Gainesville, FL February 2026

LMS offers an authentic Montessori program from early childhood through high school, adhering to principles and scientific methods for your child’s development.

The elementary learning environment (grades 1-6) fosters independence and focus through individual or small group work, natural lighting, soft colors, and organized, accessible materials. New students quickly adapt to Montessori’s hands-on, interest-driven teaching. The classroom is a vibrant, happy community where students explore, create, and reflect, with teachers offering support and introducing new material as needed. Clear expectations are balanced with openended opportunities, promoting both comfort and inspiration for learning.

Our Secondary Montessori program serves 7th - 10th grade with expansion of grade levels each year.

We integrate rigorous academics with purposeful work, preparing students to become selfconfident, contributing adults. Our approach addresses adolescents’ physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and independence. Beyond challenging their intellect, compassion, diplomacy and collaboration are developed through personally experiencing human and nature interdependence. Students also learn business and entrepreneurship skills through hands-on participation in real economic activity provided by Laniakea’s micro-economy program.

We are accepting 3 new students to join our Secondary program. Students must have a strong work ethic with a positive behavior record.

Loving Local!

February here in Alachua County is a beautiful month of love, and falls right in between the chill of our “Winter” and the excitement of Spring.  And since February is known as the month of love, here we are celebrating and loving all things local!

Our annual “Love local” issue is all about supporting our local businesses as well as showcasing those in our community who do so much.  We believe what we do when we can come together and do as a community is so much more meaningful than what we do apart. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories and photos seen and told in these pages, year after year.

In this issue we’re featuring some exciting members of our community including published authors local to our area, as you’ll read about in our “Local Voices, Lasting Stories” cover feature.  In our City Scene pages, you’ll see us celebrating and congratulating a business’ long-standing local family legacy, as well as a salute to all the winners and finalists from the Greater Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Awards.  And as always, our Shop/Love Local pages and our Business Monthly announcements give an homage to many of our favorite local companies of all different kinds.   These featured local businesses and community leaders truly are the heartbeat of our area, and we love supporting them.

Happy February!  Remember to keep love and joy in your heart, and see you around town!

RYNNI HENDERSON, PUBLISHER @GAINESVILLECITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Rynni Henderson | rynni.henderson@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Mueller | elizabeth.mueller@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Tyler Laborde | TJosephLaborde@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Schackow & Mercadante, Jamie Mousa, Santa Fe College, Matt Stamey, Gainesville Area Women's Network, Leza Mueller, Valentino Nail Bar, Looking Good Suits & More, Ramesh Mohinani, Earthwise Pet Jonesville, Kenny Vogel, Bagels & Co., Cabi Style with Leza, Adrienne Fletcher Photography, Jacqueline Valdez Studio, Jacqueline Valdez, Shakespeare Animal Fund, Ilene Silverman, Illene's, Rynni Henderson, Adam Mindick, Fitness Driven Results, Prost Photography, Sunshine Accounting & Immigration Services, LLC, Tyler Laborde, Naps Happen Photography, Rita Rodriguez, Eros Puentes, Walker Furniture, Dianne Orwig, Dawn Smith, MD, Absolute Wellness & Weight Loss, Arashi Yama Sushi & Hibachi Lounge, The Hippodrome Theater, Michael Eaddy, Crevasses Florist, La Fiesta Mexican Grille, Edwin Duque, GreatFlorida Insurance, Sweet Serendipity Photography, Betsy Pepine, Michael Presley Bobbitt, Darlene Marshall, Jenny Sherman Photography, Corey Amira Custom Homes, Corey Amira, Terri Bork, Abacus Gal, Make It Happen/Wehbe Marketing, French Woods Sports & Market Art Center, Logan Davies, ASH Consulting, CC Accounting, Dr. Jason Rosenberg, MD, FACS, Rosenberg Plastic Surgery, Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival, UFPA, Millhopper Montessori School, Christina Miller, Mike Shea Photography, Chris Bailey, Tristan Ford Frower of Chasing Shadows.

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Proverbs 3:5-6

Love Local, Insure What Matters Most

LOCAL BUT LUXURIOUS

Excellence Through Time

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

celebrating 90 years of family legacy. 14: Congratulations to all winners and finalists at Greater Gainesville Chamber Business of the Year Awards.

15: Congratulations to CC Accounting Co, a Greater Gainesville Chamber Business of the Year Award finalist! 16: Prost Photography and Naps Happen capturing the Greater Gainesville Chamber Business of the Year Awards. 17: Rynni Henderson and Ilene Silverman enjoying the Greater Gainesville Chamber Business of the Year Awards. 18: Congratulations to Raise Your Glass, a Greater Gainesville Chamber Business of the Year Award winner! 19: Congratulations to Adam and Fehrenbacher's, a Greater Gainesville Chamber Business of the Year Award finalist!

20: Congratulations to all winners and finalists at Greater Gainesville Chamber Business of the Year Awards. 21: Congratulations to Kaelyn Schmidt, a Greater Gainesville Chamber Business of the Year Award winner!

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business monthly

ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Schackow & Mercadante, P.A.: Your neighbors. Your advocates.

At Schackow & Mercadante, we love local because Gainesville is home. For decades, we’ve stood by our neighbors, protecting their rights and fighting for justice when it matters most. Whether it’s on the road, at work, or in everyday life, we’re here for the people who make this community great. We’re proud to call this community home—and even prouder to protect it.

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Open House at Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College will hold two open house-style events, February 28 and March 7 at the Northwest Campus. Open House on February 28 will have advisors, information on financial aid, transferring, housing, campus tours and more. CTE Showcase on March 7 will add tours of and information  about the College’s career and technical programs.  Visit SFCollege.edu for details.

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SF College Foundation Pillars of Service Awards is March 4

Santa Fe College Foundation’s annual Pillars of Service Awards Luncheon will be Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville.

Pillars of Service honors individuals, organizations, students and SF alumni who have made significant and lasting contributions to the college and broader community. For sponsorship and ticket information, visit SFcollege.edu/pillars/

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Empowering Women to Connect, Learn, Lead, and Thrive in Gainesville

GAWN brings women together to learn, grow, and support one another through meaningful connections. As a not-for-profit focused on women in business, we offer leadership opportunities, networking, educational programs, and community engagement. Members connect at monthly luncheons, online, and through shared professional development. We celebrate individual achievements, encourage ongoing learning, and provide resources for both job seekers and employers. Whether you need referrals, support, or new opportunities, GAWN welcomes you to join our thriving community.

Valentino Nail Bar: Gainesville’s Premier Destination for Relaxation and Beauty

Welcome to Valentino Nail Bar, where we strive to provide Gainesville’s best service. Our spacious 3,500-square-foot location and selection of over 1,000 colors ensure a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Whether you’re sipping a drink, catching up with a friend, or simply taking a well-deserved break, we offer something for everyone. Visit us to unwind, refresh, and treat yourself to the care and comfort you deserve. We look forward to welcoming you for your next relaxing visit.

Supporting Animals Beyond Our Store

At Earthwise Pet Jonesville, caring for your furry friends is our priority—but we don’t stop there. Making life better for rescue animals matters to us. We coordinate monthly Fromm donations of four 30-pound bags of food to the Lancaster Correctional Cuffs & Collars program. Other vendors donate products, and returned foods also go to local rescues. Customers can drop off pet items for rescue facilities. Together, we help give animals a second chance. Call 352-554-5655.

Looking Good Suits & More: Classic Style and Quality Tailoring

Since 1990, Looking Good Suits & More has been Gainesville’s trusted destination for high-quality, affordable men’s clothing. As a family-owned business, we believe everyone deserves stylish, well-fitting pieces that inspire confidence. Our selection includes suits, shirts, pants, jackets, and accessories—each crafted from quality materials designed to last. Whether you need a polished look for work or a sharp outfit for the weekend, we’re here to help you look and feel your best.

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New Bagels & Co. Takes a Chomp Out of Gainesville

Bagels & Co. has opened its newest location at HUB Gainesville University, steps from UF. The café offers daily fresh-baked Brooklyn-style bagels, more than 25 cream cheese flavors, breakfast and lunch options, and La Colombe coffee. Indoor seating is available, and catering is offered. First responders, medical staff, teachers, veterans, and active military receive 10% off with ID. Bagels & Co. continues expanding across Florida and university communities nationwide.

Share the Love with Cabi: Supporting Local, Giving Back Together

This Valentine’s season, Cabi Style with Leza is all about sharing love beyond the closet. By shopping Cabi and supporting a local, woman-owned business, you’re helping strengthen our community and give back where it matters most. Fashion has the power to make a difference, boosting confidence, creating opportunity, and spreading kindness. Together, we can celebrate style with purpose, uplift one another, and show love to the people and places that make our community so special.

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The Art of Love in Motion

Every love story deserves a first dance that feels like art. At Jacqueline Valdez Studio, couples in Gainesville experience bespoke wedding dance lessons that turn nerves into effortless grace. Partners glide through elegant spins and cinematic dips, moving with confidence, connection, and joy. Each intimate session transforms movement into meaning, creating a first dance that feels timeless, personal, and unforgettable. Love, elevated through movement.

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Fit LoveTogether,Stronger

COUPLES WHO TRAIN

TOGETHER STAY MOTIVATED, CONNECTED, AND COMMITTED

ARTICLE BY ADAM MINDICK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM MINDICK &

PROST PHOTOGRAPHY

AdamMindick:Owner Fitness DrivenResults

This February, strengthen more than your muscles - strengthen your relationship.

• Higher Motivation: You inspire each other to push harder and show up even on tough days.

• Quality Time: Workouts become meaningful moments away from the daily grind to reconnect.

• Deeper Connection: Shared challenges and victories strengthen emotional closeness.

• Stress Relief: Sweating together provides a healthy outlet that boosts mental clarity.

• Better Intimacy: Improving your fitness as a team can enhance energy, confidence, and closeness.

• Healthier Together: Working toward shared goals improves overall wellness for both of you.

Special Offer: Get 15% off memberships when you sign up together.

At the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, we believe a thriving local economy starts with the people behind it. From ribbon cuttings to grand openings, we stand beside our businesses at every step celebrating their milestones, championing their growth, and supporting initiatives that keep our community strong.

At this years ’ Business Awards, we honored the businesses who shine bright in our community from financial advisors to animal

BUSINESS

A NIGHT AMONG THE STARS

SUNSHINE ACCOUNTING & IMMIGRATION SERVICES LLC

The story of Sunshine Accounting & Immigration Services LLC reflects the value of family work, dedication, and the desire to serve with professionalism and care. It all began in 2013, when Rita, who holds a degree in Finance Managerial and is a Notary Public, started independently offering tax preparation services. Her hard work and commitment to the community laid the foundation for what would later become a thriving family business. In 2017, her son Eros, a Florida International University (FIU) graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, joined her to expand the services and provide more comprehensive support. In January 2018, Sunshine Accounting & Immigration Services LLC officially opened its doors

AT SUNSHINE, A MOTHER AND SON

SHARE THE PASSION FOR HELPING OTHERS—WITH THE LIGHT OF KNOWLEDGE, HONESTY, AND FAMILY DEDICATION THAT MAKE THEM SHINE.

in Miami, Florida. Growth soon followed: in 2019, they opened a second office in Gainesville, led by Eros. By 2021, they decided to consolidate all operations in Gainesville, where they continue serving businesses and families with the same commitment and integrity that define them. Today, Sunshine provides business and personal accounting, tax preparation, immigration processes within the limits allowed by law (we are not attorneys), document notarization, and new business registration and startup assistance. More than an accounting firm, Sunshine Accounting & Immigration Services LLC stands for the union of experience, ethics, and personalized service. Its mission is to guide each client toward financial and personal growth through precise, reliable, and caring solutions. At Sunshine, a mother and son share the passion for helping others—with the light of knowledge, honesty, and family dedication that make them shine.

Shop Local, Love Local, Live Local

BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY, ONE SMALL BUSINESS AT A TIME

Walker Furniture: Stressless Leather Kit

Walker Furniture / Treat your leather like royalty / www.walker-furniture.com / Call (352) 372-1125

Arashi Yama Sushi & Hibachi Lounge: Creative and Fresh Sushi

Arashi Yama Sushi & Hibachi Lounge / Try some of the best and most creative sushi with the freshest and finest ingredients! /  www.arashiyamagainesville.com   / Call (352) 505-6000

Looking Good Suits & More: Upgrade Your Style Game

Looking Good Suits & More / Discover The Latest Trends in Suits and Upgrade Your Style Game / https://lookinggoodgator.com/ / Call (352) 332-3186

NapsHappenPhotography:  Local Photographer

NapsHappenPhotography / Loving your local photography business means igniting creativity, preserving memories, and empowering artists to tell their stories.  /  www.NapsHappenPhotography.com

The Hippodrome Theater: Flex Passes

The Hippodrome Theater / Gift unforgettable moments: Live theater or cinema with Hippodrome Theatre's flex passes and gift cards /  thehipp.org / Call (352) 375-4477

Crevasses Florist: Valentine's Day deserves flowers

Crevasses Florist / Valentine’s blooms that say everything beautifully. / www.crevassesflorist.com  / Call (352) 376-2514

Earthwise Pet Jonesville Supply & Grooming: Dog Chews & Treats

Earthwise Pet Jonesville Supply & Grooming /  High quality ethically sourced natural dog chews and treats  / Starting at $0.59   /  jonesville.earthwisepet.com/jonesville / Call (352) 554-5655

Cabi Style with Leza: Cabi Spring 26

Cabi Style with Leza / Cabi Spring 26  / Fashion for REAL life!  /  https://cabi. cabionline.com/elizabethmueller  /  Call (352) 359-6023

La Fiesta Mexican Grille: Authentic Mexican Flavor Experience

La Fiesta Mexican Grille / Authentic Mexican cuisine along top-tier Mexican drinks /  https://www.lafiestagrille.com/  / Call (352) 335-8484

Absolute Wellness and Weight Loss: Starter Couple Package

Absolute Wellness and Weight Loss / Come in together and each receives $75 off a starter package / 1135 NW 23rd Ave Suite F   /  absolutewellnessandweightloss.com / Call  (352) 240-6595

Love Local, Insure What Matters Most

Her daughter called from the side of the road after a car accident. As she started the claims process in the days that followed, a Gainesville mom discovered that her policy didn’t include the coverage she thought she had, and insurance stopped being just paperwork in a folder.

She had purchased her insurance directly through a national carrier. Everything seemed fine at first, with a simple setup

and competitive rates, until her daughter’s accident revealed there was no collision coverage. A closer look uncovered more gaps, including no theft coverage on her husband’s high end vehicle. She told me, “If I had known, I never would have chosen those options.” But she didn’t know because no one had walked her through the fine print.

The aftermath only added stress. She spent days calling customer service lines, telling the same story to different representatives who didn’t know the history of her claim. What should have been a moment of support quickly turned into an exhausting ordeal.

Stories like hers are why I love local. When you work with a local insurance agent, you get more than a policy. You get a person. Someone who understands your situation, notices gaps before they become problems, and helps you choose the right coverage with confidence. And if a claim arises, you have an advocate, someone who manages the forms, follow ups, and back and forth so you don’t have to carry that burden alone.

Since opening my office here in Gainesville, I’ve seen what an incredible community this is for small businesses. I’ve met photographers, designers, printers, and entrepreneurs. They are people who pour passion into their work and support one another.

Do not wait for an accident to expose a gap in your coverage. If your insurance is handled by a national carrier directly, reach out to a local agency and sit down for a real conversation about your policies. Ask a few questions, compare options, and see if your coverage still fits your life today. You might be surprised by what you learn.

Loving local isn’t just about where you shop. It’s about who you trust to protect what matters most.

Edwin Duque, GreatFlorida Insurance of Gainesville

Local Voices, Lasting Stories

Honoring local authors whose work reflects our community’s spirit, history, and the transformative power of storytelling.

BETSY PEPINE

BREAKING BOXES: DISMANTLING THE METAPHORICAL BOXES THAT BIND US

Gainesville has been my home since childhood, and it’s the place that taught me how much possibility exists when people are supported, encouraged, and given room to grow. After more than twenty years leading and mentoring in real estate, I realized that the biggest barriers people face aren’t external—they’re the internal “boxes” they’ve absorbed over time. Those limits quietly shape how we think, lead, love, create, and make decisions. Breaking Boxes grew out of seeing those patterns emerge again and again in clients, colleagues, friends, and in my own life.

My inspiration to write didn’t come from wanting to be an author; it came from wanting people to stop underliving their lives. In my work, I had a front-row seat to the moments when someone was ready to step into something bigger— launch a business, walk away from a role that no longer fit, pursue a long-postponed dream, or finally choose a life that felt authentic. I saw how often people waited for permission. I wrote Breaking Boxes to give people a framework to claim that permission for themselves.

My work is deeply connected to Gainesville because everything I teach, write about, and speak on was shaped here. Gainesville is a community of reinvention—students finding their path, professionals shifting careers, entrepreneurs taking risks, families navigating change, and longterm residents looking to grow in new directions. I’ve built my businesses here, raised my daughters here, and spent decades walking alongside people in some of their most pivotal transitions. Those stories, struggles, and breakthroughs are woven into the heart of my book.

Being featured in this Love Local issue is meaningful because Gainesville isn’t just the place I live—it’s the place that made this work possible. Breaking Boxes is ultimately a love letter to growth, courage, and reinvention, and those values thrive in this community. My hope is that the book encourages people right here in Gainesville to expand beyond the limits they’ve outgrown and step confidently into the life they’re ready for.

Photographer: Jenny Sherman Photography

I began my writing career in Gainesville as a playwright. When I couldn’t find any theaters to produce my first play, Across the River, I rented an abandoned building downtown, converted it into a makeshift theater, and mounted a production. To everyone’s surprise, especially mine, the play was a runaway success. In subsequent years, I had a string of hit plays, including off-Broadway productions in New York City for my plays Sunset Village (about the underground culture at the world’s largest retirement community), and Florida Man (about a Florida Man who digs up his dead father to give him the proper Viking funeral he always wanted).

MICHAEL PRESLEY BOBBITT

The running joke among people that know my writing is that I only ever write about one thing—the power of community and the extended families we make for ourselves.

Michael Presley Bobbitt “

On the heels of a lost marriage, I moved to the little island of Cedar Key to try to reinvent myself. The running joke among people that know my writing is that I only ever write about one thing—the power of community and the extended families we make for ourselves. In Cedar Key, I found a community that opened its arms for me, taking me in at the lowest point of my life. I shifted my creative focus and began writing novels set in Cedar Key, populated with characters based on the remarkable islanders that are now my friends and neighbors. When Hurricanes Idalia and Helene devastated the island, our tight-knit community banded together and took care of one another. My best-selling novels Godspeed, Cedar Key and Forever, Cedar Key are love letters to the island and have gained a wide audience around the country. The final book in the trilogy, The Last Great Stand of Cedar Key, will be out in April of 2026.

Photographer: Michael Presley Bobbitt

DARLENE MARSHALL

"Only Roscoe the parrot knows what happens in the captain's cabin...and he's not talking"

Including scenes of North Central Florida in my historical romances brings me joy. Hiking at San Felasco Hammock Preserve or Paynes Prairie helps me add color and depth as I craft stories about pirates, privateers, and smugglers, some of whom wander through this area in my tales. I’ve received letters from my readers around the world saying, “I didn’t know Florida had history! I thought it was all South Beach and Disney.”

A career in print and broadcast news taught me how to research and write, but while I loved journalism, what I longed to do was to make up stories and guarantee a happy ending. I do that now with my historical romances.

We live in a unique place, enjoying our own Florida lifestyle. We don’t have the beach, but we have springs, woods, horse country, alligators, and even caves (which I explored while writing The Bride and the Buccaneer … and I will never, ever do that again!) Gainesville is an excellent locale for writers, with bookstores and dedicated readers, a fabulous library district, and authors supporting one another. I’m grateful to be here working on my next trilogy, which will include that special North Central Florida touch.

Photographer: Darlene Marshall

LOCAL BUT LUXURIOUS

Buying custom furniture is surprisingly easy and doesn’t require a trip out of town!

Locals in Gainesville are often astonished when they first step into Walker Furniture’s spacious 43,000 sq. ft. showroom.

“I thought I had to travel to Jacksonville or Tampa for this level of quality and selection,” ‘is a comment we hear a lot,’ says 3rd generation co-owner and store manager, Mary Kate Walker.

Unlike the usual “stock” stores, where what you see is what you get, most items within Walker’s walls have multiple options. Everything from custom upholstery and leathers, arm styles, firm to plush cushions, and

wood finishes can be tailored to fit your taste, décor, and preferences.

Rather than leave the look, feel, and style of your next piece of furniture up to the manufacturer, why not create a piece that is uniquely yours in every way.

If the idea of making so many selections feels too overwhelming, no worries. Walker Furniture’s team of style and sales experts have you covered.

See why so many in Gainesville have made Walker Furniture their go-to place for their living room, dining room, bedroom and office needs.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

DIANNE ORWIG

BECAUSE YOUR BUSINESS DESERVES MORE THAN CHAOS, CONFUSION, AND CROSSED FINGERS. LET’S LOVE LOCAL—AND GET IT TOGETHER.

ARTICLE BY TERRI BORK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRISTAN

This month, Terri shares how to fall back in love with your business by ditching the chaos, reconnecting with your why, and tapping into Gainesville’s Love Local magic. When one business gets its groove back, the whole community feels it.

FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH YOUR BUSINESS

Let’s be real for a second: running a business can feel a lot like a relationship gone stale. In the beginning, you’re obsessed—dreaming big, full of ideas, totally smitten.

Then somewhere between the receipts, the invoices, the payroll, the “I’ll deal with that tomorrow,” and the endless decisions… the spark just poofs. Gone. Suddenly your business feels less like a love story and more like… well, a situationship.

But here’s the thing—your business *can* be fun again. You can get that spark back. And it starts with giving your business (and yourself) the clarity, structure, and support you’ve been avoiding.

REDISCOVER YOUR WHY — THE SPARK IS STILL THERE

Remember the moment you decided to start this whole adventure? You were bold. You were excited. You believed in something.

That original why didn’t disappear—it’s just hiding under your to-do list. Dust it off. Hold it again. It’s the fuel behind everything.

CLEAR OUT THE CHAOS — LOVE DOESN’T LIVE IN A MESS

Let’s spill some truth: nothing ruins the vibe faster than messy books, clunky systems, or decisions made out of sheer exhaustion.

When your numbers make sense, your processes actually process, and  your plans point somewhere meaningful? Oh honey, the confidence that comes back.

That’s when running your business stops feeling like a burden… and starts feeling like the thing you fell in love with.

LEAN

INTO YOUR LOCAL VILLAGE — GAINESVILLE STYLE

Here’s where the Love Local magic really shows up.  Gainesville isn’t just a place to run a business—it’s a community that rallies, supports, and genuinely wants to see you win.

After working with business owners all over the city, I’ve seen the glow-up that happens when the chaos calms down. A confident owner makes confident decisions. Confident decisions build stronger businesses. And stronger businesses make Gainesville shine.

That’s why I love what I do—helping our local businesses get organized, get clear, and glow up from the inside out. Because when one business gets its groove back, the whole community wins.

MAKE SPACE FOR JOY AGAIN — YES, YOU’RE ALLOWED

A business that runs smoothly gives you room to breathe. To create. To dream. To lead. Joy is not a luxury in business—it’s a strategy. And it’s time to reclaim it.

THE FINAL WORD: BECAUSE IT JUST MAKES CENTS

If your business has been giving “it’s complicated,” this is your sign to hit reset.

Revisit your why. Clear the clutter. Lean into your community. Let joy back in.

You didn’t build this business to be stressed—you built it to make an impact, serve your people, and create a life you love.

And loving your business? That just makes cents.

Terri Bork, Abacus Gal | abacusgal.com

Custom Homes Rooted Locally

Building custom homes in Gainesville, Ocala and Lake City inspired by North Central Florida styles

Corey Amira Custom Homes is proudly based in Gainesville, Florida, where a deep appreciation for local character, craftsmanship, and community shapes every home we build. Headquartered in Haile Village in southwest Gainesville, our company has grown alongside the region, developing a strong connection to the architectural styles, landscapes, and lifestyles that define North Central Florida.

We specialize in building truly custom homes throughout Gainesville and the surrounding communities, extending our reach south into Ocala and north toward Lake City. Each project is thoughtfully designed to reflect not only our clients’ personal vision, but also the unique sense of place that makes this region special. Building custom homes is never a onesize-fits-all process, and that philosophy is especially true in a diverse and evolving market like North Central Florida.

Our clients are drawn to a wide range of popular local homebuilding trends,

including modern farmhouse, country-inspired residences, transitional designs, clean modern homes, and classic Florida-style architecture. We enjoy helping homeowners blend these styles with functional layouts, high-quality materials, and details that suit Florida’s climate and way of life. From wide porches and open living spaces to light-filled interiors and seamless indoor-outdoor living, each home is a reflection of both personal taste and regional influence.

Custom homebuilding is unique in every part of the country, and we take pride in being part of North Central Florida’s distinct homebuilding culture. At Corey Amira Custom Homes, we don’t just build houses—we collaborate with our clients to create homes that feel authentic, enduring, and deeply connected to the communities they are built in. Our passion lies in crafting homes that belong exactly where they stand.

Corey Amira Custom Homes 5213 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville, FL

Love Your Health: Prioritizing Better Sleep

IMPROVE NIGHTLY SLEEP STAGES TO BOOST FOCUS, BALANCE, AND VITALITY.

ARTICLE BY DAWN SMITH, MD

Restorative sleep is the foundation of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Increasing the quality of your sleep is one of the most effective ways to improve overall quality of life. It takes place across multiple stages including deep sleep and REM sleep. Deep sleep is essential for repairing tissues, balancing hormones, regulating appetite, and supporting metabolic health. REM (rapid eye movement) sleep plays a uniquely powerful role. During REM, the brain becomes highly active—organizing memories, processing emotions, strengthening neural pathways, and supporting creativity and problem-solving. It’s the stage where clarity is rebuilt and stress circuits reset.

Bioactive precision peptides can offer meaningful support by helping calm the nervous system, regulate cortisol patterns, and promote smoother transitions between sleep stages. By easing nighttime stress responses, they create an internal environment that allows REM cycles to lengthen and become more restorative.

When deep sleep and REM sleep are both strong, the body and brain recover more efficiently. This leads to better daytime energy, emotional stability, and sharper cognitive function.

Daily habits can further reinforce healthy REM. Consistent bedtimes, cooler sleeping environments, and dim evening lighting strengthen circadian rhythms and support the later-night REM stages. Morning sunlight primes the brain for better nighttime sleep, while managing stress throughout the day prevents cortisol spikes that can shorten or fragment REM cycles.

Optimizing restorative sleep is not about simply getting more hours, it is about improving the quality of each stage so your body and mind operate at their highest level.  Absolute Wellness and Weightloss

RESETTING YOUR SILHOUETTE THROUGH IMPLANT REMOVAL

Restoring beauty naturally when breast implants no longer feel right for your body or lifestyle

For many women, breast implants once enhanced confidence or restored shape. Over time, however, they may feel uncomfortable, emotionally misaligned, or raise concerns about overall wellness. Resetting your silhouette through explant surgery is about restoring beauty naturally and returning to a form that feels authentic. The procedure involves removing the implants along with the surrounding capsule to support complete healing. A breast lift reshapes and elevates

natural tissue, while fat grafting can add soft, subtle volume using your own fat. When combined with a tummy tuck, the result is a more balanced, harmonious silhouette. This approach isn’t about perfection—it’s about simplification, alignment, and feeling at home in your body again. By letting go of what no longer feels right, many women rediscover confidence through natural proportion, comfort, and renewed selftrust.  https://rosenbergplasticsurgery.com/

DR. JASON ROSENBERG, MD, FACS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ASH CONSULTING

Celebrating Carmen Cuenca’s remarkable professional journey and thirty-two years of CC Accounting’s unwavering commitment to trusted guidance, excellence, and community leadership in Gainesville.

Excellence

Through Time

For over three decades, Carmen Cuenca has been a pillar of integrity and expertise in Gainesville’s business community. Since founding CC Accounting in 1994, her vision has been rooted in service, education, and long-term relationships. Through economic cycles and evolving tax landscapes, Carmen’s leadership has guided families, individuals, and businesses with clarity and confidence. As CC Accounting celebrates its 32nd anniversary, it honors not only longevity but a legacy defined by trust, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping the community thrive.

CAMP STARTS HERE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN DAVIES

AMERICA’S TOP TEEN-ONLY SUMMER CAMP. Teen Only, Elective Program, Flexible Dates, Premier Facilities

French Woods Sports and Arts Center is America’s premier teen-only summer camp, located in Hancock, New York, just 2.5 hours from New York City. Designed for campers ages 12–17, FWC offers affordable 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10-week sessions and attracts teens from across the U.S. and around the world. The camp provides a safe, supportive, and well-supervised environment where every camper can enjoy a meaningful, age-appropriate summer experience.

FWC blends the feel of a classic American camp with modern facilities, clean living, world-class instruction, and a mature, professional staff. It’s a place where teens with diverse passions can learn new skills, build confidence, and grow in a positive community.

The camp is co-owned and directed by Gainesville residents Nigel and Ruthie Watson, parents of Oak Hall students Sam and Lily Jean. www.fwsportsarts.com

FEBRUARY 2026

CERTIFIED MASTER VIKING CRUISE SPECIALIST ™

 Celebrating 25+ years of sell Viking™ locally

 45+ years as Gainesville ‘s Luxury Travel Agency

 10+ consecutive years as a Viking

 “My team & I are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week”

 Every

 Stop by our office on Newberry Road to discuss Viking™ and pick -up our Hard-Cover Coffee Table style book on Viking™

“This isn’t just a trip of a

Uncover the ancient secrets of Egypt amid the welcoming culture of today. See the pyramids from astride a majestic camel. Explore the Temple of Karnak’s 136 soaring pillars. Visit Queen Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens. Skim the waters of the Nile by traditional felucca. Enjoy the fragrances of Aswan’s spice market. Join our expert Egyptologists on a 12 day cruisetour through Egypt on board our modern Nile ships, owned

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JANUARY 30TH - FEBRUARY 15TH

Some Enchanted Evening, The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein

Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE 2nd Place, Gainesville, Fl 32601

Kick off 2026 with romance, passion and the music we grew up loving.  The Sound of Music,  Oklahoma,  The King and I, Carousel, Flower Drum Song and more. A glorious parade of genuine hits from the golden age of Broadway that will lift your spirits, brighten your soul and leave a melody in your heart. Tickets at thehipp.org or 352-375-4477

FEBRUARY EVENTS

University of Florida Performing Arts

3201 Hull Road Gainesville, FL 32611-2750

Feb 8: 2 pm - Dinosaur World Live, Feb 13: 7 pm & 9 pm - Camille Thurman, Feb 14: 7 pm & 9 pm - Tatiana Eva-Marie, Feb 17: 7:30 pm - Cirque FLIP Fabrique-Blizzard, Feb 18 & Feb 19: 7:30 pm - An Evening with Benmont Tench, Feb 23: 7:30 pm - Tina The Tina Turner Musical 352-392-2787

FEBRUARY 28TH - MARCH 1ST

Save the Date: Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival

The Shoppes at Thornebrook

Experience the magic of art in Gainesville at Thornebrook's 5th Annual Spring Arts Festival! February 28–March 1, 10 AM–5 PM, enjoy painting, sculpture, photography, glass, fiber arts, pottery, jewelry, and more. Meet returning and new artists, savor local food, and celebrate community creativity. Don’t miss this vibrant weekend of art, culture, and inspiration at the Shoppes at Thornebrook!

cabi.cabionline.com/elizabethmueller

352.359.6023 | lmuellers.gator@gmail.com V cabistylewithleza B lezacabistylist

ChristinaMillerOwner/Head Millhopper MontessoriSchool

Millhopper Montessori School

Love Languages & Visual, Kinesthetic and Auditory learners

Love is learned. Children are born needing love but this abstract concept is only learned through modeling and experience. The five love languages parents can model for their children include giving quality time by providing opportunity for them to receive your gift of time and attention, physical touching, willingly offering them help, and affirming and encouraging with positive words.

Children learn with a preference towards being visual, kinesthetic or auditory. Visual learners learn by seeing information and playing closer attention to the body language and facial expressions of others.

The love language for them may be showing them loving gestures like a note in their lunchbox or playing with them or helping them with a chore. They will see you model love through those experiences.

Auditory learners learn by hearing and reading information. They understand they are loved by hearing you say, “I love

you,” and when you notice their efforts with praise. The more they hear this modeled the more they will understand love.

Kinesthetic learners need lots of hands-on recognition for learning love. Giving them hugs and kisses and holding hands along with sitting side by side while reading them a story will speak to their love language.

Kinesthetic children love to be comforted. Kissing a boo-boo goes a long way.

Quality time provides the framework for meeting all of the love languages and integrates all three learning modalities. Quality time requires that you don’t mix your time with your child with time on your cell phone unless absolutely necessary. If it is necessary, tell whomever called that you have to make it quick because you are spending time with your child. That will be the most profound message you can give your child on how you prioritize time with them.

Miller: Owner and Head Millhopper Montessori School

Most Love Is Felt.

OURS IS REMEMBERED.

For over 25 years, Govind & Sons Fine Jewelry has helped turn love stories into heirlooms — handcrafted symbols of devotion meant to last a lifetime.

This Valentine’s Day, discover custom diamond engagement rings and fine jewelry designed and created in-house by master GIA-certified jewelers, each piece as unique as the love it represents.

From timeless diamonds to rare, romantic gemstones, our Gainesville showroom offers the perfect way to say forever.

Step into Gainesville’s only five-star jewelry store — where love is celebrated and every guest is treated like family.

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable.