Travel

Alaska Wasn't What I Expected... And That's Why I Loved It

When people picture Alaska, they often imagine towering glaciers, whales breaching beside the ship, and snow-capped mountains stretching to the horizon.After spending time there myself, I can tell you those images are absolutely real.But what surprised me most wasn't what I expected to see—it was everything I didn't expect.The Water Isn't Caribbean BlueOne of the first things I noticed was the color of the water.Instead of the crystal-clear blue you might expect, much of the water near the...

Home Services

Prepping for Hurricane Season

Did you realize that we are already in the third month of hurricane season?  Most of us have not bought any hurricane supplies or food yet, and we certainly have not bought plywood for our windows and sandbags for our doors.  Anyone who lives in Florida knows that hurricanes can cause devastating impacts like storm surge flooding, severe wind destruction, and prolonged power outages. When Rotunda Homes is designing a new custom home, we review these potential complications with...

Education

Built for Belonging

Helping every generation live healthier, happier, and more connected lives Article by Amy Walters There are very few places left in our community where a toddler learning to swim, a teenager discovering independence, a parent pursuing wellness goals, and a grandparent staying active can all find themselves enjoying activities under the same roof. The James P. Gills YMCA in Trinity is one of these places. The YMCA is much more than a gym. The YMCA is a cornerstone of life for families and...

Local Services

Paw Perfect

Grooming isn't all about looks - for some dog breeds it's essential for good health Article by Michelle Numann | Photography by Magical Memories Photography Dogs are very good at masking their discomfort. They don't tell us when their nails hurt, when matted fur is pulling their skin, or when an ear infection is brewing. These issues are usually caught during routine grooming appointments, making regular grooming one of the most overlooked aspects of keeping dogs healthy, comfortable, and...

Sports + Recreation

Horsing Around

Equestrian youth sports can help your child build skills that last a lifetime Article by JoAnn Chang | Photography by Magical Memories Photography When it comes to finding the perfect sport or extra-curricular activity for your child, many look to popular activities like soccer, Little League, or gymnastics. But for some, the most rewarding activity can be found on the back of a horse. Equestrian sports are incredibly popular and yield impacts that last a lifetime. That has certainly proven...

Life + Culture

Farm Fresh

The Shaggy Cow Lounge engages kids with an “udderly” fantastic farm animal experience Article by JoAnn Chang | Photography by Wild Artistry Photography/JoAnn Chang We are creatures of habit. Thriving on routine, it’s easy to settle into one as a family. For our children, it’s school, homework, maybe a sport or other extracurricular activity, then bed and back at it again the next day. While routines can be beneficial, we forget that we also lose something in that routine. Rewards often become...

Travel

Why Should You Use A Travel Advisor?

If you have ever spent hours comparing cruise lines, resorts, and flight options only to feel more confused than when you started, you are not alone. With so many booking sites and travel blogs offering different advice, it can be hard to know which information to trust.This is one of the most common questions travelers ask before planning a trip: why use a travel advisor instead of booking everything yourself? In this guide, we will walk through what a travel advisor actually does, the benefits...

Home Services

Celebrating 250 Years of Architecture

America Celebrates 250!As America’s Birthday fast approaches, we look back at the 250 years of Architecture that together has provided the foundation for our very lives.  We each had a unique experience called childhood and that childhood was fostered in part by the home where you lived.  Perhaps there was a porch swing or a long staircase you and your siblings slid down as kids.  Maybe your home had a basement, and you built a fort out of old sheets and had sleepovers.&nbsp...

Sports + Recreation

Make the Most of Summer at the James P. Gills YMCA

Summer is the perfect time to try something new, stay active and spend more time doing what makes you feel your best. At the James P. Gills YMCA, community members can find plenty of ways to move, connect and have fun all season long.Whether you are looking to jump-start a fitness routine, keep the kids active or enjoy more family time together, the Y offers something for every age and stage. Members can take advantage of a welcoming wellness center, group exercise classes, youth programs...

Life + Culture

An Oasis of Discovery

Discover the best-kept secret in Florida that turns a day out into a luxurious adventure Article by JoAnn Chang | Photography by JoAnn Chang/Discovery Cove When you live in paradise, a place others dream of visiting, it’s all too easy to overlook some of the best our state has to offer. When it’s a short drive away, putting it off for another day or when family visits next year becomes second nature. It’s understandable. The demands of regular life become the priority. But it’s important to...