Some love stories spark over candlelit dinners. For Holly and Allan Rotlewicz, the spark was quite literal—a fire in their Miami office building.

“We were evacuated,” Allan recalls with a laugh. They went across the street, taking refuge at Burger and Beer Joint. “A guy I worked with was married to a public defender, and they introduced me to Holly,” says Allan. “We had drinks and the rest is history.” 

The couple got engaged during a once-in-a-lifetime safari in Tanzania and tied the knot in 2012. They now call Old Northeast in St. Pete home, along with their two dynamic daughters and a brand-new black pug named Churro.

Allan, an attorney specializing in civil defense litigation, grew up west of Fort Lauderdale. Holly, originally from San Francisco, practiced law before pressing pause to raise their children. In 2017, they made the move to St. Pete, drawn by Allan’s job and the magnetic charm of Old Northeast.

“We love the canopy of oak trees and being just two blocks from the water,” Allan shares. “We see dolphins and manatees almost every day.” The family recently moved from a 1940s home to new construction—no more worrying about outdated plumbing or wiring. It's nice to enjoy the charm of the neighborhood without the quirks of an old house.

Sasha, age 11, is as spirited as she is accomplished. She's an avid equestrian, riding since the early days of the pandemic. “She rides three days a week and is jumping up to two feet now,” Allan beams. Her horse, Luna, is practically part of the family. Sasha also played electric guitar—though temporarily paused for a starring role in her middle school play. “She’s a straight-A student who wants to be a pediatrician and a horseback rider,” says Allan. It's no surprise—his father is a pediatrician too.

Then there’s 9-year-old Mischa—a powerhouse in motion. “She wants to be the Grand Jefe,” Allan laughs. “She’s in charge.” Mischa recently made the competitive gymnastics team and qualified for States. When she’s not flipping or leaping, she’s dancing jazz and contemporary or playing clarinet in the school band. And yes, she played basketball last year just to mix things up.

Both girls speak fluent Spanish, embracing their Colombian heritage. “We actually got married in Cartagena,” Allan notes. “And we just went back for our 10-year anniversary celebration.”

The Rotlewicz family keeps busy with a swirl of kids’ activities and weekend adventures. “Most Saturdays start with horseback riding lessons and end in the pool or at a barbecue,” Allan shares. The family enjoys exploring local coffee shops with friends, beach days, and hanging out at the St. Pete Pier. They’re members of the St. Pete Yacht Club and previously owned a boat—but are currently on a “boat break.”

Churro, the family’s new pug, is the latest addition. “She’s super friendly, sleeps in the kids’ beds every night, and absolutely adores them,” Allan says. Holly had a beloved rescue pug before they married—she lived to 15. Losing her was tough, but Churro has brought joy and cuddles back into their home.

While Allan thrives on the ever-evolving nature of legal work in the insurance world, Holly has found her sweet spot at home. “She’s an amazing baker,” he gushes. Their kitchen is always full of something delicious.

As for what’s next, Allan jokes, “Just keeping up with our girls is a full-time adventure.” From competitive gymnastics meets to horse shows and musical performances, there's never a dull moment.

Old Northeast is lucky to have neighbors like the Rotlewicz family—full of energy, warmth, and a story that literally began with a bang.