By Shellie Miller-Farrugia
Back in the days of B.I. (Before Internet), finding out when sign-ups for local sports leagues were happening involved a lot of guesswork. You’d spot a random sign at an intersection, or maybe hear about it through word-of-mouth—sometimes, the only info you had was a cardboard post stuck in the dirt at the corner of your street.
If you’ve heard this story before, bear with me. It’s worth revisiting, because it all started when I saw one of those old signs five days after the deadline—and that moment changed our lives… and, as it turns out, the lives of many others.
The Spectator was born right after 9/11. Our first issue hit mailboxes in March 2002, with the simple goal of shining a spotlight on local athletes and the sports that brought us together. But from those early days, something remarkable happened. Our focus expanded, and so did our vision. Over the years, The Spectator grew into a monthly celebration of you—the people who make our communities so special. Yes, we still cover local sports and the exciting games, but now, we’re all about getting to know our neighbors in a more personal way—whether they’re hitting the field, organizing community events, or working hard to make a difference in our neighborhoods.
The beauty of The Spectator has always been that it’s your magazine. We’re simply the storytellers, but it’s your stories that make each issue so meaningful. We’ve watched your families grow—just like ours. What began as a side project by two busy professionals raising four kids while caring for an aging parent has become a full-time passion. And while our kids have grown, moved away, built their own careers, and started families, we continue to be inspired by your stories. We share your triumphs, your challenges, and even the heartrending moments that bring us all together as a community.
In those early years, we could never have predicted how much the world—and our cities—would change. We’ve also witnessed the rapid growth of Coral Springs and Parkland. There was a time when University Drive didn’t extend past Wiles Road, and the Coral Springs charter school was still a shopping mall. Back then, both cities were truly “small towns”—tight-knit, simple, and full of heart. We were a family-oriented community where everyone knew each other by name, and a smile or wave in passing felt like an unspoken bond.
Now, 23 years later, everything has changed. The city halls are larger, and both cities have become hubs of entertainment, community, and civic pride. Our first responders have become more than just heroes—they’ve become friends. The local government has remained accessible, and the residents’ voices continue to shape how both cities grow. We’ve watched you push through growing pains together—and we’ve been right here with you, reporting on your accomplishments, celebrating your milestones, and sometimes even comforting you during tough times.
No matter how much change we’ve seen, one thing has remained constant: the sense of community that has defined our cities from the beginning. In this world that moves faster and faster, it’s a comfort to know that, at the heart of it all, Coral Springs and Parkland are still places where neighbors support one another, where local businesses thrive, and where families continue to create memories that will last a lifetime. That’s what keeps us going—because at the end of the day, it’s all about you.