Suzy Leonard

2 months ago | yahoo.com | Suzy Leonard |Liz Johnson

The USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year 2025 list was a great collaboration — and it's one we're thrilled to share with you. Here's how we did it. Hundreds of journalists across the country contributed. This is not your usual best-of list, where food writers fly in for a whirlwind weekend of eating and drinking, often relying on the institutional knowledge of the locals who know the scene best. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis list, instead, comes from our own locals.

2 months ago | floridatoday.com | Suzy Leonard

Suzy LeonardFor FLORIDA TODAYIt’s coming up on a year since I left the ranks of the gainfully employed, and holy cow, it’s gone by fast. Before I retired, several people told me I would get bored; that I would be working again in less than a year. Some even offered suggestions of jobs I could consider, things that would make use of my unique and not always practical skills. But here’s the thing: I loved my job as a writer and editor. I didn’t leave it because I wanted a change of careers.

Jan 17, 2025 | floridatoday.com | Suzy Leonard

I finally saw the white pelicans. Since moving to the Space Coast in 1999, I’ve heard about these majestic creatures. One Christmas, FLORIDA TODAY even published a short fiction story by my former colleague Pam Harbaugh about a lonely white pelican who had gotten separated from his pod. I’ve always loved pelicans. I feel like a VIP when our native brown pelicans decide to fly escort as I cross Brevard’s causeways.

Nov 28, 2024 | eu.floridatoday.com | Suzy Leonard

What is love? It’s a fickle emotion, and nothing like what’s portrayed in the Hallmark holiday movies I’m so drawn to this time of year. It takes time and nurturing and patience and definitely a sense of humor. But when it’s real, it’s lovely to witness. It’s joyful to be around couples so full of hope and excitement as they make plans for the future. “I’m still learning him,” said one of the women. I’m still learning my guy, too, I assured her, even after 20 years of marriage.

Nov 28, 2024 | floridatoday.com | Suzy Leonard

Suzy LeonardFor FLORIDA TODAYWhat is love? It’s a fickle emotion, and nothing like what’s portrayed in the Hallmark holiday movies I’m so drawn to this time of year. It takes time and nurturing and patience and definitely a sense of humor. But when it’s real, it’s lovely to witness. It’s joyful to be around couples so full of hope and excitement as they make plans for the future. “I’m still learning him,” said one of the women.