KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
MAY 2026
LIVE
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LEARN
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WORK
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PLAY
VOLUME 7 EDITION 5
Celebrating Community, Culture, and the People Who Make Avalon Park Shine As we step into May, Downtown Avalon Park continues to thrive as a place where connection, culture, and community come together. This month’s Avalon Park Sun is especially meaningful as we celebrate both Local Heroes and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, these are just two of the themes that reflect the heart of what makes our community so special. Throughout this edition, you will find inspiring stories highlighting individuals who go above and beyond to serve others, alongside features that honor the rich cultural contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Together, these stories serve as a reminder that Avalon Park is more than a place to live, it is a place where people show up for one another, share their talents, and build something lasting.
located at 3801 Avalon Park Blvd. East. Known for its thoughtfully designed, handcrafted goods and Florida and inspired lifestyle products, Freehand Goods adds a unique and creative shopping experience to our growing mix of local businesses. Looking ahead, anticipation continues to build for the opening of For the Plot Bookstore & Café, located at 3885 Avalon Park East Blvd, and slated to welcome guests on May 30th. This highly anticipated concept is designed to be more than a bookstore. It will serve as a cozy, welcoming space where community, conversation, and creativity can flourish.
Our events calendar remains full, offering opportunities for connection and celebration throughout the month. Collective Corner returns on May 16th, bringing together local vendors, artisans, and makers in a vibrant We are grateful for the many community partners, outdoor market that encourages residents residents, and local businesses who continue and visitors to shop small and support local. to invest in Avalon Park. Their passion and dedication bring our shared vision of living, That same evening, Noche Latina will celebrate its learning, working, and playing to life each day. second anniversary at the Marketplace and Pepe’s Cantina Express. This lively event continues to bring energy and rhythm to Downtown Avalon Park, featuring music, dancing, and cultural celebration that fosters connection across our community. Guests can also enjoy Cinco de Mayo food and drink specials at Pepe’s Cantina Express, with the first 15 guests receiving a complimentary margarita. Additional details can be found on page 40 of this issue. As you explore this month’s stories, we hope you feel a sense of pride in all that continues to grow within Avalon Park—not only in new businesses and events, but in the strength of its people and the connections that bring us together. Here’s to a month of celebration, gratitude, and continued community spirit.
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
That spirit of growth is reflected in the exciting updates happening throughout Downtown. We are pleased to welcome Freehand Goods, now open inside the Marketplace at Avalon Park,
#ILoveAvalonPark *Picture by AlmaSocial