January 2018 Issue by Central Florida Monthly

what’s

INSIDE: LAUREATE PARK

Lets You Revisit Your Childhood Through Your Own Children’s Eyes

& CRISTY I LIVE HERE: JEFF RUSSO real estate 2017

rental listings RECAP

JANUARY E V E N T S

2017 Recap

The Meek Family, Harmony

The Herrera Family, East Park

The Vogel Family, Eagle Creek

A look back at some of the families who have shared their stories with us over the past year.

Because you live, work & play in the East Orlando area Publisher/Owner

STEVE FUSILIER steve@realtygroupfl.com

Development Director The Pescatello Family, Randall Park The Rivas Family, Belle Isle-Conway

The Francis Family, Moss Park Reserve

The Ciaravella Family, Nonacrest

AMI BROWN ami@cfmonthly.com

Editorial

CHAD WALSH chad@chadwalshpdx.com

Photography

AMI BROWN shearosefoto@aol.com

Marketing

NICOLE BATTISTELLA nicole@cfmonthly.com

Graphic Design

AUDREY MORAN audreymdesigns@gmail.com

The Evans Family, Belle Isle-Conway

The Kilgore Family, Lee Vista,

MORE ABOUT YOU, PLEASE!

Connect with others who live, work and play in the East Orlando area. Meet new people, discover new places and learn new things. facebook.com/CFMonthly instagram.com/centralfloridamonthly twitter.com/cfmonthly plus.google.com/+CentralFloridaMonthlyOrlando linkedin.com/in/cfmonthly

The Peppers Family, CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY Lee Vista

CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY

(240)216-8816 L.Welch@3-DSolar.com

www.3-dsolar.com

www.thedryerventsweeper.com 4

CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY

FEATURE PROPERTY lake hendon

5331 Carson St, Saint Cloud, FL 34771 5 BED • 4.5 BATH • 5772 SQ FT LAKEFRONT PARADISE Chris Pixley 352.267.4244 Don’t miss your chance to own this immaculate 5 Acre Lakefront Estate in the private Lake Hendon Reserve Community! Entering the home, you’re greeted by an open floor plan with 22ft Ceilings and Two Story Windows showing off views of the amazing Lakefront and Backyard. The second floor suite features a 17x17 Covered Balcony offering breathtaking views of the lake and beautiful sunsets. This home also features a detached Pool House/Gym, 4 Car Garage, Mud Room, and Private Office.

1269 Long Cove Loop, Davenport, FL 33896 3 BED • 2 BATH • 1854 SQ FT • FULL UPGRADES Eduardo Cubillan 407.756.9993

1722 Elsie Park Ct, Kissimmee, FL 34744 4 BED • 3.5 BATH • 3281 SQ FT • GOLF COMMUNITY Dana Devlin 407.342.1219

12542 Oulton Cir, Orlando, FL 32832 4 BED • 2.5 BATH • 2834 SQ FT • POOL HOME Lisiana Dutka 248.563.9889

1660 Marina Lake Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34774 5 BED • 3 BATH • 3676 SQ FT • LAKEFRONT Chris Pixley 352.267.4244

11928 Yellow Fin Trl #3C, Orlando, FL 32827 5 BED • 5 BATH • 4236 SQ FT • WATERFRONT Patrick Pixley 352.516.4427

6778 New Hope Rd, Orlando, FL 32824 4 BED • 3 BATH • 3314 SQ FT • POOL HOME Laura Alves 407.496.7616

5331 Carson St, Saint Cloud, FL 34771 5 BED • 5 BATH • 5772 SQ FT • POOL HOME Chris Pixley 352.267.4244

111 E Monument Ave, #803, Kissimmee, FL 34741 3 BED • 3 BATH • 3052 SQ FT • PENTHOUSE Kelly Moe 407.791.9180

8020 Northlake Pkwy, #1, Orlando, FL 32827 3 BED • 2.5 BATH • 1440 SQ FT • LAKE NONA AREA Joey Guest 407.476.7660

1141 Audubon Way, Maitland, FL 32751 4 BED • 3 BATH • 3376 SQ FT • PRIVATE LAKE ACCESS Chris Pixley 352.267.4244

1405 Hidden Oaks Bend, Saint Cloud, FL 34771 6 BED • 4/2 BATH • 4305 SQ FT • 1/2-ACRE LOT Laura Alves 407.496.7616 Sabina Chincoli 407.492.2832

8960 Palisades Beach Ave, Orlando, FL 32829 4 BED • 2.5 BATH • 2920 SQ FT • CORNER LOT Lourdes Valdes 407.234.1955

RESIDENTIAL 6 R E S I D E N T I A L • CO M M E R C I A L • V A C A N T L A N D • I N V E S T M E N T S • L E A S I N G • 407.281.8455 • WW W .REALTYGROUPFL. COM

R E S I D E N T I A L • CO M M E R C I A L • V A C A N T L A N D • I N V E S T M E N T S • L E A S I N G • 407.281.8455 • WW W .REALTYGROUPFL.COM

FEATURE PROPERTY

904 Ponchos Ln, Christmas, FL 32709 1 BED • 1 BATH • 624 SQ FT 50 ACRES + PRIVATE LAKE Richie Frucci 321.303.6726 Price Reduced! 50 acres in Orange County with a Private Lake. In addition to the 1/1 mobile home, there is a 1440 sq. ft. fully insulated metal building, gazebo, pole barn, and a newer 20x30 dock with electricity. Ideal for a hunter, fisherman, water sports enthusiast, or custom home site. The private lake is 9+ acres, 60+ ft. deep and large enough to safely run a boat. Property also features a wake board cable system, mountain bike track, mature landscaping, and white sand beach.

1754 Viburnum Ln, Winter Park, FL 32792 3 BED • 2 BATH • 1440 SQ FT • SPACIOUS BACKYARD Dragana Todorovic 407.620.7874

13661 Granger Ave, Orlando, FL 32827 5 BED • 4.5 BATH • 4650 SQ FT • POOL HOME Haji Shimabukuro 407.435.1910

1551 Caterpillar St, Saint Cloud, FL 34771 4 BED • 3 BATH • 2458 SQ FT • POOL HOME Kelly Moe 407.791.9180

11235 Lake Louisa Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34711 4 BED • 4.5 BATH • 3848 SQ FT • RIVERFRONT Patrick Pixley 352.516.4427

555 Preston Rd, Longwood, FL 32750 3 BED • 2 BATH • 1692 SQ FT • POOL HOME Patrick Pixley 352.516.4427

11119 Bugenhagen Dr, Orlando, FL 32832 4 BED • 4 BATH • 4238 SQ FT • MOSS PARK RESERVE Chris Pixley 352.267.4244

7567 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, FL 32822 14.5 +/- Acres • Zoned PD-AN • 495 FT. of Road Frontage Chris Pixley 352.267.4244

Access Rd NW, Davenport, FL 33897 6.95 +/- Acres • Zoned RAC • 720 FT. of Road Frontage Richie Frucci 321.303.6726

9744 Heatherwood Ct, Orlando, FL 32825 3 BED • 2 BATH • 1944 SQ FT • REMODELED Lourdes Valdes 407.234.1955

1525 Patriot Pt, Geneva, FL 32732 3 BED • 2 BATH • 2234 SQ FT • 14 +/- ACRES Richie Frucci 321.303.6726

Moss Park Rd, Orlando, FL 32832 2.26 +/- Acres • Office Medical-Professional or Daycare Richie Frucci 321.303.6726

1021 Palm Springs Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 3 +/- Acres • Corner Lot • Daycare or School Patrick Pixley 352.516.4427

RESIDENTIAL 8

private lake

R E S I D E N T I A L • CO M M E R C I A L • V A C A N T L A N D • I N V E S T M E N T S • L E A S I N G • 407.281.8455 • WW W .REALTYGROUPFL. COM

COMMERCIAL/VACANT R E S I D E N T I A L • CO M M E R C I A L • V A C A N T L A N D • I N V E S T M E N T S • L E A S I N G • 407.281.8455 • WW W .REALTYGROUPFL.COM

FEATURE PROPERTY conway

0 Seminole Dr, Belle Isle, FL 32812 4 BED • 3.5 BATH • 3800 SQ FT • LAKEFRONT Chris Pixley 352.267.4244

10774 Belfry Cir, Orlando FL 32832 4 BED • 3.5 BATH • TOWNHOME • $1950 Keith Race 407.476.0476

2124 Blackstone Landing Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34758 4 BED • 3.5 BATH • BONUS ROOM • $1595 Ryan Smith 407.476.0476

10454 Henbury St, Orlando, FL 32832 3 BED • 2 BATH • GATED • $2020 Lisiana Dutka 248.563.9889

1269 Long Cove Loop, Davenport, FL 32811 3 BED • 2 BATH • CHAMPIONS GATE • $1700 Eduardo Cubillan 407.756.9993

7902 Daetwyler Dr, Belle Isle, FL 32812 5 BED • 3.5 BATH • 2400 SQ FT • LAKEFRONT Chris Pixley 352.267.4244

6806 Seminole Dr, Belle Isle, FL 32812 4 BED • 4.5 BATH • 3848 SQ FT • LAKEFRONT Chris Pixley 352.267.4244

Don’t miss your chance to own this Immaculate, custom-built home on the Lake Conway Chain! Entering the home, you’re greeted with a huge open floor plan with a combined kitchen and great room overlooking the lake. The kitchen features high-end stainless steel appliances, a large Island and beautiful quartz counters. The home sits on a large peninsula lot offering tons of privacy and a huge backyard with plenty of room for family fun on the lake.

Sold 4091 Conway Place Cir, Orlando, FL 32812 5 BED • 5.5 BATH • 3908 SQ FT • LAKEFRONT Bree Buswell 407.408.4192

2414 Hoffner Ave, Belle Isle, FL 32812 3 BED • 2 BATH • 1647 SQ FT • UPDATED Chris Pixley 352.267.4244

8582 Gilford Ln, Orlando, FL 32827 3 BED • 3 BATH • TOWNHOME • $1950 Keith Race 407.476.0476

4927 River Gem Ave, Windermere, FL 34786 3 BED • 2 BATH • FENCED BACKYARD • $2195 Keith Race 407.476.0476

5205 Oak Island, Belle Isle, FL 32812 2 BED • 1 BATH • 1125 SQ FT • LAKE ACCESS Chris Pixley 352.267.4244

7830 Holiday Isle #302, Belle Isle, FL 32812 3 BED • 2 BATH • 1808 SQ FT • LAKEFRONT Chris Pixley 352.267.4244

10340 Kristen Park Dr, Orlando, FL 32832 5 BED • 3.5 BATH • CONSERVATION LOT • $2100 Lourdes Valdes 407.234.1955

3013 Villa Preciosa Ln, Kissimmee, FL 34744 6 BED • 4 BATH • GATED • $2050 Joey Guest 407.949.7071

RESIDENTIAL 10 R E S I D E N T I A L • CO M M E R C I A L • V A C A N T L A N D • I N V E S T M E N T S • L E A S I N G • 407.281.8455 • WW W .REALTYGROUPFL. COM

RENTALS R E S I D E N T I A L • CO M M E R C I A L • V A C A N T L A N D • I N V E S T M E N T S • L E A S I N G • 407.476.0476 • WWW.F MG RE ALE S T AT E .COM 11

CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY

LAUREATE PARK LETS YOU REVISIT YOUR CHILDHOOD THROUGH YOUR OWN CHILDREN’S EYES

hen Laureate Park resident Mike McGurk drives home from work each evening—he’s a member of Tower 11, Orlando’s busiest ladder firetruck team—he rolls into a neighborhood that he describes as “pretty perfect.” To wit: Neighborhood kids are either playing in nearby parks or zooming past him on their bicycles, and his adult neighbors are either walking their dogs or taking advantage of the setting sun for a quick hour of fishing at one of the neighborhood’s many nearby lakes. In many ways, McGurk says that Laureate Park reminds him of Wekiva, the North Orlando neighborhood where he and his childhood friends once ruled the roost from atop their

CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY

Meet Laureate Park’s McGurk family: (left to right) Peanut, Mike, Breilyn, and Jill

bicycles. But he also adds that his new adopted neighborhood also feels somehow foreign to Florida— except for the heat and the occasional gator sighting. With its community pools, dog parks, kid’s parks, green areas and protected nearby forests, he says of his daily life, “It’s almost like we’re living at a resort.” McGurk, his “beautiful and amazing” wife, Jill, and his “angel-like” seven-year-old daughter, Breilyn, moved into the neighborhood on the day before New Year’s Eve in 2013 after multiple trips to visit Jill’s brother, who settled into the community eight months prior. Part of Lake Nona proper, Laureate Park is home to a diverse and educated population that puts an emphasis on fitness, which jibes with McGurk’s values. (He’s a former college baseball catcher-turned college coach-turned minor league pitcher-turned free-lance hitting instructor and aspiring high school baseball coach. And he admits that, for a hot minute, Breilyn was on board with all things baseball—until she found it to be too boring. She’s since followed her own drum beat and moved onto flag football.)

CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY

And even with that “country-like” feel, Laureate Park is also a place to play. The new Epic Theater’s just a short drive away, and the neighborhood is also home to Canvas, the Latin American-inspired restaurant where McGurk likes to visit to take in “awesome views of the lake to watch jets land as the sun sets.”

...you can’t go on a walk without seeing someone you know...

But mostly, McGurk says, he most likes the neighborhood because he knows that it’s the kind of place where his neighbors will keep a collective eye on his daughter as she bikes anywhere her little legs will pedal her. For a dad who, likewise, once had his roam of his own childhood neighborhood, that’s not just a big deal—it actually seals it. .

Lake Nona’s Laureate Park is home to many things. There are dog parks and kids’s park. There are swimming pools and fishing ponds. But the one thing that dominates the landscape is children: You see them splashing in the splash pool, playing in the parks and riding their bicycles wherever they wish—and they do so with their parents’ knowledge that the entire community is looking out for them, which creates as stress-free an environment as possible for young families. It’s a quiet friendly community that’s carved out for itself a country-like atmosphere just a few miles from the big city of Orlando.

TOTAL HOMES SOLD in 2016

$414,395 MEDIAN HOME PRICE 2016

$449,989

AVERAGE HOME PRICE 2016

CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY

MINUTES to LAKE NONA’s MEDICAL CITY WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF SEVERAL SHOPPING CENTERS WITH PUBLIX, RESTAURANTS, BANKS AND SERVICES. • 1 restaurant: Canvas Restaurant & Market • 1 event venue: Lakehouse

ZIP CODE 32827

MILES

“You can’t go on a walk without seeing someone you know,” he says. Its this sense of community that inspired him to convince a couple of his co-workers to follow suit and join his family for what he calls “quiet, country-like” living impossibly situated just outside one of America’s most densely populated city centers. “I told them they’ll love it,” he goes on. “It’s an open, social community, there’s always people outside and the parks always have kids in them.”

DID YOU KNOW?

to Orlando Int. Airport

TWO

COMMUNITY POOLS

TOP RATED SCHOOLS

• EAGLE CREEK ELEMENTARY • LAKE NONA MIDDLE • LAKE NONA HIGH • VALENCIA COLLEGE

HOME BUILDERS

SEVEN

When he’s not working or coaching, McGurk can be found at one of the ponds, fishing for bass with Breilyn, or walking the family’s 11-year-old chocolate lab, Peanut. And it’s on those rounds that he’s come to know his neighbors.

• • • • • • •

ASHTO N W O O DS CRAFT HO MES DAVID W EEKLEY DREAM FINDERS MINTO PU LTE TAYLO R MO RRISO N

TYPES OF HOMES: B u n ga l o ws, T o wn h o mes, C o ttage s and Multi- Story

CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY

A CUT ABOVE THE REST!

Tony Zeuli

Master Craftsman All types of custom woodworking and cabinet making.

407-908-9998 Cell 407-957-6221 Office

CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY

Licensed & Insured www.extremecarpentryinc.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY

I LIVE

Name and age: Jeff (46), Cristy (41), Devon (24), Antonio (5), Nico (2) Hometown: Jeff – Watertown, MA and Cristy – Redlands, CA Current neighborhood: East Lake Cove

the

RUSSO’S

How do you pay the bills? Cristy works as a Consultation and Liaison Psychologist at the Lake Nona Veteran’s Hospital. She also has a private practice Nona Neuropsychology also located in Lake Nona Medical City where she provides Neuropsychological and Medical Psychology services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Jeff is a stay-at-home dad who works and volunteers at Pawsitive Action Foundation located in St Cloud where he assists with training and caring for service dogs in training prior to placement with Veterans, First Responders, or Children with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities. What do you create? Mostly organized chaos with our 3 boys, 4 dogs, cat, bearded dragon, poison dart frogs, tortoises, fish and ball python.

How did you land in Orlando? Cristy was recruited from Boston, MA to work as a Pediatric Neuropsychologist at a local Children’s Hospital. Do you hold an annual pass? If so, to which park? Yes, all four Disney Parks and the Water Parks. We enjoy every moment of magic! What is the last book you read? Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him by Luis Carlos Montalvan Name your favorite tattoo: All of them Last thing you ate at a food truck? A lobster roll What is your favorite farmers’ market and why? Celebration Farmers Market has a wonderful selection. We are looking forward to the Lake Nona Farmers Market growing as the community expands. Butterbeer, Dole whip, or _______? Dole whip

Springs, lakes or oceans? All of them. Any day near water is a good day. Only in Orlando moment? The amusement parks attract all of our friends and family from around the country. There is always someone visiting! Dog person or cat person? We have the privilege of working with dogs of all sizes every day. We haven’t met one we don’t love! If you could change one thing about Orlando, what would it be? Honestly, traffic. Where can we find you on the web? We are both on Facebook, www.nonaneuropsychology.com, and see more about the foundation at www.pawsitiveaction.org n

How you can participate: There are three simple rules to participate in CFM’s I Live Here Project. You must: 1. answer all of the questions. 2. be willing to be photographed in your neighborhood. 3. live, work or play in one of the zip codes we cover: 32812, 32827, 32829, 32832, 34741, 34771 or 34773. Sound good? Great. Send us an email (nicole@cfmonthly.com) and we’ll send you the questions. After you return your answers to us, we’ll schedule your photo shoot and put you in the queue for publication. And, of course, we’ll give you the heads up when we publish your Q&A in the magazine or online. Because #InternetFamous.

Say hello to the Russo family: (left to right) Antonio, Nico, Cristy and Jeff (not pictured, Devon)

CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY

Heating & Cooling Check

Visit our website for a free quote! www.tuffynarcoossee.com

Includes visual inspection & pressure testing

Brake Inspection

Expires 01/31/2018

Alignment

Tuï¬&#x20AC;y Bucks

Brakes

Expires 01/31/2018

Oil Change

Expires 01/31/2018

CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY

Engine Light Check

Expires 01/31/2018

CENTRAL FLORIDA MONTHLY

LAKE NONA SATURDAY MARKET

9AM-1PM • Valencia College: 12350 Narcoossee Rd facebook.com/LakeNonaFarmersFreshMarket

(AND JAN 12, 19 & 26) ART AFTER DARK

Lake Nona Town Center • FREE 6900 Tavistock Lakes Boulevard, Orlando

Enjoy special exhibitions, art displays, live demonstrations and music of Central Florida’s bustling art scene. The monthly event is free to attend. For questions on how you can participate email artafterdarklakenona@ yahoo.com

WEDNESDAY

BREAKFAST CONNECTIONS by Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce

8-9:30AM • Tickets: $10-$20 Lakehouse, 13623 Sachs Avenue, Orlando

Designed to promote strong connections, provide B2B networking & business-matching opportunities, uplift & educate, and keep you “in the know” of the developments of local government and community. Professional, yet welcoming, atmosphere for you to gain the connections, tools, and experience to grow and maintain your business.

WEDNESDAY

ART IN THE ARCHIVES

5:30-8PM • Admission: $30 Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum 4155 W. Vine Street, Kissimmee

Themed paint night. Take a private, after hours tour of the Osceola County History Museum and ALL NEW Historical Health: Hospitals and Cure-Alls themed temporary exhibit. Art supplies, snacks and sips will be provided.

sundays

Tai Chi at Lakehouse 4PM • Lakehouse 13623 Sachs Ave.

lakenona.com/live/community/ events-venues/events

YOGA NONA Sponsored by Lake Nona Life Project

9AM • Crescent Park in Laureate Park: 8374 Upper Perse Cir. lakenona.com/live/community/events-venues/events

THURSDAY

saturdays

FRIDAY

6PM • Crescent Park in Laureate Park 8374 Upper Perse Cir. lakenona.com/live/community/ events-venues/events

(AND JAN 25) COFFEE CLUB NONA

8:30-9:30AM Lakehouse, 13623 Sachs Avenue, Orlando

On the second and fourth Thursdays of every month, connect with other local business owners and grow your business. The second Thursday is dedicated to high-octane networking activities and the fourth Thursday is reserved for high-caliber speakers.

WEDNESDAY

facebook.com/Lakenona ymcafarmersmarket

LAKE NONA NIGHTS: LIVE + LOCAL

EAST ORLANDO CHAMBER MONTHLY LUNCHEON

11:30AM-1:15PM Bonefish Grill, 12301 Lake Underhill Road Suite 101, Orlando

Leslye Gayle, host of the Magic Morning Show on Magic 107.7, will share a message of inspiration and motivation. The Honorable Judge Eric DuBois, Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida will conduct the Board Installation Ceremony.

FRIDAY

4-9PM • Lake Nona YMCA

thursdays

FARMERS MARKET at the YMCA

mondays

ON THE REGULAR

9145 Narcoossee Road, Suite 102, Orlando, FL 32827 407-259-2363 | www.CFMonthly.com

LAKE NONA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS LUNCHEON

11:30AM-1PM • Tickets: $20-$40 Ronald McDonald House 13551 Nemours Parkway, Orlando

Designed to promote strong connections, provide B2B networking & business-matching opportunities, uplift & educate, and keep you “in the know” of the development of local government and community. We offer a professional, yet welcoming, atmosphere for you to gain the connections, tools, and experience to grow and maintain your business.