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ontributors RIESA PASCAL Riesa was born in London, England and now resides in sunny Orlando, Florida. She is a proud graduate of Florida State University where she double majored in creative writing and communication. In addition to editorial writing, Riesa is also deeply passionate about broadcast journalism and currently freelances as a TV personality with various networks in Central Florida. You can learn more about Riesa at her website: RiesaPascal.com
MARK NEJAME Mark NeJame is a renowned trial attorney who has been involved in some of the areas and country’s highest profile cases. He is routinely sought by the media as a legal commentator and is currently a Legal Analyst for CNN. He is the Founder and Senior Partner of the Law Firm of NeJame, LaFay, Jancha, Ahmed, Barker, Joshi & Moreno, P.A. a/k/a NeJame Law. NeJame Law has 15 attorneys and 4 divisions: Personal Injury, Criminal, Immigration and Business/Commercial Litigation. Mr. NeJame is a regular contributor to Orlando Style Magazine. Mr. NeJame can be reached at 407-245-1232 and NejameLaw.com.
JOSIE NEJAME Josie NeJame co-founded Runway to Hope, a charity supporting families with children battling pediatric cancer. An Emmy® Award-winning producer of human-interest content, she has earned widespread recognition, including the Women's Achievement in Non-profit award from the Woman's Executive Council and the American Fundraiser Professionals Lifetime Achievement Award in Philanthropy. She and husband Mark were named one of Orlando's 2023 50 Most Powerful Couples. Josie’s dedication to making a difference, combined with her expertise as a Reiki master and teacher of the healing arts, reflects her deep commitment to well-being and upliftment.With a passion for health, wellness, travel, and fashion, she aims to inspire joy and positive change.
MAHA CHAUDHRY Maha Chaudhry is a long-time Florida Resident. Her background consists of both Public Relations and Marketing, but her passion lies in Storytelling. After graduating from the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida, she moved to Washington D.C. to kick-start her corporate career. Upon returning to Orlando, she continues to offer expertise in the area of communications - expanding to entrepreneurial services from transformational mindset coaching and beyond.
HOLLY ARCE Holly is a Tampa Bay–based photographer with over 10 years of experience capturing moments. She believes the best images come from a genuine connection. Holly creates an easygoing atmosphere where clients can truly be themselves, resulting in photos that feel natural and true to the client. Whether photographing events, local businesses or weddings, Holly’s goal is always the same—to create images that feel personable, showcasing the personality of her subject. You can see her work at www.hollykphotography.com.
KIMBERLY JEFCOAT Kimberly is a professional photographer whose passion for photography began in high school while on the yearbook staff as a writer and photographer. Her fascination for seizing the moment with a camera led her to explore photo classes while at Seminole Community College and later at the University of Florida, where she earned a BFA in Creative Photography. Kimberly is constantly learning new techniques in lighting, editing and how to help her clients stress less in front of the camera. She enjoys shooting in natural light or in the studio. You can find her at www.gracewithfire.com
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Same town. New address. Even more beautiful. 2 1 24 S OUT H DALE MA B RY H I GHWAY, TA MPA , FL 3362 9 | 8 1 3. 8 01 . 98 1 1
From custom window treatments to upholstery, bedding, and more, we’re your one-stop shop for beautifully tailored design. Enjoy complimentary expert guidance f rom start to f inish. Visit us in store or get started at calicocorners.com.
SVEN J. BODE Publisher
Associate Publisher JONATHAN FRIESE jonathan@stylepublications.com CEO & National Sales SVEN J. BODE sven@styletome.com Director of Business Development DAVID HARRIS david@stylepublications.com Lead Contributer RIESA PASCAL riesa@styletome.com Graphic Designer EMMA FRIESE emma@stylepublications.com PR & Senior Editorial Strategist MAHA CHAUDHRY maha@stylepublications.com
TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Circulation Manager JOEL D. J.
Newsstand Distribution ANC
PHOTOGRAPHY Contributing Photographers BRION PRICE, SUSAN JEFFERS, BEN SCOTT, GREG ALEXANDER, KATE POWERS, KIMBERLY JEFCOAT, SHELLEY LAKE, KIM MYERS ROBERTSON, SVEN J. BODE + many others Worldwide
EDITORIAL Writers MARK NEJAME, RIESA PASCAL, MAHA CHAUDHRY, DANA DAMATO, ASSOCIATED PRESS + many others
Founder & CEO SVEN J. BODE
Advisory Board SVEN J. BODE, JULIE WEINTRAUB, SUSAN JEFFERS, MICHAEL BLITCH, RAINER SCHEER, JOE SABATINI, EDLAND MAN, GREG ALEXANDER, EDDIE BAUTE, LOU MILANO, TAMMARA KOHLER, MARTIN CAPRISTAN, MIKE PIPER, BRANDI L. KAMENAR, KEN WALTERS, JOSEPHINE SCHAAF, NATASHA NASCIMENTO AND GROWING...
ISSN: 1553-2011 Published monthly, TAMPA STYLE® is a registered Trademark. The City’s No. 1 Magazine of Style, Don’t Miss The Beat, In Case You Missed It, Dirty Laundry, Kitchen Talk, Life Line, Travel ‘N Style, Power Couple, T-Style, Our Town, Dining In Style, Tampa Now, Elite Doctors, Eye Care, Cool Shots, Best Cellars and Real World are © Copyrights 2015 by TAMPA STYLE®. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photography, or illustration only with written permission of the publisher. TAMPA STYLE®, its officers, staff members or writers do not warrant the accuracy of or resume responsibility for any of the material contained herein. Freelance photographers are responsible for their copyrights. All photo materials, letters and text submitted to TAMPA STYLE® automatically become property of TAMPA STYLE MAGAZINE®. Email inquiries to: info@styletome.com. Subscriptions are available in the US $19.87 per year and Canada for $45 per year. To distribute Tampa Style Magazine at your business please email info@styletome.com TAMPA STYLE® is published bi-monthly by Style Magazines The Grove at Isleworth | P.O. Box 3067,Windermere, FL 34786 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Orlando Style PRINTED IN THE USA.
Printed on recycled paper. Please recycle after use.
PUBLISHER'S NOTE
THE FUTURE OF PRINT IS LOOKING VERY GOOD Dear Friends, Every so often, someone asks me the same question: “Is print magazine publishing still relevant in the digital age?” My answer? Absolutely. In fact, after years in this business, and countless visits to newsstands, I would argue that something rather exciting is happening. While the digital world moves faster and hard to find what you are looking for, beautifully produced, high-end print magazines have not disappeared. Quite the opposite! The luxury ones are thriving. Why? Because great content, beautiful photography, exceptional design and the experience of holding something extraordinary in your hands never go out of style. And it's easy to find your articles of interest. Especially when it comes to luxury. Affluent readers have an almost endless appetite for discovering what is new, what is beautiful, what is exclusive and what is next. The brands, personalities, destinations, fashion and experiences that define an exceptional lifestyle deserve more than a fleeting scroll on a screen.
And now, welcome to our September issue—a celebration of Fall Fashion and everything we love about the season ahead. Inside, you'll discover an exciting fashion spread filled with sophisticated looks, unexpected inspiration and the distinctive Style you've come to expect from us. Consider it your invitation to step into autumn with confidence, elegance and a little attitude. And then there is another annual favorite feature: Attorneys of the Year. Because when life calls for some one you can truly trust, experience matters. This special section introduces you to some of the area's finest lawyers and attorneys, the professionals people turn to when the stakes are high and nothing less than exceptional representation will do. As always, we want to hear from you. Tell us about your experiences and let us know which professionals have made a difference in your life. Ultimately, that's what Style Magazine is all about. It isn't simply about beautiful things. It's about people, ideas, experiences and the extraordinary world we are fortunate enough to share.
They deserve print. At Style Magazines, we understand this because we are not simply reporting on the lifestyle, we are fortunate enough to be part of it. We know what excites our readers because we are one of you, and you are one of us.
My hope is that this issue inspires you. That it introduces you to something, or someone, you didn't know before. That it makes you dream a little bigger, discover something new and, most importantly, feel good. That's why we do what we do.
And we thank you for that. But, of course, we haven't forgotten our digital generation. To our Millennials and all those who live life through their smartphones: we see you! Our digital platforms, websites and everexpanding social media channels keep you connected to Style wherever you are. From breaking local stories and exciting discoveries to fashion, video and lifestyle content, we are constantly moving, evolving and staying on the pulse. Print for the experience. Digital for the moment. Style for the lifestyle. Check our websites and social media.
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So, turn the page. Enjoy the journey. And don't be shy—email me and tell me what you think! info@styletome.com Until next time,
Sven J. Bode Founder & CEO, Style Magazines P.S. One more very important thing: don't forget to register to vote! November is coming… and your voice matters.
ARTIST’S CONCEPTUAL RENDERING
One-of-a-Kind Beachfront Retreat Golden afternoons unfold a little differently at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Hammock Dunes. Here, life slows into the rhythm of the coast. Sunlit walks through the dunes, legendary service at your fingertips, and pet-friendly shores create an atmosphere where everyday life feels tinged with wonder. Experience the rare ease of coastal living at ResidencesHammockDunes.com Sales Gallery | 2 Camino del Mar Parkway, Palm Coast, FL 32137 | 386.363.9083
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Hammock Dunes, Palm Coast are not owned, developed, or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Marriott”). BH Palm Coast 2026 LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton trademarks and trade names under a license from Marriott, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
48 HOURSE IN HORSE COUNTRY
14 /LAUNCHING IN STYLE
42 / FASHION
Summer Issue Launch Party
Fashion’s New Era
Photos by Holly Arce
By Josie NeJame
16 / EVENTS
44 / FASHION
What's Happening Tampa
Varya Jamyl Photography by Varya Jamyl
18 / SPOTLIGHT
WHERE DESIGN MEETS EMOTION
Enter if you Dare
58 / TOYS
Howl-O-Scream 2026
The All New BMW 7
20 / DRINKS
60 / TRAVEL
The Midnight Spell
Escape to New Smyrna Beach By Angela Southard Winther
22 / DINING
Golden Hour on the Bay
62 / TRAVEL
48 Hours in Horse Country 28 / TRAVEL
By Maha Chaudhry
Four Hours South, A Century In
67 / SPECIAL FEATURE
Tampa Style Magazine’s 30 / DESIGN
Attorneys of the Year 2026
Where Design Meets Emotion
THE ALL NEW BMW 7
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94 / SPOTLIGHT ON THE LAW
Sovereign Immunity: ©Copyright 2026 by Tampa Style Magazine®. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photography or illustration only with written permission of the publisher. Tampa Style Magazine, its officers, staff members or writers do not warrant the accuracy of or resume responsibility for any of the material contained herein. All letters, text and photo material received become property of Tampa Style Magazine®. Subscriptions are available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico for $19.95 per year. For more information go online or email to info@StyleToMe.com
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34 / WELLNESS
Suing the King
Ghosting Your Fear
By Jeffrey “Jack” Gordon
By Maha Chaudhry
36 / PEOPLE
William Gray: Where Home Meets Health
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Launching in STYLE TA M PA S T Y L E ' S J U LY / A U G U S T I S S U E L A U N C H PA R T Y AT T H E D A N
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Celebrating in style, Tampa's growing talent comes together at The Dan.
Tampa Style Magazine marked the launch of its July/August issue with an unforgettable evening at The Dan at Hotel Flor. Tampa’s most influential leaders, tastemakers, and creatives gathered for a vibrant night of connection, conversation, and celebration. Guests enjoyed thoughtfully curated bites paired with expertly crafted signature cocktails that enhanced the sophisticated setting.
Photography by Holly Arce @hollykphotographyllc
TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM | 15
EVENTS
9/25 & 26
9/11-10/31
CANDLELIGHT CONCERT SERIES- TAMPA THEATRE
BUSCH GARDEN’S TAMPA HOWL-O-SCREAM
WHAT’S
HAPPENING TAMPA
SEPTEMBER 24 / Chris Stapleton – Amalie Arena The award-winning country superstar brings his soulful vocals and chart-topping hits to Tampa for an unforgettable arena performance with premium suite experiences available. SEPTEMBER 25 / Tampa Bay Buccaneers Home Game VIP Experience – Raymond James Stadium Elevate game day with luxury suites, exclusive clubs, premium dining, and firstclass hospitality while cheering on Tampa Bay under the lights. SEPTEMBER 25-26 / Candlelight Concert Series – Tampa Theatre Experience classical tributes performed by candlelight inside one of Tampa’s most
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EVENTS
10/15-18 ART FAIR TAMPA- TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER
beautiful historic venues, creating an intimate and elegant evening of live music. SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER / Busch Garden’s Tampa’s Howl-O-Scream VIP Experience Elevate Halloween with VIP access to haunted houses, premium lounges, and exclusive experiences at SeaWorld’s thrilling seasonal event. SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER / Florida Orchestra Fall Masterworks Series Enjoy world-class symphonic performances by The Florida Orchestra at venues across Tampa Bay, featuring celebrated guest conductors, acclaimed soloists, and timeless classical masterworks.
10/22 ANDREA BOCELLI-AMALIE ARENA
OCTOBER /Opera Tampa Fall Performance – Straz Center Enjoy an elegant evening of worldclass opera inside the Straz Center, where exceptional performances meet one of Tampa Bay’s premier cultural venues. OCTOBER / Tampa Bay Fashion Week Celebrate emerging designers, luxury fashion, runway presentations, and exclusive VIP receptions during one of the region’s premier fashion events. OCTOBER 15–18 / Art Fair Tampa – Tampa Convention Center Browse works from more than 300 contemporary artists during Tampa’s largest international art fair, featuring
paintings, sculpture, photography, and luxury collectibles. OCTOBER 16 /Tropical Nights Gala – TPepin Hospitality Centre Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful’s premier fundraising gala features cocktails, elegant dining, silent and live auctions, and an evening celebrating environmental stewardship. OCTOBER 22 / Andrea Bocelli – Amalie Arena The internationally celebrated tenor returns with a breathtaking performance accompanied by a full orchestra, delivering an evening of timeless classical and contemporary favorites.
TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM | 17
SPOTLIGHT
"Howl-O-Scream 2026 delivers a complete, high-production Halloween takeover of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. "
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SPOTLIGHT
Enter if you Dare HOWL-O-SCREAM 2026 - BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY
Running on select nights from September 11 through October 31, 2026, this separately ticketed evening event is designed for mature audiences. It features intense adult content including violence, gore, and blood. No costumes are allowed. Event hours are 7 p.m. to park close, with ticket holders able to enter the park as early as 5 p.m. Daytime admission is not included. The overarching storyline, “Dark Side of the Gardens,” continues into Chapter Three. What began as a seedling has grown into a tree whose underground roots will unleash an army of pure evil. One final soul is all that is needed for the monsters to rise and darkness to reclaim the park.
HAUNTED HOUSES The centerpiece of Howl-O-Scream is a lineup of immersive, high-intensity haunted houses that mix new original stories with returning favorites. Anaconda: Fear Has No Escape (allnew) – A film crew ventured into the jungle to remake Anaconda, but production was interrupted. The abandoned set is being reclaimed by the rainforest as guests search for the missing crew. The line between movie set and deadly reality blurs. Stranglewood Estate: RePossessed (new storyline) – Once a site of lavish parties, the estate has stood empty since the mysterious deaths of Madame Stranglewood and her servants. A reckless séance awakens tortured spirits and opens a permanent doorway for unspeakable evil. Madame Stranglewood and her violent ghosts now haunt the mansion.
Circus of Fear: Killer Encore (new storyline) – Step right up to a circus that has lost its ringmaster. Without Mr. Baggum holding the reins, the freaks, frights, and performers have grown meaner and more dangerous. The real performance is saved for last.
A major draw unique to Busch Gardens is the ability to ride world-class coasters and attractions in the dark. Guests can experience heart-pounding drops, launches, and twists under the cover of night between haunted experiences.
Raven’s Mill: Lambs to the Slaughter (returning) – The blood and violence of the previous year still linger. The mill keeps running as chainsaws roar and butchers process whatever (or whoever) is pulled inside. The fields are stripped bare, and the only greeting for new arrivals is a shouted “MEAT.”
TICKETS AND PRACTICAL DETAILS
M.A.R.S. (returning favorite) – Guests join a search-and-destroy mission aboard the doomed spaceship Elysium. The order is clear: kill all remaining life forms, reach the core, and destroy the ship before becoming another casualty. Shadows of Wonderland: Reign of Madness (new storyline) – Alice has seized power, chaining the former Queen and locking her away. Wonderland has turned colder and more oppressive as paths narrow, doors slam, and residents are dragged away. Screams echo while Alice surveys her realm with icy focus.
SCARE ZONES, SHOWS, AND RIDES Scare zones fill the streets with roaming creatures and unpredictable hordes, so frights can strike at any moment while moving between attractions.
Howl-O-Scream requires its own ticket. Early “Killer Summer Sale” pricing has featured Any Night tickets around $38.99, single-night tickets starting near $39.99, and Unlimited Scream Passes (with some blockout dates) in the $100–$113 range, though prices and availability change. Annual Passes and Fun Cards are not valid for entry. Tickets are non-refundable, and operating details remain subject to change. Howl-O-Scream 2026 delivers a complete, high-production Halloween takeover of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. From the new Anaconda house and refreshed original stories to the returning mill of meat, circus chaos, spaceship horror, and Alice’s tyrannical Wonderland, the event packs intense walk-throughs, roaming scares, dark comedy, and nighttime coaster thrills into one mature-audience night of terror. For those seeking Tampa Bay’s premier Halloween experience, the Dark Side of the Gardens is open for business—just remember that once you enter, there is nowhere left to hide.
Sinister live entertainment returns, highlighted by the comeback of FIENDS at Dragon Fire Grill, featuring Dr. Freakenstein, Igor, and their ghoulish ensemble.
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DRINKS
Spell
THE MIDNIGHT A HALLOWEEN COCKTAIL WORTH RAISING A GLASS TO
Halloween is the perfect excuse to get a little creative behind the bar. This year, skip the overly sweet punches and serve up something dark, dramatic and sophisticated. The Midnight Spell is a moody blackberry-and-citrus cocktail with a deep purple hue, a hint of rosemary and just enough sparkle to make it feel magical. It looks impressive in the glass but comes together surprisingly easily.
THE INGREDIENTS
2 oz. vodka or gin 1 oz. fresh lemon juice ¾ oz. blackberry syrup ½ oz. elderflower liqueur 2 oz. sparkling water or club soda Fresh blackberries 1 sprig of rosemary Ice Optional: black sugar for the rim Optional: dry ice for dramatic presentation (see safety note below)
CAST THE SPELL Start by preparing your glass. For a Halloween party, a coupe or lowball glass works beautifully. If you want an extra festive touch, coat the rim with black sanding sugar. Simply run a lemon wedge around the edge and dip it into the sugar. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the vodka or gin, fresh lemon juice, blackberry syrup and elderflower liqueur. Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds. This is where the magic happens—the bright citrus balances the sweetness of the blackberry while the elderflower adds a subtle floral note. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over fresh ice. Slowly top with sparkling water and give it one gentle stir. Garnish with a few fresh blackberries and a sprig of rosemary. For an aromatic finishing touch, lightly clap the rosemary between your hands before placing it in the drink to release its oils. The result is fruity without being overly sweet, tart and refreshing with a sophisticated finish. And that rich purple color? It practically begs to be photographed.
MAKE IT PARTY-WORTHY Hosting a Halloween soirée? Turn The Midnight Spell into a signature cocktail by preparing the blackberry mixture in advance. Keep the vodka, lemon juice, syrup and elderflower liqueur chilled in a pitcher, then shake or stir individual servings with ice and add sparkling water just before serving. For an especially dramatic presentation, serve the cocktail alongside flickering candles, dark florals and black glassware. Avoid placing dry ice directly into a cocktail that guests will drink; if you use it for theatrical fog, it must remain completely separated from the beverage until it has fully sublimated. Whether you're hosting an elegant Halloween dinner or simply gathering friends for cocktails, The Midnight Spell is proof that Halloween can be spooky without sacrificing style. Cheers to a little mystery in your glass!
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A Clean Vodka, that is Noble &Mild in Taste.
Strong Enough for Men! Smooth Enough for Women! For more information goto: www.PatronaZabatani.com
DINING
22 | TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
DINING
GOLDEN HOUR
on the Bay DINNER AT PALMETTE BRASSERIE & BAR
I
nside The Westin Tampa Bay, just off the
PIZZA & MAINS
Courtney Campbell Causeway, Palmette
Brasserie & Bar has quickly become one of
The open kitchen and pizza oven turn out a
the area's standout waterfront dinner spots.
classic Margherita, the Diavolo (pepperoni,
Since opening in January 2026, it's brought
soppressata, Calabrian chili), and the house-
a modern brasserie with a relaxed, tropical
favorite Palmette pizza (oregano chicken,
feel to Tampa: bright coastal flavors, an open
garlic cream, hot honey). Entrées lean coastal
kitchen, a signature pizza oven, and a bar that
and chef-driven: Pan-Seared Snapper in
opens straight onto the patio. The name nods
saffron-tomato broth, Espelette-dusted
to the palmette motif, fronds rising from a
Grouper with mango-avocado relish, and the
single base and opening outward, echoed in
fan-favorite Oven-Roasted Half Chicken with
the rattan-accented dining room and a menu
al pastor glaze over corn esquites. For heartier
built for sharing.
appetites, there's Mojo-Marinated Steak
START THE NIGHT OFF RIGHT
Vegetarian plates hold their own too, with
Frites or a 16-oz Ribeye with chimichurri. Pappardelle and Baked Cannelloni. Round Dinner runs nightly, 5 to 10 p.m. The Ahi
it out with sides like French Onion Mac &
Tuna Crudo (Florida strawberry, avocado,
Cheese and Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes.
fennel, pistachio, Fresno chili) and Florida Citrus Shrimp Ceviche (orange, lime,
BEYOND DINNER
grapefruit, cucumber, plantain chips) set a bright, breezy tone. Local favorites
Palmette runs breakfast through dinner daily,
include the Truffled Frites with citrus truffle
7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with an indoor-outdoor bar
gremolata and Meyer lemon aioli, Crispy
built for lingering. The same water views at
Brussels Sprouts in Calabrian chili-citrus
the counter as on the patio. It's also become a
dip, and PEI Mussels steamed in white wine,
seasonal favorite, hosting Easter brunch and
saffron, and toasted garlic.
Father's Day dinner specials that draw guests well beyond the hotel.
TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM | 23
ARTS & CULTURE
THE ARTS PARISIAN NOTES A ROMANTIC MUSICAL ESCAPE
October 7, 2026 Ruth Eckerd Hall A touch of Paris comes to life this October as The Florida Orchestra presents a program inspired by the romance, drama, and charm of the French capital. Led by conductor Chelsea Gallo and featuring oboist James Riggs, the performance moves gracefully from Debussy’s luminous Clair de Lune to the theatrical sweep of Menken’s Beauty and the Beast Suite and the fiery “Roxanne Tango” from Moulin Rouge. With elegance, color, and cinematic flair, the concert offers a transportive musical escape that captures the spirit of Paris without leaving Florida.
RHYTHMS OF HAVANA MORSANI HALL
October 6-11, 2026 Music, memory, and the unmistakable spirit of Havana take center stage this fall as Buena Vista Social Club™ arrives at the Straz Center’s Morsani Hall from October 6–11. Inspired by the iconic album that introduced generations to Cuba’s rich musical heritage, the production transforms a beloved cultural touchstone into a sweeping theatrical experience.
At the center of the story is legendary singer Omara Portuondo, once celebrated throughout Cuba as the “Queen of Feeling.” Years after leaving the spotlight, she is offered a rare chance to return to the recording studio by an ambitious young producer—an opportunity that forces her to confront the memories, choices, and relationships that shaped her life and career.
Rich with movement, color, and live music, the show captures the warmth and pulse of Cuba while honoring the artists whose songs became a global phenomenon. It is both transportive and emotionally resonant, blending theatrical storytelling with the timeless rhythms that made the original album so beloved.
Hailed as a Tony and GRAMMY Award-winning triumph, Buena Vista Social Club™ is a stirring celebration of second chances, artistic legacy, and music that needs no translation.
TAMPA’S ART FAIR
October 15-18, 2026 | Tampa Convention Center
Tampa’s cultural calendar expands in a major way this fall with the debut of Art Fair Tampa, an ambitious new international fair set for October 15–18 at the Tampa Convention Center. Spanning more than 100,000 square feet, the four-day event will showcase works by more than 300 artists across painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and mixed media. Designed for seasoned collectors and curious newcomers alike, the fair blends large-scale contemporary art with an inviting sense of community. Visitors can meet artists, explore immersive installations, and discover pieces from emerging and established talents alike, making it one of the season’s most anticipated art events on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
24 | TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the dreams of St. Jude patients while helping provide hope and brighter possibilities for their future!
11.07.26 6 P.M. | Armature Works 1910 N. Ola Ave. Tampa, FL 33602 stjude.org/aroundtheworld For sponsorship or table purchase information contact: Carly.Ritterband@alsac.stjude.org
St. Jude Patient Erma
Art by St. Jude patient Lilly
Eternal Love - by Sven Debo Bode - 2024 - Oil on Canvas, 48”x 48” Large Size Original Fine Art Painting with Certificate and Signature. Price: $ 29,800 or best offer + Free Shipping (direct rom artist price ) Contact: info@ArteVue.com ‘DEBO’ ‘s Artwork is in Collections Worldwide
“DEBO” Artist | London | Paris | Berlin | Orlando | info@ARTEVUE.com | WWW.ARTEVUE.COM Gallery representation London & Paris
TRAVEL
28 | TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
TRAVEL
Four Hours South,
A Century In At the close of its 100th year, the iconic South Florida private Club and resort makes a strong case for a short-haul winter escape from Tampa.
Point the car south on I-4 to Florida’s Turnpike, and about four hours later, the destination comes into view: a pink Mediterranean Revival landmark that has anchored the South Florida coast since 1926. The Boca Raton is an iconic South Florida private Club and resort spanning 200 waterfront acres, with five hotels, a private beach, seven pools, and more than 18 restaurants and lounges. The resort was originally built by socialite and architect Addison Mizner and opened on February 6, 1926 as the Ritz-Carlton Cloister Inn. A hundred years later, it is the only resort in The Americas, and one of just seven worldwide, to earn quadruple FiveStar status from Forbes Travel Guide. Four distinct properties on the grounds carry the rating for 2026: Beach Club, Yacht Club, Spa Palmera, and Flybridge restaurant. The same organization named The Boca Raton its, “Best Family Resort in Florida for Activities,” which is the relevant credential when you are loading the car with kids, tweens, grandparents, or all three. Getting Here Without the Headache Getting to The Boca Raton from Tampa is easy: it’s a straight shot down I-4 and Florida’s Turnpike, doable on a single tank of gas, and it ends at valet with bags off your shoulders.
Where to Stay Five distinct hotels share the property, each drawing a different kind of traveler. Tower, the resort's tallest building, leans family. Suites can be configured to suit extended families, and younger guests can summon Johnnie, the in-house robot butler named after Addison Mizner's prized pet monkey —and almostMayor of Palm Beach – to regale you with terrible dad jokes. For couples or grandparents in search of a quieter hour, Yacht Club is the all-suite, adultsonly retreat. Every suite opens onto a balcony overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, and floor-level butler service is standard. Three more hotels round out the property. Cloister is the original 1926 hotel where it all began. Beach Club is oceanfront and also
Forbes Five-Star. Bungalows is the intimate residential-style enclave. Multigenerational groups often book across more than one – as should you.
What the kids will remember. What the teens will adore. Harborside Pool Club is the family epicenter. Its 450-foot lazy river, two five-story water slides, and FlowRider wave simulator share grounds with the S.S. Johnnie Brown, a pirate ship splash zone named, like Tower’s robot concierge, for one of Mizner’s pet monkeys. The FlowRider is staffed so that firsttimers, regardless of age, can get one-on-one instruction while taking their turn on the surf. Drop-off programming runs year-round. Banyan Bunch, the resort's kids' club, hosts children ages 4 to 12 with games, crafts, and supervised pool time. The Break, the tween and teen lounge, welcomes ages 11 to 15 with VR gaming, a music recording booth, and a candy wall. The Game Room, open to all ages, divides between a neon arcade and a family lounge with shuffleboard, checkers & chess, Connect Four, and a popcorn machine. Across age groups, no one in the family runs out of things to do.
The Beach and the Water Half a mile of private Atlantic beach is reserved for resort guests, with a second half-mile for Club members. By November, loggerhead nesting season has wrapped, the beach has been cleared, and the sand returns to open use. Cabanas come outfitted by swimwear house Vilebrequin and include flat-screen televisions, mini-fridges, and private showers; attendants deliver food and drinks chairside. On the Intracoastal side, calm water makes for ideal paddleboarding on Lake Boca, with kayaks also available from the marina.
For the Grown-Ups The 18-hole Golf Club, is being completely transformed under architect Brian Silva to honor its Donald Ross roots. It will reopen in late Fall. The Racquet Club operates 14 tennis and 12 pickleball courts. And Spa Palmera,
the resort's 50,000-square-foot Forbes FiveStar sanctuary inspired by Spain's Alhambra Palace, sits at the heart of the property. Fortyfour treatment rooms surround a courtyard of waterfall whirlpools, mosaics, and a private spa pool. The centennial year introduced the Gilded Waters Bath Ritual, a multi-stage hydrotherapy treatment exclusive to the anniversary calendar to pad out an already expansive list of signature treatments.
The Tables The Boca Raton operates more than 18 restaurants and lounges, including signature concepts in partnership with Major Food Group. Flybridge atop Yacht Club, led by Executive Chef Peter Annewanter, offers three- and five-course tasting menus built around local seafood and seasonal vegetables. Marisol at Beach Club draws from the Mediterranean and coastal South Florida, with views of the Atlantic from every seat; signature plates include the Marisol Chips, lightly fried eggplant with lemon tzatziki, and Tagine Lemon Chicken over Greek rice. The Flamingo Grill, watched over by its namesake mascot Gregarious Greg, is a love letter to the mid-century Gold Coast steakhouse, with pinkblazered servers, sole meunière, and baked Alaska finished tableside.
Closing the Centennial The year wraps with seasonal programming worth catching: the Christmas Tree and Menorah lightings at Cloister, and the annual Frozen Princess Tea. The Cloister Inn Museum, a permanent two-story gallery created in partnership with the Boca Raton Historical Society, sits in the original reception hall and anchors the property's first century. The Assouline coffee table book The Boca Raton: A Century of Being Iconic is available exclusively in the Assouline boutique inside Boca Chica and paired with the resort’s Capsule Collection inside Curated retail shop are ideal gifts to take home your own bit of iconic legacy. To book, call 561-447-3000 or visit TheBocaRaton.com.
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DESIGN
Some designers are known for a signature look. Shanna Gatanis has spent the last twenty years avoiding one.
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DESIGN
Where Design Meets
Emotion W
alk through the firm's portfolio and you'll quickly notice that no two projects look alike. A contemporary waterfront estate, a colorful family retreat, a quiet minimalist residence, each feels entirely different because each begins with the same question: Who are the people who will live here?
That question has shaped Shanna Gatanis Design Studio from the beginning. Founded in Winter Park and now operating from studios in Winter Park and New York City, the firm has built a national reputation by creating homes that feel deeply personal rather than instantly recognizable. There isn't a formula or a house style. Instead, every project becomes a reflection of its owners, their routines, their travels, their collections, their families, and the life they want to build inside their walls. In an industry where trends move faster than ever, that approach feels almost refreshing. "We're not chasing what's next," says Gatanis. "We're trying to understand what matters to the people sitting across from us." That conversation often has very little to do with design. Clients talk about music, travel, childhood memories, favorite cities, artists they admire, and how they want family and friends to gather in their home. Long before finishes or furniture are discussed, the team is learning how someone lives. Those conversations become the blueprint, informing everything from the architecture and floor plan to the smallest custom detail. It's a process that produces homes with personality instead of predictability. Perhaps that perspective comes from Gatanis' own unconventional path. Before founding the studio, she worked in the music industry alongside artists including John Mellencamp. It was an experience that taught her something she still carries into every project today. The most memorable experiences are emotional. Great music makes people feel something. Great design should do the same.
That influence can be seen throughout the firm's work. Architecture, interiors, furniture, lighting, art, and landscape are never treated as separate disciplines. They work together, creating homes that feel layered, lived in, and collected over time rather than decorated all at once. The studio has become known for custom furniture, thoughtful architectural detailing, and an ability to blend contemporary design with warmth and soul. Every project is tailored to its client, whether that means quiet restraint or bold color, vintage finds or collectible design, understated luxury or playful moments that make people smile. After twenty years, the firm's greatest achievement isn't a recognizable aesthetic. It's that clients never feel like they're moving into someone else's vision. This year marks another meaningful milestone with the opening of Shanna Gatanis Design Studio's new flagship in Winter Park, just miles from where the company first began. More than a new office, the space represents a return to the firm's roots and a place where clients can experience the creative process in a more personal way. Designed less like a workplace and more like a home, it reflects everything the studio believes about design being approachable, collaborative, and deeply human. After two decades, that belief hasn't changed. Beautiful rooms are easy to create. Homes that feel unmistakably like the people who live in them are much harder. That's the work Shanna Gatanis Design Studio continues to pursue.
For more information visit shannagatanis.com
TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM | 31
DESIGN
DESIGN ORGANIC MODERNISM Form Meets Nature Organic modern architecture continues to define luxury living in September and October 2026, blending clean structural lines with natural materials and site-responsive design that emphasizes harmony between built form, landscape, and environment for a grounded, contemporary aesthetic appeal this season. In these homes, architecture prioritizes flow, natural light, and organic geometry, often featuring curved walls, expansive glazing, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions that create a calm, resort-like atmosphere aligned with modern luxury sensibilities especially in fall 2026 luxury markets globally today.
LAYERED LUXURY
THE TEXTURE SHIFT
In the luxury interiors of September and October 2026, tactile texture layering defines the new language of sophisticated design, where surfaces are crafted not just to be seen, but experienced through touch, depth, shadow, and light interaction throughout the day in shifting seasonal conditions. Designers are embracing natural materials such as limestone, raw oak, boucle, hand-troweled plaster, brushed stone, and aged bronze accents, layering them to create rooms that feel grounded, atmospheric, and subtly evolving as daylight and artificial lighting shift across surfaces each day.
LUMINOUS MOOD DESIGN IN SHADOW
In luxury interiors for September and October 2026, moody lighting design emerges as a defining aesthetic, shifting away from bright uniform illumination toward layered, atmospheric lighting schemes that sculpt mood, depth, and intimacy within residential and hospitality spaces. Designers are layering concealed LEDs, sculptural fixtures, and warm ambient tones to create cinematic environments that feel tailored and emotionally responsive. From boutique residences to high-end hotels, this approach enhances architectural detail while encouraging a slower, more immersive experience of space, particularly as seasonal shifts bring longer evenings and softer natural light aligned with evolving luxury design preferences in 2026 globally now.
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By fall 2026, texture is becoming the ultimate luxury signal, replacing surface ornamentation with material richness, imperfect finishes, and layered craftsmanship that gives interiors a sense of depth, warmth, and quiet permanence in modern luxury homes today. This shift reflects a broader desire for interiors that feel personal, sensory, and enduring, where every surface contributes to a cohesive story of comfort, restraint, and refined design expression in 2026, especially within high-end residential spaces globally.
WELLNESS
W
hen it comes to fear, the only kind we should be welcoming into our life should be in the form of thrillers and haunted houses. The other kind shouldn’t really live rent-free in our lives. That being said, as we step into this season, let’s take inventory. It might be time to part with fear and leave the spookies behind. And yes, I used the word spookies, for the sake of “spooky season.” On average, we have about 6,200 thoughts per day. And it’s our thoughts that strongly shape our perception. And our perception shapes our experiential reality. So then, imagine most of the thoughts you had were fear-based thoughts? How might that then affect your perception and reality? If I had to guess, it might show up as added doubt, self-sabotage, and even this feeling of being “stuck.”
You see, not all kinds of fear are a bad thing. For example, when it shows up as do not proceed because you might fall off the edge, that’s caution, and we don’t mind that. It becomes an issue, however, when it holds you back from living your best life because you are fearing an outcome, even at a subconscious level, that you don’t know will ever actually materialize. And the more attention we give to a perceived threat, the more space it can begin to occupy in our minds.
GHOSTING YOUR FEAR By Maha Chaudhry
There’s science behind that. Researchers have long studied what is known as attentional bias toward threat, or our tendency to pay greater attention to information we perceive as threatening. It doesn’t mean that focusing on a negative outcome will magically cause it to happen. It does mean that when our minds become preoccupied with potential threats, those threats can begin to command more of our attention, influencing what we notice, how we interpret situations, and ultimately, how we respond to them. The good news? A thought is not necessarily a fact. And learning to recognize the difference might be one of the most powerful places to begin. Fear-based thoughts can be sneaky because they don’t always sound like fear. Sometimes they sound like I’m not ready yet. Or What if I fail? Maybe it’s I’m not good enough, They’re probably going to say no, or the classic I’ll do it when the timing is better. Fear can disguise itself as doubt, procrastination, perfectionism, overthinking, people-pleasing, or even staying somewhere you’ve outgrown simply because what’s familiar feels safer than what’s unknown. So, when one of those thoughts comes up, pause and question it. Is this a fact, or is this fear making a prediction? What evidence do I actually have that this outcome will happen? And perhaps most importantly, what might I do differently if I weren’t afraid of the outcome?
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This isn’t about pretending everything is going to work out perfectly. That would be unrealistic. It’s about remembering that possibility works both ways. If you don’t know for certain that something is going to go wrong, you also don’t know that it won’t go wonderfully right. Then comes the part that requires a little courage: act anyway. The American Psychological Association explains that avoiding something we fear can make us feel better temporarily, but over time, avoidance can reinforce fear. One of the reasons exposure therapy is effective for certain fears is that safely confronting what has been avoided can weaken the association between the feared situation and the bad outcome we expect. It can also build something psychologists call self-efficacy: evidence that we can face discomfort and managing what comes with it. Now, I’m not suggesting you turn your life into one giant exposure-therapy session. But there is something valuable we can take from the science: sometimes we must give ourselves new evidence. Send the email. Apply for the opportunity. Have the conversation. Take the class. Go somewhere alone. Establish the boundary. It doesn’t have to be a giant leap. Sometimes one small action is enough to begin proving to yourself that the story fear has been telling you isn’t the only possible one. And because our minds and bodies work together, ghosting fear can be holistic, too. Give yourself enough sleep. Move your body. Spend time outside. Meditate. Journal. Take a few intentional breaths before reacting. Pay attention to what you consume, from the conversations around you to the content filling your screen. And perhaps offer yourself a little more kindness in the process. Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research, has spent decades studying the value of responding to ourselves with mindfulness and self-kindness rather than harsh self-criticism, particularly when we’re struggling or feel as though we’ve fallen short. Maybe releasing fear starts with recognizing it without judgment—and noticing when it begins making our choices for us. So, this season, consider doing a little mental housekeeping. Identify one fear that has been taking up too much space. Name it. Question it. Separate what you know from what you’re predicting and then take one small step in the direction you actually want to go. Because the goal isn’t to become fearless. Fear serves a purpose. The goal is learning the difference between the fear that says, Be careful, you’re in danger, and the fear that says, don’t try, you might fail. One protects you. The other might be keeping you from discovering just how capable you really are. And that fear? Consider it ghosted.
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PEOPLE
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PEOPLE
Where Home
Meets Health WILLIAM GRAY IS REDEFINING THE WAY WE UNDERSTAND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE AND PERSONAL WELLNESS
We sat down with William Gray, founder of Vyro Environmental Health & Wellness, to discuss his personal journey from environmental restoration to pioneering a more connected approach to environmental and human health. Drawing from his own experience with environmental exposure, Gray shares how Vyro is helping families better understand the connection between their homes, their health, and the environments they live in every day. Style Magazine: What inspired you to create Vyro, and what was the moment you realized there was a gap between environmental testing and healthcare that needed to be filled? William: Life is simply organic - and I turned out to be a product of my environment in the most literal sense. I spent fifteen years as an owner-operator specializing in the removal of hazardous building materials from commercial and residential properties across Florida. Somewhere in those years, without my ever knowing it, the materials I made a living removing found their way into me. From 2021 to 2023 I was symptomatic and searching for answers. After enough time, effort, and frustration, I was starting to lose hope — until I walked into a clinic that asked the one question traditional medicine never had: “What has your career been like, and what kinds of contaminants are you around?” The answer was mold. The right panels were finally ordered, and there it was in black and white: mycotoxin exposure. My labs were severe. That was the moment. I understood that the gap between environmental testing and healthcare isn’t a flaw in either field - it’s the unclaimed territory between them.
Environmental science stops at the property line. Medicine begins at the bloodstream. Everything in between - the air I had breathed for fifteen years - was nobody’s jurisdiction. And I had just spent two years of my life stranded there. The diagnosis answered one question only to raise a better one: if it was mold this time, what else could it be? A lab panel can only confirm what someone thought to ask of it - mold surfaced because a clinician finally thought to look. That question never left me. It’s what carried Vyro beyond mold, into water-source testing, heavy metals, and glyphosate, because the answers you get are only ever as good as the questions you’re willing to ask. Vyro was built to take jurisdiction over that unclaimed territory - so no one else spends years stranded in it. Style Magazine: You’ve spent years in environmental restoration. How has that experience shaped the way Vyro approaches helping families today? William: After years in environmental restoration, exposure to hazardous materials had become so routine to me that I almost stopped seeing it, and that’s precisely the
problem. The industry has an answer for every contaminated wall and almost none for the person living behind it. A property gets assessed, remediated, reconstructed, and the family moves back in as if all is well. The building gets a clean bill of health. The people who breathed its air never get examined at all. I also watched too many families sit in prolonged exposure while property managers and landlords dragged their feet - left to breathe the consequences of someone else’s delay. And once insurance enters the picture, the clock rarely speeds up. Carriers and adjusters can stretch a claim across months of reviews, re-inspections, and denials, while families - staring at nothing but financial unknowns - can’t afford to take the next step on their own. So they stay put, living inside the very problem the claim was filed to fix. Exposure doesn’t pause while a claim is under review. That is where my passion and drive come from. Vyro Environmental Health & Wellness closes the loop: we assess the health of the environment and the health of the occupant, and we back both with state-licensed documentation that supports every step of the mitigation process - the kind of evidence that’s hard to slow-walk and harder to deny.
STYLETOME.COM | 37
PEOPLE
And there’s one more lesson those fifteen years behind walls left me with - the one that shaped our entire testing philosophy: contamination rarely travels alone. Mold is the contaminant everyone can name, the one you can see and smell, so mold takes the blame. But trace the moisture that fed it and you begin asking harder questions about the water itself - what’s dissolved in it, what it has carried through pipes and soil on its way to your tap. Follow that trail honestly and mold turns out to be the introduction, not the story. That is how water-source testing, heavy metals, and glyphosate entered our philosophy: not as add-ons to a menu, but as the rest of a sentence mold only began. When your property goes through an exposure event, your health goes through it with you -and repairing one without the other is only half the job. Style Magazine: Many people struggle with unexplained health symptoms for years. What are some of the most surprising success stories or transformations you’ve witnessed through Vyro?
“The industry has an answer for every contaminated wall and almost none for the person living behind it.”
William: The transformation is the same every time, and it never loses its power: the moment someone finally gets an answer. So many people come to us after years of being told everything looks “normal” while feeling anything but. We’ve now gathered a remarkable body of data from paired environmental and health assessments measuring the variables of exposure on both sides, in the home and in the body - and when the home’s numbers and the body’s numbers finally meet, the mystery ends. The metrics point straight to the root source of the symptoms. Watching someone go from “no one can tell me what’s wrong” to holding hard data that explains their home and their health results in a single picture - I lived that moment myself. Delivering it to other families is why Vyro exists. Style Magazine: Vyro combines environmental testing with physician-reviewed health assessments, which is a unique approach. Why was it important to bring those two worlds together instead of treating them separately?
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William: Because treating them separately is exactly how people fall through the cracks and I speak from experience. Environmental testing tells you what’s in the building. Medicine tells you what’s in the body. If no one ever sets those two datasets side by side, the most important question goes unanswered: is your environment making you sick? Vyro is the first of its kind - on-site environmental assessments paired with health testing under physician oversight. It’s a coordinated process, a beautiful dance really, between state-licensed environmental assessors and licensed physicians. We capture the rawest data from both worlds and place it in the hands of the most credentialed people to read what the full picture says. Not just the environment. Not just the labs. The whole story. Style Magazine: Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Vyro, and how do you hope it changes the way people think about their homes, their health, and preventative wellness over the next decade? William: I opened by telling you I’m a product of my environment. The truth is, we all are - the conditions we live in, the food we eat, the exposures we never see coming. Today, Vyro tests water, air, and surfaces and screens for mycotoxins, heavy metals, and glyphosate - and that is only the beginning of this venture. Over the next year we’re adding six additional markers, widening the lens and sharpening the focus of a preventative, rootcause approach to health and wellness. Within the decade, I believe these assessments and health panels will be part of everyone’s normal routine monitoring - as ordinary as an annual physical. We also have plans in motion at the state level that will change the way people treat their homes, their health, and - most importantly - how they live. Because if something is broken, how can you fix what you can’t measure? At Vyro Environmental Health & Wellness, we measure what matters. And that’s how we intend to change the world.
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STYLE
HIS STYLE
FINAL MOTION
A QUIET HERMÈS FAREWELL
Véronique Nichanian’s final Fall 2026 menswear collection for Hermès in Paris marked the end of an extraordinary 37-year chapter, closing her tenure with the same understated confidence that defined her legacy. Rather than staging a dramatic departure, she offered a composed reflection on modern masculinity through the lens of quiet luxury and effortless refinement, presenting a body of work that felt both deeply personal and enduring in its vision.
DIORSYMBOL S2I BROWN TORTOISESHELL EFFECT RECTANGULAR SUNGLASSES $550 / dior.com
VISION OF LUXURY The DiorSymbol S2I sunglasses capture the bold sophistication defining Fall 2026, blending contemporary design with timeless elegance. Featuring a sleek rectangular silhouette, the frames are crafted in Italy from rich brown tortoiseshelleffect acetate. Silver-tone Dior signatures along the temples, paired with polished metal
The collection embraced her signature concept of “haute-sportswear,” where elegance and ease exist in seamless balance. Fluid silhouettes moved with natural ease, softening traditional tailoring into something more relaxed yet still impeccably precise. The result was menswear that felt livedin, intelligent, and quietly powerful, designed for movement rather than formality, and grounded in a modern sensibility that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing sophistication. Materiality played a central role, with supple leathers and exotic crocodile finishes shaping a wardrobe rooted in craftsmanship. Rather than overwhelming the eye, these luxurious textures were treated with restraint, reinforcing Hermès’ commitment to tactile sophistication. Every piece felt intentional, designed to elevate rather than dominate, with an emphasis on longevity, versatility, and the kind of quiet strength that defines the house’s aesthetic language. Rich, grounded tones defined the palette, enhancing the collection’s sense of depth and calm. Earthy browns, deep neutrals, and muted shades created a cohesive visual language that felt both contemporary and timeless. The colors
edging around the brown lenses, create a luxurious finish that feels understated yet unmistakably iconic. Designed for everyday wear, the sunglasses feature 100 percent UVA and UVB protection, Category 3 lenses, and compatibility with prescription lenses. Signature silver-finish D-temple tips and the subtle CD logo on the bridge reflect Dior ’s renowned craftsmanship. Perfectly paired with tailored outerwear and rich autumn palettes, the DiorSymbol S2I sunglasses are set to become one of Fall 2026’s most coveted luxury accessories, effortlessly combining fashion, function, and refined sophistication.
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echoed the house’s heritage while gently evolving it into a more relaxed rhythm suited to today’s luxury wardrobe, where understatement speaks louder than excess. Silhouettes remained fluid throughout, with relaxed tailoring, elongated proportions, and softly structured outerwear guiding the collection’s movement. Sportswear influences were subtly integrated, transforming functional references into elevated wardrobe essentials that blurred the line between leisure and luxury. The effect was effortless yet deeply considered, reinforcing Nichanian’s mastery of balance between refinement and wearability across decades of design leadership. Attention to detail remained paramount, with subtle construction choices and impeccable finishing underscoring Hermès’ enduring dedication to craftsmanship. Even the most relaxed looks carried a sense of precision, revealing the quiet discipline behind the apparent ease of the collection, where nothing felt accidental or overstated, and every seam contributed to a harmonious, controlled elegance. As Nichanian steps down, the house prepares for a new creative direction under Grace Wales Bonner, whose appointment signals an exciting evolution for Hermès menswear. This final collection stands not as an ending, but as a refined transition— an elegant farewell that honors the past while quietly opening the door to the future, ensuring the maison’s legacy continues with thoughtful reinvention and renewed creative perspective.
STYLE
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TAG HEUER MONACO CHRONOGRAPH 39MM $11,700/ tagheuer.com
FASHION
Fashion’s
NEW ERA By Josie NeJame
As a new generation of creative directors takes the reins at the world’s most iconic fashion houses, the Spring/Summer 2027 women’s collections mark the beginning of one of luxury fashion’s most transformative chapters in decades.
E
very September, the fashion world turns its attention to four cities: New York, London, Milan, and Paris. For a few extraordinary weeks, the runways unveil collections that will shape not only the upcoming season, but also the conversations, trends and investment pieces that influence wardrobes around the world. This year, however, Fashion Month feels different. It's not because hemlines have changed or a new "It" bag has emerged. It's because the creative minds behind many of the world's most influential fashion houses have changed. Over the past two years, luxury fashion has undergone one of its most significant leadership transformations in decades. An unprecedented wave of creative director appointments has reshaped legendary maisons including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Balenciaga, Versace, Bottega Veneta, Loewe, Balmain, Celine and Fendi. While most fashion enthusiasts instantly recognize names like Chanel, Dior and Gucci, far fewer know the designers behind those iconic labels. Yet these creative directors influence nearly everything we see in boutiques, on red carpets and, ultimately, in our own closets. They determine the silhouette of next season's jacket, the handbag everyone wants, the shoe that defines a season and the color palette that shapes an entire year. Think of them as the storytellers behind the world's most recognizable luxury brands. As designers departed and others stepped into coveted roles, the industry experienced a domino effect unlike anything seen in recent memory. The result is a sweeping creative reset that will continue unfolding as the Spring/Summer 2027 women's collections debut throughout Fashion Month. Several appointments have already captured the industry's attention.
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At Chanel, Matthieu Blazy has wasted little time proving why he was considered one of fashion's brightest talents. Celebrated for his extraordinary craftsmanship at Bottega Veneta, his early collections for Chanel have been met with enthusiasm from critics and clients alike, reinforcing the enduring appeal of impeccable construction and understated luxury. At Dior, all eyes turn to Jonathan Anderson. Revered for his imaginative work at Loewe, Anderson brings a sense of playfulness, artistry and intellectual curiosity that many believe could usher in an exciting new era for the French fashion house. The question is not whether he will honor Dior's heritage, but how he will reinterpret it through his distinctive vision. Gucci begins its next chapter under Demna, one of fashion's most influential and polarizing creative forces. Known for challenging convention and redefining modern luxury, Demna now faces the formidable task of restoring momentum to one of the industry's most recognizable brands. Few appointments represent a more dramatic creative shift than Pierpaolo Piccioli's arrival at Balenciaga. After years defined by provocation and disruption, Piccioli's romantic approach to couture, craftsmanship and emotion signals an entirely different creative conversation. It raises one of Fashion Month's most intriguing questions: can romance become fashion's new rebellion? At Balmain, Antonin Tron introduces perhaps the house's most significant aesthetic evolution in more than a decade. Best known for his architectural tailoring and sculptural elegance at Atlein, he faces the challenge of honoring Balmain's unmistakable heritage while refining it through a more modern lens. Meanwhile, Versace welcomes Dario Vitale after helping shape Miu Miu into one of luxury's most coveted success stories. His appointment reflects an industry increasingly focused on cultural relevance and desirability, with many eager to see whether the creative energy behind fashion's celebrated "It Girl"
era can inspire a new obsession for the iconic Italian house. Other appointments may be quieter, but they are no less significant. Louise Trotter inherits the challenge of evolving Bottega Veneta's celebrated quiet luxury. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have stepped away from the creative helm of Proenza Schouler, the brand they spent more than two decades building, to guide Loewe into its next chapter. Michael Rider returns to Celine in a meaningful homecoming, while Maria Grazia Chiuri comes full circle at Fendi, bringing one of Italy's most respected creative voices back to a house deeply connected to her career. What makes this Fashion Month so compelling is that these designers are not simply presenting collections; they are establishing identities. Each runway show offers a glimpse into how a creative director interprets the history of a legendary maison while introducing a vision that is unmistakably their own. Fashion has always evolved through reinvention but rarely has that reinvention occurred on such a broad scale at the industry's highest levels. Collectively, these appointments represent far more than a changing of the guard. They mark the beginning of a new creative era that will influence not only what we wear, but also how luxury fashion defines itself for years to come. As the Spring/Summer 2027 women's collections unfold across New York, London, Milan and Paris, we will discover which designers simply inherited extraordinary fashion houses and which ones redefine them. One thing is certain: the next chapter of luxury fashion is already being written, and this season, the visionaries behind the collections may prove just as captivating as the clothes themselves.
FASHION
01
CHANEL
MATTHIEU BLAZY The Craftsman
02
DIOR
03
JONATHAN ANDERSON
GUCCI
DEMNA
The Storyteller
The Disruptor
04
BALENCIAGA
05
PIERPAOLO PICCIOLI
VERSACE
DARIO VITALE
The Romantic
The Modernizer
File Notes Previous House Bottega Veneta (2021-2025)
File Notes Previous House Loewe (2013-2025)
File Notes Previous House Balenciaga (2015-2025)
File Notes Previous House Valentino (1999-2024)
File Notes Previous Role Miu Miu Design Director
Known For • Quiet Luxury • Master Craftsmanship • Leather Innovation
Known For • Conceptual Creativity • Playful Elegance • Cultural Influence
Known For • Streetwear Influence • Provocation • Redefining Luxury
Known For • Couture Craft • Romantic Vision • Emotional Design
Known For • Contemporary Ease • Youth Appeal • Commercial Success
Why it Matters Blazy brings a rare devotion to craft and materiality. At Chanel, he is redefining the codes of elegance for a new generation.
Why it Matters Anderson is one of fashion’s most visionary minds and heritage makes him the perfect fit to write Dior’s next extraordinary chapter.
Why it Matters Demna is one of fashion’s most polarizing voices. At Gucci, he faces the challenge of honoring the brand’s rich heritage while pushing it into a new era.
Why it Matters Piccioli brings romance, beauty and humanity to a house known for radical innovation. His arrival signals one of the most dramatic shifts in fashion today.
Why it Matters Vitale helped lead Miu Miu during one of the fastest periods of growth in luxury fashion. Now he brings that energy and relevance to one of Italy’s most iconic houses.
The Big Question Has Matthieu Blazy turned quiet luxury into Chanel’s loudest statement?
The Big Question How will Anderson’s imagination redefine the house of Dior?
The Big Question Can Demna restore Gucci’s momentum and rewrite its future?
The Big Question Can romance become fashion’s new rebellion?
The Big Question Can Dario Vitale ignite the next Versace obsession?
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BOTTEGA VENETA
LOUISE TROTTER The Purist
LOEWE
JACK MCCOLLOUGH & LAZARO HERNANDEZ
BALMAIN
ANTONIN TRON The Architect
CELINE
MICHAEL RIDER The Refiner
CHANEL
MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI The Visionary
File Notes Previous House Carven (2018-2023)
The Builders File Notes Previous Role - Proenza Schouler Co-Founders (2002-2025)
File Notes Previous House - Atlein Founder & Creative Director (2016-2025)
File Notes Previous Role - Celine Design Director (2008-2018)
File Notes Previous Role - Dior Creative Director (2016-2024)
Known For • Refined Minimalism • Clean Silhouettes • Understated Luxury
Known For • Modern Craft • Artistic Vision • Brand Building
Known For • Architectural Tailoring • Sculptural Silhouettes • Modern Elegance
Known For • Modern Minimalism • Tailoring Expertise • Timeless Design
Known For • Feminine Strength • Cultural Perspective • Couture Excellence
Why it Matters Trotter inherits one of fashion’s most respected houses. Her sensitivity and deep understanding of luxury make her the ideal guardian of Bottega Veneta’s DNA.
Why it Matters They built Proenza Schouler from the ground up and now bring their collaborative vision and deep understanding of craft to Loewe’s next chapter.
Why it Matters Tron introduces the house’s most significant aesthetic evolution in more than a decade - blending Balmain’s powerful heritage with contemporary sophistication and precision.
Why it Matters A meaningful return. Rider helped shape Celine’s modern identity and now comes back to build the foundation he helped create.
Why it Matters Maria Grazia Chiuri returns to Fendi where her career began. Her vision of empowerment and craftsmanship will shape the house’s future.
The Big Question How will Louise Trotter evolve the code of quiet luxury?
The Big Question How will the builders shape Loewe’s creative future?
The Big Question Can architectural elegance redefine Balmain?
The Big Question Can Michael Rider elevate celine to its next level?
The Big Question How will Chiuri’s vision shape Fendi’s future?
ALSO WATCHING Olivier Rousteing - Rabanne One of fashion’s most anticipated appointments won’t make its runway debut until March 2027, ensuring luxury fashion’s creative reset continues well beyond this Fashion Month.
ON THE FASHION CALENDAR Alaïa With Pieter Mulier’s departure, fashion continues to speculate about who will write the next chapter of one of the industry’s most admired houses.
New York: Sept. 10 - 15 London: Sept. 17 - 21 Milan: Sept. 22 - 28 Paris: Sept. 28 - Oct. 6
FASHION
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VARYA JAMYL Creation - Photography VARYA JAMYL Design/ Layout Style Magazines with Debo
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HER STYLE
MODERN WESTERN REFINED FRONTIER
The American West receives a luxurious makeover in Nili Lotan’s Fall 2026 Readyto-Wear collection, where rugged heritage is refined through the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic. Rather than embracing traditional cowboy styling, Lotan presents a sophisticated interpretation that blends timeless tailoring with effortless versatility. The result is a collection that feels polished, contemporary, and perfectly suited for those who appreciate understated luxury and investment-worthy fashion. LIFFNER THREE KEEPER CROCEFFECT LEATHER BELT net-a-porter.com
THE PERFECT CINCH The understated design of LIFFNER’s Three Keeper belt perfectly reflects Fall 2026’s quiet luxury movement, where timeless accessories take precedence over bold statements. Expertly crafted in Italy from croc-effect leather, it features the collection’s signature trio of polished silver-
At the heart of the collection are Lotan’s own worn-in cowboy boots, which inspired the season’s modern frontier aesthetic. They anchor looks featuring supple suede, premium denim, plush shearling, structured vests, bomber jackets, and impeccably tailored blazers. Westerninspired details are introduced with subtlety, as fringe accents elevate handbags, softly ruffled shirts peek from beneath oversized jackets, and neck scarves add a refined vintage touch. Every element feels intentional, creating a wardrobe that is inspired by Americana without becoming costume-like. One of the season’s standout additions is the new Tribeca pant, a relaxed barrel-leg silhouette designed with softer proportions than previous oversized styles. Paired with fitted knitwear, crisp shirting, or long tailored jackets influenced by 1970s fashion, it creates a balanced silhouette that feels both modern and timeless. A striking black velvet Edwardian-style jacket further demonstrates the collection’s ability to
tone keepers, adding a sleek architectural element to every look. Designed to effortlessly cinch oversized blazers, tailored coats, and flowing dresses, the belt offers remarkable versatility for both daytime and evening styling. Made using at least 50 percent lower-impact materials, it also embraces fashion’s growing commitment to responsible craftsmanship. Sophisticated, sustainable, and endlessly wearable, it is a refined investment piece for the modern luxury wardrobe.
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blend heritage influences with contemporary sophistication. The color palette reinforces the collection’s quiet elegance through luxurious cream tones found across leather trousers, chunky knitwear, and tailored separates. Rich cognac, deep bark brown, classic black, and timeless denim introduce warmth and depth, while layers of leather, suede, shearling, and soft knits create beautiful texture throughout. Expanded everyday handbags complete the wardrobe with sleek practicality, emphasizing pieces designed to be worn season after season. Beyond individual pieces, the collection reflects a broader shift toward effortless dressing rooted in longevity rather than trends. Each silhouette is designed to mix seamlessly into an existing wardrobe, encouraging thoughtful styling and versatile layering. It is this balance of function, craftsmanship, and timeless design that makes the collection especially appealing to modern luxury consumers. For Fall 2026, Nili Lotan proves that Western fashion can be both refined and effortlessly luxurious. By combining authentic Americana with impeccable tailoring and elevated essentials, the collection delivers timeless style without excess. It is a confident expression of modern luxury, where exceptional craftsmanship and understated elegance define one of the season’s most compelling fashion statements.
STYLE
AUTUMN
Attire DOLCE&GABBANA DEVOTION 105MM LEATHER KNEE BOOTS $1,945 / saksfifthavenue.com
TOM FORD SOLEIL EYE COLOR QUAD LUMIÈRE $99 / tomfordbeautyr.com
DENTS WOMEN’S THREE-POINT CASHMERE-LINED LEATHER GLOVES $176 / us.dentsgloves.com
MAXMARA WOOL, CASHMERE AND SILK LONG WRAP COAT- CAMEL $1,695 / us.maxmara.com DIOR SMALL D-JOURNEY BAG $4,300 / dior.com
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The All New
BMW Redefining Luxury in the Flagship Sedan
The 2027 BMW 7 Series arrives as a masterful evolution of BMW’s flagship sedan, blending timeless elegance with groundbreaking Neue Klasse technologies. As the seventh generation, it sets a new benchmark for the luxury segment, available in combustion, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric i7 variants, all built with precision at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. Visually, the new 7 Series commands attention with its monolithic design. The front end features a slimmer, more vertical BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille paired with minimalist two-section headlights. Optional crystal headlights, with 12 diamond-cut glass elements per unit, create a sparkling welcome animation. Clean body-color surfaces, flush door handles, and a character line running along the flanks enhance its elongated, boat-tail-like profile. At the rear, elongated smoked-glass lights and a sculpted diffuser complete the sophisticated stance. M Sport packages add aggressive aerodynamic elements, dark accents, and larger wheels for those seeking extra dynamism. Step inside, and the reimagined cabin feels like a private lounge. The BMW Panoramic iDrive system, powered by Operating System
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“Rear passengers are treated to pure indulgence with the upgraded 31.3inch 8K BMW Theater Screen that deploys with dramatic animation, closing shades and dimming lights for an immersive cinema experience.”
X, transforms the driving experience. A
Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound
delivering improved range (over 350 miles
panoramic projection across the windshield,
System (up to 36 speakers and 1,925 watts).
for the i60) and outputs up to 536 hp. A V8
a free-cut 17.9-inch Central Display, and
Executive Lounge seating adds leg rests,
M Performance model joins later. Advanced
the new standard BMW Passenger Screen
massage functions, and reclining positions up
chassis, air suspension, and efficiency
(14.6 inches) for the front passenger deliver
to 43 degrees.
enhancements ensure effortless grand touring.
intuitive, driver-oriented controls with haptic
With software-defined architecture offering
feedback and customizable widgets. BMW
Lighting elevates the ambience further with
over-the-air updates, AI-enhanced personal
Panoramic Vision and a 3D Head-Up Display
a full-width ambient strip, seat-integrated
assistant (integrated with Alexa+), and
keep eyes on the road.
elements, and the Panoramic Skylounge LED
extensive Digital Premium features, the new
roof. Materials like Veganza, Merino leather,
7 Series is built for the future while delivering
Rear passengers are treated to pure
cashmere wool, and open-pored woods—plus
unmatched presence and comfort today. For
indulgence. The upgraded 31.3-inch 8K
the world-first BMW Individual Dual-Finish
those who demand the pinnacle of luxury
BMW Theater Screen deploys with a dramatic
paint—showcase exquisite craftsmanship.
driving, this is it.
animation, closing shades and dimming
Performance options cater to every preference.
lights for an immersive cinema experience.
Combustion models include the 740 and 740
It now supports Zoom calls via integrated
xDrive with potent inline-six power. The 750e
camera, HDMI connectivity for laptops,
xDrive plug-in hybrid follows soon after. All-
video streaming, gaming via AirConsole, and
electric i7 50 xDrive and i7 60 xDrive variants
Dolby Atmos audio through the available
benefit from sixth-generation cylindrical cells,
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J
ust an hour from Orlando, New Smyrna Beach is one of Florida’s most captivating coastal destinations, a place where laid back beach vibes meet boutique luxury, exceptional dining, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. With 17 miles of white sand beaches, charming boutique hotels, an award-winning culinary scene, a thriving arts community, and eco experiences unlike anywhere else, this seaside gem is the perfect escape for a romantic weekend, girlfriends’ getaway, solo retreat, or relaxing staycation.
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to New Smyrna Beach F L O R I D A ’ S C H I C C O A S TA L G E M
By Angela Southard Winther
Among the area’s most distinctive places to stay is Black Dolphin Inn. Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, this beautifully restored Spanish style mansion blends timeless elegance with warm, personalized hospitality. Individually designed guest rooms, tranquil waterfront views, and thoughtful touches create the perfect setting to unwind while embracing New Smyrna Beach’s relaxed coastal lifestyle. The destination’s dining scene is equally memorable, offering everything from chef driven cuisine and fresh local seafood to inviting waterfront restaurants. Whether enjoying an elegant dinner overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway or a casual lunch just steps from the beach, the emphasis is always on quality ingredients and genuine hospitality. A longtime local favorite, Norwood’s is renowned for its fresh Florida seafood, extensive wine collection, and enchanting treehouse dining nestled beneath a canopy of majestic oak trees. For riverfront dining, Riverpark Terrace serves contemporary American cuisine paired with beautiful waterfront views. Seasonal ingredients, handcrafted cocktails, and an inventive menu make it a standout destination for dinner. One of New Smyrna Beach’s signature experiences is the Marine Discovery Center, where dolphin and nature cruises explore the Indian River Lagoon, one of North America’s most biologically diverse estuaries. As playful dolphins swim alongside the boat, expert naturalists introduce guests to the lagoon’s fascinating marine life, native birds, and delicate ecosystem. Marine lovers are
treated to an up close and personal look at dolphins in their natural environment. It is an unforgettable way to experience Florida’s natural beauty while supporting conservation and environmental education. The town’s creative spirit shines along historic Canal Street, a walkable district lined with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and locally owned shops. At its heart is the newly unified The Hub Arts Collective, bringing together the acclaimed Hub on Canal and Jane’s Art Center under one inspiring vision. The collective represents the evolution of two respected arts organizations dedicated to creativity, education, wellness, and community engagement. Since opening in 2012, The Hub on Canal has become one of East Central Florida’s premier artist cooperatives, while Jane’s Art Center has earned recognition for its exceptional ceramics programs and hands on arts education. Together, they offer rotating exhibitions, working artist studios, workshops, educational programming, and community events. Visitors can browse original artwork, meet local artists, watch them create, or even participate in classes, making it one of New Smyrna Beach’s most enriching cultural experiences. Fall is an especially wonderful time to visit. Throughout October, Coastal Catch Restaurant Month showcases the area’s outstanding culinary scene with exclusive prix fixe menus celebrating fresh local seafood and coastal inspired cuisine. It is the perfect opportunity to sample signature dishes from many of New Smyrna Beach’s most celebrated restaurants while savoring the flavors of the season.
Visitors can also take advantage of New Smyrna Beach’s annual Staycation Promotion, available through the end of the year. The program features exclusive offers from a variety of accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and local businesses throughout the New Smyrna Beach area, making an already inviting getaway even more appealing. New Smyrna Beach has mastered the art of blending authentic Florida charm with refined coastal experiences. Here, dolphin sightings replace traffic jams, locally owned restaurants outshine the ordinary, and every sunset feels like a celebration. For Orlando residents seeking an effortless beach escape filled with exceptional dining, boutique accommodations, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant arts scene, paradise is far closer than they might imagine. For travel inspiration, events, accommodations, and special offers, visit www.visitnsbfl.com and follow @VisitNSBFL on Instagram and Facebook.
Photo Courtesy of Marine Discovery Center
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Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
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48 Hours in Horse Country THE OCALA EDIT
By Maha Chaudhry
What can you do in two days visiting Ocala? Short answer: A lot. If you have a passion for horses, wildlife, history, outdoor adventure, or simply discovering somewhere new, Ocala might just be your next weekend escape. Depending on where you’re coming from, it’s only a short drive away, yet somehow feels like you’ve traveled much farther. Originally referred to as Ocali by the Timucua people, Ocala’s history dates back thousands of years. After a devastating fire in 1883, much of the city was rebuilt using brick, earning it the nickname “The Brick City.” Today, it proudly wears another title: The Horse Capital of the World. Around every corner, you’ll find reminders of its equestrian roots, beautifully preserved architecture, and a charm that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. And speaking of horses, if you want to fully immerse yourself in equestrian luxury, the World Equestrian Center is an absolute must. Named one of Florida’s premier luxury destinations, the property combines worldclass equestrian competition with upscale accommodations, boutique shopping, spa experiences, exceptional dining, and yearround entertainment. Spanning nearly 2,000 acres, it’s the largest equestrian complex in the United States, complete with two state-of-theart exposition centers. The property features two hotels: the newer Riding Academy Hotel and the elegant Equestrian Hotel overlooking the Grand Arena, where European-inspired architecture meets elevated equestrian comfort. Even when competitions aren’t taking place, the property is well worth exploring. One of my favorite discoveries was The Equestrian Manor. Walking through its
doors feels like stepping into a sophisticated European estate, except you’re immediately greeted by whimsical paintings of dogs dressed in human costumes. It’s unexpected, charming, and honestly made me smile before I even made it to the pastries. Inside you’ll also find Emma’s Patisserie, where buttery croissants, artisan coffee, colorful interiors, and beautifully crafted pastries make lingering just a little too easy. Needless to say, the croissants disappeared rather quickly. And for my trail-blazing, wildlife-loving enthusiasts, Ocala has plenty more to offer. Marion County is internationally known as an outdoor playground. The Ocala National Forest spans nearly 387,000 acres of diverse terrain, dotted with more than 600 lakes, rivers, and springs. During our visit, we opted for Silver Springs State Park, home to the original glass-bottom boat tour. Kinda chic to embark on a tour first introduced in the late 1800s, when the first glass-bottom boat of its kind took off right here at Silver Springs. By the 1930s, the boats had transitioned to electric motors, creating the peaceful, quiet experience visitors still enjoy today. As our boat drifted across water so clear it almost felt invisible, we learned about the fish and wildlife that call the springs home. But what fascinated me most was what lay beneath the surface. Hidden below are weathered boats, statues, and movie props left behind from Hollywood productions filmed here decades ago. Resting quietly on the spring floor, they transform one of Florida’s oldest attractions into an underwater time capsule. After docking, we wandered one of the scenic trails overlooking the springs, where one unforgettable moment stole the show. A baby river otter playfully rolled through the water, completely unbothered by the visitors
watching from above. It was one of those simple wildlife encounters you can’t plan for and easily became one of the highlights of the day. Native birds accompanied us along the trail, while the park’s famous rhesus macaques remained hidden among the trees. Rumor has it early mornings offer your best chance of spotting one swinging from branch to branch. I’ll take that as my excuse to come back. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, and aren’t particularly afraid of heights, The Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park is less than 20 minutes away. Here’s where Ocala completely surprised me. Instead of flat Florida terrain, you’ll find towering limestone cliffs, emerald lakes, caves, and dramatic canyons. The park sits atop a former limestone quarry that gradually filled with crystal-clear spring water after mining operations ended in the early 1900s. Today, it has become one of Florida’s most unique outdoor adventure destinations. The signature zip-line course sends guests soaring as high as 155 feet above the canyons, with lines stretching more than 1,100 feet across sparkling water. Horseback riding, kayaking, and gem mining round out the experience. Now let’s talk about my favorite part of any trip. Ocala, being no exception, delivered on the dining front. Lunch on day one brought us to Horse & Hounds, a beloved local staple tucked into Ocala’s picturesque horse country. Housed inside a charming estate-style home, the restaurant blends the warmth of a traditional British pub with Southern hospitality. Whether you’re savoring shepherd’s pie, classic fish and chips, or a perfectly grilled steak, it’s the kind of place that invites you to linger long after the meal is over.
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“ If you’re not quite ready for the evening to end, walk across the hall to The Yellow Pony.”
For dinner, Ivy on the Square was next on the list. Located across from the historic Marion Theatre, the restaurant captures the charm of downtown Ocala with elevated Southern comfort food. Signature dishes like Baked Krispy Chicken, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, fresh seafood, and hand-cut steaks celebrate recipes that have been passed down through generations. Save room for dessert. Trust me on this one. Day two continued just as deliciously with lunch at District Bar & Kitchen. Blending contemporary flavors with downtown charm, District has become one of Ocala’s favorite gathering spots. From handcrafted cocktails and award-winning burgers to Detroit-style pizza and a lively rooftop terrace, it delivers modern American comfort food with a distinctly local feel. Dinner, however, brought us back to the World Equestrian Center and what was easily one of my favorite meals of the trip. Perched atop The Equestrian Manor, Genievieve’s offers a romantic escape inspired by the Italian countryside— an elevated expression of the equestrian lifestyle. Handmade pastas, beautifully curated wines, and panoramic rooftop views overlooking the property make every detail feel thoughtfully considered.
Yellow Pony - Photo by Maven Photo + Film
My truffle pasta was rich in Tuscan truffle flavor, instantly transporting my taste buds to Italy. Whether you’re celebrating love or just life, Genievieve’s makes every dinner feel like an intimate yet memorable occasion. If you’re not quite ready for the evening to end, walk across the hall to The Yellow Pony. The rooftop bar offers handcrafted cocktails, mocktails, cozy lounge seating, and beautiful balcony views overlooking the World Equestrian Center. It’s the perfect place to end the night under the stars. We were in horse country, so it only felt right to spend time getting to know the stars of the show.
Emma’s Patisserie at The Equestrian Manor
GoldMark Farm offers visitors an intimate look into the world of championship Thoroughbred racing. Spread across 1,500 acres, the working farm is home to elite racehorses bred, trained, and cared for in a setting designed entirely around their well-being. One of the highlights is the Triple Crown Museum, where visitors can explore the history behind America’s most celebrated races before stepping outside to meet the horses themselves.
The Riding Academy Hotel Pool - Photo by Daniel Newcomb
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Our tour was thoughtfully led by Janelle Bulmahn, whose warmth and passion for the farm made every stop feel personal. She
shared fascinating stories about legendary racehorses and the modern-day movies inspired by some of racing’s greatest champions, bringing their remarkable equestrian legacies to life in a way that made the history feel both personal and unforgettable. Of course, the history lesson was only half the fun. Meeting the horses up close was an experience in itself, and feeding a retired Thoroughbred a peppermint mint quickly became one of my favorite moments of the trip. As it turns out, I’ll take any and every excuse to get close to an equestrian beauty. If you happen to have a little downtime, make your way to historic downtown Ocala. The streets are lined with boutiques, antique shops, local cafés, and charming storefronts that invite you to slow down and wander. Art lovers should also carve out time for the Appleton Museum of Art, one of Central Florida’s hidden cultural gems. Home to more than 24,000 works spanning centuries and continents, the museum showcases everything from European masterpieces and contemporary art to impressive equestrian collections. During our visit, we explored “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee: Celebrating American Art and Design,” a beautifully curated exhibition honoring America’s artistic evolution through paintings, decorative arts, furniture, and design. Through October, visitors can also experience “Politics in Print: Linocuts by Richard Mock,” a striking exhibition exploring political commentary through bold graphic artwork. After a couple days, one thing became pretty clear. Ocala has a way of surprising you. One minute you’re feeding a retired racehorse a peppermint mint. The next you’re gliding over crystal-clear springs on a historic glass-bottom boat, spotting a playful baby otter, zip lining over canyons you never knew existed in Florida, and somehow ending the evening with rooftop pasta and a mocktail under the stars. Not a bad way to spend a short trip. Horse country may be what first puts Ocala on the map, but it’s everything in between that makes you want to come back. Safe to say... this won’t be my last Ocala Edit…or my last return to my equestrian era. Ready to vist or revist your own equestrian getaway? Visit Ocalamarion.com.
Ancient Treasures by Sven Debo Bode - 2024 - Oil on Canvas, 48”x 60” Large Size Original Fine Art Painting with Certificate and Signature. Price: $ 30,500 or best offer + Free Shipping (direct rom artist price ) Contact: info@ArteVue.com ‘DEBO’ ‘s Artwork is in Collections Worldwide
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The lawyers profiled here exemplify a standard of excellence in their profession and by doing so have garnered respect and esteem of their colleagues.
trial experience and results in past cases, but most factors are subjective such as the quality or persuasiveness of an argument in court, skill at negotiating or giving legal advice.
There are a multitude of specialties in the practice of law, each requiring expertise gleaned through formal education, personal experience and prior court established procedures often referred to as case law.
Do your due diligence when choosing an attorney that’s right for you; making sure the attorney being considered has a good reputation in the legal community and the community at large, in the location where your case will be heard.
Lawyers and readers have been asked to name attorneys whom they hold in the highest regard or would recommend to others. The reality is that there are a variety of factors that determine the qualifications of a great attorney. Objective factors include
The attorneys being showcased in the following profile pages are specialized in areas of law practice and are considered to be excellent in their field.
Nominate your favorite professionals here.
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Brown & Kimpton, P.A. Experience. Integrity. Results.
William “Bill” J. Kimpton, Esq. – Founding Partner With over five decades of legal experience, Bill J. Kimpton is a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s real estate law community. A graduate of Duke University School of Law, Bill began his distinguished career in 1972 and has since become a trusted authority in real estate contracts, development agreements, financing, and zoning law. His expertise spans complex commercial transactions and financing, title insurance issues, and property tax valuation. Bill’s leadership includes serving as past chairman of the Pinellas Real Estate Law Council, president of the Business Assistance Council, and founding chairman and board member of Flagship Community Bank. Known for his strategic insight and dedication to client success, Bill continues to shape the region’s legal landscape with precision and professionalism. Specializing in commercial loan transactions, representation of commercial banks and lenders, and other various real estate matters.
Barbara M. Brown, Esq. – Founding Partner Barbara M. Brown brings over two decades of dynamic legal experience to Brown & Kimpton, P.A., with a focus on real estate law, litigation, asset protection, and probate. Admitted to practice in both Florida and Texas, Barbara has been a driving force in the Tampa Bay legal community since 2002. She currently serves as President of the Bay Area Real Estate Council and on the Affiliate Board for Suncoast Tampa Association of Realtors. Barbara has earned her LL.M. in Real Property Development from the University of Miami, further deepening her expertise. Her practice also includes creditor representation in all three federal bankruptcy courts for community banks and hard money lenders.
813-867-7935 Tampa Bay brownkimptonlaw.com
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Special Promotional Feature
J. Daniel “Dan” Clark Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
Born and raised in Tampa, J. Daniel “Dan” Clark, Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and Managing Partner of Clark Trial Law, grew up watching his father, James W. Clark, practice law after establishing the firm in 1972. From accompanying his father to the office on Sundays to watching him try cases at the courthouse, Dan gained an early appreciation for trial work and the responsibility that comes with representing others. Tampa has remained home ever since, connecting his family history, professional career, and commitment to the community. After graduating from Jesuit High School, Dan attended Duke University, where he played tight end under legendary coach Steve Spurrier. He went on to Stetson University College of Law, serving on the Stetson Law Review and Trial Team and completing an internship with federal Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich. Those experiences helped him develop the preparation and courtroom skills that would become central to his career. Today, he is Board Certified in Civil Trial by The Florida Bar and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), focusing on serious civil litigation and helping clients navigate some of life’s most difficult circumstances. Dan’s approach to trial law is grounded in preparation, professionalism, strategy, and ethics. He believes success is not simply measured by a verdict or dollar amount, but by knowing his team did the right thing for the right reasons and gave clients their very best. Clark Trial Law has secured more than half a billion dollars in damages for clients, but Dan remains focused on the people and futures behind every case. Outside the courtroom, Dan enjoys traveling with his family, hunting, fishing, and following Tampa’s professional sports teams. He has served Jesuit High School as president of its foundation and on its Board of Trustees, coached Little League, and mentors aspiring lawyers. As Clark Trial Law enters its next chapter, Dan is focused on building upon his father’s legacy while evolving the firm for the future.
813-879-0700 All of Florida, specializing in Tampa Bay ClarkTrialLaw.com
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Special Promotional Feature
Jeffrey “Jack” Gordon
Board Certified Medical Malpractice Lawyer – Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
“Aside from being a rockstar or professional athlete, I have the best job on the planet,” says Jeffrey “Jack” Gordon, managing partner and board certified medical malpractice lawyer of MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers. “I not only love what I do, but it benefits others as well. And I make a good living doing it. That’s rare. And I’m grateful for that.” Mr. Gordon earned “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in 2027 in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs which is an honor given to .01% of the entire lawyer population in that practice area. He’s also been inducted into the Florida Trend Legal Elite HoF, been twice selected as a Leading Attorney of the Southeastern U.S. in Forbes, named to the Top 100 Super Lawyers® in Florida, and named to the Top 50 Super Lawyers® of Tampa Bay.
Jack Gordon has been recognized in Florida Top Verdicts for securing the largest award in a lawsuit against a Dram Shop in 2011 ($8,250,000) and the largest award in a motorcycle accident lawsuit in 2017 ($14,950,000). He also gained national recognition for his efforts to challenge tribal sovereign immunity on behalf of critically injured clients in multiple lawsuits against the Seminole Tribe of Florida. “The day doesn’t end for me at 5pm,” says Mr. Gordon. “I’ve built a life around doing what I love to do. I am a fan of staying up into the wee hours of the night, reading through troves of materials and medical records, eating left over food at 2am, and dedicating myself to the craft of lawyering. I love learning and being challenged. And I remain truly appreciative of the trust and confidence of both my colleague lawyers who to continue to refer cases to me, and the clients who select me to represent them. These are honors I do not take lightly.”
• Five-time Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by the Florida Bar • Board Certifications by the NBTA in Civil Trial Advocacy and Civil Pre-trial Practice Advocacy • Board-Certified by the ABPLA in Medical Malpractice Law • Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers® in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs • Recognized by Best Lawyers since 2018 in Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs & Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. • Inducted into Florida Trend’s Legal Elite Hall of Fame • Elected Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates • Selected to SuperLawyers® since 2012 • Recognized in Tampa Magazines’ Top Lawyers List for Medical Malpractice for the past eleven years • Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell • Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
866-344-LAWS FightNegligence.com Instagram: @maneygordontriallawyers
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K. Dean Kantaras, Esq., BCS Board Certified in Marital and Family Law
K. Dean Kantaras is the owner and managing partner of K. Dean Kantaras, PA, also known as Kantaras Law. Dean is one of only 276 attorneys in Florida who are Board Certified in Marital and Family Law. He is part of an elite group of lawyers who have met the rigorous standards set by The Florida Bar, demonstrating expertise and superior knowledge of the field of family law. Dean built the firm with a deep understanding that clients are often facing one of life’s most difficult challenges. In hiring Kantaras Law, they want guidance, support and trust. At the same time, Dean knows clients also need an attorney who can view a case from all angles, be prepared for anything, and fight for them with tenacity and strength. Throughout the years, Dean has built a team of attorneys and support staff who work seamlessly together to ensure clients receive the best advocacy possible. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida in 1989, Dean knew that his true passion resided in the law. Dean achieved his lifelong goal of becoming a lawyer in 1992, when he obtained his Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law. After graduation, he returned to Florida to begin his practice. At the time, Dean did not know that working in family law would become his passion. However, after being given the opportunity to practice this area as a young attorney, he knew that there was no other practice of law where he could utilize his courtroom talents while handling the complex matters of family law. Dean started his marital and family law and immigration law practice shortly thereafter and incorporated K. Dean Kantaras, PA, in 1996. The law firm has offices in Tampa, Palm Harbor, and Largo, Florida, and manages cases throughout the state. Dean is admitted to The Florida Bar, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. In Dean’s 33 years of practice, he has achieved an AV Preeminent rating with Martindale-Hubbell for his legal skills and professional ethics; he has been selected as a Florida Super Lawyer and is a published author of a marital and family law article in Tampa Bay Magazine. Dean has also authored the chapter “Adapting to New Practices and Trends in Florida Family Law” in the 2012 edition of “Strategies for Family Law in Florida.” Dean also completed the University of South Florida’s Family Mediation training and is now a Board-Certified Family Law Mediator. He presented at the NBI “Divorce Law: Common Mistakes in Dividing Assets” Seminar in Jacksonville, Florida, in September 2015 and presented on the topic “Failure to Consider Current and Future Income and Expenses.” He also presented at the NBI “Advanced Family Law” Seminar in Tampa, Florida, in December 2015, on “Non-Traditional Family Law Structures and Paternity Disputes.” Dean is fluent in both English and Greek.
At K. Dean Kantaras, P.A. we handle many cases related to family law including: • Alimony • Appeals • Child Custody • Child Support • Contested Divorces • Determination of Paternity • Domestic Violence Injunctions • Equitable Distribution • Expert Witness Testimony • Foreign Judgment Domestication and Modification • High Asset Divorces • Marital Settlement Agreements • Mediations • Modifications • Parental Responsibility • Postnuptial Agreements • Prenuptial Agreements • Timesharing & Visitation • And more K. Dean Kantaras, P.A. also has an Immigration department which handles a full range of immigration issues all over the state of Florida including, but not limited to non-immigrant visas, asylum, removal, and §212 waivers. EDUCATION • Oklahoma City University School of Law, Juris Doctor • University of South Florida, B.A. - 1989 ADMISSIONS • Florida Bar • United States District Court - Middle District of Florida • United States Court of Appeals - Eleventh Circuit • United States Supreme Court ACCOLADES • AV Preeminent rating with Martindale Hubble for his legal skills and professional ethics • Florida Super Lawyer
813-755-4300 KantarasLaw.com
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Special Promotional Feature
Lynette Silon-Laguna, Esq. Owner/Managing Attorney, All Family Law Group, P.A.
For nearly three decades, Lynette has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate life’s most personal and challenging legal matters with confidence, compassion, and trusted guidance. As the Owner and Managing Attorney of All Family Law Group, P.A., she founded the firm in 1997 with a clear mission: to provide exceptional legal representation while treating every client with the respect, integrity, and individualized attention they deserve. That client-first philosophy continues to define the firm’s reputation throughout the Tampa Bay area today. Lynette earned her Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies, summa cum laude, from the University of Central Florida before receiving her Juris Doctor, with Honors, from the University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law. Under her leadership, All Family Law Group has grown into one of the region’s well-established family law practices, representing clients in divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, property division, paternity, adoption, post-judgment matters, legal name changes, criminal defense, and other family law issues. Every case is approached with thoughtful strategy, open communication, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome while minimizing unnecessary conflict whenever possible. Backed by more than 65 years of combined legal experience, the firm’s attorneys have earned recognition from numerous respected legal organizations and publications, including Best of Florida, Tampa Magazine, Tampa Style, America’s Best Lawyers, and The National Advocates Top 100 Lawyers. The firm has also maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau since 2009, reflecting its longstanding commitment to professionalism and client service. Today, Lynette remains committed to the mission that inspired her to establish the firm nearly 30 years ago: providing compassionate representation, trusted experience, and proven results while helping every client move forward with confidence, dignity, and peace of mind.
813-672-1900 Tampa Bay & Surrounding Counties familymaritallaw.com Instagram: @all_family_law_group
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Bonardi & Uzdavinis, LLP Attorneys at Law
Founded in January 2024, Bonardi & Uzdavinis, LLP was established with a clear vision: to create a law firm where accessibility, effectiveness, and ethics are more than ideals—they are the standard. Co-founders Daniel Bonardi and Arturo Uzdavinis brought together distinct life experiences, from military service in the United States Coast Guard to collegiate and professional football, united by shared values of discipline, accountability, teamwork, and unwavering professionalism. With deep roots in the Tampa Bay community, they built a firm dedicated to delivering exceptional legal representation while fostering genuine relationships with clients. Although still a young practice, Bonardi & Uzdavinis has quickly earned a reputation for thoughtful advocacy and outstanding client service. What began in a modest Temple Terrace office has already grown into a larger Carrollwood location, reflecting the confidence clients and referral partners have placed in the firm. Rather than focusing solely on outcomes, the team measures success by earning trust, exceeding expectations, and building lasting relationships throughout Tampa Bay. Serving clients across civil litigation, including real estate, construction, business disputes, probate, personal injury, and toxic mold claims, the firm distinguishes itself through a collaborative approach. Every attorney
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contributes ideas, perspectives, and experience to deliver comprehensive legal strategies, ensuring clients benefit from the strength of the entire team rather than a single individual. That same spirit extends throughout the office, where mutual respect, open communication, and shared success define the workplace culture. Beyond the courtroom, Bonardi & Uzdavinis remains deeply invested in the community that has fueled its growth. Through charitable sponsorships, educational outreach, and mentorship, the firm is committed to making a lasting impact across Tampa Bay. As it continues to expand, its mission remains unchanged: to provide trusted legal counsel with integrity, build meaningful relationships, and become one of the region’s most respected civil litigation firms while helping strengthen the community it proudly calls home. 813-540-2019 Westchase, Citrus Park, Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg bufirm.com Instagram: @bufirm_
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Alexis Rae Campos Founding Attorney
Alexis Rae Campos, has built her career around a passion for advocacy, litigation and helping people navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. Born in Florida and raised in Miami, Campos has called Tampa home since 2009, though her connection to the city began years earlier (spending weekends and summers traveling between Miami and Tampa all throughout her childhood). Although she earned full scholarship offers from multiple law schools, Tampa ultimately felt like home, and she chose to put down roots there. At Stetson University College of Law, Campos graduated from the Honors Program and with a concentration in advocacy. As a competitive member of the Trial Team, she earned firstplace honors and individual awards at national and local competitions, respectively, experiences that cemented her decision to become a trial lawyer. Today, Campos is a plaintiff’s personal injury trial attorney, located in Tampa, whose background includes years of experience on the medical side of personal injury, creating a natural transition into the legal field. Her approach to advocacy is inspired by Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly and Theodore Roosevelt’s famous “Man in the Arena” speech. For Campos, the philosophy is simple: Dare Greatly. She defines success not only by achieving strong results for her clients, but also by helping the people around her grow and improve. Whether winning a case, delivering a compelling argument or watching a team member overcome a challenge, she believes success is found in the effort as much as the outcome. Campos’s dedication to helping plaintiffs injured as a result of someone else’s negligence inspired her to hang her own shingle over three years ago and has resulted in millions recovered on behalf of her clients since its founding. Outside the courtroom, Campos is a devoted wife and mother of two. Her busy days balance early workouts, family routines, school activities and her growing legal practice. When she finds time to unwind, she enjoys reading, traveling, and an unexpected creative passion: crocheting. Deeply invested in Tampa Bay, Campos remains active in her children’s school and supports Friends of the River, local schools and Voices for Children of Tampa Bay through seasonal drives. She has also enjoyed watching Tampa evolve from a city known primarily to locals into one of the Southeast’s most recognized metropolitan areas. Looking ahead, her focus is growth, with plans to continue expanding her practice. Her advice to the next generation is equally straightforward: “Dare greatly!”
813-896-2614 Proudly serving the Tampa Bay Area camposlawfl.com Instagram: @camposlaw
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J. Ronald Denman Managing Partner
Raised on military bases, J. Ronald Denman, Managing Partner of Bleakley Bavol Denman & Grace, developed an early sense of discipline and a strong desire to make a difference. Although he initially questioned whether law school was financially feasible, a First Amendment course during his senior year of college changed his trajectory. Studying case law and advocating for clients sparked an immediate passion for the law and confirmed that becoming an attorney was the path he wanted to pursue. After earning his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida, Ron began his legal career as a prosecutor in Sarasota, where he developed the trial skills that would become foundational to his practice. Ron later returned to Miami, practicing civil and commercial litigation at two prominent firms before joining a client as general counsel. His role eventually expanded into business ownership, giving him firsthand experience helping grow a manufacturing and distribution company with national and international reach. That client-side perspective remains invaluable in his work today, allowing him to understand not only the legal issues his clients face, but also the practical realities of running a business. About 12 years ago, Ron chose Tampa as the place to raise his four children and build his next professional chapter. He quickly embraced the city’s growth and opportunity, ultimately joining two accomplished attorneys to build a respected law firm. Today, Ron serves as Managing Partner and senior litigation partner, leading a team handling civil and commercial litigation, business transactions, and trust, estate, and guardianship matters. His philosophy is simple: “Make a difference.” He strives to resolve matters efficiently before clients invest unnecessary time and resources, but when litigation is unavoidable, he believes in out-preparing the opposition. Success, to Ron, means making a positive difference in a client’s life or business while mentoring younger attorneys and helping them develop a genuine love for the profession. Outside the office, Ron enjoys spending time with his four children, tackling DIY projects, exploring Tampa’s restaurants and attractions, and staying active. His fondness for traveling depositions and business meetings also gave him an unusual way to experience cities: early-morning runs through their streets. As Tampa continues to evolve, Ron looks forward to helping the next generation of attorneys grow the firm while keeping Tampa at its heart.
813-221-3759 South Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Carrollwood, Odessa, and West Chase www.bbdglaw.com Instagram: @jroneyd
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Special Promotional Feature
Jane Cynthia Graham Attorney and Founder, Sunshine City Law
Born in Montreal, Canada, and raised in South Florida, Jane Cynthia Graham, Attorney and Founder of Sunshine City Law, was inspired early by her uncle, a South Florida criminal defense attorney who championed underdogs and approached tough cases with determination and an unmistakable grin. That example shaped Jane’s belief in fighting zealously for clients and finding creative solutions when the odds seem stacked against them. Tampa became the ideal place to put those values into practice, offering momentum, opportunity, and a welcoming environment for building both a business and family. A proud double Cane, Jane earned a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in history and political science and her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami, followed by a Master of Laws in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School. Her career began with the National Audubon Society as an Everglades and water policy lobbyist and advocate before becoming an assistant city attorney and earning Florida Bar Board Certification in City, County and Local Government Law. After moving to Tampa and representing private clients at a boutique firm, Jane opened Sunshine City Law in 2020. Today, she represents individuals, small businesses, and organizations before local governments and agencies in land use, environmental, code enforcement, appeals, and litigation matters. Jane is particularly passionate about representing clients facing complicated or unconventional legal challenges, including neighbors challenging large developments and small businesses navigating licensing, permitting, variances, and land use approvals. She is dedicated to making this complex area of law more accessible, guided by a simple philosophy: persistence pays off, and there is always another creative solution worth considering. She frequently publishes on land use and environmental law and mentors students through Stetson Law environmental programs. Outside the office, Jane enjoys Tampa’s trails, beaches, parks, sunsets, and diverse culinary scene with her husband and fiveyear-old son. She serves on the Tampa Bay Conservancy board and previously served with the Florida Native Plant Society. A hockey fan who enjoys attending Tampa Bay Lightning games against the Montreal Canadiens, Jane also plays classical and electric guitar. For the next generation, her advice is straightforward: communicate clearly, directly, and genuinely.
727-291-9526 Tampa Bay, including Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. sunshinecitylaw.com Instagram: @sunshinecitylaw
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Elizabeth L. Hapner Attorney/Owner
Elizabeth L. Hapner’s connection to Tampa’s legal community began long before she entered a courtroom. Born at the Cleveland Clinic and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio, she moved to Tampa as a child when her father was recruited to lead the litigation department at Fowler White. Dinner-table conversations about cases and courtroom strategy, along with summers spent observing her father practice law, sparked a passion that led her to decide at age 12 that she wanted to become an attorney. Her mother’s dedication to community volunteerism also instilled an enduring belief that professional success carries a responsibility to give back. A graduate of the University of Florida Honors College with a B.A. in English, Hapner earned her law degree from the University of Florida Holland Law Center at Levin College of Law. Following her father’s death on her final day of law school classes, she joined the State Attorney’s Office, where she spent five years as an Assistant State Attorney and developed a strong foundation in courtroom advocacy. Today, she leads a boutique practice focused on estate planning, probate, guardianship and related litigation, providing families with personalized guidance through some of life’s most significant transitions. For Hapner, success is measured by impact. She strives to improve at least one person’s life each day through client advocacy, professional support or community service. A longtime Tampa resident, she serves on eight nonprofit boards and volunteers as an attorney with Bay Area Legal Services and Crossroads for Florida Kids, Inc., while also mentoring through the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers and Tampa Bay Chamber leadership programs. Her commitment to service has earned honors including the 2022 Hillsborough County Bar Association Jimmy Kynes Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Service and the 2014 Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award. Outside the office, Hapner is a devoted Gator fan who enjoys time on the water, travel, Tampa’s neighborhoods and its restaurant scene, with Bern’s Steak House and Columbia among her longtime favorites. She looks forward to continuing to grow her practice, serve her community, mentor others and embrace new experiences.
813-250-0357 Serving all of Hillsborough County hapnerlawfl.com Instagram: @hapnerbetsey
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Harris, Hunt & Derr, P.A. Protection Without Destruction®
Harris, Hunt & Derr, P.A. is a Marital and Family Law firm committed to protecting families and financial futures. Ranked as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®, our team practices exclusively in Marital and Family Law, guiding clients through difficult challenges. We value diligence and effectiveness, taking a multifaceted approach to developing legal strategies that achieve our clients’ goals through a cost-sensitive process. Our attorneys include Florida Bar Board Certified Marital and Family Law specialists recognized by Best Lawyers®, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®, and Super Lawyers®. We bring decades of combined experience, providing thoughtful counsel and effective representation tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founding Partner Nancy Hutcheson Harris is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, recognized on Florida Super Lawyers® Top 50 Women list (2019–2026), and a recipient of the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s 2025 Outstanding Lawyer Award. Joseph D. Hunt, Best Lawyers® Family Law Lawyer of the Year (2020, 2024, 2026) and Florida Bar Board Certified, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Christine L. Derr is Florida Bar Board Certified
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and has been recognized on the Florida Super Lawyers® Top 50 Women and Top 100 lists since 2016. Katherine C. Scott, Florida Bar Board Certified, was selected as Best Lawyers® 2027 Family Law Lawyer of the Year. Nicole M. Gehringer, recognized by Best Lawyers® and selected to the 2026 Florida Super Lawyers list, and Cory A. Brandfon, recognized by Best Lawyers® and selected to the 2026 Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, provide strategic representation tailored to each client’s goals. Associate attorneys Grace M. Samarkos, M. Tess Bedell, and Lauren E. Corbridge have been recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®, reflecting the firm’s commitment to talent and outstanding service. Let our team stand up for what matters most. Call today for a consultation.
813-223-5421 Tampa & St. Petersburg harrishuntderr.com Instagram: @harrishuntderr
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Ethan Loeb
Bartlett Loeb Hinds Thompson & Angelos, PLLC
For Ethan Loeb, Tampa has never simply been home—it has been the foundation of a career built on determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to his clients. A Tampa resident since the age of three, Loeb grew up appreciating the city’s unique balance of honoring tradition while embracing growth. Although he once envisioned a career in medicine, his outgoing personality, love of connecting with people, and talent for commanding a room ultimately led him to pursue the law, where advocacy became his true calling. After earning a business degree from the University of South Florida in 2000, Loeb graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 2003, distinguishing himself with numerous academic honors, including recognition from The Florida Bar as Local Government Student of the Year. Focused on real estate and government law from the outset, he immersed himself in legal scholarship before launching a career defined by relentless work ethic and client-focused service. His dedication paid off when he became a law firm partner just three years after graduating. Today, as a partner at Bartlett Loeb, he represents clients in complex business, real estate, and government litigation, guided by a simple philosophy: outwork the opposition, never give up, and always deliver meaningful results. Loeb measures success not by accolades, but by a sincere “thank you” from a client. Creativity, persistence, and finding solutions others overlook remain the hallmarks of his practice. In 2026, he earned recognition from Chambers and Partners and was named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100, honors that reflect both his legal excellence and influence within the Tampa business community. He also established a scholarship at USF’s Muma College of Business to help develop future community leaders. Outside the office, Loeb begins each day with kickboxing before returning home to his wife, Erin, their children, Riley and Reagan, and their Bernedoodle, Biggie Smalls. Whether hosting friends, tending his garden, cheering on the Tampa Bay Lightning, or spending time with family, he brings the same energy and enthusiasm to life that has defined his legal career. 813-223-3888 Florida blhtlaw.com
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Paul Milberg Partner and Managing Attorney
Paul A. Milberg has built a distinguished legal career defined by strategic thinking, unwavering credibility, and a passion for mentoring the next generation of trial attorneys. Born in Smithtown, Long Island, New York, his path to law was anything but conventional. As a history and anthropology major at Flagler College, he initially envisioned a future in field anthropology, inspired by a fascination with history, ethics, and the outdoors. A chance decision to take the LSAT changed everything. After earning his law degree from Nova Southeastern University and passing the Florida Bar in 1991, Milberg quickly discovered that litigation was where analytical thinking, persuasive advocacy, and creative problem-solving naturally intersected. Over more than three decades, Milberg has cultivated an impressive career representing businesses, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and insurers in complex civil litigation. After gaining invaluable experience under respected mentors, he co-founded his own law firm at just 33 years old, proving skeptics wrong as longtime clients followed him to the new practice. Today, as a Managing Partner at Kelley Kronenberg, he leads a growing team of trial attorneys defending individuals and businesses facing high-exposure litigation. His practice emphasizes proactive strategy, efficient risk analysis, and clear communication, helping clients navigate complex legal challenges while minimizing both financial exposure and the personal impact of litigation. Equally important to him is fostering an open-door culture where young attorneys are encouraged to grow, collaborate, and build lasting professional credibility. While his legal accomplishments are significant, Milberg considers family his greatest success. He and his wife, a Pinellas County court stenographer, U.S. Air Force combat veteran, and advocate for veterans living with PTSD, have built a life centered around service, resilience, and community in Tarpon Springs. Together they enjoy Florida’s outdoors, gardening, local music, and time with their blended family, while remaining active supporters of veteran organizations and local charitable initiatives. Their shared commitment to helping fellow veterans has become one of the most meaningful aspects of their lives. Looking ahead, Milberg remains focused on expanding his trial practice, mentoring exceptional litigators, and continuing to achieve outstanding results for clients across Florida. His guiding principle is simple yet powerful: credibility is everything. Earned through preparation, integrity, and consistency, it remains the foundation of every relationship, every courtroom appearance, and every successful outcome throughout his distinguished legal career.
813-223-1697 Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Orange, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Broward, Dade and Palm Beach Counties. mylebronlaw.com Instagram: @saguarophile
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Hilda Millan Partner & Trial Attorney
Hughes Law Partner and Trial Attorney Hilda Millan brings a thoughtful combination of advocacy, preparation, and genuine compassion to her personal injury practice. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Millan developed an appreciation for the law early through her father, an attorney whose dedication to his clients inspired her own path. Although she initially knew only that she wanted to practice law, she eventually discovered that trial work offered the ideal intersection of advocacy, strategy, and storytelling. Millan came to Tampa to attend law school, expecting to leave after graduation. Instead, the city became home. After earning her bachelor’s degree in English from Penn State and graduating cum laude from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, she began her career representing plaintiffs in assignment of benefits and windshield litigation. Her experience working alongside seasoned litigators sparked a desire to take on a greater courtroom role. Following Florida’s 2023 tort reform, she joined Hughes Law, where she immersed herself in personal injury litigation and continued developing her trial skills. Today, Millan represents individuals injured because of another’s negligence, guiding clients from the earliest stages of their cases through trial when necessary. Since joining Hughes Law, Millan has recovered multiple millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of her clients. Her work has also earned professional recognition, including being named a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyer and a member of Lawyers of Distinction. Her philosophy is grounded in the belief that “credibility is earned,” with preparation, honesty, attention to detail, and integrity serving as the foundation of effective advocacy. She measures success not only by case outcomes, but by the trust she builds with clients, colleagues, and the community. Outside the courtroom, Millan stays active through fitness, travel, and time with family and friends. She also enjoys exploring Tampa Bay’s waterfront, restaurants, and events, with Bar Taco among her local favorites. A former collegiate volleyball player, she credits the sport with teaching her discipline, teamwork, and competitiveness—qualities that continue to shape her legal career. Looking ahead, she hopes to take on increasingly complex trials, pursue board certification, and mentor the next generation of attorneys.
813-785-5498 Serving Tampa Bay and clients throughout Florida. ryanhugheslaw.com Instagram: @attorneyhilda
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Pamela Cordova Papasov Founder & Managing Partner
Pamela Cordova Papasov, Founder and Managing Partner of Papasov Law Group, brings nearly two decades of experience in the personal injury field, including nearly ten years as an attorney, along with a perspective shaped by both professional insight and personal experience. Born in Ecuador and raised in Tampa after immigrating with her family at age 10, Pamela credits her parents’ sacrifices, resilience, and work ethic for inspiring her determination. A Leto High School valedictorian and University of Notre Dame graduate, she later earned her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law. Her career has included serving as an Assistant Attorney General for Florida, where she represented the State in appellate matters before Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal, as well as representing insurance companies at leading defense firms and advocating for injured individuals and families. Pamela’s commitment to personal injury advocacy became deeply personal after she suffered a serious injury just weeks after giving birth to her first child. Experiencing firsthand the uncertainty, medical challenges, and financial strain that can accompany an unexpected injury strengthened her empathy for clients and reinforced her mission to provide compassionate, strategic representation. Today, she leads a three-attorney firm focused on personal injury litigation throughout Florida, drawing on her experience from virtually every side of the legal process. Her philosophy, “We fight to win,” reflects her commitment to preparation, attention to detail, and relentless advocacy while never losing sight of the person behind each case. Beyond the courtroom, Pamela is devoted to her family and community. She and her husband, Ilian, are raising two sons while embracing their family’s cultural heritage alongside the American traditions that have shaped their lives and their family’s story. She established a scholarship for graduating seniors at Leto High School and remains passionate about mentoring students, young professionals, and aspiring attorneys. She also hopes to expand her ability to serve immigrant communities through pro bono immigration work. At home, Pamela enjoys reading historical fiction and romance, traveling, and spending weekends supporting her sons’ jiu-jitsu training and competitions. Having watched Tampa evolve for three decades, she remains deeply connected to the community that welcomed her family and helped shape her journey.
813-501-5660 Tampa Bay Area and Florida wefighttowin.com Instagram: @papasovlawgroup
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E. Colin Thompson Partner
E. Colin Thompson is a Partner in the Complex Litigation Group at Bartlett Loeb Hinds Thompson & Angelos, where he represents businesses, individuals, and professional athletes in complex legal disputes, and works with them to protect their interests and avoid such disputes.. Born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in the Tampa Bay area from the age of six, Colin developed an appreciation for entrepreneurship at an early age while working alongside his father in the family’s small retail business. Those early mornings, opening the store before sunrise and witnessing firsthand the dedication required to build and sustain a business, instilled a lifelong respect for business owners and the challenges they face. It also sparked his fascination with the intersection of business, finance, and the law. A graduate of Bloomingdale High School, Colin earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in accounting before receiving his law degree from the University of Florida in 2002. During his time at UF, he served in numerous leadership roles with Florida Blue Key, ultimately becoming its president during a pivotal period in the organization’s history. Working alongside distinguished alumni, judges, and civic leaders taught him that every challenge presents an opportunity when approached with thoughtful leadership, creativity, and steady guidance. That philosophy continues to shape his legal practice today. Returning to Tampa after law school, Colin built his career alongside the city’s remarkable growth into one of the nation’s most vibrant business communities. He believes success is measured by helping clients emerge from difficult situations stronger than when they began, whether through litigation, strategic problem-solving, or proactive legal counsel. Known for his calm, solution-oriented approach, he works tirelessly to identify creative paths forward while remaining focused on achieving his clients’ long-term goals. Outside the office, Colin enjoys life on the water with his wife, Beth, and their three children, Tripp, Turner, and Taylor. Whether attending youth sporting events, diving in the Florida Keys, or supporting organizations such as the Heart Gallery of Tampa and Isaiah 117 House, he remains deeply committed to his family, his community, and helping others build a stronger future.
813-223-3888 Serving Nationwide blhtlaw.com
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Sam Badawi
Jonathan Kepko
Sam Badawi’s journey to law began across continents. Born in Latakia on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, he came to America as a young immigrant and learned its language and culture from the ground up. He went on to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy from Samford University in Alabama, but it was the American promise of the rule of law that ultimately changed his direction. Inspired by the idea that fair principles could protect ordinary people from powerful forces, Sam set pharmacy aside and pursued a career in law.
Jonathan Kepko brings an uncommon combination of engineering expertise, military leadership, and litigation experience to his practice. Raised outside Columbus, Ohio, he first became interested in law while watching his father build his own practice, where Kepko worked as a file clerk and attended hearings. That early exposure sparked a lasting fascination with the profession and ultimately inspired him to forge his own path.
Founder/Lawyer
Tampa Bay became the place where Sam’s professional and personal lives took root. He came to the area for family and work, built a life with his wife, and earned his LL.M. from Stetson University. As an immigrant himself, he found a natural connection to Tampa Bay’s diverse community of people who have arrived from somewhere else and made the region home. Today, his legal practice serves clients throughout Florida, reflecting a career built on both scientific knowledge and legal experience. Sam began his professional career in biotechnology before transitioning into law. He was admitted to the Alabama Bar in 2008, the Florida Bar in 2015, and the Georgia Bar in 2024. In 2011, he was registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, an achievement that reflects his scientific background and multidisciplinary approach to law. Away from the office, Sam and his wife are raising three boys, including twins. Family time often means fishing on the water or traveling abroad together. His commitment to Tampa Bay also extends into the community, where he supports local community centers, religious institutions, neighborhood schools, and the Temple Terrace Spirit soccer team. For Sam, giving back is a simple expression of gratitude for the community that gave him a home.
813-508-8808 Florida badawilaw.com Instagram: @badawilaw
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Partner
Kepko earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Miami before serving as a U.S. Air Force officer. During his active-duty career, he worked as an engineer on projects valued at more than $200 million and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he led 81 airmen. After leaving active duty as a captain, he returned to the University of Miami for law school and gained practical experience as a law clerk at a boutique construction litigation firm. Today, he leads a team of experienced litigators representing construction subcontractors, landlords, and commercial tenants in complex disputes. His practice encompasses construction litigation, landlord-tenant disputes, mold injury claims, premises liability, and general liability matters. Kepko approaches each case by evaluating a dispute from both sides, providing clients with a candid assessment of their risks and working toward the best possible outcome. Guided by his Christian faith, he emphasizes dignity, professionalism, and zealous advocacy. Outside the courtroom, he is a seven-time Ironman finisher and passionate cyclist who enjoys traveling with his wife and daughter, often building family vacations around international races. Through The Laube Family Foundation, his family also shares a commitment to Tampa Bay, supporting organizations focused on creating safer communities and better opportunities for children. A longtime Tampa Bay resident, Kepko values the region’s waterfront lifestyle, outdoor opportunities, and vibrant sports culture. He hopes to continue growing his Tampa practice while exploring future opportunities as a certified mediator or potentially within the judiciary. His advice to the next generation is simple: be kind, courteous, and professional—because reputation is earned through how you respond when circumstances are difficult.
813-739-1975 Tampa Bay and all of Florida lewisbrisbois.com/attorneys/kepko-jonathan Instagram: @laubefamilyfoundation
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Karen McManus Rich
Kyle Pennington
After graduating from law school in Boston, Karen McManus Rich headed to her parents’ Florida beach condo to escape distractions and study for both the Massachusetts and Florida Bar Exams. She sat for both exams over three consecutive days and passed each on her first attempt. By the time she flew back to Boston for the third day of testing, Karen knew she wanted to return to Florida to begin her legal career. She did—and never looked back.
With nearly three decades of legal experience, Kyle Pennington has built a distinguished career grounded in integrity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of dispute resolution. A multi-generational Tampa native, Pennington has remained committed to serving the community that shaped him, bringing a practical, balanced perspective to every matter he handles. Licensed to practice law in Florida, Texas, and the District of Columbia, he has earned a reputation for assessing complex legal issues with fairness and insight.
Partner: Litigation Chair
Karen began her career as a criminal prosecutor, gaining extensive courtroom and trial experience. Over the next twenty-five years, she built an extensive civil litigation practice representing healthcare providers and businesses in matters involving long-term care, wrongful death, negligence, premises liability, employment, regulatory defense, healthcare compliance, and business disputes. Karen recently entered a new chapter in her career, becoming a Partner and Litigation Chair at Garbacz Zlotowitz Rich LLP, where she launched and leads the firm’s Florida litigation practice. Working alongside a multidisciplinary team, she provides clients access to comprehensive legal services ranging from mergers and acquisitions and corporate transactions to complex litigation. Karen is also a certified mediator and serves as ADR Chair for the St. Petersburg Bar Association. Karen combines her litigation skills and mediation expertise to develop cases early, meaningfully evaluate risk, and pursue alternative dispute resolution when appropriate—conserving client resources before shifting to zealous trial preparation when necessary. Outside her practice, Karen serves on the Board of Directors of the Ali Spears Foundation, supporting families facing pediatric cancer, and was honored as a Tampa Bay Titan 100 in 2025 and 2026. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, paddleboarding, and yoga. For Karen, the greatest measure of success came when longtime clients chose to continue with her as she launched GZR’s Florida litigation practice.
813-812-4324 From the Florida Keys to the Panhandle and everywhere in between gzr-llp.com Instagram: @gzrlaw 90 | TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
Mediator/Arbitrator
A graduate of Tulane University and Stetson University College of Law, Pennington’s legal career has spanned both criminal and civil practice. He has served as both a criminal defense attorney and prosecutor and while in civil practice represented plaintiffs and defendants through litigation and trial. Today, as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit and County Court Mediator, he helps parties resolve disputes efficiently and thoughtfully. His mediation practice encompasses a broad range of matters, including tort claims, auto negligence, premises liability, trucking accidents, homeowner and landlord-tenant disputes, legal malpractice, housing discrimination, and emerging areas such as NIL litigation. In 2026, he further expanded his professional credentials by joining the American Arbitration Association–International Centre for Dispute Resolution as a panel member. Pennington has also completed Texas mediator training through the University of Texas San Antonio and continues pursuing advanced credentialing in Texas mediation, reflecting his commitment to professional growth and excellence across multiple jurisdictions. His broad legal background allows him to understand the unique challenges faced by all parties while fostering productive dialogue and practical solutions. Outside the legal profession, Pennington enjoys the discipline and focus of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. A surprising chapter of his journey includes studying classical vocal music and performing opera for a decade before attending law school—an experience that continues to influence the confidence, poise, and communication skills he brings to every mediation.
813-486-9259 Florida and Texas kylepenningtonpa.com Instagram: @penningtonesq
Special Promotional Feature
Eliane I. Probasco
Candice Rojas-Colucci
Attorney Eliane I. Probasco has built a career rooted in advocacy, compassion, and service. Born in Montreal, Canada, and raised in Hollywood, Florida, she credits her upbringing in a culturally diverse community with shaping her ability to listen, appreciate different perspectives, and understand the unique stories behind every client. Since graduating from Florida State University College of Law in 2002, she has proudly called Tampa home, serving families throughout the region with empathy and unwavering professionalism.
Attorney Candice Rojas-Colucci has built her career around a purpose: using the law to protect people when they are most vulnerable. As founder of Colucci Law Group, Candice leads a team of advocates committed to helping clients navigate life-changing legal challenges. Known for cutting through legal complexity with clarity and compassion, she sees the person behind every case and ensures each client feels heard, protected, and empowered.
Attorney
After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and her law degree from Florida State University, Probasco discovered her calling in family law, where legal advocacy intersects with some of life’s most personal challenges. In 2024, she further strengthened her ability to serve clients by earning a Master of Social Work from Florida State University, believing that understanding family dynamics is just as important as understanding the law. Guided by her philosophy, “Advocate with strength. Lead with compassion. Serve with purpose,” she approaches every case with integrity, preparation, and genuine care. Beyond the courtroom, Probasco is deeply invested in the Tampa community through civic engagement, board service, and mentorship. She values building strong relationships, giving back, and helping shape the next generation of legal professionals. Whether spending time in Hyde Park, enjoying performances at the Straz Center, or exploring Tampa’s vibrant culinary scene, she embraces the city that has become both her professional and personal home. When she’s not practicing law, Probasco enjoys traveling with her husband, Joe, and their three children, creating lasting memories while pursuing their goal of visiting all 50 states before their youngest graduates high school. Her passion for family, service, and meaningful connection continues to define both her life and her practice.
813-254-3735 Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties psbfamilylaw.com Instagram: @psbfamilylaw
Special Promotional Feature
Colucci Law Group
Under Candice’s leadership, Colucci Law Group continues to strengthen its personal injury department, representing individuals and families harmed by the negligence of others. The firm’s additional areas of practice include medical malpractice and property loss, applying the same determination, compassion, and attention to detail that have long defined its work in insurance disputes and civil litigation. Candice believes effective representation requires more than legal knowledge. It requires listening carefully, understanding how an injury has affected every part of a client’s life, and developing a strategy that protects both immediate needs and the future. She remains committed to making the law understandable and keeping clients informed and supported throughout the legal process. Candice’s advocacy and leadership have earned numerous professional honors. In 2026, she was selected for The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40—Civil Plaintiff designation. Under her leadership, Colucci Law Group was also recognized by America’s Best Advocates as a Top Personal Injury Law Firm. These honors reflect determined advocacy, professional excellence, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to her clients. Candice describes her steadfast commitment simply: “I strive to live a life of public service and advocacy. The opportunity to use my knowledge and skills to empower others inspires me every day to continue dedicating my life’s work to fighting injustice.”
727-733-9438 Serving Florida ColucciLawGroup.com Instagram: @attorneycandicecolucci
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Mark Stallworth
Lara Tibbals
Attorney
Owner, Tibbals Mediation LLC
Mark Stallworth is a respected Tampa trial attorney honored among Tampa’s Attorneys of the Year and recognized multiple times as a Florida Super Lawyers® honoree. He is a distinguished member of The National Trial Lawyers – Top 100 and The National Black Lawyers – Top 100, organizations recognizing exceptional trial attorneys for leadership, reputation, and professional excellence. Stallworth has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients, including more than $6 million for retired NFL players in the concussion settlement. As a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, he joins fewer than one percent of U.S. attorneys who have achieved million-dollar verdicts or settlements.
Lara Tibbals has spent nearly three decades helping individuals and businesses navigate conflict with clarity, perspective and purpose. Raised in Dade City by parents who emphasized community service and volunteerism, Tibbals entered law with a desire to help people through difficult situations. After years of practicing complex business litigation in state and federal court, she recognized that many clients were better served by resolving disputes themselves rather than leaving critical decisions to a judge or jury. That realization led her to mediation, where she found an opportunity to help parties create practical, meaningful solutions on their own terms.
Raised in Detroit by his mother, one of the nation’s first Black female United Methodist ministers, Stallworth developed the discipline, resilience, and compassion that continue to define his practice. His academic and athletic achievements earned him admission to Cranbrook Kingswood and later the University of Michigan, where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and received the Ronald E. McNair National Scholarship. He graduated with a degree in English Literature before earning a full scholarship to Stetson University College of Law and competing on its National Championship Trial Advocacy Team.
Tibbals built her legal career at Hill Ward Henderson, where she became an equity partner specializing in business litigation, and previously served as the first law clerk to U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. Her experience representing individuals and businesses, including publicly traded companies, gave her a deep understanding of the legal and practical realities behind complex disputes. Today, she is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil and Family Mediator, Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association panel member, and certified mediator in the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. She also completed advanced training through Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation.
Stallworth began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney, trying more than 100 criminal cases before joining nationally recognized firms handling nursing home litigation, products liability, medical malpractice, and complex insurance subrogation. He later represented clients in catastrophic injury cases involving major corporations, including the NFL, Walmart, and Amazon, combining strategic advocacy with compassion to help clients achieve justice, dignity, and meaningful results. In 2023, after 18 years as managing attorney and co-founder of a successful multi-office firm, Stallworth established his own practice focused on transparency, innovation, and client-centered representation. Licensed in Florida and admitted before the U.S. Supreme Court, he represents victims of negligence, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death. Above every professional achievement, Stallworth considers his family and remarkable children to be his greatest accomplishments.
813-993-0000 Tampa Bay–Based, Serving Clients Throughout Florida stallworthlaw.com Instagram: @stallworthlaw 92 | TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
For Tibbals, effective mediation begins with listening. “People want to be heard. They want practical solutions. And they want a clear path forward,” she says. Drawing on decades of courtroom experience, her approach combines patience, preparation and the ability to understand the dynamics of every room—helping parties resolve disputes with confidence and clarity. She routinely handles business and commercial matters, employment, real estate, probate, personal injury, insurance, construction and family law. Regardless of the subject matter, Tibbals remains committed to helping clients throughout Florida find thoughtful paths forward. Named a 2026 Super Lawyer in both Alternative Dispute Resolution and Business Litigation, Tibbals is equally grounded by life outside her practice. She enjoys time with her husband, Wes, and their three children, traveling, yoga, Mah-Jongg, and exploring Tampa’s restaurant scene.
813-334-3315 Tampa Bay tibbalsmediation.com Instagram: @laratibbals
Special Promotional Feature
SPOTLIGHT ON THE LAW
Sovereign Immunity: Suing the King By Jeffrey “Jack” Gordon
A
merican law was bred from British law. Our original colonists, and our forefathers who created the United States, came from a land where the King, or Royal leader, was immune from being sued. This concept is called “sovereign immunity.” While states, municipalities, and the federal government were originally granted the same protection, these entities have tended to voluntarily agree to waive such total immunity, but with very strict guidelines. While sovereign immunity in Florida refers to the state’s authority to exempt itself from civil lawsuits, the state does permit negligence claims to be asserted against it and its subdivisions (agencies, cities, counties, and public hospitals) but only pursuant to the terms it creates. And these terms provide for significant financial limits-even in cases where the injured party has suffered catastrophic injuries, and incurred millions of dollars in damages. When I passed the Florida bar examination in 1989, Florida had limited its liability in these cases to merely $100,000. Thereafter, in 2010, the legislature increased this cap so injured parties can currently sue for damages and collect within the liability thresholds set at $200,000 per individual and $300,000 per incident.
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When a claimant garners a verdict and judgment that exceeds these limits, that claimant must petition the legislature in the form of a “claims bill” to collect the amount in excess of the cap. This is an exhausting and expensive political process that is, more often than not, unsuccessful for the claimant. Once a claims bill is filed, each chamber’s presiding officer refers it to a special master, who essentially reconsiders the jury’s recommendation. That allows the defendant to challenge the jury verdict. Claims bills are also presented to Florida House and Senate committees that consider special masters’ recommendations. Ultimately, the bills must pass in both chambers. Recently, House Bill 145 was passed in March 2026 to increase the sovereign immunity caps to $350,000 per individual and $500,000 per incident. But, thereafter, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he intended to veto this legislation that would help people sue state and local government bodies, saying it would also increase the number of “unmeritorious” damages lawsuits. He suggested that the more important concern was to reduce local government
costs and provide residents with lower property taxes. On June 30, 2026, DeSantis officially vetoed the legislation. The Florida Hospital Association, the largest hospital association in the state, commended this veto indicating that the governor’s decision was “preserving the legal framework that allows Florida’s publicly operated hospitals to continue caring for their communities and fulfilling the governmental obligations placed upon them.” Meanwhile, Floridians lose mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, and children, or suffer lifealtering injuries, because of governmental and medical negligence. From my perspective as a trial lawyer committed to fight negligence and hold physicians and facilities responsible for medical malpractice, I think the Governor’s decision has shown that once again, insurance companies and financially sophisticated institutions have prevailed over Florida families who simply want accountability. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Tampa Style Magazine.
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STEPHANIE J. CAVILL, ESQ., BCS BOARD CERTIFIED IN MARITAL & FAMILY LAW
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