Business
24th Don Quijote Awards Finalists Announced at Dr. Phillips Center
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Source: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando // Excitement builds for the 24th Annual Don Quijote Awards as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) and Prospera revealed the finalists of the four categories, along with this year’s Lifetime Achievement and Hispanic Community Champion award recipients during a press conference that was held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The press conference was sponsored by Walt Disney Parks & Resorts and Wells Fargo.
The Don Quijote Awards recognize businesses and individuals committed to excellence and to the development of Central Florida’s Hispanic community. The winner of each category will be announced at the 24th Don Quijote Awards Celebration on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion. This black-tie award celebration will be from 6:00pm to midnight with Telemundo 31 news anchors Olga Aymat and Carlos Rausseo as this year’s masters of ceremony.
The 2021 Don Quijote Awards finalists are:
Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or Less:
This year’s Don Quijote Awards Business of the Year-Five Years or Less finalists were announced at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
- Capella Immigration Law, PLLC, Represented by Attorney Camila Pachón Roldán
- Prime Services LLC, Represented by the owner Milna Maldonado
- Vinali Staffing, Represented by its owners Ruth and Israel Vélez
Hispanic Business of the Year, More than Five Years:
This year’s Don Quijote Awards Business of the Year-Five Years or More finalists were announced at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
- Castillo Engineering Services, LLC, Represented by owners Richard and Christopher Castillo
- JIRACOR, Represented by owners Jeannette and Richard Coronado
- Total Nutrition Technology, Represented by company founder Lourdes McAgy
Professional of the Year:
This year’s Don Quijote Awards Professional of the Year finalists were announced at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
- Diana Almodovar, Deputy Director and County Engineer at Orange County Public Works Department
- Dr. Cyndia Morales Muñiz, Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Culture and Partnerships at the University of Central Florida
- Karla Muñiz, Executive Director of Strategic Workforce Integration at AdventHealth
Excellence Award:
This year’s Don Quijote Awards Excellence Award finalists were announced at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
- Dr. Luis Martínez-Fernández, Professor of History at the University of Central Florida
- Orlando Rolón, Chief of Orlando Police Department
- Carlos Torres, Uniform Patrol Division Commander at Orange County Sheriff’s Office
The Hispanic Community Champion and Lifetime Achievement awards recipients are uniquely chosen by the Don Quijote Awards Selection Committee.
Hispanic Community Champion Award
OUC CEO and General Manager Clint Bullock was announced as the 2021 Don Quijote Awards Hispanic Community Champion at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
This award is given to a non-Hispanic individual who has led by example in supporting the progress of the Hispanic community in Central Florida. The recipient of this award is chosen by the Don Quijote Awards Selection Committee focusing on contributions to the Hispanic community; evidence of promoting Hispanic professionals, executives, and board members within the nominee’s respective organization and in the general community; demonstrated leadership or community involvement to benefit the Hispanic community; and honors or awards.
The winner of the 2021 Don Quijote Hispanic Community Champion Award is Clint Bullock, General Manager and CEO at Orlando Utilities Commission – OUC The Reliable One. Bullock serves as the CEO and General Manager of OUC, Florida’s second-largest municipal utility. They provide electric and water services to approximately 400 thousand accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud, and unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. Mr. Bullock began his career with OUC as a summer student and excelled in progressive roles during the past 30 years. His leadership has been integral in upholding OUC’s reputation as The Reliable One.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Univision’s Paul Gamache was announced as the 2021 Don Quijote Awards Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
This award recognizes an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to the development and empowerment of the Hispanic community in Central Florida. This year the honor goes to Emmy Award Winner, Senior News Director and Producer at Univision Orlando Paul Gamache. A pioneer in the local Spanish-language news market, Paul Gamache is one of the most trusted sources of information in Central Florida and a regional Hispanic icon for nearly three decades.
Paul Gamache is a truly high caliber news professional and mentor for many young Latino journalists and interns that have had the privilege of working in the same newsroom with him. There is no doubt that when you speak of excellence and credibility in Spanish language news in the Central Florida market, there is one name that stands out: Paul Gamache – Senior News Anchor for Noticias Univision Orlando.
The Don Quijote Awards are made possible thanks to the support of Walt Disney World Resort, Wells Fargo, AdventHealth, Bank of America, Universal Orlando Resort, Florida Blue, Orlando Health, PNC Bank, VyStar Credit Union, Duke Energy, Fairwinds, Heart of Florida United Way, JP Morgan Chase, Kidsville Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Orlando Magic, T&G Constructors, Travel & Leisure, Valencia College, Addition Financial, The Trentham Santiago Group, University of Central Florida, Visit Orlando, Orlando International Airport, iHeart Media, Univision Orlando, Telemundo 31, La Prensa Newspaper, Florida National News among many more. For more information on the Don Quijote Awards, please visit www.donquijoteawards.com.
Business
Walmart’s Road to Open Call Returns to Orlando, Offering Small Businesses Access to National Retail Opportunities
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Walmart, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21 in Orlando, offering small businesses the opportunity to present their products directly to Walmart buyers.
The Orlando event is the only Florida stop in 2026 and is part of a nationwide initiative designed to support small business growth, expand supplier diversity and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Road to Open Call serves as a pathway for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart’s sourcing team, refine their pitches and prepare for the company’s annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Applications are open through May 1 at 10 p.m. EST. A select group of applicants will be chosen to participate in the Orlando event, where each business will receive a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer, along with feedback and mentorship.
Top participants may earn a fast pass to Walmart’s annual Open Call, where they can pitch for potential placement in Walmart stores or online.
FOCUS ON U.S.-MADE PRODUCTS
Walmart’s Open Call is the company’s largest sourcing event for products made, grown or assembled in the United States. The program is open to businesses across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety and consumer goods.
“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, senior director of public affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our sourcing teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”
LOCAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Local leaders say the initiative strengthens both entrepreneurship and the regional economy.
“We are proud to join forces with Walmart for the second consecutive year to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative supports entrepreneurs and helps small businesses access national retail opportunities.”
Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped thousands of small and midsize businesses become suppliers, while more than 85% of Walmart shoppers report valuing U.S.-made products.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
Business
Florida National News YouTube Channel Surpasses 1 Million Views, Matches Facebook’s 1M Milestone in 2025
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) has reached a major digital milestone, surpassing 1 million views on a 20-minute YouTube video, marking a significant moment in the network’s continued audience growth and online impact.
The video has shown renewed momentum over time, trending twice—first in August 2017 and again in April 2026, when it gained an additional 470,000 views.
Florida National News (FNN) continues to experience a strong and steady rise in digital viewership across its social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Audiences are increasingly engaging with FNN’s trusted news coverage, community storytelling, and original video content.
On February 12, 2025, FNN also surpassed 1 million views on Facebook, with a 30-second video reaching over 1.2 million views, further highlighting the network’s expanding digital footprint.
Today, both FNN’s YouTube and Facebook platforms have achieved million-viewer status, solidifying FNN’s position as a growing digital news leader.
This milestone reflects FNN’s expanding reach and impact, connecting with millions of viewers and delivering content that informs, engages, and empowers communities.
VIEWERSHIP MILESTONE SIGNALS EXPANDING DIGITAL REACH
FNN officials say the 1 million-view benchmark represents more than just a number — it signals growing trust and interest from audiences across Florida and the nation.
While individual FNN videos have consistently generated tens of thousands — and in some cases hundreds of thousands — of views, surpassing the 1 million mark underscores a broader trend of rising visibility and relevance in a competitive digital media landscape.
The network’s Instagram platform has also seen strong performance, recently exceeding 350,000 views, further reinforcing FNN’s multi-platform growth strategy.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR FNN?
Building on this momentum, FNN plans to:
- Expand original video programming and live coverage
- Increase audience engagement across all social platforms
- Strengthen partnerships and community-based storytelling
- Accelerate growth toward the next milestone beyond 1 million views
Network leaders say the goal is not just higher numbers, but deeper impact — connecting with audiences in meaningful ways while continuing to grow as a trusted digital news source.
Central Florida News2 days agoNick Nesta Wins Apopka Mayor Runoff in Landslide, Defeats Christine Moore
Entertainment4 days agoOrlando International Fashion Week Partners with Orlando Fringe Festival for 35th Anniversary Avant-Garde Showcase
Business4 days agoFlorida National News YouTube Channel Surpasses 1 Million Views, Matches Facebook’s 1M Milestone in 2025
Florida2 days agoDavid Jolly Campaign Tops $5 Million in Fundraising, Gains Momentum in Florida Governor’s Race
Central Florida News2 days agoMaribel Gomez Cordero, Rick Singh and Emily Bonilla File for Orange County Clerk of Courts Race
