Who says Valentine’s Day is only for couples? In the spirit of this heart-filled season, we asked you to tell us what you love! From cycling to painting, find out what makes your fellow Publix associates’ hearts happy.
Produce Buyer Tylor Bates
Lakeland, Florida
“I absolutely love to run, especially long trail runs through our state parks to see the natural beauty Florida has to offer. I’m training to run 33 miles through the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Florida. I’m also registered to run the Pikes Peak Marathon in Manitou Springs, Colorado, in August. When I am not running alone, you can find me taking on the trails with my wife, Lauren, and 3-year-old son, Lincoln, who also loves to run! Last year, we lost our second son, Bennett, late in my wife’s pregnancy. It was a very hard time for us, but through the darkness, we have found light by honoring and running for those who can’t. We’re working toward starting a local 5K or walk to help raise awareness for parents who have suffered similar losses. During difficult times, we sometimes feel isolated, but hope by starting this outreach, we can bring the community together so no one feels alone.”
Assistant Customer Service Manager Dustin Perry
#1020, New Port Richey, Florida
“I love being an indoor cycling instructor and part of the community behind my favorite cycle studio, CycleBar! It allows me to help people ‘disconnect’ from their day for 45 minutes and connect with themselves. And getting to create a custom playlist for every class allows me to show my love for music. I love to see my riders hit new milestones and achieve their goals both on and off the bike. The community is amazing, too! Everyone is so encouraging and helpful, from the instructors to the riders.”
Pharmacy Technician Purvi Trivdei
#1173, Panama City Beach, Florida
“I am passionate about cooking food from different cultures and countries. I always make Indian food with different spices. I also enjoy making fresh, healthy and tasty food for my family, and sometimes for my friends and colleagues, too. I watch recipe videos and try out new dishes when I get a chance. Whether it’s crispy, crunchy or spicy food, I love it! And cooking can help make you happier if you have low moods or anxiety, from what I’ve read.”
Manager of Personnel Records Rebekah Jones
Lakeland, Florida
“Two years ago, I was looking for a new hobby. I’ve always enjoyed coloring, but I wanted something a bit more challenging. I decided to try a paint-by-number piece, and after completing my first picture, I knew I was hooked. It can be intimidating seeing the blank canvas with all the numbers and lines, but once you start to paint, all those spaces start to take shape and the picture begins to appear. My 14-year-old daughter also enjoys the hobby, and I love the time we spend together creating our masterpieces.”
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Real Estate Due Diligence Specialist Catie Atkins
Lakeland, Florida
“What I love is baking. It’s something I grew up doing with my mom and now have the joy of doing with my daughter. I love to make home-baked treats for friends and family to enjoy, especially around the holidays. It’s fun to express creativity and put a unique spin on classics like cookies, but also great to stick with original recipes passed down from grandparents. My 5-year-old daughter loves being in the kitchen with me, whether she’s helping me bake a cake or just watching me make dinner.”
Assistant Customer Service Manager Brittany Vickers
#1347, Sebring, Florida
“I’m an assistant customer service manager and my husband is a meat cutter. On our days off, we love to go mudding and ride trails throughout the Lake Wales, Florida, area!”
Facility Services Refrigeration Alarm Monitoring Team Leader Carl Skoll
Lakeland, Florida
“What makes my heart happy? My family, and that includes the newest member — my grandson, Jonathan Christopher Rakes, aka Jace. At 4 and a half months old, he holds a big piece of my heart. Doesn’t matter how I feel, a visit from this little guy makes my heart sing. From my wife, my children and now to this guy, there is always room for more love. Your heart can never have too much!”
