Travel and Tourism
2023 USA Down Syndrome Swimming National Training Camp hosted by Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center
Published
1 year agoon

ORLANDO, FL – Top athletes from around the nation are gathering at the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center (RAFC) this week to participate in the 2023 USA Down Syndrome Swimming (USADSS) National Training Camp. This training is designed for competitive and artistic swimmers who have Down Syndrome and will focus on team building, nutrition, dry-land training, sportsmanship, independence, and the mechanics of swimming. The session runs from October 18-21, 2023.
The primary goal of the camp is to motivate athletes with Down Syndrome, or “T21 Swim Warriors,” to prioritize swimming and healthy living in their lives. Additionally, coaches will select the USA Down Syndrome Swimming National Team to compete at the 11th World Down Syndrome Swimming & Artistic Championships in Turkey in March 2024.
“At Rosen, it’s important for us to provide safe spaces and facilities to communities that may not have those resources readily available to them,” said Michael Miller, executive director at RAFC. “We take immense pride in hosting the USADSS camp this year, especially during such a special time as Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Our mission is to provide these exceptional athletes with the opportunities they truly deserve, fostering their dreams and aspirations.”
Travel and Tourism
Avelo Airlines Expands Lakeland Service with New Nonstop Flights to Nashville
Published
2 weeks agoon
March 8, 2025By
Willie David
LAKELAND, Fla. (FNN) – Avelo Airlines is soaring to new heights with the launch of its new nonstop route from Lakeland International Airport (LAL) to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Starting today, travelers can enjoy direct flights to Music City twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. To celebrate the new route, one-way fares start at just $45, available for booking at AveloAir.com.
Convenient & Affordable Air Travel from Central Florida
Avelo Airlines has rapidly expanded its presence in Lakeland, flying nearly 60,000 customers on over 500 flights since its inaugural service. The addition of Nashville marks the airline’s seventh nonstop destination from LAL, joining:
- Charlotte / Concord, N.C. (USA)
- Boston / Manchester, N.H. (MHT)
- New Haven, Conn. (HVN)
- Philadelphia / Delaware Valley (ILG)
- Rochester, N.Y. (ROC)
- San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
- Wilmington, N.C. (ILM)
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing an easy and convenient travel experience. “Our Lakeland base offers Central Floridians easy access to air travel, especially for customers who value the convenience of a small hometown airport. With today’s launch of service to Nashville and our six other nonstop destinations, travelers can enjoy more time and freedom to explore wherever their journey takes them.”
Lakeland Leaders Celebrate Expansion
City officials praised Avelo’s continued investment in Lakeland’s commercial air travel:
- Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz: “We’re excited to see Avelo Airlines take off with such success! With strong community support, commercial air travel will continue growing at Lakeland Linder International Airport, and Avelo is leading the way with even more exciting destinations like Nashville.”
- Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse: “Avelo is spreading its wings in Lakeland, and I, like many residents, am thrilled about this new route to Nashville. We look forward to seeing Avelo’s continued growth in our community.”
- Lakeland International Airport Director Kris Hallstrand: “We are excited to welcome travelers from Nashville to Lakeland and Polk County, where they can experience all the wonderful attractions and opportunities our region has to offer.”
Boosting Central Florida Tourism & Economy
Avelo’s growing network is a major win for Central Florida’s tourism industry. Visit Central Florida Director of Marketing Mark Jackson highlighted the economic benefits:
- Increased tourism brings more revenue to Polk County businesses
- Nearly 42,000 jobs in Polk County were supported by tourism last year
- For every 159 visitors, one job is created
- Tourism savings: Each Polk County household benefits from nearly $1,000 in tax savings
“Thanks to Avelo Airlines, it is easier for travelers from around the country to experience Central Florida. We welcome Nashville to Polk County, where the real Florida magic happens,” Jackson added.
With affordable fares, convenient flight schedules, and easy access to major destinations, Avelo Airlines continues to reshape travel in Central Florida.
_______________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Travel and Tourism
Avelo Airlines Extends Florida Flights to Labor Day 2025 with $49 Fares
Published
4 months agoon
November 26, 2024By
Willie David
CENTRAL FLORIDA (FNN NEWS) – Avelo Airlines has announced an exciting extension of its Central Florida flight schedule through Labor Day 2025, giving travelers more opportunities to explore top destinations with affordable fares. Customers can now book flights from Lakeland (LAL), Orlando (MCO), and Tampa (TPA) for travel through September 2, 2025.
Travelers can take advantage of one-way fares starting at just $49, making summer vacations or weekend getaways more accessible than ever. Reservations can be made at AveloAir.com.
Statements from Avelo Airlines
“Central Florida – It’s time to start planning summer travel, and we are excited to extend Avelo’s Florida flight schedule through Labor Day 2025,” said Trevor Yealy, Avelo Airlines’ Head of Commercial. “With Avelo’s everyday low fares and industry-leading reliability, now is the perfect time for travelers to get a head start on booking their summer vacations or long-weekend getaways. Avelo offers somewhere for everyone – from award-winning beaches to outdoor adventure destinations, to cultural and entertainment hotspots and more.”
Available Central Florida Routes
From Lakeland International Airport (LAL):
- Boston / Manchester, N.H. (MHT)
- Charlotte / Concord, N.C. (USA)
- Nashville, Tenn. (BNA)
- New Haven, Conn. (HVN)
- Philadelphia / Wilmington, Del. (ILG)
- San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
- Rochester, N.Y. (ROC)
From Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tampa International Airport (TPA):
- New Haven, Conn. (HVN)
- Philadelphia / Wilmington, Del. (ILG)
- Wilmington, N.C. (ILM)
Extended Schedules at Other Airports:
Avelo Airlines has also extended its flight schedule through Labor Day 2025 for Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
What’s Next for Avelo Travelers?
With the extended schedule, travelers can start planning trips to a variety of destinations offering everything from sun-soaked beaches to cultural and entertainment experiences. Avelo’s commitment to low fares and reliable service makes it easier than ever to lock in summer plans well in advance.
FUN FACT: Hello, Avelo!
For those wondering, Avelo is pronounced UH-VELL-O, rhyming with “yellow” or “jello.”
________________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Travel and Tourism
CFHLA PAC and PC Board of Directors congratulate election night winners in the City of Orlando races, and Florida House District 35 primary race
Published
1 year agoon
November 8, 2023
ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA) PAC and PC Board of Directors congratulated the winners of the City of Orlando races, as well as the primary election winner of the open Florida House of Representatives, District 35.
This includes City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer; Tony Ortiz, City Commissioner, District 2 (unopposed); Patty Sheehan, City Commissioner, District 4; Bakari F. Burns, City Commissioner, District 6; and Erika Booth (R), Florida House of Representatives, District 35.
Each of the winners were endorsed by the CFHLA PAC and PC.
“CFHLA PAC and PC would like to congratulate all of our endorsed candidates, who truly understand the importance of tourism and the positive impacts it has on our community,” said Jay Leonard, General Manager of the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area, and the Chairman of the CFHLA PAC and PC. “We targeted these elections as the top races for the hospitality industry and we look forward to working with each of these pro-hospitality champions, as we ensure that our region remains the best place to work, play, live and visit.”
Robert Agrusa, President and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association went on to say, “CFHLA looks forward to working with Mayor Dyer and the rest of the Orlando City Commission, as we advance policies that will continue to provide a positive economic impact and support for the employees of the hospitality industry, as well as the entire Central Florida region. Additionally, each of these leaders are willing to face the challenges confronting our community and are focused on providing transportation and workforce housing solutions that will improve the quality of life for all residents of our community.”
Currently a member of the Osceola County School Board, Ms. Booth has now advanced to the General Election that will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association’s mission is to represent the Central Florida Hospitality Industry, by setting the standard of excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, recognition, and service. As the largest regional lodging association in the United States, CFHLA represents approximately 80 percent of the more than 129,500 hotel rooms in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties, and more than 500 “supplier” organizations that do business with the hospitality and tourism industries.
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