🌹 Farewell, florist

Good morning, Westerville. After illuminating Columbus for nearly 125 years, the iconic red neon lights at 5th Ave Floral Co. have flickered out for the final time. This beloved family business, which served everyone from Muhammad Ali to countless local couples on their wedding days, closed its doors on June 7 as third-generation owner Kim Fitz announced her retirement. The century-old florist joins the poignant list of multi-generational businesses that have shaped our community's history.

In stark contrast to endings, Columbus CEO's 2025 Legal Guide highlights the robust legal landscape flourishing across Central Ohio, showcasing 89 firms ranging from boutique two-attorney practices to powerhouses with over 180 lawyers. Meanwhile, a troubling health report reveals dramatic disparities in Franklin County's infant mortality rates, with life expectancy varying by up to 15 years between neighborhoods—a sobering reminder that zip codes still significantly impact health outcomes throughout our region.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Westerville

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

💐 A century-old Columbus florist closes its doors forever. 5th Ave Floral Co. shut down on June 7 after nearly 125 years of serving the community. Third-generation owner Kim Fitz announced her retirement, ending the family business that began in 1901 on West Fifth Avenue before relocating to Kenny Road in 1945. The beloved shop provided flowers for countless weddings and funerals, with notable customers including Muhammad Ali and Jack Nicklaus. In an emotional final social media post, the company showed its iconic red neon lights shutting off for the last time.

👶 Franklin County's infant mortality crisis reveals stark racial disparities. The county's new health map shows Black infants die at a rate of 12.6 per 1,000 births compared to 3.7 for white infants, with the highest rates in Linden, Near East Side, and Franklinton neighborhoods. Poor housing quality is a major contributor to health problems, with over 30% of households spending at least 30% of income on housing. Life expectancy varies dramatically across the county, with some areas experiencing up to 15 years less than others. Overall county life expectancy has dropped from 77.1 years in 2022 to 75.9 years in 2025.

⚖️ Columbus CEO's 2025 Legal Guide showcases 89 local law firms. The comprehensive directory features Central Ohio legal practices ranging from small two-attorney offices to large firms with over 180 lawyers. Listings include essential information such as partner count, full-time attorney numbers, practice areas, and managing partners for each firm. The guide serves as a valuable resource for businesses and individuals seeking trusted legal counsel in today's complex environment. Those interested in being included in next year's guide can email pressreleases@columbusceo.com.

Golf luxury worth exploring: This luxurious $450,000 Medallion Country Club condo offers 3 beds, 3.5 baths, and resort-style living with soaring ceilings, a renovated primary suite, and extensive upgrades including new HVAC, windows, and flooring.

Wooded retreat needs modern updates: Priced at $429,900, this charming three-bedroom split-level offers a spacious kitchen, cozy wood-burning fireplace with recent updates, and a private backyard retreat complete with a deck overlooking mature trees.

Uptown Cape Walkable Hideaway: Priced at $399,000, this charming Cape Cod in Uptown Westerville features 3 bedrooms with hardwood floors, a first-floor primary suite, fenced backyard, oversized two-car garage, and walkable access to local shops.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎉 Jun. 20 - Juneteenth Freedom Festival: Celebrate 160 years of African American freedom at the vibrant Junteenth Ohio Festival! Join the community at Genoa Park on June 20-22 for just $15 in advance. Visit JuneteenthOhio.com for details.

🤠 Jun. 20 - Buckeye Country Superfest: Grab your boots and cowboy hat for Buckeye Country Superfest at Ohio Stadium on June 20! Country music's biggest stars take over Columbus for this can't-miss summer concert extravaganza.

🎉 Jun. 21 - WeRISE Juneteenth Celebration: Celebrate freedom and community at WeRISE's Juneteenth festivities! Join the celebration at The Point at Otterbein University on Saturday, June 21 from 10am-1pm for music, food, and cultural activities.

🏛️ Jun. 21 - Fouse Family History Talk: Step back in time at Hanby House as Katy Kaslow reveals the fascinating story of Squire Fouse and his family. Join this historical journey on June 21 at 160 W Main St, Westerville.

🎵 Jun. 21 - John & Molly Concert: Join John and Molly at Hoff Woods Park's Shelter House on June 21 for an hour of heartfelt music benefiting the Zak M. Davis Memorial Foundation. Located at 556 McCorkle Blvd in Westerville.

🎤 Jun. 21 - Madison McGhee Live: Catch rising star Madison McGhee live at Two Dollar Radio Headquarters on Parsons Ave! Join the intimate performance on June 21 at 7:00 PM for an unforgettable evening of music in Columbus.

📚 Jun. 22 - Juneteenth Black Authors Bash: Celebrate literary excellence at the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Author Bash! Browse works from 50+ Black authors while enjoying live readings, music, art, and refreshments at the Martin Luther King Branch Library on June 22.

🎵 Jun. 22 - SOUL FEST Celebration: Get your groove on at SOUL FEST, where freedom, flavor and family unite at Flint Station on June 22! Head to 225 Park Rd in Columbus for this soulful community celebration.

🙏 In Remembrance

Bradley Stephen Hughes

Bradley Stephen Hughes, age 72, passed away on June 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Rittman on February 24, 1953, to Milton and Katherine Hughes, Brad married his wife Vicki in 1973, enjoying 52 years of marriage together. He is survived by his wife, two children, three brothers, one sister, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Remembered as a beacon of light who provided endless laughs and cherished his family deeply, Brad's visitation and memorial service will be held at Moreland Funeral Home in Westerville on June 20th.

Lisa Ellen Carter

Lisa Ellen Carter, 41, passed away on June 13, 2025, in Westerville, Ohio, after a battle with cancer. Born in Pueblo, Colorado in 1984, she was deeply devoted to her husband Phillip Carter of 20 years and their three children, Lydia, Jacob, and Emmeline. Lisa found professional success as the founder of Apple Blossom Wovens, a baby wrap manufacturing company whose products were even featured in Saks Fifth Avenue. Throughout her life, Lisa's faith guided her to advocate for others, and she spent her final days ensuring her family's future happiness by writing letters and setting aside gifts for them.

George William Franey

George William "Bill" Franey, a retired Police Chief of Mifflin Township, passed away at 72 on June 13, 2025. His 45-year law enforcement career began on his 21st birthday and included service in multiple police departments, as well as leading the Eastland Police Academy. Known as a respected leader and mentor, Chief Franey influenced countless officers throughout his career, even continuing to work after retirement. He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Bonnie Miller, his son Gregory who followed his father's path into law enforcement, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Eno Michael Akpan

Eno M. Akpan, 74, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away after being born in Nigeria on November 28, 1950. She had worked as a Midwife Nurse during her lifetime. Eno is survived by her three sons, Michael, Nskak, and Eti Ido Akpan, as well as four grandchildren: Favour, Love, Joseph, and Goodluck Akpan. A service will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 9 a.m. at Moreland Funeral Home in Westerville, with interment to follow at Blendon Central Cemetery.

Lena Delora DeAngelo

Lena Delora DeAngelo (née Troiano) passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at her daughter's home, after being born in Newark, Ohio in 1930. She married her husband Tony in 1949, with whom she shared 76 years of marriage, and worked various jobs until retiring in 1997, including her first job at 12 years old folding army capes for WWII soldiers. Lena cherished family traditions, including annual trips to The Shrine in Carey, Ohio and to Las Vegas, as well as regular dinners with Tony at Milano's Steak House. She is survived by her daughters, granddaughter, great-granddaughters, and extended family, and will be remembered for her devotion to family, sense of humor, and smile.

Betty Cady

Betty Jane Cady, 96, passed away on May 13, 2025, in Westerville after a life dedicated to her family and career. Born in Norwalk in 1929, she worked at Norwalk Junior High School before moving to Akron where she had a successful career with First Energy. Betty was especially devoted to her family, with a special gift for making each of her grandchildren feel they were her favorite. She is survived by her sister, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, while being preceded in death by her husband Theodore, her parents, and two sisters.