Lake Nona Social Magazine- June 2019

NONA

L A K E N O N A S O C I A L M AG A Z I NE J U N E 2 019

RICHARD SIMON A Shooting Star Amongst Us

ISLAND FIN POKÉ

Lake Nona’s Newest Eatery

AdventHealth to Build Lake Nona’s First ER

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JUNE 2019 | CONTENTS

16 14 2

Welcome

HOT TOPICS 4

AdventHealth ER A new emergency room is coming to Lake Nona

By Kimberly Poor

6

Island Fin Poké A sneak peek into Nona's newest eatery

By Mary Vasquez

8

Cover Story Richard Simon

16

22

CULINARY CORNER

SOCIAL CIRCLE

16 Bubble & Co. A restaurant with a purpose

28 The Scene Sip & Flamingle Latitude 28 at Boxi Park Mommy & Me Garden Tea Party

By Jesslyn Hernandez

HEALTH & WELLNESS 18 Bonding Through Athletics

By Jason Kasheta

30 Funniest Pet Lake Nona's funniest pet moments 32 Calendar June events in Lake Nona

19 A Lake Nona Tennis Superstar

By Juliana No

ON THE COVER

By Mary Vasquez

LE ESQUINA LATINA LIFESTYLE 11

12

Giving Back How serving a meal turned into a mission

20 The Real Iron Man Padres Solteros

By Nol Tosado

By Meredith Miller

REAL ESTATE

Staycations Our list of local actvities around Orlando

22 Mansion Living Boyz II Men‘s Nathan Morris revamps Lake Nona Home

By Juliana No

14 Fashion Effortless chic for summer

By Alpa Rama

By Lake Nona Staff

26 What is a Real Estate Bubble?

Are we in one?

By Lawrence Bellido

8 Richard Simon and his daughter Tianna.

Home: Jones Homes USA Model home: Ponte Vedra Photographer: Joshua Best

LAKENONASOCIAL.COM | NONA MAGAZINE

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WELCOME | JUNE 2019

LETTER FROM THE

PUBLISHER can’t believe how fast time is flying. I find that time is flying too fast as I watch my 3 kids grow up in Lake Nona. My oldest son graduated from Lake Nona High this year. My middle son is starting in Lake Nona High and my daughter in Lake Nona Middle School. I can’t help but feel gratitude that we have been able to build a life in a place that is truly special and offers a loving community. As a father, the most important thing for me is to secure my kids in a place that is safe and offers activities, a good education, and a healthy lifestyle. My family and I have found that here in our life in Lake Nona. I’m so proud of what my kids have accomplished over the years, it makes father’s day extra special knowing that I have done my best to provide an environment that allows them to thrive.

I

— Omar Hickman

LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR

ver the years I have learned that there is a big difference between a father and a dad. Thankfully, I had the best dad anyone can ask for. With every day that passes, I realize more and more the sacrifices he had done for me and my two sisters and the effort he put to raise us to become the women we are today. Nothing can replace the security a girl feels knowing that she has a dad that has her back. It is not easy having to be the “man” these days. I am sure it comes with a lot of pressure. Pressure to perform and provide and protect. So, for all the women, moms, and kids reading this, make sure you take the time every once in a while (and not just on Father’s Day) to let the men in your lives know they are appreciated and loved.

O

NONA

L AK E N ON A S OC IAL M AGAZ INE

JUNE 2019 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

A publication of LAKE NONA SOCIAL

Publisher Omar Hickman Editor in Chief Samia Solh Editor Meredith Miller Graphic Design Renée Blair Graphic Design Intern Paola Tepedino Contributing Writers Lawrence Bellido Jesslyn Hernandez Jason Kasheta Meredith Miller Juliana No Kimberly Poor Alpa Rama Nol Tosado Mary Vasquez Photographers Joshua Best Denee Hickman

Happy Father’s Day, Lake Nona!

—Samia Solh

I would really like to keep the lines of communication open so that this magazine can be a reflection of the community it caters to. I want to hear your stories, suggestions, and read your comments. My email is always open so email away! sam@lakenonasocial.com

ADVERTISING Sam Solh 407.873.9864 Sam@lakenonasocial.com

Nona Magazine is published by Lake Nona Social.

The publisher disclaims all liability for any and all advertisements, promotions, articles, and other affiliated content contained within this publication. The opinions of the authors are those alone. We do not accept any liability for information or advice provided by any advertiser, sponsor, or associated business provided in this magazine. ©2019 Lake Nona Social. All Rights Reserved.

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HOT TOPICS | LAKE NONA ER

ADVENTHEALTH

BY KIMBERLY POOR

ake Nona’s burgeoning medical community is preparing to welcome a new kid on the block.

construction cost is $15.6 million. Orlando-based HuntonBrady Architects is the architect for the project.

AdventHealth is constructing a new emergency room in Lake Nona. The facility, scheduled to open in spring 2020, will be located on 6.54 acres at Lake Nona Boulevard and Narcoossee Road.

When completed, the ER will have 24 patient rooms and employ approximately 100 people. Two of these rooms will be specifically equipped for pediatric patients and designed to make visits less stressful for young patients. Additionally, the ER will provide respiratory therapy; diagnostic imaging, including CT scans, X-ray and ultrasound; and a full-service laboratory.Â

L

A groundbreaking is planned this summer for the one-story, approximately 19,000-square-foot facility. The estimated

4 NONA MAGAZINE | JUNE 2019

“We are excited to announce we will be adding this ER to our expanding network of care,” said Jeff Villanueva, CEO of AdventHealth’s East Orlando market. “The Lake Nona area will be expanding quickly in the years ahead, and we want to keep pace with the needs of the community.

Placing an ER in Lake Nona will give residents an easy, convenient way to access the entire AdventHealth network.”

The Lake Nona ER is AdventHealth’s fifth freestanding ER in Central Florida. It is part of a larger effort by AdventHealth to make emergency care accessible to Central Florida residents. AdventHealth ERs are open in Lake Mary and Winter Garden. Two additional ERs, in Waterford Lakes and Oviedo, are under construction and will open later this year.

AdventHealth also has plans for two more ERs in Orange and Osceola counties. The specific locations for these facilities, however, have not yet been made public. If constructions go as planned, by next year Central Florida could have as many as 17 freestanding ERs, with seven provided by AdventHealth, six by Orlando Health and four by HCA Healthcare.

AdventHealth has a long tradition in patient care. It was founded in 1908 in Battle Creek, Michigan, by Seventh-day Adventists who believed in whole-person health. Specifically healing the body, mind and spirit.

Today AdventHealth is one of the largest nonprofit hospitals in the country, caring for more than two million patient visits per year in the Central Florida alone. Operating nearly 50 hospitals and hundreds of care centers in nine states, AdventHealth is one of the largest faith-based health-care systems in the United States.

Their Central Florida Division encompasses 16 hospitals in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Volusia, and Flagler Counties. The Central Division’s care network also includes more than 30 CentraCare urgent-care centers; sport-rehab and imaging centers; and hundreds of physicians, including primary care physicians and a diverse group of specialists.

Adventist Health System is the second-largest employer in the area with more than 83,000 employees for 2018.

Not only is AdventHealth seeking to make care more accessible, they are endeavoring to tailor each facility to the community it serves. Every three years, the organization conducts community health needs assessments. This data gathered is used to develop a specific community health plan for each hospital to improve area residents’ health through education, research, financial assistance, special programs and spiritual resources. O

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HOT TOPICS | ISLAND FIN POKÉ

Fin-ishing Touches on Island Fin Poké RAISING THE BAR ON HEALTHY AND FRESH EATS

is the season for refreshing foods and island vibes. Thankfully, Lake Nonian’s won’t have to travel outside the neighborhood to get some delicious grub. Island Fin Poké is coming to town and opening their doors in mid-June at the Pixon! As a true foodie and Yelp Elite, I personally could not be more excited about this. So, without further ado, let’s dive into whatthe-poké this joint is about!

‘T

Food makes me happy. Like seriously, very happy. But food is just food if you can’t taste the love. After meeting Mark and Paul, the proud founders of Island Fin Poké, they quickly dove into a beautiful bromantic story about their love for quality foods and community. They both have equally impressive culinary backgrounds… from running ten different kitchens in Las Vegas and California to supplying food for banquets that hosted 1,400 people a day! Mark and Paul had danced around

6 NONA MAGAZINE | JUNE 2019

COURTESY ISLAND FIN POKÉ

BY MARY VASQUEZ

the idea of one day opening a restaurant of their own. And fifteen years later, they’ve built a legendary business which is simultaneously helping to elevate their community. As I sat there talking to Mark and Paul, I felt welcomed by their friendly tones and captivated by their passion for food.

Together they decided to bring the tropical taste of Hawaii to Florida by introducing their original and mouthwatering made to order poké bowls (you should thank them in advance).

WHAT IS POKÉ?

COURTESY ISLAND FIN POKÉ

Poké (pronounced “po-kay”) is a classic Hawaiian fisherman’s dish featuring fresh raw fish (typically ahi tuna), which is tossed with raw vegetables and a shoyu (soy sauce). A growing desire across the world for fresh sashimi style foods as well as a hunger for protein-rich, healthy dishes have inspired a global appetite for poké.

Island Fin Poké offers elements drawn from mixed cultures of the islands while supporting local farmers (or as they say “pole-to-bowl and farm-to-fork”) by incorporating a wide variety of ingredients. As the seasons change, so does the menu.

This approach ensures freshness and supports what local sources bring to market.

At Island Fin Poké you build your own bowl. This is an experience to remember considering there are over 6 proteins to choose from (they actually have octopus as an option… exotic huh?!), mixed greens, jasmine and brown rice as a base plus

25 toppings (these are free!), and countless fin-ishing sauces to make your very own unique poké. With all the combinations to choose from, it’s almost impossible to have the same thing twice. This is the spot for a food adventurer!

these guys; a sense of warmth and authenticity. Their vision for Island Fin Poké was to create a casual eatery where they can focus on getting to know their customers while providing exceptional service and divine food.

RESPONSIBLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS

Mark and Paul go beyond their mission and are building relationships with local organizations, already establishing a partnership with Nemours Hospital. Philanthropy and community are so important, they model their business around them.

Island Fin Poké prides itself in fresh and sustainable fish, sourcing the cleanest and highest quality available. Their passion for serving the healthiest and most delicious poké bowl equates to a freshness you can taste. Their promise is no preservatives, frozen products, artificial coloring or sweeteners. That sounds ocean fresh to me!

WHAT’S IN IT FOR LAKE NONA? Not only is Lake Nona getting a great restaurant to brag about but we are also getting our new favorite neighbors. I would love for you to experience what I did when I met

Conveniently nestled at the Pixon, with plenty of parking, this place is our next hot-spot. They even feature a daily happy hour from 3-6PM, featuring their exclusive Dole whip (above)… a cloudy-frozen orange-pineapple mouse that is truly out of this world. It’s guilt-free, gluten-free and delicious!

Make happy hour at Island Fin Poké your new family tradition! O

LAKENONASOCIAL.COM | NONA MAGAZINE

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HOT TOPICS | SPOTLIGHT • COVER STORY

A Shooting Star AMONG US

BY MARY VASQUEZ

ffectionately named “The City Beautiful," Orlando’s popularity amongst tourists and transplants continues to rise. With an increase in population naturally comes a surge in the real estate market.

But if you’re not familiar with the process for investing in a property, it can all seem scary. Enter Richard Simon. Richard is a seasoned real estate veteran and owner of New Home Title, a leading title company that serves the Central and South Florida real estate community. His unique background provides an interesting take on how he approaches business and his clients. I had the opportunity to delve into his story and the makings of his vibrant and successful career.

A

MV: Are you a native to Florida or Texas. I see that you guys have a branch in Texas as well.

RS: I grew up in Miami, so I’m a native to Florida. New Home Title actually has offices in Texas, Colorado and of course Florida. We are growing at a fast rate and hope to expand our office locations to serve more clients locally.

Although we can do closings in any part of the country or world with the aid of technology and a quick flight, we see the value in having a “go-to” brick and mortar so clients can meet with me, or my team, face-to-face.

One of my principles as the owner of this company is never to be unattainable, so I value in-person conversations and calling my customers to answer any questions they may have. You have to remember that by the time a client reaches the transaction point of their home purchase, a lot has happened. Home-buying is not a walk in the park, so I like to make these last steps as smooth and pleasant as possible.

RS: Actually, when I finished my undergrad, I worked with an attorney by the name of Michael E. Marder, who handled all of my music contracts. At that time, I was heavily involved in the music industry and developed a great working relationship with him. He looked out for my best interests and helped me make important decisions. In conversation, the topic of real estate came up and he

8 NONA MAGAZINE | JUNE 2019

JOSHUA BEST

MV: Tell me how you first got involved with home titles.

quickly showed me titles from beginning to end. Mr. Marder pretty much showed me the ropes to this booming industry. All of my understanding of title came from him. He tutored me and pushed me to get out there, and for that, I am forever grateful. Prior to that conversation, I didn't have any real estate experience. However, working for him and learning from a pioneer in the industry was a blessing. I can honestly say that I learned from the best.

MV: What was your first impression of the real estate industry? Were you intimidated by it?

RS: No. Not at all. I am not intimidated by anything, so for me, it was more of a challenge to learn the ins and outs of the business. It was a very exciting experience… and I can say it has changed my life. Real Estate has become my passion, and I love what I do!

MV: What’s a common rookie mistake that most first time home buyers/owners make?

RS: A lot of times, new home buyers do not understand the process of home buying. Often buyers, and sometimes sellers, don’t know that they can choose their own title company. Essentially, they are going through this process following what someone else has dictated. So much is going on that these important options are not conveyed to the buyer. At New Home Title, we aim to be a helping hand and whether you are referred to us by an agent or a friend, we will let you know if someone else is offering a better program. This is what good customer service should be.

JOSHUA BEST

MV: In your opinion, do you think it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market now?

RS: I believe it’s a buyer’s market. Inventory is low right now but there’s a lot of construction at the moment, so that will change over time. If you are a buyer, there are a lot of programs out there that can help you

meet your goals. We at New Home Title are also here to help. We do things in a non-traditional fashion; forward thinking and innovative while staying a bit old school when it comes to customer service — answering our own phones, for example.

MV: What do you wish people knew about home titles? What advice would you give those new to the home purchase experience?

RS: I wish home buyers knew more about title insurance. The average person does not know what it is, and yet it's an integral part of the home buying process. At New Home Title, we are doing a lot of events in the community, partnering with local realtors to help spread awareness in our community. This information is helpful because knowing your options as a buyer is a game changer.

I invite everyone to visit us at www. newhomenationaltitle.com to stay connected and learn about our upcoming community events and our other locations.

MV: Who was Richard Simon in high school...is it the same Richard Simon we see today?

RS: I grew up singing and participating in choir. My grandmother played piano in the church. I was also a bit of a jock and played football. But singing found me and I loved it. A meeting with Philip Michael Thomas helped me get into a music career.

He owned a theatre in the North Miami area and sponsored some local talent shows. I participated in a talent show and he fell in love with my voice. He quickly took me under his wing and wanted me to do a music album with his daughter. He later in-

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HOT TOPICS | SPOTLIGHT • COVER STORY

troduced me to Hollywood and got me into films. I was fortunate to be in two movies in the 90s, “Only the Strong” and “The Substitute." After filming, I was offered a record deal and recorded an album. This allowed me to travel and get a global perspective on cultures. It helped me tremendously in my career in insurance title and became the foundation block of New Home Title.

ter, My son taught me responsibility at a young age. I wanted to be a man of honor and a model for him.

This was crucial in my development as a man. Tianna taught me that it is important to walk the talk. I pride myself in being a role model and set the standard for how she should be treated and loved. Healthy relationships with our children is a must, and I relentlessly work on ours to ensure we grow our bond daily.

MV: Any advice for fathers out there?

RS: Be a man of your word, be a stand-up guy. It takes a village to raise a child. Always remember that our children are looking at us to set the example. O

So yes, this is the same Richard Simon you see today. The core values are the same.

MV: What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

RS: I believe that people do not know how optimistic I am. I am a slow “yes” kind of person because I am all about dedication. Once I set my mind to chase something, I don’t stop until I get it. It’s a winning mentality which has helped me with perspective.

MV: Are there any charities or causes that you or New Home Titles are involved in?

RS: Currently, we are having conversations with some local charities.

We are slowly getting to know a few organizations and will soon be able to announce our partnerships.

MV: Any big influencers in your life?

RS: My father, Richard Ball, has been a big influence in my life. He is a doctor and leading some interesting projects. Philip Michael Thomas, of course. But honestly, I admire anyone from any walk that is a person of their word who is living positively and with honor.

RS: My children have taught me resiliency. I have a 20-year-old son, Nathaniel, and a 5-year-old daugh-

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JOSHUA BEST

MV: What have your children taught you about parenting?

GIVING BACK | LIFESTYLE

How Serving a Meal Turned Into a Mission

BY MEREDITH MILLER f you know Patricia, you know that she loves to feed people. Her growing catering company is a testament to that. Gourmet Gratis, started as a way to stay busy, and care for others in the community. "I relocated to Lake Nona from San Antonio and moved in with my family. It felt like I had lost a little independence and I needed to get the focus off myself," Patricia explains.

I

From construction workers and golf course crews in her backyard, to the homeless and beyond, Patricia started delivering meals, one at a time.

Her food was so delicious that word quickly began to spread. Her heart is to donate food to those who need it, but she quickly realized she could only do so much as one person. Requests came in for catering and Patricia jumped at the chance to feed more people and make more money to advance her mission.

Her business model isn't one you'll find in most corporations, but she's ok with that. After retiring from the business world, she has no desire to go back. Instead, she follows her own model, using the feeding of the 5,000 numbers from the Bible as her inspiration. Five loaves and two fish stuck out to Patricia and those numbers now represent the foundation for her business. For every five meals she sells, she donates two. With a goal of growing fivefold this year, that equates to feeding 500 for free before her second anniversary. "Although we're growing, it's not about making money," says Patricia. "It's about being obedient to what God would have me do for my community. It's about

serving people who may otherwise fall through the cracks."

there are those catering events that keep Gourmet Gratis really busy.

Patricia knows what it is like to go without. As a single mom, she worked hard to support her two children, but things were tough. "I worked a full-time job, so I didn't qualify for food stamps. But things were so tight there were days we didn't have food to eat. We'd make due sometimes with sugarless KoolAid and butter-less bread." She knows people may not seek out help for various reasons, or even know where to start if they wanted it. But that doesn't mean they don't need it. The kindness she received from people that reached out in her time of need has stayed with Patricia her whole life.

The combination of delicious food, a heartfelt mission and the relentless energy Patricia brings to her business has resulted in rapid growth, solely from word of mouth. But you won't find Patricia taking the credit. She's listening to what God has in mind for her future, and she couldn't be happier about it. Along the way, she's partnering with others who work with a bigger purpose, Mission Coffee Roasters, who works alongside her at many events.

Although she is officially retired, it appears Patricia doesn't follow the true meaning of that word. You can find her and Gourmet Gratis at the Ronald McDonald house in Lake Nona every first Saturday of the month, feeding families who are staying there. She's also working to partner with Lake Nona High School, providing meals for homeless teens. "People may not realize it but there are students attending high school in our community that don't have a place to stay at night or may be sleeping in their car," says Patricia. But with her in the community, she hopes she'll be able to at least provide a hot meal and a reminder that people care about them.

Gourmet Gratis may soon be feeding the homeless downtown as well.

Patricia is working with an organization who provides meals and hopes to contribute her skills and homecooked style food. And of course,

You may be wondering what Patricia does in her off-time. She participates in a Bible Study at her church, Rethink Life. There she meets with other individuals to share stories, fellowship, study God's word and, you guessed it, help people. Once a week the group prays for a member of the community in need; a friend, relative or neighbor, and delivers a meal that Patricia has cooked.

If you'd like to support the incredible mission Patricia is bringing to life in our community, you can join her at the many events she participates in to volunteer, donate or eat! Or, better yet, choose Gourmet Gratis to cater your next event. You'll be able to enjoy delicious Caribbean inspired food (Patricia's specialty), or whatever type of food you had in mind. But better yet, you might get to meet Patricia.

A woman who will feed not only your stomach, but also your soul.

To follow more of the Gourmet Gratis story, visit @gourmet.gratis52

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LIFESTYLE | STAYCATIONS

STAYCATIONS

Possibly the Best Way to "Vaca"

BY JULIANA NO

V

acations are great but have you ever gotten back from one and felt like you needed another vacation to recuperate from it?

The truth is that vacationing is an experience, but for many it can add stress, particularly when traveling for or with family.

From heavy packing to airports and long car rides; some getaways can feel more like work than anything else. That is why we love staycations.

What are staycations? They are short vacations during which you stay in town.

Living in Orlando gives you the opportunity to maximize this type of experience.

There are plenty of options for you to enjoy.

Top: Rosen Shingle Creek Bottom: Four Seasons

12 N O N A M A G A Z I N E | J U N E 2 0 1 9

Want to have a family weekend with the kids? Go to Disney or Universal and stay at one of their themed hotels. Need a couple’s retreat? Options include heading downtown and staying at the Grand Bohemian to 3-day cruises departing from Cape Canaveral — just 50 minutes away from Lake Nona. Want to experience luxury?

The Four Seasons is the place to go with top meals and areas for kids and adults.

We highly recommend you check out their seasonal packages. We had the opportunity to enjoy Easter breakfast there this year. Not only was the food amazing, activities throughout the day were organized for kids. Options for couples included relaxing at the pool or spa.

Are you a nature lover and want to do something a bit different? How about visiting one of the many natural parks that Central Florida has to offer? From bird watching to cabins and actual camping at places like the Woodbury Farms. There you can enjoy the company of horses and farm animals during your stay. Or, how about Blue Spring State Park, just 35 miles outside of Orlando? There, manatees and humans swim in spring waters in peace.

Love nature but don’t want to get so upclose and personal? Try Gatorland where kids of all ages can learn about the famous Floridian predator for a day or go to SeaWorld, where animal lovers and park enthusiasts can both have a good time.

Check out our list of local staycations and contact them to book yours:

Downtown Fun for Couples GRAND BOHEMIAN HOTEL 325 S Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 1-800-293-0718 kesslercollection.com/bohemianorlando.com Classy and different, it’s known for their white and red rooftop pool, modern restaurant and art gallery.

Avg. price $200-$300

Resorts. The Spanish-style property is known for their top-notch golf course visited by golf enthusiasts from all over the country and their 450,000sq. ft. of meeting space, making it perfect for weddings and conventions.

Avg. room over $200

Nature in Town Weekend Getaway with the Kids DISNEY EXPERIENCE

Don’t forget to check out the Amway Center, Dr. Phillips and Mad Cow Theater for events and shows while you're there.

disneyparks.disney.go.com Being an Orlando resident can have benefits when you go to the parks.

Check out all prices for different parks and hotels on their website.

From one day passes and enjoying the other day at the hotel to multipark passes, including options for the aquatic parks. The Disney experience is one you can customize.

GATORLAND 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FL www.gatorland.com The best place to learn with your kids about our neighbors, the gators. Regular passes are between $20-$30 and annual passes are under $50.

SEAWORLD 7007 Sea World Dr., Orlando, FL 1-407- 545-5550 seaworld.com

UNIVERSAL EXPERIENCE universalorlando.com Florida Residents save $50 off the gate price on multi-day tickets to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure when buying online.

A mix between theme park and marine zoological park, it has something for everyone and it makes a perfect activity for a family day.

Far Far Away (within an hour)

Luxury Getaway FOUR SEASONS 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Orlando, FL 1-407-313-7777 fourseasons.com

Up Close and Personal with Nature

Refined rooms and exquisite spa services are just the beginning of what this resort has to offer. Check out their holiday packages for an experience you won’t forget.

Avg. room over $600

BLUE SPRING STATE PARK

ROSEN SHINGLE CREEK

2100 W French Ave., Orange City, FL 1-386-775-3663 floridastateparks.org

A staple in the Central Florida community, the Rosen Shingle Creek is the crown jewel of the Rosen Hotels &

9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL (866) 996-6338 portcanaveral.com We’re not sure if we can call them a staycation, but with 5 different companies to choose from and plenty of exotic destinations (such as Cuba) for just 3-4 short days, these cruises begin only 50 minutes away from Lake Nona and are the ultimate getaway for when you need a quick escape. O

The Resort Experience 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 1-866-996-6338 rosenshinglecreek.com

CRUISES AT PORT CANAVERAL

The park is a popular tourist destination; available activities include canoeing, SCUBA diving, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, and swimming.

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LIFESTYLE | SUMMER LOOKS

EFFORTLESS CHIC

for Summer

BY ALPA RAMA

A

How can you acquire a chic, effortless look in Summer? Simply, by not trying too hard. Go minimalist with airy fitted clothes — preferably made from heat-friendly material such as cotton or linen.

For bottoms, I suggest you ditch the skinny jeans or anything extremely tight. Trust me, it won't be your best friend to tackle the heat.

Instead, choose paper waisted or dressy pants that look elegant while having room for a little air as well.

Dressy shorts (like in the photo), mum fit denim shorts, maxi skirts or midi skirts are great options for those that work in the corporate world.

For tops, oversized is trending this season, so go for wide fitted blouses, basic tees and shirts. Dresses are also a great idea!

Add a blazer to the shoulders and any of your outfits can go from day to night. I am personally a huge fan of blazers, whether it's day or night, because it gives you immediate el-

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egance. I wear it over my shoulder to be comfortable with the temperature.

For shoes, I am a huge fan of flats just because they are so comfortable. When the urge to wear heels happens, I choose kitten heels or espadrilles. Espadrilles are actually a must-have in your Summer wardrobe for a French girl!

Now, to give that extra personal touch, you can accessorize your outfit with a necklace, belts, bags, earrings — but once again, nothing in excess. Always keep minimalism in mind!

How about hair and make-up? I am loving the sleek tie hairstyle, not only because it's humid outside, but also because it's so pleasant to have that breeze on your neck.

You feel me on that one, don't you?

It also gives you that finished chic look. For make-up, I suggest keeping it minimal — let the skin breath as much as possible! O

Bonjour, my name is Alpa. I am a fashion blogger at AParisianInAmerica.com, born and raised in Paris, France and now living in sunny Lake Nona. I am also the Chief Marketing Officer for @atelierintheclouds and have a passion for "La Mode." To see more of my favorite styles, visit my Instagram, instagram.com/alpa.rama.

BART PAINE

s we Orlandians know, Summer is no joke when it comes to the temperature! At first, it made me feel like I was walking into an oven every single time I walked outside. The heat would eventually manage to impact my look in some way. But throughout the years, I managed to find a style that could be comfortable yet chic, even in extreme temperatures.

BART PAINE

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CULINARY CORNER | BUBBLE & CO.

A Restaurant with a Purpose

BY JESSLYN HERNANDEZ @orlandofoodiegirl

E

xecutive Chef Jenn and founder of Bubble & Co, believes that everything created in life needs to be created with a mission and purpose.

Chef Jenn created her eatery with a mission — to offer an inviting spot in the community to eat, drink and relax. Oneof-a-kind murals decorate the walls, and

a wishing tree is there to impart wisdom to visitors. Freshly made French pastries fill the bakery with sweet smells, complemented by warm brewed coffees and unique earthy teas.

When I first walked into Bubble & Co., I was immediately transported to a coffee shop reminiscent of one you’d find in a French town. Each wall I turned to had a message of inspiration that strengthened my thoughts or made me smile. Trays of candies and fresh cut fruit were inviting but I chose a flakey croissant and a rose tea from the extensive menu.

Wellspring International is a non-profit organization that rehabilitates and empowers women and children in need around the world. They help women who have been victims of war or abuse. The organization sends doctors and vocational trainers to rescue these women and help

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COURTESY BUBBLE & CO.

I sat down at their long rose lined marble table to soak it all in. Bubble & Co was beautiful. As I took in my surroundings, I saw the book. In the middle of this long marble table that was scattered with fresh rose petals, stood a big gray book with the word "Beautiful" on the front.

"What's this book about?" I asked Chef Jenn. She smiled and said, "That's our purpose! I believe that any restaurant created needs to have a greater purpose than just food, so I created this restaurant with the purpose of donating to this charity." She grinned widely, picked up the book and slid her fingers across the raised words, "Wellspring International."

them begin a new life. They house abandoned children, provide care and train them in self-sufficiency.

You could feel the warmth of Chef Jenn's compassion as she slid her hand over each page showing the pictures of these women with big smiles across their faces.

Their beautified scars held the memories of their past. At that moment, I was honored to know this beautiful Chef.

COURTESY BUBBLE & CO.

Whether you come to Bubble & Co. for the unique bubble cones, their fresh French pastries, a light lunch, or a weekend brunch tea tower, think about your mission. Think about your purpose in life and know that if only for that moment that you are visiting, that you have made a difference in someone else's world.

Cheers to Chef Jenn for creating this eatery and for helping to make the world a better place, one sip at a time.

Bubble & Co. 6400 International Drive, Suite 103 Orlando, FL 32819 407-751-7340

LAKENONASOCIAL.COM | NONA MAGAZINE

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HEALTH & WELLNESS | FITNESS

Bonding Through Athletics

BY JASON KASHETA

ith Father's Day rapidly approaching, it's a great time to celebrate the important role dads can play in our life. When I was growing up, I played sports. A lot of sports, and that continued throughout my college career. As a younger athlete, I craved my dad's attention, to play ball outside or give me some tips.

Unfortunately, we never seemed to get as much time as I wanted. He had a demanding job and I spent a lot of time with my grandmother. She was GREAT at making pierogi's, but not so much at throwing a football.

W

Now, many years later and with a 15year career in training under my belt, I have solid evidence that the activity level of a parent can dramatically influence how active their kids are now and later — long after the early years.

Below are three great ways I've seen dads (and moms!) connect with their kids through athletics. If you're doing this, way to go. If you're not, start with one or two that you're interested in. You and your children will be glad you did.

BE THE LEADER This is definitely the most important advice I can give a father that is looking to set an example. Hiring a great personal trainer or getting your kids onto the right teams is great, but it won't have the same effect as making fitness a priority yourself. Some parents worry about investing too much in themselves at the expense of time they could be spending with their children. And of course, time is precious. But raising kids isn't just

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about the here and now, it's about setting them up for a long healthy future. If you are taking time to set that example, it will pay dividends for them too. Plus, there are dozens of ways to involve them in your workouts, whether they are two or twenty!

VOLUNTEER If your children play on a team sport, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Sitting in the stands means a lot, but if you have the time, see how to take the next step. The younger the child, the easier this may be. A T-ball coach definitely isn't held to the same standard as a major league coach so if you're not confident with all the rules, you can learn them as your child progresses. If you have a teenager, or son or daughter that is already competitive, there's still room for you! Even helping out with snacks and drinks will show your kids that you believe in the skills they're building.

BUILD A CONNECTION Regardless of your child's age, there are ways to be athletic together. It blends the first two suggestions above — not focusing on just yourself or your child's activities. And it allows you to try new things as a family, which is a great way to create a stronger bond. If you're not sure where to start, take it outside. Believe me when I say, throwing a ball together can have a lasting impact.

If your family was like mine, maybe an engaged father isn't an option. That's OK too! I know a lot of moms, grandmothers and other strong women who set a great example for their kids when it comes to living a healthy

life. I also found a lot of encouragement from my coaches and trainers growing up which is why I still consider it an honor to work with young men and women who don't have a dad in the home. Because my father couldn't be around, he chose to hire a personal trainer for me when I was 12. Not only did I look up to him (and still keep in touch), I learned the discipline that helped me play sports through college and dedicate my life to helping others stay healthy.

Regardless of what your situation is, you don't have to worry. These tips are translatable to other members of the family!

For more information, visit www.kashetabodyfit.com. And to all the dad's out there, Happy Father's Day! O Jason Kasheta is the owner of Kasheta BodyFit, a training company serving clients in person and virtually in Lake Nona, Orlando and beyond. To learn more, visit www.kashetabodyfit.com.

USTA | HEALTH & WELLNESS

A Lake Nona Tennis Superstar

BY JULIANA NO

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2014, Florida will be represented in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Singles Championships.

We've all heard about the big names, the Nadals, the Venus Williams…but tennis stars are forged way before they end up in a Wimbledon match. And as with any sport, there are a huge array of competitions. This month, on May 16th, we witnessed the quarterfinals for Men between Florida and Baylor.

USTA in Orlando hosted the NCAA competition this year.

Even before our locals went onto the court, you could smell the excitement in the air. However, the magic really started when those orange Gator shirts jumped onto the field.

There is something about playing in your state. But it is even more special when you play in your town. This time around, the Gators from the University of Florida had local Lake Nona superstar Sam Riffice competing for the win. The bleachers rumbled with noise and cheers when they entered the field in a way we had not heard for previous matches. And how could it be any other way?!

COURTESY NCAA/USTA

Sam Riffice and his mom moved to the Lake Nona area after USTA established their Orlando location. She works for the organization and he has become a local superstar.

Now a freshman at the University of Florida and playing with the Gators, he was a 5-star Blue Chip recruit. His chart is full of impressive numbers: number 2 overall recruit in the country, number 1 recruit out of California, number 1 recruit in Southwest Region and number 18 by the International Tennis Federation.

Florida won the matches against Baylor, but Riffice didn’t stop there. The SEC Freshmen of the Year knocked off No. 2 — JJ Wolf of Ohio State — in one of the most exciting singles matches the NCAA has seen this season.

This advanced him to quarterfinals against Kovacevic from Illinois, who he is playing as we write this article.

Quarterfinals is a big deal and having a Lake Nonian in it fills us with pride. No matter the outcome, we will be cheering Florida and Riffice on. O

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LE ESQUINA LATINA | SINGLE DADS

THE REAL IRON MAN Padres Solteros POR: NOL TOSADO, MSWPC COACH DE SALUD MENTAL

n viernes en la tarde dos amigos se encontraban en un restaurante, y uno le comentaba sobre muchas quejas de su padre. Mi padre me llama todos los días, y quiere hablar y hablar sin parar. El dice que se siente solo, la verdad no lo visito mucho y no soporto tantas quejas. Ya sabes cómo son los padres viejos, no se cansan de contar las mismas historias una y otra vez, habla sobre sus enfermedades, achaques nuevos cada día; y bueno, como tu sabes yo no tengo tiempo, el trabajo, los amigos y ahora tengo una novia que requiere mucho tiempo. Me imagino que tu debes estar pasando lo mismo que yo.

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El otro amigo callado lo escucha y le responde: Mi historia es muy diferente a la tuya. Yo por mi parte, converso mucho con mi padre; cada vez que estoy triste, lo visito para estar con él, cuando me siento solo o cuando necesito hablar con alguien y necesito fortaleza, mi padre está para mí. Cuando estoy con mi padre, siempre me conforta, me da fortaleza y paz. El otro amigo dijo, eres afortunado, yo no he apreciado mucho a mi padre como tú. El otro dijo, amigo, si supieras, mi padre no solo es mi mejor amigo, es mi héroe. Gracias a mi padre, yo soy el hombre que soy hoy. Mi padre me crió solo ya que mi madre murió

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muy joven. Mi padre me enseñó valores, respeto y responsabilidad. Mi padre siempre estuvo presente en mis logros y en mis fracasos, siempre me brindó aliento y fortaleza.

Ese viejito dedicó su vida en mí, y yo nunca podré pagar tanto amor.

La vida se llevó a mi madre, pero me compensó con un super papá, mi héroe. El otro amigo escucha esta historia con detenimiento y muy triste, entonces el otro amigo dijo: No esperes a perder a tu padre para lamentarte del tiempo perdido. Existe la frase popular: “Madre solo hay una”, pero también podemos decir: “Padre solo hay uno”.

Históricamente como parte de los temas relacionados con la familia, las madres solteras siempre estuvieron presentes en la discusión de los “issues” sociales, pero ¿Existen muchos padres solteros en nuestra sociedad? No es frecuente que los padres se queden con la custodia de los hijos frente a la madre, aunque es probable que pase. Cada vez se está dando un fenómeno nuevo que tiene como protagonistas a padres solteros.

Según, “Pew Research Center”, Washington, DC: En el año 1960, trecientos mil hogares estaban

dirigidos por padres solteros en U.S. En el año 2011 este número creció a 2 millones y según, “U.S. Census Bureau” la proporción de niños que viven con un padre soltero ha aumentado de aproximadamente el 1% de todos los niños en la década de 1960, a un 4.35% en 2017.

La sociedad en que vivimos es dinámica y cambiante. La taza de divorcios ha aumentado dramáticamente en los últimos años. Muchos pueden pensar que las madres lideran las estadísticas, pero la realidad es que existen varios factores que muestran novedades en este tema social.

Datos interesantes según un estudio hecho por: “National Center for Family & Marriage Research —Bowling Green State University, Ohio 2016” Padre Soltero Americano Blanco 56% Madre Soltera Americana Blanca 33% Padre Soltero Latino 23% Madre Soltera Latina 27% Padre Soltero Afroamericano 13% Madre Soltera Afroamericano 32% Estos números nos revelan que los padres solteros son una realidad latente en nuestra sociedad. ¿Por qué el aumento? Las posibles razones incluyen un aumento en la tasa de divorcios y entre otros factores desde 1960, los cuales han contribuido

a un aumento en el número de padres solteros, y madres solteras. Al mismo tiempo, actualmente los tribunales proveen la custodia al padre con mayor frecuencia. Esto es un reflejo del papel cambiante de los padres en general en nuestra sociedad. A continuación, 5 consejos prácticos para ayudar a los padres solteros en la crianza de sus hijos e hijas.

5 consejos para ayudar a padres solteros en la crianza de hijos e hijas 1. Disciplina con paciencia El padre debe crear una estructura de comportamiento, reglas claras, justas y razonables. El objetivo es que los niños y niñas desarrollen un buen comportamiento y carácter.

2. Evitar la sobreprotección El padre debe pemitir que su hijo/ hija tenga cierto nivel de independencia, pero con responsabilidades.

ve a su padre tranquilo y relajado, esto lo hace sentir que vive en un hogar estable.

4. Amar por igual El padre soltero que tiene más de un hijo debe brindar la misma atención a todos por igual. Tener favoritismos puede causar baja autoestima o trauma emocional en el niño o niña.

5. Reforzar el apego con los hijos e hijas.

Históricamente las madres son figuras insustituibles para un hijo o hija pues aportan una sensibilidad, una química que es muy difícil que el hombre iguale. Sin embargo, esto no quiere decir que un hombre no pueda suplir el rol de una madre efectivamente. Pero es necesario que el padre agudice su sensibilidad, el cariño y el amor.

“El futuro tiene muchos nombres.

Para los débiles es lo inalcanzable.

Para los temerosos, lo desconocido.

Para los valientes la oportunidad”, (Victor Hugo). O

3. Desconectar cambiando el ambiente El padre soltero debe desarrollar una vida propia. Practicar algún deporte o practicar algún “hobby”.

Esto se debe hacer cuando los hijos están ocupados, en la escuela o cuando están con otros familiares. Cuando el niño o niña

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REAL ESTATE | MANSION LIVING

LIVING This stunning home, located in Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, was flipped by BOYZ II MEN’s Nathan Morris. Its stunning architecture along with impeccable interior design will inspire you to call an interior designer or a realtor immediately. With function and elegance at the forefront, this makes for a spectacular home.

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COURTESY OF PETER LUU

IN LAKE NONA

COURTESY OF PETER LUU

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COURTESY OF PETER LUU

REAL ESTATE | MANSION LIVING

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COURTESY OF PETER LUU

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REAL ESTATE | THE BUBBLE

What is a Real Estate Bubble?

(And are we in one?)

BY LAWRENCE BELLIDO, BROKER ASSOCIATE

n the last five years, the median sales price of an existing home in the Orlando area has risen from $180,000 to more than $235,000, an increase of 31 percent. That’s a lot of growth in a short period of time. According to Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller Home Price Index, the annual nationwide growth rate from 1987 to 2009 was only 3.4 percent, which is in line with more traditional expectations. At that rate, however, current home prices would have only risen to $213,000 over the last five years, a pretty big difference.

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It’s no coincidence, then, that one of the most frequent questions I get from sellers and buyers is, “Are we in a bubble and when will it pop?” For most people, the painful memory of home values plummeting between 2006 and 2009 is still fresh. Sellers want to know if they should sell their home before the price drops, and buyers want to know if they should wait until they can jump on a great deal.

While no one can accurately predict the future of home values over time, in my judgment, we are not in danger of a collapsing bubble. There are simply too many fundamental differences in the real estate market today compared to when the bottom dropped out over a decade ago.

The biggest difference is that sanity has been restored to the mortgage

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application process and buyers actually have to qualify for their loans in terms of income and credit score.

A dozen years ago, people were purchasing homes far beyond their financial means, using mortgages that only required them to pay the interest every month, often followed by an enormous balloon payment.

The assumption was that home values would keep growing and that buyers could always refinance down the road because they would have so much equity.

cy. It was a classic bubble in that prices far exceeded the real value of the homes.

As we all remember, though, when home values started dropping, the entire house of cards collapsed, leaving homeowners defaulting on their mortgages and financial institutions taking huge losses. Some investment firms even declared bankrupt-

All this indicates that, in my opinion, we are in a healthy, thriving real estate market where home prices reflect real value pretty closely. Be sure to discuss your specific circumstances with your Realtor, mortgage broker, and/or financial planner. O

Several statistics back this up. For example, in early 2004, there were 1.9 million new homes under construction nationwide, driven to some extent by speculators. This compares to only 700,000 in August 2018, a decrease of 63 percent, which means the inventory of homes available to buyers is not outpacing the demand.

MOVE NONA | HOT TOPICS

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SOCIAL CIRCLE | THE SCENE

NETWORKING FOR WOMEN Sip & Flamingle — Launching a Female Movement in Lake Nona new wave of events and activities for women is coming to Lake Nona with Lake Nona Social and Lake Nona Moms.

Our female followers have been asking for more opportunities to mingle and we aim to deliver.

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Sip & Flamingle was the perfect way to launch this series of events for women and moms. We wanted to create something magical and feminine for our ladies beyond the typical sip & mingle get-togethers. With a Florida touch and some sparkly help from our vendors, Denee Hickman and Juliana No from Lake Nona Moms, along with Omar Hickman, the owner of Lake Nona Social, created a magical white and pink party to welcome the summer and bring women together in the community.

The concept was to create the ultimate ladies’ night out with drinks, food, music, shopping and gifts. Hosted at Lakehouse, we transformed the location into a special place for 100 lucky women. And we say lucky because the tickets for this event ran out in 48 hours, leaving many on an endless waiting list. The success of the event has our team excited and already planning the next experience. If you were not able to get your ticket last time, stay tuned and subscribe to the Lake Nona Social app to be the first one to learn about what’s next. You can also follow Lake Nona Moms on social media.

The experience started before arriving at the door. A pink limo from The Glamousine (@glamousine2) greeted our guests in front of Lake-

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house in Laureate Park and created a perfect scene for pictures. As the ladies joined us inside, we welcomed the early birds with shiny corsages from Balloons by Beko (@balloonsbybeko) in gold and pink.

Glamorous white furniture from Gala Rentals (@gala_rental) created a bar and sitting area. At the bar, the Canvas team served our signature drink for the day, The Flamingle. The music from One Creative Media (@onecreativemedia) moved everyone to dance while Digital Memory (@digitalmemoryny) took pictures in front of the gorgeous organic balloon backdrop designed by Balloons

by Beko. Meanwhile, local magician Mr. Medina (@themr.medina) entertained the ladies with one-on-one tricks.

doors space inspired by a vacation getaway where a donut wall and table of sweets, decorated by Lallu Productions (@lalluproductions) with champagne cupcakes from The Naked Cupcake (@thenakedcupcake) and a themed 2-layer cake from Cakes by Debs (@cakesbydebs) made their day.

Scattered around the room, sparkly white tables with pink flower c e n terpieces from Moments FL ( @ momentsfl) showcased the menu Canvas created for the night. In the entrance, our sponsor, RegenS3 Med Spa (@regens3medspa) explained to the ladies how to stay young and beautiful with their treatments. Tables with clothes, flowers and cosmetics were featured on one side of the building, giving local business owners the opportunity to sell their products and services to our guests, and giving the women the chance to engage in a favorite activity — shopping! Women also got the opportunity to get glammed up with sparkly makeup by Luxe Beauty Studios (@luxebeautystudios).

We thank everyone who came and participated in this amazing event and we encourage you to follow us o n @ L a ke N o n a S o c i a l a n d @ LakeNonaMoms for more that is coming — including cocktail nights, craft workshops, brunches, family events and professional conferences. We promise to keep working to bring you unique experiences one event at a time. O

As the sun set across the lake, the women started to enjoy the out-

An ocean of white and pink dresses filled Lakehouse for three hours on an unforgettable night of fun and glam and sure, some networking too.

As the women left, goodie bags, designed by Party Details by Charlene (@partydetails_) were given to them with this magazine and some gifts, including custom cocktail and flamingo cookies from Sugary Times Bakery (@sugarytimesbakery).

DENEE HICKMAN

THE SCENE | SOCIAL CIRCLE

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SOCIAL CIRCLE | THE SCENE

LATITUDE 28 AT BOXI PARK IN CELEBRATION OF MOTHER’S DAY

SANAA RAZA

Latitude 28 rocked the park, inspiring residents of all ages to sign and dance the night away.

MOMMY & ME GARDEN TEA PARTY Desserts by lovelysweetsbyjani@gmail.com

DENEE HICKMAN

Lake Nona Social’s Mommy & Me Garden Tea Party was a delightful morning for mother’s and daughters to bond. The party was filled with delicious finger foods and perfectly sweetened treats provided by Canvas. The kids were entertained with crafts, glitter tattoos, and story time was a blast with a special visit from a favorite garden fairy, Tinkerbell.

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FUNNY PET | SOCIAL CIRCLE

LAKE NONA'S

FUNNIEST PET MOMENT Submit your funniest pet moment for a chance to win a 25$ Gift Card to the new Pet Supermarket!

Email it to: sam@lakenonasocial.com

NONA

L AK E N O N A S O C I AL M AGA Z INE

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CALENDAR | JUNE EVENTS “FIRST TUESDAYS”

TUESDAY, JUNE 4th 5:30P.M.–7:30P.M. Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine of Lake Nona 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd.

Suite 100 • Orlando “First Tuesdays” Business After Hours Event Series is a networking event exclusively for Lake Nona Chamber Members. It’s designed to showcase restaurants who are Members of the Chamber and offer a relaxed, after-hours, professional networking opportunity.

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You will need a Chamber website login to register/reserve tickets.

Go to www.lakenonacc.org, login, click Events, and register.

LAKE NONA FARMER'S MARKET

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EVERY SATURDAY 11 A.M.–3 P.M.

Lake Nona Town Center 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., Orlando This is your chance to stock up on fresh produce, shop local vendors and enjoy a day of family fun.

For more info, follow us on Facebook @Lake Nona Farmers Market

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SWITCH: BACK TO THE 80'S

SATURDAY, JUNE 8th 7P.M.–10P.M. Boxi Park 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. • Orlando

SWITCH has entertained audiences throughout the country with their unique style and high-energy party live shows for over a decade. Made up of talented and highly creative entertainers, they have stunned audiences with their brand of interactive music and visual performances. The set list delivers hit after hit from the last five decades, a little something for everyone. www.iloveSWITCH.com

BREAKFAST CONNECTIONS WITH LAKE NONA INFORMATION CENTER TEAM - "LATEST, NEW AND COMING TO LAKE NONA"

THURSDAY, JUNE 13th • 8:30A.M.–9:30A.M. Lakehouse • 13623 Sachs Avenue • Orlando 32827

The Lake Nona Information Center will give us an overview of Lake Nona developments and exciting new things to come! You will receive information about our community directly from Lake Nona professional staff.

COST: $20 for Chamber Members, $25 for Non-members Contact Information: Felicity Gomer 407-796-2230

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THE LAKE NONA GREAT AMERICAN BLOCK PARTY SUNDAY, JUNE 30th 5 P.M.–9 P.M. Lake Nona Town Center 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., Orlando Entertainment for the whole family including a full kids' zone, street performers, Beer Garden and live music! Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks in the evening.

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