Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 1st of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.”
You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: dbrownlee@bestversionmedia.com.
SUBMISSIONS EXAMPLES
•Your family pet photos • Free youth classified ads • Article and photo submissions after neighborhood gatherings • Suggestions for highlighting your favorite non-profit • Your favorite recipes • Event announcements such as block parties, picnics, egg hunts, trick-or-treating, etc.
HOA SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Are you on the association board for your subdivision? Contact us for information on how you can submit articles, updates, reminders, events and more to the residents. We create customized homeowners association sections at no cost to the HOA or the residents.
This year, instead of making a long list of resolutions, I’m focusing on who I am becoming and the “one thing” that will matter most in the long run. When we get clear on our deeper “why” and build small, consistent habits around it, change becomes less about quick xes and more about real growth. Trust me, I need a lot of it in 2026!
My hope is that this new year gives you space to do the same, one simple step at a time.
I’m excited to introduce our newest Expert Contributor, Amanda Chase. Getting to know Amanda and her team at State Farm has been a real gift. The way she serves families and invests in our community is exactly the kind of story we love to highlight in these pages.
Our feature family this month is extra special to us. James and his wife Cathy have been friends of Denille and me for years. They really are that picture-perfect family with two great kids and their famous dog, Hatcher. And how about those photos? Our photographer, Christina Lee of Luna Mia Artistry, captured them beautifully down at Independence Square.
2026 has lots of promise. It was fun to catch up with Stacie Larson, Director at the Maitland Public Library and learn more about the future. And oh by the way, if you’ve never been to the Zora! Festival in Eatonville, this is a great month to experience it for yourself. Learn more about it and other great happenings around town on the calendar of events.
As always, this publication is in your hands because of the sponsors you see throughout these pages. Please consider them for any and all of your needs. Supporting them is one simple way we can all invest back into this community we love and continue to be great Maitland Neighbors.
Amanda Chase State Farm 407-677-0007 www.amandachaseagency.com
■ PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Dr. John Tawadrous Pediatric Dentistry of Central Florida 407-628-2286 www.ibrushteeth.com
■ HOME SERVICES
Courtney Carroll Cool Today 407-502-8456 www.cooltoday.com
■ MORTGAGE LOANS
Tom Flood SimpLend Mortgage 321-438-6120
To learn more about becoming an Expert Contributor, contact Justin Brownlee at jbrownlee@bestversionmedia.com or 407-221-2180
Allison Hunter Luxe Hunter Real Estate 407-221-4669 www.luxe-hunter.com
■ MEDICAL SPA Amy Rahill ALUMA Wellness 407-910-1028 www.AlumaWellness.com
■ CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Sean Olenek, D.C. (Acupuncture Certi ed) Insight Chiropractic Health & Wellness Center 321-926-2997 www.insightchirohealth.com
■ PRIVATE SCHOOL Bianca Moore, Head of School Park Maitland School 407-972-0232 www.parkmaitland.com
■ COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Dr. Brett Zak Distinctive Dentistry on Maitland 407-830-9800 www.dentistryonmaitland.com
■ BE THE NEXT EXPERT Your Business Name Your Name Phone number here www.yourwebsitehere.com
Making Your Mortgage Work Harder in 2026
BY TOM FLOOD
IF YOU OWN a home in Maitland, chances are a big part of your net worth is already sitting inside your four walls. Nationally, a primary residence is often the single largest asset for most households, and home equity now makes up a large share of the typical homeowner’s wealth. That is good news in a community where home values have climbed over time.
Equity is simply the value of your home minus what you still owe on your mortgage. As prices have risen and many families have paid down their loans, owners’ equity has climbed to some of the highest levels seen in decades. For many Americans, a significant portion of their total wealth now comes from home equity alone.
Here is the challenge. On the outside, everything can look great. On the inside, some families are dealing with job changes, higher costs, failed investments or medical bills. If
you are “house rich” but feeling cash poor, being thoughtful about your equity can give you some breathing room and help you keep building for the future.
Here are a few smart ways to put that equity to work:
•Renovations that protect value. Using a home equity line of credit or cash-out refinance to take care of a worn roof, aging air conditioning or safety upgrades can be a wise move. You are preserving your largest asset and making it more enjoyable to live in today.
•Investing in education or career moves. Home equity is often used to fund education or training that can increase earning power over time. When the numbers make sense, using a portion of your equity to boost long term income can be a strategic choice.
•Restructuring high interest debt. If you are carrying expensive credit card or personal loan balances, consolidating some of that
into a well-structured home equity loan may lower your monthly payments and simplify your budget. The key is to avoid running those balances back up.
Of course, tapping equity is not free money. You are putting your home on the line, so it is important to leave a cushion, stay within a comfortable payment, and avoid borrowing for short-lived splurges.
In 2026, your home can be more than a place you love. It can be a flexible financial tool that supports your family’s next season. If you would like to talk through your options, I am always glad to run the numbers and help you think through what is possible.
SIMPLEND MORTGAGE
Tom Flood, Mortgage Loan Officer 321.438.6120
Meet the Gri in Family
BORN IN TEXAS, GROWING IN MAITLAND
BY DENILLE BROWNLEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA LEE, LUNA MIA ARTISTRY
SOME FAMILIES ARRIVE in Maitland by chance; others arrive by calling. For the Griffin family, it may have started with a job promotion that brought them from Texas to Central Florida, but what kept them here, the reason they planted their roots so deeply, is something far greater: community, connection, and the joy of raising their boys in a neighborhood where childhood still feels like childhood.
James and Cathy Griffin live in Dommerich Hills with their sons, Nathan (10) and Nolan (8), and their unforgettable ninety-five-pound yellow lab, Hatcher. If you have ever seen a giant dog joyfully pulling his owners down a sidewalk or through the park, you may already be familiar with the Griffins’ daily neighborhood parade. Hatcher also loves to greet neighbors on his golf cart rides around Dommerich whenever given the chance. Their story begins decades before Florida was on their radar. James first noticed Cathy back in middle school in Garland, Texas, a suburb of Dallas where they grew up only two miles apart. Cathy was in eighth grade and James was in sixth. “I knew who she was long before she knew me,” James laughs. Though they attended the same schools for years, they never had a one-on-one conversation. It
was not until after college that James reached out through a Facebook message, one that finally started the story that had been quietly waiting for its moment.
They married in 2013 and moved to Central Florida shortly after, expecting to stay only a few years before returning home. Instead, something unexpected happened. They fell in love with Maitland and Winter Park, discovering a small-town warmth that felt rare in big cities. They found neighborly streets, strong schools, and a community that welcomed them wholly. Though their Texas roots run deep and their loyalty to the Cowboys, Rangers, and Mavericks even deeper, it became clear that this was where they wanted to raise their family.
home. He is lovable, untrainable, and endlessly entertaining. Known for stealing lunches off tables, hopping into delivery vehicles, and running through wet concrete, Hatcher has eaten everything from muffins to hamburger buns to an antelope euro mount (including a few slices of discarded pizza slices during our photoshoot for this spotlight). His motto could easily be food, family, friends, and fun.
Their home today is filled with motion, laughter, sports gear, math worksheets, and the occasional missing loaf of bread, almost always thanks to Hatcher. Adopted at age one, he is their third and, they hope, forever
Nathan shines academically as a member of Mathletes, Battle of the Books, and the National Elementary Honor Society. Nolan thrives on the sports fields. He plays flag football for the Dommerich Seminoles and the championship winning GRIT Cobra team, and he has enjoyed time playing lacrosse as well.
Both boys love math, something that brings Cathy great joy.
Cathy attended LeTourneau University, studying education and mathematics. She now works with Engage the Brain, a Maitland based company that provides intervention and acceleration for students of all ages. She specializes in math and works with homeschool families as well as public and private school students. She is also involved in the Dommerich Elementary PTA. James, who studied finance and real estate at the University of North Texas, is now a financial planner and enjoys backpack hunting, coaching youth sports, fantasy football, and volunteering with the Dommerich Fund.
As a family, they love being active and spending time outdoors. Maitland Community Park is a regular stop for after school walks, sports, and playtime. Sundays often include a trip to the Maitland Farmers’ Market, where they pick up local goods, fresh produce, and treats for the kids, and occasionally something Hatcher tries to steal for himself. Their favorite date night spot is Luke’s Kitchen and Bar, and their go to family dinner choice is Houndstooth Kitchen and Eatery.
Travel is a cherished part of their life. They try to take a kid free trip once a year and have wonderful memories from Europe, including a bike tour in Barcelona, a cooking class in the hills outside Rome, and walking the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik. As a family, they love trips with friends, especially those that give their children extra playmates and extra joy. One of their most memorable adventures was in Beaver Creek, where the boys
learned to ski, played in the snow, and made the kind of memories that last a lifetime. Asheville, North Carolina, has become another repeat favorite for hiking, good food, and time spent outdoors together.
Here in Dommerich, everyday life feels equally rich. Children ride their bikes to school. Neighbors gather in driveways. There are impromptu games in the street, tree climbing challenges, and of course, Hatcher’s regular antics across the block. “It is a very special place,” they say. “We are blessed to live on such an amazing street with neighbors who have become friends.”
The Griffins’ story, however, is not only about activities and adventures. It is about faith, gratitude, and legacy. “Life is full of uncertainties,” Cathy shares. “It is easy to get caught up in trivial things, but people matter and stories matter.” Her own story includes both heartache and joy, and through it all, her faith in Jesus has sustained her. “My parents left a lasting impact on me, and I hope to pass that impact on to my family and to the people around me.”
In many ways, the Griffins live out that intention daily. They show up. They serve. They cheer loudly for their kids, their friends, their neighbors, and their community. What began as a temporary move became a home where their roots can grow deep.
Their message to their neighbors is simple. Invest in the people around you. Share your stories. Be kind. Remember that joy often comes from the simplest moments with the people you love.
Maitland is fortunate to have the Griffin
family woven into its community. Their story is one of Texas beginnings, Florida roots, and a whole lot of heart, and it is families like the Griffins who truly embody what is looks like to be amazing Maitland Neighbors.
DO YOU KNOW A NEIGHBOR WHO HAS A STORY TO SHARE? // Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at dbrownlee@bestversionmedia.com
LaBella Intimates and Boutique Maitland’s Boutique for Con dence and the Perfect Fit
Business Profile BY DENILLE BROWNLEE
NESTLED IN THE heart of Maitland, LaBella Intimates and Boutique has spent nearly two decades offering something truly rare in Central Florida: a warm, welcoming space dedicated entirely to helping people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. Founded by Santa LaBellman, lovingly known as the Bra Whisperer, LaBella is the only specialty bra-fitting boutique in Central Florida, and that distinction is at the center of what makes the shop so beloved.
Santa’s reputation for intuitive, precise fittings has drawn customers from across the region. Many women walk in unsure of their size and leave feeling supported, both physically and emotionally, in a way they have never experienced before. Her team continues this level of care daily, offering the same personal attention and expertise whether Santa is on site or not. Together, they create an environment where customers feel seen, understood and genuinely celebrated.
LaBella offers more than 120 bra sizes in stock, ensuring an inclusive range for women of all shapes and needs. Their thoughtfully curated selection extends beyond bras, with lingerie, loungewear, shapewear, swimwear, sleepwear and even a growing collection of men’s essentials, making it a boutique that truly serves the whole household.
For so many Maitland residents, a visit to LaBella is more than a shopping trip. It is a transformative experience, a moment to slow down and reconnect with how good the right fit can feel. Customers often describe their fittings as confidence changing and deeply personal, the kind of service they did not know existed until they stepped inside.
In a world that rushes, LaBella Intimates and Boutique remains a neighborhood haven, inviting us all to rediscover the joy of comfort, beauty and personalized care right here in Maitland.
Meet Some of Your Maitland Pets!
BY DENILLE BROWNLEE
SHOW US YOUR PETS!
Do you have a favorite photo of your favorite pet? Send it to dbrownlee@bestversionmedia.com and they could be the star of a future edition!
Smith & Wesson
SUBMITTED BY VICTORIA H.
SUBMITTED BY
Larry
SUBMITTED BY EMILY J
SUBMITTED BY DENNIS H.
Willoughby
SUBMITTED BY LISA H.
In Memory of Z Boy
SUBMITTED BY DON D.
• LIFETIME WARRANTY
• 0% INTEREST FREE FINANCING
• MADE IN USA FLOORING OPTIONS
• DONATION TO SAVE A LIFE PET RESCUE AFTER EVERY SALE
Belle
Dusty
TERRI J.
– January 2026 –
Fri., January 2
Getdown Downtown Street Party
@ INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
Kick off the new year in downtown Maitland with live music, food and drink vendors, and fun activities for the kids at this lively street party on Independence Lane.
Times: 6–9pm
Cost: Free www.itsmymaitland.com
Saturdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
Orlando Punch Needle Workshops
@ PLUMERIA HOME DECOR & DESIGN
Take a creative break each Saturday at Plumeria’s beginner-friendly punch needle workshops. Learn step-by-step how to create your own textured fiber art in a cozy, peaceful studio—attendees rave about the welcoming instructors and relaxing atmosphere.
Times: Saturdays; see website for availability.
Cost: From $85 per person; discounts for groups of 2+ www.plumeriaworkshops.com
Sundays in January
Maitland Farmers’ Market
@ INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
Shop local every Sunday at the Maitland Farmers’ Market on Independence Lane.
Browse a unique mix of vendors offering fresh produce, plants, flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts, and handmade gifts, with live music and activities for the kids.
Times: 9am–1pm
Cost: Free www.itsmymaitland.com
Mon., January 5
2025 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour
@ ENZIAN THEATER
Catch a dynamic 100-minute program of seven standout short films from this year’s Sundance Film Festival, featuring an eclectic mix of fiction, nonfiction, and animated stories from bold new voices in cinema.
Times: 6:30pm
Cost: See website for ticket pricing www.enzian.org
Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21 & 28
Toddler Tales
@ MAITLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
Share songs, stories, rhymes, and a puppet show with your little one at this lively early-literacy story time designed just for toddlers. Each session supports language, movement, and cognitive growth, followed by puppet playtime. Recommended for ages 18 months–3 years.
Join Dr. Sean Olenek and the Insight team to celebrate their first year in Maitland with food, light refreshments, and plenty of fun giveaways. Call for more: (321) 926-2997
Times: 6pm
Cost: Free www.insightchirohealth.com
Sat., January 17
Movie in the Park
@ INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
Enjoy a free outdoor movie under the stars at Independence Square next to City Hall. Bring your chairs and blankets, sit back, and enjoy the movie with complimentary popcorn.
Times: 6:30–8:30pm
Cost: Free www.itsmymaitland.com
Sun., January 18
Fête Minuet – 18th Century Grand Ball
@ WINTER PARK FARMERS’ MARKET
Step back in time for an elegant 18th-century evening at Fête Minuet – The Sequel, a grand costumed ball benefiting the American Heart Association. Don your finest period attire and waltz the night away with fellow lords and ladies in the historic Winter Park Farmers’ Market. Times: 6–10pm
Cost: $160 per person www.feteminuet.org
Fri., January 23
The Situated Body: Recon guring the Symbolic
@ ART & HISTORY MUSEUMS
Be among the first to experience Mexican contemporary artist Jacobo Alonso’s new exhibition, inspired by cultural traditions and the Maitland Art Center’s Mayan Revival architecture, featuring his large-scale “fumage” works on paper alongside vibrant sculptural pieces. Enjoy music by DJ Spreadsheets, food from La Patrona Tacos & Birria House food truck, and a cash bar on A&H’s historic campus.
Times: 6:30–9pm
Cost: Free admission www.artandhistory.org
Sat., January 24
Hank Bilal Live at Jazz Tastings
@ JAZZ TASTINGS
Spend an intimate evening with Grammy-nominated trombonist Hank Bilal at Jazz Tastings, pairing soulful jazz with chef-inspired dishes and craft cocktails in this cozy Maitland supper club. Reservations are strongly recommended; book your table online under the Reservations tab.
Times: Music begins at 7:30pm
Cost: Varies (see website for details) www.jazztastings.com/reservations
Wed., January 28
State of the City Business Luncheon
@ SPRINGHILL SUITES WINTER PARK
Join the Maitland Area Chamber of Commerce for the annual State of the City Business Luncheon, featuring city updates, community highlights, and insights for local businesses over lunch and networking.
Times: 11:30am–1pm
Cost: $40 Chamber members; $50 future members www.maitlandchamber.com
Fri.–Sun., January 30–February 1, 2026
2026 ZORA! Festival Season: Outdoor Festival of the Arts
@ HISTORIC EATONVILLE
Experience three extraordinary days of art, music, food, and culture during the Outdoor Festival of the Arts, the signature event of the ZORA! Festival Season in historic Eatonville. Stroll an open-air celebration with 100+ artists and vendors, live concerts, family activities, heritage exhibits, and more honoring the life and legacy of Zora Neale Hurston.
Times: Daily; schedule varies by date (see website).
Nurturing Executive Functioning Skills in a Technology-Driven World
BY VALERIE KENNEDY, PARK MAITLAND SCHOOL - UPPER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
IN TODAY’S fast-paced, technology-driven world, educators face the ongoing challenge of helping students develop the foundational habits essential for long-term academic and personal success. With increased technology use from an early age, many schools are seeing students struggle with core executive functioning skills, the ability to think independently, sustain attention, plan, and prioritize tasks both in school and in daily life. Compounding this issue is a noticeable decline in resilience and perseverance when students encounter tasks that don’t come easily or require sustained effort.
cornerstone of our program and a key factor in the success and confidence our students carry with them beyond our classrooms.
While some schools have shifted their attention toward standardized testing and measurable outcomes, Park Maitland continues to be intentional in embedding executive functioning skill-building into all aspects of the student experience.
From its founding 57 years ago by Ms. Nell Cohen, Park Maitland School has placed a strong emphasis on cultivating these executive functioning skills. This focus remains a
Whether it’s maintaining a healthy balance between technology and traditional paper-and-pencil tasks, prioritizing the use of planners and calendars to teach time and task management, or explicitly instructing students in study skills and productive habits, we provide countless opportunities for our students to practice, refine, and master these essential life skills. Our alumni often tell us how these early lessons at Park Maitland became
foundational to their success in high school, college, and beyond.
I encourage all parents to prioritize nurturing these skills at home. Create daily opportunities for your children to think critically, solve problems, and learn without the aid of technology. Talk with them about their responsibilities, deadlines, and strategies for managing time effectively. Offer structure and encouragement while allowing space for independence and self-direction. Most importantly, let them experience mistakes as valuable opportunities for growth, each one building resilience, confidence, and grit.
By fostering these habits both at school and at home, we equip our children with the tools they need to thrive—not only today, but for years to come.
PARK MAITLAND SCHOOL
Valerie Kennedy, Upper School Principal 407-972-0232 | www.parkmaitland.com
New Year and Fresh Steps in Maitland
BY JUSTIN BROWNLEE
BETWEEN SCHOOL drop-offs, work, traffic on I-4 and/or 17-92, and trying to show up for the people we love, it can feel like life is moving faster than we are. Maybe last year was hard. Maybe it was one of your best. If you’re like me, it was probably a little bit of both. There’s an old psalm that says, “Joy comes in the morning.” I love that reminder that even on the toughest days, we still get a chance to begin again. Here are three thoughts to spark the ‘new new you’ and help make this your best year yet:
1.Start one small habit
Big change usually comes from tiny, consistent decisions. Think about who you want to become this year, then pick one small habit that fits your real life.
Want to be more present with family? Take a short evening walk around the neighborhood, phones tucked away. Want to be healthier? Sip water before your morning coffee while you watch the sunrise over your street (and maybe an extra sip of water while watching the sunset). One small habit, repeated often, can quietly reshape your entire year.
2.Stop one thing that drains you
To say yes to what matters, you will need to say no to something. Choose one habit, commitment, or distraction that is not serving you anymore.
Maybe it is doomscrolling before bed, saying yes to every volunteer request, or checking email in every free moment. Start saying yes to saying no. Give yourself permission to stop. A little more margin in your day makes room for better things, like being present, finally reading that book, or playing in the yard with your kids.
3.Make community within community
The best years rarely happen alone. Be intentional about the people around you. Invite a neighbor to coffee or an event in town, join a local club, coach in a sports league, or volunteer with a fundraiser or a nonprofit.
Then choose one meaningful “risk” this year. Apply for the job, start that side hustle from your kitchen table, host a block party, or join a new group. Great neighborhood stories start when ordinary neighbors decide to be just a little bit brave.
Start one new habit, stop one draining thing, and walk with a few good people. The first step requires effort, but it is a simple recipe for a really good year, right here in the 32751.
No Pain. No Fear. No Drill!
BY DR. BRETT ZAK, DMD
FOR DECADES, dentists and dental researches have searched for an alternative to traditional fillings. The future of oral health could be here!
Decay (or a cavity) occurs when the the acid produced by bacteria causes mineral loss in our enamel. This process is called demineralization. In some scenarios, this process can possibly be reversed without drilling.
“Curodont Repair” offers a scientifically proven, minimally invasive strategy for managing early tooth decay. Using a liquid protein (called a peptide) to guide enamel regeneration, it enables dentists to repair early areas of decay, preserving natural tooth structure and avoiding drilling or fillings. Curodont penetrates early cavity lesions and forms a microscopic scaffold. This scaffold attracts calcium, phosphate, and— when included—fluoride, allowing the enamel to remineralize from within. While being relatively new to US dental markets (just under 2 years), the product has been in use in Europe for over 15 years. Long term research looks very promising!
While it’s not a panacea (it only works for early lesions), when
applied properly and combined with good oral hygiene and preventive care, Curodont has the potential to reshape how we think about — and treat — cavities. For patients and clinicians committed to conservation and prevention, it’s a compelling, modern tool in the fight against tooth decay. The process is painless and completed in just a few minutes in the dental office.
Ask your dentist or hygienist if this might be an option for you or your family!
DISTINCTIVE DENTISTRY ON MAITLAND
Dr. Brett Zak, DMD 407-830-9800 | www.dentistryonmaitland.com
Cosmetic Dentistry
General & Preventative
Dental Care
Implant Dentistry
Crowns
Child and Adult Care
In-House Labora
In-House Laboratory
Simple Appetizer for Easy Entertaining
BY RENEE GARRISON
THIS APPETIZER IS great for entertaining. They are very tasty and very simple to make!
Blue Cheese & Pear Tartlets
Ingredients:
¾ lb. blue cheese, crumbled
3 ripe pears, peeled, cored and chopped
¼ cup plus 2 Tb. Cream
Pepper to taste
3 (2.1 oz) packages mini phyllo tart shell
Instructions:
• Mix together blue cheese, pear and cream.
•Season to taste with pepper.
•Spoon mixture into shells.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
•Serve warm.
A New Chapter for the Maitland Public Library
BY DENILLE BROWNLEE
BIG THINGS ARE happening at the Maitland Public Library, where a vibrant present meets an exciting future. While the library continues to offer dozens of weekly programs for all ages, the city is moving forward with plans for a new, modern facility that will enhance how Maitland residents read, learn, and connect for generations to come.
In July 2025, Maitland City Council unanimously approved the updated designs and development phases from HBM Architects, paving the way for construction to begin around April 2026. The estimated $15.8 million project remains within the City’s approved budget and reflects thoughtful planning rooted in both function and community identity.
The new library will rise in Quinn Strong Park at the southwest corner of Maitland and Packwood Avenues, on the current site of the Maitland Senior Center. Once complete, senior programs will relocate inside the new building, creating a true intergenerational gathering place. The historic 1907 library building will be preserved for a future public use, honoring more than a century of Maitland history.
Library staff are feeling the momentum. “We are still on track for
breaking ground in April,” says Stacie Larson, Director of Library Services. “We’re getting so close now.”
Meanwhile, the current Library remains as lively as ever. Families enjoy story times, kids’ cooking classes and yoga sessions, hands-on craft programs, and literacy activities. Teens gather for creative events and book discussions, while adults take part in Maitland Walks, art workshops, writing groups, tech help sessions, and book clubs. Digital offerings also continue to grow, from e-books and audiobooks to streaming resources.
As plans take shape, one thing remains unchanged: the Maitland Public Library is, and will always be, a place where neighbors come to learn, imagine, and belong.
A Big Win for Maitland: Amelia Mancino
BY JUSTIN BROWNLEE
MAITLAND HAS A new reason to cheer. Winter Park High School senior, and proud Maitland resident, Amelia Mancino has been named the 2025 Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Volleyball, the state’s highest honor in the sport.
A standout outside hitter, Amelia helped lead the Wildcats to an incredible 31 to 1 season and a Class 7A state championship, finishing with 318 kills, 219 digs, 71 aces, and 26 blocks. Her next chapter begins at Appalachian State University, where she will continue her academic and athletic journey.
Amelia’s volleyball résumé reads like a highlight reel: Team Florida MVP, AAU 17U Open National Champion, FACA 7A State Player of the Year, and 2025 FACA All Star Match MVP. She also etched her name into the WPHS record books in five categories, including fourth all time career aces (183) and fifth all time career kills (950).
Beyond the stats, Amelia represents the heart of Maitland: drive, character, and community pride. Her dedication inspires younger athletes across our community and shows what’s possible with hard work and an unshakable love for the game.
Congratulations, Amelia. Maitland is cheering you on.
