Gulf Coast Family

Meet the Iskra Family

Jeff and Charlene Iskra have lived in Pinellas County for the past 11 years and they absolutely love living here. Jeff serves as the Head Pastor of the Warehouse 727 church in St. Petersburg and both are very active in the community. “The Iskras are an incredible family,” a friend of the family told us. “They are so transparent, and their love for each other and for their children comes bubbling out every time you talk with them.”

Jeff and Charlene met while attending Florida State University in Tallahassee. Jeff made the acquaintance of Charlene’s aunt while he was working with the youth group of a local church. Charlene’s aunt knew that the two of them would be a great match, and she was determined to introduce Jeff to her niece. So after much persistence, Charlene gave in and now after 19 years of marriage we can safely say that her aunt was right.

Jeff and Charlene are both very talented and have received many accolades over the years for their achievements; however what they now enjoy the most is parenting. “I had no idea how great it is being a parent,” Jeff told us. “Since having our first child, Spring, I better understand the concepts of unconditional love and sacrificial commitment! Before being a parent, I selfishly hung on to many things; however, I have learned that it is impossible to be a good parent and be selfish. The two cannot go together!”

Whether they are spending time reading, going on a nature walk, playing princess, looking for lizards around the house or taking a ride on the bike, the Iskra family truly enjoys spending time with each other. Their love for one another is very special, and that is why they have been chosen as our July Family of the Month.

Meet the kids

Spring is a cheerful, charming, delightful little girl. She literally bounces everywhere she goes. She loves her Mommy and Daddy and is crazy about her baby brother. She is into anything Princess and she absolutely loves reading. She enjoys hosting dress-up tea parties with her Mommy and her special little girlfriends. Her favorite activities include making crafts, painting pictures on canvas, ballet, swimming, playing with Eli and twirling around the house in her costumes.

Eli (aka “Little Man”) is such a sweet baby. He loves hugs and kisses and playing peek-a-boo. He is crazy about his big sister and he enjoys trying to do everything she does. He is a monkey and climbs on EVERYTHING!! His favorite activities are throwing balls (and boy does he have a line drive) and riding on his “motorcycle”.

Family Favorites

• Our favorite movies at this season in our lives have to be the animated children movies. Of course all the Disney / Pixar movies and other great cartoons such as Kung-Fu Panda.
• Our favorite foods include Mexican, Barbeque, Italian, and pretty much whatever Dad cooks on the grill!
• Our favorite sports teams consist of the Amazing Tampa Bay Rays and because of our Tallahassee connection, those FSU Seminoles!
• Our favorite local “vacation-type” activities are visiting the Lowry Park Zoo, visiting the beaches, and spending a day at Busch Gardens. There is just so much to do in our area, it’s hard to narrow it down!
• Because we live in Florida, our favorite vacations typically take us somewhere north to the mountains. We love to hike on mountain trails, climb on rocks, and better yet, ride on our motorcycle on the winding roads.

If you would like to recommend a family to be featured as the family of the month, send a photo and a description of what makes your family unique to articles@gulfcoastfamily.org.