Jennifer McKee

2 weeks ago | orlandomagazine.com | Jennifer McKee

How did you first become interested in cooking? Heritage. Family. I used to love watching my mom and my grandma cook. My uncle used to own restaurants. Once I came to the United States, I found a small technical college in Kissimmee called Southeastern Culinary Academy. That’s where my journey began. When did you get started in the kitchen with your family? I worked at my uncle’s restaurant as a server/bartender.

3 weeks ago | orlandomagazine.com | Jennifer McKee

For the Love of WildlifeOn a sunny winter day, I had the chance to meet Kibibi and Uzuri, two gorgeous female white rhinos, up close at Brevard Zoo. I was visiting the area on a trip arranged by Visit Space Coast and had specifically asked to cover space- (the previous day) and animal-related attractions. The itinerary was all I imagined and more. I’ve had the good fortune to take part in behind-the-scenes animal tours before, but the Rhino Encounter was special.

3 weeks ago | orlandomagazine.com | Jennifer McKee

Known for its clear, emerald-green waters and soft white sands, the Emerald Coast is a 100-mile stretch of Gulf Coast shoreline in the Panhandle. The area is also dotted with soft white sand dunes often called “Florida snow.” Food is a big part of life here, and you’ll find many piers that not only connect you to restaurants, bars and shops, but you can pick up a fishing pole yourself, take a charter, rent a bike or just watch the sunset. The Navarre Beach pier’s claim to fame?

3 weeks ago | orlandomagazine.com | Catherine M Walters |Jennifer McKee

A haven for arts and culture, this Gulf Coast destination is full of performing arts venues, galleries and museums and has 13 stages within a one-mile radius of its main city, Sarasota. But what you’ll be most amazed by is its depth—from the circus arts to architecture to a look into whimsical art, expect the unexpected. Of course, this being a coastal area, you’ll also find some fantastic beaches here.

3 weeks ago | orlandomagazine.com | Jennifer McKee

Covering 980,000 acres and nine counties, Florida’s Nature Coast is home to 19 endangered species: its brackish creeks and lakes perfect for the West Indian manatee. Keep a sharp eye and you also may spot a Florida black bear, bald eagle, Florida sandhill crane, red-cockaded woodpecker and gopher tortoise. Add to this abundant, somewhat untamed flora, and you’ll see why this coast gets its name. Its crystal-clear springs are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.