A Season of Culture and Community Begins This April
LEARN WORK PLAY
April brings a vibrant season of celebration, new business openings, and community experiences to Downtown Avalon Park Orlando, as residents and visitors come together to enjoy signature events and exciting additions to the town center.
One of Avalon Park Orlando’s most anticipated events, Absolutely Avalon, returns on Saturday, April 11 from 5–9 PM in Downtown Avalon Park. This annual multicultural festival celebrates the diversity and spirit of the community through an evening of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and local vendors.
Guests can enjoy a complimentary Kids Area and Bounce Park, supported by Journey Church, a variety of food trucks, artisan and business vendors, and cultural performances throughout the evening.
A highlight of this year’s event is the Holi Color Throw, a vibrant and interactive experience inspired by the traditional Festival of Colors. Participants can join in the celebration with bursts of colorful powder, creating a joyful and memorable moment for all ages. The evening will conclude with a laser light show at 9 pm.
Downtown Avalon Park continues to grow with several new businesses now open, adding to the downtowns dynamic mix of dining, social, and educational offerings. Amalfi, located at 12001 Avalon Lake Drive, Ste. A brings Amalfi Coastinspired cuisine to the community with fresh seafood, grilled specialties, and Italian favorites in an elevated yet approachable setting. The Black Hawk Social Club, located at 12001 Avalon Lake Drive, Suite F, offers a modern social dining experience centered around craft cocktails and curated menus. International Home Education, also located at 12001 Avalon Lake Drive, is now open and serving families with a flexible, student-centered educational model designed to support personalized learning.
Looking ahead, For the Plot Bookstore and Café is set to open next month in Downtown Avalon Park at 3885 Avalon Park East Blvd. This thoughtfully curated bookstore and café will offer a welcoming space for readers, creatives, and the community to gather. Mark your calendars, the grand opening is scheduled for May 30th, 2026, 10 AM – 7 PM.
The momentum continues into May with additional opportunities to gather and celebrate. The Shine Bright Mother’s Day Market will take place on May 8, offering a curated selection of local vendors and unique gifts, creating the perfect opportunity to celebrate and shop for Mother’s Day in Downtown Avalon Park.
Beginning May 3, the Avalon Park Farmers Market will launch in Town Park, located at 3651 Avalon Park East Boulevard, and will take place every Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. The weekly market will feature fresh produce, local vendors, and familyfriendly experiences.
With signature events, new businesses, and new traditions beginning, Downtown Avalon Park Orlando continues to evolve as a place where people come together to live, learn, work, and play.
For event updates, vendor opportunities, and additional details, visit avalonparkorlando.com and follow Avalon Park Orlando on social media.
LIVE
Coffee with Beat: Coming Home to Avalon Park
I am extremely proud to share that Avalon Park Orlando has now broken ground on its final 10 acres — out of the original 9,400 acres. It certainly took more than one day, yet it still feels like “just recently” that we built the entrance bridge and the beginning of Avalon Park Boulevard, financed with a bank loan and guaranteed by all of Jill’s (my wife of 30 years) and my personal assets.
From 100 cows to more than 60,000 residents within a three-mile radius of Downtown Avalon Park, it has been a wonderful — and continuing — journey.
APG and our partners are now developing the last 10 acres of commercial and mixed-use land, as originally approved in our 1996 Avalon Park Orlando Master Plan for Downtown Avalon Park. First, Stanley Martin Homes will build 90 three-story townhomes (the construction you see now at the “Flagpole Lot”), which will be available for purchase in the second half of 2026.
In addition, we have designed a project that includes approximately 160 independent living units (senior housing), eight live/work units, and a Health and Wellness Center. These “final” Avalon Park Orlando undertakings — valued at more than $100 million — will be built with longtime partners and/or through joint ventures with APG.
Avalon Park Orlando remains one of the few Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) still valid in Central Florida. We will complete these four additional projects within the timeframe of our vested approvals, likely bringing the total value of structures and infrastructure built in Avalon Park Orlando to more than $3 billion.
Like Rome, which was not built in one day but within the timeframe established by governing authorities — and within my lifetime — Avalon Park has been built exactly as envisioned. If you look back at our 1996 plans filed with local and state agencies, “nothing” has changed. We have built the Town of Avalon Park just as we presented it to approximately 30 homeowners at our first HOA meeting at Founders Hall in 1999. (And yes, Founders Hall will
officially become a historic building in just three years.)
I truly hope Orange County will finally fulfill its commitment, together with the Morgan Development Company, to build the planned 20-acre (or larger) park for all residents of Avalon Park and Southeast Orlando, located across the street from Avalon Park.
Today, Avalon Park Orlando is a significant contributor to Orange County, generating annual property tax revenues in the doubledigit millions. This fall, new leadership will be elected at many levels within the County. We will do our best to ensure that some of the many millions contributed over the past quarter century are reinvested into our area.
With APG owning most of Downtown Avalon Park, even after the “town is built,” there is never a dull moment. I am certain that in the near future we will begin redeveloping portions of Avalon Park Orlando. Stay tuned.
Our Avalon Park “sister towns” are also making strong progress, and we are very proud of their accomplishments:
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, north of Tampa, now has more than 2,500 residential units built, a fully leased mixed-use building, schools, and parks. We are preparing to launch a grocery store and hotel while finalizing plans for a town park and other developments. When fully built out in approximately 10 years, it will truly resemble a “sister town” to Avalon Park Orlando — and many visitors already tell me just that.
Avalon Park Tavares is in the final stages of completing more than 1,000 residential units, along with a highly rated A school and additional amenities. While smaller than Orlando or Wesley Chapel, it carries the unmistakable Avalon Park charm — especially with its beautiful views of rolling hills and natural lakes.
Last but not least, we are patiently awaiting the start of construction for Avalon Park Daytona, our fourth future sister town. It has cleared major hurdles over the past several months, and we are confident it will be a great addition to Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach.
Sometimes I think, if I could simply sit on 3,000 acres somewhere for the next decade, it would be right there. I am certain it would be a great land investment. But then I remind myself that for the region as a whole, it is better to build a town — a place where people can live, learn, work, and play.
And that has always been the vision.
Running Toward a Brighter Future: How the Avalon Park Foundation Brings Community and Opportunity Together
The Avalon Park Foundation continues to serve as a cornerstone of community connection in East Orlando, creating opportunities for residents, families, and local organizations to come together in meaningful ways while supporting a greater purpose. Guided by its mission—inspiring positive community engagement through collaborative services and events—the Foundation brings people together not only to participate, but to give back.
At the heart of the Foundation’s efforts are its signature events, which have become cherished traditions throughout Avalon Park. From the Spring Fun Run to the Firecracker 5K, Grace Foley Rock Your Socks 5K, and Turkey Trot, each event is thoughtfully designed to foster community spirit while raising funds that directly impact local students and families.
This year’s Spring Fun Run introduces a playful new addition: a rubber ducky scavenger hunt woven throughout the event, offering a fun and interactive experience for participants of all ages. Beyond the excitement, the event continues to provide a unique fundraising opportunity for local schools and organizations. Groups are
encouraged to register as teams, and the organization with the largest participation receives a donation back to a nonprofit of their choosing. It is a meaningful way to transform community involvement into tangible support for causes that matter.
Proceeds from these events directly benefit the Foundation’s scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to students from Timber Creek High School as they pursue higher education. Among the scholarships awarded each year are the Grace Foley Scholarship and the Ed Lynt Legacy Scholarship, each recognizing different paths of achievement, perseverance, and impact.
The Grace Foley Scholarship is a competitive award presented to graduating seniors from Timber Creek High School who demonstrate strong academic performance, a commitment to community service, and leadership qualities that set them apart. It honors students who not only excel academically but also actively contribute to strengthening their community.
The Ed Lynt Legacy Scholarship recognizes a student who has participated in the Exceptional Student Education program at Timber Creek High School. This award celebrates determination, personal growth, and the unique contributions each student brings, reinforcing the belief that every journey deserves recognition and support.
Through these initiatives, the Avalon Park Foundation continues to invest in the future of the community, ensuring that its impact extends well beyond each event. Every race, every participant, and every scholarship awarded reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger, more connected Avalon Park.
For more information on upcoming events, team participation, or scholarship opportunities, visit avalonparkfoundation.com.
LEARN
Young Voices Take the Stage at Avalon Elementary Speaking Competition
Avalon Elementary School recently hosted its 2nd annual 4-H Public Speaking Competition, showcasing confidence, creativity, and strong communication skills from some of its youngest leaders. Ten Avalon Elementary School 4th graders participated in the competition, each delivering a 2–3-minute prepared speech on a topic of their choice in front of judges, parents and peers.
Second and Third Place Winners
Students were evaluated using official Florida 4-H Public Speaking judging criteria, with scoring divided evenly between composition and presentation. Judges looked closely at originality, organization, clarity, delivery, eye contact, volume, articulation, and overall audience connection.
The wide range of topics reflected both thoughtful research and personal passion, from technology and history to education, leadership, and environmental awareness.
• First Place: Zlata Grychaniuk— “The Revolutionary Invention”
• Second Place: Quinn Kallal — “Martin Luther King Jr. and Charlie Kirk”
• Third Place: Franky Amador — “Being a Hero”
All students impressed judges with strong structure, clear delivery, and engaging subject matter, earning high marks across multiple scoring categories.
The following fourth graders represented their classes in this year’s competition:
• Nicolai Anderson-Beatrice — “How GPS Has Changed the World”
• Ava Hunt — “Electricity: The Greatest Invention”
• Kyle Paez — “Chess Means a Lot to Me”
• Olivia Patrick — “The Telephone Has Changed History Forever”
• Henry McKinnon — “Video Games Can Help Kids Learn”
• Emma Albert — “Legos Should Be Used in School”
• William Clayton — “Invasive Species in the Everglades”
• Franky Amador — “Being a Hero”
• Quinn Kallal — “Martin Luther King Jr. and Charlie Kirk”
• Zlata Grychanuk — The Revolutionary Invention
Each participant demonstrated growth in public speaking skills, confidence on stage, and the ability to clearly communicate ideas within the time limit.
Events like this speaking competition highlight the importance of communication, critical thinking, and self-expression at a young age, and Avalon Elementary School continues to foster opportunities for students to build these lifelong skills.
The Avalon Park community is proud of every student who stepped up to the microphone and shared their voice.
A Space to Grow, Connect, and Celebrate at The 5th Floor Orlando
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From graduation celebrations and holiday parties to bridal showers, business lunches, and networking events, The 5th Floor Orlando was designed with versatility in mind. Whether you’re hosting an intimate private dinner or a lively cocktail event, the space adapts seamlessly to your needs. Guests can enjoy access to high-speed WiFi, built-in A/V equipment, and a flexible reception and bar area— all included to make planning simple and stress-free. Plus, with complimentary on-site parking and tables and chairs provided, every detail is thoughtfully covered.
Beyond its stunning design and amenities, The 5th Floor is also home to a thriving community of professionals and entrepreneurs. One standout member is Marjorie Landron, founder of The Mind Suite Psychology & Strategy. Marjorie specializes in executive coaching, mental performance consulting, and integrative psychology services for high-performing individuals ready to break through internal barriers and reach new levels of success.
For Marjorie, The 5th Floor is more than just a workspace—it’s an environment that reflects the caliber of her work. She values the luxe, professional setting and the accessibility of conference rooms that allow her to meet with clients in a polished, inspiring atmosphere. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: surround yourself with driven, goal-oriented individuals, and you’ll naturally elevate your
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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 321-247-5034 amalfiavalonpark.com
Avalon Pockets 3564 Avalon Park E Blvd. #2 Avalon-Pockets.com
Bamboo Wok 3464 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 105 407-282-9399
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
Business Directory
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
The Black Hawk Social Club 12001 Avalon Lake Drive, Ste. F 321-247-5009 blackhawksocialclub.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
Morenos’s Medical Centers 13000 Avalon Lake Dr, Ste. 100 407-785-2030 morenosmedicalcenters.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 & Advocacy3680 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 visiondandm.comBlvd.
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. 407-275-5499 AvalonChurch.org
CrossLife Church East 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 301 CrossLifeEast.com
PLAY
COMMUNITY CORNER
88 Hours of Life to Spare
From Kidney Failure to Advocacy: We All Have the Power to Save Lives
A diagnosis of end-stage kidney disease would frighten anyone, and when Kam Shenai received his in 2020, it terrified him. He found himself dwelling on the fear and uncertainty of the long hours he would spend sitting in a dialysis chair, feeling hopeless.
In July 2021, Kam began dialysis, joining approximately half a million Americans undergoing the same treatment to support kidney function. “The medical teams know a lot about dialysis,” he learned, “but only a patient knows what it feels like to sit in that chair three times a week for four hours a session.”
During dialysis, Kam came to a crucial realization documented in his essay “88 Hours… A New Approach to Life.” He explained, “There are 168 hours in one week. I spent 68 hours sleeping, which left one hundred waking hours. Minus my 12 hours of dialysis, that left 88 hours. I asked myself, what do I do with those 88 hours? I can do social work, community service, be with my grandchildren, and engage in advocacy work for kidney health and organ donation. And that gave birth to my passion for community advocacy.”
Kam comes from a family where education is paramount. With degrees from India, University of California, Berkeley, and the Rochester Institute of Technology, he spent 30 years in corporate leadership before retiring. His wife of 53 years, a son, a
daughter, and four grandchildren kept him grounded throughout his kidney journey. “My wife has always been my anchor, and now she has become my caregiver. Without her, I wouldn’t have survived,” he says.
On September 23, 2023, Kam received a call at 6:30 a.m., “This is Michelle from Tampa General Hospital. We have a kidney for you.”
With that call, his life changed. “It changed because of an individual who had signed up to donate his organs after his passing,” Kam said. “I remain ever grateful to him for allowing me to live.”
Kam’s advocacy took on new urgency. Engaging, educating, and empowering others became the core of his efforts.
“Three statistics perplex me about kidney disease,” Kam says. “Thirty-seven million people have chronic kidney disease—90% are unaware of it. Ninety thousand Americans await a kidney transplant, with 13 dying every day during the three-to-fiveyear wait.”
As Kam continues to advocate for organ donation and kidney health, he leaves us with a simple yet profound philosophy: Give back plenty, get involved, and make a difference.
Across Florida alone, more than 5,000 people are awaiting their gift of life through organ donation. Each day, approximately 17 Americans lose their lives waiting for a call that never comes to receive a lifesaving transplant. However, one person
has the incredible opportunity to save up to eight lives through organ donation. Learn more about registering as a lifesaving donor at DonateLifeFlorida.org.
In celebration of National Donate Life Month, local business and Avalon Park Innovation award winner Evolution Medical Technologies has partnered with OurLegacy Organ and Tissue Donation and Donate Life Florida to celebrate the Gift of Life with the 5th annual Avalon Park Donate Life Pinwheel Garden. Displayed at the Absolutely Avalon Community Festival on Saturday, April 11th, 5 p.m.– 9 p.m., this installation of pinwheels will honor the 201 Central Florida organ donor heroes who gave the Gift of Life in 2025.
OurLegacy proudly partners with Avalon Park-based tissue donation organization, Evolution Medical Technologies. We invite our community to learn more about organ, eye, and tissue donation and how the gift of donation has impacted them personally. Your story can help inspire our community to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors. Learn more about OurLegacy’s life-saving mission and what it means to register as a donor at ourlegacyfl.org
Celebrating 102 Years: José’s Legacy at Encore at Avalon Park
There are birthdays, and then there are milestones that truly deserve to be celebrated. This month, Encore at Avalon Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community proudly celebrated a remarkable one — José Lebron’s 102nd birthday.
For more than ten years, José has called Encore home. In that time, he has become far more than a resident. He has become a cornerstone of the community.
Known affectionately as Encore’s resident ambassador, José has spent the past decade welcoming new residents and families with warmth, dignity, and reassurance. His calm presence and steady encouragement have helped countless individuals feel at ease as they begin a new chapter of life.
His role as ambassador feels only natural. José’s lifelong dedication to service began many years ago through his work in healthcare and his time serving in the United States Army. That background shaped the character so many at Encore admire today — disciplined yet kind, strong yet compassionate, and always ready to help.
Staff members often say that José sets the tone for what makes Encore special. He greets visitors with a smile, offers thoughtful conversation, and models the spirit of community that defines life at Avalon Park. For new residents especially, seeing someone who has thrived at Encore for more than a decade brings comfort and confidence.
Reaching 102 years is a testament to resilience, faith, and a life well lived. For José, it is also a celebration of continued purpose. Even at 102, he remains engaged, present, and committed to serving others — proving that leadership does not retire.
The celebration at Encore was filled with laughter, gratitude, and reflection on the many lives José has touched. Family, friends, residents, and team members gathered to honor not only his birthday, but the legacy he continues to build each day.
Encore at Avalon Park is proud to celebrate José — a veteran, a healthcare professional, a mentor, and a friend — and to honor the example he sets for the entire community.
Happy 102nd birthday, José. Your service and spirit continue to inspire us all.
