Cover Stories

Florida has helped to promote its share of inventions out of necessity, like sunscreen and air conditioning. But another phenomenon for which the Sunshine State can be thanked is all about desire—culinary desire. “Florida [kitchens] are the pioneers of small plates,” says Mike Mayo, the award-winning local food critic who writes for Fort Lauderdale’s Sun-Sentinel,

Florida has helped to promote its share of inventions out of necessity, like sunscreen and air conditioning. But another phenomenon for which the Sunshine State can be thanked is all about desire—culinary desire. “Florida [kitchens] are the pioneers of small plates,” says Mike Mayo, the award-winning local food critic who writes for Fort Lauderdale’s Sun-Sentinel,

Besides parents and guardians, no one influences children more than teachers. They work beyond school hours to meet with administrators, communicate with parents and stay in touch with the community—all in an effort to make sure students reach their academic goals. In the schools of Coconut Creek, that impact is felt throughout the city and

Sandra Tagliamonte Broker/Vice President One Sotheby’s International Her back story: Before she entered the real estate profession more than 20 years ago, Tagliamonte ran health clubs—and, later, sold Toshiba copiers. What separates Tagliamonte in the luxury markets she serves throughout Broward is that “I truly care about each customer that I work with. It’s not

Christine Stiphany Certified Residential Specialist Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/EWM Realty Her back story: Stiphany was working in the loan department at The Bank of Coral Gables when she received an unsolicited piece of advice from a customer named Ron Shuffield. He had opened a real estate firm and suggested that Stiphany earn her license. “After having

Chip Falkanger Broker Associate Florida Luxurious Properties His back story: Falkanger grew up “roaming the hallways” of his father’s architectural firm in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The years of being immersed in the worlds of architecture, development and contracting engendered in him a passion for real estate that exists to this day. When representing sellers, Falkanger

Photos by John Hartzell   In the Alves’ garage in Coconut Creek sits a 19-year-old YamahaPW50 dirt bike. To Ramyller Alves, the 50cc motorcycle has special significance. You could say, it was the start of his career as a professional supercross and motocross racer. “When I was 2 years old, I got that dirt bike

Danielle Petrie Yoga director, Sol Yoga, Fort Lauderdale How the past led her to fitness: I’ve always been passionate about movement and dance. When I stepped into my first yoga class, I knew it was meant to be. Growing up with adversity and seeing addiction, I really wanted to create a different life and approach,

Toni Costa Professional ballroom dancer, TV choreographer/actor, international Zumba instructor (including at Midtown Athletic Club in Weston) Familial footsteps: My family has always been linked to ballroom/dance sport; I started dancing at age 5. Dance requires a lot of endurance and flexibility, and dancers need to practice intensively, much like any other athlete. As I

Jamie Maitland Founder/owner, The Office; Fort Lauderdale What distinguishes her workout: Variety is the spice of life, and my exercise regimen includes variety. Our bodies are capable of being pushed to great limits, and I’ve designed my classes to do just that. At The Office, I offer nine different styles of full-body workouts. Some classes

1 Hotel South Beach (pictured above) 2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach VIP treatment: Escapes don’t come much greater in South Florida than a getaway to 1 Hotel South Beach, consistently ranked as one of Miami’s premier resorts. In addition to a seemingly endless expanse of private beach, guests have their choice of four different pools,

Acqualina Resort & Spa 17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach VIP treatment: As if Acqualina wasn’t already paradise found, the five-star resort has added to its luxury reputation with the debut of a grand deluxe three-bedroom oceanfront suite on its 32nd floor. The 2,375-square-foot unit, priced at $6,500 per night, is filled with chic, contemporary