Matt is dad, Katie is mom, Miles is 4 ½ years old, and Dylan is 2 ½. Finn is a 6-year-old Chiweenie (a Chihuahua and Dachshund mix). Finn is truly the first child and is spoiled accordingly. The Fursts moved to Florida 7 years ago and have lived on 2nd Avenue for five years. Their favorite part about living in the Town of Tioga is the walkability and sense of community.

Where are you and your family originally from?

Katie is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. Matt is originally from Hickory, NC.

What school/college/university did you attend, and what are your professions?

Katie went to Kent State University and is currently a stay-at-home parent and Massage Therapist. Matt attended Wake Forest University as an undergrad and med school student and is a pediatric cardiologist at Shands.

How did you meet?

Katie and Matt met on Tinder when they both swiped right! The two married in Pensacola, FL, while Matt worked at Sacred Heart Hospital for UF.

Activities/Hobbies:

Katie, Matt, Miles, and Dylan love the pool, riding bikes, and taking Finn for a walk as a family. They start their days with coffee and cartoons in the morning (the boys get chocolate milk in espresso cups). They are a foodie family and love eating out. MidiCi's is their go-to for Pizza and Peppers for Mexican. Arepas Milko in Newberry is their favorite food truck, and they hit Ford's Garage when they want delicious burgers. The boys love rainbow ice cream from Patti Cakes!

Katie is an avid runner and loves theatre. She spent nine years in NYC, where she worked as an actor. She pursued musical theatre, but you may have seen her on Jimmy Fallon or singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star with Hugh Jackman during the Tony Awards!

Matt plays tennis, loves music, and collects/refurbishes typewriters. He’ll spend hours listening to his record collection, which consists of over 1,000 albums. Dylan and Miles LOVE to swim! Miles knows every truck and teaches Dylan. Miles recently discovered a passion for snakes, so they regularly visit the Santa Fe Zoo.

Favorite Vacation Destination or family trip?

Katie and Matt’s favorite spot in the US is The Highlands in North Carolina. They are heading back this month with Matt's parents for Matt’s birthday. The last time they visited, Katie was pregnant with Dylan, and Miles was just 16 months old, so this upcoming vacation is very exciting!

Is there anything else we should know about you, your family, or your business?

The Fursts have no family in Gainesville, so Town of Tioga’s social atmosphere has made that aspect of their lives easier. Matt is actively growing the pediatric cardiology exercise lab at Shands and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Exercise Physiology to assist with its growth and his expertise.

How are you involved in the community?

Katie has organized various community events, including the weekly food trucks, wine night, coffee meetups, little kids' trick-or-treating, and little kids’ yoga. She is also an active room mom at the boys’ school and a member of the local Mom Co group that meets at Christ Community Church.

What would you tell someone who just moved into the neighborhood?

If you want something done, just ask. The town management is 100% encouraging of any group event you can think of. Just be proactive and take charge! Also, say hi to EVERYONE! It’s a very social community, and friends are easy to make!