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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Here’s to Good Health & Connections in 2026!

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Amy Walters | amy.walters@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

JoAnn Chang | joann.chang@citylifestyle.com

I am so grateful. Everyone likes to “reflect” on what they want to change in the new year. I prefer to reflect on all the good that happened in 2025 and build on the new connections, friendships, healthy lifestyle habits, and opportunities. I want to tell you the number one thing 2025 taught me. Open your mind and your heart to new connections. Be open to exploring more ways to connect with others and share your passions, your treasures, and your gifts with others. In this issue, I’m sharing some of the great ways to plug into new connections. Have you been thinking about getting in better mental shape? Be sure to check out Trinity Yoga and Wellness to connect with your inner voice and share with other like-minded yogis and meet a new friend. Have you thought about ways to protect your peace and get some you time? Look into Palms Wellness Spa for a relaxing time to rest and pamper yourself. Are you finally ready to get on track with your health? Head over to Your First Health and Wellness to chat with Dr. Jen Parker and plan a health strategy that will help you achieve your goals. We have highlights in City Scene for you to check out and a visit to the Epicurean Hotel for a relaxing stay and a chance to take in all the amenities, perfect for a girls’ day or a chance to get away and unplug. So many ways to connect when you need to and unplug when you don’t! My wish for you in 2026 is that you are confident walking into the new year with all the tools you need to be your very best! CHEERS TO YOU AND THE NEW YEAR!

P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Michelle Numann | michelle.numann@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

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JoAnn Chang, Michelle Numann, Amy Walters, Michele Northrup C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Naomi Wipert, Magical Memories Photography, J. David, Katy Fernandez, Lux Content Co.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

40 20

Featured

30 36 40 8

Prioritizing Wellness

Local health and wellness experts share how to prioritize your health in 2026.

36 On the Cover

Departments

Take time to focus on your personal wellness journey in 2026.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

Self Healing

Take a time-out from the madness to indulge.

Fresh Flavors: Main Street Bakery Experience the Restoring Property of Food.

Making A Connection

Don’t neglect the health and wellness of your business!

Photography: Naomi Wipert - Reflections Photography

C AR ACCI DENTS

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From pickleball and group exercise to youth sports and family activities, members can do it all at the James P. Gills Family YMCA!

Join in January and pay Valid Jan. 1-31. Use code Join-Online James P. Gills Family YMCA 8411 Photonics Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34655 P 727.375.9622 www.ymcasuncoast.org/gills JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N E WPO RT R I C HE Y

JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

1 – 7: The Veterans Day event hosted at Odessa Elementary School was filled with beautiful memories and connections between generations as our local veterans were honored.

Photography by Magical Memories Photography

C I T Y SC E N E

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ N E W P O R T R I C H E Y C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

14 13

8 – 14: Local leaders shined at the 4th Annual Paint the Night Blue Black-Tie Event at Kontos Event Center. The event raised funds to support Pasco Kids First as they support victims of abuse, trauma, neglect, and violent crime.

Photography by J. David

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JANUARY 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Connecting with Intention Sunflower Socials was born from a love for storytelling, community, and helping businesses shine. As a mom and creator, Rose understands how meaningful it is to feel seen and supported, so that’s the heart behind everything she does. She pours intention, creativity, and connection into every brand touched, celebrating the people behind the business just as much as their products/services. Sunflower Socials isn’t just marketing—it’s passion, purpose, and building something authentic, genuine & beautiful.

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Prioritizing Wellness HEATHER DAVIS RENEWAL DAY SPA

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Local health and wellness experts share how to prioritize your health in 2026. ARTICLE BY AMY WALTERS

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

For Heather Davis, the definition of self-care has expanded far beyond pampering. Today, it includes stress regulation, lymphatic support, sleep quality, inflammation control, and emotional recovery—critical components of preventive health. At Renewal Day Spa of Trinity, this shift is clear. Clients aren’t just booking services for relaxation anymore. Many come because their doctors, therapists, and even employers encourage a consistent focus on their personal wellness to stay healthy and resilient. Yet the biggest misconception persists - that self-care is selfish or requires large amounts of time. In truth, short, regular practices often have the greatest impact. Signs of neglect show up subtly— tense shoulders, headaches, irritability, poor sleep, digestive issues, and that “running on empty” feeling. Parents and professionals often miss these clues until they’re overwhelmed. The path back is surprisingly simple: a few minutes of deep breathing, gentle stretching, or stepping away from a screen. Pairing that with scheduled recovery—a monthly massage, facial, lymphatic session, or head spa treatment—creates meaningful, lasting change. In a world defined by chronic stress, focusing on your personal wellness isn’t indulgent. It’s essential protection that allows people to function, heal, and thrive.

Today, the world is redefining what personal wellness truly means. According to natural wellness advocate and owner of Wildly Co., Colleen Naumann, the shift has been long overdue. “People are finally starting to understand that self-care isn’t a luxury,” said Naumann. “It’s not bubble baths and spa days. It’s choosing cleaner products, getting fresh air, and paying attention to your mental health. The simple things matter more than people realize.” Naumann emphasizes the power of daily choices: gentler products, natural ingredients, nourishing foods, a moment of stillness. “It’s the everyday little choices that end up making the biggest difference,” explained Naumann. The signs of neglect, she adds, tend to creep in quietly—irritation, fatigue, brain fog, feeling overwhelmed by small things. “Most people are constantly on the move, especially parents, and they don’t even notice it happening.” Her advice for resetting is simple. Step outside, hydrate, stretch, take five guilt-free minutes, or lean on grounding routines. For her, a nightly ritual using her magnesium-infused Relief Body Butter signals her body and mind to unwind. With digital wellness on the rise, Naumann urges balance. Apps can help, but “real self-care happens when you step away from your phone,” explained Naumann. Time in nature, prayer, reading, meaningful connection, or simply breathing—those are the moments that truly recalibrate us. For Naumann, life on her farm offers the reset no screen ever could. As she puts it, “Life is a lot. If you don’t take a little time for yourself, everything catches up with you.” In 2026, focusing on personal wellness isn’t an indulgence—it’s essential to staying grounded, resilient, and well.

COLLEEN NAUMANN WILDLY CO.

Photo Credit: Katy Fernandez - Magic Media Socials

“

“People are finally starting to under-

stand that self-care

isn’t a luxury. It’s not

bubble baths and spa days. It’s choosing cleaner products,

getting fresh air, and paying attention to

your mental health. The simple things

matter more than people realize.”

CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N E WPO RT R I C HE Y

CHRIS EATON TRINITY YOGA & WELLNESS

Photo Credit: Naomi Wipert

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

In a world that never seems to slow down, Chris Eaton, owner of Trinity Yoga & Wellness, has a simple message that feels more relevant than ever: prioritizing your personal health and wellness isn’t a luxury — it’s survival. “People think self-care is indulgence,” Eaton said. “In reality, it’s intelligence. It’s how we regulate our nervous system, reduce stress, and stay healthy.” As more people enter 2026 determined to change the way they care for themselves, Eaton believes the conversation has finally caught up with what the science has been saying for years. Yoga, breathwork, and mindful movement are no longer passing trends — they’re foundational tools for supporting the body, mind, and spirit in a fast-paced world. For Eaton, it’s easy to spot the first signs of neglect in busy parents and professionals. They’re wracked with fatigue, irritability, poor sleep, and disconnection from loved ones. “People keep pushing their needs aside until their bodies force a reset,” explained Eaton. His solution? Pause, breathe, reconnect. Even five conscious breaths before a meeting, a short phone-free walk, or a few minutes of morning yoga can retrain the nervous system and allow you to feel present again. Technology, he notes, can support wellness, but only when used intentionally. Apps can guide meditation or track habits, yet real restoration happens offline. “Step away from screens,” Eaton advised. “Stretch, move, breathe, or sit quietly. Yoga and breathwork help release tension, calm the mind, and reconnect you to yourself in a way no device ever can.” For those focusing on ways to improve their personal wellness, Eaton recommends three simple habits to protect both mental and physical health: morning sunlight paired with deep breathing to boost mood and focus, mindful meals without distractions to lower stress, and evening stillness practices — gentle stretches, journaling, or yoga — to reset the nervous system for the next day. “The healthiest people in 2026 won’t be the busiest; they’ll be the most present, regulated, and rested. Taking time to breathe, move, and connect with yourself isn’t a trend — it’s how we prevent burnout, and show up fully in life,” shared Eaton.

Photo Credit: Naomi Wipert

SHERRIE MALDONADO PALMS WELLNESS SPA

For Sherrie Maldonado, founder of Palms Wellness Spa, personal wellness and self-care have gotten way too complicated. “We’ve made it seem like it’s only about perfect beauty standards or the latest trend,” she said. “But caring for yourself doesn’t have to be intimidating. It doesn’t have to be a to-do list. Sometimes it’s as simple as stepping outside for a couple of minutes, taking a few deep breaths, and just noticing that you’re alive.” Maldonado sees the consequences when people—especially busy parents and professionals—neglect themselves. Constant fatigue, irritability, poor focus, headaches, even skin flare-ups are all signals that we’re running on empty. “Our bodies talk to us in whispers before they scream,” said Maldonado. “I try not to wait until I’m at that breaking point. Even small moments—reading a book, walking, standing by the ocean, calling a friend—can remind you to care for yourself. Self-care doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Make it your own and make it meaningful.” Technology adds another layer to wellness. Maldonado enjoys podcasts, motivational content, and wellness videos, but she

warns that inspiration isn’t enough. “We all know the habits that make us feel good, but knowing isn’t the same as living them,” explained Maldonado. “It takes intentional choices—what we watch, who we spend time with, how we spend free moments. Digital tools can spark ideas, but real restoration happens offline—in nature, in friendships, in being fully present.” Her advice for building wellness habits that last is refreshingly simple: move with intention, prioritize sleep, and practice mindful connections. Ten minutes of walking, a phone-free night, or a heartfelt conversation with someone you care about can make a bigger impact than most people realize. For Maldonado, self-care isn’t optional—it’s medicinal. “Laughing with a friend, sitting by the water, taking a deep breath—these moments lower stress and prevent burnout,” advised Maldonado. “At Palms Wellness Spa, our goal is to help people reconnect mind and body, release tension, and leave feeling vibrant, relaxed, and alive. In 2026, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s how we thrive.” CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N E WPO RT R I C HE Y

JENNIFER PARKER YOU FIRST HEALTH & WELLNESS

Photo Credit: Naomi Wipert

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

For Jennifer Parker, founder of You First Health & Wellness, the terms wellness and self-care have been misused for far too long. “We’ve turned it into bubble baths and escape,” explained Parker, “when really, it’s the most practical, everyday form of taking care of your health.” As we move into 2026, Parker feels the medical community finally sees personal wellness differently than ever before - the first line of preventive medicine. Parker’s definition is refreshingly simple. Selfcare is the collection of daily habits that keep people grounded and well—steady sleep, decent meals, hydration, movement, mental-health support, and moments that calm the nervous system. Parker laughs when people assume self-care is selfish. “If anything, it helps you show up better for the people who depend on you.” Working with busy parents, professionals, and caregivers, Parker can spot the early signs of self-neglect almost instantly: the bone-deep tiredness, the short fuse, the foggy thinking, the meals skipped between obligations. “People come in thinking something is ‘wrong’ with them,” explained Parker. “Usually, their bodies are just running on empty.” Her advice rarely starts with some complicated overhaul. Instead, she focuses on the basics people tend to abandon first—eating regularly, drinking more water, getting outside, sleeping better, and moving for a few minutes each day. She also encourages her patients to reclaim at least one boundary that protects their time or energy. “Small shifts create momentum,” shared Parker. “You don’t need a full reset. You just need to start listening to yourself again.” With digital wellness tools becoming almost unavoidable, Parker urges people to treat technology as a guide rather than a substitute. Apps can track habits or help with breathing exercises, but they’re not a replacement for proper rest. “Let the app remind you,” explained Parker, “then put the phone down and go do the part that matters.” To Parker, making self-care non-negotiable isn’t a trend—it’s biology. “Our bodies weren’t built for nonstop stress,” shared Parker. “Selfcare keeps everything else—from your mood to your immune system—on steady ground. It’s not optional anymore. It’s the foundation.”

Photo Credit: Naomi Wipert

STEPHANIE KRASKOWSKI NEUROCARE PRO

Stephanie Kraskowski wants people to understand something simple about wellness - healing starts with light. Working with her providers and clients, she sees stressed, tired, inflamed, or simply overwhelmed—and walk out feeling grounded, restored, and a little more like themselves. The secret isn’t magic. It’s mitochondria. “Red light therapy supports the body at a cellular level,” she explained. “It boosts ATP—the energy your cells run on—so they repair and function better.” When cells have more energy, everything from inflammation and muscle soreness to skin health and circulation can improve. For Stephanie, knowing the science is empowering. “Understanding why it works turns the session into something intentional. You’re not just standing in front of a panel; you’re giving your body space and energy to heal.” And the research backs it up. Studies show red light therapy may enhance athletic performance, cut recovery time, reduce joint pain, improve skin tone and collagen production, and even support soft-tissue healing. But what she loves most is how seamlessly it blends into a genuine personal wellness

routine. Post-workout, it becomes a moment of gentle recovery. At night, it signals the body to slow down. Paired with a skincare ritual, it becomes a nurturing reset instead of another task on the list. “People want to know if it’s safe,” she said. “It is. No UV, non-invasive, and incredibly gentle.” Still, she encourages mindfulness— pay attention to how your body responds, maintain consistent use, and choose a device that’s actually therapeutic. She offers simple guidelines for at-home users: look for the right wavelengths (630–660 nm for red, 810–850 nm for near-infrared), proper irradiance, and ideally FDA-cleared panels. But ultimately, she said, “The best device is the one you’ll use consistently.” As 2026 begins, Stephanie believes red light therapy offers something we all crave - a quiet moment, a warm glow, and a reminder that a wellness routine doesn’t always have to be elaborate. Sometimes the most restorative rituals are the ones that bring us back into our bodies—one breath, one pause, one beam of healing light at a time. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N E WPO RT R I C HE Y

The approach to personal well-being has shifted dramatically, and Dr. Megan Glaser sees it daily. What once felt like a luxury is now recognized as crucial for keeping the body balanced in a high-pressure world. Modern self-care focuses on stabilizing internal systems—regulating stress, supporting hormones, and preventing the chain of problems that arise when the body is pushed too far. “Stress drives so many symptoms in the body like hormonal issues, pain, autoimmune flares and digestive problems. Acupuncture and cupping is one of the best ways to help regulate cortisol, relax tension, support your immunity and bring your body back into balance,” shared Glaser. Many people fail to notice when their well-being is slipping until symptoms appear. Difficulty sleeping, tension in the neck or jaw, mental fog, fatigue, and a fading sense of joy are common early signs. Addressing them begins with slowing down. Investing time focusing on gentle breathing, eating nourishing foods, proper hydration, and consistent therapeutic sessions that release tension and restore calm is the best path for success on your personal wellness journey. While digital wellness apps can help with reminders or tracking, they cannot replace physical interventions that directly influence circulation, muscle tension, and stress pathways. True recalibration happens offline, through movement, sunlight, acupuncture, and cupping. Dr. Glaser emphasizes that investing in your personal wellness in 2026 is not optional. Chronic stress drives hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, persistent aches, and immune strain. Techniques like acupuncture and cupping help bring the body back into a steady rhythm, supporting mental clarity, energy, and long-term resilience. Prioritizing this kind of care is no longer simply beneficial—it’s essential.

“

“Stress drives so

many symptoms in the body, like hor-

monal issues, pain,

autoimmune flares, and digestive problems. Acupuncture and cupping is one of the best ways to

help regulate cortisol,

relax tension, support your immunity, and

bring your body back into balance.” 26

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

DR. MEGAN GLASER LUXBODY WELLNESS

Photo Credit: Lux Content Co.

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SELF

Healing

ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAOMI WIPERT

Take a time-out from the madness to indulge. It happens every year like clockwork. As wonderful as the holidays are, the constant pull of events, parties and the extra time and effort to make them special take their toll. As the new year arrives, it comes with new focus—and often more tasks on your to-do list. It’s important to remember you can’t pour from an empty cup. To be your best at home and at work, you need to take time to recharge. Setting aside time for self-care isn’t optional— it’s a necessity to be your best self. Few understand the importance of self-care quite like Dawn Aquila, Spa Director of Spa Evangeline at Epicurean Hotel in South Tampa. With over 20 years in the spa industry, she’s seen firsthand the value an investment in self-care can bring. “If you don’t slow down and take the time to take care of yourself, other things are going to start to fall off. It’s important to treat yourself to some kindness and love. When we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t help take care of others. It’s important to take that time to find ways to help your mind relax,” shared Aquila. The crush of stress when you’re feeling under pressure has a tremendous impact on your mind and body. “It’s something that will affect every part of your body at some point. If you don’t manage it with self-care, you could be in for a lot more damage. The mind affects everything. Even aging your body and your face,” explained Aquila. Stress left unchecked can create an unhealthy cycle that can be difficult to break free from. While it seems daunting to add another item to your schedule, prioritizing yourself is

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

an important way to keep that stress in check. “You need to start somewhere. Just taking that first step, even if it’s only a half-hour service, helps,” added Aquila. Self-care doesn’t have to be boring. While some prefer relaxing in solitude, it can be a great opportunity to set aside time with friends and relax together. When schedules are crazy, it can be the perfect opportunity to reconnect and catch up on what’s going on in each other’s lives. Even better can be committing to self-care alongside your partner. Booking a couple’s massage and lunch together can make your self-care double as date time. “Anytime you’re able to bring a friend or a significant other, it’s going to make the whole experience more invigorating and relaxing,” shared Aquila. Committing to setting aside time for self-care is often just half the battle. Finding the best way to make it happen can often prove challenging. On the most basic level, establishing a meditation routine or adding daily walks in nature can be impactful. But there’s something healing about factoring in the human touch. “People get mechanical massagers. It’s not the same thing,” said Aquila. Scheduling a massage or pedicure at a local day spa can reap dividends. “Taking care of your feet is like taking care of your heart. The more you stimulate those nerve endings, it just radiates throughout the entire body,” added Aquila. Booking a facial or body treatment allows you to improve your skin health while

“When we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t help take care of others.” CONTINUED >

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“It’s something that will affect every part of your body at some point. relaxing your mind. Even a simple manicure with a hand massage can offer an enormous impact. You forget how much abuse you put your body through daily until you enjoy the simple indulgence of a massage. Taking your self-care a step further and booking a weekend away for a spa weekend can feel like an indulgence, but it’s well worth the investment. Celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries make a great incentive to make your self-care the ultimate experience. While the Tampa Bay area has a wealth of day spas and resorts to consider, Epicurean Hotel and Spa Evangeline sets itself apart. “When you come to Spa Evangeline, you step into a world where flavor and wellness beautifully collide,” explained Aquila. Located across from Bern’s Steakhouse, the hotel and spa take much inspiration from the legendary restaurant, offering refined relaxation. From their welcome glass of wine at check-in to the world-class cuisine of their Michelin recognized restaurant, Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar, booking an experience here celebrates the art of living well. “It’s a perfect balance of indulgence and intention,” added Aquila. Even just booking a simple treatment at the spa, you can experience all Epicurean Hotel has to offer through their Resort Pass. “It doesn’t matter which type of service they book, valet parking is included, and guests receive a robe, slippers, a locker, and a brief tour. Then they’ll have a complimentary glass of champagne, wine, or bourbon, and we invite them to stay,” explained Aquila. Spa guests receive a wristband that grants them access to the hotel’s pool for the day, turning a simple service into a rejuvenating mini staycation. For those indulging a little longer, Epicurean Hotel delivers the ultimate food and wine lover’s experience. The rooms offer a well-stocked bar, including a curated selection of elevated wines. Before dining downstairs on steaks sourced from their neighbor Bern’s, you can enjoy a cocktail at their luxuriously

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

If you don’t manage it with self-care, you could be in for a lot more damage. The mind affects everything.”

comfortable lobby bar or take in the Tampa skyline and Soho neighborhood from the EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge. With careful planning, you can also time your visit to indulge in a food or wine event at their state-of-the-art culinary classroom, the Epicurean Theatre. Whether a daily gift of self-kindness or an indulgent weekend of spa services and world-class cuisine, setting aside time for the investment of self-care will reap rewards all year long. It will be the best resolution you could make for your personal health and wellness journey. Epicurean Hotel and Spa Evangeline 1207 South Howard Avenue Tampa, Florida 33606 (813) 999-8700 EpicureanHotel.com Spaevangeline.com Epicurean Hotel and Spa Evangeline offer specialties showcasing all the flavors of the season. Check the website and hotel event calendar to see what special opportunities may be available during your visit.

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F R E SH F L AVOR S: M A I N ST R E E T BA K E RY Experience the Restoring Property of Food.

Self-care isn’t always rooted in grand retreats or indulgent luxury. More often, it lives in the small, soulful choices we make every day, in moments where we seek nourishment, comfort, and connection. In Tampa Bay, one woman has turned that philosophy into a delicious art form. Through every flaky pastry and lovingly seasoned creation, lifelong cook and bakery owner Reyna Giler embodies the restorative power of food. At Main Street Bakery, Reyna’s creativity shines in every corner. The menu features her signature

handmade desserts, savory empanadas, aromatic pastries, soulful soups, and rich coffees. Guests step into a space that’s both cozy and curated. Whether enjoyed indoors or with the Florida breeze on the patio, every visit invites you to slow down and savor. Reyna will make you feel like family. Reyna’s culinary journey began when she was just eight-years-old, on a quiet farm in Ecuador. While other children played outside, she stood on a chair stirring a pot of homemade chicken soup,

ARTICLE BY SAUCYQUEEN AKA MICHELE NORTHRUP | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAOMI WIPERT

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

discovering a joy that would shape the course of her life. That simple moment became her foundation. For Reyna, cooking wasn’t merely a task, it was creativity, expression, and the spark of a lifelong calling. After immigrating to Tampa in the 1980s, she spent years working long, physically demanding jobs. But the pull toward the kitchen never left. Eventually, she returned to her true passion and began perfecting the delicate pastries known as bocaditos. Today, they remain one of her most beloved specialties: golden, airy treats filled with coconut and fruit, amaretto and walnut, pineapple and orange, or savory mixtures of seasoned meats and vegetables. Step inside the bakery and you’ll see them proudly displayed, each one crafted with care. What makes Reyna’s story so meaningful isn’t just her culinary talent but the spirit behind it. She treats cooking as art, healing, and an extension of her faith. Through early mornings, late nights, and decades of dedication, she has trusted her instincts and poured her energy into creating food that brings comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging to every customer who walks through her door. Supporting local makers like Reyna is its own kind of nourishment. Choosing food crafted in your community—by hands that care deeply about every detail—feeds more than the body. It strengthens neighborhoods and connects you to the stories, heritage, and passion behind every bite. When you savor something handmade, you honor the journey of the person who created it. Her story reminds us that self-care isn’t only about slowing down or indulging. It’s choosing connection and authenticity. Whether it’s a warm bowl of butternut squash soup or one of Reyna’s exquisite pastries or empanadas, food made with love has the power to restore, ground, and comfort us. And sometimes, that is the purest form of self-care.

Reyna’s Butternut Squash Soup INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • •

½ white onion, diced 4 tablespoons butter 3 medium carrots, chopped 1 large potato, peeled and chopped 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed 1 ½ liters (about 6 cups) chicken broth ½ cup heavy cream 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced or chopped (optional) Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion and chop the carrots, potato, and squash. 2. Sauté: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add vegetables and sauté for 5–7 minutes. 3. Add broth: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20–30 minutes until tender. 4. Blend: Puree with an immersion blender or carefully blend in batches. 5. Finish: Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and warm through. 6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with a hard-boiled egg if desired. Learn more at mainstreetbakery-npr.com.

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M A K ING A C ONNEC T ION DON’T NEGLECT THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF YOUR BUSINESS!

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE NUMANN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAGICAL MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Every business experiences seasons—periods of momentum, plateaus, and moments that require recalibration. According to the women behind The Connector, a fast-growing community resource in Pasco County, maintaining the health and wellness of your business requires one essential ingredient: connection. What began as a simple idea between friends has evolved into a dynamic networking space that welcomes every industry, every personality, and every professional willing to uplift their community. Founders Amanda

Hart, Lindsay Weber, and Kayla McDonald say their mission was clear from the start. “We wanted to find a space on social media that was beneficial to the community,” Amanda explains. “We want to support all businesses. We want to support all events. We want to support everyone.” The Connector was built on that inclusive mission. “We don’t look at other people as competition. There’s enough business to go around for everybody.” Kayla adds. That spirit inspired one of their early campaigns, built around the idea that anyone can sit at their table. “We’re not going to tell you that you can’t sit with us,” Amanda says. “You can come sit at our table, and we’ll support you.” For Lindsay, business wellness is a cyclical process. “All businesses go through ups and downs. There are always mistakes that are going to be made, and it’s how you learn from them, and how you recover, and how you do things differently the next time.” Kayla views it more personally. “I just have this image in my mind of a heartbeat. If I’m sitting here spinning my wheels and miserable, my business is not well. It comes down to leadership.” Amanda sees wellness as a reflection of one’s strength of identity. “Health and wellness is a lot to do with your brand. It’s based upon the relationships we’ve built within the community.” Though they didn’t expect it, the strongest compliment they’ve received perfectly captured their mission. “Someone told me The Connector felt hometown,” Amanda said—something significant in a county that has exploded in size but still craves neighborly closeness. Lindsay agrees. “We are 100% community focused. There are many companies we are unaware of that are right here in our own backyard. We want to encourage them to engage and be part of this as well.” Networking tools, such as Facebook groups, can play a significant role in business wellness. They offer real-time visibility for events and announcements, low-barrier participation for businesses at any stage, peer-to-peer support, and a constant pulse on community needs and opportunities. They also provide a safe space for professionals to ask questions and seek referrals. Through thoughtful moderation, diverse membership, and a “pull up a chair” mentality, The Connector has become both a modern tool and a nostalgic reminder that community still matters. At its core, business wellness isn’t about numbers—it’s about the people. It’s about the relationships you nurture, the support system that you have, and the community you choose to grow alongside. When you surround yourself with others who lead with authenticity, generosity, and a willingness to collaborate, your business gains more than momentum—it gains meaning. In that kind of environment, your business doesn’t just grow. It thrives.

Designer Purse Bingo February 19, 2026

The Connector’s upcoming Designer Purse Bingo event is expected to be one of the most anticipated community gatherings of the year. It was created with the goal of offering something fresh, fun, and meaningful for Pasco County. Attendees can look forward to an exciting lineup of prizes, including a minimum of 22 designer handbags, along with additional high-value giveaways throughout the evening. The atmosphere is designed to feel inclusive and celebratory—an experience that stands apart from the traditional gala format while supporting a deeply important cause. The event welcomes all guests to join a night of fun with their friends and family and professional colleagues. The presenting sponsor, Airheads HVAC, enables the event to take place while showing their dedication to community outreach. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Hope Shot. This recovery community organization is committed to helping people on their path to recovery, bridging the gap, and connecting those with mental health and substance use disorders to the resources they need to thrive in society. More event information and ticket details can be found at theconnectorfl.com/purses-and-prosecco.

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FAMILY EDUCATION Virtual

Circle of Security Parent Workshops The START Initiative is a family support program designed for families in Pasco and Hernando Counties who want to strengthen their parenting skills and better navigate today’s challenges. We understand how families care about their children’s success and well-being, and we know that parenting during these uncertain times can be stressful. Introduction to the Circle of Security Workshop where families gain access to helpful tools and strategies. Build healthy connections with your children. Receive support to cope with the unique challenges of today’s world — now and in the future. Make community connections with other START parents. Can participate by zoom and technology is provided if needed!

MONDAYS AT 6:30 pm Jan 12, 26 Feb 2, 9, 23 March 2, 9

Convenient right from your Home on Zoom!

#parentpromise

n a c joi o h Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers, Legal Guardians

To register or for more information, please contact Elisha Perry at E.Perry@elcph.org.

Participants receive a free copy of Raising a Secure Child. This book is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.