Events

7th Annual Pine Castle Historical Society Host Chili Cook-off Despite Cold, Rainy Weather

Published

4 years ago

January 24, 2022

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Pine Castle Historical Society (PCHS) held its 7th annual chili cook-off Saturday at Fish on Fire, whose owner, Jay Harrington, is a big supporter of the organization and the community.

PCHS president Larry Miles said that the Society put on this event to bring the community together, to engage with the community and to raise funds for the organization. Miles said that PCHS is proud to hold the contest at Fish on Fire every year thanks to Harrington’s support. He also noted that once the PCHS grounds are complete, this will be one of the few events that will not take place on the PCHS grounds.

This Year’s Judges

Orange County Vice Mayor and District 3 Commissioner Marya Uribe
Lionel Rubio – Attorney with Winderweedle Haines Ward and Woodman, PA
Bobby Lance – Chef with 43 years of experience working with A&W, as well as owner of numerous eateries in Old Town.

Lydia Roper, Mrs. Central Florida for 2021, was on hand to taste all the chilis. She is competing for Mrs. Florida in April 2022 and is a teacher at Cornerstone Charter Academy in Belle Isle.

Although the weather was cold and rainy, there were 11 contestants vying for the top prize, a chef’s hat embroidered with “Chili Cook-off Champion.”

The judges evaluated each chili on flavor, texture, aroma, and visual appeal. Each judge said the scoring was very difficult and each chili had its own unique qualities.

This Year’s Contestants

Holly – with Beer Barrel Pork-ahh chili, which featured polish beer, and was an all-meat chili. This was Holly’s first time entering the contest.
Dolores – Heart Warming Chili, which combined three different beans, beef, and chili peppers. This was Dolores’s first time entering the contest.
Austin and Cynthia – Dilly Dilly Chili, which was an all-meat chili, and whose secret ingredient they would not reveal. This was their second time entering the contest.
Earl – Earl’s No Mumbo Jumbo Chili, which combined three cuts of ground beef, homemade ground sausage, and was dedicated to his friend’s sons John and Henry Seay. This was Earl’s third time entering the contest but his first after suffering two strokes.
Nick – Fouraker’s Famous Chili, which featured a touch of chocolate, and fire roasted veggies. This was Nick’s second time entering the contest.
John – Better Than Your Momma’s Chili – John has only lived in this area for seven months, so this was his first time entering the contest. John said he hoped his chili brought back memories of hearth and home.
Owen, Michael, and Gage – Chili Monster’s Chili – a classic chili made by this group of 16-year-olds. This was Owen’s first time but for Michael and Gage this was their second time. They had won a previous PCHS chili cook-off and were hoping for a repeat.
Natasha – Chlojo Chili, named after her children Chloe and Jorge. This was her first time competing in the contest after a little persuading by a PCHS board member.
Marissa – Corrina’s Kitchen Chili – Marissa was the youngest contestant at just 14 years old and featured her mom, Corrina’s, chili recipe.
Sue – Sue’s Reaper Chili – Sue said her chili featured the flavor of the reaper. She was the oldest contestant in the contest.
Melvin – The Steer/Fish on Fire Chili, which featured shredded beef. This was Melvin’s first time entering the contest.

After the judges had made their final decision, the 50/50 raffle winner was chosen by 8-year-old Malia. The winner was none other than Santa, also known as Jim Hayes.

The winners of the contest were then announced by Larry Miles.

First Place: Natasha with Chlojo Chili
Second Place: Austin and Cynthia with Dilly Dilly Chili
Third Place: Nick with Fouraker’s Famous Chili
The People’s Choice award went to Earl with Earl’s No Mumbo Jumbo Chili

All the contestants received a medal and a copy of the book Will Wallace Harney, Orlando’s First Renaissance Man, by Richard Lee Cronin and published by the Pine Castle Historical Society.

For more information on the PCHS or information on becoming a member go to https://www.pchsm.com

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Lynn DeJarnette is a Florida National News general assignment reporter. | info@floridanationalnews.com

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Entertainment

BookNet Fest Returns to Orlando with Bold Conversations and a Love for Storytelling

Published

7 months ago

May 22, 2025

Kareen Kennedy

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Orlando’s vibrant literary scene will take center stage this May as BookNet Fest returns for its 2025 edition. Since 2017, the annual book convention has served as a unique space for readers, writers, and content creators to come together for a two-day celebration of stories and community. This year’s festival runs May 23–24 at the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs® Area, promising dynamic panels, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of literary camaraderie.

A highlight of this year’s event is the support from The New Romantics, a recently opened independent bookstore in Orlando dedicated entirely to romance fiction. The store is quickly becoming a beloved space for fans of the genre and is lending both heart and visibility to this year’s festivities as an official sponsor.

BookNet Fest 2025 is shaping up to be everything some recent book festivals weren’t. Following the chaos of the A Million Lives Book Festival—dubbed the “Fyre Festival of the book community” after attendees took to social media to express frustration over poor planning and mismanagement—many readers and authors are approaching book events with newfound caution. With more than 3.2 million views on the organizer’s TikTok apology and promises of refunds by May 31 from Archer Management, trust in book events is under scrutiny.

But BookNet Fest offers a reassuring contrast. Built by and for the community, the event has a track record of thoughtful programming, transparent planning, and genuine inclusivity. It’s a festival that prioritizes quality over flash—and it shows.

Among this year’s panel highlights:

“Ask a Lawyer: Legal Landmines in the Bookish World” will give attendees a rare chance to hear from professionals on navigating contracts, copyrights, and online publishing risks.
“Reading Under Threat” addresses the rise of book bans and censorship in the United States.
“Sinners and the Power of Black Storytelling” explores cultural legacy and creative innovation through the lens of Black literature.

What sets BookNet Fest apart is its intimate, creator-driven feel. Unlike large-scale expos or influencer-first events, this festival thrives on meaningful connection—between fans and authors, between colleagues and creators, and between people who simply love books.

Whether you’re a lifelong reader, an aspiring novelist, or a BookTok regular, BookNet Fest 2025 offers a grounded, uplifting space to learn, connect, and be inspired.

For tickets and more information, visit booknetfest.com

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

Entertainment

P!NK Brings ‘Summer Carnival’ Tour to Camping World Stadium on November 18

Published

1 year ago

October 27, 2024

Kareen Kennedy

Source: Camping World

Orlando, FL (FNN) – This is a reminder that multi Grammy-Award winner P!NK will be bringing her record-breaking Summer Carnival Tour to Orlando’s Camping World Stadium on November 18, 2024. Joining her for this highly anticipated concert is boundary-breaking artist Maren Morris, known for her dynamic vocals and electrifying performances. Morris will support the final date of P!NK’s tour, stepping in to replace GROUPLOVE.

P!NK’s captivating live performances have generated tremendous fan enthusiasm, solidifying her status as a touring powerhouse.
With nearly 3 million tickets sold and an astonishing $350 million in revenue during last year’s tour across Europe, the UK, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, her 2023 Summer Carnival Tour was recognized as one of the top-grossing tours of the year by Billboard.
Known for her high-energy shows and stunning visual production, P!NK continues to push boundaries and create unforgettable experiences for her fans.

Maren Morris, a Grammy-winning artist, has made waves in the music industry with hits like “My Church” and “The Bones,” blending country, pop, and R&B influences to create her unique sound. Her presence on this tour promises to elevate the concert experience, adding to the excitement surrounding P!NK’s performances.

Tickets for the concert are selling fast, starting at $29.95, but pricing is subject to change based on market demand. All tickets are reserved, and fans can purchase them through the Camping World Stadium box office or at Ticketmaster.com. Please note that all dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice, and applicable taxes, service, handling, and facility fee charges may apply.

Camping World Stadium is located at 1 Citrus Bowl Place in Orlando. For more information about the concert and to stay updated on any changes, visit CampingWorldStadium.com. Don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary evening of music and celebration!

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

Business

Kia Center to Host Hiring Events: Join the Winning Team!

Published

1 year ago

October 14, 2024

Kareen Kennedy

Source: Kia Center

ORLANDO, FL — Kia Center, Central Florida’s premier sports and entertainment venue, previously announced their series of hiring events which started on September 30 and will continue on December 9, and January 21, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. These events are designed to attract passionate individuals eager to provide legendary experiences for guests while supporting local sports teams and world-class performances. With a busy calendar featuring Orlando Magic basketball and Orlando Solar Bears hockey, the need for dynamic team members has never been greater.

Job seekers will have the opportunity to explore part-time roles in areas such as guest services, security, food and beverage, and cleaning services, with same-day on-site interviews available. Applicants are encouraged to bring resumes and two forms of identification. Additionally, those attending can apply for positions at nearby venues like Camping World Stadium and Tinker Field. As a bonus, attendees will have a chance to win complimentary tickets to upcoming events, including performances by Simone Biles and Justin Timberlake. For more information, visit KiaCenter.com.

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News

kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com