Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy January 23, 2026! We hope your day is going splendidly. Dive into this month's edition as we bring you exciting updates, and, of course, sprinkle some joy into your inbox! Don't forget to stay curious and inspired! ✨

Today in Lake Nona Unpacked:

The Local Lowdown

• UCF Lake Nona Hospital Donates Lifesaving AED to Lake Nona Youth Sports
  
• Nona Moms: Your Ultimate Summer Survival Guide
  
• Orlando Veterans Day Parade in Lake Nona Honors and Celebrates Veterans with Special Tribute to Women Veterans

Get Out & Go!

• Lake Nona Art & Craft Fair
• Lake Nona Farmers Market
• Family Fun Day & Live Music

Business Buzz

• City Pho Grill to Introduce Authentic Vietnamese Comfort Food to Lake Nona in December 2025
• Introducing the Lake Nona Performance Club: Your Ultimate Destination for Fitness and Wellness in Orlando

Stay connected for more updates this week — let’s work together to make it a great one for Lake Nona, Florida. 🌴

Which Lake Nona market showcases local farmers and artisans?

Discover local gems! This newsletter is sponsored by ZaarHub, your go-to online directory for finding the best local businesses in your community. Find everything from restaurants and shops to services and more. Visit ZaarHub today!

The Local Lowdown

🌟 Uncover the Essence of Your Community: Stay updated with the latest happenings, hidden gems, and exciting events right in your neighborhood, making you feel more connected than ever!

• UCF Lake Nona Hospital Donates Lifesaving AED to Lake Nona Youth Sports
  
• Nona Moms: Your Ultimate Summer Survival Guide
  
• Orlando Veterans Day Parade in Lake Nona Honors and Celebrates Veterans with Special Tribute to Women Veterans

UCF Lake Nona Hospital has strengthened local youth safety by donating a $1,500 Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to Lake Nona Youth Sports.

This vital equipment, given on September 11, prepares coaches and volunteers to respond swiftly to cardiac emergencies among young athletes.

Sudden cardiac arrest remains a leading risk in youth sports, making accessible AEDs and CPR training essential for safeguarding lives on the field.

The donation reflects the hospital’s broader commitment to community health, led by CEO Wendy Brandon and nursing officer Megan Koorn.

Lake Nona Youth Sports supports more than 1,200 athletes from Southeast Orlando with programs in football, lacrosse, and cheerleading, and ensures access for all through inclusive initiatives.

This partnership highlights a shared dedication to youth well-being and reinforces the readiness of local athletic programs to handle unexpected medical situations.

Summer in Lake Nona brings both excitement and the quest to keep kids engaged.

Nona Adventure Park steals the spotlight with its thrilling floating obstacle course and wakeboarding — perfect for energetic kids, plus a relaxing break at Splashes Bistro.

For younger children, the new Tot Town play area ensures safe fun tailored for ages seven and under.

If you need a break from the heat, head to Drive Shack for climate-controlled golf bays, retro arcade games, and virtual reality — an ideal way to stay active indoors.

Budding athletes can join SoFive Soccer Camp, offering programs for kids of all ages and abilities, including team games and inclusive options for special needs.

Creative families will love the Lake Nona Art Festival, featuring interactive art, live music, and a vibrant Kids Zone.

Make every summer day count, whether it’s a big adventure or a cozy afternoon together.

Today's Weather Outlook 

WEEKEND REMINDER

🌟 Weekend Reminder: Keep Your Goals in Sight

As you head into the weekend, take a moment to reconnect with your goals — big or small. You don’t have to finish everything at once. Just focus on one meaningful step that moves you forward.

✔️ Reflect on what matters
✔️ Reset your energy
✔️ Refresh your mindset
✔️ Realign with your purpose

Small progress is still progress. Be proud of how far you’ve come, and stay committed to where you're headed. You’ve got this! 💛

🌳GET OUT  & GO

 Get out & go today - embrace the thrill of the outdoors and let every step be an adventure! 🌍✨

• Lake Nona Art & Craft Fair
• Lake Nona Farmers Market
• Family Fun Day & Live Music

Business Buzz!

We are thrilled to announce Lake Nona, Florida's latest business addition! 🌟 Stay tuned for exciting updates on community initiatives and opportunities in the heart of Palm Bay!

• City Pho & Grill Brings Vietnamese Comfort to Lake Nona
  
• Introducing the Lake Nona Performance Club: Your Ultimate Destination for Fitness and Wellness in Orlando.
  

Lake Nona welcomes City Pho & Grill, now open at 10799 Moss Park Road, bringing a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine to the neighborhood.

Known for its build-your-own pho, vermicelli bowls, and signature clay-pot curry chicken, this popular spot has already delighted diners in Maitland and near UCF.

The new Lake Nona location aims to offer locals the comfort of house specials like pan-fried rice noodles with shrimp and a menu packed with rich flavors.

Lunch, dinner, take-out, and delivery are all available, making it easy for families and professionals to enjoy fresh Vietnamese fare.

As Lake Nona’s dining scene thrives, City Pho & Grill adds culinary diversity with seasonal specials and interactive social media updates, promising an engaging dining experience for the community.

Outdoor & Survival

🌿 Outdoor & Living Survival

Building a Survival Kit for Your Vehicle in Florida

Whether you're commuting across town or exploring Florida’s coastlines and backroads, keeping a well-stocked vehicle survival kit can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious emergency.

Florida’s heat, sudden storms, and occasional flooding mean your kit should focus on hydration, sun protection, and items that help you stay safe if you’re stranded.

• Water & Hydration: At least 2–4 liters of bottled water per person (rotate periodically).
  
  Include electrolyte packets for hot-weather emergencies.
• Food & Energy: Nonperishable, high-calorie snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit).
  
  Replace every 6–12 months as needed.
• First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit with adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, antihistamine, pain reliever, and any personal prescription meds.
• Shelter & Warmth: Emergency Mylar blanket(s), compact sleeping bag or lightweight blanket, and a waterproof tarp — useful during unexpected overnight waits or storm sheltering.
• Sun & Rain Protection: Broad-spectrum sunscreen, wide-brim hat or cap, sunglasses, and a lightweight rain poncho or packable rain jacket.
• Lighting & Power: Reliable flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, and a USB power bank for charging phones (keep it charged).
• Tools & Repair: Multi-tool, pocket knife, tire pressure gauge, portable air compressor or tire inflator, plug-and-seal tire repair kit, and duct tape.
• Recovery & Signaling: Tow strap/rope, jumper cables, reflective triangle/flares, high-visibility vest, and a whistle for signaling rescuers.
• Navigation & Communication: Paper maps of your area, a compass, and a car charger for your phone.
  
  Consider a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio.
• Vehicle Care: Small container of engine coolant/antifreeze, motor oil, spare fuses, and a basic set of tools (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench).
• Comfort & Hygiene: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, extra socks, a change of lightweight clothing, and insect repellent (mosquitoes are common in Florida).
• Documents & Cash: Waterproof pouch with driver’s license, insurance card, vehicle registration, emergency contact list, and some cash (small bills).
• Special Considerations: If you travel with children, pets, or have medical needs, include appropriate supplies (child snacks, pet water bowl, meds, copies of prescriptions).

Tip: Store items in a sturdy, waterproof container and keep the kit secured in the trunk or cargo area.

Check your kit seasonally — replace expired food, batteries, and medications, and top off the power bank so it’s ready when you need it.

⚠️ Safety: In Florida, never drive through standing or flowing floodwater — six inches can stall a car and deeper water can sweep it away.

If stranded, stay with your vehicle whenever safe (it’s easier for rescuers to spot) unless staying put puts you at risk (rising water, fire, or hazardous surroundings).

Call emergency services when in doubt and avoid attempting roadside repairs in unsafe areas or at night without proper visibility and signaling.

Trivia Challenge!

"Congratulations to all who participated in this week's trivia! To enter our weekly drawing for a [local prize,
e.g., gift card to a local restaurant], email us your answers to all three trivia questions by January 23, 2026 at 8 PM."

Lake Nona Farmers Market.

Challenge: Buy something local and tag the vendor to support them!

That's the Pulse to get your weekend started!
Have a fantastic time out there enjoying Lake Nona, Florida. See an adorable pet? Send us a picture!

🌟 Help us grow by sharing this email with a neighbor, and if you have a news tip, simply hit reply! 📩

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📘 Follow us on Facebook for news and updates: facebook.com/lakenonaunpacked
👥 Join the conversation in our community group: facebook.com/groups/lakenonaunpacked

Check out our local business directory: zaarhub.com

See you tomorrow,

- Lake Nona Unpacked Team