As Dr. Michael Steppie and his team as Associates in Dermatology mark a significant milestone, their commitment to the prevention of skin cancer is as strong as ever. Springtime in Central Florida means a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, whether that’s taking in the natural beauty of the area, visiting one of the many local attractions or spending an afternoon on the golf course. Of course, all of that time soaking up the sunshine comes with a lot of risk, and can ultimately lead to serious skin damage and dangerous outcomes. With May representing National Skin Cancer Aware ..read more

Following a long and successful career onstage, Hannah Waddingham rocketed to worldwide stardom on Ted Lasso, and now she is excited to see what comes next. British actress and singer Hannah Waddingham may be approaching her half-century, yet the London-born star has perfected the art of arriving late on the scene as she continues to captivate audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. For a long time, Waddingham’s career was focused on the world of musical theater. She spent many years gaining critical acclaim for productions such as The Wizard of Oz, portraying the infamous Wicked Witch of th ..read more

TOP FIVE: ALCOHOL INFUSED DISHES A quintet of tasty things to try this month ‍FIRE FRIES at Thrive Cocktail Lounge & Eatery DOWNTOWN ORLANDO A flavorful mashup of beer-battered fries, kobachi sauce, spicy mayo, furikake, scallions, bonito flakes and sesame seeds. THE DRUNK BISON at The Whiskey DR. PHILLIPS A hearty serving of ground bison, topped with beer cheese sauce, smoked Applewood bourbon bacon and onion rings. CAMARONES AL AJILLO at Strong Water Tavern LOEWS SAPPHIRE FALLS RESORT A gluten-free dish consisting of shrimp, garlic, white wine, cilantro, tomatoes and lime juice. SPICY CH ..read more

As Mental Health Awareness Month arrives, local organizations want residents to know that help is available and there’s no shame in asking for it. With a lengthy career in health care, including her current role as the CEO of Central Florida Behavioral Hospital, Vickie Lewis knows as well as anyone that “mental health can touch anyone.” That is especially the case in Florida, where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that more than 32% of adults experience symptoms of anxiety or depression, above the national average, with many of those failing to have their issues addressed f ..read more

20 standout small plates to enjoy with your next cocktail, cold beer or glass of wine. Once upon a time, grabbing a bite to eat at the bar typically meant some sort of fried snack, a plate of wings or maybe a sandwich. But these days, many establishments are showcasing much more refined dishes on their menus, proving that a bite at the bar can be both elevated and approachable. We made our way across Orlando to uncover the best bar food, and the following selections are a great mix of sophisticated snacks that pair wonderfully with the adult beverage of your choice.   TEMPURA FRIED PORTA ..read more

Giant Recreation World is here to serve all of Central Florida’s RVing needs to make sure that your next adventure is the best one yet.  There’s never a wrong time to start enjoying the recreational-vehicle life, but there sure is no time like the present. And with Giant Recreation World making room for 2024’s newest offerings and most in-demand options by bidding adieu to 2023’s inventory, now’s a great time to either take the plunge or find your new home away from home by investing in a pre-owned or brand-new RV. “It’s gotta clear out!” says CEO Larry McNamara, adding that Giant Recrea ..read more

It’s no secret that Central Florida is a headquarters for entertainment, sightseeing and magic—but there is so much more to explore throughout the state just a day trip away.  Florida is famous for many things, enticing travelers from all over the world to traverse its varied destinations. From shore to shore, each area has its own culture and history, allowing one to feel excitement akin to a first-time tourist within their home state. A location close enough to conquer Orlando’s theme parks is much-envied by out-of-town visitors, but locals may be looking to change it up. Just in time ..read more

Dedicated docs providing high-quality care for our beloved furry friends… Let’s face it, owning a pet is a joyful experience full of love and appreciation. But, just like with our beloved family members, when the time arises to see medical care, you want to find a doctor you can trust. Allow us to present our annual list of the Top Veterinarians in Central Florida, as chosen by their peers and our readers. These skilled professionals go above and beyond to care for animals of all sizes and shapes and are helping them to live happy and healthy lives.  DERMATOLOGY VETERINARIANS Dr. Caitlin ..read more

Autism Acceptance Month not only acts as a reminder to celebrate the differences within our communities, but also works to highlight both the resources and struggles those with autism face. Despite one in 36 children receiving an autism diagnosis, there’s much about the disorder that is shrouded in myths, conspiracies and stereotypes. Autism Acceptance Month provides an annual space to highlight the importance of official diagnoses, to demystify the stigmas, and to encourage awareness and acceptance of those with autism. “As discussions of autism signs have become more mainstream, stigmas dis ..read more

Even as infertility becomes less stigmatized and more openly discussed, it’s still a difficult road to go down. But the region’s experts in reproductive medicine are here to help individuals struggling to conceive a child—even when it seems like all hope is lost. For many, the dream of growing one’s family is a natural progression building on previously checked-off personal milestones like coupling up, establishing a career and putting down one’s roots. But for those hopeful parents whose dreams of having a biological child have been thwarted by infertility, that indefinite pause can seem lik ..read more