Support Local Businesses (in the Central Florida area)

Fitness Places/Gym

• Mandatory Fitness: The owner calls herself MandaFit, and has over 3,000 followers and 14,240 check-ins on her Facebook page. When Manda was growing up, she felt uncomfortable in her own skin, and at the age of 19, she started her fitness journey, and eventually, she made a business out of her passions. "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. Train your MIND to see what your BODY is capable of," Manda says. Here is the link to her website, if you are interested: https://www.mandafit.com/. Address: 380 S Industrial Dr, Orange City, FL 32763.

• Allstar Nutrition (in Orange City & Debary): Allstar Nutrition Club is a supportive community to help people to focus on good nutrition and maintaining a healthy active lifestyle. They educate the community on nutrition and exercise. Here is their website: https://pcincome.wixsite.com/allstar?fbclid=IwAR255w60228aByclotWYiA1ntHFKIPyb5I-Qj7D-AzsVOZvla17KWWBB-Hw. Addresses: 867 Harley Strickland Blvd, Orange City, FL 32763 & 42 N Charles Richard Beall Blvd,Debary, FL 32713.

• YMCA: The Y is a worldwide nonprofit committed to strengthening the community by connecting and empowering all people. People can work out, volunteer, and join athletic teams. When I was younger, my sister and I did swim meets with the Y. Here is the local website: https://volusia.recliquecore.com/memberships/-1/ and here is the U.S. YMCA: https://www.ymca.net/. YMCA Orange City Address: 830 Williams Ave, Orange City, FL 32774. YMCA Deltona Address: 280 Wolf Pack Run, Deltona, FL 32725.

• Just Dance Fitness Studio: Just Dance Fitness Studio is a boutique fitness studio that specializes in fun and effective fitness classes. They offer a variety of Zumba and Yoga Classes. They inspire people to get active in an entertaining and fun way. If you are interested, you can visit their website, here: http://www.justdance4fitness.com/home.html. Address: 1060 E Industrial Dr, Ste T Orange City, Florida 32763, United States.

• Shell We Dance: Shell We Dance is a dance studio for children/teenagers to "embrace their individuality and grow through the discipline of dance." It is a family-based dance studio that offers a variety of different dance styles. Here is their website: http://shellwedanceacademy.com/. Address: 196 N Industrial Dr, Orange City, FL 32763.

• Fit Club: As a kid, I used to go to this place a lot. Fit Club Gymnastics specializes in developing young athletes. They teach gymnasts basic skills in a fun-filled environment, with opportunities to progress and move up. Here is their website: https://www.fitclubgymnastics.com/. Address: 196 N Industrial Dr,Orange City, FL 32763.

• CrossFit DeLand: CrossFit DeLand's mission is to create an open environment where people can relieve stress and get inspired to workout. They want to encourage and support people on their fitness journey. This is their website: https://www.crossfitdeland.com/. Address: 1907 S. Woodland Blvd DeLand, FL 32724.

Activities to Do and Places to Visit:

• Downtown DeLand: Historic downtown DeLand is a great place to visit, whether you want to get a bite to eat or to watch an amazing performance at the Athens Theatre, Downtown DeLand offers a lot. There are also a lot of great photo opportunities, such as the DeLand Wings and other decorated walls/murals hiding around the downtown area (some photos to the left). The Historic Courthouse is another great sight to see. Stetson University is also next to the downtown area. Every Friday, there is also a cool farmer's market in Artisans' Alley, with a lot of talented artists and really good food for sale. Website(s): https://mainstreetdeland.org/ and https://www.discoverdeland.org/Downtown-DeLand-7-439.html. Address: 100 North Woodland Blvd (There is no exact address, but this is close)

• Family Fun Town (Orange City): Family Fun Town is a great place to hang out with friends and family for some fun, close to home. They offer food, video games, and miniature golf. I even got to do a bridging ceremony with my Girl Scout Troop here. Website: https://familyfuntown.com/. Address: 401 S. Volusia Ave (Hwy 17-92), Orange City, Florida 32763.

Blue Springs State Park: Blue Springs' water stays 72-degree waters all year round, and has many manatees visit each year. You can camp there, or just visit for the day. They occasionally have festivals of Blue Spring. I have the opportunity to volunteer at the Blue Springs Manatee Festival and it was a blast. Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park. Address: 2100 W French Avenue, Orange City FL 32763.

• Oak Avenue Park: Oak Avenue Park is a very peaceful place to visit. It is a wonderful opportunity to snap a few pictures. However, it can be difficult to find, so you need to keep a close eye out. (Picture on right). Website: https://www.ourorangecity.com/departments/parks-and-leisure-services/parks-and-facilities/oak-park/. Address: 197 N Oak Ave Orange City, FL 32763.

• Mill Lake Park: Mill Lake is a 1-mile walking path around a lake. There are always people exercising and it is a great place just to get outside. (Photo on left). Website: https://www.ourorangecity.com/departments/parks-and-leisure-services/parks-and-facilities/mill-lake-park/. Address: 207 E Blue Springs Ave, Orange City, FL 32763.

• Earl Brown Park: Earl Brown park is very similar to Mill Lake, it is just in DeLand. There also are more activities for all ages. Website(s): https://www.discoverdeland.org/Earl-Brown-Park-7-157.html & http://www.sportsvolusia.com/facilities/deland/earlbrown.stml. Address: 750 South Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724.

• Gemini Springs Park: It is another scenic place to stroll or take photos. Website: https://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/parks-recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/park-facilities-and-locations/ecological-nature-parks/gemini-springs-park.stml. Address: 37 Dirkson Road, DeBary, FL. 32713.

• Green Springs Park: It is one of Florida's few green sulfur springs and is an important landmark to Volusia County. Website: https://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/parks-recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/park-facilities-and-locations/ecological-nature-parks/green-spring-park.stml. Address: 994 Enterprise Osteen Rd, Deltona, FL 32725.

• Athens Theatre: As mentioned previously, the Athens Theatre is a great place to watch theatre performances. They also offer summer camps for younger children, which can be fun. Here is the link to their website: https://athensdeland.com/. Address: 124 N Florida Ave, DeLand, FL 32720

• AMF Deltona Lanes: Who doesn't love to go bowling? Website: https://www.amf.com/location/amf-deltona-lanes. Address: 2716 Enterprise Rd, Orange City, FL 32763

• Graham's U Pick Peaches: This a located a little further away, located just outside of Umatilla, but it is a great place to visit. There are many different fruits/flowers to pick, depending on the season, and the owners are super friendly. I took some of my senior portraits in their sunflower field (one picture displayed to the left). Website: https://www.grahamsupickfarms.com/. Address: 14803 Lake Yale Rd Umatilla, FL 32784.

• Studio 88 Academy, Inc.: This one is a little bit further than the rest, but it is worth it if you have an interest in learning how to play the piano. The owner is super sweet and friendly. She also offers many recitals and events for students. Website: https://www.studio88musicacademy.com/?fbclid=IwAR1ub0NU7Ir3fE2miTzcFFLJisMdfRG5X24LcqdFoeHfglaKkWu1Idoy5TU.

Restaurants:

• Angelina's Pizzeria: One of the best local pizza restaurants, in my opinion. Website: http://bestpizzaindeland.com/. Address: 2687 S. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32720.

• Mi Mexico Deland: If you are in the mood for Mexican food, then I highly recommend Mi Mexico. I always get their Giant Ranchero Burrito. Website: https://mimexicodeland.com/. Address: 1570 S Woodland Blvd, DeLand, Florida 32720.

• Mi Tierra: Another great Mexican restaurant is Mi Tierra. Website: http://www.mitierramexicanfood.com/. Address: 2235 S. Volusia Ave., Orange City, FL 32763.

• La Hacienda: The last Mexican restaurant, I swear. Address: 2260 S Volusia Ave, Orange City, FL 32763-7614.

• LaSpada's Original Cheesesteaks & Hoagies (Orange City): This restaurant is one of the best places to go to get Philly cheesesteaks. I 100% recommend this place. Address: 2200 N Volusia Ave, Orange City, FL 32763.

• The Table: This is a great restaurant in downtown DeLand. It is very elegant. Website: https://www.thetabledeland.com/. Address: 100 East New York Avenue, DeLand, FL, 32724.

• Blue Springs Pizzeria: This is another good pizza restaurant, located close to Blue Springs State Park. Website: https://mybluespringspizza.com/. Address: 501 N. Volusia Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763.

• Gators Dockside of Deland: It is known for having great wings and has video games, pool tables, and TVs to watch sports. There is something for everyone. For 30 years, Gators Dockside of DeLand has been voted the best hometown restaurant in Volusia County. Website: https://delandgatorsdockside.com/. Address: 1788 S Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720.

• China Star: The China Star is a local, family-owned Chinese restaurant. Website: https://www.chinastar3388.com/index.php. Address: 2454 S Volusia Ave, Orange City, FL 32763.

• Genuine Bistro & Lounge: This is another great local restaurant. The atmosphere and aesthetic of the restaurant is quaint and cute. Website: http://www.genuinebistro.com/. Address: 2 S. Charles Richard Beall Blvd. DeBary, FL 32713.

Places to Volunteer:

• Interfaith Kitchen: Interfaith Kitchen is a great way to give back to the community, by feeding those less fortunate. For more information on how you can participate, here is the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheInterfaithKitchen/ and their website: https://fumcdeland.org/get-involved/interfaith-kitchen/?fbclid=IwAR2tGys6mqc71Sjj8wLIV0g_OVCsH_znbJc1h71fs3SskehjvpFK9_geOH0. Address: 115 E Howry Ave DeLand, FL 32724.

• 4Ocean: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all 4ocean events are currently on hold until further notice. But you can always do independent beach cleanups until restrictions are lifted. Here is a link to their "Get Involved" page: https://www.4ocean.com/pages/events.

• Pet Rescue by Judy: Pet Rescue by Judy allows volunteers to help. They also have a really cool Dog for a Day program, where you get to bond with the dog. Website: https://www.petrescuebyjudy.com/info/display?PageID=2751. Address: 401 South Laurel Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771.

• New Horizons: There are a lot of volunteer opportunities at New Horizons as well. Website: https://newhorizonsservicedogs.org/. Address: 1590 Laurel Park Ct., Orange City, FL 32763.