Remnants of the once booming citrus industry are still visible, like this abandoned citrus operation in Volusia county. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez.
Florida has always fed us stories, but this month, it feeds us more than that. As Central Florida continues to grow at a breathtaking pace, I find myself thinking about the things that anchor us; the systems that quietly sustain our communities long before a building goes up or a road is widened. Food is one of those systems. Not the kind that arrives shrink-wrapped from somewhere else, but the kind that begins here: on ranchland, in groves, in cane fields, and on the water.
This issue is a celebration of Florida Made Foods, but it is also a reminder. From pasture to plate and grove to glass, Florida-grown food has shaped our culture, our economy, and our sense of place for centuries. Cattle ranching predates statehood. Citrus once defined Florida’s identity to the world and still pulses through our daily lives. Sugar quietly underpins entire industries. Even our “only in Florida” delicacies, like stone crab, reflect a relationship between people and place that depends on stewardship as much as tradition.
What struck me most while working on this story is how close all of this still is. Within an hour of downtown Orlando, ranches protect water systems, farms supply restaurant kitchens, and growers welcome families to buy food directly from the land. Local sourcing isn’t an abstract ideal here; it’s a series of real connections that many of us pass every day without realizing their significance. Eating local isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about preservation. When we choose Florida-grown food, we help keep land working instead of paved. We reduce the distance food travels. We support families who have adapted to storms, disease, and development pressure to keep producing what this state does best. We also invest in our own health, choosing fresher, seasonal foods that
nourish both body and community.
We also take you along on one of the world’s largest cruise ships to the Bahamas for an epic adventure on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. From Broadway musicals to themed dining experiences, this ship has it all. Looking for St. Patrick’s Day dining options or ways to celebrate around town? Orlando magazine has a roundup just for you, starting on page 78. And don’t miss Brendan O’Connor’s breakfast-all-day story in our Food & Drink section. Brendan’s recommendations never disappoint! Finally, we offer our readers the most comprehensive list of Top Dentists in Orlando. The dentists on Orlando magazine’s 2026 Top Dentists list were chosen as among the finest in the area by their local peers. Access the full list, starting on page 47.
CATHERINE WALTERS
OMAG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF