For our next issue, we decided to shine a light on the city that’s not only shaped who I am, but also the very heart of what we do at Strike Magazine Orlando— Orlando. An Ode to Orlando is our way of celebrating everything that makes this city so special, from the people to the culture, and the endless creativity that flows through every corner.
Orlando isn’t just a place on a map; it’s a city that’s alive with energy, stories, and inspiration. This city is buzzing with
Editor-In-Chief
Tiano Valmyr
talent, from the artists to the musicians, the creators to the dreamers. It’s where I’ve found my roots, where our team has come together to create something meaningful, and where so many incredible things happen every single day. As I look through the pages of this issue, I’m reminded of just how much this city has given us, and I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in bringing Orlando’s soul to life through our work.
This issue isn’t just about the well-known landmarks or the obvious highlights—it’s about diving into what makes Orlando feel like home. It’s about celebrating the hidden gems, the people who make things happen, and the unique stories that make this city feel so real, and so connected!
– Tiano Valmyr
Creative Director
Elizabeth Fernandez
For this issue, I knew I wanted to create something meaningful— something that celebrates the community we’re lucky to have here in Orlando. This issue highlights a variety of favorite local spots and businesses, not just my own, but those cherished by our extended strike family. These places and people have left a lasting impact and continue to shape the heart of our community.
As this marks my final issue, I want to express my deepest appreciation to our incredible team. Your dedication, creativity, and passion have helped bring each vision to life, and along the way, you’ve become like family. I can’t wait to see where the magazine goes from here, but for now, I’m so grateful to take the time to appreciate and give an Ode to Orlando.
Xoxo, strike out
Elizabeth Fernandez
External Director
Maddy Campbell
It’s fitting that Ode to Orlando is my first issue as External Director. I started my journey with Strike Orlando on the Events team for Issue ATE after transferring to UCF. Through Issues 8 and 9, I experienced all the city has to offer—exploring its art, culture, and incredible food, all of which are showcased in Issue 10.
Ever since watching The Devil Wears Prada at far too young an age, I’ve dreamed of seeing my name in a magazine. Contributing to this issue, even off the page, has been remarkable. From our Public Relations team’s newsletters and campaigns to our Brand Ambassadors turning strangers
into friends, from Social Media keeping our feed both informative and engaging to Events crafting special moments that bring our brand to life—our External Team transforms Strike’s ideas from pages into unforgettable experiences. Each team is made up of creators who have made Orlando home.
A huge thank you to our directors and staff for making this semester outstanding. Each of you took time out of your lives to create something together—there’s truly nothing better than making art with friends.
Strike Out, Maddy Campbell
Editor-In-Chief EIC Assts.
Creative Dir. CD Asst.
External Dir. ED Assts.
Writing Dir. WD Asst.
Web & Social Coord.
Copy Editors
Journalists
Tiano Valmyr
Elizabeth Lienhardt
Sofia Rodriguez
Elizabeth Fernandez
Amy Phung
Maddy Campbell
Melanie Brashear
Damian Jimenez
Mariana Sangiovanni
EDITORIAL
Nina Rueda
Olivia Wagner
Delaney Gunnell
Krizia J. Figueroa
Hollis Humphrey
Erika Ryan
Grace Guedouar
Jessica Battisti
Christie St Vil
Bella Love
Staff Writers
Laura Mariné
Melanie Diel
Arsheeya Garg
Julia Tula
Victoria Newell
Ana Carolina-Ferreira
Nabeel Ahsan
Andie Taylor
Riley Flynn
Anna Reed
Alexia Cardamone
Brianna Patane
BEAUTY
Beauty Dir. Makeup Artists
Fashion Dir.
Casting Dir.
Styling Assists.
Jillian Brown
Sophia Rubio
Hannah Ogden
FASHION
Marc Anthony Miller
Amarah Presley
Ella Terry
Julien Montoya
Jade Alexander
Deavion Deleon
Bariq Inaam Qazi
Lauren Robinson
Anthony Urena
Oluwatimilehin Ogun
Art Dir. Art Assists.
DESIGN
Rebecca Montas
Andrea Larez
Carter Page
Hannah Tucker
Laila Esquilin
Nicole Cawood
Eleanor Klein
Emilio Perrone
PRODUCTION
Set Design Dirs.
SD Assists.
Matt Conte
Mason Snowden
Sophia Izzi
Faith Reid
Isabella Barrera
Kate Jeffcott
Faith Reid
Production Assts.
Ty’Reck Addison
Lauren Casey
PHOTO & VIDEO
Videographers
Photographers
Isabelle Paradise
Ryan Baez
Estephanie Ortiz
Raphael Seabra
Maycie Shaffer
Brandon Andino
Brandon Vasquez
Yarden Smith
Eduardo Suarez
BTS Photographer
Events Dir. Events Assts.
Mary Panitz
EVENTS
Alexis Nichole Calderwood
Gianna D’Alessio
Maggie Hagarty
Nicole Stratford
Camryn Nejaime
Chantel Brown
Daniely Rivera-Martinez
Shayla Soto
Amelia Patane
Ava Washington
Maegan Pierre
Trinity Schmidt
PR Dirs.
PR Assts.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Hanaa Sabir
Krizia J. Figueroa
Lance Lozano
Gaby De Izaguirre
Mariangie Sangiovanni
Yzabella De Los Santos
Diana Lerner
Alexa Keller
Laura Moreno
Natalie Mick
Valerie Capuzzi
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social Media Dirs.
SMD Asst.
SM Assts.
SM Graphic Designer
Brand Amb. Dirs.
Brand Amb. Assts.
Lilly Dame
Sarah Esteves
Andrea Ballestero
Mayah Silio
Camilla Rabanal
Melissa Meade
Malena de la Iglesia
Gabriella Kazandjis
Pedro Rosa Zapparoli
BRANDING
Sophia Pollock
Sonali Castanon
Olivia Russo-Hood
Leah Lascano
Anne McGrath
Rayve Bobias
Daylen Hernandez
Kai Lobban
Kiara Aviles
Isabela Oliveira
HEARTBEAT OF THE CITY
The narrative of a downtown city is like no other. While each experience cannot be replicated, the city is a shared breath of thousands of strangers. We place our feet down where millions of people have stepped before us, without paying any mind to it. I’ve always felt a feeling of comfort within a city, no matter how intimidatingly large it may be. Part of that stems from the sense of belonging within this space, as we all contribute to the urban rhythm. Wherever you are, downtown is beaming with life all thanks to the complexities of human experience. The city will always be a place where you are undeniably connected to something larger than yourself. However, “downtown” is so much more than just a geographical location. It will always be a place where diversity flourishes— and as simple as it is, that’s the beauty of it. As we walk down the streets, we become active participants in the city’s community. Submitting yourself to this type of environment immediately brings forward endless possibilities, since the downtown scene will without a doubt be like no other.
After all, that’s what makes the city so special: its inherent collectivity. The intricate dance between the calm and the chaos of a city adds yet another layer to its uniqueness, making it oh-so compelling. We, as a whole, are constantly exposed to various emotions and connections that are one of a kind.
Whether these moments are filled with heartache or joy, they truly bring us together, even if we don’t realize. I believe that being around one another in such a close proximity as a downtown city, it is easier for us to realize that life is not about simply existing, but engaging with what’s around us. The need for human connection is ironically stronger in crowded places although it is common for cities to feel so isolating. The juxtaposition of feeling alone around hundreds of people is more familiar than we think.
We may never meet the people who sit beside us on the subway, or the stranger passing us on the sidewalk, but we share in something deeply human: the heartbeat of the city, the pulse of downtown.
It’s this shared experience—unspoken but understood—that forms a quiet unity in the bustling urban landscape. At its core, the city is a place of human existence. Messy, loud, unpredictable, but brimming with potential. Within this chaos, there are moments of tranquility if we are willing to notice them. In these quieter moments, we’re able to feel that we are a part of something larger, finding stillness amidst the hustle that offers spaces for contemplation and connection. It’s in these moments of calm that we can reflect on the unity that exists between us all in the city.
In stepping away from the crowded streets and towering buildings, the city reveals its power not only through its connectivity but through its ability to offer moments of isolation as a form of clarity. In a world that constantly demands our attention, these solitary pauses become a gift. There is a kind of freedom found in this solitude, one that allows us to understand our place in the vastness of it all. The city doesn’t just exist as a backdrop for our individual lives; it is a living, breathing entity that shapes who we are and who we might become. When viewed from a distance, the city’s true beauty lies not just in the constant hum of collective energy, but in the serenity that exists in between. Downtown is a reminder that even in the busiest of places, there is room to find peace, and in that peace we are even more connected.
Downtown will always be an environment where stories intertwine as we are all a part of a much larger narrative. The city doesn’t just exist as a backdrop for our individual lives; it is a living, breathing entity that shapes who we are and who we might become. As we continue to walk its streets, side by side with strangers who are, in truth, not so different from us, we become integral to something greater than ourselves.
Olivia Wagner
IMPOSSIBILITY OF ETERNAL SUNSHINE
It started with a scent—a familiar aromatic cedarwood lingering on the neck of an unsuspecting passerby. My legs froze while my eyes searched for you in the crowd as if on instinct. The fleeting, sweet breath of fragrance was enough to drain all the blood in my body onto the busy downtown street and fill the space within my veins with our happiest memories.
It was only when an impatient driver honked at me—the only person left on the crosswalk—that I remembered where I was. The rest of my walk to work was spent with ragged breaths, nails dug into my palms, and your smile etched into the back of my eyelids. I cursed the person who dared wear your perfume, as if they had willingly poured salt into the gaping wound that already aches from the loss of your presence. As I attempted to go on with my day and push thoughts of you aside, I didn’t realize how often I would be reminded of you.
I now know that you’ve left an imprint on the way I perceive the world. My senses have been delicately attuned to pick up fragments of you. I search for you on every block and every crosswalk. The warmth of your skin pulses beneath my palms. I freeze up each time I smell your perfume on another person—which has proven to be a common occurrence. I find myself seeking out our voice amid the hum of passing cars and the chatter from pedestrians. The taste of your favorite sweets turn sour each time I remember we’ll never share them again. You’ve left an indelible trace all over this city: each street, alleyway, and corner marked with our memories.
When the wound was still fresh, I lived within our memories, no matter how chaotic the city got. Each trigger binding my presence to our past. Being hit with grief by each reminder became increasingly frustrating as the days passed. I used to think that if I had a chance to forget you, I would. What a relief it would be to no longer feel the empty void you left within me. But such an easy fix would strip me of my most cherished memories. If that opportunity ever arose, I know that even in my darkest days, my heart would overpower my mind, and I wouldn’t be able to erase your presence from my life.
It’s been a while since you left. I still get reminded of you, though not as constantly or intensely. The wound has closed and faded into a scar. Salt doesn’t sting as sharply as it once did. But I still think of you, and when my memories begin to fade—whether with age or the passage of time—I’ll still feel your echo in the most unexpected ways. A sense of recognition will linger beneath my skin, like an itch I can’t scratch. Because no matter how many streets I cross, you are a part of me that will never be erased.
Laura Marine
“... home to Orlando’s music lovers for the past 40 years.”
park ave
“Holding music in my hands is fundamental in my holding of humanity.”
cds
Photo Credits:
Yarden Smith
Maycie Shaffer
Raphael Sebra
AVE CDS MY LIFE CHANGED PARK
Planted firmly in the leftmost corner of Corrine Dr’s complicated-tonavigate plaza, Park Ave CD’s fauna and flora make the potential to parallel park more than worth it. A musical beacon of Orlando that turned forty just last year, Park Ave CD’s has seen decades of cultural changes and hundreds of my dollars.
In conversation with a staff member of Park Ave CD’s, a line from the interview struck me. “As cheesy as it might sound, Park Ave CD’s changed my life.”
In my attempt to capture the impact a brick-and-mortar store has on the people of Orlando’s music community, I keep going back to this line. It took me a little bit of contemplating, but I realized the core of what I was searching for: I related to that sentiment. Not in the way that working there for almost a decade and a half changes a life (I’m losing that competition), but in a softer way—like crying when you catch the sunrise because you couldn’t sleep. The sweeping frequency of my life, the music (cassettes, vinyl, CDs), and miscellaneous (Patti Smith poetry books, ridiculous amounts of posters, Hello Kitty blind box) have become foundational to my everyday appreciation of my Orlando existence.
Like a record slowly spinning until the needle reaches the LP’s brink: pop! It’s time to change sides again. Spinning and changing, spinning and changing. Park Ave CDs has seen spins and changes in the miasma of cultural everything: the popularity of music, the way it gets listened to, and the clash of creativity and politics, inspiring and driving home albums of revolution. One of the ways Park Ave CD’s has spun was during the pandemic, which gave them the “necessary nudge to become more active in the ways we support our community, especially those in marginalized groups.” On one’s visit to the store, you can leave with intersectional feminist literature, pride stickers, and a free Narcan on the way out.
ABSORB LIVE
ROCK
OUT
In the dawn of the digital age, Park Ave CD’s understands how streaming “has significantly affected the way we consume music,” but stands by the belief that, “there is and always will be a desire for something tangible.” A desire for something tangible is a pretty succinct way to articulate what drives me there—literally, drives me there—when I’m stir-crazy, nihilistic, or when I can’t stop thinking about how good Faye Webster’s voice would sound in my living room. There have been days I’ve left my apartment in a heady daze, restless, stressed, depraved, and headed straight to Park Ave CDS, if only to lose myself in the prospect of a shiny new LP. Not economically sound whatsoever, my college coping mechanism has become a sort of spiritual reprieve, a ritual of sorts. Holding music in my hands is fundamental in my holding of humanity.
I remember how old I was and what I was going through when I bought Sylvia Plath’s Mary Ventura and the Nine Kingdoms and Patti Smith’s Devotion (courtesy of shop owner Sandy’s bookshelf passion project). Park Ave CD’s threw their first iconic listening parties for BTS and Harry Styles in 2022, and I attended the party for Lana Del Rey in the spring of 2023, on an aforementioned nihilistic whim. My friends and I left belligerent and feeling spiritual.
This to me, is how Park Ave has changed my life: the way we live and breathe as music does—shifting, perceiving, absorbing, rocking out. Park Ave CD’s is inexplicably “...intertwined with the community and the local music scene,” fueling the staff’s “strong connection to the music community in Central Florida.” Absorbing the store’s opportunities, thanks to its prolific and concrete spirit, “it has been integral in building some lifelong friendships… I found my people.”
“And I think that can be said for anyone that works at Park Ave long enough.”
Brianna Patane
MUSIC
VERSUS MEANING
What is the meaning of music? It has been studied for decades how music may affect someone’s brain, how it can help you study, relax and even enhance or decline someone’s mood. Music has climbed its way through listening techniques, from live performances, to records on record players, CDs in a car, and now it is at the tip of our fingers. If music is so easy to obtain, why would anyone buy a CD?
Park Ave CDs has been home to Orlando’s music lovers for the past 40 years. It is a large part of what makes Orlando so popular to musicians. They allow the community to listen to music through records rather than purely online.
“I think the access we have to the internet, vast music libraries, streaming, etc., has significantly affected the way we consume music,” said the manager.
As I mentioned earlier, music can change the way we feel. Think of movies—there is usually music playing in the background for any scene, whether it’s dramatic, sad, happy, or romantic. It helps the audience feel a certain way. When getting a record, you are single handedly choosing to sit and listen to one specific record or song, forcing yourself to sit and soak it in. It allows people to truly feel a song happening in real time, less chances to pause or play, more moments to sit and feel.
Music has always allowed me to feel many different ways—it helps me relax, and for as long as I can remember, I have been using it for coping with emotions. Park Ave CDs felt similar about their music and how it makes them feel.
“I feel maybe probably more relaxed and at ease when I’m listening to a record than I do, you know, my headphones or listening in the car,”said the manager.
When diving deep into what music you want to listen to and what method you want to use, it’s important for a record shop to make you feel comfortable buying one. “I think we try to create a welcoming and inclusive environment which I think is key to anyone that, you know, walks through our doors, because we recognize that we have people that—maybe have never owned a record player.”
... a place that makes you feel welcome and less nervous about a first time record purchase.”
Listening to music may be easy for those who grew up listening on an iPod or an iPhone, however, when those users want to make the switch due to a love for music, where do they start? For me, I felt embarrassed not knowing how to obtain a record player. So the search online began, to avoid in person humiliation.
Little did I know, places like Park Ave CD existed, a place that makes you feel welcome and less nervous about a first time record purchase. Soon they plan to expand their online store, for those who do not have the ability to come in person, or like me, are too nervous.
“We are constantly trying to improve our in-store shopping experience, in the year we are going to make improvements to improve our online shopping experience.”
When I asked the question of what they are doing for Orlando and what we can expect, they excitedly answered: Orlando, specifically Park Avenue CDs, is home to artists, musicians, and stores that help promote this feeling.
“We provide a space for that and I think we work really hard.”
Grace Guedouar
TEXTURES
HABITS OF HERITAGE
Orlando offers some of the most intricate webs of cultures, fashion and textures so to speak. The social and fashion fabrics of Orlando are made up by people who speak different languages, people who eat different foods and people who wear different clothes. People, despite the differences in all kinds of cultures around the world, cultivate unique perspectives that Orlando is lucky to have in the fashion industry.
The stores that make up this unique texture are locally owned by people all around the world, spreading their culture and their fashion expertise in patterned fabrics, embroidery, jewelry and more customs that reflect in their ability to represent cultural fashions well. An example of this would be festivals .
Festivals, both religious and non-religious, allow for the cultivation of different fashion from a plethora of vibrant street wear, fashion fusion, and influences upon the Orlando Retail scene. For example, South Asian festivals such as Diwali, Holi and Eid allow for a blend of sarees, lehengas, anarkalis and modern fusion dresses often paired with elegant gold jewelry. This leads to Orlando seeing a blend
between Eastern and Western fashion, with crop-top lehengas, saree-gowns, and a traditional kurti paired with jeans. Additionally, the community of South Asian influence the geographic dynamic quite a bit, as ethnic clothing stores, jewelry shops and beauty salons rose in popularity in areas such as South Orange Blossom Trail, Curry Ford Road and John Young Parkway. Now, we see a textural unity of culture in Orlando with South Asian fashion and how it retails to make up a niche social fabric within Orlando culture.
Orlando oversees the influence of Florida’s beach culture as well - with a huge Latin influence in the diversity of Orlando populations. This is reflected in festival and beach wear with bright colors, bold patterns and lightweight fabrics such as chiffon worn in the streets of Orlando. Artsy districts such as Mills 50 and Thornton Park often feature beach and hip-hop style trends inspired by the Latin community, with a plethora of street fashion and shops that parade these styles.
The community inspires looks from Spanish flamenco styles, Cuban and Caribbean styles, like guayabera shirts, and even fit South American aesthetics with bold colors that are meant to highlight the body’s natural curves. Festivals that highlight the Orlando Latin scene include Viva Orlando Festival, Calle Orange and Carnaval celebration.
An absolute melting pot of culture, Orlando is home to a multitude of communities that express their culture for the populous of Orlando to see. Orlando’s high-spirited fashion is influenced by cultures shaping its style throughout the city. Whether through its traditional garments, modern fusion styles or emerging trends, cultures from all around the world continue to leave lasting marks on Orlando’s evolving fashion landscape. With the dynamic reflection of cultural diversity, we see textures across time and memorial standing strong with fashion that continues to grow and change in Orlando. Habits of heritage –Orlando’s communities and cultures are continuously molded into what makes Orlando full of vim and vigor.
Arsheeya Garg
TEXTURED COINCIDENCES
Time is a foreign concept to me.
I’m capable of processing every emotion deeper than I thought possible in only a single week. there are remains of it here and there— I feel it when I touch the worn out threads of your hoodie, the softness of my own cheek as I wipe away wet tears, but the brunt of it came through as a blurry and seething perspective. I’ve seen sadness and angst as blue and red, and made a rainbow after the storm.
I’ve never been happier. maybe I have, but at least now I know I’m happy with you. I don’t want it to end.
I’ve convinced myself too much. We went to a flower field. the flowers soft against my legs, a contrast to the roughness of your palm as my hand lies within— the sunset was blinding too but I didn’t mind. we were becoming blind together, lost in each other’s eyes
others’ melodies make my own tears fall. I have a bad habit of staring at old videos while the music plays. I really wish they were mirrors. I really wish to once again experience the light touch of wind as I twirl in that meadow. The leaves of our past scraping against us
sometimes, when I look out my window, I think I’m a goddess. when I’m sad, it rainspitifully, grim. Wet. when I’m happy, it glows, and light reflects off the tears from the clouds. but then I get sad again, and it doesn’t get dark I realize that Aphrodite was sculpted to perfection, while Athena voiced practical reason, and if I was a goddess I wouldn’t feel pain. I would’ve been logical enough to not fall completely in love I would’ve been perfect enough to not be susceptible to brokenness. the weather was just a textured coincidence
Nina Rueda
WRINK
As an old lady, maybe I will wear a ring on each finger They will wear into my wrinkles
But
Maybe when I am old, surgeons will find a way to presto-change my fingers to look shiny, splendid, pre-tarnished, The way they had.
When I smile, maybe the creases of my eyes will form pleats like the hem of a dress Or everytime I smile in the mirror my forehead will mimic a tree in its still, lasting life.
We do not see the age on the outside of a tree, Only within its rings in between bark and sap. Maybe that would be nice.
The wrinkles of the women I knew have seen generations start and end, But some choose to keep the secrets of their skin, silent.
There is a choice we make as our skin layers, To shed our history of wrinkles, Or to keep them there as they leather. Beyond tea preferences and men to marry, as an old lady, maybe the choice that will kill me off like some butterfly-effected movie, is the choice of future or past, Of sexiness or senile. Of looking back at my youth with nostalgia Or on a quest for its drink once more.
This is the choice of my family’s recent privilege. It has gone down three generations so far. They do it to survive, I know. They wrangle their wrinkles into smooth skin In order to still be desired, Lusted married.
Surgery is a tradition of my family’s tree. We have learned for women beyond kindness –The greatest wealth is youth The best bank is old without ageism The surest way to live forever
Is to stay the same in every photo.
Knowing this choice is in store for me, I will note that growing old and hating yourself Is something that ends down this line I will live my life vivaciously, I will cry while reading birthday cards and love my family ferociously.
I will wear clothes I bought in my twenties and thirties and forties.
I will walk along the beach in a bikini.
And people will tell me I am too old. They will tell me to cover my wrinkly skin.
I will tell them to go to Hell.
Riley Flynn
LES
fl ipturn
you can’t spell flipturn without ‘fl’
before indie-rock band Flipturn was touring across Europe and playing at legendary music festivals like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Governor’s Ball, the band had a far more humble beginning — playing in a hot garage in small town in Northern Florida.
Founded in Fernandina Beach, vocalist Dillon Basse, lead guitarist Tristan Duncan and bassist Madeline Jarman met in high school and formed the band in 2015. After Basse and Jarman left to attend University of Florida and Duncan went to University of North Florida, the three founding members picked up synthesizer/ guitarist Mitch Fountain and drummer Devon VonBalson.
With two successful studio albums under their belt and two million monthly listeners on Spotify, the band first gained recognition doing college house shows in Gainesville.
“I feel like the Florida music scene is very almost underground,” Basse said. “I feel like it doesn’t get a lot of appreciation.”
Basse said their early music embodied the relaxing, sunny influence of the prominent surfing community growing up 40 minutes outside of Jacksonville.
“I think it influenced us more [early on],” Basse said. “The later we’ve gone on, I think we’ve just slowly started to find more of our own sound.”
Since the band’s inception, Fountain said the local indie scene comes in, unironically, waves here in the Sunshine State.
“We were in this wave where there were so many bands and that’s how we basically all met each other,” Fountain said. “It kind of just died down [because of Covid], so it went up, and then it went flat, and then now we’re seeing this rise again, where there’s so many bands that are coming out of Florida.”
Currently on their Burnout Days Tour, Orlando will mark their final show on April 19 before performing at three festivals, including Bonnaroo 2025 and embarking on their European leg of the tour.
Basse said the band chose to end the tour in Orlando as their “homecoming” show.
“As soon as we play that show we can all go home,” Basse said. “We can go sleep in our own beds even that night, which would be amazing.”
Fountain added that the city’s central location made it perfect for fans across the state.
“That makes it easy for people who want to see us even if it is a drive, it’s not like a seven hour drive,” Fountain said.
The central location is also what makes this city so special for the band, especially for Fountain who grew up only 20 minutes away in Winter Garden.
“It’s my hometown, so everyone I know shows up,” Fountain said.
Basse added that the bands’ friends and family being in attendance will make the concert feel familiar, much
like their January 18 performance at the Playground Music and Arts Festival in Gainesville.
“Our friends and family are gonna be able to see us and see what we’ve been doing for the last two months.”
When in the city, Basse said one of his favorite places to visit is Haan Coffee on East Colonial Drive.
“I think it’s the best coffee I’ve ever had in my life,” Basse said. “So shout out them.”
Jarman discussed her favorite aspects of Orlando — mentioning Fountain’s family, her love of Disney and it being Basse’s girlfriend’s hometown as her personal highlights.
“There’s a fun energy in Orlando,” she said. “Lots of food, my friend Brooke lives in Orlando, so just good vibes.”
Jessica Batisti
is flipturn really “burntout?” a look into flipturn’s new album
despite their album name, “Burnout Days,” the band Flipturn is far from burnt out. The Florida-based band released their second studio album on January 24, 2025. With this new album came new sounds and an even bigger tour to mark their 10th year together.
Bassist Madeline Jarman reflected on their newest release, stating, “We have been digging deeper into a sound that we’ve wanted to do for a while. There’s kind of something for everybody on the record.”
“Burnout Days” shifts the band’s musical journey, focusing on experimental sounds. As a collaborative album, the group all took elements of inspiration from each other, renting a cabin in North Carolina before recording to enhance their joint experience.
“We always start by just sending ideas to each other, so everyone has their starter idea,” said frontman Dillon Basse. “By the time we went to the studio, we knew exactly which songs we wanted on the album.”
The process is tedious, with constant edits and cuts being made in order to reach perfection. For “Burnout Days,” this was especially prevalent to succeed. The house music sound that found its way into Flipturn’s first two albums was not reflected in “Burnout Days.” Taking on a more traditional indie approach brought major success with their newest album.
“I think the production on this album is a little better, and the sound is cleaner” said Basse.
With their album release came their Burnout Days Tour, which began officially on February 26 in Houston, TX. However, the band did play at the Playground Music + Arts Festival in Gainesville, FL, paying homage to their humble beginnings. Their official tour will travel across America and Europe, stopping at a few festivals, including the massively successful Lollapalooza in Chicago.
As the band crosses into their 10th year together, the members reflected on their growth from their first album “Heavy Colors” to their newest album.
“I guess, like, frustrated with some of our older music, because when you first start recording, you don’t know what you’re doing, especially if you’re just, like, starting from scratch.” said Basse “I love our older songs, I’m just not a huge fan of the recordings of them. But more and more I’ve started to be okay with those being out there because the newer music shows our progression and our growth as musicians and as artists.”
Their anniversary marks a new chapter for Flipturn as they play bigger venues and have become a household name, comparable to The Backseat Lovers and Mt. Joy. Last year, 2024, they played at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, TX, which had around 450,000 in attendance.
“There’s certain songs that I just feel super proud about,” Jarman stated. “I’m glad we pushed ourselves creatively to get there, and I just am proud of how it sounds as a whole.”
Anna Reed & Julia Tula
burnout days
KIWI
CAMERA
ORLANDO’S
CAMER A COMMUNIT Y
Orlando is full of artists, it’s reflected in the streets, businesses, and community. Downtown there are dozens of sanctioned and unofficial murals, countless local bands of all genres,and writers haunting every coffee shop. Behind the scenes and the lens are the photographers of Orlando. They’ve been building their own community of professionals, hobbyists, and enthusiasts with the help of some of Orlando’s local businesses.
Since 2006, Kiwi Camera Service has been a trusted repair shop for camera professionals. Owner and operator of Kiwi Cameras, Michael Livara, has become a pillar of his community and an important organizer in the scene.
“On average, between servicing and cleanings, [we see] anywhere between 65-95 [cameras] a month,” Michael says.
As busy as the team is, they don’t just stop at repairs. Kiwi Camera Service has a well-stocked retail store on the property as well. They stock everything from lenses, to film, to camera bodies, making this small shop a treasure trove for local photographers.
“We definitely get a broader range of photography enthusiasts.” Michael has enjoyed watching his
business expand beyond just repair. “It has become a place for inspiration and education. Sometimes you get lucky and find your dream camera in the retail store.”
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in their shop, there’s no need to worry. 18 years ago Kiwi Cameras started hosting swap meets and nothing has been the same since.
“The goal of the swap meet has been to create a safe space to buy, sell, and trade cool and classic gear. The unexpected part was how greatly the community responded and how well it popped off over the last few years.”
Community is behind almost everything at Kiwi. They welcome photographers of all levels to their events, connecting them with neighbors and friends. The team is dedicated to their clients and their cameras.
“The impact we have on the community, I’d say, is our ability to keep cameras working for everyone, young and old, to learn and enjoy photography.”
Orlando’s camera community just keeps growing. Kiwi Camera Service is one of a few small businesses keeping photography local.
Down the road at 634 N. Mills Ave. is Colonial Photo and Hobby. Like Kiwi Camera Service, they’ve been supporting local photographers for a long time in O-town. They don’t just specialize in cameras, they have model sets and games among other services, but their photo counter is a photographer’s wet dream. You can rent and buy just about every camera lens and body type imaginable. They sell and develop film along with printing photos. Their camera experts are an important resource for amateur or professional photographers in Orlando.
Harmon Photos, located at 1808 N. Orange Ave. similarly supports the photographers of Orlando. Harmon Photos embraces its online audience and boasts a comprehensive website, showcasing its available equipment and services. Unlike other shops, Harmon is known for their photo restoration. With over 25 years in the biz, they know exactly what they’re doing.
Kiwi Camera Service is an important part of the Orlando camera community, and they’ve carved out a little niche for themselves.
Not Another Film Lab is Orlando’s newest camera shop. Their location at 2464 E. Robinson St. is only their second brick-and-mortar store, the first being in Denver. Not Another Film Lab specializes in Film and emphasizes its belief in community.
Orlando’s Camera Community is small but mighty and ever-growing. Orlando Photography Club frequently hosts free photo walk events and Kiwi Camera Service swap meets are the perfect place to meet like-minded photographers.
Michael from Kiwi Camera Service encourages photographers to explore as much as possible. He recommends a few resources:
“Crealde School of Art, books from all the local public libraries (free!), join a photo club or photo walk group, immerse yourself in the community, and check out the events and photo exhibits in the local galleries and museums. Also the Southeast Museum of Photography at Daytona State College.”
Orlando’s camera community is ever growing and evolving. There’s so many different styles and modes, but plenty of support from some of the best Orlando has to offer. With so many resources and events in Central Florida, it’s hard to make an excuse to stay at home. Join the budding camera community, there’s so much to explore.
Andie Taylor
KIWI CAMER A: apturing Orlando
Located at 542 Virginia Drive, Kiwi Camera is one of Orlando’s foremost experts in camera repair. The shop is run by owner Michael Livera, who created the shop in 1985 and has continued to operate since. Looking at Livera, with his handlebar mustache and camera-repair goggles, one imagines him as a fantasy-world inventor, a tinkerer at heart. His genius with cameras, though, is not a fantasy. With over forty years of experience in the industry, Livera is one of the bestregarded camera repairmen in the greater Orlando area. Orlando Weekly names him as one of the “Best of Orlando,” citing him and his business as the best camera care in Orlando. More colloquially, in a Reddit thread called r/orlando, one commenter responds to a post about local camera repair, saying, “This one! Go to Kiwi, they’ll get you taken care of. At my old shop, they were the only ones we’d use for lens and camera repair.”
The love for Kiwi Camera is strong, and it does not stop at the love for Livera. Kiwi Camera boasts an impressive crew of sales reps and technicians, all with their technical specialties and interests. Strike gets a backstage peek into the inner workings of the Kiwi Camera staff while in conversation with Livera and two of his staff members, Karen and Gabi. Chatting with the staff not only reveals the hidden cogs of the shop, but also those of the staff’s brains. When asked about their favorite cameras to shoot with, the staff replies individually, with Michael starting by jesting, “One that works,” adding a more serious answer, “Maybe a Hasselblad.” Gabi responds, “A pinhole,” while Karen explains her current camera setup, saying, “Currently I shoot with an Olympus XA, Canon AE-1, and a
Mamiya RZ67, but I’d love to play more with the Rolleiflex and a Hasselblad.”
Along with this sentiment, Michael explains to Strike, “I love working on mechanical cameras and bringing them back to life using the knowledge
passed down from all of my mentors.” Karen and Gabi expand on this, adding that they also enjoy repairs that lead to figuring out alternative methods to fixing something, like the Frankinflex, which is where they repair a broken flexible circuit without replacing it.
Kiwi Camera also emphasizes their younger clientele, especially those who are aspiring photographers but do not know exactly where to start. Livera is passionate about spreading his knowledge in this area and avoiding gatekeeping for those who want to join the photography community. When asked where beginner photographers should start on their journey, he explains, “The Society of Photo Technologists maintains a library of
camera repair manuals and repair information. There are more resources on their website for additional training. If you enjoy figuring out how to take things apart, fix them, and then put them back together, then it’s definitely a path.” He also adds that some good beginner options for those who are looking to start on film are the Canon AE1, Pentax K1000, or Minolta X-370.
Those looking to find out more information about Kiwi Camera or participate in a Kiwi Camera event can look to their Instagram, @ kiwicameraservice, or visit their website at www.kiwicameraservice.com.
Eola
W hispersAcross
The sun lowered slowly behind the trees, casting a soft golden glow over Lake Eola. The water shimmered in the fading light, rippling ever so gently as if breathing with me. I sat alone on the worn bench, the city’s noise a distant hum, swallowed by the tranquil embrace of the lake. The air, cool and fragrant with earth and water, wrapped around me like a memory.
Here, by the water’s edge, I always felt him. The absence of his presence was sharp, yet it seemed to stir something deeper, something more profound. He was never far from my thoughts, especially here. The distance between us stretched beyond miles; it was the quiet ache of longing, of waiting for something just out of reach. His face, his voice, his eyes—always lingering in the corners of my mind.
The lake, with its stillness, reminded me of his eyes— those blue pools of quiet depth, reflecting something far beyond what words could convey. The way his gaze would hold mine, like an unspoken promise, a silent understanding that we both shared something
Water The
too delicate for language. His eyes, like the water, seemed vast, endless. I could almost feel them now, pulling me in, soft and infinite.
The ripples across the water whispered, like a soft echo of my own heart. It was as if the lake itself spoke to me, a murmur, a quiet refrain of longing. I closed my eyes for a moment, the wind brushing against my skin. His voice seemed to weave itself into the whispers of the breeze, a faint memory carried in the air. “I miss you,” it seemed to say, just beyond my reach. I let myself listen, imagining his words slipping through the space between us, as close as the water’s surface and yet still too far to touch.
"The lake's ripples danced in the breeze, as if it, too, understood the quiet ache of separation."
How many times had I dreamed of this moment? Sitting here, side by side, his hand warm in mine as we watched the water stretch endlessly before us. The promise of what could be—of what had not yet come—felt almost tangible in the air. And yet, as the seconds passed, I remained here alone, the weight of absence pressing softly against my chest.
The lake’s ripples danced in the breeze, as if it, too, understood the quiet ache of separation. The water’s movement reminded me that love, even across distance, never truly stills. It shifts, it moves, it ripples gently under the surface, waiting. Though I couldn’t touch him, though he wasn’t here beside me, he was in every whisper the water carried, in every flicker of light that danced across its surface. He was with me in the silence between the waves.
As the sun dipped lower, I rose from the bench, my body aching from the stillness. I took one last look at the water, and for the first time, the distance between us didn’t feel so vast. Love, I realized, was not defined by proximity. It existed here, in the space between the water and the sky, in the whispers of the breeze—carried, ever-present, waiting to be heard. And as I walked away, I smiled, knowing that the distance would never stop the whispers across the water from reaching me.
Erika Ryan
The Black Swan
The waters seem so sure, still and taut, until ripples guide the way for feathers and flock. The lake hums in quiet invitation, its hush woven between the city’s roar. I sit and watch—the stillness, the reflection— warm lights stretching across its surface. On a bench where ivy has made its home, I exist as a shadow drifting ashore.
I ask the lake, what am I to be? The surface blurs, the melody calls me in. I press my ear to the water— silence once more.
And still, I return, through fall and spring, drawn back by the water and quietly sing. Beneath a sky where faint stars sigh, the wind kisses my cheek, quiet and soft. I watch the water— and there, a shadow glides. Alone. Unclaimed. Feathers steeped in dusk, yet it lingers.
Where did you come from? You do not belong, and yet you remain. Your gown offends, dark against the white. I feel the anger, the exile inside— how could you fit in among nature’s light?
I turn my gaze toward the sky, let the lake’s hum disguise my plight. I dreamt of the swan all night long, and when I woke, I could hear its song.
I return to the path, damp and muddy, rain distorts the reflection I seek. Blurred are the edges of the world—desperate to keep. Yet there—again— the black swan remains. Its eyes, dark as its feathers, and this time, it looks my way.
Oh black swan, what is it you want? I envy your stride—won’t you carry me along? For even a moment, I long to feel the certainty you hold.
In Eola's Wake
In that instant, something stirs. The water trembles— it echoes something in me, A quiet I've held for too long. Again, I return. The air is as still as the water, leaves breaking the surface, but the lake remains unbothered.
I stand at the edge, searching— my reflection still blurred, if not darker. I see myself shifting, the water calling, a question unspoken. Who am I, if not dissolving in the wake of something deeper, more profound? A ripple disturbs the calm, I look up.
The black swan.
Far from its flock. Far from all the rest. It looks into the water, as I have done. It holds itself in quiet reverence, a thing unburdened by permission. It bows to no one. It moves, with grace unbeholden, a defiance as hot as embers, it dances with the becoming.
No longer do I seek reflection or a name. The gentle weight of knowing—where in the silence I am enough.
I find the stillness that once eluded me— the swan’s gaze to rest, and let go.
So I sit at the water’s edge, and for once, I do not demand an answer.
The swan drifts. The world turns. And I, too, remain.
Nabeel Ashan
"I stand at the edge, searching— my reflection still blurred, if not darker. I see myself shifting, the water calling, a question unspoken."
S D illy ucks
When I first moved to Orlando, my time was mainly spent missing home. With few opportunities to explore the city, I was trapped in an isolating rotation.
Home, school, library.
Home, school.
Home, school, library.
The monotonous days turned to restless nights, I met new people, made new friends—friends who helped change my perspective. One of the first, a native who knew the perfect distraction from my repetitive routine: a duck pond that was about thirty minutes away from where I lived. Not knowing what to expect, I agreed and we made our way to the pond on a chilly October night.
Stumbling through the downtown streets, we kept our minds off the weather with small talk. To my surprise, the ‘pond’ was a large lake, circled by a trail and several areas to sit. Walking along the path, we amused ourselves by watching the many ducks that littered the park. As the lake became more visible, it was clear to me that there was more to it than I’d thought.
About two dozen swans populated the body of the black lake. I had never seen a swan in person, let alone this many. They existed in their own world, unaffected by the spectators in their company.
The masked creatures were perfectly reflected on the lake’s glassy moonlit waters. Many sat by the edge of the lake as if perfectly placed in a jewelry box. As I stood in amazement, they moved along the water with grace.
Sitting by a fountain, we watched as the birds danced across the lake to the flow of our conversation. Watching the peaceful beings disarmed us as we delved deeper into conversation. As their pearlescent wings left a glittering trail rippling through the water, we connected on our pasts and fears.
The masked birds seemed to take on the masks we once wore, beautiful and finally bare. The star-speckled sky broke into a soft rain.
Fluttering and gliding.
Running and laughing.
The birds retreated to shelter, and so did we. The once choking silence of my apartment now felt as serene as the swan lake. The City Beautiful revealed its true nature to me that night. Even now I revisit that lake with friends, hoping to replicate the vision bestowed upon me that night. Though I never saw it as populated as it was that night, I never longed for camaraderie the same way.
Victoria Newell
"They existed in their own world, unaffected by the spectators in their company. The masked creatures were perfectly reflected on the lake’s glassy moonlit waters. Many sat by the edge of the lake as if perfectly placed in a jewelry box."
This beloved theater creates the gorgeous experience of blending together a delicious dinner with an entertaining film! Numerous film festivals are hosted here, including the Florida Film Festival, adding to the charm of this local theater. Sit back and joyfully relax as you watch films that range from classics to modern masterpieces. A theater like this is a lucky find to put the allure back into cinema. Who doesn’t want to go out for a wonderfully combined dinner and a movie?
ENZIAN 01
WINTER 02 PARK VILLAGE
Winter Park is one of the best spots around Central Florida to hang out any day of the week at any time of the day. While it is considered the city of arts and culture, the region also aims for a
“sustainable future for all generations” by protecting Winter Park’s natural system and hosting over 35 annual events that helps to maintain the community united. For locals and tourists, the neighborhood is very welcoming, from The Wine Room that allows you to explore over 150 wines from around the world, to the Rollins Museum that catches your attention with art from the four corners of the globe.
03 AVALON EXCHANGE
The peak of cute vintage clothes is what you’ll find at this local thrift store! Avalon Exchange is all about mixing an 80’s theme with current trends. Who doesn’t love that? All their inventory comes from the locals, meaning it’s almost guaranteed that something will strike your eye. Many gems are peppered around the store including adorable pins and big-name brands. New inventory is put out almost daily, so there’s always more to come back for. Grabbing some Stardust coffee on the way to this thrift is a perfect afternoon!
Nostalgia, comfort, and string lights represent The Stardust Cafe. This cute spot will wrap you up in a blanket of wonderful coffee shop vibes. This adored cafe opened up back in 1999 as a store where you could sip coffee as you picked out a movie to rent. The natural transition from a video-rental store to a full on cafe came about when DVD players were lost to the more modern tech we love today. There is a charming Italian-style counter where you can order a coffee or a yummy nibble and nearly every wall has picture frames with quirky photos and random knick-knacks. During the day there is tons of sunlight washing through the windows and at night the twinkling lights along the ceiling create a warm, inviting aura. From live shows with local bands to poetry nights, this is the place to catch a chill vibe.
“This adored cafe opened up back in 1999 as a store where you could sip coffee as you picked out a movie to rent”
CORRINE DRIVE
If you are looking for a relaxing shopping moment, Corrine Drive is the spot for you! With coffee shops, gardening, vintage clothing and CD stores, the area provides a good amount of places for you to spend a typical Florida afternoon. In addition, the street welcomed a brand new bookstore focused on romances of all kinds, which adds a plus to the variety of independent businesses that chose Corrine Drive as their forever spot.
The natural garden offers the perfect setting for those who are thinking about scaping the craziness that means living in Orlando. With 50 acres of land and 40 plant collections, Leu Gardens is ideal for all ages and seasons. If you decide to go with kids, near the tropical garden, there is a ‘children’s reading corner’ and some benches for a quick pause. If you are feeling romantic, make sure to check the rose and butterfly gardens, where colorful and delicate flowers attract pollinators. Even though the garden feels like a different place, Florida’s weather is still a factor, so sunscreen and water are must-haves year-round.
LEU GARDENS
“If you are feeling romantic, make sure to check the rose and butterfly gardens, where colorful and delicate flowers attract pollinators.”
TORI TORI
Tori Tori is the perfect Japanese pub food located at North Mills Ave, with a variety of flavorful drinks and small bites for you to try. The gentle lighting and peaceful ambiance create a cozy setting, ideal for couples or small gatherings.
A calm, speakeasy aesthetic hits you when you first walk in. An interesting menu paired with beautiful mocktails cement this restaurant as a unique experience! Each dish came out sporadically when the chef was finished and the pretty presentation stayed consistent. The small tapasstyle portions allowed for the focus to be on the burst of flavor and aroma at an affordable price. Take a step inside to see why so many locals are raving about this spot!
As a perfect place to spend the day, the Orlando Museum of Art offers an incredible environment for everyone (including toddlers) who are looking to escape the craziness of living in one of the most touristic cities in the world. Founded in 1924, OMA is the home of a well-curated ancient America collection and modern artists such as
OMA
Andy Warhol, which allows adults to better understand the importance of art throughout the centuries, while also offering on-site events such as “Yoga in the Galleries” and “Stroller Tours.” Everybody should add a little bit of art to their lives.
With an adorable and relaxing vibe, The Wellborn is a great spot for brunch with friends or by yourself. You can enjoy your Spanish-style tapas either by the courtyard or inside the historic I.W. Phillips House while sipping on vibrant, colorful drinks. Speaking of historic houses, The I.W. Phillips House was built in 1917 and moved to the current location in the 1980s.
If you’re stopping by on a Sunday, you’re in for a treat—live music in the courtyard makes brunch even more enjoyable!
MILK DISTRICT
The comfy Milk District is the place to go for a quick snack, relaxing afternoon, or a fun night out! This small, but excitingly packed, area of our city has some native staples. The widespread Festival Park is usually packed with sports lovers all
afternoon long with the Orlando Skate Park right next door. Kelly’s Ice Cream is a go-to for the creamiest sweet treat to satisfy cravings. This district aims to keep the focus on uplifting artists and small businesses located within its borders. We love seeing a strong vision for diversity being implemented in wonderful ways!
ODE TO ORLANDO
Concept
Elizabeth Fernandez
Cover Images
Elizabeth Fernandez
Cover Illustration
Andrea Larez
Front & Back Design
Rebecca Montas
Shoot Director Assts.
Sofia Rodriguez
Elizabeth Lienhardt
Amy Phung
Shoutout to Not Another Film
Lab Orlando for developing all the film photos in this issue!
