KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL.... AND THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED. VOLUME 7 EDITION 10
FALL 2026
LIVE
Where Community Meets Wonder
Avalon Park Group Joins Memoir Agency as Co-Owner to Bring World-Class Experiences Home For more than 25 years, Avalon Park Group has believed that a great community is about far more than buildings. It is about the moments that happen between them: the festivals, the concerts, the seasonal celebrations, and the everyday gatherings that turn neighbors into friends and a place into a home.
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Through Memoir’s Immersive Master Plan™ framework, the two companies have already started exploring how storytelling, art, and entertainment can be woven into Avalon Park communities from the earliest stages of planning. Imagine permanent interactive installations, public art, imaginative play spaces, artistic lighting, and original live entertainment, each shaped around the unique story of the community it calls home. The collaboration will enhance the events residents already love, introduce new ones across Avalon Park’s existing and developing communities in Orlando, Wesley Chapel, Tavares, Groveland and Daytona Beach, and expand the reach of the wonderfully creative Dazzling Nights design to new audiences across Florida and beyond.
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its design and production capabilities, develop new original shows, and form new venue partnerships across the country and beyond. For Avalon Park residents, though, the most exciting part is much closer to home.
Now, APG is taking that belief to an exciting new level. The company has become a co-owner of Memoir Agency, the Orlando-based experiential design and event company best known for creating Dazzling Nights, the immersive holiday experience that welcomed more than 100,000 guests to Harry P. Leu Gardens in 2026. Each organization brings its own mission, and together they meet in a shared vision: creating a genuine sense of place and belonging, and communities where everyone feels at home. “Avalon Park Group thinks in decades, not quarters,” said Beat Kahli, Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Avalon Park Group. “A thriving community is one where people feel connected, where they build traditions, and where they want to spend their time. Memoir Agency understands that, and it is a philosophy deeply aligned with the way we approach development.” Memoir specializes in large-scale, immersive experiences that bring people together. Each year, Dazzling Nights transforms the 50-acre botanical garden at Leu Gardens through original artistic environments, live entertainment, custom lighting, and interactive installations. With APG’s support, Memoir will expand
“Bringing on Avalon Park Group as a co-owner gives us the resources and long-term support to continue creating the best events in the world,” said Cole NeSmith, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Memoir Agency. “Even more, we are excited to extend our mission, to make every place and moment meaningful, to the communities where people live, learn, work and play every day.” For residents, it means more opportunities to connect, discover, and build shared traditions close to home. For visitors, it means new reasons to experience Avalon Park communities as destinations. And for local businesses, more programming and more visitors can mean greater foot traffic and lasting economic activity. For a company that has always measured success by the strength of its community, it is one more way to make every place, and every moment, meaningful. Tickets for Dazzling Nights Orlando are now available. Prices start at $35 for adults and $33 for children ages 4 to 12; listed prices include fees, and tax is additional. Children ages 3 and under are admitted free. All tickets are purchased in advance for a specific date and time, and early purchase is recommended for the best availability. Tickets and additional information are available at www.dazzlingorlando.com.
LIVE Coffee with Beat
As I write this, I am in Zurich, Switzerland, enjoying the view from my home out over the city and into the mountains. The sky is blue, the air is crisp and cool, and it is a welcome change from the warmth back home in Central Florida. With much of 2026 now behind us, the year has brought Avalon Park Group a great deal of new and exciting developments.
As we have shared in recent editions of the Sun, we are working on a 250-acre regional park just south of Avalon Park Orlando, an APG-financed project for the entire region. Our goal is to identify the land before year end, begin planning in early 2027, and start construction on the fields by the middle of 2027. A project of this scale requires the cooperation of various government entities, primarily the state-governed landowners. It will be a game changer for East Orange County and beyond. In meetings with officials over the past several months, every local and state politician I spoke with welcomed and supported this initiative.
The political season has been an active one for our community as well. APG supports, by and large, candidates who make smart growth, a more diversified economy, and affordable housing a priority. This year, we contributed to 21 candidates across four counties, the state, and a few cities. Following the August primary, two won their races outright, seven advanced to runoffs, and nine led in races with no primary opponent, and we were proud that 18 of the 21 candidates we supported were on track to win or had already won. Unfortunately, roughly 75 percent of eligible voters did not cast a ballot, which is not a good result at all. Our community is shaped by those who show up, and I encourage every resident to stay informed, research what is on the ballot, and make your voice heard in every election. The Sun will continue to provide non-partisan resources, including our Voter Guide, to help you do exactly that. APG has organized events in Central Florida for over 25 years, and this has been an important element in creating a sense of place and belonging in Avalon Park. We are excited to build on that tradition and to continue our work of placemaking for years to come. It is in that spirit that APG has become a co-owner of Memoir Agency, an events and experiential design company that is the owner and organizer of Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens, which welcomed more than 100,000 ticketed guests in 2026. Memoir specializes in creating immersive, large-scale experiences that bring people together, and as a co-owner we will be able to do even more of what we love. Working alongside our events department, under the leadership of Stephanie Lerret (who will join the Board of Directors of Memoir alongside JJ Sofarelli of APG), the Memoir team will help us enhance the events our residents already enjoy, add new events across our existing and developing Avalon Park communities, and expand the footprint of the wonderfully creative Dazzling Nights design to new audiences across Florida and beyond. (See page one of this edition.)
While in Zurich, I have been spending time with my father, who will soon turn 89. He is a happy senior in good physical health, still able to live on his own thanks to the wonderful care of my sister and brother. He is, however, living with memory loss. That is one of the reasons I recently joined the board of the Alzheimer’s Association, and why I have accepted the role of Chair of the Alzheimer’s Walk in 2027. As many of us know, Alzheimer’s is a widespread disease with no cure available yet. Avalon Park Group is proud to support the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and it is our goal to field the largest team and to show just how much the Avalon Park community cares about this cause. Whether you walk alongside us or simply help So as the year moves into its final stretch, I hope you will spread the word, I hope you will join us in this fight. On join us. Show up, get involved, and help us make this a proud note: Encore, our Assisted Living and Memory community all that it can be. Care community in Avalon Park, was just voted the Best Assisted Living Facility in Florida.
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Local Eagle Scout’s Game Box Brings Neighbors Together as Orlando Senior Gears Up for College Dylan Novotny, a senior at Timber Creek High School and a involved, volunteer, and take advantage of all the ways we can give longtime Avalon Park resident, celebrated the grand opening of back.” The Game Box on September 10th, marking the completion of his Eagle Scout service project. Held in front of L.O.V.E. Our Youth and the Avalon Park Arts & Culture Center, the ribbon-cutting ceremony introduced neighbors to Dylan’s twist on the Little Free Library concept. Rather than books, The Game Box offers board and card games to kids and teens throughout the community, giving families a reason to gather, play, and unplug together in person. “I am excited to share The Game Box with the Avalon Park community and hope it becomes a place where people can gather, play, and connect,” Dylan said. The project caps a decade in Scouting America, which Dylan joined at age six and where he has served as Patrol Leader with Troop 173. He is now awaiting his final Board of Review to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest honor. Beyond Scouting, Dylan is a founding member and Chair of the East Orlando Youth Advisory Board, and has spent five years volunteering with Our Legacy and Donate Life Florida. He has also completed the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science sequence at Timber Creek and earned the state-certified Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam, work that has helped shape his plans for college this fall. “I feel really fortunate to have grown up in a community that gives The Avalon Park community is proud of all Dylan has accomplished, kids so many opportunities. I’d encourage kids and adults to get and looks forward to seeing where his next chapter takes him.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW
A Decade of Design, Built on a Leap of Faith Where Are They Now returns to the 2020 The 5th Floor Innovation Awards, starting with JK Creative founder Julie Kostic. This year, Julie Kostic is marking a milestone: ten years in business. The Founder and Chief Creative Officer of JK Creative has spent the past decade building a boutique design and marketing agency known for strategic, relationship-driven work, and that anniversary makes her a fitting first subject for the Avalon Park Sun’s new Where Are They Now series. The series revisits recipients of the 5th Floor Innovation Awards, Avalon Park Group’s 2020 initiative to help local entrepreneurs weather an uncertain moment and build something that would last. From a kitchen table to an award-winning agency Ten years ago, Kostic took what she describes as a leap of faith. After nearly a decade at creative agencies and in-house roles with brands such as Under Armour and Walden University, she wanted to work with a wider variety of clients and tell their stories through strategic design. So, she started JK Creative at her kitchen table with a laptop, a great deal of determination, and, in her words, “a healthy dose of I will figure it out.” Like most entrepreneurs, she quickly learned that owning a business meant wearing every hat. What began as a one-woman business working with small companies and nonprofits has since grown into an award-winning, certified woman-owned agency. A vote of confidence when it mattered most In 2019, Kostic relocated JK Creative from Maryland to Florida and scaled back while rebuilding her network in a new community. Her plan for 2020 was to get out, meet people, and grow. Then the world paused. “By the summer we had almost no new work coming in,” she recalled. Having just arrived in Orlando with few local connections, she found herself wondering whether she would have to close her doors.
I truly believe that vote of confidence changed the trajectory of JK Creative.” Where they are now The years since have brought remarkable growth. What was once a team of one is now a group of full-time employees and trusted freelance partners. JK Creative has partnered with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Adirondack Mountain Club, along with many Orlando-area businesses, and has expanded into video editing, search engine optimization, and social media influencer events, all while maintaining a Baltimore presence that keeps it connected to longtime Maryland clients. Kostic has also appeared on Season 4 of The Blox docuseries, joined the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, and won last year’s NAWBO PropelHER Pitch Competition.
Although JK Creative is celebrating a full decade, its home at The 5th Floor belongs to the more recent chapters of that story. Kostic has been a member since her 2020 award, roughly six years, and she credits the community with helping her put down roots in Central Florida. “It introduced me to an incredible community of entrepreneurs,” she said. “Many of those connections are still part of my life and business today, as clients, collaborators, and friends.” Looking ahead The future, Kostic says, is all about intentional growth while staying true to the boutique, relationship-focused approach that has always defined JK Creative. This year, that includes anniversary celebrations, community givebacks, and a national speaking engagement at the PRSA ICON Conference. Her advice to entrepreneurs reflects the decade behind her: “Do not wait until everything is perfect. Start with what you have, invest in relationships, and stay flexible.” This is only the beginning of Julie’s story. In the coming weeks Julie will share more about her vision for JK Creative, offers marketing tips that local businesses can put to use, and opens up about who she is beyond the work, both as a creative and as a proud member of the Avalon Park community in our inaugural video interview.
To learn more about JK Creative, visit jkcreative.design or It was in the pages of the Avalon Park Sun that Kostic found connect on LinkedIn, Instagram at @jkcreative.design, and the application for the 5th Floor Innovation Awards. “I have Facebook at JKCreativeFL. always believed you cannot win if you do not try,” she said. When she learned she had received one of the top honors, an Innovator Award, she was stunned. The award combined funding, office space at The 5th Floor, professional consulting, and a membership, but the greatest gift, she said, was the confidence it represented. “I honestly do not know if JK Creative would still be here today. The Innovation Award gave me more than financial support. It gave me hope at a time when I needed it most, and
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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 Amalfi 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 pesarospizzeria.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. Satori Sushi and Snow Ice Marketplace 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. satorisushisnowice@gmail.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/
South Philly Steaks 12001 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. B 407988-3400 southphillysteaksorlando.com
Elite Dentistry 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 201 407-658-0103 elitedentistry.com
Subway 3548 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 2 407-382-6218 subway.com
Ellie Mental Health 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 301 elliementalhealth.com
The Bakery Colombian Cafe 13001 Founder’s Sq Dr. Ste. 100 BakeryColombianCafe.com The Blackhawk Social Club 12001 Avalon Lake Drive, Ste. F 321-247-5009 blackhawksocialclub.com The Brave Burger Marketplace 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. The Humble Crumb Coming Soon to Marketplace 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. 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
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
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
Paving the Way Foundation 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd, Ste 230 pavingthewayfoundation.org
International Home Education Inc. 12001 Avalon Lake Drive, Ste E1 407-205-8445 inthomeeducation.com
Sage Dental of Avalon Park 12990 Tanja King Blvd. 407-499-8647 mysagedental.com
Orange Technical College 2201 South Crown Hill Blvd. 407-622-2900 orangetechcollege.net
Stone Crossing Dental Care 3502 Avalon Park W Blvd. 407-374-2480 dentalcareatavalonpark.com
Pinecrest Academy 13993 Mailer Blvd. 407-432-5441 pinecrestavalonk5.com
Sunshine Ankle & Foot Experts 3701 Avalon Park W Blvd. Ste. 225 (407) 863-3655 sunshineankleandfoot.com
Primrose School 13461 Tanja King Blvd. 407-737-1500 primroseavalonpark.com
Therapy Essentials Inc. 12930 Tanja King Blvd. 407-249-3344 tetherapy.com
Simply Speaking 3564 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-737-2023 simplyspeakingcentralflorida.com
The Skin Attic 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 300 theskinattic.com
Stone Lakes Elementary 15200 Stoneybrook Blvd. 407-207-7793 stonelakeses.ocps.net
Total Life Counseling 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 210 407-447-7600 totallifecounseling.com/east-orlando
Timber Creek High School 1001 Avalon Park Blvd. 321-235-7800 tchs.ocps.net
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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 RC Realty Group 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 2070 407-309-9155 RE/MAX Innovation 3742 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-281-1053
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
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 Mad Barbers 3564 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 3 (407) 270-8286 themadbarbers.org McQuantum Funding 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 303 mcquantumfunding.com
Complete Pools 3588 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-704-1285 complete-pools.com
Milton Figueroa Law, PA 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd, Ste. 303 (407) 745-0893 mjfpa.com
The Flats at Avalon Park 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 110 407-273-4337 theflatsatavalonpark.com
CPA Solutions 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 350A 407-650-9088 mycpasolutions.com
Nails Spa Avalon Park 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste.105 407-249-4060
Top Florida Homes 12950 Tanja King Blvd. 321-287-3913 TopFloridaHomes.com
DBSS, Inc. 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 2072 321-251-6006 dbssinc.com
The Cuervo Team 12926 Tanja King Blvd. 407-701-3095 TheCuervoTeam.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 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
NT Avalon 12001 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. L NY Barber Shop II 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 103 407-412-6900
Definitive Beauty Med & Wellness Spa 3720 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 301 407-319-5378
Orlando Divorce Planning 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 350 407-707-9020 OrlandoDivorcePlanning.com
Diana Gonzalez, LLC 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 302
Patricia P. Barber, M.S. 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 2026 407-767-8854 patriciapbarber.com
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
Partner Claim Services 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd, Ste 206 partnerclaims.com Polo Floors & Polo Palm Paint 3706 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
Goosehead Insurance 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd, Ste 205
Solymar Travel 13001 Founder’s Sq. Ste. 150 407-203-5000 SolymarTravels.com
Groom Grub Belly Rub 3702 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-277-7387 groomgrub.com
The Apartment King 12934 Tanja King Blvd. 321-275-5464 theaptking.com
Ingenium Staffing 13000 Avalon Lake Dr. Ste. 301
The 5th Floor Orlando 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 200 407-730-3493 the5thfloor.com
In Style Hair, Nails & Day Spa 3843 Avalon Park E Blvd. 407-736-1278 instylehairorlando.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 Freehand Goods 3801 Avalon Park E Blvd. Ste. 145 freehandgoods.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
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What’s Happening in Avalon Park Through the End of the Year Avalon Park Orlando’s fall and winter calendar is packed with that evening, giving young business owners ages 5-17 a chance to events for the whole family. Here is what to look forward to through sell their goods, alongside an Oktoberfest Car Show where guests the end of the year. can vote for their favorite ride. Kicking off the season, the Shine Bright Market returns Friday, October 2nd from 5-9 PM at Founder’s Square, celebrating neurodiversity with shopping, live music, and pumpkin painting. Enjoy a photo booth, shop local vendors, grab food and drinks, and bring the whole family, including pets, for a pet-friendly evening out. The next day, Saturday, October 3rd, the Fall Yard Sale runs from 8 AM-2 PM across the neighborhood, giving residents the chance to shop, sell, and save right in their own community. That same morning, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s begins at Lake Eola at 8:30 AM, with Team Avalon Park Group joining thousands of others to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Join the AP team!
Halloween spirit continues on Saturday, October 17th with the Halloweentown Collective Corner Market at Founder’s Square from 4-9 PM. The evening features local makers, food, and small businesses, Halloweentown-inspired photo opportunities, a painta-pumpkin activity, live music, and a movie showing after sunset. Costumes are encouraged, making it a fun stop for the whole family before Halloween arrives.
Oktoberfest weekend kicks off Friday, October 9th with a beer garden preview in Town Park. The celebration continues into Saturday, October 10th, starting the morning with the Grace Foley Rock Your Socks 5K, a race held in memory of a young Avalon Park community member that raises awareness for epilepsy. From there, the day transitions into the full Oktoberfest festival from 5-10 PM, with streets lined with vendors, an adult beer garden, live bands, alpine dancing, bounce houses, a pumpkin patch, a kids area, a teen area, and the beloved Wiener Dog Derby. The Kids Entrepreneur Market also sets up in Founder’s Square
The year wraps up with Avalon Aglow on Saturday, December 5th from 3-9 PM, Avalon Park’s signature holiday celebration. The event features a parade through Downtown Avalon, live performances, train rides, and an appearance by Santa Claus, plus food from local vendors. The night finishes with a fireworks show over Avalon Lake, a favorite tradition for families across the community.
As November arrives, the Autumn Artisan Market & Family Fest takes over Town Park on Saturday, November 7th from 5-9 PM. Residents are invited to bring their old pumpkins to bowl with, plus enjoy vendors, a kids market, food, and music, a fun way to welcome the cooler months. The Avalon Park Arts & Culture Center keeps the creativity going all season long with hands-on workshops. On October 15th, guests can decorate their own Vietnamese Non La hat while learning about its history and traditions. On November 5th, Cozy Autumn Candles invites residents to paint their own candle while sipping cider, and on December 10th, DIY Ornaments offers a relaxing evening making keepsake ornaments to give or keep. There are also plenty of adult and kid art classes popping up on the calendar!
Throughout the fall, residents can also enjoy recurring favorites like Jetsetters Big Bingo, held monthly inside the Encore at Avalon Park Ballroom, and the Murder Book Club, which meets the third Wednesday of each month at Avalon General inside the Marketplace. From festivals to fitness events to family-friendly markets, there is something happening in Avalon Park nearly every week through the end of the year. Mark the calendar and get ready for a season full of community connection. Find all the information and tickets at AvalonParkOrlando.com/ Play/Event-Calendar
Avalon Park Foundation: Inspiring Neighbors, One Event at a Time The Avalon Park Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization created to encourage friends and neighbors to take part in positively influencing the community through service. Its mission is simple and direct: inspiring positive community engagement through collaborative services and events. Its vision is even more ambitious. As the Foundation puts it, the goal is to be the best neighbors in the world.
and Community Clean-Up. Each year, the Foundation also awards scholarships to local students through the Grace Foley Scholarship and the Ed Lynt Legacy Award, both named in honor of individuals whose contributions to Avalon Park leave a lasting impression.
That mission and vision are carried out through six core values: compassion, loyalty, unity, respect, integrity, and enthusiasm. Those values show up across three strategic focus areas that guide the Foundation’s work year-round: community service activities, signature 5K races, and a grant and scholarship program that gives Volunteers remain the heartbeat of every Foundation event. back directly to local students and community requests. Organizers are always looking for community members willing to lend their time, whether at a registration table, a water stop, or This fall, the community is invited to participate in two of its behind the scenes in event planning. Each new volunteer helps the signature events, the Grace Foley Rock Your Socks 5K and the Foundation extend its reach a little further into the community it Turkey Trot. These two races bring residents of all ages out to serves. run, walk, and support a shared cause together. Both events have become fixtures on the Avalon Park calendar, drawing families and To learn more, get involved, or sign up to volunteer, residents first-time racers alongside seasoned runners each year. can visit AvalonParkFoundation.com or email Info@ AvalonParkFoundation.com. As the Foundation continues to The Foundation stays active throughout the rest of the year as well, prove, being the best neighbors in the world starts with showing with events such as the Spring Fun Run and the Firecracker 5K, along up for one another. with community service projects like Blessing Bags for the Homeless
COMMUNITY CORNER
Avalon Park Group Named First Community Impact Partner for the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s East Orlando’s master-planned community joins the Alzheimer’s Association as a sponsor of the 2026 Orlando Walk, with a shared commitment to make Avalon Park a brain healthy community The Alzheimer’s Association Central & North Florida Chapter today announced a new partnership with Avalon Park Group, naming the East Orlando developer as the chapter’s first Community Impact Partner. The designation recognizes organizations that go beyond financial sponsorship to build lasting, hands-on relationships with the communities they serve.
said Jessica Wells, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Central & North Florida Chapter. “We’re proud to call them our first Community Impact Partner, and we hope their leadership inspires other organizations across our region to join us in this fight.”
Avalon Park Group is led by Beat Kahli, the community’s developer, owner, president and CEO, who also serves on the Alzheimer’s As part of the partnership, Association Central & North Florida Chapter’s board of directors. Avalon Park Group has Kahli’s dual role as both a business leader and board member committed to sponsor reflects the personal commitment behind the partnership. the 2026 Orlando Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The “Alzheimer’s touches families in every community, including ours,” two organizations are said Beat Kahli, President and CEO of Avalon Park Group. “As we also working together grow Avalon Park, we want it to be a place where our residents programmatically to bring have real access to brain health resources and support. Partnering Alzheimer’s Association with the Alzheimer’s Association lets us put that commitment into education and Brain action, and sponsoring the Walk is just one part of a much bigger Health resources directly effort.” to Avalon Park residents. Walk to End Alzheimer’s, October 3 at Lake Eola “Avalon Park Group is The 2026 Orlando Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place Saturday, showing what it looks October 3, at Lake Eola Park. The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting like when a business truly the entire Avalon Park community, along with the greater Orlando invests in the well-being area, to register, form or join a team, and walk alongside Avalon of the people who live and Park Group in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. work in its community,” To register for the Walk visit alz.org/orlandowalk
Twenty Years of Service: The Rotary Club of Avalon Park Celebrates Two Decades of Impact The Rotary Club of Avalon Park is marking a significant milestone this year: twenty years of service, fellowship, and community impact. Established in 2006 and part of District 6980, the club has spent two decades living out the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self,” growing from its earliest days into one of the most recognized and respected clubs in the region.
projects, and charitable initiatives that have touched countless lives across the community. Two decades in, the Foundation still puts community resources to work responsibly and continues to drive real, lasting change. As the club looks toward its next twenty years, it does so with the same energy that built its first two decades. From local initiatives to global impact, the Rotary Club of Avalon Park carries forward its proud tradition of making a difference, one project and one relationship at a time. Rotary Opens Opportunities. Twenty years in, the Rotary Club of Avalon Park remains one of the most highly recognized clubs in the area, noted by regional directors for outstanding leadership and innovation. In celebration of this milestone, the community is invited to join the club each Wednesday morning at the Avalon Pavilion at 7:30 a.m., located at 13401 Tanja King Blvd. It is a chance to meet neighbors, learn what Rotary is about, and discover how to serve and change lives, just as members have done for the past twenty years.
The Rotary International Four-Way Test A cornerstone of Rotary values for two decades and counting, the Over the past twenty years, the club has built a legacy rooted in Four-Way Test continues to guide every decision, project, and showing up for its neighbors, whether through hands-on service interaction: projects, community partnerships, or the fellowship that has kept members returning year after year. That same spirit continues Is it the TRUTH? today, carried forward by a community of Rotarians dedicated to Is it FAIR to all concerned? strengthening Avalon Park from the ground up. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? The Avalon Park Rotary Foundation (APRF) has played a vital Is it FUN? — an Avalon Park favorite. role throughout this journey, supporting scholarships, service
COMMUNITY (Cont.)