Retired Army lieutenant colonel pledges to stand with Democratic nominee Angie Nixon in November fight against Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman threw his support behind state Rep. Angie Nixon after losing Florida’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, calling on his supporters to unite behind Nixon as Democrats turn their attention to the November special election against Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody.

Vindman, a 21-year Army combat veteran and former White House national security official, reflected on his journey from arriving in the United States as a refugee to becoming a candidate for the U.S. Senate.

“Who would’ve ever thought that a Jewish refugee would make it to the U.S. Army, to the White House, and to becoming a candidate for the U.S. Senate,” Vindman said in his election-night statement. “Only in America is that possible.”

VINDMAN: ‘I STILL BELIEVE IN THE AMERICAN DREAM’

Vindman’s statement focused heavily on his personal story and continued belief in the opportunities available in the United States.

“I still believe in the American Dream, because I’ve lived it,” Vindman said. “It’s worth fighting for.”

Vindman and his family left the Soviet Union as refugees when he was 3 years old.

He later served 21 years in the U.S. Army, including combat service, before becoming a national security official and serving in the White House.

After his military career took him around the world, Vindman and his wife, Rachel, settled with their family in Florida.

VINDMAN ENDORSES ANGIE NIXON

Vindman quickly moved beyond the primary campaign and pledged his support to Nixon.

“Rep. Nixon ran a strong campaign,” Vindman said. “I will be standing by her side in the fight against Ashley Moody. I hope you’ll join me.”

The statement represents an immediate effort to unite Democrats following a competitive primary.

Nixon, a Jacksonville state representative known for her progressive politics and outspoken opposition to Republican policies in Tallahassee, defeated Vindman for the Democratic nomination.

DEMOCRATS TURN TOWARD NOVEMBER

Vindman’s endorsement gives Nixon an opportunity to bring his primary supporters into her general election coalition.

The challenge now shifts from a Democratic contest to a statewide battle against Moody, a former Florida attorney general who was appointed to the Senate and secured the Republican nomination in Tuesday’s primary.

The race presents Florida voters with sharply contrasting candidates and political records.

Nixon has built her reputation as a progressive legislator and grassroots activist, while Moody has been closely aligned with Florida’s Republican leadership and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

PRIMARY RIVALS UNITE AGAINST ASHLEY MOODY

Vindman’s election-night message avoided a prolonged battle over the primary result. Instead, he congratulated Nixon on running a strong campaign and immediately focused on defeating Moody.

That could prove important for Democrats as they seek to consolidate their voters after the primary and compete statewide in November.

For Vindman, the campaign ended with a message centered on the country that gave his refugee family a new beginning.

For Nixon, his endorsement marks the beginning of a different challenge: bringing together Democrats who supported competing candidates and turning an upset primary victory into a viable statewide campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Homestead-Miami Speedway will host NASCAR’s season-ending championships for a second consecutive year as major facility upgrades reshape the fan experience

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — NASCAR Championship Weekend will remain in South Florida for 2027, with Homestead-Miami Speedway set to host the sport’s three title-deciding races Nov. 12-14, 2027.

The announcement means Homestead-Miami Speedway will host NASCAR Championship Weekend in consecutive seasons, beginning with its highly anticipated return Nov. 6-8, 2026.

The South Florida track also announced a $20 million renovation project scheduled to open this fall, featuring a redesigned primary entrance, renovated Ally Champions Club, expanded fan zone and other improvements aimed at enhancing the championship-weekend experience.

NASCAR CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND STAYS IN SOUTH FLORIDA

The 2027 championship weekend will mark the 20th time Homestead-Miami Speedway has hosted NASCAR’s season-ending championship battles.

Homestead previously served as NASCAR’s championship venue for 18 consecutive seasons from 2002 through 2019.

The finale moved to Phoenix Raceway from 2020 through 2025 before returning to Homestead for the 2026 season.

“The South Florida community is thrilled to once again be the home for NASCAR Championship Weekend in 2026 and 2027, as next year will be the Speedway’s 20th time doing so,” Homestead-Miami Speedway President Guillermo Santa Cruz said.

Santa Cruz said NASCAR’s championship weekend generates significant visibility, economic activity and community engagement while providing an opportunity to showcase South Florida as a destination for major sporting events.

$20 MILLION TRANSFORMATION COMING TO HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY

Fans arriving for the 2026 championship weekend will be among the first to experience the speedway’s $20 million transformation.

The project includes:

• A new primary gate and redesigned arrival experience
• A comprehensive renovation of the Ally Champions Club
• An expanded fan zone
• Additional food and beverage opportunities
• Upgraded premium hospitality and viewing areas
• Operational and aesthetic improvements throughout the facility

The redesigned main entrance is intended to improve the flow of fans into the speedway while creating a more modern first impression.

The expanded fan zone will provide additional space for interactive attractions, entertainment, sponsor activations and food and beverage options.

NASCAR INVESTS IN HOMESTEAD’S CHAMPIONSHIP FUTURE

NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Ben Kennedy said the investment positions Homestead-Miami Speedway for another era of championship racing.

“Homestead-Miami Speedway has a rich history of delivering some of the most memorable championship moments in our sport, and this investment will ensure the venue is positioned for its next era of championship racing,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy said the improvements are particularly important as NASCAR continues using a rotating model for Championship Weekend.

The investment also signals NASCAR’s continued commitment to the South Florida track as Homestead-Miami Speedway celebrates its 30th season.

ALLY CHAMPIONS CLUB GETS MAJOR UPGRADE

One of the renovation project’s centerpieces will be the transformation of the Ally Champions Club.

The premium hospitality area will feature upgraded amenities, enhanced food and beverage offerings, improved viewing opportunities and a redesigned interior influenced by South Florida and NASCAR championship racing.

“These enhancements will create a more premium and memorable experience for our fans while ensuring we are ready to host NASCAR Championship Weekend at the highest level,” Santa Cruz said.

HOMESTEAD’S CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

Homestead-Miami Speedway has played a significant role in NASCAR championship history.

The track’s distinctive 1.5-mile layout and progressive banking have produced memorable title races and championship celebrations.

Among active Cup Series drivers, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano have captured Cup championships at Homestead, winning their titles in 2012 and 2018, respectively.

Kyle Larson also won at Homestead last season on his way to capturing his second career NASCAR Cup Series championship.

With the championship returning in 2026 and remaining in South Florida for 2027, a new generation of NASCAR drivers will have an opportunity to add their names to Homestead’s championship history.

2027 NASCAR CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND SCHEDULE

NASCAR’s three national series will determine their champions during the three-day South Florida weekend:

Friday, Nov. 12, 2027 — NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship

Saturday, Nov. 13, 2027 — NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship

Sunday, Nov. 14, 2027 — NASCAR Cup Series Championship

SOUTH FLORIDA BACK IN NASCAR’S CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Bringing NASCAR Championship Weekend back for consecutive seasons gives Homestead-Miami Speedway another opportunity to establish itself as one of the sport’s premier destination events.

For South Florida, the impact extends beyond the racetrack. Thousands of NASCAR fans traveling to the region can generate business for hotels, restaurants, tourism attractions and other local businesses throughout championship week.

The combination of back-to-back NASCAR Championship Weekends and a $20 million speedway transformation also represents a significant investment in Homestead-Miami Speedway’s future.

After six years away from NASCAR’s season finale, Homestead isn’t simply getting the championship back.

It’s getting ready to host it for years to come.

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute (FEMI) and Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center (MRSE) have announced the addition of optometrist Dr. Anna Walker to their medical teams, expanding comprehensive eye care services for patients across Palm Beach County.

Walker provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, specializing in primary eye care, ocular disease management, specialty contact lenses and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Her practice focuses on preventive eye health through comprehensive examinations, advanced diagnostic technology and individualized treatment plans.

“Dr. Walker brings excellent clinical training and a compassionate approach to patient care,” said Omayra Alvarado, practice administrator for FEMI. “We are confident she will help further our mission of delivering exceptional eye care across South Florida.”

Walker earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Stonehill College. She completed her residency at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center, where she specialized in comprehensive optometric care with an emphasis on ocular disease management and specialty contact lenses.

Her clinical training also includes refractive surgery co-management, IPL therapy and advanced diagnostic techniques. Walker is certified in laser procedures and injections through the New England College of Optometry.

According to the practices, Walker combines advanced clinical expertise with a personalized approach to patient care, focusing on preserving long-term eye health and improving patients’ quality of life.

Walker will see patients at Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute’s East Boynton Beach office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center in Boca Raton on Mondays and Fridays.

Patients interested in scheduling routine eye examinations or establishing ongoing eye care with Dr. Walker can learn more by visiting Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute or Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center.