By Shellie Miller Farrugia
Twenty four years ago, we set out with a simple idea and hopeful hearts. We believed that a community as vibrant as ours deserved a place where families, businesses, schools, and dreamers could see themselves reflected. What began as a small vision has grown into something far greater than we could have imagined. As we celebrate this anniversary, we are filled with gratitude for the friendships and stories that have shaped the journey.
When we first launched The Spectator, information traveled differently. Social media was just beginning, and finding local activities often meant word of mouth or spotting a sign on the side of the road. We saw an opportunity to create something steady and reliable, a publication families could hold in their hands and trust. Our goal was to build a bridge between neighbors and introduce readers to the people and places that make this community special.
Over the years, we have watched Parkland and Coral Springs grow in remarkable ways. New schools have opened. Local businesses have taken courageous leaps of faith. Children we once featured in our pages have grown into adults now raising families of their own. Through every season of growth and challenge, we have remained committed to highlighting the heart of this community.
There have been moments that reminded us why we started. Stories of perseverance that brought tears to our eyes. Young athletes who overcame obstacles. Entrepreneurs who turned small ideas into thriving storefronts. Families who found connection and support simply because they saw themselves in an article and realized they were not alone. These are the milestones that matter most, measured not in technology or convenience, but in compassion, resilience, and unity.
We are especially heartened by relationships formed along the way. Business owners who began as advertisers have become dear friends. Parents who once reached out to share a story now greet us at community events. Coaches, teachers, artists, and volunteers have trusted us with their milestones and memories, a privilege we have never taken lightly.
Publishing for more than two decades has taught us that relevance comes from listening. We hear what excites you, what concerns you, and what inspires you. We adapt and continue striving to reflect the spirit of the neighborhoods we serve. While platforms evolve, our mission remains steady: to connect, celebrate, and inform.
As we turn the page on twenty four years, we do so with appreciation and anticipation. Appreciation for every reader who has picked up an issue, every contributor who has shared a story, and every advertiser who has believed in our vision. We eagerly await the new families arriving, the businesses opening, and the dreams taking shape across Parkland and Coral Springs.
The Spectator has always been about community. It is about recognizing familiar faces, discovering hidden talents, and celebrating the everyday moments that weave us together. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives. Here is to the friendships we have made, the stories still waiting to be told, and the years ahead.