authentic German beers. Family-friendly activities and contests included. Learn more at summertoberfest.com.

SEP 17

The International Food and Drink Festival 2023

The International Food and Drink Festival 2023 at Downtown Orlando is back! Enjoy the best restaurants from Central Florida, exotic drinks, food eating contests, giveaways and more! Free admission! Learn more at allevents.in.

OCT 21

Come Out With Pride

Join us for our festival, marketplace, parade, and grand finale! Hosting over 210,000 guests, we are the longest parade in Orlando history, the largest single-day event in Central Florida, and one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the southeast! Learn more at comeoutwithpride.org.

Nov 3-5

Ocala Food & Wine Festival

Join us for a full-weekend celebration of culinary excellence. Follow the event on Facebook to stay up to date on details and to be the first to know when tickets go on sale. Visit deemitapp.com.

NOV 10

EDC Orlando 2023

Under the Electric Sky, we come together to celebrate life, love, art, and music. From the stages and the sound to the pyrotechnics and the performers, so many unique elements go into bringing this world to life. We invite you to wander, explore, interact, and connect. Learn more at visitorlando.com

DEC 2

Krampusfest

This holiday season, Krampus is headed to Orlando. An annual event Krampusfest will bring the alpine spirit to The Milk District on the first

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Sunday in December. A one-night-only extravaganza! The event will feature live music, vegan and non-vegan food, Christmas vendors, costume contests, a krampuslauf parade, and plenty of punishment. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

JAN TBD

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

For three magical weekends, a medieval village comes alive during festival season for the Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. The Faire showcases more than 160 talented artisans and craftspeople from all over the country, who arrive at Hoggetowne to display and sell a variety of goods. At the marketplace, visitors will find one-of-a-kind crafts and fashions. Master crafters will also show how they create their works of art. Visit the food court for a feast fit for a king. Learn more at strideevents.com.

FEB 29

Central Florida Fair

The annual Central Florida Fair returns for its 112th year from February 29 through March 10, 2024! Enjoy a midway featuring rides, games, and food, along with live music and entertainment, animals, livestock exhibitions and competitive exhibits, and so much more. Come celebrate the community and make lifelong memories! Learn more at centralfloridafair.com.

Mar 15 2024

Orlando Luck Of The Irish St Patrick’s Day Weekend Bar Crawl

“The Official Luck of The Irish Bar Crawl” stands as an extraordinary St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza, promising an indelible experience for individuals seeking an infusion of joviality. Whether you’re an aficionado of the art of bar crawling or a neophyte eagerly embracing the infectious spirit of Irish heritage, this event ensures a day teeming with jubilation and unbridled joy. Brace yourself for an unforgettable celebration, where you can revel in a captivating bar crawling event through the heart of the city, painting the town green in authentic Irish splendor. Visit eventbrite.com.

located on Siesta Key in Sarasota. Renowned for its powdery white sand composed of 99% pure quartz, Siesta Beach has garnered numerous accolades, including being named the best beach in the United States by TripAdvisor. The soft, cool sand feels like a dream beneath your toes, while the gentle lapping waves invite you for a refreshing swim. With its vibrant sunsets and lively beach culture, Siesta Beach offers an unforgettable experience for beach enthusiasts.

South Beach - Miami: Venturing southeast, we find ourselves at South Beach, Miami’s iconic playground that epitomizes the perfect blend of urban flair and tropical beauty. This world-famous beach boasts a glamorous atmosphere, with its backdrop of colorful Art Deco buildings and vibrant nightlife scene. Whether you’re sunbathing, strolling along Ocean Drive, or peoplewatching from a trendy rooftop bar, South Beach exudes an undeniable energy that attracts celebrities, fashionistas, and beach lovers from around the globe.

Clearwater Beach - Clearwater: Continuing on our coastal journey, we arrive at Clearwater Beach, an idyllic retreat located on Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast. Famous for its crystal-clear emerald waters and sugary-white sands, Clearwater Beach offers a range of recreational activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, and dolphin-watching cruises. Take a leisurely stroll along the lively Pier 60, where street performers, local vendors, and breathtaking sunsets create an ambiance of pure delight. Clearwater Beach is truly a slice of paradise.

Cocoa Beach - Cocoa: We cannot overlook the vibrant and lively Cocoa Beach.

Nestled on Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach is renowned for its iconic surf culture and laidback atmosphere. With consistent waves that attract surfers from far and wide, this beach paradise offers the perfect setting for catching a wave or learning to surf.

St. Pete Beach - St. Petersburg: Our coastal voyage wouldn’t be complete without a visit to St. Pete Beach, a sun-drenched paradise on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With its wide stretches of sugary sand, warm Gulf waters, and an array of water sports, St. Pete Beach caters to both relaxation seekers and adventure enthusiasts. St. Pete Beach offers an ideal blend of relaxation, recreation, and coastal charm.

Florida’s best beaches embody the essence of a dreamy coastal getaway, providing sun-soaked bliss and unforgettable experiences for visitors. Whether you’re seeking powdery white sands, vibrant beach culture, clear turquoise waters, iconic surf spots, or a perfect combination of all these elements, Florida’s beaches have it all.

Siesta Beach, South Beach, Clearwater Beach, Cocoa Beach, and St. Pete Beach are just a few shining examples of the countless seaside marvels that grace this incredible state.

MAR 30

Orlando Holi Festival 2024

Let’s Celebrate the Holi Festival with lots of color, food and live DJ Music. There will performances by various artists. Let’s make this a successful event similar to what we celebrated in past for last 20 year. Proudly brought to you by Indian Horizon of Florida. Learn more at eventbrite.com

May 5 2024

Cinco de Mayo Weekend Fiesta

Come join House Of Blues Orlando at Disney Springs for live music with beer, margaritas, and tacos specials all weekend long! Details at houseofblues.com.

Jun TBD 2024

Pineapple Festival

Join us for a Puerto Rican-themed street festival inspired by the Festival De La Piña Paradisíaca with live music, authentic food, live entertainment, and a kid’s zone! Event entry is free and open to the public. Details at visitorlando.com.

EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become

hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead

of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

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Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

PRIDE COMMUNITY CENTER OF NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA

The mission of the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida is to foster and enhance the well being and visibility of transgender, bisexual, lesbian, gay, queer, questioning, inter-sex, and asexual (LGBTQ+) persons, and to promote public understanding and affirmation of people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations, inclusive of race, ethnic background, nationality, economic stability, spirituality, age, and ability.

GAINESVILLEPRIDE.ORG | (352) 377-8915

THE CENTER ORLANDO

The mission of LGBT+ Center Orlando is to promote and empower the LGBT community and its allies through advocacy, education, information, and support.

THECENTERORLANDO.ORG | (407) 228-8272

PFLAG ORLANDO

Greater Orlando PFLAG’s purpose shall be to support the mission and charter of our national parent organization: PFLAG, Inc.; Promoting the health and well-being of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) persons, their families, friends, and allies through support, education, and advocacy.

WWW.GOPFLAG.ORG | (407) 236-9177

SPACE COAST PRIDE

Space Coast Pride is a wholly volunteer-managed non-partisan, tax-exempt, notfor-profit corporation that organizes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Pride events throughout the Space Coast of East Central Florida. We welcome the participation of all, regardless of age, creed, gender, gender identification, HIV status, national origin, race, religion, sexual origin, and regardless of ability. Space Coast Pride is governed by the Board of Directors.

SPACECOASTPRIDE.ORG | (317) 800-1901