Feature Stories

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Feature Stories

Redefining Patient-Centered Dental Care in Clearwater

  Meet Andy Raban, DDS, Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics 27066 US Highway 19, Clearwater, Florida (727) 723 – 3357 In a profession often associated with routine and necessity, Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics in Clearwater is reshaping the patient experience through a philosophy grounded in comfort, trust, and personalization.

Read More »

When Support Looks Like Breakfast

    Content by Sandra Chmielewski, ACPE-CE, C.HYP, LMHC Sandra Chmielewski is a clinical mental health therapist in Lutz, FL. Sandra supports healing through RTT, NPL, and ART. Find out more at www.SandraLeeTherapy.com.       Photo provided by Fireground 24 Photography. What if, once a month, every first responder in a city

Read More »

Etched: A Vietnam Era Vet’s Story

  The sweet smell of cherry blossoms wafted in eddies as I was drawn past the Lincoln Memorial, towards the Wall on that Easter morning. There, I located panel 23E, line 36, where my name stared back at me from the glossy black granite. With each trace of a letter,

Read More »

Operation Elevate

As preparation intensifies for the upcoming Operation Elevate expedition season, Matt and teammate Gary are pushing hard to build the strength and endurance required for high-altitude climbing. Their training regimen combines long uphill treadmill sessions, outdoor weighted hikes, and runs to simulate sustained mountain ascents with targeted leg and core

Read More »

Operation Elevate

“Everest doesn’t care who you are.It only responds to preparation, teamwork, and resolve.” Mount EverestSummit: 29,032 feet — the highest point on EarthThe Death Zone: Above 26,000 feet — the human body begins to shut downDuration: 60+ days operating above 17,000 feetPreparation: Multi-year physical conditioning and disciplined trainingLogistics: Permits, weather

Read More »

SouthState Bank Named First Summit Tier Sponsor of Operation Elevate

S SouthState Bank has become the first Summit Tier sponsor of Operation Elevate, marking a significant milestone for the veteran-led initiative. On February 4, 2026, Angel Gonzalez, Division President, Central Florida, presented a $30,000 donation, the highest pledge to date, in support of the mission. SouthState Bank has further demonstrated

Read More »

Meet Alexander Marrero Plasencia, DMD, Brandon, FL

A Dentist Who Treats Every Patient Like Family Dr. Alexander Marrero-Plasencia believes dentistry is about more than teeth—it’s about people. With a philosophy rooted in compassion and comprehensive care, he is committed to helping every patient feel valued, comfortable, and confident in their smile. Dr. Plasencia earned his Bachelor of

Read More »

Meet Dan Hughes

Dan Hughes grew up in Atlanta, GA, and entered adulthood with a commitment to service. In 2007, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served four years in motor transportation, including combat deployments to Al-Fallujah, Iraq, and Sangin, Afghanistan. After completing his military service, Dan earned a

Read More »

Meet Bo Hartley_Your VA Loan Expert

Meet Bo Hartley, Florida Mortgage Firm, Veteran-owned and family-operated. When Bo was 13 years old, goofing off during the National Anthem, his dad said, “When the National Anthem is playing, you stand at attention” — Sonny Hartley, 1977. Those words suck with Bo, beginning a day that would lead to

Read More »

Leadership Excellence in Palm Harbor and Holiday, Florida

Meet Kip Sharpley, Executive Office Manager for the Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics locations in the Greater Tampa communities of Palm Harbor and Holiday. With over 33 years of experience in the dental industry, Kip’s leadership and commitment to patient care have been instrumental in creating a culture of excellence

Read More »

Social Media

Upcoming Events

Social Media

Current Edition

No spam, notifications only about new editions, events & monthly top articles.  Our digital edition is FIRE!