PERLA B. CROSBY – FOUNDER AND THE EDITOR OF MY SANFORD MAGAZINE

By Mary Boza Crimmins

Perla Bello-Crosby is a businesswoman, wife, mother, and grandmother. In all of her roles, however, she is a diplomat energized by bringing ideas and people together. As the owner and publisher of My Sanford Magazine and My Deltona Magazine, she lives to connect.

Mayor Art Woodruff describes her as “an ambassador” for the city. He adds, “Perla is always shining the spotlight on others while working tirelessly behind the scenes.” 

“Perla is the ultimate connector. She has the vision to elevate the community and puts the right people in a room to make it happen,” states Christina Hollerbach, Chief Executive Officer at Hollerbach's German Restaurant and President of Sanford Main Street.

Immersed in Sanford and Celebrating My Sanford Magazine’s Birthday!

After being sworn in as a U.S. citizen, the Dominican Republic (DR) native was asked by a reporter, “What are you going to do now that you’re a citizen?” Perla replied, “I need to do something for my community,” which she has been doing since moving to Sanford in 2011.

As a result of that determination, one of her greatest satisfactions is being an integral part of Sanford. Mayor Art Woodruff describes her as “an ambassador” for the city. “I always say that nobody loves Sanford more than I do,” states Perla, who in 2014 took a chance on the community and founded My Sanford Magazine. “I dedicated my best to turn my vision into a reality. Since I already had experience producing a magazine in Italy, I decided to create a quality magazine for Sanford, with the sole purpose of presenting the best of our community. Seeing Sanford today and celebrating our magazine's eighth anniversary fills me with happiness and pride.”

She also applied her experience in promoting tourism by establishing the Sanford Tourism Office and was a founding member of Sanford Main Street. “I planted the seed by connecting the related sectors. When I developed the vision as far as I could, I stepped aside to focus on the magazine.”

The Best of Sanford

While undergoing cancer treatment in 2016, Perla initiated the first Best of Sanford Awards event. She understands the challenges faced by local businesses and wants to give them recognition. “All the nominees should be very proud, and winners are determined by votes from the community,” she explains. Mayor Woodruff adds, “Perla is always shining the spotlight on others while working tirelessly behind the scenes.”

At the 2022 ceremony, I was overwhelmed with emotion, when the Mayor of the City of Sanford read the proclamation declaring Best of Sanford Day.

Always a Diplomat

Perla’s ability to bring ideas to life and people together started before she moved to Sanford. She served her native country in Italy. First appointed as Director of Tourism, she rose through the ranks in the Rome embassy to become Minister Deputy, Chief of the Economic Development Office, and Charge’ d'affaires ad interim.

Her efforts attracted so much foreign investment, as well as her proposal to celebrate the Italian Immigrant Day in the Dominican Republic. The day was approved and signed with a decree by the president of her country. The Italian president, Giorgio Napolitano, granted her a medal of the Order of Knight, which Italy awards to foreigners in gratitude for their achievements and contributions to the Italian Republic. After Italy, Perla served in the Parliament of the Dominican Republic until 2007.

Family Ties

Perla attributes her values to her parents, Maria Rafaela and Manuel Emilio Bello, both entrepreneurs and visionaries. Her father, a founder of several radio stations, influenced his children’s appreciation of music. This led to a television show for the five Bello children. Yet their mother reminded each of them to stay humble despite the fame. “I learned from my parents. They taught me to work tirelessly. I thank them for who I am today.”

She describes her two sons, Julio and Brian, as international kids who share her appreciation for cultures and languages. To her grandchildren, Valeria, Javier, and Abby, she is Nonna, the Italian word for grandmother. Although they live in the DR, Nonna is their go-to person when advice is needed. She is a role model, especially to fourteen-year-old Valeria, who spent part of last summer helping her grandmother launch My Deltona Magazine.

In 2007, Perla married Benny Crosby, a retired Secret Service Special Agent in Charge. Crosby currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Sanford Airport Authority who owns and operates Orlando Sanford International Airport. The couple and their Yorkie, Mickie, live in Sanford’s Historic Downtown.

What’s Ahead?

“Perla is the ultimate connector. She has the vision to elevate the community and puts the right people in a room to make it happen,” states Christina Hollerbach, Chief Executive Officer at Hollerbach's German Restaurant and President of Sanford Main Street. As the publisher of My Sanford Magazine, she strives for excellence. In the meantime, Perla Bello-Crosby will continue making connections, creating new ideas, and enjoying her blessings.

Photo by Andrew Van Tilborgh

Cake by Simply Homemade 1913