Avalon Park Orlando Sun May 2026 by Avalon Park Sun

Celebrating Community, Culture, and the People Who Make Avalon Park Shine

As we step into May, Downtown Avalon Park continues to thrive as a place where connection, culture, and community come together. This month’s Avalon Park Sun is especially meaningful as we celebrate both Local Heroes and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, these are just two of the themes that reflect the heart of what makes our community so special.

Throughout this edition, you will find inspiring stories highlighting individuals who go above and beyond to serve others, alongside features that honor the rich cultural contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Together, these stories serve as a reminder that Avalon Park is more than a place to live, it is a place where people show up for one another, share their talents, and build something lasting.

We are grateful for the many community partners, residents, and local businesses who continue to invest in Avalon Park. Their passion and dedication bring our shared vision of living, learning, working, and playing to life each day.

That spirit of growth is reflected in the exciting updates happening throughout Downtown. We are pleased to welcome Freehand Goods, now open inside the Marketplace at Avalon Park,

located at 3801 Avalon Park Blvd. East. Known for its thoughtfully designed, handcrafted goods and Florida and inspired lifestyle products, Freehand Goods adds a unique and creative shopping experience to our growing mix of local businesses.

Looking ahead, anticipation continues to build for the opening of For the Plot Bookstore & Café, located at 3885 Avalon Park East Blvd, and slated to welcome guests on May 30th. This highly anticipated concept is designed to be more than a bookstore. It will serve as a cozy, welcoming space where community, conversation, and creativity can flourish.

Our events calendar remains full, offering opportunities for connection and celebration throughout the month. Collective Corner returns on May 16th, bringing together local vendors, artisans, and makers in a vibrant outdoor market that encourages residents and visitors to shop small and support local.

That same evening, Noche Latina will celebrate its second anniversary at the Marketplace and Pepe’s Cantina Express. This lively event continues to bring energy and rhythm to Downtown Avalon Park, featuring music, dancing, and cultural celebration that fosters connection across our community. Guests can also enjoy Cinco de Mayo food and drink specials at Pepe’s Cantina Express, with the first 15 guests receiving a complimentary margarita. Additional details can be found on page 40 of this issue.

As you explore this month’s stories, we hope you feel a sense of pride in all that continues to grow within Avalon Park—not only in new businesses and events, but in the strength of its people and the connections that bring us together.

Here’s to a month of celebration, gratitude, and continued community spirit.

Coffee With Beat: Celebrating Partnerships That Strengthen Our Community

go to Asia, explore Asia, and if possible, live in Asia for some time.

Today, Asia represents around 60% of the world’s population, while the U.S. population amounts to about 4.3% of the world. That alone demonstrates how significant Asia is for all of us.

Over the years, I have found that the most important ingredients for happiness, prosperity, and peace are relationships. Understanding the needs, hopes, and dreams of others, many of whom come from different cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds, is key to peace and to giving every family a chance to succeed.

By having friends and business partners in Asian countries, and by spending time in Asia, I have always learned a great deal.

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Avalon Park and across the United States, we are grateful for our Asian American and Pacific Islander friends and partners who help make our town the best place to live, learn, work, and play in Central Florida.

Two of our partners that have become a special part of Avalon Park’s culture are Gary C.K. Lau with Asia Trend and Mai-Huong Nguyen with Thuyen May Productions.

Through Asia Trend, Gary C.K. Lau has helped bring Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions to life in Avalon Park through festivals, music, and cultural experiences that have become beloved parts of our community. His work has helped create both celebration and understanding.

accident. It is built through partnerships, shared values, and leaders who are willing to serve with purpose. It is in that same spirit that, with great respect and admiration, I am proud to endorse Stephanie Murphy for Mayor of Orange County. Please read her inspiring story on the next page.

Over the past 30 years, I have attended countless meetings with elected officials and candidates, whether they were seeking campaign support or asking for advice. In all that time, I have never met anyone more knowledgeable or better prepared to serve as Mayor of Orange County than Stephanie Murphy.

East Orange has real and long-standing needs. We need a true regional park, much larger than the 20 acres that have been promised to us for more than 20 years. We need attainable housing. We need more senior housing in Orange County, especially here in the East.

After many conversations with Stephanie Murphy, I am convinced that she will be an outstanding Mayor. As a mom, businesswoman, and former U.S. Congresswoman, she has built her life around service, hard work, and giving back to the country that gave her family a second chance.

By: Stephanie Murphy, Vietnamese refugee, former U.S. Congresswoman, and candidate for Orange County Mayor

On November 8, 2016, I became the first Vietnamese American woman ever elected to serve in the United States Congress.

It is a story that almost didn’t happen. But it is also a story that could have only happened in America.

When the Vietnam War ended in 1975, families like mine faced an uncertain future under a regime that targeted those connected to the U.S. military or the former government, including my parents.

They made a decision no parent ever wants to make. They chose to leave everything behind in search of safety and opportunity for their children.

We fled by boat in the middle of the night. Like many of the Vietnamese “boat people,” we faced enormous danger. Families crowded into fragile vessels with limited supplies. Many never made it, lost to storms, pirates, or the open sea.

At one point, our boat ran out of fuel. We were stranded, with no clear path to safety.

Then something extraordinary happened.

A U.S. Navy ship found us. The sailors chose to extend grace to desperate strangers. They refueled our boat, gave us food and supplies, and pointed us toward safety. That act of compassion changed the course of my life.

My family eventually made it to a refugee camp in Malaysia. From there, a church in Virginia sponsored our journey to the United States, helping us find housing, jobs, and a fresh start.

My parents worked tirelessly, often holding multiple jobs. Because of their sacrifice, my brother and I were able to pursue an education. I attended the College of William & Mary and began my career in the private sector.

After the attacks of September 11, I felt a responsibility

to give back to the country that had given my family so much. I left my strategy consulting job, earned a graduate degree from Georgetown University, and went on to serve as a national security specialist at the Department of Defense.

Years later, after moving to Central Florida and raising my family here, I felt called to serve again. I ran for Congress because I believed the opportunities that shaped my life should be within reach for every family.

But I will be honest, I hesitated.

The political climate included harsh rhetoric about immigrants, and I wondered whether sharing my story would help or hurt. It was my older brother who reminded me that our journey was not something to hide, but something to honor.

He was right.

Our story is not unique. It is part of a broader American story, written by generations of immigrants seeking freedom, dignity, and opportunity. That is what we celebrate during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the contributions of communities that have helped shape this country, often overcoming great hardship along the way.

For me, patriotism is not abstract. It is personal. It lives in the moment when strangers in uniform chose compassion over indifference. It lives in watching my parents rebuild their lives. It lives in standing beside my mother as we took the oath of citizenship, proud to become Americans.

Years later, my young son stood beside me as I took another oath, this time as a Member of Congress, holding the same small American flag from our citizenship ceremony.

That journey, from refugee to public servant, could have only happened in a country that believes in second chances, hard work, and the idea that where you start does not determine where you can go.

As we celebrate Asian American Heritage Month here in Avalon Park and across Orange County, I hope we reflect on those values and recommit ourselves to them.

Because the strength of America has always come from people willing to build, to contribute, and to believe in something bigger than themselves.

That is my family’s story.

And at its core, it is the story of America.

Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program

If You’re A First Time Home Buyer Who Is Ready To Own Your Own Home and Who Wants To Stop Wasting Your Hard Earned Money On Rent, This Could Be The Best News You’ll Get All Year.

Read On….

EFFECTIVE 2026 (Florida Housing Finance Corporation.)

The Hometown Heroes (HTH) Housing Program makes housing affordable for eligible “frontline” workers, educators, police officers, healthcare providers, childcare, firefighters, nurses, military personnel, and others by providing down payment and closing cost assistance to qualified homebuyers. The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program offers a lower first mortgage rate AND additional special benefits to those who currently serve their communities and those who have served and continue to serve their country.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Primarily to those people who serve our community. For a complete list of eligible occupations, click this link: ELIGIBLE OCCUPATIONS

The Program Overview:

• 5% Of the TOTAL Loan Amount capped at $35,000, with a minimum of $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. For example, borrowers with a loan amount of $200,000 or less would receive an automatic $10,000, or a loan amount of $300,000 you would receive $15,000.

• 30 Year Term, 0% Interest, No Monthly Payments. It acts as a deferred second mortgage.

• REPAYABLE: When the Borrower Sells, Refinances, transfers the Deed, or Vacates the home as their primary residence.

What Additional Documentation is Required?

• Fully executed HTH Loan Program Attestation from borrower(s)-Pre-closing Form.

• Copy of State of Florida License or Certification

• Copy of VOE (Verification of Full Time Employment.)

To Be Eligible, You Must:

• Get your first mortgage with Florida Housing to obtain Down Payment Assistance.

• You must be a first-time home buyer.

• Minimum Credit Score is 640

• Homebuyer Education is required.

• Borrower must be working FULL time in the occupation they hold license/ certification.

• Only one of the Borrowers is required to be in that occupation.

Eligible Types of Homes:

• Single Family Homes, Existing or Under Construction By A Builder.

• Town Homes and Condos.

• Up to 4 Unit Properties and the buyer must occupy one of them.

Clicking The Link Below Will Direct You To The Hometown Heroes APPLICATION WIZARD. https://apps.floridahousing.org/StandAlone/ FTHBWizard

ONE LAST THING. You must speak with a loan officer before taking any Homeowner Education Course. Your loan officer will direct you to the course that’s correct for you.

From the Desk of Commissioner

Maribel Gomez Cordero

Commissioner Maribel Gómez Cordero invites you to join us for an upcoming small business networking event.

This is a great opportunity to connect and learn how to engage with Orange County. You will also learn how to become a certified vendor and how to submit proposals to do business with the County.

Our featured speakers include: Jason Reynolds, Deputy Director, PEDS Yolanda Vila, Business Resource Office, Administrator Juliana Quintero, Small Business Specialist, Prospera USA.

They will share insights on programs, services, and opportunities designed to help small businesses start, grow, and succeed.

We look forward to seeing you there.

La Comisionada Maribel Gómez Cordero le invita a nuestro próximo evento de networking para pequeñas empresas.

Esta es una gran oportunidad para conectarse y aprender cómo relacionarse con el Condado de Orange. También aprenderá cómo convertirse en un proveedor certificado y cómo presentar propuestas para hacer negocios con el Condado.

Nuestros presentadores: Jason Reynolds, Subdirector de PEDS Yolanda Vila, Administradora de la Oficina de Recursos Empersariales Juliana Quintero, Especialista en Pequeñas Empresas de Prospera USA

Ellos compartirán información sobre programas, servicios y oportunidades diseñadas para ayudar a las pequeñas empresas a comenzar, crecer y tener éxito.

Esperamos contar con su presencia.

Local Heroes Are All Around Us

A local hero is someone who contributes to the well-being of others through consistent service, care, and responsibility. Unlike traditional heroes in stories, local heroes may not seek recognition, but their impact strengthens the entire community.

Local heroes help keep daily life running smoothly through small but meaningful actions. They often work behind the scenes without recognition, yet they are the reason everything functions the way it should.

When we think of local heroes, we often picture awards or public recognition. But most local heroes don’t stand in the spotlight. They are already around us in everyday life.

The People Who Keep Our Communities Running

Local heroes include the people we rely on every day.

They are restaurant workers who serve with kindness after long shifts. They are school support staff and assistants who keep essential systems running behind the scenes. They are bus drivers who ensure children arrive safely each day.

They are custodial staff who keep spaces clean, safe, and welcoming.

They are mail carriers, delivery workers, and sanitation crews who keep daily life moving.

There are also volunteers, people who give their time and energy simply because they care. They show up when help is needed, often without expecting recognition.

Each role is different, but all share one purpose: helping communities’ function smoothly.

The Quiet Strength of Community

Local heroes also live in our neighborhoods.

They are the neighbors who check in on one another.

They are the volunteers who step in when support is needed.

They are the people who help quietly, not for recognition, but because it matters.

Their impact may not always be visible, but it is deeply felt in the strength and connection of a community.

A Family Reflection This Week

Take time this week as a family to notice and thank a local hero. It may be someone you see often but rarely acknowledge mail carrier, bus driver, sanitation worker, store employee, or volunteer.

Children can participate by creating a thank-you note, drawing, or simple message of appreciation. These small acts help build lifelong habits of gratitude and awareness.

We are all part of a system of support. It takes many people working together for a community to thrive. In that sense, local heroes are not just a few individuals, they are all of us when we choose to show up for one another.

Thank you to those who serve quietly. Thank you to those who keep things running behind the scenes.

Thank you to those who make sure communities are clean, safe, stocked, and supported. Thank you to volunteers and everyday helpers who give without expecting recognition.

If you enjoyed this reflection, I offer learning and development support through Creatively Influenced, focused on building confidence, communication, and practical skills for real-world success.

Learn more at creativelyinfluenedlearning.com

You Keep Us Moving: Celebrating Local Heroes at Avalon Park Gym

May is Local Heroes and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and there is no better time to say what we mean: Avalon Park Gym is nothing without the people who show up for it.

Since rebranding at the start of 2026, the gym reflects a more intentional alignment with Avalon Park Group’s vision to create healthy, sustainable, and connected community. But a vision only becomes real when people breathe life into it. Our staff and members do that every single day, and this month we want to honor them for it.

You Are the Local Heroes

To B.J. and Kristen leading class with energy that pulls the whole room along. To Christina and Karina at the front desk making sure every person who walks in feels welcome. To Denis and Ahzzie on the floor pouring time and care into goals that belong to someone else. To every member who shows up on a hard day, encourages a stranger mid-class, brings a neighbor along, or simply keeps coming back. To the families who made this part of their routine. To the seniors who inspire everyone around them just by being here.

You Keep Us Moving

A Space That Reflects Our Whole Community Inclusion here goes beyond open doors. Avalon Park Gym partners with cultural organizations like Thuyen May Productions to offer traditional Vietnamese dance classes, bringing Mai-Huong Nguyen’s work into the fitness space every Sunday. These practices are a gathering point, a cultural classroom, and proof that movement takes many forms. Partnerships with Doglando for super cute puppy classes and a program lineup welcoming all ages and all paces reflect the diverse community we serves.

Keep Moving With Us

Avalon Park Gym is open to all with no residency required, offering group classes, personal training, nutritional guidance, wellness workshops, and a fully equipped weight area for individuals, families, and seniors alike.

This month, bring someone with you. Now through May 31st, current members who bring a friend to sign up will each receive 50% off their first full month. There is no better way to celebrate a month built around community than by growing it together.

Thank you for making Avalon Park Gym home. Visit avalonparkgym.com or stop in at 12001 Avalon Lake Drive, Ste. M-P.

A Palestinian, Raised by the World, Built by Asia, Embraced by America

Asian American Heritage Month is a celebration of people who crossed an ocean and brought something irreplaceable with them. I am not Asian American in the traditional sense. I am Palestinian, born in Libya, raised across five countries, and I have called Asia home for over fifteen years. But when I look at what this month stands for, I recognize my own story in it completely. Everything I know about business, I learned in Asia. Everything I’ve been able to offer America, I built here first.

I was born in Tripoli, Libya, to Palestinian parents, which meant that from the very beginning, I understood something most people take a lifetime to learn: home is not a place you’re given. It’s something you build, over and over, wherever you land.

By the time I was a young man, I’d lived in Mauritania, Senegal, Algeria, and Dubai. Each country handed me something different. Mauritania gave me French and a taste for West African culture. Dubai gave me ambition and my first real exposure to the construction industry, watching towers go up in a desert city that seemed to be reinventing itself in real time.

But it was Asia that changed everything.

In 2009, I packed a bag and flew to Malaysia. I arrived the way most students do: with more confidence than experience and more ideas than money. But I couldn’t sit still. Before I’d even finished my Construction Management degree, I was working part-time jobs, exploring side businesses, trying to figure out what I was actually made of. What I discovered surprised me: I loved building things, just not buildings.

So I kept going. I was awarded scholarships to pursue both a master’s degree and a PhD in Project Management and Business Administration. While studying, I started my first company, a training and education business for architecture students and firms. Then came a print shop, built to give small businesses access to branding and design they couldn’t normally afford. Logos, apparel, marketing materials, all made accessible. Both ventures taught me the same lesson: there are countless people with strong ideas who simply lack the right tools and support to bring them to life. That gap has driven almost everything I’ve done since.

After that, I joined a small IT company, completed a training stint, and eventually worked as a contractor under Google. Valuable, yes. Comfortable, yes. Too comfortable, which is why I walked away.

My next chapter was the one nobody saw coming: esports. I joined a company focused on women in gaming, and not just on competition, but on equality, sustainability, and recognition for female players in an industry that had largely ignored them. Our team went on to win the women’s Dota world championship in Singapore. We partnered with La Liga from Spain, worked alongside Singaporean TV personality Futbolita Ash, and built relationships with major Malaysian brands including Maybank. It was wild, fast, and unlike anything I’d done before, and it pushed me squarely into the world of international brand-building and partnerships. That’s what led me to Noughtlabs.

Noughtlabs is a company closely linked to Avalon Park Group, and what started for me as a digital marketing role has turned into something I genuinely didn’t expect, running the company. But the real story here isn’t about titles. It’s about what happened when Asia and America found each other.

Asia is home. It’s where I planted roots, built my first businesses, found my footing, and became who I am professionally. Malaysia shaped my thinking, my work ethic, and my understanding of what communities actually need. The values I carry into every project, listening before speaking, serving before selling, building for the long term, those are values Asia gave me.

But it was the relationship with Avalon Park Group, an American company with a genuine belief in people and in building real communities, that opened a door to a much larger stage. America didn’t just give us a client. It gave us a platform to show what a team rooted in Asia can do on a global scale. Avalon Park Group didn’t just hire an agency. They opened a door. And what walked through it was a team shaped by Asia, its work ethic, its patience, its deep respect for community and people. Asian American Heritage Month is about exactly this kind of connection, not one culture absorbing another, but two finding common ground and building something meaningful together. Through that partnership, our team in Malaysia now supports projects across Europe and the United States. We help tell the stories of communities being built in Orlando, support operations across the continent, and serve as a quiet creative and digital engine behind projects that real people walk through every day. I may have arrived at this story from an unexpected direction. But the connection is real.

Right now, the most exciting part of that work is what AI is starting to make possible. Not AI as a buzzword, but as a genuine tool for helping small businesses and local communities work smarter, automating the repetitive, amplifying the creative, and putting capabilities once reserved for large companies into the hands of people who’ve never had access to them.

That’s the thread connecting everything, from the print shop in Kuala Lumpur to the developments in Orlando: most people have more potential than resources. My job is to help close that gap.

I am Palestinian, raised across six countries, shaped by a dozen cultures, and proudly based in Asia, working across Europe and the United States. People sometimes ask me where I’m from, and the honest answer is: everywhere and nowhere. But I’ve stopped seeing that as a loss. When you’ve had to build a sense of home in a dozen different places, you get very good at figuring out what matters, very quickly. Asia taught me that. America gave me the room to prove it. And this month, I’m proud to stand at that intersection and say: this is exactly where I’m meant to be.

If any of you, dear readers, see a way that my experience or services could help you or your business, I would genuinely love to hear from you at hamada@noughtlabs.com.

Hamada is the CEO of Noughtlabs, a digital, AI, and creative agency under Avalon Park Group, working across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

LEARN

Local Hero: Nathaniel “Nate” Gotler

Avalon Park is full of young people doing meaningful things in their community, and Nathaniel Gotler “Nate” of FocusByNate is one of them.

A student at Timber Creek High School, Nate reached out and asked if he could help capture photos at community events. That simple act of initiative quickly turned into a wonderful contribution to Avalon Park. Most recently, Nate took some fantastic photos at Absolutely Avalon, helping capture the energy, color, and spirit of the event.

What makes Nate stand out is not only his talent, but also his willingness to use it to give back. Through his photography and videography, he helps highlight community events, fellow students, and the moments that make this area special. We are incredibly grateful for his contributions to the Avalon Park Sun, Avalon Park social media, and the community as a whole.

Through FocusByNate, Nate shares photography sessions, event coverage, sports and action videography, and creative content

that reflects both his skill and enthusiasm. He is a great example of a young person using his gifts in a positive way and building something meaningful along the way.

We encourage the community to support this talented local student by following FocusByNate on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and by visiting focusbynate.myportfolio.com. If you are looking for photos and would like to support a promising young creative, reach out to Nate.

Nate is a wonderful example of the talent, initiative, and community spirit that make Avalon Park such a special place.

Local Hero at The 5th Floor: Lori Williams, Home Helpers Home Care Avalon Park

The 5th Floor Orlando is proud to highlight this month’s Local Hero, Lori Williams, owner of Home Helpers Home Care Avalon Park—a business rooted in compassion, purpose, and community.

Lori’s journey to Avalon Park began through a personal connection that led her to discover a place she instantly felt at home. After spending 35 years in Corporate America, she knew it was time to follow a deeper calling. With a lifelong passion for giving back, Lori and her husband took a leap of faith and opened their home health care business, driven by a desire to make a meaningful

difference in people’s lives.

Her work is deeply personal. Lori shares that a close friend who passed away from a terminal illness continues to inspire her every day. Their conversations about serving others left a lasting impact, motivating Lori to carry on that legacy through her business and her service to the community.

When asked what being a “local hero” means, Lori humbly reflects that many people are already heroes—they just may not realize it. She believes in leading with integrity, compassion, and purpose, hoping to make a positive impact, even in ways she may never see.

For Lori, Avalon Park is more than just a location—it’s a true community. From the moment she arrived, she felt welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow. And it’s clear that through her work, she’s doing exactly that—making Avalon Park a better place, one act of care at a time.

Home Helpers Home Care - 407-326-2362

The 5th Floor Orlando - the5thfloor.com

L.O.V.E. Our Youth: Mental Health and What It Means to My Generation

By: The East Orlando Youth Advisory Board Member, Ana Catryn Pasteur

First off, what is mental health? Mental health comprises 3 components: social well-being, psychological well-being, and emotional well-being. These 3 components have an effect on the way you think, handle stress, make choices, and feel. Some indicators of good mental health consist of a sense of belonging, empathy, ability to take care of self and others, respect for self and others, self-confidence, etc. Mental illness is a wide variety of disorders that affect your behavior, mood, and thinking. This can lead to a disruption in daily activities, damage relationships, and increase the risk for major health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Examples of mental illness include eating disorders, anxiety disorders, paranoia, depression, and more. Mental health issues are treatable, but it is rare to find a complete “cure”. Treatment requires lots of therapy, medication support, and lifestyle changes. It takes time and effort to find the right combination of treatments that is best for you.

What does it mean to my generation?

Statistics show that teens and young adults often report high rates of those who struggle with mental health issues. To be more specific, Generation Z shows increased mental health issues, with high anxiety and depression rates. In the past, mental health wasn’t well understood, and many people faced stigma, misunderstanding, and limited support. Instead of receiving proper care, individuals were often judged or isolated because mental health was viewed through fear or misinformation. Treatments were not very advanced, and people didn’t have access to the resources, science, or compassionate approaches we have today. Now, mental health disorders are viewed as a part of overall health and are gaining acceptance and awareness. It is also seen with a growing recognition that it’s a medical issue and not a weakness. It is believed that mental illness isn’t shameful and that recovery is possible with befriending those who struggle with the same illness. Mental health services are more accessible and flexible than those in the past. Since people are becoming more accepting of mental health problems, those who have experienced childhood trauma are more confident in talking about their experiences and difficulties. This helps to make society more aware of potential causes and has parents, teachers, and safeguarding leaders looking out for signs of abuse, which could help reduce cases in the future.

How does our society contribute to better mental health?

Nowadays, schools create supportive environments and offer direct counseling services to build strong relationships with students in order to help create a sense of belonging and reduce stigma. Families help kids’ mental health by providing structure, encouraging physical activities and social connections, providing help when needed, and creating a secure base in order for their children to feel seen and loved. Individuals contribute by doing acts of kindness and showing appreciation. Doing this alone spreads positivity and strengthens social bonds, which helps to boost mental health.

Through programs shaped by youth and grounded in compassion, L.O.V.E. Our Youth continues to help teens build resilience, find belonging, and know they never have to navigate mental health challenges alone.

If Ana’s perspective resonates with you, we invite you to stand with us in supporting the mental well-being of today’s teens. Your involvement helps us create spaces where young people feel understood, encouraged, and able to talk openly about what they’re carrying.

At L.O.V.E. Our Youth, the Youth Advisory Board plays a key role in shaping conversations like this. Teens lead the way in identifying what their generation needs from emotional support to safe spaces, and help us design programs that strengthen confidence, belonging, and resilience. To learn more about how we support teen mental health through our programs and youth-led initiatives, visit loveouryouth.org or follow us on Instagram @loveouryouthinc.

PLAY

DINING

Cinco de Mayo Week at Pepe’s Cantina

From May 4–8, we’re celebrating ALL WEEK LONG!

Enjoy extended Happy Hour until 7 PM all week, plus don’t miss our Cinco de Mayo celebration:

- Live DJ from 4 PM – 9 PM

- The first 15 guests on Cinco de Mayo get a FREE margarita

And of course… drink specials all day long:

• $3.99 Amor Tequila Shots

• $4.99 Sol y Amigos

• $4.99 House Margaritas

Grab some nachos, tacos, and your favorite drinks and unwind on our newly remodeled patio.

But it doesn’t stop there… check out our weekly specials:

• Margarita Monday: $4.99

• Taco Tuesday: $2 OFF carnitas & chicken tacos

• Sangria Rita Wednesday: $4.99

• Tequila Thursday: $4.99 Amor shots

• Flavored Margarita Friday: $9.99

• Sol y Amigos Saturday: $4.99

• Tequila Sunrise Sunday: $6.99

Come celebrate, sip, and enjoy the vibes lasting all week!

3801 Avalon Park E Blvd, Orlando, FL

Coming together to create a healthy community

ARTS & CULTURE CORNER

ART CORNER

Culture Lives Here: The Avalon Park Arts & Culture Center Celebrates Local Heroes at Absolutely Avalon

On Saturday, April 11th, Downtown Avalon Park came alive for the 21st Annual Absolutely Avalon festival. From 5 to 9 PM, the community filled the streets with energy, culture, international food, 200+ vendor booths, and a laser light show that capped the night near Founder’s Square. As we step into May honoring Local Heroes and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, four activations from the evening deserve a spotlight.

Gary C.K. Lau and Asia Trend

Gary C.K. Lau came to Orlando from Hong Kong and turned a restaurant’s worth of unanswered cultural questions into twenty years of community building. In 2005, he drew on 25 years of graphic design experience to launch Asia Trend, now a nonprofit magazine and community learning center that serves as one of Central Florida’s most dedicated AAPI platforms. Gary brought two beloved festivals to the Avalon Park calendar: Avalon SpringFest, the community’s annual Lunar New Year celebration, and Moon Over Avalon, the Mid-Autumn Festival that brings a lantern-building workshop at the ACC and a community lantern parade through Town Park each fall. At Absolutely Avalon, Gary brought his music, performing as a saxophonist whose Pan-Asian sound has become as much a part of his community work as anything in print. Learn more at asiatrend.org.

Mai-Huong Nguyen and Thuyen May Productions

It was through Asia Trend’s partnership with Avalon Park that the ACC was introduced to Thuyen May, and that connection became something lasting. Thuyen May Productions, translating to “cloud boat,” is a nonprofit committed to the promotion and preservation of Vietnamese culture through dance, immersive cultural education, and community engagement. Since partnering with the ACC in 2023, Mai-Huong and her team have hosted monthly cultural programming including instrument demos, tea ceremonies, and meditation sessions, with weekly Sunday dance practices open to all. Their Absolutely Avalon performance brought that full world to our stage: choreography highlighting the northern, central, and southern regions of Vietnam through distinct styles, regional costumes, and traditional hat movements woven with contemporary touches. Mai-Huong believes that cultural learning and sharing open doors to

understanding, acceptance, and appreciation. Learn more at thuyenmayproductions.org.

GuruShots Photo Exhibition

The ACC hosted the GuruShots Photo Exhibition from April 11th through 13th. GuruShots is a photography community spanning members at every level, from mobile creators to professional photographers, and their exhibition challenges place crowd-voted images into physical venues around the world. Having that caliber of international work displayed inside the ACC was a statement about what this space can hold. Explore the platform at [gurushots.com].

KinRay Art Café

Nikki Goldman and Steph Rosado brought a community mural experience to Absolutely Avalon that let every attendee leave a mark on something shared. Goldman and Rosado see KinRay as an opportunity to relax and build community through creative play, with the experience centered on being together as one while making art. The mural that grew throughout the evening was proof of that philosophy in action. Find out where KinRay pops up next at kinrayartcafe.com.

Keep Creating with the ACC

The spirit from April 11th lives here year-round. Visit avalonartscenter.com to explore upcoming classes and workshops and register for a session this month.

COMMUNITY CORNER

Listening Month in Motion: Goodwill Turns Feedback into Impact

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida’s President and CEO, Ed Durkee, recently visited the Lake Nona store as part of his weekly town hall listening tours. Each week, Durkee and his leadership team rotate locations as part of his ongoing effort to hear directly from employees across the nonprofit’s six county service area. The sessions create space for open dialogue, allowing executives to better understand employee experience and turn feedback into action – reinforcing Goodwill’s mission of “Building Lives that Work” by ensuring team members have the support they need to grow, achieve personal goals and thrive economically.

Orlando Science Schools Student to Compete in Scripps National Spelling Bee

An Orlando Science Charter School (OSS) seventh grader is about to compete in one of the most prestigious youth events in the country. Hardit Tayal qualified for the Scripps National Spelling Bee after shining at the regional-level tournament. He’ll test his knowledge against more than 200 people in Washington, D.C. in May. Hardit is following in the footsteps of another OSS student and spelling bee participant who earned a ninthplace

finish in 2015 and tied for 23rd place in 2017.

The Power of Precision: Adagio Pilates at Avalon Park Gym

By: Danny Plummer

Fitness is more than movement—it’s about intention and long-term wellness. That philosophy comes to life at Adagio Pilates, a class experience designed to help both members and non-members alike build core strength, improve balance, and reconnect with their bodies in a safe and meaningful way.

What Is Adagio Pilates?

Inspired by the musical term adagio, meaning “slow, deliberate pace,” this modality focuses on controlled, mindful movement rather than speed. Exercises are performed with precision, allowing participants to fully engage their muscles and develop a deeper awareness of how their body moves. The result is a workout that feels both gentle yet challenging and incredibly effective.

Why the Community Loves It

Adagio Pilates has quickly become a favorite in the community — and for good reason:

• Enhances flexibility and mobility

Excellent relief for those spending long hours sitting at a desk.

• Low-impact, high benefit

Coaches all fitness levels, and assists those managing joint concerns.

• Strengthens from the inside out Focuses on stability, including support of the spine.

• Improves posture and alignment Stretches that help lengthen muscles and reduce stiffness.

• Promotes mental clarity

The mindful pace encourages focus, reduces stress, and creates a calming workout environment.

A Class Experience Like No Other

Unlike fast-paced workouts, Adagio Pilates invites you to slow down and truly feel each movement, targeting many muscle groups often

underworked. Instructors guide participants through carefully curated sequences that prioritize quality over quantity. You’ll leave class feeling centered and refreshed — not exhausted.

Expect a welcoming atmosphere where attention to form and individual progress is celebrated. Whether you’re new to Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, this class meets you where you are.

Who Should Try It?

Adagio Pilates is ideal for:

• Beginners looking for a supportive introduction to Pilates, including modifications.

• Athletes wanting to cross-train, prevent injury, and incorporate active recovery.

Instructor Spotlight

Danny is the founder and lead instructor at Adagio Pilates. After training as a traditional strength and cardio fitness professional for years, she noticed the toll high-impact training was taking on her body. Recognizing the importance of longevity, she recalled the incredible fitness modality she had respected and revered from afar for many years –Pilates. And in 2020, started a Pilates practice that would change the trajectory of her life along with her clients. It is Danny’s goals to inspire and coach others to achieve a sustainable fitness practice by incorporating Pilates into their lifestyle.

*Current Specials: 3-peat challenge

Over the next 5 Sundays, Adagio Pilates will be offering a complimentary personal training session for participants who attend 3 classes consecutively!

Adagio Pilates class spots are limited to preserve focus to each client, so reserve your spot on the Avalon Park Gym app today. Your body will thank you!

House 81 and Orlando Magic Celebrating People with Developmental Disabilities

Employees with House 81, formerly Blossom Artisanal, recently took a trip to the official Orlando Magic shop to see their candles on store shelves, meet STUFF the Magic Mascot and promote inclusivity in Central Florida. The “Belonging is Magic” candles are adorned in the team’s iconic blue and are available for the remainder of the season. House 81 is a social venture by nonprofit Quest, Inc. The organization removes employment barriers by providing meaningful career opportunities to people with developmental disabilities.

Quest, Inc. Opens New Education and Therapy Campus

in Orlando

Quest, Inc. has opened Quest Kids Orlando (QKO), an innovative and state-of-the-art campus serving children, teens and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

On April 21, Quest hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 16,000-square-foot facility – located at 500 E. Colonial Dr. near the heart of Downtown Orlando. QKO houses Quest Kids Academy and Quest Kids Therapy in a single location, making it easier for families to access important resources.

Quest Kids Academy – which has been operating in an interim location – serves those ages 5-22 in in two major focus areas: foundational core academics and life skills and employment readiness. Quest Kids Therapy helps children with life-skills acquisition and social development, while using positive reinforcement strategies to improve outcomes. All programming at QKO uses the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, the gold standard for clinically proven methods for behavioral intervention.

“This is more than a new building; it’s a commitment to our

community that we’re here to help families as the instances of autism continues to increase,” said John R. Gill, President and CEO at Quest. “At Quest Kids Orlando, our building finally matches the world-class service we’ve been offering Central Florida for over twenty years.”

The opening of Quest Kids Orlando symbolizes continued collaboration with local partners including Dr. Phillips Charities, which provided the lead philanthropic gift for the project and was the first community donor to Quest in 1966.

“We are proud to support the opening of Quest, Inc.’s newly reimagined facility, a space that will empower children and young adults with developmental disabilities to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Dr. Phillips Charities President and CEO Kenneth D. Robinson. “This transformation reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities and strengthening the community. In this supportive, state-of-the-art environment, we hope every individual here can reach their fullest potential.”

For more information about Quest Kids Academy and Quest Kids Therapy, visit QuestKids.org

Kiwanis Club of Avalon Park Updates

Avalon Serves Kiwanis of Avalon Park Bed Build

On Saturday, April 4th, our Kiwanis club hosted our annual bed build with Sleep in Heavenly Peace- thank you to all of you that came out to support this great project. We made parts for 53 beds this year and will have opportunity to deliver and assemble on May 2nd and June 6th from 9 a.m until noon. If interested in helping, please email Dave at dave.schmitt@dseorl.com.

Best Buddies Walk

Our club participated in the Best Buddies Walk on Saturday, April 18th at Lake Eola. This is a great organization that we help. They are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD)

What’s ahead

Coming up in May our club has a beach clean- up at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach, our Student of the Year Ceremony and will be awarding 5 scholarships to some worthy high school students, Bingo with the Jetsetters at Encore and of course SHP Bed Deliveries.

Teachers of the Month:

Avalon Elementary: Columbia: North Lake:

Stone Lakes: Timber Lakes: Wedgefield:

Timber Springs Middle: East River High School: Lake Nona HS: Timber Creek High School:

Clarissa Marrero

Maryan Hana

Lanre English

Angie Winehammer

Mary Hodge

Mary Clark

Kimberly Mawhinney

Scott Rodman

Rosemary Jensen

Jenny Marcinko

COMMUNITY

Business Directory

BANKING

Fairwinds Credit Union 12800 Tanja King Blvd. 407-515-3054 Fairwinds.org

Trustco Bank 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 101 407-380-2264 TrustcoBank.com

DINING

A-AKI Sushi & Steakhouse 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 100 (407) 282-8488 aakiavalon.com

Almafi

12001 Avalon Lake Drive, Ste. A

Avalon Pockets 3564 Avalon Park E Blvd. #2 Avalon-Pockets.com

Bamboo Wok 3464 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 105 407-282-9399

Black Hawk Social Club 12001 Avalon Lake Drive, Ste. F 321-247-5009 blackhawksocialclub.com

Bowigens Beer Co. Marketplace, Ste. 120 3801 Avalon Park East Blvd. bowigens.com

Cafe Coqui 3819 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-459-6762 cafecoquiorlando.com

Chabuca Avalon Park 12001 Avalon Lake Drice, Ste. H chabucacuisine.com

Cheese To Share Marketplace, Ste. 150 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. facebook.com/cheesetoshare/

Ferratti’s Artisan Pizza and Pasta Marketplace 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd.

Mangia Avalon Park 3831 Avalon Park E Blvd. mangiavalonpark.com

Marketplace At Avalon Park 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. (407) 730-3515 MarketplaceAtAvalonPark.com

Nuno’s Cafe 12001 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. E 407930-3080 nunoscafe.com

Oh So Sweet Avalon Marketplace 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd.

Pepe’s Cantina Express 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 100 pepescantina.com

Pesaro’s Pizzeria & Ristorante 3464 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 108 407-286-5968 pesarosavalonpark.com

Pizza Hut

3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 102 407-282-4999 pizzahut.com

Pho Akaushi 3891 Avalon Park E Blvd. 321-270-8888

Restō Argentinian Kitchen Marketplace 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. restourbankitchen.com

Satori Sushi and Snow Ice Marketplace 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. satorisushisnowice@gmail.com

South Philly Steaks 12001 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. B 407988-3400 southphillysteaksorlando.com

Southern Fowl

Marketplace 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd southernfowl.info

Subway 3548 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 2 407-382-6218 subway.com

The Bakery Colombian Cafe 13001 Founder’s Sq Dr. Ste. 100 BakeryColombianCafe.com

Yumfinity / StreetNOMS Marketplace 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

AdventHealth Family & Internal Medicine at Avalon Park 3701 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 205 407-303-6285 AdventHealth.com

AMP Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 3861 Avalon Park E Blvd.

A New Path Counseling Tanja Alvarado 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 2021 407-902-9250 anewpathcounsel.com

Avalon Park Eye Care 12001 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. J 407-567-9955 avalonparkeyecare.com

Avalon Park Gym & Wellness Center 12001 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. M-P 407-988-3884 avalonparkgym.com

Avalon Family Vet 3520 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 3 407-275-3430 avalonfamilyvet.com

Avalon Woman’s Health Center 3718 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-453-2072 womanshealthcenters.com/avalon-park

BellaSmiles Orthodontics 12001 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. K 407.680-3197 bellasmilesortho.com

CVS Pharmacy 13000 Tanja King Blvd. 407-273-7618 cvs.com

Delphini Solutions Psychology

Elaine D. Kring, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 2028 321-947-8170 delphini-solutions-psychology. square.site/

Elite Dentistry 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 201

407-658-0103 elitedentistry.com

Ellie Mental Health

3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 301 elliementalhealth.com

F45 Training 12001 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. C 407-454-6323 f45training.com/avalonpark/home

Inara Medicine

3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste 200 407-900-9770 inaramedicine.com

Mindscope Clinic

3680 Avalon Park E Blvd, Ste 203 321-340-3038 mindscopeclinic.com

NeuroRestorative 3701 Avalon Park W Blvd.Ste. 100 321-354-0023 neurorestorative.com

Orlando Counseling Specialists Nancy Johnson, MA, LMHC 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 2021 321-430-8671

Orlando Health Physician Associates 3464 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-635-3434

Paving the Way Foundation 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd, Ste 230 pavingthewayfoundation.org

Sage Dental of Avalon Park 12990 Tanja King Blvd. 407-499-8647 mysagedental.com

Stone Crossing Dental Care 3502 Avalon Park W Blvd. 407-374-2480 dentalcareatavalonpark.com

Sunshine Ankle & Foot Experts 3701 Avalon Park W Blvd. Ste. 225 (407) 863-3655 sunshineankleandfoot.com

Therapy Essentials Inc. 12930 Tanja King Blvd. 407-249-3344 tetherapy.com

The Skin Attic 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 300 theskinattic.com

Total Life Counseling 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 210 407-447-7600 totallifecounseling.com/east-orlando

LEARNING

All-Star Dance Company 12001 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. D 407-278-9329 allstardancecompany.com

Avalon Driving School 3801 Avalon Park East Blvd. 2nd floor, Ste. 530 www.avalondriving.com

Avalon Elementary School 13500 Tanja King Blvd. 407-207-3825 avalones.ocps.net Avalon Middle School 13914 Mailer Blvd.

407-207-7839 avalonmiddle.ocps.net

Avalon Park Kids R Kids 12881 Tanja King Blvd. 407-306-9035 kidsrkidsorlando.com

Avalon School of Music 12946 Tanja King Blvd. 407-770-0323 avalonschoolofmusic.com

Championship Martial Arts 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 104 407-275-1700 championshipma.com

Creative World School 3625 Avalon Park W Blvd. 407-275-0000 creativeworldschool.com

Engenius Learning of Avalon Park 3714 Avalon Park E Blvd 844-564-3648 engeniuslearning.com

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Orlando 3873 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-990-2907 gjjorlando.com

International Home Education Inc. 12001 Avalon Lake Drive, Ste E1 407-205-8445 inthomeeducation.com

Orange Technical College 2201 South Crown Hill Blvd. 407-622-2900 orangetechcollege.net

Pinecrest Academy 13993 Mailer Blvd. 407-432-5441 pinecrestavalonk5.com

Primrose School 13461 Tanja King Blvd. 407-737-1500 primroseavalonpark.com

Simply Speaking 3564 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-737-2023 simplyspeakingcentralflorida.com

Stone Lakes Elementary 15200 Stoneybrook Blvd. 407-207-7793 stonelakeses.ocps.net

Timber Creek High School 1001 Avalon Park Blvd. 321-235-7800 tchs.ocps.net

LIVING

Avalon Park Property Owners Association 13401 Tanja King Blvd. 407-249-9395 avalonmanager@lelandmanagement.com AvalonParkPOA.com

Encore at Avalon Park Assisted Living and Memory Care 13798 Cygnus Dr. 407-270-7500 EncoreAtAvalonPark.com

Millenium Realty Group Inc

4031 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-277-1400 milleniumrealtygroup.com

Parkside at Avalon Park 13300 Tanja King Blvd. Ste. 122 407-866-1015 ParksideAtAvalonPark.com

Real Estate Pros

3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 200 407-381-7861 RealEstateProsFL.com

RC Realty Group

3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 2070 407-309-9155

RE/MAX Innovation

3742 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-281-1053

The Cuervo Team 12926 Tanja King Blvd. 407-701-3095 TheCuervoTeam.com

The Flats at Avalon Park 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 110 407-273-4337 theflatsatavalonpark.com

Top Florida Homes 12950 Tanja King Blvd. 321-287-3913 TopFloridaHomes.com

NON-PROFIT

Avalon Park Foundation 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 400 407-658-6565 AvalonParkFoundation.org

Avalon Park Arts & Culture Center (APGF) 13013 Founder’s Square Dr. Goodwill Donation Xpress 3520 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 4-5 407-857-0659 goodwillcfl.org

L.O.V.E. Our Youth, Inc. 13013 Founder’s Square Drive 321-252-8002 loveouryouth.org

Non-Profit Enthusiast 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 207 (833) 959-7446 nonprofitenthusiast.com

We the Women Movement 3280 Avalon Park East Blvd, Ste. 201 407-694-7641 wethewomanmovement.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Adaptive Consulting Engineers 12922 Tanja King Blvd. 407-506-5593 adaptivece.com

Avalon All Star Cuts 3564 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 3 407-281-0545 avalonallstarcuts.com

Avalon Insurance Services 13013 Michael Callin Alley 407-308-0962 avaloninsuranceservices.com

Avalon Mail Center 3564 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. B204 407-482-0662 AvalonMailCenter.com

Avalon Park Funeral and Cremation Services 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 330 407-914-6583 avalonfuneralservices.com

Avalon Park Group 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 400 407-658-6565 avalonparkgroup.com

Avalon Park Cleaners

3588 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. B201A 407-277-3335 AvalonParkCleaners.com

Cage Fitness 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 201 877-650-2243 cagefitness.com

Captivea USA 4031 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-982-7007 captivea.com

Central Nails Avalon Park 3548 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 1 407-275-2300

Cognitive Performance Group 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 205 407-282-4433 cpg-online.com

Complete Pools 3588 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-704-1285 complete-pools.com

CPA Solutions 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 350A 407-650-9088 mycpasolutions.com

Data Transfer Solutions, LLC 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 200 407-382-5222 dtsgis.com

DBSS, Inc.

3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 2072 321-251-6006 dbssinc.com

Definitive Beauty Med & Wellness Spa 3720 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 301 407-319-5378

Diana Gonzalez, LLC 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 302

Dolce E Luce Beauty Salon 12926 Tanja King Blvd. 407-451-7828 info@dolceelucesalon.com

EA Insurance 12001 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. I eainsurances.com

Eye Create Her 3855 Avalon Park E Blvd eyecreateher.com

Fairway Independent Mortgage Ashley Thalmueller 12938 Tanja King Blvd. 407-469-5052 ashleythalmuellermortgage.com

Florida Merchant Services 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 206 888-490-7480 floridamerchant1.com

Fluttering Shutters Photography 3730 Avalon Park E Blvd 321-278-8408 flutteringshuttersphotography.com

Goosehead Insurance

3680 Avalon Park E Blvd, Ste 205

Groom Grub Belly Rub 3702 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-277-7387 groomgrub.com

Ingenium Staffing 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 301

In Style Hair, Nails & Day Spa 3843 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-736-1278 instylehairorlando.com

Integrity International Brokers 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 212 407-408-0176 Int-Brokers.com

Just Blade Barbershop 3726 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-930-6636

Kossina Creative Photography 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 220 407-310-3447 KossinaCreative.com

Let’s Roof 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 350 letsroofusa.com

Level Up Automation 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 310 LevelUpAutomationFlorida.com

McQuantum Funding 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 303 mcquantumfunding.com

Milton Figueroa Law, PA 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd, Ste. 303 (407) 745-0893 mjfpa.com

Nails Spa Avalon Park 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste.105 407-249-4060

NT Avalon 12001 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. L

NY Barber Shop II 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 103 407-412-6900

Orlando Divorce Planning 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 350 407-707-9020 OrlandoDivorcePlanning.com

Patricia P. Barber, M.S. 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 2026 407-767-8854 patriciapbarber.com

Partner Claim Services 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd, Ste 206 partnerclaims.com

Polo Floors & Polo Palm Paint 3742 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-988-3361 polohomeimprovement.com

Quantified Design Solutions 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 205 quantifieddesign.com

Raymond James 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 350B 407-278-5051 OrlandoAdvisors.com

Rosenthal Meyer PLLC 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 300 407-504-9725 RosenthalMeyer.com

Safe Harbor Counseling & Advocacy 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 302 safeharborfl.com

Servpro 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 208 Solymar Travel 13001 Founder’s Sq. Ste. 150 407-203-5000

SolymarTravels.com

The Apartment King 12934 Tanja King Blvd. 321-275-5464 theaptking.com

The 5th Floor Orlando 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 200 407-730-3493 the5thfloor.com

The Ruggieri Law Firm, P.A. 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 305 407-395-4766 ruggierilawfirm.com

Vanguard Leadership Institute 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 208 407-227-1384

Vision Development & Management 12954 Tanja King Blvd. visiondandm.com

The White Agency, Inc. 12954 Tanja King Blvd. 407-401-7095 thewhiteagencyinc.com

Yard 3 Technologies 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 2024 877-823-0342 yard3.com

100 Units 12934 Tanja King Blvd. 321-388-4394 100units.com

4K Wellness 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 310 4kwellness.com

SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT

Avalon General Store 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. AvalonGeneral.com

Avalon Liquor 3588 Avalon Park Blvd. Ste. 3 407-250-4847

Avalon Park Arts & Culture Center 13013 Founders Square Dr. AvalonArtsCenter.com

Avalon Park Jewelers 3710 Avalon Park E Blvd. 321-235-5553 avalonparkjewelers.com

Publix

3400 Avalon Park E Blvd. (407) 277-1043 publix.com

The Flowers Bouquet AP 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 115 407-371-0860 flowersbouquetandmorefl.com

Theory Bridal House 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 120 407-490-5118 theorybridalhouse.com

SPIRITUAL CENTERS

Avalon Church 13460 Tanja King Blvd.

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Coffee With Beat: Celebrating Partnerships That Strengthen Our

Community

College students sometimes ask me for career and life advice. No matter what they are studying, and no matter what their goals and dreams may be, my advice is often the same: go to Asia, explore Asia, and if possible, live in Asia for some time.

Today, Asia represents around 60% of the world’s population, while the U.S. population amounts to about 4.3% of the world. That alone demonstrates how significant Asia is for all of us.

By having friends and business partners in Asian countries, and by spending time in Asia, I have always learned a great deal.

Two of our partners that have become a special part of Avalon Park’s culture are Gary C.K. Lau with Asia Trend and Mai-Huong Nguyen with Thuyen May Productions.

Through Asia Trend, Gary C.K. Lau has helped bring Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions to life in Avalon Park through festivals, music, and cultural

experiences that have become beloved parts of our community. His work has helped create both celebration and understanding.

Mai-Huong Nguyen and Thuyen May Productions have also become an important part of Avalon Park’s cultural fabric, sharing the beauty of Vietnamese culture through performances, educational programming, and community connection. Their contributions have enriched our town in many meaningful ways. See Page 48 to learn more about both of these community partners.

Just as strong cultural partnerships help shape the spirit of Avalon Park, strong leadership helps shape the future of our community and our county. Community does not happen by accident. It is built through partnerships, shared values, and leaders who are willing to serve with purpose. It is in that same spirit that, with great respect and admiration, I am proud to endorse Stephanie Murphy for Mayor of Orange County. Please read her inspiring story on the next page.

By: Stephanie Murphy, Vietnamese refugee, former U.S. Congresswoman, and candidate for Orange County Mayor

On November 8, 2016, I became the first Vietnamese American woman ever elected to serve in the United States Congress.

It is a story that almost didn’t happen. But it is also a story that could have only happened in America.

When the Vietnam War ended in 1975, families like mine faced an uncertain future under a regime that targeted those connected to the U.S. military or the former government, including my parents.

They made a decision no parent ever wants to make. They chose to leave everything behind in search of safety and opportunity for their children.

At one point, our boat ran out of fuel. We were stranded, with no clear path to safety.

Then something extraordinary happened.

My family eventually made it to a refugee camp in Malaysia. From there, a church in Virginia sponsored our journey to the United States, helping us find housing, jobs, and a fresh start.

After the attacks of September 11, I felt a responsibility

But I will be honest, I hesitated.

He was right.

Our story is not unique. It is part of a broader American story, written by generations of immigrants seeking freedom, dignity, and opportunity.

That is what we celebrate during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the contributions of communities that have helped shape this country, often overcoming great hardship along the way.

Years later, my young son stood beside me as I took another oath, this time as a Member of Congress, holding the same small American flag from our citizenship ceremony.

That journey, from refugee to public servant, could have only happened in a country that believes in second chances, hard work, and the idea that where you start does not determine where you can go.

As we celebrate Asian American Heritage Month here in Avalon Park and across Orange County, I hope we reflect on those values and recommit ourselves to them.

Because the strength of America has always come from people willing to build, to contribute, and to believe in something bigger than themselves.

That is my family’s story.

And at its core, it is the story of America.

A Palestinian, Raised by the World, Built by Asia, Embraced by America

But it was Asia that changed everything.

After that, I joined a small IT company, completed a training stint, and eventually worked as a contractor under Google. Valuable, yes. Comfortable, yes. Too comfortable, which is why I walked away.

That’s the thread connecting everything, from the print shop in Kuala Lumpur to the developments in Orlando: most people have more potential than resources. My job is to help close that gap.

If any of you, dear readers, see a way that my experience or services could help you or your business, I would genuinely love to hear from you at hamada@noughtlabs.com.

Hamada is the CEO of Noughtlabs, a digital, AI, and creative agency under Avalon Park Group, working across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

From Singapore to Switzerland and the Sunshine State: How the American Spirit Fueled My Entrepreneurial Journey

By Ravi Kumar

When Beat Kahli, CEO of Avalon Park Group and a dear friend of mine, asked me to share my story for Asian American Heritage Month, it brought me to a moment of deep reflection. My journey to Avalon Park and eventually to the United States was not a straight line. It is a story that spans borders, cultures, and unexpected global twists, ultimately shaping who I am as an entrepreneur today.

Though Malaysian by birth, my formative years were spent just across the border in Singapore. After a few years in the Singapore workforce, a serendipitous connection in 2020 changed everything. I met Beat’s business partner, Andreas Derzsi, just as Avalon Park Group was establishing its Singapore office to tap into Asian investment opportunities.

None of us knew then that a global pandemic was about to halt the world. Yet, where others saw barriers, APG saw a horizon. Being a truly global entity driven by pure dynamism, the group never stopped moving. I found myself thrown into a whirlwind of global projects: managing coworking spaces in Switzerland, navigating real estate in Australia, mining ventures in South Africa, and automotive industries in the US.

As lockdowns lifted, my passport filled up. First came Switzerland, where I spent months in Basel, a breathtaking city bordering France and Germany. Amidst the snowcapped mountains and pristine lakes of Switzerland, I learned the beauty of Swiss punctuality and efficiency. There, we spearheaded a startup investment initiative, successfully backing groundbreaking biotech and life science companies.

Then came 2022, and Avalon Park brought me to America for the first time.

Stepping into Central Florida during the summer felt instantly familiar. The warm, humid air mirrored my native Malaysia. The only difference? Florida winters are beautiful and pleasant, whereas back home we jokingly say we only have three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest!

But the real warmth wasn’t the weather, it was the people. Coming from a mixed parentage of a Malaysian Chinese mother and a Malaysian Indian father, I grew up in a multiethnic society. Walking into Florida, and specifically the APG office, I felt immediately at home. Florida’s vibrant melting pot of American and Latin cultures (and food)

resonated with me. More than that, the ladies in the office embraced me like family from day one. I truly miss them, and I am convinced that this strong, familial culture is the secret ingredient driving APG’s long term success.

Visiting the US also allowed me to witness firsthand what Beat and his team have built over the last 30 years. Seeing bustling, vibrant townships that were once nothing but dirt (and as Beat says, home to just a 100 cows) was nothing short of a masterclass. The sheer level of entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and courage required to build communities from scratch is something you cannot find anywhere else in the world.

Working directly alongside Beat, I learned complex problemsolving and to think creatively as an entrepreneur. Together, we tackled big challenges, including navigating significant turn-around efforts for VOXX International, a NASDAQlisted automotive conglomerate APG invested in which we proudly transitioned through its final sale to Gentex.

Witnessing this relentless American entrepreneurial spirit inspired me to take the ultimate leap. At age 30, the exact same age Beat was when he began his own historic townbuilding journey, I decided it was time to build my own legacy.

I returned home to Malaysia to launch the Meranti Group, a property development firm complete with our own construction and engineering arm. Today, our vision is massive, and I am proud to say that my journey with Avalon Park Group has evolved into a powerful new chapter.

Avalon Park and Meranti Group are now official partners, jointly developing townships right here in Malaysia. Together, we are expanding the foundational “Live, Learn, Work, and Play” philosophy to Southeast Asia, bringing the invaluable lessons and 30 years of master-planning wisdom I absorbed in the U.S. to uplift local communities. Our goal is to build meaningful, large-scale townships like the ones Avalon Park Group has championed in Orlando, Daytona Beach, Tampa, and Wesley Chapel.

The US showed me that with vision, a dedicated team, and a bit of courage, you can literally build a world where people belong. As we look forward to a long, fruitful, and historic collaboration between Avalon Park and Meranti Group into the future, I am incredibly grateful to bring a piece of that American spirit back home.

The view of the Swiss Alps in Summer from Grindelwald, before my 8hr hiking journey up the mountain. With Stephanie “The Superwoman”, visiting Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Steph always amazes me with her dedication and energy and is truly Ms. Avalon Park.

Beat and I in front of the iconic former Credit Suisse global HQ in Zurich on my very first visit to Zurich, back when Credit Suisse was still around.

Enjoying sushi dinner at Avalon Park with Beat and the owner. It is amazing to see how Asian cultures are represented even in Avalon Park Orlando.

Visiting the Governor’s office in Puerto Rico. My first time in Puerto Rico, beautiful island city with amazing food.

5:00 AM at Orlando Airport, waiting to catch our flight to NY for a VOXX meeting with an incredibly dedicated team.

Beat and I travelling across the world to Taiwan to visit a key partner of VOXX International. My first visit to Taiwan.

The APG team bringing me out for my very first Chick-fil-A experience, it did not disappoint!

My 2 minute walk every morning from the apartment to the APG office.

Cinco De Mayo celebrations in the APG office. The ladies definitely know how to put on a celebration!