Tallahassee Magazine • July/August 2024

Smarty Cat

All The Boxes

At Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive care that gives parents the birth experience they want, no matter how unique. We encourage parents to bring their birth plan to our Women’s Pavilion where families have access to our expert care team, high-risk labor and delivery unit, and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). At Tallahassee Memorial, we’re here to help you have your birth, your way.

Contents

FEATURES

60

TALLY TOP PET

Everyone thinks their pet is the best. However, only one furry companion could be dubbed the 2024 Tally Top Pet, a contest sponsored by and benefitting Be The Solution, a nonprofit organization dedicated to limiting Leon County’s unwanted animal population. After several rounds of stiff competition, a one-eyed foster cat named Plato took the crown. Now, can he find a forever home, too?

by SARA SANTORA

68

HELPING HANDS

According to the ASPCA, over 6 million companion animals enter U.S. shelters annually, many of which are underfunded and understaffed. As such, volunteers play a vital role in keeping animals off the streets and in good, safe environments. Leon County Humane Society Volunteer Coordinator Courtney Kendrick and Extended Care Animal Haven volunteer Nancy Redfern-Vance combine to talk about animal rescue volunteerism — why it’s important and what it looks like.

by SARA SANTORA

PANACHE

21 CHAMPIONS Located on Crazy 8 Ranch, 4 Steps Horse Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equine rescue, rehabilitation and therapy.

28 PERSONALITY

After receiving an eye-opening medical diagnosis in her late 20s, personal trainer Kaydi Blackstock has decided to turn a golden retriever puppy into a dependable, loving service dog.

32 HEALTH CARE

Even in his retirement, John Hogan remains closely attuned to health care trends, market dynamics and the workings of state government — areas that commanded his attention throughout his 44-year tenure at Capital Health Plan (CHP).

41 CITIZEN OF STYLE

Dr. Sara Jones enjoys a classic, put-together look, but she’ll never leave the house without her favorite accessory — cat hair.

46 WHAT’S IN STORE

From a hydrating body care set to the perfect sunscreen, Tallahassee retailers have what you need to combat the summer heat.

GASTRO AND GUSTO

54 DINING IN Grilled veggies add bold flavors to backyard barbecues. Our helpful tips can help you slice, dice and season like a pro.

EXPRESSIONS

75 FILM At only 20 years old, Josh Ceranic has photographed big-name artists and participated in the Cannes Film Festival. He reminds readers: “Nobody can believe in you more than you believe in yourself.”

80 POETRY Katee Tully brings artistic magic with her wherever she goes. One of the most recent additions to her long list of accomplishments includes founding Tallahassee Nurseries’ Word Garden.

ABODES

101 INTERIORS Plants are a great way to liven up your home, but beware — some houseplants pose serious risks for pets. Dr. Lauren DiMartinoCombs lists which houseplants to avoid and embrace.

106 EXTERIORS Looking to paint your home this summer?

Superior Painting Vice President Marshall Parker provides tips and tricks to help you finish the job.

112

The summer heat attracts an array of creatures to home gardens. Some may be harmless, but you’ll want to pay close attention to your plants to minimize potential damage.

Nothing tastes better on a sunny day than iced tea. Sweet or unsweetened, fruity or floral, there are plenty of delicious, hydrating and healthy tea infusions to enjoy this summer.

ON THE COVER:

After surviving on the harsh streets of rural Georgia, this year’s Tally Top Pet winner, Plato, is ready to find his forever home and raise awareness about feline FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). Sweet, loving and dressed to impress, this one-eyed foster cat is officially best in show.

by Dave Barfield

GREEN SCENE

Photo

Full Service Hearing Care

Audiology Associates and Tallahassee ENT: The only clinic in Tallahassee with both Doctors of Audiology and ENT Physicians, so you receive the most experienced and professional care.

MARKET DISTRICT

flagship store

1410 Market St. C-4

Sun-Thurs 8am-9pm

Fri-Sat 8am-10pm

MIDTOWN

1306 thomasville rd.

Sun-Thurs 9am-9pm

Fri-Sat 9am-1am

BANNERMAN CROSSINGS

3437 bannerman rd. #102

Mon-Thurs 9am-9pm

Fri-Sat 9am-10pm

Sun 11am-7pm

TASTE THE SUMMER CHILL THC drinks on tap

RAILROAD SQUARE FLOAT PODS

1000 railroad ave. unit #103

Mon-Sun 10am-11pm

THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA

14844 us highway 19 s. Thomasville, GA

Mon-Sun 8am-9pm

PARK AVENUE

2901 east park ave. Mon-Sun 9am-9pm

BANNERMAN CROSSINGS KAVA BAR

3437 bannerman rd. #104

Sun-Thurs 9am-9pm

Fri-Sat 9am-1am

TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

BRIAN E. ROWLAND

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER MCKENZIE BURLEIGH

EDITORIAL

EDITOR, TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE Sara Santora

EDITOR, EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE Paige Aigret

SENIOR CONTENT EDITOR Laci Swann

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paige Aigret, Steve Bornhoft, Marina Brown, Rebecca Padgett Frett, Les Harrison, Carrie Honaker, Mackenzie Little, Liesel Schmidt, Laci Swann

CREATIVE

VICE PRESIDENT / PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR, TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE Saige Roberts

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR, EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE Sarah Burger

SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNER AND ART LEAD, 850 BUSINESS MAGAZINE Shruti Shah

SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNER Scott Schiller

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sierra Thomas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alissa Aryn Photography, Sue Ault, Betsy Barfield, Dave Barfield, Boo Media, Matt Burke, Josh Ceranic, Claire Clements, Elizabeth E. George Photography, Epic Photo Co., Mike Fender, Matt Good / Matt Shoots for Good, Ethan Hernandez, Haley Jacobs / Home Shot Media, Kira Derryberry Photography, Grier Kirkpatrick, Pia Lehtonen, Erich Martin, Bob O’Lary, Alicia Osborne, Saige Roberts, Shelly Swanger Photography, Ti Adoro Studios, Trickey Durham Photography, Woodland Fields Photography, Nathan Zucker

SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS

SALES MANAGER, EASTERN DIVISION Lori Magee Yeaton

DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EASTERN DIVISION Daniel Parisi

ADVERTISING SERVICES MANAGER Tracy Mulligan

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Julie Dorr

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Darla Harrison, Renee Johnson, Erica Wilson

MARKETING MANAGER Javis Ogden

SALES AND MARKETING WRITER Rebecca Padgett Frett

MARKETING FULFILLMENT COORDINATOR Katie Grenfell

OPERATIONS

CUSTOM PUBLISHING MANAGER Sara Goldfarb

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE/AD SERVICE COORDINATOR Sarah Coven

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan

STAFF BOOKKEEPER Amber Ridgeway

DIGITAL SERVICES

DIGITAL EDITOR Alix Black

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YOU’VE GOTTA LOVE PETS

They need us as much as we need them

This is the fourth year we’ve featured the winner of our Tally Top Pet contest on the cover of Tallahassee Magazine, and the reveal never gets old. Each year, I receive a lot of positive feedback from pet lovers about the competition and its accompanying story, so much so that we’ll no doubt maintain the tradition for years to come.

For each of our reader events, we strive to partner with a local nonprofit, and in this case, Be The Solution was the perfect fit. Founded in 2007 by Gerry and Tim Phipps, the organization helps combat Tallahassee’s pet overpopulation problem by providing spay and neuter vouchers to area pet owners. These vouchers allow residents to get their pets fixed for a fraction of the cost and are available to anyone, regardless of household income.

Thanks to donations from veterinary partners and various fundraising efforts, the organization has provided over 30,000 surgeries since its inception and helped keep countless animals off the streets and out of shelters. Talk about a good cause!

You can be part of the solution by bringing gently used items to The Fix Thrift Shop next to Hopkins’ Eatery on Capital Circle, as 100% of the proceeds support the voucher program.

This summer issue is packed with interesting storytelling. We salute John Hogan, the former CEO and driving force behind Capital Health Plan (CHP), one of the country’s leading health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Despite retiring in 2023, he remains closely attuned to health care trends, market dynamics and everything else that kept him occupied during his tenure at CHP.

We converse with Kaydi Blackstock, a Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare fitness trainer who’s turning a golden retriever puppy into a dependable service dog; meet with the owner of a local equine rescue and rehabilitation nonprofit; and chat with others working with and making a difference in the lives of animals.

And of course, we introduce you to this year’s Tally Top Pet, a one-eyed foster cat named Plato. His story is one of triumph, a reminder that animals rely on our kindness and generosity to survive. I salute all those like the Phippses working tirelessly to promote animal welfare in our great city and encourage everyone who can to “be part of the solution.”

Enjoy,

BRIAN ROWLAND PUBLISHER browland@rowlandpublishing.com

THE HEALING POWER OF PETS

Animals provide comfort in times of need

While compiling this issue, I had the privilege of chatting with several pet owners about their furry companions. Despite how different some of their stories were, nearly all of them uttered the same phrase at some point during our conversations — “the healing power of pets.”

I was surprised to hear the phrase repeated more than once, but should I have been? After all, I’ve experienced these “healing powers” firsthand. How often has my mood brightened after running into a dog at Starbucks or the park? How many stressful days has my own cat, a beautiful tuxedo named Dolly, helped me endure? Too many to count.

Dolly loves spending time with me, but she’s never been a lap cat. She’ll sit beside me on the couch or lie at my feet in bed, but she rarely wants to cuddle; she just wants to be close by. That said, you can imagine my surprise when, a few weeks ago, she jumped into my lap while I was working.

I assumed she was using me as a bridge to get from one chair to the next (cats, am I right?), but no — she sat down and curled up for about 10 minutes before abandoning me for another, more comfortable nap spot. It was sweet, and yes, definitely out of the ordinary, but I didn’t think much of it. That is until it happened the next day, and the day after that, etc., etc.

Worried, I called my parents and told them I thought something was wrong with Dolly. Was she sick? Was she anxious? I closely monitored her food bowl and litter box for signs, but nothing else appeared out of the ordinary. She was still eating, drinking and playing like normal, so why the sudden change?

But then I remembered something Dena Coukoulis and Cara Fleischer told me during their interviews, that

their dogs would often comfort them when they were feeling sad or anxious. “Am I anxious?” I asked myself. Between traveling, taxes and various work deadlines, I’d had a busy few weeks, and naturally, my stress levels were higher than usual. But could Dolly really sense that?

According to the U.S. Service Animal’s emotional support animal registry, some research suggests that not only can cats interpret human emotions, but they also change their behaviors correspondingly due to the attachments they form with their owners. In other words, cats can sense when their owners are upset and will do things like snuggle or play to boost their spirits.

Dogs, meanwhile, can actually smell stress in humans and will give their owners attention in an attempt to cheer them up.

Research has also proven that the simple act of petting an animal can lower cortisol levels, so each time Dolly hopped on my lap and allowed me to pet her, she was helping me in a small but impactful way.

My schedule has since slowed down and I’m less stressed, so Dolly has returned to sitting beside me rather than on top of me. And while I hope my life and schedule remain manageable, I’m comforted knowing that Dolly and her special healing powers will always be there when I need her.

SARA SANTORA, EDITOR ssantora@rowlandpublishing.com

2024 | TALLAHASSEE TENNIS CHALLENGER

PRESENTED BY: Visit Tallahassee

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and the TMH Foundation thank the donors, sponsors and volunteers who made possible the 2024 Tallahassee Tennis Challenger benefiting the D. Mark Vogter MD Memorial Endowment for Neuro-Intensive Care at TMH

Grand Slam Sponsors

USTA Pro Circuit • The Vogter Family

Wimbledon Sponsors

Mark Webb/Merrill Lynch • Southern Medical Group

French Open Sponsors

Florida Lottery • Tallahassee Neurological Clinic • Brence A. Sell, MD • Eye Associates of Tallahassee, PA

Australian Open Sponsors

Eric & Lori Willyoung • Sniffen & Spellman, PA • Graganella Insurance Agency • David & Brenda Huang Periodontal Associates of North Florida/Walter Colón, DMD • Lakeridge Winery & San Sebastian Winery

Tallahassee Gastro Health Center/Kishor Muniyappa, MD • Ashley Pyrotechnics • The Khairallah Family

US Open Sponsors

Eliot & Heidi Sieloff • Maria & Mark Yealdhall • Jenny & Michael Crowley • In Tents Events • Katrina & Chris Wilhoit

Jamie & Joe Lenda • Dermatology Associates • Ken & Becky McAlpine • Dr. & Mrs. JA Giralt • Kathy & Jim Dahl

Lanigan & Associates/Tom & Holly Harrison • Anna Jones, RDN • Remedy Intelligent Staffing • MLD Architects

DLV Family Foundation • Lewis Longman Walker, PA • Carolyn & Rich Henry • Pennington, PA • Target Print & Mail

Anne Davis & Barbara Davidson • Nancy & Bob Crawford • Alice Abbitt & Ralph Zimmerman • Synovus • Truist Wealth

Jurassic Pizza & Pasta • Alberto & Eva Fernandez • Barbara S. Withers, CPA/Bryant Withers, CEC • Judy & Dennis Egan

Geosyntec Consultants • Rob Contreras & Ellen Berler • Premier Surface Solutions • North Florida Orthopaedics

Growler Country Craft Beer & Eatery • Allegiance Crane & Equipment • Coldwell Banker/Mariela Bartens

Katie Brennan & Claude Hendon • Capital Periodontal/Dr. William Baldock • MAD DOG Construction Challenger Sponsors

Tallahassee Tennis Association • Debra & George English • Jennifer Larson • Angela & Jim McCloy

Seminole High Performance • Dr. Tom & Tiffany Truman • Ingram Enterprises/Bryan & Junko Stout Carol & Ed Moore • Leon Screening & Repair • Steve Stratton • Sue Ault/AMGEN Futures Sponsors

Libby & Sid Bigham • Jake Varn • Chris Thomson • Joan Macmillan • Mary Alice & Michael Linzy

Richard & Kathy Zorn • Samantha Fillmore • Kathy Maus/Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig, LLP

Pam McLean • Alex Meng

In-Kind Sponsors

VIP Tent Dinners

Sodexo • Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant • Horizons Bar & Grille • Smitty’s Taphouse & Grill

TAKKO Seoul Good • Wharf Casual Seafood • The Blu Halo

Media

XFINITY • Tallahassee Magazine • ET Digital Media/Everett Teague

This event is held in partnership with the TMH Foundation and the City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs.

TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE’S

TALLAHASSEE of 20 24

BEST OF TALLAHASSEE

You voted, and now it’s time to celebrate this year’s Best of Tallahassee winners! Join us at The Moon on Tuesday, Nov. 12, for an evening of entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres and more as we honor the businesses that make Tallahassee a great place to live. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit TallahasseeMagazine.com/ best-of-tallahassee.

County’s ‘Created Equal’ Discusses Local Black and Brown History During Bicentennial

Leon County Government and The Village Square hosted the ninth annual Created Equal program titled, “Created Equal: A Bicentennial Tribute to Black and Brown History” in recognition of the TallahasseeLeon County Bicentennial. Hundreds gathered at The Moon for this award-winning program to examine Black and brown peoples’ stories, achievements and contributions to our county’s history.

Learn more at TallahasseeMagazine.com/ leon-countys-2024-created-equal-program.

Tally Top Pet isn’t over yet — a recap of this year’s campaign with highlights of the check presentation event is still to come. Visit TallahasseeMagazine.com/Tally-Top-Pet to donate, view the final donation tally and prepare for the Sept. 3 launch of the 2025 campaign!

CHAMPIONS

THE RIGHT STEPS

Rescue ranch provides second chance to horses in need by

SARA SANTORA

I’ll admit, I’m not very outdoorsy. I love an afternoon stroll through the park or the occasional early morning beach visit, but that’s about it. So, I didn’t know what to expect upon my arrival at Crazy 8 Ranch.

What I found was a sense of peace.

“It’s our little slice of heaven,” said Brittany Reese, vice president of 4 Steps Horse Rescue. Heaven, indeed.

The ranch, which offers trail rides, kids camps and horse boarding, is home to 4 Steps Horse Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equine rescue, rehabilitation and therapy. Horses arrive through various channels, including owner surrenders, the sheriff’s office and kill pens, and the 4 Steps team works tirelessly with its rescues to restore health and reinstate trust in people.

“It all boils down to the fact that they’re unwanted horses that aren’t going to get the time, attention and everything they need and deserve,” said Marcia Decamp, owner of Crazy 8 Ranch and founder of 4 Steps Horse Rescue.

Decamp grew up around horses but “hated” the things she learned growing up, calling many practices outdated. So, she went to school for equine management, took training courses and received her farrier’s certificate from the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School.

In 2007, she established Crazy 8 Ranch. In 2020, she started 4 Steps.

Each of the ranch’s horses has its own story to tell. The first horse I met, an American quarter horse named Wizard, arrived from a kill pen.

“He was the worst-looking horse there,” Decamp said. “He

4

Rescue with Brittany Reese, the nonprofit’s vice president. ↓ Together, they transformed a malnourished horse named Wizard into a “fat and sassy” stallion ready for adoption. → Decamp also managed to turn a stubborn mare named Daisy into a trail horse (for experienced riders only).

↑ Decamp runs

Steps Horse

was skin and bones and absolutely miserable … I wasn’t even sure we’d be able to get him in the trailer.”

Now, he’s “fat and sassy” and ready for adoption.

Daisy, the rescue’s oldest horse, was an abuse case. According to Decamp, Daisy was tongue-tied by her previous owners, a horse racing practice that involves tying the tongue down to the chin. As a result, Daisy’s tongue now hangs from her mouth. Given all that she’d endured, Daisy was aggressive when she arrived at the ranch.

“She wouldn’t let you near her,” Decamp said. “On my initial meeting with her, the people

were like, ‘If you don’t get her, we’re shooting her and putting her down.’”

Decamp managed to load Daisy onto her trailer, but the fight was far from over. At the ranch, Daisy charged at anyone who dared to approach, and even once knocked down Decamp. But the ranch owner didn’t give up.

Finally, with the help of her 2-year-old grandson, Decamp made headway with Daisy.

“As long as that baby was around, she was good as gold,” Decamp said. “She wouldn’t charge me.”

Decamp brought her grandson along whenever she needed to

“On my initial meeting with (Daisy), the people were like, ‘If you don’t get her, we’re shooting her and putting her down.’” — Marcia Decamp

interact with Daisy. And though the horse didn’t love it, she eventually allowed herself to be tamed.

“She loves, loves, loves babies to this day,” Decamp said. “If there’s a baby around, she’s going to their stroller.”

Taming aggressive horses isn’t easy. Decamp says she’ll spend

full days in the round pen with horses, ordering them to run circles until they listen and behave.

“I’ll bring them to the middle and try brushing them and stuff like that, and they’ll try biting or pulling away and I’ll be like, ‘Run more circles,’” Decamp explained.

She’ll do this exercise all day if necessary.

“If you quit before it’s time to quit, you will backtrack,” she said. “If the horse wins, you’re going to make the horse win next time, too.”

Not all horses rescued by 4 Steps are aggressive. Some arrive already

tamed. Others have had such bad experiences with people that they avoid Decamp’s team altogether. To regain their trust, Decamp will sit beside their food buckets and read to them.

Decamp hopes to find forever homes for each of the 4 Steps horses, whether on the ranch or off, and she frequently checks in with those who’ve been adopted to ensure they’re in capable, loving hands.

“We don’t want them to ever suffer again,” Decamp said. “They’ve already suffered once.” TM

↑ Decamp exercises aggressive horses in a round pen to help them learn commands. To win back the trust of mistreated horses, she sits beside their food buckets and reads to them.

Meet Mason, a TMH Miracle Baby

Mason thrives after 124 days in the NICU

by Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare

For some women, the second trimester of pregnancy is the “easy” one – the tiredness has dissipated, morning sickness lessened, and they can still move around with ease. But for Akliyah Mitchell, something felt off at 24 weeks into her pregnancy.

Expecting her first baby, a little boy, Akliyah paid close attention to her body. When she was experiencing shortness of breath, she quickly headed to the Obstetric Emergency Department at the Tallahassee Memorial Alexander D. Brickler, MD Women’s Pavilion “just to be sure.”

While there, clinical staff discovered her blood pressure was 203 over 119 - a hypertensive crisis for a pregnant woman. Akliyah was admitted to TMH’s Antenatal Care Unit (ACU) to monitor her and her baby’s health.

She was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, a complication during pregnancy that causes dangerously high blood pressure, protein in the urine and other signs of organ damage. During her time in the ACU, her blood pressure kept increasing and the baby’s heart rate began to drop. It was determined that a cesarean section (c-section) would be the best option for her and her baby.

Meeting Mason

On April 6, 2022, at just 25 weeks pregnant, Akliyah’s doctor, A.J. Brickler III, MD of North Florida Women’s Care, performed a c-section, and Mason was born. He was immediately moved to TMH’s Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the region’s only Level III NICU.

Akliyah and her husband, Omar, did not know much about the NICU but quickly learned it was the best place for their son.

“I was very nervous and was not mentally prepared to have a baby in the NICU,” Akliyah said. “I cried a lot those first few days, but with the help of the amazing nurses who explained the process, it helped me calm down.”

Growing Strong in the NICU

Being born at 25 weeks poses challenges for newborns. Babies that young are still developing their lungs, and their stomachs may not be ready to digest breast milk. Fortunately, with the help of the NICU team – including the neonatologists, neonatal nurses, pediatricians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, music therapists, baby cuddlers and more – Mason overcame these challenges and thrived.

He slowly but surely progressed – he was in the incubator for several weeks and started out with a ventilator, a machine that breathes for the baby while their lungs are still growing.

The NICU team was able to use Akliyah’s breast milk with fortifiers, giving Mason an extra boost of nutrition to help him increase his tolerance and eventually get him to feed on his own. After several weeks, Mason was able to feed through a bottle and no longer use a feeding tube.

The NICU Team Becomes Family

After spending long days and nights in the NICU, Akliyah and Omar became very close to the NICU team, including Desiree Fenniman, RN, one of TMH’s neonatal nurses and Mary Vickery, RRT, a respiratory therapist.

“Mason was a wild one – he would pull his tubes out and do all the things you’re not supposed to do, but we got that in check,” said Desiree, laughing.

Even though Akliyah and Omar lived in Tallahassee, the nurses in the NICU referred Akliyah to Ronald McDonald House Charities so they could be closer to TMH. This allowed her to visit Mason at all hours every day, leaving only during the nurse shift change to get some rest and then coming right back.

When Akliyah was resting, she received updates via text from the NICU team on Mason’s health. She formed lifelong friendships with some of them.

While she visited Mason, Akliyah sang songs, read books and prayed with him. The NICU nurses showed Akliyah and Omar how to care for Mason at his size, including bottle feeding, swaddling and bathing. The most important lesson Akliyah received from the nurses, she said, “was how to be strong.”

After 124 days in the NICU, Mason was able to hit all his milestones and be discharged – he maintained his temperature in an open crib, was feeding at his own desire and taking bottles at a volume to consistently gain weight.

Akliyah was overwhelmed with joy and had an idea of creating a sign the night before. On August 8, 2022, Mason graduated from the NICU and broke through the sign that read,

“Goodbye NICU, I’m going home with my parents.”

In the lobby of the Women’s Pavilion, Mason was met with cheers, hugs and happy tears from the NICU team as the family left to start their new beginning.

“She cried, and I cried with them,” Mary said.

“We are here for the families and each other, good or bad,”

Desiree said. “It is our job as the nurses to make those families feel comfort in any way we can.”

Mason Thrives as a Toddler

Now at 2 years old, Mason attends physical therapy once a week at Tallahassee Memorial Pediatric Outpatient Rehabilitation to help strengthen his legs and back. While at physical therapy, he works with a therapist to practice his standing balance, walking with the assistance of a walker and pedaling a tricycle.

Mason has been crawling more and trying to take steps without the walker. He also loves to eat, play with his toys, blow kisses, listen to music and dance.

“I’m grateful to have Mason with me every day,” Omar said. “He is a blessing.”

“Life is amazing with him. If you’re having a bad day, just seeing Mason smile is very contagious. He will brighten up anybody’s day,” Akliyah said. “I love being his mom.”

To learn more about the region’s only Level III NICU and pre-register to give birth at TMH, visit TMH.ORG/NICU.

PERSONALITY

A FRIEND IN DEED

Service dog, Astrid, takes to her work as a vigilant friend

by MARINA BROWN

Watching Personal Trainer Kaydi Blackstock elegantly striding into Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s (TMH) Premier Health & Fitness Center sometimes leaves early morning exercisers staring with envy.

Blackstock confidently moves about life as if she doesn’t have a care in the world. At least, that’s how it seems if you don’t consider that the 32-year-old fitness expert has a service dog at her side.

Astrid, a nearly 2-year-old golden retriever, happily trots on her leash beside Blackstock,

wearing her official service dog vest. As half a dozen clients twist, reach and quiver doing their exercises for Blackstock, Astrid lies beside the mat or machine offering benevolent doggy smiles of encouragement, but most importantly, keeping an eye on her owner.

For as great as having a furry companion may be, Astrid wasn’t always needed. Blackstock was born in Boise, Idaho, as one of four very athletic children who participated in track and field, basketball,

After being diagnosed with a nervous system disorder called dysautonomia, personal trainer Kaydi Blackstock adopted Astrid, her own personal “health assistant.”

softball and ballet. Her mother was a track star, and Blackstock was a high jumper herself. A career in some form of athletics seemed the perfect fit.

So, she earned a B.S. in athletic training from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, added a teaching degree from Florida Southern College and received certifications in pilates, yoga and personal training. At one point, Blackstock was the head athletic trainer at Chiles High School. Now, she’s a cardiac rehab ambassador and personal trainer at TMH.

But a few years into her 20s, Blackstock began noticing strange feelings — dizziness, heart racing, odd blood pressure drops, vision impairment, even sudden fainting. The symptoms weren’t associated with any of the normal precipitators. There were no tumors

or heart conditions, no diabetes or dehydration. Doctors offered suggestions and opinions, but no specific diagnosis could be made.

The years went by with Blackstock refusing to be sidelined by the undependability of her

body while living with the constant awareness that, without warning, she might suddenly faint or feel herself unable to see.

And then, as she prepared to enter her 30s, Blackstock met Dr. Marilyn Cox, a now-retired

↑→ Astrid rarely strays from Blackstock’s side. From walks around the gym to yoga class, the golden retriever is always around and ready to help.

TMH cardiologist who finally offered a name for Blackstock’s condition — dysautonomia, an illness that affects the autonomic nervous system. The systems our bodies typically “take care of” without our thinking — blood pressure, heart rate, digestion — can suddenly fail.

Blackstock’s specific form of dysautonomia is called POTS, “postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome,” a condition affecting up to 3 million Americans.

↑ Although hard to resist, “cute and friendly” Astrid shouldn’t be distracted while working. → The dependable pup is trained to stay attuned to Blackstock’s needs and is always on duty.

If Blackstock can recognize certain feelings, like her heart beating quickly, it may be a sign her blood pressure is about to fall. If that happens, her brain loses circulation, and she may faint. The problem is that Blackstock and others with

the condition don’t always know when their blood pressure is about to drop. But there could be a way to have “an early warning system.”

“I had read about service dogs working with people with this condition. But a trained dog can cost between $20,000 to $30,000,” Blackstock said.

So she decided to “do it herself.” For $1,000, she bought a golden retriever puppy, and then, with the help of Savannah Wyckoff, a puppy trainer and friend, Blackstock began creating both a companion and her own “health assistant.”

“Today, Astrid knows 30–40 commands,” Blackstock said. “When I need stability, she will ‘brace.’ When she knows something is off through smell or my behavior, she will show me, and I can sit or lie down to avert a faint.”

Astrid can also get medicine, lay on Blackstock’s torso to increase blood pressure and is learning to call for help.

“Yes, there’s been a time investment — maybe 20–30 hours a week for over a year, but obviously, it has been so very, very worth it.”

The hardest part of living life with a service dog?

“Definitely reminding people that she is working and shouldn’t be distracted. Astrid is so cute and friendly — she’s hard to resist!” TM photography by

ERICH MARTIN

EARLY ADOPTER

John Hogan was a health plan pioneer

by STEVE BORNHOFT

During an interview conducted at his home six months into his retirement, it became clear that John Hogan remains closely attuned to health care trends, market dynamics and the workings of state government.

Those areas commanded his attention throughout his 44 years as the CEO at Capital Health Plan (CHP), a primary care-focused, not-for-profit health maintenance organization (HMO) headquartered in Tallahassee, and for years prior to his arrival in Florida.

Hogan was looking forward to a speaking engagement at the Westminster Oaks retirement community, where he would discuss the latest changes affecting Medicare. And, in conversation, he was as attuned to the future of health care and health insurance as he was to its evolution.

He can’t take his eye off that ball.

“We are always at risk of trying to perfect a system that is not what future demographics are going to need,” Hogan said. “Birth rates and fertility rates in the U.S. are at record

↑

John Hogan fields questions from a television reporter at the grand opening of the Metropolitan Health Center in October 2019.

Imagine Maternity Care Where...

lows. We have a growing number of seniors and very senior seniors. Persons aged 85 and above is the most rapidly growing segment of the population in Florida.”

Hogan, who headed south from Georgia in 1978, remembers when less than 10% of the population in Tallahassee was made up of seniors.

“Those days are long gone,” he said. “Statewide, 21% of the population is over 65. My mother-inlaw is 103 and a half. Ten years ago, CHP didn’t have a single member over the age of 100; when I retired, we had 20. That trend is going to continue. So, what should the health care delivery system look like 10 or 20 years from now? Are we really thinking about that enough? Chronic illnesses that don’t get cured but are managed for years are expensive.”

Hogan is pleased that the state Legislature has worked toward creating more residencies in Florida,

recognizing that physicians tend to remain in the area where they complete their postdoctoral work.

A Virginia native, Hogan completed undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill — UNC basketball has been an “affliction” for him ever since, he said — and earned a master’s degree in regional planning at the University of Virginia.

While in graduate school, he worked with the School of Health Services Research at the UVA Medical School and was exposed to a “coming thing,” HMOs. Few were located in the eastern and southern U.S. at the time, and Hogan read all that he could about them.

He had, he said, the “HMO bug.”

↑ Hogan occupied a pre-operational rented office on Office Plaza Drive in Tallahassee at the start of his Capital Health Plan career.

As Hogan was graduating from UVA in 1976, a group of health care professionals in Tallahassee was deciding not to go forward with an HMO that had tentatively been named the Big Bend Health Plan. The group included Tallahassee

Memorial Hospital administrator M.T. Mustian and physician members of the Capital Medical Society.

Would the community lend an HMO enough support to make it viable? Would the medical community embrace the idea?

“They concluded that the time wasn’t right,” Hogan said. “The area was too small. Physicians felt that it posed a competitive threat to the way they preferred to practice.”

But the idea would surface again in Tallahassee, and this time, Hogan would be in the mix.

Post UVA, Hogan worked for regional health systems agencies in Brunswick and then Albany, Georgia. The jobs aligned with his master’s degree but not with what he truly wanted to do.

Versus planning and development, his greater interest was in bringing about market alternatives to the traditional fee-for-service approach to health care. He wanted to discover whether prepaid health plans could work from the

“The key thing in secondary markets — and I don’t care if you are starting a health plan or a restaurant — is to do an outstanding job with the initial risktakers who give you a chance to show them that you are a good value to them as consumers.”

— John Hogan, Former CEO at Capital Health Plan (CHP)

standpoints of quality and affordability of care.

When Hogan arrived in Tallahassee in 1978, Capital Health Plan, as yet unnamed, was in development. Maybe this time, the idea would win. The capital city had a vast number of state employees and, if state government were open to an HMO, that might be enough to get one started on a path to sustainability.

At the time, Hogan said, the federal government viewed membership of at least 25,000 as an HMO viability threshold. The Tallahassee metro area numbered only about 250,000 people. Was it reasonable to think that a start-up HMO could attract 10% of the population as members?

“We argued that it was not the aggregate number of people that mattered, but who made up the population,” Hogan said. “You have a lot of university folks here, you have a lot of state employees, you have supportive employers in city and county governments and school districts. We felt that we could get to 25,000.”

It did, in 2½ months.

Today, CHP has 135,000 members in a nine-county area: Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla.

“The key thing in secondary markets — and I don’t care if you are starting a health plan or a restaurant — is to do an outstanding job with the initial risk-takers who give you a chance to show them that you are a good value to them as consumers,” Hogan said.

↗ John Hogan addresses a press event held to kick off the Capital Health Plan Champions Club, established in 2007 to promote physical fitness in children.

He said CHP’s first medical director, Dr. Bud Huber, stressed the importance of treating early adopters with courtesy and respect, delivering quality clinical care and generating good word-of-mouth.

The early adopters hung around, and 40-plus years later, “CHP has never had a disenrollment rate of more than 2% in a year, and usually it’s around 1%,” Hogan said. In 2023, the National Committee for Quality Assurance awarded CHP a perfect five-star rating for “member rating of the plan” and “satisfaction with care.” Hogan believes there is a strong correlation between such satisfaction

and local accountability. The plans and providers who are going to do best, he said, are those that assume accountability for the quality of care and service — and for financial operations.

“Despite the development of telehealth and the fact that the person reading your X-ray may be in India, the vast majority of health care is still a personal, locally delivered service,” Hogan said. “But for most people

“Things have gotten too big. The government pays for x percent of a practice. Big health plans pay for x percent. And you don’t have any leverage in negotiating with these folks. You need to be part of something larger.”

— John Hogan

who have national or statewide or regional or major carrier health plans, bills are processed in Atlanta or Oklahoma City or another faraway place, so when there’s a problem that comes up with service delivery, a claim or anything else, you’re usually calling a 1-800 number.”

There are downsides to the corporatization of health care, Hogan said, acknowledging that CHP employs physicians, but it has become nigh unto impossible for doctors to sustain solo or

“Things have gotten too big,” he said. “The government pays for x percent of a practice. Big health plans pay for x percent. And you don’t have any leverage in negotiating with these folks. You need to be part of something larger.”

In all of this, Hogan said, there are two fundamental and fundamentally different approaches to health care: one that relies on drumming up business and the other that calculates risks, lives within maintenance.

Optimally, a service delivery system will achieve better health for the population, better health care and sustainable affordability — socalled triple-aim outcomes. Approaching that goal will require continuing programs of refinement

Hogan, at this point, will leave that trial and error to others. He has been succeeded at CHP by Sabin Bass, who had served as the plan’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.

A basketball player as a younger man, Hogan switched to golf, an activity that creeping arthritis has interfered with. At 6 feet, 6 inches tall, he’s got the wingspan for pickleball. Maybe he will give that

For sure, he will keep his eye on the health

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JUL/AUG 2024

REGARDING MATTERS OF ALL THINGS STYLISH

CITIZEN OF STYLE

MORE THAN LAB COATS IN HER CLOSET

Dr. Sara Jones talks fashion, felines and neuroscience

by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

WHAT’S IN STORE Retail Roundup

↖

Dr. Sara Jones, the vice president and medical coordinator for the Feline Advocates of Leon County, talks all things fashion while posing with a sweet, 3-year-old cat named Joe.

↗

Dr. Sara Jones enjoys a classic, put-together look, whether at work as the surveillance and evaluation coordinator at the Florida Department of Health or at home practicing the violin. One exception to the look is her frequent accessory — cat hair. Another important role in her life is serving as the vice president and medical coordinator for the Feline Advocates of Leon County (FALC) and caring for her own two cats. Through her roles at FALC, Jones gets to practice her background in science by coordinating medical care for cats

while promoting her passion for her beloved feline friends.

In 2018, Jones moved to Tallahassee to attend graduate school to receive her doctorate at Florida State University. Seeking a furry companion, Jones found herself at the Fat Cat Café, where she adopted one cat and eventually a second.

She kept in touch with the owners of Fat Cat Café, who in 2019, contacted her about being involved in FALC, a nonprofit animal rescue with an emphasis on cats, serving Tallahassee and the Big Bend region.

photography by ALICIA OSBORNE

One of Jones’ many hobbies includes thrifting. When shopping for vintage, she sticks to classic, workappropriate pieces like this Loft cardigan (above) she thrifted from Goodwill.

“Where I may not be as adventurous as some, I really appreciate how having a sense of style connects people.”

FALC developed a foster program for cats and kittens that need medical attention before being taken to the Fat Cat Café for adoption. Jones specifically assists with coordinating vet appointments and spays/neuters, working alongside Be The Solution. She often fosters neonatal kittens in need of bottle feeding and critical care cases.

“Tallahassee has a significant cat population, which makes it all the more rewarding to be able to help care for these cats and watch them find loving homes,” said Jones.

Cats are the ideal pets for Jones because of their independent nature, as she spends her time divided between volunteering with FALC and constantly striving to excel in her career as a scientist.

A Florida native, Jones received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, but when it came time to decide on a Ph.D. program, Florida State University held her interest.

“When I interviewed at FSU, from the start, I felt at home because the program was tight-knit and the professors were invested in each student’s success,” said Jones.

In 2022, Jones received her Ph.D. in biomedical science with an emphasis in neuroscience. One of her most notable studies was observing the effects of aspartame on the brain and behavior and its transgenerational impacts.

Upon graduating, Jones was hired at the Florida Department of Health, specifically working with the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida. In this role, Jones conducts data analysis of contracts for foundations that assist people in quitting smoking. Jones serves as a

↖ Jones boasts another thrifted cardigan from Be The Solution’s The Fix Thrift Shop. ← Her B. Darlin dress, a popular department store brand, was purchased from The Other Side Vintage. Like all of Jones’ clothes, the dress pairs well with cats, as evidenced by this photo with Electra, one of FALC’s adoptable felines.

panache

scientific advisor, evaluating the programs to make them as effective as possible.

“I knew I wanted a job in public health in order to help people,” said Jones. “As a scientist, it’s important to understand science, but it’s even more important to understand how science can be used to impact and help people.”

Jones would say she’s predominately left-brained and inclined toward the sciences, but she also plays the violin, something she’s actively done since the age of 8. She was a performer throughout middle and high school, and now she picks up her violin a few times a week as a creative outlet.

“As a scientist, it’s important to understand science, but it’s even more important to understand how science can be used to impact and help people.”

— Dr. Sara Jones

“I think it’s important for people to have something that quiets their mind and is simply fun,” said Jones. “That’s what playing the violin is to me — a way to relax and something that’s fun to do with others and alone.”

Her other hobbies include hiking Tallahassee’s many trails, trying Tallahassee’s newest restaurants and shopping at thrift stores, particularly The Other Side Vintage, Community Thrift and Be The Solution’s thrift store, The Fix.

When shopping vintage, she gravitates toward classics and staple pieces in neutral colors. With a business casual dress code during the week, she finds it best to fill her closet with easily paired pieces — dress slacks, nice blouses, a cozy sweater and cute flats. As someone who is always on the go, comfort is key.

At 29, she feels she’s still exploring and figuring out her exact style, feeling too young for some of the more reserved pieces but too old for some of the current trends. One thing she’s staying true to as a millennial is her adoration of ripped skinny jeans.

“Where I may not be as adventurous as some, I really appreciate how having a sense of style connects people,” said Jones. “I love how clothing helps people express themselves and how complimenting someone’s shirt or accessory is a great ice breaker.”

One can be certain that Jones’ greatest discoveries in both thrift stores and the sciences lie ahead. TM

EDITOR’S NOTE: The photos of Dr. Sara Jones were taken at Fat Cat Books in Railroad Square Art District before the May 10 tornados touched down in Tallahassee, severely damaging many of the district’s businesses. According to an Instagram post, Fat Cat Books and its cats fared well during the storm. More information about Fat Cat Books and Railroad Square can be found on the organizations’ respective social media pages.

Brianna, MD Lina, PA Jessica, RN Roxy, Aesthetician

What’s In Store?

A roundup of retail happenings

by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

Look Optic from BEDFELLOWS

doesn’t compromise style for clarity with its lightweight readers. Look Optic offers a wide selection of popular frame styles in various colors, prints and prescription strengths.

Bedfellows

➸ Warmer weather and Florida sunshine make it the ideal time to be outdoors in Tallahassee. Enjoy the great outdoors in your backyard with a SUMMER CLASSICS outdoor collection from Bedfellows. Outfit the furniture in one of hundreds of fabric options, all made to withstand the Florida climate.

➸ Bedfellows has introduced a new fragrance collection for the home and the body. ANTICA FARMACISTA not only enlivens the sense through scent, they are also beautifully packaged, making for the perfect pickup gift.

Hearth & Soul

Add a pop of color to any outfit with the bubblegum pink MOONIE MINI TOY BAG

The unique lattice work exterior creates a 3D element, much like a wearable work of art. It’s just the right size for an evening out or a day spent shopping.

➸ Evoke the scents of spring and summer yearround with BOND NO. 9 NEW YORK FLOWERS

This perfume is a bouquet of jasmine, amber, iris, rose, clementine and Anjou pear. This standout scent won Harpers Bazaar’s best fragrance of 2023. Not only does it smell pretty, but the bottle itself is a work of art.

➸ Oil-free, vitamin-packed and water- and sweat-resistant, the JACK BLACK SUN GUARD sunscreen is the only sunscreen you need in your bag or backpack. Whether hiking Tallahassee’s many trails or heading down the road to the coast, this broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen combats the Florida sun.

➸ Maintain silky-smooth and ultra-hydrated skin all summer long with OSEA BESTSELLERS

BODYCARE SET. Perfect for your summer adventures, all products are travel-sized. The lux travel bag contains Undaria Algae Body Butter, Undaria Algae Body Oil, Anti-Aging Body Balm and Salts of the Earth Body Scrub.

SMASHING OLIVE

Summer is prime time for hosting and holding sunshine soirees. Whether it’s appetizers at a poolside barbecue or an al fresco picnic lunch, Smashing Olive can stock your kitchen with delicacies to enhance any meal. Smashing Olive is a boutique OLIVE OIL AND BALSAMIC VINEGAR store and tasting room offering the freshest oils and vinegars from across the world. The products are all natural with no sugars, artificial flavors or colors. The expert staff can guide you through the flavor profiles to help you find the right pairings. Once you’ve selected your oils and vinegars, line your basket with accoutrements such as FLAVORED HONEY, PEPPERS AND A WIDE ARRAY OF OLIVES

Featuring Two New Services

Keralase

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Topical Growth Factors, promotes stronger, thicker, and fuller hair.

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gastro&gusto

by PAIGE

AIGRET

gastro & gusto

Sunny summer days in Florida mean two things — swimming and iced tea.

No matter the blend, the refreshing beverage proves healthy, too. Green, black, white and oolong teas contain antioxidants such as catechins that prevent cell damage and contribute to heart health.

“What makes the teas healthy, in general, are the antioxidants,” said Laura Mann, owner of All Things Tea at Rabbit Creek Market. “One of the big ones is polyphenols.”

Mann explained that all teas have a healthy dose of polyphenols, but brew time and temperature impact the product’s health benefits. Teas brewed at higher temps and steeped longer, such as black teas, tend to have a lower antioxidant level, while green teas, brewed at 180 F, often maintain health benefits.

↑ Make your summer beverages extra refreshing with frosty watermelon cubes. Arrange cut fruit on parchment paper, being sure to keep the pieces separated so they don’t stick together. One-inch cubes need about 4 hours in the freezer. Add them to cold drinks and serve immediately.

SUNNY HIBISCUS HONEY GREEN TEA

For most Southerners, sun tea elicits nostalgic memories of backyard summer days. For a twist your taste buds won’t regret, swap traditional black tea for green tea and add some flavor. Now, you’ve got the perfect energizing summer refresher for any sunny day.

INGREDIENTS

➸ 3 tablespoons looseleaf green tea (or 3 family-size bags)

➸ 3 teaspoons dried hibiscus

➸ 4 tablespoons honey (or to taste)

DIRECTIONS

Fill a 2-quart glass pitcher or container with water about 1 to 2 inches from the top. In an infuser drum, add your loose-leaf green tea and/ or dried hibiscus. If you don’t have an infuser, simply add your leaves loose in the pitcher and strain them after brewing using a fine mesh sieve. Alternatively, green tea bags make for less fuss, and the hibiscus can fit in a single-use infuser ball. Add your infuser or bags to your container and fill the remaining way with water. Close tightly with a lid or seal with cling wrap. Set your pitcher in the sun for three to six hours, depending on cloud coverage and temperature. Once brewed, add in your sweetener. Honey incorporates well at warm to room temp and best complements the hibiscus and green tea.

“Because green tea is brewed at a lower temperature, you get a lot more of the antioxidants and polyphenols left in your cup,” Mann explained.

Black teas remain popular and have the highest caffeine content — equivalent to about half that of coffee. In the summer, black tea is ideal for classic sweet or unsweet tea. It also pairs well with fruits like fresh lemon, raspberry and others.

“Peach and apricot in a black tea is dynamite during the summer,” Mann said.

All Things Tea’s signature iced beverage features black tea with fresh fruit, similar to sangria, including blackberries, blueberries, oranges or whatever is in season.

Green tea’s caffeine content falls just under that of black tea, making

Always separate your filter basket, or pour all your tea from the infusing pitcher after brewing. Otherwise, you’ll end up with soggy leaves and bitter, over-steeped tea.

← For easy cleanup, scoop loose leaf tea into paper filters and hang over the edge of the brewing container, or place directly into water and filter through a fine mesh sieve.

it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Its subtle flavor pairs well with fruity ingredients like fresh mango, strawberry or blackberry.

The Citron Green Tea and Tropical Green Tea prove popular in the tearoom during summertime. The Citron is orange-infused, and the Tropical boasts a refreshing coconut flavor. Mann said both teas are perfect as refreshing iced beverages, prepared frozen as popsicles, combined with milk to create ice cream or used as cocktail mixers.

While tea is often compared to coffee due to its caffeine content, Mann said it’s more similar to wines. Green teas, she said, pair well with salads and chicken, while black teas pair well with red meat and creamy dishes.

When serving tea iced, Mann suggests preparing frozen tea cubes

Be sure to follow the instructions on measurement, water temperature and steep times, which differ among blends. Most loose-leaf teas will provide specific instructions on the package.

band.

Create your own tea bags by placing a coffee filter directly over your mug or enclosing a cheesecloth with a rubber

Creating a New You

gastro & gusto

FRUITY AND FLORAL

You can add dried florals to your looseleaf blend before brewing. Hibiscus and butterfly pea flowers add colorful and flavorful infusions to green, white and herbal teas. When using fresh fruits or roots like ginger, slicing, dicing and muddling can enhance flavor results. You can also add citrus to the infuser filter during brewing. Berries and other fruits can be muddled and strained prior, creating a fruity syrup to add to your tea once brewed.

↖ Lemon and blueberries add flavor and ← butterfly pea flowers add color to iced tea blends.

ahead of time to prevent a watered-down flavor. You can also cold brew tea for increased nutrients and flavor infusion. Simply steep it in the refrigerator for anywhere between an hour to overnight.

Water can make all the difference, too. If you’re used to the taste of filtered water over tap, be sure to use filtered when brewing tea and for any ice cubes added to your beverage.

For in-cup steeping, Mann recommends looseleaf tea brewed in compostable T-sacs — envelopeshaped filters with no string that you fill and drop into your teacup or pot — versus bagged teas from big box stores. Many big brands use lower-quality ingredients and poor or unlabeled materials for the tea bag. And, she said, it makes a difference in flavor.

“An infuser is nice,” Mann said, “but sometimes it doesn’t give your tea leaves the room in your cup to brew properly, so you don’t get the full flavor on your additional brews.”

Tea balls are popular for their single-serve convenience but often produce a leafy result. The mesh unit also proves too small for larger-leaf teas, florals and fruit pieces, which need to unfurl and expand in the water for optimal steeping.

You can purchase T-sacs and other accessories at All Things Tea or online. When buying from a new or unknown vendor, Mann suggests checking the labels to ensure they are compostable and made naturally, without toxins.

No matter the method, whether it’s Southern sweet, green or an herbal brew, there’s nothing like a cold glass of tea in the summertime. TM

GET YOUR GRILL ON

Sliced, skewered or seasoned, veggies bring bold flavors to your backyard barbecue

by LIESEL SCHMIDT

Cutting vegetables into equal-sized pieces ensures everything cooks at the same rate.

Turning the heat up in the final moments of grilling produces a perfect char.

As high-tech and intricate as grills have become, you can use them for everything, from charring steaks to baking cookies. Whether you’re a purist who prefers to break out the briquettes or find that nothing gets you going like gas, the grill is the perfect tool for making magic with your veggies.

SLICE AND DICE

Surface area is crucial to grilling, and greater surface areas increase the rate of cooking. Consistency is also crucial; cutting your veggies into equal-sized pieces ensures that everything cooks at the same rate.

Not all vegetables need to be cut up, of course — an ear of corn, for example. But cutting does speed things up and produces a more even cook. Thin or ribboned cuts of veggies like zucchini will have a very short window of time before risking overcooking or over-charring. Thicker cuts will take longer but will be easier to maneuver on the grill with tongs. By contrast, smaller pieces may require the use of a grilling skillet or foil packet to prevent them from falling through the grates. Skewers are also useful in maximizing efficiency but keep like vegetables together for an even cook.

DINING IN

gastro & gusto

SEASON LIKE A PRO

Coat your vegetable pieces in oil before putting them on the grill. Olive and coconut oils are ideal for grilling. Peanut works well, too, but be mindful of those with allergies. Also, note that each will lend different flavors to your food. If you want to season your veggies, do so very lightly, as salt leeches moisture from vegetables. Too much salt before grilling can make it difficult to achieve a charred exterior.

“My overall go-to seasoning is EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), sea salt and pepper to taste, and always a touch of Chef Nikki’s Pro Seasoning to add a bit more flavor,” said Jennifer Leale, blogger and founder of Tallahassee Foodies.

“In the summer, we grow zucchini in our garden. I like to slice it fairly thick and mix it in a large bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper, and grill it until it’s tender, but not too soft. Then I finish it with a light dusting of either Herbs de Provence or Italian seasonings.”

↑ Coat your vegetable pieces in oil before putting them on the grill. ← When it comes to seasoning, Jennifer Leale, blogger and founder of Tallahassee Foodies, recommends olive oil, sea salt, pepper and a touch of Chef Nikki’s Pro Seasoning.

HANDLE THE HEAT

If your grill comes with a built-in thermometer, make it your friend. When grilling vegetables, hotter is not always better. Temps of roughly 400–425 F are typically best.

“Different vegetables require different cooking times over medium to medium-high heat,” Leale said. “To achieve a caramelized flavor for all veggies, we crank up the heat in the final moments to finish them off with a tasty char.”

gastro & gusto

DIRECT OR INDIRECT

In grilling, direct heat refers to cooking directly over the flames, while indirect heat involves cooking adjacent to your heat source. A combination of direct and indirect methods is often useful for grilling vegetables that take longer to cook through, such as whole carrots or cabbage wedges.

“I like to cook my vegetables on the upper rack of the grill to keep them from burning,” Leale said. “This makes it easier to control their temperature. Also, until you get to know your particular type of grill, keep checking on your veggies often so they don’t overcook or burn. A gas grill cooks differently than an egg, which is best for a low and slow cooking method.”

USE YOUR LID

Keeping the grill lid open or closing it while you’re grilling is determined by what you’re cooking. For smaller or more delicate vegetables, keep the lid off. Thicker, more dense vegetables, however, benefit from a closed lid because it creates a convection effect, circulating the hot air and helping cook more thoroughly. Thicker veggies like whole cauliflower may need closed-lid grilling, while asparagus and similarly thin vegetables benefit from open grilling.

POST-GRILL SEASONING

The best time to season grilled veggies is after they’re finished on the grill. Salt and black pepper, a squeeze of lemon or a simple sauce are all great ways to enhance the taste of your grilled veg. But remember to be conservative rather than heavy-handed. Let that grill flavor shine! TM

Sara Santora contributed to this article.

↗ Leale said she prefers to cook her vegetables on the upper rack to prevent them from burning. “This makes it easier to control their temperature,” she explained.

p resen T ing s ponsor: november12, 2024

The winners represenTing more Than 100 caTegories will be There wiTh all Their biggesT fans To celebraTe Their presTigious win! enjoy decadenT fare, specialiTy cockTails, music, dancing and more while we celebraTe all ThaT makes Tallahassee our favoriTe place To call home. opTional aTTire: prohibiTion sTyle/cockTail resulTs of The 2024 readers' choice poll will be published in The november/december issue of Tallahassee magazine and aT Tallahasseemagazine.com november 1, 2024.

To

After spending most of his life on the harsh streets of rural Georgia, Plato is enjoying indoor life. Not only is it safe and warm, but “he knows where the food is,” joked foster mom Elisabeth Draper.

2024 Tally Top Pet

Plato Best in Show

As many cat owners know, getting a feline to pose for a photo can be challenging. Known for their independent spirits, cats do what they want when they want.

Fortunately for those present at the Tally Top Pet photo shoot, Plato loves the limelight.

“I was a little nervous about (the shoot) because I had to take Plato to a big room with other people, and I didn’t know how he would do — with cats, you never know how they’re going to be,” said Plato’s foster mom, Elisabeth Draper. “But he loved it. He looked good and posed away, and then he went up to the photographer and got in his lap.

“When it was time to leave, he didn’t want to get back in the carrier,” Draper laughed.

Plato is a 5-year-old foster cat with Extended Circle Animal Haven (ECAH Animals), a nonprofit, volunteer-run cat rescue. Before that, he was a street cat.

Draper told Tallahassee Magazine that Plato was found in “horrible condition.” He had sustained an eye injury that left an open wound, contracted a terrible skin infection and had formed a thin physique, likely from hunger. Despite all he’d endured, Plato was friendly.

“Sadly, in these (rural) communities, so many people don’t fix their animals and don’t keep them inside,” Draper said. “Since

The Tally Top Pet finalists prove that animals provide more than just companionship

“Every dog owner thinks their dog’s the best,” said Cara Fleischer, mom to Maddie the Wonder Dog. And she’s right. Each year, Tally Top Pet parents provide long lists of compelling reasons why their furry companion deserves to win. This year’s contest, sponsored by and benefitting Be The Solution, saw four rounds of stiff competition from 16 of Tallahassee’s finest and fluffiest. But only one came out on top. Please put your paws together for this year’s winner, Plato, and the other members of the Final Fur.

STORIES BY SARA SANTORA PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE BARFIELD

he’s friendly, he was probably someone’s kitten at some point and was either left behind or got lost.”

She took him to the vet and got him neutered. They removed his injured eye, performed surgery on the other eye (it had inherited ocular hair growth) and cleared his skin condition. Over time, Draper slowly — and successfully — integrated him with her cats. Now, he’s ready for his forever home.

“He’s a sweetheart,” Draper said. “When I first got him, he would lie next to me, make biscuits on the blanket like a baby and just start purring … He knows he has been saved.

“He’s such a good boy,” Draper continued, “and he really deserves the best.”

Plato would also like to raise awareness about feline FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). FIV is spread through deep bite wounds during fights (most common in unneutered males). Cats with FIV can live with non-FIV cats. Sadly, FIV+ cats are still shunned by adopters who are scared off by misinformation. Plato would like to change that.

For more information about Plato, visit ECAHAnimals.org/adopt.

Boudreaux “Bobo” Larkin

Boudreaux “Bobo” Larkin elicits gasps everywhere he goes. He can’t help it — it’s in his DNA.

“People are so excited to see him, and I just hear, ‘Oh my gosh. He’s so big,’” said Bobo’s companion, Holly Larkin. “I just love it.”

The two make a formidable pair. Larkin is a psychology Ph.D. student at Florida State University researching animalassisted therapy. As of 2022, Bobo is a licensed therapy dog through Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s (TMH) animal therapy program. Together, they demonstrate “the healing power of animals,” specifically dogs.

“When a dog is present, a lot of amazing things happen,” Larkin said.

According to Larkin’s research, dogs heal in various ways. They not only help increase endorphins but also help decrease heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels; they help students focus in classroom settings (Larkin’s particular field of study); and they serve as a “major protective factor” for those struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide.

“When I’m having a stressful day, I pet Bobo, and I feel less stressed,” Larkin said. “And when I

bring him places, people will say things like, ‘I feel better’ or ‘I’m releasing stress I didn’t even know I had.’”

Bobo has lived his entire life with Larkin’s family; they adopted him as a puppy from a breeder in Georgia.

“I know a lot of people say, ‘Adopt don’t shop,’ but I’m very passionate about breeding ethically, so we can preserve different dog species,” Larkin said, adding that the “ethical breeding” route allows a person to know every aspect of their pet’s history. Given that Bobo is a therapy dog, that’s important for Larkin.

“I know Bobo’s not going to bite somebody,” she said, “and he doesn’t have triggers that could make him do something like that.”

While some TMH therapy dogs visit the hospital or assisted living facilities, Bobo and Larkin attend big, public events like Springtime Tallahassee because the friendly golden “loves being around lots of people.”

“I’ve never met a dog like Bobo,” Larkin said. “I think he is so unique and calming and happy, and he does a lot to help people in the community, and he’s just everybody’s best friend … He’s what people need when they’re going through hard times.”

Bobo loves helping the community and his companion. Next fall, he will be part of companion Holly Larkin’s dissertation examining whether therapy animals in the classroom can increase students’ mental well-being.

Maddie the Wonder Dog

In May 2022, Cara Fleischer and her family received the devastating news that their precious papijack, Maddie, had liver cancer. She had one month to live.

“We had a big family trip planned to the Grand Canyon in June, and the vet was like, ‘No need to cancel that trip because she’s not going to be here,’” Fleischer said. “I canceled it. Because if she wasn’t here, I would be so sad and didn’t think I’d be up for traveling.

“But here she is two years later,” Fleischer continued with a smile.

Maddie’s abdomen is “puffy,” her legs are skinny and she can’t do everything she used to do. But according to Fleischer, she’s resilient and, most importantly, happy. Feeling both amazed and inspired by Maddie, Fleischer has started referring to her as “The Wonder Dog.”

“I’m telling you — this little dog and I get on the paddleboard, go on walks, walk the beach,” Fleischer said. “She just keeps going and not only being alive but being vibrant.”

Fleischer adopted Maddie from a shelter in Athens, Georgia, after coming across her profile on Petfinder. The shelter didn’t allow reservations or holds, but Fleischer called and placed one anyway. It turns out some things truly are meant to be.

“When we arrived, somebody said, ‘Oh, you’re the one who put Pocahontas (Maddie’s shelter name) on reserve — you’re not supposed to do that.’ I was like, ‘Thank you, shelter!’”

In the nine years since, Maddie has filled Fleischer’s home with joy. She loves people and jumps at every opportunity to hit the road or beach and soak up some sun with her mom. And while it’s hard for Fleischer to live in the unknown, she tries not to dwell on Maddie’s condition.

“After the diagnosis, I was really weepy for a month,” Fleischer said. “Now, I feel like it’s an honor that she’s with us and to be able to help her have joy through this journey that she’s on.

“It sounds corny, but it has reminded me that life is short, and there’s still joy in it no matter what you’re going through,” she continued. “She’s been such a support and a love for our family, and she’s such a little trooper, and I’m so proud of her.”

Maddie isn’t letting cancer stop her from enjoying her favorite activity. Donning a life preserver, she loves to paddleboard with her mom and watch the fish and turtles swim about the water.

Lovey

When talking about her 1-yearold beagle puppy, Lovey, Dena Coukoulis said, “I didn’t rescue her — she rescued me.”

Coukoulis has been a hairdresser for over 40 years. In 2016, she went viral online for a video she posted gifting her son, a veteran, a beagle puppy named Willa to help with his PTSD. And in 2018, she wrote a children’s book about Willa, the importance of

talking about your feelings and the “healing power of animals” — something she’s experienced firsthand through Lovey.

“A couple of weeks before I got Lovey, I was almost hospitalized for my mental health,” Coukoulis shared. “I went to the Apalachee Center to check myself in, and it was so demeaning … So, I came home and came up with this idea to get a puppy.”

Lovey is a 1-yearold puppy that brings joy to all who know her.

Adopting Lovey, Coukoulis explained, was the first time she’d been excited about something in a long time, and the beagle really has been a tremendous help. When Lovey notices her mom struggling, she’ll nudge her like a cat or provide a comforting look. And sometimes, on walks, “she’ll look up at me like, ‘I love you — you’re the best thing in the world,’” Coukoulis said. “She just smiles at me and helps me stay out of my head.”

But Lovey’s healing powers aren’t exclusive to Coukoulis — she helps people wherever she goes, from clients in Coukoulis’ salon to members of Shine Tallahassee, an organization for which the duo volunteers.

“I was at the dispensary one day, and there was a woman just going nuts over Lovey,” Coukoulis, who has a medical marijuana card for her anxiety, said. “When we went outside, the woman told me, ‘When I woke up today, I was so depressed, but seeing your dog and petting her really changed the course of my day.’” Coukoulis said the interaction speaks to how special Lovey is and the power pets hold.

“My husband said Lovey’s brought happiness back into our house,” Coukoulis said. “I think people who struggle with depression or that might be suicidal feel like they have no reason to live or that nobody needs them, but when you have a pet, they do need you. Having a pet might change your mind.” TM

Your furniture makes my tail wag!

Donate your gently used furniture to The Fix Thrift Shop.

ARMS OF AN ANGEL IN THE

VOLUNTEERS HELP KEEP LOCAL SHELTERS AFLOAT

STORY BY SARA SANTORA // PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE BARFIELD

Caring for an animal takes time, patience, money and lots of love. After all, they can’t drive to their vet appointments or feed and clean up after themselves. They certainly can’t get a job to cover their expenses, and even the most independent pets require regular playtime with people or other animals.

Now, imagine all that goes into caring for one animal and multiply that by 1,000. That’s the average workload the Leon County Humane Society (LCHS) faces annually. While the nonprofit shelter receives support from the community through donations, fundraising events and foundation grants, it doesn’t receive any state, local or federal funding.

A small full-time staff relies heavily on volunteers to keep things running smoothly.

In addition to serving as LCHS’s volunteer coordinator, Courtney Kendrick co-owns the Tally Cat Café. The cafe’s cats come from LCHS and are spayed, neutered, vaccinated, healthy and adoption-ready.

“IT’S SUPER HELPFUL TO HAVE VOLUNTEERS TO RELY ON.”

— LCHS VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR COURTNEY KENDRICK

“We’re one of the main sources for pet and animal education in the city, and we’re constantly answering calls and helping people who don’t understand the difference between the Humane Society and the city shelter or people who don’t understand that we aren’t animal control,” said LCHS Volunteer Coordinator Courtney Kendrick.

“It’s super helpful to have volunteers to rely on,” she continued. “Not only do the animals rely on the extra labor, but it really lightens our load because we are overstretched all the time.”

Kendrick said LCHS regularly worked with over 100 volunteers, but that number took a hit during the pandemic.

“I had to completely rebuild the volunteer program almost from scratch,” Kendrick said, adding that LCHS had about 20 consistent volunteers post-pandemic. Now, they have 70–100, and she believes they’re on track to expand even further.

“We’ve been established for 60 years, so the community is familiar with us,” she said of the volunteer program’s success.

LCHS volunteers help with everything from general upkeep and maintenance — laundry, dishes, sweeping, etc. — to events, rescues and transport; however, one of the main positions involves caring for the shelter’s on-site cats.

“All the cats need to have their kennels serviced every morning, and having a lot of help during that time is necessary because we could have 20–40 cats on-site at any time,” Kendrick explained. “If only two people are there, that work could take 2–3 hours. But every morning, we have at least five people, and that really helps get everything done within an hour.”

Every morning, a group of volunteers arrives at the Leon County Humane Society (LCHS) to service the organization’s onsite cat kennels. Their contributions not only help the cats but also go a long way in supporting the small, full-time LCHS staff.

THE BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

DID YOU KNOW THAT VOLUNTEERING CAN BOOST YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH?

According to a 2015 Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine study, people who work and volunteer have improved mental health and fewer feelings of work-life conflict. And, a 2013 study conducted by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that adults over 50 who volunteered regularly were less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who didn’t, a benefit linked to only 200 volunteer hours per year. So, volunteering at a local shelter helps you, the animals and the workers. Consider that a win-win-win.

This information was sourced from The Humane Society of the United States of America.

During her time with ECAH, Nancy RedfernVance has had four foster fails. “That’s the hazard with fostering — you fall in love,” she said. Timber, the black cat pictured here, enjoys his forever home, and the three kittens on the right are her newest fosters.

“IT’S VERY REWARDING TO SEE THE CATS GO HOME AND HAPPY.”

—

ECAH VOLUNTEER NANCY REDFERN-VANCE

Fostering proves another key volunteer effort. Foster programs open space for other animals to receive shelter care. And foster homes provide safe, comfortable environments for sick or injured pets to heal while waiting for their forever homes.

Nancy Redfern-Vance has fostered numerous cats during her tenure as a volunteer with Extended Circle Animal Haven (ECAH) — the no-kill cat rescue group from which our Tally Top Pet contest winner Plato comes to us. Because ECAH primarily rescues special needs cats, former nurse RedfernVance has spent countless hours driving to and from vet appointments and administering treatments.

“I had a kitty that needed eye drops every two hours,” she explained. “I know there are some that need nursing, so their (foster parents) give them a bottle and feed them through the night. Some need nebulizer treatments …”

She also recounted fostering a cat that needed a leg removal. Naturally, the cat fell into a “bit of depression” after the surgery. But over time, it learned how to live with only three legs, and eventually, Redfern-Vance helped the feline find its forever home.

“It’s very rewarding to see the cats go home and happy,” she said. (continued on page 140)

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LIGHTING HIS OWN WAY

Josh Ceranic forges path to filmmaking success

by STEVE BORNHOFT

POETRY Katee Tully’s Word Garden photography

Josh Ceranic left the living room of his parents’ house, stepped outside, fell to his knees, raised his hands to the sky and reveled in a charged moment of extraordinary clarity.

He was 14.

Ceranic was home alone and had been watching a documentary on Jim Carrey and his experiences starring in a film, Man on the Moon, about the late entertainer Andy Kaufman.

“In the documentary, Carrey talks about manifestation and self-belief,” Ceranic said. “I loved movies, and I decided right then that I was going to love making them. It was like my future self was promising me, ‘If you go after this for the rest of your life, everything else is going to be alright. Just keep the main thing the main thing.’”

Now 22, Ceranic, at this writing, is closing in on a bachelor’s degree in humanities from Florida State University.

For a man his age, he philosophizes a lot. He has a desire to share life lessons with young people even as he recognizes that he remains in the early stages of self-discovery.

As a high schooler, Ceranic attended the Harrison School for the Arts, a magnet school located in Lakeland. It was there that he began to make films. He wasn’t happy with the equipment that the school had available, so he started a GoFundMe to raise money with which to buy better gear. Soon, he had attracted two-thirds of the money he needed to buy a modest, “decent-for-thetime” filmmaking setup.

While in high school, Ceranic produced films including, notably, David Isn’t Here Anymore, a horror comedy that set him up for future success. He shot the movie (run time, 14 minutes) in Bartow, Florida, at a house that was converted to a funeral home for the popular film, My Girl, starring Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin.

“It’s truly haunted,” Ceranic said of the house in Bartow, which has attracted the attention of paranormal investigators.

The movie revolves around a Realtor, played by Andy Gion, who struggles to sell the notorious property.

“He recruits a priest to come bless the home,” Ceranic explained. “A family arrives early for an appointment to see the house before the blessing is complete, and chaos ensues.”

The film won local awards, leading Ceranic to submit it “on a whim” for consideration by the Cannes Film Festival. He was flabbergasted upon learning that David Isn’t Here Anymore, had been made part of the festival’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase.

That triumph immediately became the star bullet point in Ceranic’s resume.

The Lakeland Ledger and a local FOX affiliate did stories about him.

← Ceranic’s horror comedy film, David Isn’t Here Anymore, follows a struggling realtor as he tries to sell a notoriously haunted home. In addition to winning local awards, it was accepted into the Cannes Film Festival’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase.

→

FSU student Josh Ceranic has made his dreams a fulltime reality. When he’s not in class, he’s on the road capturing major pop culture moments for artists like Quavo and The Weeknd, or making films.

↑ In 2022, Ceranic, along with some friends and members of the Tuscaloosa Paranormal Research Group, conducted an overnight investigation at the Historic Drish House. Together, they created a documentary, capturing what they believe to be “indisputable evidence of the paranormal.”

“When I got my equipment, I obsessively researched settings and hacks for turning out work with a $1,200 setup that looked like it had been produced using $10,000 worth,” Ceranic said. “The devil is in the details. It’s not so much what you shoot with but how you shoot and the skills you use.”

It’s a truism that has been attributed to many: A tool is only as good as the hands that wield it.

Ceranic gained acceptance to the film school at FSU but changed majors after

deciding the program wasn’t the right fit. Effectively, he instead used his college years studying and practicing the art of making connections.

He contacted a Tampa Bay Times employee he had met at the Gasparilla Music Festival and scored an opportunity to shoot a favorite performer of his, The Weeknd, in concert at Raymond James Stadium. He turned images into fan pages that garnered a million impressions.

He shot a meet-and-greet event held for the Canadian rapper NAV in Atlanta. Perceiving that the rapper/ songwriter Yeat was an artist on his way up, Ceranic reached out to Masshole Media in Boston, obtained a media pass and photographed him also in Atlanta. He also stumbled onto a chance to shoot Yeat and another rapper, Quavo, together.

When safety Richard LeCounte of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw the Yeat/Quavo shots, he requested them from Ceranic with plans to forward them to his friend, Quavo. Couldn’t hurt; Quavo has some 22 million social media followers.

←→

Ceranic has had the opportunity to shoot for various artists, including Yeat, an American rapper, producer and singer-songwriter.

Ceranic accompanied Yeat on his Afterlyfe Tour, which ran from March 1–April 12, 2023.

Ceranic wound up filming LeCounte’s jersey retirement ceremony at Hinesville (Georgia) High School. He rubbed elbows with ESPN personalities and big-time athletes in shooting a celebrity football game held by Quavo at Berkman High School in Lilburn, Georgia.

Via the Boston connection, Ceranic was able to display work on one of the most prominent electronic billboards in Times Square.

Closer to home, Ceranic made valuable connections with musicians when he worked as the media manager at a Tallahassee nightclub, the Shisha Cafe/ Hookah Lounge on Tennessee Street.

He doesn’t believe in moving to Hollywood, accepting any job one can find in the movie industry and trying to scale the ladder. He worked briefly as a grip on a set in California where a USC grad was making his first feature film. The work was grueling, he said, calling it “glorified construction work.”

In the era of social media, YouTube and TikTok, Ceranic said, a filmmaker is far better off being himself and producing the kinds of films he would like to see on screens big or little.

“You have to create your own thing with your name on it and demonstrate that you possess intangibles that the film industry desires,” he said.

Post FSU, Ceranic anticipates spending time in South Florida and Atlanta doing commercial jobs to pay the bills while forging music and film connections powerful enough to guarantee audiences for his movies.

All actors want to be musicians and all musicians want to be actors, Ceranic

believes. A filmmaker can attract a lot of attention by giving an established musician even a bit part in a film and working him into a trailer.

“I don’t have a large audience, and building one can take a lot of time and energy,” Ceranic said, “but I can take advantage of the audiences of others. It’s a formula that works for me.”

In all that he does, Ceranic will strive to make his parents proud and hold himself to a high standard.

“Nobody can believe in you more than you believe in yourself,” he said. “You may have what some people see as an unrealistic belief in yourself, and it can be lonely being unrealistic, but I’m all in.” TM

↙ In 2023, some of Ceranic’s work was displayed on one of Times Square’s most prominent electric billboards. The presentation included footage from Yeat’s Afterlyfe Tour, The Weeknd’s After Hours til Dawn Tour, Quavo’s Huncho Day 2023 (below) and more.

POETRY

THE ARTISTIC ‘POLLINATOR’

With the return of Katee Tully, poetry — and more — is in the air

by MARINA BROWN

Situated near the Capital City Country Club is the home that “Katee built.”

That’s Katee Tully, a presence in any setting and a woman who brings artistic magic with her wherever she goes.

A quick spoiler — this is the same Katee Tully who, in the last year, has founded the Word Garden at Tallahassee Nurseries, keynoted the Women’s Leadership Institute at FSU, judged the Gadsden Arts Center’s Tri-state Watercolor Competition, became one of the prime movers in Downtown Quincy’s makeover and now imagines Word Shed, a venue where people will come to write, discuss and fall in love with words and thoughts.

This spring morning, Tully appears typically serene, dressed for the season in a white tunic and white slacks as she presents a visitor with a specially chosen poem to underline her hospitality. Yet a glance around the interior tells you this is no ordinary “Southern Belle’s” abode. This home is filled with the art Tully has created and the art she loves, whether tactile, visual or made of words.

And yes, in addition to having lived other lives as an academician, a master jeweler, a potter and a word and arts developer, Tully is also a visual artist herself. On the dining table, instead of fine china and candelabras, are hand-woven twig nests, each with a special resident — an egg, a turtle’s shell, small pieces of horn.

On another wall is a vertical mandala of clay images by Mary Donahue. In another

corner is a 5-foot clay bird with its large fledglings made by a friend. These rooms are filled with what feels like “living” art. Tully says she likes to think of her art pieces in conversation with one another and moves them around to expand their relationships.

But how did this multi-hyphenate come to be? Tully, the oldest daughter of prominent Tallahassee developer Jim Tully, who helped create the Capital Regional Medical Center and Governor’s Square Mall, and his wife, Elaine, who ran a small preschool from her home, says her upbringing was unremarkable. Yet, her mother practiced her talents daily — singing, dancing, storytelling and “seeing beauty everywhere.” Perhaps some of her father’s organizational and “developer genes” were also thriving.

But growing up isn’t always a smooth journey. Tully says she’d begun “grown-up” life in a sorority at Louisiana State University. By that time, she’d come to understand that she was a lesbian,

and the atmosphere at LSU was not conducive to her happiness.

“It was hard to be judged,” she said.

So, she left, went to North Carolina and found artistic and personal joy in becoming a master jeweler. Tully would go on to open four jewelry stores in the Southeast. She also earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at East Carolina University and spent the next 10 years there as the External Development Officer.

Tully pushes some of her light blonde hair behind an ear, giving her a Martha Stewart-esque casualness, as she details her next moves to the City University of New York’s Medgar Evers College and then Manhattan Community College. Later, she became the president of Continuing Education for the State of New York, where she experienced the tragedy of 9/11 firsthand.

“My office was right across the street, and I was in the lobby of the Twin Towers when the first plane hit the building.”

← In the last year, artist Katee Tully keynoted the Women’s Leadership Institute at FSU and judged the Gadsden Arts Center’s Tri-state Watercolor Competition, among other exciting accomplishments. ↑ She also founded the Word Garden at Tallahassee Nurseries, a place frequented by language lovers, including Mary Ann Lindley, pictured below at a spring event.

Frequently regarded as having the best parks, being a top place to start a career, and one of the best places to retire, Tallahassee now has the distinction of leading the nation in economic strength.

According to a report published by Area Development, a national publication focusing on the corporate site selection and relocation industry, Tallahassee has the strongest economy in the United States.

This report provides an objective measure and comparison of cities and underscores Tallahassee’s focus on economic growth. This determination was based on extensive data analytics spanning a five-year period and highlights Tallahassee's emergence as a prime destination for business investment and professional endeavors.

Tully managed to evacuate her staff before the second tower fell, and she later joined the commission that helped rebuild Lower Manhattan. And thus, her academic life was coming to an end.

With a move to St. Petersburg, Florida, she recreated herself as a working artist and the director of the Morean Arts Center and its famed Chihuly Collection. Through helping develop the city’s Warehouse Arts District, Tully became a respected potter and creator of large art installations in her own studio, the Poetry Bar. And she fell more deeply in love with the written and spoken word — a passion defining her next steps in the Capital City.

She returned to Tallahassee after her mother fell ill, and during a random visit to Tallahassee Nurseries, she struck up a conversation with childhood friend Paul Brock, owner of the expansive garden center.

“He had a gazebo that always sat unused,” Tully said. “A beautiful space but no one seemed to go there.”

Per her suggestion, that gazebo became the “Word Garden” and is now frequented during the week by language lovers who come to pick up one of 10 changing, free poems or short stories written by Tallahassee’s best authors. And one Sunday afternoon a month is devoted to poetic readings that consistently draw over 50 rapt listeners from the community.

And so, Tallahassee thanks the “pollinator,” as Tully describes herself, a woman so adept at painting visions that others can see, hear and imagine that they become reality. TM

↑ At the Word Garden, guests are encouraged to take free poems and short stories written by some of Tallahassee’s best authors.

2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

GRAND BOULEVARD

FARMERS’ MARKET

Every Saturday in Grand Park

9am–1pm

30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

January 12–15

Benefiting The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County

GRAND CANINE CARNAVAL

February 8 from 3:30pm–5:30pm

Benefiting Dog-Harmony

THE CONCERT TRUCK

March 10–17

Presented by Sinfonia Gulf Coast & Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation

DOGGIE EGGSTRAVAGANZA

March 29 from 5:30pm–7:30pm

Benefiting Dog-Harmony

SOUTH WALTON BEACHES

WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

April 25–28

Benefiting Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

UNDERWATER MUSEUM OF ART

DINE + DIVE

May 1 from 6pm–9pm

A Fine Food, Wine and Art Experience. Cultural Arts Alliance’s fundraising event benefiting the Underwater Museum of Art and the South Walton Artificial Reef Association

ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

May 4–5

An official South Walton Art Week event benefiting the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County

BROADWAY ON THE BOULEVARD –

OH WHAT A NIGHT!

Every Thursday at 7:30pm

May 23–August 9 (except July 4)

Presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Company

SUMMER LAWN GAMES

Every day in Grand Park

May 25–August 10 from 5pm–8:30pm

FALL LAWN GAMES

Fridays & Saturdays in Grand Park

August 16–October 26 from 5pm–8:30pm Some exclusions for events may occur

BENEFIT CONCERT IN THE PARK

FEATURING THE TIP TOPS

October 4 from 5:30pm–8:30pm

Family-friendly dance party benefiting Children’s Volunteer Health Network

DINO-LIGHT LIGHTWIRE THEATER

October 5 at 7:30pm

Presented by Northwest Florida Ballet

BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST WINNER’S SOIRÉE

October 10 from 6pm–9pm

Benefiting charity organization to be announced, based on reader’s choice voting

BARKTOBERFEST

October 25 from 4:30pm–6:30pm

Benefiting Dog-Harmony

HALLOWEEN ON THE BOOLEVARD

October 31 from 4pm–6pm

Stroll the Boulevard for complimentary treats from stores and restaurants!

30A BBQ FESTIVAL

November 8 from 5:30pm–8:30pm

Benefiting The Sonder Project

HOMETOWN HOLIDAY PARADE & CELEBRATION

November 22 at 5pm

FESTIVAL OF TREES IN GRAND PARK

December 3–December 25

Benefiting a dozen local charities, Festival of Trees kicks off on Dec. 3rd from 4pm–6pm and the trees remain on display through Christmas.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & SHOP-ABOUT

December 7 from 12pm–5pm

COASTAL WHITE CHRISTMAS MUSICAL REVUE BY EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY & PHOTOS WITH SANTA CLAUS

Fridays & Saturdays in Grand Park

December 6–21 from 5pm–8pm HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES

Fridays & Saturdays in Grand Park

December 6–28 from 5pm–8pm

These events are presented as part of the Coastal Culture Calendar of Events made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program. For a full listing of events and additional details, please scan the QR code or visit GRANDBOULEVARD.COM/EVENTS

‘CUE SUN’ the

Gulf’s idyllic views and crystal-clear waters set the scene for the perfect vacay

Boat Bound

Top spots to pull up and anchor down

BY PAIGE AIGRET

Here in sunny Northwest Florida, boat days are always the best days. And there’s no shortage of destinations to visit along the Emerald Coast. Here are some of the best spots to anchor down for a fun-filled day in the sun.

CRAB ISLAND

Located on the north side of the Marler Bridge, Crab Island connects the Choctawhatchee Bay to Destin’s East Pass. The widespread, shallow sandbar was once a small, manmade island created in the ’60s as part of the Destin Pass project. The area has since been a top boating destination for Okaloosa County visitors and locals.

The shallow 3-foot depth creates a poolparty atmosphere where visitors mingle with friends old and new, enjoy water games and relax on floaties, making Crab Island the ideal pull-up and hangout spot for boaters.

Vendor boats roam around selling food, beverages and souvenirs. Known for its array of floaties, including tubes and oversized flamingos, Crab Island Grill’s Food & Float Boat sells light snacks. Wild Coconuts offers

a unique and refreshing beverage break with whole coconuts, pineapples and watermelon from its whimsically painted motorboat. A sister boat, Wild Boiled Peanuts, brings the down-home flavor. Reef Burger has a full menu that will satisfy your midday cravings. And Gulfstream Ice Cream keeps the classic boat day snack cold so you don’t have to.

While it’s possible to kayak or paddleboard to Crab Island, boating is the ideal mode of transportation and gives visitors a home base to stash food, beverage and belongings for a full day of fun.

DESTIN EAST JETTY

Adjacent to the Marler Bridge and opposite Crab Island, a stretch of beach lines the Destin Pass from Norriego Point at the Destin Harbor entrance down to Osteen Beach. At the end of the beach, the Destin East Jetty juts out, creating calm waters and harboring interesting marine life along the rocky shoreline.

While Norriego Point and Osteen Beach offer pedestrian access, the area is less crowded than other public beach accesses

throughout Destin. Along Norriego Point, the sand gives way to four half-moon pools inset by a small stretch of rock at each opening. This area is great for shallow-water swimming and snorkeling.

At the south end past Osteen Beach, the stretch of jetty offers an optimal snorkeling environment with deeper waters toward the end of the rockline. Anglers enjoy casting out from the end of the jetty, so be aware of your surroundings while swimming. Wearing a life jacket can help with endurance for less experienced swimmers and allows for a cool, casual view of ocean life as you float atop the saltwater. Snorkelers can expect to see blue crabs, hermit crabs, toadfish, flounder, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel and mullet. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a sea turtle. Keep your eyes peeled for unique seashells and whole sand dollars along the shoreline. Boaters can zip over to the nearby HarborWalk, just minutes away, to enjoy a respite from the sun. Dock in for a lunch break at Harry T’s Lighthouse, or make a pit stop for frozen drinks and treats at Jester Mardi Gras Daiquiris.

SHELL ISLAND

Just east of Panama City Beach, a 7-mile stretch of undeveloped land provides its visitors with a unique Emerald Coast experience. Though the destination is a peninsula and not a true island, Shell Island is only accessible by boat. Its shores face St. Andrew Bay to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the south.

Throughout the day, a ferry delivers visitors to the island’s west end, where the main beach and jetty are located. The rocky stretch of jetty offers optimal snorkeling, and the sandy shores provide prime shelling. Snorkelers can expect to encounter stingrays, angelfish, redfish, sheepshead, octopus and several species of

coral and sponges. Sea turtles can sometimes be spotted in the area, too.

Boaters can access more remote stretches of the island toward the middle and east end. St. Andrews State Park manages the west end, while the east end falls under Tyndall Air Force Base territory. Boaters are welcome to anchor down and explore most areas but should mind signage and heed warnings.

A protected national wildlife refuge, Shell Island is teeming with Northwest Florida flora and fauna on land and in the water. Osprey and herons soar the skies. Armadillos and marsh rabbits roam the coastal terrain. The area’s beloved bottlenose dolphins regularly and unabashedly traverse near the shore and among human visitors.

If planning for a full day island-side, boaters should note that the undeveloped island is just that — undeveloped. There are no restrooms, restaurants or shaded pavilions. So, pack everything you’ll need: food, beverages, sunscreen, hat, umbrella, etc. To restock on necessities, boaters can drive about 15 minutes across the bay to the mainland Pier Store at St. Andrews State Park. And keep your eyes peeled for the 850 Shoreline Ice Cream boat that frequents Shell Island’s coast.

SAIL AWAY WITH ME

Leave the worries behind and set off on a chartered excursion. SunVenture Cruises (SunVentureCruises.com) will take you and your crew out for a day at Crab Island. Blue Dolphin Tours (BlueDolphinTour.com) will host you and your group for a Shell Island adventure; their expert captains know the best spots for snorkeling and provide all the gear.

WINE, DINE AND CRUISE

Looking for an upscale on-the-water experience?

Book a sunset dining cruise on SunQuest Cruises’ Solaris yacht (SunQuestCruises.com)

The Solaris sets sail from Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort with a year-round dinner cruise schedule. The Solaris can also be booked for private events.

Black Bear Bread Co. bakes fresh pastries and leavened breads daily, offering flavorful sourdoughs, focaccia, croissants, cinnamon rolls and more alongside its specialty coffee and breakfast menus.

Noteworthy Dining

From lattes to sunset views, discover rave-worthy eateries

along the Emerald Coast

BY LACI SWANN

Don’t waste time scouring internet reviews to find your next vacay meal. This trusted resource is sure to lead to your latte fix, the cool yet casual local eatery, the spot with good food and views, and the finest dining of the Emerald Coast.

ESPRESSO YOURSELF

While on vacation, the quest for a good cup often haunts coffee drinkers. Fear not, caffeine fiends. A number of local cafes pepper the Emerald Coast.

Near the Destin Harbor, pop into East Pass Coffee Co. before your Emerald Coast excursions. Sip on a signature drink like the Cinnamon Bun Latte. A full menu of breakfast burritos, toast, sandwiches and acai bowls will keep you content past lunchtime.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Black Bear Bread Co., a local cafe and bakery with three locations in Miramar Beach, Seaside and Grayton Beach. Pair a refreshing iced chai latte with French toast

featuring seasonal fruit, pecans and ricotta, topped with sea salt and maple syrup.

Cruise into Kith & Kin, located just off 30A’s west corridor entrance and bordering Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Steeped in community, this shop offers coffee from local

BLACK BEAR BREAD CO.

roasters Amavida, baked goods from nearby Blue Mountain Bakery and features walls adorned with art for sale by local creators. Enjoy perfect pairings like the gluten-free cinnamon cake with a caramel macchiato, or roll the dice and try the weekly latte special.

In Panama City Beach, neighborhood cafe The Pour brews local coffee and community service. The nonprofit shop benefits The Ark ministries. In 2023, it ranked among Yelp’s Top 100 Best Places to Eat in Florida. Here, locals cool off with frothy and sweet frozen mochas and favor the savory avocado toast.

KEEP IT CASUAL

For those clad in beachwear searching for a place to kick back for a chill meal, check out these cool, casual eateries.

Neighboring East Pass Coffee Co., the family-owned Burrito Del Sol remains a local favorite. The “choose your own adventure” menu offers tortilla, protein and flavor options. Go for a burrito with steak, chipotle style; tacos with fish, Baja style; or veggie nachos topped with tempeh, Southwest style. Mix and match to your heart’s desire. And don’t forget to pair with a classic margarita.

Summer Kitchen Cafe in Rosemary Beach caters to early risers and lunchtime loungers. Start your day of light with a blueberry smoothie blended with banana, spinach and coconut water, or pig out on a Whole Hog Omelet packed with bacon, sausage, ham and cheddar cheese. For lunch, dips, salads, wraps and sandwiches set the scene.

Health-conscious diners enjoy the light fare of Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar. This Panama City Beach spot is nestled within the lush Zen Garden venue. Enjoy the relaxing vibes and savor freshmade organic juices, breakfast burritos, and wraps and sandwiches for lunch.

ULTIMATE VIEWS

Louisiana Lagniappe delivers an upscale waterfront dining experience tucked away in the Destin Harbor. For Creole flavor, try the classic jambalaya or the shrimp and grits tossed in a smoked tasso ham cream sauce. Entrees like Snapper Destin and Oysters Lagniappe highlight that signature seafood flair.

WaterColor Inn’s Fish Out of Water features Gulf of Mexico views for days from their covered deck over the dunes. Enjoy signature Southern dishes like seafood boils, fried chicken and Cajun shrimp. Or sink your teeth into a Wagyu burger or the braised beef short ribs.

Packing in local love from sea to farm, The Edge combines upscale casual with oldschool fish house charm. Enjoy the refreshing shrimp ceviche with sweet mango as you gaze at panoramic waterfront views. Or delight in the seafood pappardelle with a citrus cream sauce. Take in the Destin Harbor from the deck or SkyBar.

Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill boasts two stories of Gulf-front dining, live entertainment and fresh seafood on the shores of Panama City Beach. Regular favorites, the mahi tacos and Parmesan-crusted flounder, pack a flavorful punch.

WINE AND DINE

A unique fine dining experience awaits at Firefly in Panama City Beach. Whether gathering for a special occasion or enjoying a romantic dinner, guests enjoy the everevolving, five-star menu from executive chef Rob Burgess. Indulge in the Australian rack of lamb, served with creamy pearl couscous and punctuated by bursts of tart cherries, promising a symphony of flavors.

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, Northwest Florida’s only AAA FourDiamond steakhouse, is one of the finest dining destinations along the Emerald Coast. Located at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Seagar’s imparts an intimate dining experience with its award-winning 600-label wine list, fresh seafood and the finest aged steaks.

Located in The Market Shops at the entrance of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Bijoux offers French cuisine with a New Orleans flair. Its intimate lounge features a full bar complete with a large selection of specialty martinis. Start your dining experience with the Duck Confit and crispy Brussels sprouts, but be sure to save room for the 20-ounce Cowboy Ribeye.

Gallion’s, in the heart of Rosemary Beach, offers an upscale cocktail lounge experience, boasting exquisite dishes, an opulent wine and spirits selection and bold cocktails. Tantalize your palate with a sophisticated small plate such as the smoked fish dip, and continue your culinary voyage with coastal favorite red snapper.

FISH OUT OF WATER

SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD

Experience Unmatched Golf at Lost Key Golf Club

Lost Key Golf Club is an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Championship public golf course that provides players with an unsurpassed golf experience. Five tees, stunning visuals, and a unique playing experience for all skill levels.

Come join us at Grille 625 in the new Palmer dining room. Grille 625 features many culinary pleasures for the palate highlighted by beautiful, pristine views of our championship golf course.

The Lost Key Golf Club offers elegant spaces for your special events from corporate events, to weddings, social events and more! Our club staff is committed to making your event a joyous and memorable occasion.

Seaside Spotlight

A picture of New Urbanism, this small beach town is the quintessence of 30A

BY CARRIE HONAKER

White picket fences line the sidewalks of the small, walkable Seaside community.

A quaint downtown post office greets visitors with its bright red door. A nearby ice cream parlor beckons. Beach house porches face their counterparts across the street, fostering neighborly catch-ups over coffee.

Robert and Daryl Davis dreamed up this picturesque town back in 1980 when they looked out over 80 acres of family land in Santa Rosa Beach. A year later, their vision became reality and the birthplace of New Urbanism, a movement in urban development influenced by desires for a slower, more connected lifestyle.

Southeastern vacationers traveled to Seaside to unplug, ride bicycles around Ruskin Place Park and dip into the Gulf

Coast’s emerald waters. In 1998, Seaside’s idyllic allure came alive in technicolor, reaching worldwide audiences as The Truman Show’s fictional town, Seahaven. Mike Ragsdale, founder of The 30A Company and resident since 2005, attributes the appeal to one word: design.

“The environment blessed us with natural design,” Ragsdale said. “Then, instead of building a 30-story tower with a pool, parking lot and miniature golf course, Robert Davis tried something radically different. His vision set the tone.

“The beach is the same 60 miles in either direction, but because of Davis, we are amid this flip-flop renaissance where people are creating businesses, pop-up events, music, art, food — we are designing the life we all want to live.”

Ragsdale’s iconic blue and yellow 30A stickers adorn bumpers all around Seaside where height restrictions cap buildings at four stories and five state parks and forests surround the town. Here, the urban bustle becomes a carefree amble as families ride bicycles to Modica Market for a cup of coffee and homemade pastries before popping next door to Sundog Books to grab a beach read.

The sense of community still reverberates throughout Seaside’s shops and restaurants, many of which, like Bud & Alley’s, have been there since the beginning. An avid surfer, Dave Rauschkolb fell in love with the crystal-clear waters, soft white beaches and Seaside’s small-town charm. At just 24 years old, he opened his flagship restaurant with former partner Scott Witcoski because he believed in Davis’ plan for the town. Now

“The beach is the same 60 miles in either direction, but because of Davis, we are amid this flip-flop renaissance where people are creating businesses, pop-up events, music, art, food — we are designing the life we all want to live.”— MIKE RAGSDALE

he helms six restaurants on 30A, including Bud & Alley’s, Taco Bar, and Pizza Bar, all in Seaside. He and business partner Phil McDonald opened a third Black Bear Bread Co. location adjacent to Seaside Town Center in 2022, so their popular pastries and perfectly proofed loaves are now just a stroll away.

Susan Benton, local artist and writer, cites Bud & Alley’s as the iconic Seaside spot to visit. “You can usually find me eating the smoked tuna dip with lavash, sipping a

In the early 1980s, the Davis family brought to the Emerald Coast a vision for community. Seaside founders Daryl (center) and Robert (right) raised son Micah (left) in their picturesque town.

BUD & ALLEY’S

The family-owned, independent Sundog Books dates back to the early years of Seaside and stocks shelves with everything from beach reads to literary classics. Upstairs, Central Square Records keeps in tune, delivering a vinyl selection of indie, rock, pop and more.

cocktail, waiting for the bartender to ring the bell signaling sunset,” she said. “It’s the best view in town.”

Downstairs at Pizza Bar and Taco Bar, visitors can grab casual beach bites in an open-air atmosphere. Next door is Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant where

guests can “trade a day at the office for a day at the beach,” and sip on tropical cocktails served in whimsical glassware and enjoy tiki-inspired bites like spam musubi or tuna crispy rice.

Neighboring Bud & Alley’s sits a rotating pop-up market featuring artisans, independent manufacturers and crafters stocking unique gifts, beach-inspired clothing, jewelry, shoes, hats and more. Just behind Pickle’s, a longtime favorite burger and shake spot, sits Sandbar, a popular new spot for a “toes in the sand, cocktail in hand” experience.

A day in Seaside would not be complete without a visit to Airstream Row where they serve everything from green smoothies to barbecue to portable frozen rosé concoctions. Behind the food trucks, the amphitheater hosts regular events and performances. On Saturdays, 30A’s longest-running farmers market takes over the amphitheater from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

After some shopping, refuel at Great Southern Café. Chef Jim Shirley has served the king and queen of Spain his Southern fare, cooked at the James Beard House and opened many restaurants from Pensacola

to 30A. The 100-year-old house is home to Shirley’s famous Shrimp and Grits Á Ya Ya. His breakfast menu features eggs Benedict five ways, including a fried green tomato Benedict. But Shirley’s personal favorite is the Soul Rolls — a blend of collards and chicken encased in a crispy wrap, pickled peach chutney mounded on the side and zesty Creole horseradish mustard ribbons.

Creating the pedestrian-only semicircle on either side of Great Southern are longtime businesses like the Mercantile, Art of Simple, Fusion Art Glass, Sundog Books and Central Square Records. There, shoppers can find local art, locally made candles, new and used vinyls, stacks of books and boutique designer clothing. The ice cream parlor still anchors the circle, but now It’s Heavenly gelato shop joins the crowd. Ruskin Place Park now has a slew of independent shops and art galleries surrounding its graceful oaks.

Even when its streets fill with ambling visitors, Seaside maintains that nostalgic appeal. As the world keeps moving faster, Seaside remains a town where you can hop on a bicycle, mail a postcard from the town center, and as Ragsdale said, enjoy a slice of paradise unlike anywhere else on Earth.

DAYTRADER TIKI BAR & RESTAURANT

Things to See and Do

Fall is festival season on the Emerald Coast! Here is a mere sampling of the food, fun and festivities going on this fall.

COMPILED

BY

REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

July

RED, WHITE & BAYTOWNE

Enjoy fun in the sun during the day, and light up your night with fireworks. The Village of Baytowne Wharf will host an Independence Day celebration featuring live music, crafts, face painting, family activities and, of course, fireworks! BaytowneWharf.com

REAL. FUN. FOURTH.

Panama City Beach celebrates Independence Day with a massive fireworks show. For three nights, visitors and locals alike can witness the wonderful display from various locations along the water. VisitPanamaCityBeach.com/events/ holiday-events/realfunfourth

August

BUBBLY BAYTOWNE

Sip and shop through the streets of The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Enjoy free champagne while shopping with participating merchants. BaytowneWharf.com

September

DESTIN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

The Destin Seafood Festival presents the freshest catches the Gulf has to offer. Seafood lovers won’t want to miss this opportunity to dine and shop your way along the historic Destin Harbor and HarborWalk Village while enjoying live music, arts, crafts and kids activities. DestinSeafoodFest.com

PENSACOLA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Indulge in delectable seafood, revel in diverse musical performances, and soak in the charm of historic downtown Pensacola at the Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival, organized by Fiesta Pensacola. As one of the most significant arts and crafts fairs in Northwest Florida, the festival features over 150 artisans and craftsmen who journey from across the country to partake in this vibrant celebration. VisitPensacola.com/ events/pensacolaseafoodfestival

October

PANAMA CITY BEACH FISHING RODEO

The fishing tournament is a three-weekend, 17day event with two weigh-ins daily. This year will feature competition in 11 species that anglers may pursue from shore, boats, paddleboards, kayaks and more. There will be live music and food sponsors daily.  PCBFishingRodeo.com

BAYTOWNE WHARF BEER FESTIVAL

The Village of Baytowne Wharf presents its annual festive beer tasting featuring over 200 domestic and international beers, food samples, live music and more. Taste local brews while chatting with the brewers themselves. BaytowneBeerFestival.com

→ PIRATES OF THE HIGH SEAS AND RENAISSANCE FEST

Ahoy, mateys! In celebration of the marauders who once sailed the Gulf, pirates will invade Panama City Beach for a weekend

of activities including a big parade, a kid’s parade, a treasure hunt, a costume contest, live music, food vendors, fireworks and more. VisitPanamaCityBeach.com

HARVEST WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Epicurean excellence awaits at this festival, which merges fine wines and culinary creations. The weekend features wine dinners, vendor tents, a silent auction and a grand tasting with over 400 wines from around the world. DCWAF.org/harvest-festival

PENSACOLA TASTE

OF THE BEACH FESTIVAL

Pensacola’s best restaurants will showcase their signature dishes ready for the tasting. Attendees can vote for the Best Signature Dish. The event will also include cooking classes, kid’s activities, merchandise tents and live music.

PensacolaBeachChamber.com/ tob/

November

ALYS BEACH CRAFTED

Alys Beach Crafted invites you to gather with masters of food and drink and renowned craftspeople from around the country sharing the products of their crafts. Events include the Makers Market, Firkin Fête, Cocktail Seminars and a Spirited Soirée. All proceeds will benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. AlysBeachCrafted.com

FOO FOO FESTIVAL

This 12-day celebration of the arts includes a diverse array of cultural and creative experiences from theater performances to art installations to improv and songwriters nights. FooFooFest.com

PENSACOLA BEACH ART AND WINE FESTIVAL

Sip, stroll and shop down the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk which will be lined with art and beverage vendors. Sample fine wines while perusing art from local artisans.

PensacolaBeachChamber.com/ art-wine-festival

FLORIDA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL APALACHICOLA

The state’s oldest maritime event is held in Apalachicola including tons of fresh seafood, the blessing of the fleet, the redfish run, the grand parade, blue crab races, oyster shucking and oyster eating contests, live music and over 100 arts and crafts vendors.

FloridaSeafoodFestival.com

December

12 NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

During December at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, enjoy a festive light show every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday leading up to Christmas. This sparkling event will also be featured during the special holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. BaytowneWharf.com

OCT. 10

BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST

The public is invited to celebrate the annual Best of the Emerald Coast event to celebrate the best of the best businesses as voted by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine. The celebratory Winners Soirée will be held at Grand Boulevard where guests will enjoy an evening of stimulating senses with live music, visual arts, delightful cuisine and refreshing libations. The winner of the Best Charity/ Nonprofit will receive an exclusive in-kind support from Emerald Coast Magazine. EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/bestofec

Co-produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Russell Carter Artist Management, the 30A Songwriters Festival celebrates 16 years Jan. 16–20, 2025, with over 175 artists performing original songs in more than 30 venues and dedicated listening rooms throughout South Walton, Florida. Visit 30ASongwritersFestival.com for more information.

EXPERIENCE THE BEST IN

Southern Luxury

Hotel Effie Sandestin, now a proud member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, is delighted to offer Marriott Bonvoy rewards to our valued guests. Featuring 250 rooms and suites designed for the luxury traveler, the only hotel rooftop pool on the Emerald Coast, fine dining, and a full-service spa, Hotel Effie delivers chic accommodations, exclusive amenities, and now Bonvoy rewards with Southern Hospitality. Nestled within the gates of the award-winning Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, it's the ultimate escape.

HARMONIOUS LIVING

by SARA SANTORA

As far as felines go, my cat, Dolly, is well behaved. She isn’t destructive, loves people and responds when I call for her. Still, she’s a cat, meaning she loves to test the boundaries and does so primarily by jumping on the coffee table despite my countless protestations.

Dolly doesn’t seem to care too much about the items on the table — or any other surface, for that matter — but I know while I’m away, the cat will play. So, I’m careful about the plants I bring into my home.

Doctor of veterinary medicine at Ox Bottom Animal Hospital Lauren Combs encourages all pet owners to be mindful about the plants they buy, as some will cause harm.

“A lot of plants can irritate the mucus membranes in the mouth,” Combs said. “So, chewing on the leaves may irritate the mouth, and your pets will start drooling.”

Some can also irritate the gastrointestinal lining, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. Others are more dangerous. Easter lilies, for example, can cause kidney

failure in cats. And cats “definitely will chew on them,” Combs said. So, “No Easter lilies in the house.”

Sago palms, meanwhile, are highly toxic to dogs.

“If dogs eat or chew any part of the plant, they can get neurotoxicity and liver failure,” Combs said.

Tulips and azaleas have also proven problematic for pets.

HOOKWORM PREVENTION

Did you know that your plant obsession could increase your pet’s risk for hookworms? According to Dr. Lauren Combs, cats and dogs can pick up the intestinal parasite from potting soil. Fortunately, “as long as your pet is on a preventative dewormer every month, you’re usually okay,” she said. “That’s going to treat the animal even if they get into the potting soil.”

Though they won’t lead to liver or kidney damage, they will cause digestive issues, so it’s best to leave them behind during your next shopping trip.

With all that said, plant lovers shouldn’t fret — Combs says there are plenty of nontoxic plants to enjoy.

“The feather palm is a very common plant they sell at places like Trader Joe’s, and they’re always a good price,” Combs said. “And they’re beautiful.”

Other pet-friendly options include Christmas cacti, African violets, ponytail palms, spider plants and many more.

Pet owners should note that even nontoxic plants may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets if consumed in large quantities. As such,

Justin Mercer, dog owner and greenhouse manager at Tallahassee Nurseries, says it’s “always a good policy” to keep plants out of reach.

“I do this by putting my plants in my sunroom and shutting the door to keep the dogs out, but you can also do this by hanging your plants or putting them on a pedestal,” he advised. TM

↑

Pet-Friendly Plants

Clockwise from top left:

THE CHRISTMAS CACTUS

There are three types of holiday cacti — Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. Each cactus blooms around the holiday it’s named after. So, Christmas cacti bloom in mid-winter near, you guessed it, Christmastime. Many often confuse Christmas cacti with Thanksgiving cacti. To spot the difference, Tallahassee Nurseries recommends looking at the stem segments. “Thanksgiving cacti typically have sharper serrations, whereas the Christmas cacti are more rounded,” they wrote in their online blog.

SPIDER PLANTS

Great for the novice plant owner, spider plants “thrive on neglect,” according to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Named for its spider-like leaves, the spider plant grows rapidly, and its cascading leaves make it perfect for hanging baskets. The spider plant isn’t just aesthetically pleasing — like many other houseplants, it also removes airborne pollutants from the air.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Did you know that African violets are among the few houseplants that bloom? They come in various colors and can even have variegation on their leaves. “These easycare plants like to be watered from the bottom,” Tallahassee Nurseries previously advised online. “So be sure to pick out a self-watering pot that makes general care a breeze.”

PONYTAIL PALMS

Despite its appearance, the ponytail palm isn’t actually a palm — it’s a succulent. According to UF/IFAS, the plant gets its name from the “long, delicate leaves that drape over the branches, giving it a ‘ponytail’ effect.” In its native environment, the ponytail palm can reach up to 30 feet tall. However, the plant usually maxes out at about 4 feet indoors.

— Michael H.

A FRESH COAT

Expert tips to enhance your summer paint job

by SARA SANTORA

With a myriad of ways to boost your home’s curb appeal, the process can feel daunting. No matter the end goal, a fresh coat of paint is a great place to start.

Experts say a good paint job does more than increase your home’s value and overall appearance. It can also protect against moisture, mildew and UV damage. To ensure all that, you must plan accordingly and choose the right products.

Superior Painting Vice President Marshall Parker says that when it comes to selecting paint, quality is key.

“We suggest using an uppertier paint from a manufacturer like Benjamin Moore or SherwinWilliams — never go cheap,” Parker said. Going the cheap route, he intimated, could cost more in the long run.

“We say you should paint your home every seven to 10 years, but cheap paint could fade faster or oxidize quicker, especially in the Florida elements.”

↑ According to Parker, white has been a trending color for home exteriors, but not just any old white — white “like a farmhouse.”

While simple, Parker likes the trend because “when you throw accent colors on shutters or front doors, it really shows contrast.”

THE RIGHT PAINT

TORN BETWEEN SEVERAL PAINT COLORS? Buy a few swatches and hang them around the house to find the perfect fit. “Lighting affects how a color will look from room to room,” Parker said. “What may look gray could potentially look green in different lighting.” Or, buy SherwinWilliams Color to Go paint samples, paint a piece of wood or cardboard and place it against your home’s exterior. Either way, don’t forget to test your color before you commit.

He also recommends selecting paint with a satin finish because it’s easier to clean than flat-finish paint. It also acts as a moisture repellant. And less moisture means less mildew.

Other ways to combat mildew include chemical or power washing your home before painting (a crucial first step in any paint job, and one Superior Painting will do for you) and proper lawn maintenance.

Parker advises homeowners to trim their bushes before power washing. This will improve accessibility during cleaning and prevent mildew growth that can occur when bushes are too close to the house.

“You want air to flow through to dry the house when it rains,” Parker explained.

He also recommends trimming trees back to prevent paint damage.

“Sometimes, people let their trees grow a little too close to the house, and if the wind blows and the tree scrapes the paint, it could mess that up.”

If you plan on repairing or replacing windows, doors or shutters, Parker suggests doing so before you paint your home so everything can get “caulked up” and painted nicely.

Sherwin-Williams Color to Go paint samples

Steve Allen (850) 566-5757

Lawrence R. “Chip” Hartung, Jr. President, CCIM, SIOR (850) 980-4007

And if you want to replace your gutters, tell your gutter company.

“Most of the gutter companies in town will come out and remove the old gutters, allow us to paint the house, and then come back after us to install the gutters so people can have peace of mind knowing that all surfaces were properly coated before installing the new gutters.”

PRO-TIP

To maintain a clean, mildew-free exterior, Marshall Parker of Superior Painting recommends pressure washing your home every year. “The sun doesn’t hit the north side of homes too much, and that’s where we see mildew growth,” Parker said. “If you don’t wash that off once a year, the mildew holds moisture, which can promote wood and rot decay.”

From prep to paint, Superior Painting will help customers with almost everything — except paint color selection.

“I always say that color choices are opinionated,” Parker said. “If I recommend a color, they don’t like it and I bought paint, I’d bear the burden of making the choice. So, I often say, ‘This is my opinion, but don’t take my word for it.’”

Instead, they’ll assist by relaying popular, trending colors and helping you set up an online consultation with a Sherwin-Williams representative. TM

TALLAHASSEE’S

CHOICE IN ACTIVE SENIOR LIVING

SENIOR LIVING

Enjoy an active lifestyle emphasizing wellness and lifelong learning opportunities at our Life Plan Community on 140 acres of rolling hills in Tallahassee. At Westminster Oaks, every residence is maintenance-free, so you can take a wellness class in the

Enjoy an active lifestyle emphasizing wellness and lifelong learning opportunities at our Life Plan Community on 140 acres of rolling hills in Tallahassee. At Westminster Oaks, every residence is maintenance-free, so you can take a wellness class in the fitness center, savor a chef-prepared meal, or enjoy the many walking and biking paths nearby instead of keeping up with your home. You’ll love the wide variety of spacious residences available, all with great services and amenities to enhance your lifestyle, like housekeeping, scheduled transportation and 24-hour security. Best of all, you’ll find safety and security for the future with our full continuum of healthcare services, including Assisted Living, Nursing Care, Memory Care and more, should your needs change.

your home. You’ll love the wide variety of spacious residences available, all with great

savor a chef-prepared meal, or enjoy the many walking and biking paths nearby instead of keeping up

FULL HOUSE

The summer heat brings garden creatures aplenty

by LES HARRISON, UF/IFAS EXTENSION AGENT EMERITUS

During this season, the area’s insects are diligently expanding their numbers.

Tallahassee’s home landscapes, with their wide variety of plants and shrubs, attract many of these bugs, the most popular being butterflies and moths.

Whether large and brightly colored or small and unembellished, all these delicate fliers hatch from eggs, become caterpillars and spend their days munching on plants as they develop.

Some are picky eaters, dining only on specific plants. For example, monarch

caterpillars consume only milkweed, fritillaries eat passionflower leaves and orange dog caterpillars are seen only on citrus trees. Others will defoliate almost any greenery available. Tobacco horned worms and armyworms (both caterpillars) can be found on most plants valued by people.

To minimize the potential for damage, frequently monitor your plants.

If the leaves appear chewed, check the plant for caterpillars. If the damage is minimal and the caterpillars are few, it may be worth ignoring for the pleasure of keeping the butterflies and moths in the environment.

However, if the damage level is extreme or there is a large amount of caterpillars, then a response is necessary.

PANTRY

Many home landscapes have a full production of summer’s fruit, berries and nuts. Yaupons, sparkleberries, dogwoods, pines, persimmons, oaks, hickories and many more have a nutritional offering to keep wild creatures with space in their stomach or cheeks nearby. The summer’s heat and rain provide an ideal growing environment for the plants, which support these animals in the coming months; the blooms you’re seeing now will be the life-sustaining nuts, dried fruit and seeds of winter. The plants and trees also provide this cornucopia to prepare their progeny for the next growing season. While most of their output is consumed by birds, mammals and insects, a small percentage of seeds will survive to expand the plant species range and replace winter losses. Bright orange persimmons, red dogwood, holly berries and blue beautyberries use their distinctive color and shape to attract birds and animals. In exchange for a free meal, some seeds will be relocated and provided with a convenient fertilizer package.

Summer Landscape Tasks

Summer is a great time to solarize garden plots and landscape spots. You can accomplish this soil sanitizing technique with a heattrapping cover, which will kill some, if not most, of the weed seeds and insect eggs lodging in the ground.

A large trash bag with bricks, boards or rocks will work for small areas. But for larger areas, a roll of plastic sheeting will be necessary.

The July and August heat trapped under the plastic will slowly bake the potentially harmful organisms and render them inert. Luckily, earthworms will leave the area when the heat climbs but return when the temperature cools. There are popular herb transplants that you can install during the midsummer heat. Rosemary, ginger, Mexican tarragon and others will flourish in a properly prepared site or large container. And August is an excellent time to plant tomatoes. Use nutrient-rich growing media in a transplant container to start preferred varieties.

The growing media or soil should be moderately fine, with ample organic matter and effective drainage. Maintain the moisture in the soil, but do not saturate the containers, as fungal disease will result.

You can start many cool-season crops the same way. Installing healthy transplants can give the home gardener a head start on the autumn growing season.

Les Harrison is a retired University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Wakulla County extension director.

GREEN SCENE

↖↑ Beautyberry blossoms appear spring through summer and mature into berries by September.

←↑

One among many hungry critters in the summer garden, tobacco hornworm caterpillers morph into hawk moths.

JUST LISTED

Luxury Gated Community Living at its Finest!

Experience luxury living at this stunning five-bedroom, five-bath home in the Golden Eagle Country Club. This residence has been completely updated and is ready for its new owner. The primary suite is located downstairs, providing privacy, and features a sitting area that overlooks the beautiful community and golf course. It also includes a custom-built walk-in closet, a standalone tub and his-and-her vanity sinks. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms with new flooring, freshly painted walls, walk-in closets and a shared bathroom for added convenience.

LISTED PRICE: $1,125,000

ADDRESS: 2938 E. Golden Eagle Drive

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,948

BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS: 4.5

YEAR BUILT: 1996

FEATURES: The grandeur of this home begins with brand-new luxury plank flooring, modern light fixtures, grand chandeliers and a fresh paint palette. The fully equipped kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets and hardware, quartz countertops and a large island perfect for entertaining. Enjoy breakfasts at the eat-in nook overlooking the golf course, or gather in the luxurious dining room adorned with a built-in China cabinet and quartz countertops. This home is located in a convenient area with grocery stores, local restaurants, boutiques, medical offices and pharmacies all less than three miles away.

APPEAL: This home offers a picturesque view of the renowned 18-hole golf course, with a front-row seat from the backyard. Residents can enjoy proximity to the country club, which boasts tennis courts and a pristine pool. The property is zoned for Killearn Lakes Elementary, Deerlake Middle and Chiles High School, all located within the Killearn Lakes community, two miles from this home.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Beeta Rezazadeh buywithbeeta@gmail.com (850) 597-0846 Coldwell Banker Hartung

Professional PROFILES

Tallahassee is a wonderful place to live and work largely because of the businesses and companies that keep it thriving. We entrust the business professionals in our community with helping us make financial, health care, economic, personal and promotional decisions. Choosing the right company to trust is essential. In this special section of Tallahassee Magazine, we profile selected, highly regarded professionals who have proven accountable, dependable, trustworthy and dedicated to improving the lives of those they assist. Turn the pages to meet them.

Kathleen Spehar

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - THE COUNCIL ON CULTURE & ARTS

Being highly involved in the Tallahassee community, Kathleen Spehar knows it takes many parts to keep the body of a city moving, but art is its heart and soul.

Spehar is the executive director of The Council on Culture & Arts (COCA), a nonprofit that facilitates and advocates for the arts and cultural industries in Florida’s capital region.

As a self-proclaimed arts kid and lifelong artist, Spehar knew she was destined for a career in promoting and preserving the arts.

Her role focuses on composing strategic business initiatives, board development, operations, funding and programming for the organization. She serves as the bridge between the arts and culture and other influential industries, such as government, health care, retail and business. In this position, she gauges what the community and city want and need regarding the arts.

“I believe arts and culture are basic human rights that make our lives fuller and richer and fill us with wonder and curiosity that makes us each uniquely human,” said Spehar. “COCA’s purpose is to make art accessible to all who live here and visit.”

While COCA is not a government entity, it works alongside the city, county, state and local schools to produce programs and public art initiatives.

A recent notable initiative is the Greater Art for Greater Bond, a public art experience that honors the history of one of Tallahassee’s oldest African American neighborhoods.

Throughout the neighborhood, art expressions abound, including a mural on the historic Speed’s Grocery Store, an art garden in Linear Park, utility posts featuring the intergenerational art of residents and three asphalt art murals on Saxon Street.

The latest Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) survey, an economic and social impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry, revealed that Leon County generated over $204 million in economic activity, which provided employment, drove local commerce, promoted tourism and contributed to community pride.

As COCA approaches its 40th anniversary in 2025, the organization desires to continue increasing those numbers while expanding the spaces in which art can be created and consumed.

“It’s a very exciting time to be a part of the cultural mecca that this region is becoming,” said Spehar. “We will continue to build relationships with the community and promote its artists in ways they feel listened to and encouraged in imaginative ways. We hope people feel uplifted and energized to keep investing in and engaging with art in our area.”

Spehar with Vice President of Research of the Americans for the Arts, Randy Cohen, and the City Commission on October 25, 2023, in signing a proclamation for Arts and Humanities Month. From left to right: Jeremy Matlow, Jacqueline “Jack” Porter, Mayor John E. Dailey, Kathleen Spehar, Randy Cohen, Dianne Williams-Cox and Curtis Richardson

Synovus

Do you know your banker’s name? If you don’t, that’s a problem to Bill Moore, Tallahassee market president at Synovus.

Based in Columbus, Georgia, Synovus currently has 246 branch locations across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. This regional reach allows Synovus clients access to the latest and greatest in banking technology, the most up-to-date security mechanisms, and team members who are always ready to guide clients through key financial decisions.

“Synovus has the security, stability, and solutions our clients need and deserve. Combine that with the customer service of our bankers, and you get the deep community trust that has made our success possible,” said Moore.

The company provides consumer and commercial banking, including wealth services and private banking, mortgage services, treasury and payment solutions, premium finance, asset-based lending, structured lending, and financial planning.

In 2023, Synovus won 25 Greenwich Excellence Awards for Banking in the small business and middle market categories. The company has consistently ranked on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Banks.

Each quarter, the local Synovus team selects a community program

to support. They have recently supported Tallahassee Lenders’ Consortium, an organization that helps increase homeownership and neighborhood revitalizations.

Through its subsidiary and affiliates, Synovus is committed to helping clients start their own businesses and advising them as their businesses grow. The bank is an SBA Preferred Lender, allowing Synovus to provide financial assistance to small businesses.

“Money impacts us all, and the economy changes day to day, which makes the banking industry dynamic,” said Moore. “As bankers, interpreting these changes is one way we help clients reach their goals. That’s what drives all of us at Synovus. It’s one reason I’ve been here 30 years.”

BY

Left-Right: Tina Darnell, Retail Market Leader (Killearn Branch); Elizabeth “Chattie” Winton, Commercial Banker; Bill Moore, Market President; Jeff Askins, Financial Advisor; Greg Nichols, Retail Market Manager (North Monroe Branch); and Brooke Coulliette, Retail Market Manager (Capital Circle Branch)

PHOTO

Tina Coombs

BIG FISH REAL ESTATE

Tina Coombs views her opening of Big Fish Real Estate as an act of God working through her. Faith is an integral part of her company, as she believes that faith in God, herself and her clients allows her business to prosper.

Coombs had spent most of her life working in retail management when, in 2005, she decided to pursue real estate. During this time, Coombs was also searching for a home of her own. One day, while driving with her daughter, Coombs saw a house she loved with a for sale sign out front.

Curious about the price, they knocked on the door. An elderly man answered, inviting them in to show them around. As a result, he sold them the home at budget, saying he just wanted someone to love the home the way he had, and he believed the Coombs family would. Coombs viewed this as a sign from God that she was pursuing real estate for the right reasons — she wanted to provide others with the joy a kind man granted her.

For years, Coombs worked for a Tallahassee broker whose company she loved, but she felt a pull in her heart to open her own brokerage.

“During that time, I started praying about it because I felt called to serve people by finding them homes but also using my brokerage as a means to help missionaries, feed children and better my community,” said Coombs.

On yet another drive around Tallahassee, she was passing Lake Ella when she saw a “for rent” sign in front

of a building in this highly desirable business location. The building fit Coombs’ exact specifications as if she had manifested them.

Through hard work and the support of her church and community, she opened her brokerage, which began as one and now houses 12 successful team members. Coombs enjoys having a small, tight-knit team, ultimately benefiting the client.

Before viewing homes, Coombs invites each client to the office to get to

know their wants, needs, lifestyle and family to gain the necessary information to place them in the perfect home.

Once the house hunting starts, Coombs and her team are fearless in digging into crawl spaces, ripping up carpet and addressing or negotiating issues for their clients.

“My job is to protect my buyer and put their priorities first, by whatever means that takes,” said Coombs. “When you call us, you’re getting our whole heart and authenticity. Simply put, we do more.”

Ashley Guy OWNER, TALLULAH CBD

n 2019, Ashley Guy took a chance on Tallahassee, opening the first non-franchise CBD store. What many thought was a fad has resulted in seven Tallulah CBD Mushrooms THC locations and Guy’s recognition as an award-winning business owner.

Guy has long been an advocate for CBD products having suffered from arthritis pain for years and finding relief in CBD creams and tinctures. Her belief never wavered, and her customer base quickly grew as others reaped product benefits.

As Tallulah approaches its five-year anniversary, Guy owns six stores in Tallahassee and one in Thomasville, Georgia. The stores offer premium alternative products including CBD, THC slushies, THC edibles, pet CBD, vapes, kratom, THC flower, kava and mushroom products, including edibles, vapes, flower, beverages, topicals and more.

As of late, Guy has noted that the float pods, also known as sensory deprivation tanks, kava drinks and THC slushies, are particularly popular among clients. As a result, she is expanding her Railroad Square location to include a coffee and kava bar.

“It’s been fun and really rewarding to bring these cutting-edge products and ideas to Tallahassee,” said Guy. “It always makes me glad when people stop in and say that Tallulah makes the city more hip and comparable to bigger cities.”

Her fast-growing and successful business model has garnered her

much recognition. Tallulah was awarded as a 2024 Top 100 Women-Led Business in Florida by The Women’s Edge, an organization that connects, supports and advances women business leaders. The top 100 list is ranked through an algorithm that factors in revenue, diversity, innovation and customer benefits.

Guy is also honored to have won Best Cannabis/CBD store from Tallahassee Magazine and the Tallahassee Democrat

Tallulah has over 50 employees and the Tallulah stores are open seven days a week. Some locations have

hours opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 1 a.m. Guy plans on expanding to Port St. Joe next.

Where many business owners begin to experience burnout at year five, Guy feels more motivated than ever. She attends conferences throughout the nation to ensure she’s offering the latest and greatest products and plans to expand her business further.

“Tallahassee has been a wonderfully supportive city for someone like me who started as a business novice,” said Guy. “The community has always provided opportunities for networking and a loyal customer following.”

When faced with the challenges of a marital and family, medical malpractice, or civil litigation case, Jerry Rumph positions himself as an empathetic figure who will handle each client with the utmost understanding and professionalism.

Jerry has long been inclined toward helping professions. Before becoming a lawyer, he was a respiratory therapist for 12 years. Pulled toward helping people navigate the law, he received his law degree from Florida State University in 2009.

He began his career at a small firm focusing on real estate and commercial litigation. He soon handled marital and family law cases, in which he quickly gained expertise. He decided to take those skills to a firm that specialized in marital and family law, and in 2019, he became a Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in marital and family law.

In 2022, he began his career with Brooks Law, a practice owned by Joseph Brooks, specializing in marital and family law, medical malpractice defense, and civil litigation.

“We are compassionate advocates who try to help clients see the big picture and make good business and financial decisions for themselves and their families,” said Jerry.

The team, which also includes Olivia Brooks, is highly collaborative, talking through situations and providing advice on each other’s cases. The three attorneys have over 55 years of experience combined.

Jerry is proud to have worked on many cases with published decisions that have shaped Florida law. Through the Legal Aid Foundation of Tallahassee, Jerry was a founding member of a pro bono services program that provided legal aid to those in need. Through this program, he was awarded the Outstanding Mentor Award. Additionally, he was recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer from 2021 to 2023 and is Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated.

At Brooks Law, the client is always the priority. While no attorney can or should guarantee a case outcome, the attorneys at Brooks Law are unwavering in their commitment to extend compassion, focus and dedication to each client. The firm’s primary interest is fostering long-term relationships, which results in satisfied clients and mutually beneficial community connections.

“My goal is to bring clients a sense of calm and peace when they experience the turmoil that often comes with a court proceeding,” said Jerry. “I walk them through the process as effectively and securely as possible so they can regain control of their lives and a sense of stability.”

Red Wing Shoes

The shoes you choose to put on your feet are important. A good shoe carries you from one location to the next with comfort and ease. A quality shoe makes all the difference after a long, hard day on the job.

Since 1905, Red Wing Shoes has been recognized for the lasting difference they make in others’ lives based

on comfortable, customized fits and the highest quality craftsmanship.

While the flagship is located in Minnesota, the Tallahassee Red Wing store was opened in 2016. Michelle Beard and Jarrad Beard purchased the store in March 2023. They come from a multigenerational family in the Red Wing Shoe business and have ever since

imparted what makes these shoes special to the Tallahassee community.

Whether you’re seeking a shoe for work, hiking, hunting or casual wear, the experienced staff will outfit you with the precise fit for your foot and shoe needs.

When you enter Red Wing, you’re transported to a bygone era of customer service, where you’re provided with one-on-one attention. You’re seated on a fitting stool, where the associate then takes 16 key measurements to find the shoe for you.

Unlike other companies, Red Wing associates are highly trained in each shoe and proper sizing to help rule out discomfort, slips, trips and falls, improving overall health and performance. Since 2023, Beard has more than tripled the amount of inventory available.

“We love interacting with our customers and being able to provide them with solutions,” said Jarrad. “We are here to help and want you to entrust us to take care of your shoe needs.”

You will not only walk out with your new favorite shoes but also with a best-in-class warranty and a complimentary lifetime tuneup that includes free cleanings, oiling, stitching, new laces, dying and any repairs for the lifetime of the shoe.

As a means of contributing to the community and local workforce, the company offers the Red Wing for Business Program Partnership.

Whether you’re involved in construction, energy, manufacturing, transportation or other trade work, Red Wing has a partnership program where they outfit a company’s employees in properly fitted footwear. Should a pair of shoes be needed on the job site, the store can hand deliver them to that location.

“This is not your traditional shopping experience,” said Jarrad. “It’s an experience where we form partnerships and relationships with customers.”

Jarrad Beard and his mother, Michelle Beard

Tolga Dincman COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MANAGER, CAPITAL CITY BANK

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE THIS CAREER?

I graduated from Florida State University in 1993 and managed a local Rent To Own franchise when one of my fraternity brothers asked if I had ever considered working for Capital City Bank. Several members of his family were longtime bank associates. In 1995, after considering different long-term career paths, I started working with Capital City in collections. From there, I’ve been fortunate to serve in various departments in lending and management positions over the past 29 years. Helping our clients achieve their financial goals while working with the best banking team is what I love most about my job. Some of our clients have been with me for 25-plus years, and I have seen them start a business with one truck or one “spec” home and grow their business to several million dollars in annual sales. I value being a trusted financial partner while managing and growing their banking relationship.

WHAT SETS YOUR COMPANY APART IN THE INDUSTRY?

Relationships. We pride ourselves on establishing lasting relationships from the moment the client walks in or during that first phone call. While in a very competitive market, our Capital City Bank team sets us apart by providing a full range of financial products and services, including deposits, loans, investments, trust services, private wealth and retirement planning. My area, commercial real

estate, offers loans on income-producing properties such as hotels, multifamily residential facilities, shopping centers, assisted living facilities and one to four single-family rental units, acquisition and development loans and builder lines of credit. We guarantee you will receive the best local service, and you will have a banker who you will know by name.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU/YOUR COMPANY?

Capital City Bank just celebrated 129 years in business, and we proudly

continue to focus on growing our client base by always wanting to set the standard of service in every market in which we operate. I plan to be here every step of the way to help achieve our company goals and serve my enduring client relationships.

WHAT

I LOVE...

Two of my proudest roles are father and husband. Together with my wife of 29 years, I have a son attending Emory University in Atlanta and playing baseball while studying finance.

Chip Hartung

COLDWELL BANKER HARTUNG

Anywhere you look in Tallahassee, from the college campuses to historic buildings to the Amazon Warehouse, you’ll see development. The region’s ever-expanding nature has led to more business in Coldwell Banker Hartung’s commercial division.

Hartung and Associates was established in 1979 in Tallahassee and became a Coldwell Banker affiliate in 1981. The company has since become one of the city’s most respected real estate firms. As a full-service real estate company, they specialize in residential, commercial, corporate relocation and property management.

Its property management division has become known as a boutique property management firm, mostly serving smaller investors. Its portfolio includes office, retail, industrial and warehouse spaces. The firm offers all elements of financial management as well as limited services such as inspections and tenant relations.

Currently, Hartung directs commercial sales, leasing and management.

Throughout the years, he has represented clients on local and national levels, including Second Harvest, FedEx, State Farm Insurance, Sprint, Allstate, Direct TV and more.

“Our goal, no matter the size of the client, is to make each transaction as smooth and transparent as possible,” said Hartung. “We are thorough and a stickler for details, which clients always appreciate.”

Locally, Hartung notes the trend toward repurposing and redeveloping

older buildings. Tallahassee is becoming notable for the continued expansions of the two hospitals, Tallahassee Memorial and HCA Florida Capital Hospital, and the universities. These, in turn, bring other businesses, such as hotels, dining and entertainment.

Further, these booming businesses produce jobs that bring new residents to the community searching for homes, which Coldwell Banker Hartung’s residential division can assist with.

Investing in the community extends beyond the buildings to include the people. Each agent carries their own passion for local charities and nonprofits,

actively giving back and volunteering with organizations such as the Children’s Home Society, Habitat for Humanity, Leon County Humane Society, United Way, Second Harvest and more.

“Our customers benefit by working with a company that has a national brand but with agents that live and work here interacting with our clients daily, whether in the office or out in the community,” said Hartung. “Coldwell Banker Hartung has deep roots and a large footprint serving Tallahassee/Leon County and the surrounding counties of Wakulla, Gadsden, Jefferson and Franklin as well as Thomasville and South Georgia.”

Scared cats, nervous dogs and confused owners should not result from visits to a veterinarian. Dr. Lauren Combs and the staff at Ox Bottom Animal Hospital operate on the belief that a successful vet visit includes total pet and patient comfort.

In 2018, Ox Bottom Animal Hospital opened as a locally owned practice for cats and dogs specializing in preventive care, diagnostics, dental services, soft tissue surgery, behavior consultations, fear-free visits and more.

Each member of the staff is highly trained in the proper techniques and handling to reduce fear, anxiety and stress (FAS). The hospital is Fear Free certified, Feline Friendly certified and American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited.

Pets and owners are kept together as much as possible, and many treats and words of praise are offered throughout each visit.

This same compassion is extended to pet owners through detailed explanations of recommendations, customized care plans, financial discussions and more.

“It’s important to trust the people who provide medical care and advice to you and your pet, as this allows for the best team effort in getting you and your pet what they need,” Dr. Combs said. “Whether that’s preventive care, a diagnostic plan or even end-oflife care, every step of the way is important.”

Ciminelli Real Estate Services

J.R. Long and Stewart Proctor are two names synonymous with the Tallahassee commercial real estate market. Partners for over 20 years, their families’ ties go back generations, with their grandfathers having been business associates. J.R. and Stewart’s professional relationship began when

they shared an office at their first job in commercial real estate.

Through collaboration and attending educational courses across Florida and neighboring states, they developed a strong friendship and eventually became business partners, launching Proctor & Long LLC, in 2004.

“Over those years of talking and getting to know each other’s goals and aspirations, we found we both desired to have the autonomy of owning our own business,” said Proctor. They established an office in the Midtown neighborhood of Tallahassee, which they still operate today, and began a full-service commercial brokerage. Their business has remained consistent in values and committed to their clientele, even during industry fluctuations.

In 2010, they co-founded Structure Commercial Real Estate and Management, which resulted in a seven-year partnership. When a buy-out opportunity arose in 2017, the two reverted back to their original Proctor & Long LLC. Throughout their careers, Proctor and Long have been actively involved in the Florida CCIM chapter, a professional organization for commercial and investment real estate members. This involvement led to many valuable connections, including meeting Tom McGeachy and Hunter Swearingen from Ciminelli Real Estate Services’ Tampa, Florida, office.

In 2020, Proctor and Long joined Ciminelli, establishing the Tallahassee office. The company has offices in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, managing over 23 million square feet of property nationwide and brokering over $500 million of capital markets transactions in Florida alone.

“Becoming a part of Ciminelli made sense because our company culture and goals aligned,” said Long. “We are all about building long-term relationships, serving our clients the best we can with honesty and growing our brand throughout the Panhandle.”

With a regional office handling the marketing, accounting and HR tasks, Proctor and Long are able to focus their efforts on their specialties of leasing, sales and property management. Currently, they manage a portfolio of 950,000 square feet of commercial space. “We are very fortunate to wake up every day and look forward to going to work and growing our business,” said Proctor. “Success can be measured in various ways, but for us, integrity and honesty are crucial, as they lead to longterm client relationships.”

more events in Tallahassee,

11–SEPT. 5

Artport ThomasGallery:Friedman

→ Presented by the Council on Culture of Arts, the Tallahassee Artport Gallery is proud to showcase the captivating art of Thomas Friedman from July 11 to Sept. 5.

For more details, contact Sam Joslin, our dedicated Public Art and Exhibitions Manager, at sam@tallahasseearts.org.

Co-produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Russell Carter Artist Management, the 30A Songwriters Festival celebrates 16 years Jan. 16-20, 2025, with over 175 artists performing original songs in more than 30 venues and dedicated listening rooms throughout South Walton, Florida. Visit 30ASongwritersFestival.com for more information.

CELEBRATE AMERICA

JULY 4

Head to Tom Brown Park for the City of Tallahassee’s Celebrate America event, including live music and a patriotic fireworks display. There will be food trucks, adult beverages and children’s activities all evening. talgov.com/parks/july4

THOMASVILLE INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS

JULY 4

Join the City of Thomasville and CNSNext to celebrate the Fourth of July in Remington Park with a fireworks show. Bring your own chairs or blankets, and select a perfect spot from which to put your eyes on the skies.

thomasvillega.com/calendar

INFINITY CON

JULY 6-7

This family-friendly comic book convention is back and better than ever in the Capital City this summer. Infinity Con will celebrate creativity with artists, writers, cosplayers, makeup, horror movie FX and more at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

tuckerciviccenter.com/events/detail/ infinity-con-tallahassee

SWAMP STOMP MUSIC FESTIVAL

JULY 13

Enjoy music under the shady trees of the Tallahassee Museum at the 46th Annual Swamp Stomp. This a great opportunity to get outside, grab some fresh air and relax with live music featuring folk, blues, contemporary acoustic ballads, highlands, saltwater music and much more!

visittallahassee.com/events/swampstomp-2024/

FAR OUT FUNK & BLUES FEST

JULY 26

Indaba, Inc. presents the Far Out Funk & Blues Fest, a groundbreaking musical celebration in honor of Tallahassee’s 200th anniversary, set to electrify audiences with performances by Keith Rodgers,

Pharaohs of Funk, Klymaxx, Zac Harmon, Loose Ends and more.

tuckerciviccenter.com/events/detail/farout-funk-and-blues-fest

FIRST FRIDAY SIP & SHOP

AUG. 4

Start your weekend right by sipping and strolling through the streets of Thomasville. Participating shops and restaurants will be open late, with live music from 7–9 p.m. thomasvillega.com

TALLAHASSEE BEER FESTIVAL

AUG. 10

North Florida’s largest beer festival returns with unlimited beer tasting, live music and plenty of entertainment, all within the comfort of the air-conditioned Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. This year will feature 115 brewers pouring over 300 fermentations for every palate.

visittallahassee.com/events/tallahasseebeer-festival/

PAW PATROL LIVE! HEROES UNITE

AUG. 27-28

Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group proudly present PAW Patrol Live!

“Heroes Unite.” This brand-new production is an interactive live stage show, where audience members get to be heroes unleashed, helping the pups as honorary members of the pack, while they navigate the globe to make it back to Adventure Bay in the nick of time.

tuckerciviccenter.com/events/detail/pawpatrol-live-heroes-unite

AARON LEWIS: 2024 ACOUSTIC TOUR

AUG. 29

Aaron Lewis, the founder of the multi-platinum band, Staind, will be making a stop on his 2024 Acoustic Tour in Tallahassee. His latest album, Frayed at Both Ends, offers the hard-touring, 15-millionselling workingman’s country star at his most personal and unplugged, making for an intimate record that reflects in his 2024 acoustic tour.

tuckerciviccenter.com/events/detail/aaronlewis-2024-acoustic-tour

photo by Scott Holstein

Mayor’s Bicentennial Ball

MAR. 2 On March 2, Mayor John Dailey and first lady Virginia Dailey hosted the inaugural Mayor’s Ball to celebrate the City of Tallahassee’s 200th birthday. This once-in-a-lifetime occasion benefitted the TEMPO Program, one of the mayor’s favorite success stories within the City of Tallahassee family, and successfully raised more money than the organization has ever raised with an event! More than 750 attendees enjoyed catering provided by The Hayward House, entertainment provided by Tallahassee Nights Live!, and event planning by Touched by a Rose Events (Brittney Jones).

PHOTOS BY MATT GOOD, MATT SHOOTS FOR GOOD

1 Beth Corum, Lori Elliot, Virginia Dailey, Kristin Harrison, Lisa Carey and Kim Cramer

2 Andy and Kristin Harrison with First Lady Virginia Dailey and Mayor John Dailey

3 Mayor John Dailey and his mother Sarah Ann Dailey

4 Mayor John Dailey and County Commission Chairwoman Carolyn Cummings

5 Timmy Knight, Mayor John Dailey, Gail Knight, First Lady Virginia Dailey and Bob Knight

6 Reverend Trinity Whitley and Mayor John Dailey with Michael and Kristin Dobson

7 Charlie and Tonja Ward with First Lady Virginia Dailey and Mayor John Dailey

8 Harold and Talethia Edwards with First Lady Virginia Dailey and Mayor John Dailey

9 Dionte Gavin and Josh Walters with First Lady Virginia Dailey and Mayor John Dailey

SOCIAL STUDIES

Cleaver and Cork Signature Dinner

MAR. 1 The Cleaver and Cork Signature Dinner, hosted by the TCC Foundation, featured a fourcourse meal curated by Chef Andrew Zimmern, an Emmy and four-time James Beard Awardwinning TV personality, author and philanthropist. In its ninth year, Cleaver and Cork has evolved from the Signature Dinner to a week of extraordinary food and wine experiences. Proceeds go directly to scholarships for students at Tallahassee Community College.

PHOTOS BY BETSY BARFIELD

1 Back row: Travis Taylor, Mark and Kimberly Price, Chef Andrew Zimmern and Cristal Cole; Front row: Leon Howard, R Jai Gillum, Opal McKinney-Williams and Kathy San Pedro

2 Katie Parrish, Christine Thurman and Carlecia Collins

3 Back row: Krista and Chris Wilson, Chef Andrew Zimmern, Rob Bazemore and Jennifer Stone; Front row: Kaila and Tommy Hardee, Mary Byrd and Ramsay Sims

Tallahassee Tennis Challenger

MAR. 15–21

The 24th Tallahassee Tennis Challenger took place April 15–21. Players ranked in the Top 200 in the world played for points and a purse of $82,000. The sold-out event marked 31 years of professional tennis in Tallahassee. The USTA recognizes the event as the second longestrunning tournament in the country currently. The 2025 event is scheduled for April 14–20, 2025. Mark your calendars now!

PHOTOS BY SUE AULT, GRIER KIRKPATRICK, ETHAN HERNANDEZ AND PIA LEHTONEN

1 Maria Oliver, Beatriz Cepeda, Amy Kirkpatrick, Leah Marino, Eva Fernandez and Farra Noel

2 Tricia Skinner, Joyce Duty and Sue Morphet

3 Chris and Libby Thomson

4 Kishor Muniyappa with wife Meera and daughter Shivani

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Celebrates Golden Gala’s 40th Anniversary

MAR. 19 Over 2,400 people helped mark the 40th anniversary of the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) Golden Gala on March 19. Hosted by the TMH Foundation, this year’s event benefitted the Bixler Trauma and Emergency Center. Located on TMH’s main campus, the center is the only Level II Trauma Center in the Big Bend region. Gala guests enjoyed Journey, one of the best-selling rock bands with more than 100 million records sold worldwide. More about the TMH Foundation can be found at TMHFoundation.org.

PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH E. GEORGE PHOTOGRAPHY, WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY AND CLAIRE CLEMENTS

1 Dr. Fitz Blake and Dr. Patton Patterson

2 Sharon Robinson and FAMU President, Dr. Larry Robinson

3 Bob and Beverly McCully

4 Karen Vogter, Marissa Cuffe, Stacy Chick with Maria and Mark Yealdhall

5 Dr. Jayati Singh, Dr. Jana Bures-Forsthoefel, Marion Camp and Dr. Joe Camp and Dr. Hardeep Singh

6 Cynthia Henderson and Ed Murray with Journey

7 Flecia Braswell and Jimmy Weaver

8 FSU President Dr. Richard McCullough and FSU First Lady, Dr. Jai Vartikar

9 Jeri and Bryan Desloge

10 Lindsey Adkison and Tillie Allen with Journey (continued on next page)

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Celebrates Golden Gala’s 40th Anniversary

MAR. 19 Over 2,400 people helped mark the 40th anniversary of the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) Golden Gala on March 19. Hosted by the TMH Foundation, this year’s event benefitted the Bixler Trauma and Emergency Center. Located on TMH’s main campus, the center is the only Level II Trauma Center in the Big Bend region. Gala guests enjoyed Journey, one of the best-selling rock bands with more than 100 million records sold worldwide. More about the TMH Foundation can be found at TMHFoundation.org.

PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH E. GEORGE PHOTOGRAPHY, WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY AND CLAIRE CLEMENTS

(continued from previous page)

11 Raymond and Kathy Bye with Martha and Rick Barnett

12 Gentle Littles and Dr. Alma Littles

13 Grace Dansby and Jackie Mustian

14 Richard and Karen Moore with TCC President Dr. Jim Murdaugh and Sara Murdaugh

15 Dr. Lisa Engel, Dr. Lindsay Hinson, Dr. Amy Haddock, Dr. Arthur Clements, Dr. Vikki McKinnie and Dr. Andrea Friall

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Tien Do, MD

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SOCIAL STUDIES

United Way of the Big Bend Power of the Purse

MAR. 28 Women United, an affinity group of United Way of the Big Bend, hosted the Power of the Purse event on March 28 — an evening of friend-raising and fundraising for children and families in need. Women United provides women of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to invest their time, talents and treasures to improve lives.

PHOTOS BY TRICKEY DURHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

1 Holley Curry, Jennifer Womble, Kim Campo and Marianne Brooks

2 Elizabeth Fearington and Ashleigh McNeill, Event Co-Chairs

3 Presenting sponsor Capital City Bank — Dale Sullivan, Jennifer Anamoo, Karen Brooks, Alison Gross, Michele Pellino, Rebeca Sayers, Jaynie Sundberg, Denise Wilson, Lori Elliott, Mary Wellington and Ashley Leggett

LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival

APR. 20–21 The 24th annual Chain of Parks Art Festival was a huge success, thanks to the participating artists, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, organizing committees, entertainers and a sea of enthusiastic visitors! With a new Folks Art exhibit, 3D chalk art and family fun, attendees were delighted as they viewed art, met with friends and enjoyed the Chain of Parks in downtown Tallahassee.

PHOTOS BY BOB O’LARY

1 Front row: Michael and Julie McBride, Powell Kreis, Sheri Sanderson, Kelly Dozier, Christen Perry, Arielle Raff and Taylore Maxey; Second row: Rosanne Wood, Blake Barton-Renfro, Jessica Pepper, Debbie Blinderman and Christopher Crevello; Third row: Laurie Dozier, Paul Renfro and Daniel Hoge

2 Cheyenne Alderson and Tracy Marie Powell

3 Festival Chair Kelly Dozier, 24th cover artist Eluster Richardson, Lessie Richardson, Artist Relations Manager Sheri Sanderson, and Festival Manager Powell Kreis

BE IN THE KNOW

(continued from page 73)

ARMS OF AN ANGEL IN THE

Like LCHS, ECAH is a nonprofit that primarily receives funding via donations and pet adoption fees. Unlike LCHS, however, ECAH doesn’t employ a full-time staff; everyone involved is a volunteer, and every penny earned goes directly to the animals.

“We often take the animals that nobody else would rescue … the ones that are medically needy,” said ECAH board member Elisabeth Draper. “We took one cat who’d been hit by a car and needed expensive surgery, (and) we took about nine cats from Perry that were in bad shape, and we’re still struggling to clear them up, but hopefully, we’ll get there.”

ECAH adoption fees typically run $100 for one cat or $150 for two. But those proceeds don’t nearly cover the costs necessary to care for a healthy cat, let alone a sick or injured one, making volunteers and donations crucial to ECAH’s survival.

Kendrick says working and volunteering in the animal rescue industry is “rough,” but it has its moments.

“There’s no money in it and 99% of the people that do rescue work are women, and we’re all just doing our best,” she said. “The hardest part is watching people get discouraged, but when you see (volunteers) fight through that with determination, it’s cool because that’s how the rescue is going to keep going.”

Redfern-Vance, who started volunteering with ECAH after the passing of her husband, said the foster experience has been “the best thing.”

“You get to meet the people, and ECAH screens people really well … So, you know the people are really into cats,” she said of the organization’s adoption process. “Some people have such a smile on their face when they leave. That’s satisfying.” TM

For more information about volunteer opportunities with LCHS or ECAH, visit leoncountyhumane.org or ecahanimals.org.

dining guide

AMERICAN

BACKWOODS CROSSING ★

Sit down at this 2023 Best of winner for fresh gourmet food at Tallahassee’s farm-to-table, destination concept restaurant featuring locally caught and produced soft-shell crabs, sausage, duck and blueberries. 6725 Mahan Dr. (850) 765-3753. $$ L D

BAR 1903 ★

Located in the historic Walker Library, Bar 1903 honors the history of mixology while pushing the boundaries of the cocktail experience. Small plates, snacks, bar sandwiches, sweets. Intimate setting, 36-seat capacity. Voted Best Bar and Best Martini/Cocktail for 2023.

209 E. Park Ave. (850) 354-9739. $$ D

BIRD’S APHRODISIAC OYSTER SHACK ★

Tallahassee’s classiest oyster shack and Best of Tallahassee winner for 2023 in the Best Burger category. Serving burgers, veggie burgers, chicken and grouper sandwiches plus hot dogs, with sides. Full bar. Entertainment includes live music, comedy and karaoke. Close to downtown and the FSU campus. 325 N. Bronough St. (850) 222-1075.

$$ L D

CHARLIE PARK

Tallahassee’s first rooftop cocktail experience offering small plates and shareables has an innovative and exciting menu built around plates to share and experience with others. The specialty craft cocktails are inventive, and the views of Tallahassee’s downtown and beyond are spectacular.

801 S. Gadsden St. (850) 759-4300.

$$ D

DOG ET AL ★

Foot-long and veggie entrees alike grace this award-winning menu. Also ask about their incredibly valued family packs. 1456 S. Monroe St. (850) 222-4099. $ L D

THE EDISON

This relaxed, fine dining establishment is equipped with a beer garden, wine cellar, casual cafe, open-air alternatives and a gorgeous view that has become a Tallahassee favorite. 470 Suwannee St. (850) 684-2117. $$/$$$ B L D

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD ★

The name says it all! This restaurant boasts a palate-pleasing combination of personalized service, eclectic ambiance and award-winning cuisine and is the Best Desserts winner for 2017–23. 1950 Thomasville Rd. (850) 224-9974. $$ L D

HOPKINS’ EATERY ★

A Best of 2023 winner, Hopkins’ provides favorites such as the Ultimate Turkey, the Linda Special and a variety of salads to keep customers coming back. Multiple locations. Hours vary. $ L D

ISLAND WING COMPANY ★

Get baked! This 2023 Best of winner for Best Wings won’t serve you up greasy, fried wings; instead Island Wing bakes them fresh. 1370 Market St. (850) 692-3116. $ L D

JUICY BLUE

Located in the Four Points by Sheraton Downtown, this cool lobby restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Unique dishes include tapas with a twist, such as the Georgia peaches with caramel. 316 W. Tennessee St. (850) 422-0071. $ B L D

LIBERTY BAR AND RESTAURANT

Carefully crafted unique cocktails mixed with a gourmet menu that features fresh, local produce. 1307 N. Monroe, Unit No. 2. (850) 354-8277. $$ D

LOFTY PURSUITS ★

This old-fashioned soda fountain serves ice cream, milkshakes and candy — plus brunch dishes and a selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. 1355 Market St., A11. (850) 521-0091. $ B

OLOGY BREWING CO

★

Craft brewery born in a spirit of innovation. Best of Tallahassee winner for 2023 in Brewery/Craft Beer category. From IPAs to stouts and sours to barrel-aged brews, an ever-evolving tap list invites a journey of taste and exploration. Also offers shareable plates. 2910 Kerry Forest Pkwy. (Northside location). (850) 296-2809. $$

SAGE RESTAURANT

Sage’s menu masterfully melds regional influences, including Southern and French. The setting is gorgeous but cozy, and the outdoor patio sets a charming, romantic tone for a relaxing evening. 3534 Maclay Blvd. (850) 270-9396. $$$ B L D

A Taste of Florida Comfort Florida Comfort

TABLE 23 ★

This “Southern porch, table and bar” is cozied up among oak trees on one of Tallahassee’s favorite street corners. Lucky Goat coffee-rubbed ribeye and Schermer pecan-crusted chicken are among the regional offerings. 1215 Thomasville Rd. (850) 329-2261. $$$ L D

THE HUNTSMAN ★

OSAKA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR ★

Rated Best Hibachi for 2023, Osaka provides dinner and a show, with the chefs seasoning and preparing your meal right in front of you. 1489 Maclay Commerce Dr. (850) 900-5149. $$$ D

ROCK N ROLL SUSHI

This American-style sushi chain born in Mobile offers fresh rolls, salads and hibachi — all with a rock-and-roll theme. 1415 Timberlane Rd. #305. (850) 999-1748. $$ L D

BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY

This Best of Tallahassee winner for 2023 in the Celebration/Special Occasion Restaurant category creates exceptional dining experiences focused on ethically sourced wild game, as well as field and stream to table. Also offering vegan and vegetarian fare. Five-course guided culinary expeditions require group participation. Happy-hour and latenight offerings. 320 E. Tennessee St. (850) 765-1887

$$$ D

UPTOWN CAFÉ

Specialties at the bustling, family-run cafe include apricot-glazed smoked salmon, one-of-a-kind omelets, banana bread French toast and flavorful sandwiches. 1325 Miccosukee Rd. (850) 219-9800. $ B L

WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX ★

Not your usual sports bar, this import from Louisiana offers seafood, traditional Cajun cuisine and burgers built for two hands — plus 40 beers on tap and wall-to-wall TVs for the big games. 3390 Capital Circle NE. (850) 597-7736

$$ L D

ASIAN

AZU LUCY HO’S

Enjoy an extensive array of classic dishes with a modern flare, including gyoza dumplings, crab rangoon, General Tso’s chicken and Szechuan beef, all in a relaxed setting. 3220 Apalachee Pkwy., Ste. 13. (850) 893-4112. $$ L D

DAO RESTAURANT ★

Asian fusion restaurant and a Best of Tallahassee 2023 winner in the Best Asian category. Indulge in lobster, blue crab, spicy prawns, Peking duck or a grouper filet with mapo tofu. 3425 Bannerman Rd. (850) 999-1482. $$ L D

JAPANICA STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR

Hibachi-cooked fare, signature sushi rolls and Japanese kitchen entrees are expertly crafted by skilled chefs using only the freshest ingredients. Bat 1.000 with the Millenium Roll: salmon, avocado, kani and spicy mayo inside with yellowtail, tuna, scallions and massago on top. 3111 Mahan Drive. (850) 656-9888. $$ L D

KIKU JAPANESE FUSION ★

From tempura to teriyaki and sushi to sashimi, Kiku Japanese Fusion, voted Best Sushi in 2023, fuses vibrant flavors with fresh ingredients 800 Ocala Rd. (850) 575-5458, 3491 Thomasville Rd. (850) 222-5458. $$ L D

MASA

Masa’s menu offers a creative blend of Eastern and Western cuisines. 1650 N. Monroe St. (850) 727-4183. $/$$

CANOPY ROAD CAFÉ ★

Traditional breakfasts, fluffy omelets, skillets, French toast and sweet potato pancakes keep customers coming back to this 2023 Best Breakfast winner. Canopy also goes all out on lunch favorites. Multiple locations. (850) 668-6600. $ B L

LUCKY GOAT COFFEE ★

Coffee roaster, wholesaler, distributor, online retailer and cafe serving highquality beverages. Flavored coffees include pumpkin spice and Southern pecan. Best Coffee winner as voted by the readers of Tallahassee Magazine in 2023. Multiple locations including Bannerman Crossings.(850) 727-4769.

JERI’S

LOVE ON A PLATE ★

Filling bellies and hearts with love. This Best of Tallahassee winner for 2023 in the Best Brunch category offers homestyle dishes created with farm-to-table, top-quality ingredients. Brie from France, baguettes from New York and heaping portions of gouda grits and shrimp, enough to share with a fellow diner. 1370 Market St., Ste. #1. (850) 756-7660. $$ B L

MA’S DINER

No one does it like Ma! Ma’s Diner serves family-style food in a familyfriendly setting. Homestyle classics are served for breakfast and lunch with quick, attentive and friendly service. 6668-9 Thomasville Rd. (850) 765-1910.

$ B L

THE EGG CAFÉ & EATERY

When you’re looking for breakfast favorites, even if it’s lunchtime, The Egg is the place to be. Multiple locations. (850) 907-3447. $$ B L

TASTY PASTRY BAKERY

★

Tallahassee’s original cakery and 2023 Best Bakery winner features fresh breads, bagels, pies, cakes and catering. Mon–Sat 6:45 a.m.–6 p.m. 1355 Market St., Ste. A-5. (850) 893-3752. $ B L D

CAJUN

COOSH’S BAYOU ROUGE ★

This Best Cajun Restaurant winner for 2023 brings a menu jam-packed with Louisiana-style dishes, including favorites like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, po’boys and seafood gumbo. Multiple locations. (850) 894-4110.

$$ B L D

CATERING

BLACK FIG ★

Provides family-size and smaller-portion meals that are flavorful and stress-free. Best of Tallahassee winner for 2023 in Catering category. Appetizers; salads; chicken, pork, beef and seafood entrees; and desserts. Vegetarian and gluten-free options. 1400 Village Square. (850) 727-0016. $$ L D

CATERING CAPERS

Offering meals, bar services and more, Catering Capers makes entertaining and planning corporate events, weddings or private parties in Tallahassee easy. 2915 E. Park Ave., Unit 4. (850) 385-5953.

SIMPLY ENTERTAINING

Serving as a “one-stop shop” for intimate parties. Committed to making events simple by taking care of everything. Also offering Simple Dinners on Tuesday and Thursday nights. 1355 Market St. (850) 668-1167.

ITALIAN/PIZZA

BELLA BELLA ★

Voted Best Italian in 2023, this locally owned and operated restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and serves all the classics to satisfy your pasta cravings. 123 E. Fifth Ave. (850) 412-1114. $$ L D

IL LUSSO ★

Homemade pasta, local seafood and a choice of prime steaks define this downtown fine dining experience. 201 E. Park Ave., Ste. 100. (850) 765-8620. $$ D

MOMO’S ★

After devouring a slice “as big as your head” at this 2023 Best Pizza winner, chain pizza simply is not gonna cut it. Multiple locations. (850) 224-9808. $ L D

RICCARDO’S RESTAURANT

A Tallahassee tradition since 1999, Riccardo’s features savory Italian classics, from pasta and pizza to homemade subs and calzones — plus a wide-ranging selection of wines and craft brews. 1950 Thomasville Rd. (850) 386-3988. $$ L D

MEXICAN

EL JALISCO ★

In the mood for sizzling fajitas and frozen margaritas? Make your way to the 2023 Best Mexican/Latin American Restaurant, El Jalisco, where they do Mexican cuisine to perfection. Multiple locations. $ L D

SEAFOOD/STEAK

CRAFTY CRAB

Offering the freshest seafood and most authentic recipes in the area, including crab, crawfish, calamari, lobster, oysters, mussels, scallops and more. Multiple locations. (850) 671-2722. $$ L D

GEORGIO’S FINE FOOD & SPIRITS

George Koikos has over 50 years of experience in Tallahassee restaurants, and his hands-on commitment has made this upscale restaurant a local favorite featuring local seafood, prime steaks and banquet rooms for private parties. 2971 Apalachee Pkwy. (850) 877-3211.

$$$ D

HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE

Serving Southern, Cajun and Creole flavors in classic and modern dishes since 1987. Full bar is available at each location. 301 S. Bronough St., in Kleman Plaza. (850) 222-3976. $$ L D

SHULA’S 347

Located in Hotel Duval. Keep it light and casual with a premium Black Angus beef burger or a gourmet salad, or opt for one of their signature entrees — a “Shula Cut” steak. Reservations suggested. 415 N. Monroe St. (850) 224-6005. $$ L D

SOUTHERN SEAFOOD ★

Whether you’re looking for fish, shrimp, oysters, scallops, crab or lobster, the 2023 Best Seafood Market winner brings the ocean’s freshest choices to Tallahassee. 1415 Timberlane Rd. (850) 668-2203

TALLY FISH HOUSE & OYSTER BAR

★

Explore four types of topped oysters, load up with stuffed grouper or opt for “turf” with a chef’s choice cut steak. Serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Voted Best Seafood Restaurant winner in 2023. 6802 Thomasville Rd. (850) 900-5075. $$ L D

TED’S MONTANA GRILL

Co-founders Ted Turner and George W. McKerrow imagined a restaurant that would provide friends and family with an experience founded on the ideals that made America great — simplicity, honesty and authenticity. And nothing is more authentically American than bison. 1954 Village Green Way. (850) 561-8337. $$ L D

THE SEINEYARD

Fried, grilled or blackened, the area’s best and freshest seafood is found at The Seineyard. Grab your basket or mix it up with a plate of grouper, catfish, shrimp, oysters, scallops and more. 3870 Coastal Hwy., Crawfordville. (850) 926-9191. $$ L D

our comprehensive, searchable dining guide online at TallahasseeMagazine.com/restaurants.

A LIFECHANGING IMPACT

Fostering gives animals a second shot at happiness

by MACKENZIE LITTLE

In the summer of 2017, Hurricane Irma was approaching the Florida peninsula, and the Leon County Humane Society (LCHS) was lining up foster homes in case animals from neighboring counties needed assistance. My husband, Timothy, and I opened our house and have been fostering ever since.

Over the years, we’ve welcomed 35-plus fosters into our home, and each has left a permanent mark on our hearts.

Our first foster fail, Kona, has transformed from a once-abandoned, broken husky that would shut down in a shelter kennel, to a thriving, “head husky in charge.” She guides each of the foster dogs that enter our home, from reassuring the broken dogs that it’s OK to trust again to keeping the young puppies in line, and each leaves with an imprint of Kona on their training.

Three other dogs have earned the title of “furever foster.” Their names are Cody, Mila and Carlos — a young dog from an overflowing shelter in Louisiana who, at 10 months old, was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and tested positive for heartworms; a 4-week-old puppy that had to be separated from its mom; and a feral junkyard pup, once adopted and abandoned again, who somehow knew he belonged in the Little home.

Kona is the OG “furever foster” that allowed us to see the impact of our efforts day after day; she set our path

“I have been granted the opportunity to make a lasting impression in the life of a dog and its future owner, who is always beaming with happiness when they find their furry companion.”

— Mackenzie Little

without us even realizing it. Kona is a testament to the influence a kinder community can have.

We have fostered dogs from many backgrounds — cute, wiggly puppies from unexpected litters, dogs from hoarding/breeding situations and those left at shelters without reason. With a little patience (and maybe some dog treats or deli meat), we break down barriers and rebuild their perception of humans.

I can’t say I’m always ready for the lessons these dogs will impart, but I can say I am who I am because I have fostered. I have been granted the opportunity to make a lasting impression in the life of a dog and its future owner, who is always beaming with happiness when they find their furry companion.

I have a challenge for you. Look around you — is there an opportunity for you to share your home with a foster animal? You don’t have to have a “furever foster” like Kona, but you could make a big difference in an animal's life by saying “yes” to fostering and being the reason LCHS can say “yes” to rescuing more animals. I promise you, being part of their journey to finding happiness in a home is pure magic. TM

↑ Over the years, the Littles have fostered over 35 dogs, with four taking up permanent residence in their home

— Kona, Mila, Cody and Carlos.

Carlos

Timothy

Teddy Kona

Cody

MacKenzie

Mila

Turner’s

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