What started as a dream soon became a dream-come-true. Launched auspiciously on 09.09.09, the premier issue of VERTICAL was everything I'd hoped it would be—thanks to a BEAUTY FULL collaboration between Art Director, James Burgos of BLVD//creative and me.

The fierce devotion of the original V Team including Susan Jeffers, Pamela Bloomgren, Bill Baker and Nelda Corbett, along with the contributing writers and photographers helped to realize VERTICAL's goal to celebrate Tampa Bay and to do it boldly, vividly, culturally and conscientiously.  

We stepped onto the scene with Pretty Shocking—a fashion editorial styled from Goodwill—to expose the possibilities of creativity (no matter what size wallet). From there, we explored Indian and Japanese culture through Mehndi and Decoding Manga. TASTE celebrates Fall Flavor with atmosphere, a special ingredient for any dining experience. We met the Lovely & Amazing Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club proprietress Sheila Johnson, and aimed to inspire positivity with Model Behavior.

Welcome to the beginning. Get VERTICAL…and be part of something fabulous!