Diamond Girl
Danika Spinogatti’s winning formula for life on and off the field.
- Mark McWaters
- Fred Lopez
Danika Spinogatti is rewriting the record books at Montverde Academy—literally. The senior softball phenom holds school records in walks, doubles, triples, home runs, and RBIs. A starter since eighth grade, she led her team to its first-ever state championship in 2024. She also plays for 18U Team Italy and has racked up All-American and All-Star honors in travel ball. Next year, she’ll add another milestone to her résumé: playing softball for Florida State University.
All this and she just turned 17. So, who is this amazing girl behind all the stats?
Originally from New Jersey, Danika grew up playing every sport she could. “My dad was my coach, and he taught me how to play them all,” she says. “I liked them all, too. But softball became my first love. I love the competitiveness, the team aspect.” She started out at third base, where long throws helped develop her arm strength, before transitioning to catcher. “Now I can throw down to second base on my knees,” she adds with a grin.
Catching suits her in more ways than one. “I like being in every play. From behind the plate, I can see the whole field. And I’m the loudest one out there,” she laughs. “The catcher is kind of the field general, and that fits my personality. Plus, it’s just so much fun.”
Her time behind the plate has also sharpened her batting skills. “I get to know the umpire’s strike zone. Every ump has their own, and that helps me adjust.” It’s a useful advantage, especially for a power hitter like her. “Hitting home runs is just a lot of fun,” she says with a broad smile.
Next up? Tallahassee. “I’ll be playing for FSU in Fall 2025,” Danika says. “I love the campus, and I vibed really well with the girls and the coaches. Plus, the college town is so pretty.”
Beyond the game, she has big plans. “I want to go into sports psychology. I had a bad slump in my junior year, and I think I could really help other athletes get their heads right. The secret is to trust your process. Put in the work, focus on your goal—and trust me, it will happen.”
Wickedly Whit
Whit Petranoff weaves a darkly artistic tale, merging literature with local creativity.
- Mark McWaters
- Fred Lopez
Whit Petranoff has always been drawn to stories—the kind that linger, unsettle, and spark curiosity. “I like books that explore themes that scare us a little and make us curious,” she says, a philosophy that’s woven into every inch of her cozy, moody micro-bookstore in Clermont. But Black Rabbit BookBar is just one chapter in Whit’s own story—one that’s still being written as she balances entrepreneurship, creativity, and single motherhood with an unwavering passion for the literary world.
“I’ve never given up on my dream,” she says, a statement that resonates far beyond the stacked shelves. From her early aspirations of becoming a writer to studying literature and eventually launching her first book venture—The Book Whitch, a kiosk in Clermont’s West End Plaza.
Whit has always followed her instincts, even when the path wasn’t straightforward. “Yes, I misspelled it on purpose,” she laughs. “Because of my name—Whit. People didn’t get it. They just loved pointing out my goof.”
Now, as the force behind Black Rabbit, Whit has built more than just a bookstore—it’s a creative hub for writers, artists, and dreamers. Here, espresso and eerie stories go hand in hand, and local makers have a space to share their work.
“I’m a literature nerd. I’ve always wanted to be a writer, and I love bookstores,” she says. “Now I get to combine the books I love, writing, the culture of the writing community, and creativity of all kinds to create my dream.”
In doing so, she’s crafted a haven that not only celebrates storytelling but also uplifts local artists, creators, and vendors. “About 90% of our merchandise is local—bookish soaps, spooky jewelry, stained glass, crochet art, witchy items. We work with seven to 10 vendors, all from the area. They really get what we’re about here.”
Her days are full—running the store, connecting with creatives, working a full-time job, and raising two boys as a soon-to-be single mom—but Whit still makes time to write when she can. “It’s getting pretty precious,” she admits, “but writing has always been part of me.” Whether she’s crafting a story of her own or creating a space for others to be inspired, Whit’s world is one where creativity thrives, where community matters, and where dreams—no matter how long they take—are always worth chasing.
So, what’s next? More books. More stories. And maybe, just maybe, a ghost or two.
Market Watch
With Britt Robles
Britt cruises the Clermont Farmer’s Market and shares her fave finds.
Klaily polymer clay earrings are stunning marble ear threaders. Beautiful, bold, and featherweight, they offer effortless elegance.
Yayi’s Loaf Sourdough English muffins are tangy, chewy, and impossibly delicious, plus the sourdough makes them easier to digest!
D & C Games Guaranteed nostalgic games! Find your favorites for Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo—oh my!
First, a HUGE shoutout to Juliana Green and Everything Local Co. on their one-year anniversary! When we launched Scenes of South Lake, Everything Local was the first to step up and have a magazine rack in the store. So…cheers to many more years of keeping it local.
After a year of teasing our taste buds, it sounds like Back 40 Wine Co. is almost ready to pour! Clermont’s newest wine spot is opening soon at 719 West Ave., offering the perfect place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a glass (or two… or three, no judgment here).
Move over Pinterest fails, Creators by Pear Design Studio is here to help you actually create trendy home décor without the glue gun disasters. This DIY night out is perfect for crafting, sipping, and laughing with friends.
Time to unleash your inner Martha Stewart (minus the jail time). Brace yourselves, sweet tooths. Crave Cookies is serving up a rotating lineup of drool-worthy flavors at US 27 & John’s Lake. If you love warm, gooey, oversized cookies that make your diet weep, this is your new happy place.
If not, then health nuts and coffee lovers, can head to Sprouts Market, coming to US 27 & Hammock Ridge, conveniently located in the same plaza as 7 Brew Coffee.
So now you can balance your organic produce haul with an oat milk caffeine bomb. Say goodbye to Southern on 8th, and hello to Crafted! This new fine dining restaurant in downtown Clermont is bringing a fresh, high-end concept to downtown.
If Oktoberfest is more your style, Reichardt’s Courtyard is bringing a German bakery, biergarten, and ice cream shop to the former site of Los Reyes. Get ready for pretzels, pastries, pints, and more! Prost!
When you’re done eating and drinking, you may want to check out one of Florida’s first Oxygen Yoga & Fitness. If you’re ready to flow, sweat, and detox your way into wellness, this is the place to be.
