Local Services

From One Mom to Another: Uplifting Local Families

A Heart To Give Connects Families with Much Needed Resources Article by Savannah Daigle | Photography by Terrie Scott A Heart To Give has one mission: Help local families get the resources they need.    Founder Terrie Scott’s passion for helping families stems from growing up with seven siblings.    “My Mom worked. My Dad worked two jobs. They were always working, but we could never make ends meet. We were always that family— like the families that we serve here at A Heart to Give—that...

April 2024

Home Services

Duty to Serve

AIR FORCE VETERAN JESSE JOHNSON SERVES DOGS AND DOG OWNERS IN THE WINTER GARDEN COMMUNITY WITH DOODY CALLS FRANCHISE Article by Savannah Daigle The Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses estimates that there are 185,000 veteran-owned businesses in Florida. These businesses alone generate over $57 billion in revenue each year. Former Air Force veteran Jesse Johnson is just one of these local business owners.  Johnson grew up in Central Florida and joined the Air Force after...

March 2024

Sports + Recreation

Women Making Waves

Baby Otter Swim School seeks to eliminate childhood drownings in Florida—one student at a time Article by Savannah Daigle For over 40 years, Baby Otter Swim School founders Mindy York and Marlene Bloom have been dedicated to keeping children safe in Florida's many bodies of water. “Our mission is to make Florida a zero-drowning state,” says Bloom. The idea for Baby Otter Swim School began in 1975, stemming from Bloom's safety concerns about her two-year-old daughter around pools. At the...

March 2024

Food + Beverage

Recipes by CleanEatz

Teriyaki Grilled Chicken with Rice and Veggies Article by Anthony Ferguson, Clean Eatz Cafe Teriyaki Grilled Chicken with Rice and Veggies Ingredients: For the Teriyaki Chicken : 4 (4oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup low-sodium Teriyaki sauce 1 tablespoon sesame oil Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional) For the Rice and Veggies: 1 cup jasmine rice 2 cups water 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers...

March 2024

Health + Wellness

Vitality

The Ultimate Wealth Article by Melissa Kauffman 1. Embarking on the Vitality Voyage: Charting Your Course Embark on your path to vitality by grasping the essential first step: setting achievable health goals. It's not just about ambitious targets; it's about understanding what's realistic for you and tailoring your aspirations to match. This personalized approach ensures that each milestone is within reach and aligns with your unique lifestyle and capabilities! 2. Secrets Unveiled: Cellular...

March 2024

Health + Wellness

Bust a Move!

Article by Healthy West Orange Hey there, it’s Westly, your favorite, charming, and dare I say, handsome, orange neighbor, coming to you directly from Healthy West Orange! Why am I writing, and what’s my job exactly? Well, I’d say I’m the official West Orange community cheerleader! I’m here to encourage you in your healthy journey. Speaking of healthy, what if I told you there’s a way to get active that doesn’t feel like working out; it just feels like FUN?! You’re probably thinking ‘Yeah...

March 2024

Local Services

Contractor Kait in Real Life

The Rise of Kait Doulou and Build Ventures Article and Photography by Angela Robbins Kait’s signature red-bottom heels announce her arrival as she walks through an arched entry and into the dimly-lit restaurant. I sit perched on my barstool watching her presence command the room. Beyond the allure of her impeccably styled exterior, there’s a vulnerability and a realness to her that makes people who have met her only a handful of times feel like she’s a close friend. Someone calls out, “Kait!”...

March 2024

Food + Beverage

House Blend Cafe: Serving the Community for 18 Years

Local Cafe Donates 100% Net Profit Back to Community Projects Article by Savannah Daigle | Photography by Nick Cepeda, Studio 22 Photography The black shirts with various stick figures on them that team members at House Blend Cafe wear represent the cafe’s mission: “Others Above Self.” For 18 years, the cafe has helped those in need throughout West Orange County and Central Florida.   The cafe donates its net profit to community projects, partnering with local organizations to meet...

February 2024

Food + Beverage

Clean Eatz Cafe

Making Healthy Eating Accessible and Affordable in West Orange County Article by Savannah Daigle | Photography by Nick Cepeda, Studio 22 Photography The constant on-the-go lifestyle so many families in Winter Garden experience can make preparing nutritious and healthy meals on a daily basis seem impossible. With five fast food chains in Horizon West and over a dozen in Winter Garden, choosing healthy meals while dining out is challenging.     Clean Eatz Cafe brings healthy eating to the...

February 2024

Health + Wellness

Be a Wellbeing Warrior!

Article by Westly at Healthy West Orange Hey y’all, it’s Westly! I’m back with more health and wellness fun! That’s right, here at Healthy West Orange, we believe healthy living doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. We like to keep it simple and enjoyable! Anywho, I’ve been committed to my well-being and mental health lately! One of my New Year’s resolutions is to take 5 minutes a day to practice mindfulness. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can sometimes be hard to tap into...

February 2024