Editor’s Choice

When Taylor Hicks the singer won “American Idol” in 2006, Taylor Hicks the future hot sauce king must have received 50 phone calls from acquaintances and strangers thinking that he had crooned his way to the season five title. “To this day, when I meet someone for the first time, and they hear my name,

Photos by Dana Patrick and Shawn Adeli Most people only have one chance to make a first impression. But it’s quite the contrary for 24-year-old Carlie Craig, who typically makes second, third, fourth—and many more impressions on a given night. The Coral Springs native is an improviser and impressionist pursuing her dreams in Los Angeles—one

Photos by Seeking Smiles Photography In May, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s baseball team (26-2) won the Class 9A state title with a 3-0 victory over defending champ Columbus High. After years of collecting district titles, the team’s state championship is the first in the school’s 26-year history. The triumph at JetBlue Park in Fort

Architect Stuart Debowsky’s boutique design firm makes every house a home By Michelle F. SolomonPhotos by Justin Namon Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but plenty goes into making a space the pinnacle of personalized style. Sometimes it’s difficult to create that certain look solo. You need a helping hand. “I think of

The ties that bind dads and sons add to the fabric of these successful businesses By Michelle F. Solomon Fathers coach their sons’ Little League teams, play touch football in the yard, teach them to drive, give advice and try to protect them from making the same mistakes they did. It’s a foundation that runs

Coconut Creek’s Chiera Family Foundation is changing the lives of children with cancer By Becky Randel | Photography by Luccia Photos When Lou Chiera’s father passed away from cancer over 25 years ago, his family searched for the perfect way to honor their patriarch, a lover of children and the outdoors who served as commissioner

Photography by Evelyn Robles Residents of Parkland and Coral Springs are known for their charitable efforts, a benevolent streak that seems to start earlier with each passing generation. Not only are middle school and high school students joining their peers to raise awareness—from school-related fundraisers to taking the ice bucket challenge for ALS—some are venturing

By Kevin Kaminski The Starbucks near his west Broward County home is empty, save for a few employees doing their final cleanup before closing. After an hourlong conversation, and three cups of oatmeal with trail mix, Tyrone Spong wants to say a few words about the tragedy he initially declined to discuss. His friend, Jordan

By Michelle F. Solomon | Photography By Cece Espeut Lauriann Stepp remembers color-coding her Barbie dolls’ clothes as a child: “The blue shoes were with other like-colored shoes, dresses were in one area, miscellaneous accessories in another.” Looking back, that was the beginning of the Clutterologist, says the Dania Beach resident who recently opened Clutterologist

By Arnie Rosenberg and Martin Lenkowsky Capitol Lighting There’s no executive suite at Capitol Lighting. Walk through an unassuming door at the back of the Boca Raton showroom, and you’ll find a modest office shared by Eric Lebersfeld, president and chief marketing officer; his brother Ken, CEO; and their father, Herman, co-chairman of the board,

By Kevin Kaminski Changes in Attitudes As one might expect from a hotel that recalls a famous Jimmy Buffett song, the vibe at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is as laid-back as can be. So it’s no surprise that one of its summer packages, Livin’ for the Weekend, includes two welcome drinks and a $50 credit

1 You went to law school at the University of Miami. How did that shape you into the attorney you are today? By attending law school at UM, I formed lasting relationships with others who have gone on to become successful attorneys, state and federal judges, co-counsels, referring attorneys and friends. I am celebrating my 30th