From the Sidelines to Success: Meet the Tafts
With a playbook built on teamwork, dedication, and ambition, this entrepreneurial family tackles life’s challenges together-both on and off the field.
Please introduce your family and share a bit about them:
Samantha (Mom), Adam (Dad), Ashton (13, 8th grader at Trout Creek Academy), Anniston (11, 6th grader at Trout Creek Academy). Ashton loves all things football- he's played since he was 4 and you'll always see him with a football in his hands and Anniston is a massive animal lover, cheerleader and volleyball player.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood? Where are you and your family originally from, and what brought you here?
We've lived in Shearwater since 2021. We're originally from a small town called Saint Cloud, Florida near Disney.
What college / university did you attend? What subject(s) did you major in, and what degree(s) did you obtain?
Adam attended University of South Florida he has a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science and a Masters degree in Global Sustainability. Samantha has her Bachelors degree in Environmental Science.
How did you two meet?
We met right after graduating from the same high school. Adam went to a mutual friend's house and noticed my picture on her fridge and immediately called me while I was at work and the rest is history-we have been married for 15 years!
What's your profession(s), and where do you work? Do you own a local business?
We are Serial Entrepreneurs, We own Goonsquad Ice Cream Shop which opened in July. Our first location is in the front of Shearwater on Hwy 210 and we already have our 2nd location near I-95 and Beachside High School that will be open in the Summer of 2026. This is not a franchise, it's a brand of our own creation. We also own and operate North Florida Summer Kitchens (www.northfloridasummerkitchens.com).
Tell us more about your Ashton & Anniston:
We are a huge sports family! Ashton has a true passion for tackle football-he’s been playing since he was 4 years old. He also loves playing basketball and training with his friends, especially weight training, speed and agility drills.
Anniston loves both volleyball and cheerleading. She’s very creative and enjoys drawing and expressing herself through art. Both kids work hard in school and have consistently made the A/B honor roll. We're proud of how they balance academics with their extracurricular interests, and we do our best to support them in all areas of growth.
Do you have any pets?
We have one dog. He's a Red Great Pyrenees-he's 5 years old and he's our sweet boy! He's very protective of the house but if Anniston wants to play "tea party" or dress him up he's all for it!
Any unique talents or interests that a family member brings to the mix?
Samantha is a great cook! She loves to bake and had her own cookie business. Coaching runs in our blood!
How do you celebrate holidays or special occasions as a family? Any family traditions?
Every year we have a Family Christmas Party-minute to win in style. We separate into groups kids/adults and we all play games for prizes. The kids win gift cards, stockings, presents and the adults fight to the end for the "Taft Santa Trophy". We've won 3 years in a row!
What are your favorite places to visit around Shearwater?
Some of our favorite places in the community are right here in Shearwater! We love to head down to the pool, gym or train right here at the parks in the neighborhood. We also love when we have food trucks at the Hub!
Do you participate in any social activities or events in the neighborhood?
Every Sunday Adam plays in an Adult touch football game with other dads from the neighborhood-they all meet at the Falls Park. All of our friends (both adult and kid) live here in the hood!
How does your family contribute to fostering a sense of community spirit in the neighborhood?
Adam has been the Defensive Coordinator for the varsity football team at Beachside High School for 3 years and is a coach for the Trout Creek Academy Terps! Samantha is the Head coach for the Trout Creek Academy Cheerleaders and the Head Coach for the Trout Creek Academy girls Flag Football team!
Describe your favorite family memory in the neighborhood so far. What's your favorite part of living in the neighborhood?
EVERY JULY 4TH! We love the sense of small town/community style celebration.
What do you like to do to relax or have fun? Any favorite vacation destinations or family trip?
We chill at the pool ALOT and help around the community where we can. We are also avid cruise goers!