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A hero helping heroes

Everyone has a story, but some stories are more interesting than others. In fact, the stories behind this year’s crop of Extraordinary People will leave you fascinated. David Booth After spending time on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, David…

The Ciceris’ modern castle

Marble, wrought iron and limestone fuse 21st and 12th century design in this Oxford home made for entertaining. Photos: Douglas Tyler Sabrina and Joe Ciceri loved their home in Yalaha, but when they adopted more children, they realized they would…

Faces of epilepsy

Two brave women refuse to let their condition put a damper on life. Approximately 3.4 million people in the U.S. live with epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Depending on what part of the brain seizures originate from, patients can experience…

The Childers’ Modern Farmhouse

Wood features, statement tile and unique lighting make the Childers family home cozy and welcoming. Photos: Nicole Hamel Doug Childers credits his wife Heather’s creative eye for the many projects and unique details within their “forever home.” The couple knew…

Hard-fought Struggle

Sisters of Suffrage (SOS) coalition celebrates 100 years of women winning the right to vote. Photos: Nicole Hamel Illustrations: Megan Mericle Villager Jill Moss Greenberg, the leader of Sisters of Suffrage (SOS) coalition, marvels that the deciding vote to…

Attraction: Roughing it, boujee style

Lake Louisa State Park caters to outdoor enthusiasts, even those partial to the little luxuries of home. Photos: Nicole Hamel With the unbearable heat of summer behind us and cooler weather here to stay for a while, people are itching…

Purr-fect Companions

Cat Protection Society lives up to its name. Photos: Nicole Hamel and Anthony Rao Get those tissues ready when visiting the Cat Protection Society, a no-kill shelter that provides a safe haven for cats. There are many tear-jerking tales. When…

Beauty & (not) the Beasts

Chelsea Mudd of Triple C Pit Bull Rescue opens her heart and home to some beautiful beasts. Photos: Nicole Hamel Pit bulls make up about 80 percent of dogs in shelters in Central Florida. Unfortunately, they get put down a…

Wild about lemurs, monkeys, macaws and more

Sanctuary provides haven for exotic primates in need of forever homes. Photos: Nicole Hamel For 11 years in the breeding facility, year after year, Zeus and Athena had their babies taken from them. Unfortunately, that’s the life many endangered primates…

Skin in the Game

Lori’s spent her life helping innocent animals, now she needs our help. Photos: Nicole Hamel There is no nice way to say it. Dogs die because most so-called animal lovers don’t lift a finger to help people like Lori Mastrantoni,…