It’s summertime in Southwest Florida, and that means it’s easier for locals to get out and enjoy the area’s amenities. Whether it’s taking advantage of a quick-turn weekend at a fabulous nearby stay or something as simple as reacquainting with what’s right here in our own backyard—a lot can change in a season. And these days, the odds are better that wherever you are, the balmy Gulf breezes are also carrying the scent of something savory cooking nearby—food trucks have blown up in a big way on the local dining landscape.

David Dorsey sank his teeth into the growing phenomenon with a tour of what’s new at Celebration Park and conversations with several of these independent mobile chefs; as he details in “Restaurants to Go” on page 40, it’s not difficult to explain the appeal. Patrons get convenience, freshness and a wide variety of culinary choices from familiar favorites to wildly inventive creations, while the owners get autonomy and higher profit margins (with lower startup costs) than traditional restaurants. All it takes is four wheels and a dream … and a fair amount of expensive equipment and supplies, and tireless dedication, and the right concept, and luck, and ideally a perfect balance of culinary skill and entrepreneurial savvy. It’s a demanding calling, but for those with the right skills and dedication, it can be extremely rewarding.

Job satisfaction is especially on our minds this month, as we’re pleased to present the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida 2023. From banks to law offices to construction firms, these companies are at the top of their respective fields, and truly shine in the extra efforts they expend to train, retain, motivate and compensate their employees. It’s interesting to see several of the honorees cite their offices’ policies for remote work, hybrid scheduling, compressed work weeks and ample PTO; in the post-pandemic workplace, it seems many employees are eager for the opportunity to better align their labor with their lifestyle and forge a more optimal work/life balance. Not every day can be a picnic, but the companies you’ll read about on page 68 are dedicated to proving that every job is better when you love where you work.

So much of what we all love about where we live depends on the beautiful, vibrant Gulf, which makes its continued health critical for the entire region and beyond. And that gives extra importance to the data collected and being analyzed by a team of scientists from Florida Gulf Coast University in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The storm did more than cause in excess of $100 billion in damage to homes, businesses, property and infrastructure onshore; it reshaped beaches, raked up silt and sediment from the ocean floor and carried runoff and contaminants out to sea. The effects can be devastating to sea and land life alike—such as exacerbating red tide outbreaks. Artis Henderson spoke with the scientists before they set off, and shares some of their hopes and fears in “Monitoring Coastal Ecosystems” on page 56.

And with a new hurricane season already upon us, we should all be ready. If you don’t yet have a copy of the 2023 WINK News Hurricane Guide, I urge you to pick one up at local retailers, such as Publix, for expert advice on getting prepared for whatever storms might be headed this way. Here’s hoping for a quiet summer overall, starting with a beautiful month ahead.