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2023 Women’s History Month: Florida National News Chief Editor Mellissa Thomas

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Florida National News Chief Editor Mellissa Thomas. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.
Florida National News Chief Editor Mellissa Thomas. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Women’s History Month honors the incredible trailblazing women throughout U.S. history every March. “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories” is this year’s theme, recognizing women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling.

Today, we’re celebrating one of our own–a trailblazer for Black women in the news media industry.

Mellissa Thomas is the Chief Editor and face of Florida National News and Managing Director of the FNN News Network. She became both my right and left hands, and she has consistently delivered for nearly ten years. She has helped grow the network from the flagship Florida National News site in October 2014 to a family of five active digital news sites and counting as of today: FloridaNationalNews.com, FNNNews.com, FloridaSportsChannel.com, FNNNewsNetwork.com, and FNNNews.tv.

The Jamaica-born, five-year U.S. Navy veteran is an avid storyteller both in and outside of the news media industry. She’s a self-published author with seven books under her name, all available on Amazon; is an award-winning screenwriter and playwright, and is a burgeoning public speaker.

Mellissa Thomas poses for a photo at the Epcot Showplace Pavilion during Florida National News's coverage of the 2018 Don Quijote Awards, presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and Prospera USA. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

Mellissa Thomas poses for a photo at the Epcot Showplace Pavilion during Florida National News’s coverage of the 2018 Don Quijote Awards, presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and Prospera USA. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

Making Women’s History in News Media

From FNN News’s inception in 2014, Mellissa has relentlessly carved a path for black-owned news media outlets with sharp reporters by embodying just that. The FNN News Network is one of very few black-owned news networks among mainstream broadcast news outlets across the state and country.

Florida has a sparse black media presence, most of which is radio or print media. The Florida Courier, Florida Sun, Miami Times, Orlando Times, and Orlando Advocate, for example, have been in operation for many years (the first three for many decades). National black media is comprised mostly of digital news outlets, blogs, radio and print media. However, black broadcast news outlets are few and far between.

In press conferences involving elected officials at the federal level (President Trump, President Obama, Sen. Cory Booker, etc.), state level (Governor Ron DeSantis) and local level, major league athletes (NFL, MLS, NBA, FIFA, PGA, NASCAR, etc.), and celebrities (ESSENCE Festival, Miami International Film Festival, American Black Film Festival, Tom Joyner Family Reunion, etc.), FNN News is typically the only black-owned broadcast news outlet present. Mellissa’s trademark Afro has become iconic as she boldly represents the network, blowing the minds of the people she asks questions to by proving that black reporters from black-owned media outlets can ask the same relevant thought-provoking questions that any black reporter (or any reporter, for that matter) working for mainstream news outlets would ask.

Mellissa’s consistency has elevated FNN News Network to cover stories in real time alongside our mainstream colleagues. She has amassed the respect of industry veterans and newer reporters alike, creating a trusted brand and path for any other black-owned news outlets to take a seat at the table.

Mellissa Thomas interviews Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer during the City of Orlando's 2022 Veterans Day Parade in November of 2022. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

Mellissa Thomas interviews Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer during the City of Orlando’s 2022 Veterans Day Parade in November of 2022. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

How Mellissa Helped Florida National News Quickly Evolve

Mellissa’s versatility and quick learning helped Florida National News transition from a single Canon EOS 5D Mark III camera, cell phone-recorded interviews and written content from October 2014 to early 2015, to the addition of video content with our first Sony HD cameras. Of course, videos need editing, right?

Mellissa covered that too.

She dug back into her Film Bachelors degree experience from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, revived her Final Cut Pro software (which she received from Full Sail) and refreshed her memory on how it works, then got to work, transforming Florida National News into a multimedia news outlet by mid-2015, offering written, photo and video content.

Web presence and social media engagement are pivotal to a digital multimedia news outlet, and I leaned on Mellissa’s expertise daily from her Entertainment Business Masters degree (also from Full Sail University) and her personal journey into blogging for three years before we met in order to constantly improve our brand, and our brand quickly became not only credible, but also attractive to people seeking news media experience or who wanted to get back into the industry.

FNN News 2022 Super Bowl coverage crew (l-r): Florida National News Publisher J. Willie David III, FNN News Los Angeles reporters Erik Liebin and Jamecia Stoudemire, Florida National News Chief Editor Mellissa Thomas and sports reporter Michael Brodsky pose for a photo in Radio Row during Super Bowl LVI Week at the Los Angeles Convention Center in February of 2022.

FNN News 2022 Super Bowl coverage crew (l-r): Florida National News Publisher J. Willie David III, FNN News Los Angeles reporters Erik Liebin and Jamecia Stoudemire, Florida National News Chief Editor Mellissa Thomas and sports reporter Michael Brodsky pose for a photo in Radio Row during Super Bowl LVI Week at the Los Angeles Convention Center in February of 2022.

Assembling the Team

For almost ten years, Mellissa has overseen a stellar team of statewide and national contributors, which peaked at roughly 30 people. True to her alma mater, Mellissa has recruited quality writers, reporters, and photographers from Full Sail University, some of which are still on our team.

Our contributors have reported from Cleveland, Los Angeles, Charleston, Atlanta, and Cannes, France; within Florida: Miami, Fort Myers, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Space Coast and Palm Coast.

Two affiliates have also come alongside us, also run by phenomenal women: an independent Central Florida-based nonprofit digital news site; and an international affiliate, a high end luxury beauty magazine that covers the most high profile fashion and beauty events every year. Through our connection with the latter, Mellissa has overseen our coverage of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for six consecutive years, as well as the 2023 Miss Universe Competition in New Orleans.

(Fun fact: We actually met the owner of our international affiliate magazine while covering Miss Universe in Las Vegas. Yes–that infamous competition when Steve Harvey announced the wrong winner. We witnessed it in person. Mellissa got us there.)

As Florida National News grew, she facilitated expanded leadership, welcoming Associate Editors (90 percent women) to manage content creation in some of our more popular categories, including Sports, Entertainment, Business, and Politics.

In October 2021, Mellissa helped spearhead the expansion of the FNN News team with the launch of its Spanish-speaking arm, FNN News en Español.

Mellissa Thomas and FNN News en Español Associate Editor Janira Garcia after recording a stand-up at Lake Lorna Doone Park in 2022. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

Mellissa Thomas and FNN News en Español Associate Editor Janira Garcia after recording a stand-up at Lake Lorna Doone Park in 2022. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

Coverage that Built Credibility

As Editor and Managing Director, Mellissa determines what we cover, and building the credibility of Florida National News and the FNN News Network has always been top of mind. She has secured incredible coverage opportunities for the network, facilitating unforgettable experiences and memories for the crew that covers them while increasing visibility for the FNN News name and brand across the country.

During her tenure, she has overseen our coverage for some of the biggest events:

  • NFL Super Bowl (2020-2023 Miami, Tampa, Los Angeles, and Arizona)
  • Cannes Film Festival (2016-2022, France)
  • Tony Awards (2016, New York)
  • Writers Guild Awards (2016, Los Angeles)
  • Essence Festival (2017-2019, New Orleans)
  • Golden Trailer Awards (2016, Los Angeles)
  • Miss America Competition (2015-2016, Atlantic City)
  • Miss Universe Competition (2015, Las Vegas)
  • Miami Film Festival (MIFF)(2015-2019, Miami)
  • American Black Film Festival (ABFF)(2017-2019, Miami)
  • Jazz In The Gardens (2016-2018, Miami Gardens)
  • Tom Joyner Family Reunion (2018-2019, Orlando)
  • Funk Fest Orlando (2016, 2018)
  • Florida Film Festival (2016-2019, Orlando)
  • NCAA March Madness (2015 and 2023, Orlando)
  • Miami Open (2022-2023)
  • Rolex 24 At DAYTONA (2018-2023, Daytona International Speedway)
  • DAYTONA 500 (2016-2023)
  • DAYTONA Supercross (Bike Week 2017-2023, Daytona International Speedway)
  • DAYTONA 200 (Bike Week 2017-2023, Daytona International Speedway)
  • Coke Zero Sugar 400 (2019-2022, Daytona International Speedway)
  • Inaugural Daytona Soccer Fest (2022, Daytona International Speedway)
  • Arnold Palmer Invitational (2019-2023)
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2015-2022 seasons)
  • Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-2022 seasons)
  • Orlando Magic (2016-2022 seasons)
  • Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride (MLS/NWSL, 2015-2023 seasons)
  • NBA Playoffs (Round 1, 2019, Orlando)
  • Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL, 2020 season)
  • Monster Jam World Finals (2021, Orlando)
  • MLS All-Star Game (2019, Orlando)
  • SheBelieves Cup (FIFA, 2023)
  • Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (MLS, 2022, Orlando)
  • Runway to Hope Spring Soiree (2017-2019, Orlando)
  • AIMExpo (2017-2018, Orlando)
  • Central Florida International Auto Show (2017, Orlando)
  • Festivals of Speed (2018-2019, Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Mission Inn)
  • InfoComm 2015 (Orlando)
  • Trump presidential candidate rallies (2015-2016, Orlando and Tampa)
  • Hillary Clinton presidential candidate rallies (featuring then President Barack Obama 2015-2016, Orlando, Tampa and Miami)
  • CPAC Orlando 2022

Conquering COVID

Like every other business, we had to pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the world (and Florida, temporarily) shut down, we knew we would need to go virtual in order to remain relevant and continue to provide our audience with coverage, so we did.

(Want to watch the interview? Click the image below.)

Mellissa’s versatility came to the rescue again. She took the initiative to find a virtual platform for us to create content with, and with our great team of contributors, launched and produced six virtual shows within a month, creating a consistent seven-day lineup of content for our viewers:

  • Evening News Rundown, hosted by Mellissa Thomas (daily news briefing) – Monday through Sunday at 6pm ET
  • FNN Politics & Power Series, hosted by Mellissa Thomas – Tuesdays at 1pm ET
  • FNN Sports Take with Kasey Hudson (sports news show) – Tuesdays and Fridays at 6pm ET
  • FNN Business Talk, hosted by Mellissa Thomas (interview show with business owners and entrepreneurs) – Wednesdays at 1pm ET
  • Let’s Clarify, co-hosted by Angel Perry and Mellissa Thomas (political and current events talk show) – Wednesdays at 5pm ET
  • Entertainment Buzz, hosted by Jennifer Rosario de Casiano (entertainment interview show) – Fridays at 1pm ET

(Want to watch the interview? Click the image.)

Mellissa Thomas interviews Florida Lottery Secretary John F. Davis on the "FNN Politics & Power Series" July 6, 2021.

Mellissa Thomas interviews Florida Lottery Secretary John F. Davis on the “FNN Politics & Power Series” July 6, 2021.

In the span of seven months (March to November 2020) after launching the shows, Florida National News:

  • Produced over 700 live videos
  • Netted over 343,100 total video views
  • Created highly engaging videos that drew viewers in for over 17,100 hours of watch time
  • Garnered 1.8 million impressions

Once Mellissa mastered several streaming platforms, Florida National News evolved again, entering into live broadcast alongside our mainstream peers in 2021.

Award Winning COVID-19 Coverage

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings presents Mellissa Thomas an award for consistent coverage of the County's 110 COVID-19 press briefings Thursday, August 19, 2021. Florida News Channel, one of the channels in the FNN News Network, was recognized in addition to Florida National News. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings presents Mellissa Thomas an award for consistent coverage of the County’s 110 COVID-19 press briefings Thursday, August 19, 2021. Florida News Channel, one of the channels in the FNN News Network, was recognized in addition to Florida National News. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

While she handled things virtually, Mellissa also ensured our consistent in-person coverage of the City of Orlando’s and Orange County’s 110 COVID-19 press briefings, earning Florida National News awards from both Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings in 2021.

(Want to watch the interview? Click the image.)

Building Strategic Partnerships

Under Mellissa’s leadership, Florida National News has developed partnerships and media sponsorships with Central Florida’s major business organizations:

  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
  • Prospera USA
  • Indian American Chamber of Commerce of Orlando
  • African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
  • the Orlando chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO Orlando)
  • Central Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials

FNN News has been a media sponsor for the prestigious Don Quijote Awards, the largest annual business event in the region and presented by the Hispanic Chamber and Prospera, for three years: 2018, 2019, and 2022.

As a result of our Don Quijote Awards media sponsorship, the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association reached out to Mellissa and we became the media sponsor for their organization’s inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony.

"FNN Good News & Reviews" co-hosts Mellissa Thomas and Kathleen Michelle try out Haagen Dazs's new 2022 summer flavors while featuring the newly opened second shop at ICON Park on International Drive in April of 2022. Photo: J. Willie David III / Florida National News.

“FNN Good News & Reviews” co-hosts Mellissa Thomas and Kathleen Michelle try out Haagen Dazs’s new 2022 summer flavors while featuring the newly opened second shop at ICON Park on International Drive in April of 2022. Photo: J. Willie David III / Florida National News.

With the addition of news media industry veteran Kathleen Michelle to the team, she and Mellissa launched FNN Good News & Reviews, a talk show in which the two co-hosts build relations with small businesses across Central Florida by highlighting and promoting their services, from health and wellness experts to amusement parks to restaurants–and they sample the rich and yummy flavors Central Florida has to offer.

In 2022, she secured our trustee sponsorship with the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA), one of the nation’s largest real estate organizations with over 20,000 members.

Mellissa Thomas interviews new National Entrepreneur Center President Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard in an episode of the "FNN Politics & Power Series" in February of 2023. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

Mellissa Thomas interviews new National Entrepreneur Center President Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard in an episode of the “FNN Politics & Power Series” in February of 2023. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

As of 2023, Mellissa has also begun building relations with the National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando and the organizations connected to it.

Mellissa Thomas co-hosts the City of Orlando's 2023 MLK Parade alongside Clarence Reynolds for Orange TV's broadcast. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

Mellissa Thomas co-hosts the City of Orlando’s 2023 MLK Parade alongside Clarence Reynolds for Orange TV’s broadcast. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

She has also fostered strong relations with Orange County Government. In 2019, she was tapped to be the street correspondent during Orange TV’s broadcast of the City of Orlando’s Martin Luther King Day Parade. She was invited again in 2022, but this time as co-host alongside Clarence Reynolds. (Watch it here.)

That’s a lot to do and be responsible for…but it’s not all.

 

But Wait, There’s More…

In December of 2018, Mellissa emceed the Oath of Office ceremony for then re-elected Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Daisy Morales and newly elected Supervisor Dawn Curtis, a historic ceremony in which Orange County’s first African American elected mayor, Jerry Demings, swore Morales in for her second term.

Mellissa Thomas hosts the Oath of Office Ceremony for newly elected Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Dawn Curtis and then re-elected Supervisor Daisy Morales in Orange County Government's Commission Chambers in December 28, 2018. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

Mellissa Thomas hosts the Oath of Office Ceremony for newly elected Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Dawn Curtis and then re-elected Supervisor Daisy Morales in Orange County Government’s Commission Chambers in December 28, 2018. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

After Morales was elected state representative, she filed House Resolution 8053, recognizing World Vitiligo Day in the state of Florida. As someone who has vitiligo herself, Rep. Morales is a strong advocate for others who suffer with the “silent disease.” She hosted a World Vitiligo Day event at Orlando City Hall June 25, 2021, for which Mellissa emceed. The event featured vitiligo activists from across the state as well as medical professionals sharing their story of living with and caring for people who have the autoimmune disease.

 

Mellissa Thomas hosts State Representative Daisy Morales's inaugural World Vitiligo Day event at Orlando City Hall June 25, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Mellissa Thomas hosts State Representative Daisy Morales’s inaugural World Vitiligo Day event at Orlando City Hall June 25, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

 

Photo: Mellissa Thomas.

Photo: Mellissa Thomas.

As her term as state representative came to an end, Rep. Morales honored Mellissa’s journalistic contributions with her office’s Communications & Media Excellence Award in 2022.

 

Mellissa Thomas receives the Honorary Teacher for a Day certificate as part of Evans High School's Community Partnership School in Pine Hills, Florida.

Mellissa Thomas receives the Honorary Teacher for a Day certificate as part of Evans High School’s Community Partnership School in Pine Hills, Florida. Photo: Mellissa Thomas.

 

She was also Honorary Teacher for a Day as part of Evans High School’s Community Partnership School in Pine Hills, Florida, sharing her production expertise with students in Evans’ Drama class, answering questions and inspiring the next generation of journalists and artists.

All that, and Mellissa is still just getting started. We at Florida National News and the FNN News Network are proud to honor her for Women’s History Month. She strives to inspire more black women to take their rightful place as leaders in the news media industry and expand our presence at the table. She is inviting more sponsors and advertisers to support the FNN News Network as it continues to recruit more journalists and creatives and expand the credibility, high-quality contribution and impact of black-owned news media to the broadcast journalism industry for years to come.

To learn more about Mellissa Thomas or to schedule an interview with her, email info@floridanationalnews.com.

_________________________________________

J. Willie David, III is the Publisher of Florida National News and the FNN News Network. | news@floridanationalnews.com

Central Florida News

Coretta Anthony-Smith Dominates Money Race as Legal Community Rallies Behind Her in Senate District 15 Battle

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Political newcomer and personal injury attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith has discovered a lucrative fundraising lane in the race for Florida Senate District 15. She’s quickly emerged as a financial frontrunner, leaning heavily on contributions from the legal community as she prepares to take on three well-known Democratic opponents in the June 24th primary.

Crowded Field of Familiar Names

Anthony-Smith is running against State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis, former State Senator Randolph Bracy (Bracy Davis’ brother), and former U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson. Both Bracy Davis and Grayson also bring attorney titles and name recognition into the race, setting up one of the most competitive Democratic primaries in Central Florida this election cycle.

Fundraising Leader Among Seasoned Opponents

Despite being a first-time candidate, Anthony-Smith has outpaced her seasoned opponents in fundraising. According to her latest campaign finance report filed with the Florida Division of Elections in May 2025, she raised $39,000 in contributions—the highest among all candidates in the Special Election.

Her fundraising success has been fueled by strong support from Orlando’s legal community, with several law firms contributing $1,000 each, including:

  • Law Niemand

  • Law Couch

  • Todd E. Copeland Associates

  • Law Offices of Michael A. Miller

Individual attorneys also made max donations of $1,000, including:

  • Walter Arguelles

  • Brooke Boltz

  • Jeffrey Byrd

  • Tyrone King

  • Mac Phillips

  • Walter Rogers

Additionally, Anthony-Smith personally loaned her campaign a hefty $175,000, giving her financial flexibility through the election season. She can choose to recoup those funds if not spent.

PAC Support and Legal Network Power

Further strengthening her financial position, Anthony-Smith chairs the affiliated political action committee, Action for Change Now, which has raised an impressive $66,500. Her PAC has also capitalized on donations from fellow personal injury attorneys and law firms eager to support one of their own.

Her ability to mobilize resources from her legal peers has not only propelled her to the top of the fundraising charts but positioned her as a serious contender for the open seat.

Family Feud Overshadows Democratic Primary

Meanwhile, the race has been overshadowed by a reported family feud between Bracy Davis and Randolph Bracy, who failed to consolidate support despite their family’s legacy in Orange County. “Their inability to set aside personal differences — in contrast to the often strategically unified approach of Republicans in the Florida Legislature — is seen by some observers as a missed opportunity for Democratic voters to have siblings hold both Senate and House seats.”

Challenges for LaVon Bracy Davis

A key setback for State Rep. Bracy Davis is the extended 2025 Legislative Session, which restricts active lawmakers from raising funds for their campaigns while the session is in progress. This delay has limited her ability to financially compete with Anthony-Smith’s head start.

Next Step: Facing the Republican Nominee

The winner of the June 24 Democratic primary will face Republican Willie Montague in the Special General Election on September 2, 2025, to fill the seat previously held by Senator Geraldine Thompson, who passed away earlier this year.

______________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Central Florida News

Machete Assault at Kissimmee Circle K Leads to Arrest in Osceola County

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KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA (FNN NEWS) — The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a man following a violent machete attack that took place in Kissimmee on Monday evening.

INCIDENT DETAILS

On June 9, 2025, at approximately 5:13 p.m., an Osceola County Sheriff’s Deputy was conducting a routine patrol near Circle K, located at 4692 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, Florida. While stopped at an intersection, the deputy was approached by a woman who urgently reported that her brother had just been attacked with a machete.

The woman informed the deputy that the suspect was currently transporting her injured brother to the hospital.

INVESTIGATION AND ARREST

Deputies immediately responded to the hospital, where they learned the attack stemmed from a verbal altercation between the suspect and the victim at the Circle K.

The suspect, identified as Angel Ramos-Arce (DOB: 01/15/1990), was quickly located. Deputies conducted a search of his vehicle, where they discovered blood evidence inside the truck’s cabin. Further inspection of the vehicle’s bed revealed the machete used in the assault.

CHARGES FILED

Angel Ramos-Arce was promptly arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. He was transported to and booked into the Osceola County Jail.

CALL FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information related to this incident to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (407) 348-2222.

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Central Florida News

Orange County’s Sculpture on the Lawn Call to Artists

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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs and the Public Art Review Board invite artists to submit work – existing or conceptual – for the 11th annual Sculpture on the Lawn exhibition, an outdoor display featured at the entrance to the Orange County Administration Center in the heart of downtown Orlando, Florida, where the works are visible to approximately 10,000 people daily.

Sculpture on the Lawn is open to experienced professional sculptors as well as students and emerging artists who specialize in the design, construction, and installation of outdoor sculptures. Up to four sculptures will be selected for display from January 2026 to January 2027.

Selection Criteria: The three main considerations are creativity, site appropriateness and durability. Images of finished works and conceptual drawings can be submitted. If the proposed project is not a finished work, artists need to provide information to assure the Selection Panel of what it will look like and that it will be completed and installed as designed by January 2026 as well as examples of past work.

Sites and Safety: While artistic quality is very important, works will be reviewed for durability, safety, and appropriateness to the site. Artworks must be structurally sound and able to withstand an outdoor environment in a largely unsupervised area that is not protected from weather or curious viewers. Orlando has a subtropical climate that is hot and humid with intense sun and seasonal heavy rains and hurricane-force winds. Avoiding potential problems such as deteriorating rust and fading should be considered. Orange County provides 12’ x 12’ concrete pads. Sculptures must be firmly secured to the pads.

Sculptures may have electrical components, as electrical outlets are available at each sculpture pad. Sculptors are responsible for securing wire connections for safety.

Selection Panel: Members of the Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Public Art Review Board will make the selections. The Arts & Cultural Affairs Public Art Project Coordinator serves as the non-voting Chair of the Selection panel.

Honorarium: Each artist will be awarded $5,000 as a fee for the annual loan of his or her artwork and to help offset any necessary transportation, installation, and housing costs. No other compensation will be provided. A payment of $4,000 will be made upon installation and processing of required paperwork, and $1,000 will be paid upon removal and processing of required paperwork.

Artist Responsibilities: Selected artists must send the weight of sculpture, specific installation instructions, to coordinate with installation crew and Orange County Staff. Artists are responsible for transporting the artwork to the site on the specified date. If artwork is being imported to the United States, the artist’s shipping/customs agent must be both the verified exporter and importer for receiving.

Insurance: Orange County will insure the artwork up to its stated value or $50,000, whichever is less, for theft or major vandalism once installed. The artist will be responsible for any repairs needed due to fabrication defects or reasonable wear and tear of the object in a public location. Artists are encouraged but not required to secure liability insurance.

Sales: Sales of artworks are encouraged. Any sales inquiries will be forwarded to the artist or designated agent. No commission will be charged. Sculptures must remain on site until January 2027.

 

Application Requirements:

  • There is a 6-foot minimum height preference. The sky is the limit for the maximum height. The sculpture base must fit within the 12’ x 12’ sculpture pad.
  • Artists may submit up to five applications. Each sculpture must be submitted as a separate application.
  • A minimum of 1 image is required, and a maximum is 5. Images of finished works or conceptual drawings can be submitted. If it is not a finished work, provide additional information to assure the Selection Panel of what it will look like and that it will be completed and installed as designed.
  • Clearly indicate if the work is existing or a proposed new work.
  • Remove artist names and watermarks from images.
  • DEADLINE: Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Applications, resumes, images and other materials must be submitted by midnight through the CaFÉ online service.

 

Timeline:

  • Proposals due: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 (midnight MT)
  • Notification of acceptance: On or before June 17, 2024
  • Installation Day: Thursday, January 15, 2026
  • Opening Reception: Friday, January 16, 2026 (5:30 to 6:30pm EST)
  • International Sculpture Day: Saturday, April 25, 2026 (Sculptor participation expected)
  • Sculpture Removal: Thursday, January 21, 2027

 

Contact: Dawn Knight, Public Art Project Coordinator, Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs at Dawn.Knight@ocfl.net, 407-836-5540.

 

The mission of Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs: “To elevate Central Florida’s arts and culture to that befitting a diverse, world-class community.”

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