End of an Era

Okay, 2 and a half years probably doesn’t count as an era, but it feels like one. I founded the Central Florida Top 5 in July 2009 and within 6 months it was honored by being named “Best Neighborhood Blog” by the Orlando Sentinel Orbbies.

What a Ride!

Since that time, the Top 5 has had incredible trip: 3 Chevy campaigns (free cars!), 2 NASA Tweet Ups, speaking engagements at the prestigious FPRA Annual Media Round Tables, a season of the Central Florida Top 5 webshow, guest appearances on TV and for the Orlando Sentinel, oncountless play openings, fundraisers, charity events… you name it… if it happened in Central Florida, chances are, the Top 5 was there!

An Editor’s Life

As most of my fans know, I am a school teacher as well as a wife and mother. While SwimmerJoe and my son are the most supportive people I could ever have–allowing me to attend red carpet openings, filming episodes for IzonOrlando, locking myself away to blog and tweet, ignoring cooking dinner or doing laundry–I have come to view the Top 5 as more of an obligation than a passion… and this is when I knew I needed to make a change.

Onward!

So, I have made a decision that has been creeping up on me for the last six months… I have chosen to retire from the Central Florida Top 5. I am passing the torch to a new editor who has the passion and energy to do justice to the pages of this blog. I am very pleased to announce Brian Wilson as the new Top 5 editor.  Starting November 16, 2011, I will no longer be associated with the Central Florida Top 5, except as a dedicated reader and the occasional guest poster.

I am so relieved that the very capable Brian Wilson will carry on the good work of my blog and bring new life to the posts.  Brian is very event-focused and outgoing, and he will be tweeting as @CentralFLTop5 as well as @thenicebrian, and will continue to promote all things local. The Top 5 will continue as a beacon of good things happening in Central Florida as well as a leader in promoting Florida as a premiere place to live and destination to visit.

Life Goes On

And, so what will I be doing in my retirement? (Ha! We bloggers know there’s no such thing!) I am joining the ranks of SwimmerJoe and taking on a new website as a project: Florida Swim Network. (Yes, that was a shameless plug!  So, go like us on Facebook and follow on Twitter!)

In addition I will continue to be an active tweeter, using the name @Bess_Auer as well as @FlaSwimNetwork.  And, I will continue to host the Central Florida Bloggger Conference, so be sure to follow @CFLBlogCon for upcoming details.

Join Me!

And so it is with bittersweet emotion that I say adieu to the Central Florida Top 5. I am so thankful for the incredible friends, supporters, and connections the Top 5 has allowed me. Dear friends, it is with great excitement that I look forward to the next chapter of my life. I do hope you will come along for the ride!