So many of us here in Lake Nona come from different places and have different stories of how we wound up in the Nonahood. No two stories are the same, with each comprised of individuals making the choice to pick up and move from another part of Florida, another state, or even another country. This is How We Got Here, telling stories one at a time of how different families from all different walks of life ended up in Lake Nona.

The Grimm family, comprised of David, Kari, Emma (9) and Shelby (22, a recent Florida Atlantic University graduate), is a family that has been in the Lake Nona community since David’s invitation to join the inaugural (2009-10) Lake Nona High School and Middle School faculty. Their love for the local community runs deep as they have watched the community flourish.

Check out our interview with them below!

Nonahood News: What drew you to Lake Nona?

David Grimm: The main reason we came to Lake Nona was when I was asked to join the inaugural (2009-10) Lake Nona HS/MS faculty. We decided to LIVE in the Nonahood because we were excited about being a part of the birth of a new and growing community.

NHN: Where are you from originally?

DG: I was born and raised in Orlando. My wife was born in Rock Island, Illinois, but grew up in Laurel, Maryland. Both of our kids are Floridians.

NHN: How did you meet your wife?

DG: Kari and I met at Freedom High School [as teachers].

NHN: What do you do for work?

DG: We [David and Kari] are both teachers for Orange County Public Schools. (David is at Innovation Middle School, and Kari is at Lake Nona High School.)

NHN: What is your favorite part of Lake Nona?

DG: This is an easy answer. The heart of this community is amazing. We do not remember a time when a person, family, school or community has been in need when the Nonahood has come through. This community has an awesome giving spirit.

NHN: How have you seen the giving spirit exemplified in Lake Nona?  

DG: Our family has been involved with many of the different events designed for our community to give. I was a part of the Lake Nona Run Club’s Charity 5K to benefit the recovery of Puerto Rico. My wife has created “Kari’s Kloset,” which is located inside Lake Nona HS. This is a room where students who are in need can get dresses and accessories for prom, homecoming and quinceaneras. We have volunteered at the Pig Run, Relay for Life, the Central Florida Children’s Home, and many other events.

NHN: What are your family hobbies? What do you like to do together?

DG: We love to spend our time outside as much as possible, enjoying the many theme park/entertainment options in Central Florida. We also enjoy visiting the many old and new restaurants in the Nonahood. We love to spend time with our neighbors.

NHN: What is your favorite theme park?

DG: We definitely love the Disney parks, but all of the theme parks have different things that we love about them! We actually LOVE Gatorland.

NHN: What is the most interesting thing that has ever happened to you? The hardest?

DG: Our family just went through 13 months of a school board campaign. The sacrifices that were made by all of us were difficult at times. Busy days, long nights, food on the run, and limited family time definitely were hard. However, we wouldn’t change anything as it gave us an opportunity to meet many new neighbors and truly learn what residents wanted in our schools.

NHN: Where do you all see yourselves in 10 years?

DG: Where will the Grimms be in 10 years? We hope to continue to be active members in our community who help to make an impact on the people that we meet.

Would you like to share your story of how you got here? Please fill out this online form: forms.nona.media/how-we-got-here or send an email to [email protected] with a brief summary of why your family moved to Lake Nona. We’ll be in touch.