We had the good fortune of connecting with ReBecca Heckl, PhD and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi ReBecca, what are you inspired by?
Many things, such as nature, art, and other people inspire me. I am inspired constantly by celebrating the success, talent, beauty and more of everything in this world. If someone is motivated to achieve something, watching them set a goal, apply a timeline, and live their dream is instantly inspiring. Enjoying their celebrations is also an emotional elevation to continue with my personal path of aimed achievements and aspirations. Also, sitting in nature always inspires me. Seeing the beauty of the sky, the landscape, the water, and the animals always provides an opportunity for reflection. Witnessing beauty in its natural element showcases a natural rhythm of life. This provides space for me to also see what is and isn’t working for me, to not force my life, but find my natural flow again, the rhythm of happiness, joy, and inspiration.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
West Coast Pride is an LGBTQIA+ nonprofit serving the nature coast counties and the west coast counties of Florida. We operate in several cities and hold events all over the area and the state. We are about an hour or so north of Tampa, in the more rural areas. We strive to bring the community together. in as many happy and healthy ways as possible. We host fundraisers, annual charity drives for local schools and shelters, and offer resources to the community such as free STI and HIV testing. We also do fun activities monthly such as Skating, Eating, and Beaching together. With Florida, beaches are thankfully all over. We also have online group meetings for those who are unable to attend in-person festivities and still want to be a part of the fun.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of the most amazing areas around are Homosassa, Crystal River, Weeki Wachee, and Tarpon Springs. There are activities such as seeing mermaids perform at an underwater theater, kayaking alongside alligators, and swimming with manatees in the springs. There is the award-winning sushi restaurant in Lecanto, ‘World Fusion’, where there is something for everyone, even if you don’t eat sushi! ‘The Freezer’ is the spot for the best peel-n-eat shrimp in the state, where you can sit on the water and enjoy a laid-back meal in the shade or sun, and it’s literally a freezer for a restaurant you walk into, complete with a bar and tables to sit inside if you prefer. If you are craving an amazing Cuban sandwich, you can find the hidden gem ‘2 Pops Sandwich Shop’ hidden in the heart of Homosassa right before reaching the water and an island of monkeys. We can rent a boat and go catch the sunset any day of the week.
Being in Florida, there is always a beach nearby. The best beach in the area is in Tarpon Springs, named ‘Honeymoon Island’, and is located in the state park. For a few dollars, you can get in, park, take a few steps to the beach, swim all day, and even grab a snack from the nearby food pavilion.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a Shoutout to the entire board of West Coast Pride. W.C.P. has an amazing board and W.C.P. is lucky to have such amazing volunteers who work annually, and tirelessly, to ensure the local citizens have a community that cares. Our Vice-President Liz ‘DJ Sin’ De La Cruz is incredible and always comes through in the best way possible. She provides the local LGBTQIA+ community with support, music and entertainment. She is a master music manipulator and is an astonishing DJ.
Our Secretary, Melissa Antley is the best! She is always available to assist in questions such as what our board meetings have entailed lately and in what ways our organization is functioning.
Our Treasurer Krystal Carpenter is wonderful. She also works on our social media sites to ensure engagement is occurring and that the community online is updated on all our upcoming events. Our social media presence is important for so many. Many may not know where to go, or may not be able to leave their home to go.
Our Committee Coordinator Kayla Carpenter is amazing She can coordinate with people who have an interest in volunteering, helping our cause, and generally getting involved.
Also, our Regional Relations representative Brooke Davis is fantastic! She spreads the word of W.C.P. and shares information with those who are interested in moving to, visiting, and/or vacationing in Florida.
Website: https://www.westcoastpride.org/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/west-coast-pride
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestCoastPrideInc
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/west-coast-pride-homosassa